Image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes: a main body frame; a cartridge movable to an attached position and a retracted position; a moving device configured to move the cartridge; a driving device configured to drive the moving device and perform a first operation of driving the moving device to move the cartridge from the attachment position toward the retracted position and a second operation of driving the moving device to move the cartridge from the retracted position toward the attachment position; and a controller configured to control the driving device and cause the driving device to perform the first operation in a case where the cartridge does not reach the attachment position even after a predetermined time elapses from causing the driving device to start the second operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium. Background Art

[0002] In an imaging apparatus of an electrophotographic system, a rotary development system for forming a color image by rotating a rotating body including a plurality of developing members is known. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-183305 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-096852 each disclose an imaging apparatus including: a rotating body having a plurality of developing rollers; and a plurality of toner cartridges (toner storage containers) each attachable to and detachable from the rotating body. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides a new form of imaging apparatus that advances conventional techniques.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an imaging apparatus includes: a main body frame; a cartridge that is movable relative to the main body frame to an attachment position and a retracted position retracted from the attachment position; a moving device configured to move the cartridge from the attachment position to the retracted position and to move the cartridge from the retracted position to the attachment position; a driving device configured to drive the moving device and to perform a first operation of driving the moving device to move the cartridge from the attachment position toward the retracted position and a second operation of driving the moving device to move the cartridge from the retracted position toward the attachment position; and a controller configured to control the driving device and to cause the driving device to perform the first operation in a case where the cartridge has not reached the attachment position even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the second operation was started with the driving device in a state where the cartridge is in the retracted position.

[0005] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a developing unit, a toner cartridge, and a tray according to a first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are cross-sectional views of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figures 6A to 6C are perspective views of an imaging device according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7A and Figure 7B are cross-sectional views of an imaging device according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 is an explanatory view of a rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 9 is an explanatory view of a rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 10 is an explanatory view of a rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 11A and Figure 11B are explanatory views of elements related to the movement of a tray according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 12A and Figure 12B are explanatory views of elements related to the movement of a tray according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 13A and Figure 13B are explanatory views of elements related to the drive system of a tray according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 14A and Figure 14B are explanatory views of elements related to the drive system of a tray according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 15A and Figure 15B are perspective views of a stepped gear according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a locking member according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 17A and Figure 17B are explanatory views of elements related to the locking mechanism of a rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 18A and Figure 18B are explanatory views of elements related to the locking mechanism of a rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figures 19A to 19D They are all perspective views of the drive rack according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 20A and Figure 20B They are all perspective views of the components related to the retention of the drive rack according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 21A and Figure 21B They are all perspective views of the rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figures 22A to 22D They are all explanatory diagrams of the components related to the control of the distance between gears according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 23 It is an explanatory diagram of the components related to the control of the distance between gears according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 24A and Figure 24B They are all explanatory diagrams of the configuration of the idle gear according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figures 25A to 25E They are all explanatory diagrams of the components related to the push-in detection of the tray according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 26 It is an explanatory diagram of the components related to the drive system of the tray according to the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 27 It is an explanatory diagram of the components related to the drive system of the tray according to the third embodiment.

[0033] Figure 28A and Figure 28B They are all explanatory diagrams of the components related to the drive system of the tray according to the fourth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 29A and Figure 29B They are all explanatory diagrams of the configuration of the drive cancellation gear according to the fifth embodiment.

[0035] Figure 30A and Figure 30B They are all explanatory diagrams of the configuration of the drive cancellation gear according to the fifth embodiment.

[0036] Figure 31 It is a perspective view of the components related to the retention of the drive cancellation gear according to the fifth embodiment.

[0037] Figures 32A to 32E They are all explanatory diagrams of the components related to the push-in detection of the tray according to the fifth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 33Aand Figure 33B are diagrams showing a mobile device according to a modification example.

[0039] Figure 34 is a schematic diagram of an imaging device according to the sixth embodiment.

[0040] Figure 35 is a flowchart of a tray pulling-in operation according to the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 36 is a flowchart of a tray pulling-out operation according to the first embodiment. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0042] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] First Embodiment

[0044] will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12B the imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment. In the following description and each drawing, the vertical direction in the case where the imaging device 1 is disposed on a horizontal surface will be referred to as the Z direction. The direction that intersects the Z direction and is the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 (the rotation axis direction of the rotating body) to be described later will be referred to as the Y direction. The direction that intersects both the Z direction and the Y direction will be referred to as the X direction. Preferably, the X direction and the Y direction are horizontal directions. In addition, preferably, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are orthogonal to each other. In addition, the sides pointed to by the arrows X, Y, and Z in each drawing will be referred to as the +X, +Y, and +Z sides, respectively, and the sides opposite thereto will be referred to as the -X, -Y, and -Z sides, respectively.

[0045] Overall Configuration of the Imaging Device

[0046] First, the overall configuration of the imaging device 1 will be described. The imaging device 1 is a laser beam printer that forms an image on a sheet S by using an electrophotographic method. Specifically, the imaging device 1 is a color laser beam printer including four developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. As the sheet S used as a recording material (recording medium), various sheet materials of different sizes and different materials can be used. Examples of various sheet materials include paper sheets such as ordinary paper sheets and cardboard, plastic films, cloth, surface-treated sheet materials such as coated paper sheets, and irregularly shaped sheet materials such as envelopes and index paper sheets.

[0047] will be described with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 the schematic configuration and imaging operation of the imaging device 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the imaging device 1. Figure 2 is a diagram for describing a drive source of the imaging device 1. Figure 3It is a conceptual diagram showing components for supplying toner from a toner cartridge 70 to a developing unit 50.

[0048] As Figure 1 shown, the imaging device 1 includes an imaging device main body (hereinafter referred to as the device main body 1A) and toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k that can be attached to and detached from the device main body 1A. The device main body 1A of this embodiment is a part of the imaging device 1 other than the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0049] The device main body 1A of the imaging device 1 includes a photosensitive member 2 for an electrophotographic system. The photosensitive member has a drum shape (cylindrical shape) and is hereinafter referred to as the photosensitive drum 2. The photosensitive member 2 serves as an image carrier member for carrying an electrostatic latent image. A charging roller 3, a scanner 4 serving as an exposure device, and a cleaning unit 6 are disposed around the photosensitive drum 2.

[0050] The charging roller 3 is an example of a charging device or charging unit for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 2. The scanner 4 is an example of an exposure device or exposure unit for exposing the photosensitive drum 2 by irradiating the photosensitive drum 2 with laser light according to image information. By irradiating the photosensitive drum 2 with laser light after charging, an electrostatic latent image is formed on each surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The cleaning unit 6 is an example of a cleaning device or cleaning part for removing toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0051] In addition, the device main body 1A includes a sheet storage part 300, a pickup roller 310, a feed roller 311, a separation roller 312, a pair of transfer rollers 320, a secondary transfer roller 12, a fixing device 40, and an intermediate transfer unit 10. The pickup roller 310 is an example of a feeding device or feeding unit for feeding a sheet S. The feed roller 311 and the separation roller 312 are examples of a separation transfer unit that transfers the sheet S while separating the sheets S from each other by frictional force. The secondary transfer roller 12 is an example of a transfer device or transfer unit for transferring an image from the intermediate transfer belt 10a to the sheet S.

[0052] The intermediate transfer unit 10 includes an intermediate transfer belt 10a, a belt drive roller 10b, a tension roller 10c, a cleaning device 13, and a primary transfer roller 11. The intermediate transfer belt 10a is an example of an intermediate transfer member that carries an image transferred from the photosensitive drum 2 by primary transfer and transfers the image so as to transfer the image to the sheet S by secondary transfer. The intermediate transfer belt 10a is stretched over the belt drive roller 10b and the tension roller 10c. The belt drive roller 10b is a drive member that can be rotationally driven by a drive source to transfer the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0053] In addition, the apparatus main body 1A includes a rotating body 90 that serves as a rotating body, a rotator, or a developing device, and includes developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. As will be described later, trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k serving as support members are attached to the rotating body 90. Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are detachably attached to the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k.

[0054] In the following description, a plurality of members having similar functions may be distinguished by assigning numbers to them. For example, one of the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k may be referred to as a first toner cartridge, one of the remaining three may be referred to as a second toner cartridge, one of the remaining two may be referred to as a third toner cartridge, and the last one may be referred to as a fourth toner cartridge. Similarly, one of the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k may be referred to as a first tray, one of the remaining three may be referred to as a second tray, one of the remaining two may be referred to as a third tray, and the last one may be referred to as a fourth tray. That is, one of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a first support member, another one of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a second support member, yet another one of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a third support member, and the last one of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a fourth support member. This numbering is merely for convenience of description and can be appropriately interchanged in principle.

[0055] The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k serving as the first to fourth developing units are examples of developing devices or developing portions that each develop (visualize) an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 into a toner image by using toner of a corresponding color. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k each develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 by using one of yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner corresponding thereto. That is, a developer is used for development, and the imaging apparatus 1 uses first, second, third, and fourth developers having different colors from each other. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k may be arranged in an order different from Figure 1 the order shown.

[0056] The developing unit 50y includes a developing roller 51y, a supply roller 52y, and a developing blade. The developing roller 51y is a developer-carrying member that rotates while carrying toner serving as a developer or a developing reagent, and supplies the toner to the photosensitive drum 2. The supply roller 52y is a supply member that is arranged to contact the developing roller 51y and supply the toner to the developing roller 51y. The developing blade is a control member that controls the thickness of the toner layer carried on the developing roller 51y. The other developing units 50m, 50c, and 50k respectively include developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k, supply rollers 52m, 52c, and 52k, and developing blades configured in a similar manner.

[0057] Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k corresponding to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are attached to the rotating body 90. The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k store yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner to be supplied to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, respectively. One of the four-color toners can be referred to as the first toner, one of the remaining three-color toners can be referred to as the second toner, one of the remaining two-color toners can be referred to as the third toner, and the last remaining-color toner can be referred to as the fourth toner. For example, the black toner can be an example of the first toner, and the magenta toner can be an example of the second toner. This numbering is only for convenience of description and can be appropriately interchanged in principle.

[0058] Here, the rotating body 90 includes a rotating frame 90f that supports the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are supported by the rotating frame 90f, which is a rotatable rotating support member.

[0059] In addition, trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are attached to the rotating body 90. The rotating body 90 and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k can be referred to as a rotating unit 90U as a combination. In other words, the rotating unit 90U includes the rotating body 90 and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k.

[0060] The toner cartridges 70y to 70k are detachably held by the trays 80y to 80k. As will be described later, the trays 80y to 80k are supported so as to be slidable to the outside of the rotating body 90. The rotating unit 90U and the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k can be referred to as a rotating assembly 90A as a combination. In other words, the rotating assembly 90A includes the rotating unit 90U and the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0061] As will be described later, the rotating body 90 can rotate about a rotation axis (rotation center) 90C. The rotation axis 90C coincides with the rotation axes of the rotation frame 90f, the rotation unit 90U, and the rotation assembly 90A. In addition, the rotation axis 90C is substantially parallel to the rotation axis (rotation center) of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0062] The rotating body 90 rotates about the rotation axis 90C and can thus assume a developing posture in which any one of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k faces the photosensitive drum 2. The posture in which the developing roller 51y faces the photosensitive drum 2 will be referred to as the yellow developing posture. The posture in which the developing roller 51m faces the photosensitive drum 2 will be referred to as the magenta developing posture. The posture in which the developing roller 51c faces the photosensitive drum 2 will be referred to as the cyan developing posture. The posture in which the developing roller 51k faces the photosensitive drum 2 will be referred to as the black developing posture. That is, the rotating body 90 can rotate about the rotation axis 90C such that the positions of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k change relative to the photosensitive drum 2. The black developing posture is an example of a first developing posture in which a first developing roller (e.g., the developing roller 51k) faces the photosensitive drum 2. The other developing postures are examples of a second developing posture in which a second developing roller (e.g., one of the developing rollers 51y to 51c) faces the photosensitive drum 2. The yellow / magenta / cyan / black developing postures may be referred to as the first to fourth developing postures. This numbering is for convenience of description only and can be appropriately interchanged in principle.

[0063] As Figure 2 shown, the apparatus main body 1A includes motors M1, M2, and M3 that serve as drive sources. As will be described later, the motor M1 supplies a driving force for rotating the rotating body 90 about the rotation axis 90C. In other words, the motor M1 rotates the rotation assembly 90A and the rotation unit 90U about the rotation axis 90C.

[0064] In addition, the apparatus main body 1A includes a driving device 98 that includes the motor M2 and a transmission device. The transmission device includes driving racks 15L and 15R that serve as driving gears and a transmission part 15t that will be described later. The driving force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the driving racks 15L and 15R through the transmission part 15t. In other words, the motor M2 is configured to drive the driving racks 15L and 15R and move the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k relative to the rotating body 90 via the driving racks 15L and 15R.

[0065] The motor M3 drives components that are not driven by the motors M1 and M2. For example, the motor M3 drives the photosensitive drum 2, the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, the pickup roller 310, the feed roller 311, the pair of transfer rollers 320, the secondary transfer roller 12, the belt driving roller 10b, and the fixing device 40.

[0066] Note that the components driven by the motors M1, M2, and M3 can be appropriately changed. Additionally, the functions of two or three of the motors M1, M2, and M3 can be concentrated in one motor. Further, a drive source other than the motors M1, M2, and M3 can be added.

[0067] In addition, the apparatus main body 1A includes a controller 30 that serves as a control device or control section for controlling the operation of the imaging apparatus 1. The controller 30 includes a central processing unit (CPU) that executes a program and a storage section such as a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). The CPU reads and executes the program stored in the storage section and controls the operation of actuators (such as the motors M1, M2, and M3) provided in the imaging apparatus 1. The storage section includes a non-volatile storage medium and a volatile storage medium and serves as a storage area for programs and data and also as a work space for the CPU to execute programs. Note that each function of the controller 30 described below can be implemented as independent hardware in the circuit of the controller 30, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0068] Here, the suffixes y, m, c, and k given to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k, etc. indicate the colors of the toner. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k basically have the same configuration and functions. The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k basically have the same configuration and functions. Additionally, the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k basically have the same configuration and functions. Therefore, when it is not necessary to distinguish these, the suffixes y, m, c, and k will be omitted, and one arbitrarily selected from the four units, four cartridges, and four trays will be described. Additionally, when the four units, four cartridges, and four trays are to be distinguished from each other, the subject elements are each indicated by one of the suffixes y, m, c, and k and are described as one corresponding to the suffix among the four units, four cartridges, and four trays.

[0069] As Figure 3 shown, the toner cartridge 70 includes a toner frame 71. The toner frame 71 includes a toner storage section 71a for storing toner and a discharge port 71b communicating with the toner storage section 71a.

[0070] The developing unit 50 includes a developing frame 53 that serves as a storage frame. The developing frame 53 includes a developing-side storage portion 53a and an inlet 53b that communicates with the developing-side storage portion (toner supply chamber) 53a. That is, the rotating body 90 includes a developing frame 53y, a developing frame 53m, a developing frame 53c, and a developing frame 53k. That is, the rotating body 90 includes a first developing chamber, a second developing chamber, a third developing chamber, and a fourth developing chamber. Note that, as described above, although the developing unit 50 includes a developing roller 51, a supply roller 52, etc., the illustration of these components is omitted in Figure 3 the figure.

[0071] The developing roller 51k included in the developing unit 50k is an example of a first developing roller. The developing roller 51m included in the developing unit 50m is an example of a second developing roller. Figure 4A The developing frame 53k of the developing unit 50k shown including the developing-side storage portion 53a is an example of a first storage frame including a first storage portion. Figure 4A The developing frame 53m of the developing unit 50m shown including the developing-side storage portion 53a is an example of a second storage frame including a second storage portion. The rotating body 90 is an example of a rotatable rotating body and includes a first developing roller, a second developing roller, a first storage frame including a first storage portion, and a second storage frame including a second storage portion. In the present embodiment, the rotating body 90 includes first to fourth developing rollers and first to fourth storage frames.

[0072] As will be described later, the toner cartridge 70 can be moved relative to the developing frame 53 to an attached position and a retracted position, and in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70 is retracted from the attached position. In a state where the toner cartridge 70 is in the attached position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge port 71b faces the inlet 53b. That is, the toner storage portion 71a of the toner cartridge 70 and the developing-side storage portion 53a of the developing unit 50 communicate with each other via the discharge port 71b and the inlet 53b. When toner is supplied from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50, at least a part of the inlet 53b is positioned below at least a part of the discharge port 71b.

[0073] Then, the toner stored in the toner storage portion 71a is discharged through the discharge port 71b, and the toner discharged through the discharge port 71b is stored in the developing-side storage portion 53a through the inlet 53b. That is, a first developer, a second developer, a third developer, and a fourth developer are respectively supplied to the first developing chamber, the second developing chamber, the third developing chamber, and the fourth developing chamber included in the rotating body 90.

[0074] The toner stored in the developing-side storage section 53a is supplied to the developing roller 51 by the supply roller 52. The toner stored in the toner storage section 71a is supplied to the developing roller 51 through this path.

[0075] The toner cartridge 70 preferably includes a sealing member (first sealing member), not shown, that covers the discharge port 71b. Additionally, the developing unit 50 preferably includes a sealing member (second sealing member), not shown, that covers the inlet 53b.

[0076] In a state where the toner cartridge 70 is not attached to the developing unit 50, the discharge port 71b and the inlet 53b are preferably each covered by a sealing member, thereby suppressing the leakage of toner through the discharge port 71b and the inlet 53b.

[0077] Imaging operation

[0078] The imaging operation in this embodiment will be described. First, the photosensitive drum 2 rotates in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise direction) in synchronization with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 10a. Further, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 3. Figure 1 In the case of forming a color image on the sheet S, the rotating body 90 rotates in the direction of the arrow (clockwise direction) while supporting the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. Then, while moving the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k to the developing position one by one, the electrophotographic process is repeatedly executed.

[0079] Figure 1

[0080]

[0081] First, the scanner 4 emits laser light based on the image data corresponding to the yellow image, and thus an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. In parallel with the formation of this electrostatic latent image, the motor M1 rotates the rotating body 90, and the rotating body 90 assumes the yellow developing posture. When the rotating body 90 is in the yellow developing posture, the developing roller 51y is in the developing position, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is developed with yellow toner.

[0082] Here, in this embodiment, the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k are all elastic rollers formed by covering a metal shaft with rubber. In the developing position, the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k each develop the electrostatic latent image in a state of being in contact with the photosensitive drum 2. That is, a contact developing system is used for the imaging apparatus 1 of this embodiment. However, in the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k may develop the electrostatic latent image with a gap between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum 2. That is, a non-contact developing system may be used for the imaging apparatus 1.

[0082] After the yellow toner image is developed, the yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 2 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 10a by primary transfer performed by the primary transfer roller 11 provided on the inner peripheral side of the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0083] Thereafter, by rotating the rotating body 90 and thus moving the developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k to the developing positions in sequence, toner images of corresponding colors are formed. That is, after the yellow toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotating body 90 assumes a magenta developing posture, 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 rotating body 90 assumes a cyan developing posture, 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 rotating body 90 assumes a black developing posture, 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 rotating body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C in the Figure 1 direction of the arrow shown (clockwise direction) and returns to the yellow developing posture. It should be noted that the color of the image first formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a can be arbitrarily selected. For example, a black toner image can be formed first.

[0084] Then, primary transfer is repeated so that the toner images of the four colors are superimposed on each other on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, and thus a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. It should be noted that before the color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the secondary transfer roller 12 and the cleaning device 13 do not contact the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0085] At the same time, the sheet S is fed from the sheet storage section 300 provided in the lower part of the apparatus main body 1A by the pickup roller 310. In a state where one sheet S is separated from a stack of sheets S by the feed roller 311 and the separation roller 312, the sheet S is conveyed to the pair of conveyance rollers 320. The pair of conveyance rollers 320 delivers the fed sheet S to the transfer section (secondary transfer section), which is a clamping section located between the intermediate transfer belt 10a and the secondary transfer roller 12. The color image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is transferred onto the surface of the conveyed sheet S by secondary transfer.

[0086] The sheet S on which the color image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 40. In the fixing device 40, the sheet S is heated and pressed, and thus the image is fixed onto the sheet S. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 40 is discharged to the outside of the imaging apparatus 1 as a product.

[0087] On the contrary, when a black-and-white image (monochrome image) is formed on the sheet S, the rotating body 90 assumes a black development posture. In this state, the photosensitive drum 2 is charged and exposed, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. Then, the electrostatic latent image is developed with black toner by the developing roller 51k positioned at the developing position. The black toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10a by primary transfer, and then the toner image is transferred to the sheet S by secondary transfer. The subsequent steps are similar to the case of a color image.

[0088] Rotating body configuration

[0089] Refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B and Figure 5 for a description of the configuration of the rotating body 90. Figure 4A and Figure 4B are cross-sectional views of the rotating body 90 of the image forming apparatus 1 and its surroundings. It should be noted that Figure 4A and Figure 4B are cross-sectional views taken along a virtual plane orthogonal to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rotating body 90.

[0090] As described above, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k can be attached to and detached from the rotating body 90. When the toner in the toner cartridges 70y to 70k is used up, the user can replenish the toner for the image forming apparatus 1 by replacing the toner cartridges 70y to 70k.

[0091] As Figure 1 shown, the apparatus main body 1A includes a frame 16 that houses the rotating body 90. The frame 16 is the main body frame of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. The frame 16 is a housing or framework of the apparatus main body 1A composed of a frame and external members, and has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0092] The frame 16 has an opening 16a. More specifically, the frame 16 has a side surface 16b that extends in a direction intersecting the horizontal direction. The side surface 16b constitutes at least a part of the outer surface of the apparatus main body 1A on the +X side. The opening 16a is provided in the side surface 16b. The side surface 16b is a side surface provided on the downstream side of the discharge port in the discharge direction, in which the sheet S on which an image has been formed is discharged from the apparatus main body 1A through the discharge port. From the side surface 16b side of the image forming apparatus 1, the user can access the sheet storage portion 300 to replenish the sheet S to the sheet storage portion 300, and can obtain the sheet S discharged through the discharge port. Therefore, the side surface 16b can be referred to as the front surface of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0093] The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k can be attached to and detached from the rotating body 90 through the opening 16a. That is to say, the toner cartridge 70k can be referred to as an example of a first toner cartridge that stores toner to be supplied to the first developing roller (developing roller 51k) and can be attached to and detached from the rotating body (rotating body 90) through the opening 16a in the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A. The toner cartridge 70m can be referred to as an example of a second toner cartridge that stores toner to be supplied to the second developing roller (developing roller 51m) and can be attached to and detached from the rotating body (rotating body 90) through the opening 16a in the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are attached to and detached from the rotating body 90 through the opening 16a while being supported by the trays 80y to 80k. In other words, the user can attach the toner cartridges 70y to 70k to the rotating body 90 and detach them from it via the trays 80y to 80k.

[0095] The opening 16a is provided in the side surface 16b of the frame 16. In the present embodiment, the side surface 16b is a surface that is substantially parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90. Therefore, when replacing the toner cartridge 70, the toner cartridge 70 passes through the opening 16a in a direction intersecting the rotation axis 90C (preferably, a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis 90C).

[0096] The imaging device 1 includes a door 14 that covers the opening 16a of the frame 16. The door 14 is an open / close member that can be moved to Figure 6A the shown closed position and Figure 6B and Figure 6C the shown open position. In the closed position, the door 14 covers the opening 16a, and in the open position, the opening 16a is exposed.

[0097] As described above, in the present embodiment, the toner cartridge 70 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the rotating body 90 via the tray 80. Therefore, the toner cartridge 70 can be stably attached to and detached from the rotating body 90.

[0098] More specifically, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70 by attaching the toner cartridge 70 to the tray 80 and detaching it therefrom, the tray being configured to be movable relative to the rotating body 90 (that is, relative to the apparatus main body 1A). In the case of a configuration in which the toner cartridge is replaced by the user directly inserting the toner cartridge into the apparatus main body and removing it therefrom, the user needs to insert the toner cartridge into a predetermined attachment position in the apparatus main body. In the present embodiment, the tray 80 is movable such that the toner cartridge 70 moves to the attachment position in a state where the tray 80 supports the toner cartridge 70. Accordingly, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70 by a simple operation of placing the toner cartridge 70 on the tray 80, and thus the operability is improved.

[0099] Note that the toner cartridge 70 has an elongated shape, with the Y direction parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 being the longitudinal direction. That is, the toner cartridge 70 has a larger dimension in the longitudinal direction than its height and width in a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. In the case of using the toner cartridge 70 having the elongated shape as described above, by providing the opening 16a in the side surface 16b of the frame 16 substantially 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 moving distance. Compared with, for example, the case where the toner cartridge 70 is inserted or removed through an opening provided in a side surface on one side (+Y side or -Y side) of the frame 16 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70, the replacement of the toner cartridge 70 becomes easier.

[0100] The rotating body 90 rotates about the rotation axis 90C and can thus assume a replacement posture in which one of the toner cartridges 70y to 70k is allowed to be detached from the rotating body 90. The posture allowing the detachment of the toner cartridge 70y will be referred to as the yellow replacement posture. The posture allowing the detachment of the toner cartridge 70m will be referred to as the magenta replacement posture. The posture allowing the detachment of the toner cartridge 70c will be referred to as the cyan replacement posture.

[0101] The posture allowing the detachment of the toner cartridge 70k will be referred to as the black replacement posture. The black replacement posture is an example of the first replacement posture allowing the first toner cartridge to be detached from the rotating body 90. The yellow / magenta / cyan replacement postures are examples of the second replacement postures allowing the second toner cartridge to be detached from the rotating body 90. The yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement postures may be referred to as the first to fourth replacement postures. This numbering is merely for convenience of description and can be appropriately interchanged in principle.

[0102] The rotating body 90 rotates about the rotation axis 90C in Figure 1 the counterclockwise direction and can assume the yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement postures in sequence. In the present embodiment, the rotating body 90 rotates about the rotation axis 90C inFigure 1 rotates counterclockwise, and thus the developing posture and the replacing posture can be alternately switched. For example, in Figure 1 , the rotating body 90 is rotated 90 degrees and is in the black developing posture. By rotating the rotating body 90 clockwise from this state, the posture of the rotating body 90 can be switched in the order of cyan replacing posture, yellow developing posture, black replacing posture, magenta developing posture, yellow replacing posture, cyan developing posture, and magenta replacing posture. By rotating the rotating body 90 clockwise from the magenta replacing posture, the rotating body 90 returns to the black developing posture. That is, the rotating body 90 can be rotated clockwise more than once (360°).

[0103] Figure 4A shows a cross-section of the rotating body 90 in the developing posture (specifically, the yellow developing posture). Figure 4B shows a cross-section of the rotating body 90 in the replacing posture (specifically, the black replacing posture).

[0104] As Figure 4A and Figure 4B shown, four trays 80y to 80k are attached to the rotating body 90. The trays 80y to 80k hold the toner cartridges 70y to 70k, respectively. In Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the trays 80y to 80k are accommodated in the rotating body 90, and this state can be referred to as a state where the toner cartridges 70y to 70k are attached to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k.

[0105] As described above, the toner cartridge 70 can be moved relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50 to an attachment position and a retracted position, and at the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70 is retracted from the attachment position. That is, the first toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70k) can be moved relative to the first storage frame (developing frame 53k) to a first attachment position and a first retracted position. The second toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70m) can be moved relative to the second storage frame (developing frame 53m) to a second attachment position and a second retracted position.

[0106] In a state where the toner cartridge 70 is in the attachment position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge port 71b and the inlet 53b face each other, as Figure 3 shown. In this state, the toner cartridge 70 is configured to supply toner to the developing side storage portion 53a through the inlet 53b (the opening of the storage frame).

[0107] The device main body 1A includes a moving device 85 configured to move the toner cartridge 70 from the attachment position to the retracted position relative to the rotating body 90 (more specifically, relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50). The following will refer toFigure 8 The mobile devices 85 are described as follows. In this embodiment, a plurality of mobile devices 85y to 85k corresponding to a plurality of toner cartridges 70y to 70k are provided in the rotating body 90. The trays 80y to 80k can be referred to as part of the mobile devices 85y to 85k.

[0108] In this embodiment, the toner cartridge 70k storing black toner is larger in size than the toner cartridges 70y to 70c storing yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner, and can store more toner. In other words, the first toner cartridge can store a first amount of toner, the second toner cartridge can store a second amount of toner, and the first amount is greater than the second amount.

[0109] Specifically, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k in the first radial direction with respect to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 is greater than the length of the magenta toner cartridge 70m in the second radial direction. Here, the first radial direction is the radial direction of the rotation radius of the rotating body 90 (the radial direction of a virtual circle centered on the rotation axis 90C), and is the direction in which the toner cartridge 70k extends with respect to the rotation axis 90C when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C. The second radial direction is the radial direction of the rotation radius of the rotating body 90, and is the direction in which the toner cartridge 70m extends with respect to the rotation axis 90C when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C. Similarly, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k in the first radial direction is greater than the lengths of the other toner cartridges 70y and 70c in the radial directions corresponding to the toner cartridges 70y and 70c.

[0110] Therefore, the tray 80k holding the black toner cartridge 70k is larger in size than the trays 80y to 80c holding the other toner cartridges 70y, 70m, and 70c. That is, four toner cartridges 70y to 70k and trays 80y to 80k having different sizes are provided in the rotating body 90. In other words, the toner cartridge 70k serving as an example of the first toner cartridge and the toner cartridge 70y serving as an example of the second toner cartridge smaller than the first toner cartridge can be attached to and detached from the rotating body 90. Accordingly, the tray 80k serving as an example of the first support member for supporting the first toner cartridge and the tray 80y serving as an example of the second support member smaller than the first support member are provided in the rotating body 90. In addition, the toner cartridges 70m and 70c serving as examples of the third toner cartridge and the fourth toner cartridge smaller in size than the first toner cartridge can be attached to and detached from the rotating body 90. Accordingly, the trays 80m and 80c serving as examples of the third support member and the fourth support member smaller in size than the first support member are provided in the rotating body 90.

[0111] Here, reference will be made to Figure 5 Describe the rotational drive of the rotating body 90. AsFigure 5 As shown, disk gears 92L and 92R are formed on corresponding end portions of the rotating body 90. Additionally, rotation drive gears 93L and 93R are formed on corresponding end portions of the swing shaft 91 in a manner capable of transmitting driving force. Here, the driving force of the motor M1 is transmitted to the rotation drive gear 93R via the drive transmission mechanism. Next, the driving force is transmitted to the disk gears 92L and 92R via the rotation drive gears 93L and 93R, and thus the rotating body 90 is rotationally driven. The rotating body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C in the Figure 1 clockwise direction in

[0112] In addition, the rotating body 90 is supported so as to be able to swing around the swing shaft 91. The rotating body 90 is pushed around the swing shaft 91 in the Figure 4A and Figure 4B counterclockwise direction in

[0113] At the same time, as shown in Figure 5 , rotation cams 90eL and 90eR are provided on corresponding end portions of the rotating body 90. When the rotating body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C in the Figure 4A and Figure 4B clockwise direction, the rotation cams 90eL and 90eR contact the roller 96 supported by the frame 16 shown in Figure 4A and Figure 4B . Then, the rotating body 90 moves around the swing shaft 91 in the Figure 4A and Figure 4B clockwise direction in

[0114] Therefore, when the rotating body 90 rotates and switches from the developing posture to the replacement posture, the rotating body 90 swings around the swing shaft 91. In a state where the rotating body 90 is in the replacement posture, the developing roller 51 is separated from the photosensitive drum 2.

[0115] As shown in Figure 4B , in the black replacement posture, the toner cartridge 70k stops at a position where the toner cartridge 70k faces the opening 16a and the door 14 provided on the side surface 16b of the apparatus main body 1A. When the tray 80k is slid from the attachment position of the developing unit 50k to the outside of the rotating body 90 from this state, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70k.

[0116] Replacement operation of the toner cartridge

[0117] Reference will be made to Figure 4A 、 Figures 6A to 6C 、 Figure 7A and Figure 7B to describe the toner cartridge replacement operation. Figures 6A to 6C Both are external views of the device main body 1A. Figure 7A and Figure 7B Both are cross-sectional views of the rotating body 90 and its surroundings during toner cartridge replacement. It should be noted that Figure 7A and Figure 7B Both are cross-sectional views of the device taken along a virtual plane orthogonal to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90.

[0118] Figure 6A shows the appearance of the device main body 1A during the imaging operation and in the standby state. During the imaging operation refers to the period during which the imaging device 1 feeds the sheet S, forms an image on the sheet S, and then discharges the sheet S as a product. The standby state is a state in which the imaging device 1 can start the imaging operation if it receives an imaging instruction (print instruction), and a state in which the imaging device 1 waits for an imaging instruction from the user. As Figure 6A shown, the door 14 is closed during the imaging operation and in the standby state.

[0119] Figure 6B shows the appearance of the device main body 1A when replacing the toner cartridge. 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 device main body 1A.

[0120] The toner cartridge 70 can be moved relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50 to an attached position and a retracted position, and in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70 is retracted from the attached position. In a state where the toner cartridge 70 is in the attached position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge port 71b and the inlet 53b face each other, as Figure 3 shown. As Figure 4A and Figure 4B shown, the rotating body 90 is configured to rotate around the rotation axis 90C in a state where the toner cartridge 70 is in the attached position to take a developing posture and a replacement posture.

[0121] The toner cartridge replacement operation will be described. First, the user instructs the controller 30 of the device main body 1A to perform the toner cartridge replacement operation. The instruction for the toner cartridge replacement operation is given, for example, via the input of an operation panel (operation section) provided on the device main body 1A.

[0122] When the controller 30 receives an instruction for a toner cartridge replacement operation, the rotation body 90 rotates to the replacement posture of the toner cartridge 70 (the toner cartridge 70 with depleted toner) that is the target for replacement, and stops. That is, the controller 30 rotates the rotation body 90 to the replacement posture of the toner cartridge specified in the toner cartridge replacement instruction (in Figure 4B for example, the black replacement posture for replacing the black toner cartridge 70k). In the replacement posture, the tray 80 that supports the toner cartridge 70 that has been instructed to be replaced faces the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0123] For example, Figure 4A the rotation body 90 is in the yellow developing posture, in which the yellow developing roller 51y faces the photosensitive drum 2. At this time, the black toner cartridge 70k and the tray 80k do not have to face the opening 16a and the door 14. In other words, when the rotation body 90 is in the developing posture or a replacement posture different from the replacement posture of the toner cartridge, the toner cartridge 70 and the tray 80 do not have to face the opening 16a and the door 14. Therefore, the opening 16a can have a size that allows each of the toner cartridges 70 to pass through the opening individually. When the rotation body 90 rotates a predetermined angle in the clockwise direction in the drawing from the yellow developing posture, the black toner cartridge 70k and the tray 80k face the opening 16a and the door 14, as Figure 4B shown.

[0124] Here, "the tray 80 faces the opening 16a" means that the tray 80 is positioned so as to be able to move to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A through the opening 16a. That is, when the tray 80 faces the opening 16a, a moving mechanism described later moves the tray 80 outward in the radial direction of the rotation of the rotation body 90, so that the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 supported by the tray 80 can protrude to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A. In Figure 4A none of the trays 80y to 80k face the opening 16a. In Figure 4B only the black tray 80k faces the opening 16a, while the other trays 80y to 80c do not face the opening 16a.

[0125] When the rotation body 90 is in the replacement posture, the motor M2 moves the tray 80 that supports the toner cartridge 70 that is the target for replacement to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0126] Therefore, the toner cartridge 70 that is the target for replacement moves from the attached position to the retracted position relative to the rotation body 90. In addition, as Figure 6B , Figure 6C , Figure 7A and Figure 7B shown, the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 that is the target for replacement supported by the tray 80 protrude to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A through the opening 16a.

[0127] More specifically, the tray 80 can be moved relative to the rotating body 90 to a receiving position and a removal position. That is, the first tray can be moved to the receiving position (first position) and the removal position (second position). In addition, the second tray can be moved to the receiving position (third position) and the removal position (fourth position). The receiving position is the position where the tray 80 is received in the rotating body 90. The removal position is the position where the tray 80 protrudes to the outside of the rotating body 90 and the toner cartridge 70 can be removed from the tray 80 (removable position or replaceable position). Figure 4A and Figure 4B the positions of the trays 80y to 80k in Figure 6B and Figure 6C serve as examples of the receiving position. Figure 7A the position of the tray 80 in Figure 7B the position of the tray 80k in

[0128] and the position of the tray 80m in

[0129] Here, as shown in Figure 7A and Figure 7B the rotating body 90 has a protruding portion 95 for holding the tray 80 in the receiving position and holding the toner cartridge 70 in the attached position. As shown in Figure 8 the tray 80 has a recessed portion 87 configured to fit onto the protruding portion 95. Figure 7A and Figure 7B show the protruding portions 95k and 95m corresponding to the trays 80k and 80m, and Figure 8 show the recessed portions 87y and 87m of the trays 80y and 80m. The protruding portion 95 and the recessed portion 87 are provided for each of the trays 80y to 80k. Preferably, the protruding portion 95 is pushed in the direction of engagement with the recessed portion 87.

[0130] The protruding portion 95 fits into the recessed portion 87 of the tray 80, so that the tray 80 is locked relative to the rotating frame 90f. Therefore, even when the rotating body 90 rotates, the tray 80 stays in the receiving position, and thus movement of the toner cartridge 70 from the attached position can be suppressed. It should be noted that in the case where the tray 80 is moved between the receiving position and the removal position by a moving device described below, the protruding portion 95 can be configured to move through the tray 80 and thus disengage from the recessed portion 87.

[0131] In this embodiment, the door 14 is supported so as to be pivotable relative to the device main body 1A. As Figure 7A shown, the door 14 is pushed from the open position to the closed position by a spring 14s. The spring 14s is, for example, a tension spring, and pushes the door 14 so as to generate a moment in the counterclockwise direction along Figure 7A and Figure 7B about the support axis 14c of the door 14.

[0132] The tray 80 pushes the door 14, so that the door 14 is in the Figure 6B open state shown. This state can be referred to as a state in which the tray 80 is supported by the door 14. The door 14 supports at least a part of the tray 80 protruding outside the device main body 1A, so that 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 open / close member (door 14) in the open position supports the first support member (tray 80k). In addition, when the second toner cartridge (one of the toner cartridges 70y to 70c) is in the second retracted position, the open / close member (door 14) in the open position supports the second support member (one of the trays 80y to 80c).

[0133] It should be noted that the door 14 is configured such that the door 14 in the open position contacts a part of the frame 16 of the device main body 1A (for example, the lower edge 16c of the opening 16a) and does not pivot downward beyond the open position. When the tray 80 is pulled back into the device main body 1A from the outside, the door 14 returns to the closed position by the driving force of the spring 14s.

[0134] The toner cartridge 70 is detachably held by the tray 80. Thus, as Figure 6C shown, the user can perform the work of detaching the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80 and attaching a new toner cartridge 70 (replacement work). It should be noted that in the case of replacing a plurality of toner cartridges 70, the replacement work can be performed by repeating the above operation.

[0135] Figure 7A and Figure 7B show a cross section of the rotating body 90 and its surroundings when replacing the toner cartridge. Figure 7A shows the state when replacing the black toner cartridge 70k. Figure 7B shows the state when replacing the magenta toner cartridge 70m.

[0136] The imaging device 1 includes Figure 8The mobile devices 85y, 85m, 85c, and 85k shown move the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k from the attached position to the retracted position, respectively. When referring to the "mobile device 85" omitting the suffixes y, m, c, and k, it generally refers to any one of the mobile devices 85y, 85m, 85c, and 85k. In this embodiment, it can be said that the mobile device 85 includes a tray 80. The mobile device 85k including the tray 80k can be regarded as an example of a first mobile device including a first support member. The mobile device 85m including the tray 80m can be regarded as an example of a second mobile device including a second support member.

[0137] Even when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the tray 80 is connected to (supported by) the rotating body 90. To easily remove the toner cartridge 70 from the rotating body 90, it is preferable that the length by which the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotating body 90 when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position is large. Since the toner cartridge 70 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the rotating body 90 via the tray 80, the toner cartridge 70 can be stably supported by the tray 80 even when the length by which the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotating body 90 is large.

[0138] The moving direction of the toner cartridge 70 when it moves from the attached position to the retracted position will be referred to as the retraction direction. In this embodiment, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). Thus, as Figure 7A and Figure 7B shown, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is a direction orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). Additionally, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 can be referred to as a direction outward in the radial direction of rotation of the rotating body 90, that is, a direction away from the rotation axis 90C.

[0139] As Figure 7A and Figure 7B shown, since the user removes the toner cartridge 70 from the rotating body 90, it is preferable that at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotating body 90 when removing the toner cartridge 70. In this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotating body 90.

[0140] It can be said that when the rotating body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C, the rotation trajectory of the rotating body 90 matches the circumscribed circle of the rotating body 90 centered on the rotation axis 90C, that is, Figure 7A and Figure 7BThe virtual circle 90V shown by the dashed line in the figure. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, preferably, half or more of the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the retracting direction is outside the rotation locus of the rotating body 90. That is, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body, preferably, half or more of the total length of the toner cartridge is positioned outside the rotation locus of the rotating body in the moving direction of the toner cartridge from the attached position to the retracted position. This applies to the toner cartridge 70 including the toner cartridge 70k used as an example of the first cartridge and the toner cartridge 70m used as an example of the second cartridge. Additionally, in the present embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position as shown in Figure 7A and Figure 7B the whole of the toner cartridge 70 is outside the rotation locus (virtual circle 90V) of the rotating body 90.

[0141] Furthermore, in order to make it easier for the user to grasp the toner cartridge 70, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is preferably outside the imaging device 1, that is, located outside the device main body 1A. The outside of the device mentioned herein refers to the space outside the imaging device 1 (outside the device main body 1A) when the imaging device 1 is used for imaging operations on, for example, a sheet S.

[0142] In the present embodiment, the outer surface of the device main body 1A is constituted by the outer surface of the frame 16. That is, the outside of the device can also be referred to as the outside of the frame 16. Therefore, the state in which at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is outside the device can also be referred to as the state in which at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes outside the frame 16 through the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the device main body 1A.

[0143] In the present embodiment, when the door 14 is in the closed position, the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the device main body 1A is covered by the door 14. Additionally, the outer surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position constitutes a part of the outer surface of the device main body 1A. In this case, the outside of the device refers to the outside of the outer surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position. That is, in the case where the position of the outer surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position is referred to as the outside position, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is positioned more outward than the outside position with respect to the device main body 1A.

[0144] In other words, at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is positioned in a space that would be outside the device main body 1A if the door 14 were in the closed position. Additionally, at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is positioned downstream of the outside position in the retracting direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0145] In addition, when the side surface 16b with the opening 16a is the front surface of the apparatus main body 1A, it can be said that at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes more forward than the outer surface on the front side of the apparatus main body 1A when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position. In this case, the user can easily access the toner cartridge 70 from the front side of the image forming apparatus and replace the toner cartridge 70.

[0146] Note that when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, preferably half or more of the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the retracting direction is outside the apparatus. That is, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body, in a state where the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, preferably half or more of the total length of the toner cartridge in the moving direction from the attached position to the retracted position is positioned outside the main body frame. This applies to the toner cartridge 70 including the toner cartridge 70k as an example of the first toner cartridge and the toner cartridge 70m as an example of the second toner cartridge. In addition, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, preferably the whole of the toner cartridge 70 is located outside the apparatus. Note that although the outer surface 14a of the door 14 and the side surface 16b constitute the outer surface on the front side of the apparatus main body 1A in the present embodiment, the configuration of the door 14 is not limited thereto. For example, the size of the door 14 may be set to cover the entire side surface 16b. In this case, the outer surface 14a of the door 14 constitutes the outer surface on the front side of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0147] The tray 80 includes Figure 3 and Figure 6C the cartridge holding portion 81 that holds the toner cartridge 70 as shown. The cartridge holding portion 81 is an attachment portion to which the toner cartridge 70 is attached. When the tray 80 is in the detached position, preferably the whole of the cartridge holding portion 81 is outside the rotation locus of the rotating body 90 in the retracting direction. When the tray 80 is in the detached position, preferably half or more of the length of the cartridge holding portion 81 is outside the apparatus in the retracting direction.

[0148] Here, as described above, the toner cartridge 70k and the tray 80k are larger in size than the other toner cartridges 70y to 70c and the other trays 80y to 80c. Therefore, as Figure 7A and Figure 7B shown, in the present embodiment, the moving amount of the tray 80 when replacing the toner cartridge is changed according to the size of the toner cartridge 70.

[0149] Specifically, as Figure 7A shown, the moving distance of the tray 80k (first support member) from the accommodating position (first accommodating position) to the detached position (first detached position) is L1. The moving distance of the tray 80m (second support member) from the accommodating position to the detached position (third detached position) is L2. Although in Figure 7BThe states of the moving toner cartridge 70m and the tray 80m are shown, but the moving distance of the trays 80y and 80c from the accommodating position to the detaching position is also L2. In this case, L1 is greater than L2. In other words, it can be said that the moving distance of the first support member when the first toner cartridge moves from the first attachment position to the first retracted position is greater than the moving distance of the second support member when the second toner cartridge moves from the second attachment position to the second retracted position.

[0150] In addition, as Figure 7A shown, in a state where the tray 80k is in the detaching position and the toner cartridge 70k is in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70k protrudes from the outer surface of the apparatus main body 1A to the outside of the apparatus by a distance P1. In the present embodiment, the tray 80k also protrudes from the outer surface of the apparatus main body 1A to the outside of the apparatus by the distance P1.

[0151] In addition, as Figure 7B shown, in a state where the tray 80m is in the detaching position and the toner cartridge 70m is in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70m protrudes from the outer surface of the apparatus main body 1A to the outside of the apparatus by a distance P2. In the present embodiment, the tray 80m also protrudes from the outer surface of the apparatus main body 1A to the outside of the apparatus by the distance P2. It should be noted that the toner cartridges 70y and 70c also protrude from the outer surface of the apparatus main body 1A to the outside of the apparatus by the distance P2.

[0152] The above distance P1 is greater than the distance P2. That is to say, the length by which the first toner cartridge in the first retracted position protrudes through the opening 16a of the apparatus main body 1A will be referred to as the first length (P1), and the length by which the second toner cartridge in the second retracted position protrudes through the opening 16a will be referred to as the second length (P2). In this case, it can be said that the first length is greater than the second length.

[0153] In terms of strength, more preferably, the distance P2 by which the toner cartridges 70y to 70c smaller than the toner cartridge 70k protrude to the outside of the device in the retracted position is smaller than the distance P1 by which the toner cartridge 70k protrudes to the outside in the retracted position. The reasons are as follows. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes to the outside of the device from the outside of the rotation locus of the rotating body 90 or the outer surface of the device body 1A. At this time, the tray 80 supports the weight of the toner cartridge 70 in a state where one side thereof is supported by the rotating body 90. Therefore, reducing the distance P2 by which the toner cartridges 70y to 70c protrude to the outside of the device in the retracted position can reduce the load on the trays 80y to 80c or the guiding portions 97 of the rotating body 90 that support the trays 80y to 80k. In addition, since the toner cartridges 70y to 70c are smaller than the toner cartridge 70k, the operability of replacing the cartridges of the trays 80y to 80c can be maintained even if the distance P2 is set to be smaller than the distance P1.

[0154] Tray Arrangement in the Rotating Body

[0155] will be referred to Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 to describe the arrangement of the trays 80y to 80k in the rotating body 90. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the trays 80y to 80k in the rotating body 90. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the trays 80y to 80k in the rotating body 90.

[0156] Figure 10 is a view showing the arrangement of members on one end side in the Y direction of the trays 80y to 80k. It should be noted that Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the rotating body 90 taken along a virtual plane orthogonal to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90. In addition, Figure 10 the upper half of Figure 8 is a view of the rotating body 90 and the trays 80m and 80k seen from the upper right side (+Z side) of Figure 8 while Figure 10 the lower half of Figure 8 is a view of the rotating body 90 and the trays 80c and 80y seen from the left side (-X) of Figure 8

[0157] As Figure 8 shown, the trays 80y to 80k are respectively provided with cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k and guided portions 82y to 82k.

[0158] The toner cartridges 70y to 70k are respectively attached to the cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k. The cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k respectively accommodate at least a part of the toner cartridges 70y to 70k attached thereto.​

[0159] The guided portions 82y to 82k are provided at the respective end portions of the trays 80y to 80k such that the cassette holding portions 81y to 81k are each interposed therebetween in the Y direction. The guided portions 82y to 82k are each an elongated member extending in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the rotating body 90.

[0160] In the present embodiment, as Figure 11A and 11B shown, on the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k, a reinforcing rib 82k1 is formed on a part of the guided portion 82k, and on the moving direction Dm of the tray 80m, a reinforcing rib 82m1 is formed on a part of the guided portion 82m. The reinforcing ribs 82k1 and 82m1 are in the shape of elongated ribs (ridges), which protrude outward in the Y direction from the guided portions 82k and 82m at the respective end portions of the trays 80k and 80m in the Y direction, and extend in the moving directions Dk and Dm of the trays 80k and 80m. The reinforcing ribs 82k1 and 82m1 increase the rigidity of the guided portions 82k and 82m.

[0161] Note that, although in the present embodiment the lengths of the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 are limited to avoid the guided portions 82y and 82c, the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 can be provided for the entire lengths of the guided portions 82m and 82k unless there is interference with the guided portions 82y and 82c. Reinforcing ribs can be added to the guided portions 82y and 82c. Additionally, in a configuration where the rigidity of the guided portions 82m and 82k is sufficient, a configuration without the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 can be adopted.

[0162] The guided portions 82y to 82k have rack portions (rack gears) 83y to 83k formed therein. Additionally, pinions 94y to 94k are rotatably held in the rotating body 90. The pinions 94y to 94k are respectively engaged with the rack portions 83y to 83k in a manner capable of transmitting driving force.

[0163] The tray 80y is provided with one or more rack portions 83y. The rotating body 90 is provided with one or more pinions 94y corresponding to the one or more rack portions 83y. Similarly, the trays 80m, 80c, and 80k are respectively provided with one or more rack portions 83m, one or more rack portions 83c, and one or more rack portions 83k. The rotating body 90 is provided with one or more pinions 94m corresponding to the one or more rack portions 83m, one or more pinions 94c corresponding to the one or more rack portions 83c, and one or more pinions 94k corresponding to the one or more rack portions 83k.

[0164] The rack portions 83y to 83k and the pinions 94y to 94k are part of the moving devices 85y to 85k, which are configured to move the toner cartridges 70y to 70k from the attached position to the retracted position. Additionally, it can be said that the rack portions 83y to 83k and the pinions 94y to 94k are part of the driven devices, which are driven by the drive device 98 of the apparatus main body 1A. It can be said that the pinions 94y to 94k are rotatable bodies (rotating members), which rotate to move the trays 80y to 80k relative to the rotating body 90.

[0165] The moving devices 85y to 85k are driven by the drive device 98 of the apparatus main body. The pinions 94y to 94k and the rack portions 83y to 83k serve as the driven parts of the moving devices 85y to 85k of the rotating body 90 to receive the driving force from the drive device 98 of the apparatus main body 1A. The pinion 94k and the rack portion 83k are examples of the first pinion and the first rack gear, which constitute at least a part of the first driven part included in the first moving device. The pinion 94m and the rack portion 83m are examples of the second pinion and the second rack gear, which constitute at least a part of the second driven part included in the second moving device.

[0166] The rotating body 90 includes Figure 7A and Figure 7B the guide portions 97 respectively engaged with the guided portions 82y to 82k as shown. Figure 7A The guide portion 97 (97k) engaged with the guided portion 82k of the tray 80k is shown, and Figure 7B the guide portion 97 (97m) engaged with the guided portion 82m of the tray 80m is shown. The rotating body 90 includes similar guide portions respectively engaged with the guided portions 82y and 82c of the trays 80y and 80c. Additionally, although in Figure 7A and Figure 7B it is shown that the guide portion 97 is provided on one side (+Y side) in the Y direction of the rotating body 90, similar guide portions 97 are also provided on the other side (-Y side) in the Y direction of the rotating body 90.

[0167] When the tray 80 moves between the accommodation position and the removal position, the guide portion 97 remains engaged with the guided portion 82 in at least a part of the movement range and guides the movement direction of the tray 80. In the present embodiment, throughout the entire movement range of the tray 80k between the accommodation position and the removal position, the guide portion 97 remains engaged with the guided portion 82k. Additionally, in the present embodiment, throughout the entire movement range of the tray 80m between the accommodation position and the removal position, the guide portion 97 remains engaged with the guided portion 82m.

[0168] In addition, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, four trays 80y to 80k are provided in the rotating body 90 so as to overlap each other, which will be described in detail below.

[0169] When the pinions 94y to 94k rotate, the rack portions 83y to 83k and the trays 80y to 80k move relative to the rotating body 90. As Figure 9 shown, the four trays 80y to 80k are arranged such that their moving directions relative to the rotating body 90 are rotated 90° from each other. Therefore, the tray 80y and the tray 80c are held so as to be slidable in substantially the same direction (parallel direction) with respect to each other, and the tray 80m and the tray 80k are held so as to be slidable in substantially the same direction (parallel direction) with respect to each other. The sliding movement directions of the trays 80y to 80k are controlled by the engagement between the above-described guiding portions 97 and the guided portions 82y to 82k.

[0170] It should be noted that the trays 80y to 80k move to the outside of the apparatus through the opening 16a. When the trays 80y to 80k each move to the outside of the apparatus through the opening 16a, the moving directions of the trays are substantially the same (parallel).

[0171] As Figure 9 shown, the trays are arranged such that: with respect to the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k, the range where the tray 80k is provided overlaps with the ranges where the tray 80y and the tray 80c are provided. In addition, with respect to the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k, the range where the tray 80k is provided overlaps with the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90. That is to say, it can be said that the toner cartridge 70k held by the cartridge holding portion 81k of the tray 80k overlaps with Figure 4B the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 shown.

[0172] On the contrary, the trays are arranged in a shifted manner such that: with respect to the moving direction Dm of the tray 80m, the range where the tray 80m is provided does not overlap with the ranges where the tray 80y and the tray 80c are provided. In addition, the trays are arranged in a shifted manner such that: with respect to the moving direction Dy of the tray 80y, the range where the tray 80y is provided does not overlap with the ranges where the tray 80m and the tray 80k are provided. Similarly, the trays are arranged in a shifted manner such that: with respect to the moving direction Dc of the tray 80c, the range where the tray 80c is provided does not overlap with the ranges where the tray 80m and the tray 80k are provided.

[0173] The positional relationship between the trays 80 can also be expressed as follows. When viewed in the moving direction Dy 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. When viewed in the moving direction Dm of the tray 80m, the tray 80m and the tray 80k overlap each other, but the tray 80m and the trays 80y and 80c do not overlap each other. When viewed in the moving direction Dc 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.

[0174] Here, two elements (such as members, parts, and units) that overlap when viewed in a specific direction mean that in the case where the elements project orthogonally onto a virtual plane orthogonal to the specific direction, the protruding regions of one element and the other element at least partially overlap each other.

[0175] As Figure 8 and Figure 10 shown, with respect to the direction (Y direction) of the rotation axis 90C, the ranges where the rack portion 83m and the guided portion 82m are provided and the ranges where the rack portion 83k and the guided portion 82k are provided at least partially overlap each other. That is to say, in this embodiment, it can be said that with respect to the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body, the ranges where the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) is provided and the ranges where the second rack gear (rack portion 83m) is provided at least partially overlap each other. Therefore, compared with the layout where the rack portion 83m and the guided portion 82m do not overlap with the rack portion 83k and the guided portion 82k, the rack portions 83m and 83k and the guided portions 82m and 82k can be arranged in a smaller space in the Y direction.

[0176] With respect to the direction (Y direction) of the rotation axis 90C, the ranges where the rack portion 83y and the guided portion 82y are provided and the ranges where the rack portion 83c and the guided portion 82c are provided at least partially overlap each other. That is to say, in this embodiment, it can be said that with respect to the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body, the ranges where the third rack gear (rack portion 83y) is provided and the ranges where the fourth rack gear (rack portion 83c) is provided at least partially overlap each other. Therefore, compared with the layout where the rack portion 83y and the guided portion 82y do not overlap with the rack portion 83c and the guided portion 82c, the rack portions 83y and 83c and the guided portions 82y and 82c can be arranged in a smaller space in the Y direction.

[0177] Here, reference will be made to Figure 10 describe the engagement position between the rack portion 83 and the pinion 94. Figure 10 The upper half of Figure 10The lower part shows the engagement position between the rack portion 83y and the pinion 94y.

[0178] In the region Y1 in the direction (Y direction) of the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 in the drawing, the driving force transmitted from the motor M2 used as a driving source to the transmission device to be described below is transmitted to the pinions 94y to 94k. In the region Y2 in the Y direction in the drawing, the pinion 94k is engaged with the rack portion 83k in a manner capable of transmitting the driving force. In the region Y3 in the Y direction in the drawing, the pinion 94y is engaged with the rack portion 83y in a manner capable of transmitting the driving force. It should be noted that similar to the rack portion 83k, in the region Y2, the rack portion 83m is engaged with Figure 2 the pinion 94m shown in a manner capable of transmitting the driving force. Similar to the rack portion 83y, in the region Y3, the rack portion 83c is engaged with Figure 8 the pinion 94c shown in a manner capable of transmitting the driving force. Figure 8

[0179] Here, the regions Y2 and Y3 are in different positions in the Y direction, that is, they are shifted from each other in the Y direction. In addition, in the Y direction, the region Y1 is in a position different from both the regions Y2 and Y3. That is, in the Y direction, the region Y1 is shifted from the regions Y2 and Y3.

[0180] Figure 8 Furthermore, in a state where the toner cartridges 70y and 70c are in the attached position, with respect to the moving direction of the rack portion 83y (the moving direction Dy of the tray 80y), the range where the rack portion 83y is provided and the range where the rack portion 83c is provided at least partially overlap each other. In the present embodiment, since the moving directions Dy and Dc of the trays 80y and 80c are substantially the same (parallel), so also with respect to the moving direction Dc of the tray 80c, the range where the rack portion 83y is provided and the range where the rack portion 83c is provided at least partially overlap each other. Therefore, in a state where the toner cartridges 70y and 70c are in the attached position, in the direction ( the left - right direction) orthogonal to the moving directions Dy and Dc of the rack portions 83y and 83c, the tooth surface of the rack portion 83y faces the tooth surface of the rack portion 83c.

[0181] ​In addition, in a state where the toner cartridges 70m and 70k are in the attached positions, the range where the rack portion 83m is provided and the range where the rack portion 83k is provided at least partially overlap each other with respect to the moving direction of the rack portion 83m (the moving direction Dm of the tray 80m). In the present embodiment, since the moving directions Dm and Dk of the trays 80m and 80k are substantially the same (parallel), the range where the rack portion 83m is provided and the range where the rack portion 83k is provided at least partially overlap each other also with respect to the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k. Therefore, in a state where the toner cartridges 70m and 70k are in the attached positions, in a direction ( Figure 8 vertical direction) orthogonal to the moving directions Dm and Dk of the rack portions 83m and 83k, the tooth surface of the rack portion 83m faces the tooth surface of the rack portion 83k.

[0182] In addition, as will be described later Figure 12A as shown, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the rack portion 83y overlaps with the rack portions 83m and 83k. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the rack portion 83m overlaps with the rack portions 83y and 83c. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the rack portions 83c and 83m overlap with the rack portion 83k. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the rack portions 83k and 83y overlap with the rack portion 83c. In other words, it can be said that the range where the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) is provided does not overlap with the range where the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) is provided with respect to the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body. In addition, it can be said that when viewed in the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body, in a state where the first toner cartridge 70k is in the first attached position and the second toner cartridge 70y is in the second attached position, the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) and the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) overlap each other.

[0183] As described above, since the positions where the rack portions 83k and 83m are provided and the positions where the rack portions 83y and 83c are provided are different in the Y direction, when viewed in the Y direction, the rack portions can be arranged such that the rack portions 83y and 83c overlap with the rack portions 83m and 83k.

[0184] Therefore, the space for arranging four trays in the rotating body 90 can be reduced, and thus the size of the rotating body 90 in the radial direction of the rotation radius can be reduced. That is, when trying to arrange the rack portions 83 such that the moving distances of the trays 80y to 80k are equal to the moving distances in this embodiment and the rack portions 83 do not overlap each other when viewed in the Y direction, the area required for arranging the four rack portions is large when viewed in the Y direction. Compared with such a configuration, since the plurality of rack portions 83 are arranged in the Y direction in a shifted manner such that the rack portions 83 overlap each other when viewed in the Y direction, the mounting area of the rack portions 83 when viewed in the Y direction can be reduced.

[0185] In addition, in this embodiment, two pairs formed by two of the four rack portions 83y to 83k are arranged in the Y direction in a shifted manner. That is to say, it can be said that with respect to the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body, the range where the first rack gear is provided and the range where the second rack gear is provided overlap each other, and the range where the third rack gear is provided and the range where the fourth rack gear is provided overlap each other. In addition, it can be said that with respect to the Y direction, the range where the first rack gear and the second rack gear are provided does not overlap with the range where the third rack gear and the fourth rack gear are provided. Therefore, compared with the case where all four rack portions 83y to 83k are arranged in the Y direction in a shifted manner, the size of the rotating body 90 in the Y direction can be reduced.

[0186] Moving elements of the tray

[0187] will be referred to Figure 11A , Figure 11B , Figure 12A and Figure 12B to describe the elements related to the movement of the trays 80y to 80k provided in the rotating body 90. Figure 11A and Figure 11B are both perspective views of the elements related to the movement of the tray 80k. Figure 12A and Figure 12B are both cross-sectional views of the elements related to the movement of the tray 80k.

[0188] In this embodiment, the trays 80y to 80k are respectively driven by receiving the driving force of the motor M2 transmitted to the pinions 94y to 94k via the driving racks 15L and 15R serving as transmission means. Here, the elements for moving the tray 80k relative to the rotating body 90 will be described, and since the elements for moving the trays 80y to 80c relative to the rotating body 90 are substantially the same as the elements for moving the tray 80k, their description will be omitted.

[0189] Figure 11AShows a state where the tray 80k is located inside the rotating body 90, that is, a state where the toner cartridge 70k is attached to the developing unit 50k. That is, Figure 11A Shows a state where the tray 80k is in the receiving position, and corresponds to the state where the toner cartridge 70k is relative to Figure 4A The shown developing frame 53k is in the attached position. Figure 11B Shows a state where the tray 80k has slid outside the rotating body 90. That is, Figure 11B Shows a state where the tray 80k is in the disassembling position, and corresponds to the state where the toner cartridge 70k is relative to Figure 4A The shown developing frame 53k is in the retracted position.

[0190] The apparatus main body 1A of the present embodiment includes drive racks 15L and 15R that serve as drive gears for driving the pinion 94. The drive racks 15L and 15R are each driven by a motor M2 via a transmission part 15t. As Figure 11A Shown, in a state where the tray 80k is located inside the rotating body 90 (that is, in a state where the toner cartridge 70k is attached to the developing unit 50k), the drive racks 15L and 15R are in a non-engaged position separated from the pinion 94k. The drive racks 15L and 15R move from the non-engaged position and engage with the pinion 94k, so that the tray 80k moves from the receiving position to the disassembling position, and the toner cartridge 70k moves from the attached position to the retracted position.

[0191] As described above, two rack portions 83k are formed at the respective end portions of the tray 80k in the Y direction. Two pinions 94k and drive racks 15L and 15R are provided at positions corresponding to the rack portions 83k at the respective end portions. That is, the apparatus main body 1A of the present embodiment includes drive racks 15L and 15R that serve as a first drive gear and a second drive gear. It can be said that the drive rack 15L is an example of the first drive gear, and the drive rack 15R is an example of the second drive gear.

[0192] However, this numbering is only for convenience of description, and in principle, they can be appropriately interchanged. In cases where it is not necessary to distinguish between the drive racks 15L and 15R, the drive racks will each be described as "drive rack 15".

[0193] The rack portion 83 of the present embodiment is configured as a pair of rack gears, and the pinion 94 of the present embodiment is configured as a pair of pinions. In the present embodiment, the pair of rack gears and the pair of pinions are provided on two end sides (i.e., one end side and the other end side) of the support member (tray 80) in the Y direction, but the pair of rack gears and the pair of pinions may be provided at other positions. The rack portion 83k and the pinion 94k of the moving device 85k corresponding to the tray 80k may be referred to as examples of the first pair of rack gears and the first pair of pinions, respectively.

[0194] The rack portions 83y to 83c and the pinions 94y to 94c of the moving devices 85y to 85c corresponding to any one of the other trays 80y to 80c may be referred to as examples of the second pair of rack gears and the second pair of pinions, respectively.

[0195] One of the pair of rack gears engages with one of the pair of pinions, and the other of the pair of rack gears engages with the other of the pair of pinions. At least one of the pair of pinions is driven by the drive rack 15L serving as the first drive rack. In the present embodiment, the two of the pair of pinions are simultaneously driven by the drive racks 15L and 15R serving as the first drive rack and the second drive rack. Therefore, rotation of the tray 80 is less likely to occur, and thus stable movement of the toner cartridge 70 becomes possible. It should be noted that a configuration in which the tray 80 includes one rack portion 83 and is moved by one drive rack 15 via one pinion 94 may be adopted.

[0196] The tray 80k is held slidable relative to the rotating body 90 in a direction parallel to the guided portion 82k (i.e., the moving direction Dk). The drive rack 15 is held slidable relative to the device main body 1A in a direction intersecting the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k. The drive rack 15 is configured to slide (reciprocate) relative to the device main body 1A in a first direction (in the present embodiment, the vertically upward direction) and a second direction opposite to the first direction (in the present embodiment, the vertically downward direction). That is, the moving direction of the drive rack 15 of the present embodiment is a direction intersecting (preferably orthogonal) both the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k and the direction (Y direction) of the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90.

[0197] Reference will be made to Figure 11A and Figure 11B to describe the tray moving operation of sliding the tray 80k between the accommodation position and the removal position. The tray moving operation of the tray 80k is performed by Figure 2 the motor M2, the transmission portion 15t, the drive rack 15, the pinion 94k, and the rack portion 83k shown.

[0198] First, the tray movement operation (tray pull-out operation) for detaching the toner cartridge 70k from the rotating body 90 will be described. In the state before the start of the tray pull-out operation, Figure 11A the drive rack 15 shown is positioned below the position where the drive rack 15 engages with the pinion 94k. Additionally, as described above, in the replacement operation of the toner cartridge 70k, the rotating body 90 takes Figure 4B the replacement posture of the toner cartridge 70k shown.

[0199] When the tray pull-out operation starts, the drive rack 15 slides upward relative to the device main body 1A by the driving force of the motor M2. During the movement of the drive rack 15, the drive rack 15 engages with the pinion 94k, and the pinion 94k is rotationally driven.

[0200] As Figure 11B shown, the pinion 94k is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow in Figure 11B , so the driving force is input to the rack portion 83k that engages with the pinion 94k. Accordingly, the tray 80k is pushed to the outside of the device and moves from the accommodation position to the detachment position relative to the rotating body 90. Through the engagement between the guided portion 82k of the rotating body 90 and the guiding portion 97k shown in Figure 7A , the moving direction of the tray 80k during this movement is guided to the predetermined moving direction Dk. Since the tray 80k moves from the accommodation position to the detachment position, the toner cartridge 70k moves from the attachment position to the retracted position relative to the developing unit 50k.

[0201] In the state where the tray 80k is positioned at the detachment position and the toner cartridge 70k is positioned at the retracted position, the user can attach the toner cartridge 70k to the tray 80k and detach it from the tray.

[0202] The tray movement operation (tray pull-in operation or tray insertion operation) when attaching the toner cartridge 70 to the rotating body 90 is performed in a process opposite to the tray pull-out operation. For example, in response to a user operating a predetermined operation portion, the tray pull-in operation starts. When the tray pull-in operation starts, the drive rack 15 slides downward relative to the device main body 1A by the driving force of the motor M2. Here, the rotation direction of the motor M2 in the tray pull-in operation is opposite to the rotation direction in the tray pull-out operation.

[0203] Since the pinion 94k is rotationally driven in the direction opposite to the arrow in Figure 11B , the driving force is input to the rack portion 83k that engages with the pinion 94k. Accordingly, the tray 80k is pulled into the device and moves from the detachment position to the accommodation position relative to the rotating body 90.

[0204] By the engagement between the guided portion 82k of the rotating body rotated by 90 and the guiding portion 97k, the moving direction of the tray 80k is guided to the moving direction Dk opposite to the Figure 11B arrow. Since the tray 80k moves from the dismounting position to the accommodating position, the toner cartridge 70k moves from the retracted position to the attached position relative to the developing unit 50k.

[0205] The movement of the tray 80k and the black toner cartridge 70k has been described above, and the movement of the other trays 80y to 80c and the toner cartridges 70y to 70c is also performed by a similar mechanism. That is, the drive rack 15 transmits the drive to the pinions 94y to 94c in the respective replacement postures of the toner cartridges.

[0206] The motor M2 provided in the device main body 1A and the transmission device including the drive racks 15 (15L and 15R) and the transmission portion 15t constitute a drive device 98 for driving the moving device 85 provided in the rotating body 90.

[0207] As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of moving devices 85y to 85k corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges 70k to 70y are provided in the rotating body 90. The drive device 98 of the device main body 1A is a common drive device for driving the plurality of moving devices 85y to 85k (a plurality of driven devices) of the rotating body 90.

[0208] In addition, in the present embodiment, the drive target of the drive device 98 is switched according to the rotation of the rotating body 90. In other words, the drive device of the present embodiment includes the drive racks 15, and each of the drive racks serves as a transmission member for transmitting the driving force of the drive source. The drive device can take a state in which the transmission member is engaged with the first driven portion (for example, the pinion 94k) in a manner capable of transmitting the driving force, and a state in which the transmission member is engaged with the second driven portion (for example, the pinion 94m) in a manner capable of transmitting the driving force. In addition, the drive device can take a state in which the transmission member is disengaged from the first driven portion and the second driven portion.

[0209] As described above, the pinions 94y to 94k are held by the rotating body 90. Therefore, when the rotating body 90 rotates, it is preferable to release the engagement between the drive rack 15 and the pinions 94y to 94k.

[0210] Figure 12A The state where the tray 80k is located inside the rotating body 90 is shown, that is, the state where the tray 80k is in the accommodating position. Figure 12B The state where the tray 80k has moved outside the rotating body 90 is shown, that is, the state where the tray 80k has moved to the dismounting position.

[0211] As Figure 12AAs shown, when the tray 80k is located inside the rotating body 90, the drive rack 15 is positioned in the lower part of the device main body 1A. At this time, the drive rack 15 retracts from the pinion 94k. Therefore, the rotating body 90 can rotate without being interrupted by the drive rack 15. More specifically, the drive rack 15 can retract beyond the rotation locus of the rotating body 90, as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 12A and Figure 12B .

[0212] As described above, by rotating the motor M2 in the forward and reverse directions, the tray 80 attached to the rotating body 90 can move from the accommodation position to the removal position and from the removal position to the accommodation position relative to the rotating body 90. That is, the drive device of the present embodiment can drive the moving device so that not only the toner cartridge moves from the attachment position to the retracted position, but also the toner cartridge moves from the retracted position to the attachment position.

[0213] Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, the moving amount of the tray 80 during toner cartridge replacement is changed according to the size of the toner cartridge 70. Specifically, as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 7A and Figure 7B , the moving distance L1 of the black tray 80k from the accommodation position to the removal position is greater than the moving distance L2 of the other trays 80y to 80c from the accommodation position to the removal position.

[0214] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when moving the toner cartridges 70y to 70k from the attachment position to the retracted position, the value obtained by dividing the speed of the rack portion 83k by the speed of the drive rack 15 is greater than the value obtained by dividing the speed of the rack portions 83y to 83c by the speed of the drive rack 15.

[0215] For example, as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 10 , the pinion 94y is formed as a stepped gear, which includes a large-diameter gear 941 engaged with the drive rack 15 and a small-diameter gear 942 having a pitch circle radius smaller than that of the large-diameter gear 941 and engaged with the rack portion 83y. The pinions 94m and 94c are formed as similar stepped gears. In contrast, the pinion 94k is formed such that the portion engaged with the drive rack 15 and the portion engaged with the rack portion 83k have the same pitch circle radius. In this case, the pitch circle radius of the pinion 94k can be equal to the pitch circle radius of the large-diameter gear 941 of the pinions 94y to 94c. According to this configuration, even when the moving distance of the drive rack 15 is the same, the moving distance of the rack portion 83k can be made greater than the moving distances of the other rack portions 83y to 83c. That is, the moving distance L1 of the black tray 80k from the accommodation position to the removal position can be made greater than the moving distances of the other trays 80y to 80c from the accommodation position to the removal position.

[0216] In addition, by forming the pinions 94y to 94c as stepped gears, even in a configuration where the pinions 94y to 94k receive driving force from the same driving rack 15, the moving distance L1 of the tray 80k can be made greater than the moving distances L2 of the other trays 80y to 80c.

[0217] Note that the pinion 94k can be formed as a stepped gear instead of (or in combination with) the configuration where the pinions 94y to 94c are formed as stepped gears. In this case, the portion of the pinion 94k that engages with the driving rack 15 can be formed as a small-diameter gear, and the portion of the pinion 94k that engages with the rack portion 83k can be formed as a large-diameter gear with a pitch circle radius larger than that of the small-diameter gear. In addition, the stepped gear is an example of a speed reduction mechanism, and it can be replaced by a known speed reduction mechanism that makes the amount of movement of the member on the input side (driving source side) smaller than the amount of movement of the member on the output side (tray 80 side).

[0218] In addition, the amount of movement of the driving rack 15 when the toner cartridge 70k moves from the attached position to the retracted position can be greater than the amount of movement of the driving rack 15 when the toner cartridges 70y to 70c move from the attached position to the retracted position.

[0219] Incidentally, in a case where the distance that the toner cartridge 70 moves from the attached position to the retracted position is small, the moving time of the toner cartridge 70 can become shorter, and the time that the user waits for the toner cartridge 70 to move can become shorter. If a configuration is adopted as described above where the amount of movement of the driving rack 15 for the toner cartridge 70k is greater than the amount of movement of the driving rack 15 for the toner cartridges 70y to 70c, the time that the user waits for the toner cartridges 70y to 70c to move can be made shorter.

[0220] According to the above configuration, the moving distance L1 can be made greater than the moving distance L2. These configurations can be combined and adopted.

[0221] Modification examples

[0222] Although a configuration has been described in which the follower part includes the pinion 94 that engages with both the driving rack 15 and the rack portion 83, the follower part can include a gear that engages with the driving rack 15 and a gear that engages with the rack portion 83.

[0223] In addition, the configuration of the moving device 85 that moves the tray 80 is not limited to the so-called rack and pinion configuration. For example, the member corresponding to the pinion 94 can be replaced by a roller that rotates by receiving the drive of the motor M2, and the tray 80 can move by friction between the roller and the tray 80.

[0224] In addition, in the case of using a roller that rotates by being driven by the receiving motor M2, the roller can be brought into contact with the toner cartridge 70. In this case, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k can be directly attached to and detached from the rotating body 90 without using the trays 80y to 80k. In this case, the moving device 85 is constituted by the roller.

[0225] Reference will be made Figure 33A to Figure 33B the moving device 85' described as a modified example. Figure 33A and Figure 33B are diagrams showing the moving device 85' according to this modified example. The moving device 85' includes a rotating member 494a that rotates by receiving the driving force of the receiving motor M2.

[0226] In this modified example, the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating member 494a is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90. The rotating member 494a abuts against the toner cartridge 70 and rotates, so that the toner cartridge 70 can reciprocate between the attachment position indicated by the solid line in Figure 33B and the retracted position indicated by the dashed line in Figure 33B .

[0227] In this modified example, the toner cartridge 70 receives the driving force of the motor M2 via the two rotating members 494a and thus moves to the attachment position and the retracted position. That is, the toner cartridge 70 is another example of a moving member that is moved in the moving direction D by the driving force of the motor M2 serving as a driving source.

[0228] The first contact portion 701 where the toner cartridge 70 contacts one of the rotating members 494a is an example of a first force receiving portion that receives the driving force from the drive transmission mechanism. The second contact portion 702 where the toner cartridge 70 contacts the other of the rotating members 494a is an example of a second force receiving portion that receives the driving force from the drive transmission mechanism. The drive transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force from the motor M2 to the toner cartridge 70 can have, for example, a configuration in which the pinions 94kL and 94kR of the drive transmission mechanism 101 in the first embodiment are replaced by two rotating members 494a. In this case, the drive transmission mechanism transmits the force received by the one of the rotating members 494a from the first contact portion 701 of the toner cartridge 70 to the second contact portion 702. In addition, the drive transmission mechanism transmits the force received by the other of the rotating members 494a from the second contact portion 702 of the toner cartridge 70 to the first contact portion 701. Therefore, advantages similar to those of the drive transmission mechanism 101 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0229] Note that the rotating member 494a can be a roller that moves the toner cartridge 70 by friction by abutting against the toner cartridge 70 and rotating. Additionally, the toner cartridge 70 can be moved by a configuration in which the rotating member 494a is a gear and the rotating member 494a engages with a gear shape (rack shape) formed on the toner cartridge 70.

[0230] The moving device 85' can include a plurality of rotating members 494a. The plurality of rotating members 494a can be arranged arbitrarily. For example, as Figure 33A shown, the moving device 85' can include a rotating member 494a that abuts against one end portion of the toner cartridge 70 and a rotating member 494a that abuts against the other end portion of the toner cartridge 70 in the longitudinal direction parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the toner cartridge 70. Additionally, the moving device 85' can include a rotating member 494a that abuts against the center of the toner cartridge 70.

[0231] Additionally, the moving device 85' can include only one rotating member 494a. In this case, the moving device 85' can be provided at an arbitrary position. For example, the moving device 85' can include a rotating member 494a that abuts against the center of the toner cartridge 70.

[0232] Furthermore, the rotating member 494a can be pushed toward the toner cartridge 70. Additionally, the moving device 85' can include a driven roller 494b as Figure 33B shown. The toner cartridge 70 is interposed between the rotating member 494a and the driven roller 494b. Note that, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70, the positions of the rotating member 494a and the driven roller 494b can overlap each other or can be different from each other. Additionally, at least one of the rotating member 494a and the driven roller 494b can be pushed toward the toner cartridge 70.

[0233] Additionally, the rotating member 494a and the driven roller 494b can be provided in the rotating body 90.

[0234] Left - right connection configuration of the tray drive system

[0235] Reference will be made to Figure 13A 、 Figure 13B 、 Figure 14A and Figure 14B to describe the drive system 100 for moving the tray 80k, which is an example of a moving member, and the configuration (left - right connection configuration) for connecting the left - hand drive rack 15L and the right - hand drive rack 15R. The drive system 100 for moving the tray 80k relative to the rotating body 90 will be described below. The drive systems for moving the trays 80y to 80c, which are other examples of moving members, are substantially the same as the drive system 100 described below, and thus their descriptions will be omitted.

[0236] For ease of description, in some cases, when observing the device main body 1A from the -X side (front side), the +Y side will be referred to as the right side of the device main body 1A, and the -Y side will be referred to as the left side of the device main body 1A. For example, the drive rack 15L is provided on the left side of the device main body 1A, and the drive rack 15R is provided on the right side of the device main body 1A.

[0237] Figure 13A and Figure 13B are both perspective views of the drive system 100 of the tray 80k. Figure 13A Shows a state where the tray 80k is inside the rotating body 90 (in the accommodation position). Figure 13B Shows a state where the tray 80k has moved outside the rotating body 90 (the state where the tray 80k is in the removal position). Figure 14A and Figure 14B are both explanatory diagrams showing the configuration of the drive system 100 of the tray 80k. Figure 14A Shows the components of the drive system 100 provided on the left side of the device main body 1A. Figure 14B Shows the components of the drive system 100 provided on the right side of the device main body 1A. Additionally, Figure 14A and Figure 14B each show the state of the drive system 100 when the tray 80k is in the accommodation position.

[0238] As Figure 13A and Figure 13B shown, the drive system 100 of the tray 80k includes a motor M2 serving as a drive source and a drive transmission mechanism 101 that transmits the driving force of the motor M2 to the tray 80k. The drive transmission mechanism 101 includes a rotating member that transmits the driving force of the motor M2 by rotation and a linear motion member that transmits the driving force of the motor M2 by linear motion. More specifically, the drive transmission mechanism 101 of the present embodiment includes a worm gear 60, stepped gears 61 and 62, an idle gear 63, drive rack input gears 64L and 64R, and drive racks 15L and 15R. Additionally, the drive transmission mechanism 101 of the present embodiment includes stepped gears 65L and 65R, a connecting rack 66, and pinions 94k (94kL and 94kR). Additionally, the tray 80k includes a rack portion 83k (83kL and 83kR) serving as a force receiving portion for receiving the driving force from the drive transmission mechanism 101. The connecting rack 66 is an example of a linear motion member.

[0239] It should be noted that it can also be said that the drive system 100 of the tray 80k is composed of the drive device 98 of the above-mentioned device main body 1A and the moving device 85k of the rotating body 90 ( Figure 2)The drive device 98 includes a motor M2, drive racks 15L and 15R, and a transmission part 15t that transmits the driving force from the motor M2 to the drive racks 15L and 15R. The transmission part 15t includes a worm gear 60, stepped gears 61 and 62, an idler gear 63, drive rack input gears 64L and 64R, stepped gears 65L and 65R, and a connecting rack 66. The moving device 85k includes pinions 94k (94kL and 94kR) and rack parts 83k (83kL and 83kR). Therefore, it can be said that the "drive transmission mechanism 101" includes each element of the drive device 98 except for the motor M2 and each element of the moving device 85k except for the elements (rack parts 83kL and 83kR) provided in the tray 80k.

[0240] It should be noted that the drive system of the tray 80y has the following configuration: the moving device 85k of the drive system 100 is replaced by a drive device 85y corresponding to the tray 80y, and the drive device 98 is shared with the drive system 100. The moving system of the tray 80m has the following configuration: the moving device 85k of the drive system 100 is replaced by a drive device 85m corresponding to the tray 80m, and the drive device 98 is shared with the drive system 100. The moving system of the tray 80c has the following configuration: the moving device 85k of the drive system 100 is replaced by a drive device 85c corresponding to the tray 80c, and the drive device 98 is shared with the drive system 100.

[0241] As Figure 13A shown, the tray 80k of the present embodiment is provided with two rack parts 83kL and 83kR. The rack part 83kL is an example of the first force receiving part, and the rack part 83kR is an example of the second force receiving part.

[0242] The rack part 83kR (second force receiving part) is provided at a position away from the rack part 83kL (first force receiving part) in a direction intersecting the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k. In the present embodiment, the rack part 83kR is provided at a position away from the rack part 83kL in the direction of the rotation axis (Y direction) of the rotating body 90. In addition, in the present embodiment, the rack part 83kL is provided at one end part (left end part) of the tray 80k in the direction of the rotation axis (Y direction) of the rotating body 90. On the contrary, the rack part 83kR is provided at the other end part (right end part) of the tray 80k in the direction of the rotation axis (Y direction) of the rotating body 90.

[0243] In addition, the rotating body 90 of the present embodiment is provided with two pinions 94kL and 94kR corresponding to the two rack portions 83kL and 83kR. The two pinions 94kL and 94kR include the pinion 94kL corresponding to the rack portion 83kL and the pinion 94kR corresponding to the rack portion 83kR.

[0244] As Figure 13A shown, the worm gear 60 is attached to the output shaft of the motor M2. In the stepped gear 61, a large-diameter gear engaged with the worm gear 60 and a small-diameter gear having a diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter gear are integrated. In the stepped gear 62, a large-diameter gear engaged with the small-diameter gear of the stepped gear 61 and a small-diameter tooth shape having a diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter gear are integrated. The idle gear 63 is engaged with each of the small-diameter gear of the stepped gear 62, the stepped gear 65L, and the drive rack input gear 64L. The drive rack input gear 64L is engaged with the drive rack 15L.

[0245] As Figure 14A and Figure 14B shown, in the stepped gear 65L, a large-diameter gear 651L engaged with the idle gear 63 and a small-diameter gear 652L (third small-diameter gear) having a diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter gear 651L are integrated. The stepped gear 65L is configured to transmit the driving force of the motor M2 received by the large-diameter gear 651L to the connecting rack 66 via the small-diameter gear 652L. The connecting rack 66 includes a first rack portion 661L engaged with the small-diameter gear 652L of the stepped gear 65L and a second rack portion 661R engaged with the small-diameter gear 652R of the stepped gear 65R. In the stepped gear 65R, a large-diameter gear 651R engaged with the drive rack input gear 64R and a small-diameter gear 652R having a diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter gear 651R are integrated. The stepped gear 65R is configured to transmit the driving force of the motor M2 received by the small-diameter gear 652R from the connecting rack 66 to the rack portion 83kR via the large-diameter gear 651R. The drive rack input gear 64R is engaged with the drive rack 15R.

[0246] The connecting rack 66 is a rack member capable of reciprocating in a direction intersecting (preferably orthogonally) the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k. In the present embodiment, the connecting rack 66 reciprocates in the Y direction, which is the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body 90. That is, the connecting rack 66 moves in a direction different from the moving directions (directions intersecting the Y direction, which is the Z direction in the present embodiment) of the driving racks 15L and 15R, which are other rack members included in the driving transmission mechanism 101. In addition, the connecting rack 66 of the present embodiment has an elongated shape extending in the Y direction. That is, the longitudinal direction of the connecting rack 66 is the Y direction. The first rack portion 661L and the second rack portion 661R are respectively provided at one end portion and the other end portion of the connecting rack 66 along the Y direction. The first rack portion 661L and the second rack portion 661R may be continuous with each other.

[0247] The left driving rack 15L is an example of a first transmission member for transmitting the driving force of the motor M2 to the rack portion 83kL, which serves as a first force receiving portion, of the tray 80k. The right driving rack 15R is an example of a second transmission member for transmitting the driving force of the motor M2 to the rack portion 83kR, which serves as a second force receiving portion, of the tray 80k. The left driving rack 15L and the right driving rack 15R are connected to each other so as to operate in a linked manner via the connecting rack 66. Specifically, the left driving rack 15L is connected to the right driving rack 15R via the driving rack input gear 64L, the idle gear 63, the stepped gear 65L, the connecting rack 66, the stepped gear 65R, and the driving rack input gear 64R.

[0248] The connecting rack 66 is configured to transmit the force received from one of the driving racks 15L and 15R to the other of the driving racks 15R and 15L. In addition, the driving transmission mechanism 101 including the connecting rack 66 is configured to transmit the force received from one of the two rack portions 83kL and 83kR of the tray 80k to the other of the rack portions 83kL and 83kR. The advantages of this configuration will be described later.

[0249] A description will be given of moving the tray 80k from the accommodation position ( Figure 13A ) to the disassembly position ( Figure 13B) operation of the drive system 100. In the following description, the rotation direction (first rotation direction, first direction) of the motor M2 when moving the tray 80k from the accommodation position to the removal position will be referred to as the positive rotation direction. The rotation direction (second rotation direction, second direction) of the motor M2 when moving the tray 80k from the removal position to the accommodation position will be referred to as the reverse rotation direction. Further, regarding the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k moving between the removal position and the accommodation position, the direction from the removal position toward the accommodation position will be referred to as the pull-out direction Dk1, and the direction from the accommodation position toward the removal position will be referred to as the pull-in direction Dk2.

[0250] When the motor M2 rotates in the positive rotation direction, the driving force is sequentially transmitted through the worm gear 60, the stepped gear 61, the stepped gear 62, and the idle gear 63. Then, the driving force is transmitted from the idle gear 63 to both the drive rack input gear 64L and the stepped gear 65L. The drive rack input gear 64L that receives the driving force transmitted from the idle gear 63 slides the left drive rack 15L upward (in the +Z direction).

[0251] During the upward movement of the left drive rack 15L, it engages with the left pinion 94kL, and thus rotates the pinion 94kL. Due to the rotation of the pinion 94kL, the driving force is transmitted to the rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k that engages with the pinion 94kL. Therefore, the rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k receives a force in the pull-out direction Dk1 from the accommodation position toward the removal position via the left drive system (drive rack input gear 64L, drive rack 15L, and pinion 94kL) of the drive transmission mechanism 101.

[0252] At the same time, the driving force of the idle gear 63 is also transmitted to the right drive system (drive rack input gear 64R, drive rack 15R, and pinion 94kR) of the drive transmission mechanism 101 via the stepped gear 65L and the connecting rack 66. That is, the stepped gear 65L that receives the driving force transmitted from the idle gear 63 slides the connecting rack 66 relative to the equipment main body 1A to the right (in the +Y direction). Due to the sliding movement of the connecting rack 66, the driving force is transmitted to the drive rack input gear 64R via the stepped gear 65R, and thus the right drive rack 15R slides upward (in the +Z direction).

[0253] During the upward movement of the right drive rack 15R, it engages with the right pinion 94kR, and thus rotates the pinion 94kR. Due to the rotation of the pinion 94kR, the driving force is transmitted to the rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k that engages with the pinion 94kR. Therefore, the tray 80k receives a force in the pulling-out direction Dk1 from the accommodation position toward the disassembly position via the right drive system (drive rack input gear 64R, drive rack 15R, and pinion 94kR) of the drive transmission mechanism 101.

[0254] As described above, when the motor M2 rotates in the positive rotation direction, the tray 80k receives a force in the pulling-out direction Dk1 at the left rack portion 83kL and the right rack portion 83kR, and thus moves from the accommodation position ( Figure 13A ) toward the disassembly position ( Figure 13B ).

[0255] It should be noted that except that the rotation direction or sliding direction of each element of the drive system 100 is opposite, the operation of the drive system 100 when moving the tray 80k from the disassembly position to the accommodation position is the same as the case of moving the tray 80k from the accommodation position to the disassembly position. That is, when the motor M2 rotates in the reverse rotation direction, the left drive rack 15L slides downward (in the -Z direction) via the worm gear 60, stepped gear 61, stepped gear 62, idle gear 63, and drive rack input gear 64L. Due to the sliding movement of the drive rack 15L, the driving force in the pulling-in direction Dk2 is transmitted to the rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k via the pinion 94kL. At the same time, the driving force is transmitted from the idle gear 63 to the connecting rack 66 via the stepped gear 65L, and the connecting rack 66 slides leftward (in the -Y direction) relative to the device main body 1A. Due to the sliding movement of the connecting rack 66, the right drive rack 15R slides downward (in the -Z direction) via the stepped gear 65R and drive rack input gear 64R. Due to the sliding movement of the drive rack 15R, the driving force in the pulling-in direction Dk2 is transmitted to the rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k via the pinion 94kR.

[0256] As described above, when the motor M2 rotates in the reverse rotation direction, the tray 80k receives a force in the pulling-in direction Dk2 at the left rack portion 83kL and the right rack portion 83kR, and thus moves from the disassembly position ( Figure 13B ) toward the accommodation position ( Figure 13A ).

[0257] As described above, during the tray pulling-out operation and the tray pulling-in operation of the tray 80k (hereinafter collectively referred to as the pulling-in / pulling-out operation), the driving force of the motor M2 is transmitted to each of the left rack portion 83kL and the right rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k through the drive transmission mechanism 101. That is, during the tray pulling-out operation, the driving force in the pulling-out direction Dk1 is transmitted to each of the two rack portions 83kL and 83kR, and during the tray pulling-in operation, the driving force in the pulling-in direction Dk2 is transmitted to each of the two rack portions 83kL and 83kR. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which the driving force is only transmitted to one rack portion of the tray 80k during the pulling-in / pulling-out operation of the tray 80k, the inclination of the tray 80k is less likely to occur, and the pulling-in / pulling-out operation can be performed more stably.

[0258] Advantages of the left-right connection configuration

[0259] The advantages of the configuration in which the left drive rack 15L and the right drive rack 15R are connected by the connection rack 66 will be described below.

[0260] The connection rack 66 of the present embodiment transmits the force received from the left drive rack 15L to the right drive rack 15R, and transmits the force received from the right drive rack 15R to the left drive rack 15L. In addition, the drive transmission mechanism 101 including the connection rack 66 of the present embodiment transmits the force received from the left rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k to the right rack portion 83kR, and transmits the force received from the right rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k to the left rack portion 83kL. In other words, the drive transmission mechanism is configured to transmit the force that the drive transmission mechanism has received from the first force receiving portion of the moving member to the second force receiving portion, and transmit the force that the drive transmission mechanism has received from the second force receiving portion of the moving member to the first force receiving portion.

[0261] Therefore, the left drive rack 15L and the right drive rack 15R are connected via the connection rack 66 so as to move in a linked manner with each other. In addition, the movement of the rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k and the movement of the rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k can be linked by the drive transmission mechanism 101 including the connection rack 66. Therefore, the inclination of the tray 80k is less likely to occur.

[0262] More specifically, when the tray 80k is in the disassembled position, the user can perform a tray pulling-out operation by operating an operation portion provided on the device main body 1A (for example, a button on the operation panel), and thus move the tray 80k to the accommodation position.

[0263] At the same time, when the user pushes the tray 80k while the tray 80k is in the removed position, the tray 80k is allowed to move to the accommodation position (details of the mechanism allowing this will be described later). At this time, the user does not have to push the central portion of the tray 80k in the width direction (left - right direction, Y - direction) of the device main body 1A. When a portion near one end of the tray 80k in the Y - direction is pushed by the user so that the one end moves in the pulling - in direction Dk2 and the other end does not move, the tray 80k tilts. When the tray 80k tilts, it is difficult for the user to smoothly push the tray 80k into the rotating body 90. In addition, when the tray 80k tilts, the drive system 100 may have difficulty smoothly performing the tray pulling - in operation.

[0264] Since the left - hand drive rack 15L and the right - hand drive rack 15R of the tray 80k are connected as in the present embodiment, tilting of the tray 80k can be suppressed. This is because, since the left - hand drive rack 15L and the right - hand drive rack 15R are connected, when one end of the tray 80k in the Y - direction is pushed and moves in the pulling - in direction Dk2, the other end of the tray 80k in the Y - direction also moves in the pulling - in direction Dk2.

[0265] For example, assume that Figure 13B in the state where the user has pushed a portion near the end portion on the left - hand side (-Y side) of the tray 80k in the pulling - in direction Dk2. In this case, due to the movement of the rack portion 83kL in the pulling - in direction Dk2, the drive rack 15L moves downward via the pinion 94kL. Since the drive rack 15L moves downward, the drive - rack input gear 64L, the idle gear 63, and the stepped gear 65L rotate, and the connecting rack 66 moves leftward (in the - Y direction). Since the connecting rack 66 moves leftward, the stepped gear 65R and the drive - rack input gear 64R rotate, and the drive rack 15R moves downward. Due to the downward movement of the drive rack 15R, the rack portion 83kR receives a force in the pulling - in direction Dk2 via the pinion 94kR.

[0266] That is to say, the tray 80k receives a force in the pulling-in direction Dk2 from the user at a portion near the rack portion 83kL at the end portion provided on the left side (-Y side), and also receives a force in the pulling-in direction Dk2 at a portion near the rack portion 83kR at the end portion provided on the right side (+Y side). The drive transmission mechanism 101 transmits a part of the force received from the tray 80k by the drive rack 15L via the pinion 94kL to the drive rack 15R via the pinion 94kR, and thus can transmit the force in the pulling-in direction Dk2 to the rack portion 83kR. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which the force in the pulling-in direction Dk2 only acts on the end portion on the left side (-Y side) of the tray 80k, tilting of the tray 80k can be suppressed. This also applies to the case of pushing near the rack portion 83kR in the pulling-in direction Dk2.

[0267] Note that the drive transmission mechanism 101 is configured such that, when the tray 80k is pushed in the pulling-in direction Dk2, the force causes the idle gear 63 to rotate, but the force is not transmitted from the idle gear 63 to the motor M2. In the present embodiment, when the tray 80k is pushed in the pulling-in direction Dk2, the force transmission path is blocked by the idle gear 63, as will be described later. Therefore, when one end portion of the tray 80k in the Y direction is pushed and moves in the pulling-in direction Dk2, the other end portion of the tray 80k can move in the pulling-in direction Dk2 in a linked manner without being affected by the static torque of the motor M2.

[0268] Therefore, tilting of the tray 80k is less likely to occur, and smooth operability of the user's pushing operation on the tray 80k can be achieved.

[0269] Advantages of using a stepped gear for the left-right connection configuration

[0270] As Figure 13A shown, in a state where the tray 80k is in the accommodation position, the connecting rack 66 engages with the left stepped gear 65L and the right stepped gear 65R. As Figure shown, in a state where the tray 80k is in the disassembly position, the connecting rack 66 also engages with the left stepped gear 65L and the right stepped gear 65R.

[0271] As described above, when the tray 80k moves from the accommodation position to the disassembly position, the connecting rack 66 moves to the right (in the +Y direction) relative to the device main body 1A. The amount of movement of the connecting rack 66 when the tray 80k moves from the accommodation position to the disassembly position will be indicated by W. In this case, in a state where the tray 80k is in the accommodation position ( ​), the first rack portion 661L of the connecting rack 66 extends leftward (in the -Y direction) from the engagement position mp1 with the stepped gear 65L by a length of at least the movement amount W. Further, in a state where the tray 80k is in the disassembled position ( ​ ), the second rack portion 661R of the connecting rack 66 extends rightward (in the -Y direction) from the engagement position mp2 with the stepped gear 65R by a length of at least the movement amount W. In other words, the length of the connecting rack 66 in the moving direction of the connecting rack 66 (the Y direction in this embodiment) is equal to or greater than the sum of the distance between the engagement position mp1 with the stepped gear 65L and the engagement position mp2 with the stepped gear 65R and the movement amount W of the connecting rack 66.

[0272] Therefore, in order to reduce the size of the device main body 1A in the left - right direction (width direction, Y direction), preferably, the movement amount W of the connecting rack 66 is small. In the following description, a configuration for reducing the movement amount W of the connecting rack 66 to achieve miniaturization of the device main body 1A in the width direction (Y direction) will be described.

[0273] As ​ shown, the stepped gear 65L (first stepped gear) includes a large - diameter gear 651L (first large - diameter gear) and a small - diameter gear 652L (first small - diameter gear) having a pitch - circle radius smaller than that of the large - diameter gear 651L. The large - diameter gear 651L engages with the idle gear 63 and can receive the driving force of the motor M2 via the idle gear 63. That is, the large - diameter gear 651L (first large - diameter gear) is connected to the motor M2 (driving source) so that driving can be transmitted. The small - diameter gear 652L engages with the first rack portion 661L of the connecting rack 66.

[0274] Further, the large - diameter gear 651L is connected to the rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k via the idle gear 63, the drive - rack input gear 64L, the drive rack 15L, and the pinion 94kL. That is, the large - diameter gear 651L (first large - diameter gear) is connected to the rack portion 83kL (first force - receiving portion) so that driving can be transmitted.

[0275] The ratio (r2 / r1) between the pitch - circle radius r1 of the large - diameter gear 651L and the pitch - circle diameter r2 of the small - diameter gear 652L will be referred to as the pitch - circle radius ratio of the stepped gear 65L. In a configuration where the driving force is transmitted to the connecting rack 66 via the stepped gear 65L, the movement amount W of the connecting rack 66 is reduced according to the pitch - circle radius ratio (r2 / r1) of the stepped gear 65L. That is, by deceleration by the stepped gear 65L, the movement amount W of the tray 80k in the pull - out / pull - in operation can be reduced, and thus miniaturization of the device main body 1A in the width direction (Y direction) can be achieved.

[0276] More specifically, if the drive is transmitted via a spur gear that engages with both the idle gear 63 and the connecting rack 66 instead of via the stepped gear 65L, the ratio of the movement distance of the connecting rack 66 to the movement distance of the teeth of the idle gear 63 is 1. The movement distance of the teeth of the idle gear 63 is the length of the arc drawn by a point on the pitch circle of the idle gear 63 according to the rotation of the idle gear 63. On the contrary, when the stepped gear 65L is interposed between the idle gear 63 and the connecting rack 66, the ratio of the movement distance of the connecting rack 66 to the movement distance of the teeth of the idle gear 63 is less than 1. In other words, the stepped gear 65L can transmit the movement of the teeth of the idle gear 63 to the connecting rack 66 while reducing the speed. Therefore, the movement amount W of the connecting rack 66 can be reduced.

[0277] Here, it is preferable that the movement amounts of the left rack portion 83kL and the right rack portion 83kR are equal when the tray 80k moves. In addition, it is preferable that the movement speeds of the left rack portion 83kL and the right rack portion 83kR are equal when the tray 80k moves. This is because when the movement amounts (movement speeds) of the left rack portion 83kL and the right rack portion 83kR are different, the tray 80k tilts during movement, and it is difficult to move the tray 80k stably. In this embodiment, the number of teeth of the left pinion 94kL and the right pinion 94kR is the same. That is, it is preferable that the movement amounts (movement speeds) of the left drive rack 15L and the right drive rack 15R are equal.

[0278] It should be noted that, as described above, the stepped gear 65L transmits the movement of the teeth of the idle gear 63 to the connecting rack 66 while reducing the speed. Therefore, depending on the configuration of the drive transmission from the connecting rack 66 to the drive rack 15R, the movement amount (movement speed) of the drive rack 15R can be less than (lower than) the movement amount (movement speed) of the drive rack 15L.

[0279] Therefore, in this embodiment, the stepped gear 65R is interposed between the connecting rack 66 and the drive rack input gear 64R. The stepped gear 65R has a function of increasing the movement amount (movement speed) of the drive rack 15R relative to the movement amount (movement speed) of the connecting rack 66.

[0280] As ​As shown, the stepped gear 65R (the second stepped gear) includes a large-diameter gear 651R (the second large-diameter gear) and a small-diameter gear 652R (the second small-diameter gear) with a pitch circle radius smaller than that of the large-diameter gear 651R. The large-diameter gear 651R engages with the drive rack input gear 64R and is connected to the rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k via the drive rack input gear 64R, the drive rack 15R, and the pinion 94kR. That is, the large-diameter gear 651R (the second large-diameter gear) is connected to the rack portion 83kR (the second force-receiving portion) so that drive can be transmitted. The small-diameter gear 652R (the second small-diameter gear) engages with the second rack portion 661R of the connecting rack 66.

[0281] Since the driving force is transmitted from the connecting rack 66 to the drive rack 15R via the stepped gear 65R, the moving amount of the drive rack 15R is greater than that in the case where a spur gear is used instead of the stepped gear 65R with respect to the moving amount W of the connecting rack 66. In addition, the moving amount of the drive rack 15R increases according to the pitch circle radius ratio of the stepped gear 65R with respect to the moving amount W of the connecting rack 66. In other words, the stepped gear 65R can transmit the movement of the connecting rack 66 in the accelerating state to the drive rack 15R.

[0282] The ratio (r3 / r4) between the pitch circle radius r3 of the small-diameter gear 652R and the pitch circle diameter r4 of the large-diameter gear 651R will be referred to as the pitch circle radius ratio of the stepped gear 65R. In order to make the moving amounts (moving speeds) of the rack portions 83kL and 83kR equal, a configuration satisfying (pitch circle radius of the large-diameter gear 651L) / (pitch circle diameter of the small-diameter gear 652L)×(pitch circle radius of the small-diameter gear 652R) / (pitch circle radius of the large-diameter gear 651R)=1 can be adopted. That is, the ratio of the pitch circle radius of the first small-diameter gear to the pitch circle radius of the first large-diameter gear is preferably equal to the ratio of the pitch circle radius of the second small-diameter gear to the pitch circle radius of the second large-diameter gear. For example, the pitch circle radii of the large-diameter gears 651L and 651R of the left stepped gear 65L and the right stepped gear 65R are set to be equal, and the pitch circle diameters of the small-diameter gears 652L and 652R are set to be equal. Therefore, the pitch circle radius ratios of the stepped gear 65L and the stepped gear 65R can be made equal, and thus the moving amounts (moving speeds) of the rack portions 83kL and 83kR can be made equal. In addition, in addition to the advantage of miniaturization achieved by using the stepped gear 65L as described above, more stable movement of the tray 80k can be achieved.

[0283] In this embodiment, the moving amounts of the rack portion 83kL and the drive rack 15L are substantially equal, and the moving amounts of the rack portion 83kR and the drive rack 15R are substantially equal. At the same time, the moving amount W of the connecting rack 66 is smaller than the moving amounts of the rack portion 83kL and the drive rack 15L and the moving amounts of the rack portion 83kR and the drive rack 15R. Therefore, in the operation of pulling in / pulling out the tray 80k, the moving amount W of the connecting rack 66 can be reduced with respect to the moving amounts of the tray 80k and the drive rack 15R. Therefore, the tray 80k can move by a desired moving amount, and miniaturization of the apparatus main body 1A in the width direction (Y direction) can be achieved.

[0284] Locking mechanism of the rotating body

[0285] When the tray 80 moves to attach or detach the toner cartridge 70, the pinion gear 94 is preferably positioned such that the pinion gear 94 (driven portion) of the rotating body 90 engages reliably with the drive rack 15 (driving member) of the apparatus main body 1A. The pinion gear 94 is preferably positioned accurately at a position (hereinafter referred to as the engagement position) where the pinion gear 94 can engage properly with some corresponding drive racks in the drive rack 15.

[0286] As a reason for the pinion gear 94 to be displaced from the engagement position, a change in the position of the rotating body 90 in the yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement attitude can be mentioned. When the pinion gear 94 engages with the drive rack 15, the gear tooth surface of the pinion gear 94 receives a force from the gear tooth surface of the drive rack 15. When the rotating body 90 rotates about the rotation axis 90C by this force, the pinion gear 94 can be displaced from the engagement position. In addition, when the user touches the rotating body 90 and rotates the rotating body 90 while the tray 80 is in the detached position, the pinion gear 94 can move from the engagement position.

[0287] Therefore, in this embodiment, a locking mechanism 90L is provided that restricts (locks) the rotation of the rotating body 90 in a state where the rotating body 90 is in the replacement attitude. The locking mechanism 90L switches between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking mechanism 90L restricts the rotation of the rotating body 90, and in the unlocked state, the locking mechanism 90L allows the rotation of the rotating body 90. The locking mechanism 90L is configured to assume the locked state when the rotating body 90 is in any one of the yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement attitudes. The locking mechanism 90L of this embodiment switches between the locked state and the unlocked state in a manner linked to the pulling in / pulling out operation of the tray 80.

[0288] Reference will be made to ​ describe the locking mechanism 90L of the rotating body 90. ​ and ​All are perspective views of the stepped gear 65R. ​ It is a view showing the locking member 67. ​ and ​ All are explanatory views showing the arrangement of the locking mechanism 90L. ​ and ​ All are perspective views showing the arrangement of the locking mechanism 90L.

[0289] As ​ shown, the locking mechanism 90L includes a pressing portion 653 provided on the stepped gear 65R, a locking member 67, a pushing member 68, and an engaged portion 99a provided on the rotating body 90.

[0290] As ​ shown, the pressing portion 653 is formed on the large-diameter gear 651R of the stepped gear 65R. As will be described later, the pressing portion 653 has a function of moving the locking member 67 in a manner linked to the pulling-in / pulling-out operation of the tray 80. The stepped gear 65R is a part of the above-described driving device 98. Therefore, in the movement of the toner cartridge 70, the locking member 67 can move in a manner linked to the operation of the driving device 98. In other words, the locking member 67 is moved by the driving force of the motor M2.

[0291] The pressing portion 653 is a protruding portion that is provided at a predetermined position along the rotation direction of the stepped gear 65R and extends radially outward from the boss portion 65aR of the stepped gear 65R. It should be noted that since the boss portion 65aR is engaged with the support shaft 342R of the lower holding member 34R ( ​ ), the stepped gear 65R is rotatably supported by the lower holding member 34R.

[0292] The pressing portion 653 can be integrally formed with the large-diameter gear 651R and the small-diameter gear 652R of the stepped gear 65R by a method such as injection molding. Therefore, the stepped gear 65R as a single gear can have multiple functions. The multiple functions include the function of moving the driving device 98 and the locking mechanism 90L in a linked manner, and the function of transmitting the movement of the connecting rack 66 to the driving rack 15R in an accelerated state. In the present embodiment, the pressing portion 653 is formed on the side surface of the large-diameter gear 651R on one side (-X side) in the rotation axis direction of the stepped gear 65R, and the small-diameter gear 652R is formed on the side surface of the large-diameter gear 651R on the other side (+X side). When viewed in the rotation axis direction of the stepped gear 65R, some teeth of the small-diameter gear 652R overlap with the pressing portion 653.

[0293] As ​As shown, the locking member 67 includes a pressed portion 671 pressed by a pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R and an engaging portion 672 capable of engaging with an engaged portion 99a of the rotating body 90. The locking member 67 is movably supported by a frame 16 of the device main body 1A. The locking member 67 of the present embodiment is capable of reciprocating in a moving direction D67, which is a direction following the Y direction that is the moving direction of the connecting rack 66. The engaging portion 672 has a protruding shape protruding toward one side (+Y side) in the moving direction D67.

[0294] The locking member 67 can be moved to an engaging position (locking position) and a disengaging position (unlocking position). In the engaging position, the engaging portion 672 engages with one of the engaged portions 99a of the rotating body 90. In the disengaging position, the engaging portion 672 disengages from the engaged portion 99a of the rotating body 90. In addition, the locking member 67 is slidably supported by a lower holding member 34R ( ​ ) to be described later.

[0295] The locking member 67 is configured to move in a manner linked to the driving rack 15 (driving member), as will be described later. The locking member of the present embodiment is connected to a connecting rack 66 (rack member) serving as a transmission portion for transmitting force, such that the left driving rack 15L and the right driving rack 15R (first driving member and second driving member) move in a linked manner, and move in a manner linked to the driving racks 15L and 15R via the connecting rack 66. It should be noted that the locking member 67 can move in a manner linked to a transmission portion (left-right connection configuration) to be described in the second embodiment and other embodiments.

[0296] In addition, the locking member 67 has a long hole 673 formed in an elongated shape extending in the moving direction D67. The long hole 673 engages with a support shaft 342R of the lower holding member 34R ( ​ ), and thus the locking member 67 is guided to move in the moving direction D67 with respect to the lower holding member 34R. That is, the support shaft 342R holding the stepped gear 65R also serves as a guiding portion for guiding the locking member 67.

[0297] As ​ shown, a pushing member 68 pushes the locking member 67 to either side in the moving direction D67. The pushing member 68 of the present embodiment pushes the locking member 67 in a direction (-Y direction) from the unlocking position toward the locking position. The pushing member 68 is a compression spring provided between a spring receiving surface of the locking member 67 and a spring receiving surface provided on the frame 16 of the device main body 1A.

[0298] As ​As shown, the rotating body 90 is provided with a number (four in this embodiment) of engaged portions 99a corresponding to the number of trays 80. The engaged portions 99a of this embodiment are provided in a flange portion 99f, and the flange portion is provided at an end portion of the rotating body 90 in the direction of the rotation axis (Y direction) of the rotating body 90. The flange portion 99f protrudes more toward the outer peripheral side in the radial direction (the rotation radius direction of the rotating body 90) with respect to the rotation axis 90C than the disk gear 92R (see also ​ ). The engaged portions 99a are all in the shape of recesses, and a part of the outer edge of the flange portion 99f is recessed inward in the radial direction.

[0299] The engaged portions 99a are arranged at positions corresponding to the replacement postures that the rotating body 90 can take along the rotation direction of the rotating body 90. In this embodiment, four engaged portions 99a (99ay, 99am, 99ac, and 99ak) corresponding to the yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement postures are arranged at 90-degree intervals in the rotation direction (see ​ and ​ ). In a state where the rotating body 90 is in one of the replacement postures, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body 90, one of the engaged portions 99a overlaps with the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67.

[0300] When the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 engages with the engaged portion 99a of the rotating body 90, the rotation of the rotating body 90 is restricted. The state of the locking mechanism 90L in which the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 engages with one of the engaged portions 99a of the rotating body 90 will be referred to as the locked state. The state of the locking mechanism 90L in which the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 disengages from all the engaged portions 99a of the rotating body 90 will be referred to as the unlocked state. The locked state is a state in which the locking mechanism 90L restricts the rotation of the rotating body 90 about the rotation axis 90C, and the unlocked state is a state in which the locking mechanism 90L allows the rotating body 90 to rotate about the rotation axis 90C. In the locked state, the locking mechanism 90L restricts the rotation of the rotating body 90 about the rotation axis 90C in the first direction and the second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0301] The operation of switching the locking mechanism 90L from the unlocked state to the locked state will be referred to as the locking operation, and the operation of switching the locking mechanism 90L from the locked state to the unlocked state will be referred to as the unlocking operation. The locking operation and the unlocking operation are performed in a manner linked to the pulling-in / pulling-out operation of the tray 80.

[0302] Figure 17A and Figure 18A show the locking mechanism 90L in the locked state. Figure 17B andFigure 18B The locking mechanism 90L in the unlocked state is shown. In the following description, the operation of the locking mechanism 90L will be described in detail.

[0303] As described above, when the tray 80 is in the accommodation position, the rotating body 90 is rotatable. That is, the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 is disengaged from the engaged portion 99a of the rotating body 90, and the locking mechanism 90L is in the unlocked state ( Figure 17A and Figure 18A ). During the process of the tray 80 moving from the accommodation position to the removal position, the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 engages with one of the engaged portions 99a of the rotating body 90. That is, during the tray pulling operation, the locking mechanism 90L switches from the unlocked state to the locked state ( Figure 17B and Figure 18B ).

[0304] As Figure 17A shown, when the rotating body 90 is in one of the yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement postures and the tray 80 is in the accommodation position, the locking member 67 is held in the removal position by the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R. That is, the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R contacts the pressed portion 671 of the locking member 67 and inhibits the movement of the locking member 67 in the pushing direction (-Y direction) of the pushing member 68. At this time, as Figure 18A shown, the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 is located at a position away from the engaged portion 99a of the rotating body 90 in the +Y direction.

[0305] As described above, when the rotating body 90 is in one of the yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement postures and the toner cartridge 70 corresponding to the posture of the rotating body 90 is in the attached position, the locking mechanism 90L remains in the unlocked state.

[0306] Next, the case where the tray 80 is moved from the accommodation position to the removal position (the case where the tray pulling operation is performed) will be described. When the tray 80 is moved from the accommodation position toward the removal position, the connecting rack 66 moves to the left in the figure (to the right with respect to the device main body 1A, in the +Y direction), as Figure 17B shown. The stepped gear 65R receives the driving force from the connecting rack 66 and rotates in the clockwise direction in the figure. Then, the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R rotates and moves in the direction away from the pressed portion 671 of the locking member 67 (to the left with respect to the device main body 1A, in the -Y direction). According to the rotational movement of the pressing portion 653, the locking member 67 moves to the right in the figure (in the -Y direction) by the driving force of the pushing member 68, and as Figure 18BAs shown, one of the engaging portions 672 of the locking member 67 engages with the engaged portion 99a of the rotating body 90. That is, when the pressing portion 653 retracts from the locking member 67, the locking member 67 moves from the disengaged position (unlocked position) to the engaged position (locked position).

[0307] As described above, when the rotating body 90 is in one of the yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement postures and the toner cartridge 70 corresponding to the posture of the rotating body 90 moves from the attached position to the retracted position, the locking mechanism 90L switches from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0308] It should be noted that after the engaging portion 672 and the engaged portion 99a are engaged, the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R separates from the pressed portion 671 of the locking member 67. The rotation angle of the stepped gear 65R from the start to the end of the tray pulling operation is set to be less than 360°, so that the pressing portion 653 that separates from the pressed portion 671 during the tray pulling operation does not collide with the pressed portion 671 until the tray pulling operation ends.

[0309] As Figure 18A shown, when the rotating body 90 is in one of the yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement postures and the tray 80 is in the disassembled position, the locking member 67 is held in the engaged position by the driving force of the pushing member 68. That is, when the rotating body 90 is in one of the yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement postures and the corresponding toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the locking mechanism 90L remains in the locked state.

[0310] When the tray 80 is moved from the disassembled position to the accommodating position (when the tray pulling-in operation is performed), the operation of each element of the locking mechanism 90L is opposite to the case of moving the tray 80 from the accommodating position toward the disassembled position. That is, the connecting rack 66 moves Figure 17B to the right (left with respect to the device main body 1A, in the -Y direction) in the figure. The stepped gear 65R receives the driving force from the connecting rack 66 and rotates in the counterclockwise direction in the figure. Then, the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R abuts against the pressed portion 671 of the locking member 67 and pushes the locking member 67 in the direction opposite to the pushing direction of the pushing member 68 (+Y direction). Therefore, the locking member 67 moves Figure 17A to the left (in the +Y direction) in the figure, and the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 disengages from the engaged portion 99a of the rotating body 90, as Figure 18A shown. That is, when the pressing portion 653 presses the locking member 67, the locking member 67 moves from the engaged position (locked position) to the disengaged position (unlocked position).

[0311] As described above, when the rotating body 90 is in one of the yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement postures and the toner cartridge 70 corresponding to the posture of the rotating body 90 moves from the retracted position to the attached position, the locking mechanism 90L switches from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0312] Here, as will be described later with reference to Figures 22A to 22D In the case where the tray pull-out operation is performed, the drive rack 15 (drive member) is configured to start moving from a position away from the pinion 94 (lower position) toward the pinion 94. The locking mechanism 90L of the present embodiment is configured such that during the tray pull-out operation, the drive rack 15 and the pinion 94 engage with each other after the locking mechanism 90L switches from the unlocked state to the locked state. That is, after the drive rack 15 (drive member) has started moving from a position away from the pinion 94 (driven part) toward the pinion 94 and before the drive rack 15 contacts the pinion 94, the locking mechanism 90L switches from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0313] Therefore, in a state where the rotation of the rotating body 90 is restricted (that is, in a state where the displacement of the pinion 94 is suppressed), the drive rack 15 and the pinion 94 engage with each other. Therefore, more reliable engagement between the drive rack 15 and the pinion 94 can be achieved.

[0314] In addition, the locking mechanism 90L of the present embodiment is configured such that during the process of the tray 80 moving from the detachment position to the accommodation position, the locking mechanism 90L switches from the locked state to the unlocked state after the engagement between the drive rack 15 and the pinion 94 is canceled. Therefore, the possibility that the rotating body 90 is displaced in the rotation direction due to the force received by the pinion 94 from the drive rack 15 can be reduced.

[0315] As described above, in a state where the tray 80 is in the detachment position, the rotating body 90 is locked in the replacement posture by the locking mechanism 90L of the rotating body 90. Therefore, during the pull-out / insertion operation of the tray 80, the occurrence of engagement failure between the pinion 94 and the drive rack 15 can be suppressed.

[0316] Modification example of the locking mechanism

[0317] It should be noted that although in the present embodiment the locking mechanism 90L is provided only on one side of the rotating body 90 along the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body 90, a locking mechanism 90L similar to the locking mechanism 90L can be provided on each side of the rotating body 90.

[0318] In addition, the shapes of the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 and the engaged portion 99a of the rotating body 90 are not limited to those described in this embodiment, as long as the rotation of the rotating body 90 can be restricted by the engagement between the engaging portion 672 and the engaged portion 99a. For example, the following configuration can be adopted: the rotation of the rotating body 90 is restricted by a protrusion shape (engaged portion) provided on the rotating body 90 that abuts against an abutting surface (engaging portion) having a flat surface shape provided on the locking member 67.

[0319] In addition, the locking member 67 can be connected to a member other than the connecting rack 66. The locking member 67 is preferably connected to one of the elements of the driving device 98 provided in the apparatus main body 1A in the driving system for moving the toner cartridge 70. For example, a rack portion can be added to the locking member 67 such that the locking member 67 is connected to the driving rack 15 via a pinion, and thus the locking member 67 can be configured to move in a manner linked to the driving rack 15.

[0320] In addition, in this embodiment, a configuration in which the driving device 98 (transmission device) for moving the toner cartridge 70 between the attached position and the retracted position and the locking mechanism 90L mechanically move in a linked manner has been described as an example. The configuration is not limited thereto, and a locking mechanism that does not mechanically link with the driving device 98 (transmission device) and switches between the locked state and the unlocked state based on an instruction from the controller 30 ( Figure 2 ) can be used. For example, a solenoid unit including a plunger that can move between an engaged position and a disengaged position can be used as the locking mechanism. In the engaged position, one of the engaging portion and the engaged portion 99a of the rotating body 90 is engaged, and in the disengaged position, the engaging portion is disengaged from the engaged portion 99a. In this case, the state of the solenoid unit in which the plunger is in the engaged position is the locked state, and the state of the solenoid unit in which the plunger is in the disengaged position is the unlocked state.

[0321] Control of the inter-gear distance between the pinion and the driving rack

[0322] Next, a configuration for suppressing changes in the inter-gear distance (hereinafter may be simply referred to as the inter-gear distance) between the pinion 94 and the driving rack 15 will be described. In the case where the inter-gear distance changes, the engagement between the driving rack 15 and the pinion 94 may become less firm, and in some cases, tooth skipping may occur. Therefore, it is preferable to suppress changes in the inter-gear distance.

[0323] The gear-to-rack distance between the pinion 94 and the drive rack 15 is the distance between the pitch circle of the pinion 94 and the pitch line of the rack gear portion of the drive rack 15 that engages with the pinion 94 when viewed in the direction of the rotational axis of the pinion 94. The pitch circle mentioned in this text is the circle (basic pitch circle) that serves as the basis for the shape of the gear. Additionally, the pitch line mentioned in this text is a straight line on the plane (basic plane) that serves as the basis for the shape of the rack gear.

[0324] When the pinion 94 and the drive rack 15 are in an ideal relative position, the pitch circle of the pinion 94 and the pitch line of the drive rack 15 contact each other at a point (nodal point), and the gear-to-rack distance is "0". When the relative position of the pinion 94 or the drive rack 15 is displaced, mainly the value of the gear-to-rack distance increases. As cases where the relative position is displaced, possible cases include the case where the rotating body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C, the case where the rotating body 90 swings around the swing axis 91( Figure 4A ) and the case where the drive rack 15 moves in a direction different from the sliding direction (Z direction) due to clearance (play). When the gear-to-rack distance is relatively small, drive can be transmitted between the pinion 94 and the drive rack 15 without problems, but when the gear-to-rack distance increases beyond the allowable range, the stability of drive transmission may be lost.

[0325] Reference will be made to Figures 19A to 23 describe the configuration for controlling the gear-to-rack distance.

[0326] Figure 19A and Figure 19B are both perspective views of the drive rack 15L. Figure 19C and Figure 19D are both perspective views of the drive rack 15R.

[0327] As Figure 19A and Figure 19B shown, an input rack portion 151L, an output rack portion 152L, and a joint portion 153L are formed in the drive rack 15L. The input rack portion 151L is in the shape of a rack that engages with the drive rack input gear 64L, and the driving force from the motor M2 is transmitted (input) to the input rack portion 151L. The output rack portion 152L is in the shape of a rack that engages with the pinion 94 (any one of the pinions 94yL to 94kL) and transmits (outputs) the driving force from the motor M2 to the pinion 94. The input rack portion 151L and the output rack portion 152L are formed with a plurality of teeth arranged in the Z direction, which is the sliding direction of the drive rack 15L. Additionally, when viewed in the Z direction, the protruding directions of the teeth of the input rack portion 151L and the protruding directions of the teeth of the output rack portion 152L are orthogonal to each other. The joint portion 153L will be described later.

[0328] AsFigure 19C and Figure 19D As shown in Figure 19D , similar to the drive rack 15L, an input rack portion 151R, an output rack portion 152R, and an engagement portion 153R are formed in the drive rack 15R. The input rack portion 151R is in a rack shape that engages with the drive rack input gear 64R, and transmits (inputs) the driving force from the motor M2 to the input rack portion 151R. The output rack portion 152R is in a rack shape that engages with the pinion 94 (any one of the pinions 94yR to 94kR) and transmits (outputs) the driving force from the motor M2 to the pinion 94. The input rack portion 151R and the output rack portion 152R are formed with a plurality of teeth arranged in the Z direction, which is the sliding direction of the drive rack 15R. Further, when viewed in the Z direction, the protruding directions of the teeth of the input rack portion 151R and the protruding directions of the teeth of the output rack portion 152R are orthogonal to each other. The engagement portion 153R will be described later.

[0329] Both the output rack portions 152L and 152R are examples of force transmission portions configured to engage with the pinion 94 serving as a driven portion to transmit the driving force. The engagement portions 153L and 153R have a function of suppressing the following situation: the drive racks 15L and 15R (driving members) and the rotating body 90 (rotating body) relatively move (relative to each other) in such a manner that the output rack portions 152L and 152R (force transmission portions) move away from the pinion 94 (driven portion).

[0330] The driven portion of the present embodiment includes the pinion 94 (94yL to 94kL) serving as a first force receiving portion provided at one end portion of the rotating body 90 along the rotation axis direction of the rotating body 90, and the pinion 94 (94yR to 94kR) serving as a second force receiving portion provided at the other end portion of the rotating body 90. The driving member of the present embodiment includes the drive rack 15L serving as a first force applying member that engages with the first force receiving portion and the drive rack 15R serving as a second force applying member that engages with the second force receiving portion. The output rack portions 152L and 152R (force transmission portions) and the engagement portions 153L and 153R are respectively provided for the drive racks 15L and 15R.

[0331] Figure 20A and Figure 20B are diagrams showing the holding configurations of the drive racks 15L and 15R, respectively. Figure 20A The holding configuration of the drive rack 15L is shown. Figure 20B The holding configuration of the drive rack 15R is shown.

[0332] As Figure 20A and Figure 20BAs shown, the drive rack 15L is slidably held by a lower holding member 34L and an upper holding member 33L provided in the device main body 1A. The drive rack 15R is slidably held by a lower holding member 34R and an upper holding member 33R provided in the device main body 1A. The lower holding members 34L and 34R and the upper holding members 33L and 33R are members fixed to the frame 16 of the device main body 1A.

[0333] More specifically, as Figure 20A shown, the drive rack 15L is supported by a lower guide portion 341L of the lower holding member 34L so as to be slidable in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the device main body 1A. When the drive rack 15L has moved upward (in the +Z direction) relative to the device main body 1A from the Figure 20A position, the drive rack 15L is slidably supported by an upper guide portion 331L of the upper holding member 33L.

[0334] Both the lower guide portion 341L and the upper guide portion 331L of the present embodiment are in the shape of grooves formed in the sliding direction of the drive rack 15L. The width of the groove shape in the direction intersecting the sliding direction of the drive rack 15L (here the Y direction) corresponds to the width of the drive rack 15L. Therefore, displacement of the drive rack 15R in the direction intersecting the sliding direction can be suppressed. It should be noted that the upper holding member 33L supports the motor M2 and rotatably supports the stepped gears 61 and 62, the idle gear 63, and the stepped gear 65L.

[0335] In addition, as Figure 20B shown, the drive rack 15R is supported by a lower guide portion 341R of the lower holding member 34R so as to be slidable in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the device main body 1A. When the drive rack 15R has moved upward (in the +Z direction) relative to the device main body 1A from the Figure 20B position, the drive rack 15R is slidably supported by an upper guide portion 331R of the upper holding member 33R.

[0336] Both the lower guide portion 341R and the upper guide portion 331R of the present embodiment are in the shape of grooves formed in the sliding direction of the drive rack 15R. The width of the groove shape in the direction intersecting the sliding direction of the drive rack 15R (here the Y direction) corresponds to the width of the drive rack 15R. Therefore, displacement of the drive rack 15R in the direction intersecting the sliding direction can be suppressed. In addition, the lower holding member 34R rotatably supports the stepped gear 65R and the drive rack input gear 64R, and supports the locking member 67 so as to be slidable in the left - right direction (Y direction) of the device main body 1A.

[0337] Although in the present embodiment, the upper holding member 33L supports the motor M2 and a plurality of gears together with the drive rack 15L, the motor M2 and the like may be supported by different members. Additionally, although the lower holding member 34R supports the stepped gear 65R, the drive rack input gear 64R, and the locking member 67, these may be supported by different members.

[0338] Figure 21A and Figure 21B are perspective views of the rotating body 90. Figure 21B show Figure 21A a state in which the rotating body 90 of Figure 21A and Figure 21B has rotated 180° about the rotation axis 90C. It should be noted that in

[0339] As Figure 21A and Figure 21B shown, an engaged portion 99b is formed near each pinion 94 of the rotating body 90. That is, the rotating body 90 includes an engaged portion 99byL corresponding to the pinion 94yL, an engaged portion 99bmL corresponding to the pinion 94mL, an engaged portion 99bcL corresponding to the pinion 94cL, and an engaged portion 99bkL corresponding to the pinion 94kL. Additionally, the rotating body 90 includes an engaged portion 99byR corresponding to the pinion 94yR, an engaged portion 99bmR corresponding to the pinion 94mR, an engaged portion 99bcR corresponding to the pinion 94cR, and an engaged portion 99bkR corresponding to the pinion 94kR. The four left-side engaged portions 99byL to 99bkL are arranged at 90° intervals around the rotation axis 90C, and the four right-side engaged portions 99byR to 99bkR are also arranged at 90° intervals around the rotation axis 90C.

[0340] The left-side engaged portions 99byL to 99bkL are all examples of the first engaged portions that engage with the engaged portion 153L of the drive rack 15L serving as the first biasing member. The right-side engaged portions 99byR to 99bkR are all examples of the second engaged portions that engage with the engaged portion 153R of the drive rack 15R serving as the second biasing member.

[0341] Figures 22A to 22D are all diagrams showing elements related to the control of the gear-to-gear distance. Figures 22A to 22D The left side of each of Figures 22A to 22D shows a cross-section orthogonal to the rotation axis C of the rotating body 90. Figures 22A to 22COn the right side (perspective view) of each of them, the illustration of the pinion 94kL is omitted.

[0342] The operations of the drive rack 15 and the pinion 94k during the tray pull-out operation of the tray 80k will be described below. Here, the operations of the drive rack 15 and the pinion 94 during the tray pull-out operations of the trays 80y to 80c are substantially the same as the operations of the drive rack 15 and the pinion 94k, and thus their descriptions will be omitted. In addition, the description will be given by using the drive rack 15L and the pinion 94kL provided on the left side of the device main body 1A. The operations of the drive rack 15R and the pinion 94kR provided on the right side of the device main body 1A are substantially the same as the operations of the drive rack 15L and the pinion 94kL, and thus their descriptions will be omitted.

[0343] The end portion position on the lower side (-Z side) of the device main body 1A within the slidable range of the drive rack 15L will be referred to as the lower position of the drive rack 15L. The end portion position on the upper side (+Z side) of the device main body 1A within the slidable range of the drive rack 15L will be referred to as the upper position of the drive rack 15L. The position of the drive rack 15L at which the output rack portion 152L of the drive rack 15L first contacts the teeth of the pinion 94k during the movement of the drive rack 15L from the lower position to the upper position will be referred to as the engagement start position. The position of the drive rack 15 at which the engagement portion 153L of the drive rack 15L starts to engage with the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90 during the movement of the drive rack 15L from the lower position to the upper position will be referred to as the engagement start position.

[0344] Figure 22A The state of the drive rack 15L when the tray 80k is in the accommodation position is shown. In this case, the drive rack 15L is located at the lower position. In addition, the output rack portion 152L is not engaged with the pinion 94kL. That is, the lower position of the drive rack 15L is a position in a non-engaged state (non-engagement position), in which the output rack portion 152L (force transmission portion) of the drive rack 15L is separated from the pinion 94kL (driven portion). In addition, the engagement portion 153L of the drive rack 15L is not engaged with the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90.

[0345] When the drive rack 15L is in the lower position, the drive rack 15L is positioned in the front-rear direction (X direction) of the equipment main body 1A by a support portion H1 (first support portion) and a support portion H2 (second support portion). That is, the support portions H1 and H2 restrict the movement of the drive rack 15L (drive member) in the direction away from the rotating body 90 (rotating body). The support portions H1 and H2 are provided on the frame 16 (main body frame) of the equipment main body 1A and support the drive rack 15L (drive member). The support portions H1 and H2 are arranged at positions away from each other in the moving direction of the drive rack 15L. The movement of the drive rack 15L in the front-rear direction (X direction) of the equipment main body 1A is restricted at at least two positions away from each other in the up-down direction, and thus the inclination of the drive rack 15L is suppressed.

[0346] Although in this embodiment, the support portions H1 and H2 are formed on the lower guide portion 341L ( Figure 20A ) of the lower holding member 34L, the support portions H1 and H2 may be formed on different members. Each of the support portions H1 and H2 has a shape (hook shape) similar to that of the engaged portion 99bkL ( Figure 23 ) that engages with the engaging portion 153L of the drive rack 15L.

[0347] Next, when the tray pulling-out operation starts, the drive rack 15L moves upward (+Z direction) relative to the equipment main body 1A. Then, in the Figure 22B shown state, the rotation of the rotating body 90 is restricted by the above-described locking mechanism 90L. At this time, the output rack portion 152L of the drive rack 15L has not yet engaged with the pinion 94kL. In addition, the drive rack 15L is positioned at the support portions H1 and H2 in the front-rear direction (X direction) of the equipment main body 1A.

[0348] When the tray pulling-out operation proceeds, the drive rack 15L reaches the engagement start position at which the engaging portion 153L of the drive rack 15L engages with the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90, as Figure 22C shown. Then, the engagement between the output rack portion 152L of the drive rack 15L and the pinion 94kL starts.

[0349] That is, when the output rack portion 152L engages with the pinion 94kL, the engaging portion 153L of the drive rack 15L engages with the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90. In other words, the drive rack 15L (drive member) moves in the direction approaching the pinion 94kL along the output rack portion 152L from the lower position (non-engaging position), where the output rack portion 152L (force transmission portion) is separated from the pinion 94kL (driven portion). Then, after the drive rack 15L starts moving from the lower position, the engaging portion 153L engages with the rotating body 90 (rotating body) before the output rack portion 152L engages with the pinion 94kL.

[0350] Figure 23 This is a diagram showing components related to the control of the gear gap between the pinion 94kL and the drive rack 15L when viewed from the upper side (-Z side) of the device body 1A. As Figure 23 shown, when the output rack portion 152L engages with the pinion 94kL, the tooth surface of the output rack portion 152 receives the force Fg from the tooth surface of the pinion 94kL, and the force includes a component in the direction of the arrow in the figure (+X direction, the direction in which the gear tooth surfaces separate from each other). That is, when viewed in the sliding direction of the drive rack 15L, the drive rack 15L receives a force including a component in the direction away from the rotation axis of the pinion 94kL (+X direction).

[0351] Here, as Figure 23 shown, the engaging portion 153L of the drive rack 15L has an abutting surface cs1 (first surface) facing the direction away from the rotation axis of the pinion 94kL (+X direction). In addition, the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90 has an abutted surface cs2 (second surface) configured to face the -X direction when the rotating body 90 is in the black replacement posture. Therefore, when the engaging portion 153L and the engaged portion 99bkL engage with each other, the relative movement of the drive rack 15L with respect to the rotating body 90 in the +X direction is restricted. In addition, when the engaging portion 153L and the engaged portion 99bkL engage with each other, the relative movement of the rotating body 90 with respect to the drive rack 15L in the -X direction is restricted.

[0352] In other words, in the orthogonal direction (X direction) that is orthogonal to both the moving direction (Z direction) of the driving rack 15L and the rotational axis direction (Y direction) of the pinion 94kL, the driving rack 15L is disposed on the first side (+X side) with respect to the pinion 94kL. The abutting surface cs1 (first surface) of the engaging portion 153L faces the first side (+X side) in the orthogonal direction. The surface cs2 (second surface) of the engaged portion 99bkL to be abutted faces the second side (-X side) on the side opposite to the first side in the orthogonal direction. Therefore, since the abutting surface cs1 abuts against the surface cs2 to be abutted, the relative movement of the driving rack 15L and the pinion 94kL (in which the driving rack 15L moves away from the rotational axis of the pinion 94kL in the orthogonal direction) is restricted.

[0353] In the present embodiment, the engaging portion 153L extends in the moving direction (Z direction) of the driving rack 15L. In addition, the engaging portion 153L has a hook shape that protrudes on the pinion 94kL side (-X side, second side), and its end portion on the -X side is bent when viewed in the moving direction (Z direction) of the driving rack 15L. It should be noted that the engaging portion 153L may be formed in a shape different from the hook shape as long as the shape can restrict the relative movement of the driving rack 15L and the rotating body 90.

[0354] As described above, since the engaging portion 153L of the driving rack 15L is engaged with the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90, the relative movement of the driving rack 15L and the rotating body 90 (in which the tooth surfaces of the output rack portion 152L and the pinion 94kL move away from each other) is restricted. Therefore, the change in the gear-tooth distance between the pinion 94kL and the driving rack 15L can be suppressed.

[0355] Incidentally, the tooth surface of the pinion 94kL receives the force from the tooth surface of the output rack portion 152L of the driving rack 15L. Due to this force, a moment in the clockwise direction in the figure acts on Figure 22C the rotating body 90 on the left side. However, since the rotation of the rotating body 90 is restricted by the above-described locking mechanism 90L, the rotating body 90 can maintain the black replacement posture. In addition, the movement of the pinion 94kL away from the driving rack 15L caused by the rotation of the rotating body 90 can be suppressed.

[0356] Figure 22DShows the state of driving the drive rack 15L when the tray 80k is in the disassembling position (the state after the tray pulling-out operation is completed). At this time, the drive rack 15L is in the upper position. In addition, the engagement between the engaging portion 153L of the drive rack 15L and the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90 is maintained. That is, between the time point when the drive rack 15L has passed the engagement start position ( Figure 22C ) and the time point when the tray 80k reaches the disassembling position ( Figure 22D ), the engagement between the engaging portion 153L of the drive rack 15L and the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90 is maintained.

[0357] Therefore, in the present embodiment, during the tray pulling-out operation, the engagement between the engaging portion 153L of the drive rack 15L and the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90 is maintained throughout the period when the output rack portion 152L of the drive rack 15L is engaged with the pinion 94kL. The change in the gear distance between the pinion 94kL and the drive rack 15L can also be suppressed.

[0358] Here, when the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90 other than the above-mentioned support portions H1 and H2 is also engaged with the engaging portion 153L of the drive rack 15L, the drive rack 15L is located at three portions separated from each other in the vertical direction in the front-rear direction (X direction) of the apparatus main body 1A. However, when the support portions H1 and H2 and the engaged portion 99bkL are not arranged in a straight line due to the influence of part tolerances or the like, the drive rack 15L may interfere with the support portions H1 and H2 and the engaged portion 99bkL. When interference occurs, the load on the motor M2 for driving the drive rack 15L increases, and the stability of the operation of the drive rack 15L may be reduced.

[0359] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the following configuration is adopted: before the drive rack 15L reaches the engagement start position with the engaged portion 99bkL, the lower end of the drive rack 15L passes through the support portion H2 provided on the lower side ( Figure 22C ). That is, preferably, after the drive rack 15L has started to move from the lower position (non-engagement position) and before the engaging portion 153L is engaged with the rotating body 90, the drive rack 15L is disengaged from the first support portion (H1) or the second support portion (H2). Therefore, interference is less likely to occur, and the drive rack 15L can be operated more stably. The time when the lower end of the drive rack 15L passes through the support portion H2 provided on the lower side can be immediately before the drive rack 15L reaches the engagement start position with the engaged portion 99bkL.

[0360] Further, preferably, at least one of the upper end of the engaging portion 153L of the drive rack 15L and the end portion on the inlet side of the engaged portion 99bkL ( Figure 21A the lower end in the attitude of Figure 19B ) is provided with an introducing portion (inlet guide), such as a tapered shape. In the present embodiment, the upper end of the engaging portion 153L is provided with an introducing portion tp having a tapered shape (

[0361] ). When viewed in the vertical direction, the introducing portion tp adjusts the position of the engaging portion 153L according to the engaged portion 99bkL so that the engaging portion 153L can be engaged with the engaged portion 99bkL without the upper end of the engaging portion 153L colliding with the engaged portion 99bkL. It should be noted that preferably, before the lower end of the drive rack 15L passes through the support portion H2 provided on the lower side, the introducing portion tp enters the engaged portion 99bkL (the distal end of the introducing portion tp is located above the lower end of the engaged portion 99bkL). Figure 4A ) the swing of the swing shaft 91 that swingably supports the rotating body 90 (rotating support portion,

[0362] is restricted. Therefore, fluctuations in the gear-tooth distance between the output rack portion 152L and the pinion 94kL caused by the swing of the rotating body 90 can be suppressed.

[0363] Automatic pulling-in function in response to detection of tray pushing-in

[0364] When the tray 80k is in the dismounting position, the user can instruct the imaging device 1 to perform a tray pulling-in operation by operating an operation portion provided on the device main body 1A (for example, a button on the operation panel). However, if a configuration is adopted in which the tray 80k is automatically pulled into the accommodating position when the tray 80k located in the dismounting position is pushed in, a more intuitive operation can be performed, and thus the operability can be improved.

[0365] Reference will be made to Figures 24A to 25EDescribe the function (automatic pull-in function) of automatically starting the tray pull-in operation by detecting that the user pushes the tray 80k. The "automatic" used here means that: in a state where the user does not explicitly instruct the execution of the tray pull-in operation via the operation section or the like, the controller 30 determines to execute the tray pull-in operation. In addition, although the push detection configuration and the automatic pull-in function of the tray 80k will be described below, for the trays 80y to 80c, the imaging device 1 also has substantially the same push detection configuration and automatic pull-in function.

[0366] In order for the controller 30 to detect the user's push on the tray 80k, an element that detects the movement of the tray 80k itself or the movement of a member that moves in a manner linked to the tray 80k can be provided. In the present embodiment, as will be described in detail later, a sensor (tray pull-out sensor 135) that detects the rotation of the idler gear 63 is provided, and the idler gear serves as a member that moves in a manner linked to the tray 80k. The tray pull-out sensor 135 is an example of a detection portion configured to change its signal when the tray 80k (support member) that supports the toner cartridge 70k (cartridge) has moved from the detachment position (second position) to the accommodation position (first position). The signal output from the tray pull-out sensor 135 is different between the state where the tray 80k is in the detachment position and the state where the tray 80k is in the accommodation position. The signal output from the tray pull-out sensor 135 is different between the state where the toner cartridge 70k (cartridge) is in the attached position and the state where the toner cartridge 70k (cartridge) is in the retracted position.

[0367] Incidentally, as described above, the drive system 100 of the tray 80k includes a motor M2 that serves as a drive source and a drive transmission mechanism 101 that transmits the driving force of the motor M2 to the tray 80k ( Figure 13A and Figure 13B ). The drive transmission mechanism 101 includes a worm gear 60 and stepped gears 61, 62, 65L, and 65R as a reduction mechanism that can transmit the rotation of the output shaft of the motor M2 to the downstream side while reducing the rotational speed (angular velocity). By using the reduction mechanism, the tray pull-in operation can be performed by using the motor M2 with a low output. That is, by using the reduction mechanism, a small motor can be used as the drive source, and miniaturization of the device main body 1A and cost reduction can be achieved.

[0368] Here, when the user attempts to push in the tray 80k located at the disassembly position, the pushing force of the user is transmitted upstream (towards the motor M2 side) to each drive transmission element of the drive transmission mechanism 101. If the motor M2 is configured to rotate in a manner linked to the pushing in of the tray 80k, the pushing force required to move the tray 80k increases due to the load for rotating the motor M2 in the stationary state. In particular, in the case of a configuration where the force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the tray 80k via a reduction mechanism, the force for pushing in the tray 80k and rotating the motor M2 further increases. Additionally, in the case where, as in the present embodiment, the reduction mechanism includes a worm gear, the worm gear self-locks, and even if the user attempts to push in the tray 80k, the motor M2 cannot rotate in the reverse direction. In this case, in most cases, the user cannot push in the tray 80k.

[0369] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the following configuration is adopted: An idle gear 63 is provided in the drive transmission path from the worm gear 60 to the tray 80k, and the idle gear 63 rotates in a manner linked to the pushing in of the tray 80k. Due to the idling of the idle gear 63, the drive transmission element (step gear 62) downstream of the idle gear 63 does not move in a manner linked to the pushing in of the tray 80k, and thus the user can push in the tray 80k with a smaller pushing force. Further, in the present embodiment, the pushing in of the tray 80k is detected by using a sensor (tray pull-out sensor 135) capable of detecting the rotation of the idle gear 63 serving as a transmission unit, and the tray pulling-in operation is automatically performed.

[0370] The pushing-in detection mechanism for detecting the pushing in of the tray 80k will be described below. Figure 24A and Figure 24B are exploded views of the idle gear 63 according to the present embodiment. Figure 24A is a perspective view of the idle gear 63 as viewed from one side in the direction along the rotation axis 63C of the idle gear 63. Figure 24B is a perspective view of the idle gear 63 as viewed from the other side in the direction along the rotation axis 63C.

[0371] As Figure 24A and Figure 24B shown, the idle gear 63 is a gear unit including two gears, which are an input gear 631 and an output gear 632. The input gear 631 and the output gear 632 are arranged in the direction of the rotation axis 63C. Additionally, both the input gear 631 and the output gear 632 are rotatable about the rotation axis 63C.

[0372] The input gear 631 includes a part that meshes with the step gear 62 ( Figure 13A)The engaged gear portion (tooth portion), and the driving force of the motor M2 is input to the input gear 631. That is, the input gear 631 is connected to the motor M2 via the stepped gear 62 or the like so that the drive can be transmitted. The output gear 632 includes a gear portion (tooth portion) that includes the drive rack input gear 64L and the stepped gear 65L( Figure 13A ), and outputs the driving force toward the tray 80k. That is, the output gear 632 is configured to be connected to the tray 80k via the drive rack input gear 64L, the stepped gear 65L, etc. so that the drive can be transmitted.

[0373] The idle gear 63 is an example of a transmission unit configured to transmit the driving force of the motor M2 to the tray 80k. In the present embodiment, the idle gear 63 serves as a transmission unit that can take a blocking state in which the force is blocked from being transmitted from the tray 80k to the motor M2. The input gear 631 is an example of the input portion of the transmission unit. The output gear 632 is an example of the output portion of the transmission unit.

[0374] In the following description, when the motor M2 rotates in the positive rotation direction, the rotation direction of the input gear 631 will be referred to as the positive rotation direction R1 of the idle gear 63. When the motor M2 rotates in the reverse rotation direction, the rotation direction of the input gear 631 will be referred to as the reverse rotation direction R2 of the idle gear 63.

[0375] As Figure 24A shown, a protruding portion 631a is formed on the input gear 631. The protruding portion 631a protrudes toward the output gear 632 in the direction along the rotation axis 63C. The positive rotation abutting portion 631b is provided at one end portion (the end portion in the positive rotation direction R1) of the protruding portion 631a. The reverse rotation abutting portion 631c is provided at the other end portion (the end portion in the reverse rotation direction R2) of the protruding portion 631a. In the present embodiment, two protruding portions 631a are respectively provided at positions 180° apart from each other around the rotation axis 63C.

[0376] As Figure 24B shown, a groove portion 632a is provided on the output gear 632. The groove portion 632a is a recessed portion that is recessed from the input gear 631 toward the output gear 632 in the direction along the rotation axis 63C. The positive rotation abutted portion 632b is provided at one end portion (the end portion in the positive rotation direction R1) of the groove portion 632a. The reverse rotation abutted portion 632c is provided at the other end portion (the end portion in the reverse rotation direction R2) of the groove portion 632a. In the present embodiment, two groove portions 632a are respectively provided at positions 180° apart from each other around the rotation axis 63C.

[0377] In addition, an outer peripheral surface 632e having a substantially cylindrical shape (arc shape) centered on the rotation axis 63C and an outer peripheral recessed portion 632f recessed toward the rotation axis 63C with respect to the outer peripheral surface 632e are formed on the output gear 632. The outer peripheral recessed portion 632f is continuous with one of the groove portions 632a.

[0378] A protruding portion 631a of the input gear 631 is formed within a range of an angle θ1 in the positive rotation direction R1. A groove portion 632a of the output gear 632 is formed within a range of an angle θ2 in the positive rotation direction R1. The range in which the protruding portion 631a is formed is smaller than the range in which the groove portion 632a is formed. That is, θ1 < θ2 holds. Note that although a configuration in which two protruding portions 631a and two groove portions 632a are provided is shown in the present embodiment, the number of the protruding portion 631a and the groove portion 632a may each be one, three, or more.

[0379] A cylindrical shaft portion 631d ( Figure 24A ) is formed at the central portion of the input gear 631. A hole 632d ( Figure 24B ) is formed at the central portion of the output gear 632. The shaft portion 631d of the input gear 631 is engaged with the hole 632d of the output gear 632, and thus the input gear 631 and the output gear 632 are coupled to each other so as to be rotatable about the same rotation axis 63C and relatively rotatable with respect to each other. In addition, since the shaft portion 631d is engaged with a support portion provided in the upper holding member 33L, the input gear 631 is rotatably supported ( Figure 20A ).

[0380] In a state where the input gear 631 and the output gear 632 are coupled, the protruding portion 631a is accommodated in a space inside the groove portion 632a. At this time, since θ1 < θ2 holds, the protruding portion 631a and the groove portion 632a allow relative rotation between the input gear 631 and the output gear 632 at an angle of θ3 = θ2 - θ1. That is, the input gear 631 and the output gear 632 can relatively rotate (idle rotate) within a range of the angle θ3.

[0381] Figures 25A to 25E These are all diagrams for describing the push-in detection mechanism of the tray 80k. Figures 25A to 25E Each diagram on the right side indicates the position of the tray 80k. Figures 25A to 25E Each diagram on the left side is a diagram corresponding to the diagram on the right side, showing the states of the idle gear 63 and the tray pull-out sensor 135.

[0382] As Figures 25A to 25EAs shown, the tray pull-out sensor 135 is arranged to be able to contact the outer peripheral surface 632e of the output gear 632. The tray pull-out sensor 135 is configured such that its detection signal switches between a state where the tray pull-out sensor 135 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 632e of the output gear 632 and a state where the tray pull-out sensor 135 is not in contact with the outer peripheral surface 632e (i.e., the tray pull-out sensor 135 faces the outer peripheral recessed portion 632f). That is, the tray pull-out sensor 135 can detect whether the output gear 632 is within a predetermined rotation range (the range where the tray pull-out sensor 135 faces the outer peripheral recessed portion 632f).

[0383] The output gear 632 is an example of a rotating member that can rotate about a rotation axis. The signal output by the tray pull-out sensor 135, which serves as the detection portion of the present embodiment, changes according to the rotation of the output gear 632. Additionally, in the present embodiment, the rotation angle of the output gear 632 (rotating member) when the tray 80k (support member) moves from the accommodation position (first position) to the removal position (second position) is less than 360°. That is, since the position of the tray 80k is uniquely determined when the signal of the tray pull-out sensor 135 changes, precise control according to the position of the tray 80k can be achieved.

[0384] Reference will be made to Figures 25A to 25E and Figure 35 and Figure 36 The flowchart of to describe the operations performed after the tray pull-out operation of the tray 80k and before the automatic tray pull-in operation caused by the user pushing in the tray 80k.

[0385] Figure 35 is a flowchart showing the process of the controller 30 ( Figure 2 ) performing the tray pull-in operation. It should be noted that the processing in the case where an abnormality is detected during the tray pull-in operation (S13 is) will be described later. Figure 36 is a flowchart showing the process of the controller 30 ( Figure 2 ) performing the tray pull-out operation. It should be noted that the processing in the case where an abnormality is detected during the tray pull-in operation (S23 is) will be described later.

[0386] Figure 25A Shows the state of the idler gear 63 and the tray pull-out sensor 135 when the tray 80k is in the accommodation position Q1. At this time, the tray pull-out sensor 135 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 632e of the output gear 632. It should be noted that in Figures 25A to 25E , the position of the tray 80k is indicated based on the front end of the tray 80k in the pull-out direction Dk1.

[0387] When the user indicates a tray pull-out operation by operating a button on the operation panel or the like ( Figure 36At S1), the controller 30 rotates the motor M2 in the forward rotation direction ( Figure 36 at S22). Then, the driving force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the tray 80k, and thus the tray 80k moves in the pulling-in direction Dk1. At this time, the input gear 631 of the idler gear 63 receives the driving force from the motor M2 and rotates in the forward rotation direction R1. In addition, the forward rotation abutting portion 631b (first engaging portion) of the input gear 631 abuts against the forward rotation abutting portion 632b (first abutted portion) of the output gear 632, so that the driving force is transmitted from the input gear 631 to the output gear 632, and the output gear 632 also rotates in the forward rotation direction R1.

[0388] Figure 25B FIG. shows the state of the idler gear 63 and the tray pull-out sensor 135 when the tray 80k has been pulled out to a predetermined position Q2 between the accommodation position and the detachment position. When the tray 80k reaches the predetermined position Q2, the state where the tray pull-out sensor 135 faces the outer peripheral surface 632e of the output gear 632 switches to the state where the tray pull-out sensor 135 faces the outer peripheral recessed portion 632f of the output gear 632. The controller 30 detects that the tray 80k has reached the predetermined position Q2 based on the change in the detection signal of the tray pull-out sensor 135 ( Figure 36 at S24).

[0389] After the motor M2 continues to rotate forward for a predetermined time T4 after the tray 80k has reached the predetermined position Q2, the controller 30 stops the motor M2 ( Figure 36 at S25). Thus, the tray 80k moves to the detachment position Q3, as Figure 25C shown. At this time, the input gear 631 rotates by an angle θ4 in the clockwise direction in the figure. That is, the angle θ4 is the rotation amount of the input gear 631 when the tray 80k moves from the predetermined position Q2 to the detachment position Q3.

[0390] Figure 25C FIG. shows the state of the idler gear 63 and the tray pull-out sensor 135 when the tray 80k has been pulled out to the detachment position Q3. In this state, the forward rotation abutting portion 631b of the input gear 631 abuts against the forward rotation abutting portion 632b of the output gear 632. In addition, the tray pull-out sensor 135 faces the outer peripheral recessed portion 632f of the output gear 632.

[0391] In the state where the tray 80k has been pulled out to the detachment position Q3, the controller 30 rotates the motor M2 in the reverse rotation direction for a predetermined time T5 ( Figure 36 at S26), and then stops the motor M2 (step S27).

[0392] As Figure 25DAs shown, due to the reverse rotation of the motor M2, the input gear 631 receives the driving force from the motor M2 and rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2. Then, the positive rotation abutting portion 631b of the input gear 631 is separated from the positive rotation abutting portion 632b of the output gear 632. That is, after the tray 80k (support member) has moved from the accommodation position (first position) to the removal position (second position), the motor M2 (driving source) rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2 (second direction opposite to the first direction), and thus the engagement between the positive rotation abutting portion 631b (first engaging portion) and the positive rotation abutting portion 632b (first engaged portion) is released.

[0393] The angle by which the input gear 631 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2 when the motor M2 rotates in the reverse rotation direction for a time T5 will be represented by θ5. The angle θ5 is smaller than the angle θ3 by which the input gear 631 and the output gear 632 can idle (θ5 > θ3). Therefore, when the motor M2 rotates in the reverse rotation direction, the reverse rotation abutting portion 631c of the input gear 631 does not abut against the reverse rotation abutting portion 632c of the output gear 632. That is, the driving force of the motor M2 is not transmitted to the output gear 632, and the tray 80k does not move in the pulling-in direction Dk2 from the removal position Q3. In this way, the tray pulling-out operation of the tray 80k from the accommodation position to the removal position is completed.

[0394] Figure 25D The state of the idler gear 63 and the tray pull-out sensor 135 when the tray pull-out operation of the tray 80k is completed is shown. In this state, the positive rotation abutting portion 631b of the input gear 631 is separated from the positive rotation abutting portion 632b of the output gear 632. In addition, the reverse rotation abutting portion 631c of the input gear 631 is also separated from the reverse rotation abutting portion 632c of the output gear 632. In addition, the tray pull-out sensor 135 faces the outer peripheral recessed portion 632f of the output gear 632.

[0395] Here, as Figure 25E shown, the case where the user has pushed the tray 80k in the pulling-in direction Dk2 will be considered. In this case, the pushing force with which the user pushes the tray 80k is transmitted in the reverse direction along the drive transmission path from the motor M2 to the tray 80k to the output gear 632. Therefore, the output gear 632 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2.

[0396] Meanwhile, since the motor M2 rotates in the reverse direction during the tray pulling-out operation, there is a gap of the above-mentioned angle θ5 between the positive-rotation abutting portion 631b and the positive-rotation abutted portion 632b. Therefore, even when the output gear 632 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2, the input gear 631 does not rotate in the reverse rotation direction R2. That is to say, the input gear 631 and the drive transmission elements upstream thereof (on the side of the motor M2) do not operate in a manner linked to the pushing-in of the tray 80k. In other words, the idler gear 63 (transmission unit) is configured to assume a blocking state that blocks the transmission of force from the tray 80k to the motor M2 (drive source) after the tray 80k (support member) has moved from the accommodation position (first position) to the removal position (second position). Therefore, the user can push in the tray 80k with a lower pushing force.

[0397] The angle by which the output gear 632 rotates when the tray 80k is pushed in from the removal position Q3 to the predetermined position Q2 will be represented by θ4. The angle θ4 is preferably smaller than the angle θ5 of the gap existing between the positive-rotation abutting portion 631b and the positive-rotation abutted portion 632b when the tray pulling-out operation is completed (θ4 < θ5). The angle θ5 is the angle by which the output gear 632 can rotate (idle) in the reverse rotation direction R2 in a state where the input gear 631 stops. In other words, the angle (θ5) by which the output gear 632 (output portion) can rotate relative to the input gear 631 (input portion) in a state where the engagement between the positive-rotation abutting portion 631b (first engaging portion) and the positive-rotation abutted portion 632b (first engaged portion) is released is larger than the angle (θ4) by which the output gear 632 rotates when the tray 80k (support member) moves from the removal position Q3 (second position) to the predetermined position Q2. Therefore, as long as the relationship θ4 < θ5 is satisfied, the user can push in the tray 80k with a smaller pushing force, at least until the tray 80k reaches the predetermined position Q2.

[0398] When as Figure 25E shown, the tray 80k is pushed into the predetermined position Q2, the state where the tray pull-out sensor 135 faces the outer peripheral recessed portion 632f of the output gear 632 switches to the state where the tray pull-out sensor 135 faces the outer peripheral surface 632e of the output gear 632. The controller 30 detects that the tray 80k has been pushed into the predetermined position Q2 based on the change in the detection signal of the tray pull-out sensor 135 ( Figure 35 of S11 is).

[0399] When the pushing-in of the tray 80k is detected, the controller 30 rotates the motor M2 in the reverse rotation direction and starts the tray pulling-in operation ( Figure 35Due to the reverse rotation of the motor M2, the input gear 631 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2, and the reverse rotation contact portion 631c (second engagement portion) of the input gear 631 engages with the reverse rotation contact portion 632c (second engaged portion) of the output gear 632. Accordingly, the output gear 632 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2, and the tray 80k moves toward the accommodation position. Then, when it is detected that the tray 80k has reached the accommodation position Q1 (S14 is YES), the controller 30 stops the motor M2 (S15), and thus the tray pulling-in operation is completed.

[0400] Here, as Figure 22A shown, a tray pulling-in sensor 134 capable of detecting that the tray 80k has reached the accommodation position is provided in the apparatus main body 1A. The tray pulling-in sensor 134 of the present embodiment is held by the lower holding member 34L.

[0401] The tray pulling-in sensor 134 is provided so as to contact the drive rack 15L when the tray 80k is in the accommodation position Q1. In other words, the tray pulling-in sensor 134 is configured to change its detection signal according to whether the drive rack 15L is in the lower position. Based on the change in the detection signal of the tray pulling-in sensor 134, the controller 30 can detect that the drive rack 15L has reached the lower position, that is, the tray 80k has reached the accommodation position Q1. The tray pulling-in sensor 134 is an example of a detection portion configured to change its signal when the tray 80k (support member) supporting the toner cartridge 70k (cartridge) has moved from the detachment position (second position) toward the accommodation position (first position). The signal output from the tray pulling-in sensor 134 is different between the state where the tray 80k is in the accommodation position Q1 and the state where the tray 80k is in the detachment position Q3. The signal output from the tray pulling-in sensor 134 is different between the state where the toner cartridge 70k (cartridge) is in the attached position and the state where the toner cartridge 70k (cartridge) is in the retracted position.

[0402] As described above, the controller 30 is configured to automatically perform the tray pulling-in operation when it is detected that the tray 80k has been pushed from the detachment position Q3 to the predetermined position Q2. In other words, when the tray 80k (support member) that is in the detachment position (second position) and has not been moved by the motor M2 (drive source) moves toward the accommodation position (first position) and the signal of the tray pull-out sensor 135 changes, the controller 30 causes the motor M2 to move the tray 80k toward the accommodation position. Accordingly, a more intuitive operation can be performed, and the operability can be improved.

[0403] In addition, in the present embodiment, the idler gear 63 is provided in the drive transmission mechanism 101 that transmits the driving force from the motor M2 to the tray 80k, and is configured to idle when the user pushes the tray 80k in the pulling-in direction Dk2. Therefore, the user can push the tray 80k from the detachment position Q3 to the predetermined position Q2 with a lower pushing force, and the operability can be further improved.

[0404] Modification example of the push-in detection mechanism

[0405] In the present embodiment, the following configuration is adopted: the push-in of the tray 80k can be detected by detecting the rotation angle of the output gear 632 by the tray pull-out sensor 135, and the rotation angle changes in a manner linked to the push-in of the tray 80k. The configuration is not limited to this, and the push-in of the tray 80k can be detected by using a sensor that detects a different component (the different component moves in a manner linked to the push-in of the tray 80k). For example, a sensor capable of detecting that the connecting rack 66 is in a position corresponding to the detachment position of the tray 80k can be used. In this case, when the state of the sensor detecting the connecting rack 66 switches to the state where the connecting rack 66 is not detected by the sensor, the controller 30 determines that the tray 80k has been pushed in.

[0406] In addition, the sensor for detecting the push-in of the tray 80k is not limited to a sensor that detects contact with the target component, and can be, for example, an optical sensor that detects the target component by using light.

[0407] In addition, although the tray pull-out sensor 135 is used as the detection part in the present embodiment (the detection part changes its signal when the tray 80k has moved from the detachment position toward the accommodation position), a detection part that detects the force received in the direction of moving the tray 80k from the detachment position toward the accommodation position can also be used. For example, a force sensor such as a load cell is used as the detection part. In this case, the controller 30 can perform the tray pulling-in operation by rotating the motor M2 in the reverse rotation direction based on the change in the force sensor signal caused by the user pushing the tray 80k in the state where the motor M2 is not driven after the tray 80k has been pulled out to the detachment position.

[0408] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example of starting the tray pulling-in operation by activating the motor M2 in a stationary state when the detection part detects the movement of the tray 80k has been described. The configuration is not limited to this, and when the detection part detects the movement of the tray 80k, the tray pulling-in operation can be started by connecting a clutch between the motor M2 and the tray 80k while the motor M2 is rotating.

[0409] Automatic pull-out function in case of abnormal tray pulling-in

[0410] In the case where an abnormality occurs during the tray pulling-in operation, the tray 80 may stop at a position that is neither the accommodation position nor the disassembly position (abnormal position). The abnormality is, for example, a case where a foreign object exists between the tray 80 and another member and the movement of the tray 80 in the pulling-in direction Dk2 is interrupted.

[0411] At this time, preferably, the recovery work for returning the device to a state where the tray pulling-in operation can be performed is executed by resolving the cause of the abnormality (for example, removing the foreign object). In addition, in the state where the tray 80 stops at the abnormal position, it is difficult for the user to determine which operation to perform, which is not preferable for the user in terms of operability.

[0412] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the imaging device 1 is provided with a function (automatic tray pulling-out function) of automatically moving the tray 80 to the disassembly position in the case where an abnormality occurs during the period when the tray 80 moves from the disassembly position to the accommodation position (during the tray pulling-in operation).

[0413] It will be described according to Figure 35 the flowchart the details of the processing executed by the controller 30 ( Figure 2 ) in the case where an abnormality is detected during the tray pulling-in operation.

[0414] In the state where the tray 80 is in the disassembly position, the user can indicate the start of the tray pulling-in operation by operating the operation portion provided on the device main body 1A (for example, the button of the operation panel) or by pushing in the tray 80 as described above. When a command for the tray pulling-in operation (pulling-in command) or the pushing-in of the tray 80 is detected (S11: YES), the controller 30 rotates the motor M2 in the reverse rotation direction (S12). Accordingly, the tray pulling-in operation starts, and the tray 80 starts to move from the disassembly position to the accommodation position by the driving force of the motor M2.

[0415] As Figures 22D to 22A shown, when the tray 80 moves from the disassembly position to the accommodation position, the driving rack 15 (15L) moves downward (in the -Z direction) with respect to the device main body 1A. When the driving rack 15 has moved to the lower position corresponding to the accommodation position of the tray 80 ( Figure 22A state), the tray pulling-in sensor 134 detects the driving rack 15. Based on the detection of the driving rack 15 by the tray pulling-in sensor 134, the controller 30 ( Figure 2 ) determines that the tray pulling-in operation has been completed (S14: YES), and stops the driving motor M2 to complete the tray pulling-in operation (S15).

[0416] Here, it is assumed that an abnormality occurs during the tray pulling-in operation and the movement of the tray 80 is interrupted. In this case, the driving rack 15 cannot move to the lower position, and the tray pulling-in sensor 134 does not detect the driving rack 15. That is, the controller 30 determines that the tray pulling-in operation is not completed (S14N).

[0417] In the present embodiment, when the tray pulling-in sensor 134 does not detect the driving rack 15 even after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the reverse rotation of the motor M2 started (S12), the controller 30 determines that an abnormality has occurred during the tray pulling-in operation (S13 is). The predetermined time T1 is a value obtained, for example, by adding a predetermined margin to the time required for the tray pulling-in sensor 134 to detect that the driving rack 15 has reached the lower position from the start of the reverse rotation of the motor M2 when the tray pulling-in operation is performed normally. The value of the predetermined time T1 is stored in advance in the storage section of the controller 30.

[0418] When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred during the tray pulling-in operation, the controller 30 temporarily stops the motor M2 and then rotates the motor M2 in the forward rotation direction (S16). Accordingly, the tray 80 starts to move from the abnormal position toward the detachment position by the driving force of the motor M2. The controller 30 determines that the tray 80 has reached the detachment position when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the start of the forward rotation of the motor M2, for example, stops the motor M2 (S17), and completes the automatic pulling-out operation. It should be noted that the following configuration can be adopted: the tray 80 is moved to the detachment position by using the tray pull-out sensor 135 for control similar to that in the normal tray pulling-out operation ( Figure 36 in S24 to S27) (instead of S17).

[0419] As described above, in a state where the tray 80 is at the detachment position Q3 corresponding to the retracted position of the toner cartridge 70, the controller 30 causes the motor M2 to start outputting a driving force in the reverse rotation direction (second direction), and thus starts the tray pulling-in operation. When the tray 80 has not reached the accommodation position Q1 corresponding to the attachment position of the toner cartridge 70 even after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the start of driving the motor M2, the controller 30 causes the motor M2 to output a driving force in the forward rotation direction (first direction). In other words, after causing the drive source to start outputting a driving force in the second direction in a state where the cartridge is in the retracted position, when the cartridge has not reached the attachment position even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the controller causes the drive source to output a driving force in the first direction.

[0420] That is, after the drive device 98 starts the second operation with the toner cartridge 70 (cartridge) in the retracted position, even if the toner cartridge 70 does not reach the attachment position after a predetermined time, the controller 30 causes the drive device 98 to perform the first operation. The first operation is an operation in which the drive device 98 drives the moving device 85 to move the toner cartridge 70 from the attachment position toward the retracted position. The second operation is an operation in which the drive device 98 drives the moving device 85 to move the toner cartridge 70 from the retracted position toward the attachment position.

[0421] According to the above control, in the case where an abnormality occurs during the tray pulling-in operation, the tray 80 temporarily stops at the abnormal position and is then automatically pulled out to the disassembly position. Therefore, the user can perform recovery work such as removing foreign matter in a state where the tray 80 has been pulled out to the disassembly position. That is, according to the present embodiment, the operability of the recovery work can be improved as compared with the case where the tray 80 remains at the abnormal position.

[0422] In addition, according to the present embodiment, in the case where an abnormality occurs during the tray pulling-in operation, the tray 80 returns to the disassembly position by the automatic tray pulling-out function. In other words, in the case where the cartridge does not reach the attachment position even after a predetermined time, the controller causes the drive source to start outputting a driving force in the first direction, and then stops the drive source when the cartridge has reached the retracted position. Therefore, the user can easily understand that the tray pulling-in operation can be performed again after the recovery work, which makes it easier for the user to determine the next operation.

[0423] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 moves from the retracted position to the attachment position, a part of the toner cartridge 70 moves from the outside of the frame 16 (main body frame) to the inside through the opening 16a of the device main body 1A. In this configuration, even in the case where the toner cartridge 70 cannot pass through the opening 16a for some reason, the toner cartridge 70 can be automatically pulled out to the outside of the device main body 1A.

[0424] Automatic pulling-in function in case of abnormal tray pulling-out

[0425] In the case where an abnormality occurs during the tray pulling-out operation, the tray 80 may stop at a position that is neither the accommodation position nor the disassembly position (abnormal position).

[0426] For example, the following situation can be considered: during the tray pull-out operation, there is an obstacle at a position overlapping the movement trajectory of the tray 80 (for example, near the opening 16a of the apparatus main body 1A), and the movement of the tray 80 is restricted due to contact between the moving tray 80 (or the door 14) and the obstacle. In this case, the tray 80 stops at an abnormal position. Since the tray 80 stops at an abnormal position (i.e., it is not pulled out to the removal position), the user may not be able to remove the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80, or it is very difficult to do so. In addition, in a state where the tray 80 stops at an abnormal position, it is difficult for the user to determine which operation to perform next, which is not desirable for the operability of the user.

[0427] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the imaging apparatus 1 is provided with a function (automatic tray pull-in function) of automatically moving the tray 80 to the accommodation position when an abnormality occurs during the movement of the tray 80 from the accommodation position to the removal position (during the tray pull-out operation). The automatic tray pull-in function will be described below.

[0428] Reference will be made to Figure 36 describe the details of the process executed by the controller 30 ( Figure 2 ) when an abnormality is detected during the tray pull-out operation.

[0429] In a state where the tray 80 is in the accommodation position, the user can instruct the imaging apparatus 1 to start the tray pull-out operation by operating an operation portion provided on the apparatus main body 1A (for example, a button on the operation panel). When a command (pull-out command) for the tray pull-out operation is received (S21 is YES), the controller 30 starts rotating the motor M2 in the forward rotation direction (S22). Accordingly, the tray pull-out operation starts, and the tray 80 starts moving from the accommodation position to the removal position by the driving force of the motor M2.

[0430] As described above, the tray pull-out sensor 135 detects that the tray 80 has moved to the predetermined position Q2 (S24 is YES, Figure 25B state). When a predetermined time T4 has elapsed since the tray 80 was detected by the tray pull-out sensor 135, the motor M2 is temporarily stopped (S25), then the motor M2 is further rotated in the reverse rotation direction for a predetermined time T5 (S26), and the motor M2 is stopped (S27). Accordingly, the tray 80 moves to the removal position, as described above. In addition, in a case where the tray 80 has been pushed in by the user, the idle gear 63 is in a state where the output gear 632 can idle relative to the input gear 631 in a manner linked to the tray 80.

[0431] Here, it is assumed that an abnormality has occurred during the tray pull-out operation, and the movement of the tray 80 has been interrupted. In this case, the tray pull-out sensor 135 does not detect that the tray 80 has reached the predetermined position Q2 (S24: No). That is, the controller 30 determines that the tray pull-out operation has not been completed.

[0432] In the present embodiment, when the tray pull-out sensor 135 still does not detect that the tray 80 has reached the predetermined position Q2 even after a predetermined time T3 has elapsed since the start of the tray pull-out operation (S22), the controller 30 determines that an abnormality has occurred during the tray pull-out operation (S23: Yes). The predetermined time T3 is a value obtained, for example, by adding a predetermined margin to the time required for the tray pull-out sensor 135 to detect that the tray 80 has reached the predetermined position Q2 from the start of the positive rotation of the motor M2 when the tray pull-in operation is normally performed. The value of the predetermined time T3 is stored in advance in the storage section of the controller 30.

[0433] When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred during the tray pull-out operation, the controller 30 temporarily stops the motor M2 and then rotates the motor M2 in the reverse rotation direction (S28). Accordingly, the tray 80 starts to move from the abnormal position toward the accommodation position by the driving force of the motor M2. For example, when a predetermined time T6 has elapsed since the start of the reverse rotation of the motor M2, the controller 30 determines that the tray 80 has reached the accommodation position and stops the motor M2 (S29), and the automatic pull-in operation is completed. It should be noted that the following configuration may be adopted: The tray 80 is moved to the accommodation position by using the tray pull-out sensor 134 for control similar to that in the normal tray pull-in operation ( Figure 35 in S14 and S15) (instead of S29).

[0434] That is, after the drive device 98 starts the first operation in a state where the toner cartridge 70 (cartridge) is in the attached position, when the toner cartridge 70 has not reached the retracted position even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 30 causes the drive device 98 to perform the second operation. The first operation is an operation in which the drive device 98 drives the moving device 85 to move the toner cartridge 70 from the attached position toward the retracted position. The second operation is an operation in which the drive device 98 drives the moving device 85 to move the toner cartridge 70 from the retracted position toward the attached position.

[0435] As described above, in a state where the tray 80 is in the accommodation position Q1 corresponding to the attachment position of the toner cartridge 70, the controller 30 causes the motor M2 to start outputting a driving force in the forward rotation direction (first direction), and thus starts the tray pulling-in operation. In a case where the tray 80 has not reached the detachment position Q3 corresponding to the retraction position of the toner cartridge 70 even after a predetermined time T3 has elapsed since the start of driving of the motor M2, the controller 30 causes the motor M2 to output a driving force in the reverse rotation direction (second direction). In other words, after causing the drive source to start outputting a driving force in the first direction in a state where the cartridge is in the attachment position, and even after a predetermined time has elapsed, if the cartridge has not reached the retraction position, the controller causes the drive source to output a driving force in the second direction.

[0436] According to the above control, in a case where an abnormality occurs during the tray pulling-out operation, the tray 80 temporarily stops at the abnormal position and then is automatically pulled into the accommodation position. Therefore, the user can easily understand that the tray pulling-out operation can be performed again after resuming work or the like, which makes it easier for the user to determine the next operation.

[0437] In addition, according to the present embodiment, in a case where an abnormality occurs during the tray pulling-out operation, the tray 80 returns to the accommodation position Q1 by the automatic tray pulling-in function. In other words, in a case where the cartridge has not reached the retraction position even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the controller causes the drive source to start outputting a driving force in the second direction, and then stops the drive source in a case where the cartridge has reached the attachment position. Therefore, the user can easily understand that the tray pulling-out operation can be performed again after resuming work, which makes it easier for the user to determine the next operation.

[0438] In addition, in the present embodiment, in a case where the toner cartridge 70 moves from the attachment position to the retraction position, a part of the toner cartridge 70 moves from the inside of the frame 16 (main body frame) to the outside through the opening 16a of the apparatus main body 1A. In this configuration, even in a case where the toner cartridge 70 cannot pass through the opening 16a for some reason, the toner cartridge 70 can be automatically pulled back into the apparatus main body 1A.

[0439] Note that, in the present embodiment, after the tray pull-out sensor 135 detects that the tray 80 has reached the predetermined position Q2 and before the tray 80 reaches the detachment position Q3, when the movement of the tray 80 is restricted by an obstacle or the like, the controller 30 cannot detect an abnormality. In the present embodiment, even when the tray 80 is in the state of the predetermined position Q2, the toner cartridge 70 can be attached to and detached from the tray 80. In addition, if a sensor for detecting that the tray 80 has reached the detachment position Q3 is additionally provided, the cost increases. According to the present embodiment, an abnormality occurring during the tray pull-out operation can be detected by a simple configuration using the tray pull-out sensor 135. Note that a sensor for detecting that the tray 80 has reached the detachment position Q3 can be additionally provided, and the controller 30 can detect an abnormality occurring during the tray pull-out operation based on the detection result of this sensor.

[0440] Second Embodiment

[0441] As a second embodiment, an embodiment in which the configuration for connecting the left drive rack 15L and the right drive rack 15R is different from that of the first embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the left drive rack 15L and the right drive rack 15R are connected by using a gear train.

[0442] In the following description, it is assumed that elements denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have substantially the same configurations and functions as the elements described in the first embodiment, and parts different from the first embodiment will be mainly described. A drive system for moving the tray 80k relative to the rotating body 90 will be described below. The drive systems for moving the trays 80y to 80c are substantially the same as the drive system to be described below, and thus their descriptions will be omitted.

[0443] Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of a drive system 100B according to the present embodiment. Figure 26 The state of the drive system 100B when the tray 80k is in the accommodation position is shown.

[0444] As Figure 26 shown, the drive system 100B of the tray 80k according to the second embodiment includes a motor M2 serving as a drive source and a drive transmission mechanism 101B that transmits the driving force of the motor M2 to the tray 80k. The drive transmission mechanism 101B of the present embodiment includes drive rack input gears 64L, drive racks 15L and 15R, idle gears 38a, 38b, 38c and 38d, pinions 94kL and 94kR, and rack portions 83kL and 83kR.

[0445] The idle gears 38a to 38d are provided in the apparatus main body 1A. Therefore, it can be said that the drive device 98 of the apparatus main body 1A includes the idle gears 38a to 38d as a transmission part 15t (Figure 2 a part of

[0446] The drive rack 15L includes three rack portions that engage with the drive rack input gear 64L, the idle gear 38a, and the pinion 94kL, respectively. Additionally, the drive rack 15R includes two rack portions that engage with the idle gear 38d and the pinion 94kR, respectively.

[0447] The idle gears 38a, 38b, 38c, and 38d are examples of a gear train that includes a plurality of gears (here, four). The idle gears 38a to 38d are arranged in this order in a state where adjacent idle gears are engaged with each other. That is, the idle gears 38a to 38d constitute a gear train that connects the left drive rack 15L and the right drive rack 15R. The idle gears 38a to 38d are arranged in the rotational axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body 90. The left drive rack 15L and the right drive rack 15R are connected via the idle gears 38a to 38d so as to move in a linked manner with each other.

[0448] The operation of the drive system 100B in the case of moving the tray 80k from the accommodation position to the removal position will be described. The drive rack input gear 64L rotates in the counterclockwise direction in the figure by receiving the driving force from the motor M2 that rotates in the positive rotation direction. Therefore, the drive rack 15L slides upward (in the +Z direction) with respect to the apparatus main body 1A. Due to the sliding movement of the drive rack 15L, the idle gear 38a rotates in the clockwise direction in the figure. The driving force of the idle gear 38a is sequentially transmitted through the idle gears 38b, 38c, and 38d. Therefore, the drive rack 15R slides upward (in the +Z direction) with respect to the apparatus main body 1A. The drive racks 15L and 15R rotate the pinions 94kL and 94kR, respectively, while moving upward (+Z direction) with respect to the apparatus main body 1A. Then, the driving force is input from the pinions 94kL and 94kR to the rack portions 83kL and 83kR, and thus the tray 80k moves toward the removal position.

[0449] It should be noted that the operation of the drive system 100B in the case of moving the tray 80k from the removal position to the accommodation position is the same as that in the case of moving the tray 80k from the accommodation position to the removal position, except that the rotation direction or the sliding direction of each element of the drive system 100B is opposite.

[0450] As described above, also in the present embodiment, when the tray 80k is pulled out / pulled in, the driving force of the motor M2 is transmitted to each of the left rack portion 83kL and the right rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k through the drive transmission mechanism 101B. That is, in the tray pulling-out operation, the driving force in the pulling-out direction Dk1 is transmitted to each of the two rack portions 83kL and 83kR, and in the tray pulling-in operation, the driving force in the pulling-in direction Dk2 is transmitted to each of the two rack portions 83kL and 83kR. Therefore, compared with the configuration in which the driving force is only transmitted to one rack portion of the tray 80k during the pulling-out / pulling-in operation of the tray 80k, the inclination of the tray 80k is less likely to occur, and the pulling-out / pulling-in operation can be performed more stably.

[0451] The idle gears 38a to 38d (gear train) of the present embodiment can transmit the force received from the left drive rack 15L to the right drive rack 15R, and transmit the force received from the right drive rack 15R to the left drive rack 15L. The drive transmission mechanism 101B including the idle gears 38a to 38d of the present embodiment transmits the force received from the left rack portion 83kL (first force receiving portion) of the tray 80k to the right rack portion 83kR (second force receiving portion), and transmits the force received from the right rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k to the left rack portion 83kL. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the inclination of the tray 80k is less likely to occur, and the smooth operability of the user's pushing operation of the tray 80k can be achieved.

[0452] It should be noted that although a gear train including four idle gears 38a to 38d has been described as an example of an element connecting the left drive rack 15L and the right drive rack 15R, the number of gears constituting the gear train does not have to be four. For the linked movement of the drive racks 15L and 15R in the same direction, the number of gears of the gear train is preferably an even number.

[0453] Third Embodiment

[0454] As a third embodiment, an embodiment in which the configuration for connecting the left drive rack 15L and the right drive rack 15R is different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the left drive rack 15L and the right drive rack 15R are connected by using a rotating shaft.

[0455] In the following description, it is assumed that elements denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have substantially the same configurations and functions as the elements described in the first embodiment, and parts different from the first embodiment will be mainly described. A drive system for moving the tray 80k relative to the rotating body 90 will be described below. The drive systems for moving the trays 80y to 80c are substantially the same as the drive system described below, and thus their descriptions will be omitted.

[0456] Figure 27 is a schematic diagram of the drive system 100C according to the present embodiment. Figure 27 The state of the drive system 100C is shown when the tray 80k is in the accommodation position.

[0457] As Figure 27 shown, the drive system 100C for the tray 80k according to the third embodiment includes a motor M2 serving as a drive source and a drive transmission mechanism 101C that transmits the driving force of the motor M2 to the tray 80k. The drive transmission mechanism 101C of the present embodiment includes a drive rack input gear 64L, drive racks 15L and 15R, a rotating shaft 39, rotating shaft gears 391L and 391R, pinions 94kL and 94kR, and rack portions 83kL and 83kR.

[0458] The rotating shaft 39 and the rotating shaft gears 391L and 391R are provided in the device main body 1A. Therefore, it can be said that the drive device 98 of the device main body 1A includes the rotating shaft 39 and the rotating shaft gears 391L and 391R as a part of the transmission part 15t ( Figure 2 ).

[0459] The drive rack 15L includes two rack portions that are respectively engaged with the drive rack input gear 64L and the rotating shaft gear 391L. The rack portion of the drive rack 15L engaged with the rotating shaft gear 391L can also be engaged with the pinion 94kL. In addition, the drive rack 15R includes a rack portion engaged with the rotating shaft gear 391R. This rack portion can also be engaged with the pinion 94kR.

[0460] The rotating shaft 39 extends in the rotational axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body 90. The rotating shaft 39 is rotatable about a rotational axis extending in the Y direction. The rotating shaft gears 391L and 391R are provided at corresponding end portions of the rotating shaft 39 and rotate integrally with the rotating shaft 39.

[0461] The left drive rack 15L and the right drive rack 15R are connected via the rotating shaft 39 so as to move in a linked manner with each other. Specifically, the left drive rack 15L is connected to the right drive rack 15R via the rotating shaft gear 391L, the rotating shaft 39, and the rotating shaft gear 391R.

[0462] The operation of the drive system 100C when moving the tray 80k from the accommodation position to the removal position will be described. The drive rack input gear 64L rotates counterclockwise in the figure by receiving the driving force from the motor M2 rotating in the positive rotation direction. Therefore, the drive rack 15L slides upward (in the +Z direction) with respect to the device main body 1A. Due to the sliding movement of the drive rack 15L, the rotating shaft gear 391L rotates in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The rotating shaft 39 and the rotating shaft gear 391R rotate together with the rotating shaft gear 391L. Therefore, the drive rack 15R slides upward (in the +Z direction) with respect to the device main body 1A. While the drive racks 15L and 15R are moving upward (+Z direction) with respect to the device main body 1A, they respectively rotate the pinions 94kL and 94kR. Then, the driving force is input from the pinions 94kL and 94kR to the rack portions 83kL and 83kR. Therefore, the tray 80k moves toward the removal position.

[0463] It should be noted that the operation of the drive system 100C when moving the tray 80k from the removal position to the accommodation position is the same as when moving the tray 80k from the accommodation position to the removal position, except that the rotation direction or sliding direction of each element of the drive system 100C is opposite.

[0464] As described above, also in this embodiment, when the tray 80k is pulled out / pulled in, the driving force of the motor M2 is transmitted to each of the left rack portion 83kL and the right rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k through the drive transmission mechanism 101C. That is, in the tray pull-out operation, the driving force in the pull-out direction Dk1 is transmitted to each of the two rack portions 83kL and 83kR, and in the tray pull-in operation, the driving force in the pull-in direction Dk2 is transmitted to each of the two rack portions 83kL and 83kR. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which the driving force is only transmitted to one rack portion of the tray 80k during the pull-out / pull-in operation of the tray 80k, tilting of the tray 80k is less likely to occur, and the pull-out / pull-in operation can be performed more stably.

[0465] The rotating shaft 39 of this embodiment can transmit the force received from the left driving rack 15L to the right driving rack 15R, and transmit the force received from the right driving rack 15R to the left driving rack 15L. The driving transmission mechanism 101C including the rotating shaft 39 of this embodiment transmits the force received from the left rack portion 83kL (first force receiving portion) of the tray 80k to the right rack portion 83kR (second force receiving portion), and transmits the force received from the right rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k to the left rack portion 83kL. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the inclination of the tray 80k is unlikely to occur, and smooth operability of the user's pushing operation on the tray 80k can be achieved.

[0466] Fourth Embodiment

[0467] As a fourth embodiment, an embodiment in which the configuration for connecting the left driving rack 15L and the right driving rack 15R is different from that of the first to third embodiments will be described. In this embodiment, the left driving rack 15L and the right driving rack 15R are connected by using a gear train provided in the rotating body 90.

[0468] In the following description, it is assumed that the elements denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have substantially the same configuration and function as the elements described in the first embodiment, and the parts different from the first embodiment will be mainly described. The drive system for moving the tray 80k relative to the rotating body 90 will be described below. The drive systems for moving the trays 80y to 80c are substantially the same as the drive system to be described below, and thus their descriptions will be omitted.

[0469] Figure 28A and Figure 28B are schematic views of the drive system 100D according to this embodiment when viewed from above (+Z direction). Figure 28A The state of the drive system 100D when the tray 80k is in the accommodation position is shown. Figure 28B The state of the drive system 100D when the tray 80k is in the disassembling position is shown.

[0470] As Figure 28A and Figure 28B shown, the drive system 100D of the tray 80k according to the fourth embodiment includes a motor M2 serving as a drive source and a drive transmission mechanism 101D that transmits the driving force of the motor M2 to the tray 80k. The drive transmission mechanism 101D of this embodiment includes a drive rack input gear 64L, a drive rack 15L, a pinion 94kL, and idle gears 38e, 38f, 38g, 38h, 38i, and 38j. In addition, the tray 80k is provided with a rack portion 83kL (first rack portion) and second rack portions 84kR and 84kL.

[0471] The rack portion 83kL is an example of a first force receiving portion, and the tray 80k serving as a moving member receives a driving force from the drive transmission mechanism 101D through the first force receiving portion. The second rack portion 84kR on the right side is an example of a second force receiving portion, and the tray 80k serving as a moving member receives a driving force from the drive transmission mechanism 101D through the second force receiving portion.

[0472] The idle gears 38e, 38f, 38g, 38h, 38i, and 38j are a gear train including a plurality of gears (six in this case). The idle gears 38e to 38j are provided in the rotating body 90. More specifically, the idle gears 38e to 38j are each rotatably supported by a frame (rotating frame 90f) of the rotating body 90 that movably supports the tray 80k. Therefore, it can be said that the moving device 85k of the rotating body 90 includes the idle gears 38e to 38j that serve as a mechanism for connecting the second rack portion 84kL on the left side and the second rack portion 84kR on the right side of the tray 80k.

[0473] The idle gears 38e, 38f, 38g, 38h, 38i, and 38j are arranged in this order in the Y direction toward the right side (+Y side) of the device main body 1A. The adjacent gears among the idle gears 38e to 38j are engaged with each other.

[0474] The second rack portions 84kL and 84kR together with the rack portion 83kL are provided in the tray 80k. When viewed from the front side (-X side) of the device main body 1A, the protruding direction of the teeth of the rack portion 83kL and the protruding direction (+Y direction) of the second rack portion 84kL are orthogonal to each other. The second rack portion 84kL on the left side is engaged with the idle gear 38e. The second rack portion 84kR on the right side is engaged with the idle gear 38j.

[0475] The operation of the drive system 100D will be described in the case of moving the tray 80k from the accommodation position ( Figure 28A ) to the removal position ( Figure 28B ). The drive rack input gear 64L rotates by receiving the driving force from the motor M2 rotating in the positive rotation direction, so that the drive rack 15L slides upward (in the +Z direction) with respect to the device main body 1A. The drive rack 15L rotates the pinion 94kL while moving upward (+Z direction) with respect to the device main body 1A. Then, the driving force is input from the pinion 94kL to the rack portion 83kL, so that the rack portion 83kL starts to move in the removal direction Dk1.

[0476] Here, according to the movement of the rack portion 83kL in the pulling-out direction Dk1, the second rack portion 84kL causes the idle gear 38 to rotate counterclockwise in the figure. The rotation of the idle gear 38e is sequentially transmitted through the idle gears 38f, 38g, 38h, 38i, and 38j, and the driving force is input from the idle gear 38j to the second rack portion 84kR, and the second rack portion 84kR starts to move in the pulling-out direction Dk1. That is, the tray 80k receives the driving force in the pulling-out direction Dk1 at the rack portion 83kL provided on one end side in the Y direction and the second rack portion 84kR provided on the other side in the Y direction, and thus moves toward the disassembling position.

[0477] It should be noted that the operation of the drive system 100D when moving the tray 80k from the disassembling position to the accommodating position is the same as that when moving the tray 80k from the accommodating position to the disassembling position, except that the rotation direction or sliding direction of each element of the drive system 100D is opposite.

[0478] As described above, also in this embodiment, when the tray 80k is pulled out / pulled in, the driving force of the motor M2 is transmitted to each of the left rack portion 83kL and the right second rack portion 84kR of the tray 80k through the drive transmission mechanism 101D. That is, in the tray pulling-out operation, the driving force in the pulling-out direction Dk1 is transmitted to each of the two rack portions 83kL and 84kR, and in the tray pulling-in operation, the driving force in the pulling-in direction Dk2 is transmitted to each of the two rack portions 83kL and 84kR. Therefore, compared with the configuration in which the driving force is only transmitted to one rack portion of the tray 80k when the tray 80k is pulled out / pulled in, the inclination of the tray 80k is less likely to occur, and the pulling-out / pulling-in operation can be performed more stably.

[0479] The idle gears 38e to 38j of this embodiment can transmit the force received from the left second rack portion 84kL to the right second rack portion 84kR, and transmit the force received from the right second rack portion 84kR to the left second rack portion 84kL. The drive transmission mechanism 101D of this embodiment transmits the force received from the left rack portion 83kL (first force receiving portion) of the tray 80k to the right second rack portion 84kR (second force receiving portion), and transmits the force received from the right second rack portion 84kR of the tray 80k to the left rack portion 83kL. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the inclination of the tray 80k is less likely to occur, and the smooth operability of the user's pushing operation of the tray 80k can be achieved.

[0480] Note that although a gear train including six idler gears 38e to 38j has been described as an example of an element that connects the left second rack portion 84kL and the right second rack portion 84kR, the number of gears constituting the gear train does not have to be six. For the linked movement of the second rack portions 84kL and 84kR in the same direction, the number of gears in the gear train is preferably an even number. In addition, the element that connects the left second rack portion 84kL and the right second rack portion 84kR is not limited to a gear train. For example, similar to the first embodiment, a right rack portion 83kR and a pinion 94kR may be additionally provided, and the left pinion 94kL and the right pinion 94kR may be fixed to a rotating shaft extending in the Y direction so that the left pinion 94kL and the right pinion 94kR rotate integrally.

[0481] Fifth Embodiment

[0482] As a fifth embodiment, an embodiment in which the mechanism for detecting the pushing-in of the tray is different from that of the first embodiment will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that elements denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have substantially the same configuration and function as the elements described in the first embodiment, and parts different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0483] In the first embodiment, since the idler gear 63 is used, the user can push the tray 80k from the disassembly position Q3 to the predetermined position Q2 with a relatively small pushing force. In this embodiment, a configuration of a gear unit (drive cancellation gear 36) that cancels driving after the tray 80k is pulled out to the disassembly position Q3 will be described. The drive cancellation gear 36 may be provided in place of the idler gear 63 of the first embodiment ( Figure 31 ).

[0484] Figure 29A and Figure 29B are exploded views of the drive cancellation gear 36 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 29A is a perspective view of the drive cancellation gear 36 as viewed from one side in the direction along the rotation axis 36C of the drive cancellation gear 36. Figure 29B is a perspective view of the drive cancellation gear 36 as viewed from the other side in the direction along the rotation axis 36C.

[0485] As Figure 29A and Figure 29B shown, the drive cancellation gear 36 is a gear unit including an input gear 361, an output gear 362, an arm 363, and a pushing member 364. The input gear 361 and the output gear 362 are arranged in the direction of the rotation axis 36C. In addition, both the input gear 361 and the output gear 362 are rotatable about the rotation axis 36C.

[0486] The input gear 361 includes a stepped gear 62 (Figure 13A ) The engaged gear portion (tooth portion), and the driving force of the motor M2 is input to the input gear 361. The output gear 362 includes a gear portion (tooth portion) engaged with the drive rack input gear 64L and the stepped gear 65L ( Figure 13A ) and outputs the driving force toward the tray 80k.

[0487] The drive cancellation gear 36 is an example of a transmission unit configured to transmit the driving force of the motor M2 (driving source) to the tray 80k (support member). The input gear 361 is an example of the input portion of the transmission unit. The output gear 362 and the arm 363 are examples of the output portions of the transmission unit.

[0488] In the following description, when the motor M2 rotates in the positive rotation direction, the rotation direction of the input gear 361 will be referred to as the positive rotation direction R1 of the drive cancellation gear 36. When the motor M2 rotates in the reverse rotation direction, the rotation direction of the input gear 361 will be referred to as the reverse rotation direction R2 of the drive cancellation gear 36.

[0489] As Figure 29A shown, the input gear 361 has a positive rotation abutting surface 361a, a reverse rotation abutting surface 361b, an outer peripheral surface 361c, and an opening 361d. In addition, a shaft portion 361e having a cylindrical shape is formed at the central portion of the input gear 361. As Figure 29B shown, the output gear 362 is provided with an arm pivot 362a, a reverse rotation abutting surface 362b, an outer peripheral portion 362c, an opening 362d, and a spring seat 362f. In addition, a hole 362e is formed at the central portion of the output gear 362.

[0490] The arm 363 is provided with a pivot center hole 363a, a positive rotation abutting surface 363b, a spring boss 363c, an input side boss 363d, and an output side boss 363e. Since the pivot center hole 363a engages with the arm pivot 362a of the output gear 362, the arm 363 is supported so as to be pivotable relative to the output gear 362. In addition, since the spring boss 363c engages with one end portion of the pushing member 364, the arm 363 receives a driving force from the pushing member 364. The other end portion of the pushing member 364 is supported by the spring seat 362f of the output gear 362. That is, the arm 363 receives Figure 29B the driving force in the counterclockwise direction in

[0491] In addition, the shaft portion 361e of the input gear 361 engages with the hole 362e of the output gear 362. Thus, the input gear 361 and the output gear 362 are coupled so as to be rotatable about the same rotation axis 36C and to be rotatable relative to each other. In a state where the shaft portion 361e of the input gear 361 engages with the hole 362e of the output gear 362, the input-side boss 363d of the arm 363 penetrates the opening 361d of the input gear 361, and the output-side boss 363e penetrates the opening 362d of the output gear 362. Further, since the shaft portion 361e is fitted to the support shaft provided in the upper holding member 33L, the input gear 361 is rotatably supported ( Figure 31 ).

[0492] The arm 363 is capable of pivoting between an engaged posture and a disengaged posture about the arm pivot 362a of the output gear 362. The engaged posture is a posture in which the positive rotation abutting surface 363b (first engaged portion) of the arm 363 abuts against the positive rotation abutting surface 361a (first engaging portion) of the input gear 361 ( Figure 30A ). The disengaged posture is a posture in which the positive rotation abutting surface 363b of the arm 363 is disengaged (separated) from the positive rotation abutting surface 361a of the input gear 361 ( Figure 30B ). The pushing member 364 pushes the arm 363 from the disengaged posture toward the engaged posture. That is, in the present embodiment, the positive rotation abutting surface 363b (first engaged portion) is movable relative to the output gear 362 (gear portion).

[0493] The opening 361d of the input gear 361 that engages with the input-side boss 363d of the arm 363 and the opening 362d of the output gear 362 that engages with the output-side boss 363e of the arm 363 are formed in a predetermined direction to allow the posture of the arm 363 to change. Further, the opening 361d of the input gear 361 is formed along an arc centered on the rotation axis 36C. Since the opening 361d is formed along the arc, the input-side boss 363d of the arm 363 supported by the output gear 362 slides inside the opening 361d, and thus relative rotation between the input gear 361 and the output gear 362 is allowed.

[0494] Here, the drive cancellation gear 36 is configured such that the state of drive transmission between the input gear 361 and the output gear 362 is switched between a transmission state and a blocking state due to the movement of the arm 363. The switching of the drive transmission state of the drive cancellation gear 36 will be described with reference to Figure 30A and Figure 30B .

[0495] Figure 30AThe transmission state of the drive cancellation gear 36 is shown. In the transmission state of the drive cancellation gear 36, the arm 363 is positioned in the engaged posture by receiving the driving force of the pushing member 364. When the input gear 361 is rotationally driven in the forward rotation direction R1 in the transmission state of the drive cancellation gear 36, the forward rotation contact surface 361a of the input gear 361 presses the forward rotation contact surface 363b of the arm 363 in the forward rotation direction R1. The pressing force received by the arm 363 is transmitted to the output gear 362 via the arm pivot 362a. Therefore, the output gear 362 rotates integrally with the input gear 361 in the forward rotation direction R1.

[0496] In addition, in the transmission state of the drive cancellation gear 36, the reverse rotation contact surface 361b (second engagement portion) of the input gear 361 engages with the reverse rotation contact surface 362b (second engaged portion) of the output gear 362. Therefore, when the input gear 361 is rotationally driven in the reverse rotation direction R2, the reverse rotation contact surface 361b presses the reverse rotation contact surface 362b in the reverse rotation direction R2. Therefore, the output gear 362 rotates integrally with the input gear 361 in the reverse rotation direction R2.

[0497] That is, when the drive cancellation gear 36 is in the transmission state, when a driving force in the forward rotation direction R1 is input to the input gear 361 and when a driving force in the reverse rotation direction R2 is input to the input gear 361, the driving force is transmitted to the output gear 362.

[0498] Figure 30B The blocking state of the drive cancellation gear 36 is shown. When the drive cancellation gear 36 rotates from the Figure 30A state in the forward rotation direction R1 to a predetermined rotation angle, the arm 363 abuts against an abutting portion (rib 371 described below) provided separately from the drive cancellation gear 36, and thus moves to the disengaged position. That is, the output side boss 363e of the arm 363 abuts against the rib 371 and receives a downward force in the figure from the rib 371, and thus the arm 363 pivots counterclockwise in the figure against the driving force of the pushing member 364. Therefore, the arm 363 moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position. That is, the drive cancellation gear 36 is configured to automatically switch from the transmission state to the blocking state when rotated to a predetermined rotation angle in the forward rotation direction R1.

[0499] When the drive cancellation gear 36 is in the blocking state, the forward rotation contact surface 361a of the input gear 361 does not contact the forward rotation contact surface 363b of the arm 363. Therefore, the rotation of the input gear 361 in the forward rotation direction R1 is not transmitted to the output gear 362. The input gear 361 can idle relative to the output gear 362 by a predetermined angle θ6.

[0500] As shown Figure 31 in FIG. 1, a rib 371 serving as an abutting portion in this embodiment is provided on a gear cover 37. The gear cover 37 is a cover member that covers at least a part of the drive cancellation gear 36 when viewed in the X direction, and is fixed to the upper holding member 33L. The rib 371 (abutting portion) may be provided on a member different from the gear cover 37. For example, a configuration in which the rib 371 (abutting portion) is provided on the upper holding member 33L may be employed. In addition, a configuration in which the rib 371 (abutting portion) abuts on the input side boss 363d (instead of the output side boss 363e) of the arm 363 may be employed.

[0501] As described above, since the arm 363 changes its posture between the engaged posture and the disengaged posture, the drive cancellation gear 36 switches between the transmission state and the blocking state.

[0502] In the following description, a push-in detection mechanism for the tray 80k using the drive cancellation gear 36 will be described according to the operation flow after performing a tray pull-out operation on the tray 80k and until a tray push-in operation is automatically performed in response to the user pushing in the tray 80k. It should be noted that the operations for the trays 80y to 80k are substantially the same as those for the tray 80k, and thus their descriptions will be omitted.

[0503] Figures 32A to 32E All are diagrams for describing the push-in mechanism of the tray 80k. Figures 32A to 32E Each diagram on the right side of FIG. indicates the position of the tray 80k. Figures 32A to 32E Each diagram on the left side of FIG. is a diagram corresponding to the diagram on the right side and showing the states of the drive cancellation gear 36 and the tray pull-out sensor 135.

[0504] As shown Figures 32A to 32E in FIG. 2, the tray pull-out sensor 135 is provided so as to be able to contact the outer peripheral surface 361c of the input gear 361 and the outer peripheral portion 362c of the output gear 362. The tray pull-out sensor 135 is configured such that its detection signal switches between a state in which the tray pull-out sensor 135 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 361c of the input gear 361 or the outer peripheral portion 362c of the output gear 362 and a state in which the tray pull-out sensor 135 is not in contact with the outer peripheral surface 361c and the outer peripheral portion 362c.

[0505] Figure 32A FIG. 3 shows the states of the drive cancellation gear 36 and the tray pull-out sensor 135 when the tray 80k is in the accommodation position Q1. When the tray 80k is in the accommodation position Q1, the tray pull-out sensor 135 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 361c of the input gear 361. In addition, the drive cancellation gear 36 is in the transmission state.

[0506] When the user indicates a tray pull-out operation by operating a button on the operation panel or the like, the controller 30 rotates the motor M2 in the forward rotation direction. Then, the driving force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the tray 80k, so that the tray 80k moves in the pulling-in direction Dk1. At this time, the input gear 361 of the drive cancellation gear 36 receives the driving force from the motor M2 and rotates in the forward rotation direction R1. In addition, the rotation of the input gear 361 is transmitted to the output gear 362 via the arm 363 located at the engagement position, and thus the output gear 362 also rotates in the forward rotation direction R1.

[0507] Figure 32B Shows the states of the drive cancellation gear 36 and the tray pull-out sensor 135 when the tray 80k has been pulled out to a predetermined position Q2 between the accommodation position and the disassembly position. When the tray 80k reaches the predetermined position Q2, the state where the tray pull-out sensor 135 faces the outer peripheral portion 362c of the output gear 362 switches to the state where the tray pull-out sensor 135 faces neither the outer peripheral surface 361c of the input gear 361 nor the outer peripheral portion 362c of the output gear 362. The controller 30 detects that the tray 80k has reached the predetermined position Q2 based on the change in the detection signal of the tray pull-out sensor 135.

[0508] After the motor M2 continues to rotate forward for a predetermined time after the tray 80k has reached the predetermined position Q2, the controller 30 stops the motor M2. Thus, the tray 80k moves to the disassembly position Q3, as Figure 32C shown. At this time, since the arm 363 is in the engaged position until the tray 80k is about to reach the disassembly position Q3, the input gear 361 rotates in the forward rotation direction R1 together with the output gear 362.

[0509] Figure 32CShows the states of the drive cancellation gear 36 and the tray pull-out sensor 135 when the tray 80k has been pulled out to the removal position Q3. When the tray 80k moves from the predetermined position Q2 to the removal position Q3, the input gear 361 (and the output gear 362) rotates by an angle θ7. Additionally, the output-side boss 363e of the arm 363 abuts against the rib 371 provided on the gear cover 37 approximately at the same time the tray 80k reaches the removal position Q3. The arm 363 receives a force from the rib 371 and thus moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position. That is, the drive cancellation gear 36 is in a blocked state, and thus the drive transmission from the input gear 361 to the output gear 362 is cancelled. In other words, after the tray 80k (support member) has moved from the accommodation position (first position) to the removal position (second position), the motor M2 (drive source) further rotates in the positive rotation direction (first direction), so the engagement between the positive rotation abutment surface 361a (first engagement portion) and the positive rotation abutted surface 363b (first abutted portion) is cancelled. Therefore, the rotation of the output gear 362 stops, and the tray 80k stops at the removal position Q3.

[0510] After the tray 80k has been pulled out to the removal position Q3, the controller 30 continues to rotate the motor M2 in the positive rotation direction for a predetermined time, and then stops the motor M2. Thus, as Figure 25D shown, in a state where the output gear 362 and the tray 80k still stop, the input gear 361 rotates by an angle θ8 in the positive rotation direction.

[0511] Figure 32D Shows the states of the drive cancellation gear 36 and the tray pull-out sensor 135 when the controller 30 has stopped driving the motor M2 and the tray pull-out operation is completed. At this time, the arm 363 is in the disengaged position. That is, the drive cancellation gear 36 is in a blocked state. Additionally, the output gear 362 has a free-play space of an angle θ9 (=θ6 - θ8) relative to the input gear 361. That is, when the tray pull-out operation is completed, the output gear 362 is in a state where the output gear 362 can idle by an angle θ9 relative to the input gear 361 in the reverse rotation direction R2.

[0512] Here, as Figure 32E shown, consider the case where the user has pushed the tray 80k in the pull-in direction Dk2. In this case, the pushing force applied by the user to the tray 80k is transmitted in the reverse direction to the output gear 362 through the drive transmission path from the motor M2 to the tray 80k. Therefore, the output gear 362 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2.

[0513] As described above, in a state where the tray pull-out operation has been completed, the output gear 362 can idle by an angle θ9 in the reverse rotation direction R2 with respect to the input gear 361. That is, the input gear 361 and the drive transmission elements upstream thereof (on the side of the motor M2) do not move in a manner linked to the pushing-in of the tray 80k. In other words, the drive transmission path from the tray 80k to the motor M2 is blocked by the drive cancellation gear 36. Therefore, the user can push in the tray 80k with a lower pushing force.

[0514] Figure 32E Shows the states of the drive cancellation gear 36 and the tray pull-out sensor 135 when the tray 80k has been pushed in by the user to the predetermined position Q2. When the tray 80k is pushed in to the predetermined position Q2, the tray pull-out sensor 135 comes into contact with the outer peripheral portion 362c of the output gear 362. The controller 30 detects that the tray 80k has been pushed in to the predetermined position Q2 based on the change in the detection signal of the tray pull-out sensor 135.

[0515] Here, when the tray 80k moves from the detachment position Q3 to the predetermined position Q2, the output gear 362 rotates by an angle θ7 in the reverse rotation direction. This angle is equal to the rotation angle of the input gear 361 with respect to the output gear 362 when the tray 80k moves from the predetermined position Q2 to the detachment position Q3 during the tray pull-out operation ( Figures 32B to 32C ). The angle θ7 is preferably less than the angle θ9 (θ7 < θ9). Therefore, the user can push in the tray 80k with a smaller pushing force, at least until the tray 80k reaches the predetermined position Q2.

[0516] When the pushing-in of the tray 80k is detected, the controller 30 rotates the motor M2 in the reverse rotation direction and starts the tray pulling-in operation. Then, the input gear 361 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2 ( Figure 32E ), and the reverse rotation abutting surface 361b of the input gear 361 abuts against the reverse rotation abutting surface 362b of the output gear 362. Therefore, the output gear 362 starts to rotate in the reverse rotation direction R2 together with the input gear 361. Since the output gear 362 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2, the output side boss 363e of the arm 363 separates from the rib 371, and the arm 363 moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position. Then, when it is detected based on the detection result of the tray pulling-in sensor 134 that the tray 80k has reached the accommodation position Q1 ( Figure 22A ), the controller 30 stops the motor M2 and completes the tray pulling-in operation.

[0517] As described above, the controller 30 is configured to automatically perform the tray pulling-in operation when it is detected that the tray 80k has been pushed in from the detachment position Q3 to the predetermined position Q2. Therefore, a more intuitive operation can be performed, and thus the operability can be improved.

[0518] In addition, in the present embodiment, the drive cancellation gear 36 is provided in the drive transmission mechanism 101 that transmits the driving force from the motor M2 to the tray 80k, and the drive cancellation gear 36 is configured to be in a blocking state when the user pushes the tray 80k in the pulling-in direction Dk2. Therefore, the user can push the tray 80k from the detachment position Q3 to the predetermined position Q2 with a lower pushing force, and the operability can be further improved.

[0519] Sixth Embodiment

[0520] will be described with reference to Figure 34 the sixth embodiment. In the first to fifth embodiments, a configuration has been described in which the rotating body 90 includes four developing units 50y to 50k and a color image can be formed by using four-color toner. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which a monochrome image can be formed by using one-color toner will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that elements denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first to fifth embodiments have substantially the same configurations and functions as the elements described in the first to fifth embodiments (unless otherwise specified), and parts different from the first to fifth embodiments will be mainly described.

[0521] As Figure 34 shown, the imaging device 501 includes a toner cartridge 570 that can be attached to and detached from the device main body 1A. In addition, the device main body 1A includes a developing device (developing unit) 590.

[0522] The developing device 590 is an example of a developing device or a developing part that develops (visualizes) an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 into a toner image by using toner. The developing device 590 of the present embodiment develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 by using black toner.

[0523] The developing device 590 includes a developing roller 51, a supply roller 52, and a developing blade. The toner cartridge 570 is attached to the developing device 590. The toner cartridge 570 stores black toner to be supplied to the developing device 590 therein.

[0524] The toner cartridge 570 includes a toner frame 571. The toner frame 571 includes a toner storage part 571a that stores toner and a discharge port 571b that communicates with the toner storage part 571a.

[0525] The developing device 590 includes a developing frame (storage frame) 553 that includes a developing-side storage part 553a that stores toner. In addition, the developing frame 553 has an inlet 553b that communicates with the developing-side storage part (toner supply chamber) 553a.

[0526] The toner cartridge 570 can be attached to and detached from the developing device 590 through an opening 16a provided in the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A. More specifically, the toner cartridge 570 can be moved relative to the developing frame 553 through the opening 16a to an attached position and a retracted position, and at the retracted position, the toner cartridge 570 is retracted from the attached position. In a state where the toner cartridge 570 is in the attached position relative to the developing frame 553, the discharge port 571b faces the inlet 553b. That is, the toner storage portion 571a of the toner cartridge 570 and the developing-side storage portion 553a of the developing device 590 communicate with each other via the discharge port 571b and the inlet 553b. When toner is supplied from the toner cartridge 570 to the developing device 590, at least a part of the inlet 553b is positioned below at least a part of the discharge port 571b.

[0527] Then, the toner stored in the toner storage portion 571a is discharged through the discharge port 571b, and the toner discharged through the discharge port 571b is stored in the developing-side storage portion 553a through the inlet 553b. The toner stored in the developing-side storage portion 553a is supplied to the developing roller 51 by the supply roller 52. It should be noted that the developing-side storage portion 553a may include a toner transfer member that transfers toner to the supply roller 52.

[0528] The function of the toner cartridge 570 is substantially the same as that of the toner cartridge 70 in the first to fifth embodiments. In addition, the function of the developing device 590 is substantially the same as that of one of the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k in the first to fifth embodiments.

[0529] Meanwhile, the apparatus main body 1A includes a transfer roller 512. The transfer roller 512 is an example of a transfer device or a transfer unit that transfers an image from the photosensitive drum 2 to the sheet S. The conveyance roller pair 320 conveys the sheet S to a transfer portion, which is a clamping portion located between the photosensitive drum 2 and the transfer roller 512. The image on the photosensitive drum 2 is transferred to the surface of the sheet S that has been conveyed to the photosensitive drum.

[0530] The apparatus main body 1A includes a moving device configured to move the toner cartridge 570 from the attached position to the retracted position relative to the developing device 590 (more specifically, relative to the developing frame 553 of the developing device 590). As this moving device, the moving devices described in the first to fifth embodiments and their modified examples can be used. For example, a moving device including a drive system 100 (the drive system includes a motor M2 and a drive transmission mechanism 101 of the first embodiment that transmits the driving force of the motor M2 to the tray 80 (a moving member, a supporting member)) and the tray 80 can be used.

[0531] In this case, in the mobile devices of the first to fifth embodiments, the portion provided in the rotating body 90 may be provided in the developing device 590. Additionally, the replacement attitude and the developing attitude of the developing device 590 may be the same or different. For example, the developing device 590 may move to the contact position where the developing roller 51 contacts the photosensitive drum 2 and the separation position where the developing roller 51 separates from the photosensitive drum 2, and the developing device 590 may be located at the separation position when the developing device 590 is in the replacement attitude.

[0532] For example, the developing device 590 may have a tray 80 and a configuration for moving the tray 80. As the configuration for moving the tray 80, those described in the first to fifth embodiments and their modified examples may be used. Additionally, the developing device 590 may include the rotating member 494a and the driven roller 494b that have been described in the modified example of the first embodiment.

[0533] Also in this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 570 is in the retracted position, at least a part of the toner cartridge 570 is preferably located outside the device (outside the device main body 1A) of the imaging device 501. That is, when the toner cartridge 570 is in the retracted position, at least a part of the toner cartridge 570 is positioned more outward than the external position with respect to the device main body 1A. In other words, in the case where the door 14 is in the closed position, at least a part of the toner cartridge 570 is positioned in the space outside the device main body 1A. Furthermore, at least a part of the toner cartridge 570 is positioned downstream of the external position in the retracting direction of the toner cartridge 570.

[0534] Additionally, in the case where the side surface 16b having the opening 16a is the front surface of the device main body 1A, it can be said that at least a part of the toner cartridge 570 protrudes more forward than the outer surface on the front side of the device main body 1A when the toner cartridge 570 is in the retracted position.

[0535] Also in this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 570 is in the retracted position, preferably half or more of the length of the toner cartridge 570 in the retracting direction is outside the device.

[0536] As described above, although the toner cartridge 70 is detachably attached to the rotating body 90 in the first to fifth embodiments and their modified examples, in this embodiment, the toner cartridge 570 is detachably attached to the developing device 590.

[0537] Other embodiments

[0538] In addition, in the first to fifth embodiments described above, a configuration has been described in which the rotating body 90 includes four developing units 50y to 50k and a color image can be formed by using toners of four colors. However, the number of developing units included in the rotating body 90 may be three or less or five or more. In these cases, the number and arrangement of the trays and toner cartridges may be appropriately changed according to the number of developing units. For example, in the first to fourth embodiments described above, a configuration in which four toner cartridges 70y to 70k can be attached to and detached from the rotating body 90 has been described as an example. However, a configuration in which the rotating body 90 includes only one developing unit 50k and only one toner cartridge 70k is attached to the rotating body 90 may be adopted. In this case, the rotating body 90 can rotate around the rotation axis 90C in the Figure 1 clockwise direction in [[]] Figure 1 [] to alternately assume a black replacement posture and a black developing posture.

[0539] In addition, in the first to fifth embodiments described above, a configuration has been described in which the rotating body 90 includes four developing units 50y to 50k and a color image can be formed by using toners of four colors. However, the rotating body 90 may include a plurality of developing units capable of performing imaging by using toners of the same color. For example, a configuration in which the rotating body 90 includes four black developing units 50k and four toner cartridges 70k are attached to the rotating body 90 may be adopted.

[0540] The driving device 98 is capable of performing a first operation of driving the moving device 85(85') so that the moving device 85(85') moves the toner cartridge 70 from the attachment position toward the retracted position. The driving device 98 is capable of performing a second operation of driving the moving device 85(85') so that the moving device 85(85') moves the toner cartridge 70 from the retracted position toward the attachment position. In the first to fifth embodiments and their modified examples described above, the first operation is an operation in which the motor M2 of the driving device 98 outputs a driving force in the forward rotation direction, and the second operation is an operation in which the motor M2 of the driving device 98 outputs a driving force in the reverse rotation direction. In other words, the first operation is performed when the motor M2 outputs a driving force in the forward rotation direction, and the second operation is performed when the motor M2 outputs a driving force in the reverse rotation direction.

[0541] However, when the motor M2 outputs a driving force in one direction, the states of the driving device 98 performing the first operation and the driving device 98 performing the second operation can be switched due to the change in the state of the transmission device of the driving device 98. For example, since the transmission device changes the transmission path of the driving force, the states of the driving device 98 performing the first operation and the driving device 98 performing the second operation can be switched. In this case, the state of the transmission device is switched, rather than switching the driving of the motor M2 between the forward rotation direction and the reverse rotation direction as described above in the first to fifth embodiments and their modified examples. Therefore, each operation described in the first to fifth embodiments and their modified examples is performed in a similar manner by driving the motor M2 in the forward rotation direction and the reverse rotation direction.

[0542] Embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by a computer of a system or device that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented by a method executed by the computer of the system or device, e.g., by reading and executing the computer-executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments and / or controlling the one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include a network of individual computers or individual processors to read and execute the computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), the memory of a distributed computing system, an optical disc (such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray disc (BD) TM ), a flash memory device, and a memory card, etc.

[0543] Other embodiments

[0544] Embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by a method, i.e., by providing software (a program) that performs the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device through a network or various storage media, and the computer or the central processing unit (CPU), the microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0545] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims will be given the broadest interpretation so as to cover all such modifications as well as equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An imaging device, comprising: Main frame; a cartridge movable relative to the body frame to an attached position and a retracted position retracted from the attached position; a moving device configured to move the cartridge from the attached position to the retracted position and to move the cartridge from the retracted position to the attached position; a driving device configured to drive the moving device and perform a first operation of driving the moving device to move the cartridge from the attached position toward the retracted position and a second operation of driving the moving device to move the cartridge from the retracted position toward the attached position; as well as A controller configured to control the drive device and cause the drive device to perform the first operation if the cartridge does not reach the attachment position even after a predetermined time has passed since the drive device was caused to start the second operation in a state where the cartridge is located at the retracted position.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: a detection portion configured to output a signal and configured such that: the signal differs between a state in which the cartridge is in the attached position and a state in which the cartridge is in the retracted position, The controller is configured to cause the drive device to perform the first operation if the signal of the detection portion does not change before the predetermined time has passed since the drive device started the second operation in the state where the box is located at the retracted position.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: in, After the driving device starts the first operation because the cartridge has not reached the attachment position even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the controller is configured to stop the driving device if the cartridge has reached the retracted position.

4. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The driving device comprises a driving source, wherein the first operation is an operation in which the driving source outputs a driving force in a first direction, and The second operation is an operation in which the driving source outputs the driving force in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

5. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The main frame is provided with an opening, and wherein, in a case where the cartridge moves from the retracted position to the attached position, at least a portion of the cartridge moves from the outside of the main body frame to the inside of the main body frame through the opening.

6. The imaging device according to claim 5, further comprising: a developing unit accommodated in the main body frame and including a developing roller and a storage frame having a storage portion configured to store toner to be supplied to the developing roller; as well as wherein the cartridge is configured to store toner to be supplied to the storage portion and is attachable to and detachable from the developing unit through the opening.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6, further comprising: A rotating body is configured to support the developing unit.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7, in, The mobile device includes a tray to which the box is detachably attached, wherein the rotating body is configured to support the tray, and The tray is movable relative to the rotating body so that the box moves between the attached position and the retracted position.

9. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The mobile device includes a tray to which the box is detachably attached, and Wherein, the tray is movable relative to the main frame so that the box moves between the attached position and the retracted position.

Images