Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus in a new form developed from a conventional technique.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus has: (i) a developing unit that has a storage frame body including a storage unit storing toner and a receiving opening, and a developing shutter movable to a closing position where it covers the receiving opening and an opening position where the receiving opening is exposed; (ii) a toner cartridge that has a toner frame body including a discharge opening and is movable, relative to the storage frame body, to a mounted position where the discharge opening faces the receiving opening and a retreated position where it is retreated from the mounted position; (iii) a moving device configured to move the toner cartridge from the retreated position to the mounted position; and (iv) a driving device that includes a driving source and is configured to drive the moving device. When the toner cartridge moves from the retreated position toward the mounted position, the developing shutter is moved by a force of the driving source from the closing position toward the opening position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 43

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 members. Patent documents 1 and 2 describe image forming apparatuses equipped with a rotary equipped with multiple developing rollers and multiple toner cartridges (toner storage containers) that are detachably attached to the rotary. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus of a new type that is an improvement over conventional technology. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0006] a developing unit including a developing roller, a containing frame having a containing portion for containing toner to be supplied to the developing roller and a receiving opening, and a developing shutter movable between a closed position that covers the receiving opening and an open position that exposes the receiving opening; an apparatus main body that houses the developing unit; a toner cartridge detachably attached to the developing unit, the toner cartridge including a toner frame body that accommodates toner to be supplied to the developing unit and has a discharge opening, the toner cartridge being movable relative to the toner frame body between an attached position where the discharge opening faces the receiving opening and a retracted position where the toner cartridge is retracted from the attached position; a moving device configured to move the toner cartridge from the retracted position toward the mounting position; a drive device including a drive source and configured to drive the moving device; and When the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge is located outside the device main body, the developing shutter is moved from the closed position to the open position by the force of the driving source when the toner cartridge is moved from the retracted position to the mounted position; An image forming apparatus characterized by:

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is as follows.

[0008] a developing unit having a developing roller and a container frame provided with a container portion for containing toner to be supplied to the developing roller and a receiving opening; an apparatus body that houses the developing unit; a toner cartridge detachably attached to the developing unit, the toner cartridge including a toner frame that stores toner to be supplied to the developing unit and has a discharge opening, and a toner shutter that is movable between a closed position that covers the discharge opening and an open position that exposes the discharge opening, the toner cartridge being movable relative to the storage frame between an attached position where the discharge opening faces the receiving opening and a retracted position retracted from the attached position; a moving device configured to move the toner cartridge from the retracted position toward the mounting position; a drive device including a drive source and configured to drive the moving device; and When the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge is located outside the device main body, a moving direction of the toner cartridge when the toner cartridge moves from the mounted position to the retracted position intersects with a longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge; the toner shutter moves from the closed position to the open position by the force of the driving source when the toner cartridge moves from the retracted position to the mounted position; An image forming apparatus characterized by:

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is as follows.

[0010] a developing unit including a developing roller, a containing frame having a containing portion for containing toner to be supplied to the developing roller and a receiving opening, and a developing shutter movable between a first closed position that covers the receiving opening and a first open position that exposes the receiving opening; a toner cartridge detachably mounted on the developing unit, the toner cartridge including a toner frame that stores toner to be supplied to the developing unit and has a discharge opening, and a toner shutter that is movable between a second closed position that covers the discharge opening and a second open position that exposes the discharge opening, the toner cartridge being movable relative to the storage frame between an attached position where the discharge opening faces the receiving opening and a retracted position retracted from the attached position; and the toner cartridge is configured to move between the mounting position and the retracted position with the discharge opening positioned below the receiving opening, When the toner cartridge moves from the retracted position toward the mounted position, the toner shutter reaches the second open position before the development shutter reaches the first open position. An image forming apparatus characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus of a new type that is an improvement over conventional technology. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [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] 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams of the configuration of a tray drive system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams of the configuration of a tray drive system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a stepped gear according to a first embodiment; [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a locking member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams of the configuration of a locking mechanism of the rotary body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18]3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams of the configuration of a locking mechanism of the rotary body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] 3A to 3D are perspective views of a drive rack according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] 3A and 3B are perspective views of a configuration for holding a drive rack according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] 2A and 2B are perspective views of a rotary body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] 5A to 5D are explanatory diagrams of a configuration for regulating the distance between gears according to the first embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration related to regulation of an inter-gear distance according to the first embodiment. [Figure 24] 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams of the configuration of an idling gear according to the first embodiment. [Figure 25] 3A to 3E are explanatory diagrams of a configuration for detecting the pushing of a tray according to the first embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 28] 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of a toner cartridge and a developing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary assembly in the first embodiment. [Figure 30] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the configuration of a cover and a connecting portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 31] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the configuration of a cover and a connecting portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 32] 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of a developing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 33] 2A, 2B, and 2C are diagrams showing a rotary holder according to the first embodiment. [Figure 34] 5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams showing the relationship between the rotation of the rotary body and the movement of the protrusions relative to the rotary holder according to the first embodiment. [Figure 35] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment. [Figure 36]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment as viewed in the widthwise direction. [Figure 37] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a toner shutter and a shutter driving unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 38] 3A, 3B, and 3C are diagrams illustrating a toner shutter and a shutter driving unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 39] 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are diagrams illustrating a toner shutter and a shutter driving unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 40] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the grip portion of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 41] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the grip portion of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 42] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the grip portion of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 43] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a developing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 44] 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are diagrams for explaining the movement of the development shutter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 45] 4A, 4B, and 4C are diagrams for explaining the movement of the development shutter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 46] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the movement of the development shutter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 47] 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the position of the development shutter at the closed position according to the first embodiment. [Figure 48] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the relationship between the developing shutter in the open position, the toner shutter in the open position, and the photosensitive drum according to the first embodiment. [Figure 49] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating engagement between a positioned portion of a toner cartridge and a positioning portion of a developing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 50] 5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams illustrating engagement between a positioned portion of a toner cartridge and a positioning portion of a developing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 51]10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are diagrams illustrating the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the positioned portion of the toner cartridge and the positioning portion of the developing unit begin to engage with each other according to the first embodiment. [Figure 52] 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are diagrams illustrating the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the adjusting protrusion according to the first embodiment has passed through the adjusting portion. [Figure 53] 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are diagrams illustrating the development shutter and the toner shutter in a state in which the stopper is released by the release unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 54] 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are diagrams illustrating the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the gear teeth according to the first embodiment have passed through the opener and the toner shutter is positioned at the open position. [Figure 55] 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are diagrams illustrating the opener according to the first embodiment, the developing shutter, and the toner shutter in a state where the shutter holder is in contact with each other. [Figure 56] 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are diagrams illustrating the developing shutter and the toner shutter in the state where the developing shutter according to the first embodiment is in the open position. [Figure 57] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the rotary assembly in a state where the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment is located at the mounting position. [Figure 58] 10A and 10B are perspective views of a toner cartridge according to a second embodiment. [Figure 59] FIG. 10 is a view showing the toner cartridge according to the second embodiment as viewed in the lateral direction. [Figure 60] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a toner shutter and a shutter driving unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 61] 10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams illustrating a toner shutter and a shutter driving unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 62] 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are diagrams illustrating a toner shutter and a shutter driving unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 63] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a developing unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 64] 10A and 10B are perspective views showing an opener unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 65] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing the arrangement of an opener unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 66] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating engagement between a positioned portion of a toner cartridge and a positioning portion of a developing unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 67] 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are diagrams illustrating the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the positioned portion of the toner cartridge and the positioning portion of the developing unit begin to engage with each other according to the second embodiment. [Figure 68] 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are diagrams illustrating the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the adjusting protrusion according to the second embodiment has passed through the adjusting portion. [Figure 69] 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are diagrams illustrating the development shutter and the toner shutter in a state in which the stopper is released by the release unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 70] 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are diagrams illustrating the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the gear teeth according to the second embodiment have passed through the opener and the toner shutter is positioned at the open position. [Figure 71] 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are diagrams illustrating the opener according to the second embodiment, the developing shutter, and the toner shutter in a state where the shutter holder is in contact with each other. [Figure 72] 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are diagrams illustrating the developing shutter and the toner shutter in a state where the developing shutter according to the second embodiment is in an open position. [Figure 73] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the rotary assembly in a state where the toner cartridge according to the second embodiment is located at the mounting position. [Figure 74] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration related to the movement of a tray according to a third embodiment. [Figure 75] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams of a configuration for moving a tray according to a third embodiment. [Figure 76] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a configuration for moving a tray according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 77] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of the configuration of a moving device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 78]10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of the configuration of a moving device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 79] 10A, 10B, and 10C are explanatory diagrams of the configuration of a moving device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 80] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 81] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a configuration for sealing the discharge opening of the toner cartridge according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Example 1 An image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12(a, b).

[0015] 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 that intersects with the Z direction and is the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (described later, the direction of the rotary's rotation axis) is referred to as the Y direction. The direction that intersects with 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 are referred to as the +X side, the +Y side, and the +Z side, respectively, and the opposite sides are referred to as the -X side, the -Y side, and the -Z side, respectively.

[0016] (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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus main body) 1A and toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k that are detachably attached to the apparatus main body 1A. The apparatus main body 1A in this embodiment is the portion of the image forming apparatus 1 excluding the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The charging roller 3 is an example of a charging means or charging unit for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 2. The scanner 4 is an example of an exposure means or exposure unit that irradiates the photosensitive drum 2 with laser light according to image information to expose it. By irradiating the charged photosensitive drum 2 with laser light, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The cleaning unit 6 is an example of a cleaning means or cleaning section that removes toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0021] Furthermore, the apparatus main body 1A has a sheet storage section 300, a pickup roller 310, a feed roller 311, a separation roller 312, a pair of conveying rollers 320, a secondary transfer roller 12, a fixing device 40, and an intermediate transfer unit 10. The pickup roller 310 is an example of a feeding means or a feeding unit that feeds the sheet S. The feed roller 311 and the separation roller 312 are examples of a separation conveying unit that separates and conveys the sheets S one by one by frictional force. The secondary transfer roller 12 is an example of a transfer means or a transfer unit that transfers an image from the intermediate transfer belt 10a to the sheet S.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The developing units (first to fourth developing units) 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are examples of developing means or developing sections that develop (visualize) the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 into a toner image using toner of the corresponding color. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 using yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, or black toner, respectively. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 has 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 be supplied to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. One of the four toner colors can be referred to as the first toner, one of the remaining three toner colors as the second toner, one of the remaining two toner colors as the third toner, and the last toner as the fourth toner. For example, black toner can be referred to as the first toner, and magenta toner as the second toner. These numbering schemes are used merely for convenience and can generally be interchanged as needed.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The toner cartridges 70y-70k are detachably held in the trays 80y-80k. As will be described later, the trays 80y-80k are supported so as to be slidable to the outside of the rotary main body 90. The combination of the rotary unit 90U and the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k can be referred to as the rotary assembly 90A. In other words, the rotary assembly 90A has the rotary unit 90U and the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 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 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. The motors M1, M2, and M3 are examples of drive sources that operate by receiving electric power.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Furthermore, the apparatus main body 1A has a control unit 30 as a control means for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 30 has a CPU that executes programs and a storage unit such as a ROM or RAM. The CPU reads and executes programs stored in the storage unit and controls the operation of actuators such as motors M1, M2, and M3 provided in the image forming apparatus 1. The storage unit includes non-volatile and volatile storage media, and serves as a storage location for programs and data, as well as a workspace for the CPU when executing the programs. Note that each function of the control unit 30 described below may be implemented in a circuit within the control unit 30 as independent hardware such as an ASIC.

[0038] 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. Furthermore, 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.

[0039] 3, the toner cartridge 70 has a toner frame 71. The toner frame 71 has a toner storage portion (toner storage chamber) 71a that stores toner, and a discharge opening 71b that communicates with the toner storage portion 71a.

[0040] The developing unit 50 has a developing frame (storage frame) 53. The developing frame 53 has a developing-side storage portion 53a and a receiving opening 53b that communicates with the developing-side storage portion (toner supply chamber) 53a. That is, the rotary body 90 has a developing frame 53y, a developing frame 53m, a developing frame 53c, and a developing frame 53k. That is, the rotary body 90 has a first developing chamber, a second developing chamber, a third developing chamber, and a fourth developing chamber. As mentioned above, the developing unit 50 has a developing roller 51, a supply roller 52, etc., but these members are omitted in Figure 3.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The toner contained in the toner container 71a is discharged from the discharge opening 71b, and the toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is received in the developer container 53a through the receiving opening 53b. That is, the first developer is supplied to the first developing chamber of the rotary body 90, the second developer is supplied to the second developing chamber, the third developer is supplied to the third developing chamber, and the fourth developer is supplied to the fourth developing chamber.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] When the toner cartridge 70 is not attached to the development 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.

[0047] (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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] When the yellow toner image is developed, the yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 2 is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 10a by the primary transfer roller 11 arranged inside the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0052] Thereafter, the rotary body 90 is rotated to move the developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k to the developing positions in order, thereby forming toner images of each color. That is, after a yellow toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary body 90 assumes a magenta developing position, and a magenta toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After a magenta toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary body 90 assumes a cyan developing position, and a cyan toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After a cyan toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary body 90 assumes a black developing position, and a black toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After a black toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C in the direction of the arrow (clockwise) shown in FIG. 1 and returns to the yellow developing position. The color of the image formed first on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is arbitrary; for example, a black toner image may be formed first.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] (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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The frame 16 has an opening 16a. More specifically, the frame 16 has a side surface 16b that extends in a direction intersecting the horizontal direction. The side surface 16b constitutes at least a part of the exterior surface on the +X side of the device main body 1A. The opening 16a is located on this side surface 16b. The side surface 16b is located downstream of the discharge port in the discharge direction in which the sheets S on which images are formed are discharged from the discharge port of the device main body 1A. A user can access the sheet storage unit 300 from the side surface 16b of the image forming apparatus 1 to refill the sheets S or retrieve the sheets S discharged from the discharge port. Therefore, the side surface 16b can be said to be the front surface (front face) of the device main body 1A.

[0061] 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.

[0062] In this embodiment, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are supported by the trays 80y to 80k and are attached to and detached from the rotary body 90 through the opening 16a. In other words, the user can attach and detach the toner cartridges 70y to 70k to and from the rotary body 90 via the trays 80y to 80k.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The image forming apparatus 1 has a door 14 that covers the opening 16a of the frame body 16. The door 14 is an openable / closable member that can be moved between a closed position where the opening 16a is covered (see also FIG. 6(a)), and an open position where the opening 16a is exposed (see also FIGS. 6(b) and 6(c)).

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The rotary body 90 can rotate about 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.

[0069] The position in which removal of the toner cartridge 70k is permitted is called the black replacement position. The black replacement position is an example of a first replacement position in which removal of the first toner cartridge from the rotary body 90 is permitted. The yellow / magenta / cyan replacement position is an example of a second replacement position in which removal of the second toner cartridge from the rotary body 90 is permitted. The yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement positions can also be called the first to fourth replacement positions. These numberings are used merely for convenience of explanation and can, in principle, be interchanged as appropriate.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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).

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] The rotary body 90 is supported so as to be swingable about a swing shaft 91. The rotary body 90 is urged by a biasing member 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 abuts against the photosensitive drum 2.

[0081] 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. The rotary body 90 then moves 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 moves closer to the opening 16a of the frame 16 and the door 14.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] (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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] The toner cartridge replacement operation will now be described. First, the user instructs the control unit 30 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.

[0089] When the control unit 30 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 30 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.

[0090] 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).

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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. Also, 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 to the outside of the device body 1A through the opening 16a.

[0094] More specifically, the tray 80 is movable between a storage position and a removal position relative to the rotary body 90. That is, the first tray is movable between a storage position (first position) and a removal position (second position) relative to the rotary body 90. The second tray is movable between a storage position (third position) and a removal position (fourth position) relative to the rotary body 90. The storage position is a position where the tray 80 is stored within the rotary body 90. The removal position is a position where the tray 80 protrudes outside the rotary body 90, allowing the toner cartridge 70 to be removed from the tray 80 (removal position, replaceable position). Examples of storage positions are the positions of the trays 80y to 80k in Figures 4(a) and 4(b). Examples of removal positions 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).

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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).

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 7(a) and 7(b) show a cross section of the rotary body 90 and its surroundings when replacing the toner cartridge.

[0103] Fig. 7(a) shows the state when the black toner cartridge 70k is replaced, and Fig. 7(b) shows the state when the magenta toner cartridge 70m is replaced.

[0104] The image forming apparatus 1 includes moving devices 85y, 85m, 85c, and 85k (FIG. 8) that move the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k from their respective mounting positions to their respective retracted positions. When the term "moving device 85" is used without the subscript, it generally refers to any one of the moving devices 85y, 85m, 85c, and 85k. In this embodiment, the moving device 85 can be said to include the 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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 FIGS. 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). In addition, 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).

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] Furthermore, in order 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 is 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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).

[0117] 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 (second 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] (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 top (+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 right (+X side) of Figure 8.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] Tray 80y is provided with one or more rack portions 83y. Rotary body 90 is provided with one or more pinion gears 94y corresponding to the one or more rack portions 83y. Similarly, trays 80m, 80c, and 80k are provided with one or more rack portions 83m, one or more rack portions 83c, and one or more rack portions 83k, respectively. Rotary body 90 is provided with one or more pinion gears 94m, one or more pinion gears 94c, and one or more pinion gears 94k corresponding to the one or more rack portions 83m, one or more rack portions 83c, and one or more rack portions 83k, respectively.

[0130] 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 also be said to be part of a driven device driven by a driving device 98 of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0131] The pinion gears 94y to 94k can be said to be rotating bodies (rotating members) that move the trays 80y to 80k relative to the rotary body 90 by rotating.

[0132] The movement devices 85y-85k are driven by a drive device 98 of the apparatus main body 1A. 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 a driving force from the drive device 98 of the apparatus 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.

[0133] The rotary body 90 has guide portions 97 (see FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b)) that engage with each of the guided portions 82y to 82k. FIG. 7(a) shows a guide portion 97 (97k) that engages with the guided portion 82k of tray 80k, and FIG. 7(b) shows a guide portion 97 (97m) that engages with the guided portion 82m of tray 80m. The rotary body 90 is provided with similar guide portions that engage with the guided portions 82y and 82c of trays 80y and 80c. Also, while FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) show a guide portion 97 provided on one side (+Y side) of the rotary body 90 in the Y direction, a similar guide portion 97 is also provided on the other side (-Y side) of the rotary body 90 in the Y direction.

[0134] 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 tray 80 in the movement direction. 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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).

[0138] 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)).

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] Here, the meshing position between the rack portion 83k 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.

[0145] The lower half of FIG. 10 shows the meshing position of the rack portion 83c and the pinion gear 94c.

[0146] 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 by 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 94c meshes with the rack portion 83c 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 83y, like the rack portion 83c, meshes with the pinion gear 94y (FIG. 8) so as to be able to transmit driving force in the area Y3.

[0147] Here, the regions Y2 and Y3 are at different positions in the Y direction (shifted in the Y direction). Also, the region Y1 is at a different position in the Y direction from both the region Y2 and the region Y3. In other words, the region Y1 is shifted in the Y direction with respect to the region Y2 and the region Y3.

[0148] 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, the movement directions Dy and Dc of the trays 80y and 80c are substantially the same direction (parallel), so 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).

[0149] Furthermore, when the toner cartridges 70m and 70k are in the installation position, the range in which the rack portion 83m is disposed at least partially overlaps 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, since the movement directions Dm and Dk of the trays 80m and 80k are substantially the same direction (parallel), the range in which the rack portion 83m is disposed at least partially overlaps 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).

[0150] 12(a), when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83y overlaps with rack portion 83m and rack portion 83k. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83m overlaps with rack portion 83y and rack portion 83c. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83c overlaps with rack portion 83m and rack portion 83k. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83k overlaps with rack portion 83y and rack portion 83c. In other words, in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotary (Y direction), the range in which the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) is arranged and the range in which the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) is arranged do not overlap. Furthermore, when viewed in the direction of the rotary's rotation axis (Y direction), when the first toner cartridge 70k is in the first mounting position and the second toner cartridge 70y is in the second mounting position, it can be said that the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) and the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) overlap.

[0151] 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.

[0152] (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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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(a)).

[0155] 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 15 is driven by a motor M2 via a transmission unit 15t. As shown in FIG. 11(a), when the tray 80k is inside the rotary main body 90 (i.e., when the toner cartridge 70k is attached to the developing unit 50k), the drive racks 15L and 15R are in a disengagement position away from the pinion gear 94k. The drive racks 15L and 15R move from the disengagement position to engage with the pinion gear 94k so that the tray 80k moves from the storage position to the removal position and the toner cartridge 70k moves from the attachment position to the retracted position.

[0156] As described above, two rack portions 83k are formed at both ends of the tray 80k in the Y direction. Two pinion gears 94k and two drive racks 15L and 15R are disposed at positions corresponding to the rack portions 83k at both ends. In other words, the apparatus main body 1A of this embodiment has drive racks 15L and 15R as a first drive gear and a second drive gear. The drive rack 15L is an example of a first drive gear, and the drive rack 15R is an example of a second drive gear.

[0157] However, these numbering schemes are merely used for convenience in 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."

[0158] The rack portion 83 in this embodiment is configured as a rack gear pair, and the pinion gear 94 in 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 in 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.

[0159] The rack portions 83y to 83c and pinion gears 94y to 94c of the moving devices 85y to 85c corresponding to any of the other trays 80y to 80c can be said to be examples of the second rack gear pair and the second pinion gear pair, respectively.

[0160] 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. Note that the tray 80 may also have one rack portion 83 and be moved by one drive rack 15 via one pinion gear 94.

[0161] 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).

[0162] 11(a) and 11(b), the 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), the transmission unit 15t, the drive rack 15, the pinion gear 94k, and the rack unit 83k.

[0163] First, we will explain the tray movement operation (tray pull-out operation) when removing the toner cartridge 70k from the rotary body 90. Before the tray pull-out operation starts, the drive rack 15 is positioned below the position where it engages with the pinion gear 94k (FIG. 11(a)).

[0164] As described above, in the replacement operation of the toner cartridge 70k, the rotary body 90 takes the replacement posture for the toner cartridge 70k (FIG. 4(b)).

[0165] 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 meshes with the pinion gear 94k, and the pinion gear 94k is rotated.

[0166] 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 machine 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 of the rotary body 90 (FIG. 7(a)).

[0167] As a result of the tray 80k moving from the storage position to the removal position, the toner cartridge 70k is moved from the mounting position to the retracted position relative to the developing unit 50k.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 11(b), a driving force is input to the rack portion 83k that meshes with the pinion gear 94k, so that the tray 80k is pulled into the apparatus and moves from the removal position to the storage position relative to the rotary body 90.

[0171] The tray 80k is guided in the movement direction Dk (opposite 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.

[0172] 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 driving force to the pinion gears 94y-94c.

[0173] A drive device 98 for driving the moving device 85 provided on the rotary body 90 is configured by the motor M2 provided on the device body 1A, and a transmission device including the drive racks 15 (15L, 15R) and the transmission part 15t. The moving device 85 of this embodiment can be said to be a moving device operated by electricity.

[0174] As described above, in this embodiment, the rotary body 90 is provided with a plurality of moving devices 85y-85k corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges 70y-70k. The driving device 98 of the apparatus main body 1A is a common driving device that drives the plurality of moving devices 85y-85k (a plurality of driven devices) of the rotary body 90.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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).

[0178] 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).

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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.

[0182] For example, as shown in Fig. 10, pinion gear 94c is a stepped gear, and the pitch radius of a small diameter gear 942 that meshes with rack portion 83c is smaller than the pitch radius of a large diameter gear 941 that meshes with drive rack 15. Pinion gears 94m and 94y are also similarly stepped gears. On the other hand, pinion gear 94k has the same pitch radius at the portion that meshes with drive rack 15 and the portion that meshes with rack portion 83k. In this case, the pitch radius of pinion gear 94k can be made the same as the pitch radius of the large diameter gears 941 of pinion gears 94y to 94c.

[0183] According to this configuration, the movement distance of rack section 83k can be made larger than the movement distances of the other rack sections 83y to 83c even if the movement distance of drive rack 15 is the same. In other words, the movement distance L1 when black tray 80k moves from the storage position to the removal position can be made larger than the movement distance L2 when the other trays 80y to 80c move from the storage position to the removal position.

[0184] 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.

[0185] (Variation) Although a configuration has been described in which the driven part has a pinion gear 94 that meshes with both the drive rack 15 and the rack part 83, the driven part may also have a gear that meshes with the drive rack 15 and a gear that meshes with the rack part 83.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] (Left and right connected tray drive system) 13(a, b) and 14(a, b), a drive system 100 for moving tray 80k as an example of a moving member and a configuration for connecting left and right drive racks 15L, 15R (left and right connecting configuration) will be described. Below, a description will be given of drive system 100 for moving tray 80k relative to rotary body 90. A drive system for moving trays 80y to 80c as other examples of moving members is substantially similar to drive system 100 described below, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0189] For convenience of explanation, when the device body 1A is viewed from the +X direction (when viewed from the front), the +Y direction side may be referred to as the right side of the device body 1A, and the -Y direction side may be referred to as the left side of the device body 1A. For example, one drive rack 15L is provided on the left side of the device body 1A, and the other drive rack 15R is provided on the right side of the device body 1A.

[0190] 13(a) and 13(b) are perspective views showing the drive system 100 for the tray 80k. FIG. 13(a) shows the state in which the tray 80k is inside the rotary body 90 (in the storage position). FIG. 13(b) shows the state in which the tray 80k has moved outside the rotary body 90 (in the removal position). FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b) are explanatory diagrams showing the configuration of the drive system 100 for the tray 80k. FIG. 14(a) shows the configuration of the drive system 100 provided on the left side of the device main body 1A. FIG. 14(b) shows the configuration of the drive system 100 provided on the right side of the device main body 1A. Also, FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b) show the state of the drive system 100 when the tray 80k is in the storage position.

[0191] 13(a) and 13(b), the drive system 100 for the tray 80k includes a motor M2 as a drive source and a drive transmission mechanism 101 that transmits the drive force of the motor M2 to the tray 80k. The drive transmission mechanism 101 includes a rotating member that transmits the drive force of the motor M2 by rotating, and a linearly moving member that transmits the drive force of the motor M2 by linearly moving. More specifically, the drive transmission mechanism 101 in this embodiment includes a worm gear 60, stepped gears 61 and 62, an idling gear 63, drive rack input gears 64L and 64R, and drive racks 15L and 15R.

[0192] The drive transmission mechanism 101 of this embodiment includes stepped gears 65L and 65R, a connecting rack 66, and a pinion gear 94k (94kL, 94kR). The tray 80k also has a rack portion 83k (83kL, 83kR) as a force receiving portion that receives a driving force from the drive transmission mechanism 101. The connecting rack 66 is an example of a linearly acting member.

[0193] It can also be said that the drive system 100 for the tray 80k is composed of the drive device 98 of the apparatus main body 1A and the moving device 85k of the rotary main body 90 (FIG. 2).

[0194] The drive device 98 includes a motor M2, drive racks 15L and 15R, and a transmission unit 15t that transmits drive force from the motor M2 to the drive racks 15L and 15R. The transmission unit 15t includes a worm gear 60, stepped gears 61 and 62, an idling gear 63, drive rack input gears 64L and 64R, stepped gears 65L and 65R, and a connecting rack 66. The movement device 85k includes pinion gears 94k (94kL and 94kR) and rack units 83k (83kL and 83kR). Therefore, it can be said that the "drive transmission mechanism 101" includes all elements of the drive device 98 other than the motor M2 and all elements of the movement device 85k other than the elements (rack units 83kL and 83kR) provided on the tray 80k.

[0195] The drive system for the tray 80y is the same as the drive system 100 except that the moving device 85k is replaced with a moving device 85y corresponding to the tray 80y, but the drive device 98 is common.

[0196] The drive system for tray 80m is obtained by replacing moving device 85k of drive system 100 with moving device 85m corresponding to tray 80m, and they share the same drive device 98. The drive system for tray 80c is obtained by replacing moving device 85k of drive system 100 with moving device 85c corresponding to tray 80c, and they share the same drive device 98.

[0197] 13(a), the tray 80k of this embodiment is provided with two rack portions 83kL and 83kR. The rack portion 83kL is an example of a first force receiving portion, and the rack portion 83kR is an example of a second force receiving portion.

[0198] The rack portion 83kR (second force receiving portion) is disposed at a position distant from the rack portion 83kL (first force receiving portion) in a direction intersecting with the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k. In this embodiment, the rack portion 83kR is disposed at a position distant from the rack portion 83kL in the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotary body 90. Also, in this embodiment, the rack portion 83kL is disposed at one end (left end) of the tray 80k in the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotary body 90. Meanwhile, the rack portion 83kR is disposed at the other end (right end) of the tray 80k in the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotary body 90.

[0199] Furthermore, the rotary body 90 of this embodiment is provided with two pinion gears 94kL, 94kR corresponding to the two rack portions 83kL, 83kR. The two pinion gears 94kL, 94kR include a pinion gear 94kL corresponding to the rack portion 83kL and a pinion gear 94kR corresponding to the rack portion 83kR.

[0200] As shown in Figure 13(a), the worm gear 60 is attached to the output shaft of the motor M2. The stepped gear 61 is formed by integrating a large-diameter gear that meshes with the worm gear 60 and a small-diameter gear that is smaller in diameter than the large-diameter gear. The stepped gear 62 is formed by integrating a large-diameter gear that meshes with the small-diameter gear of the stepped gear 61 and a small-diameter gear that is smaller in diameter than the large-diameter gear. The idling gear 63 is in mesh with each of the small-diameter gear of the stepped gear 62, the stepped gear 65L, and the drive rack input gear 64L. The drive rack input gear 64L is in mesh with the drive rack 15L.

[0201] 14(a) and 14(b), the stepped gear 65L is formed by integrating a large diameter gear 651L that meshes with the idling gear 63 and a small diameter gear 652L (third small diameter gear) that is smaller in diameter than the large diameter gear 651L. The stepped gear 65L is configured to transmit the driving force of the motor M2 received by the large diameter gear 651L to the connecting rack 66 via the small diameter gear 652L. The connecting rack 66 has a first rack portion 661L that meshes with the small diameter gear 652L of the stepped gear 65L and a second rack portion 661R that meshes with the small diameter gear 652R of the stepped gear 65R. The stepped gear 65R is formed by integrating a large diameter gear 651R that meshes with the drive rack input gear 64R and a small diameter gear 652R that is smaller in diameter than the large diameter gear 651R. The stepped gear 65R is configured so that the small diameter gear 652R transmits the driving force of the motor M2 received from the connecting rack 66 to the rack portion 83kR via the large diameter gear 651R. The driving rack input gear 64R meshes with the driving rack 15R.

[0202] The connecting rack 66 is a rack member that can reciprocate in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k. In this embodiment, the connecting rack 66 reciprocates along the Y direction, which is the rotational axis direction of the rotary body 90. In other words, the connecting rack 66 moves in a direction different from the movement direction (a direction intersecting the Y direction, which is the Z direction in this embodiment) of the drive racks 15L and 15R, which are the other rack members provided in the drive transmission mechanism 101. Furthermore, the connecting rack 66 in this embodiment is elongated and extends in the Y direction. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the connecting rack 66 is the Y direction. The first rack portion 661L and the second rack portion 661R are provided at one end and the other end of the connecting rack 66 in the Y direction, respectively. The first rack portion 661L and the second rack portion 661R may be continuous.

[0203] The left drive rack 15L is an example of a first transmission member for transmitting the driving force of the motor M2 to the rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k as a first force receiving portion. The right drive rack 15R is an example of a second transmission member for transmitting the driving force of the motor M2 to the rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k as a second force receiving portion. The left and right drive racks 15L, 15R are linked (connected) to each other via a connecting rack 66 so as to interlock with each other. Specifically, the left drive rack 15L is connected to the right drive rack 15R via a drive rack input gear 64L, an idling gear 63, a stepped gear 65L, a connecting rack 66, a stepped gear 65R, and a drive rack input gear 64R.

[0204] The connecting rack 66 is configured to transmit a force received from one of the drive racks 15L, 15R to the other of the drive racks 15L, 15R. Furthermore, the drive transmission mechanism 101 including the connecting rack 66 is configured to transmit a force received from one of the two rack sections 83kL, 83kR of the tray 80k to the other of the rack sections 83kL, 83kR. The advantages of this configuration will be described later.

[0205] The operation of the drive system 100 when moving the tray 80k from the storage position (FIG. 13(a)) to the removal position (FIG. 13(b)) will be described. Hereinafter, the rotation direction of the motor M2 when moving the tray 80k from the storage position to the removal position (first rotation direction, first direction) will be referred to as the forward direction. The rotation direction of the motor M2 when moving the tray 80k from the removal position to the storage position (second rotation direction, second direction) will be referred to as the reverse direction. Furthermore, with regard to the movement direction Dk in which the tray 80k moves between the removal position and the storage position, the direction from the storage position toward the removal position will be referred to as the extraction direction Dk1, and the direction from the removal position toward the storage position will be referred to as the insertion direction Dk2.

[0206] When the motor M2 rotates in the forward direction, the driving force is transmitted in the order of the worm gear 60, stepped gear 61, stepped gear 62, and idling gear 63. Next, the driving force is transmitted from the idling gear 63 to both the drive rack input gear 64L and stepped gear 65L. The drive rack input gear 64L, to which the driving force is transmitted from the idling gear 63, slides the left drive rack 15L upward (in the +Z direction).

[0207] As the left drive rack 15L moves upward, it meshes with the left pinion gear 94kL, causing the pinion gear 94kL to rotate. The rotation of the pinion gear 94kL transmits a driving force to the rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k, which is meshed with the pinion gear 94kL. As a result, the rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k receives a force in the drawing direction Dk1 from the storage position toward the removal position via the left drive train (drive rack input gear 64L, drive rack 15L, pinion gear 94kL) of the drive transmission mechanism 101.

[0208] Meanwhile, the driving force of the idling gear 63 is also transmitted to the right drive train of the drive transmission mechanism 101 (drive rack input gear 64R, drive rack 15R, pinion gear 94kR) via the stepped gear 65L and the connecting rack 66. In other words, the connected rack 66 slides to the right (+Y direction) of the apparatus main body 1A by the stepped gear 65L to which the driving force is transmitted from the idling gear 63. Due to the sliding movement of the connecting rack 66, the driving force is transmitted to the drive rack input gear 64R via the stepped gear 65R, and the right drive rack 15L slides upward (+Z direction).

[0209] As the right drive rack 15R moves upward, it meshes with the right pinion gear 94kR, causing the pinion gear 94kR to rotate. The rotation of the pinion gear 94kR transmits a driving force to the rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k, which meshes with the pinion gear 94kR. As a result, the tray 80k receives a force in the drawing direction Dk1 from the storage position toward the removal position via the right drive train of the drive transmission mechanism 101 (drive rack input gear 64R, drive rack 15R, pinion gear 94kR).

[0210] In this way, when the motor M2 rotates in the forward direction, the tray 80k receives a force in the pull-out direction Dk1 at the left and right rack sections 83kL and 83kR, and moves from the storage position (Figure 13(a)) toward the removal position (Figure 13(b)).

[0211] The operation of the drive system 100 when moving the tray 80k from the removal position to the storage position is the same as when moving the tray 80k from the storage position to the removal position, except that the rotational or sliding directions of each element of the drive system 100 are reversed. That is, when the motor M2 rotates in the reverse direction, the left drive rack 15L slides downward (in the -Z direction) via the worm gear 60, stepped gear 61, stepped gear 62, idling gear 63, and drive rack input gear 64L. The sliding movement of the drive rack 15L transmits a driving force in the retracting direction Dk2 to the rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k via the pinion gear 94kL. Meanwhile, the driving force is transmitted from the idling gear 63 to the connecting rack 66 via the stepped gear 65L, causing the connecting rack 66 to slide to the left (in the -Y direction) of the apparatus main body 1A. The sliding movement of the connecting rack 66 causes the right drive rack 15R to slide downward (-Z direction) via the stepped gear 65R and the drive rack input gear 64R. The sliding movement of the drive rack 15R transmits a driving force in the pull-in direction Dk2 to the rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k via the pinion gear 94kR.

[0212] In this way, when the motor M2 rotates in the reverse direction, the tray 80k receives a force in the retraction direction Dk2 at the left and right rack sections 83kL and 83kR, and moves from the removal position (Figure 13(b)) toward the storage position (Figure 13(a)).

[0213] As described above, during the tray extension and retraction operations of the tray 80k (hereinafter collectively referred to as the extension / retraction operations), the drive force of the motor M2 is transmitted to each of the left and right rack portions 83kL, 83kR of the tray 80k by the drive transmission mechanism 101. That is, during the tray extension operation, the drive force in the extension direction Dk1 is transmitted to each of the two rack portions 83kL, 83kR, and during the tray retraction operation, the drive force in the retraction direction Dk2 is transmitted to each of the two rack portions 83kL, 83kR. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the drive force is transmitted to only one rack portion of the tray 80k during the extension / retraction operation of the tray 80k, tilting of the tray 80k is less likely to occur, and the extension / retraction operation can be performed more stably.

[0214] (Advantages of left and right linked configuration) The advantages of connecting the left and right drive racks 15L and 15R by the connecting rack 66 will be described below.

[0215] The connecting rack 66 of this embodiment transmits a force received from the left drive rack 15L to the right drive rack 15R, and transmits a force received from the right drive rack 15R to the left drive rack 15L. Furthermore, the drive transmission mechanism 101 of this embodiment, which includes the connecting rack 66, transmits a force received from the left rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k to the right rack portion 83kR, and transmits a force received from the right rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k to the left rack portion 83kL. In other words, the drive transmission mechanism is configured to transmit a force received by the drive transmission mechanism from the first force receiving portion of the moving member to the second force receiving portion, and to transmit a force received by the drive transmission mechanism from the second force receiving portion of the moving member to the first force receiving portion.

[0216] For this reason, the left and right drive racks 15L, 15R are connected via a connecting rack 66 so that they move in conjunction with each other. Furthermore, the drive transmission mechanism 101 including the connecting rack 66 can link the movement of the rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k with the movement of the rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k. This makes it less likely that the tray 80k will tilt.

[0217] More specifically, when tray 80k is in the removal position, the user can perform a tray insertion operation and move tray 80k to the storage position by operating an operation unit (e.g., a button on an operation panel) provided on the device main body 1A.

[0218] On the other hand, when the tray 80k is in the ejection position, the user can push the tray 80k, allowing the tray 80k to move toward the storage position (details of the mechanism that allows this will be described later). At this time, the user does not necessarily push the center of the tray 80k in the width direction (left-right direction, Y direction) of the device main body 1A. If the user pushes near one end of the tray 80k in the Y direction, causing that end to move in the pull-in direction Dk2 while the other end does not move, the tray 80k will tilt. If the tray 80k tilts, it will be difficult for the user to smoothly push the tray 80k into the rotary main body 90. Furthermore, if the tray 80k tilts, it may be difficult for the drive system 100 to smoothly perform the tray pull-in operation.

[0219] By connecting the left and right drive racks 15L and 15R of the tray 80k as in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the tray 80k from tilting. Because the left and right drive racks 15L and 15R are connected, even if one end of the tray 80k in the Y direction is pushed and moves in the pull-in direction Dk2, the other end of the tray 80k also moves in the pull-in direction Dk2.

[0220] For example, in the state shown in FIG. 13(b), suppose that the user pushes the vicinity of the left end (-Y side) of the tray 80k in the retracting direction Dk2. In this case, the movement of the rack portion 83kL in the retracting direction Dk2 moves the drive rack 15L downward via the pinion gear 94kL. As the drive rack 15L moves downward, the drive rack input gear 64L, the idling gear 63, and the stepped gear 65L rotate, and the connecting rack 66 moves leftward (-Y direction). As the connecting rack 66 moves leftward, the stepped gear 65R and the drive rack input gear 64R rotate, and the drive rack 15R moves downward. As the drive rack 15R moves downward, the rack portion 83kR receives a force in the retracting direction Dk2 via the pinion gear 94kR.

[0221] That is, the tray 80k receives a force in the retracting direction Dk2 from the user near the rack portion 83kL provided at the left end (-Y side), and also receives a force in the retracting direction Dk2 from the rack portion 83kR provided at the right end (+Y side). The drive transmission mechanism 101 transmits a portion of the force received by the drive rack 15L from the tray 80k via the pinion gear 94kL to the drive rack 15R via the connecting rack 66, thereby enabling transmission of the force in the retracting direction Dk2 to the rack portion 83kR. This makes it possible to suppress tilting of the tray 80k compared to a configuration in which the force in the retracting direction Dk2 is applied only near the left end (-Y side) of the tray 80k. The same applies when the vicinity of the rack portion 83kR is pushed in the retracting direction Dk2.

[0222] When the tray 80k is pushed in the retraction direction Dk2, the force rotates the idling gear 63, but the drive transmission mechanism 101 is configured so that the force is not transmitted from the idling gear 63 to the motor M2. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the idling gear 63 blocks the force transmission path when the tray 80k is pushed in the retraction direction Dk2. Therefore, when one end of the tray 80k in the Y direction is pushed and moves in the retraction direction Dk2, the other end of the tray 80k can move in conjunction with it in the retraction direction Dk2 without being affected by the stationary torque of the motor M2.

[0223] Therefore, the tray 80k is less likely to tilt, and smooth operability can be achieved when the user pushes in the tray 80k.

[0224] (Advantages of using stepped gears in left and right linkage configuration) As shown in Figure 13(a), when the tray 80k is in the storage position, the connecting rack 66 is engaged with both the left and right stepped gears 65L, 65R. As shown in Figure 13(b), when the tray 80k is in the removal position, the connecting rack 66 is also engaged with both the left and right stepped gears 65L, 65R.

[0225] As described above, the connecting rack 66 moves to the right (+Y direction) of the apparatus main body 1A when the tray 80k moves from the storage position to the removal position. The movement amount of the connecting rack 66 when the tray 80k moves from the storage position to the removal position is defined as W. In this case, when the tray 80k is in the storage position (FIG. 13(a)), the first rack portion 661L of the connecting rack 66 extends leftward (-Y direction) by at least the movement amount W from the meshing position mp1 with the stepped gear 65L. Also, when the tray 80k is in the removal position (FIG. 13(b)), the second rack portion 661R of the connecting rack 66 extends rightward (+Y direction) by at least the movement amount W from the meshing position mp2 with the stepped gear 65R. In other words, the length of the connecting rack 66 in the movement direction of the connecting rack 66 (Y direction in this embodiment) is greater than or equal to the sum of the distance from the meshing position mp1 with the stepped gear 65L to the meshing position mp2 with the stepped gear 65R and the movement amount W of the connecting rack 66.

[0226] Therefore, in order to reduce the size of the device main body 1A in the left-right direction (width direction, Y direction), it is desirable to reduce the movement amount W of the connecting rack 66. Below, a configuration that can reduce the movement amount W of the connecting rack 66 and achieve the reduction in size of the device main body 1A in the width direction (Y direction) will be described.

[0227] As shown in FIG. 14(a), the stepped gear 65L (first stage gear) includes a large diameter gear 651L (first large diameter gear) and a small diameter gear 652L (first small diameter gear) having a smaller pitch circle radius than the large diameter gear 651L. The large diameter gear 651L is meshed with the idle gear 63 and can receive the driving force of the motor M2 via the idle gear 63. In other words, the large diameter gear 651L (first large diameter gear) is coupled to the motor M2 (drive source) so as to be able to transmit driving force. The small diameter gear 652L is meshed with a first rack portion 661L of the connecting rack 66.

[0228] Furthermore, the large diameter gear 651L is connected to the rack portion 83kL of the tray 80k via the idling gear 63, the drive rack input gear 64L, the drive rack 15L, and the pinion gear 94kL. In other words, the large diameter gear 651L (first large diameter gear) is connected to the rack portion 83kL (first force receiving portion) so as to be able to transmit drive force.

[0229] The ratio (r2 / r1) of the pitch circle radius r1 of the large diameter gear 651L to the pitch circle radius r2 of the small diameter gear 652L is called the pitch circle radius ratio of the stepped gear 65L. By transmitting driving force to the connected rack 66 via the stepped gear 65L, the movement amount W of the connected rack 66 is reduced according to the pitch circle radius ratio (r2 / r1) of the stepped gear 65L. In other words, by slowing down the speed using the stepped gear 65L, the movement amount W during the pull-out / pull-out operation of the tray 80k is reduced, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the apparatus main body 1A in the width direction (Y direction).

[0230] Here, it is desirable that the left and right rack sections 83kL, 83kR move by the same amount when moving the tray 80k. It is also desirable that the left and right rack sections 83kL, 83kR move at the same speed when moving the tray 80k. In this embodiment, the left and right pinion gears 94kL, 94kR have the same number of teeth. In other words, it is desirable that the left and right drive racks 15L, 15R move by the same amount (speed).

[0231] In this embodiment, a stepped gear 65R is interposed between the connecting rack 66 and the driving rack input gear 64R. The stepped gear 65R has the function of increasing the movement amount (movement speed) of the driving rack 15R relative to the movement amount (movement speed) of the connecting rack 66.

[0232] As shown in FIG. 14(b), the stepped gear 65R (second stage gear) includes a large diameter gear 651R (second large diameter gear) and a small diameter gear 652R (second small diameter gear) having a pitch circle radius smaller than that of the large diameter gear 651R. The large diameter gear 651R meshes with the drive rack input gear 64R and is connected to the rack portion 83kR of the tray 80k via the drive rack input gear 64R, the drive rack 15R, and the pinion gear 94kR. In other words, the large diameter gear 651R (second large diameter gear) is connected to the rack portion 83kR (second force receiving portion) so as to be able to transmit drive force. The small diameter gear 652R (second small diameter gear) meshes with the second rack portion 661R of the connecting rack 66.

[0233] For example, the pitch radii of the large diameter gears 651L, 651R of the left and right stepped gears 65L, 65R are set equal, and the pitch radii of the small diameter gears 652L, 652R are set equal, thereby making it possible to equalize the pitch radius ratio of the stepped gear 65L and the pitch radius ratio of the stepped gear 65R, and to equalize the movement amounts (movement speeds) of the rack portions 83kL, 83kR.

[0234] In this embodiment, the movement distances of the rack portion 83kL and the drive rack 15L are approximately equal, and the movement distances of the rack portion 83kR and the drive rack 15R are approximately equal. On the other hand, the movement distance W of the connecting rack 66 is less than the movement distances of the rack portion 83kL and the drive rack 15L and the rack portion 83kR and the drive rack 15R. Therefore, the movement distance W of the connecting rack 66 can be made shorter than the movement distances of the tray 80k and the drive rack 15R when the tray 80k is pulled out or inserted. Therefore, the tray 80k can be moved by a desired movement distance, and the apparatus main body 1A can be made smaller in the width direction (Y direction).

[0235] (Rotary locking mechanism) When the tray 80 is moved to install or remove the toner cartridge 70, it is preferable that the pinion gear 94 (driven part) of the rotary body 90 is positioned so that it reliably engages with the drive rack 15 (drive member) of the apparatus main body 1A. It is preferable that the pinion gear 94 is accurately positioned at a position where it can properly mesh with the corresponding drive rack 15 (hereinafter referred to as the meshing position).

[0236] For this reason, in this embodiment, a locking mechanism 90L is provided that restricts (locks) the rotation of the rotary body 90 when the rotary body 90 is in the replacement position. The locking mechanism 90L switches between a locked state that restricts the rotation of the rotary body 90 and an unlocked state that allows the rotation of the rotary body 90. The locking mechanism 90L is configured to assume the locked state when the rotary body 90 is in any of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black replacement positions. The locking mechanism 90L in this embodiment switches between the locked state and the unlocked state in conjunction with the pull-out / pull-in operation of the tray 80.

[0237] The locking mechanism 90L of the rotary body 90 will be described using Figures 15(a, b), 16, 17(a, b), and 18(a, b). Figures 15(a, b) are perspective views showing the stepped gear 65R. Figure 16 is a view showing the locking member 67. Figures 17(a, b) are explanatory views showing the configuration of the locking mechanism 90L. Figures 18(a, b) are perspective views showing the configuration of the locking mechanism 90L.

[0238] As shown in Figures 15(a, b), 16, 17(a, b), and 18(a, b), the locking mechanism 90L includes a pressing portion 653 provided on the stepped gear 65R, a locking member 67, a biasing member 68, and an engaged portion 99a provided on the rotary body 90.

[0239] 15(b), the pressing portion 653 is formed on the large diameter gear 651R of the stepped gear 65R. As will be described later, the pressing portion 653 has the function of moving the locking member 67 in conjunction with the pull-out / pull-in operation of the tray 80. Therefore, the locking member 67 can move in conjunction with the operation of the drive device 98 when moving the toner cartridge 70. In other words, the locking member 67 is moved by the driving force of the motor M2.

[0240] The pressing portion 653 is a protrusion provided at a predetermined position in the rotation direction of the stepped gear 65R and extending radially outward from a boss portion 65aR of the stepped gear 65R. The boss portion 65aR is fitted onto a support shaft 342R of a lower holding member 34R (FIG. 20(b)) described later, so that the stepped gear 65R is rotatably supported by the lower holding member 34R.

[0241] In this embodiment, a pressing portion 653 is formed on a side surface on one side (-X side) of the large diameter gear 651R in the rotation axis direction of the double gear 65R, and a small diameter gear 652R is formed on a side surface on the other side (+X side) of the large diameter gear 651R. When viewed in the rotation axis direction of the double gear 65R, some teeth of the small diameter gear 652R overlap with the pressing portion 653.

[0242] 16, the locking member 67 has a pressed portion 671 that is pressed by the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R, and an engaging portion 672 that can engage with the engaged portion 99a of the rotary main body 90. The locking member 67 is movably supported by the frame 16 of the device main body 1A. The locking member 67 of this embodiment is reciprocally movable in a movement direction D67 that is along the Y direction, which is the movement direction of the connecting rack 66. The engaging portion 672 has a convex shape that protrudes toward one side of the movement direction D67 (-Y direction).

[0243] The locking member 67 is movable between an engagement position (lock position) in which the engagement portion 672 engages with the engaged portion 99a of the rotary body 90, and a disengagement position (unlock position) in which the engagement portion 672 disengages from the engaged portion 99a of the rotary body 90.

[0244] As will be described below, the locking member 67 is configured to move in conjunction with the drive rack 15 (drive member). The locking member 67 of this embodiment is connected to a connecting rack 66 (rack member) that serves as a transmission unit that transmits force to link the left and right drive racks 15L, 15R (first drive member, second drive member), and is interlocked with the drive racks 15L, 15R via the connecting rack 66.

[0245] The locking member 67 also has an elongated hole 673 formed in the movement direction D67. The elongated hole 673 is engaged with the support shaft 342R of the lower holding member 34R (FIG. 20(b)), and the locking member 67 is guided to move in the movement direction D67 relative to the lower holding member 34R. In other words, the support shaft 342R that holds the stepped gear 65R also functions as a guide portion that guides the locking member 67.

[0246] 18(a), the biasing member 68 biases the locking member 67 in either one of the movement directions D67. In this embodiment, the biasing member 68 biases the locking member 67 in the direction from the unlocked position toward the locked position (-Y direction). The biasing member 68 is, for example, a compression spring disposed between a spring bearing surface of the locking member 67 and a spring bearing surface provided on the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0247] 18(a), the rotary body 90 is provided with engaged portions 99a, the number of which corresponds to the number of trays 80 (four in this embodiment). The engaged portions 99a in this embodiment are formed on flange portions 99f provided on the end of the rotary body 90 in the direction of the rotation axis (Y direction) of the rotary body 90. The flange portions 99f protrude outward more radially from the rotation axis 90C (the direction of the rotation radius of the rotary body 90) than the disc gear 92R (see also FIG. 5).

[0248] The engaged portions 99a are provided at positions in the rotational direction of the rotary body 90 that correspond to the replacement positions that the rotary body 90 can take. In this embodiment, four engaged portions 99a (99ay, 99am, 99ac, 99ak) corresponding to the yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement positions, respectively, are arranged at 90-degree intervals in the rotational direction (see FIGS. 20(a) and 20(b)). When the rotary body 90 is in one of the replacement positions, one of the engaged portions 99a overlaps with the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 when viewed in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotary body 90.

[0249] When the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 engages with the engaged portion 99a of the rotary body 90, rotation of the rotary body 90 is restricted. The state of the locking mechanism 90L when the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 engages with any of the engaged portions 99a of the rotary body 90 is referred to as the locked state. The state of the locking mechanism 90L when the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 disengages from all of the engaged portions 99a of the rotary body 90 is referred to as the unlocked state. The locked state is a state in which the locking mechanism 90L restricts rotation of the rotary body 90 about the rotation axis 90C, and the unlocked state is a state in which the locking mechanism 90L allows rotation of the rotary body 90 about the rotation axis 90C. In the locked state, the locking mechanism 90L restricts rotation of the rotary body 90 about the rotation axis 90C in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0250] The operation of the lock mechanism 90L switching from the unlocked state to the locked state is called a locking operation, and the operation of the lock mechanism 90L switching from the locked state to the unlocked state is called an unlocking operation. The locking operation and the unlocking operation are performed in conjunction with the pull-out / pull-in operation of the tray 80.

[0251] Figures 17(a) and 18(a) show the locking mechanism 90L in an unlocked state. Figures 17(b) and 18(b) show the locking mechanism 90L in a locked state. The operation of the locking mechanism 90L will be described in detail below.

[0252] As described above, when the tray 80 is in the storage position, the rotary body 90 is rotatable. In other words, the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 is disengaged from the engaged portion 99a of the rotary body 90, and the locking mechanism 90L is in an unlocked state (FIGS. 17(a) and 18(a)). As the tray 80 moves from the storage position to the removal position, the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 engages with the engaged portion 99a of the rotary body 90. In other words, as the tray 80 is being pulled out, the locking mechanism 90L switches from the unlocked state to the locked state (FIGS. 17(b) and 18(b)).

[0253] As shown in FIG. 17(a), when the rotary body 90 is in one of the yellow / magenta / cyan / black exchange positions and the tray 80 is in the storage position, the locking member 67 is held in the disengaged position by the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R. In other words, the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R comes into contact with the pressed portion 671 of the locking member 67, preventing the locking member 67 from moving in the biasing direction (-Y direction) of the biasing member 68. At this time, as shown in FIG. 18(a), the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 is located away from the engaged portion 99a of the rotary body 90 in the +Y direction.

[0254] In this way, when the rotary body 90 is in one of the yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement positions and the toner cartridge 70 corresponding to the position of the rotary body 90 is in the installation position, the locking mechanism 90L is maintained in an unlocked state.

[0255] Next, a case where the tray 80 is moved from the storage position to the removal position (a case where a tray extraction operation is performed) will be described. When the tray 80 is moved from the storage position to the removal position, the connecting rack 66 moves leftward in the figure (rightward in the device main body 1A, in the +Y direction) as shown in FIG. 17(b). The stepped gear 65R receives a driving force from the connecting rack 66 and rotates clockwise in the figure. Then, the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R rotates in a direction (leftward in the device main body 1A, in the -Y direction) away from the pressed portion 671 of the locking member 67. As the pressing portion 653 rotates, the locking member 67 moves rightward in the figure (in the -Y direction) due to the biasing force of the biasing member 68, and the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 engages with the engaged portion 99a of the rotary body 90 as shown in FIG. 18(b). That is, when the pressing portion 653 retreats from the locking member 67, the locking member 67 moves from the disengaged position (unlocked position) to the engaged position (locked position).

[0256] In this way, when the rotary body 90 is in one of the yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement positions and the corresponding toner cartridge 70 is moved from the installation position to the retracted position, the locking mechanism 90L switches from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0257] After the engaging portion 672 and the engaged portion 99a engage with each other, the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R moves away from the pressed portion 671 of the locking member 67. The rotation angle of the stepped gear 65R from the start to the end of the tray extraction operation is set to less than 360°, and the pressing portion 653, which moves away from the pressed portion 671 during the tray extraction operation, is configured not to collide with the pressed portion 671 until the tray extraction operation is completed.

[0258] 18(a), when the rotary body 90 is in one of the yellow, magenta, cyan, or black replacement positions and the tray 80 is in the removal position, the locking member 67 is held in the engaged position by the biasing force of the biasing member 68. In other words, when the rotary body 90 is in one of the yellow, magenta, cyan, or black replacement positions and the corresponding toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the locking mechanism 90L is maintained in the locked state.

[0259] When the tray 80 is moved from the removal position to the storage position (when the tray insertion operation is performed), the operation of each element of the locking mechanism 90L is opposite to that when the tray 80 is moved from the storage position to the removal position. That is, the connecting rack 66 moves to the right in FIG. 17(b) (to the left of the device main body 1A, in the -Y direction). The stepped gear 65R receives a driving force from the connecting rack 66 and rotates counterclockwise in the figure. Then, the pressing portion 653 of the stepped gear 65R abuts against the pressed portion 671 of the locking member 67, pushing the locking member 67 in the direction opposite to the biasing direction of the biasing member 68 (the +Y direction). As a result, the locking member 67 moves to the left in FIG. 17(a) (the +Y direction) against the biasing force of the biasing member 68, and the engaging portion 672 of the locking member 67 disengages from the engaged portion 99a of the rotary main body 90, as shown in FIG. 18(a).

[0260] In this way, when the rotary body 90 is in one of the yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement positions and the corresponding toner cartridge 70 is moved from the retracted position to the mounted position, the locking mechanism 90L switches from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0261] 22(a) to 22(d), when a tray-pulling operation is performed, the drive rack 15 (drive member) is configured to start moving from a position (lower position) away from the pinion gear 94 toward the pinion gear 94. The locking mechanism 90L of this embodiment is configured so that the drive rack 15 and the pinion gear 94 mesh after the locking mechanism 90L switches from an unlocked state to a locked state during the tray-pulling operation. In other words, the locking mechanism 90L switches from an unlocked state to a locked state after the drive rack 15 (drive member) starts moving from a position away from the pinion gear 94 (driven part) toward the pinion gear 94, and before the drive rack 15 comes into contact with the pinion gear 94.

[0262] As a result, the drive rack 15 and the pinion gear 94 mesh with each other in a state where the rotation of the rotary body 90 is restricted (i.e., a state where the positional deviation of the pinion gear 94 is suppressed). This makes it possible to achieve a more reliable meshing between the drive rack 15 and the pinion gear 94.

[0263] Furthermore, the locking mechanism 90L of this embodiment is configured to switch from a locked state to an unlocked state after the engagement between the drive rack 15 and the pinion gear 94 is released during the process of the tray 80 moving from the removal position to the storage position. This reduces the possibility that the rotary body 90 will be misaligned in the rotational direction due to the force that the pinion gear 94 receives from the drive rack 15.

[0264] In addition, in this embodiment, a configuration has been exemplified in which the lock mechanism 90L is mechanically linked to the drive device 98 (transmission device) for moving the toner cartridge 70 between the mounted position and the retracted position. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a lock mechanism that is not mechanically linked to the drive device 98 (transmission device) and switches between a locked state and an unlocked state based on an instruction from the control unit 30 (FIG. 2) may be used.

[0265] (Regulations on the distance between the pinion gear and the drive rack) Next, a configuration for suppressing variations in the inter-gear distance between the pinion gear 94 and the drive rack 15 (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the inter-gear distance) will be described. If there is variation in the inter-gear distance, the meshing between the drive rack 15 and the pinion gear 94 will become shallow, and in some cases, tooth skipping may occur. For this reason, it is desirable to suppress variations in the inter-gear distance.

[0266] The inter-gear distance between the pinion gear 94 and the drive rack 15 is the distance between the pitch circle of the pinion gear 94 and the pitch line of the rack gear portion of the drive rack 15 that meshes with the pinion gear 94 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the pinion gear 94. The pitch circle here refers to a circle (reference pitch circle) that serves as the reference for the shape of the gear. The pitch line here refers to a straight line on a plane (reference plane) that serves as the reference for the shape of the rack gear.

[0267] The configuration for regulating the inter-gear distance will be described with reference to FIGS. 19(a to d), 20(a, b), 21(a, b), 22(a to d), and 23. FIG.

[0268] 19(a) and 19(b) are perspective views showing the drive rack 15L, and FIG. 19(c) and 19(d) are perspective views showing the drive rack 15R.

[0269] As shown in FIGS. 19(a) and 19(b), the drive rack 15L is formed with an input rack portion 151L, an output rack portion 152L, and an engagement portion 153L. The input rack portion 151L is shaped as a rack that meshes with the drive rack input gear 64L and transmits (inputs) the driving force from the motor M2. The output rack portion 152L is shaped as a rack that meshes with the pinion gear 94 (any of 94yL to 94kL) and transmits (outputs) the driving force from the motor M2 to the pinion gear 94. The input rack portion 151L and the output rack portion 152L are each formed by a plurality of teeth aligned in the Z direction, which is the sliding direction of the drive rack 15L. When viewed in the Z direction, the protruding direction of the teeth of the input rack portion 151L and the protruding direction of the teeth of the output rack portion 152L are perpendicular to each other. The engagement portion 153L will be described later.

[0270] As shown in FIGS. 19(c) and 19(d), the drive rack 15R is formed with an input rack portion 151R, an output rack portion 152R, and an engagement portion 153R, similar to the drive rack 15L. The input rack portion 151R is shaped to mesh with the drive rack input gear 64R and to transmit (input) the driving force from the motor M2. The output rack portion 152R is shaped to mesh with the pinion gear 94 (one of 94yR to 94kR) and to transmit (output) the driving force from the motor M2 to the pinion gear 94. The input rack portion 151R and the output rack portion 152R are each formed by a plurality of teeth arranged in the Z direction, which is the sliding direction of the drive rack 15R. Furthermore, when viewed in the Z direction, the protruding direction of the teeth of the input rack portion 151R and the protruding direction of the teeth of the output rack portion 152R are perpendicular to each other. The engagement portion 153R will be described later.

[0271] The output rack portions 152L, 152R are examples of force transmission portions configured to transmit driving force by engaging with the pinion gear 94 as the driven portion. The engagement portions 153L, 153R have a function of restricting the relative movement (movement relative to each other) of the drive racks 15L, 15R (driving members) and the rotary body 90 (rotary) so that the output rack portions 152L, 152R (force transmission portions) move away from the pinion gear 94 (driven portion).

[0272] The driven part of this embodiment includes pinion gears 94 (94yL-94kL) as first force receiving parts provided at one end of the rotary body 90 in the direction of the rotary axis of the rotary body 90, and pinion gears 94 (94yR-94kR) as second force receiving parts provided at the other end of the rotary body. The driving member of this embodiment includes a drive rack 15L as a first force applying member that engages with the first force receiving part, and a drive rack 15R as a second force applying member that engages with the second force receiving part. Output rack parts 152L, 152R (force transmission parts) and engagement parts 153L, 153R are provided on each of the drive racks 15L, 15R.

[0273] 20(a) and 20(b) are diagrams showing the holding structure of the drive racks 15L and 15R. Fig. 20(a) shows the holding structure of the drive rack 15L. Fig. 20(b) shows the holding structure of the drive rack 15R.

[0274] 20(a) and 20(b), the drive rack 15L is slidably held by a lower holding member 34L and an upper holding member 33L provided on the device body 1A. The drive rack 15R is slidably held by a lower holding member 34R and an upper holding member 33R provided on the device body 1A. The lower holding members 34L and 34R and the upper holding members 33L and 33R are members fixed to the frame 16 of the device body 1A.

[0275] 20(a), the drive rack 15L is supported by a lower guide portion 341L of the lower holding member 34L so as to be slidable in the up-down direction (Z direction) of the device body 1A. When the drive rack 15L moves upward (+Z direction) of the device body 1A from the position shown in FIG. 20(a), the drive rack 15L is supported by an upper guide portion 331L of the upper holding member 33L so as to be slidable.

[0276] In this embodiment, the lower guide portion 341L and the upper guide portion 331L have a groove shape formed along the sliding direction of the drive rack 15L. The width of the groove shape in a direction intersecting the sliding direction of the drive rack 15L (here, the Y direction) corresponds to the width of the drive rack 15L. Therefore, it is possible to suppress misalignment of the drive rack 15L in the direction intersecting the sliding direction. The upper holding member 33L supports the motor M2 and rotatably supports the stepped gears 61 and 62, the idle gear 63, and the stepped gear 65L.

[0277] 20(b), the drive rack 15R is supported by a lower guide portion 341R of the lower holding member 34R so as to be slidable in the up-down direction (Z direction) of the device body 1A. When the drive rack 15R moves upward (+Z direction) of the device body 1A from the position shown in FIG. 20(b), the drive rack 15R is supported by an upper guide portion 331R of the upper holding member 33R so as to be slidable.

[0278] In this embodiment, the lower guide portion 341R and the upper guide portion 331R have a groove shape formed along the sliding direction of the drive rack 15R. The width of the groove shape in a direction intersecting the sliding direction of the drive rack 15R (here, the Y direction) corresponds to the width of the drive rack 15R. Therefore, it is possible to suppress misalignment of the drive rack 15R in the direction intersecting the sliding direction. Furthermore, the lower holding member 34R rotatably supports the stepped gear 65R and the drive rack input gear 64R, and also supports the locking member 67 so that it can slide left and right in the Y direction of the device main body 1A.

[0279] Figures 21(a, b) are perspective views of the rotary body 90. Figure 21(b) shows the rotary body 90 of Figure 21(a) rotated 180 degrees around the rotation axis 90C.

[0280] 21(a, b), the central portion of the rotary body 90 in the Y direction is omitted from the illustration.

[0281] 21(a) and 21(b), one engaged portion 99b is formed near each pinion gear 94 of the rotary body 90. That is, the rotary body 90 includes an engaged portion 99byL corresponding to the pinion gear 94yL, an engaged portion 99bmL corresponding to the pinion gear 94mL, an engaged portion 99bcL corresponding to the pinion gear 94cL, and an engaged portion 99bkL corresponding to the pinion gear 94kL. The rotary body 90 also includes an engaged portion 99byR corresponding to the pinion gear 94yR, an engaged portion 99bmR corresponding to the pinion gear 94mR, an engaged portion 99bcR corresponding to the pinion gear 94cR, and an engaged portion 99bkR corresponding to the pinion gear 94kR. The four engaged portions 99byL to 99bkL on the left side are arranged at 90° intervals around the rotation axis 90C, and the four engaged portions 99byR to 99bkR on the right side are also arranged at 90° intervals around the rotation axis 90C.

[0282] Each of the engaged portions 99byL to 99bkL on the left side is an example of a first engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion 153L of the drive rack 15L as a first force applying member. Each of the engaged portions 99byR to 99bkR on the right side is an example of a second engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion 153R of the drive rack 15R as a second force applying member.

[0283] Figures 22(a) to 22(d) are diagrams illustrating a configuration for regulating the distance between gears. The left side of each of Figures 22(a) to 22(d) shows a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis C of the rotary body 90. The right side of each of Figures 22(a) to 22(d) is a perspective view showing the left side of the rotary body 90. Note that the pinion gear 94kL is not shown on the right side (perspective views) of each of Figures 22(a) to 22(c).

[0284] The operation of the drive rack 15 and pinion gear 94k during the tray pull-out operation of tray 80k will be described below. Here, the operation of the drive rack 15 and pinion gears 94y-94c during the tray pull-out operation of trays 80y-80c is substantially similar to the operation of the drive rack 15 and pinion gear 94k, so a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the following description will be given using the drive rack 15L and pinion gear 94kL arranged on the left side of the device main body 1A. The operation of the drive rack 15R and pinion gear 94kR arranged on the right side of the device main body 1A is substantially similar to the drive rack 15L and pinion gear 94kL, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0285] The end position of the drive rack 15L on the lower side (-Z side) of the device body 1A within the range in which the drive rack 15L can slide is referred to as the lower position of the drive rack 15L. The end position of the drive rack 15L on the upper side (+Z side) of the device body 1A within the range in which the drive rack 15L can slide is referred to as the upper position of the drive rack 15L. As the drive rack 15L moves from the lower position to the upper position, the position of the drive rack 15L when the output rack portion 152L of the drive rack 15L first comes into contact with the teeth of the pinion gear 94k is referred to as the meshing start position. As the drive rack 15L moves from the lower position to the upper position, the position of the drive rack 15L where the engaging portion 153L of the drive rack 15L begins to engage with the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotary body 90 is referred to as the engagement start position.

[0286] FIG. 22(a) shows the state of the drive rack 15L when the tray 80k is in the storage position. In this case, the drive rack 15L is located in the lower position. Also, the output rack portion 152L is not engaged with the pinion gear 94kL. In other words, the lower position of the drive rack 15L is a position (disengagement position) where the output rack portion 152L (force transmission portion) of the drive rack 15L is disengaged from the pinion gear 94kL (driven portion). Also, the engagement portion 153L of the drive rack 15L is not engaged with the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotary body 90.

[0287] When the drive rack 15L is in the lower position, the drive rack 15L is positioned in the front-to-rear direction (X direction) of the device body 1A at two locations: a support portion H1 (first support portion) and a support portion H2 (second support portion). In other words, the support portions H1 and H2 restrict movement of the drive rack 15L (drive member) in a direction away from the rotary body 90 (rotary). The support portions H1 and H2 are provided on the frame 16 (main body frame) of the device body 1A and support the drive rack 15L (drive member). The support portions H1 and H2 are disposed at positions spaced apart from each other in the movement direction of the drive rack 15L. Since movement of the drive rack 15L in the front-to-rear direction (X direction) of the device body 1A is restricted at at least two locations spaced apart in the up-down direction, tilting of the drive rack 15L is also suppressed.

[0288] In this embodiment, the support portions H1 and H2 are formed on the lower guide portion 341L (FIG. 20(a)) of the lower holding member 34L, but may be formed on other members. The support portions H1 and H2 have a shape (hook shape) that engages with the engaging portion 153L of the drive rack 15L, similar to the engaged portion 99bkL (FIG. 23).

[0289] Next, when the tray extraction operation is started, the drive rack 15L moves upward (+Z direction) of the device main body 1A. Then, in the state shown in FIG. 22(b), the rotation of the rotary body 90 is restricted by the locking mechanism 90L described above. At this time, the output rack portion 152L of the drive rack 15L is not yet engaged with the pinion gear 94kL. In addition, the drive rack 15L is positioned in the front-to-rear direction (X direction) of the device main body 1A at two points, support portions H1 and H2.

[0290] 22(c), as the tray pull-out operation continues, the driving rack 15L reaches an engagement start position where the engaging portion 153L of the driving rack 15L engages with the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotary body 90. After that, the output rack portion 152L of the driving rack 15L starts to mesh with the pinion gear 94kL.

[0291] That is, by the time the output rack portion 152L and the pinion gear 94kL mesh with each other, the engaging portion 153L of the drive rack 15L and the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotary body 90 are engaged with each other. In other words, the drive rack 15L (drive member) moves from a lower position (disengaged position) where the output rack portion 152L (force transmission portion) is separated from the pinion gear 94kL (driven portion) in a direction in which the output rack portion 152L approaches the pinion gear 94kL. Then, after the drive rack 15L starts moving from the lower position, the engaging portion 153L engages with the rotary body 90 (rotary) before the output rack portion 152L engages with the pinion gear 94kL.

[0292] Fig. 23 is a diagram of the configuration related to regulation of the gear distance between the pinion gear 94kL and the drive rack 15L, viewed from above (+Z direction) of the device main body 1A. As shown in Fig. 23, when the output rack portion 152L and the pinion gear 94kL mesh, the tooth surface of the output rack portion 152L receives a force Fg from the tooth surface of the pinion gear 94kL, which includes a component in the direction of the arrow in the figure (+X direction, the direction in which the gear tooth surfaces move away from each other). In other words, when viewed in the sliding direction of the drive rack 15L, the drive rack 15L receives a force including a component in the direction away from the rotation axis of the pinion gear 94kL (+X direction).

[0293] 23, the engaging portion 153L of the drive rack 15L has an abutment surface cs1 (first surface) facing away from the rotation axis of the pinion gear 94kL (+X direction). The engaged portion 99bkL of the rotary body 90 has an abutment surface cs2 (second surface) configured to face the -X direction when the rotary body 90 is in the black replacement position. Therefore, when the engaging portion 153L and the engaged portion 99bkL engage, the drive rack 15L is restricted from moving relative to the rotary body 90 in the +X direction. Furthermore, when the engaging portion 153L and the engaged portion 99bkL engage, the rotary body 90 is restricted from moving relative to the drive rack 15L in the -X direction.

[0294] When the contact surface cs1 comes into contact with the contacted surface cs2, the relative movement between the drive rack 15L and the pinion gear 94kL in the orthogonal direction, such that the drive rack 15L moves away from the rotation axis of the pinion gear 94kL, is restricted.

[0295] Figure 22(d) shows the state of the drive rack 15L when the tray 80k is in the removal position (the state after the tray extraction operation is completed). At this time, the drive rack 15L is in the upper position. Also, the engagement between the engaging portion 153L of the drive rack 15L and the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotary body 90 is maintained. In other words, the engagement between the engaging portion 153L of the drive rack 15L and the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotary body 90 is maintained from the time the drive rack 15L passes the engagement start position (Figure 22(c)) until the tray 80k reaches the removal position (Figure 22(d)).

[0296] Therefore, in this embodiment, during the tray pull-out operation, the engagement between the engaging portion 153L of the driving rack 15L and the engaged portion 99bkL of the rotary body 90 is maintained throughout the entire period during which the output rack portion 152L of the driving rack 15L is engaged with the pinion gear 94kL. This further reduces variations in the gear distance between the pinion gear 94kL and the driving rack 15L.

[0297] In this embodiment, the drive rack 15L is configured so that the lower end thereof leaves the lower support portion H2 before the drive rack 15L reaches the engagement start position with the engaged portion 99bkL (FIG. 22(c)). In other words, after the drive rack 15L starts moving from the lower position (non-engagement position), the drive rack 15L leaves either the first support portion (H1) or the second support portion (H2) before the engaging portion 153L engages with the rotary body 90. The timing at which the lower end of the drive rack 15L leaves the lower support portion H2 may be immediately before the drive rack 15L reaches the engagement start position with the engaged portion 99bkL.

[0298] It is also preferable to provide a guide portion (entry guide) having a tapered shape or the like on at least one of the upper end of the engaging portion 153L of the driving rack 15L and the inlet end (the lower end in the posture of FIG. 21(a)) of the engaged portion 99bkL. In this embodiment, a tapered guide portion tp is provided on the upper end of the engaging portion 153L (FIG. 19(b)). It is preferable that the guide portion tp enters the engaged portion 99bkL (the tip of the guide portion tp is above the lower end of the engaged portion 99bkL) by the time the lower end of the driving rack 15L leaves the lower support portion H2.

[0299] In the above explanation, the advantage of suppressing the variation in the inter-gear distance in the operation of moving the tray 80k from the storage position to the removal position (tray extraction operation) has been described. However, the same advantage is also provided in the operation of moving the tray 80k from the removal position to the storage position (tray insertion operation).

[0300] (Automatic pull-in function when tray is detected to be pushed in) When tray 80k is in the removal position, the user can operate an operation unit (for example, a button on an operation panel) provided on apparatus main body 1A to instruct image forming apparatus 1 to perform a tray insertion operation. However, if the user pushes in tray 80k in the removal position, which causes tray 80k to be automatically pulled into the storage position, more intuitive operation becomes possible, improving operability.

[0301] 24(a, b) and 25(a-e), a function (automatic pull-in function) that detects that the user has pushed in tray 80k and automatically starts the tray pull-in operation will be described below. "Automatically" means that the control unit 30 determines to perform the tray pull-in operation when the user has not explicitly instructed the execution of the tray pull-in operation via the operation unit or the like. Also, while the push-in detection configuration and automatic pull-in function for tray 80k will be described below, the image forming apparatus 1 also has substantially the same push-in detection configuration and automatic pull-in function for trays 80y-80c.

[0302] To enable the control unit 30 to detect the user's pushing of the tray 80k, a configuration for detecting the movement of the tray 80k itself or the movement of a member interlocked with the tray 80k may be provided. In this embodiment, as described in detail below, a sensor (tray removal sensor 135) is provided that detects the rotation of the idling gear 63, which is a member interlocked with the tray 80k. The tray removal sensor 135 is an example of a detection unit configured to change its signal when the tray 80k (support member) supporting the toner cartridge 70k (cartridge) moves from the removal position (second position) toward the storage position (first position). The signal output from the tray removal sensor 135 differs depending on whether the tray 80k is in the removal position or the storage position. The signal output from the tray removal sensor 135 differs depending on whether the toner cartridge 70k (cartridge) is in the installation position or the retracted position.

[0303] As described above, the drive system 100 for the tray 80k includes a motor M2, which is a drive source, and a drive transmission mechanism 101 that transmits the drive force of the motor M2 to the tray 80k (FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b)). The drive transmission mechanism 101 includes a worm gear 60 and stepped gears 61, 62, 65L, and 65R as a speed reduction mechanism that can reduce the rotational speed (angular velocity) of the output shaft of the motor M2 and transmit the reduced rotational speed to a downstream drive transmission element. The use of the speed reduction mechanism allows the tray retraction operation to be performed using a motor M2 with a small output. In other words, the use of the speed reduction mechanism allows a small motor to be used as the drive source, thereby achieving a smaller and less expensive apparatus main body 1A.

[0304] If a user attempts to push the tray 80k in the ejection position, the user's pushing force is transmitted upstream (to the motor M2 side) through each drive transmission element of the drive transmission mechanism 101. If the motor M2 were configured to rotate in conjunction with the pushing of the tray 80k, the load of rotating the stopped motor M2 would increase the pushing force required to move the tray 80k. In particular, if the force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the tray 80k via a speed reduction mechanism, the force required to push the tray 80k and rotate the motor M2 would be even greater. Furthermore, if the speed reduction mechanism includes a worm gear, as in this embodiment, the worm gear self-locks, preventing the motor M2 from rotating in the reverse direction even if the user attempts to push the tray 80k. In this case, the user would essentially be unable to push the tray 80k in.

[0305] Therefore, in this embodiment, an idling gear 63 is arranged in the drive transmission path from the worm gear 60 to the tray 80k, and the idling gear 63 rotates idly in conjunction with the pushing of the tray 80k. Due to the idling of the idling gear 63, the drive transmission element (step gear 62) is not linked to the pushing of the tray 80k as compared to the idling gear 63, so the user can push the tray 80k in with a light pushing force. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a sensor (tray pull-out sensor 135) that can detect the rotation of the idling gear 63 as a transmission unit is used to detect the pushing of the tray 80k and automatically perform the tray pulling-in operation.

[0306] The push-in detection mechanism that detects whether the tray 80k is pushed in will be described below. Figures 24(a) and 24(b) are exploded views of the idling gear 63 according to this embodiment. Figure 24(a) is a perspective view of the idling gear 63 seen from one side in the direction along the rotation axis 63C of the idling gear 63. Figure 24(b) is a perspective view of the idling gear 63 seen from the other side in the direction along the rotation axis 63C.

[0307] 24(a) and 24(b), the idling gear 63 is a gear unit including two gears: an input gear 631 and an output gear 632. The input gear 631 and the output gear 632 are aligned in the direction of a rotation axis 63C. Furthermore, the input gear 631 and the output gear 632 are each rotatable around the rotation axis 63C.

[0308] The input gear 631 has a gear portion (tooth portion) that meshes with the stepped gear 62 (FIG. 13(a)), and the driving force of the motor M2 is input to the input gear 631. In other words, the input gear 631 is connected to the motor M2 via the stepped gear 62 and the like so that driving force can be transmitted. The output gear 632 has a gear portion (tooth portion) that meshes with the drive rack input gear 64L and the stepped gear 65L (FIG. 13(a)), and outputs driving force toward the tray 80k. In other words, the output gear 632 is configured to be connected to the tray 80k so that driving force can be transmitted via the drive rack input gear 64L and the stepped gear 65L and the like.

[0309] The idling gear 63 is an example of a transmission unit configured to transmit the driving force of the motor M2 to the tray 80k. In this embodiment, the idling gear 63 functions as a transmission unit that can assume a cut-off state in which the transmission of force from the tray 80k to the motor M2 is cut off. The input gear 631 is an example of an input portion of the transmission unit. The output gear 632 is an example of an output portion of the transmission unit.

[0310] Hereinafter, the rotation direction of the input gear 631 when the motor M2 rotates in the forward direction will be referred to as the forward rotation direction R1 of the idling gear 63. The rotation direction of the input gear 631 when the motor M2 rotates in the reverse direction will be referred to as the reverse direction R2 of the idling gear 63.

[0311] As shown in FIG. 24(a), a protrusion 631a is formed on the input gear 631. The protrusion 631a protrudes toward the output gear 632 in the direction along the rotation axis 63C. A forward rotation abutment 631b is provided at one end (the end in the forward rotation direction R1) of the protrusion 631a. A reverse rotation abutment 631c is formed at the other end (the end in the reverse direction R2) of the protrusion 631a. In this embodiment, the two protrusions 631a are arranged at positions spaced 180° apart from each other around the rotation axis 63C.

[0312] As shown in FIG. 24(b), a groove 632a is formed in the output gear 632. The groove 632a is a recess that is recessed from the input gear 631 toward the output gear 632 in the direction along the rotation axis 63C. A forward rotation abutment portion 632b is provided at one end (the end in the forward rotation direction R1) of the groove 632a. A reverse rotation abutment portion 632c is formed at the other end (the end in the reverse direction R2) of the groove 632a. In this embodiment, two grooves 632a are formed at positions spaced 180° apart from each other around the rotation axis 63C.

[0313] The output gear 632 is formed with a substantially cylindrical (arcuate) outer circumferential surface 632e centered on the rotation axis 63C, and an outer circumferential recess 632f recessed toward the rotation axis 63C relative to the outer circumferential surface 632e. The outer circumferential recess 632f is continuous with one of the grooves 632a.

[0314] The convex portion 631a of the input gear 631 is formed within a range of angle θ1 in the forward rotation direction R1. The groove portion 632a of the output gear 632 is formed within a range of angle θ2 in the forward rotation direction R1. The range in which the convex portion 631a is formed is narrower than the range in which the groove portion 632a is formed. In other words, θ1<θ2.

[0315] A cylindrical shaft portion 631d is formed in the center of the input gear 631 (FIG. 24(a)). A hole 632d is formed in the center of the output gear 632 (FIG. 24(b)). The shaft portion 631d of the input gear 631 engages with the hole 632d of the output gear 632, whereby the input gear 631 and the output gear 632 are coupled to each other so as to be rotatable around a common rotation axis 63C and to be rotatable relative to each other. The input gear 631 is rotatably supported by fitting the shaft portion 631d onto a support shaft provided in the upper holding member 33L (FIG. 20(a)).

[0316] When the input gear 631 and the output gear 632 are coupled, the convex portion 631a is accommodated in the space inside the groove portion 632a. At this time, since θ1<θ2, the convex portion 631a and the groove portion 632a allow the input gear 631 and the output gear 632 to rotate relative to each other at an angle of θ3=θ2-θ1. In other words, the input gear 631 and the output gear 632 can rotate relative to each other (spin idle) within the range of the angle θ3.

[0317] Figures 25(a) to 25(e) are diagrams for explaining the push-in detection mechanism for tray 80k. Each diagram on the right side of Figures 25(a) to 25(e) shows the position of tray 80k. Each diagram on the left side of Figures 25(a) to 25(e) shows the state of the idling gear 63 and tray pull-out sensor 135 corresponding to the diagram on the right side.

[0318] 25(a to 25e), the tray removal sensor 135 is disposed so as to be able to come into contact with the outer peripheral surface 632e of the output gear 632. The tray removal sensor 135 is configured so that its detection signal changes depending on whether it is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 632e of the output gear 632 or not (i.e., facing the outer peripheral recess 632f). In other words, the tray removal sensor 135 can detect whether the output gear 632 is within a predetermined rotation range (the range in which the tray removal sensor 135 faces the outer peripheral recess 632f).

[0319] The output gear 632 is an example of a rotating body that can rotate around a rotation axis. The signal output by the tray removal sensor 135 serving as a detection unit in this embodiment changes in accordance with the rotation of the output gear 632. In addition, in this embodiment, the rotation angle of the output gear 632 (rotating body) while the tray 80k (support member) moves from the storage position (first position) to the removal position (second position) is less than 360°. In other words, the position of the tray 80k when the signal of the tray removal sensor 135 changes is uniquely determined, thereby enabling accurate control according to the position of the tray 80k.

[0320] With reference to FIGS. 25(a to 25e), the operation from when the tray 80k is pulled out until the tray 80k is automatically pushed in by the user will be described.

[0321] Figure 25(a) shows the state of the idling gear 63 and the tray pulling sensor 135 when the tray 80k is in the storage position Q1. At this time, the tray pulling sensor 135 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 632e of the output gear 632. Note that in Figures 25(a) to 25(e), the position of the tray 80k is shown with reference to the leading edge of the tray 80k in the pulling direction Dk1.

[0322] When the user issues a tray-pulling operation command by operating a button on the operation panel, the control unit 30 rotates the motor M2 in the forward direction. The driving force of the motor M2 is then transmitted to the tray 80k, causing the tray 80k to move in the pulling-out direction Dk1. At this time, the input gear 631 of the idling gear 63 receives the driving force from the motor M2 and rotates in the forward direction R1. Furthermore, the forward-rotation contact portion 631b (first engagement portion) of the input gear 631 abuts against the forward-rotation contacted portion 632b (first abutted portion) of the output gear 632, and the driving force is transmitted from the input gear 631 to the output gear 632, causing the output gear 632 to also rotate in the forward direction R1.

[0323] 25(b) shows the states of the idling gear 63 and the tray removal sensor 135 when the tray 80k is removed to a predetermined position Q2 between the storage position and the removal position. When the tray 80k reaches the predetermined position Q2, the tray removal sensor 135 switches from facing the outer peripheral surface 632e of the output gear 632 to facing the outer peripheral recess 632f of the output gear 632. The control unit 30 detects that the tray 80k has reached the predetermined position Q2 based on a change in the detection signal of the tray removal sensor 135.

[0324] After the tray 80k reaches the predetermined position Q2, the control unit 30 continues to rotate the motor M2 in the forward direction for a predetermined time T4, and then stops the motor M2. As a result, the tray 80k moves to the removal position Q3, as shown in FIG. 25(c). At this time, the input gear 631 rotates clockwise by an angle θ4 in the figure. That is, the angle θ4 is the amount of rotation of the input gear 631 while the tray 80k moves from the predetermined position Q2 to the removal position Q3.

[0325] 25(c) shows the states of the idling gear 63 and the tray removal sensor 135 when the tray 80k is removed to the removal position Q3. In this state, the forward rotation contact portion 631b of the input gear 631 is in contact with the forward rotation contacted portion 632b of the output gear 632. In addition, the tray removal sensor 135 faces the outer peripheral recess 632f of the output gear 632.

[0326] With the tray 80k pulled out to the removal position Q3, the control unit 30 rotates the motor M2 in the reverse direction for a predetermined time, and then stops the motor M2.

[0327] 25(d), when the motor M2 rotates in the reverse direction, the input gear 631 receives a driving force from the motor M2 and rotates in the reverse direction R2. As a result, the forward rotation contact portion 631b of the input gear 631 moves away from the forward rotation contacted portion 632b of the output gear 632.

[0328] The angle by which the input gear 631 rotates in the reverse direction R2 while the motor M2 rotates reversely for a predetermined time is defined as θ5. The angle θ5 is smaller than the angle θ3 at which the input gear 631 and the output gear 632 can rotate freely (θ5>θ3). Therefore, while the motor M2 rotates reversely, the reverse rotation contact portion 631c of the input gear 631 does not abut against the reverse rotation contacted portion 632c of the output gear 632. In other words, the driving force of the motor M2 is not transmitted to the output gear 632, and the tray 80k does not move from the removal position Q3 in the pull-in direction Dk2. This completes the tray extraction operation of the tray 80k from the storage position to the removal position.

[0329] 25(d) shows the states of the idling gear 63 and the tray removal sensor 135 when the tray removal operation of tray 80k is completed. In this state, the forward rotation contact portion 631b of the input gear 631 is separated from the forward rotation contacted portion 632b of the output gear 632. In addition, the reverse rotation contact portion 631c of the input gear 631 is also separated from the reverse rotation contacted portion 632c of the output gear 632. In addition, the tray removal sensor 135 is facing the outer peripheral recess 632f of the output gear 632.

[0330] 25(e), consider the case where the user pushes the tray 80k in the pull-in direction Dk2. In this case, the pushing force of the user pushing the tray 80k is transmitted to the output gear 632 via the drive transmission path from the motor M2 to the tray 80k in the reverse direction. As a result, the output gear 632 rotates in the reverse direction R2.

[0331] Meanwhile, due to the reverse rotation of the motor M2 during the tray pull-out operation, a gap of the aforementioned angle θ5 is formed between the forward rotation contact portion 631b and the forward rotation contacted portion 632b. Therefore, even if the output gear 632 rotates in the reverse direction R2, the input gear 631 does not rotate in the reverse direction R2. In other words, the input gear 631 and the drive transmission elements upstream of it (on the motor M2 side) are not linked to the pushing of the tray 80k. Therefore, the user can push the tray 80k in with a light pushing force.

[0332] The angle through which the output gear 632 rotates while the tray 80k is pushed from the removal position Q3 to the predetermined position Q2 is defined as θ4. The angle θ4 is preferably smaller than the angle θ5 of the gap that exists between the forward rotation contact portion 631b and the forward rotation contacted portion 632b at the completion of the tray extraction operation (θ4<θ5). The angle θ5 is an angle at which the output gear 632 can rotate (freely rotate) in the reverse direction R2 while the input gear 631 is stopped. Therefore, if the relationship θ4<θ5 is satisfied, the user can push the tray 80k with a light pushing force at least until the tray 80k reaches the predetermined position Q2.

[0333] 25(e), when the tray 80k is pushed into the predetermined position Q2, the tray removal sensor 135 switches from facing the outer peripheral recess 632f of the output gear 632 to facing the outer peripheral surface 632e of the output gear 632. Based on a change in the detection signal of the tray removal sensor 135, the control unit 30 detects that the tray 80k has been pushed into the predetermined position Q2.

[0334] When the control unit 30 detects that the tray 80k has been pushed in, it rotates the motor M2 in the reverse direction to start the tray insertion operation. The reverse rotation of the motor M2 rotates the input gear 631 in the reverse direction R2, and the reverse abutment portion 631c (second engagement portion) of the input gear 631 engages with the reverse abutment portion 632c (second engagement portion) of the output gear 632. This rotates the output gear 632 in the reverse direction R2, and the tray 80k moves toward the storage position. Then, when it detects that the tray 80k has reached the storage position Q1, the control unit 30 stops the motor M2 to complete the tray insertion operation.

[0335] As shown in FIG. 22(a), the apparatus main body 1A is provided with a tray introduction sensor 134 capable of detecting that the tray 80k has reached the storage position.

[0336] The tray introduction sensor 134 is disposed so as to come into contact with the drive rack 15L when the tray 80k is in the storage position Q1. In other words, the tray introduction sensor 134 is configured so that its detection signal changes depending on whether the drive rack 15L is in the lower position. Based on the change in the detection signal of the tray introduction sensor 134, the control unit 30 can detect that the drive rack 15L has reached the lower position, i.e., that the tray 80k has reached the storage position Q1.

[0337] As described above, the control unit 30 is configured to automatically perform the tray insertion operation when it detects that the tray 80k has been pushed from the removal position Q3 to the predetermined position Q2.

[0338] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tray pull-out sensor 135 is used as a detector whose signal changes when the tray 80k moves from the removal position toward the storage position. However, a detector that detects that the tray 80k receives a force in the direction from the removal position toward the storage position may also be used. For example, a force sensor such as a load cell is used as the detector. In this case, after the tray 80k has been pulled out to the removal position, the control unit 30 reverses the rotation of the motor M2 and executes the tray pull-in operation based on the change in the force sensor signal caused by the user trying to push the tray 80k in while the motor M2 is not being driven.

[0339] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which, when the movement of the tray 80k is detected by the detector, the motor M2, which is in a stopped state, is started to start the tray insertion operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the movement of the tray 80k is detected by the detector, the tray insertion operation may be started by connecting a clutch interposed between the motor M2 and the tray 80k while the motor M2 is rotating.

[0340] (Automatic ejection function when tray insertion error occurs) If an abnormality occurs during the tray insertion operation, the tray 80 may stop at a position (abnormal position) that is neither the storage position nor the removal position. An abnormality occurs, for example, when a foreign object is caught between the tray 80 and another member, preventing the movement of the tray 80 in the insertion direction Dk2.

[0341] At this time, it is desirable to carry out a recovery operation to eliminate the cause of the abnormality (removal of foreign matter, etc.) and return the device to a state in which the tray insertion operation can be performed.

[0342] When the tray 80 is in the removal position, the user can issue a command to start the tray insertion operation by operating an operation unit (for example, a button on an operation panel) provided on the device main body 1A, or by pushing in the tray 80 as described above. When a command to insert the tray (insertion command) or the pushing in of the tray 80 is detected, the control unit 30 rotates the motor M2 in the reverse direction. This starts the tray insertion operation, and the tray 80 starts moving from the removal position toward the storage position due to the driving force of the motor M2.

[0343] Now, suppose that an abnormality occurs during the tray insertion operation, preventing the movement of the tray 80. In this case, the drive rack 15 cannot move to the lower position, and the tray insertion sensor 134 does not detect the drive rack 15. In other words, the control unit 30 determines that the tray insertion operation has not been completed.

[0344] In this embodiment, if the tray introduction sensor 134 does not detect the drive rack 15 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the motor M2 started to rotate in the reverse direction, the control unit 30 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the tray introduction operation.

[0345] If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred during the tray insertion operation, the control unit 30 temporarily stops the motor M2 and then rotates it in the forward direction. As a result, the driving force of the motor M2 causes the tray 80 to start moving from the abnormal position toward the removal position. For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of forward rotation of the motor M2, the control unit 30 determines that the tray 80 has reached the removal position and stops the motor M2, thereby ending the automatic removal operation. Note that a configuration may also be adopted in which the tray 80 is moved to the removal position using the tray removal sensor 135 under the same control as in the normal tray removal operation.

[0346] (Automatic pull-in function when tray pull-out error occurs) If an abnormality occurs during the tray extraction operation, the tray 80 may stop at a position (abnormal position) that is neither the storage position nor the extraction position.

[0347] For example, there may be a case where an obstacle exists in a position (for example, near the opening 16a of the device main body 1A) that overlaps with the movement trajectory of the tray 80 during the tray pull-out operation, and the tray 80 (or the door 14) comes into contact with the obstacle during movement, thereby restricting the movement of the tray 80. In this case, the tray 80 stops at an abnormal position.

[0348] Therefore, in this embodiment, if an abnormality occurs while the tray 80 is moving from the storage position to the removal position (during the tray extraction operation), the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a function (automatic tray insertion function) that automatically moves the tray 80 to the storage position. The automatic tray insertion function will be described below.

[0349] When the tray 80 is in the storage position, the user can instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to start the tray pull-out operation by operating an operation unit (for example, a button on an operation panel) provided on the apparatus main body 1A.

[0350] Now, suppose that an abnormality occurs during the tray extraction operation, preventing the movement of the tray 80. In this case, the tray extraction sensor 135 does not detect that the tray 80 has reached the predetermined position Q2. In other words, the control unit 30 determines that the tray extraction operation has not been completed.

[0351] In this embodiment, if the tray extraction sensor 135 does not detect that the tray 80 has reached the predetermined position Q2 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the tray extraction operation, the control unit 30 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the tray extraction operation.

[0352] If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the tray extraction operation, the control unit 30 temporarily stops the motor M2 and then rotates it in the reverse direction. As a result, the driving force of the motor M2 causes the tray 80 to start moving from the abnormal position toward the storage position. For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the motor M2 started to rotate in the reverse direction, the control unit 30 determines that the tray 80 has reached the storage position and stops the motor M2, thereby ending the automatic tray insertion operation. Note that the tray 80 may also be moved to the storage position using the tray insertion sensor 134 by control similar to that used in the normal tray insertion operation.

[0353] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0354] <Guide toner to the discharge opening> As described above, the toner contained in the toner container 71a is discharged from the discharge opening 71b, and the toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is received in the developing-side container 53a through the receiving opening 53b.

[0355] In the following description, it is assumed that the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotary body 90. Below, a configuration for efficiently discharging the toner contained in the toner containing portion 71a from the discharge opening 71b will be described with reference to Figures 26 and 27.

[0356] Figure 26 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 70. Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 70, specifically a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C, as viewed in the Y direction.

[0357] Here, it is assumed that the toner cartridge 70 is projected in a first projection direction onto a first imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the first projection direction. In this case, the first projection direction that minimizes the projection area on the first imaginary plane can be called the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Furthermore, as described above, when the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotary body 90, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70 is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (the Y direction).

[0358] Furthermore, let us assume that the direction perpendicular to the first projection direction is the second projection direction, and that the toner cartridge 70 is projected in this second projection direction onto a second imaginary plane perpendicular to the second projection direction. In this case, the second projection direction that minimizes the projected area on the second imaginary plane can be referred to as the short-side direction of the toner cartridge 70. In other words, the short-side direction of the toner cartridge 70 is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and short-side directions of the toner cartridge 70 is referred to as the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0359] In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and thickness direction of the toner frame 71 can be defined in the same way as the longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70. In other words, the longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and thickness direction of the toner frame 71 are the same as the longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70. Therefore, the longitudinal length of the toner cartridge 70 and the toner frame 71 is longer than the lateral length and the thickness length. Furthermore, the lateral length of the toner cartridge 70 and the toner frame 71 is longer than the thickness length.

[0360] In the following description, the longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and thickness direction of the toner frame 71 will not be distinguished from the longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70, but will be simply referred to as the longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and thickness direction, respectively.

[0361] As shown in FIG. 26, the toner frame 71 has a toner storage section 71a and a left side surface 71eL and a right side surface 71eR that face each other. The left side surface 71eL and the right side surface 71eR extend in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the longitudinal direction and face each other in the longitudinal direction. In the longitudinal direction, the left side surface 71eL is located on one end side of the center section 71c of the toner frame 71, and the right side surface 71eR is located on the other end side of the center section 71c of the toner frame 71. In the longitudinal direction, the left side surface 71eL is located on one end of the toner storage section 71a, and the right side surface 71eR is located on the other end of the toner storage section 71a.

[0362] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the toner frame 71 has a toner storage section 71a and an outer surface 71o and an inner surface 71i that face each other. The outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i are surfaces that extend in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the short-side direction and face each other in the short-side direction. In the direction of the rotation radius of the rotary body 90, the inner surface 71i is closer to the rotation axis 90C than the outer surface 71o. In the short-side direction, the outer surface 71o is located at one end of the toner storage section 71a, and the inner surface 71i is located at the other end of the toner storage section 71a.

[0363] 26 and 27, the toner frame 71 has a toner storage portion 71a and a first receiving surface 71d1 and a second receiving surface 71d2 that face each other. The first receiving surface 71d1 and the second receiving surface 71d2 are surfaces that extend in a direction intersecting the thickness direction (preferably a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction) and face each other in the thickness direction. In the thickness direction, the first receiving surface 71d1 is located at one end of the toner storage portion 71a, and the second receiving surface 71d2 is located at the other end of the toner storage portion 71a.

[0364] As shown in FIG. 26, the toner frame 71 of this embodiment has multiple discharge openings, including a discharge opening (first opening) 71bL and a discharge opening (second opening) 71bR. Each of the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR functions as a discharge opening 71b that communicates with the toner storage section 71a. In the longitudinal direction, the discharge opening 71bL is located on one end side of the center portion 71c of the toner frame 71 and is positioned between the center portion 71c and the left side surface 71eL. In the longitudinal direction, the discharge opening 71bR is located on the other end side of the center portion 71c of the toner frame 71 and is positioned between the center portion 71c and the right side surface 71eR. In this embodiment, the discharge opening 71bL is closer to the left side surface 71eL than the center portion 71c, and the discharge opening 71bR is closer to the right side surface 71eR than the center portion 71c.

[0365] In this embodiment, discharge opening 71bL is positioned so that its projected area is maximized when projected in the thickness direction onto a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction, and discharge opening 71bR is positioned so that its projected area is maximized when projected in the thickness direction onto a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction.

[0366] In this embodiment, the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR are formed in the first receiving surface 71d1 of the toner frame 71. Therefore, the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR face the second receiving surface 71d2 of the toner frame 71. In this embodiment, the first receiving surface 71d1 in which the discharge opening 71bL is formed is continuous with the first receiving surface 71d1 in which the discharge opening 71bR is formed. However, the first receiving surface 71d1 in which the discharge opening 71bL is formed and the first receiving surface 71d1 in which the discharge opening 71bR is formed may be discontinuous.

[0367] The toner frame 71 has at least one guide portion 71g that guides the toner contained in the toner containing portion 71a. The toner frame 71 of this embodiment includes multiple guide portions 71g. Each guide portion 71g is configured to guide the toner, which moves due to its own weight in a direction intersecting the Y direction, in the Y direction toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0368] In this embodiment, the intervals between the guide portions 71g are constant, and the inclination angles of the guide portions 71g are the same. However, the intervals between the guide portions 71g do not have to be constant. Furthermore, the inclination angles of the guide portions 71g may be different from one another.

[0369] In this embodiment, the toner frame 71 includes at least one left guide 71gL and at least one right guide 71gR. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the toner frame 71 includes multiple left guides 71gL and multiple right guides 71gR. The left guide 71gL guides the toner in the Y direction toward the discharge opening 71bL, and the right guide 71gR guides the toner in the Y direction toward the discharge opening 71bR. In other words, the toner frame 71 includes multiple toner guides, and the multiple toner guides include the right guide 71gR and the left guide 71gL.

[0370] In the longitudinal direction, the left guide 71gL is disposed between the center 71c of the toner frame 71 and the discharge opening 71bL, and the right guide 71gR is disposed between the center 71c of the toner frame 71 and the discharge opening 71bR. The left guide 71gL and the discharge opening 71bL are symmetrical in the longitudinal direction with respect to the right guide 71gR and the discharge opening 71bR, but they do not have to be completely symmetrical. Furthermore, the number of left guides 71gL may differ from the number of right guides 71gR.

[0371] Although the left guide 71gL and the right guide 71gR guide the toner in different directions, they generally have the same basic configuration and function. Therefore, in the following description, the left guide 71gL and the right guide 71gR will be referred to as the guide portion 71g, and the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR will be referred to as the discharge openings 71b.

[0372] As shown in FIG. 27, the guide portion 71g is closer to the first receiving surface 71d1 than to the second receiving surface 71d2. In this embodiment, the guide portion 71g is disposed on the first receiving surface 71d1. That is, the base of the guide portion 71g is connected to the first receiving surface 71d1. The first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bL is formed, the first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bR is formed, and the first receiving surface 71d1 to which the guide portion 71g is connected may be discontinuous. Meanwhile, a gap is formed between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2.

[0373] 26 and 27, the guide portion 71g has an outer end 71go and an inner end 71gi. In the radial direction of the rotation of the rotary body 90, the inner end 71gi is closer to the rotation axis 90C than the outer end 71go. In addition, in the longitudinal direction, the inner end 71gi is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the outer end 71go. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first receiving surface 71d1, it is preferable that the angle formed by a line passing through the inner end 71gi and the outer end 71go and the longitudinal direction is larger than the angle of repose of the toner.

[0374] In this embodiment, the distance between the outer end 71go and the inner end 71gi in the short direction is shorter than the distance between the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i. The outer surface 71o faces the outer end 71go in the short direction, and a gap is formed between the outer surface 71o and the outer end 71go. The inner surface 71i faces the inner end 71gi, and a gap is formed between the inner surface 71i and the inner end 71gi.

[0375] The guide portion 71g guides the toner moving from the outer end 71go to the inner end 71gi in the lateral direction toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0376] When first receiving surface 71d1 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of first receiving surface 71d1 relative to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along first receiving surface 71d1 and on first receiving surface 71d1. At this time, guide portion 71g guides the toner moving along first receiving surface 71d1 in the longitudinal direction toward discharge opening 71b.

[0377] More specifically, with the first receiving surface 71d1 positioned below the second receiving surface 71d2, the first receiving surface 71d1 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction so that the outer edge of the first receiving surface 71d1 in the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 is higher than the inner edge of the first receiving surface 71d1. When the inclination angle of the first receiving surface 71d1 relative to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, toner moves along the first receiving surface 71d1 from the outer edge of the first receiving surface 71d1 toward the inner edge of the first receiving surface 71d1 in a direction intersecting the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90.

[0378] When the toner moving on the first receiving surface 71d1 comes into contact with the surface of the guide portion 71g facing the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction, the toner is guided by the guide portion 71g in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0379] On the other hand, when second receiving surface 71d2 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of second receiving surface 71d2 relative to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along second receiving surface 71d2 and on second receiving surface 71d2. At this time, the toner passes through the gap between guide portion 71g and second receiving surface 71d2 and moves from one of outer end 71go and inner end 71gi to the other of outer end 71go and inner end 71gi in the direction of the rotation radius of rotary body 90. Toner moving through the gap between guide portion 71g and second receiving surface 71d2 can move without being guided by guide portion 71g.

[0380] In this embodiment, as the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates, toner moves in the short direction from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, and from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o. When the toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, the toner is guided by the guide portion 71g toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, when the toner moves from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o, the toner is prevented from being guided in the longitudinal direction away from the discharge opening 71b.

[0381] Therefore, when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) to which the toner cartridge 70 is attached rotates, the amount of toner moving in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b becomes greater than the amount of toner moving in the longitudinal direction away from the discharge opening 71b.

[0382] In this manner, in this embodiment, the toner is guided in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b and discharged from the discharge opening 71b. Therefore, the toner contained in the toner-accommodating chamber 71a can be efficiently discharged from the discharge opening 71b.

[0383] <Preventing backflow of toner from the development unit to the toner cartridge> As the rotary assembly 90A rotates, the receiving opening (developing opening) 53b may be positioned above the discharge opening 71b. For example, when the rotary body 90 is in the replacement position (removal position) with the toner cartridge 70 attached to it, the receiving opening 53b is positioned above the discharge opening 71b. When the receiving opening 53b is positioned above the discharge opening 71b, it is preferable to prevent toner from flowing back from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70.

[0384] 28 and 29, a description will be given of a configuration for suppressing backflow of toner from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70. In the following description, it is assumed that the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotary body 90.

[0385] 28(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the toner cartridge 70 and the developing unit 50 according to this embodiment. Figures 28(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of a cross section perpendicular to the Y direction, viewed in the Y direction.

[0386] 28(a) and 28(b), the developing unit 50 has a cover (regulating portion, toner regulating portion) 54. The cover 54 is housed in a developing-side housing portion (receiving-side housing chamber, developing-side housing chamber) 53a. The cover 54 is movable relative to the receiving opening 53b, and can be moved between a covering position that covers the receiving opening 53b and a retracted position (cover retracted position) retracted from the covering position.

[0387] In this embodiment, the developing unit 50 has a connecting portion 55 that supports the cover 54. The connecting portion 55 is connected to the cover 54 and is movable relative to the receiving opening 53b. The connecting portion 55 and the cover 54 are configured to move together. When the connecting portion 55 is moved, the cover 54 moves between the cover position and the cover retracted position. The connecting portion 55 includes a shaft (transmission portion) 55a, and the cover 54 is attached to the shaft 55a. The shaft 55a is swingable about a cover swing axis 55c, and when the shaft 55a swings, the cover 54 also swings about the cover swing axis 55c, moving between the cover position and the cover retracted position. The configuration for moving the cover 54 will be described in detail below.

[0388] 28(b), with the receiving opening 53b positioned above the discharge opening (discharge port) 71b, the cover 54 is positioned in the cover position. At this time, the cover 54 covers the receiving opening 53b, and the toner contained in the developer-side container 53a is prevented from being discharged to the outside of the developing unit 50 through the receiving opening 53b. The position of the rotary body 90 in which the receiving opening 53b is positioned above the discharge opening 71b and the cover 54 is positioned in the cover position can be referred to as the cover position (first position).

[0389] Figure 28(b) can be said to be a diagram showing the rotary body 90 in the first position with the toner cartridge 70 attached to the rotary body 90. In other words, Figure 28(b) can be said to be a diagram showing the rotary assembly 90A in the first position.

[0390] As shown in FIG. 28(a), with the receiving opening 53b positioned below the discharge opening 71b, the cover 54 is positioned at a cover retracted position retracted from the cover position. At this time, a gap is formed between the cover 54 and the receiving opening 53b, allowing toner to pass through. When the cover 54 is positioned at the cover retracted position, toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is allowed to pass between the cover 54 and the receiving opening 53b and enter the developer-side accommodating section 53a. The position of the rotary body 90 in which the receiving opening 53b is positioned below the discharge opening 71b and the cover 54 is positioned at the cover retracted position can be referred to as the cover retracted position (second position).

[0391] Figure 28(a) can be said to be a diagram showing the rotary body 90 in the second position with the toner cartridge 70 attached to the rotary body 90. In other words, Figure 28(a) can be said to be a diagram showing the rotary assembly 90A in the second position.

[0392] It should be noted that when the cover 54 is in the cover position, it is not necessary for the cover 54 to completely close the receiving opening 53b. In other words, it is not necessary for the cover 54 to completely restrict the discharge of toner from the receiving opening 53b. For example, when the cover 54 is in the cover position, a gap may be formed between the cover 54 and the receiving opening 53b. In this case, the size of the gap formed between the cover 54 and the receiving opening 53b is smaller when the cover 54 is in the cover position than when the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position.

[0393] Furthermore, when the cover 54 is in the cover position, the cover 54 may close the receiving opening 53b so that no gap is formed between the cover 54 and the receiving opening 53b. In other words, the discharge of toner from the receiving opening 53b may be completely restricted.

[0394] Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary assembly 90A according to this embodiment. Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of a cross section perpendicular to the Y direction, viewed in the Y direction. Figure 29 shows the developing unit 50 and the corresponding toner cartridge 70 positioned at positions TP1, TP2, TP3, and TP4, respectively.

[0395] When the rotary body 90 with the toner cartridge 70 attached is in the replacement position, the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are located at position TP1. At this time, the receiving opening 53b is located above the discharge opening 71b, and the cover 54 is located at the cover position. In this state, toner is prevented from flowing back from the developing unit 50 to the toner cartridge 70.

[0396] In this embodiment, the rotary body 90 to which the toner cartridge 70 is attached rotates clockwise as viewed in the Y direction, rotating from position TP1 to positions TP2, TP3, TP4, and then back to position TP1. When the developing unit 50 and toner cartridge 70 are in position TP2, the receiving opening 53b and the discharge opening 71b are positioned below the rotation axis 90C, and the receiving opening 53b is horizontally aligned with the discharge opening 71b. When the developing unit 50 and toner cartridge 70 are in position TP3, the receiving opening 53b is positioned below the discharge opening 71b. When the developing unit 50 and toner cartridge 70 are in position TP4, the receiving opening 53b and the discharge opening 71b are positioned above the rotation axis 90C, and the receiving opening 53b is horizontally aligned with the discharge opening 71b.

[0397] In this embodiment, when the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are at position TP4 and at position TP2, the cover 54 is located in the cover position. When the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 move from position TP4 to position TP2 via position TP1, at least a portion of the receiving opening 53b is located above the discharge opening 71b. In this embodiment, the cover 54 is located in the cover position while the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 move from position TP4 to position TP2 via position TP1 due to rotation of the rotary assembly 90A.

[0398] On the other hand, when the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 are in position TP3, the cover 54 is positioned in the cover retracted position. In this embodiment, the position where the developing roller 51 of the developing unit 50 faces the photosensitive drum 2 is downstream of position TP3 and upstream of position TP4. In other words, while the rotary body 90 is changing its position from the replacement position to the developing position, the rotary body 90 takes the cover retracted position, and the cover 54 is positioned in the cover retracted position. In this embodiment, when the developing unit 50 is in the developing position, the receiving opening 53b is positioned below the discharge opening 71b, and the cover 54 is positioned in the cover retracted position.

[0399] When the rotary body 90 rotates, the cover 54 moves to a cover retraction position after the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 pass the position TP2, and moves to a cover position before the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 reach the position TP4.

[0400] <Moving the cover> The structure of the cover 54 and the structure for moving the cover 54 will be described with reference to Figures 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34.

[0401] Figures 30(a), (b) and 31(a), (b) are diagrams showing the configuration of the cover 54 and the connecting portion 55 according to this embodiment. In Figures 30(a) and (b), the cover 54 is positioned in the cover retracted position. In Figures 31(a) and (b), the cover 54 is positioned in the cover position. Figures 30(a) and 31(a) are diagrams showing the inside of the developing unit 50. Figures 30(b) and 31(b) are perspective views of the rotary unit 90U as seen from the outside of the developing unit 50. Figures 32(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the developing unit 50.

[0402] As shown in Figures 30(a) and 31(a), in this embodiment, the developing frame 53 is provided with a plurality of receiving openings 53b. Furthermore, the developing unit 50 has a plurality of covers 54. In other words, the developing opening includes a plurality of receiving openings 53b, and the regulating portion (toner regulating portion) includes a plurality of covers 54. When the plurality of covers 54 are in the cover position, the plurality of covers 54 cover the plurality of receiving openings 53b, and when the plurality of covers 54 are in the cover retracted position, toner discharged from the toner cartridge 70 is allowed to pass between the plurality of covers 54 and the plurality of receiving openings 53b and enter the developing-side accommodating portion 53a.

[0403] As described above, the developing unit 50 includes the connecting portion 55. The connecting portion 55 includes a shaft 55a that is pivotable about a cover pivot axis 55c, and the cover 54 is attached to the shaft 55a. Hereinafter, the direction in which the cover pivot axis 55c extends will be referred to as the pivot axis direction. In this embodiment, the pivot axis direction is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis 90C.

[0404] In a direction perpendicular to the swing axis direction, the cover 54 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the cover swing axis 55c. More specifically, the shaft 55a is bent to form a portion that overlaps with the cover swing axis 55c and a portion spaced apart from the cover swing axis 55c. The cover 54 is attached to the portion spaced apart from the cover swing axis 55c.

[0405] The connecting portion 55 includes a receiving portion (held portion) 55b attached to the shaft 55a, and movement of the receiving portion 55b causes the cover 54 to move between the cover position and the cover retracted position via the shaft 55a. As shown in Figures 32(a) and (b), the receiving portion 55b is attached to one end of the shaft 55a, and the other end of the shaft 55a is supported by the developing frame body 53.

[0406] The receiving portion 55b is rotatably supported by the developing frame 53c and includes a protrusion (contact portion, restricted portion) 55b1. The cover 54 is housed in the developing-side accommodating portion 53a, while the protrusion 55b1 is positioned outside the developing-side accommodating portion 53a. In a direction perpendicular to the swing axis direction, the protrusion 55b1 is positioned away from the cover swing axis 55c. Movement of the protrusion 55b1 causes the cover 54 to move between the cover position and the cover retracted position. In this embodiment, the rotary body 90 has a movement restricting portion 56r facing the receiving portion 55b.

[0407] 30(b) and 31(b), the position of the protrusion 55b1 when the cover 54 is in the cover retracted position is farther from the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 than the position of the protrusion 55b1 when the cover 54 is in the cover position. In other words, when the protrusion 55b1 moves away from the rotation axis 90C in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C, the cover 54 moves from the cover position toward the cover retracted position. When the protrusion 55b1 moves closer to the rotation axis 90C in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C, the cover 54 moves from the cover retracted position toward the cover position.

[0408] The protrusion 55b1 moves in accordance with the rotation of the rotary body 90. The rotation of the rotary body 90 and the movement of the protrusion 55b1 will be described below.

[0409] 33(a), (b), and (c) are diagrams showing the rotary holder 99 that supports the rotary main body 90. Fig. 33(a) is a diagram of the rotary holder 99 as seen in the Y direction, Fig. 33(b) is a diagram of the rotary holder 99 as seen in the opposite direction to the Y direction, and Fig. 33(c) is a perspective view of the rotary holder 99.

[0410] Figures 34(a), (b), and (c) are diagrams showing the relationship between the rotation of the rotary body 90 and the movement of the protrusion 55b1 relative to the rotary holder 99. Figure 34(a) is a perspective view showing the rotary holder 99 and the protrusion 55b1, and Figures 34(b) and 34(c) are side views of the rotary holder 99 and the rotary body 90. Figures 34(b) and (c) are diagrams showing the rotary holder 99 and the rotary body 90 as viewed in the Y direction.

[0411] The device main body 1A has a rotary holder (rotary connecting member, rotary support member) 99. The rotary holder 99 has a rotary connecting portion (rotary support portion) 99h. The rotary main body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) is supported by the rotary connecting portion 99h so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis 90C. The rotary holder 99 is provided with a connecting hole 99r.

[0412] The pivot shaft 91 (FIG. 5) is inserted into the connecting hole 99r. This supports the rotary holder 99 so that it can pivot about the pivot shaft 91. When the rotary cams 90eL, 90eR (FIG. 5) come into contact with the roller 96, the rotary holder 99 pivots about the pivot shaft 91. As a result, the rotary body 90 pivots about the pivot shaft 91. In FIG. 34(b), the rotary body 90 is in the development position, and the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 is in a position close to the photosensitive drum 2. In FIG. 34(c), the rotary body 90 is in the replacement position, and the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 is in a position away from the photosensitive drum 2.

[0413] The rotary holder 99 has a surface 99sr, a surface 99sc1, and a surface 99sc2. In this embodiment, the surfaces 99sr, 99sc1, and 99sc2 have an arc shape centered on the rotation axis 90C. The surfaces 99sr, 99sc1, and 99sc2 form a guide portion that guides the connecting portion 55.

[0414] As the rotary body 90 rotates relative to the rotary holder 99, the protrusion 55b1 passes through the portion indicated by the dotted line in Figure 34(b). The position of the protrusion 55b1 abutting against the surface 99sr is farther from the rotation axis 90C than the position of the protrusion 55b1 abutting against the surface 99sc1. Also, the position of the protrusion 55b1 abutting against the surface 99sr is farther from the rotation axis 90C than the position of the protrusion 55b1 abutting against the surface 99sc2.

[0415] Each of the surfaces 99sr, 99sc1, and 99sc2 functions as a holding portion that holds the cover 54 in the cover position or the cover retracted position. When the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates relative to the rotary holder 99, the connecting portion 55 comes into contact with each of the surfaces 99sr, 99sc1, and 99sc2, thereby positioning the cover 54 in the cover position or the cover retracted position.

[0416] The cover 54 is positioned at the cover retracted position when the protrusion 55b1 as part of the connecting portion 55 abuts against the surface 99sr. The surface 99sr restricts the cover 54 from moving from the cover retracted position toward the cover position.

[0417] When the protrusion 55b1 of the connecting portion 55 abuts against the surface 99sr and the connecting portion 55 moves in a direction in which the protrusion 55b1 moves away from the rotation axis 90, the receiving portion 55b abuts against the movement restricting portion 56r.

[0418] The cover 54 is positioned at the cover position when the protrusion 55b1 abuts against the surface 99sc1. The surface 99sc1 restricts the cover 54 from moving from the cover position toward the cover retracted position.

[0419] When the protrusion 55b1 abuts against the surface 99sc2, the cover 54 is positioned in the cover position. If the size of the protrusion 55b1 is smaller than the distance between the surfaces 99sc1 and 99sc2, the position of the cover 54 when the protrusion 55b1 abuts against the surface 99sc1 will not be exactly the same as the position of the cover 54 when the protrusion 55b1 abuts against the surface 99sc2. However, whether the protrusion 55b1 abuts against the surface 99sc1 or the surface 99sc2, the cover 54 prevents toner from being discharged from the receiving opening 53b. Therefore, both the position of the cover 54 when the protrusion 55b1 abuts against the surface 99sc1 and the position of the cover 54 when the protrusion 55b1 abuts against the surface 99sc2 can be referred to as the cover position.

[0420] In this way, the surface (first limiting portion) 99sc1 is configured to limit movement of the cover 54 from the cover position toward the cover retracted position when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) is in the cover posture. Also, the surface (second limiting portion) 99sr is configured to limit movement of the cover 54 from the cover retracted position toward the cover position when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) is in the cover retracted posture.

[0421] After the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates relative to the rotary holder 99 and the developing unit 50 and toner cartridge 70 pass position TP2 (see FIG. 29), the protrusion 55b1 abuts against the surface 99sr. As a result, the cover 54 is positioned in the cover retracted position. In this embodiment, when the developing unit 50 is in the developing position, the protrusion 55b1 abuts against the surface 99sr. With the cover 54 positioned in the cover retracted position, toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b of the toner cartridge 70 is allowed to be supplied to the developing unit 50.

[0422] When the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) further rotates relative to the rotary holder 99 while the development unit 50 is in the development position, the protrusion 55b1 moves away from the surface 99sr before the development unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 reach position TP4 (see Figure 29).

[0423] After the protrusion 55b1 leaves the surface 99sr, and before the development unit 50 and toner cartridge 70 reach position TP4, the protrusion 55b1 enters the guide groove formed by the surfaces 99sc1 and 99sc2. In this embodiment, the width of the guide groove is greater than that of the protrusion 55b1. The protrusion 55b1 in the guide groove can abut against at least one of the surfaces 99sc1 and 99sc2. When the protrusion 55b1 enters the guide groove, the cover 54 is positioned in the cover position.

[0424] (Overall structure of the toner cartridge) Below, the overall structure of the toner cartridge 70 will be explained using Figures 35(a), (b), Figure 36, Figures 37(a), (b), Figures 38(a), (b), (c), Figures 39(a), (b), (c), and (d).

[0425] Figures 35(a) and (b) are perspective views of the toner cartridge 70. Figure 35(a) shows the toner cartridge 70 with a toner shutter 76 (described later) in the closed position, and Figure 35(b) shows the toner cartridge 70 with the toner shutter 76 in the open position.

[0426] Figure 36 is a diagram showing the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the lateral direction. More specifically, Figure 36 shows the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the lateral direction so that a memory 74, which will be described later, is located on the front side. In Figure 36, the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position.

[0427] 35(a) and (b), the toner cartridge 70 has a toner lid 72 and a toner container 73. The toner lid 72 and the toner container 73 are fixed to each other to form a toner frame 71. In other words, the toner lid 72 and the toner container 73 are part of the toner frame 71. A toner storage chamber 71a is formed between the toner lid 72 and the toner container 73.

[0428] When the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the tray 80 at the removal position, the toner lid 72 is located above the toner container 73, and the toner container 73 faces the tray 80. When the toner cartridge 70 is at the attachment position relative to the developing frame 53, the toner lid 72 faces the developing frame 53.

[0429] When the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the tray 80 in the removal position, the surface facing upward in the vertical direction V is referred to as the upper surface 71u of the toner frame 71. In this embodiment, the upper surface 71u of the toner frame 71 is the same as the upper surface of the toner lid 72. The upper surface 71u of the toner frame 71 is provided with a grip portion 72g including at least one convex portion. The shape of the grip portion 72g may be at least one concave portion, or may include at least one convex portion and at least one concave portion. The position of the grip portion 72g can be determined appropriately taking into consideration the positional relationship with other components and the ease with which the user can hold the toner cartridge 70.

[0430] The toner lid 72 has discharge openings 71b (71bR, 71bL). The toner lid 72 is an example of a first toner frame in which the discharge openings 71b (71bR, 71bL) are formed. The toner lid 72 has a positioning groove 72pC and supported grooves 72pR, 72pL.

[0431] In the longitudinal direction, the positioning groove 72pC is located between the supported grooves 72pR and 72pL, and the supported grooves 72pR and 72pL are located between the discharge openings 71bR and 71bL. In this embodiment, the positioning groove 72pC is located at the center of the toner frame 71 in the longitudinal direction.

[0432] In addition, in the longitudinal direction, the toner frame 71 has one end (first end) 71fR and the other end (second end) 71fL opposite the one end 71fR. In the lateral direction, the toner frame 71 has one end (front end, first end) 71fO and the other end (rear end, second end) 71fI opposite the one end 71fO. In the following description, in order to distinguish one end 71fR, the other end 71fL, one end 71fO, and the other end 71fI from one another, the one end 71fR will be referred to as the right end 71fR, the other end 71fL will be referred to as the left end 71fL, the one end 71fO will be referred to as the outer end 71fO, and the other end 71fI will be referred to as the inner end fI.

[0433] When 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, the toner cartridge 70 moves from the outer end 71fO to the inner end 71fI. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the installation position relative to the developing frame 53, the outer end 71fO is farther from the rotation center (rotation axis 90C) of the rotary body 90 than the inner end 71fI.

[0434] The direction of movement of the toner cartridge 70 when it moves from the retracted position to the mounted position is called the insertion direction DtI. The direction of movement of the toner cartridge 70 when it moves from the mounted position to the retracted position is called the removal direction DtO. The insertion direction DtI is the direction from the outer end 71f0 to the inner end 71fI, and the removal direction DtO is the opposite direction to the insertion direction DtI, that is, the direction from the inner end 71fI to the outer end 71fO. In other words, with respect to the insertion direction DtI, the inner end 71fI is located downstream of the outer end 71fO. In this embodiment, the insertion direction DtI, the removal direction DtO, and the short-side direction are parallel. Here, Figure 36 can also be said to be a diagram of the toner cartridge 70 viewed in the insertion direction DtI.

[0435] In the longitudinal direction, the supported groove 72pR is closer to the right end 71fR than the positioning groove 72pC, and the discharge opening 71bR is closer to the right end 71fR than the supported groove 72pR. In the longitudinal direction, the supported groove 72pL is closer to the left end 71fL than the positioning groove 72pC, and the discharge opening 71bL is closer to the left end 71fL than the supported groove 72pL.

[0436] 36, in this embodiment, the positioning groove 72pC is a groove that is recessed in the thickness direction away from the developing frame body 53. In addition, in the longitudinal direction, the supported groove 72pR is a groove that is recessed from the right end 71fR toward the positioning groove 72pC, and the supported groove 72pL is a groove that is recessed from the left end 71fL toward the positioning groove 72pC. In addition, the positioning groove 72pC, the supported groove 72pR, and the supported groove 72pL extend in the short direction.

[0437] The toner frame 71 also has a supported portion 71qR at its right end 71fR and a supported portion 71qL at its left end 71fL. In the longitudinal direction, the discharge openings 71bR and 71bL are located between the supported portions 71qR and 71qL. The discharge opening 71bR is located between the supported portion 71qR and the supported groove 72pR, and the discharge opening 71bL is located between the supported portion 71qL and the supported groove 72pL.

[0438] The toner cartridge 70 has a memory 74 as a storage medium. The memory 74 has a memory element 74a, a substrate 74b, and multiple electrodes (electrical contacts) 74e. In this embodiment, information related to the toner cartridge 70 can be stored in the memory element 74a. The multiple electrodes (electrical contacts) 74e are provided on the substrate 74b and are electrically connected to the memory element 74a. In this embodiment, the multiple electrodes 74e and the memory element 74a are both provided on the substrate 74b, but the memory 74 may have separate substrates on which the multiple electrodes 74e are provided and on which the memory element 74a is provided.

[0439] The device main body 1A is provided with a main electrode 74eM that serves as a reader for the memory 74 and is connected to the multiple electrodes 74e of the memory 74. The main electrode 74eM is movable between a position where the main electrode 74eM abuts the multiple electrodes 74e and a position where the main electrode 74eM is spaced apart from the multiple electrodes 74e. When the rotary body 90 rotates with the toner cartridge 70 in the installed position, the multiple electrodes 74e of one toner cartridge 70 face the main electrode 74eM. This position of the rotary body 90 can be referred to as the reading position for that one toner cartridge 70. When the rotary body 90 rotates, the main electrode 74eM is preferably spaced apart from the multiple electrodes 74e. By connecting the multiple electrodes 74e to the main electrode 74eM of the device main body 1A, the control unit 30 of the device main body 1A can acquire information stored in the memory element 74a.

[0440] In the short-side direction, the multiple electrodes 74e of the memory 74 are closer to the outer end 71fO than to the inner end 71fI. Also, in the short-side direction, the multiple electrodes 74e of the memory 74 are farther from the inner end 71fI than to the discharge opening 71b (71bR, 71bL). In other words, in the short-side direction, the multiple electrodes 74e of the memory 74 are closer to the outer end 71fO than to the discharge opening 71b (71bR, 71bL). By arranging the multiple electrodes 74e near the outer end 71fO of the toner cartridge 70, the amount of movement of the main electrode 74eM can be reduced.

[0441] In this embodiment, the entirety of the markings 74 is closer to the outer end 71fO than to the inner end 71fI in the short-side direction. Also, the entirety of the markings 74 is farther from the inner end 71fI than to the discharge openings 71b (71bR, 71bL) in the short-side direction. In other words, the entirety of the markings 74 is closer to the outer end 71fO than to the discharge openings 71b (71bR, 71bL) in the short-side direction.

[0442] The electrodes 74e of the memory 74 are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction and also face in the lateral direction from the inner end 71fI to the outer end 71fO. The memory 74 is arranged so that the electrodes 74e face outward in the radial direction of the rotary body 90.

[0443] In the longitudinal direction, the multiple electrodes 74e are closer to the right end 71fR than to the center of the toner frame 71. Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction, the multiple electrodes 74e are closer to the right end 71fR than to the discharge opening 71bR. In other words, in the longitudinal direction, the multiple electrodes 74e are arranged outside the toner frame 71 with respect to the discharge opening 71bR. In this embodiment, in the longitudinal direction, the entirety of the markings 74 are closer to the right end 71fR than to the center of the toner frame 71. Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction, the entirety of the markings 74 are closer to the right end 71fR than to the discharge opening 71bR. In other words, in the longitudinal direction, the entirety of the markings 74 are arranged outside the toner frame 71 with respect to the discharge opening 71bR.

[0444] In addition, the multiple electrodes 74e may be closer to the left end 71fL than to the center of the toner frame 71 in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the multiple electrodes 74e may be closer to the left end 71fL than to the discharge opening 71bL in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the multiple electrodes 74e may be arranged outside the toner frame 71 with respect to the discharge opening 71bL in the longitudinal direction. Also, the entire markings 74 may be closer to the left end 71fL than to the center of the toner frame 71 in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the entire markings 74 may be closer to the left end 71fL than to the discharge opening 71bL in the longitudinal direction. Also, the entire markings 74 may be arranged outside the toner frame 71 with respect to the discharge opening 71bL in the longitudinal direction.

[0445] Furthermore, the surface (electrode surface) of the substrate 74b on which the multiple electrodes 74e are arranged extends in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the short-side direction. The electrode surface preferably extends along the longitudinal and thickness directions. The angle (narrow angle) between the electrode surface and the longitudinal direction is preferably less than 30 degrees, more preferably less than 10 degrees. In this embodiment, the electrode surface and the longitudinal direction are parallel. The angle (narrow angle) between the electrode surface and the thickness direction is preferably less than 30 degrees, more preferably less than 10 degrees. In this embodiment, the electrode surface and the thickness direction are parallel.

[0446] As described above, when the toner cartridge 70 is not attached to the development 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.

[0447] As shown in Fig. 35(b), the toner cartridge 70 has a seal member 76s. The seal members 76s are disposed for each of the discharge openings 71bR and 71bL, but the seal member 76s provided for the discharge opening 71bR is not shown in Fig. 35(b).

[0448] The toner cartridge 70 of this embodiment also includes a toner shutter 76 that covers the discharge opening 71b, a shutter drive unit 77 that moves the toner shutter 76 relative to the discharge opening 71b, and a stopper 73s. The toner cartridge 70 also includes an opener (development shutter opener, cartridge-side opener, first opener) 72o that acts on the development shutter 57 (described later), and a holder 72h. In the short direction, the holder 72h is closer to the inner end 71fi than the opener 72o.

[0449] The seal member 76s is attached to the toner frame 71 (more specifically, the toner lid 72) and has a seal opening 76so. When viewed in the thickness direction, the seal opening 76so overlaps with the discharge opening 71b. The toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is supplied to the developing unit 50 through the seal opening 76so.

[0450] In this embodiment, discharge openings 71bR and 71bL are formed in the toner frame 71 of the toner cartridge 70. A toner shutter 76, a shutter driver 77, a stopper 73s, an opener 72o, and a holder 72h are provided for each of the discharge openings 71bR and 71bL. Specifically, the toner cartridge 70 has a toner shutter 76R, a shutter driver 77R, a stopper 73sR, an opener 72oR, and a holder 72hR provided for the discharge opening 71bR. In addition, the toner cartridge 70 has a toner shutter 76L, a shutter driver 77L, a stopper 73sL, an opener 72oL, and a holder 72hL provided for the discharge opening 71bL.

[0451] The discharge opening 71bR, the toner shutter 76R, the shutter driver 77R, the stopper 73sR, the opener 72oR, and the holder 72hR are symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the discharge opening 71bL, the toner shutter 76L, the shutter driver 77L, the stopper 73sL, the opener 72oL, and the holder 72hL are symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Also, the seal member 76s provided for the discharge opening 71bR and the seal member 76s provided for the discharge opening 71bL are symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0452] The components provided for discharge opening 71bR and the components provided for discharge opening 71bL have the same configurations and functions. Therefore, unless there is a particular need to distinguish between them, the suffixes R and L will be omitted in the following description, and the components provided for either discharge opening 71bR or discharge opening 71bL will be described.

[0453] Figures 37(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the toner shutter 76 and the shutter driving unit 77. Figures 38(a), (b), and (c) and Figures 39(a), (b), (c), and (d) are diagrams for explaining the toner shutter 76 and the shutter driving unit 77.

[0454] Figure 38(a) is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge 70. Figure 38(b) is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 at a shutter support portion 71h1 (described later). Figure 38(c) is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 at a shutter support portion 71h2 (described later).

[0455] Figure 39(a) is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 with the toner shutter 76 in the closed position. Figure 39(b) is a cross-sectional view of the engagement portion between an engagement protrusion 77c3 and an engagement opening 73sb, which will be described later. Figure 39(c) is a diagram showing the structure for supporting the toner shutter 76. Figures 39(b) and 39(c) are views of the toner cartridge 70 as seen in the thickness direction. Figure 39(d) is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 cut in the short direction.

[0456] The toner shutter 76 is configured to be rotatable (swingable) around a rotation axis (swing axis) 76r.

[0457] The direction of the rotation axis 76r of the toner shutter 76 is preferably along the longitudinal direction, and more preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the direction of the rotation axis 76r of the toner shutter 76 is a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the widthwise direction and the thickness direction.

[0458] The toner shutter 76 has a shutter main body 76a that covers the discharge opening 71b, and support shafts 76b1 and 76b2. The support shaft 76b1 is supported by a shutter support portion 71h1 of the toner frame 71, and the support shaft 76b2 is supported by a shutter support portion 71h2 of the toner frame 71. As a result, the toner shutter 76 is supported rotatably (swingably) with respect to the toner frame 71. As shown in Figures 38(a) and (b), the shutter support portions 71h1 and 71h2 are formed by the toner lid 72 and the toner container 73, respectively.

[0459] When the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position, the shutter body 76a covers the discharge opening 71b and the seal opening 76so. As a result, toner is prevented from being discharged from the discharge opening 71b and the seal opening 76so. The seal member 76 preferably has elasticity, and it is preferable that the seal member 76s sandwiched between the shutter body 76a and the toner frame 71 is deformed (compressed) when the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position. As a result, toner is more reliably prevented from being discharged from the discharge opening 71b and the seal opening 76so.

[0460] In the direction of the rotation axis 76r, the shutter main body 76a, the discharge opening 71b, and the seal member 76s are disposed between the support shafts 76b1 and 76b2. This arrangement prevents the shutter main body 76a from floating up relative to the seal member 76s due to the reaction force from the seal member 76s.

[0461] 37(a) and (b), the shutter driver 77 includes at least one gear. In this embodiment, the shutter driver 77 includes multiple gears, more specifically, a drive gear 77a, an idler gear 77b, and an engagement gear 77c. In this embodiment, the directions of the rotation axes of the drive gear 77a, the idler gear 77b, and the engagement gear 77c are parallel to the direction of the rotation axis 76r.

[0462] The drive gear 77a has gear teeth 77a1. In this embodiment, the drive gear 77a is a gear with missing teeth, and the size of the area where the gear teeth 77a1 are provided in the rotation direction of the drive gear 77a is less than 360 degrees. The engagement gear 77c has gear teeth 77c1. In this embodiment, the engagement gear 77c is a gear with missing teeth, and the size of the area where the gear teeth 77c1 are provided in the rotation direction of the engagement gear 77c is less than 360 degrees.

[0463] The idler gear 77b meshes with the drive gear 77a and the engagement gear 77c. In this embodiment, gear teeth 77b1 of the idler gear 77b mesh with gear teeth 77a1 and gear teeth 77c1. The idler gear 77b may be a stepped gear, and the number of gear teeth that mesh with the gear teeth 77a1 may be different from the number of gear teeth that mesh with the gear teeth 77c1. Furthermore, instead of the idler gear 77b, a belt that transmits the drive of the engagement gear 77c to the drive gear 77a may be used.

[0464] The drive gear 77a is attached to the toner shutter 76 and is configured to rotate integrally with the toner shutter 76. More specifically, the drive gear 77a is attached to the support shaft 76b2 in a state in which its rotation relative to the support shaft 76b2 is restricted. In addition, the idler gear 77b and the engagement gear 77c are supported by the toner frame 71.

[0465] When viewed from the direction of the rotation axis 76r, the rotation direction of the engagement gear 77c and the rotation direction of the drive gear 77a (the rotation direction of the toner shutter 76) are the same. When the engagement gear 77c rotates in the opening direction Tgo, the drive gear 77a and the toner shutter 76 also rotate in the same direction, and the toner shutter 76 moves from the closed position to the open position. The opening direction of the toner shutter 76 is called the opening direction Tso. When the engagement gear 77c rotates in the closing direction Tgc, the drive gear 77a and the toner shutter 76 also rotate in the same direction, and the toner shutter 76 moves from the open position to the closed position. The closing direction of the toner shutter 76 is called the closing direction Tsc.

[0466] As shown in FIG. 39(d), in the short direction, the rotation axis of the engagement gear 77c is closer to the inner end 71fi than the rotation axis of the drive gear 77a and the rotation axis of the toner shutter 76.

[0467] The shutter drive unit 77 is disposed outside the toner storage chamber 71a. As shown in Figure 39(d), the shutter drive unit 77 overlaps the toner storage chamber 71a when viewed in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, it is difficult to form a toner flow path from the toner storage chamber 71a to the discharge opening 71b in the space for disposing the shutter drive unit 77.

[0468] In this embodiment, the side of the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction where the shutter driver 77 is located relative to the center of the discharge opening 71b is the drive side. The opposite side is the non-drive side. The volume of the toner storage chamber connected to the discharge opening 71b is larger on the non-drive side than on the drive side. This makes it easier to ensure flexibility in arranging the toner flow path from the toner storage chamber 71a to the discharge opening 71b.

[0469] As shown in Figure 38(c), in this embodiment, the toner frame 71 has a shutter support portion 71h3, and the support shaft 76b2 is supported by the shutter support portion 71h3 in addition to the shutter support portions 71h1 and 71h2. As shown in Figure 39(c), the drive gear 77a is disposed between the shutter support portion 71h2 and the shutter support portion 71h3 in the direction of the rotation axis 76r. This configuration makes it possible to suppress fluctuations in the inter-axial distance between the drive gear 77a and the idler gear 77b when the toner shutter 76 moves.

[0470] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 39(a), (b), and (c), the toner frame 71 has a stopper 73s. In this embodiment, the toner container 73 has the stopper 73s. The stopper 73s has an arm 73sa, and the arm 73sa has an engagement opening 73sb. On the other hand, the engagement gear 77c has an engagement protrusion 77c3. When the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position, the engagement protrusion 77c3 engages with the engagement opening 73sb. In this state, the engagement gear 77c is restricted from rotating in the opening direction Tgo. This prevents the user from accidentally moving the toner shutter 76 to the open position. In other words, the stopper 73s restricts the toner shutter 76 from moving from the closed position to the open position.

[0471] 39(b), in this embodiment, the engagement protrusion 77c3 is provided with a slope. As a result, when the engagement gear 77c rotates in the closing direction while the engagement protrusion 77c3 and the engagement opening 73sb are engaged, the arm 73sa bends, allowing the engagement gear 77c to rotate. This operation will be described later.

[0472] Furthermore, the engagement gear 77c has an adjustment protrusion 77c2. As shown in FIG. 38(c), the toner frame 71 has a holder 72h and an opener 72o. The holder 72h is a recess formed in the upper surface 71u of the toner frame 71. The holder 72h includes a first holder 72h1 and a second holder 72h2. The opener 72o is a protrusion formed in the upper surface 71u of the toner frame 71. The opener 72o includes a first opener 72o1 and a second opener 72o2.

[0473] The first holder 72h1 and the first opener 72o1 are provided on one side of the center of the discharge opening 71b in the direction of the rotation axis 76r, and the second holder 72h2 and the second opener 72o2 are provided on the other side of the center of the discharge opening 71b. In other words, the center of the discharge opening 71b is located between the first holder 72h1 and the second holder 72h2 in the direction of the rotation axis 76r. Also, the center of the discharge opening 71b is located between the first opener 72o1 and the second opener 72o2 in the direction of the rotation axis 76r.

[0474] The functions of the holder 72h, the opener 72o, and the adjustment protrusion 77c2 will be described later.

[0475] <Toner cartridge grip> The shape of the grip portion 72g is not limited to the above. Modified examples of the shape of the grip portion of the toner cartridge 70 will be described below with reference to Figures 40, 41 and 42.

[0476] Figures 40(a), (b), 41(a), (b), and 42(a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating a grip portion 71r of a toner cartridge 70 according to a modified example. Figures 40(a), 41(a), and 42(a) are perspective views of the toner cartridge 70. Figures 40(b), 41(b), and 42(b) are perspective views of the toner cartridge 70 attached to the tray 80.

[0477] Instead of the gripping portion 72g, the toner cartridge 70 according to the modified example has a concave gripping portion 71r. Each gripping portion 71r is disposed between two toner shutters 76 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0478] The grip portion 71r1 shown in Figures 40(a) and (b) is a recess formed in the top surface 71u of the toner frame 71. The grip portion 71r1 may reach the bottom surface, which is the surface opposite the top surface 71u. In other words, the grip portion 71r1 may be a hole that penetrates the toner frame 71. A user can insert their finger into the grip portion 71r1 to lift the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80. The toner frame 71 may be provided with multiple recesses that have the same function as the grip portion 71r1.

[0479] The grip portion 71r2 shown in Figures 41(a) and (b) is a recess formed on the side surface of the toner frame 71. When the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the tray 80, a part of the toner frame 71 is positioned above the grip portion 71r2. A user can insert their fingers into the grip portion 71r2 to lift the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80. The toner frame 71 may be provided with multiple recesses that have the same function as the grip portion 71r2.

[0480] The grip portions 71r3 shown in Figures 42(a) and (b) are multiple recesses formed on the side of the toner frame 71. A portion of the toner cartridge 70 has a length Lw2 in the short-side direction. In the long-side direction, the area where one grip portion 71r3 is arranged at least partially overlaps with the area where the other grip portion 71r3 is arranged. In the long-side direction, the area where the two grip portions 71r3 are arranged has a length Lw1 in the short-side direction. The length Lw1 is shorter than the length Lw2. A user can lift the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80 by pinching the portion having the length Lw1.

[0481] In either configuration, when the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the tray 80, the grip portion 71r is exposed to the outside of the tray 80, and the user can see the grip portion 71r. Therefore, the user can use the grip portion 71r to lift the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80 while checking the position of the grip portion 71r.

[0482] (Overall structure of the development unit) Below, the overall configuration of the development unit 50 of the rotary main body 90 will be explained using Figures 43, 44(a), (b), (c), (d), 45(a), (b), (c), and 46(a) and (b).

[0483] Figure 43 is a perspective view of the developing unit 50. Figure 43 shows a state in which a developing shutter 57, which will be described later, is in the open position.

[0484] 43, the developing frame 53 has a lower surface 53d. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the installation position, the lower surface 53d faces the toner cartridge 70. In addition, in the replacement posture in which the toner cartridge 70 can be removed from the developing unit 50, the lower surface 53d faces downward in the vertical direction V, and is positioned above the upper surface of the toner frame 71.

[0485] The developing frame 53 has receiving openings 53b (53bR, 53bL). When the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position, the receiving opening 53bR communicates with the discharge opening 71bR, and the receiving opening 53bL communicates with the discharge opening 71bL.

[0486] The developing frame 53 has a positioning protrusion 53pC and support protrusions 53pR and 53pL. In the Y direction, the positioning protrusion 53pC is located between the support protrusions 53pR and 53pL, and the support protrusions 53pR and 53pL are located between the receiving openings 53bR and 53bL. The developing frame 53 also has end support portions 53qR and 53qL. In the Y direction, the receiving openings 53bR and 53bL are located between the end support portions 53qR and 53qL. In addition, the receiving opening 53bR is located between the end support portion 53qR and the support protrusion 53pR, and the receiving opening 53bL is located between the end support portion 53qL and the support protrusion 53pL.

[0487] As shown in Figure 43, in this embodiment, the positioning protrusion 53pC and the support protrusions 53pR and 53pL extend in the insertion direction DtI. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the installation position, the positioning protrusion 53pC engages with the positioning groove 72pC, restricting longitudinal movement of the toner cartridge 70 relative to the developing frame 53. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the installation position, the support protrusion 53pR engages with the supported groove 72pR, and the support protrusion 53pL engages with the supported groove 72pL. As a result, movement of the toner cartridge 70 relative to the developing frame 53 in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the insertion direction DtI and away from the lower surface 53d of the developing frame 53 is restricted.

[0488] As described above, when the toner cartridge 70 is not attached to the development 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.

[0489] The developing unit 50 of this embodiment has a developing shutter 57 that covers the receiving opening 53b, a shutter lock 58, a shutter guide 53g that guides the developing shutter 57, an opener (toner shutter opener, main body side opener, developing side opener, first opener) 53o, a release portion 53u, and an adjustment portion 53j.

[0490] In this embodiment, receiving openings 53bR and 53bL are formed in the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50. A developing shutter 57, a shutter lock 58, a shutter guide 53g, an opener 53o, a release portion 53u, and an adjustment portion 53j are provided for each of the receiving openings 53bR and 53bL. Specifically, the developing unit 50 has a developing shutter 57R, a shutter lock 58R, a shutter guide 53gR, an opener 53oR, a release portion 53uR, and an adjustment portion 53jR provided for the receiving opening 53bR. In addition, the developing unit 50 has a developing shutter 57L, a shutter lock 58L, a shutter guide 53gL, an opener 53oL, a release portion 53uL, and an adjustment portion 53jL provided for the receiving opening 53bL.

[0491] The receiving opening 53bR, the developing shutter 57R, the shutter lock 58R, the shutter guide 53gR, the opener 53oR, the release portion 53uR, and the adjustment portion 53jR are each symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the Y direction, and the receiving opening 53bL, the developing shutter 57L, the shutter lock 58L, the shutter guide 53gL, the opener 53oL, the release portion 53uL, and the adjustment portion 53jL are each symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the Y direction. In addition, the seal member 57s provided for the receiving opening 53bR and the seal member 57s provided for the receiving opening 53bL are also symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0492] The components provided for receiving opening 53bR and the components provided for receiving opening 53bL have the same configurations and functions. Therefore, unless there is a particular need to distinguish between them, the suffixes R and L will be omitted in the following description, and the components provided for either receiving opening 53bR or receiving opening 53bL will be described.

[0493] 44(a), (b), (c), (d), FIGS. 45(a), (b), (c), and FIGS. 46(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the movement of the development shutter 57.

[0494] Figure 44(a) shows the developing unit 50 with the developing shutter 57 in the open position, and Figure 44(b) shows the developing unit 50 with the developing shutter 57 in the closed position. Figure 44(c) is a cross-sectional view of the developing unit 50 at the position indicated by CA in Figure 44(a), and Figure 44(d) is a cross-sectional view of the developing unit 50 at the position indicated by CB in Figure 44(a).

[0495] Figures 45(a) and (b) show the relationship between the developing shutter 57 and the shutter lock 58 when the developing shutter 57 is in the closed position, and Figure 45(c) is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the shutter main body 57a and the shutter holder 57b (described later). Figures 46(a) and (b) show the relationship between the developing shutter 57 and the shutter lock 58 when the developing shutter 57 is in the open position.

[0496] The developing shutter 57 is configured to be movable along the insertion direction DtI and removal direction DtO of the toner cartridge 70. It is more preferable that the movement direction of the developing shutter 57 is parallel to the insertion direction DtI and removal direction DtO. The movement direction of the developing shutter 57 is a direction intersecting (more preferably perpendicular to) the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90.

[0497] The developing shutter 57 has a shutter body 57a that covers the receiving opening 53b, and a shutter holder 57b. More specifically, the shutter holder 57b has a first shutter holder 57b1 and a second shutter holder 57b2.

[0498] The shutter body 57a is formed from sheet metal (metal plate) and has a cover portion 57aa and a shutter opening 57ab. When the development shutter 57 is in the closed position, the cover portion 57aa covers the receiving opening 53b. When the development shutter 57 is in the open position, the shutter opening 57ab overlaps with the receiving opening 53b. The thickness of the shutter body 57a is thinner than the thickness of the seal member 57s. By forming the shutter body 57a from sheet metal, the shutter body 57a can be made thin, and the rotary body 90 can be made smaller.

[0499] 45(c), the shutter main body 57a has an engaging portion 57ac that engages with the shutter holder 57b. More specifically, the engaging portion 57ac has a first engaging portion 57ac1 that engages with the first shutter holder 57b1 and a second engaging portion 57ac2 that engages with the second shutter holder 57b2.

[0500] The developing frame 53 also has a shutter guide 53g. More specifically, the shutter guide 53g has a first shutter guide 53g1 and a second shutter guide 53g2.

[0501] The first shutter holder 57b1 is supported by a first shutter guide 53g1 of the developing frame 53, and the second shutter holder 57b2 is supported by a second shutter guide 53g2 of the developing frame 53. As a result, the developing shutter 57 is supported so as to be able to move linearly relative to the developing frame 53. The direction in which the developing shutter 57 moves from the closed position to the open position is called the opening direction Dso, and the direction in which the developing shutter 57 moves from the open position to the closed position is called the closing direction Dsc. The opening direction Dso is preferably parallel to the insertion direction DtI, and the closing direction Dsc is preferably parallel to the removal direction DtO.

[0502] As shown in Figures 44(a), (b), (c), and (d), a seal member 57s is provided between the developing shutter 57 and the developing frame 53. The seal member 57s is attached to the developing frame 53 and has a seal opening 57so. The seal opening 57so overlaps with the receiving opening 53b. The toner discharged from the toner cartridge 70 is supplied to the developing unit 50 through the shutter opening 57ab, the seal opening 57so, and the receiving opening 53b.

[0503] When the developing shutter 57 is in the closed position, the cover portion 57aa of the shutter main body 57a covers the receiving opening 53b and the seal opening 57so. As a result, toner is prevented from discharging from the receiving opening 53b and the seal opening 57so. The seal member 57s is preferably elastic, and when the developing shutter 57 is in the closed position, the seal member 57s sandwiched between the shutter main body 57a and the developing frame 53 is preferably deformed (compressed). As a result, toner is more reliably prevented from discharging from the receiving opening 53b and the seal opening 57so.

[0504] In the direction of the rotation axis 90C, the shutter body 57a, the receiving opening 53b, and the seal member 57s are disposed between the first shutter guide 53g1 and the second shutter guide 53g2. This arrangement prevents the shutter body 57a from floating up relative to the seal member 57s due to the reaction force received from the seal member 57s.

[0505] 44(a), (b), (c), (d), 45(a), (b), (c), and 46(a) and (b), the developing unit 50 has a shutter lock 58. More specifically, the shutter lock 58 has a first lock body (first arm) 58a1, a first lock spring (first biasing portion) 58s1 that biases the first lock body 58a1, a second lock body (second arm) 58a2, and a second lock spring (second biasing portion) 58s2 that biases the second lock body 58a2.

[0506] The first lock body 58a1 is rotatable about a rotation axis 58r1, and the second lock body 58a2 is rotatable about a rotation axis 58r2. The rotation axis 58r1 and the rotation axis 58r2 each extend in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the movement direction (Dso, Dsc) of the developing shutter 57 when the developing shutter 57 moves between the open position and the closed position.

[0507] The first lock body 58a1 passes through an opening provided in the first shutter guide 53g1 and engages with the first shutter holder 57b1, and the second lock body 58a2 passes through an opening provided in the second shutter guide 53g2 and engages with the second shutter holder 57b2.

[0508] The first shutter holder 57b1, first shutter guide 53g1, first lock body 58a1, and first lock spring 58s1 are plane symmetrical to the second shutter holder 57b2, second shutter guide 53g2, second lock body 58a2, and second lock spring 58s2. Therefore, the respective configurations of the first shutter holder 57b1, first shutter guide 53g1, first lock body 58a1, and first lock spring 58s1 and their relationship to one another are plane symmetrical to the respective configurations of the second shutter holder 57b2, second shutter guide 53g2, second lock body 58a2, and second lock spring 58s2 and their relationship to one another.

[0509] The respective configurations of the first shutter holder 57b1, the first lock body 58a1, and the first lock spring 58s1 and their relationship to one another will be described in more detail below.

[0510] The first shutter holder 57b1 has a first positioning portion 57c1 and a second positioning portion 57o1. The first positioning portion 57c1 and the second positioning portion 57o1 are recesses that engage with the first locking body 58a1. When the first locking body 58a1 engages with the first positioning portion 57c1, the developing shutter 57 is positioned in the closed position. When the first locking body 58a1 engages with the second positioning portion 57o1, the developing shutter 57 is positioned in the open position.

[0511] The first positioning portion 57c1 includes two inclined portions inclined in the opening direction Dso and the closing direction Dsc. When one of the inclined portions is pressed by the first lock main body 58a1, the developing shutter 57 receives a force in the opening direction Dso. When the other inclined portion is pressed by the first lock main body 58a1, the developing shutter 57 receives a force in the closing direction Dsc. When the force received by the first lock main body 58a1 from one of the inclined portions and the force received by the first lock main body 58a1 from the other inclined portion are balanced, the developing shutter 57 is positioned in the closed position.

[0512] The second positioning portion 57o1 includes two inclined portions inclined in the opening direction Dso and the closing direction Dsc. When one inclined portion is pressed by the first lock main body 58a1, the developing shutter 57 receives a force in the opening direction Dso. When the other inclined portion is pressed by the first lock main body 58a1, the developing shutter 57 receives a force in the closing direction Dsc. When the force received by the first lock main body 58a1 from one inclined portion and the force received by the first lock main body 58a1 from the other inclined portion are balanced, the developing shutter 57 is positioned in the open position.

[0513] When first lock body 58a1 is engaged with first positioning portion 57c1, first lock body 58a1 is urged by first lock spring 58s1 in the direction of engaging with first positioning portion 57c1. When first lock body 58a1 is engaged with second positioning portion 57o1, first lock body 58a1 is urged by first lock spring 58s1 in the direction of engaging with second positioning portion 57o1. Note that, although first lock spring 58s1 is a torsion coil spring in this embodiment, it may be a spring of another shape.

[0514] When the developing shutter 57 is biased in the opening direction Dso with the first lock body 58a1 engaged with the first positioning portion 57c1, the first lock body 58a1 moves against the biasing force of the first lock spring 58s1 and disengages from the first positioning portion 57c1. When the developing shutter 57 is biased in the closing direction Dsc with the first lock body 58a1 engaged with the second positioning portion 57o1, the first lock body 58a1 moves against the biasing force of the first lock spring 58s1 and disengages from the second positioning portion 57o1. In other words, when the developing shutter 57 moves from the closed position to the open position, and when the developing shutter 57 moves from the open position to the closed position, the developing shutter 57 moves the first lock body 58a1 against the biasing force of the first lock spring 58s1.

[0515] As will be described later, the development shutter 57 moves between a closed position and an open position by the driving force of the motor M2. Therefore, the driving force of the motor M2 moves the first lock body 58a1 against the biasing force of the first lock spring 58s1.

[0516] The first shutter holder 57b1 has an arm 57e1 and a protrusion 57f1. The arm 57e1 is elastically deformable. The functions of the arm 57e1 and the protrusion 57f1 will be described later.

[0517] The respective configurations of the second shutter holder 57b2, the second lock body 58a2, and the second lock spring 58s2 and their relationship to one another will be described in more detail below.

[0518] The second shutter holder 57b2 has a first positioning portion 57c2 and a second positioning portion 57o2. The first positioning portion 57c2 and the second positioning portion 57o2 are recesses that engage with the second lock body 58a2. When the second lock body 58a2 engages with the first positioning portion 57c2, the developing shutter 57 is positioned in the closed position. When the second lock body 58a2 engages with the second positioning portion 57o2, the developing shutter 57 is positioned in the open position.

[0519] The first positioning portion 57c2 includes two inclined portions inclined in the opening direction Dso and the closing direction Dsc. When one of the inclined portions is pressed by the second lock main body 58a2, the developing shutter 57 receives a force in the opening direction Dso. When the other inclined portion is pressed by the second lock main body 58a2, the developing shutter 57 receives a force in the closing direction Dsc. When the force received by the second lock main body 58a2 from one of the inclined portions and the force received by the second lock main body 58a2 from the other inclined portion are balanced, the developing shutter 57 is positioned in the closed position.

[0520] The second positioning portion 57o2 includes two inclined portions inclined in the opening direction Dso and the closing direction Dsc. When one of the inclined portions is pressed by the second lock main body 58a2, the developing shutter 57 receives a force in the opening direction Dso. When the other inclined portion is pressed by the second lock main body 58a2, the developing shutter 57 receives a force in the closing direction Dsc. When the force received by the second lock main body 58a2 from one of the inclined portions and the force received by the second lock main body 58a2 from the other inclined portion are balanced, the developing shutter 57 is positioned in the open position.

[0521] When second lock body 58a2 is engaged with first positioning portion 57c2, second lock body 58a2 is biased by second lock spring 58s2 in the direction of engaging with first positioning portion 57c2. When second lock body 58a2 is engaged with second positioning portion 57o2, second lock body 58a2 is biased by second lock spring 58s2 in the direction of engaging with second positioning portion 57o2. Note that, although second lock spring 58s2 is a torsion coil spring in this embodiment, it may be a spring of another shape.

[0522] When the developing shutter 57 is biased in the opening direction Dso with the second lock body 58a2 engaged with the first positioning portion 57c2, the second lock body 58a2 moves against the biasing force of the second lock spring 58s2 and disengages from the first positioning portion 57c2. When the developing shutter 57 is biased in the closing direction Dsc with the second lock body 58a2 engaged with the second positioning portion 57o2, the second lock body 58a2 moves against the biasing force of the second lock spring 58s2 and disengages from the second positioning portion 57o2. In other words, when the developing shutter 57 moves from the closed position to the open position, and when the developing shutter 57 moves from the open position to the closed position, the developing shutter 57 moves the second lock body 58a2 against the biasing force of the second lock spring 58s2.

[0523] As will be described later, the development shutter 57 moves between a closed position and an open position by the driving force of the motor M2. Therefore, the driving force of the motor M2 moves the second lock body 58a2 against the biasing force of the second lock spring 58s2.

[0524] The second shutter holder 57b2 has an arm 57e2 and a protrusion 57f2. The arm 57e2 is elastically deformable. The functions of the arm 57e2 and the protrusion 57f2 will be described later.

[0525] (Positional relationship between the developing shutter and the toner shutter relative to the photosensitive drum) The positional relationship between the developing shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 with respect to the photosensitive drum 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 47(a), 47(b) and 48(a) and 48(b).

[0526] 47(a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the position of the development shutter 57 in the closed position. The dashed-dotted line in Figures 47(a) and (b) is an imaginary circle that is centered on the rotation axis 90C and passes through the tip of the development shutter 57 in the closed position. As will be described later, the development shutter 57 is positioned in the closed position when the toner cartridge 70 is not attached to the rotary body 90.

[0527] When the developing shutter 57 is in the closed position, the shutter opening 57ab is offset from the seal opening 57so and the receiving opening 53b, and the cover portion 57aa covers the seal opening 57so and the receiving opening 53b.

[0528] As described above, when the rotary body 90 rotates about the rotation axis 90C, the rotary body 90 swings about the swing shaft 91. In this embodiment, when the rotary body 90 rotates and the development shutter 57 faces the photosensitive drum 2, the rotary body 90 swings away from the photosensitive drum 2. The rotary body 90 in FIG. 47 is at a position moved about the swing shaft 91 in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 2, and there is a gap between the imaginary circle and the photosensitive drum 2.

[0529] In this embodiment, the position of the development shutter 57 overlaps with the position of the photosensitive drum 2 in the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. Even when the rotary body 90 rotates without the toner cartridge 70 attached to it, the development shutter 57 in the closed position rotates at a position separated from the photosensitive drum 2 and does not come into contact with the photosensitive drum 2.

[0530] 48(a) and (b) are diagrams showing the relationship between the developing shutter 57 in the open position, the toner shutter 76 in the open position, and the photosensitive drum 2. FIG.

[0531] As will be described later, when the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the developing unit 50, the developing shutter 57 is positioned in the open position, and the toner shutter 76 is also positioned in the open position.

[0532] 48(a) and (b), when the developing shutter 57 is in the open position, the shutter opening 57ab overlaps with the seal opening 57so and the receiving opening 53b. When the toner shutter 76 is in the open position, the seal opening 76so and the discharge opening 71b are exposed. As a result, the discharge opening 71b, seal opening 76so, shutter opening 57ab, seal opening 57so, and receiving opening 53b are in communication with each other, allowing toner to be supplied from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50.

[0533] In the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C (the direction of the rotation radius of the rotary body 90), the developing shutter 57 in the open position and the tip of the developing shutter 57 in the open position are closer to the rotation axis 90C than the tip of the developing shutter 57 in the closed position. Even when the rotary body 90 rotates with the toner cartridge 70 attached to it, the developing shutter 57 in the open position and the toner shutter 76 in the open position rotate at a position away from the photosensitive drum 2 and do not come into contact with the photosensitive drum 2.

[0534] (Opening the toner shutter and developing shutter) The operation of opening the toner shutter 76 and the development shutter 57 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0535] Figures 49, 50(a), (b), and (c) are diagrams illustrating the engagement between the positioned portion of the toner cartridge 70 and the positioning portion of the developing unit 50. Figure 49 is a perspective view showing the state in which the positioned portion of the toner cartridge 70 and the positioning portion of the developing unit 50 begin to engage, and Figure 50 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the positioned portion of the toner cartridge 70 and the positioning portion of the developing unit 50 begin to engage. Figure 50(a) shows an overall cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 and the developing unit 50, and Figures 50(b) and (c) show enlarged views of the portions indicated by LB and LC in Figure 50(a).

[0536] As described above, the toner cartridge 70 is moved from the retracted position toward the mounted position by the moving device 85 driven by the motor M2. Specifically, the user places the toner cartridge 70 on the tray 80 positioned at the removal position, and moves the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 from the removal position to the storage position, thereby moving the toner cartridge 70 from the retracted position toward the mounted position. The user can move the tray 80 from the removal position to the storage position using an operation unit such as a button or touch panel provided on the device main body 1A, or via a peripheral device connected to the device main body 1A, or by pushing the tray 80 toward the storage position.

[0537] The position of the rack portion 83 of the tray 80 is offset from the position of the toner shutter 76 in the direction of the rotation axis 90C. The tray 80 has a rear wall 80r. When the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the tray 80, the rear wall 80r is located upstream of the toner cartridge 70 in the insertion direction DtI of the toner cartridge 70. The toner cartridge 70 is pushed by the rear wall 80r and moves from the retracted position toward the attached position.

[0538] The state in which the rotary body 90 is in the replacement position can be referred to as a state in which the toner cartridge 70 can be moved between the retracted position and the installed position. In this state, the toner cartridge 70 is positioned below the developing unit 50. Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position, and the developing shutter 57 is also in the closed position.

[0539] The toner shutter 76 and the development shutter 57 are opened and closed in conjunction with the movement of the toner cartridge 70 between the retracted position and the installed position. In other words, the toner shutter 76 and the development shutter 57 are opened and closed in conjunction with the installation and removal of the toner cartridge 70 relative to the development unit 50.

[0540] As described above, with the toner cartridge 70 positioned below the developing unit 50 and the discharge opening 71b positioned below the receiving opening 53b, the toner cartridge 70 moves from the retracted position toward the mounted position, and from the mounted position toward the retracted position. In other words, the toner shutter 76 and the developing shutter 57 are opened and closed with the toner cartridge 70 positioned below the developing unit 50 and the discharge opening 71b positioned below the receiving opening 53b. With the toner cartridge 70 positioned below the developing unit 50 and the discharge opening 71b positioned below the receiving opening 53b, the cover 54 described above is in the covering position.

[0541] When the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the tray 80, the supported portions 71qL and 71qR are located above the side walls of the tray 80. Therefore, the user can use the supported portions 71qL and 71qR as gripping portions.

[0542] When the toner cartridge 70 moves from the retracted position in the insertion direction DtI, the positioning protrusion 53pC of the development unit 50 engages with the positioning groove 72pC of the toner frame 71. This positions the toner cartridge 70 relative to the development unit 50 in the Y direction.

[0543] Furthermore, the support protrusions 53pL, 53pR of the developing unit 50 engage with the supported grooves 72pL, 72pR of the toner cartridge 70, and the end support portions 53qL, 53qR engage with the supported portions 72qL, 72qR of the toner cartridge 70. This positions the toner cartridge 70 relative to the developing unit 50 in directions perpendicular to both the Y direction and the insertion direction DtI. More specifically, movement of the toner cartridge 70 away from the developing unit 50 is restricted in directions perpendicular to both the Y direction and the insertion direction DtI.

[0544] The first engagement of the positioning protrusions 53pC and the positioning grooves 72pC prevents misalignment between the support protrusions 53pL, 53pR and the supported grooves 72pL, 72pR, and between the end support portions 53qL, 53qR and the supported portions 72qL, 72qR. However, the order in which the positioning protrusions 53pC and the positioning grooves 72pC, the support protrusions 53pL, 53pR and the supported grooves 72pL, 72pR, and the end support portions 53qL, 53qR and the supported portions 72qL, 72qR may be different from this.

[0545] Figures 51(a), (b), (c), and (d) are diagrams illustrating the developing shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 when the positioned portion of the toner cartridge 70 and the positioning portion of the developing unit 50 begin to engage. Specifically, Figures 51(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 as seen in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Figures 51(c) and (d) are cross-sectional views of the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 as seen in the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0546] When the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position, and the developer shutter 57 is in the closed position. In this state, the adjustment portion 53j is separated from the adjustment protrusion 77c2 of the engagement gear 77c, and the opener 53o is separated from the gear tooth 77c1 of the engagement gear 77c. The openers 72o1 and 72o2 are separated from the shutter holders 57b1 and 57b2, and the holders 72h1 and 72h2 are separated from the protrusions 57f1 and 57f2. Furthermore, the release portion 53u is separated from the stopper 73s.

[0547] From this state, when the toner cartridge 70 moves further in the insertion direction DtI, the adjustment portion 53j and the adjustment protrusion 77c2 come into contact with each other.

[0548] Figures 52(a), (b), (c), and (d) are diagrams illustrating the developing shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 when the adjusting protrusion 77c2 has passed the adjusting portion 53j. Specifically, Figures 52(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Figures 52(c) and (d) are cross-sectional views of the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 as viewed in the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0549] The adjustment portion 53j and the adjustment protrusion 77c2 come into contact with each other, the toner cartridge 70 moves in the insertion direction Dt1, and the engagement gear 77c rotates in the closing direction Tgc. The advantages of this operation will be described later.

[0550] When the adjustment protrusion 77c2 has passed the adjustment portion 53j, the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position, and the development shutter 57 is in the closed position. In this state, the opener 53o is separated from the gear teeth 77c1 of the engagement gear 77c. The openers 72o1 and 72o2 are separated from the shutter holders 57b1 and 57b2, and the holders 72h1 and 72h2 are separated from the protrusions 57f1 and 57f2. Furthermore, the release portion 53u is separated from the stopper 73s.

[0551] Strictly speaking, the position of the toner shutter 76 is slightly different before and after the engagement gear 77c rotates in the closing direction Tgc. However, even after the engagement gear 77c rotates in the closing direction Tgc, the shutter body a of the toner shutter 76 covers the discharge opening 71b and the seal opening 76so, so it can be said that the toner shutter 76 is in the closed position.

[0552] From this state, when the toner cartridge 70 moves further in the insertion direction DtI, the release portion 53u and the stopper 73s come into contact with each other. Then, when the toner cartridge 70 moves further in the insertion direction DtI, the stopper 73s is moved by the release portion 53u.

[0553] Figures 53(a), (b), (c), and (d) are diagrams illustrating the developing shutter 57 and the toner shutter 76 in a state in which the stopper 73s is released by the release portion 53u. Specifically, Figures 53(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the developing unit 50 and the toner cartridge 70 as v...

Claims

1. a developing unit including a developing roller, a containing frame having a containing portion for containing toner to be supplied to the developing roller and a receiving opening, and a developing shutter movable between a closed position that covers the receiving opening and an open position that exposes the receiving opening; an apparatus main body that houses the developing unit; a toner cartridge detachably attached to the developing unit, the toner cartridge including a toner frame body that accommodates toner to be supplied to the developing unit and has a discharge opening, the toner cartridge being movable relative to the toner frame body between an attached position where the discharge opening faces the receiving opening and a retracted position where the toner cartridge is retracted from the attached position; a moving device configured to move the toner cartridge from the retracted position toward the mounting position; a drive device including a drive source and configured to drive the moving device; and When the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge is located outside the device main body, the developing shutter is moved from the closed position to the open position by the force of the driving source when the toner cartridge is moved from the retracted position to the mounted position; An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. the developing unit has a first arm biased toward the developing shutter and a second arm biased toward the developing shutter, the first arm engages with the developing shutter in the closed position, and when the developing shutter moves from the closed position to the open position, the developing shutter moves against the biasing force received from the first arm; the second arm engages with the developing shutter in the closed position, and when the developing shutter moves from the closed position to the open position, the developing shutter moves against the biasing force received from the second arm.

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

3. the moving device includes a tray to which the toner cartridge is removably attached, the tray being movable between a storage position where the toner cartridge is positioned at the attachment position and a removal position where the toner cartridge is positioned at the retracted position; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. the developing shutter comes into contact with the toner cartridge moving from the retracted position toward the mounted position, and moves from the closed position toward the open position; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. the developing shutter has a shutter body including a shutter opening, the shutter opening overlaps the receiving opening when the developing shutter is in the open position, and the shutter body is formed of a metal plate; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

6. a rotary supporting the developing unit and rotatable therein; 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

7. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, a moving direction of the toner cartridge when the toner cartridge moves from the mounted position to the retracted position intersects with a longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge; 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

8. a developing unit having a developing roller and a container frame provided with a container portion for containing toner to be supplied to the developing roller and a receiving opening; an apparatus body that houses the developing unit; a toner cartridge detachably attached to the developing unit, the toner cartridge including a toner frame that stores toner to be supplied to the developing unit and has a discharge opening, and a toner shutter that is movable between a closed position that covers the discharge opening and an open position that exposes the discharge opening, the toner cartridge being movable relative to the storage frame between an attached position where the discharge opening faces the receiving opening and a retracted position retracted from the attached position; a moving device configured to move the toner cartridge from the retracted position toward the mounting position; a drive device including a drive source and configured to drive the moving device; and When the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge is located outside the device main body, a moving direction of the toner cartridge when the toner cartridge moves from the mounted position to the retracted position intersects with a longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge; the toner shutter moves from the closed position to the open position by the force of the driving source when the toner cartridge moves from the retracted position to the mounted position; An image forming apparatus characterized by:

9. the toner cartridge has a stopper that limits movement of the toner shutter from the closed position toward the open position; the developing unit includes a release portion that releases the stopper; 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8,

10. the moving device includes a tray to which the toner cartridge is removably attached, the tray being movable between a storage position where the toner cartridge is positioned at the attachment position and a removal position where the toner cartridge is positioned at the retracted position; 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8,

11. the moving device is configured to move the toner cartridge from the mounting position toward the retracted position, the toner shutter moves from the open position to the closed position by the force of the drive source when the toner cartridge moves from the mounted position to the retracted position; 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8,

12. a rotary supporting the developing unit and rotatable therein; 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

13. a moving direction of the toner shutter when the toner shutter moves from the closed position to the open position intersects with the longitudinal direction; 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

14. a developing unit including a developing roller, a container frame having a container portion for containing toner to be supplied to the developing roller and a receiving opening, and a developing shutter movable between a first closed position for covering the receiving opening and a first open position for exposing the receiving opening; a toner cartridge detachably attached to the developing unit, the toner cartridge including a toner frame that stores toner to be supplied to the developing unit and has a discharge opening, and a toner shutter that is movable between a second closed position that covers the discharge opening and a second open position that exposes the discharge opening, the toner cartridge being movable relative to the storage frame between an attached position where the discharge opening faces the receiving opening and a retracted position retracted from the attached position; and the toner cartridge is configured to move between the mounting position and the retracted position with the discharge opening positioned below the receiving opening, When the toner cartridge moves from the retracted position toward the mounted position, the toner shutter reaches the second open position before the development shutter reaches the first open position. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

15. the developing unit includes a first opener that moves the toner shutter from the second closed position toward the second open position; the toner cartridge includes a second opener that moves the developing shutter from the first closed position toward the first open position; 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14.

16. when the toner cartridge moves from the retracted position toward the mounted position, the toner shutter is moved toward the second open position by the first opener before the second opener comes into contact with the development shutter; 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15.

17. an apparatus main body that houses the developing unit; a moving device configured to move the toner cartridge from the retracted position toward the mounting position; a drive device including a drive source and configured to drive the moving device; Equipped with When the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge is located outside the device main body.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14.

18. the moving device includes a tray to which the toner cartridge is removably attached, the tray being movable between a storage position where the toner cartridge is positioned at the attachment position and a removal position where the toner cartridge is positioned at the retracted position; 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17.

19. a rotary supporting the developing unit and rotatable therein; 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

20. when the developing shutter moves from the first closed position to the first open position, the developing shutter moves in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotary so as to approach the rotation axis.

20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19.

Images