Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus in a new form developed from a conventional technique.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus allows removable mounting of a cartridge, and comprises: a rotary including a storage section configured to store developer supplied from the cartridge, and a developing member that develops a developer image on a photoreceptor by using the developer stored in the storage section; a moving device that moves the cartridge to a mounted position and a retreat position; and a control section that receives an instruction to move the cartridge and controls the moving device to move the cartridge. The image forming apparatus performs an image forming operation by using the cartridge, with the cartridge being located at the mounted position. When receiving the movement instruction while the image forming operation is performed, the control section controls the moving device to move the cartridge from the mounted position to the retreat position according to the movement instruction after the completion of the image forming operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material. [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 image forming apparatuses equipped with a rotary equipped with multiple developing rollers and multiple toner cartridges (toner storage containers) that are detachably attached to the rotary. [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] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus of a new type that is an improvement over conventional technology. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is as follows.

[0006] An image forming apparatus in which a cartridge containing a developer can be detachably mounted, a rotatable rotary including a container configured to contain the developer supplied from the cartridge, and a developing member that develops a developer image on a photosensitive member using the developer contained in the container; a moving device that moves the cartridge between a mounting position where the cartridge is positioned inside the rotary and a retracted position where the cartridge is positioned outside the rotary; a control unit that receives an instruction to move the cartridge, and that controls the moving device to move the cartridge when the instruction to move is received; an image forming apparatus that performs an image forming operation using the cartridge when the cartridge is positioned at the mounting position, when the control unit receives the movement instruction while the image forming operation is being performed, the control unit controls the moving device to move the cartridge from the mounting position to the retracted position in accordance with the movement instruction after the image forming operation is completed. An image forming apparatus characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus of a new type that is an improvement over conventional technology. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic diagram of a developing unit, a toner cartridge, and a tray according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rotary body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1A to 1C are perspective views of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a rotary body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a rotary body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a rotary body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams of a configuration for moving a tray according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams of a configuration for moving a tray according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram relating to control of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 3 is a flowchart relating to control according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart relating to control according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram relating to control of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart relating to control according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [Example]

[0010] An image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16. In the following description and in each drawing, the vertical direction when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal surface is referred to as the Z direction. The direction intersecting the Z direction and the direction of a rotation axis 90C of a rotary body 90 (described later, the direction of the rotary's rotation axis) is referred to as the Y direction. The direction intersecting both the Z direction and the Y direction is referred to as the X direction. The X direction and the Y direction are preferably horizontal. Furthermore, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are preferably perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, as necessary, the directions of the arrows X, Y, and Z shown in each drawing will be represented as the +X side, the +Y side, and the +Z side, respectively, and the opposite sides will be represented as the -X side, the -Y side, and the -Z side, respectively.

[0011] (Overall configuration of image forming apparatus) First, we will explain the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is a laser beam printer that forms an image on a sheet S by electrophotography. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 is a color laser beam printer equipped with four development units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. As the sheet S, which is the recording material (recording medium), a variety of sheet materials of different sizes and materials can be used, including paper such as plain paper and cardboard, surface-treated sheet materials such as plastic film, cloth, and coated paper, and sheet materials of special shapes such as envelopes and index paper.

[0012] The schematic configuration and image forming operation of image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of image forming apparatus 1. Figure 2 is a diagram explaining the drive source of image forming apparatus 1. Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration for replenishing toner from toner cartridge 70 to developing unit 50.

[0013] 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus main body) 1A and toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k that are detachably attached to the apparatus main body 1A. The apparatus main body 1A in this embodiment is the portion of the image forming apparatus 1 excluding the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0014] An apparatus main body 1A of the image forming apparatus 1 has a drum-shaped (cylindrical) electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as photosensitive drum) 2 as an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image. Around the photosensitive drum 2, a charging roller 3, a scanner 4 as an exposure device, and a cleaning unit 6 are arranged.

[0015] The charging roller 3 is an example of a charging means for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 2. The scanner 4 is an example of an exposure means for irradiating the photosensitive drum 2 with laser light according to image information to expose it. By irradiating the charged photosensitive drum 2 with laser light, an electrostatic latent image is formed on both sides of the photosensitive drum 2. The cleaning unit 6 is an example of a cleaning means for removing toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0016] Furthermore, the apparatus main body 1A has a sheet storage section 300, a pickup roller 310, a feed roller 311, a separation roller 312, a pair of conveying rollers 320, a secondary transfer roller 12, a fixing device 40, and an intermediate transfer unit 10. The pickup roller 310 is an example of a feeding means that feeds the sheet S. The feed roller 311 and the separation roller 312 are examples of a separation conveying unit that separates and conveys the sheets S one by one by frictional force. The secondary transfer roller 12 is an example of a transfer means that transfers an image from the intermediate transfer belt 10a to the sheet S.

[0017] The intermediate transfer unit 10 has an intermediate transfer belt 10a, a belt drive roller 10b, a tension roller 10c, a cleaning device 13, and a primary transfer roller 11. The intermediate transfer belt 10a is an example of an intermediate transfer body (image carrier) that carries a toner image transferred (primary transfer) from the photosensitive drum 2 and transports it to be transferred (secondary transfer) to a sheet S. In other words, the intermediate transfer belt 10a is an image carrier onto which the developer image on the photosensitive drum 2 is transferred. The intermediate transfer belt 10a is stretched over the belt drive roller 10b and the tension roller 10c. The belt drive roller 10b is a drive member that is rotationally driven by a drive source to transport the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0018] The apparatus main body 1A also has a rotary main body (rotary, rotating body) 90 having developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. As will be described later, in this embodiment, trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are attached to the rotary main body 90. Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are removably attached to the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k. Toner cartridge 70k is an example of a first toner cartridge. Toner cartridge 70m is an example of a second toner cartridge. Toner cartridge 70y is an example of a third toner cartridge. Toner cartridge 70c is an example of a fourth toner cartridge.

[0019] Tray 80k is an example of a first support member that supports a first toner cartridge. Tray 80m is an example of a second support member that supports a second toner cartridge. Tray 80y is an example of a third support member that supports a third toner cartridge. Tray 80c is an example of a fourth support member that supports a fourth toner cartridge.

[0020] The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are examples of developing means that develop (visualize) the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 into a toner image using toner of a corresponding color. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 using yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, or black toner, respectively.

[0021] The developing unit 50y has a developing roller 51y, a supply roller 52y, and a developing blade. The developing roller 51y is a developer carrier that carries toner as developer, rotates, and supplies the toner to the photosensitive drum 2. That is, the developing roller 51y is a developing member that develops a toner image (developer image) on the photosensitive drum 2 (on the photosensitive member) using developer stored in a developer storage section 53a (described later). The supply roller 52y is a supply member that is disposed in contact with the developing roller 51y and supplies toner to the developing roller 51y. The developing blade is a regulating member that regulates the thickness of the toner layer carried on the developing roller 51y. The other developing units 50m, 50c, and 50k also have similar developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k, supply rollers 52m, 52c, and 52k, and developing blades.

[0022] Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k corresponding to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are attached to the rotary body 90. Yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner (developers) are stored inside the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, respectively, as toner to be replenished to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. Black toner is an example of the first toner, and magenta toner is an example of the second toner.

[0023] The rotary main body 90 has a rotary frame 90f that supports the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are supported by the rotary frame 90f, which is a rotatable support body.

[0024] Trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are attached to the rotary body 90. The combination of the rotary body 90 and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k can be called the rotary unit 90U. In other words, the rotary unit 90U has the rotary body 90 and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k.

[0025] The toner cartridges 70y-70k are detachably held in the trays 80y-80k. As will be described later, the trays 80y-80k are supported so as to be slidable to the outside of the rotary main body 90. The combination of the rotary unit 90U and the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k can be referred to as the rotary assembly 90A. In other words, the rotary assembly 90A has the rotary unit 90U and the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0026] As will be described later, the rotary body 90 is rotatable around a rotation axis (rotation center) 90C. The rotation axis 90C coincides with the rotation axes of the rotary frame 90f, the rotary unit 90U, and the rotary assembly 90A. The rotation axis 90C is also substantially parallel to the rotation axis (rotation center) of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0027] The rotary body 90 can rotate around the rotation axis 90C to assume a developing position in which any one of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k faces the photosensitive drum 2. The position in which the developing roller 51y faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called the yellow developing position. The position in which the developing roller 51m faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called the magenta developing position. The position in which the developing roller 51c faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called the cyan developing position. The position in which the developing roller 51k faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called the black developing position. In other words, the rotary body 90 can rotate around the rotation axis 90C so that the positions of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k relative to the photosensitive drum 2 change. The black developing position is an example of the first developing position in which the first developing roller (developing roller 51k) faces the photosensitive drum 2. The other developing posture is an example of the second developing posture in which the second developing rollers (developing rollers 51y to 51c) face the photosensitive drum 2.

[0028] 2, the device main body 1A has motors M1, M2, and M3 as drive sources. As will be described later, the motor M1 supplies a drive force for rotating the rotary main body 90 about the rotation axis 90C. In other words, the motor M1 rotates the rotary assembly 90A and the rotary unit 90U about the rotation axis 90C.

[0029] The apparatus main body 1A also has a drive device 98 including a motor M2 and a transmission device. The transmission device includes drive racks 15L, 15R as drive gears, and a transmission unit 15t, which will be described later. The driving force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the drive racks 15L, 15R by the transmission unit 15t. In other words, the motor M2 is configured to drive the drive racks 15L, 15R, and moves the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k relative to the rotary main body 90 via the drive racks 15L, 15R.

[0030] Motor M3 drives components other than those driven by motors M1 and M2, such as the photosensitive drum 2, developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, pickup roller 310, feed roller 311, conveying roller pair 320, secondary transfer roller 12, belt drive roller 10b, and fixing device 40.

[0031] The components driven by motors M1, M2, and M3 can be changed as needed. Also, the functions of any two or all three of motors M1, M2, and M3 can be combined into one motor. Alternatively, drive sources other than motors M1, M2, and M3 may be added.

[0032] Here, the subscripts y, m, c, and k attached to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k indicate the toner colors. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k have the same basic configuration and function. The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k have the same basic configuration and function. The trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k also have the same basic configuration and function. Therefore, when it is not necessary to distinguish between them, the subscripts y, m, c, and k are omitted, and the description will be given assuming that the unit is any one of the four units, cartridges, and trays.

[0033] 3, the toner cartridge 70 has a toner frame 71. The toner frame 71 has a toner storage section 71a that stores toner, and a discharge opening 71b that communicates with the toner storage section 71a.

[0034] The developing unit 50 has a developing frame (storage frame) 53. The developing frame 53 has a developing-side storage portion 53a and a receiving opening 53b that communicates with the developing-side storage portion (toner supply chamber) 53a. As mentioned above, the developing unit 50 has the developing roller 51, the supply roller 52, etc., but these members are omitted in Figure 3.

[0035] The developing roller 51k of the developing unit 50k is an example of a first developing roller. The developing roller 51m of the developing unit 50m is an example of a second developing roller. The developing frame 53k (FIG. 4(a)) of the developing unit 50k having the developing-side accommodating portion 53a is an example of a first accommodating frame having a first accommodating portion. The developing frame 53m (FIG. 4(a)) of the developing unit 50m having the developing-side accommodating portion 53a is an example of a second accommodating frame having a second accommodating portion. The rotary body 90 is an example of a rotatable rotary having a first developing roller, a second developing roller, a first accommodating frame having a first accommodating portion, and a second accommodating frame having a second accommodating portion. In this embodiment, the rotary body 90 has first to fourth developing rollers and first to fourth accommodating frames.

[0036] As will be described later, the toner cartridge 70 is movable between an attached position and a retracted position retracted from the attached position relative to the developing frame 53. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the attached position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge opening 71b faces the receiving opening 53b. In other words, the toner storage portion 71a of the toner cartridge 70 and the developer-side storage portion 53a of the developing unit 50 communicate with each other via the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b. When toner is replenished from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50, at least a portion of the receiving opening 53b is positioned below at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b.

[0037] The toner contained in the toner container 71a is discharged from the discharge opening 71b, and the toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is received in the developer container 53a through the receiving opening 53b. In other words, the developer container 53a is configured to receive the developer supplied from the toner cartridge 70.

[0038] The toner contained in the developer-side container 53a is supplied to the developing roller 51. The toner contained in the toner container 71a is supplied to the developing roller 51 through this route.

[0039] The toner cartridge 70 preferably has a sealing member (first sealing member) (not shown) that covers the discharge opening 71b, and the developing unit 50 preferably has a sealing member (second sealing member) (not shown) that covers the receiving opening 53b.

[0040] When the toner cartridge 70 is not attached to the developing unit 50, it is desirable that the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b are each covered with a sealing member so as to prevent toner from leaking out from the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b.

[0041] (Image formation operation) The image forming operation in this embodiment will be described. First, the photosensitive drum 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise) in Fig. 1 in synchronization with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 10a. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 3.

[0042] When a color image is formed on the sheet S, the rotary body 90 rotates in the direction of the arrow in Figure 1 (clockwise) while supporting the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, as follows: Then, the electrophotographic process is repeatedly performed while the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k are moved one by one to the developing position.

[0043] First, the scanner 4 irradiates the photosensitive drum 2 with laser light based on image data corresponding to a yellow image, forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. In parallel with the formation of this electrostatic latent image, the motor M1 rotates the rotary body 90, causing the rotary body 90 to assume a yellow developing position. When the rotary body 90 assumes the yellow developing position, the developing roller 51y is in the developing position, and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 with yellow toner.

[0044] In this embodiment, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k is an elastic roller with a metal shaft covered with rubber. At the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k develops an electrostatic latent image while in contact with the photosensitive drum 2. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment employs a contact development system. However, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k may also develop an electrostatic latent image while a gap is provided between the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k and the photosensitive drum 2 at the developing position. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 may employ a non-contact development system.

[0045] Once the yellow toner image is developed, the yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 2 is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 10a by the primary transfer roller 11 arranged inside the intermediate transfer belt 10a. In other words, the image forming operation includes a transfer operation in which the developer image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 2 to the intermediate transfer belt 10a (image carrier).

[0046] Thereafter, the rotary body 90 is rotated to move the developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k to the developing positions in order, thereby forming toner images of each color. That is, after a yellow toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary body 90 takes the magenta developing position, and a magenta toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After the magenta toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary body 90 takes the cyan developing position, and a cyan toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After the cyan toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary body 90 takes the black developing position, and a black toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0047] Then, the primary transfer is repeated so that the four color toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, thereby forming a color image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. Note that, until the color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the secondary transfer roller 12 and the cleaning device 13 are not in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0048] Meanwhile, sheets S are fed by a pickup roller 310 from a sheet storage unit 300 provided at the bottom of the apparatus main body 1A. The sheets S are separated into individual sheets by a feed roller 311 and a separation roller 312 and then fed to a pair of conveying rollers 320. The pair of conveying rollers 320 sends the fed sheets S to a transfer unit (secondary transfer unit), which is a nip between the intermediate transfer belt 10a and the secondary transfer roller 12. The color image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is transferred (secondary transfer) onto the surface of the conveyed sheet S.

[0049] The sheet S onto which the color 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 image is fixed onto the sheet S. After passing through the fixing device 40, the sheet S is discharged outside the image forming apparatus 1 as a finished product.

[0050] The image forming apparatus 1 performs post-processing at least after the transfer operation is completed. Post-processing is a preparatory operation that is performed after the image forming operation is completed, such as stopping the motor M3 and the fixing device 40. For example, stopping the motor M3 stops the drive of the belt drive roller 10b, and the operation of the intermediate transfer belt 10a. That is, in post-processing, the operation (drive) of the intermediate transfer belt 10a (image carrier) is stopped.

[0051] On the other hand, when a monochrome image is formed on the sheet S, the rotary body 90 takes the black developing position. In this state, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 by charging and exposing the photosensitive drum 2, and then the electrostatic latent image is developed with black toner by the developing roller 51k positioned at the developing position. The black toner image is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10a, and then secondarily transferred to the sheet S. The subsequent steps are the same as those for color images.

[0052] For example, the image forming operation can be said to be completed when the secondary transfer is performed on the recording material and the recording material is discharged from the inside of the image forming apparatus to the outside. In other words, the completion of the image forming operation means that the recording material on which the image is recorded by the image forming apparatus is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus.

[0053] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 performs an image forming operation using the toner cartridge 70 when the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position.

[0054] (Rotary configuration) The configuration of the rotary body 90 will be described using Figures 1, 4(a, b), and 5. Figures 4(a, b) are cross-sectional views showing the rotary body 90 and its surroundings of the image forming apparatus 1. Figures 4(a, b) are cross-sectional views of the apparatus cut along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rotary body 90.

[0055] As described above, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k are detachable from the rotary body 90. When the toner in the toner cartridges 70y to 70m runs out, the user can replenish the image forming apparatus 1 with toner by replacing the toner cartridges 70y to 70k.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 1A has a frame 16 that houses a rotary main body 90. The rotary main body 90 can be called an image forming unit that includes a photosensitive drum 2 (photosensitive element). Therefore, the frame 16 can be said to house an image forming unit that includes a photosensitive drum 2 (photosensitive element). The frame 16 is the main body frame of the image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment. The frame 16 is the housing (frame) of the apparatus main body 1A that is composed of a frame and exterior members, and in this embodiment, is approximately rectangular parallelepiped-shaped.

[0057] The frame 16 has an opening 16a. More specifically, the frame 16 has a side surface 16b that extends in a direction intersecting the horizontal direction. The side surface 16b constitutes at least a part of the exterior surface on the +X side of the device main body 1A. The opening 16a is located on this side surface 16b. The side surface 16b is located downstream of the discharge port in the discharge direction in which the sheets S on which images are formed are discharged from the discharge port of the device main body 1A. A user can access the sheet storage unit 300 from the side surface 16b of the image forming apparatus 1 to refill the sheets S or retrieve the sheets S discharged from the discharge port. Therefore, the side surface 16b can be said to be the front surface (front face) of the device main body 1A.

[0058] Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are detachably attached to the rotary body 90 through the opening 16a. That is, toner cartridge 70k is an example of a first toner cartridge that contains toner to be supplied to the first developing roller (developing roller 51k) and is detachably attached to the rotary (rotary body 90) through the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A. Toner cartridge 70m is an example of a second toner cartridge that contains toner to be supplied to the second developing roller (developing roller 51m) and is detachably attached to the rotary (rotary body 90) through the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0059] In this embodiment, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are supported by the trays 80y to 80k and are attached to and detached from the rotary body 90 through the opening 16a. In other words, the user can attach and detach the toner cartridges 70y to 70k to and from the rotary body 90 via the trays 80y to 80k.

[0060] The opening 16a is disposed on a side surface 16b of the frame body 16 that is substantially parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 70 is replaced, the toner cartridge 70 passes through the opening 16a in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the rotation axis 90C.

[0061] The image forming apparatus 1 has a door 14 that covers the opening 16a of the frame body 16. The door 14 is an openable / closable member that can be moved between a closed position where the opening 16a is covered (see also FIG. 6(a)), and an open position where the opening 16a is exposed (see also FIGS. 6(b) and 6(c)).

[0062] As described above, in this embodiment, the toner cartridge 70 is configured to be detachable from the rotary body 90 via the tray 80. Therefore, the toner cartridge 70 can be detachable from the rotary body 90 in a stable manner.

[0063] More specifically, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70 by inserting or removing the toner cartridge 70 into or from the tray 80, which is configured to be movable relative to the rotary body 90 (i.e., relative to the device main body 1A). As a comparative example, in a configuration in which the user replaces the toner cartridge by directly inserting or removing the toner cartridge into or from the device main body, the user is required to insert the toner cartridge to a predetermined installation position within the device main body. In this embodiment, the tray 80 is movable so that the toner cartridge 70 moves to the installation position while supporting the toner cartridge 70. Therefore, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70 by simply placing the toner cartridge 70 on the tray 80, improving operability.

[0064] The toner cartridge 70 has an elongated shape with its longitudinal direction being the Y direction parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. In other words, the longitudinal dimension of the toner cartridge 70 is greater than the height and width of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. When handling such an elongated toner cartridge 70, by locating the opening 16a on the side surface 16b of the frame 16 that is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the toner cartridge 70, the toner cartridge 70 can pass through the opening 16a with a short movement distance. For example, this makes it easier to replace the toner cartridge 70 than when inserting or removing the toner cartridge 70 through an opening provided on the side surface of either side (+Y side or −Y side) of the frame 16 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0065] The rotary body 90 can rotate about a rotation axis 90C and take an exchange position that allows removal of any of the toner cartridges 70y to 70k from the rotary body 90. In other words, when the rotary body 90 is in the exchange position, the toner cartridge 70 can be moved from the mounting position to the retracted position.

[0066] The position in which removal of toner cartridge 70y is permitted is called the yellow replacement position. The position in which removal of toner cartridge 70m is permitted is called the magenta replacement position. The position in which removal of toner cartridge 70c is permitted is called the cyan replacement position. The position in which removal of toner cartridge 70k is permitted is called the black replacement position. The black replacement position is an example of the first replacement position in which removal of the first toner cartridge from the rotary is permitted. The yellow / magenta / cyan replacement position is an example of the second replacement position in which removal of the second toner cartridge from the rotary is permitted. The yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement positions can also be called the first to fourth replacement positions. These numberings are used merely for convenience of explanation and can, in principle, be interchanged as appropriate.

[0067] 4(a) shows a cross section of the rotary body 90 in a developing position (specifically, a yellow developing position), and FIG. 4(b) shows a cross section of the rotary body 90 in a replacement position (specifically, a black replacement position).

[0068] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), four trays 80y to 80k are attached to the rotary main body 90. The trays 80y to 80k hold the toner cartridges 70y to 70k, respectively. In Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the trays 80y to 80k are housed inside the rotary main body 90, which can be said to be the state in which the toner cartridges 70y to 70k are attached to the development units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k.

[0069] As described above, the toner cartridge 70 is movable between an attached position and a retracted position retracted from the attached position relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50. That is, the first toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70k) is movable between a first attached position and a first retracted position relative to the first accommodating frame (developing frame 53k). The second toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70m) is movable between a second attached position and a second retracted position relative to the second accommodating frame (developing frame 53m).

[0070] When the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounting position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b face each other, as shown in Fig. 3. In this state, the toner cartridge 70 is configured to supply toner to the developing-side accommodating portion 53a through the receiving opening 53b (the opening in the accommodating frame).

[0071] The apparatus main body 1A has a moving device 85 configured to move the toner cartridge 70 from an attached position to a retracted position relative to the rotary main body 90 (more specifically, relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50). The moving device 85 will be described later using FIG. 8 and other figures. In this embodiment, the rotary main body 90 is provided with a plurality of moving devices 85k-85y corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges 70y-70k. The trays 80y-80k can be said to be part of these moving devices 85k-85y.

[0072] In this embodiment, the toner cartridge 70k containing black toner is larger in size and can contain more toner than the toner cartridges 70y to 70c containing yellow, magenta, and cyan toners. In other words, the first toner cartridge can contain a first amount of toner, and the second toner cartridge can contain a second amount of toner, with the first amount being greater than the second amount.

[0073] Specifically, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k in a first radial direction relative to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 is longer than the length of the magenta toner cartridge 70m in a second radial direction. Here, the first radial direction is the rotation radius direction of the rotary body 90 (the radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the rotation axis 90C), and is the direction in which the toner cartridge 70k extends relative to the rotation axis 90C when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C. The second radial direction is the rotation radius direction of the rotary body 90, and is the direction in which the toner cartridge 70m extends relative to the rotation axis 90C when viewed in the direction along the rotation axis 90C. Similarly, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k in the first radial direction is longer than the lengths of the toner cartridges 70y and 70c in the radial directions corresponding to the other toner cartridges 70y and 70c.

[0074] Therefore, the tray 80k that holds the black toner cartridge 70k is larger in size than the trays 80y-80c that hold the other toner cartridges 70y, 70m, and 70c. That is, four toner cartridges 70y-70k and trays 80y-80k of different sizes are arranged inside the rotary body 90. In other words, a first toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70k) and a second toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70m) that is smaller in size than the first toner cartridge can be detachably attached to the rotary body 90. Accordingly, the rotary body 90 is provided with a first support member (tray 80k) that supports the first toner cartridge and a second support member (tray 80m) that is smaller in size than the first support member.

[0075] Here, the rotational drive of the rotary body 90 will be described with reference to Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, disk gears 92L and 92R are formed at both ends of the rotary body 90. Furthermore, rotary drive gears 93L and 93R are connected to both ends of the oscillating shaft 91 so as to be capable of transmitting drive power. Here, the drive force of the motor M1 is transmitted to the rotary drive gear 93R by a drive transmission mechanism. Next, the drive force is transmitted to the disk gears 92L and 92R by the rotary drive gears 93L and 93R, thereby rotating the rotary body 90.

[0076] The rotary body 90 is supported so as to be able to swing about a swing shaft 91. The rotary body 90 is urged by a biasing member (not shown) in the counterclockwise direction in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) about the swing shaft 91. This direction can be said to be the direction in which each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k approaches the photosensitive drum 2. As a result, when the rotary body 90 is in the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 2.

[0077] 5, rotary cams 90eL and 90eR are provided at both ends of the rotary body 90. When the rotary body 90 rotates clockwise in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) around the rotation axis 90C, the rotary cams 90eL and 90eR come into contact with a roller 96 (FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b)) supported by the frame 16. Then, the rotary cams 90eL and 90eR move clockwise in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) around the swing shaft 91. This direction can be said to be the direction in which each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k moves away from the photosensitive drum 2. This direction can also be said to be the direction in which the rotary body 90 approaches the opening 16a of the frame 16 and the door 14.

[0078] As a result, when the rotary body 90 rotates and switches from the developing position to the replacement position, the rotary body 90 swings around the swing shaft 91. When the rotary body 90 is in the replacement position, the developing roller 51 is separated from the photosensitive drum 2.

[0079] 4(b), in the black replacement position, the toner cartridge 70k stops at a position facing the opening 16a provided in the side surface 16b of the apparatus main body 1A and the door 14. From this state, when the tray 80k is slid from the attachment position to the developing unit 50k to the outside of the rotary main body 90, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70k.

[0080] (Toner cartridge replacement operation) The toner cartridge replacement operation will be described using Figure 4(a), Figure 6(a-c), and Figure 7(a, b). Figure 6(a-c) is an external view of the device main body 1A. Figures 7(a, b) are cross-sectional views of the rotary main body 90 and its surroundings when replacing the toner cartridge. Figures 7(a, b) are cross-sectional views of the device on an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary main body 90.

[0081] Fig. 6(a) shows the appearance of the apparatus main body 1A during image forming operation and in standby state. During image forming operation, the image forming apparatus 1 performs a series of operations from feeding the sheet S, forming an image on the sheet S, to discharging the sheet S as a finished product. The standby state is a state in which the image forming apparatus 1 is ready to start image forming operation upon receiving an image formation instruction (print instruction), and is waiting for an image formation instruction from the user. As shown in Fig. 6(a), during image forming operation and in standby state, the door 14 is closed.

[0082] 6(b) shows the appearance of the apparatus main body 1A when replacing the toner cartridge. When replacing the toner cartridge, the door 14 is opened and the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 are moved to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0083] The toner cartridge 70 is movable between an attached position and a retracted position retracted from the attached position relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the attached position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b face each other, as shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the rotary body 90 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis 90C when the toner cartridge 70 is in the attached position, and to assume a developing position or a replacement position.

[0084] The toner cartridge replacement operation will now be described. First, the user instructs the printer control unit of the device main body 1A to perform the toner cartridge replacement operation. The printer control unit will be described later. The instruction to perform the toner cartridge replacement operation is given by input via the operation unit 1410 (operation unit) which will be described later. The printer control unit is configured to be able to detect the amount of toner remaining inside the toner cartridge, as will be described later.

[0085] When the printer control unit receives an instruction to replace a toner cartridge, the rotary body 90 rotates to the replacement posture for the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced (the toner cartridge 70 that has run out of toner) and then stops. In other words, the printer control unit rotates the rotary body 90 to the replacement posture for the toner cartridge specified in the instruction to replace the toner cartridge (in FIG. 4(b) , the black replacement posture for replacing the black toner cartridge 70k). In the replacement posture, the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 instructed to be replaced faces the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the device main body 1A.

[0086] For example, the rotary body 90 in FIG. 4(a) is in a yellow developing position in which the yellow developing roller 51y faces the photosensitive drum 2. At this time, the black toner cartridge 70k and tray 80k do not need to face the opening 16a and the door 14. In other words, the toner cartridge 70 and tray 80 do not need to face the opening 16a and the door 14 when the rotary body 90 is in a replacement position other than the toner cartridge replacement position or a developing position. Therefore, the opening 16a only needs to be large enough to allow each toner cartridge 70 to pass through individually. When the rotary body 90 rotates a predetermined angle clockwise from the yellow position, the black toner cartridge 70k and tray 80k face the opening 16a and the door 14, as shown in FIG. 4(b).

[0087] Here, "the tray 80 faces the opening 16a" means that the tray 80 is positioned so that it can be moved to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A via the opening 16a. In other words, when the tray 80 faces the opening 16a, a moving mechanism (described later) moves the tray 80 outward in the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90, allowing the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 supported by the tray 80 to protrude to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A. In FIG. 4(a), none of the trays 80y to 80k faces the opening 16a. In FIG. 4(b), only the black tray 80k faces the opening 16a, and the other trays 80y to 80c do not face the opening 16a.

[0088] When the rotary body 90 is positioned in the replacement posture, the motor M2 moves the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced toward the outside of the apparatus main body 1A. As a result, the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced moves from the mounting position to the retracted position relative to the rotary body 90. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6(a) and 7(a, b), the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced supported by the tray 80 protrude outside the apparatus main body 1A through the opening 16a.

[0089] More specifically, the tray 80 is movable relative to the rotary body 90 between a storage position and a removal position. The storage position is a position where the tray 80 is stored within the rotary body 90. The removal position is a position where the tray 80 protrudes outside the rotary body 90, allowing the toner cartridge 70 to be removed from the tray 80 (removal position, replaceable position). Examples of the storage position are the positions of the trays 80y to 80k in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b). Examples of the removal position are the positions of the tray 80 in FIGS. 6(b) and 6(c), the tray 80k in FIG. 7(a), and the tray 80m in FIG. 7(b). As shown in FIG. 6, the tray 80 moves between a storage position where the toner cartridge 70 is located inside the frame 16 and a removal position where the toner cartridge 70 is located outside the frame 16.

[0090] When the tray 80 is in the storage position, the toner cartridge 70 attached to the tray 80 is located in the installation position. When the tray 80 is in the removal position, the toner cartridge 70 attached to the tray 80 is located in the retracted position. In other words, by moving the tray 80 from the storage position to the removal position, the toner cartridge 70 can be moved from the installation position to the retracted position. In the following description, the tray 80 being in the storage position can be rephrased as the toner cartridge 70 being in the installation position. Furthermore, the tray 80 being in the removal position can be rephrased as the toner cartridge 70 being in the retracted position.

[0091] 7(a) and 7(b), the rotary body 90 has a protrusion 95 for holding the tray 80 in the storage position and for holding the toner cartridge 70 in the installation position. As shown in Fig. 8, the tray 80 is provided with a recess 87 that fits into the protrusion 95. Figs. 7(a) and 7(b) show protrusions 95k and 95m corresponding to the trays 80k and 80m, and Fig. 8 shows recesses 87y and 87m of the trays 80y and 80m, but the protrusion 95 and recess 87 are provided for each of the trays 80y to 80k.

[0092] The convex portion 95 fits into the concave portion 87 of the tray 80, thereby locking the tray 80 to the rotary frame body 90f. This ensures that the tray 80 remains in the storage position even when the rotary body 90 rotates, preventing the toner cartridge 70 from moving from the installation position. When the tray 80 is moved between the storage position and the removal position by a moving device described below, the tray 80 can move over the convex portion 95.

[0093] In this embodiment, the door 14 is rotatably supported relative to the apparatus main body 1A. As shown in Fig. 7(a), the door 14 is biased from the open position toward the closed position by a spring 14s. The spring 14s is, for example, a tension spring, and biases the door 14 so as to generate a moment in the counterclockwise direction in Figs. 7(a) and 7(b) about the support shaft 14c of the door 14.

[0094] The tray 80 pushes the door 14, causing the door 14 to enter an open state (the state shown in FIG. 6(b)). This state can also be said to be a state in which the tray 80 is supported by the door 14. The door 14 supports at least a portion of the tray 80 that protrudes outside the apparatus main body 1A, thereby more stably supporting the toner cartridge 70. In other words, when the first toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70k) is in the first retracted position, the opening / closing member (door 14) in the open position supports the first support member (tray 80k). Furthermore, when the second toner cartridge (toner cartridges 70y to 70c) is in the second retracted position, the opening / closing member (door 14) in the open position supports the second support member (tray 80y to 80c).

[0095] In addition, the door 14 is configured to abut against a part of the frame 16 of the device main body 1A (for example, the lower edge 16c of the opening 16a) in the open position, so as not to rotate downward beyond the open position. When the tray 80 is pulled back from the outside to the inside of the device main body 1A, the biasing force of the spring 14s causes the door 14 to return to the closed position.

[0096] The toner cartridge 70 is detachably held in the tray 80. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 6(c), the user can remove the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80 and install a new toner cartridge 70 (replacement work). When replacing multiple toner cartridges 70, the replacement work can be performed by repeating the above operation.

[0097] 7(a) and 7(b) show cross sections of the rotary body 90 and its surroundings when replacing the toner cartridge. Fig. 7(a) shows the state when replacing the black toner cartridge 70k. Fig. 7(b) shows the state when replacing the magenta toner cartridge 70m.

[0098] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a moving device 85 (FIG. 8) that moves the toner cartridge 70 from the mounting position to the retracted position. In this embodiment, the moving device 85 can be said to include a tray 80. The moving device 85k including the tray 80k is an example of a first moving device including a first support member. The moving device 85m including the tray 80m is an example of a second moving device including a second support member.

[0099] Even when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the tray 80 remains connected to the rotary body 90 (is supported by the rotary body 90). To easily remove the toner cartridge 70 from the rotary body 90, it is preferable that the toner cartridge 70 protrudes a long distance from the rotary body 90 when in the retracted position. Because the toner cartridge 70 is configured to be detachable from the rotary body 90 via the tray 80, the toner cartridge 70 can be stably supported by the tray 80 even when the toner cartridge 70 protrudes a long distance from the rotary body 90.

[0100] The direction in which the toner cartridge 70 moves from the mounted position to the retracted position is referred to as the retraction direction. In this embodiment, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is a direction that intersects with the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). Therefore, as shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). Furthermore, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 can be said to be a direction toward the outside in the rotation radius direction of the rotary body 90 (a direction away from the rotation axis 90C).

[0101] 7(a) and 7(b), since the user removes the toner cartridge 70 from the rotary body 90, it is preferable that at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotary body 90 when removing the toner cartridge 70. In this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotary body 90.

[0102] When the rotary body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C, the rotation locus of the rotary body 90 coincides with a circumscribing circle of the rotary body 90 (the imaginary circle 90V shown by the dashed line in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b)) centered on the rotation axis 90C. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, it is preferable that more than half of the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the retraction direction be outside the rotation locus of the rotary body 90. In other words, when viewed in the direction of the rotary's rotation axis, it is preferable that, with the toner cartridge in the retracted position, more than half of the total length of the toner cartridge be outside the rotation locus of the rotary in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge from the mounted position toward the retracted position. This applies to each toner cartridge 70, including toner cartridge 70k as an example of the first cartridge and toner cartridge 70m as an example of the second cartridge. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 is outside the rotation locus (imaginary circle 90V) of the rotary body 90.

[0103] Furthermore, to make it easier for the user to grasp the toner cartridge 70, it is preferable that at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 be outside the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the apparatus main body 1A) when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position. Here, "outside the apparatus" refers to the space outside the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the apparatus main body 1A) when the image forming apparatus 1 is being used, for example, for forming an image on a sheet S.

[0104] In this embodiment, the exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A is formed by the exterior surface of the frame 16. In other words, the outside of the apparatus can also be referred to as the outside of the frame 16. Therefore, a state in which at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is outside the apparatus can also be referred to as a state in which at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A toward the outside of the frame 16.

[0105] In this embodiment, when the door 14 is in the closed position, the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A is covered by the door 14. The exterior surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position forms part of the exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A. In this case, the outside of the apparatus refers to the area outside the exterior surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position. In other words, if the position of the exterior surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position is defined as the exterior position, then when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is located outside the apparatus main body 1A beyond this exterior position.

[0106] In other words, if the door 14 were in the closed position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 would be located in the space outside the apparatus main body 1A. In addition, with respect to the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is located downstream of the visible position.

[0107] Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, with the side surface 16b on which the opening 16a is provided being the front surface of the apparatus main body 1A, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes forward beyond the exterior surface on the front side of the apparatus main body 1A. In this case, the user can easily access the toner cartridge 70 from the front side of the image forming apparatus and replace the toner cartridge 70.

[0108] When the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, it is preferable that more than half of the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the retracted direction is located outside the machine. In other words, when viewed in the direction of the rotary's rotation axis, when the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, it is preferable that more than half of the toner cartridge's overall length is located outside the main body frame in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge from the mounted position toward the retracted position. This applies to each toner cartridge 70, including toner cartridge 70k as an example of the first cartridge and toner cartridge 70m as an example of the second cartridge. It is also more preferable that the entire toner cartridge 70 is located outside the machine when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position.

[0109] The tray 80 has a cartridge holding portion 81 (see Figures 3 and 6(c)) that holds the toner cartridge 70. The cartridge holding portion 81 is a receiving portion into which the toner cartridge 70 is attached. When the tray 80 is in the removal position, it is preferable that the entire cartridge holding portion 81 is outside the rotation trajectory of the rotary body 90 in the retraction direction. When the tray 80 is in the removal position, it is preferable that more than half of the length of the cartridge holding portion 81 is outside the machine in the retraction direction.

[0110] As described above, the toner cartridge 70k and the tray 80k are larger than the other toner cartridges 70y-70c and trays 80y-80c. Therefore, in this embodiment, the amount of movement of the tray 80 when replacing the toner cartridge is changed according to the size of the toner cartridge 70, as shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b).

[0111] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the movement distance of tray 80k (first support member) when it moves from the storage position (first storage position) to the removal position (first removal position) is L1. The movement distance of tray 80m (second support member) when it moves from the storage position to the removal position (third removal position) is L2. FIG. 7(b) shows the state in which toner cartridge 70m and tray 80m have moved, but the movement distance of trays 80y and 80c when they move from the storage position to the removal position is also L2. In this case, L1 is greater than L2. In other words, the movement distance of the first support member when the first toner cartridge moves from the first mounting position to the first retracted position is longer than the movement distance of the second support member when the second toner cartridge moves from the second mounting position to the second retracted position.

[0112] 7(a), when the tray 80k is in the removal position and the toner cartridge 70k is in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70k protrudes from the exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A by a distance P1. In this embodiment, the tray 80k also protrudes from the exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A by a distance P1.

[0113] 7(b), when the tray 80m is in the removal position and the toner cartridge 70m is in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70m protrudes a distance P2 from the exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A to the outside. In this embodiment, the tray 80m also protrudes a distance P2 from the exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A to the outside. The toner cartridges 70y and 70c also protrude a distance P2 from the exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A to the outside.

[0114] The distance P1 is greater than the distance P2. That is, the length by which the first toner cartridge in the first retracted position protrudes from the opening 16a of the apparatus main body 1A is defined as the first length (P1), and the length by which the second toner cartridge in the second retracted position protrudes from the opening 16a is defined as the second length (P2). In this case, the first length is greater than the second length.

[0115] For toner cartridges 70y-70c, which are smaller in size than toner cartridge 70k, it is preferable from the standpoint of strength to shorten the distance P2 by which they protrude outside the apparatus when in the retracted position compared to the distance P1 by which toner cartridge 70k protrudes outside the apparatus when in the retracted position. This is for the following reason: When toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a portion of toner cartridge 70 protrudes outside the apparatus outside the rotation path of rotary body 90 or from the external surface of apparatus main body 1A. At this time, tray 80 supports the weight of toner cartridge 70 while being cantilevered by rotary body 90. Therefore, shortening the distance P2 by which toner cartridges 70y-70c protrude outside the apparatus when in the retracted position reduces the load on trays 80y-80c and the guide portion 97 of rotary body 90 that supports trays 80y-80k. Furthermore, since the toner cartridges 70y to 70c are smaller in size than the toner cartridge 70k, even if the distance P2 is made shorter than the distance P1, the workability of replacing cartridges for the trays 80y to 80c can be maintained.

[0116] (Tray arrangement in rotary) The arrangement of the trays 80y to 80k in the rotary body 90 will be described using Figures 8, 9, and 10. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the trays 80y to 80k in the rotary body 90. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the trays 80y to 80k in the rotary body 90. Figure 10 is a view showing the arrangement of components at one end of the trays 80y to 80k in the Y direction. Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the rotary body 90 in an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. The upper half of Figure 10 is a view of the rotary body 90 and trays 80m and 80k in Figure 8 as seen from the upper right side (+Z side) of Figure 8, and the lower half of Figure 10 is a view of the rotary body 90 and trays 80c and 80y in Figure 8 as seen from the left side (-X side) of Figure 8.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 8, the trays 80y to 80k are each provided with cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k and guided portions 82y to 82k.

[0118] The toner cartridges 70y to 70k are respectively attached to the cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k, and each of the cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k accommodates at least a portion of the toner cartridges 70y to 70k attached thereto.

[0119] The guided portions 82y to 82k are provided at both ends of the trays 80y to 80k, sandwiching the cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k in the Y direction. Each of the guided portions 82y to 82k is an elongated member that extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotary body 90.

[0120] In this embodiment, a reinforcing rib 82k1 is formed on a portion of the guided portion 82k in the movement direction Dy of the tray 80k, and a reinforcing rib 82m1 is formed on a portion of the guided portion 82m in the movement direction Dm of the tray 80m (see also Figures 11(a) and 11(b)). The reinforcing ribs 82k1 and 82m1 are rib-shaped (protruding stripes) that protrude outward in the Y direction from the guided portions 82k and 82m provided at both ends of the trays 80k and 80m in the Y direction and extend in the movement directions Dy and Dm of the trays 80k and 80m. The reinforcing ribs 82k1 and 82m1 improve the rigidity of the guided portions 82k and 82m.

[0121] In this embodiment, the lengths of the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 are limited to avoid the guided portions 82y and 82c, but the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 may be provided over the entire length of the guided portions 82m and 82k if there is no interference with the guided portions 82y and 82c. Reinforcing ribs may also be added to the guided portions 82y and 82c. Furthermore, if the rigidity of the guided portions 82m and 82k is sufficient, the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 may not be provided.

[0122] Rack portions 83y to 83k (rack gears) are formed on the guided portions 82y to 82k. Pinion gears 94y to 94k are rotatably held within the rotary body 90. The pinion gears 94y to 94k are engaged with the rack portions 83y to 83k, respectively, so as to be capable of transmitting driving force.

[0123] The rack portions 83y-83k and pinion gears 94y-94k are part of moving devices 85y-85k configured to move the toner cartridges 70y-70k from the mounting position to the retracted position. The rack portions 83y-83k and pinion gears 94y-94k can be said to be part of a driven device that is driven by a drive device 98 of the apparatus main body 1A. The pinion gears 94y-94k can be said to be rotating bodies (rotating members) that rotate to move the trays 80y-80k relative to the rotary main body 90.

[0124] The pinion gears 94y-94k and the rack portions 83y-83k function as driven portions that allow the movement devices 85y-85k of the rotary body 90 to receive driving force from the drive device 98 of the device main body 1A. The pinion gear 94k and the rack portion 83k are an example of a first pinion gear and a first rack gear that constitute a first driven portion provided in the first movement device. The pinion gear 94m and the rack portion 83m are an example of a second pinion gear and a second rack gear that constitute a second driven portion provided in the second movement device.

[0125] The rotary body 90 has guide portions 97 (see FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b)) that engage with each of the guided portions 82y to 82k. FIG. 7(a) shows a guide portion 97 (97k) that engages with the guided portion 82k of tray 80k, and FIG. 7(b) shows a guide portion 97 (97m) that engages with the guided portion 82m of tray 80m. The rotary body 90 is provided with similar guide portions that engage with the guided portions 82y and 82c of trays 80y and 80c. Also, while FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) show a guide portion 97 provided on one side (+Y side) of the rotary body 90 in the Y direction, a similar guide portion 97 is also provided on the other side (-Y side) of the rotary body 90 in the Y direction.

[0126] When tray 80 moves between the storage position and the removal position, guide portion 97 maintains an engaged state with guided portion 82 over at least a portion of the movement range, guiding the movement direction of tray 80. In this embodiment, guide portion 97 maintains an engaged state with guided portion 82k over the entire movement range of tray 80k between the storage position and the removal position. Also, in this embodiment, guide portion 97 maintains an engaged state with guided portion 82m over the entire movement range of tray 80m between the storage position and the removal position.

[0127] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, four trays 80y to 80k are arranged inside the rotary body 90 so as to overlap one another, as will be described in detail below.

[0128] When the pinion gears 94y-94k rotate, the rack portions 83y-83k and the trays 80y-80k move relative to the rotary body 90. As shown in Fig. 9, the four trays 80y-80k are arranged so that their movement directions are rotated by 90 degrees relative to the rotary body 90. Therefore, the trays 80y and 80c, and the trays 80m and 80k are held so that they can slide in substantially the same direction (parallel directions). The movement direction of each of the trays 80y-80k during sliding movement is regulated by the engagement between the guided portions 82y-82k and the guide portion 97.

[0129] The trays 80y to 80k move to the outside of the apparatus through the opening 16a. When each of the trays 80y to 80k moves to the outside of the apparatus through the opening 16a, the movement directions of the respective trays are substantially the same direction (parallel).

[0130] 9, in the movement direction Dk of tray 80k, the range in which tray 80k is disposed overlaps with the range in which tray 80y and tray 80c are disposed. Furthermore, in the movement direction Dk of tray 80k, the range in which tray 80k is disposed overlaps with the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. In other words, it can be said that the toner cartridge 70k held in the cartridge holding portion 81k of tray 80k overlaps with the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (FIG. 4(b)).

[0131] On the other hand, in the direction Dm of movement of tray 80m, the range in which tray 80m is arranged is shifted so as not to overlap with the range in which tray 80y is arranged and the range in which tray 80c is arranged. Furthermore, in the direction Dy of movement of tray 80y, the range in which tray 80y is arranged is shifted so as not to overlap with the range in which tray 80m is arranged and the range in which tray 80k is arranged. Similarly, in the direction Dc of movement of tray 80c, the range in which tray 80c is arranged is shifted so as not to overlap with the range in which tray 80m is arranged and the range in which tray 80k is arranged.

[0132] The positional relationship between the trays 80 can also be expressed as follows: When viewed in the movement direction Dy of tray 80y, tray 80y and tray 80k overlap, but tray 80y and tray 80m do not overlap. When viewed in the movement direction Dm of tray 80m, tray 80m and tray 80k overlap, but tray 80m does not overlap with trays 80y and 80c. When viewed in the movement direction Dc of tray 80c, tray 80c and tray 80k overlap, but tray 80c and tray 80m do not overlap.

[0133] Here, when two elements (components, parts, units, etc.) overlap when viewed in a particular direction, this means that when each element is vertically projected onto an imaginary plane perpendicular to that direction, the projection area of ​​one element at least partially overlaps with the projection area of ​​the other element.

[0134] 8 and 10, in the direction of rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the range in which rack portion 83m and guided portion 82m are arranged at least partially overlaps with the range in which rack portion 83k and guided portion 82k are arranged. That is, in this embodiment, in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotary (Y direction), the range in which the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) is arranged at least partially overlaps with the range in which the second rack gear (rack portion 83m) is arranged. Therefore, compared to an arrangement in which rack portion 83m and guided portion 82m do not overlap with rack portion 83k and guided portion 82k, it is possible to arrange rack portions 83m, 83k and guided portions 82m, 82k in a less space-consuming manner in the Y direction.

[0135] In the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the range in which the rack portion 83y and the guided portion 82y are arranged at least partially overlaps with the range in which the rack portion 83c and the guided portion 82c are arranged. That is, in this embodiment, in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotary (Y direction), the range in which the third rack gear (rack portion 83y) is arranged at least partially overlaps with the range in which the fourth rack gear (rack portion 83c) is arranged. Therefore, compared to an arrangement in which the rack portion 83y and the guided portion 82y do not overlap with the rack portion 83c and the guided portion 82c, it is possible to arrange the rack portions 83y, 83c and the guided portions 82y, 82c in a more space-saving manner in the Y direction.

[0136] Here, the meshing position between the rack portion 83 and the pinion gear 94 will be described with reference to Figure 10. The upper half of Figure 10 shows the meshing position between the rack portion 83k and the pinion gear 94k. The lower half of Figure 10 shows the meshing position between the rack portion 83y and the pinion gear 94y.

[0137] In the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (Y direction), in an area Y1 in the figure, a driving force transmitted from a motor M2 (FIG. 2) serving as a driving source via a transmission device (described later) is transmitted to the pinion gears 94y to 94k. In an area Y2 in the Y direction, the pinion gear 94k meshes with the rack portion 83k so as to be able to transmit driving force. In an area Y3 in the Y direction, the pinion gear 94y meshes with the rack portion 83y so as to be able to transmit driving force. Note that the rack portion 83m, like the rack portion 83k, meshes with the pinion gear 94m (FIG. 8) so as to be able to transmit driving force in the area Y2. The rack portion 83c, like the rack portion 83y, meshes with the pinion gear 94c (FIG. 8) so as to be able to transmit driving force in the area Y3.

[0138] Here, the regions Y2 and Y3 are at different positions in the Y direction (shifted in the Y direction). Also, the region Y1 is at a different position in the Y direction from both the region Y2 and the region Y3. In other words, the region Y1 is shifted in the Y direction with respect to the region Y2 and the region Y3.

[0139] Furthermore, when the toner cartridges 70y and 70c are in the installation position, the range in which the rack portion 83y is disposed at least partially overlaps with the range in which the rack portion 83c is disposed in the movement direction of the rack portion 83y (the movement direction Dy of the tray 80y). In this embodiment, since the movement directions Dy and Dc of the trays 80y and 80c are substantially the same direction (parallel), the range in which the rack portion 83y is disposed at least partially overlaps with the range in which the rack portion 83c is disposed in the movement direction Dc of the tray 80c. Therefore, when the toner cartridges 70y and 70c are in the installation position, the toothed surface of the rack portion 83y and the toothed surface of the rack portion 83c face each other in the direction perpendicular to the movement directions Dy and Dc of the rack portions 83y and 83c (the left-right direction in FIG. 8).

[0140] Furthermore, when the toner cartridges 70m and 70k are in the installation position, the range in which the rack portion 83m is disposed overlaps at least partially with the range in which the rack portion 83k is disposed in the movement direction of the rack portion 83m (the movement direction Dm of the tray 80m). In this embodiment, the movement directions Dm and Dk of the trays 80m and 80k are substantially the same direction (parallel), so the range in which the rack portion 83m is disposed overlaps at least partially with the range in which the rack portion 83k is disposed in the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k. Therefore, when the toner cartridges 70m and 70k are in the installation position, the toothed surfaces of the rack portions 83m and 83k face each other in the direction perpendicular to the movement directions Dm and Dk of the rack portions 83m and 83k (the up-and-down direction in FIG. 8).

[0141] Furthermore, when viewed in the direction of rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83y overlaps with rack portion 83m and rack portion 83k. When viewed in the direction of rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83m overlaps with rack portion 83y and rack portion 83c. When viewed in the direction of rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83c overlaps with rack portion 83m and rack portion 83k. When viewed in the direction of rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83k overlaps with rack portion 83y and rack portion 83c. In other words, in the direction of the rotary's rotation axis (Y direction), the range in which the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) is arranged does not overlap with the range in which the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) is arranged. Furthermore, when viewed in the direction of the rotary's rotation axis (Y direction), when the first toner cartridge 70k is in the first mounting position and the second toner cartridge 70y is in the second mounting position, the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) and the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) overlap.

[0142] In this way, since the positions at which rack sections 83k and 83m are arranged in the Y direction are different from the positions at which rack sections 83y and 83c are arranged, rack sections 83y and 83c can be arranged so that they overlap with rack sections 83m and 83k when viewed in the Y direction.

[0143] This saves space for arranging the four trays inside the rotary body 90, making it possible to reduce the size of the rotary body 90 in the direction of its rotation radius. In other words, if the rack units 83 are arranged so as not to overlap each other as viewed in the Y direction while maintaining the movement distance of each tray 80y to 80k the same as in this embodiment, the area required for arranging the four rack units as viewed in the Y direction will be larger. Compared to this configuration, by arranging the multiple rack units 83 with their positions shifted in the Y direction and making the rack units 83 overlap each other as viewed in the Y direction, it is possible to reduce the area required for arranging the rack units 83 as viewed in the Y direction.

[0144] In this embodiment, the four rack portions 83y-83k are arranged in two pairs of two, with their positions shifted in the Y direction. That is, in the direction of the rotary's rotation axis (Y direction), the ranges in which the first rack gear and the second rack gear are arranged overlap, and the ranges in which the third rack gear and the fourth rack gear are arranged overlap. Furthermore, in the Y direction, the ranges in which the first rack gear and the second rack gear are arranged and the ranges in which the third rack gear and the fourth rack gear are arranged are arranged so as not to overlap. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the rotary body 90 in the Y direction compared to when each of the four rack portions 83y-83k is shifted in the Y direction.

[0145] (Tray movement configuration) 11(a, b) and 12(a, b) will be used to explain the configuration related to the movement of trays 80y to 80k arranged in the rotary body 90. Figures 11(a, b) are perspective views showing the configuration related to the movement of tray 80k. Figures 12(a, b) are cross-sectional views showing the configuration related to the movement of tray 80k.

[0146] In this embodiment, the trays 80y-80k are all driven by the driving force of the motor M2 transmitted to pinion gears 94y-94k by drive racks 15L, 15R serving as a transmission device. Here, a configuration for moving the tray 80k relative to the rotary body 90 will be described, and a configuration for moving the trays 80y-70c relative to the rotary body 90 will not be described because it is substantially the same as the configuration for moving the tray 80k.

[0147] FIG. 11(a) shows a state in which the tray 80k is inside the rotary body 90 (i.e., a state in which the toner cartridge 70k is attached to the developing unit 50k). That is, FIG. 11(a) shows a state in which the tray 80k is in the storage position, which corresponds to a state in which the toner cartridge 70k is in the attachment position relative to the developing frame 53k (FIG. 4(a)). FIG. 11(b) shows a state in which the tray 80k has been slid to the outside of the rotary body 90. That is, FIG. 11(b) shows a state in which the tray 80k is in the removal position, which corresponds to a state in which the toner cartridge 70k is in the retracted position relative to the developing frame 53k (FIG. 4(b)).

[0148] The apparatus main body 1A of this embodiment has drive racks 15L and 15R as drive gears that drive the pinion gear 94. Each drive rack 15L is driven by a motor M2 via a drive transmission mechanism (not shown).

[0149] As described above, two rack portions 83k are formed at both ends of the tray 80k in the Y direction. Two pinion gears 94k and two drive racks 15L and 15R are arranged at positions corresponding to the rack portions 83k at both ends. The drive rack 15L is an example of a first drive gear. The drive rack 15R is an example of a second drive gear. When there is no need to distinguish between the drive racks 15L and 15R, the drive racks 15L and 15R will be collectively referred to as "drive rack 15."

[0150] That is, the rack portion 83 of this embodiment is configured as a rack gear pair, and the pinion gear 94 of this embodiment is configured as a pinion gear pair. In this embodiment, the rack gear pair and the pinion gear pair are arranged at one end and the other end of the support member (tray 80) in the Y direction, but they may be arranged at other positions. The rack portion 83k and the pinion gear 94k of the moving device 85k corresponding to the tray 80k are examples of the first rack gear pair and the first pinion gear pair, respectively. The rack portions 83y-83c and the pinion gears 94y-94c of the moving devices 85y-85c corresponding to the other trays 80y-80c are examples of the second rack gear pair and the second pinion gear pair, respectively.

[0151] One of the rack gear pair meshes with one of the pinion gear pair, and the other of the rack gear pair meshes with the other of the pinion gear pair. At least one of the pinion gear pair is driven by the drive rack 15L, which serves as the first drive rack. In this embodiment, both of the pinion gear pair are simultaneously driven by the drive racks 15L and 15R, which serve as the first and second drive racks. This makes it difficult for the tray 80 to rotate, allowing for stable movement of the toner cartridge 70.

[0152] Alternatively, the driving force may be input to only one of the pair of pinion gears using only the first drive rack. In this case, the pair of pinion gears may be connected by, for example, a shaft, and the driving force may be transmitted from one of the pair of pinion gears that receives the driving force from the first drive rack to the other of the pair of pinion gears. This configuration eliminates the need for the second drive rack and the configuration for moving the second drive rack, allowing for a more compact and simplified device.

[0153] The tray 80k is held relative to the rotary body 90 so as to be slidable in a direction parallel to the guided portion 82k (i.e., the movement direction Dk). The drive rack 15 is held relative to the device body 1A so as to be slidable in a direction intersecting the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k. The drive rack 15 is configured to slide (reciprocate) relative to the device body 1A in a first direction (vertically upward in this embodiment) and a second direction opposite to the first direction (vertically downward in this embodiment). In other words, the movement direction of the drive rack 15 in this embodiment is a direction perpendicular to both the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k and the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (Y direction).

[0154] 11(a) and 11(b), the tray insertion / removal operation for sliding the tray 80k between the storage position and the removal position will be described. The tray insertion / removal operation of the tray 80k is performed by the motor M2 (FIG. 2), a drive transmission mechanism (not shown), the drive rack 15, the pinion gear 94k, and the rack portion 83k.

[0155] First, we will explain the tray insertion / removal operation (tray extraction operation) when removing the toner cartridge 70k from the rotary body 90. Before the tray extraction operation begins, the drive rack 15 is positioned below the position where it engages with the pinion gear 94k (FIG. 11(a)). Also, as mentioned above, when replacing the toner cartridge 70k, the rotary body 90 takes the replacement posture for the toner cartridge 70k (FIG. 4(b)).

[0156] When the tray extraction operation is started, the driving force of the motor M2 causes the drive rack 15 to slide upward in the apparatus main body 1A.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 11(b), when the pinion gear 94k is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow in the figure, a driving force is input to the rack portion 83k that meshes with the pinion gear 94k. As a result, the tray 80k is pushed out of the apparatus and moves from the storage position to the removal position relative to the rotary body 90. At this time, the movement direction of the tray 80k is guided in a predetermined movement direction Dk by the engagement between the guided portion 82k and the guide portion 97k (FIG. 7(a)) of the rotary body 90. As a result of the tray 80k moving from the storage position to the removal position, the toner cartridge 70k is moved from the installation position to the retracted position relative to the developing unit 50k.

[0158] With the tray 80k in the removal position and the toner cartridge 70k in the retracted position, the user can attach or detach the toner cartridge 70k to or from the tray 80k.

[0159] The tray insertion / removal operation (tray insertion operation) when attaching the toner cartridge 70 to the rotary body 90 is performed in the reverse order of the tray removal operation. Before the tray insertion operation begins, the drive rack 15 is positioned above the position where it engages with the pinion gear 94k. Once the operation begins, the drive force of the motor M2 causes the drive rack 15 to slide downward in the device body 1A. Here, the rotation direction of the motor M2 during the tray insertion operation is opposite to the rotation direction of the tray removal operation.

[0160] As the pinion gear 94k is driven to rotate in the direction opposite to the arrow in FIG. 11(b), a driving force is input to the rack portion 83k that meshes with the pinion gear 94k. As a result, the tray 80k is pulled into the interior of the apparatus and moves from the removal position to the storage position relative to the rotary body 90. The movement direction of the tray 80k is guided in the movement direction Dk (the opposite direction to the arrow in FIG. 11(b)) by the engagement between the guided portion 82k and the guide portion 97k (FIG. 7(a)) of the rotary body 90. As a result of the tray 80k moving from the removal position to the storage position, the toner cartridge 70k is moved from the retracted position to the installation position relative to the developing unit 50k.

[0161] The movement of the black tray 80k and toner cartridge 70k has been described above, but the movement of the other trays 80y-80c and toner cartridges 70y-70c is also performed by a similar mechanism. That is, in the replacement posture of each toner cartridge, the drive rack 15 transmits drive to the pinion gears 94y-94c.

[0162] A drive device 98 for driving the moving device 85 provided on the rotary body 90 is constituted by a motor M2 provided on the device body 1A, a drive rack 15 (15L, 15R), and a transmission device including a drive transmission mechanism.

[0163] As described above, in this embodiment, the plurality of moving devices 85k-85y corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges 70y-70k are arranged in the rotary body 90. The driving device 98 of the apparatus main body 1A is a common driving device that drives the plurality of moving devices 85k-85y (plurality of driven devices) of the rotary body 90.

[0164] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotation of the rotary body 90 switches the drive target of the drive device 98. In other words, the drive device of this embodiment includes a drive rack 15 as a transmission member that transmits the driving force of the drive source. The drive device can be in a state where the transmission member is engaged with the first driven part (pinion gear 94k) so as to be able to transmit driving force, and a state where the transmission member is engaged with the second driven part (pinion gear 94m) so as to be able to transmit driving force. The drive device can also be in a state where the transmission member is disengaged from the first driven part and the second driven part.

[0165] As described above, the pinion gears 94y to 94k are held by the rotary body 90. Therefore, when the rotary body 90 rotates, it is preferable that the engagement between the pinion gears 94y to 94k and the drive rack 15 is released.

[0166] Fig. 12(a) shows a state in which the tray 80k is inside the rotary body 90 (in the storage position), and Fig. 12(b) shows a state in which the tray 80k has moved outside the rotary body 90 (in the removal position).

[0167] As shown in FIG. 12(a), when the tray 80k is inside the rotary body 90, the drive rack 15 is located at the bottom inside the device main body 1A. At this time, the drive rack 15 is retracted from the pinion gear 94k. Therefore, the drive rack 15 does not interfere with the rotation of the rotary body 90, allowing the rotary body 90 to rotate. More specifically, the drive rack 15 can be retracted outside the rotation trajectory of the rotary body 90 shown by the dotted line in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b).

[0168] As described above, by driving motor M2 to rotate forward and backward, tray 80 attached to rotary body 90 can be moved from the storage position to the removal position and from the removal position to the storage position relative to rotary body 90. In other words, the drive device of this embodiment not only drives each moving device of the rotary so that the toner cartridge 70 moves from the installation position to the retracted position, but also drives each moving device so that the toner cartridge moves from the retracted position to the installation position. In other words, the printer control unit can control tray 80 to move between the storage position where toner cartridge 70 is located inside frame 16 and the removal position where toner cartridge 70 is located outside frame 16.

[0169] As described above, in this embodiment, the movement amount of the tray 80 when replacing the toner cartridge is changed according to the size of the toner cartridge 70. Specifically, as shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the movement distance L1 when the black tray 80k moves from the storage position to the removal position is longer than the movement distance L2 when the other trays 80y to 80c move from the storage position to the removal position.

[0170] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the toner cartridges 70y to 70k are moved from the mounting position to the retracted position, the value obtained by dividing the speed of the rack section 83k by the speed of the driving rack 15 is greater than the value obtained by dividing the speed of the rack sections 83y to 83c by the speed of the driving rack 15.

[0171] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the pinion gear 94y is a stepped gear, and the pitch radius of the small-diameter gear 942 that meshes with the rack portion 83y is smaller than the pitch radius of the large-diameter gear 941 that meshes with the drive rack 15. The pinion gears 94m and 94c are also stepped gears. On the other hand, the pinion gear 94k has the same pitch radius at the portion that meshes with the drive rack 15 and the portion that meshes with the rack portion 83k. With this configuration, even if the movement distance of the drive rack 15 is the same, the movement distance of the rack portion 83k can be made larger than the movement distances of the other rack portions 83y to 83c. In other words, the movement distance L1 when the black tray 80k moves from the storage position to the removal position can be made longer than the movement distance L2 when the other trays 80y to 80c move from the storage position to the removal position.

[0172] Furthermore, by forming the pinion gears 94y to 94c as stepped gears, the pinion gears 94y to 94k are configured to receive driving force from the same drive rack 15, but the movement distance L1 of the tray 80k can be made greater than the movement distance L2 of the other trays 80y to 80c.

[0173] Note that instead of (or in combination with) the pinion gears 94y to 94c being stepped gears, the pinion gear 94k may be a stepped gear. In this case, the portion of the pinion gear 94k that meshes with the drive rack 15 may be a small-diameter gear, and the portion of the pinion gear 94k that meshes with the rack portion 83k may be a large-diameter gear with a larger pitch circle radius than the small-diameter gear. Also, the stepped gear is an example of a speed reduction mechanism, and may be replaced with a known speed reduction mechanism that reduces the amount of movement of a member on the input side (drive source side) compared to the amount of movement of a member on the output side (tray 80 side).

[0174] Furthermore, the movement amount of the drive rack 15 when the toner cartridge 70k is moved from the mounting position to the retracted position may be greater than the movement amount of the drive rack 15 when the toner cartridges 70y to 70c are moved from the mounting position to the retracted position.

[0175] Incidentally, the shorter the distance that the toner cartridge 70 moves from the mounted position to the retracted position, the shorter the time it takes for the toner cartridge 70 to move, and the shorter the time the user has to wait for the toner cartridge 70 to move. If the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 relative to the toner cartridge 70k is configured to be greater than the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 relative to the toner cartridges 70y-70c as described above, the time the user has to wait for the toner cartridges 70y-70c to move can be shortened.

[0176] The above-described configuration allows the movement distance L1 to be longer than the movement distance L2. These configurations can also be used in combination.

[0177] (Toner cartridge movement determination) Next, we will explain the control by which the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether to move the toner cartridge 70. When a user instructs the image forming apparatus to move the toner cartridge 70 to the retracted position, it is desirable to determine whether to move the toner cartridge 70 depending on the operating status of the image forming apparatus. When the image forming apparatus in this embodiment receives an instruction to move the toner cartridge 70 during an image forming operation, it determines whether to continue the image forming operation or stop the image forming operation and move the toner cartridge 70 to the retracted position.

[0178] The control configuration of the image forming apparatus will now be described. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment. The image forming apparatus includes a controller unit 1400, an operation unit 1410, a display unit 1403, a host computer 1402, and an engine control unit 1420. The engine control unit 1420 includes a video interface unit 1421, a CPU 1422, a rotary drive control unit 1423, a tray insertion / removal control unit 1424, and a non-volatile memory 1428.

[0179] The control when performing the image forming operation will be described. When the controller unit 1400 receives print data from the host computer 1402, it converts the print data into image data. After converting the print data into image data, the controller unit 1400 instructs the CPU 1422 to start printing via the video interface unit 1421. Upon receiving the print start instruction, the CPU 1422 transmits a print start instruction to the image formation control unit 1426. Upon receiving the print start instruction, the image formation control unit 1426 controls the components involved in the image forming operation based on the print start instruction. For example, the image formation control unit 1426 transmits an instruction to the rotary drive control unit 1423 to change the orientation of the rotary main body 90 during the image forming operation. Upon receiving the instruction, the rotary drive control unit 1423 drives the motor M1, changes the orientation of the rotary main body 90 to the development orientation, and the image forming operation is performed.

[0180] Before performing the image forming operation, the engine control unit 1420 performs pre-processing. The pre-processing is a preparatory operation required for performing the image forming operation, such as starting the motor M3, heating the fixing device 40, and moving the rotary main body 90 to the developing position. After the pre-processing is completed, the engine control unit 1420 performs the image forming operation.

[0181] The image forming apparatus 1 performs pre-rotation, which is a preparatory operation performed when the power is turned on or when the image forming apparatus 1 returns from a sleep state.

[0182] Next, a description will be given of control relating to replacement of the toner cartridge 70. As an example, a description will be given of control when replacing the toner cartridge 70y, but this description also applies to the toner cartridges 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0183] When replacing toner cartridge 70y, the user transmits a toner cartridge replacement request to controller 1400 via operation unit 1410. That is, operation unit 1410 is an input unit that can input a movement instruction (information) for toner cartridge 70. As shown in FIG. 6, operation unit 1410 is an input button. A movement instruction is an instruction to move toner cartridge 70 from the mounted position to the retracted position, or an instruction to move toner cartridge 70 from the retracted position to the mounted position. When a movement instruction is input to input operation unit 1410 while toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position, toner cartridge 70 moves from the mounted position to the retracted position. On the other hand, when a movement instruction is input to operation unit 1410 while toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, toner cartridge 70 moves from the retracted position to the mounted position.

[0184] The operation unit 1410, to which the movement instruction has been input, transmits the movement instruction to the controller unit 1400. Upon receiving the movement instruction from the operation unit 1410, the controller unit 1400 transmits a movement instruction command to the CPU 1422 via the video interface unit 1421.

[0185] When the CPU 1422 receives the movement instruction command, it controls the rotary drive control unit 1423, which controls the rotary body 90 so that it moves to the replacement position. After the rotary body 90 reaches the replacement position, the CPU 1422 controls the tray insertion / extraction control unit 1424, which starts the tray extraction operation. Specifically, the tray insertion / extraction control unit 1424 drives the motor M2. The driving of the motor M2 drives the moving device 85, which moves the tray 80y from the storage position to the removal position. As the tray 80y moves from the storage position to the removal position, the toner cartridge 70y moves from the installation position to the retracted position.

[0186] The user replaces the toner cartridge 70y located in the retracted position and again inputs a movement instruction to the operation unit 1410. The operation unit 1410, to which the movement instruction has been input, transmits the movement instruction to the controller unit 1400. Upon receiving the movement instruction from the operation unit 1410, the controller unit 1400 transmits a movement instruction command to the CPU 1422 via the video interface unit 1421. Upon receiving the movement instruction command, the CPU 1422 controls the tray insertion / removal control unit 1424, and the tray insertion / removal control unit 1424 starts a tray insertion operation.

[0187] The tray insertion / removal control unit 1424 drives the motor M2, which in turn drives the moving device 85. Driving the moving device 85 moves the tray 80y from the removal position to the storage position. As the tray 80y moves from the removal position to the storage position, the toner cartridge 70y moves from the retracted position to the installed position.

[0188] Next, the control when an instruction to move the toner cartridge 70 is received during an image forming operation will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the control in this embodiment. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen of the display unit 1403.

[0189] In the following description, a control system made up of the controller unit 1400 and the engine control unit 1420 will be referred to as a printer control unit. In other words, the printer control unit is a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus.

[0190] Using FIG. 14, we will explain the control when an instruction to move the toner cartridge 70 is received during image formation. Before receiving the instruction to move the toner cartridge 70, the toner cartridge 70 is in the installation position. When the instruction to move the toner cartridge 70 is received (S1700Y), the engine control unit 1420 checks whether the image forming apparatus 1 is currently performing image formation. If the image forming apparatus 1 is not currently performing image formation (S1701N), the engine control unit 1420 rotates the rotary body 90 to move the rotary body 90 to the replacement position (S1706). Then, the engine control unit 1420 moves the toner cartridge 70 from the installation position to the retracted position (S1707). After the toner cartridge 70 has moved to the retracted position, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70. After the toner cartridge 70 has moved to the retracted position, if the engine control unit 1420 receives another instruction to move the toner cartridge 70 via the operation unit 1410 (S1708Y), the engine control unit 1420 moves the toner cartridge 70 to the installation position (S1709).

[0191] If the image forming apparatus is in the middle of an image forming operation (S1701N), the printer control unit controls the display unit 1403 so that it displays information (notification) for confirming whether or not to stop the image forming operation (S1702). The display unit 1403 is a unit having a screen capable of displaying information, and is a display. The display unit 1403 displays, for example, a message 1610 shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 15 shows a screen displayed by the display unit 1403. The display unit 1403 displays the information 1610. The information 1610 includes information for confirming whether or not to stop the image forming operation. The user inputs "YES" if the image forming operation is to be stopped, and "NO" if the image forming operation is not to be stopped. Note that "YES" can be input by pressing a button on the operation unit 1410 once, and "NO" can be input by pressing the button twice in succession.

[0192] If there is no input from the user to the operation unit 1410 after the information 1610 is displayed (S1703N), the printer control unit determines whether the image forming operation is complete (S1710). If the image forming operation is not complete, the process returns to step S1703 to wait for input from the user (S1710N). If the operation of the image forming device is complete (S1710Y), the process proceeds to step S1706.

[0193] If a selection of whether to stop the image forming operation is input from the operation unit 1410 (S1703Y), the printer control unit determines whether stopping the image forming operation is selected (S1704). If stopping the image forming operation is not selected (S1704N), the engine control unit 1420 waits for the image forming operation to be completed (S1711). If the operation of the image forming apparatus is completed (S1711Y), the process proceeds to steps S1706 and subsequent steps. That is, after the display unit 1403 displays a notification, if there is an input from the operation unit 1410 to continue the image forming operation, the printer control unit controls the moving device to move the toner cartridge 70 from the installation position to the retracted position after the image forming operation is completed. Note that, as described above, the completion of the image forming operation can be defined as the state in which the secondary transfer is performed on the recording material and the recording material is discharged from the inside to the outside of the image forming apparatus.

[0194] If stopping the image forming operation is selected (S1704Y), the ongoing transfer operation onto the intermediate transfer belt 10a is not stopped and waits until completion (S1705). When the ongoing transfer operation onto the intermediate transfer belt 10a is completed, the transfer operation of the next color is not started and the process proceeds to steps S1706 and onward. For example, if a yellow transfer operation is being performed, the printer control unit will not start the magenta transfer operation after the yellow transfer operation is completed. After the yellow transfer operation is completed, the printer control unit moves the rotary body 90 to the replacement position. In other words, after the display unit 1403 displays a notification, if an input to stop the image forming operation is made via the operation unit 1410, the printer control unit will stop the image forming operation.

[0195] In the following description, the situation in which the printer control unit receives a movement instruction while the toner cartridge is in the installation position and the image forming apparatus 1 is performing an image forming operation will be referred to as the first situation. That is, when the first situation occurs during the image forming operation in this embodiment and the printer control unit determines that a predetermined condition has been met, the printer control unit stops the image forming operation. After stopping the image forming operation, the printer control unit controls the movement device to move the toner cartridge 70 from the installation position to the retracted position. After the toner cartridge 70 moves again from the retracted position to the installation position (S1709), the printer control unit resumes the image forming operation that was stopped.

[0196] In the flow of S1706 in this embodiment, the rotary body 90 is moved to the replacement position while the image forming apparatus 1 is performing post-processing. By moving the rotary body 90 to the replacement position during post-processing, the time it takes for the user to replace the toner cartridge 70 can be shortened compared to when the toner cartridge 70 is moved to the replacement position after post-processing.

[0197] As described above, when the printer control unit receives an instruction to move toner cartridge 70, it controls moving device 85 so that toner cartridge 70 moves from the installed position to the retracted position. In other words, when the first situation occurs, the printer control unit controls moving device 85 so that toner cartridge 70 moves from the installed position to the retracted position after the image forming operation is completed. By configuring in this way, it is possible to perform the image forming operation before the movement of toner cartridge 70.

[0198] However, in this embodiment, when the printer control unit receives a movement instruction, it displays information on the display unit 1403 to ask the user whether to stop the image forming operation, and requests the user to make a decision. By configuring in this way, it is possible to implement control according to the priority that the user considers.

[0199] For example, if the selection to stop the image forming operation is not made (S1704N), the engine control unit 1420 waits for the image forming operation to be completed (S1711). The fact that the selection to stop the image forming operation is not made can be rephrased as meaning that the image forming apparatus does not satisfy a predetermined condition. In other words, if the first situation applies and the image forming apparatus does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the control unit controls the moving device to move the toner cartridge 70 from the mounted position to the retracted position after the image forming operation is completed.

[0200] Furthermore, when the first situation occurs, the printer control unit rotates the rotary body 90 to assume the replacement position after the transfer operation to the intermediate transfer belt 10a is completed. More specifically, the printer control unit rotates the rotary to assume the replacement position during post-processing. After the rotary body 90 assumes the replacement position, the printer control unit controls the moving device 85 to move the toner cartridge 70 from the installation position to the retracted position. After the toner cartridge 70 moves to the retracted position, and then further after the toner cartridge 70 moves from the retracted position to the installation position, the printer control unit resumes the image forming operation that was stopped. [Example]

[0201] In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which, when the printer control unit receives an instruction to move the toner cartridge during an image forming operation, the printer control unit determines whether to stop the image forming operation and move the toner cartridge to a retracted position based on the user's judgment.

[0202] In this embodiment, when the printer control unit receives an instruction to move the toner cartridge during an image forming operation, the printer control unit makes the above-mentioned judgment based on the type of operation of the image forming apparatus. Only the parts that are different from the configuration described in the first embodiment will be described.

[0203] The control when an instruction to move the toner cartridge 70 is received during an image forming operation will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the control in this embodiment.

[0204] When an instruction to move the toner cartridge 70 is received (S1800Y), the engine control unit 1420 checks whether the image forming apparatus is operating (S1808). If the image forming apparatus is not operating (S1808N), the engine control unit 1420 rotates the rotary body 90 to move the rotary body 90 to the replacement position (S1803). After step S1803, the process proceeds to S1804. The control from step S1804 onwards is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In the flow of S1804 in this embodiment, the rotary body 90 is moved to the replacement position at a timing when the image forming apparatus 1 is performing post-processing, as in the first embodiment.

[0205] If the image forming apparatus is in operation (S1808Y), the engine control unit 1420 checks whether an image forming operation is in progress (S1801). That is, it checks whether the operation of the image forming apparatus is an image forming operation. If the image forming apparatus is not in an image forming operation (S1801N), this means that the image forming apparatus 1 is performing an operation other than the image forming operation. For example, this operation can be called a first operation. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 stops the operation being performed (S1807). The first operation is, for example, pre-processing, post-processing, or pre-multiple rotation.

[0206] After S1807, the engine control unit 1420 rotates the rotary body 90 to move the rotary body 90 to the replacement position (S1803). That is, in this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the installation position and the printer control unit receives a movement instruction, the image forming apparatus may be in the first operation but not yet performing the image forming operation. In this case, the printer control unit stops the first operation and controls the moving device to move the toner cartridge 70 from the installation position to the retracted position.

[0207] If the image forming apparatus 1 is in the image forming operation (S1801Y), the printer control unit determines whether the image forming operation is complete (S1802). If the image forming operation is complete (S1802), the process proceeds to steps S1803 and onward.

[0208] As described above, when the printer control unit in this embodiment receives a command to move the toner cartridge 70, it controls the moving device 85 so that the toner cartridge 70 moves from the installation position to the retracted position. That is, when the first situation occurs, the printer control unit controls the moving device 85 so that the toner cartridge 70 moves from the installation position to the retracted position after the image forming operation is completed. More specifically, when the first situation occurs, the printer control unit controls the rotary body 90 to rotate and assume the replacement position after the transfer operation to the intermediate transfer belt 10a is completed. With this configuration, the image forming operation can be performed before the movement of the toner cartridge 70.

[0209] Furthermore, during post-processing, the printer control unit rotates the rotary body 90 to cause the rotary body 90 to assume the replacement position. After the rotary body 90 assumes the replacement position, the printer control unit controls the moving device 85 to move the toner cartridge 70 from the installation position to the retracted position. After the toner cartridge 70 has moved to the retracted position, and further after the toner cartridge 70 has moved from the retracted position to the installation position, the printer control unit resumes the image forming operation that was stopped.

[0210] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the installation position and the printer control unit receives a movement instruction, the image forming apparatus may be in the first operation but not yet performing the image forming operation. In this case, the printer control unit stops the first operation and controls the moving device to move the toner cartridge 70 from the installation position to the retracted position. This configuration allows the toner cartridge 70 to be moved before operations with a lower priority, improving usability. [Example]

[0211] In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which, when an instruction to move a toner cartridge is received during an image forming operation, a decision is made based on the user's instruction as to whether to stop the image forming operation and move the toner cartridge to a retracted position.

[0212] In this embodiment, the determination as to whether to move the toner cartridge to the retracted position is made based on the amount of toner remaining in the developer-side accommodating portion 53a and the amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge .

[0213] First, the configuration relating to the calculation of the remaining amount of toner in the developer-side accommodating portion 53a and the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 70 will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a block diagram of this embodiment.

[0214] The engine control unit 1420 has a toner cartridge remaining amount calculation unit 1530, a cartridge memory 1531, a signal generation unit 1510, an image data count unit 1511, and a development unit control unit 1512. The development unit control unit 1512 has a first calculation unit 1513 and a second calculation unit 1514. The scanner 4 has a laser drive unit 1520 and a laser diode 1521.

[0215] Next, a method for calculating the remaining amount of toner in the developer-side accommodating section 53a will be described. When the controller section 1400 receives print data from the host computer 1402, it develops the print data and converts it into image data for image formation. After converting the print data into image data, the controller section 1400 generates video signals for exposure of four colors based on the image data. After the controller section 1400 generates the video signals, the controller section 1400 sends a print start instruction to the CPU 1422 via the video interface section 1421.

[0216] The CPU 1422 transmits the received video signal to a signal generating unit 1510. The signal generating unit 1510 converts the video signal received via the video interface unit 1310 into a laser drive signal. The signal generating unit 1510 also transmits the laser drive signal to a laser driving unit 1520. The laser drive signal is a signal that drives a laser driving unit 1520 provided in the scanner 4. Based on the received laser drive signal, the laser driving unit 1520 applies a drive current to a laser diode 1521 provided in the scanner 4 to drive it. When the drive current is applied, the laser diode 1521 emits laser light and exposes the photosensitive drum 2.

[0217] The image data count unit 1511 samples the laser drive signal and counts the number of times the signal is High. In this description, "High" indicates that the laser drive signal that causes the laser diode 1521 to emit light has been output, and "Low" indicates that the laser drive signal has not been output.

[0218] The image data counting unit 1511 does not count when the signal is “Low” but counts when the signal is “High.” For example, the count amount increases by one for each “High” signal.

[0219] The developing unit control unit 1512 acquires a count amount Ha, which is the number of times the laser drive signal has become "High," from the image data counting unit 1511. Then, a first calculation unit 1513 calculates the toner consumption amount Dc consumed by image formation based on the count amount Ha.

[0220] The second calculation unit 1514 calculates the remaining amount of toner Dr in the development side accommodating portion 53a. The remaining amount of toner Dr in the development side accommodating portion 53a after image formation is calculated using the remaining amount of toner Dn in the development side accommodating portion 53a before image formation, the amount of toner consumed Dc by image formation, and the amount of toner (Ts) replenished from the toner cartridge 70 to the development side accommodating portion 53a in one replenishment operation, using the following formula (1): In this embodiment, the rotary body 90 is rotated once before the image forming operation so that toner is replenished from the toner cartridge 70 to the development side accommodating portion 53a. This operation is called the replenishment operation. Dr = Dn + Ts - Dc (Equation 1) The calculation of (Equation 1) is performed every time an image forming operation is performed, and the calculated Dr is recorded in non-volatile memory 1428. Using the above Equation 1, the image forming apparatus of the present invention can calculate the remaining amount of toner Dr in the developing-side accommodating section 53a. That is, the engine control section 1420 calculates a value (referred to as a first value) relating to the remaining amount of developer in the developing-side accommodating section 53a.

[0221] As will be described later, the engine control unit 1420 determines whether the remaining toner amount Dr in the development-side accommodating unit 53a is smaller than a first threshold value α. If Dr is smaller than the first threshold value α, it is determined that the remaining toner amount in the development-side accommodating unit 53a is small. On the other hand, if Dr is larger than the first threshold value α, it is determined that the remaining toner amount in the development-side accommodating unit 53a is sufficient.

[0222] Next, a method for calculating the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 70 will be described. The toner cartridge 70 is provided with a toner cartridge memory 1531. The toner cartridge memory 1531 stores the remaining amount of toner T in the toner cartridge 70. Each time a single replenishment operation is performed, the toner cartridge remaining amount calculation unit 1530 subtracts the amount of toner replenished in one replenishment, Ts, from the current remaining amount of toner Tr. In other words, the remaining amount of toner Tr after image formation is calculated using the following equation (2). In other words, the engine control unit 1420 calculates a value (called a second value) related to the remaining amount of developer in the toner cartridge 70. Tr n+1 =Tr n -Ts (Equation 2) Each time the remaining toner amount Tr in the toner cartridge 70 is calculated, the engine control unit 1420 determines whether the remaining toner amount Tr in the toner cartridge 70 is smaller than the second threshold value β. If Tr is smaller than the second threshold value β, it is determined that the remaining toner amount in the toner cartridge 70 is low. On the other hand, if Tr is larger than the first threshold value β, it is determined that the remaining toner amount in the development-side accommodating portion 53a is sufficient.

[0223] Next, the control when an instruction to move the toner cartridge 70 is received during an image forming operation will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the control in this embodiment.

[0224] When an instruction to move the toner cartridge 70 is received (S2000Y), the engine control unit 1420 checks whether an image forming operation is in progress (S2009). If an image forming operation is not in progress (S2009N), the engine control unit 1420 rotates the rotary body 90 to move the rotary body 90 to the replacement position (S2004). Note that in the flow of S2004 in this embodiment, the rotary body 90 is moved to the replacement position at a timing when the image forming apparatus 1 is performing post-processing, as in the first embodiment.

[0225] Thereafter, the toner cartridge 70 is moved to the retracted position (S2005). After the toner cartridge 70 has been moved to the retracted position, the user replaces the toner cartridge 70 and again inputs an instruction to move the toner cartridge via the operation unit 1410. When the engine control unit 1420 receives the instruction to move the toner cartridge 70 (S2006Y), it moves the toner cartridge 70 to the installation position (S2007). Furthermore, after the toner cartridge 70 has been moved from the retracted position to the installation position, the printer control unit resumes the image forming operation that was stopped.

[0226] If an image forming operation is in progress (S2009Y), the engine control unit 1420 determines whether the remaining toner amount Tr in the toner cartridge 70 is less than a predetermined second threshold value β (S2001). If the remaining toner amount Tr is greater than the predetermined second threshold value β (S2001N), the printer control unit determines whether the image forming operation is complete (S2008). If the image forming operation is not complete (S2008N), the process returns to step S2001. On the other hand, if the image forming operation is complete (S2008Y), the engine control unit 1420 rotates the rotary body 90 to move the rotary body 90 to the replacement position (S2004).

[0227] If the remaining toner amount Tr in the toner cartridge 70 is less than a predetermined threshold value, second threshold value β (S2001), the engine control unit 1420 determines whether the remaining toner amount Dr in the developer-side accommodating unit 53a is less than a first threshold value α (S2002). If the remaining toner amount Dr in the developer-side accommodating unit 53a is greater than the first threshold value α (S2002Y), the printer control unit determines whether the image forming operation is complete (S2008). If the remaining toner amount Dr in the developer-side accommodating unit 53a is less than the first threshold value α (S2002N), the image forming operation is stopped (S2003). After stopping the image forming operation, the printer control unit moves the rotary body 90 to the replacement position.

[0228] As described above, when the first situation occurs, the printer control unit controls the moving device 85 to move the toner cartridge 70 from the mounted position to the retracted position. When the first situation occurs, the printer control unit controls the moving device 85 to move the toner cartridge 70 from the mounted position to the retracted position after the image forming operation is completed.

[0229] More specifically, when the first situation occurs, the printer control unit rotates the rotary body 90 to assume the replacement position during post-processing after the transfer operation to the intermediate transfer belt 10a is completed. After the rotary body 90 assumes the replacement position, the printer control unit controls the moving device 85 to move the toner cartridge 70 from the installation position to the retracted position. After the toner cartridge 70 has moved to the retracted position, and then again after the toner cartridge 70 has moved from the retracted position to the installation position, the printer control unit resumes the image forming operation that was stopped.

[0230] Furthermore, when the first situation occurs, the printer control unit refers to the first value and the second value calculated by the engine control unit 1420. If the first value is greater than the first threshold value α or the second value is greater than the second threshold value β, the printer control unit controls the moving device 85 so that the toner cartridge 70 moves from the mounted position to the retracted position after the image forming operation is completed. In other words, if there is a sufficient amount of toner in the image forming device 1 required to perform the image forming operation, the image forming operation is prioritized.

[0231] On the other hand, if the first value is smaller than the first threshold value α and the second value is smaller than the second threshold value β, the printer control unit stops the image forming operation and controls the moving device to move the toner cartridge 70 from the installed position to the retracted position. That is, if the first situation occurs and the printer control unit determines that a predetermined condition is met, the printer control unit stops the image forming operation. After the printer control unit stops the image forming operation, the printer control unit controls the moving device 85 to move the toner cartridge 70 from the installed position to the retracted position. This configuration prevents image defects due to a lack of toner by not performing the image forming operation if there is not enough toner in the image forming device 1 to perform the image forming operation.

[0232] In Examples 1 to 3, the image forming apparatus 1 moves the rotary body 90 to the replacement position when post-processing is being performed, but the rotary body 90 may be moved to the replacement position regardless of the timing of post-processing.

[0233] In the first to third embodiments, the configuration in which the toner cartridge replacement is instructed from the operation unit 1410 has been described, but it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the instruction is given from the host computer 1402 or from a mobile terminal such as a smartphone via wireless communication.

[0234] In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus equipped with the rotary body 90 has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus that does not have the rotary body 90. For example, the present invention can be applied to a tandem type image forming apparatus.

[0235] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration.

[0236] (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus in which a cartridge containing a developer can be detachably mounted, a rotatable rotary including a container configured to contain the developer supplied from the cartridge, and a developing member that develops a developer image on a photosensitive member using the developer contained in the container; a moving device that moves the cartridge between a mounting position where the cartridge is positioned inside the rotary and a retracted position where the cartridge is positioned outside the rotary; a control unit that receives an instruction to move the cartridge, and that controls the moving device to move the cartridge when the instruction to move is received; an image forming apparatus that performs an image forming operation using the cartridge when the cartridge is positioned at the mounting position, when the control unit receives the movement instruction while the image forming operation is being performed, the control unit controls the moving device to move the cartridge from the mounting position to the retracted position in accordance with the movement instruction after the image forming operation is completed. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

[0237] (Configuration 2) The completion of the image forming operation means that the recording material on which the image is recorded by the image forming apparatus is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

[0238] (Configuration 3) the rotary is capable of taking an exchange position in which the cartridge can be moved from the mounting position to the retracted position, When the control unit receives the movement instruction while the image forming operation is being performed, the control unit rotates the rotary and causes the rotary to take the replacement posture after the image forming operation is completed, After the rotary reaches the replacement position, the control unit controls the moving device to move the cartridge from the mounting position to the retracted position. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

[0239] (Configuration 4) the moving device includes a tray capable of detachably holding the cartridge; the moving device moves the tray between a storage position where the tray is positioned inside the rotary and a removal position where the tray is positioned outside the rotary; the control unit moves the tray from the storage position to the removal position, thereby moving the cartridge from the mounting position to the retracted position; 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3.

[0240] (Configuration 5) an image carrier onto which a developer image is transferred from the photoreceptor; the control unit performs post-processing to stop the operation of the image carrier after the image forming operation is completed, When the control unit receives the movement instruction while the image forming operation is being performed, the control unit rotates the rotary to take the replacement posture during the post-processing. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4.

[0241] (Configuration 6) When the movement instruction is received while the image forming operation is being performed and the image forming apparatus satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit stops the image forming operation and further controls the moving device so that the cartridge moves from the mounting position to the retracted position; When the movement instruction is received while the image forming operation is being performed and the image forming apparatus does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the control unit controls the movement device so that the cartridge moves from the mounting position to the retracted position after the image forming operation is completed. 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5.

[0242] (Configuration 7) when the control unit receives the movement instruction after the control unit has stopped the image forming operation and controlled the moving device so that the cartridge moves from the mounted position to the retracted position, the control unit controls the moving device so that the cartridge moves from the retracted position to the mounted position, and further the control unit resumes the stopped image forming operation after the cartridge moves to the mounted position; 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6.

[0243] (Configuration 8) a display unit capable of displaying information; an operation unit into which information can be input; Equipped with When the movement instruction is received while the image forming operation is being performed, the control unit controls the display unit to display a notification for confirming whether or not to stop the image forming operation; when an input to stop the image forming operation is made to the operation unit after the display unit displays the notification, the control unit stops the image forming operation and controls the moving device to move the cartridge from the mounting position to the retracted position; and when an input to continue the image forming operation is received from the operation unit after the display unit displays the notification, the control unit controls the moving device to move the cartridge from the mounting position to the retracted position after the image forming operation is completed. 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7.

[0244] (Configuration 9) when the control unit receives the movement instruction, if the image forming apparatus is in the first operation and is not performing the image forming operation, the control unit stops the first operation and controls the moving device to move the cartridge from the mounting position to the retracted position. 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5.

[0245] (Configuration 10) the control unit calculates a first value relating to a remaining amount of the developer in the container and a second value relating to a remaining amount of the developer in the cartridge; When the control unit receives the movement instruction while the image forming operation is being performed, the control unit refers to the first value and the second value calculated by the control unit, If the first value is greater than a first threshold value or the second value is greater than a second threshold value, after the image forming operation is completed, the moving device is controlled so that the cartridge moves from the mounting position to the retracted position; When the first value is smaller than a first threshold value and the second value is smaller than a second threshold value, the control unit stops the image forming operation and controls the moving device to move the cartridge from the mounting position to the retracted position. 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7.

[0246] (Configuration 11) An image forming apparatus in which a cartridge containing a developer can be detachably mounted, a frame that houses an image forming unit that includes a photosensitive member; a container configured to contain the developer supplied from the cartridge; a developing member that develops a developer image on the photosensitive member using the developer contained in the container; a tray that detachably holds the cartridge and moves between a storage position where the cartridge is located inside the frame and a removal position where the cartridge is located outside the frame; a control unit that receives an instruction to move the cartridge, and that controls the tray to move the cartridge when the instruction to move is received; Equipped with In a first situation in which the control unit receives the movement instruction while the tray is in the storage position and the image forming apparatus is performing an image forming operation, the control unit controls the tray to move from the storage position to the removal position after the image forming operation is completed. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

[0247] (Configuration 12) The completion of the image forming operation means that the recording material on which the image is recorded by the image forming apparatus is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11,

[0248] (Configuration 13) When the first situation occurs and the image forming apparatus satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit stops the image forming operation and further controls the tray to move from the storage position to the removal position; When the first situation occurs and the image forming apparatus does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the control unit controls the tray to move from the storage position to the removal position after the image forming operation is completed. 13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 11 and 12.

[0249] (Configuration 14) When the control unit receives a movement instruction after stopping the image forming operation and controlling the tray so that the tray moves from the storage position to the removal position, the control unit controls the tray so that the tray moves from the storage position to the removal position, and further, the control unit resumes the stopped image forming operation after the tray moves to the storage position. 14. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 11 to 13.

[0250] (Configuration 15) a display unit capable of displaying information; an operation unit into which information can be input; Equipped with In the first situation, the control unit controls the display unit to display a notification for confirming whether or not to stop the image forming operation; when an input to stop the image forming operation is made to the operation unit after the display unit displays the notification, the control unit stops the image forming operation and controls the tray to move from the storage position to the removal position; and when an input to continue the image forming operation is received from the operation unit after the display unit displays the notification, the control unit controls the tray to move from the storage position to the removal position after the image forming operation is completed. 15. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 11 to 14.

[0251] (Configuration 16) When the tray is in the storage position and the control unit receives the movement instruction, if the image forming apparatus is performing a first operation and is not performing the image forming operation, the control unit stops the first operation and controls the tray to move from the storage position to the removal position. 14. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 11 to 13.

[0252] (Configuration 17) the control unit calculates a first value relating to a remaining amount of the developer in the container and a second value relating to a remaining amount of the developer in the cartridge; When the first situation occurs, the control unit refers to the first value and the second value calculated by the control unit, If the first value is greater than a first threshold value or the second value is greater than a second threshold value, after the image forming operation is completed, the tray is controlled to move from the storage position to the removal position; When the first value is smaller than a first threshold value and the second value is smaller than a second threshold value, the control unit stops the image forming operation and controls the tray to move from the storage position to the removal position. 15. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 11 to 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0253] 50y~50k development unit 70y~70k toner cartridge 80 trays 85 Mobile Device 90 Rotary body 1420 Engine control unit 1400 Controller

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus in which a cartridge containing a developer can be detachably mounted, a rotatable rotary including a container configured to contain the developer supplied from the cartridge, and a developing member that develops a developer image on a photosensitive member using the developer contained in the container; a moving device that moves the cartridge between a mounting position where the cartridge is positioned inside the rotary and a retracted position where the cartridge is positioned outside the rotary; a control unit that receives an instruction to move the cartridge, and that controls the moving device to move the cartridge when the instruction to move is received; an image forming apparatus that performs an image forming operation using the cartridge when the cartridge is positioned at the mounting position, when the control unit receives the movement instruction while the image forming operation is being performed, the control unit controls the moving device to move the cartridge from the mounting position to the retracted position in accordance with the movement instruction after the image forming operation is completed. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. The completion of the image forming operation means that the recording material on which the image is recorded by the image forming apparatus is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus.

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

3. the rotary is capable of taking an exchange position in which the cartridge can be moved from the mounting position to the retracted position, When the control unit receives the movement instruction while the image forming operation is being performed, the control unit rotates the rotary and causes the rotary to take the replacement posture after the image forming operation is completed, After the rotary reaches the replacement position, the control unit controls the moving device to move the cartridge from the mounting position to the retracted position.

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

4. the moving device includes a tray capable of detachably holding the cartridge; the moving device moves the tray between a storage position where the tray is positioned inside the rotary and a removal position where the tray is positioned outside the rotary; the control unit moves the tray from the storage position to the removal position, thereby moving the cartridge from the mounting position to the retracted position; 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. an image carrier onto which a developer image is transferred from the photoreceptor; the control unit performs post-processing to stop the operation of the image carrier after the image forming operation is completed, When the control unit receives the movement instruction while the image forming operation is being performed, the control unit rotates the rotary to take the replacement posture during the post-processing.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

6. When the movement instruction is received while the image forming operation is being performed and the image forming apparatus satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit stops the image forming operation and further controls the moving device so that the cartridge moves from the mounting position to the retracted position; When the movement instruction is received while the image forming operation is being performed and the image forming apparatus does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the control unit controls the movement device so that the cartridge moves from the mounting position to the retracted position after the image forming operation is completed.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

7. when the control unit receives the movement instruction after the control unit has stopped the image forming operation and controlled the moving device so that the cartridge moves from the mounted position to the retracted position, the control unit controls the moving device so that the cartridge moves from the retracted position to the mounted position, and further the control unit resumes the stopped image forming operation after the cartridge moves to the mounted position; 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

8. a display unit capable of displaying information; an operation unit into which information can be input; Equipped with When the movement instruction is received while the image forming operation is being performed, the control unit controls the display unit to display a notification for confirming whether or not to stop the image forming operation; when an input to stop the image forming operation is made to the operation unit after the display unit displays the notification, the control unit stops the image forming operation and controls the moving device to move the cartridge from the mounting position to the retracted position; and when an input to continue the image forming operation is received from the operation unit after the display unit displays the notification, the control unit controls the moving device to move the cartridge from the mounting position to the retracted position after the image forming operation is completed.

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

9. when the control unit receives the movement instruction, if the image forming apparatus is in the first operation and is not performing the image forming operation, the control unit stops the first operation and controls the moving device to move the cartridge from the mounting position to the retracted position.

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

10. the control unit calculates a first value relating to a remaining amount of the developer in the container and a second value relating to a remaining amount of the developer in the cartridge; When the control unit receives the movement instruction while the image forming operation is being performed, the control unit refers to the first value and the second value calculated by the control unit, If the first value is greater than a first threshold value or the second value is greater than a second threshold value, after the image forming operation is completed, the moving device is controlled so that the cartridge moves from the mounting position to the retracted position; When the first value is smaller than a first threshold value and the second value is smaller than a second threshold value, the control unit stops the image forming operation and controls the moving device to move the cartridge from the mounting position to the retracted position.

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

11. An image forming apparatus in which a cartridge containing a developer can be detachably mounted, a frame that houses an image forming unit that includes a photosensitive member; a container configured to contain the developer supplied from the cartridge; a developing member that develops a developer image on the photosensitive member using the developer contained in the container; a tray that detachably holds the cartridge and moves between a storage position where the cartridge is located inside the frame and a removal position where the cartridge is located outside the frame; a control unit that receives an instruction to move the cartridge, and that controls the tray to move the cartridge when the instruction to move is received; Equipped with In a first situation in which the control unit receives the movement instruction while the tray is in the storage position and the image forming apparatus is performing an image forming operation, the control unit controls the tray to move from the storage position to the removal position after the image forming operation is completed. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

12. The completion of the image forming operation means that the recording material on which the image is recorded by the image forming apparatus is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

13. When the first situation occurs and the image forming apparatus satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit stops the image forming operation and further controls the tray to move from the storage position to the removal position; When the first situation occurs and the image forming apparatus does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the control unit controls the tray to move from the storage position to the removal position after the image forming operation is completed.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12.

14. When the control unit receives a movement instruction after stopping the image forming operation and controlling the tray so that the tray moves from the storage position to the removal position, the control unit controls the tray so that the tray moves from the storage position to the removal position, and further, the control unit resumes the stopped image forming operation after the tray moves to the storage position.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13.

15. a display unit capable of displaying information; an operation unit into which information can be input; Equipped with In the first situation, the control unit controls the display unit to display a notification for confirming whether or not to stop the image forming operation; when an input to stop the image forming operation is made to the operation unit after the display unit displays the notification, the control unit stops the image forming operation and controls the tray to move from the storage position to the removal position; and when an input to continue the image forming operation is received from the operation unit after the display unit displays the notification, the control unit controls the tray to move from the storage position to the removal position after the image forming operation is completed.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

16. When the tray is in the storage position and the control unit receives the movement instruction, if the image forming apparatus is performing a first operation and is not performing the image forming operation, the control unit stops the first operation and controls the tray to move from the storage position to the removal position.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

17. the control unit calculates a first value relating to a remaining amount of the developer in the container and a second value relating to a remaining amount of the developer in the cartridge; When the first situation occurs, the control unit refers to the first value and the second value calculated by the control unit, If the first value is greater than a first threshold value or the second value is greater than a second threshold value, after the image forming operation is completed, the tray is controlled to move from the storage position to the removal position; When the first value is smaller than a first threshold value and the second value is smaller than a second threshold value, the control unit stops the image forming operation and controls the tray to move from the storage position to the removal position.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

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