Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide one form of an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a first developing unit that has a first developer container and a first developing roller; a second developing unit that has a second developer container and a second developing roller; a first attachment part to which a first toner container is removably attached and has a first receiving frame body provided with a first receiving port; a second attachment part to which a second toner container is removably attached and has a second receiving frame body provided with a second receiving port; a first intermediate storage part that is below the first attachment part and communicates with the first receiving port; a second intermediate storage part that is below the second attachment part and communicates with the second receiving port; a first conveyance path that extends from the first intermediate storage part to the first developer container; first conveying means that conveys toner through the first conveyance path; a second conveyance path that extends from the second intermediate storage part to the first developer container; and second conveying means that conveys toner through the second conveyance path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a configuration is known in which toner is supplied from a toner container detachable from the image forming apparatus to a developing container in the image forming apparatus. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which by attaching a supply pack to the image forming apparatus, toner can be easily supplied without replacing the developing container.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a form of an image forming apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, comprising: a first developing unit having a first developing container configured to contain a first toner and a first developing roller configured to carry the first toner; a second developing unit having a second developing container configured to contain a second toner and a second developing roller configured to carry the second toner, and positioned parallel to the first developing unit in a first direction; a first mounting part to which the first toner container containing the first toner can be attached and detached, having a first receiving frame body provided with a first receiving port for receiving the first toner from the first toner container; and a second mounting part to which the second toner container containing the second toner can be attached and detached, having a second receiving frame body provided with a second receiving port for receiving the second toner from the second toner container, and positioned parallel to the first mounting part in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The invention is characterized by comprising: a first intermediate storage section provided below the first mounting section such that at least a portion of it overlaps with the first mounting section when viewed in a third direction intersecting both the first and second directions, and configured to communicate with the first receiving port and to store the first toner; a second intermediate storage section provided below the second mounting section such that at least a portion of it overlaps with the second mounting section when viewed in the third direction, and configured to communicate with the second receiving port and to store the second toner; a first transport path extending from the first intermediate storage section to the first developing container; a first transport means for transporting the first toner from the first intermediate storage section to the first developing container via the first transport path; a second transport path extending from the second intermediate storage section to the first developing container; and a second transport means for transporting the second toner from the second intermediate storage section to the second developing container via the second transport path.

[0006] A second aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, comprising: a first developing unit having a first developing container configured to contain a first toner and a first developing roller configured to carry the first toner; a second developing unit having a second developing container configured to contain a second toner and a second developing roller configured to carry the second toner, and positioned adjacent to the first developing unit in a first direction; an apparatus body; a first toner container having the first toner and positioned to overlap with the first developing unit when viewed in the first direction, the first toner container being detachable from the apparatus body; and the second toner A second toner container is provided in a position that houses the toner and overlaps with the second developing unit when viewed in the first direction, and is positioned in a position that is aligned with the first toner container in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and the second toner container is detachable from the main body of the device; a first transport path extending from the first toner container to the first developing container; a second transport path extending from the second toner container to the second developing container; a first transport means for transporting the first toner toward the first developing container via the first transport path; and a second transport means for transporting the second toner toward the second developing container via the second transport path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, one form of an image forming apparatus can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to Example 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to Example 1. [Figure 3] This is a top view of the mounting portion according to Example 1. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the mounting portion according to Example 1. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the replenishment pack according to Example 1. [Figure 6]This is an exploded perspective view of the replenishment pack according to Example 1. [Figure 7] This is a top view of the mounting section with the refill pack attached, according to Example 1. [Figure 8] These are perspective and top views of the mounting section and drawer unit according to Example 1. [Figure 9] These are perspective and top views of the front door, mounting section, and reserve tank and drawer unit according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the replenishment pack, mounting section, and reserve tank according to Example 1. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of the laser scanner unit and drawer unit according to Example 1. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of the laser scanner unit, toner transport path, and cartridge according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of the laser scanner unit, toner transport path, and cartridge according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to Example 3. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a modified example of Example 3. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to Example 4. [Figure 17] These are cross-sectional and perspective views of the laser scanner unit and drawer unit according to Example 4. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus and cartridge according to Example 5. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus to which an image reading unit is attached, according to Example 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail by way of examples based on the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in this embodiment should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. That is, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments.

Example

[0010] [Image forming apparatus] The image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus of this embodiment is a full-color image forming apparatus equipped with four-color process cartridges. FIG. 1 is a main cross-section of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 1 is a full-color laser printer using an electrophotographic process, and can form a full-color image on a recording medium S. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a process cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK) (hereinafter referred to as cartridge P) and a device main body 72. Here, the cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) are respectively referred to as the first cartridge PY, the first cartridge PM, the first cartridge PC, and the first cartridge PK. The four cartridges P are arranged side by side in the first direction X, and the colors of the toner accommodated inside are different from each other. The longitudinal direction of the cartridge P is the second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction.

[0012] Each color cartridge P has electrophotographic process elements. A rotational driving force is transmitted from a driving output portion (not shown) of the device main body 72 to the cartridge P, and a bias voltage (charging bias, developing bias, etc.) is supplied from a bias applying portion (not shown) of the device main body 72.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, each color cartridge P comprises a drum unit 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K) having a photosensitive drum 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) and a charging roller 5 (5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K) as a process means that acts on the photosensitive drum 4. The photosensitive drum 4 is positioned so that the direction of its rotation axis is in the second direction Y. Here, the photosensitive drums 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) are referred to as the first photosensitive drum, second photosensitive drum, third photosensitive drum, and fourth photosensitive drum, respectively. The drum unit 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K) are referred to as the first drum unit, second drum unit, third drum unit, and fourth drum unit, respectively.

[0014] Each color cartridge P is equipped with a developing unit 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K) having developing rollers (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K) for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4. Here, the developing rollers (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K) are designated as the first developing roller, second developing roller, third developing roller, and fourth developing roller, respectively. The developing unit 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K) is designated as the first developing unit, second developing unit, third developing unit, and fourth developing unit, respectively.

[0015] The developing unit 9Y has a developing container 3Y (first developing container) that contains yellow (Y) toner (first toner), and is configured to supply yellow (Y) toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4Y by a developing roller 6Y that carries the yellow (Y) toner. The developing unit 9M has a developing container 3M (second developing container) that contains magenta (M) toner (second toner), and is configured to supply magenta (M) toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4M by a developing roller 6M that carries the magenta (M) toner. The developing unit 9C has a developing container 3C (third developing container) that contains cyan (C) toner (third toner), and is configured to supply cyan (C) toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4C by a developing roller 6C that carries the cyan (C) toner. The developing unit 9K has a developing container 3K (fourth developing container) that contains black (K) toner (fourth toner), and is configured so that the black (K) toner is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4K by a developing roller 6K that carries the black (K) toner.

[0016] In a third direction Z that intersects both the first direction X and the second direction Y, a laser scanner unit LB (exposure unit) is provided above the cartridge P (photosensitive drum 4). This laser scanner unit LB outputs laser light corresponding to image information. Hereafter, the optical path of this laser light will be referred to as L. The laser light then passes through the exposure window 10 (10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K) of the laser scanner unit LB to scan and expose the surface of each color of photosensitive drum 4. Note that an LED exposure unit may be used instead of the laser scanner unit LB.

[0017] In the third direction Z, an intermediate transfer belt unit 11 is provided below the cartridge P as a transfer member. This intermediate transfer belt unit 11 has a drive roller 14, a tension roller 13, and an assist roller 15, and a flexible transfer belt 12 is stretched across it.

[0018] Each of the four photosensitive drums 4 has its lower surface in contact with the upper surface of the transfer belt 12. The contact area between the photosensitive drums 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) and the transfer belt 12 is the primary transfer section 30 (30Y, 30M, 30C, 30K). Inside the transfer belt 12, primary transfer rollers 16 (16Y, 16M, 16C, 16K) are provided, facing the photosensitive drums 4.

[0019] The secondary transfer roller 17 is pressed against the drive roller 14 via the transfer belt 12. The contact area between the transfer belt 12 and the secondary transfer roller 17 is the secondary transfer section 31.

[0020] In the third direction Z, a feeding unit 18 is provided below the intermediate transfer belt unit 11. The feeding unit 18 includes a paper feed tray 19 for loading and storing recording media S, and a paper feed roller 20 for picking up and transporting the recording media S from the paper feed tray 19.

[0021] In Figure 1, the upper part of the main body 72 of the device is provided with a fixing unit 21 for fixing the toner image onto the recording medium S, and an ejection roller 22 for ejecting the recording medium S with the toner image fixed onto it to the ejection tray 23. The ejection roller 22 ejects the recording medium S in a direction along the first direction X. In this embodiment, the downstream side in the ejection direction from which the recording material S is ejected toward the ejection tray 23 by the ejection roller 22 is considered the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, and the upstream side in the ejection direction is considered the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0022] [Image Formation Process] The operation for forming a full-color image is as follows: The photosensitive drum 4 is driven to rotate counterclockwise at a predetermined speed in Figure 1. The transfer belt 12 is driven to rotate in the forward direction (direction of arrow C in Figure 1) of the rotation of the photosensitive drum 4 at a speed corresponding to the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 4. The laser scanner unit LB is also driven. Synchronized with the driving of the laser scanner unit LB, the charging roller 5 in the cartridge P uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 to a predetermined polarity and potential. The laser scanner unit LB scans and exposes the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 4 with laser light L according to the image signal of each color, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal of each color is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 of each color. In other words, the laser scanner unit LB exposes the photosensitive drum 4Y and the photosensitive drum 4M, and forms a first electrostatic latent image and a second electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4Y and the photosensitive drum 4M, respectively. Similarly, the laser scanner unit LB exposes the photosensitive drums 4C and 4K, forming a third electrostatic latent image and a fourth electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drums 4C and 4K, respectively.

[0023] The electrostatic latent images on each color's photosensitive drum 4 are developed by the supply of toner to the photosensitive drum 4 by the developing roller 6, which is driven to rotate clockwise at a predetermined speed as shown in Figure 1. Through the electrophotographic image formation process described above, a yellow toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4Y of cartridge PY. This yellow toner image is then primary transferred onto the transfer belt 12. Similarly, a magenta toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4M of cartridge PM. This magenta toner image is then primary transferred onto the transfer belt 12 so as to be superimposed on the yellow toner image on the transfer belt 12. A cyan toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4C of cartridge PC. This cyan toner image is then primary transferred onto the transfer belt 12 so as to be superimposed on the yellow and magenta toner images on the transfer belt 12. A black toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4K of cartridge PK. This black toner image is then primary transferred onto the transfer belt 12 so as to be superimposed on the yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images on the transfer belt 12.

[0024] In this way, a full-color unfixed toner image of four colors—yellow, magenta, cyan, and black—is formed on the transfer belt 12. Meanwhile, at a predetermined control timing, the recording media S are separated one by one from the paper tray 19 by the paper feed roller 20 and fed. The recording media S is introduced at a predetermined control timing into the secondary transfer section 31, which is the contact point between the secondary transfer roller 17 and the transfer belt 12. As the recording media S is transported in the secondary transfer section 31, the four-color superimposed toner image on the transfer belt 12 is transferred to the recording media S. The recording media S on which the toner image has been transferred is heated and pressurized by the fixing unit 21, and the toner image is fixed to the recording media S. The recording media S on which the toner image has been fixed is discharged into the discharge tray 23 by the discharge roller 22.

[0025] [Attachment area for the supply pack] The mounting section 200 for attaching the replenishment pack 210 will be described using Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2(a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the cover 72a closed. Figure 2(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the cover 72a open and the four mounting sections 200 exposed to the outside. Figure 2(c) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the cover 72a open and the replenishment pack 210Y attached to the mounting section 200Y. Figure 3 is a view from above of the vicinity of the mounting section 200 with the cover 72a open. Figure 4(a) is a perspective view of the mounting section 200 with the replenishment pack 210 not attached. Figure 4(b) is a perspective view of the mounting section 200 with the replenishment pack 210 attached and the operating lever 201 not rotated. Figure 4(c) is a perspective view of the mounting section 200 with the replenishment pack 210 attached and the operating lever 201 rotated. Note that in Figures 4(b) and 4(c), only the pack shutter 214 of the supply pack 210 (see Figure 5) is shown for clarity.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, a cover 72a is provided on the top surface of the front (front) side of the image forming apparatus 1, and a front door 72b is provided on the front. Below the cover 72a, mounting sections 200 (200Y, 200M, 200C, 200K) are arranged in a second direction Y. Here, the mounting sections 200 (200Y, 200M, 200C, 200K) are referred to as the first mounting section, second mounting section, third mounting section, and fourth mounting section, respectively. The cover 72a is configured to rotate around the rotation axis RA1 between a closed position that covers the mounting sections 200 as shown in Figure 2(a) and an open position that opens the mounting sections 200 as shown in Figure 2(b). The rotation axis RA1 extends in the second direction Y. When the cover 72a is in the closed position, a part of the top surface of the cover 72a is used as a paper discharge area. Therefore, the width w1 of the cover 72a in the second direction Y is configured to be wider than the width w2 of the output tray 23 (paper output area). In other words, the edge of the cover 72a in the second direction Y is outside the edge of the output tray 23. This is to prevent the recording medium S discharged by the output roller 22 from getting caught on the step of the cover 72a. Note that the cover 72a does not necessarily have to be configured to rotate; it may also be configured to slide between a closed position that covers the mounting portion 200 and an open position that opens the mounting portion 200.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2(b) and 2(c), the mounting section 200 is configured to allow the toner replenishment pack 210 to be attached and detached when the cover 72a is in the open position. By attaching the replenishment pack 210 to the mounting section 200, toner can be replenished to each color cartridge P from outside the image forming apparatus 1 without detaching the cartridge P from the main body 72. When the replenishment pack 210 is attached to the mounting section 200, the cover 72a is configured to prevent it from moving from the open position to the closed position because it interferes with the replenishment pack 210. The mounting section 200 is also located at the downstream end of the image forming apparatus 1 in the direction of discharge of the recording material S by the discharge roller 22. This allows toner replenishment and collection of the discharged recording medium S to be performed from the same front side. Furthermore, when the cover 72a is in the open position, the instruction section IS1 provided on the back surface of the cover 72a is visible. Instruction section IS1 contains instructions on how to operate the mounting section 200 (how to replenish toner using the replenishment pack 210).

[0028] Furthermore, indicators 208 (208Y, 208M, 208C, 208K) (indication section, display section) of each color are provided on the front of the image forming apparatus 1. The arrangement of indicators 208Y is the same as the arrangement of the mounting section 200. That is, indicator 208Y (first indicator) is yellow, indicator 208M (second indicator) is magenta, indicator 208C (third indicator) is cyan, and indicator 208K (fourth indicator) is black. Each color indicator 208 consists of an LED or sticker of the color corresponding to the mounting section 200, and is provided to prevent the replenishment pack 210 from being installed in a mounting section 200 of a different color. In addition, the indicators 208 may also have a toner level display function for each color cartridge P (developing container 3). If the indicators 208 have a toner level display function, instructions on how to read the toner level display may be included in the instruction section IS1.

[0029] Next, the detailed configuration of the mounting section 200 will be described. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, each mounting section 200 (200Y, 200M, 200C, 200K) includes an operating lever 201 (201Y, 201M, 201C, 201K), a receiving frame 202 (202Y, 202M, 202C, 202K), and a main shutter 206 (206Y, 206M, 206C, 206K). Each receiving frame 202 (202Y, 202M, 202C, 202K) is provided with a receiving opening 202a (202aY, 202aM, 202aC, 202aK). Operating levers 201Y, 201M, 201C, and 201K shall be designated as the first operating lever, second operating lever, third operating lever, and fourth operating lever, respectively. Similarly, receiving frames 202Y, 202M, 202C, and 202K shall be designated as the first receiving frame, second receiving frame, third receiving frame, and fourth receiving frame, respectively. Main shutters 206Y, 206M, 206C, and 206K shall be designated as the first main shutter, second main shutter, third main shutter, and fourth main shutter, respectively. Receiving inlets 202aY, 202aM, 202aC, and 202aK shall be designated as the first receiving inlet, second receiving inlet, third receiving inlet, and fourth receiving inlet, respectively.

[0030] The mounting section 200Y, operating lever 201Y, receiving frame 202Y, and main shutter 206Y will be described in detail using Figure 4. As shown in Figure 3, the operating lever 201Y is located on the top surface of the image forming apparatus 1 and forms part of the mounting opening 204Y for inserting the tip of the replenishment pack 210Y. The operating lever 201Y has a ring portion 201aY, a lever portion 201bY, and a lever projection portion 201d, and is configured to be rotatable. The operating lever 201Y is an operating section for externally opening and closing the main shutter 206Y provided on the mounting section 200Y and the pack shutter 214Y of the replenishment pack 210Y. Alternatively, a sensor that detects when the replenishment pack 210Y is attached to the mounting section 200Y, and a drive mechanism and motor (not shown) that drive the main shutter 206Y and the pack shutter 214Y may be used to automatically open and close the main shutter 206Y and the pack shutter 214Y.

[0031] The receiving frame 202Y is a cylindrical member that forms the base of the mounting section 200Y and has a receiving port 202aY for receiving yellow toner from the replenishment pack 210Y when the replenishment pack 210Y is mounted on the mounting section 200Y. The receiving frame 202Y also has a connecting replenishment passage 202bY that is connected to the reserve tank 230Y, which will be described later. There is space on the inner circumferential surface side of the receiving frame 202Y for installing the main body shutter 206Y. As shown in Figure 4(a), the receiving frame 202Y has a nozzle positioning section 247Y and a nozzle guide section 248Y that are located on the inner circumferential surface side of the main body shutter 206Y.

[0032] The main shutter 206Y is a cylindrical member that is concentric with the receiving frame 202Y and is open at the top so that the tip of the replenishment pack 210Y can be inserted. The main shutter 206Y is rotatably mounted on the inner circumferential surface side of the receiving frame 202Y around the rotation axis A. In this embodiment, the rotation axis A of the main shutter 206Y extends in the third direction Z, but it does not need to be in a direction that intersects the second direction Y. As shown in Figure 4(c), the main shutter 206Y has a main shutter opening 206bY (first main shutter opening) on ​​the side surface extending in the direction of the rotation axis A, and a sealing member 243Y provided so as to surround the periphery of the main shutter opening 206b. In Figure 4(a), the main shutter 206Y is in a non-communication position (first non-communication position) where the main shutter opening 206bY does not communicate with the receiving port 202aY of the receiving frame 202Y. Therefore, the toner supplied from the replenishment pack 210Y mounted on the mounting section 200Y is not discharged to the connecting replenishment path 202bY via the receiving port 202aY. Note that the receiving port 202aY is covered by the main shutter 206Y in the closed position in Figure 4(a), and is therefore shown with a dashed line. In Figure 4(c), the main shutter 206Y is in a communication position (first communication position) where the main shutter opening 206bY communicates with the receiving port 202aY of the receiving frame 202Y. Therefore, the toner supplied from the replenishment pack 210Y mounted on the mounting section 200Y can be discharged to the connecting replenishment path 202bY via the receiving port 202aY and the main body shutter opening 206bY. In other words, the main body shutter 206Y is configured to rotate around the rotation axis A between a communication position in which the main body shutter opening 206bY communicates with the receiving port 202aY and a non-communication position in which the main body shutter opening 206bY does not communicate with the receiving port 202aY when the replenishment pack 210Y is mounted on the device section 200Y.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4(a), the main shutter 206Y has a main shutter projection 206aY that protrudes inward in the radial direction r of a virtual circle VC centered on the axis of rotation A. The main shutter 206Y is configured to receive rotational driving force from the pack shutter 214Y of the replenishment pack 210Y via the main shutter projection 206aY.

[0034] The operating lever 201Y has a lever projection 201dY that protrudes radially inward r from the inner circumferential surface of the ring portion 201aY. The lever projection 201dY is configured to engage with the shutter recess 214b (see Figure 5) of the pack shutter 214, which will be described later, when the replenishment pack 210Y is attached to the mounting portion 200Y. The main shutter 206Y can be rotated from the closed position shown in Figure 4(b) to the open position shown in Figure 4(c) by the user grasping the lever portion 201bY and rotating the operating lever 201 90 degrees counterclockwise.

[0035] When forming an image on the recording medium S, the main shutter 206Y is in a non-communication position so that the receiving port 202aY does not communicate with the main shutter opening 206bY, in order to prevent toner from coming out of the receiving port 202aY. Therefore, during image formation, the operating lever 201Y is positioned in the non-replenishment position shown in Figure 4(a) so that the main shutter 206Y is in the non-communication position. On the other hand, when replenishing toner from the replenishment pack 210Y to cartridge PY, it is necessary to connect the receiving port 202aY and the main shutter opening 206bY. Therefore, when replenishing toner, the operating lever 201Y is positioned in the replenishment position shown in Figure 4(c) so that the main shutter 206Y is in the communication position.

[0036] Note that the mounting parts 200 of other colors (200M, 200C, 200K) have the same configuration as mounting part 200Y.

[0037] The main shutter 206M (second main shutter) is configured to rotate around the rotation axis A between a communication position (second communication position) where the main shutter opening 206bM (second main shutter opening) communicates with the receiving port 202aM and a non-communication position (second non-communication position) when the replenishment pack 210M is attached to the device unit 200M. During image formation, the operating lever 201M is set to the non-replenishment position so that the main shutter 206M is in the non-communication position. During toner replenishment, the operating lever 201M is set to the replenishment position so that the main shutter 206M is in the communication position.

[0038] The main shutter 206C (third main shutter) is configured to rotate around the rotation axis A between a communication position (third communication position) where the main shutter opening 206bC (third main shutter opening) communicates with the receiving port 202aC and a non-communication position (third non-communication position) when the replenishment pack 210C is mounted on the device unit 200C. During image formation, the operating lever 201C is set to the non-replenishment position so that the main shutter 206C is in the non-communication position. During toner replenishment, the operating lever 201C is set to the replenishment position so that the main shutter 206C is in the communication position.

[0039] The main shutter 206K (fourth main shutter) is configured to rotate around the rotation axis A between a communication position (fourth communication position) where the main shutter opening 206bK (fourth main shutter opening) communicates with the receiving port 202aK and a non-communication position (fourth non-communication position) when the replenishment pack 210K is attached to the device unit 200K. During image formation, the operating lever 201K is set to the non-replenishment position so that the main shutter 206K is in the non-communication position. During toner replenishment, the operating lever 201K is set to the replenishment position so that the main shutter 206K is in the communication position.

[0040] [Supply Pack] The configuration of the refill pack 210 will be explained using Figure 5. The refill pack 210 consists of refill pack 210Y (first toner container) containing yellow toner, refill pack 210M (second toner container) containing magenta toner, refill pack 210C (third toner container) containing cyan toner, and refill pack BK (fourth toner container) containing black toner. These refill packs 210 have the same structure except for the toner.

[0041] Figure 5(a) is a perspective view of the replenishment pack 210 when the pack shutter 214 is in the closed position. Figure 5(b) is a perspective view of the replenishment pack 210 when the pack shutter 214 is in the open position. Figure 6(a) is an exploded perspective view of the replenishment pack 210. Figure 6(b) is a perspective view of the replenishment pack 210 from a different direction than Figure 6(a).

[0042] The replenishment pack 210 (toner container, toner cartridge) includes a pouch 211 (bag, toner storage section) for storing toner, a nozzle 212 (discharge section, nozzle section) having an outlet 212a for discharging the toner stored in the pouch 211 to the outside of the replenishment pack 210, and a pack shutter 214 (container shutter).

[0043] The pack shutter 214 is configured to rotate (move) around the rotation axis B relative to the nozzle 212 between an open position, which opens the discharge port 212a, and a closed position, which closes it. The pack shutter 214 is located outside the nozzle 212 in the radial direction of a virtual circle VC centered on the rotation axis B. A sealing member 218 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the pack shutter 214, which faces inward in the radial direction r, and is capable of sliding against the outer surface 212c of the nozzle 212. When the pack shutter 214 is in the closed position, the sealing member 218 shields the discharge port 212a of the nozzle 212 and simultaneously seals the gap between the nozzle 212 and the pack shutter 214. The pack shutter 214 has an opening 214c, which exposes the discharge port 212a of the nozzle 212 to the outside of the replenishment pack 210 when the pack shutter 214 is in the open position.

[0044] The discharge port 212a of the nozzle 212 is located on the outer surface 212c that extends in the direction of the rotation axis B. In other words, the discharge port 212a opens in a direction that intersects (is perpendicular to) the rotation axis B. To put it another way, the discharge port 212a opens outward in the radial direction r of the virtual circle VC1.

[0045] The pouch 211 is made of a bag that is easily deformed when external force is applied. In this embodiment, the pouch 211 is formed by welding polypropylene sheets. Alternatively, a bag made of vinyl or paper, or a container such as a bottle made of resin may be used instead of the pouch 211. As shown in Figure 6, the pouch 211 has a pouch end 211a at the end opposite to the pouch opening 211b and nozzle 212. The pouch 211 is flattened towards the pouch end 211a, and the pouch end 211a extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation B.

[0046] The nozzle 212 and pack shutter 214 that constitute the tip of the replenishment pack 210 are inserted into the mounting opening 204 of the mounting section 200, as shown in Figures 3(c), 4(b), and 4(c).

[0047] As shown in Figure 6(a), the nozzle 212 has a nozzle recess 212b that is recessed inward in the radial direction r of the virtual circle VC2 compared to the outer surface 212c. The nozzle recess 212b has a first nozzle recess 212b1 on the side closer to the pouch 211 (upstream side in the insertion direction) and a second nozzle recess 212b2 on the side further away from the pouch 211 (downstream side in the insertion direction). The first nozzle recess 212b1 has a narrower circumferential width of the virtual circle VC2 than the second nozzle recess 212b2 and functions as a positioning (rotation restricting) part for the nozzle 212 relative to the receiving frame 202. The nozzle recess 212b is exposed to the outside of the replenishment pack 210 through the opening 214c when the pack shutter 214 is in the closed position.

[0048] The replenishment pack 210 is mounted on the device unit 200 with the second nozzle recess 212b2 guided by the nozzle guide portion 248 of the receiving frame 202. Once the replenishment pack 210 is mounted on the mounting portion 200, the first nozzle recess 212b1 engages with the nozzle positioning portion 247 of the receiving frame 202. This determines the circumferential position of the virtual circle VC2 of the nozzle 212 relative to the receiving frame 202. In other words, the rotation of the virtual circle VC2 of the nozzle 212 relative to the receiving frame 202 is restricted in the circumferential direction.

[0049] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the pack shutter 214 has a shutter recess 214b on its outer circumferential surface that is radially outward in the radial direction r, and recesses inward in the radial direction r. The shutter recess 214b extends to the end in the direction of the rotation axis B of the shutter 214. The shutter recess 214b is configured to engage with the lever projection 201d of the operating lever 201 when the replenishment pack 210 is mounted on the mounting section 200. When the operating lever 201 is rotated, the pack shutter 214 rotates together with the operating lever 201 as the shutter recess 214b receives rotational driving force from the lever projection 201d. While the pack shutter 214 is rotating, the nozzle 212 does not rotate because its rotation is restricted by the nozzle positioning section 247 of the mounting section 200. Therefore, the rotation of the operating lever 201 causes the pack shutter 214 to rotate between the closed position and the open position relative to the nozzle 212.

[0050] [Attaching the resupply pack to the mounting area] The replenishment pack 210 is mounted on the mounting section 200 with the pack shutter 214 in the closed position. First, the replenishment pack 210 is aligned with the mounting section 200. The second nozzle recess 212b2 of the nozzle 212 and the shutter recess 214b of the pack shutter 214 are aligned with the nozzle guide portion 248 of the receiving frame 202 and the lever projection 201d (main shutter projection 206a) of the lever 201, respectively, and then inserted into the mounting opening 204 of the mounting section 200. Note that when the pack shutter 214 is in the closed position, the nozzle recess 212b is exposed to the outside of the replenishment pack 210 through the opening 214c of the pack shutter 214.

[0051] The replenishment pack 210 is mounted on the device unit 200 while the second nozzle recess 212b2 of the nozzle 212 is guided by the nozzle guide portion 248 of the receiving frame 202, and the shutter recess 214b of the shutter 214 is guided by the lever projection 201d and the main shutter projection 206a.

[0052] When the replenishment pack 210 is fully mounted on the mounting section 200, the second nozzle recess 212b2 engages with the nozzle positioning section 247, and the shutter recess 214b engages with the lever projection 201d and the main body shutter projection 206a. In this fully mounted state, the opening 214c of the shutter 214 engages with the periphery of the sealing member 243 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the main body shutter 206.

[0053] The pack shutter 214 rotates with the operating lever 201 when the operating lever 201 is rotated, as the shutter recess 214b receives rotational driving force from the lever projection 201d. The main shutter 206 rotates with the pack shutter 204 when the pack shutter 214 is rotated by the operating lever 201, as the main shutter projection 206a receives rotational driving force from the shutter recess 214b. With the above configuration, when the operating lever 201 is in the non-replenishment position, both the main shutter 206 and the pack shutter 214 are in the closed position (closed state), and when the operating lever 201 is in the replenishment position, both the main shutter 206 and the pack shutter 214 are in the open position (open state).

[0054] [Arrangement of mounting part 200] The arrangement of the mounting section 200 will now be explained. Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of the mounting section 200 as seen in the third direction Z. Figure 7(a) is an enlarged view of the mounting section 200 with a refill pack 210Y attached to one of the mounting sections 200Y. The refill pack 210Y is attached to the mounting section 200Y such that the direction in which the end 211a of the pouch 211 extends when viewed in the third direction Z is the second direction Y.

[0055] Next, the spacing (distance) P2 between adjacent mounting parts 200 will be explained. When the replenishment pack 210 is mounted on the mounting part 200 and viewed in the third direction Z, the part with the greatest width in the second direction Y is the end 211a of the pouch 211. Therefore, the spacing (distance) P2 between adjacent mounting parts 200 in this embodiment is set to be shorter than the length P1 of the end 211a of the pouch 211 of the replenishment pack 210 in the second direction Y. In other words, the distance P2 between the rotation axis A (first rotation axis) of the main shutter 206 in the mounting part 200Y and the rotation axis A (second rotation axis) of the main shutter 206 in the mounting part 200M is shorter than the length P1 of the end 211a of the replenishment pack 210Y. Similarly, the distance P2 between the rotation axis A of the main shutter 206 in the mounting section 200M and the rotation axis A (third rotation axis) of the main shutter 206 in the mounting section 200C is shorter than the length P1 of the end 211a of the replenishment pack 210Y. Similarly, the distance P2 between the rotation axis A (third rotation axis) of the main shutter 206 in the mounting section 200C and the rotation axis A (fourth rotation axis) of the main shutter 206 in the mounting section 200K is shorter than the length P1 of the end 211a of the replenishment pack 210Y. This configuration has two advantages. The first is that it makes it easier for the user to unravel the pouch 211 and replenish the toner. With the replenishment pack 210 mounted on the mounting section 200 with the flat surface of the pouch 211 facing forward, it is easier for a user standing in front of the image forming apparatus 1 to unravel the pouch 211 with their fingers. The second advantage is that the image forming apparatus 1 can be miniaturized by narrowing the distance between the mounting sections 200 in the second direction Y. Since it is unlikely that the replenishment pack 210 will be used to be attached to all four mounting sections 200 simultaneously, miniaturization has been prioritized.

[0056] In this embodiment, the replenishment pack 210, when mounted on the mounting part 200, has its widest portion when viewed in the third direction Z, with the widest part being the end 211a of the pouch 211, but is not limited to this. The replenishment pack 210 may also have its widest portion being the central portion of the pouch 211 in the third direction Z (mounting direction), or the outer diameter portion of the nozzle. When viewed in the third direction Z, the distance P2 between adjacent mounting parts 200 should be narrower than the widest portion of the replenishment pack 210 in the second direction Y.

[0057] As a modification of Example 1, a configuration can be considered in which the pouch 211 can be attached to the mounting section 200 such that, when viewed in the third direction Z, the direction in which the end 211a of the pouch 211 extends intersects both the first direction X and the second direction Y, for example, at a 45-degree angle to the second direction Y as shown in Figure 7(b). In this way, the distance P3 of the end 211a of the pouch 211 in the second direction Y can be made smaller than the distance P2 between adjacent mounting sections 200. This makes it possible to create a configuration in which four replenishment packs 210 can be simultaneously attached to their respective mounting sections 200 while ensuring a certain degree of ease of replenishment. Furthermore, miniaturization of the image forming apparatus 1 can also be achieved.

[0058] [Toner supply route] The toner supply path from the mounting section 200, where the replenishment pack 210 is attached, to the cartridge P in this embodiment will be explained using Figures 8 to 10. The toner supply path described herein refers to the passage through which the toner passes.

[0059] Figure 8(a) is a perspective view of the mounting section 200 and the tray 40 on which the reserve tank 230 and cartridge P are mounted. Figure 8(b) is a top view of the tray 40 on which the reserve tank 230 and cartridge P are mounted, viewed in the third direction Z. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the tray 40 on which the cartridge P and reserve tank 230 are mounted being pulled out. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the mounting section 200 and the reserve tank 230.

[0060] In Figures 8 and 9, cartridges P of each color are arranged in a first direction (X direction). In a second direction Y that intersects (is perpendicular to) the first direction, mounting sections 200 (200Y, 200M, 200C, 200K) that connect to each color cartridge P are arranged. Below the mounting sections 200, reserve tanks 230 (230Y, 230M, 230C, 230K) are provided, configured to temporarily store toner. Here, the reserve tanks 230 (230Y, 230M, 230C, 230K) are referred to as the first intermediate storage section, second intermediate storage section, third intermediate storage section, and fourth intermediate storage section, respectively. The mounting sections 200 and the reserve tanks 230 are connected by connection supply lines 202b (202bY, 202bM, 202bC, 202bK), respectively. Connecting supply routes 202bY, 202bM, 202bC, and 202bK shall be designated as the first connecting supply route, the second connecting supply route, the third connecting supply route, and the fourth connecting supply route, respectively.

[0061] Each colored reserve tank 230 is positioned below the corresponding mounting portion 200 in a third direction Z, which is perpendicular to both the first direction X and the second direction Y. In other words, the reserve tanks 230Y, 200M, 200C, and 200K are positioned below the mounting portions 200Y, 200M, 200C, and 200K, respectively, such that at least a portion of them overlaps with the mounting portions 200Y, 200M, 200C, and 200K when viewed in the third direction Z.

[0062] In this embodiment, toner supplied from the mounting unit 200 is moved to the reserve tank 230 via the connection supply path 202b and then transported to cartridge P via the transport path 231. As shown in Figure 8(b), supply to cartridge PY (developer container 3Y) and cartridge PM (developer container 3M) is performed by transport paths 231Y (first transport path) and 231M (second transport path), respectively, located on the side of the first end LE of cartridge P in the second direction Y. Supply to cartridge PC (developer container 3C) and cartridge PK (developer container 3K) is performed by transport paths 231C (third transport path) and 231K (fourth transport path), located on the side of the second end RE in the second direction Y. As shown in Figure 8(b), in this embodiment, if the lengths of transport paths 231Y, 231M, 231C, and 231K are LY, LM, LC, and LK, respectively, then the conditions LY>LK, LM>LC, and LC>LK are satisfied. However, the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0063] As shown in Figure 8(b), the transport path 231Y extends from the reserve tank 230Y to the developing container 3Y. The transport path 231Y has a portion 231aY that extends from the reserve tank 230Y toward the rear end BE in the first direction X of the image forming apparatus 1 and is connected to the developing container 3Y. The transport path 231M extends from the reserve tank 230M to the developing container 3M. The transport path 231M has a portion 231bM that extends from the reserve tank 230M toward the first end LE of the image forming apparatus 1 in the second direction Y, and a portion 231aM that extends toward the rear end BE of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first direction X and is connected to the developing container 3M. The transport path 231K extends from the reserve tank 230K to the developing container 3K. The transport path 231K has a portion 231aK that extends in a first direction X from the reserve tank 230K toward the rear end BE and is connected to the developing container 3K. The transport path 231C extends from the reserve tank 230C to the developing container 3C. The transport path 231C has a portion 231bC that extends in a second direction Y from the reserve tank 230C toward the second end RE of the image forming apparatus 1 and a portion 231aC that extends in the first direction X toward the rear end BE and is connected to the developing container 3C. As described above, the transport path 231 is positioned to avoid the central part of the second direction Y in order to avoid the laser beam path L of the laser scanner unit LB. This will be explained later.

[0064] In this embodiment, although the reserve tank 230 is configured to be independent for each color, it is also acceptable to have a single reserve tank with three partitions to create temporary storage spaces for four colors.

[0065] For maintenance and replacement of cartridge P during service, it is preferable to have a configuration that allows easy access to cartridge P. Therefore, in this embodiment, cartridge P, reserve tank 230, and transport path 231 are mounted on tray 40 (movable member), and these are configured to be pulled out as a single unit 400 toward the front side of the device body 72 (intermediate transfer belt unit 11). Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are perspective views of the pull-out unit 400 etc. with the front door 72b closed and open, respectively. Figure 9(c) is a perspective view of the pull-out unit 400 etc. with the pull-out unit 400 pulled out toward the front side.

[0066] To access cartridge P, first open the front door 72b as shown in Figure 9(b). Then, pull out the drawer unit 400 to the front as shown in Figure 9(c). In this embodiment, the mounting section 200, the connection supply path 202b, the reserve tank 230, and the transport path 231 form the supply path from the supply pack 210 to cartridge P. In the configuration of this embodiment, when the drawer unit 400 is pulled out as shown in Figure 9(c), the connection between the connection supply path 202b and the reserve tank 230 is released and separated. Alternatively, the connection between the connection supply path 202b and the reserve tank 230 may be released in conjunction with the opening of the front door 72b. The tray 40 is movable relative to the main body of the device 72 (intermediate transfer belt unit 11) between a first position (see Figure 9(b)) in which the reserve tank 230Y communicates with the receiving port 202aY and the reserve tank 230M communicates with the receiving port 202aM, and a second position (Figure 9(c)) in which the reserve tank 230Y does not communicate with the receiving port 202aY and the reserve tank 230M does not communicate with the receiving port 202aM. In the first position, the reserve tank 230C communicates with the receiving port 202aC and the reserve tank 230K communicates with the receiving port 202aK, and in the second position, the reserve tank 230C does not communicate with the receiving port 202aC and the reserve tank 230K does not communicate with the receiving port 202aK. The second position is a position different from the first position in the first direction X, where the developing unit 9 is exposed to the outside of the device body 72. In this embodiment, the mounting section 200, which is the part to which the replenishment pack 210 is attached, is fixed to the device body 72. Alternatively, the developing unit 9, drum unit 8, reserve tank 230, and transport path 231 may be attached to the device body 72.

[0067] Next, with reference to Figure 10, the layout of the toner supply path from the replenishment pack 210 to the reserve tank 230 will be described. The yellow toner supply path will be described. Figure 10(a) is a cross-sectional view of the reserve tank 230Y, etc., when the replenishment pack 210Y is not mounted on the mounting section 200Y. Figure 10(b) is a cross-sectional view of the reserve tank 230Y, etc., when the replenishment pack 210Y is mounted on the mounting section 200Y and the pack shutter 214Y is in the closed position and the main shutter 206Y is in the non-communicating position. Figure 10(c) is a cross-sectional view of the reserve tank 230Y, etc., when the replenishment pack 210Y is mounted on the mounting section 200Y and the pack shutter 214Y is in the open position and the main shutter 206Y is in the communicating position. Figure 10(d) shows the user replenishing using the replenishment pack 210.

[0068] In Figure 10(a), the path to the receiving port 202aY is closed by the main shutter 206Y. The receiving port 202aY is in communication with the reserve tank 230Y, which has a screw 232Y at its bottom. The screw 232Y is configured to transport toner from the reserve tank 230 to the transport path 231Y. In Figure 10(b), the path to the receiving port 202aY is closed by the main shutter 206Y, similar to Figure 10(a). Furthermore, the discharge port 212aY of the nozzle 212Y of the replenishment pack 210Y mounted on the mounting section 200Y is closed by the pack shutter 214Y (sealing member 218Y). In Figure 10(c), the toner in pouch 211Y can be moved to the reserve tank 230Y via the discharge port 212aY of nozzle 212Y, the receiving port 202aY of receiving frame 202Y, and the connecting supply path 202bY. Since the reserve tank 230Y is located below the mounting section 200Y, the toner that comes out of nozzle 212Y is configured to fall due to its own weight. As shown in Figure 10(d), the user uses their fingers to open the pouch 211Y of the replenishment pack 210Y and replenish the toner.

[0069] The capacity (storage volume) of the reserve tank 230Y is configured to be greater than the capacity of the toner contained in a new (unused) replenishment pack 210Y. When a user replenishes toner, it is common to replenish all the toner in the replenishment pack 210Y at once. As shown in Figure 10(d), when the pouch 211Y of the replenishment pack 210Y is compressed by the user, the toner in the pouch 211Y is discharged into the reserve tank 230Y along with air through the discharge port 212aY of the nozzle 212Y. For this reason, the reserve tank 230Y is provided with a vent 233Y to release the air. Because the vent 233Y is provided, it is possible to suppress the supply of a large amount of air to the developing unit 9Y when replenishing toner. This suppresses toner leakage from gaps in the developing unit 9Y. This vent 233Y is positioned above the surface of the toner in the reserve tank 230Y. Furthermore, a filter 234Y is provided in the ventilation section 233Y to prevent toner from leaking out.

[0070] The toner supply path from the other colored toner packs 210 to the reserve tank 230 is the same as the toner supply path from toner pack 210Y to reserve tank 230Y, so the explanation is omitted. Also, the capacity of the reserve tanks 230 (230M, 230C, 230K) is the same as that of reserve tank 230Y, so the explanation is omitted. Note that the capacity (storage volume) of reserve tank 230K may be larger than that of reserve tanks 230 (230Y, 230M, 230C).

[0071] Next, the layout of the transport path 231, located between the reserve tank 230 and the cartridge P, in a cross-section perpendicular to the second direction Y, will be explained using Figures 10 and 11. The yellow transport path 231Y will be described. As shown in Figure 10, the toner that has moved into the reserve tank 230Y is temporarily stored at the bottom of the reserve tank 230Y.

[0072] A transport path 231Y for transporting toner to the developing container 3Y of cartridge PY is connected to the reserve tank 230Y. A screw 232Y (first transport means) is provided on the transport path 231Y. The upstream end of the screw 232Y in the toner transport direction is located inside the reserve tank 230Y.

[0073] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a toner supply path for supplying toner from the mounting section 200Y to the developer container 3Y of cartridge PY via the reserve tank 230Y and the transport path 231Y. One end of the transport path 231Y is connected to the reserve tank 230Y, and the other end of the transport path 231Y is connected to the developer container 3Y of cartridge PY. The toner temporarily stored in the reserve tank 230Y is transported to the developer container 3Y via the transport path 231Y by a screw 232Y. The screw 232Y extends in a first direction Y. Furthermore, the front end LBe in the first direction X, which is part of the laser scanner unit LB, is located between the mounting section 200Y and the reserve tank 230Y in a third direction. In other words, the end LBe of the laser scanner unit LB overlaps with the mounting section 200Y and the reserve tank 230Y when viewed in a third direction. This reduces the width of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first direction X, thereby contributing to miniaturization.

[0074] The transport paths 231M, 231C, and K are each provided with screws 232M (second transport means), 232C (third transport means), and 232K (fourth transport means), respectively. The screws 232 may also be configured with multiple screws arranged in series to match the orientation and shape of the transport path 231. While screws are used as the transport means in this embodiment, the embodiment is not limited to this. In configurations where the direction of extension changes along the transport path, such as the transport path 231 in this embodiment, toner transport using air generated by a pump is effective. A pump can generate air flowing from the reserve tank 230 towards the developing container 3 inside the transport path 231, thereby transporting the toner from the reserve tank 230 to the developing container 3. Alternatively, the toner may be transported by a belt.

[0075] Next, the arrangement of the transport path 231 in a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction X will be explained using Figure 12. Figure 12(a) is a cross-sectional view of the transport path 231 perpendicular to the first direction X. Figure 12(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the transport path 231 on the front left side of Figure 12(a). In Figure 11, the reserve tank 230 and other components have been omitted for clarity, and the laser beam path L is made visible.

[0076] The position of the transport path 231 in the second direction Y will now be described. The transport path 231 is positioned so as not to overlap with the laser beam path L in the second direction Y, so as not to obstruct the laser beam path L during image formation. In this embodiment, two transport paths are positioned on the first end LE side and two on the second end RE side of the image forming apparatus 1, flanking the laser beam path L. That is, in the second direction Y, transport paths 231Y and 231M are positioned on the first end LE side, and transport paths 231C and 231K are positioned on the second end RE side.

[0077] Next, the position of the transport path 231 in the third direction Z will be described. The transport path 231 is located below the laser scanner unit LB and above the cartridge P (developing unit 9, developing container 3). In other words, in the third direction Z, the transport path 231 is located between the laser scanner unit LB and the cartridge P (developing unit 9, developing container 3). To put it another way, when viewed in the third direction Z, the transport path 231 overlaps with the laser scanner unit LB and the cartridge P (developing unit 9, developing container 3). Also, the width of the laser beam path L increases in the second direction Y as it approaches the cartridge P from the laser scanner unit LB. Therefore, as shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), there is a gap between the portion of the laser beam path L closest to the cartridge P and the laser scanner unit LB, and the transport path 231 is located in that gap. In other words, the transport path 231 is provided between the laser scanner unit LB and the laser beam path L in the third direction Z.

[0078] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(b), at the first end LE side, the transport paths 231Y and 231M are arranged to overlap by ΔZ when viewed in the Y direction and by ΔY when viewed in the Z direction. In other words, the configuration in which at least a portion of the transport path 231Y overlaps with the transport path 231M when viewed in the third direction Z contributes to space saving in the second direction Y.

[0079] As described above, by arranging the transport path 231 in the aforementioned configuration in a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction X, space can be used more effectively, contributing to the miniaturization of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0080] [Toner level detection] The configuration for detecting the remaining amount of toner in cartridge P will now be described. As shown in Figure 11, the transport path 231 is connected to one end of the developing container 3Y in the second direction Y. Inside the developing container 3Y, there is an agitator 61 that rotates around a rotation axis 61a extending in the second direction Y. The agitator 61 has a rotation axis 61a and a sheet 61b fixed to the rotation axis 61a. The agitator 61 rotates when driven by a drive motor, agitating the toner in the developing container 3Y and transporting the toner toward the developing roller 6Y. This agitation transports the toner in the developing container 3Y in the second direction Y, leveling it out and reducing any unevenness. In this embodiment, the agitator 61 may use a helical blade instead of the sheet 61b.

[0081] Furthermore, the stirring member 61 circulates the toner that is not used for developing and has been stripped from the developing roller 6Y within the developing container 3Y, thereby homogenizing the toner within the developing container 3Y. Note that the stirring member 61 is not limited to a rotating form. For example, a stirring member in an oscillating form may also be used.

[0082] Furthermore, the developing container 3Y is provided with a remaining amount detection unit 62, which serves as a sensor for detecting the amount of toner in the developing container 3. The remaining amount detection unit 62 has a light-emitting unit 62a and a light-receiving unit 62b. Light emitted from the light-emitting unit 62a passes through the inside of the developing container 3Y and is received by the light-receiving unit 62b. That is, the light-emitting unit 62a and the light-receiving unit 62b form a remaining amount detection unit optical path Q1 inside the developing container 3. Note that the light-emitting unit 62a and the light-receiving unit 62b may be placed inside the developing container 3Y, or they may be placed outside the developing container 3Y, with a light guide member guiding the light to the inside and outside of the developing container 3.

[0083] In this embodiment, an LED is used for the light-emitting unit 62a and a phototransistor that turns on when light from the LED is used for the light-receiving unit 62b, but the embodiment is not limited to these. For example, a halogen lamp or fluorescent lamp may be used instead of the light-emitting unit 62a, and a photodiode or avalanche photodiode may be used instead of the light-receiving unit 62b.

[0084] The phototransistor, the light-receiving unit 62b, receives light emitted from the light-emitting unit 62a and outputs a signal (current) corresponding to the amount of light received. This signal is converted into a voltage and input to the engine controller. In other words, the light-receiving unit 62b changes its output value based on the amount of toner stored in the storage unit 60. The engine controller determines whether or not the light-receiving unit 62b has received light from the light-emitting unit 62a based on the input voltage level. The engine controller calculates the amount of toner in the developing container 3Y based on the length of time the light-receiving unit 62b detected each light when the toner in the developing container 3Y was stirred for a certain period of time by the stirring member 61. In other words, the ROM of the engine controller has pre-stored a table that can output the remaining toner amount from the light-receiving time when the toner was transported by the stirring member 61, and the engine controller predicts / calculates the remaining toner amount based on this table.

[0085] When the toner level is high, the toner level detection optical path Q1 is easily blocked by the toner, resulting in a shorter time during which the light receiving unit 62b receives light. Conversely, when the toner level is low, the light receiving unit 62b receives light for a longer period. Therefore, the engine controller can determine the toner level in the storage unit 60 based on the light receiving time of the light receiving unit 62b.

[0086] Furthermore, the method for detecting / estimating the remaining toner is not limited to the method described above, and various well-known methods for detecting / estimating the remaining toner can be adopted. For example, two or more metal plates or conductive resin sheets extending in the longitudinal direction of the developing rollers may be placed on the inner wall of the developing container 3Y, and the capacitance between the two metal plates or conductive resin sheets may be measured to detect / estimate the remaining toner. Alternatively, a load cell may be provided to support the developing unit 9Y from below, and the remaining toner may be calculated based on the weight measured by the load cell. Or, more simply, a flag and a sensor may be used, and when the required amount of toner is replenished, the flag may be pressed by the stacked toner to detect it.

[0087] Note that the toner level detection configuration for cartridges P (other colors) is the same as that for cartridges P and Y, so we will omit the explanation.

[0088] [Conditions for Toner Refill Availability] For toner replenishment to be possible, it is preferable that all the toner in the replenishment pack 210 can be contained in the main unit 72 of the device or in the developing container 3 of the cartridge P. Therefore, it is preferable that the remaining toner amount in the developing container 3 is detected by the toner remaining amount detection unit 62 (see Figure 11) provided in the cartridge P, and that replenishment is possible only when the total toner capacity that can be contained in the reserve tank 230, the connecting replenishment path 202b, and the transport path 231 is greater than the toner capacity of the replenishment pack 210.

[0089] When the conditions for toner replenishment are met, the system is configured to notify the user which color toner is available via an indicator 208 located near the mounting section 200 corresponding to each color cartridge P (see Figure 2).

[0090] In this embodiment, the remaining toner level is detected by a remaining toner detection unit 62 provided in the cartridge P. However, it is also acceptable to provide a remaining toner detection unit in the reserve tank 230 to detect the remaining toner level in the reserve tank 230. In this case, it is preferable that replenishment is only possible when the toner capacity that can be contained in the reserve tank 230 is greater than the toner capacity of the replenishment pack 210.

[0091] In this embodiment, the lock on the operating lever 201 of the mounting unit 200 for colors that satisfy the toner replenishment conditions is released, while the lock on the operating lever 201 of the mounting unit 200 for colors that do not satisfy the toner replenishment conditions is not released. This prevents the replenishment pack 210 from being mounted on the mounting unit 200 and toner from being replenished when the toner replenishment conditions are not met.

[0092] With the configuration of this embodiment described above, toner can be replenished to cartridge P using a replenishment pack attached to the mounting section of the image forming apparatus without removing the cartridge from the image forming apparatus.

[0093] In this embodiment, the process cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK) may be a process unit attached to the drawer unit 400 rather than a detachable cartridge. [Examples]

[0094] Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 13. The configuration of Embodiment 2 is the same as that of Embodiment 1, except that the arrangement of the transport path 231 has been changed. For this reason, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0095] In Example 1, the arrangement of the four transport paths 231 connected to each color cartridge P is such that in the second direction Y, two paths are placed on the first end LE side and two on the second end RE side, flanking the laser beam path L. However, depending on the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1, the space outside the laser beam path L in the second direction Y may differ between the first end side and the second end side.

[0096] Therefore, in Figure 13(a), four lines are arranged on the first end LE side and zero lines on the second end RE side, with the laser beam path L in between. In other words, the transport path 231 (231Y, 231M, 231C, 231K) is arranged on the first end LE side and not on the second end RE side. Furthermore, the transport path 231 (231Y, 231M, 231C, 231K) is arranged between the laser scanner unit LB and the cartridge P (developing unit 9) in the third direction Z.

[0097] Figure 13(b) shows that three transport paths are arranged on the first end LE side and one on the second end RE side, with the laser beam path L in between. In other words, transport paths 231Y, 231M, and 231C are arranged on the first end LE side, and transport path 231K is arranged on the second end RE side. The transport paths 231 (231Y, 231M, 231C, 231K) are arranged between the laser scanner unit LB and the cartridge P (developing unit 9) in the third direction Z.

[0098] Figure 13(c) shows that, similar to Example 1, two transport paths are arranged on the first end LE side and two on the second end RE side, flanking the laser beam path L. In other words, transport paths 231Y and 231M are arranged on the first end LE side, and transport paths 231C and 231K are arranged on the second end RE side. The difference from Example 1 is that when viewed in the second direction Y, the transport paths 231 (231Y, 231M, 231C, 231K) overlap with the laser scanner unit LB. This arrangement can be used when using a small laser scanner unit LB with a narrow width in the second direction Y.

[0099] By appropriately utilizing space when arranging the transport path 231 in this way, the image forming apparatus 1 can be miniaturized. [Examples]

[0100] Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 14. Embodiment 3 is a modification of the image forming apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1, except for the configuration of the cover 72a. Therefore, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0101] In Example 1, the cover 72a is a common cover for the four mounting sections 200, but in this embodiment, four independent covers 372 (372aY, 3772aM, 372aC, 372aK) are provided for each colored mounting section 200.

[0102] Figure 14(a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the cover 372aY closed. Figure 2(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the cover 372aY open and the mounting portion 200Y exposed to the outside. Figure 2(c) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the cover 372aY open and the replenishment pack 210Y attached to the mounting portion 200Y.

[0103] Here, covers 372aY, 372aM, 372aC, and 372aK are referred to as the first cover, second cover, third cover, and fourth cover, respectively. Cover 372aY is configured to rotate around the rotation axis RA2 between a first closed position (Figure 14(a)) that covers the mounting portion 200Y and a first open position (Figure 14(b)) that opens the mounting portion 200Y. The rotation axis RA2 extends in the second direction Y. When cover 372aY is open, the instruction section IS2 provided on the back surface of cover 372aY is visible, as shown in Figure 14(b). The function of the instruction section IS2 is the same as that of the instruction section IS1 in Embodiment 1.

[0104] As shown in Figure 14(c), the mounting section 200Y is configured such that the replenishment pack 210Y can be attached when the cover 372aY is in the first open position. When the replenishment pack 210Y is attached to the mounting section 200Y, the cover 372aY interferes with the replenishment pack 210Y and is therefore configured not to move to the first closed position. Similarly, the cover 372aM is configured to move (rotate) between a second closed position that covers the mounting section 200M and a second open position that opens the mounting section 200M. In addition, the mounting section 200M is configured similarly to the mounting section 200Y so that the replenishment pack 210M can be attached when the cover 372aM is in the second open position. When the replenishment pack 210M is attached to the mounting section 200M, the cover 372aM interferes with the replenishment pack 210M and is therefore configured not to move to the second closed position. Covers 372aC and 372aK are also configured to move in the same manner as cover 372aY.

[0105] With the configuration of the cover 372a of this embodiment described above, the user can perform the operation without exposing the other mounting parts 200 when replenishing only one color of toner, as shown in Figures 14(b) and 14(c).

[0106] Furthermore, the cover 372a of the mounting section 200 can be configured to be locked so that it cannot be moved to the open position when toner replenishment is not required, and to be unlocked when toner replenishment is possible. This prevents toner from being supplied when a replenishment pack 210 is attached to the mounting section 200 of a color that is not in a state where toner replenishment is possible.

[0107] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14(b), similar to Example 1, an indicator 208 is provided near the mounting section 200, and is configured to inform the user when the mounting section 200 is ready for toner replenishment.

[0108] Next, an image forming apparatus 1 equipped with an image reading unit 1a (image reading section, reading scanner) will be described using Figure 19. Figure 19(a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the image reading unit 1a closed. Figure 19(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the image reading unit 1a open. Figure 19(c) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the image reading unit 1a closed and the cover 372aY open. Figure 19(d) is a top view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the image reading unit 1a closed and the cover 372aY open. Figure 19(e) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the image reading unit 1a closed and the replenishment pack 210 attached to the mounting section 200Y.

[0109] The image reading unit 1a is mounted above the image forming apparatus 1. The image reading unit 1a is configured to rotate between a closed position (see Figure 19(a)) and an open position (Figure 19(b)) around a rotation axis RA4 (see Figure 19(b)). This is to facilitate access to recording media S (especially small-sized recording media S) discharged into the discharge tray 23. The cover 372aY can be opened even when the image reading unit 1a is in the closed position, as shown in Figure 19(c). The mounting portion 200Y is positioned so that its upper part is not covered by the image reading unit 1a, even when the image reading unit 1a is in the closed position, as shown in Figure 19(d). In other words, when viewed from above in a third direction Z, the mounting portion 200Y is positioned so as not to overlap with the image reading unit 1a in the closed position. As a result, as shown in Figure 19(e), the replenishment pack 210 can be attached to the mounting section 200Y even when the image reading unit 1a is in the closed position. The same applies to covers 372aM, 372aC, and 372aK.

[0110] Next, Figure 15 shows a modified example of Embodiment 3. In this configuration, a cover 472a that rotates around a rotation axis RA3 extending in the second direction Y so as to cover the four mounting sections 200 also serves as the discharge tray 23. By integrating the cover 472a and the discharge tray 23, the boundary (step) between the cover and the discharge tray can be eliminated. As a result, the recording medium S is discharged on the discharge tray 23 without getting stuck. In addition, the position of the hinge constituting the rotation axis RA3 of the cover 472a can be moved further away from the mounting sections 200 than in the configuration of this embodiment. As a result, the space near the mounting sections 200 can be widened, making it easier for the user to attach the replenishment pack 210 to the mounting sections 200. Furthermore, the instruction section IS3 can be provided in the area on the back side of the image forming apparatus 1 from the mounting sections 200 on the surface where the mounting sections 200 are provided. As shown in Figure 15(b), the configuration may be such that the instruction section IS4 provided on the back surface of the cover 472a is visible when the cover 472a is open. Instruction units IS3 and IS4 have the same functions as instruction unit IS1 in Example 1. Note that either instruction unit IS3 or IS4 is sufficient.

[0111] Furthermore, similar to Example 1, as shown in Figure 15(b), indicators 208 are provided near each color's mounting section 200 to inform the user of which mounting section 200 is ready for toner replenishment. The placement of these indicators 208 is such that they can be placed near each color's mounting section 200 and on the top surface of the device body 72, as long as they allow the user to recognize the mounting section corresponding to the toner to be replenished.

[0112] Furthermore, a modified version of Embodiment 3 is provided with an operating unit 300. The operating unit 300 functions as a display unit that can issue commands to the image forming apparatus 1, such as changing print settings, and also displays messages to the user. As shown in Figure 15(b), the operating unit 300 is configured not to rotate together with the cover 472a, so that the user can use the operating unit 300 even when the cover 472a is open. Specifically, the cover 472a is provided with a recessed area 427a1 so that the operating unit 300 is exposed when the cover is closed. The recessed area 427a1 may also be a hole. [Examples]

[0113] The configuration of Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16(a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the front door 72b closed. Figure 16(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the front door 72b open. Figure 16(c) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the front door 72b open and the replenishment cartridge 430M removed from the cartridge holder 429M. The definitions of the front and back sides of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment are the same as in Embodiment 1. The definitions of the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are also the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0114] In Examples 1 to 3, the replenishment pack 210 is configured to be mounted on the mounting section 200 with at least a portion of the replenishment pack 210 (pouch 211) exposed to the outside of the device body 72 when the front door 72b is closed. In contrast, the image forming apparatus 1 of Example 4 has replenishment cartridges 430 (430Y, 430M, 430C, 430K) housed inside the device body 72 when the front door 72b is closed. Components similar to those in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figure and their description is omitted.

[0115] The replenishment cartridge 430 is mounted on the upper front side of the main unit 72 of the device so that it can be accessed when the front door 72b is opened. The front door 72b is configured to move between a closed position (Figure 16(a)) that closes the opening of the front-facing device body 72 and an open position (Figure 16(b)) that opens the opening. When the front door 72b is moved to the open position, the replenishment cartridges 430 are exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through the opening, as shown in Figure 16(b). The four replenishment cartridges 430 are arranged in a second direction Y and are configured to be detachable from the device body 72 in a first direction X, as shown in Figure 16(c). This allows toner to be replenished to cartridge P without detaching cartridge P from the device body 72. Because the replenishment cartridges 430 are located on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, they can be accessed from the front side, similar to how recording media S discharged into the discharge tray 23 are retrieved. In addition, because there is a cartridge holder 429 on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, cartridge P is not exposed even after the replenishment cartridges 430 are removed (see Figure 16(c)).

[0116] [Toner supply route] The toner supply path from the replenishment cartridge 430 to cartridge P in this embodiment will be explained using Figure 17. The transport path 444Y for yellow toner will be explained. Figure 17(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the transport path 444Y from the replenishment cartridge 430 to cartridge PY. Figure 17(b) is a perspective view of the drawer unit 500 and the like in the state where the drawer unit 500 is extended.

[0117] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17(a), the replenishment cartridge 430Y is mounted in the cartridge holder 429Y (mounting part). The cartridge holder Y is a member whose cross-section perpendicular to the second direction Y is U-shaped, and whose front side is open to receive the replenishment cartridge 430Y.

[0118] As shown in Figure 17(a), the replenishment cartridge 430 is located on the front FE side of cartridge P in the first direction X and below the laser scanner unit LB in the third direction Z. When viewed in the third direction Z, the replenishment cartridge 430Y overlaps with the end portion LBe (front end portion), which is part of the laser scanner unit LB. When viewed in the first direction X, the replenishment cartridge 430Y is positioned to overlap with cartridge P (developing container 3). In this embodiment, when viewed in the first direction X, the replenishment cartridge 430Y overlaps with the developing containers 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K. This makes it possible to reduce the width of the image forming apparatus 1 in the third direction Z and the first direction X, thereby contributing to the miniaturization of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0119] The replenishment cartridge 430Y is provided with an outlet 430aY on its bottom for discharging toner from the replenishment cartridge 430Y. The toner discharged downward from the outlet 430aY of the replenishment cartridge 430Y by its own weight is transported to cartridge PY (developing container 3Y) via a transport path 444Y (first transport path) by a first screw 431Y, a second screw 432Y, and a third screw 433Y. The first screw 431Y, the second screw 432Y, and the third screw 433Y are driven by a driving force from a drive source (not shown) of the main body of the device 72. The first screw 431 extends in a direction from the front FE to the rear BE in a first direction X, the second screw 432Y extends upward in a third direction Z, and the third screw 433Y extends in a direction from the front FE to the rear BE in a first direction X. The toner transport path to cartridge PY after being transported by the third screw 433Y is the same as in Example 1, so the explanation is omitted.

[0120] The transport paths 444M (second transport path), 444C (third transport path), and 444K (fourth transport path), shown in Figure 17(b), will now be described. Transport path 444M extends from replenishment cartridge 430M to cartridge PM (developing container 3M). Transport path 444C extends from replenishment cartridge 430C to cartridge PC (developing container 3C). Transport path 444K extends from replenishment cartridge 430K to cartridge PK (developing container 3K). The arrangement of the four transport paths 444 in a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction X is the same as in Figures 12 and 13 of Example 1, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0121] Screws are provided as the second, third, and fourth conveying means in conveying paths 444M, 444C, and 444K, respectively. As in Embodiment 1, air conveying by a pump or belt conveying may be used as the conveying means in conveying path 444.

[0122] Furthermore, the replenishment cartridge 430Y has a shutter (not shown) configured to close the discharge port 430a when it is detached from the main body 72 of the device.

[0123] With the configuration of this embodiment described above, toner can be replenished to cartridge P using a detachable replenishment cartridge attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, without having to remove cartridge P from the image forming apparatus. [Examples]

[0124] The configuration of Example 5 will be described using Figure 18. Components similar to those in Examples 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. Figures 18(a), 18(b), and 18(c) are perspective views of the image forming apparatus 1000 according to this embodiment. Figure 18(d) is a perspective view showing the process cartridge P (hereinafter referred to as cartridge P) contained inside the image forming apparatus 1000.

[0125] The mounting section 200 (200Y, 200M, 200C, 200K) is arranged on the front right end (the end in the second direction Y) of the image forming apparatus 1 (apparatus body 720) so as to be aligned in the first direction X.

[0126] As shown in Figure 18(b), the image forming apparatus 1000 has a cover 720a that covers the mounting section 200. The cover 720a rotates around a rotation axis RA4 extending in a first direction X, between a closed position that covers the mounting section 200 and an open position that opens the mounting section 200. Since the cover 720a is configured to rotate and open towards the discharge tray 23, there is no need to provide extra space outside the image forming apparatus 1 to open the cover 720a. In other words, the space occupied by the image forming apparatus 1000 can be reduced. As shown in Figure 18(c), four replenishment packs 210 can be mounted on the mounting section 200 simultaneously.

[0127] With the cover 720a open, an instruction section IS5 is provided on the wall surface of the mounting section 200 extending in the first direction X and the third direction on the side of the discharge tray 23. Furthermore, with the cover 720a open, an instruction section IS6 provided on the back surface of the cover 720a is visible. Instruction sections IS5 and IS6 have the same function as the instruction section IS1 in Embodiment 1.

[0128] An indicator 208 (208Y, 208M, 208C, 208K) is provided on the top surface of the image forming apparatus 1000. The indicators 208 are arranged in a first direction X in an order corresponding to the color order of the mounting section 200. The indicators 208 may consist of LEDs or stickers of the corresponding colors, or they may be configured to inform the user of the mounting section 200 that can be refilled with toner. As shown in Figure 18(a), an indicator 199 (199Y, 199M, 199C, 199K) may be placed on the top surface of the closed cover 720a. It is sufficient if either indicator 208 or 199 is provided.

[0129] As shown in Figure 18(d), the image forming apparatus 1000 is equipped with four cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) in yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. The longitudinal direction of the four cartridges P is the second direction Y, and they are arranged in the first direction X. Each cartridge P is provided with a protruding part Pe (PeY, PeM, PeC, PeK) that communicates with the mounting part 200 (200Y, 200M, 200C, 200K). The toner from the replenishment pack 210 is supplied to the toner storage part of the cartridge P via the protruding part Pe.

[0130] With the configuration of this embodiment described above, toner can be replenished to cartridge P using a replenishment pack attached to the mounting section of the image forming apparatus without removing the cartridge from the image forming apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1. Image forming apparatus 40 trays 30 developing containers 72 Main unit of the device 72a Cover 200 Mounting part 202 Receiving frame 202a Inlet 210 Supply Packs 230 Reserve Tank 231 Conveyor path P Process Cartridge

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on a recording medium, a plurality of development units, a first developing unit including a first developing container configured to contain a first toner and a first developing roller configured to carry the first toner contained in the first developing container; a second developing unit including a second developing container configured to contain a second toner, and a second developing roller configured to carry the second toner contained in the second developing container; a third developing unit including a third developing container configured to contain a third toner, and a third developing roller configured to carry the third toner contained in the third developing container; a plurality of developing units aligned in a first direction intersecting the direction of gravity; an apparatus main body including a discharge roller that discharges the recording medium on which the toner image is formed to the outside of the image forming apparatus by conveying the recording medium in a discharge direction along the first direction; a plurality of toner containers including a first toner container containing the first toner, a second toner container containing the second toner, and a third toner container containing the third toner, the toner containers being aligned in a second direction intersecting both the direction of gravity and the first direction and being independently attachable to and detachable from the device main body; Equipped with When an end of the device main body on the downstream side in the discharge direction is defined as a front end, and one end and the other end of the device main body in the second direction are defined as a first end and a second end, respectively, The device body includes: a first transport path configured to communicate with both the first toner container and the first developing container, through which the first toner transported from the first toner container toward the first developing container passes, the first transport path having a first portion located on the first end side in the second direction; a second transport path configured to communicate with both the second toner container and the second developing container, through which the second toner transported from the second toner container toward the second developing container passes, the second transport path having a second portion located on the side of the first end in the second direction; a third transport path configured to communicate with both the third toner container and the third developing container, through which the third toner transported from the third toner container toward the third developing container passes, the third transport path having a third portion located on the first end side in the second direction; and the first toner container is located closest to the first end among the plurality of toner containers in the second direction; the first toner container, the second toner container, and the third toner container are aligned in this order so that the first toner container and the second toner container are adjacent to each other and so that the second toner container and the third toner container are adjacent to each other in a direction from the first end toward the second end in the second direction, and are provided on the front end side of the device main body in the first direction, When viewed in the gravity direction, the first portion of the first transport path overlaps with the third portion of the third transport path. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. the first portion of the first transport path is above the third portion of the third transport path; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. the plurality of developing units includes a fourth developing unit, the fourth developing unit includes a fourth developing container that contains a fourth toner, and a fourth developing roller that carries the fourth toner contained in the fourth developing container, and is provided so as to be aligned with the third developing unit in the first direction; the plurality of toner containers includes a fourth toner container that is detachably attached to the device body, the fourth toner container accommodates the fourth toner and is provided on the second end side of the third toner container so as to be aligned with the third toner container in the second direction; the apparatus main body includes a fourth transport path that is connected to both the fourth toner container and the fourth developing container and is configured to allow the fourth toner transported from the fourth toner container to the fourth developing container to pass through; the fourth transport path has a fourth portion located on the first end side in the second direction; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. the apparatus main body includes a first transport member that rotates to transport the first toner in the first transport path, and a second transport member that rotates to transport the toner transported by the first transport member, The direction in which the rotation axis of the first conveying member extends intersects with the direction in which the rotation axis of the second conveying member extends.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. the first toner container, the second toner container, and the third toner container are each configured to be attached to and detached from the device main body in the first direction.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

6. At least a portion of the first toner container is located above the first developing container, At least a portion of the second toner container is located above the second developing container, At least a portion of the third toner container is located above the third developing container, When a direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, the first transport path has a portion extending in the third direction, the second transport path has a portion extending in the third direction, the third transport path has a portion extending in the third direction; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

7. a portion of the first transport path extending in the third direction overlaps with the first toner container when viewed in the first direction; a portion of the second transport path extending in the third direction overlaps with the second toner container when viewed in the first direction; a portion of the third transport path extending in the third direction overlaps with the third toner container when viewed in the first direction; 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

8. the apparatus main body includes a first holder, a second holder, and a third holder to which the first toner container, the second toner container, and the third toner container can be attached, respectively; The first holder, the second holder, and the third holder all have a U-shape in cross section perpendicular to the second direction, with an opening facing the front side end.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

Images