Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To improve operability when replacing a toner cartridge.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises a tray 80k that is attached to a rotary body 90, allows removable mounting of a toner cartridge, and is movably supported relative to a housing frame body, the tray 80k being movable, through a body opening, while a door 14 is at an open position, to a housing position where the toner cartridge is located at a mounting position relative to the housing frame body and a take-out position where the toner cartridge is located at a retreat position. While the toner cartridge is at the mounting position relative to the housing frame body, an ejection opening and a reception opening face each other. When the door 14 is located at the open position and the tray 80k is located at the take-out position, the tray 80k is supported on the housing frame body and a support surface 172, and a door engagement target surface 171 is engaged with the tray 80k so as to restrict the tray 80k from moving in a direction away from the support surface 172.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, a rotary development system is known in which a color image is formed by rotating a rotary equipped with multiple developing rollers. Patent documents 1 and 2 describe image forming apparatuses equipped with a rotary equipped with multiple developing rollers and multiple toner cartridges (toner storage containers) that are detachably attached to the rotary. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0004] In a conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a configuration is known in which a process cartridge can be removed from the apparatus body while it is placed on a tray, but such a tray tends to become unstable when pulled out from the apparatus body, making it difficult to replace the cartridge.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can improve operability when replacing a toner cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which a toner cartridge containing toner and having an outlet opening is removably mounted, the image forming apparatus comprising: a rotatable rotary having a developing roller and a storage frame having a storage portion for storing toner to be supplied to the developing roller and a receiving opening; a main body frame that houses the rotary and is provided with a main body opening; an open / close member attached to the main body frame, the open / close member having a support surface and a regulating portion, and configured to be movable between a closed position that closes the main body opening and an open position that opens the main body opening; and a support member attached to the rotary, to which the toner cartridge is removably mounted and movably supported with respect to the storage frame, wherein when the open / close member is in the open position, the open / close member moves in the direction of the main body opening. The image forming apparatus is provided with a support member that can be moved through an opening between a storage position in which the toner cartridge is positioned in an installation position relative to the storage frame body, and a removal position in which the toner cartridge is positioned in a retracted position retracted from the installation position relative to the storage frame body, and is characterized in that when the toner cartridge is in the installation position relative to the storage frame body, the discharge opening and the receiving opening face each other, the opening / closing member is positioned in the open position, and the support member is positioned in the removal position, the support member is supported by the storage frame body and the support surface, and the regulating portion engages with the support member so that movement of the support member in a direction away from the support surface is regulated.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which a toner cartridge containing toner and having a discharge opening is removably mounted, the image forming apparatus comprising: a developing device having a developing roller; a storage frame having a storage portion for storing toner to be supplied to the developing roller and a receiving opening; a main body frame housing the developing device and having a main body opening; an opening / closing member having a support surface and a regulating portion, and configured to be movable between a closed position for closing the main body opening and an open position for opening the main body opening, and attached to the main body frame; and a support member attached to the developing device, to which the toner cartridge is removably mounted and movably supported with respect to the storage frame, wherein when the opening / closing member is in the open position, the main body opening is opened. and a support member that is movable through an opening between a storage position where the toner cartridge is positioned in an installation position relative to the storage frame body and a removal position where the toner cartridge is positioned in a retracted position retracted from the installation position relative to the storage frame body, and wherein when the toner cartridge is in the installation position relative to the storage frame body, the discharge opening and the receiving opening face each other, the opening / closing member is positioned in the open position, and the support member is positioned in the removal position, the support member is supported by the storage frame body and the support surface, and the regulating portion engages with the support member so that movement of the support member in a direction away from the support surface is regulated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the operability when replacing a toner cartridge. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [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] 3A to 3C are explanatory diagrams of a configuration for supporting a tray according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 3A and 3B are perspective views of a tray engaging portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 3A and 3B are perspective views of a door engagement portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams of a configuration for moving a tray according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of an image forming apparatus according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a configuration related to the movement of a tray according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams of a configuration related to the movement of a tray according to a second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration related to the movement of a tray according to a third embodiment. [Figure 22] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams of a configuration for moving a tray according to a third embodiment. [Figure 23] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a configuration for moving a tray according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] 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.

[0012] (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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 1, the image forming apparatus 1 has an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as apparatus main body) 1A and toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k that are detachably attached to the apparatus main body 1A. That is, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 1. 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The charging roller 3 is an example of a charging section for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 2. The scanner 4 is an example of an exposure section for irradiating the photosensitive drum 2 with laser light according to image information to expose it. By irradiating the charged photosensitive drum 2 with laser light, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The cleaning unit 6 is an example of a cleaning section for removing toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0017] 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 section 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 section that transfers an image from the intermediate transfer belt 10a to the sheet S.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The developing units (first to fourth developing units) 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are an example of a developing section that develops (visualizes) 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. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 uses a first developer, a second developer, a third developer, and a fourth developer, each of which is different in color. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k may be arranged in an order different from that shown in FIG. 1.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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 supply the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. One of the four toner colors can be referred to as the first toner (first developer), one of the remaining three toner colors can be referred to as the second toner (second developer), one of the remaining two toner colors can be referred to as the third toner (third developer), and the last toner can be referred to as the fourth toner (fourth developer). For example, black toner can be referred to as the first toner, and magenta toner can be referred to as the second toner. These numbering schemes are used merely for convenience and can generally be interchanged as needed.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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 called the rotary assembly 90A. In other words, The rotary assembly 90A includes a rotary unit 90U and toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 2, the device main body 1A has motors M1, M2, and M3 as drive sources. As will be described later, the motor M1 supplies a drive force for rotating the rotary main body 90 about the rotation axis 90C. In other words, the motor M1 rotates the rotary assembly 90A and the rotary unit 90U about the rotation axis 90C.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

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

[0033] Here, the subscripts y, m, c, and k attached to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k indicate the toner color. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k share the same basic configuration and function. The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k also 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 subscripts y, m, c, and k are omitted and the unit is described as any one of the four units, cartridges, and trays. When it is necessary to distinguish between the four units, cartridges, and trays, the subscripts y, m, c, and k are added and the unit is described as one of the four units, cartridges, and trays corresponding to the subscript.

[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 accommodating portion (accommodating portion) 53a and a receiving opening 53b communicating with the developing-side accommodating portion 53a. That is, the rotary body 90 has a developing frame (first accommodating frame) 53k, a developing frame (second accommodating frame) 53m, a developing frame 53y, and a developing frame 53c. The rotary body 90 also has a developing-side accommodating portion (first accommodating portion) 53ak, a receiving opening 53bk, a developing-side accommodating portion (second accommodating portion) 53am, and a receiving opening 53bm. The rotary body 90 also has a developing-side accommodating portion 53ay, a receiving opening 53by, a developing-side accommodating portion 53ac, and a receiving opening 53bc. As mentioned above, the developing unit 50 has the developing roller 51, the supply roller 52, etc., but these members are omitted in FIG.

[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] Then, the toner contained in the toner container 71a is discharged through the discharge opening 71b, and the toner discharged through the discharge opening 71b is received in the developer-side container 53a through the receiving opening 53b. That is, the first developer is supplied to the first developer-side container 53ak of the rotary body 90, the second developer is supplied to the second developer-side container 53am, the third developer is supplied to the third developer-side container 53ay, and the fourth developer is supplied to the fourth developer-side container 53ac. The toner contained in the developer-side 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 through this route.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0045] 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 disposed 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 takes the magenta developing position, and a magenta toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After the magenta toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary body 90 takes the cyan developing position, and a cyan toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After the cyan toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary body 90 takes the black developing position, and a black toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

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

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

[0049] The sheet S onto which the color image has been transferred is sent to the fixing device 40. In the fixing device 40, the sheet S is heated and pressurized, and the image is fixed onto the sheet S. After passing through the fixing device 40, the sheet S is discharged outside the image forming apparatus 1 as a finished product.

[0050] 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 70k runs out, the user can replenish toner in the image forming apparatus 1 by replacing the toner cartridges 70y to 70k with new ones.

[0053] 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 is approximately rectangular in shape in this embodiment.

[0054] The frame 16 has an opening 16a, which is an example of a main body opening. 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 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 sheets S or retrieve 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 tray 80 is attached to the rotary body 90, the toner cartridge 70 is removably mounted thereon, and the toner cartridge 70 is provided movably guided by a guide portion 97 relative to the developing frame 53. As a result, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are attached to and detached from the rotary body 90 through the opening 16a while being supported by the trays 80y to 80k. 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 opening / closing member attached to the frame body 16 and configured to be movable between a closed position where it covers and closes the opening 16a (see also FIG. 6(a)), and an open position where it opens and exposes the opening 16a (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. (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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 have to face the opening 16a and the door 14. In other words, the toner cartridge 70 and tray 80 do not have 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 in the figure from the yellow developing position, the black toner cartridge 70k and tray 80k face the opening 16a and the door 14, as shown in FIG. 4(b).

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] More specifically, the tray 80 is movable between a storage position and a removal position relative to the rotary body 90. The storage position is a position where the tray 80 is stored within the rotary body 90, and is a position where the toner cartridge 70 is positioned at the mounting position relative to the developing frame 53 through the opening 16a when the door 14 is in the open position. The removal position is a position (replaceable position) where the tray 80 protrudes outside the rotary body 90 and the toner cartridge 70 can be removed from the tray 80, and is a position where the toner cartridge 70 is positioned at a retracted position retracted from the mounting position relative to the developing frame 53. Examples of the storage position are the positions of the trays 80y to 80k in Figures 4(a) and 4(b). Examples of the removal position are the positions of the tray 80 in Figures 6(b) and 6(c), the tray 80k in Figure 7(a), and the tray 80m in Figure 7(b).

[0086] When the tray 80 is in the storage position, the toner cartridge 70 attached to the tray 80 is located inside the rotary body 90 and is located at the installation position. When the tray 80 is in the removal position, the toner cartridge 70 attached to the tray 80 is located outside the rotary body 90 and is located at the retracted position.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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).

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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).

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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).

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] (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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] The rotary body 90 has guide portions 97 (see FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b)) that engage with the guided portions 82y to 82k, respectively. In this embodiment, the guide portions 97 are provided on the developing frame 53 and are configured to sandwich the guided portions 82y to 82k from above and below when the tray 80 is pulled out from the frame 16 and positioned at the removal position. The guide portions 97 are formed on the lower surface of the developing frame 53 that belongs to the same developing unit 50 as the tray 80 it guides, and on the upper surface of the developing frame 53 that belongs to another developing unit 50 located below the tray 80 it guides. That is, in this embodiment, for example, the developing frame 53k has a guide portion 97k consisting of the lower surface of the developing frame 53k and the upper surface of the developing frame 53c. The lower surface of the developing frame 53k and the upper surface of the developing frame 53c are, for example, flat from the center of the rotary body 90 toward the outer periphery. This allows the tray 80 to be supported movably relative to the developing frame 53. The same applies to the guide portions 97 for the other colors. In this embodiment, the guide portion 97 is formed by the upper and lower surfaces of the developing frame 53, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the guide portion 97 may be a separate member from the developing frame 53, or may be attached to the rotary body 90 as part of the developing frame 53.

[0122] 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 the 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. Note that in this embodiment, the guide portion 97k is an example of a first guide portion, and the guide portion 97m is an example of a second guide portion.

[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 rack portion 83k and the 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 drive 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. As the drive rack 15 moves, it engages with the pinion gear 94k, and the pinion gear 94k is rotated.

[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 rotary body 90 is provided with a plurality of moving devices 85k-85y corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges 70k-70y. The driving device 98 of the apparatus main body 1A is a common driving device that drives the plurality of moving devices 85k-85y (a 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] In the above-described configuration, the driven part has a pinion gear 94 that meshes with both the driving rack 15 and the rack part 83, but the driven part may also have a gear that meshes with the driving rack 15 and a gear that meshes with the rack part 83.

[0175] Furthermore, the configuration of the moving device 85 that moves the tray 80 is not limited to the so-called rack-and-pinion configuration. For example, the member corresponding to the pinion gear 94 may be replaced with a roller that rotates when driven by the motor M2, and the tray 80 may be moved by friction between the roller and the tray 80.

[0176] Furthermore, when using rollers that are driven by the motor M2 and rotate, the rollers may be brought into contact with the toner cartridges 70. In this case, the toner cartridges 70y-70k may be made detachable and attachable directly to the rotary body 90 without using the trays 80y-80k. In this case, the moving device 85 is made up of rollers.

[0177] (Support configuration of tray in ejection position) As described above, the tray 80 is movable between a storage position and an ejection position relative to the rotary body 90. In this embodiment, the tray 80 is movable horizontally, with the storage position being on the -X side of the X direction and the ejection position being on the +X side of the X direction. As shown in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(c) and 7(a, b), when the tray 80 is located at the ejection position, one end of the tray 80 (the leading end in the ejection direction) is supported by the door 14, and the other end (the rear end in the ejection direction) is supported by the rotary body 90. Here, the support structure of the door 14 for the tray 80k at the ejection position will be described. Note that the support structure of the door 14 for the trays 80y to 80c is the same as that for the tray 80k, and therefore will not be described here.

[0178] 13(a) to 13(c) are perspective and plan views of the tray 80k and the door 14 when the tray 80k is in the removed position. The toner cartridge 70k is not shown in FIG. 13. As shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b), when the tray 80k is in the removed position, the tray engaging portion 86k of the tray 80k engages with the door engaged portion 17 of the door 14. As shown in FIG. 13(c), the tray engaging portion 86k and the door engaged portion 17 are located at both ends of the tray 80k in the Y direction.

[0179] 14(a) and 14(b) are perspective views of a tray engagement portion 86k located on the -Y side in the Y direction of the tray 80k. The tray engagement portion 86k has an engagement surface 861k, an engagement surface 862k, and a tray engagement surface (abutment portion) 863k. The tray engagement portions 86k are arranged on both ends of the tray 80k in the Y direction, and the tray engagement portion 86k located on the +Y side in the Y direction has the same configuration as the tray engagement portion 86k located on the -Y side, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0180] 15(a, b) are perspective views of the door engaged portion 17 located on the -Y side in the Y direction of the door 14. The door engaged portion 17 has a door engaged surface (regulating portion) 171, a support surface 172, and a door engaged surface (abutted portion) 173. The door engaged surface 171 is formed by the lower surface of a claw portion that protrudes above the support surface 172, and at least a portion of the door engaged surface 171 is provided facing the support surface 172. The door engaged portions 17 are arranged at both ends in the Y direction (the direction of the rotation axis of the rotary body 90), and the door engaged portion 17 located on the +Y side in the Y direction has the same configuration as the door engaged portion 17 located on the -Y side, so a description thereof will be omitted. The support surface 172 extends in the Y direction.

[0181] Next, using Figures 16(a) and 16(b), we will explain the operation of engaging the tray engaging portion 86k with the door engaged portion 17 until the tray 80k moves from the storage position to the removal position. Figures 16(a) and 16(b) are cross-sectional views of the engagement portion between the tray engaging portion 86k and the door engaged portion 17 on the -Y side in the Y direction shown in Figure 13(a), viewed from the -Y side to the +Y side in the Y direction. Figure 16(a) shows a state in which the tray 80k moves from the storage position toward the removal position and the tray engaging portion 86k and the door engaged portion 17 begin to engage, and Figure 16(b) shows a state in which the tray 80k is located at the removal position. Note that the toner cartridge 70k is not shown here.

[0182] As shown in FIG. 16(a), when the tray 80k moves from the storage position to the removal position, the tray 80k pushes open the door 14, and at the same time, the tray engaging portion 86k and the door engaged portion 17 begin to engage. As the door 14 is pushed by the tray 80k, it rotates open about the support shaft 14c against the biasing spring (not shown). As shown in FIG. 16(b), when the tray 80k moves to the removal position, the engagement of the tray engaging portion 86k with the door engaged portion 17 is completed. The rear end side (the -X side in the X direction) of the rack portion 83k of the tray 80k meshes with the pinion gear 94k in the rotary body 90, and the guided portion 82k of the tray 80k engages with the guide portion 97k at least partially within the range of movement from the storage position to the removal position. In other words, a portion of the tray 80k is always supported by the rotary body 90. In this embodiment, the guided portion 82k is an example of a first part that is supported by the rotary body 90 (more specifically, the guide portion 97k) when the door 14 is in the open position and the tray 80k is in the removal position.

[0183] When the tray 80k is in the removal position, the upstream end of the rack portion 83k meshes with the pinion gear 94k in the direction of movement of the tray 80k from the storage position toward the removal position. That is, on the base end side (-X side), the tray 80k is supported at the upper side by the pinion gear 94k and at the lower side by the guide portion 97. Therefore, if an upward external force acts on the tip side (+X side) of the tray 80k, it may rotate upward around the end on the base end side. Therefore, in this embodiment, the door 14 restricts the upward movement of the tray 80k, preventing the tip side of the tray 80k from moving upward.

[0184] At the tip of the tray 80k (the +X side in the X direction), the tray engaging portion 86k engages with the door engaged portion 17 of the door 14. At this time, the engaging surface 862k and the support surface 172 come into contact in the Z direction. That is, part of the weight of the tray 80k is supported by the door 14 via the engaging surface 862k and the support surface 172. Furthermore, even if a force other than the weight acts on the tray 80k to move it substantially downward, the support surface 172 supports the tray 80k via the engaging surface 862k and restricts its movement. That is, when the door 14 is in the open position and the tray 80k is in the removal position, the tray 80k is supported by the guide portion 97k of the rotary body 90 and the support surface 172 of the door 14. In this embodiment, the engaging surface 862k is located on the +X side of the guided portion 82k and is an example of a second portion supported by the support surface 172.

[0185] Furthermore, as a result of the tray engaging portion 86k engaging with the door engaged portion 17 of the door 14, the engaging surface 861k and the door engaged surface 171 come into contact in the Z direction. As a result, even if a force acts to move the tray 80k substantially upward, the door engaged surface 171 restricts the movement of the tray 80k via the engaging surface 861k. That is, when the door 14 is in the open position and the tray 80k is in the removal position, the door engaged surface 171 engages with the engaging surface 861k of the tray 80k so as to restrict the tray 80k from moving in a direction (upward) away from the support surface 172 of the door 14. The direction in which the tray 80k moves away from the support surface 172 of the door 14 is a direction intersecting (more preferably perpendicular to) the movement direction of the tray 80k. In other words, when the tray engagement portion 86k engages with the door engagement portion 17 of the door 14, the movement of the tray 80k is restricted in a direction in which the engagement surface 862k moves away from the support surface 172 in a direction intersecting (more preferably perpendicular to) the movement direction of the tray 80k.

[0186] Furthermore, at the removal position, the tray engaging surface 863k and the door engaged surface 173 come into contact in the X direction. As a result, even if a force acts to move the tray 80k further from the removal position toward the +X side in the X direction, the door engaged surface 173 restricts the movement of the tray 80k via the tray engaging surface 863k. In other words, when the tray 80k is located at the removal position, the tray engaging surface 863k abuts against the door engaged surface 173, thereby restricting further movement of the tray 80k from the storage position toward the removal position.

[0187] As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, when the tray 80k is in the removal position, the tray engaging portion 86k and the door engaged portion 17 engage with each other. This allows the door 14 to support the weight of the tray 80k when the tray 80k is in the removal position, and also restricts the movement of the tray 80k in a direction away from the door 14. This stabilizes the position and posture of the tray 80k when it is in the removal position, thereby improving operability when replacing the toner cartridge 70k, for example.

[0188] (Variation) In the above-described embodiment, the movement direction of the tray 80k is horizontal, but this is not limiting. For example, as shown in FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b), the movement direction of the tray 80k may be inclined relative to the horizontal. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b), the operation of the tray engaging portion 86k and the door engaging portion 17 engaging when the movement direction of the tray 80k from the storage position to the removal position is diagonally downward relative to the horizontal, as shown in FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b), will be described. Similar to FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b), FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b) are cross-sectional views of the engagement portion between the tray engaging portion 86k on the -Y side in the Y direction and the door engaging portion 17, as viewed from the -Y side to the +Y side in the Y direction. FIG. 18(a) shows the tray 80k in the storage position, and FIG. 18(b) shows the tray 80k in the removal position. Note that the toner cartridge 70k is not shown here.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 18(a), the tray 80k is stored in the rotary body 90 at the storage position, tilted diagonally downward with respect to the X direction. As the tray 80k moves from the storage position to the removal position, the tray 80k pushes open the door 14 as in the first embodiment, and simultaneously, the tray engaging portion 86k and the door engaged portion 17 begin to engage with each other. As shown in FIG. 18(b), when the tray 80k moves to the removal position, the tray engaging portion 86k completes engagement with the door engaged portion 17. The rear end side (the -X side in the X direction) of the rack portion 83k of the tray 80k meshes with the pinion gear 94k in the rotary body 90, and the guided portion 82k of the tray 80k engages with the guide portion 97k at least partially within the range of movement from the storage position to the removal position. In other words, a portion of the tray 80k is always supported by the rotary body 90.

[0190] Meanwhile, at the tip of the tray 80k (on the +X side in the X direction), the tray engaging portion 86k and the door engaged portion 17 of the door 14 are engaged. At this time, the engaging surface 862k and the support surface 172 come into contact with each other in the approximate Z direction. That is, part of the weight of the tray 80k is supported by the door 14 via the engaging surface 862k and the support surface 172. Furthermore, even if a force other than the weight acts on the tray 80k to move it in the approximate downward direction, the support surface 172 supports the tray 80k via the engaging surface 862k and restricts the movement.

[0191] Furthermore, as a result of the tray engaging portion 86k engaging with the door engaged portion 17 of the door 14, the engaging surface 861k and the door engaged surface 171 come into contact with each other in the approximate Z direction. As a result, even if a force acts to move the tray 80k in the approximate upward direction, the door engaged surface 171 restricts the movement of the tray 80k via the engaging surface 861k. Furthermore, at the removal position, the tray engaging surface 863k and the door engaged surface 173 come into contact with each other in the approximate X direction. As a result, even if a force acts to move the tray 80k further from the removal position toward the +X side in the X direction, the door engaged surface 173 restricts the movement of the tray 80k via the tray engaging surface 863k.

[0192] Therefore, even in this modification, when tray 80k is in the removal position, tray engaging portion 86k and door engaged portion 17 engage with each other. This allows door 14 to support the weight of tray 80k when tray 80k is in the removal position, and also restricts movement of tray 80k in a direction away from door 14. This stabilizes the position and posture of tray 80k when in the removal position, improving operability when replacing toner cartridge 70k, for example.

[0193] It is also possible to restrict movement of the tray 80k at the removal position by extending the guided portion 82k of the tray 80k toward the -X side in the X direction to increase the engagement distance with the guide portion 97k. However, in this case, extending the guided portion 82k of the tray 80k increases the size of the tray 80k, which may result in an increase in the sizes of the rotary body 90 and the frame 16. In light of the above, by using the configuration of Example 1, it is possible to restrict upward movement of the tray 80k at the removal position without increasing the sizes of the rotary body 90 and the frame 16. Example 2 Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20(a-c). In Embodiment 1, the pinion gear 94 was driven by the drive rack 15, but the pinion gear 94 may be driven by another mechanism. In this embodiment, a configuration using a pendulum gear will be described as an example. Unless otherwise specified, elements with the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 have substantially the same configurations and functions as those described in Embodiment 1, and differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly described. Note that Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 only in the configuration for moving the tray 80, and the support structure for the tray 80 located at the removal position is the same as in Embodiment 1. Therefore, the support configuration for the tray 80 shown in FIGS. 13(a-c) to 18(a, b) described in Embodiment 1 will be applied to Embodiment 2 as well.

[0194] 19 and 20 are schematic diagrams for explaining a configuration for moving the tray 80 in Example 2. An apparatus main body 101A of an image forming apparatus 101 according to Example 2 has, as a driving device, a motor M2 as a driving source and a pendulum gear unit 115 as a transmission device.

[0195] A moving device (driven device) that is driven by a driving device to move the tray 80 is disposed on the rotary body 90. That is, the rotary unit 90U has the rotary body 90 and a moving device that includes the tray 80.

[0196] In the second embodiment, a plurality of moving devices are arranged corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges 70y-70k. Each moving device includes a driven portion 194 (driven portions 194y-194k) and a rack portion 83 (rack portions 83y-83k). The pendulum gear unit 115 transmits the driving force of the motor M2 to the driven portion 194, and moves the tray 80 via the rack portion 83.

[0197] Similarly to the pinion gears 94y-94k in the first embodiment being driven by the driving rack 15, the first to fourth driven parts 194y-194k are each driven by a pendulum gear unit 115. The first to fourth driven parts 194y-194k are engaged with the rack parts 83y-83k, respectively, and move the trays 80y-80k, respectively.

[0198] The first to fourth driven parts 194y to 194k are substantially similar in configuration to be driven by a pendulum gear unit 115. The first to fourth driven parts 194y to 194k are also similar in configuration to move the trays 80y to 80k via the rack parts 83y to 83k. Therefore, in the following description, the first to fourth driven parts 194y to 194k, the rack parts 83y to 83k, and the trays 80y to 80k will not be distinguished from one another and will be referred to as the driven parts 194, the rack parts 83, and the trays 80, respectively.

[0199] 20(a), the pendulum gear unit 115 has an input gear 115a, an output gear 115b, and an arm 115c. The input gear 115a is rotationally driven by a motor M2. The arm 115c supports the output gear 115b so that it can rotate (rotate) and also allows the output gear 115b to move (swing, revolve) around the input gear 115a.

[0200] Furthermore, the pendulum gear unit 115 has an arm restricting member 115d that restricts the arm 115c. The arm restricting member 115d has a restricting portion 115d2 and a restricting rack portion 115d1. The restricting rack portion 115d1 is in mesh with the input gear 115a.

[0201] The driven portion 194 includes a driven gear 194a and a pinion gear 194b. The pinion gear 194b meshes with the rack portion 83 of the tray 80.

[0202] When the tray 80 is moved from the storage position to the removal position (that is, when the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the installation position to the retracted position), the motor M2 drives the input gear 115a to rotate clockwise in FIG. 20(a-c).

[0203] When the input gear 115a rotates clockwise in the figure, the frictional force received from the input gear 115a causes the arm 115c to swing clockwise in the same direction as the input gear 115a. The output gear 115b supported by the arm 115c rotates clockwise around the input gear 115a together with the arm 115c and meshes with the driven gear 194a (FIG. 20(b)). At this time, the reaction force that the output gear 115b receives from the driven gear 194a preferably acts in a direction that moves the output gear 115b and the arm 115c clockwise around the input gear 115a. In other words, when the output gear 115b rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 20(b) while pressing against the driven gear 194a, the direction of the reaction force that the output gear 115b receives from the driven gear 194a preferably generates a clockwise moment in the figure with respect to the rotation axis of the input gear 115a. This makes it easier to maintain meshing between the output gear 115b and the driven gear 194a.

[0204] 20(c), when the input gear 115a rotates clockwise while the output gear 115b is engaged with the driven gear 194a, the pinion gear 194b is driven by the driven gear 194a. The rotation of the pinion gear 194b moves the rack portion 83, and the tray 80 moves from the storage position to the removal position. Then, the toner cartridge 70 moves from the installation position to the retracted position.

[0205] The positional relationship between the toner cartridge 70 and the frame body 16 of the device main body 1A when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, and the positional relationship between the toner cartridge 70 and the rotary main body 90 are the same as those shown in Example 1, so explanations will be omitted here.

[0206] Meanwhile, as the input gear 115a rotates clockwise as described above, the arm restricting member 115d, which has a restricting rack portion 115d1 that meshes with the input gear 115a, descends. The arm restricting member 115d is then positioned so that the restricting portion 115d2 restricts the arm 115c. The restricting portion 115d2 restricts the arm 115c from moving so that the output gear 115b disengages from the driven gear 194a.

[0207] When the tray 80 is moved from the removal position to the storage position (that is, when the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the retracted position to the installed position), the motor M2 drives the input gear 115a to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 20(a-c).

[0208] When input gear 115a rotates counterclockwise, output gear 115b supported by arm 115c receives a force that moves counterclockwise around input gear 115a together with arm 115c. However, because the movement of arm 115c is restricted by arm restricting member 115d, meshing between output gear 115b and driven gear 194a is maintained.

[0209] When the input gear 115a rotates counterclockwise while the output gear 115b is engaged with the driven gear 194a, the pinion gear 194b is driven by the driven gear 194a, and the tray 80 moves from the removal position to the storage position, and the toner cartridge 70 moves from the retracted position to the installation position.

[0210] After the tray 80 moves to the storage position, the restriction of the arm 115c by the restricting portion 115d2 of the arm restricting member 115d is released. As a result, the counterclockwise rotation of the input gear 115a causes the output gear 115b to move counterclockwise around the input gear 115a together with the arm 115c, and the meshing of the output gear 115b and the driven gear 194a is released.

[0211] With the above configuration, the tray 80 can be moved from the storage position to the removal position. Also, the toner cartridge 70 can be moved from the installation position to the retracted position. Furthermore, the tray 80 can be moved from the removal position to the storage position. Also, the toner cartridge 70 can be moved from the retracted position to the installation position.

[0212] As described above, according to this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when the tray 80k is in the removal position, the tray engaging portion 86k and the door engaged portion 17 engage with each other (see FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b)). As a result, when the tray 80k is in the removal position, the door 14 supports the load of the tray 80k and can restrict movement of the tray 80k in a direction away from the door 14. Therefore, the position and posture of the tray 80k in the removal position are stable, which can improve operability when replacing the toner cartridge 70k, for example.

[0213] (Variation) In this embodiment, the driving force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the tray 80 by the driven gear 194a and the pinion gear 194b, but it may also be configured so that one gear meshes with the output gear 115b and the rack portion 83.

[0214] Also, similar to the first embodiment, the configuration for moving the tray 80 is not limited to the so-called rack and pinion configuration.

[0215] As yet another modification, a partially-toothed gear may be used as the drive transmission mechanism from the motor M2 to the pinion gear meshing with the rack portion 83, instead of the configurations of the first and second embodiments. For example, a partially-toothed gear that meshes with the pinion gear of the rotary body 90 may be provided in the apparatus main body 1A, and the partially-toothed gear may be rotated and driven by the motor M2. In this case, when the rotary body 90 is in the replacement position (FIG. 4(b)), the partially-toothed gear meshes with a pinion gear (pinion gear 94k in the black replacement position of FIG. 12(a)) that meshes with the rack portion 83 of the tray 80 facing the opening 16a. The movement direction of the tray 80 can be changed by switching the rotation direction of the partially-toothed gear. Furthermore, it is preferable that the partially-toothed gear and the pinion gear 94 are disengaged except when the tray 80 is being moved relative to the rotary body 90.

[0216] Example 3 Example 3 will be described using Figures 21 and 22(a-c). In Examples 1 and 2, the toner cartridge 70 was moved from the mounted position to the retracted position by the driving force of the motor M2 of the apparatus main body 1A, but the configuration for moving the toner cartridge 70 is not limited to this. In this example, a configuration for moving the toner cartridge 70 by the resilient force (biasing force) of a spring (elastic member) will be described as an example. Unless otherwise specified, elements with the same reference numerals as in Example 1 have substantially the same configuration and function as those described in Example 1, and differences from Example 1 will be mainly described. Note that Example 3 differs from Example 1 only in the configuration for moving the tray 80, and the support structure for the tray 80 in the removal position is the same as Example 1. Therefore, the support structure for the tray 80 shown in Figures 13(a-c) to 18(a, b) described in Example 1 will also be applied to Example 3.

[0217] As shown in FIG. 21, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment uses a biasing member 294, an example of a moving device, to move the toner cartridge 70 from the mounted position to the retracted position. More specifically, the rotary body 90 of the image forming apparatus has a biasing member 294k corresponding to the toner cartridge 70k and the tray 80k, and biasing members 294y to 294c corresponding to the toner cartridges 70y to 70c and the trays 80y to 80c. In other words, the rotary according to this embodiment has first to fourth biasing members corresponding to the first to fourth toner cartridges. The biasing member 294k is an example of a first biasing member. The biasing members 294y to 294c are all examples of second biasing members. However, these numberings are used merely for convenience of explanation and can, in principle, be interchanged as appropriate.

[0218] The biasing member 294 in this embodiment includes an elastic member and is attached to the rotary body 90. In this embodiment, the elastic member can be a compression spring.

[0219] In this embodiment, the tray 80 is urged by the urging member 294, whereby the tray 80 moves from the storage position to the removal position, and the toner cartridge 70 moves from the installation position to the retracted position. In this embodiment, the urging member 294 urges the toner cartridge 70 via the tray 80, but the urging member 294 may also urge the toner cartridge 70 directly.

[0220] That is, although the urging member 294 in this embodiment is configured to abut against the tray 80, the urging member 294 may also abut against the toner cartridge .

[0221] In this embodiment, the toner cartridge 70k and the tray 80k are larger in size than the other toner cartridges 70y-70c and trays 80y-80c. Therefore, the distance that the toner cartridge 70k moves from the mounting position to the retracted position is longer than the distance that the toner cartridges 70y-70c move from the mounting position to the retracted position. Also, the distance that the tray 80k moves from the storage position to the removal position is longer than the distance that the trays 80y-80c move from the storage position to the removal position.

[0222] When the tray 80k is in the storage position and the toner cartridge 70k is in the installation position, the elastic member of the urging member 294k is in a deformed state. Similarly, when the trays 80y-80c are in the storage position and the toner cartridges 70y-70c are in the installation position, the elastic member of the urging members 294y-294c is in a deformed state.

[0223] In this state, the biasing force of the elastic member of the biasing member 294k may be greater than the biasing force of the elastic member of the biasing members 294y-294c. Furthermore, the amount of deformation of the elastic member of the biasing member 294k may be greater than the amount of deformation of the elastic member of the biasing members 294y-294c. This allows the distance that the toner cartridge 70k moves from the installation position to the retracted position to be longer than the distance that the toner cartridges 70y-70c move from the installation position to the retracted position. Furthermore, the distance that the tray 80k moves from the storage position to the removal position to be longer than the distance that the trays 80y-80c move from the storage position to the removal position.

[0224] When the rotary body 90 rotates, it is preferable that the movement of the toner cartridge 70 to the retracted position and the movement of the tray 80 to the removal position are restricted.

[0225] 22(a), the movement of the tray 80 to the removal position and the movement of the toner cartridge 70 to the retracted position may be restricted by a restricting member 295. The restricting member 295 is movable between a restricting position that restricts the movement of the tray 80 to the removal position and the movement of the toner cartridge 70 to the retracted position, and a release position that allows the movement of the tray 80 to the removal position and the movement of the toner cartridge 70 to the retracted position.

[0226] In this embodiment, the regulating member 295 is biased toward the regulating position. When the rotary body 90 is in the replacement position and the regulating member 295 is moved to the release position, the biasing member 294 moves the tray 80 to the removal position and the toner cartridge 70 to the retracted position. The movement of the regulating member 295 to the release position may be performed manually by the user, or the apparatus main body 1A may have a release means for moving the regulating member 295. A drive source such as a solenoid or a motor may be used as the release means. Note that any of the motors M1, M2, and M3 may be used as the drive source.

[0227] Furthermore, the biasing state of the biasing member 294 may be switched every time the toner cartridge 70 or the tray 80 is pushed in.

[0228] 22(b), the image forming apparatus may have a received portion 296 that moves in conjunction with an urging member 294, and a receiving portion 297 that receives the received portion 296. For example, the received portion 296 is provided on the tray 80, and the receiving portion 297 is provided on the rotary body 90. The received portion 296 is urged toward the right side in the figure by the urging force of the urging member 294.

[0229] When the received portion 296 is at position PP, the biasing force of the biasing member 294 is received by the first recess 297d of the receiving portion 297, and the received portion 296 remains at position PP. In this state, the tray 80 is at the removal position, and the toner cartridge 70 is at the retracted position.

[0230] In this state, when the tray 80 is pushed toward the storage position or the toner cartridge 70 is pushed toward the installation position against the biasing force of the biasing member 294, the received portion 296 moves to position Pt1 along the first guide surface 297a of the receiving portion 297. Thereafter, when the force pushing the tray 80 or the toner cartridge 70 is released, the biasing force of the biasing member 294 moves the received portion 296 along the receiving portion 297 to position PR. At this time, the biasing force of the biasing member 294 is received by the second recess 297e of the receiving portion 297. As a result, the tray 80 is positioned at the storage position, and the toner cartridge 70 is positioned at the installation position.

[0231] From this state, when the tray 80 or the toner cartridge 70 is pushed in again against the biasing force of the biasing member 294, the received portion 296 moves to position Pt2 along the second guide surface 297b of the receiving portion 297. Thereafter, when the force pushing the tray 80 or the toner cartridge 70 is released, the biasing force of the biasing member 294 moves the received portion 296 to position PP along the third guide surface 297c of the receiving portion 297. As a result, the tray 80 is positioned at the removal position, and the toner cartridge 70 is positioned at the retracted position.

[0232] When the receiving portion 297 is attached to the rotary body 90, the urging member 294 may include an elastic member and the received portion 296. In this case, when the received portion 296 is located at position PR, the urging force of the urging member 294 is received by the second recess 297e of the receiving portion 297 and does not act on the tray 80 or the toner cartridge 70. When the received portion 296 moves from position Pt2 to position PP, the urging force of the urging member 294 acts on the tray 80 or the toner cartridge 70, so that the tray 80 is located at the removal position and the toner cartridge 70 is located at the retracted position. A member corresponding to the received portion 296 may be provided on the rotary body 90, and a member corresponding to the receiving portion 297 may be provided on the urging member 294 or the tray 80.

[0233] The image forming apparatus may also have a locking portion 298 (tray holding member) shown in FIG. 22(c). In this embodiment, the locking portion 298 engages with the tray 80, but it may also engage with the toner cartridge 70. The locking portion 298 holds the tray 80 in the storage position or the toner cartridge 70 in the installation position when the biasing member 294 is not biasing the tray 80 or the toner cartridge 70. For example, even when the rotation of the rotary body 90 causes gravity acting on the toner cartridge 70 to move in the retracted direction of the toner cartridge 70 or a direction close to that, the locking portion 298 holds the toner cartridge 70 in the installation position. When the biasing force of the biasing member 294 acts on the tray 80 or the toner cartridge 70, the locking portion 298 is moved by the tray 80 or the toner cartridge 70. The position at which the locking portion 298 engages with the locked portion of the tray 80 or the toner cartridge 70 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 22(c).

[0234] The locking portion 298 may be the same as the protrusion 95 (FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b)) provided on the rotary body 90 of the first embodiment, for example.

[0235] As described above, according to this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when the tray 80k is in the removal position, the tray engaging portion 86k and the door engaged portion 17 engage with each other (see FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b)). As a result, when the tray 80k is in the removal position, the door 14 supports the load of the tray 80k and can restrict movement of the tray 80k in a direction away from the door 14. Therefore, the position and posture of the tray 80k in the removal position are stable, which can improve operability when replacing the toner cartridge 70k, for example.

[0236] (Variation) In this embodiment, the elastic members are compression springs, but they may also be torsion coil springs, leaf springs, tension springs, or the like, arranged at appropriate positions.

[0237] Alternatively, a magnet may be used as the biasing member. For example, a first magnet may be attached to the rotary body 90, and a second magnet may be attached to the tray 80 or the toner cartridge 70, and the repulsive force between the first magnet and the second magnet may bias the tray 80 toward the retracted position.

[0238] Example 4 Example 4 will be described using Figures 23(a) and 23(b). In Examples 1 and 2, the toner cartridge 70 was moved from the mounted position to the retracted position by the driving force of the motor M2 of the apparatus main body 1A, and in Example 3, the toner cartridge 70 was moved by the biasing member 294. However, the configuration for moving the toner cartridge 70 is not limited to this. In this example, a configuration for moving the toner cartridge 70 using a solenoid will be described as an example. Unless otherwise specified, elements with the same reference numerals as in Example 1 have substantially the same configuration and function as those described in Example 1, and differences from Example 1 will be mainly described. Note that Example 4 differs from Example 1 only in the configuration for moving the tray 80, and the support structure for the tray 80 in the removal position is the same as Example 1. Therefore, the support structure for the tray 80 shown in Figures 13(a) to 13(c) to 18(a) and 18(b) described in Example 1 will also be applied to Example 4.

[0239] 23(a) and 23(b) are diagrams illustrating a configuration for moving the tray 80 in the fourth embodiment. In the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, a solenoid unit 394, which is an example of a moving device, is used to move the toner cartridge 70 from the mounted position to the retracted position. More specifically, the rotary body 90 according to this embodiment has a solenoid unit 394k corresponding to the toner cartridge 70k and the tray 80k. The rotary body 90 according to this embodiment also has solenoid units 394y to 394c corresponding to the toner cartridges 70y to 70c and the trays 80y to 80c.

[0240] The solenoid unit 394 includes a coil and a movable member, and the movable member moves when the coil is excited. The movable member can move so that the tray 80 moves from the storage position to the removal position, or so that the toner cartridge 70 moves from the installation position to the retracted position.

[0241] The movable member can also move so that the tray 80 moves from the removal position to the storage position, or so that the toner cartridge 70 moves from the retracted position to the installation position.

[0242] As shown in FIG. 23(b), the image forming apparatus may have a locking portion 397 (tray holding member). In this embodiment, the locking portion 397 engages with the tray 80, but it may also engage with the toner cartridge 70. The locking portion 397 holds the tray 80 in the storage position or the toner cartridge 70 in the installation position when the movable member of the solenoid unit 394 is not biasing the tray 80 or the toner cartridge 70. In other words, the locking portion 397 restricts movement of the tray 80 or the toner cartridge 70 when the movable member of the solenoid unit 394 is not biasing the tray 80 or the toner cartridge 70. On the other hand, when the movable member of the solenoid unit 394 acts on the tray 80 or the toner cartridge 70, the locking portion 397 is moved by the tray 80 or the toner cartridge 70. The position at which the locking portion 397 engages with the locked portion of the tray 80 or the toner cartridge 70 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 23(b).

[0243] The locking portion 397 may be the same as the protrusion 95 (FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b)) provided on the rotary body 90 of the first embodiment, for example.

[0244] As described above, according to this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when the tray 80k is in the removal position, the tray engaging portion 86k and the door engaged portion 17 engage with each other (see FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b)). As a result, when the tray 80k is in the removal position, the door 14 supports the load of the tray 80k and can restrict movement of the tray 80k in a direction away from the door 14. Therefore, the position and posture of the tray 80k in the removal position are stable, which can improve operability when replacing the toner cartridge 70k, for example.

[0245] Example 5 A fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 24. In the first to fourth embodiments, 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 to fourth embodiments have substantially the same configurations and functions as those described in the first to fourth embodiments, and differences from the first to fourth embodiments will be mainly described.

[0246] In Examples 1 to 4 and their modified examples, the toner cartridge 70 was removably mounted to the rotary body 90, but in this example, the toner cartridge 570 is removably mounted to the developing device 590. Note that Example 5 differs from Example 1 in that it does not have the rotary body 90, but has a developing device 590 to which one toner cartridge 570 can be detached. However, the support structure for the tray 80 located at the removal position is the same as Example 1. Therefore, the support structure for the tray 80 shown in Figures 13(a) to 13(c) to 18(a, b) described in Example 1 is also applicable to Example 5.

[0247] 24, the image forming apparatus 501 has a toner cartridge 570 that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 1A. The apparatus main body 1A also has a developing device (developing unit) 590.

[0248] The developing device 590 is an example of a developing means 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.

[0249] The developing device 590 has a developing roller 51, a supply roller 52, and a developing blade. A toner cartridge 570 is attached to the developing device 590. The toner cartridge 570 contains black toner to be replenished to the developing device 590. The developing device 590 has a developing frame (storing frame) 553. The developing frame 553 has a developing-side accommodating portion 553a and a receiving opening 553b that communicates with the developing-side accommodating portion 553a.

[0250] The toner cartridge 570 has a toner frame 571. The toner frame 571 has a toner storage portion 571a that stores toner, and a discharge opening 571b that communicates with the toner storage portion 571a.

[0251] The toner cartridge 570 is attachable to and detachable from the developing device 590 through the opening 16a. More specifically, the toner cartridge 570 is movable through the opening 16a relative to the developing device frame 553 between an attached position and a retracted position retracted from the attached position. When the toner cartridge 570 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 accommodating portion 571a of the toner cartridge 570 and the developing-side accommodating portion 553a of the developing device 590 communicate with each other through the discharge opening 571b and the receiving opening 553b. When toner is replenished from the toner cartridge 570 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.

[0252] 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.

[0253] 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.

[0254] 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 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.

[0255] 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.

[0256] In this case, the parts of the moving devices in Examples 1 to 4 that are provided in the rotary main 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.

[0257] Developing device 590 has tray 80 and a structure for moving tray 80. The structure for moving tray 80 can be the same as that shown in Examples 1 to 4 and their modifications.

[0258] As described above, according to this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when the tray 80k is in the removal position, the tray engaging portion 86k and the door engaged portion 17 engage with each other. This allows the door 14 to support the load of the tray 80k when the tray 80k is in the removal position, and also restricts the movement of the tray 80k in a direction away from the door 14. This stabilizes the position and posture of the tray 80k when it is in the removal position, thereby improving operability when replacing the toner cartridge 70k, for example.

[0259] 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.

[0260] Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 570 is in the retracted position with the side surface 16b on which the opening 16a is provided being the front surface of the device main body 1A, 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.

[0261] 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.

[0262] (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.

[0263] In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the rotary body 90 is configured to include four developing units 50y to 50k and to form 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, in the above-described first to fourth embodiments, a configuration in which four toner cartridges 70y to 70k can be detachably attached to the rotary body 90 is illustrated. However, the rotary body 90 may be configured to include only one developing unit 50k, and only one toner cartridge 70k can be attached to the rotary body 90. In this case, the rotary body 90 rotates clockwise in FIG. 1 around the rotation axis 90C, and can alternate between a black replacement position and a black development position.

[0264] In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the 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 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.

[0265] The disclosure of the present embodiment also includes the following configuration examples and method examples. (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus in which a toner cartridge containing toner and having a discharge opening is removably mounted, a rotatable rotary having a developing roller and a containing frame provided with a containing portion for containing toner to be supplied to the developing roller and a receiving opening; a main body frame that houses the rotary and has a main body opening; an opening / closing member attached to the main body frame, the opening / closing member having a support surface and a restricting portion, and configured to be movable between a closed position where the main body opening is closed and an open position where the main body opening is opened; a support member attached to the rotary, to which the toner cartridge is removably attached, and which is supported movably relative to the accommodating frame, the support member being movable through the main body opening between a accommodating position where the toner cartridge is positioned at an attached position relative to the accommodating frame and a removal position where the toner cartridge is positioned at a retracted position retracted from the attached position relative to the accommodating frame when the opening / closing member is in the open position; When the toner cartridge is in the mounting position relative to the accommodating frame, the discharge opening and the receiving opening face each other, When the opening / closing member is located at the open position and the support member is located at the removal position, the support member is supported by the accommodating frame and the support surface, and the restricting portion engages with the support member so that the support member is restricted from moving in a direction away from the support surface. An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Configuration 2) At least a portion of the restricting portion is provided facing the support surface. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, (Configuration 3) The restricting portions are provided at both ends of the opening / closing member in the rotational axis direction of the rotary. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: (Configuration 4) The support member has abutment portion, the opening / closing member has an abutment portion that abuts against the abutment portion to restrict further movement of the support member in a direction from the storage position toward the removal position when the support member is located at the removal position. 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3. (Configuration 5) the support member has a first portion that is supported by the accommodating frame when the opening / closing member is located at the open position and the support member is located at the removal position, and a second portion that is located downstream of the first portion in the movement direction of the toner cartridge from the mounting position toward the retracted position and is supported by the support surface. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller, in a state in which the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, more than half of the total length of the toner cartridge is located outside the main body frame in the moving direction of the toner cartridge from the mounting position toward the retracted position; 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. (Configuration 7) When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, the toner cartridge is entirely located outside the main body frame when the toner cartridge is in the retracted position. 7. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 6, (Configuration 8) The movement direction of the support member from the storage position toward the removal position is a horizontal direction. 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7. (Configuration 9) The movement direction of the support member from the storage position toward the removal position is a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. 9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8. (Configuration 10) a moving device configured to move the support member from the removal position to the storage position; a drive device including a drive source and configured to drive the moving device; 10. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9. (Configuration 11) the moving device includes a rack gear provided on the support member, and a pinion gear provided on the rotary, meshing with the rack gear and driven by the drive device. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, (Configuration 12) The drive device has a drive gear that drives the pinion gear. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, (Configuration 13) the drive device includes a transmission device that transmits a driving force to the pinion gear, the transmission device is configured to be in a state in which it is engaged with the pinion gear so as to be able to transmit driving force, and in a state in which it is disengaged from the pinion gear. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, (Configuration 14) When the support member is at the removal position, an upstream end of the rack gear is engaged with the pinion gear in a movement direction of the support member from the storage position toward the removal position. 14. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 11 to 13. (Configuration 15) a biasing member that biases the support member so as to move the support member from the storage position to the removal position; 15. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 14. (Configuration 16) the toner, the discharge opening, the toner cartridge, the developing roller, the storage portion, the receiving opening, the storage frame, the support member, the mounting position, the storage position, the retracted position, and the removal position are respectively first toner, first discharge opening, first toner cartridge, first developing roller, first storage portion, first receiving opening, first storage frame, first support member, first mounting position, first storage position, first retracted position, and first removal position; a second toner cartridge containing toner and having a second discharge opening is removably mounted in the image forming apparatus; the rotary includes a second developing roller and a second containing frame having a second containing portion that contains a second toner to be supplied to the second developing roller and a second receiving opening; a second support member attached to the rotary, on which the second toner cartridge is removably mounted, and which is supported movably relative to the second accommodating frame, the second support member being movable through the main body opening to a second accommodating position where the second toner cartridge is positioned at a second mounted position relative to the second accommodating frame, and a second removal position where the second toner cartridge is positioned at a second retracted position retracted from the second mounted position relative to the second accommodating frame, when the opening / closing member is in the open position; When the second toner cartridge is in the second mounting position with respect to the second accommodating frame, the second discharge opening and the second receiving opening face each other, when the opening / closing member is located at the open position and the second support member is located at the second removal position, the second support member is supported by the second accommodating frame and the support surface, and the restricting portion engages with the second support member so that movement of the second support member in a direction away from the support surface is restricted. 16. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 15. (Configuration 17) An image forming apparatus in which a toner cartridge containing toner and having a discharge opening is removably mounted, a developing device including a developing roller and a toner receiving frame provided with a receiving opening and a storage portion for storing toner to be supplied to the developing roller; a main body frame that houses the developing device and has a main body opening; an opening / closing member attached to the main body frame, the opening / closing member having a support surface and a restricting portion, and configured to be movable between a closed position where the main body opening is closed and an open position where the main body opening is opened; a support member attached to the developing device, to which the toner cartridge is removably attached, and which is supported movably relative to the accommodating frame, the support member being movable through the main body opening between a accommodating position where the toner cartridge is positioned at an attached position relative to the accommodating frame and a removal position where the toner cartridge is positioned at a retracted position retracted from the attached position relative to the accommodating frame when the opening / closing member is in the open position; When the toner cartridge is in the mounting position relative to the accommodating frame, the discharge opening and the receiving opening face each other, When the opening / closing member is located at the open position and the support member is located at the removal position, the support member is supported by the accommodating frame and the support surface, and the restricting portion engages with the support member so that the support member is restricted from moving in a direction away from the support surface. An image forming apparatus characterized by: [Explanation of symbols]

[0266] 1: image forming apparatus / 14: door (opening / closing member) / 16: frame (main body frame) / 16a: opening (main body opening) / 51: developing roller / 51k: developing roller (first developing roller) / 51m: developing roller (second developing roller) / 53: developing frame (storage frame) / 53k: developing frame (first storage frame) / 53m: developing frame (second storage frame) / 53a: developing side storage portion (storage portion) / 53ak: developing side storage portion (first storage portion) / 53am: developing side storage portion (second storage portion) / 53b: receiving opening / 53bk: receiving opening (first receiving opening) / 53bm: receiving opening (second receiving opening) / 70: toner cartridge (first toner cartridge) / 70k: toner cartridge (first toner cartridge) / 70 m: toner cartridge (second toner cartridge) / 71b: discharge opening / 71bk: discharge opening (first discharge opening) / 71bm: discharge opening (second discharge opening) / 80: tray (support member) / 80k: tray (first support member) / 80m: tray (second support member) / 82: guided portion (first part) / 90: rotary body (rotary, developing device) / 171: door engaged surface (regulating portion) / 172: support surface / 173: door engaged surface (abutting portion) / 553: developing frame body (storing frame body) / 553a: developing side accommodating portion (accommodating portion) / 553b: receiving opening / 570: toner cartridge / 571b: discharge opening / 590: developing device / 862: engagement surface (second part) / 863: tray engagement surface (abutting portion)

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus in which a toner cartridge containing toner and having a discharge opening is removably mounted, a rotatable rotary having a developing roller and a containing frame provided with a containing portion for containing toner to be supplied to the developing roller and a receiving opening; a main body frame that houses the rotary and has a main body opening; an opening / closing member attached to the main body frame, the opening / closing member having a support surface and a restricting portion, and configured to be movable between a closed position where the main body opening is closed and an open position where the main body opening is opened; a support member attached to the rotary, to which the toner cartridge is removably attached, and which is supported movably relative to the accommodating frame, the support member being movable through the main body opening between a accommodating position where the toner cartridge is positioned at an attached position relative to the accommodating frame and a removal position where the toner cartridge is positioned at a retracted position retracted from the attached position relative to the accommodating frame when the opening / closing member is in the open position; When the toner cartridge is in the mounting position relative to the accommodating frame, the discharge opening and the receiving opening face each other, When the opening / closing member is located at the open position and the support member is located at the removal position, the support member is supported by the accommodating frame and the support surface, and the restricting portion engages with the support member so that the support member is restricted from moving in a direction away from the support surface. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. At least a portion of the restricting portion is provided facing the support surface.

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

3. The restricting portions are provided at both ends of the opening / closing member in the rotational axis direction of the rotary.

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

4. The support member has abutment portion, the opening / closing member has an abutment portion that abuts against the abutment portion to restrict further movement of the support member in a direction from the storage position toward the removal position when the support member is located at the removal position.

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

5. The support member has a first portion that is supported by the accommodating frame when the opening / closing member is located at the open position and the support member is located at the removal position, and a second portion that is located downstream of the first portion in the movement direction of the toner cartridge from the mounting position toward the retracted position and is supported by the support surface.

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

6. when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller, in a state in which the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, more than half of the total length of the toner cartridge is located outside the main body frame in the moving direction of the toner cartridge from the mounting position toward the retracted position; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

7. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, the toner cartridge is entirely located outside the main body frame when the toner cartridge is in the retracted position.

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

8. The movement direction of the support member from the storage position toward the removal position is a horizontal direction.

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

9. The movement direction of the support member from the storage position toward the removal position is a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

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

10. a moving device configured to move the support member from the removal position to the storage position; a drive device including a drive source and configured to drive the moving device; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

11. the moving device includes a rack gear provided on the support member, and a pinion gear provided on the rotary, meshing with the rack gear and driven by the drive device.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The drive device has a drive gear that drives the pinion gear.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

13. the drive device includes a transmission device that transmits a driving force to the pinion gear, the transmission device is configured to be in a state in which it is engaged with the pinion gear so as to be able to transmit driving force, and in a state in which it is disengaged from the pinion gear.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

14. When the support member is at the removal position, an upstream end of the rack gear is engaged with the pinion gear in a movement direction of the support member from the storage position toward the removal position.

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

15. a biasing member that biases the support member so as to move the support member from the storage position to the removal position; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

16. the toner, the discharge opening, the toner cartridge, the developing roller, the storage portion, the receiving opening, the storage frame, the support member, the mounting position, the storage position, the retracted position, and the removal position are respectively a first toner, a first discharge opening, a first toner cartridge, a first developing roller, a first storage portion, a first receiving opening, a first storage frame, a first support member, a first mounting position, a first storage position, a first retracted position, and a first removal position; a second toner cartridge containing toner and having a second discharge opening is removably mounted on the image forming apparatus; the rotary includes a second developing roller and a second containing frame having a second containing portion that contains a second toner to be supplied to the second developing roller and a second receiving opening; a second support member attached to the rotary, on which the second toner cartridge is removably mounted, and supported movably with respect to the second accommodating frame, the second support member being movable through the main body opening between a second accommodating position where the second toner cartridge is positioned at a second mounted position with respect to the second accommodating frame, and a second removal position where the second toner cartridge is positioned at a second retracted position retracted from the second mounted position with respect to the second accommodating frame, when the opening / closing member is in the open position; When the second toner cartridge is in the second mounting position relative to the second accommodating frame, the second discharge opening and the second receiving opening face each other, when the opening / closing member is located at the open position and the second support member is located at the second removal position, the second support member is supported by the second accommodating frame and the support surface, and the restricting portion engages with the second support member so that movement of the second support member in a direction away from the support surface is restricted.

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

17. An image forming apparatus in which a toner cartridge containing toner and having a discharge opening is removably mounted, a developing device including a developing roller and a toner receiving frame provided with a receiving opening and a storage portion for storing toner to be supplied to the developing roller; a main body frame that houses the developing device and has a main body opening; an opening / closing member attached to the main body frame, the opening / closing member having a support surface and a restricting portion, and configured to be movable between a closed position where the main body opening is closed and an open position where the main body opening is opened; a support member attached to the developing device, to which the toner cartridge is removably attached, and which is supported movably relative to the accommodating frame, the support member being movable through the main body opening between a accommodating position where the toner cartridge is positioned at an attached position relative to the accommodating frame and a removal position where the toner cartridge is positioned at a retracted position retracted from the attached position relative to the accommodating frame when the opening / closing member is in the open position; When the toner cartridge is in the mounting position relative to the accommodating frame, the discharge opening and the receiving opening face each other, When the opening / closing member is located at the open position and the support member is located at the removal position, the support member is supported by the accommodating frame and the support surface, and the restricting portion engages with the support member so that the support member is restricted from moving in a direction away from the support surface. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

Images