Image forming device

Abstract

This image forming device comprises: (i) a developing unit having a developing roller; (ii) a rotary that supports the developing unit and is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction; and (iii) a toner cartridge that is detachably attached to the rotary. The toner cartridge includes a storage chamber that stores toner, a guide part that guides the toner, and a discharge port that discharges the toner from the storage chamber to the developing unit. The guide part is configured to guide the toner moving under its own weight in a direction crossing the axial direction toward the discharge port in the axial direction.

Description

Image forming device

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

[0002] A rotary development system is known in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, in which a rotary having a plurality of developing rollers is rotated to form a color image. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication Nos. 2007-183305 and 2008-096852 describe image forming apparatuses that include a rotary having a plurality of developing rollers and a plurality of toner cartridges (toner storage containers) that are detachably attached to the rotary.

[0003] JP 2007-183305 A JP 2008-096852 A

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

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

[0006] a developing unit having a developing roller; a rotary supporting the developing unit and rotatable about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction; and a toner cartridge removably mounted on the rotary, the toner cartridge having a frame including: (i) a storage chamber for storing toner, (ii) a guide portion for guiding the toner, and (iii) an outlet through which the toner passes when supplied from the storage chamber to the developing unit, wherein the guide portion is configured to guide the toner, which moves by its own weight in a direction intersecting the axial direction, in the axial direction toward the outlet, the guide portion including an inner end and an outer end, and when viewed in the axial direction of the rotary, the inner end is closer to the rotation axis than the outer end in a radial direction of rotation of the rotary, the length of the toner frame in the longitudinal direction of the toner frame is longer than the length of the toner frame in the lateral direction of the toner frame, and the length of the toner frame in the lateral direction is longer than the length of the toner frame in the thickness direction of the toner frame, the toner frame has a surface on which the discharge opening is provided and a surface to which the guide portion is connected, the surface on which the discharge opening is provided extends so as to intersect with the thickness direction, and the surface to which the guide portion is connected extends so as to intersect with the thickness direction.

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

[0008] a developing unit having a developing roller; a rotary supporting the developing unit and rotatable about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction; and a toner cartridge removably mounted on the rotary, the toner cartridge having a frame including: (i) a storage chamber for storing toner, (ii) a guide portion for guiding the toner, and (iii) an outlet through which the toner passes when supplied from the storage chamber to the developing unit, wherein the guide portion is configured to guide the toner moved by rotation of the rotary in the axial direction toward the outlet, the guide portion including an inner end and an outer end, and when viewed in the axial direction of the rotary, the inner end is closer to the rotation axis than the outer end in a radial direction of rotation of the rotary, the length of the toner frame in the longitudinal direction of the toner frame is longer than the length of the toner frame in the lateral direction of the toner frame, and the length of the toner frame in the lateral direction is longer than the length of the toner frame in the thickness direction of the toner frame, the toner frame has a surface on which the discharge opening is provided and a surface to which the guide portion is connected, the surface on which the discharge opening is provided extends so as to intersect with the thickness direction, and the surface to which the guide portion is connected extends so as to intersect with the thickness direction.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus of a new type that is an improvement over conventional technology.

[0010] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. A structural diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. A schematic diagram of a developing unit, a toner cartridge, and a tray according to the first embodiment. A cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. A cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. A perspective view of a rotary main body according to the first embodiment. A perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. A cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. A cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. An explanatory view of a rotary main body according to the first embodiment. An explanatory view of a rotary main body according to the first embodiment. An explanatory view of a configuration related to the movement of a tray according to the first embodiment. An explanatory view of a configuration related to the movement of a tray according to the first embodiment. An explanatory view of a configuration related to the movement of a tray according to the first embodiment. A diagram showing an internal structure of a toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. A schematic view of a toner cartridge according to the first embodiment, rotating around a rotation axis, as viewed in the Y direction. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a toner cartridge rotating about a rotation axis as viewed in the Y direction according to Example 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a rotary assembly rotating about a rotation axis as viewed in the Y direction according to Example 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a rotary assembly rotating about a rotation axis as viewed in the Y direction according to Example 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Example 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Example 3. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a toner cartridge according to Modified Example 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a toner cartridge according to Modified Example 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a toner cartridge according to Modified Example 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a toner cartridge according to Modified Example 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a toner cartridge according to Modified Example 2. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a toner cartridge according to Modified Example 2. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a toner cartridge according to Modified Example 3. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Example 1. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Example 1.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] First Embodiment An image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12A and 12B.

[0013] In the following description and in each drawing, the vertical direction when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal surface is referred to as the Z direction. The direction that intersects with the Z direction and is the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (rotary rotation axis direction), which will be described later, is referred to as the Y direction. The direction that intersects with both the Z direction and the Y direction is referred to as the X direction. The X direction and the Y direction are preferably horizontal. Furthermore, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are preferably perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, as necessary, the directions of the arrows X, Y, and Z shown in each drawing are referred to as the +X side, +Y side, and +Z side, respectively, and the opposite sides are referred to as the -X side, -Y side, and -Z side, respectively.

[0014] (Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus) First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 is a laser beam printer that forms an image on a sheet S by electrophotography. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 is a color laser beam printer equipped with four developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. As the sheet S, which is the recording material (recording medium), a variety of sheet materials of different sizes and materials can be used, including paper such as plain paper and cardboard, surface-treated sheet materials such as plastic film, cloth, and coated paper, and sheet materials of special shapes such as envelopes and index paper.

[0015] The general configuration and image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 2 is a diagram explaining the drive source of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration for replenishing toner from a toner cartridge 70 to a developing unit 50.

[0016] 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus main body) 1A and toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k that are detachably mounted to the apparatus main body 1A. The apparatus main body 1A in this embodiment is the image forming apparatus 1 excluding the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 1 has a main body 1A that includes a drum-shaped (cylindrical) electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as photosensitive drum) 2 as an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image. Around the photosensitive drum 2, a charging roller 3, a scanner 4 as an exposure device, and a cleaning unit 6 are arranged.

[0018] The charging roller 3 is an example of a charging means or charging unit for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 2. The scanner 4 is an example of an exposure means or exposure unit that irradiates the photosensitive drum 2 with laser light according to image information to expose it. By irradiating the charged photosensitive drum 2 with laser light, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The cleaning unit 6 is an example of a cleaning means or cleaning section that removes toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0019] Furthermore, the apparatus main body 1A has a sheet storage section 300, a pickup roller 310, a feed roller 311, a separation roller 312, a pair of conveying rollers 320, a secondary transfer roller 12, a fixing device 40, and an intermediate transfer unit 10. The pickup roller 310 is an example of a feeding means or a feeding unit that feeds the sheet S. The feed roller 311 and the separation roller 312 are examples of a separation conveying unit that separates and conveys the sheets S one by one by frictional force. The secondary transfer roller 12 is an example of a transfer means or a transfer unit that transfers an image from the intermediate transfer belt 10a to the sheet S.

[0020] The intermediate transfer unit 10 has an intermediate transfer belt 10a, a belt drive roller 10b, a tension roller 10c, a cleaning device 13, and a primary transfer roller 11. The intermediate transfer belt 10a is an example of an intermediate transfer body that carries an image transferred (primary transfer) from the photosensitive drum 2 and transports it to be transferred (secondary transfer) to a sheet S. The intermediate transfer belt 10a is stretched over the belt drive roller 10b and the tension roller 10c. The belt drive roller 10b is a drive member that is rotationally driven by a drive source to transport the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0021] The apparatus main body 1A also has a rotary main body (rotary, rotating body, developing device) 90 having developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. As will be described later, in this embodiment, trays (support members) 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are attached to the rotary main body 90. Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are removably attached to the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k.

[0022] In the following description, multiple components with similar functions may be distinguished by assigning numbers. For example, one of the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k may be referred to as the first toner cartridge, one of the remaining three as the second toner cartridge, one of the remaining two as the third toner cartridge, and the last one as the fourth toner cartridge. Similarly, one of the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k may be referred to as the first tray, one of the remaining three as the second tray, one of the remaining two as the third tray, and the last one as the fourth tray. In other words, one of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a first support member, another of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a second support member, yet another of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a third support member, and the last of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of a fourth support member. These numbering schemes are used merely for convenience of explanation and, in principle, can be interchanged as appropriate.

[0023] The developing units (first to fourth developing units) 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are examples of developing means or developing sections that develop (visualize) the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 into a toner image using toner of the corresponding color. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 using yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, or black toner, respectively. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k may be arranged in an order different from that shown in FIG. 1 .

[0024] The developing unit 50y has a developing roller 51y, a supply roller 52y, and a developing blade. The developing roller 51y is a developer carrier that carries toner as developer and rotates to supply the toner to the photosensitive drum 2. The supply roller 52y is arranged in contact with the developing roller 51y and is a supply member that supplies toner to the developing roller 51y. The developing blade is a regulating member that regulates the thickness of the toner layer carried by the developing roller 51y. The other developing units 50m, 50c, and 50k also have similar developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k, supply rollers 52m, 52c, and 52k, and developing blades.

[0025] Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are attached to the rotary body 90, corresponding to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k contain yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner, respectively, to replenish the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. One of the four toner colors can be referred to as the first toner, one of the remaining three toner colors can be referred to as the second toner, one of the remaining two toner colors can be referred to as the third toner, and the final toner can be referred to as the fourth toner. For example, black toner can be referred to as the first toner, and magenta toner can be referred to as the second toner. These numbering schemes are used merely for convenience of explanation and can, in principle, be interchanged as appropriate.

[0026] The rotary main body 90 has a rotary frame 90f that supports the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are supported by the rotary frame 90f, which is a rotatable support body.

[0027] Trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are attached to the rotary body 90. The combination of the rotary body 90 and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k can be called the rotary unit 90U. In other words, the rotary unit 90U has the rotary body 90 and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k.

[0028] The toner cartridges 70y to 70k are detachably held in the trays 80y to 80k. As will be described later, the trays 80y to 80k are supported so as to be slidable to the outside of the rotary body 90. The combination of the rotary unit 90U and the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k can be called the rotary assembly 90A. In other words, the rotary assembly 90A has the rotary unit 90U and the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0029] As will be described later, the rotary body 90 is rotatable around a rotation axis (rotation center) 90C. The rotation axis 90C coincides with the rotation axes of the rotary frame 90f, the rotary unit 90U, and the rotary assembly 90A. The rotation axis 90C is also substantially parallel to the rotation axis (rotation center) of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0030] The rotary body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C, thereby being able to assume a developing posture in which any one of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k faces the photosensitive drum 2. The posture in which the developing roller 51y faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called the yellow developing posture. The posture in which the developing roller 51m faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called the magenta developing posture. The posture in which the developing roller 51c faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called the cyan developing posture. The posture in which the developing roller 51k faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called the black developing posture. In other words, the rotary body 90 can rotate around the rotation axis 90C so that the positions of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k relative to the photosensitive drum 2 change. The black developing posture is an example of a first developing posture in which the first developing roller (developing roller 51k) faces the photosensitive drum 2. The other developing positions are examples of the second developing position in which the second developing rollers (developing rollers 51y to 51c) face the photosensitive drum 2. The yellow / magenta / cyan / black developing positions can also be called the first to fourth developing positions. These numberings are used merely for convenience of explanation, and in principle can be interchanged as appropriate.

[0031] 2, the device main body 1A has motors M1, M2, and M3 as drive sources. As will be described later, the motor M1 supplies a drive force for rotating the rotary body 90 about the rotation axis 90C. In other words, the motor M1 rotates the rotary assembly 90A and the rotary unit 90U about the rotation axis 90C.

[0032] The apparatus main body 1A also has a drive device 98 including a motor M2 and a transmission device. The transmission device includes drive racks 15L, 15R as drive gears, and a transmission unit 15t, which will be described later. The driving force of the motor M2 is transmitted to the drive racks 15L, 15R by the transmission unit 15t. In other words, the motor M2 is configured to drive the drive racks 15L, 15R, and moves the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k relative to the rotary main body 90 via the drive racks 15L, 15R.

[0033] Motor M3 drives components other than those driven by motors M1 and M2, such as the photosensitive drum 2, developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, pickup roller 310, feed roller 311, conveying roller pair 320, secondary transfer roller 12, belt drive roller 10b, and fixing device 40.

[0034] The components driven by the motors M1, M2, and M3 can be changed as needed. Furthermore, the functions of any two or all three of the motors M1, M2, and M3 can be combined into one motor. Alternatively, drive sources other than the motors M1, M2, and M3 may be added.

[0035] Here, the suffixes y, m, c, and k attached to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k indicate the toner colors. The developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k have the same basic configuration and function. The toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k have the same basic configuration and function. The trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k also have the same basic configuration and function. Therefore, when it is not necessary to distinguish between them, the suffixes y, m, c, and k are omitted, and the description will be given assuming that the unit is any one of the four units, cartridges, and trays.

[0036] 3, the toner cartridge 70 has a toner frame 71. The toner frame 71 has a toner storage section 71a that stores toner, and a discharge opening 71b that communicates with the toner storage section 71a.

[0037] The developing unit 50 has a developing frame (storage frame) 53. The developing frame 53 has a developing-side storage portion 53a and a receiving opening 53b that communicates with the developing-side storage portion (toner supply chamber) 53a. As mentioned above, the developing unit 50 has a developing roller 51, a supply roller 52, etc., but these members are omitted in Figure 3.

[0038] The developing roller 51k included in the developing unit 50k is an example of a first developing roller. The developing roller 51m included in the developing unit 50m is an example of a second developing roller. The developing frame 53k (FIG. 4A) of the developing unit 50k, which includes the developing-side housing portion 53a, is an example of a first housing frame including a first housing portion. The developing frame 53m (FIG. 4A) of the developing unit 50m, which includes the developing-side housing portion 53a, is an example of a second housing frame including a second housing portion. The rotary body 90 is an example of a rotatable rotary having a first developing roller, a second developing roller, a first housing frame including a first housing portion, and a second housing frame including a second housing portion. In this embodiment, the rotary body 90 has first to fourth developing rollers and first to fourth housing frames.

[0039] As will be described later, the toner cartridge 70 is movable between an attached position and a retracted position retracted from the attached position relative to the developing frame 53. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the attached position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge opening 71b faces the receiving opening 53b. In other words, the toner storage portion 71a of the toner cartridge 70 and the developer-side storage portion 53a of the developing unit 50 communicate with each other via the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b. When toner is replenished from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50, at least a portion of the receiving opening 53b is positioned below at least a portion of the discharge opening 71b.

[0040] The toner contained in the toner container 71a is then discharged from the discharge opening 71b, and the toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is received in the developer-side container 53a through the receiving opening 53b. The toner contained in the developer-side container 53a is supplied to the developing roller 51 by the supply roller 52. The toner contained in the toner container 71a is supplied to the developing roller 51 through this route. In other words, the discharge opening 71b is an opening through which the toner supplied from the toner container 71a to the developing unit 50 passes.

[0041] The toner cartridge 70 preferably has a sealing member (first sealing member) (not shown) that covers the discharge opening 71 b, and the developing unit 50 preferably has a sealing member (second sealing member) (not shown) that covers the receiving opening 53 b.

[0042] When the toner cartridge 70 is not attached to the development unit 50, it is desirable that the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b are each covered with a sealing member so as to prevent toner from leaking out from the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b.

[0043] (Image Forming Operation) The image forming operation in this embodiment will be described. First, the photosensitive drum 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise) in Figure 1 in synchronization with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 10a. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 3.

[0044] When a color image is formed on the sheet S, the rotary body 90 rotates in the direction of the arrow in Figure 1 (clockwise) while supporting the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, as follows: Then, the electrophotographic process is repeatedly performed while the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k are moved one by one to the developing position.

[0045] First, the scanner 4 irradiates the photosensitive drum 2 with laser light based on image data corresponding to a yellow image, forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. In parallel with the formation of this electrostatic latent image, the motor M1 rotates the rotary body 90, causing the rotary body 90 to assume a yellow developing position. When the rotary body 90 assumes the yellow developing position, the developing roller 51y is in the developing position, and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 with yellow toner.

[0046] In this embodiment, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k is an elastic roller having a metal shaft coated with rubber. At the development position, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k develops an electrostatic latent image while in contact with the photosensitive drum 2. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment employs a contact development system. However, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k may also develop an electrostatic latent image while a gap is provided between the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k and the photosensitive drum 2 at the development position. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 may employ a non-contact development system.

[0047] When the yellow toner image is developed, the yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 2 is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 10a by the primary transfer roller 11 disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0048] Thereafter, the rotary body 90 is rotated to sequentially move the developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k to the developing positions, thereby forming toner images of each color. That is, after a yellow toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary body 90 assumes a magenta developing position, and a magenta toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After a magenta toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary body 90 assumes a cyan developing position, and a cyan toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After a cyan toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary body 90 assumes a black developing position, and a black toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After the black toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C in the direction of the arrow (clockwise) shown in FIG. 1 and returns to the yellow developing position. The color of the image formed first on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is arbitrary; for example, a black toner image may be formed first.

[0049] Then, the primary transfer is repeated so that the four color toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, thereby forming a color image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. Note that, until the color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the secondary transfer roller 12 and the cleaning device 13 are not in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10a.

[0050] Meanwhile, sheets S are fed by a pickup roller 310 from a sheet storage unit 300 provided at the bottom of the apparatus main body 1A. The sheets S are separated into individual sheets by a feed roller 311 and a separation roller 312 and then fed to a pair of conveying rollers 320. The pair of conveying rollers 320 sends the fed sheets S to a transfer unit (secondary transfer unit), which is a nip between the intermediate transfer belt 10a and the secondary transfer roller 12. The color image on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is transferred (secondary transfer) onto the surface of the conveyed sheet S.

[0051] The sheet S onto which the color image has been transferred is sent to the fixing device 40. In the fixing device 40, the sheet S is heated and pressurized, and the image is fixed onto the sheet S. After passing through the fixing device 40, the sheet S is discharged outside the image forming apparatus 1 as a product.

[0052] On the other hand, when a monochrome image is formed on the sheet S, the rotary body 90 takes the black developing position. In this state, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 by charging and exposing the photosensitive drum 2, and then the electrostatic latent image is developed with black toner by the developing roller 51k positioned at the developing position. The black toner image is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10a, and then secondarily transferred to the sheet S. The subsequent steps are the same as those for color images.

[0053] (Rotary Configuration) The configuration of the rotary body 90 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4A, 4B, and 5. FIG.

[0054] 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views showing the rotary body 90 and its surroundings of the image forming apparatus 1. Note that Figures 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of the apparatus cut along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rotary body 90.

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

[0056] As shown in FIG. 1, the device main body 1A has a frame 16 that houses a rotary main body 90.

[0057] The frame 16 is the main body frame of the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment. The frame 16 is the housing (skeleton) of the apparatus main body 1A that is configured by a frame and exterior members, and is substantially rectangular in shape in this embodiment.

[0058] The frame 16 has an opening 16a. More specifically, the frame 16 has a side surface 16b that extends in a direction intersecting the horizontal direction. The side surface 16b constitutes at least a part of the exterior surface on the +X side of the device main body 1A. The opening 16a is located on this side surface 16b. The side surface 16b is located downstream of the discharge outlet in the discharge direction in which sheets S on which images are formed are discharged from the discharge outlet of the device main body 1A. A user can access the sheet storage unit 300 from the side surface 16b of the image forming apparatus 1 to refill sheets S or retrieve sheets S discharged from the discharge outlet. Therefore, the side surface 16b can be considered the front surface (front face) of the device main body 1A.

[0059] Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are detachably mounted to the rotary body 90 through the opening 16a. That is, toner cartridge 70k is an example of a first toner cartridge that contains toner to be supplied to the first developing roller (developing roller 51k) and is detachably mounted to the rotary (rotary body 90) through the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A. Toner cartridge 70m is an example of a second toner cartridge that contains toner to be supplied to the second developing roller (developing roller 51m) and is detachably mounted to the rotary (rotary body 90) through the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0060] In this embodiment, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are supported by the trays 80y to 80k and are attached to and detached from the rotary body 90 through the opening 16a. In other words, the user can attach and detach the toner cartridges 70y to 70k to and from the rotary body 90 via the trays 80y to 80k.

[0061] The opening 16a is disposed on a side surface 16b of the frame body 16. In this embodiment, the side surface 16b is a surface that is approximately parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 70 is replaced, the toner cartridge 70 passes through the opening 16a in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the rotation axis 90C.

[0062] Image forming apparatus 1 has door 14 that covers opening 16a of frame 16. Door 14 is an openable / closable member that can be moved between a closed position (see also FIG. 6A ) that covers opening 16a and an open position (see also FIGS. 6B and 6C ) that exposes opening 16a.

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment, the toner cartridge 70 is configured to be detachable from the rotary body 90 via the tray 80. Therefore, the toner cartridge 70 can be detachable from the rotary body 90 in a stable manner.

[0064] More specifically, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70 by inserting or removing the toner cartridge 70 into or from the tray 80, which is configured to be movable relative to the rotary body 90 (i.e., relative to the device main body 1A). In a configuration in which the user replaces the toner cartridge by directly inserting or removing the toner cartridge into or from the device main body, the user is required to insert the toner cartridge to a predetermined installation position within the device main body. In this embodiment, the tray 80 is movable so that the toner cartridge 70 moves to the installation position while supporting the toner cartridge 70. Therefore, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70 by simply placing the toner cartridge 70 on the tray 80, improving operability.

[0065] The toner cartridge 70 has an elongated shape with its longitudinal direction being the Y direction, which is parallel to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. In other words, the longitudinal dimension of the toner cartridge 70 is greater than the height and width of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. When handling such an elongated toner cartridge 70, by locating the opening 16a on a side surface 16b of the frame 16 that is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the toner cartridge 70, the toner cartridge 70 can pass through the opening 16a with a short movement distance. For example, this makes it easier to replace the toner cartridge 70 than when inserting or removing the toner cartridge 70 through an opening provided on a side surface on either side (+Y side or −Y side) of the frame 16 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0066] The rotary body 90 can rotate about a rotation axis 90C and assume replacement positions that allow removal of any of the toner cartridges 70y to 70k from the rotary body 90. The position that allows removal of the toner cartridge 70y is called the yellow replacement position. The position that allows removal of the toner cartridge 70m is called the magenta replacement position. The position that allows removal of the toner cartridge 70c is called the cyan replacement position.

[0067] The position in which removal of the toner cartridge 70k is permitted is called the black replacement position. The black replacement position is an example of a first replacement position in which removal of the first toner cartridge from the rotary body 90 is permitted. The yellow / magenta / cyan replacement position is an example of a second replacement position in which removal of the second toner cartridge from the rotary body 90 is permitted. The yellow / magenta / cyan / black replacement positions can also be called the first to fourth replacement positions. These numberings are used merely for convenience of explanation, and in principle can be interchanged as appropriate.

[0068] The rotary body 90 rotates clockwise in FIG. 1 around the rotation axis 90C, and can sequentially assume yellow, magenta, cyan, and black replacement positions. In this embodiment, the rotary body 90 alternates between the development position and the replacement position by rotating clockwise in FIG. 1 around the rotation axis 90C. For example, in FIG. 1, the rotary body 90 is in the black development position. From this state, by rotating the rotary body 90 clockwise, the rotary body 90 switches its position in the following order: cyan replacement position, yellow development position, black replacement position, magenta development position, yellow replacement position, cyan development position, and magenta replacement position. By rotating the rotary body 90 clockwise from the magenta replacement position, the rotary body 90 returns to the black development position. In other words, the rotary body 90 can rotate clockwise one revolution (360°) or more.

[0069] 4A shows a cross section of the rotary body 90 in a developing position (specifically, a yellow developing position), and FIG. 4B shows a cross section of the rotary body 90 in a replacement position (specifically, a black replacement position).

[0070] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, four trays 80y to 80k are attached to the rotary body 90. The trays 80y to 80k hold the toner cartridges 70y to 70k, respectively. In Figures 4A and 4B, the trays 80y to 80k are housed inside the rotary body 90, which can be said to be the state in which the toner cartridges 70y to 70k are attached to the development units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k.

[0071] As described above, the toner cartridge 70 is movable between an attached position and a retracted position relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50. That is, the first toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70k) is movable between a first attached position and a first retracted position relative to the first accommodating frame (developing frame 53k). The second toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70m) is movable between a second attached position and a second retracted position relative to the second accommodating frame (developing frame 53m).

[0072] When the toner cartridge 70 is in the mounted position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b face each other, as shown in Figure 3. In this state, the toner cartridge 70 is configured to supply toner to the developing-side accommodating portion 53a through the receiving opening 53b (the opening in the accommodating frame).

[0073] The apparatus main body 1A has a moving device 85 configured to move the toner cartridge 70 from an attached position to a retracted position relative to the rotary main body 90 (more specifically, relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50). The moving device 85 will be described later using FIG. 8 and other figures. In this embodiment, the rotary main body 90 is provided with a plurality of moving devices 85y-85k corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges 70y-70k. The trays 80y-80k can be considered to be part of these moving devices 85y-85k.

[0074] In this embodiment, the toner cartridge 70k containing black toner is larger in size and can contain more toner than the toner cartridges 70y to 70c containing yellow, magenta, and cyan toners. In other words, the first toner cartridge can contain a first amount of toner, and the second toner cartridge can contain a second amount of toner, with the first amount being greater than the second amount.

[0075] Specifically, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k in a first radial direction relative to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 is greater than the length of the magenta toner cartridge 70m in a second radial direction. Here, the first radial direction is the rotation radius direction of the rotary body 90 (the radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the rotation axis 90C), and is the direction in which the toner cartridge 70k extends relative to the rotation axis 90C when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C. The second radial direction is the rotation radius direction of the rotary body 90, and is the direction in which the toner cartridge 70m extends relative to the rotation axis 90C when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C. Similarly, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k in the first radial direction is greater than the lengths of the toner cartridges 70y and 70c in the radial directions corresponding to the other toner cartridges 70y and 70c.

[0076] Therefore, the tray 80k holding the black toner cartridge 70k is larger than the trays 80y-80c holding the other toner cartridges 70y, 70m, and 70c. That is, four toner cartridges 70y-70k and trays 80y-80k of different sizes are arranged inside the rotary body 90. In other words, the rotary body 90 is capable of detachably mounting the toner cartridge 70k as an example of a first toner cartridge and the toner cartridge 70y as an example of a second toner cartridge that is smaller in size than the first toner cartridge. Accordingly, the rotary body 90 is provided with a tray 80k as an example of a first support member that supports the first toner cartridge and a tray 80y as an example of a second support member that is smaller in size than the first support member. The rotary body 90 is also capable of detachably mounting the toner cartridges 70m and 70c as examples of a third toner cartridge and a fourth toner cartridge that are smaller in size than the first toner cartridge. In accordance with this, the rotary body 90 is provided with trays 80m and 80c as examples of third and fourth support members that are smaller in size than the first support member.

[0077] Here, the rotational drive of the rotary body 90 will be described using Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, disk gears 92L and 92R are formed at both ends of the rotary body 90. Furthermore, rotary drive gears 93L and 93R are connected to both ends of the oscillating shaft 91 so as to be capable of transmitting drive force. Here, the drive force of the motor M1 is transmitted to the rotary drive gear 93R by a drive transmission mechanism. Next, the drive force is transmitted to the disk gears 92L and 92R by the rotary drive gears 93L and 93R, thereby rotating the rotary body 90. The rotary body 90 rotates clockwise in Figure 1 around the rotation axis 90C.

[0078] The rotary body 90 is supported so as to be able to swing about a swing shaft 91. The rotary body 90 is urged by a biasing member (not shown) in the counterclockwise direction in FIGS. 4A and 4B around the swing shaft 91. This direction can be said to be the direction in which each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k approaches the photosensitive drum 2. As a result, when the rotary body 90 is in the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k abuts against the photosensitive drum 2.

[0079] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 5, rotary cams 90eL and 90eR are provided at both ends of the rotary body 90. When the rotary body 90 rotates clockwise in FIGS. 4A and 4B around the rotation axis 90C, the rotary cams 90eL and 90eR come into contact with rollers 96 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) supported by the frame 16. Then, the rotary cams 90eL and 90eR move clockwise in FIGS. 4A and 4B around the swing shaft 91. This direction can be said to be the direction in which each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k moves away from the photosensitive drum 2. This direction can also be said to be the direction in which the rotary body 90 approaches the opening 16a of the frame 16 and the door 14.

[0080] As a result, when the rotary body 90 rotates and switches from the developing position to the replacement position, the rotary body 90 swings about the swing shaft 91. When the rotary body 90 is in the replacement position, the developing roller 51 is separated from the photosensitive drum 2.

[0081] 4B , in the black replacement position, the toner cartridge 70k stops at a position facing the opening 16a provided in the side surface 16b of the apparatus main body 1A and the door 14. From this state, when the tray 80k is slid from the attachment position to the developing unit 50k to the outside of the rotary main body 90, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70k.

[0082] (Toner cartridge replacement operation) The toner cartridge replacement operation will be described using Figures 4A, 6A to 6C, 7A and 7B. Figures 6A to 6C are external views of the device main body 1A. Figures 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of the rotary body 90 and its surroundings when replacing the toner cartridge. Figures 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of the device taken on an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90.

[0083] 6A shows the appearance of the apparatus main body 1A during image forming operation and in standby state. During image forming operation, the image forming apparatus 1 performs a series of operations from feeding the sheet S, forming an image on the sheet S, to discharging the sheet S as a finished product. The standby state is a state in which the image forming apparatus 1 is ready to start image forming operation upon receiving an image formation instruction (print instruction), and is waiting for an image formation instruction from the user. As shown in FIG. 6A, during image forming operation and in standby state, the door 14 is closed.

[0084] 6B shows the appearance of the apparatus main body 1A when the toner cartridge is replaced. When replacing the toner cartridge, the door 14 is opened and the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 are moved to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0085] The toner cartridge 70 is movable between an installed position and a retracted position retracted from the installed position relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the installed position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b face each other, as shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the rotary body 90 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis 90C when the toner cartridge 70 is in the installed position, and to assume a developing position or an exchange position.

[0086] The toner cartridge replacement operation will now be described. First, the user instructs the control unit of the apparatus main body 1A to perform the toner cartridge replacement operation. The instruction to perform the toner cartridge replacement operation is given, for example, by inputting via an operation panel (operation unit) provided on the apparatus main body 1A.

[0087] When the control unit receives an instruction to replace a toner cartridge, the rotary body 90 rotates to the replacement posture for the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced (the toner cartridge 70 that has run out of toner) and then stops. That is, the control unit rotates the rotary body 90 to the replacement posture for the toner cartridge specified in the instruction to replace the toner cartridge (in FIG. 4B , the black replacement posture for replacing the black toner cartridge 70k). In the replacement posture, the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 instructed to be replaced faces the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the device main body 1A.

[0088] For example, the rotary body 90 in FIG. 4A is in a yellow developing position in which the yellow developing roller 51y faces the photosensitive drum 2. At this time, the black toner cartridge 70k and tray 80k do not need to face the opening 16a and the door 14. In other words, the toner cartridge 70 and tray 80 do not need to face the opening 16a and the door 14 when the rotary body 90 is in a replacement position other than the toner cartridge replacement position or a developing position. Therefore, the opening 16a only needs to be large enough to allow each toner cartridge 70 to pass through individually. When the rotary body 90 rotates a predetermined angle clockwise in the figure from the yellow developing position, the black toner cartridge 70k and tray 80k face the opening 16a and the door 14, as shown in FIG. 4B.

[0089] Here, "the tray 80 faces the opening 16a" means that the tray 80 is positioned so that it can be moved to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A through the opening 16a. In other words, when the tray 80 faces the opening 16a, the tray 80 is moved outward in the radial direction of the rotary body 90 by a moving mechanism (described later), allowing the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 supported by the tray 80 to protrude to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A. In FIG. 4A, none of the trays 80y to 80k faces the opening 16a. In FIG. 4B, only the black tray 80k faces the opening 16a, and the other trays 80y to 80c do not face the opening 16a.

[0090] When the rotary body 90 is positioned in the replacement posture, the motor M2 moves the tray 80 supporting the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced toward the outside of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0091] As a result, the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced moves from the mounted position to the retracted position relative to the rotary body 90. Also, as shown in Figures 6B, 6C, 7A and 7B, the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced supported by the tray 80 protrude to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A through the opening 16a.

[0092] More specifically, the tray 80 is movable relative to the rotary body 90 between a storage position and an ejection position. The storage position is a position where the tray 80 is stored within the rotary body 90. The ejection position is a position where the tray 80 protrudes outside the rotary body 90, allowing the toner cartridge 70 to be removed from the tray 80 (removal position, replaceable position). Examples of the storage position are the positions of the trays 80y to 80k in Figures 4A and 4B. Examples of the ejection position are the positions of the tray 80 in Figures 6B and 6C, the tray 80k in Figure 7A, and the tray 80m in Figure 7B.

[0093] When the tray 80 is in the storage position, the toner cartridge 70 attached to the tray 80 is in the installation position. When the tray 80 is in the removal position, the toner cartridge 70 attached to the tray 80 is in the retracted position.

[0094] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the rotary body 90 has a protrusion 95 for holding the tray 80 in the storage position and the toner cartridge 70 in the installation position. As shown in Figure 8, the tray 80 is provided with a recess 87 that fits into the protrusion 95. Figures 7A and 7B show protrusions 95k and 95m corresponding to trays 80k and 80m, and Figure 8 shows recesses 87y and 87m of trays 80y and 80m, but the protrusion 95 and recess 87 are provided for each tray 80y to 80k. It is preferable that the protrusion 95 be biased in a direction that engages with the recess 87.

[0095] The convex portion 95 fits into the concave portion 87 of the tray 80, thereby locking the tray 80 to the rotary frame body 90f. This ensures that the tray 80 remains in the storage position even when the rotary body 90 rotates, preventing the toner cartridge 70 from moving from the installation position. Note that when the tray 80 is moved between the storage position and the removal position by a moving device (described later), the convex portion 95 is moved by the tray 80, and the convex portion 95 can be configured to disengage from the concave portion 87.

[0096] In this embodiment, the door 14 is rotatably supported relative to the apparatus main body 1A. As shown in Fig. 7A, the door 14 is biased from the open position toward the closed position by a spring 14s. The spring 14s is, for example, a tension spring, and biases the door 14 so as to generate a moment in the counterclockwise direction in Figs. 7A and 7B around the support shaft 14c of the door 14.

[0097] The tray 80 pushes the door 14, causing the door 14 to enter an open state (the state shown in FIG. 6B ). This state can also be described as a state in which the tray 80 is supported by the door 14. By the door 14 supporting at least a portion of the tray 80 that protrudes outside the apparatus main body 1A, the toner cartridge 70 can be more stably supported. In other words, when the first toner cartridge (toner cartridge 70k) is in the first retracted position, the opening / closing member (door 14) in the open position supports the first support member (tray 80k). Furthermore, when the second toner cartridge (toner cartridges 70y to 70c) is in the second retracted position, the opening / closing member (door 14) in the open position supports the second support member (tray 80y to 80c).

[0098] In addition, the door 14 is configured so that, in the open position, it abuts against a part of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A (for example, the lower edge 16c of the opening 16a) and does not rotate downward beyond the open position. When the tray 80 is pulled back from the outside to the inside of the apparatus main body 1A, the biasing force of the spring 14s returns the door 14 to the closed position.

[0099] The toner cartridge 70 is detachably held in the tray 80. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 6C, the user can remove the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80 and install a new toner cartridge 70 (replacement work). When replacing multiple toner cartridges 70, the replacement work can be performed by repeating the above-described operation.

[0100] 7A and 7B show cross sections of the rotary body 90 and its surroundings when replacing the toner cartridge. Fig. 7A shows the state when the black toner cartridge 70k is replaced, and Fig. 7B shows the state when the magenta toner cartridge 70m is replaced.

[0101] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a moving device 85 (FIG. 8) that moves the toner cartridge 70 from the mounting position to the retracted position. In this embodiment, the moving device 85 can be said to include the tray 80. The moving device 85k including the tray 80k can be said to be an example of a first moving device including a first support member. The moving device 85m including the tray 80m can be said to be an example of a second moving device including a second support member.

[0102] Even when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the tray 80 remains connected to the rotary body 90 (is supported by the rotary body 90). To easily remove the toner cartridge 70 from the rotary body 90, it is preferable that the toner cartridge 70 protrudes a long distance from the rotary body 90 when in the retracted position. Because the toner cartridge 70 is configured to be detachable from the rotary body 90 via the tray 80, the toner cartridge 70 can be stably supported by the tray 80 even when the toner cartridge 70 protrudes a long distance from the rotary body 90.

[0103] The direction in which the toner cartridge 70 moves from the mounted position to the retracted position is referred to as the retraction direction. In this embodiment, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is a direction that intersects with the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). Therefore, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is a direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction). Furthermore, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 can be said to be a direction toward the outside in the rotational radius direction of the rotary body 90 (a direction away from the rotation axis 90C).

[0104] 7A and 7B , when the user removes the toner cartridge 70 from the rotary body 90, it is preferable that at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotary body 90. In this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotary body 90.

[0105] When the rotary body 90 rotates about the rotation axis 90C, the rotation locus of the rotary body 90 coincides with a circumscribing circle of the rotary body 90 (the imaginary circle 90V shown by the dashed line in FIGS. 7A and 7B ) centered on the rotation axis 90C. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, it is preferable that more than half of the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the retraction direction be outside the rotation locus of the rotary body 90. In other words, when viewed in the direction of the rotary's rotation axis, it is preferable that, with the toner cartridge in the retracted position, more than half of the total length of the toner cartridge be outside the rotation locus of the rotary in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge from the mounted position to the retracted position. This applies to each toner cartridge 70, including toner cartridge 70k as an example of the first cartridge and toner cartridge 70m as an example of the second cartridge. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 is outside the rotation locus (imaginary circle 90V) of the rotary body 90.

[0106] Furthermore, in order to make it easier for the user to grasp the toner cartridge 70, it is preferable that at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is outside the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the apparatus main body 1A) when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position. Here, "outside the apparatus" refers to the space outside the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the apparatus main body 1A) when the image forming apparatus 1 is being used, for example, for forming an image on a sheet S.

[0107] In this embodiment, the exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A is formed by the exterior surface of the frame 16. In other words, the outside of the apparatus can also be referred to as the outside of the frame 16. Therefore, a state in which at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is outside the apparatus can also be referred to as a state in which at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A toward the outside of the frame 16.

[0108] In this embodiment, when the door 14 is in the closed position, the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the apparatus main body 1A is covered by the door 14. The exterior surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position forms part of the exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A. In this case, the term "outside the apparatus" refers to the area outside the exterior surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position. In other words, if the position of the exterior surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position is defined as the exterior position, then when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is located outside the apparatus main body 1A beyond this exterior position.

[0109] In other words, if the door 14 were in the closed position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 would be located in the space outside the apparatus main body 1A. In addition, with respect to the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is located downstream of the external position.

[0110] Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes forward from the front exterior surface of the device body 1A, with the side surface 16b with the opening 16a being the front of the device body 1A. In this case, the user can easily access the toner cartridge 70 from the front side of the image forming apparatus and replace the toner cartridge 70.

[0111] When the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, it is preferable that more than half of the length of the toner cartridge 70 in the retracted direction is located outside the apparatus. In other words, when viewed in the direction of the rotary's rotation axis, it is preferable that more than half of the toner cartridge's overall length is located outside the main body frame in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge from the installed position toward the retracted position. This applies to each toner cartridge 70, including toner cartridge 70k as an example of the first cartridge and toner cartridge 70m as an example of the second cartridge. It is also preferable that the entire toner cartridge 70 is located outside the apparatus when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position. In this embodiment, the exterior surface 14a and side surface 16b of the door 14 form the front exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A, but the configuration of the door 14 is not limited to this. For example, the door 14 may be large enough to cover the entire side surface 16b. In this case, the exterior surface 14a of the door 14 forms the front exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0112] The tray 80 includes a cartridge holding portion 81 (see FIGS. 3 and 6C) that holds the toner cartridge 70. The cartridge holding portion 81 is a receiving portion onto which the toner cartridge 70 is attached. When the tray 80 is in the removal position, it is preferable that the entire cartridge holding portion 81 be outside the rotation path of the rotary body 90 in the retraction direction. When the tray 80 is in the removal position, it is preferable that more than half of the length of the cartridge holding portion 81 be outside the machine in the retraction direction.

[0113] As described above, the toner cartridge 70k and the tray 80k are larger than the other toner cartridges 70y to 70c and trays 80y to 80c. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the amount of movement of the tray 80 when replacing the toner cartridge is changed to match the size of the toner cartridge 70.

[0114] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A , the movement distance of tray 80k (first support member) when it moves from the storage position (first storage position) to the removal position (first removal position) is L1. The movement distance of tray 80m (second support member) when it moves from the storage position to the removal position (third removal position) is L2. FIG. 7B shows the state in which toner cartridge 70m and tray 80m have moved, but the movement distance of trays 80y and 80c when they move from the storage position to the removal position is also L2. In this case, L1 is greater than L2. In other words, the movement distance of the first support member when the first toner cartridge moves from the first mounting position to the first retracted position is longer than the movement distance of the second support member when the second toner cartridge moves from the second mounting position to the second retracted position.

[0115] 7A, when the tray 80k is in the removal position and the toner cartridge 70k is in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70k protrudes from the exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A by a distance P1. In this embodiment, the tray 80k also protrudes from the exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A by a distance P1.

[0116] 7B, when the tray 80m is in the removed position and the toner cartridge 70m is in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70m protrudes a distance P2 from the exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A. In this embodiment, the tray 80m also protrudes a distance P2 from the exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A. Note that the toner cartridges 70y and 70c also protrude a distance P2 from the exterior surface of the apparatus main body 1A.

[0117] The distance P1 is greater than the distance P2. That is, the length by which the first toner cartridge in the first retracted position protrudes from the opening 16a of the apparatus main body 1A is defined as the first length (P1), and the length by which the second toner cartridge in the second retracted position protrudes from the opening 16a is defined as the second length (P2). In this case, the first length can be said to be greater than the second length.

[0118] For toner cartridges 70y-70c, which are smaller in size than toner cartridge 70k, it is preferable from the standpoint of strength to shorten the distance P2 by which they protrude outside the apparatus when in the retracted position compared to the distance P1 by which toner cartridge 70k protrudes outside the apparatus when in the retracted position. This is for the following reason: When toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a portion of toner cartridge 70 protrudes outside the apparatus outside the rotational path of rotary body 90 or from the external surface of device main body 1A. At this time, tray 80 supports the weight of toner cartridge 70 while being cantilevered by rotary body 90. Therefore, shortening the distance P2 by which toner cartridges 70y-70c protrude outside the apparatus when in the retracted position reduces the load on trays 80y-80c and the guide portion 97 of rotary body 90 that supports trays 80y-80k. Furthermore, since the toner cartridges 70y to 70c are smaller in size than the toner cartridge 70k, even if the distance P2 is made shorter than the distance P1, the workability of replacing cartridges for the trays 80y to 80c can be maintained.

[0119] (Tray Arrangement in Rotary) The arrangement of trays 80y to 80k in the rotary body 90 will be described using Figures 8, 9, and 10. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of trays 80y to 80k in the rotary body 90. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of trays 80y to 80k in the rotary body 90. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of components at one end of trays 80y to 80k in the Y direction. Note that Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the rotary body 90 in an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. The upper half of Figure 10 is a view of the rotary body 90 and trays 80m and 80k in Figure 8 as viewed from the upper right side (+Z side) of Figure 8, and the lower half of Figure 10 is a view of the rotary body 90 and trays 80c and 80y in Figure 8 as viewed from the left side (-X side) of Figure 8.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 8, the trays 80y to 80k are each provided with cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k and guided portions 82y to 82k.

[0121] The toner cartridges 70y to 70k are respectively attached to the cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k, and each of the cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k accommodates at least a portion of the toner cartridges 70y to 70k attached thereto.

[0122] The guided portions 82y to 82k are provided at both ends of the trays 80y to 80k, sandwiching the cartridge holding portions 81y to 81k in the Y direction. The guided portions 82y to 82k are each an elongated member that extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotary body 90.

[0123] In this embodiment, a reinforcing rib 82k1 is formed on a portion of the guided portion 82k in the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k, and a reinforcing rib 82m1 is formed on a portion of the guided portion 82m in the movement direction Dm of the tray 80m (see also Figures 11A and 11B). The reinforcing ribs 82k1, 82m1 are rib-shaped (protruding) strips that protrude outward in the Y direction from the guided portions 82k, 82m provided at both ends of the trays 80k, 80m in the Y direction and extend in the movement directions Dk, Dm of the trays 80k, 80m. The reinforcing ribs 82k1, 82m1 improve the rigidity of the guided portions 82k, 82m.

[0124] In this embodiment, the lengths of the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 are limited to avoid the guided portions 82y and 82c, but the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 may be provided over the entire length of the guided portions 82m and 82k if there is no interference with the guided portions 82y and 82c. Reinforcing ribs may also be added to the guided portions 82y and 82c. Furthermore, if the rigidity of the guided portions 82m and 82k is sufficient, the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 may not be provided.

[0125] Rack portions 83y to 83k (rack gears) are formed on the guided portions 82y to 82k. Pinion gears 94y to 94k are rotatably held within the rotary body 90. The pinion gears 94y to 94k are engaged with the rack portions 83y to 83k, respectively, so as to be capable of transmitting drive force.

[0126] The rack portions 83y-83k and pinion gears 94y-94k are part of moving devices 85y-85k configured to move the toner cartridges 70y-70k from the mounting position to the retracted position. The rack portions 83y-83k and pinion gears 94y-94k can also be considered to be part of a driven device driven by a drive device 98 of the apparatus main body 1A. The pinion gears 94y-94k can also be considered to be rotating bodies (rotating members) that rotate to move the trays 80y-80k relative to the rotary main body 90.

[0127] The pinion gears 94y-94k and the rack portions 83y-83k function as driven portions that allow the movement devices 85y-85k of the rotary body 90 to receive driving force from the drive device 98 of the device main body 1A. The pinion gear 94k and the rack portion 83k are an example of a first pinion gear and a first rack gear that constitute at least a part of a first driven portion provided in the first movement device. The pinion gear 94m and the rack portion 83m are an example of a second pinion gear and a second rack gear that constitute at least a part of a second driven portion provided in the second movement device.

[0128] The rotary body 90 has guide portions 97 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B) that engage with each of the guided portions 82y to 82k. FIG. 7A shows the guide portion 97 (97k) that engages with the guided portion 82k of tray 80k, and FIG. 7B shows the guide portion 97 (97m) that engages with the guided portion 82m of tray 80m. The rotary body 90 is provided with similar guide portions that engage with the guided portions 82y and 82c of trays 80y and 80c. Furthermore, while FIGS. 7A and 7B show the guide portion 97 provided on one side (+Y side) of the rotary body 90 in the Y direction, a similar guide portion 97 is also provided on the other side (-Y side) of the rotary body 90 in the Y direction.

[0129] When tray 80 moves between the storage position and the removal position, guide portion 97 maintains an engaged state with guided portion 82 over at least a portion of the movement range, guiding the movement direction of tray 80. In this embodiment, guide portion 97 maintains an engaged state with guided portion 82k over the entire movement range of tray 80k between the storage position and the removal position. Also, in this embodiment, guide portion 97 maintains an engaged state with guided portion 82m over the entire movement range of tray 80m between the storage position and the removal position.

[0130] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, four trays 80y to 80k are arranged inside the rotary body 90 so as to overlap one another, as will be described in detail below.

[0131] When the pinion gears 94y-94k rotate, the rack portions 83y-83k and the trays 80y-80k move relative to the rotary body 90. As shown in FIG. 9 , the four trays 80y-80k are arranged so that their movement directions are rotated by 90 degrees relative to the rotary body 90. Therefore, trays 80y and 80c, and trays 80m and 80k are held so that they can slide in substantially the same direction (parallel directions). The direction of movement of each of the trays 80y-80k during sliding movement is regulated by the engagement between the guided portions 82y-82k and the guide portion 97.

[0132] The trays 80y to 80k move to the outside of the machine through the opening 16a. When the trays 80y to 80k move to the outside of the machine through the opening 16a, the directions of movement of the respective trays are substantially the same (parallel).

[0133] 9, in the direction Dk of movement of tray 80k, the range in which tray 80k is disposed overlaps with the range in which tray 80y and tray 80c are disposed. Furthermore, in the direction Dk of movement of tray 80k, the range in which tray 80k is disposed overlaps with the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. In other words, it can be said that the toner cartridge 70k held in the cartridge holding portion 81k of tray 80k overlaps with the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (FIG. 4B).

[0134] On the other hand, in the direction Dm of movement of tray 80m, the range in which tray 80m is arranged is shifted so as not to overlap with the range in which tray 80y is arranged and the range in which tray 80c is arranged. Furthermore, in the direction Dy of movement of tray 80y, the range in which tray 80y is arranged is shifted so as not to overlap with the range in which tray 80m is arranged and the range in which tray 80k is arranged. Similarly, in the direction Dc of movement of tray 80c, the range in which tray 80c is arranged is shifted so as not to overlap with the range in which tray 80m is arranged and the range in which tray 80k is arranged.

[0135] The positional relationship between the trays 80 can also be expressed as follows: When viewed in the movement direction Dy of tray 80y, tray 80y and tray 80k overlap, but tray 80y and tray 80m do not overlap. When viewed in the movement direction Dm of tray 80m, tray 80m and tray 80k overlap, but tray 80m does not overlap with trays 80y and 80c. When viewed in the movement direction Dc of tray 80c, tray 80c and tray 80k overlap, but tray 80c and tray 80m do not overlap.

[0136] Here, when two elements (components, parts, units, etc.) overlap when viewed in a particular direction, this means that when each element is vertically projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to that direction, the projection area of ​​one element and the projection area of ​​the other element at least partially overlap.

[0137] 8 and 10 , the range in which the rack portion 83m and the guided portion 82m are disposed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction) at least partially overlaps with the range in which the rack portion 83k and the guided portion 82k are disposed. In other words, in this embodiment, the range in which the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) is disposed and the range in which the second rack gear (rack portion 83m) is disposed in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotary (Y direction) can be said to at least partially overlap. Therefore, compared to an arrangement in which the rack portion 83m and the guided portion 82m do not overlap with the rack portion 83k and the guided portion 82k, the rack portions 83m, 83k and the guided portions 82m, 82k can be disposed in a more space-saving manner in the Y direction.

[0138] In the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the range in which the rack portion 83y and the guided portion 82y are arranged at least partially overlaps with the range in which the rack portion 83c and the guided portion 82c are arranged. That is, in this embodiment, in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotary (Y direction), the range in which the third rack gear (rack portion 83y) is arranged at least partially overlaps with the range in which the fourth rack gear (rack portion 83c) is arranged. Therefore, compared to an arrangement in which the rack portion 83y and the guided portion 82y do not overlap with the rack portion 83c and the guided portion 82c, it is possible to arrange the rack portions 83y, 83c and the guided portions 82y, 82c in a more space-saving manner in the Y direction.

[0139] Here, the meshing position of the rack portion 83 with the pinion gear 94 will be described with reference to Figure 10. The upper half of Figure 10 shows the meshing position of the rack portion 83k with the pinion gear 94k. The lower half of Figure 10 shows the meshing position of the rack portion 83y with the pinion gear 94y.

[0140] In the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (Y direction), in an area Y1 in the figure, a driving force transmitted from a motor M2 (FIG. 2) serving as a driving source via a transmission device (described below) is transmitted to the pinion gears 94y to 94k. In an area Y2 in the Y direction, the pinion gear 94k is engaged with the rack portion 83k so as to be able to transmit driving force. In an area Y3 in the Y direction, the pinion gear 94y is engaged with the rack portion 83y so as to be able to transmit driving force. Note that the rack portion 83m is engaged with the pinion gear 94m (FIG. 8) in the area Y2, like the rack portion 83k, so as to be able to transmit driving force. The rack portion 83c is engaged with the pinion gear 94c (FIG. 8) in the area Y3, like the rack portion 83y, so as to be able to transmit driving force.

[0141] Here, the regions Y2 and Y3 are at different positions in the Y direction (are displaced in the Y direction). Also, the region Y1 is at a different position in the Y direction from both the region Y2 and the region Y3. In other words, the region Y1 is displaced in the Y direction relative to the region Y2 and the region Y3.

[0142] Furthermore, when the toner cartridges 70y and 70c are in the installed position, the range in which the rack portion 83y is disposed at least partially overlaps with the range in which the rack portion 83c is disposed in the movement direction of the rack portion 83y (the movement direction Dy of the tray 80y). In this embodiment, the movement directions Dy and Dc of the trays 80y and 80c are substantially the same direction (parallel), so the range in which the rack portion 83y is disposed at least partially overlaps with the range in which the rack portion 83c is disposed in the movement direction Dc of the tray 80c. Therefore, when the toner cartridges 70y and 70c are in the installed position, the toothed surfaces of the rack portions 83y and 83c face each other in the direction perpendicular to the movement directions Dy and Dc of the rack portions 83y and 83c (the left-right direction in FIG. 8 ).

[0143] Furthermore, when the toner cartridges 70m and 70k are in the installed position, the range in which the rack portion 83m is disposed at least partially overlaps with the range in which the rack portion 83k is disposed in the movement direction of the rack portion 83m (the movement direction Dm of the tray 80m). In this embodiment, the movement directions Dm and Dk of the trays 80m and 80k are substantially the same direction (parallel), so the range in which the rack portion 83m is disposed at least partially overlaps with the range in which the rack portion 83k is disposed in the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k. Therefore, when the toner cartridges 70m and 70k are in the installed position, the toothed surfaces of the rack portions 83m and 83k face each other in the direction perpendicular to the movement directions Dm and Dk of the rack portions 83m and 83k (the up-and-down direction in FIG. 8 ).

[0144] 12A , when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83y overlaps with rack portion 83m and rack portion 83k. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83m overlaps with rack portion 83y and rack portion 83c. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83c overlaps with rack portion 83m and rack portion 83k. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), rack portion 83k overlaps with rack portion 83y and rack portion 83c. In other words, in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotary (Y direction), the range in which the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) is arranged and the range in which the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) is arranged do not overlap. Furthermore, when viewed in the direction of the rotary's rotation axis (Y direction), when the first toner cartridge 70k is in the first mounting position and the second toner cartridge 70y is in the second mounting position, it can be said that the first rack gear (rack portion 83k) and the second rack gear (rack portion 83y) overlap.

[0145] In this way, since the positions at which rack sections 83k and 83m are arranged in the Y direction are different from the positions at which rack sections 83y and 83c are arranged, rack sections 83y and 83c can be arranged so that they overlap with rack sections 83m and 83k when viewed in the Y direction.

[0146] This saves space for arranging the four trays inside the rotary body 90, making it possible to reduce the size of the rotary body 90 in the direction of its rotation radius. In other words, if the rack units 83 are arranged so as not to overlap each other as viewed in the Y direction while maintaining the same movement distance of each tray 80y to 80k as in this embodiment, the area required for arranging the four rack units as viewed in the Y direction will be larger. Compared to this configuration, by arranging the multiple rack units 83 with their positions shifted in the Y direction and making the rack units 83 overlap each other as viewed in the Y direction, it is possible to reduce the arrangement area for the rack units 83 as viewed in the Y direction.

[0147] In this embodiment, the four rack portions 83y to 83k are arranged in two pairs of two, with their positions offset in the Y direction. In other words, in the direction of the rotary's rotation axis (Y direction), the ranges in which the first rack gear and the second rack gear are arranged overlap, and the ranges in which the third rack gear and the fourth rack gear are arranged overlap. Furthermore, in the Y direction, the ranges in which the first rack gear and the second rack gear are arranged and the ranges in which the third rack gear and the fourth rack gear are arranged do not overlap. This allows the rotary body 90 to be more compact in the Y direction than if each of the four rack portions 83y to 83k were offset in the Y direction.

[0148] (Tray Movement Configuration) The configuration related to the movement of trays 80y to 80k arranged inside the rotary body 90 will be described using Figures 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B. Figures 11A and 11B are perspective views showing the configuration related to the movement of tray 80k. Figures 12A and 12B are cross-sectional views showing the configuration related to the movement of tray 80k.

[0149] In this embodiment, trays 80y to 80k are all driven by the driving force of motor M2 transmitted to pinion gears 94y to 94k by drive racks 15L and 15R, which serve as transmission devices. Here, the configuration for moving tray 80k relative to rotary body 90 will be described, and the configuration for moving trays 80y to 80c relative to rotary body 90 will not be described because it is substantially the same as the configuration for moving tray 80k.

[0150] Fig. 11A shows a state in which the tray 80k is inside the rotary body 90 (i.e., a state in which the toner cartridge 70k is attached to the developing unit 50k). That is, Fig. 11A shows a state in which the tray 80k is in the storage position, which corresponds to a state in which the toner cartridge 70k is in the attachment position relative to the developing frame 53k (Fig. 4A). Fig. 11B shows a state in which the tray 80k has been slid to the outside of the rotary body 90. That is, Fig. 11B shows a state in which the tray 80k is in the removal position, which corresponds to a state in which the toner cartridge 70k is in the retracted position relative to the developing frame 53k (Fig. 4B).

[0151] The apparatus main body 1A of this embodiment has drive racks 15L and 15R as drive gears that drive the pinion gear 94. Each drive rack 15L is driven by a motor M2 via a drive transmission mechanism (not shown).

[0152] As described above, two rack portions 83k are formed at both ends of the tray 80k in the Y direction. Two pinion gears 94k and two drive racks 15L and 15R are disposed at positions corresponding to the rack portions 83k at both ends. In other words, the apparatus main body 1A of this embodiment has drive racks 15L and 15R as a first drive gear and a second drive gear. The drive rack 15L is an example of a first drive gear, and the drive rack 15R is an example of a second drive gear.

[0153] However, these numbering schemes are merely used for convenience in explanation, and in principle can be interchanged as appropriate. When there is no need to distinguish between the drive racks 15L and 15R, they will be referred to as "drive rack 15."

[0154] The rack portion 83 in this embodiment is configured as a rack gear pair, and the pinion gear 94 in this embodiment is configured as a pinion gear pair. In this embodiment, the rack gear pair and the pinion gear pair are arranged at one end and the other end of the support member (tray 80) in the Y direction, but they may be arranged in other positions. The rack portion 83k and the pinion gear 94k of the moving device 85k corresponding to the tray 80k can be said to be examples of the first rack gear pair and the first pinion gear pair, respectively.

[0155] The rack portions 83y to 83c and pinion gears 94y to 94c of the moving devices 85y to 85c corresponding to any of the other trays 80y to 80c can be said to be examples of the second rack gear pair and the second pinion gear pair, respectively.

[0156] One of the rack gear pair meshes with one of the pinion gear pair, and the other of the rack gear pair meshes with the other of the pinion gear pair. At least one of the pinion gear pair is driven by the drive rack 15L, which serves as the first drive rack. In this embodiment, both of the pinion gear pair are simultaneously driven by the drive racks 15L and 15R, which serve as the first and second drive racks. This makes it difficult for the tray 80 to rotate, allowing for stable movement of the toner cartridge 70.

[0157] Alternatively, the tray 80 may have one rack portion 83 and be moved by one driving rack 15 via one pinion gear 94 .

[0158] The tray 80k is held slidably relative to the rotary body 90 in a direction parallel to the guided portion 82k (i.e., the movement direction Dk). The drive rack 15 is held slidably relative to the device main body 1A in a direction intersecting the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k. The drive rack 15 is configured to slide (reciprocate) relative to the device main body 1A in a first direction (vertically upward in this embodiment) and a second direction opposite to the first direction (vertically downward in this embodiment). In other words, the movement direction of the drive rack 15 in this embodiment is a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) both the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k and the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (Y direction).

[0159] 11A and 11B, a tray movement operation for sliding the tray 80k between the storage position and the removal position will be described. The tray movement operation of the tray 80k is performed by the motor M2 (FIG. 2), a drive transmission mechanism (not shown), the drive rack 15, the pinion gear 94k, and the rack portion 83k.

[0160] First, we will explain the tray movement operation (tray extraction operation) when removing the toner cartridge 70k from the rotary body 90. Before the tray extraction operation begins, the drive rack 15 is positioned below the position where it engages with the pinion gear 94k (FIG. 11A). Also, as described above, when replacing the toner cartridge 70k, the rotary body 90 takes the replacement posture for the toner cartridge 70k (FIG. 4B).

[0161] When the tray extraction operation is started, the driving force of the motor M2 causes the driving rack 15 to slide upward in the apparatus main body 1A. As the driving rack 15 moves, it engages with the pinion gear 94k, and the pinion gear 94k is rotated.

[0162] As shown in Figure 11B, when the pinion gear 94k is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow in the figure, a driving force is input to the rack portion 83k that meshes with the pinion gear 94k. As a result, the tray 80k is pushed out of the machine and moves from the storage position to the removal position relative to the rotary body 90. At this time, the movement direction of the tray 80k is guided in a predetermined movement direction Dk by the engagement between the guided portion 82k and the guide portion 97k (Figure 7A) of the rotary body 90. As a result of the tray 80k moving from the storage position to the removal position, the toner cartridge 70k is moved from the installation position to the retracted position relative to the development unit 50k.

[0163] With the tray 80k in the removal position and the toner cartridge 70k in the retracted position, the user can attach or detach the toner cartridge 70k to or from the tray 80k.

[0164] The tray movement operation (tray pull-in operation, tray insertion operation) when attaching the toner cartridge 70 to the rotary body 90 is performed in the reverse order of the tray pull-out operation. For example, the tray pull-in operation is started by the user operating a predetermined operation unit. When the tray pull-in operation is started, the driving force of motor M2 causes the drive rack 15 to slide downward in the device main body 1A. Here, the rotation direction of motor M2 during the tray pull-in operation is opposite to the direction of the tray pull-out operation.

[0165] 11B, a driving force is input to the rack portion 83k that meshes with the pinion gear 94k. As a result, the tray 80k is drawn into the apparatus and moves from the removal position to the storage position relative to the rotary body 90.

[0166] The tray 80k is guided in the movement direction Dk (opposite the arrow in FIG. 11B ) by the engagement between the guided portion 82k and the guide portion 97k ( FIG. 7A ) of the rotary body 90. As a result of the tray 80k moving from the removal position to the storage position, the toner cartridge 70k is moved from the retracted position to the installation position relative to the developing unit 50k.

[0167] The movement of the black tray 80k and toner cartridge 70k has been described above, but the movement of the other trays 80y to 80c and toner cartridges 70y to 70c is also performed by a similar mechanism. That is, in the replacement position of each toner cartridge, the drive rack 15 transmits drive to the pinion gears 94y to 94c.

[0168] A drive device 98 for driving the moving device 85 provided on the rotary body 90 is constituted by a motor M2 provided on the device main body 1A, a drive rack 15 (15L, 15R), and a transmission device including a drive transmission mechanism.

[0169] As described above, in this embodiment, the rotary body 90 is provided with a plurality of moving devices 85k-85y corresponding to the plurality of toner cartridges 70k-70y. The driving device 98 of the apparatus main body 1A is a common driving device that drives the plurality of moving devices 85k-85y (a plurality of driven devices) of the rotary body 90.

[0170] In this embodiment, the rotation of the rotary body 90 switches the drive target of the drive unit 98. In other words, the drive unit of this embodiment includes a drive rack 15 as a transmission member that transmits the driving force of the drive source. The drive unit can be in a state where the transmission member is engaged with the first driven part (pinion gear 94k) so as to be able to transmit driving force, and a state where the transmission member is engaged with the second driven part (pinion gear 94m) so as to be able to transmit driving force. The drive unit can also be in a state where the transmission member is disengaged from the first driven part and the second driven part.

[0171] As described above, the pinion gears 94y to 94k are held by the rotary body 90. Therefore, when the rotary body 90 rotates, it is preferable that the engagement between the pinion gears 94y to 94k and the drive rack 15 is released.

[0172] Fig. 12A shows a state in which the tray 80k is inside the rotary body 90 (in the storage position), and Fig. 12B shows a state in which the tray 80k has moved outside the rotary body 90 (in the removal position).

[0173] As shown in Figure 12A, when the tray 80k is inside the rotary body 90, the drive rack 15 is located at the bottom inside the apparatus main body 1A. At this time, the drive rack 15 is retracted from the pinion gear 94k. Therefore, the drive rack 15 does not interfere with the rotation of the rotary body 90, allowing the rotary body 90 to rotate. More specifically, the drive rack 15 can be retracted outside the rotation trajectory of the rotary body 90 shown by the dotted line in Figures 12A and 12B.

[0174] As described above, by driving motor M2 to rotate in the forward and reverse directions, tray 80 attached to rotary body 90 can be moved from the storage position to the removal position and from the removal position to the storage position relative to rotary body 90. In other words, the drive device of this embodiment not only drives each moving device of the rotary so that the toner cartridge moves from the installation position to the retracted position, but also drives each moving device so that the toner cartridge moves from the retracted position to the installation position.

[0175] As described above, in this embodiment, the movement amount of the tray 80 when replacing the toner cartridge is changed according to the size of the toner cartridge 70. Specifically, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the movement distance L1 when the black tray 80k moves from the storage position to the removal position is longer than the movement distance L2 when the other trays 80y to 80c move from the storage position to the removal position.

[0176] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the toner cartridges 70y to 70k are moved from the mounting position to the retracted position, the value obtained by dividing the speed of the rack section 83k by the speed of the drive rack 15 is greater than the value obtained by dividing the speed of the rack sections 83y to 83c by the speed of the drive rack 15.

[0177] For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the pinion gear 94y is a stepped gear, and the pitch radius of the small-diameter gear 942 that meshes with the rack portion 83y is smaller than the pitch radius of the large-diameter gear 941 that meshes with the drive rack 15. The pinion gears 94m and 94c are also stepped gears. Meanwhile, the pinion gear 94k has the same pitch radius at the portion that meshes with the drive rack 15 and the portion that meshes with the rack portion 83k. In this case, the pitch radius of the pinion gear 94k can be the same as the pitch radius of the large-diameter gear 941 of the pinion gears 94y to 94c. With this configuration, even if the movement distance of the drive rack 15 is the same, the movement distance of the rack portion 83k can be made greater than the movement distances of the other rack portions 83y to 83c. In other words, the movement distance L1 when the black tray 80k moves from the storage position to the removal position can be made longer than the movement distance L2 when the other trays 80y to 80c move from the storage position to the removal position.

[0178] Furthermore, by making the pinion gears 94y to 94c step gears, the pinion gears 94y to 94k are configured to receive driving force from the same drive rack 15, but the movement distance L1 of tray 80k can be made greater than the movement distance L2 of the other trays 80y to 80c.

[0179] Note that instead of (or in combination with) the pinion gears 94y to 94c being stepped gears, the pinion gear 94k may be a stepped gear. In this case, the portion of the pinion gear 94k that meshes with the drive rack 15 may be a small-diameter gear, and the portion of the pinion gear 94k that meshes with the rack portion 83k may be a large-diameter gear with a larger pitch circle radius than the small-diameter gear. Furthermore, the stepped gear is an example of a speed reduction mechanism, and may be replaced with a known speed reduction mechanism that reduces the amount of movement of a member on the input side (drive source side) compared to the amount of movement of a member on the output side (tray 80 side).

[0180] In addition, the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 when moving the toner cartridge 70k from the mounting position to the retracted position may be greater than the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 when moving the toner cartridges 70y to 70c from the mounting position to the retracted position.

[0181] Incidentally, the shorter the distance that toner cartridge 70 moves from the mounted position to the retracted position, the shorter the time it takes for toner cartridge 70 to move, and the shorter the time the user has to wait for toner cartridge 70 to move. If the amount of movement of drive rack 15 for toner cartridge 70k is configured to be greater than the amount of movement of drive rack 15 for toner cartridges 70y to 70c as described above, the time the user has to wait for toner cartridges 70y to 70c to move can be shortened.

[0182] The above-described configuration allows the moving distance L1 to be longer than the moving distance L2. These configurations can also be used in combination.

[0183] Although a configuration has been described in which the driven part has a pinion gear 94 that meshes with both the driving rack 15 and the rack part 83, the driven part may also have a gear that meshes with the driving rack 15 and a gear that meshes with the rack part 83.

[0184] Furthermore, the configuration of the moving device 85 that moves the tray 80 is not limited to the so-called rack-and-pinion configuration. For example, the member corresponding to the pinion gear 94 may be replaced with a roller that rotates when driven by the motor M2, and the tray 80 may be moved by friction between the roller and the tray 80.

[0185] Furthermore, when using a roller that rotates when driven by motor M2, the roller may be in contact with the toner cartridge 70. In this case, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k may be attached and detached directly to the rotary body 90 without using the trays 80y to 80k. In this case, the moving device 85 is composed of a roller. Furthermore, it can be said that the rotary assembly 90A has the rotary body 90 and the toner cartridges 70y to 70k.

[0186] <Guiding Toner to Discharge Opening> As described above, the toner contained in the toner container 71a is discharged from the discharge opening 71b, and the toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is received in the developing-side container 53a through the receiving opening 53b.

[0187] In the following description, it is assumed that the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotary body 90. Below, a configuration for efficiently discharging the toner contained in the toner containing portion 71a from the discharge opening 71b will be described with reference to Figures 13, 14, 29A, and 29B.

[0188] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 70. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 70, specifically a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C, as viewed in the Y direction.

[0189] 29A and 29B are perspective views showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 70. FIG.

[0190] Here, it is assumed that the toner cartridge 70 is projected in a first projection direction onto a first imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the first projection direction. In this case, the first projection direction that minimizes the projected area on the first imaginary plane can be called the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Furthermore, as described above, when the toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotary body 90, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70 is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (the Y direction).

[0191] Furthermore, let us assume that the direction perpendicular to the first projection direction is the second projection direction, and that the toner cartridge 70 is projected in this second projection direction onto a second imaginary plane perpendicular to the second projection direction. In this case, the second projection direction that minimizes the projected area on the second imaginary plane can be referred to as the short-side direction of the toner cartridge 70. In other words, the short-side direction of the toner cartridge 70 is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and short-side directions of the toner cartridge 70 is referred to as the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0192] In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and thickness direction of the toner frame 71 can be defined in the same way as the longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70. In other words, the longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and thickness direction of the toner frame 71 are the same as the longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70. Therefore, the longitudinal length of the toner cartridge 70 and the toner frame 71 is longer than the lateral length and the thickness length. Furthermore, the lateral length of the toner cartridge 70 and the toner frame 71 is longer than the thickness length.

[0193] In the following description, the longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and thickness direction of the toner frame 71 will not be distinguished from the longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70, but will be simply referred to as the longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and thickness direction, respectively.

[0194] As shown in FIG. 13 , the toner frame 71 has a toner storage section 71a and a left side surface 71eL and a right side surface 71eR that face each other. The left side surface 71eL and the right side surface 71eR extend in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the longitudinal direction and face each other longitudinally. It can also be said that the normal direction to the left side surface 71eL and the normal direction to the right side surface 71eR include longitudinal components. In the longitudinal direction, the left side surface 71eL is located on one end side of the center portion 71c of the toner frame 71, and the right side surface 71eR is located on the other end side of the center portion 71c of the toner frame 71. In the longitudinal direction, the left side surface 71eL is located on one end of the toner storage section 71a, and the right side surface 71eR is located on the other end of the toner storage section 71a.

[0195] The left side surface 71eL does not have to be a single surface. That is, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces that have the characteristics of the left side surface 71eL described above. In other words, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces, and each of the multiple surfaces may be the left side surface 71eL. In this case, the multiple surfaces do not have to be parallel to each other, and may be located at different positions in the longitudinal direction.

[0196] Similarly, the right side surface 71eR does not have to be a single surface. That is, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces that have the characteristics of the right side surface 71eR described above. In other words, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces, and each of the multiple surfaces may be the right side surface 71eR. In this case, the multiple surfaces do not have to be parallel to each other, and may be located at different positions in the longitudinal direction.

[0197] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the toner frame 71 has a toner storage section 71a and an outer surface 71o and an inner surface 71i that face each other. The outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i extend in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the lateral direction and face each other in the lateral direction. In other words, the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i extend along the thickness direction and the longitudinal direction. It can also be said that the normal direction to the outer surface 71o and the normal direction to the inner surface 71i include a lateral component. In the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90, the inner surface 71i is closer to the rotation axis 90c than the outer surface 71o. In the lateral direction, the outer surface 71o is located at one end of the toner storage section 71a, and the inner surface 71i is located at the other end of the toner storage section 71a.

[0198] The outer surface 71o does not have to be a single surface. That is, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces that have the characteristics of the outer surface 71o described above. In other words, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces, and each of the multiple surfaces may be the outer surface 71o. In this case, the multiple surfaces do not have to be parallel to each other, and may be located at different positions in the short direction.

[0199] Similarly, the inner surface 71i does not have to be a single surface. That is, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces that have the characteristics of the inner surface 71i described above. In other words, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces, and each of the multiple surfaces may be the inner surface 71i. In this case, the multiple surfaces do not have to be parallel to each other, and may be located at different positions in the short direction.

[0200] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the toner frame 71 has a toner storage section 71a and a first receiving surface 71d1 and a second receiving surface 71d2 that face each other. The first receiving surface 71d1 and the second receiving surface 71d2 extend in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the thickness direction and face each other in the thickness direction. In other words, the first receiving surface 71d1 and the second receiving surface 71d2 extend along the short-side and long-side directions. It can also be said that the normal direction of the first receiving surface 71d1 and the normal direction of the second receiving surface 71d2 include a thickness direction component. In the thickness direction, the first receiving surface 71d1 is located at one end of the toner storage section 71a, and the second receiving surface 71d2 is located at the other end of the toner storage section 71a.

[0201] The first receiving surface 71d1 does not have to be a single surface. That is, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces that have the characteristics of the first receiving surface 71d1 described above. In other words, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces, and each of the multiple surfaces may be the first receiving surface 71d1. In this case, the multiple surfaces do not have to be parallel to each other, and may be located at different positions in the thickness direction.

[0202] Similarly, the second receiving surface 71d2 does not have to be a single surface. That is, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces that have the characteristics of the second receiving surface 71d2 described above. In other words, the toner frame 71 may have multiple surfaces, and each of the multiple surfaces may be the second receiving surface 71d2. In this case, the multiple surfaces do not have to be parallel to each other, and may be located at different positions in the thickness direction.

[0203] As shown in FIG. 13 , the toner frame 71 of this embodiment has multiple discharge openings, including a discharge opening (first opening) 71bL and a discharge opening (second opening) 71bR. Each of the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR functions as a discharge opening 71b that communicates with the toner storage section 71a. In the longitudinal direction, the discharge opening 71bL is located on one end side of the center portion 71c of the toner frame 71 and is positioned between the center portion 71c and the left side surface 71eL. In the longitudinal direction, the discharge opening 71bR is located on the other end side of the center portion 71c of the toner frame 71 and is positioned between the center portion 71c and the right side surface 71eR. In this embodiment, in the longitudinal direction, the discharge opening 71bL is closer to the left side surface 71eL than the center portion 71c, and the discharge opening 71bR is closer to the left side surface 71eR than the center portion 71c.

[0204] In this embodiment, discharge opening 71bL is positioned so that its projected area is maximized when projected in the thickness direction onto a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction, and discharge opening 71bR is positioned so that its projected area is maximized when projected in the thickness direction onto a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction.

[0205] In this embodiment, the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR are formed in the first receiving surface 71d1 of the toner frame 71. Therefore, the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR face the second receiving surface 71d2 of the toner frame 71. In this embodiment, the first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bL is formed is continuous with the first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bR is formed. However, the first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bL is formed and the first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bR is formed may be discontinuous.

[0206] The toner frame 71 has at least one guide portion 71g that guides the toner contained in the toner containing portion 71a. The toner frame 71 of this embodiment includes multiple guide portions 71g. Each guide portion 71g is configured to guide the toner, which moves due to its own weight in a direction intersecting the Y direction, in the Y direction toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0207] In this embodiment, the intervals between the guide portions 71g are constant, and the inclination angles of the guide portions 71g are the same. However, the intervals between the guide portions 71g do not have to be constant. Furthermore, the inclination angles of the guide portions 71g may be different from one another.

[0208] In this embodiment, the toner frame 71 includes at least one left guide 71gL and at least one right guide 71gR. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the toner frame 71 includes multiple left guides 71gL and multiple right guides 71gR. The left guide 71gL guides the toner in the Y direction toward the discharge opening 71bL, and the right guide 71gR guides the toner in the Y direction toward the discharge opening 71bR. In other words, the toner frame 71 includes multiple toner guides, and the multiple toner guides include the right guide 71gR and the left guide 71gL.

[0209] In the longitudinal direction, the left guide 71gL is disposed between the center 71c of the toner frame 71 and the discharge opening 71bL, and the right guide 71gR is disposed between the center 71c of the toner frame 71 and the discharge opening 71bR. The left guide 71gL and the discharge opening 71bL are symmetrical in the longitudinal direction with respect to the right guide 71gR and the discharge opening 71bR, but they do not have to be completely symmetrical. Furthermore, the number of left guides 71gL may differ from the number of right guides 71gR.

[0210] Although the left guide 71gL and the right guide 71gR guide the toner in different directions, they generally have the same basic structure and function. Therefore, in the following description, the left guide 71gL and the right guide 71gR will be referred to as the guide portion 71g, and the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR will be referred to as the discharge openings 71b.

[0211] As shown in FIG. 14 , the guide portion 71g is closer to the first receiving surface 71d1 than to the second receiving surface 71d2. In this embodiment, the guide portion 71g is disposed on the first receiving surface 71d1. That is, the base of the guide portion 71g is connected to the first receiving surface 71d1. Note that the first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bL is formed, the first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bR is formed, and the first receiving surface 71d1 to which the guide portion 71g is connected may be discontinuous. For example, the first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bL is formed, the first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bR is formed, and the first receiving surface 71d1 to which the guide portion 71g is connected may not be parallel to each other and may be positioned at different positions in the thickness direction. Meanwhile, a gap is formed between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2.

[0212] When the toner cartridge 70 is attached to or detached from the developing device 50, the first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bL is formed, the first receiving surface 71d1 on which the discharge opening 71bR is formed, and the first receiving surface 71d1 to which the guide portion 71g is connected are all positioned on the upper end side of the toner accommodating chamber 71a. Furthermore, the tip of the guide portion 71g is positioned below the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR. As a result, when the toner cartridge 70 is oriented for attachment to or detachment from the developing device 50, excessive toner concentration below the discharge openings 71bR and 71bL is suppressed.

[0213] 13 and 14 , the guide portion 71g has an outer end 71go and an inner end 71gi. In the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90, the inner end 71gi is closer to the rotation axis 90c than the outer end 71go. In the longitudinal direction, the inner end 71gi is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the outer end 71go. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first receiving surface 71d1, the angle formed by a line passing through the inner end 71gi and the outer end 71go and the longitudinal direction is preferably larger than the angle of repose of the toner.

[0214] In this embodiment, the distance between the outer end 71go and the inner end 71gi in the short direction is shorter than the distance between the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i. The outer surface 71o faces the outer end 71go in the short direction, and a gap is formed between the outer surface 71o and the outer end 71go. The inner surface 71i faces the inner end 71gi, and a gap is formed between the inner surface 71i and the inner end 71gi.

[0215] The guide portion 71g guides the toner moving from the outer end 71go to the inner end 71gi in the lateral direction toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0216] When the first receiving surface (first surface) 71d1 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the first receiving surface 71d1 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the first receiving surface 71d1 on the first receiving surface 71d1. At this time, the guide portion 71g guides the toner moving along the first receiving surface 71d1 in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0217] More specifically, with the first receiving surface 71d1 positioned below the second receiving surface 71d2, the first receiving surface 71d1 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so that the outer edge of the first receiving surface 71d1 in the direction of the rotation radius of the rotary body 90 is higher than the inner edge of the first receiving surface 71d1. When the inclination angle of the first receiving surface 71d1 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, toner moves along the first receiving surface 71d1 from the outer edge of the first receiving surface 71d1 toward the inner edge of the first receiving surface 71d1 in a direction intersecting the rotation axis 90c of the rotary body 90.

[0218] When the toner moving on the first receiving surface 71d1 comes into contact with the surface of the guide portion 71g facing the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction, the toner is guided by the guide portion 71g toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0219] On the other hand, when the second receiving surface (second surface) 71d2 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the second receiving surface 71d2 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the second receiving surface 71d2. At this time, the toner passes through the gap between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2 and moves from one of the outer end 71go and the inner end 71gi to the other of the outer end 71go and the inner end 71gi in the radial direction of the rotary body 90. The toner moving through the gap between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2 can move without being guided by the guide portion 71g.

[0220] As shown in Fig. 13, the discharge openings 71 (discharge openings 71bL, 71bR) are disposed between the outer end 71go and the inner end gi in the short-side direction. Furthermore, the discharge openings 71 (discharge openings 71bL, 71bR) are closer to the outer surface 71o than to the inner surface 71i in the short-side direction. However, the arrangement of the discharge openings 71 (discharge openings 71bL, 71bR) is not limited thereto. The discharge openings 71 (discharge openings 71bL, 71bR) may be closer to the inner surface 71i than to the outer surface 71o in the short-side direction.

[0221] In this embodiment, toner can move in the longitudinal direction through the gap formed between the outer surface 71o and the outer end 71go and the gap formed between the inner surface 71i and the inner end 71gi. Furthermore, toner can move in the longitudinal direction through the gap between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2. Therefore, the guide portion 71g can be positioned so that at least one of the gaps formed between the outer surface 71o and the outer end 71go and the gap between the inner surface 71i and the inner end 71gi is eliminated. In other words, the guide portion 71g may be connected to at least one of the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i.

[0222] As will be described later, the toner moves along the first receiving surface 71d1 and the second receiving surface 71d2 as the rotary assembly 90 rotates. The toner that has moved along the first receiving surface 71d1 and the second receiving surface 71d2 collides with the inner surface 71i and the outer surface 71o and spreads in the longitudinal direction.

[0223] <Rotation of Rotary Assembly and Movement of Toner> The movement of toner accompanying the rotation of rotary assembly 90A will be described using Figures 15A and 15B. Figures 15A and 15B are schematic diagrams viewed in the Y direction, showing toner cartridge 70 rotating about rotation axis 90C. In Figures 15A and 15B, the dotted line drawn inside toner storage chamber 71a indicates the developer surface (top surface of toner) of the toner stored in toner storage chamber 71a.

[0224] The toner cartridge 70 is attached to or detached from the rotary body 90 at position Tp2. When the toner cartridge 70 is at position Tp0, the first receiving surface 71d1 and the second receiving surface 71d2 are parallel to the Z direction, and the toner cartridge 70 is above the rotation axis 90c. When the toner cartridge 70 is at position Tp4, the first receiving surface 71d1 and the second receiving surface 71d2 are parallel to the Z direction, and the toner cartridge 70 is below the rotation axis 90c.

[0225] 15A, the rotary assembly 90A rotates clockwise as viewed in the direction Y. When the toner cartridge 70 rotates once from position Tp0, the toner cartridge 70 moves to positions Tp0, Tp1, Tp2, Tp3, Tp4, Tp5, Tp6, and Tp7 in this order, before returning to position Tp0.

[0226] At position Tp0, the toner is supported by the inner surface 71i, and the toner's own weight is supported by the inner surface 71i. When the toner cartridge 70 rotates clockwise from position Tp0, the toner's own weight is supported by the second receiving surface 71d2. The toner supported by the inner surface 71i at position Tp0 spontaneously crumbles as the toner cartridge 70 rotates, and spreads over the second receiving surface 71d2.

[0227] When the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp2 to position Tp4, gravity acts on the toner, causing the toner to move by its own weight on the second receiving surface 71d2 from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o. At position Tp2, the toner is biased toward the inner surface 71i, so when the toner cartridge 70 moves from position Tp2 to position Tp4, a large amount of toner moves on the second receiving surface 71d2 from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o.

[0228] The toner moving on the second receiving surface 71d2 toward the outer surface 71o collides with the outer surface 71o and spreads in the longitudinal direction. It is preferable that the angle between the second receiving surface 71d2 and the outer surface 71o is close to a right angle.

[0229] More specifically, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, the proportion of the portion of the outer surface 71o where the angle between it and the second receiving surface 71d2 is between 80 degrees and 100 degrees preferably exceeds 50%, and more preferably exceeds 80%, of the entire outer surface 71o. As shown in Figures 29A and 29B, the outer surface 71o is flat, but it may also be curved.

[0230] In addition, in the longitudinal direction, the length of the area where the angle between the outer surface 71o and the second receiving surface 71d2 satisfies the above condition preferably exceeds 50% of the length of the toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably exceeds 80%.

[0231] At position Tp4, the toner is supported on the outer surface 71o, and the toner's own weight is supported on the outer surface 71o. When the toner cartridge 70 rotates clockwise from position Tp4, the toner's own weight is supported on the first receiving surface 71d1. The toner supported on the outer surface 71o at position Tp4 spontaneously crumbles as the toner cartridge 70 rotates, and spreads over the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0232] When the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp6 to position Tp0, gravity acts on the toner, causing the toner to move by its own weight on the first receiving surface 71d1 from the outer surface 71o toward the inner surface 71i. At position Tp6, the toner is biased toward the outer surface 71o, so when the toner cartridge 70 moves from position Tp6 to position Tp0, a large amount of toner moves on the first receiving surface 71d1 from the outer surface 71o toward the inner surface 71i.

[0233] The toner moving on the first receiving surface 71d1 toward the inner surface 71i collides with the inner surface 71i and spreads in the longitudinal direction. It is preferable that the angle between the first receiving surface 71d1 and the inner surface 71i is close to a right angle.

[0234] More specifically, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, the proportion of the portion of the inner surface 71i where the angle between it and the first receiving surface 71d1 is between 80 degrees and 100 degrees preferably exceeds 50%, and more preferably exceeds 80%, of the entire inner surface 71i. As shown in Figures 29A and 29B, the inner surface 71i is flat, but it may also be curved.

[0235] In addition, in the longitudinal direction, the length of the area where the angle between the inner surface 71i and the first receiving surface 71d1 satisfies the above condition preferably exceeds 50% of the length of the toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably exceeds 80%.

[0236] In this embodiment, the rotary assembly 90A rotates clockwise as viewed in the Y direction (FIG. 15A). However, even if the rotary assembly 90A rotates counterclockwise as viewed in the Y direction, the toner inside the toner cartridge 70 moves as the rotary assembly 90A rotates. In FIG. 15B, the rotary assembly 90A rotates counterclockwise as viewed in the Y direction. When the toner cartridge 70 rotates once from position Tp0, the toner cartridge 70 moves to positions Tp0, Tp7, Tp6, Tp5, Tp4, Tp3, Tp2, and Tp1 in this order, before returning to position Tp0.

[0237] At position Tp0, the toner is supported by the inner surface 71i, and the toner's own weight is supported by the inner surface 71i. When the toner cartridge 70 rotates counterclockwise from position Tp0, the toner's own weight is supported by the first receiving surface 71d1. The toner supported by the inner surface 71i at position Tp0 spontaneously crumbles as the toner cartridge 70 rotates, and spreads over the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0238] When the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp6 to position Tp4, gravity acts on the toner, causing the toner to move by its own weight on the first receiving surface 71d1 from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o. At position Tp6, the toner is biased toward the inner surface 71i, so when the toner cartridge 70 moves from position Tp6 to position Tp4, a large amount of toner moves on the first receiving surface 71d1 from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o.

[0239] The toner moving on the first receiving surface 71d1 toward the outer surface 71o collides with the outer surface 71o and spreads in the longitudinal direction. It is preferable that the angle between the first receiving surface 71d1 and the outer surface 71o is close to a right angle.

[0240] More specifically, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, the proportion of the portion of the outer surface 71o where the angle between it and the first receiving surface 71d1 is between 80 degrees and 100 degrees preferably exceeds 50%, and more preferably exceeds 80%, of the entire outer surface 71o. As shown in Figures 29A and 29B, the outer surface 71o is flat, but it may also be curved.

[0241] In addition, in the longitudinal direction, the length of the area where the angle between the outer surface 71o and the first receiving surface 71d1 satisfies the above condition preferably exceeds 50% of the length of the toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably exceeds 80%.

[0242] At position Tp4, the toner is supported on the outer surface 71o, and the toner's own weight is supported on the outer surface 71o. When the toner cartridge 70 rotates counterclockwise from position Tp4, the toner's own weight is supported on the second receiving surface 71d2. The toner supported on the outer surface 71o at position Tp4 spontaneously crumbles as the toner cartridge 70 rotates, and spreads over the second receiving surface 71d2.

[0243] When the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp2 to position Tp0, gravity acts on the toner, causing the toner to move by its own weight on the second receiving surface 71d2 from the outer surface 71o toward the inner surface 71i. At position Tp2, the toner is biased toward the outer surface 71o, so when the toner cartridge 70 moves from position Tp6 to position Tp0, a large amount of toner moves on the second receiving surface 71d2 from the outer surface 71o toward the inner surface 71i.

[0244] The toner moving on the second receiving surface 71d2 toward the inner surface 71i collides with the inner surface 71i and spreads in the longitudinal direction. It is preferable that the angle between the second receiving surface 71d2 and the inner surface 71i is close to a right angle.

[0245] More specifically, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, the proportion of the portion of the inner surface 71i where the angle between it and the second receiving surface 71d2 is between 80 degrees and 100 degrees preferably exceeds 50%, and more preferably exceeds 80%, of the entire inner surface 71i. As shown in Figures 29A and 29B, the inner surface 71i is flat, but it may also be curved.

[0246] In addition, in the longitudinal direction, the length of the area where the angle between the inner surface 71i and the second receiving surface 71d2 satisfies the above condition preferably exceeds 50% of the length of the toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably exceeds 80%.

[0247] That is, as rotary assembly 90A rotates, toner moves on first receiving surface 71d1. It is preferable that the angle between first receiving surface 71d1 and either inner surface 71i or outer surface 71o, whichever surface is downstream of first receiving surface 71d1 in the toner movement direction, satisfies the above-mentioned relationship. In other words, it is preferable that the proportion of the area where the angle between that surface and first receiving surface 71d1 is between 80 degrees and 100 degrees exceeds 50% of the entire surface. Furthermore, it is preferable that the length of the area satisfying this condition in the longitudinal direction exceeds 50% of the length of toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably exceeds 80%.

[0248] Furthermore, as rotary assembly 90A rotates, toner moves on second receiving surface 71d2. It is preferable that the angle between second receiving surface 71d2 and either inner surface 71i or outer surface 71o, whichever surface is downstream of second receiving surface 71d2 in the toner movement direction, satisfies the above-mentioned relationship. In other words, it is preferable that the proportion of the portion of the surface where the angle between that surface and second receiving surface 71d2 is between 80 degrees and 100 degrees exceeds 50% of the entire surface. It is also preferable that the length of the region satisfying this condition in the longitudinal direction exceeds 50% of the length of toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably exceeds 80%.

[0249] In this embodiment, both the inner surface 71i and the outer surface 71o satisfy the above conditions, but either the inner surface 71i or the outer surface 71o may satisfy the above conditions. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the inner surface 71i and the outer surface 71o satisfies the above conditions.

[0250] <Guiding and Discharging Toner by Rotation of Rotary Assembly> Using Figures 13, 14, 15A, 15B, 16, 17, and 30, we will explain how toner is guided and discharged from discharge opening 71b when rotary assembly 90A rotates.

[0251] 16, 17, and 30 are schematic diagrams showing the rotary assembly 90A rotating about a rotation axis 90C as viewed in the Y direction. Toner cartridges 70 and corresponding development units 50 are shown in Fig. 16 and 17. Toner cartridges 70 and corresponding development units 50 are shown in Fig. 16 at positions Tp0, TP2, Tp4, and Tp6, respectively. In Fig. 17, the upper left development unit 50 is in the development position.

[0252] In this embodiment, the rotary assembly 90A rotates clockwise in Figures 16 and 17. Therefore, the first receiving surface 71d1 is located upstream of the second receiving surface 71d2 in the direction of rotation of the rotary assembly 90A (the direction of rotation of the rotary body 90). In Figure 17, the upper left toner cartridge 70 corresponds to the development unit 50 at the development position and is located between positions Tp6 and Tp0.

[0253] As described above, the guide portion 71g in this embodiment guides toner moving on the first receiving surface 71d1 in the short-side direction from the outer end 71go to the inner end 71gi in the long-side direction toward the discharge opening 71b. As described above, when the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp4 to position Tp0, the toner moves in the short-side direction from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i while the toner's own weight is supported by the first receiving surface 71d1 (see FIG. 30). In other words, while the toner's own weight is supported by the first receiving surface 71d1, the toner moves in the short-side direction from the outer end 71go to the inner end 71gi. As a result, the toner is guided in the long-side direction toward the discharge opening 71b by the guide portion 71g.

[0254] In this embodiment, the discharge opening 71b is provided in the first receiving surface 71d1, and when the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp4 to position Tp0, the discharge opening 71b is positioned above the receiving opening 53b. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp4 to position Tp0, the toner is discharged from the discharge opening 71b and supplied to the developing unit 50.

[0255] On the other hand, when the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp0 to position Tp4, the toner moves in the short-side direction from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o with its own weight supported by the second receiving surface 71d2 (see FIG. 30 ). In other words, the toner moves in the short-side direction from the inner end 71gi to the outer end 71go with its own weight supported by the second receiving surface 71d2. At this time, the toner moves from the inner end 71gi to the outer end 71go through the gap between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2.

[0256] If toner moves on the first receiving surface 71d1 in the short direction from the inner end 71gi to the outer end 71go, the toner is guided by the guide portion 71g so as to move away from the discharge opening 71b in the long direction. In this embodiment, when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and toner moves from the inner end 71gi to the outer end 71go, the toner moves through the gap between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2. Toner moving through the gap between the guide portion 71g and the second receiving surface 71d2 is not guided by the guide portion 71g. Therefore, the toner is prevented from being guided by the guide portion 71g so as to move away from the discharge opening 71b in the long direction.

[0257] As described above, in this embodiment, as the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates, toner moves in the short direction from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, and from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o. When the toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, the toner is guided by the guide portion 71g toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, when the toner moves from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o, the toner is prevented from being guided in the longitudinal direction away from the discharge opening 71b.

[0258] Therefore, when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) to which the toner cartridge 70 is attached rotates, the amount of toner moving in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b is greater than the amount of toner moving in the longitudinal direction away from the discharge opening 71b. Note that the amount of toner moving in the longitudinal direction away from the discharge opening 71b may be zero. Furthermore, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) may rotate multiple times.

[0259] In this manner, in this embodiment, the toner is guided in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b and discharged from the discharge opening 71b, so that the toner contained in the toner storage chamber 71a can be efficiently discharged from the discharge opening 71b.

[0260] <Example 2> A toner cartridge 170 according to Example 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 18. In Example 2, the same components as those described in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted in principle. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a toner cartridge 170 according to Example 2.

[0261] The toner cartridge 170 according to the second embodiment differs from the toner cartridge 70 according to the first embodiment in the arrangement of the guide portion 70g and the discharge opening 71b.

[0262] That is, the toner frame 71 of the toner cartridge 70 in Example 1 was provided with discharge openings 71bL and 71bR, whereas the toner frame 171 of the toner cartridge 170 in this example is provided with one discharge opening 71b. The shape and arrangement of the discharge opening 71b in this example are the same as the shape and arrangement of the discharge opening 71bL in Example 1.

[0263] The toner frame 171 also has at least one guide portion 71g. The toner frame 171 of this embodiment has multiple guide portions 71g. In this embodiment, the guide portion 71g has the same shape as the left guide 71gL of the first embodiment. In the longitudinal direction, the guide portion 71g is disposed between the center portion 71c of the toner frame 171 and the discharge opening 71b, and between the center portion 71c and the right side surface 71eR. As in the first embodiment, there is a gap between the second receiving surface 71d2 and the guide portion 71g (see FIG. 14).

[0264] In this embodiment, as the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates, toner moves in the short direction from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, and from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o. When toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, the toner is guided by the guide portion 71g toward the discharge opening 71b in the long direction. On the other hand, when toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, the toner is prevented from being guided in the long direction away from the discharge opening 71b.

[0265] The shape and arrangement of the discharge opening 71b may be the same as the shape and arrangement of the discharge opening 71bR in Example 1. In this case, the right guide 71gL has the same shape as the right guide 71gL in Example 1. The guide portion 71g can be disposed between the center portion 71c of the toner frame 171 and the discharge opening 71b, and between the center portion 71c and the left side surface 71eL.

[0266] <Embodiment 3> A toner cartridge 270 according to embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 19. In embodiment 3, the same components as those described in embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted in principle. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the internal structure of toner cartridge 270 according to embodiment 3.

[0267] The toner cartridge 270 according to the third embodiment differs from the toner cartridge 70 according to the first embodiment in the arrangement of the guide portion 70g and the discharge opening 71b.

[0268] That is, the toner frame 71 of the toner cartridge 70 in Example 1 was provided with discharge openings 71bL and 71bR. On the other hand, the toner frame 271 of the toner cartridge 270 in this embodiment is provided with one discharge opening 71b. The shape of the discharge opening 71b in this embodiment is the same as the shape of the discharge opening 71b in Example 1. Furthermore, the discharge opening 71b in this embodiment is positioned so as to overlap the center portion 71c of the toner frame 271 in the longitudinal direction.

[0269] The toner frame 271 also has at least one guide portion 71g. The toner frame 271 of this embodiment has multiple guide portions 71g. More specifically, the toner frame 271 of this embodiment includes at least one left guide 271gL and at least one right guide 271gR. The toner frame 271 also includes multiple left guides 271gL and multiple right guides 271gR. The left guide 271gL and the right guide 271gR guide the toner in the Y direction toward the discharge opening 71bR.

[0270] In this embodiment, the right guide 271gR has the same shape as the left guide 71gL in Example 1, and the left guide 271gL has the same shape as the right guide 71gR in Example 1. In the longitudinal direction, the left guide 271gL is disposed between the left side surface 71eL of the toner frame 271 and the discharge opening 71b, and the right guide 271gR is disposed between the right side surface 71eR and the discharge opening 71b. As in Example 1, there is a gap between the second receiving surface 71d2 and the guide portion 71g (see FIG. 14).

[0271] The left guide 271gL has a symmetrical shape with respect to the right guide 271gR in the longitudinal direction, but the shape does not have to be completely symmetrical. Also, the number of left guides 271gL and the number of right guides 271gR may be different.

[0272] In this embodiment, as the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates, toner moves in the short direction from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, and from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o. When toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, the toner is guided by the guide portion 71g toward the discharge opening 71b in the long direction. On the other hand, when toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, the toner is prevented from being guided in the long direction away from the discharge opening 71b.

[0273] <Modifications> In the above-described first to third embodiments, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates clockwise when viewed in the Y direction (see FIG. 15A). The guide portion 71g is disposed on the first receiving surface 71d1, and guides the toner in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b as the toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i. However, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration. Below, a toner cartridge according to a modification will be described. Note that the same components as those described in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted in principle.

[0274] 20, 21, and 22 are diagrams showing a toner cartridge 370 according to Modification 1. Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the toner cartridge 370 rotating about the rotation axis 90C, as viewed in the Y direction. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 370. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 370, specifically a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 370 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C, as viewed in the Y direction.

[0275] 20, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) according to the first modification rotates clockwise when viewed in the Y direction. Therefore, the first receiving surface 71d1 is disposed upstream of the second receiving surface 71d2 in the rotation direction of the rotary assembly 90A (the rotation direction of the rotary body 90).

[0276] 21 and 22 , the toner frame 371 has at least one guide portion 371g that guides the toner contained in the toner container 71a. The toner frame 371 of Modification 1 includes multiple guide portions 371g. Each guide portion 371g is configured to guide the toner, which moves due to its own weight in a direction intersecting the Y direction, in the Y direction toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0277] In the first modification, the toner frame 371 includes at least one left guide 371gL and at least one right guide 371gR. The left guide 371gL guides the toner in the Y direction toward the discharge opening 71bL, and the right guide 371gR guides the toner in the Y direction toward the discharge opening 71bR.

[0278] In the longitudinal direction, the left guide 371gL is disposed between the center 71c of the toner frame 371 and the discharge opening 71bL, and the right guide 371gR is disposed between the center 71c of the toner frame 371 and the discharge opening 71bR. The left guide 371gL and the discharge opening 71bL are symmetrical in the longitudinal direction with respect to the right guide 371gR and the discharge opening 71bR, but they do not have to be completely symmetrical. Furthermore, the number of left guides 371gL and the number of right guides 371gR may differ.

[0279] Although the left guide 371gL and the right guide 371gR guide the toner in different directions, they generally have the same basic configuration and function. Therefore, in the following description, the left guide 371gL and the right guide 371gR will be referred to as the guide portion 371g, and the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR will be referred to as the discharge openings 71b.

[0280] 22, the guide portion 371g is closer to the second receiving surface 71d2 than to the first receiving surface 71d1. In Modification 1, the guide portion 371g is disposed on the second receiving surface 71d2. That is, the base of the guide portion 371g is connected to the second receiving surface 71d2. Meanwhile, a gap is formed between the guide portion 371g and the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0281] 21 and 22 , the guide portion 371g has an inner end 371gi and an outer end 371go. In the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90, the inner end 371gi is closer to the rotation axis 90c than the outer end 371go. In the longitudinal direction, the outer end 371go is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the inner end 371gi. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the second receiving surface 71d2, the angle formed by a line passing through the outer end 371go and the inner end 371gi and the longitudinal direction is preferably larger than the angle of repose of the toner.

[0282] In this embodiment, the distance between the inner end 371gi and the outer end 371go in the short direction is shorter than the distance between the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i. The outer surface 71o faces the outer end 371go in the short direction, and a gap is formed between the outer surface 71o and the outer end 371go. The inner surface 71i faces the inner end 371gi, and a gap is formed between the inner surface 71i and the inner end 371gi.

[0283] The guide portion 371g guides the toner moving from the inner end 371gi toward the outer end 371go in the widthwise direction toward the discharge opening 71b in the lengthwise direction.

[0284] When the second receiving surface (first surface) 71d2 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the second receiving surface 71d2 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the second receiving surface 71d2. At this time, the guide portion 371g guides the toner moving along the second receiving surface 71d2 in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0285] More specifically, with the second receiving surface 71d2 positioned below the first receiving surface 71d1, the second receiving surface 71d2 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so that the inner end of the second receiving surface 71d2 in the direction of the radius of rotation of the rotary body 90 is higher than the outer end of the second receiving surface 71d2. When the inclination angle of the second receiving surface 71d2 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, toner moves along the second receiving surface 71d2 from the inner end of the second receiving surface 71d2 toward the outer end of the second receiving surface 71d2 in a direction intersecting the rotation axis 90c of the rotary body 90.

[0286] When the toner moving on the second receiving surface 71d2 comes into contact with the surface of the guide portion 371g facing the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction, the toner is guided by the guide portion 371g toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0287] On the other hand, when the first receiving surface (second surface) 71d1 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the first receiving surface 71d1 relative to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the first receiving surface 71d1. At this time, the toner passes through the gap between the guide portion 371g and the first receiving surface 71d1 and moves from one of the inner end 371gi and the outer end 371go to the other of the inner end 371gi and the outer end 371go in the direction of the rotation radius of the rotary body 90. The toner moving through the gap between the guide portion 371g and the first receiving surface 71d1 can move without being guided by the guide portion 371g.

[0288] As described above, the guide portion 371g in Modification 1 guides toner moving on the second receiving surface 71d2 in the short-side direction from the inner end 371gi to the outer end 371go in the long-side direction toward the discharge opening 71b. As described above, when the toner cartridge 370 rotates from position Tp0 to position Tp4, the toner moves in the short-side direction from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o with its own weight supported by the second receiving surface 71d2 (see FIG. 20 ). In other words, with its own weight supported by the second receiving surface 71d2, the toner moves in the short-side direction from the inner end 371gi to the outer end 371go. As a result, the toner is guided in the long-side direction by the guide portion 371g toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0289] In addition, in Modification 1, the discharge opening 71b is provided in the first receiving surface 71d1, and when the toner cartridge 370 rotates from position Tp4 to position Tp0, the discharge opening 71b is positioned above the receiving opening 53b. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 370 rotates from position Tp4 to position Tp0, the toner is discharged from the discharge opening 71b and supplied to the developing unit 50.

[0290] On the other hand, when the toner cartridge 370 rotates from position Tp4 to position Tp0, the toner moves in the short-side direction from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i with its own weight supported by the first receiving surface 71d1 (see FIG. 20 ). In other words, the toner moves in the short-side direction from the outer end 371go to the inner end 371gi with its own weight supported by the first receiving surface 71d1. At this time, the toner moves from the outer end 371go to the inner end 371gi through the gap between the guide portion 371g and the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0291] If toner moves on the second receiving surface 71d2 in the short direction from the outer end 371go to the inner end 371gi, the toner is guided by the guide portion 371g so as to move away from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. In Modification 1, when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and toner moves from the outer end 371go to the inner end 371gi, the toner moves through the gap between the guide portion 371g and the first receiving surface 71d1. Toner moving through the gap between the guide portion 371g and the first receiving surface 71d1 is not guided by the guide portion 371g. Therefore, the toner is prevented from being guided by the guide portion 371g so as to move away from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0292] As described above, in Modification 1, as the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates, toner moves in the short direction from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o, and toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i. When the toner moves from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o, the toner is guided by the guide portion 371g toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, when the toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, the toner is prevented from being guided in the longitudinal direction away from the discharge opening 71b.

[0293] 23, 24, and 25 are diagrams showing a toner cartridge 470 according to Modification 2. Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram showing the toner cartridge 470 rotating about the rotation axis 90C, as viewed in the Y direction. Fig. 24 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 470. Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 470, specifically a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 470 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C, as viewed in the Y direction.

[0294] 23, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) according to the second modification rotates counterclockwise when viewed in the Y direction. Therefore, the second receiving surface 71d2 is disposed upstream of the first receiving surface 71d1 in the rotation direction of the rotary assembly 90A (the rotation direction of the rotary body 90).

[0295] 24 and 25 , the toner frame 471 has at least one guide portion 471g that guides the toner contained in the toner containing portion 71a. The toner frame 471 of Modification 2 includes multiple guide portions 471g. Each guide portion 471g is configured to guide the toner, which moves due to its own weight in a direction intersecting the Y direction, in the Y direction toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0296] In the second modification, the toner frame 471 includes at least one left guide 471gL and at least one right guide 471gR. The left guide 471gL guides the toner in the Y direction toward the discharge opening 71bL, and the right guide 471gR guides the toner in the Y direction toward the discharge opening 71bR.

[0297] In the longitudinal direction, the left guide 471gL is disposed between the center 71c of the toner frame 471 and the discharge opening 71bL, and the right guide 471gR is disposed between the center 71c of the toner frame 471 and the discharge opening 71bR. The left guide 471gL and the discharge opening 71bL are symmetrical in the longitudinal direction with respect to the right guide 471gR and the discharge opening 71bR, but they do not have to be completely symmetrical. Furthermore, the number of left guides 471gL and the number of right guides 471gR may differ.

[0298] Although the left guide 471gL and the right guide 471gR guide the toner in different directions, they generally have the same basic configuration and function. Therefore, in the following description, the left guide 471gL and the right guide 471gR will be referred to as the guide portion 471g, and the discharge opening 71bL and the discharge opening 71bR will be referred to as the discharge opening 71b.

[0299] 25, the guide portion 471g is closer to the first receiving surface 71d1 than to the second receiving surface 71d2. In Modification 2, the guide portion 471g is disposed on the first receiving surface 71d1. That is, the base of the guide portion 471g is connected to the first receiving surface 71d1. Meanwhile, a gap is formed between the guide portion 471g and the second receiving surface 71d2.

[0300] 24 and 25 , the guide portion 471g has an inner end 471gi and an outer end 471go. In the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90, the inner end 471gi is closer to the rotation axis 90c than the outer end 471go. In addition, in the longitudinal direction, the outer end 471go is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the inner end 471gi. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first receiving surface 71d1, the angle formed by a line passing through the outer end 471go and the inner end 471gi and the longitudinal direction is preferably larger than the angle of repose of the toner.

[0301] In this embodiment, the distance between the inner end 471gi and the outer end 471go in the short direction is shorter than the distance between the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i. The outer surface 71o faces the outer end 471go in the short direction, and a gap is formed between the outer surface 71o and the outer end 471go. The inner surface 71i faces the inner end 471gi, and a gap is formed between the inner surface 71i and the inner end 471gi.

[0302] The guide portion 471g guides the toner moving from the inner end 471gi toward the outer end 471go in the widthwise direction toward the discharge opening 71b in the lengthwise direction.

[0303] When the first receiving surface (first surface) 71d1 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the first receiving surface 71d1 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the first receiving surface 71d1 and on the first receiving surface 71d1. At this time, the guide portion 471g guides the toner moving along the first receiving surface 71d1 in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0304] More specifically, with the first receiving surface 71d1 positioned below the second receiving surface 71d2, the first receiving surface 71d1 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so that the inner end of the first receiving surface 71d1 in the direction of the rotation radius of the rotary body 90 is higher than the outer end of the first receiving surface 71d1. When the inclination angle of the first receiving surface 71d1 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, toner moves along the first receiving surface 71d1 from the inner end of the first receiving surface 71d1 toward the outer end of the first receiving surface 71d1 in a direction intersecting the rotation axis 90c of the rotary body 90.

[0305] When the toner moving on the first receiving surface 71d1 comes into contact with the surface of the guide portion 471g facing the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction, the toner is guided by the guide portion 471g toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0306] On the other hand, when the second receiving surface (second surface) 71d2 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the second receiving surface 71d2 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the second receiving surface 71d2. At this time, the toner passes through the gap between the guide portion 471g and the second receiving surface 71d2 and moves from one of the inner end 471gi and the outer end 471go to the other of the inner end 471gi and the outer end 471go in the direction of the rotation radius of the rotary body 90. The toner moving through the gap between the guide portion 471g and the second receiving surface 71d2 can move without being guided by the guide portion 471g.

[0307] As described above, the guide portion 471g in Modification 2 guides toner moving on the first receiving surface 71d1 in the widthwise direction from the inner end 471gi to the outer end 471go in the lengthwise direction toward the discharge opening 71b. As described above, when the toner cartridge 470 rotates from position Tp0 to position Tp4, the toner moves in the widthwise direction from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o with its own weight supported by the first receiving surface 71d1 (see FIG. 23). In other words, with its own weight supported by the first receiving surface 71d1, the toner moves in the widthwise direction from the inner end 471gi to the outer end 471go. As a result, the toner is guided in the lengthwise direction by the guide portion 471g toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0308] In the second modification, the discharge opening 71b is provided in the first receiving surface 71d1, and when the toner cartridge 470 rotates from position Tp0 to position Tp4, the discharge opening 71b is positioned above the receiving opening 53b. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 470 rotates from position Tp0 to position Tp4, the toner is discharged from the discharge opening 71b and supplied to the developing unit 50.

[0309] On the other hand, when the toner cartridge 470 rotates from position Tp4 to position Tp0, the toner moves in the short-side direction from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i with its own weight supported by the second receiving surface 71d2 (see FIG. 23). In other words, the toner moves in the short-side direction from the outer end 471go to the inner end 471gi with its own weight supported by the second receiving surface 71d2. At this time, the toner moves from the outer end 471go to the inner end 471gi through the gap between the guide portion 471g and the second receiving surface 71d2.

[0310] If toner moves on the first receiving surface 71d1 in the short direction from the outer end 471go to the inner end 471gi, the toner is guided by the guide portion 471g so as to move away from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. In Modification 2, when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and toner moves from the outer end 471go to the inner end 471gi, the toner moves through the gap between the guide portion 471g and the second receiving surface 71d2. Toner moving through the gap between the guide portion 471g and the second receiving surface 71d2 is not guided by the guide portion 471g. Therefore, the toner is prevented from being guided by the guide portion 471g so as to move away from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0311] As described above, in Modification 2, as the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates, toner moves in the short direction from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o, and toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i. When the toner moves from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o, the toner is guided by the guide portion 471g toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, when the toner moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i, the toner is prevented from being guided in the longitudinal direction away from the discharge opening 71b.

[0312] 26, 27, and 28 are diagrams showing a toner cartridge 570 according to Modification 3. Fig. 26 is a schematic diagram showing the toner cartridge 570 rotating about the rotation axis 90C, as viewed in the Y direction. Fig. 27 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 570. Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 570, specifically a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 570 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C, as viewed in the Y direction.

[0313] 26, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) according to Modification 3 rotates counterclockwise when viewed in the Y direction. Therefore, the second receiving surface 71d2 is disposed upstream of the first receiving surface 71d1 in the rotation direction of the rotary assembly 90A (the rotation direction of the rotary body 90).

[0314] 27 and 28 , the toner frame 571 has at least one guide portion 571g that guides the toner contained in the toner containing portion 71a. The toner frame 571 of Modification 3 includes multiple guide portions 571g. Each guide portion 571g is configured to guide the toner, which moves due to its own weight in a direction intersecting the Y direction, in the Y direction toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0315] In the third modification, the toner frame 571 includes at least one left guide 571gL and at least one right guide 571gR. The left guide 571gL guides the toner in the Y direction toward the discharge opening 71bL, and the right guide 571gR guides the toner in the Y direction toward the discharge opening 71bR.

[0316] In the longitudinal direction, the left guide 571gL is disposed between the center 71c of the toner frame 571 and the discharge opening 71bL, and the right guide 571gR is disposed between the center 71c of the toner frame 571 and the discharge opening 71bR. The left guide 571gL and the discharge opening 71bL are symmetrical in the longitudinal direction with respect to the right guide 571gR and the discharge opening 71bR, but they do not have to be completely symmetrical. Furthermore, the number of left guides 571gL may differ from the number of right guides 571gR.

[0317] Although the left guide 571gL and the right guide 571gR guide the toner in different directions, they generally have the same basic configuration and function. Therefore, in the following description, the left guide 571gL and the right guide 571gR will be referred to as the guide portion 571g, and the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR will be referred to as the discharge openings 71b.

[0318] 28, the guide portion 571g is closer to the second receiving surface 71d2 than to the first receiving surface 71d1. In Modification 3, the guide portion 571g is disposed on the second receiving surface 71d2. That is, the base of the guide portion 571g is connected to the second receiving surface 71d2. Meanwhile, a gap is formed between the guide portion 571g and the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0319] 27 and 28 , the guide portion 571g has an inner end 571gi and an outer end 571go. In the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90, the inner end 571gi is closer to the rotation axis 90c than the outer end 571go. In addition, in the longitudinal direction, the inner end 571gi is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the outer end 571go. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first receiving surface 71d1, the angle formed by a line passing through the inner end 571gi and the outer end 571go and the longitudinal direction is preferably larger than the angle of repose of the toner.

[0320] In this embodiment, the distance between the inner end 571gi and the outer end 571go in the short direction is shorter than the distance between the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i. The outer surface 71o faces the outer end 571go in the short direction, and a gap is formed between the outer surface 71o and the outer end 571go. The inner surface 71i faces the inner end 571gi, and a gap is formed between the inner surface 71i and the inner end 571gi.

[0321] The guide portion 571g guides the toner moving in the widthwise direction from the outer end 571go to the inner end 571gi toward the discharge opening 71b in the lengthwise direction.

[0322] When the second receiving surface (first surface) 71d2 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the second receiving surface 71d2 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the second receiving surface 71d2. At this time, the guide portion 571g guides the toner moving along the second receiving surface 71d2 in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0323] More specifically, with the second receiving surface 71d2 positioned below the first receiving surface 71d1, the second receiving surface 71d2 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so that the outer edge of the second receiving surface 71d2 in the direction of the rotation radius of the rotary body 90 is higher than the inner edge of the second receiving surface 71d2. When the inclination angle of the second receiving surface 71d2 with respect to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, toner moves along the second receiving surface 71d2 from the outer edge of the second receiving surface 71d2 toward the inner edge of the second receiving surface 71d2 in a direction intersecting the rotation axis 90c of the rotary body 90.

[0324] When the toner moving on the second receiving surface 71d2 comes into contact with the surface of the guide portion 571g facing the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction, the toner is guided by the guide portion 571g toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction.

[0325] On the other hand, when the first receiving surface (second surface) 71d1 receives the weight of the toner and is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle of the first receiving surface 71d1 relative to the horizontal direction exceeds a predetermined angle, the toner moves along the first receiving surface 71d1. At this time, the toner passes through the gap between the guide portion 571g and the first receiving surface 71d1, and moves from one of the inner end 571gi and the outer end 571go to the other of the inner end 571gi and the outer end 571go in the radial direction of the rotary body 90. The toner moving through the gap between the guide portion 571g and the first receiving surface 71d1 can move without being guided by the guide portion 571g.

[0326] As described above, the guide portion 571g in Modification 3 guides toner moving on the second receiving surface 71d2 in the short-side direction from the outer end 571gi to the inner end 571go in the long-side direction toward the discharge opening 71b. As described above, when the toner cartridge 570 rotates from position Tp4 to position Tp0, the toner moves in the short-side direction from the outer surface 71i to the inner surface 71o with its own weight supported by the second receiving surface 71d2 (see FIG. 26). In other words, with its own weight supported by the second receiving surface 71d2, the toner moves in the short-side direction from the outer end 571gi to the inner end 571go. As a result, the toner is guided in the long-side direction by the guide portion 571g toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0327] In the third modification, the discharge opening 71b is provided in the first receiving surface 71d1, and when the toner cartridge 570 rotates from position Tp0 to position Tp4, the discharge opening 71b is positioned above the receiving opening 53b. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 570 rotates from position Tp0 to position Tp4, the toner is discharged from the discharge opening 71b and supplied to the developing unit 50.

[0328] On the other hand, when the toner cartridge 570 rotates from position Tp0 to position Tp4, the toner moves in the short-side direction from the inner surface 71o to the outer surface 71i with its own weight supported by the first receiving surface 71d1 (see FIG. 26 ). In other words, the toner moves in the short-side direction from the inner end 571go to the outer end 571gi with its own weight supported by the first receiving surface 71d1. At this time, the toner moves from the inner end 571go to the outer end 571gi through the gap between the guide portion 571g and the second receiving surface 71d2.

[0329] If toner moves on the second receiving surface 71d2 in the short direction from the inner end 571go to the outer end 571gi, the toner is guided by the guide portion 571g so as to move away from the discharge opening 71b in the long direction. In Modification 3, when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates and toner moves from the inner end 571go to the outer end 571gi, the toner moves through the gap between the guide portion 571g and the first receiving surface 71d1. Toner moving through the gap between the guide portion 571g and the first receiving surface 71d1 is not guided by the guide portion 571g. Therefore, the toner is prevented from being guided by the guide portion 571g so as to move away from the discharge opening 71b in the long direction.

[0330] As described above, in Modification 3, as the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates, toner moves in the short direction from the outer surface 71i to the inner surface 71o, and from the inner surface 71o to the outer surface 71i. When the toner moves from the outer surface 71i to the inner surface 71o, the toner is guided by the guide portion 571g toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, when the toner moves from the inner surface 71o to the outer surface 71i, the toner is prevented from being guided in the longitudinal direction away from the discharge opening 71b.

[0331] In the first to third variations, when the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) rotates, the amount of toner moving in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b is greater than the amount of toner moving in the longitudinal direction away from the discharge opening 71b. Note that the amount of toner moving in the longitudinal direction away from the discharge opening 71b may be zero. Furthermore, the rotary body 90 (rotary assembly 90A) may rotate multiple times.

[0332] In this way, in Modifications 1 to 3, the toner is guided in the longitudinal direction toward the discharge opening 71b and discharged from the discharge opening 71b. Therefore, the toner contained in the toner-accommodating chamber 71a can be efficiently discharged from the discharge opening 71b.

[0333] The guide portions 371g, 471g, and 571g may also be connected to at least one of the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i in Modifications 1 to 3. Even if the discharge opening 71b is located at the position shown in Examples 2 and 3, the locations and shapes of the guide portions 371g, 471g, and 571g in Modifications 1 to 3 may be changed as appropriate so that the toner is guided to the discharge opening 71b.

[0334] As described above in Examples 1 to 3 and Modifications 1 to 3, one of the inner end and the outer end of the guide portion is closer to the discharge opening 71b in the direction of the rotation axis 90C than the other of the inner end and the outer end. The guide portion is configured to guide toner moving from the other of the inner end and the outer end toward the one of the inner end and the outer end in the radial direction of rotation toward the discharge opening 71b in the direction of the rotation axis 90C.

[0335] The guide portions (70g, 371g, 471g, 571g) are configured to guide the toner, which is moved as the orientation of the toner cartridge changes, in the longitudinal direction (the direction of the rotation axis 90C) toward the discharge opening 71b. In this embodiment, the orientation of the toner cartridge changes as the rotary assembly 90A (the rotary body 90 to which the toner cartridge is attached) rotates. In other words, the guide portions (70g to 571g) guide the toner, which is moved as the rotary assembly 90A rotates (more specifically, the toner moved in the direction of the radius of rotation of the rotary assembly 90A), toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction (the direction of the rotation axis 90C).

[0336] As described above, the toner cartridge has multiple guide portions (70g, 371g, 471g, 571g). As the rotary assembly 90A further rotates, at least a portion of the toner guided by one guide portion is guided by the adjacent guide portion. As the rotary assembly 90A rotates repeatedly, the toner is repeatedly transferred between the multiple guide portions. As a result, the toner is guided longitudinally toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0337] In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the rotary body 90 is configured to include four developing units 50y-50k and to form color images using four colors of toner. However, the rotary body 90 may include three or fewer developing units, or five or more developing units. For example, the rotary body 90 may include only one developing unit 50k, and only one toner cartridge 70k may be attached to the rotary body 90. In this case, the rotary body 90 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 90C in FIG. 1, and can alternate between a black replacement position and a black development position.

[0338] In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the rotary body 90 is configured to include four developing units 50y-50k and to form color images using four colors of toner. However, the rotary body 90 may also include multiple developing units capable of forming images using the same color of toner. For example, the rotary body 90 may be configured to include four black developing units 50k, and four toner cartridges 70k may be attached to the rotary body 90.

[0339] In each of the above-described embodiments and modified examples, the toner cartridge is mounted to the rotary body 90 so that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. Also, as shown in FIG. 1 , the toner cartridge is mounted to the rotary body 90 so that its transverse direction is aligned with the rotation radius direction of the rotary body 90 and its thickness direction is aligned with the rotation direction of the rotary body 90. In other words, the angle (narrow angle) between the rotation radius direction and the transverse direction of the rotary body 90 is smaller than the angle (narrow angle) between the rotation direction and the transverse direction of the rotary body 90. Also, the angle (narrow angle) between the rotation direction and the thickness direction of the rotary body 90 is smaller than the angle (narrow angle) between the rotation radius direction and the thickness direction of the rotary body 90.

[0340] It can also be said that when the toner cartridge is attached to the rotary body 90, the length of the toner cartridge in the direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 is shorter than the length of the toner cartridge in the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90.

[0341] In this embodiment, the length of the toner cartridge in the rotation direction of the rotary body 90 is defined as follows. As shown in Figure 15A, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C, of ​​the imaginary circles that are centered on the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 and overlap with the toner cartridge, the circle with the longest arc length that overlaps with the toner cartridge is called the length definition circle LDC. The length of the toner cartridge in the rotation direction of the rotary body 90 refers to the arc length of the portion LPC of the length definition circle LDC that overlaps with the toner cartridge.

[0342] In this embodiment, the length of the toner cartridge in the direction of the rotational radius of the rotary body 90 is defined as follows. As shown in Figure 15A, when viewed in the direction of the rotational axis 90C, of ​​the straight lines that pass through the rotational axis 90C of the rotary body 90 and overlap with the toner cartridge, the straight line that overlaps with the toner cartridge for the longest length is called the length definition line LDL. The length of the toner cartridge in the direction of the rotational radius of the rotary body 90 refers to the length of the portion LPL of the length definition line LDL that overlaps with the toner cartridge.

[0343] As a result of arranging the toner cartridges relative to the rotary body 90 as described above, the length of the space required for arranging the toner cartridges in the direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 is shortened, allowing the toner cartridges to be arranged efficiently while reducing the size of the rotary body 90. More specifically, the developing units 50y to 50k and the corresponding toner cartridges y to k can be arranged in a small space in the direction of rotation of the rotary body 90.

[0344] Furthermore, as described above, in each embodiment and modified example, the surface provided with the discharge opening 71b extends so as to intersect (preferably perpendicular to) the thickness direction. As a result, toner is easily supplied from the toner cartridge to the developing unit 50. Furthermore, the surface to which the guide portions (71g, 171g, 271g, 371g, 471g, 571g) are connected extends so as to intersect (preferably perpendicular to) the thickness direction. When the rotary assembly 90A rotates, the amount of toner moving on the surface extending so as to intersect the thickness direction is greater than the amount of toner moving on the surface extending so as to intersect the short direction. Therefore, by connecting the guide portions to the surface extending so as to intersect the thickness direction, toner can be moved significantly along the guide portions.

[0345] In each embodiment and modified example, the guide portion (71g, 171g, 271g, 371g, 471g, 571g) is connected to the rear surface of the exterior surface of the toner frame 71. In other words, the guide portion 71g is connected to the outer wall of the toner frame 71. When the rotary assembly 90A rotates, the toner contained in the toner storage chamber 71a moves along the rear surface of the exterior surface. Because the guide portion is connected to the rear surface of the exterior surface of the toner frame 71, the toner can be moved significantly along the guide portion.

[0346] In each embodiment and modified example, the toner is guided by the guide portions (71g, 171g, 271g, 371g, 471g, 571g) adjacent to the discharge opening 71b, and then received by at least one of the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i before reaching the discharge opening 71b. This makes it easier for the toner to spread in the longitudinal direction so that the position of the toner overlaps the position of the discharge opening 71b.

[0347] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention.

[0348] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-000582 filed on January 5, 2024 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-071430 filed on April 25, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having a developing unit with a developing roller, a rotary member that supports the developing unit and is rotatable about a rotational axis extending in the axial direction, and a toner cartridge removably attached to the rotary member, the toner cartridge including: (i) a storage chamber for storing toner, (ii) a guide portion for guiding the toner, and (iii) a discharge port through which the toner supplied from the storage chamber to the developing unit passes; and a frame body, wherein the guide portion is configured to guide the toner moving by its own weight in a direction intersecting the axial direction toward the discharge port in the axial direction, the guide portion includes an inner end and an outer end, and when viewed in the axial direction of the rotary member, the inner end is closer to the rotational axis than the outer end in the radial direction of rotation of the rotary member, the length of the toner cartridge in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge is longer than the length of the toner cartridge in the short direction of the toner cartridge, and the length of the toner cartridge in the short direction of the toner cartridge is longer than the length of the toner cartridge in the thickness direction of the toner cartridge, the toner cartridge has a surface provided with the discharge opening and a surface to which the guide portion is connected, the surface provided with the discharge opening extends so as to intersect the thickness direction, and the surface to which the guide portion is connected extends so as to intersect the thickness direction.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in the axial direction, one of the inner end and the outer end is closer to the discharge port than the other of the inner end and the outer end, and the guide portion is configured to guide the toner moving from the other of the inner end and the outer end toward the one of the inner end and the outer end in the radial direction of rotation toward the discharge port in the axial direction.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the frame body has a first surface facing the storage portion and a second surface facing the storage chamber and the first surface, the first surface receives the self-weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the guide portion is configured to guide the toner moving along the first surface toward the discharge port in the axial direction.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a gap is formed between the second surface and the guide portion.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second surface receives the self-weight of the toner, and in a state inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, through the gap, the toner moves in the radial direction of rotation from one of the inner end and the outer end toward the other of the inner end and the outer end.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the frame body has an inner surface facing the inner end and an outer surface facing the outer end, in the radial direction of rotation, the inner surface is closer to the rotation axis than the outer surface, a gap is formed between the inner surface and the inner end, and a gap is formed between the outer surface and the outer end.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the frame body has an inner surface facing the inner end and an outer surface facing the outer end, in the radial direction of rotation, the inner surface is closer to the rotation axis than the outer surface, a gap is formed between the inner surface and the inner end, and a gap is formed between the outer surface and the outer end.

8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the discharge port faces the second surface.

9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the discharge port faces the first surface.

10. A developing unit having a developing roller, a rotary member that supports the developing unit and is rotatable about a rotational axis extending in the axial direction, and a toner cartridge removably attached to the rotary member, the toner cartridge including: (i) a storage chamber for storing toner, (ii) a guide portion for guiding the toner, and (iii) a discharge port through which the toner supplied from the storage chamber to the developing unit passes; and a frame body, wherein the guide portion is configured to guide the toner moved by the rotation of the rotary member toward the discharge port in the axial direction, the guide portion includes an inner end and an outer end, and when viewed in the axial direction of the rotary member, the inner end is closer to the rotational axis than the outer end in the radial direction of the rotation of the rotary member, the length of the toner cartridge in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge is longer than the length of the toner cartridge in the short-side direction of the toner cartridge, and the length of the toner cartridge in the short-side direction of the toner cartridge is longer than the length of the toner cartridge in the thickness direction of the toner cartridge, the toner cartridge has a surface provided with the discharge opening and a surface to which the guide portion is connected, the surface provided with the discharge opening extends so as to intersect the thickness direction, and the surface to which the guide portion is connected extends so as to intersect the thickness direction. An image forming apparatus characterized by the above.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein in the axial direction, one of the inner end and the outer end is closer to the discharge port than the other of the inner end and the outer end, and the guide portion is configured to guide the toner moving from the other of the inner end and the outer end to the one of the inner end and the outer end in the radial direction of rotation toward the discharge port in the axial direction.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the frame body has a first surface facing the storage portion and a second surface facing the storage chamber and the first surface, the first surface receives the weight of the toner and is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the guide portion is configured to guide the toner moving along the first surface toward the discharge port in the axial direction.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a gap is formed between the second surface and the guide portion.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the second surface receives the self-weight of the toner, and the toner moves from one of the inner end and the outer end to the other of the inner end and the outer end in the radial direction of rotation through the gap while being inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the frame has an inner surface facing the inner end and an outer surface facing the outer end, the inner surface is closer to the rotation axis than the outer surface in the radial direction of rotation, a gap is formed between the inner surface and the inner end, and a gap is formed between the outer surface and the outer end.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the frame has an inner surface facing the inner end and an outer surface facing the outer end, the inner surface is closer to the rotation axis than the outer surface in the radial direction of rotation, a gap is formed between the inner surface and the inner end, and a gap is formed between the outer surface and the outer end.

17. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the discharge port faces the second surface.

18. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the discharge port faces the first surface.

19. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the frame includes a plurality of toner guides, and each of the plurality of toner guides is the guide portion.

20. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the frame includes a first opening and a second opening, each of the first opening and the second opening is the discharge port, the frame includes a plurality of toner guides, and the plurality of toner guides include a guide portion for guiding the toner toward the first opening in the axial direction and a guide portion for guiding the toner toward the second opening in the axial direction.

21. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the toner cartridge is mounted on the rotary so that the length of the toner cartridge in the radial direction of rotation is longer than the length of the toner cartridge in the rotational direction of the rotary.

Images