Image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes (i) a developing unit including a storage frame having a receiving port and a developing shutter movable between a closed position covering the receiving port and an open position exposing the receiving port; (ii) a toner cartridge including a toner frame having a discharge port, the toner cartridge being movable between a mounted position in which the discharge port faces the receiving port and a retracted position; (iii) a moving device that moves the toner cartridge from the retracted position toward the mounted position; and (iv) a driving device including a driving source and driving the moving device. When the toner cartridge is moved from the retracted position toward the mounted position, the developing shutter is moved from the closed position toward the open position by a force of the driving source.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a rotary developing system is known that forms a color image by rotating a rotary assembly including a plurality of developing members. Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-183305 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-096852 describe an image forming apparatus that includes a rotary assembly having a plurality of developing rollers and a plurality of toner cartridges (toner containers) detachably attached to the rotary assembly. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application provides a new image forming apparatus that improves the prior art.

[0004] One aspect of the present application is described below.

[0005] An image forming apparatus includes: a developing unit including a developing roller, a storage frame including a receiving port and a storage chamber that accommodates toner to be supplied to the developing roller, and a developing shutter that is movable between a closed position in which the receiving port is covered and an open position in which the receiving port is exposed; an apparatus main body that accommodates the developing unit; a toner cartridge that is detachably attached to the developing unit, the toner cartridge including a toner frame that accommodates toner to be supplied to the developing unit and has a discharge port, wherein the toner cartridge is movable relative to the storage frame between a mounted position in which the discharge port faces the receiving port and a retracted position in which the toner cartridge is moved from the mounted position, and at least a portion of the toner cartridge is located outside the apparatus main body when the toner cartridge is in the retracted position; a moving device arranged to move the toner cartridge from the retracted position toward the mounted position; and a driving device including a driving source and arranged to drive the moving device, wherein the developing shutter is arranged to be moved from the closed position toward the open position by a force of the driving source when the toner cartridge is moved from the retracted position toward the mounted position.

[0006] An image forming apparatus includes: a developing unit including a developing roller and a storage frame including a receiving port and a storage chamber accommodating toner to be supplied to the developing roller; an apparatus main body accommodating the developing unit; a toner cartridge detachably mounted to the developing unit, the toner cartridge including a toner frame accommodating toner to be supplied to the developing unit and having a discharge port, and a toner shutter movable between a closed position in which the discharge port is covered and an open position in which the discharge port is exposed, wherein the toner cartridge is movable relative to the storage frame between a mounted position in which the discharge port faces the receiving port and a withdrawn position in which the toner cartridge is moved from the mounted position, and at least a portion of the toner cartridge is positioned outside the apparatus main body when the toner cartridge is in the withdrawn position; a moving device arranged to move the toner cartridge from the withdrawn position toward the mounted position; and a driving device including a driving source and arranged to drive the moving device, wherein a moving direction of the toner cartridge crosses a longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge when the toner cartridge is moved from the mounted position to the withdrawn position, and the toner shutter is arranged to move from the closed position toward the open position by a force of the driving source when the toner cartridge is moved from the withdrawn position toward the mounted position.

[0007] An image forming apparatus includes: a developing unit including a developing roller, a storage frame including a receiving port and a storage chamber accommodating toner to be supplied to the developing roller, and a developing shutter movable between a first closed position in which the receiving port is covered and a first open position in which the receiving port is exposed; and a toner cartridge detachably mounted to the developing unit, the toner cartridge including a toner frame accommodating toner to be supplied to the developing unit and having a discharge port, and a toner shutter movable between a second closed position in which the discharge port is covered and a second open position in which the discharge port is exposed, wherein the toner cartridge is movable relative to the storage frame between a mounted position in which the discharge port faces the receiving port and a withdrawn position in which the toner cartridge is moved from the mounted position, wherein the toner cartridge is configured to be moved between the mounted position and the withdrawn position in a state in which the discharge port is positioned below the receiving port, and the toner shutter is configured to reach the second open position before the developing shutter reaches the first open position when the toner cartridge is moved from the withdrawn position toward the mounted position.

[0008] Other features of the present application will become apparent from the following description of example embodiments with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a developing unit, a toner cartridge, and a tray according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figures 6A to 6C is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7A and Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 is a view showing a rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9 is a view showing a rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10 is a view showing a rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11A and Figure 11B is a view showing a configuration regarding a movement of a tray according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12A and Figure 12B is a view showing a configuration regarding a movement of a tray according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 13A and Figure 13B is a view showing a configuration regarding a drive system of a tray according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 14A and Figure 14B is a view showing a configuration regarding a drive system of a tray according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 15A and Figure 15B is a perspective view of a stepped gear according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a locking member according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 17A and Figure 17B is a view showing a configuration of a lock mechanism with respect to a rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 18A and Figure 18B is a view showing a configuration of a lock mechanism with respect to a rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figures 19A to 19D is a perspective view of a drive rack according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 20A and Figure 20B is a perspective view of a configuration of a drive rack holding according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 21A and Figure 21B is a perspective view of a rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figures 22A to 22D is a view showing a configuration of a gear gap adjustment according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 23 is a view showing a configuration of a gear gap adjustment according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 24A and Figure 24B is a view showing a configuration of an idler according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figures 25A to 25E is a view showing a configuration of detection of a tray pushing action according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 26 is a view showing an internal configuration of a toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 27 is a sectional view showing an internal configuration of a toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 28A and Figure 28B is a sectional view of a toner cartridge and a developing unit according to the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 29 is a sectional view of a rotating assembly according to the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 30A and Figure 30B is a view showing a configuration of a cover and a connecting portion according to the first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 31A and Figure 31B is a view showing the configuration of the cover and the connecting portion according to the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 32A and Figure 32B is a sectional view of the developing unit according to the first embodiment.

[0041] Figures 33A to 33C is a view showing the rotation of the rotation holder according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Figures 34A to 34C is a view showing the relationship between the rotation of the rotation body and the movement of the protrusion with respect to the rotation holder according to the first embodiment.

[0043] Figure 35A and Figure 35B is a perspective view of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0044] Figure 36 is a view showing the toner cartridge as viewed in the lateral direction according to the first embodiment.

[0045] Figure 37A and Figure 37B is a view showing the toner shutter and the shutter driving unit according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Figures 38A to 38C is a view showing the toner shutter and the shutter driving unit according to the first embodiment.

[0047] Figures 39A to 39D is a view showing the toner shutter and the shutter driving unit according to the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 40A and Figure 40B is a view showing the improvement of the grip portion of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 41A and Figure 41B is a view showing the improvement of the grip portion of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0050] Figure 42A and Figure 42B is a view showing the improvement of the grip portion of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0051] Figure 43 is a perspective view of the developing unit according to the first embodiment.

[0052] Figures 44A to 44D is a view showing the movement of the developing shutter according to the first embodiment.

[0053] Figures 45A to 45Cis a view showing the movement of the developing shutter according to the first embodiment.

[0054] Figure 46A and Figure 46B is a view showing the movement of the developing shutter according to the first embodiment.

[0055] Figure 47A and Figure 47B is a view showing the position of the developing shutter in the closed position according to the first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 48A and Figure 48B is a view showing the relationship between the developing shutter in the open position, the toner shutter in the open position, and the photoconductor drum according to the first embodiment.

[0057] Figure 49 is a view showing the engagement of the positioning portion of the toner cartridge with the positioning portion of the developing unit according to the first embodiment.

[0058] Figures 50A to 50C is a view showing the engagement of the positioning portion of the toner cartridge with the positioning portion of the developing unit according to the first embodiment.

[0059] Figures 51A to 51D is a view showing the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the positioning portion of the toner cartridge and the positioning portion of the developing unit have started to engage according to the first embodiment.

[0060] Figures 52A to 52D is a view showing the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the adjustment protrusion has passed through the adjustment portion according to the first embodiment.

[0061] Figures 53A to 53D is a view showing the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the release portion has released the stopper according to the first embodiment.

[0062] Figures 54A to 54D is a view showing the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the gear teeth have passed through the opener and the toner shutter is positioned in the open position according to the first embodiment.

[0063] Figures 55A to 55D is a view showing the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the opener is in contact with the shutter holder according to the first embodiment.

[0064] Figures 56A to 56D is a view showing the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the developing shutter is in the open position according to the first embodiment.

[0065] Figure 57is a view showing the rotating assembly in a state where the toner cartridge is located in the installed position according to the first embodiment.

[0066] Figure 58A and Figure 58B is a perspective view of the toner cartridge according to the second embodiment.

[0067] Figure 59 is a view showing the toner cartridge according to the second embodiment as viewed in the lateral direction.

[0068] Figure 60A and Figure 60B is a view showing the toner shutter and the shutter driving unit according to the second embodiment.

[0069] Figures 61A to 61C is a view showing the toner shutter and the shutter driving unit according to the second embodiment.

[0070] Figures 62A to 62D is a view showing the toner shutter and the shutter driving unit according to the second embodiment.

[0071] Figure 63 is a perspective view of the developing unit according to the second embodiment.

[0072] Figure 64A and Figure 64B is a perspective view showing the opening unit according to the second embodiment.

[0073] Figure 65A and Figure 65B is a sectional view showing the arrangement of the opening unit according to the second embodiment.

[0074] Figure 66 is a view showing the engagement of the positioning portion of the toner cartridge with the positioning portion of the developing unit according to the second embodiment.

[0075] Figures 67A to 67D is a view showing the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the positioning portion of the toner cartridge and the positioning portion of the developing unit have started to engage according to the second embodiment.

[0076] Figures 68A to 68D is a view showing the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the adjustment protrusion has passed through the adjustment portion according to the second embodiment.

[0077] Figures 69A to 69D is a view showing the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the release portion releases the stopper according to the second embodiment.

[0078] Figures 70A to 70Dis a view showing the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the gear teeth have passed through the opener and the toner shutter is in the open position, according to the second embodiment.

[0079] Figures 71A to 71D is a view showing the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the opener is in contact with the shutter holder, according to the second embodiment.

[0080] Figures 72A to 72D is a view showing the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the developing shutter is in the open position, according to the second embodiment.

[0081] Figure 73 is a view showing the rotating assembly in a state where the toner cartridge is in the installed position, according to the second embodiment.

[0082] Figure 74 is a view showing the configuration regarding the movement of the tray, according to the third embodiment.

[0083] Figures 75A to 75C is a view showing the configuration regarding the movement of the tray, according to the third embodiment.

[0084] Figure 76A and Figure 76B is a view showing the configuration regarding the movement of the tray, according to the fourth embodiment.

[0085] Figure 77A and Figure 77B is a schematic view showing the configuration of the mobile device, according to the fifth embodiment.

[0086] Figure 78A and Figure 78B is a view showing the configuration of the mobile device, according to the fifth embodiment.

[0087] Figures 79A to 79C is a view showing the configuration of the mobile device, according to the fifth embodiment.

[0088] Figure 80 is a schematic view of an image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.

[0089] Figures 81A to 81C is a view showing the configuration of the discharge port of the sealed toner cartridge, according to the variant. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0091] First Embodiment

[0092] An image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12B ​

[0093] In the following description and drawings, the vertical direction in the case where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal plane is defined as the Z direction. A direction intersecting the Z direction and being a direction of a rotation axis 90C of a rotation body 90 (described later) that is a rotation axis of the rotation body is defined as the Y direction. A direction intersecting both the Z direction and the Y direction is defined as the X direction. The X direction and the Y direction can be horizontal directions. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction can be orthogonal to each other. As needed, the directions of arrows X, Y, and Z shown in the drawings are referred to as +X side, +Y side, and +Z side, and their opposite sides are referred to as -X side, -Y side, and -Z side.

[0094] Overall configuration of image forming apparatus

[0095] First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 is a laser beam printer that forms an image on a sheet S by using an electrophotographic method. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 is a color laser beam printer that includes four developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, 50k. As a recording material (recording medium), the sheet S can use sheets of various sizes and materials, including paper such as regular paper and thick paper, plastic films, cloth, sheets that have been surface-treated such as art paper, and sheets of special shapes such as envelopes and index paper.

[0096] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the schematic configuration and image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional structure of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing drive sources of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 3 is a conceptual view showing a configuration in which toner is supplied from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50.

[0097] As shown in Figure 1 , the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus main body) 1A and toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, 70k that are detachably attached to the apparatus main body 1A. The apparatus main body 1A of the present embodiment is a portion of the image forming apparatus 1 from which the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, 70k are removed.

[0098] The apparatus main body 1A of the image forming apparatus 1 includes an electrophotographic photoconductor (hereinafter, a photoconductor drum) 2 having a drum shape (cylindrical shape) as an image bearer that carries an electrostatic latent image. A charging roller 3, a scanner 4 that serves as an exposure device, and a cleaning unit 6 are disposed around the photoconductor drum 2.

[0099] The charging roller 3 is an example of a charging device or a charging unit for uniformly charging the photoconductor drum 2. The scanner 4 is an example of an exposure device or an exposure unit that performs exposure by irradiating the photoconductor drum 2 with a laser beam in accordance with image information. By irradiating the photoconductor drum 2 with the laser beam, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 2. The cleaning unit 6 is an example of a cleaning device or a cleaning section for removing toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 2.

[0100] The device main body 1A includes a sheet storage room 300, a pickup roller 310, a feed roller 311, a separation roller 312, a conveyance roller pair 320, a secondary transfer roller 12, a fixing unit 40, and an intermediate transfer unit 10. The pickup roller 310 is an example of a sheet feeding device or a sheet feeding unit that feeds the sheet S. The feed roller 311 and the separation roller 312 are examples of a separation conveyance unit that conveys the sheet S while separating the sheet S one by one by friction. The secondary transfer roller 12 is an example of a transfer device or a transfer unit that transfers an image from the intermediate transfer belt 10a to the sheet S.

[0101] The intermediate transfer unit 10 includes an intermediate transfer belt 10a, a belt drive roller 10b, a tension roller 10c, a cleaning device 13, and a primary transfer roller 11. The intermediate transfer belt 10a is an example of an intermediate transfer member that carries an image transferred (primary transfer) from the photoconductor drum 2 and conveys the image to transfer (secondary transfer) the image to the sheet S. The intermediate transfer belt 10a is pulled taut between the belt drive roller 10b and the tension roller 10c. The belt drive roller 10b is a drive member that conveys the intermediate transfer belt 10a by being rotationally driven by a drive source.

[0102] The device main body 1A includes a rotating main body (rotating body, rotating member, and developing device) 90 having developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, 50k. As will be described later, in the present embodiment, trays (support members) 80y, 80m, 80c, 80k are attached to the rotating main body 90. The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, 70k are detachably mounted to the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, 80k.

[0103] In the following description, a plurality of components and the like having similar functions can be distinguished from each other by assigning numbers. For example, one of the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, 70k can be referred to as a first toner cartridge, one of the remaining three can be referred to as a second toner cartridge, one of the remaining two can be referred to as a third toner cartridge, and the last one can be referred to as a fourth toner cartridge. Similarly, one of the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, 80k can be referred to as a first tray, one of the remaining three can be referred to as a second tray, one of the remaining two can be referred to as a third tray, and the last one can be referred to as a fourth tray. In other words, one of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a first support member, another of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a second support member, still another 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. The numbers are used for the convenience of description, and can be interchanged as needed in general.

[0104] The developing units (first to fourth developing units) 50y, 50m, 50c, 50k are examples of developing devices or developing sections that develop electrostatic latent images formed on the photoconductor drum 2 into toner images using toner of a corresponding color. Each of the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, 50k develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 2 using yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, or black toner. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 has first, second, third, and fourth developers of different colors. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, 50k can be arranged in an order different from that shown. Figure 1

[0105] The developing unit 50y includes a developing roller 51y, a supply roller 52y, and a developing blade. The developing roller 51y is a developer carrier that rotates while carrying toner as a developer and supplies the toner to the photoconductor drum 2. The supply roller 52y is a supply member provided to contact the developing roller 51y and supply toner to the developing roller 51y. The developing blade is a regulating member that regulates the thickness of a toner layer carried on the developing roller 51y. The other developing units 50m, 50c, 50k also include similar developing rollers 51m, 51c, 51k, supply rollers 52m, 52c, 52k, and developing blades, respectively.

[0106] ​Corresponding to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, 50k, toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, 70k are attached to the rotating body 90. Yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner are respectively contained in the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, 70k as toner to be supplied to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, 50k. One of the four colors of toner is referred to as a first toner, one of the remaining three colors of toner is referred to as a second toner, one of the remaining two colors of toner is referred to as a third toner, and the last toner is referred to as a fourth toner. For example, the black toner is an example of the first toner, and the magenta toner is an example of the second toner. The numbers are used for convenience of description, and can be interchanged as needed in general.

[0107] Here, the rotating body 90 includes a rotating frame 90f that supports the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, 50k. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, 50k are supported by the rotating frame 90f as a rotatable rotating support member.

[0108] The trays 80y, 80m, 80c, 80k are attached to the rotating body 90. The combination of the rotating body 90 and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, 80k can be referred to as a rotating unit 90U. In other words, the rotating unit 90U includes the rotating body 90 and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, 80k.

[0109] The toner cartridges 70y to 70k are respectively detachably held by the trays 80y to 80k. As will be described later, the trays 80y to 80k are supported so as to be slidable to the outside of the rotating body 90. The combination of the rotating unit 90U and the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, 70k can be referred to as a rotating assembly 90A. In other words, the rotating assembly 90A includes the rotating unit 90U and the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, 70k.

[0110] As will be described later, the rotating body 90 is rotatable about a rotation axis (rotation center) 90C. The rotation axis 90C coincides with the rotation axes of the rotating frame 90F, the rotating unit 90U, and the rotating assembly 90A. The rotation axis 90C is substantially parallel to the rotation axis (rotation center) of the photoconductor drum 2.

[0111] When the rotating body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C, any one of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, 51k can take a developing attitude to face the photoconductor drum 2. The attitude of the developing roller 51y to face the photoconductor drum 2 is referred to as a yellow developing attitude. The attitude of the developing roller 51m to face the photoconductor drum 2 is referred to as a magenta developing attitude. The attitude of the developing roller 51c to face the photoconductor drum 2 is referred to as a cyan developing attitude. The attitude of the developing roller 51k to face the photoconductor drum 2 is referred to as a black developing attitude. In other words, the rotating body 90 is rotatable around the rotation axis 90C so that the positions of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, 51k relative to the photoconductor drum 2 change. The black developing attitude is an example of a first developing attitude in which the first developing roller (developing roller 51k) faces the photoconductor drum 2. The other developing attitudes are examples of a second developing attitude in which the second developing roller (any one of the developing rollers 51y to 51c) faces the photoconductor drum 2. The yellow, magenta, cyan, and black developing attitudes can also be referred to as first to fourth developing attitudes. The numbers are used for convenience of description, and can generally be interchanged as needed.

[0112] As shown in Figure 2 The apparatus body 1A includes motors M1, M2, M3 as drive sources. As will be described later, the motor M1 provides a driving force for rotating the rotating body 90 around the rotation axis 90C. In other words, the motor M1 rotates the rotating assembly 90A and the rotating unit 90U around the rotation axis 90C. The motors M1, M2, M3 are examples of drive sources that operate when receiving electric power.

[0113] The apparatus body 1A includes a driving device 98 including the motor M2 and a transmission device. The transmission device includes drive racks 15R, 15L that function as drive gears (described later) and a transmission unit 15t. The driving force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the drive racks 15R, 15L through the transmission unit 15t. In other words, the motor M2 is configured to drive the drive racks 15R, 15L and move the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, 80k relative to the rotating body 90 through the drive racks 15R, 15L.

[0114] The motor M3 drives components other than those driven by the motor M1 or the motor M2. For example, the motor M3 drives the photoconductor drum 2, the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, 50k, the pickup roller 310, the feed roller 311, the transfer roller pair 320, the secondary transfer roller 12, the belt driving roller 10b, and the fixing unit 40.

[0115] The components driven by the motors M1, M2, M3 can be changed as needed. The roles of any two or three of the motors M1, M2, M3 can be incorporated into a single motor. On the other hand, other drive sources other than the motors M1, M2, M3 can be added.

[0116] The device main body 1A includes a control unit 30 as a controller that controls the operation of the image forming device 1. The control unit 30 includes a CPU that operates a program and a storage unit such as a ROM and a RAM. The CPU reads and operates a program stored in the storage unit to control the operation of actuators, i.e., the motors M1, M2, M3, provided in the image forming device 1. The storage unit includes a nonvolatile storage medium and a volatile storage medium as a storage location for programs and data, and also as a work space for the CPU to operate the program. The functions of the control unit 30 described below can be implemented as independent hardware in a circuit within the control unit 30, such as an ASIC.

[0117] The suffixes y, m, c, and k of the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, 50k, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, 70k, and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, 80k each indicate the color of the toner. The basic configuration and function of the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, 50k are common. The basic configuration and function of the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, 70k are common. The basic configuration and function of the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, 80k are common. Therefore, when the units, cartridges, or trays do not need to be distinguished from each other, the suffixes y, m, c, and k are omitted, and the units, cartridges, or trays will be described on the assumption that any one of the four units, cartridges, or trays is present. When the four units, cartridges, or trays are distinguished from each other, they will be described on the assumption that each of them is one of the four units, cartridges, or trays corresponding to the suffixes y, m, c, or k.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming device 1 includes a device main body 1A and a toner cartridge 70y. The device main body 1A includes a scanner 20, a conveyance mechanism 40, a developing unit 50y, and a toner cartridge 70y. The toner cartridge 70y is removably attached to the device main body 1A. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming device 1 includes a device main body 1A and a toner cartridge 70y. The device main body 1A includes a scanner 20, a conveyance mechanism 40, a developing unit 50y, and a toner cartridge 70y. The toner cartridge 70y is removably attached to the device main body 1A.

[0119] The developing unit 50 has a developing frame (storage frame) 53. The developing frame 53 includes a developing-side storage chamber 53a and a receiving port (inlet) 53b that communicates with the developing-side storage chamber (toner supply chamber) 53a. That is, the rotating body 90 includes a developing frame 53y, a developing frame 53m, a developing frame 53c, and a developing frame 53k. In other words, the rotating body 90 includes a first developing chamber, a second developing chamber, a third developing chamber, and a fourth developing chamber. As described previously, the developing unit 50 includes a developing roller 51, a supply roller 52, and the like; however, these components are omitted in Figure 3

[0120] The developing roller 51k of the developing unit 50k is an example of a first developing roller. The developing roller 51m of the developing unit 50m is an example of a second developing roller. The developing unit 50k having the developing-side storage chamber 53a is an example of a first developing unit. The developing unit 50m having the developing-side storage chamber 53a is an example of a second developing unit. Figure 4A ​The developing frame 53k of the developing device 50k is an example of a first storage frame having a first storage chamber. The developing unit 50m Figure 4A The developing frame 53m of the developing device 50m is an example of a second storage frame having a second storage chamber. The rotating body 90 is an example of a rotatable rotating body including a first developing roller, a second developing roller, a first storage frame having a first storage chamber, and a second storage frame having a second storage chamber. In the present embodiment, the rotating body 90 includes first to fourth developing rollers and first to fourth storage frames.

[0121] As will be described later, the toner cartridge 70 is movable relative to the developing frame 53 between an installed position and a position different from the installed position. In an embodiment, the position different from the installed position can define a retracted position. Alternatively, the retracted position can be considered a non-installed / uninstalled position, a popped-out position, or a retrieved position. In an embodiment, the toner cartridge is movable from the installed position to the retracted position and / or from the retracted position to the installed position. In a state where the toner cartridge 70 is located at the installed position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge port 71b faces the receiving port 53b. In other words, the toner storage chamber 71a of the toner cartridge 70 and the developing-side storage chamber 53a of the developing unit 50 communicate with each other via the discharge port 71b and the receiving port 53b. When toner is supplied from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50, at least a portion of the receiving port 53b is located below at least a portion of the discharge port 71b.

[0122] Then, the toner accommodated in the toner storage chamber 71a is discharged from the discharge port 71b, and the toner discharged from the discharge port 71b is put into the developing-side storage chamber 53a through the receiving port 53b. In other words, the first developing agent is supplied to the first developing chamber of the rotating body 90, the second developing agent is supplied to the second developing chamber of the rotating body 90, the third developing agent is supplied to the third developing chamber of the rotating body 90, and the fourth developing agent is supplied to the fourth developing chamber of the rotating body 90.

[0123] The toner accommodated in the developing-side storage chamber 53a is supplied to the developing roller 51 by the supply roller 52. The toner accommodated in the toner storage chamber 71a is supplied to the developing roller 51 through this path.

[0124] The toner cartridge 70 desirably includes a sealing member (first sealing member) (not shown) covering the discharge port 71b. The developing unit 50 desirably includes a sealing member (second sealing member) (not shown) covering the receiving port 53b.

[0125] In a state where the toner cartridge 70 is not installed to the developing unit 50, the discharge port 71b and the receiving port 53b are desirably covered by the sealing members to suppress toner outflow from the discharge port 71b and the receiving port 53b.

[0126] Image forming operation

[0127] An image forming operation in the present embodiment will be described. First, the photoconductor drum 2 is rotated in the arrow direction (counterclockwise) in FIG. 8 in synchronization with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 10a. Then, the surface of the photoconductor drum 2 is uniformly charged with the charging roller 3. Figure 1

[0128] When color images are formed on the sheet S, the main body 90 is rotated in the arrow direction (clockwise) in FIG. 8 while supporting the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, 50k, as described below. Then, the electrophotographic process is repeatedly performed while the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, 51k are moved one after another to the developing positions. Figure 1

[0129] First, the scanner 4 applies a laser beam based on image data corresponding to a yellow image to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow image on the surface of the photoconductor drum 2. In parallel with the formation of the electrostatic latent image, the motor M1 rotates the main body 90 to bring the main body 90 to a yellow developing attitude. When the main body 90 is in the yellow developing attitude, the developing roller 51y is in the developing position, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 2 is developed by using yellow toner.

[0130] In the present embodiment, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, 51k is an elastic roller in which a metal shaft is coated with rubber. In the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, 51k develops the electrostatic latent image in a state of being in contact with the photoconductor drum 2. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 in the present embodiment adopts a contact developing method. However, in the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, 51k can develop the electrostatic latent image in a state of being in a gap from the photoconductor drum 2. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 can adopt a non-contact developing method.

[0131] When the yellow toner image is developed, the yellow toner image on the photoconductor drum 2 is primary-transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10a by the primary transfer roller 11 provided inside the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0132] ​​Thereafter, the rotating body 90 rotates to sequentially move the developing rollers 51m, 51c, 51k to the developing positions, and form toner images of the respective colors. In other words, after a yellow toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotating body 90 assumes a magenta developing attitude, and a magenta toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After the magenta toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotating body 90 assumes a cyan developing attitude, and a cyan toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After the cyan toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotating body 90 assumes a black developing attitude, and a black toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After the black toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotating body 90 rotates in the arrow direction (clockwise direction) around the rotation axis 90C to return to the yellow developing attitude. The color of the image that is formed first on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is optional. For example, a black toner image can be formed first. Figure 1

[0133] Then, the four toner images are overlaid on the intermediate transfer belt 10a by repeating the transfer once, and as a result, 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.

[0134] On the other hand, the sheet S is fed by the pickup roller 310 from a sheet storage chamber 300 provided at the bottom of the device body 1A. The sheet S is separated into individual sheets by the feed rollers 311 and the separation rollers 312, and is sent to the transfer roller pair 320. The transfer roller pair 320 sends the fed sheet S to the transfer portion (secondary transfer unit), which is the pressure-applied portion between the intermediate transfer belt 10a and the secondary transfer roller 12. The color image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is transferred to the surface of the sheet S that is being conveyed (secondary transfer).

[0135] The sheet S on which the color image is transferred is sent to the fixing unit 40. In the fixing unit 40, the sheet S is heated and pressed to fix the image on the sheet S. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing unit 40 is discharged as a product to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0136] On the other hand, when a monochrome image is formed on the sheet S, the rotating body 90 assumes the black developing attitude. In this state, after an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 2 as a result of charging and exposure of the photoconductor drum 2, the electrostatic latent image is developed using black toner by the developing roller 51k that is positioned at the developing position. The black toner image is primary transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 10a, and then secondary transferred onto the sheet S. The subsequent processes are similar to the case of the color image.

[0137] Rotating configuration​

[0138] The configuration of the rotating body 90 will be described with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 5 .

[0139] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are cross-sectional views showing the rotating body 90 of the image forming apparatus 1 and its surroundings. Figure 4A and Figure 4B are cross-sectional views of the apparatus taken along a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90, Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rotating body 90.

[0140] As described earlier, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k are capable of being detachably attached to the rotating body 90. When the toner in the toner cartridges 70y to 70k is used up, the user is able to supply the image forming apparatus 1 with toner by replacing the toner cartridges 70y to 70k.

[0141] As shown in Figure 1 , the apparatus body 1A includes a frame 16 that houses the rotating body 90.

[0142] The frame 16 is a body frame of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. The frame 16 is a housing (frame) of the apparatus body 1A that is composed of a frame and an external member. In the present embodiment, the frame 16 has a substantially cuboid shape.

[0143] The frame 16 has an opening (body opening, housing 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 portion of the front X-side outer surface of the apparatus body 1A. The opening 16a is provided at the side surface 16b. The side surface 16b is a side surface provided downstream of the outlet of the apparatus body 1A in the discharge direction of the sheet S on which an image is formed. The user is able to approach the sheet containing chamber 300 from the side surface 16b side of the image forming apparatus 1, replenish the sheet S to the sheet storage chamber 300, or recover the sheet S discharged from the discharge outlet. Therefore, the side surface 16b can be considered as a front portion (front surface) of the apparatus body 1A.

[0144] The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, 70k can be attached to and detached from the rotating body 90 through the opening 16a. In other words, the toner cartridge 70k can be considered as an example of a first toner cartridge that accommodates toner supplied to a first developing roller (developing roller 51k) and can be attached to and detached from a rotating body (rotating body 90) through an opening 16a of a frame 16 of an apparatus body 1A. The toner cartridge 70m can be considered as an example of a second toner cartridge that accommodates toner supplied to a second developing roller (developing roller 51m) and can be attached to and detached from a rotating body (rotating body 90) through an opening 16a of a frame 16 of an apparatus body 1A.

[0145] In the present embodiment, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, 70k are attached to and detached from the rotating body 90 through the opening 16a in a state of being supported by the trays 80y to 80k.

[0146] In other words, a user is able to attach and detach the toner cartridges 70y to 70k to and from the rotating body 90 via the trays 80y to 80k.

[0147] The opening 16a is provided at a side surface 16b of the frame 16. In the present embodiment, the side surface 16b is a surface that is substantially parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90. Therefore, when the toner cartridges 70 are replaced, the toner cartridges 70 pass through the opening 16a in a direction that intersects the rotation axis 90C (may be a direction that is orthogonal to the rotation axis 90C).

[0148] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a door 14 that covers the opening 16a of the frame 16. The door 14 is an opening and closing member that is movable between a closed position (see Figure 6A ) in which the opening 16a is covered and an open position (see Figure 6B and Figure 6C ) in which the opening 16a is exposed.

[0149] As described above, in the present embodiment, the toner cartridges 70 are configured to be detachably attached to the rotating body 90 via the trays 80. Therefore, the toner cartridges 70 can be stably attached to and detached from the rotating body 90.

[0150] More specifically, the user is able to replace the toner cartridge 70 by performing an operation of attaching the toner cartridge 70 to the tray 80 configured to be movable with respect to the rotating body 90 (i.e., with respect to the device body 1A) and detaching the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80. When the user directly replaces the toner cartridge by removing the toner cartridge from the device body and inserting the toner cartridge into the device body, the user needs to insert the toner cartridge into a predetermined mounting position inside the device body. In the present embodiment, the tray 80 is movable in a state of supporting the toner cartridge 70 so that the toner cartridge 70 is moved to the mounting position. Therefore, the user is able to replace the toner cartridge 70 by an easy operation, i.e., by placing the toner cartridge 70 on the tray 80, and thus the operability is improved.

[0151] The toner cartridge 70 has an elongated shape extending in a longitudinal direction in the Y direction provided to be parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90. In other words, the longitudinal dimension of the toner cartridge 70 is greater than the height and the width in a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. When handling the toner cartridge 70 having such an elongated shape, by providing the opening 16a at the side surface 16b of the frame 16 substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the toner cartridge 70, the toner cartridge 70 can pass through the opening 16a with a short moving distance. For example, it is easier to replace the toner cartridge 70 compared to removing and inserting the toner cartridge 70 through an opening provided at a side surface of the frame 16 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0152] The rotating body 90 is rotatable about the rotation axis 90C to take a replacement attitude that allows removal of any one of the toner cartridges 70y to 70k from the rotating body 90. The attitude that allows detachment of the toner cartridge 70y is referred to as a yellow replacement attitude. The attitude that allows detachment of the toner cartridge 70m is referred to as a magenta replacement attitude. The attitude that allows removal of the toner cartridge 70c is referred to as a cyan replacement attitude.

[0153] The attitude that allows detachment of the toner cartridge 70k is referred to as a black replacement attitude.

[0154] The black replacement attitude is an example of a first replacement attitude that allows removal of a first toner cartridge from the rotating body 90. The yellow, magenta, and cyan replacement attitudes are examples of a second replacement attitude that allows removal of a second toner cartridge from the rotating body 90. The yellow, magenta, cyan, and black replacement attitudes can also be referred to as first to fourth replacement attitudes. The numbering is used for convenience of description and can generally be interchanged as needed.

[0155] The rotating body 90 is able to take the yellow, magenta, cyan, black replacement attitudes in order by rotating about the rotation axis 90C in a clockwise direction in Figure 1 In the present embodiment, the rotating body 90 can take the yellow, magenta, cyan, black replacement attitudes in order by rotating about the rotation axis 90C in a clockwise direction in Figure 1clockwise direction around the rotation axis 90C in the developing posture and the replacement posture. For example, in Figure 1 In the state, the rotation body 90 is in the black developing posture. From this state, when the rotation body 90 is rotated clockwise, the posture of the rotation 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. When the rotation body 90 is rotated clockwise from the magenta replacement posture, the rotation body 90 returns to the black developing posture. In other words, the rotation body 90 can be rotated more than one full rotation (360°) clockwise.

[0156] Figure 4A A cross section of the rotation body 90 in the developing posture (specifically, in the yellow developing posture) is shown. Figure 4B A cross section of the rotation body 90 in the replacement posture (specifically, the black replacement posture) is shown.

[0157] As shown in Figure 4A and Figure 4B , four trays 80y to 80k are attached to the rotation body 90. The trays 80y to 80k hold the toner cartridges 70y to 70k, respectively. In Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the trays 80y to 80k are accommodated in the rotation body 90, and this state can be considered as a state in which the toner cartridges 70y to 70k are mounted to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, 50k.

[0158] As described above, the toner cartridge 70 is movable relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50 between a mounted position and a retracted position moved from the mounted position. In other words, the first toner cartridge (the toner cartridge 70k) is movable relative to the first storage frame (the developing frame 53k) between a first mounted position and a first retracted position. The second toner cartridge (the toner cartridge 70m) is movable relative to the second storage frame (the developing frame 53m) between a second mounted position and a second retracted position.

[0159] As shown in Figure 3 , in a state in which the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge port 71b and the receiving port 53b face each other. In this state, the toner cartridge 70 is configured to supply toner to the developing-side storage chamber 53a through the receiving port 53b (the opening of the storage frame).

[0160] The device body 1A includes a moving device 85 configured to move the toner cartridge 70 relative to the rotation body 90 (more specifically, relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50) from the mounted position to the retracted position. This will be described later with reference to Figure 8The mobile devices 85 are described. In the present embodiment, a plurality of mobile devices 85y to 85k corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges 70y to 70k are provided in the rotating body 90. The trays 80y to 80k can be regarded as parts of the mobile devices 85y to 85k.

[0161] In the present embodiment, the toner cartridge 70k that accommodates black toner has a larger size and is capable of accommodating a larger amount of toner than the toner cartridges 70y to 70c that accommodate yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner, respectively. In other words, a first toner cartridge can accommodate a first amount of toner, and a second toner cartridge can accommodate a second amount of toner, and thus the first amount is regarded as being larger than the second amount.

[0162] Specifically, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k in a first radial direction with respect to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 is longer than the length of the magenta toner cartridge 70m in a second radial direction. Here, the first radial direction refers to a radial direction of the rotating body 90 (a radial direction of a virtual circle centered on the rotation axis 90C), and is a direction in which the toner cartridge 70k extends with respect to the rotation axis 90C when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis 90C. The second radial direction refers to a radial direction of the rotating body 90, and is a direction in which the toner cartridge 70m extends with respect to the rotation axis 90C when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis 90C. Similarly, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k in the first radial direction is longer than the lengths of the toner cartridges 70y, 70c in the radial directions corresponding to the other toner cartridges 70y, 70c.

[0163] Accordingly, the tray 80k that holds the black toner cartridge 70k is larger in size than the trays 80y to 80c that hold the other toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c. In other words, the four toner cartridges 70y to 70k and the trays 80y to 80k of different sizes are arranged inside the rotating body 90. In other words, the toner cartridge 70k as an example of a first toner cartridge, and the toner cartridge 70y as an example of a second toner cartridge that is smaller in size than the first toner cartridge, can be attached to and detached from the rotating body 90. In accordance with this, the rotating body 90 includes the tray 80k as an example of a first support member that supports the first toner cartridge, and the tray 80y as an example of a second support member that is smaller in size than the first support member. The toner cartridges 70m, 70c as examples of a third toner cartridge and a fourth toner cartridge that are smaller in size than the first toner cartridge can be attached to and detached from the rotating body 90. In accordance with this, the rotating body 90 includes the trays 80m, 80c as examples of a third support member and a fourth support member that are smaller in size than the first support member.

[0164] Here, the rotation drive of the rotating body 90 will be described with reference to Figure 5 Figure 5 ​As shown, the pinion gears 92R, 92L are provided at both ends of the rotation body 90, respectively. The rotation drive gears 93R, 93L are connected to both ends of the pivot 91 so as to be drivable, respectively. Here, the driving force of the motor Ml is transmitted to the rotation drive gear 93R through the drive transmission mechanism. Subsequently, the rotation body 90 is rotationally driven by the driving force transmitted to the pinion gears 92R, 92L through the rotation drive gears 93R, 93L. In Figure 1 the rotation body 90 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 90C.

[0165] The rotation body 90 is supported so as to be pivotable around the pivot 91. The rotation body 90 is urged in the counterclockwise direction around the pivot 91 by the urging member in Figure 4A and Figure 4B This direction can be considered as a direction in which each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k approaches the photoconductor drum 2. As a result, in a state where the rotation body 90 is in the developing attitude, each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k is in contact with the photoconductor drum 2.

[0166] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5 , the rotation cams 90eR, 90eL are provided at both ends of the rotation body 90. In Figure 4A and Figure 4B , when the rotation body 90 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 90C, the rotation cams 90eR, 90eL contact the rollers 96 supported by the frame 16. Then, in Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the rotation body 90 moves in the clockwise direction around the pivot 91. This direction can be considered as a direction in which each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k moves away from the photoconductor drum 2. This direction can be considered as a direction in which the rotation body 90 approaches the opening 16a of the frame 16 and the door 14.

[0167] Therefore, when the rotation body 90 rotates to switch from the developing attitude to the replacement attitude, the rotation body 90 pivots around the pivot 91. In a state where the rotation body 90 is in the replacement attitude, the developing rollers 51 are separated from the photoconductor drum 2.

[0168] As shown in Figure 4B , in the black replacement attitude, the toner cartridge 70k is stopped at a position where the toner cartridge 70k faces the opening 16a provided at the side surface 16b of the apparatus main body 1A and the door 14. From this state, when the tray 80k is slid from the mounting position for the developing unit 50k to the outside of the rotation body 90, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70k.

[0169] Replacement operation of the toner cartridge

[0170] The following will be described with reference to Figure 4A , Figures 6A to 6C , Figure 7A and Figure 7BA toner cartridge replacement operation will be described. Figures 6A to 6C is an appearance view of the device main body 1A. Figure 7A and Figure 7B is a sectional view around the rotating body 90 when the toner cartridge is replaced. Figure 7A and Figure 7B is a sectional view of the device taken along a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90.

[0171] Figure 6A is an appearance of the device main body 1A during an image forming operation and in a standby state. During the image forming operation, the image forming device 1 performs a series of operations in which the image forming device 1 feeds a sheet S, forms an image on the sheet S, and then discharges the sheet S as a product. The standby state is a state in which the image forming device 1 is able to start the image forming operation upon receiving an image forming instruction (print instruction) from a user, and is a state of waiting for the image forming instruction from the user. As Figure 6A indicated, the door 14 is in a closed state during the image forming operation and in the standby state.

[0172] Figure 6B is an appearance of the device main body 1A when the toner cartridge is replaced. When the toner cartridge is replaced, the door 14 is in an open state, and the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 are moved to the outside of the device main body 1A.

[0173] The toner cartridge 70 is movable relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50 between a mounted position and a retracted position moved from the mounted position. In a state in which the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position relative to the developing frame 53, as Figure 3 indicated, the discharge port 71b and the receiving port 53b face each other. As Figure 4A and Figure 4B indicated, the rotating body 90 is configured to rotate around the rotation axis 90C to assume a developing attitude or a replacement attitude when the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position.

[0174] A toner cartridge replacement operation will be described. Initially, a user instructs the control unit 30 of the device main body 1A to perform the toner cartridge replacement operation. The instruction of the toner cartridge replacement operation is provided by, for example, input of an operation panel (operation unit) provided on the device main body 1A.

[0175] When the control unit 30 receives the instruction of the toner cartridge replacement operation, the rotating body 90 is rotated to the replacement attitude of the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced (the toner-empty toner cartridge 70) and stopped. In other words, the control unit 30 rotates the rotating body 90 to the replacement attitude of the toner cartridge specified in the instruction of the toner cartridge replacement operation Figure 4BThe black replacement posture in which the black toner cartridge 70k is replaced). In the replacement posture, the tray 80 supporting the specified toner cartridge 70 to be replaced faces the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0176] For example, Figure 4A The rotating body 90 in the yellow developing posture in which the yellow developing roller 51y faces the photoconductor drum 2. At this time, the black toner cartridge 70k and the corresponding tray 80k do not need to face the opening 16a and the door 14. In other words, when the rotating body 90 is in the replacement posture or the developing posture other than the replacement posture of the toner cartridge, the toner cartridge 70 and the tray 80 do not need to face the opening 16a and the door 14. Therefore, the opening 16a only needs to have a size sufficient for each toner cartridge 70 to pass through individually. When the rotating body 90 is rotated by a predetermined angle in the clockwise direction in the drawing from the yellow developing posture, as shown in Figure 4B , the black toner cartridge 70k and the corresponding tray 80k face the opening 16a and the door 14.

[0177] Here, "the tray 80 faces the opening 16a" means that the tray 80 is positioned such that the tray 80 is movable to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A through the opening 16a. In other words, when the tray 80 faces the opening 16a, the tray 80 is moved to the radially outer side of the rotating body 90 by a moving mechanism (described later), as a result of which the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 supported by the tray 80 can protrude to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A. In Figure 4A , none of the trays 80y to 80k face the opening 16a. In Figure 4B , only the black tray 80k faces the opening 16a, and the other trays 80y to 80c do not face the opening 16a.

[0178] When the rotating body 90 is positioned in the replacement posture, the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced is moved by the motor M2 toward the outside of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0179] As a result, the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced is moved from the installed position to the retracted position with respect to the rotating body 90. As shown in Figure 6B , Figure 6C , Figure 7A and Figure 7B , the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced supported by the tray 80 protrude to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A through the opening 16a.

[0180] More specifically, the tray 80 is movable relative to the rotating body 90 between a storage position and an eject position. In other words, the first tray is movable relative to the rotating body 90 between a storage position (first position) and an eject position (second position). The second tray is movable relative to the rotating body 90 between a storage position (third position) and an eject position (fourth position). The storage position is a position in which the tray 80 is stored in the rotating body 90. The eject position is a position in which the tray 80 is projected to the outside of the rotating body 90 and allows the toner cartridge 70 to be removed from the tray 80 (removal position, replacement position). Examples of the storage position include the positions of the trays 80y to 80k in Figure 4A and Figure 4B Examples of the eject position include the positions of the trays 80 in Figure 6B and Figure 6C the tray 80k in Figure 7A and the tray 80m in Figure 7B .

[0181] When the tray 80 is in the storage position, the toner cartridge 70 attached to the tray 80 is positioned inside the rotating body 90 and positioned in the installation position. When the tray 80 is in the eject position, the toner cartridge 70 attached to the tray 80 is positioned outside the rotating body 90 and positioned in the retracted position.

[0182] Here, as shown in Figure 7A and Figure 7B , the rotating body 90 has a protrusion 95 to hold the tray 80 in the storage position and hold the toner cartridge 70 in the installation position. As shown in Figure 8 , the tray 80 has a recess 87 that cooperates with the protrusion 95. Figure 7A and Figure 7B show the protrusions 95k, 95m corresponding to the trays 80k, 80m, Figure 8 show the recesses 87y, 87m of the trays 80y, 80m; however, the protrusion 95 and the recess 87 are provided for each of the trays 80y to 80k. The protrusion 95 can be forced in a direction that engages with the recess 87.

[0183] When the protrusion 95 cooperates with the recess 87 of the tray 80, the tray 80 is locked to the rotating frame 90f. This causes the tray 80 to stay in the storage position even when the rotating body 90 rotates, and prevents the toner cartridge 70 from moving from the installation position. When the tray 80 is moved between the storage position and the eject position by a moving device (described later), the protrusion 95 can be configured to move by the tray 80 to disengage from the recess 87.

[0184] In the present embodiment, the door 14 is pivotally supported relative to the device main body 1A. As shown in Figure 7AAs shown, door 14 is forced from the open position toward the closed position by spring 14s. Spring 14s is, for example, a tension spring, which forces door 14 to generate force around the support axis 14c of door 14. Figure 7A and Figure 7B The torque in the counterclockwise direction.

[0185] The tray 80 pushes the door 14 to put the door 14 in the open position. Figure 6B (As shown in the diagram). This state can also be described as the state in which the tray 80 is supported by the door 14. The door 14 supports at least a portion of the tray 80, which protrudes to the outside of the device body 1A, resulting in the toner cartridge 70 being further stably supported. In other words, when the first toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70k) is in the first retracted position, the opening / closing member (door 14) in the open position supports the first support member (tray 80k). When the second toner cartridge (any one of toner cartridges 70y to 70c) is in the second retracted position, the opening / closing member (door 14) in the open position supports the second support member (the corresponding tray 80y to 80c).

[0186] Door 14 is configured to contact a portion of the frame 16 of the device body 1A in the open position (e.g., the lower edge 16c of the opening 16a) and will not pivot downward beyond the open position. When the tray 80 is pulled back from the outside of the device body 1A to the inside, door 14 returns to the closed position due to the force of spring 14s.

[0187] The toner cartridge 70 is removably held by the tray 80. Therefore, as... Figure 6C As shown, the user can perform the work of removing the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80 and attaching a new toner cartridge 70 (replacement work). When multiple toner cartridges 70 are replaced, the replacement work can be performed by repeating the above actions.

[0188] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A cross-section around the rotating body 90 is shown when the toner cartridge is replaced.

[0189] Figure 7A The condition is shown when the black toner cartridge 70k is replaced. Figure 7B The condition is shown when the magenta toner cartridge 70m is replaced.

[0190] Image forming apparatus 1 includes moving devices 85y, 85m, 85c, and 85k that respectively move toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k from their mounting positions to their retracted positions. Figure 8). When no suffix is mentioned, the mobile device 85 generally refers to any one of the mobile devices 85y, 85m, 85c, 85k. In the present embodiment, it is understood that the mobile device 85 includes the tray 80. The mobile device 85k including the tray 80k can be considered as an example of a first mobile device including a first support member. The mobile device 85m including the tray 80m can be considered as an example of a second mobile device including a second support member.

[0191] Even when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the tray 80 is connected to (supported by) the rotating body 90. In order to easily perform the operation of removing the toner cartridge 70 from the rotating body 90, the length by which the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotating body 90 at the retracted position can be long. Since the toner cartridge 70 is configured to be detachably attached to the rotating body 90 via the tray 80, the toner cartridge 70 can be stably supported by the tray 80 even when the length by which the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotating body 90 is long.

[0192] The direction of movement of the toner cartridge 70 when the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the installed position to the retracted position is referred to as a retraction direction. In the present embodiment, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is a direction that intersects the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). Thus, as shown in Figure 7A and Figure 7B shown, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction) when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C. The retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 can be considered as a direction that is outward in the radial direction of the rotating body 90 (a direction away from the rotation axis 90C).

[0193] As shown in Figure 7A and Figure 7B Since the user performs the operation of removing the toner cartridge 70 from the rotating body 90, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 can protrude from the rotating body 90 when the toner cartridge 70 is removed. In the present embodiment, the entire toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotating body 90 when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position.

[0194] When the rotating body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C, the rotation locus of the rotating body 90 can be considered as a circumscribed circle (by the rotating body 90) around the rotation axis 90C. Figure 7A and Figure 7Bthe dashed line indicated in the virtual circle 90V) coincides. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the withdrawn position, half or more of the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the withdrawn direction can be positioned outside the rotation locus of the rotating body 90. In other words, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body, in the state where the toner cartridge is in the withdrawn position, half or more of the total length of the toner cartridge in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge from the installed position toward the withdrawn position can be positioned outside the rotation locus of the rotating body. This applies to each of the 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 embodiment, as shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the withdrawn position, the entire toner cartridge 70 is positioned outside the rotation locus (virtual circle 90V) of the rotating body 90. Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the withdrawn position, the entire toner cartridge 70 is positioned outside the rotation locus (virtual circle 90V) of the rotating body 90.

[0195] Further, in order to make it easier for the user to grasp the toner cartridge 70, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 can be positioned outside the machine of the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the machine of the apparatus main body 1A) when the toner cartridge 70 is in the withdrawn position. Here, the "outside the machine" refers to a space outside the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the apparatus main body 1A) when the image forming apparatus 1 is used for an image forming operation, for example, on a sheet S or the like.

[0196] In the present embodiment, the appearance surface of the apparatus main body 1A is formed by the appearance surface of the frame 16. In other words, the "outside the machine" can be considered as the outside of the frame 16. Therefore, the state where at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is positioned outside the machine can be considered as the state where at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A toward the outside of the frame 16.

[0197] In the present embodiment, when the door 14 is in the closed position, the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A is covered by the door 14. A portion of the appearance surface of the apparatus main body 1A is formed by the appearance surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position. In this case, the "outside the machine" refers to the outside of the appearance surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position. In other words, the position of the appearance surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position is the appearance position. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the withdrawn position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is positioned outside the apparatus main body 1A beyond this appearance position.

[0198] In other words, if the door 14 is in the closed position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is positioned in the space outside the apparatus main body 1A. In the withdrawn direction of the toner cartridge 70, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is positioned downstream of the appearance position.

[0199] When the side surface 16b having the opening 16a is the front of the device main body 1A, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 can be considered to protrude further forward beyond the front side appearance surface of the device main body 1A when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position. In this case, the user is able to access the toner cartridge 70 from the front side of the image forming apparatus to easily replace the toner cartridge 70.

[0200] 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 can be placed outside the machine. In other words, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotation body, in the state where the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, half or more of the total length of the toner cartridge in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge from the installed position toward the retracted position can be positioned outside the main body frame. This applies to each of the 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. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 can be placed outside the machine. In the present embodiment, the front side appearance surface of the device main body 1A is formed by the appearance surface 14a of the door 14 and the side surface 16b; however, the configuration of the door 14 is not limited thereto. For example, the size of the door 14 can be a size that covers the entire side surface 16b. In this case, the front side appearance surface of the device main body 1A is formed by the appearance surface 14a of the door 14.

[0201] The tray 80 includes a cartridge holding portion 81 (see Figure 3 and Figure 6C ) that holds the toner cartridge 70. The cartridge holding portion 81 is a mounting portion that mounts the toner cartridge 70. When the tray 80 is in the ejected position, the entire cartridge holding portion 81 is able to be positioned outside the rotation locus of the rotation body 90 in the retraction direction. When the tray 80 is in the ejected position, half or more of the length of the cartridge holding portion 81 is able to be positioned outside the machine in the retraction direction.

[0202] As described previously, the sizes of the toner cartridge 70k and the tray 80k are larger than those of the other toner cartridges 70y to 70c and the other trays 80y to 80c. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 7A and Figure 7B , the amount of movement of the tray 80 during replacement of the toner cartridge varies depending on the size of the toner cartridge 70.

[0203] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7A , when the tray 80k (first support member) is moved from the storage position (first storage position) to the ejected position (first ejected position), the distance of movement is LI. When the tray 80m (second support member) is moved from the storage position to the ejected position (second ejected position), the distance of movement is L2. Figure 7BThe diagram shows the state where the toner cartridge 70m and tray 80m have been moved, and the moving distance is also L2 when trays 80y and 80c move from the storage position to the retracted position. In this case, L1 is greater than L2. In other words, when the first toner cartridge moves from the first mounting position to the first retracted position, the moving distance of the first support component can be considered longer than the moving distance of the second support component when the second toner cartridge moves from the second mounting position to the second retracted position.

[0204] like Figure 7A As shown, with the tray 80k in the pop-out position and the toner cartridge 70k in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70k protrudes from the outer surface of the device body 1A to the outside of the machine by a distance P1. In this embodiment, the tray 80k also protrudes from the outer surface of the device body 1A to the outside of the machine by a distance P1.

[0205] like Figure 7B As shown, with the tray 80m in the pop-out position and the toner cartridge 70m in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70m protrudes from the outer surface of the device body 1A to the outside of the machine by a distance P2. In this embodiment, the tray 80m also protrudes from the outer surface of the device body 1A to the outside of the machine by a distance P2. The toner cartridges 70y and 70c also protrude from the outer surface of the device body 1A to the outside of the machine by a distance P2.

[0206] The distance P1 is longer than the distance P2. In other words, the length by which the first toner cartridge protrudes from the opening 16a of the device body 1A when it is in the first retracted position is defined as the first length (P1), and the length by which the second toner cartridge protrudes from the opening 16a when it is in the second retracted position is defined as the second length (P2). In this case, the first length can be considered to be longer than the second length.

[0207] When the distance P2 by which the toner cartridge 70k protrudes to the outside of the machine at the retracted position is smaller than the distance P1 by which the toner cartridge 70k protrudes to the outside of the machine at the retracted position, the smaller toner cartridges 70y to 70c are advantageous in strength compared to the toner cartridge 70k. This is due to the following reason. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the appearance surface of the apparatus main body 1A to the outside of the rotation locus of the rotation body 90 or to the outside of the machine. At this time, the tray 80 supports the weight of the toner cartridge 70 in a state of being supported by the rotation body 90 in a cantilever manner. Therefore, as the distance P2 by which the toner cartridges 70y to 70c protrude to the outside of the machine at the retracted position decreases, the load on the guide portions 97 of the rotation body 90 supporting the trays 80y to 80k and the trays 80y to 80c can be reduced. Since the sizes of the toner cartridges 70y to 70c are smaller than that of the toner cartridge 70k, the operability of the cartridge replacement of the trays 80y to 80c can be maintained even when the distance P2 is smaller than the distance P1.

[0208] Arrangement of trays in a rotation body

[0209] The arrangement of the trays 80y to 80k in the rotation body 90 will be described below with reference to Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 . Figure 8 is a perspective view of the arrangement of the trays 80y to 80k in the rotation body 90. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of the trays 80y to 80k in the rotation body 90. Figure 10 is a view of the arrangement of the components on the end side in the Y direction of the trays 80y to 80k. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation body 90 taken along a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotation body 90. Figure 10 The upper half of Figure 8 is a view of the rotation body 90 and the trays 80m, 80k as viewed from the upper side (+Z side) of Figure 10 The lower half of Figure 8 is a view of the rotation body 90 and the trays 80c, 80y as viewed from the right side (+X side) of

[0210] As shown in Figure 8 , each of the trays 80y to 80k includes a corresponding one of the cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k and a corresponding one of the guided portions 82y to 82k.

[0211] The toner cartridges 70y to 70k are respectively mounted on the cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k. Each of the cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k stores at least a portion of the corresponding one of the toner cartridges 70y to 70k mounted thereon.

[0212] Each of the guided portions 82y to 82k is provided at each end of the corresponding one of the trays 80y to 80k so as to sandwich the corresponding one of the cassette holding portions 81y to 81k in the Y direction. Each of the guided portions 82y to 82k is an elongated member extending in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the rotation body 90.

[0213] In the present embodiment, a reinforcing rib 82k1 is formed on a portion of the guided portion 82k in the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k, and a reinforcing rib 82m1 is formed on a portion of the guided portion 82m in the moving direction Dm of the tray 80m (see also Figure 11A and Figure 11B ). Each of the reinforcing ribs 82k1, 82m1 has an elongated rib shape (protrusion) extending outward from the corresponding one of the guided portions 82k, 82m provided at each end of the corresponding one of the trays 80k, 80m in the Y direction, and extends in the corresponding one of the moving directions Dk, Dm of the trays 80k, 80m. By the reinforcing ribs 82k1, 82m1, the rigidity of the guided portions 82k, 82m is improved.

[0214] In the present embodiment, the lengths of the reinforcing ribs 82m1, 82k1 are limited to avoid interference with the guided portions 82y, 82c. However, if there is no interference with the guided portions 82y, 82c, the reinforcing ribs 82m1, 82k1 can be provided along the entire lengths of the guided portions 82m, 82k. Reinforcing ribs can be added to the guided portions 82y, 82c. When the rigidity of the guided portions 82m, 82k is sufficient, the reinforcing ribs 82m1, 82k1 need not be provided.

[0215] Rack portions 83y to 83k (racks) are respectively formed at the guided portions 82y to 82k. Pinions 94y to 94k are rotatably held in the rotation body 90. The pinions 94y to 94k are respectively driveably engaged with the rack portions 83y to 83k.

[0216] The tray 80y includes one or more rack portions 83y. The rotation body 90 includes one or more pinions 94y corresponding to the one or more rack portions 83y. Similarly, the tray 80m includes one or more rack portions 83m, the tray 80c includes one or more rack portions 83c, and the tray 80k includes one or more rack portions 83k. The rotation body 90 includes one or more pinions 94m corresponding to the one or more rack portions 83m, one or more pinions 94c corresponding to the one or more rack portions 83c, and one or more pinions 94k corresponding to the rack portions 83k.

[0217] The rack portions 83y to 83k and the pinions 94y to 94k are respectively parts of the moving devices 85y to 85k configured to move the toner cartridges 70y to 70k from the mounting positions to the retracted positions. The rack portions 83y to 83k and the pinions 94y to 94k can be considered as parts of driven devices driven by the driving device 98 of the device main body 1A.

[0218] The pinions 94y to 94k can be considered as rotating members (rotary members) that move the trays 80y to 80k relative to the rotating body 90 by rotation.

[0219] The moving devices 85y to 85k are driven by the driving device 98 of the device main body 1A. The pinions 94y to 94k and the rack portions 83y to 83k function as driven units of the moving devices 85y to 85k of the rotating body 90 to receive driving force from the driving device 98 of the device main body 1A. The pinion 94k and the rack portion 83k are examples of a first pinion and a first rack that constitute at least a part of a first driven unit of a first moving device. The pinion 94m and the rack portion 83m are examples of a second pinion and a second rack that constitute at least a part of a second driven unit of a second moving device.

[0220] The rotating body 90 has guide portions 97 (see Figure 7A and Figure 7B ) that are engaged with the guided portions 82y to 82k respectively. Figure 7A The guide portion 97 (97k) engaged with the guided portion 82k of the tray 80k is shown, Figure 7B The guide portion 97 (97m) engaged with the guided portion 82m of the tray 80m is shown. The rotating body 90 includes similar guide portions engaged with the guided portions 82y, 82c of the trays 80y, 80c. Figure 7A and Figure 7B The guide portion 97 provided on one side (+Y side) in the Y direction of the rotating body 90 is shown; however, similar guide portions 97 are also provided on the other side (-Y side) in the Y direction of the rotating body 90.

[0221] The guide portions 97 maintain engagement with the guided portions 82 at least in a part of the moving range and guide the trays 80 in the moving direction when the trays 80 are moved between the storage positions and the ejection positions. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 97 maintains engagement with the guided portion 82k over the entire moving range between the storage position and the ejection position of the tray 80k. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 97 maintains engagement with the guided portion 82m over the entire moving range between the storage position and the ejection position of the tray 80m.

[0222] As Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the four trays 80y to 80k are arranged to overlap each other in the rotating body 90, which will be described in detail below.

[0223] When the pinions 94y to 94k rotate, the rack portions 83y to 83k and the trays 80y to 80k move relative to the rotating body 90. For example... Figure 9 As shown, four trays 80y to 80k are arranged in the rotating body 90, such that the direction of movement of the four trays 80y to 80k is rotated by 90 degrees. Therefore, a pair of trays 80y and 80c, and a pair of trays 80m and 80k, are each held to be able to slide in substantially the same direction (parallel direction). During sliding, the direction of movement of each of the trays 80y to 80k is adjusted by engagement of a corresponding guide portion 82y to 82k with a corresponding guide portion 97.

[0224] Each of pallets 80y to 80k moves to the outside of the machine through opening 16a. As each of pallets 80y to 80k moves to the outside of the machine through opening 16a, the direction of movement of each pallet is substantially the same (parallel).

[0225] like Figure 9 As shown, in the moving direction Dk of tray 80k, the area where tray 80k is placed is set to overlap with the areas where tray 80y and tray 80c are placed. In the moving direction Dk of tray 80k, the area where tray 80k is placed overlaps with the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90. In other words, the toner cartridge 70k held by the cartridge holding part 81k of tray 80k can be considered to overlap with the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90. Figure 4B ).

[0226] On the other hand, in the moving direction Dm of pallet 80m, the area where pallet 80m is placed is offset so as not to overlap with the area where pallet 80y or pallet 80c is placed. Similarly, in the moving direction Dy of pallet 80y, the area where pallet 80y is placed is offset so as not to overlap with the area where pallet 80m or pallet 80k is placed. Likewise, in the moving direction Dc of pallet 80c, the area where pallet 80c is placed is offset so as not to overlap with the area where pallet 80m or pallet 80k is placed.

[0227] The positional relationship between the trays 80 can also be described as follows. When viewed in the direction of movement Dy of the tray 80y, the tray 80y overlaps the tray 80k; however, the tray 80y does not overlap the tray 80m. When viewed in the direction of movement Dm of the tray 80m, the tray 80m overlaps the tray 80k; however, the tray 80m does not overlap the tray 80y or the tray 80c. When viewed in the direction of movement Dc of the tray 80c, the tray 80c overlaps the tray 80k; however, the tray 80c does not overlap the tray 80m.

[0228] Here, the phrase "two elements (parts, members, units, etc.) overlap each other when viewed in a certain direction" means that, when each element is vertically projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the certain direction, the projected area of one element at least partially overlaps the projected area of the other element.

[0229] As shown in FIG. 10A, in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the range in which the rack portion 83m and the guided portion 82m are disposed at least partially overlaps the range in which the rack portion 83k and the guided portion 82k are disposed. In other words, in the present embodiment, in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body (Y direction), the range in which the first rack (rack portion 83k) is disposed at least partially overlaps the range in which the second rack (rack portion 83m) is disposed. Therefore, compared to an arrangement in which the rack portion 83m and the guided portion 82m do not overlap the rack portion 83k and the guided portion 82k, the rack portions 83m, 83k and the guided portions 82m, 82k can be disposed in the Y direction in a space-saving manner. Figure 8 Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 10A, in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the range in which the rack portion 83m and the guided portion 82m are disposed at least partially overlaps the range in which the rack portion 83k and the guided portion 82k are disposed. In other words, in the present embodiment, in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body (Y direction), the range in which the first rack (rack portion 83k) is disposed at least partially overlaps the range in which the second rack (rack portion 83m) is disposed. Therefore, compared to an arrangement in which the rack portion 83m and the guided portion 82m do not overlap the rack portion 83k and the guided portion 82k, the rack portions 83m, 83k and the guided portions 82m, 82k can be disposed in the Y direction in a space-saving manner.

[0230] As shown in FIG. 10A, in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the range in which the rack portion 83m and the guided portion 82m are disposed at least partially overlaps the range in which the rack portion 83k and the guided portion 82k are disposed. In other words, in the present embodiment, in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body (Y direction), the range in which the first rack (rack portion 83k) is disposed at least partially overlaps the range in which the second rack (rack portion 83m) is disposed. Therefore, compared to an arrangement in which the rack portion 83m and the guided portion 82m do not overlap the rack portion 83k and the guided portion 82k, the rack portions 83m, 83k and the guided portions 82m, 82k can be disposed in the Y direction in a space-saving manner.

[0231] Here, the engagement positions between the rack portions 83 and the pinions 94 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B. Figure 10 The upper half of FIG. 11A shows the engagement position between the rack portion 83k and the pinion 94k. Figure 10 The lower half of FIG. 11A shows the engagement position between the rack portion 83m and the pinion 94m.

[0232] Figure 10 The lower half of FIG. 11B shows the engagement position between the rack portion 83c and the pinion 94c. ​

[0233] Within the Y1 range shown in the figure, in the direction (Y direction) of the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90, the motor M2 (used as the drive source) Figure 2 The driving force transmitted by the transmission device (described later) is transmitted to pinions 94y to 94k. In the range Y2 in the Y direction shown in the figure, pinion 94k is drivably engaged with rack portion 83k. In the range Y3 in the Y direction shown in the figure, pinion 94c is drivably engaged with rack portion 83c. Similar to rack portion 83k, rack portion 83m is drivably engaged with pinion 94m within range Y2. Figure 8 Similar to rack section 83c, rack section 83y is drivably engaged with pinion 94y within the range Y3. Figure 8 ).

[0234] Here, range Y2 and range Y3 are located at different positions in the Y direction (offset in the Y direction). Range Y1 is located at a different position in the Y direction than either range Y2 or range Y3. In other words, range Y1 is offset from ranges Y2 and Y3 in the Y direction.

[0235] Furthermore, when the toner cartridges 70y and 70c are in the installed position, the area of ​​the rack placement portion 83y at least partially overlaps with the area of ​​the rack placement portion 83c in the moving direction of the rack portion 83y (the moving direction Dy of the tray 80y). In this embodiment, since the moving directions Dy and Dc of the trays 80y and 80c are substantially the same (parallel), the area of ​​the rack placement portion 83y at least partially overlaps with the area of ​​the rack placement portion 83c in the moving direction Dc of the tray 80c. Therefore, when the toner cartridges 70y and 70c are in the installed position, the tooth surface of the rack portion 83y is perpendicular to the moving directions Dy and Dc of the rack portions 83y and 83c (…). Figure 8 The tooth surface of the rack section 83c is located on the left and right sides of the rack.

[0236] Furthermore, when the toner cartridges 70m and 70k are in the installed position, the area where the rack section 83m is placed overlaps at least partially with the area where the rack section 83k is placed in the direction of movement of the rack section 83m (the direction of movement of the tray 80m, Dm). In this embodiment, since the directions of movement of the trays 80m and 80k, Dm and Dk, are substantially the same (parallel), the area where the rack section 83m is placed overlaps at least partially with the area where the rack section 83k is placed in the direction of movement of the tray 80k, Dk. Therefore, when the toner cartridges 70m and 70k are in the installed position, the tooth surface of the rack section 83m is in a direction orthogonal to the directions of movement of the rack sections 83m and 83k, Dm and Dk (…). Figure 8 The tooth surface of the rack section 83k (up and down direction) on the upper surface.

[0237] As Figure 12A As shown in (described later), the rack portion 83y overlaps the rack portion 83m and the rack portion 83k when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). The rack portion 83m overlaps the rack portion 83y and the rack portion 83c when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). The rack portion 83c overlaps the rack portion 83m and the rack portion 83k when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). The rack portion 83k overlaps the rack portion 83y and the rack portion 83c when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). In other words, in the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body, the range in which the first rack (rack portion 83k) is placed does not overlap the range in which the second rack (rack portion 83y) is placed. When viewed from the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body, in a state in which the first toner cartridge 70k is in the first installation position and the second toner cartridge 70y is in the second installation position, the first rack (rack portion 83k) overlaps the second rack (rack portion 83y).

[0238] In this way, since the positions at which the rack portions 83k, 83m are placed in the Y direction are different from the positions at which the rack portions 83y, 83c are placed in the Y direction, it is possible to set the rack portions 83y, 83c and the rack portions 83m, 83k so as to overlap each other when viewed from the Y direction.

[0239] Tray moving configuration

[0240] The configuration related to the movement of the trays 80y to 80k provided in the rotating body 90 will be described with reference to Figure 11A , Figure 11B , Figure 12A and Figure 12B . Figure 11A and Figure 11B are perspective views of the configuration related to the movement of the tray 80k. Figure 12A and FIG. 12B are cross-sectional views of the configuration related to the movement of the tray 80k.

[0241] In the present embodiment, the trays 80y to 80k are driven by the driving force of the motor M2 and transmitted to the pinions 94y to 94k through the drive racks 15R, 15L as transmission devices. Here, the configuration for moving the tray 80k with respect to the rotating body 90 will be described, and the configurations for moving the trays 80y to 80c with respect to the rotating body 90 are substantially the same as the configuration for moving the tray 80k, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0242] FIG. 11A A state in which the tray 80k is placed inside the rotating body 90 (i.e., a state in which the toner cartridge 70k is installed to the developing unit 50k) is shown. In other words, FIG. 11AThe state in which the tray 80k is in the storage position is shown, and the state in which the toner cartridge 70k is in the installed position with respect to the developing frame 53k is shown. FIG. 4A FIG. 11B The state in which the tray 80k has slid to the outside of the rotating body 90 is shown. In other words, FIG. 11B The state in which the tray 80k is in the eject position is shown, and the state in which the toner cartridge 70k is in the retracted position with respect to the developing frame 53k is shown. FIG. 4A

[0243] The device main body 1A of the present embodiment includes drive racks 15R, 15L that are drive gears of the drive pinions 94. Each drive rack 15 is driven by the motor M2 via a transmission unit 15t. As shown in FIG. 17, FIG. 11A In the state in which the tray 80k is inside the rotating body 90 (i.e., the state in which the toner cartridge 70k is installed to the developing unit 50k), the drive racks 15R, 15L are in a disengaged position away from the pinions 94k. The drive racks 15R, 15L are moved from the disengaged position and engaged with the pinions 94k, so that the tray 80k is moved from the storage position to the eject position, and the toner cartridge 70k is moved from the installed position to the retracted position.

[0244] As described above, two rack portions 83k are provided at both ends of the tray 80k in the Y direction. Two pinions 94k and two drive racks 15R, 15L are provided at positions corresponding to the rack portions 83k at both ends, respectively. In other words, the device main body 1A of the present embodiment includes the drive racks 15L, 15R that are first and second drive gears. 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.

[0245] However, the numbers are used for the convenience of description, and can be interchanged as needed in general. When it is not necessary to distinguish the drive racks 15R, 15L, the drive racks 15R, 15L are referred to as "drive racks 15".

[0246] The rack portions 83 of the present embodiment are configured as a rack pair, and the pinions 94 of the present embodiment are configured as a pinion pair. In the present embodiment, the rack pair and the pinion pair are provided at one end and the other end of the support member (tray 80) in the Y direction; however, the rack pair and the pinion pair can be provided at other positions. The rack portion 83k and the pinion 94k of the moving device 85k corresponding to the tray 80k can be considered as an example of a first rack pair and a first pinion pair.

[0247] Any one of the rack portions 83y to 83c and the pinions 94y to 94c of the moving devices 85y to 85c corresponding to the other trays 80y to 80c can be considered as an example of a second rack pair and a second pinion pair.​​

[0248] One of the pair of racks meshes with one of the pair of pinions, and the other of the pair of racks meshes with the other of the pair of pinions. At least one of the pair of pinions is driven as the drive rack 15L of the first drive rack. In the present embodiment, both of the pair of pinions are simultaneously driven as the drive racks 15R, 15L of the first and second drive racks. Thus, the tray 80 is less likely to rotate, and as a result, the toner cartridge 70 can be stably moved. The tray 80 can have a single rack portion 83, and can be configured to be moved by a single drive rack 15 through a single pinion 94.

[0249] The tray 80k is held so as to be slidable with respect to the rotating body 90 in a direction parallel to the guided portion 82k, that is, a moving direction Dk. The drive rack 15 is held so as to be slidable with respect to the device body 1A in a direction intersecting the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k. The drive rack 15 is configured to slide (reciprocate) with respect to the device body 1A in a first direction (vertically upward in the present embodiment) and a second direction (vertically downward in the present embodiment) opposite to the first direction. In other words, the moving direction of the drive rack 15 of the present embodiment is a direction (may be an orthogonal direction) intersecting both the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k and the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction) of the rotating body 90.

[0250] The tray moving operation of the tray 80k will be described with reference to FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B The tray moving operation of the tray 80k is performed by the motor M2 FIG. 2 ), the transmission unit 15t, the drive rack 15, the pinion 94k, and the rack portion 83k.

[0251] First, the tray moving operation when the toner cartridge 70k is removed from the rotating body 90 (tray ejection operation) will be described. In a state before the start of the tray ejection operation, the drive rack 15 is positioned below the position at which the drive rack 15 engages with the pinion 94k. FIG. 11A

[0252] As described above, in the replacement operation of the toner cartridge 70k, the rotating body 90 takes a replacement attitude of the toner cartridge 70k. FIG. 4B

[0253] When the tray ejection operation starts, the drive rack 15 is slid upward from the device body 1A by the driving force of the motor M2. During the movement of the drive rack 15, the drive rack 15 engages with the pinion 94k, and the pinion 94k is rotationally driven.

[0254] As FIG. 11B ​​As shown, when the pinion 94k is rotated in the direction of the arrow in the figure, the driving force is input to the rack portion 83k that meshes with the pinion 94k. As a result, the tray 80k is pushed out of the machine and moves from the storage position to the ejected position relative to the rotating body 90. At this time, the movement direction of the tray 80k is guided in a predetermined movement direction Dk by the engagement of the guide portion 82k and the guide portion 97k of the rotating body 90. FIG. 7A ).

[0255] As a result of the tray 80k moving from the storage position to the pop-up position, the toner cartridge 70k moves from the installation position to the retracted position relative to the developing unit 50k.

[0256] With tray 80k in the pop-out position and toner cartridge 70k in the retracted position, the user can attach or remove to tray 80k.

[0257] When the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotating body 90, the tray movement operation (tray introduction operation, tray insertion operation) is performed in the reverse process of the tray ejection operation. For example, the tray insertion operation begins when the user operates the predetermined operation unit. When the tray insertion operation begins, the drive rack 15 slides downward from the device body 1A by the driving force of the motor M2. Here, the rotation direction of the motor M2 in the tray insertion operation is opposite to that in the tray ejection operation.

[0258] When the pinion 94k is along with FIG. 11B When the rotation is driven in the opposite direction of the middle arrow, the driving force is input to the rack 83k that meshes with the pinion 94k. As a result, the tray 80k is pulled into the machine and moves from the pop-up position to the storage position relative to the rotating body 90.

[0259] The movement direction of the tray 80k is guided by the guide part 82k and the guide part 97k of the rotating body 90. FIG. 7A The engagement of ) is guided in the direction of movement Dk (with ) FIG. 11B (In the opposite direction of the arrow in the image). As a result of the tray 80k moving from the pop-up position to the storage position, the toner cartridge 70k moves from the retracted position to the mounting position relative to the developing unit 50k.

[0260] The movement of the black tray 80k and the black toner cartridge 70k has been described, and the movement of the other trays 80y to 80c and the other toner cartridges 70y to 70c is also performed by a similar mechanism. In other words, during the change of orientation of each toner cartridge, the drive rack 15 transmits the driving force to the pinions 94y to 94c.

[0261] The driving device 98 for driving the moving devices 85 provided in the rotating body 90 is composed of a motor M2 provided in the device body 1A and a transmission device including the driving rack 15 (15R, 15L) and a transmission unit 15t. The moving devices 85 of the present embodiment can be considered as moving devices powered by electric power.

[0262] As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of moving devices 85y to 85k corresponding to a plurality of toner cartridges 70y to 70k are provided in the rotating body 90. The driving device 98 of the device body 1A is a common driving device that drives the plurality of moving devices 85y to 85k (a plurality of driven devices) of the rotating body 90.

[0263] In the present embodiment, the target to be driven by the driving device 98 is switched as the rotating body 90 rotates. In other words, the driving device of the present embodiment includes the driving rack 15 as a transmission member that transmits the driving force of the driving source. The driving device can take a state in which the transmission member is drivably engaged with the first driven unit (pinion 94k) and a state in which the transmission member is drivably engaged with the second driven unit (pinion 94m). The driving device can take a state in which the transmission member is disengaged from the first driven unit and the second driven unit.

[0264] As described above, the pinions 94y to 94k are held in the rotating body 90. Therefore, when the rotating body 90 rotates, the engagement of the pinions 94y to 94k with the driving rack 15 can be released.

[0265] FIG. 12A A state in which the tray 80k is placed inside the rotating body 90 (a state in a storage position) is shown. FIG. 12B A state in which the tray 80k has been moved to the outside of the rotating body 90 (a state in which it has been moved to an eject position) is shown.

[0266] As FIG. 12A shown, when the tray 80k is placed inside the rotating body 90, the driving rack 15 is positioned at the bottom of the device body 1A. At this time, the driving rack 15 is withdrawn from the pinion 94k. Thereby, the rotating body 90 is allowed to rotate without any interference with the driving rack 15. More specifically, the driving rack 15 can be withdrawn to the outside of the rotational locus of the rotating body 90, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B .

[0267] As described above, when the motor M2 is rotationally driven in the forward direction and the reverse direction, the tray 80 attached to the rotation body 90 can be moved relative to the rotation body 90 from the storage position to the eject position and from the eject position to the storage position. In other words, the driving device of the present embodiment can not only drive each of the moving devices of the rotation body so that the toner cartridge moves from the installed position to the withdrawn position, but also drive each of the moving devices so that the toner cartridge moves from the withdrawn position to the installed position.

[0268] Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, the amount of movement of the tray 80 during the toner cartridge replacement changes depending on the size of the toner cartridge 70. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B the movement distance LI when the black tray 80k is moved from the storage position to the eject position is longer than the movement distance L2 when the other trays 80y to 80c are moved from the storage position to the eject position.

[0269] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the toner cartridges 70y to 70k are moved from the installed position to the withdrawn position, the value obtained by dividing the speed of the rack portion 83k by the speed of the driving 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 driving rack 15.

[0270] For example, as shown in FIG. 10 the pitch circle radius of the small diameter gear 942 that meshes with the rack portion 83c is smaller than the pitch circle radius of the large diameter gear 941 that meshes with the driving rack 15. The pinions 94m, 94y are also similar stepped gears. On the other hand, the pinion 94k can be made so that the portion that meshes with the driving rack 15 and the portion that meshes with the rack portion 83k have the same pitch circle radius. At this time, the pitch circle radius of the pinion 94k can be set to the same radius as the pitch circle radius of the large diameter gear 941 of the pinions 94y to 94c.

[0271] With this configuration, even if the movement distance of the driving rack 15 is the same, it is possible to make the movement distance of the rack portion 83k greater than the movement distance of the other rack portions 83y to 83c. In other words, the movement distance LI when the black tray 80k is moved from the storage position to the eject position can be longer than the movement distance L2 when the other trays 80y to 80c are moved from the storage position to the eject position.

[0272] When the pinions 94y to 94c are stepped gears, the configuration in which the pinions 94y to 94k receive driving force from the same driving rack 15 can make the movement distance LI of the tray 80k greater than the movement distance L2 of the other trays 80y to 80c.

[0273] Variants

[0274] The configuration has been described in which the driven unit includes a pinion 94 that engages both the drive rack 15 and the rack portion 83. Alternatively, the driven unit can include a gear that engages the drive rack 15 and a gear that engages the rack portion 83.

[0275] The configuration of the moving device 85 for moving the tray 80 is not limited to the so-called rack and pinion mechanism. For example, the member corresponding to the pinion 94 can be replaced with a roller that rotates under the drive of the motor M2, and the tray 80 is moved by the friction between the roller and the tray 80.

[0276] When the roller rotates under the drive of the motor M2, the roller can come into contact with the toner cartridges 70. In this case, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k can be configured not to be attached to and detached from the rotating body 90 directly via the trays 80y to 80k. In this case, the moving device 85 is formed by the roller.

[0277] Left and right connection configuration of tray drive system

[0278] The drive system 100 for moving the tray 80k is an example of a moving member and a configuration for connecting the right and left drive racks 15L, 15R (right and left connection configuration). The drive system 100 for moving the tray 80k with respect to the rotating body 90 will be described. The drive systems for moving the trays 80y to 80c, which are other examples of the moving member, are substantially similar to the drive system 100 that will be described below, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0279] For the purpose of description, when the device body 1A is viewed from the +X side (when viewed from the front), the +Y side can be referred to as the right side of the device body 1A, and the -Y side can be referred to as the left side of the device body 1A. For example, one drive rack 15L is disposed on the left side of the device body 1A, and the other drive rack 15R is disposed on the right side of the device body 1A.

[0280] FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the drive system 100 of the tray 80k. FIG. 13A A state in which the tray 80k is located inside the rotating body 90 (a state in which the tray 80k is in a storage position) is shown. FIG. 13B A state in which the tray 80k has been moved to the outside of the rotating body 90 (a state in which the tray 80k is in an eject position) is shown. FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B is a view that illustrates the configuration of the drive system 100 for the tray 80k. FIG. 14A The configuration of the drive system 100 on the left side of the device body 1A is shown. FIG. 14B The configuration of the drive system 100 on the right side of the device body 1A is shown. FIG. 14A andFIG. 14B The state of the drive system 100 when the tray 80k is in the storage position is shown.

[0281] As shown in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B , the drive system 100 of the tray 80k includes a motor M2 as a drive source, and a drive transmission mechanism 101 that transmits the driving force of the motor M2 to the tray 80k. The drive transmission mechanism 101 includes a rotational member that transmits the driving force of the motor M2 by rotation, and a linear motion member that transmits the driving force of the motor M2 by linear motion. More specifically, the drive transmission mechanism 101 of the present embodiment includes a worm gear 60, step gears 61, 62, an idler gear 63, drive rack input gears 64R, 64L, and drive racks 15R, 15L.

[0282] The drive transmission mechanism 101 of the present embodiment includes step gears 65R, 65L, a connecting rack 66, and pinions 94k (94kR, 94kL). The tray 80k includes a rack portion 83k (83kR, 83kL) as a force receiving portion to receive the driving force from the drive transmission mechanism 101. The connecting rack 66 is one example of a linear motion member.

[0283] The drive system 100 for the tray 80k can also be considered to be composed of the drive device 98 of the device main body 1A and the moving device 85k ( FIG. 2 ) of the rotating main body 90.

[0284] The drive device 98 includes the motor M2, the drive racks 15R, 15L, and a transmission unit 15t that transmits the driving force from the motor M2 to the drive racks 15R, 15L. The transmission unit 15t includes the worm gear 60, the step gears 61, 62, the idler gear 63, the drive rack input gears 64R, 64L, the step gears 65L, 65R, and the connecting rack 66, and the moving device 85k includes the pinions 94k (94kR, 94kL) and the rack portions 83k (83kR, 83kL). Therefore, the "drive transmission mechanism 101" includes the elements of the drive device 98 other than the motor M2, and the elements of the moving device 85k other than the elements (the rack portions 83kR, 83kL) provided in the tray 80k.

[0285] The drive system for the tray 80y is obtained by replacing the moving device 85k of the drive system 100 with the moving device 85y corresponding to the tray 80y, and the drive device 98 is common.

[0286] The drive system for the tray 80m is obtained by replacing the moving device 85k of the drive system 100 with the moving device 85m corresponding to the tray 80m, and the drive device 98 is common. The drive system for the tray 80c is obtained by replacing the moving device 85k of the drive system 100 with the moving device 85c corresponding to the tray 80c, and the drive device 98 is common.

[0287] As FIG. 13A shown, the tray 80k of the present embodiment includes two rack portions 83kR, 83kL. The rack portion 83kL is an example of a first force receiving portion, and the rack portion 83kR is an example of a second force receiving portion.

[0288] The rack portion 83kR (second force receiving portion) is disposed at a position away from the rack portion 83kL (first force receiving portion) in a direction intersecting the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k. In the present embodiment, the rack portion 83kR is positioned away from the rack portion 83kL in the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotation body 90. In the present embodiment, the rack portion 83kL is disposed at one end (left end) of the tray 80k in the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotation body 90. On the other hand, the rack portion 83kR is disposed at the other end (right end) of the tray 80k in the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotation body 90.

[0289] The rotation body 90 of the present embodiment includes two pinions 94kR, 94kL corresponding to the two rack portions 83kR, 83kL. The two pinions 94kR, 94kL include the pinion 94kL corresponding to the rack portion 83kL and the pinion 94kR corresponding to the rack portion 83kR.

[0290] As FIG. 13A shown, the worm gear 60 is fixed to the output shaft of the motor M2. The stepped gear 61 integrally has a large diameter gear meshing with the worm gear 60 and a small diameter gear smaller in diameter than the large diameter gear. The stepped gear 62 integrally has a large diameter gear meshing with the small diameter gear of the stepped gear 61, and a small diameter gear smaller in diameter than the large diameter gear. The idler gear 63 meshes with each of the small diameter gear of the stepped gear 62, the stepped gear 65L, and the drive rack input gear 64L. The drive rack input gear 64L meshes with the drive rack 15L.

[0291] As FIG. 14A and FIG. 14BAs shown, the stepped gear 65L integrally has a large-diameter gear 651L that meshes with the idler gear 63 and a small-diameter gear 652L (third small-diameter gear) that is smaller in diameter than the large-diameter gear 651L. The stepped gear 65L is configured to transmit the driving force of the motor M2 received by the large-diameter gear 651L to the connecting rack 66 via the small-diameter gear 652L. The connecting rack 66 has a first rack portion 661L that meshes with the small-diameter gear 652L of the stepped gear 65L, and a second rack portion 661R that meshes with the small-diameter gear 652R of the stepped gear 65R. The stepped gear 65R integrally has a large-diameter gear 651R that meshes with the drive rack input gear 64R and a small-diameter gear 652R that is smaller in diameter than the large-diameter gear 651R. The stepped gear 65R is configured to transmit the driving force of the motor M2 received by the small-diameter gear 652R from the connecting rack 66 to the rack portion 83kR via the large-diameter gear 651R. The drive rack input gear 64R meshes with the drive rack 15R.

[0292] The connecting rack 66 is a rack member that is capable of reciprocating in a direction that crosses the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k (which can be an orthogonal direction). In the present embodiment, the connecting rack 66 reciprocates in the Y direction that is the rotational axis direction of the rotational body 90. In other words, the connecting rack 66 moves in a direction that is different from the moving direction of the drive racks 15R, 15L (in the present embodiment, a direction that crosses the Y direction, the Z direction) that are other rack members of the drive transmission mechanism 101. The connecting rack 66 of the present embodiment is elongated so as to extend in the Y direction. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the connecting rack 66 is the Y direction. The first rack portion 661L is provided at one end of the connecting rack 66 in the Y direction, and the second rack portion 661R is provided at the other end of the connecting rack 66 in the Y direction. The first rack portion 661L and the second rack portion 661R can be continuous.

[0293] The left drive rack 15L is an example of a first transmission member for transmitting the driving force of the motor M2 to the rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k that functions as a first force receiving portion. The right drive rack 15R is an example of a second transmission member for transmitting the driving force of the motor M2 to the rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k that functions as a second force receiving portion. The right and left drive racks 15R, 15L are connected to each other by the connecting rack 66 so as to operate in cooperation with each other. Specifically, the left drive rack 15L is connected to the right drive rack 15R via the drive rack input gear 64L, the idler gear 63, the stepped gear 65L, the connecting rack 66, the stepped gear 65R, and the drive rack input gear 64R.

[0294] The connecting rack 66 is configured to transmit force received from one of the drive racks 15R and 15L to the other of the drive racks 15R and 15L. The drive transmission mechanism 101, including the connecting rack 66, is configured to transmit force received from one of the two rack portions 83kR and 83kL of the tray 80k to the other rack portion 83kR and 83kL. The benefits of this configuration will be described later.

[0295] When the tray 80k is removed from the storage location ( FIG. 13A Move to the pop-up position ( FIG. 13B The operation of the drive system 100 will be described below. In the following text, the direction of rotation of motor M2 when tray 80k moves from the storage position to the pop-up position (first rotation direction, first direction) is referred to as the positive direction. The direction of rotation of motor M2 when tray 80k moves from the pop-up position to the storage position (second rotation direction, second direction) is referred to as the negative direction. In the movement direction Dk of tray 80k moving between the pop-up position and the storage position, the direction from the storage position to the pop-up position is referred to as the pop-up direction Dk1, and the direction from the pop-up position to the storage position is referred to as the insertion direction Dk2.

[0296] When motor M2 rotates in the forward direction, the driving force is transmitted in the order of worm gear 60, stepped gear 61, stepped gear 62, and idler gear 63. Subsequently, the driving force is transmitted from idler gear 63 to drive rack input gear 64L and stepped gear 65L. The left drive rack 15L slides upward (in the +Z direction) through drive rack input gear 64L, which transmits the driving force from idler gear 63.

[0297] The left drive rack 15L engages with the left pinion 94kL as it moves upward to rotate the pinion 94kL. When the pinion 94kL rotates, the driving force is transmitted to the rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k, which meshes with the pinion 94kL. As a result, the rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k receives a force in the ejection direction Dk1 from the storage position toward the ejection position via the left transmission system of the drive transmission mechanism 101 (drive rack input gear 64L, drive rack 15L, and pinion 94kL).

[0298] On the other hand, the driving force of the idler gear 63 is also transmitted to the right transmission system of the drive transmission mechanism 101 (drive rack input gear 64R, drive rack 15R, and pinion 94kR) via the stepped gear 65L and the connecting rack 66. In other words, the connecting rack 66 slides to the right side (+Y direction) of the device body 1A via the stepped gear 65L, which transmits the driving force from the idler gear 63. When the connecting rack 66 slides, the driving force is transmitted to the drive rack input gear 64R via the stepped gear 65R, and the right drive rack 15L slides upward (+Z direction).

[0299] The right drive rack 15R engages with the right pinion 94kR in the process of moving upward to rotate the pinion 94kR. When the pinion 94kR rotates, a drive force is transmitted to the rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k engaged with the pinion 94kR. As a result, the tray 80k receives a force in the ejecting direction Dk1 from the storage position toward the ejecting position via the right train of the drive transmission mechanism 101 (the drive rack input gear 64R, the drive rack 15R, and the pinion 94kR).

[0300] In this way, when the motor M2 rotates in the forward direction, the tray 80k moves from the storage position ( FIG. 13A ) toward the ejecting position ( FIG. 13B ) by receiving a force in the ejecting direction Dk1 at the right and left rack portions 83kR and 83kL.

[0301] The operation of the drive system 100 when the tray 80k moves from the ejecting position to the storage position is similar to the case when the tray 80k moves from the storage position to the ejecting position except that the direction of rotation or sliding of each element of the drive system 100 is reversed. In other words, when the motor M2 rotates in the reverse direction, the left drive rack 15L slides downward (-Z direction) via the worm gear 60, the stepped gear 61, the stepped gear 62, the idler gear 63, and the drive rack input gear 64L. When the drive rack 15L slides, a drive force in the inserting direction Dk2 is transmitted to the rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k via the pinion 94kL. On the other hand, the drive force is transmitted from the idler gear 63 to the connecting rack 66 via the stepped gear 65L, and the connecting rack 66 slides to the left (-Y direction) of the device main body 1A. When the connecting rack 66 slides, the right drive rack 15R slides downward (in the -Z direction) via the stepped gear 65R and the drive rack input gear 64R. When the drive rack 15R slides, a drive force in the inserting direction Dk2 is transmitted to the rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k via the pinion 94kR.

[0302] In this way, when the motor M2 rotates in the reverse direction, the tray 80k moves from the ejecting position ( FIG. 13B ) toward the storage position ( FIG. 13A ) by receiving a force in the inserting direction Dk2 at the right and left rack portions 83kR and 83kL.

[0303] As described above, during the tray ejection operation or the tray insertion operation (hereinafter, collectively referred to as the ejection or insertion operation) of the tray 80k, the driving force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the right and left rack portions 83kR, 83kL of the tray 80k through the drive transmission mechanism 101. In other words, during the tray ejection operation, the driving force in the ejection direction Dk1 is transmitted to each of the two rack portions 83kR, 83kL, and during the tray insertion operation, the driving force in the insertion direction Dk2 is transmitted to each of the two rack portions 83kR, 83kL. Therefore, during the ejection or insertion operation of the tray 80k, the tray 80k is less likely to tilt compared to a configuration in which the driving force is transmitted to only one rack portion of the tray 80k, and thus a more stable ejection or insertion operation can be performed.

[0304] Benefits of the right and left connection configurations

[0305] Hereinafter, the benefits of the configuration in which the right and left drive racks 15R, 15L are connected by the connection rack 66 will be described.

[0306] The connection rack 66 of the present embodiment transmits the force received from the left drive rack 15L to the right drive rack 15R, and transmits the force received from the right drive rack 15R to the left drive rack 15L. The drive transmission mechanism 101 of the present embodiment including the connection rack 66 transmits the force received from the left rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k to the right rack portion 83kR, and transmits the force received from the right rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k to the left rack portion 83kL. In other words, the drive transmission mechanism is configured to transmit the force received by the drive transmission mechanism from the first force receiving portion of the moving member to the second force receiving portion, and to transmit the force received by the drive transmission mechanism from the second force receiving portion of the moving member to the first force receiving portion.

[0307] Therefore, the right and left drive racks 15R, 15L are connected to each other by the connection rack 66 so as to move in cooperation with each other. The drive transmission mechanism 101 including the connection rack 66 is capable of moving the rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k and the rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k in cooperation with each other. Therefore, the tray 80k is less likely to tilt.

[0308] More specifically, when the tray 80k is in the ejection position, the user is capable of performing the tray insertion operation by operating an operation unit (for example, a button on the operation panel) provided on the device main body 1A to move the tray 80k to the storage position.

[0309] On the other hand, when the user pushes the tray 80k into the storage position while it is in the pop-out position, the tray 80k is allowed to move toward the storage location (details of the mechanism allowing this movement will be described later). At this time, the user does not necessarily push the tray 80k to the center of the device body 1A in the width direction (left-right direction, Y direction). If the user pushes the tray 80k near one end in the Y direction, and one end moves in the insertion direction Dk2 while the other end does not move, the tray 80k tilts. When the tray 80k tilts, it is difficult for the user to smoothly push the tray 80k into the rotating body 90, and the drive system 100 will have difficulty smoothly performing the tray insertion operation.

[0310] When the right and left drive racks 15R and 15L for the tray 80k are connected as in this embodiment, it becomes possible to suppress the tilting of the tray 80k. This is because, even when one end of the tray 80k is pushed in the Y direction and moves in the insertion direction Dk2, the other end of the tray 80k also moves in the insertion direction Dk2 because the right and left drive racks 15R and 15L are connected to each other.

[0311] For example, suppose in FIG. 13B In the shown state, the user pushes the area near the left end (-Y side) of the tray 80k in the insertion direction Dk2. In this situation, the rack 15L is driven downwards via the pinion 94kL by the movement of the rack portion 83kL in the insertion direction Dk2. When the rack 15L moves downwards, the drive rack input gear 64L, idler gear 63, and stepped gear 65L rotate, and the connecting rack 66 moves to the left (in the -Y direction). When the connecting rack 66 moves to the left, the stepped gear 65R and the drive rack input gear 64R rotate, and the drive rack 15R moves downwards. When the drive rack 15R moves downwards, the rack portion 83kR receives the force in the insertion direction DK2 via the pinion 94kR.

[0312] In other words, the tray 80k receives a force in the insertion direction Dk2 from the user near the rack portion 83kL located at the left (-Y side) end, and also receives a force in the insertion direction Dk2 at the rack portion 83kR located at the right (+Y side) end. The drive transmission mechanism 101 transmits a portion of the force received by the drive rack 15L from the tray 80k via the pinion 94kL to the drive rack 15R via the connecting rack 66, thereby transmitting the force in the insertion direction Dk2 to the rack portion 83kR. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the force in the insertion direction Dk2 only acts near the left (-Y side) end of the tray 80k, tilting of the tray 80k can be suppressed. This also applies to cases where the area near the rack portion 83kR is pushed in the insertion direction Dk2.

[0313] The drive transmission mechanism 101 is configured such that when the tray 80k is pushed in the insertion direction Dk2, the force causes the idler wheel 63 to rotate, but the force is not transmitted from the idler wheel 63 to the motor M2. In this embodiment, when the tray 80k is pushed in the insertion direction Dk2, the force transmission path is interrupted by the idler wheel 63, which will be described later. Therefore, when one end of the tray 80k in the Y direction is pushed and moved in the insertion direction Dk2 without being affected by the static torque of the motor M2, the other end of the tray 80k can move together in the insertion direction Dk2.

[0314] Therefore, the tray 80k is unlikely to tilt, thus enabling smooth maneuverability when the user pushes the tray 80k in.

[0315] The benefits of using stepped gears in right-left connection structures

[0316] like FIG. 13A As shown, when the tray 80k is in the storage position, the connecting rack 66 meshes with the two step gears 65R and 65L on the right and left sides. FIG. 13B As shown, similarly, when the tray 80k is in the pop-out position, the connecting rack 66 meshes with the two step gears 65R and 65L on the right and left sides.

[0317] As previously described, when the tray 80k moves from the storage position to the eject position, the connecting rack 66 moves to the right side (+Y direction) of the device body 1A. The amount of movement of the connecting rack 66 during the movement of the tray 80k from the storage position to the eject position is denoted as W. In this case, when the tray 80k is in the storage position ( FIG. 13A The first rack portion 661L of the connecting rack 66 extends to the left (in the -Y direction) by at least a length W from the position mp1 where it meshes with the stepped gear 65L. This is in the pop-out position of the tray 80k. FIG. 13B The second rack portion 661R of the connecting rack 66 extends to the right (in the +Y direction) by at least a length W from the position mp2 where it meshes with the stepped gear 65R. In other words, the length of the connecting rack 66 in the direction of movement (in this embodiment, the Y direction) is equal to or greater than the sum of the distance from the meshing position mp1 where it meshes with the stepped gear 65L to the position mp2 where it meshes with the stepped gear 65R and the length W of the connecting rack 66.

[0318] Therefore, in order to reduce the size of the device body 1A in the left-right direction (width direction, Y direction), the amount of movement W of the connecting rack 66 is expected to be small. The following will describe a construction that reduces the amount of movement W of the connecting rack 66, thereby enabling a reduction in the size of the device body 1A in the width direction (Y direction).

[0319] likeFIG. 14A As shown, the stepped gear 65L (first stepped gear) includes a large diameter gear 651L (first large diameter gear) and a small diameter gear 652L (first small diameter gear) having a pitch circle radius smaller than the large diameter gear 651L. The large diameter gear 651L is engaged with the idler gear 63, and is able to receive the driving force of the motor M2 via the idler gear 63. In other words, the large diameter gear 651L (first large diameter gear) is drivingly connected to the motor M2 (driving source). The small diameter gear 652L is engaged with the first rack portion 661L of the connecting rack 66.

[0320] The large diameter gear 651L is connected to the rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k via the idler gear 63, the drive rack input gear 64L, the drive rack 15L, and the pinion gear 94kL. In other words, the large diameter gear 651L (first large diameter gear) is drivingly connected to the rack portion 83kL (first force receiving portion).

[0321] The ratio (r2 / r1) of the pitch circle radius r2 of the small diameter gear 652L to the pitch circle radius r1 of the large diameter gear 651L is referred to as the pitch circle radius ratio of the stepped gear 65L. In a configuration in which the driving force is transmitted to the connecting rack 66 via the stepped gear 65L, the amount of movement W of the connecting rack 66 is reduced in accordance with the pitch circle radius ratio (r2 / r1) of the stepped gear 65L. In other words, when the speed is reduced with the stepped gear 65L, it is possible to reduce the amount of movement W during the ejection or insertion operation of the tray 80k, and achieve a reduction in the size of the device main body 1A in the width direction (Y direction).

[0322] Here, when the tray 80k moves, the amounts of movement of the right and left rack portions 83kR, 83kL are desirably equal to each other. When the tray 80k moves, the speeds of movement of the right and left rack portions 83kR, 83kL are desirably equal to each other. In the present embodiment, the number of teeth of the right and left pinion gears 94kR, 94kL are equal to each other. In other words, the amounts of movement (speeds of movement) of the right and left drive racks 15R, 15L are equal to each other.

[0323] In the present embodiment, the stepped gear 65R is interposed between the connecting rack 66 and the drive rack input gear 64R. The stepped gear 65R has a function of increasing the amount of movement (speed of movement) of the drive rack 15R with respect to the amount of movement (speed of movement) of the connecting rack 66.

[0324] As FIG. 14BAs shown, the stepped gear 65R (second stepped gear) includes a large diameter gear 651R (second large diameter gear) and a small diameter gear 652R (second small diameter gear) having a pitch circle radius smaller than the large diameter gear 651R. The large diameter gear 651R is engaged with the drive rack input gear 64R and is connected to the rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k via the drive rack input gear 64R, the drive rack 15R, and the pinion gear 94kR. In other words, the large diameter gear 651R (second large diameter gear) is drivingly connected to the rack portion 83kR (second force receiving portion). The small diameter gear 652R (second small diameter gear) is engaged with the second rack portion 661R of the connecting rack 66.

[0325] For example, the pitch circle radii of the large diameter gears 651R, 651L of the right and left stepped gears 65R, 65L are set to be equal to each other, and the pitch circle radii of the small diameter gears 652R, 652L are set to be equal to each other. As a result, it is possible to make the pitch circle radius ratio of the stepped gear 65L equal to the pitch circle radius ratio of the stepped gear 65R, and it is possible to make the movement amounts (movement speeds) of the rack portions 83kR, 83kL equal to each other.

[0326] In the present embodiment, the movement amount of the rack portion 83kL and the movement amount of the drive rack 15L are almost equal to each other, and the movement amount of the rack portion 83kR and the movement amount of the drive rack 15R are almost equal to each other. On the other hand, the movement amount W of the connecting rack 66 is smaller than the movement amounts of the rack portion 83kL and the drive rack 15L and the movement amounts of the rack portion 83kR and the drive rack 15R. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the movement amount W of the connecting rack 66 compared to the movement amounts of the tray 80k and the drive rack 15R during the ejection or insertion operation of the tray 80k. Therefore, it is possible to move the tray 80k with a desired movement amount, and a reduction in the size of the device main body 1A in the width direction (Y direction) is achieved.

[0327] Locking mechanism of a rotating body

[0328] When the tray 80 is moved to attach or detach the toner cartridge 70, the pinion gears 94 can be positioned so that the pinion gears 94 (driven units) of the rotating body 90 and the drive racks 15 (driving members) of the device main body 1A reliably engage with each other. The pinion gears 94 are capable of being accurately positioned at a position at which the pinion gears 94 can appropriately engage with the corresponding drive racks 15 (hereinafter, referred to as an engagement position).

[0329] Therefore, in the present embodiment, a lock mechanism 90L is provided to restrict (lock) the rotation of the rotating body 90 in a state where the rotating body 90 is in the replacement attitude. The lock mechanism 90L switches between a locked state that restricts the rotation of the rotating body 90 and an unlocked state that allows the rotation of the rotating body 90. The lock mechanism 90L is configured to take the locked state when the rotating body 90 assumes any one of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black replacement attitudes. The lock mechanism 90L of the present embodiment switches between the locked state and the unlocked state in cooperation with the ejection or insertion operation of the tray 80.

[0330] The lock mechanism 90L of the rotating body 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 15A , FIG. 15B , FIG. 16 , FIG. 17A , FIG. 17B , FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B . FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B are perspective views of the stepped gear 65R. FIG. 16 is a view showing the lock member 67. FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B are views that explain the configuration of the lock mechanism 90L. FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B are perspective views of the configuration of the lock mechanism 90L.

[0331] As shown in FIG. 15B , FIG. 20B , FIG. 16 , FIG. 20B , FIG. 18A , FIG. 18A and FIG. 5 , the lock mechanism 90L includes a pressing portion 653 provided on the stepped gear 65R, a lock member 67, a force applying member 68, and an engaged portion 99a provided in the rotating body 90.

[0332] As shown in FIG. 21A , the pressing portion 653 is formed on the large diameter gear 651R of the stepped gear 65R. As will be described later, the pressing portion 653 has a function of moving the lock member 67 in cooperation with the ejection or insertion operation of the tray 80. Therefore, the lock member 67 can be moved in cooperation with the operation of the driving device 98 when the toner cartridge 70 is moved. In other words, the lock member 67 is moved by the driving force of the motor M2.

[0333] The pressing portion 653 is provided at a predetermined position in the rotation direction of the stepped gear 65R and extends radially outward from the boss portion 65aR of the stepped gear 65R. The boss portion 65aR is fitted onto the support shaft 342R of the lower holding member 34R FIG. 21B) as a result, the stepped gear 65R is rotatably supported by the lower holding member 34R.

[0334] In the present embodiment, the pressing portion 653 is provided on the side surface of the large-diameter gear 651R on the one side (-X side) in the rotation axis direction of the stepped gear 65R, and the small-diameter gear 652R is provided on the other side (+X side) side surface of the large-diameter gear 651R. A part of the teeth of the small-diameter gear 652R overlaps the pressing portion 653 in a state observed from the rotation axis direction of the stepped gear 65R.

[0335] As FIG. 17A shown, the lock member 67 has a pressed portion 671 pressed by the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R, and an engaging portion 672 capable of engaging with the engaged portion 99a of the rotation body 90. The lock member 67 is movably supported by the frame 16 of the device body 1A. The lock member 67 of the present embodiment is capable of reciprocating in the moving direction D67 along the Y direction which is the moving direction of the connecting rack 66. The engaging portion 672 has a protruding shape protruding in one direction (-Y direction) of the moving direction D67.

[0336] The lock member 67 is capable of moving between an engaged position (locked position) and a disengaged position (unlocked position). In the engaged position (locked position), the engaging portion 672 engages with the engaged portion 99a of the rotation body 90, and in the disengaged position (unlocked position), the engaging portion 672 is disengaged from the engaged portion 99a of the rotation body 90.

[0337] The lock member 67 is configured to move in cooperation with the drive rack 15 (drive member), as will be described below. The lock member 67 of the present embodiment is connected with the connecting rack 66 (rack member) which is a transmission unit that transmits force to actuate the right and left drive racks 15R, 15L (first drive member, second drive member), and cooperates with the drive racks 15R, 15L via the connecting rack 66.

[0338] The lock member 67 has an elongated hole 673 formed in the moving direction D67. When the elongated hole 673 engages with the support shaft 342R of the lower holding member 34R FIG. 18A ), the lock member 67 is guided to move in the moving direction D67 with respect to the lower holding member 34R. In other words, the support shaft 342R that holds the stepped gear 65R also serves as a guide portion that guides the lock member 67.

[0339] As FIG. 17BAs shown, the force-applying member 68 applies force to the locking member 67 in either direction of the movement direction D67. In this embodiment, the force-applying member 68 applies force to the locking member 67 in the direction (-Y direction) from the unlocked position to the locked position. The force-applying member 68 is a compression spring disposed between, for example, the spring receiving surface of the locking member 67 and the spring receiving surface disposed on the frame 16 of the device body 1A.

[0340] like FIG. 18B As shown, the rotating body 90 has a number of engaged portions 99a corresponding to the number of trays 80 (four in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the engaged portions 99a are formed on a flange portion 99f located at one end of the rotating body 90 in the rotational axis direction (Y direction). This flange portion 99f extends relative to the rotational axis 90C from the disc gear 92R (also see...). FIG. 17A The radial direction (radial direction of the rotating body 90) protrudes outward.

[0341] The engagement portion 99a is positioned in the rotational direction of the rotating body 90. This position corresponds to the changing postures that the rotating body 90 can adopt. In this embodiment, four engagement portions 99a (99ay, 99am, 99ac, 99ak) corresponding to the changing postures of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively, are arranged at equal intervals of 90 degrees along the rotational direction (see [reference]). FIG. 18A and FIG. 17B When the rotating body 90 is viewed along the rotation axis of the rotating body 90 in any changing posture, one of the joints 99a overlaps with the joint 672 of the locking member 67.

[0342] When the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 engages with the engaged portion 99a of the rotating body 90, the rotation of the rotating body 90 is restricted. The state of the locking mechanism 90L when the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 engages with any one of the engaged portions 99a of the rotating body 90 is called the locked state. The state of the locking mechanism 90L when the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 disengages from all the engaged portions 99a of the rotating body 90 is called the unlocked state. The locked state is the state in which the locking mechanism 90L restricts the rotation of the rotating body 90 about the rotation axis 90C, and the unlocked state is the state in which the locking mechanism 90L allows the rotating body 90 to rotate about the rotation axis 90C. In the locked state, the locking mechanism 90L restricts the rotation of the rotating body 90 about the rotation axis 90C in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0343] The operation of switching the locking mechanism 90L from the unlocked state to the locked state is called a locking operation, and the operation of switching the locking mechanism 90L from the locked state to the unlocked state is called an unlocking operation. The locking and unlocking operations are performed in conjunction with the ejection and insertion operations of the tray 80.

[0344] FIG. 18B and FIG. 17A The locking mechanism 90L in the unlocked state is shown. FIG. 18A and FIG. 17B The locking mechanism 90L in the locked state is shown. The operation of the locking mechanism 90L will be described in detail below.

[0345] As previously stated, the rotating body 90 can rotate when the tray 80 is in the storage position. In other words, the engagement portion 672 of the locking member 67 is disengaged from the engagement portion 99a of the rotating body 90, and the locking mechanism 90L is in the unlocked state. FIG. 18B and FIG. 18A During the movement of the tray 80 from the storage position to the ejection position, the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 engages with the engaged portion 99a of the rotating body 90. In other words, during the tray ejection operation, the locking mechanism 90L switches from the unlocked state to the locked state. FIG. 17B and FIG. 17A ).

[0346] like FIG. 18A As shown, when the rotating body 90 is in any of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black changing postures and the tray 80 is in the storage position, the locking member 67 is held in the disengaged position by the pressing part 653 of the stepped gear 65R. In other words, the pressing part 653 of the stepped gear 65R contacts the pressed part 671 of the locking member 67 to prevent the locking member 67 from moving along the force direction (-Y direction) of the force-applying member 68. At this time, as... FIGS. 22A-22D As shown, the engagement portion 672 of the locking member 67 is located at a position away from the engagement portion 99a of the rotating body 90 in the +Y direction.

[0347] In this way, when the rotating body 90 is in any of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black alternation postures and the toner cartridge 70 corresponding to the posture of the rotating body 90 is in the installation position, the locking mechanism 90L remains in the unlocked state.

[0348] Next, the movement of tray 80 from the storage position to the pop-up position (when a tray pop-up operation is performed) will be described. As tray 80 moves from the storage position toward the pop-up position, the connecting rack 66 moves in the direction of... FIG. 2the right of the device main body 1A, in the +Y direction). The stepped gear 65R rotates in the clockwise direction in the drawing under the driving force from the connecting rack 66. Then, the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R rotates to move in the direction in which the pressed portion 671 of the lock member 67 is withdrawn (to the left of the device main body 1A, in the -Y direction). When the pressing portion 653 rotates and moves, the lock member 67 moves to the right in the drawing (in the -Y direction) due to the force of the force applying member 68, as shown in FIG. 9B. When the lock member 67 moves to the right in the drawing, the engaging portion 672 of the lock member 67 engages with the engaged portion 99a of the rotating body 90, as shown in FIG. 9C. In other words, when the pressing portion 653 is withdrawn from the lock member 67, the lock member 67 moves from the disengaged position (the unlocked position) to the engaged position (the locked position). FIGS. 19A-19D As shown in FIG. 9C, when the engaging portion 672 of the lock member 67 engages with the engaged portion 99a of the rotating body 90, the lock member 67 is in the engaged position (the locked position). In other words, when the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R is withdrawn from the lock member 67, the lock member 67 moves from the disengaged position (the unlocked position) to the engaged position (the locked position).

[0349] In this way, in a state in which the rotating body 90 is in any one of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black replacement postures, when the corresponding toner cartridge 70 is moved from the installed position to the withdrawn position, the lock mechanism 90L switches from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0350] When the engaging portion 672 engages with the engaged portion 99a, the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R is separated from the pressed portion 671 of the lock member 67. The rotation angle of the stepped gear 65R during the period from the start to the end of the tray ejection operation is set to be less than 360°, and the pressing portion 653, which is separated from the pressed portion 671 midway through the tray ejection operation, is configured not to collide with the pressed portion 671 until the end of the tray ejection operation.

[0351] As shown in FIG. 9C, when the engaging portion 672 of the lock member 67 engages with the engaged portion 99a of the rotating body 90, the lock member 67 is in the engaged position (the locked position). In other words, when the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R is withdrawn from the lock member 67, the lock member 67 moves from the disengaged position (the unlocked position) to the engaged position (the locked position). FIG. 20A As shown in FIG. 9C, when the engaging portion 672 of the lock member 67 engages with the engaged portion 99a of the rotating body 90, the lock member 67 is in the engaged position (the locked position). In other words, when the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R is withdrawn from the lock member 67, the lock member 67 moves from the disengaged position (the unlocked position) to the engaged position (the locked position).

[0352] When the tray 80 is moved from the ejected position to the stored position (when the tray insertion operation is performed), the operation of each element of the lock mechanism 90L is the reverse of when the tray 80 is moved from the stored position to the ejected position. In other words, the connecting rack 66 moves to the right in the drawing (in the +Y direction) under the driving force from the stepped gear 65R, and the lock member 67 moves to the left in the drawing (in the -Y direction) due to the force of the force applying member 68. FIG. 20Bright side in the drawing (to the left of the device main body 1A, in the -Y direction) moves. The stepped gear 65R rotates counterclockwise in the drawing under the driving force from the connecting rack 66. Then, the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R contacts the pressed portion 671 of the lock member 67 to advance the lock member 67 in the direction opposite to the force application direction of the force application member 68 (+Y direction). As a result, the lock member 67 is pushed to the left in the drawing (in the +Y direction) against the force of the force application member 68. Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, the engaging portion 672 of the lock member 67 is disengaged from the engaged portion 99a of the rotating body 90. FIG. 21A In the state where the rotating body 90 is in any one of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black replacement attitudes, when the corresponding toner cartridge 70 moves from the retracted position to the installed position, the lock mechanism 90L switches from the locked state to the unlocked state. FIG. 21B

[0353] In this way, in the state where the rotating body 90 is in any one of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black replacement attitudes, when the corresponding toner cartridge 70 moves from the retracted position to the installed position, the lock mechanism 90L switches from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0354] Here, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 22A-22D the tray ejection operation, the drive rack 15 (driving member) is configured to start moving toward the pinion 94 from a position (lower position) away from the pinion 94. The lock mechanism 90L of the present embodiment is configured to switch from the unlocked state to the locked state during the course of the tray ejection operation, and then the drive rack 15 engages with the pinion 94. In other words, the lock mechanism 90L switches from the unlocked state to the locked state after the drive rack 15 (driving member) starts moving toward the pinion 94 (driven unit) from a position away from the pinion 94 and before the drive rack 15 contacts the pinion 94.

[0355] As a result, in the state where the rotation of the rotating body 90 is restricted (in other words, the state where the positional deviation of the pinion 94 is suppressed), the drive rack 15 engages with the pinion 94. Therefore, more reliable engagement of the drive rack 15 with the pinion 94 can be achieved.

[0356] The lock mechanism 90L of the present embodiment is configured to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state after the engagement of the drive rack 15 with the pinion 94 is released during the course of the movement of the tray 80 from the ejected position to the stored position. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of positional deviation in the direction of rotation of the rotating body 90 due to the force received by the pinion 94 from the drive rack 15.

[0357] In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the drive device 98 (transmission device) that mechanically operates for moving the toner cartridge 70 between the installed position and the retracted position cooperates with the lock mechanism 90L has been described. Not limited to this configuration, a mechanical operation that does not cooperate with the drive device 98 (transmission device) can also be used, and the switch from the locked state to the unlocked state can be performed in accordance with a signal from the control section 30 (control device)​FIG. 23 a lock mechanism that switches between a locked state and an unlocked state in response to an instruction from the ECU 100.

[0358] Adjustment of gear backlash between pinion and drive rack

[0359] Hereinafter, a configuration that suppresses variation of the gear backlash between the pinion 94 and the drive rack 15 (hereinafter, which can be simply referred to as the gear backlash) will be described. When the gear backlash varies, the engagement of the drive rack 15 with the pinion 94 becomes shallow, and in some cases, tooth skipping occurs. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress variation of the gear backlash.

[0360] The gear backlash between the pinion 94 and the drive rack 15 is the distance between the pitch circle of the pinion 94 and the pitch line of the rack portion of the drive rack 15 that engages with the pinion 94 when viewed in the direction of the rotational axis of the pinion 94. The pitch circle referred to here is a circle that serves as a reference for the shape of the pinion (reference pitch circle). The pitch line referred to here is a straight line on a plane that serves as a reference for the shape of the rack (reference plane).

[0361] The configuration that adjusts the gear backlash will be described with reference to FIG. 19A , FIG. 19B , FIG. 19C , FIG. 19D , FIG. 19A , FIG. 19B and FIG. 19C .

[0362] FIG. 19D and FIG. 20A are perspective views of the drive rack 15L. FIG. 20B and FIG. 20A are perspective views of the drive rack 15R.

[0363] As shown in FIG. 20B and FIG. 20A , the drive rack 15L has an input rack portion 151L, an output rack portion 152L, and a joint portion 153L. The input rack portion 151L has a rack shape for engaging with the drive rack input gear 64L to receive (input) the driving force from the motor M2. The output rack portion 152L has a rack shape for engaging with any one of the pinions 94 (94yL to 94kL) to transmit (output) the driving force from the motor M2 to the pinion 94. The input rack portion 151L and the output rack portion 152L are each formed so that a plurality of teeth are arranged in the Z direction that is the sliding direction of the drive rack 15L. The protruding direction of the teeth of the input rack portion 151L and the protruding direction of the teeth of the output rack portion 152L are perpendicular when viewed in the Z direction. The joint portion 153L will be described later.

[0364] As shown in FIG. 20B and FIG. 20AAs shown, the drive rack 15R has an input rack portion 151R, an output rack portion 152R, and an engagement portion 153R, as in the case of the drive rack 15L. The input rack portion 151R has a rack shape for meshing with the drive rack input gear 64R to receive (input) a driving force from the motor M2. The output rack portion 152R has a rack shape for meshing with any one of the pinions 94 (94yR to 94kR) to transmit (output) the driving force from the motor M2 to the pinions 94. The input rack portion 151R and the output rack portion 152R are each formed so that a plurality of teeth are arranged in the Z direction that is the sliding direction of the drive rack 15R. The protruding directions of the teeth of the input rack portion 151R and the protruding directions of the teeth of the output rack portion 152R are perpendicular when viewed in the Z direction. The engagement portion 153R will be described later.

[0365] The output rack portions 152R, 152L are examples of force transmission portions configured to transmit a driving force by engagement with the pinions 94 that serve as driven units. The engagement portions 153R, 153L have a function of restricting the relative motion (motion relative to each other) of the drive racks 15R, 15L (driving members) and the rotating body 90 (rotating body) so that the output rack portions 152R, 152L (force transmission portions) are separated from the pinions 94 (driven units).

[0366] The driven units of the present embodiment include the pinions 94 (94yL to 94kL) disposed at one end of the rotating body 90 in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body 90 to serve as first force receiving portions, and the pinions 94 (94yR to 94kR) disposed at the other end of the rotating body to serve as second force receiving portions. The driving members of the present embodiment include the drive rack 15L that serves as a first force applying member that engages with the first force receiving portions, and the drive rack 15R that serves as a second force applying member that engages with the second force receiving portions. The output rack portion 152R (force transmission portion) and the engagement portion 153R are provided in the drive rack 15R. The output rack portion 152L (force transmission portion) and the engagement portion 153L are provided in the drive rack 15L.

[0367] FIG. 20A 、 FIG. 20B A view showing the holding structure of the drive rack 15R, 15L. FIG. 20B A view showing the holding structure of the drive rack 15L. FIG. 21A A view showing the holding structure of the drive rack 15R.

[0368] As FIG. 21B and FIG. 21BAs shown, the drive rack 15L is held by a lower retaining member 34L and an upper retaining member 33L disposed in the device body 1A to allow it to slide. The drive rack 15R is held by a lower retaining member 34R and an upper retaining member 33R disposed in the device body 1A to allow it to slide. The lower retaining members 34R, 34L and the upper retaining members 33R, 33L are components fixed to the frame 16 of the device body 1A.

[0369] More specifically, such as FIG. 21A As shown, the drive rack 15L is supported by the lower guide portion 341L of the lower retaining member 34L so that it can slide along the vertical direction (Z direction) of the device body 1A. When the drive rack 15L moves from... FIG. 21A When the position in the middle moves upward (in the +Z direction) towards the upper part of the device body 1A, the drive rack 15L is supported by the upper guide portion 331L of the upper holding member 33L so that it can slide.

[0370] In this embodiment, the lower guide portion 341L and the upper guide portion 331L have groove shapes formed in the sliding direction of the drive rack 15L. The width of the groove shape in the direction intersecting the sliding direction of the drive rack 15L (here, the Y direction) corresponds to the width of the drive rack 15L. Therefore, positional displacement of the drive rack 15L in the direction intersecting the sliding direction can be suppressed. The upper retaining member 33L supports the motor M2 and also supports the stepped gears 61, 62, idler gear 63 and stepped gear 65L, allowing them to rotate.

[0371] like FIG. 21B As shown, the drive rack 15R is supported by the lower guide portion 341R of the lower retaining member 34R so that it slides along the vertical direction (Z direction) of the device body 1A. When the drive rack 15R moves from... FIG. 21A When the position moves upward (in the +Z direction) of the device body 1A, the drive rack 15R is supported by the upper guide portion 331R of the upper holding member 33R so that it can slide.

[0372] In this embodiment, the lower guide portion 341R and the upper guide portion 331R have groove shapes formed along the sliding direction of the drive rack 15R. The width of the groove shape in the direction intersecting the sliding direction of the drive rack 15R (here, the Y direction) corresponds to the width of the drive rack 15R. Therefore, positional displacement of the drive rack 15R in the direction intersecting the sliding direction can be suppressed. The lower retaining member 34R supports the stepped gear 65R and the drive rack input gear 64R so that they are rotatable, and also supports the locking member 67 so that the locking member 67 can slide in the right-left direction (Y direction) of the device body 1A.

[0373] FIG. 21B and FIGS. 22A-22D This is a perspective view of the main body rotated 90 degrees. FIGS. 22A-22DThe state in which the rotating body 90 is rotated 180° around the rotation axis 90C is shown. FIGS. 22A-22D The state in which the rotating body 90 is rotated 180° around the rotation axis 90C is shown.

[0374] In FIGS. 22A-22C and FIG. 22A , the central region of the rotating body 90 in the Y direction is not shown.

[0375] As FIG. 20A and FIG. 23 shown, the engaged portions 99b are provided one after another near each pinion 94 of the rotating body 90. In other words, the rotating body 90 includes the engaged portion 99byL corresponding to the pinion 94yL, the engaged portion 99bmL corresponding to the pinion 94mL, the engaged portion 99bcL corresponding to the pinion 94cL, and the engaged portion 99bkL corresponding to the pinion 94kL. The rotating body 90 has the engaged portion 99byR corresponding to the pinion 94yR, the engaged portion 99bmR corresponding to the pinion 94mR, the engaged portion 99bcR corresponding to the pinion 94cR, and the engaged portion 99bkR corresponding to the pinion 94kR. The left four engaged portions 99byL to 99bkL are provided at intervals of 90° around the rotation axis 90C, and the right four engaged portions 99byR to 99bkR are provided at intervals of 90° around the rotation axis 90C.

[0376] Each of the left engaged portions 99byL to 99bkL is an example of a first engaged portion that is engaged with the engagement portion 153L of the drive rack 15L serving as a first force applying member. Each of the right engaged portions 99byR to 99bkR is an example of a second engaged portion that is engaged with the engagement portion 153R of the drive rack 15R serving as a second force applying member.

[0377] FIG. 22B is a view that illustrates a configuration related to adjustment of a gear gap. FIG. 22C The left side view of each of FIG. 23 The right side view of each of FIG. 23 In the right side view (perspective view) of each of

[0378] Hereinafter, the operation of driving the rack 15 and the pinion 94k in the tray ejection operation of the tray 80k will be described. Here, the operation of each of the driving rack 15 and the pinion 94y to 94c in the tray ejection operation of the corresponding one of the trays 80y to 80c is substantially similar to the operation of the driving rack 15 and the pinion 94k, and thus the description is omitted. The following description will be made by using the driving rack 15L and the pinion 94kL provided on the left side of the device main body 1A. The operation of the driving rack 15R and the pinion 94kR provided on the right side of the device main body 1A is substantially similar to the operation of the driving rack 15L and the pinion 94kL, and thus the description is omitted.

[0379] The lower side (-Z side) end position of the device main body 1A within the slidable range of the driving rack 15L is referred to as the lower position of the driving rack 15L. The upper side (+Z side) end position of the device main body 1A within the slidable range of the driving rack 15L is referred to as the upper position of the driving rack 15L. The position of the driving rack 15L at the time when the output rack portion 152L of the driving rack 15L first contacts the teeth of the pinion 94k during movement of the driving rack 15L from the lower position toward the upper position is referred to as the mesh start position. The position of the driving rack 15L at the time when the engagement portion 153L of the driving rack 15L starts to engage with the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90 during movement of the driving rack 15L from the lower position to the upper position is referred to as the engagement start position.

[0380] FIG. 23 A state of the driving rack 15L is shown in a case where the tray 80k is in the storage position. In this case, the driving rack 15L is in the lower position, and the output rack portion 152L is not meshed with the pinion 94kL. In other words, the lower position of the driving rack 15L is a position (disengagement position) at which the output rack portion 152L (force transmission portion) of the driving rack 15L is away from the pinion 94kL (driven unit). The engagement portion 153L of the driving rack 15L is not engaged with the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90.

[0381] When the drive rack 15L is in the lower position, it is positioned at two locations in the longitudinal (X-direction) direction of the device body 1A: support H1 (first support) and support H2 (second support). In other words, supports H1 and H2 restrict the movement of the drive rack 15L (drive component) in the direction separating it from the rotating body 90 (rotating body). Supports H1 and H2 are provided on the frame 16 (main frame) of the device body 1A to support the drive rack 15L (drive component). Supports H1 and H2 are positioned spaced apart from each other along the direction of movement of the drive rack 15L. Because the movement of the drive rack 15L in the longitudinal (X-direction) direction of the device body 1A is restricted at least at two positions spaced apart in the vertical direction, tilting of the drive rack 15L is also suppressed.

[0382] In this embodiment, the support portions H1 and H2 are disposed on the lower guide portion 341L of the lower retaining member 34L. FIG. 22D Alternatively, the support portions H1 and H2 can be mounted on another component. The support portions H1 and H2 are connected to the joined portion 99bkL. FIG. 22C Similarly, it has a shape (hook shape) that engages with the engagement portion 153L of the drive rack 15L.

[0383] Subsequently, when the tray ejection operation begins, the drive rack 15L moves upward (in the +Z direction) towards the main body 1A of the device. Then, in FIG. 22D In the shown state, the rotation of the rotating body 90 is restricted by the locking mechanism 90L. At this time, the output rack portion 152L of the drive rack 15L is not yet engaged with the pinion 94kL. The drive rack 15L is positioned in two positions in the front-rear direction (X direction) of the device body 1A, namely, the support portions H1 and H2.

[0384] As the pallet ejection operation progresses, the drive rack 15L reaches the engagement start position where its engagement portion 153L engages with the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90, as shown below. FIG. 22C As shown. Thereafter, the output rack section 152L of the drive rack 15L begins to mesh with the pinion 94kL.

[0385] In other words, when the output rack portion 152L engages with the pinion 94kL, the engagement portion 153L of the drive rack 15L engages with the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90. In other words, the drive rack 15L (driving member) moves from the lower position (disengagement position) where the drive rack 15L (driving member) is distanced from the lower portion of the pinion 94kL (driven unit) along the output rack portion 152L in a direction in which the output rack portion 152L approaches the pinion 94kL. Then, after the drive rack 15L starts to move from the lower position, the engagement portion 153L engages with the rotating body 90 (rotating body) before the output rack portion 152L engages with the pinion 94kL.

[0386] FIG. 21A is a view of a configuration related to adjustment of a gear gap between the pinion 94kL and the drive rack 15L when viewed from the upper side (+Z side) of the device main body 1A. As shown in FIG. 19B , when the output rack portion 152L engages with the pinion 94kL, the tooth surface of the output rack portion 152L receives a force Fg including a component in the direction of the arrow in the drawing (+X direction, a direction in which the tooth surfaces of the gears are distanced from each other) from the tooth surface of the pinion 94kL. In other words, when viewed in the sliding direction of the drive rack 15L, the drive rack 15L receives a force including a component in the direction (+X direction) in which the rotational axis of the pinion 94kL moves away.

[0387] Here, as shown in FIG. 24A , the engagement portion 153L of the drive rack 15L has a contact surface cs1 (first surface) facing in the direction (+X direction) in which the rotational axis of the pinion 94kL moves away. The engaged portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90 has a contacted surface cs2 (second surface) configured to face in the -X direction when the rotating body 90 is in the black replacement attitude. Thereby, when the engagement portion 153L engages with the engaged portion 99bkL, movement of the drive rack 15L in the +X direction with respect to the rotating body 90 is restricted. When the engagement portion 153L engages with the engaged portion 99bkL, movement of the rotating body 90 in the -X direction with respect to the drive rack 15L is restricted.

[0388] When the contact surface cs1 and the contacted surface cs2 are in contact, relative movement between the drive rack 15L and the pinion 94kL that causes the drive rack 15L to move in the orthogonal direction away from the rotational axis of the pinion 94kL is restricted.

[0389] FIG. 13AThe diagram shows the state of the drive rack 15L with the tray 80k in the pop-out position (the state after the tray pop-out operation is completed). At this time, the drive rack 15L is in the upper position. The engagement portion 153L of the drive rack 15L and the engagement portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90 are maintained. In other words, from the initial engagement position of the drive rack 15L (… FIG. 13B When the tray reaches the ejection position at 80k, FIG. 24A During this period, the engagement of the drive rack 15L engagement portion 153L and the engagement portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90 is maintained.

[0390] Therefore, in this embodiment, during the tray ejection operation, the engagement between the engagement portion 153L of the drive rack 15L and the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotating body 90 is maintained throughout the entire time period during which the output rack portion 152L of the drive rack 15L meshes with the pinion 94kL. This further suppresses changes in the gear clearance between the pinion 94kL and the drive rack 15L.

[0391] In this embodiment, the lower end of the drive rack 15L is configured to pass through the lower support portion H2 before the drive rack 15L reaches the engagement start position with the engaged portion 99bkL. FIG. 24B In other words, after the drive rack 15L begins to move from the lower position (disengaged position), before the engaging portion 153L engages with the rotating body 90, the drive rack 15L disconnects from either the first support portion (H1) or the second support portion (H2). The moment when the lower end of the drive rack 15L passes the lower support portion H2 can be exactly before the drive rack 15L reaches the engagement start position with the engaged portion 99bkL.

[0392] At the upper end of the engagement portion 153L of the drive rack 15L and the inlet side end of the engaged portion 99bkL ( FIG. 24A At least one of the lower ends of the joint 153L may be provided with a tapered or other guide portion (entry guide portion). In this embodiment, the tapered guide portion tp is provided at the upper end of the joint 153L. FIG. 24B When the lower end of the drive rack 15L passes the lower support H2, the guide tp may have entered the engaged portion 99bkL (the front end of the guide tp may be located above the lower end of the engaged portion 99bkL).

[0393] The benefits of suppressing gear backlash during the operation of moving the tray 80k from the storage position to the ejection position (tray ejection operation) have been described above. However, similar benefits exist during the operation of moving the tray 80k from the ejection position to the storage position (tray insertion operation).

[0394] Automatic insertion function when a tray pushing action is detected.

[0395] When the tray 80k is in the ejected position, the user can instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to perform the tray insertion operation by operating an operation unit (e.g., a button on an operation panel) of the apparatus main body 1A. However, with the configuration in which the tray 80k in the ejected position is automatically pulled into the storage position when the user pushes in the tray 80k, further intuitive operation becomes possible, and thus operability is improved.

[0396] Hereinafter, a function of automatically starting a tray insertion operation by detecting that the user pushes in the tray 80k (automatic tray insertion function) will be described with reference to FIG. 24A , 24B and 25A to 25E. By "automatically", it is meant that the control unit 30 determines to perform the tray insertion operation in a state in which the user has not explicitly provided an instruction to perform the tray insertion operation by an operation unit or the like. In the following description, a configuration for detecting a pushing action of the tray 80k and the automatic insertion function will be described; however, the image forming apparatus 1 also has substantially the same configuration to detect a pushing action of the trays 80y to 80c and the automatic insertion function.

[0397] In order for the control unit 30 to be able to detect that the user pushes in the tray 80k, it is sufficient to provide a configuration that detects movement of the tray 80k itself or movement of a member that cooperates with the tray 80k. In the present embodiment, as will be described in detail below, a sensor (tray ejection sensor 135) that detects rotation of the idler 63 serving as a member that cooperates with the tray 80k is provided. The tray ejection sensor 135 is an example of a detector configured so that a signal changes when the tray 80k (support member) that supports the toner cartridge 70k (cartridge) moves from the ejected position (second position) toward the storage position (first position). The signal output from the tray ejection sensor 135 changes between a state in which the tray 80k is in the ejected position and a state in which the tray 80k is in the storage position. The signal output from the tray ejection sensor 135 changes between a state in which the toner cartridge 70k (cartridge) is in the installed position and a state in which the toner cartridge 70k (cartridge) is in the retracted position.

[0398] In addition, as described previously, the drive system 100 of the tray 80k includes the motor M2 as a drive source and the drive transmission mechanism 101 (drive transmission member) that transmits the driving force of the motor M2 to the tray 80k FIG. 24B and FIG. 13A). The drive transmission mechanism 101 includes the worm wheel 60 and gears 61, 62, 65R, 65L as a reduction mechanism that can reduce the rotational speed (angular velocity) of the output shaft of the motor M2 and transmit it to the drive transmission elements downstream. With this reduction mechanism, it is possible to perform the tray insertion operation using a motor M2 having a small output power. In other words, with the reduction mechanism, it is possible to use a small-sized motor as a drive source, and as a result, it is possible to achieve downsizing and cost reduction of the device main body 1A.

[0399] Here, when the user attempts to push in the tray 80k at the ejection position, the pushing force of the user is transmitted to the upstream side (the motor M2 side) through the drive transmission elements of the drive transmission mechanism 101. If the motor M2 is configured to rotate in cooperation with the pushing in of the tray 80k, the pushing force for moving the tray 80k increases due to the load of rotating the motor M2 in the stopped state. In particular, in the case of a configuration in which the force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the tray 80k through the reduction mechanism, the force for pushing in the tray 80k to rotate the motor M2 further increases. When the reduction mechanism includes a worm wheel as in the present embodiment, the worm wheel is self-locking even when the user attempts to push in the tray 80k, so the motor M2 cannot be reversed. In this case, the user is substantially unable to push in the tray 80k.

[0400] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the idler gear 63 is provided in the drive transmission path from the worm wheel 60 to the tray 80k, and the idler gear 63 is configured to freely rotate in cooperation with the pushing in of the tray 80k. Due to the free rotation of the idler gear 63, the drive transmission elements (the stepped gear 62) do not operate in cooperation with the pushing in of the tray 80k compared to the idler gear 63, so the user is able to push in the tray 80k with a light pushing force. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a sensor (tray ejection sensor 135) that detects the rotation of the idler gear 63 serving as a transmission unit is used to detect the pushing in of the tray 80k and automatically perform the tray insertion operation.

[0401] Hereinafter, a pushing-in detection mechanism for detecting the pushing in of the tray 80k will be described. FIG. 13A 、 FIG. 24A is an exploded view of the idler gear 63 of the present embodiment. FIG. 24B is a perspective view of the idler gear 63 when viewed from one side in the direction along the rotation axis 63C of the idler gear 63. FIG. 24A is a perspective view of the idler gear 63 when viewed from the other side in the direction along the rotation axis 63C.

[0402] As shown in Figs. 13A and 13B, the idler gear 63 is a gear unit including two gears, namely, an input gear 631 and an output gear 632. The input gear 631 and the output gear 632 are arranged in the direction of the rotation axis 63C. The input gear 631 and the output gear 632 are each rotatable about the rotation axis 63C. FIG. 24B and FIG. 20A As shown in Figs. 13A and 13B, the idler gear 63 is a gear unit including two gears, namely, an input gear 631 and an output gear 632. The input gear 631 and the output gear 632 are arranged in the direction of the rotation axis 63C. The input gear 631 and the output gear 632 are each rotatable about the rotation axis 63C.

[0403] The input gear 631 has a gear portion that meshes with the stepped gear 62( FIGS. 25A-25E ), and the driving force of the motor M2 is input to the input gear 631. In other words, the input gear 631 is drivingly connected to the motor M2 via the stepped gear 62 or the like. The output gear 632 has a gear portion (tooth portion) that meshes with the drive rack input gear 64L and the stepped gear 65L (see FIGS. 25A-25E ), and outputs the driving force to the tray 80k. In other words, the output gear 632 is configured to be drivingly connected to the tray 80k via the drive rack input gear 64L, the stepped gear 65L, or the like.

[0404] The idler gear 63 is an example of a transmission unit configured to transmit the driving force of the motor M2 to the tray 80k. In the present embodiment, the idler gear 63 functions as a transmission unit capable of assuming an interrupted state in which the transmission of force from the tray 80k to the motor M2 is interrupted. The input gear 631 is an example of an input portion of the transmission unit, and the output gear 632 is an example of an output portion of the transmission unit.

[0405] Hereinafter, the direction of rotation of the input gear 631 when the motor M2 is rotated forward will be referred to as the forward rotation direction R1 of the idler gear 63. The direction of rotation of the input gear 631 when the motor M2 is rotated in reverse will be referred to as the reverse rotation direction R2 of the idler gear 63.

[0406] As shown in FIGS. 25A-25E , the input gear 631 has a protrusion 631a. The protrusion 631a protrudes toward the output gear 632 in the direction of the rotation axis 63C.

[0407] A forward rotation contact portion 631b is provided at one end (end portion in the forward rotation direction R1) of the protrusion 631a. A reverse rotation contact portion 631c is provided at the other end (end portion in the reverse rotation direction R2) of the protrusion 631a. In the present embodiment, two protrusions 631a are provided at positions that are spaced 180° apart from each other about the rotation axis 63C.

[0408] As shown in FIGS. 25A-25E , a recess 632a is provided on the output gear 632. The recess 632a is a recessed portion that is recessed from the input gear 631 side toward the output gear 632 side in the direction of the rotation axis 63C. A forward rotation contact portion 632b is provided at one end (end portion in the forward rotation direction R1) of the recess 632a. A reverse rotation contact portion 632c is formed at the other end (end portion in the reverse rotation direction R2) of the recess 632a. In the present embodiment, two recesses 632a are provided at positions that are spaced 180° apart from each other about the rotation axis 63C.

[0409] The output gear 632 has a generally cylindrical (arc-shaped) outer peripheral surface 632e centered on the rotation shaft 63C, and an outer peripheral recess 632f recessed relative to the outer peripheral surface 632e toward the side closer to the rotation shaft 63C. The outer peripheral recess 632f is continuously connected to one of the grooves 632a.

[0410] The protrusion 631a of the input gear 631 is formed in the forward rotation direction R1 within the angle θ1 range. The groove 632a of the output gear 632 is formed in the forward rotation direction R1 within the angle θ2 range. The area forming the protrusion 631a is narrower than the area forming the groove 632a. In other words, θ1 < θ2.

[0411] A cylindrical shaft portion 631d is formed at the center of the input gear 631. FIGS. 25A-25E Hole 632d is formed at the center of output gear 632. FIG. 25A When the shaft portion 631d of the input gear 631 engages with the bore 632d of the output gear 632, the input gear 631 and the output gear 632 are connected to be able to rotate about a common rotation axis 63C and to rotate relative to each other. This is achieved by mounting the shaft portion 631d into a support shaft provided on the upper retaining member 33L (see...). FIGS. 25A-25E The input gear 631 is rotatably supported.

[0412] With the input gear 631 and output gear 632 connected, the protrusion 631a is housed within the space inside the groove 632a. At this time, since θ1 < θ2, the protrusion 631a and groove 632a allow the input gear 631 and output gear 632 to rotate relative to each other within an angle θ3 = θ2 - θ1. In other words, the input gear 631 and output gear 632 can rotate relative to each other (freely rotate) within an angle θ3.

[0413] FIG. 25B This is a view illustrating the 80k tray being pushed into the detection mechanism. FIG. 25C The right-hand view shows the location of tray 80k. FIG. 25C The left-hand view shows the state of the idler wheel 63 and the tray ejection sensor 135, which corresponds to the right-hand view.

[0414] like FIG. 25D As shown, the tray ejection sensor 135 is configured such that it can contact the outer peripheral surface 632e of the output gear 632. The tray ejection sensor 135 is configured to switch the detection signal between a state in which the tray ejection sensor 135 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 632e of the output gear 632 and a state in which the tray ejection sensor 135 is not in contact with the outer peripheral surface 632e (i.e., the state in which the tray ejection sensor 135 faces the outer peripheral recess 632f).

[0415] In other words, the tray ejection sensor 135 can detect whether the output gear 632 is within a predetermined rotation range (a range in which the tray ejection sensor 135 faces the outer peripheral recess 632f).

[0416] The output gear 632 is an example of a rotating member that can rotate around a rotation axis. The signal output by the tray ejection sensor 135 serving as a detector of the present embodiment changes depending on the rotation of the output gear 632. In the present embodiment, the rotation angle of the output gear 632 (rotating member) during movement of the tray 80k (support member) from the storage position (first position) to the ejection position (second position) is less than 360°. In other words, because the position of the tray 80k is uniquely determined when the signal of the tray ejection sensor 135 changes, accurate control according to the position of the tray 80k can be achieved.

[0417] The operation from when the tray ejection operation of the tray 80k is performed to when the tray insertion operation is automatically performed due to the user pushing in the tray 80k will be described with reference to FIG. 25D

[0418] The state of the idler gear 63 and the tray ejection sensor 135 when the tray 80k is in the storage position Q1 is shown. At this time, the tray ejection sensor 135 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 632e of the output gear 632. FIG. 25E The position of the tray 80k with reference to the position of the front end of the tray 80k in the ejection direction Dk1 is shown. FIG. 25E

[0419] When the user provides an instruction of the tray ejection operation by operating a button or the like on the control panel, the control unit 30 rotates the motor M2 in the forward direction. As a result, the driving force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the tray 80k, and as a result, the tray 80k moves in the ejection direction Dk1. At this time, the input gear 631 of the idler gear 63 rotates in the forward direction R1 under the action of the driving force from the motor M2. The forward rotation contact portion 631b (first engagement portion) of the input gear 631 contacts the forward rotation contact portion 632b (first contact portion) of the output gear 632, the driving force is transmitted from the input gear 631 to the output gear 632, and the output gear 632 also rotates in the forward direction R1.

[0420] FIG. 22A ​The diagram illustrates the states of the idler wheel 63 and the tray ejection sensor 135 when the tray 80k is ejected to a predetermined position Q2 between the storage position and the ejection position. When the tray 80k reaches the predetermined position Q2, the tray ejection sensor 135 switches from a state where it faces the outer peripheral surface 632e of the output gear 632 to a state where it faces the outer peripheral recess 632f of the output gear 632. Based on the change in the detection signal from the tray ejection sensor 135, the control unit 30 detects that the tray 80k has reached the predetermined position Q2.

[0421] After motor M2 has been rotating forward for a predetermined time T4, and even after tray 80k has reached the predetermined position Q2, control unit 30 stops motor M2. As a result, tray 80k moves to... FIG. 26 The pop-up position Q3 is shown in the figure. At this time, the input gear 631 rotates clockwise by an angle θ4. In other words, angle θ4 is the amount of rotation of the input gear 631 during the movement of the tray 80k from the predetermined position Q2 to the pop-up position Q3.

[0422] FIG. 27 The diagram shows the state of the idler wheel 63 and the tray ejection sensor 135 when the tray 80k is ejected to the ejection position Q3. In this state, the forward rotation contact portion 631b of the input gear 631 is in contact with the forward rotation contact portion 632b of the output gear 632. The tray ejection sensor 135 is in a state facing the outer peripheral recess 632f of the output gear 632.

[0423] When the tray 80k is popped out to the pop-out position Q3, the control unit 30 rotates the motor M2 in the reverse direction for a certain period of time, and then stops the motor M2.

[0424] like FIG. 26 As shown, the input gear 631 rotates in the opposite direction R2 due to the reverse rotation of the motor M2 under the driving force. As a result, the forward rotation contact portion 631b of the input gear 631 is separated from the forward rotation contact portion 632b of the output gear 632.

[0425] During the predetermined time of motor M2 reversal, the angle by which the input gear 631 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2 is denoted as θ5. Angle θ5 is less than the angle θ3 (θ5 < θ3) that allows the input gear 631 and output gear 632 to rotate freely. Therefore, when motor M2 reverses, the reversing contact portion 631c of the input gear 631 does not contact the reversing contact portion 632c of the output gear 632. In other words, the driving force of motor M2 is not transmitted to the output gear 632, and the tray 80k does not move from the pop-out position Q3 in the insertion direction Dk2. Therefore, the tray pop-out operation from the storage position to the pop-out position of the tray 80k is completed.

[0426] FIG. 27 The state of the idler gear 63 and the tray ejection sensor 135 when the tray ejection operation of the tray 80k is completed is shown. In this state, the forward rotation contact portion 631b of the input gear 631 is spaced apart from the forward rotation contacted portion 632b of the output gear 632. The reverse rotation contact portion 631c of the input gear 631 is also spaced apart from the reverse rotation contacted portion 632c of the output gear 632. The tray ejection sensor 135 is in a state of facing the outer peripheral recess 632f of the output gear 632.

[0427] Here, a case where the user pushes in the tray 80k in the insertion direction Dk2 as shown in FIG. 18 is considered. In this case, the pushing force of the user pushing in the tray 80k is transmitted in the reverse direction along the drive transmission path from the motor M2 to the output gear 632. As a result, the output gear 632 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2. FIG. 26 On the other hand, due to the reverse rotation of the motor M2 during the tray ejection operation, there is a gap of the above-described angle θ5 between the forward rotation contact portion 631b and the forward rotation contacted portion 632b. Therefore, even when the output gear 632 rotates in the reverse rotation direction R2, the input gear 631 does not rotate in the reverse rotation direction R2. In other words, the input gear 631 and the drive transmission element on the upstream side (the motor M2 side) of the input gear 631 do not operate in cooperation with the pushing in of the tray 80k. Therefore, the user can push in the tray 80k with a light pushing force.

[0428] The angle by which the output gear 632 rotates during the pushing in of the tray 80k from the ejection position Q3 to the predetermined position Q2 is denoted as θ4. The angle θ4 can be smaller than the angle θ5 of the gap present between the forward rotation contact portion 631b and the forward rotation contacted portion 632b at the time of completion of the tray ejection operation (θ4 < θ5). The angle θ5 is an angle by which the output gear 632 can rotate in the reverse rotation direction R2 in a state where the input gear 631 is stopped. Therefore, in a case where the relation θ4 < θ5 holds, the user can push in the tray 80k with a light pushing force until at least the tray 80k reaches the predetermined position Q2.

[0429] When the tray 80k is pushed in to the predetermined position Q2 as shown in FIG. 18, the tray ejection sensor 135 switches from the state of facing the outer peripheral recess 632f of the output gear 632 to the state of facing the outer peripheral surface 632e of the output gear 632. The control unit 30 detects that the tray 80k has been pushed in to the predetermined position Q2 based on the change in the detection signal from the tray ejection sensor 135.

[0430] FIG. 26 When the tray 80k is pushed in to the predetermined position Q2 as shown in FIG. 18, the tray ejection sensor 135 switches from the state of facing the outer peripheral recess 632f of the output gear 632 to the state of facing the outer peripheral surface 632e of the output gear 632. The control unit 30 detects that the tray 80k has been pushed in to the predetermined position Q2 based on the change in the detection signal from the tray ejection sensor 135.

[0431] ​When the control unit 30 detects the push-in of the tray 80k, the control unit 30 reverses the motor M2 and starts the tray insertion operation. When the motor M2 is reversed, the input gear 631 rotates in the reverse direction R2, and the reverse contact portion 631c (second engagement portion) of the input gear 631 engages with the reverse contacted portion 632c (second engaged portion) of the output gear 632. As a result, the output gear 632 rotates in the reverse direction R2, and the tray 80k moves toward the storage position. Then, when the control unit 30 detects that the tray 80k has reached the storage position Q1, the control unit 30 stops the motor M2 and completes the tray insertion operation.

[0432] As shown in FIG. 10, a tray insertion sensor 134 capable of detecting that the tray 80k has reached the storage position is provided in the device main body 1A. FIG. 27

[0433] The tray insertion sensor 134 is provided so as to contact the drive rack 15L when the tray 80k is in the storage position Q1. In other words, the tray insertion sensor 134 is configured to change the detection signal depending on whether the drive rack 15L is in the lower position.

[0434] The control unit 30 can detect that the drive rack 15L has reached the lower position, i.e., that the tray 80k has reached the storage position Q1, from the change in the detection signal of the tray insertion sensor 134.

[0435] As described above, the control unit 30 is configured to automatically perform the tray insertion operation when the control unit 30 detects that the tray 80k has been pushed in from the eject position Q3 to the predetermined position Q2.

[0436] In the present embodiment, the tray eject sensor 135 is used as a detector that changes the signal when the tray 80k moves from the eject position toward the storage position. Alternatively, a detector that detects the force received in the direction in which the tray 80k moves from the eject position toward the storage position can be used. For example, a force / torque sensor such as a load cell is used as this detector. In this case, when the user attempts to push in the tray 80k after the tray 80k has been ejected to the eject position and the motor M2 is not driven, the control unit 30 only needs to reverse the motor M2 based on the change in the force / torque sensor signal to perform the tray insertion operation.

[0437] In the present embodiment, an example in which the tray insertion operation is started by starting the motor M2 in the stopped state when the detector detects the movement of the tray 80k is shown. This is not limiting, and when the detector detects the movement of the tray 80k, the tray insertion operation can be started by connecting a clutch provided between the motor M2 and the tray 80k in a state in which the motor M2 is rotating.

[0438] Automatic Ejection Function at Time of Tray Insertion Abnormality​

[0439] If an abnormality occurs in the tray insertion operation, the tray 80 can stop at a position (abnormal position) that is neither the storage position nor the ejection position. An abnormality occurs when, for example, a foreign object is caught between the tray 80 and another component, obstructing the movement of the tray 80 in the insertion direction DK2.

[0440] At this time, it is desirable to perform a recovery work to return the device to a state in which the tray insertion operation can be performed by eliminating the cause of the abnormality (e.g., removing the foreign object).

[0441] When the tray 80 is in the ejection position, the user can provide an instruction to start the tray insertion operation in a method of operating an operation unit (e.g., a button on an operation panel) provided on the device main body 1A or the above-described method of pushing in the tray 80. When the control unit 30 detects the tray insertion operation instruction (insertion instruction) or the pushing in of the tray 80, the control unit 30 causes the motor M2 to rotate in the reverse direction. As a result, the tray insertion operation starts, and the tray 80 starts to move from the ejection position toward the storage position under the driving force of the motor M2.

[0442] Here, it is assumed that an abnormality has occurred in the tray insertion operation and the movement of the tray 80 is obstructed. In this case, the drive rack 15 cannot move to the lower position, and the tray insertion sensor 134 does not detect the drive rack 15. In other words, the control unit 30 determines that the tray insertion operation is not completed.

[0443] In the present embodiment, when the tray insertion sensor 134 does not detect the drive rack 15 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the reverse rotation of the motor M2, the control unit 30 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the tray insertion operation.

[0444] When the control unit 30 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the tray insertion operation, the control unit 30 temporarily stops the motor M2 and then rotates the motor M2 in the forward direction. As a result, the tray 80 starts to move from the abnormal position toward the ejection position under the driving force of the motor M2. The control unit 30 determines that the tray 80 has reached the ejection position, stops the motor M2, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the forward rotation of the motor M2, and ends the automatic ejection operation. The tray 80 can be configured to be moved to the ejection position by a control similar to the normal tray ejection operation with the use of the tray ejection sensor 135.

[0445] Automatic tray insertion function at the time of tray ejection abnormality

[0446] If an abnormality occurs in the tray ejection operation, the tray 80 can stop at a position (abnormal position) that is neither the storage position nor the ejection position.

[0447] For example, there can be a case where, in the tray ejection operation, an obstacle exists at a position overlapping the movement locus of the tray 80 (for example, near the opening 16a of the device main body 1A), and the movement of the tray 80 is restricted when the tray 80 (or the door 14) moves to contact the obstacle. In this case, the tray 80 stops at an abnormal position.

[0448] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 has a function of automatically moving the tray 80 to the storage position if an abnormality occurs when the tray 80 moves from the storage position to the ejection position (during the tray ejection operation) (tray automatic insertion function). Hereinafter, the tray automatic insertion function will be described.

[0449] When the tray 80 is at the storage position, the user can instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to start the tray ejection operation with a method of operating an operation unit (for example, a button on an operation panel) provided on the device main body 1A.

[0450] Here, it is assumed that an abnormality has occurred in the tray ejection operation and the movement of the tray 80 is hindered. In this case, the tray ejection sensor 135 does not detect that the tray 80 has reached the predetermined position Q2. In other words, the control unit 30 determines that the tray ejection operation is not completed.

[0451] In the present embodiment, when the tray ejection sensor 135 does not detect that the tray 80 has reached the predetermined position Q2 even after a predetermined time has passed from the start of the tray ejection operation, the control unit 30 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the tray ejection operation.

[0452] When the control unit 30 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the tray ejection operation, the control unit 30 temporarily stops the motor M2 and then reverses the motor M2. As a result, the tray 80 starts to move from the abnormal position toward the storage position under the driving force of the motor M2. The control unit 30 determines that the tray 80 has reached the storage position, stops the motor M2, for example, after a predetermined time has passed from the start of the reversal of the motor M2, and ends the automatic insertion operation. The tray 80 can be configured to be moved to the storage position by similar control to the normal tray insertion operation with the tray insertion sensor 134.

[0453] Other Embodiments

[0454] The present application can be implemented by providing a program for realizing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and causing one or more processors in a computer of the system or the apparatus to read and run the program. Alternatively, the present application can be implemented by a circuit (for example, an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0455] Guidance of toner to discharge port

[0456] As described above, the toner accommodated in the toner storage chamber 71a is discharged from the discharge port 71b, and the toner discharged from the discharge port 71b is put into the development-side storage chamber 53a through the receiving port 53b.

[0457] In the following description, it is assumed that the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotating main body 90. The configuration for effectively discharging the toner accommodated in the toner storage chamber 71a through the discharge port 71b will be described below with reference to FIG. 26 and FIG. 27

[0458] FIG. 26 is a view showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 70. FIG. 27 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 70, and specifically, a sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 taken in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis 90C when viewed in the Y direction.

[0459] Here, it is assumed that the toner cartridge 70 is projected onto a first virtual plane orthogonal to a first projection direction along the first projection direction. At this time, the first projection direction that minimizes the projected area on the first virtual plane can be referred to as the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0460] As described above, in the state where the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotating main body 90, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70 is parallel to the direction (Y direction) of the rotation axis 90C of the rotating main body 90.

[0461] Further, it is assumed that the direction orthogonal to the first projection direction is a second projection direction and the toner cartridge 70 is projected onto a second virtual plane orthogonal to the second projection direction along the second projection direction. At this time, the second projection direction that minimizes the projected area on the second virtual plane can be referred to as the lateral direction of the toner cartridge 70. In other words, the lateral direction of the toner cartridge 70 is a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Further, the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal and lateral directions of the toner cartridge 70 is referred to as the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0462] In the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, and the thickness direction of the toner frame 71 can be defined in the same manner as the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, and the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70. In other words, the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, and the thickness direction of the toner frame 71 are the same as the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, and the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70. Therefore, each of the toner cartridge 70 and the toner frame 71 is longer in the longitudinal direction than in the lateral direction and in the thickness direction.

[0463] ​Each of the toner cartridge 70 and the toner frame 71 has a length in the lateral direction that is longer than a length in the thickness direction.

[0464] In the following description, the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, and the thickness direction of the toner frame 71 are not distinguished from the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, and the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70 from each other, and are simply referred to as the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, and the thickness direction.

[0465] As shown in FIG. 26 , the toner frame 71 has a toner storage chamber 71a, and a right side surface 71eR and a left side surface 71eL that face each other. The right side surface 71eR and the left side surface 71eL are surfaces that extend in a direction (may be an orthogonal direction) that intersects the longitudinal direction, and face each other in the longitudinal direction. In the longitudinal direction, the left side surface 71eL is located at a position closer to one end side with respect to a center 71c of the toner frame 71, and the right side surface 71eR is located at a position closer to the other end side with respect to the center 71c of the toner frame 71. In the longitudinal direction, the left side surface 71eL is located at one end of the toner storage chamber 71a, and the right side surface 71eR is located at the other end of the toner storage chamber 71a.

[0466] As shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 29 , the toner frame 71 has a toner storage chamber 71a, and an outer surface 71o and an inner surface 71i that face each other. The outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i are surfaces that extend in a direction (may be an orthogonal direction) that intersects the lateral direction, and face each other in the lateral direction. In the radial direction of the rotation body 90, the inner surface 71i is closer to the rotation axis 90C than the outer surface 71o. In the lateral direction, the outer surface 71o is located at one end of the toner storage chamber 71a, and the inner surface 71i is located at the other end of the toner storage chamber 71a.

[0467] As shown in FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B , the toner frame 71 has a toner storage chamber 71a, and a first receiving surface 71d1 and a second receiving surface 71d2 that face each other. The first receiving surface 71d1 and the second receiving surface 71d2 are surfaces that extend in a direction (may be an orthogonal direction) that intersects the thickness direction, and face each other in the thickness direction. In the thickness direction, the first receiving surface 71d1 is located at one end of the toner storage chamber 71a, and the second receiving surface 71d2 is located at the other end of the toner storage chamber 71a.

[0468] As shown in FIG. 28AAs shown, the toner frame 71 of the present embodiment has a plurality of discharge ports, including a discharge port (second opening) 71bR and a discharge port (first opening) 71bL. Each of the discharge ports 71bR, 71bL has a function as a discharge port that communicates with the toner storage chamber 71a. In the longitudinal direction, the discharge port 71bL is located on one end side with respect to the center 71c of the toner frame 71, and between the center 71c and the left side surface 71eL. In the longitudinal direction, the discharge port 71bR is located on the other end side with respect to the center 71c of the toner frame 71, and between the center 71c and the right side surface 71eR. In the present embodiment, in the longitudinal direction, the discharge port 71bL is closer to the left side surface 71eL than the center 71c, and the discharge port 71bR is closer to the right side surface 71eR than the center 71c.

[0469] In the present embodiment, the discharge port 71bL is disposed so that the projected area is the largest when the discharge port 71bL is projected in the thickness direction onto a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction. The discharge port 71bR is disposed so that the projected area is the largest when the discharge port 71bR is projected in the thickness direction onto a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction.

[0470] In the present embodiment, the discharge ports 71bR, 71bL are disposed on the first receiving surface 71d1 of the toner frame 71. Therefore, the discharge ports 71bR, 71bL face the second receiving surface 71d2 of the toner frame 71. In the present embodiment, the first receiving surface 71d1 having the discharge port 71bL and the first receiving surface 71d1 having the discharge port 71bR are continuous. However, the first receiving surface 71d1 having the discharge port 71bL and the first receiving surface 71d1 having the discharge port 71bR can be discontinuous.

[0471] The toner frame 71 has at least one guide portion 71g for guiding the toner accommodated in the toner storage chamber 71a. The toner frame 71 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of guide portions 71g. Each of the guide portions 71g is configured to guide the toner to move toward the discharge port 71b in the Y direction due to its own weight in a direction intersecting the Y direction.

[0472] In the present embodiment, the intervals between the plurality of guide portions 71g are constant, and the inclination angles of each of the plurality of guide portions 71g are the same. However, the intervals between the plurality of guide portions 71g need not be constant. The inclination angles of the plurality of guide portions 71g can be different from each other.

[0473] In this embodiment, the toner frame 71 includes at least one right-side guide 71gR and at least one left-side guide 71gL. In this embodiment, the toner frame 71 includes a plurality of right-side guides 71gR and a plurality of left-side guides 71gL. The left-side guides 71gL guide the toner towards the outlet 71bL in the Y direction, and the right-side guides 71gR guide the toner towards the outlet 71bR in the Y direction. In other words, the toner frame 71 includes a plurality of toner guides, and these plurality of toner guides include right-side guides 71gR and left-side guides 71gL.

[0474] In the longitudinal direction, the left guide 71gL is located between the center 71c of the toner frame 71 and the outlet 71bL, and the right guide 71gR is located between the center 71c of the toner frame 71 and the outlet 71bR. The left guide 71gL and outlet 71bL, as well as the right guide 71gR and outlet 71bR, have symmetrical shapes in the longitudinal direction; however, the left guide 71gL and outlet 71bL, and the right guide 71gR and outlet 71bR, do not need to have perfectly symmetrical shapes. The number of left guides 71gL may differ from the number of right guides 71gR.

[0475] The right guide 71gR and the left guide 71gL guide the toner in different directions; however, the right guide 71gR and the left guide 71gL generally share a substantially common basic structure and function. Therefore, in the following description, the right guide 71gR and the left guide 71gL are referred to as guide sections 71g, and the outlets 71bR and 71bL are referred to as outlets 71b, and they will be described uniformly.

[0476] like FIG. 28B As shown, the guide portion 71g is closer to the first receiving surface 71d1 than the second receiving surface 71d2. In this embodiment, the guide portion 71g is disposed on the first receiving surface 71d1. In other words, the base of each guide portion 71g is connected to the first receiving surface 71d1. The first receiving surface 71d1 with the discharge port 71bL, the first receiving surface 71d1 with the discharge port 71bR, and the first receiving surface 71d1 connected to the guide portion 71g may be discontinuous. On the other hand, a gap is formed between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2.

[0477] like FIG. 28A and FIG. 28BAs shown, each guide portion 71g has an outer end 71go and an inner end 71gi. In the radial direction of the rotating body 90, the inner end 71gi is closer to the rotation axis 90C than the outer end 71go. In the longitudinal direction, the inner end 71gi is closer to the discharge port 71b than the outer end 71go. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first receiving surface 71d1, an angle formed by a straight line passing through the inner end 71gi and the outer end 71go and the longitudinal direction can be greater than a rest angle of toner.

[0478] In the present embodiment, in the lateral direction, a distance between the outer end 71go and the inner end 71gi is shorter than a distance between the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i. In the lateral direction, the outer surface 71o faces the outer end 71go, and a gap is formed between the outer surface 71o and the outer end 71go. The inner surface 71i faces the inner end 71gi, and a gap is formed between the inner surface 71i and the inner end 71gi.

[0479] The guide portion 71g guides toner to move from the outer end 71g in the lateral direction toward the inner end 71gi and in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge port 71b.

[0480] When the first receiving surface (first surface) 71d1 receives a weight of toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and an inclination angle of the first receiving surface 71d1 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves on the first receiving surface 71d1 along the first receiving surface 71d1. At this time, the guide portion 71g guides the toner moving along the first receiving surface 71d1 in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge port 71b.

[0481] More specifically, it is assumed that in a state in which the first receiving surface 71d1 is located below the second receiving surface 71d2, the first receiving surface 71d1 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction such that an outer end of the first receiving surface 71d1 in the radial direction of the rotating body 90 is higher than an inner end of the first receiving surface 71d1 in the horizontal. When an inclination angle of the first receiving surface 71d1 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves on the first receiving surface 71d1 in a direction intersecting the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 from the outer end of the first receiving surface 71d1 toward the inner end of the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0482] When the toner moving on the first receiving surface 71d1 contacts a surface of the guide portion 71g facing the discharge port 71b in the longitudinal direction, the toner is guided by the guide portion 71g in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge port 71b.

[0483] On the other hand, when the second receiving surface (second surface) 71d2 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the second receiving surface 71d2 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves on the second receiving surface 71d2 along the second receiving surface 71d2. At this time, the toner moves from one of the outer end 71go and the inner end 71gi toward the other of the outer end 71go and the inner end 71gi in the radial direction of the rotating body 90 through the gap between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2. The toner that moves through the gap between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2 can move without being guided by the guide portion 71g.

[0484] In the present embodiment, the rotating body 90 (rotating assembly 90A) rotates, and the toner moves from the outer surface 71o toward the inner surface 71i in the lateral direction, and the toner also moves from the inner surface 71i toward the outer surface 71o. When the toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, the toner is guided by the guide portion 71g in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge port 71b. On the other hand, when the toner moves from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o, the guidance of the toner in the longitudinal direction in the direction away from the discharge port 71b is suppressed.

[0485] Therefore, when the rotating body 90 (rotating assembly 90A) to which the toner cartridge 70 is attached rotates, the amount of toner that moves in the direction approaching the discharge port 71b in the longitudinal direction becomes greater than the amount of toner that moves in the direction away from the discharge port 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0486] In this way, in the present embodiment, the toner is guided in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge port 71b and is discharged from the discharge port 71b. Therefore, the toner accommodated in the toner storage chamber 71a can be effectively discharged from the discharge port 71b.

[0487] Suppressing backflow of toner from the developing unit to the toner cartridge

[0488] With the rotation of the rotating assembly 90A, the receiving port 53b (developing opening) can be positioned above the discharge port 71b. For example, when the rotating body 90 takes a replacement attitude (attachment / detachment attitude) in a state where the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotating body 90, the receiving port 53b is positioned above the discharge port 71b. When the receiving port 53b is positioned above the discharge port 71b, the backflow of the toner from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70 can be suppressed.

[0489] Next, a configuration for suppressing the backflow of the toner from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70 will be described with reference to FIG. 28 and FIG. 28B In the following description, it is assumed that the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotating body 90.

[0490] FIG. 28B and FIG. 28B is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 and the developing unit 50 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 28A and FIG. 28A is a cross-sectional view taken in a direction orthogonal to the Y direction when viewed in the Y direction.

[0491] As FIG. 28A and FIG. 29 illustrated, the developing unit 50 includes a cover (limiting portion, toner limiting portion) 54. The cover 54 is housed in a developing-side storage portion (receiving-side storage chamber, developing-side storage chamber) 53a. The cover 54 is movable with respect to the receiving port 53b, and is movable between a covered position in which the receiving port 53b is covered by the cover 54 and a retracted position (cover retracted position) in which the cover 54 is retracted from the covered position.

[0492] In the present embodiment, the developing unit 50 has a connecting portion 55 that supports the cover 54.

[0493] The connecting portion 55 is connected to the cover 54 and is movable with respect to the receiving port 53b. The connecting portion 55 and the cover 54 are configured to move integrally. When the connecting portion 55 moves, the cover 54 moves between the covered position and the cover retracted position. The connecting portion 55 includes a shaft (transmission portion) 55a, and the cover 54 is fixed to the shaft 55a.

[0494] The shaft 55a is pivotable about a cover pivot 55c. When the shaft 55a pivots, the cover 54 also pivots about the cover pivot 55c to move between the covered position and the cover retracted position. Details of the configuration for moving the cover 54 will be described later.

[0495] As FIG. 29 illustrated, in a state in which the receiving port 53b is positioned above the discharge port (outlet) 71b, the cover 54 is in the covered position. At this time, the cover 54 covers the receiving port 53b, and restricts toner housed in the developing-side storage chamber 53a from being discharged to the outside of the developing unit 50 through the receiving port 53b. The attitude of the rotating body 90 in which the receiving port 53b is positioned above the discharge port 71b and the cover 54 is in the covered position can be referred to as a covered attitude (first attitude).

[0496] FIG. 29 is a view that illustrates a state in which the rotating body 90 is in the first attitude in a state in which the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotating body 90. In other words, FIG. 30A can be considered as a view that illustrates a state in which the rotating assembly 90A is in the first attitude.

[0497] As FIG. 30BAs shown, in a state where the receiving port 53b is positioned below the discharge port 71b, the cover 54 is positioned at a cover retracted position where the cover 54 is retracted from the covering position. At this time, a gap through which toner can pass is formed between the cover 54 and the receiving port 53b. When the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position, toner discharged from the discharge port 71b is allowed to pass between the cover 54 and the receiving port 53b and enter the development-side storage chamber 53a. The posture of the rotating body 90 in which the receiving port 53b is positioned below the discharge port 71b and the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position can be referred to as a cover retracted posture (second posture).

[0498] FIG. 31A is a view that shows a state in which the rotating body 90 is in the second posture in a state where the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotating body 90. In other words, FIG. 31B may be considered a view that shows a state in which the rotating assembly 90A is in the second posture.

[0499] In a state where the cover 54 is in the covering position, the receiving port 53b does not need to be completely closed by the cover 54. In other words, discharge of toner from the receiving port 53b does not need to be completely restricted by the cover 54. For example, in a state where the cover 54 is in the covering position, a gap can be formed between the cover 54 and the receiving port 53b. In this case, the size of the gap formed between the cover 54 and the receiving port 53b is smaller when the cover 54 is in the covering position than when the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position.

[0500] In a state where the cover 54 is in the covering position, the cover 54 can close the receiving port 53b so that no gap is formed between the cover 54 and the receiving port 53b. In other words, discharge of toner from the receiving port 53b can be completely restricted.

[0501] FIG. 32A is a cross-sectional view of the rotating assembly 90A according to the present embodiment. FIG. 32B is a cross-sectional view taken in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction when viewed in the Y direction. FIG. 33A shows a state in which the development unit 50 and the corresponding toner cartridge 70 are positioned at positions TP1, TP2, TP3, TP4, respectively.

[0502] When the rotating body 90 to which the toner cartridge 70 is attached is in the replacement posture, the development unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are positioned at the position TP1. At this time, the receiving port 53b is positioned above the discharge port 71b, and the cover 54 is in the covering position. In this state, backflow of toner from the development unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70 is suppressed.

[0503] In the present embodiment, the rotating body 90 on which the toner cartridge 70 is mounted is rotated clockwise when viewed in the Y direction, and is rotated in the order of positions TP2, TP3, TP4 from the position TP1, and returns to the position TP1 again. When the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are at the position TP2, the receiving port 53b and the discharge port 71b are located below the rotating shaft 90C, and the receiving port 53b and the discharge port 71b are arranged in the horizontal direction. When the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are at the position TP3, the receiving port 53b is located below the discharge port 71b. When the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are at the position TP4, the receiving port 53b and the discharge port 71b are located above the rotating shaft 90C, and the receiving port 53b and the discharge port 71b are arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0504] In the present embodiment, the cover 54 is in the covering position when the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are at the position TP4 and the position TP2. When the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are moved from the position TP4 to the position TP2 via the position TP1, at least a part of the receiving port 53b is located above the discharge port 71b. In the present embodiment, the cover 54 is in the covering position when the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are moved from the position TP4 to the position TP2 via the position TP1 as the rotating assembly 90A is rotated.

[0505] On the other hand, when the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are at the position TP3, the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position. In the present embodiment, the position at which the developing roller 51 of the developing unit 50 faces the photoconductor drum 2 is downstream of the position TP3 and upstream of the position TP4. In other words, when the posture of the rotating body 90 is changed from the replacement posture to the developing posture, the rotating body 90 takes the cover retracted posture, and the cover 54 is positioned in the cover retracted position. In the present embodiment, when the developing unit 50 is at the developing position, the receiving port 53b is located below the discharge port 71b, and the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position.

[0506] When the rotating body 90 is rotated, the cover 54 is moved to the cover retracted position after the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 pass the position TP2, and is moved to the covering position before the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 reach the position TP4.

[0507] Movement of the cover

[0508] Reference will be made to FIG. 33B , FIG. 33C , FIG. 34A , FIG. 34B , FIG. 34C , FIG. 30A , FIG. 30B , FIG. 31A , FIG. 31B , FIG. 30A , FIG. 30B andFIG. 31A The configuration of the cover 54 and the configuration for moving the cover 54 are described.

[0509] FIG. 31B FIG. 30A FIG. 31A FIG. 30B are views showing the configuration of the cover 54 and the connection portion 55 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 31B FIG. 32A , the cover 54 is positioned at the cover retracted position. In FIG. 32B FIG. 30A , the cover 54 is positioned at the covering position. FIG. 31A FIG. 32A are views showing the inside of the developing unit 50. ​ ​ are perspective views of the rotating unit 90U as viewed from the outside of the developing unit 50. ​ ​ are cross-sectional views of the developing unit 50.

[0510] As shown in ​ ​ , in the present embodiment, the developing frame 53 has a plurality of receiving openings 53b. Further, 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 restricting portion) includes a plurality of covers 54. When the plurality of covers 54 is at the covering position, the plurality of covers 54 covers the plurality of receiving openings 53b; whereas when the plurality of covers 54 is at 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 chamber 53a.

[0511] As described above, the developing unit 50 includes the connection portion 55. The connection portion 55 includes a shaft 55a that is pivotable about a cover pivot 55c, and the cover 54 is fixed to the shaft 55a. Hereinafter, the direction in which the cover pivot 55C extends is referred to as a pivot direction. In the present embodiment, the pivot direction is parallel to the direction of the rotating shaft 90C.

[0512] In a direction orthogonal to the pivot direction, the cover 54 is disposed at a position away from the cover pivot 55c. More specifically, the shaft 55a is bent and consists of a portion overlapping the cover pivot 55c and a portion away from the cover pivot 55c. The cover 54 is fixed to the portion away from the cover pivot 55c.

[0513] The connection portion 55 includes a receiving portion (held portion) 55b fixed to the shaft 55a. When the receiving portion 55b is moved, the cover 54 is moved by the shaft 55a between the covering position and the cover retracted position. As shown in ​ 32B , the receiving portion 55b is fixed to one end of the shaft 55a, and the other end of the shaft 55a is supported by the developing frame 53.​​​​​​​​​​

[0514] The receiving portion 55b is rotatably supported by the developing frame 53c and includes a protrusion (contact portion, restriction portion) 55b1. The cover 54 is housed in the developing-side storage chamber 53a, and the protrusion 55b1 is located outside the developing-side storage chamber 53a. In a direction orthogonal to the pivot direction, the protrusion 55b1 is disposed at a position away from the cover pivot 55c. When the protrusion 55b1 moves, the cover 54 moves between the covering position and the cover retracted position. In the present embodiment, the rotating body 90 has a movement restriction portion 56r facing the receiving portion 55b.

[0515] From FIG. 30B And FIG. 31B It will be appreciated that the position of the protrusion 55b1 when the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position is farther from the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 than the position of the protrusion 55b1 when the cover 54 is in the covering position. In other words, when the protrusion 55b1 moves in a direction away from the rotation axis 90C in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis 90C, the cover 54 moves from the covering position toward the cover retracted position. When the protrusion 55b1 moves in a direction approaching the rotation axis 90C in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis 90C, the cover 54 moves from the cover retracted position toward the covering position.

[0516] The protrusion 55b1 moves with the rotation of the rotating body 90. Hereinafter, the rotation of the rotating body 90 and the movement of the protrusion 55b1 will be described.

[0517] FIG. 33A 、 FIG. 33B And FIG. 33C are views showing the rotation holder 99 that supports the rotating body 90. FIG. 33A is a view of the rotation holder 99 when viewed from the Y direction. FIG. 33B is a view of the rotation holder 99 viewed from the other side of the Y direction. FIG. 33C is a perspective view of the rotation holder 99.

[0518] FIG. 34A 、 FIG. 34B And FIG. 34C are views showing the relationship between the rotation of the rotating body 90 and the movement of the protrusion 55b1 with respect to the rotation holder 99. FIG. 34A is a perspective view of the rotation holder 99 and the protrusion 55b1. FIG. 34B And FIG. 34C are side views of the rotation holder 99 and the rotating body 90. FIG. 34B And FIG. 34C are views of the rotation holder 99 and the rotating body 90 viewed from the Y direction.

[0519] The device main body 1A includes a rotation holder (rotation connecting member, rotation support member) 99. The rotation holder 99 has a rotation connecting portion (rotation support portion) 99h. The rotation main body 90 (rotation assembly 90A) is supported by the rotation connecting portion 99h so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis 90C. The rotation holder 99 has a connection hole 99r.

[0520] The pivot 91 FIG. 5 is inserted into the connection hole 99r. Thus, the rotation holder 99 is pivotably supported about the pivot 91. When the rotation cams 90eR, 90eL FIG. 5 are in contact with the roller 96, the rotation holder 99 pivots about the pivot 91. As a result, the rotation main body 90 pivots about the pivot 91. In FIG. 34B , the rotation main body 90 is in a developing attitude, and the rotation axis 90C of the rotation main body 90 is in a position close to the photoconductor drum 2. In FIG. 34C , the rotation main body 90 is in a replacement attitude, and the rotation axis 90C of the rotation main body 90 is in a position away from the photoconductor drum 2.

[0521] The rotation holder 99 has a surface 99sr, a surface 99sc1, and a surface 99sc2. In the present embodiment, the surface 99sr, the surface 99sc1, and the surface 99sc2 have a circular arc shape centered on the rotation axis 90C. The surface 99sr, the surface 99sc1, and the surface 99sc2 constitute a guide portion of the guide connecting portion 55.

[0522] When the rotation main body 90 rotates relative to the rotation holder 99, the protrusion 55b1 passes through a portion indicated by a broken line in FIG. 34B . The position of the protrusion 55b1 in contact with the surface 99sr is farther from the rotation axis 90C than the position of the protrusion 55b1 in contact with the surface 99sc1. The position of the protrusion 55b1 in contact with the surface 99sr is farther from the rotation axis 90C than the position of the protrusion 55b1 in contact with the surface 99sc2.

[0523] Each of the surface 99sr, the surface 99sc1, and the surface 99sc2 functions as a holding portion that holds the cover 54 in the cover covering position or the cover retracted position. When the rotation main body 90 (rotation assembly 90A) rotates relative to the rotation holder 99, the connecting portion 55 contacts each of the surface 99sr, the surface 99sc1, and the surface 99sc2 to position the cover 54 in the cover covering position or the cover retracted position.

[0524] In a state where the protrusion 55b1 functioning as a part of the connecting portion 55 is in contact with the surface 99sr, the cover 54 is positioned in the cover retracted position. The surface 99sr restricts movement of the cover 54 from the cover retracted position toward the cover covering position.

[0525] When the connecting portion 55 moves in a direction in which the protrusion 55b1 of the connecting portion 55 moves away from the rotation axis 90C in a state in which the protrusion 55b1 of the connecting portion 55 is in contact with the surface 99sr, the receiving portion 55b contacts the movement restriction portion 56r.

[0526] The lid 54 is positioned at the cover position in a state in which the protrusion 55b1 is in contact with the surface 99sc1. The surface 99sc1 restricts movement of the lid 54 from the cover position toward the lid retracted position.

[0527] The lid 54 is positioned at the cover position in a state in which the protrusion 55b1 is in contact with the surface 99sc2. When the size of the protrusion 55b1 is smaller than the distance between the surface 99sc1 and the surface 99sc2, the position of the lid 54 when the protrusion 55b1 contacts the surface 99sc1 is not completely the same as the position of the lid 54 when the protrusion 55b1 contacts the surface 99sc2. Even in either case of the protrusion 55b1 contacting the surface 99sc1 and the protrusion 55b1 contacting the surface 99sc2, discharge of toner through the receiving port 53b is inhibited by the lid 54. Therefore, the position of the lid 54 when the protrusion 55b1 contacts the surface 99sc1 and the position of the lid 54 when the protrusion 55b1 contacts the surface 99sc2 can both be referred to as the cover position.

[0528] Thus, the surface (first restriction portion) 99sc1 is configured to restrict movement of the lid 54 from the cover position toward the lid retracted position when the rotating body 90 (the rotating assembly 90A) is in the cover attitude. The surface (second restriction portion) 99sr is configured to restrict movement of the lid 54 from the lid retracted position toward the cover position when the rotating body 90 (the rotating assembly 90A) is in the lid retracted attitude.

[0529] After the rotating body 90 (the rotating assembly 90A) rotates relative to the rotation holder 99 and the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 pass the position TP2 (see FIG. 29 ), the protrusion 55b1 contacts the surface 99sr. As a result, the lid 54 is positioned at the lid retracted position. In the present embodiment, the protrusion 55b1 is in contact with the surface 99sr when the developing unit 50 is in the developing position. In a state in which the lid 54 is at the lid retracted position, toner discharged from the discharge port 71b of the toner cartridge 70 is allowed to be supplied to the developing unit 50.

[0530] When the rotating body 90 (the rotating assembly 90A) further rotates relative to the rotation holder 99 to a state in which the developing unit 50 is in the developing position, the protrusion 55b1 is separated from the surface 99sr before the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 reach the position TP4 (see FIG. 29 ).

[0531] After the protrusion 55bl is separated from the surface 99sr, the protrusion 55bl enters a guide groove defined by a surface 99 scl and a surface 99sc2 before the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 reach the position TP4. In the present embodiment, the width of the guide groove is greater than the protrusion 55bl. The protrusion 55bl in the guide groove can contact at least one of the surface 99 scl and the surface 99sc2. The cover 54 is positioned in the covering position when the protrusion 55bl is in the guide groove.

[0532] Overall configuration of toner cartridge

[0533] The overall configuration of the toner cartridge 70 will be described below with reference to FIG. 35A , FIG. 35B , FIG. 36 , FIG. 37A , FIG. 37B , FIG. 38A , FIG. 38B , FIG. 38C , FIG. 39A , FIG. 39B , FIG. 39C and FIG. 39D .

[0534] FIG. 35A and FIG. 35B are perspective views of the toner cartridge 70. FIG. 35A The toner cartridge 70 is shown with the toner shutter 76 (described later) in the closed position. FIG. 35B The toner cartridge 70 is shown with the toner shutter 76 in the open position.

[0535] FIG. 36 is a view showing the toner cartridge 70 when viewed in the lateral direction. More specifically, FIG. 36 The toner cartridge 70 is shown when viewed in the lateral direction so that the storage 74 (described later) is located in the front. In FIG. 36 , the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position.

[0536] As shown in FIG. 35A and FIG. 35B , the toner cartridge 70 includes a toner cover 72 and a toner container 73. The toner cover 72 and the toner container 73 are fixed to each other to form a toner frame 71. In other words, the toner cover 72 and the toner container 73 are parts of the toner frame 71. A toner storage chamber 71a is defined between the toner cover 72 and the toner container 73.

[0537] In a state where the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the tray 80 in the ejection position, the toner cover 72 is positioned above the toner container 73, and the toner container 73 faces the tray 80. In a state where the toner cartridge 70 is in the installed position with respect to the developing frame 53, the toner cover 72 faces the developing frame 53.

[0538] The surface facing upward in the vertical direction V in the state where the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the tray 80 in the ejection pop-up position is referred to as an upper surface 71u of the toner frame 71. In the present embodiment, the upper surface 71u of the toner frame 71 is the same as the upper surface of the toner cover 72. A grip portion 72g having at least one protrusion is provided on the upper surface 71u of the toner frame 71. The shape of the grip portion 72g can be at least one recess or can include at least one protrusion and at least one recess. The position of the grip portion 72g can be determined as needed in consideration of the positional relationship with other components and the ease of gripping the toner cartridge 70 by the user.

[0539] The toner cover 72 has the discharge ports 71b (71bR, 71bL). The toner cover 72 is an example of the first toner frame having the discharge ports 71b (71bR, 71bL). The toner cover 72 has the positioning slot 72pC and the supported slots 72pR, 72pL.

[0540] In the longitudinal direction, the positioning slot 72pC is located between the supported slots 72pR, 72pL, and the supported slots 72pR, 72pL are located between the discharge ports 71bR, 71bL. In the present embodiment, in the longitudinal direction, the positioning slot 72pC is located at the center of the toner frame 71.

[0541] In the longitudinal direction, the toner frame 71 has one end (first end) 71fR and the other end (second end) 71fL opposite the one end 71fR. In the lateral direction, the toner frame 71 has one end (front end, first end) 71fO and the other end (rear end, second end) 71fI opposite the one end 71fO. In the following description, in order to distinguish the one end 71fR, the other end 71fL, the one end 71fO, and the other end 71fI from each other, the one end 71fR is referred to as the right end 71fR, the other end 71fL is referred to as the left end 71fL, the one end 71fO is referred to as the outer end 71fO, and the other end 71fI is referred to as the inner end 71fI.

[0542] When the tray 80 is moved from the discharge pop-up position to the storage position and the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the retracted position to the mounted position, the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the outer end 71fO toward the inner end 71fI. In the state where the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position with respect to the developing frame 53, the outer end 71fO is farther from the rotation center (rotation axis 90C) of the rotation body 90 than the inner end 71fI.

[0543] The moving direction of the toner cartridge 70 from the withdrawn position to the mounted position is referred to as an insertion direction DtI. The moving direction of the toner cartridge 70 from the mounted position to the withdrawn position is referred to as an ejection direction DtO. The insertion direction DtI is a direction from the outer end 71fO toward the inner end 71fI, and the ejection direction DtO is a direction opposite to the insertion direction DtI and from the inner end 71fI toward the outer end 71fO. In other words, in the insertion direction DtI, the inner end 71fI is located downstream of the outer end 71fO. In the present embodiment, the insertion direction DtI and the ejection direction DtO are parallel to the lateral direction.

[0544] Here, FIG. 36 The view of the toner cartridge 70 can also be regarded as a view from the insertion direction DtI.

[0545] In the longitudinal direction, the supported groove 72pR is closer to the right end 71fR than the positioning groove 72pC, and the discharge port 71bR is closer to the right end 71fR than the supported groove 72pR. In the longitudinal direction, the supported groove 72pL is closer to the left end 71fL than the positioning groove 72pC, and the discharge port 71bL is closer to the left end 71fL than the supported groove 72pL.

[0546] As FIG. 36 shown in the present embodiment, the positioning groove 72pC is a groove that is recessed away from the developing frame 53 in the thickness direction. In the longitudinal direction, the supported groove 72pR is a groove that is recessed from the right end 71fR toward the positioning groove 72pC, and the supported groove 72pL is a groove that is recessed from the left end 71fL toward the positioning groove 72pC. The positioning groove 72pC, the supported groove 72pR, and the supported groove 72pL extend along the lateral direction.

[0547] The toner frame 71 includes a supported portion 71qR at the right end 71fR and a supported portion 71qL at the left end 71fL. The discharge ports 71bR, 71bL are located between the supported portions 71qR, 71qL in the longitudinal direction. The discharge port 71bR is located between the supported portion 71qR and the supported groove 72pR, and the discharge port 71bL is located between the supported portion 71qL and the supported groove 72pL.

[0548] The toner cartridge 70 includes a memory 74 as a storage medium. The memory 74 includes a storage element 74a, a substrate 74b, and a plurality of electrodes (electrical contacts) 74e. In the present embodiment, information related to the toner cartridge 70 can be stored in the storage element 74a. The plurality of electrodes (electrical contacts) 74e are provided on the substrate 74b and electrically connected to the storage element 74a. In the present embodiment, both the plurality of electrodes 74e and the storage element 74a are provided on the substrate 74b. Alternatively, the memory 74 can include a substrate on which the plurality of electrodes 74e are provided and a substrate on which the storage element 74a is provided, respectively.

[0549] The device main body 1A includes a main body electrode 74eM connected to the plurality of electrodes 74e of the memory 74. The main body electrode 74eM functions as a reading device of the memory 74. The main body electrode 74eM is movable between a position at which the main body electrode 74eM is in contact with the plurality of electrodes 74e and a position at which the main body electrode 74eM is separated from the plurality of electrodes 74e. When the rotating body 90 is rotated in a state in which the toner cartridge 70 is in the installed position, the plurality of electrodes 74e of one toner cartridge 70 face the main body electrode 74eM. The posture of the rotating body 90 at this time can be referred to as a reading posture of one toner cartridge 70. The main body electrode 74eM can be located at a position separated from the plurality of electrodes 74e when the rotating body 90 is rotated. When the plurality of electrodes 74e is connected to the main body electrode 74eM of the device main body 1A, the control unit 30 of the device main body 1A can acquire information stored in the memory element 74a.

[0550] In the lateral direction, the plurality of electrodes 74e of the memory 74 is closer to the outer end 71fO than to the inner end 71fI. In the lateral direction, the plurality of electrodes 74e of the memory 74 is farther from the inner end 71fI than the discharge port 71b (71bR, 71bL). In other words, in the lateral direction, the plurality of electrodes 74e of the memory 74 is closer to the outer end 71fO than to the discharge port 71b (71bR, 71bL). Since the plurality of electrodes 74e is disposed near the outer end 71fO of the toner cartridge 70, the amount of movement of the main body electrode 74eM can be reduced.

[0551] In the present embodiment, in the lateral direction, the entire memory 74 is closer to the outer end 71fO than to the inner end 71fI. In the lateral direction, the entire memory 74 is farther from the inner end 71fI than the discharge port 71b (71bR, 71bL). In other words, in the lateral direction, the entire memory 74 is closer to the outer end 71fO than to the discharge port 71b (71bR, 71bL).

[0552] The plurality of electrodes 74e of the memory 74 is disposed side by side in the longitudinal direction and faces a direction from the inner end 71fI toward the outer end 71fO in the lateral direction. The memory 74 is arranged so that the plurality of electrodes 74e faces outward in the radial direction of the rotating body 90.

[0553] In the longitudinal direction, the plurality of electrodes 74e can be closer to the right end 71fR than to the center of the toner frame 71. In this case, in the longitudinal direction, the plurality of electrodes 74e can be closer to the right end 71fR than to the discharge port 71bR. In other words, in the longitudinal direction, the plurality of electrodes 74e can be disposed outside the toner frame 71 with respect to the discharge port 71bR. In the longitudinal direction, the entire storage 74 can be closer to the right end 71fR than to the center of the toner frame 71. In this case, in the longitudinal direction, the entire storage 74 can be closer to the right end 71fR than to the discharge port 71bR. In the longitudinal direction, the entire storage 74 can be disposed outside the toner frame 71 with respect to the discharge port 71bR.

[0554] In other words, in the longitudinal direction, the entire storage 74 can be disposed outside the toner frame 71 with respect to the discharge port 71bR.

[0555] In the longitudinal direction, the plurality of electrodes 74e can be closer to the left end 71fL than to the center of the toner frame 71. In this case, in the longitudinal direction, the plurality of electrodes 74e can be closer to the left end 71fL than to the discharge port 71bL. In other words, in the longitudinal direction, the plurality of electrodes 74e can be disposed outside the toner frame 71 with respect to the discharge port 71bL. In the longitudinal direction, the entire storage 74 can be closer to the left end 71fL than to the center of the toner frame 71. In this case, in the longitudinal direction, the entire storage 74 can be closer to the left end 71fL than to the discharge port 71bL. In the longitudinal direction, the entire storage 74 can be disposed outside the toner frame 71 with respect to the discharge port 71bL.

[0556] The surface of the substrate 74b on which the plurality of electrodes 74e is disposed (electrode surface) extends in a direction that intersects (may be orthogonal to) the lateral direction. The electrode surface can extend in the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction. The angle (narrow angle) between the electrode surface and the longitudinal direction is preferably less than 30 degrees and more preferably less than 10 degrees. In the present embodiment, the electrode surface is parallel to the longitudinal direction. The angle (narrow angle) between the electrode surface and the thickness direction is preferably less than 30 degrees and more preferably less than 10 degrees. In the present embodiment, the electrode surface is parallel to the thickness direction.

[0557] As described above, in a state in which the toner cartridge 70 is not installed to the developing unit 50, both the discharge port 71b and the receiving port 53b are expected to be covered by a sealing assembly to inhibit toner from flowing out of the discharge port 71b and the receiving port 53b.

[0558] As FIG. 35B shown, the toner cartridge 70 includes a sealing member 76s.

[0559] The sealing member 76s is provided for each of the discharge ports 71bR, 71bL; however, in FIG. 35BIn this embodiment, a sealing member 76s for the discharge port 71bR is not shown.

[0560] The toner cartridge 70 of this embodiment includes a toner shutter 76 that covers the discharge port 71b, a shutter drive unit 77 for moving the toner shutter 76 relative to the discharge port 71b, and a stopper 73s. In addition, the toner cartridge 70 has an opener (developing shutter opener, cartridge-side opener, first opener) 72o and a holder 72h. The opener 72o acts on a developing shutter 57 (described later). In the lateral direction, the holder 72h is closer to the inner end 71fi than the opener 72o.

[0561] The sealing member 76s is affixed to the toner frame 71 (more specifically, the toner cover 72) and has a sealing opening 76so. When viewed in the thickness direction, the sealing opening 76so overlaps the discharge port 71b. Toner discharged from the discharge port 71b is supplied to the developing unit 50 through the sealing opening 76so.

[0562] In this embodiment, the toner frame 71 of the toner cartridge 70 has discharge ports 71bR, 71bL. The toner shutter 76, the shutter drive unit 77, the stopper 73s, the opener 72o, and the holder 72h are provided for each of the discharge ports 71bR, 71bL. Specifically, the toner cartridge 70 includes a toner shutter 76R, a shutter drive unit 77R, a stopper 73sR, an opener 72oR, and a holder 72hR provided for the discharge port 71bR. The toner cartridge 70 includes a toner shutter 76L, a shutter drive unit 77L, a stopper 73sL, an opener 72oL, and a holder 72hL provided for the discharge port 71bL.

[0563] Each of the discharge port 71bR, the toner shutter 76R, the shutter drive unit 77R, the stopper 73sR, the opener 72oR, and the holder 72hR and the corresponding one of the discharge port 71bL, the toner shutter 76L, the shutter drive unit 77L, the stopper 73sL, the opener 72oL, and the holder 72hL are symmetrical with respect to a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The sealing member 76s provided for the discharge port 71bR and the sealing member 76s provided for the discharge port 71bL are also symmetrical with respect to the plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0564] The configuration and function of these components provided for the discharge port 71bR are common to those provided for the discharge port 71bL. Therefore, when it is not necessary to distinguish between these components, in the following description, the suffixes R and L will be omitted, and the components provided for one of the discharge port 71bR and the discharge port 71bL will be described.

[0565] FIG. 37A andFIG. 37B is a view showing the toner shutter 76 and the shutter driving unit 77. FIG. 38A 、 FIG. 38B 、 FIG. 38C 、 FIG. 39A 、 FIG. 39B 、 FIG. 39C and FIG. 39D is a view showing the toner shutter 76 and the shutter driving unit 77.

[0566] FIG. 38A is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge 70. FIG. 38B is a sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 in the shutter support portion 71h1 (to be described later). FIG. 38C is a sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 in the shutter support portion 71h2 (to be described later).

[0567] FIG. 39A is a sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 in a state where the toner shutter 76 is in a closed position. FIG. 39B is a sectional view of an engagement portion between the engagement protrusion 77c3 and the engagement opening 73sb (to be described later). FIG. 39C is a view showing a configuration of supporting the toner shutter 76. FIG. 39B and 39C are views of the toner cartridge 70 when viewed in a thickness direction. FIG. 39D is a sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 taken in a lateral direction.

[0568] The toner shutter 76 is configured to be rotatable (pivotable) about a rotation axis (pivot axis) 76r.

[0569] A direction of the rotation axis 76r of the toner shutter 76 can be a direction in a longitudinal direction, and can also be parallel to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the direction of the rotation axis 76r of the toner shutter 76 is a direction (which can be an orthogonal direction) that intersects with the lateral direction and the thickness direction, from among the directions of the lateral direction and the thickness direction.

[0570] The toner shutter 76 includes a shutter main body 76a for covering the discharge port 71b, a support shaft 76b1, and a support shaft 76b2. The support shaft 76b1 is supported by the shutter support portion 71h1 of the toner frame 71, and the support shaft 76b2 is supported by the shutter support portion 71h2 of the toner frame 71. As a result, the toner shutter 76 is supported to be rotatable (pivotable) with respect to the toner frame 71. As shown in Figs. 17 and 18, each of the shutter support portions 71h1, 71h2 is formed by the toner cover 72 and the toner container 73. FIG. 38A and FIG. 38B

[0571] ​When the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position, the shutter body 76a covers the discharge port 71b and the seal opening 76so. As a result, discharge of toner from the discharge port 71b and the seal opening 76so is suppressed. The seal member 76s can be elastic. When the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position, the seal member 76s sandwiched between the shutter body 76a and the toner frame 71 is able to deform (compress). As a result, discharge of toner from the discharge port 71b and the seal opening 76so is further reliably suppressed.

[0572] In the direction of the rotation axis 76r, the shutter body 76a, the discharge port 71b, and the seal member 76s are disposed between the support shaft 76b1 and the support shaft 76b2. With this arrangement, the shutter body 76a is suppressed from floating with respect to the seal member 76s due to reaction force received from the seal member 76s.

[0573] As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the shutter body 76a is supported by the support shaft 76b1 and the support shaft 76b2. The support shaft 76b1 and the support shaft 76b2 are parallel to each other. The support shaft 76b1 and the support shaft 76b2 are parallel to the direction of the rotation axis 76r. FIG. 37A and FIG. 37B As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the shutter body 76a is supported by the support shaft 76b1 and the support shaft 76b2. The support shaft 76b1 and the support shaft 76b2 are parallel to each other. The support shaft 76b1 and the support shaft 76b2 are parallel to the direction of the rotation axis 76r.

[0574] The drive gear 77a has a gear tooth 77al. In the present embodiment, the drive gear 77a is an intermittent gear, and in the direction of rotation of the drive gear 77a, the size of the region in which the gear tooth 77al is provided is less than 360 degrees. The engaging gear 77c has a gear tooth 77cl thereon. In the present embodiment, the engaging gear 77c is an intermittent gear, and in the direction of rotation of the engaging gear 77c, the range in which the gear tooth 77cl is provided is less than 360 degrees.

[0575] The idler gear 77b is engaged with the drive gear 77a and the engaging gear 77c. In the present embodiment, the gear tooth 77bl of the idler gear 77b is engaged with the gear tooth 77al and the gear tooth 77cl. The idler gear 77b can be a stepped gear, and the number of gear teeth engaged with the gear tooth 77al can be different from the number of gear teeth engaged with the gear tooth 77cl. Instead of the idler gear 77b, a belt can be used to transmit drive of the engaging gear 77c to the drive gear 77a.

[0576] The drive gear 77a is fixed to the toner shutter 76 and configured to rotate integrally with the toner shutter 76. More specifically, the drive gear 77a is fixed to the support shaft 76b2 in a state in which rotation with respect to the support shaft 76b2 is restricted. The idler gear 77b and the engaging gear 77c are supported by the toner frame 71.

[0577] When viewed along the rotation axis 76r, the rotation direction of the engagement gear 77c is the same as the rotation direction of the drive gear 77a (the rotation direction of the toner gate 76). When the engagement gear 77c rotates in the opening direction Tgo, the drive gear 77a and the toner gate 76 also rotate in the same direction, and the toner gate 76 moves from the closed position to the open position. The direction in which the toner gate 76 is opened is called the opening direction Tso. When the engagement gear 77c rotates in the closing direction Tgc, the drive gear 77a and the toner gate 76 also rotate in the same direction, and the toner gate 76 moves from the open position to the closed position. The direction in which the toner gate 76 is closed is called the closing direction Tsc. When the toner gate 76 moves between the closed and open positions, the direction of movement of the toner gate 76 (opening direction Tso, closing direction Tsc) intersects the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0578] like FIG. 39D As shown, in the transverse direction, the rotation axis of the engagement gear 77c is closer to the inner end 71fi than the rotation axis of the drive gear 77a or the rotation axis of the toner gate 76.

[0579] The gate drive unit 77 is located outside the toner storage chamber 71a. For example... FIG. 39D As shown, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, the gate drive unit 77 overlaps with the toner storage chamber 71a. Therefore, it is difficult to form a toner flow path from the toner storage chamber 71a to the outlet 71b in the space used to house the gate drive unit 77.

[0580] In this embodiment, the side where the gate drive unit 77 is located relative to the center of the outlet 71b in the longitudinal direction is referred to as the drive side. The opposite side is referred to as the non-drive side. The volume of the toner storage chamber communicating with the outlet 71b is larger on the non-drive side than on the drive side. By doing so, it is easier to ensure the flexibility of setting the toner flow path from the toner storage chamber 71a to the outlet 71b.

[0581] like FIG. 38C As shown, in this embodiment, the toner frame 71 has a gate support portion 71h3, and in addition to the gate support portions 71h1 and 71h2, the support shaft 76b2 is also supported by the gate support portion 71h3. FIG. 39C As shown, in the direction of the rotation axis 76r, the drive gear 77a is disposed between the gate support portion 71h2 and the gate support portion 71h3. With this configuration, the change in the axial distance between the drive gear 77a and the idler gear 77b can be suppressed when the toner gate 76 moves.

[0582] On the other hand, such as FIG. 39A , FIG. 39B and FIG. 39CAs shown, the toner frame 71 has a stopper 73s. In the present embodiment, the toner container 73 has the stopper 73s. The stopper 73s has an arm 73sa, and the arm 73sa has an engagement opening 73sb. On the other hand, the engagement gear 77c has an engagement protrusion 77c3. When the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position, the engagement protrusion 77c3 engages with the engagement opening 73sb. In this state, the engagement gear 77c is restricted from rotation in the opening direction Tgo. This can suppress the user from accidentally moving the toner shutter 76 to the open position. In other words, the stopper 73s restricts movement of the toner shutter 76 from the closed position toward the open position.

[0583] As shown in FIG. 39B , in the present embodiment, the engagement protrusion 77c3 has a slope. As a result, when the engagement gear 77c is rotated in the closing direction in a state where the engagement protrusion 77c3 engages with the engagement opening 73sb, the arm 73sa is deflected to allow the engagement gear 77c to rotate. This operation will be described later.

[0584] Further, the engagement gear 77c has an adjustment protrusion 77c2. As shown in FIG. 38C , the toner frame 71 has a holder 72h and an opener 72o. The holder 72h is a recess formed on the upper surface 71u of the toner frame 71. The holder 72h includes a first holder 72h1 and a second holder 72h2. The opener 72o is a protrusion formed on the upper surface 71u of the toner frame 71. The opener 72o includes a first opener 72o1 and a second opener 72o2.

[0585] In the direction of the rotation axis 76r, the first holder 72h1 and the first opener 72o1 are disposed on one side of the center of the discharge port 71b, and the second holder 72h2 and the second opener 72o2 are disposed on the other side of the center of the discharge port 71b. In other words, in the direction of the rotation axis 76r, the center of the discharge port 71b is located between the first holder 72h1 and the second holder 72h2. In the direction of the rotation axis 76r, the center of the discharge port 71b is located between the first opener 72o1 and the second opener 72o2.

[0586] The roles of the holder 72h, the opener 72o, and the adjustment protrusion 77c2 will be described later.

[0587] Grip of toner cartridge

[0588] The shape of the grip 72g is not limited to the above-described shape. Hereinafter, the grip 72g will be described with reference to FIG. 40A , FIG. 40B , FIG. 41A , FIG. 41B , FIG. 42A and FIG. 42BA variation of the shape of the grip portion of the toner cartridge 70.

[0589] FIG. 40A , FIG. 40B , FIG. 41A , FIG. 41B , FIG. 42A and FIG. 42B This is a view showing the grip 71r of a modified toner cartridge 70. FIG. 40A , FIG. 41A and FIG. 42A This is a perspective view of toner cartridge 70. FIG. 40B , FIG. 41B and FIG. 42B This is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 70 attached to the tray 80.

[0590] A modified toner cartridge 70 has a recessed grip portion 71R instead of the aforementioned grip portion 72g. Each grip portion 71r is disposed between one toner gate 76 and another toner gate 76 along the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0591] FIG. 40A and FIG. 40B The grip 71r1 shown is a recess formed on the upper surface 71u of the toner holder 71. The grip 71r1 can reach the bottom surface on the opposite side of the upper surface 71u. In other words, the grip 71r1 can be a hole penetrating the toner holder 71. The user can lift the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80 by inserting a finger into the grip 71r1. The toner holder 71 may have multiple recesses that function similarly to the grip 71r1.

[0592] FIG. 41A and FIG. 41B The grip 71r2 shown is a recess formed on the side surface of the toner frame 71. With the toner cartridge 70 attached to the tray 80, a portion of the toner frame 71 is positioned above the grip 71r2. The user can lift the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80 by inserting their finger into the grip 71r2. The toner frame 71 may have multiple recesses that function similarly to the grip 71r2.

[0593] FIG. 42A and FIG. 42B The grips 71r3 shown are multiple recesses formed on the side surface of the toner frame 71. A portion of the toner cartridge 70 has a length of Lw2 in the lateral direction. In the longitudinal direction, the area where one grip 71r3 is positioned at least partially overlaps with the area where another grip 71r3 is positioned. In the longitudinal direction, the areas where the two grips 71r3 are positioned have a length of Lw1 in the lateral direction. Length Lw1 is shorter than length Lw2. The user can lift the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80 by gripping the portion with a length of Lw1.

[0594] Likewise, by either configuration, in a state where the toner cartridge 70 is mounted on the tray 80, the grip portion 71r is exposed to the outside of the tray 80, and the user can visually recognize the grip portion 71r. Therefore, the user can lift the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80 by using the grip portion 71r while checking the position of the grip portion 71r.

[0595] Overall configuration of the developing unit

[0596] Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the developing unit 50 of the rotating body 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 43 、 FIG. 44A 、 FIG. 44B 、 FIG. 44C 、 FIG. 44D 、 FIG. 45A 、 FIG. 45B 、 FIG. 45C 、 FIG. 46A and FIG. 46B .

[0597] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the developing unit 50, FIG. 43 showing a state in which a developing shutter 57 (described later) is in an open position.

[0598] As shown in FIG. 43 , the developing frame 53 has a lower surface 53d. In a state where the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position, the lower surface 53d faces the toner cartridge 70. In a replacement attitude in which the toner cartridge 70 is allowed to be removed with respect to the developing unit 50, the lower surface 53d faces downward in the vertical direction V, and the lower surface 53d is positioned above the upper surface of the toner frame 71.

[0599] The developing frame 53 has receiving ports 53b (53bR, 53bL). In a state where the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position, the receiving port 53bR communicates with the discharge port 71bR, and the receiving port 53bL communicates with the discharge port 71bL.

[0600] The developing frame 53 has a positioning protrusion 53pC and support protrusions 53pR, 53pL. In the Y direction, the positioning protrusion 53pC is located between the support protrusions 53pR, 53pL, and the support protrusions 53pR, 53pL are located between the receiving ports 53bR, 53bL. The developing frame 53 has end support portions 53qR, 53qL. In the Y direction, the receiving ports 53bR, 53bL are located between the end support portions 53qR, 53qL. The receiving port 53bR is located between the end support portion 53qR and the support protrusion 53pR, and the receiving port 53bL is located between the end support portion 53qL and the support protrusion 53pL.

[0601] AsFIG. 43 As shown, in the present embodiment, the positioning protrusion 53pC and the support protrusions 53pR, 53pL extend in the insertion direction DtI. In a state where the toner cartridge 70 is in the installed position, the positioning protrusion 53pC engages with the positioning groove 72pC, and as a result, movement of the toner cartridge 70 in the longitudinal direction with respect to the developing frame 53 is restricted. In a state where the toner cartridge 70 is in the installed position, the support protrusion 53pR engages with the supported groove 72pR, and the support protrusion 53pL engages with the supported groove 72pL. As a result, in a direction that crosses the insertion direction DtI (which can be an orthogonal direction), movement of the toner cartridge 70 in a direction away from the lower surface 53d of the developing frame 53 is restricted.

[0602] As described above, in a state where the toner cartridge 70 is not installed to the developing unit 50, the discharge port 71b and the receiving port 53b are each desirably covered by a sealing member to inhibit toner from flowing out from the discharge port 71b and the receiving port 53b.

[0603] The developing unit 50 of the present embodiment includes a developing shutter 57 for covering the receiving port 53b, a shutter lock 58, a shutter guide 53g for guiding the developing shutter 57, an opener (toner shutter opener, body side opener, developing side opener, first opener) 53o, a release 53u, and an adjustment 53j.

[0604] In the present embodiment, the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50 has receiving ports 53bR, 53bL. The developing shutter 57, the shutter lock 58, the shutter guide 53g, the opener 53o, the release 53u, and the adjustment 53j are provided for each of the receiving ports 53bR, 53bL. Specifically, the developing unit 50 includes a developing shutter 57R, a shutter lock 58R, a shutter guide 53gR, an opener 53oR, a release 53uR, and an adjustment 53jR provided for the receiving port 53bR. The developing unit 50 includes a developing shutter 57L, a shutter lock 58L, a shutter guide 53gL, an opener 53oL, a release 53uL, and an adjustment 53jL provided for the receiving port 53bL.

[0605] Each of the receiving port 53bR, the developing shutter 57R, the shutter lock 58R, the shutter guide 53gR, the opener 53oR, the release 53uR, and the adjustment 53jR is symmetrical with respect to a plane orthogonal to the Y direction to the corresponding one of the receiving port 53bL, the developing shutter 57L, the shutter lock 58L, the shutter guide 53gL, the opener 53oL, the release 53uL, and the adjustment 53jL. The sealing member 57s provided for the receiving port 53bR and the sealing member 57s provided for the receiving port 53bL are also symmetrical with respect to a plane orthogonal to the Y direction.

[0606] The configuration and function of these components provided for the receiving port 53bR are common to those of the components provided for the receiving port 53bL. Therefore, when it is not necessary to distinguish between these components, in the following description, the suffixes R and L will be omitted, and the components provided for one of the receiving port 53bR and the receiving port 53bL will be described.

[0607] FIG. 44A , FIG. 44B , FIG. 44C , FIG. 44D , FIG. 45A , FIG. 45B , FIG. 45C , FIG. 46A and FIG. 46B are views showing the movement of the developing shutter 57.

[0608] FIG. 44A The developing unit 50 is shown with the developing shutter 57 in the open position. FIG. 44B The developing unit 50 is shown with the developing shutter 57 in the closed position. FIG. 44C is a cross-sectional view of the developing unit 50 taken at a position indicated by CA in FIG. 44A . FIG. 44D is a cross-sectional view of the developing unit 50 taken at a position indicated by CB in FIG. 44A .

[0609] FIG. 45A and FIG. 45B show the relationship between the developing shutter 57 and the shutter lock 58 when the developing shutter 57 is in the closed position. FIG. 45C is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the shutter body 57a and the shutter holder 57b (described later). FIG. 46A and FIG. 46B show the relationship between the developing shutter 57 and the shutter lock 58 when the developing shutter 57 is in the open position.

[0610] The developing shutter 57 is configured to be movable in the insertion direction DtI and the ejection direction DtO of the toner cartridge 70. The direction of movement of the developing shutter 57 can be parallel to the insertion direction DtI and the ejection direction DtO. The direction of movement of the developing shutter 57 is a direction (can be an orthogonal direction) that intersects with the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotation body 90.

[0611] The developing shutter 57 has a shutter body 57a and a shutter holder 57b. More specifically, the shutter holder 57b has a first shutter holder 57b1 and a second shutter holder 57b2.

[0612] The shutter main body 57a is formed of a metal sheet (metal plate) and has a cover portion 57aa and a shutter opening 57ab. The cover portion 57aa covers the receiving port 53b when the development shutter 57 is in the closed position. The shutter opening 57ab overlaps the receiving port 53b when the development shutter 57 is in the open position. The thickness of the shutter main body 57a is thinner than the thickness of the seal member 57s. When the shutter main body 57a is formed of a metal sheet, the shutter main body 57a can be made thinner, and thus the rotating main body 90 can be downsized.

[0613] As shown in FIG. 45C , the shutter main body 57a has an engaging portion 57ac that engages with the shutter holder 57b. More specifically, the engaging portion 57ac includes a first engaging portion 57ac1 that engages with the first shutter holder 57b1 and a second engaging portion 57ac2 that engages with the second shutter holder 57b2.

[0614] The development frame 53 has a shutter guide 53g. More specifically, the shutter guide 53g includes a first shutter guide 53g1 and a second shutter guide 53g2.

[0615] The first shutter holder 57b1 is supported by the first shutter guide 53g1 of the development frame 53, and the second shutter holder 57b2 is supported by the second shutter guide 53g2 of the development frame 53. As a result, the development shutter 57 is supported so that the development shutter 57 can move linearly with respect to the development frame 53. The moving direction of the development shutter 57 when the development shutter 57 moves from the closed position to the open position is referred to as an opening direction Dso, and the moving direction of the development shutter 57 when the development shutter 57 moves from the open position to the closed position is referred to as a closing direction Dsc. The opening direction Dso can be parallel to the insertion direction Dtl, and the closing direction Dsc can be parallel to the ejection direction Dto.

[0616] As shown in FIG. 44A , FIG. 44B , FIG. 44C and FIG. 44D , the seal member 57s is provided between the development shutter 57 and the development frame 53. The seal member 57s is adhered to the development frame 53 and has a seal opening 57so. The seal opening 57so overlaps the receiving port 53b. The toner discharged from the toner cartridge 70 is supplied to the development unit 50 through the shutter opening 57ab, the seal opening 57so, and the receiving port 53b.

[0617] When the developing gate 57 is in the closed position, the cover 57aa of the gate body 57a covers the receiving port 53b and the sealing opening 57so. As a result, toner leakage from the receiving port 53b and the sealing opening 57so is suppressed. The sealing member 57s can be elastic. When the developing gate 57 is in the closed position, the sealing member 57s sandwiched between the gate body 57a and the developing frame 53 can deform (compress). As a result, toner leakage from the receiving port 53b and the sealing opening 57so is further reliably suppressed.

[0618] In the direction of the rotation axis 90C, the gate body 57a, the receiving port 53b, and the sealing member 57s are located between the first gate guide 53g1 and the second gate guide 53g2. This arrangement suppresses the floating of the gate body 57a relative to the sealing member 57s due to the reaction force received from the sealing member 57s.

[0619] On the other hand, such as FIG. 44A , FIG. 44B , FIG. 44C , FIG. 44D , FIG. 45A , FIG. 45B , FIG. 45C , FIG. 46A and FIG. 46B As shown, the developing unit 50 includes a gate lock 58. More specifically, the gate lock 58 includes a first lock body (first arm) 58a1, a first locking spring (first force-applying part) 58s1 for applying force to the first lock body 58a1, a second lock body (second arm) 58a2, and a second locking spring (second force-applying part) 58s2 for applying force to the second lock body 58a2.

[0620] The first locking body 58a1 can rotate about the rotation axis 58r1, and the second locking body 58a2 can rotate about the rotation axis 58r2. When the developing gate 57 moves between the open position and the closed position, each of the rotation axes 58r1 and 58r2 extends in a direction (which can be orthogonal) that intersects with the moving direction (Dso, Dsc) of the developing gate 57.

[0621] The first lock body 58a1 engages with the first gate retainer 57b1 through an opening in the first gate guide 53g1. The second lock body 58a2 engages with the second gate retainer 57b2 through an opening in the second gate guide 53g2.

[0622] The first gate retainer 57b1, the first gate guide 53g1, the first lock body 58a1, and the first lock spring 58s1 are symmetrical with respect to the plane to the second gate retainer 57b2, the second gate guide 53g2, the second lock body 58a2, and the second lock spring 58s2. Therefore, the configuration and relationship of the first gate retainer 57b1, the first gate guide 53g1, the first lock body 58a1, and the first lock spring 58s1 are symmetrical with respect to the configuration and relationship of the second gate retainer 57b2, the second gate guide 53g2, the second lock body 58a2, and the second lock spring 58s2 with respect to the plane.

[0623] The configuration and relationship of the first gate retainer 57b1, the first lock body 58a1, and the first lock spring 58s1 will be described in more detail.

[0624] The first gate retainer 57b1 has a first positioning portion 57c1 and a second positioning portion 57o1. The first positioning portion 57c1 and the second positioning portion 57o1 are recesses that engage with the first lock body 58a1. When the first lock body 58a1 engages with the first positioning portion 57c1, the development gate 57 is positioned in the closed position. When the first lock body 58a1 engages with the second positioning portion 57o1, the development gate 57 is positioned in the open position.

[0625] The first positioning portion 57c1 has two inclined portions that are inclined with respect to the opening direction Dso and the closing direction Dsc, respectively. When one of the inclined portions is pushed by the first lock body 58a1, the development gate 57 receives a force in the opening direction Dso. When the other of the inclined portions is pushed by the first lock body 58a1, the development gate 57 receives a force in the closing direction Dsc. When the force received by the first lock body 58a1 from one of the inclined portions and the force received by the first lock body 58a1 from the other of the inclined portions are balanced, the development gate 57 is positioned in the closed position.

[0626] The second positioning portion 57o1 has two inclined portions that are inclined with respect to the opening direction Dso and the closing direction Dsc, respectively. When one of the inclined portions is pushed by the first lock body 58a1, the development gate 57 receives a force in the opening direction Dso. When the other of the inclined portions is pushed by the first lock body 58a1, the development gate 57 receives a force in the closing direction Dsc. When the force received by the first lock body 58a1 from one of the inclined portions and the force received by the first lock body 58a1 from the other of the inclined portions are balanced, the development gate 57 is positioned in the open position.

[0627] In a state where the first lock body 58al is engaged with the first positioning portion 57cl, the first lock body 58al is urged by the first lock spring 58sl in a direction in which the first positioning portion 57cl is engaged. In a state where the first lock body 58al is engaged with the second positioning portion 57ol, the first lock body 58al is urged by the first lock spring 58sl in a direction in which the second positioning portion 57ol is engaged. In the present embodiment, the first lock spring 58sl is a coil spring; however, the first lock spring 58sl can also be a spring of another shape.

[0628] When the developing shutter 57 is urged in the opening direction Dso in a state where the first lock body 58al is engaged with the first positioning portion 57cl, the first lock body 58al moves against the force of the first lock spring 58sl and disengages from the first positioning portion 57cl. When the developing shutter 57 is urged in the closing direction Dsc in a state where the first lock body 58al is engaged with the second positioning portion 57ol, the first lock body 58al moves against the force of the first lock spring 58sl and disengages from the second positioning portion 57ol. In other words, when the developing shutter 57 moves from the closed position to the open position, or when the developing shutter 57 moves from the open position to the closed position, the developing shutter 57 moves the first lock body 58al against the force of the first lock spring 58sl.

[0629] As will be described later, the developing shutter 57 moves between the closed position and the open position under the driving force of the motor M2. Therefore, the first lock body 58al moves against the force of the first lock spring 58sl by the driving force of the motor M2.

[0630] The first shutter holder 57bl has an arm 57el and a protrusion 57fl. The arm 57el is elastically deformable. The functions of the arm 57el and the protrusion 57fl will be described later.

[0631] The configuration and relationship of the second shutter holder 57b2, the second lock body 58a2, and the second lock spring 58s2 will be described in more detail.

[0632] The second shutter holder 57b2 has a first positioning portion 57c2 and a second positioning portion 57o2. The first positioning portion 57c2 and the second positioning portion 57o2 are recesses that engage with the second lock body 58a2. When the second lock body 58a2 is engaged with the first positioning portion 57c2, the developing shutter 57 is positioned in the closed position. When the second lock body 58a2 is engaged with the second positioning portion 57o2, the developing shutter 57 is positioned in the open position.

[0633] The first positioning portion 57c2 has two inclined portions inclined with respect to the opening direction Dso and the closing direction Dsc, respectively. When one of the inclined portions is pushed by the second lock body 58a2, the developing gate 57 receives a force in the opening direction Dso. When the other of the inclined portions is pushed by the second lock body 58a2, the developing gate 57 receives a force in the closing direction Dsc. When the force received by the second lock body 58a2 from one of the inclined portions and the force received by the second lock body 58a2 from the other of the inclined portions are balanced, the developing gate 57 is positioned in the closed position.

[0634] The second positioning portion 57o2 has two inclined portions inclined with respect to the opening direction Dso and the closing direction Dsc, respectively. When one of the inclined portions is pushed by the second lock body 58a2, the developing gate 57 receives a force in the opening direction Dso. When the other of the inclined portions is pushed by the second lock body 58a2, the developing gate 57 receives a force in the closing direction Dsc. When the force received by the second lock body 58a2 from one of the inclined portions and the force received by the second lock body 58a2 from the other of the inclined portions are balanced, the developing gate 57 is positioned in the open position.

[0635] In a state where the second lock body 58a2 is engaged with the first positioning portion 57c2, the second lock body 58a2 is urged by the second lock spring 58s2 in a direction in which the second lock body 58a2 is engaged with the first positioning portion 57c2. In a state where the second lock body 58a2 is engaged with the second positioning portion 57o2, the second lock body 58a2 is urged by the second lock spring 58s2 in a direction in which the second lock body 58a2 is engaged with the second positioning portion 57o2. In the present embodiment, the second lock spring 58s2 is a helical spring; however, the second lock spring 58s2 can be a spring of another shape.

[0636] When the developing gate 57 is urged in the opening direction Dso in a state where the second lock body 58a2 is engaged with the first positioning portion 57c2, the second lock body 58a2 moves against the force of the second lock spring 58s2 and disengages from the first positioning portion 57c2. In a state where the second lock body 58a2 is engaged with the second positioning portion 57o2, when the developing gate 57 is urged in the closing direction Dsc, the second lock body 58a2 moves against the force of the second lock spring 58s2 and disengages from the second positioning portion 57o2. In other words, when the developing gate 57 moves from the closed position to the open position, or when the developing gate 57 moves from the open position to the closed position, the developing gate 57 moves the second lock body 58a2 against the force of the second lock spring 58s2.

[0637] As will be described later, the developing gate 57 moves between the closed position and the open position under a driving force of the motor M2. Therefore, the second lock body 58a2 moves against the force of the second lock spring 58s2 by the driving force of the motor M2.

[0638] The second shutter retainer 57b2 has an arm 57e2 and a protrusion 57f2. The arm 57e2 is elastically deformable. The functions of the arm 57e2 and the protrusion 57f2 will be described later.

[0639] Positional relationship of developing shutter and toner shutter with respect to photoconductor drum

[0640] The positional relationship of the developing shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 with respect to the photoconductor drum 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 47A 、 FIG. 47B 、 FIG. 48A and FIG. 48B .

[0641] FIG. 47A and FIG. 47B are views showing the position of the developing shutter 57 in the closed position. FIG. 47A and FIG. 47B The broken line in and is a virtual circle centered on the rotation axis 90C and passing through the front end of the developing shutter 57 in the closed position. As will be described later, the developing shutter 57 is in the closed position when the toner cartridge 70 is not installed to the rotating body 90.

[0642] In the state where the developing shutter 57 is in the closed position, the shutter opening 57ab is not aligned with the seal opening 57so and the receiving port 53b, and the cover portion 57aa covers the seal opening 57so and the receiving port 53b.

[0643] As described earlier, when the rotating body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C, the rotating body 90 pivots around the pivot 91. In the present embodiment, when the rotating body 90 rotates and the developing shutter 57 faces the photoconductor drum 2, the rotating body 90 pivots away from the photoconductor drum 2. In FIG. 47A In, the rotating body 90 is in a position where the rotating body 90 has moved away from the photoconductor drum 2 around the pivot 91, and there is a gap between the virtual circle and the photoconductor drum 2.

[0644] In the present embodiment, in the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90, the position of the developing shutter 57 overlaps the position of the photoconductor drum 2. Even when the rotating body 90 rotates in the state where the toner cartridge 70 is not installed to the rotating body 90, the developing shutter 57 in the closed position rotates at a position away from the photoconductor drum 2 and does not contact the photoconductor drum 2.

[0645] FIG. 48A and FIG. 48B are views showing the relationship between the developing shutter 57 in the open position, the toner shutter 76 in the open position, and the photoconductor drum 2.

[0646] As will be described later, when the toner cartridge 70 is mounted to the developing unit 50, the developing shutter 57 is positioned at the open position, and the toner shutter 76 is positioned at the open position.

[0647] As shown in FIG. 48B , in a state where the developing shutter 57 is at the open position, the shutter opening 57ab overlaps the seal opening 57so and the receiving port 53b. In a state where the toner shutter 76 is at the open position, the seal opening 76so and the discharge port 71b are exposed. As a result, the discharge port 71b, the seal opening 76so, the shutter opening 57ab, the seal opening 57so, and the receiving port 53b communicate with each other, allowing toner to be supplied from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50 through these openings.

[0648] In a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis 90C (a radial direction of the rotation body 90), the front end of the developing shutter 57 in the open position is closer to the rotation axis 90C than the front end of the developing shutter 57 in the closed position. Even when the rotation body 90 rotates in a state where the toner cartridge 70 is mounted to the rotation body 90, the developing shutter 57 in the open position and the toner shutter 76 in the open position rotate at a position away from the photoconductor drum 2, and do not contact the photoconductor drum 2.

[0649] Operation of opening the toner shutter and the developing shutter

[0650] Hereinafter, the operation of opening the tone...

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a developing unit including a developing roller, a storage frame including a receiving port and a storage chamber accommodating toner to be supplied to the developing roller, and a developing shutter movable between a closed position in which the receiving port is covered and an open position in which the receiving port is exposed; an apparatus main body accommodating the developing unit; a toner cartridge detachably attached to the developing unit, the toner cartridge including a toner frame accommodating toner to be supplied to the developing unit and having a discharge port, wherein the toner cartridge is movable relative to the storage frame between a mounted position in which the discharge port faces the receiving port and a withdrawn position in which the toner cartridge is moved from the mounted position, and at least a portion of the toner cartridge is located outside the apparatus main body when the toner cartridge is in the withdrawn position; a moving device configured to move the toner cartridge from the withdrawn position toward the mounted position; and a driving device including a driving source and configured to drive the moving device, wherein the developing shutter is configured to be moved from the closed position toward the open position by a force of the driving source when the toner cartridge is moved from the withdrawn position toward the mounted position.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developing unit includes a first arm forced toward the developing shutter and a second arm forced toward the developing shutter, the first arm is engaged with the developing shutter in the closed position and is configured to move against an acting force received from the first arm when the developing shutter is moved from the closed position to the open position, and the second arm is engaged with the developing shutter in the closed position and is configured to move against an acting force received from the second arm when the developing shutter is moved from the closed position to the open position.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving device includes a tray to which the toner cartridge is removably mounted, and the tray is movable between a storage position in which the toner cartridge is located at the mounted position and an eject position in which the toner cartridge is located at the withdrawn position.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developing shutter is configured to be moved from the closed position toward the open position by contact with the toner cartridge moved from the withdrawn position toward the mounted position.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developing shutter includes a shutter main body having a shutter opening, the shutter opening overlaps the receiving port when the developing shutter is in the open position, and the shutter main body is formed of a metal sheet.

6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a rotary body supporting the developing unit and rotatable.

7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein ​ A moving direction of the toner cartridge crosses a longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge when the toner cartridge moves from the mounted position to the withdrawn position.

8. An image forming apparatus comprising: a developing unit including a developing roller and a storage frame including a receiving port and a storage chamber that accommodates toner to be supplied to the developing roller; an apparatus main body that accommodates the developing unit; a toner cartridge removably attached to the developing unit, the toner cartridge including a toner frame that accommodates toner to be supplied to the developing unit and has a discharge port, and a toner shutter that is movable between a closed position in which the discharge port is covered and an open position in which the discharge port is exposed, wherein the toner cartridge is movable relative to the storage frame between a mounted position in which the discharge port faces the receiving port and a withdrawn position in which the toner cartridge is moved from the mounted position, and at least a portion of the toner cartridge is located outside the apparatus main body when the toner cartridge is in the withdrawn position; a moving device configured to move the toner cartridge from the withdrawn position toward the mounted position; and a driving device including a driving source and configured to drive the moving device, wherein a moving direction of the toner cartridge crosses a longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge when the toner cartridge moves from the mounted position to the withdrawn position, and the toner shutter is configured to move from the closed position toward the open position by a force of the driving source when the toner cartridge moves from the withdrawn position toward the mounted position.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the toner cartridge includes a stopper configured to limit the toner shutter from moving from the closed position toward the open position, and the developing unit includes a release portion for releasing the stopper.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the moving device includes a tray to which the toner cartridge is removably attached, and the tray is movable between a storage position in which the toner cartridge is located at the mounted position and a pop-up position in which the toner cartridge is located at the withdrawn position.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the moving device is configured to move the toner cartridge from the mounted position toward the withdrawn position, and the toner shutter is configured to move from the open position toward the closed position by the force of the driving source when the toner cartridge moves from the mounted position toward the withdrawn position.

12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising a rotary body that supports the developing unit and is rotatable. 13.The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein a moving direction of the toner shutter when the toner shutter moves from the closed position to the open position crosses the longitudinal direction. 14.An image forming apparatus comprising: a developing unit including a developing roller, a storage frame including a receiving port and a storage chamber that accommodates toner to be supplied to the developing roller, and a developing shutter movable between a first closed position in which the receiving port is covered and a first open position in which the receiving port is exposed; and a toner cartridge detachably attached to the developing unit, the toner cartridge including a toner frame that accommodates toner to be supplied to the developing unit and has a discharge port, and a toner shutter movable between a second closed position in which the discharge port is covered and a second open position in which the discharge port is exposed, wherein the toner cartridge is movable relative to the storage frame between a mounted position in which the discharge port faces the receiving port and a withdrawn position in which the toner cartridge is moved from the mounted position, wherein the toner cartridge is configured to be moved between the mounted position and the withdrawn position in a state in which the discharge port is positioned below the receiving port, and the toner shutter is configured to reach the second open position before the developing shutter reaches the first open position when the toner cartridge is moved from the withdrawn position toward the mounted position. 15.The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the developing unit includes a first opener configured to move the toner shutter from the second closed position toward the second open position, and the toner cartridge includes a second opener configured to move the developing shutter from the first closed position toward the first open position. 16.The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the toner shutter is moved toward the second open position by the first opener before the second opener contacts the developing shutter when the toner cartridge is moved from the withdrawn position toward the mounted position. 17.The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising: an apparatus main body that accommodates the developing unit; a moving device configured to move the toner cartridge from the withdrawn position toward the mounted position; and a driving device including a driving source and configured to drive the moving device, wherein at least a portion of the toner cartridge is positioned outside the apparatus main body when the toner cartridge is positioned at the withdrawn position. ​ ​ 18. The image forming apparatus of claim 17, wherein the moving device includes a tray to which the toner cartridge is removably mounted, and the tray is movable between a storage position at which the toner cartridge is located at the mounted position and an eject position at which the toner cartridge is located at the withdrawn position.

19. The image forming apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 18, further comprising a rotating body that supports the developing unit and is rotatable.

20. The image forming apparatus of claim 19, wherein when the developing shutter is moved from the first closed position to the first open position, the developing shutter is configured to move so as to approach a rotation axis of the rotating body in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the rotating body.

Images