Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The imaging device comprises a device body. The apparatus main body includes a first developing unit and a second developing unit, an air pump unit, a first toner container accommodating the first toner and including a first suction port and a first discharge port, a second container accommodating the second toner and including a second suction port and a second discharge port, a first passage communicating with the first discharge port and extending to the first developing container, and a second passage communicating with the second discharge port and extending to the second developing container. The first toner passes through the first passage by air discharged from the first discharge port and flowing into the first passage to replenish the first developing container. The second toner passes through the second passage by air discharged from the second discharge port and flowing into the second passage to replenish the second developing container.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an image forming apparatus and a toner container used therein. BACKGROUND

[0002] An electrophotographic image forming apparatus configured to replenish toner to a developing container therein using a toner container capable of being detachably attached to the image forming apparatus is known. PTL 1 describes a configuration capable of easily replenishing toner without replacing the developing container by attaching a replenishment pack to the image forming apparatus.

[0003] REFERENCE LIST

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] PTL 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-154300 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS

[0007] The present application aims to provide a new form of image forming apparatus that uses air to transport toner and a toner container used therein.

[0008] SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material includes: an apparatus main body including a first developing unit including a first developing container configured to house a first toner and a first developing roller configured to carry the first toner, and a second developing unit including a second developing container configured to house a second toner and a second developing roller configured to carry the second toner; a pump unit configured to send out air; a first toner container configured to house the first toner and detachably attachable to the apparatus main body, the first toner container including a first suction port configured to suck in the air and a first discharge port configured to discharge the first toner using the air sucked in from the first suction port; a second toner container configured to house the second toner and detachably attachable to the apparatus main body, the second toner container including a second suction port configured to suck in the air and a second discharge port configured to discharge the second toner using the air sucked in from the second suction port; a first passage communicating with the first discharge port and extending to the first developing container; and a second passage communicating with the second discharge port and extending to the second developing container. The image forming apparatus is configured such that the first toner discharged from the first discharge port passes through the first passage by the air discharged from the first discharge port and flowing into the first passage to replenish the first developing container. The image forming apparatus is configured such that the second toner discharged from the second discharge port passes through the second passage by the air discharged from the second discharge port and flowing into the second passage to replenish the second developing container.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a toner container includes: a first chamber configured to house a toner, the first chamber including a discharge port configured to discharge the toner housed in the first chamber to an outside of the toner container; a filter configured to block the toner but allow the air to pass through; a second chamber adjoining the first chamber across the filter, the second chamber including a suction port configured to suck in the air from the outside of the toner container; and a passage provided in the first chamber and configured for the toner to pass through, the passage including a first opening opposing a portion of the filter with a gap and a second opening configured to communicate with the discharge port, the passage extending from the first opening to the second opening. The discharge port is configured to open in a direction intersecting an alignment direction in which the first chamber and the second chamber are aligned.

[0011] Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a new form of image forming apparatus that uses air to transport toner and a toner container used therein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an imaging device according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an imaging device according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2B is a perspective view of an imaging device according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2C is a perspective view of an imaging device according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an imaging unit according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3B is a perspective view of an imaging unit according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an imaging unit according to the first exemplary embodiment (wherein a laser light path is shown).

[0020] Figure 5A is a top view of an imaging unit and a laser scanner according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5B is a top view of an imaging unit and a laser scanner according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of an imaging unit and a laser scanner according to the first exemplary embodiment, perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drum.

[0023] Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of an imaging unit and a laser scanner according to the first exemplary embodiment, perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drum.

[0024] Figure 7A is a perspective view of an imaging unit and a laser scanner according to the first exemplary embodiment, parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum.

[0025] Figure 7B is a perspective view of an imaging unit and a laser scanner according to the first exemplary embodiment, parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum.

[0026] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an imaging unit pulled out of a device body according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figure 9A is a front view of a cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figure 9B is a top view of the cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 9C is a bottom view of the cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 9D is a side view of the cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figure 9E is a back view of the cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 10A is a sectional view of the cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 10B is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 10C is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 11A is a sectional view of the cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 11B is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 12A is a perspective view of the imaging unit according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Figure 12B is a perspective view of the imaging unit according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the imaging unit according to the second exemplary embodiment (wherein the LED light path is shown).

[0040] Figure 14 is a top view of the imaging unit according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Figure 15 is a sectional view of the imaging unit according to the second exemplary embodiment, perpendicular to the drum's axis of rotation.

[0042] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the imaging unit according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Figure 17A is a front view of the cartridge according to the first modification.

[0044] Figure 17B is a top view of the cartridge according to the first modification.

[0045] Figure 17C is a bottom view of the cartridge according to the first modification example.

[0046] Figure 17D is a side view of the cartridge according to the first modification example.

[0047] Figure 17E is a rear view of the cartridge according to the first modification example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] [First Exemplary Embodiment]

[0049] [Image forming apparatus]

[0050] A first exemplary embodiment of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment is a full-color image forming apparatus including four color processing units. Figure 1 A main cross section of the image forming apparatus 1 is shown. Figure 1

[0051] The image forming apparatus 1 is a full-color laser printer using an electrophotographic process, and can form a full-color image on a recording medium S. The image forming apparatus 1 includes processing units PY, PM, PC, and PK (hereinafter referred to as processing units P) and an apparatus main body 72. The processing units P are arranged along a first direction X, and internally house toners of respective different colors. A longitudinal direction of the processing units P is a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction. The processing units PY, PM, PC, and PK will be referred to as a first processing unit, a second processing unit, a third processing unit, and a fourth processing unit, respectively.

[0052] Each of the processing units P includes an electrophotographic process element. A rotational drive force is transmitted from a drive output unit (not shown) of the apparatus main body 72 to the processing units P, and a bias voltage (a charging bias, a developing bias, and the like) is supplied from a bias application unit (not shown) of the apparatus main body 72.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1 The processing units P include respective drum units 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K (hereinafter referred to as drum units 8). The drum units 8 include respective photosensitive drums 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K (hereinafter referred to as photosensitive drums 4) and charging rollers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K (hereinafter referred to as charging rollers 5) that function as process devices acting on the photosensitive drums 4. The photosensitive drums 4 are disposed so that their axes of rotation are in the second direction Y. The photosensitive drums 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K will be referred to as a first photosensitive drum, a second photosensitive drum, a third photosensitive drum, and a fourth photosensitive drum, respectively.

[0054] ​The processing unit P includes respective developing units 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K (hereinafter referred to as developing units 9) including developing rollers 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K (hereinafter referred to as developing rollers 6) that develop an electrostatic latent image on the corresponding photosensitive drum 4. The developing units 9 are arranged in the first direction X. The developing rollers 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K will be referred to as a first developing roller, a second developing roller, a third developing roller, and a fourth developing roller, respectively. The developing units 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K will be referred to as a first developing unit, a second developing unit, a third developing unit, and a fourth developing unit, respectively.

[0055] The developing unit 9Y includes a developing container 3Y (first developing container) that houses yellow (Y) toner (first toner) and is configured so that the yellow (Y) toner is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4Y by the developing roller 6Y that carries the yellow (Y) toner. The developing unit 9M includes a developing container 3M (second developing container) that houses magenta (M) toner (second toner) and is configured so that the magenta (M) toner is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4M by the developing roller 6M that carries the magenta (M) toner. The developing unit 9C includes a developing container 3C (third developing container) that houses cyan (C) toner (third toner) and is configured so that the cyan (C) toner is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4C by the developing roller 6C that carries the cyan (C) toner. The developing unit 9K includes a developing container 3K (fourth developing container) that houses black (K) toner (fourth toner) and is configured so that the black (K) toner is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4K by the developing roller 6K that carries the black (K) toner. Above the processing unit P (photosensitive drums 4) in a third direction Z that intersects both the first direction X and the second direction Y, a laser scanner unit LB (exposure unit) is located. The laser scanner unit LB outputs laser light corresponding to image information. The third direction Z in the present exemplary embodiment is a direction along the direction of gravity.

[0056] The optical paths of the laser light toward the photosensitive drums 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K will be referred to as optical paths LY, LM, LC, and LK (hereinafter referred to as each optical path L or optical path L), respectively, hereinafter. The laser light passes through exposure windows 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K of the laser scanner unit LB and scans and exposes the surface of the corresponding photosensitive drum 4. A light-emitting diode (LED) exposure unit can be used instead of the laser scanner unit LB.

[0057] An intermediate transfer belt unit 11 that serves as a transfer member is located below the processing unit P in the third direction Z. The intermediate transfer belt unit 11 includes a drive roller 14, a tension roller 13, and an auxiliary roller 15 across which a flexible transfer belt 12 is tensioned.

[0058] Each photosensitive drum 4 contacts the upper surface of the transfer belt 12 at the lower surface thereof. The contact portion between the corresponding photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer belt 12 is a primary transfer portion 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K (hereinafter referred to as a primary transfer portion 30). Primary transfer rollers 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K (hereinafter referred to as transfer rollers 16) are located inside the transfer belt 12 and oppose the photosensitive drums 4.

[0059] The secondary transfer roller 17 is pressed against the drive roller 14 with the transfer belt 12 located therebetween. The contact portion between the transfer belt 12 and the secondary transfer roller 17 is a secondary transfer portion 31.

[0060] The feeding unit 18 is located below the intermediate transfer belt unit 11 in the third direction Z. The feeding unit 18 includes a feeding tray 19 that stacks and houses the recording medium S, and a feeding roller 20 that picks up the recording medium S from the feeding tray 19 and conveys the recording medium S.

[0061] A fixing unit 21 that fixes the toner image to the recording medium S and a discharge roller 22 that discharges the recording medium S on which the toner image is fixed to a discharge tray 23 are located in the upper portion of the device main body 72 in Figure 1 The discharge roller 22 discharges the recording medium S in the direction along the first direction X. In the present exemplary embodiment, the downstream side in the discharge direction by which the recording medium S is discharged by the discharge roller 22 toward the discharge tray 23 will be referred to as the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, and the upstream side in the discharge direction will be referred to as the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0062] [Imaging Operation]

[0063] An imaging operation for forming a full-color image will now be described. The photosensitive drums 4 are driven to rotate counterclockwise at predetermined speeds in Figure 1 The transfer belt 12 is driven to rotate relative to the rotation of the photosensitive drums 4 in the positive direction (in the direction of the arrow C in Figure 1 ).

[0064] The laser scanner unit LB is also driven. In process unit P, the charging roller 5, in synchronization with the driving of the laser scanner unit LB, uniformly charges the surfaces of the corresponding photosensitive drums 4 to a predetermined polarity and potential. The laser scanner unit LB scans and exposes the charged surfaces of the photosensitive drums 4 with laser light L based on the image signals of the corresponding colors, thereby forming electrostatic latent images corresponding to the image signals of the corresponding colors on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 4. More specifically, the laser scanner unit LB exposes the photosensitive drums 4Y and 4M to form first and second electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drums 4Y and 4M, respectively. Similarly, the laser scanner unit LB exposes the photosensitive drums 4C and 4K to form third and fourth electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drums 4C and 4K, respectively.

[0065] The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4 is developed by supplying toner to the corresponding photosensitive drum 4 by the developing roller 6, which is driven at a predetermined speed. Figure 1 The photosensitive drum 4Y of the processing unit PY rotates clockwise in the process. Through the above-mentioned electrophotographic imaging process, a yellow toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4Y of the processing unit PY. The yellow toner image is then transferred once to the transfer belt 12. Similarly, a magenta toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4M of the processing unit PM. The magenta toner image is then transferred once to the transfer belt 12 to be superimposed on the yellow toner image on the transfer belt 12. A cyan toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4C of the processing unit PC. The cyan toner image is then transferred once to the transfer belt 12 to be superimposed on the yellow toner image and the magenta toner image on the transfer belt 12. A black toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4K of the processing unit PK. Then, the black toner image is transferred once to the transfer belt 12 to be superimposed on the yellow toner image, the magenta toner image, and the cyan toner image on the transfer belt 12.

[0066] In this way, a full-color unfixed toner image of four colors, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, is formed on the transfer belt 12. At the same time, at a predetermined control timing, the recording medium S is separated and fed one by one from the feed tray 19 by the feed roller 20. The recording medium S is guided to the secondary transfer section 31, which is the contact portion between the secondary transfer roller 17 and the transfer belt 12, at a predetermined control timing. In the process of the recording medium S being conveyed through the secondary transfer section 31, the four-color superimposed toner image on the transfer belt 12 is transferred to the recording medium S. The recording medium S to which the toner image is transferred is heated and pressurized in the fixing unit 21, whereby the toner image is fixed to the recording medium S. The recording medium S to which the toner image is fixed is discharged by the discharge roller 22 to the discharge tray 23.

[0067] The image forming apparatus 1 includes cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K (hereinafter referred to as cartridges 430) that can be detachably attached to the apparatus main body 72. The cartridges 430 are arranged along the second direction Y. In other words, the cartridges 430 are arranged in a direction intersecting (orthogonal to) the direction in which the developing units 9 are arranged. The cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K will be referred to as a first cartridge (a first toner container), a second cartridge (a second toner container), a third cartridge (a third toner container), and a fourth cartridge (a fourth toner container), respectively.

[0068] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 in a case where the front door 72b is closed. Figure 2B is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 in a case where the front door 72b is opened. Figure 2C is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 in a case where the front door 72b is opened and the cartridge 430M is taken out of the cartridge holder 429.

[0069] The cartridges 430 are attached to the front upper portion of the apparatus main body 72 so that the cartridges 430 can be accessed by opening the front door 72b. In other words, the cartridges 430 are located at the downstream end of the apparatus main body 72 in the discharge direction of the discharge roller 22. The front door 72b is configured to be movable between a closed position in which the front opening of the apparatus main body 72 is closed (see Figure 2A ) and an open position in which the opening is opened (see Figure 2B ). In a case where the front door 72b is moved to the open position, as shown in Figure 2B , the cartridges 430 are exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 via the opening. As shown in Figure 2C , the cartridges 430 are arranged along the second direction Y and are configured to be detachably attachable to the apparatus main body 72 along the first direction X. Thus, the processing unit P can be replenished with toner without detaching the processing unit P from the apparatus main body 72.

[0070] Since the cartridges 430 are provided at the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, the cartridges 430 can be accessed from the front side like the recording medium S that is discharged to the discharge tray 23. The configuration in which the cartridge holder 429 is provided at the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 prevents the processing unit P from being exposed even after the cartridges 430 are detached (see Figure 2C ). In a case where the front door 72b is closed, the cartridges 430 are housed inside the apparatus main body 72.

[0071] As shown in Figure 2AAs shown in FIG, indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K (hereinafter referred to as indicators 208) (indicating unit, display unit) of corresponding colors are provided on the front portion of the imaging device 1. The indicators 208 are arranged along the second direction Y corresponding to the corresponding cartridges 430. Indicator 208Y (first indicator) is yellow, indicator 208M (second indicator) is magenta, indicator 208C (third indicator) is cyan, and indicator 208K (fourth indicator) is black. The indicators 208 include LEDs or labels whose colors correspond to the toner colors of the corresponding cartridges and are provided to prevent the cartridges 430 from being incorrectly installed. The indicators 208 may have a function of displaying the remaining toner level of the corresponding process unit P (developing unit 9).

[0072] Will refer to Figures 3A to 7B A toner conveying mechanism from the cartridge 430 to each corresponding process unit P is described.

[0073] A unit including the cartridge 430 , the process units P, and a conveying path for conveying toner from the cartridge 430 to the corresponding process units P, which will be described below, will be referred to as an image forming unit 500 .

[0074] Figure 3A is a perspective view of the imaging unit 500 with the cartridge 430 attached. Figure 3A is a perspective view of the imaging unit with the cartridge 430 detached. Figure 4 : is a perspective view of the imaging unit 500, in which the optical path of the laser light from the laser scanner unit LB is shown. Figure 5A is a top view of the laser scanner unit LB and the imaging unit 500. Figure 5B is a top view of the imaging unit 500 . Figure 6A and 6B Along the Figure 5B A cross-sectional view taken along line AA and line BB. Figure 7A It is along Figure 5A A cross-sectional view taken along line CC.

[0075] like Figure 3A and Figure 4As shown in FIG. 12, pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K (hereinafter referred to as pump units 80) are located below the cartridge holder 429. The pump units 80 are arranged in the second direction Y. The pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K will be referred to as a first pump unit (first pump), a second pump unit (second pump), a third pump unit (third pump), and a fourth pump unit (fourth pump), respectively. A positive displacement pump such as a reciprocating pump and a rotary pump is used for the pump units 80. The reciprocating pump is a pump that performs suction and discharge by reciprocating motion of a piston, a plunger, or the like. Examples include a piston pump, a plunger pump, and a diaphragm pump. The rotary pump is a pump that performs suction and discharge by rotary motion of a gear, a rotor, or the like. Examples include a gear pump, a screw pump, and a vane pump. In the present exemplary embodiment, a diaphragm pump is used. The four pump units (pumps) can be configured as a single pump unit. In the present exemplary embodiment, the pump units 80 are provided on the device main body 72, but can also be provided on the cartridge 430.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 12, pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K (hereinafter referred to as pump units 80) are located below the cartridge holder 429. The pump units 80 are arranged in the second direction Y. The pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K will be referred to as a first pump unit (first pump), a second pump unit (second pump), a third pump unit (third pump), and a fourth pump unit (fourth pump), respectively. A positive displacement pump such as a reciprocating pump and a rotary pump is used for the pump units 80. The reciprocating pump is a pump that performs suction and discharge by reciprocating motion of a piston, a plunger, or the like. Examples include a piston pump, a plunger pump, and a diaphragm pump. The rotary pump is a pump that performs suction and discharge by rotary motion of a gear, a rotor, or the like. Examples include a gear pump, a screw pump, and a vane pump. In the present exemplary embodiment, a diaphragm pump is used. The four pump units (pumps) can be configured as a single pump unit. In the present exemplary embodiment, the pump units 80 are provided on the device main body 72, but can also be provided on the cartridge 430. Figure 3B Figure 6A As shown in FIG. 12, pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K (hereinafter referred to as pump units 80) are located below the cartridge holder 429. The pump units 80 are arranged in the second direction Y. The pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K will be referred to as a first pump unit (first pump), a second pump unit (second pump), a third pump unit (third pump), and a fourth pump unit (fourth pump), respectively. A positive displacement pump such as a reciprocating pump and a rotary pump is used for the pump units 80. The reciprocating pump is a pump that performs suction and discharge by reciprocating motion of a piston, a plunger, or the like. Examples include a piston pump, a plunger pump, and a diaphragm pump. The rotary pump is a pump that performs suction and discharge by rotary motion of a gear, a rotor, or the like. Examples include a gear pump, a screw pump, and a vane pump. In the present exemplary embodiment, a diaphragm pump is used. The four pump units (pumps) can be configured as a single pump unit. In the present exemplary embodiment, the pump units 80 are provided on the device main body 72, but can also be provided on the cartridge 430.

[0077] The air discharged upward from the discharge ports 80a is supplied to the inside of the respective cartridges 430 attached to the cartridge holder 429. The air supplied to the inside of the cartridges 430 is discharged from the cartridges 430 together with toner. The internal structure of the cartridges 430 will be described below, and therefore the details thereof are omitted here.

[0078] The toner discharged from the cartridges 430 together with the air is received by the replenishment tubes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K (hereinafter referred to as replenishment tubes 444) via the receiving ports 429Ya, 429Ma, 429Ca, and 429Ka (hereinafter referred to as receiving ports 429) formed in the cartridge holder 429, as shown in FIG. 12. The replenishment tubes 444 extend to and are connected to the respective developing units 9. The receiving ports 429a are through holes formed through the surface of the cartridge holder 429 opposite the rear surface of the cartridges 430. The receiving ports 429a open in the first direction X, which is the direction in which the developing units 9 are arranged. The direction in which the receiving ports 429a open intersects the direction in which the discharge ports 80a open. Figure 3B

[0079] Figure 5B ​​​As shown in the figure, on the rear side of the part of the box holder 429 that forms the receiving port 429a, the upstream ends 444Yu, 444Mu, 444Cu and 444Ku (hereinafter referred to as the upstream end 444u) of the replenishing tube 444 are connected to the box holder 429 to communicate with the corresponding receiving port 429a.

[0080] The toner received via the receiving port 429a moves from the upstream end 444u through the replenishing pipe 444 to the downstream ends 444Yd, 444Md, 444Cd, and 444Kd (hereinafter referred to as the downstream end 444d) by air supplied from the corresponding cartridge 430 and replenishes the developing unit 9.

[0081] The downstream end 444d of the replenishing pipe 444 is connected to the end of the corresponding developing unit 9 in the second direction Y. Specifically, the downstream end 444Yd of the replenishing pipe 444Y and the downstream end 444Md of the replenishing pipe 444M are connected to the ends of the developing unit Y and the developing unit M on the LE side, respectively. The downstream end 444Cd of the replenishing pipe 444C and the downstream end 444Kd of the replenishing pipe 444K are connected to the ends of the developing unit C and the developing unit K on the RE side, respectively. This is done to reduce the length of the replenishing pipe 444 to reduce pressure loss. Therefore, a small pump can be selected for the pump unit 80, thereby reducing the size of the imaging unit 500.

[0082] Next, the arrangement of the cartridge 430Y will be described. Figure 6B As shown in FIG, the cartridge 430Y and the process unit P (developer unit 9) are arranged on an imaginary line VL1 extending in the first direction X. That is, the cartridge 430Y is arranged in a straight line with the developer unit 9 in the first direction X. In other words, when viewed in the first direction X, at least a portion of the cartridge 430Y is positioned so as to overlap with the developer unit 9. The cartridges 430M, 430C, and 430K are also arranged in a straight line with the developer unit 9 in the first direction X. In other words, when viewed in the first direction X, at least a portion of each of the cartridges 430M, 430C, and 430K is arranged so as to overlap with the developer unit 9. This arrangement of the cartridge 430 can reduce the height of the imaging apparatus 1 in the third direction Z, thereby reducing the size of the imaging apparatus 1. The cartridge 430 can be positioned above the process unit (developer unit 9) in the third direction Z.

[0083] Next, the layout of the replenishing pipe 444 will be described. Figure 4 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 7A and Figure 7BIn the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the optical path of the laser light from the laser scanner unit LB is visualized. The optical paths LY, LM, LC, and LK (hereinafter referred to as the optical path L) are the optical paths of the laser light emitted from the laser scanner unit LB toward the photosensitive drums 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K, respectively.

[0084] The supplemental tubes 444 are laid out so as not to interfere with the optical path L. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5B and Figure 7A shown in the present embodiment, the supplemental tubes 444Y and 444M are provided at the LE-side end of the processing unit P in the second direction Y so as to avoid the optical path L. The supplemental tube 444Y is located outside, i.e., the LE-side of the supplemental tube 444M in the first direction X.

[0085] As shown in Figure 5A , at least a portion of the supplemental tube 444Y does not overlap the laser scanner unit LB when viewed from above in the third direction Z. As shown in Figure 5A , the supplemental tube 444M overlaps the laser scanner unit LB when viewed from above in the third direction Z.

[0086] As shown in Figure 7A , the supplemental tubes 444Y and 444M are located below the laser scanner LB and above the processing unit P (the developing unit 9) in the third direction Z. In other words, the supplemental tubes 444Y and 444M are located between the laser scanner LB and the processing unit P in the third direction Z. The optical path L widens in the second direction Y as it approaches the processing unit P (the photosensitive drums 4) from the laser scanner unit LB. This leaves a space in the third direction Z between the optical path LK and the laser scanner unit LB. The supplemental tube 444M is located in the space between the optical path LK and the laser scanner unit LB in the third direction Z. More specifically, as shown in Figure 7A , when viewed in the first direction X, the laser scanner unit LB, the supplemental tube 444M, and the optical path LK fall on an imaginary line VL2 extending in the third direction Z.

[0087] Next, as shown in Figure 5B , Figure 7A and Figure 7B , the supplemental tubes 444C and 444K are provided at the RE-side end of the processing unit P in the second direction Y so as to avoid the optical path L. In other words, the supplemental tubes 444C and 444K are located at the end opposite to the end at which the supplemental tubes 444Y and 444M are located in the second direction Y. The supplemental tube 444C is located outside, i.e., the LE-side of the supplemental tube 444K in the second direction Y.

[0088] As shown in Figure 5A , both the supplemental tubes 444C and 444K overlap the laser scanner unit LB when viewed from above in the third direction Z. As shown in Figure 7BAs shown in FIG, the replenishing pipes 444C and 444K are located below the laser scanner LB and above the process unit P (developing unit 9). In other words, the replenishing pipes 444C and 444K are located between the laser scanner LB and the process unit P in the third direction Z. The replenishing pipe 444K is located in the space between the optical path LK and the laser scanner unit LB in the third direction Z. More specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 7A As shown in FIG, when viewed in the first direction X, the laser scanner unit LB, the replenishing tube 444K and the optical path LK fall on an imaginary line VL3 extending in the third direction Z.

[0089] like Figure 7B As shown in FIG, the replenishing tube 444C is located above the replenishing tube 444K. When viewed along the third direction Z, the replenishing tube 444C overlaps the replenishing tube 444K by ΔY. When viewed along the second direction Y, the replenishing tube 444C overlaps the replenishing tube 444K by ΔZ.

[0090] The aforementioned layout of the supplementary tubes 444 can reduce the size of the imaging unit 500 in the second direction Y or the third direction Z. Note that the supplementary tubes do not necessarily need to be arranged as described above.

[0091] The imaging unit 500 is ideally configured to allow easy access to the process unit P and the replenishing tube 444, so that the process unit P, the replenishing tube 444, and the like can be maintained and replaced during troubleshooting, etc. In the exemplary embodiment, the imaging unit 500 is thus configured so that it can be pulled out from the BE side (rear side) to the FE side (front side) relative to the apparatus main body 72 (intermediate transfer belt unit 11). However, the imaging apparatus 1 may be configured so that the imaging unit 500 cannot be pulled out.

[0092] [Box structure]

[0093] Will refer to Figure 3A and Figures 9A to 11B The structure of the cartridge 430 (toner container) according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described.

[0094] like Figure 3A As shown in the figure, the width La of box 430K in the second direction Y is greater than the width Lb of box 430Y, box M and box 430C (hereinafter referred to as box 430Y to 430C). Therefore, box 430K has a larger toner accommodating capacity than box 430Y to 430C. The construction that can accommodate black toner (the consumption of black toner is usually greater than other color toners) makes the number of replacements of box 430Y, 430M, 430C and 430K more likely to be equal. Since box 430 has the same structure except the width in the second direction Y, the structure of box 430Y will be described now, and the description of the structure of box 430Y to 430C will be omitted.

[0095] Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 9C , Figure 9D and Figure 9E are a front view, a top view, a bottom view, a right side view, and a rear view of the cartridge 430Y, respectively. Figure 10A is a sectional view taken along the line H-H of Figure 9E . Figure 10B is a perspective view of the cartridge 430Y. Figure 10C is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 430Y. Figure 11A is a sectional view taken along the line G-G of Figure 9B . Figure 11B is a perspective view of Figure 11A . The following description of the structure of the cartridge 430Y applies to a state (pose) in which the cartridge 430Y is attached to the cartridge holder 429.

[0096] As shown in Figures 10A to 10C , the cartridge 430Y includes a first frame 430Ya, a second frame 430Yb, a filter 83Y (first filter, first air passing member), and a discharge conduit 85Y (first discharge conduit, first passage, first flow path). Although not shown in the drawings, the cartridge 430M similarly includes a third frame 430Ma, a fourth frame 430Mb, a filter 83M (second filter, second air passing member), and a discharge conduit 85M (second discharge conduit, second passage, second flow path). Similarly, the cartridge 430C includes a fifth frame 430Ca, a sixth frame 430Cb, a filter 83C (third filter, third air passing member), and a discharge conduit 85C (third discharge conduit, third passage, third flow path). Similarly, the cartridge 430K includes a seventh frame 430Ka, an eighth frame 430Kb, a filter 83K (fourth filter, fourth air passing member), and a discharge conduit 85K (fourth discharge conduit, fourth passage, fourth flow path).

[0097] The first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb of the present exemplary embodiment are resin molded members, but can be made of paper or the like. As shown in Figure 9E , a discharge port 430Ya1 (first discharge port, first hole) is formed in a rear surface 4300Ya of the first frame 430Ya. As shown in Figure 9C , a receiving port 430Yb1 (first receiving port, first suction port, second hole) is formed in a bottom surface 4300Yb of the second frame 430Yb. The discharge port 430Ya1 and the receiving port 430Yb1 are desirably formed in a surface of the cartridge 430Y other than a surface (surface facing the second direction Y) intersecting the second direction Y in which each cartridge 430 is arranged. This can reduce Figure 3AGaps G (Gym, Gmc, and Gck) between the cartridges 430 shown in FIG. 12. As a result, the width L of the cartridges 430 can be increased to increase the toner accommodating capacity. The gap Gym refers to a gap between the cartridges 430Y and 430M in the second direction Y. The gap Gmc refers to a gap between the cartridges 430M and 430C in the second direction Y. The gap Gck refers to a gap between the cartridges 430C and 430K in the second direction Y.

[0098] The discharge port 430Yal is formed in the rear surface 4300Ya (downstream end surface of the cartridge 430Y in the attachment direction) of the cartridge 430Y to open downstream in the attachment direction. This facilitates engagement of the discharge port 430Yal with the receiving port 429Ya of the cartridge holder 429 for communication when the cartridge 430Y is attached to the cartridge holder 429. The discharge port 430Yal can be formed in the bottom surface 4300Yb or the top surface of the cartridge 430Y, and the receiving port 430Ybl can be formed in the rear surface 4300Ya or the top surface. If there is sufficient space within the device body 72, the discharge port 430Yal and the receiving port 430Yb can be formed in a surface that intersects the second direction Y. Although not shown in the drawings, the cartridge 430M has a discharge port 430Mal (second discharge port) and a receiving port 430Mbl (second receiving port, second suction port) in a similar arrangement to the cartridge 430Y. The cartridge 430C has a discharge port 430Cal (third discharge port) and a receiving port 430Cbl (third receiving port, third suction port) in a similar arrangement to the cartridge 430Y. The cartridge 430K has a discharge port 430Kal (fourth discharge port) and a receiving port 430Kbl (fourth receiving port, fourth suction port) in a similar arrangement to the cartridge 430Y.

[0099] A sealing member (seal or shutter), not shown, can be provided on the discharge port 430Yal. In a state in which the cartridge 430Y is not attached to the cartridge holder 429 of the device body 72, the sealing member seals the discharge port 430Yal to prevent toner T accommodated inside from leaking out of the cartridge 430Y. When the cartridge 430Y is attached to the cartridge holder 429, the sealing member is removed, displaced, or otherwise operated to open the discharge port 430Yal.

[0100] Figure 9A A label 430Ys of the front portion of the cartridge 430Y shown in FIG. 12 indicates the color of the toner inside. The label 430c can show instructions on how to attach the cartridge 430Y to the cartridge holder 429, or display information about the cartridge 430Y.

[0101] The first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb include flange portions 430Ya2 and 430Yb2, respectively. The flange portions 430Ya2 and 430Yb2 are welded to each other by ultrasonic welding, thereby formingFigure 10A The flange portion 430Ya2 and the flange portion 430Yb2 can be fixed to each other with an adhesive or a screw.

[0102] The filter 83Y is provided to divide (partition) the internal space SPY of the cartridge 430Y into two parts, a toner chamber 430Yc (first chamber) and an air chamber 430Yd (second chamber). In other words, the air chamber 430Yd adjoins the toner chamber 430Yc across the filter 83Y. Although not shown in the drawings, the filter 83M is provided to divide (partition) the internal space SPM of the cartridge 430M into two parts, a toner chamber 430Mc (third chamber) and an air chamber 430Md (fourth chamber). In other words, the air chamber 430Md adjoins the toner chamber 430Mc across the filter 83M. The filter 83C is provided to divide (partition) the internal space SPC of the cartridge 430C into two parts, a toner chamber 430Cc (fifth chamber) and an air chamber 430Cd (sixth chamber). In other words, the air chamber 430Cd adjoins the toner chamber 430Cc across the filter 83C. The filter 83K is provided to divide (partition) the internal space SPK of the cartridge 430K into two parts, a toner chamber 430Kc (seventh chamber) and an air chamber 430Kd (eighth chamber). In other words, the air chamber 430Kd adjoins the toner chamber 430Kc across the filter 83K.

[0103] The toner chamber 430Yc is located above the air chamber 430Yd and aligned with the air chamber 430Yd in the third direction Z. In other words, the attachment posture of the cartridge 430Y with respect to the device body 72 is oriented so that the toner chamber 430Yc is located above the air chamber 430Yd. The alignment direction of the toner chamber 430Yc and the air chamber 430Yd is the third direction Z. In the present exemplary embodiment, the receiving port 430Yb1 thus opens in this alignment direction, and the discharge port 430Ya1 opens in a direction intersecting the alignment direction. Figure 17A Figure 17B Figure 17C Figure 17D and Figure 17E are a front view, a top view, a bottom view, a side view, and a rear view of the cartridge 3430Y according to the modification, respectively. As described above, the discharge port 430Ya1 can open in an alignment direction (third direction Z) in which the toner chamber 430Yc and the air chamber 430Yd are aligned with each other, as shown in Figures 17A to 17E Figure 17B In this modification, the discharge port 3430Ya1 can be formed in the top surface, as shown in Figure 17C ​​​​As shown in FIG. 34, the air inlet 3430Yb1 is located in the bottom surface, so that the air inlet 3430Yb1 and the air outlet 3430Ya1 are both open in the alignment direction (third direction Z). In other words, the air outlet 3430Ya1 is formed in a surface of the cartridge 3430Y opposite to the surface of the cartridge 3430Y in which the air inlet 3430Yb1 is formed, in the alignment direction. This provides an effect of facilitating design such that the pressure loss in the air flow path within the cartridge 3430Y is smaller than the pressure loss of the cartridge 430 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0104] The toner chamber 430Yc is configured to house the toner T. In the toner chamber 430Yc, the toner T is supported by the filter 83Y.

[0105] The air chamber 430Yd does not house any toner. The filter 83Y includes a porous member made of resin fibers, for example, and has a pore diameter and a pore density that allow air to pass through but prevent toner from passing through. In other words, the filter 83Y is configured to allow air to pass through but prevent toner from passing through. As shown in FIG. 34, the filter 83Y is held by the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb, with the outer edge portion 83Ya of the filter being sandwiched between the flange portion 430Ya2 of the first frame 430Ya and the flange portion 430Yb2 of the second frame 430Yb. The filter 83Y slopes from the outer edge portion 83Ya toward the lowest portion 83Yb located below the outer edge portion 83Ya. In other words, the filter 83Y includes a portion (sloped portion) that descends as it extends toward (approaches) the lowest portion 83Yb in the first direction X, the second direction Y, or the horizontal direction. Figures 10A to 10C 、 Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown in FIG. 34, the filter 83Y is held by the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb, with the outer edge portion 83Ya of the filter being sandwiched between the flange portion 430Ya2 of the first frame 430Ya and the flange portion 430Yb2 of the second frame 430Yb. The filter 83Y slopes from the outer edge portion 83Ya toward the lowest portion 83Yb located below the outer edge portion 83Ya. In other words, the filter 83Y includes a portion (sloped portion) that descends as it extends toward (approaches) the lowest portion 83Yb in the first direction X, the second direction Y, or the horizontal direction.

[0106] The lowest portion 83Yb protrudes from the outer edge portion 83Ya in a direction from the toner chamber 430Yc toward the air chamber 430Yd. As shown in FIG. 34, the lowest portion 83Yb is located at the center of the filter 83Y in the first direction X and the second direction Y. A filter molded in such a shape is used as the filter 83Y. Figure 10A Figure 11B The lowest portion 83Yb protrudes from the outer edge portion 83Ya in a direction from the toner chamber 430Yc toward the air chamber 430Yd. As shown in FIG. 34, the lowest portion 83Yb is located at the center of the filter 83Y in the first direction X and the second direction Y. A filter molded in such a shape is used as the filter 83Y.

[0107] ​The toner chamber 430Yc includes a discharge conduit 85Y (passage). The discharge conduit 85Y according to the present exemplary embodiment is a resin molded member, but can be made of paper, rubber, or the like. The discharge conduit 85Y is a conduit having an inlet 85Ya (first opening) and an outlet 85Yb (second opening) and extends from the inlet 85Ya to the outlet 85Yb. The discharge conduit 85Y is a passage through which the toner T housed in the toner chamber 430Yc passes when moved toward the discharge port 430Ya1. The discharge conduit 85Y includes a first portion 85Y1 in which the inlet 85Ya is formed and which extends in the third direction Z, and a second portion 85Y2 in which the outlet 85Yb is formed and which extends in the first direction X.

[0108] The direction in which the first portion 85Y1 extends and the direction in which the second portion 85Y2 extends intersect (orthogonally). The outlet 85Yb of the discharge conduit 85Y is connected to the discharge port 430Ya1 so as to communicate. The inlet 85Ya of the discharge conduit 85Y opposes the lowest portion 83Yb that is a portion of the filter 83Y with a gap therebetween. The inlet 85Ya desirably is close to the filter 83Y. When the remaining level of the toner T in the toner chamber 430Yc becomes low, the toner T that is fluidized by the flow of air received via the receiving port 430Yb1 moves along the slope of the filter 83Y described above, and collects to the lowest portion 83Yb. The inlet 85Ya of the discharge conduit 85Y can guide the toner T that collects to the lowest portion 83Yb of the filter 83Y to the discharge port 430Ya1. Thus, even when the remaining level of the toner housed in the toner chamber 430Yc of the cartridge 430Y is low, the toner T can be effectively discharged to the outside of the cartridge 430Y.

[0109] The cartridge according to the present exemplary embodiment is configured to discharge toner to the outside of the cartridge using air, and does not need to include a rotating member such as a screw. Thus, a simple cartridge with a small number of parts can be obtained.

[0110] [Toner conveying mechanism]

[0111] A mechanism for conveying the toner housed in the toner chamber 430Yc of the cartridge 430Y to the developing unit PY will be described.

[0112] As Figure 6AAs shown in FIG, the air discharged upward from the discharge port 80Ya of the pump unit 80Y is received at the air chamber 430Yd through the receiving port 430Yb1 of the box 430Y. Then, the air increases the air pressure of the air chamber 430Yd, passes through the filter 83Y, and flows into the colorant chamber 430Yc. The air flowing into the colorant chamber 430Yc enters between the particles of the colorant T and fluidizes the colorant T. The colorant T mixed with the air and fluidized moves from the inlet 85Ya through the discharge duct 85Y to the outlet 85Yb by the air received at the air chamber 430Yd via the receiving port 430Yb1, and is discharged to the outside of the box 430Y through the discharge port 430Ya1.

[0113] In this exemplary embodiment, an air chamber 430Yd, which serves as a sealed space, is provided between the discharge port 80Ya and the filter 83Y. This effectively guides the air discharged from the discharge port 80Ya toward the filter 83Y without causing the air to diffuse outside the cartridge 430Y. For example, if the toner T in the toner chamber 430Yc clumps, such as when the cartridge 430Y is subjected to vibration or is left stationary for a long time, the pressure required to allow air to flow through the filter 83Y into the toner cartridge 430Yc is high. Even in such a situation, by continuously sending air from the pump unit 80Y to the air chamber 430Yd to increase the pressure (air pressure) in the air chamber 430Yd, air can be sent to the toner chamber 430Yc through the filter 83Y. When the air chamber 430Yd is provided, it is sufficient for the pump unit 80Y to have the capability to generate a pressure at which air can be continuously supplied to the air chamber 430Yd until the pressure required for the air to pass through the filter 83Y and enter the toner chamber 430Yc is reached. Since there are no particular requirements for the discharge speed or discharge flow rate, a small pump unit can be used, which can contribute to reducing the size of the device.

[0114] like Figure 6A As shown in FIG, the toner T discharged from the discharge port 430Ya1 of the cartridge 430Y enters the interior of the replenishing pipe 444Y from the upstream end 444Yu via the receiving port 429Ya of the cartridge holder 429. The toner T that has entered the interior of the replenishing pipe 444Y from the upstream end 444Yu is moved to the downstream end 444Yd by the air that has been discharged from the discharge port 430Ya1 of the cartridge 430Y and has flowed into the upstream end 444Yu as with the toner T, and replenishes the developing unit 9Y (developing container 3Y) of the process unit PY.

[0115] The toner replenished to the developing unit 9Y (developing container 3Y) from the end portion of the developing unit 9Y in the second direction Y is Figure 6BThe stirring members SY1 and SY2 shown in FIG. 12 stir and become uniform. The stirring members SY1 and SY2 can be screws configured to convey toner from an end of the developing unit 9Y connected to the downstream end 444Yd of the supplementary tube 444Y to the opposite end of the developing unit 9Y in the second direction Y.

[0116] Since not only the toner T but also air flows into the developing unit 9Y (developing container 3Y) from the supplementary tube 444Y, the internal pressure of the developing unit 9Y can easily increase. In the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 5B , an air exhaust filter unit PYf is thus provided on the top surface of the developing unit 9Y. The air exhaust filter unit PYf refers to a portion in which a through-hole is formed in a frame constituting the developing unit 9Y and a filter made of non-woven fabric or the like is provided over the through-hole. The toner T flowing into the developing unit 9Y from the supplementary tube 444Y remains in the developing unit 9Y, while at least a part of the air is exhausted from the developing unit 9Y through the air exhaust filter unit PYf. This suppresses an increase in the internal pressure of the developing unit 9Y, thereby facilitating the flow of the toner T and air from the cartridge 430Y into the developing unit 9Y via the supplementary tube 444Y.

[0117] In the present exemplary embodiment, the air exhaust filter unit PYf is located at the center of the developing unit 9Y in the second direction Y. As with the air exhaust filter PYfa, the air exhaust filter unit PYf can be located at an end of the developing container 3Y in the second direction Y at which the upstream end 444Yu of the supplementary tube 444Y is located. As with the air exhaust filter PYfb, the air exhaust filter unit PYf can be located at an end of the developing unit 9Y in the second direction Y opposite to the end at which the upstream end 444Yu of the supplementary tube 444Y is located. The air exhaust filter can be provided on a side surface of the developing unit 9Y instead of the top surface.

[0118] In a configuration in which the direction of a conveyance path is changed midway or the conveyance path differs depending on the color, as with the supplementary tube 444 according to the present exemplary embodiment, it is desirable to use air as a conveyance means for conveying toner. This improves the design flexibility of the conveyance path compared to a configuration in which a screw or the like is used as a conveyance means, and since no conveyance member is needed, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0119] [Second Exemplary Embodiment]

[0120] As a second exemplary embodiment, a configuration in which light L' from an LED unit is used as a means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4 instead of the laser L from the laser scanner unit LB will be described. LED is an abbreviation for Light Emitting Diode.

[0121] Figure 12A is a perspective view of the imaging unit 500 in a case where the cartridge 2430 is attached. Figure 12B is a perspective view of the imaging unit 500 in a case where the cartridge 2430 is detached. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the imaging unit 500, in which the light paths of the light L’ from the respective LED units LD are shown. Figure 14 is a view of the imaging unit 500 in the Z direction. Figure 15 is a sectional view taken along the line J-J of Figure 14 . Figure 16 is a perspective view of the imaging unit 500, in which the layout of the supplementary tube 2444 is shown.

[0122] Each LED unit LD includes a wiring board on which an LED array and a driver integrated circuit (IC) are mounted, and a rod lens array. The LED array is a composite semiconductor chip in which a plurality of light-emitting units are integrated. The driver IC is a semiconductor chip in which a driving element for controlling the light-emitting operation of the light-emitting units in the LED array is integrated. The rod lens array is a lens constituted by arranging and fixing gradient refractive index optical fibers in an array, and the imaging characteristic is to form an erect real image at a magnification of 1:1. The LED unit LD is located below the top surface of the processing unit P (in the imaginary line VL5 in Figure 15 , with its longitudinal direction being the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 4 (the second direction Y). With such an arrangement, the cartridge 2430 can be located above the processing unit P without obstructing the light paths of the light L’. The imaginary line VL5 is an imaginary line that passes through the top surface of the developing unit 9 when viewed in the second direction Y.

[0123] As shown in Figure 12A , the cartridge 2430 is arranged in the second direction Y orthogonal to the first direction X in which the processing unit P is arranged. In the first exemplary embodiment, the processing unit P and the cartridge 2430 do not overlap when viewed from above (the third direction Z). In the present exemplary embodiment, the cartridge 2430 can even be arranged above the processing unit P. The processing unit P and the cartridge 2430 thus overlap when viewed in the third direction Z. The capacity of the cartridge 2430 in the first direction X can thereby be increased to increase the amount of toner that can be accommodated. The cartridge 2430 can be arranged with the first direction X as its longitudinal direction. As shown in Figure 14 , the cartridge 2430 overlaps with the processing unit PM and the processing unit PK when viewed in the third direction Z. Arranging the cartridge 2430 to overlap with the processing unit PK, which is the closest to the front side of the main body among the processing units P, when viewed in the third direction Z also improves the accessibility to the cartridge 2430. As shown in Figure 15As shown in FIG. 23, in the third direction, the cartridge 2430Y is located on the side opposite the photosensitive drum 4K of the LED unit LDK and on the side opposite the photosensitive drum 4C of the LED unit LDC.

[0124] As Figure 12B As shown in FIG. 24, openings that expose the discharge ports 280Ya, 280Ma, 280Ca, and 280Ka (hereinafter referred to as the discharge ports 280a) for discharging air generated (fed) by the corresponding pump units 80 are formed in the portion of the cartridge holder 2429 opposite the bottom surface of the cartridge 2430. The discharge ports 280a open upward. The air discharged upward from the discharge ports 280a is supplied to the inside of the corresponding cartridge 2430 attached to the cartridge holder 2429. The air supplied to the inside of the cartridge 2430 is discharged to the outside of the cartridge 2430 together with toner. The internal structure of the cartridge 2430 will be described below.

[0125] The toner discharged from the cartridge 2430 together with the air moves from the upstream end 2444u to the downstream end 2444d of the supplemental pipe 2444 through the air discharged from the corresponding cartridge 2430 and is supplied to the corresponding developing unit 9. Figure 12B The receiving ports 2429Ya, 2429Ma, 2429Ca, and 2429Ka (hereinafter referred to as the receiving ports 2429a) formed in the cartridge holder 2429 shown in FIG. 24 are received at the supplemental pipes 2444Y, 2444M, 2444C, and 2444K (hereinafter referred to as the supplemental pipes 2444). The supplemental pipes 2444 extend to and are connected to the corresponding developing units 9. The receiving ports 2429a are through holes formed through the surface of the cartridge holder 2429 opposite the rear surface of the cartridge 430. The receiving ports 2429a open in the first direction X, which is the direction in which the developing units 9 are arranged. The direction in which the receiving ports 2429a open intersects the direction in which the discharge ports 280a open. As Figure 16 As shown in FIG. 25, the upstream ends 2444Yu, 2444Mu, 2444Cu, and 2444Ku (hereinafter referred to as the upstream ends 2444u) of the supplemental pipes 2444 are connected to the cartridge holder 2429 behind the portion of the cartridge holder 2429 in which the receiving ports 2429a are formed, so as to communicate with the corresponding receiving ports 2429a. As Figure 16 As shown in FIG. 26, the toner received through the receiving ports 2429a moves from the upstream ends 2444u to the downstream ends 2444Yd, 2444Md, 2444Cd, and 2444Kd (hereinafter referred to as the downstream ends 2444d) of the supplemental pipes 2444 through the air discharged from the corresponding cartridges 2430 and supplements the developing units 9. The downstream ends 2444Yd, 2444Md, 2444Cd, and 2444Kd are connected to the central portions of the corresponding developing units 9 in the second direction Y.

[0126] The configuration of the cartridge 2430 will be described by using the cartridge 2340Y. Since the cartridges 2340M, 2340C, and 2340K have structures similar to that of the cartridge 2340Y, their description will be omitted. Figure 15 As shown in the figure, the box 2430Y includes a first frame 2430Ya, a second frame 2430Yb, a filter 283Y (first filter, first air passing member) and an exhaust duct 285Y (first exhaust duct, first channel, first flow path). According to the first frame 2430Ya and the second frame 2430Yb of this exemplary embodiment, they are resin molded components, but can be made of paper or the like. The exhaust port 2430Ya1 (first exhaust port) is formed in the end surface of the first frame 2430Ya in the first direction X. The receiving port 2430Yb1 (first receiving port, first suction port) is formed in the bottom surface of the second frame 2430Yb. The filter 283Y is configured to separate (divide) the internal space of the box 2430Y formed by the first frame 2430Ya and the second frame 2430Yb into two parts, namely, the colorant chamber 2430Yc (first chamber) and the air chamber 2430Yd (second chamber). In other words, the air chamber 2430Yd is adjacent to the colorant chamber 2430Yc across the filter 283Y. The colorant chamber 2430Yc is located above the air chamber 2430Yd and is aligned with the air chamber 2430Yd in the third direction Z. In other words, the attachment posture of the cartridge 2430Y relative to the apparatus body 72 is oriented so that the colorant chamber 2430Yc is located above the air chamber 2430Yd. The alignment direction of the toner chamber 2430Yc and the air chamber 2430Yd is the third direction Z. In this exemplary embodiment, the receiving port 2430Yb1 is therefore open in this alignment direction, while the discharge port 2430Ya1 is open in a direction intersecting the alignment direction. The colorant chamber 2430Yc is configured to accommodate the toner T. In the toner chamber 2430Yc, the toner T is supported by the filter 283Y. The air chamber 2430Yd does not accommodate any toner. The filter 283Y includes a porous member made of, for example, resin fiber, and has a pore size and pore density that allow air to pass but prevent toner from passing. In other words, the filter 283Y is configured to allow air to pass but prevent toner from passing. Figure 15As shown in , the filter 283Y is held by the first frame 2430Ya and the second frame 2430Yb, wherein the outer edge portion 283Ya of the filter is sandwiched between the flange portion 2430Ya2 of the first frame 2430Ya and the flange portion 2430Yb2 of the second frame 2430Yb. The filter 283Y is sloped from the outer edge portion 283Ya toward the lowest portion 283Yb located below the outer edge portion 283Ya. In other words, the filter 283Y includes a portion (slope portion) that descends as it extends toward (approaches) the lowest portion 283Yb in the first direction X, the second direction Y, or the horizontal direction. The lowest portion 283Yb is a portion that protrudes from the outer edge portion 283Ya in the direction from the colorant chamber 2430Yc toward the air chamber 2430Yd. As Figure 15 As shown in the figure, the lowest part 283Yb is located in the end of the filter 283Y on the side closer to the discharge port 2430Ya1 than the receiving port 2430Yb1 in the first direction. A filter molded in such a shape is used as the filter 283Y. The colorant chamber 2430Yc includes a discharge duct 285Y (channel). The discharge duct 285Y according to this exemplary embodiment is a resin molded component, but can be made of paper, rubber, etc. The discharge duct 285Y is a duct having an inlet 285Ya (first opening) and an outlet 285Yb (second opening) and extends from the inlet 285Ya to the outlet 285Yb. The discharge duct 285Y is a channel through which the toner T accommodated in the colorant chamber 2430Yc passes when it is moved toward the discharge port 2430Ya1. The outlet 285Yb of the discharge duct 285Y is connected to the discharge port 2430Ya1 so as to be communicated. The inlet 85Ya of the discharge duct 285Y faces the lowest portion 283Yb, which is part of the filter 283Y, with a gap therebetween. The inlet 285Ya is ideally located close to the filter 283Y. When the remaining level of toner T in the toner chamber 2430Yc becomes low, the toner T fluidized by air received through the receiving port 2430Yb1 moves along the slope of the filter 283Y and converges at the lowest portion 283Yb. The inlet 285Ya of the discharge duct 285Y can guide the toner T that has converged at the lowest portion 283Yb of the filter 83Y to the discharge port 2430Ya1. Therefore, even when the remaining level of toner contained in the toner chamber 2430Yc of the cartridge 2430Y is low, the toner T can be effectively discharged to the exterior of the cartridge 2430Y.

[0127] Since the distance from the discharge port 280Ya of the pump unit 80Y to the receiving port 2430Yb1 of the cartridge holder 2429 is large, the toner conveying mechanism from the cartridge 2430Y to the process unit PY in this exemplary embodiment includes an air supply pipe 284Y that connects the discharge port 280Ya and the receiving port 2430Yb1.

[0128] As Figure 15 shown in FIG. 27, the suction port 2430Yb1 of the cartridge 2430Y is formed in a first end portion 2430YFE of the cartridge 2430Y in the first direction X. Similarly, the suction port 2430Mb1 is formed in a second end portion of the cartridge 2430M in the first direction X. The end portion 2430YFE and the second end portion 2430 are the end portions of the cartridges 2430Y and 2430M, respectively, that are closer to the pump units 280Y and 280M. The discharge port 2430Ya1 of the cartridge 2430Y is formed in a third end portion 2430YBE of the cartridge 2430Y opposite the first end portion 2430YFE. Similarly, the discharge port 2430Ma1 of the cartridge 2430M is formed in a fourth end portion of the cartridge 2430M opposite the second end portion. The suction ports and the discharge ports of the cartridges 2430C and 2430K are also similarly configured.

[0129] The toner T discharged from the discharge port 2430Ya1 of the cartridge 2430 is supplemented to the developing unit 9Y (developing container 3Y) of the process unit PY by the supplement tube 2444Y. The configuration of the developing unit 9Y of the process unit PY is similar to that in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0130] In the first exemplary embodiment, the cartridge 430 is located at the front side of the main body, and the supplement tube 444 is located at the end portion in the second direction Y so as not to obstruct the optical path of the laser light L from the laser scanner unit LB. In the present exemplary embodiment, as Figure 16 shown in FIG. 27, the discharge port of the cartridge 2430 is located above the process unit P, and the supplement tube 2444 does not need to be arranged to avoid the L light L’. Thus, the supplement tube 2444 can be laid out in a shorter path than in the first exemplary embodiment. Shortening the length of the supplement tube 2444 can reduce pressure loss compared to the configuration of the first exemplary embodiment.

[0131] The present application is not limited to the foregoing exemplary embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, the scope of the present application is disclosed by the following claims.

[0132] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-039200, filed March 14, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0133] List of Reference Signs

[0134] 1 Image forming apparatus

[0135] 3 Developing container

[0136] 4 Photosensitive drum

[0137] 6 Developing roller

[0138] 9 developing unit

[0139] 72 device main body

[0140] 80 pump unit

[0141] 83 filter

[0142] 83a flange portion

[0143] 83b lowest portion

[0144] 85 discharge conduit

[0145] 430 cassette

[0146] 430a first frame

[0147] 430b second frame

[0148] 430a1 discharge port

[0149] 430b receiving port

[0150] 444 supplemental tube

[0151] 500 imaging unit

[0152] P processing unit

[0153] LB laser scanner unit

[0154] X first direction

[0155] Y second direction

[0156] Z third direction

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, comprising: an apparatus main body including a first developing unit including a first developing container configured to house a first toner and a first developing roller configured to carry the first toner, and a second developing unit including a second developing container configured to house a second toner and a second developing roller configured to carry the second toner; a pump unit configured to send out air; a first toner container configured to house the first toner and detachably attachable to the apparatus main body, the first toner container including a first suction port configured to suck in the air sent out from the pump unit, and a first discharge port configured to discharge the first toner using the air sucked in from the first suction port; a second toner container configured to house the second toner and detachably attachable to the apparatus main body, the second toner container including a second suction port configured to suck in the air sent out from the pump unit, and a second discharge port configured to discharge the second toner using the air sucked in from the second suction port; a first passage communicating with the first discharge port and extending to the first developing container; and a second passage communicating with the second discharge port and extending to the second developing container, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured such that the first toner discharged from the first discharge port passes through the first passage by the air discharged from the first discharge port and flowing into the first passage to replenish the first developing container, and wherein the image forming apparatus is configured such that the second toner discharged from the second discharge port passes through the second passage by the air discharged from the second discharge port and flowing into the second passage to replenish the second developing container.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the first developing unit and the second developing unit are arranged along a first direction, and wherein, wherein the first toner container and the second toner container are arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first toner container and the second toner container are both positioned to overlap the first developing unit when viewed in the first direction.

3. The imaging device of claim 2, wherein, The first toner container and the second toner container are both positioned to overlap the second developing unit when viewed in the first direction.

4. The imaging device of claim 2, wherein, The first toner container and the second toner container are both configured to be detachably attachable to the apparatus main body in the first direction.

5. The imaging device of claim 2, wherein, 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the first discharge port is formed in a downstream end surface of the first toner container in an attachment direction of the first toner container with respect to the apparatus main body, and wherein wherein the second discharge port is formed in a downstream end surface of the second toner container in an attachment direction of the second toner container with respect to the apparatus main body. ​ 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first suction port is formed in a bottom surface of the first toner container, and wherein the second suction port is formed in a bottom surface of the second toner container.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first suction port is formed in a bottom surface of the first toner container, and wherein the second suction port is formed in a bottom surface of the second toner container.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a discharge roller configured to discharge a recording material on which an image is formed to an outside of the image forming apparatus, wherein, in a discharge direction in which the discharge roller discharges a recording material, the second developing unit is located downstream of the first developing unit in the discharge direction, and the first toner container and the second toner container are located downstream of the second developing unit.

10. The imaging device of claim 9, wherein, the first passage is located outside of the second passage in the second direction, and a length of the first passage is greater than a length of the second passage in the first direction.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the apparatus main body includes a first photosensitive drum configured to be supplied with first toner from the first developing roller, a second photosensitive drum configured to be supplied with second toner from the second developing roller, and an exposure unit configured to expose the first photosensitive drum and the second photosensitive drum, and wherein the first passage and the second passage are located outside of an optical path of the exposure unit in the second direction.

12. The imaging device of claim 11, wherein, the second passage is located between the exposure unit and the first developing unit in a third direction that intersects both the first direction and the second direction.

13. The imaging device of claim 11, wherein, at least a portion of the second passage overlaps the first passage when viewed in the second direction.

14. The imaging device of claim 11, wherein, at least a portion of the second passage overlaps the first passage when viewed in the second direction.

15. A toner container comprising: a first chamber configured to house toner, the first chamber including a discharge port configured to discharge toner housed in the first chamber to an outside of the toner container; a filter configured to prevent toner from passing but to allow air to pass; a second chamber adjoining the first chamber across the filter, the second chamber including a suction port configured to suck in air from the outside of the toner container; and a passage provided in the first chamber and configured for the toner to pass, the passage including a first opening opposing a portion of the filter with a gap and a second opening configured to communicate with the discharge port, the passage extending from the first opening to the second opening, wherein the discharge port is configured to open in an intersecting direction that intersects an aligning direction in which the first chamber and the second chamber are aligned.

16. The toner container of claim 15, wherein the suction port is formed in a bottom surface of the toner container in a case where the toner container is oriented in a direction in which the first chamber is located above the second chamber.

17. The toner container of claim 15, wherein, The filter is configured to slope downward toward the portion of the filter in the alignment direction with the toner container oriented in a direction in which the first chamber is positioned above the second chamber.

18. The toner container of claim 17, wherein, The portion of the filter is positioned at a horizontal center of the filter with the toner container oriented in a direction in which the first chamber is positioned above the second chamber.

19. The toner container of claim 15, wherein, The suction inlet is positioned not to overlap the first opening when viewed in the alignment direction.

20. The toner container according to claim 15, further comprising: a first frame in which the discharge port is formed; and a second frame in which the suction inlet is formed, wherein the filter is positioned between the first frame and the second frame, wherein the first chamber is formed by the first frame and the filter, and wherein the second chamber is formed by the second frame and the filter.

21. The toner container of claim 20, wherein, An outer edge portion of the filter is sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame.

22. The toner container of claim 15, wherein, The passage includes a first portion including the first opening and extending in the alignment direction, and a second portion including the second opening and extending in the intersecting direction.

23. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, the first toner container including: a first chamber including the first discharge port and configured to house the first toner, a first filter configured to block the first toner but allow air to pass, and a second chamber adjoining the first chamber below the first chamber across the first filter, the second chamber including the first suction inlet, and wherein the second toner container includes: a third chamber including the second discharge port and configured to house the second toner, a second filter configured to block the second toner but allow air to pass, and a fourth chamber adjoining the third chamber below the third chamber across the second filter, the fourth chamber including the second suction inlet.

24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first suction inlet is formed in a first end portion of the first toner container on a side closer to the pump unit in the first direction, and wherein the second suction inlet is formed in a second end portion of the second toner container on a side closer to the pump unit in the second direction.

25. The image forming apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the first discharge port is formed in a third end portion of the first toner container opposite the first end portion in the first direction, and wherein the second discharge port is formed in a fourth end portion of the second toner container opposite the second end portion in the first direction.

26. The image forming apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the first toner container is disposed such that the first direction is a longitudinal direction of the first toner container, and the second toner container is disposed such that the second direction is a longitudinal direction of the second toner container. The second toner container is disposed such that the first direction is a longitudinal direction of the second toner container.

27. The imaging device of claim 26, wherein, The first toner container overlaps both the first developing unit and the second developing unit, and the second toner container overlaps both the first developing unit and the second developing unit, when the image forming apparatus is viewed in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction.

28. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a discharge roller configured to discharge a recording material on which an image is formed to an outside of the image forming apparatus, wherein, The second developing unit is located downstream of the first developing unit in a discharge direction in which the discharge roller discharges a recording material, and The first toner container and the second toner container overlap the second developing unit when viewed in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction.

29. The image forming apparatus according to claim 28, wherein, The apparatus main body includes a plurality of developing units including the first developing unit and the second developing unit, and The second developing unit is located most downstream in the discharge direction among the plurality of developing units.

30. The imaging device of claim 29, wherein, The first toner container and the second toner container overlap the first developing unit when viewed in the third direction.

31. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The pump unit includes a first pump configured to send out air toward a first suction port of the first toner container, and a second pump configured to send out air toward a second suction port of the second toner container, and The first pump and the second pump are arranged in a direction in which the first toner container and the second toner container are arranged.

32. The imaging device of claim 31, wherein, The first pump and the second pump respectively overlap the first toner container and the second toner container when viewed in a direction of gravity.

33. The imaging device of claim 32, wherein, The first pump and the second pump are diaphragm pumps.

34. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The apparatus main body includes a first photosensitive drum configured to be supplied with toner from the first developing roller, and an exposure unit configured to expose the first photosensitive drum, and The first toner container is located on a side opposite to the second developing unit of the exposure unit in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction.

35. The imaging device of claim 34, wherein, The exposure unit includes a substrate on which an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a driver integrated circuit (IC) are mounted.

36. A toner container comprising: a first chamber configured to house toner, the first chamber including a discharge port configured to discharge toner housed in the first chamber to an outside of the toner container; a filter configured to block passage of toner but allow passage of air; a second chamber adjoining the first chamber across the filter, the second chamber including a suction port configured to suck in air from an outside of the toner container; and a second chamber adjoining the first chamber across the filter, the second chamber including a suction port configured to suck in air from an outside of the toner container; and a passage provided in the first chamber and configured to pass toner, the passage including a first opening opposing a portion of the filter with a gap and a second opening configured to communicate with the discharge port, the passage extending from the first opening to the second opening, wherein the discharge port is configured to open in an alignment direction in which the first chamber and the second chamber are aligned.

37. The toner container according to claim 36, wherein the suction port opens in the alignment direction, and wherein the discharge port is formed in a surface of the toner container opposite to a position at which the suction port is formed in the alignment direction.

38. A toner container, comprising: a first chamber configured to accommodate toner, the first chamber including a discharge port configured to discharge toner accommodated in the first chamber to an outside of the toner container; a filter configured to prevent toner from passing but allow air to pass; a second chamber adjoining the first chamber across the filter, the second chamber including a suction port configured to suck air from an outside of the toner container; and a passage provided in the first chamber and configured to pass the toner, the passage including a first opening opposing a portion of the filter with a gap and a second opening configured to communicate with the discharge port, the passage extending from the first opening to the second opening, wherein the suction port and the discharge port are holes formed in a frame forming the first chamber and the second chamber.

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