Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus in a new form developed from a conventional technique.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus allowing removable mounting of a cartridge comprises: a storage section that stores developer supplied from the cartridge; a developing section that develops an electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor to form a developer image by using the developer stored in the storage section; a frame body that accommodates the cartridge; a moving device that moves the cartridge in a retreat direction from a mounted position toward a retreat position; a control section that controls the moving device; and a reading unit that moves to a closing position where it covers the frame body and an opening position where it exposes the frame body. When the cartridge is at the retreat position and the reading unit is at the closing position, a downstream end of the cartridge is downstream of a downstream end of the reading unit in the retreat direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe an image forming apparatus that includes a developing roller and a toner cartridge that is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. [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 container that contains the developer supplied from the cartridge; a photoreceptor on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member using the developer contained in the developer container to form a developer image; a frame that houses the cartridge; a moving device that moves the cartridge in a retracting direction from an attached position where the cartridge is located inside the frame body to a retracted position where the cartridge is located outside the frame body; a control unit that controls the moving device; a reading unit that reads an image formed on a recording material, the reading unit being rotated to move between a closed position that covers the frame body and an open position that exposes the frame body; Equipped with a downstream end of the cartridge in the retracting direction is defined as a downstream end of the cartridge; When the downstream end of the reading unit in the retracting direction when the reading unit is in the closed position is defined as the downstream end of the reading unit, an image forming apparatus, wherein when the cartridge is in the retracted position and the reading unit is in the closed position, the downstream end of the cartridge is downstream of the downstream end of the reading unit in the retracted direction; [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. 10 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a reading unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] 10A to 10C are plan views of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0010] Example 1 An image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12(a, b). 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 or charging unit for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 2. The scanner 4 is an example of an exposure means or exposure unit that irradiates 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 or cleaning section that removes 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 or a feeding unit 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 or a transfer unit 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 that carries an image transferred (primary transfer) from the photosensitive drum 2 and transports it to be transferred (secondary transfer) to a sheet S. 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, developing device) 90 having developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. As will be described later, in this embodiment, trays (support members) 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.

[0019] In the following description, multiple components with similar functions may be distinguished by numbers. For example, one of the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k may be referred to as the first toner cartridge, one of the remaining three as the second toner cartridge, one of the remaining two as the third toner cartridge, and the last one as the fourth toner cartridge. Similarly, one of the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k may be referred to as the first tray, one of the remaining three as the second tray, one of the remaining two as the third tray, and the last one as the fourth tray. In other words, one of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a first support member, another of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a second support member, yet another of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a third support member, and the last of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a fourth support member. These numbering schemes are used merely for convenience and, in principle, can be interchanged as appropriate.

[0020] The developing units (first to fourth developing units) 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are examples of developing means or developing sections that develop (visualize) the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 into a toner image using toner of the 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. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k may be arranged in an order different from that shown in FIG. 1.

[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 a developer and rotates to supply the toner to the photosensitive drum 2. The supply roller 52y is disposed in contact with the developing roller 51y and is a supply member that supplies toner to the developing roller 51y. The developing blade is a regulating member that regulates the thickness of the toner layer carried by 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 are mounted on the rotary body 90, corresponding to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k contain yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner, respectively, to replenish the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. One of the four toner colors can be referred to as the first toner, one of the remaining three toner colors as the second toner, one of the remaining two toner colors as the third toner, and the last toner as the fourth toner. For example, black toner can be referred to as the first toner, and magenta toner as the second toner. These numbering schemes are used merely for convenience and can generally be interchanged as needed.

[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 positions are examples of the second developing position in which the second developing rollers (developing rollers 51y to 51c) face the photosensitive drum 2. The yellow / magenta / cyan / black developing positions can also be called the first to fourth developing positions. These numberings are used merely for convenience of explanation, and in principle can be interchanged as appropriate.

[0028] 2, the device main body 1A has motors M1, M2, M3, and M4 as drive sources. As will be described later, the motor M1 supplies a drive force for rotating the rotary 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 motor M4 supplies a driving force for driving the reading unit 401.

[0032] The components driven by motors M1, M2, M3, and M4 can be changed as needed. Also, any two, three, or all four of the functions of motors M1, M2, M3, and M4 can be combined into a single motor. Alternatively, drive sources other than motors M1, M2, M3, and M4 may be added.

[0033] Here, the suffixes 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 share the same basic configuration and function. The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k share the same basic configuration and function. The trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k also share the same basic configuration and function. Therefore, when it is not necessary to distinguish between them, the suffixes 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The toner contained in the toner container 71a is then discharged from the discharge opening 71b, and the toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is received in the developer-side container 53a through the receiving opening 53b. That is, the developer-side container 53a is a container that receives the developer supplied from the toner cartridge 70. The toner contained in the container 53a is supplied to the developing roller 51 by the supply roller 52. The toner contained in the toner container 71a is supplied to the developing roller 51 via 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. In other words, the developing roller 51y is a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 2 (photosensitive member) using the developer contained in the developing-side containing section 53a to form a developer image.

[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] When 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.

[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 assumes a magenta developing position, and a magenta toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After a magenta toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary body 90 assumes a cyan developing position, and a cyan toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After a cyan toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary body 90 assumes a black developing position, and a black toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After a black toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C in the direction of the arrow (clockwise) shown in FIG. 1 and returns to the yellow developing position. The color of the image formed first on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is arbitrary; for example, a black toner image may be formed first.

[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. In other words, the fixing device 40 is a fixing section that fixes the developer transferred onto the recording material. After passing through the fixing device 40, the sheet S is discharged outside the image forming apparatus 1 as a finished product.

[0050] 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.

[0051] (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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 1A has a frame 16 that houses the rotary main body 90. The frame 16 is the main body frame of the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment. The frame 16 is the housing (skeleton) of the apparatus main body 1A that is composed of a frame and exterior members, and in this embodiment, is approximately rectangular parallelepiped-shaped. The frame 16 houses the photosensitive drum 2, the fixing device 40, and the rotary main body 90. The frame 16 also houses the toner cartridge 70.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are detachably attached to the rotary body 90 through the opening 16a. In other words, 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The opening 16a is disposed on a side surface 16b of the frame body 16. In this embodiment, the side surface 16b is a surface that is approximately 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.

[0058] 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)).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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). 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The rotary body 90 can rotate around a rotation axis 90C and assume replacement positions that allow removal of any of the toner cartridges 70y to 70k from the rotary body 90. The position that allows removal of the toner cartridge 70y is called the yellow replacement position. The position that allows removal of the toner cartridge 70m is called the magenta replacement position. The position that allows removal of the toner cartridge 70c is called the cyan replacement position. The position that allows removal of the toner cartridge 70k is called the black replacement position. The black replacement position is an example of a first replacement position that allows removal of the first toner cartridge from the rotary body 90. The yellow / magenta / cyan replacement position is an example of a second replacement position that allows removal of the second toner cartridge from the rotary body 90. 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.

[0063] The rotary body 90 rotates clockwise in FIG. 1 around the rotation axis 90C, and can sequentially assume yellow, magenta, cyan, and black replacement positions. In this embodiment, the rotary body 90 alternates between the development position and the replacement position by rotating clockwise in FIG. 1 around the rotation axis 90C. For example, in FIG. 1, the rotary body 90 is in the black development position. From this state, by rotating the rotary body 90 clockwise, the rotary body 90 switches its position in the following order: cyan replacement position, yellow development position, black replacement position, magenta development position, yellow replacement position, cyan development position, and magenta replacement position. By rotating the rotary body 90 clockwise from the magenta replacement position, the rotary body 90 returns to the black development position. In other words, the rotary body 90 can rotate clockwise one revolution (360°) or more.

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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).

[0067] 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).

[0068] 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 85y-85k corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges 70y-70k. The trays 80y-80k can be said to be part of these moving devices 85y-85k.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 of 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.

[0071] Therefore, the tray 80k holding the black toner cartridge 70k is larger than the trays 80y-80c holding 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, the rotary body 90 is removably fitted with the toner cartridge 70k as an example of a first toner cartridge and the toner cartridge 70y as an example of a second toner cartridge that is smaller in size than the first toner cartridge. Accordingly, the rotary body 90 is provided with the tray 80k as an example of a first support member that supports the first toner cartridge and the tray 80y as an example of a second support member that is smaller in size than the first support member. The rotary body 90 is also removably fitted with the toner cartridges 70m and 70c as examples of third and fourth toner cartridges that are smaller in size than the first toner cartridge. Accordingly, the rotary body 90 is provided with trays 80m and 80c as examples of third and fourth support members that are smaller in size than the first support member.

[0072] 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. The rotary body 90 rotates clockwise in Figure 1 around a rotation axis 90C.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] (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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] The toner cartridge replacement operation will now be described. First, the user instructs the control unit of the apparatus main body 1A to perform the toner cartridge replacement operation. The instruction to perform the toner cartridge replacement operation is given, for example, by inputting via an operation panel (operation unit) provided on the apparatus main body 1A.

[0082] When the 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 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.

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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 mounted position to the retracted position relative to the rotary body 90. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6(b, c) 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.

[0086] More specifically, the tray 80 is movable relative to the rotary body 90 between a storage position and an ejection position. The storage position is a position where the tray 80 is stored within the rotary body 90. The ejection position is a position where the tray 80 protrudes outside the rotary body 90, allowing the toner cartridge 70 to be ejected 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 ejection 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). That is, the tray 80 moves between a storage position where the toner cartridge 70 is located inside the frame 16 and an ejection position where the toner cartridge 70 is located outside the frame 16.

[0087] 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.

[0088] As shown in Figures 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 Figure 8, the tray 80 is provided with a recess 87 that fits into the protrusion 95. Figures 7(a) and 7(b) show protrusions 95k and 95m corresponding to trays 80k and 80m, and Figure 8 shows recesses 87y and 87m of trays 80y and 80m, but the protrusion 95 and recess 87 are provided for each of the trays 80y to 80k. It is preferable that the protrusion 95 is biased in a direction that engages with the recess 87.

[0089] The protrusion 95 fits into the recess 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. Note that when the tray 80 is moved between the storage position and the removal position by a moving device (described later), the protrusion 95 is moved by the tray 80, and the protrusion 95 can be configured to disengage from the recess 87.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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).

[0092] In addition, the door 14 is configured to abut against a part of the frame 16 of the apparatus 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 apparatus main body 1A, the biasing force of the spring 14s causes the door 14 to return to the closed position.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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 can be said to be an example of a first moving device including a first support member. The moving device 85m including the tray 80m can be said to be an example of a second moving device including a second support member.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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).

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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 apparatus. 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 installed 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 preferable that the entire toner cartridge 70 is located outside the apparatus when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position. In this embodiment, the exterior surface 14a and side surface 16b of the door 14 form the front exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A, but the configuration of the door 14 is not limited to this. For example, the door 14 may be large enough to cover the entire side surface 16b. In this case, the exterior surface 14a of the door 14 forms the front exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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).

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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 can be said to be longer than the second length.

[0112] 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.

[0113] (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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] In this embodiment, a reinforcing rib 82k1 is formed on a portion of the guided portion 82k in the movement direction Dk 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 Dk and Dm of the trays 80k and 80m. The reinforcing ribs 82k1 and 82m1 improve the rigidity of the guided portions 82k and 82m.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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 at least a part of 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 at least a part of a second driven portion provided in the second movement device.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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).

[0127] 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)).

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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 rotary's rotation axis (Y direction), the range in which the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) is arranged and the range in which the second rack gear (rack portion 83m) is arranged at least partially overlap. 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, rack portions 83m, 83k and guided portions 82m, 82k can be arranged in a more space-saving manner in the Y direction.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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 regions Y2 and Y3.

[0136] 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).

[0137] 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).

[0138] 12(a), when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83y overlaps with rack portion 83m and rack portion 83k. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83m overlaps with rack portion 83y and rack portion 83c. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83c overlaps with rack portion 83m and rack portion 83k. When viewed in the direction of the 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 rotation axis of the rotary (Y direction), the range in which the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) is arranged and the range in which the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) is arranged do not overlap. 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, it can be said that the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) and the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) overlap.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] In this embodiment, the four rack portions 83y-83k are arranged in two pairs of two, with their positions shifted in the Y direction. In other words, 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 do not overlap. This allows the rotary body 90 to be more compact in the Y direction than if each of the four rack portions 83y-83k were shifted in the Y direction.

[0142] (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.

[0143] 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 transmission devices. 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-80c relative to the rotary body 90 will not be described because it is substantially the same as the configuration for moving the tray 80k.

[0144] 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)).

[0145] 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).

[0146] As mentioned 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. In other words, the device main body 1A of this embodiment has drive racks 15L and 15R as the first and second drive gears. The drive rack 15L can be said to be an example of the first drive gear, and the drive rack 15R can be said to be an example of the second drive gear. However, these numberings are used merely for convenience of explanation, and in principle can be interchanged as appropriate. When there is no need to distinguish between the drive racks 15L and 15R, they will be referred to as "drive rack 15."

[0147] 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 can be said to be 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 any of the other trays 80y-80c can be said to be examples of the second rack gear pair and the second pinion gear pair, respectively.

[0148] 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.

[0149] Alternatively, the tray 80 may have one rack portion 83 and be moved by one driving rack 15 via one pinion gear 94 .

[0150] 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 intersecting (preferably 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).

[0151] 11(a) and 11(b), a tray movement operation for sliding the tray 80k between the storage position and the removal position will be described. The tray movement 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.

[0152] First, we will explain the tray movement 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)).

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] The tray movement operation (tray pull-in operation, tray insertion operation) when attaching the toner cartridge 70 to the rotary body 90 is performed in the reverse process of the tray pull-out operation. For example, the tray pull-in operation is started by the user operating a predetermined operation unit. When the tray pull-in operation is started, the driving 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 in the tray pull-in operation is opposite to the direction in which the tray pull-out operation is performed.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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).

[0164] 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).

[0165] As described above, by driving motor M2 to rotate in the forward and reverse directions, 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 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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 meshing with the rack portion 83y is smaller than the pitch radius of the large-diameter gear 941 meshing with the drive rack 15. The pinion gears 94m and 94c are also stepped gears. Meanwhile, the pinion gear 94k has the same pitch radius at the portion meshing with the drive rack 15 and the portion meshing with the rack portion 83k. In this case, the pitch radius of the pinion gear 94k can be the same as the pitch radius of the large-diameter gear 941 of the pinion gears 94y to 94c. 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 longer 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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).

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] Example 2 A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13. In the first embodiment, a rotary body 90 is provided with four developing units 50y to 50k, and a configuration capable of forming a color image using four colors of toner is described. In this embodiment, a configuration in which a toner cartridge is moved relative to a developing device capable of forming a monochrome image is described. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, elements with the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have substantially the same configurations and functions as those described in the first embodiment, and differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0175] 13, the image forming apparatus 501 has a toner cartridge 570 that is detachable from the apparatus main body 1A. The apparatus main body 1A also has a developing device (developing unit) 590.

[0176] The developing device 590 is an example of a developing means or developing unit that develops (visualizes) the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 into a toner image using toner. The developing device 590 of this embodiment develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 using black toner.

[0177] Developing device 590 has developing roller 51, supply roller 52, and a developing blade. Toner cartridge 570 is attached to developing device 590. Black toner to be replenished to developing device 590 is accommodated inside toner cartridge 570.

[0178] The toner cartridge 570 has a toner frame 571. The toner frame 571 has a toner storage section 571a that stores toner, and a discharge opening 571b that communicates with the toner storage section 571a.

[0179] The developing device 590 has a developing frame (storage frame) 553 having a developing-side accommodating portion 553a that accommodates toner. The developing frame 553 also has a receiving opening 553b that communicates with the developing-side accommodating portion (toner supply chamber) 553a.

[0180] The toner cartridge 570 is detachably mounted to the developing device 590 through an opening 16a provided in the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A. More specifically, the toner cartridge 570 is movable through the opening 16a between an attached position and a retracted position relative to the developing device frame 553. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the attached position relative to the developing device frame 553, the discharge opening 571b faces the receiving opening 553b. In other words, the toner storage portion 571a of the toner cartridge 70 and the developing-side storage portion 553a of the developing device 590 communicate with each other through the discharge opening 571b and the receiving opening 553b. When toner is supplied from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing device 590, at least a portion of the receiving opening 553b is positioned below at least a portion of the discharge opening 571b.

[0181] The toner contained in the toner container 571a is discharged from the discharge opening 571b, and the toner discharged from the discharge opening 571b is received in the developer-side container 553a through the receiving opening 553b. The toner contained in the developer-side container 553a is supplied to the developing roller 51 by the supply roller 52. The developer-side container 553a may be provided with a toner transport member that transports the toner toward the supply roller 52.

[0182] The function of the toner cartridge 570 is substantially the same as the function of the toner cartridge 70 in Examples 1 to 4. The function of the developing device 590 is substantially the same as the function of one of the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k in Examples 1 to 4.

[0183] On the other hand, the apparatus main body 1A has a transfer roller 512. The transfer roller 512 is an example of a transfer means or transfer unit that transfers an image from the photosensitive drum 2 to the sheet S. A pair of conveying rollers 320 conveys the sheet S to a transfer portion, which is a nip portion between the photosensitive drum 2 and the transfer roller 512. The image on the photosensitive drum 2 is transferred to the surface of the conveyed sheet S.

[0184] The apparatus main body 1A has a moving device configured to move the toner cartridge 570 from an attached position to a retracted position relative to the developing device 590 (more specifically, relative to the developing frame 553 of the developing device 590). As this moving device, the moving devices shown in Examples 1 to 4 and their modified examples can be used.

[0185] In this case, the parts of the moving device in the first embodiment that are provided in the rotary body 90 may be provided in the developing device 590. Furthermore, the replacement posture and the development posture of the developing device 590 may be the same or different. For example, the developing device 590 may be movable between a contact position where the developing roller 51 contacts the photosensitive drum 2 and a separation position where the developing roller 51 is separated from the photosensitive drum 2, and the developing device 590 may be in the separation position when the developing device 590 is in the replacement posture.

[0186] For example, the developing device 590 may have the tray 80 and a configuration for moving the tray 80. The configuration for moving the tray 80 may be the same as that shown in the first to fourth embodiments and their modified examples. Furthermore, the developing device 590 may have the rotating body 494a and the driven roller 494b shown in the modified example of the first embodiment.

[0187] In this embodiment as well, when toner cartridge 570 is in the retracted position, it is preferable that at least a portion of toner cartridge 570 is outside image forming apparatus 501 (outside apparatus main body 1A). In other words, when toner cartridge 570 is in the retracted position, at least a portion of toner cartridge 570 is located further outside apparatus main body 1A than the exterior position. In other words, at least a portion of toner cartridge 570 is located in a space that would be outside apparatus main body 1A if door 14 were in the closed position. In addition, with respect to the retracted direction of toner cartridge 570, at least a portion of toner cartridge 570 is located downstream of the exterior position.

[0188] Furthermore, if the side surface 16b on which the opening 16a is provided is the front surface of the device main body 1A, when the toner cartridge 570 is in the retracted position, at least a part of the toner cartridge 570 protrudes forward beyond the external surface on the front side of the device main body 1A.

[0189] In this embodiment as well, when the toner cartridge 570 is in the retracted position, it is preferable that more than half of the length of the toner cartridge 570 in the retracted direction is outside the apparatus.

[0190] In this way, in the first to fourth embodiments and their modifications, the toner cartridge 70 is removably mounted to the rotary body 90, but in this embodiment, the toner cartridge 570 is removably mounted to the developing device 590.

[0191] (Other Examples) In the above-described embodiments, a configuration has been described in which the tray 80 is moved from the storage position to the removal position by a drive device or a biasing member of the device main body 1A without the user having to operate the tray 80. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the user grasps the tray 80 and pulls it out from the storage position to the removal position while the rotary body 90 is in the replacement position (i.e., a configuration in which the support member is moved manually). Even in this case, the user only needs to install or remove the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80 pulled out from the device main body, which improves operability compared to when the toner cartridge is directly inserted or removed from the device main body.

[0192] In the first embodiment described above, the rotary body 90 includes four developing units 50y-50k and is capable of forming color images using four colors of toner. However, the rotary body 90 may include three or fewer developing units, or five or more developing units. In these cases, the number and arrangement of trays and toner cartridges can be appropriately changed according to the number of developing units. For example, the first embodiment described above illustrates a configuration in which four toner cartridges 70y-70k can be detachably attached to the rotary body 90. However, the rotary body 90 may include only one developing unit 50k, and only one toner cartridge 70k may be attached to the rotary body 90. In this case, the rotary body 90 rotates clockwise in FIG. 1 around the rotation axis 90C, alternately taking the black replacement position and the black developing position.

[0193] In the first embodiment described above, the rotary body 90 is provided with four developing units 50y to 50k, and a configuration capable of forming a color image using toner of four colors has been described. However, the rotary body 90 may have multiple developing units capable of forming images using toner of the same color. For example, the rotary body 90 may be configured to have four black developing units 50k, and four toner cartridges 70k may be attached to the rotary body 90.

[0194] Example 3 In the third embodiment, the characteristics of an image forming apparatus 100 will be described, which adds a reading unit that reads an image of an original (recording material) to the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Note that components with the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment have the same or substantially the same configuration as the configuration described in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Note that in the following description, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 described above may be simply referred to as the retraction direction. In this embodiment, the retraction direction is a direction along the horizontal direction, and preferably a direction parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0195] The image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a plan view of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 601 and a reading unit 401. The image forming unit 601 corresponds to the apparatus main body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment.

[0196] The reading unit 401 is disposed above the image forming unit 601. More specifically, the reading unit 401 is located above the frame 16. The reading unit 401 is a reading section that reads an image formed on an original (recording material) and outputs the read image data to the control section of the image forming apparatus 100. Based on the output image data, the image forming unit 601 can print an image on the recording material.

[0197] Reading unit 401 includes document transport section 402 and reading section 403. Reading section 403 is located above image forming unit 601, and document transport section 402 is located above reading section 403. Reading section 403 is connected to image forming unit 601, and document transport section 402 is connected to reading section 403. The configuration relating to the connections between image forming unit 601, document transport section 402, and reading section 403 will be described later.

[0198] The configuration of reading unit 401 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a plan view of reading unit 401. Original transport section 402 includes an original placement tray 415, an original feed roller 416, a separation transport roller 417, and a separation pad 418. Original transport section 402 also includes a lead roller 421, a lead driven roller 422, an upstream transport guide 423, a downstream transport guide 424, a lead discharge roller 426, a lead discharge driven roller 427, and an original discharge tray 429. Reading section 403 includes an optical table 425 and an original table 430.

[0199] The flow of image reading using document transport unit 402 will be described. Document placement tray 415 is a tray that supports documents. Document feed roller 416 is normally retracted to the home position, the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 15. By positioning document feed roller 416 in the home position, it is easier to place documents on document placement tray 415. When the document feed operation starts, document feed roller 416 descends to the dotted line position in the figure and abuts against the upper surface of the document supported on document placement tray 415. Document feed roller 416 feeds the document supported on document placement tray 415 toward separation transport roller 417. Separation pad 418 is disposed opposite separation transport roller 417 and applies pressure to separation transport roller 417. Separation pad 418 is made of a material such as rubber that has lower friction than separation transport roller 417. Separation pad 418 and separation conveyance roller 417 separate the documents fed by document feed roller 416 one by one and convey them to lead roller 421 .

[0200] The document conveyed by the separation conveyance roller 417 is conveyed along an upstream conveyance guide 423 by a lead roller 421 and a lead driven roller 422. The document conveyed by the lead roller 421 and the lead driven roller 422 passes above an optical table 425. The optical table 425 is a reading unit that reads an image formed on a document passing above the optical table 425 and outputs the read data to the control unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The optical table 425 is equipped with a light emitting means and a light receiving means. The light emitting means is, for example, an LED or a fluorescent tube. The light receiving means is, for example, a CCD sensor. Light emitted by the light emitting means is reflected by the document passing above the optical table, and the reflected light is read by the light receiving means. The optical table 425 converts the reflected light read by the light receiving means into an image signal and sends it to the control unit. The document that has passed above the optical table 425 is transported by a lead discharge roller 426 and a lead discharge driven roller 427, and is discharged onto a document discharge tray 429. As described above, the reading unit 401 can read an image of the document that is transported using the document transport unit 402.

[0201] On the other hand, reading unit 401 is also capable of reading an image of a placed document. As shown in Fig. 15, document table 430 is capable of supporting a document on its upper surface. Optical table 425 irradiates the document supported on the upper surface of document table 430 with light in the manner described above, and reads the image. Document transport unit 402 can be said to be a cover member that covers a document supported on the upper surface of document table 430.

[0202] Next, the configuration relating to the connection between the image forming unit 601, the document transport unit 402, and the reading unit 403 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 17(a) is a diagram showing a case where the document transport unit 402 is located in a closed position relative to the reading unit 403. Also, in FIG. 17(a), the reading unit 403 is located in a closed position relative to the image forming unit 601. That is, the reading unit 401 is located in a closed position relative to the image forming unit 601. FIG. 17(b) is a diagram showing a case where the document transport unit 402 is located in an open position relative to the reading unit 403. FIG. 17(c) is a diagram showing a case where the reading unit 403 is located in an open position relative to the image forming unit 601. That is, the reading unit 401 is located in an open position relative to the image forming unit 601.

[0203] First, the configuration relating to the connection between the document transport unit 402 and the reading unit 403 will be described. In the following description, the upstream end of the document transport unit 402 in the retraction direction will be referred to as the first end 402u, and the downstream end will be referred to as the second end 402d. The document transport unit 402 includes first supported portions 505a and 505b. The rotation axes of the first supported portions 505a and 505b extend in the Y direction. The first supported portions 505a and 505b each have a recess. The function of the first supported portions 505a and 505b will be described later.

[0204] 16 , in the retraction direction, the distance between first supported portion 505a and first end 402u is shorter than the distance between first supported portion 505a and second end 402d. That is, in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of first supported portions 505a and 505b, the distance between first supported portion 505a and first end 402u is shorter than the distance between first supported portion 505a and second end 402d. Also, in the retraction direction, the distance between first supported portion 505b and first end 402u is shorter than the distance between first supported portion 505b and second end 402d. That is, in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of first supported portions 505a and 505b, the distance between first supported portion 505b and first end 402u is shorter than the distance between first supported portion 505b and second end 402d.

[0205] The upstream end of reading unit 403 in the retraction direction is referred to as third end 403u, and the downstream end is referred to as fourth end 403d. Reading unit 403 includes first support portion 405a and first support portion 405b. First support portion 405a and first support portion 405b are support members that rotatably support first supported portion 505a and first supported portion 505b, respectively. As indicated by the dashed-dotted lines in FIG. 16 , first support portion 405a and first support portion 405b are inserted into the recesses of first supported portion 505a and first supported portion 505b, respectively. In other words, document transport unit 402 is rotatably supported relative to the reading unit by first supported portions 505a and 505b being supported by first support portions 405a and 405b. The document transport unit 402 rotates around the first supported portions 505a and 505b. The rotation axis of the document transport unit extends in the Y direction. In other words, the rotation axis of the document transport unit 402 extends along the direction of the rotation axis of the rotary body 90.

[0206] In the retracting direction, the distance between the first supporting portion 405a and the third end 403u is shorter than the distance between the first supporting portion 405a and the fourth end 403d. That is, in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first supported portions 505a and 505b, the distance between the first supporting portion 405a and the third end 403u is shorter than the distance between the first supporting portion 405a and the fourth end 403d. Also, in the retracting direction, the distance between the first supporting portion 405b and the third end 403u is shorter than the distance between the first supporting portion 405b and the fourth end 403d. That is, in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first supported portions 505a and 505b, the distance between the first supporting portion 405b and the third end 403u is shorter than the distance between the first supporting portion 405a and the fourth end 403d.

[0207] The rotation of the document transport unit 402 will be described with reference to FIG. 17(a). As shown in FIG. 17(a), the document transport unit 402 can be positioned at a closed position where the second end 402d and the fourth end 403d abut against the reading unit 403. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17(b), the document transport unit 402 can be positioned at an open position where the second end 402d and the fourth end 403d do not abut against the reading unit 403. As shown in FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b), when the document transport unit 402 moves from the closed position to the open position with respect to the reading unit 403, it rotates so that the vertical distance between the second end 402d and the reading unit 403 increases. When the document transport unit 402 is positioned at the open position, an opening 410 is formed between the document transport unit 402 and the reading unit 403 in the vertical direction. The presence of the opening 410 makes it easy for a user to place a document on the document table 430.

[0208] Furthermore, because first supported portions 505 (505a, 505b) of document transport unit 402 are located upstream of document transport unit 402 in the retraction direction, the user can access a portion (grasped portion) downstream of document transport unit 402 in the retraction direction and move document transport unit 402 to the open position. In other words, the user can replace toner cartridge 70 and move document transport unit 402 from the downstream side in the retraction direction.

[0209] Next, the configuration related to the connection between the reading unit 403 and the image forming unit 601 will be described with reference to FIG. 16. The reading unit 403 includes second supported portions 304a and 304b. The rotation axes of the second supported portions 304a and 304b extend in the Y direction. The second supported portions 304a and 304b each have a recess. In the retraction direction, the distance between the second supported portion 304a and the third end 403u is shorter than the distance between the second supported portion 304a and the fourth end 403d. That is, in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axes of the second supported portions 304a and 304b, the distance between the second supported portion 304a and the third end 403u is shorter than the distance between the second supported portion 304a and the fourth end 403d. In addition, in the retraction direction, the distance between second supported portion 304b and third end 403u is shorter than the distance between second supported portion 304b and fourth end 403d. That is, in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of second supported portions 304a and 304b, the distance between second supported portion 304b and third end 403u is shorter than the distance between second supported portion 304b and fourth end 403d.

[0210] In the following description, the upstream end of the image forming unit 601 in the retraction direction is referred to as the fifth end 601u, and the downstream end is referred to as the sixth end 601d. The image forming unit 601 includes second support portions 404a and 404b. In the retraction direction, the distance between the second support portion 404a and the fifth end 601u is shorter than the distance between the second support portion 404a and the sixth end 601d. That is, in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the second supported portions 304a and 304b, the distance between the second support portion 404a and the fifth end 601u is shorter than the distance between the second support portion 404a and the sixth end 601d. Furthermore, in the retraction direction, the distance between the second support portion 404b and the fifth end 601u is shorter than the distance between the second support portion 404b and the sixth end 601d. That is, in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the second supported portions 304a and 304b, the distance between the second supporting portion 404b and the fifth end 601u is shorter than the distance between the second supporting portion 404b and the sixth end 601d.

[0211] 16 , the second supporting portion 404a and the second supporting portion 404b are inserted into the recesses of the second supported portion 304a and the second supported portion 304b, respectively. The second supported portions 304a and 304b are supported by the second supporting portions 404a and 404b, and the reading portion 403 is supported relative to the image forming unit 601. More specifically, it can be said that the reading portion 403 is supported relative to the frame 16. In other words, it can be said that the reading unit 401 is supported relative to the frame 16.

[0212] The reading unit 403 rotates around the second supported portions 304a and 304b. The rotation axis of the reading unit 403 extends in the Y direction. That is, the rotation axis of the reading unit 403 extends along the direction of the rotation axis of the rotary body 90. As described above, the document transport unit 402 rotates around the first supported portions 505a and 505b. Therefore, if the first supported portions 505a and 505b and the second supported portions 304a and 304b are collectively referred to as the supported portions, it can be said that the reading unit 401 rotates around the supported portions. It can also be said that the rotation axis of the reading unit 401 extends along the direction of the rotation axis of the rotary body 90.

[0213] Next, the rotation of the reading unit 403 will be described with reference to FIG. 17(a). As shown in FIG. 17(a), the reading unit 403 can be positioned at a closed position where the sixth end 601d of the reading unit 403 abuts against the image forming unit 601. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17(c), the reading unit 403 can be positioned at an open position where the sixth end 601d of the reading unit 403 does not abut against the image forming unit 601. When the reading unit 403 moves from the closed position to the open position of the image forming unit 601, the reading unit 403 rotates so that the vertical distance between the fourth end 403d and the image forming unit 601 increases. When the reading unit 403 moves from the closed position to the open position of the image forming unit 601, the reading unit 403 pushes the document transport unit 402 upward. Then, as reading section 403 pushes document transport section 402 upward, reading section 403 and document transport section 402 rotate together from the closed position to the open position. When reading section 403 is in the open position, opening 420 is formed, which is defined in the vertical direction by reading unit 401 and image forming unit 601. By forming opening 420 in this way, the user can easily access discharge outlet 40A, which will be described later.

[0214] As described above, it can be said that the reading unit 401 rotates to move between a closed position (FIG. 17(a)) where it covers part of the frame 16 and an open position (FIG. 17(c)) where it exposes part of the frame 16. More specifically, when the reading unit 401 is in the closed position, the reading unit 401 covers the frame upper surface 16u that constitutes the upper surface of the frame 16. Furthermore, when the reading unit 401 is in the closed position, the reading unit 401 covers the frame upper surface 16u.

[0215] Next, the positional relationship between the toner cartridge 70 and the reading unit 401 will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 17. In the following description, when the toner cartridge 70 attached to the tray 80 is in the retracted position, the downstream end of the toner cartridge 70 in the retracted direction will be referred to as the cartridge downstream end 70e. Furthermore, when the tray 80 is in the removal position, the downstream end of the tray 80 in the retracted direction will be referred to as the tray downstream end 80ye. Furthermore, the second end 402d and the fourth end 403d are collectively considered to be the downstream end of the reading unit 401 in the retracted direction. The downstream end of the reading unit 401 in the retracted direction will be referred to as the reading unit downstream end.

[0216] 14, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position and the reading unit 401 is in the closed position, the cartridge downstream end 70e is downstream of the reading unit downstream ends (402d, 403d) in the retracted direction. Also, when the tray 80 is in the removed position and the reading unit 401 is in the closed position, the tray downstream end 80ye is downstream of the reading unit downstream ends (402d, 403d) in the retracted direction.

[0217] 17(a), when the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position and the reading unit 401 is in the closed position, the downstream end 70e of the cartridge is upstream of the downstream ends (402d, 403d) of the reading unit in the retraction direction. When the tray 80 is in the housed position, the downstream end 80ye of the tray is upstream of the downstream ends (402d, 403d) of the reading unit in the retraction direction.

[0218] As described above, in this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the downstream end 70e of the cartridge is downstream of the downstream ends (402d, 403d) of the reading units. Therefore, when a user replaces the toner cartridge 70, the end of the reading unit 401 is unlikely to interfere with the replacement.

[0219] Next, the positional relationship between the reading unit 401 and the rotary body 90 will be described with reference to Figure 17(a). In the following description, the upstream end of the rotary body 90 in the retraction direction will be referred to as the rotary upstream end Reu. Also, the downstream end of the rotary body 90 in the retraction direction will be referred to as the rotary downstream end Red.

[0220] The first supported portion 505 and the first supporting portion 405 are located upstream of the upstream end Reu of the rotary in the retraction direction. The second supported portion 304 and the second supporting portion 404 are located upstream of the upstream end Reu of the rotary in the retraction direction. That is, when the reading unit 401 moves from the closed position to the open position, the center of gravity of the reading unit 401 moves upstream in the retraction direction. Meanwhile, the rotary body 90 is relatively heavy among the components of the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, the center of gravity of the rotary body 90 is located downstream of the center of the image forming unit 601 in the retraction direction. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 can be prevented from tipping over when the reading unit 401 rotates from the closed position to the open position. In this embodiment, the rotary assembly 90A is heavier than the reading unit 401, but the reading unit 401 may be configured to be heavier than the rotary assembly 90A.

[0221] A more desirable arrangement for the reading unit 401 and rotary body 90 will be described. In the following description, the upstream end of the frame body 16 in the retraction direction will be referred to as the frame body upstream end 16u. Also, the downstream end of the frame body 16 in the retraction direction will be referred to as the frame body downstream end 16d. As shown in FIG. 17(a), in the retraction direction, the distance between the rotary upstream end Reu and the frame body downstream end 16d is shorter than the distance between the rotary upstream end Reu and the frame body upstream end 16u. In other words, the rotary body 90 is located on the frame body downstream end 16d side.

[0222] Furthermore, in the retraction direction, the distance between the first supported portion 505 and the upstream end 16u of the frame is shorter than the distance between the first supported portion 505 and the downstream end 16d of the frame. Furthermore, in the retraction direction, the distance between the second supported portion 304 and the upstream end 16u of the frame is shorter than the distance between the second supported portion 304 and the downstream end 16d of the frame. In other words, the first supported portion 505 and the second supported portion 304 are on the side of the upstream end 16u of the frame.

[0223] 17(a), in the horizontal direction, the center of rotation of the rotary body 90 is closer to the downstream end 16d of the frame body than to the upstream end 16u of the frame body, and the upstream end Reu of the rotary body is closer to the downstream end 16d of the frame body than to the upstream end 16u of the frame body. Also, in the horizontal direction, the first supported portion 505 and the second supported portion 304 are closer to the upstream end 16u of the frame body than to the downstream end 16d of the frame body.

[0224] As described above, in the retraction direction, the rotary body 90 is closer to the downstream end 16d of the frame than to the upstream end 16u of the frame, and the first supported portion 505 and the second supported portion 304 are closer to the upstream end 16u of the frame than to the downstream end 16d of the frame. This configuration further enhances the effect of preventing the image forming apparatus 1 from tipping over.

[0225] Next, the configuration of the door 14 in this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the direction in which the toner cartridge 70 moves from the retracted position to the mounted position is referred to as the mounting direction. The door 14 is made of a highly transparent component. Therefore, when looking at the door 14 in the mounting direction, the user can see the developer-side accommodating portion 53a, which is downstream of the door 14 in the mounting direction. Furthermore, the developing frame 53 in this embodiment is also highly transparent. Therefore, when looking at the door 14 in the mounting direction, the user can check the remaining amount of developer accommodated in the developer-side accommodating portion 53a.

[0226] Next, the configuration of the door 14 and the positional relationship with the reading unit 401 will be described with reference to FIG. 14. In the following description, the downstream end of the door 14 in the retraction direction when the door 14 is in the open position where the opening 16a of the door 14 is exposed will be referred to as end 14f. When the door 14 is in the open position, end 14f is downstream of the second end 402d and the fourth end 403d in the retraction direction. In other words, when the door 14 is in the open position, end 14f is downstream of the downstream end of the reading unit 401 in the retraction direction. This prevents the second end 402d and the fourth end 403d from interfering with the user's work when accessing the toner cartridge 70 in the retracted position.

[0227] In this embodiment and embodiment 1, the door 14 opens and closes around the support shaft 14c when moving between the closed position where the opening 16a is covered and the open position where the opening 16a is exposed. Therefore, when the door 14 is in the open position and the tray 80 is in the removal position, the door 14 is configured to be located below the tray 80. However, as a modification, the door 14 as shown in FIG. 18 may be used. FIG. 18 is a plan view of the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the door 14 opens and closes around the support shaft 14d located above the tray 80. Therefore, when the door 14 is in the open position and the tray 80 is in the removal position, the door 14 is configured to be located above the tray 80.

[0228] Next, the positional relationship between the tray 80 and the reading unit 401 will be described with reference to Figures 18, 19, and 24. Figure 19 is a plan view of the image forming apparatus 100. More specifically, it is a plan view of the tray 80 as seen in the storage direction from the removal position to the storage position. Figure 24 is a plan view of the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment.

[0229] The following explanation will be given using the modified configuration in which the door 14 shown in Figure 18 is positioned at the top as an example, but the same explanation applies to the configuration of the door 14 in Figure 17 in which the door is positioned at the bottom.

[0230] The area indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 18 indicates the locus ML1 of the toner cartridge 70 as it moves from the mounted position to the retracted position. As shown in Fig. 18, the reading unit 401 is located in a position that does not overlap with the locus ML1. In other words, the reading unit 401 is located outside the locus ML1.

[0231] 24 indicates the locus ML2 of the tray 80 as it moves from the storage position to the removal position. The reading unit 401 is located in a position that does not overlap with the locus ML2. In other words, the reading unit 401 is located outside the locus ML2.

[0232] More specifically, the reading unit 401 is located above the toner cartridge 70 attached to the image forming apparatus 1. The reading unit 401 is also located above the tray 80. This reduces the possibility that the reading unit 401 will interfere with the toner cartridge 70 or the tray 80 when the tray 80 moves between the removal position and the storage position. Also, as shown in FIG. 19 , in the direction in which the rotation axis of the rotary body 90 extends (Y direction), the position of the tray 80 (the range in which the tray 80 exists) at least partially overlaps with the position of the reading unit 401 (the range in which the reading unit 401 exists). This configuration allows the image forming apparatus 1 to be made smaller in size in the Y direction.

[0233] Next, the configuration of the sheet storage unit 300, the sheet storage unit cover 330, and the paper discharge extension tray 407 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0234] The sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 40 is discharged from the discharge port 40A, and the sheet S discharged from the discharge port 40A is supported by the discharge tray 41. The discharge tray 41 is provided with a discharge extension tray 407. The discharge extension tray 407 can move between a storage position where it is stored in the discharge tray 41 and a pull-out position where it is pulled out in the retraction direction from the storage position. Pulling out the discharge tray 41 in the retraction direction can prevent the discharged sheet S from falling off.

[0235] When the output extension tray 407 is in the extended position and the door 14 is in the open position, the end 407a of the output extension tray 407 is located downstream of the end 14f in the retraction direction. Also, when the output extension tray 407 is in the extended position and the tray 80 is in the removal position, the end 407a is located downstream of the tray downstream end 80ye in the retraction direction. Therefore, even if the sheet S hangs down from the output extension tray 407, the movement of the tray 80 is prevented from being impeded.

[0236] Furthermore, when the output extension tray 407 is in the pulled-out position and the door 14 is in the open position, the vertical distance between the door 14 and the output extension tray 407 is preferably 30 mm or more. More preferably, the vertical distance between the door 14 and the output extension tray 407 is preferably approximately 90 mm. With this configuration, the vertical space between the door 14 and the output extension tray 407 is wider, making it easier for the user to replace the toner cartridge 70.

[0237] A sheet storage section 300 and a sheet storage section cover 330 are provided below the door 14. The sheet storage section cover 330 is provided so as to be detachable from the image forming apparatus 100. The sheet storage section cover 330 is attached to the top of the sheet storage section 300. The sheet storage section cover 330 covers the sheets S stored in the sheet storage section 300, and prevents the recording material from becoming soiled with dust, dirt, etc.

[0238] In the following description, the downstream end of the sheet storage unit 300 in the retraction direction is referred to as end 300a. Also, the downstream end of the paper output extension tray 407 in the retraction direction is referred to as end 407a. When the door 14 is in the open position, end 300a is downstream of end 14f in the retraction direction.

[0239] In the following description, the downstream end of the sheet accommodating section cover 330 in the retracting direction is referred to as end 330a. When the door 14 is in the open position, the end 330a is located downstream of the end 14f in the retracting direction.

[0240] With this configuration, if the toner cartridge 70 falls from the tray 80 while the sheet storage section cover 330 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the sheet storage section cover 330 can catch the toner cartridge 70. Also, if the toner cartridge 70 falls from the tray 80 while the sheet storage section cover 330 is not attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the sheet storage section 300 can catch the toner cartridge 70.

[0241] Next, the arrangement of the operation unit and display unit for operating the image forming unit 601 will be described with reference to Figures 19 and 20. Figure 20 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus. As shown in Figure 20, the image forming unit 601 includes a first operation unit 640, a power input unit 641, a remaining power display unit 642, and a second operation unit 643. In the following description, the first operation unit 640 and the second operation unit 643 will be collectively referred to as the operation unit.

[0242] The operation unit is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) built into the image forming unit 601. The control unit controls various components of the image forming apparatus 100 based on signals input to the operation unit.

[0243] The first operation unit 640 is an operation button that can be used to move the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k for replacement. When replacing the toner cartridge 70, the user presses the first operation unit 640, which sends an instruction to move the tray 80 to the control unit. Upon receiving the instruction to move the tray 80, the control unit drives the motor M1, which rotates the rotary body 90 and moves the tray 80 to the replacement position. The control unit then drives the motor M2 to drive the moving device 85, which moves the tray 80 from the storage position to the removal position. In other words, the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the installation position to the retracted position. In other words, the control unit controls the moving device 85 to move the tray 80 from the storage position to the removal position, thereby moving the toner cartridge 70 from the installation position to the retracted position.

[0244] The power input unit 641 is an operation unit for turning on and off the power of the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, it is provided on the top surface of the sheet storage unit cover 330 as shown in FIG.

[0245] In the following description, as shown in FIG. 19, the center of the door 14 in the direction in which the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 2 extends will be referred to as center A. Center A can also be said to be the center of the door 14 in the direction in which the rotation axis of the rotary body 90 extends. An imaginary line that passes through center A and is parallel to the vertical direction will be referred to as center line 14m. As shown in FIG. 19, when viewed in the storage direction, the first operation unit 640 is located on the opposite side of center line 14m to the second operation unit 643 in the direction in which the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 2 extends. Note that when viewed in the storage direction, the first operation unit 640 may be located on the same side of center line 14m as the second operation unit 643 in the direction in which the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 2 extends.

[0246] When viewed from the storage direction, the power input unit 641 is disposed on the opposite side of the center line 14m to the first operation unit 640 in the direction in which the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 2 extends. This reduces the possibility that the user will accidentally press the power input unit 641 when pressing the first operation unit 640.

[0247] The remaining amount display unit 642 is a display unit that displays the amount of developer contained in the toner cartridge 70 attached to the image forming unit 601. The remaining amount display unit 642 is provided on the frame 16. The remaining amount display units 642y, 642m, 642c, and 642k display the amount of developer contained in each of the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, respectively. For example, the remaining amount display units 642y, 642m, 642c, and 642k are light-emitting units such as LEDs. The remaining amount display unit 642 changes the type of light emission depending on the amount of developer contained in the toner cartridge 70. In this embodiment, the light-emitting units have three types of light emission: on, off, and flashing.

[0248] Letters (Y, M, C, K) corresponding to the colors of toner contained in toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are displayed above remaining amount display units 642y, 642m, 642c, and 642k on frame 16. This makes it easy for the user to recognize which color of toner cartridge 70 of remaining amount display units 642y-k is illuminated. Note that, although letters are displayed above remaining amount display units 642y, 642m, 642c, and 642k in this embodiment, the illuminated colors of remaining amount display units 642y, 642m, 642c, and 642k may be similar to the colors of toner contained in toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0249] The second operation unit 643 is an operation unit that can input instructions to perform various operations of the image forming apparatus 601. The instructions include, for example, an instruction to perform image formation, an instruction to perform reading of an original by the reading unit 401, and an instruction to select the color of the toner cartridge 70 to be moved after a movement instruction is input by the first operation unit 640.

[0250] The second operation unit 643 is provided on the upper surface of the sheet storage unit cover 330. The second operation unit 643 includes a display unit 643b for displaying the state of the image forming apparatus 601 and the operation contents by the second operation unit 643. The second operation unit 643 also includes an operation button 643b for selecting the operation contents.

[0251] Next, the positional relationship between the first operation unit 640, the remaining amount display unit 642, and the door 14 will be described with reference to FIG. 19. When the door 14 is in the closed position, the upper end of the door 14 in the vertical direction is referred to as the end 14eu, and the lower end is referred to as the end 14ed. The height range between the end 14eu and the end 14ed in the vertical direction is referred to as the range H1. The first operation unit 640 and the remaining amount display unit 642 are located within the range H1 in the vertical direction. This makes it easy for the user to simultaneously refer to the remaining amount display unit 642 and the first operation unit 640. Furthermore, this reduces the time it takes for the user to access the toner cartridge 70 in the retracted position after pressing the first operation unit 640.

[0252] As shown in FIG. 19, when the image forming apparatus 100 is viewed in the housing direction, the first operation unit 640 and the remaining amount display unit 642 are located on the same side of the center line 14m in the Y direction.

[0253] In the following description, one end of the door 14 in the Y direction is referred to as end 14R, and the other end as end 14L. One end of the discharge tray 41 in the rotation axis direction of the rotary body 90 is referred to as end 41R, and the other end as end 41L.

[0254] In the Y direction, the end portions 14R and 41R are on one side of the center line 14m, and the end portions 14L and 41L are on the other side. In the Y direction, the end portions 14R and 41R are in the same position. Also, in the Y direction, the end portions 14L and 41L are in the same position.

[0255] In the following description, the distance from the center line 14m in the Y direction to the end 14R will be referred to as distance Y1. The distance from the center line 14m in the Y direction to the first operation unit 640 will be referred to as distance Y2. Distance Y2 is greater than Y1. As described above, there is a possibility that the sheet S may fly out of the discharge tray 41 and a portion of the sheet S may hang down. However, with the above-described configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the sheet S discharged onto the discharge tray 41 will interfere with the user's operation when the user presses the first operation unit 640.

[0256] In the following description, the support surface of the discharge tray 41 that supports the recording material is referred to as the support surface 41u. The lower vertical end of the reading unit 401 is referred to as the end 410d. The vertical distance between the support surface 41u and the end 410d is referred to as H2. Distance H2 is greater than distance H1. The vertical height of the toner cartridge 70 when it is attached to the tray 80 is referred to as the cartridge height. The cartridge height is smaller than distance H1. In other words, distance H2 is greater than the cartridge height. This allows the toner cartridge 70 to be accommodated within the space defined vertically by the support surface 41u and the end 410d. This allows the user, when replacing a new toner cartridge 70, to hold the new toner cartridge 70 within the space defined vertically by the support surface 41u and the end 410d until the old toner cartridge 70 is moved to the retracted position.

[0257] Next, the positional relationship between the first operation unit 640 and the reading unit 401 will be described with reference to Figure 21. Figure 21 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100. For the sake of explanation, part of the document transport unit 402 is not shown in Figure 21. The document transport unit 402 transports the document in the Y direction. That is, the document transport unit 402 transports the document in the direction in which the rotation axis of the rotary body 90 extends.

[0258] Furthermore, in the retraction direction, document feed roller 416 is disposed on the opposite side of center line 14m from first operation unit 640. Furthermore, in the retraction direction, document placement tray 415 and document discharge tray 429 are disposed on the same side of center line 14m as first operation unit 640. This allows the user, when using reading unit 401, to place documents on document placement tray 415 and remove documents from document discharge tray 429 from the same side of center line 14m as first operation unit 640. Note that the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above, and a configuration in which document feed roller 416 is disposed on the same side of center line 14m as first operation unit 640 may also be used.

[0259] Next, a description will be given of the configuration on the rear side of the image forming apparatus 100. Figure 22 is a plan view of the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. That is, Figure 22 is a view of the image forming apparatus 100 as seen in the retraction direction.

[0260] The surface of frame 16 on the upstream side in the retraction direction is called first surface 16e1. Image forming apparatus 100 includes inlet 608 and air vent 609. Inlet 608 and air vent 609 are provided on first surface 16e1. By connecting a power cable connected to an external power source to inlet 608, power can be supplied to image forming apparatus 100.

[0261] Air vent 609 is provided adjacent to inlet 608, and air convection through air vent 609 with the inside of image forming apparatus 100 sends outside air to a power supply unit (not shown) connected to inlet 608 inside image forming apparatus 100. This cools the power supply unit. A rotating fan, which acts as an air blower, is also provided inside apparatus main body 601, promoting ventilation inside and outside image forming apparatus 100.

[0262] 20, the surface of frame 16 on the downstream side in the retraction direction is referred to as second surface 16e2. Door 14 constitutes part of second surface 16e2. By providing air vent 609 on the rear side of image forming apparatus 100 in this manner, even if developer is scattered when toner cartridge 70 moves to the retracted position, the scattered developer is less likely to enter air vent 609.

[0263] In this embodiment, the first operating unit 640 is provided adjacent to the door 14, and the remaining amount display unit 642 is arranged adjacent to and above the first operating unit 640. However, the arrangement of the first operating unit 640 and the remaining amount display unit 642 is not limited to this. For example, the remaining amount display unit 642 may be arranged below the first operating unit 640.

[0264] In this embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 100 is viewed from the housing side, the first operation unit 640 and the remaining amount display unit 642 are disposed on the right side of the door 14, but they may be disposed on the left side of the door 14.

[0265] In this embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 100 is viewed in the storage direction, the first operation unit 640 and the remaining amount display unit 642 are located on the same side of the center line 14m in the Y direction. However, when the image forming apparatus 100 is viewed in the storage direction, the first operation unit 640 and the remaining amount display unit 642 may be located on opposite sides of the center line 14m in the Y direction.

[0266] In this embodiment, when viewed in the storage direction, the power input unit 641 is disposed on the opposite side of the center line 14m from the first operating unit 640. However, the power input unit 641 may be disposed on the same side as the first operating unit 640 with respect to the center line 14m.

[0267] In addition, in this embodiment, the power input unit 641 and the second operation unit 643 are configured to be provided on the upper surface of the sheet storage unit cover 330, but they may also be provided on the frame body 16. Figure 23 shows a plan view of an image forming apparatus 100 in which the arrangement of the power input unit 641 is different from that of this embodiment. The power input unit 641 is arranged on the frame body 16.

[0268] In this embodiment, the first operation unit 640 and the second operation unit 643 are provided, but it is also possible to combine the functions of the first operation unit 640 and the second operation unit 643 into one operation unit. This allows for a reduction in parts and costs. At least one of the first operation unit 640 and the second operation unit 643 may be a touch panel having an operation screen. The functions of the first operation unit 640 and the second operation unit 643 may also be combined into one touch panel. In this case, the touch panel is disposed in substantially the same position as the first operation unit 640 or the second operation unit 643.

[0269] In this embodiment, the air vent 609 is provided adjacent to the inlet 608 on the rear side, but the arrangement of the inlet 608 and the air vent 609 is not limited to this and may be on a surface other than the door 14. For example, the inlet 608 and the air vent 609 may be arranged on one surface of the frame 16 in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotary body 90.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus in which a cartridge containing a developer can be detachably mounted, a container that contains the developer supplied from the cartridge; a photoreceptor on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member using the developer contained in the developer container to form a developer image; a frame that houses the cartridge; a moving device that moves the cartridge in a retracting direction from an attached position where the cartridge is located inside the frame body to a retracted position where the cartridge is located outside the frame body; a control unit that controls the moving device; a reading unit that reads an image formed on a recording material, the reading unit being rotated to move between a closed position that covers the frame body and an open position that exposes the frame body; Equipped with a downstream end of the cartridge in the retracting direction is defined as a downstream end of the cartridge; When the downstream end of the reading unit in the retracting direction when the reading unit is in the closed position is defined as the downstream end of the reading unit, an image forming apparatus, wherein when the cartridge is in the retracted position and the reading unit is in the closed position, the downstream end of the cartridge is downstream of the downstream end of the reading unit in the retracted direction;

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the cartridge is in the mounted position and the reading unit is in the closed position, the downstream end of the cartridge is upstream of the downstream end of the reading unit in the retraction direction.

3. The reading unit is located above the frame.

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 for holding the cartridge, the tray being movable between a storage position where the cartridge is located at the mounting position and a removal position where the cartridge is located at the retracted position; When the downstream end of the tray in the retracting direction is defined as the downstream end of the tray, 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the tray is in the removal position, the downstream end of the tray is located downstream of the downstream end of the reading unit in the retraction direction.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the tray is in the storage position, the downstream end of the tray is located downstream of the downstream end of the reading unit in the retraction direction.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising a rotary having the container and the developing unit.

Images