Image forming apparatus

Abstract

This invention provides a new type of image forming apparatus that builds upon conventional technology. [Solution] The image forming apparatus includes (i) a developing unit having developing rollers, (ii) a rotary supporting the developing unit and rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction, and (iii) a toner cartridge detachably mounted on the rotary. The toner cartridge includes a storage chamber for storing toner, a guide section for guiding the toner, and an outlet for discharging toner from the storage chamber to the developing unit. The guide section is configured to guide the toner, which moves by its own weight in a direction intersecting the axial direction, toward the outlet in the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material.

Background Art

[0002] In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a rotary developing method is known in which a color image is formed by rotating a rotary provided with a plurality of developing rollers. Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe an image forming apparatus including: a rotary provided with a plurality of developing rollers; and a plurality of toner cartridges (toner storage containers) each detachably attachable to the rotary.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus of a new form that is an improvement on conventional techniques.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is as follows.

[0006] a developing unit having a developing roller; a rotary that supports the developing unit and is rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the axial direction; a toner cartridge detachably mounted to the rotary, A toner frame comprising: (i) a storage chamber for storing toner; (ii) a plurality of guide sections for guiding the toner; and (iii) an outlet through which the toner supplied from the storage chamber to the developing unit passes. A toner cartridge having, It has, The plurality of guide sections are configured to guide the toner, which moves by its own weight in a direction intersecting the axial direction, toward the discharge port in the axial direction. Each of the aforementioned plurality of guide portions includes an inner end and an outer end, and when viewed in the axial direction of the rotary, the inner end is closer to the rotation axis than the outer end in the direction of the rotational radius of the rotary. The length of the toner frame in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the toner frame in the short direction, and the length of the toner frame in the short direction is longer than the length of the toner frame in the thickness direction. The toner frame has a surface on which the discharge port is provided and a surface on which the plurality of guide parts are connected, the surface on which the discharge port is provided extends so as to intersect in the thickness direction, and the surface on which the plurality of guide parts are connected extends so as to intersect in the thickness direction. In the axial direction, the first region of the plurality of guide portions is closer to the discharge port than the second region of the plurality of guide portions. When the toner moves in a direction intersecting the axial direction due to its own weight, the amount of toner that the plurality of guide parts can transport in the axial direction is less in the first region than in the second region. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A developing unit having a developing roller, A rotary that supports the developing unit and is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction, A toner cartridge that is detachably mounted on the rotary, A toner frame comprising: (i) a storage chamber for storing toner; (ii) a plurality of guide sections for guiding the toner; and (iii) an outlet through which the toner supplied from the storage chamber to the developing unit passes. A toner cartridge having, It has, The plurality of guide sections are configured to guide the toner, which is moved by the rotation of the rotary, toward the discharge port in the axial direction. Each of the aforementioned plurality of guide portions includes an inner end and an outer end, and when viewed in the axial direction of the rotary, the inner end is closer to the rotation axis than the outer end in the direction of the rotational radius of the rotary. The length of the toner frame in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the toner frame in the short direction, and the length of the toner frame in the short direction is longer than the length of the toner frame in the thickness direction. The toner frame has a surface on which the discharge port is provided and a surface on which the plurality of guide parts are connected, the surface on which the discharge port is provided extends so as to intersect in the thickness direction, and the surface on which the plurality of guide parts are connected extends so as to intersect in the thickness direction. In the axial direction, the first region of the plurality of guide portions is closer to the discharge port than the second region of the plurality of guide portions. When the rotary completes one rotation, the amount of toner that the plurality of guide sections can transport in the axial direction is less in the first region than in the second region. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a new form of image forming apparatus that is an advancement of the conventional technology. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus according to Example 1. [Figure 2] Configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus according to Example 1. [Figure 3] Schematic diagrams of the developing unit, toner cartridge and tray according to Example 1. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional views (a, b) of the image forming apparatus according to Example 1. [Figure 5] Perspective view of the rotary body according to Example 1. [Figure 6] Perspective views (a to c) of the image forming apparatus according to Example 1. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional views (a, b) of the image forming apparatus according to Example 1. [Figure 8] Explanatory diagrams of the rotary body according to Example 1. [Figure 9] Explanatory diagrams of the rotary body according to Example 1. [Figure 10] Explanatory diagrams of the rotary body according to Example 1. [Figure 11] Explanatory diagrams (a, b) of the configuration related to movement of the tray according to Example 1. [Figure 12] Explanatory diagrams (a, b) of the configuration related to movement of the tray according to Example 1. [Figure 13] Diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to the first configuration example. [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to the first configuration example. [Figure 15] Schematic diagrams (a, b) of the toner cartridge rotating around a rotation axis according to the first configuration example, as viewed in the Y direction. [Figure 16] Schematic diagram showing the rotary assembly rotating around a rotation axis as viewed in the Y direction according to the first configuration example. [Figure 17] Schematic diagram showing the rotary assembly rotating around a rotation axis as viewed in the Y direction according to the first configuration example. [Figure 18] Diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to the second configuration example. [Figure 19] Diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to the third configuration example. [Figure 20] Diagram showing the toner cartridge according to Modification 1. [Figure 21]A diagram showing a toner cartridge for the modified example 1. [Figure 22] A diagram showing a toner cartridge for the modified example 1. [Figure 23] A diagram showing a toner cartridge for variation 2. [Figure 24] A diagram showing a toner cartridge for variation 2. [Figure 25] A diagram showing a toner cartridge for variation 2. [Figure 26] A diagram showing a toner cartridge related to the modified example 3. [Figure 27] A diagram showing a toner cartridge related to the modified example 3. [Figure 28] A diagram showing a toner cartridge related to the modified example 3. [Figure 29] Perspective views (a, b) showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to the first configuration example. [Figure 30] A diagram showing a toner cartridge for the first configuration example. [Figure 31] A diagram showing a toner cartridge for the fourth configuration example. [Figure 32] A diagram showing a toner cartridge for the fourth configuration example. [Figure 33] A diagram showing a toner cartridge for the fourth configuration example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <Example 1> The image forming apparatus 1 according to Example 1 will be described using Figures 1 to 12 (a, b).

[0013] In the following description and drawings, the vertical direction when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal plane is defined as the Z direction. The direction intersecting the Z direction, which is the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (the direction of the rotary's rotation axis), is defined as the Y direction. The direction intersecting both the Z and Y directions is defined as the X direction. The X and Y directions are preferably horizontal. Furthermore, the X, Y, and Z directions are preferably orthogonal to each other. In addition, as necessary, the directions of the arrows X, Y, and Z shown in each drawing are represented as the +X side, +Y side, and +Z side, respectively, and the opposite sides are represented as the -X side, -Y side, and -Z side, respectively.

[0014] (Overall configuration of the image forming apparatus) First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 is a laser beam printer that forms images on a sheet S using an electrophotographic method. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 is a color laser beam printer equipped with four developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. As the recording material (recording medium) sheet S, a variety of sheet materials of different sizes and materials can be used, such as plain paper and cardboard, plastic film, cloth, sheet materials with surface treatments such as coated paper, and sheet materials with special shapes such as envelopes and index paper.

[0015] The schematic configuration and image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be explained using Figures 1, 2, and 3. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the drive source of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration for supplying toner from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 has an image forming apparatus body (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus body) 1A and toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k that can be attached to the apparatus body 1A. In this embodiment, the apparatus body 1A is the part of the image forming apparatus 1 excluding the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0017] The main body 1A of the image forming apparatus 1 has an electrophotographic photoreceptor (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) 2 having a drum shape (cylindrical shape) as an image carrier for holding an electrostatic latent image. Around the photosensitive drum 2 are a charging roller 3, a scanner 4 as an exposure device, and a cleaning unit 6.

[0018] The charging roller 3 is an example of a charging means or charging unit for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 2. The scanner 4 is an example of an exposure means or exposure unit for exposing the photosensitive drum 2 by irradiating it with laser light corresponding to image information. By irradiating the charged photosensitive drum 2 with laser light, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The cleaning unit 6 is an example of a cleaning means or cleaning unit for removing toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0019] Furthermore, the main body of the device 1A includes a sheet storage section 300, a pickup roller 310, a feed roller 311, a separation roller 312, a transport roller pair 320, a secondary transfer roller 12, a fixing device 40, and an intermediate transfer unit 10. The pickup roller 310 is an example of a feeding means or feeding unit for feeding the sheets S. The feed roller 311 and the separation roller 312 are examples of a separation transport unit that transports the sheets S one by one while separating them by frictional force. The secondary transfer roller 12 is an example of a transfer means or transfer unit for transferring an image from the intermediate transfer belt 10a to the sheets S.

[0020] The intermediate transfer unit 10 includes an intermediate transfer belt 10a, a belt drive roller 10b, a tension roller 10c, a cleaning device 13, and a primary transfer roller 11. The intermediate transfer belt 10a is an example of an intermediate transfer body that carries the image transferred from the photosensitive drum 2 (primary transfer) and transports it for transfer to the sheet S (secondary transfer). The intermediate transfer belt 10a is stretched over the belt drive roller 10b and the tension roller 10c. The belt drive roller 10b is a drive member that transports the intermediate transfer belt 10a by being rotationally driven by a drive source.

[0021] Furthermore, the main unit 1A of the apparatus has a rotary body (rotary, rotating body, developing device) 90 having developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. As will be described later, in this embodiment, trays (support members) 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are attached to the rotary body 90. Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are removablely mounted on the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k.

[0022] In the following explanation, multiple components with similar functions can be distinguished by numbering. For example, one of the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k can be called the first toner cartridge, one of the remaining three can be called the second toner cartridge, one of the remaining two can be called the third toner cartridge, and the last one can be called the fourth toner cartridge. Similarly, one of the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k can be called the first tray, one of the remaining three can be called the second tray, one of the remaining two can be called the third tray, and the last one can be called the fourth tray. In other words, one of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of the first support component, another of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of the second support component, yet another of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of the third support component, and the last of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of the fourth support component. These numberings are for explanatory convenience only and can be rearranged as appropriate.

[0023] The developing units (first to fourth developing units) 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are examples of developing means or developing sections that develop (reveal) the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 into a toner image using toner of the corresponding color. Each of the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 using yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, or black toner, respectively. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k may be arranged in an order different from the order shown in Figure 1.

[0024] The developing unit 50y includes a developing roller 51y, a supply roller 52y, and a developing blade. The developing roller 51y is a developer carrier that carries toner as a developer, rotates, and supplies it to the photosensitive drum 2. The supply roller 52y is positioned in contact with the developing roller 51y and is a supply member that supplies toner to the developing roller 51. The developing blade is a regulating member that regulates the thickness of the toner layer carried on the developing roller 51y. The other developing units 50m, 50c, and 50k also include similar developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k, supply rollers 52m, 52c, and 52k, and a developing blade.

[0025] The rotary body 90 is fitted with toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, corresponding to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. Inside the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner, respectively, to replenish the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. One of the four toners can be called the first toner, one of the remaining three toners can be called the second toner, one of the remaining two toners can be called the third toner, and the last toner can be called the fourth toner. For example, black toner can be an example of the first toner, and magenta toner can be an example of the second toner. These numberings are used for explanatory convenience only, and in principle, they can be rearranged as appropriate.

[0026] Here, the rotary body 90 has a rotary frame 90f that supports the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are supported by the rotary frame 90f, which is a rotatable rotating support.

[0027] Furthermore, trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are attached to the rotary body 90. The part consisting of the rotary body 90 and trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k can be called the rotary unit 90U. In other words, the rotary unit 90U consists of the rotary body 90 and trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k.

[0028] The toner cartridges 70y to 70k are detachably held in trays 80y to 80k. As will be described later, trays 80y to 80k are supported so that they can slide out of the rotary body 90. The part consisting of the rotary unit 90U and the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k can be called the rotary assembly 90A. In other words, the rotary assembly 90A comprises the rotary unit 90U and the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0029] As will be described later, the rotary body 90 is rotatable around the axis of rotation (center of rotation) 90C. The axis of rotation 90C coincides with the axis of rotation of the rotary frame 90f, the rotary unit 90U, and the rotary assembly 90A. In addition, the axis of rotation 90C is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (center of rotation) of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0030] The rotary body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C, allowing any of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, or 51k to face the photosensitive drum 2. The position where developing roller 51y faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called the yellow developing position. The position where developing roller 51m faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called the magenta developing position. The position where developing roller 51c faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called the cyan developing position. The position where developing roller 51k faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called the black developing position. In other words, the rotary body 90 can rotate around the rotation axis 90C so that the positions of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k relative to the photosensitive drum 2 change. The black developing position is an example of the first developing position where the first developing roller (developing roller 51k) faces the photosensitive drum 2. Other developing positions include the second developing position where the second developing roller (developing rollers 51y~51c) faces the photosensitive drum 2. The yellow / magenta / cyan / black developing positions can also be called the first to fourth developing positions. These numberings are used for explanatory convenience only and can be rearranged as appropriate in principle.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the main body of the device 1A has motors M1, M2, and M3 as drive sources. As will be described later, motor M1 supplies the driving force to rotate the rotary body 90 around the rotation axis 90C. In other words, motor M1 rotates the rotary assembly 90A and the rotary unit 90U around the rotation axis 90C.

[0032] Furthermore, the main body 1A of the device has a drive unit 98 including a motor M2 and a transmission unit. The transmission unit includes drive racks 15L and 15R and a transmission unit 15t, which will be described later as drive gears. The driving force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the drive racks 15L and 15R by the transmission unit 15t. In other words, the motor M2 is configured to drive the drive racks 15L and 15R, and moves the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k relative to the rotary body 90 via the drive racks 15L and 15R.

[0033] Motor M3 drives components other than those driven by motors M1 and M2. For example, motor M3 drives the photosensitive drum 2, developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, 50k, pickup roller 310, feed roller 311, transport roller pair 320, secondary transfer roller 12, belt-driven roller 10b, and fixing device 40.

[0034] The components driven by motors M1, M2, and M3 can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the functions of any two or all three of motors M1, M2, and M3 can be combined into a single motor. Alternatively, additional drive sources other than motors M1, M2, and M3 may be added.

[0035] Here, the subscripts y, m, c, and k attached to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k indicate the toner color. The basic configuration and function of the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are common. The basic configuration and function of the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are also common. Furthermore, the basic configuration and function of the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are also common. Therefore, when there is no need to distinguish between them, the subscripts y, m, c, and k are omitted, and they are described as any one of the four units, cartridges, or trays.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the toner cartridge 70 has a toner frame 71. The toner frame 71 includes a toner storage section 71a for storing toner and an discharge opening 71b communicating with the toner storage section 71a.

[0037] The developing unit 50 has a developing frame (storage frame) 53. The developing frame 53 includes a developing-side storage section 53a and a receiving opening 53b that communicates with the developing-side storage section (toner supply chamber) 53a. As mentioned above, the developing unit 50 has developing rollers 51 and supply rollers 52, etc., but these components are omitted in Figure 3.

[0038] The developing roller 51k provided in the developing unit 50k is an example of a first developing roller. The developing roller 51m provided in the developing unit 50m is an example of a second developing roller. The developing frame 53k of the developing unit 50k equipped with a developing-side housing 53a (Figure 4(a)) is an example of a first housing frame equipped with a first housing. The developing frame 53m of the developing unit 50m equipped with a developing-side housing 53a (Figure 4(a)) is an example of a second housing frame equipped with a second housing. The rotary body 90 is an example of a rotatable rotary having a first developing roller, a second developing roller, a first housing frame equipped with a first housing, and a second housing frame equipped with a second housing. In this embodiment, the rotary body 90 has first to fourth developing rollers and first to fourth housing frames.

[0039] As described later, the toner cartridge 70 is movable between an installed position and a retracted position relative to the developing frame 53. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the installed position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge opening 71b faces the receiving opening 53b. In other words, the toner storage section 71a of the toner cartridge 70 and the developing-side storage section 53a of the developing unit 50 are in communication via the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b. When toner is supplied from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50, at least a portion of the receiving opening 53b is positioned below at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b.

[0040] Then, the toner stored in the toner storage section 71a is discharged from the discharge opening 71b, and the toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is stored in the developer-side storage section 53a through the receiving opening 53b. The toner stored in the developer-side storage section 53a is supplied to the developer roller 51 by the supply roller 52. In this way, the toner stored in the toner storage section 71a is supplied to the developer roller 51. In other words, the discharge opening 71b is an opening through which the toner supplied from the toner storage section 71a to the developer unit 50 passes.

[0041] It is desirable that the toner cartridge 70 has a sealing member (first sealing member) not shown that covers the discharge opening 71b. It is also desirable that the developing unit 50 has a sealing member (second sealing member) not shown that covers the receiving opening 53b.

[0042] When the toner cartridge 70 is not installed in the developing unit 50, it is desirable that the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b be covered with sealing members so as toner outflow from the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b.

[0043] (Image formation process) The image formation operation in this embodiment will now be described. First, the photosensitive drum 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in Figure 1 (counterclockwise) in synchronization with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 10a. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 3.

[0044] When forming a color image on sheet S, the rotary body 90 rotates in the direction of the arrows in Figure 1 (clockwise) while supporting the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, as shown below. The electrophotographic process is then repeated, moving the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k one by one to the developing position.

[0045] First, the scanner 4 irradiates the photosensitive drum 2 with laser light based on image data corresponding to the yellow image, forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. In parallel with the formation of this electrostatic latent image, the motor M1 rotates the rotary body 90, causing the rotary body 90 to assume the yellow developing position. When the rotary body 90 is in the yellow developing position, the developing roller 51y is in the developing position and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 with yellow toner.

[0046] In this embodiment, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k is an elastic roller with a rubber coating around a metal shaft. At the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k is in contact with the photosensitive drum 2 to develop the electrostatic latent image. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment employs a contact developing method. However, at the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k may develop the electrostatic latent image with a gap between them and the photosensitive drum 2. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 may employ a non-contact developing method.

[0047] When the yellow toner image is developed, the yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 2 is first transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10a by the primary transfer roller 11 located inside the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0048] From this point onward, the rotary unit 90 is rotated to move the developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k sequentially to the developing position, thereby forming toner images of each color. Specifically, after a yellow toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary unit 90 assumes the magenta developing position, and a magenta toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After the magenta toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary unit 90 assumes the cyan developing position, and a cyan toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After the cyan toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary unit 90 assumes the black developing position, and a black toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After the black toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary unit 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 1 (clockwise) to return to the yellow developing position. Note that the color of the image initially formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is arbitrary; for example, a black toner image may be formed first.

[0049] Then, the primary transfer is repeated on the intermediate transfer belt 10a so that the four toner images are superimposed, thereby forming a color image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. Note that the secondary transfer roller 12 and the cleaning device 13 are not in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10a until the color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0050] Meanwhile, the sheets S are fed from a sheet storage section 300 located at the bottom of the main body 1A of the device by a pickup roller 310. The sheets S are separated one by one by a feed roller 311 and a separation roller 312 and then sent to a transport roller pair 320. The transport roller pair 320 sends the fed sheets S to the transfer section (secondary transfer section), which is the nip of the intermediate transfer belt 10a and the secondary transfer roller 12. The color image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is transferred (secondary transfer) to the surface of the transported sheets S.

[0051] The sheet S onto which the color image has been transferred is sent to the fixing device 40. In the fixing device 40, the sheet S is heated and pressurized, and the image is fixed to the sheet S. After passing through the fixing device 40, the sheet S is discharged outside the image forming apparatus 1 as a finished product.

[0052] On the other hand, when forming a monochrome image on the sheet S, the rotary unit 90 assumes a black developing position. In this state, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 by charging and exposure of the photosensitive drum 2, and then the electrostatic latent image is developed with black toner by the developing roller 51k located in the developing position. The black toner image is first transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10a, and then secondarily transferred to the sheet S. The subsequent steps are the same as for color images.

[0053] (Rotary configuration) The configuration of the rotary body 90 will be explained using Figures 1, 4(a, b), and 5.

[0054] Figure 4(a, b) is a cross-sectional view showing the rotary body 90 and its surroundings of the image forming apparatus 1. Note that Figure 4(a, b) is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the apparatus with a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rotary body 90.

[0055] As mentioned above, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k are detachable from the rotary body 90. When the toner in the toner cartridges 70y to 70k runs out, the user can replenish the toner in the image forming apparatus 1 by replacing the toner cartridges 70y to 70k.

[0056] As shown in Figure 1, the main body of the apparatus 1A has a frame 16 that houses the rotary body 90.

[0057] The frame 16 is the main frame of the image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment. The frame 16 is the housing (structure) of the apparatus body 1A, which is composed of a frame and exterior members, and in this embodiment it is in the shape of a roughly rectangular parallelepiped.

[0058] The frame 16 has an opening 16a. More specifically, the frame 16 has a side surface 16b that extends in a direction intersecting the horizontal direction. The side surface 16b constitutes at least a part of the +X side of the external surface of the apparatus body 1A. The opening 16a is located on this side surface 16b. The side surface 16b is located downstream of the discharge port in the discharge direction from which the image-formed sheet S is discharged from the discharge port of the apparatus body 1A. From the side surface 16b of the image forming apparatus 1, the user can access the sheet storage section 300 to replenish the sheet S or retrieve the sheet S discharged from the discharge port. Therefore, the side surface 16b can be considered the front (front) of the apparatus body 1A.

[0059] Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are detachable from the rotary body 90 through the opening 16a. In other words, toner cartridge 70k is an example of a first toner cartridge that contains toner supplied to the first developing roller (developing roller 51k) and is detachable from the rotary (rotary body 90) through the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the device body 1A. Toner cartridge 70m is an example of a second toner cartridge that contains toner supplied to the second developing roller (developing roller 51m) and is detachable from the rotary (rotary body 90) through the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the device body 1A.

[0060] In this embodiment, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are supported by trays 80y to 80k and are attached to and detached from the rotary body 90 through the opening 16a. In other words, the user can attach and detach the toner cartridges 70y to 70k to the rotary body 90 via trays 80y to 80k.

[0061] The opening 16a is located on the side surface 16b of the frame 16. In this embodiment, the side surface 16b is a surface substantially parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 70 is replaced, the toner cartridge 70 passes through the opening 16a in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the rotation axis 90C.

[0062] The image forming apparatus 1 has a door 14 that covers the opening 16a of the frame 16. The door 14 is an open / close member that can move between a closed position that covers the opening 16a (see also Figure 6(a)) and an open position that exposes the opening 16a (see also Figures 6(b, c)).

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment, the toner cartridge 70 is configured to be detachable from the rotary body 90 via the tray 80. Therefore, the toner cartridge 70 can be stably attached to and detached from the rotary body 90.

[0064] More specifically, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70 by attaching and detaching it to a tray 80 that is configured to be movable relative to the rotary body 90 (i.e., relative to the device body 1A). In a configuration where the user replaces the toner cartridge by directly inserting and removing it from the device body, the user is required to insert the toner cartridge to a predetermined mounting position inside the device body. In this embodiment, the tray 80 is movable so that the toner cartridge 70 moves to the mounting position while supporting the toner cartridge 70. Therefore, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70 with a simple operation of placing the toner cartridge 70 on the tray 80, improving operability.

[0065] The toner cartridge 70 has a long, slender shape, with its longitudinal direction being the Y-direction, which is parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. In other words, the longitudinal dimension of the toner cartridge 70 is greater than the height and width of the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. When handling such a long, slender toner cartridge 70, by placing an opening 16a on the side surface 16b of the frame 16, which is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y-direction) of the toner cartridge 70, the toner cartridge 70 can pass through the opening 16a with a short travel distance. For example, this makes it easier to replace the toner cartridge 70 compared to inserting and removing the toner cartridge 70 through an opening provided on either side (+Y side or -Y side) of the frame 16 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0066] The rotary body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C, allowing it to assume a replacement position that permits the removal of any of the toner cartridges 70y to 70k from the rotary body 90. The position that permits the removal of toner cartridge 70y is called the yellow replacement position. The position that permits the removal of toner cartridge 70m is called the magenta replacement position. The position that permits the removal of toner cartridge 70c is called the cyan replacement position.

[0067] The position in which the removal of the 70k toner cartridge is permitted is called the black replacement position. The black replacement position is an example of the first replacement position in which the removal of the first toner cartridge from the rotary unit 90 is permitted. The yellow / magenta / cyan replacement position is an example of the second replacement position in which the removal of the second toner cartridge from the rotary unit 90 is permitted. The yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement positions can also be called the 1st to 4th replacement positions. These numberings are used for explanatory convenience only and can be rearranged as appropriate in principle.

[0068] The rotary unit 90 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 90C as shown in Figure 1, and can sequentially assume the yellow / magenta / cyan / black exchange positions. In this embodiment, the rotary unit 90 alternately switches between the developing position and the exchange position by rotating clockwise around the rotation axis 90C as shown in Figure 1. For example, in Figure 1, the rotary unit 90 is in the black developing position. From this state, by rotating the rotary unit 90 clockwise, the position of the rotary unit 90 is switched in the following order: cyan exchange position, yellow developing position, black exchange position, magenta developing position, yellow exchange position, cyan developing position, magenta exchange position. By rotating the rotary unit 90 clockwise from the magenta exchange position, the rotary unit 90 returns to the black developing position. In other words, the rotary unit 90 can rotate more than one full rotation (360°) clockwise.

[0069] Figure 4(a) shows a cross-section of the rotary body 90 in the developing position (specifically, the yellow developing position). Figure 4(b) shows a cross-section of the rotary body 90 in the exchange position (specifically, the black exchange position).

[0070] As shown in Figures 4(a, b), four trays 80y to 80k are attached to the rotary body 90. Each tray 80y to 80k holds a toner cartridge 70y to 70k. In Figures 4(a, b), the trays 80y to 80k are housed inside the rotary body 90, and this state can be said to be the state in which the toner cartridges 70y to 70k are mounted on the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k.

[0071] As described above, the toner cartridge 70 is movable between an installed position and a retracted position relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50. In other words, the first toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70k) is movable between a first installed position and a first retracted position relative to the first housing frame (developing frame 53k). The second toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70m) is movable between a second installed position and a second retracted position relative to the second housing frame (developing frame 53m).

[0072] When the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounting position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b face each other, as shown in Figure 3. In this state, the toner cartridge 70 is configured to supply toner to the developing side storage section 53a through the receiving opening 53b (the opening of the storage frame).

[0073] The main unit 1A of the device has a moving device 85 configured to move the toner cartridge 70 from a mounted position to a retracted position relative to the rotary main unit 90 (more specifically, relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50). The moving device 85 will be described later with reference to Figure 8, etc. In this embodiment, the rotary main unit 90 has multiple moving devices 85y to 85k corresponding to multiple toner cartridges 70y to 70k. The trays 80y to 80k can be considered part of these moving devices 85y to 85k.

[0074] In this embodiment, the toner cartridge 70k containing black toner is larger in size than the toner cartridges 70y~70c containing yellow, magenta, and cyan toners, and can hold more toner. In other words, the first toner cartridge can hold a first amount of toner, and the second toner cartridge can hold a second amount of toner, meaning that the first amount is greater than the second amount.

[0075] Specifically, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k in the first radial direction with respect to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 is greater than the length of the magenta toner cartridge 70m in the second radial direction. Here, the first radial direction is the rotational radial direction of the rotary body 90 (the radial direction of a virtual circle centered on the rotation axis 90C), and is the direction in which the toner cartridge 70k extends relative to the rotation axis 90C when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C. The second radial direction is the rotational radial direction of the rotary body 90, and is the direction in which the toner cartridge 70m extends relative to the rotation axis 90C when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C. Similarly, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k in the first radial direction is greater than the lengths of the toner cartridges 70y and 70c in the radial directions corresponding to the other toner cartridges 70y and 70c.

[0076] Therefore, the tray 80k that holds the black toner cartridge 70k is larger than the trays 80y-80c that hold the other toner cartridges 70y, 70m, and 70c. In other words, four toner cartridges 70y-70k and trays 80y-80k of different sizes are arranged inside the rotary body 90. To put it another way, the rotary body 90 can accommodate a toner cartridge 70k as an example of a first toner cartridge, and a toner cartridge 70y as an example of a second toner cartridge that is smaller than the first toner cartridge. Accordingly, the rotary body 90 is provided with a tray 80k as an example of a first support member that supports the first toner cartridge, and a tray 80y as an example of a second support member that is smaller than the first support member. In addition, the rotary body 90 can accommodate toner cartridges 70m and 70c as examples of a third and fourth toner cartridge that are smaller than the first toner cartridge. Accordingly, the rotary body 90 is provided with trays 80m and 80c, which are examples of third and fourth support members, and are smaller in size than the first support member.

[0077] Here, the rotational drive of the rotary body 90 will be explained using Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, disc gears 92L and 92R are formed at both ends of the rotary body 90. Rotary drive gears 93L and 93R are connected to both ends of the oscillating shaft 91 in a way that allows for power transmission. Here, the driving force of the motor M1 is transmitted to the rotary drive gear 93R by the power transmission mechanism. Next, the driving force is transmitted from the rotary drive gears 93L and 93R to the disc gears 92L and 92R, thereby driving the rotary body 90 to rotation. The rotary body 90 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 90C in Figure 1.

[0078] Furthermore, the rotary body 90 is supported so as to be able to swing around the pivot axis 91. The rotary body 90 is biased by a biasing member (not shown) in the counterclockwise direction as shown in Figure 4(a, b) around the pivot axis 91. This direction can be described as the direction in which each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k approaches the photosensitive drum 2. As a result, when the rotary body 90 is in the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 2.

[0079] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, rotary cams 90eL and 90eR are provided at both ends of the rotary body 90. When the rotary body 90 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 90C in Figures 4(a, b), the rotary cams 90eL and 90eR come into contact with the rollers 96 (Figures 4(a, b)) supported by the frame 16. Then, they move clockwise around the pivot axis 91 in Figures 4(a) and 4(b). This direction can be described as the direction in which the developing rollers 51y to 51k move away from the photosensitive drum 2. This direction can also be described as the direction in which the rotary body 90 moves closer to the opening 16a and door 14 of the frame 16.

[0080] As a result, when the rotary body 90 rotates and switches from the developing position to the replacement position, the rotary body 90 oscillates around the pivot axis 91. When the rotary body 90 is in the replacement position, the developing roller 51 is separated from the photosensitive drum 2.

[0081] As shown in Figure 4(b), in the black cartridge replacement position, the toner cartridge 70k stops in a position facing the opening 16a and door 14 provided on the side 16b of the main body 1A of the device. From this position, when the tray 80k is slid from the mounting position on the developing unit 50k to the outside of the rotary body 90, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70k.

[0082] (Toner cartridge replacement procedure) The toner cartridge replacement operation will be explained using Figures 4(a), 6(a-c), and 7(a,b). Figures 6(a-c) are external views of the main unit 1A of the device. Figures 7(a,b) are cross-sectional views of the area around the rotary unit 90 during toner cartridge replacement. Note that Figures 7(a,b) are cross-sectional views of the device in a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary unit 90.

[0083] Figure 6(a) shows the external appearance of the main unit 1A during image formation operation and in standby mode. Image formation operation refers to the period during which the image forming apparatus 1 performs a series of operations from feeding the sheet S to forming an image on the sheet S and then ejecting it as a finished product. Standby mode refers to the state in which the image forming apparatus 1 is ready to start image formation operation when it receives an image formation instruction (print instruction), and is waiting for an image formation instruction from the user. As shown in Figure 6(a), the door 14 is closed during image formation operation and in standby mode.

[0084] Figure 6(b) shows the external appearance of the device body 1A when the toner cartridge is being replaced. When the toner cartridge is being replaced, the door 14 is opened, and the tray 80 and toner cartridge 70 are moved to the outside of the device body 1A.

[0085] The toner cartridge 70 is movable between an installed position and a retracted position relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the installed position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b face each other, as shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 4(a, b), the rotary body 90 is configured to rotate around the rotation axis 90C with the toner cartridge 70 in the installed position, taking on the developing and replacement positions.

[0086] The toner cartridge replacement procedure will now be explained. First, the user instructs the control unit of the device body 1A to replace the toner cartridge. The instruction to replace the toner cartridge is given, for example, via input through the operation panel (operation unit) provided on the device body 1A.

[0087] When the control unit receives an instruction to replace the toner cartridge, the rotary body 90 rotates to the replacement position for the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced (the toner cartridge 70 that has run out of toner) and stops. In other words, the control unit rotates the rotary body 90 to the replacement position for the toner cartridge specified in the instruction to replace the toner cartridge (in Figure 4(b), the black replacement position for replacing the black toner cartridge 70k). In the replacement position, the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 that has been instructed to be replaced faces the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the device body 1A.

[0088] For example, in Figure 4(a), the rotary body 90 is in the yellow developing position, with the yellow developing roller 51y facing the photosensitive drum 2. At this time, the black toner cartridge 70k and tray 80k do not need to face the opening 16a and door 14. In other words, the toner cartridge 70 and tray 80 do not need to face the opening 16a and door 14 when the rotary body 90 is in a replacement position other than the toner cartridge replacement position or a developing position. Therefore, the opening 16a only needs to be large enough for each toner cartridge 70 to pass through individually. When the rotary body 90 rotates clockwise by a predetermined angle from the yellow developing position, the black toner cartridge 70k and tray 80k face the opening 16a and door 14, as shown in Figure 4(b).

[0089] Here, "the tray 80 faces the opening 16a" means that the tray 80 is positioned so that it can move to the outside of the device body 1A through the opening 16a. In other words, when the tray 80 faces the opening 16a, the tray 80 is moved outward in the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 by the moving mechanism described later, so that the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 supported by the tray 80 can protrude to the outside of the device body 1A. In Figure 4(a), none of the trays 80y to 80k face the opening 16a. In Figure 4(b), only the black tray 80k faces the opening 16a, while the other trays 80y to 80c do not face the opening 16a.

[0090] Once the rotary body 90 is positioned in the replacement position, the motor M2 moves the tray 80, which supports the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced, toward the outside of the device body 1A.

[0091] As a result, the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced moves from the mounting position to the retracted position relative to the rotary body 90. Also, as shown in Figures 6(b, c) and 7(a, b), the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced, which is supported by the tray 80, protrude to the outside of the device body 1A through the opening 16a.

[0092] More specifically, the tray 80 is movable between a storage position and an ejection position relative to the rotary body 90. The storage position is the position in which the tray 80 is housed within the rotary body 90. The ejection position is the position in which the tray 80 protrudes outside the rotary body 90, allowing the toner cartridge 70 to be removed from the tray 80 (removal position, replaceable position). Examples of the storage position are the positions of trays 80y to 80k in Figures 4(a, b). Examples of the ejection position are the positions of tray 80 in Figures 6(b, c), tray 80k in Figure 7(a), and tray 80m in Figure 7(b).

[0093] When tray 80 is in the storage position, the toner cartridge 70 attached to tray 80 is in the installed position. When tray 80 is in the ejection position, the toner cartridge 70 attached to tray 80 is in the retracted position.

[0094] Here, as shown in Figures 7(a, b), the rotary body 90 has a protrusion 95 for holding the tray 80 in the storage position and the toner cartridge 70 in the mounting position. As shown in Figure 8, the tray 80 is provided with a recess 87 that fits into the protrusion 95. Figures 7(a, b) show the protrusions 95k and 95m corresponding to trays 80k and 80m, and Figure 8 shows the recesses 87y and 87m of trays 80y and 80m, but the protrusion 95 and recess 87 are provided for each tray 80y to 80k. Preferably, the protrusion 95 is biased in the direction of engaging with the recess 87.

[0095] The protrusion 95 engages with the recess 87 of the tray 80, thereby locking the tray 80 to the rotary frame 90f. This prevents the tray 80 from moving from its mounting position even when the rotary body 90 rotates. Furthermore, if the tray 80 is moved between the storage position and the removal position by a moving device described later, the tray 80 can be configured to move the protrusion 95, causing it to disengage from the recess 87.

[0096] In this embodiment, the door 14 is rotatably supported with respect to the device body 1A. As shown in Figure 7(a), the door 14 is biased by a spring 14s from the open position to the closed position. The spring 14s is, for example, a tension spring, and biases the door 14 such that it generates a counterclockwise moment around the pivot axis 14c of the door 14 in Figures 7(a, b).

[0097] When the tray 80 pushes the door 14, the door 14 opens (as shown in Figure 6(b)). This state can also be described as the tray 80 being supported by the door 14. By the door 14 supporting at least a portion of the tray 80 that protrudes outside the main body 1A of the device, the toner cartridge 70 can be supported more stably. In other words, when the first toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70k) is in the first retracted position, the opening / closing member (door 14) in the open position supports the first support member (tray 80k). Also, when the second toner cartridges (toner cartridges 70y~70c) are in the second retracted position, the opening / closing member (door 14) in the open position supports the second support member (tray 80y~80c).

[0098] Furthermore, the door 14 is configured to contact a part of the frame 16 of the device body 1A (for example, the lower edge 16c of the opening 16a) when in the open position, and is not configured to rotate downward beyond the open position. When the tray 80 is pulled back from outside to inside the device body 1A, the biasing force of the spring 14s returns the door 14 to the closed position.

[0099] The toner cartridge 70 is detachably held in the tray 80. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6(c), the user can remove the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80 and install a new toner cartridge 70 (replacement). If multiple toner cartridges 70 need to be replaced, the above procedure can be repeated.

[0100] Figures 7(a, b) show cross-sections of the rotary body 90 when the toner cartridge is replaced. Figure 7(a) shows the state when the black toner cartridge 70k is replaced. Figure 7(b) shows the state when the magenta toner cartridge 70m is replaced.

[0101] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a moving device 85 (Figure 8) that moves the toner cartridge 70 from the mounting position to the retracted position. In this embodiment, the moving device 85 can be said to include a tray 80. The moving device 85k including the tray 80k can be said to be an example of a first moving device including a first support member. The moving device 85m including the tray 80m can be said to be an example of a second moving device including a second support member.

[0102] Even when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the tray 80 remains connected to the rotary body 90 (supported by the rotary body 90). To facilitate the removal of the toner cartridge 70 from the rotary body 90, it is preferable that the toner cartridge 70 protrudes a long distance from the rotary body 90 when in the retracted position. Since the toner cartridge 70 is configured to be detachably attached to the rotary body 90 via the tray 80, the toner cartridge 70 can be stably supported by the tray 80 even when the toner cartridge 70 protrudes a long distance from the rotary body 90.

[0103] The direction in which the toner cartridge 70 moves from the mounting position to the retracted position is called the retraction direction. In this embodiment, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is the direction that intersects with the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). Therefore, as shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is the direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). Furthermore, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 can be said to be the direction toward the outside (away from the rotation axis 90C) in the rotational radius direction of the rotary body 90.

[0104] As shown in Figures 7(a, b), since the user removes the toner cartridge 70 from the rotary body 90, it is preferable that at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotary body 90 when the toner cartridge 70 is removed. In this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotary body 90.

[0105] When the rotary body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C, the rotational trajectory of the rotary body 90 can be said to coincide with the circumscribed circle of the rotary body 90 centered on the rotation axis 90C (a virtual circle 90V shown as a dashed line in Figure 7(a,b)). When the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, it is preferable that more than half of the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the retracted direction is outside the rotational trajectory of the rotary body 90. In other words, when viewed in the direction of the rotary's rotation axis, with the toner cartridge in the retracted position, it is preferable that more than half of the total length of the toner cartridge is located outside the rotational trajectory of the rotary in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge from the mounting position to the retracted position. This applies to each toner cartridge 70, including toner cartridge 70k as an example of the first cartridge and toner cartridge 70m as an example of the second cartridge. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7(a, b), when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 is outside the rotational trajectory (virtual circle 90V) of the rotary body 90.

[0106] Furthermore, in order to make it easier for the user to grasp the toner cartridge 70, it is preferable that at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is outside the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the main body 1A) when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position. Here, "outside the apparatus" refers to the space outside the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the main body 1A) when the image forming apparatus 1 is used, for example, for image forming operations on a sheet S.

[0107] In this embodiment, the external surface of the device body 1A is formed by the external surface of the frame 16. In other words, "outside the device" can also be defined as the outside of the frame 16. Therefore, the state in which at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is outside the device can also be defined as the state in which at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes outward from the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the device body 1A toward the outside of the frame 16.

[0108] In this embodiment, when the door 14 is in the closed position, the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the device body 1A is covered by the door 14. Then, the outer surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position forms a part of the outer surface of the device body 1A. In this case, "outside the machine" refers to the area outside the outer surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position. In other words, if the position of the outer surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position is defined as the outer surface position, then when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is located outside the device body 1A beyond this outer surface position.

[0109] In other words, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is located in the space outside the main body 1A of the device, assuming the door 14 is in the closed position. Furthermore, with respect to the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is located downstream of the visible position.

[0110] Furthermore, with the side 16b having the opening 16a as the front of the device body 1A, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 can protrude further forward than the front surface of the device body 1A. In this case, the user can easily access the toner cartridge 70 from the front of the image forming apparatus and replace the toner cartridge 70.

[0111] Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, it is preferable that more than half of the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the retracted direction is outside the machine. In other words, when viewed in the direction of the rotary axis, when the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, it is preferable that more than half of the total length of the toner cartridge is located outside the main body frame in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge from the mounting position toward the retracted position. This applies to each toner cartridge 70, including toner cartridge 70k as an example of the first cartridge and toner cartridge 70m as an example of the second cartridge. Moreover, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, it is more preferable that the entire toner cartridge 70 is outside the machine. In this embodiment, the front exterior surface of the device body 1A is formed by the outer surface 14a and side surface 16b of the door 14, but the configuration of the door 14 is not limited to this. For example, the size of the door 14 may be such that it covers the entire side surface 16b. In this case, the outer surface 14a of the door 14 forms the front exterior surface of the device body 1A.

[0112] The tray 80 includes a cartridge holder 81 (see Figures 3 and 6(c)) for holding the toner cartridge 70. The cartridge holder 81 is the mounting portion on which the toner cartridge 70 is installed. When the tray 80 is in the ejection position, it is preferable that the entire cartridge holder 81 is outside the rotational trajectory of the rotary body 90 in the retraction direction. When the tray 80 is in the ejection position, it is preferable that more than half of the length of the cartridge holder 81 is outside the machine in the retraction direction.

[0113] As mentioned above, toner cartridge 70k and tray 80k are larger in size than the other toner cartridges 70y~70c and trays 80y~80c. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7(a, b), in this embodiment, the amount of movement of tray 80 when replacing the toner cartridge is changed to match the size of toner cartridge 70.

[0114] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7(a), the distance traveled by tray 80k (first support member) when it moves from the storage position (first storage position) to the removal position (first removal position) is L1. The distance traveled by tray 80m (second support member) when it moves from the storage position to the removal position (third removal position) is L2. Figure 7(b) shows the state in which toner cartridge 70m and tray 80m have moved, and the distance traveled by trays 80y and 80c when they move from the storage position to the removal position is also L2. In this case, L1 is greater than L2. In other words, the distance traveled by the first support member when the first toner cartridge moves from the first mounting position to the first retracted position is longer than the distance traveled by the second support member when the second toner cartridge moves from the second mounting position to the second retracted position.

[0115] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(a), when the tray 80k is in the ejection position and the toner cartridge 70k is in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70k protrudes from the external surface of the device body 1A to the outside of the machine by a distance P1. In this embodiment, the tray 80k also protrudes from the external surface of the device body 1A to the outside of the machine by a distance P1.

[0116] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(b), when the tray 80m is in the ejection position and the toner cartridge 70m is in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70m protrudes from the external surface of the device body 1A by a distance P2. In this embodiment, the tray 80m also protrudes from the external surface of the device body 1A by a distance P2. The toner cartridges 70y and 70c also protrude from the external surface of the device body 1A by a distance P2.

[0117] The distance P1 described above is greater than the distance P2. In other words, the first length (P1) is the length that the first toner cartridge in the first retracted position protrudes from the opening 16a of the device body 1A, and the second length (P2) is the length that the second toner cartridge in the second retracted position protrudes from the opening 16a. In this case, the first length can be said to be longer than the second length.

[0118] For toner cartridges 70y to 70c, which are smaller in size than toner cartridge 70k, it is preferable from a strength standpoint to make the distance P2 that they protrude outside the machine in the retracted position shorter than the distance P1 that toner cartridge 70k protrudes outside the machine in the retracted position. This is for the following reason: When toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a part of toner cartridge 70 protrudes outside the machine from the outside of the rotational trajectory of the rotary body 90 or from the outer surface of the device body 1A. At this time, tray 80 supports the weight of toner cartridge 70 in a cantilevered state on the rotary body 90. Therefore, shortening the distance P2 that toner cartridges 70y to 70c protrude outside the machine in the retracted position reduces the load on the guide portion 97 of the rotary body 90 that supports trays 80y to 80c and trays 80y to 80k. Furthermore, since the 70y~70c toner cartridges are smaller in size than the 70k toner cartridges, even if the distance P2 is made shorter than the distance P1, the ease of cartridge replacement for trays 80y~80c can be maintained.

[0119] (Tray arrangement within the rotary) The arrangement of trays 80y to 80k within the rotary body 90 will be explained using Figures 8, 9, and 10. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of trays 80y to 80k within the rotary body 90. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of trays 80y to 80k within the rotary body 90. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of components at one end of trays 80y to 80k in the Y direction. Note that Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the rotary body 90 in a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. Furthermore, the upper half of Figure 10 is a view of the rotary body 90 and trays 80m and 80k from the upper right side (+Z side) of Figure 8, and the lower half of Figure 10 is a view of the rotary body 90 and trays 80c and 80y from the left side (-X side) of Figure 8.

[0120] As shown in Figure 8, each of the trays 80y to 80k is provided with a cartridge holding section 81y to 81k and a guided section 82y to 82k.

[0121] Each of the cartridge holders 81y to 81k is fitted with a toner cartridge 70y to 70k, respectively. Each of the cartridge holders 81y to 81k accommodates at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70y to 70k fitted to it.

[0122] The guided portions 82y to 82k are provided at both ends of the trays 80y to 80k, sandwiching the cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k in the Y direction. Each of the guided portions 82y to 82k is an elongated member extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotary body 90.

[0123] In this embodiment, a reinforcing rib 82k1 is formed on a portion of the guided portion 82k of tray 80k in the direction of movement Dk, and a reinforcing rib 82m1 is formed on a portion of the guided portion 82m of tray 80m in the direction of movement Dm (see also Figure 11(a, b)). The reinforcing ribs 82k1 and 82m1 are rib-shaped (protruding) structures that protrude outward in the Y direction from the guided portions 82k and 82m provided at both ends of trays 80k and 80m in the Y direction, and that extend in the direction of movement Dk and Dm of trays 80k and 80m. The reinforcing ribs 82k1 and 82m1 improve the rigidity of the guided portions 82k and 82m.

[0124] In this embodiment, the length of the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 is limited to avoid the guided sections 82y and 82c. However, if no interference occurs with the guided sections 82y and 82c, the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 may be provided along the entire length of the guided sections 82m and 82k. Reinforcing ribs may also be added to the guided sections 82y and 82c. Furthermore, if the rigidity of the guided sections 82m and 82k is sufficient, the configuration may be made without providing the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1.

[0125] Rack sections 83y to 83k (rack gears) are formed in the guided sections 82y to 82k. In addition, pinion gears 94y to 94k are rotatably held within the rotary body 90. The pinion gears 94y to 94k are meshed with the rack sections 83y to 83k in a manner that enables power transmission.

[0126] The rack sections 83y~83k and pinion gears 94y~94k are part of the moving device 85y~85k, which is configured to move the toner cartridges 70y~70k from the mounting position to the retracted position. Furthermore, the rack sections 83y~83k and pinion gears 94y~94k can be said to be part of the driven device driven by the drive device 98 of the main body 1A. The pinion gears 94y~94k can be described as rotating bodies (rotating members) that move the trays 80y~80k relative to the rotary body 90 by rotating.

[0127] The pinion gears 94y~94k and the rack sections 83y~83k function as driven parts for the moving devices 85y~85k of the rotary body 90 to receive driving force from the drive device 98 of the device body 1A. The pinion gear 94k and the rack section 83k are examples of first pinion gears and first rack gears that constitute at least a part of the first driven part of the first moving device. The pinion gear 94m and the rack section 83m are examples of second pinion gears and second rack gears that constitute at least a part of the second driven part of the second moving device.

[0128] The rotary body 90 has guide portions 97 (see Figures 7(a, b)) that engage with each of the guided portions 82y to 82k. Figure 7(a) shows the guide portion 97 (97k) that engages with the guided portion 82k of tray 80k, and Figure 7(b) shows the guide portion 97 (97m) that engages with the guided portion 82m of tray 80m. The rotary body 90 is provided with similar guide portions that engage with the guided portions 82y and 82c of trays 80y and 80c. In addition, Figures 7(a, b) show the guide portion 97 provided on one side (+Y side) of the rotary body 90 in the Y direction, but a similar guide portion 97 is also provided on the other side (-Y side) of the rotary body 90 in the Y direction.

[0129] As tray 80 moves between the storage position and the removal position, the guide portion 97 maintains engagement with the guided portion 82 for at least a portion of the movement range, guiding the direction of movement of tray 80. In this embodiment, the guide portion 97 maintains engagement with the guided portion 82k throughout the entire movement range of tray 80k between the storage position and the removal position. In this embodiment, the guide portion 97 maintains engagement with the guided portion 82m throughout the entire movement range of tray 80m between the storage position and the removal position.

[0130] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, four trays 80y to 80k are arranged inside the rotary body 90 so that they overlap each other, as will be explained in detail below.

[0131] When the pinion gears 94y to 94k rotate, the rack sections 83y to 83k and the trays 80y to 80k move relative to the rotary body 90. As shown in Figure 9, the four trays 80y to 80k are positioned so that their movement directions are rotated by 90 degrees relative to the rotary body 90. Therefore, trays 80y and 80c, and trays 80m and 80k are held to slide in substantially the same direction (parallel direction). The direction of movement of each tray 80y to 80k during this sliding movement is restricted by the engagement between the guided sections 82y to 82k and the guide section 97.

[0132] Furthermore, trays 80y to 80k move outside the machine through opening 16a. When each of trays 80y to 80k moves outside the machine through opening 16a, the direction of movement of each tray is substantially the same (parallel).

[0133] As shown in Figure 9, with respect to the movement direction Dk of tray 80k, the area in which tray 80k is positioned overlaps with the area in which tray 80y is positioned and the area in which tray 80c is positioned. Also, with respect to the movement direction Dk of tray 80k, the area in which tray 80k is positioned overlaps with the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. In other words, the toner cartridge 70k held in the cartridge holding part 81k of tray 80k overlaps with the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (Figure 4(b)).

[0134] On the other hand, with respect to the movement direction Dm of tray 80m, the area in which tray 80m is placed is offset so as not to overlap with the area in which tray 80y is placed and the area in which tray 80c is placed. Furthermore, with respect to the movement direction Dy of tray 80y, the area in which tray 80y is placed is offset so as not to overlap with the area in which tray 80m is placed and the area in which tray 80k is placed. Similarly, with respect to the movement direction Dc of tray 80c, the area in which tray 80c is placed is offset so as not to overlap with the area in which tray 80m is placed and the area in which tray 80k is placed.

[0135] The relative positions of the trays 80 can also be expressed as follows: When viewed in the direction of movement Dy of tray 80y, trays 80y and 80k overlap, but trays 80y and 80m do not overlap. When viewed in the direction of movement Dm of tray 80m, trays 80m and 80k overlap, but trays 80m and trays 80y and 80c do not overlap. When viewed in the direction of movement Dc of tray 80c, trays 80c and 80k overlap, but trays 80c and 80m do not overlap.

[0136] Here, when two elements (components, parts, units, etc.) are viewed in a particular direction, overlapping means that when each element is projected perpendicularly onto a virtual plane perpendicular to that direction, the projected area of ​​one element and the projected area of ​​the other element overlap at least partially.

[0137] As shown in Figures 8 and 10, with respect to the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the area in which the rack section 83m and guided section 82m are arranged and the area in which the rack section 83k and guided section 82k are arranged overlap at least partially. In other words, in this embodiment, with respect to the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotary, the area in which the first rack gear (rack section 83k) is arranged and the area in which the second rack gear (rack section 83m) is arranged overlap at least partially. Therefore, compared to an arrangement in which the rack section 83m and guided section 82m do not overlap with the rack section 83k and guided section 82k, the rack sections 83m, 83k and guided sections 82m, 82k can be arranged in a space-saving manner in the Y direction.

[0138] With respect to the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the range in which the rack portion 83y and guided portion 82y are arranged and the range in which the rack portion 83c and guided portion 82c are arranged overlap at least partially. In other words, in this embodiment, with respect to the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotary, the range in which the third rack gear (rack portion 83y) is arranged and the range in which the fourth rack gear (rack portion 83c) is arranged overlap at least partially. Therefore, compared to an arrangement in which the rack portion 83y and guided portion 82y and the rack portion 83c and guided portion 82c do not overlap, the rack portions 83y, 83c and guided portions 82y, 82c can be arranged in a space-saving manner in the Y direction.

[0139] Here, we will explain the meshing position of the rack portion 83 with the pinion gear 94 using Figure 10. The upper half of Figure 10 shows the meshing position of the rack portion 83k and the pinion gear 94k. The lower half of Figure 10 shows the meshing position of the rack portion 83y and the pinion gear 94y.

[0140] In the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (Y direction), in region Y1 in the figure, the driving force transmitted from the motor M2 (Figure 2) as the drive source by the transmission device described later is transmitted to the pinion gears 94y~94k. In region Y2 in the figure in the Y direction, the pinion gear 94k is meshed with the rack section 83k in a manner that enables power transmission. In region Y3 in the figure in the Y direction, the pinion gear 94y is meshed with the rack section 83y in a manner that enables power transmission. The rack section 83m is meshed with the pinion gear 94m (Figure 8) in region Y2 in a manner that enables power transmission, just like the rack section 83k. The rack section 83c is meshed with the pinion gear 94c (Figure 8) in region Y3 in a manner that enables power transmission, just like the rack section 83y.

[0141] Here, regions Y2 and Y3 are in different positions in the Y direction (they are offset in the Y direction). Also, region Y1 is in a different position in the Y direction from both regions Y2 and Y3. In other words, region Y1 is offset in the Y direction from regions Y2 and Y3.

[0142] Furthermore, with the toner cartridges 70y and 70c in the installed position, the range in which the rack unit 83y is positioned and the range in which the rack unit 83c is positioned overlap at least partially with respect to the direction of movement of the rack unit 83y (the direction of movement of the tray 80y, Dy). In this embodiment, since the directions of movement Dy and Dc of the trays 80y and 80c are substantially the same direction (parallel), the range in which the rack unit 83y is positioned and the range in which the rack unit 83c is positioned also overlap at least partially with respect to the direction of movement Dc of the tray 80c. Therefore, with the toner cartridges 70y and 70c in the installed position, the tooth surfaces of the rack unit 83y and the rack unit 83c face each other in the direction perpendicular to the directions of movement Dy and Dc of the rack units 83y and 83c (the left-right direction in Figure 8).

[0143] Furthermore, with toner cartridges 70m and 70k in the installed position, the area in which rack unit 83m is positioned and the area in which rack unit 83k is positioned overlap at least partially with respect to the direction of movement of rack unit 83m (direction of movement Dm of tray 80m). In this embodiment, since the directions of movement Dm and Dk of trays 80m and 80k are substantially the same direction (parallel), the area in which rack unit 83m is positioned and the area in which rack unit 83k is positioned also overlap at least partially with respect to the direction of movement Dk of tray 80k. Therefore, with toner cartridges 70m and 70k in the installed position, the tooth surfaces of rack unit 83m and rack unit 83k face each other in the direction perpendicular to the directions of movement Dm and Dk of rack units 83m and 83k (up and down direction in Figure 8).

[0144] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(a) described later, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the rack section 83y overlaps with the rack sections 83m and 83k. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the rack section 83m overlaps with the rack sections 83y and 83c. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the rack section 83c overlaps with the rack sections 83m and 83k. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the rack section 83k overlaps with the rack sections 83y and 83c. In other words, with respect to the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotary, the range in which the first rack gear (rack section 83k) is located and the range in which the second rack gear (rack section 83y) is located do not overlap. Furthermore, when viewed in the direction of the rotary's rotation axis (Y direction), the first rack gear (rack section 83k) and the second rack gear (rack section 83y) overlap when the first toner cartridge 70k is in the first mounting position and the second toner cartridge 70y is in the second mounting position.

[0145] Thus, because the positions of rack sections 83k and 83m and rack sections 83y and 83c are different in the Y direction, rack sections 83y and 83c and rack sections 83m and 83k can be arranged to overlap in the Y direction.

[0146] This allows for space-saving arrangement of the four trays within the rotary body 90, resulting in a smaller rotary body 90 in the radial direction. In other words, if the travel distance of each tray 80y~80k is kept the same as in this embodiment, and the rack sections 83 are arranged so that they do not overlap when viewed in the Y direction, the area required for arranging the four rack sections when viewed in the Y direction becomes larger. Compared to this configuration, by arranging multiple rack sections 83 with their positions offset in the Y direction, and allowing the rack sections 83 to overlap when viewed in the Y direction, the area required for arranging the rack sections 83 when viewed in the Y direction can be reduced.

[0147] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the four rack sections 83y to 83k are arranged in two pairs, with their positions offset in the Y direction. In other words, with respect to the rotation axis direction of the rotary (Y direction), the ranges in which the first and second rack gears are positioned overlap, and the ranges in which the third and fourth rack gears are positioned overlap. Also, with respect to the Y direction, the ranges in which the first and second rack gears are positioned do not overlap with the ranges in which the third and fourth rack gears are positioned. As a result, the rotary body 90 can be made smaller in the Y direction compared to the case where each of the four rack sections 83y to 83k is offset in the Y direction.

[0148] (Tray movement configuration) The configuration for moving trays 80y to 80k, which are located inside the rotary body 90, will be explained using Figures 11(a, b) and 12(a, b). Figure 11(a, b) is a perspective view showing the configuration for moving tray 80k. Figure 12(a, b) is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration for moving tray 80k.

[0149] In this embodiment, trays 80y to 80k are all driven by the driving force of motor M2, which is transmitted to pinion gears 94y to 94k by drive racks 15L and 15R, which act as transmission devices. Here, we will describe the configuration in which tray 80k is moved relative to the rotary body 90, and the configuration in which trays 80y to 80c are moved relative to the rotary body 90 is substantially the same as the configuration in which tray 80k is moved, so we will omit the explanation.

[0150] Figure 11(a) shows the tray 80k inside the rotary body 90 (i.e., the toner cartridge 70k is installed in the developing unit 50k). In other words, Figure 11(a) shows the tray 80k in the storage position, which corresponds to the toner cartridge 70k being installed relative to the developing frame 53k (Figure 4(a)). Figure 11(b) shows the tray 80k slid out of the rotary body 90. In other words, Figure 11(b) shows the tray 80k in the removal position, which corresponds to the toner cartridge 70k being retracted relative to the developing frame 53k (Figure 4(b)).

[0151] The main body 1A of this embodiment has drive racks 15L and 15R as drive gears that drive the pinion gear 94. Each drive rack 15 is driven by a motor M2 via a drive transmission mechanism (not shown).

[0152] As mentioned above, two rack sections 83k are formed at both ends of the tray 80k in the Y direction. Two pinion gears 94k and drive racks 15L and 15R are each positioned at locations corresponding to the rack sections 83k at both ends. In other words, the device body 1A of this embodiment has drive racks 15L and 15R as the first drive gear and the second drive gear. Drive rack 15L can be said to be an example of the first drive gear, and drive rack 15R can be said to be an example of the second drive gear.

[0153] However, these numberings are for explanatory convenience only and can be rearranged as appropriate. When there is no need to distinguish between drive racks 15L and 15R, they are referred to as "drive rack 15".

[0154] In this embodiment, the rack section 83 is configured as a rack gear pair, and the pinion gear 94 in this embodiment is configured as a pinion gear pair. In this embodiment, the rack gear pair and the pinion gear pair are arranged on one end and the other end of the support member (tray 80) in the Y direction, but they may be arranged in other positions. The rack section 83k and the pinion gear 94k of the moving device 85k corresponding to the tray 80k can be said to be examples of a first rack gear pair and a first pinion gear pair, respectively.

[0155] The rack sections 83y-83c and pinion gears 94y-94c of the moving devices 85y-85c, which correspond to any of the other trays 80y-80c, can be said to be examples of a second rack gear pair and a second pinion gear pair, respectively.

[0156] One of the rack gear pairs meshes with one of the pinion gear pairs, and the other of the rack gear pair meshes with the other of the pinion gear pair. At least one of the pinion gear pairs is driven by the drive rack 15L, which acts as the first drive rack. In this embodiment, both of the pinion gear pairs are driven simultaneously by the first drive rack and the drive racks 15L and 15R, which act as the second drive racks. This makes it less likely for the tray 80 to rotate, and enables stable movement of the toner cartridge 70.

[0157] The tray 80 may also have a single rack section 83 and be moved by a single drive rack 15 via a single pinion gear 94.

[0158] The tray 80k is held so as to be slidable relative to the rotary body 90 in a direction parallel to the guided portion 82k (i.e., the direction of movement Dk). The drive rack 15 is held so as to be slidable relative to the device body 1A in a direction intersecting the direction of movement Dk of the tray 80k. The drive rack 15 is configured to slide (reciprocate) relative to the device body 1A in a first direction (vertically upward in this embodiment) and a second direction opposite to the first direction (vertically downward in this embodiment). In other words, the direction of movement of the drive rack 15 in this embodiment is a direction that intersects (preferably perpendicular to) both the direction of movement Dk of the tray 80k and the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (Y direction).

[0159] Using Figures 11(a, b), the tray movement operation, in which tray 80k slides between the storage position and the removal position, will be explained. The tray movement operation of tray 80k is performed by motor M2 (Figure 2), a drive transmission mechanism (not shown), drive rack 15, pinion gear 94k, and rack section 83k.

[0160] First, we will explain the tray movement operation (tray pull-out operation) when removing the toner cartridge 70k from the rotary body 90. Before the tray pull-out operation begins, the drive rack 15 is positioned below the position where it engages with the pinion gear 94k (Figure 11(a)). Also, as mentioned above, during the replacement of the toner cartridge 70k, the rotary body 90 assumes the position for replacing the toner cartridge 70k (Figure 4(b)).

[0161] When the tray pulling operation is initiated, the drive rack 15 slides upward on the device body 1A due to the driving force of the motor M2. As the drive rack 15 moves, it engages with the pinion gear 94k, and the pinion gear 94k is rotated.

[0162] As shown in Figure 11(b), the pinion gear 94k is rotated in the direction of the arrow in the figure, which inputs a driving force to the rack portion 83k that meshes with the pinion gear 94k. As a result, the tray 80k is pushed out of the machine and moves from the storage position to the removal position relative to the rotary body 90. At this time, the direction of movement of the tray 80k is guided in a predetermined direction Dk by the engagement of the guided portion 82k and the guide portion 97k of the rotary body 90 (Figure 7(a)). As a result of the tray 80k moving from the storage position to the removal position, the toner cartridge 70k moves from the mounting position to the retracted position relative to the developing unit 50k.

[0163] With tray 80k in the eject position and toner cartridge 70k in the retracted position, the user can insert and remove toner cartridge 70k from tray 80k.

[0164] The tray movement operation (tray pull-in operation, tray insertion operation) when attaching the toner cartridge 70 to the rotary body 90 is performed in the reverse order of the tray pull-out operation. For example, the tray pull-in operation is started when the user operates a designated control unit. When the tray pull-in operation is started, the drive rack 15 slides downwards on the device body 1A by the driving force of the motor M2. Here, the rotation direction of the motor M2 during the tray pull-in operation is opposite to that of the tray pull-out operation.

[0165] When the pinion gear 94k is driven to rotate in the opposite direction to the arrow in Figure 11(b), a driving force is input to the rack section 83k that meshes with the pinion gear 94k. As a result, the tray 80k is pulled into the machine and moves from the removal position to the storage position relative to the rotary body 90.

[0166] The direction of movement of the tray 80k is guided in the direction of movement Dk (opposite to the arrow in Figure 11(b)) by the engagement of the guided portion 82k and the guide portion 97k of the rotary body 90 (Figure 7(a)). As a result of the tray 80k moving from the removal position to the storage position, the toner cartridge 70k moves from the retracted position to the mounting position relative to the developing unit 50k.

[0167] The above describes the movement of the black tray 80k and toner cartridge 70k, but the movement of the other trays 80y~80c and toner cartridges 70y~70c is performed by a similar mechanism. In other words, in the position for replacing each toner cartridge, the drive rack 15 transmits power to the pinion gears 94y~94c.

[0168] A motor M2 provided on the main body 1A of the device, along with a drive rack 15 (15L, 15R) and a transmission device including a drive transmission mechanism, constitute a drive device 98 for driving the moving device 85 provided on the rotary body 90.

[0169] As described above, in this embodiment, the rotary body 90 is equipped with multiple moving devices 85k to 85y corresponding to multiple toner cartridges 70k to 70y. The drive unit 98 of the device body 1A is a common drive unit that drives the multiple moving devices 85k to 85y (multiple driven devices) of the rotary body 90.

[0170] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the object to be driven by the drive device 98 is switched by the rotation of the rotary body 90. In other words, the drive device of this embodiment includes a drive rack 15 as a transmission member that transmits the driving force of the drive source. The drive device can be in a state in which the transmission member is engaged with the first driven part (pinion gear 94k) in a manner that can transmit power, and in a state in which the transmission member is engaged with the second driven part (pinion gear 94m) in a manner that can transmit power. The drive device can also be in a state in which the transmission member is disengaged from the first driven part and the second driven part.

[0171] As described above, the pinion gears 94y to 94k are held by the rotary body 90. Therefore, it is preferable that the engagement between the pinion gears 94y to 94k and the drive rack 15 is released when the rotary body 90 rotates.

[0172] Figure 12(a) shows the tray 80k inside the rotary body 90 (in the storage position). Figure 12(b) shows the tray 80k moved outside the rotary body 90 (in the removal position).

[0173] As shown in Figure 12(a), when the tray 80k is inside the rotary body 90, the drive rack 15 is located in the lower part of the device body 1A. At this time, the drive rack 15 is retracted from the pinion gear 94k. Therefore, the drive rack 15 does not get in the way, and the rotary body 90 can be rotated. More specifically, the drive rack 15 can be retracted outside the rotation trajectory of the rotary body 90, which is shown by the dotted line in Figures 12(a) and 12(b).

[0174] As described above, by rotating the motor M2 in forward and reverse directions, the tray 80 attached to the rotary body 90 can be moved relative to the rotary body 90 from the storage position to the removal position, and from the removal position to the storage position. In other words, the drive device of this embodiment can not only drive each moving device of the rotary so that the toner cartridge moves from the mounting position to the retracted position, but can also drive each moving device so that the toner cartridge moves from the retracted position to the mounting position.

[0175] As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the amount of movement of the tray 80 when replacing the toner cartridge is changed to match the size of the toner cartridge 70. Specifically, as shown in Figures 7(a, b), the distance L1 traveled by the black tray 80k from the storage position to the removal position is longer than the distance L2 traveled by the other trays 80y to 80c from the storage position to the removal position.

[0176] Therefore, in this embodiment, when moving the toner cartridges 70y to 70k from the mounting position to the retracted position, the value obtained by dividing the speed of the rack section 83k by the speed of the drive rack 15 is greater than the value obtained by dividing the speed of the rack sections 83y to 83c by the speed of the drive rack 15.

[0177] For example, as shown in Figure 10, the pinion gear 94y is a stepped gear, and the pitch circle radius of the small-diameter gear 942 that meshes with the rack section 83y is made smaller than the pitch circle radius of the large-diameter gear 941 that meshes with the drive rack 15. Pinion gears 94m and 94c are also stepped gears in the same way. On the other hand, the pinion gear 94k has the same pitch circle radius in the part that meshes with the drive rack 15 and the part that meshes with the rack section 83k. In this case, the pitch circle radius of the pinion gear 94k can be the same as the pitch circle radius of the large-diameter gear 941 of the pinion gears 94y to 94c. With this configuration, even if the travel distance of the drive rack 15 is the same, the travel distance of the rack section 83k can be made larger than the travel distance of the other rack sections 83y to 83c. In other words, the travel distance L1 when the black tray 80k moves from the storage position to the removal position can be made longer than the travel distance L2 when the other trays 80y to 80c move from the storage position to the removal position.

[0178] Furthermore, by making the pinion gears 94y to 94c stepped gears, the travel distance L1 of tray 80k can be made larger than the travel distance L2 of the other trays 80y to 80c, even though the pinion gears 94y to 94k receive driving force from the same drive rack 15.

[0179] Alternatively, instead of (or in combination with) the configuration in which pinion gears 94y to 94c are stepped gears, pinion gear 94k may be made a stepped gear. In this case, the portion of pinion gear 94k that meshes with the drive rack 15 should be a small-diameter gear, and the portion of pinion gear 94k that meshes with the rack portion 83k should be a large-diameter gear with a larger pitch circle radius than the small-diameter gear. Furthermore, the stepped gear is just one example of a reduction mechanism, and it may be replaced with a known reduction mechanism that makes the amount of movement of the output side (tray 80 side) member smaller than the amount of movement of the input side (drive source side) member.

[0180] Furthermore, the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 when moving toner cartridge 70k from the mounting position to the retracted position may be greater than the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 when moving toner cartridges 70y to 70c from the mounting position to the retracted position.

[0181] Incidentally, the shorter the distance the toner cartridge 70 moves from the mounting position to the retracted position, the shorter the movement time of the toner cartridge 70 can be, and the shorter the time the user has to wait for the toner cartridge 70 to move. As described above, if the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 relative to toner cartridge 70k is greater than the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 relative to toner cartridges 70y to 70c, the shorter the time the user has to wait for the toner cartridges 70y to 70c to move can be.

[0182] With the configuration described above, the travel distance L1 can be made longer than the travel distance L2. These configurations can also be used in combination.

[0183] Although a configuration in which the driven part has a pinion gear 94 that meshes with both the drive rack 15 and the rack portion 83 has been described, the driven part may also have a gear that meshes with the drive rack 15 and a gear that meshes with the rack portion 83.

[0184] Furthermore, the configuration of the moving device 85 for moving the tray 80 is not limited to a so-called rack and pinion configuration. For example, the component corresponding to the pinion gear 94 may be replaced with a roller that rotates under the drive of the motor M2, and the tray 80 may be moved by friction between the roller and the tray 80.

[0185] Furthermore, when using rollers that rotate under the drive of motor M2, the rollers and toner cartridges 70 may be brought into contact. In this case, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k can be directly attached to and detached from the rotary body 90 without going through trays 80y to 80k. In this case, the moving device 85 is composed of rollers. Moreover, the rotary assembly 90A can be said to have the rotary body 90 and the toner cartridges 70y to 70k.

[0186] <First example configuration of toner guide to discharge opening> As described above, the toner stored in the toner storage section 71a is discharged from the discharge opening 71b, and the toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is stored in the developer-side storage section 53a through the receiving opening 53b.

[0187] In the following description, it is assumed that a toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotary body 90. Below, the configuration for efficiently discharging the toner stored in the toner storage section 71a from the discharge opening 71b will be explained using Figures 13, 14, and 29.

[0188] Figure 13 shows the internal structure of the toner cartridge 70 according to the first configuration example. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 70 according to the first configuration example, and specifically, it is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C, viewed in the Y direction.

[0189] Figures 29(a) and (b) are perspective views showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 70 according to the first configuration example.

[0190] Here, we assume that the toner cartridge 70 is projected onto a first virtual plane perpendicular to the first projection direction. In this case, the first projection direction that minimizes the projected area on the first virtual plane can be called the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Also, as described above, with the toner cartridge 70 mounted on the rotary body 90, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70 is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction) of the rotary body 90.

[0191] Furthermore, let us assume that the direction perpendicular to the first projection direction is the second projection direction, and that the toner cartridge 70 is projected onto a second virtual plane perpendicular to the second projection direction in this second projection direction. In this case, the second projection direction that minimizes the projected area on the second virtual plane can be called the short-side direction of the toner cartridge 70. In other words, the short-side direction of the toner cartridge 70 is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and short-side directions of the toner cartridge 70 is called the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0192] In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction, short direction, and thickness direction of the toner frame 71 can be defined in the same way as the longitudinal direction, short direction, and thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70. That is, the longitudinal direction, short direction, and thickness direction of the toner frame 71 are the same as the longitudinal direction, short direction, and thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70. Therefore, the length in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70 and the toner frame 71 is longer than the length in the short direction and the length in the thickness direction. Also, the length in the short direction of the toner cartridge 70 and the toner frame 71 is longer than the length in the thickness direction.

[0193] In the following explanation, the longitudinal direction, transverse direction, and thickness direction of the toner frame 71 and the longitudinal direction, transverse direction, and thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70 will not be distinguished, but will simply be referred to as the longitudinal direction, transverse direction, and thickness direction, respectively.

[0194] As shown in Figure 13, the toner frame 71 has a toner storage section 71a and a left side surface 71eL and a right side surface 71eR that face each other. The left side surface 71eL and the right side surface 71eR are surfaces that extend in directions intersecting the longitudinal direction (preferably in perpendicular directions) and face each other in the longitudinal direction. It can also be said that the normal direction of the left side surface 71eL and the normal direction of the right side surface 71eR contain a component in the longitudinal direction. In the longitudinal direction, the left side surface 71eL is located on one end side of the central part 71c of the toner frame 71, and the right side surface 71eR is located on the other end side of the central part 71c of the toner frame 71. In the longitudinal direction, the left side surface 71eL is located on one end of the toner storage section 71a, and the right side surface 71eR is located on the other end of the toner storage section 71a.

[0195] The left side surface 71eL does not have to be a single surface. That is, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces having the characteristics of the left side surface 71eL described above. In other words, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces, each of which may be the left side surface 71eL. In this case, the multiple surfaces do not have to be parallel to each other, and their positions in the longitudinal direction may differ.

[0196] Similarly, the right side surface 71eR does not have to be a single surface. That is, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces having the characteristics of the right side surface 71eR described above. In other words, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces, each of which may be the right side surface 71eR. In this case, the multiple surfaces do not have to be parallel to each other, and their positions in the longitudinal direction may differ.

[0197] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the toner frame 71 has a toner storage section 71a and two opposing outer surfaces 71o and inner surfaces 71i. The outer surface 71o and inner surface 71i are surfaces that extend in directions intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the short-side direction and are opposite to each other in the short-side direction. In other words, the outer surface 71o and inner surface 71i can be said to be surfaces that extend along the thickness direction and the longitudinal direction. It can also be said that the normal direction of the outer surface 71o and the normal direction of the inner surface 71i include a component in the short-side direction. With respect to the rotational radius direction of the rotary body 90, the inner surface 71i is closer to the rotation axis 90c than the outer surface 71o. With respect to the short-side direction, the outer surface 71o is located at one end of the toner storage section 71a, and the inner surface 71i is located at the other end of the toner storage section 71a.

[0198] The outer surface 71o does not have to be a single surface. That is, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces having the characteristics of the outer surface 71o described above. In other words, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces, each of which may be an outer surface 71o. In this case, the multiple surfaces do not have to be parallel to each other, and their positions in the short direction may differ.

[0199] Similarly, the inner surface 71i does not have to be a single surface. That is, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces having the characteristics of the inner surface 71i described above. In other words, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces, each of which may be an inner surface 71i. In this case, each of the multiple surfaces does not have to be parallel to the others, and their positions in the short direction may differ.

[0200] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the toner frame 71 has a toner storage section 71a and two opposing receiving surfaces 71d1 and 71d2. The first receiving surface 71d1 and the second receiving surface 71d2 are surfaces that extend in directions intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the thickness direction and are opposite to each other in the thickness direction. In other words, the first receiving surface 71d1 and the second receiving surface 71d2 can be said to be surfaces that extend along the short and long directions, respectively. It can also be said that the normal direction of the first receiving surface 71d1 and the normal direction of the second receiving surface 71d2 include a component in the thickness direction. In the thickness direction, the first receiving surface 71d1 is located at one end of the toner storage section 71a, and the second receiving surface 71d2 is located at the other end of the toner storage section 71a.

[0201] The first receiving surface 71d1 does not have to be a single surface. That is, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces having the characteristics of the first receiving surface 71d1 described above. In other words, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces, each of which may be the first receiving surface 71d1. In this case, the multiple surfaces do not have to be parallel to each other, and their positions in the thickness direction may differ.

[0202] Similarly, the second receiving surface 71d2 does not have to be a single surface. That is, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces having the characteristics of the second receiving surface 71d2 described above. In other words, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces, each of which may be the second receiving surface 71d2. In this case, the multiple surfaces do not have to be parallel to each other, and their positions in the thickness direction may differ.

[0203] As shown in Figure 13, the toner frame 71 of the first configuration example has a plurality of discharge openings, including a discharge opening (first opening) 71bL and a discharge opening (second opening) 71bR. Each of the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR functions as a discharge opening 71b that communicates with the toner storage section 71a. In the longitudinal direction, the discharge opening 71bL is located on one end side of the central part 71c of the toner frame 71 and is located between the central part 71c and the left side surface 71eL. In the longitudinal direction, the discharge opening 71bR is located on the other end side of the central part 71c of the toner frame 71 and is located between the central part 71c and the right side surface 71eR. In the first configuration example, in the longitudinal direction, the discharge opening 71bL is closer to the left side surface 71eL than to the central part 71c, and the discharge opening 71bR is closer to the left side surface 71eR than to the central part 71c.

[0204] In the first configuration example, the discharge opening 71bL is positioned such that its projected area is maximized when projected in the thickness direction onto a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction. Similarly, the discharge opening 71bR is positioned such that its projected area is maximized when projected in the thickness direction onto a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction.

[0205] Furthermore, in the first configuration example, the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR are formed on the first receiving surface 71d1 of the toner frame 71. Therefore, the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR face the second receiving surface 71d2 of the toner frame 71. In the first configuration example, the first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bL is formed and the first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bR is formed are continuous. However, the first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bL is formed and the first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bR is formed may be discontinuous.

[0206] The toner frame 71 has at least one guide portion 71g that guides the toner contained in the toner storage portion 71a. The toner frame 71 of the first configuration example includes a plurality of guide portions 71g. Each guide portion 71g is configured to guide the toner, which moves by its own weight in a direction intersecting the Y direction, toward the discharge opening 71b in the Y direction.

[0207] In the first configuration example, the spacing between the multiple guide sections 71g is constant, and the inclination angles of each of the multiple guide sections 71g are the same. However, the spacing between the multiple guide sections 71g does not have to be constant. Also, the inclination angles of each of the multiple guide sections 71g may be different from each other.

[0208] In the first configuration example, the toner frame 71 includes at least one left-side guide 71gL and at least one right-side guide 71gR. Also in the first configuration example, the toner frame 71 includes multiple left-side guides 71gL and multiple right-side guides 71gR. The left-side guide 71gL guides the toner toward the discharge opening 71bL in the Y direction, and the right-side guide 71gR guides the toner toward the discharge opening 71bR in the Y direction. In other words, the toner frame 71 includes multiple toner guides, and the multiple toner guides include right-side guides 71gR and left-side guides 71gL.

[0209] In the longitudinal direction, the left guide 71gL is positioned between the central part 71c of the toner frame 71 and the discharge opening 71bL, and the right guide 71gR is positioned between the central part 71c of the toner frame 71 and the discharge opening 71bR. The left guide 71gL and the discharge opening 71bL have a symmetrical shape in the longitudinal direction with respect to the right guide 71gR and the discharge opening 71bR, but they do not have to be perfectly symmetrical. Also, the number of left guides 71gL and the number of multiple right guides 71gR may be different.

[0210] The left guide 71gL and the right guide 71gR have different directions in which they guide the toner, but their basic configuration and function are generally the same. Therefore, in the following, the left guide 71gL and the right guide 71gR will be referred to as the guide section 71g, and the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR will be referred to as the discharge opening 71b, and will be described together.

[0211] As shown in Figure 14, the guide portion 71g is closer to the first receiving surface 71d1 than to the second receiving surface 71d2. In the first configuration example, the guide portion 71g is positioned on the first receiving surface 71d1. That is, the base of the guide portion 71g is connected to the first receiving surface 71d1. Note that the first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bL is formed, the first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bR is formed, and the first receiving surface 71d1 to which the guide portion 71g is connected do not have to be parallel to each other, and their positions in the thickness direction may be different. On the other hand, a gap is formed between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2.

[0212] When the toner cartridge 70 is attached to or detached from the developing unit 50, the first receiving surface 71d1 with the discharge opening 71bL, the first receiving surface 71d1 with the discharge opening 71bR, and the first receiving surface 71d1 to which the guide portion 71g is connected are all located on the upper end side of the toner storage chamber 71a. In addition, the tip of the guide portion 71g is located below the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR. As a result, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the position for attachment to or detachment from the developing unit 50, excessive concentration of toner below the discharge openings 71bR and 71bL is suppressed.

[0213] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the guide portion 71g has an outer end 71go and an inner end 71gi. In the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90, the inner end 71gi is closer to the axis of rotation 90c than the outer end 71go. Also, in the longitudinal direction, the inner end 71gi is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the outer end 71go. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first receiving surface 71d1, the angle between the line passing through the inner end 71gi and the outer end 71go and the longitudinal direction is preferably greater than the angle of repose of the toner.

[0214] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the short-side direction, the distance between the outer end 71go and the inner end 71gi is shorter than the distance between the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i. Also, in the short-side direction, the outer surface 71o faces the outer end 71go, and a gap is formed between the outer surface 71o and the outer end 71go. The inner surface 71i faces the inner end 71gi, and a gap is formed between the inner surface 71i and the inner end 71gi.

[0215] The guide section 71g guides the toner moving in the short direction from the outer end 71go to the inner end 71gi toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0216] When the first receiving surface (first surface) 71d1 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal, and the inclination angle of the first receiving surface 71d1 with respect to the horizontal exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the first receiving surface 71d1 and on the first receiving surface 71d1. At this time, the guide portion 71g guides the toner moving along the first receiving surface 71d1 toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0217] More specifically, with the first receiving surface 71d1 positioned below the second receiving surface 71d2, the first receiving surface 71d1 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction such that its outer end in the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 is higher than its inner end. When the inclination angle of the first receiving surface 71d1 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the first receiving surface 71d1 from its outer end towards its inner end in the direction intersecting the rotation axis 90c of the rotary body 90.

[0218] When the toner moving on the first receiving surface 71d1 comes into contact with the surface of the guide portion 71g, which is facing the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction, the guide portion 71g guides the toner toward the discharge opening 71 in the longitudinal direction.

[0219] On the other hand, when the second receiving surface (second surface) 71d2 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the second receiving surface 71d2 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along and on the second receiving surface 71d2. At this time, the toner moves through the gap between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2, in the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90, from one of the outer end 71go and the inner end 71gi to the other of the outer end 71go and the inner end 71gi. The toner moving through the gap between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2 can move without being guided by the guide portion 71g.

[0220] As shown in Figure 13, in the short direction, the discharge openings 71 (discharge openings 71bL, 71bR) are positioned between the outer end 71go and the inner end gi. Furthermore, in the short direction, the discharge openings 71 (discharge openings 71bL, 71bR) are closer to the outer surface 71o than to the inner surface 71i. However, the arrangement of the discharge openings 71 (discharge openings 71bL, 71bR) is not limited to this. In the short direction, the discharge openings 71 (discharge openings 71bL, 71bR) may be closer to the inner surface 71i than to the outer surface 71o.

[0221] Furthermore, in the first configuration example, the toner can move longitudinally through the gap formed between the outer surface 71o and the outer end 71go, and the gap formed between the inner surface 71i and the inner end 71gi. The toner can also move longitudinally through the gap between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2. Therefore, the guide portion 71g can be positioned such that at least one of the gaps formed between the outer surface 71o and the outer end 71go, and the gap formed between the inner surface 71i and the inner end 71gi is eliminated. In other words, the guide portion 71g may be connected to at least one of the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i.

[0222] As will be described later, as the rotary assembly 90 rotates, the toner moves along the first receiving surface 71d1 and the second receiving surface 71d2. The toner that has moved along the first receiving surface 71d1 and the second receiving surface 71d2 collides with the inner surface 71i and the outer surface 71o and spreads out in the longitudinal direction.

[0223] <Rotation of the rotary assembly and movement of toner> The movement of toner accompanying the rotation of the rotary assembly 90A will be explained using Figure 15. Figures 15(a) and 15(b) are schematic diagrams viewed in the Y direction, showing the toner cartridge 70 rotating around the rotation axis 90C. In Figures 15(a) and 15(b), the dotted line drawn inside the toner storage chamber 71a indicates the surface of the toner (top surface of the toner) stored in the toner storage chamber 71a.

[0224] The toner cartridge 70 is attached to and detached from the rotary body 90 at position Tp2. When the toner cartridge 70 is at position Tp0, the first receiving surface 71d1 and the second receiving surface 71d2 are parallel to the Z direction, and the toner cartridge 70 is above the rotation axis 90c. When the toner cartridge 70 is at position Tp4, the first receiving surface 71d1 and the second receiving surface 71d2 are parallel to the Z direction, and the toner cartridge 70 is below the rotation axis 90c.

[0225] In Figure 15(a), the rotary assembly 90A rotates clockwise when viewed in the Y direction. When the toner cartridge 70 completes one rotation from position Tp0, it moves in the following order: Tp0, Tp1, Tp2, Tp3, Tp4, Tp5, Tp6, Tp7, and returns to position Tp0.

[0226] At position Tp0, the toner is supported by the inner surface 71i, and its own weight is supported by the inner surface 71i. When the toner cartridge 70 rotates clockwise from position Tp0, the weight of the toner is supported by the second support surface 71d2. The toner supported by the inner surface 71i at position Tp0 spontaneously collapses as the toner cartridge 70 rotates and spreads out onto the second support surface 71d2.

[0227] As the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp2 to position Tp4, gravity acts on the toner, causing it to move under its own weight from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o on the second receiving surface 71d2. At position Tp2, the toner is biased towards the inner surface 71i, so as the toner cartridge 70 moves from position Tp2 to position Tp4, a large portion of the toner moves from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o on the second receiving surface 71d2.

[0228] The toner, having moved along the second receiving surface 71d2 toward the outer surface 71o, collides with the outer surface 71o and spreads in the longitudinal direction. The angle between the second receiving surface 71d2 and the outer surface 71o is preferably close to a right angle.

[0229] More specifically, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that the proportion of the outer surface 71o in which the angle between it and the second receiving surface 71d2 is 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less exceeds 50% of the entire outer surface 71o, and more preferably exceeds 80%. As shown in Figures 29(a) and (b), the outer surface 71o is a plane, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0230] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction, the length of the region where the angle between the outer surface 71o and the second receiving surface 71d2 satisfies the above conditions is preferably more than 50% of the length of the toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably more than 80%.

[0231] At position Tp4, the toner is supported by the outer surface 71o, and its own weight is supported by the outer surface 71o. When the toner cartridge 70 rotates clockwise from position Tp4, the toner's own weight is supported by the first support surface 71d1. The toner supported by the outer surface 71o at position Tp4 spontaneously collapses as the toner cartridge 70 rotates and spreads out onto the first support surface 71d1.

[0232] When the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp6 to position Tp0, gravity acts on the toner, causing it to move under its own weight from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i on the first receiving surface 71d1. At position Tp6, the toner is biased towards the outer surface 71o, so when the toner cartridge 70 moves from position Tp6 to position Tp0, a large amount of toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i on the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0233] The toner, having moved along the first receiving surface 71d1 toward the inner surface 71i, collides with the inner surface 71i and spreads in the longitudinal direction. The angle between the first receiving surface 71d1 and the inner surface 71i is preferably close to a right angle.

[0234] More specifically, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that the proportion of the inner surface 71i where the angle between it and the first receiving surface 71d1 is 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less exceeds 50% of the entire inner surface 71i, and more preferably exceeds 80%. As shown in Figures 29(a) and (b), the inner surface 71i is a plane, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0235] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction, the length of the region where the angle between the inner surface 71i and the first receiving surface 71d1 satisfies the above conditions is preferably greater than 50% of the length of the toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably greater than 80%.

[0236] In the first configuration example, the rotary assembly 90A rotates clockwise when viewed in the Y direction (Figure 15(a)). However, even if the rotary assembly 90A rotates counterclockwise when viewed in the Y direction, the toner inside the toner cartridge 70 moves as the rotary assembly 90A rotates. In Figure 15(b), the rotary assembly 90A rotates counterclockwise when viewed in the Y direction. When the toner cartridge 70 completes one rotation from position Tp0, the toner cartridge 70 moves in the order of positions Tp0, Tp7, Tp6, Tp5, Tp4, Tp3, Tp2, Tp1, and returns to position Tp0.

[0237] At position Tp0, the toner is supported by the inner surface 71i, and its own weight is supported by the inner surface 71i. When the toner cartridge 70 rotates counterclockwise from position Tp0, the toner's own weight is supported by the first support surface 71d1. The toner supported by the inner surface 71i at position Tp0 spontaneously collapses as the toner cartridge 70 rotates and spreads out onto the first support surface 71d1.

[0238] When the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp6 to position Tp4, gravity acts on the toner, causing it to move under its own weight from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o on the first receiving surface 71d1. At position Tp6, the toner is biased towards the inner surface 71i, so when the toner cartridge 70 moves from position Tp6 to position Tp4, a large amount of toner moves from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o on the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0239] The toner, having moved along the first receiving surface 71d1 toward the outer surface 71o, collides with the outer surface 71o and spreads in the longitudinal direction. The angle between the first receiving surface 71d1 and the outer surface 71o is preferably close to a right angle.

[0240] More specifically, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that the proportion of the outer surface 71o in which the angle between it and the first receiving surface 71d1 is 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less exceeds 50% of the entire outer surface 71o, and more preferably exceeds 80%. As shown in Figures 29(a) and (b), the outer surface 71o is a plane, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0241] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction, the length of the region where the angle between the outer surface 71o and the first receiving surface 71d1 satisfies the above conditions is preferably more than 50% of the length of the toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably more than 80%.

[0242] At position Tp4, the toner is supported by the outer surface 71o, and its own weight is supported by the outer surface 71o. When the toner cartridge 70 rotates counterclockwise from position Tp4, the weight of the toner is supported by the second support surface 71d2. The toner supported by the outer surface 71o at position Tp4 spontaneously collapses as the toner cartridge 70 rotates and spreads out onto the second support surface 71d2.

[0243] As the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp2 to position Tp0, gravity acts on the toner, causing it to move under its own weight from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i on the second receiving surface 71d2. At position Tp2, the toner is biased towards the outer surface 71o side, so when the toner cartridge 70 moves from position Tp6 to position Tp0, a large amount of toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i on the second receiving surface 71d2.

[0244] The toner, having moved along the second receiving surface 71d2 toward the inner surface 71i, collides with the inner surface 71i and spreads in the longitudinal direction. The angle between the second receiving surface 71d2 and the inner surface 71i is preferably close to a right angle.

[0245] More specifically, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that the proportion of the inner surface 71i where the angle between it and the second receiving surface 71d2 is 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less exceeds 50% of the entire inner surface 71i, and more preferably exceeds 80%. As shown in Figures 29(a) and (b), the inner surface 71i is a plane, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0246] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction, the length of the region where the angle between the inner surface 71i and the second receiving surface 71d2 satisfies the above conditions is preferably more than 50% of the length of the toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably more than 80%.

[0247] In other words, as the rotary assembly 90A rotates, the toner moves over the first receiving surface 71d1. It is preferable that the angle between the inner surface 71i or outer surface 71o, located downstream of the first receiving surface 71d1 in the direction of toner movement, and the first receiving surface 71d1 satisfies the above relationship. Specifically, it is preferable that the proportion of the area where the angle between the surface and the first receiving surface 71d1 is between 80 and 100 degrees exceeds 50% of the entire surface. Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that the length of the region satisfying this condition exceeds 50% of the length of the toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably exceeds 80%.

[0248] Furthermore, as the rotary assembly 90A rotates, the toner moves over the second receiving surface 71d2. It is preferable that the angle between the inner surface 71i or outer surface 71o, located downstream of the second receiving surface 71d2 in the direction of toner movement, and the second receiving surface 71d2 satisfies the above relationship. In other words, it is preferable that the proportion of the area where the angle between the surface and the second receiving surface 71d2 is between 80 and 100 degrees exceeds 50% of the entire surface. Also, in the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that the length of the region satisfying this condition exceeds 50% of the length of the toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably exceeds 80%.

[0249] In this embodiment, both the inner surface 71i and the outer surface 71o satisfy the above conditions, but it is also possible that only one of the inner surface 71i or the outer surface 71o satisfies the above conditions. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the inner surface 71i or the outer surface 71o satisfies the above conditions.

[0250] <Toner guidance and ejection by the rotation of the rotary assembly> Figures 13, 14, 15(a), (b), 16, 17, and 30 illustrate the toner guide and discharge from the discharge opening 71b when the rotary assembly 90A rotates.

[0251] Figures 16, 17, and 30 are schematic diagrams showing a rotary assembly 90A that rotates around a rotation axis 90C as viewed in the Y direction. Figures 16 and 17 show a toner cartridge 70 and its corresponding developing unit 50. Figure 16 shows toner cartridges 70 at positions Tp0, TP2, Tp4, and Tp6, and their corresponding developing units 50. In Figure 17, the developing unit 50 in the upper left is in the developing position.

[0252] In the first configuration example, the rotary assembly 90A rotates clockwise in Figures 16 and 17. Therefore, with respect to the rotation direction of the rotary assembly 90A (the rotation direction of the rotary body 90), the first receiving surface 71d1 is located upstream of the second receiving surface 71d2. In Figure 17, the toner cartridge 70 in the upper left corresponds to the developing unit 50 in the developing position and is located between position Tp6 and position Tp0.

[0253] As described above, in the first configuration example, the guide portion 71g guides the toner, which moves in the short direction from the outer end 71go to the inner end 71gi on the first receiving surface 71d1, toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. As described above, when the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp4 to position Tp0, with the weight of the toner supported by the first receiving surface 71d1, the toner moves in the short direction from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i (see Figure 30). In other words, with the weight of the toner supported by the first receiving surface 71d1, the toner moves in the short direction from the outer end 71go to the inner end 71gi. As a result, the toner is guided by the guide portion 71g toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0254] In the first configuration example, the discharge opening 71b is provided on the first receiving surface 71d1, and when the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp4 to position Tp0, the discharge opening 71b is positioned above the receiving opening 53b. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp4 to position Tp0, toner is discharged from the discharge opening 71b and supplied to the developing unit 50.

[0255] On the other hand, when the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp0 to position Tp4, the toner moves in the short direction from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o while its own weight is supported by the second receiving surface 71d2 (see Figure 30). In other words, with the toner's own weight supported by the second receiving surface 71d2, the toner moves in the short direction from the inner end 71gi to the outer end 71go. At this time, the toner moves from the inner end 71gi to the outer end 71go through the gap between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2.

[0256] If toner moves along the first receiving surface 71d1 in the short direction from the inner end 71gi to the outer end 71go, the toner is guided by the guide portion 71g so that it moves away from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. In the first configuration example, when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and the toner moves from the inner end 71gi to the outer end 71go, the toner moves through the gap between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2. The toner moving through the gap between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2 is not guided by the guide portion 71g. Therefore, the guidance of the toner by the guide portion 71g so that it moves away from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction is suppressed.

[0257] Thus, in the first configuration example, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates, and in the short direction, toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i and from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o. When the toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, in the longitudinal direction, the toner is guided by the guide portion 71g toward the discharge opening 71b. On the other hand, when the toner moves from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o, the guidance of the toner toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction is suppressed.

[0258] Therefore, when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) with the toner cartridge 70 attached thereto rotates, the amount of toner moving in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b is larger than the amount of toner moving in the longitudinal direction away from the discharge opening 71b. Note that the amount of toner moving in the longitudinal direction away from the discharge opening 71b may be zero. Furthermore, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) may rotate a plurality of times.

[0259] As described above, in the first configuration example, toner is guided toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction and discharged from the discharge opening 71b. Therefore, the toner stored in the toner storage chamber 71a can be efficiently discharged from the discharge opening 71b.

[0260] <Second Configuration Example of Toner Guide to Discharge Opening> The toner cartridge 170 according to the second configuration example will be described with reference to FIG. 18. In the second configuration example, components similar to those described in the first configuration example are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted in principle. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 170 according to the second configuration example.

[0261] The toner cartridge 170 according to Example 2 differs from the toner cartridge 70 according to the first configuration example in the arrangement of the guide portion 71g and the discharge opening 71b.

[0262] That is, the toner frame 71 of the toner cartridge 70 according to the first configuration example is provided with discharge openings 71bL and 71bR. On the other hand, the toner frame 171 of the toner cartridge 170 according to the second configuration example is provided with one discharge opening 71b. The shape and arrangement of the discharge opening 71b in the second configuration example are the same as the shape and arrangement of the discharge opening 71bL in the first configuration example.

[0263] Furthermore, the toner frame 171 has at least one guide portion 71g. The toner frame 171 of the second configuration has multiple guide portions 71g. In the second configuration, the guide portion 71g has the same shape as the left-side guide 71gL of the first configuration. In the longitudinal direction, the guide portion 71g is positioned between the central portion 71c and the discharge opening 71b of the toner frame 171, and between the central portion 71c and the right-side surface 71eR. Similar to the first configuration, there is a gap between the second receiving surface 71d2 and the guide portion 71g (see Figure 14).

[0264] In the second configuration example as well, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates, and in the short direction, toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i and from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o. When the toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, in the longitudinal direction, the toner is guided toward the discharge opening 71b by the guide portion 71g. On the other hand, when the toner moves toward the inner surface 71i from the outer surface 71o, the guidance of the toner toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction is suppressed.

[0265] The shape and arrangement of the discharge opening 71b may be the same as the shape and arrangement of the discharge opening 71bR in the first configuration example. In this case, it will have the same shape as the right-side guide 71gL in the first configuration example. The guide portion 71g can be positioned between the central portion 71c and the discharge opening 71b of the toner frame 171, and between the central portion 71c and the left side surface 71eL.

[0266] <Third example configuration of toner guide to discharge opening> The toner cartridge 270 according to the third configuration example will be explained using Figure 19. In the third configuration example, components similar to those described in the first configuration example are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted in principle. Figure 19 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 270 according to the third configuration example.

[0267] The toner cartridge 270 according to Example 3 differs from the toner cartridge 70 of the first configuration example in the arrangement of the guide section 71g and the discharge opening 71b.

[0268] In other words, the toner frame 71 of the toner cartridge 70 in the first configuration example had discharge openings 71bL and 71bR. On the other hand, the toner frame 271 of the toner cartridge 270 in the third configuration example has one discharge opening 71b. The shape of the discharge opening 71b in the third configuration example is the same as the shape of the discharge opening 71b in the first configuration example. Furthermore, the discharge opening 71b in the third configuration example is positioned to overlap with the central part 71c of the toner frame 271 in the longitudinal direction.

[0269] Furthermore, the toner frame 271 has at least one guide portion 71g. The toner frame 271 of the third configuration has multiple guide portions 71g. More specifically, the toner frame 271 of the third configuration includes at least one left-side guide 271gL and at least one right-side guide 271gR. In addition, in the third configuration, the toner frame 271 includes multiple left-side guides 271gL and multiple right-side guides 271gR. The left-side guides 271gL and right-side guides 271gR guide the toner toward the discharge opening 71bR in the Y direction.

[0270] In the third configuration example, the right-side guide 271gR has the same shape as the left-side guide 71gL in the first configuration example, and the left-side guide 271gL has the same shape as the right-side guide 71gR in the first configuration example. In the longitudinal direction, the left-side guide 271gL is positioned between the left side surface 71eL of the toner frame 271 and the discharge opening 71b, and the right-side guide 271gR is positioned between the right side surface 71eR and the discharge opening 71b. Similar to the first configuration example, there is a gap between the second receiving surface 71d2 and the guide portion 71g (see Figure 14).

[0271] The left-side guide 271gL has a longitudinally symmetrical shape with respect to the right-side guide 271gR, but it does not have to be perfectly symmetrical. Also, the number of left-side guides 271gL and the number of multiple right-side guides 271gR may be different.

[0272] In the third configuration example, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates, and in the short direction, toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i and from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o. When the toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, in the longitudinal direction, the toner is guided toward the discharge opening 71b by the guide portion 71g. On the other hand, when the toner moves toward the inner surface 71i from the outer surface 71o, the guidance of the toner toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction is suppressed.

[0273] <Fourth example configuration of toner guide to discharge opening> Figures 31, 32, and 33 will be used to describe the toner cartridges 670, 770, and 870 of the fourth configuration example. In the fourth configuration example, components similar to those described in the first to third configuration examples are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted in principle. Figures 31(a) to 31(c) show the internal structure of toner cartridge 670 of the fourth configuration example. Figures 32(a) to 32(c) show the internal structure of toner cartridge 770 of the fourth configuration example. Figures 33(a) to 33(c) show the internal structure of toner cartridge 870 of the fourth configuration example.

[0274] The toner cartridge 670 shown in Figures 31(a) to (c) has a toner frame 671 having a plurality of guide sections 671g. The toner cartridge 770 shown in Figures 32(a) to (c) has a toner frame 771 having a plurality of guide sections 771g. The toner cartridge 870 shown in Figures 33(a) to (c) has a toner frame 871 having a plurality of guide sections 871g. Each of the plurality of guide sections 671g, each of the plurality of guide sections 771g, and each of the plurality of guide sections 871g have the same function as the guide section 71g in the first configuration example.

[0275] In configuration example 4, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates, and in the short direction, toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i and from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o. When the toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, the toner is guided in the longitudinal direction (direction of the rotation axis 90C) toward the discharge opening 71b by multiple guide parts 671g, multiple guide parts 771g, and multiple guide parts 871g.

[0276] For the developing unit 50 to efficiently replenish toner, it is preferable to quickly transport toner located far from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction (direction of the rotation axis 90C) to the discharge opening 71b. Therefore, when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates once, it is preferable that a large amount of toner is directed toward the discharge opening 71b in the region far from the discharge opening 71b.

[0277] On the other hand, if the amount of toner being transported towards the discharge opening 71b is excessive in the longitudinal direction (direction of the rotation axis 90C) near the discharge opening 71b, the toner may become densely packed near the discharge opening 71b, hindering its discharge. Therefore, when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates once, it is preferable that the amount of toner heading towards the discharge opening 71b in the region near the discharge opening 71b does not become excessive.

[0278] When the rotary main body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and the toner moves in the lateral direction, the plurality of guide portions (671g, 771g, 871g) direct the toner toward the longitudinal direction. The ability of the plurality of guide portions (671g, 771g, 871g) to direct the toner toward the longitudinal direction when the rotary main body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates is referred to as toner conveying force. The toner conveying force can also be defined as the ability of the plurality of guide portions (671g, 771g, 871g) to direct the toner toward the longitudinal direction when the toner moves in the lateral direction. When a fixed amount of toner moves in the lateral direction, a higher conveying force results in a larger amount of toner being moved in the longitudinal direction. In Configuration Example 4, the conveying force of the plurality of guide portions (671g, 771g, 871g) decreases as approaching the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0279] That is, when a fixed amount of toner is moved in the lateral direction, the amount of toner guided toward a direction approaching the discharge opening 71b by the plurality of guide portions (671g, 771g, 871g) decreases as approaching the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0280] Here, in the longitudinal direction, the first region RG1, second region RG2, and third region RG3 of the plurality of guide portions (671g, 771g, 871g) are defined as follows.

[0281] The first region RG1 is a region including, among the plurality of guide portions (671g, 771g, 871g), the guide portion (671g, 771g, 871g) closest to the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. The second region RG2 is a region including, among the plurality of guide portions (671g, 771g, 871g), the guide portion (671g, 771g, 871g) farthest from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. Note that the discharge opening 71b herein is the discharge opening 71b located on the downstream side of the plurality of guide portions (671g, 771g, 871g) in the direction in which the plurality of guide portions (671g, 771g, 871g) guide the toner. That is, the first region RG1 of the plurality of guide portions (671g, 771g, 871g) is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the second region RG2 of the plurality of guide portions (671g, 771g, 871g).

[0282] The toner transport force in the first region RG1 is smaller than the toner transport force in the second region RG2. In other words, when the toner moves in a direction that intersects the longitudinal direction due to its own weight, the amount of toner that can be transported in the longitudinal direction by the multiple guide parts (671g, 771g, 871g) is less in the first region RG1 than in the second region RG2. Therefore, when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates once, the amount of toner that can be transported in the longitudinal direction by the multiple guide parts (671g, 771g, 871g) is less in the first region RG1 than in the second region RG2.

[0283] Furthermore, the third region RG3 is the region located between the first region RG1 and the second region RG2 in the longitudinal direction. The toner transport force in the third region RG3 is greater than the toner transport force in the first region RG1 and less than the toner transport force in the second region RG2. When the toner moves in a direction that intersects the longitudinal direction due to its own weight, the amount of toner that the multiple guide parts (671g, 771g, 871g) can transport in the longitudinal direction is greater in the third region RG3 than in the first region RG1, and less in the third region RG3 than in the second region RG2. Therefore, when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates once, the amount of toner that the multiple guide parts (671g, 771g, 871g) can transport in the longitudinal direction is greater in the third region RG3 than in the first region RG1, and less in the third region RG3 than in the second region RG2.

[0284] An example of a configuration for obtaining the toner transport force relationship described above will be explained using Figures 31(a) to (c). The larger the inclination angle of the guide section 671g with respect to its longitudinal direction, the smaller the toner transport force. In other words, the closer the inclination angle of the guide section 671g with respect to its longitudinal direction is to a right angle, the smaller the toner transport force.

[0285] In the toner cartridge 670 shown in Figure 31(a), when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and the toner moves in the short direction, the multiple guide parts (671gL) guide the toner toward the discharge opening 71bL in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the multiple guide parts (671gR) guide the toner toward the discharge opening 71bR in the longitudinal direction.

[0286] As shown in Figure 31(a), for the multiple guide sections (671gL, 671gR), the inclination angle of the guide section 671g (first guide section) located in the first region RG1 is greater than the inclination angle of the guide section 671g (second guide section) located in the second region RG2. Also, the inclination angle of the guide section 671g (third guide section) located in the third region RG3 is smaller than the inclination angle of the guide section 671g located in the first region RG1, and greater than the inclination angle of the guide section 671g (second guide section) located in the second region RG2.

[0287] In the toner cartridge 670 shown in Figure 31(b), when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and the toner moves in the short direction, the multiple guide parts (671g) guide the toner in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0288] As shown in Figure 31(b), for the multiple guide sections (671g), the inclination angle of the guide section 671g (first guide section) located in the first region RG1 is greater than the inclination angle of the guide section 671g (second guide section) located in the second region RG2. Also, the inclination angle of the guide section 671g (third guide section) located in the third region RG3 is smaller than the inclination angle of the guide section 671g located in the first region RG1, and greater than the inclination angle of the guide section 671g (second guide section) located in the second region RG2.

[0289] In the toner cartridge 670 shown in Figure 31(c), when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and the toner moves in the short direction, the multiple guide parts (671gL, 671gR) guide the toner in the long direction toward the discharge opening 71bL.

[0290] As shown in Figure 31(a), for the multiple guide sections (671gL, 671gR), the inclination angle of the guide section 671g (first guide section) located in the first region RG1 is greater than the inclination angle of the guide section 671g (second guide section) located in the second region RG2. Also, the inclination angle of the guide section 671g (third guide section) located in the third region RG3 is smaller than the inclination angle of the guide section 671g located in the first region RG1, and greater than the inclination angle of the guide section 671g (second guide section) located in the second region RG2.

[0291] In the first region RG1, when one of the multiple guide sections 671g is designated as the first guide section, and the guide section 671g adjacent to the first guide section is designated as the second guide section, the positions of the first guide section and the second guide section may be arranged so as not to overlap in the longitudinal direction. Also, in the second region RG2, when one of the multiple guide sections 671g is designated as the third guide section, and the guide section 671g adjacent to the third guide section is designated as the fourth guide section, the positions of the third guide section and the fourth guide section may be arranged so as to partially overlap in the longitudinal direction. In other words, a part of the third guide section and a part of the fourth guide section are located at the same position in the longitudinal direction.

[0292] An example of a configuration for obtaining the toner transport force relationship described above will be explained using Figures 32(a) to (c). In Figures 32(a) to (c), the lower diagram is a cross-sectional view of the upper diagram, where the direction perpendicular to the paper plane is the short side and the vertical direction is the thickness direction. The guide section 771g is connected to the first receiving surface 71d1. The lower the height of the guide section 771g from the first receiving surface 71d1, the smaller the toner transport force. Here, in the following explanation, the height of the guide section 771g from the first receiving surface 71d1 will simply be referred to as the "height of the guide section 771g".

[0293] In the toner cartridge 770 shown in Figure 32(a), when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and the toner moves in the short direction, the multiple guide parts (771gL) guide the toner toward the discharge opening 71bL in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the multiple guide parts (771gR) guide the toner toward the discharge opening 71bR in the longitudinal direction.

[0294] As shown in Figure 32(a), for the multiple guide sections (771gL, 771gR), the height of the guide section 771g (first guide section) located in the first region RG1 is lower than the height of the guide section 771g (second guide section) located in the second region RG2. Also, the height of the guide section 771g (third guide section) located in the third region RG3 is higher than the height of the guide section 771g located in the first region RG1, and lower than the height of the guide section 771g (second guide section) located in the second region RG2.

[0295] In the toner cartridge 770 shown in Figure 32(b), when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and the toner moves in the short direction, the multiple guide parts (771g) guide the toner in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0296] As shown in Figure 32(b), for the multiple guide sections (771g), the height of the guide section 771g (first guide section) located in the first region RG1 is lower than the height of the guide section 771g (second guide section) located in the second region RG2. Also, the height of the guide section 771g (third guide section) located in the third region RG3 is higher than the height of the guide section 771g located in the first region RG1, and lower than the height of the guide section 771g (second guide section) located in the second region RG2.

[0297] In the toner cartridge 770 shown in Figure 32(c), when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and the toner moves in the short direction, the multiple guide parts (771gL, 771gR) guide the toner in the long direction toward the discharge opening 71bL.

[0298] As shown in Figure 32(a), for the multiple guide sections (771gL, 771gR), the height of the guide section 771g (first guide section) located in the first region RG1 is lower than the height of the guide section 771g (second guide section) located in the second region RG2. Also, the height of the guide section 771g (third guide section) located in the third region RG3 is higher than the height of the guide section 771g located in the first region RG1, and lower than the height of the guide section 771g (second guide section) located in the second region RG2.

[0299] An example of a configuration for obtaining the toner transport force relationship described above will be explained using Figures 33(a) to (c). The wider the gap between the guide sections 871g, the smaller the toner transport force.

[0300] In the toner cartridge 870 shown in Figure 33(a), when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and the toner moves in the short direction, the multiple guide parts (871gL) guide the toner toward the discharge opening 71bL in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the multiple guide parts (871gR) guide the toner toward the discharge opening 71bR in the longitudinal direction.

[0301] As shown in Figure 33(a), for multiple guide sections (871gL, 871gR), the spacing between the guide sections 871g (first guide section) in the first region RG1 is wider than the spacing between the guide sections 871g (second guide section) in the second region RG2. Also, the spacing between the guide sections 871g (third guide section) in the third region RG3 is narrower than the spacing between the guide sections 871g in the first region RG1, and wider than the spacing between the guide sections 871g (second guide section) in the second region RG2.

[0302] In the toner cartridge 870 shown in Figure 33(b), when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and the toner moves in the short direction, the multiple guide parts (871g) guide the toner in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0303] As shown in Figure 33(b), for the multiple guide sections (871g), the spacing between the guide sections 871g (first guide section) in the first region RG1 is wider than the spacing between the guide sections 871g (second guide section) in the second region RG2. Also, the spacing between the guide sections 871g (third guide section) in the third region RG3 is narrower than the spacing between the guide sections 871g in the first region RG1, and wider than the spacing between the guide sections 871g (second guide section) in the second region RG2.

[0304] In the toner cartridge 870 shown in Figure 33(c), when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and the toner moves in the short direction, the multiple guide parts (871gL, 871gR) guide the toner in the long direction toward the discharge opening 71bL.

[0305] As shown in Figure 33(a), for multiple guide sections (871gL, 871gR), the spacing between the guide sections 871g (first guide section) in the first region RG1 is wider than the spacing between the guide sections 871g (second guide section) in the second region RG2. Also, the spacing between the guide sections 871g (third guide section) in the third region RG3 is narrower than the spacing between the guide sections 871g in the first region RG1, and wider than the spacing between the guide sections 871g (second guide section) in the second region RG2.

[0306] In the first region RG1, when one of the multiple guide sections 871g is designated as the first guide section, and the guide section 871g adjacent to the first guide section is designated as the second guide section, the positions of the first guide section and the second guide section may be arranged so as not to overlap in the longitudinal direction. Also, in the second region RG2, when one of the multiple guide sections 871g is designated as the third guide section, and the guide section 871g adjacent to the third guide section is designated as the fourth guide section, the positions of the third guide section and the fourth guide section may be arranged so as to partially overlap in the longitudinal direction. In other words, a part of the third guide section and a part of the fourth guide section are located at the same position in the longitudinal direction.

[0307] As described above, in toner cartridges (670, 770, 870), toner located far from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction (direction of the rotation axis 90C) can be quickly transported to the discharge opening 71b. On the other hand, at locations close to the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction (direction of the rotation axis 90C), it is possible to suppress the amount of toner being transported toward the discharge opening 71b from becoming excessive.

[0308] <Variation> In the first to fourth configuration examples described above, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates clockwise when viewed in the Y direction (see Figure 15(a)). The guide portion 71g is positioned on the first receiving surface 71d1 and guides the toner toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction when the toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i. However, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration. Modified toner cartridges will be described below. Components similar to those described in the first configuration example will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted in principle.

[0309] Figures 20, 21, and 22 show a toner cartridge 370 according to Modification 1. Figure 20 is a schematic view in the Y direction showing the toner cartridge 370 rotating around the rotation axis 90C. Figure 21 shows the internal structure of the toner cartridge 370. Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 370, specifically a cross-sectional view in the Y direction of the toner cartridge 370 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C.

[0310] As shown in Figure 20, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) in Modification 1 rotates clockwise when viewed in the Y direction. Therefore, with respect to the rotation direction of the rotary assembly 90A (the rotation direction of the rotary body 90), the first receiving surface 71d1 is positioned upstream of the second receiving surface 71d2.

[0311] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the toner frame 371 has at least one guide portion 371g that guides the toner contained in the toner storage portion 71a. The toner frame 371 of Modification 1 includes a plurality of guide portions 371g. Each guide portion 371g is configured to guide the toner, which moves by its own weight in a direction intersecting the Y direction, toward the discharge opening 71b in the Y direction.

[0312] In Modification 1, the toner frame 371 includes at least one left-side guide 371gL and at least one right-side guide 371gR. The left-side guide 371gL guides the toner toward the discharge opening 71bL in the Y direction, and the right-side guide 371gR guides the toner toward the discharge opening 71bR in the Y direction.

[0313] In the longitudinal direction, the left guide 371gL is positioned between the central part 71c of the toner frame 371 and the discharge opening 71bL, and the right guide 371gR is positioned between the central part 71c of the toner frame 371 and the discharge opening 71bR. The left guide 371gL and the discharge opening 71bL have a symmetrical shape in the longitudinal direction with respect to the right guide 371gR and the discharge opening 71bR, but they do not have to be perfectly symmetrical. Also, the number of left guides 371gL and the number of multiple right guides 371gR may be different.

[0314] The left guide 371gL and the right guide 371gR have different directions in which they guide the toner, but their basic configuration and function are generally the same. Therefore, in the following, the left guide 371gL and the right guide 371gR will be referred to as the guide section 371g, and the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR will be referred to as the discharge opening 71b, and will be described together.

[0315] As shown in Figure 22, the guide portion 371g is closer to the second receiving surface 71d2 than to the first receiving surface 71d1. In modified example 1, the guide portion 371g is positioned on the second receiving surface 71d2. That is, the base of the guide portion 371g is connected to the second receiving surface 71d2. On the other hand, a gap is formed between the guide portion 371g and the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0316] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the guide portion 371g has an inner end 371gi and an outer end 371go. In the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90, the inner end 371gi is closer to the axis of rotation 90c than the outer end 371go. Also, in the longitudinal direction, the outer end 371go is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the inner end 371gi. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the second receiving surface 71d2, the angle between the line passing through the outer end 371go and the inner end 371gi and the longitudinal direction is preferably greater than the angle of repose of the toner.

[0317] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the short direction, the distance between the inner end 371gi and the outer end 371go is shorter than the distance between the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i. Also, in the short direction, the outer surface 71o faces the outer end 371go, and a gap is formed between the outer surface 71o and the outer end 371go. The inner surface 71i faces the inner end 371gi, and a gap is formed between the inner surface 71i and the inner end 371gi.

[0318] The guide section 371g guides the toner, which moves in the short direction from the inner end 371gi to the outer end 371go, toward the discharge opening 71b in the long direction.

[0319] When the second receiving surface (first surface) 71d2 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal, and the inclination angle of the second receiving surface 71d2 with respect to the horizontal exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the second receiving surface 71d2 and on the second receiving surface 71d2. At this time, the guide part 371g guides the toner moving along the second receiving surface 71d2 toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0320] More specifically, with the second receiving surface 71d2 positioned below the first receiving surface 71d1, the second receiving surface 71d2 is inclined with respect to the horizontal such that its inner end in the rotational radius direction of the rotary body 90 is higher than its outer end. When the inclination angle of the second receiving surface 71d2 with respect to the horizontal exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the second receiving surface 71d2 from its inner end to its outer end in the direction intersecting the rotational axis 90c of the rotary body 90.

[0321] When the toner moving on the second receiving surface 71d2 comes into contact with the surface of the guide portion 371g which is facing the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction, the guide portion 371g guides the toner toward the discharge opening 71 in the longitudinal direction.

[0322] On the other hand, when the first receiving surface (second surface) 71d1 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the first receiving surface 71d1 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along and on the first receiving surface 71d1. At this time, the toner moves through the gap between the guide portion 371g and the first receiving surface 71d1, in the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90, from one of the inner end 371gi and the outer end 371go to the other of the inner end 371gi and the outer end 371go. The toner moving through the gap between the guide portion 371g and the first receiving surface 71d1 can move without being guided by the guide portion 371g.

[0323] As described above, in the modified example 1, the guide portion 371g guides the toner, which is moving in the short direction from the inner end 371gi to the outer end 371go on the second receiving surface 71d2, toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. As described above, when the toner cartridge 370 rotates from position Tp0 to position Tp4, with the weight of the toner supported by the second receiving surface 71d2, the toner moves in the short direction from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o (see Figure 20). In other words, with the weight of the toner supported by the second receiving surface 71d2, the toner moves in the short direction from the inner end 371gi to the outer end 371go. As a result, the toner is guided by the guide portion 371g toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0324] In the modified example 1, the discharge opening 71b is provided on the first receiving surface 71d1, and when the toner cartridge 370 rotates from position Tp4 to position Tp0, the discharge opening 71b is positioned above the receiving opening 53b. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 370 rotates from position Tp4 to position Tp0, toner is discharged from the discharge opening 71b and supplied to the developing unit 50.

[0325] On the other hand, when the toner cartridge 370 rotates from position Tp4 to position Tp0, the toner moves in the short direction from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i while its own weight is supported by the first receiving surface 71d1 (see Figure 20). In other words, with the toner's own weight supported by the first receiving surface 71d1, the toner moves in the short direction from the outer end 371go to the inner end 371gi. At this time, the toner moves from the outer end 371go to the inner end 371gi through the gap between the guide portion 371g and the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0326] If toner moves along the second receiving surface 71d2 in the short direction from the outer end 371go to the inner end 371gi, the toner is guided by the guide portion 371g so that it moves away from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. In the modified example 1, when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and the toner moves from the outer end 371go to the inner end 371gi, the toner moves through the gap between the guide portion 371g and the first receiving surface 71d1. The toner moving through the gap between the guide portion 371g and the first receiving surface 71d1 is not guided by the guide portion 371g. Therefore, the guidance of the toner by the guide portion 371g so that it moves away from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction is suppressed.

[0327] Thus, in Modification 1, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates, and in the short direction, toner moves from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o and from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i. When the toner moves from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o, in the longitudinal direction, the toner is guided toward the discharge opening 71b by the guide portion 371g. On the other hand, when the toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, the guidance of the toner toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction is suppressed.

[0328] Figures 23, 24, and 25 show the toner cartridge 470 according to Modification 2. Figure 23 is a schematic view in the Y direction showing the toner cartridge 470 rotating around the rotation axis 90C. Figure 24 shows the internal structure of the toner cartridge 470. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 470, specifically a cross-sectional view in the Y direction of the toner cartridge 470 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C.

[0329] As shown in Figure 23, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) in the modified example 2 rotates counterclockwise when viewed in the Y direction. Therefore, with respect to the rotation direction of the rotary assembly 90A (the rotation direction of the rotary body 90), the second receiving surface 71d2 is positioned upstream of the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0330] As shown in Figures 24 and 25, the toner frame 471 has at least one guide portion 471g that guides the toner contained in the toner storage portion 71a. The toner frame 471 of Modification 2 includes a plurality of guide portions 471g. Each guide portion 471g is configured to guide the toner, which moves by its own weight in a direction intersecting the Y direction, toward the discharge opening 71b in the Y direction.

[0331] In the modified example 2, the toner frame 471 includes at least one left-side guide 471gL and at least one right-side guide 471gR. The left-side guide 471gL guides the toner toward the discharge opening 71bL in the Y direction, and the right-side guide 471gR guides the toner toward the discharge opening 71bR in the Y direction.

[0332] In the longitudinal direction, the left guide 471gL is positioned between the central part 71c of the toner frame 471 and the discharge opening 71bL, and the right guide 471gR is positioned between the central part 71c of the toner frame 471 and the discharge opening 71bR. The left guide 471gL and the discharge opening 71bL have a symmetrical shape in the longitudinal direction with respect to the right guide 471gR and the discharge opening 71bR, but they do not have to be perfectly symmetrical. Also, the number of left guides 471gL and the number of multiple right guides 471gR may be different.

[0333] The left guide 471gL and the right guide 471gR have different directions in which they guide the toner, but their basic configuration and function are generally the same. Therefore, in the following, the left guide 471gL and the right guide 471gR will be referred to as the guide section 471g, and the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR will be referred to as the discharge opening 71b, and will be described together.

[0334] As shown in Figure 25, the guide portion 471g is closer to the first receiving surface 71d1 than to the second receiving surface 71d2. In modified example 2, the guide portion 471g is positioned on the first receiving surface 71d1. That is, the base of the guide portion 471g is connected to the first receiving surface 71d1. On the other hand, a gap is formed between the guide portion 471g and the second receiving surface 71d2.

[0335] As shown in Figures 24 and 25, the guide portion 471g has an inner end 471gi and an outer end 471go. In the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90, the inner end 471gi is closer to the axis of rotation 90c than the outer end 471go. Also, in the longitudinal direction, the outer end 471go is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the inner end 471gi. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first receiving surface 71d1, the angle between the line passing through the outer end 471go and the inner end 471gi and the longitudinal direction is preferably greater than the angle of repose of the toner.

[0336] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the short-side direction, the distance between the inner end 471gi and the outer end 471go is shorter than the distance between the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i. Also, in the short-side direction, the outer surface 71o faces the outer end 471go, and a gap is formed between the outer surface 71o and the outer end 471go. The inner surface 71i faces the inner end 471gi, and a gap is formed between the inner surface 71i and the inner end 471gi.

[0337] The guide section 471g guides the toner, which moves in the short direction from the inner end 471gi to the outer end 471go, toward the discharge opening 71b in the long direction.

[0338] When the first receiving surface (first surface) 71d1 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal, and the inclination angle of the first receiving surface 71d1 with respect to the horizontal exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the first receiving surface 71d1 and on the first receiving surface 71d1. At this time, the guide part 471g guides the toner moving along the first receiving surface 71d1 toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0339] More specifically, with the first receiving surface 71d1 positioned below the second receiving surface 71d2, the first receiving surface 71d1 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction such that its inner end in the rotational radius direction of the rotary body 90 is higher than its outer end. When the inclination angle of the first receiving surface 71d1 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the first receiving surface 71d1 from its inner end to its outer end in the direction intersecting the rotational axis 90c of the rotary body 90.

[0340] When the toner moving on the first receiving surface 71d1 comes into contact with the surface of the guide portion 471g, which is facing toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction, the guide portion 471g guides the toner toward the discharge opening 71 in the longitudinal direction.

[0341] On the other hand, when the second receiving surface (second surface) 71d2 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the second receiving surface 71d2 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along and on the second receiving surface 71d2. At this time, the toner moves through the gap between the guide portion 471g and the second receiving surface 71d2, in the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90, from one of the inner end 471gi and the outer end 471go to the other of the inner end 471gi and the outer end 471go. The toner moving through the gap between the guide portion 471g and the second receiving surface 71d2 can move without being guided by the guide portion 471g.

[0342] As described above, in the modified example 2, the guide portion 471g guides the toner, which is moving in the short direction from the inner end 471gi to the outer end 471go on the first receiving surface 71d1, toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. As described above, when the toner cartridge 470 rotates from position Tp0 to position Tp4, with the weight of the toner supported by the first receiving surface 71d1, the toner moves in the short direction from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o (see Figure 23). In other words, with the weight of the toner supported by the first receiving surface 71d1, the toner moves in the short direction from the inner end 471gi to the outer end 471go. As a result, the toner is guided by the guide portion 471g toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0343] In the modified example 2, the discharge opening 71b is provided on the first receiving surface 71d1, and when the toner cartridge 470 rotates from position Tp0 to position Tp4, the discharge opening 71b is positioned above the receiving opening 53b. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 470 rotates from position Tp0 to position Tp4, toner is discharged from the discharge opening 71b and supplied to the developing unit 50.

[0344] On the other hand, when the toner cartridge 470 rotates from position Tp4 to position Tp0, the toner moves in the short direction from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i while its own weight is supported by the second receiving surface 71d2 (see Figure 23). In other words, with the toner's own weight supported by the second receiving surface 71d2, the toner moves in the short direction from the outer end 471go to the inner end 471gi. At this time, the toner moves from the outer end 471go to the inner end 471gi through the gap between the guide portion 471g and the second receiving surface 71d2.

[0345] If toner moves along the first receiving surface 71d1 in the short direction from the outer end 471go to the inner end 471gi, the toner is guided by the guide portion 471g so as to move away from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. In the modified example 2, when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and the toner moves from the outer end 471go to the inner end 471gi, the toner moves through the gap between the guide portion 471g and the second receiving surface 71d2. The toner moving through the gap between the guide portion 471g and the second receiving surface 71d2 is not guided by the guide portion 471g. Therefore, the guidance of the toner by the guide portion 471g so as to move away from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction is suppressed.

[0346] Thus, in modified example 2, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates, and in the short direction, toner moves from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o and from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i. When the toner moves from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o, in the longitudinal direction, the toner is guided toward the discharge opening 71b by the guide portion 471g. On the other hand, when the toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, the guidance of the toner toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction is suppressed.

[0347] Figures 26, 27, and 28 show the toner cartridge 570 according to Modification 3. Figure 26 is a schematic view in the Y direction showing the toner cartridge 570 rotating around the rotation axis 90C. Figure 27 shows the internal structure of the toner cartridge 570. Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 570, specifically a cross-sectional view in the Y direction of the toner cartridge 570 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C.

[0348] As shown in Figure 26, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) in the modified example 3 rotates counterclockwise when viewed in the Y direction. Therefore, with respect to the rotation direction of the rotary assembly 90A (the rotation direction of the rotary body 90), the second receiving surface 71d2 is positioned upstream of the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0349] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the toner frame 571 has at least one guide portion 571g that guides the toner contained in the toner storage portion 71a. The toner frame 571 of Modification 3 includes a plurality of guide portions 571g. Each guide portion 571g is configured to guide the toner, which moves by its own weight in a direction intersecting the Y direction, toward the discharge opening 71b in the Y direction.

[0350] In modified example 3, the toner frame 571 includes at least one left-side guide 571gL and at least one right-side guide 571gR. The left-side guide 571gL guides the toner toward the discharge opening 71bL in the Y direction, and the right-side guide 571gR guides the toner toward the discharge opening 71bR in the Y direction.

[0351] In the longitudinal direction, the left guide 571gL is positioned between the central part 71c of the toner frame 571 and the discharge opening 71bL, and the right guide 571gR is positioned between the central part 71c of the toner frame 571 and the discharge opening 71bR. The left guide 571gL and the discharge opening 71bL have a longitudinally symmetrical shape with respect to the right guide 571gR and the discharge opening 71bR, but they do not have to be perfectly symmetrical. Also, the number of left guides 571gL and the number of multiple right guides 571gR may be different.

[0352] The left guide 571gL and the right guide 571gR have different directions in which they guide the toner, but their basic configuration and function are generally the same. Therefore, in the following, the left guide 571gL and the right guide 571gR will be referred to as the guide section 571g, and the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR will be referred to as the discharge opening 71b, and will be described together.

[0353] As shown in Figure 28, the guide portion 571g is closer to the second receiving surface 71d2 than to the first receiving surface 71d1. In modified example 3, the guide portion 571g is positioned on the second receiving surface 71d2. That is, the base of the guide portion 571g is connected to the second receiving surface 71d2. On the other hand, a gap is formed between the guide portion 571g and the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0354] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the guide portion 571g has an inner end 571gi and an outer end 571go. In the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90, the inner end 571gi is closer to the axis of rotation 90c than the outer end 571go. Also, in the longitudinal direction, the inner end 571gi is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the outer end 571go. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first receiving surface 71d1, the angle between the line passing through the inner end 571gi and the outer end 571go and the longitudinal direction is preferably greater than the angle of repose of the toner.

[0355] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the short direction, the distance between the inner end 571gi and the outer end 571go is shorter than the distance between the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i. Also, in the short direction, the outer surface 71o faces the outer end 571go, and a gap is formed between the outer surface 71o and the outer end 571go. The inner surface 71i faces the inner end 571gi, and a gap is formed between the inner surface 71i and the inner end 571gi.

[0356] The guide section 571g guides the toner moving in the short direction from the outer end 571go to the inner end 571gi toward the discharge opening 71b in the long direction.

[0357] When the second receiving surface (first surface) 71d2 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal, and the inclination angle of the second receiving surface 71d2 with respect to the horizontal exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along and on the second receiving surface 71d2. At this time, the guide part 571g guides the toner moving along the second receiving surface 71d2 toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0358] More specifically, with the second receiving surface 71d2 positioned below the first receiving surface 71d1, the second receiving surface 71d2 is inclined with respect to the horizontal such that its outer end in the rotational radius direction of the rotary body 90 is higher than its inner end. When the inclination angle of the second receiving surface 71d2 with respect to the horizontal exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the second receiving surface 71d2 from its outer end towards its inner end in the direction intersecting the rotational axis 90c of the rotary body 90.

[0359] When the toner moving on the second receiving surface 71d2 comes into contact with the surface of the guide portion 571g, which is facing the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction, the guide portion 571g guides the toner toward the discharge opening 71 in the longitudinal direction.

[0360] On the other hand, when the first receiving surface (second surface) 71d1 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the first receiving surface 71d1 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along and on the first receiving surface 71d1. At this time, the toner moves through the gap between the guide portion 571g and the first receiving surface 71d1, in the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90, from one of the inner end 571gi and the outer end 571go towards the other of the inner end 571gi and the outer end 571go. The toner moving through the gap between the guide portion 571g and the first receiving surface 71d1 can move without being guided by the guide portion 571g.

[0361] As described above, in the modified example 3, the guide portion 571g guides the toner, which is moving in the short direction from the outer end 571gi to the inner end 571go on the second receiving surface 71d2, toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. As described above, when the toner cartridge 570 rotates from position Tp4 to position Tp0, with the weight of the toner supported by the second receiving surface 71d2, the toner moves in the short direction from the outer surface 71i to the inner surface 71o (see Figure 26). In other words, with the weight of the toner supported by the second receiving surface 71d2, the toner moves in the short direction from the outer end 571gi to the inner end 571go. As a result, the toner is guided by the guide portion 571g toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0362] In the modified example 3, the discharge opening 71b is provided on the first receiving surface 71d1, and when the toner cartridge 570 rotates from position Tp0 to position Tp4, the discharge opening 71b is positioned above the receiving opening 53b. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 570 rotates from position Tp0 to position Tp4, toner is discharged from the discharge opening 71b and supplied to the developing unit 50.

[0363] On the other hand, when the toner cartridge 570 rotates from position Tp0 to position Tp4, with the weight of the toner supported by the first receiving surface 71d1, the toner moves in the short direction from the inner surface 71o to the outer surface 71i (see Figure 26). In other words, with the weight of the toner supported by the first receiving surface 71d1, the toner moves in the short direction from the inner end 571go to the outer end 571gi. At this time, the toner moves from the inner end 571go to the outer end 571gi through the gap between the guide portion 571g and the second receiving surface 71d2.

[0364] If toner moves along the second receiving surface 71d2 in the short direction from the inner end 571go to the outer end 571gi, the toner is guided by the guide portion 571g so that it moves away from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. In the modified example 3, when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and the toner moves from the inner end 571go to the outer end 571gi, the toner moves through the gap between the guide portion 571g and the first receiving surface 71d1. The toner moving through the gap between the guide portion 571g and the first receiving surface 71d1 is not guided by the guide portion 571g. Therefore, the guidance of the toner by the guide portion 571g so that it moves away from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction is suppressed.

[0365] Thus, in modified example 3, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates, and in the short direction, toner moves from the outer surface 71i to the inner surface 71o and from the inner surface 71o to the outer surface 71i. When the toner moves from the outer surface 71i to the inner surface 71o, in the longitudinal direction, the toner is guided toward the discharge opening 71b by the guide portion 571g. On the other hand, when the toner moves from the inner surface 71o to the outer surface 71i, the guidance of the toner toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction is suppressed.

[0366] In Modifications 1 to 3, when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates, the amount of toner moving toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction is greater than the amount of toner moving toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. Note that the amount of toner moving toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction may be zero. Also, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) may rotate multiple times.

[0367] Thus, in Modifications 1 to 3, the toner is guided longitudinally toward the discharge opening 71b and discharged from the discharge opening 71b. Therefore, the toner stored in the toner storage chamber 71a can be efficiently discharged from the discharge opening 71b.

[0368] In Modifications 1 to 3, the guide sections 371g, 471g, and 571g may also be connected to at least one of the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i. Furthermore, even if the discharge opening 71b is located in the position shown in the second, third, and fourth configurations, the arrangement and shape of the guide sections 371g, 471g, and 571g in Modifications 1 to 3 can be appropriately changed so that the toner is guided to the discharge opening 71b.

[0369] As described above, in the direction of the rotation axis 90C, one of the inner and outer ends of the guide section is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the other inner and outer end. The guide section is configured to guide the toner, which moves in the radial direction from the other inner and outer end towards one of the inner and outer ends, toward the discharge opening 71b in the direction of the rotation axis 90C.

[0370] The guide units (71g, 171g, 271g, 371g, 471g, 571g, 671g, 771g, 871g) are configured to guide the toner, which is moved as the orientation of the toner cartridge changes, toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction (direction of the rotation axis 90C). In this embodiment, the orientation of the toner cartridge changes as the rotary assembly 90A (the rotary body 90 to which the toner cartridge is attached) rotates. In other words, the guide units (71g, 171g, 271g, 371g, 471g, 571g, 671g, 771g, 871g) guide the toner, which is moved by the rotation of the rotary assembly 90A (more specifically, the toner moved in the direction of the rotational radius of the rotary assembly 90), toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction (direction of the rotation axis 90C).

[0371] Furthermore, as described above, the toner cartridge has multiple guide sections (71g, 171g, 271g, 371g, 471g, 571g, 671g, 771g, and 871g). At least a portion of the toner guided by one guide section is then guided by the adjacent guide section as the rotary assembly 90A rotates further. As the rotation of the rotary assembly 90A is repeated, the toner is repeatedly transferred between the multiple guide sections. As a result, the toner is guided longitudinally toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0372] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration examples and modifications, a configuration was described in which the rotary body 90 is equipped with four developing units 50y to 50k and capable of forming a color image using four toners. However, the rotary body 90 may be equipped with three or fewer developing units, or with five or more developing units. For example, the rotary body 90 may be configured to have only one developing unit 50k and to be fitted with only one toner cartridge 70k. In this case, the rotary body 90 can rotate clockwise around the rotation axis 90C as shown in Figure 1, and can alternate between the black cartridge replacement position and the black cartridge development position.

[0373] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration examples and modifications, the rotary body 90 is equipped with four developing units 50y to 50k and is configured to form a color image using four colors of toner. However, the rotary body 90 may have multiple developing units capable of forming an image using the same color of toner. For example, the rotary body 90 may be configured to have four black developing units 50k and to have four toner cartridges 70k installed in the rotary body 90.

[0374] In each of the configuration examples and modifications described above, the toner cartridge is mounted on the rotary body 90 such that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. Also, as shown in Figure 1, the toner cartridge is mounted on the rotary body 90 such that its short direction is aligned with the rotational radius direction of the rotary body 90 and its thickness direction is aligned with the rotational direction of the rotary body 90. In other words, the angle (narrow angle) between the rotational radius direction and the short direction of the rotary body 90 is smaller than the angle (narrow angle) between the rotational direction and the short direction of the rotary body 90. Furthermore, the angle (narrow angle) between the rotational direction and the thickness direction of the rotary body 90 is smaller than the angle (narrow angle) between the rotational radius direction and the thickness direction of the rotary body 90.

[0375] Furthermore, when the toner cartridge is installed in the rotary body 90, the length of the toner cartridge in the direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 is shorter than the length of the toner cartridge in the direction of the rotational radius of the rotary body 90.

[0376] In this embodiment, the length of the toner cartridge in the direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 is defined as follows. As shown in Figure 15(a), when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C, the circle with the longest arc length overlapping the toner cartridge among the virtual circles centered on the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 and overlapping with the toner cartridge is called the length-defining circle LDC. The length of the toner cartridge in the direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 refers to the arc length of the portion LPC that overlaps the toner cartridge within the length-defining circle LDC.

[0377] In this embodiment, the length of the toner cartridge in the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 is defined as follows. As shown in Figure 15(a), when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C, the straight line that passes through the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 and overlaps with the toner cartridge, and has the longest overlapping length with the toner cartridge, is called the length specification line LDL. The length of the toner cartridge in the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 refers to the length of the portion LPL of the length specification line LDL that overlaps with the toner cartridge.

[0378] As a result of arranging the toner cartridges in the manner described above relative to the rotary body 90, the length of the space required for the toner cartridges in the direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 is shortened. This allows for a smaller rotary body 90 while efficiently arranging the toner cartridges. More specifically, the developing units 50y to 50k and their corresponding toner cartridges y to k can be arranged in a small space relative to the direction of rotation of the rotary body 90.

[0379] Furthermore, as described above, in each configuration example and modification, the surface provided with the discharge opening 71b widens so as to intersect (preferably perpendicular to) the thickness direction. As a result, toner is easily supplied from the toner cartridge to the developing unit 50. Also, the surfaces to which the guide sections (71g, 171g, 271g, 371g, 471g, 571g, 671g, 771g, 871g) are connected widen so as to intersect (preferably perpendicular to) the thickness direction. When the rotary assembly 90A rotates, the amount of toner moving on the surface widening so as to intersects in the thickness direction is greater than the amount of toner moving on the surface widening so as to intersects in the short direction. Therefore, by connecting the guide sections to the surface widening so as to intersects in the thickness direction, the toner can be moved a large distance along the guide sections.

[0380] Furthermore, in each configuration example and modification, the guide sections (71g, 171g, 271g, 371g, 471g, 571g, 671g, 771g, 871g) are connected to the back surface of the outer surface of the toner frame 71. In other words, the guide section 71g is connected to the outer wall of the toner frame 71. As the rotary assembly 90A rotates, the toner contained in the toner storage chamber 71a moves along the back surface of the outer surface. Because the guide sections are connected to the back surface of the outer surface of the toner frame 71, the toner can be moved a large distance along the guide sections.

[0381] Furthermore, in each configuration example and modified example, the toner is guided by guide portions (71g, 171g, 271g, 371g, 471g, 571g, 671g, 771g, 871g) adjacent to the discharge opening 71b, and then received by at least one of the outer surface 71o or inner surface 71i before reaching the discharge opening 71b. This makes it easier for the toner to spread longitudinally so that its position in the longitudinal direction coincides with the position of the discharge opening 71b. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0382] 16 Main frame (frame) 16a aperture 51 Developing roller 51k developing roller, first developing roller 51y, 51m, 51c developing roller, second developing roller 53a Storage section, first storage section, second storage section (developing side storage section) 53k storage frame, first storage frame (developing frame) 53y, 53m, 53c storage frame, second storage frame (developing frame) 70k toner cartridge, first toner cartridge 70y, 70m, 70c toner cartridges, second toner cartridge 71g, 371g, 471g, 571g Guide section

Claims

1. A developing unit having a developing roller, A rotary that supports the developing unit and is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction, A toner cartridge that is detachably mounted on the rotary, (i) a storage chamber for storing toner, (ii) a plurality of guide sections for guiding the toner, and (iii) an outlet through which the toner supplied from the storage chamber to the developing unit passes, A toner cartridge having, It has, The plurality of guide sections are configured to guide the toner, which moves by its own weight in a direction intersecting the axial direction, toward the discharge port in the axial direction. Each of the aforementioned plurality of guide portions includes an inner end and an outer end, and when viewed in the axial direction of the rotary, the inner end is closer to the rotation axis than the outer end in the direction of the rotational radius of the rotary. The length of the toner frame in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the toner frame in the short direction, and the length of the toner frame in the short direction is longer than the length of the toner frame in the thickness direction. The toner frame has a surface on which the discharge port is provided and a surface on which the plurality of guide parts are connected, the surface on which the discharge port is provided extends so as to intersect in the thickness direction, and the surface on which the plurality of guide parts are connected extends so as to intersect in the thickness direction. In the axial direction, the first region of the plurality of guide portions is closer to the discharge port than the second region of the plurality of guide portions. When the toner moves in a direction intersecting the axial direction due to its own weight, the amount of toner that the plurality of guide parts can transport in the axial direction is less in the first region than in the second region. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. With respect to the axial direction, one of the inner end and the outer end is closer to the discharge port than the other of the inner end and the outer end. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the plurality of guide portions is configured to guide the toner, which moves in the radial direction from the other of the inner end and the outer end toward one of the inner end and the outer end, toward the discharge port in the axial direction.

3. The toner frame has a first surface facing the storage chamber and a second surface facing the storage chamber and the first surface. With the first surface receiving the weight of the toner and being inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, the plurality of guide portions are configured to guide the toner moving along the first surface toward the discharge port in the axial direction. The image forming apparatus according to feature 2.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that a gap is formed between the second surface and the plurality of guide portions.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the second surface receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the toner moves through the gap from one of the inner end and the outer end toward the other of the inner end and the outer end in the radial direction of rotation.

6. The toner frame has an inner surface facing the inner end and an outer surface facing the outer end, wherein in the radial direction of rotation the inner surface is closer to the axis of rotation than the outer surface, and gaps are formed between the inner surface and the inner end, and between the outer surface and the outer end, as described in claim 4.

7. The toner frame has an inner surface facing the inner end and an outer surface facing the outer end, wherein in the radial direction of rotation the inner surface is closer to the axis of rotation than the outer surface, and gaps are formed between the inner surface and the inner end, and between the outer surface and the outer end, as described in claim 3.

8. A developing unit having a developing roller, A rotary that supports the developing unit and is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction, A toner cartridge that is detachably mounted on the rotary, (i) a storage chamber for storing toner, (ii) a plurality of guide sections for guiding the toner, and (iii) an outlet through which the toner supplied from the storage chamber to the developing unit passes, A toner cartridge having, It has, The plurality of guide sections are configured to guide the toner, which is moved by the rotation of the rotary, toward the discharge port in the axial direction. Each of the aforementioned plurality of guide portions includes an inner end and an outer end, and when viewed in the axial direction of the rotary, the inner end is closer to the rotation axis than the outer end in the direction of the rotational radius of the rotary. The length of the toner frame in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the toner frame in the short direction, and the length of the toner frame in the short direction is longer than the length of the toner frame in the thickness direction. The toner frame has a surface on which the discharge port is provided and a surface on which the plurality of guide parts are connected, the surface on which the discharge port is provided extends so as to intersect in the thickness direction, and the surface on which the plurality of guide parts are connected extends so as to intersect in the thickness direction. In the axial direction, the first region of the plurality of guide portions is closer to the discharge port than the second region of the plurality of guide portions. When the rotary completes one rotation, the amount of toner that the plurality of guide sections can transport in the axial direction is less in the first region than in the second region. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

9. With respect to the axial direction, one of the inner end and the outer end is closer to the discharge port than the other of the inner end and the outer end. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that each of the plurality of guide portions is configured to guide the toner, which moves in the radial direction from the other of the inner end and the outer end toward one of the inner end and the outer end, toward the discharge port in the axial direction.

10. The toner frame has a first surface facing the storage chamber and a second surface facing the storage chamber and the first surface. With the first surface receiving the weight of the toner and being inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, the plurality of guide portions are configured to guide the toner moving along the first surface toward the discharge port in the axial direction. The image forming apparatus according to feature 9.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that a gap is formed between the second surface and the plurality of guide portions.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the second surface receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the toner moves through the gap from one of the inner end and the outer end toward the other of the inner end and the outer end in the radial direction of rotation.

13. The toner frame has an inner surface facing the inner end and an outer surface facing the outer end, wherein in the radial direction of rotation the inner surface is closer to the axis of rotation than the outer surface, and gaps are formed between the inner surface and the inner end, and between the outer surface and the outer end, as described in claim 11.

14. The toner frame has an inner surface facing the inner end and an outer surface facing the outer end, wherein in the radial direction of rotation the inner surface is closer to the axis of rotation than the outer surface, and gaps are formed between the inner surface and the inner end, and between the outer surface and the outer end, as described in the image forming apparatus according to claim 10.

15. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the toner cartridge is mounted on the rotary such that the length of the toner cartridge in the radial direction of rotation is longer than the length of the toner cartridge in the direction of rotation of the rotary.

16. The plurality of guide portions include a first guide portion arranged in the first region and a second guide portion arranged in the second region. The inclination angle of the first guide portion with respect to the axial direction is greater than the inclination angle of the second guide portion with respect to the axial direction. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. The plurality of guide portions include a first guide portion arranged in the first region and a second guide portion arranged in the second region. The height of the first guide portion from the surface to which the plurality of guide portions are connected is lower than the height of the second guide portion from the surface to which the plurality of guide portions are connected. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

18. The spacing between the plurality of toner guides in the first region is wider than the spacing between the plurality of toner guides in the second region. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images