Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: it cannot be determined if a regular developer container is attached to a moving tray, which may cause mixture of colored toner.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus allows attachment and detachment of a first cartridge and a second cartridge, and comprises: a rotary that includes developing chambers storing developer from the respective cartridges; a tray that has a contact target part and is displaced, relative to the rotary, to a first position where the respective cartridges are located outside the rotary and a second position where the cartridges are located inside the rotary; and a circuit that includes the contact target part and a detection unit. The cartridges each include a conductive contact part. When the first cartridge is supported on the first tray while the first tray is located at the first position, the first contact part and the first contact target part are brought into contact with each other. When the first contact target part and the first contact part are brought into contact with each other, the detection unit detects a signal. When the second cartridge is supported on the first tray while the first tray is located at the first position, the second contact part and the first contact target part are not brought into contact with each other, and the detection unit does not detect a signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet. [Background technology]

[0002] In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, a rotary development system is known in which a color image is formed by rotating a rotary equipped with multiple developing rollers. Patent documents 1 and 2 describe an image forming apparatus equipped with a rotary accommodating multiple developing units each equipped with a developing roller, and a toner cartridge (toner storage container) accommodating multiple colors of consumable material (toner) that can be attached to each developing unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-183305 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-096852 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the configuration described in the above document, if a toner cartridge that is a developer container of a certain color is installed in the wrong developer, i.e., in a developer that should be equipped with a toner cartridge of a different color, there is a possibility that the toner will be mixed in the developer.

[0005] To solve this problem, the shape of the toner cartridge was changed for each color to prevent the toner cartridge from being installed in the wrong developer, which required a mold for each container, leading to increased costs due to the increased number of molds.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional examples, and can prevent the developer container from being mounted in the wrong position while suppressing an increase in the cost of the developer container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional examples. According to one aspect, a toner cartridge includes a first cartridge containing a first developer, a second cartridge containing a second developer, and An image forming apparatus to which a a rotary including a first developing chamber configured to accommodate the first developer supplied from the first cartridge and a second developing chamber configured to accommodate the second developer supplied from the second cartridge; a first tray that detachably supports the first cartridge and is displaceable relative to the rotary between a first position where the first cartridge is positioned outside the rotary and a second position where the first cartridge is positioned inside the rotary, the first tray having a first contacted portion; a second tray that detachably supports the second cartridge and is displaceable relative to the rotary between a third position where the second cartridge is positioned outside the rotary and a fourth position where the first cartridge is positioned inside the rotary, the second tray having a second contacted portion; a circuit including the first contacted part or the second contacted part and including a detection part; Equipped with the first cartridge includes a first electrically conductive contact; the second cartridge includes a second electrically conductive contact; When the first tray is positioned at the first position and the first cartridge is supported by the first tray, the first contact portion and the first contacted portion come into contact with each other, When the first contacted portion and the first contact portion come into contact with each other, a first current is generated in the circuit, and the detection portion detects a signal based on the first current; An image forming apparatus is provided, characterized in that when the first tray is positioned at the first position and the second cartridge is supported on the first tray, the second contact portion and the first contacted portion do not come into contact with each other, and the first current does not occur in the circuit.

[0008] According to another aspect, a first cartridge containing a first developer, a second cartridge containing a second developer, An image forming apparatus to which a a rotary including a first developing chamber configured to accommodate the first developer supplied from the first cartridge and a second developing chamber configured to accommodate the second developer supplied from the second cartridge; a first tray that detachably supports the first cartridge and is displaceable relative to the rotary between a first position where the first cartridge is positioned outside the rotary and a second position where the first cartridge is positioned inside the rotary, the first tray having a first contacted portion; a second tray that detachably supports the second cartridge and is displaceable relative to the rotary between a third position where the second cartridge is positioned outside the rotary and a fourth position where the first cartridge is positioned inside the rotary, the second tray having a second contacted portion; a circuit including the first contacted part or the second contacted part and including a detection part; Equipped with the first cartridge includes a first electrically conductive contact; the second cartridge includes a second electrically conductive contact; When the first tray is positioned at the first position and the first cartridge is supported by the first tray, the first contact portion and the first contacted portion come into contact with each other, When the first contacted portion and the first contact portion come into contact with each other, a first current is generated in the circuit, and the detection portion detects a signal based on the first current; An image forming apparatus is provided, characterized in that when the first tray is positioned at the first position and the second cartridge is supported on the first tray, the second contact portion and the first contacted portion come into contact, a second current different from the first current is generated in the circuit, and the detection portion detects a signal based on the second current. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the developer container from being mounted in the wrong position while suppressing an increase in the cost of the developer container. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge and developing unit [Figure 3] Cross section of the rotary area [Figure 4] Rotary exterior view [Figure 5] External view of the image forming apparatus main body [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the rotary area when replacing the toner cartridge [Figure 7] A perspective view showing the tray arrangement in the rotary [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view showing tray arrangement inside the rotary [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the drive configuration for inserting and removing the tray. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view showing the drive structure for inserting and removing trays [Figure 11] A perspective view showing the contact configuration between the tray and the toner cartridge. [Figure 12] A perspective view showing the connection between the tray contacts and the main body [Figure 13] Schematic diagram showing contact points between the tray and the toner cartridge [Figure 14] 10 is a circuit diagram of the electrical connections between the control unit, tray, and toner cartridge in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] Block diagram showing the control configuration of the image forming apparatus [Figure 16] Flowchart of control procedure when replacing a toner cartridge in an image forming apparatus [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a toner cartridge is attached to a tray in the first embodiment. [Figure 18] 1 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical connections between the control unit, tray, and toner cartridge in the first embodiment; [Figure 19] Schematic diagram of the connection between the control unit and the second spring DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0012] First Embodiment The image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. (Overall configuration of image forming apparatus) An image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below, in which a color laser beam printer equipped with four developing units is exemplified as an image forming apparatus equipped with a plurality of developing units.

[0013] The general configuration and image forming operation of a color laser beam printer will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a color laser beam printer.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus main body 1 has a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member 2 (hereinafter referred to as the photosensitive drum 2). Arranged around the photosensitive drum 2 are a charging roller 3, an exposure unit 4, four developing units 5a to 5d, and a cleaning unit 6. The charging roller 3 is a charging unit for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 2. The exposure unit 4 is an exposure unit that irradiates the photosensitive drum 2 with laser light according to image information. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 2 by irradiating the charged photosensitive drum 2 with laser light. The developing units 5a to 5b are developing units that develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 with toner of the corresponding color to make it visible. The cleaning unit 6 is a cleaning unit that removes toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0015] The developing units 5a to 5b are equipped with developing rollers 51a to 51d, respectively. Note that FIG. 1 only names the developing roller 51a equipped in the developing unit 5a. The developing units 5a to 5d are equipped with toner cartridges 7a to 7d, which are developer containers containing developers (or colorants) for the respective color components, in this example, toner. The toner cartridges 7a to 7d contain yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner, respectively. That is, the developing units 5a to 5d develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 with yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner, respectively. Each of the toner cartridges 7a-7d is a consumable item that is replaced when the toner stored therein is depleted. The four developing units 5a-5d are mounted on a rotary 9, which is a rotatable or rotating support, i.e., a rotary support. The rotary 9 is also provided with trays 8a-8d, in which the toner cartridges 7a-7d are detachably held. As will be described later, the trays 8a-8d are supported so that they can slide out of the rotary 9. In other words, the rotary 9 can also be considered a storage compartment for the trays 8a-8d. As shown in FIG. 2, the toner cartridges 7a-7d held in the trays 8a-8d can be detached from the rotary 9 by sliding the trays 8a-8d out of the rotary 9 using a drive source M2 (not shown) and a drive transmission mechanism. The toner cartridges can be replaced by an operator when the trays 8a-8d are removed from the image forming apparatus main body 1 through the opening in the door 14.

[0016] The tray 8 is associated with a toner cartridge that is attached to each toner color. Therefore, the color of the toner contained in the toner cartridge is sometimes referred to as the color (or color component) of the toner cartridge, and the color of the toner cartridge attached to each tray is sometimes referred to as the color (or color component) of the tray. Toner is also sometimes distinguished by color and referred to as a first developer, a second developer, etc. Furthermore, the toner cartridge 7 is also sometimes distinguished by color and referred to as a first cartridge, a second cartridge, etc.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration for supplying toner from a toner cartridge 7 to a developing unit 5. Because FIG. 2 shows the configuration for one toner cartridge regardless of color, the reference numerals a to d indicating color-specific components are omitted even for components provided for each color. This also applies to other figures. The toner frame 712 of the toner cartridge 7 held in the tray 8 includes a toner storage compartment 710 and a discharge opening 711 communicating with the toner storage compartment 710. The developing frame 53 of the developing unit 5 includes a developer-side storage compartment 530 and a receiving opening 531 communicating with the developer-side storage compartment. As will be described later, when the toner cartridge 7 is moved to the mounted position, the discharge opening 711 faces the receiving opening 531. When toner is supplied from the toner cartridge 7 to the developing unit 5, at least a portion of the receiving opening 531 is positioned below at least a portion of the discharge opening 711. The toner contained in the toner container 710 is then discharged from the discharge opening 711, and the toner discharged from the discharge opening 711 enters the developer-side container 530 through the receiving opening 531. The toner cartridge 7 preferably has a toner-side sealing member (not shown) that covers the discharge opening 711. The developing unit 5 preferably has a developer-side sealing member (not shown) that covers the receiving opening 531. When the toner cartridge 7 is not attached to the developing unit 5, it is desirable that the discharge opening 711 be covered with a toner-side sealing member and the receiving opening 531 be covered with a developer-side sealing member so as to prevent toner from being discharged from the discharge opening 711 and the receiving opening 531. The developer-side accommodating section 530 is sometimes called a developing chamber. In such cases, it may be called a first developing chamber, a second developing chamber, or the like, depending on the color of toner it accommodates.

[0018] (Image forming operation of image forming device) The image forming operation in this embodiment will be described. First, the photosensitive drum 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise) shown on the photosensitive drum 2 in FIG. 1 in synchronization with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 10. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 3. At the same time, the exposure device 4 irradiates the photosensitive drum 2 with laser light for a yellow image, forming a yellow electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 2.

[0019] Simultaneously with the formation of this electrostatic latent image, the rotary 9, which is a rotatable support, rotates to stop the yellow developing unit 5a at a developing position facing the photosensitive drum 2. The rotary 9 is rotated by a drive source (not shown). At the developing position, the developing roller 51a provided in the yellow developing unit 5a contacts the photosensitive drum 2 and develops the electrostatic latent image with yellow toner. That is, the rotary 9 supports the developing units 5a-5d and rotates in the direction of the arrow (clockwise) in FIG. 1, thereby sequentially moving the four developing units 5a-5d it supports one by one to the developing position facing the photosensitive drum 2. The yellow developing unit 5a, positioned at the developing position, develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 with the yellow toner contained therein using the developing roller 51a. The RS roller 52a rotates in the same direction as the developing roller 51a or in the opposite direction to the developing roller 51a, scraping off any remaining toner from the developing roller 51a and supplying new toner.

[0020] After the electrostatic latent image is developed, the yellow toner formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 10 by a primary transfer roller 11 disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 10 .

[0021] The primary transfer of the yellow toner image is completed as described above. Then, the development units 5a-5d of the magenta, cyan, and black colors are rotated and moved sequentially by the rotation of the rotary 9, and stopped at the development positions facing the photosensitive drum 2. Then, as with the yellow, electrostatic latent images are formed, developed, and primarily transferred sequentially for each of the magenta, cyan, and black colors. As a result, toner images of the four colors are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 10.

[0022] During this time, the secondary transfer roller 12 is not in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10. At this time, the cleaning device 13 that removes residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 10 is also not in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10.

[0023] Meanwhile, sheets S as recording media are stacked and stored in a sheet storage unit 300 provided at the bottom of the image forming apparatus main body 1. The sheets S are, for example, sheet-like media (sheet material or cut sheets) obtained by cutting paper or the like to a predetermined size, and are fed by a pick roller 310. After being separated into individual sheets by a feed roller 311 and a separation roller 312, the sheets are fed to a pair of conveying rollers 320. The pair of conveying rollers 320 sends the fed sheets S to a nip portion between the intermediate transfer belt 10 and the secondary transfer roller 12. The four-color toner images superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 10 are transferred (secondary transfer) all at once onto the surface of the conveyed sheet S.

[0024] The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred is sent to the fixing device 40. In the fixing device 40, the sheet S is heated and pressurized, and the toner image is fixed onto the sheet S. As a result, a color image is formed on the sheet S. Then, the sheet S is discharged from the fixing device 40.

[0025] As described above, in the image forming operation of this embodiment, the image forming units such as the photosensitive drum 2, the developing rollers 51a to 51d, and the intermediate transfer belt 10, the paper feed and transport units such as the pick roller 310, the feed roller 311, and the transport roller pair 320, and the fixing device 40 are rotated by a drive source not shown.

[0026] (Rotary configuration) The configuration of the rotary 9 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary 9 and its surroundings. Figure 4 is an external view of the rotary 9.

[0027] As described above, the toner cartridges 7a to 7d are detachable from the rotary 9, and when the toner in the toner cartridges 7a to 7b runs out, the user can replace the toner cartridges 7a to 7d. When replacing the toner cartridges, the rotary 9 is stopped at the toner cartridge replacement position.

[0028] FIG. 3(a) shows a cross section of the rotary 9 and its surroundings when it is stopped at the development position. FIG. 3(b) shows a cross section of the rotary 9 and its surroundings when it is stopped at the toner cartridge replacement position. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), four trays 8a to 8d are arranged within the rotary 9, and the toner frames 712a to 712d of the toner cartridges 7a to 7d are respectively held in the trays 8a to 8d. At this time, the toner cartridges 7a to 7d are attached to the development units 5a to 5d. In this embodiment, the toner cartridge 7d containing black toner (hereinafter referred to as the black toner cartridge 7d) is larger in size than the toner cartridges of other colors and can contain more toner. The toner cartridges of other colors are toner cartridges 7a to 7c containing yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner (hereinafter referred to as the yellow toner cartridge 7a, the magenta toner cartridge 7b, and the cyan toner cartridge 7c). Therefore, tray 8d holding black toner cartridge 7d is larger than trays 8a-8c holding yellow toner cartridge 7a, magenta toner cartridge 7b, and cyan toner cartridge 7c. In other words, four toner cartridges 7a-7d and trays 8a-8d of different sizes are arranged inside rotary 9. Toner from each of toner cartridges 7a-7d is supplied to developing frames 53a-53d of developing unit 5 and used for development by developing rollers 51a-51d.

[0029] Here, the rotary 9 is supported so as to be able to swing about a swing shaft 91. At the development position, the developing roller 51a is in contact with the photosensitive drum 2 by being biased by a biasing member (not shown). As the rotary 9 rotates clockwise in the figure and moves to the toner cartridge replacement position, a spacing mechanism (not shown) causes the rotary 9 to swing about the swing shaft 91, and the developing roller 51a separates from the photosensitive drum 2. At the toner cartridge replacement position, the black toner cartridge 7d is stopped in a position facing the door 14 provided on the front of the image forming apparatus main body 1. In this state, the user can replace the black toner cartridge 7d by sliding the tray 8d from the attachment position to the development unit 5d to the outside of the rotary 9. The toner cartridge replacement operation will be described later.

[0030] The rotational drive of the rotary 9 will be described with reference to Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, disk gears 92a and 92b are formed on both ends of the rotary 9. Furthermore, rotary drive gears 93a and 93b are connected to both ends of the swing shaft 91 so as to be capable of transmitting drive force. Here, a drive source (not shown) is transmitted to the rotary drive gear 93b, and the drive force is transmitted to the disk gears 92a and 92b by the rotary drive gears 93a and 93b, thereby rotating the rotary 9.

[0031] (Toner cartridge replacement operation) The toner cartridge replacement operation will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is an external view of the image forming apparatus main body 1. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary and its surroundings when replacing the toner cartridge.

[0032] Fig. 5(a) shows the appearance of the image forming apparatus main body 1 during image forming operation and in standby mode. At this time, the door 14 is closed. Fig. 5(b) shows the appearance of the image forming apparatus main body 1 when the toner cartridge is being replaced. At this time, the door 14 is open, and the tray 8 and toner cartridge 7 have moved to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body 1.

[0033] The toner cartridge replacement operation will now be described. First, when a user instructs the image forming apparatus main body 1 to replace a toner cartridge (for example, by pressing the replacement button), the rotary 9 rotates to the replacement position for the toner cartridge 7 to be replaced (the toner cartridge 7 that has run out of toner) and stops. Next, the drive source slides the tray 8 and toner cartridge 7 from their attachment positions in the development unit 5 to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body 1. At this time, the door 14 is rotatably supported relative to the image forming apparatus main body 1, and the sliding movement of the tray 8 opens the door 14 (the state shown in FIG. 5(b)). Here, because the toner cartridge 7 is detachably held in the tray 8, the user can perform the replacement by removing the toner cartridge 7 from the tray 8 and installing a new one, as shown in FIG. 5(c). Note that if multiple toner cartridges 7 are to be replaced, the replacement operation can be performed by repeating the above steps.

[0034] Figure 6 shows a cross section of the rotary 9 and its surroundings when replacing the toner cartridge. As shown in Figure 6, when replacing the toner cartridge, it is desirable that the entire toner cartridge 7 protrudes from the front of the image forming apparatus main body 1, because the user will be performing the operation of attaching and detaching the toner cartridge 7 from the tray 8.

[0035] (Tray arrangement in the rotary) The arrangement of the trays 8a to 8d in the rotary 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the trays 8a to 8d in the rotary 9. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the trays 8a to 8d in the rotary 9.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 7, trays 8a to 8d are provided with toner cartridge holding portions 81a to 81d and tray rails 82a to 82d, respectively (toner cartridge holding portions 81a to 81b are not shown). Tray rails 82a to 82d are provided at both ends of the toner cartridge holding portions 81a to 81d. Rack portions 821a to 821d are formed on tray rails 82a to 82d. Rack gears 94a to 94d are rotatably held within rotary 9, and rack gears 94a to 94d are engaged with rack portions 821a to 821d, respectively, so as to transmit driving force.

[0037] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, four trays 8a to 8d are arranged in a stacked manner inside the rotary 9. The tray insertion and removal directions are rotated by 90 degrees (in the direction of the arrows in the figures). Therefore, the yellow tray 8a and cyan tray 8c, and the magenta tray 8b and black tray 8d are each held so that they can slide in the same direction. Each tray is displaced between a position housed inside the rotary 9 and a position ejected outside the rotary 9. (Tray Insertion and Removal Drive Structure) 9 and 10, the drive structure for inserting and removing trays 8a to 8d arranged in rotary 9 will be described. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the drive structure for inserting and removing trays. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the drive structure for inserting and removing trays.

[0038] FIG. 9(a) shows a state in which tray 8d is inside rotary 9 (i.e., a state in which toner cartridge 7d is attached to development unit 5d). FIG. 9(b) shows a state in which tray 8d has slid outside rotary 9. As described above, two rack portions 821d are formed at both ends. Two rack gears 94d and two drive racks 15 are also disposed at positions corresponding to rack portions 821d at both ends. Tray 8d is held relative to rotary 9 so as to be slidable in a direction parallel to tray rail 82d. Drive rack 15 is held relative to image forming apparatus main body 1 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. Here, only tray 8d of the four trays 8a to 8d is shown, but the drive configuration for inserting and removing trays 8a to 8c is the same.

[0039] 10(a) and 10(b), a tray insertion / removal operation for sliding the tray 8d from inside the rotary 9 (the position where the toner cartridge 7d is attached to the development unit 5d) to the outside will be described. The tray 8d insertion / removal operation is performed by a drive source (not shown), a drive rack 15, a rack gear 94d, and a rack portion 821d. First, the drive force transmitted by the drive source causes the drive rack 15 to slide upward in the image forming apparatus main body 1 and transmits the drive force to the rack gear 94. The rack gear 94 rotates counterclockwise and transmits the drive force to the rack portion 821d, causing the tray 8d to slide from the position where the toner cartridge 7d is attached to the development unit 5d toward the outside of the rotary 9.

[0040] Furthermore, after replacing the toner cartridge, the tray 8d can be slid into the rotary 9 by rotating the drive source in the opposite direction to the direction used to slide the tray 8d out of the rotary 9. In this case, the drive rack slides downward in the image forming apparatus main body 1, thereby drawing the tray 8d into the rotary 9. Note that "inside the rotary 9" refers to the position where the toner cartridge 7d is attached to the development unit 5d.

[0041] Furthermore, the position where the toner cartridge 7 is outside the rotary 9 may be referred to as the first position of the toner cartridge 7 or tray 8, and the position where the toner cartridge 7 is inside the rotary 9 may be referred to as the second position of the toner cartridge 7 or tray 8. The first and second positions are the positions of the tray 8 or toner cartridge 7 shown in Figures 10(b) and 10(a), respectively. Furthermore, when focusing on multiple toner cartridges, the position where the toner cartridge 7 is outside the rotary 9 may be referred to as the third position of the toner cartridge 7 or tray 8. In this case, the position where the toner cartridge 7 is inside the rotary 9 may be referred to as the fourth position of the toner cartridge 7 or tray 8. For example, the direction in which the tray 8 moves from the second position to the first position can be referred to as the displacement direction (X direction).

[0042] As described above, by rotating the drive source forward and backward, the tray 8 arranged inside the rotary 9 can be inserted or removed.

[0043] (Contact configuration between tray and toner cartridge) The contact structure between the trays 8a to 8d and the toner cartridges 7a to 7d will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the contact structure between the tray 8d and the toner cartridge 7d.

[0044] 11 is a perspective view from above the main body with toner cartridge 7d removed from tray 8d. Toner cartridge 7d has first toner cartridge contact 71d and second toner cartridge contact 72d, and tray 8d has first tray contact 85d and second tray contact 86d. When toner cartridge 7d is installed in tray 8d, first toner cartridge contact 71d and first tray contact 85d connect, and second toner cartridge contact 72d and second tray contact 86d connect.

[0045] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the connection between the first tray contact 85d, the second tray contact 86d, and the main body. Figure 12(a) is a perspective view of the first tray contact 85d, and Figure 12(b) is a perspective view of the second tray contact 86d. The main body first tray contact 85d is connected to the main body frame 100 via a first spring 101, and the second tray contact 86d is connected to an electric board (not shown) provided on the main body side via a second spring 102.

[0046] When the toner cartridge 7d is installed in the tray 8d, the first tray contact 85d connects to the first toner cartridge contact 71d, and the second tray contact 86d connects to the second toner cartridge contact 72d, making it possible to detect that the toner cartridge 7d has been installed in the tray 8d. The first tray contact 85d and the second tray contact 86d are made of sheet metal and also function as rigid members for the tray 8d.

[0047] Here, only tray 8d out of four trays 8a to 8d and toner cartridge 7d out of four toner cartridges 7a to d are shown, but trays 8a to 8c and toner cartridges 7a to 7c have the same contact configuration.

[0048] The first tray contact 85d and the second tray contact 86d are sometimes collectively referred to as the contacted portion. In this case, they may be referred to as the first contacted portion or the second contacted portion, etc., depending on the color of the tray. The first toner cartridge contact 71d and the second toner cartridge contact 72d, which abut against the non-contacted portion, are sometimes collectively referred to as the contact portion, in contrast to the contacted portion provided on the tray. In this case, they may be referred to as the first contacted portion or the second contacted portion, etc., depending on the color of the toner cartridge. The first contact portion is a conductor extending in the longitudinal direction of the first cartridge. The second contact portion is a conductor extending in the longitudinal direction of the second toner cartridge.

[0049] (Contact point between tray and toner cartridge) The contact positions between the trays 8a to 8d and the toner cartridges 7a to 7d will be described with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the contact positions between the trays 8a to 8d and the toner cartridges 7a to 7d.

[0050] FIG. 13(b) is a schematic diagram showing the contact positions of the trays 8a to 8d, and FIG. 13(a) is a schematic diagram showing the contact positions of the toner cartridges 7a to 7d. The first tray contacts 85a to 85d are positioned differently on the trays 8a to 8d, and the first tray contact 85a is positioned so as not to overlap with the first tray contacts 85b to 85d in the x direction. The first tray contact 85b is positioned so as not to overlap with the first tray contacts 85c to 85d in the x direction. The first tray contact 85c is positioned so as not to overlap with the first tray contact 85d in the x direction.

[0051] Furthermore, the positions of second tray contacts 86a to 86d are different for trays 8a to 8d, with second tray contact 86a being located at a position that does not overlap with second tray contacts 86b to 86d in the x direction. Second tray contact 86b is located at a position that does not overlap with second tray contacts 86c to 86d in the x direction. Second tray contact 86c is located at a position that does not overlap with second tray contact 86d in the x direction. In other words, the first tray contact and second tray contact are located at different positions according to the color components corresponding to each tray.

[0052] The first toner cartridge contacts 71a to 71d of the toner cartridges 7a to 7d are located in different positions. The first toner cartridge contact 71a is located at a position where it connects with the first tray contact 85a, and the first toner cartridge contact 71b is located at a position where it connects with the first tray contact 85b. The first toner cartridge contact 71c is located at a position where it connects with the first tray contact 85c, and the first toner cartridge contact 71d is located at a position where it connects with the first tray contact 85d.

[0053] Furthermore, the second toner cartridge contacts 72a-72d are located in different positions in the toner cartridges 7a-7d. The second toner cartridge contact 72a is located where it connects to the second tray contact 86a, and the second toner cartridge contact 72b is located where it connects to the second tray contact 86b. The second toner cartridge contact 72c is located where it connects to the second tray contact 86c, and the second toner cartridge contact 72d is located where it connects to the second tray contact 86d. The first toner cartridge contact 71 and the second toner cartridge contact 72 are connected by a conductive wire made of a metal or other material. Alternatively, both ends of the conductive wire may be formed as the first toner cartridge contact 71 and the second toner cartridge contact 72, respectively. These wires are arranged in parallel for each color component in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wire (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the cartridge). This is to prevent contact between the first tray contact 85 and the first toner cartridge contact 71, and between the second tray contact 86 and the second toner cartridge contact 72, when a toner cartridge 7 of a different color is installed in the tray 8 of a certain color. In other words, the contacts of the toner cartridge and the tray are arranged so that a closed circuit is formed only when the toner cartridge 7 is installed in the tray 8 of the corresponding color. As an example, the cases where toner cartridge 7a is installed in tray 8a and where toner cartridge 7d is installed in tray 8a will be described using FIG. 17. FIG. 17(a) is a schematic diagram of the case where toner cartridge 7a is installed in tray 8a, and FIG. 17(b) is a schematic diagram of the case where toner cartridge 7d is installed in tray 8a. As shown in FIG. 17(a), when toner cartridge 7a is installed in tray 8a, the first toner cartridge contact 71a of toner cartridge 7a connects to the first tray contact 85a of tray 8a. In addition, the second toner cartridge contact 72a of toner cartridge 7a connects to the second tray contact 86a of tray 8a. Next, as shown in FIG. 17(b), when toner cartridge 7d is installed in tray 8a, the first toner cartridge contact 71d of toner cartridge 7d does not connect to the first tray contact 85a of tray 8a.In this case, the second toner cartridge contact 72d of the toner cartridge 7d is not connected to the second tray contact 86a of the tray 8a.

[0054] By doing so, for example, when toner cartridge 7a is installed on tray 8a, second tray contact 86a and second toner cartridge 72a are connected. However, when other toner cartridges 7b to 7d are installed, second tray contact 86a and second toner cartridge contacts 72b to 72d are not connected, so it is possible to detect whether toner cartridge 7a is installed on tray 8a.

[0055] As described above, the first toner cartridge contacts 71a-71d and the second toner cartridge contacts 72a-72d are either connected to each other or are formed of a single, continuous conductive member such as a metal member. As a result, when a toner cartridge 7 is placed on the tray 8 and the first toner cartridge contacts and the first tray contacts are connected, and the second toner cartridge contacts and the second tray contacts are connected, the first tray contacts and the second tray contacts are electrically coupled. For example, if the first tray contacts are connected to a power source of a predetermined voltage and the second tray contacts are grounded via a load, the installation of a toner cartridge can be detected from the potential of the second tray contact and a detection signal that can be identified for each color component can be generated. Of course, this is just one example, and toner cartridges can also be detected using other configurations.

[0056] Here, the case where the second tray contact 86a is positioned differently in the x direction has been described, but the same configuration can also be achieved if the position is different in the y direction.

[0057] Furthermore, although the first toner cartridge contact 71 and the second toner cartridge contact 72 have been described as being located at the end of a single conductive member, they are not limited to being at the end, and may be two different points provided at positions corresponding to the first tray contact and the second tray contact of the corresponding color tray, respectively.

[0058] Additionally, the above description has been given with the first tray contacts 85a-85d and the second tray contacts 86a-86d positioned differently. However, a similar configuration can be adopted even if only the first tray contacts 85a-85d or only the second tray contacts 86a-86d are positioned differently. That is, one end of the conductive wire may be positioned in a common position for each color, and the other end may be positioned in a different position for each color. In this case, the first toner cartridge contacts 75a-75d and the second toner cartridge contacts 76a-76d are also positioned corresponding to the first tray contacts 85a-85d and the second tray contacts 86a-86d, respectively. For example, the first toner cartridge contacts 75a-75d may be positioned in a common position, and the second toner cartridge contacts 76a-76d may be positioned in different positions. This may involve swapping the first toner cartridge contacts and the second toner cartridge contacts. In other words, assuming that the toner cartridges 7a-7d for each color component are stacked, the conductors connecting the first toner cartridge contacts 75a-75d and the second toner cartridge contacts 76a-76d are arranged in a fan shape with one contact at the center. Thus, assuming that the toner cartridges for each color component are stacked, the conductors connecting the first toner cartridge contacts 75a-75d and the second toner cartridge contacts 76a-76d are arranged so that they do not overlap. If the non-overlapping portion is configured to contact either the first tray contact 85 or the second tray contact 86, the tray circuit will be unique for each color. In this way, the contacts of the toner cartridge 7 and the tray 8 should be arranged so that a closed circuit is formed when the toner cartridge 7 is placed in the tray 8 of the corresponding color, but not when the toner cartridge 7 is not placed in the tray 8. Note that the conductors on the toner cartridge 7 electrically connect the contacts, so their shape does not have to be straight, but may be curved, for example.

[0059] In this way, there is a one-to-one association between the tray and the toner color of the toner cartridge that can be detected when it is installed there. Furthermore, the toner cartridge associated with each tray can be electrically detected. This makes it possible to control the drive source M2 to be driven and slide the tray 8 from its protruding state into the rotary 9 if the correct toner cartridge 7 is installed. Furthermore, if an incorrect toner cartridge 7 is installed, it is also possible to control the drive source M2 not to be driven and prevent the tray 8 from sliding into the rotary 9.

[0060] (Control when replacing toner cartridges) Next, the control when replacing the toner cartridge will be explained in more detail. Figure 15 shows the configuration of the control unit hardware of the image forming apparatus that supports toner cartridge replacement. Figure 16 shows the control procedure by the control unit, Figure 18 shows a circuit diagram of the electrical connection from the control unit to the tray 8 and toner cartridge 7, and Figure 19 shows a schematic diagram of the connection between the control unit and the second spring 102.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 18, a pull-up occurs between the control unit and second tray contact 86, and first tray contact 85 is connected to main body frame 100 via first spring 101, with main body frame 100 serving as ground. More specifically, a pull-up resistor Rp and a power supply Vin are connected to second spring 102. Note that Fig. 18 shows a configuration in which a toner cartridge detection unit 1503 shown in Fig. 15, which will be described later, is included in the control unit.

[0062] When a toner cartridge 7 is not installed in tray 8, the second tray contact 86 and the first tray contact 85 are not connected, so no current flows in the circuit of Fig. 18 and the signal level input to the control unit (or toner cartridge detection unit) is HI. When a toner cartridge 7 corresponding to tray 8 is installed, the second tray contact 86 and the first tray contact 85 are connected via the toner cartridge 7, so current flows in the circuit of Fig. 18 and the signal level input to the control unit is LOW.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 19, a spring portion 103 is formed at the end of the second spring 102 opposite to the end that contacts the second tray contact 86, and this contacts the contact 110 on the main body side, thereby connecting the second spring 102 to the control unit.

[0064] 15, a CPU 1501 controls the image forming apparatus by executing a program stored in a memory 1502. The CPU 1501 also controls the image forming apparatus by executing the program and the procedure shown in Fig. 16. For this reason, the CPU 1501, or the CPU 1501 and the memory 1502, may also be referred to as a control unit.

[0065] The toner cartridge detection unit 1503 is connected to a circuit including the first tray contacts 85a-85d and the second tray contacts 86a-86d and detects the toner cartridge installed in the tray. The toner cartridge detection unit 1503 detects a toner cartridge, for example, with the above-described configuration, in which the first toner cartridge contact 71 and the second toner cartridge contact 72 are provided at positions corresponding to the first tray contact 85 and the second tray contact 86, and outputs a detection signal. For example, by digitizing the potential of each of the second tray contacts 86a-86d into one bit and inputting it into a latch, the color of the toner contained in the toner cartridge can be identifiably represented as a four-bit value of 1, 2, 4, or 8. In this case, a state in which a toner cartridge is not installed is represented by 0. The other digits can be filled with 0. In this way, the toner cartridge detection unit 1503 detects whether the toner cartridge 7 is installed or not, and if it is installed, its color, and inputs the results to the CPU 1501. The toner cartridge detection unit 1503 may also be simply referred to as the detection unit. As shown in FIG. 18, the control unit may include a toner cartridge detection unit 1503 .

[0066] The drive control unit 1504 controls the drive of a drive source, for example, a motor. The drive sources to be controlled include at least three drive sources. The first drive source 1511 is a drive source for swinging the rotary 9 around the swing shaft 91. The first drive source 1511 causes the rotary 9 to abut against or separate from the photosensitive drum 2. The first drive source 1511 may be, for example, a motor or a solenoid.

[0067] The second drive source 1512 is a drive source for rotating the rotary 9. The second drive source 1512 is, for example, a motor, which drives the rotary drive gears 93a and 93b to rotate the rotary 9. Controlling the rotation of the rotary 9 also controls the phase of the rotary 9 when it is stopped. That is, each of the four colors has a phase during image formation shown in FIG. 3(a) and a phase during toner cartridge 7 replacement (sometimes called the replacement preparation position) shown in FIG. 3(b). The phase of the rotary 9 can be controlled in various ways. One example is to provide a rotary encoder coaxially with the rotary 9, and a sensor that indicates when the rotary 9 is in a reference phase. This allows the amount of rotation from the reference phase to be monitored to determine the phase of the rotary 9, allowing the rotary 9 to be stopped at the desired phase.

[0068] The third drive source 1513 is a drive source for moving the tray 8 between the storage position shown in Fig. 9(a) and the toner cartridge 7 replacement position (also referred to as the replacement position) shown in Fig. 9(b). The third drive source 1512 is, for example, a motor for driving the drive rack 15 up and down, and the drive control includes drive direction and drive on / off control. In addition, a position sensor may be provided on the tray 8, drive rack 15, etc. so that the tray 8 can be accurately positioned between the storage position and the replacement position.

[0069] The operation unit 1505 is configured, for example, with a touch panel, and includes an input unit through which the operator makes inputs, and an output unit through which information is presented to the operator. The output unit may be a display unit such as a liquid crystal display panel, but may also include other devices such as LEDs and speakers for audio output. The operation unit 1505 allows the operator to replace toner cartridges and specify the toner cartridge containing the toner of the color to be replaced. The operation unit 1505 may be realized by a remote UI provided to the information processing device serving as a terminal by a web server included in the image forming apparatus.

[0070] Additionally, if the door 14 is configured to be opened and closed by an operator, a door detection unit may be provided to detect whether the door 14 is open or closed. However, if the door 14 does not need to be opened and closed by an operator, such as in a configuration in which the door 14 is pushed open by the tray 8 when the tray 8 moves to the replacement position for the toner cartridge 7, the door detection unit is not necessary.

[0071] Note that Figure 15 shows one example of a configuration for control, and the objects to be controlled in the image forming apparatus are not limited to those shown in Figure 15, and other configurations can also be adopted as the circuit configuration for control.

[0072] 16 shows an example of a procedure implemented when the control unit, particularly the CPU 1501, executes a program stored in the memory 1502 when replacing the toner cartridge 7. The process in FIG. 16 is triggered by, for example, an instruction to replace the toner cartridge and its color being given via the operation unit 1505.

[0073] First, the first drive source is driven in response to an instruction to move the rotary 9 away from the photosensitive drum 2 (S1601). Next, the second drive source is driven to rotate the rotary 9 so that the tray 8 corresponding to the color designated to be replaced (referred to as the designated color) is in the replacement preparation position facing the door 14 (S1602). Next, the third drive source is driven to move the tray 8 corresponding to the designated color, i.e., the tray 8 in the replacement preparation position, from the storage position stored in the rotary 9 to the replacement position outside the door 14 (S1603). At this time, if the door 14 is designed to be opened by the operator, the door detection unit detects that the door 14 is in the open position and then the operation of S1603 is performed.

[0074] In this state, the toner cartridge 7 of the specified color is in a replaceable position, so it waits for the operator to replace the toner cartridge. The replacement process involves removing the installed toner cartridge and installing a new one. First, it is determined whether the toner cartridge 7 of the specified color has been removed (S1604). When the toner cartridge 7 is removed, the first tray contact 85 and the second tray contact 86 are insulated, so in the structure of the toner cartridge detection unit 1503 in the above example, the detection signal becomes 0, and the determination in S1604 can be made.

[0075] If the toner cartridge 7 of the specified color is removed, it is determined whether a new toner cartridge 7 of the specified color has been installed (S1605). As already explained, the positions of the first tray contact 85 and the first and second tray contacts 86 and the positions of the first toner cartridge contact 71 and the second toner cartridge contact 72 are different for each color. In other words, even if a toner cartridge 7 of a color other than the specified color is installed in the tray 8, the first tray contact 85 and the first and second tray contacts 86 remain insulated. In contrast, if a toner cartridge 7 of the specified color is installed in the tray 8 of the specified color, the first tray contact 85 and the first and second tray contacts 86 are conductive, and a detection signal of a value corresponding to the color is output from the toner cartridge detection unit 1503. The determination in S1605 can be made based on that signal.

[0076] If it is determined that the toner cartridge 7 has been replaced, the third drive source is driven to move the tray 8 of the specified color that was in the replacement position to the storage position of the rotary 9 (S1606).Then, the second drive source and the first drive source are driven to move the rotary 9 to a predetermined position and rotate it to a predetermined phase (S1607).Since the rotary 9 is moved in response to an instruction to replace a toner cartridge of a different color or the start of image formation, S1607 does not necessarily have to be performed.

[0077] As described above, replacement with a toner cartridge of a color other than the one being replaced is not possible. Specifically, if a toner cartridge of a color other than the one being replaced is replaced, the process does not proceed beyond S1604 in FIG. 16 , and even if the toner cartridge is replaced, the tray 8 remains in the replacement position and is not retracted. This prevents replacement with another toner cartridge 7 and image formation. In this way, the shape of the toner cartridge can be the same regardless of color. In this embodiment, only the black toner cartridge has a different shape from the other color toner cartridges in order to increase capacity. However, if the black toner cartridge also has the same shape, the same shape can be used for all colors. This eliminates the need to manufacture molds for the toner cartridges of the same color, suppressing cost increases and preventing the wrong color toner cartridge from being replaced.

[0078] <Second embodiment> (Toner cartridge with electrical features) In the first embodiment, the contact positions of the trays 8a to 8d and the toner cartridges 7a to 7d were changed according to the corresponding colors to detect whether the correct toner cartridges were installed in the trays. However, even if the contact positions are the same, by changing the electrical characteristics, it is possible to detect whether the correct toner cartridges are installed in the trays.

[0079] The configuration in which the toner cartridge 7 has electrical characteristics will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the electrical characteristics are described as resistors with different resistance values ​​for each color component, but other than resistors, for example, capacitors with different capacitances (electrostatic capacitances) for each color component may also be used. That is, the first cartridge has a first capacitor, the second cartridge has a second capacitor, and the electrostatic capacitances of the first capacitor and the second capacitor are different.

[0080] The toner cartridges 7a to 7d are provided with resistors 77a to 77d, respectively, and the resistors 77a to 77d have different resistance values.

[0081] 14 is a circuit diagram of the electrical connection from the control unit to the tray 8 and the toner cartridge 7 in this embodiment. There is a pull-up between the control unit and the second tray contact 86, and the first tray contact 85 is connected to the main body frame 100 via the first spring 101, which is grounded. More specifically, a pull-up resistor Rp and a power source Vin are connected to the second spring 102.

[0082] When a toner cartridge 7 is not installed in tray 8, the second tray contact 86 and the first tray contact 85 are not connected, so no current flows through the circuit in FIG. 14, and the control unit is set to HI. When a toner cartridge 7 is installed in tray 8, the second tray contact 86 and the first tray contact 85 are connected via the toner cartridge 7, so current flows through the circuit in FIG. 14, and the current value corresponds to the resistance value of resistor 77 of the toner cartridge 7. Therefore, the control unit has a value between HI and LOW depending on resistor 77. In other words, the value of the control unit can be changed by changing the value of resistor 77. For example, when a toner cartridge 7 of a certain color is installed in tray 8, a first current is generated and flows through the circuit, and a corresponding signal level (potential) is input to toner cartridge detection unit 1503 (or control unit). When a toner cartridge 7 of a different color is installed in tray 8, a second current different from the first current is generated and flows through the circuit, and a corresponding signal level (potential) is input to toner cartridge detection unit 1503 (or control unit).

[0083] As a result, when toner cartridge 7d is installed in tray 8d, first tray contact 85d connects with first toner cartridge contact 71d, and second tray contact 86d connects with second toner cartridge contact 72d.Then, the electrical board on the main body detects the resistance value of toner cartridge 7d, identifies the color of the installed toner cartridge 7d, and outputs a signal that can be identified for each color component.

[0084] By doing this, for example, if toner cartridge 7d is installed in tray 8d, the correct resistance value, i.e., the resistance value of resistor 77d, is detected. On the other hand, if any of the other toner cartridges 7a to 77c is installed, an incorrect resistance value, i.e., a resistance value other than the resistance value of resistor 77d, is detected. This makes it possible to detect whether the correct toner cartridge is installed in each tray. At that time, it is also possible to determine the color of the installed toner cartridge 7d from the resistance value and notify the user.

[0085] If the correct toner cartridge 7 is installed, it is possible to control the drive source M2 to be driven and slide the tray 8 from its protruding state to the inside of the rotary 9. On the other hand, if an incorrect toner cartridge 7 is installed, it is also possible to control the drive source M2 not to be driven and to prevent the tray 8 from sliding into the rotary 9.

[0086] The control configuration and procedure of this embodiment are generally as shown in Figures 15 and 16. However, as described above, the toner cartridge detection unit 1503 is configured to measure the resistance value or potential difference between the first tray contact 85 and the second tray contact 86 and output a signal corresponding to the measured resistance value or potential difference. The toner cartridge detection unit 1503 then converts the measured resistance value or potential difference into, for example, a digital value and outputs it as a detection signal. With this configuration, it can be determined that the toner cartridge 7 has been removed from the tray 8 if, for example, the measured resistance value is infinite or the potential difference is equal to the applied voltage.

[0087] In the configuration of this embodiment, the configuration of the tray 8 may be the same regardless of the color of toner. Furthermore, the configuration of the toner cartridge 7 may be such that the resistor 77 has a resistance value corresponding to the color of toner contained therein. Therefore, toner cartridges compatible with different toner colors can be manufactured simply by changing the resistor 77 of the toner cartridge 7, further suppressing cost increases. Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the installation of a toner cartridge 7 of the wrong color.

[0088] In the above two embodiments, the image forming apparatus is described as having a developing unit provided on a rotary, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to any image forming apparatus that has a tray and cartridges for each color component mounted on the tray. However, the control procedure for replacing the cartridges must be performed in accordance with the configuration of the image forming apparatus.

[0089] [Other Examples] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0090] Summary of embodiments The above embodiments can be summarized as follows: (Item 1) a first cartridge containing a first developer and a second cartridge containing a second developer; An image forming apparatus to which a a rotary including a first developing chamber configured to accommodate the first developer supplied from the first cartridge and a second developing chamber configured to accommodate the second developer supplied from the second cartridge; a first tray that detachably supports the first cartridge and is displaceable relative to the rotary between a first position where the first cartridge is positioned outside the rotary and a second position where the first cartridge is positioned inside the rotary, the first tray having a first contacted portion; a second tray that detachably supports the second cartridge and is displaceable relative to the rotary between a third position where the second cartridge is positioned outside the rotary and a fourth position where the first cartridge is positioned inside the rotary, the second tray having a second contacted portion; a circuit including the first contacted part or the second contacted part and including a detection part; Equipped with the first cartridge includes a first electrically conductive contact; the second cartridge includes a second electrically conductive contact; When the first tray is positioned at the first position and the first cartridge is supported by the first tray, the first contact portion and the first contacted portion come into contact with each other, When the first contacted portion and the first contact portion come into contact with each other, a first current is generated in the circuit, and the detection portion detects a signal based on the first current; An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the first tray is positioned at the first position and the second cartridge is supported on the first tray, the second contact portion and the first contacted portion do not come into contact with each other, and the first current does not occur in the circuit. (Item 2) Item 1, the image forming apparatus according to item 1, the first contact portion is a conductive wire extending in the longitudinal direction of the first cartridge, the second contact portion is a conductive wire extending in the longitudinal direction of the second cartridge; An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Item 3) Item 1 or 2, the image forming apparatus, a direction in which the first tray is displaced from the second position to the first position is defined as a displacement direction; when the second cartridge is supported by the first tray in a state where the first tray is located at the first position, the second contact portion and the first contacted portion are at different positions in the displacement direction; An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Item 4) a first cartridge containing a first developer and a second cartridge containing a second developer; An image forming apparatus to which a a rotary including a first developing chamber configured to accommodate the first developer supplied from the first cartridge and a second developing chamber configured to accommodate the second developer supplied from the second cartridge; a first tray that detachably supports the first cartridge and is displaceable relative to the rotary between a first position where the first cartridge is positioned outside the rotary and a second position where the first cartridge is positioned inside the rotary, the first tray having a first contacted portion; a second tray that detachably supports the second cartridge and is displaceable relative to the rotary between a third position where the second cartridge is positioned outside the rotary and a fourth position where the first cartridge is positioned inside the rotary, the second tray having a second contacted portion; a circuit including the first contacted part or the second contacted part and including a detection part; Equipped with the first cartridge includes a first electrically conductive contact; the second cartridge includes a second electrically conductive contact; When the first tray is positioned at the first position and the first cartridge is supported by the first tray, the first contact portion and the first contacted portion come into contact with each other, When the first contacted portion and the first contact portion come into contact with each other, a first current is generated in the circuit, and the detection portion detects a signal based on the first current; An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the first tray is positioned at the first position and the second cartridge is supported on the first tray, the second contact portion and the first contacted portion come into contact, a second current different from the first current is generated in the circuit, and the detection portion detects a signal based on the second current. (Item 5) Item 4. The image forming apparatus according to item 4, The resistance value of the first contact portion and the resistance value of the second contact portion are different. An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Item 6) Item 6. The image forming apparatus according to item 4 or 5, the first cartridge includes a first capacitor; the second cartridge includes a second capacitor; The capacitance of the first capacitor is different from the capacitance of the second capacitor. An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Item 7) 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 6, a moving means for moving the first tray between the first position and the second position, and the second tray between the third position and the fourth position, An image forming apparatus characterized by:

[0091] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1 image forming apparatus main body, 2 photosensitive drum, 5a to 5d developing unit, 7a to 7d toner cartridge, 71a to 71d first toner cartridge contact, 72a to 72d second toner cartridge contact, 77a to 77d resistor, 8a to 8d tray, 821a to 821d rack portion, 85a to 85d first tray contact, 86a to 86d second tray contact, 9 rotary, 14 door, 15 drive rack

Claims

1. a first cartridge containing a first developer and a second cartridge containing a second developer; An image forming apparatus to which a a rotary including a first developing chamber configured to accommodate the first developer supplied from the first cartridge and a second developing chamber configured to accommodate the second developer supplied from the second cartridge; a first tray that detachably supports the first cartridge and is displaceable relative to the rotary between a first position where the first cartridge is positioned outside the rotary and a second position where the first cartridge is positioned inside the rotary, the first tray having a first contacted portion; a second tray that detachably supports the second cartridge and is displaceable relative to the rotary between a third position where the second cartridge is positioned outside the rotary and a fourth position where the first cartridge is positioned inside the rotary, the second tray having a second contacted portion; a circuit including the first contacted part or the second contacted part and including a detection part; Equipped with the first cartridge includes a first electrically conductive contact; the second cartridge includes a second electrically conductive contact; When the first tray is positioned at the first position and the first cartridge is supported by the first tray, the first contact portion and the first contacted portion come into contact with each other, When the first contacted portion and the first contact portion come into contact with each other, a first current is generated in the circuit, and the detection portion detects a signal based on the first current; An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the first tray is positioned at the first position and the second cartridge is supported on the first tray, the second contact portion and the first contacted portion do not come into contact with each other, and the first current does not occur in the circuit.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the first contact portion is a conductive wire extending in the longitudinal direction of the first cartridge, the second contact portion is a conductive wire extending in the longitudinal direction of the second cartridge; An image forming apparatus characterized by:

3. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, a direction in which the first tray is displaced from the second position to the first position is defined as a displacement direction; when the second cartridge is supported by the first tray in a state where the first tray is located at the first position, the second contact portion and the first contacted portion are at different positions in the displacement direction; An image forming apparatus characterized by:

4. a first cartridge containing a first developer and a second cartridge containing a second developer; An image forming apparatus to which a a rotary including a first developing chamber configured to accommodate the first developer supplied from the first cartridge and a second developing chamber configured to accommodate the second developer supplied from the second cartridge; a first tray that detachably supports the first cartridge and is displaceable relative to the rotary between a first position where the first cartridge is positioned outside the rotary and a second position where the first cartridge is positioned inside the rotary, the first tray having a first contacted portion; a second tray that detachably supports the second cartridge and is displaceable relative to the rotary between a third position where the second cartridge is positioned outside the rotary and a fourth position where the first cartridge is positioned inside the rotary, the second tray having a second contacted portion; a circuit including the first contacted part or the second contacted part and including a detection part; Equipped with the first cartridge includes a first electrically conductive contact; the second cartridge includes a second electrically conductive contact; When the first tray is positioned at the first position and the first cartridge is supported by the first tray, the first contact portion and the first contacted portion come into contact with each other, When the first contacted portion and the first contact portion come into contact with each other, a first current is generated in the circuit, and the detection portion detects a signal based on the first current; An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the first tray is positioned at the first position and the second cartridge is supported on the first tray, the second contact portion and the first contacted portion come into contact, a second current different from the first current is generated in the circuit, and the detection portion detects a signal based on the second current.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, The resistance value of the first contact portion and the resistance value of the second contact portion are different. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

6. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, the first cartridge includes a first capacitor; the second cartridge includes a second capacitor; The capacitance of the first capacitor is different from the capacitance of the second capacitor. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, a moving means for moving the first tray between the first position and the second position, and the second tray between the third position and the fourth position, An image forming apparatus characterized by:

Images