Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To prevent dirt on a contact and facilitate maintenance.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: storage units 41 that each have a storage space 459 extending in an attachment and detachment direction in which a toner storage container is attached and detached; body contacts 543; and link mechanisms 500 that each hold the body contacts 543. The link mechanism 500 has a slide part 513 and an urging member 531. In a first state where the toner storage container is not present in the storage space 459, the slide part 513 is urged by the urging member 531 to be located in the storage space 459. During a change from the first state to a second state where the toner storage container is present in the storage space 459, the slide part 513 is brought into contact with the toner storage container, so as to electrically connect the body contacts 543 and a storage element 441 provided on the toner storage container and facing a direction intersecting the attachment and detachment direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that forms an image using toner. [Background technology]

[0002] An image forming apparatus is known that communicates with a memory element attached to a toner storage container and reads the identification information of the toner storage container. The toner storage container is detachable from the image forming apparatus. For this reason, the image forming apparatus has a contact on the main body side that is electrically connected to the memory element of the toner storage container.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-242417 describes an image forming apparatus having a removable process cartridge having a memory element for storing information, main body contacts for electrically contacting the contacts of the memory element, an opening for attaching and detaching the process cartridge to and from the main body of the apparatus, and an opening / closing member movably mounted on the main body of the apparatus to open and close the opening, wherein the opening / closing member is provided with a protective member interposed between the contacts of the memory element and the main body contacts to keep the two contacts out of contact, and when the process cartridge is attached to the main body of the apparatus and the opening / closing member is closed, the protective member interposed between the contacts of the memory element and the main body contacts moves out of contact with the opening of the opening / closing member, thereby bringing the contacts of the memory element and the main body contacts into electrical contact.

[0004] However, while the image forming apparatus described in JP 2011-242417 A can protect the main body contacts and the contacts of the memory element during transport of the image forming apparatus, it requires user operation using a special tool or the like to interpose a protective member between the contacts of the memory element and the main body contacts. This requires additional operations to protect the main body contacts, making the operation complicated. Furthermore, when the process cartridge is removed, the main body contacts are exposed. Therefore, when the process cartridge is repeatedly replaced, the main body contacts may become dirty due to contact with the user's hands, resulting in poor contact. While it is possible to position the main body contacts in a location that is out of the user's reach, this creates the problem of making maintenance of the main body contacts more difficult. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-242417 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that prevents contact contamination and facilitates maintenance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a storage section having a storage space extending in an attachment / detachment direction in which a toner storage container is attached and detached, a main body contact, a link mechanism for holding the main body contact, and a shutter. The link mechanism has a sliding portion and a biasing member and is connected to the shutter. In a first state in which no toner storage container is present in the storage space, the link mechanism is biased by the biasing member to position the sliding portion in the storage space, and moves the shutter to a first position between the main body contact and the storage space when the state changes from a second state in which a toner storage container is present in the storage space to the first state. When the state changes from the first state to the second state, the sliding portion abuts against the toner storage container, moving the shutter to a second position retracted from between the main body contact and the storage space, and electrically connects the main body contact to a container contact provided on the toner storage container that faces in a direction intersecting the attachment / detachment direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a first perspective view showing the appearance of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of the internal configuration of an MFP. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a toner storage container and a sub-hopper. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view showing the appearance of the MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how a toner storage container is replaced in the MFP. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a first perspective view showing a part of an example of a toner storage container. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view showing a part of an example of a toner storage container. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a portion of an example of a toner storage container. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a first enlarged view of the periphery of the storage space. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 12]FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a second enlarged view showing the periphery of the storage space. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 15. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, identical components are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view showing the appearance of an MFP according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100 is an example of an image forming apparatus, and includes a cover member 50 on its front surface, which constitutes part of a main body case. Cover member 50 is openable and closable, and FIG. 1 shows MFP 100 in a closed state with cover member 50 closed. In FIG. 1, mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions are defined. The X and Y directions are parallel to a horizontal plane. In the following description, the X direction is parallel to the left and right of image forming apparatus 1 and is also referred to as the left-right direction. The positive side of the X direction is the right, and the negative side of the X direction is the left. The Y direction is parallel to the depth of image forming apparatus 1 and is also referred to as the front-to-back direction. The negative side of the Y direction is the front direction, and the positive side of the Y direction is the rear direction. The Z direction is parallel to the top-to-bottom direction of image forming apparatus 1 and is also referred to as the up-to-down direction. The positive side of the Z direction is the up direction, and the negative side of the Z direction is the down direction.

[0011] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of an MFP. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, MFP 100 includes document reading unit 130 that reads a document, image forming unit 140 that forms an image on paper based on image data, and paper feed unit 150 that supplies paper to image forming unit 140.

[0012] The document reading unit 130 exposes the image of a document set on a document glass 11 with an exposure lamp 13 attached to a slider 12 that moves below the document glass 11. Light reflected from the document is guided to a lens 16 by a mirror 14 and two reflecting mirrors 15 and 15A, and forms an image on a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) sensor 18.

[0013] The reflected light that forms an image on the CCD sensor 18 is converted into image data as an electrical signal within the CCD sensor 18. The image data is converted into printing data for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) and output to the image forming unit 140.

[0014] The image forming unit 140 includes image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. Here, "Y," "M," "C," and "K" represent yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. An image is formed by driving at least one of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. A full-color image is formed by driving all of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. Printing data for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are input to the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, respectively. The image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K differ only in the color of the toner they use. Therefore, the image forming unit 20Y for forming a yellow image will be described here.

[0015] The image forming unit 20Y includes an exposure device 21Y, a photosensitive drum 23Y (image carrier), a charging roller 22Y, a developing device 24Y, a primary transfer roller 25Y, a drum cleaning blade 27Y, a toner container 41Y, and a sub-hopper 42Y. The charging roller 22Y uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 23Y. The exposure device 21Y receives yellow printing data and irradiates the photosensitive drum 23Y with laser light to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 23Y. The developing device 24Y develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 23Y. The primary transfer roller 25Y transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 23Y to the intermediate transfer belt 30 (image carrier) by the action of an electric field. The drum cleaning blade 27Y removes any residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 23Y.

[0016] The toner storage container 41Y stores yellow toner. The toner storage container 41Y is housed in a storage unit 41 provided in the main body frame, and is driven by a toner storage container motor provided in the main body frame as a drive source to discharge toner to the outside. The toner discharged from the toner storage container 41Y is supplied to a sub-hopper 42Y. The sub-hopper 42Y is provided below the storage unit 41 and has a toner storage unit between the toner storage container 41Y and the developing device 24Y that temporarily stores toner discharged from the toner storage container 41Y. The sub-hopper 42Y supplies the toner stored in the toner storage unit to the developing device 24Y when the remaining amount of toner stored in the developing device 24Y falls below a predetermined lower limit.

[0017] Around the photosensitive drum 23Y, a charging roller 22Y, an exposure device 21Y, a developing device 24Y, a primary transfer roller 25Y, and a drum cleaning blade 27Y are arranged in this order along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 23Y.

[0018] After being charged by the charging roller 22Y, the photoreceptor drum 23Y is irradiated with laser light emitted by the exposure device 21Y. The exposure device 21Y exposes the image-corresponding portion of the surface of the photoreceptor drum 23Y. This forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 23Y. Next, the developing device 24Y develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y with charged toner. Specifically, toner is placed on the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y by the action of electric field force, thereby forming a toner image on the photoreceptor drum 23Y. The toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 30, which serves as an image carrier, by the action of electric field force using the primary transfer roller 25Y. Any toner remaining on the photoreceptor drum 23Y that has not been transferred is removed from the photoreceptor drum 23Y by the drum cleaning blade 27Y.

[0019] Meanwhile, the intermediate transfer belt 30 is suspended tightly by a drive roller 33 and a driven roller 34. When the drive roller 33 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 2, the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotates counterclockwise in the drawing at a predetermined speed. As the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotates, the driven roller 34 rotates counterclockwise.

[0020] As a result, the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K sequentially transfer toner images onto the intermediate transfer belt 30. The timing at which each of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K transfers a toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 30 is adjusted based on the detection of the reference marks on the intermediate transfer belt 30. As a result, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 30.

[0021] The paper transported by timing roller 31 is transported to the nip portion where intermediate transfer belt 30 and secondary transfer roller 26 come into contact. The toner image formed on intermediate transfer belt 30 is transferred to the paper by the action of electric field force from secondary transfer roller 26, which is a transfer member. The paper with the transferred toner image is transported to fixing roller 32, where it is heated and pressed. This melts the toner and fixes it to the paper. The paper is then ejected to paper output tray 39.

[0022] A belt cleaning blade 28 is provided upstream of the image forming unit 20Y on the intermediate transfer belt 30. The belt cleaning blade 28 removes toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 30 that has not been transferred to paper.

[0023] Paper of different sizes is set in paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A, respectively. The paper stored in paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A is supplied to the transport path by take-out rollers 36 and 36A attached to paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A, respectively, and sent to timing roller 31 by paper feed roller 37.

[0024] When forming a full-color image, the MFP 100 drives all of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. When forming a monochrome image, the MFP 100 drives only one of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. It is also possible to form an image by combining two or more of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. Here, we will explain an example in which the MFP 100 employs a tandem system equipped with image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K that form four color toners on paper. However, a four-cycle system in which four color toners are transferred sequentially onto paper using a single photosensitive drum may also be employed.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a toner storage container and a sub-hopper. Referring to Fig. 3, each of toner storage containers 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K includes a bottle portion 411 that stores toner and a cap portion 412 attached to one end of the bottle portion 411. Sub-hoppers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K are integrally provided corresponding to toner storage containers 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K, respectively. When toner storage containers 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K are stored in storage unit 41 (see Fig. 4) of MFP 100, the toner storage containers 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K and the sub-hoppers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K are positioned relative to each other.

[0026] Each of the sub-hoppers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K has a hollow structure and includes a toner storage section 43 therein for storing toner.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a second perspective view showing the appearance of an MFP according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the MFP 100 is shown in an open state with the cover member 50 open. In the open state, the cover member 50 exposes a storage opening 451 of the storage unit 41 of the image forming unit 140 to the outside. In the open state, the back surface of the cover member 50, which faces the interior of the MFP 100 when the cover member 50 is closed, faces upward. The storage opening 451 is an opening on the front side of the storage unit 41, and is the portion that first receives the toner storage containers 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K when the toner storage containers 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K are inserted into the storage unit 41. In FIG. 4, the toner storage containers 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K are shown stored in the storage unit 41, and therefore the storage opening 451 is hidden by the toner storage containers 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K and cannot be seen.

[0028] When the cover member 50 is in the open position, only the toner storage containers 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K and portions of the sub-hoppers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K are exposed to the outside. Therefore, when the cover member 50 is in the open position, the image forming unit 140 is set to be able to perform image formation. Therefore, even if the cover member 50 is switched from the closed position to the open position while the image forming unit 140 is performing image formation, the image forming unit 140 continues the image formation operation without interruption. Furthermore, because the storage container 41 is exposed when the cover member 50 is in the open position, the user can replace at least one of the toner storage containers 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K.

[0029] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing how a toner storage container is replaced in the MFP. Referring to Fig. 5, the toner storage container 41Y is removed from the MFP 100 by being pulled out from the storage unit 41 of the MFP 100 in a front direction. Thereafter, a new toner storage container 41Y is attached to the MFP 100 by being pushed back into the storage unit 41 of the MFP 100. The toner storage container 41Y is attached and detached with the cover member 50 in an open state, and the toner storage container 41Y passes above the cover member 50 during attachment and detachment.

[0030] The storage unit 41 has a storage space that extends in the front-to-rear direction. The toner storage container 41Y is inserted into the storage space of the storage unit 41 of the MFP 100 with its longitudinal direction parallel to the front-to-rear direction. Hereinafter, the direction in which the storage space of the storage unit 41 extends is referred to as the attachment / detachment direction. The attachment / detachment direction is a direction parallel to the Y direction and includes the front and rear directions.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a first perspective view showing a portion of an example of a toner storage container. FIG. 7 is a second perspective view showing a portion of an example of a toner storage container. FIG. 8 is a side view showing a portion of an example of a toner storage container. FIGS. 6 and 7 show toner storage container 41Y as viewed obliquely from below on the front side. Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, toner storage container 41Y includes a bottle portion 411, an outlet 427, a first shutter member 429, a second shutter member 435, a support member 414, and a cap portion 412. Bottle portion 411 stores toner. Outlet 427 opens bottle portion 411 to the outside. First shutter member 429 opens and closes outlet 427. The second shutter member is attached to support member 414.

[0032] Figure 6 shows the second shutter member 435 in the closed position, and Figure 7 shows the second shutter member 435 in the open position. The support member 414 has a hole 414A and a guide protrusion 414B that extends in the attachment / detachment direction. The second shutter member 435 slidably engages with the guide protrusion 414B. The second shutter member 435 is guided by the guide protrusion 414B of the support member 414 and attached to the bottle part 411 so as to be movable relative to the bottle part 411 in the attachment / detachment direction.

[0033] Before the toner storage container 41Y is attached to the MFP 100, the second shutter member 435 is biased by a spring and is located in the closed position shown in Figures 6 and 8. When the second shutter member 435 is located in the closed position, the first shutter member 429 is lifted by the second shutter member 435 to close the discharge port 427.

[0034] As the toner storage container 41Y enters the storage space of the storage unit 41 of the MFP 100 and before it is attached, the protrusion 435C of the second shutter member 435 abuts against a part of the main body frame of the MFP 100. The force with which the user presses the toner storage container 41Y overcomes the biasing force of the spring on the second shutter member 435, causing the second shutter member 435 to start moving. Then, when the toner storage container 41Y is attached to the MFP 100, the second shutter member 435 moves to the open position shown in FIG. 7. When the second shutter member 435 is in the open position, the first shutter member 429 is no longer restricted by the second shutter member 435 and rotates due to gravity, opening the discharge port 427. As a result, the toner stored in the bottle portion 411 is discharged to the outside of the toner storage container 41Y through the discharge port 427 and the hole 414A.

[0035] When the toner storage container 41Y is detached from the MFP 100, the protrusion 435C of the second shutter member 435 is released from engagement with a portion of the main body frame of the MFP 100. Therefore, the second shutter member 435 is biased by the spring to the closed position shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. When the second shutter member 435 is in the closed position, the first shutter member 429 is lifted by the second shutter member 435 to close the discharge port 427 and also close the hole 414A. Therefore, even when the toner storage container 41Y is detached from the MFP 100, toner does not spill out of the toner storage container 41Y. In this way, the first shutter member 429 can open and close the hole 414A and the discharge port 427 in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the toner storage container 41Y to and from the MFP 100.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 8, a memory element 441 and a contact portion 443 are provided above the bottle portion 411. The memory element 441 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory. For example, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) is used as the memory element 441. The memory element 441 has a plurality of contacts. Here, an example is shown in which the memory element 441 has three container contacts 441A. The three container contacts 441A are flat surfaces that face a direction intersecting the attachment / detachment direction and in a direction opposite to the direction facing the bottle portion 411. The three container contacts 441A of the memory element 441 include a power contact, a signal transmission / reception contact, and a ground contact. The memory element 441 receives power from an external source via the three container contacts 441A, stores data input from an external device, and outputs the data stored in the memory element 441 to the external device.

[0037] The abutment portion 443 protrudes upward from the surface of the bottle portion 411. The abutment portion 443 has a convex shape that extends long in the attachment / detachment direction. The abutment portion 443 has a sliding surface 443A in the direction opposite to the direction facing the bottle portion 411. The sliding surface 443A is a flat surface that faces in a direction intersecting the attachment / detachment direction and in the direction opposite to the direction facing the bottle portion 411. The height of the sliding surface 443A is higher than the height of the container contact 441A of the memory element 441. The height of the sliding surface 443A is the distance between the sliding surface 443A and the bottle portion 411. The height of the container contact 441A is the distance between the container contact 441A and the bottle portion 411.

[0038] 9 is a front view of the storage unit 41. Referring to FIG. 9, the storage unit 41 has four storage spaces 459 that respectively accommodate the toner storage containers 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K. Link mechanisms 500 and shutters 551 are provided corresponding to the four storage spaces 459. The link mechanisms 500 are provided above the storage spaces 459.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a first enlarged view of the periphery of the storage space. Here, the storage space 459 in which the toner storage container 41Y is stored is shown as an example. FIG. 10 shows the storage space 459 in a first state in which the toner storage container 41Y is not attached to the storage space 459. Referring to FIG. 10, a receiving opening 453 is disposed at the bottom end of the storage space 459. The receiving opening 453 is formed on the upper surface of the sub-hopper 42Y. The receiving opening 453 is formed at a position that overlaps vertically with the hole 414A of the toner storage container 41Y in the attachment / detachment direction in a second state in which the toner storage container 41Y is attached to the storage space 459.

[0040] A lid 455 is disposed above the receiving opening 453. The lid 455 is connected to the upper surface of the sub-hopper 42Y so as to be slidable in the attachment / detachment direction. The lid 455 is biased forward by an elastic member. Therefore, in a first state in which the toner storage container 41Y is not attached to the storage space 459, the lid 455 is positioned above the receiving opening 453 and closes the receiving opening 453. While the toner storage container 41Y is being inserted into the storage space 459, the lid 455 abuts against the toner storage container 41Y and slides in the attachment / detachment direction, from front to rear in this case. This opens the receiving opening 453 upward. Therefore, toner discharged from the toner storage container 41Y is supplied to the sub-hopper 42Y through the receiving opening 453.

[0041] The link mechanism 500 is disposed outside the accommodation space 459 of the accommodation unit 41. The link mechanism 500 is disposed above the accommodation space 459.

[0042] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 10. Referring to Fig. 11, a hole 41A is formed in the accommodation portion 41 at a position corresponding to the position where the link mechanism 500 is disposed. The hole 41A is a rectangular through-hole. The link mechanism 500 has a first link 511, a second link 521, and a biasing member 531. The link mechanism 500 is connected to a shutter 551.

[0043] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the first link. Fig. 12 is a view of first link 511 as seen from below. Referring to Fig. 12, first link 511 has a shape that extends in a first direction and has a predetermined width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. First link 511 has sliding portion 513 at one end in the first direction and two first connecting portions 515 at the other end. The two first connecting portions 515 are holes that penetrate first link 511 in the second direction.

[0044] The sliding portion 513 is disposed on the lower surface of the first link 511. The first link 511 has a rotation shaft 517 that extends in the second direction between the sliding portion 513 and the two first coupling portions 515 and has an axis parallel to the second direction. The rotation shaft 517 is journaled by a bearing provided in the accommodation portion 41. Therefore, the first link 511 is rotatable around the rotation shaft 517 while being rotatably connected to the accommodation portion 41. The axial direction of the rotation shaft 517 intersects with the attachment / detachment direction and does not cross the accommodation space 459.

[0045] A detection circuit 541 is connected to a surface of the first link 511 between the rotation shaft 517 and the first coupling portion 515, facing the storage space 459. The detection circuit 541 has three body contacts 543 on the surface facing the storage space 459. The three body contacts 543 are arranged side by side in the second direction. The three body contacts 543 respectively correspond to the three container contacts 441A of the storage element 441 provided in the toner storage container 41Y. The spacing between the three body contacts 543 is the same as the spacing between the three container contacts 441A. The detection circuit 541 writes data to the storage element 441 or reads data stored in the storage element 441 when the three body contacts 543 abut and are electrically connected to the three container contacts 441A of the storage element 441.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the shutter. FIG. 13 is a view of the shutter 551 seen from diagonally above. The shutter 551 has a plate-like shape. The shutter 551 has two connecting members 557 protruding upward from its top surface. The connecting members 557 have a fourth connecting portion 555. The fourth connecting portion 555 is a hole that passes through the connecting member 557 in a direction parallel to the axis of the rotation shaft 517. A cleaning member 553 is disposed on the top surface of the shutter 551 at the end on the rear side in the attachment / detachment direction. The rear side in the attachment / detachment direction is the positive side in the Y direction. The cleaning member 553 is made of porous resin and has elasticity.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 11 , second link 521 has second coupling portion 523 and third coupling portion 525. Second coupling portion 523 and third coupling portion 525 are holes that penetrate second link 521 in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation shaft 517. Second coupling portion 523 and third coupling portion 525 are disposed at a predetermined interval. Second coupling portion 523 of second link 521 is rotatably connected to first coupling portion 515 of first link 511. First link 511 and second link 521 are connected by a shaft member that penetrates second coupling portion 523 and first coupling portion 515. The axis of the shaft member that penetrates second coupling portion 523 and first coupling portion 515 is parallel to the axis of rotation shaft 517. Therefore, first link 511 and second link 521 rotate relatively around an axis parallel to rotation shaft 517. The second link 521 is connected to the shutter 551 at the third connecting portion 525 .

[0048] The shutter 551 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the storage portion 41 and the guide member 457. The guide member 457 has a plate-like shape. The shutter 551 is guided by the storage portion 41 and the guide member 457, and is slidable between the storage portion 41 and the guide member 457 in the attachment / detachment direction.

[0049] The third joint 525 of the second link 521 is rotatably connected to the fourth joint 555 of the shutter 551. The second link 521 and the shutter 551 are connected by an axis member that passes through the third joint 525 and the fourth joint 555. The axis of the axis member that passes through the third joint 525 and the fourth joint 555 is parallel to the axis of the rotation shaft 517. Therefore, the second link 521 and the shutter 551 rotate relatively around an axis that is parallel to the axis of the rotation shaft 517. The third joint 525 of the second link 521 is connected to the fourth joint 555 of the shutter 551. The movement direction of the shutter 551 is restricted to the attachment / detachment direction. Therefore, the third joint 525 of the second link 521 moves in the attachment / detachment direction as the shutter 551 moves.

[0050] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 10. FIGS. 11 and 14 show the link mechanism 500 and the shutter 551 in a first state in which the toner storage container 41Y is not present in the storage space 459. The position of the shutter 551 in this state is referred to as the first position. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 14, the biasing member 531 biases the first link 511 around the rotation shaft 517 in a direction in which the sliding portion 513 moves from the outside to the inside of the storage space 459. As a result, the sliding portion 513 protrudes further into the storage space 459 than the inner circumferential surface of the storage portion 41 and is positioned in the storage space 459. The first connecting portion 515 of the first link 511 moves upward, opposite the sliding portion 513. Accordingly, the second connecting portion 523 of the second link 521 moves upward. Because the distance between the second joint portion 523 and the third joint portion 525 of the second link 521 remains unchanged, the third joint portion 525 of the second link 521 moves rearward in the attachment / detachment direction (positive side in the Y direction). Accordingly, the shutter 551 moves rearward in the attachment / detachment direction (positive side in the Y direction) and is located at the first position. When the shutter 551 is located at the first position, the main body contact 543 is located above the shutter 551. In other words, the shutter 551 is located between the main body contact 543 and the storage space 459. Therefore, the user cannot directly touch the main body contact 543 from the storage unit 41. Furthermore, even if toner scatters in the space of the storage unit 41, the shutter 551 blocks the toner, thereby preventing the toner from adhering to the main body contact 543.

[0051] In the first state, the toner storage container 41Y is inserted into the storage space 459 of the storage unit 41. The toner storage container 41Y is inserted rearward in the attachment / detachment direction (positive side in the Y direction). As the toner storage container 41Y is being inserted, the sliding portion 513 comes into contact with the contact portion 443 of the toner storage container 41Y. As the toner storage container 41Y advances further through the storage space 459, the sliding portion 513 receives an upward force. As a result, the first link 511 rotates around the rotation shaft 517, overcoming the biasing force of the biasing member 531. The first link 511 rotates in a direction in which the sliding portion 513 moves away from the storage space 459. In FIG. 11, the first link 511 rotates counterclockwise.

[0052] First coupling portion 515 of first link 511 moves in the direction opposite to the direction in which sliding portion 513 moves. In this case, detection circuit 541 arranged on the housing space 459 side of first link 511 moves in a direction approaching housing space 459, and main body contact 543 enters housing space 459.

[0053] Because the first coupling portion 515 of the first link 511 moves in a direction approaching the accommodation space 459, the second coupling portion 523 of the second link 521 moves in a direction approaching the accommodation space 459. Because the distance between the second coupling portion 523 and the third coupling portion 525 of the second link 521 remains unchanged, the third coupling portion 525 of the second link 521 moves forward in the attachment / detachment direction (negative side in the Y direction). Accordingly, the shutter 551 moves forward in the attachment / detachment direction (negative side in the Y direction) and is located at the second position.

[0054] Fig. 15 is a second enlarged view of the periphery of the storage space. Here, the storage space 459 in which the toner storage container 41Y is stored is shown as an example. Fig. 15 shows the storage space 459 in a second state in which the toner storage container 41Y is attached to the storage space 459. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 15. Note that the toner storage container 41Y is omitted from Figs. 15 to 17.

[0055] 15 to 17, in the second state, the shutter 551 is located at the second position. The second position is a position where the shutter 551 is retracted from between the main body contact 543 and the containing space 459. Therefore, the main body contact 543 of the detection circuit 541 enters the containing space 459 and comes into contact with the container contact 441A of the memory element 441 included in the toner containing container 41Y. This electrically connects the main body contact 543 and the container contact 441A.

[0056] While the toner storage container 41Y is being detached from the storage space 459 from the second state in which the toner storage container 41Y is present in the storage space 459, the link mechanism 500 receives the urging force of the urging member 531, causing the first link 511 to rotate around the rotation shaft 517, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 11 . During this time, the detection circuit 541 moves upward together with the first link 511, and the shutter 551 moves rearward in the attachment / detachment direction (positive side in the Y direction). While the detection circuit 541 and the shutter 551 move, the cleaning member 553 comes into contact with the main body contact 543. While the cleaning member 553 is in contact with the main body contact 543, the cleaning member 553 rubs against the main body contact 543, and impurities adhering to the cleaning member 553 are removed by friction.

[0057] As described above, the MFP 100 of this embodiment functions as an image forming apparatus. The MFP 100 includes a storage unit 41 having a storage space 459 extending in the attachment / detachment direction in which the toner storage containers 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K are attached and detached, a main body contact 543, and a link mechanism 500. The link mechanism 500 includes a sliding portion 513 and a biasing member 531. In a first state in which the toner storage container 41Y is not present in the storage space 459, the link mechanism 500 is biased by the biasing member 531 to position the sliding portion 513 in the storage space 459. During a transition from the first state to a second state in which the toner storage container 41Y is present in the storage space 459, the sliding portion 513 abuts against the toner storage container 41Y. As a result, the link mechanism 500 electrically connects the main body contact 543 to a container contact 441A provided on the toner storage container 41Y and facing in a direction intersecting the attachment / detachment direction.

[0058] Therefore, the main body contact 543 can be electrically connected to the container contact 441A in conjunction with the attachment of the toner storage container 41Y. Since the container contact 441A faces in a direction intersecting the attachment / detachment direction, the main body contact 543 moves in a direction intersecting the attachment / detachment direction. Therefore, in the first state in which the toner storage container 41Y is not present in the storage space 459, the main body contact 543 can be located away from the storage space 459 in a direction intersecting the attachment / detachment direction. This prevents the user from easily touching the main body contact 543 with their hands. Furthermore, the main body contact 543 can be located close to the entrance of the storage space 459.

[0059] The link mechanism 500 is connected to the shutter 551 and moves the shutter 551 to a first position between the main body contact 543 and the storage space 459 during a transition from the second state to the first state. The link mechanism 500 moves the shutter 551 to a second position, retracted from between the main body contact 543 and the storage space 459, during a transition from the first state to the second state. Therefore, in the first state, the main body contact 543 is disconnected from the storage space 459, preventing the user from touching the main body contact with their hands. In addition, the shutter 551 blocks toner spilled from the toner storage container 41Y, preventing toner from adhering to the main body contact 543. The link mechanism 500 moves the shutter 551 to a second position, retracted from between the main body contact 543 and the storage space 459, during a transition from the first state to the second state. Therefore, in the second state, the main body contact 543 can be electrically connected to the container contact 441A.

[0060] The shutter 551 is connected to the storage unit 41 so as to be slidable in the attachment / detachment direction relative to the storage space 459. The link mechanism 500 has a first link 511 and a second link 521. The first link 511 has a sliding portion 513 at one end, and is connected to the storage unit 41 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis 517 that intersects with the attachment / detachment direction but does not cross the storage space 459. The second link 521 has a second coupling portion 523 connected to the first link 511 so as to be rotatable around an axis parallel to the rotation axis 517, and a third coupling portion 525 connected to the shutter 551 so as to be rotatable around an axis parallel to the rotation axis 517.

[0061] The biasing member 531 biases the first link 511 around the rotation axis 517 in a direction in which the sliding portion 513 moves from the outside to the inside of the accommodation space 459, and the main body contact 543 is held on the accommodation space 459 side of the first link 511. The first link 511 rotates around the rotation axis 517 as the biasing member 531 biases the sliding portion 513 in a direction in which the sliding portion 513 moves from the outside to the inside of the accommodation space 459, and the sliding portion 513 is positioned in the accommodation space 459. The second coupling portion 523 of the second link 521 is rotatably connected to the first link 511, and the third coupling portion 525 is rotatably connected to the shutter 551. With the sliding portion 513 positioned in the accommodation space 459, the position of the second coupling portion 523 of the second link 521 is determined by the first link 511, and the shutter 551 is positioned at the first position. Since the main body contact 543 is held on the housing space 459 side of the first link 511, the main body contact 543 can be positioned on the opposite side of the housing space 459 with respect to the shutter 551.

[0062] When the toner storage container 41Y is inserted into the storage space 459, the sliding portion 513 comes into contact with the toner storage container 41Y and is pushed outward from the storage space 459, causing the first link 511 to rotate around the rotation axis 517 in the direction opposite to the biasing force of the biasing member 531. As the first link 511 rotates, the second link 521 moves the shutter 551 in the attachment / detachment direction and positions it at the second position. The main body contact 543 is held on the storage space 459 side of either the first link 511 or the second link 521, so the main body contact 543 can be moved into the storage space 459.

[0063] Cleaning member 553 is provided on the side opposite to the surface of shutter 551 facing storage space 459. Therefore, when shutter 551 is located in the first position, cleaning member 553 can be brought into contact with main body contact 543, and main body contact 543 can be cleaned.

[0064] The link mechanism 500 is provided above the storage space 459. Therefore, the main body contact point 543 can be disposed at a position where the toner spilling from below the toner storage container 41Y is unlikely to reach.

[0065] <Summary of implementation form> (Item 1) A storage section having a storage space extending in a direction in which the toner storage container is attached and detached; A main body contact; a link mechanism for holding the main body contact; a shutter; the link mechanism has a sliding portion and a biasing member, connected to the shutter, In a first state in which the toner storage container is not present in the storage space, the sliding portion is biased by the biasing member to be positioned in the storage space, moving the shutter to a first position between the main body contact and the storage space while the state is changed from a second state in which the toner storage container is present in the storage space to the first state; an image forming apparatus in which, during the change from the first state to the second state, the sliding portion abuts against the toner storage container, moving the shutter to a second position retracted from between the main body contact and the storage space, and electrically connecting the main body contact to a container contact provided on the toner storage container and facing in a direction intersecting the attachment / detachment direction.

[0066] According to this aspect, the link mechanism moves the shutter to a first position between the main body contact and the storage space during a transition from the second state to the first state. Therefore, in the first state, the main body contact is disconnected from the storage space, preventing a user from touching the main body contact with their hands. Furthermore, since the container contact faces a direction intersecting the attachment / detachment direction, the main body contact moves in a direction intersecting the attachment / detachment direction. In the first state in which no toner storage container is present in the storage space, the main body contact can be positioned away from the storage space in a direction intersecting the attachment / detachment direction. Therefore, the main body contact can be positioned close to the entrance of the storage space. Furthermore, since the shutter blocks toner spilled from the toner storage container, toner can be prevented from adhering to the main body contact. Furthermore, the link mechanism moves the shutter to a second position, retracted from between the main body contact and the storage space, during a transition from the first state to the second state. Therefore, in the second state in which a toner storage container is attached, the main body contact can be electrically connected to the container contact. As a result, an image forming apparatus can be provided that prevents contamination of the main body contact and facilitates maintenance.

[0067] (Item 2) The shutter is connected to the housing part so as to be slidable in the attachment / detachment direction relative to the housing space, the link mechanism includes a first link having the sliding portion at one end and connected to the housing portion so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis that intersects with the attachment / detachment direction and does not cross the housing space; a first portion of the second link connected to the first link so as to be rotatable around an axis parallel to the rotation axis, and a second portion of the second link connected to the shutter so as to be rotatable around an axis parallel to the rotation axis; the biasing member biases the first link around the rotation axis in a direction in which the sliding portion moves from the outside to the inside of the accommodation space, Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1, wherein the main body contact is held on the housing space side of the first link.

[0068] According to this aspect, a first link having a sliding portion at one end is urged by the urging member in a direction from outside to inside the storage space, causing the sliding portion to rotate around the rotation axis, and the sliding portion is positioned in the storage space. A first portion of the second link is rotatably connected to the first link, and a second portion is rotatably connected to the shutter. With the sliding portion positioned in the storage space, the first portion of the second link is positioned by the first link, and the shutter is positioned at the first position. Since the main body contact is held on the storage space side of the first link, the main body contact can be positioned on the opposite side of the storage space from the shutter. When the toner storage container is inserted into the storage space, the sliding portion abuts against the toner storage container and is pushed outward from the storage space, causing the first link to rotate around the rotation axis in a direction opposite to the urging force of the urging member. As the first link rotates, the second link moves the shutter in the attachment / detachment direction, positioning it at the second position. Since the main body contact is held on the storage space side of the first link, the main body contact can be moved into the storage space.

[0069] (Item 3) The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, further comprising a cleaning member provided on the opposite side of the shutter to the surface facing the accommodation space.

[0070] According to this aspect, the cleaning member is provided on the side of the shutter opposite to the surface facing the housing space, so that when the shutter is in the first position, the cleaning member can come into contact with the main body contact and clean the main body contact.

[0071] (Item 4) The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the link mechanism is provided above the accommodation space.

[0072] According to this aspect, since the link mechanism is provided above the storage space, the main body contact can be disposed at a position where toner spilling from below the toner storage container cannot easily reach.

[0073] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 100 MFP, 41 storage section, 41A hole section, 41Y toner storage container, 441 memory element, 441A container contact point, 443 abutment section, 443A sliding surface, 451 storage opening, 453 receiving opening, 455 lid, 457 guide member, 459 storage space, 500 link mechanism, 511 first link, 513 sliding section, 515 first connecting section, 517 rotating shaft, 521 second link, 523 second connecting section, 525 third connecting section, 531 biasing member, 541 detection circuit, 543 main body contact point, 551 shutter, 553 cleaning member, 555 fourth connecting section, 557 connecting member.

Claims

1. a storage section having a storage space extending in a direction in which the toner storage container is attached and detached; A main body contact; a link mechanism for holding the main body contact; a shutter; the link mechanism includes a sliding portion and a biasing member; connected to the shutter, In a first state in which the toner storage container is not present in the storage space, the sliding portion is biased by the biasing member to be positioned in the storage space, moving the shutter to a first position between the main body contact and the storage space while the state is changed from a second state in which the toner storage container is present in the storage space to the first state; an image forming apparatus in which, during the change from the first state to the second state, the sliding portion abuts against the toner storage container, moving the shutter to a second position retracted from between the main body contact and the storage space, and electrically connecting the main body contact to a container contact provided on the toner storage container and facing in a direction intersecting the attachment / detachment direction.

2. the shutter is connected to the housing portion so as to be slidable in the attachment / detachment direction relative to the housing space, the link mechanism includes a first link having the sliding portion at one end and connected to the housing portion so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis that intersects with the attachment / detachment direction and does not cross the housing space; a first portion of the second link connected to the first link so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the rotation axis, and a second portion of the second link connected to the shutter so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the rotation axis; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the biasing member biases the first link around the rotation shaft in a direction in which the sliding portion moves from the outside to the inside of the accommodation space.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a cleaning member provided on the side of the shutter opposite to the surface facing the housing space, the cleaning member contacting the main body contact at the first position.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the link mechanism is provided above the accommodation space.

Images