Toner cartridge and image forming device

Abstract

This toner cartridge, which stores toner, comprises: a toner frame body having a discharge opening; a guide part including a guide surface; and a restriction part including a restriction surface. In a state where the toner cartridge takes a first posture, at least a part of the toner received by the guide surface is guided toward the downstream side of the guide part in an approaching direction when a direction from the guide part toward the discharge opening and parallel to a horizontal direction is defined as the approaching direction. In a state where the toner cartridge takes a second posture, the movement of at least part of the toner received by the restriction part toward the downstream side of the restriction surface in a retreat direction is restricted when a direction from the discharge opening toward the guide part and parallel to the horizontal direction is defined as the retreat direction.

Description

Toner Cartridge and Image Forming Apparatus

[0001] The present invention relates to a toner cartridge for use in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or printer, and an image forming apparatus to which the toner cartridge is attached.

[0002] In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, a rotary developing system is known, which forms color images by rotating a rotary member provided with a plurality of developing rollers. In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-271663, a developer supply container is attached to a rotary developing device. A conveyance protrusion serving as a conveyance unit configured to convey stored developer to a discharge opening is provided inside the container body of the developer supply container.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-271663

[0004] In a toner cartridge having a guide section that conveys toner toward a discharge opening, if toner is conveyed in a direction opposite to the toner conveyance direction of the guide section, the efficiency of toner discharge from the toner cartridge decreases.

[0005] One object of the present disclosure is to, in a toner cartridge having a guide section that conveys toner toward a discharge opening, suppress conveyance of toner in a direction opposite to the toner conveyance direction of the guide section.

[0006] The toner cartridge relating to this disclosure is as follows: A toner cartridge for containing toner, comprising: a toner frame having a toner storage chamber for containing the toner and an discharge opening through which the toner discharged from the toner storage chamber passes; a guide portion provided inside the toner storage chamber and including a first end, a second end, and one or more guide surfaces positioned between the first and second ends; and a restricting portion provided inside the toner storage chamber and including one or more restricting surfaces, wherein when the toner cartridge takes a first position, the first end is located at the upper end of the guide portion, the second end is located at the lower end of the guide portion, and the one or more guide surfaces face upward in the vertical direction and extend in a direction intersecting both the vertical and horizontal directions; and when the toner cartridge takes a second position which is the inversion of the first position in the vertical direction, the one or more restricting surfaces face upward in the vertical direction and are positioned between the first and second ends in the horizontal direction. A toner cartridge characterized in that, when the toner cartridge is in the first position, and the approach direction is parallel to the horizontal direction and is toward the discharge opening from the guide portion, at least a portion of the toner received on one or more guide surfaces is guided toward the downstream side of the guide portion in the approach direction, and when the toner cartridge is in the second position, and the retraction direction is parallel to the horizontal direction and is toward the discharge opening from the guide portion, at least a portion of the toner received on one or more restricting surfaces is restricted from moving toward the downstream side of the one or more restricting surfaces in the retraction direction.

[0007] According to the present invention, in a toner cartridge having a guide section that transports toner toward an outlet opening, it is possible to suppress the transport of toner in a direction opposite to the toner transport direction by the guide section.

[0008] Schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus according to Example 1. Configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus according to Example 1. Schematic diagram of the developing unit, toner cartridge, and tray according to Example 1. Cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to Example 1. Cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to Example 1. Perspective view of the rotary body according to Example 1. Perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to Example 1. Perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to Example 1. Perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to Example 1. Cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to Example 1. Cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to Example 1. Explanatory diagram of the rotary body according to Example 1. Explanatory diagram of the rotary body according to Example 1. Explanatory diagram of the rotary body according to Example 1. Explanatory diagram of the rotary body according to Example 1. Explanatory diagram of the configuration related to tray movement according to Example 1. Explanatory diagram of the configuration related to tray movement according to Example 1. Explanatory diagram of the configuration related to tray movement according to Example 1. Explanatory diagram of the configuration related to tray movement according to Example 1. Diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to Example 1. Diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to Example 1. Cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to Example 1. Cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to Example 1. A schematic diagram of the toner cartridge according to Example 1, showing a toner cartridge rotating around a rotation axis, viewed in the Y direction. A diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to Example 1. A diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to Example 1. A diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to Example 1. A diagram illustrating the rotation of the rotary assembly according to Example 1. A diagram illustrating the rotation of the rotary assembly according to Example 1. A diagram illustrating the rotation of the rotary assembly according to Example 1. A diagram illustrating the rotation of the rotary assembly according to Example 1. A diagram illustrating the rotation of the rotary assembly according to Example 1. A diagram illustrating the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to Modification 1. A diagram illustrating the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to Modification 1. A diagram illustrating the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to Modification 2. A diagram illustrating the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to Modification 2. A diagram illustrating the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to Modification 3. A diagram illustrating the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to Modification 3.A diagram showing the internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Modification 4. A diagram showing the internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Modification 4. A diagram showing the internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Modification 4. A diagram showing the internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Modification 5. A diagram showing the internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Modification 5. A diagram showing the internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Modification 5. A diagram showing the internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Modification 5. A diagram showing the internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Modification 6. A diagram showing the internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Modification 6. A diagram showing the internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Modification 6. A diagram showing the internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Example 2. A diagram showing the internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Example 3. A diagram illustrating the rotation of a rotary assembly according to Example 4. A diagram illustrating the rotation of a rotary assembly according to Example 4. A diagram illustrating the rotation of a rotary assembly according to Example 4. A diagram illustrating the rotation of a rotary assembly according to Example 4. A diagram illustrating the rotation of a rotary assembly according to Example 4. A diagram illustrating the rotation of a rotary assembly according to Example 4. A diagram illustrating the rotation of a rotary assembly according to Example 4. A diagram illustrating the rotation of a rotary assembly according to Example 4. A diagram illustrating the internal structure of a toner cartridge according to Example 4. A diagram showing the internal structure of a toner cartridge according to another modification.

[0009] The embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 1 according to Example 1 will be described using Figures 1 to 12B.

[0011] In the following description and drawings, the vertical direction when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal plane is defined as the Z direction. The direction intersecting the Z direction, which is the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (the direction of the rotary's rotation axis), is defined as the Y direction. The direction intersecting both the Z and Y directions is defined as the X direction. The X and Y directions are preferably horizontal. Furthermore, the X, Y, and Z directions are preferably orthogonal to each other. In addition, as necessary, the directions of the arrows X, Y, and Z shown in each drawing are represented as the +X side, +Y side, and +Z side, respectively, and the opposite sides are represented as the -X side, -Y side, and -Z side, respectively.

[0012] (Overall Configuration of the Image Forming Apparatus) First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be explained. The image forming apparatus 1 is a laser beam printer that forms images on a sheet S using an electrophotographic method. 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 recording material (recording medium) sheet S, a variety of sheet materials of different sizes and materials can be used, such as plain paper and cardboard, plastic film, cloth, sheet materials with surface treatments such as coated paper, and sheet materials with special shapes such as envelopes and index paper.

[0013] The schematic configuration and image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be explained using 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 illustrating the drive source of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration for supplying toner from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming apparatus body (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus body) 1A and toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus body 1A. In this embodiment, the apparatus body 1A is the part of the image forming apparatus 1 excluding the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k.

[0015] The main body 1A of the image forming apparatus 1 has an electrophotographic photoreceptor (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) 2 having a drum shape (cylindrical shape) as an image carrier for holding an electrostatic latent image. Around the photosensitive drum 2 are a charging roller 3, a scanner 4 as an exposure device, and a cleaning unit 6.

[0016] 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 for exposing the photosensitive drum 2 by irradiating it with laser light corresponding to image information. 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 unit for removing toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0017] Furthermore, the main body of the device 1A includes a sheet storage section 300, a pickup roller 310, a feed roller 311, a separation roller 312, a transport roller pair 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 feeding unit for feeding the sheets S. The feed roller 311 and the separation roller 312 are examples of a separation transport unit that transports the sheets S one by one while separating them by frictional force. The secondary transfer roller 12 is an example of a transfer means or transfer unit for transferring an image from the intermediate transfer belt 10a to the sheets S.

[0018] The intermediate transfer unit 10 includes 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 the image transferred from the photosensitive drum 2 (primary transfer) and transports it for transfer to the sheet S (secondary transfer). 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 transports the intermediate transfer belt 10a by being rotationally driven by a drive source.

[0019] Furthermore, the main body of the device 1A has a rotary 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 body 90. Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are removablely mounted on each of the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k, respectively.

[0020] The rotary body 90 is an example of a support section that removably supports toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k. The trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are examples of multiple mounting sections.

[0021] In the following explanation, multiple components with similar functions can be distinguished by numbering. For example, one of the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k can be called the first toner cartridge, one of the remaining three can be called the second toner cartridge, one of the remaining two can be called the third toner cartridge, and the last one can be called the fourth toner cartridge. Similarly, one of the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k can be called the first tray, one of the remaining three can be called the second tray, one of the remaining two can be called the third tray, and the last one can be called the fourth tray. In other words, one of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of the first support member, another one of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of the second support member, yet another one of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of the third support member, and the last one of the trays 80y to 80k is an example of the fourth support member. These numberings are for explanatory convenience only and can be rearranged as appropriate.

[0022] The developing units (first to fourth developing units) 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are examples of developing means or developing sections that develop (reveal) the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 into a toner image using toner of the corresponding color. Each of the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k develops 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 the order shown in Figure 1.

[0023] The developing unit 50y includes a developing roller 51y, a supply roller 52y, and a developing blade. The developing roller 51y is a developer carrier that carries toner as a developer, rotates, and supplies it to the photosensitive drum 2. The supply roller 52y is positioned 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 on the developing roller 51y. The other developing units 50m, 50c, and 50k also include similar developing rollers 51m, 51c, 51k, supply rollers 52m, 52c, 52k, and a developing blade.

[0024] The developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, and 51k are configured to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 using toner supplied from toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, respectively.

[0025] The rotary body 90 is fitted with toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, which correspond to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. Inside the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner, respectively, to replenish the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k. One of the four toners can be called the first toner, one of the remaining three toners can be called the second toner, one of the remaining two toners can be called the third toner, and the last toner can be called the fourth toner. For example, black toner can be an example of the first toner, and magenta toner can be an example of the second toner. These numberings are used for explanatory convenience only, and in principle, they can be rearranged as appropriate.

[0026] Here, the rotary 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 rotating support.

[0027] Furthermore, trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are attached to the rotary body 90. The part consisting of the rotary body 90 and 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 trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k.

[0028] The toner cartridges 70y to 70k are detachably held in trays 80y to 80k. As will be described later, trays 80y to 80k are supported so as to be slidable to the outside of the rotary body 90. The part that combines the rotary unit 90U and the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k can be called the rotary assembly 90A. In other words, the rotary assembly 90A includes 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 the axis of rotation (center of rotation) 90C. The axis of rotation 90C coincides with the axis of rotation of the rotary frame 90f, the rotary unit 90U, and the rotary assembly 90A. In addition, the axis of rotation 90C is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (center of rotation) of the photosensitive drum 2.

[0030] The rotary body 90 can rotate around the rotation axis 90C, allowing any of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, or 51k to face the photosensitive drum 2 in a developing position. The position where the developing roller 51y faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called the yellow developing position. The position where the developing roller 51m faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called the magenta developing position. The position where the developing roller 51c faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called the cyan developing position. The position where the developing roller 51k faces the photosensitive drum 2 is called the black developing position. In other words, the rotary body 90 can rotate around the rotation axis 90C so that the positions of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, or 51k relative to the photosensitive drum 2 change. The black developing position is an example of the first developing position where the first developing roller (developing roller 51k) faces the photosensitive drum 2. Other developing positions include the second developing position in which the second developing roller (developing rollers 51y to 51c) faces 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 for explanatory convenience only and can be rearranged as appropriate in principle.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the main body of the device 1A has motors M1, M2, and M3 as drive sources, and a control unit 100C that controls motors M1, M2, and M3. The control unit 100C includes one or more processing units such as a central processing unit. As will be described later, motor M1 supplies driving force to rotate the rotary body 90 around the rotation axis 90C. In other words, motor M1 rotates the rotary assembly 90A and the rotary unit 90U around the rotation axis 90C.

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

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

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

[0035] Here, the subscripts y, m, c, and k attached to the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k, and the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k indicate the toner color. The basic configuration and function of the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k are common. The basic configuration and function of the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are common. Also, the basic configuration and function of the trays 80y, 80m, 80c, and 80k are common. Therefore, when there is no need to distinguish between them, the subscripts y, m, c, and k are omitted, and they are described as any one of the four units, cartridges, or trays.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the toner cartridge 70 has a toner frame 71. The toner frame 71 includes a toner storage section (toner storage chamber) 71a for storing toner, and an discharge opening 71b communicating with the toner storage section 71a. The discharge opening 71b is an example of a discharge opening through which toner discharged from the toner storage section 71a passes.

[0037] The developing unit 50 has a developing frame (storage frame) 53. The developing frame 53 includes a developing-side storage section 53a and a receiving opening 53b that communicates with the developing-side storage section (toner supply chamber) 53a. As mentioned above, the developing unit 50 has developing rollers 51 and supply rollers 52, etc., but these components are omitted in Figure 3. The receiving opening 53b is an example of a receiving opening through which toner supplied to the developing-side storage section 53a passes.

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

[0039] As described later, the toner cartridge 70 is movable between an installed position and a retracted position relative to the developing frame 53. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the installed position relative to the developing frame 53, the discharge opening 71b faces the receiving opening 53b. In other words, the toner storage section 71a of the toner cartridge 70 and the developing-side storage section 53a of the developing unit 50 are in communication via the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b. When toner is supplied from the toner cartridge 70 to the developing unit 50, at least a part of the receiving opening 53b is positioned below at least a part of the discharge opening 71b.

[0040] Then, the toner stored in the toner storage section 71a is discharged from the discharge opening 71b, and the toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is stored in the developer-side storage section 53a through the receiving opening 53b. The toner stored in the developer-side storage section 53a is supplied to the developer roller 51 by the supply roller 52. In this manner, the toner stored in the toner storage section 71a is supplied to the developer roller 51.

[0041] The toner cartridge 70 preferably has an unillustrated sealing member (first sealing member) that covers the discharge opening 71b. Furthermore, the developing unit 50 preferably has an unillustrated sealing member (second sealing member) that covers the receiving opening 53b.

[0042] When the toner cartridge 70 is not mounted to the developing unit 50, it is preferable that the discharge opening 71b and the receiving opening 53b are each covered with a sealing member so as to suppress leakage of toner 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 FIG. 1 in synchronization with 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 main body 90 rotates in the direction of the arrow (clockwise) in FIG. 1 while supporting the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, 50k as described below. Then, the electrophotographic process is repeated while moving the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, 51k to the developing position one by one.

[0045] First, the scanner 4 emits a laser beam based on image data corresponding to a yellow image, and forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. In parallel with the formation of the electrostatic latent image, the motor M1 rotates the rotary main body 90 so that the rotary main body 90 assumes the yellow developing position. When the rotary main body 90 is in the yellow developing position, the developing roller 51y is at the developing position and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 with yellow toner.

[0046] Here, in this embodiment, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, 51k is an elastic roller in which a metal shaft is covered with rubber. At the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, 51k develops the electrostatic latent image while being in contact with the photosensitive drum 2. That is, a contact development method is employed in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. However, at the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y, 51m, 51c, 51k may develop the electrostatic latent image with a gap left between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum 2. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 may employ a non-contact development method.

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

[0048] Thereafter, by rotating the rotary main body 90 to sequentially move the developing rollers 51m, 51c, and 51k to the developing position, toner images of respective colors are formed. That is, after the yellow toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary main body 90 assumes a magenta developing posture, and a magenta toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After the magenta toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary main body 90 assumes a cyan developing posture, and a cyan toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. After the cyan toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, the rotary main body 90 assumes a black developing posture, 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 main body 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90C in the arrow direction (clockwise) shown in FIG. 1 to return to the yellow developing posture. Note that the color of the image first formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a is arbitrary, and for example, a black toner image may be formed first.

[0049] Then, primary transfer is repeated so as to superimpose the toner images of four colors on the intermediate transfer belt 10a, whereby a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10a. Note that, until a 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] On the other hand, the sheet S is fed by a pickup roller 310 from a sheet storage portion 300 provided at a lower portion of the apparatus main body 1A. The sheet S, separated one by one by a feed roller 311 and a separation roller 312, is sent to a pair of conveyance rollers 320. The pair of conveyance rollers 320 sends the fed sheet S to a transfer portion (secondary transfer portion) 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 (secondarily transferred) 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 to the sheet S. After passing through the fixing device 40, the sheet S is discharged outside the image forming apparatus 1 as a finished product.

[0052] On the other hand, when forming a monochrome image on the sheet S, the rotary unit 90 assumes a black developing position. In this state, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 by charging and exposure of the photosensitive drum 2, and then the electrostatic latent image is developed with black toner by the developing roller 51k located in the developing position. The black toner image is first transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10a, and then secondarily transferred to the sheet S. The subsequent steps are the same as in the case of a color image.

[0053] (Rotary Configuration) The configuration of the rotary body 90 will be explained using Figures 1, 4A, 4B, and 5.

[0054] Figures 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 obtained by cutting the apparatus with a virtual 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 mentioned 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 the toner in the image forming apparatus 1 by replacing the toner cartridges 70y to 70k.

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

[0057] The frame 16 is the main frame of the image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment. The frame 16 is the housing (structure) of the apparatus body 1A, which is composed of a frame and exterior members, and in this embodiment it is in the shape of a roughly rectangular parallelepiped.

[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 +X side of the external surface of the apparatus body 1A. The opening 16a is located on this side surface 16b. The side surface 16b is located downstream of the discharge opening in the discharge direction from which the image-formed sheet S is discharged from the discharge opening of the apparatus body 1A. From the side surface 16b of the image forming apparatus 1, the user can access the sheet storage section 300 to replenish the sheet S or retrieve the sheet S discharged from the discharge opening. Therefore, the side surface 16b can be said to be the front (front) of the apparatus body 1A.

[0059] Toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are detachable from the rotary body 90 through the opening 16a. In other words, toner cartridge 70k is an example of a first toner cartridge that contains toner supplied to the first developing roller (developing roller 51k) and is detachable from the rotary (rotary body 90) through the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the device body 1A. Toner cartridge 70m is an example of a second toner cartridge that contains toner supplied to the second developing roller (developing roller 51m) and is detachable from the rotary (rotary body 90) through the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the device body 1A.

[0060] In this embodiment, the toner cartridges 70y, 70m, 70c, and 70k are supported by 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 the rotary body 90 via trays 80y to 80k.

[0061] The opening 16a is located on the side surface 16b of the frame 16. In this embodiment, the side surface 16b is a surface substantially 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] The image forming apparatus 1 has a door 14 that covers the opening 16a of the frame 16. The door 14 is an open / close member that can move between a closed position that covers the opening 16a (see also Figure 6A) and an open position that exposes the opening 16a (see also Figures 6B and 6C).

[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 stably attached to and detached from the rotary body 90.

[0064] More specifically, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70 by attaching and detaching it from a tray 80 that is configured to be movable relative to the rotary body 90 (i.e., relative to the device body 1A). In a configuration where the user replaces the toner cartridge by directly inserting and removing it from the device body, the user is required to insert the toner cartridge to a predetermined mounting position inside the device body. In this embodiment, the tray 80 is movable so that the toner cartridge 70 moves to the mounting position while supporting the toner cartridge 70. Therefore, the user can replace the toner cartridge 70 with a simple operation of placing the toner cartridge 70 on the tray 80, improving operability.

[0065] The toner cartridge 70 has a long, slender 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 the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. When handling such a long, slender toner cartridge 70, by placing an opening 16a on the side surface 16b of the frame 16, which 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 travel distance. For example, this makes it easier to replace the toner cartridge 70 compared to inserting and removing the toner cartridge 70 through an opening provided 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 rotates around the rotation axis 90C, allowing it to assume a replacement position that permits the removal of any of the toner cartridges 70y to 70k from the rotary body 90. The position that permits the removal of toner cartridge 70y is called the yellow replacement position. The position that permits the removal of toner cartridge 70m is called the magenta replacement position. The position that permits the removal of toner cartridge 70c is called the cyan replacement position.

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

[0068] The rotary unit 90 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 90C as shown in Figure 1, and can sequentially assume the yellow / magenta / cyan / black exchange positions. In this embodiment, the rotary unit 90 alternately switches between the developing position and the exchange position by rotating clockwise around the rotation axis 90C as shown in Figure 1. For example, in Figure 1, the rotary unit 90 is in the black developing position. From this state, by rotating the rotary unit 90 clockwise, the position of the rotary unit 90 is switched in the following order: cyan exchange position, yellow developing position, black exchange position, magenta developing position, yellow exchange position, cyan developing position, magenta exchange position. By rotating the rotary unit 90 clockwise from the magenta exchange position, the rotary unit 90 returns to the black developing position. In other words, the rotary unit 90 can rotate more than one full rotation (360°) clockwise.

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

[0070] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, four trays 80y to 80k are attached to the rotary body 90. Each tray 80y to 80k holds a toner cartridge 70y to 70k. In Figures 4A and 4B, the trays 80y to 80k are housed inside the rotary body 90, and this state can be said to be the state in which the toner cartridges 70y to 70k are mounted on the developing units 50y, 50m, 50c, and 50k.

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

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

[0073] The main body 1A of the device has a moving device 85 configured to move the toner cartridge 70 from a mounted position to a retracted position relative to the rotary body 90 (more specifically, relative to the developing frame 53 of the developing unit 50). The moving device 85 will be described later with reference to Figure 8, etc. In this embodiment, the rotary body 90 has a plurality of moving devices 85y to 85k corresponding to a plurality of toner cartridges 70y to 70k. The trays 80y to 80k can be said to be part of these moving devices 85y to 85k.

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

[0075] Specifically, the length of the black toner cartridge 70k in the first radial direction with respect to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 is greater than the length of the magenta toner cartridge 70m in the second radial direction. Here, the first radial direction is the rotational radial direction of the rotary body 90 (the radial direction of a virtual 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 rotational radial 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 that holds the black toner cartridge 70k is larger in size than the trays 80y to 80c that hold the other toner cartridges 70y, 70m, and 70c. In other words, four toner cartridges 70y to 70k and trays 80y to 80k of different sizes are arranged inside the rotary body 90. To put it another way, the rotary body 90 is equipped with a removable toner cartridge 70k as an example of a first toner cartridge and a removable 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. Furthermore, the rotary body 90 is equipped with a removable toner cartridge 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. Accordingly, the rotary body 90 is provided with trays 80m and 80c, which are examples of third and fourth support members, and are smaller in size than the first support member.

[0077] Here, the rotational drive of the rotary body 90 will be explained using Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, disc gears 92L and 92R are formed at both ends of the rotary body 90. Rotary drive gears 93L and 93R are connected to both ends of the oscillating shaft 91 in a way that allows for power transmission. Here, the driving force of the motor M1 is transmitted to the rotary drive gear 93R by the power transmission mechanism. Next, the driving force is transmitted to the disc gears 92L and 92R by the rotary drive gears 93L and 93R, thereby driving the rotary body 90 to rotation. The rotary body 90 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 90C in Figure 1.

[0078] Furthermore, the rotary body 90 is supported so as to be able to swing around the pivot axis 91. The rotary body 90 is biased by a biasing member (not shown) in the counterclockwise direction as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, around the pivot axis 91. This direction can be described as the direction in which each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k approaches the photosensitive drum 2. As a result, when the rotary body 90 is in the developing position, each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 2.

[0079] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, rotary cams 90eL and 90eR are provided at both ends of the rotary body 90. When the rotary body 90 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 90C in Figures 4A and 4B, the rotary cams 90eL and 90eR come into contact with the rollers 96 (Figures 4A and 4B) supported by the frame 16. The rotary body 90 then moves clockwise around the pivot axis 91 in Figures 4A and 4B. This direction can be described as the direction in which each of the developing rollers 51y to 51k moves away from the photosensitive drum 2. This direction can also be described as the direction in which the rotary body 90 moves closer to the opening 16a and door 14 of the frame 16.

[0080] As a result, when the rotary body 90 rotates and switches from the developing position to the replacement position, the rotary body 90 oscillates around the pivot axis 91. When the rotary body 90 is in the replacement position, the developing roller 51 is separated from the photosensitive drum 2.

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

[0082] (Toner cartridge replacement operation) The toner cartridge replacement operation will be explained using Figures 4A, 6A-6C, 7A, and 7B. Figures 6A-6C are external views of the main body 1A of the device. Figures 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of the area around the rotary body 90 when the toner cartridge is being replaced. Note that Figures 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of the device in a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90.

[0083] Figure 6A shows the external appearance of the main unit 1A of the device during image formation operation and in standby mode. Image formation operation refers to the period during which the image forming device 1 performs a series of operations from feeding the sheet S to forming an image on the sheet S and then ejecting it as a finished product. Standby mode refers to the state in which the image forming device 1 is ready to start image formation operation when it receives an image formation instruction (print instruction), and is waiting for an image formation instruction from the user. As shown in Figure 6A, the door 14 is closed during image formation operation and in standby mode.

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

[0085] The toner cartridge 70 is movable between an installed position and a retracted 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 around the rotation axis 90C when the toner cartridge 70 is in the installed position, to assume the developing position and the replacement position.

[0086] The toner cartridge replacement procedure will now be explained. First, the user instructs the control unit 100c of the main unit 1A to replace the toner cartridge. The instruction to replace the toner cartridge is given, for example, via input through the operation panel (operation unit) provided on the main unit 1A.

[0087] When the control unit 100c receives an instruction to replace the toner cartridge, the rotary body 90 rotates to the replacement position for the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced (the toner cartridge 70 that has run out of toner) and stops. In other words, the control unit 100c rotates the rotary body 90 to the replacement position for the toner cartridge specified in the instruction to replace the toner cartridge (in Figure 4B, the black replacement position for replacing the black toner cartridge 70k). In the replacement position, the tray 80 that supports the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced faces the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the device body 1A.

[0088] For example, in Figure 4A, the rotary body 90 is in the yellow developing position, with the yellow developing roller 51y facing the photosensitive drum 2. At this time, the black toner cartridge 70k and tray 80k do not need to face the opening 16a and door 14. In other words, the toner cartridge 70 and tray 80 do not need to face the opening 16a and 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 for each toner cartridge 70 to pass through individually. When the rotary body 90 rotates clockwise by a predetermined angle from the yellow developing position, the black toner cartridge 70k and tray 80k face the opening 16a and door 14, as shown in Figure 4B.

[0089] Here, "the tray 80 faces the opening 16a" means that the tray 80 is positioned so that it can move to the outside of the device 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 rotation of the rotary body 90 by a moving mechanism described later, so that the tray 80 and the toner cartridge 70 supported by the tray 80 can protrude to the outside of the device body 1A. In Figure 4A, none of the trays 80y to 80k face the opening 16a. In Figure 4B, only the black tray 80k faces the opening 16a, while the other trays 80y to 80c do not face the opening 16a.

[0090] When the rotary body 90 is positioned in the replacement position, the motor M2 moves the tray 80 that supports the toner cartridge 70 to be replaced toward the outside of the device body 1A.

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

[0092] More specifically, the tray 80 is movable between a storage position and an ejection position relative to the rotary body 90. The storage position is the position in which the tray 80 is housed within the rotary body 90. The ejection position is the position in which 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 trays 80y to 80k in Figures 4A and 4B. Examples of the ejection position are the positions of tray 80 in Figures 6B and 6C, tray 80k in Figure 7A, and tray 80m in Figure 7B.

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

[0094] Here, 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 mounting 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 the protrusions 95k and 95m corresponding to trays 80k and 80m, and Figure 8 shows the recesses 87y and 87m of trays 80y and 80m, but the protrusion 95 and recess 87 are provided for each tray 80y to 80k. Preferably, the protrusion 95 is biased in the direction of engaging with the recess 87.

[0095] The protrusion 95 engages with the recess 87 of the tray 80, thereby locking the tray 80 to the rotary frame 90f. As a result, even when the rotary body 90 rotates, the tray 80 remains in its storage position, preventing the toner cartridge 70 from moving from its mounting position. Furthermore, when the tray 80 is moved between the storage position and the removal position by a moving device described later, the tray 80 can be configured to move the protrusion 95, causing it to disengage from the recess 87.

[0096] In this embodiment, the door 14 is rotatably supported with respect to the device body 1A. As shown in Figure 7A, the door 14 is biased by a spring 14s from the open position to the closed position. The spring 14s is, for example, a tension spring, and biases the door 14 such that it generates a counterclockwise moment around the pivot shaft 14c of the door 14 in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0097] When the tray 80 pushes the door 14, the door 14 opens (the state shown in Figure 6B). This state can also be described as the 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 main body 1A of the device, the toner cartridge 70 can be supported more stably. 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). Also, when the second toner cartridges (toner cartridges 70y to 70c) are in the second retracted position, the opening / closing member (door 14) in the open position supports the second support member (trays 80y to 80c).

[0098] Furthermore, the door 14 is configured to contact a part of the frame 16 of the device body 1A (for example, the lower edge 16c of the opening 16a) when in the open position, and is not configured to rotate downward beyond the open position. When the tray 80 is pulled back from outside to inside the device 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 Figure 6C, the user can remove the toner cartridge 70 from the tray 80 and install a new toner cartridge 70 (replacement operation). If multiple toner cartridges 70 need to be replaced, the above operation can be repeated to complete the replacement.

[0100] Figures 7A and 7B show cross-sections of the rotary body 90 when the toner cartridges are being replaced. Figure 7A shows the state when the black toner cartridge 70k is being replaced. Figure 7B shows the state when the magenta toner cartridge 70m is being replaced.

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

[0102] Even when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the tray 80 remains connected to the rotary body 90 (supported by the rotary body 90). To facilitate the removal of 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. Since the toner cartridge 70 is configured to be detachably attached to 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 mounting position to the retracted position is called the retraction direction. In this embodiment, the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70 is the 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 the 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 the direction toward the outside (away from the rotation axis 90C) in the rotational radius direction of the rotary body 90.

[0104] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, since the user removes the toner cartridge 70 from the rotary body 90, it is preferable that at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes from the rotary body 90 when the toner cartridge 70 is removed. 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 around the rotation axis 90C, the rotational trajectory of the rotary body 90 can be said to coincide with the circumscribed circle of the rotary body 90 centered on the rotation axis 90C (a virtual circle 90V shown by a dashed line in Figures 7A and 7B). 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 outside the rotational trajectory of the rotary body 90. In other words, when viewed in the direction of the rotary's rotation axis, with the toner cartridge in the retracted position, it is preferable that more than half of the total length of the toner cartridge is located outside the rotational trajectory of the rotary in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge from the mounting 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. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, the entire toner cartridge 70 is outside the rotational trajectory (virtual 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 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 main body 1A) when the image forming apparatus 1 is used, for example, for image forming operations on a sheet S.

[0107] In this embodiment, the external surface of the device body 1A is formed by the external surface of the frame 16. In other words, "outside the device" can also be defined as the outside of the frame 16. Therefore, the state in which at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is outside the device can also be defined as the state in which at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 protrudes outward from the opening 16a of the frame 16 of the device 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 device body 1A is covered by the door 14. Then, the outer surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position forms a part of the outer surface of the device body 1A. In this case, "outside the machine" refers to the area outside the outer surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position. In other words, if the position of the outer surface 14a of the door 14 in the closed position is defined as the outer surface position, then when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a part of the toner cartridge 70 is located outside the device body 1A beyond this outer surface position.

[0109] In other words, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is located in the space outside the main body 1A of the device, assuming the door 14 is in the closed position. Furthermore, with respect to the retraction direction of the toner cartridge 70, at least a portion of the toner cartridge 70 is located downstream of its external position.

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

[0111] Furthermore, 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 outside the machine. In other words, when viewed in the direction of the rotary axis, when the toner cartridge is in the retracted position, it is preferable that more than half of the total length of the toner cartridge is located outside the main body frame in the direction of movement of the toner cartridge from the mounting 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. Moreover, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, it is more preferable that the entire toner cartridge 70 is outside the machine. In this embodiment, the front exterior surface of the device body 1A is formed by the outer surface 14a and side surface 16b of the door 14, but the configuration of the door 14 is not limited to this. For example, the size of the door 14 may be such that it covers the entire side surface 16b. In this case, the outer surface 14a of the door 14 forms the front exterior surface of the device body 1A.

[0112] The tray 80 includes a cartridge holding portion 81 (see Figures 3 and 6C) for holding the toner cartridge 70. The cartridge holding portion 81 is the mounting portion on which the toner cartridge 70 is installed. When the tray 80 is in the ejection position, it is preferable that the entire cartridge holding portion 81 is outside the rotational trajectory of the rotary body 90 in the retraction direction. When the tray 80 is in the ejection position, it is preferable that more than half of the length of the cartridge holding portion 81 is outside the machine in the retraction direction.

[0113] As mentioned above, the toner cartridge 70k and tray 80k are larger in size than the other toner cartridges 70y to 70c and trays 80y to 80c. Therefore, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, in this embodiment, 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 Figure 7A, the distance traveled by the 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 distance traveled by the tray 80m (second support member) when it moves from the storage position to the removal position (second removal position) is L2. Figure 7B shows the state in which the toner cartridge 70m and tray 80m have moved, and the distance traveled by 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 distance traveled by the first support member when the first toner cartridge moves from the first mounting position to the first retracted position is longer than the distance traveled by the second support member when the second toner cartridge moves from the second mounting position to the second retracted position.

[0115] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7A, when the tray 80k is in the ejection position and the toner cartridge 70k is in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70k protrudes from the external surface of the device body 1A to the outside of the machine by a distance P1. In this embodiment, the tray 80k also protrudes from the external surface of the device body 1A to the outside of the machine by a distance P1.

[0116] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7B, when the tray 80m is in the ejection position and the toner cartridge 70m is in the retracted position, the toner cartridge 70m protrudes a distance P2 outside the device body 1A. In this embodiment, the tray 80m also protrudes a distance P2 outside the device body 1A. The toner cartridges 70y and 70c also protrude a distance P2 outside the device body 1A.

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

[0118] For toner cartridges 70y to 70c, which are smaller in size than toner cartridge 70k, it is preferable from a strength standpoint to make the distance P2 that they protrude outside the machine in the retracted position shorter than the distance P1 that toner cartridge 70k protrudes outside the machine in the retracted position. This is for the following reason: When toner cartridge 70 is in the retracted position, at least a part of toner cartridge 70 protrudes outside the machine from the outside of the rotational trajectory of the rotary body 90 or from the outer surface of the device body 1A. At this time, tray 80 supports the weight of toner cartridge 70 in a cantilevered state on the rotary body 90. Therefore, shortening the distance P2 that toner cartridges 70y to 70c protrude outside the machine in the retracted position reduces the load applied to the guide portion 97 of the rotary body 90 that supports trays 80y to 80c and trays 80y to 80k. Furthermore, since toner cartridges 70y to 70c are smaller in size than toner cartridge 70k, even if distance P2 is made shorter than distance P1, the ease of cartridge replacement for trays 80y to 80c can be maintained.

[0119] (Tray arrangement in the rotary) The arrangement of trays 80y to 80k in the rotary body 90 will be explained 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 members 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 a virtual 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 from the top 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 from the right side (+X side) of Figure 8.

[0120] As shown in Figure 8, each of the trays 80y to 80k is provided with a cartridge holding section 81y to 81k and a guided section 82y to 82k.

[0121] Toner cartridges 70y to 70k are installed in the cartridge holding sections 81y to 81k, respectively. Each of the cartridge holding sections 81y to 81k accommodates at least a portion of the toner cartridges 70y to 70k installed therein.

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

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

[0124] In this embodiment, the length of the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 is limited to avoid the guided portions 82y and 82c. However, if no interference occurs with the guided portions 82y and 82c, the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1 may be provided along the entire length of the guided portions 82m and 82k. 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 configuration may be made without providing the reinforcing ribs 82m1 and 82k1.

[0125] Rack sections 83y to 83k (rack gears) are formed in the guided sections 82y to 82k. In addition, pinion gears 94y to 94k are rotatably held within the rotary body 90. The pinion gears 94y to 94k are meshed with the rack sections 83y to 83k in a manner that enables power transmission.

[0126] The rack sections 83y to 83k and the pinion gears 94y to 94k are part of the moving device 85y to 85k, which is configured to move the toner cartridges 70y to 70k from the mounting position to the retracted position. Furthermore, the rack sections 83y to 83k and the pinion gears 94y to 94k can be said to be part of the driven device driven by the drive device 98 of the main body 1A. The pinion gears 94y to 94k can be described as rotating bodies (rotating members) that move the trays 80y to 80k relative to the rotary body 90 by rotating.

[0127] The pinion gears 94y to 94k and the rack sections 83y to 83k function as driven parts for the moving devices 85y to 85k of the rotary body 90 to receive driving force from the drive device 98 of the device body 1A. The pinion gear 94k and the rack section 83k are examples of first pinion gears and first rack gears that constitute at least a part of the first driven part of the first moving device. The pinion gear 94m and the rack section 83m are examples of second pinion gears and second rack gears that constitute at least a part of the second driven part of the second moving device.

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

[0129] As the tray 80 moves between the storage position and the removal position, the guide portion 97 maintains engagement with the guided portion 82 for at least a portion of the movement range, guiding the tray 80 in the direction of movement. In this embodiment, the guide portion 97 maintains engagement with the guided portion 82k throughout the entire movement range of the tray 80k between the storage position and the removal position. In this embodiment, the guide portion 97 maintains engagement with the guided portion 82m throughout the entire movement range of the tray 80m between the storage position and the removal position.

[0130] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, four trays 80y to 80k are arranged inside the rotary body 90 so as to be described in detail below, overlapping each other.

[0131] When the pinion gears 94y to 94k rotate, the rack sections 83y to 83k and the trays 80y to 80k move relative to the rotary body 90. As shown in Figure 9, the four trays 80y to 80k are positioned 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 to slide in substantially the same direction (parallel direction). The direction of movement of each tray 80y to 80k during this sliding movement is restricted by the engagement between the guided sections 82y to 82k and the guide section 97.

[0132] Furthermore, trays 80y to 80k move outside the machine through the opening 16a. When each of trays 80y to 80k moves outside the machine through the opening 16a, the direction of movement of each tray is substantially the same (parallel).

[0133] As shown in Figure 9, with respect to the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k, the area in which the tray 80k is positioned overlaps with the area in which the tray 80y is positioned and the area in which the tray 80c is positioned. Also, with respect to the movement direction Dk of the tray 80k, the area in which the tray 80k is positioned overlaps with the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. In other words, the toner cartridge 70k held in the cartridge holding portion 81k of the tray 80k overlaps with the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (Figure 4B).

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

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

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

[0137] As shown in Figures 8 and 10, in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the area in which the rack section 83m and guided section 82m are arranged and the area in which the rack section 83k and guided section 82k are arranged overlap at least partially. In other words, in this embodiment, in the direction of the rotary's rotation axis (Y direction), the area in which the first rack gear (rack section 83k) is arranged and the area in which the second rack gear (rack section 83m) is arranged overlap at least partially. Therefore, compared to an arrangement in which the rack section 83m and guided section 82m do not overlap with the rack section 83k and guided section 82k, the rack sections 83m, 83k and guided sections 82m, 82k can be arranged in a space-saving manner in the Y direction.

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

[0139] Here, we will explain the meshing position of the rack portion 83 with the pinion gear 94 using Figure 10. The upper half of Figure 10 shows the meshing position of the rack portion 83k and the pinion gear 94k. The lower half of Figure 10 shows the meshing position of the rack portion 83c and the pinion gear 94c.

[0140] In the direction of the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 (Y direction), in region Y1 in the figure, the driving force transmitted from the motor M2 (Figure 2) as a drive source by the transmission device described later is transmitted to the pinion gears 94y to 94k. In region Y2 in the figure in the Y direction, the pinion gear 94k is meshed with the rack section 83k in a manner that enables power transmission. In region Y3 in the figure in the Y direction, the pinion gear 94c is meshed with the rack section 83c in a manner that enables power transmission. The rack section 83m is meshed with the pinion gear 94m (Figure 8) in region Y2 in the same way as the rack section 83k in a manner that enables power transmission. The rack section 83y is meshed with the pinion gear 94y (Figure 8) in region Y3 in the same way as the rack section 83c in a manner that enables power transmission.

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

[0142] Furthermore, with the toner cartridges 70y and 70c in the installed position, the range in which the rack unit 83y is positioned and the range in which the rack unit 83c is positioned overlap at least partially with respect to the direction of movement of the rack unit 83y (the direction of movement of the tray 80y, Dy). In this embodiment, since the directions of movement Dy and Dc of the trays 80y and 80c are substantially the same direction (parallel), the range in which the rack unit 83y is positioned and the range in which the rack unit 83c is positioned also overlap at least partially with respect to the direction of movement Dc of the tray 80c. Therefore, with the toner cartridges 70y and 70c in the installed position, the tooth surfaces of the rack unit 83y and the rack unit 83c face each other in the direction perpendicular to the directions of movement Dy and Dc of the rack units 83y and 83c (the left-right direction in Figure 8).

[0143] Furthermore, with the toner cartridges 70m and 70k in the installed position, the area in which the rack section 83m is positioned and the area in which the rack section 83k is positioned overlap at least partially with respect to the direction of movement of the rack section 83m (the direction of movement Dm of the tray 80m). In this embodiment, since the directions of movement Dm and Dk of the trays 80m and 80k are substantially the same direction (parallel), the area in which the rack section 83m is positioned and the area in which the rack section 83k is positioned also overlap at least partially with respect to the direction of movement Dk of the tray 80k. Therefore, with the toner cartridges 70m and 70k in the installed position, the tooth surfaces of the rack section 83m and the rack section 83k face each other in the direction perpendicular to the directions of movement Dm and Dk of the rack sections 83m and 83k (the vertical direction in Figure 8).

[0144] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12A described later, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the rack section 83y overlaps with the rack sections 83m and 83k. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the rack section 83m overlaps with the rack sections 83y and 83c. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the rack section 83c overlaps with the rack sections 83m and 83k. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C (Y direction), the rack section 83k overlaps with the rack sections 83y and 83c. In other words, with respect to the rotation axis direction (Y direction) of the rotary, the range in which the first rack gear (rack section 83k) is located and the range in which the second rack gear (rack section 83y) is located do not overlap. Furthermore, when viewed in the direction of the rotary axis (Y direction), the first rack gear (rack section 83k) and the second rack gear (rack section 83y) overlap when the first toner cartridge 70k is in the first mounting position and the second toner cartridge 70y is in the second mounting position.

[0145] Thus, since the positions where rack sections 83k and 83m are arranged and the positions where rack sections 83y and 83c are arranged are different in the Y direction, rack sections 83y and 83c and rack sections 83m and 83k can be arranged to overlap in the Y direction.

[0146] This allows for space-saving arrangement of the four trays within the rotary body 90, resulting in a smaller rotary body 90 in the radial direction. In other words, if the travel distance of each tray 80y to 80k is kept the same as in this embodiment, and the rack sections 83 are arranged so that they do not overlap when viewed in the Y direction, the area required for arranging the four rack sections when viewed in the Y direction becomes larger. Compared to this configuration, by arranging multiple rack sections 83 with their positions offset in the Y direction, and allowing the rack sections 83 to overlap when viewed in the Y direction, the area required for arranging the rack sections 83 when viewed in the Y direction can be reduced.

[0147] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the four rack sections 83y to 83k are arranged in two pairs, with their positions offset in the Y direction. In other words, with respect to the rotation axis direction of the rotary (Y direction), the ranges in which the first rack gear and the second rack gear are positioned overlap, and the ranges in which the third rack gear and the fourth rack gear are positioned overlap. Also, with respect to the Y direction, the ranges in which the first rack gear and the second rack gear are positioned do not overlap with the ranges in which the third rack gear and the fourth rack gear are positioned. As a result, the rotary body 90 can be made smaller in the Y direction compared to the case where the positions of each of the four rack sections 83y to 83k are offset in the Y direction.

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

[0149] In this embodiment, trays 80y to 80k are all driven by the driving force of motor M2, which is transmitted to pinion gears 94y to 94k by drive racks 15L and 15R, which act as transmission devices. Here, we will describe the configuration in which tray 80k is moved relative to the rotary body 90, and the configuration in which trays 80y to 80c are moved relative to the rotary body 90 is substantially the same as the configuration in which tray 80k is moved, so we will omit the explanation.

[0150] Figure 11A shows the tray 80k inside the rotary body 90 (i.e., the toner cartridge 70k is installed in the developing unit 50k). In other words, Figure 11A shows the tray 80k in the storage position, which corresponds to the toner cartridge 70k being installed relative to the developing frame 53k (Figure 4A). Figure 11B shows the tray 80k slid out of the rotary body 90. In other words, Figure 11B shows the tray 80k in the removal position, which corresponds to the toner cartridge 70k being retracted relative to the developing frame 53k (Figure 4B).

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

[0152] As described above, two rack sections 83k are formed at both ends of the tray 80k in the Y direction. Two pinion gears 94k and drive racks 15L and 15R are each positioned at locations corresponding to the rack sections 83k at both ends. In other words, the device body 1A of this embodiment has drive racks 15L and 15R as a first drive gear and a second drive gear. Drive rack 15L can be said to be an example of the first drive gear, and drive rack 15R can be said to be an example of the second drive gear.

[0153] However, these numberings are used for explanatory purposes only and can be rearranged as appropriate. When there is no need to distinguish between drive racks 15L and 15R, they are referred to as "drive rack 15".

[0154] In this embodiment, the rack section 83 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 on 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 section 83k and the pinion gear 94k of the moving device 85k corresponding to the tray 80k can be said to be examples of a first rack gear pair and a first pinion gear pair, respectively.

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

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

[0157] Alternatively, the tray 80 may have a single rack section 83 and be moved by a single drive rack 15 via a single pinion gear 94.

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

[0159] Using Figures 11A and 11B, the tray movement operation, in which the tray 80k slides between a storage position and a removal position, will be explained. The tray movement operation of the tray 80k is performed by a motor M2 (Figure 2), a drive transmission mechanism (not shown), a drive rack 15, a pinion gear 94k, and a rack section 83k.

[0160] First, we will explain the tray movement operation (tray pull-out operation) when removing the toner cartridge 70k from the rotary body 90. Before the tray pull-out operation begins, the drive rack 15 is positioned below the position where it engages with the pinion gear 94k (Figure 11A). Also, as mentioned above, during the replacement of the toner cartridge 70k, the rotary body 90 assumes the position for replacing the toner cartridge 70k (Figure 4B).

[0161] When the tray pulling operation is initiated, the drive rack 15 slides upward on the main body 1A of the device due to the driving force of the motor M2. As the drive rack 15 moves, it engages with the pinion gear 94k, and the pinion gear 94k is rotated.

[0162] As shown in Figure 11B, the pinion gear 94k is rotated in the direction of the arrow in the figure, which inputs a driving force 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. The direction of movement of the tray 80k at this time is guided in a predetermined direction Dk by the engagement of 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 moves from the mounting position to the retracted position relative to the developing unit 50k.

[0163] With tray 80k in the eject position and toner cartridge 70k in the retracted position, the user can insert and remove toner cartridge 70k from 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 when the user operates a predetermined control unit. When the tray pull-in operation is started, the drive rack 15 slides downwards on the device body 1A by the driving force of the motor M2. Here, the rotation direction of the motor M2 during the tray pull-in operation is opposite to that of the tray pull-out operation.

[0165] When the pinion gear 94k is driven to rotate in the opposite direction to the arrow in Figure 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 pulled into the machine and moves from the removal position to the storage position relative to the rotary body 90.

[0166] The direction of movement of the tray 80k is guided in the direction of movement Dk (opposite to the direction of the arrow in Figure 11B) by the engagement of the guided portion 82k and the guide portion 97k of the rotary body 90 (Figure 7A). As a result of the tray 80k moving from the removal position to the storage position, the toner cartridge 70k moves from the retracted position to the mounting 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 carried out by a similar mechanism. In other words, in the position for replacing each toner cartridge, the drive rack 15 transmits driving force to the pinion gears 94y to 94c.

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

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

[0170] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the object to be driven by the drive device 98 is switched by the rotation of the rotary body 90. In other words, the drive device of this embodiment includes a drive rack 15 as a transmission member that transmits the driving force of the drive source. The drive device can be in a state in which the transmission member is engaged with the first driven part (pinion gear 94k) in a manner that can transmit power, and in a state in which the transmission member is engaged with the second driven part (pinion gear 94m) in a manner that can transmit power. The drive device can also be in a state in which 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 in the rotary body 90. Therefore, it is preferable that the engagement between the pinion gears 94y to 94k and the drive rack 15 is released when the rotary body 90 rotates.

[0172] Figure 12A shows the tray 80k inside the rotary body 90 (in the storage position). Figure 12B shows the tray 80k 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 in the lower part of the device body 1A. At this time, the drive rack 15 is retracted from the pinion gear 94k. Therefore, the drive rack 15 does not get in the way, and the rotary body 90 can be rotated. More specifically, the drive rack 15 can be retracted outside the rotation trajectory of the rotary body 90, which is shown by the dotted line in Figures 12A and 12B.

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

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

[0176] Therefore, in this embodiment, when moving the toner cartridges 70y to 70k 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 Figure 10, the pinion gear 94y is a stepped gear, and the pitch circle radius of the small-diameter gear 942 that meshes with the rack section 83y is made smaller than the pitch circle radius of the large-diameter gear 941 that meshes with the drive rack 15. Pinion gears 94m and 94c are also stepped gears in the same way. On the other hand, the pinion gear 94k has the same pitch circle radius in the part that meshes with the drive rack 15 and the part that meshes with the rack section 83k. In this case, the pitch circle radius of the pinion gear 94k can be the same as the pitch circle radius of the large-diameter gear 941 of the pinion gears 94y to 94c. With this configuration, even if the travel distance of the drive rack 15 is the same, the travel distance of the rack section 83k can be made larger than the travel distance of the other rack sections 83y to 83c. In other words, the travel distance L1 when the black tray 80k moves from the storage position to the removal position can be made longer than the travel 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 stepped gears, the travel distance L1 of tray 80k can be made larger than the travel distance L2 of the other trays 80y to 80c, even though the pinion gears 94y to 94k receive driving force from the same drive rack 15.

[0179] Alternatively, instead of (or in combination with) the configuration in which pinion gears 94y to 94c are stepped gears, pinion gear 94k may be a stepped gear. In this case, the portion of pinion gear 94k that meshes with the drive rack 15 should be a small-diameter gear, and the portion of pinion gear 94k that meshes with the rack portion 83k should be a large-diameter gear with a larger pitch circle radius than the small-diameter gear. Furthermore, the stepped gear is just one example of a reduction mechanism, and it may be replaced with a known reduction mechanism that makes the amount of movement of the output side (tray 80 side) member smaller than the amount of movement of the input side (drive source side) member.

[0180] Furthermore, 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 the toner cartridge 70 moves from the mounting position to the retracted position, the shorter the movement time of the toner cartridge 70 can be, and the shorter the time the user has to wait for the toner cartridge 70 to move. As described above, if the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 relative to the toner cartridge 70k is greater than the amount of movement of the drive rack 15 relative to the toner cartridges 70y to 70c, the shorter the time the user has to wait for the toner cartridges 70y to 70c to move can be.

[0182] With the configuration described above, the travel distance L1 can be made longer than the travel distance L2. These configurations can also be used in combination.

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

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

[0185] Furthermore, when using rollers that rotate under the drive of motor M2, the rollers and toner cartridges 70 may be brought into contact. In this case, the toner cartridges 70y to 70k can be directly attached to and detached from the rotary body 90 without going through trays 80y to 80k. In this case, the moving device 85 is composed of rollers. Moreover, the rotary assembly 90A can be said to have the rotary body 90 and the toner cartridges 70y to 70k.

[0186] <Structure, arrangement, and toner movement by rotation of the toner cartridge> As described above using Figure 3, the toner stored in the toner storage section 71a is discharged from the discharge opening 71b, and the toner discharged from the discharge opening 71b is stored in the developer-side storage section 53a through the receiving opening 53b.

[0187] In the following description, it is assumed that a toner cartridge 70 is attached to the rotary body 90. The structure, arrangement, and toner movement due to rotation of the toner cartridge 70 will be explained below using Figures 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B, and 15.

[0188] Figures 13A and 13B show the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to Example 1. Figures 14A and 14B are cross-sectional views showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge according to Example 1. Figure 15 is a schematic view in the Y direction showing the toner cartridge 70 according to Example 1, which rotates around the rotation axis 90C.

[0189] Figure 13A shows the internal structure of the toner cartridge 70. Figure 13B is an enlarged view of the protruding wall 72a installed on the toner cartridge 70. Figure 14A is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 at the cross-sectional line 71c1 in Figure 13A, viewed in the G1 direction, and Figure 14B is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 70 at the cross-sectional line 71c2 in Figure 13A, viewed in the G2 direction. The cross-sectional line 71c2 is the center of the toner cartridge 70 in the Y direction.

[0190] Here, we assume that the toner cartridge 70 is projected onto a first virtual plane perpendicular to the first projection direction. In this case, the first projection direction that minimizes the projected area on the first virtual plane can be called the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Also, as described above, with the toner cartridge 70 mounted on 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 (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 onto a second virtual plane perpendicular to the second projection direction in the second projection direction. In this case, the second projection direction that minimizes the projected area on the second virtual plane can be called 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 both the longitudinal and short-side directions of the toner cartridge 70 is called the thickness direction of the toner cartridge 70.

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

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

[0194] As shown in Figure 13A, 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 are surfaces that extend in directions intersecting the longitudinal direction (preferably in perpendicular directions) and face each other in the longitudinal direction. In the longitudinal direction, the left side surface 71eL is located on one end side with respect to the center line 71c2 of the toner frame 71, and the right side surface 71eR is located on the other end side with respect to the central part 71c of the toner frame 71.

[0195] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 13A, 14A, and 14B, the toner frame 71 has an outer surface 71o and an inner surface 71i that face each other. The outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i are surfaces that extend in directions intersecting (preferably perpendicular) to the shorter direction, and face each other in the shorter direction. As shown in Figure 15, in the direction of the rotational radius of the rotary body 90, the inner surface 71i is closer to the rotational axis 90c than the outer surface 71o. In the shorter 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.

[0196] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the toner frame 71 has a first receiving surface 71d1 and a second receiving surface 71d2 that face each other. The first receiving surface 71d1 and the second receiving surface 71d2 are surfaces that extend in directions intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the thickness direction and face each other in the thickness direction. In the thickness direction, the first receiving surface 71d1 is located at one end of the toner storage section 71a, and the second receiving surface 71d2 is located at the other end of the toner storage section 71a.

[0197] As shown in Figure 13A, the toner frame 71 of this configuration example is provided with a plurality of 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. Each of the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR is provided on the first receiving surface 71d1. In the longitudinal direction, the discharge opening 71bL is located on one end side of the center line 71c2 of the toner frame 71 and is located between the center line 71c2 and the left side surface 71eL. In the longitudinal direction, the discharge opening 71bR is located on the other end side of the center line 71c2 of the toner frame 71 and is located between the center line 71c2 and the right side surface 71eR.

[0198] The movement of toner accompanying the rotation of the rotary assembly 90A will be explained using Figure 15. In Figure 15, the dotted line drawn inside the toner storage chamber 71a indicates the surface of the toner (top surface of the toner) stored in the toner storage chamber 71a.

[0199] The toner cartridge 70 is attached to and 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.

[0200] In Figure 15, the rotary assembly 90A rotates clockwise when viewed in the Y direction. When the toner cartridge 70 completes one rotation from position Tp0, it moves in the order of positions Tp0, Tp1, Tp2, Tp3, Tp4, Tp5, Tp6, Tp7, and returns to position Tp0.

[0201] As the toner cartridge 70 moves from position Tp0 to position Tp4, the toner moves on the second receiving surface 71d2 from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o.

[0202] At position Tp0, the toner is supported by the inner surface 71i, and its own weight is supported by the inner surface 71i. When the toner cartridge 70 rotates clockwise from position Tp0, the weight of the toner is supported by the second support surface 71d2. The toner supported by the inner surface 71i at position Tp0 spontaneously collapses as the toner cartridge 70 rotates and spreads out onto the second support surface 71d2.

[0203] When the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp2 to position Tp4, the toner moves under its own weight on the second receiving surface 71d2 from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o due to gravity acting on the toner.

[0204] Here, when the toner cartridge 70 is in position Tp2, the toner is received by the second receiving surface 71d2. At this time, the toner is distributed on the second receiving surface 71d2, but it may be biased towards either the inner surface 71i or the outer surface 71o.

[0205] When the toner cartridge 70 moves from position Tp2 to position Tp4, the toner easily moves on the second receiving surface 71d2 from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o.

[0206] The toner, having moved along the second receiving surface 71d2 toward the outer surface 71o, collides with the outer surface 71o and spreads in the longitudinal direction. The angle between the second receiving surface 71d2 and the outer surface 71o is preferably close to a right angle.

[0207] More specifically, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that the proportion of the outer surface 71o where the angle between it and the second receiving surface 71d2 is 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less exceeds 50% of the entire outer surface 71o, and more preferably exceeds 80%. The outer surface 71o is flat, but it may also be curved.

[0208] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction, the length of the region where the angle between the outer surface 71o and the second receiving surface 71d2 satisfies the above conditions is preferably more than 50% of the length of the toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably more than 80%.

[0209] As the toner cartridge 70 moves from position Tp4 to position Tp0, the toner moves on the first receiving surface 71d1 from the outer surface 71o toward the inner surface 71i.

[0210] At position Tp4, the toner is supported by the outer surface 71o, and its own weight is supported by the outer surface 71o. When the toner cartridge 70 rotates clockwise from position Tp4, the weight of the toner is supported by the first support surface 71d1. The toner supported by the outer surface 71o at position Tp4 spontaneously collapses as the toner cartridge 70 rotates and spreads out onto the first support surface 71d1.

[0211] When the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp6 to position Tp0, the toner moves by its own weight on the first receiving surface 71d1 from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i due to gravity acting on the toner.

[0212] Here, when the toner cartridge 70 is in position Tp6, the toner is received by the first receiving surface 71d1. At this time, the toner is distributed on the first receiving surface 71d1, but it may be biased towards either the inner surface 71i or the outer surface 71o.

[0213] When the toner cartridge 70 moves from position Tp6 to position Tp0, the toner easily moves on the first receiving surface 71d1 from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i.

[0214] The toner, having moved along the first receiving surface 71d1 toward the inner surface 71i, collides with the inner surface 71i and spreads in the longitudinal direction. The angle between the first receiving surface 71d1 and the inner surface 71i is preferably close to a right angle.

[0215] More specifically, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that the proportion of the inner surface 71i where the angle between it and the first receiving surface 71d1 is 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less exceeds 50% of the entire inner surface 71i, and more preferably exceeds 80%. The inner surface 71i is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0216] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction, the length of the region where the angle between the inner surface 71i and the first receiving surface 71d1 satisfies the above conditions is preferably more than 50% of the length of the toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably more than 80%.

[0217] The toner cartridge is mounted on the rotary body 90 such that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90. Also, as shown in Figure 1, the toner cartridge is mounted on the rotary body 90 such that its short direction is aligned with the rotational radius direction of the rotary body 90 and its thickness direction is aligned with the rotational direction of the rotary body 90. In other words, the angle (narrow angle) between the rotational radius direction and the short direction of the rotary body 90 is smaller than the angle (narrow angle) between the rotational direction and the short direction of the rotary body 90. Furthermore, the angle (narrow angle) between the rotational direction and the thickness direction of the rotary body 90 is smaller than the angle (narrow angle) between the rotational radius direction and the thickness direction of the rotary body 90.

[0218] Furthermore, when the toner cartridge is installed in the rotary body 90, the length of the toner cartridge in the direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 may be shorter than the length of the toner cartridge in the direction of the rotational radius of the rotary body 90.

[0219] In this embodiment, the length of the toner cartridge in the direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 is defined as follows. As shown in Figure 15, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C, the circle with the longest arc length overlapping the toner cartridge among the virtual circles centered on the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 and overlapping with the toner cartridge is called the length-defining circle LDC. The length of the toner cartridge in the direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 refers to the arc length of the portion LPC of the length-defining circle LDC that overlaps with the toner cartridge.

[0220] In this embodiment, the length of the toner cartridge in the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 is defined as follows. As shown in Figure 15, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 90C, the straight line that passes through the rotation axis 90C of the rotary body 90 and overlaps with the toner cartridge, and has the longest overlapping length with the toner cartridge, is called the length specification line LDL. The length of the toner cartridge in the radial direction of rotation of the rotary body 90 refers to the length of the portion LPL of the length specification line LDL that overlaps with the toner cartridge.

[0221] As a result of arranging the toner cartridges in the manner described above relative to the rotary body 90, the length of the space required for arranging the toner cartridges is shortened in the direction of rotation of the rotary body 90. This allows for a smaller rotary body 90 while efficiently arranging the toner cartridges.

[0222] Furthermore, as described above, in each embodiment and modification, 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.

[0223] Furthermore, the surfaces to which the guide sections (72ag, 172ag, 272ag, 372ag, 472ag, 572ag), described later, are connected spread out so as to intersect (preferably perpendicular to) the thickness direction. When the rotary assembly 90A rotates, the amount of toner moved on the surfaces that spread out so as to intersect the thickness direction is greater than the amount of toner moved on the surfaces that spread out so as to intersect the short direction. Therefore, by connecting the guide sections to surfaces that spread out so as to intersect the thickness direction, the toner can be moved a large distance along the guide sections.

[0224] <Protruding wall of toner cartridge> The protruding wall 72a of the toner cartridge 70 will be explained using Figures 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B, 15, and 16A to 16C.

[0225] Figures 16A to 16C show the internal structure of the toner cartridge 70 according to this embodiment. Figures 16A to 16C show the toner cartridge 70 shown in Figures 13A and 13B rotated around a virtual axis (rotation axis 90C) extending in the longitudinal direction, with the vertical orientation of Figures 13A and 13B reversed. Note that while Figures 13A and 13B show the toner cartridge 70 viewed from the +X side, Figures 16A to 16C show the toner cartridge 70 viewed from the -X side. Therefore, the left and right orientations in Figures 13A and 13B are reversed from those in Figures 16A to 16C. Figures 16B and 16C are enlarged views of the protruding wall 72a.

[0226] As shown in Figures 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B, the toner cartridge 70 includes one or more protruding walls 72a. One or more protruding walls 72a are examples of one or more projections provided inside the toner storage section 71a. In this embodiment, one or more protruding walls 72a are connected to a first receiving surface 71d1, which is one of the inner wall surfaces, and protrude from the first receiving surface 71d1. In this embodiment, one or more protruding walls 72a are integrally formed together with the first receiving surface 71d1, but the first receiving surface 71d1 and one or more protruding walls 72a may be formed on different parts.

[0227] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 13A and 14A, one or more protruding walls 72a include multiple protruding walls 72a. In other words, one or more protrusions include multiple protrusions. More specifically, in Figure 13A, the left side of the cross-sectional line 71c2 is provided with an outlet opening 71bL and multiple protruding walls 72aL, and the right side of the cross-sectional line 71c2 is provided with an outlet opening 71bR and multiple protruding walls 72aR. The multiple protruding walls 72aL guide the toner toward the outlet opening 71bL in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. The multiple protruding walls 72aR guide the toner toward the outlet opening 71bR in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0228] The discharge openings 71bL and 71bR are symmetrical with respect to the cross-sectional line (center line) 71c2, and the multiple protruding walls 72aL and 72aR are symmetrical with respect to the center line 71c2. The function of the discharge opening 71bL and the function of the discharge opening 71bR are the same, and the function of the multiple protruding walls 72aL and 72aR are the same. Therefore, in the following description, unless otherwise necessary, the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR will be simply referred to as the discharge opening 71b, and the multiple protruding walls 72aL and 72aR will be referred to as the multiple protruding walls 72a.

[0229] Furthermore, the functions of each of the multiple protruding walls 72a are common. Therefore, the following explanation will focus on a single protruding wall 72a. Note that the shapes of the multiple protruding walls 72a do not have to be exactly the same. Hereafter, when simply referring to a protruding wall 72a, it will refer to each of one or more protruding walls 72a, and to each of the multiple protruding walls 72a.

[0230] As shown in Figures 13B, 14A, and 16B, a guide portion 72ag is provided inside the toner storage portion 71a. The guide portion 72ag includes one or more guide surfaces 72ags. Furthermore, the guide portion 72ag has a first end 72ag1 and a second end 72ag2 opposite the first end 72ag1 in the short direction of the toner cartridge 70. One or more guide surfaces 72ags are arranged between the first end 72ag1 and the second end 72ag2. The guide portion 72ag is part of the protruding wall 72a. In other words, the protruding wall 72a has the guide portion 72ag.

[0231] In this embodiment, one or more guide surfaces 72ags is a single guide surface 72ags. A single guide surface 72ags continuously connects a first end 72ag1 to a second end 72ag2. In other words, the guide portion 72ag has a continuous surface that continuously connects a first end 72ag1 to a second end 72ag2, and this continuous surface includes one or more guide surfaces 72ags.

[0232] As shown in Figures 13B, 14A, 14B, 16B, and 16C, a limiting section 72ah is provided inside the toner storage section 71a. The limiting section 72ah includes one or more limiting surfaces 72ahs. The limiting section 72ah includes a plurality of limiting surfaces 72ahs. In other words, one or more limiting surfaces 72ahs include a plurality of limiting surfaces 72ahs.

[0233] As shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the guide portion 72ag and the limiting portion 72ah overlap when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. More specifically, one or more guide surfaces 72ags and one or more limiting surfaces 72ahs overlap, and in this embodiment, one guide surface 72ags and multiple limiting surfaces 72ahs overlap.

[0234] One or more guide surfaces 72ags face the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. In addition, one or more restricting surfaces 72ahs are located on the back side of the guide portion 72ag (the back side of one or more guide surfaces 72ags) in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0235] Furthermore, in the short direction of the toner cartridge 70, at least a portion of the limiting portion 72ah is located between the first end 72ag1 and the second end 72ag2. Also, in the long direction of the toner cartridge 70, at least a portion of the limiting portion 72ah is located between the first end 72ag1 and the second end 72ag2.

[0236] In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, "guide surface 72ags" refers to one or more guide surfaces (a single guide surface) 72ags. Similarly, "restricting surface 72ahs" refers to each of one or more restricting surfaces (multiple restricting surfaces) 72ahs.

[0237] With respect to the short side of the toner cartridge 70, the guide surface 72ags is oriented from the second end 72ag2 towards the first end 72ag1. With respect to the short side of the toner cartridge 70, the direction from the second end 72ag2 towards the first end 72ag1 is the same as the direction from the inner surface 71i towards the outer surface 71o with respect to the short side of the toner cartridge 70. With respect to the short side of the toner cartridge 70, the guide surface 72ags faces the outer surface 71o.

[0238] With respect to the shorter side of the toner cartridge 70, the limiting surface 72ahs is oriented from the first end 72ag1 to the second end 72ag2. With respect to the shorter side of the toner cartridge 70, the direction from the first end 72ag1 to the second end 72ag2 is the same as the direction from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i with respect to the shorter side of the toner cartridge 70. With respect to the shorter side of the toner cartridge 70, the limiting surface 72ahs is facing the inner surface 71i.

[0239] When the toner moves in the direction from the first end 72ag1 to the second end 72ag2 in the short direction of the toner cartridge 70, at least a portion of the toner is received by the guide surface 72ags. At least a portion of the toner received by the guide surface 72ags moves in the direction toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge. In some cases, a portion of the toner received by the guide surface 72ags may remain on the guide surface 72ags due to friction, static electricity, etc.

[0240] In the short-length direction of the toner cartridge 70, when the toner moves from the second end 72ag2 toward the first end 72ag1, at least a portion of the toner is received by the limiting surface 72ahs. At least a portion of the toner received by the limiting surface 72ahs is restricted from moving downstream of the limiting surface 72ahs in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge, away from the discharge opening 71b. Also, at least a portion of the toner received by the limiting surface 72ahs remains on the limiting surface 72ahs. However, the toner received by the limiting surface 72ahs may spontaneously collapse, and a portion of the toner received by the limiting surface 72ahs may fall from the limiting surface 72ahs. In other words, a portion of the toner received by the limiting surface 72ahs may move downstream of the limiting surface 72ahs in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge, away from the discharge opening 71b.

[0241] <Rotation of the Rotary Assembly and Movement of Toner> The toner stored in the toner storage section 71a moves as the orientation of the toner cartridge 70 changes. In this embodiment, the orientation of the toner cartridge 70 changes as the rotary assembly 90A rotates. The rotation of the rotary assembly 90A and the movement of toner inside the toner storage section 71a will be explained below using Figures 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B, 15, 16A to 16C, 17A to 17C, and 18A to 18C.

[0242] Figures 17A to 17C and 18A to 18C illustrate the rotation of a rotary assembly 90A that rotates around a rotation axis 90C according to Embodiment 1. More specifically, Figures 17A to 17C illustrate the rotary assembly 90A that rotates clockwise in Figure 15. Figures 18A to 18C illustrate the rotary assembly 90A that rotates counterclockwise in Figure 15.

[0243] The guide section 72ag guides the toner moving from the first end 72ag1 to the second end 72ag2 in the short direction of the toner cartridge 70 toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0244] Here, the orientation in which the guide surface 72ags can support the weight of the toner and the toner received by the guide surface 72ags moves from the first end 72ag1 to the second end 72ag2 is called the first orientation of the toner cartridge 70. In other words, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the first orientation, the guide surface 72ags faces upward in the vertical direction.

[0245] When the toner cartridge 70 is in its first position, its longitudinal direction is parallel to the horizontal direction. When the toner cartridge 70 is in its first position, its short direction is parallel to the vertical direction. Also, when the toner cartridge 70 is in its first position, the first end 72ag1 is located above the second end 72ag2. In other words, when the toner cartridge 70 is in its first position, the first end 72ag1 is the upper end of the guide portion 72ag, and the second end 72ag2 is the lower end of the guide portion 72ag. When the toner cartridge 70 is in its first position, in the horizontal direction, the second end 72ag2 is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the first end 72ag1.

[0246] Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the first position, the guide surface 72ags extends in a direction that intersects both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0247] The toner cartridge 70 at position Tp0 and the toner cartridge 70 at position Tp7 are examples of toner cartridges 70 in their first orientation.

[0248] In Figures 13A and 13B, the toner cartridge 70 is in a first position, and the vertical direction in Figures 13A and 13B is parallel to the short side and vertical direction of the toner cartridge 70. The left-right direction in Figures 13A and 13B is parallel to the long side and horizontal direction of the toner cartridge 70. In Figures 13A and 13B, the toner cartridge 70 is assumed to be in position Tp0. When the toner cartridge 70 is in position Tp0, the distance between the first end 72ag1 and the second end 72ag2 is longest in the vertical direction.

[0249] As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, when the toner cartridge 70 is in its first position, the approach direction Tad is defined as the direction parallel to the horizontal and moving from the guide portion 72ag toward the discharge opening 71b. When the toner cartridge 70 is in its first position, at least a portion of the toner Tn received by the guide surface 72ags is guided toward the downstream side of the guide portion 72ag in the approach direction Tad. Since the horizontal direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70, the approach direction Tad is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0250] The toner Tn received by the guide surface 72ags moves vertically downward along the guide surface 72ags due to its own weight. At this time, the toner Tn is guided toward the downstream side of the guide section 72ag in the approach direction Tad, and approaches the discharge opening 71b. In some cases, a portion of the toner Tn received by the guide surface 72ags may remain on the guide surface 72ags due to friction or static electricity.

[0251] Here, the orientation that is the inversion of the first orientation in the vertical direction is called the second orientation of the toner cartridge 70. The second orientation of the toner cartridge 70 is the orientation in which the limiting surface 72ahs can support the weight of the toner. In other words, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the second orientation, the limiting surface 72ahs faces upward in the vertical direction.

[0252] When the toner cartridge 70 is in the second position, its longitudinal direction is parallel to the horizontal direction. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the second position, its short direction is parallel to the vertical direction. Also, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the second position, the first end 72ag1 is located below the second end 72ag2. In other words, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the second position, the first end 72ag1 becomes the lower end of the guide portion 72ag, and the second end 72ag2 becomes the upper end of the guide portion 72ag. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the second position, in the horizontal direction, the second end 72ag2 is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the first end 72ag1.

[0253] The toner cartridge 70 at position Tp4 and the toner cartridge 70 at position Tp5 are examples of toner cartridges 70 in a second orientation. In other words, the toner cartridge 70 at position Tp4 is the inverted version of the toner cartridge 70 at position Tp0. Similarly, the toner cartridge 70 at position Tp5 is the inverted version of the toner cartridge 70 at position Tp7.

[0254] When the toner cartridge 70 is in the second position, the angle of inclination of the limiting surface 72ahs with respect to the horizontal is smaller than the angle of inclination of the limiting surface 72ahs with respect to the vertical. In this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the second position, the limiting surface 72ahs extends in the horizontal direction (a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction).

[0255] In Figures 16A to 16C, the toner cartridge 70 is in the second position, and the vertical direction in Figures 16A to 16C is parallel to the short side and vertical direction of the toner cartridge 70. The left-right direction in Figures 16A to 16C is parallel to the long side and horizontal direction of the toner cartridge 70. In Figures 16A to 16C, the toner cartridge 70 is assumed to be in position Tp4. When the toner cartridge 70 is in position Tp4, the distance between the first end 72ag1 and the second end 72ag2 is longest in the vertical direction.

[0256] As shown in Figure 16A, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the second position, the limiting surface 72ahs is located between the first end 72ag1 and the second end 72ag2 in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the second position, the limiting surface 72ahs is located between the first end 72ag1 and the second end 72ag2 in the vertical direction.

[0257] As shown in Figures 16A to 16C, when the toner cartridge 70 is in the second position, the retraction direction Trad is defined as the direction parallel to the horizontal and moving from the discharge opening 71b toward the guide portion 72ag. When the toner cartridge 70 is in the second position, at least a portion of the toner Tn received by the limiting surface 72ahs is restricted from moving toward the downstream side of the limiting surface 72ahs in the retraction direction Trad. Since the horizontal direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70, the retraction direction Trad is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0258] In this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 70 assumes the second position, the limiting surface 72ahs extends horizontally. Therefore, the toner Tn received by the limiting surface 72ahs does not move horizontally. However, the toner Tn received by the limiting surface 72ahs may spontaneously collapse, and some of the toner Tn received by the limiting surface 72ahs may fall from the limiting surface 72ahs.

[0259] The limiting section 72ah restricts the toner received by the limiting section 72ah from moving in the retraction direction Trd. When the toner cartridge 70, which was in the second position, returns to the first position, at least a portion of the toner received on the limiting surfaces 72ahs is received by the guide section 72ag. The guide section 72ag then guides the toner toward the approach direction Tad.

[0260] In this way, by restricting the movement of the toner in the retraction direction (Trd), the toner stored in the toner storage section 71a can be efficiently discharged.

[0261] The movement of toner accompanying the rotation of the rotary assembly 90A will be explained in more detail using Figures 17A to 17C and 18A to 18C.

[0262] The rotary body 90 is movable between a first position in which the toner cartridge 70 assumes a first posture and a second position in which the toner cartridge 70 assumes a second posture, driven by the motor M2. The rotary body 90 supports the developing rollers (50y, 50m, 50c, 50k). Therefore, when the rotary body 90 moves between the first and second positions, the developing rollers (50y, 50m, 50c, 50k) are displaced relative to the photosensitive drum 2.

[0263] Figure 17A is a schematic view of the toner cartridge 70 as it rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 90C, as seen in the Y direction. Figure 17B is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 70 at position Tp6, and Figure 17C is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 70 at position Tp7.

[0264] Figure 18A is a schematic view of the toner cartridge 70 as it rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis 90C, as seen in the Y direction. Figure 18B is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 70 at position Tp6, and Figure 18C is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 70 at position Tp5.

[0265] In Figure 17A, the dotted line drawn inside the toner storage chamber 71a indicates the toner surface T (upper surface of the toner) of the toner stored in the toner storage chamber 71a. The toner cartridge 70 is configured to be detachable from the rotary body 90 at position Tp2.

[0266] When an image forming operation is performed to form an image on the sheet S, the rotary assembly 90A rotates in the first rotational direction shown in Figure 17A. On the other hand, the rotary assembly 90A may also rotate in the second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, as shown in Figure 18A. In other words, the control unit 100c can control the motor M2 to perform both the operation of rotating the rotary body 90 in the first rotational direction and the operation of rotating the rotary body 90 in the second rotational direction.

[0267] For example, when replacing the toner cartridge 70, the control unit 100c positions the toner cartridge 70 at position Tp2. At this time, if the toner cartridge 70 reaches position Tp2 in a shorter distance by rotating the rotary body 90 in the second rotational direction than by rotating it in the first rotational direction, the control unit 100c rotates the rotary body 90 in the second rotational direction. The rotary body 90 may rotate in the second rotational direction for reasons other than this.

[0268] When the toner cartridge 70 is in position Tp6, the longitudinal and transverse directions of the toner cartridge 70 are parallel to the horizontal direction. Also, the first receiving surface 71d1 to which the protruding wall 72a is connected extends in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0269] When the rotary assembly 90A rotates in the first rotational direction and the toner cartridge 70 moves from position Tp6 to position Tp7, the toner cartridge 70 changes from the position in Figure 17B to the position in Figure 17C. The position of the toner cartridge 70 in Figure 17C is an example of the first position of the toner cartridge 70. At this time, the toner Tn contained in the toner storage section 71a moves by its own weight along the first receiving surface 71d1 to which the protruding wall 72a is connected, from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i in the short direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0270] At this time, as shown in Figure 13B, at least a portion of the toner Tn will come into contact with the guide surface 72ags of the protruding wall 72a. As a result, at least a portion of the toner Tn received by the guide surface 72ags will be moved in the approaching direction Tad (see Figure 13B).

[0271] The movement of toner when the rotary assembly 90A rotates in the second rotational direction will be explained using Figure 18A.

[0272] At position Tp0, the toner is supported by the inner surface 71i, and its 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 support surface 71d1. The toner supported by the inner surface 71i at position Tp0 spontaneously collapses as the toner cartridge 70 rotates and spreads out onto the first support surface 71d1.

[0273] When the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp6 to position Tp4, the toner moves by its own weight on the first receiving surface 71d1 from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o due to gravity acting on the toner.

[0274] Here, when the toner cartridge 70 is in position Tp6, the toner is received by the first receiving surface 71d1. At this time, the toner is distributed on the first receiving surface 71d1, but it may be biased towards either the inner surface 71i or the outer surface 71o.

[0275] When the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp6 to position Tp4, the toner moves by its own weight on the first receiving surface 71d1 from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o due to gravity acting on the toner.

[0276] The toner, having moved along the first receiving surface 71d1 toward the outer surface 71o, collides with the outer surface 71o and spreads in the longitudinal direction. The angle between the first receiving surface 71d1 and the outer surface 71o is preferably close to a right angle.

[0277] More specifically, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that the proportion of the outer surface 71o in which the angle between it and the first receiving surface 71d1 is 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less exceeds 50% of the entire outer surface 71o, and more preferably exceeds 80%. The outer surface 71o is flat, but it may also be curved.

[0278] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction, the length of the region where the angle between the outer surface 71o and the first receiving surface 71d1 satisfies the above conditions is preferably more than 50% of the length of the toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably more than 80%.

[0279] At position Tp4, the toner is supported by the outer surface 71o, and its own weight is supported by the outer surface 71o. When the toner cartridge 70 rotates counterclockwise from position Tp4, the weight of the toner is supported by the second support surface 71d2. The toner supported by the outer surface 71o at position Tp4 spontaneously collapses as the toner cartridge 70 rotates and spreads out onto the second support surface 71d2.

[0280] Here, when the toner cartridge 70 is in position Tp2, the toner is received by the second receiving surface 71d2. At this time, the toner is distributed on the second receiving surface 71d2, but it may be biased towards either the inner surface 71i or the outer surface 71o.

[0281] When the toner cartridge 70 rotates from position Tp2 to position Tp0, gravity acts on the toner, causing it to move on the second receiving surface 71d2 from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i under its own weight. When the toner cartridge 70 moves from position Tp6 to position Tp0, the toner is more likely to move on the second receiving surface 71d2 from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i.

[0282] The toner, having moved along the second receiving surface 71d2 toward the inner surface 71i, collides with the inner surface 71i and spreads in the longitudinal direction. The angle between the second receiving surface 71d2 and the inner surface 71i is preferably close to a right angle.

[0283] More specifically, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that the proportion of the inner surface 71i where the angle between it and the second receiving surface 71d2 is 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less exceeds 50% of the entire inner surface 71i, and more preferably exceeds 80%. The inner surface 71i is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0284] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction, the length of the region where the angle between the inner surface 71i and the second receiving surface 71d2 satisfies the above conditions is preferably more than 50% of the length of the toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably more than 80%.

[0285] In other words, as the rotary assembly 90A rotates, the toner moves over the first receiving surface 71d1. Preferably, the angle between the inner surface 71i or outer surface 71o, which is located downstream of the first receiving surface 71d1 in the direction of toner movement, and the first receiving surface 71d1 satisfies the above relationship. That is, it is preferable that the proportion of the area where the angle between the said surface and the first receiving surface 71d1 is 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less exceeds 50% of the entire surface. Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that the length of the region that satisfies this condition exceeds 50% of the length of the toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably exceeds 80%.

[0286] Furthermore, as the rotary assembly 90A rotates, the toner moves over the second receiving surface 71d2. It is preferable that the angle between the inner surface 71i or outer surface 71o, located downstream of the second receiving surface 71d2 in the direction of toner movement, and the second receiving surface 71d2 satisfies the above relationship. In other words, it is preferable that the proportion of the area where the angle between the surface and the second receiving surface 71d2 is 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less exceeds 50% of the entire surface. Also, in the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that the length of the region satisfying this condition exceeds 50% of the length of the toner storage chamber 71a, and more preferably exceeds 80%.

[0287] In this embodiment, both the inner surface 71i and the outer surface 71o satisfy the above conditions, but it is also possible that only one of the inner surface 71i or the outer surface 71o satisfies the above conditions. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the inner surface 71i or the outer surface 71o satisfies the above conditions.

[0288] When the rotary assembly 90A rotates in the second rotational direction and the toner cartridge 70 moves from position Tp6 to position Tp5, the toner cartridge 70 changes from the position in Figure 18B to the position in Figure 18C. The position of the toner cartridge 70 in Figure 18C is an example of the second position. At this time, the toner Tn contained in the toner storage section 71a moves by its own weight along the first receiving surface 71d1 to which the protruding wall 72a is connected, from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o in the short direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0289] At this time, as shown in Figure 13B, at least a portion of the toner Tn will come into contact with the limiting surface 72ahs of the protruding wall 72a. As a result, at least a portion of the toner Tn that is received by the limiting surface 72ahs remains on the limiting surface 72ahs and is restricted from moving downstream of the limiting surface 72ahs in the retraction direction Trad (see Figure 16C).

[0290] As described above, the rotary assembly 90A (rotary body 90) rotates in the first rotational direction when an image forming operation is performed on the sheet S. Therefore, when the rotary assembly 90A (rotary body 90) rotates in the first rotational direction with toner remaining on the limiting surface 72ahs, a portion of the toner received on the limiting surface 72ahs is received by the guide surface 72ags and guided toward the approach direction Tad. In other words, when the rotary assembly 90A rotates in the first rotational direction after rotating in the second rotational direction, toner is quickly supplied to the developing unit 50.

[0291] According to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the transport of toner in a direction opposite to the toner transport direction by the guide portion 72ag.

[0292] <Modification 1> Modification 1 will now be described. In Modification 1, components similar to those described in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted in principle.

[0293] While the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 had one or more protruding walls 72a, the toner cartridge 170 of Modification 1 has one or more protruding walls 172a that are different in shape from the one or more protruding walls 72a. The one or more protruding walls 72a of the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 and the one or more protruding walls 172a of the toner cartridge 170 of Modification 1 have at least similar functions.

[0294] The toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 and the toner cartridge 170 of Modification 1 have essentially the same configuration, except for the difference in the shape of one or more protruding walls 72a and one or more protruding walls 172a. The toner cartridge 170 according to Modification 1 is also detachably mounted on the rotary body 90 of the image forming apparatus 1, similar to the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1.

[0295] Figures 19A to 19C will be used to describe the toner cartridge 170 according to Modification 1. Figures 19A to 19C are diagrams showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 170 according to Modification 1. Figure 19A shows the toner cartridge 170 in a first position. Figure 19B shows one or more protruding walls 172a of the toner cartridge 170 in a first position. Figure 19C shows one or more protruding walls 172a of the toner cartridge 170 in a second position. The vertical direction in Figures 19A to 19C is parallel to the short side and vertical direction of the toner cartridge 70. The left-right direction in Figures 19A to 19C is parallel to the long side and horizontal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0296] As shown in Figure 19A, the toner cartridge 170 is provided with one or more protruding walls 172a. The one or more protruding walls 172a are examples of one or more projections provided inside the toner storage section 71a. In this modified example, the one or more protruding walls 172a are connected to a first receiving surface 71d1, which is one of the inner wall surfaces, and protrude from the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0297] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 19A, one or more protruding walls 172a include multiple protruding walls 172a. In other words, one or more projections include multiple projections. More specifically, in Figure 19A, to the left of the center of the toner storage chamber 71a, there is an outlet opening 71bL and multiple protruding walls 172aL, and to the right of the center of the toner storage chamber 71a, there is an outlet opening 71bR and multiple protruding walls 172aR.

[0298] Similar to Example 1, the functions of the multiple protruding walls 172aL and the multiple protruding walls 172aR are the same. Therefore, in the following description, unless otherwise necessary, the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR will simply be referred to as the discharge opening 71b, and the multiple protruding walls 172aL and 172aR will be referred to as the multiple protruding walls 172a. Furthermore, the functions of each of the multiple protruding walls 172a are common. Therefore, in the following description, only one protruding wall 172a will be described. Note that the shapes of each of the multiple protruding walls 172a do not have to be completely identical.

[0299] Hereinafter, when the term "protruding wall 172a" is used, it refers to each of one or more protruding walls 172a, and also to each of multiple protruding walls 172a.

[0300] As shown in Figures 19A to 19C, a guide portion 172ag is provided inside the toner storage portion 71a. The guide portion 172ag includes one or more guide surfaces 172ags. Furthermore, the guide portion 172ag has a first end 172ag1 and a second end 172ag2 opposite the first end 172ag1 in the short direction of the toner cartridge 170.

[0301] One or more guide surfaces 172ags are positioned between the first end 172ag1 and the second end 172ag2. The guide portion 172ag is part of the protruding wall 172a.

[0302] In this modified example, one or more guide surfaces 172ags is a single guide surface 172ags. A single guide surface 172ags continuously connects a first end 172ag1 to a second end 172ag2. In other words, the guide portion 172ag has a continuous surface that continuously connects a first end 172ag1 to a second end 172ag2, and this continuous surface includes one or more guide surfaces 172ags.

[0303] As shown in Figures 19A to 19C, a limiting section 172ah is provided inside the toner storage section 71a. The limiting section 172ah includes one or more limiting surfaces 172ahs. The limiting section 172ah includes a plurality of limiting surfaces 172ahs. In other words, one or more limiting surfaces 172ahs include a plurality of limiting surfaces 172ahs.

[0304] Similar to Example 1, the guide portion 172ag and the limiting portion 172ah overlap when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 170. More specifically, one or more guide surfaces 172ags and one or more limiting surfaces 172ahs overlap, and in this modified example, one guide surface 172ags and multiple limiting surfaces 172ahs overlap.

[0305] One or more guide surfaces 172ags face the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 170. One or more restricting surfaces 172ahs are located on the back side of the guide portion 172ag (the back side of one or more guide surfaces 172ags) in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 170.

[0306] Furthermore, in the short direction of the toner cartridge 170, at least a portion of the limiting portion 172ah is located between the first end 172ag1 and the second end 172ag2. Also, in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 170, at least a portion of the limiting portion 172ah is located between the first end 172ag1 and the second end 172ag2.

[0307] In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, "guide surface 172ags" refers to one or more guide surfaces (a single guide surface) 172ags. Similarly, "restricting surface 172ahs" refers to each of one or more restricting surfaces (multiple restricting surfaces) 172ahs.

[0308] In the modified example 1, the protruding wall 172a includes a first rib including a guide portion 172ag and at least one second rib connected to the first rib. Each of the at least one second rib includes a limiting surface 172ahs.

[0309] With respect to the short side of the toner cartridge 170, the guide surface 172ags is oriented from the second end 172ag2 towards the first end 172ag1. With respect to the short side of the toner cartridge 170, the direction from the second end 172ag2 towards the first end 172ag1 is the same as the direction from the inner surface 71i towards the outer surface 71o with respect to the short side of the toner cartridge 170. With respect to the short side of the toner cartridge 170, the guide surface 172ags faces the outer surface 71o.

[0310] With respect to the shorter side of the toner cartridge 170, the limiting surface 172ahs is oriented from the first end 172ag1 to the second end 172ag2. With respect to the shorter side of the toner cartridge 170, the direction from the first end 172ag1 to the second end 172ag2 is the same as the direction from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i with respect to the shorter side of the toner cartridge 170. With respect to the shorter side of the toner cartridge 170, the limiting surface 172ahs is facing the inner surface 71i.

[0311] When the toner moves in the direction from the first end 172ag1 to the second end 172ag2 in the short direction of the toner cartridge 170, at least a portion of the toner is received by the guide surface 172ags. At least a portion of the toner received by the guide surface 172ags moves in the direction toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge. In some cases, a portion of the toner received by the guide surface 172ags may remain on the guide surface 172ags due to friction, static electricity, etc.

[0312] In the short-length direction of the toner cartridge 170, when the toner moves from the second end 172ag2 toward the first end 172ag1, at least a portion of the toner is received by the limiting surface 172ahs. At least a portion of the toner received by the limiting surface 172ahs is restricted from moving downstream of the limiting surface 172ahs in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge, away from the discharge opening 71b. In addition, at least a portion of the toner received by the limiting surface 172ahs moves toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge.

[0313] Similar to Embodiment 1, the toner contained in the toner storage section 71a moves as the orientation of the toner cartridge 170 changes. In this embodiment, the orientation of the toner cartridge 170 changes as the rotary assembly 90A rotates.

[0314] As described above, the guide portion 172ag guides the toner moving from the first end 172ag1 to the second end 172ag2 in the short direction of the toner cartridge 170 toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 170.

[0315] Similar to Example 1, the toner cartridge 170 can assume a first and second orientation. The definitions of the first and second orientations are the same as those shown in Example 1.

[0316] In other words, when the toner cartridge 170 assumes the first position, the guide surface 172ags can support the weight of the toner, and the toner supported by the guide surface 172ags moves from the first end 172ag1 to the second end 172ag2. When the toner cartridge 170 assumes the first position, the guide surface 172ags faces upward in the vertical direction. When the toner cartridge 170 assumes the first position, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 170 is parallel to the horizontal direction, and the short direction of the toner cartridge 170 is parallel to the vertical direction. Also, when the toner cartridge 170 assumes the first position, the first end 172ag1 becomes the upper end of the guide portion 172ag, and the second end 172ag2 becomes the lower end of the guide portion 172ag. When the toner cartridge 170 is in the first position, in the horizontal direction, the second end 172ag2 is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the first end 172ag1.

[0317] When the toner cartridge 170 is in the first position, the guide surface 172ags extends in a direction that intersects both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0318] When the toner cartridge 170 is in the first position, at least a portion of the toner Tn received on the guide surface 172ags is guided toward the downstream side of the guide portion 172ag in the approach direction Tad.

[0319] Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 170 assumes the second position, the limiting surface 172ahs can support the weight of the toner. When the toner cartridge 170 assumes the second position, the limiting surface 172ahs faces upward in the vertical direction. When the toner cartridge 170 assumes the second position, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 170 is parallel to the horizontal direction, and the short direction of the toner cartridge 170 is parallel to the vertical direction. When the toner cartridge 170 assumes the second position, the first end 172ag1 becomes the lower end of the guide portion 172ag, and the second end 172ag2 becomes the upper end of the guide portion 172ag. When the toner cartridge 170 assumes the second position, in the horizontal direction, the second end 172ag2 is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the first end 172ag1.

[0320] In the second position of the toner cartridge 170, the limiting surface 172ahs is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. When the toner cartridge 170 is in the second position, the limiting surface 172ahs guides at least a portion of the toner Tn received on the limiting surface 172ahs toward the upstream side in the retraction direction Trad.

[0321] The limiting section 172ah restricts the toner received on the limiting section 172ah from moving in the retraction direction Trad. When the toner cartridge 170, which was in the second position, returns to the first position, at least a portion of the toner received on the limiting surfaces 172ahs is received by the guide section 172ag. The guide section 172ag then guides the cartridge toward the approach direction Tad.

[0322] In this way, by restricting the movement of toner in the retraction direction Trd, the toner stored in the toner storage section 71a can be discharged efficiently. In this modified example, the restricting surface 172ahs guides at least a portion of the toner Tn received on the restricting surface 172ahs toward the upstream side in the retraction direction Trd, so that the toner stored in the toner storage section 71a can be discharged more efficiently.

[0323] The switching between the first and second positions when the rotary assembly 90A rotates in the first and second rotation directions is the same as that described in Example 1, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0324] This modified configuration also makes it possible to suppress the transport of toner in the direction opposite to the toner transport direction by the guide section 172ag.

[0325] <Modified Example 2> Modified Example 2 will now be described. In Modified Example 2, components similar to those described in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted in principle.

[0326] While the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 had one or more protruding walls 72a, the toner cartridge 270 of Modified Example 2 has one or more protruding walls 272a that are different in shape from the one or more protruding walls 72a. The one or more protruding walls 72a of the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 and the one or more protruding walls 272a of the toner cartridge 270 of Modified Example 2 have at least similar functions.

[0327] The toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 and the toner cartridge 270 of Modified Example 2 have essentially the same configuration, except for the difference in the shape of one or more protruding walls 72a and one or more protruding walls 272a. The toner cartridge 270 according to Modified Example 2 is also detachably mounted on the rotary body 90 of the image forming apparatus 1, similar to the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1.

[0328] Figures 20A to 20C will be used to describe the toner cartridge 270 according to the modified example 2. Figures 20A to 20C are diagrams showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 270 according to the modified example 2. Figure 20A shows the toner cartridge 270 in the first position. Figure 20B shows one or more protruding walls 272a of the toner cartridge 270 in the first position. Figure 20C shows one or more protruding walls 272a of the toner cartridge 270 in the second position. The vertical direction in Figures 20A to 20C is parallel to the short side and vertical direction of the toner cartridge 70. The left-right direction in Figures 20A to 20C is parallel to the long side and horizontal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0329] As shown in Figure 20A, the toner cartridge 270 is provided with one or more protruding walls 272a. The one or more protruding walls 272a are examples of one or more projections provided inside the toner storage section 71a. In this modified example, the one or more protruding walls 272a are connected to a first receiving surface 71d1, which is one of the inner wall surfaces, and protrude from the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0330] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 20A, one or more protruding walls 272a include multiple protruding walls 272a. In other words, one or more projections include multiple projections. More specifically, in Figure 20A, to the left of the center of the toner storage chamber 71a, there is an outlet opening 71bL and multiple protruding walls 272aL, and to the right of the center of the toner storage chamber 71a, there is an outlet opening 71bR and multiple protruding walls 272aR.

[0331] Similar to Example 1, the functions of the multiple protruding walls 272aL and the multiple protruding walls 272aR are the same. Therefore, in the following description, unless otherwise necessary, the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR will be simply referred to as the discharge opening 71b, and the multiple protruding walls 272aL and 272aR will be referred to as the multiple protruding walls 272a. Furthermore, the functions of each of the multiple protruding walls 272a are common. Therefore, in the following description, one protruding wall 272a will be described. Note that the shapes of each of the multiple protruding walls 272a do not have to be completely identical. Hereafter, when simply referring to a protruding wall 272a, it will refer to each of one or more protruding walls 272a, and each of the multiple protruding walls 272a.

[0332] As shown in Figures 20A to 20C, a guide portion 272ag is provided inside the toner storage portion 71a. The guide portion 272ag includes one or more guide surfaces 272ags. Furthermore, the guide portion 272ag has a first end 272ag1 and a second end 272ag2 opposite the first end 272ag1 in the short direction of the toner cartridge 270.

[0333] One or more guide surfaces 272ags are positioned between the first end 272ag1 and the second end 272ag2. The guide portion 272ag is part of the protruding wall 272a.

[0334] In this modified example, one or more guide surfaces 272ags include multiple guide surfaces 272ags. The multiple guide surfaces 272ags are connected to each other by surfaces extending in the short direction of the toner cartridge 270. The guide portion 272ag has a continuous surface that connects a first end 272ag1 to a second end 272ag2, and the continuous surface includes one or more guide surfaces 272ags.

[0335] As shown in Figures 20A to 20C, a limiting section 272ah is provided inside the toner storage section 71a. The limiting section 272ah includes one or more limiting surfaces 272ahs. The limiting section 272ah includes a plurality of limiting surfaces 272ahs. In other words, one or more limiting surfaces 272ahs include a plurality of limiting surfaces 272ahs.

[0336] Similar to Example 1, the guide portion 272ag and the limiting portion 272ah overlap when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 270. More specifically, one or more guide surfaces 272ags and one or more limiting surfaces 272ahs overlap, and in this modified example, each of the multiple guide surfaces 272ags and each of the multiple limiting surfaces 272ahs overlap.

[0337] One or more guide surfaces 272ags face the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 270. In addition, one or more restricting surfaces 272ahs are located on the back side of the guide portion 272ag (the back side of one or more guide surfaces 272ags) in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 270.

[0338] Furthermore, in the short direction of the toner cartridge 270, at least a portion of the limiting portion 272ah is located between the first end 272ag1 and the second end 272ag2. Also, in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 270, at least a portion of the limiting portion 272ah is located between the first end 272ag1 and the second end 272ag2.

[0339] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, "guide surface 272ags" refers to each of the one or more guide surfaces (multiple guide surfaces) 272. Similarly, "restricting surface 272ahs" refers to each of the one or more restricting surfaces (multiple guide surfaces) 272ahs.

[0340] In modified example 2, the protruding wall 272a includes a first rib including a guide portion 272ag and at least one second rib connected to the first rib. Each of the at least one second rib includes a limiting surface 272ahs.

[0341] With respect to the short side of the toner cartridge 270, the guide surface 272ags is oriented from the second end 272ag2 toward the first end 272ag1. With respect to the short side of the toner cartridge 270, the direction from the second end 272ag2 toward the first end 272ag1 is the same as the direction from the inner surface 71i toward the outer surface 71o with respect to the short side of the toner cartridge 270. With respect to the short side of the toner cartridge 270, the guide surface 272ags faces the outer surface 71o.

[0342] With respect to the shorter side of the toner cartridge 270, the limiting surface 272ahs is oriented from the first end 272ag1 to the second end 272ag2. With respect to the shorter side of the toner cartridge 270, the direction from the first end 272ag1 to the second end 272ag2 is the same as the direction from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i with respect to the shorter side of the toner cartridge 270. With respect to the shorter side of the toner cartridge 270, the limiting surface 272ahs is facing the inner surface 71i.

[0343] When the toner moves in the direction from the first end 272ag1 to the second end 272ag2 in the short direction of the toner cartridge 270, at least a portion of the toner is received by the guide surface 272ags. At least a portion of the toner received by the guide surface 272ags moves in the direction toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge. In some cases, a portion of the toner received by the guide surface 272ags may remain on the guide surface 272ags due to friction, static electricity, etc.

[0344] In the short-length direction of the toner cartridge 270, when the toner moves from the second end 272ag2 toward the first end 272ag1, at least a portion of the toner is received by the limiting surface 272ahs. At least a portion of the toner received by the limiting surface 272ahs is restricted from moving downstream of the limiting surface 272ahs in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge, away from the discharge opening 71b. Also, at least a portion of the toner received by the limiting surface 272ahs remains on the limiting surface 272ahs. In addition, the toner received by the limiting surface 272ahs may spontaneously collapse, and a portion of the toner received by the limiting surface 272ahs may fall from the limiting surface 272ahs.

[0345] Similar to Embodiment 1, the toner contained in the toner storage section 71a moves as the orientation of the toner cartridge 270 changes. In this embodiment, the orientation of the toner cartridge 270 changes as the rotary assembly 90A rotates.

[0346] As described above, the guide section 272ag guides the toner moving from the first end 272ag1 to the second end 272ag2 in the short direction of the toner cartridge 270 toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 270.

[0347] Similar to Example 1, the toner cartridge 270 can assume a first and second orientation. The definitions of the first and second orientations are the same as those shown in Example 1.

[0348] In other words, when the toner cartridge 270 assumes the first position, the guide surface 272ags can support the weight of the toner, and the toner supported by the guide surface 272ags moves from the first end 272ag1 to the second end 272ag2. When the toner cartridge 270 assumes the first position, the guide surface 272ags faces upward in the vertical direction. When the toner cartridge 270 assumes the first position, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 270 is parallel to the horizontal direction, and the short direction of the toner cartridge 270 is parallel to the vertical direction. Also, when the toner cartridge 270 assumes the first position, the first end 272ag1 becomes the upper end of the guide portion 272ag, and the second end 272ag2 becomes the lower end of the guide portion 272ag. When the toner cartridge 270 is in the first position, in the horizontal direction, the second end 272ag2 is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the first end 272ag1.

[0349] When the toner cartridge 270 is in the first position, the guide surface 272ags extends in a direction that intersects both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0350] When the toner cartridge 270 is in the first position, at least a portion of the toner Tn received on the guide surface 272ags is guided toward the downstream side of the guide portion 272ag in the approach direction Tad.

[0351] Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 270 assumes the second position, the limiting surface 272ahs can support the weight of the toner. When the toner cartridge 270 assumes the second position, the limiting surface 272ahs faces upward in the vertical direction. When the toner cartridge 270 assumes the second position, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 270 is parallel to the horizontal direction, and the short direction of the toner cartridge 270 is parallel to the vertical direction. When the toner cartridge 270 assumes the second position, the first end 272ag1 becomes the lower end of the guide portion 272ag, and the second end 272ag2 becomes the upper end of the guide portion 272ag. When the toner cartridge 270 assumes the second position, in the horizontal direction, the second end 272ag2 is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the first end 272ag1.

[0352] In the second orientation of the toner cartridge 270, the angle of inclination between the limiting surface 272ahs and the horizontal direction is smaller than the angle of inclination between the limiting surface 272ahs and the vertical direction. Furthermore, in this modified example, the limiting surface 272ahs extends in the horizontal direction.

[0353] The limiting section 272ah restricts the toner received by the limiting section 272ah from moving in the retraction direction Trad. When the toner cartridge 270, which has assumed the second position, assumes the first position, at least a portion of the toner received on the limiting surfaces 272ahs is received by the guide section 272ag. The guide section 272ag then guides the toner toward the approach direction Tad.

[0354] In this way, by restricting the movement of the toner in the retraction direction (Trd), the toner stored in the toner storage section 71a can be efficiently discharged.

[0355] The switching between the first and second positions when the rotary assembly 90A rotates in the first and second rotation directions is the same as that described in Example 1, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0356] This modified configuration also makes it possible to suppress the transport of toner in the direction opposite to the toner transport direction by the guide section 272ag.

[0357] <Modification 3> Modification 3 will now be described. In Modification 3, components similar to those described in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted in principle.

[0358] While the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 had one or more protruding walls 72a, the toner cartridge 370 of Modified Example 3 has one or more protruding walls 372a that have a different shape from the one or more protruding walls 72a. The one or more protruding walls 72a of the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 and the one or more protruding walls 372a of the toner cartridge 370 of Modified Example 3 have at least similar functions.

[0359] The toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 and the toner cartridge 370 of Modified Example 3 have essentially the same configuration, except for the difference in the shape of one or more protruding walls 72a and one or more protruding walls 372a. The toner cartridge 370 according to Modified Example 3 is also detachably mounted on the rotary body 90 of the image forming apparatus 1, similar to the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1.

[0360] Figures 21A to 21C will be used to describe the toner cartridge 370 according to the third modification. Figures 21A to 21C are diagrams showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 370 according to the third modification. Figure 21A shows the toner cartridge 370 in a first position. Figure 21B shows one or more protruding walls 372a of the toner cartridge 370 in a first position. Figure 21C shows one or more protruding walls 372a of the toner cartridge 370 in a second position. The vertical direction in Figures 21A to 21C is parallel to the short side and vertical direction of the toner cartridge 370. The left-right direction in Figures 21A to 21C is parallel to the long side and horizontal direction of the toner cartridge 370.

[0361] As shown in Figure 21A, the toner cartridge 370 is provided with one or more protruding walls 372a. The one or more protruding walls 372a are examples of one or more projections provided inside the toner storage section 71a. In this modified example, the one or more protruding walls 372a are connected to a first receiving surface 71d1, which is one of the inner wall surfaces, and protrude from the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0362] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 21A, one or more protruding walls 372a include multiple protruding walls 372a. In other words, one or more projections include multiple projections. More specifically, in Figure 21A, to the left of the center of the toner storage chamber 71a, there is an outlet opening 71bL and multiple protruding walls 372aL, and to the right of the center of the toner storage chamber 71a, there is an outlet opening 71bR and multiple protruding walls 372aR.

[0363] Similar to Example 1, the functions of the multiple protruding walls 372aL and the multiple protruding walls 372aR are the same. Therefore, in the following description, unless otherwise necessary, the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR will simply be referred to as the discharge opening 71b, and the multiple protruding walls 372aL and 372aR will be referred to as the multiple protruding walls 372a. Furthermore, the functions of each of the multiple protruding walls 372a are common. Therefore, in the following description, only one protruding wall 372a will be described. Note that the shapes of each of the multiple protruding walls 372a do not have to be completely identical.

[0364] Hereinafter, when the term "protruding wall 372a" is used, it refers to each of one or more protruding walls 372a, and also to each of multiple protruding walls 372a.

[0365] As shown in Figures 21A to 21C, a guide portion 372ag is provided inside the toner storage portion 71a. The guide portion 372ag includes one or more guide surfaces 372ags. Furthermore, the guide portion 372ag has a first end 372ag1 and a second end 372ag2 opposite the first end 372ag1 in the short direction of the toner cartridge 370.

[0366] One or more guide surfaces 372ags are positioned between the first end 372ag1 and the second end 372ag2. The guide portion 372ag is part of the protruding wall 372a.

[0367] In this modified example, one or more guide surfaces 372ags include multiple guide surfaces 372ags. The multiple guide surfaces 372ags are connected to each other by surfaces extending in the short direction of the toner cartridge 370. In other words, the guide portion 372ag has a continuous surface that continuously connects the first end 372ag1 to the second end 372ag2, and the continuous surface includes one or more guide surfaces 372ags.

[0368] As shown in Figures 21A to 21C, a limiting section 372ah is provided inside the toner storage section 71a. The limiting section 372ah includes one or more limiting surfaces 372ahs. The limiting section 372ah includes a plurality of limiting surfaces 372ahs. In other words, one or more limiting surfaces 372ahs include a plurality of limiting surfaces 372ahs.

[0369] Similar to Example 1, the guide portion 372ag and the limiting portion 372ah overlap when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 370. More specifically, one or more guide surfaces 372ags and one or more limiting surfaces 372ahs overlap, and in this modified example, each of the multiple guide surfaces 372ags and each of the multiple limiting surfaces 372ahs overlap.

[0370] One or more guide surfaces 372ags face the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 370. In addition, one or more restricting surfaces 372ahs are located on the back side of the guide portion 372ag (the back side of one or more guide surfaces 372ags) in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 370.

[0371] Furthermore, in the short direction of the toner cartridge 370, at least a portion of the limiting portion 372ah is located between the first end 372ag1 and the second end 372ag2. Also, in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 370, at least a portion of the limiting portion 372ah is located between the first end 372ag1 and the second end 372ag2.

[0372] In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, "guide surface 372ags" refers to each of one or more guide surfaces 372ags. Similarly, "restricting surface 372ahs" refers to each of one or more restricting surfaces 372ahs.

[0373] In the modified example 3, the protruding wall 372a includes a first rib including a guide portion 372ag and at least one second rib connected to the first rib. Each of the at least one second rib includes a limiting surface 372ahs.

[0374] In this modified example, the guide portion 372ag has the same configuration as the guide portion 272ag in Modified Example 2. Therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0375] With respect to the shorter side of the toner cartridge 370, the limiting surface 372ahs is oriented from the first end 372ag1 to the second end 372ag2. With respect to the shorter side of the toner cartridge 370, the direction from the first end 372ag1 to the second end 372ag2 is the same as the direction from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i with respect to the shorter side of the toner cartridge 370. With respect to the shorter side of the toner cartridge 370, the limiting surface 372ahs is facing the inner surface 71i.

[0376] In the short-length direction of the toner cartridge 370, when the toner moves from the second end 372ag2 toward the first end 372ag1, at least a portion of the toner is received by the restricting surface 372ahs. At least a portion of the toner received by the restricting surface 372ahs is restricted from moving downstream of the restricting surface 372ahs in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge, away from the discharge opening 71b. In addition, at least a portion of the toner received by the restricting surface 372ahs moves toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge.

[0377] Similar to Embodiment 1, the toner contained in the toner storage section 71a moves as the orientation of the toner cartridge 370 changes. In this embodiment, the orientation of the toner cartridge 370 changes as the rotary assembly 90A rotates.

[0378] Similar to Example 1, the toner cartridge 370 can assume a first and second orientation. The definitions of the first and second orientations are the same as those shown in Example 1.

[0379] When the toner cartridge 370 is in the second position, the limiting surface 372ahs can support the weight of the toner. When the toner cartridge 370 is in the second position, the limiting surface 372ahs faces upward in the vertical direction. When the toner cartridge 370 is in the second position, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 370 is parallel to the horizontal direction, and the short direction of the toner cartridge 370 is parallel to the vertical direction. When the toner cartridge 370 is in the second position, the first end 372ag1 becomes the lower end of the guide portion 372ag, and the second end 372ag2 becomes the upper end of the guide portion 372ag. When the toner cartridge 370 is in the second position, in the horizontal direction, the second end 372ag2 is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the first end 372ag1.

[0380] In the second position of the toner cartridge 370, the limiting surface 372ahs is inclined with respect to the horizontal. When the toner cartridge 370 is in the second position, the limiting surface 372ahs guides at least a portion of the toner Tn received on the limiting surface 372ahs toward the upstream side in the retraction direction Trad.

[0381] The limiting section 372ah restricts the toner received by the limiting section 372ah from moving in the retraction direction Trad. When the toner cartridge 370, which was in the second position, returns to the first position, at least a portion of the toner received on the limiting surfaces 372ahs is received by the guide section 372ag. The guide section 372ag then guides the toner toward the approach direction Tad.

[0382] In this way, by restricting the movement of toner in the retraction direction Trd, the toner stored in the toner storage section 71a can be discharged efficiently. In this modified example, the restricting surface 372ahs guides at least a portion of the toner Tn received on the restricting surface 372ahs toward the upstream side in the retraction direction Trd, so that the toner stored in the toner storage section 71a can be discharged more efficiently.

[0383] The switching between the first and second positions when the rotary assembly 90A rotates in the first and second rotation directions is the same as that described in Example 1, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0384] This modified configuration also makes it possible to suppress the transport of toner in the direction opposite to the toner transport direction by the guide section 372ag.

[0385] <Modification 4> Modification 4 will now be described. In Modification 4, components similar to those described in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted in principle.

[0386] While the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 had one or more protruding walls 72a, the toner cartridge 470 of Modified Example 4 has one or more protruding walls 472a that have a different shape from the one or more protruding walls 72a. The one or more protruding walls 72a of the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 and the one or more protruding walls 472a of the toner cartridge 470 of Modified Example 4 have at least similar functions.

[0387] The toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 and the toner cartridge 470 of Modified Example 4 have essentially the same configuration, except for the difference in the shape of one or more protruding walls 72a and one or more protruding walls 472a. The toner cartridge 470 according to Modified Example 4 is also detachably mounted on the rotary body 90 of the image forming apparatus 1, similar to the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1.

[0388] Figures 22A to 22C will be used to describe the toner cartridge 470 according to Modification 4. Figures 22A to 22C are diagrams showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 470 according to Modification 4. Figure 22A shows the toner cartridge 470 in a first position. Figure 22B shows one or more protruding walls 472a of the toner cartridge 470 in a first position. Figure 22C shows one or more protruding walls 472a of the toner cartridge 470 in a second position. The vertical direction in Figures 22A to 22C is parallel to the short side and vertical direction of the toner cartridge 470. The left-right direction in Figures 22A to 22C is parallel to the long side and horizontal direction of the toner cartridge 470.

[0389] As shown in Figure 22A, the toner cartridge 470 is provided with one or more protruding walls 472a. The one or more protruding walls 472a are examples of one or more projections provided inside the toner storage section 71a. In this modified example, the one or more protruding walls 472a are connected to a first receiving surface 71d1, which is one of the inner wall surfaces, and protrude from the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0390] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 22A, one or more protruding walls 472a include multiple protruding walls 472a. In other words, one or more projections include multiple projections. More specifically, in Figure 22A, to the left of the center of the toner storage chamber 71a, there is an outlet opening 71bL and multiple protruding walls 472aL, and to the right of the center of the toner storage chamber 71a, there is an outlet opening 71bR and multiple protruding walls 472aR.

[0391] Similar to Example 1, the functions of the multiple protruding walls 472aL and the multiple protruding walls 472aR are the same. Therefore, in the following description, unless otherwise necessary, the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR will simply be referred to as the discharge opening 71b, and the multiple protruding walls 472aL and 472aR will be referred to as the multiple protruding walls 472a. Furthermore, the functions of each of the multiple protruding walls 472a are common. Therefore, in the following description, only one protruding wall 472a will be described. Note that the shapes of each of the multiple protruding walls 472a do not have to be completely identical.

[0392] Hereinafter, when the term "protruding wall 472a" is used, it refers to each of one or more protruding walls 472a, and also to each of multiple protruding walls 472a.

[0393] As shown in Figures 22A to 22C, a guide portion 472ag is provided inside the toner storage portion 71a. The guide portion 472ag includes one or more guide surfaces 472ags. Furthermore, the guide portion 472ag has a first end 472ag1 and a second end 472ag2 opposite the first end 472ag1 in the short direction of the toner cartridge 470.

[0394] One or more guide surfaces 472ags are positioned between the first end 472ag1 and the second end 472ag2. The guide portion 472ag is part of the protruding wall 472a.

[0395] In this modified example, one or more guide surfaces 472ags include multiple guide surfaces 472ags. The multiple guide surfaces 472ags are connected to each other by surfaces extending in the short direction of the toner cartridge 470. In other words, the guide portion 472ag has a continuous surface that connects the first end 472ag1 to the second end 472ag2, and the continuous surface includes one or more guide surfaces 472ags.

[0396] As shown in Figures 22A to 22C, a limiting section 472ah is provided inside the toner storage section 71a. The limiting section 472ah includes one or more limiting surfaces 472ahs. The limiting section 472ah includes a plurality of limiting surfaces 472ahs. In other words, one or more limiting surfaces 472ahs include a plurality of limiting surfaces 472ahs.

[0397] Similar to Example 1, the guide portion 472ag and the limiting portion 472ah overlap when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 470. More specifically, one or more guide surfaces 472ags and one or more limiting surfaces 472ahs overlap, and in this modified example, each of the multiple guide surfaces 472ags and each of the multiple limiting surfaces 472ahs overlap.

[0398] One or more guide surfaces 472ags face the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 470. One or more restricting surfaces 472ahs are located on the back side of the guide section 472ag (the back side of one or more guide surfaces 472ags) in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 470.

[0399] Furthermore, in the short direction of the toner cartridge 470, at least a portion of the limiting portion 472ah is located between the first end 472ag1 and the second end 472ag2. Also, in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 470, at least a portion of the limiting portion 472ah is located between the first end 472ag1 and the second end 472ag2.

[0400] In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, "guide surface 472ags" refers to each of one or more guide surfaces 472ags. Similarly, "restricting surface 472ahs" refers to each of one or more restricting surfaces 472ahs.

[0401] In modified example 4, the protruding wall 472a includes a first rib including a guide portion 472ag and at least one second rib connected to the first rib. Each of the at least one second rib includes a limiting surface 472ahs.

[0402] In this modified example, the guide portion 472ag has the same configuration as the guide portion 272ag in Modified Example 2. Therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0403] The inclination angle of the restricting surface 472ahs with respect to the short direction of the toner cartridge 470 is smaller than the inclination angle of the restricting surface 472ahs with respect to the long direction of the toner cartridge 470. In this modified example, the restricting surface 472ahs extends in the short direction of the toner cartridge 470.

[0404] In the short-length direction of the toner cartridge 470, when the toner moves from the second end 472ag2 toward the first end 472ag1, at least a portion of the toner is received by the restricting surface 472ahs. At least a portion of the toner received by the restricting surface 472ahs is restricted from moving downstream of the restricting surface 472ahs in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge, away from the discharge opening 71b.

[0405] Similar to Embodiment 1, the toner contained in the toner storage section 71a moves as the orientation of the toner cartridge 470 changes. In this embodiment, the orientation of the toner cartridge 470 changes as the rotary assembly 90A rotates.

[0406] Similar to Example 1, the toner cartridge 470 can assume a first and second orientation. The definitions of the first and second orientations are the same as those shown in Example 1.

[0407] When the toner cartridge 470 is in the second position, the limiting surface 472ahs can receive toner. When the toner cartridge 470 is in the second position, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 470 is parallel to the horizontal direction, and the short direction of the toner cartridge 470 is parallel to the vertical direction. When the toner cartridge 470 is in the second position, the first end 472ag1 becomes the lower end of the guide portion 472ag, and the second end 472ag2 becomes the upper end of the guide portion 472ag. When the toner cartridge 470 is in the second position, in the horizontal direction, the second end 472ag2 is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the first end 472ag1.

[0408] In the second orientation of the toner cartridge 470, the limiting surface 472ahs is inclined with respect to the horizontal. When the toner cartridge 470 is in the second orientation, the angle of inclination of the limiting surface 472ahs with respect to the vertical is smaller than the angle of inclination of the limiting surface 472ahs with respect to the horizontal. In this modified example, the limiting surface 472ahs extends in the vertical direction.

[0409] The limiting section 472ah restricts the toner received by the limiting section 472ah from moving in the retraction direction Trad. When the toner cartridge 470, which was in the second position, returns to the first position, at least a portion of the toner received on the limiting surfaces 472ahs is received by the guide section 472ag. The guide section 472ag then guides the cartridge toward the approach direction Tad.

[0410] In this way, by restricting the movement of toner in the retraction direction Trd, the toner stored in the toner storage section 71a can be discharged efficiently. In this modified example, the restricting section 472ah more reliably restricts the movement of toner received by the restricting section 472ah in the retraction direction Trd.

[0411] The switching between the first and second positions when the rotary assembly 90A rotates in the first and second rotation directions is the same as that described in Example 1, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0412] This modified configuration also makes it possible to suppress the transport of toner in the direction opposite to the toner transport direction by the guide section 472ag.

[0413] <Modification 5> Modification 5 will now be described. In Modification 5, components similar to those described in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted in principle.

[0414] While the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 had one or more protruding walls 72a, the toner cartridge 570 of Modified Example 5 has multiple protruding walls 572a that differ in shape from the one or more protruding walls 72a. One of the one or more protruding walls 72a of the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 and the multiple protruding walls 572a of the toner cartridge 570 of Modified Example 5 have at least similar functions.

[0415] The toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 and the toner cartridge 570 of Modified Example 5 have essentially the same configuration, except for differences in the shape of the protruding wall 72a and the multiple protruding walls 572a. The toner cartridge 570 according to Modified Example 5 is also detachably mounted on the rotary body 90 of the image forming apparatus 1, similar to the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1.

[0416] Figures 23A to 23D will be used to describe the toner cartridge 570 according to Modification 5. Figures 23A to 23D are diagrams showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 570 according to Modification 5. Figure 23A shows the toner cartridge 570 in the first position. Figures 23B and 23C show a plurality of protruding walls 572a of the toner cartridge 570 in the first position. Figure 23D shows one of the plurality of protruding walls 572a of the toner cartridge 570 in the second position. The vertical direction in Figures 23A to 23D is parallel to the short side and vertical direction of the toner cartridge 570. The left-right direction in Figures 23A to 23D is parallel to the longitudinal direction and horizontal direction of the toner cartridge 570. The definitions of the first position and the second position are the same as those shown in Example 1.

[0417] As shown in Figure 23A, the toner cartridge 570 is provided with a plurality of protruding walls 572a. The plurality of protruding walls 572a are examples of one or more protrusions provided inside the toner storage section 71a. In this modified example, the plurality of protruding walls 572a are connected to a first receiving surface 71d1, which is one of the inner wall surfaces, and protrude from the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0418] In Figure 23A, the toner storage chamber 71a is provided with an outlet opening 71bL and a plurality of protruding walls 572aL to the left of its center, and with an outlet opening 71bR and a plurality of protruding walls 572aR to the right of its center.

[0419] Similar to Example 1, the functions of the multiple protruding walls 572aL and the multiple protruding walls 572aR are the same. Therefore, in the following description, unless otherwise necessary, the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR will be simply referred to as the discharge opening 71b, and the multiple protruding walls 572aL and 572aR will be referred to as the multiple protruding walls 572a.

[0420] As shown in Figures 23A to 23D, a guide section 572ag is provided inside the toner storage section 71a. The guide section 572ag includes a plurality of guide surfaces 572ags. As shown in Figures 23A to 23D, a limiting section 572ah is provided inside the toner storage section 71a. The limiting section 572ah includes one or more limiting surfaces 572ahs.

[0421] As shown in Figures 23A, 23B, and 23C, the multiple protruding walls 572a provided inside the toner storage chamber 71a are arranged such that they approach the inner surface 71i in the short direction of the toner cartridge 570 and approach the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 570. The multiple protruding walls 572a include a protruding wall 572a1 as a first projection and a protruding wall 572a2 as a second projection. A gap is formed between the protruding wall 572a1 and the protruding wall 572a2.

[0422] As shown in Figure 23A, when the toner cartridge 570 is in the first position, the protruding wall 572a2 is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the protruding wall 572a1 in the horizontal direction, and the protruding wall 572a2 is lower than the protruding wall 572a1 in the vertical direction.

[0423] In this modified example, each of the multiple protruding walls 572a has a guide surface 572ags and a limiting surface 572ahs. The function of the guide surface 572ags is the same as that of the guide surface 272ags in Modified Example 2. The function of the limiting surface 572ahs is the same as that of the limiting surface 272ahs in Modified Example 2.

[0424] The guide surface 572ags faces the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 570. The limiting surface 572ahs is located on the back side of the guide portion 572ag (the back side of the guide surface 572ags) in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 570.

[0425] The guide portion 572ag includes a first guide surface 572ags provided on the first projection and a second guide surface 572ags provided on the second projection. The limiting portion 572ah includes a first limiting surface 572ahs provided on the first projection and a second limiting surface 572ahs provided on the second projection.

[0426] The guide section 572ag has a first end 572ag1 and a second end 572ag2 opposite the first end 572ag1 in the short direction of the toner cartridge 570. The first end 572ag1 is provided on the protruding wall 572a1 which is at the highest position in the vertical direction when the toner cartridge 570 is in the first position, and the second end 572ag1 is provided on the protruding wall 572a0 which is at the lowest position in the vertical direction when the toner cartridge 570 is in the first position.

[0427] Multiple guide surfaces 572ags are positioned between the first end 572ag1 and the second end 572ag2. In the short direction of the toner cartridge 570, at least a portion of the limiting portion 572ah is located between the first end 572ag1 and the second end 572ag2. In the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 570, at least a portion of the limiting portion 572ah is located between the first end 572ag1 and the second end 572ag2.

[0428] Each of the multiple protruding walls 572a has an end face 572go. When the toner cartridge 570 is in the first position, the end faces 572go face upward and extend along the horizontal direction.

[0429] When the toner cartridge 570 is in the first position, the positions of the protruding wall 572a1 and the protruding wall 572a2 partially overlap in the horizontal direction. In other words, in the horizontal direction, a portion of the protruding wall 572a1 and a portion of the protruding wall 572a2 are in the same position.

[0430] More specifically, as shown in Figure 23C, when the toner cartridge 570 is in the first position, L1 is the distance in the horizontal direction between the lower end of the guide surface 572ags of the protruding wall 572a1 and the upper end of the guide surface 572ags of the protruding wall 572a2. Also, L2 is the amount of overlap between the guide surface 572ags of the protruding wall 572a1 and the end face 572go of the protruding wall 572a2 in the horizontal direction.

[0431] When L1 = 0, the toner that falls from the guide surface 572ags of the protruding wall 572a1 can be guided by the guide surface 572ags of the protruding wall 572a2 toward the discharge opening 71b.

[0432] On the other hand, when L1 > 0, it is preferable that L2 > 0. In this case, the toner that falls from the guide surface 572ags of the protruding wall 572a1 is received by the end surface 572go of the protruding wall 572a2. The end surface 572go of the protruding wall 572a2 does not have the function of guiding the toner toward the discharge opening 71b, but as toner accumulates on the end surface 572go, the toner collapses, and some of the toner reaches the guide surface 572ags of the protruding wall 572a2. Then, the toner that reaches the guide surface 572ags of the protruding wall 572a2 can be guided toward the discharge opening 71b by the guide surface 572ags of the protruding wall 572a2.

[0433] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 23C, when the toner cartridge 570 is in the first position, the overlap amount between the limiting surface 572ahs of the protruding wall 572a2 and the guide surface 572ags of the protruding wall 572a2 is L3 in the horizontal direction.

[0434] As shown in Figure 23D, when the toner cartridge 570 is in the second position, toner Tn is received on the limiting surface 572ahs. When L3 > 0, when the toner cartridge 570 moves from the second position to the first position, the toner Tn received on the limiting surface 572ahs of the protruding wall 572a2 is received on the guide surface 572ags of the protruding wall 572a1. The toner received on the guide surface 572ags of the protruding wall 572a1 can be transferred to the protruding wall 572a2.

[0435] When the toner cartridge 570 is in the first position, the limiting surface 572ahs of one protruding wall 572a and the guide surface 572ags of one protruding wall 572a may overlap in the horizontal direction. In this case, when the toner cartridge 570 moves from the second position to the first position, the toner Tn received by the limiting surface 572ahs of one protruding wall 572a is received by the guide surface 572ags of one protruding wall 572a.

[0436] This modified configuration also makes it possible to suppress the transport of toner in the direction opposite to the toner transport direction by the guide section 572ag.

[0437] <Modification 6> Modification 6 will now be described. In Modification 6, components similar to those described in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted in principle.

[0438] While the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 had one or more protruding walls 72a, the toner cartridge 670 of Modified Example 6 has multiple protruding walls 672a that differ in shape from the one or more protruding walls 72a. One of the one or more protruding walls 72a of the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 and the multiple protruding walls 672a of the toner cartridge 670 of Modified Example 6 have at least similar functions.

[0439] The toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 and the toner cartridge 670 of Modification 6 have, in principle, the same configuration, except for the difference in the shape of the protruding wall 72a and the multiple protruding walls 672a.

[0440] The toner cartridge 670 according to the modified example 6 is also detachably mounted on the rotary body 90 of the image forming apparatus 1, similar to the toner cartridge 70 of the first example.

[0441] Figures 24A to 24C will be used to describe the toner cartridge 670 according to Modification 6. Figures 24A to 24C are diagrams showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 670 according to Modification 6. Figure 24A shows the toner cartridge 670 in the first position. Figure 24B shows a plurality of protruding walls 672a of the toner cartridge 670 in the first position. Figure 24C shows one of the plurality of protruding walls 672a of the toner cartridge 670 in the second position. The vertical direction in Figures 24A to 24C is parallel to the short side and vertical direction of the toner cartridge 670. The left-right direction in Figures 24A to 24C is parallel to the long side and horizontal direction of the toner cartridge 670. The definitions of the first position and the second position are the same as those shown in Example 1.

[0442] As shown in Figure 24A, the toner cartridge 670 is provided with a plurality of protruding walls 672a. The plurality of protruding walls 672a are examples of one or more protrusions provided inside the toner storage section 71a. In this modified example, the plurality of protruding walls 672a are connected to a first receiving surface 71d1, which is one of the inner wall surfaces, and protrude from the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0443] In Figure 24A, the toner storage chamber 71a is provided with an outlet opening 71bL and a plurality of protruding walls 672aL to the left of its center, and with an outlet opening 71bR and a plurality of protruding walls 672aR to the right of its center.

[0444] Similar to Example 1, the functions of the multiple protruding walls 672aL and the multiple protruding walls 672aR are the same. Therefore, in the following description, unless otherwise necessary, the discharge openings 71bL and 71bR will simply be referred to as the discharge opening 71b, and the multiple protruding walls 672aL and 672aR will be referred to as the multiple protruding walls 672a.

[0445] As shown in Figures 24A to 24C, a guide section 672ag is provided inside the toner storage section 71a. The guide section 672ag includes a plurality of guide surfaces 672ags. As shown in Figures 24A to 24C, a limiting section 672ah is provided inside the toner storage section 71a. The limiting section 672ah includes one or more limiting surfaces 672ahs.

[0446] As shown in Figures 24A and 24B, the multiple protruding walls 672a provided inside the toner storage chamber 71a are arranged such that they approach the inner surface 71i in the short direction of the toner cartridge 670 and approach the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 670. The multiple protruding walls 672a include a protruding wall 672a1 as a first projection and a protruding wall 672a2 as a second projection. A gap is formed between the protruding wall 672a1 and the protruding wall 672a2.

[0447] As shown in FIG. 24A, when the toner cartridge 670 is in the first posture, the protruding wall 672a2 is closer to the discharge opening 71b than the protruding wall 672a1 in the horizontal direction, and the protruding wall 672a2 is located lower than the protruding wall 672a1 in the vertical direction.

[0448] In this modified example, each of the plurality of protruding walls 672a includes a guide surface 672ags and a restriction surface 672ahs. The function of the guide surface 672ags is the same as that of the guide surface 372ags in Modified Example 3. The function of the restriction surface 672ahs is the same as that of the restriction surface 372ahs in Modified Example 3.

[0449] The guide surface 672ags faces toward the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 670. Further, the restriction surface 672ahs is arranged on the back side of the guide portion 672ag (the back side of the guide surface 672ags) in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 670.

[0450] The guide portion 672ag includes a first guide surface 672ags provided on the first protruding portion, and a second guide surface 672ags provided on the second protruding portion. Further, the restriction portion 672ah includes a first restriction surface 672ahs provided on the first protruding portion, and a second restriction surface 672ahs provided on the second protruding portion.

[0451] In the widthwise direction of the toner cartridge 670, the guide portion 672ag has a first end 672ag1 and a second end 672ag2 opposite to the first end 672ag1. The first end 672ag1 is provided on the protruding wall 672a1 located at the highest position in the vertical direction when the toner cartridge 670 is in the first posture, and the second end 672ag2 is provided on the protruding wall 672a0 located at the lowest position in the vertical direction when the toner cartridge 670 is in the first posture.

[0452] The plurality of guide surfaces 672ags are arranged between the first end 672ag1 and the second end 672ag2. In the widthwise direction of the toner cartridge 670, at least a part of the restriction portion 672ah is located between the first end 672ag1 and the second end 672ag2. Further, in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 670, at least a part of the restriction portion 672ah is located between the first end 672ag1 and the second end 672ag2.

[0453] Each of the plurality of protruding walls 672a has an end surface 672go. When the toner cartridge 670 is in the first posture, the end surface 672go faces upward and extends along the horizontal direction.

[0454] When the toner cartridge 670 is in the first posture, the position of the protruding wall 672a1 and the position of the protruding wall 672a2 partially overlap each other in the horizontal direction. In other words, in the horizontal direction, a part of the protruding wall 672a1 and a part of the protruding wall 672a2 are located at the same position. The relationship between the position of the protruding wall 672a1 and the position of the protruding wall 672a2 in the present modification is the same as the relationship between the position of the protruding wall 572a1 and the position of the protruding wall 572a2 in modification 5, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0455] It should be noted that when the toner cartridge 670 is in the first posture, the restriction surface 672ahs of one protruding wall 672a and the guide surface 672ags of another protruding wall 672a may overlap each other in the horizontal direction.

[0456] The configuration of the present modification can also suppress toner conveyance in the direction opposite to the toner conveyance direction by the guide portion 672ag.

[0457] Example 2 will be described below. In Example 2, the same reference numerals are given to configurations similar to those described in Example 1, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted in principle.

[0458] The toner cartridge 770 according to Example 2 will be described using Figure 25. Figure 25 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 770 according to Example 2. Figure 25 shows the toner cartridge 770 in the first position. The vertical direction in Figure 25 is parallel to the short side and vertical direction of the toner cartridge 770. The left-right direction in Figure 25 is parallel to the long side and horizontal direction of the toner cartridge 770. The definitions of the first position and the second position are the same as those shown in Example 1.

[0459] While the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 had multiple discharge openings 71b, the toner cartridge 770 of Example 2 has one discharge opening 71b. In Example 2, the toner cartridge 770 has a discharge opening 71b located on one side of the central part 71c of the toner cartridge 770 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 770. The toner cartridge 770 of Example 2 and the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 have, in principle, the same configuration, except for the difference in the arrangement of the discharge opening 71b and the protruding wall 72a.

[0460] The toner cartridge 770 of Example 2 is also detachably mounted on the rotary body 90 of the image forming apparatus 1, similar to the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1.

[0461] The toner cartridge 770 of Example 2 has at least one protruding wall 72a as shown in Example 1. The configuration and function of the at least one protruding wall 72a are the same as those described in Example 1, so their description is omitted here.

[0462] In addition, the toner cartridge 770 of Example 2 may use at least one protruding wall (172a, 272a, 372a, 472a, 572a, 672a) as shown in Modifications 1 to 6, instead of at least one protruding wall 72a as shown in Example 1.

[0463] In this embodiment as well, toner can be efficiently discharged from the discharge opening 71b.

[0464] Example 3 will now be described. In Example 3, components similar to those described in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted in principle.

[0465] The toner cartridge 870 according to Example 3 will be described using Figure 26. Figure 26 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge 870 according to Example 3. Figure 26 shows the toner cartridge 870 in the first position. The vertical direction in Figure 26 is parallel to the short side and vertical direction of the toner cartridge 870. The left-right direction in Figure 26 is parallel to the long side and horizontal direction of the toner cartridge 870. The definitions of the first position and the second position are the same as those shown in Example 1.

[0466] While the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 had multiple discharge openings 71b, the toner cartridge 870 of Example 3 has one discharge opening 71b. In Example 3, the toner cartridge 870 has a discharge opening 71b located in the central part 71c of the toner cartridge 870 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 870. The toner cartridge 870 of Example 3 and the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 have, in principle, the same configuration, except for the difference in the arrangement of the discharge opening 71b and the protruding wall 72a. The toner cartridge 870 of Example 3 is also detachably mounted on the rotary body 90 of the image forming apparatus 1, similar to the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1.

[0467] The toner cartridge 870 of Example 3 has at least one protruding wall 72a as shown in Example 1. The configuration and function of the at least one protruding wall 72a are the same as those described in Example 1, so their description is omitted here.

[0468] In addition, the toner cartridge 870 of Example 3 may use at least one protruding wall (172a, 272a, 372a, 472a, 572a, 672a) as shown in Modifications 1 to 6, instead of at least one protruding wall 72a as shown in Example 1.

[0469] In this embodiment as well, toner can be efficiently discharged from the discharge opening 71b.

[0470] Example 4 will now be described. In Example 3, components similar to those described in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted in principle.

[0471] In Example 1, at least one protruding wall 72a was connected to the first receiving surface 71d1. However, at least one protruding wall 72a may be connected to the second receiving surface 71d2. The toner cartridge 970 of Example 4 and the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1 have essentially the same configuration, except for the difference in the arrangement of the protruding walls 72a. The toner cartridge 770 of Example 4, like the toner cartridge 70 of Example 1, is detachably mounted on the rotary body 90 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0472] The rotation of the rotary assembly 90A according to Embodiment 4 and the movement of toner inside the toner storage section 71a will be explained using Figures 27A to 27C, 28A to 28C, 29A, and 29B.

[0473] First, Figures 27A to 27C and 28A to 28C illustrate the rotation of a rotary assembly 90A that rotates around a rotation axis 90C according to Embodiment 4. More specifically, Figures 27A to 27C illustrate the rotary assembly 90A that rotates in the clockwise direction (first rotation direction) in Figure 15. Figures 28A to 28C illustrate the rotary assembly 90A that rotates in the counterclockwise direction (second rotation direction) in Figure 15.

[0474] The discharge opening 71b is provided on the first receiving surface 71d1 and is shown by a dotted line in Figures 27C and 28C.

[0475] As described in Example 1, when the toner cartridge 970 rotates in the first rotational direction and moves from position Tp2 to position Tp4, the toner on the second receiving surface 71d2 in the short-side direction of the toner cartridge 970 tends to move from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o. As shown in Figures 27B and 27C, when the toner cartridge 970 moves from position Tp2 to position Tp3, the toner on the second receiving surface 71d2 moves from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o.

[0476] Each of at least one protruding wall 72a has a guide portion 72ag. The guide surfaces 72ags of the guide portion 72ag guide the toner moving from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o in the short direction of the toner cartridge 970, so that it approaches the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 970.

[0477] As described in Example 1, when the toner cartridge 970 rotates in the second rotational direction and moves from position Tp2 to position Tp1, the toner on the second receiving surface 71d2 in the short-side direction of the toner cartridge 970 tends to move from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i. As shown in Figures 28B and 28C, when the toner cartridge 970 moves from position Tp2 to position Tp1, the toner on the second receiving surface 71d2 moves from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i.

[0478] Each of at least one protruding wall 72a has a limiting portion 72ah. The limiting surfaces 72ahs of the limiting portion 72ah restrict toner moving from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i in the short direction of the toner cartridge 970 from moving away from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 970.

[0479] In the first embodiment, when toner moves between the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i on the first receiving surface 71d1 in the short direction of the toner cartridge 70, the protruding wall 72a of Embodiment 1 allows the guide portion 72ag and the restricting portion 72ah to function as follows: Specifically, the guide portion 72ag guides the toner moving from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i on the first receiving surface 71d1 in the short direction of the toner cartridge 70 so that it approaches the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70. Furthermore, in the short direction of the toner cartridge 90, the restricting portion 72ah restricts the toner moving from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o on the first receiving surface 71d1 so that it moves away from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 70.

[0480] On the other hand, in the case of Embodiment 4, when toner moves on the second receiving surface 71d2 between the outer surface 71o and the inner surface 71i in the short direction of the toner cartridge 970, the protruding wall 72a of Embodiment 4 allows the guide portion 72ag and the restricting portion 72ah to function as follows. Specifically, the guide portion 72ag guides the toner moving from the inner surface 71i to the outer surface 71o on the second receiving surface 71d2 in the short direction of the toner cartridge 70 so that it moves closer to the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 970. Furthermore, the restricting portion 72ah restricts the toner moving from the outer surface 71o to the inner surface 71i on the second receiving surface 71d2 in the short direction of the toner cartridge 90 from moving away from the discharge opening 71b in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 970.

[0481] Figures 29A and 29B show the relationship between the protruding wall 72a in Example 1 and the protruding wall 72a in Example 4.

[0482] In Figures 29A and 29B, the protruding wall 72a in Example 1 is shown by a solid line, and the protruding wall 72a in Example 4 is shown by a dotted line.

[0483] Also in the protruding wall 72a of Example 4, in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 970, one or more guide surfaces 72ags face toward the discharge opening 71b. Further, in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 970, one or more restriction surfaces 72ahs are arranged on the back side of the guide portion 72ag (the back side of the one or more guide surfaces 72ags).

[0484] The protruding wall 72a according to Example 1 and the protruding wall 72a according to Example 4 have shapes inverted in the vertical direction. Therefore, the first posture and the second posture for the protruding wall 72a in Example 1 and the first posture and the second posture for the protruding wall 72a in Example 4 are inverted in the vertical direction. That is, the first posture for the protruding wall 72a of Example 1 is a posture in which the outer end 71o is located at a higher position than the inner end 71i. On the other hand, the first posture for the protruding wall 72a of Example 4 is a posture in which the inner end 71i is located at a higher position than the outer end 71o.

[0485] Furthermore, in the widthwise direction of the toner cartridge 70, the guide surface 72ags of the protruding wall 72a in Example 1 faces toward the outer side surface 71o. Meanwhile, in the widthwise direction of the toner cartridge 970, the guide surface 72ags of the protruding wall 72a in Example 4 faces toward the inner side surface 71i.

[0486] As described above, the protruding wall 72a can be appropriately determined in consideration of the moving direction of the toner.

[0487] It should be noted that the toner cartridge 970 may include both the protruding wall 72a of Example 1 and the protruding wall 72a of Example 4. In this case, the toner cartridge 970 shown in FIG. 29A includes the protruding wall 72a shown by the solid line and the protruding wall 72a shown by the dotted line.

[0488] Furthermore, in the toner cartridge 970 of Example 4, instead of the at least one protruding wall 72a shown in Example 1, at least one protruding wall (172a, 272a, 372a, 472a, 572a, 672a) shown in Modified Examples 1 to 6 may be used.

[0489] (Other Modifications) The embodiments and modifications shown above can be combined as appropriate. Figure 30 shows the internal structure of a toner cartridge 1070 according to a modification of Embodiment 4.

[0490] For example, in the case of the toner cartridge 770 of Example 2 and the toner cartridge 870 of Example 3, the protruding wall 72a provided on the second receiving surface 71d2 shown in Example 4 may be applied instead of the protruding wall 72a provided on the first receiving surface 71d1.

[0491] Furthermore, in addition to the protruding wall 72a provided on the first receiving surface 71d1, the protruding wall 72a provided on the second receiving surface 71d2 shown in Example 4 may also be applied to the toner cartridge 770 of Example 2 and the toner cartridge 870 of Example 3.

[0492] For example, as shown in Figure 30, the structure of the toner cartridge 870 shown in Example 3 may be modified by adding at least one protruding wall 72a provided on the second receiving surface 71d2, as shown in Example 4. In this case, instead of the at least one protruding wall 72a shown in Example 1, at least one protruding wall (172a, 272a, 372a, 472a, 572a, 672a) shown in Modifications 1 to 6 may be used.

[0493] Furthermore, the means for moving the toner cartridge disclosed in each embodiment and modification between the first and second positions is not limited to the rotary body 90. For example, the support portion on which the toner cartridge is mounted can be a support portion that is movable so that the toner cartridge can assume the first and second positions.

[0494] As described above, according to this disclosure, the toner cartridge (70-1070) can efficiently discharge toner from the discharge opening 71b.

[0495] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are attached to make the scope of the invention public.

[0496] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-052826, filed on 27 March 2025, and all of its contents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A toner cartridge for storing toner, comprising: a toner frame having a toner storage chamber for storing the toner and an discharge opening through which the toner discharged from the toner storage chamber passes; a guide portion provided inside the toner storage chamber and including a first end, a second end, and one or more guide surfaces positioned between the first and second ends; and a restricting portion provided inside the toner storage chamber and including one or more restricting surfaces, wherein when the toner cartridge takes a first position, the first end is located at the upper end of the guide portion, the second end is located at the lower end of the guide portion, and the one or more guide surfaces face upward in the vertical direction and extend in a direction intersecting both the vertical and horizontal directions; and when the toner cartridge takes a second position which is the inversion of the first position in the vertical direction, the one or more restricting surfaces face upward in the vertical direction and are positioned between the first and second ends in the horizontal direction. A toner cartridge characterized in that, when the toner cartridge is in the first position, and the approach direction is parallel to the horizontal direction and is toward the discharge opening from the guide portion, at least a portion of the toner received on one or more guide surfaces is guided toward the downstream side of the guide portion in the approach direction, and when the toner cartridge is in the second position, and the retraction direction is parallel to the horizontal direction and is toward the discharge opening from the guide portion, at least a portion of the toner received on one or more restricting surfaces is restricted from moving toward the downstream side of the one or more restricting surfaces in the retraction direction.

2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising one or more protrusions provided inside the toner storage chamber, wherein each of the one or more protrusions has the guide portion and the limiting portion.

3. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that the one or more protrusions include a plurality of protrusions, and each of the plurality of protrusions has the guide portion and the limiting portion.

4. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that the guide portion and the limiting portion overlap when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge.

5. The toner cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that when the toner cartridge is in the first position, the longitudinal direction is parallel to the horizontal direction, and when the toner cartridge is in the second position, the longitudinal direction is parallel to the horizontal direction.

6. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that the one or more restricting surfaces include a plurality of restricting surfaces.

7. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when the toner cartridge assumes the second position, each of the one or more limiting surfaces is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

8. The toner cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that when the toner cartridge assumes the second position, the one or more limiting surfaces are configured to guide the toner received on the one or more limiting surfaces toward the upstream side in the retraction direction.

9. The toner cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that when the toner cartridge assumes the second orientation, the inclination angle of each of the one or more restricting surfaces with respect to the vertical is smaller than the inclination angle of each of the one or more restricting surfaces with respect to the horizontal.

10. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when the toner cartridge is in the second position, the angle of inclination of each of the one or more restricting surfaces with respect to the horizontal direction is smaller than the angle of inclination of each of the one or more restricting surfaces with respect to the vertical direction.

11. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the guide portion has a continuous surface that connects the first end to the second end, and the continuous surface includes one or more guide surfaces.

12. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a first projection provided inside the toner storage chamber; a second projection provided inside the toner storage chamber; one or more guide surfaces including a first guide surface provided on the first projection and a second guide surface provided on the second projection; one or more restricting surfaces including a first restricting surface provided on the first projection and a second restricting surface provided on the second projection; a gap formed between the first projection and the second projection; and when the toner cartridge assumes the first position, the second projection is closer to the discharge opening than the first projection in the horizontal direction, and the second projection is lower than the first projection in the vertical direction.

13. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, comprising: a photosensitive drum; a support portion for supporting a toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and a developing roller configured to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum using toner supplied from the toner cartridge.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the support portion is movable between a first position in which the toner cartridge assumes the first posture and a second position in which the toner cartridge assumes the second posture.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that it has a drive source for moving the support portion.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the support portion supports the developing roller, and when the support portion moves between the first position and the second position, the developing roller is displaced relative to the photosensitive drum.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the support portion has a plurality of mounting portions, each of which is a mounting portion on which the toner cartridge is mounted.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the support portion rotates the toner cartridge between the first position and the second position by the driving force of the drive source.

19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the apparatus has a control unit for controlling the drive source, and the control unit is capable of performing an operation to rotate the support portion in a first rotational direction and an operation to rotate the support portion in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

Images