Image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes: a rotating body rotatable about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction; a toner cartridge supported by the rotating body and having a discharge opening, the toner cartridge configured to discharge toner from the discharge opening; and a developing unit supported by the rotating body and including a receiving opening configured to receive the toner discharged from the discharge opening, a storage chamber configured to store the toner received from the receiving opening, and a developing roller configured to carry the toner stored in the storage chamber, the guide portion is configured to guide the toner stored in the storage chamber away from the receiving opening in the axial direction when the rotating body rotates.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material. BACKGROUND

[0002] In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a rotary developing system is known in which a color image is formed by rotating a rotary body having a plurality of developing units. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2007-183305 and 2008-096852 describe image forming apparatuses each including a rotary body having a plurality of developing units and a plurality of toner cartridges (toner storage containers) that are capable of being installed in and removed from the rotary body.

[0003] When the developing units are replenished with toner from the toner cartridges, if the toner is not uniformly distributed in the developing units, image defects such as unevenness in density can occur. SUMMARY

[0004] An object of the present application is to provide a technology capable of uniformly distributing toner in developing units in a rotary developing type image forming apparatus that is capable of replenishing the developing units with toner from toner cartridges.

[0005] To achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus of the present application includes:

[0006] a rotary body that is rotatable about a rotary axis extending in an axial direction;

[0007] a toner cartridge supported by the rotary body and having a discharge opening, the toner cartridge being configured to discharge toner from the discharge opening; and

[0008] a developing unit supported by the rotary body and including a receiving opening configured to receive toner discharged from the discharge opening, a storage chamber configured to store toner received from the receiving opening, and a developing roller configured to carry toner stored in the storage chamber,

[0009] wherein the developing unit includes a guide portion, and the guide portion is configured to guide toner stored in the storage chamber away from the receiving opening in the axial direction in a case where the rotary body is rotated,

[0010] wherein, in a case where a rotation phase of the rotating body in which the guide portions guide toner in the axial direction in a direction away from the discharge opening is a first rotation phase, a rotation phase of the rotating body in which a positional relationship between the toner cartridge and the developing unit is a positional relationship in which toner is able to move from the discharge opening to the receiving opening is a second rotation phase, and a rotation phase of the rotating body in which the toner cartridge is installed in the rotating body and removed from the rotating body is an installation / removal phase, the second rotation phase is located after the first rotation phase in a process in which the rotating body rotates one revolution from the installation / removal phase.

[0011] To achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus of the present application includes:

[0012] a rotating body rotatable about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction;

[0013] a toner cartridge supported by the rotating body, the toner cartridge having a discharge opening, the toner cartridge being configured to discharge toner from the discharge opening; and

[0014] a developing unit supported by the rotating body, the developing unit including a receiving opening configured to receive toner discharged from the discharge opening, a storage chamber configured to store toner received from the receiving opening, and a developing roller configured to carry toner stored in the storage chamber,

[0015] wherein a plurality of guide portions are provided in the storage chamber, the plurality of guide portions including a first guide portion and a second guide portion, the first guide portion being positioned in the axial direction between the second guide portion and the receiving opening, and the second guide portion being farther from the receiving opening than the first guide portion,

[0016] wherein the first guide portion and the second guide portion are configured to guide toner stored in the storage chamber in the axial direction in a direction away from the receiving opening as the rotating body rotates, and

[0017] wherein, as the rotating body rotates, a maximum amount of toner that is able to move in the axial direction through the second guide portion is less than a maximum amount of toner that is able to move in the axial direction through the first guide portion.

[0018] Other features of the present application will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1is a schematic view of an image forming apparatus according to Example 1;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a configuration view of an image forming apparatus according to Example 1;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a developing unit, a toner cartridge, and a tray according to Example 1;

[0022] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B is a sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to Example 1;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rotating body according to Example 1;

[0024] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to Example 1;

[0025] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B is a sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to Example 1;

[0026] FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a rotating body according to Example 1;

[0027] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a rotating body according to Example 1;

[0028] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a rotating body according to Example 1;

[0029] FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B is an explanatory view of a configuration related to movement of a tray according to Example 1;

[0030] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B is an explanatory view of a configuration related to movement of a tray according to Example 1;

[0031] FIG. 13 is a view showing an internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Example 1;

[0032] FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing an internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Example 1;

[0033] FIG. 15 is a view showing an internal structure of a developing unit according to Example 1;

[0034] FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing an internal structure of a developing unit according to Example 1;

[0035] FIG. 17is a diagram showing a movement state of the developing unit according to rotation of the rotating assembly;

[0036] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a guide member of the developing unit according to Example 1 guiding toner;

[0037] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the toner cartridge according to Example 2;

[0038] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the developing unit according to Example 2;

[0039] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the toner cartridge according to Example 3;

[0040] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the developing unit according to Example 3;

[0041] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the developing unit of Example 4;

[0042] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of the developing unit according to one embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a rotation phase of the rotating assembly according to the embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 26A and FIG. 26B is a diagram showing a developing guide portion of Example 4;

[0045] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the developing unit of Example 5;

[0046] FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B is a diagram showing a developing guide portion of Example 5;

[0047] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the developing unit of Example 6; and

[0048] FIG. 30A and FIG. 30B is a diagram showing a developing guide portion of Example 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The manner in which the present application is carried out will be described below in detail based on embodiments with reference to the drawings. However, the size, material, shape, and relative arrangement of the components described in the embodiments are to be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present application is applied and various conditions. That is, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all of the features described in the following embodiments are essential to the technical solution of the present application.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] The image forming apparatus 1 according to Example 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B and FIG. 17

[0052] In the following description and each drawing, a vertical direction when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal plane is defined as a Z direction. A direction intersecting the Z direction and being a direction of a rotation axis 90C of a rotation body 90 to be described later (a rotation axis direction of a rotating body) is defined as a Y direction. A direction intersecting both the Z direction and the Y direction is defined as an X direction. The X direction and the Y direction are preferably horizontal directions. Furthermore, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are preferably orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, as necessary, the directions of arrows X, Y, and Z shown in the respective drawings are indicated as +X side, +Y side, and +Z side, respectively, and the opposite sides are indicated as -X side, -Y side, and -Z side, respectively.

[0053] Overall configuration of image forming apparatus

[0054] 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 an electrophotographic method. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 is a color laser beam printer including four developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. As a recording material (recording medium), the sheet S can use various sheet materials having different sizes and materials, such as paper (for example, regular paper and thick paper), sheet materials subjected to surface treatment (for example, plastic film, cloth, and coated paper), and sheet materials having a special shape (for example, an envelope and an index sheet).

[0055] The schematic configuration and image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a view showing a drive source of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a conceptual view showing a configuration for replenishing toner from a toner cartridge 70 to the developing units 50.

[0056] As​​FIG. 1 As shown, 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, and 70k that can be installed in and removed from the apparatus main body 1A. The apparatus main body 1A in this example is a portion obtained by removing the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0057] The apparatus main body 1A of the image forming apparatus 1 includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) 2 having a drum shape (cylindrical shape) as an image bearing member that bears an electrostatic latent image. A charging roller 3, a scanner 4 as an exposure device, and a cleaning unit 6 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 2.

[0058] The charging roller 3 is an example of a charging member or a charging unit for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 2. The scanner 4 is an example of an exposure portion or an exposure unit that irradiates the photosensitive drum 2 with laser light according to image information to perform exposure. By irradiating the charged photosensitive drum 2 with laser light, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The cleaning unit 6 is an example of a cleaning unit or a cleaning portion that removes toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0059] The apparatus main body 1A further includes a sheet storage portion 300, a pickup roller 310, a feed roller 311, a separation roller 312, a pair of conveyance rollers 320, a secondary transfer roller 12, a fixing device 40, and an intermediate transfer unit 10. The pickup roller 310 is an example of a feeding member or a feeding unit that feeds a 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 a frictional force. The secondary transfer roller 12 is an example of a transfer member or a transfer unit that transfers an image from the intermediate transfer belt 10a to the sheet S.

[0060] 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 bears an image to be transferred (primary transfer) from the photosensitive drum 2 and conveys an image to be transferred (secondary transfer) to a sheet S. The intermediate transfer belt 10a is tensioned on 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 driven source.

[0061] Further, the device main body 1A includes a rotating main body (rotating body, rotating body, and developing device) 90 having developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. As will be described later, in the present example, trays (support members) 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are inserted into the rotating main body 90. The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are removably mounted in the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k.

[0062] In the following description, a plurality of members and the like having similar functions can be distinguished by using numerals. For example, one of the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k can be referred to as a first toner cartridge, one of the remaining three 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, and 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. That is, 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, 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. Such numerals are merely for the convenience of description, and can be changed as appropriate in principle.

[0063] The developing units (first to fourth developing units) 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are examples of developing units or developing portions that develop (visualize) an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 into a toner image using toner of a color corresponding thereto. Each of the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 using yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, or black toner, respectively. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k can be arranged in an order different from that shown. FIG. 1 The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k can be arranged in an order different from that shown.

[0064] The developing unit 50y includes a developing roller 51y and a supply roller 52y. The developing roller 51y is a developer carrying member that carries toner as a developer, rotates, and supplies the toner to the photosensitive drum 2. The supply roller 52y is a supply member that is arranged in contact with the developing roller 51y and supplies toner to the developing roller 51. 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, and 50k also include similar developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k, supply rollers 52m, 52c, and 52k, and developing blades.

[0065] Corresponding to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are installed in the rotating main body 90. Inside the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner are stored, respectively, as toner to be replenished to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. One of the four colors of toner can be referred to as a first toner, one of the remaining three colors of toner can be referred to as a second toner, one of the remaining two colors of toner can be referred to as a third toner, and the last toner can be referred to as a fourth toner. For example, it can be said that the black toner is an example of the first toner, and the magenta toner is an example of the second toner. Such numbering is only for the convenience of description, and in principle, can be changed as appropriate.

[0066] Here, the rotating main body 90 includes a rotating frame 90f that supports the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are supported by the rotating frame 90f, which is a rotatable rotating support.

[0067] The trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are inserted into the rotating main body 90. The combined portion of the rotating main body 90 and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k can be referred to as a rotating unit 90U. In other words, the rotating unit 90U includes the rotating main body 90 and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k.

[0068] The toner cartridges 70y to 70k are held attachably and detachably by the trays 80y to 80k. As will be described later, the trays 80y to 80k are slidably supported to the outside of the rotating main body 90. The combined portion of the rotating unit 90U and the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 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, and 70k.

[0069] As will be described later, the rotating main body 90 is rotatable about a rotation axis (rotation center) 90C. The rotation axis 90C coincides with the rotation axis of the rotating frame 90f, the rotating unit 90U, and the rotating assembly 90A. Furthermore, the rotation axis 90C is substantially parallel to the rotation axis (rotation center) of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0070] The rotation body 90 is rotatable about the rotation axis 90C. By rotating the rotation body 90 about the rotation axis 90C, any one of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k can take a developing attitude facing the photosensitive drum 2. The attitude of the developing roller 51y facing the photosensitive drum 2 is referred to as a yellow developing attitude. The attitude of the developing roller 51m facing the photosensitive drum 2 is referred to as a magenta developing attitude. The attitude of the developing roller 51c facing the photosensitive drum 2 is referred to as a cyan developing attitude. The attitude of the developing roller 51k facing the photosensitive drum 2 is referred to as a black developing attitude. That is, the rotation body 90 is rotatable about the rotation axis 90C so that the attitudes of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k relative to the photosensitive drum 2 change. The black developing attitude is an example of a first developing attitude in which a first developing roller (the developing roller 51k) faces the photosensitive drum 2. The other developing attitudes are examples of second developing attitudes in which second developing rollers (the developing rollers 51y to 51c) face the photosensitive drum 2. The yellow / magenta / cyan / black developing attitudes can also be referred to as first to fourth developing attitudes. Such numbering is merely for convenience of description, and can be changed as appropriate in principle.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 1, the device body 1A includes a motor M1 as a driving source. As will be described later, the motor M1 provides a driving force for rotating the rotation body 90 about the rotation axis 90C. In other words, the motor M1 rotates the rotation assembly 90A and the rotation unit 90U about the rotation axis 90C. FIG. 2

[0072] Further, the device body 1A has a driving device 98 including the motor M2 and a transmission. The transmission includes driving racks 15L and 15R as driving gears and a transmission portion 15t, which will be described later. The driving force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the driving racks 15L and 15R through the transmission portion 15t. In other words, the motor M2 is configured to drive the driving racks 15L and 15R, and to move the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k relative to the rotation body 90 via the driving racks 15L and 15R.

[0073] The motor M3 drives members other than those driven by the motor M1 and the motor M2. For example, the motor M3 drives the photosensitive drum 2, the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, the pickup roller 310, the feed roller 311, the pair of conveyance rollers 320, the secondary transfer roller 12, the belt driving roller 10b, and the fixing device 40.

[0074] The members driven by the motors M1, M2, and M3 can be changed as appropriate. Further, the roles of any two or all of the motors M1, M2, and M3 can be integrated into one motor. On the other hand, a driving source other than the motors M1, M2, and M3 can be added.

[0075] ​Here, the subscripts y, m, c, and k attached to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k indicate the toner color. The basic configuration and function of the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are common. The basic configuration and function of the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are also common. Furthermore, the basic configuration and function of the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are common. Therefore, when it is not necessary to distinguish between units, cartridges, and trays, the subscripts y, m, c, and k are omitted, and the description is given based on any one of the four units, cartridges, and trays.

[0076] like FIG. 3 As shown, the toner cartridge 70 includes a toner frame 71. The toner frame 71 includes a toner storage section 71a for storing toner and a discharge opening 71b communicating with the toner storage section 71a. The discharge opening 71b is disposed in the inner surface 71d of the toner frame of the toner storage section 71a and discharges the toner from the toner storage section 71a.

[0077] The developing unit 50 includes a developing frame (storage frame) 53. The developing frame 53 includes a developing storage chamber 53a, a receiving opening 53b communicating with the developing storage chamber (toner supply chamber) 53a, a developing roller 51, and a supply roller 52. The receiving opening 53b is disposed in the inner surface 53d of the developing frame in the developing storage chamber 53a and receives toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b. The developing storage chamber 53a stores the toner received from the receiving opening 53b. The developing roller 51 carries the toner stored in the developing storage chamber 53a.

[0078] The developing roller 51k included in the developing unit 50k is an example of a first developing roller. The developing roller 51m included in the developing unit 50m is an example of a second developing roller. The developing frame 53k of the developing unit 50k including the developing storage chamber 53a ( FIG. 4A () is an example of a first storage frame including a first storage section. The developing frame 53m includes a developing unit 50m with a developing storage chamber 53a. FIG. 4A The first storage frame includes a second storage portion. The second storage frame includes a first storage portion and a second storage portion. The third storage frame includes a first storage portion and a second storage portion. In this example, the fourth storage frame includes first to fourth development rollers and first to fourth storage frames.

[0079] As will be described later, the toner cartridge 70 is movable to a set position and a retracted position retracted from the set position with respect to the developing frame 53. In a state where the toner cartridge 70 is in the set position with respect to the developing frame 53, the discharge opening 71b faces the receiving opening 53b. That is, the toner storage portion 71a of the toner cartridge 70 and the developing storage chamber 53a of the developing unit 50 communicate with each other via the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b. When toner is replenished from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50, at least a portion of the receiving opening 53b is located below at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b.

[0080] Then, the toner stored in the toner storage portion 71a is discharged from the discharge opening 71b, and the toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is stored in the developing storage chamber 53a through the receiving opening 53b. The toner stored in the developing storage chamber 53a is supplied to the developing roller 51 by the supply roller 52. Through such a path, the toner stored in the toner storage portion 71a is supplied to the developing roller 51.

[0081] The toner cartridge 70 desirably includes a sealing member (first sealing member) (not shown) that covers the discharge opening 71b. In addition, the developing unit 50 desirably includes a sealing member (second sealing member) (not shown) that covers the receiving opening 53b.

[0082] In a state where the toner cartridge 70 is not set in the developing unit 50, it is desirable that the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b are covered with the sealing members so that outflow of toner from the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b is suppressed.

[0083] Image forming operation

[0084] An image forming operation in the present example will be described. First, the photosensitive drum 2 is rotated in the arrow direction (counterclockwise) in FIG. 6 in synchronization with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 10a. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 3. FIG. 1

[0085] When a color image is formed on the sheet S, the rotating body 90 is rotated in the arrow direction (clockwise) in FIG. 7 while supporting the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. Then, electrophotographic processing is repeatedly performed while moving the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k one by one to the developing position. FIG. 1

[0086] ​​First, the scanner 4 emits laser light based on image data corresponding to the yellow image to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. In parallel with the formation of the electrostatic latent image, the motor M1 rotates the rotating body 90, and the rotating body 90 assumes a yellow developing attitude. When the rotating body 90 assumes the yellow developing attitude, the developing roller 51y is in the developing position and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 with the yellow toner.

[0087] Here, in the present example, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k is an elastic roller coated with rubber around a metal shaft. At the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k develops the electrostatic latent image while being in contact with the photosensitive drum 2. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 in the present example adopts a contact developing method. However, at the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k can develop the electrostatic latent image in a state in which a gap is formed between each developing roller and the photosensitive drum 2. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 can adopt a non-contact developing method.

[0088] When the yellow toner image is developed, the yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 2 is primary-transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10a by the primary transfer roller 11 disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0089] Thereafter, by rotating the rotating body 90 to sequentially move the developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k to the developing position, toner images of the respective colors are formed. That is, after the yellow toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotating body 90 assumes a magenta developing 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 around the rotation axis 90C in the arrow direction (clockwise) shown in FIG. 6 and returns to the yellow developing attitude. Note that the color of the image formed first on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is arbitrary, and for example, a black toner image can be formed first. FIG. 1 Thereafter, by rotating the rotating body 90 to sequentially move the developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k to the developing position, toner images of the respective colors are formed. That is, after the yellow toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotating body 90 assumes a magenta developing 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 around the rotation axis 90C in the arrow direction (clockwise) shown in FIG. 6 and returns to the yellow developing attitude. Note that the color of the image formed first on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is arbitrary, and for example, a black toner image can be formed first.

[0090] Then, primary transfer is repeated to superimpose the toner images of the four colors on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, thereby forming a color image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. The secondary transfer roller 12 and the cleaning device 13 do not come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10a before the color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0091] Meanwhile, the sheet S is fed from the sheet storage portion 300 provided in the lower portion of the device main body 1A by the pickup roller 310. The sheet S is sent to the pair of conveyance rollers 320 in a state of being separated one by one by the feed roller 311 and the separation roller 312. The pair of conveyance rollers 320 feeds the sheet S that is fed to the transfer portion (secondary transfer portion), which is a nip portion between the intermediate transfer belt 10a and the secondary transfer roller 12. The color image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is transferred (secondary transfer) to the surface of the conveyed sheet S.

[0092] The sheet S on which the color image has been transferred is sent to the fixing device 40. In the fixing device 40, the sheet S is heated and pressed, and the image is fixed to the sheet S. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 40 is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 as a product.

[0093] On the other hand, when a monochrome image is formed on the sheet S, the rotation main body 90 takes a black developing attitude. In this state, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 by charging and exposure of the photosensitive drum 2, and then the electrostatic latent image is developed with black toner by the developing roller 51k located at the developing position. The black toner image is primary transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10a, and then is secondary transferred to the sheet S. The subsequent processes are similar to the case of the color image.

[0094] Rotation configuration

[0095] The configuration of the rotation main body 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 , FIG. 4A and 4B and FIG. 5 .

[0096] FIG. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views showing the rotation main body 90 of the image forming apparatus 1 and its periphery. FIG. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of the apparatus taken along a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotation main body 90. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rotation main body 90.

[0097] As described above, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k can be removably installed in the rotation main body 90. When the toner in the toner cartridges 70y to 70k is used up, the user can replenish the toner to the image forming apparatus 1 by replacing the toner cartridges 70y to 70k.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 1 , the device main body 1A includes a frame 16 that accommodates the rotation main body 90.

[0099] The frame 16 is a main body frame of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present example. The frame 16 is a housing (frame) of the apparatus main body 1A including a frame and an exterior member, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in the present example.

[0100] The frame 16 includes an opening 16a. More specifically, the frame 16 includes a side surface 16b that extends in a direction intersecting the horizontal direction. The side surface 16b constitutes at least a portion of a +X side appearance surface of the apparatus main body 1A. The opening 16a is arranged on the side surface 16b. The side surface 16b is a side surface arranged on a downstream side of the discharge opening in a discharge direction along which a sheet S on which an image has been formed is discharged from the discharge opening of the apparatus main body 1A. A user can access the sheet storage portion 300 from the side surface 16b of the image forming apparatus 1 to replenish the sheet S or to take out the sheet S discharged from the discharge opening. Therefore, the side surface 16b can be referred to as a front surface of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0101] The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k can be removably installed in the rotating body 90 through the opening 16a. That is, it can be said that the toner cartridge 70k is an example of a first toner cartridge that stores toner to be supplied to a first developing roller (developing roller 51k) and is removably installed in a rotating body (rotating body 90) through the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A. It can be said that the toner cartridge 70m is an example of a second toner cartridge that stores toner to be supplied to a second developing roller (developing roller 51m) and is removably installed in a rotating body (rotating body 90) through the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0102] In the present example, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are installed in and removed from the rotating body 90 through the opening 16a in a state of being supported by the trays 80y to 80k. In other words, a user can install and remove the toner cartridges 70y to 70k in and from the rotating body 90 via the trays 80y to 80k.

[0103] The opening 16a is arranged on the side surface 16b of the frame 16. In the present embodiment, the side surface 16b is a surface substantially parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90. Therefore, in the case of replacing the toner cartridge 70, the toner cartridge 70 passes through the opening 16a in a direction intersecting the rotation axis 90C, preferably, a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C.

[0104] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a door 14 that covers the opening 16a of the frame 16. The door 14 is an opening / closing member that is movable between a closed position in which the door covers the opening 16a (refer to FIG. 2) and an open position in which the door does not cover the opening 16a (refer to FIG. 3). FIG. 6A), in the open position, the opening 16a is exposed (refer to FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C ).

[0105] As described above, in the present example, the toner cartridge 70 is configured to be removably installed in the rotating body 90 via the tray 80. Therefore, the toner cartridge 70 can be stably installed in and removed from the rotating body 90.

[0106] More specifically, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70 by installing and removing the toner cartridge 70 in and from the tray 80 configured to be movable with respect to the rotating body 90, that is, with respect to the device body 1A. In the case of a configuration in which the user directly installs and removes the toner cartridge in and from the device body to replace the toner cartridge, the user needs to install the toner cartridge in a predetermined set position in the device body. In the present example, the tray 80 is movable so that the toner cartridge 70 is moved to the set position in a state of supporting the toner cartridge 70. Therefore, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70 by a simple operation of placing the toner cartridge 70 on the tray 80, and thus the operability is improved.

[0107] Note that the toner cartridge 70 has an elongated shape in which the Y direction is parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 as a longitudinal direction. That is, the toner cartridge 70 has a size in the longitudinal direction that is greater than the height and width in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In the case of handling the toner cartridge 70 having such an elongated shape, the opening 16a is arranged on the side surface 16b of the frame 16 substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the toner cartridge 70, and thus the toner cartridge 70 can pass through the opening 16a with a short movement distance. For example, compared to the case in which the toner cartridge 70 is installed and removed in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70 through the opening provided on the side surface of either side (+Y side or -Y side) of the frame 16, the replacement of the toner cartridge 70 becomes easy.

[0108] The rotating body 90 can be rotated around 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 removal of the toner cartridge 70y is referred to as a yellow replacement attitude. The attitude that allows removal 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.

[0109] The posture in which the toner cartridge 70k is allowed to be removed is referred to as a black replacement posture. The black replacement posture is an example of a first replacement posture in which the first toner cartridge is allowed to be removed from the rotating body 90. The yellow / magenta / cyan replacement posture is an example of a second replacement posture in which the second toner cartridge is allowed to be removed from the rotating body 90. The yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement posture can also be referred to as first to fourth replacement postures. Such numbering is merely for convenience of description, and can be changed as appropriate in principle.

[0110] The rotating body 90 is rotated clockwise around the rotation axis 90C in FIG. 1 , and can take the yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement postures in turn. In the present embodiment, the developing posture and the replacement posture are alternately switched by rotating the rotating body 90 clockwise around the rotation axis 90C in FIG. 1 . For example, in FIG. 1 , the rotating body 90 takes the black developing posture. When the rotating body 90 is rotated clockwise from this state, the posture of the rotating 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 rotating body 90 is rotated clockwise from the magenta replacement posture, the rotating body 90 returns to the black developing posture. That is, the rotating body 90 can be rotated at least one turn (360°) clockwise.

[0111] FIG. 4A A cross section of the rotating body 90 in a state in which the developing posture (specifically, the yellow developing posture) is taken is shown. FIG. 4B A cross section of the rotating body 90 in a state in which the replacement posture (specifically, the black replacement posture) is taken is shown.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B , four trays 80y to 80k are provided in the rotating body 90. The toner cartridges 70y to 70k are held in the trays 80y to 80k, respectively. In FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B , the trays 80y to 80k are accommodated inside the rotating body 90, and such a state can be said to be a state in which the toner cartridges 70y to 70k are installed in the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k.

[0113] As described above, the toner cartridges 70 are movable to a set position and a retracted position in which the toner cartridges 70 are retracted from the set position, relative to the developing frames 53 of the developing units 50. That is, the first toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70k) is movable to a first set position and a first retracted position relative to the first storage frame (developing frame 53k). The second toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70m) is movable to a second set position and a second retracted position relative to the second storage frame (developing frame 53m).

[0114] In a state in which the toner cartridge 70 is in the set position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b face each other, as shown in FIG. 3 In this state, the toner cartridge 70 is configured to supply toner to the developing storage chamber 53a through the receiving opening 53b (the opening of the storage frame).

[0115] The apparatus main body 1A includes a movement device 85 configured to move the toner cartridge 70 relative to the rotating main body 90 (more specifically, relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50) from the set position to the retracted position. The movement device 85 will be described later with reference to FIG. 8 In the present example, a plurality of movement devices 85y to 85k corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges 70y to 70k are arranged in the rotating main body 90. The trays 80y to 80k can be regarded as part of the movement devices 85y to 85k.

[0116] In the present example, the toner cartridge 70k containing black toner is larger in size than the toner cartridges 70y to 70c containing yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner, and can contain more toner. In other words, it can be said that a first toner cartridge can store a first amount of toner, a second toner cartridge can store a second amount of toner, and the first amount is greater than the second amount.

[0117] Specifically, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k in a first radial direction relative to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating main body 90 is greater than the length of the magenta toner cartridge 70m in a second radial direction. Here, the first radial direction is a rotational radial direction of the rotating main 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 relative to the rotation axis 90C when viewed in a direction along the rotation axis 90C. The second radial direction is a rotational radial direction of the rotating main body 90, and is a direction in which the toner cartridge 70m extends relative to the rotation axis 90C when viewed in a direction along the rotation axis 90C. Similarly, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k in the first radial direction is greater than the lengths of the toner cartridges 70y and 70c in radial directions corresponding to the other toner cartridges 70y and 70c.

[0118] Therefore, the tray 80k holding the black toner cartridge 70k is larger than the trays 80y to 80c holding the other toner cartridges 70y, 70m, and 70c. That is, four toner cartridges 70y to 70k and trays 80y to 80k of different sizes are arranged in 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 smaller than the first toner cartridge, are removably mounted in the rotating body 90. Correspondingly, the rotating body 90 is provided with a tray 80k, as an example of a first support member supporting the first toner cartridge, and a tray 80y, as an example of a second support member smaller than the first support member. Furthermore, toner cartridges 70m and 70c, as examples of third and fourth toner cartridges smaller than the first toner cartridge, are removably mounted in the rotating body 90. In this regard, the rotating body 90 is provided with trays 80m and 80c, which are examples of third and fourth support members that are smaller than the first support member.

[0119] Here, we will refer to FIG. 5 Describe the rotation drive of the rotating body 90. For example... FIG. 5 As shown, disc gears 92L and 92R are formed at both end portions of the rotating body 90. Furthermore, rotary drive gears 93L and 93R are connected to both end portions of the oscillating shaft 91 to transmit drive. Here, the driving force of the motor M1 is transmitted to the rotary drive gear 93R via a drive transmission mechanism. Next, the rotating body 90 is rotated by transmitting drive force from the rotary drive gears 93L and 93R to the disc gears 92L and 92R. The rotating body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C along... FIG. 1 Rotate clockwise within.

[0120] Furthermore, the rotating body 90 is supported to be able to swing about the swing axis 91. The rotating body 90 is biased by a member (not shown) around the swing axis 91. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B The developing rollers are biased counterclockwise. This direction can be referred to as the direction in which each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k approaches the photosensitive drum 2. As a result, when the rotating body 90 is in the developing posture, each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k is in contact with the photosensitive drum 2.

[0121] On the other hand, such as FIG. 5 As shown, rotary cams 90eL and 90eR are located at both ends of the rotary body 90. When the rotary body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C... FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B When rotated clockwise, the rotating cams 90eL and 90eR interact with the roller 96 supported by the frame 16. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4Bcontact. Then, they move in the clockwise direction around the swing axis 91 in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B This direction can be referred to as a direction in which each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k moves away from the photosensitive drum 2. Further, this direction can be referred to as a direction in which the rotating body 90 approaches the opening 16a of the frame 16 and the door 14.

[0122] As a result, when the rotating body 90 rotates and switches from the developing attitude to the replacement attitude, the rotating body 90 swings around the swing axis 91. In a state in which the rotating body 90 assumes the replacement attitude, the developing roller 51 is separated from the photosensitive drum 2.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 4B , in the black replacement attitude, the toner cartridge 70k stops at a position facing the opening 16a provided on the side surface 16b of the device body 1A and the door 14. When the tray 80k is slid from this state from the set position on the developing unit 50k and moves to the outside of the rotating body 90, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70k.

[0124] Toner cartridge replacement operation

[0125] The toner cartridge replacement operation will be described with reference to FIG. 4A , FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C and FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B . FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C is an external view of the device body 1A. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are cross-sectional views of the periphery of the rotating body 90 at the time of replacement of the toner cartridge. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are cross-sectional views of the device in a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90.

[0126] FIG. 6A The appearance of the device body 1A during an image forming operation and in a standby state is shown. The image forming operation is performed during a period in which the image forming device 1 performs a series of operations from feeding a sheet S, forming an image on the sheet S, to discharging the sheet S as a product. The standby state is a state in which the image forming operation can be started when the image forming device 1 receives an image forming instruction (print instruction), and is a state of waiting for an image forming instruction from a user. As shown in FIG. 6A , during the image forming operation and in the standby state, the door 14 is closed.

[0127] FIG. 6B The appearance of the device body 1A at the time of replacement of the toner cartridge is shown. At the time of replacement of the toner cartridge, the door 14 is open, and the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 move to the outside of the device body 1A.

[0128] The toner cartridge 70 is movable to a set position and a retracted position in which the toner cartridge 70 is retracted from the set position, relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50. In a state in which the toner cartridge 70 is in the set position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b face each other, as shown in FIG. 3 As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B In a state in which the toner cartridge 70 is in the set position, the rotation body 90 rotates about the rotation axis 90C and assumes a developing attitude or a replacement attitude.

[0129] A toner cartridge replacement operation will be described. First, a user instructs the controller of the device body 1A to execute a toner cartridge replacement operation. For example, an instruction to execute the toner cartridge replacement operation is input via an operation panel (operation unit) provided in the device body 1A.

[0130] When the controller receives the instruction of the toner cartridge replacement operation, the rotation body 90 rotates to a replacement attitude of the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced (the toner cartridge 70 without toner) and stops. That is, the controller causes the rotation body 90 to rotate to a toner cartridge replacement attitude (a black replacement attitude for replacing the black toner cartridge 70k in FIG. 4B ), which is specified in the instruction of the toner cartridge replacement operation. In the replacement attitude, the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 instructed to be replaced faces the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the device body 1A.

[0131] For example, in the rotation body 90 of FIG. 4A , the yellow developing roller 51y is in a yellow developing attitude facing the photosensitive drum 2. At this time, the black toner cartridge 70k and the tray 80k can not face the opening 16a and the door 14. In other words, when the rotation body 90 is in a replacement attitude other than the replacement attitude of the toner cartridge or a developing attitude, the toner cartridge 70 and the tray 80 can not face the opening 16a and the door 14. Therefore, the opening 16a can have a size that allows each toner cartridge 70 to pass through individually. When the rotation body 90 is rotated by a predetermined angle in the clockwise direction from the yellow developing attitude in the drawing, the black toner cartridge 70k and the tray 80k face the opening 16a and the door 14, as shown in FIG. 4B .

[0132] Here, "the tray 80 faces the opening 16a" means that the tray 80 is positioned to be movable to the outside of the device body 1A via the opening 16a. That is, when the tray 80 faces the opening 16a, the tray 80 is moved outward in the radial direction of the rotation body 90 by a movement mechanism to be described later, so that the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 supported by the tray 80 can protrude to the outside of the device body 1A. In FIG. 4AIn this case, none of the trays 80y to 80k face the opening 16a. In FIG. 4B In this case, only the black tray 80k faces the opening 16a, and the other trays 80y to 80c do not face the opening 16a.

[0133] When the rotating body 90 is positioned in the replacement attitude, the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced is moved by the motor M2 toward the outside of the apparatus body 1A.

[0134] As a result, the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced is moved from the set position to the retracted position with respect to the rotating body 90. As shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C and FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B As shown in

[0135] More specifically, the tray 80 is movable with respect to the rotating body 90 to a housed position and a taken-out position. The housed position is a position in which the tray 80 is housed in the rotating body 90. The taken-out position is a position in which the tray 80 protrudes to the outside of the rotating body 90 and the toner cartridge 70 can be taken out of the tray 80 (removal position, replaceable position). An example of the housed position is the position of each of the trays 80y to 80k in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B An example of the taken-out position is the position of the tray 80 in FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C the position of the tray 80k in FIG. 7A and the position of the tray 80m in FIG. 7B

[0136] When the tray 80 is in the housed position, the toner cartridge 70 installed in the tray 80 is in the set position. When the tray 80 is in the taken-out position, the toner cartridge 70 installed in the tray 80 is in the retracted position.

[0137] Here, as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B The rotating body 90 has a protruding portion 95 for holding the tray 80 in the housed position and holding the toner cartridge 70 in the set position. As shown in FIG. 8 The tray 80 is provided with a recessed portion 87 that cooperates with the protruding portion 95. Although FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B The protruding portions 95k and 95m corresponding to the trays 80k and 80m are shown, and FIG. 8 ​The recessed portions 87y and 87m of trays 80y and 80m are shown, but the protrusion 95 and the recessed portion 87 are provided for each of trays 80y to 80k. The protrusion 95 is preferably biased in the direction that engages with the recessed portion 87.

[0138] By engaging the protrusion 95 into the recess 87 of the tray 80, the tray 80 is locked to the rotating frame 90f. As a result, even as the rotating body 90 rotates, the tray 80 remains in the receiving position, preventing the toner cartridge 70 from moving from the set position. When the tray 80 moves between the receiving and removable positions via the motion mechanism described later, the protrusion 95 is moved by the tray 80, and the protrusion 95 can be configured to separate from the recess 87.

[0139] In this example, door 14 is rotatably supported relative to the device body 1A. For example... FIG. 7A As shown, door 14 is biased from the open position to the closed position by spring 14s. Spring 14s is, for example, a tension spring, and biasing door 14 causes a force to be generated around the support shaft 14c of door 14. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B The torque in the counterclockwise direction.

[0140] When tray 80 pushes door 14, door 14 is opened. FIG. 6B (The state of the tray 80). This state can also be referred to as the state in which the tray 80 is supported by the door 14. At least a portion of the tray 80 protruding outside the device body 1A is supported by the door 14, thus the toner cartridge 70 can be supported more stably. In other words, when the first toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70k) is in the first retracted position, the opening / closing member (door 14) in the open position supports the first support member (tray 80k). When the second toner cartridge (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 (tray 80y to 80c).

[0141] In the open position, door 14 contacts a portion of the frame 16 of the device body 1A (e.g., the lower edge 16c of opening 16a) and is configured not to rotate downward beyond the open position. When tray 80 is pulled from the outside to the inside of the device body 1A, door 14 returns to the closed position by the biasing force of spring 14s.

[0142] The toner cartridge 70 is detachably held on the tray 80. Therefore, as... FIG. 6C As shown, the user can remove the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80 and install a new toner cartridge 70 in the tray (replacement operation). When multiple toner cartridges 70 are replaced, the replacement operation can be performed by repeating the above operation.

[0143] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B A cross section around the rotating body 90 at the time of toner cartridge replacement is shown. FIG. 7A A state at the time of replacement of the black toner cartridge 70k is shown. FIG. 7B A state at the time of replacement of the magenta toner cartridge 70m is shown.

[0144] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a moving device 85 FIG. 8 ) that moves the toner cartridge 70 from a set position to a retracted position. In the present example, it can be said that the moving device 85 includes the tray 80. The moving device 85k including the tray 80k can be said to be an example of a first moving device including a first support member. The moving device 85m including the tray 80m can be said to be an example of a second moving device including a second support member.

[0145] 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, it is preferable that the length by which the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotating body 90 at the retracted position be long. Since the toner cartridge 70 is configured to be removably installed in 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.

[0146] When the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the set position to the retracted position, the direction of movement of the toner cartridge 70 is referred to as a retraction direction. In the present example, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B shown, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is a direction orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction) when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). In addition, it can be said that the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is a direction toward the outside in the radius direction of the rotating body 90 (a direction away from the rotation axis 90C).

[0147] As shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B , since the user performs the operation of removing the toner cartridge 70 from the rotating body 90, it is preferable that at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 protrude from the rotating body 90 when the toner cartridge 70 is removed. In the present example, the entire toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotating body 90 when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position.

[0148] When the rotating body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C, the rotation locus of the rotating body 90 can be said to be a circumscribed circle (circle 90A) of the rotating body 90 around the rotation axis 90C.FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B the virtual circle 90V indicated by the broken line in FIG. 9. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, it is preferable that at least half of the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the retraction direction be located outside the rotation locus of the rotating body 90. That is, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body, in the state where the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, it is preferable that at least half of the total length of the toner cartridge be located outside the rotation locus of the rotating body in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge from the set position to the retracted position. 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. Furthermore, in the present example, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6C indicated by the broken line in FIG. 9. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, it is preferable that at least half of the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the retraction direction be located outside the rotation locus of the rotating body 90. That is, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body, in the state where the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, it is preferable that at least half of the total length of the toner cartridge be located outside the rotation locus of the rotating body in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge from the set position to the retracted position. 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. Furthermore, in the present example, as shown in

[0149] Furthermore, in order to make it easy for the user to grasp the toner cartridge 70, it is preferable that at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 be located outside the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A) when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position. Here, the outside of the apparatus refers to the space outside the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A) when the image forming apparatus 1 is in use (for example, in the image forming operation on the sheet S).

[0150] In the present example, the appearance surface of the apparatus main body 1A is formed by the appearance surface of the frame 16. That is, the outside of the apparatus can also be referred to as the outside of the frame 16. Therefore, the state in which at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is located outside the apparatus can also be referred to as the state in which 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.

[0151] In the present example, the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A is covered by the door 14 when the door 14 is in the closed position. In addition, 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 of the apparatus refers to the outside of the appearance surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position. That is, assuming that the position of the appearance surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position is an appearance position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is located outside the apparatus main body 1A with respect to this appearance position when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position.

[0152] 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 outside space of the apparatus main body 1A. In the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is located on the downstream side of the appearance position.

[0153] Further, when the side surface 16b provided with the opening 16a is defined as the front surface of the device main body 1A and the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, it can be said that at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the appearance surface on the front side of the device main body 1A toward the front side. In this case, the user can easily access the toner cartridge 70 from the front side of the image forming apparatus to replace the toner cartridge 70.

[0154] Note that, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, it is preferable that at least half of the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the retraction direction be located outside the device. That is, 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, it is preferable that at least half of the total length of the toner cartridge be located outside the main body frame in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge from the set position to the retracted position. 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. Further, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, it is more preferable that the entire toner cartridge 70 be located outside the device. In the present example, the appearance surface 14a of the door 14 and the side surface 16b form the appearance surface on the front side of the device main body 1A, but the configuration of the door 14 is not limited thereto. For example, the size of the door 14 can be set to a size that covers the entire side surface 16b. In this case, the appearance surface 14a of the door 14 forms the appearance surface on the front side of the device main body 1A.

[0155] The tray 80 includes a cartridge holder 81 (refer to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B ) that holds the toner cartridge 70. The cartridge holder 81 is a portion in which the toner cartridge 70 is disposed. When the tray 80 is in the extracted position, it is preferable that the entire cartridge holder 81 be located outside the rotation locus of the rotation body 90 in the retraction direction. When the tray 80 is in the extracted position, it is preferable that at least half of the length of the cartridge holder 81 be located outside the device in the retraction direction.

[0156] Here, as described above, 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, as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B , in the present example, the amount of movement of the tray 80 at the time of replacement of the toner cartridge varies depending on the size of the toner cartridge 70.

[0157] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A , the movement distance of the tray 80k (first support member) from the housed position (first housed position) to the extracted position (first extracted position) is LI. The movement distance of the tray 80m (second support member) from the housed position to the extracted position (third extracted position) is L2. FIG. 7BThe state in which the toner cartridge 70m and the tray 80m have moved is shown, and the movement distance of the trays 80y and 80c when moving from the housing position to the extraction position is also L2. At this time, L1 is greater than L2. In other words, it can be said that the movement distance of the first support member when the first toner cartridge moves from the first set position to the first retracted position is longer than the movement distance of the second support member when the second toner cartridge moves from the second set position to the second retracted position.

[0158] Further, as FIG. 8 shown, in a state in which the tray 80k is in the extraction position and the toner cartridge 70k is in the retracted position, the distance by which the toner cartridge 70k protrudes from the appearance surface of the device main body 1A to the outside of the device is P1. In the present example, the distance by which the tray 80k protrudes from the appearance surface of the device main body 1A to the outside of the device is also P1.

[0159] Further, as FIG. 9 shown, in a state in which the tray 80m is in the extraction position and the toner cartridge 70m is in the retracted position, the distance by which the toner cartridge 70m protrudes from the appearance surface of the device main body 1A to the outside of the device is P2. In the present example, the distance by which the tray 80m protrudes from the appearance surface of the device main body 1A to the outside of the device is also P2. The distance by which the toner cartridges 70y and 70c protrude from the appearance surface of the device main body 1A to the outside of the device is also P2.

[0160] The distance P1 is greater than the distance P2. That is, the length by which the first toner cartridge in the first retracted position protrudes from the opening 16a of the device main body 1A is defined as a first length (P1), and the length by which the second toner cartridge in the second retracted position protrudes from the opening 16a is defined as a second length (P2). In this case, it can be said that the first length is greater than the second length.

[0161] In the toner cartridges 70y to 70c having a size smaller than that of the toner cartridge 70k, it is preferable that the distance P2 by which the toner cartridge protrudes to the outside of the apparatus at the retracted position be shorter than the distance PI by which the toner cartridge 70k protrudes to the outside of the apparatus at the retracted position from the viewpoint of strength. This is for the following reason. When the toner cartridge 70 is located at the retracted position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes to the outside of the rotation locus of the rotation body 90 or the outside of the apparatus from the appearance surface of the apparatus main body 1A. At this time, the tray 80 supports the weight of the toner cartridge 70 in a state of being cantilevered by the rotation body 90. Therefore, when the distance P2 by which the toner cartridges 70y to 70c protrude to the outside of the apparatus at the retracted position is shortened, it is possible to reduce the load applied to the guide portion 97 of the rotation body 90 that supports the trays 80y to 80k and the trays 80y to 80c. In addition, since the sizes of the toner cartridges 70y to 70c are smaller than that of the toner cartridge 70k, even if the distance P2 is shorter than the distance PI, it is possible to maintain the workability of cartridge replacement with respect to the trays 80y to 80c.

[0162] Tray arrangement in a rotation body

[0163] The arrangement of the trays 80y to 80k in the rotation body 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 , FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 . FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of the trays 80y to 80k in the rotation body 90. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of the trays 80y to 80k in the rotation body 90.

[0164] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the arrangement of members on one end portion side of the trays 80y to 80k in the Y direction. FIG. 8 shows a cut surface of the rotation body 90 in a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotation body 90. FIG. 8 the upper half of FIG. 10 is a view of the rotation body 90 and the trays 80m and 80k in FIG. 8 from the right upper side (+Z side) of FIG. 8 , and FIG. 8 the lower half of FIG. 11A is a view of the rotation body 90 and the trays 80c and 80y in

[0165] As shown in FIG. 11B , each of the trays 80y to 80k is provided with a cartridge holder 81y to 81k and a guided portion 82y to 82k.

[0166] The toner cartridges 70y to 70k are mounted on the cartridge holders 81y to 81k, respectively. Each of the cartridge holders 81y to 81k accommodates at least a portion of the corresponding one of the toner cartridges 70y to 70k mounted thereon.

[0167] The guided portions 82y to 82k are provided at both ends of the tray 80y to 80k sandwiching the cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k in the Y direction. The guided portions 82y to 82k are members elongated in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the rotation body 90.

[0168] In the present example, the reinforcing rib 82k1 is formed in a portion of the guided portion 82k in the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k, and the reinforcing rib 82m1 is formed in a portion of the guided portion 82m in the movement direction Dm of the tray 80m (refer to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B ). The reinforcing ribs 82k1 and 82m1 have a rib shape (ridge) protruding outward in the Y direction from the guided portions 82k and 82m provided at both ends of the trays 80k and 80m in the Y direction and elongated in the movement directions Dk and Dm of the trays 80k and 80m. The rigidity of the guided portions 82k and 82m is improved by the reinforcing ribs 82k1 and 82m1.

[0169] Although the lengths of the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 are limited when avoiding interference with the guided portions 82y and 82c in the present example, the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 can be provided over the entire lengths of the guided portions 82m and 82k when no interference with the guided portions 82y and 82c occurs. Reinforcing ribs can be added to the guided portions 82y and 82c. The reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 can not be provided when the guided portions 82m and 82k have sufficient rigidity.

[0170] The rack portions 83y to 83k (rack gears) are formed on the guided portions 82y to 82k. Further, pinions 94y to 94k are rotatably held in the rotation body 90. The pinions 94y to 94k are engaged with the rack portions 83y to 83k so as to be drivable.

[0171] The rack portions 83y to 83k and the pinions 94y to 94k are portions of the movement device 85y to 85k configured to move the toner cartridges 70y to 70k from the set position to the retracted position. Further, the rack portions 83y to 83k and the pinions 94y to 94k can be regarded as portions of the driven device driven by the driving device 98 of the device body 1A. The pinions 94y to 94k can be referred to as rotation bodies (rotation members) that move the trays 80y to 80k relative to the rotation body 90 by rotation.

[0172] The pinion gears 94y to 94k and the rack portions 83y to 83k serve as driven portions of the movement devices 85y to 85k of the rotating body 90 to receive driving force from the driving device 98 of the apparatus body 1A. The pinion gear 94k and the rack 83k are examples of a first pinion gear and a first rack gear that constitute at least a part of a first driven portion included in the first movement device. The pinion gear 94m and the rack 83m are examples of a second pinion gear and a second rack gear that constitute at least a part of a second driven portion included in the second movement device.

[0173] The rotating body 90 has a guide portion 97 (refer to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B ) that engages with each of the guided portions 82y to 82k. FIG. 7A The guide portion 97 (97k) that engages with the guided portion 82k of the tray 80k is shown, and FIG. 7B The guide portion 97 (97m) that engages with the guided portion 82m of the tray 80m is shown. The rotating body 90 is provided with similar guides that engage with the guided portions 82y and 82c of the trays 80y and 80c. Although FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 The guide portion 97 provided on one side (+Y side) of the rotating body 90 in the Y direction is shown, but the same guide portion 97 is also provided on the other side (-Y side) of the rotating body 90 in the Y direction.

[0174] The guide portion 97 maintains a state of engagement with the guided portion 82 in at least a part of the range of movement of the tray 80 when the tray 80 moves between the housed position and the taken-out position, and guides the direction of movement of the tray 80. In the present example, the guide portion 97 maintains a state of engagement with the guided portion 82k in the entire range of movement between the housed position and the taken-out position of the tray 80k. Also, in the present example, the guide portion 97 maintains a state of engagement with the guided portion 82m in the entire range of movement between the housed position and the taken-out position of the tray 80m.

[0175] As FIG. 9 and FIG. 9 shown, the four trays 80y to 80k are arranged in the rotating body 90 so as to overlap each other, as will be described in detail hereinafter.

[0176] The racks 83y to 83k and the trays 80y to 80k move relative to the rotating body 90 when the pinion gears 94y to 94k rotate. As FIG. 4BAs shown, the four trays 80y to 80k are arranged to be rotated by 90 degrees with respect to the rotating body 90. Thus, the tray 80y and the tray 80c and the tray 80m and the tray 80k are slidably held in substantially the same direction (parallel direction). The direction of movement of each of the trays 80y to 80k at the time of sliding movement is governed by the engagement between the guided portions 82y to 82k and the guide portions 97y to 97k described above.

[0177] The trays 80y to 80k are moved to the outside of the apparatus through the opening 16a. When each of the trays 80y to 80k is moved to the outside of the apparatus from the opening 16a, the direction of movement of the trays is substantially the same direction (parallel).

[0178] As shown, in the direction of movement Dk of the tray 80k, the range in which the tray 80k is arranged is arranged to overlap with the range in which the tray 80y is arranged and the range in which the tray 80c is arranged. Further, in the direction of movement Dk of the tray 80k, the range in which the tray 80k is arranged overlaps with the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90. That is, the toner cartridge 70k held by the cartridge holding portion 81k of the tray 80k overlaps with the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90. FIG. 8 FIG. 10

[0179] On the other hand, in the direction of movement Dm of the tray 80m, the range in which the tray 80m is arranged is shifted and arranged not to overlap with the range in which the tray 80y is arranged and the range in which the tray 80c is arranged. Further, in the direction of movement Dy of the tray 80y, the range in which the tray 80y is arranged is shifted and arranged not to overlap with the range in which the tray 80m is arranged and the range in which the tray 80k is arranged. Similarly, in the direction of movement Dc of the tray 80c, the range in which the tray 80c is arranged is shifted and arranged not to overlap with the range in which the tray 80m is arranged and the range in which the tray 80k is arranged.

[0180] The positional relationship between the trays 80 can also be expressed as follows. When viewed in the direction of movement Dy of the tray 80y, the tray 80y and the tray 80k overlap, but the tray 80y and the tray 80m do not overlap. When viewed in the direction of movement Dm of the tray 80m, the tray 80m and the tray 80k overlap, but the tray 80m and the trays 80y and 80c do not overlap. When viewed in the direction of movement Dc of the tray 80c, the tray 80c and the tray 80k overlap, but the tray 80c and the tray 80m do not overlap.

[0181] Here, the fact that two elements (members, parts, units, etc.) overlap 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 and the projected area of the other element at least partially overlap.

[0182] ​​As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 10 , the range in which the rack 83m and the guided portion 82m are arranged and the range in which the rack 83k and the guided portion 82k are arranged at least partially overlap each other in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). That is, in the present example, it can be said that the range in which the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) is arranged and the range in which the second rack gear (rack portion 83m) is arranged at least partially overlap each other in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body (Y direction). Therefore, the rack portions 83m and 83k and the guided portions 82m and 82k can be arranged in a space-saving manner in the Y direction 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.

[0183] In the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the range in which the rack portion 83y and the guided portion 82y are arranged and the range in which the rack portion 83c and the guided portion 82c are arranged at least partially overlap each other. That is, in the present example, the range in which the third rack gear (rack portion 83y) is arranged and the range in which the fourth rack gear (rack portion 83c) is arranged at least partially overlap each other in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body (Y direction). Therefore, the rack portions 83y and 83c and the guided portions 82y and 82c can be arranged in a space-saving manner in the Y direction compared to an arrangement in which the rack portion 83y and the guided portion 82y do not overlap the rack portion 83c and the guided portion 82c.

[0184] Here, the engagement positions of the rack portions 83 with the pinions 94 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 .The upper half of FIG. 2 shows the engagement position of the rack portion 83k and the pinion 94k.The lower half of FIG. 8 shows the engagement position of the rack portion 83y and the pinion 94y.

[0185] In the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction) of the rotating body 90, the driving force transmitted from the motor M2 (M2) as a driving source through a transmission device that will be described later is transmitted to the pinions 94y to 94k at a region Y1 in the drawing. At a region Y2 in the drawing, in the Y direction, the pinion 94k engages with the rack portion 83k so as to be able to transmit the driving. At a region Y3 in the drawing, in the Y direction, the pinion 94y engages with the rack portion 83y so as to be able to transmit the driving. Similar to the rack portion 83k, the rack portion 83m engages with the pinion 94m (M2) at the region Y2 so as to be able to transmit the driving. Similar to the rack portion 83y, the rack 83c engages with the pinion 94c (M2) at the region Y3 so as to be able to transmit the driving. FIG. 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 8 ​

[0186] Here, regions Y2 and Y3 are in different positions in the Y direction (displaced in the Y direction). Furthermore, region Y1 is in a different position in the Y direction than both regions Y2 and Y3. That is, region Y1 is displaced in the Y direction relative to regions Y2 and Y3.

[0187] Furthermore, when the toner cartridges 70y and 70c are in their set positions, the areas of the rack portion 83y and the rack portion 83c overlap at least partially with each other in the direction of movement of the rack portion 83y (the direction of movement of the tray 80y, Dy). In this example, since the directions of movement of the trays 80y and 80c, Dy and Dc, are substantially the same (parallel), the areas of the rack portion 83y and the rack portion 83c also overlap at least partially with each other in the direction of movement of the tray 80c, Dc. Therefore, when the toner cartridges 70y and 70c are in their set positions, the tooth surfaces of the rack portion 83y and the rack portion 83c overlap in a direction orthogonal to the directions of movement of the rack portions 83y and 83c, Dy and Dc. FIG. 12A (The left and right directions in the middle) face each other.

[0188] Furthermore, when the toner cartridges 70m and 70k are in the set position, the range of the rack 83m and the range of the rack portion 83m overlap each other at least partially in the direction of movement of the rack portion 83k (the direction of movement of the tray 80m, Dm). In this example, since the directions of movement of the trays 80m and 80k, Dm and Dk, are substantially the same (parallel), the range of the rack portion 83m and the range of the rack portion 83k also overlap each other at least partially in the direction of movement of the tray 80k, Dk. Therefore, when the toner cartridges 70m and 70k are in the set position, the tooth surfaces of the rack portion 83m and the rack portion 83k overlap in a direction orthogonal to the directions of movement of the rack portions 83m and 83k, Dm and Dk. FIG. 11A (The vertical direction in the middle) facing each other.

[0189] As will be described later FIG. 12AAs shown, the rack portion 83y overlaps the rack portion 83m and the rack portion 83k when viewed in 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 in 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 in 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 in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). In other words, it can be said that the range in which the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) is arranged and the range in which the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) is arranged do not overlap each other in the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body. Furthermore, it can be said that the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) and the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) overlap in a state in which the first toner cartridge 70k is in the first set position and the second toner cartridge 70y is in the second set position when viewed in the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body.

[0190] As described above, since the positions at which the rack portions 83k and 83m are arranged and the positions at which the rack portions 83y and 83c are arranged are different in the Y direction, the rack portions 83y and 83c and the rack portions 83m and 83k can be arranged to overlap each other when viewed in the Y direction.

[0191] As a result, an arrangement in which the four trays are space-saving in the rotating body 90 can be achieved, and the rotating body 90 can be made small in the rotation radius direction. That is, while the rack portions 83 are arranged so that they do not overlap when viewed in the Y direction, the movement distance of each of the trays 80y to 80k is maintained to be the same as in the present example, the area required to arrange the four racks when viewed in the Y direction increases. In comparison with such a configuration, the plurality of rack portions 83 are provided so that their positions in the Y direction are shifted, and the rack portions 83 are caused to overlap each other when viewed in the Y direction, whereby the area in which the rack portions 83 are arranged when viewed in the Y direction can be reduced.

[0192] Furthermore, in the present example, the four rack portions 83y to 83k are arranged in two groups of two in a manner in which their positions in the Y direction are shifted. That is, it can be said that the range in which the first rack gear and the second rack gear are arranged overlap each other, and the range in which the third rack gear and the fourth rack gear are arranged overlap each other in the rotation axis direction (Y direction). In addition, it can be said that the range in which the first rack gear and the second rack gear are arranged and the range in which the third rack gear and the fourth rack gear are arranged are arranged so as not to overlap each other in the Y direction. As a result, in comparison with the case in which the positions of the four rack portions 83y to 83k are shifted in the Y direction, the rotating body 90 can be made small in the Y direction.

[0193] Configuration for tray movement

[0194] Reference will be made FIG. 11A and 11B and FIG. 12A and 12B The configuration related to the movement of the trays 80y to 80k disposed in the rotating body 90 will be described. FIG. 11A and 11B are perspective views showing the configuration related to the movement of the tray 80k. FIG. 11A and 12B are cross-sectional views showing the configuration related to the movement of the tray 80k.

[0195] In the present example, the trays 80y to 80k are each driven by the driving force of the motor M2 transmitted to the pinions 94y to 94k via the drive racks 15L and 15R serving as driving gears. Here, the configuration for moving the tray 80k relative to the rotating body 90 will be described, and the configuration for moving the trays 80y to 80c relative to the rotating body 90 is substantially similar to the configuration for moving the tray 80k, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0196] FIG. 4A A state in which the tray 80k is inside the rotating body 90 (that is, the toner cartridge 70k is set in the developing unit 50k) is shown. That is, FIG. 11B A state in which the tray 80k is in the containing position is shown, and a state in which the toner cartridge 70k is in the set position relative to the developing frame 53k FIG. 11B ) is shown. FIG. 4B A state in which the tray 80k has slid to the outside of the rotating body 90 is shown. That is, FIG. 11A A state in which the tray 80k is in the extraction position is shown, and a state in which the toner cartridge 70k is in the retracted position relative to the developing frame 53k FIG. 2 ) is shown.

[0197] The apparatus main body 1A of the present example includes the drive racks 15L and 15R as drive gears for driving the pinions 94. Each drive rack 15 is driven by the motor M2 via a drive transmission mechanism (not shown).

[0198] As described above, the two rack portions 83k are formed at both ends of the tray 80k in the Y direction. The two pinions 94k and the two drive racks 15L and 15R are disposed at positions corresponding to the rack portions 83k at both ends, respectively. That is, the apparatus main body 1A of the present example includes the drive racks 15L and 15R as a first drive gear and a second drive gear. It can be said that the drive rack 15L is an example of the first drive gear, and the drive rack 15R is an example of the second drive gear.

[0199] However, such numbering is only for the convenience of description, and can be changed as appropriate in principle. When it is not necessary to distinguish the drive racks 15L and 15R, the drive racks are referred to as "drive rack 15".

[0200] The rack portion 83 of the present example is configured as a rack-and-pinion pair, and the pinion 94 of the present example is configured as a pinion pair. In the present example, the rack-and-pinion pair and the pinion pair are arranged on one end portion side and the other end portion side of the support member (tray 80) in the Y direction, but can also be arranged at other positions. It can be said that the rack portion 83k and the pinion 94k of the motion device 85k corresponding to the tray 80k are examples of a first rack-and-pinion pair and a first pinion pair.

[0201] The rack portions 83y to 83c and the pinions 94y to 94c of the motion devices 85y to 85c corresponding to any one of the other trays 80y to 80c can be said to be examples of a second rack-and-pinion pair and a second pinion pair.

[0202] One rack gear of the rack-and-pinion pair meshes with one pinion of the pinion pair, and the other rack gear of the rack-and-pinion pair meshes with the other pinion of the pinion pair. At least one pinion of the pinion pair is driven by the drive rack 15L as the first drive rack. In the present example, both pinions of the pinion pair are simultaneously driven by the drive racks 15L and 15R as the first drive rack and the second drive rack. As a result, it is less likely that rotation of the tray 80 will occur, and the toner cartridge 70 can be stably moved. The tray 80 can have one rack 83, and can be moved by one drive rack 15 via one pinion 94.

[0203] The tray 80 can have one rack portion 83, and can be moved by one drive rack 15 via one pinion 94.

[0204] The tray 80k is slidably held with respect to the rotating body 90 in a direction (that is, a movement direction Dk) parallel to the guided portion 82k. The drive rack 15 is slidably held with respect to the apparatus body 1A in a direction intersecting the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k. The drive rack 15 is configured to slide (reciprocate) in a first direction (vertically upward in the present example) and a second direction (vertically downward in the present example) opposite the first direction with respect to the apparatus body 1A. That is, the movement direction of the drive rack 15 of the present example is a direction (preferably, a direction orthogonal to both) intersecting both the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k and the direction (Y direction) of the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90.

[0205] Reference will be made to FIG. 11A and 11BDescribes the pallet movement operation of the sliding pallet 80k between the receiving position and the retrieval position. The pallet movement operation of the pallet 80k is controlled by motor M2 ( FIG. 4B The drive transmission mechanism (not shown), drive rack 15, pinion 94k and rack section 83k are executed.

[0206] First, the tray movement operation (tray pull-out operation) when the toner cartridge 70k is removed from the rotating body 90 will be described. Before the tray pull-out operation begins, the drive rack 15 is positioned below the pinion 94k. FIG. 11B Furthermore, as described above, during the operation of replacing the toner cartridge 70k, the rotating body 90 takes a position for replacing the toner cartridge 70k. FIG. 7A ).

[0207] When the tray pull-out operation begins, the drive rack 15 slides upward in the device body 1A under the driving force of the motor M2. Simultaneously with the movement of the drive rack 15, it meshes with the pinion 94k, and the pinion 94k is driven to rotate.

[0208] like FIG. 11B As shown, the pinion 94k is rotated along the direction of the arrow in the figure, thus 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 device and moves relative to the rotating body 90 from the receiving position to the taking-out position. At this time, the direction of movement of the tray 80k depends on the guide portion 82k and the guide portion 97k of the rotating body 90. FIG. 7A The engagement between the two leads guides the movement in a predetermined direction Dk. As a result of the tray 80k moving from the receiving position to the taking-out position, the toner cartridge 70k moves from the set position to the retracted position relative to the developing unit 50k.

[0209] With tray 80k in the removed position and toner cartridge 70k in the retracted position, the user can install and remove toner cartridge 70k from tray 80k.

[0210] When the toner cartridge 70 is installed in the rotating body 90, tray movement operations (tray pull-in operation and tray insertion operation) are performed, which are performed in the opposite direction to the tray pull-out operation. For example, the tray pull-in operation is initiated when the user operates a predetermined operating component. When the tray pull-in operation is initiated, the drive rack 15 slides downward in the device body 1A according to the driving force of the motor M2. Here, the rotation direction of the motor M2 in the tray pull-in operation is opposite to that in the tray pull-out operation.

[0211] When the pinion 94k is along with FIG. 11BWhen the arrow in the opposite direction is rotationally driven, driving force is input to the rack portion 83k engaged with the pinion 94k. As a result, the tray 80k is pulled into the device and moved from the extraction position to the housing position with respect to the rotating body 90.

[0212] The movement direction of the tray 80k is guided in the movement direction Dk (in the opposite direction of the arrow in FIG. 12A ) by the engagement of the guided portion 82k with the guide portion 97k (of the rotating body 90). As a result of the movement of the tray 80k from the extraction position to the housing position, the toner cartridge 70k is moved from the retracted position to the set position with respect to the developing unit 50k. FIG. 12B

[0213] Although the movement of the black tray 80k and the toner cartridge 70k has been described above, the other trays 80y to 80c and the toner cartridges 70y to 70c are also moved by a similar mechanism. That is, in the posture for replacing each toner cartridge, the drive rack 15 transmits the drive to the pinions 94y to 94c.

[0214] The motor M2 provided in the device body 1A and the transmission including the drive rack 15 (15L and 15R) and the drive transmission mechanism constitute a drive device 98 for driving the movement device 85 provided in the rotating body 90.

[0215] As described above, in the present example, a plurality of movement devices 85k to 85y corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges 70k to 70y are arranged in the rotating body 90. The drive device 98 of the device body 1A is a common drive device that drives the plurality of movement devices 85k to 85y (a plurality of driven devices) of the rotating body 90.

[0216] In the present example, the drive target of the drive device 98 is switched according to the rotation of the rotating body 90. In other words, the drive device of the present example includes the drive rack 15 as a transmission member that transmits the driving force of the drive source. The drive device can take a state in which the transmission member is engaged with the first driven portion (the pinion 94k) to be able to transmit the drive and a state in which the transmission member is engaged with the second driven portion (the pinion 94m) to be able to transmit the drive. Further, the drive device can take a state in which the transmission member is separated from the first driven portion and the second driven portion.

[0217] As described above, the pinions 94y to 94k are held by the rotating body 90. Therefore, when the rotating body 90 rotates, it is preferable to release the engagement between the pinions 94y to 94k and the drive rack 15.

[0218] FIG. 12A The state of the tray 80k inside the rotating body 90 (the state in which the tray is in the housing position) is shown.​FIG. 12A The state in which the tray 80k has moved outside the rotating body 90 (the state in which the tray has moved to the extraction position) is shown.

[0219] As shown in FIG. 12B , when the tray 80k is inside the rotating body 90, the drive rack 15 is located at the lower portion of the device body 1A. At this time, the drive rack 15 is retracted from the pinion 94k. Therefore, the rotating body 90 can rotate without being obstructed by the drive rack 15. More specifically, the drive rack 15 can be retracted outside the rotational trajectory of the rotating body 90 indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B .

[0220] As described above, by rotating the drive motor M2 in the forward and reverse directions, the tray 80 provided in the rotating body 90 can be moved relative to the rotating body 90 from the accommodation position to the extraction position and from the extraction position to the accommodation position. That is, the drive device of the present example can drive each movement device of the rotating body so that the toner cartridge moves from the set position to the retracted position, and can drive each movement device so that the toner cartridge moves from the retracted position to the set position.

[0221] Here, as described above, in the present example, the amount of movement of the tray 80 at the time of replacing the toner cartridge varies depending on the size of the toner cartridge 70. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 13 , the movement distance L1 of the black tray 80k when moving from the accommodation position to the extraction position is longer than the movement distance L2 of the other trays 80y to 80c when moving from the accommodation position to the extraction position.

[0222] Therefore, in the present example, when the toner cartridges 70y to 70k move from the set position to the retracted position, the value obtained by dividing the speed of the rack portion 83k by the speed of the drive rack 15 is greater than the value obtained by dividing the speed of the rack portion 83y to 83c by the speed of the drive rack 15.

[0223] For example, as shown in FIG. 14As shown, pinion 94y is a stepped gear, and the pitch circle radius of small-diameter gear 942 that engages with rack portion 83y is smaller than the pitch circle radius of large-diameter gear 941 that engages with driving rack 15. Pinions 94m and 94c are also similar stepped gears. On the other hand, pinion 94k has the same pitch circle radius at the portion that engages with driving rack 15 and the portion that engages with rack portion 83k. At this time, the pitch circle radius of pinion 94k can be the same as the pitch circle radius of large-diameter gear 941 of pinions 94y to 94c. According to this configuration, even if the movement distance of driving rack 15 is the same, the movement distance of rack portion 83k can be made larger than the movement distance of the other rack portions 83y to 83c. That is, the movement distance LI of black tray 80k when moving from the housing position to the extraction position can be larger than the movement distance L2 of the other trays 80y to 80c when moving from the housing position to the extraction position.

[0224] Further, since pinions 94y to 94c are stepped gears, the movement distance LI of tray 80k can be made larger than the movement distance L2 of the other trays 80y to 80c while pinions 94y to 94k receive driving force from the same driving rack 15.

[0225] Instead of (or in combination with) the configuration in which pinions 94y to 94c are stepped gears, pinion 94k can be a stepped gear. In this case, the portion of pinion 94k that engages with driving rack 15 can be a small-diameter gear, and the portion of pinion 94k that engages with rack portion 83k can be a large-diameter gear having a larger pitch circle radius than the small-diameter gear. In addition, the stepped gear is an example of a speed reduction mechanism, and a known speed reduction mechanism can be substituted in which the amount of movement of a member on the output side (tray 80 side) is smaller than the amount of movement of a member on the input side (driving source side).

[0226] The amount of movement of driving rack 15 when toner cartridge 70k moves from the set position to the retracted position can be larger than the amount of movement of driving rack 15 when toner cartridges 70y to 70c move from the set position to the retracted position.

[0227] Meanwhile, the shorter the distance that toner cartridge 70 moves from the set position to the retracted position, the shorter the movement time of toner cartridge 70 can be, and the time that the user waits for toner cartridge 70 to move can be shortened. If the amount of movement of driving rack 15 with respect to toner cartridge 70k is larger than the amount of movement of driving rack 15 with respect to toner cartridges 70y to 70c as described above, the time that the user waits for toner cartridges 70y to 70c to move can be shortened.

[0228] With the above-described configuration, movement distance LI can be larger than movement distance L2. These configurations can be used in combination.

[0229] Although the configuration in which the driven part includes the pinion 94 that engages with both the drive rack 15 and the rack part 83 has been described, the driven part can include a gear that engages with the drive rack 15 and a gear that engages with the rack 83.

[0230] The configuration of the movement device 85 that moves the tray 80 is not limited to the so-called rack and pinion configuration. For example, the member corresponding to the pinion 94 can be replaced with a roller that rotates by being driven by the motor M2, and the tray 80 can be moved by the friction between the roller and the tray 80.

[0231] In the case of using a roller that rotates by being driven by the motor M2, the roller and the toner cartridge 70 can come into contact with each other. In this case, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k can be directly installed in and removed from the rotating body 90 without passing through the trays 80y to 80k. In this case, the movement device 85 includes a roller. Further, it can be said that the rotating assembly 90A includes the rotating body 90 and the toner cartridges 70y to 70k.

[0232] Guidance of toner to discharge opening of toner cartridge

[0233] The toner stored in the toner storage part 71a of the toner cartridge 70 is discharged from the discharge opening 71b, and the toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is stored in the development storage chamber 53a through the receiving opening 53b of the development unit 50. That is, the development storage chamber 53a (first storage chamber) of the development unit 50 and the toner storage part 71a (second storage chamber) of the toner cartridge 70 communicate with each other. The opening of the communication hole on the side of the development storage chamber 53a is the receiving opening 53b (receiving opening), and the opening on the side of the toner storage part 71a is the discharge opening 71b (discharge opening).

[0234] Reference will be made to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 a configuration for discharging the toner stored in the toner storage part 71a from the discharge opening 71b will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the toner cartridge 70 is installed in the rotating body 90.

[0235] FIG. 13 is a drawing that shows the internal structure of the toner cartridge 70, and shows the configuration when viewed in the thickness direction that is orthogonal to both the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the toner cartridge 70. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view that shows the internal structure of the toner cartridge 70, and specifically, a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis 90C when viewed in the Y direction.

[0236] In the following description of the toner cartridge 70, the Y direction as the direction of the axis of rotation is referred to as the longitudinal direction. In addition, the direction as the radius direction of the rotating body and orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is referred to as the lateral direction. Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the toner cartridge 70 is referred to as the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0237] As shown in FIG. 13 , the toner frame 71 of the present example includes a plurality of discharge openings 71b including a discharge opening (first opening, first discharge opening) 71bL and a discharge opening (second opening, second discharge opening) 71bR, and a plurality of guide portions 71g (second guide portions) including a left guide 71gL and a right guide 71gR. As shown in FIG. 14 , the inner surface of the toner frame 71 that forms the toner storage portion 71a includes an inner surface 71d1 (second surface) that faces in a direction from upstream toward downstream in the rotational movement direction (R direction) of the toner cartridge 70 around the axis of rotation 90C according to rotation of the rotating body. In the present example, the discharge openings 71b are provided on the inner surface 71d1, and the guides 71g are provided on the inner surface 71d1 to at least guide the movement direction of the toner moving along the inner surface 71d1 to a predetermined direction.

[0238] As shown in FIG. 13 , each of the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR has a function as a discharge opening that communicates the toner storage portion 71a inside the toner frame 71 with respect to the outside of the toner frame 71 on both longitudinal end portion sides of the toner storage portion 71a. The discharge opening 71bL is located at one end portion side with respect to the center portion 71c of the toner frame 71 (toner storage portion 71a) in the longitudinal direction, and is located between the center portion 71c and the left surface 71eL. The discharge opening 71bR is located at the other end portion side with respect to the center portion 71c of the toner frame 71 (toner storage portion 71a) in the longitudinal direction, and is located between the center portion 71c and the right surface 71eR. The discharge opening 71bL is closer to the left surface 71eL in the longitudinal direction than to the center portion 71c, and the discharge opening 71bR is closer to the right surface 71eR in the longitudinal direction than to the center portion 71c.

[0239] As shown in FIG. 13As shown, in the present example, the guide portion 71g is arranged on the inner surface 71d1 of the toner frame 71. That is, the root of the guide portion 71g is connected to the inner surface 71d1 of the toner frame 71. As the configuration of the inner surface 71d1 of the toner frame 71, the portion that forms the discharge opening 71bL, the portion that forms the discharge opening 71bR, and the portion that connects the guide portion 71g can be discontinuous. The inner surface of the toner frame 71 includes an inner surface 71d2 that faces in a direction from downstream toward upstream and that faces the inner surface 71d1 in the direction of the rotational movement of the toner cartridge 70, and a gap is formed between the guide portion 71g provided on the inner surface 71d1 and the inner surface 71d2. Note that the guide portion 71g does not necessarily have to be arranged on the inner surface 71d1 as long as the same effect as the toner guide function is exhibited.

[0240] As shown, FIG. 14 In the present example, the toner frame 71 includes at least one left guide 71gL and at least one right guide 71gR as the plurality of guide portions arranged in the longitudinal direction. The left guide 71gL and the right guide 71gR are rib-like protrusions that protrude from the inner surface 71d1 and extend in directions that are inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction (axial direction of the rotation axis 90C), the directions being different from each other. The left guide 71gL is configured to be inclined to guide the toner toward the discharge opening 71bL in the Y direction (in a direction close to the discharge opening 71bL). The right guide 71gR is configured to be inclined to guide the toner toward the discharge opening 71bR in the Y direction (in a direction close to the discharge opening 71bR).

[0241] The left guide 71gL and the right guide 71gR have different toner guide directions but have substantially the same basic configuration and function. Therefore, hereinafter, unless it is necessary to distinguish and describe them, the left guide 71gL and the right guide 71gR can be collectively referred to as the guide portion 71g, and the discharge opening 71bL and the discharge opening 71bR can be collectively referred to as the discharge opening 71b.

[0242] Each guide portion 71g is configured to guide the toner that moves in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction by its own weight in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0243] As shown, FIG. 13 and FIG. 13As shown, the guide portion 71g has an outer end 71go (second outer end) away from the rotation axis 90C and an inner end 71gi (second inner end) close to the rotation axis 90C. In the transverse direction, the inner end 71gi is closer to the rotation axis 90C than the distance of the outer end 71go from the rotation axis 90C. In the longitudinal direction, the inner end 71gi is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the distance of the outer end 71go from the discharge opening 71b. When viewed along a direction perpendicular to the inner surface 71d1, which serves as the second receiving surface, the angle α formed by the longitudinal direction and the straight line passing through the inner end 71gi and the outer end 71go is preferably greater than the toner's stationary angle.

[0244] like FIG. 14 As shown, the guide portion 71g is arranged side by side with the discharge opening 71b in the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C. When viewed in the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C, the guide portion 71g has a portion that is closer to the rotation axis 90C than the portion that is closer to the discharge opening 71b, and the inner end 71gi is positioned closer to the rotation axis 90C than the portion that is closer to the discharge opening 71b.

[0245] like FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 As shown, the toner frame 71 has an outer surface 71o away from the rotation axis 90C and an inner surface 71i close to the rotation axis 90C, serving as the inner surface forming the toner storage portion 71a. The outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i are surfaces that extend in the thickness direction and face each other in the transverse direction. In the transverse direction, the inner surface 71i is closer to the rotation axis 90C than the distance of the outer surface 71o from the rotation axis 90C. In the transverse direction, the outer surface 71o is located at one end of the toner storage portion 71a, and the inner surface 71i is located at the other end of the toner storage portion 71a. The outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i face the toner storage portion 71a and can be considered as the surfaces forming the toner storage chamber portion 71a.

[0246] like FIG. 15 and FIG. 16As shown, the toner frame 71 has an inner surface 71d1 and an inner surface 71d2 as inner surfaces that form the toner storage portion 71a. The inner surface 71d1 and the inner surface 71d2 are surfaces that extend in a direction intersecting the thickness direction (preferably, a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction), and face each other in the thickness direction and the direction of rotational movement (R direction) of the toner cartridge 70 around the rotation axis 90C. In the thickness direction, the inner surface 71d1 of the toner frame 71 is located at one end of the toner storage portion 71a, and the inner surface 71d2 is located at the other end of the toner storage portion 71a. The inner surfaces 71d1 and 71d2 face the toner storage portion 71a, and can be said to be surfaces that form the toner storage chamber portion 71a.

[0247] The guide portion 71g guides the toner that moves in the lateral direction from the outer end 71go toward the inner end 71gi in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0248] When the inner surface 71d1 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the angle of inclination of the inner surface 71d1 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the inner surface 71d1 on the inner surface 71d1. At this time, the inclined posture of the inner surface 71d is an inclined posture in which the normal line of the inner surface 71d1 includes a component in the vertical upward direction, and the outer end of the inner surface 71d1 that is farther from the rotation axis 90C is positioned vertically lower than the inner end that is closer to the rotation axis 90C. At this time, the guide portion 71g guides the toner that moves along the inner surface 71d1 in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0249] On the other hand, when the inner surface 71d2 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the angle of inclination of the inner surface 71d2 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the inner surface 71d2 on the inner surface 71d2. At this time, the toner moves in the lateral direction from one of the outer end 71go and the inner end 71gi to the other of the outer end 71go and the inner end 71gi through the gap between the guide portion 71g and the inner surface 71d2. The toner that moves through the gap between the guide portion 71g and the inner surface 71d2 moves without being guided by the guide portion 71g.

[0250] The discharge opening 71b communicates with the receiving opening 53b of the developing unit 50, and the toner guided by the guide portion 71g is received in the receiving opening 53b through the discharge opening 71b and stored in the developing storage chamber 53a.

[0251] Guidance of toner from the receiving opening of the developing unit

[0252] The toner stored in the toner cartridge 70 is discharged from the discharge opening 71b and stored in the developing storage chamber 53a through the receiving opening 53b of the developing unit 50.

[0253] A configuration for efficiently moving the toner received through the receiving opening 53b in the developing storage chamber 53a in the longitudinal direction will be described with reference to FIG. 18 、 FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 .

[0254] In each drawing, the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, and the thickness direction of the developing unit 50 are defined by the same method as the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, and the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0255] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the internal structure of the developing unit 50 and shows the configuration when viewed in the thickness direction. FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the developing unit 50 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 50.

[0256] As shown in FIG. 15 , the developing frame 53 of the present example includes a plurality of receiving openings 53b including a receiving opening (first opening) 53bL and a receiving opening (second opening) 53bR, and a plurality of developing guide portions 53g (first guide portion) including a developing left side guide 53gL and a developing right side guide 53gR. As shown in FIG. 15 , the inner surface of the developing frame 53 forming the developing storage chamber 53a includes an inner surface 53d1 (first surface) facing in a direction from downstream to upstream (a direction opposite to the R direction) in a turning movement direction (R direction) of the developing unit 50 around the rotation axis 90C of the rotation body in accordance with the rotation of the rotation body. In the present example, the receiving opening 53b is provided in the inner surface 53d1, and the developing guide portion 53g is provided on the inner surface 53d1 to at least guide the movement direction of the toner moving along the inner surface 53d1 to a predetermined direction.

[0257] As shown in FIG. 16As shown, receiving openings 53bL and 53bR function as receiving opening 53b, which connects the developing storage chamber 53a, which is inside the developing frame 53, to the outside of the developing frame 53 on both longitudinal end sides. Receiving opening 53bL is located on one end side of the developing center portion 53c of the developing frame 53 (developing storage chamber 53a) in the longitudinal direction, and is situated between the developing center portion 53c and the left developing surface 53eL. Receiving opening 53bR is located on the other end side of the developing frame 53 (developing storage chamber 53a) in the longitudinal direction, and is situated between the developing center portion 53c and the right developing surface 53eR. In this example, receiving opening 53bL is closer to the left developing surface 53eL in the longitudinal direction than to the developing center portion 53c, and receiving opening 53bR is closer to the right developing surface 53eR in the longitudinal direction than to the developing center portion 53c.

[0258] like FIG. 15 and 16 As shown, the developing frame 53 has a developing outer surface 53o away from the rotation axis 90C and a developing inner surface 53i close to the rotation axis 90C, serving as the inner surface forming the developing storage chamber 53a. The developing outer surface 53o and the developing inner surface 53i are surfaces that extend in the thickness direction and face each other in the transverse direction. In the transverse direction, the developing inner surface 53i is closer to the rotation axis 90C than the distance of the developing outer surface 53o from the rotation axis 90C. In the transverse direction, the developing outer surface 53o is located at one end of the developing storage chamber 53a, and the developing inner surface 53i is located at the other end of the developing storage chamber 53a.

[0259] like FIG. 15 As shown, in this example, the developer guide portion 53g is arranged on the inner surface 53d1 of the developer frame 53. That is, the root of the developer guide portion 53g is connected to the inner surface 53d1 of the developer frame 53. The receiving openings 53bL and 53bR are also formed on the inner surface 53d1 of the developer frame 53. As for the configuration of the inner surface 53d1 of the developer frame 53, the portion with the receiving opening 53bL, the portion with the receiving opening 53bR, and the portion connected to the developer guide portion 53g can be discontinuous. Note that the developer guide portion 53g does not necessarily have to be arranged on the inner surface 53d1 as long as it exhibits the same effect as the toner guiding function.

[0260] like FIG. 15As shown, in this example, the developing frame 53 includes at least one left developing guide 53gL and at least one right developing guide 53gR as a plurality of guide portions arranged in the longitudinal direction. The left developing guide 53gL and the right developing guide 53gR are rib-shaped protrusions protruding from the inner surface 53d1 and extending in a direction inclined relative to the longitudinal direction (axial direction of the rotation axis 90C), and the directions of inclination relative to the longitudinal direction are different from each other. The left developing guide 53gL is configured to be inclined to guide toner such that the toner is away from the receiving opening 53bL in the Y direction (in the direction away from the receiving opening 53bL). The right developing guide 53gR is configured to be inclined to guide toner such that the toner is away from the receiving opening 53bR in the Y direction (in the direction away from the receiving opening 53bR).

[0261] The left developer guide 53gL and the right developer guide 53gR have different toner guiding directions, but have essentially the same basic configuration and function. Therefore, in the following text, the left developer guide 53gL and the right developer guide 53gR can be collectively referred to as developer guide 53g, and the receiving opening 53bL and the receiving opening 53bR can be collectively referred to as receiving opening 53b, unless it is necessary to distinguish and describe them.

[0262] Each developing guide portion 53g is configured to guide the toner, which moves laterally by its own weight, toward the developing center portion 53c in the longitudinal direction (so as to move away from the receiving opening 53b).

[0263] like FIG. 15 and 16 As shown, the developing guide portion 53g has an outer end 53go (first outer end) away from the rotation axis 90C and an inner end 53gi (first inner end) close to the rotation axis 90C. In the transverse direction, the inner end 53gi is closer to the rotation axis 90C than the distance of the outer end 53go from the rotation axis 90C. When viewed along a direction perpendicular to the inner surface 53d1, which serves as the first receiving surface, the angle β formed by the longitudinal direction and the straight line passing through the inner end 53gi and the outer end 53go is preferably greater than the toner's stationary angle.

[0264] like FIG. 17 As shown, when viewed along the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C, the developing guide portion 53g is located further away from the rotation axis 90C than the distance of the receiving opening 53b from the rotation axis 90C.

[0265] like FIG. 17As shown, at least one of the plurality of developing right-side guides 53gR is disposed on the inner surface 53d1 of the developing frame to overlap with the receiving opening 53bR in the lateral direction. That is, when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C, at least one of the plurality of developing right-side guides 53gR is arranged to have a portion overlapping with the receiving opening 53bR. In other words, a virtual plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C intersects both at least one of the plurality of developing right-side guides 53gR and the receiving opening 53bR. Alternatively, it can be stated that the positions of at least one of the plurality of developing right-side guides 53gR and the receiving opening 53bR overlap in the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C.

[0266] When viewed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, the plurality of developing right-side guides 53gR include a guide (first guide portion) having a portion overlapping with the receiving opening 53bR and a guide (second guide portion) not overlapping with the receiving opening 53bR. The latter developing right-side guide 53gR is inclined relative to the axial direction, such that its outer end 53go, away from the rotation axis 90C, is positioned further away from the receiving opening 53bR in the axial direction than its inner end 53gi, which is closer to the rotation axis 90C. Furthermore, the latter developing right-side guide 53gR is inclined relative to the axial direction, such that its outer end 53go, away from the rotation axis 90C, is positioned closer to the longitudinal center of the developing storage chamber 53a than its inner end 53gi, which is closer to the rotation axis 90C. In other words, the latter developing right-side guide 53gR is inclined relative to the axial direction, such that its outer end 53go is positioned further away from the receiving opening 53bR located at the longitudinal end than its inner end 53gi.

[0267] Similarly, such as FIG. 1 to FIG. 12A As shown, at least one of the plurality of developing left-side guides 53gL is arranged on the inner surface 53d1 of the developing frame to overlap with the receiving opening 53bL in the lateral direction. That is, when viewed along a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C, at least one of the plurality of developing left-side guides 53gL is arranged to have a portion overlapping with the receiving opening 53bL. In other words, a virtual plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C intersects both at least one of the plurality of developing left-side guides 53gL and the receiving opening 53bL. Furthermore, in the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C, the positions of at least one of the plurality of developing left-side guides 53gL and the receiving opening 53bL overlap with each other.

[0268] The plurality of developing left guides 53gL includes, when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, a guide having a portion overlapping with the receiving opening 53bL (a first guide portion) and a guide not overlapping with the receiving opening (a second guide portion). Among them, the latter developing left guide 53gL is inclined with respect to the axial direction such that the outer end 53go away from the rotation axis 90C is positioned farther away from the receiving opening 53bL in the axial direction than the inner end 53gi close to the rotation axis 90C. Further, the latter developing left guide 53gL is inclined with respect to the axial direction such that the outer end 53go away from the rotation axis 90C is positioned closer to the longitudinal center of the developing storage chamber 53a than the inner end 53gi close to the rotation axis 90C. That is, the latter developing left guide 53gL is inclined with respect to the axial direction such that the outer end 53go is positioned farther away from the receiving opening 53bL provided at the longitudinal end than the inner end 53gi.

[0269] The developing left guide 53gL guides the toner received through the receiving opening 53bL on one longitudinal end portion side in the longitudinal direction in a direction away from the receiving opening 53bL, that is, in a direction toward the developing center portion 53C. In addition, the developing right guide 53gR guides the toner received through the receiving opening 53bR on the other longitudinal end portion side in the longitudinal direction in a direction away from the receiving opening 53bR, that is, in a direction toward the developing center portion 53C.

[0270] When the inner surface 53d1 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the inner surface 53d1 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the inner surface 53d1 on the inner surface 53d1. At this time, the inclined posture of the inner surface 53d is a posture in which the normal line of the inner surface 53d1 includes a component in the vertically upward direction, and the outer end of the inner surface 53d1 away from the rotation axis 90C is positioned lower in the vertical direction than the inner end close to the rotation axis 90C. At this time, the developing guide portion 53g guides the toner moving along the inner surface 53d1 such that the toner is away from the receiving opening 53b in the longitudinal direction.

[0271] Rotation of the rotation assembly and movement of the toner

[0272] Reference will be made to FIG. 17 The movement of the toner accompanying the rotation of the rotation assembly 90A will be described. FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing the developing unit 50 rotating around the rotation axis 90C when viewed in the Y direction, and corresponds to FIG. 17 The respective directions are defined by the arrows X, Y, and Z shown in the drawing similarly to 12A and 12B. In FIG. 17In the present embodiment, the hatching drawn inside the developing storage chamber 53a indicates the toner surface (upper surface of the toner) of the toner stored in the developing storage chamber 53a or the range in which the toner exists.

[0273] In FIG. 17 In the present embodiment, the rotating assembly 90A rotates in an R direction that is a clockwise direction when viewed in the Y direction. FIG. 17 Only one of the developing units 50y, 50m, and 50c is shown. That is, FIG. 17 is a diagram that schematically shows the movement of the focus on one of the plurality of developing units 50. The developing unit 50 shown can be any one of the developing units 50y, 50m, and 50c. Further, in FIG. 7A In the present embodiment, for ease of understanding, the states of the developing units 50 at four time points (T1, T2, T3, and T4) are virtually shown in one diagram. For example, the developing unit 50 at the time point T1 is represented as 50(T1) in the diagram. In the case of the developing unit 50k, the dimensions in the rotating assembly 90A are different from those of the developing units 50y, 50m, and 50c, but the behavior of the toner is similar to FIG. 15 the behavior in the present embodiment.

[0274] As FIG. 17 shown, when the developing unit 50 rotates one turn from the position GP1, the developing unit 50 moves in the order of the positions GP1, GP2, GP3, and GP4, and returns to the position GP1. Here, GP4 is the position of the developing unit 50 at the time point T4, and is a developing position (developing phase) at which the developing unit 50 develops the latent image on the photosensitive drum 2. Further, as shown in FIG. 7A and 7B shown, the position at which the toner cartridge 70 is attached or removed (attaching / removing phase) is located between the position GP1 and the position GP2.

[0275] Movement phase of the toner in the Y direction: positions GP1 and GP2

[0276] When the developing unit 50 moves from the position GP1 to the position GP2, the toner in the developing storage chamber 53a moves in the Y direction toward the developing center portion 53c, as shown in FIG. 18 . As FIG. 19 shown, when the developing unit 50 moves to the positions GP1 to GP2, the inner surface 53d1 takes an angle that includes a component in the vertically upward direction. As FIG. 19 and 7BAs shown, the developing unit 50 takes a posture in which the inner surface 53d1 is parallel to the X direction at a middle between the positions GP1 and GP2. As the developing unit 50 moves from the position GP1 to the position GP2, the inner surface 53d1 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so that the outer end farther from the rotation axis 90C is positioned vertically lower than the inner end closer to the rotation axis 90C. When the angle of inclination of the inner surface 53d1 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves (slides down) on the inner surface 53d1 by the action of gravity on the toner (arrow M).

[0277] At this time, the toner that moves on the inner surface 53d1 by its own weight comes into contact with the developing guide portion 53g, and moves from the inner end 53gi toward the outer end 53go of the developing guide portion 53g. As described above, in the developing guide portion 53g, since the outer end 53go is positioned closer to the developing center portion 53c than the inner end 53gi, the toner guided by the developing guide portion 53g moves in a direction toward the developing center portion 53c. In other words, the toner in the developing storage chamber 53a moves away from the receiving opening 53b by the action of the developing guide portion 53g.

[0278] Toner replenishment phase: positions GP3 and GP4

[0279] When the developing unit 50 moves from the position GP3 to the position GP4, the toner in the toner cartridge 70 is replenished to the developing unit 50. In the present example, the receiving opening 53b of the developing unit 50 is provided on the inner surface 53d1 of the developing frame 53, and its vertical positional relationship with the discharge opening 71b of the toner cartridge 70 is switched while the developing unit 50 is rotated from GP2 to the position GP3. That is, at the position GP3, the discharge opening 71b of the toner cartridge 70 is positioned above the receiving opening 53b of the developing unit 50. As a result, the toner stored in the toner storage portion 71a of the toner cartridge 70 is discharged from the discharge opening 71b and supplied to the developing storage chamber 53a of the developing unit 50 through the receiving opening 53b (arrow S).

[0280] The developing unit 50 passes through positions GP1 and GP2, which are toner Y-direction movement phases, before passing through positions GP3 and GP4, which are toner replenishment phases. The rotation phase of the rotation assembly 90A at the positions GP1 and GP2 becomes a rotation phase (first rotation phase) in which the toner is guided in a direction away from the receiving opening 53b by the action of the developing guide portion 53g in the developing storage chamber 53a. The rotation phase of the rotation assembly 90A at the positions GP3 and GP4 becomes a rotation phase (second rotation phase) in which the positional relationship between the toner cartridge 70 and the developing unit 50 becomes a positional relationship in which the toner can move from the discharge opening 71b to the receiving opening 53b. In the present example, for example, the first rotation phase is followed by the second rotation phase in the course of the rotation assembly 90A rotating one turn from the mounting / removal phase. As a result, in the first rotation phase before the second rotation phase, the toner near the receiving opening 53b in the developing storage chamber 53a is moved in the Y direction toward the developing center portion 53c, and a space for receiving the toner from the receiving opening 53b is ensured in the developing storage chamber 53a. As a result, in the second rotation phase, the toner can be efficiently received into the developing storage chamber 53a from the receiving opening 53b.

[0281] Guiding effect of developing guide

[0282] FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing the state in which the developing guide portion 53g guides the toner moving in the developing storage chamber 53a of the developing unit 50. When the inner surface 53d1 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the inner surface 53d1 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the inner surface 53d1 from the inner end 53gi of the developing guide portion 53g toward the outer end 53go. While moving along the inner surface 53d1, the toner comes into contact with the developing guide portion 53g, and is guided in the direction of the arrow N, thereby being guided in the longitudinal direction toward the developing center portion 53c.

[0283] As described above, according to the configuration of the present example, since the toner replenished from the toner cartridge 70 moves in the longitudinal direction away from the receiving opening 53b, the toner does not stay near the receiving opening 53b in the developing storage chamber 53a of the developing unit 50. Therefore, the toner distribution in the developing storage chamber 53a of the developing unit 50 is kept uniform.

[0284] Example 2

[0285] In Example 2 of the present application, one discharge opening 71b of the toner cartridge 170 and one receiving opening 53b of the developing unit 150 communicate with each other on one end side in the longitudinal direction. The guide portions in the developing unit 150 guide the toner in the vicinity of the receiving opening 53b so that the toner moves away from the receiving opening 53b in the longitudinal direction.

[0286] Reference will be made to FIG. 20 The toner cartridge 170 according to Example 2 will be described. In Example 2, the same components as those described in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted in principle. FIG. 20 is a view showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 170 according to Example 2.

[0287] The toner cartridge 170 according to Example 2 differs from the toner cartridge 70 according to Example 1 in the arrangement of the guide portions 70g and the discharge opening 71b. That is, the toner frame 71 of the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 includes two discharge openings 71bL and 71bR. On the other hand, the toner frame 171 of the toner cartridge 170 of the present example includes one discharge opening 71b. The shape and arrangement of the discharge opening 71b of the present example are the same as those of the discharge opening 71bL of Example 1.

[0288] The toner frame 171 includes at least one guide portion 71g. In the toner frame 171 of the present example, a plurality of guide portions 71g are arranged along the longitudinal direction. The guide portions 71g in the present example have the same shape as the left guide 71gL of Example 1. In the longitudinal direction, the guide portions 71g are arranged between the center portion 71c and the discharge opening 71b of the toner frame 171 and between the center portion 71c and the right surface 71eR. As in Example 1, there is a gap between the inner surface 71d2 as the second receiving surface and the guide portions 71g.

[0289] Developing unit of Example 2

[0290] Reference will be made to FIG. 21 The developing unit 150 according to Example 2 will be described. FIG. 21 is a view showing the internal structure of the developing unit 150, and shows the configuration when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0291] The difference between the developing unit 150 of Example 2 and the developing unit 50 of Example 1 lies in the arrangement of the developing guide portion 53g and the receiving opening 53b. Specifically, the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50 of Example 1 includes receiving openings 53bL and 53bR. On the other hand, the developing frame 153 of the developing unit 150 of Example 2 includes a receiving opening 53b. When the toner cartridge 170 is positioned in the rotating body, the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b of the toner cartridge 170 are in communication with each other. The shape of the receiving opening 53b in Example 2 is the same as the shape of the receiving opening 53bL in Example 1.

[0292] The developing frame 153 of Example 2 includes a plurality of developing guide portions 53g. The developing guide portions 53g in Example 2 have the same shape as the developing left guide 53gL in Example 1. In the longitudinal direction, the developing guide portions 53g are arranged between the developing center portion 53c and the receiving opening 53b of the developing frame 153, and between the developing center portion 53c and the developing right side surface 53eR. The developing guide portions 53g are inclined relative to the axial direction, such that the outer end 53go away from the rotation axis 90C is located on one end side of the developing storage chamber 53a in the axial direction, and the inner end 53gi near the rotation axis 90C is located on the other end side.

[0293] like FIG. 22 As shown, at least one of the plurality of developing guide portions 53g is arranged on the inner surface 53d1 of the developing frame to overlap with the receiving opening 53b in the lateral direction. That is, at least one of the plurality of developing guide portions 53g is arranged to have a portion that overlaps with the receiving opening 53b when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C. In other words, it can also be said that a virtual plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C intersects both at least one of the plurality of developing guide portions 53g and the receiving opening 53b, and that the positions of at least one of the plurality of developing guide portions 53g and the receiving opening 53b overlap each other in the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C.

[0294] In this example, the rotating body 90 (rotating assembly 90A) also rotates, and the toner also moves laterally from the developing inner surface 53i of the developing storage chamber 53a toward the developing outer surface 53o. As the toner moves from the developing inner surface 53i of the developing storage chamber 53a to the developing outer surface 53o, the toner is guided longitudinally by the developing guide portion 53g in a direction away from the receiving opening 53b.

[0295] The shape and arrangement of the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b can be the same as those of the discharge opening 71bR and the receiving opening 53bR in Example 1. In this case, the guide portion 71g of the toner frame 171 has the same shape as the right guide 71gR in Example 1, and the developing guide portion 53g of the developing frame 153 has the same shape as the developing right guide 53gR in Example 1. The guide portion 71g can be arranged between the center portion 71c and the discharge opening 71b of the toner frame 171 and between the center portion 71c and the left surface 71eL. Further, the developing guide portion 53g can be arranged between the developing center portion 53c and the receiving opening 53b of the developing frame 153 and between the developing center portion 53c and the developing left surface 53eL.

[0296] Example 3

[0297] In Example 3 of the present application, one discharge opening 71b of the toner cartridge 270 and one receiving opening 53b of the developing unit 250 communicate with each other at the center in the longitudinal direction. The guide portion in the developing unit 250 guides the toner in the vicinity of the receiving opening 53b so that the toner moves away from the receiving opening 53b in the longitudinal direction.

[0298] Example 3 of the present application will be described with reference to FIG. 22 Example 3. In Example 3, the same components as those described in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted in principle. FIG. 22 is a view showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 270 according to Example 3.

[0299] The toner cartridge 270 according to Example 3 differs from the toner cartridge 70 according to Example 1 in the arrangement of the guide portion 70g and the discharge opening 71b. That is, the toner frame 71 of the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 includes two discharge openings 71bL and 71bR. On the other hand, the toner frame 271 of the toner cartridge 270 of the present example includes one discharge opening 71b. The shape of the discharge opening 71b of the present example is the same as that of the discharge opening 71b of Example 1. The discharge opening 71b of the present example is arranged at a position overlapping the center portion 71c of the toner frame 271 in the longitudinal direction.

[0300] In addition, the toner frame 271 of the present example includes a plurality of guide portions 71g. More specifically, the toner frame 271 of the present example includes at least one left guide 71gL and at least one right guide 71gR. In the present example, the toner frame 271 includes a plurality of left guides 71gL and a plurality of right guides 71gR. The left guide 71gL and the right guide 71gR guide the toner toward the discharge opening 71bR in the Y direction.

[0301] In the present example, the right guide 71gR has the same shape as the left guide 71gL in Example 1, and the left guide 71gL has the same shape as the right guide 71gR in Example 1. In the longitudinal direction, the left guide 271gL is arranged between the left side surface 71eL of the toner frame 271 and the discharge opening 71b, and the right guide 271gR is arranged between the right side surface 71eR and the discharge opening 71b. As in Example 1, there is a gap between the inner surface 71d2 as the second receiving surface and the guide portion 71g.

[0302] The developing unit 250 according to Example 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 24 The developing unit 250 according to Example 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 24 is a view showing the internal structure of the developing unit 250 according to Example 3.

[0303] The developing unit 250 according to Example 3 differs from the developing unit 50 according to Example 1 in the arrangement of the developing guide portions 50g and the receiving opening 53b. That is, the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50 of Example 1 includes the receiving openings 53bL and 53bR. On the other hand, the developing frame 253 of the developing unit 250 of the present example includes one receiving opening 53b. The shape of the receiving opening 53b of the present example is the same as that of the receiving openings 53b of Example 1. In addition, the receiving opening 53b of the present example is arranged at a position overlapping the developing center portion 53c of the developing frame 253 in the longitudinal direction.

[0304] The developing frame 253 of the present example includes a plurality of developing guide portions 53g. More specifically, the developing frame 253 of the present example includes at least one developing left guide 53gL and at least one developing right guide 53gR. The developing guide portions 53g of the developing unit 250 according to Example 3 are inclined with respect to the axial direction such that the inner end 53gi close to the rotation axis 90C is positioned closer to the center of the developing storage chamber 53a in the axial direction than the outer end 53go away from the rotation axis 90C.

[0305] As FIG. 24As shown, at least one of the plurality of developing left side guides 53gL is arranged on the inner surface 53d1 to overlap the receiving opening 53b in the lateral direction. At least one of the plurality of developing right side guides 53gR is arranged on the inner surface 53d1 to overlap the receiving opening 53b in the lateral direction. That is, when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C, at least one of the plurality of developing left side guides 53gL is arranged to have a portion overlapping the receiving opening 53b. In other words, a virtual plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C intersects both at least one of the plurality of developing left side guides 53gL and the receiving opening 53b. Furthermore, in the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C, the position of at least one of the plurality of developing left side guides 53gL and the position of the receiving opening 53b overlap each other. Similarly, when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C, at least one of the plurality of developing right side guides 53gR is arranged to have a portion overlapping the receiving opening 53b. In other words, a virtual plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C intersects both at least one of the plurality of developing right side guides 53gR and the receiving opening 53b. Furthermore, in the axial direction of the rotation axis 90C, the position of at least one of the plurality of developing right side guides 53gR and the position of the receiving opening 53b overlap each other.

[0306] The developing left side guides 53gL and the developing right side guides 53gR guide the toner in a direction away from the receiving opening 53b. In the present example, the developing right side guides 53gR have the same shape as the developing left side guides 53gL of Example 1, and the developing left side guides 353gL have the same shape as the developing right side guides 71gR of Example 1. In the longitudinal direction, the developing left side guides 53gL are arranged between the developing left side surface 53eL of the developing frame 253 and the receiving opening 53b, and the developing right side guides 53gR are arranged between the developing right side surface 53eR and the receiving opening 53b.

[0307] In the present example, the rotating body 90 (the rotating assembly 90A) also rotates, and the toner also moves in the lateral direction from the developing inner side surface 53i toward the developing outer side surface 53o of the developing storage chamber 53a. When the toner moves from the developing inner side surface 53i to the developing outer side surface 53o of the developing storage chamber 53a, the toner is guided in the longitudinal direction in a direction away from the receiving opening 53b by the developing guide portion 53g.

[0308] In Examples 1 to 3 described above, the developing guide portion 53g in the developing unit is configured to be continuous only with the inner surface 53d1, but can also be configured to be continuous with the developing outer side surface 53o.

[0309] Further, the number of the discharge openings of the toner cartridge and the number of the receiving openings of the developing unit which communicate with the discharge openings can be appropriately selected according to the configuration of the image forming apparatus.

[0310] Example 4

[0311] Example 4 will be described.

[0312] Guidance of toner of developing unit

[0313] Toner stored in the toner cartridge 70 is discharged from the discharge opening 71b, and is stored in the developing storage chamber 53a through the receiving opening 53b. A configuration for efficiently moving toner received through the receiving opening 53b in the longitudinal direction will be described.

[0314] Example 4 will be described. FIG. 24 The developing unit 50 will be described. In the above figures, the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, and the thickness direction of the developing unit 50 are defined by the same method as the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, and the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70. FIG. 25 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the developing unit 50 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 50.

[0315] As FIG. 25 shown, the developing frame 53 has the developing storage chamber 53a, and the developing storage chamber 53a has the developing outer side surface 53o and the developing inner side surface 53i as inner wall surfaces facing each other. The developing storage chamber 53a has the developing frame inner surface 53d, which is an inner wall surface intersecting the rotation direction of the rotation body 90. In Example 4, the developing frame inner surface 53d is orthogonal to the rotation direction of the rotation body 90. In other words, the developing frame inner surface 53d faces the rotation direction of the rotation body 90.

[0316] The developing outer side surface 53o and the developing inner side surface 53i are surfaces extending in the thickness direction and the longitudinal direction, and face each other in the lateral direction. In the lateral direction, the developing inner side surface 53i is closer to the rotation axis 90C than the developing outer side surface 53o. In the lateral direction, the developing outer side surface 53o is located at one end of the developing storage chamber 53a, and the developing inner side surface 53i is located at the other end of the developing storage chamber 53a.

[0317] As FIG. 1 to FIG. 12AAs shown, in Example 4, the developing guide portion 53g is arranged on the developing frame inner surface 53d in the developing frame 53. That is, the root of the developing guide portion 53g is connected to the developing frame inner surface 53d. The developing guide portion 53g is a rib provided to protrude from the developing frame inner surface 53d. The receiving opening 53b is also formed in the developing frame inner surface 53d. That is, the receiving opening 53b is provided on the inner wall surface of the developing storage chamber 53a on which the developing guide portion 53g is provided. Note that the developing frame inner surface 53d in which the receiving opening 53b is formed and the developing frame inner surface 53d to which the developing guide portion 53g is connected can be discontinuous.

[0318] As the rotating body 90 rotates, the toner stored in the developing storage chamber 53a moves in the lateral direction due to its own weight. Each developing guide portion 53g is configured to guide the toner moving in the lateral direction due to its own weight in the longitudinal direction in a direction away from the receiving opening 53b toward the developing center portion 53c.

[0319] The developing guide portion 53g has a developing guide outer end 53go and a developing guide inner end 53gi. The developing guide portion 53g is provided to extend in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction (longitudinal direction). The developing guide inner end 53gi is a first end that is one end of the developing guide portion 53g in the direction in which the developing guide portion 53g extends, and the developing guide outer end 53go is a second end that is the other end of the developing guide portion 53g.

[0320] In the lateral direction, the developing guide inner end 53gi is closer to the rotation axis 90C than the developing guide outer end 53go. In the longitudinal direction, the developing guide outer end 53go is farther from the receiving opening 53b than the developing guide inner end 53gi. In other words, in the longitudinal direction, the developing guide outer end 53go is closer to the developing center portion 53c than the developing guide inner end 53gi.

[0321] Rotation of the rotating assembly and movement of the toner

[0322] Reference will be made to FIG. 25 The movement of the toner accompanying the rotation of the rotating assembly 90A will be described. FIG. 25 The definitions of the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction in FIG. 25 are the same as in FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 when viewed in the Y direction. In FIG. 25In the middle, the toner agent surface (upper surface of the toner) of the toner stored in the developing storage chamber 53a or the range in which the toner exists is indicated by a hatched portion.

[0323] The rotating assembly 90A rotates in the clockwise direction (indicated by the arrow R) in the drawing. FIG. 23 Here, the position GP4 is the position of the developing unit 50 at the time T4, and is the developing position of the developing unit 50 that develops the latent electrostatic image on the photosensitive drum 2. The position GP1 is the position of the developing unit 50 at the time T1 after the time T4. The position GP2 is the position of the developing unit 50 at the time T2 after the time T1. The position GP3 is the position of the developing unit 50 at the time T3 after the time T2. When the developing unit 50 further rotates in the R direction from the position GP3, the developing unit 50 returns to the position GP4. FIG. 23 The states of any one of the developing units 50y, 50m, and 50c (for example, the developing unit 50y) at four times (T1, T2, T3, and T4) are virtually shown in one drawing. For example, the state of the developing unit 50y at the time T1 is indicated by a drawing shown by a reference numeral 50(T1), and the state of the developing unit 50y at the time T2 is indicated by a drawing shown by a reference numeral 50(T2). The state of the developing unit 50y at the time T3 is indicated by a drawing shown by a reference numeral 50(T3), and the state of the developing unit 50y at the time T4 is indicated by a drawing shown by a reference numeral 50(T4). In the case of the developing unit 50k, the dimensions in the rotating assembly 90A are different from those of the developing units 50y, 50m, and 50c, but the behavior of the toner is similar to that in the developing units 50y, 50m, and 50c. FIG. 26A

[0324] The position GP4 is the position of the developing unit 50 at the time T4, and is the developing position of the developing unit 50 that develops the latent electrostatic image on the photosensitive drum 2. The position GP1 is the position of the developing unit 50 at the time T1 after the time T4. The position GP2 is the position of the developing unit 50 at the time T2 after the time T1. The position GP3 is the position of the developing unit 50 at the time T3 after the time T2. When the developing unit 50 further rotates in the R direction from the position GP3, the developing unit 50 returns to the position GP4.

[0325] The rotating assembly 90A rotates clockwise (indicated by the arrow R). When the rotating assembly 90A rotates one turn, the developing unit 50 at the position GP1 moves in the order of the positions GP2, GP3, and GP4, and returns to the position GP1.

[0326] The movement phases GP1 and GP2

[0327] There is a position at which the developing frame inner surface 53d of the developing unit 50 is parallel to the X direction (horizontal direction) between the positions GP1 and GP2. The inclination angle of the developing frame inner surface 53d with respect to the horizontal direction increases from this position toward the position GP2. The developing frame inner surface 53d has a normal having a component in the vertical upward direction in the movement phase including the positions GP1 and GP2. Therefore, when the inclination angle of the developing frame inner surface 53d with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves on the developing frame inner surface 53d by the gravity acting on the toner. The movement of the toner is indicated by an arrow M. ​

[0328] At this time, the toner moving by its own weight on the inner surface 53d of the developing frame comes into contact with the developing guide portion 53g provided on the inner surface 53d of the developing frame, and moves from the developing guide inner end 53gi toward the developing guide outer end 53go. Since the developing guide outer end 53go is positioned closer to the developing center portion 53c than the developing guide inner end 53gi, the toner guided by the developing guide portion 53g moves in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) to approach the developing center portion 53c. As a result, the toner in the developing storage chamber 53a moves toward the developing center portion 53c. In other words, the toner in the developing storage chamber 53a moves away from the receiving opening 53b.

[0329] Therefore, the movement phase in which the toner in the developing unit 50 including between the positions GP1 and GP2 moves in the longitudinal direction to approach the developing center portion 53c. The movement phase is a first rotation phase in the rotation phases of the rotating assembly 90A in which the developing guide portion 53g guides the toner in the direction away from the receiving opening 53b in the axial direction (longitudinal direction, Y direction).

[0330] At the positions GP1 and GP2, the developing storage chamber 53a is positioned above the toner storage chamber 71a, and the receiving opening 53b is positioned above the discharge opening 71b, but a backflow prevention mechanism is provided so that the toner in the developing storage chamber 53a does not flow into the toner storage chamber 71a.

[0331] Toner replenishment phase GP2 to GP4

[0332] The toner moves by its own weight from the discharge opening 71b provided in the toner frame inner surface 71d1 of the toner storage chamber 71a to the receiving opening 53b provided in the developing frame inner surface 53d of the developing frame 53. Therefore, when the discharge opening 71b is positioned above the receiving opening 53b in the direction of gravity, the toner is replenished.

[0333] In Example 4, when the developing unit 50 is in the position GP2, the discharge opening 71b is lower than the receiving opening 53b in the gravity direction. After the time at which the developing unit 50 rotates in the R direction and moves to the position GP3 (the time at which the toner frame inner surface 71d1 and the developing frame inner surface 53d along the Z direction), the discharge opening 71b is positioned above the receiving opening 53b. Thereafter, during the period in which the developing unit 50 rotationally moves to the position GP4 from the position GP3, the discharge opening 71b of the toner cartridge 70 is positioned above the receiving opening 53b. Therefore, mainly during this period, toner is discharged from the discharge opening 71b and supplied to the developing unit 50 (arrow S at the position GP3). Thereafter, at the time during the period in which the developing unit 50 moves to the position GP1 from the position GP4, the discharge opening 71b is positioned below the receiving opening 53b in the gravity direction, and replenishment is not performed.

[0334] Therefore, the replenishment phase in which toner is replenished includes between the positions GP2 and GP1, and the main replenishment phase is between the positions GP2 to GP4. The replenishment phase is a second rotation phase in the rotation phases of the rotation assembly 90A, in which the positional relationship between the toner cartridge 70 and the developing unit 50 is a positional relationship in which toner can move from the discharge opening 71b to the receiving opening 53b.

[0335] The movement phase (between the positions GP1 and GP2) includes an installation / removal phase, which is a rotation phase in which the toner cartridge 70 is installed in the rotation assembly 90A and removed therefrom. Further, the replenishment phase (between the positions GP2 to GP4) includes a developing phase, which is a rotation phase in which the developing roller 51 develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2.

[0336] Before passing through the replenishment phase (between the positions GP2 to GP4) in which toner is replenished to the developing storage chamber 53a, the developing unit 50 passes through the movement phase (between the positions GP1 and GP2) in which toner moves in the longitudinal direction toward the developing center portion 53c. In other words, when the rotation assembly 90A rotates one revolution from the installation / removal phase, the replenishment phase (second rotation phase) is positioned after the movement phase (first rotation phase), and the developing phase is positioned after the movement phase (first rotation phase) and the replenishment phase (second rotation phase).

[0337] Therefore, when the developing unit 50 reaches the position GP3, the toner in the developing storage chamber 53a moves in the longitudinal direction toward the developing center portion 53c to separate from the vicinity of the receiving opening 53b. Therefore, a space for receiving toner from the toner cartridge 70 is secured in the vicinity of the receiving opening 53b. As a result, toner can be efficiently received from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing storage chamber 53a via the receiving opening 53b.

[0338] Shape of developing guide and toner guide amount

[0339] When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface 53d of the developing frame, an angle defined by the longitudinal direction (Y direction) and a straight line passing through the inner developing guide end 53gi and the outer developing guide end 53go of the developing guide portion 53g defines a developing guide angle β of the developing guide portion 53g. The developing guide angle β is preferably greater than the rest angle of the toner.

[0340] A shortest distance between straight lines passing through the inner developing guide end 53gi and the outer developing guide end 53go in parallel to the lateral direction defines a toner guide distance. The toner guide distance is a maximum movement distance of the toner guided by the developing guide portion 53g in the longitudinal direction toward the developing center portion 53c.

[0341] A length of the developing guide portion 53g when viewed in the thickness direction defines a developing guide length. The developing guide length is a length of the developing guide portion 53g along a direction in which the developing guide portion 53g extends.

[0342] A height of the developing guide portion 53g protruding from the inner surface 53d of the developing frame defines a developing guide height.

[0343] A maximum amount of the toner that is able to move in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) by the developing guide 53g along with rotation of the rotating body 90 defines a toner guide amount. The longer the toner guide distance, the greater the toner guide amount. The higher the developing guide height, the greater the toner guide amount.

[0344] Multiple developing guide portions

[0345] The developing unit 50 of the present embodiment is provided with multiple developing guide portions 53g in the developing storage chamber 53a. The multiple developing guide portions 53g include a first guide portion and a second guide portion, and in the axial direction (longitudinal direction), the first guide portion is located between the second guide portion and the receiving opening 53b, and the second guide portion is farther from the receiving opening 53b than the first guide portion. In the present embodiment, the second guide portion is closer to the developing center portion 53c than the first guide portion. The first guide portion and the second guide portion are configured to guide the toner stored in the developing storage chamber 53a in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) in a direction away from the receiving opening 53b along with rotation of the rotating body 90. In the present embodiment, the first guide portion and the second guide portion are configured to guide the toner stored in the developing storage chamber 53a in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) toward the developing center portion 53c along with rotation of the rotating body 90.

[0346] The developing guide portion 53g of the present embodiment is characterized in that the amount of toner guided by the second guide portion is smaller than the amount of toner guided by the first guide portion. Various examples of achieving this characteristic will be described below. In Example 4, the developing guide length of the first guide portion and the developing guide length of the second guide portion are equal to each other, and the developing guide angle β of the second guide portion is larger than the developing guide angle β of the first guide portion. Thus, the toner guide distance of the second guide portion is shorter than the toner guide distance of the first guide portion, and the amount of toner guided by the second guide portion is smaller than the amount of toner guided by the first guide portion.

[0347] FIG. 26B is a view showing the internal structure of the developing unit 50 of Example 4 when viewed in the thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 26A the developing frame 53 of Example 4 includes a developing storage chamber 53a and a plurality of receiving openings including a first receiving opening (first opening) 53bL and a second receiving opening (second opening) 53bR.

[0348] Each of the first receiving opening 53bL and the second receiving opening 53bR has a function as a receiving opening 53b that communicates with the developing storage chamber 53a.

[0349] In the longitudinal direction, the first receiving opening 53bL is located on one end portion side with respect to the developing center portion 53c of the developing frame 53, and between the developing center portion 53c and the developing left side surface 53eL. The second receiving opening 53bR is located on the other end portion side with respect to the developing center portion 53c of the developing frame 53, and between the developing center portion 53c and the developing right side surface 53eR.

[0350] In Example 4, in the longitudinal direction, the first receiving opening 53bL is disposed at a position closer to one end (the developing left side surface 53eL) than the developing center portion 53c in the axial direction (longitudinal direction). The second receiving opening 53bR is disposed at a position closer to the other end (the developing right side surface 53eR) than the developing center portion 53c in the axial direction (longitudinal direction).

[0351] The first receiving opening 53bL and the second receiving opening 53bR are also formed in the developing frame inner surface 53d. That is, the first receiving opening 53bL and the second receiving opening 53bR are disposed on the inner wall surface of the developing storage chamber 53a on which the developing guide portion 53g is disposed. Note that the developing frame inner surface 53d in which the first receiving opening 53bL is formed, the developing frame inner surface 53d in which the second receiving opening 53bR is formed, and the developing frame inner surface 53d connected to the developing guide portion 53g can be discontinuous.

[0352] The developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50 includes at least one developing left guide portion 53gL and at least one developing right guide portion 53gR. The developing left guide portions 53gL and the developing right guide portions 53gR are provided on the developing frame inner surface 53d.

[0353] Although the developing left guide portions 53gL and the developing right guide portions 53gR have different toner guide directions, their basic configurations and functions are substantially the same. Therefore, hereinafter, the developing left guide portions 53gL and the developing right guide portions 53gR can be collectively referred to as developing guide portions 53g, and the first receiving opening 53bL and the second receiving opening 53bR can be collectively referred to as receiving openings 53b.

[0354] In the developing frame 53, six developing left guide portions 53gL-1, 53gL-2, 53gL-3, 53gL-4, 53gL-5, and 53gL-6 are provided in this order from the side closer to the developing left surface 53eL. In addition, in the developing frame 53, six developing right guide portions 53gR-1, 53gR-2, 53gR-3, 53gR-4, 53gR-5, and 53gR-6 are provided in this order from the side closer to the developing right surface 53eR.

[0355] In the longitudinal direction (axial direction), the position of at least one of the plurality of developing left guide portions 53gL and the position of the first receiving opening 53bL are arranged to at least partially overlap each other. In the longitudinal direction (axial direction), the position of at least one of the plurality of developing right guide portions 53gR and the position of the second receiving opening 53bR are arranged to at least partially overlap each other.

[0356] The developing left guide portions 53gL are configured to guide toner received from the first receiving opening 53bL in the longitudinal direction in a direction away from the first receiving opening 53bL, that is, in the direction of the developing center portion 53c. The developing right guide portions 53gR are configured to guide toner received from the second receiving opening 53bR in the longitudinal direction in a direction away from the second receiving opening 53bR, that is, in the direction of the developing center portion 53c.

[0357] The plurality of developing guide portions 53g have the same developing guide length. On the other hand, the developing guide angle β is larger as the developing guide portion 53g is farther away from the receiving opening 53b (closer to the developing center portion 53c) in the axial direction (longitudinal direction). As a result, in the axial direction (longitudinal direction), the toner guide distance 53gm is shorter in the developing guide portion 53g farther away from the receiving opening 53b (closer to the developing center portion 53c) than in the developing guide portion 53g closer to the end portion (developing left side surface 53eL and developing right side surface 53eR). Therefore, in the axial direction (longitudinal direction), the toner guide amount in the longitudinal direction is smaller in the developing guide portion 53g farther away from the receiving opening 53b (closer to the developing center portion 53c) than in the developing guide portion 53g closer to the end portion (developing left side surface 53eL and developing right side surface 53eR).

[0358] The developing left side guide portions 53gL-1, 53gL-2, 53gL-3, 53gL-4, 53gL-5, and 53gL-6 have developing guide angles βL-1, βL-2, βL-3, βL-4, βL-5, and βL-6, respectively. These developing guide angles satisfy βL-1 < βL-2 < βL-3 < βL-4 < βL-5 < βL-6.

[0359] The toner guide distances of the developing left side guide portions 53gL-1, 53gL-2, 53gL-3, 53gL-4, 53gL-5, and 53gL-6 are 53gmL-1, 53gmL-2, 53gmL-3, 53gmL-4, 53gmL-5, and 53gmL-6, respectively. These toner guide distances satisfy 53gmL-1 > 53gmL-2 > 53gmL-3 > 53gmL-4 > 53gmL-5 > 53gmL-6.

[0360] The developing right side guide portions 53gR-1, 53gR-2, 53gR-3, 53gR-4, 53gR-5, and 53gR-6 have developing guide angles βR-1, βR-2, βR-3, βR-4, βR-5, and βR-6, respectively. These developing guide angles satisfy βR-1 < βR-2 < βR-3 < βR-4 < βR-5 < βR-6.

[0361] The toner guide distances of the developing right side guide portions 53gR-1, 53gR-2, 53gR-3, 53gR-4, 53gR-5, and 53gR-6 are 53gmR-1, 53gmR-2, 53gmR-3, 53gmR-4, 53gmR-5, and 53gmR-6, respectively. These toner guide distances satisfy 53gmR-1 > 53gmR-2 > 53gmR-3 > 53gmR-4 > 53gmR-5 > 53gmR-6.

[0362] FIG. 26B and FIG. 23 are diagrams showing the state of the toner guided by the developing guide portion 53g in the developing unit 50. The arrow M indicates the toner movement direction. FIG. 27 The developing left guide portion 53gL-1 is shown that has the smallest developing guide angle βL-1 and the longest toner guide distance 53gmL-1 in the developing left guide portion 53gL. FIG. 28A The developing left guide portion 53gL-6 is shown that has the largest developing guide angle βL-6 and the shortest toner guide distance 53gmL-6 in the developing left guide portion 53gL.

[0363] When the toner moving on the developing frame inner surface 53d contacts the developing guide portion 53g, the toner moves along the developing guide portion 53g from the developing guide inner end 53gi toward the developing guide outer end 53go.

[0364] Since the developing guide angle βL-6 of the developing left guide portion 53gL-6 is larger than the developing guide angle βL-1 of the developing left guide portion 53gL-1, the toner guide distance 53gmL-6 is shorter than the toner guide distance 53gmL-1. That is, the toner guide distance 53gm is shorter in the developing left guide portion 53gL-6 than in the developing left guide portion 53gL-1. The developing left guide portion 53gL-1 is an example of the first guide portion, and the developing left guide portion 53gL-6 is an example of the second guide portion. In Example 4, for any n < m (n and m = 1 to 6), the developing left guide portion 53gL-n is an example of the first guide portion, and the developing left guide portion 53gL-m is an example of the second guide portion. The same relationship is established in the developing right guide portion 53gR.

[0365] As shown in FIG. 28B In the developing left guide portion 53gL, the developing left guide portion 53gL-1 closest to the first receiving opening 53bL has the smallest developing guide angle βL-1. The developing left guide portion 53gL closer to the developing center portion 53c has a larger developing guide angle β. The developing left guide portion 53gL-6 closest to the developing center portion 53c has the largest developing guide angle βL-6. As a result, in the developing left guide portion 53gL, the toner guide distance 53gmL-1 of the developing left guide portion 53gL-1 is the longest. The developing left guide portion 53gL closer to the developing center portion 53c has a shorter toner guide distance 53gm. The developing left guide portion 53gL-6 closest to the developing center portion 53c has the shortest toner guide distance 53gmL-6.

[0366] Similarly, in the developing right guide portion 53gR, the developing right guide portion 53gR-1 closest to the second receiving opening 53bR has the smallest developing guide angle βR-1. The developing right guide portion 53gR closer to the developing center portion 53c has a larger developing guide angle β. The developing right guide portion 53gR-6 closest to the developing center portion 53c has the largest developing guide angle βR-6. As a result, in the developing right guide portion 53gR, the developing right guide portion 53gR-1 has the longest toner guide distance 53gmR-1. The developing right guide portion 53gR closer to the developing center portion 53c has a shorter toner guide distance 53gm. The developing right guide portion 53gR-6 closest to the developing center portion 53c has the shortest toner guide distance 53gmR-6.

[0367] When the toner moving in the developing storage chamber 53a by its own weight is guided to the developing guide portion 53g, the toner guide distance 53gm of the developing guide portion 53g close to the developing center portion 53c is shorter than the toner guide distance 53gm of the developing guide portion 53g close to the receiving opening 53b.

[0368] As described above, according to Example 4, the toner replenished from the toner cartridge 70 is guided by the developing guide portion 53g and moves away from the receiving opening 53b in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the toner from staying near the receiving opening 53b in the developing unit 50. In addition, since the developing guide portion 53g closer to the developing center portion 53c has a shorter toner guide distance, it is possible to prevent the toner from concentrating on the developing center portion 53c and to prevent the distribution of the toner in the developing storage chamber 53a from becoming uneven. Therefore, it is possible to make the distribution of the toner in the developing storage chamber 53a uniform, and it is possible to suppress image defects such as uneven density.

[0369] Example 5

[0370] In Example 5, the developing guide angle β of the first guide portion and the developing guide angle β of the second guide portion are equal to each other, and the developing guide length of the second guide portion is shorter than the developing guide length of the first guide portion. Therefore, the toner guide distance of the second guide portion is shorter than the toner guide distance of the first guide portion, and the toner guide amount of the second guide portion is less than the toner guide amount of the first guide portion. In the following description, the same components as in Example 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0371] FIG. 28Ais a view showing the internal structure of the developing unit 150 of Example 5 when viewed in the thickness direction. The developing frame 153 of the developing unit 150 includes at least one developing left guide portion 153gL and at least one developing right guide portion 153gR. The developing left guide portions 153gL and the developing right guide portions 153gR are provided on the developing frame inner surface 153d.

[0372] In the developing frame 153, six developing left guide portions 153gL-1, 153gL-2, 153gL-3, 153gL-4, 153gL-5, and 153gL-6 are provided in this order from the side closer to the developing left surface 153eL. In addition, in the developing frame 153, six developing right guide portions 153gR-1, 153gR-2, 153gR-3, 153gR-4, 153gR-5, and 153gR-6 are provided in this order from the side closer to the developing right surface 153eR.

[0373] The developing guide angle β of the plurality of developing guide portions 53g of the developing unit 50 in Example 4 differs depending on the position in the longitudinal direction, whereas the developing guide length 153gt of the plurality of developing guide portions 153g of the developing unit 150 in Example 5 differs depending on the position in the longitudinal direction.

[0374] The plurality of developing guide portions 153g have the same developing guide angle β. On the other hand, the developing guide length 153gt is shorter as the developing guide portion 153g is farther from the receiving opening 153b (closer to the developing center portion 153c) in the axial direction (longitudinal direction). Therefore, in the axial direction (longitudinal direction), the toner guide distance 153gm is shorter in the developing guide portions 153g farther from the receiving opening 153b (closer to the developing center portion 153c) than in the developing guide portions 153g closer to the end portions (the developing left surface 153eL and the developing right surface 153eR). Therefore, in the axial direction (longitudinal direction), the amount of toner guidance in the longitudinal direction is smaller in the developing guide portions 153g farther from the receiving opening 153b (closer to the developing center portion 153c) than in the developing guide portions 153g closer to the end portions (the developing left surface 153eL and the developing right surface 153eR).

[0375] In Example 5, when the rotating body 90 (the rotating assembly 90A) rotates, the toner also moves in the lateral direction of the developing storage chamber 153a from the developing inner side surface 153i toward the developing outer side surface 153o. When the toner moves from the developing inner side surface 153i to the developing outer side surface 153o, the toner is guided by the developing guide portion 153g in the longitudinal direction toward the developing center portion 153c in a direction away from the receiving opening 153b. The shapes and arrangements of the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 153b can be the same as those of the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b of Example 1.

[0376] The developing guide portion 153g is configured to guide the toner moving in the lateral direction by its own weight in the longitudinal direction toward the developing center portion 153c. The developing guide portion 153g has a developing guide outer end 153go and a developing guide inner end 153gi. In the lateral direction, the developing guide inner end 153gi is closer to the rotation axis 90C than the developing guide outer end 153go is to the rotation axis 90C. In the longitudinal direction, the developing guide inner end 153gi is closer to the receiving opening 153b than the developing guide outer end 153go is to the receiving opening 153b. In other words, in the longitudinal direction, the developing guide outer end 153go is closer to the developing center portion 153c than the developing guide inner end 153gi is to the developing center portion 153c.

[0377] The developing guide lengths of the developing left side guide portions 153gL-1, 153gL-2, 153gL-3, 153gL-4, 153gL-5, and 153gL-6 are 153gtL-1, 153gtL-2, 153gtL-3, 153gtL-4, 153gtL-5, and 153gtL-6, respectively. These developing guide lengths satisfy 153gtL-1>153gtL-2>153gtL-3>153gtL-4>153gtL-5>153gtL-6.

[0378] The toner guide distances of the developing left side guide portions 153gL-1, 153gL-2, 153gL-3, 153gL-4, 153gL-5, and 153gL-6 are 153gmL-1, 153gmL-2, 153gmL-3, 153gmL-4, 153gmL-5, and 153gmL-6, respectively. These toner guide distances satisfy 153gmL-1>153gmL-2>153gmL-3>153gmL-4>153gmL-5>153gmL-6.

[0379] The developing guide lengths of the developing right guide portions 153gR-1, 153gR-2, 153gR-3, 153gR-4, 153gR-5, and 153gR-6 are 153gtR-1, 153gtR-2, 153gtR-3, 153gtR-4, 153gtR-5, and 153gtR-6, respectively. These developing guide lengths satisfy 153gtR-1 > 153gtR-2 > 153gtR-3 > 153gtR-4 > 153gtR-5 > 153gtR-6.

[0380] The toner guide distances of the developing right guide portions 153gR-1, 153gR-2, 153gR-3, 153gR-4, 153gR-5, and 153gR-6 are 153gmR-1, 153gmR-2, 153gmR-3, 153gmR-4, 153gmR-5, and 153gmR-6, respectively. These toner guide distances satisfy 153gmR-1 > 153gmR-2 > 153gmR-3 > 153gmR-4 > 153gmR-5 > 153gmR-6.

[0381] FIG. 28B and FIG. 27 is a view showing a state of the toner guided by the developing guide portions 153g moving in the developing unit 150. The arrow M indicates a toner movement direction. FIG. 29 The developing left guide portion 153gL-1 having the longest developing guide length 153gtL-1 and the longest toner guide distance 153gmL-1 among the developing left guide portions 153gL is shown. FIG. 30A The developing left guide portion 153gL-6 having the shortest developing guide length 153gtL-6 and the shortest toner guide distance 153gmL-6 among the developing left guide portions 153gL is shown.

[0382] When the toner moving on the developing frame inner surface 153d contacts the developing guide portion 153g, the toner moves along the developing guide portion 153g from the developing guide inner end 153gi toward the developing guide outer end 153go.

[0383] The developing guide angle β is an angle formed by a longitudinal direction (Y direction) and a straight line passing through the developing guide inner end 153gi and the developing guide outer end 153go of the developing guide portion 153g when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the developing frame inner surface 153d, and is preferably greater than a rest angle of the toner.

[0384] The toner guiding distance 153gm is the shortest distance between a straight line parallel to the lateral direction and passing through the inner end 153gi and the outer end 153go of the developing guide. The toner guiding distance 153gm is the maximum movement distance by which the toner is guided in the longitudinal direction toward the developing center portion 153c through the developing guide portion 153g.

[0385] Assume that the two developing guide portions 153g have the same developing guide angle β and different developing guide lengths 153gt. In this case, the toner guiding distance 153gm of the developing guide portion 153g with the shorter developing guide length 153gt is shorter than the toner guiding distance 153gm of the developing guide portion 153g with the longer developing guide length 153gt.

[0386] Since the developing guide length 153gtL-6 of the left developing guide portion 153gL-6 is shorter than the developing guide length 153gtL-1 of the left developing guide portion 153gL-1, the toner guiding distance 53gmL-6 is shorter than the toner guiding distance 53gmL-1. That is, the toner guiding distance 153gm of the left developing guide portion 153gL-6 is shorter than the toner guiding distance of the left developing guide portion 153gL-1. The left developing guide portion 153gL-1 is an example of the first guide portion, and the left developing guide portion 153gL-6 is an example of the second guide portion. Note that in Example 5, for any n < m (n and m = 1 to 6), the left developing guide portion 153gL-n is an example of the first guide portion, and the left developing guide portion 153gL-m is an example of the second guide portion. The same relationship is established in the right developing guide portion 153gR.

[0387] As FIG. 30B shown, in the left developing guide portion 153gL, the left developing guide portion 153gL-1 closest to the first receiving opening 153bL has the longest developing guide length 153gtL-1. The left developing guide portion 153gL closer to the developing center portion 153c has a shorter developing guide length 153gt. The left developing guide portion 153gL-6 closest to the developing center portion 153c has the shortest developing guide length 153gtL-6. As a result, in the left developing guide portion 153gL, the left developing guide portion 153gL-1 has the longest toner guiding distance 53gmL-1. The left developing guide portion 153gL closer to the developing center portion 153c has a shorter toner guiding distance 153gm. The left developing guide portion 153gL-6 closest to the developing center portion 153c has the shortest toner guiding distance 153gmL-6.

[0388] Similarly, in the developing right guide portion 153gR, the developing right guide portion 153gR-1 closest to the second receiving opening 153bR has the longest developing guide length 153gtR-1. The developing right guide portion 153gR closer to the developing center portion 153c has a shorter developing guide length 153gt. The developing right guide portion 153gR-6 closest to the developing center portion 153c has the shortest developing guide length 153gtR-6. Thus, in the developing right guide portion 153gR, the developing right guide portion 153gR-1 has the longest toner guide distance 53gmR-1. The developing right guide portion 153gR closer to the developing center portion 153c has a shorter toner guide distance 153gm. The developing right guide portion 153gR-6 closest to the developing center portion 153c has the shortest toner guide distance 153gmR-6.

[0389] The toner moving in the developing storage chamber 153a by its own weight is guided to the developing guide portion 153g. In this case, the toner guide distance 153gm of the developing guide portion 153g closer to the developing center portion 153c is shorter than the toner guide distance 153gm of the developing guide portion 153g closer to the receiving opening 153b.

[0390] As described above, according to Example 5, the toner replenished from the toner cartridge 70 is guided by the developing guide portion 153g and moves away from the receiving opening 153b in the longitudinal direction. Thus, it is possible to prevent the toner from staying near the receiving opening 153b in the developing unit 150. In addition, since the developing guide portion 153g closer to the developing center portion 153c has a shorter toner guide distance, it is possible to prevent the toner from concentrating on the developing center portion 153c and to prevent the distribution of the toner in the developing storage chamber 153a from becoming uneven. Thus, it is possible to make the distribution of the toner in the developing storage chamber 153a uniform, and it is possible to suppress image defects such as uneven density.

[0391] In Example 5, the shape of the receiving opening 153b is also the same as that of the receiving opening 53b in Example 4. In addition, the first receiving opening 153bL and the at least one developing left guide portion 153gL are arranged on the developing frame inner surface 153d to at least partially overlap each other in the longitudinal direction. The second receiving opening 153bR and the at least one developing right guide portion 153gR are arranged on the developing frame inner surface 153d to at least partially overlap each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0392] Note that, although an example in which each of the developing left guide portions 153gL and the developing left guide portions 153gL includes six developing guide portions has been described, the number of developing guide portions is not limited thereto as long as the number of developing guide portions is plural. In addition, although an example in which the developing guide lengths of the plural developing guide portions are all different has been described, some of the plural developing guide portions can have the same developing guide length. In this case, among the plural developing guide portions, there can be a pair of developing guide portions that satisfy the following condition: the developing guide length of one developing guide portion positioned farther away from the receiving opening is shorter than the developing guide length of the other developing guide portion. Note that, among the plural developing guide portions, it is also preferable that there be no pair of developing guide portions that satisfy the following condition: the developing guide length of one developing guide portion positioned farther away from the receiving opening is longer than the developing guide length of the other developing guide portion.

[0393] Example 6

[0394] In Example 6, the developing guide angle β of the first guide portion and the developing guide angle β of the second guide portion are equal to each other, and the developing guide length of the first guide portion and the developing guide length of the second guide portion are equal to each other. On the other hand, the developing guide height of the second guide portion is smaller than the developing guide height of the first guide portion. Thus, although the toner guide distance of the first guide portion is equal to the toner guide distance of the second guide portion, the toner guide amount of the second guide portion is smaller than the toner guide amount of the first guide portion. In the following description, components common to those in Example 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0395] FIG. 30A is a view showing the internal structure of the developing unit 250 of Example 6 when viewed in the thickness direction. The developing frame 253 of the developing unit 250 includes at least one developing left guide portion 253gL and at least one developing right guide portion 253gR. The developing left guide portions 253gL and the developing right guide portions 253gR are provided on the developing frame inner surface 253d.

[0396] In the developing frame 253, six developing left guide portions 253gL-1, 253gL-2, 253gL-3, 253gL-4, 253gL-5, and 253gL-6 are provided in order from the side closer to the developing left surface 253eL. In addition, in the developing frame 253, six developing right guide portions 253gR-1, 253gR-2, 253gR-3, 253gR-4, 253gR-5, and 253gR-6 are provided in order from the side closer to the developing right surface 253eR.

[0397] The developing guide angle β of the plurality of developing guide portions 53g of the developing unit 50 in Example 4 differs depending on the position in the longitudinal direction, while the developing guide height 253gh of the plurality of developing guide portions 253g of the developing unit 250 in Example 6 differs depending on the position in the longitudinal direction.

[0398] The plurality of developing guide portions 253g have the same developing guide angle β and the same developing guide length 253gt. Therefore, the plurality of developing guide portions 253g have the same toner guide distance 253gm in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the developing guide height 253gh in the thickness direction is lower as the developing guide portion 253g is farther away from the receiving opening 253b (closer to the developing center portion 253c) in the axial direction (longitudinal direction). As a result, in the axial direction (longitudinal direction), the amount of toner guidance in the longitudinal direction is smaller in the developing guide portion 253g farther away from the receiving opening 253b (closer to the developing center portion 253c) than in the developing guide portion 253g closer to the end portion (developing left side surface 253eL and developing right side surface 253eR).

[0399] In Example 6, when the rotating body 90 (rotating assembly 90A) rotates, toner also moves in the lateral direction of the developing storage chamber 253a from the developing inner side surface 253i toward the developing outer side surface 253o. When the toner moves from the developing inner side surface 253i to the developing outer side surface 253o, the toner is guided by the developing guide portion 253g in the longitudinal direction in a direction away from the receiving opening 253b. The shape and arrangement of the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 253b can be the same as those of the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b in Example 4.

[0400] The developing guide portion 253g is configured to guide toner moving in the lateral direction by its own weight in the longitudinal direction toward the developing center portion 253c. The developing guide portion 253g has a developing guide outer end 253go and a developing guide inner end 253gi. In the lateral direction, the developing guide inner end 253gi is closer to the rotation axis 90C than the developing guide outer end 253go. In the longitudinal direction, the developing guide inner end 253gi is closer to the receiving opening 253b than the developing guide outer end 253go. In other words, in the longitudinal direction, the developing guide outer end 253go is closer to the developing center portion 253c than the developing guide inner end 253gi.

[0401] Developing left guide portions 253gL-1, 253gL-2, 253gL-3, 253gL-4, 253gL-5, and 253gL-6 have developing guide heights of 253ghL-1, 253ghL-2, 253ghL-3, 253ghL-4, 253ghL-5, and 253ghL-6, respectively. These developing guide heights satisfy 253ghL-1>253ghL-2>253ghL-3>253ghL-4>253ghL-5>253ghL-6.

[0402] Developing right guide portions 253gR-1, 253gR-2, 253gR-3, 253gR-4, 253gR-5, and 253gR-6 have developing guide heights of 253ghR-1, 253ghR-2, 253ghR-3, 253ghR-4, 253ghR-5, and 253ghR-6, respectively. These developing guide heights satisfy 253ghR-1>253ghR-2>253ghR-3>253ghR-4>253ghR-5>253ghR-6.

[0403] FIG. 30B and FIG. 29 is a view showing a state in which the developing guide portions 253g guide toner moving in the developing unit 250. An arrow M indicates a toner moving direction. FIG. 25 The developing left guide portion 253gL-1 having the highest developing guide height 253ghL-1 and the largest toner guide amount in the developing left guide portions 253gL is shown. FIG. 25 The developing left guide portion 253gL-6 having the lowest developing guide height 253ghL-6 and the smallest toner guide amount in the developing left guide portions 253gL is shown.

[0404] When the toner moving on the developing frame inner surface 253d contacts the developing guide portions 253g, the toner moves along the developing guide portions 253g from the developing guide inner end 253gi toward the developing guide outer end 253go.

[0405] The developing guide height 253gh represents a height of the developing guide portion 253g in the thickness direction. Assume that two developing guide portions 253g have the same developing guide angle β and the same developing guide length 253gt, and have different developing guide heights 253gh. In this case, the toner guide amount of the developing guide portion 253g having a lower developing guide height 253gh is smaller than the toner guide amount of the developing guide portion 253g having a higher developing guide height 253gh.

[0406] The developing left guide height 253ghL-6 of the developing left guide portion 253gL-6 is lower than the developing left guide height 253ghL-l of the developing left guide portion 253gL-l. Therefore, the toner guide amount is smaller in the developing left guide portion 253gL-6 than in the developing left guide portion 253gL-l. The developing left guide portion 253gL-l is an example of the first guide portion, and the developing left guide portion 253gL-6 is an example of the second guide portion. Note that, in Example 6, for any n < m (n and m = 1 to 6), the developing left guide portion 253gL-n is an example of the first guide portion, and the developing left guide portion 253gL-m is an example of the second guide portion. The same relationship is established in the developing right guide portion 253gR.

[0407] As shown in FIG. 12, in the developing left guide portion 253gL, the developing left guide portion 253gL-l closest to the first receiving opening 253bL has the highest developing guide height 253ghL-l. The developing left guide portion 253gL farther from the developing center portion 253c has a lower developing guide height 253gh. The developing left guide portion 253gL-6 closest to the developing center portion 253c has the lowest developing guide height 253ghL-6. As a result, in the developing left guide portion 253gL, the developing left guide portion 253gL-l has the largest toner guide amount. The developing left guide portion 253gL farther from the developing center portion 253c has a smaller toner guide amount. The developing left guide portion 253gL-6 closest to the developing center portion 253c has the smallest toner guide amount. ​ Similarly, in the developing right guide portion 253gR, the developing right guide portion 253gR-l closest to the second receiving opening 253bR has the highest developing guide height 253ghR-l. The developing right guide portion 253gR farther from the developing center portion 253c has a lower developing guide height 253gh. The developing right guide portion 253gR-6 closest to the developing center portion 253c has the lowest developing guide height 253ghR-6. As a result, in the developing right guide portion 253gR, the developing right guide portion 253gR-l has the largest toner guide amount. The developing right guide portion 253gR farther from the developing center portion 253c has a smaller toner guide amount. The developing right guide portion 253gR-6 closest to the developing center portion 253c has the smallest toner guide amount.

[0408] Similarly, in the developing right guide portion 253gR, the developing right guide portion 253gR-l closest to the second receiving opening 253bR has the highest developing guide height 253ghR-l. The developing right guide portion 253gR farther from the developing center portion 253c has a lower developing guide height 253gh. The developing right guide portion 253gR-6 closest to the developing center portion 253c has the lowest developing guide height 253ghR-6. As a result, in the developing right guide portion 253gR, the developing right guide portion 253gR-l has the largest toner guide amount. The developing right guide portion 253gR farther from the developing center portion 253c has a smaller toner guide amount. The developing right guide portion 253gR-6 closest to the developing center portion 253c has the smallest toner guide amount.

[0409] When the toner moving in the developing storage chamber 253a by its own weight is guided to the developing guide portion 253g, the amount of toner guided by the developing guide portion 253g near the developing center portion 253c is smaller than the amount of toner guided by the developing guide portion 253g near the receiving opening 253b.

[0410] As described above, according to Example 6, the toner replenished from the toner cartridge 70 is guided by the developing guide portion 253g and moves away from the receiving opening 253b in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the toner from staying near the receiving opening 253b in the developing unit 250. In addition, since the developing guide portion 253g closer to the developing center portion 253c has a smaller amount of toner guidance, it is possible to prevent the toner from concentrating on the developing center portion 253c and to prevent the distribution of the toner in the developing storage chamber 253a from becoming uneven. Therefore, it is possible to make the distribution of the toner in the developing storage chamber 253a uniform, and it is possible to suppress image defects such as uneven density.

[0411] In Example 6, the shape of the receiving opening 253b is also the same as that of the receiving opening 53b in Example 1. In addition, the first receiving opening 253bL and the at least one developing left-side guide portion 253gL are arranged on the developing frame inner surface 253d to at least partially overlap each other in the longitudinal direction. The second receiving opening 253bR and the at least one developing right-side guide portion 253gR are arranged on the developing frame inner surface 253d to at least partially overlap each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0412] Modified Examples

[0413] Although an example in which two receiving openings of the first receiving opening and the second receiving opening are arranged on the side portions closer to both ends than the developing center portion in the axial direction has been described in the above-described examples, the number and arrangement of the receiving openings are not limited to this example. For example, one or more receiving openings can be arranged near one end portion in the axial direction, or one or more receiving openings can be arranged near the developing center portion.

[0414] In addition, although an example in which six developing guide portions are included in each of the developing left guide portion and the developing right guide portion has been described, the number of developing guide portions is not limited thereto as long as the number is plural. In addition, although an example in which the developing guide angles are different in all of the plural developing guide portions has been described, some of the plural developing guide portions can have the same developing guide angle. In this case, among the plural developing guide portions, there can be a pair of developing guide portions that satisfy the following condition: the developing guide angle of one developing guide portion positioned farther away from the receiving opening is larger than the developing guide angle of the other developing guide portion. Note that, among the plural developing guide portions, it is also preferable that there be no pair of developing guide portions that satisfy the following condition: the developing guide angle of one developing guide portion positioned farther away from the receiving opening is smaller than the developing guide angle of the other developing guide portion. The same applies to the developing guide length and the developing guide height.

[0415] Further, although an example in which the amount of toner guidance in the longitudinal direction is made different by making the developing guide angle, the developing guide length, and the developing guide height of the developing guide portion different has been described in the above-described example, the amount of toner guidance can be made different by combining these.

[0416] Further, although an example in which the configuration in which the amount of toner guidance is smaller in the developing guide portion closer to the developing center portion (farther away from the receiving opening) has been described in the above-described example, the present application is not limited to this configuration as long as the toner distribution in the developing storage chamber can be made uniform. For example, in an image forming apparatus in which the amount of toner used is large and the amount of toner at the developing center portion tends to decrease, the developing guide portion closer to the developing center portion has a larger amount of toner guidance.

[0417] Further, although an example in which the developing guide portion is provided on the inner surface of the developing frame has been described in the above-described example, the portion provided with the developing guide portion is not limited thereto. As long as the toner in the developing storage chamber can be guided in the axial direction when the rotating body rotates, the developing guide portion can be provided on any inner wall surface of the developing storage chamber.

[0418] For example, in the case where the developing guide portion is provided on the inner surface of the developing frame, the developing guide portion can be provided on the inner surface of the developing frame in the following manner. For example, the developing guide portion can be provided on the inner surface of the developing frame in the following manner. ​In the rotational phase GP2, the radially inner end (developing inner side surface 53i) of the developing frame inner surface 53d is vertically above the radially outer end (developing outer side surface 53o), and the normal line of the developing frame inner surface 53d includes a component in the vertically upward direction. Thus, in the rotational phase GP2, the toner moves along the developing frame inner surface 53d from the radially inner side toward the radially outer side, and the developing guide portion 53g guides the toner moving in the rotational phase GP2. The present application is not limited to this configuration. For example, the guide portion can be configured to guide the toner from the radially outer side to the radially inner side in the rotational phase GP4. ​

[0419] In each of the above examples, the respective configurations can be combined.

[0420] According to the present application, in a toner replenishment type rotary developing method, toner in a developing unit can be uniformly distributed, and image defects caused by uneven distribution can be suppressed.

[0421] While the present application has been described with reference to example embodiments, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the disclosed example embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be interpreted in the broadest manner allowable by the law to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.​

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a rotating body rotatable about a rotating axis extending in an axial direction; a toner cartridge supported by the rotating body and having a discharge opening, the toner cartridge configured to discharge toner from the discharge opening; and an developing unit supported by the rotating body and including a receiving opening configured to receive toner discharged from the discharge opening, a storage chamber configured to store toner received from the receiving opening, and a developing roller configured to carry toner stored in the storage chamber, wherein the developing unit includes a guide portion, and the guide portion is configured to guide toner stored in the storage chamber away from the receiving opening in the axial direction with the rotating body rotating, wherein a rotational phase of the rotating body at which the guide portion guides toner in the axial direction away from the receiving opening is a first rotational phase, a rotational phase of the rotating body at which a positional relationship between the toner cartridge and the developing unit is a positional relationship in which toner is able to move from the discharge opening to the receiving opening is a second rotational phase, and a rotational phase of the rotating body at which the toner cartridge is installed in the rotating body and removed from the rotating body is an installation / removal phase, the second rotational phase is located after the first rotational phase in a course in which the rotating body rotates one revolution from the installation / removal phase.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion extends in a direction oblique with respect to the axial direction.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the guide portion has a portion overlapping the receiving opening when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the developing unit includes a plurality of guides arranged side by side in the axial direction, the plurality of guides including the guide portion.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of guides includes: a first guide portion having a portion overlapping the receiving opening when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction; and a second guide portion not overlapping the receiving opening when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, and wherein the second guide portion includes an inner end and an outer end, the outer end being farther from the rotating axis than the inner end, and the second guide portion is oblique with respect to the axial direction so that the outer end is farther from the receiving opening than the inner end.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the storage chamber includes a first surface facing in a direction from downstream to upstream in a direction of movement of the developing unit according to rotation of the rotating body, wherein the receiving opening is provided to the first surface, and ​ ​ wherein in the first rotational phase, the guide portion guides toner moving along the first surface in a direction away from the receiving opening.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein in the first rotational phase, a normal line of the first surface includes a component in a vertically upward direction, and an outer end of the first surface away from the rotation axis is located vertically downward from an inner end close to the rotation axis.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide portion is disposed at a position farther from the rotation axis than a distance of the receiving opening from the rotation axis when viewed in an axial direction.

9. An image forming apparatus comprising: a rotation body rotatable around a rotation axis extending in an axial direction; a toner cartridge supported by the rotation body and having a discharge opening, the toner cartridge configured to discharge toner from the discharge opening; and an developing unit supported by the rotation body, including a receiving opening configured to receive toner discharged from the discharge opening, a storage chamber configured to store toner received from the receiving opening, and a developing roller configured to carry toner stored in the storage chamber, wherein the developing unit includes a first guide portion, and the first guide portion is configured to guide toner stored in the storage chamber in an axial direction away from the receiving opening in a case where the rotation body rotates, and wherein the toner cartridge includes a second storage chamber configured to store toner and a second guide portion, and the second guide portion is configured to guide toner stored in the second storage chamber in a direction in which toner approaches the discharge opening in an axial direction in a case where the rotation body rotates.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second guide portion extends in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the second guide portion has a portion closer to the rotation axis than a distance of the discharge opening from the rotation axis when viewed in an axial direction.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the toner cartridge includes a plurality of second guides including the second guide portion arranged side by side in an axial direction.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein a rotational phase of the rotation body in which the first guide portion guides toner in a direction away from the receiving opening in an axial direction is a first rotational phase, a rotational phase of the rotation body in which the second guide portion guides toner in a direction in which toner approaches the discharge opening in an axial direction is a second rotational phase, a rotational phase of the rotation body in which the toner cartridge is installed in the rotation body and removed from the rotation body is an installation / removal phase, and the second rotational phase is located after the first rotational phase in a case where the rotation body rotates one revolution from the installation / removal phase.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein an inner surface of the second storage chamber includes a second surface facing in a direction from upstream to downstream in a movement direction of the toner cartridge according to rotation of the rotating body, wherein the discharge opening is provided to the second surface, and wherein in the second rotational phase, the second guide portion guides toner moving along the second surface in a direction in which toner approaches the discharge opening.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein in the second rotational phase, a normal line of the second surface includes a component in a vertically upward direction, and an outer end of the second surface away from the rotation axis is located vertically below an inner end close to the rotation axis.

16. An image forming apparatus comprising: a rotating body rotatable about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction; a toner cartridge supported by the rotating body, the toner cartridge having a discharge opening, the toner cartridge configured to discharge toner from the discharge opening; and a developing unit supported by the rotating body, the developing unit including a receiving opening configured to receive toner discharged from the discharge opening, a storage chamber configured to store toner received from the receiving opening, and a developing roller configured to carry toner stored in the storage chamber, wherein a plurality of guide portions are provided in the storage chamber, the plurality of guide portions including a first guide portion and a second guide portion, the first guide portion positioned between the second guide portion and the receiving opening in the axial direction, and the second guide portion being farther from the receiving opening than the first guide portion, wherein the first guide portion and the second guide portion are configured to guide toner stored in the storage chamber in a direction away from the receiving opening in the axial direction as the rotating body rotates, and wherein a maximum amount of toner that is movable in the axial direction by the second guide portion is less than a maximum amount of toner that is movable in the axial direction by the first guide portion as the rotating body rotates.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein in a case where a rotational phase of the rotating body in which the guide portions guide toner in a direction away from the receiving opening in the axial direction is a first rotational phase, a rotational phase of the rotating body in which a positional relationship between the toner cartridge and the developing unit is a positional relationship in which toner is movable from the discharge opening to the receiving opening is a second rotational phase, and a rotational phase in which the toner cartridge is installed in the rotating body and removed from the rotating body is an installation / removal phase, the second rotational phase is located after the first rotational phase in a process in which the rotating body rotates one revolution from the installation / removal phase.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a photosensitive drum, wherein in a case where the rotation phase of the rotating body in which the developing roller develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum is a developing phase, the developing phase is located after the first rotation phase in a process in which the rotating body rotates one revolution from the mounting / removal phase.

19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein in a case where the developing phase is located after the second rotation phase in a process in which the rotating body rotates one revolution from the mounting / removal phase.

20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the guide portion extends in a direction inclined with respect to an axial direction.

21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein in the direction in which the guide portion extends, the guide portion includes a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion being farther from the receiving opening than the first end portion.

22. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein in a case where a distance in the axial direction between the first end portion and the second end portion is a guide distance, the guide distance of the second guide portion is shorter than the guide distance of the first guide portion.

23. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein in a case where an angle formed by the direction in which the guide portion extends and the axial direction is a guide angle and a length of the guide portion in the direction in which the guide portion extends is a guide length, the guide length of the first guide portion is equal to the guide length of the second guide portion, and the guide angle of the second guide portion is larger than the guide angle of the first guide portion.

24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein in a case where an angle formed by the direction in which the guide portion extends and the axial direction is a guide angle and a length of the guide portion in the direction in which the guide portion extends is a guide length, the guide angle of the first guide portion is equal to the guide angle of the second guide portion, and the guide length of the second guide portion is shorter than the guide length of the first guide portion.

25. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the guide portion is a rib that protrudes from an inner wall surface of the storage chamber, and wherein a normal line of the inner wall surface has a vertically upward component in the first rotation phase.

26. The image forming apparatus according to claim 25, wherein in a case where an angle formed by the direction in which the guide portion extends and the axial direction is a guide angle, a length of the guide portion in the direction in which the guide portion extends is a guide length, and a height by which the guide portion protrudes from the inner wall surface is a guide height, the guide length of the first guide portion is equal to the guide length of the second guide portion, the guide angle of the first guide portion is equal to the guide angle of the second guide portion, and the guide height of the second guide portion is lower than the guide height of the first guide portion.

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