Imaging device and toner cartridge

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes a first developing unit including a first developing roller and a first inlet opening, a second developing unit including a second inlet opening, a first toner cartridge including a first discharge opening and a positioned portion, a second toner cartridge including a second discharge opening, and a positioned portion. The first toner cartridge is disposed to move between a first mounted position and a first retracted position with respect to the first developing unit. The positioned portion is disposed to engage with the positioned portion of the first toner cartridge at the first mounted position. At least a portion of the positioned portion and at least a portion of the first discharge opening are located at the same position in a rotational axis direction of the first developing roller. A toner cartridge is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Electrophotographic imaging apparatuses with rotating developing systems are known, which form color images by rotating a rotating body comprising multiple developing components. Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 2007-183305 and 2008-096852 describe an imaging apparatus comprising: a rotating body including multiple developing rollers; and multiple toner cartridges (toner containers), each toner cartridge being detachably attached to the rotating body. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure relates to providing a new type of imaging device that represents an advancement over conventional technology.

[0004] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an imaging apparatus includes: a first developing unit, the first developing unit including a first developing roller configured to rotate, a first supply chamber configured to receive toner to be supplied to the first developing roller, and a first inlet opening communicating with the first supply chamber; a second developing unit, the second developing unit including a second developing roller configured to rotate, a second supply chamber configured to receive toner to be supplied to the second developing roller, and a second inlet opening communicating with the second supply chamber; a first toner cartridge, the first toner cartridge including a first receiving chamber configured to receive toner, a first discharge opening communicating with the first receiving chamber, and a positioned portion, the first toner cartridge being movable relative to the first developing unit between the first mounting position and the first retracted position, the first mounting position being opposite to the first inlet opening, the first retracted position being retracted from the first mounting position; and a second toner cartridge, the second toner cartridge being... The toner cartridge includes a second receiving chamber configured to receive toner and a second discharge opening communicating with the second receiving chamber. The second toner cartridge is configured to move relative to a second developing unit between a second mounting position and a second retracted position, in which the second discharge opening is opposite to a second inlet opening, and in which the second retracted position is retracted from the second mounting position. It also includes a positioning portion configured to engage with a positioned portion of the first toner cartridge in a first mounting position, thereby restricting movement of the first toner cartridge relative to the first developing unit along the rotation axis of the first developing roller. In the rotation axis direction, at least a portion of the positioned portion and at least a portion of the first discharge opening are located at the same position, and at least a portion of the positioning portion and at least a portion of the first inlet opening are located at the same position. Furthermore, in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction, the positioning portion is positioned closer to the second developing unit than to the first developing unit.

[0005] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a toner cartridge is configured to be detachably mounted in a developing unit including a positioning portion. The toner cartridge includes: a toner frame including a receiving chamber configured to receive toner, a discharge opening communicating with the receiving chamber, and a positioning portion, wherein the positioning portion is configured to engage with the positioning portion to restrict movement of the toner cartridge relative to the developing unit in a longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge; and a toner gate configured to move in an opening direction from a closed position to an open position, wherein in the closed position the discharge opening is covered and in the open position the discharge opening is exposed, wherein the discharge opening has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in a longitudinal direction, wherein the positioning portion is located in the longitudinal direction between the first end and the second end, and wherein the positioning portion extends in the opening direction of the toner gate.

[0006] The features of this disclosure will become clear from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the embodiments is by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an imaging device according to a first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the imaging device according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the developing unit, toner cartridge, and tray according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device according to the first embodiment.

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

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

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

[0014] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram of the rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram of the rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram of the rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is an explanatory diagram of a structure related to pallet movement according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is an explanatory diagram of a structure related to pallet movement according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 13A and Figure 13B This is an explanatory diagram of the toner box according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 14 This is an exploded perspective view of the toner box according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view of the toner box according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the toner box according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of the toner box according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the toner box according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the developing unit according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 20 This is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 21 This is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of the developing unit according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of the rotating body according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 24 This is a perspective view illustrating the installation of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 25 This is a perspective view illustrating the installation of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 26 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the installation of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 27 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the installation of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 28 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the installation of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 29 This is a perspective view used to describe the installation of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 30 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the installation of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 31 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the installation of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 32 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the installation of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 33 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the installation of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 34 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the installation of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 35 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the installation of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Figure 36 This is a perspective view used to describe the installation of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0043] Figure 37A and Figure 37B This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the installation of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0044] Figure 38A and Figure 38B This is an explanatory diagram of the toner box according to the second embodiment.

[0045] Figure 39 This is an exploded perspective view of the toner box according to the second embodiment.

[0046] Figure 40 This is an exploded perspective view of the toner box according to the second embodiment.

[0047] Figure 41 This is a cross-sectional view of the toner box according to the second embodiment.

[0048] Figure 42This is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit according to the second embodiment.

[0049] Figure 43 This is a perspective view of the rotating body according to the second embodiment.

[0050] Figure 44 This is a perspective view illustrating the installation of the toner cartridge according to the second embodiment.

[0051] Figure 45 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the installation of the toner cartridge according to the second embodiment.

[0052] Figure 46 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the installation of the toner cartridge according to the second embodiment.

[0053] Figure 47 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the installation of the toner cartridge according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Embodiments according to this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] [First Embodiment]

[0056] Reference Figures 1 to 12B The imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment is described.

[0057] In the following description and figures, the vertical direction when the imaging device 1 is mounted on a horizontal surface will be referred to as the Z direction. The direction intersecting the Z direction and along the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 described below (the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body) will be referred to as the Y direction. The direction intersecting both the Z and Y directions will be referred to as the X direction. The X and Y directions can be horizontal. The X, Y, and Z directions can be orthogonal to each other. 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, and their opposite sides are referred to as the -X side, -Y side, and -Z side, respectively.

[0058] (Overall structure of the imaging equipment)

[0059] 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 by means of electrophotography. More specifically, the imaging device 1 is a color laser beam printer comprising four developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. For the sheet S used as the recording material (recording medium), various sheet components of different sizes and materials can be used, including paper (e.g., plain paper and thick paper), plastic film, fabric, surface-treated sheet components (e.g., coated paper), and sheet components of special shapes (e.g., envelopes and index paper).

[0060] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 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 used to describe the driving source of imaging device 1. Figure 3 This is a conceptual diagram showing the structure for replenishing toner from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50.

[0061] 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 refers to the imaging device 1 excluding the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c and 70k.

[0062] The main body 1A of the imaging device 1 includes a drum-shaped (cylindrical) electrophotographic photosensitive component (hereinafter referred to as the photosensitive drum) 2, which serves as an image carrier for carrying electrostatic latent images. A charging roller 3, a scanner 4 serving as an exposure device, and a cleaning unit 6 are arranged near the photosensitive drum 2.

[0063] The charging roller 3 is an example of a charging unit used to uniformly charge the photosensitive drum 2. The scanner 4 is an example of an exposure unit that uses a laser based on image information to irradiate and expose the photosensitive drum 2. The laser irradiates the charged photosensitive drum 2, forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The cleaning unit 6 is an example of a cleaning unit that removes toner residue from the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0064] The main body of the equipment 1A also includes a sheet receiving unit 300, a pickup roller 310, a feed roller 311, a separating roller 312, a transfer roller pair 320, a secondary transfer roller 12, a fixing device 40, and an intermediate transfer unit 10. The pickup roller 310 is an example of a feed unit that feeds the sheet S. The feed roller 311 and the separating roller 312 are examples of a separating and transferring unit that separates and transfers the sheet S one by one 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.

[0065] 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 used to carry the image transferred from the photosensitive drum 2 (primary transfer) and to transport the image for transfer (secondary transfer) onto the sheet S. The intermediate transfer belt 10a is stretched on the belt drive roller 10b and the tension roller 10c. The belt drive roller 10b is a drive member driven to rotate by a drive source and thus transports the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0066] The main body 1A of the device also includes a rotating body (rotating body, rotating module, or developing unit) 90, which includes developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. As described below, in this embodiment, trays (support members) 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are attached to the rotating body 90. Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are detachably mounted on trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k.

[0067] In the following description, multiple components with similar functions may be distinguished by numbering. For example, one of the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k may be called the first toner cartridge, one of the other three may be called the second toner cartridge, one of the other two may be called the third toner cartridge, and the last may be called the fourth toner cartridge. Similarly, one of the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k may be called the first tray, one of the other three may be called the second tray, one of the other two may be called the third tray, and the last may be called the fourth tray. In other words, 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. This numbering is used only for ease of description and can be appropriately interchanged in principle.

[0068] The developing units (first to fourth developing units) 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are examples of developing units that use corresponding color toners to develop (visualize) the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 into a toner image. Developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k use yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner, respectively, to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2. Developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k can be configured to... Figure 1 The order shown is different from the order of the arrangement.

[0069] The developing unit 50y includes a developing roller 51y, a supply roller 52y, and a developing blade. The developing roller 51y is a developer-carrying member that rotates together with the toner carried thereon, supplying the toner to the photosensitive drum 2. The supply roller 52y is a supply member arranged in contact with the developing roller 51y and supplying the toner to the developing roller 51y. The developing blade is a control member that controls the thickness of the toner layer carried on the developing roller 51y. Other developing units 50m, 50c, and 50k include similar developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k, supply rollers 52m, 52c, and 52k, and a developing blade.

[0070] Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, corresponding to developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, are installed in the rotating body 90. Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k respectively contain yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner, serving as toners to replenish 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, one could say that black toner is an example of the first toner, and magenta toner is an example of the second toner. This numbering is used only for ease of description and can be appropriately interchanged in principle.

[0071] The rotating body 90 includes a rotating frame 90f for supporting developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are supported by the rotating frame 90f, which is a rotatable rotating support member.

[0072] Trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are attached to the rotating body 90. The combination 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.

[0073] Toner cartridges 70y to 70k are held in a manner that allows for detachable attachment of trays 80y to 80k. As described below, trays 80y to 80k are supported so as to slide to the outside of the rotating body 90. The combination 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.

[0074] As described below, the rotating body 90 can rotate about the rotation axis (rotation center) 90C. The rotation axis 90C matches the rotation axes of the rotating frame 90f, the rotating unit 90U, and the rotating assembly 90A. The rotation axis 90C is substantially parallel to the rotation axis (rotation center) of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0075] By rotating about the rotation axis 90C, the rotating body 90 can adopt a developing orientation in which one of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k is opposite the photosensitive drum 2. The orientation of developing roller 51y opposite the photosensitive drum 2 is called the yellow developing orientation. The orientation of developing roller 51m opposite the photosensitive drum 2 is called the magenta developing orientation. The orientation of developing roller 51c opposite the photosensitive drum 2 is called the cyan developing orientation. The orientation of developing roller 51k opposite the photosensitive drum 2 is called the black developing orientation. That is, the rotating body 90 can rotate about the rotation axis 90C, causing the positions of developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k relative to the photosensitive drum 2 to change. In other words, the rotation of the rotating body 90 causes developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k to shift relative to the photosensitive drum 2. The black developing orientation is an example of the first developing orientation, in which the first developing roller (developing roller 51k) is opposite the photosensitive drum 2. Other developing orientations are examples of the second developing orientation, in which the second developing roller (developing rollers 51y to 51c) is opposite the photosensitive drum 2. The yellow, magenta, cyan, and black developing orientations can be referred to as the first to fourth developing orientations. This numbering is used for ease of description only and can be appropriately interchanged in principle.

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 1A of the device includes motors M1, M2, and M3 serving as drive sources, and a control unit 100C controlling motors M1, M2, and M3. The control unit 100C includes one or more processing devices, such as a central processing unit. As described below, motor M1 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.

[0077] The main body 1A of the equipment also includes a drive unit 98, which comprises a motor M2 and a transmission device. The transmission device includes drive racks 15L and 15R, which serve as drive gears as described below, and a transmission unit 15t. The driving force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the drive racks 15L and 15R via the transmission unit 15t. In other words, the motor M2 is configured to drive the drive racks 15L and 15R, and thereby move the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k relative to the rotating body 90.

[0078] 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, pickup roller 310, feed roller 311, transfer roller pair 320, secondary transfer roller 12, belt drive roller 10b and fixing device 40.

[0079] The components used to drive motors M1, M2, and M3 can be varied appropriately. The function of any two or all three of motors M1, M2, and M3 can be integrated into a single motor. Drive sources other than motors M1, M2, and M3 can be added.

[0080] The suffixes y, m, c, and k attached to developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, and trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k, indicate the toner color. Developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k share a common basic construction and function. Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k share a common basic construction and function. Trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k share a common basic construction and function. When it is not necessary to distinguish between components, the suffixes y, m, c, and k are omitted, and the unit, cartridge, or tray will be described with reference to any one of the four units, cartridges, or trays.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, the toner cartridge 70 includes a toner frame 71. The toner frame 71 includes a toner receiving portion (toner receiving chamber, receiving chamber) 71a that contains toner and a discharge opening 71b that communicates with the toner receiving portion 71a.

[0082] The developing unit 50 includes a developing frame (receiving frame) 53. The developing frame 53 includes a developing-side receiving portion 53a and an inlet opening 53b communicating with the developing-side receiving portion (toner supply chamber, supply chamber) 53a. As described above, the developing unit 50 also includes components such as a developing roller 51 and a supply roller 52, which are... Figure 3 The middle part is omitted.

[0083] The developing roller 51k included in the developing unit 50k is an example of a first developing roller. The developing roller 51m included in the developing unit 50m is an example of a second developing roller. The developing frame 53k of the developing unit 50k, including the developing side receiving portion 53a, is... Figure 4A ( ) is an example of a first receiving frame including a first receiving portion. The developing frame 53m includes a developing unit 50m with a developing side receiving portion 53a. Figure 4A The rotating body 90 is an example of a second receiving frame including a second receiving portion. The rotating body 90 is an example of a rotatable rotating body including a first developing roller, a second developing roller, a first receiving frame (which includes a first receiving portion), and a second receiving frame (which includes a second receiving portion). In this embodiment, the rotating body 90 includes first to fourth developing rollers and first to fourth receiving frames.

[0084] As described below, the toner cartridge 70 is movable relative to the developing frame 53 between an installed position and a retracted position. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the installed position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge opening 71b is opposite to the inlet opening 53b. In other words, the toner receiving portion 71a of the toner cartridge 70 and the developing-side receiving portion 53a of the developing unit 50 are connected via the discharge opening 71b and the inlet opening 53b. When toner is replenished from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50, at least a portion of the inlet opening 53b is located below at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b.

[0085] Then, the toner contained in the toner container 71a is discharged from the discharge opening 71b. The toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is contained in the developing side container 53a through the inlet opening 53b. The toner contained in the developing side container 53a is supplied to the developing roller 51 via the supply roller 52. Through this path, the toner contained in the toner container 71a is supplied to the developing roller 51.

[0086] The toner cartridge 70 preferably includes a sealing member (first sealing member) covering the discharge opening 71b. The developing unit 50 preferably includes a sealing member (second sealing member) covering the inlet opening 53b.

[0087] When the toner cartridge 70 is not installed in the developing unit 50, the discharge opening 71b and the inlet opening 53b are preferably covered by corresponding sealing members to prevent toner from flowing out of the discharge opening 71b and the inlet opening 53b.

[0088] (Imaging operation)

[0089] The imaging operation according to this embodiment will be described. The photosensitive drum 2 first rotates synchronously with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 10a along... Figure 1 Rotate in the direction of the middle arrow (counterclockwise). Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is evenly charged by the charging roller 3.

[0090] When a color image is formed on the sheet S, a rotating body 90 supporting developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k rotates along... Figure 1 Rotate in the direction of the middle arrow (clockwise), as described below. Then, repeat the electrophotographic process as the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k move to the developing position one by one.

[0091] First, scanner 4 emits a laser based on image data corresponding to the yellow image, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow image on the surface of photosensitive drum 2. In parallel with the formation of this electrostatic latent image, motor M1 rotates rotating body 90, causing rotating body 90 to adopt a yellow developing orientation. With rotating body 90 in the yellow developing orientation, developing roller 51y is in the developing position, and the electrostatic latent image formed on photosensitive drum 2 is developed using yellow toner.

[0092] In this embodiment, the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k are all elastic rollers with metal shafts covered by rubber. At the developing position, each developing roller 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k develops the electrostatic latent image while in contact with the photosensitive drum 2. That is, the imaging device 1 according to this embodiment employs a contact developing system. However, at the developing position, each developing roller 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k can develop the electrostatic latent image while maintaining a gap with the photosensitive drum 2. In other words, the imaging device 1 can employ a non-contact developing system.

[0093] When developing a yellow toner image, the primary transfer roller 11, located inside the intermediate transfer belt 10a, transfers the yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 2 onto the intermediate transfer belt 10a in one pass.

[0094] Subsequently, the rotating body 90 rotates to move the developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k sequentially to the developing positions, thereby forming the corresponding toner images. More specifically, after forming a yellow toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotating body 90 adopts a magenta developing orientation 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 orientation 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 orientation and forms a black toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After forming a black toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotating body 90 moves along... Figure 1 The arrow shown rotates (clockwise) around the axis of rotation 90C and returns to the yellow developing position. It should be noted that the image initially formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a can be of any color. For example, a black toner image can be formed first.

[0095] By repeating the transfer process once, the images of the four colors of toner are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 10A, forming a color image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. Until the color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the secondary transfer roller 12 and the cleaning device 13 do not come into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0096] Simultaneously, sheet S is fed from sheet receiving unit 300 located in the lower part of the main body 1A of the equipment via pick-up roller 310. Sheets S are fed one by one to transfer roller pair 320 via feed roller 311 and separation roller 312. Transfer roller pair 320 conveys the fed sheets S to transfer section (secondary transfer section), which is a clamping part between intermediate transfer belt 10a and secondary transfer roller 12. The color image on intermediate transfer belt 10a is transferred (secondary transfer) to the surface of the conveyed sheet S.

[0097] The sheet S, on which a color image has been transferred, is conveyed to the fixing device 40. In the fixing device 40, the sheet S is heated and pressurized, thereby fixing the image onto the sheet S. The sheet S, having passed through the fixing device 40, is discharged as a product from the outside of the imaging device 1.

[0098] When forming a monochrome image on the sheet S, the rotating body 90 adopts a black development orientation. In this state, the photosensitive drum 2 is charged and exposed to form an electrostatic latent image on its surface. Then, the developing roller 51k, located in the developing position, develops the electrostatic latent image with 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 color images.

[0099] (Structure of a rotating body)

[0100] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 5 Describe the structure of the rotating body 90.

[0101] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating body 90 and its surroundings in the imaging device 1. Figure 4A and Figure 4B It is a cross-sectional view taken by cutting through the imaging device 1 along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the main body rotated 90 degrees.

[0102] As described above, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k are detachably attached to the rotating body 90. If the toner cartridges 70y to 70k run out of toner, the user can replenish the toner for the imaging device 1 by replacing the toner cartridges 70y to 70k.

[0103] like Figure 1 As shown, the main body 1A of the device includes a frame 16 that houses the rotating body 90.

[0104] Frame 16 is the main frame of the imaging device 1 according to this embodiment. Frame 16 is the shell (framework) of the device body 1A and is composed of frame members and external members. In this embodiment, frame 16 has a basic cuboid shape.

[0105] The frame 16 has an opening 16a. More specifically, the frame 16 has 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 device body 1A on the +X side. The opening 16a is arranged in the side surface 16b. The side surface 16b is located downstream of the discharge opening of the device body 1A in the discharge direction (along which the sheet S with the image is discharged from the discharge opening). The user can access the sheet receiving unit 300 from the side surface 16b of the imaging device 1 to replenish the sheet S or to obtain the sheet S discharged from the discharge opening. Therefore, the side surface 16b can be considered the front of the device body 1A.

[0106] Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k can be detachably attached to the rotating body 90 via opening 16a. That is, toner cartridge 70k can be considered an example of a first toner cartridge that contains toner to be supplied to the first developing roller (developing roller 51k) and is detachably attached to the rotating body (rotating body 90) through opening 16a in the frame 16 of the device body 1A. Toner cartridge 70m can be considered an example of a second toner cartridge that contains toner to be supplied to the second developing roller (developing roller 51m) and is detachably attached to the rotating body (rotating body 90) through opening 16a in the frame 16 of the device body 1A.

[0107] In this embodiment, toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c and 70k are attached to and detached from the rotating body 90 through opening 16a while supported by trays 80y to 80k.

[0108] In other words, the user can attach the toner cartridges 70y to 70k to the rotating body 90 via trays 80y to 80k / remove them from the rotating body 90.

[0109] An opening 16a is arranged in a side surface 16b of the frame 16. In this embodiment, the side surface 16b is a surface substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 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 (preferably orthogonal) to the axis of rotation 90C.

[0110] Imaging device 1 includes a door 14 that covers an opening 16a in frame 16. Door 14 is in a closed position where opening 16a is covered (see also...). Figure 6A) and the exposed opening position of opening 16a (see also) Figure 6B and Figure 6C Opening and closing components that move between ( ).

[0111] 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.

[0112] More specifically, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70 by attaching it to and removing it from the tray 80, which is movable 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 / removing it into the device body, the user needs to insert the toner cartridge into a predetermined mounting position within the device body. In this embodiment, the tray 80, on which the toner cartridge 70 is supported, is movable to allow the toner cartridge 70 to move to the mounting position. Therefore, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70 with a simple operation of placing it on the tray 80, thus improving operability.

[0113] The toner cartridge 70 has an elongated shape, wherein the Y direction, parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90, is its longitudinal direction. That is, the longitudinal dimension of the toner cartridge 70 is greater than its height and width in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the projected area of ​​the toner cartridge 70 on an imaginary plane orthogonal to the Y direction is smaller than the projected area of ​​the toner cartridge 70 on an imaginary plane orthogonal to the Z direction and the projected area of ​​the toner cartridge 70 on an imaginary plane orthogonal to the X direction. Furthermore, the projected area of ​​the toner cartridge 70 on an imaginary plane orthogonal to the X direction is smaller than the projected area of ​​the toner cartridge 70 on an imaginary plane orthogonal to the Z direction. The Z direction can be referred to as the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70, and the X direction can be referred to as the transverse direction of the toner cartridge 70. In other words, the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the longitudinal direction is greater than the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the transverse direction, and also greater than the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the thickness direction. Furthermore, the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the transverse direction is greater than its length in the thickness direction. The longitudinal, transverse, and thickness directions are orthogonal to each other. When handling this elongated toner cartridge 70, assuming that the opening 16a is arranged in a side surface 16b of the frame 16 that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the toner cartridge 70, the toner cartridge 70 can pass through the opening 16a with a shorter travel distance. This facilitates the replacement of the toner cartridge 70 compared to, for example, inserting and removing the toner cartridge 70 through an opening formed in a side surface of the frame 16 on one side (+Y side or -Y side) in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0114] The rotating body 90 can rotate about the rotation axis 90C and change positions, in which one of the toner cartridges 70y to 70k can be detached from the rotating body 90. The position in which toner cartridge 70y can be detached will be referred to as the yellow changing position. The position in which toner cartridge 70m can be detached will be referred to as the magenta changing position. The position in which toner cartridge 70c can be detached will be referred to as the cyan changing position.

[0115] The area where the 70k toner cartridge can be removed will be referred to as the black replacement area.

[0116] The black replacement position is an example of a first replacement position where the first toner cartridge can be detached from the rotating body 90. The yellow, magenta, and cyan replacement positions are examples of second replacement positions where the second toner cartridge can be detached from the rotating body 90. The yellow, magenta, cyan, and black replacement positions can be referred to as the first to fourth replacement positions. This numbering is used only for ease of description and can be appropriately interchanged in principle.

[0117] The rotating body 90 can Figure 1 The rotating body 90 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 90C, and sequentially changes position using yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. In this embodiment, the rotating body 90... Figure 1 The rotation around the axis of rotation 90° clockwise alternates between developing and changing orientations. For example, in... Figure 1 In the current configuration, the rotating body 90 is in the black development position. As the rotating body 90 rotates clockwise from this position, its orientation changes sequentially: cyan, yellow, black, magenta, yellow, cyan, and magenta. When the rotating body 90 rotates clockwise from the magenta position, it returns to the black development position. In other words, the rotating body 90 can rotate more than one full clockwise rotation (360°).

[0118] Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the rotating body 90 in the developing orientation (specifically, the yellow developing orientation) is shown. Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of the rotating body 90 with its orientation changed (specifically, the black orientation change) is shown.

[0119] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, four trays 80y to 80k are attached to the rotating body 90. Trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k hold toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, respectively. Figure 4A and Figure 4BIn this configuration, trays 80y to 80k are housed within the rotating body 90. This configuration can be described as the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k being installed within developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k.

[0120] As described above, the toner cartridge 70 can move relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50 between an installed position and a retracted position. Specifically, the first toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70k) can move relative to the first receiving frame (developing frame 53k) between a first installed position and a first retracted position. The second toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70m) can move relative to the second receiving frame (developing frame 53m) between a second installed position and a second retracted position.

[0121] With the toner cartridge 70 in the installed position relative to the developing frame 53, such as Figure 3 As shown, the discharge opening 71b and the inlet opening 53b are opposite each other. The toner cartridge 70 is configured to supply toner to the developing-side receiving portion 53a through the inlet opening 53b (an opening in the receiving frame) in this state.

[0122] The main body 1A of the device includes a moving device 85, which is configured to move the toner cartridge 70 from an installed position to a retracted position relative to the rotating body 90 (more specifically, relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50). Reference will be made below. Figure 8 The moving device 85 is described below. In this embodiment, the rotating body 90 includes a plurality of moving devices 85y to 85k corresponding to a plurality of toner cartridges 70y to 70k. The trays 80y to 80k can be considered part of the moving devices 85y to 85k.

[0123] In this embodiment, compared to the toner cartridges 70y to 70c that contain yellow, magenta, and cyan toners, the toner cartridge 70k that contains black toner is larger and can hold more toner. In other words, the first toner cartridge can hold a first amount of toner, the second toner cartridge can hold a second amount of toner, and it can be said that the first amount is greater than the second amount.

[0124] Specifically, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k relative to the axis of rotation 90C of the rotating body 90 in the first radial direction is greater than the length of the magenta toner cartridge 70m in the second radial direction. As used herein, the first radial direction refers to the radial direction of rotation of the rotating body 90 (the radial direction of an imaginary circle about the axis of rotation 90C), along which the toner cartridge 70k extends outward relative to the axis of rotation 90C when viewed along the axis of rotation 90C. The second radial direction refers to the radial direction of rotation of the rotating body 90, along which the toner cartridge 70m extends outward relative to the axis of rotation 90C when viewed along the axis of rotation 90C. Similarly, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k in the first radial direction is greater than the lengths of the other toner cartridges 70y and 70c in the radial directions corresponding to the toner cartridges 70y and 70c.

[0125] Therefore, the tray 80k holding the black toner cartridge 70k is larger than the trays 80y, 80m, and 80c holding the other toner cartridges 70y, 70m, and 70c. That is, the rotating body 90 includes four toner cartridges 70y to 70k and four trays 80y to 80k of different sizes. In other words, the toner cartridge 70k, as an example of a first toner cartridge, and the toner cartridge 70y, as an example of a second toner cartridge smaller than the first toner cartridge, can be detachably attached to the rotating body 90. Therefore, the rotating body 90 includes a tray 80k, as an example of a first support member supporting the first toner cartridge, and a tray 80y, as an example of a second support member smaller than the first support member. Furthermore, toner cartridges 70m and 70c, as examples of third and fourth toner cartridges smaller than the first toner cartridge, can be detachably attached to the rotating body 90. Therefore, the rotating body 90 includes trays 80m and 80c, as examples of third and fourth support members with dimensions smaller than the first support member.

[0126] Now refer to Figure 5 Describe the rotation drive of the rotating body 90. For example... Figure 5 As shown, disc gears 92L and 92R are formed on corresponding ends of the rotating body 90. Rotary drive gears 93L and 93R are connected to corresponding ends of the oscillating shaft 91 in a manner capable of driving transmission. Here, the driving force of the motor M1 is transmitted to the rotary drive gear 93R via a drive transmission mechanism. Then, the driving force is transmitted to the disc gears 92L and 92R via the rotary drive gears 93L and 93R, thereby driving the rotating body 90 to rotate. The rotating body 90 in… Figure 1 It rotates clockwise around the axis of rotation 90C.

[0127] The rotating body 90 is also supported so that it can swing about a swing axis 91. This is achieved by a biasing member (not shown). Figure 4A and Figure 4B The rotating body 90 rotates counterclockwise around the pivot axis 91. This direction can be described as the direction in which each developing roller 51y to 51k approaches the photosensitive drum 2. As a result, when the rotating body 90 adopts the developing orientation, the corresponding developing rollers 51y to 51k contact the photosensitive drum 2.

[0128] like Figure 5 As shown, rotary cams 90eL and 90eR are arranged at corresponding ends of the rotary body 90. When the rotary body 90 is in Figure 4A and 4B When the rotating axis 90C rotates clockwise, the rotating cams 90eL and 90eR interact with the roller 96 supported by the frame 16. Figure 4A and Figure 4B ) Contact. Then, rotate the main body 90 degrees. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The central pivot axis 91 moves clockwise. This direction can be described as the direction in which the individual developing rollers 51y to 51k retract from the photosensitive drum 2. Alternatively, this direction can be described as the direction in which the rotating body 90 approaches the opening 16a and door 14 of the frame 16.

[0129] When the rotating body 90 rotates and switches from the developing position to the changing position, the rotating body 90 thus swings about the swing axis 91. When the rotating body 90 changes position, the developing roller 51 separates from the photosensitive drum 2.

[0130] like Figure 4B As shown, in the black replacement position, the toner cartridge 70k stops at a position opposite to the opening 16a and door 14 formed in the side surface 16b of the device body 1A. If the tray 80k slides from its mounting position relative to the developing unit 50k to the outside of the rotating body 90 in this state, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70k.

[0131] (Toner cartridge replacement procedure)

[0132] Reference Figure 4A , Figures 6A to 6C , Figure 7A and Figure 7B Describe the toner cartridge replacement procedure. Figures 6A to 6C This is an external view of the main body 1A of the equipment. Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view taken near the rotated body during toner cartridge replacement. Figure 7A and Figure 7B It is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device 1 taken along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90.

[0133] Figure 6AThe appearance of the main body 1A of the device is shown during imaging operation and in standby mode. Imaging operation refers to the time period during which the imaging device 1 performs a series of operations, including feeding the sheet S, forming an image on the sheet S, and then discharging the sheet S as a product. Standby mode refers to the state in which the imaging device 1 can begin imaging operation upon receiving an imaging instruction (printing instruction) and is waiting for an imaging instruction from the user. Figure 6A As shown, gate 14 is closed during imaging operation and in standby mode.

[0134] Figure 6B The appearance of the main body 1A of the device is shown during toner cartridge replacement. During toner cartridge replacement, door 14 is opened, and tray 80 and toner cartridge 70 are moved to the outside of the main body 1A of the device.

[0135] The toner cartridge 70 is movable relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50 between an installed position and a retracted position. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the installed position relative to the developing frame 53, as... Figure 3 As shown, the discharge opening 71b and the inlet opening 53b are opposite each other. Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, with the toner cartridge 70 in the installed position, the rotating body 90 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis 90C and to take developing and changing orientations.

[0136] The toner cartridge replacement operation will be described. The user first issues a command for the toner cartridge replacement operation to the control unit 100C of the main body 1A. For example, the command for the toner cartridge replacement operation is input via the operation panel (operation unit) arranged on the main body 1A.

[0137] When the control unit 100C receives a command for a toner cartridge replacement operation, the rotating body 90 rotates to the replacement position of the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced (the toner cartridge 70 that has run out of toner), and stops at that replacement position. More specifically, the control unit 100C rotates the rotating body 90 to the replacement position of the toner cartridge specified by 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 is opposite the opening 16a in the frame 16 of the main body 1A.

[0138] For example, Figure 4AThe rotating body 90 is in the yellow developing position, in which the yellow developing roller 51y is opposite the photosensitive drum 2. Here, the black toner cartridge 70k and tray 80k do not need to be opposite the opening 16a and door 14. In other words, when the rotating body 90 is in a changing position other than the toner cartridge changing position or in the developing position, the toner cartridge 70 and tray 80 do not need to be opposite the opening 16a and door 14. Therefore, the opening 16a only needs to be large enough to allow each toner cartridge 70 to pass through individually. When the rotating body 90 rotates clockwise by a predetermined angle from the yellow developing position in the figure, as shown... Figure 4B As shown, the black toner box 70k and tray 80k are opposite to the opening 16a and door 14.

[0139] Here, "tray 80 opposite to opening 16a" means that tray 80 is positioned so that it can be moved outside the device body 1A through opening 16a. In other words, when tray 80 is opposite to opening 16a, tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 supported by tray 80 can protrude outside the device body 1A by moving tray 80 outward in the rotational radial direction of rotating body 90 via the moving mechanism described below. Figure 4A In the middle, none of the pallets 80y to 80k are opposite to opening 16a. Figure 4B In the middle, only the black tray 80k is opposite to the opening 16a, while the other trays 80y to 80c are not opposite to the opening 16a.

[0140] With the rotating body 90 in the changing position, the motor M2 moves the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 to the outside of the equipment body 1A.

[0141] As a result, the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced moves from the mounted position to the retracted position relative to the rotating body 90. For example... Figure 6B , Figure 6C , Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 supported by the tray 80 protrude beyond the main body of the device through the opening 16a.

[0142] More specifically, the tray 80 is movable relative to the rotating body 90 between a receiving position and a removing position. The receiving position refers to the position where the tray 80 is received within the rotating body 90. The removing position refers to the position where the tray 80 protrudes from the rotating body 90 and the toner cartridge 70 can be removed from the tray 80 (removable position, replaceable position). Figure 4A and Figure 4B The positions of trays 80y to 80k in the diagram are examples of the accommodating locations. Figure 6B and Figure 6C Tray 80 in Figure 7A 80k in the tray and Figure 7BThe position of the tray at 80m is an example of the retrieval position.

[0143] When tray 80 is in the receiving position, the toner cartridge 70 attached to tray 80 is in the installed position. When tray 80 is in the removed position, the toner cartridge 70 attached to tray 80 is in the retracted position.

[0144] like Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the rotating body 90 includes a protrusion 95 for holding the tray 80 in the receiving position so as to hold the toner cartridge 70 in the mounted position. Figure 8 As shown, tray 80 has a recess 87 for mounting protrusion 95. Although Figure 7A and Figure 7B The protrusions 95k and 95m corresponding to trays 80y and 80m are shown. Figure 8 Recesses 87y and 87m of trays 80y and 80m are shown, but protrusions 95 and recesses 87 are provided to correspond to the respective trays 80y to 80k. Protrusions 95 can be biased in the direction of engagement with recesses 87.

[0145] The protrusion 95 fits into the recess 87 of the tray 80, locking the tray 80 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 mounting position. When the tray 80 moves between the receiving and removing positions via the moving device described below, the corresponding protrusion 95 can move through the tray 80 and disengage from the recess 87.

[0146] In this embodiment, the door 14 is supported so that it can rotate relative to the device body 1A. For example... Figure 7A As shown, the door 14 is biased from the open position to the closed position by a spring 14s. The spring 14s is, for example, a tension spring, and biases the door 14 so that it is positioned about a pivot 14c of the door 14. Figure 7A and Figure 7B A counterclockwise torque is generated in the middle.

[0147] The door 14 is opened by pushing the tray 80. Figure 6B (The state is described as follows). This state can be described as the state in which the tray 80 is supported by the door 14. The door 14 supports at least a portion of the tray 80 that protrudes beyond the main body 1A of the device, thereby providing more stable support for the toner cartridge 70. In other words, when the first toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70k) is in the first retracted position, the opening / closing member (door 14) in the open position supports the first support member (tray 80k). When the second toner 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 member (tray 80y to 80c).

[0148] Door 14 is configured to contact a portion of the frame 16 of the device body 1A (e.g., the lower edge 16c of the opening 16a) in the open position and not rotate downward beyond the open position. When the tray 80 retracts from the outside to the inside of the device body 1A, door 14 returns to the closed position due to the biasing force of spring 14s.

[0149] The toner cartridge 70 is held in a detachably attached manner by the tray 80. For example... Figure 6C As shown, the user can thus perform the operation of removing the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80 and attaching a new toner cartridge 70 (replacement operation). When replacing multiple toner cartridges 70, the user can perform the replacement operation by repeating the above operation.

[0150] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A cross-sectional view is shown near the rotating body 90 during toner cartridge replacement.

[0151] Figure 7A The 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.

[0152] Imaging device 1 includes a mobile device 85 ( Figure 8 The moving device 85 moves the toner cartridge 70 from its mounted position to its retracted position. In this embodiment, the moving device 85 may be said to include a tray 80. The moving device 85k including the tray 80k may be said to be an example of a first moving device including a first support member. The moving device 85m including the tray 80m may be said to be an example of a second moving device including a second support member.

[0153] Even when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the tray 80 remains connected to (and supported by) the rotating body 90. To facilitate the removal of the toner cartridge 70 from the rotating body 90, the length of the toner cartridge 70 protruding from the rotating body 90 in the retracted position can be relatively large. Because 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 despite its large protrusion from the rotating body 90.

[0154] When the toner cartridge 70 moves from its installed position to its retracted position, the direction of movement of the toner cartridge 70 is referred to as the retraction direction. In this embodiment, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 intersects the direction (Y direction) of the rotation axis 90C. Therefore, as... Figure 7A and Figure 7BAs shown, when viewed along the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is orthogonal to the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). Alternatively, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 can be described as an outward direction (away from the rotation axis 90C) in the radial direction of the rotating body 90. The direction of movement of the toner cartridge 70 when it moves from the retracted position to the installed position is referred to as the installation direction.

[0155] like Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, in order for the user to perform the operation of removing the toner cartridge 70 from the rotating body 90, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 can protrude from the rotating body 90 when it is removed. In this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotating body 90.

[0156] When the rotating body 90 rotates about the rotation axis 90C, it can be said that the rotation path of the rotating body 90 is the same as the circumcircle of the rotating body 90 about the rotation axis 90C. Figure 7A and Figure 7B The imaginary circle 90V shown by the dashed line matches. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, more than half of the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the retracted direction can be located outside the rotation path of the rotating body 90. In other words, when viewed along the rotation axis of the rotating body, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, more than half of the entire length of the toner cartridge 70 in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge 70 from the mounting position to the retracted position can be located outside the rotation path of the rotating body. This applies to all toner cartridges 70, including toner cartridge 70k as an example of a first cartridge and toner cartridge 70m as an example of a second cartridge. In this embodiment, as Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 is located outside the rotation path (imaginary circle 90V) of the rotating body 90.

[0157] Furthermore, to facilitate user gripping of the toner cartridge 70, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 may be located outside the imaging device 1 (outside the device body 1A) when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position. As used herein, "outside the device" refers to the space outside the imaging device 1 (outside the device body 1A) when the imaging device 1 is in use (e.g., during an imaging operation on the sheet S).

[0158] In this embodiment, the outer surface of the device body 1A is formed by the outer surface of the frame 16. In other words, it can be said that the "exterior of the device" is the exterior of the frame 16. Therefore, the state in which at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is located outside the device can be described as the state in which at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the opening 16a in the frame 16 of the device body 1A to the exterior of the frame 16.

[0159] In this embodiment, when the door 14 is in the closed position, the opening 16a in the frame 16 of the device body 1A is covered by the door 14. 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, "outside the device" refers to the outside of the outer surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position. That is, when the position of the outer surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position is taken as the external position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is located outside the device body 1A relative to the external position when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position.

[0160] In other words, if the door 14 is in the closed position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 will be located in the space outside the device body 1A. At least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is located downstream of the said external position in the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0161] With the side surface 16b having the opening 16a forming 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 forward from the front outer surface of the device body 1A. In this case, the user can approach the toner cartridge 70 from the front of the imaging device 1 and easily perform the toner cartridge 70 replacement operation.

[0162] When the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, more than half of its length in the retracted direction can be located outside the device. That is, when viewed along the axis of rotation of the rotating body, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, more than half of its entire length can be located outside the main frame in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge 70 from the mounting position toward the retracted position. This applies to all toner cartridges 70, including toner cartridge 70k as an example of a first cartridge and toner cartridge 70m as an example of a second cartridge. Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 can be located outside the device. In this embodiment, the front outer surface of the device body 1A is formed by the outer surface 14a of the door and the side surface 16b. However, the construction of the door 14 is not limited to this. For example, the size of the door 14 can be set to cover the entire side surface 16b. In this case, the front outer surface of the device body 1A is formed by the outer surface 14a of the door 14.

[0163] Tray 80 includes a box-holding portion 81 for holding the toner box 70 (see...) Figure 3 and Figure 6C The cartridge retaining portion 81 is the attachment portion for the toner cartridge 70. When the tray 80 is in the removed position, the entire cartridge retaining portion 81 can be located outside the rotation path of the rotating body 90 in the retracting direction. When the tray 80 is in the removed position, more than half of the length of the cartridge retaining portion 81 in the retracting direction can be located outside the device.

[0164] As mentioned above, the dimensions of the toner cartridge 70k and tray 80k are larger than those of the other toner cartridges 70y to 70c and trays 80y to 80c. Figure 7A and Figure 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.

[0165] Specifically, such as Figure 7A As shown, the travel distance L1 of tray 80k (first support member) from the receiving position (first receiving position) to the taking-out position (first taking-out position) is denoted by L1. The travel distance L2 of tray 80m (second support member) from the receiving position (second receiving position) to the taking-out position (second taking-out position) is denoted by L2. Although Figure 7B The diagram shows the state where the toner cartridge 70m and tray 80m have been moved, but the distance that trays 80y and 80c move from the receiving position to the taking position is also L2. Here, 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 mounting 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 mounting position to the second retracted position.

[0166] like Figure 7A As shown, when the tray 80k is in the removed position and the toner cartridge 70k is in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70k protrudes a distance P1 from the outer surface of the device body 1A to 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 to the outside of the device.

[0167] like Figure 7B As shown, when the tray 80m is in the removed position and the toner cartridge 70m is in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70m protrudes from the outer surface of the device body 1A by a distance P2. In this embodiment, the tray 80m also protrudes from the outer surface of the device body 1A by a distance P2. The toner cartridges 70y and 70c also protrude from the outer surface of the device body 1A by a distance P2.

[0168] Distance P1 is greater than distance P2. Assume the first toner cartridge protrudes from the opening 16a of the device body 1A by a first length (P1) at the first retracted position, and the second toner cartridge protrudes from the opening 16a by a second length (P2) at the second retracted position. In this case, it can be said that the first length is greater than the second length.

[0169] Considering strength, the distance P2 by which toner cartridges 70y to 70c, which are smaller in size than toner cartridge 70k, protrude from the outside of the device in their retracted position can be less than the distance P1 by which toner cartridge 70k protrudes from the outside of the device in its retracted position. The reason is as follows: When toner cartridge 70 is 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 to the outside of the device. Here, tray 80 is cantilevered by the rotating body 90, which also supports the weight of toner cartridge 70. Therefore, by reducing the distance P2 by which toner cartridges 70y to 70c protrude from the outside of the device in their retracted position, the load acting on trays 80y to 80c and on the guide portion 97 of the rotating body 90 supporting trays 80y to 80k can be reduced. Furthermore, since the toner cartridges 70y to 70c are smaller in size than the toner cartridge 70k, the operability of changing the cartridges for the trays 80y to 80c can be maintained even when the distance from P2 is less than the distance from P1.

[0170] (Panel layout within the rotating body)

[0171] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 Describe the layout of trays 80y to 80k within the rotating body 90. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the layout of trays 80y to 80k within the rotating body 90. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the layout of trays 80y to 80k within the rotating body 90. Figure 10 This is a view showing the arrangement of the components on one end side of the tray in the Y direction from 80y to 80k. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the rotating body 90 is shown, taken along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 90C of the rotating body 90. Figure 10 The upper part is from Figure 8 When observing from the top (+Z side) Figure 8 A view of the rotating main body 90 and the trays 80m and 80k. Figure 10 The lower half is from Figure 8 When observing the right side (+X side) Figure 8 A view of the rotating body 90 and trays 80c and 80y.

[0172] like Figure 8As shown, trays 80y to 80k each include a box holding portion 81y to 81k and a guided portion 82y to 82k.

[0173] Toner cartridges 70y to 70k are respectively attached to cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k. Cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k accommodate at least a portion of the respective toner cartridges 70y to 70k attached thereto.

[0174] The guided portions 82y to 82k are located at both ends of the trays 80y to 80k in the Y direction (with box holding portions 81y to 81k in between). The guided portions 82y to 82k are all elongated members extending in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90.

[0175] 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 Figure 11B The reinforcing ribs 82k1 and 82m1 are rib-like protrusions (ridges) that project outwards along the Y direction from the guided portions 82k and 82m located at both ends of the trays 80k and 80m at their Y-ends, and extend along the moving directions Dk and Dm of the trays 80k and 80m. The reinforcing ribs 82k1 and 82m1 improve the rigidity of the guided portions 82k and 82m.

[0176] In this embodiment, the lengths of the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 are limited to avoid the guided portions 82y and 82c. If no interference with the guided portions 82y and 82c occurs, the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 can be arranged along the entire length of the guided portions 82m and 82k. Reinforcing ribs can be added to the guided portions 82y and 82c. If the guided portions 82m and 82k have sufficient rigidity, the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 can be omitted.

[0177] Rack portions 83y to 83k (rack gears) are formed on guided portions 82y to 82k. Pinions 94y to 94k are rotatably held inside the rotating body 90. Pinions 94y to 94k mesh with rack portions 83y to 83k respectively in a manner capable of driving transmission.

[0178] The rack portions 83y to 83k and the pinions 94y to 94k are part of the moving device 85y to 85k, which is configured to move the toner cartridges 70y to 70k from the mounted position to the retracted position. It can be said that the rack portions 83y to 83k and the pinions 94y to 94k are part of a driven device driven by the drive device 98 of the main body 1A.

[0179] It can be said that the pinions 94y to 94k are rotating bodies (rotating components) that rotate so that the trays 80y to 80k can move relative to the rotating body 90.

[0180] Pinions 94y to 94k and rack portions 83y to 83k serve as driven units for causing 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. Pinions 94k and rack portions 83k are examples of a first pinion and a first rack gear, constituting at least a portion of the first driven unit included in the first moving device. Pinions 94m and rack portions 83m are examples of a second pinion and a second rack gear, constituting at least a portion of the second driven unit included in the second moving device.

[0181] The rotating body 90 includes a guide portion 97 that engages with the corresponding guided portions 82y to 82k (see [reference]). Figure 7A and Figure 7B ). Figure 7A The guide portion 97 (97k) is shown engaging with the guided portion 82k of the tray 80k. Figure 7B A guide portion 97 (97m) is shown that engages with the guided portion 82m of tray 80m. The rotating body 90 includes similar guide portions that engage with the guided portions 82y and 82c of trays 80y and 80c. Although Figure 7A and Figure 7B A guide portion 97 is shown arranged on one side (+Y side) of the rotating body 90 in the Y direction, but a similar guide portion 97 is also arranged on the other side (-Y side) of the rotating body 90 in the Y direction.

[0182] As 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 direction of movement. In this embodiment, the guide portion 97k remains engaged with the guided portion 82k throughout the entire movement range between the receiving position and the removal position of the tray 80k. In this embodiment, the guide portion 97m remains engaged with the guided portion 82m throughout the entire movement range between the receiving position and the removal position of the tray 80m.

[0183] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, four trays 80y to 80k are arranged inside the rotating body 90 so as to overlap each other, as will be described in detail below.

[0184] When the pinion gears 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 9As shown, four trays 80y to 80k are arranged such that they rotate 90° relative to the direction of movement of the rotating body 90. Therefore, trays 80y and 80c, as well as trays 80m and 80k, are held to slide in substantially the same direction (parallel direction). This direction of movement of trays 80y to 80k during sliding movement is controlled by the aforementioned engagement of the guided portions 82y to 82k and the guide portion 97.

[0185] Pallets 80y to 80k move outside the equipment through opening 16a. When each pallet 80y to 80k moves outside the equipment through opening 16a, the moving direction of each pallet is basically the same (parallel).

[0186] like Figure 9 As shown, in the moving direction Dk of tray 80k, the area where tray 80k is located is arranged to overlap with the areas where tray 80y and tray 80c are located. Furthermore, in the moving direction Dk of tray 80k, the area where tray 80k is located overlaps with the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90. That is to say, 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 ).

[0187] Conversely, in the direction of movement Dm of pallet 80m, the area where pallet 80m is located is offset so as not to overlap with the area where pallet 80y or pallet 80c is located. Similarly, in the direction of movement Dc of pallet 80c, the area where pallet 80c is located is offset so as not to overlap with the area where pallet 80m or pallet 80k is located.

[0188] The positional relationship between trays 80 can also be represented as follows: When viewed along the moving direction Dy of tray 80y, tray 80y and tray 80k overlap, while tray 80y and tray 80m do not overlap. When viewed along the moving direction Dm of tray 80m, tray 80m and tray 80k overlap, while tray 80m does not overlap with trays 80y and 80c. When viewed along the moving direction Dc of tray 80c, tray 80c and tray 80k overlap, while tray 80c and tray 80m do not overlap.

[0189] As used in this paper, when two elements (components, parts, units, etc.) overlap when viewed along a specific direction, it means that when the elements are projected vertically onto an imaginary plane perpendicular to that direction, the projection areas of one element and the projection areas of the other element at least partially overlap.

[0190] like Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the ranges where the rack portion 83m and the guided portion 82m are located, as well as the ranges where the rack portion 83k and the guided portion 82k are located, at least partially overlap. That is, in this embodiment, it can be said that the ranges where the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) and the second rack gear (rack portion 83m) are located at least partially overlap in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body (Y direction). Therefore, compared to a layout 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, and the guided portions 82m and 82k, can be arranged in a reduced space in the Y direction.

[0191] In the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the ranges where the rack portion 83y and the guided portion 82y are located, as well as the ranges where the rack portion 83c and the guided portion 82c are located, at least partially overlap. That is, in this embodiment, the ranges where the third rack gear (rack portion 83y) and the fourth rack gear (rack portion 83c) are located at least partially overlap in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body (Y direction). Therefore, compared to a layout 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 reduced space in the Y direction.

[0192] Now refer to Figure 10 Describe the meshing position between the rack section 83 and the pinion 94. Figure 10 The upper part shows the meshing position between the rack section 83k and the pinion 94k. Figure 10 The lower half shows the meshing position between the rack portion 83c and the pinion 94c.

[0193] In the direction (Y direction) of the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90, the motor M2, which serves as the drive source, ( Figure 2 The driving force transmitted via the transmission device described below is transmitted to pinions 94y to 94k in region Y1 of the figure. In the Y direction, pinion 94k meshes with rack portion 83k in region Y2 of the figure in a driveable manner. In the Y direction, pinion 94c meshes with rack portion 83c in region Y3 of the figure in a driveable manner. Similarly, rack portion 83m meshes with pinion 94m in region Y2 in a driveable manner. Figure 8 ) meshes. Similar to rack portion 83c, rack portion 83y meshes with pinion 94y in region Y3 in a manner capable of driving transmission. Figure 8) meshing.

[0194] Regions Y2 and Y3 are located at different positions in the Y direction (offset in the Y direction). Region Y1 is located at a different position in the Y direction than both regions Y2 and Y3. In other words, region Y1 is offset from regions Y2 and Y3 in the Y direction.

[0195] With toner cartridges 70y and 70c in their installed positions, the areas where rack portion 83y and rack portion 83c are located at least partially overlap in the direction of movement of rack portion 83y (the direction of movement of tray 80y, Dy). In this embodiment, since the directions of movement of trays 80y and 80c, Dy and Dc, are substantially the same (parallel), the areas where rack portion 83y and rack portion 83c are located also at least partially overlap in the direction of movement of tray 80c, Dc. Therefore, with toner cartridges 70y and 70c in their installed positions, the tooth surfaces of rack portions 83y and 83c are perpendicular to the directions of movement of rack portions 83y and 83c, Dy and Dc. Figure 8 They are opposite each other in the horizontal direction (in the middle).

[0196] Furthermore, when the toner cartridges 70m and 70k are in their installed positions, the areas where the rack portion 83m and the rack portion 83k are located at least partially overlap in the direction of movement of the rack portion 83m (the direction of movement of the tray 80m, Dm). In this embodiment, since the directions of movement of the trays 80m and 80k, Dm and Dk, are substantially the same (parallel), the areas where the rack portion 83m and the rack portion 83k are located also at least partially overlap in the direction of movement of the tray 80k, Dk. Therefore, when the toner cartridges 70m and 70k are in their installed positions, the tooth surfaces of the rack portions 83m and 83k are in directions orthogonal to the directions of movement of the rack portions 83m and 83k, Dm and Dk (…). Figure 8 They are opposite each other in the vertical direction.

[0197] 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 the range where the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) is located and the range where the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) is located do not overlap in the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotating body. Furthermore, when viewed along the rotation axis (Y direction) of the rotating body, with the first toner cartridge 70k in the first mounting position and the second toner cartridge 70y in the second mounting position, it can be said that the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) and the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) overlap.

[0198] Since the rack portions 83k and 83m are located at different positions in the Y direction as are the rack portions 83y and 83c, 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.

[0199] This allows for a space-saving layout of the four trays within the rotating body 90, enabling the rotating body 90 to reduce its size in the rotational radial direction. More specifically, if the movement distances of the respective trays 80y to 80k remain equal to those in this embodiment, while the rack portions 83 are arranged so that they do not overlap when viewed along the Y direction, the required layout area of ​​the four rack portions increases when viewed along the Y direction. Compared to this configuration, arranging the multiple rack portions 83 at offset positions in the Y direction (so that the rack portions 83 overlap when viewed along the Y direction) reduces the layout area of ​​the rack portions 83 when viewed along the Y direction.

[0200] In this embodiment, the four rack portions 83y to 83k are arranged in pairs (two groups) at positions offset in the Y direction. More specifically, in the direction of the rotation axis (Y direction) of the rotating body 90, the areas where the first and second racks are located overlap, and the areas where the third and fourth racks are located overlap. Moreover, in the Y direction, the areas where the first and second racks are located are arranged so as not to overlap with the areas where the third and fourth racks are located. Compared to when the four rack portions 83y and 83k are located at different positions in the Y direction, this reduces the size of the rotating body 90 in the Y direction.

[0201] (Pallet moving structure)

[0202] Reference Figure 11A , Figure 11B , Figure 12A and Figure 12B Describe the construction related to the movement of the trays 80y to 80k arranged in the rotating body 90. Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a perspective view showing the construction related to the movement of the tray 80k. Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is a cross-sectional view showing the construction related to the movement of the tray 80k.

[0203] In this embodiment, trays 80y to 80k are all driven by the driving force of motor M2, which is transmitted to their respective pinions 94y to 94k via drive racks 15L and 15R, which serve as transmission devices. Here, the configuration for moving tray 80k relative to the rotating body 90 will be described. The configuration for moving trays 80y to 80c relative to the rotating body 90 is substantially the same as the configuration for moving tray 80k, and therefore its description will be omitted.

[0204] Figure 11A This shows the state where the tray 80k is located inside the rotating body 90 (i.e., the toner cartridge 70k is installed in the developing unit 50k). In other words, Figure 11A The diagram shows the tray 80k in its receiving position, which corresponds to the toner cartridge 70k in its mounted position relative to the developer frame 53k. Figure 4A ). Figure 11B This shows the state where the tray 80k has slid outside the rotating body 90. In other words, Figure 11B This shows the tray 80k in the removed position, which corresponds to the toner cartridge 70k in the retracted position relative to the developing frame 53k. Figure 4B ).

[0205] The main body 1A of this embodiment includes drive racks 15L and 15R, which serve as drive gears for driving pinion 94. Each drive rack 15 is driven by motor M2 via a drive transmission mechanism (not shown).

[0206] As described above, two rack portions 83k are arranged at corresponding ends of the tray 80k in the Y direction. Two pinions 94k and two drive racks 15L and 15R are located at positions corresponding to the rack portions 83k at their respective ends. That is, the device body 1A of this embodiment includes drive racks 15L and 15R serving as a first drive gear and a second drive gear. It can be said that drive rack 15L is an example of a first drive gear, and drive rack 15R is an example of a second drive gear.

[0207] Such numbering is used for ease of description only, and in principle they are interchangeable. If no distinction is needed, drive racks 15L and 15R will be referred to as "drive rack 15".

[0208] According to this embodiment, the rack portion 83 is configured as a rack and pinion pair, and the pinion 94 is configured as a pinion pair. In this embodiment, the rack gear of each rack and pinion pair and the pinion of each pinion pair are respectively arranged on one end and the other end of the support member (tray 80) in the Y direction, but they can also be arranged in other positions. It can be said that the rack portion 83k and the pinion 94k of the moving device 85k corresponding to the tray 80k are respectively the first rack and pinion pair and the first pinion pair.

[0209] It can be said that the rack portion 83y to 83c and the pinion 94y to 94c of the moving device 85y to 85c corresponding to the other pallets 80y to 80c are examples of the second rack gear pair and the second pinion pair, respectively.

[0210] One of the rack and pinion pairs meshes with one of the pinion pairs, and the other of the rack and pinion pairs meshes 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 of the pinion pairs are simultaneously driven by drive racks 15L and 15R, which serve as the first and second drive racks. This suppresses the rotation of the tray 80 and allows the toner cartridge 70 to move stably.

[0211] However, the tray 80 can be configured to include a rack portion 83 and be moved by a drive rack 15 via a pinion 94.

[0212] The tray 80k is held so as to 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 as to 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 (vertically upward in this embodiment) and in a second direction opposite to the first direction (vertically downward in this embodiment). In other words, the direction of movement of the drive rack 15 in this embodiment is a direction that intersects (preferably orthogonal) both the direction of movement Dk of the tray 80k and the direction of rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 (Y direction).

[0213] Reference Figure 11A and Figure 11B This describes the pallet movement operation used to slide the pallet 80k between a receiving position and a taking-out position. This is achieved via motor M2 ( Figure 2The drive transmission mechanism (not shown), drive rack 15, pinion 94k and rack portion 83k perform the pallet moving operation of pallet 80k.

[0214] First, the tray movement operation (tray pull-out operation) when the toner cartridge 70k is removed from the rotating body 90 will be described. Before the tray pull-out operation begins, the drive rack 15 is located below the position where the drive rack 15 meshes with the pinion 94k. Figure 11A As described above, during the replacement operation of the toner cartridge 70k, the rotating body 90 adopts the replacement orientation of the toner cartridge 70k. Figure 4B ).

[0215] Once the pallet pulling operation begins, the drive rack 15 slides upward relative to the main body 1A by the driving force of the motor M2. During the movement, the drive rack 15 meshes with the pinion 94k, and the pinion 94k is driven to rotate.

[0216] like Figure 11B As shown, the rotational drive of the pinion 94k in the direction of the arrow in the figure inputs driving force to the rack portion 83k that meshes with the pinion 94k. This pushes the tray 80k outside the device and moves it from the receiving position to the taking-out position relative to the rotating body 90. Here, the direction of movement of the tray 80k is through the guide portion 82k and the guide portion 97k of the rotating body 90 (…). Figure 7A The toner cartridge 70k is guided to a predetermined direction of movement Dk by the engagement of the tray 80k. As the tray 80k moves from the receiving position to the taking position, the toner cartridge 70k moves from the mounting position to the retracted position relative to the developing unit 50k.

[0217] With tray 80k in the removed position and toner cartridge 70k in the retracted position, the user can detach / attach to tray 80k from tray 80k.

[0218] The tray movement operation (tray pull-in operation, tray insertion operation) when the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotating body 90 is performed in the reverse process of the tray pull-out operation. For example, the tray pull-in operation is started by the user operating a predetermined operating unit. Once the tray pull-in operation is started, the drive rack 15 slides downward relative to the device body 1A by the driving force of the motor M2. 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.

[0219] The pinion 94k along with Figure 11B The rotation drive, in the opposite direction of the arrow, inputs driving force to the rack portion 83k that meshes with the pinion 94k. As a result, the tray 80k is pulled into the imaging device 1 and moves from the take-out position to the receiving position relative to the rotating body 90.

[0220] Guided by the guided portion 82k and the guided portion 97k of the rotating body 90 ( Figure 7A The engagement of the pallet 80k guides the movement direction of the pallet to the movement direction Dk (with the...). Figure 11B (The arrows in the image point are pointing in opposite directions). As tray 80k moves from the take-out position to the receiving position, toner cartridge 70k moves from the retracted position to the mounting position relative to developing unit 50k.

[0221] Although the movement of the black tray 80k and toner cartridge 70k has been described above, the other trays 80y to 80c and toner cartridges 70y to 70c also use a similar mechanism for movement. That is, in the changing orientation of the corresponding toner cartridges, the drive rack 15 transmits the driving force to the pinions 94y to 94c.

[0222] The motor M2 included in the main body 1A and the transmission device including the drive rack 15 (15L and 15R) and the drive transmission mechanism constitute the drive device 98, which is used to drive the moving device 85 included in the rotating main body 90.

[0223] As described above, in this embodiment, the rotating body 90 includes multiple moving devices 85k to 85y corresponding to multiple toner cartridges 70k to 70y. The drive device 98 of the device body 1A is a common drive device for driving the multiple moving devices 85k to 85y (multiple driven devices) of the rotating body 90.

[0224] In this embodiment, the driving target of the drive device 98 is switched by rotating the rotating body 90. In other words, the drive device 98 according to this embodiment includes a drive rack 15, which serves as a transmission member for transmitting the driving force of the drive source. The drive device 98 can be in a state where the transmission member is engaged with the first driven part (pinion 94k) in a manner capable of driving transmission, and in a state where the transmission member is engaged with the second driven part (pinion 94m) in a manner capable of driving transmission. The drive device 98 can also be in a state where the transmission member is disengaged from the first driven part and the second driven part.

[0225] As described above, pinions 94y to 94k are held by the rotating body 90. Therefore, when the rotating body 90 rotates, the engagement between pinions 94y to 94k and the drive rack 15 can be disengaged.

[0226] Figure 12A The diagram shows the state in which the tray 80k is located inside the rotating body 90 (in the receiving position). Figure 12B The image shows the state where the tray 80k has moved outside the rotating body 90 (moved to the take-out position).

[0227] like Figure 12AAs shown, when the tray 80k is inside the rotating body 90, the drive rack 15 is located in the lower part of the device body 1a. Here, the drive rack 15 retracts from the pinion 94k. Therefore, the rotating body 90 can rotate without interference from the drive rack 15. More specifically, the drive rack 15 can retract to... Figure 12A and 12B The dashed line indicates the outer side of the rotation path of the rotating main body 90.

[0228] As described above, by driving the motor M2 to rotate 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. In other words, the drive device 98 according to this embodiment can not only drive the various moving devices 85 of the rotating body to move the toner cartridge 70 from the mounting position to the retracted position, but also drive the various moving devices 85 to move the toner cartridge 70 from the retracted position to the mounting position.

[0229] As described above, 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. Specifically, as Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the moving distance L1 of the black tray 80k from the receiving position to the taking position is greater than the moving distance L2 of the other trays 80y to 80c from the receiving position to the taking position.

[0230] In this embodiment, when the toner cartridges 70y to 70k move from their installed position to their retracted position, the value of the speed of the rack portion 83k divided by the speed of the driving rack 15 is greater than the value of the speed of the rack portions 83y to 83c divided by the speed of the driving rack 15.

[0231] For example, such as Figure 10 As shown, pinion 94y is configured as a stepped gear, such that the pitch circle radius of the small-diameter gear 942 meshing with rack portion 83y is smaller than the pitch circle radius of the large-diameter gear 941 meshing with drive rack 15. Pinions 94m and 94c are also configured as similar stepped gears. On the other hand, pinion 94k has the same pitch circle radius in the portion meshing with drive rack 15 and in the portion meshing with rack portion 83k. Here, the pitch circle radius of pinion 94k can be the same as the pitch circle radius of the large-diameter gear 94l of pinions 94y to 94c. With the drive rack 15 having the same travel distance, this configuration can increase the travel distance of rack portion 83k compared to the travel distance of other rack portions 83y to 83c. In other words, the travel distance L1 of black tray 80k from the receiving position to the taking position can be greater than the travel distance L2 of other trays 80y to 80c from the receiving position to the taking position.

[0232] Since pinions 94y to 94c are configured as stepped gears, even if pinions 94y to 94k receive driving force from the same drive rack 15, the travel distance L1 of pallet 80k can be greater than the travel distance L2 of other pallets 80y to 80c.

[0233] Instead of (or in combination with) constructing pinions 94y to 94c as stepped gears, pinion 94k can also be constructed as a stepped gear. In this case, the portion of pinion 94k that meshes with the drive rack 15 can be configured as a small-diameter gear, and the portion of pinion 94k that meshes with the rack portion 83k can be configured as a large-diameter gear, the pitch circle radius of which is larger than that of the small-diameter gear. It should be noted that the stepped gear is an example of a reduction mechanism and can be replaced by a known reduction mechanism in which the movement of the output-side (pallet 80 side) member is less than the movement of the input-side (drive source side) member.

[0234] Alternatively, the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 when moving the toner cartridge 70k from the mounted position to the retracted position can be greater than the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 when moving the toner cartridges 70y to 70c from the mounted position to the retracted position.

[0235] Incidentally, the shorter the distance the toner cartridge 70 travels from its installed position to its retracted position, the shorter the movement time of the toner cartridge 70, and the shorter the time the user waits for the toner cartridge 70 to move. The aforementioned configuration, in which the movement amount of the drive rack 15 for the toner cartridge 70k is greater than the movement amount of the drive rack 15 for the toner cartridges 70y to 70c, can reduce the time the user waits for the toner cartridges 70y to 70c to move.

[0236] Using this construction, the movement distance L1 can be greater than the movement distance L2. These constructions can be used in combination.

[0237] Although the driven part is described as including a pinion 94 that meshes with both the drive rack 15 and the rack portion 83, the driven part may also include a gear that meshes with the drive rack 15 and a gear that meshes with the rack portion 83.

[0238] The construction of the moving device 85 for moving the pallet 80 is not limited to a rack and pinion structure. For example, a roller driven to rotate by a motor M2 can be used instead of the component corresponding to the pinion 94, and the pallet 80 can be moved by friction between the roller and the pallet 80.

[0239] When using a roller driven to rotate by a motor M2, the 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 trays 80y to 80k. Here, the moving device 85 is constituted by the roller. It can be said that the rotating assembly 90A includes the rotating body 90 and the toner cartridges 70y to 70k.

[0240] As described above, toner cartridges 70y to 70k are respectively installed in developing units 50y to 50k. In this embodiment, toner cartridges 70y to 70k have a common structure, differing only in the color of the toner contained therein and the shape of the toner frame 71. Developing units 50y to 50k also have a common structure, differing only in the color of the toner contained therein.

[0241] When any one of the developing units 50y to 50k is used as the first developing unit, the developing roller 51 of the first developing unit is an example of a first developing roller, and the developing frame 53 of the first developing unit is an example of a first developing frame. The developing-side receiving portion (supply chamber) 53a of the first developing unit is an example of a first developing-side receiving portion (first supply chamber), and the inlet opening 53b of the first developing unit is an example of a first inlet opening. When any one of the developing units 50y to 50k is used as the second developing unit, the developing roller 51 of the second developing unit is an example of a second developing roller, and the developing frame 53 of the second developing unit is an example of a second developing frame. The developing-side receiving portion (supply chamber) 53a of the second developing unit is an example of a second developing-side receiving portion (second supply chamber), and the inlet opening 53b of the second developing unit is an example of a second inlet opening.

[0242] When the toner cartridge 70 is installed in the first developing unit as a first toner cartridge, the toner frame 71 of the first toner cartridge is an example of a first toner frame, and the toner receiving chamber 71a of the first toner cartridge is an example of a first receiving chamber. The discharge opening 71b of the first toner cartridge is an example of a first discharge opening. The mounting position of the first toner cartridge is an example of a first mounting position, and the retracted position of the first toner cartridge is an example of a first retracted position.

[0243] When the toner cartridge 70 is installed in the second developing unit as a second toner cartridge, the toner frame 71 of the second toner cartridge is an example of a second toner frame, and the toner receiving chamber 71a of the second toner cartridge is an example of a second receiving chamber. The discharge opening 71b of the second toner cartridge is an example of a second discharge opening. The mounting position of the second toner cartridge is an example of a second mounting position, and the retracted position of the second toner cartridge is an example of a second retracted position.

[0244] <The Structure of a Toner Palette>

[0245] Reference Figures 13A to 18 Describe the construction of the toner cartridge 70. Figure 13A and Figure 13B This is an instruction diagram for toner cartridge 70. Specifically, Figure 13A This is a perspective view of toner cartridge 70. Figure 13B This is a top view of the toner cartridge 70 when viewed along the Z direction. Figure 14 and Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view of toner box 70.

[0246] Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 70. Specifically, Figure 16 yes Figure 13A A cross-sectional view of the toner box 70 when it is cut along section CSA. Figure 17 yes Figure 13A A cross-sectional view of the toner box 70 when it is cut along section CSB. Figure 18 yes Figure 13A A cross-sectional view of the toner box 70 when it is cut along section CSC.

[0247] The toner cartridge 70 includes a toner cap 601, a toner container 602, a toner gate 603, a toner seal 604, and toner springs 605L and 605R. Toner springs 605L and 605R are examples of a first spring and a second spring. A discharge opening 71b and a positioning portion 602a, described below, are located in the Y direction between toner springs 605L and 605R. The toner cap 601 is shaped such that its two end portions protrude in the Z direction from the central portion where the discharge opening 71b is located. The cross-sectional area of ​​the toner container 71a is larger at both ends in the Y direction than at the center in the Y direction.

[0248] The toner frame 71 includes a toner cap 601 and a toner container 602. The toner cap 601 and the toner container 602 are fixed together by welding or adhesive bonding, thus forming a toner receiving portion (toner receiving chamber, receiving cavity) 71a for containing toner. The toner cap 601 has a discharge opening 71b communicating with the toner receiving portion 71a.

[0249] When the toner cartridge 70 is detached from the developing unit 50, the toner gate 603 is closed. In other words, the toner gate 603 is in the closed position. In the closed position, the toner gate 603 covers the discharge opening 71b. When the toner gate 603 is in the open position, the discharge opening 71b is exposed, allowing toner to be discharged from the discharge opening 71b. As described below, the toner gate 603 is configured to translate between the open and closed positions.

[0250] The toner seal 604 is secured to the toner cap 601 by adhesive bonding or the use of tape with an adhesive layer. The toner seal 604 has an opening, and toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b passes through this opening. The toner seal 604 is compressed between the toner gate 603 and the toner cap 601 in the closed position. This prevents toner leakage between the toner gate 603 and the toner cap 601.

[0251] The toner gate 603 includes stops 603cL and 603cR. The toner cap 601 includes stop engagement portions 601gL and 601gR. When the toner gate 603 is closed, the stops 603cL and 603cR of the toner gate 603 engage with the stop engagement portions 601gL and 601gR. As a result, the toner gate 603 is held in the closed position. The stops 603cL and 603cR are elastically deformable snap-fit ​​parts. When the toner gate 603 moves from the closed position, the stops 603cL and 603cR need to deform against their restoring force so that the stops 603cL and 603cR disengage from the stop engagement portions 601gL and 601gR. The engagement of stops 603cL and 603cR with stops 601gL and 601gR prevents the toner gate 603 from opening accidentally.

[0252] The toner gate 603 moves relative to the discharge opening 71b in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the toner cartridge 70. Specifically, when moving from the retracted position to the installed position, the toner cartridge 70 moves in the -X direction. Here, the toner gate 603 moves relative to the discharge opening 71b in the +X direction. That is, the toner gate 603 moves from the closed position to the open position in the +X direction. When moving from the installed position to the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70 moves in the +X direction. Here, the toner gate 603 moves relative to the discharge opening 71b in the -X direction. That is, the toner gate 603 moves from the open position to the closed position in the -X direction.

[0253] In the following directions, the +X direction will be referred to as the opening direction of the toner gate 603, and the -X direction will be referred to as the closing direction of the toner gate 603. In other words, the +X direction is the direction in which the toner gate 603 moves from the closed position to the open position. The -X direction is the direction in which the toner gate 603 moves from the open position to the closed position. In the following directions, "X direction" refers to at least one of the closing direction and the opening direction of the toner gate. "X direction" can also refer to at least one of the mounting direction and the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0254] In this embodiment, the movement directions of the toner cartridge 70 (retracted and installed directions) and the movement directions of the toner gate 603 (opening and closing directions) are both parallel to the horizontal direction. However, the movement directions of the toner cartridge 70 and the toner gate 603 do not need to be perfectly parallel to each other. At least one of the movement directions of the toner cartridge 70 and the toner gate 603 may be tilted relative to the horizontal direction.

[0255] In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the developing roller 51 is parallel to the Y direction.

[0256] The mounting and retraction directions of the toner cartridge 70, as well as the closing and opening directions of the toner gate 603, are directions that intersect (preferably orthogonal) with the rotation axis of the developing roller 51. In this embodiment, the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 is parallel to the Y direction. The mounting and retraction directions of the toner cartridge 70, as well as the closing and opening directions of the toner gate 603, are directions that intersect (preferably orthogonal) with the rotation axis 90C.

[0257] Toner springs 605L and 605R are biasing members used to limit the movement of the toner gate 603 from the closed position. When the toner gate 603 is in the closed position, the biasing force of the toner springs 605L and 605R acts on the toner gate 603 in the closing direction.

[0258] In this embodiment, the toner springs 605L and 605R are torsion springs and include coil portions 605aL and 605aR. The toner gate 603 includes spring attachment portions 603aL and 603aR. The coil portions 605aL and 605aR and the spring attachment portions 603aL and 603aR are engaged with each other, and the toner springs 605L and 605R are oscillating about the spring attachment portions 603aL and 603aR.

[0259] The toner springs 605L and 605R include supported arms 605eL and 605eR and biasing arms 605bL and 605bR. The supported arms 605eL and 605eR are supported by a toner gate 603. As a result, the biasing arms 605bL and 605bR generate biasing forces in the directions α1 and α2, respectively, around the spring connection portions 603a1 and 603aR.

[0260] The toner gate (gate body) 603 and toner springs 605L and 605R can be considered part of the toner gate unit. Closing the toner gate 603 means closing the toner gate unit. Opening the toner gate 603 means opening the toner gate unit. The closing direction of the toner gate unit is the same as the closing direction of the toner gate 603. The opening direction of the toner gate unit is the same as the opening direction of the toner gate 603.

[0261] The toner cap 601 includes spring-guided portions 601dL and 601dR. For example... Figure 17 As shown, when the toner gate 603 is closed, the bias arms 605bL and 605bR press the spring guide portions 601dL and 601dR along the α1 and α2 directions. Simultaneously, according to the law of action and reaction, a force along the -X direction acts on the toner gate 603. In other words, the toner gate 603 is subjected to a force along the closing direction.

[0262] like Figure 14 As shown, the toner cap 601 includes gate guides 601cl and 601cR. (As...) Figure 15 As shown, the toner gate 603 includes guided portions 603dL and 603dR. The guided portion 603dL engages with a gate guide 601cL, and the guided portion 603dR engages with a gate guide 601cR. The guided portions 603dL and 603dR are guided by the gate guides 601cL and 601cR to allow the toner gate 603 to move in an opening direction and a closing direction.

[0263] When moved from the closed position to the open position, the toner gate 603 receives a repulsive force from the toner seal 604. As a result, the guided portions 603dL and 603dR slide against the gate guides 601cL and 601cR.

[0264] In the closing direction of the toner gate 603, the gate receiving portion 601bL is located at the downstream end of the gate guide 601cL. For example... Figure 18 As shown, when the toner gate 603 is in the closed position, the guided portion 603dL contacts the gate receiving portion 601bL, thus restricting the toner gate 603 from moving further from the closed position in the -X direction.

[0265] Relative to the XZ plane, the structures of the guided portion 603dR and the gate guide 601cR are opposite to those of the guided portion 603dL and the gate guide 601cL. Since the relationship between the guided portion 603dR and the gate guide 601cR is similar to the relationship between the guided portion 603dL and the gate guide 601cL, its description is omitted.

[0266] The toner cartridge 601 also includes spring-loaded engagement portions 601eL and 601eR, and supported portions 601hL and 601hR. When the toner cartridge 70 is installed in the developing unit 50, the supported portions 601hL and 601hR engage with components of the developing unit 50. The functions of the spring-loaded engagement portions 601eL and 601eR, and the supported portions 601hL and 601hR, will be described below.

[0267] The toner cartridge 70 according to this embodiment also includes a memory 74 for storing information about the toner cartridge 70.

[0268] The positioning portion 602a is arranged on the lower portion of the toner container 602. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the installed position, the positioning portion 602a engages with the positioning portion 612a described below, thereby restricting the movement of the toner cartridge 70 relative to the developing unit 50 in the Y direction.

[0269] The positions of the discharge opening 71b and the positioned portion 602a overlap at least partially in the Y direction. In other words, at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b and at least a portion of the positioned portion 602a are located at the same position in the Y direction.

[0270] The close arrangement of the positioned portion 602a and the discharge opening 71b allows the discharge opening 71b to be positioned with high precision. In other words, the discharge opening 71b can be positioned with high precision relative to the inlet opening.

[0271] The positioned portion 602a is a protrusion extending from the bottom of the toner container 602 (the bottom of the toner frame 71). The positioned portion 602a is a rib extending in the X direction. The positioned portion 602a is exposed to the outside of the toner container 602. Figure 13B As shown, the length of the positioned portion 602a in the Y direction is less than its length in the X direction. The length of the positioned portion 602a in the Y direction is also less than its length in the moving direction (opening and closing directions) of the toner gate 603. At least a portion of the positioned portion 602a and at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b are located at the same position in the moving direction of the toner gate 603. When viewed along the Z direction, the positioned portion 602a overlaps with the discharge opening 71b.

[0272] The positioned portion 602a is located at the center of the toner cartridge 70.

[0273] Specifically, such as Figure 13B As shown, the center of the developing roller 51 in the Y direction will be referred to as center 51c. Center 51c refers to the center of the toner coating area of ​​the developing roller 51.

[0274] 20% of the length of the developing roller 51 in the Y direction will be referred to as the reference length 51L. A position in the Y direction away from the center 51c and the reference length 51L will be referred to as the first position, and a position away from the center 51c and the reference length 51L will be referred to as the second position. The positioned portion 602a of the toner cartridge 70 in the mounting position is located between the first and second positions.

[0275] The length of the positioned portion 602a in the Y direction is less than the length of the toner containing portion 71a. Furthermore, the length of the positioned portion 602a in the Y direction is less than the length of the discharge opening 71b. In the Y direction (the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70), the discharge opening 71b has a first end 71bL and a second end 71bR opposite to the first end 71bL. The positioned portion 602a is located between the first end 71bL and the second end 71bR in the Y direction.

[0276] In this embodiment, the center 71c of the toner cartridge 70 (the center of the toner frame 71) is located between the first end 71bL and the second end 71bR in the Y direction (the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70). When the toner cartridge 70 is in the installed position, the center 71c of the toner cartridge 70 is located at the same position as the center 51c of the developing roller 51.

[0277] like Figure 16 As shown, the positions of the positioned portion 602a and the discharge opening 71b at least partially overlap in the X direction. That is, at least a portion of the positioned portion 602a and at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b are located at the same position in the X direction. More specifically, the positioned portion 602a and the discharge opening 71b are in... Figure 16 The range shown overlaps on range a.

[0278] In other words, the positions of the positioned portion 602a and the discharge opening 71b at least partially overlap in the Y and X directions. As a result, when the positioned portion 602a is positioned by the positioning portion 612a, the discharge opening 71b can be positioned with even higher precision. That is, the discharge opening 71b can be positioned with high precision relative to the inlet opening 53b.

[0279] The positions of the positioned portion 602a and the toner gate 603 at least partially overlap in the Y direction. In other words, at least a portion of the positioned portion 602a and at least a portion of the toner gate 603 are located at the same position in the Y direction. As a result, the movement of the toner gate 603 is stable when the positioned portion 602a is positioned by the positioning portion 612a.

[0280] At least a portion of the positioned portion 602a is located downstream of the discharge opening 71b in the -X direction. Furthermore, at least a portion of the positioned portion 602a is located downstream of the toner gate 603 in the closed position in the -X direction. The positioned portion 602a is closer to the downstream end of the toner frame 71 in the -X direction (compared to being closer to the upstream end of the toner frame 71).

[0281] The toner frame 71 includes a first wall 71d1 with a discharge opening 71b and a second wall 71d2 opposite to the first wall 71d1. The first wall 71d1 and the second wall 71d2 are opposite each other across a toner receiving portion 71a. That is, the toner receiving portion 71a is located between the first wall 71d1 and the second wall 71d2. A positioning portion 602a is arranged on the second wall 71d2.

[0282] <Structure of the developing unit>

[0283] Reference Figures 19 to 22 The structure of the developing unit 50 is described. Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the developing unit 50. Figure 20 and Figure 21 This is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit 50. Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of the developing unit 50. Specifically, Figure 22 It is the developing unit 50 along Figure 19 The cross-sectional view when the section CSD is cut open.

[0284] like Figures 19 to 21 As shown, the developing unit 50 includes a developing cover 611, a developing container 612, a developing gate 613, a developing seal 614, and developing springs 615L and 615R.

[0285] The developing frame 53 includes a developing cover 611 and a developing container 612. The developing cover 611 and the developing container 612 are fixed to each other by welding or adhesive bonding, thereby forming a developing-side receiving portion 53a. As described above, the developing unit 50 includes a developing roller 51 and a supply roller 52.

[0286] The developing cover 611 has an inlet opening 53b that communicates with the developing-side receiving portion 53a.

[0287] Once the toner cartridge 70 is in the installation position, the inlet opening 53b and the outlet opening 71b are opposite to each other and connected. Then, the toner discharged from the outlet opening 71b of the toner cartridge 70 is supplied to the developing side receiving portion 53a through the inlet opening 53b.

[0288] When the toner cartridge 70 is detached from the developing unit 50, the developing gate 613 is closed. In other words, the developing gate 613 is in the closed position. In the closed position, the developing gate 613 covers the inlet opening 53b. When the developing gate 613 is in the open position, the inlet opening 53b is exposed to allow toner to enter through it. As described below, the developing gate 613 is configured to translate between the open and closed positions.

[0289] The developing seal 614 is secured to the developing gate 613 by adhesive bonding or by using tape with an adhesive layer. The developing seal 614 is compressed between the developing cap 611 and the developing gate 613. This prevents toner from leaking between the developing cap 611 and the developing gate 613. When the developing gate 613 is in the closed position, the developing seal 614 covers the inlet opening 53b.

[0290] The developing gate 613 and the developing seal 614 can be considered to form a developing gate unit. In this case, the developing gate 613 serves as the gate body, and the developing seal 614 serves as the sealing part. The developing gate 613 being in the closed position can be considered the developing gate unit being in the closed position. The developing gate 613 being in the open position can be considered the developing gate unit being in the open position. When the developing gate unit is in the closed position, the inlet opening 53b is covered by the developing gate unit. When the developing gate unit is in the open position, the inlet opening 53b is exposed.

[0291] The developing gate 613 moves relative to the inlet opening 53b in the same direction as the toner cartridge 70. That is, when moving from the retracted position to the installed position, the toner cartridge 70 moves in the -X direction. Here, the developing gate 613 moves relative to the inlet opening 53b in the -X direction. In other words, the developing gate 613 moves from the closed position to the open position in the -X direction. When moving from the installed position to the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70 moves in the +X direction. Here, the developing gate 613 moves relative to the inlet opening 53b in the +X direction. In other words, the developing gate 613 moves from the open position to the closed position in the +X direction.

[0292] In the following directions, the -X direction will be referred to as the opening direction of the developing gate 613, and the +X direction will be referred to as the closing direction of the developing gate 613. In other words, the -X direction is the direction in which the developing gate 613 moves from the closed position to the open position. The +X direction is the direction in which the developing gate 613 moves from the open position to the closed position. In the following description, "X direction" refers to at least one of the closing direction and the opening direction of the developing gate 613.

[0293] In this embodiment, the moving directions of the toner cartridge 70 (retracted and installed directions) and the moving directions of the developing gate 613 (opening and closing directions) are both parallel to the horizontal direction. However, the moving directions of the toner cartridge 70 and the developing gate 613 do not need to be perfectly parallel to each other. The moving direction of the developing gate 613 can be tilted relative to the horizontal direction.

[0294] The developing gate 613 is formed of a metal plate. Alternatively, the developing gate 613 may be made of a resin material. Guided members 616L and 616R are attached to the developing gate 613.

[0295] The developing springs 615L and 615R are biasing members used to limit the movement of the developing gate 613 from the closed position. When the developing gate 613 is in the closed position, the biasing force of the developing springs 615L and 615R acts on the developing gate 613 in the closing direction.

[0296] In this embodiment, the developing springs 615L and 615R are torsion springs and include coil portions 615aL and 615aR. The developing gate 613 includes spring attachment portions 613aL and 613aR. The coil portions 615aL and 615aR and the spring attachment portions 613aL and 613aR are engaged with each other, and the developing springs 615L and 615R are oscillating about the spring attachment portions 613aL and 613aR.

[0297] The developing springs 615L and 615R include supported arms 615eL and 615eR and bias arms 615bL and 615bR. The developing gate 613 includes arm support portions 613cL and 613cR. The supported arms 615eL and 615eR are supported by the arm support portions 613cL and 613cR of the developing gate 613. As a result, the bias arms 615bL and 615bR generate bias forces in the directions β1 and β2, respectively, around the spring attachment portions 613a1 and 613aR.

[0298] It can be said that the developing springs 615L and 615R are part of the developing gate unit. It can also be said that the guided components 616L and 616R are part of the developing gate unit.

[0299] Closing the developing gate 613 signifies the closure of the developing gate unit. Opening the developing gate 613 signifies the opening of the developing gate unit. The closing direction of the developing gate unit is the same as the closing direction of the developing gate 613. The opening direction of the developing gate unit is the same as the opening direction of the developing gate 613.

[0300] like Figure 22 As shown, the developing cap 611 includes spring-guided portions 611dL and 611dR.

[0301] With the developing gate 613 closed, the bias arms 615bL and 615bR press the spring guide portions 611dL and 611dR along the β1 and β2 directions. Simultaneously, according to the law of action and reaction, a force along the +X direction acts on the developing gate 613. In other words, the developing gate 613 is subjected to a force along the closing direction.

[0302] like Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, the developing gate 611 includes gate guides 611cL and 611cR. Guided members 616L and 616R are attached to the developing gate 613. Guided member 616L engages with gate guide 611cL, and guided member 616R engages with gate guide 611cR. Guided members 616L and 616R are guided by gate guides 611cL and 611cR, causing the developing gate 613 to move in an opening direction and a closing direction.

[0303] When moved from the closed position to the open position, the developing gate 613 receives a repulsive force from the developing seal 614. As a result, the guided members 616L and 616R slide against the gate guides 611cL and 611cR.

[0304] like Figure 20 As shown, the gate receiving portion 611bR is located downstream of the gate guide 611cR in the closing direction of the developing gate 613. When the developing gate 613 is in the closed position, the guided member 616R contacts the gate receiving portion 611bR, thereby restricting the developing gate 613 from further movement from the closed position in the +X direction.

[0305] Relative to the XZ plane, the structures of the guided member 616L and the gate guide 611cL are opposite to those of the guided member 616R and the gate guide 611cR. Since the relationship between the guided member 616L and the gate guide 611cL is similar to the relationship between the guided member 616R and the gate guide 611cR, its description is omitted.

[0306] The developing cover 611 also includes spring-loaded engagement portions 611eL and 611eR, and cartridge support portions 611hL and 611hR, which engage with components of the toner cartridge 70 when the toner cartridge 70 is installed in the developing unit 50. The functions of the spring-loaded engagement portions 611eL and 611eR, and the cartridge support portions 611hL and 611hR, will be described below.

[0307] The developing frame 53 has a first surface 53d1 on which an inlet opening 53b is disposed and a second surface 53d2 inclined relative to the first surface 53d1. That is, the second surface 53d2 extends in a direction intersecting (preferably orthogonal) to the first surface 53d1. The second surface 53d2 is a different surface from the first surface 53d1. The first surface 53d1 is part of the developing cover 611, and the second surface 53d2 is part of the developing container 612. The inlet opening 53b and the developing gate 613 are disposed in / on the first surface 53d1. The positioning portion 612a is disposed on the second surface 53d2.

[0308] The engagement of the positioning portion 602a and the positioning portion 612a of the toner cartridge 70 restricts the movement of the toner cartridge 70 relative to the developing unit 50 in the Y direction.

[0309] The positions of the inlet opening 53b and the positioning portion 612a overlap at least partially in the Y direction. In other words, at least a portion of the inlet opening 53b and at least a portion of the positioning portion 612a are located at the same position in the Y direction.

[0310] The positions of the developing gate 613 and the positioning portion 612a overlap at least partially in the Y direction. In other words, at least a portion of the developing gate 613 and at least a portion of the positioning portion 612a are located at the same position in the Y direction.

[0311] The positioning portions 612a are a pair of opposing surfaces that form a groove for inserting the positioned portion 602a. According to this embodiment, the positioning portions 612a protrude from the second surface 53d2 of the developing frame 53. The groove formed by the positioning portions 612a extends along the Z-direction.

[0312] The positioning part 612a is basically located at the center of the developing unit 50. The positions of the center 51c of the developing roller 51, the inlet opening 53b, and the positioning part 612a overlap in the Y direction.

[0313] In the Y direction (the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70), the inlet opening 53b has a first end 53bL and a second end 53bR opposite to the first end 53bL. The positioning portion 612a is located in the Y direction between the first end 53bL and the second end 53bR.

[0314] In the preceding description, the positional relationship between the positioning portion 612a and the inlet opening 53b of a single developing unit 50 has been described. As mentioned above, developing units 50y to 50k have a common structure, differing only in the color of the toner contained therein. Developing units 50y to 50k are fixed inside the rotating body 90. Therefore, the positional relationship between the positioning portion 612a of one developing unit 50 and the inlet opening 53b of another developing unit 50 is similar to the positional relationship between the positioning portion 612a and the inlet opening 53b of a single developing unit 50.

[0315] <Construction of the rotating body and multiple developing units>

[0316] Reference Figure 23 and Figure 24 The structure of the rotating body 90 and the multiple developing units 50 is described.

[0317] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of the main body rotated 90 degrees. Figure 24 This is a perspective view used to depict the installation of the toner cartridge 70 (first toner cartridge 70a). Specifically, Figure 24 This is a perspective view of the first toner cartridge 70a arranged on the tray 80 of the rotating body 90.

[0318] In the rotating body 90, multiple developing units 50 are arranged at 90° intervals.

[0319] The first developing unit will be designated as 50a, and the second developing unit adjacent to the first developing unit 50a will be designated as 50b. The toner cartridge 70 installed in the first developing unit 50a will be referred to as the first toner cartridge 70a. The first developing unit 50a and the second developing unit 50b have the same structure as the aforementioned developing unit 50, and the first toner cartridge 70a has the same structure as the aforementioned toner cartridge 70.

[0320] exist Figure 23 The tray 80 of the first developing unit 50a is omitted. A first toner cartridge 70a, which contains toner to be supplied to the first developing unit 50a, is installed between the first developing unit 50a and the second developing unit 50b.

[0321] As will be described in detail below, the positioning portion 602a arranged on the first toner cartridge 70a engages with the positioning portion 612a arranged on the second developing unit 50b. In other words, when the first toner cartridge 70a is in the installed position, the first toner cartridge 70a is positioned by the positioning portion 612a arranged on the second developing unit 50b.

[0322] When the first toner cartridge 70a is installed in the first developing unit 50a, the first toner cartridge 70a is attached to a tray 80 included in the first developing unit 50a. Then, the tray 80 moves to move the first toner cartridge 70a to the installation position.

[0323] It should be noted that when the first toner cartridge 70a is arranged on the tray 80, the memory electrode 74a of the memory 74 faces outward in the rotational radial direction of the rotating body 90.

[0324] <Instructions for installing the toner cartridge>

[0325] Reference Figures 24 to 3 7. Describes the operations of arranging the first toner cartridge 70a on the tray 80 and installing the first toner cartridge 70a into the first developing unit 50a (installation operation). The operations of removing the first toner cartridge 70a from the first developing unit 50a are performed in the reverse order of the installation operation (removal operation).

[0326] When the amount of toner in the first developing unit 50a falls below a predetermined level, the imaging device 1 displays information to the user related to a replacement request for the first toner cartridge 70a.

[0327] Figure 25 This is a perspective view used to describe the installation of the toner cartridge 70 (first toner cartridge 70a). Figure 25 The first toner cartridge 70a is shown from Figure 24 The position shown is pulled into a predetermined state within the rotating body 90. Figure 26 , Figure 27 and Figure 28 This is a cross-sectional view used to describe the installation of the toner cartridge 70 (first toner cartridge 70a). Specifically, Figure 26 It is the rotating body along 90 degrees Figure 25 The sectional view when the section CSE is cut open. Figure 27 It is the rotating body along 90 degrees Figure 25 A perspective view of the section CSF when it is cut open. Figure 28 It is the rotating body along 90 degrees Figure 25 A cross-sectional view of the CSG section when it is cut open.

[0328] like Figure 24 As shown, the user removes the old first toner cartridge 70a from the tray 80 and places the new first toner cartridge 70a on the tray 80.

[0329] When the tray 80 is pulled into the rotating body 90, as Figure 26As shown, the supported portion 601hL of the first toner cartridge 70a contacts the cartridge support portion 611hL of the first developing unit 50a along the Z direction. At least one of the downstream end of the supported portion 601hL in the -X direction and the upstream end of the cartridge support portion 611hL in the -X direction is inclined. As the tray 80 is pulled in, the cartridge support portion 611hL of the first developing unit 50a lifts the supported portion 601hL of the first toner cartridge 70a.

[0330] like Figure 26 As shown, there are gaps b and c in the Y direction between the cartridge support portion 611h of the first developing unit 50a and the supported portion 601hL of the first toner cartridge 70a.

[0331] Relative to the XZ plane, the structures of the box support portion 611hR and the supported portion 601hR are the opposite of those of the box support portion 611hL and the supported portion 601hL. Since the relationship between the box support portion 611hR and the supported portion 601hR is similar to the relationship between the box support portion 611hL and the supported portion 601hL, its description will be omitted.

[0332] Thus, when the first toner cartridge 70a moves from the retracted position to the installed position, the supported portions 601hL and 601hR and the cartridge support portions 611hL and 611hR engage with each other before the first toner cartridge 70a reaches the installed position.

[0333] Before the supported portions 601hL and 601hR are lifted by the box support portions 611hL and 611hR, the weight of the first toner cartridge 70a is borne by the tray 80. After the supported portions 601hL and 601hR are lifted by the box support portions 611hL and 611hR, the weight of the first toner cartridge 70a is borne by the box support portions 611hL and 611hR. In other words, in the Z direction, the first toner cartridge 70a is positioned by the box support portions 611hL and 611hR.

[0334] like Figure 27 As shown, tray 80 has an opening 80a, at which the positioned portion 602a of the first toner cartridge 70a is exposed. In the state where the supported portions 601hL and 601hR begin to engage with the cartridge support portions 611hL and 611hR, as... Figure 27 As shown, the positioning portion 612a of the second developing unit 50b and the positioning portion 602a of the first toner cartridge 70a are not joined.

[0335] like Figure 28As shown, when the supported portions 601hL and 601hR begin to engage with the cartridge support portions 611hL and 611hR, the toner gate contact portion 603b of the toner gate 603 does not contact the first developing unit 50a. The developing gate contact portion 613b of the developing gate 613 also does not contact the first toner cartridge 70a.

[0336] When tray 80 from Figure 25 As the position is shifted and the first toner cartridge 70a is further pulled into the rotating body 90, the positioned portion 602a of the first toner cartridge 70a engages with the positioned portion 612a of the second developing unit 50b. As a result, the movement of the first toner cartridge 70a relative to the first developing unit 50a and the second developing unit 50b in the Y direction is restricted.

[0337] Figure 29 This is a perspective view used to describe the installation of the toner cartridge 70 (first toner cartridge 70a). Figure 29 The first toner cartridge 70a is shown from Figure 25 The position shown is further pulled into the rotating body 90. Figure 30 , Figure 31 , Figure 32 and Figure 33 This is a cross-sectional view used to describe the installation of the toner cartridge 70 (first toner cartridge 70a). Specifically, Figure 30 It is the rotating body along 90 degrees Figure 29 The cross-sectional perspective view of the CSH section when it is cut open. Figure 31 It is the rotating body along 90 degrees Figure 29 The sectional view of the section CSJ when it is cut open. Figure 32 It is the rotating body along 90 degrees Figure 29 The cross-sectional perspective view of the CSK section when cut open. Figure 33 It is the rotating body along 90 degrees Figure 29 The cross-sectional view of the section CSL when it is cut open.

[0338] like Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, the positioning portion 612a of the second developing unit 50b engages with the positioning portion 602a of the first toner cartridge 70a. As a result, the first toner cartridge 70a is positioned relative to the first developing unit 50a and the second developing unit 50b in the Y direction. In other words, the contact between the positioning portion 602a and the positioning portion 612a restricts the movement of the first toner cartridge 70a in the +Y and -Y directions.

[0339] like Figure 31As shown, there is a gap f in the Z direction between the end of the positioned portion 602a and the developing frame 53 of the second developing unit 50b. Simultaneously, there is a gap e between the end of the positioned portion 612a and the toner frame 71 of the first toner cartridge 70a.

[0340] With the supported portions 601hL and 601hR and the box support portions 611hL and 611hR engaged with each other, and the positioned portions 602a and 612a engaged with each other, the movement of the first toner cartridge 70a is restricted in the Y and Z directions. However, in this state, the first toner cartridge 70a is capable of moving in the X direction.

[0341] As described above, when the first toner cartridge 70a moves from the retracted position to the installed position, the positioned portion 602a and the positioning portion 612a engage with each other before the first toner cartridge 70a reaches the installed position. When the first toner cartridge 70a is in the installed position, the positioned portion 602a and the positioning portion 612a remain engaged with each other.

[0342] The positioned portion 602a and the positioning portion 612a are in a clearance fit relationship. Due to the dimensional difference between the positioned portion 602a and the positioning portion 612a, the first toner cartridge 70a can be tilted, such that the longitudinal direction of the first toner cartridge 70a is tilted relative to the Y direction. Since the position of the positioned portion 602a and the position of the discharge opening 71b at least partially overlap in the Y direction, displacement of the discharge opening 71b due to the tilt of the first toner cartridge 70a can be suppressed. In other words, the discharge opening 71b can be positioned with high precision.

[0343] The inlet opening 53b of the first developing unit 50a is arranged in the first surface 53d1. The positioning portion 612a is located away from the first surface 53d1. As a result, the positioned portion 602a of the first toner cartridge 70a is located away from the discharge opening 71b. Therefore, at least a portion of the positioned portion 602a and at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b can be located in the same position in the Y direction, and the positioned portion 602a does not obstruct the discharge of toner from the discharge opening 71b.

[0344] In this embodiment, the positioning portion 612a is arranged on the second surface 53d2 of the second developing unit 50b. The second surface 53d2 of the second developing unit 50b is an example of a surface opposite to the inlet opening 53b of the first developing unit 50a. The second surface 53d2 of the second developing unit 50b is also an example of a surface opposite to the developing gate 613 of the first developing unit 50a in the closed position. In other words, the positioning portion 612a of the second developing unit 50b is opposite to the inlet opening 53b of the first developing unit 50a. The positioning portion 612a of the second developing unit 50b is also opposite to the developing gate 613 of the first developing unit 50a in the closed position.

[0345] In a direction orthogonal to the Y direction, the positioning portion 612a is closer to the second developing unit 50b (compared to being closer to the first developing unit 50a). More specifically, the positioning portion 612a is closer to the developing side receiving portion 53a of the second developing unit 50b (compared to being closer to the developing side receiving portion 53a of the first developing unit 50a). In this embodiment, the positioning portion 612a is arranged on the developing frame 53 of the second developing unit 50b.

[0346] Even when the positions of the positioned portion 602a and the discharge opening 71b at least partially overlap in the Y and X directions, this arrangement prevents the positioned portion 602a from interfering with the discharge of toner from the discharge opening 71b. Furthermore, the configuration for positioning the first toner cartridge 70a in the Y direction can be arranged in a space-saving manner.

[0347] The positioning portion 612a can be arranged on a different component than the developing frame 53 of the second developing unit 50b. However, integrating the positioning portion 612a onto the developing frame 53 of the second developing unit 50b, as in this embodiment, can reduce the increase in the number of components.

[0348] As described above, when the toner gate 603 is in the closed position, the stops 603cL and 603cR engage with the stop engagement portions 601gL and 601gR. Figure 20 As shown, the developer cap 611 includes stop release portions 611gL and 611gR.

[0349] like Figure 32 As shown, when the positioning portion 602a and the positioning portion 612a begin to engage, the stop 603cl of the first toner cartridge 70a contacts the stop release portion 611gL of the developing cap 611. As the first toner cartridge 70a is further pulled into the rotating body 90, the stop release portion 611gL causes the stop 603cl to move in the Z direction, thereby disengaging the stop 603cl from the stop engagement portion 601gL.

[0350] Relative to the XZ plane, the structures of the stop 603cR, the stop engagement portion 601gR, and the stop release portion 611gR are the opposite of those of the stop 603cL, the stop engagement portion 601gL, and the stop release portion 611gL. Since the relationship between the stop 603cR, the stop engagement portion 601gR, and the stop release portion 611gR is similar to the relationship between the stop 603cL, the stop engagement portion 601gL, and the stop release portion 611gL, its description will be omitted.

[0351] When the stoppers 603cL and 603cR are disengaged from the stopper engagement portions 601gL and 601gR, the toner gate 603 can move in the +X direction relative to the discharge opening 71b.

[0352] like Figure 33 As shown, when the positioned portion 602a and the positioning portion 612a begin to engage, the toner gate contact portion 603b of the toner gate 603 does not contact the first developing unit 50a. Similarly, the developing gate contact portion 613b of the developing gate 613 also does not contact the first toner cartridge 70a.

[0353] As described above, when the first toner cartridge 70a moves from the retracted position to the installed position, the positioned portion 602a and the positioning portion 612a engage with each other before the first toner cartridge 70a reaches the installed position.

[0354] In this embodiment, when the first toner cartridge 70a moves from the retracted position to the installed position, the positioned portion 602a and the positioning portion 612a engage with each other before the discharge opening 71b aligns with the inlet opening 53b. Furthermore, the positioned portion 602a and the positioning portion 612a engage with each other before the developing gate 613 moves in the opening direction and before the toner gate 603 moves in the opening direction. Therefore, when the first toner cartridge 70a is stable, the discharge opening 71b can align with the inlet opening 53b, and the developing gate 613 and the toner gate 603 can move.

[0355] Figure 34 and Figure 35 This is a cross-sectional view used to describe the installation of the toner cartridge 70 (first toner cartridge 70a). Figure 34 The first toner cartridge 70a is shown from Figure 33 The position shown is further pulled into the rotating body 90. Figure 35 The first toner cartridge 70a is shown from Figure 34 The position shown is further pulled into the rotating body 90.

[0356] like Figure 14 and 20As shown, the developer cap 611 includes a developer contact portion 611f, and the toner cap 601 includes a toner contact portion 601f.

[0357] When the first toner cartridge 70a is from Figure 33 When the state shown is pulled in further, the toner gate contact portion 603b of the toner gate 603 contacts the developing contact portion 611f of the developing cap 611, as... Figure 34 As shown. As a result, the movement of the toner gate 603 relative to the developing cap 611 of the developing frame 53 is restricted.

[0358] Furthermore, the developing gate contact portion 613b of the developing gate 613 contacts the toner contact portion 601f of the toner cap 601. As a result, the movement of the developing gate 613 relative to the toner cap 601 is restricted.

[0359] Here, the coil portions 615aL and 615aR of the developing springs 615L and 615R contact the spring engagement portions 601eL and 601eR of the toner cap 601. Furthermore, the coil portions 605aL and 605aR of the toner springs 605L and 605R contact the spring engagement portions 611eL and 611eR of the developing cap 611. In other words, the toner gate 603 and the toner springs 605L and 605R are stopped relative to the developing cap 611 while in contact with it.

[0360] When the first toner cartridge 70a is further pulled in during this state, the toner frame 71 and the discharge opening 71b move relative to the toner gate 603 and the toner springs 605L and 605R in the -X direction. In other words, the toner gate 603 and the toner springs 605L and 605R move relative to the toner frame 71 and the discharge opening 71b in the +X direction. The developing contact portion 611f of the developing cap 611 can be referred to as a receiving portion for receiving the toner gate 603, an opener for opening the toner gate 603, a pressing portion for pressing the toner gate 603, etc.

[0361] When the first toner cartridge 70a is from Figure 34 When the state shown is further pulled in, the developing gate 613 and developing springs 615L and 615R, together with the toner cap 601, move in the -X direction relative to the developing frame 53 and the inlet opening 53b, as shown. Figure 35 As shown. The toner contact portion 601f of the toner cap 601 can be referred to as the receiving portion for receiving the developing gate 613, the opener for opening the developing gate 613, the pressing portion for pressing the developing gate 613, etc.

[0362] As described above, the toner gate 603 and toner springs 605L and 605R are stopped relative to the developer cap 611 in contact with it. In this state, the toner cap 601 (which is part of the toner frame 71) moves in the -X direction relative to the toner gate 603 and toner springs 605L and 605R. As a result, spring guide portions 601dL and 601dR are displaced relative to bias arms 605bL and 605bR. The spring guide portions 601dL and 601dR are configured to move the bias arms 605bL and 605bR. Specifically, the spring guide portions 601dL and 601dR have inclined surfaces that are inclined relative to the X direction. The bias arms 605bL and 605bR contact the inclined surfaces of the spring guide portions 601dL and 601dR, and overcome the restoring force in the direction opposite to α1 and α2 (see...). Figure 18 Rotation. The spring guide portions 601dL and 601dR can be referred to as the functional portions or spring deformation portions used to deform the toner springs 605L and 605R.

[0363] The bias arms 605bL and 605bR include hook portions (end portions) 605cL and 605cR. The hook portions 605cL and 605cR contact the spring guide portions 601dL and 601dR.

[0364] As the bias arm 605bL rotates in the direction opposite to α1, the spring engagement portion 611eL is clamped between the hook portion 605cL and the coil portion 605aL. Similarly, as the bias arm 605bR rotates in the direction opposite to α2, the spring engagement portion 611eR is clamped between the hook portion 605cR and the coil portion 605cR.

[0365] The developing gate 613 and developing springs 615L and 615R move relative to the developing frame 53 and the inlet opening 53b in the -X direction. As a result, bias arms 615bL and 615bR are displaced relative to spring guide portions 611dL and 611dR. The spring guide portions 611dL and 611dR are configured to move the bias arms 615bL and 615bR. Specifically, the spring guide portions 611dL and 611dR have inclined surfaces that are tilted relative to the X direction.

[0366] The bias arms 615bL and 615bR contact the inclined surfaces of the spring guide portions 611dL and 611dR, and overcome the restoring force in the direction opposite to β1 and β2 (see...). Figure 22 Rotation. The spring guide portions 611dL and 611dR can be referred to as the functional portions or spring deformation portions used to deform the developing springs 615L and 615R.

[0367] The bias arms 615bL and 615bR include hook portions (end portions) 615cL and 615cR. The hook portions 615cL and 615cR contact spring guides 611dL and 611dR.

[0368] As the bias arm 615bL rotates in the direction opposite to β1, the spring engagement portion 601eL is clamped between the hook portion 615cL and the coil portion 615aL. Similarly, as the bias arm 615bR rotates in the direction opposite to β2, the spring engagement portion 601eR is clamped between the hook portion 615cR and the coil portion 615aR.

[0369] like Figure 17 As shown, when the toner gate 603 is in the closed position, the biasing force exerted by the toner springs 605L and 605R on the spring guide portions 601dL and 601dR includes a component in the +X direction. As a result, the toner gate 603 is subjected to a force in the -X direction due to the biasing force of the toner springs 605L and 605R.

[0370] On the contrary, Figure 35 In the illustrated state, the toner spring 605L biases the spring guide portion 601dL in the -Y direction, and the toner spring 605R biases the spring guide portion 601dR in the +Y direction. As a result, the force acting on the toner gate 603 due to the biasing forces of the toner springs 605L and 605R substantially excludes the component in the -X direction. This reduces the force required to move the toner gate 603 in the opening direction.

[0371] In other words, in this embodiment, the toner gate 603 in the closed position receives a force in the closing direction from the toner springs 605L and 605R. This force decreases as the toner gate 603 moves from the closed position toward the open position. Of the forces received by the toner gate 603 from the toner springs 605L and 605R, the magnitude of the force acting in the closing direction is smaller when the toner gate 603 is in the open position than when the toner gate 603 is in the closed position.

[0372] like Figure 22 As shown, when the developing gate 613 is in the closed position, the biasing force exerted by the developing springs 615L and 615R on the spring guide portions 611dL and 611dR includes a component in the -X direction. As a result, the developing gate 613 is subjected to a force in the +X direction due to the biasing force of the developing springs 615L and 615R.

[0373] On the contrary, Figure 35In the illustrated state, the developing spring 615L biases the spring guide portion 611dL in the +Y direction, and the developing spring 615R biases the spring guide portion 611dR in the -Y direction. As a result, the force acting on the developing gate 613 due to the biasing forces of the developing springs 615L and 615R essentially excludes the component in the +X direction. This reduces the force required to move the developing gate 613 in the opening direction.

[0374] In other words, in this embodiment, the developing gate 613 in the closed position is subjected to a force in the closing direction from the developing springs 615L and 615R. This force decreases as the developing gate 613 moves from the closed position to the open position. Of the forces received by the developing gate 613 from the developing springs 615L and 615R, the magnitude of the force acting in the closing direction is smaller when the developing gate 613 is in the closed position than when the developing gate 613 is in the open position.

[0375] exist Figure 35 In the illustrated configuration, the inlet opening 53b and the outlet opening 71b partially overlap. During the installation of the first toner cartridge 70a, before the inlet opening 53b and the outlet opening 71b begin to overlap, the positioning portion 602a of the first toner cartridge 70a engages with the positioning portion 612a of the second developing unit 50b. As a result, before the inlet opening 53b and the outlet opening 71b begin to overlap, the first toner cartridge 70a can be positioned relative to the first developing unit 50a in the Y direction via the second developing unit 50b.

[0376] Figure 36 This is a perspective view used to describe the installation of the toner cartridge 70 (first toner cartridge 70a). Figure 37A and Figure 37B This is a cross-sectional view used to describe the installation of the toner cartridge 70 (first toner cartridge 70a). Figure 36 , Figure 37A and Figure 37B In the middle, the first toner cartridge 70a is located in the installation position.

[0377] like Figure 36 As shown, when the first toner cartridge 70a is in the mounting position, the memory electrode 74a of the memory 74 is exposed from the tray 80. The imaging device 1 includes a connector capable of contacting the electrode 74a. The control unit 100C of the imaging device 1 is configured to read information from the memory 74 and write information to the memory 74.

[0378] Figure 37B It is a cross-sectional view of the first developing unit 50a, the second developing unit 50b, and the first toner cartridge 70a, taken along a section orthogonal to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90.

[0379] like Figure 37BAs shown, with the first toner cartridge 70a in the installed position, the toner gate 603 and the developing gate 613 are both in the open position. In this state, the discharge opening 71b and the inlet opening 53b are connected to each other. When the main body 90 rotates relative to the first developing unit 50a in the installed position and toner is discharged from the first toner cartridge 70a, toner is supplied to the first developing unit 50a.

[0380] The toner gate 603, in the open position, is closer to the rotation axis 90C of the rotating body 90 in the radial direction of rotation than the outermost portion. Specifically, in this embodiment, Figure 37B The dashed line represents the circumcircle of the rotating body 90 about its rotation axis 90C. The circumcircle is tangent to the pinion 94. The toner gate 603, in the open position, is located within the circumcircle. This prevents the rotation of the rotating body 90 from being disturbed by the toner gate 603.

[0381] When viewed along the Y direction, the positioning portion 612a is closer to the second developing unit 50b (compared to its proximity to the first developing unit 50a). More specifically, the positioning portion 612a is closer to the developing-side receiving portion 53a of the second developing unit 50b (compared to its proximity to the developing-side receiving portion 53a of the first developing unit 50a). When viewed along the Y direction, the positioned portion 602a of the first toner cartridge 70a at the installation position is closer to the second developing unit 50b (compared to its proximity to the first developing unit 50a). More specifically, the positioned portion 602a of the first toner cartridge 70a is closer to the developing-side receiving portion 53a of the second developing unit 50b (compared to its proximity to the developing-side receiving portion 53a of the first developing unit 50a).

[0382] When the first toner cartridge 70a is in the mounted position relative to the first developing unit 50a, the positioning portion 602a and the positioning portion 612a engage with each other. Therefore, the first toner cartridge 70a can be positioned with high precision even during the rotation operation of the rotating body 90 or while performing an imaging operation on the recording material.

[0383] like Figure 37AAs shown, the spring engagement portion 611eL is sandwiched between the hook portion 605cL and the coil portion 605aL. Similarly, the spring engagement portion 611eR is sandwiched between the hook portion 605cR and the coil portion 605aR. In this state, when the first toner cartridge 70a moves in the retracting direction, the toner springs 605L and 605R and the toner gate 603 are restricted from moving relative to the developer cap 611 in the retracting direction. In other words, when the first toner cartridge 70a moves in the retracting direction, the toner springs 605L and 605R and the toner gate 603 move relative to the toner frame 71 and the discharge opening 71b in the -X direction.

[0384] The spring engagement portion 601eL is sandwiched between the hook portion 615cL and the coil portion 615aL. Similarly, the spring engagement portion 601eR is sandwiched between the hook portion 615cR and the coil portion 615aR. In this state, when the first toner cartridge 70a moves in the retracting direction, the developing springs 615L and 615R and the developing gate 613 are restricted from moving relative to the toner cap 601 in the retracting direction. In other words, when the first toner cartridge 70a moves in the retracting direction, the developing springs 615L and 615R and the developing gate 613 move together with the toner cap 601 in the +X direction.

[0385] When the first toner cartridge 70a moves in the retracting direction, the relationship between the first toner cartridge 70a and the first developing unit 50a is as follows: Figure 37A and Figure 37B , Figure 35 , Figure 34 , Figure 33 and Figure 28 The order of change.

[0386] When the first toner cartridge 70a moves in the +X direction, the engagement of hook portions 605cl and 605cl with spring engagement portions 611eL and 611eR causes the toner gate 603 and toner springs 605L and 605R to move relative to the toner frame 71 and the discharge opening 71b in the -X direction. In other words, when the first toner cartridge 70a moves in the +X direction, the engagement of hook portions 605cl and 605cl with spring engagement portions 611eL and 611eR restricts the movement of the toner gate 603 and toner springs 605L and 605R relative to the developing frame 53 in the +X direction. Toner springs 605L and 605R are examples of movement-restricting portions (first movement-restricting portion, second movement-restricting portion) of the toner gate unit.

[0387] The displacement of the toner frame 71 relative to the toner springs 605L and 605R causes the spring guide portions 601dL and 601dR to shift relative to the toner springs 605L and 605R. As a result, the toner springs 605L and 605R, which have been deformed due to the spring guide portions 601dL and 601dR, return to their original positions. Figure 17 This disengages the hook portions 605cL and 605cR from the spring engagement portions 611eL and 611eR. Then, the bias arms 605bL and 605bR of the toner springs 605L and 605R press the spring guide portions 601dL and 601dR along directions α1 and α2.

[0388] In this embodiment, the hook portions 605cL and 605cR disengage from the spring engagement portions 611eL and 611eR before the toner gate 603 is fully moved to the closed position.

[0389] However, bias arms 605bL and 605bR press spring guides 601dL and 601dR along directions α1 and α2, thereby applying a force in the closing direction to the toner gate 603, and moving the toner gate 603 to the closed position. Simultaneously with the toner gate 603 reaching the closed position, hook portions 605cL and 605cR disengage from spring engagement portions 611eL and 611eR.

[0390] When the first toner cartridge 70a moves in the +X direction, the engagement of hook portions 615cl and 615cl with spring engagement portions 601eL and 601eR causes the developing gate 613 and developing springs 615L and 615R to move relative to the developing frame 53 and the inlet opening 53b in the +X direction. In other words, the engagement of hook portions 615cl and 615cl with spring engagement portions 601eL and 601eR causes the developing gate 613 and developing springs 615L and 615R to move together with the toner frame 71 in the +X direction. Alternatively, the engagement of hook portions 615cl and 615cl with spring engagement portions 601eL and 601eR restricts the movement of the developing gate 613 and developing springs 615L and 615R relative to the toner frame 71 in the -X direction. The developing springs 615L and 615R are examples of the movement restriction parts (first movement restriction part and second movement restriction part) of the developing gate unit.

[0391] The displacement of developing springs 615L and 615R relative to developing frame 53 causes them to shift relative to spring guide portions 611dL and 611dR. As a result, the developing springs 615L and 615R, which had been deformed by the spring guide portions 611dL and 611dR, return to their original positions. Figure 22This disengages the hook portions 615cL and 615cR from the spring engagement portions 601eL and 601eR. Then, the bias arms 615bL and 615bR of the developing springs 615L and 615R press the spring guide portions 611dL and 611dR along the β1 and β2 directions.

[0392] In this embodiment, before the developing gate 613 is fully moved to the closed position, the hook portions 615cL and 615cR disengage from the spring engagement portions 601eL and 601eR.

[0393] However, the bias arms 615bL and 615bR press the spring guide portions 611dL and 611dR along the β1 and β2 directions, thereby applying a force in the closing direction to the developing gate 613, and moving the developing gate 613 to the closed position. Simultaneously with the developing gate 613 reaching the closed position, the hook portions 615cL and 615cR disengage from the spring engagement portions 601eL and 601eR.

[0394] Therefore, the movement of the first toner cartridge 70a from the attached position to the retracted position causes the toner gate 603 to move from the open position to the closed position, and causes the developing gate 613 to move from the open position to the closed position.

[0395] As described above, the guided portions 603dL and 603dR of the toner gate 603 are guided by gate guides 601cL and 601cR. The positioning portion 612a and the positioned portion 602a are located in the Y direction between the guided portions 603dL and 603dR and between the gate guides 601cL and 601cR. This ensures stable opening and closing operation of the toner gate 603.

[0396] In the Y direction, the positioning portion 612a and the positioned portion 602a are also located between the toner springs 605L and 605R, between the spring guide portions 601dL and 601dR, and between the spring engagement portions 611eL and 611eR. This makes the opening and closing operation of the toner gate 603 stable.

[0397] As described above, the guided members 616L and 616R of the developing gate unit are guided by gate guides 611cL and 611cR. The positioning portion 612a and the guided portion 602a are located in the Y direction between the guided members 616L and 616R and between the gate guides 611cL and 611cR. This ensures stable opening and closing operation of the developing gate unit.

[0398] In the Y direction, the positioning portion 612a and the positioned portion 602a are also located between the developing springs 615L and 615R, between the spring guide portions 611dL and 611dR, and between the spring engaging portions 601eL and 601eR. This makes the opening and closing operation of the developing gate unit stable.

[0399] <Overview>

[0400] As described above, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b and at least a portion of the positioned portion 602a are located at the same position in the Y direction. Therefore, the discharge opening 71b can be positioned with high precision.

[0401] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b and at least a portion of the positioned portion 602a are located at the same position in the X direction. Therefore, the discharge opening 71b can be positioned with even higher precision.

[0402] In this embodiment, the positioned portion 602a is located away from the discharge opening 71b, and the portion where the positioning portion 612a is arranged is different from the portion where the inlet opening 53b is arranged. Therefore, the discharge opening 71b and the positioned portion 602a can be located close to each other without obstructing the flow of toner through the discharge opening 71b and the inlet opening 53b.

[0403] In this embodiment, the positioning portion 612a of the positioning portion 602a used to position the first toner cartridge 70a is closer to the second developing unit 50b (compared to being closer to the first developing unit 50a). Therefore, the structure for positioning the first toner cartridge 70a can be arranged in a space-saving manner.

[0404] In this embodiment, when the first toner cartridge 70a moves from the retracted position to the installed position, the positioned portion 602a and the positioning portion 612a engage with each other before the discharge opening 71b aligns with the inlet opening 53b. Furthermore, the positioned portion 602a and the positioning portion 612a engage with each other before the developing gate 613 moves in the opening direction and before the toner gate 603 moves in the opening direction. Therefore, the discharge opening 71b can align with the inlet opening 53b, and the developing gate 613 and the toner gate 603 can move while the first toner cartridge 70a is stable.

[0405] [Second Embodiment]

[0406] The second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, components similar to those described in the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted in principle.

[0407] As described below, the toner cartridge 170 of the second embodiment includes a positioning portion 702a, and the developing unit 150 of the second embodiment includes a positioning portion 712a. The functions and arrangements of the positioning portions 702a and 712a are the same as those of the positioning portions 602a and 612a of the first embodiment. However, the shapes of the positioning portions 702a and 712a are different from those of the positioning portions 602a and 612a of the first embodiment.

[0408] Apart from the shapes of the positioning portions 702a and 712a, the toner cartridge 70 of the first embodiment and the toner cartridge 170 of the second embodiment, as well as the developing unit 50 of the first embodiment and the developing unit 150 of the second embodiment, have a common structure.

[0409] In the first embodiment, the positioned portion 602a is a protrusion to be inserted into the recess (groove) formed by the positioning portion 612a. In the second embodiment, the positioning portion 712a is a protrusion to be inserted into the groove (recess) formed by the positioned portion 702a. As a summary of the first and second embodiments, one of the positioned portion and the positioning portion is a protrusion, and it is inserted into the recess (groove) formed by the other of the positioned portion and the positioning portion.

[0410] <The Structure of a Toner Palette>

[0411] The second embodiment of the toner cartridge 170 includes a toner frame 171 corresponding to the toner frame 71 of the first embodiment. The first embodiment's toner frame 71 includes a toner container 602, while the second embodiment's toner frame 171 includes a toner container 702. Except for the differences between toner containers 602 and 702, the first embodiment's toner cartridge 70 and the second embodiment's toner cartridge 170 share a common construction. Toner containers 602 and 702 share a common construction except for the shapes of the positioned portions 602a and 702a.

[0412] Reference Figures 38A to 41 Describe the construction of the toner cartridge 170. Figure 38A and Figure 38B This is an instruction diagram for toner cartridge 170. Specifically, Figure 38A This is a perspective view of toner box 170. Figure 38B This is a top view of the toner cartridge 170 as viewed along the Z direction. Figure 39 and Figure 40 This is an exploded perspective view of toner box 170.

[0413] Figure 41 This is a cross-sectional view of toner cartridge 170. Specifically, Figure 41 yes Figure 38AA cross-sectional view of the toner box 170 cut along section CSN.

[0414] The toner cartridge 170 includes a toner cap 601, a toner container 702, a toner gate 603, a toner seal 604, and toner springs 605L and 605R. Toner springs 605L and 605R are examples of a first spring and a second spring. A discharge opening 71b and a positioning portion 702a are located in the Y direction between toner springs 605L and 605R.

[0415] The toner frame 171 includes a toner cap 601 and a toner container 702. The toner cap 601 and the toner container 702 are fixed together by welding or adhesive bonding, thereby forming a toner receiving portion (toner receiving chamber, receiving chamber) 71a for containing toner. When the toner cartridge 170 is removed from the developing unit 150, the toner gate 603 is closed.

[0416] The positioning portion 702a is arranged in the lower portion of the toner container 702. When the toner cartridge 170 is in the installed position, the positioning portion 702a engages with the positioning portion 712a described below, thereby restricting the movement of the toner cartridge 170 relative to the developing unit 50 in the Y direction.

[0417] The positions of the discharge opening 71b and the positioned portion 702a overlap at least partially in the Y direction. In other words, at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b and at least a portion of the positioned portion 702a are located at the same position in the Y direction.

[0418] The close arrangement of the positioned portion 702a and the discharge opening 71b allows for precise positioning of the discharge opening 71b. In other words, the discharge opening 71b can be positioned with high precision relative to the inlet opening 53b.

[0419] The positioned portion 702a is a recess formed in the bottom of the toner container 702 (the bottom of the toner frame 171). The positioned portion 702a forms a groove extending in the X direction. The positioned portion 702a is exposed to the outside of the toner container 702. Figure 38B As shown, the length of the positioned portion 702a in the Y direction is less than its length in the X direction. The length of the positioned portion 702a in the Y direction is also less than its length in the moving direction (opening and closing directions) of the toner gate 603. At least a portion of the positioned portion 702a and at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b are located at the same position in the moving direction of the toner gate 603. When viewed along the Z direction, the positioned portion 702a overlaps with the discharge opening 71b.

[0420] The positioned portion 702a is substantially located at the center of the toner cartridge 170. Specifically, as... Figure 38B As shown, the position on one side away from the reference length 51L of the center 51c in the Y direction will be referred to as the first position, and the position on the other side away from the reference length 51L of the center 51c will be referred to as the second position. The positioning portion 702a of the toner cartridge 170 at the installation position is located between the first position and the second position.

[0421] The length of the positioned portion 702a in the Y direction is less than the length of the toner containing portion 71a. The length of the positioned portion 702a in the Y direction is also less than the length of the discharge opening 71b. The positioned portion 702a is located between the first end 71bL and the second end 71bR in the Y direction (the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 170).

[0422] like Figure 41 As shown, the positions of the positioned portion 702a and the discharge opening 71b at least partially overlap in the X direction. In other words, at least a portion of the positioned portion 702a and at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b are located at the same position in the X direction. More specifically, the positioned portion 702a and the discharge opening 71b are in... Figure 41 The range shown overlaps on the g.

[0423] In other words, the position of the positioned portion 702a and the position of the discharge opening 71b at least partially overlap in the Y and X directions. As a result, when the positioned portion 702a is positioned by the positioning portion 712a, the discharge opening 71b can be positioned with higher precision. That is, the discharge opening 71b can be positioned with high precision relative to the inlet opening 53b.

[0424] At least a portion of the positioned portion 702a is located downstream of the discharge opening 71b in the -X direction. At least a portion of the positioned portion 702a is also located downstream of the toner gate 603 in the closed position in the -X direction. In the -X direction, the positioned portion 702a is closer to the downstream end of the toner frame 171 (compared to being closer to the upstream end of the toner frame 171).

[0425] The toner frame 171 includes a first wall 71d1 with a discharge opening 71b and a second wall 71d2 opposite to the first wall 71d1. The first wall 71d1 and the second wall 71d2 are opposite each other across a toner receiving portion 71a. That is, the toner receiving portion 71a is located between the first wall 71d1 and the second wall 71d2. A positioning portion 702a is disposed in the second wall 71d2.

[0426] <Structure of the developing unit>

[0427] The developing unit 150 of the second embodiment includes a developing frame 153 corresponding to the developing frame 53 of the first embodiment. The developing frame 53 of the first embodiment includes a developing container 612, while the developing frame 153 of the second embodiment includes a developing container 712. Apart from the difference between the developing containers 612 and 712, the developing unit 50 of the first embodiment and the developing unit 150 of the second embodiment have a common structure.

[0428] Apart from the shape of the positioning portions 612a and 712a, the developing containers 612 and 712 have a common structure.

[0429] Reference Figure 42 The structure of the developing unit 150 is described. Figure 42 This is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit 150.

[0430] like Figure 42 As shown, the developing unit 150 includes a developing cover 611, a developing container 712, a developing gate 613, a developing seal 614, and developing springs 615L and 615R. Guided members 616L and 616R are attached to the developing gate 613.

[0431] The developing frame 153 includes a developing cover 611 and a developing container 712. The developing cover 611 and the developing container 712 are fixed to each other by welding or adhesive bonding, thereby forming a developing-side receiving portion 53a. The developing cover 611 has an inlet opening 53b communicating with the developing-side receiving portion 53a. The developing unit 150 also includes a developing roller 51 and a supply roller 52.

[0432] With the toner cartridge 170 removed from the developing unit 150, the developing gate 613 is closed. In other words, the developing gate 613 is in the closed position.

[0433] The developing frame 153 has: a first surface 53d1 with an inlet opening 53b; and a second surface 53d2 inclined relative to the first surface 53d1. That is, the second surface 53d2 extends in a direction intersecting (preferably orthogonal) to the first surface 53d1. The second surface 53d2 is a different surface from the first surface 53d1. The first surface 53d1 is part of the developing cover 611, and the second surface 53d2 is part of the developing container 712. The inlet opening 53b and the developing gate 613 are arranged in / on the first surface 53d1. A positioning portion 712a is arranged on the second surface 53d2.

[0434] The engagement of the positioning portion 702a and the positioning portion 712a of the toner cartridge 170 restricts the movement of the toner cartridge 170 relative to the developing unit 150 in the Y direction.

[0435] The positions of the inlet opening 53b and the positioning portion 712a overlap at least partially in the Y direction. In other words, at least a portion of the inlet opening 53b and at least a portion of the positioning portion 712a are located at the same position in the Y direction.

[0436] The positioning portion 712a is a protrusion that extends from the second surface 53d2 and is to be inserted into the positioning portion 702a. In this embodiment, the positioning portion 712a is a rib.

[0437] The positioning part 712a is basically located at the center of the developing unit 150. The positions of the center 51c of the developing roller 51, the inlet opening 53b, and the positioning part 712a overlap in the Y direction.

[0438] In the Y direction (the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 170), the inlet opening 53b has a first end 53bL and a second end 53bR opposite to the first end 53bL (see...). Figure 22 The positioning part 712a is located in the Y direction between the first end 53bL and the second end 53bR.

[0439] Similarly, in this embodiment, the positional relationship between the positioning portion 712a of one developing unit 150 and the inlet opening 53b of another developing unit 150 is similar to the positional relationship between the positioning portion 712a and the inlet opening 53b of a single developing unit 150.

[0440] <Construction of the rotating body and multiple developing units>

[0441] Reference Figure 43 and Figure 44 Describe the structure of the rotating body and multiple developing units.

[0442] Figure 43 This is a perspective view of the main body rotated 90 degrees. Figure 44 This is a perspective view used to depict the installation of the toner cartridge 170 (first toner cartridge 170a). Specifically, Figure 44 This is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 170a arranged on the tray 80 of the rotating body 90.

[0443] In the rotating body 90, a plurality of developing units 150 are arranged at 90° intervals. A first developing unit will be designated 150a, and a second developing unit adjacent to the first developing unit 150a will be designated 150b. A toner cartridge 170 installed in the first developing unit 150a will be referred to as the first toner cartridge 170a. The first developing unit 150a and the second developing unit 150b have the same structure as the aforementioned developing unit 150. The first toner cartridge 170a has the same structure as the aforementioned toner cartridge 170.

[0444] exist Figure 43 The tray 80 of the first developing unit 150a is omitted in the text.

[0445] A first toner cartridge 170a, which contains toner to be supplied to the first developing unit 150a, is installed between the first developing unit 150a and the second developing unit 150b.

[0446] The positioning portion 702a arranged in the first toner cartridge 170a engages with the positioning portion 712a arranged on the second developing unit 150b. That is, when the first toner cartridge 170a is in the installed position, the first toner cartridge 170a is positioned by the positioning portion 712a arranged on the second developing unit 150b.

[0447] When the first toner cartridge 170a is installed in the first developing unit 150a, the first toner cartridge 170a is attached to the tray 80 included in the first developing unit 150a. The tray 80 is then moved to move the first toner cartridge 170a to the installation position.

[0448] When the first toner cartridge 170a is arranged on the tray 80, the memory electrode 74a of the memory 74 faces outward in the rotational radial direction of the rotating body 90.

[0449] <Instructions for installing the toner cartridge>

[0450] Figure 45 , Figure 46 and Figure 47 This is a cross-sectional view used to describe the installation of the toner cartridge 170 (first toner cartridge 170a).

[0451] like Figure 44 As shown, the new first toner cartridge 170a is arranged on the tray 80.

[0452] As described in the first embodiment, when the first toner cartridge 170a moves from the retracted position to the installed position, the supported portions 601hL and 601hR and the cartridge support portions 611hL and 611hR engage with each other before the first toner cartridge 170a reaches the installed position.

[0453] like Figure 45 As shown, tray 80 has an opening 80a, and the positioned portion 702a of toner cartridge 170a is exposed at the opening 80a. In the state where the supported portions 601hL and 601hR begin to engage with the cartridge support portions 611hL and 611hR, as... Figure 46 As shown, the positioning portion 712a of the second developing unit 150b and the positioning portion 702a of the first toner cartridge 170a are not joined.

[0454] When tray 80 from Figure 45 As the position is shifted and the first toner cartridge 170a is further pulled into the rotating body 90, the positioned portion 702a of the first toner cartridge 170a engages with the positioning portion 712a of the second developing unit 150b. As a result, movement of the first toner cartridge 170a relative to the first developing unit 150a and the second developing unit 150b is restricted in the Y direction. Thus, the first toner cartridge 170a is positioned relative to the first developing unit 150a and the second developing unit 150b in the Y direction. In other words, the contact between the positioned portion 702a and the positioning portion 712a restricts movement of the first toner cartridge 170a in both the +Y and -Y directions.

[0455] like Figure 47 As shown, in the Z direction, there is a gap h between the bottom of the recess of the positioned portion 702a and the end of the positioning portion 712a. Simultaneously, there is a gap j between the second surface 53d2 where the positioning portion 712a is arranged and the toner frame 171 of the first toner cartridge 170a.

[0456] With the supported portions 601hL and 601hR and the box support portions 611hL and 611hR engaged with each other, and the positioned portions 702a and 712a engaged with each other, movement of the first toner cartridge 170a is restricted in the Y and Z directions. Simultaneously, in this state, the first toner cartridge 170a can move in the X direction.

[0457] As described above, when the first toner cartridge 170a moves from the retracted position to the installed position, the positioned portion 702a and the positioning portion 712a engage with each other before the first toner cartridge 170a reaches the installed position. When the first toner cartridge 170a is in the installed position, the positioned portion 702a and the positioning portion 712a remain engaged with each other.

[0458] The positioned portion 702a and the positioning portion 712a are in a clearance fit relationship. Due to the dimensional difference between the positioned portion 702a and the positioning portion 712a, the first toner cartridge 170a can be tilted, such that the longitudinal direction of the first toner cartridge 170a is tilted relative to the Y direction. Since the position of the positioned portion 702a and the position of the discharge opening 71b at least partially overlap in the Y direction, displacement of the discharge opening 71b due to the tilt of the first toner cartridge 170a can be suppressed. In other words, the discharge opening 71b can be positioned with high precision.

[0459] The inlet opening 53b of the first developing unit 150a is arranged in the first surface 53d1. The positioning portion 712a is located away from the first surface 53d1. As a result, the positioned portion 702a of the first toner cartridge 170a is located away from the discharge opening 71b. Therefore, at least a portion of the positioned portion 702a and at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b can be located in the same position in the Y direction, and the positioned portion 702a does not obstruct the discharge of toner from the discharge opening 71b.

[0460] Similarly, in this embodiment, the positioning portion 712a is disposed on the second surface 53d2 of the second developing unit 150b. The positioning portion 712a is closer to the second developing unit 150b in a direction orthogonal to the Y direction (compared to being closer to the first developing unit 150a). More specifically, the positioning portion 712a is closer to the developing side receiving portion 53a of the second developing unit 150b (compared to being closer to the developing side receiving portion 53a of the first developing unit 150a). In this embodiment, the positioning portion 712a is disposed on the developing frame 153 of the second developing unit 150b.

[0461] Even though the positions of the positioned portion 702a and the discharge opening 71b at least partially overlap in the Y and X directions, this arrangement prevents the positioned portion 702a from interfering with the discharge of toner from the discharge opening 71b. Furthermore, the configuration for positioning the first toner cartridge 170a in the Y direction can be arranged in a space-saving manner.

[0462] The positioning portion 712a can be arranged on a different component than the developing frame 153 of the second developing unit 150b. However, integrating the positioning portion 712a onto the developing frame 153 of the second developing unit 150b, as in this embodiment, can reduce the increase in the number of components.

[0463] In this embodiment, when the first toner cartridge 170a moves from the retracted position to the installed position, the positioned portion 702a and the positioning portion 712a engage with each other before the discharge opening 71b aligns with the inlet opening 53b. Furthermore, the positioned portion 702a and the positioning portion 712a engage with each other before the developing gate 613 moves in the opening direction and before the toner gate 603 moves in the opening direction. Therefore, the discharge opening 71b and the inlet opening 53b can be opposite each other, and the developing gate 613 and the toner gate 603 can move while the first toner cartridge 170a is stable.

[0464] <Overview>

[0465] As described above, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b and at least a portion of the positioned portion 702a are located at the same position in the Y direction. Therefore, the discharge opening 71b can be positioned with high precision.

[0466] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b and at least a portion of the positioned portion 702a are located at the same position in the X direction. Therefore, the discharge opening 71b can be positioned with even higher precision.

[0467] In this embodiment, the positioned portion 702a is located away from the discharge opening 71b, and the component with the positioned portion 712a is different from the component with the inlet opening 53b. Therefore, the discharge opening 71b and the positioned portion 702a can be located close to each other without obstructing the flow of toner through the discharge opening 71b and the inlet opening 53b.

[0468] In this embodiment, the positioning portion 712a of the positioning portion 702a used to position the first toner cartridge 170a is closer to the second developing unit 150b (compared to being closer to the first developing unit 150a). Therefore, the configuration for positioning the first toner cartridge 170a can be arranged in a space-saving manner.

[0469] In this embodiment, when the first toner cartridge 170a moves from the retracted position to the installed position, the positioned portion 702a and the positioning portion 712a engage with each other before the discharge opening 71b aligns with the inlet opening 53b. Furthermore, the positioned portion 702a and the positioning portion 712a engage with each other before the developing gate 613 moves in the opening direction and before the toner gate 603 moves in the opening direction. Therefore, the discharge opening 71b can align with the inlet opening 53b, and the developing gate 613 and the toner gate 603 can move while the first toner cartridge 170a is stable.

[0470] Similarly, in this embodiment, the positioning portion 712a and the positioned portion 702a are located in the Y direction between the guided portions 603dL and 603dR and between the gate guides 601cL and 601cR. This stabilizes the opening and closing operation of the toner gate 603.

[0471] In the Y direction, the positioning portion 712a and the positioned portion 702a are also located between the toner springs 605L and 605R, between the spring guide portions 601dL and 601dR, and between the spring engagement portions 611eL and 611eR. This stabilizes the opening and closing operation of the toner gate 603.

[0472] The positioning portion 712a and the positioned portion 702a are also located in the Y direction between the guided portions 616L and 616R and between the gate guides 611cL and 611cR. This makes the opening and closing operation of the developing gate unit stable.

[0473] In the Y direction, the positioning portion 712a and the positioned portion 702a are also located between the developing springs 615L and 615R, between the spring guide portions 611dL and 611dR, and between the spring engagement portions 601eL and 601eR. This makes the opening and closing operation of the developing gate unit stable.

[0474] (Other embodiments)

[0475] In the foregoing embodiments, the first developing unit 50a or 150a and the second developing unit 50b or 150b are included in the rotating body 90. However, this disclosure is also applicable to tandem imaging devices, wherein the first developing unit 50a or 150a and the second developing unit 50b or 150b are arranged in series.

[0476] This disclosure provides a new type of imaging device that represents an advancement over conventional technology.

[0477] Although 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 interpreted in the broadest sense to cover all such variations and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An imaging device, comprising: The first developing unit includes a first developing roller configured to rotate, a first supply chamber configured to receive toner to be supplied to the first developing roller, and a first inlet opening communicating with the first supply chamber. The second developing unit includes a second developing roller configured to rotate, a second supply chamber configured to receive toner to be supplied to the second developing roller, and a second inlet opening communicating with the second supply chamber; A first toner cartridge, the first toner cartridge including a first receiving chamber configured to receive toner, a first discharge opening communicating with the first receiving chamber, and a positioning portion, the first toner cartridge being configured to move relative to the first developing unit between a first mounting position and a first retracted position retracted from the first mounting position, in the first mounting position, the first discharge opening being opposite to the first inlet opening; The second toner cartridge includes a second receiving chamber configured to receive toner and a second discharge opening communicating with the second receiving chamber. The second toner cartridge is configured to move relative to the second developing unit between a second mounting position and a second retracted position retracted from the second mounting position. In the second mounting position, the second discharge opening is opposite to the second inlet opening. as well as The positioning portion is configured to engage with the positioned portion of the first toner cartridge in the first mounting position, thereby restricting movement of the first toner cartridge relative to the first developing unit in the direction of rotation axis of the first developing roller. Wherein, in the direction of the rotation axis, at least a portion of the positioned portion and at least a portion of the first discharge opening are located at the same position, and at least a portion of the positioning portion and at least a portion of the first inlet opening are located at the same position, and Specifically, in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, the positioning portion is closer to the second developing unit than to the first developing unit.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, In a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, the positioning portion is closer to the second supply chamber than to the first supply chamber.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The positioning portion is arranged on the second developing unit.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The positioning portion and the positioned portion are configured to engage with each other before the first toner cartridge reaches the first mounting position, provided that the first toner cartridge has moved from the first retracted position to the first mounting position.

5. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, When the first toner cartridge moves from the first retracted position to the first installed position, the direction of movement of the first toner cartridge intersects the direction of the rotation axis.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, In the direction of the rotation axis, the positioned portion is located between a first position and a second position. The first position is a position away from the center of the first developing roller away from a reference length to one side, and the second position is a position away from the center of the first developing roller away from the reference length to the other side. The reference length is 20% of the length of the first developing roller.

7. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The first toner cartridge includes: A first wall having a first discharge opening, and The second wall opposite to the first wall, and The positioned portion is arranged on the second wall.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The first discharge opening has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in the direction of the rotation axis, and The positioned portion is located between the first end and the second end in the direction of the rotation axis.

9. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The first toner cartridge includes a toner gate. The toner gate is configured to move between a closed position covering the first discharge opening and an open position exposing the first discharge opening. The toner gate is configured to move from the closed position toward the open position in contact with the first developing unit.

10. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9, further comprising: Photosensitive drum; as well as A rotating body, configured to support the first developing unit and the second developing unit. The rotating device is configured to rotate, causing the first developing roller and the second developing roller to shift relative to the photosensitive drum.

11. A toner cartridge, the toner cartridge being configured to be detachably mounted in a developing unit including a positioning portion, the toner cartridge comprising: A toner frame, the toner frame including a receiving chamber configured to receive toner, a discharge opening communicating with the receiving chamber, and a positioning portion, wherein the positioning portion is configured to engage with the positioning portion to restrict movement of the toner cartridge relative to the developing unit in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge; and A toner gate, configured to move from a closed position to an open position along an opening direction, wherein in the closed position the discharge opening is covered and in the open position the discharge opening is exposed. The discharge opening has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in the longitudinal direction. Wherein, the positioned portion is located between the first end and the second end in the longitudinal direction, and The positioned portion extends along the opening direction of the toner gate.

12. The toner box according to claim 11, wherein, The toner gate is configured to move in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge.

13. The toner box according to claim 11, in, The toner frame includes: A first wall having a discharge opening, and The second wall opposite to the first wall, and The positioned portion is arranged on the second wall.

14. The toner box according to claim 11, wherein, The length of the positioned portion in the longitudinal direction is less than the length of the positioned portion in the opening direction.

15. The toner box according to claim 11, wherein, At least a portion of the positioned portion and at least a portion of the discharge opening are located in the same position in the opening direction.

16. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 11-16, further comprising a biasing member, in, The biasing member is configured to bias the toner gate in a closing direction opposite to the opening direction when the toner gate is in the closed position.

17. The toner box according to claim 16, wherein, Of the forces received by the toner gate from the biasing member, the magnitude of the force acting along the closing direction is less when the toner gate is in the open position than when the toner gate is in the closed position.

18. The toner box according to claim 16, wherein, The biasing component includes a first spring and a second spring.

19. The toner box according to claim 18, wherein, The discharge opening is located between the first spring and the second spring in the longitudinal direction.

Images