JP2019032533A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can reduce running cost.SOLUTION: A printer comprises a toner cartridge 315Y that is removably attached to the printer, and includes a cartridge body 400 that can supply toner while attached to the printer, a grip part 403 for taking out the cartridge body 400 from the printer, and an exposure mechanism 420 that covers or exposes the grip part 403; the printer moves the exposure mechanism 420 relative to the cartridge body 400 to expose the grip part 403.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a cartridge that accommodates ink, toner, and the like.

  In a cartridge used by filling ink or toner, for example, a toner cartridge used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, generally, when the toner runs out, it is taken out by a user and replaced with a new one.

  For this reason, conventionally, there has been known an image forming apparatus that displays the remaining amount of toner on an operation panel or the like and displays the replacement timing of the toner cartridge when the toner is low (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-156876 A

  Here, the above-described toner cartridge is provided with a handle for taking out (hereinafter simply referred to as “handle”). For example, when the front door of the image forming apparatus is opened, the handle is provided so that the user can easily replace the toner cartridge when the toner runs out. That is, the conventional toner cartridge can be replaced at any timing by the user simply by opening the front door.

  Therefore, depending on the user, for example, the toner cartridge may be taken out and replaced only when the remaining amount of toner displayed on the operation panel is displayed as a small amount. If the toner cartridge is replaced before the toner runs out, the running cost increases, which is not preferable.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of reducing running costs.

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an apparatus main body, a cartridge main body configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body, and capable of supplying a predetermined supply to the apparatus main body while being attached to the apparatus main body, and the apparatus A cartridge having a handle for removing the cartridge main body from the main body, and an exposing means for covering or exposing the handle; and moving the exposing means relative to the cartridge main body to move the handle The portion is exposed.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the exposure unit may be held at a position where the covering portion that covers the handle portion of the cartridge body, a support portion that moves the covering portion, and a position where the covering portion is covered. And holding means.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the exposing unit may include a biasing member that moves the exposure unit toward a position where the covering portion is exposed.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, the holding unit includes a release unit that releases the holding of the covering portion.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, the handle is formed on a bottom surface of the cartridge body.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, the handle portion is formed on a side surface of the cartridge body parallel to a mounting direction of the cartridge body to the apparatus body.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, the handle portion is formed in a concave shape.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, the cartridge does not move the cartridge body when the handle portion is exposed.

  According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus capable of reducing running cost can be provided.

1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a functional block diagram of the printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side view schematically showing a toner cartridge according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating a toner cartridge according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating a toner cartridge according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating a toner cartridge according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating a toner cartridge, an exposure mechanism, and a photographing mechanism according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating a toner cartridge, an exposure mechanism, and a photographing mechanism according to a seventh embodiment.

  An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, a multi-function machine, or the like. This will be described using a printer.

<First Embodiment>
A printer 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. First, a schematic configuration of the printer 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a printer 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the printer 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 includes a sheet feeding unit 10 that feeds sheets, a manual feeding unit 20 that can manually feed sheets, and a sheet feeding unit 10 or a manual feeding unit 20. An image forming unit 30 that forms an image on the fed sheet, a sheet discharge unit 40 that discharges the sheet on which the image has been formed to the outside of the apparatus, and a control unit 50 that controls them are provided.

  Further, the printer 100 is provided with a front door that can open the inside of the printer housing 101 on the front surface thereof, and the above-described image disposed inside the printer housing 101 by opening the front door. The formation part 30 etc. can be exposed. Further, an operation panel 102 for performing various operations is provided above the front door of the printer casing 101. The operation panel 102 includes a touch panel type display unit 103 and an operation unit 104 having various input keys. , Is provided.

  The sheet feeding unit 10 includes a feeding sheet stacking unit 11 that stacks and accommodates sheets, and a separation feeding unit 12 that separates and feeds the sheets stacked on the feeding sheet stacking unit 11 one by one. . The feeding sheet stacking unit 11 includes an intermediate plate 14 that rotates about a rotation shaft 13, and the intermediate plate 14 rotates to lift the sheet upward when the sheet is fed (FIG. 1). 2). The separation feeding unit 12 includes a pickup roller 15 that feeds the sheet lifted to the intermediate plate 14, and a separation pad 16 that is in pressure contact with the pickup roller 15.

  The manual feeding unit 20 includes a manual tray 21 on which sheets can be stacked, and a separation feeding unit 22 capable of feeding while separating the sheets stacked on the manual tray 21 one by one. The manual feed tray 21 is rotatably supported by the printer housing 101. When manually feeding the sheet, the manual feed tray 21 can be stacked by stacking the sheets (a state indicated by a two-dot chain line shown in FIG. 1). The separation feeding unit 22 includes a feeding roller 23 that feeds sheets stacked on the manual feed tray 21, and a separation pad 24 that is in pressure contact with the feeding roller 23.

  The image forming unit 30 includes four process cartridges (image forming units) 31Y to 31B that form yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (B) images, and a photosensitive drum 310Y described later. To 310B, exposure unit 32 for exposing the surface of photoreceptor drums 310Y to 310B, transfer unit 33 for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of photoreceptor drum 310Y to 310B, and fixing unit for fixing the unfixed toner image transferred to the sheet 34.

  Each of the four process cartridges 31Y to 31B is configured to be detachable from the printer housing 101 and can be replaced. Since the four process cartridges 31Y to 31B have the same configuration except that the colors of the images to be formed are different, here, the configuration of the process cartridge 31Y that forms a yellow (Y) image will be described. Description of the process cartridges 31M to 31K is omitted. The alphabet (Y, M, C, B) added at the end of the code indicates the respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black).

  The process cartridge 31Y includes a photosensitive drum 310Y as an image carrier, a charging roller 311Y that charges the photosensitive drum 310Y, a developing device 312Y that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 310Y, and a photosensitive drum. And a cleaner unit 313Y that removes toner remaining on the surface of the body drum 310Y.

  The developing device 312Y includes a developing device main body 314Y that develops the photosensitive drum 310Y and a toner cartridge 315Y that supplies toner to the developing device main body 314Y. The toner cartridge 315Y is configured to be detachable from the developing device main body 314Y. When the stored toner runs out, the toner cartridge 315Y can be detached from the developing device main body 314Y and replaced. In other words, the toner cartridge 315Y is configured to be detachable from the printer 100. When the toner runs out, the toner cartridge 315Y can be removed from the printer 100 and replaced. The toner cartridge 315Y will be described in detail later.

  The exposure device 32 includes a light source 320 that emits laser light, a plurality of mirrors 321 that guide the laser light to the photosensitive drums 310Y to 310B, and the like.

  The transfer unit 33 includes an intermediate transfer belt 330 that carries toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 310Y to 310B, and a primary transfer roller that primarily transfers the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 310Y to 310B to the intermediate transfer belt 330. 331Y to 331B, a secondary transfer roller 332 that secondarily transfers a toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 330 to a sheet, and a cleaner unit 333 that removes toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 330. The intermediate transfer belt 330 is engaged with a driving roller 334 and a driven roller 335, and is pressed against the photosensitive drums 310Y to 310B by primary transfer rollers 331Y to 331B. The secondary transfer roller 332 nips (nips) the intermediate transfer belt 330 with the driving roller 334, and transfers the toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 330 onto the sheet at the nip portion N.

  The fixing unit 34 includes a heating roller 340 that heats the sheet, and a pressure roller 341 that presses against the heating roller 340. The sheet discharge unit 40 includes a discharge roller pair 41, and the discharge roller pair 41 includes a discharge roller 42 that can rotate forward and backward, and a driven roller 43 that rotates following the discharge roller 42. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 50 includes a CPU 51 that drives and controls the sheet feeding unit 10, the manual feeding unit 20, the image forming unit 30, and the sheet discharge unit 40, and a memory that stores various programs and various information. 52. The control unit 50 controls the operations of the sheet feeding unit 10, the manual feeding unit 20, the image forming unit 30, and the sheet discharge unit 40 by using these, and inputs, for example, from the operation unit 104 of the operation panel 102. Based on the received user command, an image is formed on the sheet.

  Further, the control unit 50 monitors the remaining amount of toner in each of the toner cartridges 315Y to 315K based on the toner usage history, and determines at which stage the remaining amount of toner in each of the toner cartridges 315Y to 315K is. Can be displayed on the display unit 103. For example, the control unit 50 performs normal (toner remaining amount: 100 to 25%, toner cartridge replacement unnecessary state), small (toner remaining amount: 25 to 0%, toner cartridge replacement unnecessary state), or very small (toner remaining amount: substantially The display unit 103 displays the remaining amount of toner in four stages: 0%, toner cartridge replacement required state, and no (toner remaining amount: 0%, toner cartridge replacement required state). The toner usage history is information relating to the remaining amount of toner, such as the cumulative toner supply time from the toner cartridge 315Y, the number of rotations of the toner supply roller in the toner cartridge 315Y, and the number of prints.

  Next, an image forming operation (image forming control by the control unit 50) of the printer 100 configured as described above will be described. In the present embodiment, description will be made using an image forming operation for forming an image on a sheet stacked on the feeding sheet stacking unit 11 based on image information input from an external PC.

  When image information is input from the external PC to the printer 100, the exposure device 32 irradiates the photosensitive drums 310Y to 310B with laser light based on the input image information. At this time, the photosensitive drums 310Y to 310B are pre-charged by the charging rollers 311Y to 311B, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drums 310Y to 310B by being irradiated with laser light.

  Thereafter, electrostatic latent images are developed (toner images) by the developing devices 312Y to 312B, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (B) are formed on the photosensitive drums 310Y to 310B. A toner image is formed. The toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 310Y to 310B are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 330 that rotates in the direction of arrow A by the primary transfer rollers 331Y to 331B. Then, it is conveyed to the secondary transfer roller 332 by the intermediate transfer belt 330.

  In parallel with the image forming operation described above, the sheets stacked on the feeding sheet stacking unit 11 are fed to the sheet conveying path 105 one by one by the separation feeding unit 12. The skew is corrected by the registration roller pair 106 downstream of the sheet conveyance path 105 and conveyed to the nip portion N at a predetermined conveyance timing, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 330 is transferred at the nip portion N. The The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is melt-fixed by the fixing unit 34 and is discharged out of the apparatus by the discharge roller pair 41. The sheets discharged outside the apparatus are stacked on a discharge sheet stacking unit 107 provided on the upper surface of the printer casing 101.

  When images are formed on both surfaces (first surface and second surface) of a sheet, the sheet on which the image is formed on the first surface (front surface) is discharged before being discharged to the discharge sheet stacking unit 107. The roller 42 is reversely rotated and conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 108, and is conveyed again to the image forming unit 30 via the double-sided conveyance path 108. Then, similarly to the first surface, an image is formed on the second surface (back surface) and discharged outside the apparatus.

  Next, the toner cartridge 315Y described above will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A is a view showing a state where the handle portion 403 of the toner cartridge 315Y according to the first embodiment is hidden, and FIG. 3B is a view showing a state where the handle portion 403 is exposed.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the toner cartridge 315Y includes a cartridge main body 400 that stores toner, a memory chip 410 that records a toner usage history, and a handle 403 (to be described later) of the cartridge main body 400. And an exposure mechanism 420 for exposing.

  The cartridge main body 400 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped sealed container shape, and includes a storage container 401 having an opening 401a at one end in the longitudinal direction, and a front cover that seals the opening 401a of the storage container 401. 402. The cartridge main body 400 is in a sealed state by sealing the opening 401a of the container 401 with the front cover 402 via a packing.

  The opening 401 a of the storage container 401 is provided on the upstream side in the mounting direction when the toner cartridge 315 </ b> Y is mounted on the printer 100. That is, the front cover 402 that seals the opening 401a is located on the front side of the printer 100 with the toner cartridge 315Y mounted on the printer 100, and is exposed when the front door of the printer casing 101 is opened. It is like that. The cartridge body may have a bottle shape with a substantially cylindrical outer diameter.

  On the bottom surface 400a on the upstream side in the mounting direction of the cartridge main body 400, a handle portion 403 used when the cartridge main body 400 is taken out is provided. The handle portion 403 is provided in the vicinity of the front cover 402, that is, on the front side of the printer 100, and is formed at a position where the toner cartridge 315Y can be easily used with the toner cartridge 315Y mounted on the printer 100. The handle portion 403 is formed, for example, on the bottom surface 400a (the bottom surface of the storage container 401) on the downstream side in the mounting direction by several centimeters from the front cover 402. The handle portion 403 is formed in a concave shape with respect to the cartridge main body 400 (the storage container 401). For example, after opening the front door, the handle 403 has a depth that allows the user to hook the finger and pull out the toner cartridge 315Y. Is formed.

  The memory chip 410 is fixed to the end portion on the downstream side in the mounting direction of the cartridge main body 400 (the other end portion in the longitudinal direction) with screws. The memory chip 410 is configured by a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (registered trademark), and stores identification information of the corresponding toner cartridge 315Y and toner usage history of the toner cartridge 315Y provided from the control unit 50.

  The memory chip 410 has a connection terminal 410a. The connection terminal 410a comes into contact with a connection terminal (not shown) of the printer 100 when the toner cartridge 315Y is attached to the printer 100. . When the connection terminal (not shown) of the printer 100 and the connection terminal 410 a come into contact with each other, the printer 100 and the memory chip 410 are electrically connected, and the control unit 50 can communicate with the memory chip 410. In the present embodiment, the memory chip 410 is described using the printer 100 and the contact-type memory chip 410. However, for example, a contact-type memory chip using radio may be used.

  The exposure mechanism 420 is disposed on the bottom surface 400 a of the cartridge main body 400. The exposure mechanism 420 includes a cover plate 421 that can cover the handle 403 of the cartridge body 400, a slide rail 422 that supports the cover plate 421 so as to be slidable, and a position where the cover plate 421 is covered (see FIG. 3A). Holding means 423 and an urging spring 424 for sliding the cover plate 421 toward the exposed position (see FIG. 3B).

  The cover plate 421 covers the handle portion 403 when it is positioned below the handle portion 403 (covering position), and is slightly larger than the handle portion 403 so that the user cannot hook the finger on the handle portion 403. It is formed in a rectangular plate shape.

  The slide rail 422 is disposed below the handle portion 403 so that the cover plate 421 can slide and move between a cover position where the cover plate 421 covers the handle portion 403 and an exposed position where the handle portion 403 is exposed. In the present embodiment, the toner cartridge 315Y is disposed on the bottom surface 400a of the cartridge body 400 substantially parallel to the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 315Y.

  The holding means 423 is configured to be able to hold the covering plate 421 at the covering position, and in this embodiment, an engaging portion (not shown) is engaged with the cartridge body 400 to hold the covering plate 421 at the covering position. doing. In addition, the holding unit 423 is provided when a toner usage history without toner is input from the control unit 50 to the memory chip 410 or when a release signal is input by a user or a service person via the operation unit 104. The cover plate 421 is configured to release the holding. In this embodiment, in the above-mentioned case, it is comprised so that engagement of an engaging part may be cancelled | released. Note that the holding means is not limited to the above-described engaging portion, and may have another configuration.

  The biasing spring 424 is interposed between the downstream end in the mounting direction of the covering plate 421 and the downstream end in the mounting direction of the slide rail 422, and the covering plate 421 is shown downstream in the mounting direction (see FIG. 3A). Energized in the direction of arrow B). The urging spring 424 moves the covering plate 421 from the covering position to the exposed position when the engagement of the engaging portion is released (holding by the holding means 423 is released).

  Next, the operation of the exposure mechanism 420 when the display of the toner remaining amount on the display unit 103 of the operation panel 102 becomes “None” will be described.

  As described above, the remaining amount of toner is displayed on the display unit 103 of the operation panel 102. For example, four levels of remaining toner such as “normal”, “low”, “slight”, and “none” are displayed. When the display unit 103 displays “normal”, “small”, “slight”, the holding means 423 holds the covering plate 421 at the covering position. That is, the handle portion 403 is hidden by the cover plate 421. The covering plate 421 is held by the holding unit 423 until the remaining amount of toner becomes “None” or a holding release signal is input from the operation unit 104 by the user or service person.

  For example, when the display of the remaining amount of toner becomes “None”, that is, when the control unit 50 determines that there is no remaining toner and a toner usage history without toner is input to the memory chip 410, the cover plate by the holding unit 423 The holding of 421 is released. Specifically, the engagement by the engaging portion is released. When the holding of the covering plate 421 is released, the covering plate 421 slides to the exposed position by the biasing force of the biasing spring 424. When the cover plate 421 slides to the exposed position, the handle portion 403 is exposed and the toner cartridge 315Y can be taken out. For example, the toner cartridge 315Y can be taken out when the user opens the front door and hooks the handle 403 with a finger.

  As described above, in the printer 100 according to the first embodiment, the handle 403 for taking out the toner cartridge 315Y is covered with the cover plate 421 until the remaining amount of toner becomes “None”. Therefore, even if the user tries to take out the toner cartridge 315Y, it cannot be taken out. As a result, it is possible to prevent the toner cartridge 315Y from being unnecessarily removed and replaced by the user. On the other hand, when the toner usage history without toner is input to the memory chip 410, the cover plate 421 slides from the cover position to the exposure position to expose the handle portion 403. As a result, the toner cartridge 315Y can be removed.

  In this way, the toner cartridge 315Y is configured so that it cannot be removed unless the toner usage history is depleted of toner. Thereby, unnecessary replacement of the toner cartridge 315Y can be prevented, and the running cost of the printer 100 can be reduced.

  Further, the toner cartridge 315Y can hide or expose the handle portion 403 with a simple configuration. Therefore, for example, there is no need to provide a locking mechanism or the like that makes the handle portion 403 unusable. Thereby, the cost increase by providing the mechanism for hiding the handle part 403 or making it unusable can be reduced.

  Further, when the toner cartridge 315Y exposes the handle portion 403, the cartridge body 400 does not move. Therefore, the toner cartridge 315Y does not jump out of the printer 100 or unnecessarily protrude from the printer 100. Thereby, for example, collision with the front door or the like of the cartridge main body 400, unnecessary contact, and the like can be prevented, and breakdowns and accidents can be prevented.

  Further, since the exposure mechanism 420 is configured to simply slide and move the rectangular plate-shaped cover plate 421, for example, a space for providing the exposure mechanism 420 can be reduced. Or, existing space can be utilized.

Second Embodiment
Next, a printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The printer according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the toner cartridge exposure mechanism. Therefore, here, the difference from the first embodiment, that is, the exposure mechanism of the toner cartridge will be mainly described, and the other components will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 4A is a view showing a state where the handle portion 403A of the toner cartridge 315YA according to the second embodiment is hidden, and FIG. 4B is a view showing a state where the handle portion 403A is exposed.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the toner cartridge 315YA exposes a cartridge main body 400A that contains toner, a memory chip 410 that records toner usage history, and a handle portion 403A of the cartridge main body 400A. An exposure mechanism 420A.

  The cartridge main body 400A is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped sealed container shape, and includes a storage container 401A having an opening 401a at one end in the longitudinal direction, and a front cover that seals the opening 401a of the storage container 401A. 402. The cartridge main body 400A is sealed by sealing the opening 401a of the storage container 401A with the front cover 402 via the packing.

  A handle portion 403A used when the cartridge main body 400 is taken out is provided on the side surface 400b (the side surface of the container 401A) on the upstream side in the mounting direction of the cartridge main body 400A. The handle portion 403A is provided in the vicinity of the front cover 402, that is, on the front side of the printer, and is formed at a position where it can be easily used with the toner cartridge 315YA mounted on the printer. The handle portion 403A is formed, for example, on the side surface 400b downstream of the front cover 402 in the mounting direction by several centimeters. The handle portion 403A is formed in a concave shape with respect to the cartridge main body 400A (container 401A). For example, after opening the front door, the handle 403A has a depth that allows the user to hook the finger and pull out the toner cartridge 315YA. Is formed.

  The exposure mechanism 420A is disposed on the side surface 400b of the cartridge main body 400A. The exposure mechanism 420A includes a cover plate 421A that can cover the handle portion 403A of the cartridge body 400A, a rotation shaft 425 that rotatably supports the cover plate 421A, and a position where the cover plate 421A is covered (see FIG. 4A). ) And a biasing spring 424A for rotating the covering plate 421A toward the exposed position (see FIG. 4B).

  The cover plate 421A covers the handle portion 403A when it is located on the side (covering position) of the handle portion 403A, so that the user cannot hook the finger on the handle portion 403A. It is formed in a large rectangular plate shape.

  The pivot shaft 425 supports the cover plate 421A so that the cover plate 421A can turn to the side where the cover plate 421A covers the handle portion 403A and the exposed position where the handle portion 403A is exposed. In this embodiment, the cover plate 421A is rotated in the direction of arrow C shown in FIG. The biasing spring 424A biases the covering plate 421A in the direction of arrow C shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the exposure mechanism 420A when the display of the toner remaining amount on the display unit of the operation panel becomes “None” will be described.

  The display unit 103 of the operation panel 102 displays the remaining amount of toner. For example, four levels of remaining toner such as “normal”, “low”, “slight”, and “none” are displayed. When the display unit 103 displays “normal”, “small”, and “slight”, the holding means 423 holds the covering plate 421A at the covering position. That is, the handle portion 403A is hidden by the covering plate 421A. The holding plate 421A is held by the holding unit 423 until the remaining amount of toner becomes “None” or a holding release signal is input from the operation unit 104 by the user or a service person.

  For example, when the display of the remaining amount of toner becomes “None”, that is, when the control unit 50 determines that there is no remaining toner and a toner usage history without toner is input to the memory chip 410, the cover plate by the holding unit 423 The holding of 421A is released. When the holding of the covering plate 421A is released, the covering plate 421A is rotated to the exposed position by the biasing force of the biasing spring 424A. When the cover plate 421A is rotated to the exposure position, the handle portion 403A is exposed and the toner cartridge 315YA can be taken out. For example, the toner cartridge 315YA can be taken out by the user opening the front door and hooking and pulling a finger on the handle portion 403A.

  As described above, in the printer according to the second embodiment, the handle 403A for taking out the toner cartridge 315YA is covered with the covering plate 421A until the remaining amount of toner becomes “None”. Therefore, even if the user tries to take out the toner cartridge 315YA, it cannot be taken out. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the toner cartridge 315YA from being removed and replaced unnecessarily by the user. On the other hand, when the toner usage history without toner is input to the memory chip 410, the cover plate 421A rotates from the cover position to the exposure position to expose the handle portion 403A. As a result, the toner cartridge 315YA can be removed.

  As described above, the toner cartridge 315YA is configured so that it cannot be removed unless the toner usage history is depleted. Accordingly, unnecessary replacement of the toner cartridge 315YA can be prevented, and the running cost of the printer can be reduced.

  Further, the toner cartridge 315YA can hide or expose the handle portion 403A with a simple configuration. Therefore, for example, there is no need to provide a locking mechanism or the like that disables the handle portion 403A. Thereby, the cost increase by providing the mechanism for hiding the handle part 403A or making it unusable can be reduced.

  Further, when the toner cartridge 315YA exposes the handle portion 403A, the cartridge body 400A does not move. Therefore, the toner cartridge 315YA does not jump out of the printer 100 or unnecessarily protrude from the printer 100. As a result, for example, a collision with the front door or the like of the cartridge main body 400A or unnecessary contact can be prevented, and a failure or an accident can be prevented.

  Further, since the exposure mechanism 420A is configured to simply rotate the rectangular plate-shaped cover plate 421A, for example, a space for providing the exposure mechanism 420A can be reduced. Or, existing space can be utilized.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a printer according to a third embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIG. The printer according to the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the toner cartridge exposure mechanism. Therefore, here, the difference from the first embodiment, that is, the exposure mechanism of the toner cartridge will be mainly described, and the other components will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 5A is a front view showing a state in which the handle portion 403 of the toner cartridge 315YB according to the third embodiment is hidden, and FIG. 5B is a bottom view. (C) is a front view which shows the state which exposed the handle part 403, (d) is a bottom view.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D, the toner cartridge 315YB exposes the cartridge main body 400 that stores toner, the memory chip 410 that records toner usage history, and the handle 403 of the cartridge main body 400. Possible exposure mechanism 420B.

  The exposure mechanism 420B is disposed on the bottom surface 400a of the cartridge body 400. The exposure mechanism 420B supports the support members 426a and 426b disposed on both sides in the width direction of the bottom surface 400a of the cartridge body 400, the removal member 427 disposed between the support members 426a and 426b, and the removal member 427. Fixing means 428 for fixing between the members 426a and 426b.

  The support members 426a and 426b are disposed on both sides in the width direction so as to be substantially parallel to the mounting direction so that a part of the handle portion 403 formed on the bottom surface 400a of the cartridge body 400 is exposed. The detaching member 427 is formed so as to cover and hide the handle portion 403 and prevent the user from hooking a finger on the handle portion 403 when attached between the support members 426a and 426b.

  The fixing means 428 is engaged with a detaching member 427 positioned between the supporting members 426a and 426b, and an engaging portion 428a for fixing the detaching member 427, and a rotating shaft 428b for rotatably supporting the engaging portion 428a. And. The engaging portion 428a is formed so that a removing member 427 attached between the supporting members 426a and 426b can be fixed between the supporting members 426a and 426b. In the present embodiment, the engaging portion 428a is provided on the removing member 427. The detachable member 427 is fixed by engaging with an engaged portion (not shown).

  Further, the engaging unit 428 a is used when a toner usage history without toner is input from the control unit 50 to the memory chip 410 or when a release signal is input by the user or service person via the operation unit 104. The engagement with the detaching member 427 is released. In the present embodiment, in the above-described case, the rotation shaft 428b rotates to release the engagement with the engaged portion.

  Next, the operation of the exposure mechanism 420B when the display of the remaining amount of toner on the display unit 103 of the operation panel 102 becomes “None” will be described.

  The display unit 103 of the operation panel 102 displays the remaining amount of toner. For example, four levels of remaining toner such as “normal”, “low”, “slight”, and “none” are displayed. When the display unit 103 displays “normal”, “small”, “slight”, the fixing means 428 engages with the removal member 427 positioned between the support members 426a and 426b, The removing member 427 is fixed. That is, the handle portion 403 is hidden by the removal member 427. The removal member 427 is fixed by the fixing unit 428 until the remaining amount of toner becomes “None” or a hold release signal is input from the operation unit 104 by the user or service person.

  For example, when the display of the toner remaining amount becomes “None”, that is, when the control unit 50 determines that there is no toner remaining and the toner usage history without toner is input to the memory chip 410, the removing member by the fixing unit 428 The fixing of 427 is released. When the fixing of the removal member 427 by the fixing means 428 is released, the removal member 427 becomes removable. In this state, when the user opens the front door and removes the removing member 427, the handle portion 403 is exposed and the toner cartridge 315YB can be taken out. For example, the user can take out the toner cartridge 315YB by hooking and pulling a finger on the handle portion 403.

  As described above, in the printer according to the third embodiment, the handle 403 for taking out the toner cartridge 315YB is blocked by the removing member 427 until the remaining amount of toner becomes “None”, and cannot be used. Yes. Therefore, even if the user tries to take out the toner cartridge 315YB, it cannot be taken out. As a result, it is possible to prevent the toner cartridge 315YB from being unnecessarily removed and replaced by the user. On the other hand, when the toner usage history without toner is input to the memory chip 410, the fixing unit 428 releases the engagement with the removal member 427. Thereby, the handle part 403 can be exposed. When the handle portion 403 is exposed, the toner cartridge 315YB can be removed.

  In this way, the toner cartridge 315YB is configured so that it cannot be removed unless the toner usage history is depleted. Thereby, unnecessary replacement of the toner cartridge 315Y can be prevented, and the running cost of the printer 100 can be reduced.

  The toner cartridge 315YB can hide or expose the handle portion 403 with a simple configuration. Therefore, for example, there is no need to provide a locking mechanism or the like that makes the handle portion 403 unusable. Thereby, the cost increase by providing the mechanism for hiding the handle part 403 or making it unusable can be reduced.

  Further, when the toner cartridge 315YB exposes the handle portion 403, the cartridge main body 400 does not move. Therefore, the toner cartridge 315YB does not jump out of the printer or unnecessarily protrude from the printer. Thereby, for example, collision with the front door or the like of the cartridge main body 400, unnecessary contact, and the like can be prevented, and breakdowns and accidents can be prevented.

<Fourth embodiment>
Next, a printer according to a fourth embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIG. The printer according to the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that an image pickup unit is provided in the toner cartridge. Therefore, here, the difference from the first embodiment, that is, the imaging means of the toner cartridge will be mainly described, and the other components will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the handle portion 403 of the toner cartridge 315YC according to the fourth embodiment is hidden, and FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the handle portion 403 is exposed.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the toner cartridge 315YC exposes the cartridge main body 400 that contains the toner, the memory chip 410 that records the toner usage history, and the handle 403 of the cartridge main body 400. An exposure mechanism 420 to be imaged, and an imaging means 430 for imaging the inside of the cartridge main body 400.

  The imaging unit 430 includes a first imaging unit 430a that images the inside of the cartridge body 400 on the upstream side in the mounting direction, and a second imaging unit 430b that images the inside of the cartridge body 400 on the downstream side in the mounting direction. Since the first imaging unit 430a and the second imaging unit 430b have the same configuration, the configuration of the first imaging unit 430a is described here, and the description of the configuration of the second imaging unit 430b is omitted. In addition, the second imaging unit 430b attaches “b” instead of the symbol “a” used in the description of the first imaging unit 430a.

  The first imaging unit 430 a is disposed on the upper surface 400 c on the upstream side in the mounting direction of the cartridge main body 400. The first imaging unit 430a includes a camera 431a that captures the inside of the cartridge body 400, a light source 432a that irradiates the inside of the cartridge body 400, and a shutter 433a that opens and closes the upper surface 400c on the upstream side in the mounting direction of the cartridge body 400. I have.

  The camera 431a is disposed above the upper surface 400c of the cartridge body 400 so that the inside of the cartridge body 400 on the upstream side in the mounting direction can be photographed. In the present embodiment, the camera 431a captures a predetermined mark provided inside the cartridge body 400 when the shutter 433a is opened. In addition, an image captured by the camera 431a can be displayed on the display unit 103 of the operation panel 102. The light source 432a is disposed above the upper surface 400c of the cartridge body 400 so that the inside of the cartridge body 400 on the upstream side in the mounting direction can be irradiated. In the present embodiment, the light source 432a for photographing the inside of the cartridge main body 400 is provided. For example, the light source 320 of the exposure device 32 and the light source of the reading device are reflected by a plurality of mirrors and the cartridge. The structure which irradiates the inside of the main body 400 may be sufficient.

  The shutter 433a is disposed below the camera 431a and the light source 432a on the upper surface 400c of the cartridge main body 400, and is configured to be movable in the arrow D direction shown in FIG. The shutter 433a moves in the direction of arrow D, thereby opening the inside of the cartridge body 400 on the upstream side in the mounting direction. The shutter 433a is provided with a cloth for wiping the lens of the camera 431a and the light source 432a. When the upper surface 400c of the cartridge body 400 is opened and closed, the shutter 433a contacts the lens of the camera 431a and the light source 432a. It is configured so that dirt such as toner adhering to the lens of the camera 431a and the light source 432a can be wiped off.

  Next, the operation of the toner cartridge 315YC when the display of the remaining amount of toner on the display unit 103 of the operation panel 102 becomes “slight” will be described.

  The display unit 103 of the operation panel 102 displays the remaining amount of toner. For example, four levels of remaining toner such as “normal”, “low”, “slight”, and “none” are displayed. When the display unit 103 displays “normal”, “small”, “slight”, the holding means 423 holds the covering plate 421 at the covering position. That is, the handle portion 403 is hidden by the cover plate 421. When the cover 421 is held by the holding unit 423, it is determined that there is no toner from the images photographed by the cameras 431a and 431b after the remaining amount of toner becomes “slight”, or the remaining amount of toner becomes “none”. Alternatively, the operation is performed until a hold release signal is input from the operation unit 104 by the user or service person.

  In this embodiment, the determination of the presence or absence of toner based on the images photographed by the cameras 431a and 431b is performed by providing a predetermined mark on the bottom of the cartridge body 400 and determining whether there is no toner based on the shooting state of the predetermined mark. Judgment is made. For example, when a predetermined mark is photographed, it is determined that there is no toner. Note that the determination of the absence of toner based on the photographing state of a predetermined mark can be changed as appropriate. For example, it can be determined that there is no toner when it can be recognized even a little, and it can be determined that there is no toner when half is recognized.

  For example, when it is determined that there is no toner based on the images taken by the cameras 431a and 431b and the toner usage history without toner is input to the memory chip 410, the holding of the cover plate 421 by the holding unit 423 is released. When the holding of the covering plate 421 is released, the covering plate 421 slides to the exposed position by the biasing force of the biasing spring 424. When the cover plate 421 slides to the exposed position, the handle portion 403 is exposed and the toner cartridge 315Y can be taken out. For example, the toner cartridge 315Y can be taken out when the user opens the front door and hooks the handle 403 with a finger.

  As described above, in the printer according to the fourth embodiment, the handle 403 for taking out the toner cartridge 315YC is covered with the cover plate 421 until it is determined that there is no toner from the images taken by the cameras 431a and 431b. ing. In other words, when the toner remaining amount “slightly” is displayed, for example, even when it is configured to be able to print about 50 sheets with a dot count, it is determined that there is no toner based on the images photographed by the cameras 431a and 431b. If it is not judged, the toner cartridge 315YC cannot be replaced. As a result, the toner cartridge 315YC can be replaced after the toner is surely exhausted, and the running cost of the printer can be reduced.

  Further, since the inside of the toner cartridge 315YC can be photographed by the cameras 431a and 431b, a malfunction in the toner cartridge 315YC can be easily found. For example, it can be easily determined whether or not it can be reused. At this time, since the images photographed by the cameras 431a and 431b can be displayed on the display unit 103 of the operation panel 102, for example, a user or a serviceman can easily check the remaining amount of toner or the malfunctioning part. .

<Fifth Embodiment>
Next, a printer according to a fifth embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIG. The printer according to the fifth embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that an image pickup unit is provided in the toner cartridge. Therefore, the difference from the second embodiment, that is, the imaging means of the toner cartridge will be mainly described here, and the other components will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 7A is a view showing a state where the handle portion 403A of the toner cartridge 315YD according to the fifth embodiment is hidden, and FIG. 7B is a view showing a state where the handle portion 403A is exposed.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the toner cartridge 315YD exposes a cartridge main body 400A that contains toner, a memory chip 410 that records toner usage history, and a handle portion 403A of the cartridge main body 400A. The exposure mechanism 420 </ b> A is configured to have an imaging mechanism 440 that images the inside of the cartridge main body 400.

  The imaging means 440 is disposed on the upper surface 400 c on the upstream side in the mounting direction of the cartridge body 400. The imaging unit 440 moves the camera 441 in the mounting direction, a camera 441 that captures the inside of the cartridge body 400, a light source 442 that irradiates the interior of the cartridge body 400, a shutter 443 that opens and closes the upper surface 400c of the cartridge body 400, and the like. Moving mechanism 444. In the present embodiment, the light source 442 for photographing the inside of the cartridge main body 400 is provided. For example, the light source 320 of the exposure device 32 and the light source of the reading device are reflected by a plurality of mirrors and the cartridge. The structure which irradiates the inside of the main body 400 may be sufficient.

  The camera 441 and the light source 442 are disposed above the shutter 443, and are configured to be movable in the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 315YD by the moving mechanism 444. The shutter 443 is formed on the upper surface 400c of the cartridge body 400A so as to be long in the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 315YD, and is configured to open and close in the width direction orthogonal to the mounting direction. When the shutter 443 is opened, the camera 441 moves in the mounting direction and photographs the inside of the cartridge main body 400A. For example, a predetermined mark provided inside the cartridge body 400A is photographed.

  Next, the operation of the toner cartridge 315YC when the display of the remaining amount of toner on the display unit 103 of the operation panel 102 becomes “slight” will be described.

  The display unit 103 of the operation panel 102 displays the remaining amount of toner. For example, four levels of remaining toner such as “normal”, “low”, “slight”, and “none” are displayed. When the display unit 103 displays “normal”, “small”, and “slight”, the holding means 423 holds the covering plate 421A at the covering position. That is, the handle portion 403A is hidden by the covering plate 421A. The holding plate 421A is held by the holding unit 423 when the remaining amount of toner becomes “slight” and it is determined that there is no toner from the image captured by the camera 441, or the remaining amount of toner becomes “no”. Alternatively, the operation is performed until a hold release signal is input from the operation unit 104 by the service person.

  In this embodiment, the determination of the presence or absence of toner based on the image captured by the camera 441 is performed by providing a predetermined mark on the bottom inside the cartridge main body 400A and determining the absence of toner based on the shooting state of the predetermined mark. Made. For example, when a predetermined mark is photographed, it is determined that there is no toner. Note that the determination of the absence of toner based on the photographing state of a predetermined mark can be changed as appropriate. For example, it can be determined that there is no toner when it can be recognized even a little, and it can be determined that there is no toner when half is recognized.

  When it is determined that there is no toner from the video imaged by the camera 441 and a toner usage history without toner is input to the memory chip 410, the holding unit 423 releases the holding of the covering plate 421A. When the holding of the covering plate 421A is released, the covering plate 421A is rotated to the exposed position by the biasing force of the biasing spring 424A. When the cover plate 421A is rotated to the exposed position, the handle portion 403A is exposed and the toner cartridge 315YD can be taken out. For example, the user can take out the toner cartridge 315YD by opening the front door and hooking the handle 403A with a finger.

  As described above, in the printer according to the fifth embodiment, the handle 403A for taking out the toner cartridge 315YD is covered with the covering plate 421A until it is determined that there is no toner from the image captured by the camera 441. . In other words, when the remaining amount of toner is displayed as “low”, for example, even when it is configured to be able to print about 50 sheets with a dot count, it is not determined that there is no toner based on the video taken by the camera 441. Thus, the toner cartridge 315YD cannot be replaced. As a result, the toner cartridge 315YD can be replaced after the toner is surely exhausted, and the running cost of the printer can be reduced.

  Further, since the inside of the toner cartridge 315YD can be photographed by the camera 441, a failure or damage inside the toner cartridge 315YD can be easily found. For example, it can be easily determined whether or not it can be reused. At this time, since the video imaged by the camera 441 can be displayed on the display unit 103 of the operation panel 102, for example, a user or a service person can easily check the remaining amount of toner or the failure location.

<Sixth Embodiment>
Next, a printer according to a sixth embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIG. The printer according to the sixth embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in that the exposure mechanism and the imaging unit are disposed on the developing device main body side. Therefore, here, the difference from the fourth embodiment, that is, the developing device main body and the toner cartridge will be mainly described, and the other components will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the fourth embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. .

  FIG. 8A is a view showing a state in which the handle portion 403 of the toner cartridge 315YE according to the sixth embodiment is hidden, and FIG. 8B is a view showing a state in which the handle portion 403 is exposed.

  The developing device 312YE includes a developing device main body 314YE that develops the photosensitive drum 310Y and a toner cartridge 315YE that supplies toner to the developing device main body 314YE. The developing device main body 314YE includes an exposure mechanism 420 and an imaging unit 430.

  The toner cartridge 315YE includes a cartridge main body 400 that stores toner, and a memory chip 410 that records a toner usage history and the like. The toner cartridge 315YE is configured to be detachable from the developing device main body 314YE. When the toner cartridge 315YE is attached to the developing device main body 314YE as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the exposure mechanism 420 is positioned on the bottom surface 400a. In addition, the imaging means 430 is positioned on the upper surface 400c.

  Since the operation of the toner cartridge 315YE when the display of the toner remaining amount on the display unit 103 of the operation panel 102 is “slight” is the same as that of the fourth embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  As described above, in the printer according to the sixth embodiment, the handle 403 for taking out the toner cartridge 315YE is covered with the cover plate 421 until it is determined that there is no toner from the images photographed by the cameras 431a and 431b. ing. In other words, when the toner remaining amount “slightly” is displayed, for example, even when it is configured to be able to print about 50 sheets with a dot count, it is determined that there is no toner based on the images photographed by the cameras 431a and 431b. If it is not judged, the toner cartridge 315YE cannot be replaced. As a result, the toner cartridge 315YE can be replaced after the toner is surely exhausted, and the running cost of the printer can be reduced.

  Further, since the inside of the toner cartridge 315YE can be photographed by the cameras 431a and 431b, a malfunction or the like inside the toner cartridge 315YE can be easily found. For example, it can be easily determined whether or not it can be reused. At this time, since the images photographed by the cameras 431a and 431b can be displayed on the display unit 103 of the operation panel 102, for example, a user or a serviceman can easily check the remaining amount of toner or the malfunctioning part. .

  Further, by providing the developing device main body 314YE with the exposure mechanism 420 and the imaging unit 430, it is possible to prevent the toner cartridge 315YE from becoming unnecessarily large.

<Seventh embodiment>
Next, a printer according to a seventh embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIG. The printer according to the seventh embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment in that the exposure mechanism and the imaging unit are disposed on the developing device main body side. Therefore, the difference from the fifth embodiment, that is, the developing device main body and the toner cartridge will be mainly described here, and the other components are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the fifth embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. .

  FIG. 9A is a view showing a state where the handle portion 403A of the toner cartridge 315YF according to the seventh embodiment is hidden, and FIG. 9B is a view showing a state where the handle portion 403A is exposed.

  The developing device 312YF includes a developing device main body 314YF that develops the photosensitive drum 310Y and a toner cartridge 315YF that supplies toner to the developing device main body 314YF. The developing device main body 314YF includes an exposure mechanism 420A and an imaging unit 440.

  The toner cartridge 315YF includes a cartridge main body 400 that stores toner, and a memory chip 410 that records a toner usage history and the like. The toner cartridge 315YF is configured to be detachable from the developing device main body 314YF. When the toner cartridge 315YF is attached to the developing device main body 314YF as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the exposure mechanism 420A is positioned on the side surface 400b. The imaging means 440 is positioned on the upper surface 400c.

  Since the operation of the toner cartridge 315YC when the display of the remaining amount of toner on the display unit 103 of the operation panel 102 is “slight” is the same as that of the fifth embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  As described above, in the printer according to the seventh embodiment, the handle 403A for taking out the toner cartridge 315YF is covered with the covering plate 421A until it is determined that there is no toner from the image captured by the camera 441. . In other words, when the remaining amount of toner is displayed as “low”, for example, even when it is configured to be able to print about 50 sheets with a dot count, it is not determined that there is no toner based on the video taken by the camera 441. Thus, the toner cartridge 315YF cannot be replaced. As a result, the toner cartridge 315YF can be replaced after the toner is surely exhausted, and the running cost of the printer can be reduced.

  In addition, since the camera 44 is configured so that the inside of the toner cartridge 315YF can be photographed, a malfunction or the like inside the toner cartridge 315YF can be easily found. For example, it can be easily determined whether or not it can be reused. At this time, since the video imaged by the camera 44 can be displayed on the display unit 103 of the operation panel 102, for example, a user or a service person can easily check the remaining amount of toner or the failure location.

  Further, by providing the developing device main body 314YF with the exposure mechanism 420A and the imaging unit 440, it is possible to prevent the toner cartridge 315YF from becoming unnecessarily large.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above. In addition, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention only list the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the toner cartridges 315Y to 315B containing toner are described as an example of the cartridge, but the present invention is not limited to this. As the cartridge, it can be used as a cartridge capable of supplying the contained supply in a state of being mounted on the main body. For example, it can also be used for an ink cartridge containing ink.

  In this embodiment, the electrophotographic laser beam printer 100 having the toner cartridges 315Y to 315B containing toner is described as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As the image forming apparatus, for example, the image forming apparatus can also be used in an ink jet type ink jet printer having an ink cartridge containing ink.

  In the fourth to seventh embodiments, the configuration in which the light sources 432a and 442 are provided as the irradiation unit for irradiating the inside of the toner cartridge 315Y has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the irradiating means may be configured to guide the light source disposed inside the printer with a mirror to guide the toner cartridge and irradiate the inside of the toner cartridge. For example, the light source 320 of the exposure device 32 may be guided to the toner cartridge for irradiation, and in the case of a printer having an image reading device, the light source for reading of the image reading device is guided to the toner cartridge. May be configured to irradiate.

50 Control unit (control means)
100 Laser beam printer (image forming device)
101 Printer housing 312Y Developing device 314Y Developing device main body 315Y Toner cartridge (cartridge)
400 Cartridge body 403 Handle portion 410 Memory chip 420 Exposing mechanism (exposing means)
430 Imaging mechanism (imaging means)

Claims (8)

The device body;
A cartridge main body configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body, and capable of supplying a predetermined supply to the apparatus main body in a state of being attached to the apparatus main body, a handle part for taking out the cartridge main body from the apparatus main body, An exposure means that covers or exposes the handle portion; and
An image forming apparatus, wherein the exposure unit is moved with respect to the cartridge body to expose the handle.   The exposure means includes a covering portion that covers the handle portion of the cartridge body, a support portion that moves the covering portion, and a holding means that holds the covering portion at a position where the covering portion is covered. The image forming apparatus according to 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the exposing unit includes an urging member that moves toward a position where the covering portion is exposed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the holding unit includes a release unit that releases the holding of the covering portion.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the handle is formed on a bottom surface of the cartridge body.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the handle is formed on a side surface of the cartridge main body parallel to a mounting direction of the cartridge main body to the apparatus main body. .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the handle is formed in a concave shape.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge does not move the cartridge body when the handle portion is exposed.

Images