Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus including: (i) a developing unit including: a developing frame including a developing opening; a toner regulating portion configured to move to a covering position, in which the toner regulating portion covers the developing opening, and a retracted position, in which the toner regulating portion is retracted from the covering position; (ii) a rotating body that supports the developing unit; and (iii) a toner cartridge attachable to and detachable from the rotating body and including a toner frame, the toner frame including a discharge port. In a case where the rotating body is in a first attitude, the developing opening is at a position above the discharge port, and the toner regulating portion is at the covering position. In a case where the rotating body is in the second attitude, the developing opening is at a position below the discharge port, and the toner regulating portion is at the retracted position.

Description

Technical Field

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

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

[0003] The present invention relates to providing a novel form of imaging apparatus developed with respect to conventional techniques.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus includes: a developing unit including: a developing roller; a developing frame including a receiving side storage chamber and a developing opening communicating with the receiving side storage chamber; a toner control portion configured to move to a covering position and a retracted position, in the covering position, the toner control portion covers the developing opening, and in the retracted position, the toner control portion retracts from the covering position; and an abutting portion connected to the toner control portion; a rotating body supporting the developing unit and configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction; a holding portion configured to abut the abutting portion; and a toner cartridge attachable to and detachable from the rotating body, the toner cartridge including a toner frame including (i) a replenishing side storage chamber for storing toner and (ii) a discharge port communicating with the replenishing side storage chamber, wherein when the rotating body rotates, the abutting portion moves relative to the holding portion, wherein when the rotating body is in a first attitude, the developing opening is positioned above the discharge port, and the holding portion and the abutting portion abut against each other such that the toner control portion is in the covering position, and wherein when the rotating body is in a second attitude, the developing opening is positioned below the discharge port, the toner control portion is in the retracted position, and toner discharged from the discharge port is allowed to enter the receiving side storage chamber.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus includes: a developing unit including: a developing roller; a developing frame including a receiving-side storage chamber and a developing opening communicating with the receiving-side storage chamber; and a toner control portion configured to move to a covering position and a retracted position, in the covering position, the toner control portion covers the developing opening, and in the retracted position, the toner control portion retracts from the covering position; a rotating body supporting the developing unit and configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction; and a toner cartridge attachable to and detachable from the rotating body, the toner cartridge including a toner frame including (i) a replenishment-side storage chamber storing toner and (ii) a discharge port communicating with the replenishment-side storage chamber, wherein the toner control portion is configured to move between the covering position and the retracted position under its own weight, wherein when the rotating body with the toner cartridge attached thereto is in a first attitude, the developing opening is positioned above the discharge port, and the own weight of the toner control portion acts from the retracted position toward the covering position so that the toner control portion is in the covering position, wherein when the rotating body with the toner cartridge attached thereto is in a second attitude, the developing opening is positioned below the discharge port, and the own weight of the toner control portion acts from the covering position toward the retracted position so that the toner control portion is in the retracted position, and allows toner discharged from the discharge port to enter the receiving-side storage chamber, and wherein the toner control portion includes one end fixed to the developing frame and the other end opposite to the one end, and when the toner control portion moves between the covering position and the retracted position, the toner control portion elastically deforms between the one end and the other end.

[0006] 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

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an imaging apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a developing unit, a toner cartridge, and a tray according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4A andFigure 4B is a cross-sectional view of an imaging device according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a rotating body main body according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figures 6A to 6C is a perspective view of an imaging device according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7A and Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of an imaging device according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 is a view showing a rotating body main body according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 9 is a view showing a rotating body main body according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 10 is a view showing a rotating body main body according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 11A and Figure 11B is a view showing a structure regarding movement of a tray according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 12A and Figure 12B is a view showing a structure regarding movement of a tray according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 13A and Figure 13B is a cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge and a developing unit according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a rotating body assembly according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 15A and Figure 15B is a view showing a structure of a cover and a connecting portion according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 16A and Figure 16B is a view showing a structure of a cover and a connecting portion according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 17A and Figure 17B is a cross-sectional view of a developing unit according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Figures 18A to 18CThis is a diagram showing a rotator holder according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Figures 19A to 19C This is a diagram showing the relationship between the rotation of the rotator body and the movement of the protruding portion relative to the rotator holder according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figures 20A to 20C This is a diagram showing the structure of a cover and a connecting portion according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figures 21A to 21C This is a diagram showing the structure of a cover and a connecting portion according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figure 22A and Figure 22B This is a cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge and a developing unit according to a third exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 23 This is a cross-sectional view of a rotator assembly according to a third exemplary embodiment. Detailed Description

[0030] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Reference Figures 1 to 12A and Figure 12B , an imaging device 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment is described.

[0032] In the following description and drawings, when the imaging device 1 is mounted on a horizontal plane, the vertical direction is the Z direction. The direction that intersects the Z direction and is the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotator body 90 (the rotation axis direction of the rotator) is the Y direction. The direction that intersects both the Z direction and the Y direction is the X direction. It is desirable that the X direction and the Y direction are horizontal directions. It is desirable that the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are orthogonal to each other. As needed, the directions of the arrows X, Y, and Z shown in the drawings are represented as the "positive X side", the "positive Y side", and the "positive Z side", and the opposite sides of the positive X side, the positive Y side, and the positive Z side are respectively represented as the "negative X side", the "negative Y side", and the "negative Z side".

[0033] (Overall Structure of the Imaging Device)

[0034] 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 an electrophotographic method. More specifically, the imaging device 1 is a color laser beam printer including four developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. As the sheet S which is a recording material (recording medium), various sheet materials with different sizes and materials can be used, such as paper (e.g., plain paper and thick paper), plastic film, cloth, sheet materials subjected to surface treatment (e.g., coated paper), and sheet materials with special shapes (e.g., envelopes or index paper).

[0035] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the overall configuration and imaging operation of the imaging device 1 are described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the imaging device 1. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the drive source of the imaging device 1. Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration for replenishing toner from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50.

[0036] As Figure 1 shown, the imaging device 1 includes an imaging device main body (hereinafter referred to as "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 according to the present exemplary embodiment is a part of the imaging device 1 other than the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0037] The device main body 1A of the imaging device 1 includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as "photosensitive drum") 2 having a drum shape (cylindrical shape) as an image bearing member for bearing an electrostatic latent image. Around the photosensitive drum 2, a charging roller 3, a scanner 4 as an exposure device, and a cleaning unit 6 are arranged.

[0038] The charging roller 3 is an example of a charging method or charging unit for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 2. The scanner 4 is an example of an exposure method or exposure unit for exposing the photosensitive drum 2 by emitting laser light to the photosensitive drum 2 according to image information. The scanner 4 emits laser light to the charged photosensitive drum 2, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The cleaning unit 6 is an example of a cleaning method or cleaning part for removing toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0039] In addition, the device main body 1A includes a sheet storage section 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 method or a feeding unit for feeding the 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 one by one by frictional force. The secondary transfer roller 12 is an example of a transfer method or a transfer unit that transfers an image from the intermediate transfer belt 10a to the sheet S.

[0040] The intermediate transfer unit 10 includes an intermediate transfer belt 10a, a belt driving 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 (primary transfer) from the photosensitive drum 2 and transfers the image to transfer (secondary transfer) the image to the sheet S. The intermediate transfer belt 10a is tensioned by the belt driving roller 10b and the tension roller 10c. The belt driving roller 10b is a driving member that transfers the intermediate transfer belt 10a by being rotationally driven by a driving source.

[0041] The device main body 1A includes a rotating body main body (rotating body, rotating main body, or developing device) 90, and the rotating body main body includes developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. As described below, in the present exemplary embodiment, trays (support members) 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are attached to the rotating body main body 90. Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are respectively detachably attached to the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k.

[0042] In the following description, a plurality of members having similar functions are distinguished by different numbers assigned to each member. For example, one of the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k is referred to as the "first toner cartridge", one of the remaining three is referred to as the "second toner cartridge", one of the remaining two is referred to as the "third toner cartridge", and the last one is referred to as the "fourth toner cartridge". Similarly, one of the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k is referred to as the "first tray", one of the remaining three is referred to as the "second tray", one of the remaining two is referred to as the "third tray", and the last one is referred to as the "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 only for descriptive purposes, and the numbers can be appropriately interchanged in principle.

[0043] The developing units (first to fourth developing units) 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are examples of a developing method or a developing section that develops (visualizes) an electrostatic latent image into a toner image using toner of a color corresponding to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 by using yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner, respectively. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k may be arranged in an order different from Figure 1 the order shown.

[0044] 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 and supplies the toner to the photosensitive drum 2. The supply roller 52y is a supply member that is arranged to abut against the developing roller 51y and supplies 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 also include similar developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k, similar supply rollers 52m, 52c, and 52k, and similar developing blades, respectively.

[0045] Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k corresponding to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are attached to the rotating body main body 90. Yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner are stored inside the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k as toner to be replenished to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, respectively. Toner is sometimes referred to as follows: toner of one of the four colors is the first toner, toner of one of the remaining three colors is the second toner, toner of one of the remaining two colors is the third toner, and toner of the last color is the fourth toner. For example, black toner is an example of the first toner, and magenta toner is an example of the second toner. This numbering is for descriptive purposes only, and the numbering can be appropriately swapped in principle.

[0046] The rotating body main body 90 includes a rotating body 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 body frame 90f, which is a rotatably supported main body.

[0047] The trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are attached to the rotator main body 90. A part including the rotator main body 90 and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k is sometimes referred to as the "rotator unit 90U". In other words, the rotator unit 90U includes the rotator main body 90 and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k.

[0048] The toner cartridges 70y to 70k are detachably held by the trays 80y to 80k, respectively. Although described below, the trays 80y to 80k are supported so as to be slidably movable to the outside of the rotator main body 90. A part including the rotator unit 90U and the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k is sometimes referred to as the "rotator assembly 90A". In other words, the rotator assembly 90A includes the rotator unit 90U and the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0049] As described below, the rotator main body 90 is rotatable about a rotation axis (rotation center) 90C. The rotation axis 90C coincides with the rotation axes of the rotator frame 90f, the rotator unit 90U, and the rotator assembly 90A. The rotation axis 90C is substantially parallel to the rotation axis (rotation center) of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0050] The rotator main body 90 rotates about the rotation axis 90C, which brings any one of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k into a developing posture in which the corresponding developing roller faces the photosensitive drum 2. The posture in which the developing roller 51y faces the photosensitive drum 2 is referred to as the "yellow developing posture". The posture in which the developing roller 51m faces the photosensitive drum 2 is referred to as the "magenta developing posture". The posture in which the developing roller 51c faces the photosensitive drum 2 is referred to as the "cyan developing posture". The posture in which the developing roller 51k faces the photosensitive drum 2 is referred to as the "black developing posture". That is, the rotator main body 90 is rotatable about the rotation axis 90C so that the positions of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k relative to the photosensitive drum 2 are changed. The black developing posture is an example of a first developing posture in which a first developing roller (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 (each of the developing rollers 51y to 51c) faces the photosensitive drum 2. The yellow, magenta, cyan, and black developing postures are also referred to as the "first to fourth developing postures". This numbering is for descriptive purposes only, and the numbering can be appropriately switched in principle.

[0051] As Figure 2As shown, the device main body 1A includes motors M1, M2, and M3 as drive sources. As described below, motor M1 supplies the driving force for rotating the rotating body main body 90 about the rotation axis 90C. In other words, motor M1 rotates the rotating body assembly 90A and the rotating body unit 90U about the rotation axis 90C.

[0052] The device main body 1A includes a drive device 98, and the drive device includes motor M2 and a transmission device. The transmission device includes drive racks 15L and 15R as drive gears and a transmission part 15t. The driving force of motor M2 is transmitted to drive racks 15L and 15R through transmission part 15t. In other words, motor M2 is configured to drive drive racks 15L and 15R, and move trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k relative to the rotating body main body 90 through drive racks 15L and 15R.

[0053] Motor M3 drives components other than those driven by motors M1 and M2. For example, motor M3 drives the photosensitive drum 2, developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, pickup roller 310, feed roller 311, transfer roller pair 320, secondary transfer roller 12, belt drive roller 10b, and fixing device 40.

[0054] The components driven by motors M1, M2, and M3 can be appropriately changed. The functions of any two or all three of motors M1, M2, and M3 can be integrated into a single motor. On the other hand, drive sources other than motors M1, M2, and M3 can be added.

[0055] The suffixes "y", "m", "c", and "k" assigned to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, and trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k indicate the colors of the toner. The basic structures and functions of the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are similar to each other. The basic structures and functions of the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are similar to each other. The basic structures and functions of the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are similar to each other. Therefore, when the units, cartridges, or trays do not need to be distinguished from each other, the units, cartridges, or trays are described as any one of the four units, four cartridges, or four trays by omitting the suffixes "y", "m", "c", and "k".

[0056] As Figure 3 shown, the toner cartridge 70 includes a toner frame 71. The toner frame 71 includes a toner storage part 71a for storing toner and a discharge opening 71b communicating with the toner storage part 71a.

[0057] The developing unit 50 includes a developing frame (storage frame) 53. The developing frame 53 includes a developing-side storage portion 53a and a receiving opening 53b that communicates with the developing-side storage portion (toner supply chamber) 53a. Although as described above, the developing unit 50 includes a developing roller 51 and a supply roller 52, these members are omitted in Figure 3 this case.

[0058] 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. The developing frame 53k of the developing unit 50k that includes the developing-side storage portion 53a ( Figure 4A ) is an example of a first storage frame that includes a first storage portion. The developing frame 53m of the developing unit 50m that includes the developing-side storage portion 53a ( Figure 4A ) is an example of a second storage frame that includes a second storage portion. The rotating body main body 90 is an example of a rotatable rotating body that includes a first developing roller, a second developing roller, a first storage frame that includes a first storage portion, and a second storage frame that includes a second storage portion. In the present exemplary embodiment, the rotating body main body 90 includes first to fourth developing rollers and first to fourth storage frame bodies.

[0059] As described below, 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 opening 71b faces the receiving opening 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 through the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b. When replenishing toner from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50, at least a part of the receiving opening 53b is located below at least a part of the discharge opening 71b.

[0060] Then, the toner stored in the toner storage portion 71a is discharged from the discharge opening 71b, and the toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is stored in the developing-side storage portion 53a through the receiving opening 53b. The toner stored in the developing-side storage portion 53a is supplied to the developing roller 51 by the supply roller 52. The toner stored in the toner storage portion 71a is supplied to the developing roller 51 through this path.

[0061] Desirably, the toner cartridge 70 includes a sealing member (first sealing member) (not shown) that covers the discharge opening 71b. Desirably, the developing unit 50 includes a sealing member (second sealing member) (not shown) that covers the receiving opening 53b.

[0062] Desirably, in a state where the toner cartridge 70 is not attached to the developing unit 50, the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b are covered by corresponding sealing members to prevent toner from leaking from the discharge opening 71b or the receiving opening 53b.

[0063] (Imaging operation)

[0064] Describe the imaging operation according to the present exemplary embodiment. First, the photosensitive drum 2 rotates in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise) in Figure 1 synchronization with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 10a. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 3.

[0065] In the case of forming a color image on the sheet S, then, as described below, the rotating body main body 90 rotates in the direction of the arrow (clockwise) in Figure 1 while supporting the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. Then, while the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k are moved to the developing position one by one, the electrophotographic process is repeatedly executed.

[0066] First, the scanner 4 emits laser light based on the image data corresponding to the yellow image, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. In parallel with the formation of the electrostatic latent image, the motor M1 rotates the rotating body main body 90, whereby the rotating body main body 90 is in the yellow developing posture. When the rotating body main 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 using yellow toner.

[0067] In the present exemplary embodiment, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k is an elastic roller having a rubber coating on the periphery of a metal shaft. In the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k develops the electrostatic latent image in a state where the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum 2. That is, the imaging apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment employs a contact developing method. However, in the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k may develop the electrostatic latent image in a state where there is a gap between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum 2. That is, the imaging apparatus 1 may employ a non-contact developing method.

[0068] After developing with the yellow toner, the yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 2 is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10a by the primary transfer roller 11 disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0069] From this point on, the developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k are sequentially moved to the developing position by rotating the rotating body main body 90, thereby forming toner images of the corresponding colors. That is, after the yellow toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotating body main body 90 is in the magenta developing posture, and the 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 main body 90 is in the cyan developing posture, and the 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 main body 90 is in the black developing posture, and the 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 main body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C in the Figure 1 arrow direction (clockwise) shown and returns to the yellow developing posture. The color of the image to be formed first on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is optional, and for example, the black toner image can be formed first.

[0070] Then, the transfer is repeated by superimposing the toner images of the four colors on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, so that a 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 until the color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0071] On the other hand, the sheet S is fed by the pickup roller 310 from the sheet storage section 300 provided in the lower part of the apparatus main body 1A. The sheet S is sent to the pair of transfer rollers 320 in a state where the sheets S are separated one by one by the feed roller 311 and the separation roller 312. The pair of transfer rollers 320 sends out the fed sheet S to the transfer section (secondary transfer section), which is the 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 (secondarily transferred) to the surface of the conveyed sheet S.

[0072] The sheet S on which the color image is transferred is sent to the fixing device 40. In the fixing device 40, the sheet S is heated and pressed, thereby fixing the image to the sheet S. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 40 is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 as a final product.

[0073] On the other hand, when a monochromatic image is formed on the sheet S, the rotating body main body 90 is in the black development posture. In this state, after an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 by charging and exposing the photosensitive drum 2, the electrostatic latent image is developed using black toner by the developing roller 51k in the developing position. The black toner image is transferred once to the intermediate transfer belt 10a and then transferred twice to the sheet S. The subsequent steps are similar to those in the case of a color image.

[0074] (Structure of the Rotating Body)

[0075] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B and Figure 5 , the structure of the rotating body main body 90 is described.

[0076] Figure 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views showing the rotating body main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 1 and the periphery of the rotating body main body 90. Figure 4A and Figure 4B are cross-sectional views of the apparatus along a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body main body 90. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rotating body main body 90.

[0077] As described above, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k can be attached to and detached from the rotating body main body 90. When the toner in the toner cartridges 70y to 70k runs out, the user replenishes the toner to the image forming apparatus 1 by replacing the toner cartridges 70y to 70k.

[0078] As Figure 1 shown, the apparatus main body 1A includes a frame 16 that houses the rotating body main body 90.

[0079] The frame 16 is the main body frame of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment. The frame 16 is a housing (outer shell) of the apparatus main body 1A composed of a frame and an external member, and is substantially rectangular parallelepiped in the present exemplary embodiment.

[0080] The frame 16 includes an opening 16a. More specifically, the frame 16 includes 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 on the positive X side of the apparatus main body 1A. The opening 16a is disposed in the side surface 16b. In the discharging direction of the sheet S on which an image is formed from the discharging port of the apparatus main body 1A, the side surface 16b is the side surface located downstream of the discharging port. From the side surface 16b of the image forming apparatus 1, the user accesses the sheet storage portion 300 and replenishes the sheet S or obtains the sheet S discharged from the discharging port. Therefore, the side surface 16b is referred to as the front surface of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0081] The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k can be attached to and detached from the rotating body main body 90 through the opening 16a. That is, the toner cartridge 70k is 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 main body 90) through the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A. The toner cartridge 70m is 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 main body 90) through the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0082] In the present exemplary embodiment, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are attached to and detached from the rotating body main body 90 through the opening 16a in a state where the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are respectively supported by the trays 80y to 80k.

[0083] In other words, the user attaches and detaches the toner cartridges 70y to 70k to and from the rotating body main body 90 respectively through the trays 80y to 80k.

[0084] The opening 16a is disposed in the side surface 16b of the frame 16. In the present exemplary embodiment, the side surface 16b is a surface that is substantially parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body main body 90. Therefore, in the case of replacing the toner cartridge 70, the toner cartridge 70 passes through the opening 16a in a direction intersecting the rotation axis 90C (desirably, a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis).

[0085] The image forming apparatus 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 a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the door 14 covers the opening 16a (also see Figure 6A ), and in the open position, the opening 16a is exposed (also see Figure 6B and Figure 6C ).

[0086] As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the toner cartridge 70 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the rotating body main body 90 through the tray 80. Therefore, the toner cartridge 70 is stably attached to and detached from the rotating body main body 90.

[0087] 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 main body 90 (i.e., relative to the apparatus main body 1A). In a configuration where the user replaces the toner cartridge by 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 exemplary 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 arranging the toner cartridge 70 on the tray 80. This improves the operability.

[0088] The toner cartridge 70 has an elongated shape such that the Y direction parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body main body 90 is the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. That is, the length in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70 is longer than the height and width of the toner cartridge 70 in a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. In the case of disposing the toner cartridge 70 having the elongated shape as described above, the opening 16a is provided in the side surface 16b of the frame 16 substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the toner cartridge 70, whereby the toner cartridge 70 can be moved through the opening 16a with a shorter moving distance. For example, it is easier to replace the toner cartridge 70 as compared with a case where the toner cartridge 70 is inserted and removed through an opening in a side surface on either side (positive Y side or negative Y side) in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70 through the frame 16.

[0089] The rotating body main body 90 rotates about the rotation axis 90C, which positions any one of the toner cartridges 70y to 70k in a replacement attitude in which the corresponding toner cartridge is to be detached from the rotating body main body 90. The attitude allowing the detachment of the toner cartridge 70y is referred to as the "yellow replacement attitude". The attitude allowing the detachment of the toner cartridge 70m is referred to as the "magenta replacement attitude". The attitude allowing the detachment of the toner cartridge 70c is referred to as the "cyan replacement attitude".

[0090] The attitude allowing the detachment of the toner cartridge 70k is referred to as the "black replacement attitude".

[0091] The black replacement attitude is an example of a first replacement attitude allowing the detachment of a first toner cartridge from the rotating body main body 90. The yellow, magenta, and cyan replacement attitudes are examples of second replacement attitudes allowing the detachment of second toner cartridges from the rotating body main body 90. The yellow, magenta, cyan, and black replacement attitudes are also referred to as the "first to fourth replacement attitudes". This numbering is for descriptive purposes only, and the numbering can be appropriately interchanged in principle.

[0092] The rotating body main body 90 rotates about the rotation axis 90C in Figure 1Rotate clockwise in, which causes the rotating body main body 90 to be in the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black replacement postures in sequence. In the present exemplary embodiment, the rotating body main body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C in Figure 1 Rotate clockwise therein, thereby alternately switching between the developing posture and the replacement posture. For example, in Figure 1 , the rotating body main body 90 is in the black developing posture. The rotating body main body 90 can rotate clockwise from this state, whereby the posture of the rotating body main body 90 is switched in the order of the cyan replacement posture, the yellow developing posture, the black replacement posture, the magenta developing posture, the yellow replacement posture, the cyan developing posture, and the magenta replacement posture. The rotating body main body 90 rotates clockwise from the magenta replacement posture, whereby the rotating body main body 90 returns to the black developing posture. That is, the rotating body main body 90 can rotate clockwise one or more circles (360° or more).

[0093] Figure 4A Shows a cross-section of the rotating body main body 90 in a state where the rotating body main body 90 is in the developing posture (specifically, the yellow developing posture). Figure 4B Shows a cross-section of the rotating body main body 90 in a state where the rotating body main body 90 is in the replacement posture (specifically, the black replacement posture).

[0094] As Figure 4A And Figure 4B Shown, four trays 80y to 80k are attached to the rotating body main body 90. The toner cartridges 70y to 70k are respectively held by the trays 80y to 80k. In Figure 4A And Figure 4B , the trays 80y to 80k are in a state of being accommodated inside the rotating body main body 90. This state is also referred to as a state where the toner cartridges 70y to 70k are respectively attached to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k.

[0095] As described above, the toner cartridge 70 can be moved relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50 to the attached position and the retracted position, and at the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70 is retracted from the attached position. That is, the first toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70k) can be moved relative to the first storage frame (developing frame 53k) to the first attached position and the first retracted position. The second toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70m) can be moved relative to the second storage frame (developing frame 53m) to the second attached position and the second retracted position.

[0096] In a state where the toner cartridge 70 is in the attached position relative to the developing frame 53, and then as Figure 3 Shown, the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b are opposite to each other. In this state, the toner cartridge 70 is configured to supply toner to the developing side storage portion 53a through the receiving opening 53b (the opening of the storage frame).

[0097] The apparatus main body 1A includes a moving device 85 configured to move the toner cartridge 70 from an attached position to a retracted position relative to the rotating body main body 90 (more specifically, relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50). The moving device 85 will be described below with reference to Figure 8 In the present exemplary embodiment, in the rotating body main body 90, a plurality of moving devices 85y to 85k corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges 70y to 70k are arranged. The trays 80y to 80k also serve as parts of the moving devices 85y to 85k, respectively.

[0098] In the present exemplary embodiment, the toner cartridge 70k storing black toner has a size larger than that of the toner cartridges 70y to 70c storing yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner, and stores more toner. In other words, the first toner cartridge stores a first amount of toner, the second toner cartridge stores a second amount of toner, and the first amount is greater than the second amount.

[0099] Specifically, the length of the toner cartridge 70k for black in a first radial direction with respect to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body main body 90 is longer than the length of the toner cartridge 70m for magenta in a second radial direction. The first radial direction is the radial direction of the rotation of the rotating body main body 90 (the radial direction of a virtual circle centered on the rotation axis 90C), and is the direction in which the toner cartridge 70k extends relative to the rotation axis 90C when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C. The second radial direction is the radial direction of the rotation of the rotating body main body 90, and is the direction in which the toner cartridge 70m extends relative to the rotation axis 90C when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C. Similarly, the length of the toner cartridge 70k for black in the first radial direction is longer than the lengths of the toner cartridges 70y and 70c in the radial directions corresponding to the other toner cartridges 70y and 70c.

[0100] Therefore, the tray 80k for holding the toner cartridge 70k for black has a size larger than the sizes of the trays 80y to 80c for holding the other toner cartridges 70y, 70m, and 70c, respectively. That is to say, in the rotating body main body 90, four toner cartridges 70y to 70k with different sizes from each other and four trays 80y to 80k with different sizes from each other are arranged. In other words, the toner cartridge 70k as an example of the first toner cartridge and the toner cartridge 70y as an example of the second toner cartridge with a size smaller than the size of the first toner cartridge can be attached to the rotating body main body 90 and detached therefrom. Therefore, in the rotating body main body 90, the tray 80k as an example of the first support member for supporting the first toner cartridge and the tray 80y as an example of the second support member with a size smaller than the size of the first support member are provided. The toner cartridges 70m and 70c as examples of the third toner cartridge and the fourth toner cartridge with a size smaller than the size of the first toner cartridge can be attached to the rotating body main body 90 and detached therefrom. Therefore, in the rotating body main body 90, the trays 80m and 80c as examples of the third support member and the fourth support member with a size smaller than the size of the first support member are provided.

[0101] Reference Figure 5 , describe the rotational drive of the rotating body main body 90. As Figure 5 shown, disk-shaped gears 92L and 92R are formed in two end portions of the rotating body main body 90. Rotating body drive gears 93L and 93R are connected to two end portions of the swing shaft 91 such that the rotating body drive gears 93L and 93R transmit driving force to the swing shaft 91. The driving force of the motor M1 is transmitted to the rotating body drive gear 93R through a drive transmission mechanism. The driving force is transmitted to the disk-shaped gears 92L and 92R through the rotating body drive gears 93L and 93R, respectively, whereby the rotating body main body 90 is rotationally driven. The rotating body main body 90 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 90C in Figure 1 .

[0102] The rotating body main body 90 is swingably supported around the swing shaft 91. The rotating body main body 90 is biased around the swing shaft 91 in the counterclockwise direction in Figure 4A and Figure 4B by a biasing member (not shown). This direction is also referred to as the direction in which each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k approaches the photosensitive drum 2. Therefore, in a state where the rotating body main body 90 is in the developing posture, each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k abuts against the photosensitive drum 2.

[0103] On the other hand, as Figure 5 shown, the rotating body cams 90eL and 90eR are included in two end portions of the rotating body main body 90. Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe clockwise rotation of the rotating body main body 90 about the rotation axis 90C causes the rotating body cams 90eL and 90eR to abut against the rollers 96 supported by the frame 16 ( Figure 4A and Figure 4B ). Then, the rotating body cams 90eL and 90eR move in the Figure 4A and Figure 4B clockwise direction in. This direction is also the direction in which each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k moves away from the photosensitive drum 2. This direction is also the direction in which the rotating body main body 90 approaches the opening 16a of the frame 16 and the door 14.

[0104] Therefore, when the rotating body main body 90 rotates and changes from the developing posture to the replacement posture, the rotating body main body 90 swings about the swing axis 91. In a state where the rotating body main body 90 is in the replacement posture, the developing roller 51 is separated from the photosensitive drum 2.

[0105] As Figure 4B shown, in the black replacement posture, the toner cartridge 70k stops at a position opposite to the opening 16a and the door 14 provided in the side surface 16b of the apparatus main body 1A. From this state, the tray 80k slides from the attachment position where the toner cartridge 70k is attached to the developing unit 50k to the outside of the rotating body main body 90, so that the user can replace the toner cartridge 70k.

[0106] (Toner Cartridge Replacement Operation)

[0107] Refer to Figure 4A , Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C , Figure 7A and Figure 7B to describe the toner cartridge replacement operation. Figures 6A to 6C is an external view of the apparatus main body 1A. Figure 7A and Figure 7B are cross-sectional views of the periphery of the rotating body main body 90 when replacing the toner cartridge 70. Figure 7A and Figure 7B are cross-sectional views of the apparatus along a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body main body 90.

[0108] Figure 6A shows an external view of the apparatus main body 1A during the imaging operation and in the standby state. "During the imaging operation" refers to the state during the execution phase of a series of operations from feeding the sheet S by the imaging apparatus 1 and forming an image on the sheet S to discharging the sheet S as a final product by the imaging apparatus 1. "Standby state" refers to the state in which the imaging apparatus 1 is ready to start the imaging operation in response to receiving an imaging instruction (printing instruction), and is the state in which the imaging apparatus 1 waits for an imaging instruction from the user. As Figure 6AAs shown, during the imaging operation and in the standby state, the door 14 is in the closed state.

[0109] Figure 6B An external view of the apparatus main body 1A when replacing the toner cartridge 70 is shown. When replacing the toner cartridge 70, the door 14 is in the open state, and the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 are moved to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0110] 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, then as Figure 3 shown, the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b face each other. As Figure 4A and Figure 4B shown, the rotating body main body 90 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis 90C in a state where the toner cartridge 70 is in the attached position and to be in a developing posture or a replacement posture.

[0111] Describe the toner cartridge replacement operation. First, the user instructs the control section of the apparatus main body 1A to perform the toner cartridge replacement operation. For example, an instruction to perform the toner cartridge replacement operation is given by providing an input via an operation panel (operation section) provided in the apparatus main body 1A.

[0112] In response to the control section receiving an instruction to perform the toner cartridge replacement operation, the rotating body main body 90 rotates to the replacement posture of the toner cartridge 70 (the toner cartridge 70 with used-up toner) that is the replacement target, and stops. That is, the control section rotates the rotating body main body 90 to the replacement posture of the toner cartridge 70 specified by the instruction to perform the toner cartridge replacement operation (in Figure 4B is the black replacement posture for replacing the black toner cartridge 70k). In the replacement posture, the tray 80 that supports the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced according to the instruction faces the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0113] For example, Figure 4A the rotating body main 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 rotating body main body 90 is in a replacement posture or a developing posture different from the replacement posture of the toner cartridge 70, the toner cartridge 70 and the tray 80 do not have to face the opening 16a and the door 14. Therefore, the opening 16a only needs to have a size that allows each toner cartridge 70 to pass through the opening 16a individually. As Figure 4B shown, Figure 4AThe rotating body main body 90 therein rotates clockwise by a predetermined angle from the yellow developing posture so that the toner cartridge 70k for black and the tray 80k face the opening 16a and the door 14.

[0114] "The tray 80 faces the opening 16a" means that the tray 80 is set at a position where it can move outside the apparatus main body 1A through the opening 16a. That is, when the tray 80 faces the opening 16a, the tray 80 moves outward in the radial direction of the rotation of the rotating body main body 90 by the moving mechanism, allowing the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 supported by the tray 80 to protrude outside the apparatus main body 1A. In Figure 4A none of the trays 80y to 80k faces the opening 16a. In Figure 4B only the tray 80k for black faces the opening 16a, while the other trays 80y to 80c do not face the opening 16a.

[0115] After positioning the rotating body main body 90 in the replacement posture, the motor M2 moves the tray 80 that supports the toner cartridge 70 as the replacement target outside the apparatus main body 1A.

[0116] Therefore, the toner cartridge 70 as the replacement target moves from the attached position to the retracted position relative to the rotating body main body 90. As shown in Figure 6B 、 Figure 6C 、 Figure 7A and Figure 7B the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 as the replacement target supported by the tray 80 protrude outside the apparatus main body 1A through the opening 16a.

[0117] More specifically, the tray 80 can move relative to the rotating body main body 90 to the accommodation position and the take-out position. The accommodation position is the position where the tray 80 is accommodated in the rotating body main body 90. The take-out position is the position where the tray 80 protrudes outside the rotating body main body 90 and the toner cartridge 70 will be taken out from the tray 80 (the disassembling position or the replaceable position). Examples of the accommodation position are the positions of the trays 80y to 80k in Figure 4A and Figure 4B Examples of the take-out position are the positions of the tray 80 in Figure 6B and Figure 6C the tray 80k in Figure 7A and Figure 7B the tray 80m in

[0118] When the tray 80 is in the accommodation position, the toner cartridge 70 attached to the tray 80 is in the attached position. When the tray 80 is in the take-out position, the toner cartridge 70 attached to the tray 80 is in the retracted position.

[0119] As shown in Figure 7A and Figure 7BAs shown, the rotating body main body 90 includes a protruding portion 95 that holds the tray 80 in the accommodation position and holds the toner cartridge 70 in the attachment position. As Figure 8 shown, in the tray 80, a recessed portion 87 that fits onto the protruding portion 95 is provided. Although Figure 7A and Figure 7B show the protruding portions 95k and 95m corresponding to the trays 80k and 80m, and Figure 8 correspondingly 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. It is desirable that the protruding portion 95 is biased in the direction of engagement with the recessed portion 87.

[0120] The protruding portion 95 fits into the recessed portion 87 of the tray 80, whereby the tray 80 is locked to the rotating body frame 90f. Therefore, even when the rotating body main body 90 rotates, the tray 80 remains in the accommodation position, and the toner cartridge 70 is prevented from moving from the attachment position. The following configuration can be adopted: when the tray 80 is moved between the accommodation position and the removal position by the moving device 85, the protruding portion 95 moves with the tray 80, and the protruding portion 95 disengages from the recessed portion 87.

[0121] In the present exemplary embodiment, the door 14 is pivotally supported relative to the device main body 1A. As Figure 7A shown, the door 14 is biased from the open position toward the closed position by a spring 14s. For example, the spring 14s is a tension spring and biases the door 14 to generate a moment in the Figure 7A and Figure 7B counterclockwise direction about the main axis 14c of the door 14.

[0122] The tray 80 presses the door 14, whereby the door 14 enters the open state ( Figure 6B the state in

[0123] The door 14 is configured to abut against a part of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A (e.g., the lower edge 16c of the opening 16a) in the open position, and does not pivot downward beyond the open position. In response to the tray 80 being pulled back from the outside of the apparatus main body 1A to the inside, the door 14 returns to the closed position by the biasing force of the spring 14s.

[0124] 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 (the work of replacing the toner cartridge 70). In the case of replacing a plurality of toner cartridges 70, the user can perform the work of replacing the plurality of toner cartridges 70 by repeating the above operation.

[0125] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The cross section of the periphery of the rotating body main body 90 when replacing the toner cartridge 70 is shown.

[0126] Figure 7A The state of replacing the toner cartridge 70k for black is shown. Figure 7B The state of replacing the toner cartridge 70m for magenta is shown.

[0127] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a moving device 85 ( Figure 8 ), which moves the toner cartridge 70 from the attached position to the retracted position. In the present exemplary embodiment, the moving device 85 can be regarded as a device including the tray 80. The moving device 85k including the tray 80k can be an example of a first moving device including a first support member. The moving device 85m including the tray 80m can be an example of a second moving device including a second support member.

[0128] In addition, in a state where the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the tray 80 is in a state of being linked to the rotating body main body 90 (a state of being supported by the rotating body main body 90). In order to easily perform the operation of detaching the toner cartridge 70 from the rotating body main body 90, it is desirable that the length protruding from the rotating body main body 90 when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position is long. Since the toner cartridge 70 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the rotating body main body 90 via the tray 80, the tray 80 stably supports the toner cartridge 70 even when the length of the toner cartridge 70 protruding from the rotating body main body 90 is long.

[0129] When the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the attached position to the retracted position, the moving direction of the toner cartridge 70 is referred to as the "retracting direction". In the present exemplary embodiment, the retracting 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 7BAs 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). The retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is also referred to as the direction outward in the radial direction of the rotation of the rotating body main body 90 (the direction away from the rotation axis 90C).

[0130] Since the user performs an operation of detaching the toner cartridge 70 from the rotating body main body 90 as shown in Figure 7A and Figure 7B it is desirable that at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotating body main body 90 when detaching the toner cartridge 70. In the present exemplary embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotating body main body 90.

[0131] In other words, when the rotating body main body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C, the rotation trajectory of the rotating body main body 90 coincides with the circumscribed circle of the rotating body main body 90 centered on the rotation axis 90C (the virtual circle 90V indicated by the dashed line in each of Figure 7A and Figure 7B ). It is desirable that when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least half or more of the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the retraction direction is located outside the rotation trajectory of the rotating body main body 90. That is, it is desirable that when viewed in the rotation axis direction of the rotating body and in a state where the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least half or more of the entire length of the toner cartridge 70 in the moving direction of the toner cartridge 70 from the attached position toward the retracted position is set outside the rotation trajectory of the rotating body. This applies to all toner cartridges 70 including the toner cartridge 70k as an example of the first cartridge and the toner cartridge 70m as an example of the second cartridge. In the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 7A and Figure 7B when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 is outside the rotation trajectory (virtual circle 90V) of the rotating body main body 90.

[0132] Furthermore, in order to enable the user to easily grasp the toner cartridge 70, it is desirable that at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is located outside the device of the imaging device 1 (outside the device main body 1A of the device) when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position. "Outside the device" refers to the space outside the imaging device 1 (outside the device main body 1A) when using the imaging device 1 to perform an imaging operation on, for example, the sheet S.

[0133] In the present exemplary embodiment, the outer surface of the device main body 1A is formed by the outer surface of the frame 16. That is to say, the "outside of the device" is also referred to as the space outside the frame 16. Therefore, the state in which at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is outside the device is also referred to as the state in which at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the device main body 1A toward the outside of the frame 16.

[0134] In the present exemplary 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. Then, a part of the outer surface of the device main body 1A is formed by the outer surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position. In this case, the "outside of the device" refers to the space outside the outer surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position. That is to say, when the position of the outer surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position is defined as the outer position and the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is set to be more outside the device main body 1A than the outer position.

[0135] In other words, when the door 14 is in the closed position, at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is set in the space outside the device main body 1A. Then, at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is in a position downstream of the outer position with respect to the retracting direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0136] When the side surface 16b provided with the opening 16a is defined as the front surface of the device main body 1A and when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes more forward than the outer surface on the front surface of the device main body 1A. In this case, the user can easily perform the work of replacing the toner cartridge 70 by approaching the toner cartridge 70 from the front surface of the imaging device 1.

[0137] Desirably, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, half or more of the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the retraction direction is located outside the apparatus. That is, desirably, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body and with the toner cartridge 70 in the retracted position, half or more of the entire length of the toner cartridge 70 in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge 70 from the attached position toward the retracted position is set outside the main body frame. This applies to all toner cartridges 70 including the toner cartridge 70k as an example of the first cartridge and the toner cartridge 70m as an example of the second cartridge. More desirably, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 is outside the apparatus. Although in the present exemplary embodiment, the outer surface on the front surface of the apparatus main body 1A is formed by the outer surface 14a of the door 14 and the side surface 16b, the configuration of the door 14 is not limited thereto. For example, the size of the door 14 may be a size that covers the entire side surface 16b. In this case, the outer surface on the front surface of the apparatus main body 1A is formed by the outer surface 14a of the door 14.

[0138] The tray 80 includes a cartridge holding portion 81 that holds the toner cartridge 70 (see Figure 3 and Figure 6C ). The cartridge holding portion 81 is an attachment target portion to which the toner cartridge 70 is attached. Desirably, when the tray 80 is in the removal position, the entire cartridge holding portion 81 is outside the rotation locus of the rotating body main body 90 in the retraction direction. Desirably, when the tray 80 is in the removal position, half or more of the length of the cartridge holding portion 81 in the retraction direction is located outside the apparatus.

[0139] As described above, the toner cartridge 70k and the tray 80k have larger sizes 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 exemplary embodiment, the amount of movement of the tray 80 when replacing the toner cartridge 70 is changed according to the size of the toner cartridge 70.

[0140] Specifically, as Figure 7A shown, the movement distance of the tray 80k (first support member) when moving from the accommodation position (first accommodation position) to the removal position (first removal position) is L1. The movement distance of the tray 80m (second support member) when moving from the accommodation position to the removal position (third removal position) is L2. Although Figure 7BThe state of the moving toner cartridge 70m and the tray 80m is shown. However, when the tray moves from the accommodation position to the ejection position, the moving distance of each of the trays 80y and 80c is also L2. At this time, L1 is longer than L2. In other words, compared with the moving distance of the second support member when the second toner cartridge moves from the second attachment position to the second retracted position, 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 longer.

[0141] As Figure 7A shown, in a state where the tray 80k is in the ejection position and the toner cartridge 70k is in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70k protrudes from the outer surface of the apparatus main body 1A to the outside of the apparatus by a distance P1. In the present exemplary 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.

[0142] As Figure 7B shown, in a state where the tray 80m is in the ejection position and the toner cartridge 70m is in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70m protrudes from the outer surface of the apparatus main body 1A to the outside of the apparatus by a distance P2. In the present exemplary 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. 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.

[0143] The distance P1 is longer than the distance P2. That is to say, the length by which the first toner cartridge in the first retracted position protrudes from the opening 16a of the apparatus main body 1A is the first length (P1), and the length by which the second toner cartridge in the second retracted position protrudes from the opening 16a is the second length (P2). In this case, the first length is longer than the second length.

[0144] Desirably, in terms of strength, for each of the toner cartridges 70y to 70c having a size smaller than that of the toner cartridge 70k, the distance P2 by which it protrudes outside the apparatus in the retracted position should be smaller than the distance P1 by which the toner cartridge 70k protrudes outside the apparatus 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 outside the rotation locus of the rotary body main body 90, or protrudes outside the apparatus from the outer surface of the apparatus main body 1A. At this time, with the tray 80 supported by the rotary body main body 90 in a cantilever manner, the tray 80 supports the weight of the toner cartridge 70. Therefore, by shortening the distance P2 by which each of the toner cartridges 70y to 70c protrudes outside the apparatus in the retracted position, the load applied to each of the trays 80y to 80c and the guide portions 97 of the rotary body main body 90 that support each of the trays 80y to 80k can be reduced more. Since the toner cartridges 70y to 70c have a size smaller than that of the toner cartridge 70k, even if the distance P2 is shorter than the distance P1, the operability when replacing the toner cartridges 70y to 70c in the trays 80y to 80c respectively can be maintained.

[0145] (Arrangement of trays in the rotary body)

[0146] Reference Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 , describe the arrangement of the trays 80y to 80k in the rotary body main body 90. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the trays 80y to 80k in the rotary body main body 90. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the trays 80y to 80k in the rotary body main body 90. Figure 10 is a view showing the arrangement of members on one end side in the Y direction of the trays 80y to 80k. Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the rotary body main body 90 along a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body main body 90. Figure 10 The upper half of Figure 8 is a view of the rotary body main body 90 and the trays 80m and 80k in Figure 8 viewed from the upper right side (positive Z side) of Figure 10 The lower half of Figure 8 is a view of the rotary body main body 90 and the trays 80c and 80y in Figure 8 viewed from the left side (negative X side) of

[0147] As Figure 8 shown, in the trays 80y to 80k, cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k and guide target portions 82y to 82k are respectively provided.

[0148] 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 to the cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k.

[0149] The guiding target portions 82y to 82k are respectively provided in two end portions of the trays 80y to 80k that sandwich the cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k in the Y direction. Each of the guiding target portions 82y to 82k is a member that extends elastically in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the rotating body main body 90.

[0150] In the present exemplary embodiment, in a part of the guiding target portion 82k in the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k, a reinforcing rib 82k1 is formed. In a part of the guiding target portion 82m in the moving direction Dm of the tray 80m, a reinforcing rib 82m1 is formed (see also Figure 11A and Figure 11B ). The reinforcing ribs 82k1 and 82m1 have a rib shape (ribbed protrusion) that protrudes outward in the Y direction from the guiding target portions 82k and 82m provided in two end portions of the trays 80k and 80m in the Y direction and extends elastically in the moving directions Dk and Dm of the trays 80k and 80m, respectively. The reinforcing ribs 82k1 and 82m1 respectively improve the rigidity of the guiding target portions 82k and 82m.

[0151] In the present exemplary embodiment, the lengths of the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 are limited by respectively avoiding the guiding target portions 82y and 82c. However, in the case where the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 do not interfere with the guiding target portions 82y and 82c, the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 can be respectively provided over the entire lengths of the guiding target portions 82m and 82k. Reinforcing ribs can be added to the guiding target portions 82y and 82c. In the case where the rigidity of the guiding target portions 82m and 82k is sufficient, a configuration in which the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 are not provided respectively can be adopted.

[0152] In the guiding target portions 82y to 82k, rack portions 83y to 83k (rack gears) are respectively formed. In the rotating body main body 90, pinions 94y to 94k are rotatably held. The pinions 94y to 94k mesh with the rack portions 83y to 83k, so that the pinions 94y to 94k respectively transmit drive to the rack portions 83y to 83k.

[0153] The rack portions 83y to 83k and the pinions 94y to 94k are parts of the moving devices 85y to 85k configured to move the toner cartridges 70y to 70k from the attached position to the retracted position, respectively. The rack portions 83y to 83k and the pinions 94y to 94k are also referred to as parts of the driven target devices driven by the drive device 98 of the device main body 1A.

[0154] The pinions 94y to 94k are also referred to as rotating bodies (rotating members) that rotate to move the trays 80y to 80k relative to the rotating body main body 90, respectively.

[0155] The pinions 94y to 94k and the rack portions 83y to 83k serve as driven target portions for the moving devices 85y to 85k of the rotating body main body 90 to receive driving force from the drive device 98 of the device main body 1A, respectively. The pinion 94k and the rack portion 83k are examples of a first pinion and a first rack gear that are at least part of the first driven target portion included in the first moving device, respectively. The pinion 94m and the rack portion 83m are examples of a second pinion and a second rack gear that are at least part of the second driven target portion included in the second moving device, respectively.

[0156] The rotating body main body 90 includes guide portions 97 (see Figure 7A and Figure 7B ) that engage with each of the guide target portions 82y to 82k. Figure 7A The guide portion 97 (97k) engaged with the guide target portion 82k of the tray 80k is shown. Figure 7B The guide portion 97 (97m) engaged with the guide target portion 82m of the tray 80m is shown. In the rotating body main body 90, similar guide portions 97 are respectively provided to engage with the guide target portions 82y and 82c of the trays 80y and 80c. Although Figure 7A and Figure 7B each show the guide portion 97 provided on one side (positive Y side) of the rotating body main body 90 in the Y direction, similar guide portions 97 are also provided on the other side (negative Y side) of the rotating body main body 90 in the Y direction.

[0157] When the tray 80 moves between the accommodation position and the ejection position, the guide portion 97 maintains the state of engaging with the guide target portion 82 in at least a part of the movement range of the tray 80 and guides the movement direction of the tray 80. In the present exemplary embodiment, the guide portion 97k maintains the state of engaging with the guide target portion 82k throughout the entire movement range between the accommodation position and the ejection position of the tray 80k. In the present exemplary embodiment, the guide portion 97m maintains the state of engaging with the guide target portion 82m throughout the entire movement range between the accommodation position and the ejection position of the tray 80m.

[0158] As Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, in the rotating body main body 90, four trays 80y to 80k are arranged to overlap each other, as specifically described below.

[0159] In response to the rotation of pinions 94y to 94k, rack portions 83y to 83k and trays 80y to 80k move relative to the rotating body main body 90, respectively. As Figure 9 shown, the four trays 80y to 80k are arranged such that the moving directions of the four trays 80y to 80k are directions shifted by 90 degrees from each other with respect to the rotating body main body 90. Therefore, trays 80y and 80c are held so as to be slidable in substantially the same direction (parallel to each other), and trays 80m and 80k are held so as to be slidable in substantially the same direction (parallel to each other). When the trays 80y to 80k move in a sliding manner as described above, the moving directions of the trays 80y to 80k are restricted by the engagement between each of the guiding target portions 82y to 82k and the guiding portion 97.

[0160] The trays 80y to 80k move to the outside of the apparatus through the opening 16a. When each of the trays 80y to 80k moves from the opening 16a to the outside of the apparatus, the moving directions of the trays 80y to 80k are substantially the same as each other (parallel to each other).

[0161] As Figure 9 shown, with respect to the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k, the range where the tray 80k is arranged is arranged to overlap with the range where the tray 80y is arranged and the range where the tray 80c is arranged. With respect to the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k, the range where the tray 80k is arranged overlaps with the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body main body 90. That is, the toner cartridge 70k held in the cartridge holding portion 81k of the tray 80k overlaps with the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body main body 90 ( Figure 4B ).

[0162] On the other hand, with respect to the moving direction Dm of the tray 80m, the range where the tray 80m is arranged is arranged in a shifted manner so as not to overlap with the range where the tray 80y is arranged and the range where the tray 80c is arranged. In addition, with respect to the moving direction Dy of the tray 80y, the range where the tray 80y is arranged is arranged in a shifted manner so as not to overlap with the range where the tray 80m is arranged and the range where the tray 80k is arranged. Similarly, with respect to the moving direction Dc of the tray 80c, the range where the tray 80c is arranged is arranged in a shifted manner so as not to overlap with the range where the tray 80m is arranged and the range where the tray 80k is arranged.

[0163] The positional relationship between the pallets 80 is also shown below. When observed in the moving direction Dy of the pallet 80y, the pallets 80y and 80k overlap each other, but the pallets 80y and 80m do not overlap each other. When observed in the moving direction Dm of the pallet 80m, the pallets 80m and 80k overlap each other, but the pallet 80m does not overlap with the pallets 80y and 80c. When observed in the moving direction Dc of the pallet 80c, the pallets 80c and 80k overlap each other, but the pallets 80c and 80m do not overlap each other.

[0164] When two components (members, parts, or units) overlap each other when observed in a specific direction, it means that in the case where each component is projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the specific direction, the projected area of one component and the projected area of the other component at least partially overlap each other.

[0165] 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 guide target portion 82m are arranged and the ranges where the rack portion 83k and the guide target portion 82k are arranged at least partially overlap each other. That is, in the present exemplary embodiment, with respect to the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body, the ranges where the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) is arranged and the ranges where the second rack gear (rack portion 83m) is arranged at least partially overlap each other. Therefore, compared with the arrangement where the rack portion 83m and the guide target portion 82m do not overlap with the rack portion 83k and the guide target portion 82k, the rack portions 83m and 83k and the guide target portions 82m and 82k can be arranged with more space saved with respect to the Y direction.

[0166] With respect to the direction (Y direction) of the rotation axis 90C, the ranges where the rack portion 83y and the guide target portion 82y are arranged and the ranges where the rack portion 83c and the guide target portion 82c are arranged at least partially overlap each other. That is, in the present exemplary embodiment, with respect to the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body, the ranges where the third rack gear (rack portion 83y) is arranged and the ranges where the fourth rack gear (rack portion 83c) is arranged at least partially overlap each other. Therefore, compared with the arrangement where the rack portion 83y and the guide target portion 82y do not overlap with the rack portion 83c and the guide target portion 82c, the rack portions 83y and 83c and the guide target portions 82y and 82c can be arranged with more space saved with respect to the Y direction.

[0167] Refer to Figure 10 to describe the meshing position of the rack portion 83 and the pinion 94. Figure 10 The upper half of Figure 10The lower part shows the meshing positions of the rack portion 83y and the pinion 94y.

[0168] In the direction (Y direction) with respect to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body main body 90, in Figure 10 the region Y1 in, the driving force transmitted from the motor M2 ( Figure 2 ) as the driving source through the transmission device is transmitted to the pinions 94y to 94k. In the region Y2 in with respect to the Y direction, the pinion 94k meshes with the rack portion 83k, so that the pinion 94k transmits the drive to the rack portion 83k. In the region Y3 in with respect to the Y direction, the pinion 94y meshes with the rack portion 83y, so that the pinion 94y transmits the drive to the rack portion 83y. Similar to the rack portion 83k, in the region Y2, the rack portion 83m meshes with the pinion 94m ( Figure 10 ) so that the pinion 94m transmits the drive to the rack portion 83m. Similar to the rack portion 83y, in the region Y3, the rack portion 83c meshes with the pinion 94c ( Figure 10 ) so that the pinion 94c transmits the drive to the rack portion 83c. Figure 8 Figure 8 Figure 8 The regions Y2 and Y3 are in different positions from each other in the Y direction (shifted in the Y direction). The region Y1 is in a different position from the regions Y2 and Y3 in the Y direction. That is, the region Y1 is shifted with respect to the regions Y2 and Y3 in the Y direction.

[0169]

[0170]

[0170] 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 position Dy of the tray 80y), the ranges where the rack portion 83y is arranged and the range where the rack portion 83c is arranged at least partially overlap each other. In the present exemplary embodiment, since the moving directions Dy and Dc of the trays 80y and 80c are directions that are substantially the same as each other (parallel to each other), thus also with respect to the moving direction Dc of the tray 80c, the ranges where the rack portion 83y is arranged and the range where the rack portion 83c is arranged at least partially overlap each other. Therefore, in a state where the toner cartridges 70y and 70c are in the attached position, with respect to the direction ( Figure 8 the left - right direction in) orthogonal to the respective moving directions Dy and Dc of the rack portions 83y and 83c, the tooth surfaces of the rack portion 83y and the tooth surface of the rack portion 83c face each other.

[0171] In addition, in a state where the toner cartridges 70m and 70k are in the attached positions, the ranges where the rack portions 83m and 83k are arranged overlap at least partially with each other with respect to the moving direction of the rack portion 83m (the moving direction Dm of the tray 80m). In the present exemplary embodiment, since the moving directions Dm and Dk of the trays 80m and 80k are directions that are substantially the same as each other (parallel to each other), the ranges where the rack portions 83m and 83k are arranged also overlap at least partially with each other 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, the tooth surfaces of the rack portion 83m and the tooth surfaces of the rack portion 83k face each other with respect to a direction orthogonal to the moving directions Dm and Dk of the rack portions 83m and 83k respectively ( Figure 8 the up-down direction in

[0172] Furthermore, as Figure 12A 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 portion 83c overlaps with the rack portions 83m and 83k. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the rack portion 83k overlaps with the rack portions 83y and 83c. In other words, with respect to the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body, the ranges where the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) and the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) are arranged do not overlap with each other. In other words, 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 with each other.

[0173] As described above, with respect to the Y direction, the positions where the rack portions 83k and 83m are arranged are different from the positions where the rack portions 83y and 83c are arranged, and thus, when viewed in the Y direction, the rack portions 83y and 83c can be arranged to overlap with the rack portions 83m and 83k.

[0174] Therefore, the space for arranging the four pallets 80y to 80k in the rotating body main body 90 can be saved, and miniaturization of the rotating body main body 90 can be achieved in the radial direction of the rotation of the rotating body main body 90. That is to say, if the rack portions 83 are arranged such that they do not overlap each other when viewed in the Y direction while making the moving distances of the pallets 80y to 80k equal to the moving distances in the present exemplary embodiment, the area required for arranging the four rack portions 83y to 83k becomes wider when viewed in the Y direction. Compared with the above-described configuration, by shifting the positions of the plurality of rack portions 83 in the Y direction to arrange the plurality of rack portions 83 and making the rack portions 83 overlap each other when viewed in the Y direction, the arrangement area of the rack portions 83 can be made smaller when viewed in the Y direction.

[0175] In the present exemplary embodiment, the four rack portions 83y to 83k are arranged by forming two groups (two in a group) of the four rack portions 83y to 83k and shifting the positions of the two groups in the Y direction. That is to say, with respect to the rotational axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body, the ranges for arranging the first rack gear and the second rack gear overlap each other, and the ranges for arranging the third rack gear and the fourth rack gear overlap each other. In addition, with respect to the Y direction, the range for arranging the first rack gear and the second rack gear and the range for arranging the third rack gear and the fourth rack gear are arranged such that they do not overlap each other. Therefore, compared with the case where the positions of each of the four rack portions 83y to 83k are shifted in the Y direction, the rotating body main body 90 can be miniaturized in the Y direction.

[0176] (Moving structure of the pallet)

[0177] Reference Figure 11A 、 Figure 11B 、 Figure 12A and Figure 12B describe the structure regarding the movement of the pallets 80y to 80k arranged in the rotating body main body 90. Figure 11A and Figure 11B are perspective views showing the structure regarding the movement of the pallet 80k. Figure 12A and Figure 12B are cross-sectional views showing the structure regarding the movement of the pallet 80k.

[0178] In the present exemplary embodiment, all the pallets 80y to 80k are driven by the drive racks 15L and 15R which are transmission devices for respectively transmitting the driving force of the motor M2 to the pinions 94y to 94k. A description is given of the structure in which the pallet 80k moves relative to the rotating body main body 90. The structure in which the pallets 80y to 80c move relative to the rotating body main body 90 is substantially similar to the structure in which the pallet 80k moves, and thus will not be described again.

[0179] Figure 11AShows the state where the tray 80k is located inside the rotating body main body 90 (i.e., the state where the toner cartridge 70k is attached to the developing unit 50k). That is, Figure 11A Shows the state where the tray 80k is in the accommodation position, and corresponds to the state where the toner cartridge 70k is in the attached position relative to the developing frame 53k ( Figure 4A ) Figure 11B Shows the state where the tray 80k moves to the outside of the rotating body main body 90 in a sliding manner. That is, Figure 11B Shows the state where the tray 80k is in the take-out position, and corresponds to the state where the toner cartridge 70k is in the retracted position relative to the developing frame 53k ( Figure 4B )

[0180] The device main body 1A according to the present exemplary embodiment includes drive racks 15L and 15R that are drive gears of the drive pinion 94. Each drive rack 15 is driven by a motor M2 through a drive transmission mechanism (not shown).

[0181] As described above, two rack portions 83k are formed in two end portions of the tray 80k in the Y direction. Two pinions 94k, two drive racks 15L, and two drive racks 15R are arranged at positions corresponding to the rack portions 83k in the two end portions. That is, the device main body 1A according to the present exemplary embodiment includes drive racks 15L and 15R as the first drive gear and the second drive gear, respectively. 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.

[0182] However, this numbering is only for descriptive purposes, and the numbering can be appropriately swapped in principle. When the drive racks 15L and 15R do not need to be distinguished from each other, the drive racks 15L and 15R are referred to as "drive rack 15".

[0183] The rack portion 83 according to the present exemplary embodiment is configured as a rack and pinion pair, and the pinion 94 according to the present exemplary embodiment is configured as a pinion pair. In the present exemplary embodiment, the rack and pinion pair and the pinion pair are arranged at one end and the other end of the support member (tray 80) in the Y direction, but can be arranged at other positions. The rack portion 83k of the moving device 85k corresponding to the tray 80k and the pinion 94k are examples of the first rack and pinion pair and the first pinion pair, respectively.

[0184] The rack portions 83y to 83c of the moving devices 85y to 85c corresponding to the other trays 80y to 80c and the pinions 94y to 94c are examples of the second rack and pinion pair and the second pinion pair, respectively.

[0185] One of the rack gears in the rack gear pair meshes with one of the pinions in the pinion pair, and the other rack gear in the rack gear pair meshes with the other pinion in the pinion pair. At least one of the pinions in the pinion pair is driven by a drive rack 15L serving as a first drive rack. In the present exemplary embodiment, the two pinions in the pinion pair are simultaneously driven by a drive rack 15L and a drive rack 15R serving as a first drive rack and a second drive rack, respectively. Therefore, rotation of the tray 80 is less likely to occur, and the toner cartridge 70 moves stably.

[0186] The following configuration may be adopted: The tray 80 includes a single rack portion 83 and is moved by a single drive rack 15 via a single pinion 94.

[0187] The tray 80k is held so as to be slidable relative to the rotating body main body 90 in a direction parallel to the guiding target portion 82k (i.e., the moving direction Dk). The drive rack 15 is held so as to be slidable relative to the apparatus main body 1A in a direction intersecting the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k. The drive rack 15 is configured to be slidable (in a reciprocating manner) relative to the apparatus main body 1A in a first direction (in the present exemplary embodiment, upward in the vertical direction) and a second direction opposite to the first direction (in the present exemplary embodiment, downward in the vertical direction). That is, the moving direction of the drive rack 15 according to the present exemplary embodiment is a direction (desirably, a direction orthogonal thereto) intersecting both the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k and the direction (Y direction) of the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body main body 90.

[0188] Reference Figure 11A and Figure 11B , a tray moving operation for slidably moving the tray 80k between the accommodation position and the ejection position is described. The tray moving operation for moving the tray 80k is performed by a motor M2 ( Figure 2 ), a drive transmission mechanism (not shown), a drive rack 15, a pinion 94k, and a rack portion 83k.

[0189] First, a description is given of the tray moving operation (tray pulling-out operation) when the toner cartridge 70k is detached from the rotating body main body 90. In a state before the start of the tray pulling-out operation, the drive rack 15 is in a position below the position where the drive rack 15 engages with the pinion 94k ( Figure 11A ). As described above, in the replacement operation for replacing the toner cartridge 70k, the rotating body main body 90 is in a replacement posture for replacing the toner cartridge 70k ( Figure 4B ).

[0190] In response to the start of the tray pulling-out operation, the driving rack 15 is moved in a sliding manner in the upward direction of the apparatus main body 1A by the driving force of the motor M2. During the movement of the driving rack 15, it meshes with the pinion 94k, and the pinion 94k is rotationally driven.

[0191] As Figure 11B shown, the pinion 94k is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow in Figure 11B . Thereby, the driving force is input to the rack portion 83k that meshes with the pinion 94k. Accordingly, the tray 80k is pushed out of the apparatus and moves from the accommodation position to the take-out position with respect to the rotating body main body 90. At this time, by the engagement between the guiding target portion 82k and the guiding portion 97k of the rotating body main body 90 ( Figure 7A ), the moving direction of the tray 80k is guided in the predetermined moving direction Dk. Since the tray 80k moves from the accommodation position to the take-out position, the toner cartridge 70k moves from the attached position to the retracted position with respect to the developing unit 50k.

[0192] In a state where the tray 80k is at the take-out position and the toner cartridge 70k is at the retracted position, the user can attach the toner cartridge 70k to the tray 80k and detach it from the tray.

[0193] The tray moving operation (tray pulling-in operation or tray inserting operation) when attaching the toner cartridge 70 to the rotating body main body 90 is performed by a process opposite to the tray pulling-out operation. Before the start of the tray pulling-in operation, the driving rack 15 is at a position above the position where the driving rack 15 meshes with the pinion 94k. For example, the tray pulling-in operation is started by the user operating a predetermined operation portion. In response to the start of the tray pulling-in operation, the driving rack 15 is moved in a sliding manner in the downward direction of the apparatus main body 1A by the driving force of the motor M2. The rotation direction of the motor M2 in the tray pulling-in operation is the direction opposite to the rotation direction in the tray pulling-out operation. During the movement of the driving rack 15, it meshes with the pinion 94k, and the pinion 94k is rotationally driven.

[0194] The pinion 94k is rotationally driven in a direction opposite to the direction of the arrow in Figure 11B . Thereby, the driving force is input to the rack portion 83k that meshes with the pinion 94k. Accordingly, the tray 80k is pulled into the apparatus and moves from the take-out position to the accommodation position with respect to the rotating body main body 90.

[0195] By the engagement between the guiding target portion 82k and the guiding portion 97k of the rotating body main body 90 ( Figure 7A ), the moving direction of the tray 80k is in the moving direction Dk (opposite to Figure 11BIt is guided in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow. Since the tray 80k moves from the take-out position to the accommodation position, the toner cartridge 70k moves from the retracted position to the attached position relative to the developing unit 50k.

[0196] Although the movement of the tray 80k and the toner cartridge 70k for black has been described above, the movement of the other trays 80y to 80c and the other toner cartridges 70y to 70c is also performed by a similar mechanism. That is, in the replacement posture for replacing the corresponding toner cartridges 70y to 70c, the drive rack 15 transmits the drive to the pinions 94y to 94c.

[0197] The drive device 98 of the moving device 85 provided in the rotating body main body 90 is composed of a motor M2 provided in the device main body 1A and a transmission mechanism, and the transmission mechanism includes drive racks 15 (15L and 15R) and a drive transmission mechanism.

[0198] As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, in the rotating body main body 90, a plurality of moving devices 85k to 85y corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges 70k to 70y are arranged. The drive device 98 of the device main body 1A is a common drive device for driving the plurality of moving devices 85k to 85y (a plurality of drive target devices) of the rotating body main body 90.

[0199] In the present exemplary embodiment, the drive target of the drive device 98 is switched by the rotation of the rotating body main body 90. In other words, the drive device according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a drive rack 15 as a transmission member for transmitting the driving force of the drive source. The drive device switches to a state in which the transmission member engages with the first drive target portion (pinion 94k) so that the transmission member transmits the drive to the first drive target portion, and a state in which the transmission member engages with the second drive target portion (pinion 94m) so that the transmission member transmits the drive to the second drive target portion. The drive device can also switch to a state in which the transmission member is separated from the first drive target portion and the second drive target portion.

[0200] As described above, the pinions 94y to 94k are held by the rotating body main body 90. Therefore, it is desirable that the engagement between the pinions 94y to 94k and the drive rack 15 is released when the rotating body main body 90 rotates.

[0201] Figure 12A The state where the tray 80k is inside the rotating body main body 90 (the state where the tray 80k is in the accommodation position) is shown. Figure 12B The state where the tray 80k has moved outside the rotating body main body 90 (the state where the tray 80k has moved to the take-out position) is shown.

[0202] As Figure 12AAs shown, when the tray 80k is located inside the rotating body main body 90, the drive rack 15 is in a position in the lower part of the apparatus main body 1A. At this time, the drive rack 15 retracts from the pinion 94k. Therefore, the drive rack 15 does not become an obstacle, and the rotating body main body 90 rotates. More specifically, the drive rack 15 retracts outside the rotation locus of the rotating body main body 90 indicated by the dashed line of each of Figure 12A and Figure 12B .

[0203] As described above, the motor M2 is rotationally driven in the forward and reverse directions, whereby the tray 80 attached to the rotating body main body 90 can be moved relative to the rotating body main body 90 from the take-out position to the accommodation position and from the accommodation position to the take-out position. That is, the drive device according to the present exemplary embodiment not only drives each moving device of the rotating body to move the toner cartridge from the attachment position to the retracted position, but also drives each moving device to move the toner cartridge from the retracted position to the attachment position.

[0204] As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the moving amount of the tray 80 when replacing the toner cartridge 70 is changed according to the size of the toner cartridge 70. Specifically, as Figure 7A and Figure 7B shown, the moving distance L1 of the tray 80k for black when the tray 80k moves from the accommodation position to the take-out position is longer than the moving distance L2 of each of the other trays 80y to 80c when the tray moves from the accommodation position to the take-out position.

[0205] Therefore, in the present exemplary 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 each of the rack portions 83y to 83c by the speed of the drive rack 15.

[0206] For example, as Figure 10As shown, the pinion gear 94y is a stepped gear, and the pitch circle radius of the short-diameter gear 942 meshing with the rack portion 83y is shorter than the pitch circle radius of the long-diameter gear 941 meshing with the drive rack 15. The pinion gears 94m and 94c are also similar stepped gears. On the other hand, in the pinion gear 94k, the portion meshing with the drive rack 15 and the portion meshing with the rack portion 83k have corresponding pitch circle radii. In this case, the pitch circle radius of the pinion gear 94k can be made substantially the same as the pitch circle radius of the long-diameter gear 941 of each of the pinion gears 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 longer than the moving distances of the other rack portions 83y to 83c. That is, the moving distance L1 of the tray 80k for black when moving from the accommodation position to the take-out position can be made longer than the moving distance L2 of each of the other trays 80y to 80c when moving from the accommodation position to the take-out position.

[0207] The pinion gears 94y to 94c are stepped gears, whereby even in a configuration where the pinion gears 94y to 94k receive driving force from the same drive rack 15, the moving distance L1 of the tray 80k can be made longer than the moving distance L2 of each of the other trays 80y to 80c.

[0208] Instead of (or in combination with) the configuration where the pinion gears 94y to 94c are stepped gears, the pinion gear 94k can be a stepped gear. In this case, a part of the pinion gear 94k meshing with the drive rack 15 can be a short-diameter gear, and a part of the pinion gear 94k meshing with the rack portion 83k can be a long-diameter gear with a pitch circle radius longer than the pitch circle radius of the short-diameter gear. The stepped gear is an example of a speed reduction mechanism and can be replaced by a known speed reduction mechanism for making the amount of movement of a member on the output side (tray 80 side) smaller than the amount of movement of a member on the input side (drive source side).

[0209] When the toner cartridge 70k moves from the attached position to the retracted position, the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 can be longer than the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 when each of the toner cartridges 70y to 70c moves from the attached position to the retracted position.

[0210] By the short distance of the toner cartridge 70 moving from the attached position to the retracted position, the moving time of the toner cartridge 70 can be shortened. Therefore, the time for the user to wait for the movement of the toner cartridge 70 can be shortened. As described above, by the configuration where the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 relative to the toner cartridge 70k is longer than the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 relative to each of the toner cartridges 70y to 70c, the time for the user to wait for the movement of each of the toner cartridges 70y to 70c can be shortened.

[0211] Based on the above configuration, the moving distance L1 can be made longer than the moving distance L2. Combinations of these configurations can also be used.

[0212] (Variant)

[0213] Although the configuration in which the driven target portion includes the pinion 94 that meshes with both the drive rack 15 and the rack portion 83 has been described, the driven target portion may include a gear that meshes with the drive rack 15 and a gear that meshes with the rack portion 83.

[0214] The configuration of the moving device 85 for moving 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 with a roller that rotates by receiving drive from the motor M2, and the tray 80 can be moved by the friction between the roller and the tray 80.

[0215] In the case of using a roller that rotates by receiving drive from the motor M2, the roller and the toner cartridge 70 can be in contact with each other. In this case, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k can be directly attached to and detachable from the rotating body main body 90 respectively, without passing through the trays 80y to 80k. In this case, the moving device 85 is composed of rollers. Further, in this case, the rotating body assembly 90A includes the rotating body main body 90 and the toner cartridges 70y to 70k.

[0216] <Preventing toner from flowing back from the developing unit to the toner cartridge>

[0217] There is a case where the receiving opening (developing opening) 53b is located above the discharge opening 71b according to the rotation of the rotating body assembly 90A. For example, in the state where the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotating body main body 90, and when the rotating body main body 90 is in the replacement posture (attachment / detachment posture), the receiving opening 53b is in the position above the discharge opening 71b. It is desirable to prevent toner from flowing back from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70 when the receiving opening 53b is in the position above the discharge opening 71b.

[0218] Reference Figure 13A 、 Figure 13B and Figure 14 and

[0219] Figure 13A and Figure 13B are cross-sectional views of the toner cartridge 70 and the developing unit 50 according to the present exemplary embodiment. Figure 13A and Figure 13B are cross-sectional views of a cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction when viewed in the Y direction.

[0220] As Figure 13A and Figure 13B shown, the developing unit 50 includes a lid (restricting portion or toner control portion) 54. The lid 54 is accommodated in the developing-side storage portion (receiving-side storage chamber or developing-side storage chamber) 53a. The lid 54 is movable relative to the receiving opening 53b and can be moved to a covering position and a retracted position (lid retracted position), where in the covering position, the lid 54 covers the receiving opening 53b, and in the retracted position, the lid 54 retracts from the covering position.

[0221] In the present exemplary embodiment, the developing unit 50 includes a connecting portion 55 that supports the lid 54.

[0222] The connecting portion 55 is connected to the lid 54 and is movable relative to the receiving opening 53b. The connecting portion 55 and the lid 54 are configured to move integrally. The connecting portion 55 moves, whereby the lid 54 moves between the covering position and the lid retracted position. The connecting portion 55 includes a shaft (transmission portion) 55a, and the lid 54 is attached to the shaft 55a.

[0223] The shaft 55a is swingable about a lid swing axis 55c. The shaft 55a swings, whereby the lid 54 also swings about the lid swing axis 55c and moves between the covering position and the lid retracted position. Details of the configuration for moving the lid 54 will be described below.

[0224] As Figure 13B shown, in a state where the receiving opening 53b is positioned above the discharge opening (discharge port) 71b, the lid 54 is in the covering position. At this time, the lid 54 covers the receiving opening 53b and restricts the toner stored in the developing-side storage portion 53a from being discharged to the outside of the developing unit 50 through the receiving opening 53b. The attitude of the rotating body main body 90 in a state where the receiving opening 53b is positioned above the discharge opening 71b and the lid 54 is in the covering position is also referred to as a "covering attitude (first attitude)".

[0225] Figure 13B It is also a diagram showing a state where the rotating body main body 90 is in the first attitude in a state where the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotating body main body 90. In other words, Figure 13B It is also a diagram showing a state where the rotating body assembly 90A is in the first attitude.

[0226] As Figure 13AAs shown, in a state where the receiving opening 53b is positioned below the discharging opening 71b, the cover 54 is in a cover retracted position, in which the cover 54 is retracted from the covering position. In this state, a gap through which toner passes is formed between the cover 54 and the receiving opening 53b. When the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position, the toner discharged from the discharging opening 71b is allowed to pass between the cover 54 and the receiving opening 53b and enter the developing side storage portion 53a. The attitude of the rotating body main body 90 in which the receiving opening 53b is positioned below the discharging opening 71b and the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position is also referred to as the "cover retracted attitude (second attitude)".

[0227] Figure 13A It is also a view showing a state in which the rotating body main body 90 is in the second attitude in a state where the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotating body main body 90. In other words, Figure 13A It is also a view showing a state in which the rotating body assembly 90A is in the second attitude.

[0228] In the present exemplary embodiment, when the rotating body main body 90 is in the cover retracted attitude, the weight of the cover 54 itself acts from the covering position toward the cover retracted position. Further, when the rotating body main body 90 is in the covering attitude, the weight of the cover 54 itself acts from the cover retracted position toward the covering position.

[0229] In a state where the cover 54 is in the covering position, it is not necessary for the receiving opening 53b to be completely closed by the cover 54. That is, it is not necessary for the discharging of the toner from the receiving opening 53b to be completely restricted by the cover 54. For example, in a state where the cover 54 is in the covering position, a gap may be formed between the cover 54 and the receiving opening 53b. In this case, the size of the gap formed between the cover 54 and the receiving opening 53b when the cover 54 is in the covering position is smaller than the size in a state where the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position.

[0230] In a state where the cover 54 is in the covering position, the cover 54 may block the receiving opening 53b so that no gap appears between the cover 54 and the receiving opening 53b. That is, the discharging of the toner from the receiving opening 53b can be completely restricted.

[0231] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view of the rotating body assembly 90A according to the present exemplary embodiment. Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view of a cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction when viewed in the Y direction. Figure 14 It shows a state in which the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 corresponding to the developing unit 50 are in each of the positions TP1, TP2, TP3, and TP4.

[0232] When the rotating body main body 90 to which the toner cartridge 70 is attached is in the replacement posture, the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are in the position TP1. At this time, the receiving opening 53b is in a position above the discharge opening 71b, and the cover 54 is in the covering position. In this state, toner is prevented from flowing back from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70. Therefore, toner leakage is prevented when replacing the toner cartridge 70.

[0233] The cover 54 prevents the toner that has been discharged from the toner cartridge 70 from returning to the toner cartridge 70. Therefore, the amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge 70 after using the toner cartridge 70 can be reduced. In other words, more toner stored in the toner cartridge 70 is used up.

[0234] In the present exemplary embodiment, when viewed in the Y direction, the rotating body main body 90 to which the toner cartridge 70 is attached rotates clockwise, sequentially rotating from the position TP1 to the positions TP2, TP3, and TP4, and then returning to the position TP1 again. When the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are in the position TP2, the receiving opening 53b and the discharge opening 71b are in positions below the rotation axis 90C, and the receiving opening 53b is arranged beside the discharge opening 71b in the horizontal direction. When the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are in the position TP3, the receiving opening 53b is in a position below the discharge opening 71b. When the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are in the position TP4, the receiving opening 53b and the discharge opening 71b are in positions above the rotation axis 90C, and the receiving opening 53b is arranged beside the discharge opening 71b in the horizontal direction.

[0235] In the present exemplary embodiment, when the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are in the position TP4, and when the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are in the position TP2, the cover 54 is in the covering position. When the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 move from the position TP4 through the position TP1 to the position TP2, at least a part of the receiving opening 53b is in a position above the discharge opening 71b. In the present exemplary embodiment, when the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 move from the position TP4 through the position TP1 to the position TP2 by the rotation of the rotating body assembly 90A, the cover 54 is in the covering position.

[0236] On the other hand, when the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are in the position TP3, the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position. In the present exemplary embodiment, the position of the developing roller 51 of the developing unit 50 relative to the photosensitive drum 2 is downstream of the position TP3 and upstream of the position TP4. In other words, when the attitude of the rotating body main body 90 changes from the replacement attitude to the developing attitude, the rotating body main body 90 is in the cover retracted attitude, and the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position. In the present exemplary embodiment, when the developing unit 50 is in the developing position, the receiving opening 53b is positioned below the discharge opening 71b, and the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position.

[0237] When the rotating body main body 90 rotates, and after the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 pass through the position TP2, the cover 54 moves to the cover retracted position. Before the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 reach the position TP4, the cover 54 moves to the covering position. Therefore, in a state where at least a part of the receiving opening 53b is positioned above the discharge opening 71b, the cover 54 is in the covering position, and toner is more reliably prevented from flowing back from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70.

[0238] <Movement of the cover>

[0239] Refer to Figure 15A 、 Figure 15B 、 Figure 16A 、 Figure 16B 、 Figure 17A 、 Figure 17B 、 Figure 18A 、 Figure 18B 、 Figure 18C 、 Figure 19A 、 Figure 19B and Figure 19C to describe the structure of the cover 54 and the structure for moving the cover 54.

[0240] Figure 15A 、 Figure 15B 、 Figure 16A and Figure 16B are diagrams showing the structure of the cover 54 and the connecting portion 55 according to the present exemplary embodiment. In Figure 15A and Figure 15B , the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position. In Figure 16A and Figure 16B , the cover 54 is in the covering position. Figure 15A and Figure 16A are diagrams showing the inside of the developing unit 50. Figure 15B and Figure 16B are perspective views of the rotating body main body 90 observed from the outside of the developing unit 50. Figure 17A and Figure 17B are cross-sectional views of the developing unit 50.

[0241] AsFigure 15A and Figure 16A As shown in Figure 16A , in the present exemplary embodiment, the developing frame 53 includes a plurality of receiving openings 53b. In addition, the developing unit 50 includes a plurality of covers 54. In other words, the developing opening includes a plurality of receiving openings 53b, and the restricting portion (toner control portion) includes a plurality of covers 54. When the plurality of covers 54 are in the covering position, the plurality of covers 54 cover the plurality of receiving openings 53b. When the plurality of covers 54 are in the cover retracted position, the toner discharged from the toner cartridge 70 is allowed to pass between the plurality of covers 54 and the plurality of receiving openings 53b and enter the developing side storage portion 53a.

[0242] Although in the present exemplary embodiment the number of receiving openings 53b is two, the number of receiving openings 53b may be one, or may be more than two. The covers 54 are arranged corresponding to each receiving opening 53b. Therefore, the number of covers 54 may be one, or may be more than two.

[0243] As described above, the developing unit 50 includes a connecting portion 55. The connecting portion 55 includes a shaft 55a that can swing around a cover swing axis 55c, and the cover 54 is attached to the shaft 55a. Hereinafter, the direction in which the cover swing axis 55c extends will be referred to as the "swing axis direction". In the present exemplary embodiment, the swing axis direction is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis 90C.

[0244] The cover 54 is arranged at a position away from the cover swing axis 55c with respect to a direction orthogonal to the swing axis direction. More specifically, the shaft 55a is bent, and a portion overlapping the cover swing axis 55c and a portion away from the cover swing axis 55c are formed in the shaft 55a. The cover 54 is attached to the portion away from the cover swing axis 55c.

[0245] The connecting portion 55 includes a receiving portion (holding target portion) 55b attached to the shaft 55a. The receiving portion 55b moves, whereby the cover 54 moves to the covering position and the cover retracted position through the shaft 55a. As Figure 17A and Figure 17B shown, the receiving portion 55b is attached to one end of the shaft 55a, and the other end of the shaft 55a is supported by the developing frame 53.

[0246] The receiving portion 55b is rotatably supported by the developing frame 53c and includes a protruding portion (abutting portion or limiting target portion) 55b1. The cover 54 is accommodated in the developing side storage portion 53a, and the protruding portion 55b1 is arranged outside the developing side storage portion 53a. The protruding portion 55b1 is arranged at a position away from the cover swing axis 55c relative to the direction orthogonal to the swing axis direction. The protruding portion 55b1 moves, whereby the cover 54 moves to the covering position and the cover retracted position. In other words, the protruding portion 55b1 is connected to the cover 54 so that the cover 54 moves in conjunction with the protruding portion 55b1. In the present exemplary embodiment, the rotating body main body 90 includes a movement limiting portion 56r opposite to the receiving portion 55b.

[0247] As from Figure 15B and Figure 16B It is understood that when the cover 54 is in the cover-retracted position, the position of the protrusion 55b1 is farther away from the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body main body 90 than the position of the protrusion 55b1 when the cover 54 is in the covering position. That is, with respect to the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis 90C, in response to the protrusion 55b1 moving in the direction away from the rotation axis 90C, the cover 54 moves from the covering position toward the cover-retracted position. With reference to the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis 90C, in response to the protrusion 55b1 moving in the direction toward the rotation axis 90C, the cover 54 moves from the cover-retracted position toward the covering position. In other words, when the cover 54 is in the covering position (see Figure 16B[[END ) The protruding portion 55b1 moves in a direction away from the rotation axis 90C, whereby the cover 54 moves to the cover retracted position. When the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position (see ​ ) The protruding portion 55b1 moves in the direction toward the rotation axis 90C, whereby the cover 54 moves to the covering position.

[0248] The protruding portion 55b1 moves according to the rotation of the rotating body main body 90. The rotation of the rotating body main body 90 and the movement of the protruding portion 55b1 are described below.

[0249] ​ , ​ and ​ 1 is a diagram showing a rotating body holder 99 that supports the rotating body main body 90 . ​ 3 is a view of the rotating body holder 99 in the Y direction. ​ 1 is a view of the rotating body holder 99 in the direction opposite to the Y direction. ​ It is a perspective view of the rotating body holder 99.

[0250] ​ , ​ and ​It is a diagram showing the relationship between the rotation of the rotating body main body 90 and the movement of the protruding portion 55b1 relative to the rotating body holder 99. ​ It is a perspective view showing the rotating body holder 99 and the protruding portion 55b1. ​ and ​ It is a side view of the rotating body holder 99 and the rotating body main body 90. ​ and ​ It is a view of the rotating body holder 99 and the rotating body main body 90 in the Y direction.

[0251] The device main body 1A includes a rotating body holder (rotating body connecting member or rotating body supporting member) 99. The rotating body holder 99 includes a rotating body connecting portion (rotating body supporting portion) 99h. The rotating body main body 90 (rotating body assembly 90A) is rotatably supported by the rotating body connecting portion 99h around the rotation axis 90C. The rotating body holder 99 includes a connecting hole 99r.

[0252] The rotating body holder 99 is swingable so that the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body main body 90 is displaced. More specifically, the swing axis 91 ( ​ ) is inserted into the connecting hole 99r. Therefore, the rotating body holder 99 is swingably supported around the swing axis 91. When the rotating body cams 90eL and 90eR ( ​ ) abut the roller 96, the rotating body holder 99 swings around the swing axis 91. Therefore, the rotating body main body 90 swings around the swing axis 91. In ​ , the rotating body main body 90 is in the developing posture, and the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body main body 90 is in a position close to the photosensitive drum 2. In ​ , the rotating body main body 90 is in the replacement posture, and the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body main body 90 is in a position away from the photosensitive drum 2.

[0253] The rotating body holder 99 includes a surface 99sr, a surface 99sc1, and a surface 99sc2. In the present exemplary embodiment, the surfaces 99sr, 99sc1, and 99sc2 have an arc shape centered on the rotation axis 90C. The length of the arc shape of the surface 99sc1 is longer than half of the circumference of a circle having a radius substantially the same as the radius of the arc shape of the surface 99sc1. The length of the arc shape of the surface 99sc2 is longer than half of the circumference of a circle having a radius substantially the same as the radius of the arc shape of the surface 99sc2.

[0254] The rotating body main body 90 rotates relative to the rotating body holder 99, whereby the protruding portion 55b1 is displaced relative to the surfaces 99sr, 99sc1, and 99sc2. Specifically, the protruding portion 55b1 rotates about each of the centers of the arc shapes of the surface 99sr, the arc shape of the surface 99s1, and the arc shape of the surface 99s2. The surfaces 99sr, 99sc1, and 99sc2 form a guiding portion for guiding the connecting portion 55. In other words, the guiding portion of the connecting portion 55 includes the surfaces 99sr, 99sc1, and 99sc2. The protruding portion 55b1, which is part of the connecting portion 55, engages with the guiding portion.

[0255] The rotating body main body 90 rotates relative to the rotating body holder 99, whereby the protruding portion 55b1 passes through the portion indicated by the dashed line in ​ . The position where the protruding portion 55b1 abuts against the surface 99sr is farther from the rotation axis 90C than the position where the protruding portion 55b1 abuts against the surface 99sc1. The position where the protruding portion 55b1 abuts against the surface 99sr is farther from the rotation axis 90C than the position where the protruding portion 55b1 abuts against the surface 99sc2.

[0256] Each of the surfaces 99sr, 99sc1, and 99sc2 has a function as a holding portion for holding the lid 54 in the covering position or the lid retracted position. When the rotating body main body 90 rotates about the rotation axis 90C, the protruding portion 55b1 is displaced relative to the holding portions (surfaces 99sr, 99sc1, and 99sc2). When the rotating body main body 90 (rotating body assembly 90A) rotates relative to the rotating body holder 99, the connecting portion 55 abuts against each of the surfaces 99sr, 99sc1, and 99sc2, whereby the lid 54 is in the covering position or the lid retracted position.

[0257] In a state where the protruding portion 55b1, which is part of the connecting portion 55, abuts against the surface 99sr, the lid 54 is in the lid retracted position. The surface 99sr restricts the lid 54 from moving from the lid retracted position toward the covering position. More specifically, when the protruding portion 55b1 abuts against the surface 99sr and the lid 54 is in the lid retracted position, the surface 99sr is closer to the rotation axis 90C than the protruding portion 55b1. That is, relative to the moving direction of the protruding portion 55b1 when the lid 54 moves from the lid retracted position toward the covering position, the surface 99sr is in a position downstream of the protruding portion 55b1. Therefore, the movement of the protruding portion 55b1 is restricted, and the lid 54 is restricted from moving from the lid retracted position toward the covering position.

[0258] In a state where the protruding portion 55b1 of the connecting portion 55 abuts against the abutting surface 99sr, and when the connecting portion 55 moves in a direction away from the rotation axis 90C along the protruding portion 55b1, the receiving portion 55b abuts against the movement restricting portion 56r. Accordingly, the moving distance of the lid 54 in a direction away from the receiving opening 53b is restricted within a predetermined range.

[0259] In a state where the protruding portion 55b1 abuts against the abutting surface 99sc1, the lid 54 is in the covering position. The surface 99sc1 restricts the lid 54 from moving from the covering position toward the lid retracted position. More specifically, when the protruding portion 55b1 abuts against the abutting surface 99sc1 and the lid 54 is in the covering position, the surface 99sc1 is farther from the rotation axis 90C than the protruding portion 55b1. That is, the surface 99sc1 is in a position downstream of the protruding portion 55b1 with respect to the moving direction of the protruding portion 55b1 when the lid 54 moves from the covering position toward the lid retracted position. Accordingly, the movement of the protruding portion 55b1 is restricted, and the lid 54 is restricted from moving from the covering position toward the lid retracted position.

[0260] As described above, when the lid 54 is in the covering position, passing of the toner between the lid 54 and the receiving opening 53b can be completely restricted. In this case, for example, the lid 54 may be elastic, and the lid 54 may be deformed by abutting against the periphery of the receiving opening 53b in a state where the lid 54 is in the covering position.

[0261] In a state where the protruding portion 55b1 abuts against the abutting surface 99sc2, the lid 54 is in the covering position. In a state where the protruding portion 55b1 of the connecting portion 55 abuts against the abutting surface 99sc2, the movement of the connecting portion 55 in a direction closer to the rotation axis 90C is restricted.

[0262] When the size of the protruding portion 55b1 is smaller than the distance between the surfaces 99sc1 and 99sc2, the position of the lid 54 when the protruding portion 55b1 abuts against the abutting surface 99sc1 and the position of the lid 54 when the protruding portion 55b1 abuts against the abutting surface 99sc2 are not exactly the same as each other. However, in both the case where the protruding portion 55b1 abuts against the abutting surface 99sc1 and the case where the protruding portion 55b1 abuts against the abutting surface 99sc2, the lid 54 prevents the toner from being discharged from the receiving opening 53b. Accordingly, both the position of the lid 54 when the protruding portion 55b1 abuts against the abutting surface 99sc1 and the position of the lid 54 when the protruding portion 55b1 abuts against the abutting surface 99sc2 are also referred to as the "covering position".

[0263] As described above, the surface (first restricting portion) 99sc1 is configured to restrict the movement of the cover 54 from the covering position toward the cover retracted position when the rotating body main body 90 (rotating body assembly 90A) is in the covering posture. The surface (second restricting portion) 99sr is configured to restrict the movement of the cover 54 from the cover retracted position toward the covering position when the rotating body main body 90 (rotating body assembly 90A) is in the cover retracted posture.

[0264] When the rotating body main body 90 (rotating body assembly 90A) rotates relative to the rotating body holder 99, the protruding portion 55b1 is located upstream of the cover swing axis 55c. Therefore, the protruding portion 55b1 moves smoothly when slidingly contacting the surfaces 99sr, 99sc1, and 99sc2.

[0265] After the rotating body main body 90 (rotating body assembly 90A) rotates relative to the rotating body holder 99 and the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 pass through the position TP2 (see ​ ), the protruding portion 55b1 abuts against the surface 99sr. Therefore, the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position. The surface 99sr is also referred to as the "holding surface (second holding surface)", which abuts against the protruding portion 55b1 and holds the cover 54 in the cover retracted position. The protruding portion 55b1 abuts against the surface 99sr, thereby restricting the cover 54 from retracting from the cover retracted position. In the present exemplary embodiment, when the developing unit 50 is in the developing position, the protruding portion 55b1 abuts against the surface 99sr. In a state where the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position, it is allowed to supply the toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b of the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50.

[0266] In response to the further rotation of the rotating body main body 90 (rotating body assembly 90A) relative to the rotating body holder 99 from the state where the developing unit 50 is in the developing position, before the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 reach the position TP4 (see ​ ), the protruding portion 55b1 moves away from the surface 99sr.

[0267] After the protruding portion 55b1 moves away from the surface 99sr and before the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 reach the position TP4, the protruding portion 55b1 enters the guiding groove formed by the surfaces 99sc1 and 99sc2. In the present exemplary embodiment, the width of the guiding groove is longer than the width of the protruding portion 55b1. The protruding portion 55b1 in the guiding groove abuts against at least one of the surfaces 99sc1 and 99sc2. In a state where the protruding portion 55b1 is in the guiding groove, the cover 54 is in the covering position.

[0268] In the present exemplary embodiment, when the rotating body main body 90 (rotating body assembly 90A) is in the replacement attitude, the protruding portion 55b1 is in the state in the guiding groove and abuts against at least one of the abutting surfaces 99sc1 and 99sc2. At least one of the surfaces 99sc1 and 99sc2 is also referred to as the "holding surface (first holding surface)", which abuts against the protruding portion 55b1 and holds the cover 54 in the covering position. The protruding portion 55b1 abuts against at least one of the surfaces 99sc1 and 99sc2, thereby restricting the cover 54 from retracting from the covering position. Therefore, when the rotating body main body 90 (rotating body assembly 90A) is in the replacement attitude, the cover 54 is in the covering position. In addition, when the rotating body main body 90 (rotating body assembly 90A) is in the replacement attitude, the movement of the cover 54 to the cover retracted position is restricted. Therefore, when the rotating body main body 90 (rotating body assembly 90A) is in the replacement attitude, the cover 54 prevents the toner from flowing back from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70.

[0269] Reference ​ 、 ​ 、 ​ 、 ​ 、 ​ and ​ A description of the structure for preventing the toner from flowing back from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70 according to the second exemplary embodiment is given. In the second exemplary embodiment, the components similar to those described in the first exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and are generally not described in detail again.

[0270] Figure 20A 、 Figure 20B 、 Figure 20C 、 Figure 21A 、 Figure 21B and Figure 21C are diagrams showing the structure of the cover 154 as a restricting portion and the connecting portion 155 connected to the cover 154 according to the second exemplary embodiment. In Figure 21A 、 Figure 21B and Figure 21C , the cover 154 is in the covering position, and the cover 154 covers the receiving opening 53b. In Figure 20A 、 Figure 20B and Figure 20C , the cover 154 is in the cover retracted position where the cover 154 retracts from the covering position.

[0271] The developing unit 50 includes a cover 154 as a restricting portion (toner control portion). The cover 154 is accommodated in the developing side storage portion 53a. The cover 154 is movable relative to the receiving opening 53b and can be moved to the covering position and the cover retracted position, where in the covering position, the cover 154 covers the receiving opening 53b, and in the cover retracted position, the cover 154 retracts from the covering position.

[0272] In the present exemplary embodiment, the developing unit 50 includes a connecting portion 155 that supports the cover 154. The connecting portion 155 is connected to the cover 154 and is movable relative to the receiving opening 53b. The connecting portion 155 and the cover 154 are configured to move integrally. The connecting portion 155 moves, whereby the cover 154 moves between the covering position and the cover retracted position. The connecting portion 155 includes a shaft (transmission portion) 155a, and the cover 154 is attached to the shaft 155a. The shaft 155a is swingable about the cover swing axis 155c. The shaft 155a swings, whereby the cover 154 moves linearly and moves between the covering position and the cover retracted position.

[0273] The cover 154 includes a hole 154a. When the cover 154 is in the covering position, the hole 154a does not overlap with the receiving opening 53b. When the cover 154 is in the cover retracted position, the hole 154a overlaps with the receiving opening 53b, and the toner discharged from the toner cartridge 70 enters the receiving side storage portion 53a through the receiving opening 53b and the hole 154a.

[0274] In a state where the cover 154 is in the covering position, it is not necessary for the receiving opening 53b to be completely closed by the cover 154. That is, it is not necessary for the discharge of toner from the receiving opening 53b to be completely restricted by the cover 154. In a state where the cover 154 is in the covering position, the cover 154 can block the receiving opening 53b so that no gap appears between the cover 154 and the receiving opening 53b. That is, the discharge of toner from the receiving opening 53b can be completely restricted.

[0275] In the present exemplary embodiment, the developing frame 53 includes a plurality of receiving openings 53b. In addition, the developing unit 50 includes a plurality of covers 154. In other words, the developing opening includes a plurality of receiving openings 53b, and the restricting portion (toner control portion) includes a plurality of covers 154. When the plurality of covers 154 are in the covering position, the plurality of covers 154 cover the plurality of receiving openings 53b. When the plurality of covers 154 are in the cover retracted position, the toner discharged from the toner cartridge 70 is allowed to pass through the holes 154a in each of the plurality of covers 154 and the plurality of receiving openings 53b and enter the developing side storage portion 53a.

[0276] Although in the present exemplary embodiment, the number of receiving openings 53b is two, the number of receiving openings 53b can be one, or can be more than two. The cover 154 is arranged corresponding to each receiving opening 53b. Therefore, the number of covers 154 can be one, or can be more than two.

[0277] As described above, the developing unit 50 includes the connecting portion 155. The connecting portion 155 includes a shaft 155a that can swing around the cover swing axis 155c, and the cover 154 is attached to the shaft 155a. Hereinafter, the direction in which the cover swing axis 155c extends will be referred to as the "swing axis direction". In the present exemplary embodiment, the swing axis direction is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis 90C.

[0278] The cover 154 is arranged at a position away from the cover swing axis 155c with respect to the direction orthogonal to the swing axis direction. More specifically, the shaft 155a is bent, and a portion overlapping with the cover swing axis 155c and a portion away from the cover swing axis 155c are formed in the shaft 155a. The cover 154 is attached to the portion away from the cover swing axis 155c.

[0279] The coupling portion 155 includes a receiving portion (holding target portion) 155b attached to the shaft 155a. The receiving portion 155b moves, whereby the cover 154 moves to the covering position and the cover retracting position through the shaft 155a. The receiving portion 155b is attached to one end of the shaft 155a, and the other end of the shaft 155a is supported by the developing frame 53.

[0280] The receiving portion 155b is rotatably supported by the developing frame 53c and includes a protruding portion (abutting portion or limiting target portion) 155b1. The cover 154 is accommodated in the developing side storage portion 53a, and the protruding portion 155b1 is arranged outside the developing side storage portion 53a. The protruding portion 155b1 is arranged at a position away from the cover swing axis 155c relative to the direction orthogonal to the swing axis direction. The protruding portion 155b1 moves, whereby the cover 154 moves to the covering position and the cover retracted position. In other words, the protruding portion 155b1 is connected to the cover 154 so that the cover 154 moves in conjunction with the protruding portion 155b1.

[0281] Also in the present exemplary embodiment, similarly to the first exemplary embodiment, the protruding portion 155b1 abuts against the holding portion of the rotating body holder 99, whereby the cover 154 moves to the covering position and the cover retracting position. That is, also in the present exemplary embodiment, the rotating body holder 99 includes portions equivalent to the surfaces 99sr, 99sc1, and 99sc2 according to the first exemplary embodiment. The shapes and arrangements of these portions may be appropriately changed so that the timing at which the cover 154 moves to the covering position and the cover retracting position is similar to that in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0282] refer to Figure 22A , Figure 22B and Figure 23, a description of a configuration for preventing toner from flowing back from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70 according to the third exemplary embodiment is given. In the third exemplary embodiment, components similar to those described in the first exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and will not be described in detail in principle.

[0283] Figure 22A And Figure 22B are cross-sectional views of the toner cartridge 70 and the developing unit 50 according to the present exemplary embodiment. Figure 22A And Figure 22B are cross-sectional views of a cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction when viewed in the Y direction.

[0284] As Figure 22A And Figure 22B shown, the developing unit 50 includes a lid 254 as a restricting portion (toner control portion). The lid 254 is accommodated in the developing-side storage portion (receiving-side storage chamber or developing-side storage chamber) 53a. The lid 254 is movable to a covering position and a lid retracted position, in the covering position, the lid 254 covers the receiving opening 53b, and in the lid retracted position, the lid 254 retracts from the covering position. The lid 254 includes a sheet portion (lid body) 254a and a weight 254b.

[0285] One end of the sheet portion 254a of the lid 254 is fixed to the developing frame 53 and the other end is opposite to the one end. When the lid 254 moves between the covering position and the lid retracted position, the sheet portion 254a of the lid 254 deforms between the one end and the other end. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body main body 90, the other end is closer to the rotation axis 90C than the one end.

[0286] As Figure 22B shown, in a state where the receiving opening 53b is located above the discharge opening (discharge port) 71b, the lid 254 is in the covering position. At this time, the lid 254 covers the receiving opening 53b and restricts the toner stored in the developing-side storage portion 53a from being discharged to the outside of the developing unit 50 through the receiving opening 53b. The attitude of the rotating body main body 90 in which the receiving opening 53b is located above the discharge opening 71b and the lid 254 is in the covering position is also referred to as a "covering attitude (first attitude)".

[0287] As Figure 22AAs shown, in a state where the receiving opening 53b is positioned below the discharging opening 71b, the cover 254 is in a cover retracted position where the cover 254 is retracted from the covering position. At this time, a gap through which the toner discharged from the discharging opening 71b passes is formed between the cover 254 and the receiving opening 53b. When the cover 254 is in the cover retracted position, the toner is allowed to pass between the cover 254 and the receiving opening 53b and enter the developing side storage portion 53a. The posture of the rotating body main body 90 where the receiving opening 53b is positioned below the discharging opening 71b and the cover 254 is in the cover retracted position is also referred to as the "cover retracted posture (second posture)".

[0288] In the present exemplary embodiment, when the rotating body main body 90 is in the cover retracted posture, the weight of the cover 254 itself acts from the covering position toward the cover retracted position. Further, when the rotating body main body 90 is in the covering posture, the weight of the cover 254 itself acts from the cover retracted position toward the covering position. The rotating body main body 90 rotates, whereby the direction in which the weight of the cover 254 itself acts is changed. The direction in which the weight of the cover 254 itself acts is changed, whereby the cover 254 according to the present exemplary embodiment can be moved to the cover retracted position and the covering position. The cover 254 includes a counterweight 254b, whereby the weight of the cover 254 itself is increased. Therefore, the cover 254 is easily movable under its own weight. In a case where the weight of the sheet portion 254a itself is sufficiently heavy, the cover 254 does not need to include the counterweight 254b.

[0289] The cover 254 according to the present exemplary embodiment is configured to move between the covering position and the cover retracted position under its own weight.

[0290] In the present exemplary embodiment, the sheet portion 254a is configured to be elastically deformable. In the natural state of the sheet portion 254a (a state where the sheet portion 254a is not deformed), the cover 254 is in the covering position. When the cover 254 moves from the covering position to the cover retracted position, the sheet portion 254a is deformed, and thus, the cover 254 moves under its own weight against the restoring force of the sheet portion 254a. When the cover 254 moves from the cover retracted position to the covering position, the deformation of the sheet portion 254a is eliminated, and thus, the cover 254 moves by the restoring force of the sheet portion 254a and under its own weight.

[0291] When the cover 254 moves from the cover retracted position to the covering position, the cover 254 can move under its own weight against the restoring force of the sheet portion 254a. In this case, when the cover 254 moves from the covering position to the cover retracted position, the cover 254 moves by the restoring force of the sheet portion 254a and under its own weight.

[0292] The cover body corresponding to the sheet portion 254a can be substantially undeformed and can be movably supported relative to the developing frame 53. In this case, the cover 254 moves from the cover retracted position to the covering position under its own weight, and further moves from the covering position to the cover retracted position under its own weight.

[0293] In a state where the cover 254 is in the covering position, the receiving opening 53b does not need to be completely closed by the cover 254. That is, the discharge of the toner from the receiving opening 53b does not need to be completely restricted by the cover 254. For example, in a state where the cover 254 is in the covering position, a gap can be formed between the cover 254 and the receiving opening 53b. In this case, the size of the gap formed between the cover 254 and the receiving opening 53b when the cover 254 is in the covering position is smaller than the size in a state where the cover 254 is in the cover retracted position.

[0294] In a state where the cover 254 is in the covering position, the cover 254 can block the receiving opening 53b so that no gap appears between the cover 254 and the receiving opening 53b. That is, the discharge of the toner from the receiving opening 53b is completely restricted.

[0295] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating body assembly 90A according to this exemplary embodiment. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of a cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction when viewed in the Y direction. Figure 23 Shows the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 corresponding to the developing unit 50 in each of the positions TP1, TP2, TP3, and TP4.

[0296] When the rotating body main body 90 is in the replacement posture, the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are in the position TP1. At this time, the receiving opening 53b is located above the discharge opening 71b, and the cover 254 is in the covering position. In this state, it is possible to prevent the toner from flowing back from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70. Therefore, toner leakage is prevented when replacing the toner cartridge 70. It is possible to prevent the toner that has been discharged from the toner cartridge 70 from returning to the toner cartridge 70. Therefore, the amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge 70 after using the toner cartridge 70 can be reduced. In other words, more toner stored in the toner cartridge 70 is used up.

[0297] In the present exemplary embodiment, when viewed in the Y direction, the rotating body main body 90 rotates 90° clockwise, sequentially rotates from the position TP1 to the positions TP2, TP3, and TP4, and then returns to the position TP1 again. When the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are in the position TP2, the receiving opening 53b and the discharging opening 71b are at positions below the rotation axis 90C, and the receiving opening 53b is arranged beside the discharging opening 71b in the horizontal direction. When the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are in the position TP3, the receiving opening 53b is at a position below the discharging opening 71b. When the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are in the position TP4, the receiving opening 53b and the discharging opening 71b are at positions above the rotation axis 90C, and the receiving opening 53b is arranged beside the discharging opening 71b in the horizontal direction.

[0298] In the present exemplary embodiment, when the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are in the position TP4, and when the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are in the position TP2, the cover 254 is in the covering position. When the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 move from the position TP4 through the position TP1 to the position TP2, at least a part of the receiving opening 53b is at a position above the discharging opening 71b. In the present exemplary embodiment, when the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 move from the position TP4 through the position TP1 to the position TP2 by the rotation of the rotating body assembly 90A, the cover 254 is in the covering position.

[0299] On the other hand, when the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are in the position TP3, the cover 254 is in the cover retracted position. The position where the developing roller 51 of the developing unit 50 faces the photosensitive drum 2 is downstream of the position TP3 and upstream of the position TP4. In other words, when the posture of the rotating body main body 90 changes from the replacement posture to the developing posture, the rotating body main body 90 is in the cover retracted posture, and the cover 254 is in the cover retracted position. In the present exemplary embodiment, when the developing unit 50 is in the developing position, the receiving opening 53b is at a position below the discharging opening 71b, and the cover 254 is in the cover retracted position.

[0300] When the rotating body main body 90 rotates, after the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 pass through the position TP2, the cover 254 moves to the cover retracted position. Before the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 reach the position TP4, the cover 254 moves to the covering position. Therefore, in a state where at least a part of the receiving opening 53b is at a position above the discharging opening 71b, the cover 254 is in the covering position, and toner is more reliably prevented from flowing back from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70.

[0301] In the present exemplary embodiment, the developing frame 53 includes a plurality of receiving openings 53b. In addition, the developing unit 50 includes a plurality of covers 254. In other words, the developing opening includes a plurality of receiving openings 53b, and the restricting portion (toner control portion) includes a plurality of covers 254. When the plurality of covers 254 are in the covering position, the plurality of covers 254 cover the plurality of receiving openings 53b. When the plurality of covers 254 are in the cover retracted position, the toner discharged from the toner cartridge 70 is allowed to pass through the gap between the plurality of covers 254 and the plurality of receiving openings 53b and enter the developing side storage portion 53a.

[0302] Although in the present exemplary embodiment, the number of the receiving openings 53b is two, the number of the receiving openings 53b may be one, or may be more than two. The covers 254 are arranged corresponding to each of the receiving openings 53b. Therefore, the number of the covers 254 may be one, or may be more than two.

[0303] As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the toner is prevented from flowing back from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70.

[0304] According to the present invention, a novel form of imaging device developed from the conventional technology can be provided.

[0305] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the 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: A developing unit, the developing unit comprising: a developing roller; a developing frame, the developing frame comprising a receiving side storage chamber and a developing opening communicating with the receiving side storage chamber; a toner control portion configured to move to a covering position and a retracted position, in the covering position, the toner control portion covers the developing opening, in the retracted position, the toner control portion retracts from the covering position; and an abutting portion connected to the toner control portion; A rotating body that supports the developing unit and is configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction; A holding portion configured to abut against the abutting portion; and A toner cartridge attachable to and detachable from the rotating body, the toner cartridge comprising a toner frame including (i) a replenishment side storage chamber for storing toner and (ii) a discharge port communicating with the replenishment side storage chamber, Wherein, when the rotating body rotates, the abutting portion moves relative to the holding portion, Wherein, when the rotating body is in a first attitude, the developing opening is positioned above the discharge port, and the holding portion and the abutting portion abut against each other in such a manner that the toner control portion is in the covering position, and Wherein, when the rotating body is in a second attitude, the developing opening is positioned below the discharge port, the toner control portion is in the retracted position, and toner discharged from the discharge port is allowed to enter the receiving side storage chamber.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a rotating body holder that supports the rotating body and includes the holding portion.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein, The rotating body holder is configured to swing in such a manner as to shift the rotation axis of the rotating body.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, When the rotating body is in the first attitude, the holding portion is configured to restrict the toner control portion from moving from the covering position to the retracted position.

5. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, When the rotating body is in the second attitude, the holding portion and the abutting portion abut against each other in such a manner that the toner control portion is in the retracted position.

6. The imaging device according to claim 5, wherein, The holding portion is configured to restrict the toner control portion from moving from the retracted position to the covering position when the rotating body is in the second attitude.

7. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The holding portion forms a groove into which the abutting portion is inserted.

8. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The toner control portion is configured to swing between the covering position and the retracted position.

9. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The abutting portion is disposed outside the receiving side storage chamber.

10. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Among them, The developing opening includes a plurality of openings, Wherein, the toner control portion includes a plurality of covers, and Wherein, when the toner control part is in the covering position, the plurality of covers cover the plurality of openings, and when the toner control part is in the retracted position, toner discharged from the toner cartridge is allowed to enter the receiving-side storage chamber.

11. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The toner control part is accommodated in the receiving-side storage chamber.

12. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, When the rotating body is in a replacement attitude allowing the toner cartridge to be attached to and detached from the rotating body, the developing opening is positioned above the discharge port, and the toner control part is in the covering position.

13. The imaging device according to claim 12, further comprising: A photosensitive drum, Wherein, when the rotating body is in a developing attitude, the developing roller faces the photosensitive drum, and Wherein, when the attitude of the rotating body changes from the replacement attitude to the developing attitude, the rotating body is in the second attitude.

14. An imaging device, comprising: A developing unit, the developing unit including: a developing roller; a developing frame, the developing frame including a receiving-side storage chamber and a developing opening communicating with the receiving-side storage chamber; and a toner control part, the toner control part configured to move to a covering position and a retracted position, in the covering position, the toner control part covers the developing opening, in the retracted position, the toner control part retracts from the covering position; A rotating body, the rotating body supporting the developing unit and configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction; and A toner cartridge, the toner cartridge attachable to and detachable from the rotating body, the toner cartridge including a toner frame, the toner frame including (i) a replenishing-side storage chamber for storing toner and (ii) a discharge port communicating with the replenishing-side storage chamber, Wherein, the toner control part is configured to move between the covering position and the retracted position under its own weight, Wherein, when the rotating body with the toner cartridge attached is in a first attitude, the developing opening is positioned above the discharge port, and the self-weight of the toner control part acts from the retracted position toward the covering position in such a manner that the toner control part is in the covering position, Wherein, when the rotating body with the toner cartridge attached is in a second attitude, the developing opening is positioned below the discharge port, the self-weight of the toner control part acts from the covering position toward the retracted position in such a manner that the toner control part is in the retracted position, and toner discharged from the discharge port is allowed to enter the receiving-side storage chamber, and Wherein, the toner control part includes one end fixed to the developing frame and the other end opposite to the one end, and when the toner control part moves between the covering position and the retracted position, the toner control part elastically deforms between the one end and the other end.

15. The imaging device according to claim 14, wherein, When observed in the axial direction, the other end portion is closer to the rotation axis than the one end portion.

16. The imaging device according to claim 14 or 15, Among them, The developing opening includes a plurality of openings, wherein the toner control portion includes a plurality of lids, and wherein, when the toner control portion is in the covering position, the plurality of lids cover the plurality of openings, and when the toner control portion is in the retracted position, the toner discharged from the toner cartridge is allowed to enter the receiving side storage chamber.

17. The imaging device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The toner control portion is accommodated in the receiving side storage chamber.

18. The imaging device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein When the rotating body is in the replacement attitude allowing attachment and detachment of the toner cartridge to and from the rotating body, the developing opening is at a position above the discharge port, and the toner control portion is in the covering position.

19. The imaging device according to claim 18, further comprising: A photosensitive drum, wherein, when the rotating body is in the developing attitude, the developing roller faces the photosensitive drum, and wherein, when the attitude of the rotating body changes from the replacement attitude to the developing attitude, the rotating body is in the second attitude.

Images