imaging device

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes a rotating body including a developing roller, and a housing frame provided with a housing portion and a receiving opening; a main body frame; an opening / closing member; and a moving device configured to perform a moving operation. At least a portion of the toner cartridge is positioned outside the main body frame in a retracted position. A movement restriction portion is in a restriction state when the toner cartridge is positioned in an attached position, and is configured to transition from the restriction state to a permission state by a driving force of a driving source before the moving device moves the toner cartridge from the attached position to the retracted position during the moving operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an imaging apparatus for forming an image on a recording material. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 2007-183305 and 2008-096852 describe an imaging apparatus equipped with a rotating body having multiple developing rollers and multiple toner cartridges each detachably attached to the respective rotating body. The imaging apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-183305 allows the toner cartridges to be attached to and removed from the rotating body by opening the cover of the printer body.

[0003] However, the imaging device described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-183305 does not have a mechanism for locking the cover. Even when the cover is not needed, the user may accidentally open it if it is not locked.

[0004] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the accompanying drawings are not limited to those described above. Problems corresponding to the respective effects of each construction shown in the embodiments described below can also be considered other problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an imaging device to which a toner cartridge with a discharge opening is detachably attached includes: a rotating body configured to rotate, the rotating body including: a developing roller; and a receiving frame having a receiving portion and a receiving opening, the receiving portion being configured to receive toner to be supplied to the developing roller, and the receiving opening being configured to communicate with the receiving portion; a main frame configured to receive the rotating body and having a main opening; and an opening / closing member relative to the main frame in a closed position where the opening / closing member closes the main opening. The component is supported in an openable and closable manner between the open and closed positions of the main body opening; a moving device configured to perform a movement operation that moves the toner cartridge through the main body opening from an attached position to a retracted position; a drive source configured to perform the movement operation on the moving device; and a movement restriction configured to switch between a restricted state and a permitted state, in which the restricted state restricts the movement of the opening / closing component from the closed position to the open position, and in the permitted state allows the opening / closing component to move from the closed position to the open position. When the toner cartridge is in the attached position, the receiving opening and the discharging opening face each other. When the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge is positioned outside the main body frame. The movement restriction is in a restricted state when the toner cartridge is positioned in the attached position and is configured to switch from the restricted state to the permitted state by the driving force of the drive source during the movement operation before the moving device moves the toner cartridge from the attached position to the retracted position.

[0006] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an imaging device to which the cassette is detachably attached includes: a main frame having a main opening; an opening / closing member supported, unclamped relative to the main frame, between a closed position where the opening / closing member closes the main opening and an open position where the opening / closing member opens the main opening; a moving device configured to perform a movement operation that moves the cassette through the main opening from an attachment position to a retracted position; a drive source configured to cause the moving device to perform the movement operation; and a movement limiting portion configured to switch between a limiting state and a allowing state, wherein in the limiting state the movement of the opening / closing member is limited from the closed position to the open position, and in the allowing state the movement of the opening / closing member from the closed position to the open position is permitted. When the cassette is in the attachment position, it is housed within the main frame. When the cassette is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the cassette is positioned outside the main frame. The movement restriction unit is in a restricted state when the box is positioned in the attachment position, and is configured to change from the restricted state to the permitted state by the driving force of the drive source before the moving device moves the box from the attachment position to the retracted position during the movement operation.

[0007] The features of this disclosure will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following description of embodiments. The following description of embodiments is by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an imaging device according to a first embodiment is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 A structural diagram of an imaging device according to a first embodiment is provided.

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

[0012] Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the imaging device according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0013] Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of the imaging device according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 A perspective view of the rotating body according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0015] Figure 6A A perspective view of the imaging device according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0016] Figure 6B A perspective view of the imaging device according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0017] Figure 6C A perspective view of the imaging device according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0018] Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of the imaging device according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0019] Figure 7B A cross-sectional view of the imaging device according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0020] Figure 8 An illustration showing the rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 An illustration showing the rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 An illustration showing the rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11A The illustration is for showing the structure related to the movement of the tray according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11B The illustration is for showing the structure related to the movement of the tray according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12A The illustration is for showing the structure related to the movement of the tray according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 12B The illustration is for showing the structure related to the movement of the tray according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 13A The illustration shows a door positioned in the closed position and a tray positioned in the receiving position according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 13B The illustration shows a door positioned in the closed position and a tray positioned in the receiving position according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 13C This illustration shows the state in which the drive rack according to the first embodiment moves upward from the non-engaged position.

[0030] Figure 13D This illustration shows the state in which the drive rack according to the first embodiment moves upward from the non-engaged position.

[0031] Figure 14A This illustration shows the state in which the drive rack according to the first embodiment moves further upward from the non-engaged position.

[0032] Figure 14B This illustration shows the state in which the drive rack according to the first embodiment moves further upward from the non-engaged position.

[0033] Figure 14C The illustration shows a tray positioned in the take-out position and a door positioned in the open position according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 14D The illustration shows a tray positioned in the take-out position and a door positioned in the open position according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 15A The illustration shows a door limiting member positioned in a limiting position according to a second embodiment.

[0036] Figure 15B The illustration shows a door limiting member positioned in a limiting position according to a second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 15C This illustration shows the state in which the door limiting member according to the second embodiment is pressed by the driven rack.

[0038] Figure 15D This illustration shows the state in which the door limiting member according to the second embodiment is pressed by the driven rack.

[0039] Figure 16A This illustration shows the state in which the drive rack according to the second embodiment moves further upward from the non-engaged position.

[0040] Figure 16B This illustration shows the state in which the drive rack according to the second embodiment moves further upward from the non-engaged position.

[0041] Figure 16C The illustration shows a tray positioned in the take-out position and a door positioned in the open position according to the second embodiment.

[0042] Figure 16D The illustration shows a tray positioned in the take-out position and a door positioned in the open position according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0044] In the following description, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] First Embodiment

[0046] Will use Figures 1 to 12B The imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment is described. In the following description and figures, the vertical direction when the imaging device 1 is mounted on a horizontal plane is referred to as the Z direction. The direction intersecting the Z direction and extending along the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 (the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body) described below is referred to as the Y direction. Note that the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 2 (the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum) is also parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90, and is the Y direction. The direction intersecting both the Z and Y directions is referred to as the X direction. The X and Y directions are preferably horizontal directions. In addition, the X, Y, and Z directions are preferably orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, as needed, the directions of the arrows X, Y, and Z shown in the figures are referred to as the +X side, +Y side, and +Z side, respectively, while their opposite sides are referred to as the -X side, -Y side, and -Z side, respectively.

[0047] Overall structure of imaging equipment

[0048] First, the overall structure of the imaging device 1 will be described. The imaging device 1 is a laser beam printer that forms images on a sheet S using an electrophotographic system. More specifically, the imaging device 1 is a color laser beam printer equipped with four developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. As the sheet S (which is the recording material (recording medium)), various sheet materials of different sizes and materials can be used, including paper such as plain paper and thick paper, plastic film, cloth, surface-treated sheet materials such as coated paper, and sheet materials with special shapes such as envelopes and index paper.

[0049] Will use Figure 1 , 2 Sections 3 and 4 describe the schematic structure and imaging operation of imaging device 1. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of imaging device 1. Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the driving source of imaging device 1. Figure 3 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the structure for supplying toner from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the imaging device 1 includes an imaging device body (hereinafter referred to as the "device body") 1A and toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k detachably attached to the device body 1A. In this embodiment, the device body 1A is the part of the imaging device 1 other than the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0051] The main body 1A of the imaging device 1 includes an electrophotographic photosensitive component (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) 2, which serves as an image carrier for carrying electrostatic latent images and has a drum-shaped (cylindrical) shape. A charging roller 3, a scanner 4 serving as an exposure device, and a cleaning unit 6 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 2.

[0052] The charging roller 3 is an example of a charging device or charging unit for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 2. The scanner 4 is an example of an exposure device that performs exposure by irradiating the photosensitive drum 2 with laser light corresponding to image information. 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 member for removing toner residue on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0053] Furthermore, the main body of the equipment 1A includes a sheet storage section 300, a pickup roller 310, a feed roller 311, a separation roller 312, a transport roller pair 320, a transport sensor 20, a secondary transfer roller 12, a fixing unit 40, and an intermediate transfer unit 10. The pickup roller 310 is an example of a sheet feeding device or sheet feeding unit that feeds the sheet S. The feed roller 311 and the separation roller 312 are examples of a separation transport unit that transports the sheet S one sheet at a time while separating it through friction. The secondary transfer roller 12 is an example of a transfer unit that transfers an image from the intermediate transfer belt 10a to the sheet S.

[0054] The intermediate transfer unit 10 includes an intermediate transfer belt 10a, a belt drive roller 10b, a tension roller 10c, a cleaning device 13, and a primary transfer roller 11. The intermediate transfer belt 10a is an example of an intermediate transfer member that carries an image transferred from the photosensitive drum 2 (primary transfer) and transports that image for transfer (secondary transfer) onto the sheet S. The intermediate transfer belt 10a is tensioned around the belt drive roller 10b and the tension roller 10c. The belt drive roller 10b is a drive member that transports the intermediate transfer belt 10a by being rotatably driven by a drive source.

[0055] Additionally, the main body 1A includes a rotating body (rotating body, rotating components, developing apparatus) 90, which includes developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. As described below, in this embodiment, trays (support components) 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are attached to the rotating body 90. Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are detachably attached to trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k.

[0056] In the following description, components with similar functions can be distinguished by assigning numbers. For example, one of the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k can be referred to as the first toner cartridge, one of the other three as the second toner cartridge, one of the other two as the third toner cartridge, and the last as the fourth toner cartridge. Similarly, one of the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k can be referred to as the first tray, one of the other three as the second tray, one of the other two as the third tray, and the last as the fourth tray. That is, one of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a first support component, another of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a second support component, yet another of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a third support component, and the last of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a fourth support component. These numbering designations are used merely for ease of description and are, in principle, interchangeable.

[0057] The developing units (first to fourth developing units) 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are examples of developing apparatuses or developing sections that develop (display) the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 into a toner image using toners of corresponding colors. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k develop the 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 configured to... Figure 1 The order shown is different from the order of the arrangement.

[0058] The developing unit 50y includes a developing roller 51y, a supply roller 52y, and a developing blade. The developing roller 51y is a developer carrier that carries toner as a developer, and rotates to supply toner to the photosensitive drum 2. The supply roller 52y is a supply member configured to contact the developing roller 51y and supplies toner to the developing roller 51y. The developing blade controls the thickness of the toner layer carried on the developing roller 51y. Other developing units 50m, 50c, and 50k are equipped with similar developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k, supply rollers, and developing blades.

[0059] Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, corresponding to developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, are attached to the rotating body 90. Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k respectively contain yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner, serving as supplementary toners for developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. One of the four colors of toner can be referred to as the first toner, one of the other three colors as the second toner, one of the other two colors as the third toner, and the last toner as the fourth toner. For example, black toner can be considered an example of the first toner, and magenta toner as an example of the second toner. These designations are used merely for descriptive purposes and are, in principle, interchangeable.

[0060] Here, the rotating body 90 includes a rotating frame 90f that supports 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 body support member.

[0061] Additionally, trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are attached to the rotating body 90. The assembly of the rotating body 90 and trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k can be referred to as the rotating unit 90U. In other words, the rotating unit 90U includes the rotating body 90 and trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k.

[0062] Toner cartridges 70y to 70k are detachably held by trays 80y to 80k. As described below, trays 80y to 80k are supported so as to be slidably movable to the outside of the rotating body 90. The assembly of the rotating unit 90U and toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k can be referred to as the rotating assembly 90A. In other words, the rotating assembly 90A includes the rotating unit 90U and toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0063] As described below, the rotating body 90 can rotate about the rotation axis (rotation center) 90C. The rotation axis 90C corresponds to the rotation axis of the rotating frame 90f, the rotating unit 90U, and the rotating assembly 90A. In addition, the rotation axis 90C is approximately parallel to the rotation axis (rotation center) of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0064] By rotating about the rotation axis 90C, the rotating body 90 can adopt a developing posture in which any one of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k, which serve as multiple developing rollers, faces the photosensitive drum 2. The posture of developing roller 51y facing the photosensitive drum 2 is called the yellow developing posture. The posture of developing roller 51m facing the photosensitive drum 2 is called the magenta developing posture. The posture of developing roller 51c facing the photosensitive drum 2 is called the cyan developing posture. The posture of developing roller 51k facing the photosensitive drum 2 is called the black developing posture. That is, the rotating body 90 can rotate about the rotation axis 90C to change the position of developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k relative to the photosensitive drum 2. The black developing posture is an example of a first developing posture in which the first developing roller (developing roller 51k) faces the photosensitive drum 2. Other developing postures are examples of second developing postures in which the second developing rollers (developing rollers 51y to 51c) face the photosensitive drum 2. The yellow / magenta / cyan / black developing postures can also be referred to as the first to fourth developing postures. These numbering labels are used for ease of description only and can be appropriately interchanged in principle.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 1A of the device includes motors M1, M2, and M3, which serve as drive sources. As described below, motor M1, serving as the first motor, supplies driving force for rotating the rotating body 90 about the rotation axis 90C. In other words, motor M1 causes the rotating assembly 90A and the rotating unit 90U to rotate about the rotation axis 90C.

[0066] Additionally, the main body 1A of the equipment includes a drive unit 98, which includes a motor M2 and a transmission device 110 (see reference). Figure 11AThe transmission device 110 includes a transmission section 15t as described below, and drive racks 15L and 15R serving as drive gears. The transmission device 110 is an example of a transmission unit. The driving force of the motor M2, which serves as a second motor, is transmitted to the drive racks 15L and 15R via the transmission section 15t. In other words, the motor M2 is configured to drive the drive racks 15L and 15R, and to move trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k relative to the rotating body 90 via the drive racks 15L and 15R.

[0067] Motor M3 drives components other than those driven by motors M1 and M2. For example, motor M3 drives photosensitive drum 2, developing units 50y, 50m, 50c and 50k, secondary transfer roller 12, drive roller 10b, and fixing unit 40.

[0068] It should be noted that the components driven by motors M1, M2, and M3 can be modified appropriately. Furthermore, the functions of any two or all three motors M1, M2, and M3 can be integrated into a single motor. Alternatively, additional drive sources besides motors M1, M2, and M3 can be added.

[0069] Furthermore, the main body 1A of the device includes a control unit 30, which serves as a control device for controlling the operation of the imaging device 1. The control unit 30 includes a central processing unit (CPU) capable of executing programs, and a storage unit such as read-only memory (ROM) or random access memory (RAM). The CPU reads and executes the program stored in the storage unit to control the operation of actuators (e.g., motors M1, M2, and M3) disposed in the imaging device 1. The storage unit includes non-volatile and volatile storage media as storage locations for programs and data, and as a workspace when the CPU executes the program. It should be noted that each function of the control unit 30 described below can be implemented as independent hardware, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), within the circuitry of the control unit 30.

[0070] Here, the suffixes y, m, c, and k appended to developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, and trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k, indicate the color of the toner. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k have largely the same basic structure and function. The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k have largely the same basic structure and function. Similarly, the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k have largely the same basic structure and function. Therefore, when it is not necessary to distinguish each of them, the suffixes y, m, c, and k will be omitted, and the description will refer to any one of the four units, four cartridges, and four trays. Conversely, when it is necessary to distinguish each of the four units, four cartridges, and four trays, the suffixes y, m, c, and k will be appended, and the description will refer to the one of the four units, four cartridges, and four trays corresponding to that suffix.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, the toner cartridge 70 includes a toner frame 71. The toner frame 71 includes a toner container 71a for storing toner and a discharge opening 71b communicating with the toner container 71a.

[0072] The developing unit 50 includes a developing frame (accommodating frame) 53 and is configured to attach a toner cartridge 70. The developing frame 53 includes a developing-side accommodating portion 53a (accommodating portion) and a receiving opening 53b communicating with the developing-side accommodating portion (toner supply chamber) 53a. That is, the rotating body 90 is provided with developing frames 53y, 53m, 53c, and 53k. In other words, the rotating body 90 is provided with a first developing chamber, a second developing chamber, a third developing chamber, and a fourth developing chamber. It should be noted that, as described above, although the developing unit 50 includes a developing roller 51, a supply roller 52, etc., these components are... Figure 3 The middle part is omitted.

[0073] The developing roller 51k disposed 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, which is provided with a developing side accommodating portion 53a (first accommodating portion), is... Figure 4A This is an example of a first receiving frame having a first receiving portion. The developing frame 53m of the developing unit 50m having a developing side receiving portion 53a (second receiving portion) is shown in the reference. Figure 4AThe first example is a second receiving frame having a second receiving portion. The second example is a rotating body 90, which is a rotatable rotating body having a first developing roller and a second developing roller, a first receiving frame having a first receiving portion, and a second receiving frame having a second receiving portion. In this embodiment, the rotating body 90 includes first to fourth developing rollers and first to fourth receiving frames.

[0074] As described below, the toner cartridge 70 is movable to an attached position and a retracted position relative to the developing frame 53. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the attached position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge opening 71b faces the receiving opening 53b. That is, the toner receiving portion 71a of the toner cartridge 70 and the developing-side receiving portion 53a of the developing unit 50 are in communication with each other via the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b. When toner is supplied from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50, at least a portion of the receiving opening 53b is positioned below at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b.

[0075] Then, the toner contained in the toner container 71a is discharged from the discharge opening 71b, and the toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is contained in the developing side container 53a through the receiving opening 53b. That is, the first developer is supplied to the first developing chamber included in the rotating body 90, the second developer is supplied to the second developing chamber, the third developer is supplied to the third developing chamber, and the fourth developer is supplied to the fourth developing chamber.

[0076] The toner contained in the developing side container 53a is supplied to the developing roller 51 by the supply roller 52. Through this path, the toner contained in the toner container 71a is supplied to the developing roller 51.

[0077] The toner cartridge 70 is expected to include a sealing member (first sealing member, not shown) covering the discharge opening 71b. Additionally, the developing unit 50 is expected to include a sealing member (second sealing member, not shown) covering the receiving opening 53b.

[0078] When the toner cartridge 70 is not attached to the developing unit 50, it is preferable that the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b are covered by sealing members to prevent toner from flowing out of the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b.

[0079] Imaging operation

[0080] The imaging operation in this embodiment will be described. First, the photosensitive drum 2 rotates synchronously with the intermediate transfer belt 10a along... Figure 1 Rotate in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise). Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 3.

[0081] In the case of forming a color image on sheet S, as described below, the rotating body 90 supports the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k while moving along... Figure 1 Rotate in the direction of the arrow (clockwise). Then, repeat the electrophotographic process while moving the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c and 51k to the developing position one by one.

[0082] First, scanner 4 illuminates a laser beam based on image data corresponding to the yellow image, forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow image on the surface of photosensitive drum 2. Parallel to the formation of this electrostatic latent image, motor M1 rotates the rotating body 90, and the rotating body 90 assumes a yellow developing posture. When the rotating body 90 assumes the yellow developing posture, the developing roller 51y is in the developing position, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is developed using a yellow toner.

[0083] In this embodiment, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k is an elastic roller comprising a metal shaft covered with rubber. In the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k develops the electrostatic latent image while in contact with the photosensitive drum 2. That is, the imaging device 1 in this embodiment employs a contact developing method. However, in the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k can develop the electrostatic latent image while forming a gap relative to the photosensitive drum 2. That is, the imaging device 1 can employ a non-contact developing method.

[0084] When the yellow toner image is developed, the yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 2 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 10a in one step by the primary transfer roller 11 located inside the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0085] Subsequently, by rotating the rotating body 90, the developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k are sequentially moved to the developing position, forming a toner image for each color. In other words, after forming a yellow toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotating body 90 adopts a magenta developing posture and forms a magenta toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After forming a magenta toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotating body 90 adopts a cyan developing posture and forms a cyan toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After forming a cyan toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotating body 90 adopts a black developing posture and forms a black (black) toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. That is, the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k can develop an electrostatic latent image into a toner image by using toners of different colors.

[0086] After a black toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotating body 90 rotates along... Figure 1 The arrow shown in the diagram rotates (clockwise) around the axis of rotation 90C to return to the yellow developing posture. It should be noted that the color of the image initially formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is arbitrary; for example, a black toner image may be formed first.

[0087] Then, by repeating the transfer once, the toner images of the four colors are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, forming a color image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. It should be noted that the secondary transfer roller 12 and the cleaning device 13 do not come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10a until a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0088] On the other hand, sheet S is fed from sheet storage section 300 located at the lower part of the equipment body 1A via pick-up roller 310. Sheet S is sent to transport roller pair 320 in a state of being separated one sheet at a time by feed roller 311 and separation roller 312. Transport roller pair 320 delivers the fed sheet S to transfer section (secondary transfer section), which is a clamping section between intermediate transfer belt 10a and secondary transfer roller 12. In the sheet transport direction CD of transporting sheet S, transport sensor 20 is provided between transport roller pair 320 and secondary transfer roller 12, and transport sensor 20, which serves as a detection unit, can detect sheet S. The timing of sheet S being delivered from transport roller pair 320 to secondary transfer section is determined by the timing of transport sensor 20 detecting the leading edge of sheet S and the timing of forming a color image on intermediate transfer belt 10a. The color image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is transferred (secondary transfer) to the surface of the conveyed sheet S at the secondary transfer section.

[0089] The sheet S, on which a color image has already been transferred, is sent to the fixing unit 40. In the fixing unit 40, the sheet S is processed by heating and pressurizing; thereby, the image is fixed onto the sheet S. The sheet S, having passed through the fixing unit 40, is discharged as a finished product to the outside of the imaging device 1.

[0090] On the other hand, when forming a monochrome image on the sheet S, the rotating body 90 adopts a black development posture. In this state, after an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 by charging and exposing it, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 51k positioned at the development position using black toner. The black toner image is transferred once to the intermediate transfer belt 10a, and then transferred a second time to the sheet S. Subsequent steps are the same as for the color image.

[0091] Rotational structure

[0092] Will use Figure 1 , Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 5 Describe the structure of the rotating body 90. Figure 4A and Figure 4B A cross-sectional view is shown of the rotating main body 90 of the imaging device 1 and its adjacent components. It should be noted that... Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view taken along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90. Figure 5 To show a perspective view of the rotating body 90.

[0093] As described above, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k are detachably attached to the rotating body 90. In the event that the toner in the toner cartridges 70y to 70k is depleted, the toner can be replenished to the imaging device 1 by replacing the toner cartridges 70y to 70k.

[0094] like Figure 1 As shown, the device body 1A includes a frame body 16 that houses the rotating body 90. The frame body 16 is the main frame of the imaging device 1 in this embodiment. The frame body 16 is the outer shell (construction frame) of the device body 1A, which is composed of a frame and external components, and has a generally cuboid shape in this embodiment.

[0095] The frame body 16 is provided with an opening (body opening) 16a. More specifically, the frame body 16 is provided with a side surface 16b extending in a direction intersecting the horizontal direction. The side surface 16b constitutes at least a portion of the outer surface of the +X side of the device body 1A. The opening 16a is provided in this side surface 16b. The side surface 16b is a side surface provided downstream of the discharge port in the discharge direction, on which a sheet S with an image already formed is discharged from the discharge port of the device body 1A along the discharge direction. The user can replenish the sheet S or obtain the sheet S discharged from the discharge port from the side surface 16b side of the imaging device 1 by approaching the sheet receiving portion 300. Therefore, the side surface 16b can be referred to as the front surface (front) of the device body 1A.

[0096] Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k can be detachably attached to the rotating body 90 through opening 16a. In other words, toner cartridge 70k can be considered an example of a first toner cartridge containing toner to be supplied to the first developing roller (developing roller 51k), and can be detachably attached to the rotating body (rotating body 90) through opening 16a of the frame body 16 of the device body 1A. Toner cartridge 70m can be considered an example of a second toner cartridge containing toner to be supplied to the second developing roller (developing roller 51m), and can be detachably attached to the rotating body (rotating body 90) through opening 16a of the frame body 16 of the device body 1A.

[0097] In this embodiment, with the trays 80y to 80k supporting them, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are attached to and detached from the rotating body 90 via the opening 16a. In other words, the user can attach and detach the toner cartridges 70y to 70k from the rotating body 90 via the trays 80y to 80k.

[0098] An opening 16a is provided in a side surface 16b of the frame body 16. In this embodiment, the side surface 16b is a surface that is substantially parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 70 is replaced, the toner cartridge 70 passes through the opening 16a in a direction intersecting the rotation axis 90C (preferably in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis).

[0099] Imaging device 1 includes a door 14 that covers an opening 16a of a frame body 16. The door 14 is movable to a closed position where the opening 16a is covered (see also...). Figure 6A ) and the exposed opening position of opening 16a (see also) Figure 6B and 6C The door 14 is an opening / closing component. In other words, the door 14 closes the opening 16a in the closed position and opens the opening 16a in the open position.

[0100] As described above, in this embodiment, the toner cartridge 70 is configured to be detachably attached to the rotating body 90 via the tray 80. Therefore, the toner cartridge 70 can be stably attached to and detached from the rotating body 90.

[0101] More specifically, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70 by attaching it to and removing it from the tray 80, which is configured to move relative to the rotating body 90 (i.e., relative to the device body 1A). In a configuration where the user replaces the toner cartridge by directly inserting and removing it relative to the device body, the user needs to insert the toner cartridge into a predetermined attachment position within the device body. In this embodiment, the tray 80 is movable while supporting the toner cartridge 70, allowing the toner cartridge 70 to move to the attachment position. Therefore, the user can perform the replacement of the toner cartridge 70 simply by placing it on the tray 80; thus, operability is improved.

[0102] It is important to note that the toner cartridge 70 is constructed as an elongated shape extending in the Y direction, which is the longitudinal direction (parallel to the axis of rotation 90C of the rotating body 90). That is, the dimension of the toner cartridge 70 in the longitudinal direction is greater than the height and width of the cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. When dealing with this elongated toner cartridge 70, the toner cartridge 70 can pass through the opening 16a with a reduced travel distance by arranging an opening 16a in the side surface 16b of the frame body 16 that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the toner cartridge 70. For example, the replacement of the toner cartridge 70 is easier compared to inserting and removing the toner cartridge 70 through an opening arranged in the side surface of the frame body 16 on either side (+Y side or -Y side) of the toner cartridge 70 in the longitudinal direction.

[0103] The rotating body 90 rotates about the rotation axis 90C and can adopt a changing posture that allows disassembly of any one of the toner cartridges 70y to 70k from the rotating body 90. The posture that allows disassembly of toner cartridge 70y is called the yellow changing posture. The posture that allows disassembly of toner cartridge 70m is called the magenta changing posture. The posture that allows disassembly of toner cartridge 70c is called the cyan changing posture.

[0104] The posture that allows disassembly of the toner cartridge 70k is referred to as the black changing posture. The black changing posture is an example of the first changing posture that allows disassembly of the first toner cartridge from the rotating body 90. The yellow / magenta / cyan changing posture is an example of the second changing posture that allows disassembly of the second toner cartridge from the rotating body 90. The yellow / magenta / cyan / black changing posture can also be referred to as the first to fourth changing postures. These designations are used for ease of description only and can be appropriately interchanged in principle.

[0105] Rotating body 90 degrees Figure 1 The rotating body 90 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 90C and can sequentially change postures: yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. In this embodiment, the rotating body 90... Figure 1 It rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 90C, alternating between developing and changing positions. For example, in Figure 1 In this configuration, the rotating body 90 is in a black development posture. By rotating the rotating body 90 clockwise from this state, the posture of the rotating body 90 switches in the following sequence: cyan development posture, yellow development posture, black development posture, magenta development posture, yellow development posture, cyan development posture, and magenta development posture. By rotating the rotating body 90 clockwise from the magenta development posture, the rotating body 90 returns to the black development posture. That is, the rotating body 90 can rotate more than one full circle (360°) clockwise.

[0106] Figure 4A A cross-section of the rotating body 90 is shown in a developing posture (specifically, a yellow developing posture). Figure 4B The cross-section of the rotating body 90 is shown in a state of adopting a changing posture (specifically, the black changing posture).

[0107] like Figure 4A and 4B As shown, four trays 80y to 80k are attached to the rotating body 90. Trays 80y to 80k respectively hold toner cartridges 70y to 70k. Figure 4A and 4B In this state, trays 80y to 80k are housed within the rotating body 90, and it can be said that this state is such that toner cartridges 70y to 70k are attached to developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k.

[0108] As described above, relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50, the toner cartridge 70 is movable to an attachment position and a retracted position. That is, relative to the first receiving frame (developing frame 53k), the first toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70k) is movable to a first attachment position and a first retracted position. Relative to the second receiving frame (developing frame 53m), the second toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70m) is movable to a second attachment position and a second retracted position.

[0109] When in the attached position, the toner cartridge 70 is housed within the frame body 16, and when in the retracted position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is positioned outside the frame body 16. Figure 3 As shown, with the toner cartridge 70 in the attached position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b face each other. In this state, the toner cartridge 70 is configured to supply toner to the developing-side receiving portion 53a through the receiving opening 53b (the opening of the receiving frame).

[0110] The main body 1A of the device includes a moving device 85 configured to move the toner cartridge 70 from an attached position to a retracted position relative to the rotating body 90 (more specifically, relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50). This will be used hereinafter. Figure 8 The moving device 85 will be described below. In this embodiment, multiple moving devices 85y to 85k corresponding to multiple toner cartridges 70y to 70k are provided in the rotating body 90. The trays 80y to 80k can be considered as part of these moving devices 85y to 85k.

[0111] In this embodiment, the toner cartridge 70k storing black toner has a larger size than the toner cartridges 70y to 70c storing yellow, magenta, and cyan toners, and can hold a larger amount of toner. In other words, it can be said that the first toner cartridge can store a first amount of toner, the second toner cartridge can store a second amount of toner, and the first amount is greater than the second amount.

[0112] Specifically, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k in the first radial direction relative to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 is greater than the length of the magenta toner cartridge 70m in the second radial direction. Here, the first radial direction is the rotational radial direction of the rotating body 90 (the radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the rotation axis 90C), and is the direction in which the toner cartridge 70k extends relative to the rotation axis 90C when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C. The second radial direction is the rotational radial direction of the rotating body 90, and is the direction in which the toner cartridge 70m extends relative to the rotation axis 90C when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C. Similarly, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k in the first radial direction is greater than the lengths of the toner cartridges 70y and 70c in the radial directions corresponding to the other toner cartridges 70y and 70c.

[0113] Therefore, the size of the tray 80k holding the black toner cartridge 70k is larger than the size of the trays 80y to 80c holding the other toner cartridges 70y, 70m, and 70c. That is, four toner cartridges 70y to 70k and four trays 80y to 80k of different sizes are arranged within the rotating body 90. In other words, the toner cartridge 70k, serving as an example of the first toner cartridge, and the toner cartridge 70y, serving as an example of the second toner cartridge smaller in size than the first toner cartridge, can be detachably attached to the rotating body 90. Correspondingly, the rotating body 90 is provided with a tray 80k, serving as an example of the first support member supporting the first toner cartridge, and a tray 80y, serving as an example of the second support member smaller in size than the first support member. Additionally, toner cartridges 70m and 70c, serving as examples of the third and fourth toner cartridges smaller in size than the first toner cartridge, can be detachably attached to the rotating body 90. Correspondingly, the rotating body 90 is provided with trays 80m and 80c, as examples of third and fourth support members with dimensions smaller than the first support member.

[0114] Here, we will use Figure 5 Describe the rotation drive of the rotating body 90. For example... Figure 5As shown, disc gears 92L and 92R are formed at both ends of the rotating body 90. Additionally, rotary drive gears 93L and 93R are connected to both ends of the oscillating shaft 91 in a drive-transmitting manner. Here, the driving force of the motor M1 is transmitted to the rotary drive gear 93R via a drive transmission mechanism. Next, the driving force is transmitted to the disc gears 92L and 92R via the rotary drive gears 93L and 93R; thereby, the rotating body 90 is rotatably driven. The rotating body 90 in… Figure 1 It rotates clockwise around the axis of rotation 90C.

[0115] Furthermore, the rotating body 90 is supported so that it can swing about the swing axis 91. The rotating body 90 is supported by a force-applying member (not shown) about the swing axis 91. Figure 4A and 4B A force is applied counterclockwise along the center. This direction can be described 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.

[0116] On the other hand, such as Figure 5 As shown, rotary cams 90eL and 90eR are located at both ends of the rotary body 90. When the rotary body 90 is centered around the rotation axis 90C... Figure 4A and 4B When rotating clockwise, the rotating cams 90eL and 90eR interact with the roller 96 supported by the frame body 16. Figure 4A and 4B ) Contact. Then, the rotating body 90 rotates around the swing axis 91 as the center. Figure 4A and 4B The center moves in a clockwise direction. This direction can be described as the direction in which each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k moves away from the photosensitive drum 2. Additionally, this direction can be described as the direction in which the rotating body 90 approaches the opening 16a and door 14 of the frame body 16.

[0117] Therefore, when the rotating body 90 rotates and switches from the developing posture to the changing posture, the rotating body 90 swings around the swing axis 91. When the rotating body 90 is in the changing posture state, the developing roller 51 separates from the photosensitive drum 2.

[0118] like Figure 4B As shown, in the black-changing position, the toner cartridge 70k stops facing the opening 16a and the door 14, which is located in the side surface 16b of the device body 1A. From this state, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70k when the tray 80k is slidably moved from its attachment position on the developing unit 50k to the outside of the rotating body 90.

[0119] Toner cartridge replacement procedure

[0120] Will use Figure 4A , Figures 6A to 6C as well as Figure 7A and 7B Describe the process of changing the toner cartridge. Figures 6A to 6C This is an external view of the main body 1A of the device. Figure 7A and 7B This is a cross-sectional view showing the area around the rotating body 90 degrees during toner cartridge replacement. Note that... Figure 7A and 7B This is a cross-sectional view of the device taken along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90.

[0121] Figure 6A The diagram shows the appearance of the device body 1A during imaging operation and in standby mode. The term "during imaging operation" refers to the time period from the moment the imaging device 1 feeds the sheet S and forms an image on the sheet S until the sheet is discharged as a finished product, during which a series of operations are performed. The term "standby mode" refers to the state in which the imaging device 1 can initiate imaging operation upon receiving an imaging instruction (printing instruction) and is waiting for an imaging instruction from the user. Figure 6A As shown, the door 14 remains closed during imaging operation and in standby mode.

[0122] Figure 6B The appearance of the device body 1A during toner cartridge replacement is shown. During toner cartridge replacement, door 14 is in the open position, and tray 80 and toner cartridge 70 are moved to the outside of device body 1A.

[0123] The toner cartridge 70 is movable relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50 to an attachment position and a retracted position. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the attachment position relative to the developing frame 53, as... Figure 3 As shown, the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b face each other. Figure 4A and 4B As shown, with the toner cartridge 70 in the attached position, the rotating body 90 is configured to rotate around the rotation axis 90C and assume a developing posture or change posture.

[0124] The toner cartridge replacement procedure will be described. First, the user instructs the control unit 30 of the main unit 1A ( Figure 2 The toner cartridge replacement operation is performed. For example, instructions for the toner cartridge replacement operation are executed via input from the operation panel (operation unit) provided on the main body of the device 1A.

[0125] When the control unit 30 receives a command for a toner cartridge replacement operation, the rotating body 90 rotates to the replacement position for the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced (the toner cartridge 70 where the toner is depleted) and stops. That is, the control unit 30 rotates the rotating body 90 to the toner cartridge replacement position specified in the command for the toner cartridge replacement operation (in... Figure 4B In the black replacement position, the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 that has been indicated for replacement faces the opening 16a of the frame body 16 of the device body 1A.

[0126] For example, Figure 4A The rotating body 90 is positioned in the yellow developing posture, where the yellow developing roller 51y faces the photosensitive drum 2. At this time, the black toner cartridge 70k and tray 80k do not need to face the opening 16a and door 14. In other words, when the rotating body 90 is in a changing posture other than the changing posture of the relevant toner cartridge, or in the developing posture, the toner cartridge 70 and tray 80 do not need to face the opening 16a and door 14. Therefore, the size of the opening 16a only needs to be set to allow each toner cartridge 70 to pass through individually. When the rotating body 90 is in... Figure 4A When rotating clockwise by a predetermined angle from the yellow developing position, such as Figure 4B As shown, the black toner box 70k and tray 80k face the opening 16a and door 14.

[0127] Here, "tray 80 facing opening 16a" means that tray 80 is positioned so that it can be moved to the outside of the device body 1A through opening 16a. That is, with tray 80 facing opening 16a, the tray 80 moves outward in the rotational radial direction of the rotating body 90 via a moving mechanism described below; thereby, the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 supported by the tray 80 can protrude to the outside of the device body 1A. Figure 4A In the middle, none of the pallets 80y to 80k are positioned to face opening 16a. Figure 4B In the middle, only the black pallet 80k faces the opening 16a, while the other pallets 80y to 80c are not positioned to face the opening 16a.

[0128] When the rotating body 90 is positioned in the changing posture, the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced is moved toward the outside of the equipment body 1A by the motor M2.

[0129] As a result, the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced moves from the attached position to the retracted position relative to the rotating body 90. Additionally, as... Figure 6B , 6CAs shown in 7A and 7B, the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced, supported by the relevant tray 80, protrude through the opening 16a to the outside of the device body 1A.

[0130] More specifically, tray 80 is movable relative to the rotating body 90 to a receiving position and a removing position. That is, the first tray is movable relative to the rotating body 90 to a receiving position and a removing position. Additionally, the second tray is movable relative to the rotating body 90 to a receiving position (third position) and a removing position (fourth position). The receiving position is the position where tray 80 is received within the rotating body 90. The removing position is the position where at least a portion of tray 80 protrudes (exposed) outside the rotating body 90 and the toner cartridge 70 can be detached from tray 80 (removable position, replaceable position). An embodiment of the receiving position is... Figure 4A and 4B The positions of each tray from 80y to 80k are shown. An example of the retrieval position is... Figure 6B and 6C Tray 80 in Figure 7A The tray in the middle is 80k, and Figure 7B The pallet is located at position 80m.

[0131] When the tray 80 is in the receiving position, the toner cartridge 70 attached to the tray 80 is positioned inside the rotating body 90 and in the attached position. When the tray 80 is in the removed position, the toner cartridge 70 attached to the tray 80 is positioned outside the rotating body 90 and in the retracted position.

[0132] Here, as Figure 7A and 7B As shown, the rotating body 90 includes a protrusion 95 for holding the toner cartridge 70 in an attached position by holding the tray 80 in the receiving position. Figure 8 As shown, the tray 80 is provided with a recess 87 that engages with the protrusion 95. Figure 7A and 7B The protrusions 95k and 95m corresponding to trays 80k and 80m are shown. Figure 8 Recesses 87y and 87m of trays 80y and 80m are shown; however, a protrusion 95 and a recess 87 are provided for each of trays 80y to 80k. Preferably, the protrusion 95 is stressed in the direction of engagement with the recess 87.

[0133] When the protrusion 95 engages with the recess 87 of the tray 80, the tray 80 is locked relative to the rotating frame 90f. Therefore, even when the rotating body 90 rotates, the tray 80 remains in the receiving position, preventing the toner cartridge 70 from moving from the attached position. It should be noted that when the tray 80 moves between the receiving position and the removal position via the moving device described below, it can be configured such that the protrusion 95 moves through the tray 80, and the protrusion 95 disengages from the recess 87.

[0134] In this embodiment, door 14 is pivotally supported relative to the device body 1A. For example... Figure 7A As shown, door 14 is forced from the open position toward the closed position by spring 14s. Spring 14s is, for example, a tension spring, and exerts force on door 14 so that it is centered on the support shaft 14c of door 14. Figure 7A and 7B A torque is generated in the counterclockwise direction.

[0135] When tray 80 pushes door 14, door 14 changes to the open state. Figure 6B (The state of the tray 80). Alternatively, this state can be described as the state where the tray 80 is supported by the door 14. By supporting at least a portion of the tray 80, which protrudes outside the main body 1A, with the door 14, 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). Furthermore, when the second toner cartridges (toner cartridges 70y to 70c) are in the second retracted position, the opening / closing member (door 14) in the open position supports the second support members (trays 80y to 80c).

[0136] Additionally, in the open position, door 14 is configured to contact a portion of the frame body 16 of the device body 1A (e.g., the lower edge 16c of opening 16a) and is prevented from pivoting downwards beyond the open position. When tray 80 is pulled back from the outside to the inside of the device body 1A, door 14 returns to the closed position by the force applied by spring 14s.

[0137] The toner cartridge 70 is detachably and attachably held in the tray 80. Therefore, as... Figure 6C As shown, the user can remove the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80 and attach a new toner cartridge 70 (replacement operation). In the case of replacing multiple toner cartridges 70, the replacement operation can be performed by repeating the above operation.

[0138] Figure 7A and 7B A cross-section around the rotating body 90 is shown during toner cartridge replacement. Figure 7AThe condition is shown during the replacement of the black toner cartridge 70k. Figure 7B The status is shown during the replacement of the magenta toner cartridge 70m.

[0139] Imaging device 1 is provided with moving devices 85y, 85m, 85c and 85k respectively for moving toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c and 70k from the attached position to the retracted position. Figure 8 When the suffix is ​​omitted and it is referred to as "mobile device 85", it generally refers to any one of mobile devices 85y, 85m, 85c, and 85k. In this embodiment, it can be said that mobile device 85 includes tray 80. It can be said that mobile device 85k including tray 80k is an example of a first mobile device including a first support member. It can be said that mobile device 85m including tray 80m is an example of a second mobile device including a second support member.

[0140] Even when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the tray 80 remains connected to (supported by) the rotating body 90. To facilitate the removal of the toner cartridge 70 from the rotating body 90, it is preferable that the toner cartridge 70 protrudes a relatively long length from the rotating body 90 in the retracted position. Since the toner cartridge 70 is configured to be detachably attached to the rotating body 90 via the tray 80, the toner cartridge 70 can be stably supported by the tray 80 even when the length of the toner cartridge 70 protruding from the rotating body 90 is relatively long.

[0141] The direction of movement of the toner cartridge 70 as it moves from the attached position to the retracted position is referred to as the retraction direction. In this embodiment, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is the direction intersecting the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). Therefore, as... Figure 7A and 7B As shown, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). Alternatively, it can be said that the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is outward in the radial direction of rotation of the rotating body 90 (the direction of movement away from the rotation axis 90C).

[0142] like Figure 7A and 7B As shown, when disassembling the toner cartridge 70, preferably at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotating body 90, so that the user can perform the operation of disassembling the toner cartridge 70 from the rotating body 90. In this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotating body 90.

[0143] When the rotating body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C, it can be said that the rotation trajectory of the rotating body 90 is similar to the circumcircle of the rotating body 90 centered on the rotation axis 90C. Figure 7A and 7B The virtual circle 90V (represented by the dashed line) coincides with the toner cartridge 70. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, it is preferable that more than half of the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the retracted direction is located outside the rotation trajectory of the rotating body 90. That is, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body, with the toner cartridge in the retracted position, it is preferable that more than half of the entire length of the toner cartridge is positioned outside the rotation trajectory of the rotating body relative to the direction of movement of the toner cartridge from the attached position to the retracted position. This applies to each toner cartridge 70, including toner cartridge 70k as an example of a first cartridge and toner cartridge 70m as an example of a second cartridge. In addition, in this embodiment, as Figure 7A and 7B As shown, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 is located outside the rotation trajectory (virtual circle 90V) of the rotating body 90.

[0144] In addition, to facilitate the user's grip on the toner cartridge 70, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, it is preferable that at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is located outside the imaging device 1 (outside the device body 1A). Here, "outside the device" refers to the space outside the imaging device 1 (outside the device body 1A) when the imaging device 1 is used (e.g., during an imaging operation on the sheet S).

[0145] In this embodiment, the outer surface of the device body 1A is formed by the outer surface of the frame body 16. That is, the term "device exterior" can also be said to refer to the exterior of the frame body 16. Therefore, it can also be said that the state in which at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is located outside the device is the state in which at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the opening 16a of the frame body 16 of the device body 1A toward the exterior of the frame body 16.

[0146] In this embodiment, when the door 14 is in the closed position, the opening 16a of the frame body 16 of the device body 1A is covered by the door 14. Thus, the outer surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position forms part of the outer surface of the device body 1A. In this case, the term "device exterior" refers to the exterior of the outer surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position. That is, assuming the position of the outer surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position is referred to as the exterior position, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is positioned further outside the device body 1A than this exterior position.

[0147] In other words, if the door 14 is in the closed position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is positioned in the space outside the device body 1A. Furthermore, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is positioned downstream of the external position relative to the retracted direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0148] Furthermore, when the side surface 16b with the opening 16a is defined as the front of the device body 1A, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 can be said to protrude further towards the front than the outer surface of the front side of the device body 1A. In this case, the user can easily perform the toner cartridge 70 replacement operation by approaching the toner cartridge 70 from the front side of the imaging device.

[0149] It is important to note that when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, it is preferable that more than half of the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the retracted direction is located outside the device. That is, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body, with the toner cartridge in the retracted position, it is preferable that more than half of the entire length of the toner cartridge is positioned outside the main frame relative to the direction of movement of the toner cartridge from the attachment position to the retracted position. This applies to each toner cartridge 70, including toner cartridge 70k as an example of a first cartridge and toner cartridge 70m as an example of a second cartridge. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the entire toner cartridge 70 is located outside the device when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position. It is important to note that in this embodiment, the outer surface 14a and side surface 16b of the door 14 form the outer surface of the front side of the device body 1A; however, the construction of the door 14 is not limited to this. For example, the size of the door 14 can be configured to cover the entire side surface 16b. In this case, the outer surface 14a of the door 14 forms the outer surface of the front side of the device body 1A.

[0150] Tray 80 is provided with a box holder 81 for holding the toner box 70 (see reference). Figure 3 and 6C The box holder 81 is the attached portion to which the toner box 70 is attached. When the tray 80 is in the removed position, it is preferable that the entire box holder 81 is located outside the rotation path of the rotating body 90 relative to the retraction direction. When the tray 80 is in the removed position, it is preferable that at least half the length of the box holder 81 is located outside the device relative to the retraction direction.

[0151] Here, as mentioned above, the dimensions of toner cartridge 70k and tray 80k are larger than the dimensions of other toner cartridges 70y to 70c and trays 80y to 80c. Therefore, as Figure 7A and 7B As shown, in this embodiment, the amount of movement of the tray 80 during toner cartridge replacement varies depending on the size of the toner cartridge 70.

[0152] In particular, such as Figure 7A As shown, when tray 80k (the first support member) moves from the receiving position (first receiving position) to the taking-out position (first taking-out position), the moving distance is L1. When tray 80m (the second support member) moves from the receiving position (second receiving position) to the taking-out position (second taking-out position), the moving distance is L2. Although Figure 7B The diagram shows the state where the toner cartridge 70m and tray 80m have been moved. However, when trays 80y and 80c move from the receiving position to the taking-out position, the distance they move is also L2. In this case, L1 is greater than L2. In other words, it can be said that the distance the first support member moves when the first toner cartridge moves from the first attachment position to the first retracted position is greater than the distance the second support member moves when the second toner cartridge moves from the second attachment position to the second retracted position.

[0153] In addition, such as Figure 7A As shown, with the tray 80k in the removed position and the toner cartridge 70k in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70k protrudes a distance P1 from the outer surface of the device body 1A towards the outside of the device. In this embodiment, the tray 80k also protrudes a distance P1 from the outer surface of the device body 1A towards the outside of the device.

[0154] In addition, such as Figure 7B As shown, with the tray 80m in the removed position and the toner cartridge 70m in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70m protrudes a distance P2 from the outer surface of the device body 1A towards the outside of the device. In this embodiment, the tray 80m also protrudes a distance P2 from the outer surface of the device body 1A towards the outside of the device. Toner cartridges 70y and 70c also protrude a distance P2 from the outer surface of the device body 1A towards the outside of the device.

[0155] The distance P1 mentioned above is greater than the distance P2. That is, the length by which the first toner cartridge, positioned in the first retracted position, protrudes from the opening 16a of the device body 1A is called the first length (P1), and the length by which the second toner cartridge, positioned in the second retracted position, protrudes from the opening 16a is called the second length (P2). In this case, it can be said that the first length is greater than the second length.

[0156] For toner cartridges 70y to 70c, which are smaller in size than toner cartridge 70k, from a structural strength point of view, it is preferable that the distance P2 by which toner cartridges 70y to 70c protrudes outside the device in the retracted position is shorter than the distance P1 by which toner cartridge 70k protrudes outside the device in the retracted position. This is because when toner cartridge 70 is positioned in the retracted position, at least a portion of toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the outer surface of the device body 1A to the outside of the rotation path of the rotating body 90, or protrudes outside the device. At this time, tray 80 supports the weight of toner cartridge 70 in a cantilevered state supported by the rotating body 90. Therefore, by reducing the distance P2 by which toner cartridges 70y to 70c protrudes outside the device in the retracted position, the load applied to trays 80y to 80c and the guide portion 97 supporting trays 80y to 80k can be reduced. In addition, since the toner cartridges 70y to 70c are smaller in size than the toner cartridge 70k, the operability of changing cartridges relative to the trays 80y to 80c can be maintained even though the distance P2 is configured to be shorter than the distance P1.

[0157] Tray arrangement within the rotating body

[0158] Will use Figure 8 , 9 10 describes the arrangement of trays 80y to 80k within the rotating body 90. Figure 8 A perspective view showing the arrangement of trays 80y to 80k within the rotating body 90. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of trays 80y to 80k within the rotating body 90. Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the arrangement of components on one end side of the tray 80y to 80k in the Y direction. Note that... Figure 9 A cross-section of the rotating body 90 taken along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 is shown. Additionally, Figure 10 The upper part is to show from Figure 8 Observed from the upper side (+Z side) Figure 8 The diagram shows the rotating main body 90 and the trays 80m and 80k. Figure 10 The lower half is to show from Figure 8 Observed from the right side (+X side) Figure 8 The diagram shows the rotating body 90 and the trays 80c and 80y.

[0159] like Figure 8 As shown, each of the trays 80y to 80k is provided with a box holding portion 81y to 81k and a guided portion 82y to 82k. Toner cartridges 70y to 70k are respectively attached to the box holding portion 81y to 81k. Each of the box holding portions 81y to 81k accommodates at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70y to 70k attached thereto.

[0160] Guided portions 82y to 82k are provided at the two ends of the tray 80y to 80k that clamp the box holding portions 81y to 81k in the Y direction. The guided portions 82y to 82k are all elongated members extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating body 90.

[0161] In this embodiment, reinforcing rib 82k1 is formed on a portion of the guided portion 82k in the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k, and reinforcing rib 82m1 is formed on a portion of the guided portion 82m in the moving direction Dm of the tray 80m (see also...). Figure 11A and 11B Reinforcing ribs 82k1 and 82m1 protrude outward in the Y direction from the guided portions 82k and 82m located at their two ends in the Y direction of the trays 80k and 80m, and have rib shapes (ridges) that extend in the moving directions Dk and Dm of the trays 80k and 80m. Reinforcing ribs 82k1 and 82m1 enhance the rigidity of the guided portions 82k and 82m.

[0162] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the lengths of the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 are limited to avoid interference with the guided portions 82y and 82c; however, without interference with the guided portions 82y and 82c, the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 can be provided along the entire length of the guided portions 82m and 82k. Reinforcing ribs can be added to the guided portions 82y and 82c. Furthermore, if the guided portions 82m and 82k have sufficient rigidity, a structure without reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 can be used.

[0163] Rack portions 83y to 83k (rack gears) are formed on the guided portions 82y to 82k. Additionally, pinions 94y to 94k are rotatably held within the rotating body 90. The pinions 94y to 94k engage with the rack portions 83y to 83k respectively to transmit drive.

[0164] The tray 80y is provided with one or more rack portions 83y. The rotating body 90 is provided with one or more pinions 94y corresponding to the one or more rack portions 83y. Similarly, trays 80m, 80c, and 80k are provided with one or more rack portions 83m, one or more rack portions 83c, and one or more rack portions 83k, respectively. The rotating body 90 is provided with one or more pinions 94m, one or more pinions 94c, and one or more pinions 94k, respectively corresponding to the one or more rack portions 83m, one or more rack portions 83c, and one or more rack portions 83k.

[0165] The rack and pinion sections 83y to 83k and the trays 80y to 80k constitute part of the moving device 85y to 85k, which is configured to move the toner cartridges 70y to 70k from the attached position to the retracted position. Furthermore, the rack and pinion sections 83y to 83k and the pinions 94y to 94k can be considered part of a driven device driven by the drive device 98 of the device body 1A. The pinions 94y to 94k can be considered a rotating member (rotating component) that moves the trays 80y to 80k relative to the rotating body 90 by rotation.

[0166] The moving devices 85y to 85k are driven by the drive device 98 of the device body 1A. The pinions 94y to 94k and the rack portions 83y to 83k serve as driven parts, enabling the moving devices 85y to 85k of the rotating body 90 to receive driving force from the drive device 98 of the device body 1A. The rack portion 83k is an example of a first rack gear, which constitutes at least a portion of a first driven part provided in the first moving device. The rack portion 83m is an example of a second rack gear, which constitutes at least a portion of a second driven part provided in the second moving device.

[0167] The rotating body 90 includes a guide 97 that engages with each of the guided portions 82y to 82k (see reference). Figure 7A and 7B ). Figure 7A A guide 97 (97k) is shown that engages with the guide 82k of the tray 80k. Figure 7B A guide portion 97 (97m) is shown that engages with the guided portion 82m of the tray 80m. The rotating body 90 is provided with a similar guide portion that engages with the guided portions 82y and 82c of the trays 80y and 80c. Additionally, although... Figure 7A and 7B A guide portion 97 is shown on one side (+Y side) of the rotating body 90 in the Y direction, but a similar guide portion 97 is also provided on the other side (Y side) of the rotating body 90 in the Y direction.

[0168] When the tray 80 moves between the receiving position and the removal position, the guide portion 97 remains engaged with the guided portion 82k for at least a portion of the movement range and guides the tray 80 in the movement direction. In this embodiment, the guide portion 97 remains engaged with the guided portion 82k throughout the entire movement range of the tray 80k between the receiving position and the removal position. Additionally, in this embodiment, the guide portion 97 remains engaged with the guided portion 82m throughout the entire movement range of the tray 80m between the receiving position and the removal position. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 and 9 As shown, within the rotating body 90, four trays 80y to 80k are arranged to overlap each other, as specifically described below.

[0169] When the pinions 94y to 94k rotate, the rack portions 83y to 83k and the trays 80y to 80k move relative to the rotating body 90. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the four trays 80y to 80k are configured relative to the rotating body 90 such that the directions of movement of the trays 80y to 80k are rotated 90 degrees relative to each other. Therefore, trays 80y and 80c, and trays 80m and 80k, are each held to be able to slide slidably in substantially the same direction (parallel direction). During such sliding movement, the direction of movement of each of the trays 80y to 80k is limited by the aforementioned engagement between the guided portions 82y to 82k and the guide portion 97.

[0170] It should be noted that pallets 80y to 80k are moved outside the equipment through opening 16a. When each of pallets 80y to 80k is moved outside the equipment through opening 16a, the direction of movement of each pallet is approximately the same (parallel).

[0171] like Figure 9 As shown, the setting range of tray 80k is arranged to overlap with the setting range of tray 80y and tray 80c relative to the moving direction Dk of tray 80k. Furthermore, the setting range of tray 80k overlaps with the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 relative to the moving direction Dk of tray 80k. In other words, it can be said that the toner cartridge 70k held by the cartridge holding portion 81k of tray 80k overlaps with the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90. Figure 4B ).

[0172] On the other hand, relative to the moving direction Dm of pallet 80m, the setting range of pallet 80m is arranged in a staggered manner that does not overlap with the setting ranges of pallet 80y and pallet 80c. Similarly, relative to the moving direction Dy of pallet 80y, the setting range of pallet 80y is arranged in a staggered manner that does not overlap with the setting ranges of pallet 80m and pallet 80k. Likewise, relative to the moving direction Dc of pallet 80c, the setting range of pallet 80c is arranged in a staggered manner that does not overlap with the setting ranges of pallet 80m and pallet 80k.

[0173] The positional relationship between trays 80 can also be described as follows: When viewed along the moving direction Dy of tray 80y, tray 80y overlaps with 80k, but tray 80y does not overlap with 80m. When viewed along the moving direction Dm of tray 80m, tray 80m overlaps with 80k, but tray 80m does not overlap with trays 80y and 80c. When viewed along the moving direction Dc of tray 80c, tray 80c overlaps with 80k, but tray 80c does not overlap with 80m.

[0174] Here, when two elements (components, parts, units, etc.) overlap when viewed along a specific direction, it means that when each element is orthogonally projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the aforementioned specific direction, the projection area of ​​one element and the projection area of ​​the other element at least partially overlap.

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

[0176] With respect to the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the arrangement ranges of the rack portion 83y and the guided portion 82y, as well as the arrangement ranges of the rack portion 83c and the guided portion 82c, at least partially overlap. That is, in this embodiment, with respect to the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body, the arrangement ranges of the third rack gear (rack portion 83y) and the fourth rack gear (rack portion 83c) at least partially overlap. Therefore, compared to an arrangement where the rack portion 83y and the guided portion 82y do not overlap with the rack portion 83c and the guided portion 82c, the rack portions 83y and 83c, and the guided portions 82y and 82c, can be arranged in a space-saving manner relative to the Y direction.

[0177] Here, we will use Figure 10 Describe the engagement position between the rack section (rack gear) 83 and the pinion 94. Figure 10 The upper part shows the engagement position of the rack section 83k and the pinion 94k. Figure 10 The lower half shows the engagement position of the rack section 83c and the pinion 94c.

[0178] In the direction (Y direction) relative to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90, in Figure 10 In region Y1, from motor M2 (which serves as the drive source) Figure 2 The driving force transmitted via the following transmission device is transmitted to the pinion gears 94y to 94k. Relative to the Y direction, in Figure 10 In region Y2, the pinion 94k engages with the rack section 83k in a manner capable of transmitting drive. Relative to the Y direction, in Figure 10In region Y3, pinion 94c engages with rack 83c in a manner capable of transmitting drive. It should be noted that, similar to rack 83k, in region Y2, rack 83m engages with pinion 94m in a manner capable of transmitting drive. Figure 8 ) engagement. Similar to rack portion 83c, in region Y3, rack portion 83y engages with pinion 94y in a manner capable of transmitting drive. Figure 8 ) join.

[0179] Here, regions Y2 and Y3 are positioned differently in the Y direction (they are offset in the Y direction). Furthermore, region Y1 is positioned differently in the Y direction than regions Y2 and Y3. In other words, region Y1 is offset in the Y direction relative to regions Y2 and Y3.

[0180] Furthermore, when the toner cartridges 70y and 70c are in the attached position, the setting range of the rack portion 83y and the setting range of the rack portion 83c at least partially overlap with each other relative to the moving direction of the rack portion 83y (the moving direction Dy of the tray 80y). In this embodiment, since the moving direction Dy of the tray 80y and the moving direction Dc of the tray 80c are approximately the same direction (parallel), the setting range of the rack portion 83y and the setting range of the rack portion 83c also at least partially overlap with each other relative to the moving direction Dc of the tray 80c. Therefore, when the toner cartridges 70y and 70c are in the attached position, relative to the direction orthogonal to the moving direction Dy of the rack portion 83y and the moving direction Dc of the rack portion 83c (… Figure 8 (in the left and right direction), the corresponding tooth surfaces of rack parts 83y and 83c are opposite to each other.

[0181] Furthermore, when the toner cartridges 70m and 70k are in the attached position, the mounting range of the rack portion 83m and the mounting range of the rack portion 83k at least partially overlap with respect to the moving direction of the rack portion 83m (the moving direction Dm of the tray 80m). In this embodiment, since the moving direction Dm of the tray 80m and the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k are approximately the same direction (parallel), the mounting range of the rack portion 83m and the mounting range of the rack portion 83k also at least partially overlap with respect to the moving direction Dk of the tray 80k. Therefore, when the toner cartridges 70m and 70k are in the attached position, relative to the direction orthogonal to the moving direction Dm of the rack portion 83m and the moving direction Dk of the rack portion 83k (… Figure 8 (in the vertical direction), the corresponding tooth surfaces of rack sections 83m and 83k are opposite to each other.

[0182] Additionally, as described below Figure 12AAs shown, when viewed along the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83y overlaps with rack portions 83m and 83k. When viewed along the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83m overlaps with rack portions 83y and 83c. When viewed along the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83c overlaps with rack portions 83m and 83k. When viewed along the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83k overlaps with rack portions 83y and 83c. In other words, it can be said that, relative to the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body, the setting range of the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) and the setting range of the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) do not overlap. Furthermore, when viewed along the rotation axis (Y direction) of the rotating body, with the first toner cartridge 70k in the first attachment position and the second toner cartridge 70y in the second attachment position, it can be said that the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) and the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) overlap.

[0183] In this way, since the rack portions 83k and 83m are positioned differently from the rack portions 83y and 83c relative to the Y direction, the rack portions 83y and 83c, as well as the rack portions 83m and 83k, can be arranged to overlap when viewed along the Y direction.

[0184] This allows for a space-saving arrangement of the four trays within the rotating body 90, and also enables miniaturization of the rotating body 90 in the radial direction of rotation. In other words, if the rack portions 83 are arranged so that they do not overlap when viewed along the Y direction while maintaining the same travel distance for each tray 80y to 80k as in this embodiment, the area required to arrange the four rack portions when viewed along the Y direction will increase. Compared to this configuration, by arranging multiple rack portions 83 at staggered positions along the Y direction and making the rack portions 83 overlap when viewed along the Y direction, the area required for the rack portions 83 when viewed along the Y direction can be reduced.

[0185] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the four rack portions 83y to 83k are arranged in two groups of two, with their positions staggered in the Y direction. In other words, it can be said that, relative to the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body, the arrangement ranges of the first rack gear and the second rack gear overlap, and the arrangement ranges of the third rack gear and the fourth rack gear overlap. Alternatively, it can be said that, relative to the Y direction, the arrangement ranges of the first and second rack gears, as well as the arrangement ranges of the third and fourth rack gears, are arranged so that they do not overlap. Therefore, compared to the case where each of the four rack portions 83y to 83k is staggered in the Y direction, miniaturization of the rotating body 90 in the Y direction can be achieved.

[0186] Pallet moving structure

[0187] Will use Figure 11A , 11B 12A and 12B describe the construction relating to the movement of the trays 80y to 80k disposed within the rotating body 90. Figure 11A and 11B A perspective view showing the structure related to the movement of the tray 80k. Figure 12A and 12B A cross-sectional view showing the construction related to the movement of pallet 80k.

[0188] In this embodiment, trays 80y to 80k are all driven by the driving force of motor M2, which is transmitted to pinions 94y to 94k via drive racks 15L and 15R, which serve as transmission devices. Here, the structure for the movement of tray 80k relative to the rotating body 90 will be described, and since the structure for the movement of trays 80y to 80c relative to the rotating body 90 is substantially similar to the structure for the movement of tray 80k, it will not be described again.

[0189] Figure 11A This shows the tray 80k positioned inside the rotating body 90 (i.e., the toner cartridge 70k attached to the developing unit 50k). In other words, Figure 11A This shows the tray 80k in its receiving position, which corresponds to the toner cartridge 70k relative to the developing frame 53k. Figure 4A (This refers to the state of being in an attached position.) Figure 11B This shows the state where the tray 80k has been slidably moved outside the rotating body 90. In other words, Figure 11B The image shows tray 80k in the removed position, which corresponds to toner cartridge 70k relative to developer frame 53k. Figure 4A It is in the retracted position.

[0190] The main body 1A of this embodiment includes drive racks 15L and 15R, which serve as drive gears for the pinion 94. Each of the drive racks 15L and 15R is driven by a motor M2 via a transmission unit 15t. Figure 11A As shown, with the tray 80k positioned inside the rotating body 90 (i.e., with the toner cartridge 70k attached to the developing unit 50k), the drive racks 15L and 15R are in a non-engaged position, separated from the pinion 94k. The drive racks 15L and 15R engage with the pinion 94k by moving from the non-engaged position, causing the tray 80k to move from the receiving position to the retrieved position and the toner cartridge 70k to move from the attached position to the retracted position.

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

[0192] However, these designations are used merely for ease of description and are, in principle, interchangeable. When there is no need to distinguish between drive racks 15L and 15R, they will be referred to as "drive rack 15".

[0193] In this embodiment, the rack portion 83 is configured as a rack and pinion pair, and the pinion 94 is configured as a pinion pair. Although in this embodiment, the rack and pinion pair and the pinion pair are provided on one end and the other end of the support member (pallet 80) in the Y direction, they can be provided in other locations. The rack portion 83k and the pinion 94k corresponding to the pallet 80k can be referred to as examples of the first rack and pinion pair and examples of the first pinion pair, respectively.

[0194] It can be said that the rack portions 83y to 83c and the pinions 94y to 94c corresponding to any one of the other pallets 80y to 80c are examples of the second rack and pinion pair and the second pinion pair, respectively.

[0195] One of the rack and pinion pairs engages with one of the pinion pairs, and the other of the rack and pinion pairs engages with the other of the pinion pairs. At least one of the pinion pairs is driven by a drive rack 15L, which serves as the first drive rack. In this embodiment, both pinions in the pinion pairs are simultaneously driven by both the drive rack 15L, which serves as the first drive rack, and the drive rack 15R, which serves as the second drive rack. Therefore, the tray 80 is less likely to rotate, and the toner cartridge 70 can move stably. Note that the tray 80 can be configured such that it includes a rack portion 83 and is moved by a drive rack 15 via a pinion 94.

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

[0197] Will use Figure 11A and 11B This describes a pallet moving operation for slidably moving pallet 80k between a receiving position and a taking position. The pallet moving operation of pallet 80k is powered by motor M2 ( Figure 2 The transmission unit 15t, drive rack 15, pinion 94k and rack unit 83k are executed.

[0198] First, the tray movement operation (tray removal operation) when removing the toner cartridge 70k from the rotating body 90 will be described. In the state prior to starting the tray removal operation, the drive rack 15 is positioned below its engagement point with the pinion 94k ( Figure 11A Furthermore, as described above, during the toner cartridge 70k replacement operation, the rotating body 90 adopts the toner cartridge 70k replacement posture. Figure 4B ).

[0199] When the tray removal operation begins, the drive rack 15 is slidably moved in the upward direction of the device body 1A by the driving force of the motor M2. During the movement of the drive rack 15, the drive rack 15 engages with the pinion 94k; thereby, the pinion 94k is rotatably driven.

[0200] like Figure 11B As shown, when the pinion 94k is along Figure 11B When the direction of the arrow in the diagram is rotatably driven, driving force is input to the rack portion 83k that engages 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 is determined by the guide portion 82k and the guide portion 97k of the rotating body 90. Figure 7A The engagement between the two is guided on the predetermined movement direction Dk. As the tray 80k moves from the receiving position to the taking-out position, the toner cartridge 70k moves from the attachment position to the retracted position relative to the developing unit 50k.

[0201] With the tray 80k in the removed position and the toner cartridge 70k in the retracted position, the user can attach and detach the toner cartridge 70k relative to the tray 80k.

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

[0203] By along and Figure 11B The pinion 94k is rotatably driven in the opposite direction of the arrow in the diagram, and the driving force is input to the rack portion 83k that engages with the pinion 94k. As a result, the tray 80k is pulled into the device and moves relative to the rotating body 90 from the take-out position to the receiving position.

[0204] The direction of movement of the tray 80k is determined by the guide part 82k and the guide part 97k of the rotating body 90. Figure 7A The engagement between ) guides the movement direction Dk (and ) Figure 11B (In the opposite direction of the arrow in the image). As the tray 80k moves from the take-out position to the storage position, the toner cartridge 70k moves from the retracted position to the attachment position relative to the developing unit 50k.

[0205] Although the movement of the black tray 80k and the black toner cartridge 70k has been described above, the movement of the remaining trays 80y to 80c and toner cartridges 70y to 70c is performed by a similar mechanism. In other words, in each toner cartridge change position, the drive rack 15 transmits driving force to the pinions 94y to 94c.

[0206] The drive unit 98 for driving the moving device 85 installed in the rotating body 90 consists of a motor M2 installed in the equipment body 1A and a transmission device 110 including a drive rack 15 (15L, 15R), a pinion 94 and a transmission unit 15t.

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

[0208] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the driving object of the drive device 98 is switched due to the rotation of the rotating body 90. In other words, the drive device in this embodiment includes a drive rack 15 as a transmission member for transmitting the driving force of the drive source. The drive device can be in a state in which the transmission member is engaged with the first driven part (pinion 94k) in a manner that enables drive transmission, and in a state in which the transmission member is engaged with the second driven part (pinion 94m) in a manner that enables drive transmission. In addition, the drive device can be in a state in which the transmission member is disengaged from the first driven part and the second driven part.

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

[0210] Figure 12A This shows the state in which the tray 80k is positioned inside the rotating body 90 (the state in which it is positioned in the receiving position). Figure 12B This shows the state where the tray 80k has been moved outside the rotating body 90 (it has been moved to the removal position).

[0211] like Figure 12A As shown, when the tray 80k is positioned inside the rotating body 90, the drive rack 15 is positioned in the lower portion of the device body 1A. At this time, the drive rack 15 retracts from the pinion 94k. Therefore, the drive rack 15 does not constitute an obstruction, and the rotating body 90 can rotate. More specifically, the drive rack 15 can retract into the rotating body 90... Figure 12A and 12B The outer side of the rotation trajectory is shown by the dashed line in the diagram.

[0212] As described above, by rotatably driving the motor M2 in both the forward and reverse directions, the tray 80 attached to the rotating body 90 can move relative to the rotating body 90 from the receiving position to the taking-out position, and from the taking-out position to the receiving position. That is, the drive device in this embodiment not only drives each moving device of the rotating body to move the toner cartridge from the attached position to the retracted position, but also drives each moving device to move the toner cartridge from the retracted position to the attached position.

[0213] Here, as described above, in this embodiment, the amount of movement of the tray 80 during toner cartridge replacement varies according to the size of the toner cartridge 70. Specifically, as... Figure 7A and 7B As shown, the movement distance L1 of the black tray 80k from the receiving position to the taking position is greater than the movement distance L2 of the other trays 80y to 80c from the receiving position to the taking position.

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

[0215] For example, such as Figure 10 As shown, pinion 94y is constructed as a stepped gear, and the pitch circle radius of the small-diameter gear 942, which engages with rack portion 83y, is smaller than the pitch circle radius of the large-diameter gear 941, which engages with drive rack 15. Pinions 94m and 94c are similarly constructed as stepped gears. On the other hand, pinion 94k is constructed to have the same pitch circle radius in both the portion engaging with drive rack 15 and the portion engaging with rack portion 83k. In this case, the pitch circle radius of pinion 94k can be constructed to be the same as the pitch circle radius of the large-diameter gear 941 of pinions 94y to 94c. According to this configuration, even if the travel distance of drive rack 15 is the same, the travel distance of rack portion 83k can be increased relative to the travel distance of the other rack portions 83y to 83c. That is, the travel distance L1 when black tray 80k moves from the receiving position to the taking position can be greater than the travel distance L2 when other trays 80y to 80c move from the receiving position to the taking position.

[0216] Furthermore, by constructing pinions 94y to 94c as stepped gears, even if pinions 94y to 94k are constructed to receive driving force from the same drive rack 15, the travel distance L1 of pallet 80k can be increased relative to the travel distance L2 of other pallets 80y to 80c.

[0217] It should be noted that instead of (or in combination with) the pinions 94y to 94c being constructed as stepped gears, the pinion 94k can also be constructed as a stepped gear. In this case, the portion of the pinion 94k that engages with the drive rack 15 can be constructed as a small-diameter gear, and the portion of the pinion 94k that engages with the rack portion 83k can be constructed as a large-diameter gear, the large-diameter gear having a pitch circle radius larger than that of the small-diameter gear. Furthermore, the stepped gear is an example of a reduction mechanism and can be replaced by a known reduction mechanism that reduces the amount of movement of the component on the output side (pallet 80 side) relative to the amount of movement of the component on the input side (drive source side).

[0218] Furthermore, the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 when moving the toner cartridge 70k from the attached position to the retracted position can be increased relative to the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 when moving the toner cartridges 70y to 70c from the attached position to the retracted position.

[0219] Incidentally, the shorter the distance the toner cartridge 70 moves from the attached position to the retracted position, the more the movement time of the toner cartridge 70 can be reduced, and the more the user's waiting time for the toner cartridge 70 to move can be shortened. As described above, if the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 relative to the toner cartridge 70k is configured to be greater than the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 relative to the toner cartridges 70y to 70c, the user's waiting time for the toner cartridges 70y to 70c to move can be shortened.

[0220] Using the above configuration, the movement distance L1 can be greater than the movement distance L2. These configurations can also be used in combination.

[0221] It should be noted that, although in the above configuration, the driven part includes a pinion 94 that engages with both the drive rack 15 and the rack portion 83, the driven part may include one gear that engages with the drive rack 15 and another gear that engages with the rack portion 83.

[0222] Furthermore, the structure used to move the pallet 80 is not limited to the so-called rack and pinion structure. For example, the component corresponding to the pinion 94 can be replaced by a roller that is rotated by receiving the drive of the motor M2, and the pallet 80 can be moved by friction between the roller and the pallet 80.

[0223] Alternatively, when using rollers that rotate via the drive of the receiving motor M2, the rollers and the toner cartridges 70 can be brought into contact with each other. In this case, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k can be configured to be directly and detachably attached to the rotating body 90 without the intervention of the trays 80y to 80k. In this case, the moving device 85 is composed of rollers.

[0224] Door opening restriction mechanism

[0225] Next, we will use Figures 13A to 14D Describes a mechanism for restricting the movement of door 14 from the closed position to the open position. Figure 13A To show a perspective view of the door 14 in the closed position and the tray 80 in the receiving position, Figure 13B A cross-sectional view is shown of the door 14 in the closed position and the tray 80 in the receiving position. Figure 13C A perspective view showing the state in which the drive rack 15 moves upward from the non-engaged position. Figure 13D A cross-sectional view showing the state in which the drive rack 15 moves upward from the non-engaged position. Figure 14A A perspective view showing the state in which the drive rack 15 moves further upward from the non-engaged position. Figure 14B A cross-sectional view showing the door 14 being pressed towards the open position by the tray 80. Figure 14C To show a perspective view of the tray 80 positioned in the retrieval position, Figure 14DThis is a cross-sectional view showing the tray 80 in the retrieved position and the door 14 in the open position. Note that... Figures 13A to 14D The toner box 70 supported by the tray 80 and the spring 14s that exert force on the door 14 are not shown.

[0226] As used above Figures 6A to 7B As described, door 14 is pivotally supported relative to the device body 1A. Springs 14s exert force on door 14 from the open position toward the closed position. For example, during imaging and in standby mode, door 14 is positioned in the closed position due to the force exerted by springs 14s. On the other hand, during toner cartridge 70 replacement, tray 80 pushes door 14, thereby moving door 14 from the closed position to the open position. That is, except when replacing toner cartridge 70, door 14 remains in the closed position. It should be noted that when toner cartridge 70 moves from the attached position to the retracted position, door 14 can be moved from the closed position to the open position by pushing door 14 with toner cartridge 70.

[0227] When door 14 is in the closed position, as described above, spring 14s exerts force on door 14 from the open position toward the closed position. However, if the torque acting on door 14 due to the force exerted by a user attempting to open door 14 is greater than the torque exerted on door 14 due to the force exerted by spring 14s, door 14 will be opened. For example, if a user touches the rotating body 90 during imaging operation, the position of the developing roller 51 may shift relative to the photosensitive drum 2, and the uniformity of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 may be affected. Furthermore, when door 14 is closed, the likelihood of foreign objects, such as dust, entering the frame body 16 is lower than when door 14 is open. Therefore, it is desirable that door 14 is always locked in the closed position, except when changing the toner cartridge 70.

[0228] As described above, the drive from the motor M2 is transmitted to the tray 80, which is part of the moving device 85, via drive racks 15L and 15R, which are at least part of the transmission device 110, and pinion 94. Therefore, the tray 80 can move between a receiving position and a taking position.

[0229] like Figure 13A and 13BAs shown, when the imaging device 1 is performing imaging or in standby mode, the tray 80 is positioned in the receiving position within the rotating body 90. At this time, the door 14 is positioned in the closed position by the force applied by the spring 14s to close the opening 16a. In this embodiment, the drive rack 15 is provided with a door limiting part 151 that can contact the limiting part 141 of the door 14. That is, the door limiting part 151 is integrally formed with the drive rack 15 and moves in conjunction with the drive rack 15. The door limiting part 151 is an example of a movement limiting part. The drive rack 15 is a rack member capable of sliding movement. It should be noted that the door limiting part 151 may be provided only on the drive rack 15R, only on the drive rack 15L, or on both the drive racks 15R and 15L, and in the following, the drive racks 15R and 15L will be described as the drive rack 15 without distinction.

[0230] With the drive rack 15 in the non-engaged position, the tray 80 in the receiving position, and the door 14 in the closed position, the door restrictor 151 is positioned opposite the restricted portion 141 of the door 14 in the X direction. The door restrictor 151 is configured to overlap with the movement trajectory of the door 14 as it moves from the closed position to the open position. In other words, the door restrictor 151 is in a restrictive state that limits the movement of the door 14 from the closed position to the open position. It should be noted that at this time, the door restrictor 151 may contact the restricted portion 141 of the door 14, or it may be configured to be positioned opposite the restricted portion 141 with a gap between them.

[0231] In other words, the door restriction part 151 in the restricted state is configured to overlap with the movement trajectory of the restriction part 141 when the door 14 moves from the closed position to the open position. In other words, the door restriction part 151 in the restricted state is positioned inside the movement trajectory of the restriction part 141 when the door 14 moves from the closed position to the open position. Here, the movement trajectory of the restriction part 141 refers to the space traversed by the restriction part 141 when the door 14 moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0232] Therefore, even if a user attempts to open the door 14 from the closed position to the open position, the restricted portion 141 of the door 14 will abut against the door restriction portion 151; thus, the movement of the door 14 from the closed position to the open position is restricted. In other words, when the imaging device 1 is performing imaging or is in standby mode, it can prevent the user from accidentally opening the door 14.

[0233] like Figure 13C and 13D As shown, when the toner cartridge 70 (not shown) supported by the tray 80 is replaced, the motor M2 (see Figure 1) which serves as the drive source... Figure 2The door 14 is driven. Then, the driving force of motor M2 is transmitted to drive rack 15 via transmission section 15t, and drive rack 15 moves upward in the Z direction. Therefore, the door limiting section 151 of drive rack 15 is no longer opposite the limited section 141 of door 14 in the X direction, and instead shifts away from the limited section 141 in the Z direction. In other words, door limiting section 151 separates from the limited section 141. Thus, door limiting section 151 changes to a permissive state that allows door 14 to move from the closed position to the open position, and door 14 becomes movable from the closed position towards the open position. Door limiting section 151 is configured to move by the driving force of motor M2. Then, door limiting section 151 changes from a limiting state to a permissive state by the driving force of motor M2.

[0234] In other words, the door restriction 151 in the allowed state is configured not to overlap with the movement trajectory of the restriction 141 when the door 14 moves from the closed position to the open position. In other words, the door restriction 151 in the allowed state is positioned outside the movement trajectory of the restriction 141 when the door 14 moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0235] At this time, the drive rack 15 has not yet engaged with the pinion 94, and the tray 80 has not yet moved from the receiving position. Therefore, the tray 80 is not in contact with the door 14. That is, the door restriction 151 changes from a restricted state to a permitted state before the tray 80 moves from the receiving position to the retracted position. In other words, the door restriction 151 changes from a restricted state to a permitted state before the toner cartridge 70 supported by the tray 80 moves from the attached position to the retracted position.

[0236] The drive rack (rack and pinion) 15 is an example of a first gear and a gear driven by the motor M2. Additionally, the pinion 94 is an example of a second gear driven by the drive rack 15. As described above, the drive rack 15 moves via the motor M2. The drive rack 15 can move between an engaged position where the drive rack 15 engages with the pinion 94 and a disengaged position where the drive rack 15 is separated from the pinion 94. The disengaged position of the drive rack 15 is an example of the disengaged position. When an imaging operation is performed on the sheet S or when the rotating body 90 rotates, the drive rack 15 is positioned in the disengaged position. When a movement operation is performed that moves the toner cartridge 70 from the attached position to the retracted position, the drive rack 15 moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The gate restriction 151 changes from a restricted state to an allowed state before the drive rack 15 moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position. That is, the gate restriction 151 changes from a restricted state to an allowed state before the drive rack 15 and the pinion 94 begin to engage.

[0237] Then, as Figure 14A and 14BAs shown, when the drive rack 15 moves further upward in the Z direction, the drive rack 15 causes the pinion 94 to rotate. Since the rack portion 83 of the tray 80 engages with the pinion 94, the tray 80 moves in the X direction from the receiving position toward the taking-out position as the pinion 94 rotates. When the door 14 is pressed by the tray 80, the door 14 pivots from the closed position toward the open position while overcoming the force applied by the spring 14s.

[0238] like Figure 14C and 14D As shown, with the tray 80 positioned in the take-out position, the door 14 is positioned in the open position. At this time, the support portion 14f of the door 14 supports the tray 80 positioned in the take-out position from below. As a result, since the tray 80 is stably held in the take-out position, operability is improved when attaching and detaching the toner cartridge 70 (not shown) relative to the tray 80.

[0239] When the tray 80 is moved from the removed position to the receiving position after the toner cartridge 70 has been replaced, the drive rack 15 moves downward in the -Z direction and returns to the non-engaged position. Therefore, as... Figure 13B As shown, the door limiting portion 151 of the drive rack 15 is once again opposite the restricted portion 141 of the door 14, and changes to the limiting state.

[0240] As described above, in this embodiment, the door limiting part 151 is provided in the transmission device 110 (see [link]). Figure 11A and 11B The toner cartridge 70 is moved from the attached position to the retracted position by the driving force of the motor M2 transmitted by the transmission device 110. When the toner cartridge 70 is positioned in the attached position, the door restriction part 151 is in a restricted state that restricts the door 14 from moving from the closed position to the open position. Therefore, when the imaging device 1 is performing imaging or in standby mode, it can prevent the user from accidentally opening the door 14.

[0241] Furthermore, during the movement of the moving device 85, before the toner cartridge 70 moves from the attached position to the retracted position, the door restriction portion 151 changes from a restricted state to an open state. Therefore, when the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 presses against the door 14 during the movement of the moving device 85, the door restriction portion 151 is in the open state and does not obstruct the door 14 from moving to the open position. Thus, damage to the door 14 and the tray 80 can be prevented.

[0242] Second Embodiment

[0243] Next, a second embodiment of this disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, the door limiting part 151 of the first embodiment is configured to be disposed on a member separate from the drive rack 15. Therefore, for configurations similar to those in the first embodiment, figures will be omitted or the same reference numerals will be used in the drawings for description.

[0244] Door opening restriction mechanism

[0245] Will use Figures 15A to 16D A mechanism for restricting the movement of door 14 from a closed position to an open position according to a second embodiment is described. Figure 15A To show a rear view of the door limiting member 181 positioned in the restricted position, Figure 15B A cross-sectional view is shown of the door 14 in the closed position and the tray 80 in the receiving position. Figure 15C To show the rear view of the door limiting member 181 being pressed down by the upward-moving drive rack 15, Figure 15D A cross-sectional view showing the state in which the drive rack 15 moves upward from the non-engaged position. Figure 16A To show the state where the drive rack 15 moves further upward, a rear view is provided. Figure 16B A cross-sectional view showing the door 14 being pressed towards the open position by the tray 80. Figure 16C To show a rear view of the door limiting member 181 positioned in the retracted position, Figure 16D This is a cross-sectional view showing the tray 80 in the retrieved position and the door 14 in the open position. Note that... Figures 15A to 16D The toner box 70 supported by the tray 80 and the spring 14s that exert force on the door 14 are not shown.

[0246] like Figure 15A and 15B As shown, when the imaging device 1 is performing imaging or in standby mode, the tray 80 is positioned in the receiving position, wherein the tray 80 is received in the rotating body 90. At this time, the door 14 is positioned in the closed position, wherein the door 14 closes the opening 16a by the force applied by the spring 14s. The transmission device 110 of this embodiment (see reference) Figure 11A and 11B The system includes a door limiting member 181, which serves as a limiting member separately constructed from and adjacent to the drive rack 15. Two door limiting members 181 may be provided corresponding to the left drive rack 15L and the right drive rack 15R, or one may be provided corresponding to either the left drive rack 15L or the right drive rack 15R.

[0247] The door limiting member 181 is configured to be slidably movable in the Y-axis direction, force-applied in the Y-direction by the force-applying member 182, and positioned in a limiting position in which the door limiting member 181 contacts the drive rack 15 positioned in a non-engaged position. The door limiting member 181 includes a door limiting portion 181a and an inclined surface 181b, the door limiting portion being disposed at the distal end of the door limiting member 181 in the Y-direction, and the inclined surface extending downstream in the Z-direction as it extends downstream in the Y-direction. The door limiting member 181 is an example of a movement limiting portion.

[0248] With the drive rack 15 in the non-engaged position, the tray 80 in the receiving position, and the door 14 in the closed position, the door limiting portion 181a of the door limiting member 181, positioned in the limiting position, is configured to contact the restricted portion 141 of the door 14 in the X direction. Furthermore, the door limiting portion 181a of the door limiting member 181 is configured to overlap with the movement trajectory of the door 14 as it moves from the closed position to the open position. In other words, the door limiting member 181 is in a limiting state that restricts the door 14 from moving from the closed position to the open position.

[0249] In other words, the door limiting portion 181a of the door limiting member 181 in the restricted state is configured to overlap with the movement trajectory of the limiting portion 141 when the door 14 moves from the closed position to the open position. In other words, the door limiting portion 181a of the door limiting member 181 in the restricted state is located inside the movement trajectory of the limiting portion 141 when the door 14 moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0250] Therefore, even if a user attempts to open the door 14 from the closed position to the open position, the restricted portion 141 of the door 14 will abut against the door restriction portion 181a; thus, the movement of the door 14 from the closed position to the open position is restricted. In other words, when the imaging device 1 is performing imaging or is in standby mode, it can prevent the user from accidentally opening the door 14.

[0251] like Figure 15C and 15D As shown, when the toner cartridge 70 (not shown) supported by the tray 80 is replaced, the motor M2 (see Figure 1) activates. Figure 2 The motor M2 is then driven. The driving force of the motor M2 is then transmitted to the drive rack 15 via the transmission section 15t, and the drive rack 15 moves upward in the Z direction. A pressing inclined surface 15a is formed at the downstream end of the drive rack 15 in the Z direction, and when the drive rack 15 moves upward in the Z direction, the pressing inclined surface 15a presses against the inclined surface 181b of the door limiting member 181. As a result, the door limiting member 181 moves towards the inclined surface 181b in the -Y direction. Figure 16CThe retracted position shown is slidably movable. In other words, the door limiting member 181 is configured to move in conjunction with the drive rack 15 by being pressed by the drive rack 15. Then, the door limiting portion 181a of the door limiting member 181 is no longer opposite the limited portion 141 of the door 14 in the X direction, and is separated from the limited portion 141. In other words, when viewed in the X direction, the door limiting portion 181a moves to a position where the door limiting portion 181a does not overlap with the limited portion 141 of the door 14. As a result, the door limiting portion 181a changes to a permissive state that allows the door 14 to move from the closed position to the open position, and the door 14 becomes movable from the closed position toward the open position.

[0252] In other words, the door limiting portion 181a of the door limiting member 181 in the allowed state is configured not to overlap with the movement trajectory of the limited portion 141 when the door 14 moves from the closed position to the open position. In other words, the door limiting portion 181a of the door limiting member 181 in the allowed state is positioned outside the movement trajectory of the limited portion 141 when the door 14 moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0253] At this time, the drive rack 15 has not yet engaged with the pinion 94, and the tray 80 has not yet moved from the receiving position. Therefore, the tray 80 is not in contact with the door 14. That is, the door limiting member 181 changes from a limiting state to a allowing state before the tray 80 moves from the receiving position to the retracted position. In other words, the door limiting member 181 changes from a limiting state to a allowing state before the toner cartridge 70 supported by the tray 80 moves from the attached position to the retracted position.

[0254] Similarly, in this embodiment, the drive rack (rack and pinion) 15 is an example of a first gear and a gear driven by the motor M2. Additionally, the pinion 94 is an example of a second gear driven by the drive rack 15. The door limiting member 181 transitions from a restricted state to an allowed state before the drive rack 15 moves from a disengaged position to an engaged position. That is, the door limiting member 181, including the door limiting portion 181a, transitions from a restricted state to an allowed state before the drive rack 15 and the pinion 94 begin to engage.

[0255] like Figure 16A and 16B As shown, when the drive rack 15 moves further upward in the Z direction, the drive rack 15 causes the pinion 94 to rotate. Since the rack portion 83 of the tray 80 engages with the pinion 94, the rotation of the pinion 94 causes the tray 80 to move in the X direction from the receiving position toward the taking-out position. By being pressed by the tray 80, the door 14 pivots from the closed position toward the open position while overcoming the force applied by the spring 14s.

[0256] Additionally, at the door limiting member 181 from the limiting position ( Figure 15AAfter moving along the -Y direction (as shown in the diagram), the door limiting portion 181a of the door limiting member 181 contacts the contact surface 15b, which is the end face of the drive rack 15 in the -Y direction. Since the door limiting member 181 is subjected to force in the Y direction by the force-applying member 182, even when the drive rack 15 moves from... Figure 16A As the position shown is moved further upward, the door limiting part 181a continues to remain in contact with the contact surface 15b.

[0257] like Figure 16C and 16D As shown, with the tray 80 positioned in the take-out position, the door 14 is positioned in the open position. At this time, the support portion 14f of the door 14 supports the tray 80 positioned in the take-out position from below. As a result, since the tray 80 is stably held in the take-out position, the operability of removing the toner cartridge 70 (not shown) supported by the tray 80 from the tray 80 can be improved.

[0258] When the tray 80 is moved from the removed position to the receiving position after the toner cartridge 70 has been replaced, the drive rack 15 moves downward in the -Z direction and returns to the non-engaged position. Therefore, through the applied force of the force-applying member 182, the door-restricting member 181 causes the door-restricting portion 181a to contact the restricted portion 141 of the door 14 again, as... Figure 15A and 15B As shown in the figure; thus, the door limiting member 181 is switched to the limiting state.

[0259] As described above, in this embodiment, the door limiting member 181 is changed from a restricted state to a permitted state by being pressed by the driven rack 15, which constitutes the transmission device 110 (see reference). Figure 11A and 11B This is part of the imaging device 1. That is, the door limiting member 181, including the door limiting section 181a, changes from a restricted state to an allowed state via the driving force of the motor M2. When the toner cartridge 70 is positioned in the attached position, the door limiting member 181 is in a restricted state that restricts the door 14 from moving from the closed position to the open position. Therefore, when the imaging device 1 is performing imaging or is in standby mode, it can prevent the user from accidentally opening the door 14.

[0260] Furthermore, during the movement of the moving device 85, before the toner cartridge 70 moves from the attached position to the retracted position, the door limiting member 181 changes from a restricted state to an open state. Therefore, when the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 presses against the door 14 due to the movement of the moving device 85, the door limiting member 181 is in the open state and does not obstruct the door 14 from moving to the open position. Thus, damage to the door 14 and the tray 80 can be prevented.

[0261] Other embodiments

[0262] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the drive rack 15 is provided with a door limiting portion 151, and in the second embodiment, the door limiting portion 181a is provided in a door limiting member 181 that moves in conjunction with the drive rack 15; however, it is not limited to this. For example, it is acceptable that the door limiting member restricting the opening operation of the door 14 is configured to move by the driving force of the motor M2. In addition, the construction of the transmission device 110 is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above, and the construction can be modified arbitrarily.

[0263] Additionally, in any of the above embodiments, the imaging device 1 includes a rotating body 90 and is configured such that the toner cartridge 70 is detachably attached to the rotating body 90; however, it is not limited thereto. For example, the imaging device 1 may be a monochrome printer or a tandem full-color printer, rather than a rotary printer. In these printers, the toner cartridge 70 may be configured to be detachably connected to the developing cartridge or the processing cartridge.

[0264] Furthermore, the construction of the transmission device 110 used to move the pallet 80 is not limited to the so-called rack and pinion construction. For example, the component corresponding to the pinion 94 can be replaced by a roller that is driven by the motor M2 to rotate, and the pallet 80 can be moved by friction between the roller and the pallet 80.

[0265] Alternatively, in the case where a roller is used that rotates via a receiving motor M2, this roller can contact the toner cartridge 70. In this case, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k can be configured to be directly attached to and detached from the rotating body 90 without the intervention of the trays 80y to 80k. In this case, the moving device 85 is constituted by the roller. Furthermore, it can be said that the rotating assembly 90A includes the rotating body 90 and the toner cartridges 70y to 70k.

[0266] In addition, each of the above embodiments can be combined as a whole or in part.

[0267] One or more embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented by a computer of a system or device that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform the functions of one or more of the above embodiments, and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above embodiments; and by a method executed by a computer of a system or device, which performs the functions of one or more of the above embodiments, for example, by reading and executing computer-executable instructions from a storage medium and / or by controlling one or more circuits. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)) and may include a network of individual computers or individual processors to read and execute computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may, for example, be provided to the computer from a network or storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), the memory of a distributed computing system, an optical disc (e.g., a compressed optical disc (CD), a digital versatile optical disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray disc (BD)). TM One or more of the following: flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0268] Other embodiments

[0269] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method: providing software (including computer program products of computer programs) that performs the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device) reads out and executes the computer program.

[0270] While this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An imaging device, wherein a toner cartridge having a discharge opening is detachably attached to the imaging device, the imaging device comprising: A body of revolution configured to rotate, the body of revolution comprising: developing roller; and A receiving frame having a receiving portion and a receiving opening, the receiving portion being configured to receive toner to be supplied to the developing roller, and the receiving opening being configured to communicate with the receiving portion. A main frame, which is configured to accommodate the rotating body and has a main opening; An opening / closing member is openably and closably supported relative to the main frame between a closed position in which the opening / closing member closes the main opening and an open position in which the opening / closing member opens the main opening. A moving device configured to perform a movement operation that moves the toner cartridge from an attached position to a retracted position through the main body opening; A driving source, the driving source being configured to cause the mobile device to perform the movement operation; and A movement limiting unit is configured to switch between a limiting state and a allowing state. In the limiting state, the opening / closing member is restricted from moving from the closed position to the open position. In the allowing state, the opening / closing member is allowed to move from the closed position to the open position. When the toner cartridge is in the attached position, the receiving opening and the discharging opening face each other. When the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge is positioned outside the main frame, and The movement restriction part is in the restricted state when the toner cartridge is positioned in the attachment position, and is configured to change from the restricted state to the permitted state by the driving force of the drive source during the movement operation before the moving device moves the toner cartridge from the attachment position to the retracted position.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit, the transmission unit comprising: A first gear, configured to be driven by the drive source; and A second gear, configured to be driven by the first gear. The transmission unit is configured to transmit the driving force of the drive source to the mobile device. The first gear is configured to move to an engagement position where the first gear engages with the second gear, and to a separation position where the first gear separates from the second gear. The movement restriction is configured to change from the restricted state to the permitted state during the movement operation of the moving device before the first gear moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein, The rotating body is configured to support the second gear.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The moving device includes a support member configured to attach to the rotating body, the support member being configured to detachably support the toner cartridge. The support member is configured to move to a receiving position and a retracted position, wherein the toner cartridge is positioned in the receiving position in the attached position and in the retracted position in the retracted position. The toner cartridge is configured to be detached from the support member when the support member is positioned in the removal position, and The drive source is configured to move the support member.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein, The opening / closing member is configured to move from the closed position to the open position by being pressed by the support member of the toner cartridge, which is supported to move from the attached position to the retracted position.

6. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein, The opening / closing member is configured to support a support member positioned in the removal position when the opening / closing member is in the open position.

7. The imaging device of claim 4, further comprising a transmission unit, the transmission unit including a gear configured to be driven by the drive source, the transmission unit being configured to transmit the driving force of the drive source to the support member. in, The movement restriction part is configured to move in conjunction with the gear.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein, The movement restriction part is integrally formed with the gear.

9. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein, The movement restriction part is formed separately from the gear and is configured to move in conjunction with the gear when pressed by the gear.

10. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein, The gear is a rack component configured to move slidably.

11. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a photosensitive drum, in, The rotating body is configured to rotate to a developing position and a changing position, in which the developing roller faces the photosensitive drum, and in the changing position, the toner cartridge can be removed from the rotating body.

12. An imaging device, wherein a cartridge is detachably attached to the imaging device, the imaging device comprising: The main frame has a main opening; An opening / closing member is openably and closably supported relative to the main frame between a closed position in which the opening / closing member closes the main opening and an open position in which the opening / closing member opens the main opening; A moving device configured to perform a moving operation that moves the box through the main body opening from an attached position to a retracted position; A drive source configured to cause the mobile device to perform the movement operation; and A movement limiting unit is configured to switch between a limiting state and a allowing state. In the limiting state, the opening / closing member is restricted from moving from the closed position to the open position. In the allowing state, the opening / closing member is allowed to move from the closed position to the open position. When the box is in the attached position, the box is housed within the main frame. Wherein, when the box is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the box is positioned outside the main frame, and The movement restriction part is in the restricted state when the box is positioned in the attachment position, and is configured to change from the restricted state to the permitted state by the driving force of the drive source during the movement operation before the moving device moves the box from the attachment position to the retracted position.

13. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein, The moving device includes a support member configured to detachably support the box. The support member is configured to move to a receiving position and a removable position, wherein the box is positioned in the attached position in the receiving position and in the removable position in the retracted position. The box is configured to be detached from the support member when the support member is in the removed position, and The drive source is configured to move the support member.

14. The imaging device according to claim 13, wherein, The opening / closing member is configured to move from the closed position to the open position by being pressed by the support member of the box, which is supported to move from the attached position to the retracted position.

15. The imaging device according to claim 13, wherein, The opening / closing member is configured to support the support member positioned in the removal position when the opening / closing member is in the open position.

16. The imaging apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a transmission unit, the transmission unit including a gear configured to be driven by the drive source, the transmission unit being configured to transmit the driving force of the drive source to the support member. in, The movement restriction part is configured to move in conjunction with the gear.

17. The imaging device according to claim 16, wherein, The movement restriction part is integrally formed with the gear.

18. The imaging device according to claim 16, wherein, The movement restriction part is formed separately from the gear and is configured to move in conjunction with the gear when pressed by the gear.

19. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein, The gear is a rack component configured to move slidably.

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