Image forming device and cartridge

Abstract

A cartridge attachable to and detachable from a device body of an image forming device includes a first end part and a second end part positioned on a side opposite to the first end part in a longitudinal direction and has a frame body, an opening provided in the frame body and capable of discharging a toner, and a moving member capable of moving at least in a first direction including a component parallel to the longitudinal direction, wherein the opening is located at an upper part of the cartridge in a thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, where the size in the thickness direction of the cartridge is taken as 1, the ratio thereto of the size in the longitudinal direction is larger by a factor of 8 or more and the ratio thereto of the size in a depth direction of the cartridge, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction, is larger by a factor of 1.5 or more, where the size of the cartridge in the depth direction is taken as 1, the size in the longitudinal direction is larger by a factor of 3 or more, and the moving member is configured to be movable at the first end in a direction away from the second end.

Description

Title of Invention: IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND CARTRIDGE [Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, and a cartridge therefor. [Background Art]

[0002] In an electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, a rotary development system is known which forms color images by rotating a rotary provided with multiple developing rollers. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2007-183305 and 2008-096852 discloses an image forming apparatus including a rotary provided with multiple developing rollers and multiple toner cartridges (toner containers) which are detachably mounted to the rotary. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0003] This disclosure has an object to advance conventional technology. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0004] An example of this disclosure for achieving the above object is a cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising: a frame for containing toner therein, the frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge; an opening provided in the frame through which the toner is capable of being discharged; and a movable member movable in a first direction having at least a component parallel to the longitudinal direction, wherein the opening is between the first end and the second end of the frame in the longitudinal direction, wherein the opening is at an upper part of the cartridge in a thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; wherein, when a thickness size of the cartridge as measured in the thickness direction is set to 1, a ratio of a length size of the cartridge as measured in the longitudinal direction to the thickness size is as large as 8 times or greater, and a ratio of a depth size, as measured in a depth direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the thickness direction, to the thickness size is as large as 1.5 times or greater, wherein, when the depth size of the cartridge as measured in the depth direction is set to 1, the length size is as large as 3 times or greater, and wherein the movable member is movable at the first end in a direction away from the second end. [Effects of the Invention]

[0005] This disclosure provides a further advancement over conventional technology. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration showing a cross-sectional structure of an image forming apparatus 1.

[0007] Figure 2 is an illustration drive sources of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0008] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a structure for replenishing toner from a toner cartridge 70 to a developing unit 50.

[0009] Figure 4 is cross-sectional views (parts(a) and (b)) showing a rotary body 90 and its surroundings of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0010] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rotary body 90.

[0011] Figure 6 is external views of the apparatus main assembly 1A (parts(a), (b), and (c)).

[0012] Figure 7 is cross-sectional views of the apparatus in an imaginary plane perpendicular to a rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (parts(a) and (b)).

[0013] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing arrangement of trays 80y-80k within the rotary body 90.

[0014] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of trays 80y-80k within the rotary body 90.

[0015] Figure 10 is an illustration showing the arrangement of members at one end of trays 80y-80k in a Y direction.

[0016] Figure 11 is perspective views (parts (a) and (b)) showing a structure relating to movement of tray 80k.

[0017] Figure 12 is sectional views (parts (a) and (b)) showing the structure relating to the movement of tray 80k.

[0018] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge 70 and a developing unit 50 according to this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a rotary assembly 90A according to this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 15 is illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of a structure of a cover 54 and a connecting portion 55 in this embodiment, with the cover 54 positioned in a cover retracted position.

[0021] Figure 16 is illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of the structure of the cover 54 and the connecting portion 55 in this embodiment, with the cover 54 positioned in a covering position.

[0022] Figure 17 is perspective views of the toner cartridge 70 (parts (a) and (b)).

[0023] Figure 18 is an illustration showing the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in a widthwise direction.

[0024] Figure 19 is illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of a toner shutter 76 and a shutter drive portion 77.

[0025] Figure 20 is illustrations (parts (a), (b) and (c)) of the toner shutter 76 and the shutter drive portion 77.

[0026] Figure 21 is illustrations (parts (a), (b), (c) and (d)) of the toner shutter 76 and the shutter drive portion 77.

[0027] Figure 22 is a perspective view of the developing unit 50.

[0028] Figure 23 is illustrations (parts (a), (b), (c) and (d)) of the development unit relating to movement of a developer shutter 57.

[0029] Figure 24 is illustrations (parts (a), (b) and (c)) of an exemplary relationship between a shutter lock 58 and a shutter holder 57b relating to the movement of the developer shutter 57.

[0030] Figure 25 is illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of an exemplary relationship between the developer shutter 57 and the shutter lock 58 when the developer shutter 57 is in an open position thereof.

[0031] Figure 26 is illustration (parts (a) and (b)) of a position of the developer shutter 57 when it is in the closed position.

[0032] Figure 27 is illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of a relationship between the developer shutter 57 in the open position, the toner shutter 76 in the open position, and the photosensitive drum 2.

[0033] Figure 28 is illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) illustrating the engagement between a positioned portion of the toner cartridge 70 and a positioning portion of the developer unit 50.

[0034] Figure 29 is illustrations (parts (a), (b), (c) and (d)) of the developer shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 when the positioned portion of the toner cartridge 70 and the positioning portion of the developer unit 50 begin to engage with each other.

[0035] Figure 30 is illustrations (parts (a), (b), (c) and (d)) of the developer shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 after an adjustment protrusion 77c2 passes through an adjusting portion 53j.

[0036] Figure 31 is illustrations (parts (a), (b), (c) and (d)) of the developer shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 when a stopper 73s is released by a releasing portion 53u.

[0037] Figure 32 is illustrations (parts (a), (b), (c) and (d)) of the developer shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 after a gear portion 77c1 passes an opener 53o to bring the toner shutter 76 in an open position.

[0038] Figure 33 is illustrations (parts (a), (b), (c) and (d)) of the developer shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 when openers 72o1, 72o2 are in contact with shutter holders 57b1, 57b2.

[0039] Figure 34 is illustrations (parts (a), (b), (c) and (d)) of the developer shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 when the developer shutter 57 is in the open position.

[0040] Figure 35 is an illustration of the rotary assembly 90A with the toner cartridge 70 in a mounted position.

[0041] Figure 36 is external perspective views of a developer shutter 157 in Modified Example 1 (parts (a) and (b)).

[0042] Figure 37 is illustrations (parts (a), (b) and (c)) of an exemplary structure of a non-drive side (shutter mechanism SH176) of the toner cartridge 70 in Modified Example 1.

[0043] Figure 38 is illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of the operation of the developer shutter 157, a toner shutter 176, and a driving gear 177 when the toner cartridge 70 is being inserted into the rotary body 90, after the stopper 73s is released by the releasing portion 53u as described above.

[0044] Figure 39 is illustrations (parts (a), (b), (c)) of the operation of the developer shutter 157, the toner shutter 176, and the driving gear 177 when the toner cartridge 70 is being inserted into the rotary body 90 (developing unit 50) and the locked state of the developer shutter 157 is being released.

[0045] Figure 40 is illustrations (parts (a), (b) and (c)) of operation of the developer shutter 157, the toner shutter 176, and the driving gear 177 when the toner cartridge 70 is being inserted into the rotary body 90 (developing unit 50) and after the locked state of the developer shutter 157 is released.

[0046] Figure 41 is illustrations (parts (a), (b) and (c)) of operation of the developer shutter 157, the toner shutter 176, and the driving gear 177 after the toner cartridge 70 is inserted (mounted) in the rotary body 90 (developing unit 50).

[0047] Figure 42 is schematic illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of operation of a movement restriction mechanism of the cover 54 depending on whether the toner cartridge 70 is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 1A.

[0048] Figure 43 is schematic illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of operation of the movement restriction mechanism of the cover 54 depending on whether the toner cartridge 70 is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 1A.

[0049] Figure 44 is perspective views of major parts of the long developing unit 50 viewed from above (parts (a) and (b)).

[0050] Figure 45 is a perspective view of major parts of the developing unit 50 viewed with a cover swing axis 55c of the connecting portion 55.

[0051] Figure 46 is an illustration of an example of the structure of a rotary holder 499 in Modified Example 2.

[0052] Figure 47 is an illustration of an example of change in position of the cover 54 connected to a receiving portion 55b at each phase in the rotational direction of the rotary holder 499 in Modified Example 2.

[0053] Figure 48 is partial external perspective views including one end (drive side) of the toner cartridge 70 in Modified Example 2 (parts (a) and (b)).

[0054] Figure 49 is illustrations of a state in which a toner accommodating portion 71a has been omitted from the view shown in Figure 48 (parts (a) and (b)).

[0055] Figure 50 is a partial exploded perspective view of one end (drive side) of the toner cartridge 70 in Modified Example 2.

[0056] Figure 51 is horizontal sectional views (parts (a) and (b)) including a cover movement restricting member 411 and a restriction releasing member 277 when the tray 80 with the toner cartridge 70 mounted thereto is inserted into the rotary body 90, in Modified Example 2.

[0057] Figure 52 is perspective views of a toner cartridge 570 (parts (a), (b), (c)).

[0058] Figure 53 is partially enlarged views including a toner shutter 576 at a top portion of the toner cartridge 570 (parts (a) and (b)).

[0059] Figure 54 is illustrations of an example of a movement restriction mechanism of the toner shutter 576 (parts (a) and (b)).

[0060] Figure 55 is bottom views of the toner cartridge 570 as viewed from a bottom (lower surface) side (parts (a) and (b)).

[0061] Figure 56 is side views of the toner cartridge 570 as viewed from a left end 571fL side (parts (a) and (b)).

[0062] Figure 57 is illustrations of the toner cartridge 570 as viewed from a front side (outer end 571fO side) (parts (a) and (b)).

[0063] Figure 58 is illustrations (parts (a), (b) and (c)) of an example of operation of a development shutter 657.

[0064] Figure 59 is an illustration of an example of a connection state between a developing frame 653 and the toner cartridge 570.

[0065] Figure 60 is an illustration of a structure of a cover 654.

[0066] Figure 61 is illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of the structure of the cover restriction releasing mechanism 800.

[0067] Figure 62 is illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of a state in which a toner lid portion 572 is removed from the toner cartridge 570 shown in Figure 61.

[0068] Figure 63 is an exploded perspective view of major parts of the right end portion (drive side) of the toner cartridge 570.

[0069] Figure 64 is illustrations of an example of structure of the cover restriction releasing mechanism 800, and is a perspective view of major parts constituent of the cover restriction releasing mechanism 800 (parts (a) and (b)).

[0070] Figure 65 is illustrations (parts (a), (b) and (c)) of an example of operation of a rotational drive portion 878.

[0071] Figure 66 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge 570 when it is partway in the mounting to the rotary body 90.

[0072] Figure 67 is exemplary illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of a toner cartridge 8570.

[0073] Figure 68 is an illustration of an example of operation of a developer shutter 8657 provided on the toner cartridge 8570.

[0074] Figure 69 is illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of operation of releasing restriction on movement of the developer shutter 8657 by the toner cartridge 8570.

[0075] Figure 70 is a top plan view of a toner cartridge 1570A mounted to a tray 580.

[0076] Figure 71 is a top plan view of a toner cartridge 1570B mounted to the tray 580.

[0077] Figure 72 is a partial top plan view including a cover restriction releasing mechanism 2800 of a toner cartridge 2570.

[0078] Figure 73 is an exploded perspective view of the major parts including the cover restriction releasing mechanism 2800 of the toner cartridge 2570.

[0079] Figure 74 is an illustration of an example of a state in which the restriction releasing member 2801 of the toner cartridge 2570 is in a disengaged position (retracted position, separated position, non-restriction-releasing position).

[0080] Figure 75 is a partial perspective view of an example of a state in which the toner cartridge 2570 is mounted to a tray 2080.

[0081] Figure 76 is illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of an example of structure of a cover restriction releasing mechanism 3800 in a toner cartridge 3570.

[0082] Figure 77 is an illustration of an example of a multi-articulated shaft 3803 which a constituent of the cover restriction releasing mechanism 3800.

[0083] Figure 78 is perspective views (parts (a) and (b)) showing an outer appearance of the toner cartridge 3570, including the cover restriction releasing mechanism 3800, with the toner lid portion 3572 removed.

[0084] Figure 79 is illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of the structure of the cover restriction releasing mechanism 4800 of a toner cartridge 4570.

[0085] Figure 80 is illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of a cover restriction releasing mechanism 5800 of a toner cartridge 5570.

[0086] Figure 81 is illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of the toner cartridge 5570 with a restriction releasing member 5801 in an engaged position.

[0087] Figure 82 is perspective views (parts (a) and (b)) of a portion of the toner cartridge 5570 including the cover restriction releasing mechanism 5800.

[0088] Figure 83 is illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of a cover restriction releasing mechanism 6800 of a toner cartridge 6570.

[0089] Figure 84 is illustrations (parts (a) and (b)) of the toner cartridge 6570 with a restriction releasing member 6801 in an engaged position.

[0090] Figure 85 is an exemplary illustration of a cover restriction releasing mechanism 7800 of a toner cartridge 7570.

[0091] Figure 86 is external perspective views (parts (a) and (b)) of a toner cartridge 7570, including the cover restriction releasing mechanism 7800.

[0092] Figure 87 is an exemplary illustration of a toner frame 7571 accommodating the cover restriction releasing mechanism 7800.

[0093] Figure 88 is exemplary illustrations (parts (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f)) of operation of a restriction releasing shaft 7801 of the toner cartridge 7570. [Embodiments]

[0094] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. (Embodiment 1)

[0095] An image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described, referring to Figures 1 to 12 (parts (a) and (b)). In the following description and in each drawing, the vertical direction when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal surface is referred to as Z direction. A direction intersecting the Z direction and the direction of a rotational axis 90C of a rotary body 90 (in the following description, direction of rotational axis of the rotary) is referred to as Y direction. A direction intersecting both the Z direction and the Y direction is referred to as X direction. The X and Y directions are preferably horizontal. In addition, the X, Y, and Z directions are preferably perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, as necessary, the directions of the arrows X, Y, and Z shown in each drawing are referred to as +X side, +Y side, and +Z side, respectively, and the opposite sides are referred to as -X side, -Y side, and -Z side, respectively. (Overall Structure of the Image Forming Apparatus)

[0096] First, the overall structure of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 is a laser beam printer for forming images on sheets S through an electrophotographic process. More specifically, image forming apparatus 1 is a color laser beam printer provided with four developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. A variety of sheet materials of different sizes and materials can be used as the recording material (recording material), including paper (such as plain paper and cardboard), plastic film, cloth, surface-treated sheets (such as coated paper), and specially shaped sheets (such as envelopes and index paper).

[0097] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, schematic structure and image forming operation of image forming apparatus 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic illustration showing the cross-sectional structure of image forming apparatus 1. Figure 2 is an illustration of a drive source of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 3 is a schematic illustration showing the structure for replenishing toner from a toner cartridge 70 to a developing unit 50.

[0098] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming apparatus main assembly (hereinafter referred to as apparatus main assembly) 1A and toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k which are detachable from the apparatus main assembly 1A. In this embodiment, the apparatus main assembly 1A is the portion of the image forming apparatus 1 excluding the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0099] The apparatus main assembly 1A of the image forming apparatus 1 has a drum-shaped (cylindrical) electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as photosensitive drum) 2 as an image bearing member for bearing an electrostatic latent image. Around the photosensitive drum 2, a charging roller 3, a scanner 4 serving as an exposure device, and a cleaning unit 6 are arranged.

[0100] 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 irradiating the photosensitive drum 2 with laser beam corresponding to image information to expose the photosensitive drum 2 to the light. By irradiating the charged photosensitive drum 2 with laser beam, 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 portion for removing toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0101] The apparatus main assembly 1A further includes a sheet accommodating portion 300, a pick-up roller 310, a feed roller 311, a separation roller 312, a pair of transport rollers 320, a secondary transfer roller 12, a fixing device 40, and an intermediary transfer unit 10. The pick-up roller 310 is an example of a feeding means or feeding unit for feeding the sheet S. The feed roller 311 and the separation roller 312 are examples of a separation transport unit for separating and transporting the sheets S one by one using frictional force. The secondary transfer roller 12 is an example of a transfer means or transfer unit for transferring an image from an intermediate transfer belt 10a to the sheet S.

[0102] 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 intermediary transfer member for carrying the image transferred (primary transfer) from the photosensitive drum 2 and transporting it for transfer (secondary transfer) onto the sheet S. The intermediate transfer belt 10a is stretched around the belt drive roller 10b and the tension roller 10c. The belt drive roller 10b is a drive member for being rotationally driven by a drive source to move the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0103] Furthermore, the apparatus main assembly 1A includes the rotary main body (rotary, rotating body, developing device) 90 including developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. As described hereinafter, in this embodiment, trays (support members) 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are mounted to the rotary body 90. Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are removably mounted to the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k.

[0104] In the following description, the multiple components with similar functions can be distinguished by ordinal numbers. For example, one of the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k can be referred to as a first toner cartridge, one of the remaining three as a second toner cartridge, one of the remaining two as a third toner cartridge, and the last one as a fourth toner cartridge. Similarly, one of the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k can be referred to as a first tray, one of the remaining three as a second tray, one of the remaining two as a third tray, and the last one as a fourth tray. In other words, one of trays 80y to 80k is an example of a first support member, another of trays 80y to 80k is an example of a second support member, yet another of trays 80y to 80k is an example of a third support member, and the last of trays 80y to 80k is an example of a fourth support member. These ordinal numberings are used merely for convenience of explanation and, in principle, can be interchanged as appropriate.

[0105] The developing units (first to fourth developing units) 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are examples of developing means or developing portions for developing (visualizing) the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 into a toner image using the toner of the corresponding color. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k develop the electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drum 2 using yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, or black toner, respectively. That is, developing operation is performed using developers, and the image forming apparatus 1 has first, second, third, and fourth developers, each of which is for a different color. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k may be arranged in an order different from that shown in Figure 1.

[0106] The developing unit 50y includes a developing roller 51y, a supply roller 52y, and a development blade. The developing roller 51y is a developer carrier for carrying the toner as a developer and rotates to supply it to the photosensitive drum 2. The supply roller 52y is disposed in contact with the developing roller 51y and is a supply member for supplying the toner to the developing roller 51y. The development blade is a restricting member for restricting thickness of a toner layer carried by the developing roller 51y. The other developing units 50m, 50c, and 50k also have similar development rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k, supply rollers 52m, 52c, and 52k, and development blades.

[0107] The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k corresponding to developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are mounted to the rotary body 90. The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k contain yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner, respectively, for supply into developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, respectively. One of the four color toners may be referred to as first toner, one of the rest three color toners as second toner, one of the rest two color toners as third toner, and the final toner as fourth toner. For example, black toner may be referred to as an example of the first toner, and magenta toner as an example of the second toner. These ordinal numbering schemes are used merely for convenience of explanation, and in principle, can be interchanged as appropriate.

[0108] Here, the rotary body 90 has a rotary frame 90f which 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 support member.

[0109] Trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are mounted to the rotary body 90. The combination of the rotary body 90 and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k may be referred to as a rotary unit 90U. In other words, the rotary unit 90U has the rotary body 90 and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k.

[0110] The toner cartridges 70y-70k are detachably held in the trays 80y-80k. As will be described hereinafter, the trays 80y-80k are supported so that they can slide to outside of the rotary body 90. A combination of the rotary unit 90U and the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k may be referred to as a rotary assembly 90A. In other words, the rotary assembly 90A includes a rotary unit 90U and toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0111] As described hereinafter, the rotary body 90 is rotatable about a rotational axis (center of rotation) 90C. The rotational axis 90C coincides with rotation axes of the rotary frame 90f, the rotary unit 90U, and the rotary assembly 90A. The rotational axis 90C is also substantially parallel to the rotational axis (center of rotation) of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0112] By rotating about the rotational axis 90C, the rotary body 90 can assume a developing position in which one of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k faces the photosensitive drum 2. The position in which a developing roller 51y faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called a yellow developing position. The position in which a developing roller 51m faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called a magenta developing position. The position in which a developing roller 51c faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called a cyan developing position. The position in which a developing roller 51k faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called a black developing position. In other words, the rotary body 90 can rotate about the rotational axis 90C so that the positions of 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 in which the first developing roller (developing roller 51k) faces the photosensitive drum 2. The other developing positions are examples of the second developing position in which the second developing roller (developing rollers 51y to 51c) faces the photosensitive drum 2. The yellow / magenta / cyan / black developing positions can also be called the first to fourth developing positions. These ordinal numbering schemes are used merely for convenience of explanation and can, in principle, be interchanged as appropriate.

[0113] As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus main assembly 1A has motors M1, M2, and M3 as drive sources. As described hereinafter, the motor M1 supplies a drive force for rotating the rotary body 90 about the rotational axis 90C. In other words, motor M1 rotates the rotary assembly 90A and rotary unit 90U about the rotational axis 90C.

[0114] The apparatus main assembly 1A also includes a drive device 98 including a motor M2 and a transmission device. The transmission device includes drive racks 15L and 15R as driving gears and a transmitting portion 15t, which will be described hereinafter. The drive force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the drive racks 15L and 15R by the transmitting portion 15t. In other words, motor M2 is structured to drive the drive racks 15L and 15R, and moves the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k relative to the rotary body 90 by way of the drive racks 15L and 15R.

[0115] The motor M3 drives components other than those driven by motors M1 and M2. For example, M3 drives the photosensitive drum 2, the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, the pick-up roller 310, feed roller 311, the conveying roller pair 320, the secondary transfer roller 12, the belt drive roller 10b, and the fixing device 40.

[0116] The components to be driven by the motors M1, M2, and M3 can be selected as appropriate. Furthermore, the functions of any two or all three of motors M1, M2, and M3 can be allotted to a single motor. Alternatively, drive sources other than motors M1, M2, and M3 may be added.

[0117] Furthermore, the apparatus main assembly 1A includes a control portion 30 as a control means for controlling operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The control portion 30 includes a CPU which executes programs and a storage portion such as ROM or RAM. The CPU reads and executes programs stored in the memory portion to control the operation of actuators such as motors M1, M2, and M3 provided in the image forming apparatus 1. The memory portion includes both non-volatile and volatile storage media, and serves as a storage for programs and data, as well as a workspace for the CPU to execute the programs. Each function of the control portion 30 described below may be implemented in a circuit within the control portion 30 as independent hardware such as an ASIC.

[0118] The suffixes y, m, c, and k added to the names of 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 colors of the respective toner. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k have the same fundamental structure and functions. The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k have the same fundamental structure and functions. Furthermore, trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k have the same fundamental structure and function. Therefore, when there is no need to distinguish between them, the suffixes y, m, c, and k are omitted and they will be described as any one of the four units, cartridges, or trays. When distinguishing between the four units, cartridges, or trays, the suffixes y, m, c, and k are added and they will be described as one of the four units, cartridges, or trays corresponding to the suffix.

[0119] As shown in Figure 3, the toner cartridge 70 includes a toner frame 71. Toner frame 71 includes a toner accommodating portion (toner accommodating chamber) 71a which stores toner, and a discharge opening 71b which in in communication with the toner accommodating portion 71a.

[0120] The developing unit 50 includes a development frame (accommodating frame) 53. The development frame 53 includes a developing device side accommodating portion 53a and a receiving opening 53b which is in communication with the developing-side accommodating portion (toner supply chamber) 53a. That is, the rotary body 90 includes a developing device frame 53y, a developing device frame 53m, a developing device frame 53c, and a developing device frame 53k. In other words, the rotary body 90 includes a first developing chamber, a second developing chamber, a third developing chamber, and a fourth developing chamber. As described above, the developing unit 50 includes a developing roller 51, the supply roller 52, and so on, but these components are omitted in Figure 3.

[0121] 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 device frame 53k (part (a) of Figure 4) of the developing unit 50k, which includes the developing device side accommodating portion 53a, is an example of a first accommodating frame having a first accommodating portion. The developing device frame 53m (part (a) of Figure 4) of the developing unit 50m, which includes the developing device side accommodating portion 53a, is an example of a second accommodating frame having a second accommodating portion. The rotary body 90 is an example of a rotatable rotary including a first developing roller, a second developing roller, a first accommodating frame having a first accommodating portion, and a second accommodating frame having a second accommodating portion. In this embodiment, the rotary body 90 includes the first to fourth developing rollers and first to fourth accommodating frames.

[0122] As will be described hereinafter, the toner cartridge 70 is movable with respect to the developing device frame 53 between a mounted position and a retracted position retracted from the mounted position. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the installed position with respect to the developing device frame 53, the discharge opening 71b faces the receiving opening 53b. In other words, the toner accommodating portion 71a of the toner cartridge 70 and the developing device side accommodating portion 53a of the developing unit 50 are in fluid communication with each other by way of the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b. When toner is being supplied from the toner cartridge 70 into 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.

[0123] The toner stored in the toner accommodating portion 71a is discharged through the discharge opening 71b, and the toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is received in the developing device side accommodating portion 53a through the receiving opening 53b. In other words, the first developer is supplied into the first developing chamber of the rotary body 90, the second developer is supplied into the second developing chamber, the third developer is supplied into the third developing chamber, and the fourth developer is supplied into the fourth developing chamber.

[0124] The toner cartridge 70 preferably has a sealing member (first sealing member) (not shown) which covers the discharge opening 71b. Furthermore, the developing unit 50 preferably has a sealing member (second sealing member) (not shown) which covers the receiving opening 53b.

[0125] In the state that the toner cartridge 70 is not mounted in the developing unit 50, it is preferable that the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b are each covered with a sealing member to prevent toner from leaking from the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b. (Image Forming Operation)

[0126] The image forming operation in this embodiment will be described. First, the photosensitive drum 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise) in Figure 1 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.

[0127] When forming a color image on the sheet S, the rotary body 90 rotates in the direction of the arrow (clockwise) in Figure 1 while supporting the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, as follows. And, the electrophotographic process is then repeated as the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k are moved one by one to the developing position.

[0128] First, the scanner 4 irradiates the photosensitive drum 2 with laser beam based on image data corresponding to a yellow image, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow image, on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. Concurrently with the formation of this electrostatic latent image, the motor M1 rotates the rotary body 90, so that the rotary body 90 assumes a 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 the yellow toner.

[0129] In this embodiment, the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k are each elastic roller with rubber coated around a metal shaft. At the developing position, the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k each develop the electrostatic latent image while in contact with the photosensitive drum 2. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment employs a contact development system. 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. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 may employ a non-contact developing system.

[0130] After the yellow toner image is developed, the yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 2 is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10a by the primary transfer roller 11 disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0131] Thereafter, the rotary body 90 is rotated to move the developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k to the developing positions in order, thereby forming toner images of respective colors. That is, after the yellow toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary body 90 is brought to 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 body 90 takes 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 body 90 takes 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 body 90 rotates about the rotational axis 90C in the direction of the arrow (clockwise) shown in Figure 1 and returns to the yellow developing position. The color of the image formed first on intermediate transfer belt 10a is not restricted specifically, and a black toner image, for example, may be formed first.

[0132] Then, primary transfer is repeated so that four color toner images are superimposed on intermediate transfer belt 10a, thereby forming a color image on intermediate transfer belt 10a. Until the color image is formed on intermediate transfer belt 10a, secondary transfer roller 12 and cleaning device 13 are not in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0133] Meanwhile, the sheet S is fed by the pick-up roller 310 from the sheet accommodating portion 300 provided at the bottom of apparatus main assembly 1A. The sheet S singled out by the feed roller 311 and separation roller 312 is then fed to conveying roller pair 320. The conveying roller pair 320 conveys the conveyed sheet S to a transfer portion (secondary transfer portion), which is the nip between the intermediate transfer belt 10a and the secondary transfer roller 12. The color image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is transferred (secondary transfer) onto the surface of the conveyed sheet S.

[0134] The sheet S now carrying the transferred color image is sent to the fixing device 40. In the fixing device 40, the sheet S is heated and pressed, so that the image is fixed on the sheet S. After passing through the fixing device 40, the sheet S is discharged as a finished product outside the image forming apparatus 1.

[0135] On the other hand, when forming a monochrome image on the sheet S, the rotary body 90 takes a black developing position. In this state, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 by charging and exposing the photosensitive drum 2, and the electrostatic latent image is then developed with the black toner by the developing roller 51k placed in the developing position. The black toner image is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10a and then secondarily transferred to the sheet S. The subsequent processes are the same as for color images. (Rotary Structure)

[0136] Referring to Figures 1, parts (a) and (b) of Figure 4, and 5, the structure of the rotary body 90 will be described.

[0137] Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 4 are cross-sectional views of the rotary body 90 and its surroundings of the image forming apparatus 1. Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 4 are cross-sectional views of the apparatus taken along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rotary body 90.

[0138] As described above, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k are mountable to and dismountable from the rotary body 90. When the toner in the toner cartridges 70y to 70k runs out, the user can replenish toner into the image forming apparatus 1 by replacing the toner cartridges 70y to 70k.

[0139] As shown in Figure 1, the apparatus main assembly 1A has a frame 16 which accommodates the rotary body 90.

[0140] The frame 16 is the main assembly frame of the image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment. The frame 16 is a casing (body) of the apparatus main assembly 1A, which comprises a frame and exterior members, and in this embodiment is generally substantially rectangular in shape.

[0141] The frame 16 is provided with an opening 16a. More specifically, the frame 16 has a side surface 16b extending in a direction intersecting the horizontal direction. The side surface 16b is a constituent of at least a part of the exterior surface on the +X side of the apparatus main assembly 1A. The opening 16a is located on this side surface 16b. The side surface 16b is located downstream of a discharge port in the discharge direction in which the sheets S on which images are formed are discharged through the discharge port of the apparatus main assembly 1A. A user can access the sheet accommodating portion 300 from the surface (16b) side of the image forming apparatus 1 to replenish sheets S or to take out the sheets S discharged through the discharge port. Therefore, the side surface 16b can be said to be the front surface (front face) of the apparatus main assembly 1A.

[0142] The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are detachably mounted to the rotary body 90 through opening 16a. In other words, the toner cartridge 70k is an example of a first toner cartridge which contains to be supplied to the first developing roller (developing roller 51k) and is detachably mounted to the rotary (rotary body 90) through the opening 16a provided in frame 16 of apparatus main assembly 1A. The toner cartridge 70m is an example of a second toner cartridge which contains the toner to be supplied to the second developing roller (developing roller 51m) and is detachably mounted to the rotary (rotary body 90) through the opening 16a provided in frame 16 of apparatus main assembly 1A.

[0143] In this embodiment, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are supported by the trays 80y-80k and are detachably mounted to the rotary body 90 through opening 16a.

[0144] In other words, the user can mount and dismount the toner cartridges 70y-70k to and from the rotary body 90 by way of trays 80y-80k.

[0145] The opening 16a is located on the side surface 16b of the frame 16. In this embodiment, side surface 16b is a surface which is generally parallel to rotational axis 90C of rotary body 90. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 70 is to be replaced, cartridge 70 passes through opening 16a in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the rotational axis 90C.

[0146] The image forming apparatus 1 has a door 14 that covers the opening 16a of the frame 16. The door 14 is an openable / closable member which can be moved between a closed position that covers the opening 16a (see also part (a) of Figure 6) and an open position that uncovers the opening 16a (see also part (b) of Figure 6 and part (c) of Figure 6).

[0147] As described above, in this embodiment, the toner cartridge 70 is structured to be dismountable from the rotary body 90 by way of the tray 80. This allows the toner cartridge 70 to be stably mounted to and dismounted from the rotary body 90.

[0148] More specifically, a user can replace the toner cartridge 70 by mounting or dismounting the toner cartridge 70 to or from the tray 80, which is structured to be movable relative to the rotary body 90 (i.e., relative to the apparatus main assembly 1A). In a structure in which the user replaces the toner cartridge by directly inserting or pulling the toner cartridge into or out of the apparatus main assembly, the user is required to insert the toner cartridge into a predetermined mounting position within the apparatus main assembly. In this embodiment, the tray 80 is movable while supporting the toner cartridge 70 so that the toner cartridge 70 is placed to the mounting position. Therefore, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70 by simply placing the toner cartridge 70 on the tray 80, by which the operability is improved.

[0149] The toner cartridge 70 has an elongated shape with its longitudinal direction being the Y direction parallel to the rotational 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 a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. When handling such an elongated toner cartridge 70, by locating the opening 16a on the side surface 16b of the frame 16 that 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 movement distance. For example, the replacement of the toner cartridge 70 is easier than when inserting or pulling the toner cartridge 70 through an opening provided on one side (+Y side or -Y side) of frame 16 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0150] Rotary body 90 can rotate about rotational axis 90C to assume replacement positions where the removal of any of toner cartridges 70y to 70k from rotary body 90 is allowed. The position for allowing removal of the toner cartridge 70y is called a yellow position. The position for allowing removal of the toner cartridge 70m is called a magenta replacing position. The position for allowing removal of the toner cartridge 70c is called a cyan replacing position.

[0151] The position for allowing removal of the toner cartridge 70k is called a black replacing position. The black replacing position is an example of a first replacing position for allowing removal of the first toner cartridge from rotary body 90. The yellow / magenta / cyan replacing position is an example of a second replacing position for allowing removal of the second toner cartridge from the rotary body 90. The yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacing positions may also be referred to as the first to fourth replacing positions. These ordinal numberings are used merely for convenience of explanation and, in principle, can be interchanged as appropriate.

[0152] The rotary body 90 rotates clockwise in Figure 1 about the rotational axis 90C, and can sequentially assume the yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacing positions. In this embodiment, the rotary body 90 alternates between the developing position and the replacing position by rotating clockwise in Figure 1 about the rotational axis 90C. For example, in Figure 1, the rotary body 90 is in the black developing position. From this state, by rotating the rotary body 90 clockwise, the rotary body 90 switches its position in the following order: cyan position, yellow developing position, black replacing position, magenta developing position, yellow replacing position, cyan developing position, magenta replacing position. Rotating the rotary body 90 clockwise from the magenta replacing position returns the rotary body 90 to the black developing position. In other words, the rotary body 90 can rotate clockwise one full rotation (360°) or more.

[0153] Part (a) of Figure 4 shows a cross section of the rotary body 90 in the developing position (specifically, the yellow developing position). Part (b) of Figure 4 shows a cross section of the rotary body 90 in the replacing position (specifically, the black replacing position).

[0154] As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 4, four trays 80y-80k are mounted to the rotary body 90. Trays 80y-80k hold the toner cartridges 70y-70k, respectively. In parts (a) and (b) of Figure 4, trays 80y-80k are accommodated inside rotary body 90, which can be said to be the state in which toner cartridges 70y-70k are mounted to developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k.

[0155] As described above, the toner cartridge 70 is movable between the mounted position and the retracted position relative to developing unit frame 53 of developing unit 50. In other words, the first toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70k) is movable between the first mounted position and the first retracted position relative to the first accommodating frame (developing unit frame 53k). The second toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70m) is movable between the second mounted position and the second retracted position relative to the second accommodating frame (developing unit frame 53m).

[0156] When the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position relative to the developing device frame 53, the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b face each other, as shown in Figure 3. The toner cartridge 70 is structured to supply toner to the developing device side accommodating portion 53a through the receiving opening 53b (the opening in the storage frame), in this state.

[0157] The apparatus main assembly 1A includes a moving device 85 structured to move the toner cartridge 70 from the mounted position to the position relative to the rotary body 90 (more specifically, relative to the developing device frame 53 of the developing unit 50). The moving device 85 will be described hereinafter, referring to Figure 8 and other Figures. In this embodiment, the rotary body 90 is provided with a plurality of moving devices 85y-85k corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges 70y-70k. The trays 80y-80k can be considered to be part of these moving devices 85y-85k.

[0158] In this embodiment, the toner cartridge 70k containing black toner is larger in size than the toner cartridges 70y-70c containing yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner, and can contain a relatively greater amount of the toner. In other words, the first toner cartridge can contain a first amount of toner, and the second toner cartridge can contain a second amount of toner, with the first amount being greater than the second amount.

[0159] Specifically, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k measured in the first radial direction relative to the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90 is greater than the length of the magenta toner cartridge 70m measured in the second radial direction. Here, the first radial direction is the rotational radius direction of the rotary body 90 (the radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the rotational axis 90C), and is the direction in which the toner cartridge 70k extends relative to the rotational axis 90C as viewed in the direction of the rotational axis 90C. The second radial direction is the rotational radius direction of the rotary body 90, and is the direction in which the toner cartridge 70m extends relative to the rotational axis 90C as viewed in the direction of the rotational 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.

[0160] Therefore, tray 80k, which holds black toner cartridge 70k, is larger in size than trays 80y-80c, which hold the other toner cartridges 70y, 70m, and 70c. That is, four toner cartridges 70y-70k and trays 80y-80k of different sizes are arranged inside rotary body 90. In other words, the toner cartridge 70k, which is an example of a first toner cartridge, and toner cartridge 70y, which is an example of a second toner cartridge that is smaller in size than the first toner cartridge, can be mounted to and dismounted from the rotary body 90. Correspondingly, the rotary body 90 is provided with the tray 80k, which is an example of the first support member which supports the first toner cartridge, and the tray 80y, which is an example of a second support member which is smaller in size than the first support member. In addition, the toner cartridges 70m and 70c, which are examples of the third toner cartridge and the fourth toner cartridge which are smaller in size than the first toner cartridge, can be mounted to and dismounted from the rotary body 90. Correspondingly, the rotary body 90 is provided with trays 80m and 80c as examples of third and fourth support members that are smaller in size than the first support member.

[0161] Here, referring to Figure 5, the rotational drive of the rotary body 90 will be described. As shown in Figure 5, disc gears 92L and 92R are formed at opposite ends of the rotary body 90. Rotary driving gears 93L and 93R are connected to opposite ends of the swing shaft 91 in a drive-transmitting manner. The driving force of the motor M1 is transmitted to the rotary driving gear 93R by a drive transmission mechanism. Next, the driving force is transmitted to the disc gears 92L and 92R by the rotary driving gears 93L and 93R, thereby driving the rotary body 90 to rotate. The rotary body 90 rotates clockwise in Figure 1 about the rotational axis 90C.

[0162] The rotary body 90 is supported so as to be swingable about the swing shaft 91. The rotary body 90 is urged by an urging member (not shown) in the counterclockwise direction in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 4 around the swing shaft 91. This direction can be said to be 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 abuts against the photosensitive drum 2.

[0163] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, the rotary cams 90eL and 90eR are provided at respective ends of the rotary body 90. When the rotary body 90 rotates clockwise in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 4 about the rotational axis 90C, the rotary cams 90eL and 90eR abut against a roller 96 (parts (a) and (b) of Figure 4) supported by the frame 16. The rotary body 90 then moves clockwise in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 4 around the swing shaft 91. This direction can be said to be the direction in which each of the developing rollers 51y-51k moves away from the photosensitive drum 2. This direction can also be said to be the direction in which the rotary body 90 moves closer to the opening 16a of the frame 16 and the door 14.

[0164] As a result, when the rotary body 90 rotates and switches from the developing position to the replacing position, the rotary body 90 swings around the swing shaft 91. When the rotary body 90 is in the replacing position, the developing roller 51 moves away from the photosensitive drum 2.

[0165] As shown in part (b) of Figure 4, in the black replacing position, the toner cartridge 70k stops at the position facing the opening 16a and the door 14 provided in the side surface 16b of the apparatus main assembly 1A. From this state, when the tray 80k slides from its mounting position in the developing unit 50k to the outside of the rotary body 90, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70k. (Toner Cartridge Replacement Operation)

[0166] Referring to part (a) of Figure 4, parts (a)-(c) of Figure 6, and parts (a)-(c) of Figure 7, the toner cartridge replacing operation will be described. Parts (a)-(c) of Figure 6 are external views of the apparatus main assembly 1A. Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 7 are cross-sectional views of the rotary body 90 and the surroundings thereof during toner cartridge replacement operation. Parts (a) and (b) of Figures 7 are cross-sectional views of the device on an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90.

[0167] Part (a) of Figure 6 shows the external appearance of the apparatus main assembly 1A during image forming operation and during a standby mode. During the image formation operation, the image forming apparatus 1 performs a series of operations from feeding the sheet S, forming an image on the sheet S, to discharging the sheet S as a finished product. In standby mode, the image forming apparatus 1 is ready to start image formation operation upon receiving an image forming instruction (printing instruction), and is waiting for an image forming instruction by the user. As shown in part (a) of Figure 6, during image forming operation and in the standby mode, the door 14 is in a closed state.

[0168] Part (b) of Figure 6 shows the appearance of the apparatus main assembly 1A during the toner cartridge being replaced. When replacing the toner cartridge, the door 14 is opened, and the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 are moved to the outside of the apparatus main assembly 1A.

[0169] The toner cartridge 70 is movable between the mounted position and a retracted position relative to the developing device frame 53 of the developing unit 50. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position relative to the developing device frame 53, the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b face each other, as shown in Figure 3. As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 4, the rotary body 90 is structured to rotate about the rotational axis 90C when the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position, and to assume the developing position or the replacing position.

[0170] The toner cartridge replacement operation will be described. First, the user instructs the control portion of the apparatus main assembly 1A to perform the toner cartridge replacement operation. The instruction to replace the toner cartridge is entered, for example, by way of an operation panel (operation portion) provided on the apparatus main assembly 1A.

[0171] When the control portion receives the instruction to replace the toner cartridge, the rotary body 90 rotates to the replacing position for the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced (the toner cartridge 70 which has run out of toner) and then stops. That is, the control portion rotates the rotary body 90 to the replacing position for the toner cartridge specified in the instruction to replace the toner cartridge (in part (b) of Figure 4, the black replacing position for replacing the black toner cartridge 70k). In the replacing position, the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 instructed to be replaced faces the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main assembly 1A.

[0172] For example, the rotary body 90 in part (a) of Figure 4 is in the yellow development position in which the yellow developing roller 51y faces the photosensitive drum 2. At this time, the black toner cartridge 70k and tray 80k do not have to face the opening 16a and the door 14. In other words, the toner cartridges 70 and trays 80 do not need to face the opening 16a and the door 14 when the rotary body 90 is in a replacing position for the toner cartridge other than the toner cartridge to be replaced or in the developing position. Therefore, the openings 16a need only be large enough to allow the toner cartridge 70 to pass through individually. When the rotary body 90 rotates a predetermined angle clockwise from the yellow development position, the black toner cartridge 70k and tray 80k face the opening 16a and the door 14, as shown in part (b) of Figure 4.

[0173] Here, "the tray 80 faces the opening 16a" means that the tray 80 is positioned so that it can be moved to the outside of the apparatus main assembly 1A through the opening 16a. In other words, when the tray 80 faces the opening 16a, the tray 80 can be moved radially outward of the rotary body 90 by a moving mechanism (described hereinafter), thus allowing the tray 80 and the toner cartridges 70 supported by the tray 80 to protrude to the outside of the apparatus main assembly 1A. In part (a) of Figure 4, none of the trays 80y-80k face the opening 16a. In part (b) of Figure 4, only the black tray 80k faces the opening 16a, and the other trays 80y-80c do not face the opening 16a.

[0174] When the rotary body 90 is positioned in the replacing position, the motor M2 moves the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced toward the outside of the apparatus main assembly 1A.

[0175] As a result, the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced moves from the mounted position to the retracted position relative to the rotary body 90. Also, as shown in parts (b) and (c) of Figure 6 and parts (a) and (b) of Figure 7, the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced supported by the tray 80 protrude outside the apparatus main assembly 1A through the opening 16a.

[0176] More specifically, the tray 80 is movable between an accommodating position and a removal position relative to the rotary body 90. That is, the first tray can be moved between the accommodating position (first position) and the removal position (second position) relative to the rotary body 90. The second tray can be moved between the accommodating position (third position) and a removal position (fourth position) relative to the rotary body 90. The accommodating position is a position where the tray 80 is accommodated within the rotary body 90. The removal position is a position where 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 accommodating positions are the positions of the trays 80y to 80k in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 4. Examples of removal positions are the positions of the tray 80 in parts (b) and (c) of Figure 6, the tray 80k in part (a) of Figure 7, and the tray 80m in part (b) of Figure 7.

[0177] When the tray 80 is in the accommodating position, the toner cartridge 70 mounted on the tray 80 is in the mounted position. When the tray 80 is in the removal position, the toner cartridge 70 mounted on the tray 80 is placed outside the rotary body 90 and in the retracted position.

[0178] Here, as shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 7, the rotary body 90 has a protrusion 95 for holding the tray 80 in the accommodating position and the toner cartridge 70 in the mounted position. As shown in Figure 8, the tray 80 is provided with a recess 87 that fits around the protrusion 95. Although parts (a) and (b) of Figure 7 show protrusions 95k and 95m corresponding to trays 80k and 80m, and Figure 8 shows recesses 87y and 87m of trays 80y and 80m, the protrusion 95 and recess 87 are provided for each tray 80y to 80k. It is preferable that the protrusion 95 be urged in a direction of engaging with the recess 87.

[0179] The protrusion 95 fits into 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 the mounted position even when the rotary body 90 rotates, thus preventing the toner cartridge 70 from moving from the mounted position. When the tray 80 is moved between the accommodating position and the removed position by a moving device (described hereinafter), the protrusion 95 is moved by the tray 80 to disengage from the recess 87.

[0180] In this embodiment, the door 14 is supported rotatably relative to the apparatus main assembly 1A. As shown in part (a) of Figure 7, the door 14 is urged in a direction from the open position toward the closed position by a spring 14s. The spring 14s is a tension spring, for example, and urges the door 14 so as to generate a moment in the counterclockwise direction in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 7 around the support shaft 14c of the door 14.

[0181] When the tray 80 pushes against the door 14, the door 14 enters an open state (the state shown in part (b) of Figure 6). This state can also be described as a state in which the tray 80 is supported by the door 14. By having the door 14 support at least a portion of the tray 80 which protrudes outside the apparatus main assembly 1A, 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). Furthermore, when the second toner cartridge (toner cartridges 70y-70c) is in the second retracted position, the opening / closing member (door 14) in the open position supports the second support member (tray 80y-80c).

[0182] In the open position, the door 14 abuts against a portion of the frame 16 of the apparatus main assembly 1A (for example, the lower edge 16c of the opening 16a) so as not to rotate downward beyond the open position. When the tray 80 is pulled back from the outside to the inside of the apparatus main assembly 1A, the urging force of the spring 14s causes the door 14 to return to the closed position.

[0183] The toner cartridge 70 is removably held on the tray 80. Therefore, as shown in part (c) of Figure 6, the user can dismount the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80 and mount a new toner cartridge 70 (replacement work). When replacing multiple toner cartridges 70, the replacement work can be performed by repeating the above-described steps.

[0184] Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 7 show cross sections of the rotary body 90 and the surroundings thereof when replacing a toner cartridge. Part (a) of Figure 7 shows a state when replacing the black toner cartridge 70k. Part (b) of Figure 7 shows a state when replacing the magenta toner cartridge 70m.

[0185] The image forming apparatus 1 includes the moving devices 85 (85y, 85m, 85c, 85k) for moving toner cartridges 70 (70y, 70m, 70c, 70k) from the respective mounted positions to the respective retracted positions (see Figure 8). When the term "moving device 85" is used without the subscript, it generally refers to any one of moving devices 85y, 85m, 85c, and 85k. In this embodiment, the moving device 85 can be said to include tray 80. The moving device 85k including the tray 80k can be said to be an example of a first moving device including the first support member. The moving device 85m including tray 80m can be said to be an example of a second moving device including the second support member.

[0186] Even when toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the tray 80 remains connected to rotary body 90 (supported by rotary body 90). To facilitate the operation of dismounting 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. Because the toner cartridge 70 is structured to be dismountable from the rotary body 90 by way of 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.

[0187] The direction in which the toner cartridge 70 moves from the mounted position to the retracted position is referred to as a retraction direction. In this embodiment, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is a direction intersecting the direction of the rotational axis 90C (Y direction). Therefore, as shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 7, as viewed in the direction of the rotational axis 90C (Y direction), the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is a direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotational axis 90C (Y direction). The retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 can be said to be a direction toward the outside in a radial direction of the rotary body 90 (a direction away from the rotational axis 90C).

[0188] As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 7, when the user dismounts the toner cartridge 70 from the rotary body 90, it is preferable that at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 protrude from the rotary body 90 when the toner cartridge 70 is to be 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.

[0189] When the rotary body 90 rotates about the rotational axis 90C, the rotational locus of the rotary body 90 can be said to coincide with a circumscribed circle of the rotary body 90 (the imaginary circle 90V shown by the dashed line in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 7) centered on the rotational axis 90C. 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 be outside the rotational trajectory of the rotary body 90. In other words, as viewed in the direction of rotational axis of the rotary, when the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, it is preferable that more than half of the overall length of the toner cartridge be located outside the rotation path of the rotary in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge from the mounted position to the retracted position. This applies to each toner cartridge 70, including toner cartridge 70k as an example of the first cartridge and the toner cartridge 70m as an example of the second cartridge. In this embodiment, as shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 7, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 is outside the rotation path (imaginary circle 90V) of the rotary body 90.

[0190] Furthermore, 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 located outside the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the apparatus main assembly 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 apparatus main assembly 1A) when the image forming apparatus 1 is in use.

[0191] In this embodiment, the exterior surface of the apparatus main assembly 1A is formed by the exterior surface of the frame 16. In other words, "outside the apparatus" can also be referred to as the outside of the frame 16. Therefore, a state in which at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is outside the apparatus can also be referred to as a state in which at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes beyond the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main assembly 1A toward the outside of the frame 16.

[0192] In this embodiment, when the door 14 is in the closed position, the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main assembly 1A is covered by the door 14. A part of the exterior surface of the apparatus main assembly 1A is formed by the exterior surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position. Here, outside of the apparatus is outside of the exterior surface 14a of the door 14 placed in the closed position. In other words, if the position of the exterior surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position is defined as an exterior position, then when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is outside the apparatus main assembly 1A beyond this exterior position.

[0193] In other words, if the door 14 were in the closed position, at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 would be in the space outside the apparatus main assembly 1A. In the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70, at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is placed downstream of the exterior position.

[0194] In addition, if the side surface 16b with the opening 16a is considered to be the front of apparatus main assembly 1A, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes forward beyond the exterior surface on the front side of the apparatus main assembly 1A. In this case, a user can access the toner cartridge 70 from the front side of the image forming apparatus and easily replace the toner cartridge 70.

[0195] 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 retraction direction is outside the apparatus. In other words, as viewed in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotary, it is preferable that, when the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, more than half of the toner overall length of the cartridge is located outside the main body frame in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge from the mounted position toward the retracted position. This applies to each toner cartridge 70, including the toner cartridge 70k as an example of the first cartridge and the toner cartridge 70m as an example of the second cartridge. It is also preferable that the entire toner cartridge 70 is located outside the apparatus when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position. In this embodiment, the exterior surface 14a and side surface 16b of the door 14 form the front exterior surface of the apparatus main assembly 1A, but the structure of the door 14 is not limited to this. For example, the door 14 may be sized to cover the entire side surface 16b. In such a case, the exterior surface 14a of the door 14 forms the front exterior surface of the apparatus main assembly 1A.

[0196] The tray 80 includes a cartridge holding portion 81 (see Figure 3 and part (c) of Figure 6) for holding the toner cartridge 70. The cartridge holding portion 81 is a receiving portion onto which the toner cartridge 70 is mounted. When the tray 80 is in the removal position, it is preferable that the entire cartridge holding portion 81 is outside the rotation path of the rotary body 90 in the retraction direction. When the tray 80 is in the removal position, it is preferable that more than half of the length of the cartridge holding portion 81 be outside the apparatus in the retraction direction.

[0197] As described above, the 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 parts (a) and (b) of Figure 7, in this embodiment, the amounts of movement of the trays 80 when replacing the toner cartridge are different to match the size of the toner cartridge 70.

[0198] Specifically, as shown in part (a) of Figure 7, the movement distance of the tray 80k (first support member) when it moves from the accommodating position (first accommodating position) to the removal position (first removal position) is L1. The movement distance of the tray 80m (second support member) when it moves from the accommodating position to the removal position (second removal position) is L2. Part (b) of Figure 7 shows the state in which the toner cartridge 70m and the tray 80m have moved, but the movement distance of the trays 80y and 80c when they move from the accommodating position to the removal position is also L2. In this case, L1 is greater than L2. In other words, the movement distance of the first support member when the first toner cartridge moves from the first mounted position to the first retracted position is longer than the movement distance of the second support member when the second toner cartridge moves from the second mounted position to the second retracted position.

[0199] Furthermore, as shown in part (a) of Figure 7, when the tray 80k is in the removal position and the toner cartridge 70k is in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70k protrudes a distance P1 from the exterior surface of the apparatus main assembly 1A to the outside. In this embodiment, the tray 80k also protrudes a distance P1 from the exterior surface of the apparatus main assembly 1A to the outside.

[0200] Furthermore, as shown in part (b) of Figure 7, when the tray 80m is in the removal position and the toner cartridge 70m is in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70m protrudes a distance P2 from the exterior surface of apparatus main assembly 1A to the outside. In this embodiment, the tray 80m also protrudes a distance P2 from the exterior surface of apparatus main assembly 1A to the outside. Here, the toner cartridges 70y and 70c also protrude a distance P2 from the exterior surface of apparatus main assembly 1A to the outside.

[0201] The above-described distance P1 is greater than distance P2. In other words, the length by which the first toner cartridge in the first retracted position protrudes from the opening 16a of the apparatus main assembly 1A is a first length (P1), and the length by which the second toner cartridge in the second retracted position protrudes from the opening 16a is a second length (P2). In such a case, the first length can be said to be longer than the second length.

[0202] For the toner cartridges 70y-70c, which are smaller in size than the toner cartridge 70k, it is preferable, from a strength perspective, to make the distance P2 by which they protrude outside the apparatus in the retracted position shorter than the distance P1 by which the toner cartridge 70k protrudes outside the apparatus, in the retracted position. This is for the following reason. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes outward beyond the rotational path of the rotary body 90 or outward beyond the external surface of the apparatus main assembly 1A. At this time, the tray 80 is cantilevered by the rotary body 90 and supports the weight of the toner cartridge 70. Therefore, shortening the distance P2 by which the toner cartridges 70y-70c protrude outside the machine in the retracted position reduces the load on the trays 80y-80c and the guide portion 97 of the rotary body 90 which supports the trays 80y-80k. Furthermore, because the toner cartridges 70y-70c are smaller than the toner cartridge 70k, shortening the distance P2 down to less than the distance P1 does not affect the ease of cartridge replacement operation for the trays 80y-80c. (Tray Arrangement Within Rotary)

[0203] Referring to Figures 8, 9, and 10, the arrangement of the trays 80y-80k within the rotary body 90 will be described. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the trays 80y-80k within the rotary body 90. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the trays 80y-80k within the rotary body 90. Figure 10 shows the arrangement of components at one end of the trays 80y-80k in the Y direction. Here, Figure 9 is a cross section of the rotary body 90 in an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90. The upper half of Figure 10 is a view of the rotary body 90 and the trays 80m and 80k in Figure 8 as viewed from the top (+Z side) of Figure 8, and the lower half of Figure 10 is a view of the rotary body 90 and the trays 80c and 80y in Figure 8 as viewed from the right (+X side) of Figure 8.

[0204] As shown in Figure 8, each of the trays 80y-80k is provided with cartridge holding portion 81y-81k and guided portion 82y-82k.

[0205] The toner cartridges 70y-70k are mounted to the cartridge holding portions 81y-81k, respectively. Each of the cartridge holding portions 81y-81k accommodates at least a part of the toner cartridge 70y-70k mounted thereto.

[0206] The guided portions 82y-82k are provided at opposite ends of the trays 80y-80k, interposing the cartridge holding portions 81y-81k in the Y direction. The guided portions 82y-82k are each an elongated member extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the rotary body 90.

[0207] In this embodiment, a reinforcing rib 82k1 is formed on a part of the guided portion 82k in the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k, and a reinforcing rib 82m1 is formed on a part of the guided portion 82m in the movement direction Dm of the tray 80m (see also parts (a) and (b) of Figure 11). The reinforcing ribs 82k1, 82m1 are rib-shaped (protruding) members which protrude outward in the Y direction from the guided portions 82k, 82m provided at opposite ends of the trays 80k, 80m in the Y direction, and extend elongated in the movement directions Dk, Dm of the trays 80k, 80m. The reinforcing ribs 82k1, 82m1 improve the stiffness of the guided portions 82k, 82m.

[0208] Here, in this embodiment, the length of the reinforcing ribs 82m1, 82k1 is limited to avoid interference with the guided portions 82y, 82c, but if there is no interference with the guided portions 82y, 82c, the reinforcing ribs 82m1, 82k1 may be provided over the entire length of the guided portions 82m, 82k. A reinforcing rib may be added to the guided portions 82y, 82c. In addition, if the stiffness of the guided portions 82m, 82k is sufficient, the reinforcing ribs 82m1, 82k1 may not be provided.

[0209] The tray 80y is provided with one or more rack portions 83y. The rotary body 90 is provided with one or more pinion gears 94y corresponding to the one or more rack portions 83y. Similarly, the trays 80m, 80c, and 80k are provided with one or more rack portions 83m, one or more rack portions 83c, and one or more rack portions 83k, respectively. The rotary body 90 is provided with one or more pinion gears 94m, one or more pinion gears 94c, and one or more pinion gears 94k corresponding to the one or more rack portions 83m, one or more rack portions 83c, and one or more rack portions 83k, respectively.

[0210] The rack portions 83y-83k and the pinion gears 94y-94k are parts of the moving devices 85y-85k structured to move the toner cartridges 70y-70k from the mounted position to the retracted position. Furthermore, the rack portions 83y-83k and pinion gears 94y-94k can be considered to be parts of a driven device driven by the drive device 98 of the apparatus main assembly 1A.

[0211] The pinion gears 94y-94k can be considered to be rotational bodies (rotational members) rotatable to move the trays 80y-80k relative to the rotary body 90.

[0212] The movement devices 85y-85k are driven by the drive device 98 of the apparatus main assembly 1A. The pinion gears 94y-94k and rack portions 83y-83k function as driven portions for the movement devices 85y-85k of the rotary body 90 to receive the driving force from the drive device 98 of the apparatus main assembly 1A. The pinion gear 94k and rack portion 83k are examples of a first pinion gear and a first rack gear which is a constituent of at least a part of a first driven portion provided in the first movement device. The pinion gear 94m and the rack portion 83m are examples of a second pinion gear and a second rack gear which is a constituent of at least a part of a second driven portion of the second moving device.

[0213] The rotary body 90 has guide portions 97 (see parts (a) and (b) of Figure 7) engageable with each of the guided portions 82y-82k. Part (a) of Figure 7 shows the guide portion 97 (97k) engageable with the guided portion 82k of the tray 80k, and part (b) of Figure 7 shows the guide portion 97 (97m) engage with the guided portion 82m of the tray 80m. The rotary body 90 is provided with similar guide portions engageable with the guided portions 82y and 82c of trays 80y and 80c. Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 7 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 rotary body 90 in the Y direction.

[0214] When the tray 80 moves between the accommodating position and the removal position, the guide portion 97 maintains the engagement with guided portion 82 throughout at least a part of the movement range, to guide the tray 80 in the movement direction. In this embodiment, the guide portion 97 maintains the engagement with the guided portion 82k throughout the entire movement range of the tray 80k between the accommodating position and the removal position. In this embodiment, the guide portion 97 maintains the engagement with the guided portion 82m throughout the entire movement range of the tray 80m between the accommodating position and the removal position.

[0215] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, four trays 80y to 80k are arranged overlapping each other within rotary body 90, as will be described in detail hereinafter.

[0216] When the pinion gears 94y-94k rotate, the rack portions 83y-83k and the trays 80y-80k move relative to the rotary body 90. As shown in Figure 9, the four trays 80y-80k are arranged so that their movement directions are phase-shifted by 90 degrees relative to the rotary body 90. Therefore, the trays 80y and 80c, and the trays 80m and 80k are held so that they can slide in substantially the same direction (parallel directions), respectively. The direction of movement of each of the trays 80y-80k during sliding movement is restricted by the engagement between the guided portions 82y-82k and the guide portion 97.

[0217] The trays 80y-80k move to outside through the opening 16a. When each of the trays 80y-80k moves to the outside through the opening 16a, the movement directions of each tray are substantially the same direction (parallel).

[0218] As shown in Figure 9, with respect to the direction of movement Dk of the tray 80k, the range in which the tray 80k occupies overlaps the range in which the tray 80y and the range in which the tray 80c occupies. Furthermore, with respect to the direction of movement Dk of the tray 80k, the range in which the tray 80k occupies overlaps the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90. In other words, it can be said that the toner cartridge 70k held in cartridge holding portion 81k of the tray 80k overlaps the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (part (b) of Figure 4).

[0219] On the other hand, with respect to the direction of movement Dm of the tray 80m, the range which the tray 80m occupies is shifted so as not to overlap the range occupied by the tray 80y and the range occupied by the tray 80c. Furthermore, with respect to the direction of movement Dy of the tray 80y, the range occupied by the tray 80y is shifted so as not to overlap the range occupied by the tray 80m and the range occupied by the tray 80k. Similarly, in the movement direction Dc of the tray 80c, the range occupied by the tray 80c is shifted from the range occupied by the tray 80m and the range occupied by the tray 80k so as not to overlap with each other.

[0220] The positional relationship between trays 80 can also be expressed as follows. As viewed in the direction Dy of movement of the tray 80y, the tray 80y and the tray 80k overlap each other, but the tray 80y and the tray 80m do not overlap each other. As viewed in the direction Dm of movement of the tray 80m, the tray 80m and the tray 80k overlap each other, but the tray 80m does not overlap trays 80y or 80c. As viewed in the movement direction Dc of movement of the tray 80c, the tray 80c and the tray 80k overlap each other, but the tray 80c and the tray 80m do not overlap each other.

[0221] Here, "two elements (components, parts, units, and so on) overlap each other as viewed in a specific direction" means that when each element is vertically projected onto an imaginary plane perpendicular to that direction, the projection area of one element at least partially superimpose with the projection area of another element.

[0222] As shown in Figures 8 and 10, in the direction of rotational axis 90C (Y direction), the range in which rack portion 83m and guided portion 82m are arranged and the range in which rack portion 83k and guided portion 82k are arranged at least partially overlap each other. In other words, in this embodiment, in the direction of the rotational axis (Y direction) of the rotary, the range in which the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) is arranged and the range in which the second rack gear (rack portion 83m) is arranged can be said to at least partially overlap with each other. Therefore, as compared to an arrangement in which the rack portion 83m and the guided portion 82m do not overlap the rack portion 83k and the guided portion 82k, the rack portions 83m, 83k and the guided portions 82m, 82k can be arranged in a more space-saving manner in the Y direction.

[0223] In the direction of rotational axis 90C (Y direction), the range in which rack portion 83y and guided portion 82y are arranged at least partially overlaps the range in which rack portion 83c and guided portion 82c are arranged. That is, in this embodiment, in the direction of the rotational axis (Y direction) of the rotary, the range in which the third rack gear (rack portion 83y) is arranged at least partially overlaps the range in which the fourth rack gear (rack portion 83c) is arranged. Therefore, as compared to an arrangement in which the rack portion 83y and the guided portion 82y do not overlap the rack portion 83c and the guided portion 82c, the rack portions 83y, 83c and the guided portions 82y, 82c can be arranged in a more space-saving manner in the Y direction.

[0224] Here, referring to Figure 10, the position of the meshing engagement between the rack portion 83 with gear 94 will be described. The upper half of Figure 10 shows the meshing engagement position of rack portion 83k with pinion gear 94k. The lower half of Figure 10 shows the meshing engagement position of rack portion 83c and pinion gear 94c.

[0225] In the direction of the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (Y direction), in area Y1 in the Figure, the drive force transmitted from the motor M2 (Figure 2) as a drive source by the transmission device which will be described hereinafter is transmitted to the pinion gears 94y to 94k. In area Y2 in the Y direction, the pinion gear 94k is in meshing engagement with the rack portion 83k to enable driving transmission. In area Y3 in the Y direction, the pinion gear 94c is meshing engagement with the rack portion 83c to enable driving transmission. The rack portion 83m, like the rack portion 83k, is in meshing engagement with the pinion gear 94m (Figure 8) in area Y2 to enable driving transmission. The rack portion 83y, like the rack portion 83c, is meshing engagement with the pinion gear 94y (Figure 8) in area Y3 to enable driving transmission.

[0226] Here, the regions Y2 and Y3 are at different positions in the Y direction (shifted in the Y direction). The region Y1 is at a position, in the Y direction, different from both regions Y2 and Y3. That is, the region Y1 is shifted in the Y direction relative to the regions Y2 and Y3.

[0227] In addition, when toner cartridges 70y and 70c are in the mounted position, the range occupied by the rack portion 83y and the range occupied by the rack portion 83c overlap each other at least partially in the direction of the movement of the rack portion 83y (direction of movement Dy of tray 80y). In this embodiment, because the directions of movement Dy and Dc of the trays 80y and 80c are substantially the same direction (parallel), the range occupied by the rack portion 83y and the range occupied by the rack portion 83c also overlap each other at least partially in the direction of movement Dc of the tray 80c. Therefore, when toner cartridges 70y, 70c are in the mounted position, the toothed surface of the rack portion 83y and the toothed surface of the rack portion 83c face each other in the direction perpendicular to the movement directions Dy, Dc of the rack portions 83y, 83c (the left-right direction in Figure 8).

[0228] Furthermore, when toner cartridges 70m, 70k are in the mounted position, the range in which rack portion 83m is disposed and the range in which rack portion 83k is disposed overlap each other at least partially in the movement direction of rack portion 83m (movement direction Dm of the tray 80m). In this embodiment, because the movement directions Dm, Dk of the trays 80m, 80k are substantially the same (parallel), the range occupied by the rack portion 83m and the range occupied by the rack portion 83k also overlap each other at least partially in the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k. Therefore, when the toner cartridges 70m and 70k are in the mounted position, the toothed surfaces of the rack portions 83m and 83k face each other in the direction perpendicular to the movement directions Dm and Dk of the rack portions 83m and 83k (the up-and-down direction in Figure 8).

[0229] In addition, as shown in part (a) of Figure 12 which will be described hereinafter, as viewed in the direction of the rotational axis 90C (Y direction), the rack portion 83y overlaps the rack portion 83m and the rack portion 83k. As viewed in the direction of rotational axis 90C (Y direction), the rack portion 83m overlaps the rack portion 83y and the rack portion 83c. As viewed in the direction of the rotational axis 90C (Y direction), the rack portion 83c overlaps the rack portion 83m and the rack portion 83k. As viewed in the direction of the rotational axis 90C (Y direction), the rack portion 83k overlaps the rack portion 83y and the rack portion 83c. In other words, in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotary (Y direction), the range occupied by the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) and the range occupied by the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) not overlap each other. Furthermore, as viewed in the direction of the rotational axis (Y direction) of the rotary, the first the toner cartridge 70k is in the first mounting position. And, when the second the toner cartridge 70y is in the second mounting position, the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) and the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) can be said to overlap.

[0230] As such, the positions of the rack portions 83k and 83m and the rack portions 83y and 83c are different in the Y direction, and therefore the rack portions 83y and 83c can be arranged to overlap the rack portions 83m and 83k as viewed in the Y direction.

[0231] This saves space when arranging the four trays within the rotary body 90 to enable downsizing of the rotary body 90 in the direction of rotation radius thereof. In other words, if the movement distance of each the tray 80y-80k is the same as in this embodiment, while arranging the rack portions 83 so that they do not overlap as viewed in the Y direction, the area required to arrange the four rack portions will be larger as viewed in the Y direction. As compared to this structure, by arranging the rack portions 83 with their positions offset in the Y direction and overlapping each other as viewed in the Y direction, the layout area of the rack portions 83 as viewed in the Y direction can be reduced.

[0232] Moreover, in this embodiment, the four rack portions 83y to 83k are arranged in two pairs of two and are offset in the Y direction. In other words, in the direction of the rotational axis (Y direction) thereof, the ranges in which the first rack gear and the second rack gear are arranged overlapping each other, and the ranges in which the third rack gear and the fourth rack gear are arranged overlapping each other. In addition, in the Y direction, the ranges in which the first rack gear and the second rack gear are arranged and the ranges in which the third rack gear and the fourth rack gear are arranged do not overlap each other. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the rotary body 90 in the Y direction as compared to that when each of the four rack portions 83y to 83k is offset in the Y direction. (Tray Moving Structure)

[0233] Referring to parts (a) and (b) of Figure 11 and parts (a) and (b) of Figure 12, the structure for moving trays 80y-80k arranged within the rotary body 90 will be described. Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 11 are perspective views showing the structure for moving the tray 80k. Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 12 are cross-sectional views showing the structure for moving the tray 80k.

[0234] In this embodiment, the trays 80y-80k are all driven by the driving force of the motor M2, which is transmitted to the pinion gears 94y-94k by the drive racks 15L and 15R, which function as transmission devices. Here, the description will be made as to the structure for moving the tray 80k relative to the rotary body 90, and the structure for moving the trays 80y-80c relative to the rotary body 90 is substantially similar to the structure for moving the tray 80k, and therefore the description of this structure will be omitted.

[0235] Part (a) of Figure 11 shows a state in which the tray 80k is inside rotary body 90 (i.e., a state in which the toner cartridge 70k is mounted to developing unit 50k). That is, part (a) of Figure 11 shows a state in which the tray 80k is in the accommodating position, which corresponds to a state in which the toner cartridge 70k is in the mounted position relative to the development frame 53k (part (a) of Figure 4). Part (b) of Figure 11 shows a state in which the tray 80k has been slid outside the rotary body 90. That is, part (b) of Figure 11 shows a state in which the tray 80k is in the removal position, which corresponds to a state in which the toner cartridge 70k is in the retracted position relative to development frame 53k (part (b) of Figure 4).

[0236] The apparatus main assembly 1A of this embodiment has the drive racks 15L and 15R as the driving gears for driving the pinion gear 94. Each drive rack 15 is driven by the motor M2 by way of the drive transmission mechanism (not shown). As shown in part (a) of Figure 11, when the tray 80k is inside the rotary body 90 (i.e., when the toner cartridge 70k is mounted to the developing unit 50k), the drive racks 15L and 15R are in a disengaged position away from the pinion gear 94k. The drive racks 15L and 15R move from the disengaged position to engage with the pinion gear 94k so that the tray 80k moves from the accommodating position to the removal position and the toner cartridge 70k moves from the mounting position to the retracted position.

[0237] As described above, the two rack portions 83k are provided at opposite ends of the tray 80k in the Y direction, respectively. The two pinion gears 94k and the two drive racks 15L and 15R are disposed at positions corresponding to the rack portions 83k at opposite ends. In other words, the apparatus main assembly 1A of this embodiment has the drive racks 15L and 15R as a first driving gear and a second driving gear. It can be said that the drive rack 15L is an example of a first driving gear, and the drive rack 15R is an example of the second driving gear.

[0238] However, these numbering schemes are used merely for convenience of explanation, and in principle can be interchanged as appropriate. When there is no need to distinguish between drive racks 15L and 15R, they will be referred to simply as "drive rack 15".

[0239] In this embodiment, the rack portion 83 is structured as a rack gear pair, and the pinion gear 94 in this embodiment is structured as a pinion gear pair. In this embodiment, the rack gear pair and the pinion gear pair are located at one end and the other end of the support member (the tray 80) in the Y direction, respectively, but they may be located in other positions. The rack portion 83k and the pinion gear 94k of the moving device 85k corresponding to the tray 80k are examples of the first rack gear pair and the first pinion gear pair, respectively.

[0240] The rack portions 83y-83c and the pinion gears 94y-94c of the moving devices 85y-85c corresponding to any of the other trays 80y-80c are examples of the second rack gear pair and the second pinion gear pair, respectively.

[0241] One of the rack gears in the pair meshes with one of the pinion gears in the pair, and the other of the rack gear in the pair meshes with the other pinion gear in the pair. At least one of the pinion gears in the pair is driven by the drive rack 15L, which functions as the first drive rack. In this embodiment, both of the pinion gear pairs are simultaneously driven by the drive racks 15L, 15R, which function as the first and second drive racks. This makes it less likely that the tray 80 rotates, thus allowing stable movement of the toner cartridge 70.

[0242] Here, the tray 80 may have one rack portion 83 and be moved by one drive rack 15 by way of one pinion gear 94.

[0243] 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 movement direction Dk). The drive rack 15 is held so as to be slidable relative to the apparatus main assembly 1A in a direction intersecting the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k. The drive rack 15 is structured to be slidable (reciprocable) relative to the apparatus main assembly 1A in a first direction (vertically upward in this embodiment) and a second direction opposite to the first direction (vertically downward in this embodiment). That is, the movement direction of the drive rack 15 in this embodiment is a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) both the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k and the direction of the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (Y direction).

[0244] Referring to parts (a) and (b) of Figure 11, the tray movement operation which slides the tray 80k between the accommodating position and the removal position will be described. The tray movement operation of the tray 80k is performed by the motor M2 (Figure 2), a drive transmission mechanism (not shown), the drive rack 15, the pinion gear 94k, and the rack portion 83k.

[0245] First, the tray moving operation (tray extraction operation) performed when dismounting the toner cartridge 70k from the rotary body 90 will be described. Before the tray extraction operation begins, the drive rack 15 is positioned below the position where it engages with the pinion gear 94k (part (a) of Figure 11). Also, as described above, during the toner cartridge 70k replacement operation, the rotary body 90 takes the toner cartridge 70k replacement posture (part (b) of Figure 4).

[0246] When the tray extraction operation begins, the drive force of the motor M2 causes the drive rack 15 to slide upward in the apparatus main assembly 1A. As the drive rack 15 moves, it engages with the pinion gear 94k, and the pinion gear 94k is rotationally driven.

[0247] As shown in part (b) of Figure 11, the pinion gear 94k is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow, by which a driving force is inputted to the rack portion 83k engaged with the pinion gear 94k. As a result, the tray 80k is pushed out of the apparatus and is moved from the accommodating position to the removal position relative to the rotary body 90. At this time, the tray 80k is guided in a predetermined movement direction Dk by the engagement between the guided portion 82k and the guide portion 97k of the rotary body 90 (part (a) of Figure 7). As a result of the tray 80k moving from the accommodating position to the removal position, the toner cartridge 70k is moved from the mounting position to the retracted position relative to the developing unit 50k.

[0248] With the tray 80k in the removal position and the toner cartridge 70k in the retracted position, the user can dismount or mount the toner cartridge 70k from or to the tray 80k.

[0249] The tray moving operation (tray pull-in operation, tray insertion operation) when mounting the toner cartridge 70 to the rotary body 90 is performed in the reverse process of the tray extracting operation. For example, the tray pull-in operation is initiated by the user operating a predetermined operating portion. When the tray pull-in operation is initiated, the drive force of the motor M2 causes the drive rack 15 to slide downward in the apparatus main assembly 1A. Here, the rotational direction of the motor M2 during tray pull-in operation is the opposite direction to that during tray extraction.

[0250] By the pinion gear 94k being driven to rotate in the direction opposite to the arrow in part (b) of Figure 11, the driving force is inputted to rack portion 83k which is in meshing engagement with pinion gear 94k. As a result, the tray 80k is retracted into the machine and moves from the removal position to the accommodating position relative to rotary body 90.

[0251] The movement direction of the tray 80k is guided in movement direction Dk (the opposite direction to the arrow in part (b) of Figure 11) by engagement between the guided portion 82k and the guide portion 97k (part (a) of Figure 7) of the rotary body 90. As a result of the tray 80k moving from the removal position to the accommodating position, the toner cartridge 70k is moved from the retracted position to the mounting position relative to developing unit 50k.

[0252] The movement of the black tray 80k and the toner cartridge 70k has been described above, but the movement of the other trays 80y-80c and toner cartridges 70y-70c is also carried out by a similar mechanism. That is, when each toner cartridge is in the replacement position, the drive rack 15 transmits the driving force to the pinion gears 94y-94c.

[0253] The drive device 98 for driving the moving device 85 provided on the rotary body 90 comprises the motor M2 provided on the apparatus main assembly 1A, and the transmission device including the drive racks 15 (15L, 15R) and the drive transmission mechanism.

[0254] As described above, in this embodiment, the rotary body 90 is provided with the moving devices 85k-85y corresponding to the respective toner cartridges 70k-70y. The drive device 98 of the apparatus main assembly 1A is a common drive device for driving the plurality of moving devices 85k-85y (a plurality of driven devices) of the rotary body 90.

[0255] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive target of the drive device 98 is switched by rotation of the rotary body 90. In other words, the drive device of this embodiment includes a drive rack 15 as a transmission member which 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) so as to be able to transmit drive to it, and a state in which the transmission member is engaged with the second driven part (pinion gear 94m) so as to be able to transmit drive to it. The drive device can also be in a state in which the transmission member is disengaged from the first driven part and from the second driven part.

[0256] As described above, the pinion gears 94y-94k are held by the rotary body 90. Therefore, when the rotary body 90 rotates, it is preferable that the pinion gears 94y-94k and the drive rack 15 are disengaged from each other.

[0257] Part (a) of Figure 12 shows a state in which the tray 80k is inside the rotary body 90 (in the accommodating position). Part (b) of Figure 12 shows a state in which the tray 80k has moved to the outside of the rotary body 90 (in the removal position).

[0258] As shown in part (a) of Figure 12, when the tray 80k is inside the rotary body 90, the drive rack 15 is located in the lower part inside the apparatus main assembly 1A. At this time, the drive rack 15 is retracted away from the pinion gear 94k. Therefore, the drive rack 15 does not interfere with the rotation of the rotary body 90, thus allowing the rotary body 90 to rotate. More specifically, the drive rack 15 can be retracted outside the rotational path of the rotary body 90 indicated by the dotted lines in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 12.

[0259] As described above, by driving the motor M2 to rotate forward and backward, the tray 80 mounted to the rotary body 90 can be moved relative to the rotary body 90 from the accommodating position to the removal position and from the removal position to the storage position. In other words, the drive device of this embodiment not only drives the moving devices of the rotary to move the toner cartridge from the mounted position to the retracted position, but also drives the moving devices to move the toner cartridge from the retracted position to the mounting position.

[0260] Here, as described above, in this embodiment, the amount of movement of the tray 80 during toner cartridge replacement is changed depending on the size of the toner cartridge 70. Specifically, as shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 7, the movement distance L1 when the black tray 80k moves from the accommodating position to the removal position is longer than the movement distance L2 when the other trays 80y to 80c move from the accommodating positions to the removal positions.

[0261] Therefore, in this embodiment, when toner cartridges 70y-70k are moved from the mounted position to the retracted position, the value obtained by dividing the speed of rack portion 83k by the speed of drive rack 15 is greater than the value obtained by dividing the speed of rack portions 83y-83c by the speed of drive rack 15.

[0262] For example, as shown in Figure 10, the pinion gear 94c is a stepped gear, and a pitch radius of a small diameter gear 942 meshing with the rack portion 83c is smaller than a pitch radius of a large diameter gear 941 meshing with drive rack 15. The pinion gears 94m and 94y are also stepped gears. Meanwhile, the pinion gear 94k has the same pitch radius at the portion meshing with drive rack 15 and the portion meshing with rack portion 83k. In this case, the pitch radius of pinion gear 94k can be the same as the pitch radius of large diameter gear 941 of pinion gears 94y-94c. With this structure, even if the movement distance of the drive rack 15 is the same, the movement distance of rack portion 83k can be made greater than the movement distances of the other rack portions 83y-83c. In other words, the movement distance L1 when the black tray 80k moves from the accommodating position to the removal position can be made greater than the movement distance L2 when the other trays 80y-80c move from the accommodating position to the removal position.

[0263] In addition, by employing step gears for the pinion gears 94y-94c, the movement distance L1 of the tray 80k can be made greater than the movement distance L2 of the other trays 80y-80c, even though the pinion gears 94y-94k are structured to receive the driving force from the same drive rack 15.

[0264] Instead of (or in combination with) the structure in which the pinion gears 94y-94c are step gears, the pinion gear 94k may be a step gear. In such a case, the part of the pinion gear 94k which meshes with the drive rack 15 may be a small-diameter gear, and the part of the pinion gear 94k which meshes with the rack portion 83k may be a large-diameter gear with a larger pitch circle radius than the small-diameter gear. The stepped gear is an example of a speed reduction mechanism, and may be replaced with a known speed reduction mechanism for reducing the amount of movement of a member on the input side (drive source side) compared to the amount of movement of a member on the output side (the tray 80 side).

[0265] The amount of movement of the drive rack 15 when moving the toner cartridge 70k from the mounted position to the retracted position may be greater than the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 when moving toner cartridges 70y-70c from the mounted position to the retracted position.

[0266] Here, a shorter distance traveled by the toner cartridge 70 from the mounted position to the retracted position means shortness of the time required for the toner cartridge 70 to move, thereby reducing the amount of time the user has to wait for the toner cartridge 70 to move. As described above, if the movement amount of the drive rack 15 for the toner cartridge 70k is greater than the movement amount of the drive rack 15 for the toner cartridges 70y to 70c, the time the user has to wait for the toner cartridges 70y to 70c to move can be shortened.

[0267] By the above structure, the movement distance L1 can be made longer than the movement distance L2. These structures can also be used in combination. <Preventing Backflow of Toner from Developing Unit to Toner Cartridge>

[0268] As the rotary assembly 90A rotates, the receiving opening (developing opening) 53b may be placed above the discharge opening 71b. For example, when the rotary body 90 is in the replacement position (mounting / dismounting position) with the toner cartridge 70 mounted to it, the receiving opening 53b is placed above the discharge opening 71b. When the receiving opening 53b is placed above the discharge opening 71b, it is preferable to prevent backflow of toner from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70.

[0269] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the description will be made as to the structure for preventing backflow of toner from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70. The following description is on the basis of assumption that the toner cartridge 70 is mounted to the rotary body 90.

[0270] Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 13 are cross-sectional views of the toner cartridge 70 and a developing unit 50 in this embodiment. Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 13 are cross-sectional views of a cross section perpendicular to the Y direction, as viewed in the Y direction.

[0271] As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 13, the developing unit 50 is provided with a cover (restricting portion, toner restricting portion) 54. The cover 54 is housed in the developing-side casing portion (receiving-side casing chamber, developing-side casing chamber) 53a. The cover 54 is movable relative to the receiving opening 53b and is a cover member (shielding member) movable between a covering position for covering the receiving opening 53b and a retracted position (cover retracted position) retracted from the covering position.

[0272] In this embodiment, the developing unit 50 is provided with the connecting portion 55 for supporting the cover 54. The connecting portion 55 is connected to the cover 54 and is movable relative to the receiving opening 53b. The connecting portion 55 and the cover 54 are structured to move together. Movement of the connecting portion 55 moves the cover 54 between the cover position and the cover retracted position. The connecting portion 55 includes a shaft (transmission portion) 55a, and the cover 54 is attached to a shaft 55a.

[0273] The shaft 55a is capable of swinging about a cover swing axis 55c, and as the shaft 55a swings, the cover 54 also swings around the cover swing axis 55c, while moving between the cover position and the cover retracted position. Details of the structure for moving the cover 54 will be described hereinafter.

[0274] As shown in part (b) of Figure 13, when the receiving opening 53b is provided above the discharge opening (discharge port) 71b, the cover 54 is positioned in the cover position. At this time, the cover 54 covers the receiving opening 53b, preventing the toner contained in the developing device side accommodating portion 53a from being discharged to the outside of the developing unit 50 through the receiving opening 53b. The position of the rotary body 90 in which the receiving opening 53b is placed above the discharge opening 71b and the cover 54 is placed in the cover position can be referred to as the cover position (first position).

[0275] Part (b) of Figure 13 can be said to be an illustration of the rotary body 90 in the first position with the toner cartridge 70 mounted to the rotary body 90. In other words, part (b) of Figure 13 can be said to be an illustration of the rotary assembly 90A in the first position.

[0276] As shown in part (a) of Figure 13, with the receiving opening 53b placed below the discharge opening 71b, the cover 54 is placed in the cover retracted position, retracted from the cover position. At this time, a gap is formed between the cover 54 and the receiving opening 53b, allowing toner to pass through. When the cover 54 is placed in the cover retracted position, the toner discharged through the discharge opening 71b is allowed to pass between the cover 54 and the receiving opening 53b and enters the developing device side accommodating portion 53a. The position of the rotary body 90 in which the receiving opening 53b is placed below the discharge opening 71b and the cover 54 is placed in the cover retracted position can be referred to as the cover retracted position (second position).

[0277] Part (a) of Figure 13 can be said to be an illustration of the rotary body 90 in the second position with the toner cartridge 70 mounted to the rotary body 90. In other words, part (a) of Figure 13 can be said to be an illustration of the rotary assembly 90A in the second position.

[0278] In this embodiment, when the rotary body 90 is in the cover retracted position, the weight of the cover 54 acts in the direction from the cover position toward the cover retracted position. In addition, when the rotary body 90 is in the cover position, the weight of the cover 54 acts in the direction from the cover retracted position toward the cover position.

[0279] Here, it is not necessary for the receiving opening 53b to be completely closed by the cover 54 when it is placed in the cover position. In other words, the discharge of toner through the receiving opening 53b does not need to be completely restricted by the cover 54. For example, when the cover 54 is in the cover position, a gap may be formed between the cover 54 and the receiving opening 53b. In this case, the size of the gap formed between the cover 54 and the receiving opening 53b when the cover 54 is in the cover position is smaller than when the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position.

[0280] Also, the cover 54 may close the receiving opening 53b so that no gap is formed between the cover 54 and the receiving opening 53b, when the cover 54 is in the cover position. In other words, the discharge of toner through the receiving opening 53b may be completely restricted.

[0281] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary assembly 90A in this embodiment. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a cross section perpendicular to the Y direction, as viewed in the Y direction. Figure 14 shows the developing units 50 and the corresponding toner cartridges 70 positioned at positions TP1, TP2, TP3, and TP4, respectively.

[0282] When the rotary body 90 with the toner cartridge 70 mounted therein is in the replacement position, the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are placed at position TP1. At this time, the receiving opening 53b is placed above the discharge opening 71b, and the cover 54 is placed in the cover position. In this state, the toner is prevented from flowing back from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70. This prevents toner leakage when replacing the toner cartridge 70.

[0283] Furthermore, the cover 54 prevents the toner once discharged from the toner cartridge 70 from returning into the toner cartridge 70. This reduces the amount of the toner remaining inside the toner cartridge 70 after use. In other words, more toner contained in the toner cartridge 70 is used up.

[0284] In this embodiment, the rotary body 90 in which the toner cartridge 70 is mounted rotates clockwise as viewed in the Y direction, from position the TP1 to the positions TP2, TP3, TP4, and then back to the position TP1. When the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are at the position TP2, the receiving opening 53b and the discharge opening 71b are placed below the rotational axis 90C, and the receiving opening 53b is aligned horizontally with the discharge opening 71b. When the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are at the position TP3, the receiving opening 53b is placed below the discharge opening 71b. When the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are at the position TP4, the receiving opening 53b and the discharge opening 71b are placed above the rotational axis 90C, and the receiving opening 53b is aligned horizontally with the discharge opening 71b.

[0285] In this embodiment, when the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are at the position TP4 and at the position TP2, the cover 54 is placed in the cover position. When the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 move from position TP4 to position TP2 by way of position TP1, at least a part of the receiving opening 53b is placed above the discharge opening 71b. In this embodiment, the cover 54 is placed in the cover position while the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 move from the position TP4 to the position TP2 by way of position TP1 by the rotation of the rotary assembly 90A.

[0286] On the other hand, when the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are at the position TP3, the cover 54 is placed in the cover retracted position. In this embodiment, the position at which the developing roller 51 of the developing unit 50 faces the photosensitive drum 2 is downstream of the position TP3 and upstream of the position TP4. In other words, while the rotary body 90 is changing from the replacement position to the development position, the rotary body 90 takes the cover retracted position, and the cover 54 is positioned in the cover retracted position. In this embodiment, when the developing unit 50 is in the developing position, the receiving opening 53b is placed below the discharge opening 71b, and the cover 54 is placed in the cover retracted position.

[0287] As the rotary body 90 rotates, the cover 54 moves to the cover retracted position after the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 pass the position TP2, and moves to the cover position before the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 reach position TP4. As a result, when at least a part of the receiving opening 53b is placed above the discharge opening 71b, the cover 54 is placed in the cover position, thus more reliably preventing toner from flowing back from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70. <Cover Movement>

[0288] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the structure of the cover 54 and the structure for moving the cover 54 will be described.

[0289] Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 15, and parts (a) and (b) of Figure 16 are illustrations of the structure of the cover 54 and the connecting portion 55 in this embodiment. In parts (a) and (b) of Figure 15, the cover 54 is placed in the cover retracted position. In parts (a) and (b) of Figure 16, the cover 54 is placed in the cover position. Parts (a) and 16(a) of Figure 15 are illustrations of interior of the developing unit 50. Parts (b) and 16(b) of Figure 15 are perspective views of the rotary unit 90U as viewed from the outside of the developing unit 50.

[0290] As shown in part (a) of Figure 15 and part (a) of Figure 16, in this embodiment, the developing device frame 53 is provided with the multiple receiving openings 53b. In addition, the developing unit 50 is provided with multiple covers 54. In other words, the development opening includes the multiple receiving openings 53b, and the restricting portion (toner restricting portion) includes the multiple covers 54. When the multiple covers 54 are in the cover positions, the multiple covers 54 cover the multiple receiving openings 53b, respectively. When the covers 54 are in the cover retracted positions, the toner discharged from the toner cartridge 70 is allowed to pass between the covers 54 and the receiving openings 53b to enter the developing device side accommodating portion 53a.

[0291] Here, although there are two receiving openings 53b in this embodiment, there may be one or more than two receiving openings 53b. The cover 54 is disposed corresponding to each receiving opening 53b. Therefore, the number of the covers 54 may be one or more than two.

[0292] As described above, the developing unit 50 includes the connecting portion 55. The connecting portion 55 includes the shaft 55a which is swingable about the cover swing axis 55c, and the cover 54 is mounted to the shaft 55a. Hereinafter, the direction in which the cover swing axis 55c extends is referred to as swing axis direction. In this embodiment, the swing axis direction is parallel to the direction of the rotational axis 90C.

[0293] In a direction perpendicular to the swing axis direction, the cover 54 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the cover swing axis 55c. More specifically, the shaft 55a is bent to form a part overlapping the cover swing axis 55c and a part spaced apart from the cover swing axis 55c. The cover 54 is mounted to a part spaced apart from the cover swing axis 55c.

[0294] The connecting portion 55 includes the receiving portion (held portion) 55b mounted to the shaft 55a, and movement of the receiving portion 55b causes the cover 54 to move between the cover position and the cover retracted position by way of the shaft 55a. As shown in parts (b) and 16(b) of Figure 15, the receiving portion 55b is attached to one end of the shaft 55a, and the other end of the shaft 55a is supported by the developing device frame 53.

[0295] The receiving portion 55b is rotatably supported by the developing device frame 53c and includes a protrusion (contact portion, restricted portion) 55b1. The cover 54 is housed in the developing device side accommodating portion 53a, whereas a protrusion 55b1 is positioned outside the developing device side accommodating portion 53a. In a direction perpendicular to the swing axis direction, the protrusion 55b1 is positioned away from the cover swing axis 55c. Movement of the protrusion 55b1 causes the cover 54 to move between the cover position and the cover retracted position. In this embodiment, the rotary body 90 has a movement restricting portion 56r which faces the receiving portion 55b.

[0296] As can be understood from parts (b) and 16(b) of Figure 15, the position of the protrusion 55b1 when the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position is farther from the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90 than the position of the protrusion 55b1 when the cover 54 is in the cover position. In other words, when the protrusion 55b1 moves away from the rotational axis 90C in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis 90C, the cover 54 moves from the cover position toward the cover retracted position. When the protrusion 55b1 moves closer to the rotational axis 90C in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis 90C, the cover 54 moves from the cover retracted position toward the cover position. In other words, when the cover 54 is in the cover position, the protrusion 55b1 (see part (b) of Figure 16) is moved in a direction away from the rotational axis 90C, thereby moving the cover 54 to the cover retracted position. When the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position, the protrusion 55b1 (see part (b) of Figure 15) is moved in a direction toward the rotational axis 90C, thereby moving the cover 54 to the cover position.

[0297] By employing the structure described above, in the developing unit 50 of this embodiment, the cover 54 is movable between the cover retracted position and the cover position by movement of the protrusion 55b1 of the shaft 55a to which the cover 54 is mounted, in conjunction with the rotation of the rotary body 90. This movement of the cover 54 can be performed in conjunction with the change in position (attitude) of the developing unit 50 resulting from the rotation of the rotary body 90. Therefore, in this embodiment, the developing unit 50 can prevent toner leakage from the developing unit 50 by moving the cover 54 to the covering position while at least a part of the receiving opening 53b is positioned above the discharge opening 71b. <Basic Structure of Toner Cartridge 70>

[0298] Referring to parts (a) and (b) of Figure 17, parts (a) and (b) of Figure 18, parts (a) and (b) of Figure 19, parts (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 20, and parts (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Figure 21, the overall structure of the toner cartridge 70 is described below.

[0299] Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 17 are perspective views of the toner cartridge 70. Part (a) of Figure 17 shows the toner cartridge 70 with a toner shutter 76 (described hereinafter) in the closed position, whereas part (b) of Figure 17 shows the toner cartridge 70 with the toner shutter 76 in the open position. Figure 18 is an illustration of the toner cartridge 70 as viewed from the short side. More specifically, Figure 18 shows the toner cartridge 70 as viewed from the short side, with a memory 74 (described hereinafter) positioned at the front. In Figure 18, the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position.

[0300] As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 17, the toner cartridge 70 has a toner lid 72 and a toner container 73. The toner lid 72 and the toner container 73 are fixed to each other to form a toner frame 71. In other words, the toner lid 72 and the toner container 73 are part of the toner frame 71. A toner accommodating chamber 71a is formed between the toner lid 72 and the toner container 73.

[0301] When the toner cartridge 70 is mounted on the tray 80 in the removal position, the toner lid 72 is placed above the toner container 73, and the toner container 73 faces the tray 80. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounting position relative to the corresponding developing device frame 53, the toner lid 72 faces the developing device frame 53.

[0302] When the toner cartridge 70 is mounted on the tray 80 in the position, the surface facing upward in the vertical direction V is referred to as upper surface 71u of the toner frame 71. In this embodiment, the upper surface 71u of the toner frame 71 is the same as the upper surface of the toner lid 72. The upper surface 71u of the toner frame 71 is provided with a gripping portion 72g including at least one protruded portion. The shape of the gripping portion 72g may be at least one concave portion, or may include at least one protruded portion and at least one concave portion. The position of the gripping portion 72g can be determined appropriately, taking into consideration the positional relationship with other components and the ease with which the user can hold the toner cartridge 70.

[0303] The toner lid 72 has discharge openings 71b (71bR, 71bL). The toner lid 72 is an example of a first toner frame having the discharge openings 71b (71bR, 71bL). The toner lid 72 has a positioning groove 72pC and supported grooves 72pR and 72pL.

[0304] In the longitudinal direction, the positioning groove 72pC is located between the supported grooves 72pR and 72pL, and the supported grooves 72pR and 72pL are located between the discharge openings 71bR and 71bL. In this embodiment, the positioning groove 72pC is located at the center of the toner frame 71 in the longitudinal direction.

[0305] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction, the toner frame 71 has one end (first end, right end) 71fR and the other end (second end, left end) 71fL opposite the one end 71fR. In the lateral direction, toner frame 71 has one end (front end, first end, outer end) 71fO and the other end (rear end, second end, inner end) 71fI opposite the one end 71fO. In the following description, in order to distinguish one end 71fR, the other end 71fL, one end 71fO, and the other end 71fI from one another, the one end 71fR will be referred to as right end 71fR, the other end 71fL as left end 71fL, the one end 71fO as outer end 71fO, and the other end 71fI as inner end fI.

[0306] When the tray 80 moves from the removal position to the accommodating position and the toner cartridge 70 moves from the retracted position to the mounted position, the toner cartridge 70 moves in the direction from the outer end 71fO toward the inner end 71fI. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position relative to the corresponding developing device frame 53, the outer end 71fO is farther from the center of rotation (rotational axis 90C) of the rotary body 90 than the inner end 71fI.

[0307] The direction of movement of the toner cartridge 70 when it moves from the retracted position to the mounted position is called inserting direction DtI. The direction of movement of the toner cartridge 70 when it moves from the mounted position to the retracted position is called removal direction DtO. The inserting direction DtI is a direction from the outer end 71fO toward the inner end 71fI, and the removal direction DtO is the opposite direction to the inserting direction DtI and is a direction from the inner end 71fI toward the outer end 71fO. In other words, with respect to the inserting direction DtI, the inner end 71fI is located downstream of the outer end 71fO. In this embodiment, the inserting direction DtI, the removal direction DtO, and the lateral side direction are parallel to each other. Here, Figure 18 can also be said to be a view of the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the inserting direction DtI.

[0308] With respect to the longitudinal direction, the supported groove 72pR is closer to the right end 71fR than the positioning groove 72pC, and the discharge opening 71bR is closer to the right end 71fR than the supported groove 72pR. With respect to the longitudinal direction, the supported groove 72pL is closer to the left end 71fL than the positioning groove 72pC, and the discharge opening 71bL is closer to the end 71fL than the supported groove 72pL.

[0309] As shown in Figure 18, in this embodiment, the positioning groove 72pc is a groove which is recessed in the thickness direction away from the developing device frame 53. In addition, in the longitudinal direction, the supported groove 72pR is a groove recessed from right end 71fR toward positioning groove 72pC, and the supported groove 72pL is a groove recessed from the left end 71fL toward the positioning groove 72pC. Furthermore, the positioning groove 72pC, the supported groove 72pR, and the supported groove 72pL extend in the lateral direction.

[0310] In addition, the toner frame 71 is provided with a supported portion 71qR at the right end 71fR and a supported portion 71qL at the left end 71fL. In the longitudinal direction, the discharge openings 71bR and 71bL are located between the supported portions 71qR and 71qL. In addition, the discharge opening 71bR is located between the supported portion 71qR and the supported groove 72pR, and the discharge opening 71bL is located between the supported portion 71qL and the supported groove 72pL.

[0311] The toner cartridge 70 is provided with a memory tag (hereinafter simply referred to as memory) 74 as a storing medium. The memory 74 has a memory element 74a, a substrate 74b, and multiple electrodes (electrical contacts) 74e. In this embodiment, the information related to the toner cartridge 70 can be stored in the memory element 74a. The multiple electrodes (electrical contacts) 74e are provided on the substrate 74b and are electrically connected to the memory element 74a. In this embodiment, the multiple electrodes 74e and the memory element 74a are both provided on the substrate 74b, but the memory 74 may have a substrate on which the multiple electrodes 74e are provided and a separate substrate on which the memory element 74a is provided.

[0312] The apparatus main assembly 1A has main assembly electrodes 74eM connected to the multiple electrodes 74e of the memory 74. The main electrodes 74eM can be moved between a position where they abut against the multiple electrodes 74e and a position where they are spaced apart from the multiple electrodes 74e. When the rotary body 90 rotates with the toner cartridge 70 in the mounted position, the multiple electrodes 74e of one of the toner cartridges 70 face the main assembly electrodes 74eM. This position of the rotary body 90 can be referred to as reading position for that one of the toner cartridges 70. When the rotary body 90 rotates, it is preferable that the main assembly electrode 74eM is in a position where it is spaced apart from the multiple electrodes 74e. By connecting the multiple electrodes 74e to the main assembly electrode 74eM of the apparatus main assembly 1A, the control portion 30 of the apparatus main assembly 1A can obtain the information stored in the memory element 74a.

[0313] In the lateral direction, the multiple electrodes 74e of the memory 74 are closer to the outer end 71fO than to the inner end 71fI. In addition, in the lateral direction, the multiple electrodes 74e of the memory 74 are farther from the inner end 71fI than the discharge opening 71b (71bR, 71bL). In other words, in the lateral direction, the multiple electrodes 74e of the memory 74 are closer to the outer end 71fO than the discharge opening 71b (71bR, 71bL). By locating the multiple electrodes 74e near the outer end 71fO of the toner cartridge 70, the amount of movement of the main assembly electrode 74eM can be reduced.

[0314] In this embodiment, in the lateral direction, the entirety of the memory 74 is closer to the outer end 71fO than to the inner end 71fI. In addition, in the lateral direction, the entirety of the memory 74 is farther from the inner end 71fI than the discharge opening 71b (71bR, 71bL). In other words, in the lateral direction, the entire memory 74 is closer to the outer end 71fO than the discharge openings 71b (71bR, 71bL).

[0315] The multiple electrodes 74e of the memory 74 are aligned in the longitudinal direction and face in the lateral direction from the inner end 71fI to the outer end 71fO. The memory 74 is aligned so that the multiple electrodes 74e face outward in the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90.

[0316] The multiple electrodes 74e are closer to the right end 71fR of the toner frame 71 than to the center of the toner frame 71, in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the multiple electrodes 74e are closer to the right end 71fR of the toner frame 71 than the discharge opening 71bR in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the multiple electrodes 74e are aligned outside the toner frame 71 relative to the discharge opening 71bR in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the entire memory 74 is closer to the right end 71fR of the toner frame 71 than to the center of the toner frame 71 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the entire memory 74 is closer to the right end 71fR of the toner frame 71 than to the discharge opening 71bR in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the entire memory 74 is located outside the toner frame 71 relative to the discharge opening 71bR in the longitudinal direction.

[0317] Furthermore, the surface (electrode surface) of the substrate 74b on which the multiple electrodes 74e are arranged extends in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the lateral direction. The electrode surface preferably extends along the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction. The angle (narrow angle) between the electrode surface and the longitudinal direction is preferably less than 30 degrees, more preferably less than 10 degrees. In this embodiment, the electrode surface is parallel to the longitudinal direction. The angle (narrow angle) between the electrode surface and the thickness direction is preferably less than 30 degrees, more preferably less than 10 degrees. In this embodiment, the electrode surface is parallel to the thickness direction.

[0318] As described above, it is desirable to cover the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b with a sealing member to prevent toner from leaking out from the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b, when the toner cartridge 70 is not mounted to the developing unit 50.

[0319] As shown in part (b) of Figure 17, the toner cartridge 70 has a sealing member 76s. The sealing members 76s are provided for each of the discharge openings 71bR and 71bL, but the sealing member 76s corresponding to the discharge opening 71bR is omitted shown in part (b) of Figure 17.

[0320] The toner cartridge 70 of this embodiment also is provided with a toner shutter 76 functioning as a shutter member covering the discharge opening 71b, a shutter drive portion 77 for moving the toner shutter 76 relative to the discharge opening 71b, and a stopper 73s. The toner cartridge 70, is also provided with an opener 72o and a holder 72h which act on a developer shutter 57 (described hereinafter). In the lateral direction, the holder 72h is closer to the inner end 71fI than the opener 72o.

[0321] The sealing member 76s is affixed to the toner frame 71 (more specifically, the toner lid 72) and has a seal opening 76so. As viewed in the thickness direction, the seal opening 76so overlaps the discharge opening 71b. The toner discharged through the discharge opening 71b is supplied to the developing unit 50 through the seal opening 76so.

[0322] In this embodiment, the discharge openings 71bR and 71bL are formed in the toner frame 71 of the toner cartridge 70. The toner shutter 76, the shutter drive portion 77, the stopper 73s, the opener 72o, and the holder 72h are provided for the discharge openings 71bR and 71bL, respectively. Specifically, the toner cartridge 70 is provided with a toner shutter 76R, a shutter drive portion 77R, a stopper 73sR, an opener 72oR, and a holder 72hR, corresponding to the discharge opening 71bR. In addition, the toner cartridge 70 is also provided with a toner shutter 76L, a shutter driver 77L, a stopper 73sL, an opener 72oL, and a holder 72hL, corresponding to the discharge opening 71bL.

[0323] The discharge opening 71bR, the toner shutter 76R, the shutter driver 77R, the stopper 73sR, the opener 72oR, and the holder 72hR are symmetrical with the discharge opening 71bL, the toner shutter 76L, the shutter driver 77L, the stopper 73sL, the opener 72oL, and the holder 72hL about a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, respectively. Furthermore, the sealing member 76s for the discharge opening 71bR and the sealing member 76s for the discharge opening 71bL are also symmetrical with each other about a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0324] The components for the discharge opening 71bR and the components for the discharge opening 71bL have the same structure and function. Therefore, unless there is a need to distinguish between them, the suffixes R and L will be omitted in the following description, and the description will be made only for the components corresponding to either the discharge opening 71bR or the discharge opening 71bL.

[0325] Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 19 are illustrations of the toner shutter 76 and the shutter drive portion 77. Parts (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 20 and parts (a), (b), (c), and (d) of Figure 21 are illustrations of the toner shutter 76 and the shutter drive portion 77.

[0326] Part (a) of Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge 70. Part (b) of Figure 20 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 at a shutter support portion 71h1 (described hereinafter). Part (c) of Figure 20 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 at a shutter support portion 71h2 (described hereinafter).

[0327] Part (a) of Figure 21 is a perspective view showing a cross-section of the toner cartridge 70 when the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position. Part (b) of Figure 21 is a sectional view of the engagement portion between an engagement protrusion 77c3 (described hereinafter) and an engagement opening 73sb (described hereinafter). Part (c) of Figure 21 is an illustration of a structure for supporting the toner shutter 76. Parts (b) and (c) of Figure 21 are views of the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the thickness direction. Part (d) of Figure 21 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 taken along the lateral direction.

[0328] The toner shutter 76 is structured to be rotatable (swingable) around rotational axis (swing axis) 76r.

[0329] The direction of the rotational axis 76r of the toner shutter 76 is preferably along the longitudinal direction, and more preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the direction of the rotational axis 76r of the toner shutter 76 is a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the lateral direction and the thickness direction.

[0330] The toner shutter 76 includes a shutter body 76a covering the discharge opening 71b, and support shafts 76b1 and 76b2. The support shaft 76b1 is supported by the shutter support portion 71h1 of the toner frame 71, and the support shaft 76b2 is supported by the shutter support portion 71h2 of the toner frame 71. As a result, the toner shutter 76 is rotatably (swingably) supported relative to the toner frame 71. As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 20, the shutter support portions 71h1 and 71h2 are formed by the toner lid 72 and the toner container 73, respectively.

[0331] When the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position, the shutter body 76a covers the discharge opening 71b and the seal opening 76so. As a result, the toner is prevented from being discharged through the discharge opening 71b and the seal opening 76so. The sealing member 76s is preferably made of elastic material, and it is preferable that the sealing member 76s sandwiched between the shutter body 76a and the toner frame 71 is deformed (compressed) when the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position. As a result, the toner is more reliably prevented from being discharged through the discharge opening 71b and the seal opening 76so.

[0332] In the direction of the rotational axis 76r, the shutter body 76a, the discharge opening 71b, and the sealing member 76s are disposed between the support shaft 76b1 and the support shaft 76b2. This arrangement prevents the shutter body 76a from lifting up relative to the sealing member 76s due to the reaction force from the sealing member 76s.

[0333] As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 19, the shutter drive portion 77 includes at least one gear. In this embodiment, the shutter drive portion 77 includes multiple gears, more specifically, a driving gear 77a, an idler gear 77b, and an engagement gear 77c. In this embodiment, the rotational axes of the driving gear 77a, the idler gear 77b, and the engagement gear 77c are parallel to the rotational axis 76r. Here, the following description will refer to the shutter drive portion 77 provided at one longitudinal end of the toner cartridge 70, but a mechanism substantially identical to the shutter drive portion 77, but with its left and right positions reversed, is also provided at the opposite end.

[0334] The driving gear 77a has gear teeth 77a1. In this embodiment, the driving gear 77a is a partially toothed gear, and the size of the area provided with the gear teeth 77a1 in the rotational direction of the driving gear 77a is less than 360 degrees. The engagement gear 77c has gear teeth 77c1. In this embodiment, the engagement gear 77c is a partially toothed gear, and the size of the area in which the gear teeth 77c1 are provided in the direction of rotation of the engagement gear 77c is less than 360 degrees.

[0335] The idler gear 77b is in meshing engagement with the driving gear 77a and the engagement gear 77c. In this embodiment, the gear teeth 77b1 of the idler gear 77b are in meshing engagement with the gear teeth 77a1 and the gear teeth 77c1. Here, the idler gear 77b may be a stepped gear, and the number of gear teeth meshing with the gear teeth 77a1 may be different from the number of gear teeth meshing with the gear teeth 77c1. In addition, a belt which transmits the drive of the engagement gear 77c to the driving gear 77a may be used instead of the idler gear 77b.

[0336] The driving gear 77a is mounted to the toner shutter 76 and is structured to rotate integrally with the toner shutter 76. More specifically, the driving gear 77a is mounted to the support shaft 76b2 with its rotation relative to the support shaft 76b2 restricted. The idler gear 77b and engagement gear 77c are supported by the toner frame 71.

[0337] As viewed in the direction of the rotational axis 76r, the rotational direction of the engagement gear 77c and the rotational direction of the driving gear 77a (the rotational direction of the toner shutter 76) are the same. When the engagement gear 77c rotates in the opening direction Tgo, the driving gear 77a and the toner shutter 76 also rotate in the same direction, and the toner shutter 76 moves from the closed position to the open position. The opening direction of the toner shutter 76 is called opening direction Tso. When the engagement gear 77c rotates in the closing direction Tgc, the driving gear 77a and the toner shutter 76 also rotate in the same direction, and the toner shutter 76 moves from the open position to the closed position. The closing direction of the toner shutter 76 is called closing direction Tsc.

[0338] As shown in part (d) of Figure 21, in the lateral direction, the rotational axis of the engagement gear 77c is closer to the inner end 71fI than the rotational axis of the driving gear 77a and the rotational axis of the toner shutter 76.

[0339] The shutter drive portion 77 is disposed outside the toner accommodating chamber 71a. Also, as shown in part (d) of Figure 21, when the toner cartridge 70 is viewed in the longitudinal direction, the shutter drive portion 77 is disposed in a position overlapping the toner accommodating chamber 71a. Therefore, it is difficult to form a toner flow path from the toner accommodating chamber 71a to the discharge opening 71b in the space required to accommodate the shutter drive portion 77.

[0340] In this embodiment, the downstream side in the insertion direction of the toner cartridge 70 is the rear of the toner cartridge 70. In addition, the discharge opening 71b is located at the top (upper side) of the toner shutter 76. That is, the toner shutter 76 is provided from the rear to the upper side of the toner cartridge 70. In the state that the toner cartridge 70 is mounted to the apparatus main assembly 1A (rotary body 90), a drive system for driving various components of the apparatus main assembly 1A is located on the right side of the toner cartridge 70 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, in the following description, the right end of the toner cartridge 70 in the longitudinal direction is referred to as drive side, and the opposite end is referred to as non-drive side. The volume of the toner accommodating chamber communicating with discharge opening 71b is larger on the non-drive side than on the drive side. This makes it easier to ensure the latitude in arranging the toner flow path from the toner accommodating chamber 71a to the discharge opening 71b.

[0341] As shown in part (c) of Figure 20, in this embodiment, the toner frame 71 is provided with a shutter support portion 71h3, and the support shaft 76b2 is supported by the shutter support portion 71h3 as well as the shutter support portions 71h1 and 71h2. As shown in part (c) of Figure 21, the driving gear 77a is disposed between the shutter support portion 71h2 and the shutter support portion 71h3 in the direction of the rotational axis 76r. This structure suppresses fluctuations in the inter-axial distance between the driving gear 77a and the idler gear 77b when the toner shutter 76 moves.

[0342] On the other hand, as shown in parts (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 21, the toner frame 71 is provided with a stopper 73s. In this embodiment, the toner container 73 is provided with the stopper 73s. The stopper 73s has an arm 73sa, and the arm 73sa has the engagement opening 73sb. On the other hand, the engagement gear 77c has the engagement protrusion 77c3.

[0343] When the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position, the engagement protrusion 77c3 engages with the engagement opening 73sb. In this state, the rotation of the engagement gear 77c in the opening direction Tgo is restricted. This restrains the user from accidentally moving the toner shutter 76 to the open position.

[0344] As shown in part (b) of Figure 21, in this embodiment, the engagement protrusion 77c3 has a slope. As a result, when the engagement gear 77c rotates in the closing direction while the engagement protrusion 77c3 and the engagement opening 73sb are in engagement with each other, the arm 73sa bends, thus allowing the engagement gear 77c to rotate. This operation will be described hereinafter.

[0345] In addition, the engagement gear 77c is provided with an adjustment protrusion 77c2. As shown in part (c) of Figure 20, the toner frame 71 is provided with a holder 72h and an opener 72o. The holder 72h is a recess formed in the upper surface 71u of the toner frame 71. The holder 72h includes a first holder 72h1 and a second holder 72h2. The opener 72o is a protrusion formed on the upper surface 71u of the toner frame 71. The opener 72o includes a first opener 72o1 and a second opener 72o2.

[0346] With respect to the direction of the rotational axis 76r, the first holder 72h1 and the first opener 72o1 are provided on one side of the center of the discharge opening 71b, and the second holder 72h2 and the second opener 72o2 are provided on the other side of the center of the discharge opening 71b. In other words, with respect to the direction of the rotational axis 76r, the center of the discharge opening 71b is located between the first holder 72h1 and the second holder 72h2. Furthermore, with respect to the direction of the rotational axis 76r, the center of the discharge opening 71b is located between the first opener 72o1 and the second opener 72o2. The functions of the holder 72h, the opener 72o, and the adjustment protrusion 77c2 will be described hereinafter. <Overall Structure of Developing Unit>

[0347] Referring to Figures 22, parts (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Figure 23, parts (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 24, and parts (a) and (b) Figure 25, the overall structure of the developing unit 50 of the rotary body 90 will be described.

[0348] Figure 22 is a perspective view of the developing unit 50. Figure 22 shows a state in which the developer shutter 57, which will be described below, is in the open position.

[0349] As shown in Figure 22, the development frame 53 has a lower surface 53d. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position, the lower surface 53d faces the toner cartridge 70. Furthermore, in the replacement position for allowing removal of the toner cartridge 70 corresponding to the developing unit 50, the lower surface 53d faces downward in the vertical direction V, and is positioned above the upper surface of the toner frame 71.

[0350] The developing device frame 53 has receiving openings 53b (53bR, 53bL). When the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position, a receiving opening 53bR is in fluid communication with the discharge opening 71bR, and a receiving opening 53bL is in fluid communication with the discharge opening 71bL.

[0351] The developing device frame 53 is provided with positioning protrusions 53pC and supporting protrusions 53pR, 53pL. In the Y direction, the positioning protrusion 53pC is located between the supporting protrusions 53pR, 53pL, and the supporting protrusions 53pR, 53pL are located between the receiving openings 53bR, 53bL.

[0352] The developing device frame 53 is also provided with end support portions 53qR and 53qL. In the Y direction, the receiving openings 53bR and 53bL are located between the end support portions 53qR and 53qL. The receiving opening 53bR is located between the end support portion 53qR and the supporting protrusion 53pR, and the receiving opening 53bL is located between the end support portion 53qL and the supporting protrusion 53pL.

[0353] As shown in Figure 22, in this embodiment, the positioning protrusion 53pC and the supporting protrusions 53pR and 53pL extend in the insertion direction DtI.

[0354] When the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position, the positioning protrusion 53pC engages with the positioning groove 71pC, thus restricting longitudinal movement of the toner cartridge 70 relative to the developing device frame 53. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position, the supporting protrusion 53pR engages with the supported groove 72pR, and the supporting protrusion 53pL engages with the supported groove 72pL.

[0355] As a result, movement of the toner cartridge 70 relative to the developing device frame 53 in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the insertion direction DtI and away from the lower surface 53d of the developing device frame 53 is restricted.

[0356] As described above, when the toner cartridge 70 is not mounted to the developing unit 50, it is desirable that the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b are covered with sealing members so as to prevent the toner from leaking out through the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b.

[0357] The developing unit 50 of this embodiment has the developer shutter 57 covering the receiving opening 53b, a shutter lock 58, a shutter guide 53g for guiding the developer shutter 57, an opener 53o, a releasing portion 53u, and an adjusting portion 53j.

[0358] In this embodiment, the receiving openings 53bR and 53bL are formed in the developing device frame 53 of the developing unit 50. The developer shutter 57, the shutter lock 58, the shutter guide 53g, the opener 53o, the releasing portion 53u, and the adjusting portion 53j are provided corresponding to the receiving openings 53bR and 53bL, respectively.

[0359] Specifically, the developing unit 50 includes a developer shutter 57R, a shutter lock 58R, a shutter guide 53gR, an opener 53oR, a releasing portion 53uR, and an adjusting portion 53jR corresponding to the receiving opening 53bR. Moreover, the developing unit 50 includes a developer shutter 57L, a shutter lock 58L, a shutter guide 53gL, an opener 53oL, a releasing portion 53uL, and an adjusting portion 53jL corresponding to the receiving opening 53bL.

[0360] The receiving opening 53bR, the developer shutter 57R, the shutter lock 58R, the shutter guide 53gR, the opener 53oR, the releasing portion 53uR, and the adjusting portion 53jR are symmetrical with the receiving opening 53bL, the developer shutter 57L, the shutter lock 58L, the shutter guide 53gL, the opener 53oL, the releasing portion 53uL, and the adjusting portion 53jL with respect to a plane perpendicular to the Y direction, respectively.

[0361] Furthermore, the sealing member 57s corresponding to the receiving opening 53bR and the sealing member 57s corresponding to the receiving opening 53bL are also symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0362] These members corresponding to receiving opening 53bR and these members corresponding to receiving opening 53bL have the same structures and functions. For this reason, unless there is a particular need to distinguish between them, the suffixes R and L will be omitted in the following description, and only the components corresponding to either receiving opening 53bR or receiving opening 53bL will be described.

[0363] Parts (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Figure 23, parts (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 24, and parts (a) and (b) of Figure 25 are illustrations of the movement of the developer shutter 57.

[0364] Part (a) of Figure 23 shows the developing unit 50 with the developer shutter 57 in the open position, and part (b) of Figure 23 shows the developing unit 50 with the developer shutter 57 in the closed position. Part (c) of Figure 23 is a sectional view of the developing unit 50 at the position indicated by CA in part (a) of Figure 23, and part (d) of Figure 23 is a sectional view of the developing unit 50 at the position indicated by CB in part (a) of Figure 23.

[0365] Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 24 show the relationship between the developer shutter 57 and the shutter lock 58 when the developer shutter 57 is in the closed position, and part (c) of Figure 24 is a sectional view showing the relationship between the developer shutter body 57a and the shutter holder 57b (described hereinafter). Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 25 show the relationship between the developer shutter 57 and the shutter lock 58 when the developer shutter 57 is in the open position.

[0366] The developer shutter 57 is structured to be movable in the inserting direction DtI and removal direction DtO of the toner cartridge 70. It is further preferable that the movement direction of the developer shutter 57 is parallel to the inserting direction DtI and removal direction DtO. The movement direction of the developer shutter 57 is a direction intersecting (more preferably, perpendicular to) the direction of the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90.

[0367] The developer shutter 57 has a developer shutter body 57a covering the receiving opening 53b, and a shutter holder 57b. More specifically, the shutter holder 57b has a first shutter holder 57b1 and a second shutter holder 57b2.

[0368] The developer shutter body 57a is formed of sheet metal and has a cover portion 57aa and a shutter opening 57ab. When the developer shutter 57 is in the closed position, the cover portion 57aa covers the receiving opening 53b. When the developer shutter 57 is in the open position, the shutter opening 57ab overlaps the receiving opening 53b.

[0369] The thickness of the developer shutter body 57a is thinner than the thickness of the sealing member 57s. By forming the developer shutter body 57a from sheet metal, the developer shutter body 57a can be made thin, thereby downsizing the rotary body 90.

[0370] In addition, as shown in part (c) of Figure 24, the developer shutter body 57a has an engaging portion 57ac engageable with the shutter holder 57b. More specifically, the engaging portion 57ac has a first engaging portion 57ac1 which engages with the first shutter holder 57b1 and a second engaging portion 57ac2 which engages with the second shutter holder 57b2.

[0371] Furthermore, the developing device frame 53 has the shutter guide 53g. More specifically, the shutter guide 53g has a first shutter guide 53g1 and a second shutter guide 53g2.

[0372] The first shutter holder 57b1 is supported by the first shutter guide 53g1 of the developing device frame 53, and the second shutter holder 57b2 is supported by the second shutter guide 53g2 of the developing device frame 53. As a result, the developer shutter 57 is supported so as to be linearly movable relative to the developing device frame 53.

[0373] The direction in which the developer shutter 57 moves from the closed position to the open position is called opening direction Dso, and the direction in which the developer shutter 57 moves from the open position to the closed position is called closing direction Dsc. The opening direction Dso is preferably parallel to the inserting direction DtI, and the closing direction Dsc is preferably parallel to the removal direction DtO.

[0374] As shown in parts (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Figure 23, the sealing member 57s is provided between the developer shutter 57 and the developing device frame 53. The sealing member 57s is affixed to the developing device frame 53 and has a seal opening 57so. The seal opening 57so overlaps the receiving opening 53b. The toner discharged from the toner cartridge 70 is supplied to the developing unit 50 through the shutter opening 57ab, the seal opening 57so, and the receiving opening 53b.

[0375] When the developer shutter 57 is in the closed position, the cover portion 57aa of the developer shutter body 57a covers the receiving opening 53b and the seal opening 57so. As a result, the toner is prevented from being discharged through the receiving opening 53b and the seal opening 57so.

[0376] The sealing member 57s is preferably elastic, and when the developer shutter 57 is in the closed position, the sealing member 57s sandwiched between the developer shutter body 57a and the developing device frame 53 is preferably deformed (compressed). As a result, the toner is more reliably prevented from being discharged through the receiving opening 53b and the seal opening 57so.

[0377] In the direction of the rotational axis 90C, the shutter body 57a, the receiving opening 53b, and the sealing member 57s are disposed between the first shutter guide 53g1 and the second shutter guide 53g2. This arrangement restrains the shutter body 57a from lifting up relative to the sealing member 57s due to the reaction force from the sealing member 57s.

[0378] On the other hand, as shown in parts (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Figure 23, parts (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 24, and parts (a) and (b) of Figure 25, the developing unit 50 has the shutter lock 58. More specifically, the shutter lock 58 has a first lock body 58a1, a first lock spring 58s1 for urging the first lock body 58a1, a second lock body 58a2, and a second lock spring 58s2 for urging the second lock body 58a2.

[0379] The first lock body 58a1 is rotatable about a rotational axis 58r1, and the second lock body 58a2 is rotatable about a rotational axis 58r2. The rotation axes 58r1 and 58r2 each extend in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the movement direction (Dso, Dsc) of the developer shutter 57 when the developer shutter 57 moves between the open position and the closed position.

[0380] The first lock body 58a1 passes through an opening provided in the first shutter guide 53g1 and engages with the first shutter holder 57b1. The second lock body 58a2 passes through an opening provided in the second shutter guide 53g2 and engages with the second shutter holder 57b2.

[0381] The first shutter holder 57b1, the first shutter guide 53g1, the first lock body 58a1, and the first lock spring 58s1 are plane-symmetrical to the second lock body 58a2, the second shutter guide 53g2, the second lock body 58a2, and the second lock spring 58s2, respectively.

[0382] Therefore, the respective structures and relationships between the second shutter holder 57b2, the first shutter guide 53g1, the first lock body 58a1, and the first lock spring 58s1 are plane-symmetrical to the respective structures and relationships between the second lock body 58a2, the second shutter guide 53g2, the second lock body 58a2, and the second lock spring 58s2.

[0383] The respective structures and relationships between the first shutter holder 57b1, the first lock body 58a1, and the first lock spring 58s1 will be described in more detail.

[0384] The first shutter holder 57b1 is provided with a first positioning portion 57c1 and a second positioning portion 57o1. The first positioning portion 57c1 and the second positioning portion 57o1 are recesses which engage with the first lock body 58a1. When the first lock body 58a1 engages with the first positioning portion 57c1, the developer shutter 57 is positioned in the closed position. When the first lock body 58a1 engages with the second positioning portion 57o1, the developer shutter 57 is positioned in the open position.

[0385] The first positioning portion 57c1 includes two inclined portions which are inclined with respect to the opening direction Dso and the closed position Dsc. When one inclined portion is pressed by the first lock body 58a1, the developer shutter 57 receives a force in the opening direction Dso. When the other inclined portion is pressed by the first lock body 58a1, the developer shutter 57 receives a force in the closing direction Dso. When the force received by the first lock body 58a1 from one inclined portion and the force received by the first lock body 58a1 from the other inclined portion are balanced, the developer shutter 57 is positioned in the closed position.

[0386] The second positioning portion 57o1 includes two inclined portions which are inclined with respect to the opening direction Dso and the closed position Dsc. When one inclined portion is pressed by the first lock body 58a1, the developer shutter 57 receives a force in the opening direction Dso. When the other inclined portion is pressed by the first lock body 58a1, the developer shutter 57 receives a force in the closing direction Dso. When the force which the first lock body 58a1 receives from one inclined portion and the force which the first lock body 58a1 receives from the other inclined portion are balanced, the developer shutter 57 is positioned in the open position.

[0387] In the state that the first lock body 58a1 is engaged with the first positioning portion 57c1, the first lock body 58a1 is urged by the first lock spring 58s1 in the direction of engaging with the first positioning portion 57c1. In the state that the first lock body 58a1 is engaged with the second positioning portion 57o1, the first lock body 58a1 is urged by the first lock spring 58s1 in the direction of engaging with the second positioning portion 57o1. In this embodiment, the first lock spring 58s1 is a torsion coil spring, but a spring of another shape may be used.

[0388] In the state that the first lock body 58a1 is engaged with the first positioning portion 57c1 and the developer shutter 57 is urged in the opening direction Dso, the first lock body 58a1 moves against the urging force of the first lock spring 58s1 and disengages from the first positioning portion 57c1.

[0389] In the state that the developer shutter 57 is urged in the closing direction Dsc when the first lock body 58a1 is engaged with the second positioning portion 57o1, the first lock body 58a1 moves against the urging force of the first lock spring 58s1 so that it disengages from the second positioning portion 57o1.

[0390] The first shutter holder 57b1 also has an arm 57e1 and a protrusion 57f1. The arm 57e1 is elastically deformable. The functions of the arm 57e1 and the protrusion 57f1 will be described hereinafter.

[0391] The respective structures of the second shutter holder 57b2, the second lock body 58a2, and the second lock spring 58s2 and their relationship to one another will be described in more detail.

[0392] The second shutter holder 57b2 includes a first positioning portion 57c2 and a second positioning portion 57o2. The first positioning portion 57c2 and the second positioning portion 57o2 are recesses which engage with the second lock body 58a2. When the second lock body 58a2 engages with the first positioning portion 57c2, the developer shutter 57 is positioned in the closed position. When the second lock body 58a2 engages with the second positioning portion 57o2, the developer shutter 57 is positioned in the open position.

[0393] The first positioning portion 57c2 includes two inclined portions which are inclined with respect to the opening direction Dso and the closed position Dsc. When one inclined portion is pressed by the second lock body 58a2, the developer shutter 57 receives a force in the opening direction Dso. When the other inclined portion is pressed by the second lock body 58a2, the developer shutter 57 receives a force in the closing direction Dsoc. When the force which the second lock body 58a2 receives from one inclined portion and the force which the second lock body 58a2 receives from the other inclined portion are balanced, the developer shutter 57 is positioned in the closed position.

[0394] The second positioning portion 57o2 includes two inclined portions which are inclined with respect to the opening direction Dso and the closed position Dsc. When one inclined portion is pressed by the second lock body 58a2, the developer shutter 57 receives a force in the opening direction Dso. When the other inclined portion is pressed by the second lock body 58a2, the developer shutter 57 receives a force in the closing direction Dsoc. When the force which the second lock body 58a2 receives from one inclined portion and the force which the second lock body 58a2 receives from the other inclined portion are balanced, the developer shutter 57 is positioned in the open position.

[0395] In the state that the second lock body 58a2 is engaged with the first positioning portion 57c2, the second lock body 58a2 is urged by the second lock spring 58s2 in the direction of engaging with the first positioning portion 57c2. In the state that the second lock body 58a2 is engaged with the second positioning portion 57o2, the second lock body 58a2 is urged by the second lock spring 58s2 in the direction of engaging with the second positioning portion 57o2. In this embodiment, the second lock spring 58s2 is a torsion coil spring, but a spring of another shape may be used.

[0396] In the state that the second lock body 58a2 is engaged with the first positioning portion 57c2 and the developer shutter 57 is urged in the opening direction Dso, the second lock body 58a2 moves against the urging force of the second lock spring 58s2 so that it disengages from the first positioning portion 57c2. In the state that the second lock body 58a2 is engaged with the second positioning portion 57o2 and the developer shutter 57 is urged in the closing direction Dsc, the second lock body 58a2 moves against the urging force of the second locking spring 58s2 so that it disengages from the second positioning portion 57o2.

[0397] The second shutter holder 57b2 also has an arm 57e2 and a protrusion 57f2. The arm 57e2 is elastically deformable. The functions of the arm 57e2 and the protrusion 57f2 will be described hereinafter. (Positional Relationship of Developer shutter 57 and Toner Shutter 76 with respect to Photosensitive Drum)

[0398] Referring to Figures 26 and 27, the positional relationship of the developer shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 with respect to the photosensitive drum 2 will be described.

[0399] Figure 26 illustrates the position of the developer shutter 57 in the closed position. A chain line in Figure 26 is an imaginary circle centered on the rotational axis 90C and passing through the free end portion of the developer shutter 57 in the closed position. As will be described hereinafter, the developer shutter 57 is positioned in the closed position when the toner cartridge 70 is not mounted to the rotary body 90.

[0400] When the developer shutter 57 is in the closed position, the shutter opening 57ab is offset from the seal opening 57so and the receiving opening 53b, and the cover portion 57aa covers the seal opening 57so and the receiving opening 53b.

[0401] As described above, when the rotary body 90 rotates about the rotational axis 90C, the rotary body 90 oscillates about the swing shaft 91. In this embodiment, when the rotary body 90 rotates and the developer shutter 57 faces the photosensitive drum 2, the rotary body 90 oscillates away from the photosensitive drum 2. The rotary body 90 in Figure 26 is at a position where it has been moved around the swing shaft 91 in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 2, and there is a gap between the imaginary circle and the photosensitive drum 2.

[0402] In this embodiment, the position of the developer shutter 57 and the position of the photosensitive drum 2 overlap in the direction of the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90. Even when the rotary body 90 rotates without the toner cartridge 70 mounted to it, the developer shutter 57 in the closed position rotates around at a position away from the photosensitive drum 2, and therefore does not contact the photosensitive drum 2.

[0403] Figure 27 is an illustration showing the relationship between the developer shutter 57 in the open position, the toner shutter 76 in the open position, and the photosensitive drum 2.

[0404] As will be described hereinafter, when the toner cartridge 70 is mounted to the developing unit 50, the developer shutter 57 is positioned in the open position, and the toner shutter 76 is positioned in the open position.

[0405] As shown in Figure 27, in the state that the developer shutter 57 is in the open position, the shutter opening 57ab overlaps the seal opening 57so and the receiving opening 53b. In the state that the toner shutter 76 is in the open position, the seal opening 76so and the discharge opening 71b are exposed. As a result, the discharge opening 71b, the seal opening 76so, the shutter opening 57ab, the seal opening 57so, and the receiving opening 53b are in fluid communication with each other, thus allowing the toner to be supplied from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50 through these openings.

[0406] In the direction perpendicular to the rotational axis 90C (the direction of the radius of rotation of the rotary body 90), the developer shutter 57 in the open position and the free end portion of the developer shutter 57 in the open position are closer to the rotational axis 90C than the free end portion of the developer shutter 57 in the closed position. Even when the rotary body 90 rotates with the toner cartridge 70 mounted to it, the developer shutter 57 in the open position and the toner shutter 76 in the open position rotate around a position away from the photosensitive drum 2, and therefore do not contact the photosensitive drum 2.

[0407] Referring to Figures 28 to 35, the operation of opening the toner shutter 76 and the developer shutter 57 will be described below. Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 28 are illustrations of the engagement between a positioned portion of the toner cartridge 70 and the positioning portion of the developer unit 50. Part (a) of Figure 28 is a perspective view showing the state in which the positioned portion of the toner cartridge 70 and the positioning portion of the developer unit 50 begin to engage. Part (b) of Figure 28 is a sectional view showing the state in which the positioned portion of the toner cartridge 70 and the positioning portion of the developer unit 50 begin to engage with each other, and also includes enlarged views of the portions indicated by ranges LB and LC in the Figure.

[0408] As described above, the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the retracted position toward the mounted position by the moving device 85 driven by motor M2. Specifically, the user first places the toner cartridge 70 on the tray 80 positioned in the removal position. The toner cartridge 70 can be moved from the retracted position toward the mounted position by moving the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 from the removal position to the mounted position. The user can move the tray 80 from the removal position to the mounted position using an operating portion such as a button or touch panel provided on the apparatus main assembly 1A, a peripheral device connected to the apparatus main assembly 1A, or by pushing the tray 80 toward the mounted position.

[0409] The state in which the rotary body 90 is in the replacement position can be referred to as a state in which the toner cartridge 70 can be moved between the retracted position and the mounted position. In this state, the toner cartridge 70 is positioned below the developing unit 50. Furthermore, in the state that the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position, and the developer shutter 57 is in the closed position.

[0410] In the state that the toner cartridge 70 is mounted to the tray 80, the supported portions 71qL and 71qR are located above the side walls of the tray 80. Therefore, the user can use the supported portions 71qL, 71qR as gripping portions.

[0411] When the toner cartridge 70 moves from the retracted position in the insertion direction DtI, the positioning protrusion 53c of the developing unit 50 is brought into engagement with the positioning groove 72pC of the toner frame 71. This positions the toner cartridge 70 relative to the developing unit 50 in the Y direction.

[0412] Next, the supporting protrusions 53pL, 53pR of the developing unit 50 are brought into engagement with the supported grooves 72pL, 72pR of the toner cartridge 70, and the end support portions 53qL, 53qR are brought into engagement with the supported portions 71qL, 71qR of the toner cartridge 70. This positions the toner cartridge 70 relative to the developing unit 50 in directions perpendicular to both the Y direction and the insertion direction DtI. More specifically, movement of the toner cartridge 70 away from the developing unit 50 is restricted in directions perpendicular to both the Y direction and the insertion direction DtI.

[0413] The initial engagement of the positioning protrusion 53c with the positioning groove 72pC prevents misalignment between the supporting protrusions 53pL, 53pR and the supported grooves 72pL, 72pR, and between the end support portions 53qL, 53qR and the supported portions 71qL, 71qR. However, the order in which the positioning protrusions 53pC and the positioning groove 72pC, the supporting protrusions 53pL, 53pR and the supported grooves 72pL, 72pR, and the end support portions 53qL, 53qR and the supported portions 71qL, 71qR may be engaged in a different order.

[0414] Parts (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Figure 29 are illustrations illustrating the developer shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 when the positioned portions of the toner cartridge 70 and the positioning portions of the developing unit 50 have begun to engage.

[0415] Specifically, parts (a) and (b) of Figure 29 are sectional views of the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Parts (c) and (d) of Figure 29 are sectional views of the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0416] When the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position, and the developer shutter 57 is in the closed position. In this state, the adjusting portion 53j is separated from the adjusting protrusion 77c2 of the engagement gear 77c, and the opener 53o is separated from the gear portion 77c1 of the engagement gear 77c. In addition, the openers 72o1 and 72o2 are separated from the shutter holders 57b1 and 57b2, and the holders 72h1 and 72h2 are separated from the protrusions 57f1 and 57g2. Furthermore, the releasing portion 53u is separated from the stopper 73s.

[0417] Parts (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Figure 30 are illustrations of the developer shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 when the adjusting protrusion 77c2 has passed through the adjusting portion 53j. Specifically, parts (a) and (b) of Figure 30 are sectional views of the developer unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Parts (c) and (d) of Figure 30 are sectional views of the developer unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0418] When the adjusting portion 53j and the adjustment protrusion 77c2 come into contact and the toner cartridge 70 moves in the insertion direction DtI, the engagement gear 77c is rotated in the closing direction Tgc. Advantages by this operation will be described hereinafter.

[0419] In the state that the adjustment protrusion 77c2 has passed through the adjusting portion 53j, the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position, and the developer shutter 57 is in the closed position. In this state, the opener 53o is separated from the gear portion 77c1 of the engagement gear 77c. The openers 72o1 and 72o2 are separated from the shutter holders 57b1 and 57b2, and the holders 72h1 and 72h2 are separated from the protrusions 57f1 and 57g2. In addition, the releasing portion 53u is separated from the stopper 73s.

[0420] Strictly speaking, the position of the toner shutter 76 is slightly different between before and after the engagement gear 77c rotates in the closing direction Tgc. However, even after the engagement gear 77c rotates in the closing direction Tgc, the shutter body 76a of the toner shutter 76 covers the discharge opening 71b and the seal opening 76so, so the toner shutter 76 can be said to be in the closed position.

[0421] From this state, as the toner cartridge 70 moves further in the insertion direction DtI, the releasing portion 53u and the stopper 73s come into contact to each other. Then, as the toner cartridge 70 moves further in the insertion direction DtI, the stopper 73s is moved by the releasing portion 53u.

[0422] Parts (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Figure 31 are illustrations illustrating the developer shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 in a state in which the stopper 73s has been released by the releasing portion 53u. Specifically, parts (a) and (b) of Figure 31 are sectional views of the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Parts (c) and (d) of Figure 31 are sectional views of the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0423] As shown in part (c) of Figure 31, when the stopper 73s is released by the releasing portion 53u, the stopper 73s is located away from the engagement protrusion 77c3 of engagement gear 77c. In this state, even if the engagement gear 77c rotates in the opening direction Tgo, the engagement protrusion 77c3 does not abut against the stopper 73s. Therefore, the engagement gear 77c is allowed to rotate in the opening direction Tgo.

[0424] In the state that the stopper 73s is released by the releasing portion 53u, the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position, and the developer shutter 57 is in the closed position. In this state, the openers 72o1, 72o2 are separated from the shutter holders 57b1, 57b2, and the holders 72h1, 72h2 are separated from the protrusions 57f1, 57g2.

[0425] In this embodiment, the opener 53o is a rack which meshes with the gear portion 77c1 of the engagement gear 77c. The gear portion 77c1 of the engagement gear 77c is preferably formed along an involute curve.

[0426] The stopper 73s is preferably released before or simultaneously with the gear portion 77c1 of the engagement gear 77c contacting the opener 53o.

[0427] With the stopper 73s released, the toner cartridge 70 moves in the insertion direction DtI. This brings the gear portion 77c1 of the engagement gear 77c into meshing engagement with the opener 53o, thereby causing the engagement gear 77c to rotate in the opening direction Tgo, thus moving the toner shutter 76 toward the open position.

[0428] Parts (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Figure 32 are illustrations of the developer shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 when the gear portion 77c1 has passed the opener 53o and the toner shutter 76 is in the open position.

[0429] Specifically, parts (a) and (b) of Figure 32 are sectional views of the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Parts (c) and(d) of Figure 32 are sectional views of the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0430] In this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 moves in the inserting direction DtI, the sealing member 76s abuts against the developer shutter 57. The free end portion of the shutter body 57a of the developer shutter 57 is bent in a direction away from the sealing member 76s.

[0431] After the sealing member 76s abuts against the developer shutter 57, when the toner cartridge 70 moves in the inserting direction DtI, the sealing member 76s passes below the developer shutter 57.

[0432] Here, the toner shutter 76 does not have to have completely reached the open position when the sealing member 76s contacts the developer shutter 57. In this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 moves in the insertion direction DtI, the toner shutter 76 rotates in the opening direction Tso while maintaining a gap between the toner shutter 76 and the developer shutter 57.

[0433] Also, when the toner cartridge 70 moves in the inserting direction DtI, the toner shutter 76 is positioned in the open position while the developer shutter 57 is in the closed position. As shown in parts (c) and (d) of Figure 32, when the developer shutter 57 is moved to the closed position, the openers 72o1 and 72o2 are separated from the shutter holders 57b1 and 57b2, and the holders 72h1 and 72h2 are separated from the protrusions 57f1 and 57g2.

[0434] In this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 is mounted to or dismounted from the developing unit 50, the toner cartridge 70 is positioned below the developing unit 50. In this state, the discharge opening 71b is positioned below the receiving opening 53b.

[0435] In this embodiment, the toner shutter 76 reaches the open position before the developer shutter 57 reaches the open position. In this embodiment, the toner shutter 76 is positioned at the open position before the developer shutter 57 begins to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0436] As the toner cartridge 70 moves further in the insertion direction DtI, the openers 72o1 and 72o2 approach the shutter holders 57b1 and 57b2 and abut against them. Additionally, as the arms 57e1 and 57e2 of the shutter holders 57b1 and 57b2 elastically deform, the protrusions 57f1 and 57f2 approach to and engage with the holders 72h1 and 72h2.

[0437] Parts (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Figure 33 are illustrations of the developer shutter 57 and toner shutter 76 when openers 72o1 and 72o2 are in contact with the shutter holders 57b1 and 57b2. Specifically, parts (a) and (b) of Figure 33 are sectional views of the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Parts (c) and(d) of Figure 33 are sectional views of the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0438] In the state that the openers 72o1, 72o2 and the shutter holders 57b1, 57b2 are in contact with each other, the developer shutter 57 is in the closed position. On the other hand, the toner shutter 76 is already in the open position. As shown in part (a) of Figure 33, in the state that the openers 72o1, 72o2 and the shutter holders 57b1, 57b2 are in contact with each other, the shutter opening 57ab of the developer shutter 57 overlaps the seal opening 76so and the discharge opening 71b. In other words, the discharge opening 71b, the seal opening 76so, and the shutter opening 57ab are in communication with each other. On the other hand, in the state that the openers 72o1, 72o2 and the shutter holders 57b1, 57b2 are in contact with each other, the holders 72h1, 72h2 and the protrusions 57f1, 57f2 are engaged with each other.

[0439] As the toner cartridge 70 moves in the inserting direction DtI, the discharge opening 71b, the seal opening 76so, the openers 72o1, 72o2 push the shutter holders 57b1, 57b2, while maintaining the state in which the shutter opening 57ab are in communication with each other and the holders 72h1, 72h2 and the protrusions 57f1, 57g2 are in engagement with each other. The developer shutter 57 then moves in the opening direction Dso.

[0440] When the developer shutter 57 moves from the closed position in the opening direction Dso, the locking members 58a1, 58a2 move against the urging force of the lock springs 58s1, 58s2 to disengage from the first positioning portions 57c1, 57c2 of the shutter holders 57b1, 57b2. As the toner cartridge 70 moves further in the insertion direction DtI, the developer shutter 57 is positioned in the open position.

[0441] Parts (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Figure 34 are illustrations of the developer shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 when the developer shutter 57 is in the open position. Specifically, parts (a) and(b) of Figure 34 are sectional views of the developer unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Parts (c) and (d) of Figure 34 are sectional views of the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0442] When the toner cartridge 70 is positioned in the mounted position, the developer shutter 57 is positioned in the open position. In this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 moves in the mounting direction Dt1, the locking members 58a1 and 58a2 engage with the second positioning portions 57o1 and 57o2 of the shutter holders 57b1 and 57b2. Therefore, the force of the lock springs 58s1 and 58s2 urges the developer shutter 57 in the opening direction Dso.

[0443] The developer shutter 57 may reach the open position by the force of the lock springs 58s1 and 58s2. In such a case, the openers 72o1 and 72o2 may be separated from the shutter holders 57b1 and 57b2 in the state that the toner cartridge 70 is positioned in the mounted position. The developer shutter 57 may also reach the open position by being pushed by the openers 72o1 and 72o2.

[0444] Figure 35 is an illustration of the rotary assembly 90A when the toner cartridge 70 is positioned in the mounted position. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position, the electrode 74e of the memory 74 faces outward in the radial direction of the rotary assembly 90A. The tray 80 supports the toner cartridge 70 so that the electrode 74e of the memory 74 is exposed outward in the radial direction of the rotary assembly 90A. As a result, the main assembly electrode 74eM can be positioned outside the rotary assembly 90A.

[0445] In this embodiment, the rotary assembly 90A can assume four reading positions so that the electrode 74e of each memory 74 of toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k faces the main assembly electrode 74eM. In other words, the main assembly electrode 74eM is structured to be connectable to each memory 74 of toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k. Because the electrode 74e of the memory 74 is exposed outward in the radial direction of the rotary assembly 90A and the main assembly electrode 74eM is located outside the rotary assembly 90A, a single reading device can read the memories 74 of multiple toner cartridges.

[0446] In addition, the opening direction Dso of the developer shutter 57 is a direction approaching the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90. In this embodiment, the receiving opening 53b of the developer unit 50 is closer to the outer edge of the rotary body 90 in the radial direction of the rotary body 90 than to the rotational axis 90C. This makes it easier to ensure space for the developer shutter 57 to move in the opening direction Dso.

[0447] On the other hand, because the receiving opening 53b is closer to the outer edge of the rotary body 90 in the radial direction than to the rotational axis 90C, the discharge opening 71b is also closer to the outer edge of the rotary body 90 in the radial direction than to the rotational axis 90C. When the toner shutter 76 rotates to move from the closed position to the open position, the toner shutter 76 is restrained from protruding too much from the rotary body 90 in the open position.

[0448] The operation of closing the toner shutter 76 and the developer shutter 57 will now be described. The operation of closing the toner shutter 76 and the developer shutter 57 is performed in the reverse order of the operation of opening the toner shutter 76 and the developer shutter 57 described above.

[0449] As described above, the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the mounted position to the retracted position by the moving device 85 driven by the motor M2. Specifically, the user can move the toner cartridge 70 from the mounted position to the retracted position by moving the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 from the accommodating position to the removal position. The user can move the tray 80 from the mounted position to the removal position using an operating unit such as a button or a touch panel provided on the apparatus main assembly 1A, or a peripheral device connected to the apparatus main assembly 1A.

[0450] When the toner cartridge 70 moves in the removal direction DtO from the mounted position to the retracted position, the openers 72o1 and 72o2 move away from the shutter holders 57b1 and 57b2.

[0451] On the other hand, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position, the holders 72h1 and 72h2 are engaged with the protrusions 57f1 and 57f2 (see part (d) of Figure 34). As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 23, the developing device frame 53 is provided with backup portions 53v1 and 53v2.

[0452] When the developer shutter 57 is in the open position, the arm 57e1 of the shutter holder 57b1 overlaps a backup portion 53v1, and when the arm 57e1 deforms in a direction that causes the protrusion 57f1 to come off the holder 72h1, it comes into contact with the backup portion 53v1.

[0453] Similarly, when the arm 57e2 of the shutter holder 57b2 overlaps a backup portion 53v2 and the arm 57e2 deforms in a direction that causes the protrusion 57f2 to come off the holder 72h2, it comes into contact with the backup portion 53v2. In other words, when the developer shutter 57 is in the open position, the protrusions 57f1 and 57f2 are restrained from coming off the holders 72h1 and 72h2 (see part (a) of Figure 23).

[0454] With the holders 72h1, 72h2 and the protrusions 57f1, 57f2 engaged with each other, the toner cartridge 70 moves in the removal direction DtO. Then, with the discharge opening 71b, the seal opening 76so, and the shutter opening 57ab communicated with each other, the developer shutter 57 moves in the closing direction Dsc.

[0455] On the other hand, the locking members 58a1, 58a2 are moved against the urging force of the lock springs 58s1, 58s2 to disengage from the second positioning portions 57o1, 57o2 of the shutter holders 57b1, 57b2. At this time, the toner shutter 76 is placed in the open position.

[0456] As the toner cartridge 70 continues to move in the removal direction DtO, the locking members 58a1, 58a2 begin to engage with the first positioning portions 57c1, 57c2. On the other hand, the arm 57e1 of the shutter holder 57b1 moves to a position where it does not overlap the backup portion 53v1, and the arm 57e2 of the shutter holder 57b2 moves to a position where it does not overlap the backup portion 53v2.

[0457] When the locking members 58a1, 58a2 engage with the first positioning portions 57c1, 57c2, the developer shutter 57 is maintained in the closed position (see part (c) of Figure 33). When the toner cartridge 70 is further moved in the removal direction DtO in this state, the arms 57e1, 57e2 elastically deform to disengage the protrusions 57f1, 57f2 from the holders 72h1, 72h2.

[0458] When the toner cartridge 70 is further moved in the removal direction DtO, the gear portion 77c1 of the engagement gear 77c abuts against the opener 53o to be rotated in the closing direction Tgc. The toner shutter 76 is then placed at the closed position. While the engagement gear 77c is rotating, the stopper 73s is preferably released by the releasing portion 53u, but the stopper 73s may also be released by the inclined portion of the protrusion 77c3.

[0459] In this way, when the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the mounted position to the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70 is provided below the developing unit 50, and the discharge opening 71b is positioned below the receiving opening 53b. Then, after the developer shutter 57 reaches the closed position, the toner shutter 76 reaches the closed position.

[0460] In other words, before the developer shutter 57 reaches the closed position, the toner shutter 76 is positioned in the open position, and even if the toner falls from the developing unit 50, it can be collected into the toner cartridge 70 through the discharge opening 71b.

[0461] In this embodiment, the supporting protrusions 53pL, 53pR of the developing unit 50 engage with the supported grooves 72pL, 72pR of the toner cartridge 70, and the end support portions 53qL, 53qR engage with the supported portions 71qL, 71qR of the toner cartridge 70.

[0462] This positions the toner cartridge 70 relative to the developing unit 50 in directions perpendicular to both the Y direction and the insertion direction DtI. More specifically, the movement of the toner cartridge 70 away from the developing unit 50 is restricted in directions perpendicular to both the Y direction and the insertion direction DtI. This suppresses fluctuations in the inter-axes distance between the engagement gear 77c and the opener 53o.

[0463] However, taking into consideration the effects of component tolerances, it is preferable that there be a certain amount of backlash between the opener 53o and the gear portion 77a1 of the engagement gear 77c. None the less, the presence of backlash between the opener 53o and the gear portion 77a1 of the engagement gear 77c reduces the angle by which the opener 53o rotates the gear portion 77a1 in the closing direction Tgc when the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the mounted position to the retracted position.

[0464] In other words, when the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the mounted position to the retracted position, the engagement gear 77c may not reach an ideal position.

[0465] In this embodiment, as described using Figure 30, as the toner cartridge 70 moves from the retracted position to the mounted position, the adjustment protrusion 77c2 comes into contact with the adjusting portion 53j, thereby causing the engagement gear 77c to rotate in the closing direction Tgc. As a result, even if the angle by which the opener 53o rotates the gear portion 77a1 in the closing direction Tgc decreases, the position of the engagement gear 77c is adjusted, and the engagement between the gear portion 77c1 and the opener 53o is more reliably carried out.

[0466] Here, by improving the dimensional accuracy of the opener 53o and the gear portion 77a1 of the engagement gear 77c, the amount of backlash can be reduced and the adjusting portion 53j and adjustment protrusion 77c2 can be eliminated.

[0467] As described above, when the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the retracted position toward the mounted position, the developer shutter 57 is moved from the closed position to the open position, and the toner shutter 76 is moved to the open position. The user can open the developer shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 by performing an operation to move the toner cartridge 70 from the retracted position toward the mounted position.

[0468] In other words, the user does not need to perform the operation of opening the developer shutter 57 and the operation of opening the toner shutter 76, separately from the operation of moving the toner cartridge 70 from the retracted position to the mounted position.

[0469] Furthermore, the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the retracted position to the mounted position by the moving device 85 driven by the motor M2. During this process, the developer shutter 57 is moved from the closed position to the open position, and the toner shutter 76 is moved to the open position.

[0470] In other words, the developer shutter 57 is moved from the closed position to the open position by the moving device 85 driven by the motor M2, and the toner shutter 76 is moved from the closed position to the open position by the moving device 85 driven by the motor M2.

[0471] In other words, the developer shutter 57 is moved from the closed position to the open position by the driving force of the motor M2, and the toner shutter 76 is moved from the closed position to the open position by the driving force of the motor M2.

[0472] As described above, when the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the mounted position to the retracted position, the developer shutter 57 moves from the open position to the closed position, and the toner shutter 76 moves to the closed position. The user can close both the developer shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 by performing the operation to move the toner cartridge 70 from the mounted position to the retracted position.

[0473] In other words, the user does not need to perform the operation to close the developer shutter 57 and the operation to close the toner shutter 76, separately from the operation to move the toner cartridge 70 from the mounted position to the retracted position.

[0474] Furthermore, the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the mounted position to the retracted position by the moving device 85 driven by the motor M2. During this process, the developer shutter 57 moves from the open position to the closed position, and the toner shutter 76 moves to the closed position.

[0475] In other words, the developer shutter 57 is moved from the open position to the closed position by the moving device 85 driven by the motor M2, and the toner shutter 76 is moved from the open position to the closed position by the moving device 85 driven by the motor M2.

[0476] In other words, the developer shutter 57 is moved from the open position to the closed position by the driving force of the motor M2, and the toner shutter 76 is moved from the open position to the closed position by the driving force of the motor M2.

[0477] Here, the developing device frame 53 of the developing unit 50 in this embodiment is provided with the receiving openings 53bR, 53bL as multiple discharge openings. The number of receiving openings 53 formed in the developing device frame 53 is not limited to this, and may be one or more than two. (Modified Example 1) <Developer Shutter Opening / Closing Restriction >

[0478] In the above-described embodiment, for the structure for controlling the opening and closing of the developer shutter 57 of the developing unit 50, the developer shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 are opened with the movement of the toner cartridge 70 from the retracted position to the mounted position.

[0479] As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 24, in the foregoing embodiment described above, when the developer shutter 57 is in the closed position, the shutter lock 58 engages with the first positioning portions 57c1 and 57c2 of the shutter holder 57b. When the developer shutter 57 is urged in the opening direction Dso, the lock body constituent of the shutter lock 58 moves against the urging forces of the first lock spring 58s1 and the second lock spring 58s2 and moves away from the first positioning portions 57c1 and 57c2. This structure allows the developer shutter 57 to move to the open position.

[0480] Here, it is preferable to prevent the developer shutter 57 from moving from the closed position to the open position (malfunction, abnormal operation) due to a user's error, and so on

[0481] As a solution to this problem, it is considered to increase the load on the developer shutter 57 in the opening direction by increasing the urging force of the first lock spring 58s1 and the second lock spring 58s2. However, in such a case, the operating load on the developer shutter 57 increases even during normal operation, resulting in a greater load when mounting the tray 80 or the toner cartridge 70.

[0482] Therefore, for example, in a structure in which the tray 80 with the toner cartridge 70 mounted can be automatically inserted into the rotary body 90, it is necessary to increase the output of the motor for driving the tray 80. In this case, using a motor with a higher output increases the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 1, and in addition, there arises a risk that the device will need to be upsized to ensure space for the motor, and the toner cartridge 70 will need to be downsized. Furthermore, in a structure in which the tray 80 is manually inserted, the load becomes larger when the user moves the tray 80.

[0483] For these reasons, the structure is desirably such that the restriction is made to the opening and closing movement of the developer shutter 57 in order to prevent malfunction or abnormal operation of the developer shutter with as less increase as possible in the urging force of each lock spring of the shutter lock 58. In addition, it is necessary to accurately release the restriction on the opening and closing movement of the developer shutter 57 when mounting the toner cartridge 70 (normal operation), and therefore, it is desirable to provide the toner cartridge 70 with an unlocking mechanism.

[0484] Referring to Figures 36 to 41, the developer unit 50 of this modified example will be described with a restriction mechanism (locking mechanism) for restricting (locking) the opening and closing movement of the developer shutter 157. In the following description, the same numerals and symbols will be used for components that are substantially the same as those in the previously described embodiment, and new numerals and symbols will be used for components which are clearly different from those in the previously described embodiment. In addition, since the opening and closing movement of the developer shutter 157 is substantially the same as that of the developer shutter 57 in the previously described embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and only the characteristic operations of this modified example will be described.

[0485] Figure 36 is an external perspective view of a developer shutter 157 according to Modified Example 1, with part (a) of Figure 36 showing the developer shutter 157 as viewed from the developing unit 50 side, and part (b) of Figure 36 showing the developer shutter 157 as viewed from the toner cartridge 70 side.

[0486] As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 36, the developer shutter 157 according to this Modified Example includes a developer shutter body 57a, a shutter holder 157b1, and a shutter holder 157b2. The developing unit 50 also comprises a shutter lock 158 including shutter lock arms 158a1 and 158a2 and lock springs 158b1 and 158b2 arranged interposing the developer shutter 157.

[0487] As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 36, a developer shutter body 157a, the shutter holder 157b2, the lock arm 158a2, and the lock springs 158s1 and 152s2 are the same as those provided in the developing unit 50 of the previously described embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0488] Figure 37 is an exemplary illustration of the structure of the non-drive side (shutter mechanism SH176) of the toner cartridge 70 of Modified Example Embodiment 1. Part (a) of Figure 37 is a partial perspective view of the nondrive side of the toner cartridge 70. Part (b) of Figure 37 is a top view of the non-drive side of the toner cartridge 70. Part (c) of Figure 37 is a side view of the non-drive side of the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0489] As shown in part (a) of Figure 37, in this Modified Example, the toner cartridge 70 is provided with a mechanism for releasing the restriction (lock) on the opening and closing operation of the developer shutter 157. Specifically, the toner cartridge 70 of this modified example uses a shutter drive portion 177 (driving gear 77a, idler gear 77b, and engagement gear 177c) provided in a shutter mechanism SH176 including a toner shutter 176 to unlock the opening and closing operation of the developer shutter 157.

[0490] Here, the driving gear 77a and idler gear 77b of the shutter drive portion 177 have substantially the same structure as in the previously described embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. The shutter drive portion 177 of this modified example employs an engagement gear 177c having a structure different from that of the previously described embodiment.

[0491] As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 36, a first shutter holder 157b1 of the developer shutter 157 has a first positioning portion 157c1 and a second positioning portion 157o1. The first positioning portion 157c1 and the second positioning portion 157o1 are recesses which is engaged by the first lock body 158a1.

[0492] When the first lock body 158a1 engages with the first positioning portion 157c1, the developer shutter 157 is placed in the closed position. By the first lock body 158a1 engaging with the second positioning portion 157o1, the developer shutter 157 is placed in the open position.

[0493] Unlike the previously described embodiment, the first shutter holder 157b1 and the lock arm 158a1 are provided with a locking mechanism for the opening and closing operation of the developer shutter 157. As described in the foregoing, the toner cartridge 70 uses the engagement gear 177c of the drive portion 177 to unlock the opening and closing operation of the developer shutter 157. Therefore, the first shutter holder 157b1 and the lock arm 158a1, which are arranged in place corresponding to the shutter drive portion 177 of the toner cartridge 70, are provided with a locking mechanism for restricting the opening and closing operation of the developer shutter 157. In other words, in the longitudinal direction, the first shutter holder 157b1 and the second shutter holder 157b2, and the lock arms 158a1 and the lock arm 158a2, interposing the developer shutter 157 at the center, respectively, have different shapes (they are not plane-symmetrical).

[0494] Here, the first shutter holder 157b1 and the second shutter holder 157b2, and the lock arm 158a1 and the lock arm 158a2 may be structured to be plane-symmetrical. In such a case, the second shutter holder 157b2 and the lock arm 158b2 may also be structured to have a locking mechanism, or they may be structured to have the same shape. In other words, the structure of the toner cartridge 70 may be modified as appropriate as long as one or more lock release mechanisms are provided on the toner cartridge 70 side to match the shapes of the shutter holder and lock arm on the developing unit 50 side.

[0495] As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 36, the recess (cutout portion) formed in the first positioning portion 157c1 of the first shutter holder 157b1 has two inclined portions which are inclined with respect to the opening direction Dso and the closing direction Dsc. That is, in this modified example, the recess shape (inclined portion shape) of the first positioning portion 157c1 is used to establish a state in which the movement of the developer shutter 157 is restricted (locked state).

[0496] The inclined portion formed in the first positioning portion 157c1 which is closer to the second positioning portion 157o1 is referred to as first inclined portion 157k1, and the inclined portion which is farther from the second positioning portion 157o1 is referred to as second inclined portion 157k2.

[0497] Furthermore, the engaging portion of the first lock body 158a1 which engages with the recessed portion of the first positioning portion 157c1 is referred to as first lock engagement portion 158k1. When the first lock engagement portion 158k1 of the first lock body 158a1 engages with the first positioning portion 157c1 and the second positioning portion 157o1, a first lock spring 158s1 applies an urging force to fix the first lock body 158a1 in both the closed position and the open position.

[0498] In other words, the first lock body 158a1 (first lock engagement portion 158k1) is urged toward the first shutter holder 157b1 around a rotational axis 158r1 of the first lock body 158a1, and its position is fixed. In this state, the developer shutter 157 can be maintained in the closed position.

[0499] To move the developer shutter 157 from this state to the open position, it is necessary to move the first lock body 158a1 (first lock engagement portion 158k1) away from the first shutter holder 157b1 around the rotational axis 158r1 of the first lock body 158a1. In other words, to restrict (lock) the movement of the developer shutter 157 and maintain the closed position, it is sufficient that the first lock body 158a1 (first lock engagement portion 158k1) does not move away from the first shutter holder 157b1 without a predetermined action.

[0500] Specifically, when viewing the developer shutter 157 along its thickness direction, a line approximately parallel to the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70) is 0°. In this case, the first inclined portion 157k1 has an angle of 0° to approximately 30° toward the insertion direction DtI of the toner cartridge 70.

[0501] When inserting the toner cartridge 70 into the rotary body 90 (developing unit 50), the lock arm 158a1 appears to move in the opposite direction relative to the developer shutter 157. At this time, as described above, the first locking portion 158k1 engages with the first inclined portion 157k1, which forms an acute angle with respect to the movement direction of the developer shutter 157, thereby restricting the movement of the developer shutter 157. At this time, the first lock body 158a1 (first locking engagement portion 158k1) rotates around the rotational axis 158r1 of the first lock body 158a1 toward the first shutter holder 157b1.

[0502] With this structure, even if the developer shutter 157 tends to move in the opening direction Dso without the restriction on movement being released, the first lock body 158a1 (first locking engagement portion 158k1) interferes with the first inclined portion 157k1. Therefore, the first lock body 158a1 (first locking engagement portion 158k1) cannot rotate in a direction away from the first shutter holder 157b1. In other words, the first lock engagement portion 158k1 does not disengage out of the first positioning portion 157c1 of the recess, and therefore, the developer shutter 157 remains in the closed position, so that the restriction on movement of the developer shutter 157 is not released.

[0503] The first lock body 158a1 is provided with an unlocked portion 158h1 to release the state in which movement of the developer shutter 157 from the closed position (locked state) is restricted. Details of the unlocked portion 158h1 will be described hereinafter.

[0504] With the structure described above, when the developer shutter 157 is in the closed position, the movement of the developer shutter 157 can be restricted (locked) without increasing the urging force of the first lock spring 158s1 more than necessary.

[0505] In this modified example, the rotational movement of the first lock body 158a1 (first lock engagement portion 158k1) is restricted by adjusting the shapes of the first inclined portion 157k1 and the first lock engagement portion 158k1 as described above, but this is not inevitable. For example, any structure may be employed as long as it can restrict movement of the first lock body 158a1 (first lock engagement portion 158k1) away from the shutter holder 157b while it is engaged with the first positioning portion 157c1. Specifically, different shapes may be employed for the first inclined portion 157k1 and the first lock engagement portion 158k1.

[0506] In addition, a similar effect may be provided by adjusting the shape of a part other than the first positioning portion 157c1. For example, the shape of the entire first positioning portion 157c1, such as the shape of the second inclined portion 157k2, and the shape of the first lock engagement portion 158k1 may be adjusted.

[0507] Alternatively, the developer shutter body 157a of the developer shutter 157 and the shutter holders 157b1 and b2 may be integrally formed. The aforementioned effects can be provided if at least the shutter lock 158 is a separate component from the developer shutter 157 and the shutter holders 157b1 and 157b2.

[0508] Next, referring to Figure 37, the operation of releasing the restriction on the movement of the developer shutter 157 caused by the mounting of the toner cartridge 70 will be described. Here, parts (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 37 all show the state in which the developer shutter 157 is mounted in the rotary body 90 (i.e., mounted to the developing unit 50). Also, in parts (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 37, the structure of the apparatus main assembly 1A and a part of the toner frame 71 adjacent to the engagement gear 177c are not shown in order to better illustrate the engagement gear 177c having a developer shutter unlocker 177c4.

[0509] As described above, in normal operation, when the toner cartridge 70 is mounted on the tray 80 and moved toward the inside of the rotary body 90 (i.e., developing unit 50) to the mounted position, it is necessary to release the restriction on movement of developer shutter 157. In the following description, the state in which the developer shutter 157 maintains the closed position and movement is restricted is referred to as the locked state.

[0510] In this modified example, in order to release the locked state of developer shutter 157, an unlocking mechanism for the developer shutter 157 is provided in the shutter mechanism SH176 of the toner cartridge 70. Here, the shutter mechanism SH176 is a general term for the member used to switch between a state in which discharge opening 71b provided in the toner cartridge 70 is closed by toner shutter 176 and a state in which it is open (i.e., to open and close toner shutter 176). Specifically, the shutter mechanism SH176 includes the toner shutter 176 and the shutter drive portion 177 (driving gear 77a, idler gear 77b, and engagement gear 177c).

[0511] Unless otherwise specified, the operation and structure of each member provided in the toner cartridge 70 are assigned the same reference numerals as in the above-described embodiment, and have substantially the same structure and operation as in the above-described embodiment.

[0512] As shown in parts (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 37, the shutter drive portion 177 includes at least one gear functioning as a drive transmission member, and more specifically, is provided with the driving gear 77a, the idler gear 77b, and the engagement gear 177c.

[0513] The engagement gear 177c is a rotating body having gear teeth 177c1, an adjustment protrusion 177c2, an engagement protrusion 177c3, and the developer shutter unlocker 177c4. Other than the developer shutter unlocker 177c4, the structures are the same as the above-described embodiment and perform substantially the same operation.

[0514] Here, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is a restriction releasing member for releasing the locked state of the opening and closing operation of the developer shutter 157, and is a protrusion (protruding portion) extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the engagement gear 177c. The developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is a movable member which can move in conjunction with the operation of the engagement gear 177c, and a part of it protrudes radially with respect to the rotational axis of the engagement gear 177c, so that the protruding portion can operate as a movable lever. Here, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the engagement gear 177c (substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70) in a range different from that of the adjustment protrusion 177c2 during the rotation phase of the engagement gear 177c. In this modified example, the adjustment protrusion 177c2 and the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 are formed integrally with the engagement gear 177c, but it is not inevitable. For example, the gear portion of the engagement gear 177c and the adjustment protrusion 177c2 and the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 may be separate members which rotate integrally. In addition, the adjustment protrusion 177c2 and the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 may be separate members rotatable integrally with the engagement gear. Furthermore, the engagement gear and the adjustment protrusion 177c2 and the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 do not need to have the same rotational speed or number of revolutions, and the rotational speed or number of revolutions of the adjustment protrusion 177c2 and the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 may be changed relative to the gear.

[0515] As the toner cartridge 70 is viewed along the rotational axis 76r of the toner cartridge 70, the rotational direction of the engagement gear 177c and the rotational direction of the driving gear 77a (the rotational direction of the toner shutter 176) are the same.

[0516] In the state shown in parts (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 37, the toner shutter 176 is in the open position, uncovering the discharge opening 71b. In this state, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 of the engagement gear 177c extends from the rotation center of the engagement gear 177c toward the upper surface 71u of the toner frame 71, where the discharge opening 71b is located. In other words, in this state, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 of the engagement gear 177c extends toward the developer shutter 157 (i.e., toward the side in which the discharge opening 71b of the toner cartridge 70 is located).

[0517] As described above, the shutter drive portion 177 is provided at the end of the toner cartridge 70. Therefore, in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70, the shutter drive portion 177 is located outward of the two toner shutters 176 (discharge opening 71b), the gripping portion 72g, and the positioning groove 72pC.

[0518] In the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70 from the center toward the edge, the positioning groove 72pC, the gripping portion 72g, the toner shutter 176 (discharge opening 71b), and the shutter drive portion 177, are arranged in the order named. If the direction toward the center of the toner cartridge 70 is referred to as inside and the direction toward the edge is referred to as outside, the positioning groove 72pC, the gripping portion 72g, the toner shutter 176 (discharge opening 71b), and the shutter drive portion 177 are arranged in this order in the direction from the inside toward the outside of the toner cartridge 70. By positioning shutter drive portion 177 closer to the end portion than to the gripping portion 72g in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to prevent the user from inadvertently touching shutter drive portion 177, which is part of the drive system, when gripping the toner cartridge 70. In addition, because the discharge opening 71b is located closer to the end portion of the toner cartridge 70 than to the gripping portion 72g and the positioning groove 72pC, the user's hands are protected from getting dirty with the toner when gripping the toner cartridge 70, and the positioning operation is constrained from being influenced by the toner. The shutter drive portion 177, including the developer shutter unlocker 177c4, is located further outward of the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. The toner cartridge 70 of this modified example is rectangular and box-shaped, with its largest dimension in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, by arranging components which operate in conjunction with the external components on the outside (adjacent to the end) of the toner cartridge 70 in the longitudinal direction, the size of the toner cartridge 70 in all directions other than the longitudinal direction is reduced.

[0519] Furthermore, as shown in part (b) of Figure 37, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is positioned so that at least a part thereof overlaps the adjustment protrusion 177c2 but does not overlap the gear teeth 177c1 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. In this modified example, to reduce the longitudinal space of the toner cartridge 70, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is structured so that a part thereof overlaps the adjustment protrusion 177c2, but this is not inevitable. Any structure is possible as long as the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is positioned so that it does not overlap the gear teeth 177c1 in the longitudinal direction. This structure allows the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 to be positioned so that it can operate without interfering with the gears constituent of the shutter drive portion 177.

[0520] Part (c) of Figure 37 shows the toner cartridge 70 as viewed from a side along the rotational axis of at least one of the gears included in the shutter drive portion 177. As shown in part (c) of Figure 37, regardless of the rotational phase of the engagement gear 177c, the rotation locus (external locus) 177f of the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is contained within the outer shape of the toner frame 71. For example, even when the extending direction of the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 faces the upper surface 71u of the toner cartridge 70, the tip portion of the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is located below the toner lid 72.

[0521] A part of the rotation locus 177f of the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 may be configured to protrude beyond the outer shape of the toner frame 71, as long as it is in a position that does not interfere with other components when inserting or dismounting the toner cartridge 70. However, to prevent the user from inadvertently touching the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 when mounting, removing, or transporting the toner cartridge 70, it is desirable that the rotation locus of the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is contained within the outer shape of the toner frame 71. This structure prevents the user from inadvertently touching the developer shutter unlocker 177c4, which may cause the coaxial engagement gear 177c to rotate in an unintended direction or by an unintended amount.

[0522] In this modified example, the rotation center of the engagement gear 177c is located approximately 6.4 mm below the upper surface 71u of the toner frame 71 in the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70. The length from the rotation center of the engagement gear 177c to the tip of the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is approximately 5.75 mm, and the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 has a protruding shape (rib shape) with a width of 2.0 mm. When the toner cartridge 70 is not inserted into the rotary body 90, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is positioned at a phase of approximately 67.3° downstream in the rotational direction from the adjustment protrusion 177c2 (the rotational direction is the opening direction of the toner shutter 176). These dimensions of the toner cartridge 70 are merely examples, and the specific dimensions may be adjusted as appropriate as long as they satisfy the various conditions described above.

[0523] Next, referring to Figures 38 to 41, the description will be made as to the operation from inserting the toner cartridge 70 (or the tray 80 with the toner cartridge 70 mounted) into the rotary body 90 (developing unit 50), and releasing the locked state of the developer shutter 157, to completing the mounting of the toner cartridge 70.

[0524] Figure 38 is an illustration of the operation of the developer shutter 157, the toner shutter 176, and a driving gear 177 while the toner cartridge 70 is being inserted into the rotary body 90 and the stopper 73s has been released by the releasing portion 53u as described above. Part (a) of Figure 38 is a sectional view showing a cross section including the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of (at least one of) the gears provided in the shutter drive portion 177. Part (b) of Figure 38 is a sectional view showing a cross section including the shutter holder 157b1 and the lock arm 158a1 as viewed from the toner cartridge 70 side in a plane parallel to the rotational axis of (at least one of) the gears provided in the shutter drive portion 177.

[0525] Figure 39 is an illustration of the operation of the developer shutter 157, the toner shutter 176, and the driving gear 177 while the toner cartridge 70 is being inserted into the rotary body 90 (developing unit 50) and the locked state of the developer shutter 157 is being released. Of these, parts (a) and (b) of Figure 39 are sectional views showing the same cross sections as parts (a) and (b) of Figure 38 described above. Also, part (c) of Figure 39 is a sectional view showing a cross section including the shutter holder 157b1 and the lock arm 158a1, as viewed from the developing unit 50 side, in a plane parallel to the rotational axis of (at least one of) the gears provided in the shutter drive portion 177.

[0526] Figure 40 is an illustration of the operation of the developer shutter 157, the toner shutter 176, and the driving gear 177 while the toner cartridge 70 is being inserted into the rotary body 90 (developing unit 50) and the locked state of the developer shutter 157 is being released. Parts (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 40 are sectional views showing the same cross section as parts (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 39 described above.

[0527] Figure 41 is an illustration of the operation of the developer shutter 157, the toner shutter 176, and the driving gear 177 in the state that the toner cartridge 70 has been inserted (mounted to) in the rotary body 90 (developing unit 50). Parts (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 41 are sectional views showing cross sections parallel to those in parts (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 39 described above, with the cross sections shifted for better illustration.

[0528] In the state shown in part (a) of Figure 38, the toner shutter 176 of the toner cartridge 70 is in the closed position. Here, as shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 36, at this time, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is positioned in a phase where it does not abut against the unlocked portion 158h1 of the first lock body 158a1 in the rotational phase of the engagement gear 177c. In other words, when the toner cartridge 70 is being inserted into the rotary body 90 and the stopper 73s has been released by the releasing portion 53u, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 has not rotated to a position (phase) where it abuts the unlocked portion 158h1.

[0529] Also, in this state, the developer shutter 157 of the developer unit 50 is in the closed position, as shown in part (b) of Figure 38. At this time, as shown in part (b) of Figure 38, the first lock engagement portion 158k1 engages with the first positioning portion 157c1 of the shutter holder 157b1, and the movement of the developer shutter 157 is restricted (locked state).

[0530] Here, in this state, the opener 72o provided on the toner frame 71 described above is not yet in abutment to the shutter holders 157b1 and 157b2, so that no force to open the developer shutter 157 is applied.

[0531] Next, in the state shown in part (a) of Figure 39, the toner shutter 176 of the toner cartridge 70 is in the open position. At this time, in this rotational phase of the engagement gear 177c, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is in the phase where it abuts against the unlocked portion 158h1 of the first lock body 158a1, and the abutment between them has begun just before this phase. In this state, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is in a phase where its protrusion extends toward the surface on which the discharge opening 71b is located, out of the multiple surfaces which is a constituent of the toner frame 71. In other words, in accordance with the change in state from part (a) of Figure 38 to part (a) of Figure 39, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 moves (rotates) (in the direction in which its protrusion faces) from the bottom side of the toner frame 71 toward the top side (the side on which the discharge opening 71b is located).

[0532] In this state, as shown in part (b) of Figure 39, the developer shutter 57 of the developer unit 50 is still in the closed position. At this time, as shown in parts (b) and (c) of Figure 39, the first lock engagement portion 158k1 begins to separate from the first positioning portion 157c1 of the shutter holder 157b1, and the movement restriction on the developer shutter 157 is released (referred to as the unlocked state).

[0533] In this state, the openers 72o provided on the toner frame 71 described above are not in contact with the shutter holders 157b1 and 157b2, respectively, and no force to open the developer shutter 157 has yet been applied.

[0534] Next, in the state shown in part (a) of Figure 40, the toner shutter 176 of the toner cartridge 70 is in the open position. At this time, in this rotational phase of the engagement gear 177c, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is in a phase in which it abuts to the unlocked portion 158h1 of the first lock body 158a1. In this state, which is the same as the state shown in part (a) of Figure 39, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is in a phase in which its protrusion extends toward the surface on which the discharge opening 71b is located, among the multiple surfaces which is a constituent of the toner frame 71.

[0535] Also, in this state, as shown in part (b) of Figure 40, the developer shutter 57 of the developing unit 50 is still in the closed position. At this time, as shown in parts (b) and (c) of Figure 40, the first lock engagement portion 158k1 is completely separated (disengaged) from the first positioning portion 157c1 of the shutter holder 157b1, and the developer shutter 157 remains unlocked.

[0536] In this state, the openers 72o provided on the toner frame 71 described above are in contact with the shutter holders 157b1 and 157b2, respectively, and apply a force to open the developer shutter 157.

[0537] Next, in the state shown in part (a) of Figure 41, the toner shutter 176 of the toner cartridge 70 is in the open position. At this time, in this rotational phase of the engagement gear 177c, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is in a phase in which it is in contact with the unlocked portion 158h1 of the first lock body 158a1. In this state, which is the same as the state shown in part (a) of Figure 39, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is in a phase in which its protrusion extends toward the surface on which the discharge opening 71b is provided among the multiple surfaces which is a constituent of the toner frame 71.

[0538] In addition, in this state, as shown in parts (b) and (c) of Figure 41, the first lock engagement portion 158k1 of the developing unit 50, which has moved away before from the first positioning portion 157c1, is in contact with the second positioning portion 157o1 of the shutter holder 157b1.

[0539] In this state, the shutter holders 157b1 and 157b2 are urged by the opener 72o provided on the toner frame 71, and the developer shutter 157 moves to the open position.

[0540] As explained above, by providing the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 on the toner cartridge 70, the locked state of the developer shutter 157 can be stably released without interfering with other components in the mounting operation of the toner cartridge 70 into the rotary body 90.

[0541] In the above-described embodiment and this modified example, when the toner cartridge 70 is inserted into the rotary body 90, the toner cartridge 70 is positioned below the developing unit 50 in the direction of gravity. Therefore, a structure in which the toner shutter 76 (176) opens before the developer shutter 57 (157) is advantageous for preventing toner leakage when the discharge opening 71b of the toner cartridge 70 and the receiving opening 53b of the developing unit 50 are brought into communicate with each other.

[0542] In the modified example, after the shutter drive portion 177 operates to open the toner shutter 176, an operation is performed to unlock the locked state of the developer shutter 157. Therefore, after the toner shutter 176 opens, the developer shutter 157 is unlocked, and then the operation to open the developer shutter 157 is initiated, which effectively prevents toner leakage, as described above.

[0543] In this modified example, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 is provided on the engagement gear 177c, but the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and for example, the unlocking portion may be provided on another gear or another component constituent of the shutter drive portion 177.

[0544] As long as the driving gear 177a and the idler gear 177b can receive the drive force separately from the apparatus main assembly 1A, the engagement gear 177c may be disconnected from the driving gear 177a and the idler gear 177b. For example, the engagement gear 177c may receive the drive force through a different route, other than through the driving gear 177a, and the idler gear 177b may be removed.

[0545] In this modified example, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 moves as the gear rotates to open and close the toner shutter 176, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 may be structured to make translation motion, instead of the rotational motion, in the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70 to a position where it can abut against the unlocked portion 158h1. However, the toner cartridge 70 according to this Modified Example has a thin, rectangular casing in which the ratio of its longitudinal size to its thickness is more than 10 times greater, and therefore, a structure including a rotatable releasing member is desirable, particularly to prevent an increase in thickness.

[0546] In addition, in the toner cartridge 70 with a thin casing, a large degree of curvature with respect to the center of rotation of the toner shutter 176 is preferable to accurately cover and open the discharge opening 71b. Therefore, the curvature of the toner shutter is determined so that a ratio of the thickness dimension a to the radius of curvature b of the toner shutter 176 is a:b = 2:1. The size ratio is not limited to this, and may be selected appropriately within a range of b = 0.25a to 2a.

[0547] Further, the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 does not have to be integral with the gear of the shutter drive portion 177, but they may be separate members from each other. Furthermore, a component having the same function as the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 may be provided on a detachable adapter (attachment) attached to the end of the toner cartridge 70.

[0548] Here, with this modification, the timing at which the locked state of the developer shutter 157 is released when the toner cartridge 70 is inserted into the rotary body 90 can be adjusted as needed. That is, the timing at which the locked state of the developer shutter 157 is released can be adjusted depending on the position of the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 or the position of the unlocked portion 158h1. (Modified Example 2) <Restriction on Movement of Cover 54>

[0549] In the above-described cover 54 moving mechanism, the position of the cover 54 changes depending on the orientation of the developing unit 50 as the rotary body 90 rotates, regardless of whether the toner cartridge 70 is mounted or not. In other words, with the above-described cover 54 moving mechanism, the state of covering for the receiving opening 53b by the cover 54 is different (open / closed) depending on the rotational position of the developing unit 50 as the rotary body 90 rotates. Therefore, with the above-described cover 54 moving structure, the cover 54 may move to the cover retracted position even when the toner cartridge 70 is not mounted in the apparatus main assembly 1A. In other words, even when the discharge opening 71b of the toner cartridge 70 does not face the receiving opening 53b of the developing unit 50, the cover 54 may move to the cover retracted position, which could result in toner leaking through the receiving opening 53b.

[0550] In particular, if the developing unit 50 is structured without the aforementioned toner shutter 76, the cover 54 is the only component that prevents toner from leaking through the receiving opening 53b, with the result of a significant influence when the toner cartridge 70 is not mounted to the apparatus main assembly 1A.

[0551] Even if the developing unit 50 is provided with a toner shutter 76, there is a risk of the toner between the toner shutter 76 and the cover 54, which could result in the toner remaining in the neighborhood of the receiving opening 53b between the cover 54 and the toner shutter 76. In such a case, when the toner cartridge 70 is inserted into the tray 80 and the cover 54 on the developing unit 50 side opens, the remaining toner may leak out of the receiving opening 53b and enter places unintended by the user. As a result, there is a risk, for example, that the appearance of the toner cartridge 70 may be soiled.

[0552] Referring to Figures 42 to 51, in the following description, the structure of the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 employing a mechanism for restricting the movement of the cover 54 depending on whether the toner cartridge 70 is mounted or not will be described. In the following description, the same numbers and symbols are used for components that are substantially the same as those in the previously described embodiment, and new numbers and symbols are used for components that are clearly different from those in the above-described embodiment.

[0553] Figure 42 is a schematic illustration of operation of the movement restriction mechanism for the cover 54 depending on whether the toner cartridge 70 is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 1A or not, showing the state in the first rotational phase of the rotary assembly 90A. Figure 43 is a schematic illustration of the operation of the movement restriction mechanism for the cover 54 depending on whether the toner cartridge 70 is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 1A or not, showing the state in the second rotational phase of the rotary assembly 90A. Figure 44 is a longitudinal perspective view of the developing unit 50 as viewed from above, with only the essential parts shown for the sake of better illustration. As compared to parts (a) and (b of Figure 44) shows the state with a developing unit bearing 459 omitted. Figure 45 is a perspective view of the developing unit 50 as viewed relative to a cover swing axis 55c of the connecting portion 55, with only the major parts shown for the sake of better illustration.

[0554] First, to prevent toner leakage unintended by the user, it is desirable for the cover 54 to maintain its cover position even when the tray 80 is moved into the apparatus main assembly 1A (without the toner cartridge 70 mounted on the tray 80). For example, in the states shown in parts (a) and 43(a) of Figure 42, when the toner cartridge 70 is not mounted to the apparatus main assembly 1A, the receiving opening 53b is open toward the top or bottom of the tray 80. If the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position (i.e., the receiving opening 53b is open) in these states, there is a risk that the toner contained within the developing unit frame 53 will leak out of the developing unit frame 53.

[0555] In order to solve this problem, it is desirable to structure the cover 54 to transition from the cover position to the cover retracted position when the toner cartridge 70 is mounted to the rotary body 90 and the rotary body 90 changes from the replacement position to the developing position. Such a structure prevents backflow and leakage of toner during non-developing operation without hindering supplying operation of the toner from the toner cartridge 70 during developing operation performed (the developing phase of the rotary body 90). It is preferable that the cover 54 assumes the cover retracted position in a phase downstream of position TP3, where the developing roller 51 faces the photosensitive drum 2, and upstream of position TP4 in the direction of rotation of the rotary body 90, and assumes the cover position in other phases.

[0556] Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 42 and 43, a cover movement restricting member 411 is provided on the rotary body 90 side, and a restriction releasing member 277 is provided on the toner cartridge 70 side. The operation of these members allows the cover 54 to selectively transition between the cover position and the cover retracted position depending on whether the toner cartridge 70 is mounted or not mounted in the apparatus main assembly 1A. The following describes in detail the operation of restricting the movement of the cover 54 using the cover movement restricting member 411 and the restriction releasing member 277. For better illustration, the toner shutter 76 is not shown in the description of the operation of the cover 54 above, but this modified example can be applied to both cases where the toner shutter is provided and cases where the toner shutter is not provided.

[0557] As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 42, when the tray 80 of rotary body 90 is in the mounting completion position, the cover 54 is in the cover position regardless of whether the toner cartridge 70 is mounted or not in the apparatus main assembly 1A.

[0558] Furthermore, as shown in each drawing in Figure 44, the cover 54 is connected to the shaft 55a and the receiving portion 55b so as to be capable of transmitting a driving force. As described above, when the cover 54 is in the covering position, the cover 54 and the receiving opening 53b are brought into close contact with each other, thereby effectively preventing toner leakage. Here, as described above, when a toner shutter is provided on the developing unit 50 side (receiving opening 53b), the cover 54 and the receiving opening 53b do not necessarily have to be in close contact with each other.

[0559] As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 42, the receiving portion 55b is rotatably supported around the cover swing axis 55c by a developing unit bearing 459 fixed to the rotary body 90 with screws or the like (see Figure 45) or by any other method.

[0560] Furthermore, the rotary body 90 is provided with a first torsion coil spring 415 as a torsion coil spring on the receiving member side. The outer portion of the first torsion coil spring 415 is supported by the developing unit bearing 459, but for better illustration, the supporting portion of the first torsion coil spring 415 is not shown in the Figure. Furthermore, because the first torsion coil spring 415 can change between a tightened and a loosened state, there is provided a gap between the inner diameter and the receiving portion 55b.

[0561] Here, as shown in part (a) of Figure 42, the receiving portion 55b receives a force which rotates it in the direction of arrow 455f1 around the cover swing axis 55c from the external force of the first torsion coil spring 415. Specifically, one end 415a of the first torsion coil spring 415 abuts against a first spring receiving portion 455h of the receiving portion 55b. Moreover, the other end 415b of the first torsion coil spring abuts against a second spring support 459d of the developing unit bearing 459. With this structure, the support 55b receives a rotational force from the first torsion coil spring 415 and tends to rotate in the direction of arrow 455f1.

[0562] At this time, the protrusion 55b1 on the support 55b abuts against a rotary holder side restricting surface 499s of the rotary holder 499 which supports the rotary body 90, thereby restricting the rotation of the support 55b. With this structure, the movement of the cover 54 when it is in the cover position is restricted.

[0563] Furthermore, the rotary body 90 is provided with the cover movement restricting member 411 and a second torsion coil spring 412 on the cover movement restricting member side. The cover movement restricting member 411 is supported by the developing unit bearing 459 so as to be rotatable around a cover movement restricting member swing axis 411c (see Figure 45).

[0564] As shown in part (a) of Figure 42, an outer portion of a second torsion coil spring 412b is supported by the developing unit bearing 459, but for the sake of better illustration, the supporting portion of the second torsion coil spring 412 is not shown in the Figure. Here, like the first torsion coil spring Figure 415 described above, the second torsion coil spring 412 tightens on the side where the inner and outer diameters narrow, so there is provided a gap between the inner diameter part and the cover movement restricting member 411.

[0565] Here, by receiving force from the second torsion coil spring 412, the cover movement restricting member 411 rotates in the direction of an arrow 411f1 around the cover movement restricting member swing axis 411c. One end 412a of the second torsion coil spring 412 abuts against a third spring bearing 411a of the cover movement restricting member 411. The other end 412b of the second torsion coil spring 412 abuts against a fourth spring bearing 459b of the developing unit bearing 459. With this structure, the cover movement restricting member 411 tends to rotate in the direction of arrow 411f1 when it receives a rotational force from the second torsion coil spring 412. At this time, an abutment surface 411b on the cover movement restricting member 411 abuts against a developing unit bearing abutment surface 459a on the developing unit bearing 459, thereby restricting the rotation of the cover movement restricting member 411.

[0566] As shown in part (a) of Figure 42, when the rotation of receiving portion 55b and the cover movement restricting member 411 is restricted, a movement restricting protrusion 455b2 of receiving portion 55b and a movement restricting wall portion 411d of the cover movement restricting member 411 are closely spaced apart with a gap therebetween.

[0567] Here, the rotational position of rotary body 90 can be such that the position of the cover 54 can be selectively switched between the cover position and the cover retracted position, depending on whether the toner cartridge 70 is mounted or not. In this rotational position of rotary body 90, the cover 54 abuts the movement restricting protrusion 455b2 of the receiving portion 55b against the movement restricting wall portion 411d of the cover movement restricting member 411 to maintain the cover position. This will be described in more detail hereinafter.

[0568] Next, the description will be made as to a case where the toner cartridge 70 is mounted in the tray 80 and inserted into rotary body 90. As shown in part (b) of Figure 42, the toner cartridge 70 is provided with a movement restriction releasing member 277. When the toner cartridge 70 is mounted on the tray 80 and then mounted on the rotary body 90, the cover movement restriction releasing member 277 abuts against a releasing member abutment portion 411e of the cover movement restricting member 411. With this structure, the cover movement restriction releasing member 277 rotates in the direction of an arrow 411f2 around the cover movement restricting member swing axis 411c against the (rotational) force received from the second torsion coil spring 412. As a result, the cover movement restricting member 411 moves (rotates) in a direction in which the movement restriction wall portion 411d moves in a direction away from the movement restriction protrusion 455b2.

[0569] Even in this state, the positions of the receiving portion 55b and the cover 54 are the same as in the state before the toner cartridge 70 is mounted (the state shown in part (a) of Figure 42), with the protrusion 55b1 abutting the rotary holder side restricting surface 499s. Therefore, even when the toner cartridge 70 is mounted in the rotary body 90, the rotation of the receiving portion 55b is restricted and the cover 54 is maintained in the covering position. That is, in the developing unit 50 according to this modification, as shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 42, when the receiving opening 53b faces downward (when the image forming apparatus 1 is mounted on a horizontal surface), the cover 54 maintains the covering position regardless of whether the toner cartridge 70 is mounted or not. In other words, in a phase (rotational position) of the rotary body 90 in which the tray 80 is positioned below the developing unit 50, the developing unit 50 according to this Modified Example maintains the receiving opening 53b closed by the cover 54 regardless of whether the toner cartridge 70 is mounted or not.

[0570] Next, the description will be made as to the state in which the developing unit 50 (i.e., the receiving opening 53b) is located below the tray 80 (and the toner cartridge 70). As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 43, in the developing unit 50 of this modified example, when the developing unit 50 is located below the tray 80, the cover 54 can selectively move between a cover position and a retracted position depending on whether the toner cartridge 70 is mounted or not.

[0571] In the state shown in part (a) of Figure 43, the cover 54 is in the cover position, but unlike the rotational phase of the rotary body 90 shown in part (a) of Figure 42 described above, the rotary holder side restricting surface 499s of the rotary holder 499 supporting the rotary body 90 is not provided. For this reason, the position of the protrusion 55b1 of the receiving portion 55b on the plane perpendicular to the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90 is not restricted. Therefore, in this state, by the (rotational) force applied by the first torsion coil spring 415, the receiving portion 55b tends to rotate in the direction of arrow 455f1 around the cover swing axis 55c.

[0572] However, in this state, as shown in part (a) of Figure 43, the movement restricting protrusion 455b2 of the receiving portion 55b and the movement restricting wall portion 411d of the cover movement restricting member 411 abut against each other. In addition, in this state, the abutment surface 411b provided on the cover movement restricting member 411 abuts against the developing unit bearing abutment surface 459a provided on the developing unit bearing 459, thereby restricting the movement of the cover movement restricting member 411. Therefore, with the movement of the cover movement restricting member 411 restricted, the cover 54 maintains its cover position.

[0573] On the other hand, in the state shown in part (b) of Figure 43, the cover movement restriction releasing member 277 provided on the toner cartridge 70 rotates in the direction of arrow 411f2 about the cover movement restricting member swing axis 411c against the (rotational) force received from second torsion coil spring 412. At this time, the movement restricting wall portion 411d of the cover movement restricting member 411 moves (rotates) so as to move away from the movement restricting protrusion 455b2 of the receiving portion 55b to a position where it does not abut even when it rotates in the direction of arrow 455f1.

[0574] With this structure, the receiving portion 55b receives the (rotational) force from the first torsion coil spring 415 and rotates in the direction of the arrow 455f1 about the cover swing axis 55c to a position where it abuts to a cover retracted position restricting portion 459c provided on developing unit bearing 459. That is, the cover retracted position restricting portion 459c provided on the developing unit bearing 459 is a restricting member that restricts the movement of the receiving portion 55b so as to maintain the cover 54 in the cover retracted position.

[0575] That is, in the developing unit 50 according to this modified example, when the receiving opening 53b faces upward, as shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 43, the cover 54 can selectively move between the cover position and the cover retracted position depending on whether the toner cartridge 70 is mounted or not. In other words, in a phase (rotational position) of the rotary body 90 in which the developing unit 50 is positioned above the tray 80, the developing unit 50 according to this modified example changes between the closed state and the open state of the receiving opening 53b by the cover 54 depending on whether the toner cartridge 70 is mounted or not. Specifically, when the rotary body 90 is in a phase (rotational position) where the developing unit 50 is positioned above the tray 80, if the toner cartridge 70 is mounted in the rotary body 90, the cover 54 is in the retracted position and the receiving opening 53b is open. Also, when the developing unit 50 is positioned above the tray 80, if the toner cartridge 70 is not mounted in the rotary body 90, the cover 54 is in the covered position and the receiving opening 53b is closed. To achieve the above operation, the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 of this modified example are provided with the cover movement restricting member 411 on the rotary body 90 side and the cover movement restriction releasing member 277 on the toner cartridge 70 side. To achieve a structure which allows the position of the cover 54 to be selectively changed, this modified example is provided with a rotary holder 499 provided with the restriction surface which controls whether the cover 54 can be moved for each predetermined phase (range) in the rotational phases of the rotary body 90. <Cover Movement Restriction Phase and Release Phase>

[0576] Referring to Figures 46 and 47, the specific structure of the aforementioned rotary holder 499 will be described in detail. Figure 46 is an illustration of an example of the structure of the rotary holder 499 according to Modified Example 2. Figure 47 is an illustration of an example of the change in position of the cover 54 connected to the receiving portion 55b in each phase of the rotational direction of the rotary holder 499 according to Modified Example 2.

[0577] As shown in Figures 46 and 47, the rotary holder 499 is a rotary coupling member (rotary support member) provided in the apparatus main assembly 1A. The rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) is supported by a rotary coupling portion 499h so as to be rotatable about the rotational axis 90C. The position of the developing unit 50 shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 42 corresponds to the phase of TP1 (and its vicinity) shown in Figure 41. The position of the developing unit 50 shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 43 corresponds to the phase of TP4 (and its vicinity) shown in Figure 41.

[0578] As shown in Figure 47, in this modified example, the rotary body 90 rotates counterclockwise as viewed in the direction of its own rotational axis (Y direction), and starting from position TP1, it rotates to positions TP2, TP3 and TP4 in that order, before returning to position TP1. The position where the developing roller 51 of the developing unit 50 faces the photosensitive drum 2 is downstream of the position TP3 and upstream of the position TP4. Here, for the sake of better illustration, the viewing direction of the rotary body 90 in Figures 46 and 47 is reversed compared to the aforementioned views of Figures 4 and 14.

[0579] As described above, in the direction of rotation of the rotary body 90, it is desirable that the cover 54 move to the cover retracted position after the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 pass position TP2, and move to the covered position before they reach position TP4. With this structure, the cover 54 is positioned in the covered position with at least a portion of the receiving opening 53b positioned above the discharge opening 71b, more reliably preventing toner from flowing back from the developing unit 50 into the toner cartridge 70.

[0580] Therefore, the rotary holder 499 of this modified example is provided with a rotary holder side restricting surface 499s formed in at least a range downstream of position TP4 and upstream of position TP2 in the rotational direction of the rotary body 90. In other words, the rotary holder 499 of this modified example has a range downstream of position TP2 and upstream of position TP4 in the rotational direction of the rotary body 90 where the rotary holder side restricting surface 499s is not formed.

[0581] With this structure, in the phase (range) in which the rotary holder side restricting surface 499s is formed, the movement of the cover 54 is restricted by the rotary holder side restricting surface 499s, regardless of whether the toner cartridge 70 is mounted or not, and the cover 54 maintains its cover position.

[0582] When the rotary holder side restricting surface 499s is formed, the protrusion 55b1 moves along the same diameter as a trajectory 499s1 shown in Figure 47. In addition, in a phase (range) where the rotary holder side restricting surface 499s is not formed, the protrusion 55b1 faces away from the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (outward), moves from trajectory 499s1 to trajectory 499s2, and rotates along this trajectory 499s2. In other words, the rotary holder restricting surface 499s releases the restriction on the radial movement of the protrusion 55b1 (with respect to the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90), and the cover 54 connected to the receiving portion 55b on which the protrusion 55b1 is provided moves to the cover retracted position.

[0583] However, as described above, when the toner cartridge 70 is not mounted to rotary body 90, the radial movement of the cover 54 is restricted by the cover movement restricting member 411 and the cover movement restriction releasing member 277. Therefore, in this case, even in a phase (range) where rotary holder side restricting surface 499s is not formed, the protrusion 55b1 rotates along the trajectory line 499s1, and the cover 54 also maintains its cover position.

[0584] Here, when the direction connecting the center of photosensitive drum 2 and rotational axis 90C is referred to as TP5, then TP6 is the position from TP5 to TP2 where the surface of rotary holder 499 which engages with protrusion 55b1 switches from the rotary holder side restricting surface 499s. That is, in the rotational direction of the rotary body 90, the protrusion 55b1 can rotate along the trajectory line 499s2, with the position TP6 on the rotary holder 499 as a boundary. In other words, the cover 54 can transition from the cover position to the cover retracted position, with the position TP6 as the boundary. The period from the position TP6 to a position TP7 is referred to as the developing phase in the rotational direction of the rotary body 90.

[0585] In addition, the position TP6 is a position at which the protrusion 55b1 begins to engage with the rotary holder side restricting surface 499s, in the duration of movement from the position TP5 to the position TP4. That is, in the rotational direction of the rotary body 90, the position of the protrusion 55b1 is restricted only for the rotation along the trajectory line 499s1, with the position TP7 on the rotary holder 499 as the boundary. In other words, the cover 54, which is in the cover retracted position, moves from the cover retracted position to the cover position, with the position TP7 as the boundary. That is, in the rotational direction of the rotary body 90, the rotary holder restricting surface 499s is formed between positions TP7 and TP6.

[0586] Therefore, when the rotary body 90 rotates, the cover 54 of this modified example is in the cover position from the position TP1, where the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 are removed from the apparatus main assembly 1A, up to the position TP6, where it has passed the position TP2. The cover 54 can then rotate from the position TP6 to the position TP7, where it passes TP3 and TP5, in the state in which it has transitioned to the cover retracted position.

[0587] In this Modified Example, the angle between positions TP6 and TP5 in the direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 is approximately 100°, and the angle between positions TP5 and TP7 is approximately 30°, but these values are not inevitable. The arrangement of the positions TP6 and TP7 in the direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 may be adjusted depending on the usage. For example, the angle between positions TP6 and TP7 may be narrowed to increase the range of the covering position to reduce the toner leakage. <Details of Cover Movement Restriction Releasing Member 277 of Toner Cartridge 70>

[0588] Next, referring to Figures 48, 49, 50, and 51, the structure and operation of the restriction releasing member 277 described above will be described in detail. Figure 48 is a partial perspective view of the exterior of the toner cartridge 70 according to Modified Example 2, including one end (drive side). Part (a) of Figure 48 shows the toner shutter 276 in a closed state, with the releasing portion 277a1 of the restriction releasing member 277 positioned inside the toner frame 71 (accommodating state). Part (b) of Figure 48 shows the toner shutter 276 in an open state, with the releasing portion 277a1 of the restriction releasing member 277 protruding outside the toner frame 71 (protruding state). Figure 49 shows the state shown in Figure 48 without the toner accommodating portion 71a, with parts (a) and (b) of Figure 49 corresponding to parts (a) and (b) of Figure 48, respectively. Figure 50 is a partially exploded perspective view of one end (drive side) of the toner cartridge 70 according to Modified Example 2.

[0589] As described above, the toner cartridge 70 according to this Modified Example requires the restriction releasing member 277 to move (rotate) the cover movement restricting member 411 provided on the developing unit 50 side.

[0590] Generally, a toner cartridge structure is desirably such that it does not lead to bulkiness of the image forming apparatus, without reducing the toner load capacity and with easy to insert into and remove from the apparatus body. In particular, the size of the toner cartridge 70 according to this modified example in the longitudinal direction parallel to the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90 is larger than the thickness of the toner cartridge 70 and than the size in the insertion and removal direction. Specifically, with regard to the size of the toner frame 71 of the toner cartridge 70, there is such a size difference that the longitudinal size is 10 times or more the size in the thickness direction (the direction approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the direction in which the toner cartridge 70 is inserted into and removed from the rotary body 90). For example, a rectangular box shape is desirable for the toner cartridge 70 according to this Modified Example, which suppresses increases in size in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0591] For example, considering the toner replenishment and development operations starting from the insertion of the toner cartridge 70 into the rotary body 90, the timing for opening and closing the aforementioned toner shutter 76 is substantially the same as the timing for opening and closing the cover 54 in this modified example. Therefore, this modified example employs a structure in which the restriction releasing member 277 operates in conjunction with the opening and closing of the toner shutter 276, as shown in Figures 48 and 49. This structure reduces the size of the toner cartridge 70 and the number of components compared to a structure in which the movement of the cover 54 is restricted independently of the opening and closing mechanism of the toner shutter 276. Here, although the restriction releasing member 277 operates, in this modified example, in conjunction with the opening and closing of the toner shutter 276, the drive mechanisms for these components may also be independent.

[0592] As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 49, the free end portion (protruding portion) of a releasing member shaft 277a of the restriction releasing member 277 is the releasing portion 277a1. The releasing member shaft 277a can move in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Therefore, the releasing portion 277a1 can move between a storage position (first position) stored inside the toner frame 71 and a protruding position (second position) protruding outside the toner frame 71. In this modified example, the releasing portion 277a1 of the restriction releasing member 277 moves between the accommodating position and the protruding position in conjunction with the opening and closing of the toner shutter 276. That is, it moves outward from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70, and the releasing portion 277a1 of the restriction releasing member 277 protrudes beyond the outer shape of the toner frame 71 of the toner cartridge 70 at the protruding position. The accommodating position of the releasing portion 277a1 needs to be located closer to the interior of the toner frame 71 than the protruding position, and at least needs to be a position not interfering with the insertion and removal of the toner cartridge 70 into and from the rotary body 90.

[0593] In this modified example, the driving force received from the rotary body 90 is used to drive the toner shutter 276 and the restriction releasing member 277 provided on the toner cartridge 70 by way of three gears. An input gear 702, a shutter idler gear 703, and a shutter gear 704, which are rotatably supported by the respective the center holes thereof, are in meshing engagement so that the driving force can be transmitted. For example, when the toner cartridge 70 is mounted to the rotary body 90, a rotational driving force is inputted to the input gear 702, and the rotational driving force is transmitted to the shutter gear 704. Here, referring back to the above-described embodiment, the input gear 702 corresponds to the engagement gear 77c, the shutter idler gear 703 corresponds to the idler gear 77b, and the shutter gear 704 corresponds to the driving gear 77a, and the structures are substantially the same as those of the above-described gears.

[0594] In the toner cartridge 70, the toner shutter 276, which is rotatably supported by support shafts 276a and 276b for the toner shutter 276, can rotate together with the shutter gear 704, which is fixedly mounted to the support shaft 276a. Therefore, rotation of the input gear 702 opens and closes the toner shutter 276. Here, the states shown in parts (a) and 49(a) of Figure 48 are the states before the toner cartridge 70 is mounted in the rotary body 90, with the toner shutter 276 closed. Also, the states shown in parts (b) and 49(b) of Figure 48 are the states after the toner cartridge 70 is mounted in the rotary body 90, with the toner shutter 276 open.

[0595] Here, as shown in Figure 50, the center hole of the input gear 702 is rotatably supported by the releasing member shaft 277a of the restriction releasing member 277. Moreover, the restriction releasing member 277 cannot rotate relative to the toner frame 71 (and the toner frame lid), but is held so that it can move horizontally in the longitudinal direction. This will be described in more detail hereinafter.

[0596] The center hole of the shutter idler gear 703 is supported rotatably relative to the toner frame 71 and is held so that it cannot move longitudinally to come off the toner frame 71. The center hole of the shutter gear 704 is mounted to the shutter rotation shaft (support shafts 276a, b) of the toner shutter 276, and is partially flat in cross-section (i.e., D-shaped) so that it can rotate together with the toner shutter 276. As shown in Figure 50, the support shaft 276a to which the shutter gear 704 is mounted also has a partially flat end portion, so that when the shutter gear 704 rotates, the rotational force can be effectively transmitted to the toner shutter 276.

[0597] A gear phase setting portion 702a is provided on a part of the input gear 702 to allow the position of each gear tooth constituting the input gear 702 to be detected. Normally, with respect to the transmission of the driving force by the gears, there is play in the meshing engagement between the gears and / or within the gear itself due to tolerances of the gear tooth and component tolerances of the center hole. Therefore, when driving the input gear 702 with the toner cartridge 70 mounted to the rotary body 90, the rotational phase, including the play of the gear, is determined in advance, and the gear phase setting portion 702a is provided on the input gear 702 as an index for this. This structure ensures engagement with other gears when the input gear 702 is driven, stabilizing the transmission of driving force.

[0598] In addition, a shutter opening / closing restriction releasing portion 702b is provided on a part of the input gear 702, at a phase (range) different from that of the gear phase setting portion 702a. As described above, when the toner cartridge 70 is mounted to the rotary body 90, the shutter opening / closing restriction releasing portion 702b acts to release the restriction imposed by the shutter opening / closing restriction member on the developing unit 50 side provided on the rotary body 90.

[0599] As shown in parts (a) and 50 of Figure 49, the restriction releasing member 277 is provided with a helical restriction hole portion 277b, a first rotation restricting portion 277c, and a second rotation restriction portion 277d to restrict the horizontal movement of the restriction releasing member 277. Furthermore, a part of the input gear 702 is provided with two horizontal movement force transmitting portions 702c, 702d which are inserted into the restriction hole portion 277b of the restriction releasing member 277. Here, while this modified example is structured with two horizontal movement force transmission portions which are protrusions, a structure in which only one of the horizontal movement force transmitting portions 702c, 702d is provided may also be used.

[0600] When the toner cartridge 70 is mounted to the rotary body 90, the driving force is transmitted from the rotary body 90 to the input gear 702, thereby causing the gear to rotate. As described above, the input gear 702 has a rotation center hole rotatably supported on the releasing member shaft 277a of the restriction releasing member 277.

[0601] The restriction hole portion 277b provided in the restriction releasing member 277 is a helical hole (cutout) formed concentrically with the rotational axis of the releasing member shaft 277a (i.e., the rotation center of the input gear). As shown in Figure 50, horizontal movement force transmitting portions 702c and 702d provided on the input gear 702 are engaged with (inserted into) the restriction hole portion 277b.

[0602] Therefore, when the input gear 702 rotates, the horizontal movement force transmitting portions 702c and 702d move while engaging with the inside of the helical shape of the restriction hole portion 277b provided in the restriction releasing member 277. Then, the rotational force inputted from the input gear 702 is converted into a force which moves the restriction releasing member 277 horizontally. As a result, the restriction releasing member 277 moves horizontally (in the axial direction of the releasing member shaft 277a) without rotation. Here, when the gear rotates in the inverse direction and rotates in the direction for closing the shutter, the helical shape moves back to its original state, and the restriction shaft of the cover movement restriction releasing member can move horizontally in the direction toward the toner frame side where it is accommodated. Here, the horizontal movement distance of the restriction releasing member 277 will be described hereinafter.

[0603] At this time, the rotation restricting portion 277c of the restriction releasing member 277 engages with (is inserted into) the horizontal movement hole 71ak provided in toner frame 71, and therefore, the restriction releasing member 277 can move stably in the horizontal direction. The rotation restriction portion 277d, provided on the opposite side of rotation restricting portion 277c with respect to releasing member shaft 277a, also engages with a horizontal movement hole (not shown), similarly to the rotation restricting portion 277c.

[0604] As shown in Figures 48 and 50, the toner cartridge 70 is provided with a memory 74 as a recording material for indicating cartridge information. A reader for reading tag information from the memory 74 is provided on the image forming apparatus 1 side.

[0605] To ensure stable reading of tag information using the memory 74, a positioning rib 712 for positioning the toner cartridge 70 in the longitudinal direction is formed adjacent to the memory 74. In this Modified Example, ribs 712a and 712b are provided above and below the memory 74, respectively, and recesses (not shown) into which the ribs 712a and 712b can be inserted are provided at the corresponding positions in the apparatus main assembly 1 (inside the rotary body 90) corresponding to these ribs. The memory 74 is located adjacent to the drive end of the toner cartridge 70 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the internal structure of the apparatus main assembly 1A, including components which need to operate in conjunction with the components of the toner cartridge 70, can be located at one side of the apparatus main assembly 1A, thereby improving space efficiency.

[0606] The reading device on the apparatus main assembly 1 is structured to come into contact with the memory 74 of the toner cartridge 70, when the toner cartridge 70 is mounted to the rotary body 90. In this modified example, the memory 74 is disposed on the upstream side of the toner cartridge 70 relative to the insertion direction of the toner cartridge 70 into the rotary body 90. This structure prevents the reader on the apparatus main assembly 1 corresponding to the toner cartridge 70 from being bulky, while enabling stable reading of tag information when the toner cartridge 70 is mounted to the rotary body 90.

[0607] In addition, the memory 74 of the toner cartridge 70 is disposed at a position away from the longitudinal center of the rotary body 90 when the toner cartridge 70 is mounted to the rotary body 90. With this structure, by disposing the memory 74 in a position different from the central portion of the toner cartridge 70 where the toner accommodating portion 71a and the like are located, a decrease in the toner accommodating capacity can be suppressed.

[0608] Furthermore, the memory 74 is disposed on the same side as the end where the drive members (shutter input gear 702, toner shutter 276, the restriction releasing member 277, and so on) of the toner cartridge 70 are located. Moreover, in this modified example, when the toner cartridge 70 is viewed in the insertion direction when the toner cartridge 70 is inserted into the rotary body 90, the memory tag 74 and the restriction releasing member 277 are positioned so that at least parts of them overlap. Such a structure allows the components which need to be connected to or contacted with devices outside the toner cartridge 70 to be concentrated around the positioning area where the positioning rib 712 for the memory tag 74 is provided. In other words, the toner cartridge 70 of this modified example improves positioning effectiveness while also improving space efficiency.

[0609] Also, in this modified example, the memory tag 74 is provided on a surface of the toner cartridge 70 different from the surface on which the discharge opening 71b is formed. In other words, the normal line passing through the center of the discharge opening 71b and the normal line passing through the center of the memory tag 74 face in different directions. This structure prevents the surface of the memory tag 74 from being soiled by toner discharged through the discharge opening 71b, as compared to when the toner discharge opening and the memory tag are provided on the same surface of the toner cartridge 70.

[0610] Here, Figure 51 is a horizontal sectional view including the cover movement restricting member 411 and the restriction releasing member 277 when the tray 80 with the toner cartridge 70 mounted is inserted into the rotary body 90 in Modified Example 2. Part (a) of Figure 51 shows a state in which the tray 80 with the toner cartridge 70 mounted is not inserted into the rotary body 90 (positioned outside the rotary body 90). Part (b) of Figure 51 shows a state in which the tray 80 with the toner cartridge 70 mounted is inserted into the rotary body 90 (positioned inside the rotary body 90).

[0611] As described above, the restriction releasing member 277 moves horizontally approximately parallel to the installation surface of the device body 1 between a state in which it is located inside the rotary body 90 (stored) and a state in which it is exposed (protruded) toward the outside. This structure simplifies the space required in the longitudinal direction of the image forming apparatus 1 (the direction parallel to the rotational axis 90U of the rotary body 90), thereby allowing the entire apparatus and the toner cartridge 70 to be made smaller.

[0612] As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 51, the tray 90 is provided with the rack portion 83 provided at the longitudinal end of the tray for movement to and from inside and outside the rotary body 90, and the pinion gear (rack gear) 94 for moving the rack portion 83 is provided on the rotary body 90 side. Also provided adjacent to the pinion gear 94 are a rack shaft 83a for rotatably supporting the pinion gear 94, and a rack shaft cover 83b for restricting the longitudinal movement of the pinion gear 94 and for functions as a bearing.

[0613] The pinion gear 94, the rack shaft 83a, and the rack shaft cover 83b are fixed integrally to the rotary holder 499, thereby allowing the pinion gear 94 to rotate. In the longitudinal direction of the rotary body 90 and the toner cartridge 70, at least a part of the rack shaft cover 83b is positioned inside the pinion gear 94. On the other hand, because the toner cartridge 70 is mounted on an accommodating portion (not shown) provided on the tray 80, it is necessarily positioned inside the rack portion 83 provided on the outside of the tray 80 in the longitudinal direction.

[0614] In addition, in the toner cartridge 70, the multiple gears for opening and closing the aforementioned toner shutter 276 are arranged outside the toner accommodating portion 71a in the longitudinal direction. In other words, when the toner cartridge 70 is mounted to the tray 80, the gears such as the shutter input gear 702 are arranged between the toner accommodating portion 71a and the rack portion 83 of the tray 80 in the longitudinal direction.

[0615] Here, for example, if the outer shapes of the components constituting the toner cartridge 70 are positioned outside (protrude from) the rack portion 83 of the tray 80, there is a risk that they will interfere with the rotary body 90 when the tray 80 is inserted. Therefore, the outer dimensions of the toner cartridge 70 are required to be such that, when the tray 80 is positioned outside the rotary body 90, the outer shape of the toner cartridge 70 is inside a range line swH1 in the longitudinal direction, as shown in part (a) of Figure 51.

[0616] On the other hand, the components constituting the rotary body 90 are required to be positioned outside the outer range line swH2 in the longitudinal direction so as not to interfere with the toner cartridge 70. In addition, the cover movement restricting member 411 on the rotary body 90 are required to be positioned outside the range line swH2 in the longitudinal direction.

[0617] In order to reduce the longitudinal size of image forming apparatus 1, it is desirable to make gap distance swH3, which is the distance between range line swH1 and range line swH2, as small as possible, and this is determined taking into account the component tolerances, and so on.

[0618] On the other hand, as described above, the cover movement restriction releasing member 277 needs to be rotated after coming into contact with the cover movement restricting member 411. In this regard, increasing the amount of interference in the longitudinal direction is preferable in terms of strength and resistance to pressure, and the contact near the center of rotation (support portion) is preferable since then it is less susceptible to twisting, and so on.

[0619] Therefore, as shown in part (b) of Figure 51, it is preferable to make gap distance swH3 as small as possible while making distance swH4, which is the contact distance between the cover movement restriction releasing member 277 and the cover movement restricting member 411, as large as possible. Therefore, in this modified example, the cover movement restriction releasing member 277 is structured to protrude (move horizontally) outward in the longitudinal direction in response to reaching the mounting position of the rotary body 90 (the position where it engages with the cover movement restriction member 411). This structure reduces the gap distance SWH3 and increases the distance SWH4. In other words, by employing the above-described structure, the toner cartridge 70 according to this embodiment can improve the strength of each part involved in restricting the movement of the cover 54 without interfering with each other when mounting the toner cartridge 70 on the tray 80 and the rotary body 90.

[0620] And, when dismounting the toner cartridge 70 (or the tray 80 with the toner cartridge 70 mounted thereon) from the rotary body 90, the cover movement restriction releasing member 277 retracts (moves horizontally) so as to be accommodated inside the toner frame 71. Therefore, there is no interference between the toner cartridge 70 and the tray 80 when dismounting the toner cartridge 70, either. In addition, even if the user attempts to touch the exterior of the toner cartridge 70, the user will not touch at least the contact portion relative to the cover movement restricting member 411, thus accomplishing a stable releasing operation for the restriction on the movement of the cover 54.

[0621] Regarding interference between the toner cartridge 70 and the tray 80 or rotary body 90, any structure is acceptable as long as there is no interfere with the various components of the rotary body 90 which may result in preventing the toner cartridge 70 or the tray 80 from being inserted into the rotary body 90. For example, the cover movement restriction releasing member 277 may be structured to protrude longitudinally outward beyond the range lines swH1 and swH2 shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 51 before and after the toner cartridge 70 is mounted to or dismounted from the tray 80 or before and after insertion into the rotary body 90. In such a case, it is acceptable as long as the toner cartridge 70 temporarily avoids the various components of the tray 80 or rotary body 90 (longitudinal movement inward from the range line swH2) when the toner cartridge 70 is inserted into the tray 80 or rotary body 90.

[0622] In the foregoing, the structure of the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 according to this modified example has been described, but the present invention is not limited to that. In this modified example, in order to reduce the size and space of the toner cartridge 70 in the longitudinal direction and cross-sectional direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction), the gear for opening and closing the toner shutter 276 is also utilized to move the restriction releasing member 277, but separate structures may be used for them, respectively. That is, the restriction releasing member 277 may be moved (rotated) using a driving member such as a gear different from the gear for opening and closing the toner shutter 276, in such a case, the gears do not need to be drivingly connected to each other. Also, in this case, the releasing member shaft 277a of the restriction releasing member 277 may be located at a position different from the rotational axis of the shutter input gear 702.

[0623] In addition, in this modified example, the toner cartridge 70 is structured to include the restriction releasing member 277, but the present invention is not limited to such a structure. For example, the function (component) of the restriction releasing member 277 may be provided separately from the toner cartridge 70. For example, the function of the restriction releasing member 277 may be provided on an attachment detachable from the toner cartridge 70 or the tray 80.

[0624] In this modified example, as shown in part (b) of Figure 51, the horizontal (longitudinal) movement distance swH5 of the restriction releasing member 277 is approximately the same as the distance swH4, but this is not limited to such an example. For example, if the restriction releasing member 277 is structured from multiple parts, the movement distance of the releasing portion 277a1, which is the free end portion of the restriction releasing member 277 which actually interferes with the developing unit 50, can be made different from the movement distance of the restriction releasing member 277 itself. This structure improves the design latitude of the toner cartridge 70 and the developing unit 50.

[0625] The same effect can be achieved by adjusting the inclination angle of the restriction hole portion 277b of the restriction releasing member 277 relative to the releasing member shaft 277a. (Embodiment 2)

[0626] In Embodiment 1, a toner cartridge provided with both the developer shutter unlocker 177c4 and the restriction releasing member 277 is described. However, the apparatus main assembly 1A can employ only one of the mechanisms for restricting the movement of the developer shutter 157 and the mechanism for restricting the movement of the cover 54. Referring to Figures 52 to 66, this Embodiment will be described in which a toner cartridge does not employ the developer shutter 157 movement restriction mechanism described in Embodiment 1. The components identical to those in Embodiment 1 (including Modified Examples 1 and 2) will be described using the same reference numerals and characters assigned as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, with regard to the toner cartridge side and shutter member, the components which perform the same functions and roles as those in Embodiment 1 will be given the same names and like reference numerals and characters. Among the components constituting a toner cartridge 570 and the image forming apparatus 1, the components provided with separate mechanisms for respective toner colors will be described as representative components without specifying the color unless otherwise specified, and descriptions for respective colors will be omitted.

[0627] Figure 52 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 570. Part (a) of Figure 52 shows the toner cartridge 570 with a toner shutter 576 in a closed position, and part (b) of Figure 52 shows the toner cartridge 570 with the toner shutter 576 in an open position. Part (c) of Figure 52 is a partially exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge 570 with the toner shutter 576 removed.

[0628] As shown in parts (a) and (b) of Figure 52, the toner cartridge 570 has a toner frame 571 including a toner lid portion 572 and a toner container 573. That is, the toner frame 571 is formed by the toner lid portion 572 and the toner container 573 which are fixed to each other. The internal space formed by the toner lid portion 572 and the toner container 573 contains a toner accommodating chamber 571a, which will be described hereinafter. While this embodiment has been described with the toner lid portion 572 and the toner container 573 as separate components, a structure in which the toner lid portion 572 and the toner container 573 are integrally molded to form the toner frame 571 may also be used.

[0629] In the state that the toner cartridge 570 is mounted to the tray 580 placed in the removal position, the toner lid portion 572 is located above the toner container 573. In this state, the toner container 573 faces tray 580. Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 570 is in the mounted position relative to developing frame 653 (described hereinafter), the toner lid portion 572 faces developing frame 653. In other words, when the toner cartridge 570 is mounted on the tray 580 and is inserted into the rotary body (rotary portion) 90, the tray 580 is located below the toner cartridge 570, and developing frame 653 is located above.

[0630] The X direction (X axis), Y direction (Y axis), and Z direction (Z axis) of the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner cartridge 570 of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1. Therefore, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 570 is parallel to the Y direction (Y axis). When the toner cartridge 570 is mounted to the rotary body 90, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 570 is parallel to the rotational axis 90c of the rotary body 90.

[0631] In the longitudinal direction (direction parallel to the Y axis) of the toner cartridge 570 of this embodiment, the side where a cover restriction releasing mechanism member 411 and the memory 574 (described hereinafter) are located is the right side, and the opposite side is the left side. In other words, in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 570, the cover restriction releasing mechanism 800 and the memory 574 (described hereinafter) are located adjacent to the right end of the toner cartridge 570, and the filling hole 811 (described hereinafter) is located near the left end.

[0632] Here, the toner lid portion 572 (and discharge opening 571b) and the toner shutter 576, which will be described hereinafter, are located at the top of the toner cartridge 570 in the thickness direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. That is, the outer surface of the toner cartridge on which the discharge opening 571b and the toner shutter 576 are provided is referred to as upper surface 571u of toner frame 571. That is, the toner lid portion 572 corresponds to the upper lid of the toner cartridge 570. In other words, the discharge opening 571b is provided at the top (upper end) of the toner frame 571 in the thickness direction. In contrast, the opposite side of the toner cartridge 570 in the thickness direction from the discharge opening 571 and the toner shutter 576 is the bottom of the toner cartridge 570, which corresponds to the bottom surface of the outer shape of the toner cartridge.

[0633] The thickness direction of the toner cartridge 570 is parallel to the Z direction. That is, in the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 570 (direction parallel to the Z axis), the side where the toner lid portion 572 is located is the upper side, and the side where the toner container 573 is located is the lower side (bottom).

[0634] Here, the widthwise direction of the toner cartridge 570 is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and thickness direction of the toner cartridge 570, and is parallel to the X direction. Here, when the toner cartridge 570 is mounted on the tray 580, the direction in which the tray 580 moves from the removal position to the accommodating position (the direction in which the toner cartridge 570 is inserted into the rotary body 90) is parallel to the widthwise direction of the toner cartridge 570. Therefore, the widthwise direction of the toner cartridge 570 is synonymous with the depth direction of the toner cartridge 570.

[0635] In the widthwise direction (depth direction, direction parallel to the X axis) of the toner cartridge 570 in this embodiment, the side where the memory 574, described hereinafter, is located is the front side, and the opposite side is the rear side (back side). The toner shutter 576, which will be described hereinafter, moves from the back side of the toner cartridge 570 to the front side parallel to the depth direction of the toner cartridge 570, thereby moving from the closed position to the open position. As long as it functions as a shutter member, it may be slightly deviated from parallel direction to the depth direction, it will suffice if the toner shutter 576 is movable in a direction which includes at least a component parallel to the depth direction.

[0636] A gripping portion 572g is provided on upper surface 571u of the toner frame 571 as gripping portion (gripping position) for the u...

Claims

Claim 1. A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising:a frame for containing toner therein, the frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge;an opening provided in the frame through which the toner is capable of being discharged; anda movable member movable in a first direction having at least a component parallel to the longitudinal direction,wherein the opening is between the first end and the second end of the frame in the longitudinal direction,wherein the opening is at an upper part of the cartridge in a thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction;wherein, when a thickness size of the cartridge as measured in the thickness direction is set to 1, a ratio of a length size of the cartridge as measured in the longitudinal direction to the thickness size is as large as 8 times or greater, and a ratio of a depth size, as measured in a depth direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the thickness direction, to the thickness size is as large as 1.5 times or greater,wherein, when the depth size of the cartridge as measured in the depth direction is set to 1, the length size is as large as 3 times or greater, andwherein the movable member is movable at the first end in a direction away from the second end.Claim 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, when the thickness size isset to 1, the ratio of the length size to the thickness size is as large as 10 times or greater, and the ratio of the depth size to the thickness is as large as 1.8 times or greater.Claim 3. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein, when the thickness size is set to 1, the ratio of the length size to the thickness size is as large as 13 times or greater, and the ratio of the depth size to the thickness is as large as 2.4 times or greater.Claim 4. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, when the thickness size is set to 1, the ratio of the length size to the thickness size is smaller than 15 times, and the ratio of the depth size to the thickness is smaller than 4.5 times.Claim 5. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when the depth size is set to 1, the ratio of the length size to the depth size is smaller than 8 times.Claim 6. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an outer shape of the toner cartridge is formed by at least a first surface and a second surface that are perpendicular to each other and are continuously formed, wherein a free end portion of the movable member is capable of protruding beyond the first surface, andwherein the opening is provided in the second surface.Claim 7. The cartridge according to claim 6, further comprising a third surface on an opposite side of the second surface in the thickness direction,wherein the third surface is parallel to the second surface and perpendicular to the first surface, andwherein the third surface is formed continuously to the second surface with the first surface therebetween.Claim 8. The cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the cartridge has a fourth surface on the opposite side of the first surface in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the second surface is formed between the first surface and the fourth surface continuously with them.Claim 9. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an outer shape of the toner cartridge is rectangular.Claim 10. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an outer shape of the toner cartridge is a box-like shape.Claim 11. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, as viewed from above in the thickness direction, the shape of a vicinity of the first end of the frame and the shape of the second end of the frame are different from each other.Claim 12. The cartridge according to claim 11, wherein, as viewed from above in the thickness direction, the shape of the second end of the frame is elliptical.Claim 13. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the movable member is provided with an engaging portion at a free end portion on a first end side in the first direction,wherein the engaging portion is movable between a first position and a second position in the first direction, andwherein the second position being farther from the second end than the first position.Claim 14. The cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the engaging portion is uncovered by the outer shape of the frame at the second position.Claim 15. The cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the engaging portion protrudes beyond the outer shape of the frame at the second position.Claim 16. The cartridge according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the engaging portion is disposed inside the frame at the first position.Claim 17. The cartridge according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the engaging portion is placed at the first position before the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 18. The cartridge according to claim 17, wherein the engaging portion is placed at the second position when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 19. The cartridge according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the engaging portion moves from the first position to the second position while the cartridge is being mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus from a state in which it is not mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 20. The cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the engaging portion engages with an engaged portion provided in the main assembly of the apparatus, at the second position.Claim 21. The cartridge according to claim 20, wherein the engaged portion is provided on a restricting member for restricting movement of an opening / closing cover that is capable of closing a toner receiving opening provided in a developing frame of the main assembly of the apparatus, andwherein the opening / closing cover is capable of moving to a position for opening the receiving opening when the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion.Claim 22. The cartridge according to claim 21, wherein the opening / closing cover is in a position for covering the receiving opening when the engaging portion is not engaged with the engaged portion.Claim 23. The cartridge according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the cartridge comprises a transmission member capable of transmitting a force within the cartridge and movable relative to the frame, the movable member being capable of moving in a first direction in response to movement of the transmission member.Claim 24. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the transmission member includes a force receiving portion, which is movable between a third position and a fourth position,wherein the movable member moves in the first direction in response to the force receiving portion moving from the third position to the fourth position.Claim 25. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the force receiving portion is a lever movable in the depth direction.Claim 26. The cartridge according to claim 24 or 25, wherein a groove extending in a direction including at least a component parallel to the depth direction is provided in an upper part of the frame, andwherein the force receiving portion is movable in the groove relative to the frame.Claim 27. The cartridge according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the force receiving portion is exposed to outside of the frame at the upper part of the frame.Claim 28. The cartridge according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the transmission member is rotatable from the third position to the fourth position.Claim 29. The cartridge according to claim 28, wherein the force receiving portion is a protruded portion protruded radially with respect to a rotational axis of the transmission member.Claim 30. The cartridge according to claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the transmission member includes a cylindrical portion with a hollow portion, wherein the cylindrical portion is disposed in such a position that at least a part thereof does not overlap the force receiving portion in the longitudinal direction, andwherein an outer shape of the cylindrical portion is provided with a drivetransmission portion engageable with the movable member.Claim 31. The cartridge according to claim 30, wherein the drive transmission portion is a protruded portion protruded radially with respect to the rotational axis of the transmission member.Claim 32. The cartridge according to claim 31, wherein the force receiving portion is provided on a rotation lever portion formed extending radially from the cylindrical portion, andwherein the rotation lever portion is provided with a hole through which a free end portion, at the first end, of the movable member is capable of being inserted.Claim 33. The cartridge according to any one of claims 24 to 32, wherein the force receiving portion is capable of being moved by contacting a pressing portion provided in the main assembly of the apparatus when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 34. The cartridge according to any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein the force receiving portion is in the third position when the cartridge is not mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus, and it is in the fourth position when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 35. The cartridge according to claim 34, wherein the third position is upstream of the fourth position in a mounting direction in which the cartridge is mounted to the apparatus main assembly.Claim 36. The cartridge according to any one of claims 24 to 35, wherein an electrode is provided on the frame, andwherein, when a side of the frame on which the electrode is provided is a front side in the depth direction of the cartridge and an opposite thereto is a rear side, the force receiving portion moves relatively in a direction from the rear side of the cartridge toward the front side with respect to the frame when moving from the third position to the fourth position.Claim 37. The cartridge as defined in any one of claims 24 to 36, further comprising an opening / closing member movable between a closing position for closing the opening and an opening position for opening the opening more than in the closing position,wherein, when moving from the closing position to the opening position, the opening / closing member moves in the same direction as with the movement of the force receiving portion from the third position to the fourth position.Claim 38. The cartridge as defined in any one of claims 24 to 37, wherein the third position is farther from a lower portion of the toner cartridge that is opposite the upper part in the thickness direction of the toner cartridge than the fourth position.Claim 39. The cartridge according to any one of claims 24 to 38, wherein the force receiving portion is a lever rotatable about a rotational axis parallel to a direction including a component of the longitudinal direction.Claim 40. The cartridge according to claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the force receiving portion, at the third position, protrudes beyond an outer shape of thetoner cartridge in the depth direction of the toner cartridge.Claim 41. The cartridge according to any one of claims 24 to 38, wherein the force receiving portion includes a multi-articulation member.Claim 42. The cartridge according to any one of claims 24 to 38, wherein the force receiving portion is a lever having a rotational axis parallel to the thickness direction.Claim 43. The cartridge according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the movable member includes a shaft portion provided with the engaging portion and a support portion that supports the shaft portion, andwherein the support portion is provided with a first engaging portion that engages with the drive transmission portion of the transmission member.Claim 44. The cartridge according to claim 43, wherein the first engaging portion is a cam groove penetrating from an outer diameter part to an inner diameter part of the support portion, wherein the drive transmission portion is movable relative to the cam groove, andwherein the shaft portion of the movable member is movable in a direction parallel to the first direction in response to movement of the drive transmission portion relative to the cam groove.Claim 45. The cartridge according to claim 44, wherein the support portion is insertable into the inner diameter part of the cylindrical portion of the transmission member,wherein, when the engaging portion moves from the first position to the second position, the shaft portion of the movable member is capable of moving relative to the transmission member at the inner diameter part of the cylindrical portion of the transmission member.Claim 46. The cartridge according to any one of claims 13 to 45, wherein the engaging portion is a shaft-like member.Claim 47. The cartridge according to any one of claims 13 to 45, wherein the engaging portion is a pin-like portion.Claim 48. The cartridge according to any one of claims 13 to 45, wherein the engaging portion is circular cylindrical.Claim 49. The cartridge according to any one of claims 13 to 45, wherein the engaging portion is non-circular cylindrical.Claim 50. The cartridge according to any one of claims 13 to 45, wherein the engaging portion is a rod-like portion.Claim 51. The cartridge according to any one of claims 13 to 50, wherein the first direction is a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.Claim 52. The cartridge according to any one of claims 13 to 50, wherein the first direction is a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction.Claim 53. The cartridge according to any one of claims 13 to 45, furthercomprising an urging member that urges the movable member, wherein the urging member urges the movable member in a direction parallel to the first direction.Claim 54. The cartridge according to claim 53, wherein the urging member is disposed between the movable member and the transmission member in the longitudinal direction.Claim 55. The cartridge according to any one of claims 51 to 53, wherein the urging member urges the movable member such that the engaging portion moves from the second position to the first position.Claim 56. The cartridge according to any one of claims 13 to 22, further comprising an urging member that urges the movable member, and wherein the urging member urges the movable member such that the engaging portion moves from the first position to the second position.Claim 57. The cartridge according to claim 56, wherein the engaging portion is at the second position when the cartridge is not mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 58. The cartridge according to claim 56 or claim 57, wherein the engaging portion is movable from the second position to the first position during a period from before mounting of the cartridge to the main assembly of the apparatus to a midway state of mounting, and moves from the first position to the second position during a period from the midway state to completion of the mounting of the cartridge in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 59. The cartridge according to any one of claims 53 to 58, wherein the urging member is an elastic member.Claim 60. The cartridge according to any one of claims 53 to 59, wherein the urging member is a spring.Claim 61. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 60, wherein, when the cartridge is viewed in the depth direction, an outer shape of the upper part of the cartridge is recessed in such a part of a longitudinal region where the opening is located.Claim 62. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 61, wherein a protruded portion protruded in a direction away from the upper part is provided on a lower part of the cartridge that is opposite from the upper part.Claim 63. The cartridge according to claim 62, wherein at least a part of the protruded portion is disposed in a position overlapping the opening in the longitudinal direction.Claim 64. The cartridge according to claim 62 or claim 63, wherein the protruded portion is disposed in a position overlapping at least a part of the opening in the depth direction.Claim 65. The cartridge according to any one of claims 62 to 64, wherein the protruded portion extends in the depth direction.Claim 66. The cartridge according to any one of claims 62 to 65, wherein the main assembly of the apparatus includes a tray which is supported so as to be movable inward and outward in the main assembly of the apparatus and on which the cartridge is capable of being mounted, andwherein, when the cartridge is mounted on the tray, the protruded portion is inserted in a groove provided at a position corresponding to the protruded portion in a mounting surface of the tray for the cartridge.Claim 67. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 61, further comprising a groove recessed in a lower part opposite the upper part of the cartridge, the groove being recessed in the thickness direction of the cartridge toward the upper part, andwherein the groove is disposed approximately in a center of the cartridge in the longitudinal direction.Claim 68. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 67, further comprising a first wall portion perpendicular to the depth direction in the upper part of the cartridge adjacent to the opening.Claim 69. The cartridge according to claim 68, wherein two or more of the first wall portions are provided at positions on each of sides interposing the opening in the longitudinal direction.Claim 70. The cartridge according to claim 68 or claim 69, wherein, in the depth direction, the first wall portion is disposed on an upstream side of the cartridge in the insertion direction of the cartridge in which the cartridge is inserted into the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 71. The cartridge according to any one of claims 68 to 70, further comprising a second wall portion perpendicular to the thickness direction in the upper part of the toner cartridge adjacent to the opening.Claim 72. The cartridge according to claim 71, wherein the second wall portion has a surface perpendicular to the first wall portion.Claim 73. The cartridge according to claim 72, wherein two or more of the second wall portions are provided at positions on each of sides interposing the opening in the longitudinal direction.Claim 74. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the upper part of the cartridge includes, in the longitudinal direction, a central region in which the opening is located, a first region including the first end, and a second region including the second end,wherein the central region is interposed between the first region and the second region in the longitudinal direction, andwherein a height of the central region in the thickness direction is lower than that of the first region and the second region.Claim 75. The cartridge according to claim 74, further comprising an opening / closing member that moves relative to the frame between a closing position where the opening is closed and an opening position where the opening is open,wherein the opening / closing member is disposed in the upper part of the cartridge.Claim 76. The cartridge according to claim 75, wherein the height of the opening / closing member in the thickness direction is approximately the same as the heights of the first region and the second region.Claim 77. The cartridge according to claim 76, wherein the first region in the upper part of the cartridge includes a first flat portion and a first inclined portion, andwherein the first flat portion and at least a part of the first inclined portion overlap each other in the depth direction.Claim 78. The cartridge according to claim 77, wherein the first flat portion is disposed so as to be interposed between two of the first inclined portions in the depth direction.Claim 79. The cartridge according to claim 77 or claim 78, wherein the size of the first inclined portion in the thickness direction decreases from the first end portion toward the central region.Claim 80. The cartridge according to claim 76, wherein a second flat portion and a second inclined portion are provided in the second region in an upper part of the cartridge, andwherein the second flat portion and at least a part of the second inclined portion overlap each other in the depth direction.Claim 81. The cartridge according to claim 80, wherein the second flat portion is interposed between two of the second inclined portions in the depth direction.Claim 82. The cartridge according to claim 80 or claim 81, wherein a size of the second inclined portion in the thickness direction decreases from the second end portion toward the central region.Claim 83. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 35, further comprising an opening / closing member that moves relative to the frame between a closing position for closing the opening and an opening position for opening the opening,wherein the opening / closing member is disposed in the upper part of the cartridge.Claim 84. The cartridge according to claim 83, wherein a direction of movement of the opening / closing member includes a component parallel to the depth direction.Claim 85. The cartridge according to claim 83 or claim 84, wherein the opening / closing member is placed at the closing position before the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, and is placed at the opening position when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 86. The cartridge according to any one of claims 83 to 85, wherein the opening / closing member is provided with a movement restricting protruded portion that is movable in the thickness direction, andwherein an upper part of the frame is provided with a movement restricting recess into which the movement restricting protruded portion fits, and wherein, when the opening / closing member is in the closing position, themovement restricting protruded portion fits in the movement restricting recess.Claim 87. The cartridge according to claim 86, wherein, when the opening / closing member moves from the closing position to the opening position, the movement restricting protruded portion rides over the movement restricting recess.Claim 88. The cartridge according to claim 87, wherein, when a front side of the cartridge is a downstream side when the opening / closing member moves from the closing position to the opening position,the movement restricting protruded portion has a wall surface facing the front side of the cartridge, the movement restricting recess has a wall surface facing a rear side of the cartridge in the depth direction, andwherein, when the opening / closing member is in the closing position, the wall surface of the movement restricting protruded portion and the wall surface of the movement restricting recess contact each other.Claim 89. The cartridge according to claim 88, wherein the movement restricting protruded portion has an inclined portion facing the rear side of the cartridge, andwherein, when the cartridge is being mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus, the inclined portion comes into contact with a restriction releasing surface provided in the main assembly of the apparatus to move the movement restricting protruded portion toward an upper side of the cartridge.Claim 90. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 89, wherein the frame includes a toner accommodating portion that accommodates toner and amovable member accommodating portion that accommodates the movable member, and wherein a wall is provided between the toner accommodating portion and the movable member accommodating portion in the longitudinal direction.Claim 91. The cartridge according to claim 90, wherein a gap is provided between the toner accommodating portion and the movable member accommodating portion in the longitudinal direction.Claim 92. The cartridge according to any one of claims 83 to 91, wherein a fill hole through which toner is capable of being filled is provided at the second end of the cartridge, andwherein, when the cartridge is viewed from the second end in the longitudinal direction, the fill hole is disposed so as to overlap a movement range of the opening / closing member.Claim 93. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein an electrode is provided on a front side of the cartridge in the depth direction.Claim 94. The cartridge according to claim 93, wherein the electrode is provided at a third end that is the front end of the frame.Claim 95. The cartridge according to claim 93 or claim 94, wherein the electrode is disposed closer to the first end than to the second end with respect to the opening in the longitudinal direction.Claim 96. The cartridge according to any one of claims 93 to 95, wherein theelectrode is disposed in a position where at least a part of the electrode overlaps the movable member in the longitudinal direction.Claim 97. The cartridge according to any one of claims 93 to 96, wherein a surface of the electrode faces a front surface of the cartridge.Claim 98. The cartridge according to any one of claims 93 to 97, wherein a movement direction of the movable member intersects the surface of the electrode.Claim 99. The cartridge according to any one of claims 93 to 98, wherein the frame includes a toner accommodating portion that accommodates toner, a movable member accommodating portion that accommodates the movable member, and an electrode accommodating portion that accommodates the electrode, andwherein a wall portion is provided between the electrode accommodating portion and the toner accommodating portion in the longitudinal direction.Claim 100. The cartridge according to claim 99, wherein a gap is provided between the electrode accommodating portion and the movable member accommodating portion in the longitudinal direction.Claim 101. The cartridge according to claim 99 or 100, wherein electrode positioning portions are provided above and below the electrode accommodating portion, respectively so as to interpose the electrode accommodating portion in the thickness direction.Claim 102. The cartridge according to claim 101, wherein two of the electrode positioning portions are provided at the same position in the longitudinal direction, interposing the electrode accommodating portion.Claim 103. The cartridge according to claim 102, wherein the electrode positioning portions are linear and extend in the thickness direction.Claim 104. The cartridge according to any one of claims 101 to 103, wherein the electrode positioning portion is disposed at a position overlapping at least a part of the electrode in the longitudinal direction.Claim 105. The cartridge according to any one of claims 101 to 104, wherein the electrode positioning portion protrudes from the front surface of the cartridge.Claim 106. The cartridge according to any one of claims 101 to 105, wherein the electrode positioning portion is a plate-like member parallel to the depth direction.Claim 107. The cartridge according to any one of claims 101 to 106, wherein the electrode positioning portion contacts an apparatus side positioning portion provided around an electrode reading portion provided in the main assembly of the apparatus when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 108. The cartridge according to claim 107, wherein the apparatus side positioning portion has a gap shape engageable with the electrode positioning portion.Claim 109. The cartridge according to claim 90 or claim 91, wherein an electrode is provided on a front side of the cartridge in the depth direction, wherein the frame is provided with an electrode holding portion that holds the electrode, andwherein the electrode holding portion is disposed in a position that overlaps at least a part of the movable member accommodating portion in the longitudinal direction.Claim 110. The cartridge according to claim 109, wherein the movable member is disposed in a position that overlaps at least a part of the electrode holding portion in the longitudinal direction.Claim 111. The cartridge according to any one of claims 93 to 108, wherein a fill hole through which toner is capable of being filled is provided at the second end of the cartridge, andwherein the fill hole is disposed on a side of the opening opposite from the electrode in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge.Claim 112. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 91 and claims 93 to 110, wherein a fill hole through which toner is capable of being filled is provided at the second end of the cartridge.Claim 113. The cartridge according to any one of claims 37 and 75 to 92, further comprising a movable element operatively connected to the movable member,wherein, when the movable member moves in the first direction, themovable element is capable of moving in a second direction intersecting the first direction.Claim 114. The cartridge according to claim 113, wherein the movable element is capable of moving in the second direction from a fifth position to a sixth position, andwherein the sixth position is disposed at a position lower than the fifth position in the thickness direction of the cartridge.Claim 115. The cartridge according to claim 114, wherein an outer shape of the cartridge includes at least an upper surface, a first side surface perpendicular to the upper surface, and a lower surface parallel to the upper surface and perpendicular to the first side surface,wherein the first end is disposed at the first side surface, wherein the opening is disposed at the upper surface, and wherein the sixth position is farther from the lower surface than the fifth position.Claim 116. The cartridge according to claim 115, wherein a free end portion of the movable element projects beyond the upper surface of the cartridge in the thickness direction when placed at the sixth position.Claim 117. The cartridge according to claim 116, wherein the free end portion of the movable element is located more inside the frame than the upper surface of the cartridge in the thickness direction when placed at the fifth position.Claim 118. The cartridge according to any one of claims 113 to 117, whereinthe movable element is capable of moving in interrelation with the movable member.Claim 119. The cartridge according to any one of claims 113 to 118, wherein the movable element contacts a movement restricting member provided in the main assembly of the apparatus when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 120. The cartridge according to claim 119, wherein the movable element is not in contact with the movement restricting member when the cartridge is not mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, and the movable element starts to contact the movement restricting member during process of mounting the cartridge to the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 121. The cartridge according to claim 119 or claim 120, wherein the movement restricting member is a protrusion that protrudes toward the cartridge when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 122. The cartridge according to any one of claims 119 to 121, wherein the movement restricting member is movable in the thickness direction.Claim 123. The cartridge according to any one of claims 113 to 122, wherein the movable element is a lever.Claim 124. A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus including a rotatable rotary portion including therein a developing frame; a cover member movable betweena covering position for covering a receiving opening provided in the developing frame to receive toner and a retracted position retracted from the receiving opening; and a cover movement restricting member for restricting movement of the cover member from the covering position to the retracted position, wherein the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly while being inserted in the rotary portion, the cartridge comprising:a frame for containing toner therein, the frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge;a first opening provided in the frame and capable of facing the receiving opening of the developing frame when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly; anda movable member movable in a first direction having at least a component parallel to the longitudinal direction, between a first position and a second position,wherein, when a thickness size of the cartridge as measured in the thickness direction is set to 1, a ratio of a length size of the cartridge as measured in the longitudinal direction to the thickness size is as large as 8 times or greater, and a ratio of a depth size, as measured in a depth direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the thickness direction, to the thickness size is as large as 1.5 times or greater,wherein, when the depth size of the cartridge as measured in the depth direction is set to 1, the length size is as large as 3 times or greater,wherein the second position is more remote from the second end than the first position in the longitudinal direction, andwherein, when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly, the movable member is in the second position and is engaged with the cover movement restricting member, andwherein the cover member is capable of moving to the retracted position by engagement with the movable member which is placed in the second position.Claim 125. The cartridge according to claim 124, wherein the movable member is disposed at the first position before the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 126. The cartridge according to claim 125, wherein, when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus from a state in which it is not mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, the movable member moves in the first direction from the first position to the second position.Claim 127. The cartridge according to any one of claims 124 to 126, wherein the first direction intersects a movement direction of the cover movement restricting member.Claim 128. The cartridge according to claim 127, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the movement direction of the cover movement restricting member.Claim 129. The cartridge according to any one of claims 124 to 128, wherein the first direction intersects a rotational direction of the rotary portion.Claim 130. The cartridge according to claim 129, wherein the first direction is parallel to a rotational axis of the rotary portion.Claim 131. The cartridge according to any one of claims 124 to 130, wherein,when the thickness size is set to 1, the ratio of the length size to the thickness size is as large as 10 times or greater, and the ratio of the depth size to the thickness is as large as 1.8 or greater.Claim 132. The cartridge according to claim 131, wherein, when the thickness size is set to 1, the ratio of the length size of the cartridge to the thickness size is as large as 13 times or greater, and the ratio of the depth size of the cartridge to the thickness size is as large as 2.4 times or greater.Claim 133. The cartridge according to any one of claims 124 to 132, wherein, when the depth size is set to 1, the ratio of the length size to the thickness size is smaller than 15 times, and the ratio of the depth size to the thickness is smaller than 4.5 times.Claim 134. The cartridge according to any one of claims 124 to 133, wherein, when the depth size is set to 1, the ratio of the length size to the depth size is smaller than 8 times.Claim 135. The cartridge according to any one of claims 124 to 134, wherein an outer shape of the toner cartridge is formed by at least a first surface and a second surface that are perpendicular to each other and are continuously formed, wherein a free end portion of the movable member is capable of protruding beyond the first surface, andwherein the first opening is provided in the second surface.Claim 136. The cartridge according to claim 135, further comprising a third surface on an opposite side of the second surface in the thickness direction,wherein the third surface is parallel to the second surface and perpendicular to the first surface, andwherein the third surface is formed continuously to the second surface with the first surface therebetween.Claim 137. The cartridge according to claim 136, wherein the cartridge has a fourth surface on the opposite side of the first surface in the longitudinal direction,wherein the second surface is formed between the first surface and the fourth surface continuously with them.Claim 138. The cartridge according to any one of claims 124 to 137, wherein an outer shape of the toner cartridge is rectangular.Claim 139. The cartridge according to any one of claims 124 to 137, wherein an outer shape of the toner cartridge is a box-like shape.Claim 140. The cartridge according to any one of claims 124 to 139, wherein the movable member is provided with an engaging portion at a free end portion on a first end side in the first direction,wherein the engaging portion is movable between a first position and a second position in the first direction, andwherein the second position being farther from the second end than the first position.Claim 141. The cartridge according to claim 140, wherein the engaging portion is uncovered by the outer shape of the frame at the second position.Claim 142. The cartridge according to claim 140, wherein the engaging portion protrudes through the outer shape of the frame at the second position.Claim 143. The cartridge according to claim 141 or claim 142, wherein the engaging portion is inside the frame at the first position.Claim 144. The cartridge according to any one of claims 140 to 143, further comprising a transmission member capable of transmitting force inside the cartridge and movable relative to the frame,wherein the transmission member is movable by the cartridge abutting to a pressing portion provided in the developing frame of the main assembly of the apparatus, andwherein, when the cartridge is inserted into the rotary portion, the transmission member comes into contact with the pressing portion, to move the movable member in the first direction.Claim 145. The cartridge according to claim 144, wherein the transmission member includes a force receiving portion, which is movable between a third position and a fourth position, andwherein the movable member moves in the first direction in response to the force receiving portion abutting to the pressing portion and moving from the third position to the fourth position.Claim 146. The cartridge according to claim 145, wherein the force receiving portion is at the third position when the cartridge is not mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, and is at the fourth position when the cartridge ismounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 147. The cartridge according to claim 145 or claim 146, wherein the third position is upstream of the fourth position in a direction of insertion of the cartridge into the rotary portion.Claim 148. The cartridge according to any one of claims 145 to 147, wherein the force receiving portion is a lever movable in the depth direction.Claim 149. The cartridge according to claims 145 to 148, wherein a groove extending in a direction including at least a component parallel to the depth direction is provided in an upper part of the frame, andwherein the force receiving portion is movable in the groove relative to the frame by being pressed by the urging portion.Claim 150. The cartridge according to any one of claims 145 to 149, wherein the force receiving portion is exposed to outside of the frame at the upper part of the frame.Claim 151. The cartridge according to any one of claims 145 to 150, wherein the transmission member is rotatable from the third position to the fourth position.Claim 152. The cartridge according to claim 151, wherein the force receiving portion is a protruded portion protruded radially with respect to a rotational axis of the transmission member.Claim 153. The cartridge according to claim 152 or claim 153, wherein the transmission member includes a cylindrical portion with a hollow portion, wherein the cylindrical portion is disposed in such a position that at least a part thereof does not overlap the force receiving portion in the longitudinal direction, andwherein an outer shape of the cylindrical portion is provided with a drive transmission portion engageable with the movable member.Claim 154. The cartridge according to claim 153, wherein the drive transmission portion is a protruded portion protruded radially with respect to the rotational axis of the transmission member.Claim 155. The cartridge according to claim 154, wherein the force receiving portion is provided on a rotation lever portion formed extending radially from the cylindrical portion, andwherein the rotation lever portion is provided with a hole through which a free end portion, at the first end, of the movable member is capable of being inserted.Claim 156. The cartridge recited in any one of claims 145 to 155, wherein an electrode is provided on the frame,wherein, when a side of the frame on which the electrode is provided is a front side in the depth direction of the cartridge and an opposite thereto is a rear side, the force receiving portion moves relatively in a direction from the rear side of the cartridge toward the front side with respect to the frame when moving from the third position to the fourth position.Claim 157. The cartridge recited in any one of claims 145 to 156, further comprising a first opening / closing member movable between a closing position for closing the first opening and an opening position for opening the first opening more than in the closing position,wherein, when moving from the closing position to the opening position, the first opening / closing member moves in the same direction as with the movement of the force receiving portion from the third position to the fourth position.Claim 158. The cartridge according to any one of claims 145 to 157, wherein the third position is farther from a lower portion of the toner cartridge that is opposite the upper part in the thickness direction of the toner cartridge than the fourth position.Claim 159. The cartridge according to any one of claims 145 to 158, wherein the force receiving portion is a lever rotatable about a rotational axis parallel to a direction including a component of the longitudinal direction.Claim 160. The cartridge according to any one of claims 145 or 148, wherein the force receiving portion, at the third position, protrudes beyond an outer shape of the toner cartridge in the depth direction of the toner cartridge.Claim 161. The cartridge according to any one of claims 154 to 157, wherein the force receiving portion protrudes from the outer shape of the toner cartridge in the depth direction of the toner cartridge at the third position.Claim 162. The cartridge according to any one of claims 145 to 159, whereinthe force receiving portion includes a multi-articulation member.Claim 163. The cartridge according to any one of claims 145 to 159, wherein the force receiving portion is a lever having a rotational axis parallel to the thickness direction.Claim 164. The cartridge according to any one of claims 153 to 155, wherein the movable member includes a shaft portion provided with the engaging portion and a support portion that supports the shaft portion, andwherein the support portion is provided with a first engaging portion that engages with the drive transmission portion of the transmission member.Claim 165. The cartridge according to claim 164, wherein the first engaging portion is a cam groove that penetrates from the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the support portion,wherein the drive transmission portion is movable relative to the cam groove, andwherein the shaft portion of the movable member is movable in a direction parallel to the first direction in response to movement of the drive transmission portion relative to the cam groove.Claim 166. The cartridge according to claim 165, wherein the support portion is insertable into the inner diameter part of the cylindrical portion of the transmission member, andwherein, when the engaging portion moves from the first position to the second position, the shaft portion of the movable member is capable of moving relative to the transmission member at the inner diameter part of the cylindricalportion of the transmission member.Claim 167. The cartridge according to any one of claims 140 to 166, wherein the engaging portion is a shaft-like member.Claim 168. The cartridge according to any one of claims 140 to 166, wherein the engaging portion is a pin-like portion.Claim 169. The cartridge according to any one of claims 140 to 166, wherein the engaging portion is circular cylindrical.Claim 170. The cartridge according to any one of claims 140 to 166, wherein the engaging portion is non-circular cylindrical.Claim 171. The cartridge according to any one of claims 140 to 166, wherein the engaging portion is a rod-like portion.Claim 172. The cartridge according to any one of claims 140 to 171, wherein the first direction is a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.Claim 173. The cartridge according to any one of claims 140 to 171, wherein the first direction is a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction.Claim 174. The cartridge according to any one of claims 140 to 171, wherein the first direction is approximately parallel to a rotational axis of a photosensitive drum provided in the main assembly of the apparatus when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 175. The cartridge according to any one of claims 140 to 166, further comprising an urging member that urges the movable member, wherein the urging member urges the movable member in a direction parallel to the first direction.Claim 176. The cartridge according to claim 175, wherein the urging member is disposed between the movable member and the transmission member in the longitudinal direction.Claim 177. The cartridge according to claim 174 or claim 175, wherein the urging member urges the movable member such that the engaging portion moves from the second position to the first position.Claim 178. The cartridge according to any one of claims 140 to 143, further comprising an urging member that urges the movable member, wherein the urging member urges the movable member such that the engaging portion moves from the first position to the second position.Claim 179. The cartridge according to claim 178, wherein the engaging portion is at the second position when the cartridge is not mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 180. The cartridge according to claim 178 or claim 179, wherein the engaging portion is movable from the second position to the first position during a period from before insertion of the cartridge into the rotary portion to a midway state of insertion, and moves from the first position to the second position duringa period from the midway state to completion of the insertion of the cartridge in the rotary portion.Claim 181. The cartridge according to claim 178 or claim 179, wherein the movable member is provided with an operating portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, andwherein the movable member is movable in the first direction in response to operation of the operating portion.Claim 182. The cartridge according to any one of claims 175 to 181, wherein the urging member is an elastic member.Claim 183. The cartridge according to any one of claims 175 to 182, wherein the urging member is a spring.Claim 184. The cartridge recited in any one of claims 124 to 183, wherein, when the cartridge is viewed in the depth direction, an outer shape of the upper part of the cartridge is recessed in such a part of a longitudinal region where the first opening is located.Claim 185. The cartridge recited in any one of claims 124 to 184, wherein a protruded portion protruded in a direction away from the upper part of the cartridge is provided on a lower part of the cartridge that is opposite from the upper part.Claim 186. The cartridge recited in claim 185, wherein at least a part of the protruded portion is disposed in a position overlapping the first opening in thelongitudinal direction.Claim 187. The cartridge recited in claim 185 or claim 186, wherein the protruded portion is disposed in a position overlapping at least a part of the first opening in the depth direction.Claim 188. The cartridge recited in any one of claims 185 to 187, wherein the protruded portion extends in the depth direction.Claim 189. The cartridge according to any one of claims 185 to 188, wherein the main assembly of the apparatus includes a tray which is supported so as to be movable inward and outward with respect to the rotary portion and on which the cartridge can be mounted,wherein the tray is provided with a groove corresponding to a protrusion provided on a lower part of the cartridge, andwherein, when the cartridge is mounted on the tray, the protruded portion is inserted in the groove of the tray.Claim 190. The cartridge according to any one of claims 124 to 184, wherein the main assembly of the apparatus includes a tray which is supported so as to be movable inward and outward relative to the rotary portion and on which the cartridge is capable of being mounted,wherein the cartridge is provided with a groove in a lower portion of the cartridge opposite from the upper part, the groove being recessed toward the upper part in the thickness direction of the cartridge,wherein the tray is provided with a protrusion corresponding to the groove of the lower part of the cartridge, andwherein, when the cartridge is mounted on the tray, the protruded portion of the tray is inserted in the groove.Claim 191. The cartridge according to any one of claims 124 to 190, wherein a first wall portion perpendicular to the depth direction is provided adjacent to the first opening on the upper part of the cartridge.Claim 192. The cartridge according to claim 191, further comprising two or more first wall portions provided at each of positions interposing the first opening in the longitudinal direction.Claim 193. The cartridge according to claim 191 or claim 192, wherein, in the depth direction, the first wall portion is disposed on an upstream side of the cartridge in the insertion direction of the cartridge in which the cartridge is inserted into the rotary portion.Claim 194. The cartridge according to any one of claims 191 to 193, wherein, when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus, the first wall portion contacts a part of the developing frame.Claim 195. The cartridge according to any one of claims 191 to 194, further comprising a second wall portion perpendicular to the thickness direction in the upper part of the toner cartridge adjacent to the opening.Claim 196. The cartridge according to claim 195, wherein the second wall portion has a surface perpendicular to the first wall portion.Claim 197. The cartridge according to claim 196, wherein two or more of the second wall portions are provided at positions on each of sides interposing the first opening in the longitudinal direction.Claim 198. The cartridge according to any one of claims 124 to 155, wherein the upper part of the cartridge includes, in the longitudinal direction, a central region in which the first opening is located, a first region including the first end, and a second region including the second end,wherein the central region being interposed between the first region and the second region in the longitudinal direction, andwherein a height of the central region in the thickness direction is lower than that of the first region and the second region.Claim 199. The cartridge according to claim 198, further comprising a first opening / closing member that moves relative to the frame between a closing position where the first opening is closed and an opening position where the first opening is open,wherein the first opening / closing member is disposed in the upper part of the cartridge.Claim 200. The cartridge according to claim 199, wherein the height of the first opening / closing member in the thickness direction is approximately the same as the heights of the first region and the second region.Claim 201. The cartridge according to claim 200, wherein the first region in the upper part of the cartridge includes a first flat portion and a first inclined portion, andwherein the first flat portion and at least a part of the first inclined portion overlap each other in the depth direction.Claim 202. The cartridge according to claim 201, wherein the first flat portion is disposed so as to be interposed between two of the first inclined portions in the depth direction.Claim 203. The cartridge according to claim 201 or claim 202, wherein the size of the first inclined portion in the thickness direction decreases from the first end portion toward the central region.Claim 204. The cartridge according to any one of claims 200 to 203, wherein a second flat portion and a second inclined portion are provided in the second region in an upper part of the cartridge, andwherein the second flat portion and at least a part of the second inclined portion overlap each other in the depth direction.Claim 205. The cartridge according to claim 204, wherein the second flat portion is interposed between two of the second inclined portions in the depth direction.Claim 206. The cartridge according to claim 204 or claim 205, wherein a size of the second inclined portion in the thickness direction decreases from the second end portion toward the central region.Claim 207. The cartridge according to any one of claims 198 to 206, wherein the device main assembly of the apparatus is provided with a secondopening / closing member movable between a position for closing the receiving opening of the developing frame and a position for opening the same, and wherein, when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus, the first opening / closing member and the second opening / closing member are disposed in the central region in the longitudinal direction.Claim 208. The cartridge according to any one of claims 124 to 155, further comprising a first opening / closing member that moves relative to the frame between a closing position for closing the opening and an opening position for opening the opening,wherein the first opening / closing member is disposed at the upper part of the cartridge.Claim 209. The cartridge according to claim 208, wherein a direction of movement of the first opening / closing member includes a component parallel to the depth direction.Claim 210. The cartridge according to claim 208 or claim 209, wherein the first opening / closing member is placed at the closing position before the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, and is placed at the opening position when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 211. The cartridge according to claim 208 or claim 209, wherein the main assembly of the apparatus is provided with a second opening / closing member movable between a position for closing the receiving opening of the developing frame and a position for opening the same, andwherein, when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of theapparatus, the first opening / closing member and the second opening / closing member are disposed in the central region in the longitudinal direction.Claim 212. The cartridge according to any one of claims 208 to 211, wherein the first opening / closing member is provided with a movement restricting protruded portion that is movable in the thickness direction,wherein an upper part of the frame is provided with a movement restricting recess into which the movement restricting protruded portion fits, and wherein, when the first opening / closing member is in the closing position, the movement restricting protruded portion fits in the movement restricting recess.Claim 213. The cartridge according to claim 212, wherein, when the first opening / closing member moves from the closing position to the opening position, the movement restricting protruded portion rides over the movement restricting recess.Claim 214. The cartridge according to claim 212, wherein, when a front side of the cartridge is a downstream side when the first opening / closing member moves from the closing position to the opening position, the movement restricting protruded portion has a wall surface facing the front side of the cartridge, the movement restricting recess has a wall surface facing a rear side of the cartridge in the depth direction, andwherein, when the first opening / closing member is in the closing position, the wall surface of the movement restricting protruded portion and the wall surface of the movement restricting recess contact each other.Claim 215. The cartridge according to claim 214, wherein the movement restricting protruded portion has an inclined portion facing the rear side of the cartridge, andwherein, when the cartridge being is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus, the inclined portion comes into contact with a restriction releasing surface provided in the main assembly of the apparatus to move the movement restricting protruded portion toward an upper side of the cartridge.Claim 216. The cartridge according to any one of claims 124 to 215, wherein the frame includes a toner accommodating portion that accommodates toner and a movable member accommodating portion that accommodates the movable member, and wherein a wall is provided between the toner accommodating portion and the movable member accommodating portion in the longitudinal direction.Claim 217. The cartridge according to any one of claims 216, wherein a gap is provided between the toner accommodating portion and the movable member accommodating portion in the longitudinal direction.Claim 218. The cartridge according to any one of claims 208 to 217, wherein a fill hole through which toner is capable of being filled is provided at the second end of the cartridge, andwherein, when the cartridge is viewed from the second end in the longitudinal direction, the fill hole is disposed so as to overlap a movement range of the first opening / closing member.Claim 219. The cartridge according to any one of claims 124 to 155, wherein anelectrode is provided on a front side of the cartridge in the depth direction.Claim 220. The cartridge according to claim 219,wherein the electrode is provided at a third end, which is the front end of the frame.Claim 221. The cartridge according to claim 219 or claim 220, wherein the electrode is disposed closer to the first end than to the second end with respect to the first opening in the longitudinal direction.Claim 222. The cartridge according to any one of claims 219 to 221, wherein the electrode is disposed in a position where at least a part of the electrode overlaps the movable member in the longitudinal direction.Claim 223. The cartridge according to any one of claims 219 to 222, wherein a surface of the electrode faces a front surface of the cartridge.Claim 224. The cartridge according to any one of claims 219 to 223, wherein a movement direction of the movable member intersects the surface of the electrode.Claim 225. The cartridge according to any one of claims 219 to 224, wherein the frame includes a toner accommodating portion that accommodates toner, a movable member accommodating portion that accommodates the movable member, and an electrode accommodating portion that accommodates the electrode, andwherein a wall portion is provided between the electrode accommodatingportion and the toner accommodating portion in the longitudinal direction.Claim 226. The cartridge according to claim 225, wherein a wall portion is provided between the electrode accommodating portion and the movable member accommodating portion in the longitudinal direction.Claim 227. The cartridge according to claim 225 or claim 226, wherein electrode positioning portions are provided above and below the electrode accommodating portion, respectively so as to interpose the electrode accommodating portion in the thickness direction.Claim 228. The cartridge according to claim 227, wherein two of the electrode positioning portions are provided at the same position in the longitudinal direction, interposing the electrode holding portion.Claim 229. The cartridge according to claim 228, wherein the electrode positioning portions are linear and extend in the thickness direction.Claim 230. The cartridge according to any one of claims 227 to 229, wherein the electrode positioning portion is disposed at a position overlapping at least a part of the electrode in the longitudinal direction.Claim 231. The cartridge according to any one of claims 227 to 230, wherein the electrode positioning portion protrudes from the front surface of the cartridge.Claim 232. The cartridge according to any one of claims 227 to 231, wherein the electrode positioning portion is a plate-like member parallel to the depthdirection.Claim 233. The cartridge according to any one of claims 227 to 231, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises an electrode reading portion capable of contacting the electrode at a front side of the cartridge, andwherein the electrode positioning portion contacts an apparatus side positioning portion provided around the electrode reading portion when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 234. The cartridge according to claim 233, wherein the apparatus side positioning portion has a gap shape engageable with the electrode positioning portion.Claim 235. The cartridge according to claim 233 or claim 234, wherein the electrode reading portion is provided with a main assembly side electrode, which is spaced apart from the electrode when the rotary portion rotates with the cartridge in the rotary portion.Claim 236. The cartridge according to claim 216 or claim 217, wherein an electrode is provided on a front side of the cartridge in the depth direction, wherein the frame is provided with an electrode holding portion that holds the electrode, andthe electrode holding portion is disposed in a position that overlaps at least a part of the movable member accommodating portion in the longitudinal direction.Claim 237. The cartridge according to claim 236, wherein the movable memberis disposed in a position that overlaps at least a part of the electrode holding portion in the longitudinal direction.Claim 238. The cartridge according to any one of claims 219 to 235, wherein a fill hole through which toner is capable of being filled is provided at the second end of the cartridge, andwherein the fill hole is disposed on a side of the opening opposite from the electrode in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge.Claim 239. The cartridge according to any one of claims 124 to 217 and claims 219 to 237, wherein a fill hole through which toner is capable of being filled is provided at the second end of the cartridge.Claim 240. The cartridge according to any one of claims 157, 199 to 206, and 208 to 210, further comprising a movable element operatively connected to the movable member,wherein, when the movable member moves in the first direction, the movable element is capable of moving in a second direction intersecting the first direction.Claim 241. The cartridge according to claim 240, wherein the movable element is capable of moving in the second direction from a fifth position to a sixth position, andwherein the sixth position is disposed at a position lower than the fifth position in the thickness direction of the cartridge.Claim 242. The cartridge according to claim 241, wherein an outer shape of thecartridge includes at least an upper surface, a first side surface perpendicular to the upper surface, and a lower surface parallel to the upper surface and perpendicular to the first side surface,wherein the first end is disposed at the first side surface, wherein the opening is disposed at the upper surface, and wherein the sixth position is farther from the lower surface than the fifth position.Claim 243. The cartridge according to claim 242, wherein a free end portion of the movable element projects beyond the upper surface of the cartridge in the thickness direction when placed at the sixth position.Claim 244. The cartridge according to claim 243, wherein the free end portion of the movable element is placed more inside the frame than the upper surface of the cartridge in the thickness direction when placed at the fifth position.Claim 245. The cartridge according to any one of claims 240 to 244, wherein the movable element is capable of moving in interrelation with the movable member.Claim 246. The cartridge according to any one of claims 240 to 245, wherein the main assembly of the apparatus is provided with a second opening / closing member movable between a closing position for closing the receiving opening of the developing frame and an opening position for opening the receiving opening, and a shutter movement restricting member that restricts movement of the second opening / closing member,wherein the movable element contacts the shutter movement restrictingmember when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus, andwherein the second opening / closing member is movable from the closing position to the opening position with the movable element in contact with the shutter movement restricting member.Claim 247. The cartridge according to claim 246, wherein the movable element is not in contact with the movement restricting member when the cartridge is not mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus, and the movable element starts to contact the movement restricting member during mounting of the cartridge to the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 248. The cartridge according to claim 246 or claim 247, wherein the shutter movement restricting member is a protrusion that protrudes toward the cartridge in the thickness direction when the cartridge is mounted in the rotary portion.Claim 249. The cartridge according to any one of claims 246 to 248, wherein the shutter movement restricting member is movable in the thickness direction.Claim 250. The cartridge according to any one of claims 241 to 249, wherein the movable element is a lever.Claim 251. A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising;a frame for containing toner therein, the frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge;an opening provided in the frame through which the toner is capable of being discharged, the opening being disposed at an upper part of the cartridge in a thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; andan opening / closing member provided at an upper part of the cartridge and movable between a closing position for closing the opening and an opening position for opening the opening more than in the closing position,wherein, when a thickness size of the cartridge as measured in the thickness direction is set to 1, a ratio of a length size of the cartridge as measured in the longitudinal direction to the thickness size is as large as 8 times or greater, and a ratio of a depth size, as measured in a depth direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the thickness direction, to the thickness size is as large as 1.5 times or greater,wherein, when the depth size of the cartridge as measured in the depth direction is set to 1, the length size is as large as 3 times or greater, andwherein the opening / closing member is movable in a third direction including a component parallel to the depth direction.Claim 252. The cartridge as recited in claim 251, wherein, when the thickness size is set to 1, the ratio of the length size to the thickness size is as large as 10 times or greater, and the ratio of the depth size to the thickness is as large as 1.8 times or greater.Claim 253. The cartridge as recited in claim 252, wherein, when the depth size is set to 1, the ratio of the length size to the thickness size is as large as 13 times or greater, and the ratio of the depth size to the thickness is as large as 2.4 times or greater.Claim 254. The cartridge as recited in any one of claims 251 to 253, wherein, when the depth size is set to 1, the ratio of the length size to the thickness size is smaller than 15 times, and the ratio of the depth size to the thickness is smaller than 4.5 times.Claim 255. The cartridge as recited in any one of claims 251 to 254, wherein, when the depth size is set to 1, the ratio of the length size to the depth size is smaller than 8 times.Claim 256. The cartridge according to any one of claims 251 to 255, wherein an outer shape of the toner cartridge is formed by at least a first surface and a second surface that are perpendicular to each other and are continuously formed, wherein the first surface of the cartridge is disposed at the first end, wherein the second surface of the cartridge is disposed at the second end, andwherein the opening and the opening / closing member are disposed at the second surface.Claim 257. The cartridge according to claim 256, further comprising a third surface on an opposite side of the second surface in the thickness direction, wherein the third surface is parallel to the second surface and perpendicular to the first surface, andwherein the third surface is formed continuously to the second surface with the first surface therebetween.Claim 258. The cartridge according to claim 257, further comprising a fourth surface on the opposite side of the first surface in the longitudinal direction,wherein the second surface is formed between the first surface and the fourth surface continuously with them.Claim 259. The cartridge according to any one of claims 251 to 258, wherein an outer shape of the toner cartridge is rectangular.Claim 260. The cartridge according to any one of claims 251 to 258, wherein an outer shape of the toner cartridge is a box-like shape.Claim 261. The cartridge according to any one of claims 256 to 258, wherein, as viewed from above in the thickness direction, the shape of the vicinity of the first end of the frame and the shape of the second end of the frame are different from each other.Claim 262. The cartridge according to claim 261, wherein, as viewed from above in the thickness direction, the shape of the second end of the frame is elliptical.Claim 263. The cartridge according to any one of claims 256 to 262, wherein the upper part of the cartridge includes, in the longitudinal direction, a central region in which the opening and the opening / closing member are located, a first region having the first end, and a second region having the second end, wherein the central region is interposed between the first region and the second region in the longitudinal direction, andwherein a height of the central region in the thickness direction is lower than those of the first region and the second region, and the height of the opening / closing member in the thickness direction is approximately the same asthose of the first region and the second region.Claim 264. The cartridge according to any one of claims 251 to 262, wherein, when the cartridge is viewed in the depth direction, the shape of the upper part of the outer shape of the cartridge is recessed in a region in the longitudinal direction in which the opening and the opening / closing member are located.Claim 265. The cartridge recited in any one of claims 251 to 264, wherein a protruded portion protruded in a direction away from the upper part is provided on a lower part of the cartridge that is opposite from the upper part.Claim 266. The cartridge recited in claim 265, wherein at least a part of the protruded portion is disposed in a position overlapping the opening in the longitudinal direction.Claim 267. The cartridge recited in claim 265 or 266, wherein the protruded portion is disposed in a position overlapping at least a part of the opening in the depth direction.Claim 268. The cartridge recited in any one of claims 265 to 267, wherein the protruded portion extends in the depth direction.Claim 269. The cartridge according to any one of claims 265 to 268, wherein the main assembly of the apparatus includes a tray which is supported so as to be movable inward and outward in the main assembly of the apparatus and on which the cartridge is capable of being mounted, andwherein, when the cartridge is mounted on the tray, the protruded portionis inserted in a groove provided at a position corresponding to the protruded portion in a mounting surface of the tray for the cartridge.Claim 270. The cartridge according to any one of claims 251 to 269, further comprising a groove recessed in a lower part opposite the upper part of the cartridge, the groove being recessed in the thickness direction of the cartridge toward the upper part,wherein the groove is disposed approximately in a center of the cartridge in the longitudinal direction.Claim 271. The cartridge according to any one of claims 251 to 270, further comprising a first wall portion perpendicular to the depth direction in the upper part of the cartridge adjacent to the opening.Claim 272. The cartridge according to claim 271, wherein two or more first walls are provided at positions on either side of the opening in the longitudinal direction.Claim 273. The cartridge according to claim 271 or claim 272, wherein, in the depth direction, the first wall portion is disposed on a downstream side in a movement direction of the opening / closing member from the closing position to the opening position.Claim 274. The cartridge according to any one of claims 271 to 273, further comprising a second wall portion perpendicular to the thickness direction in the upper part of the toner cartridge adjacent to the opening.Claim 275. The cartridge according to claim 274, wherein the second wall portion has a surface perpendicular to the first wall portion.Claim 276. The cartridge according to claim 275, wherein two or more of the second wall portions are provided at positions on each of sides interposing the opening in the longitudinal direction.Claim 277. The cartridge according to any one of claims 251 to 276, wherein the opening / closing member is placed at the closing position before the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, and is placed at the opening position when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 278. The cartridge according to any one of claims 251 to 277, wherein the opening / closing member is provided with a movement restricting protruded portion that is movable in the thickness direction,wherein an upper part of the frame is provided with a movement restricting recess into which the movement restricting protruded portion fits, and wherein when the opening / closing member is in the closing position, the movement restricting protruded portion fits in the movement restricting recess.Claim 279. The cartridge according to claim 278, wherein, when the opening / closing member moves from the closing position to the opening position, the movement restricting protruded portion rides over the movement restricting recess.Claim 280. The cartridge according to claim 279, wherein, when a front side of the cartridge is a downstream side when the opening / closing member moves fromthe closing position to the opening position, the movement restricting protruded portion has a wall surface facing the front side of the cartridge, the movement restricting recess has a wall surface facing a rear side of the cartridge in the depth direction, andwherein, when the opening / closing member is in the closing position, the wall surface of the movement restricting protruded portion and the wall surface of the movement restricting recess contact each other.Claim 281. The cartridge according to claim 280, wherein the movement restricting protruded portion has an inclined portion facing the rear side of the cartridge, andwherein, when the cartridge is being mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus, the inclined portion comes into contact with a restriction releasing surface provided in the main assembly of the apparatus to move the movement restricting protruded portion toward an upper side of the cartridge.Claim 282. The cartridge according to any one of claims 251 to 281, wherein an electrode is provided on a front side of the cartridge in the depth direction.Claim 283. The cartridge according to claim 282, wherein the electrode is provided at a third end that is the front end of the frame.Claim 284. The cartridge according to claim 282 or claim 283, wherein the electrode is disposed closer to the first end than to the second end with respect to the opening in the longitudinal direction.Claim 285. The cartridge according to any one of claims 282 to 284, wherein asurface of the electrode faces a front surface of the cartridge.Claim 286. The cartridge recited in any one of claims 282 to 285, wherein the frame includes a toner accommodating portion that accommodates toner, and an electrode accommodating portion that accommodates the electrode, andwherein a wall portion is provided between the electrode accommodating portion and the toner accommodating portion in the longitudinal direction.Claim 287. The cartridge recited in claim 286, wherein electrode positioning portions are provided above and below the electrode accommodating portion, respectively so as to interpose the electrode accommodating portion in the thickness direction.Claim 288. The cartridge recited in claim 287, wherein two of the electrode positioning portions are provided at the same position in the longitudinal direction, interposing the electrode accommodating portion.Claim 289. The cartridge recited in claim 288, wherein the electrode positioning portions are linear and extend in the thickness direction.Claim 290. The cartridge according to any one of claims 287 to 289, wherein the electrode positioning portion is disposed at a position overlapping at least a part of the electrode in the longitudinal direction.Claim 291. The cartridge according to any one of claims 287 to 290, wherein the electrode positioning portion protrudes from the front surface of the cartridge.Claim 292. The cartridge according to any one of claims 287 to 291, wherein the electrode positioning portion is a plate-like member parallel to the depth direction.Claim 293. The cartridge according to any one of claims 287 to 292, wherein the electrode positioning portion contacts an apparatus side positioning portion provided around an electrode reading portion provided in the main assembly of the apparatus when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 294. The cartridge according to claim 293, wherein the apparatus side positioning portion has a gap shape engageable with the electrode positioning portion.Claim 295. The cartridge according to any one of claims 282 to 294, wherein the electrode faces the same side as the direction of movement of the opening / closing member from the closing position to the opening position.Claim 296. The cartridge according to any one of claims 282 to 295, wherein the opening / closing member is closer to the electrode in the depth direction when in the closing position than when in the opening position.Claim 297. The cartridge according to any one of claims 282 to 296, wherein the opening is disposed behind the electrode in the depth direction.Claim 298. The cartridge according to any one of claims 282 to 297, wherein a fill hole through which toner is capable of being filled is provided at the secondend of the cartridge, andwherein the electrode is disposed on a side of the opening opposite from the fill hole in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge.Claim 299. The cartridge according to any one of claims 251 to 297, wherein a fill hole through which toner is capable of being filled is provided at the second end of the cartridge.Claim 300. The cartridge according to claim 299, wherein, when the cartridge is viewed from the second end in the longitudinal direction, the fill hole is positioned so as to overlap a range of movement of the opening / closing member.Claim 301. A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus including a rotatable rotary portion having therein a developing frame; a receiving opening provided in the developing frame to receive toner, wherein the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly while being inserted in the rotary portion, the cartridge comprising:a frame for containing the toner therein, the frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge;a first opening provided in the frame, the first opening being connected to the receiving opening of the developing frame when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly; anda first opening / closing member movable, at an upper part of the cartridge, between a closing position for closing the first opening and an opening position for opening the first opening more than in the closing position,wherein, when a thickness size of the cartridge as measured in the thickness direction is set to 1, a ratio of a length size of the cartridge as measuredin the longitudinal direction to the thickness size is as large as 8 times or greater, and a ratio of a depth size, as measured in a depth direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the thickness direction, to the thickness size is as large as 1.5 times or greater,wherein, when the depth size of the cartridge as measured in the depth direction is set to 1, the length size is as large as 3 times or greater,wherein the second position is more remote from the second end than the first position in the longitudinal direction,wherein the first opening / closing member is movable in a third direction including a component parallel to the depth direction, andwherein the first opening / closing member is in the closing position when the toner cartridge is mounted in the main assembly.Claim 302. The cartridge according to claim 301, wherein the first opening / closing member is placed at the closing position before the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 303. The cartridge according to claim 302, wherein, when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus from a state in which it is not mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, the first opening / closing member moves in the third direction from the closing position to the opening position.Claim 304. The cartridge according to any one of claims 301 to 303, wherein, in the depth direction, the third direction is opposite to a direction of insertion of the cartridge into the rotary portion.Claim 305. The cartridge according to any one of claims 301 to 304, whereinthe third direction intersects a rotational axis of the rotary portion.Claim 306. The cartridge according to any one of claims 301 to 305, wherein, when the thickness size is set to 1, the ratio of the length size to the thickness size is as large as 10 times or greater, and the ratio of the depth size to the thickness is as large as 1.8 times or greater.Claim 307. The cartridge as recited in claim 306, wherein, when the thickness size is set to 1, the ratio of the length size to the thickness size is as large as 13 times or greater, and the ratio of the depth size to the thickness is as large as 2.4 times or greater.Claim 308. The cartridge as recited in any one of claims 301 to 307, wherein, when the thickness size is set to 1, the ratio of the length size to the thickness size is smaller than15 times, and the ratio of the depth size to the thickness size is smaller than 4.5 times.Claim 309. The cartridge as recited in any one of claims 301 to 308, wherein, when the depth size is set to 1, the ratio of the length size to the depth size is smaller than 8 times.Claim 310. The cartridge according to any one of claims 301 to 309, wherein an outer shape of the toner cartridge is formed by at least a first surface and a second surface that are perpendicular to each other and are continuously formed,wherein the first surface of the cartridge is disposed at the first end,wherein the second surface of the cartridge is disposed at the second end,andwherein the first opening and the first opening / closing member are disposed on the second surface.Claim 311. The cartridge according to claim 310, wherein the cartridge has a third surface on an opposite side of the second surface in the thickness direction, wherein the third surface is parallel to the second surface and perpendicular to the first surface, andwherein the third surface is formed continuously to the second surface with the first surface therebetween.Claim 312. The cartridge according to claim 311, wherein the cartridge has a fourth surface on the opposite side of the first surface in the longitudinal direction, andwherein the second surface is formed between the first surface and the fourth surface continuously with them.Claim 313. The cartridge according to any one of claims 301 to 312, wherein an outer shape of the toner cartridge is rectangular.Claim 314. The cartridge according to any one of claims 301 to 312, wherein the outer shape of the toner cartridge is a box-like shape.Claim 315. The cartridge according to any one of claims 301 to 314, wherein the upper part of the cartridge includes, in the longitudinal direction, a central region in which the first opening and the opening / closing member are located, a first region having the first end, and a second region having the second end, wherein the central region is interposed between the first region and thesecond region in the longitudinal direction, andwherein a height of the central region in the thickness direction is lower than those of the first region and the second region, and the height of the first opening / closing member in the thickness direction is approximately the same as those of the first region and the second region.Claim 316. The cartridge according to claim 315, wherein the main assembly of the apparatus is provided with a second opening / closing member movable between a position for closing the receiving opening of the developing frame and a position for opening the same, andwherein, when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus, the second opening / closing member are placed in the central region in the longitudinal direction.Claim 317. The cartridge according to any one of claims 301 to 315, wherein, when the cartridge is viewed in the depth direction, the shape of the upper part of the outer shape of the cartridge is recessed in a region in the longitudinal direction in which the first opening and the first opening / closing member are located.Claim 318. The cartridge according to any one of claims 301 to 317, wherein a protruded portion protruded in a direction away from the upper part is provided on a lower part of the cartridge that is opposite from the upper part of the cartridge.Claim 319. The cartridge according to claim 318, wherein at least a part of the protruded portion is disposed in a position overlapping the opening in thelongitudinal direction.Claim 320. The cartridge according to claim 318 or claim 319, wherein the protruded portion is disposed in a position overlapping at least a part of the opening in the depth direction.Claim 321. The cartridge according to any one of claims 318 to 320, wherein the protruded portion extends in the depth direction.Claim 322. The cartridge according to any one of claims 318 to 321, wherein the main assembly of the apparatus includes a tray which is supported by the rotary portion so as to be movable inward and outward relative to the rotary portion and on which the cartridge is capable of being mounted,wherein the tray is provided with a groove corresponding to the protruded portion provided on the lower part of the cartridge, andwherein, when the cartridge is mounted on the tray, the protruded portion is inserted in the groove of the tray.Claim 323. The cartridge according to any one of claims 301 to 317, wherein the main assembly of the apparatus includes a tray which is supported so as to be movable inward and outward relative to the rotary portion and on which the cartridge is capable of being mounted,wherein the cartridge is provided with a groove in a lower portion of the cartridge opposite from the upper part, the groove being recessed toward the upper part in the thickness direction of the cartridge,wherein the tray is provided with a protrusion corresponding to the groove of the lower part of the cartridge, andwherein, when the cartridge is mounted on the tray, the protruded portion of the tray is inserted in the groove.Claim 324. The cartridge according to any one of claims 301 to 323, wherein a first wall portion perpendicular to the depth direction is provided adjacent to the first opening on the upper part of the cartridge.Claim 325. The cartridge according to claim 324, further comprising two or more first wall portions provided at positions interposing the first opening in the longitudinal direction.Claim 326. The cartridge according to claim 324 or claim 325, wherein, in the depth direction of the cartridge, the first wall portion is disposed on a downstream side in a movement direction of the first opening / closing member from the closing position to the opening position.Claim 327. The cartridge according to claim 325 or claim 326, wherein, in the depth direction of the cartridge, the first wall portion is disposed on an upstream side in an insertion direction when the cartridge is inserted into the rotary portion.Claim 328. The cartridge according to any one of claims 324 to 327, wherein, when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus, the first wall portion contacts a part of the developing frame.Claim 329. The cartridge according to any one of claims 324 to 328, further comprising a second wall portion perpendicular to the thickness direction in the upper part of the toner cartridge adjacent to the opening.Claim 330. The cartridge according to claim 329, wherein the second wall portion has a surface perpendicular to the first wall portion.Claim 331. The cartridge according to claim 330, wherein two or more of the second wall portions are provided at positions on each of sides interposing the first opening in the longitudinal direction.Claim 332. The cartridge according to any one of claims 301 to 331, wherein the first opening / closing member is provided with a movement restricting protruded portion that is movable in the thickness direction, andwherein an upper part of the frame is provided with a movement restricting recess into which the movement restricting protruded portion fits, and wherein, when the first opening / closing member is in the closing position, the movement restricting protruded portion fits in the movement restricting recess.Claim 333. The cartridge according to claim 332, wherein, when the first opening / closing member moves from the closing position to the opening position, the movement restricting protruded portion rides over the movement restricting recess.Claim 334. The cartridge according to claim 333, wherein, when a front side of the cartridge is a downstream side when the first opening / closing member moves from the closing position to the opening position, wherein the movement restricting protruded portion has a wall surface facing the front side of the cartridge, the movement restricting recess has a wallsurface facing a rear side of the cartridge in the depth direction, and wherein, when the first opening / closing member is in the closing position, the wall surface of the movement restricting protruded portion and the wall surface of the movement restricting recess contact each other.Claim 335. The cartridge according to claim 334, wherein the movement restricting protruded portion has an inclined portion facing the rear side of the cartridge, andwherein, when the cartridge being is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus, the inclined portion comes into contact with a restriction releasing surface provided in the main assembly of the apparatus to move the movement restricting protruded portion toward an upper side of the cartridge.Claim 336. The cartridge according to any one of claims 301 to 335, wherein an electrode is provided on a front side of the cartridge in the depth direction.Claim 337. The cartridge according to claim 336, wherein the electrode is provided at a third end, which is the front end of the frame.Claim 338. The cartridge according to claim 336 or claim 337, wherein the electrode is disposed closer to the first end than to the second end with respect to the first opening in the longitudinal direction.Claim 339. The cartridge according to any one of claims 336 to 338, wherein a surface of the electrode faces a front surface of the cartridge.Claim 340. The cartridge according to any one of claims 336 to 339, whereinthe frame includes a toner accommodating portion that accommodates toner, and an electrode accommodating portion that accommodates the electrode, and wherein a wall portion is provided between the electrode accommodating portion and the toner accommodating portion in the longitudinal direction.Claim 341. The cartridge according to claim 340, wherein electrode positioning portions are provided above and below the electrode accommodating portion, respectively so as to interpose the electrode accommodating portion in the thickness direction.Claim 342. The cartridge according to claim 341, wherein two of the electrode positioning portions are provided at the same position in the longitudinal direction, interposing the electrode holding portion.Claim 343. The cartridge according to claim 342, wherein the electrode positioning portions are linear and extend in the thickness direction.Claim 344. The cartridge according to any one of claims 341 to 343, wherein the electrode positioning portion is disposed at a position overlapping at least a part of the electrode in the longitudinal direction.Claim 345. The cartridge according to any one of claims 341 to 344, wherein the electrode positioning portion protrudes from the front surface of the cartridge.Claim 346. The cartridge according to any one of claims 341 to 345, wherein the electrode positioning portion is a plate-like member parallel to the depth direction.Claim 347. The cartridge recited in any one of claims 341 to 347, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises an electrode reading portion capable of contacting the electrode at a front side of the cartridge, andwherein the electrode positioning portion contacts an apparatus side positioning portion provided around the electrode reading portion when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus.Claim 348. The cartridge recited in claim 347, wherein the apparatus side positioning portion has a gap shape engageable with the electrode positioning portion.Claim 349. The cartridge recited in claim 347 or claim 348, wherein the electrode reading portion is provided with a main assembly side electrode, which is spaced apart from the electrode when the rotary portion rotates with the cartridge in the rotary portion.Claim 350. The cartridge recited in any one of claims 336 to 349, wherein the electrode faces the same side as the direction of movement of the first open / close member from the closing position to the opening position.Claim 351. The cartridge according to any one of claims 336 to 350, wherein the first opening / closing member is closer to the electrode in the depth direction when in the closing position than when in the opening position.Claim 352. The cartridge according to any one of claims 336 to 351, wherein the opening is disposed behind the electrode in the depth direction.Claim 353. The cartridge according to any one of claims 336 to 352, wherein a fill hole through which toner is capable of being filled is provided at the second end of the cartridge, andwherein the electrode is disposed on a side of the opening opposite from the fill hole in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge.Claim 354. The cartridge according to any one of claims 301 to 353, wherein a fill hole through which toner is capable of being filled is provided at the second end of the cartridge.Claim 355. The cartridge according to claim 354, wherein, when the cartridge is viewed from the second end in the longitudinal direction, the fill hole is positioned so as to overlap a range of movement of the opening / closing member.Claim 356. A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus;a frame for containing toner therein, the frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge;an opening provided in the frame through which the toner is capable of being discharged, the opening being disposed at an upper part of the cartridge in a thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; anda movable element movable in a second direction having at least a component parallel to the thickness direction,wherein, when a thickness size of the cartridge as measured in the thickness direction is set to 1, a ratio of a length size of the cartridge as measured in the longitudinal direction to the thickness size is as large as 8 times or greater,and a ratio of a depth size, as measured in a depth direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the thickness direction, to the thickness size is as large as 1.5 times or greater,wherein, when the depth size of the cartridge as measured in the depth direction is set to 1, the length size is as large as 3 times or greater, andwherein the second direction is a direction from a lower part toward the upper part of the cartridge.Claim 357. A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus including a developing frame, a developing side shutter member movable between a closing position for closing a receiving opening provided in the developing frame to receive toner and an opening position for opening the opening; and a shutter movement restricting member for restricting movement of the developing side shutter member from the closing position to the opening position, the cartridge comprising:a frame for containing toner therein;a first opening provided in an upper part of the frame in a thickness direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction and capable of discharging the toner, the first opening being capable of facing the receiving opening of the developing frame when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly; anda movable element movable in a second direction having at least a component parallel to the thickness direction, between a retracted position to a projected position,wherein, when a thickness size of the cartridge as measured in the thickness direction is set to 1, a ratio of a length size of the cartridge as measured in the longitudinal direction to the thickness size is as large as 8 times or greater, and a ratio of a depth size, as measured in a depth direction that is perpendicularto the longitudinal direction and to the thickness direction, to the thickness size is as large as 1.5 times or greater,wherein, when the depth size of the cartridge as measured in the depth direction is set to 1, the length size is as large as 3 times or greater,wherein the movable element is in the projected position when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly.Claim 358. A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus including a rotatable rotary portion including therein a developing frame, a cover member movable between a covering position for covering a receiving opening provided in the developing frame to receive toner and a retracted position retracted from the receiving opening; and a cover movement restricting member for restricting movement of the cover member from the covering position to the retracted position, wherein the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly while being inserted in the rotary, the cartridge comprising:a frame for containing toner therein, the frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge;a first opening provided in the frame and capable of facing the receiving opening of the developing frame when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly;a movable member movable in a first direction having at least a component parallel to the longitudinal direction, between a first position and a second position; andan urging member capable of urging the movable member so as to move the movable member from the first position to the second position,wherein, when a thickness size of the cartridge as measured in thethickness direction is set to 1, a ratio of a length size of the cartridge as measured in the longitudinal direction to the thickness size is as large as 8 times or greater, and a ratio of a depth size, as measured in a depth direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the thickness direction, to the thickness size is5 as large as 1.5 times or greater,wherein, when the depth size of the cartridge as measured in the depth direction is set to 1, the length size is as large as 3 times or greater,wherein the second position is more remote from the second end than the first position in the longitudinal direction10 wherein the movable member is in the second position when the cartridge is not mounted in the main assembly, andwherein the movable member is capable of moving from the second position to the first position when the cartridge is being mounted to the main assembly.15Claim 359. An image forming apparatus to which the cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 358 is detachably mountable.

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