Image forming device

Abstract

To provide one form of an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a first developing unit that has a first developer container and a first developing roller; a second developing unit that has a second developer container and a second developing roller; a first attachment part to which a first toner container is removably attached and has a first receiving frame body provided with a first receiving port; a second attachment part to which a second toner container is removably attached and has a second receiving frame body provided with a second receiving port; a first intermediate storage part that is below the first attachment part and communicates with the first receiving port; a second intermediate storage part that is below the second attachment part and communicates with the second receiving port; a first conveyance path that extends from the first intermediate storage part to the first developer container; first conveying means that conveys toner through the first conveyance path; a second conveyance path that extends from the second intermediate storage part to the first developer container; and second conveying means that conveys toner through the second conveyance path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, a configuration is known in which toner is replenished to a developer container in the image forming apparatus using a detachable toner container. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which toner can be easily replenished without replacing the developer container by attaching a replenishment pack to the image forming apparatus. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2020-154300 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 according to one embodiment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on a recording medium, comprising: a device main body including a plurality of developing units, the developing units being aligned in a first direction intersecting a direction of gravity, and an ejection roller that ejects the recording medium on which the toner image has been formed to the outside of the image forming device by conveying the recording medium in an ejection direction along the first direction; and a plurality of toner containers that are aligned in a second direction intersecting both the direction of gravity and the first direction and are independently attachable to and detachable from the device main body, the plurality of toner containers including the first toner container, the second toner container containing the second toner, and the third toner container containing the third toner. wherein an end of the device main body on the downstream side in the discharge direction is defined as a front side end, and one end and the other end of the device main body in the second direction are defined as a first end and a second end, respectively; the device main body is configured to communicate with both the first toner container and the first developing container, a first transport path configured to pass the first toner transported from the first toner container toward the first developing container, the first transport path having a first portion located on the first end side in the second direction; a second transport path configured to communicate with both the second toner container and the second developing container, a second transport path configured to pass the second toner transported from the second toner container toward the second developing container, the second transport path having a second portion located on the first end side in the second direction; and a second transport path configured to communicate with both the third toner container and the third developing container. and a third transport path configured to allow passage of the third toner transported from the third toner container toward the third developing container, the third transport path having a third portion located on the side of the first end in the second direction, wherein the first toner container is located closest to the first end among the plurality of toner containers in the second direction, the first toner container, the second toner container, and the third toner container are aligned in this order such that the first toner container and the second toner container are adjacent to each other and the second toner container and the third toner container are adjacent to each other in a direction from the first end toward the second end in the second direction, and the first portion of the first transport path overlaps with the third portion of the third transport path when viewed in the direction of gravity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, one embodiment of an image forming apparatus can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of the mounting portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mounting portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a supply pack according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the supply pack according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a top view of a mounting portion in a state where a supply pack is mounted according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 2A and 2B are a perspective view and a top view of a mounting section and a drawer unit according to the first embodiment; [Figure 9] 2A and 2B are a perspective view and a top view of a front door, a mounting portion, a mounting portion and a reserve tank, and a drawer unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 3 is a cross-sectional view of a supply pack, a mounting portion, and a reserve tank according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 3 is a cross-sectional view of a laser scanner unit and a drawer unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 3 is a cross-sectional view of a laser scanner unit, a toner transport path, and a cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a laser scanner unit, a toner transport path, and a cartridge according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a laser scanner unit and a drawer unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus and a cartridge according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus to which an image reading unit is attached according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following describes in detail exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiments may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. In other words, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. [Example]

[0010] [Image forming equipment] An image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus of this embodiment is a full-color image forming apparatus equipped with four-color process cartridges. Fig. 1 shows a main cross section of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 1 is a full-color laser printer using an electrophotographic process and is capable of forming a full-color image on a recording medium S. The image forming apparatus 1 includes process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) (hereinafter referred to as cartridges P) and an apparatus main body 72. Here, the cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) are referred to as the first cartridge PY, first cartridge PM, first cartridge PC, and first cartridge PK, respectively. The four cartridges P are arranged side by side in a first direction X, and contain toner of different colors. The longitudinal direction of the cartridges P is a second direction Y that is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0012] The cartridge P of each color has an electrophotographic process element. A rotational driving force is transmitted to the cartridge P from a drive output unit (not shown) of the apparatus main body 72, and a bias voltage (charging bias, developing bias, etc.) is supplied from a bias application unit (not shown) of the apparatus main body 72.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, each cartridge P for each color includes a drum unit 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K) having a photosensitive drum 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) and a charging roller 5 (5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K) as a process means acting on the photosensitive drum 4. The photosensitive drum 4 is arranged so that the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 4 is the second direction Y. Here, the photosensitive drums 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) are referred to as the first photosensitive drum, second photosensitive drum, third photosensitive drum, and fourth photosensitive drum, respectively. The drum units 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K) are referred to as the first drum unit, second drum unit, third drum unit, and fourth drum unit, respectively.

[0014] Each cartridge P for each color is equipped with a developing unit 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K) having a developing roller (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K) that develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4. Here, the developing rollers (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K) are referred to as the first developing roller, second developing roller, third developing roller, and fourth developing roller, respectively. The developing units 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K) are referred to as the first developing unit, second developing unit, third developing unit, and fourth developing unit, respectively.

[0015] The developing unit 9Y has a developing container 3Y (first developing container) that contains yellow (Y) toner (first toner), and is configured so that the yellow (Y) toner is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4Y by a developing roller 6Y that carries the yellow (Y) toner. The developing unit 9M has a developing container 3M (second developing container) that contains magenta (M) toner (second toner), and is configured so that the magenta (M) toner is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4M by a developing roller 6M that carries the magenta (M) toner. The developing unit 9C has a developing container 3C (third developing container) that contains cyan (C) toner (third toner), and is configured so that the cyan (C) toner is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4C by a developing roller 6C that carries the cyan (C) toner. The developing unit 9K has a developing container 3K (fourth developing container) that contains black (K) toner (fourth toner), and is configured so that the black (K) toner is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 4K by a developing roller 6K that carries the black (K) toner.

[0016] A laser scanner unit LB (exposure unit) is provided above the cartridge P (photosensitive drum 4) in a third direction Z that intersects both the first direction X and the second direction Y. This laser scanner unit LB outputs laser light corresponding to image information. Hereinafter, the optical path of this laser light will be referred to as L. The laser light passes through exposure windows 10 (10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K) of the laser scanner unit LB to scan and expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 for each color. Note that an LED exposure unit may be used instead of the laser scanner unit LB.

[0017] An intermediate transfer belt unit 11 serving as a transfer member is provided below the cartridge P in the third direction Z. The intermediate transfer belt unit 11 includes a drive roller 14, a tension roller 13, and an assist roller 15, and a flexible transfer belt 12 is stretched over the intermediate transfer belt unit 11.

[0018] The lower surface of each of the four photosensitive drums 4 contacts the upper surface of the transfer belt 12. The contact area between the photosensitive drums 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) and the transfer belt 12 is the primary transfer section 30 (30Y, 30M, 30C, 30K). Primary transfer rollers 16 (16Y, 16M, 16C, 16K) are provided inside the transfer belt 12, facing the photosensitive drums 4.

[0019] A secondary transfer roller 17 is pressed against the drive roller 14 via the transfer belt 12. The contact area between the transfer belt 12 and the secondary transfer roller 17 is a secondary transfer portion 31.

[0020] A feeding unit 18 is provided below the intermediate transfer belt unit 11 in the third direction Z. The feeding unit 18 has a paper feed tray 19 that stores a stack of recording media S, and a paper feed roller 20 that picks up the recording media S from the paper feed tray 19 and transports them.

[0021] 1, a fixing unit 21 that fixes a toner image on the recording medium S and discharge rollers 22 that discharge the recording medium S with the fixed toner image onto a discharge tray 23 are provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 72. The discharge rollers 22 discharge the recording medium S in a direction along a first direction X. In this embodiment, the downstream side of the discharge direction in which the recording material S is discharged by the discharge rollers 22 towards the discharge tray 23 is the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, and the upstream side of the discharge direction is the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0022] [Image formation operation] The operation for forming a full-color image is as follows: The photosensitive drum 4 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 1 at a predetermined speed. The transfer belt 12 is rotated in the same direction as the rotation of the photosensitive drum 4 (the direction of arrow C in FIG. 1) at a speed corresponding to the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 4. The laser scanner unit LB is also driven. In synchronization with the driving of the laser scanner unit LB, the charging roller 5 in the cartridge P uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 to a predetermined polarity and potential. The laser scanner unit LB scans and exposes the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 4 with laser light L in accordance with the image signal for each color, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal for each color is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 for each color. In other words, the laser scanner unit LB exposes the photosensitive drum 4Y and the photosensitive drum 4M to light, forming a first electrostatic latent image and a second electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4Y and the photosensitive drum 4M, respectively. Similarly, the laser scanner unit LB exposes the photosensitive drums 4C and 4K to light, thereby forming a third electrostatic latent image and a fourth electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drums 4C and 4K, respectively.

[0023] The electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drums 4 of each color are developed by supplying toner to the photosensitive drums 4 by the developing rollers 6, which are driven to rotate clockwise in FIG. 1 at a predetermined speed. Through the electrophotographic image formation process described above, a yellow toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4Y of the cartridge PY. The yellow toner image is then primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 12. Similarly, a magenta toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4M of the cartridge PM. The magenta toner image is then primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 12 so as to be superimposed on the yellow toner image on the transfer belt 12. A cyan toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4C of the cartridge PC. The cyan toner image is then primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 12 so as to be superimposed on the yellow and magenta toner images on the transfer belt 12. A black toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4K of the cartridge PK. The black toner image is then primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 12 so as to be superimposed on the yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images on the transfer belt 12.

[0024] In this way, an unfixed four-color full-color toner image of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is formed on the transfer belt 12. Meanwhile, at a predetermined control timing, the recording medium S is separated one by one from the paper feed tray 19 by the paper feed roller 20 and fed. The recording medium S is introduced into the secondary transfer unit 31, which is the contact point between the secondary transfer roller 17 and the transfer belt 12, at a predetermined control timing. As the recording medium S is transported through the secondary transfer unit 31, the four-color superimposed toner image on the transfer belt 12 is transferred onto the recording medium S. The recording medium S with the transferred toner image is heated and pressurized by the fixing unit 21, and the toner image is fixed to the recording medium S. The recording medium S with the fixed toner image is discharged to the discharge tray 23 by the discharge roller 22.

[0025] [Supply pack attachment point] The mounting portion 200 for mounting the supply pack 210 will be described using FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the cover 72a closed. FIG. 2(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the cover 72a open and the four mounting portions 200 exposed to the outside. FIG. 2(c) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the cover 72a open and the supply pack 210Y mounted in the mounting portion 200Y. FIG. 3 is a top view of the mounting portion 200 and its vicinity with the cover 72a open. FIG. 4(a) is a perspective view of the mounting portion 200 with the supply pack 210 not mounted. FIG. 4(b) is a perspective view of the mounting portion 200 with the supply pack 210 mounted and the operating lever 201 not rotated. FIG. 4(c) is a perspective view of the mounting portion 200 with the supply pack 210 mounted and the operating lever 201 rotated. 4(b) and 4(c), for ease of viewing, only the pack shutter 214 (see FIG. 5) of the supply pack 210 is shown.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, a cover 72a is provided on the top surface of the front (front face) side of the image forming apparatus 1, and a front door 72b is provided on the front face. Mounting sections 200 (200Y, 200M, 200C, and 200K) are provided under the cover 72a and aligned in a second direction Y. Here, the mounting sections 200 (200Y, 200M, 200C, and 200K) are referred to as a first mounting section, a second mounting section, a third mounting section, and a fourth mounting section, respectively. The cover 72a is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis RA1 between a closed position in which the cover 72a covers the mounting section 200 as shown in FIG. 2(a) and an open position in which the cover 72a opens the mounting section 200 as shown in FIG. 2(b). The rotation axis RA1 extends in the second direction Y. When the cover 72a is in the closed position, a portion of the top surface of the cover 72a is used as a paper ejection area. Therefore, the width w1 of the cover 72a in the second direction Y is configured to be wider than the width w2 of the discharge tray 23 (paper discharge area). In other words, the edge of the cover 72a in the second direction Y is located outside the edge of the discharge tray 23. This is to prevent the recording medium S discharged by the discharge roller 22 from getting caught on a step in the cover 72a. Note that the cover 72a does not necessarily have to be configured to rotate and move, and may be configured to slide between a closed position that covers the mounting unit 200 and an open position that opens the mounting unit 200.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 2(b) and 2(c), the mounting portion 200 is configured so that a supply pack 210 containing toner can be attached and detached when the cover 72a is in the open position. By attaching the supply pack 210 to the mounting portion 200, toner can be replenished to the cartridges P of each color from outside the image forming apparatus 1 without removing the cartridges P from the apparatus main body 72. The cover 72a is configured so that it cannot move from the open position to the closed position when the supply pack 210 is attached to the mounting portion 200 because the cover 72a interferes with the supply pack 210. The mounting portion 200 is also located at the downstream end of the image forming apparatus 1 in the direction in which the recording material S is discharged by the discharge roller 22. This allows toner replenishment and collection of the discharged recording material S to be performed from the same front side. Furthermore, when the cover 72a is in the open position, an instruction section IS1 located on the back surface of the cover 72a is visible. The instruction section IS1 describes how to operate the mounting section 200 (how to replenish toner using the replenishment pack 210).

[0028] Furthermore, indicators 208 (208Y, 208M, 208C, 208K) (marking units, display units) of various colors are provided on the front of the image forming apparatus 1. The arrangement of the indicators 208Y is the same as the arrangement of the mounting units 200. That is, the indicator 208Y (first indicator) is yellow, the indicator 208M (second indicator) is magenta, the indicator 208C (third indicator) is cyan, and the indicator 208K (fourth indicator) is black. The indicators 208 of various colors are configured with LEDs or stickers of colors corresponding to the mounting units 200, and are provided to prevent the replenishing pack 210 from being mounted in mounting units 200 of different colors. The indicators 208 may also have a function of displaying the remaining toner amount of the cartridges P (developing containers 3) of each color. If the indicators 208 have a function of displaying the remaining toner amount, instructions on how to read the remaining toner amount display may be written on the instruction unit IS1.

[0029] Next, a detailed configuration of the mounting unit 200 will be described. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the mounting units 200 (200Y, 200M, 200C, 200K) each have an operating lever 201 (201Y, 201M, 201C, 201K), a receiving frame 202 (202Y, 202M, 202C, 202K), and a main body shutter 206 (206Y, 206M, 206C, 206K). The receiving frame 202 (202Y, 202M, 202C, 202K) is provided with a receiving opening 202a (202aY, 202aM, 202aC, 202aK), respectively. The operating levers 201Y, 201M, 201C, and 201K are referred to as the first operating lever, second operating lever, third operating lever, and fourth operating lever, respectively. Similarly, the receiving frame 202Y, 202M, 202C, and 202K are referred to as the first receiving frame, second receiving frame, third receiving frame, and fourth receiving frame, respectively. The main body shutters 206Y, 206M, 206C, and 206K are referred to as the first main body shutter, second main body shutter, third main body shutter, and fourth main body shutter, respectively. The receiving openings 202aY, 202aM, 202aC, and 202aK are referred to as the first receiving opening, second receiving opening, third receiving opening, and fourth receiving opening, respectively.

[0030] The mounting portion 200Y, operating lever 201Y, receiving frame 202Y, and main body shutter 206Y will be described in detail using Figure 4. As shown in Figure 3, the operating lever 201Y is disposed on the top surface of the image forming apparatus 1, and forms part of the mounting opening 204Y into which the tip of the supply pack 210Y is inserted. The operating lever 201Y has a ring portion 201aY, a lever portion 201bY, and a lever protrusion portion 201d, and is configured to be rotatable. The operating lever 201Y is an operating portion for externally opening and closing the main body shutter 206Y provided on the mounting portion 200Y and the pack shutter 214Y of the supply pack 210Y. In addition, the main body shutter 206Y and the pack shutter 214Y may be configured to open and close automatically by using a sensor that detects that the supply pack 210Y has been attached to the attachment portion 200Y, and a drive mechanism and motor (not shown) that drive the main body shutter 206Y and the pack shutter 214Y.

[0031] The receiving frame 202Y is a cylindrical member that serves as the base of the mounting portion 200Y, and has a receiving opening 202aY for receiving yellow toner from the replenishing pack 210Y when the replenishing pack 210Y is mounted in the mounting portion 200Y. The receiving frame 202Y also has a connecting replenishing path 202bY that is connected to a reserve tank 230Y (described later). There is space on the inner circumferential surface of the receiving frame 202Y for providing a main body shutter 206Y. As shown in FIG. 4(a), the receiving frame 202Y has a nozzle positioning portion 247Y and a nozzle guide portion 248Y that are arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the main body shutter 206Y.

[0032] The main body shutter 206Y is a cylindrical member concentric with the receiving frame 202Y, and is open at the top so that the tip of the supply pack 210Y can be inserted therein. The main body shutter 206Y is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the receiving frame 202Y so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis A. In this embodiment, the rotation axis A of the main body shutter 206Y extends in the third direction Z, but may be any direction as long as it intersects with the second direction Y. As shown in FIG. 4(c), the main body shutter 206Y has a main body shutter opening 206bY (first main body shutter opening) on ​​its side surface extending in the direction of the rotation axis A, and a seal member 243Y provided to surround the peripheral edge of the main body shutter opening 206b. In FIG. 4(a), the main body shutter 206Y is in a non-communicating position (first non-communicating position) where the main body shutter opening 206bY does not communicate with the receiving opening 202aY of the receiving frame 202Y. Therefore, toner supplied from the supply pack 210Y attached to the mounting portion 200Y is not discharged into the connecting supply path 202bY through the receiving opening 202aY. Note that the receiving opening 202aY is shown by a dashed line in FIG. 4(a) because it is covered by the main body shutter 206Y, which is in the closed position. In FIG. 4(c), the main body shutter 206Y is in a communicating position (first communicating position) where the main body shutter opening 206bY communicates with the receiving opening 202aY of the receiving frame 202Y. Therefore, toner supplied from the supply pack 210Y attached to the attachment portion 200Y can be discharged to the connecting supply path 202bY through the receiving port 202aY and the main body shutter opening 206bY. In other words, when the supply pack 210Y is attached to the device portion 200Y, the main body shutter 206Y is configured to rotate about the rotation axis A between a communication position where the main body shutter opening 206bY communicates with the receiving port 202aY and a non-communication position where the main body shutter opening 206bY does not communicate with the receiving port 202aY.

[0033] 4(a), the main body shutter 206Y has a main body shutter protrusion 206aY that protrudes inward in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. The main body shutter 206Y is configured to receive a rotational driving force from the pack shutter 214Y of the supply pack 210Y via the main body shutter protrusion 206aY.

[0034] The operating lever 201Y has a lever protrusion 201dY that protrudes inward in the radial direction r from the inner circumferential surface of the ring portion 201aY. The lever protrusion 201dY is configured to engage with a shutter recess 214b (see FIG. 5) of the pack shutter 214, which will be described later, when the supply pack 210Y is attached to the attachment portion 200Y. The main body shutter 206Y can be rotated from the closed position shown in FIG. 4(b) to the open position shown in FIG. 4(c) by the user gripping the lever portion 201bY and rotating the operating lever 201 by 90 degrees counterclockwise.

[0035] When forming an image on the recording medium S, the main body shutter 206Y is in a non-communicating position so that the main body shutter 206Y does not communicate with the main body shutter opening 206bY to prevent toner from coming out of the receiving opening 202aY. Therefore, during image formation, the operation lever 201Y is in the non-supply position shown in FIG. 4(a) so that the main body shutter 206Y is in the non-communicating position. On the other hand, when replenishing toner from the replenishing pack 210Y to the cartridge PY, the receiving opening 202aY and the main body shutter opening 206bY must be in communication. Therefore, during toner replenishing, the operation lever 201Y is in the replenishing position shown in FIG. 4(c) so that the main body shutter 206Y is in the communicating position.

[0036] The mounting portions 200 of the other colors (200M, 200C, 200K) have the same configuration as the mounting portion 200Y.

[0037] When the supply pack 210M is attached to the device unit 200M, the main body shutter 206M (second main body shutter) is configured to rotate about the rotation axis A between a communication position (second communication position) where the main body shutter opening 206bM (second main body shutter opening) communicates with the receiving port 202aM and a non-communication position (second non-communication position) where the main body shutter opening 206bM does not communicate with the receiving port 202aM. During image formation, the operating lever 201M is set to the non-supply position so that the main body shutter 206M is set to the non-communication position. During toner supply, the operating lever 201M is set to the supply position so that the main body shutter 206M is set to the communication position.

[0038] When the supply pack 210C is attached to the device unit 200C, the main body shutter 206C (third main body shutter) is configured to rotate about the rotation axis A between a communication position (third communication position) where the main body shutter opening 206bC (third main body shutter opening) communicates with the receiving port 202aC and a non-communication position (third non-communication position) where the main body shutter opening 206bC does not communicate with the receiving port 202aC. During image formation, the operating lever 201C is set to the non-supply position so that the main body shutter 206C is set to the non-communication position. During toner supply, the operating lever 201C is set to the supply position so that the main body shutter 206C is set to the communication position.

[0039] When the supply pack 210K is attached to the device unit 200K, the main body shutter 206K (fourth main body shutter) is configured to rotate about the rotation axis A between a communication position (fourth communication position) where the main body shutter opening 206bK (fourth main body shutter opening) communicates with the receiving port 202aK and a non-communication position (fourth non-communication position) where the main body shutter opening 206bK does not communicate with the receiving port 202aK. During image formation, the operating lever 201K is set to the non-supply position so that the main body shutter 206K is set to the non-communication position. During toner supply, the operating lever 201K is set to the supply position so that the main body shutter 206K is set to the communication position.

[0040] [Supply Pack] The configuration of the supply pack 210 will be described with reference to Figure 5. There are four types of supply packs 210: supply pack 210Y (first toner container) containing yellow toner, supply pack 210M (second toner container) containing magenta toner, supply pack 210C (third toner container) containing cyan toner, and supply pack BK (fourth toner container) containing black toner. These supply packs 210 have the same structure except for the toner.

[0041] Figure 5(a) is a perspective view showing the supply pack 210 when the pack shutter 214 is in the closed position. Figure 5(b) is a perspective view showing the supply pack 210 when the pack shutter 214 is in the open position. Figure 6(a) is an exploded perspective view of the supply pack 210. Figure 6(b) is a perspective view of the supply pack 210 seen from a different direction than in Figure 6(a).

[0042] The refill pack 210 (toner container, toner cartridge) has a pouch 211 (bag, toner storage section) that stores toner, a nozzle 212 (discharge section, nozzle section) that has an outlet 212a for discharging the toner stored in the pouch 211 to the outside of the refill pack 210, and a pack shutter 214 (container shutter).

[0043] The pack shutter 214 is configured to rotate (move) about a rotation axis B relative to the nozzle 212 between an open position where the discharge port 212a is open and a closed position where the discharge port 212a is closed. The pack shutter 214 is provided outside the nozzle 212 in the radial direction of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis B. A seal member 218 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the pack shutter 214, which faces inward in the radial direction r, and is capable of sliding against the outer surface 212c of the nozzle 212. When the pack shutter 214 is in the closed position, the seal member 218 blocks the discharge port 212a of the nozzle 212 and simultaneously seals the gap between the nozzle 212 and the pack shutter 214. The pack shutter 214 has an opening 214c that exposes the discharge port 212a of the nozzle 212 to the outside of the supply pack 210 when the pack shutter 214 is in the open position.

[0044] The outlet 212a of the nozzle 212 is provided on an outer surface 212c extending in the direction of the rotation axis B. That is, the outlet 212a opens in a direction intersecting (perpendicular to) the rotation axis B. In other words, the outlet 212a opens outward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC1.

[0045] The pouch 211 is formed of a bag that is easily deformed when an external force is applied. The pouch 211 in this embodiment is formed by welding polypropylene sheets. Note that a container such as a bag made of vinyl or paper or a bottle made of resin may be used instead of the pouch 211. As shown in FIG. 6 , the pouch 211 has a pouch end 211a at the end opposite the pouch opening 211b and the nozzle 212. The pouch 211 has a shape that becomes flatter toward the pouch end 211a, and the pouch end 211a extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis B.

[0046] The nozzle 212 and pack shutter 214 that form the tip of the supply pack 210 are inserted into the mounting opening 204 of the mounting part 200, as shown in FIGS. 3(c), 4(b) and 4(c).

[0047] 6(a), the nozzle 212 has a nozzle recess 212b recessed inward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC2 from the outer surface 212c. The nozzle recess 212b has a first nozzle recess 212b1 on the side closer to the pouch 211 (upstream side in the insertion direction) and a second nozzle recess 212b2 on the side farther from the pouch 211 (downstream side in the insertion direction). The first nozzle recess 212b1 has a narrower width in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC2 than the second nozzle recess 212b2 and functions as a positioning portion (rotation restricting portion) for the nozzle 212 relative to the receiving frame 202. The nozzle recess 212b is exposed to the outside of the supply pack 210 from an opening 214c when the pack shutter 214 is in the closed position.

[0048] The supply pack 210 is attached to the device unit 200 while the second nozzle recess 212b2 is guided by the nozzle guide portion 248 of the receiving frame 202. When the attachment of the supply pack 210 to the attachment unit 200 is complete, the first nozzle recess 212b1 engages with the nozzle positioning portion 247 of the receiving frame 202. This determines the position of the nozzle 212 in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC2 relative to the receiving frame 202. In other words, rotation of the nozzle 212 in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC2 relative to the receiving frame 202 is restricted.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the pack shutter 214 has a shutter recess 214b recessed inward in the radial direction r on its outer peripheral surface located outward in the radial direction r. The shutter recess 214b extends to the end of the shutter 214 in the direction of the rotation axis B. The shutter recess 214b is configured to engage with the lever protrusion 201d of the operating lever 201 when the supply pack 210 is attached to the attachment part 200. When the operation lever 201 is rotated, the shutter recess 214b receives a rotational driving force from the lever protrusion 201d, causing the pack shutter 214 to rotate together with the operation lever 201. While the pack shutter 214 is rotating, the nozzle 212 does not rotate because its rotation is restricted by the nozzle positioning part 247 of the attachment part 200. Therefore, by rotating the operation lever 201, the pack shutter 214 rotates between a closed position and an open position relative to the nozzle 212.

[0050] [Attaching the supply pack to the attachment point] The supply pack 210 is attached to the attachment part 200 with the pack shutter 214 in the closed position. First, the supply pack 210 is aligned with the attachment part 200. The supply pack 210 is inserted into the attachment opening 204 of the attachment part 200 at a position where the second nozzle recess 212b2 of the nozzle 212 and the shutter recess 214b of the pack shutter 214 are aligned with the nozzle guide part 248 of the receiving frame 202 and the lever protrusion 201d (main body shutter protrusion 206a) of the lever 201, respectively. Note that the nozzle recess 212b is exposed to the outside of the supply pack 210 from the opening 214c of the pack shutter 214 when the pack shutter 214 is in the closed position.

[0051] The supply pack 210 is attached to the device section 200 while the second nozzle recess 212b2 of the nozzle 212 is guided by the nozzle guide section 248 of the receiving frame 202, and while the shutter recess 214b of the shutter 214 is guided by the lever protrusion 201d and the main body shutter protrusion 206a.

[0052] When the supply pack 210 is completely attached to the attachment portion 200, the second nozzle recess 212b2 engages with the nozzle positioning portion 247, and the shutter recess 214b engages with the lever protrusion 201d and the main body shutter protrusion 206a. Also, in this completely attached state, the opening 214c of the shutter 214 engages with the periphery of the seal member 243 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the main body shutter 206.

[0053] When the operating lever 201 is rotated, the shutter recess 214b receives a rotational driving force from the lever protrusion 201d, and the pack shutter 214 rotates together with the operating lever 201. When the pack shutter 214 is rotated by the operating lever 201, the main body shutter protrusion 206a receives a rotational driving force from the shutter recess 214b, and the main body shutter 206 rotates together with the pack shutter 214. With the configuration described above, when the operating lever 201 is in the non-replenishment position, the main body shutter 206 and the pack shutter 214 are both in the closed position (closed state), and when the operating lever 201 is in the replenishment position, the main body shutter 206 and the pack shutter 214 are both in the open position (open state).

[0054] [Arrangement of mounting unit 200] The arrangement of the mounting part 200 will be described. Fig. 7 shows an enlarged view of the mounting part 200 viewed in the third direction Z. Fig. 7(a) is an enlarged view of the mounting part 200 with a supply pack 210Y attached to one of the mounting parts 200, that is, mounting part 200Y. The supply pack 210Y is attached to the mounting part 200Y so that the direction in which the end 211a of the pouch 211 extends when viewed in the third direction Z is the second direction Y.

[0055] Next, the interval (distance) P2 between adjacent mounting parts 200 will be described. When the supply pack 210 is viewed in the third direction Z with the supply pack 210 attached to the mounting part 200, the portion having the greatest width in the second direction Y is the end 211a of the pouch 211. Therefore, in this embodiment, the interval (distance) P2 between adjacent mounting parts 200 is made shorter than the length P1 in the second direction Y of the end 211a of the pouch 211 of the supply pack 210. In other words, the distance P2 between the rotation axis A (first rotation axis) of the main body shutter 206 in the mounting part 200Y and the rotation axis A (second rotation axis) of the main body shutter 206 in the mounting part 200M is shorter than the length P1 of the end 211a of the supply pack 210Y. Similarly, the distance P2 between the rotation axis A of the main body shutter 206 in the mounting portion 200M and the rotation axis A (third rotation axis) of the main body shutter 206 in the mounting portion 200C is shorter than the length P1 of the end 211a of the supply pack 210Y. Similarly, the distance P2 between the rotation axis A (third rotation axis) of the main body shutter 206 in the mounting portion 200C and the rotation axis A (fourth rotation axis) of the main body shutter 206 in the mounting portion 200K is shorter than the length P1 of the end 211a of the supply pack 210Y. This configuration has two advantages. The first advantage is that it makes it easier for a user to open the pouch 211 and replenish toner. A configuration in which the supply pack 210 is attached to the mounting portion 200 with the flat surface of the pouch 211 facing the front makes it easier for a user standing in front of the image forming apparatus 1 to open the pouch 211 with their fingers. Second, by narrowing the distance between the mounting units 200 in the second direction Y, it is possible to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus 1. Since it is considered that the supply packs 210 are not often mounted in four mounting units 200 at the same time, priority is given to miniaturization.

[0056] In the supply pack 210 of this embodiment, when viewed in the third direction Z while attached to the attachment part 200, the widest part is the end 211a of the pouch 211, but this is not limited to this. The widest part of the supply pack 210 may be the central part of the pouch 211 in the third direction Z (attachment direction) or the outer diameter part of the nozzle. When viewed in the third direction Z, the interval (distance) P2 between adjacent attachment parts 200 may be narrower than the widest part of the supply pack 210 in the second direction Y.

[0057] As a modification of the first embodiment, a configuration is conceivable in which the pouch 211 can be attached to the attachment unit 200 so that the direction in which the end 211a of the pouch 211 extends when viewed in the third direction Z intersects both the first direction X and the second direction Y, for example, at 45 degrees with respect to the second direction Y as shown in FIG. 7(b). By doing so, the distance P3 of the end 211a of the pouch 211 in the second direction Y can be made smaller than the interval (distance) P2 between adjacent attachment units 200. This allows a configuration in which four supply packs 210 can be simultaneously attached to the corresponding attachment units 200 while ensuring ease of replenishment to a certain extent. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 can be made more compact.

[0058] [Toner supply path] The toner supply path from the mounting portion 200 for mounting the supply pack 210 to the cartridge P in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. The toner supply path described here refers to a passage through which toner passes.

[0059] Fig. 8(a) is a perspective view of the mounting portion 200 and the tray 40 on which the reserve tank 230 and cartridge P are mounted. Fig. 8(b) is a top view of the tray 40 on which the reserve tank 230 and cartridge P are mounted, viewed in the third direction Z. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the tray 40 on which the cartridge P and reserve tank 230 are mounted being pulled out. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion 200, the reserve tank 230, and the vicinity thereof.

[0060] 8 and 9, cartridges P of each color are lined up in a first direction (X direction). Mounting portions 200 (200Y, 200M, 200C, 200K) connected to the cartridges P of each color are lined up in a second direction Y that intersects (is perpendicular to) the first direction. In addition, reserve tanks 230 (230Y, 230M, 230C, 230K) configured to temporarily store toner are provided below the mounting portions 200. Here, the reserve tanks 230 (230Y, 230M, 230C, 230K) are referred to as a first intermediate storage portion, a second intermediate storage portion, a third intermediate storage portion, and a fourth intermediate storage portion, respectively. The mounting portions 200 and the reserve tanks 230 are connected by connection supply paths 202b (202bY, 202bM, 202bC, 202bK), respectively. The connection supply path 202bY, the connection supply path 202bM, the connection supply path 202bC, and the connection supply path 202bK are respectively referred to as a first connection supply path, a second connection supply path, a third connection supply path, and a fourth connection supply path.

[0061] The reserve tanks 230 of each color are disposed below the corresponding mounting parts 200 in a third direction Z, which is a direction intersecting (orthogonal to) both the first direction X and the second direction Y. In other words, the reserve tanks 230Y, 200M, 200C, and 200K are disposed below the mounting parts 200Y, 200M, 200C, and 200K, respectively, so that at least a portion of each of them overlaps with the mounting parts 200Y, 200M, 200C, and 200K when viewed in the third direction Z.

[0062] In the configuration of this embodiment, toner replenished from the mounting portion 200 is moved to the reserve tank 230 via the connecting replenishment path 202b and conveyed to the cartridge P via the conveying path 231. As shown in FIG. 8(b), replenishment to the cartridge PY (developer container 3Y) and the cartridge PM (developer container 3M) is carried out by the conveying path 231Y (first conveying path) and the conveying path 231M (second conveying path) located on the side of the first end LE of the cartridge P in the second direction Y, respectively. Replenishment to the cartridge PC (developer container 3C) and the cartridge PK (developer container 3K) is carried out by the conveying path 231C (third conveying path) and the conveying path 231K (fourth conveying path) located on the side of the second end RE in the second direction Y. 8(b), in this embodiment, when the lengths of the transport paths 231Y, 231M, 231C, and 231K are LY, LM, LC, and LK, respectively, the relationships LY>LK, LM>LC, and LC>LK are satisfied, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 8(b), the transport path 231Y extends from the reserve tank 230Y to the developing container 3Y. The transport path 231Y has a portion 231aY extending from the reserve tank 230Y toward the rear end BE of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first direction X, and is connected to the developing container 3Y. The transport path 231M extends from the reserve tank 230M to the developing container 3M. The transport path 231M has a portion 231bM extending from the reserve tank 230M toward the first end LE of the image forming apparatus 1 in the second direction Y, and a portion 231aM extending in the first direction X toward the rear end BE of the image forming apparatus 1, and is connected to the developing container 3M. The transport path 231K extends from the reserve tank 230K to the developing container 3K. The transport path 231K has a portion 231aK extending in the first direction X from the reserve tank 230K toward the rear end BE, and is connected to the developing container 3K. The transport path 231C extends from the reserve tank 230C to the developing container 3C. The transport path 231C has a portion 231bC extending in the second direction Y from the reserve tank 230C toward the second end RE of the image forming apparatus 1, and a portion 231aC extending in the first direction X toward the rear end BE, and is connected to the developing container 3C. As explained above, the transport path 231 is arranged to avoid the center portion in the second direction Y in order to avoid the laser optical path L of the laser scanner unit LB. This will be described later.

[0064] In this embodiment, the reserve tank 230 is configured to be independent for each color, but it is also possible to provide three partitions in one reserve tank to form temporary storage spaces for four colors.

[0065] A configuration that allows easy access to the cartridge P for maintenance or replacement during service, etc., is preferable. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cartridge P, reserve tank 230, and conveying path 231 are mounted on a tray 40 (movable member), and are configured so that these can be integrally formed as a drawer unit 400 and pulled out toward the front of the apparatus main body 72 (intermediate transfer belt unit 11). Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are perspective views of the drawer unit 400 and other components when the front door 72b is closed and open, respectively. Figure 9(c) is a perspective view of the drawer unit 400 and other components when the drawer unit 400 is pulled out toward the front.

[0066] To access the cartridge P, first, the front door 72b is opened as shown in FIG. 9(b). Then, as shown in FIG. 9(c), the drawer unit 400 is drawn out to the front side. In this embodiment, the mounting section 200, the connecting supply path 202b, the reserve tank 230, and the transport path 231 form a supply path from the supply pack 210 to the cartridge P. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9(c), the connection between the connecting supply path 202b and the reserve tank 230 is released and they are separated when the drawer unit 400 is drawn out. Alternatively, the connection between the connecting supply path 202b and the reserve tank 230 may be released in conjunction with the opening of the front door 72b. The tray 40 is movable relative to the apparatus main body 72 (intermediate transfer belt unit 11) between a first position (see FIG. 9(b)) where the reserve tank 230Y communicates with the receiving port 202aY and the reserve tank 230M communicates with the receiving port 202aM, and a second position (FIG. 9(c)) where the reserve tank 230Y does not communicate with the receiving port 202aY and the reserve tank 230M does not communicate with the receiving port 202aM. At the first position, the reserve tank 230C communicates with the receiving port 202aC and the reserve tank 230K communicates with the receiving port 202aK, and at the second position, the reserve tank 230C does not communicate with the receiving port 202aC and the reserve tank 230K does not communicate with the receiving port 202aK. The second position is a position different from the first position in the first direction X, and is a position where the developing unit 9 is exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body 72. In the configuration of this embodiment, the mounting portion 200, which is the portion where the supply pack 210 is mounted, is fixed to the apparatus main body 72. Note that the developing unit 9, drum unit 8, reserve tank 230, and transport path 231 may also be configured to be fastened to the apparatus main body 72.

[0067] Next, the layout of the toner supply path from the supply pack 210 to the reserve tank 230 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The yellow toner supply path will be described. FIG. 10(a) is a cross-sectional view of the reserve tank 230Y and other components when the supply pack 210Y is not attached to the mounting portion 200Y. FIG. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view of the reserve tank 230Y and other components when the supply pack 210Y is attached to the mounting portion 200Y, the pack shutter 214Y is in the closed position, and the main body shutter 206Y is in the non-communicating position. FIG. 10(c) is a cross-sectional view of the reserve tank 230Y and other components when the supply pack 210Y is attached to the mounting portion 200Y, the pack shutter 214Y is in the open position, and the main body shutter 206Y is in the communicating position. FIG. 10(d) is a diagram showing a state in which a user is using the supply pack 210 to supply toner.

[0068] In FIG. 10(a), the path to the receiving port 202aY is closed by the main body shutter 206Y. The receiving port 202aY is connected to a reserve tank 230Y having a screw 232Y provided at its bottom. The screw 232Y is configured to transport toner from the reserve tank 230Y to the transport path 231Y. In FIG. 10(b), the path to the receiving port 202aY is closed by the main body shutter 206Y, as in FIG. 10(a). Furthermore, the discharge port 212aY of the nozzle 212Y of the supply pack 210Y attached to the attachment portion 200Y is closed by the pack shutter 214Y (sealing member 218Y). 10(c), the toner in the pouch 211Y can move to the reserve tank 230Y via the discharge port 212aY of the nozzle 212Y, the receiving port 202aY of the receiving frame 202Y, and the connecting supply path 202bY. Because the reserve tank 230Y is located below the mounting portion 200Y, the toner discharged from the nozzle 212Y falls by its own weight. As shown in FIG. 10(d), the user uses their fingers to open the pouch 211Y of the supply pack 210Y and supply toner.

[0069] The reservoir tank 230Y is configured to have a capacity (capacity) larger than the toner volume contained in a new (unused) refill pack 210Y. When a user refills toner, they typically refill all of the toner in the refill pack 210Y at once. As shown in FIG. 10(d), when the user compresses the pouch 211Y of the refill pack 210Y, the toner in the pouch 211Y is discharged into the reservoir tank 230Y along with air through the outlet 212aY of the nozzle 212Y. Therefore, the reservoir tank 230Y is provided with a ventilation section 233Y for venting air. The ventilation section 233Y prevents a large amount of air from being sent to the developing unit 9Y during toner refilling. This prevents toner leakage from gaps in the developing unit 9Y. The ventilation section 233Y is located above the toner surface in the reservoir tank 230Y. Further, a filter 234Y is provided in the ventilation portion 233Y to prevent toner from leaking out.

[0070] The toner supply paths from the supply packs 210 of the other colors to the reserve tanks 230 are similar to the toner supply paths from the supply packs 210Y to the reserve tanks 230Y, and therefore will not be described here. The storage capacities of the reserve tanks 230 (230M, 230C, 230K) are also similar to that of the reserve tank 230Y, and therefore will not be described here. The storage capacity (storage volume) of the reserve tank 230K may be larger than that of the reserve tanks 230 (230Y, 230M, 230C).

[0071] Next, the layout of the transport path 231 provided between the reserve tank 230 and the cartridge P in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction Y will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. The transport path 231Y for yellow will be described. As shown in Figure 10, the toner that has moved into the reserve tank 230Y is temporarily stored in the bottom of the reserve tank 230Y.

[0072] A conveying path 231Y for conveying toner to the developing container 3Y of the cartridge PY is connected to the reserve tank 230Y. A screw 232Y (first conveying means) is provided in the conveying path 231Y. An upstream end of the screw 232Y in the toner conveying direction is located inside the reserve tank 230Y.

[0073] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a toner supply path for supplying toner from the mounting portion 200Y to the developer container 3Y of the cartridge PY via the reserve tank 230Y and the conveying path 231Y. One end of the conveying path 231Y is connected to the reserve tank 230Y, and the other end of the conveying path 231Y is connected to the developer container 3Y of the cartridge PY. The toner temporarily stored in the reserve tank 230Y is conveyed to the developer container 3Y via the conveying path 231Y by a screw 232Y. The screw 232Y extends in the first direction Y. Furthermore, an end LBe on the front side in the first direction X, which is part of the laser scanner unit LB, is provided between the mounting portion 200Y and the reserve tank 230Y in the third direction. In other words, the end LBe of the laser scanner unit LB overlaps with the mounting portion 200Y and the reserve tank 230Y when viewed in the third direction. This reduces the width of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first direction X, contributing to miniaturization.

[0074] The transport paths 231M, 231C, and K are also provided with a screw 232M (second transport means), a screw 232C (third transport means), and a screw 232K (fourth transport means), respectively. The screw 232 may be configured to have multiple screws arranged in series to match the orientation and shape of the transport path 231. While a screw is used as the transport means in this embodiment, this is not limiting. In a configuration in which the extension direction changes midway, as in the transport path 231 of this embodiment, toner transport using air generated by a pump or the like is effective. The pump can generate air inside the transport path 231 that flows from the reserve tank 230 toward the developing container 3, thereby transporting the toner from the reserve tank 230 to the developing container 3. Alternatively, a belt may be used to transport the toner.

[0075] Next, the arrangement of the transport path 231 on a cross section perpendicular to the first direction X will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12(a) is a cross section of the transport path 231 perpendicular to the first direction X. Fig. 12(b) is an enlarged cross section of the transport path 231 on the front left side of Fig. 12(a). In Fig. 11, for ease of viewing, the reserve tank 230 and the like are omitted, and the laser optical path L is visualized.

[0076] The position of the transport path 231 in the second direction Y will be described. The transport path 231 is arranged so as not to overlap with the laser optical path L in the second direction Y so as not to block the laser optical path L during image formation. In this embodiment, two transport paths 231 are arranged on each of the first end LE side and the second end RE side of the image forming apparatus 1, sandwiching the laser optical path L. That is, in the second direction Y, the transport paths 231Y and 231M are arranged on the first end LE side, and the transport paths 231C and 231K are arranged on the second end RE side.

[0077] Next, the position of the transport path 231 in the third direction Z will be described. The transport path 231 is disposed below the laser scanner unit LB and above the cartridge P (developing unit 9, developer container 3). That is, the transport path 231 is disposed between the laser scanner unit LB and the cartridge P (developing unit 9, developer container 3) in the third direction Z. In other words, the transport path 231 overlaps with the laser scanner unit LB and the cartridge P (developing unit 9, developer container 3) when viewed in the third direction Z. Also, the width of the laser optical path L in the second direction Y increases as it approaches the cartridge P from the laser scanner unit LB. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b), there is a gap between the portion of the laser optical path L close to the cartridge P and the laser scanner unit LB, and the transport path 231 is disposed in that gap. That is, the transport path 231 is provided between the laser scanner unit LB and the laser optical path L in the third direction Z.

[0078] 12(b), on the first end LE side, the transport paths 231Y and 231M are arranged so that they overlap by ΔZ when viewed in the Y direction and by ΔY when viewed in the Z direction. In other words, the configuration in which at least a portion of the transport path 231Y overlaps with the transport path 231M when viewed in the third direction Z contributes to space saving in the second direction Y. The configuration in which at least a portion of the transport path 231Y overlaps with the transport path 231M when viewed in the second direction Y contributes to space saving in the third direction Z.

[0079] As described above, by arranging the conveying path 231 as described above in the cross section perpendicular to the first direction X, it is possible to effectively utilize space and contribute to making the image forming apparatus 1 more compact.

[0080] [Toner remaining amount detection] The configuration for detecting the remaining toner amount in the cartridge P will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, the conveying path 231 is connected to one end of the developing container 3Y in the second direction Y. Inside the developing container 3Y, an agitating member 61 is provided that rotates around a rotation shaft 61a extending in the second direction Y. The agitating member 61 has the rotation shaft 61a and a sheet 61b fixed to the rotation shaft 61a. The agitating member 61 is driven to rotate by a drive motor to agitate the toner in the developing container 3Y and convey the toner toward the developing roller 6Y. This agitation allows the toner in the developing container 3Y to be conveyed in the second direction Y and leveled to reduce unevenness. In this embodiment, the agitating member 61 may be a spiral blade instead of the sheet 61b.

[0081] The agitating member 61 also circulates the toner that has not been used for development and has been scraped off from the developing roller 6Y within the developing container 3Y, thereby making the toner in the developing container 3Y uniform. The agitating member 61 is not limited to a rotating type. For example, an agitating member that oscillates may be used.

[0082] Furthermore, the developer container 3Y is provided with a remaining amount detection unit 62 as a sensor for detecting the amount of toner in the developer container 3. The remaining amount detection unit 62 has a light-emitting unit 62a and a light-receiving unit 62b. Light emitted from the light-emitting unit 62a passes through the inside of the developer container 3Y and is received by the light-receiving unit 62b. That is, the light-emitting unit 62a and the light-receiving unit 62b form a remaining amount detection unit optical path Q1 inside the developer container 3. The light-emitting unit 62a and the light-receiving unit 62b may be arranged inside the developer container 3Y, or may be arranged outside the developer container 3Y and a light-guiding member may be used to guide light between the inside and outside of the developer container 3Y.

[0083] In this embodiment, an LED is used for the light-emitting unit 62a, and a phototransistor that is turned on by light from the LED is used for the light-receiving unit 62b, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a halogen lamp or a fluorescent lamp may be used instead of the light-emitting unit 62a, and a photodiode or an avalanche photodiode may be used instead of the light-receiving unit 62b.

[0084] The light-receiving element 62b, which is a phototransistor, receives light emitted from the light-emitting element 62a and outputs a signal (current) corresponding to the amount of light received. This signal is converted into a voltage and input to the engine controller. That is, the light-receiving element 62b changes its output value based on the amount of toner contained in the container 60. The engine controller determines whether the light-receiving element 62b has received light from the light-emitting element 62a based on the input voltage level. The engine controller calculates the amount of toner in the developer container 3Y based on the length of time that the light-receiving element 62b detects each light when the toner in the developer container 3Y is stirred by the stirring member 61 for a certain period of time. That is, the ROM of the engine controller pre-stores a table that can output the remaining toner amount from the light-receiving time when the toner is transported by the stirring member 61, and the engine controller predicts / calculates the remaining toner amount based on this table.

[0085] When the remaining toner amount is large, the remaining amount detection unit optical path Q1 is easily blocked by toner, so the time that the light receiving unit 62b receives light is shortened. On the other hand, when the remaining toner amount is low, the time that the light receiving unit 62b receives light is lengthened. Therefore, the engine controller can determine the remaining toner level in the storage unit 60 based on the light receiving time of the light receiving unit 62b.

[0086] The method for detecting / estimating the remaining toner amount is not limited to the above-described method, and various well-known methods for detecting / estimating the remaining toner amount can be used. For example, two or more metal plates or conductive resin sheets extending in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller can be placed on the inner wall of the developer container 3Y, and the electrostatic capacitance between the two metal plates or conductive resin sheets can be measured to detect / estimate the remaining toner amount. Alternatively, a load cell can be provided to support the developing unit 9Y from below, and the remaining toner amount can be calculated based on the weight measured by the load cell. Alternatively, a simpler configuration can be used, using a flag and a sensor, where the flag is pressed by the loaded toner to detect when the required amount of toner has been replenished.

[0087] The configuration for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the cartridges P of other colors is the same as that of the cartridge PY, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0088] [Conditions for toner replenishment] As a condition for enabling toner replenishment, it is preferable that all of the toner in the replenishment pack 210 can be accommodated in the device main body 72 or the developing container 3 of the cartridge P. Therefore, it is preferable that the amount of toner remaining in the developing container 3 is detected by a toner remaining amount detection unit 62 (see FIG. 11) provided in the cartridge P, and replenishment is possible only when the total toner volume that can be accommodated in the reserve tank 230, the connecting replenishment path 202b, and the conveying path 231 is greater than the toner volume of the replenishment pack 210.

[0089] When the toner replenishment conditions are met, the indicators 208 near the mounting portions 200 corresponding to the cartridges P of each color notify the user of which color of toner is available for replenishment (see FIG. 2).

[0090] In this embodiment, the remaining amount of toner is detected by the remaining amount detection unit 62 provided in the cartridge P, but a remaining amount detection unit may be provided in the reserve tank 230 to detect the remaining amount of toner in the reserve tank 230. In this case, it is preferable that toner can be replenished only when the toner capacity that can be contained in the reserve tank 230 is greater than the toner capacity of the replenishing pack 210.

[0091] In the configuration of this embodiment, the operation lever 201 of the mounting portion 200 of a color that satisfies the toner replenishment enabling condition is unlocked, and the operation lever 201 of the mounting portion 200 of a color that does not satisfy the toner replenishment enabling condition is not unlocked. This prevents the supply pack 210 from being attached to the mounting portion 200 and toner from being replenished when the toner replenishment enabling condition is not satisfied.

[0092] With the configuration of this embodiment described above, it is possible to replenish toner into the cartridge P using a replenishment pack attached to the attachment portion of the image forming apparatus, without removing the cartridge from the image forming apparatus.

[0093] In this embodiment, the process cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK) may be a process unit attached to the drawer unit 400, rather than being a detachable cartridge. [Example]

[0094] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 13. The configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the arrangement of the transport path 231 is changed. Therefore, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0095] In the first embodiment, the four transport paths 231 connected to the cartridges P of each color are arranged such that two are located on each of the first end LE side and the second end RE side of the laser optical path L in the second direction Y. However, depending on the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1, the space outside the laser optical path L in the second direction Y may differ between the first end side and the second end side.

[0096] 13(a), four laser beams are arranged on the first end LE side and zero laser beams are arranged on the second end RE side, respectively, across the laser optical path L. In other words, the transport paths 231 (231Y, 231M, 231C, 231K) are arranged on the first end LE side and none are arranged on the second end RE side. In addition, the transport paths 231 (231Y, 231M, 231C, 231K) are arranged between the laser scanner unit LB and the cartridge P (developing unit 9) in the third direction Z.

[0097] 13(b), three conveying paths 231 are arranged on the first end LE side and one conveying path 231 is arranged on the second end RE side, sandwiching the laser optical path L. That is, conveying paths 231Y, 231M, and 231C are arranged on the first end LE side, and conveying path 231K is arranged on the second end RE side. The conveying paths 231 (231Y, 231M, 231C, and 231K) are arranged between the laser scanner unit LB and the cartridge P (developing unit 9) in the third direction Z.

[0098] 13(c), similar to the first embodiment, two laser beams are arranged on each of the first end LE side and the second end RE side, sandwiching the laser beam path L. That is, the transport paths 231Y and 231M are arranged on the first end LE side, and the transport paths 231C and 231K are arranged on the second end RE side. The difference from the first embodiment is that the transport paths 231 (231Y, 231M, 231C, 231K) overlap with the laser scanner unit LB when viewed in the second direction Y. This arrangement can be adopted when using a small laser scanner unit LB that is narrow in the second direction Y.

[0099] By appropriately and effectively utilizing the space when arranging the conveying path 231 in this way, the image forming apparatus 1 can be made smaller. [Example]

[0100] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 14. In the third embodiment, only the configuration of the cover 72a of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment is changed. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0101] The cover 72a in the first embodiment is a cover common to the four mounting portions 200, but in this embodiment, four independent covers 372 (372aY, 372aM, 372aC, 372aK) are provided for the mounting portions 200 of the respective colors.

[0102] Fig. 14(a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the cover 372aY closed. Fig. 2(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the cover 372aY open and the mounting portion 200Y exposed to the outside. Fig. 2(c) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the cover 372aY open and the supply pack 210Y mounted in the mounting portion 200Y.

[0103] Here, the cover 372aY, the cover 372aM, the cover 372aC, and the cover 372aK are referred to as the first cover, the second cover, the third cover, and the fourth cover, respectively. The cover 372aY is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis RA2 between a first closed position (FIG. 14(a)) in which the cover 372aY covers the mounting portion 200Y and a first open position (FIG. 14(b)) in which the cover 372aY opens the mounting portion 200Y. The rotation axis RA2 extends in the second direction Y. When the cover 372aY is in the open state, as shown in FIG. 14(b), an instruction section IS2 provided on the back surface of the cover 372aY can be seen. The function of the instruction section IS2 is the same as that of the instruction section IS1 in the first embodiment.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 14(c), the mounting portion 200Y is configured so that the supply pack 210Y can be attached when the cover 372aY is in the first open position. The cover 372aY is configured so that it cannot move to the first closed position when the supply pack 210Y is attached to the mounting portion 200Y because it interferes with the supply pack 210Y. Similarly, the cover 372aM is configured so that it can move (rotate) between a second closed position that covers the mounting portion 200M and a second open position that opens the mounting portion 200M. Similarly to the mounting portion 200Y, the mounting portion 200M is configured so that the supply pack 210M can be attached when the cover 372aM is in the second open position. The cover 372aM is configured so that it cannot move to the second closed position when the supply pack 210M is attached to the mounting portion 200M because it interferes with the supply pack 210M. The cover 372aC and the cover 372aK are configured to move in the same manner as the cover 372aY.

[0105] The configuration of the cover 372a of this embodiment described above allows the user to replenish toner of only one color without exposing the other mounting sections 200, as shown in Figures 14(b) and 14(c).

[0106] Furthermore, the cover 372a of the mounting portion 200 can be configured to be locked so that it cannot move to the open position when toner replenishment is not required, and unlocked when toner replenishment is possible. This prevents the replenishment pack 210 from being attached to the mounting portion 200 of a color that is not in a state where toner replenishment is possible, and toner from being replenished.

[0107] Also, as shown in FIG. 14(b), similar to the first embodiment, an indicator 208 is provided near the mounting portion 200, and is configured to notify the user of the mounting portion 200 to which toner can be replenished.

[0108] Next, an image forming apparatus 1 provided with an image reading unit 1a (image reading section, reading scanner) will be described with reference to FIG. 19. FIG. 19(a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the image reading unit 1a closed. FIG. 19(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the image reading unit 1a open. FIG. 19(c) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the image reading unit 1a closed and the cover 372aY open. FIG. 19(d) is a top view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the image reading unit 1a closed and the cover 372aY open. FIG. 19(e) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the image reading unit 1a closed and the supply pack 210 attached to the attachment section 200Y.

[0109] The image reading unit 1a is attached to the upper part of the image forming apparatus 1. The image reading unit 1a is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis RA4 (see FIG. 19(b)) between a closed position (see FIG. 19(a)) and an open position (see FIG. 19(b)). This is to facilitate access to the recording medium S (especially small-sized recording media S) discharged to the discharge tray 23. As shown in FIG. 19(c), the cover 372aY can be opened even when the image reading unit 1a is in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 19(d), the mounting section 200Y is positioned so that it is not covered from above by the image reading unit 1a even when the image reading unit 1a is in the closed position. In other words, when viewed from above in the third direction Z, the mounting section 200Y is positioned so as not to overlap with the image reading unit 1a in the closed position. 19(e), even when the image reading unit 1a is in the closed position, the supply pack 210 can be attached to the attachment portion 200Y. The same applies to the cover 372aM, the cover 372aC, and the cover 372aK.

[0110] Next, FIG. 15 shows a modified example of the third embodiment. In this configuration, a cover 472a, which rotates around a rotation axis RA3 extending in the second direction Y to cover the four mounting units 200, also serves as the discharge tray 23. By integrating the cover 472a and the discharge tray 23, the boundary (step) between the cover and the discharge tray 23 can be eliminated. This allows the recording medium S to be discharged without getting caught on the discharge tray 23. Furthermore, the hinge that defines the rotation axis RA3 of the cover 472a can be positioned farther from the mounting units 200 than in the configuration of this embodiment. This allows for more space near the mounting units 200, making it easier for the user to mount the supply pack 210 in the mounting units 200. Furthermore, an instruction unit IS3 can be provided in an area closer to the rear of the image forming apparatus 1 than the mounting units 200. As shown in FIG. 15(b), an instruction unit IS4 provided on the back surface of the cover 472a may be visible when the cover 472a is open. The instruction sections IS3 and IS4 have the same functions as the instruction section IS1 in the embodiment 1. Note that only one of the instruction sections IS3 and IS4 may be used.

[0111] 15(b), indicators 208 are provided near the mounting portions 200 for each color, and are configured to notify the user of the mounting portions 200 to which toner can be replenished. The indicators 208 may be located near the mounting portions 200 for each color and on the top surface of the device body 72, as long as they allow the user to identify the mounting portion corresponding to the toner to be replenished.

[0112] Furthermore, a modified example of the third embodiment is provided with an operation unit 300. The operation unit 300 functions as a display unit that issues commands to the image forming apparatus 1, such as changing print settings, when operated, and displays messages to the user. As shown in FIG. 15(b), the operation unit 300 is configured not to rotate integrally with the cover 472a, so that the user can use the operation unit 300 even when the cover 472a is open. Specifically, the cover 472a is provided with a recessed portion 427a1 that is recessed so that the operation unit 300 is exposed when the cover 472a is closed. The recessed portion 427a1 may be a hole. [Example]

[0113] The configuration of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16(a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the front door 72b closed. Figure 16(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the front door 72b open. Figure 16(c) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the front door 72b open and the supply cartridge 430M removed from the cartridge holder 429M. The definitions of the front side and rear side of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. The definitions of the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are also the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0114] The supply pack 210 in the first to third embodiments is configured to be mounted in the mounting portion 200 with at least a portion (pouch 211) of the supply pack 210 exposed to the outside of the device main body 72 when the front door 72b is closed. In contrast, the image forming apparatus 1 in the fourth embodiment has supply cartridges 430 (430Y, 430M, 430C, 430K) housed in the device main body 72 when the front door 72b is closed. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0115] The supply cartridge 430 is attached to the upper front side of the device main body 72 so that it can be accessed when the front door 72b is opened.

[0083] The front door 72b is configured to be movable between a closed position (Fig. 16(a)) where it closes the opening of the apparatus main body 72 on the front side, and an open position (Fig. 16(b)) where it opens the opening. When the front door 72b is moved to the open position, the supply cartridge 430 is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through the opening, as shown in Fig. 16(b). The four supply cartridges 430 are arranged side by side in the second direction Y, and are configured to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body 72 in the first direction X, as shown in Fig. 16(c). This allows toner to be replenished into the cartridges P without removing the cartridges P from the apparatus main body 72. By arranging the supply cartridges 430 on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, the supply cartridges 430 can be accessed from the front side, in the same way as for collecting the recording medium S discharged onto the discharge tray 23. In addition, since a cartridge holder 429 is located on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, the cartridges P are not exposed even after the supply cartridges 430 are removed (see Fig. 16(c)).

[0116] [Toner supply path] The toner supply path from the supply cartridge 430 to the cartridge P in this embodiment will be described using Figure 17. The yellow toner transport path 444Y will be described. Figure 17(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the transport path 444Y from the supply cartridge 430 to the cartridge PY. Figure 17(b) is a perspective view of the drawer unit 500 etc. when the drawer unit 500 is pulled out.

[0117] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17(a), the supply cartridge 430Y is mounted in a cartridge holder 429Y (mounting portion). The cartridge holder Y is a member having a U-shaped cross section perpendicular to the second direction Y, and the front side is open to receive the supply cartridge 430Y.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 17(a), the supply cartridge 430 is disposed closer to the front surface FE than the cartridge P in the first direction X and below the laser scanner unit LB in the third direction Z. When viewed in the third direction Z, the supply cartridge 430Y overlaps with an end LBe (the end on the front side), which is a part of the laser scanner unit LB. The supply cartridge 430Y is disposed so as to overlap with the cartridge P (developer container 3) when viewed in the first direction X. In this embodiment, the supply cartridge 430Y overlaps with the developer container 3Y, developer container 3M, developer container 3C, and developer container 3K when viewed in the first direction X. This allows the widths of the image forming apparatus 1 in the third direction Z and the first direction X to be reduced, thereby contributing to the miniaturization of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0119] The supply cartridge 430Y has a discharge port 430aY at its bottom for discharging toner from the supply cartridge 430Y. The toner discharged downward from the discharge port 430aY of the supply cartridge 430Y due to its own weight or the like is transported to the cartridge PY (developer container 3Y) by a first screw 431Y, a second screw 432Y, and a third screw 433Y via a transport path 444Y (first transport path). The first screw 431Y, the second screw 432Y, and the third screw 433Y are driven by a driving force received from a drive source (not shown) of the apparatus main body 72. The first screw 431Y extends in a first direction X from the front face FE side toward the rear face BE side, the second screw 432Y extends upward in a third direction Z, and the third screw 433Y extends in a first direction X from the front face FE side toward the rear face BE side. The toner transport path to the cartridge PY after being transported by the third screw 433Y is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0120] The following describes the transport path 444M (second transport path), transport path 444C (third transport path), and transport path 444K (fourth transport path) shown in Figure 17(b). The transport path 444M extends from the supply cartridge 430M to the cartridge PM (developer container 3M). The transport path 444C extends from the supply cartridge 430C to the cartridge PC (developer container 3C). The transport path 444K extends from the supply cartridge 430K to the cartridge PK (developer container 3K). The arrangement of the four transport paths 444 on a cross section perpendicular to the first direction X is the same as in Figures 12 and 13 of the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0121] Conveying paths 444M, 444C, and 444K are also provided with screws as second conveying means, third conveying means, and fourth conveying means, respectively. As in the first embodiment, air conveying by a pump or belt conveying may be used as the conveying means in conveying path 444.

[0122] The supply cartridge 430Y has a shutter (not shown) configured to close the discharge port 430a when the supply cartridge 430Y is removed from the main body 72 of the apparatus.

[0123] With the configuration of this embodiment described above, it is possible to replenish toner into the cartridge P using a replenishment cartridge that is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, without removing the cartridge P from the image forming apparatus. [Example]

[0124] The configuration of Example 5 will be described using Figure 18. The same components as those of Examples 1 to 4 will be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Figures 18(a), 18(b), and 18(c) are perspective views of an image forming apparatus 1000 according to this example. Figure 18(d) is a perspective view showing a process cartridge P (hereinafter referred to as cartridge P) included inside the image forming apparatus 1000.

[0125] The mounting units 200 (200Y, 200M, 200C, 200K) are arranged side by side in the first direction X at the right end (end in the second direction Y) of the front of the image forming apparatus 1 (apparatus body 720).

[0126] As shown in FIG. 18(b), the image forming apparatus 1000 has a cover 720a that covers the mounting portion 200. The cover 720a rotates about a rotation axis RA4 extending in the first direction X between a closed position that covers the mounting portion 200 and an open position that opens the mounting portion 200. Because the cover 720a is configured to rotate toward the discharge tray 23 and open, there is no need to provide extra space outside the image forming apparatus 1 for opening the cover 720a. In other words, the space occupied by the image forming apparatus 1000 can be reduced. As shown in FIG. 18(c), four supply packs 210 can be simultaneously attached to the mounting portion 200.

[0127] When the cover 720a is open, an instruction unit IS5 is provided on a wall surface of the mounting unit 200 that extends in the first direction X and the third direction on the side of the discharge tray 23. Also, when the cover 720a is open, an instruction unit IS6 provided on the back surface of the cover 720a can be seen. The instruction units IS5 and IS6 have the same function as the instruction unit IS1 in the first embodiment.

[0128] Indicators 208 (208Y, 208M, 208C, 208K) are provided on the top surface of image forming apparatus 1000. Indicators 208 are arranged in the first direction X in an order corresponding to the color order of mounting portions 200. Indicators 208 may be configured as LEDs or stickers of the corresponding colors, or may be configured to notify the user of mounting portions 200 to which toner can be replenished. As shown in FIG. 18(a), indicators 199 (199Y, 199M, 199C, 199K) may be provided on the top surface of cover 720a in the closed state. It is sufficient that either indicators 208 or 199 is provided.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 18(d), four color cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are provided inside the image forming apparatus 1000. The longitudinal direction of the four color cartridges P is the second direction Y, and they are lined up in the first direction X. The cartridges P are provided with protrusions Pe (PeY, PeM, PeC, PeK) that communicate with the respective mounting portions 200 (200Y, 200M, 200C, 200K). Toner in the supply pack 210 is replenished to the toner storage portion of the cartridge P via the protrusions Pe.

[0130] With the configuration of this embodiment described above, it is possible to replenish toner into the cartridge P using a replenishment pack attached to the attachment portion of the image forming apparatus, without removing the cartridge from the image forming apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1. Image forming device 40 trays 30 Developer container 72 Device body 72a cover 200 Mounting part 202 Receiving frame 202a Inlet 210 Supply Pack 230 reserve tank 231 Transport Path P Process cartridge

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on a recording medium, a plurality of development units, a first developing unit including a first developing container configured to contain a first toner and a first developing roller configured to carry the first toner contained in the first developing container; a second developing unit including a second developing container configured to contain a second toner, and a second developing roller configured to carry the second toner contained in the second developing container; a third developing unit including a third developing container configured to contain a third toner, and a third developing roller configured to carry the third toner contained in the third developing container; a plurality of developing units aligned in a first direction intersecting the direction of gravity; an apparatus main body including a discharge roller that discharges the recording medium on which the toner image is formed to the outside of the image forming apparatus by conveying the recording medium in a discharge direction along the first direction; a plurality of toner containers including a first toner container containing the first toner, a second toner container containing the second toner, and a third toner container containing the third toner, the toner containers being aligned in a second direction intersecting both the direction of gravity and the first direction and being independently attachable to and detachable from the device main body; Equipped with When an end of the device main body on the downstream side in the discharge direction is defined as a front end, and one end and the other end of the device main body in the second direction are defined as a first end and a second end, respectively, The device body includes: a first transport path configured to communicate with both the first toner container and the first developing container, through which the first toner transported from the first toner container toward the first developing container passes, the first transport path having a first portion located on the first end side in the second direction; a second transport path configured to communicate with both the second toner container and the second developing container, through which the second toner transported from the second toner container toward the second developing container passes, the second transport path having a second portion located on the side of the first end in the second direction; a third transport path configured to communicate with both the third toner container and the third developing container, through which the third toner transported from the third toner container toward the third developing container passes, the third transport path having a third portion located on the first end side in the second direction; and the first toner container is located closest to the first end among the plurality of toner containers in the second direction; the first toner container, the second toner container, and the third toner container are aligned in this order so that the first toner container and the second toner container are adjacent to each other and so that the second toner container and the third toner container are adjacent to each other in a direction from the first end toward the second end in the second direction, and are provided on the front end side of the device main body in the first direction, When viewed in the gravity direction, the first portion of the first transport path overlaps with the third portion of the third transport path. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. the first portion of the first transport path is above the third portion of the third transport path; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. the plurality of developing units includes a fourth developing unit, the fourth developing unit includes a fourth developing container that contains a fourth toner, and a fourth developing roller that carries the fourth toner contained in the fourth developing container, and is provided so as to be aligned with the third developing unit in the first direction; the plurality of toner containers includes a fourth toner container that is detachably attached to the device body, the fourth toner container accommodates the fourth toner and is provided on the second end side of the third toner container so as to be aligned with the third toner container in the second direction; the apparatus main body includes a fourth transport path that is connected to both the fourth toner container and the fourth developing container and is configured to allow the fourth toner transported from the fourth toner container to the fourth developing container to pass through; the fourth transport path has a fourth portion located on the first end side in the second direction; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. the apparatus main body includes a first transport member that rotates to transport the first toner in the first transport path, and a second transport member that rotates to transport the toner transported by the first transport member, The direction in which the rotation axis of the first conveying member extends intersects with the direction in which the rotation axis of the second conveying member extends.

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

5. the first toner container, the second toner container, and the third toner container are each configured to be attached to and detached from the device main body in the first direction.

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

6. At least a portion of the first toner container is located above the first developing container, At least a portion of the second toner container is located above the second developing container, At least a portion of the third toner container is located above the third developing container, When a direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, the first transport path has a portion extending in the third direction, the second transport path has a portion extending in the third direction, the third transport path has a portion extending in the third direction; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

7. a portion of the first transport path extending in the third direction overlaps with the first toner container when viewed in the first direction; a portion of the second transport path extending in the third direction overlaps with the second toner container when viewed in the first direction; a portion of the third transport path extending in the third direction overlaps with the third toner container when viewed in the first direction; 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

8. the apparatus main body includes a first holder, a second holder, and a third holder to which the first toner container, the second toner container, and the third toner container can be attached, respectively; The first holder, the second holder, and the third holder all have a U-shape in cross section perpendicular to the second direction, with an opening facing the front side end.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

Images