Image forming apparatus and developer cartridge

A support member that supports developer cartridges is configured to be moved in a predetermined direction between a mounted position and a pulled-out position. A moving mechanism is configured to move a supply member in the developer cartridge between a communication position and an interrupt position when the support member is in the mounted position. When the supply member is in the communication position, a supply opening and a reception opening are in communication with each other and the support member is incapable of moving in the predetermined direction. When the supply member is in the interrupt position, the supply member is moved away from a corresponding image forming unit in the axial direction to interrupt communication between the supply opening and the reception opening and the support member is movable toward the pulled-out position in the predetermined direction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-167116 filed Jul. 29, 2011. The entire content of the priority application is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an image-forming device employing an electrophotographic system and a developer cartridge.

BACKGROUND

One electrophotographic color printer known in the art is a tandem-type color laser printer. This printer has four photosensitive members and four developing rollers for supplying toner to respective photosensitive members, the photosensitive members and developing rollers provided respectively for the toner colors yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

An example of this type of tandem color laser printer includes an image-forming unit having photosensitive members and developing rollers; and toner cartridges accommodating toner.

The image-forming unit in this type of printer is centrally disposed inside the printer, while the toner cartridges are detachably provided in a lateral section of the printer.

SUMMARY

However, the toner cartridges in the conventional printer described above are mounted in and removed from the lateral section of the printer (that is, a cartridge-accommodating section) in the axial direction of the photosensitive member. Consequently, the printer must be installed such that a large space is available on the side of the printer for mounting and removing the toner cartridges. Hence, this configuration can make it difficult to install the printer in a small space (i.e., the structure is not conducive to reducing the required installation space of the printer).

This printer configuration is also not conducive to installation on shelves and in other locations with limited space above and to the side of the printer, thereby reducing the user's options for locations in which the printer can be installed.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image-forming apparatus provided with developer cartridge that can reduce the required installation space and increase the user's freedom in choosing locations for installing the device.

In order to attain the above and other objects, there is provided an image forming apparatus including a main casing, a plurality of image forming units, a plurality of developer cartridges, a support member, and a moving mechanism. The image forming units are juxtaposedly arrayed with each other in a predetermined direction. Each of the plurality of image forming units includes a photosensitive drum, a developer carrying member disposed in confrontation with the photosensitive drum, and a reception opening configured to receive developer. Each of the plurality of photosensitive drums has an axis extending in an axial direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. The developer cartridges are configured to be juxtaposedly arrayed with each other in the predetermined direction. Each of the plurality of developer cartridges is configured to be provided for each of the plurality of image forming units. Each of the plurality of developer cartridges is configured to be disposed in confrontation with a corresponding one of the plurality of image forming units in the axial direction. Each of the plurality of developer cartridges includes a developer accommodating section configured to accommodate developer and a supply member having a supply opening through which developer in the developer accommodating section is configured to be supplied to a corresponding one of the plurality of image forming units. The support member is configured to detachably support each of the plurality of developer cartridges and is configured to be moved in the predetermined direction between a mounted position in which the support member is mounted in the main casing and a pulled-out position in which the support member is pulled out of the main casing. The moving mechanism is configured to move the supply member between a communication position and an interrupt position when the support member is in the mounted position. When the supply member is in the communication position, the supply opening and the reception opening are in communication with each other and the support member is incapable of moving in the predetermined direction. When the supply member is in the interrupt position, the supply member is moved away from the corresponding one of the plurality of image forming units in the axial direction to interrupt communication between the supply opening and the reception opening and the support member is movable toward the pulled-out position in the predetermined direction.

According to another aspect, there is provided a developer cartridge including a developer accommodating section and a supply member. The developer accommodating section is configured to accommodate developer and has a developer discharge opening. The supply member includes a developer reception opening and is configured to be connected to the developer accommodating section from below to receive developer through the developer reception opening and to convey the received developer in a horizontal direction. The supply member is configured to be moved in the horizontal direction between an open position in which the developer discharge opening and the developer reception opening are in communication with each other and a closed position in which the developer discharge opening is closed by interrupting communication between the developer discharge opening and the developer receiving opening.

According to another aspect, there is provided a developer cartridge including a developer accommodating section, and a supply member. The developer accommodating section is configured to accommodate developer and has a first opening. The supply member includes a second opening and a conveying member configured to convey developer, and is configured to be connected to the developer accommodating section. The supply member is configured to be moved relative the developer accommodating section between an open position in which the first opening and the second opening are in communication with each other and a closed position in which the first opening is closed by interrupting communication between the first opening and the second opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1. Overall Structure of a Printer

FIGS. 1 and 2show a printer1serving as an example of the image-forming apparatus of the present invention. The printer1is an intermediate transfer tandem-type color printer.

The printer1includes a main casing2constituting the device body, a sheet-feeding unit3for feeding sheets of a paper P to be printed. An image-forming unit4for forming images on the paper P supplied by the sheet-feeding unit3, and a toner-cartridge-accommodating section5for accommodating toner cartridges46(described later).

(1) Main Casing

The main casing2has a substantially rectangular box shape in a side view. A process-side access opening6is formed in a side wall of the main casing2. A front cover7as an opening/closing member is pivotably (movably) disposed on the same side wall of the main casing2. The front cover7is capable of pivoting about its lower end between a closed position for closing the process-side access opening6and an open position for exposing the process-side access opening6.

An opening8that exposes the front end portion of a paper tray10(described later) is formed in a lower portion of the front cover7. A manual-paper-feed guide9provided on the front cover7extends obliquely rearward and downward from the upper edge of the opening8toward a position between the bottom wall of a process frame27(described later) and the front end portion of a paper-feeding member18(described later).

In the following description, the side of the main casing2on which the front cover7is provided (the left side inFIG. 1) will be called the “front side,” and the opposite side (the right side inFIG. 1) will be called the “rear side.” Further, the left and right sides of the main casing2will be based on the perspective of a user facing the front side of the printer1. In other words, the near side inFIG. 1will be the “right side,” while the far side will be the “left side.”

The sheet-feeding unit3includes a paper tray10for accommodating sheets of paper P.

The paper tray10is removably mounted in the bottom section of the main casing2. A grip part11is provided on the front wall of the paper tray10near the top edge thereof. The grip part11has a general U-shape in cross section, with the opening of the U-shape facing downward. The top surface of the grip part11vertically opposes the manual-paper-feed guide9, with a gap formed therebetween. The gap formed between the top surface of the grip part11and the manual-paper-feed guide9defines a manual-paper-feed opening12through which sheets of paper P other than those accommodated in the paper tray10may be hand-fed.

The sheet-feeding unit3also includes a pick-up roller13disposed above the rear end of the paper tray10, a feeding roller14disposed to the rear of the pick-up roller13, a feeding pad15disposed so as to confront the feeding roller14from the bottom side thereof, a pair of top and bottom pinch rollers16disposed in contact with the rear side of the feeding roller14, and a pair of registration rollers17disposed above the feeding roller14and opposing each other in the front-to-rear direction.

The pick-up roller13rotates to supply sheets of paper P accommodated in the paper tray10(indicated by a solid line inFIG. 1) between the feeding roller14and feeding pad15, whereby the rotation of the feeding roller14separates and feeds the paper one sheet at a time. The rotating feeding roller14subsequently supplies each sheet of paper P so as to pass sequentially between the feeding roller14and pinch rollers16and enter between the registration rollers17disposed above the feeding roller14. The registration rollers17rotate in order to supply the sheets to the image-forming unit4(between an intermediate transfer belt41and a secondary transfer roller38, both described later) at a prescribed timing. This feed path extending from the paper tray10to the image forming unit4through the pick-up roller13, the feeding roller14, the feeding pad15, the pair of pinch rollers16, and the pair of registration rollers corresponds to a first feed path.

A manual-paper-feed path corresponding to second feed path is formed in the sheet-feeding unit3between the paper tray10and the bottom wall of a process frame27(described later).

A paper-feeding member18is provided in the paper tray10. The paper-feeding member18constitutes the bottom wall of the manual-paper-feed path and confronts the bottom wall of a process frame27(described later).

The paper-feeding member18has a generally flat plate shape that is elongated in the front-to-rear direction. The paper-feeding member18is disposed on the upper edges of the paper tray10by means of a pair of left and right support plates19and various compression springs20.

Five tray-side feeding members21are rotatably provided in the paper-feeding member18at intervals in the front-to-rear direction. While a process frame27will be described later, five process-side feeding members22are rotatably provided on the bottom wall of the process frame27at positions opposing the tray-side feeding members21.

The paper P hand-fed through the manual-paper-feed opening12(indicated by a dashed line inFIG. 1) is guided by the manual-paper-feed guide9on the front cover7and the top surface of the grip part11provided on the paper tray10to a nip part between the forwardmost process-side feeding members22and the forwardmost tray-side feeding members21. Each of the process-side feeding members22is driven to rotate while the corresponding tray-side feeding members21follow, conveying the hand-fed sheet in a rearward direction between the bottom surface of a process frame27(described later) and the top surface of the paper-feeding member18.

The hand-fed sheets of paper P are guided to the pick-up roller13at the rear end of the paper-feeding member18and conveyed between the feeding roller14and feeding pad15by the rotation of the pick-up roller13, as described above. The rotating feeding roller14then supplies the sheets of paper P sequentially through the feeding roller14and pinch rollers16to the nip part between the registration rollers17disposed above the feeding roller14. The rotating registration rollers17supply the sheets between an intermediate transfer belt41and secondary transfer roller38, both described later, at a prescribed timing. The manual-paper-feed path corresponds to a feed path extending from the manual-paper-feed opening12to the pick-up roller13through the tray-side feeding members21and the process-side feeding members22.

The image-forming unit4is disposed above the sheet-feeding unit3and includes a process unit23, a transfer unit24, and a fixing unit25.

(3-1) Process Unit

The process unit23is movably disposed above the paper tray10in front of the pick-up roller13. The process unit23is capable of moving in the front and rear directions between a mounted position in which the process unit23is mounted in the main casing2(seeFIG. 1), and a pulled-out position in which the process unit23is pulled out of the main casing2(seeFIG. 9).

The process unit23includes four process cartridges26as an image forming unit corresponding to the four colors used in image formation, and a process frame27for retaining the process cartridges26in a detachably mounted state.

The process cartridges26are juxtaposedly arranged parallel to one another and spaced at intervals in the front-to-rear direction (a predetermined direction). More specifically, the process cartridges26include, in order from front to rear, a black process cartridge26K, a yellow process cartridge26Y, a magenta process cartridge26M, and a cyan process cartridge26C.

Each process cartridge26integrally holds a photosensitive drum28, a Scorotron charger29, and a developing device30.

The photosensitive drum28has a generally cylindrical shape and is oriented with its axis aligned in the left-to-right direction.

The Scorotron charger29is disposed below and rearward of the corresponding photosensitive drum28. The Scorotron charger29confronts but is separated from the photosensitive drum28.

The developing device30is disposed below and forward of the corresponding photosensitive drum28. The developing device30is provided with a developing roller31as a developer carrying member.

The developing roller31is rotatably supported in the top of the developing device30and is disposed in confrontation with the photosensitive drum28. A portion of the surface of the developing roller31is exposed when viewed from above the developing device30(obliquely above and rearward of the developing device30) and contacts the photosensitive drum28on the lower front side.

Each developing device30also includes a supply roller32for supplying toner to the developing roller31, and a thickness-regulating blade33for regulating the thickness of toner carried on the developing roller31. Each developing device30also includes a toner reservoir34disposed below and rearward of the supply roller32for storing toner supplied from a toner cartridge46(described later).

The black process cartridge26K also includes a belt-cleaning roller90, a waste toner reservoir87, a relay roller88, and a scraping blade89.

The belt-cleaning roller90is rotatably supported in the black process cartridge26K in front of the corresponding photosensitive drum28and is positioned for contacting the lower portion of an intermediate transfer belt41(described later) from below.

The belt-cleaning roller90functions to clean off any toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt41(described later). The relay roller88temporarily retains toner cleaned off by the belt-cleaning roller90. The toner is subsequently scraped off the relay roller88by the scraping blade89and is collected in the waste toner reservoir87.

An auger screw91is rotatably provided in the waste toner reservoir87of the black process cartridge26K. The auger screw91conveys waste toner collected in the waste toner reservoir87to a waste-toner-collecting unit (not shown) provided in the black toner cartridge46(described later).

The process frame27provided in the main casing2is capable of sliding in forward and rearward directions. The process frame27includes four LED units35corresponding to the four photosensitive drums28.

Each LED unit35is disposed on the rear side of the corresponding developing device30so as to face the bottom of the corresponding photosensitive drum28. Each LED unit35also includes an LED array36having a plurality of LEDs arrayed in the left-to-right direction. The LED unit35functions to expose the surface of the corresponding photosensitive drum28based on prescribed image data.

(3-2) Transfer Unit

The transfer unit24includes a belt unit37, and a secondary transfer roller38.

The belt unit37is positioned above the process unit23when the process unit23is in the mounted position. The belt unit37is oriented in the front-to-rear direction so as to confront each of the photosensitive drums28from above.

The belt unit37includes a drive roller39, a follow roller40, an intermediate transfer belt41, and four primary transfer rollers42.

The drive roller39and follow roller40are separated in the front-to-rear direction.

The intermediate transfer belt41is placed around the drive roller39and follow roller40such that its lower portion contacts each of the photosensitive drums28. When the drive roller39is driven to rotate, the intermediate transfer belt41circulates such that the lower portion of the intermediate transfer belt41that contacts each of the photosensitive drums28moves in a rearward direction.

The primary transfer rollers42are disposed so as to confront the corresponding photosensitive drums28with the lower portion of the intermediate transfer belt41interposed therebetween.

The secondary transfer roller38is provided on the rear side of the belt unit37and confronts the drive roller39of the belt unit37with the intermediate transfer belt41interposed therebetween.

(3-3) Fixing Unit

The fixing unit25is disposed above the secondary transfer roller38. The fixing unit25includes a heating roller43, and a pressure roller44that confronts the heating roller43.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the toner-cartridge-accommodating section5is provided on the right side of the process unit23. A cartridge-side access opening132as an opening is formed in the front end of the toner-cartridge-accommodating section5adjacent to the process-side access opening6on the right thereof. The cartridge-side access opening132is exposed simultaneously with the process-side access opening6when the front cover7is opened. A toner cartridge drawer45as a support member is accommodated in the toner-cartridge-accommodating section5.

The toner cartridge drawer45integrally supports four toner cartridges46as a developer cartridge that each accommodates toner (developer) of a discrete color.

The toner cartridge drawer45is arranged in a front-to-rear orientation so as to confront all process cartridges26. The toner cartridge drawer45is capable of moving between a mounted position in which the process cartridge26is mounted inside the main casing2(seeFIG. 2), and a pulled-out position in which the process cartridge26is pulled outside the main casing2(seeFIG. 8).

As will be described later in greater detail, when the toner cartridge drawer45is in the mounted position, each of the toner cartridges46is arranged in a position opposing the right side of the corresponding process cartridge26. Each of the toner cartridges46is coupled to the right side of the corresponding process cartridge26and can supply toner into the toner reservoir34of the process cartridge26.

Toner supplied into the toner reservoir34of the process cartridge26from the corresponding toner cartridge46is supplied from the toner reservoir34onto the supply roller32, and in turn supplied onto the developing roller31.

The thickness-regulating blade33regulates the thickness of toner supplied to the developing roller31as the developing roller31rotates, maintaining the toner carried on the surface of the developing roller31at a thin uniform thickness. Further, toner supplied to the developing roller31is positively tribocharged between the thickness-regulating blade33and developing roller31.

In the meantime, the Scorotron charger29applies a uniform positive charge to the surface of the corresponding photosensitive drum28as the photosensitive drum28rotates. The LED unit35subsequently exposes the charged surface of the photosensitive drum28, forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface that corresponds to an image to be printed on paper P.

As the photosensitive drum28continues to rotate, the positively charged toner carried on the surface of the developing roller31is supplied to the latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum28. The toner develops the latent image on the photosensitive drum28into a visible toner image through reverse development.

The toner images developed on the surfaces of all photosensitive drums28are sequentially transferred onto the lower portion of the intermediate transfer belt41, as the lower portion of the intermediate transfer belt41moves rearward, as a primary transfer. The sequentially transferred toner images form a color image on the intermediate transfer belt41.

The color image carried on the intermediate transfer belt41is subsequently transferred onto a sheet of paper P supplied from the sheet-feeding unit3, as the sheet passes between the intermediate transfer belt41and secondary transfer roller38, as a secondary transfer.

Next, the color image transferred onto the paper P is fixed to the paper P in the fixing unit25by heat and pressure as the sheet passes between the heating roller43and pressure roller44.

(6) Paper Discharge

A discharge tray47is formed on the top surface of the main casing2for receiving sheets of paper P discharged from the main casing2. A paper-discharge unit48is formed on the top portion of the main casing2at the rear side thereof and protrudes farther upward than the discharge tray47.

A discharge outlet49is formed in the paper-discharge unit48at a position above the discharge tray47. Paper is discharged from the main casing2through the discharge outlet49. The paper-discharge unit48also includes three discharge rollers50disposed inside the discharge outlet49for conveying sheets of paper P toward the discharge tray47.

Hence, after a toner image is fixed to the sheet of paper P in the fixing unit25, the discharge rollers50discharge the sheet onto the discharge tray47.

2. Process Unit

(1) Process Frame

As shown inFIGS. 1,3, and4, the process frame27has a generally rectangular frame-like structure with a closed bottom and open top. More specifically, the process frame27includes a pair of side walls53arranged parallel to each other and separated in the left-to-right direction, a front wall51bridging the front ends of the side walls53, and a rear wall52bridging the rear ends of the side walls53.

The front wall51has a handle54protruding forward therefrom.

Guide rollers55are rotatably provided in the upper rear end of each of the side walls53. Although not shown in the drawings, protrusions elongated in the front-to-rear direction and protruding outward in left and right directions from the left and right side walls53are provided on the top edges of the side walls53.

An exposure groove56is formed in the right side wall53for exposing a toner-receiving unit66(described later) of the developing device30. The exposure groove56is formed as a cutout in the top edge of the right side wall53, producing a concave groove that is recessed toward the lower side of the right side wall53and that is open on the top.

(2) Process Cartridge

Each process cartridge26is provided with a pair of left and right side plates60, the photosensitive drum28, the Scorotron charger29, and the developing device30.

The side plates60are generally plate-shaped and elongated vertically. The side plates60are disposed parallel to each other and separated in the left-to-right direction. An exposure hole59is formed in the right side plate60to expose a toner-receiving unit66(described later).

The photosensitive drum28is rotatably supported between the side plates60. The Scorotron charger29spans between the side plates60.

The developing device30is provided between the side plates60. The developing device30also has a developer case61.

The developer case61is integrally provided with a first frame62that supports both the developing roller31and supply roller32, and a second frame63that defines the toner reservoir34.

The first frame62has a cylindrical shape elongated in the left-to-right direction. In cross section the first frame62has a U-shape with the opening of the “U” facing obliquely upward and rearward. An auger screw67is rotatably provided in the first frame62to the rear of the supply roller32. A toner supply hole64and a toner recovery hole65are both formed in the bottom rear portion of the first frame62at positions confronting the rear side of the auger screw67.

The toner supply hole64is a generally rectangular through-hole formed in the left end portion of the first frame62. The toner recovery hole65is a through-hole having substantially the same shape and dimensions as the toner supply hole64and is formed in the right end portion of the first frame62. The toner supply hole64and toner recovery hole65are aligned with each other in the left-to-right direction.

The second frame63is provided below the rear end of the first frame62. The second frame63is formed in a partial cylindrical shape and is elongated in the left-to-right direction. A cross section of the second frame63is generally C-shaped, opening obliquely upward and forward. More specifically, the top of the second frame63is formed continuously with the lower rear portion of the first frame62, forming a continuous peripheral edge above the toner supply hole64and toner recovery hole65. The upper portion of the second frame63is also formed continuously with the lower rear portion of the first frame62in the region in front of and below the bottom edges of the toner supply hole64and toner recovery hole65.

The developing device30is further provided with a toner-receiving unit66on the right side of the toner reservoir34.

The toner-receiving unit66has a double-cylinder structure with two coupled cylinders arranged one above the other. The lower cylinder is a conveying cylinder68, and the upper cylinder is a receiving cylinder69.

The conveying cylinder68is formed continuously with the right wall of the second frame63and extends rightward therefrom. The conveying cylinder68has a generally cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than that of the second frame63and has a common central axis with the second frame63. The left end of the conveying cylinder68that is continuously formed with the right wall of the second frame63opens into the interior of the second frame63, while the right end of the conveying cylinder68is closed.

A toner-conveying member81is provided inside the second frame63and conveying cylinder68.

The toner-conveying member81is integrally provided with an agitator82disposed inside the second frame63, and an auger screw83disposed inside the conveying cylinder68. The agitator82and auger screw83are formed continuously in the left-to-right direction and share the same rotational shaft. The right end of the toner-conveying member81is rotatably supported in the right wall of the conveying cylinder68. The left end of the toner-conveying member81is rotatably supported in the left wall of the second frame63so as to be capable of rotating relative to the left wall, and protrudes leftward therefrom. A drive gear84is provided on the left end portion of the toner-conveying member81outside the left wall of the second frame63and is incapable of rotating relative to the toner-conveying member81. A drive force generated in the main casing2is inputted into the drive gear84via a gear train (not shown).

The receiving cylinder69is formed in a generally cylindrical shape that is elongated in the left-to-right direction. The lower portion of the receiving cylinder69is connected to the top portion of the conveying cylinder68. The left end of the receiving cylinder69is closed and is disposed at a position confronting the right side of the first frame62at a distance. The right end of the receiving cylinder69is open. The inner diameter of the receiving cylinder69is slightly larger than the outer diameter of a supply cylinder98(described later) of the toner cartridge46and is capable of receiving this supply cylinder98. A first reception opening70as a reception opening is formed in the right end portion of the receiving cylinder69, vertically penetrating the bottom portion of the same, and provides communication between the conveying cylinder68and receiving cylinder69.

The receiving cylinder69further includes a process-side shutter71, and a coupling72as a first coupling member. The process-side shutter71is generally cylindrical in shape with a closed right end and is elongated in the left-to-right direction. The process-side shutter71has an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the supply cylinder98(described later) and a left-to-right length equivalent to about half that of the receiving cylinder69. A coupling exposure hole76is formed through the right wall of the process-side shutter71for exposing a fitting member75(described later) of the coupling72. The coupling exposure hole76has a larger diameter than that of the fitting member75(described later).

The process-side shutter71is disposed inside the receiving cylinder69and is capable of sliding between an open position (seeFIG. 3) in the left end of the receiving cylinder69for opening the first reception opening70, and a closed position (seeFIG. 4) in the right end of the receiving cylinder69for closing the first reception opening70. A compression spring73is also interposed between the left wall of the receiving cylinder69and the right wall of the process-side shutter71for constantly urging the process-side shutter71rightward toward the closed position.

The coupling72is rotatably supported in the left wall of the receiving cylinder69. The coupling72specifically includes a drive shaft74, the fitting member75, and a drive input gear77.

The drive shaft74has a generally columnar shape and extends in the left-to-right direction. The drive shaft74is rotatably supported in the left wall of the receiving cylinder69.

The fitting member75is provided on the right end of the drive shaft74and is incapable of rotating relative thereto. The fitting member75is generally disc-shaped and shares a central axis with the drive shaft74.

The drive input gear77is provided on the left end of the drive shaft74and is incapable of rotating thereto. The drive input gear77is positioned between the receiving cylinder69and first frame62and shares a central axis with the drive shaft74. A drive force generated from the main casing2is inputted into the drive input gear77via a gear train (not shown).

3. Toner Cartridges and Toner-Cartridge-Accommodating Section

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, each of the toner cartridges46includes a cartridge case94accommodating toner, and a supply cylinder98as a supply member for supplying toner in the cartridge case94to the toner reservoir34of the process cartridge26.

The cartridge case94has a box shape that is generally rectangular in a side view. Within the cartridge case94are formed a toner-accommodating section95as a developer accommodating section for accommodating toner, and a supply-cylinder support unit96for supporting the supply cylinder98.

The toner-accommodating section95is provided in all but the lower portion of the cartridge case94. The lower end of the toner-accommodating section95is tapered so that its horizontal cross section grows smaller toward the bottom. A through-hole97as a developer discharge opening is formed in the bottom end of the toner-accommodating section95, opening downward.

The supply-cylinder support unit96is formed in the lower end of the cartridge case94as a through-hole in communication with the through-hole97. The supply-cylinder support unit96has a generally circular cross section and extends left-to-right. The inner diameter of the supply-cylinder support unit96is larger than the outer diameter of the supply cylinder98.

A spring-accommodating section93is formed in the supply-cylinder support unit96. The spring-accommodating section93is provided at a midpoint of the supply-cylinder support unit96with respect to the left-to-right direction (more specifically, left of the left-to-right center of the supply-cylinder support unit96) on the left side of the through-hole97. The spring-accommodating section93is generally circular in cross section and elongated in the left-to-right direction and has a larger diameter that expands radially outward from the inner diameter of the supply-cylinder support unit96.

The supply cylinder98has a generally cylindrical shape and is elongated in the left-to-right direction and closed on both left and right ends. The supply cylinder98has a left-to-right length substantially equal to the left-to-right length of the cartridge case94. A supply opening99is formed in the left end of the supply cylinder98, penetrating the lower portion of the supply cylinder98vertically. Similarly, a second reception opening109as a developer reception opening is formed in the right end of the supply cylinder98, penetrating the upper portion of the supply cylinder98vertically. A flange part101is provided around the supply cylinder98at approximately the left-to-right center thereof and protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the supply cylinder98.

The supply cylinder98is provided with an auger screw100as a conveying member. The auger screw100is disposed inside the supply cylinder98and oriented in the left-to-right direction (in a horizontal direction). The right end of the auger screw100is rotatably supported in the right wall of the supply cylinder98, and the left end of the auger screw100is rotatably supported in the left wall of the supply cylinder98and protrudes leftward out from the left wall.

A fitting part102as a second coupling member and a drive input member is formed on the left end portion of the auger screw100. The fitting part102is generally disc-shaped and shares a rotational center with the auger screw100. The fitting part102is fitted with the fitting member75provided on the coupling72of the toner-receiving unit66so as to be incapable of rotating relative to the fitting member75.

The supply cylinder98is supported inside the supply-cylinder support unit96of the cartridge case94so that the flange part101is positioned in the spring-accommodating section93.

This configuration for supporting the supply cylinder98enables the supply cylinder98to move left and right between a retracted position as an interrupt position and a closed position (seeFIG. 4) retracted inside the supply-cylinder support unit96, and an advanced position as a communication position and an open position (seeFIG. 3) advanced until the left end of the supply cylinder98is farther leftward than the left end of the supply-cylinder support unit96.

When the supply cylinder98is in the retracted position, the flange part101is disposed in the right end of the spring-accommodating section93and the second receiving port109is shifted to the right side of the through-hole97, interrupting communication between the second receiving port109and through-hole97. Here, the through-hole97is closed from below by the upper edge of the supply cylinder98(the portion of the supply cylinder98on the left side of the second receiving port109). Further, when the supply cylinder98is in the retracted position, the left and right end faces of the supply cylinder98are substantially flush with the left and right end faces of the cartridge case94.

When the supply cylinder98is in the advanced position, the flange part101is disposed in the left end portion of the spring-accommodating section93, and the second receiving port109and through-hole97are aligned vertically and in communication with each other.

A compression spring103as an urging member is interposed between the right surface of the flange part101and the left surface of the spring-accommodating section93for constantly urging the supply cylinder98rightward toward the retracted position. To be disposed in the advanced position, the supply cylinder98is moved leftward against the urging force of the compression spring103.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the black toner cartridge46is formed wider in the front-to-rear direction than the other toner cartridges46(cyan, magenta, and yellow toner cartridges46). A waste-toner-accommodation section (not shown) is provided in the front region of the black toner cartridge46separately from the toner-accommodating section95for accommodating waste toner conveyed from the waste toner reservoir87.

As shown inFIG. 6, the black toner cartridge46includes a waste-toner-conveying cylinder104coupled to the waste toner reservoir87of the black process cartridge26K.

The waste-toner-conveying cylinder104is shaped substantially the same as the supply cylinder98. However, instead of the supply opening99formed in the left end of the supply cylinder98, a waste-toner-receiving port (not shown) is provided in the waste-toner-conveying cylinder104, vertically penetrating the upper portion thereof, for receiving waste toner from the waste toner reservoir87.

When in the advanced position shown inFIG. 6, the waste-toner-conveying cylinder104is coupled to the waste toner reservoir87of the black process cartridge26K. However, when the waste-toner-conveying cylinder104is in the retracted position shown inFIG. 7, the waste-toner-conveying cylinder104is disconnected from the waste toner reservoir87.

As shown inFIGS. 2,3, and4, a partitioning wall113divides the toner-cartridge-accommodating section5into left and right sides. The toner cartridge drawer45is accommodated in the left side, while a moving mechanism111is accommodated in the right side.

Five pressing-member insertion holes118(seeFIG. 5) are formed in the lower end of the partitioning wall113for receiving the insertion of pressing members121(described later).

The pressing-member insertion holes118are juxtaposed at intervals in the front-to-rear direction and formed at positions corresponding to the supply cylinders98and the waste-toner-conveying cylinder104.

(2-1) Toner Cartridge Drawer

As shown inFIG. 1, the toner cartridge drawer45has a frame-like structure that is elongated in the front-to-rear direction. The toner cartridge drawer45has a closed bottom but is open on the left and right sides. More specifically, the toner cartridge drawer45is integrally configured of a bottom wall112, a front wall114, a rear wall115, and three partitioning walls116.

The bottom wall112has a flat plate shape that is substantially rectangular in a plan view and elongated in the front-to-rear direction. Drawer-side rollers117are provided on the rear edge of the bottom wall112near both left and right sides thereof. The drawer-side rollers117are fitted with play in guide grooves123(described later) formed in the toner-cartridge-accommodating section5.

The front wall114has a generally flat plate shape and extends upward from the front edge of the bottom wall112. The rear wall115has a generally flat plate shape and extends upward from the rear edge of the bottom wall112.

The partitioning walls116are arranged parallel to each other and spaced at intervals in the front-to-rear direction between the front wall114and rear wall115. Each of the partitioning walls116has a generally flat plate shape and extends upward from the bottom wall112. With this configuration, the toner cartridge drawer45is partitioned into four regions each having a front-to-rear length equivalent to the front-to-rear length of the corresponding toner cartridge46.

Each of the toner cartridges46is detachably supported in the toner cartridge drawer45in areas defined by the front wall114, rear wall115, and partitioning walls116.

As shown inFIG. 5, guide grooves123are formed in the bottom portion of the toner-cartridge-accommodating section5for receiving the drawer-side rollers117of the toner cartridge drawer45. Rail-side rollers127are also provided in the bottom portion of the toner-cartridge-accommodating section5.

Two of the guide grooves123are formed in the left half portion of the toner-cartridge-accommodating section5at positions separated in the left-to-right direction and corresponding to the drawer-side rollers117of the toner cartridge drawer45. The guide grooves123are grooves recessed downward into the bottom surface of the toner-cartridge-accommodating section5and are substantially linear, extending in the front-to-rear direction.

The rail-side rollers127are rotatably provided in the front ends of the guide grooves123such that their top portions protrude upward from the guide grooves123.

The toner cartridge drawer45is accommodated in the toner-cartridge-accommodating section5with the drawer-side rollers117fitted into the corresponding guide grooves123. The rail-side rollers127contact the bottom of the bottom wall112constituting the toner cartridge drawer45.

(2-2) Moving Mechanism

As shown inFIGS. 2,6, and7, the moving mechanism111is provided with a translation cam122as a moving member, and five pressing members121. The moving member111is disposed on an opposite side of the supply cylinder98from the process cartridges26.

The translation cam122is provided in the right half of the toner-cartridge-accommodating section5and is capable of sliding (reciprocating) in forward and rearward directions. The translation cam122has a square columnar shape extending in the front-to-rear direction and is substantially rectangular in a plan view.

The translation cam122includes four recessed parts119corresponding to the supply cylinders98and the waste-toner-conveying cylinder104, and a rack part120as an operating portion.

The recessed parts119are aligned with each other and spaced at intervals in the front-to-rear direction. Each recessed part119has a generally trapezoidal shape in a plan view and is recessed rightward in the left surface of the translation cam122. Each recessed part119has a front surface141sloping rightward toward the rear, and a right surface142aligned in the front-to-rear direction and formed continuously from the rear end of the front surface141. The forwardmost recessed part119corresponding to the waste-toner-conveying cylinder104has a front-to-rear length approximately half that of the other recessed parts119.

The rack part120extends in the front-to-rear direction and is formed on the left side of the translation cam122along the bottom edge near the front end thereof. Gear teeth (not shown) are formed in the bottom edge of the rack part120.

The translation cam122is provided in the toner-cartridge-accommodating section5and is capable of sliding (reciprocating) between a first position (seeFIG. 6) accommodated in the toner-cartridge-accommodating section5, and a second position (seeFIG. 7) in which the front end portion of the translation cam122protrudes forward from the cartridge-side access opening132.

When the translation cam122is in the first position, each of the recessed parts119is offset rearward from the corresponding pressing-member insertion holes118. When the translation cam122is in the second position, the recessed parts119are disposed opposite the corresponding pressing-member insertion holes118.

A coupling member128is provided on the front cover7. By engaging the coupling member128with the rack part120, the translation cam122is coupled to the front cover7.

More specifically, the coupling member128has a generally curved rod shape. When the front cover7is in the closed position, the coupling member128extends from the rear surface of the front cover7, curving downward and rearward. Gear teeth (not shown) are formed on the top surface of the coupling member128. When the front cover7is in the closed position, the coupling member128engages with the rack part120from below.

When the front cover7is moved from the closed position to the open position, a forward drive force is transmitted to the translation cam122via the coupling member128for moving the translation cam122from the first position to the second position. As the front cover7moves further toward the open position, the coupling member128separates from the rack part120of the translation cam122.

Conversely, as the front cover7is moved from the open position toward the closed position, the rear end (free end) of the coupling member128engages with the rear end of the rack part120provided on the translation cam122. As the front cover7moves further toward the closed position, a rearward drive force is transmitted to the translation cam122via the coupling member128for moving the translation cam122from the second position to the first position.

The pressing members121are arranged at intervals on the left side of the translation cam122in positions corresponding to the supply cylinders98and the waste-toner-conveying cylinder104. Each pressing member121has a generally columnar shape and extends in the left-to-right direction. The left-to-right length of the pressing members121is slightly longer than the gap between the right surface142of the recessed parts119formed in the translation cam122and the right surface of the partitioning wall113. A flange part129is provided on the right end of each pressing member121. The flange part129protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the pressing member121.

Each pressing member121can be moved between a pressing position (seeFIG. 6) in which the pressing member121is inserted into the corresponding pressing-member insertion hole118and presses the corresponding supply cylinder98or waste-toner-conveying cylinder104leftward, and a release position (seeFIG. 7) in which the pressing member121is retracted to the right side of the corresponding pressing-member insertion hole118, releasing pressure on the corresponding supply cylinder98or waste-toner-conveying cylinder104.

A compression spring108is interposed between the left surface of each flange part129and the right surface of the partitioning wall113. The compression springs108constantly urge the corresponding pressing members121rightward toward the release position.

When the translation cam122is in the first position, the right end of each pressing member121contacts the left surface of the translation cam122on the front side of the corresponding recessed part119. In this state, each pressing member121has been moved leftward against the urging force of the compression spring108and is in the pressing position shown inFIG. 6.

When the translation cam122is disposed in the second position, the right end of each pressing member121opposes the right surface142of the corresponding recessed part119. In this state, the pressing member121has been moved rightward by the urging force of the compression spring108and is in the release position shown inFIG. 7.

4. Main Casing

As shown inFIGS. 3,6, and9, a partitioning wall131is provided in the main casing2for separating the image-forming unit4and toner-cartridge-accommodating section5. Process-unit guide grooves134are formed in the main casing2for guiding the process unit23as the process unit23slides.

The partitioning wall131has a general flat plate shape. The partitioning wall131is disposed between the image-forming unit4and toner-cartridge-accommodating section5. Five through-holes135are formed in the partitioning wall131to allow insertion of the four supply cylinders98of the toner cartridges46and the waste-toner-conveying cylinder104.

The through-holes135are substantially circular in a side view and are arranged at positions spaced in the front-to-rear direction that correspond to the supply cylinders98of the toner cartridges46and the waste-toner-conveying cylinder104.

One of the process-unit guide grooves134is formed in the right surface of the left wall of the main casing2while the other is formed in the left surface of the partitioning wall131. The process-unit guide grooves134extend in the front-to-rear direction and are substantially linear. The process-unit guide grooves134have a width (vertical dimension) sufficient to receive the guide rollers55of the process unit23.

5. Operations for Mounting and Removing the Toner Cartridges

To remove the toner cartridges46mounted in the main casing2, first the operator places the front cover7in the open position, as shown inFIG. 2, to expose the cartridge-side access opening132.

When the front cover7is moved from the closed position to the open position, the translation cam122is pulled forward through the coupling member128, moving the translation cam122from the first position shown inFIG. 6to the second position shown inFIG. 7.

When the translation cam122is moved to the second position, the urging force of the compression springs108moves the corresponding pressing members121from their pressing position to their release position.

At the same time, the urging force of the compression springs103moves the corresponding supply cylinders98and the waste-toner-conveying cylinder104from their advanced position to their retracted position so that the supply cylinders98and the waste-toner-conveying cylinder104are extracted from the through-holes135of the partitioning wall131, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 7. That is, the moving mechanism111moves the supply cylinders98of all toner cartridges46altogether between the advanced position to the retracted position at a time.

This retraction interrupts communication between the supply openings99of the supply cylinders98and the first reception openings70of the receiving cylinders69and also interrupts communication between the second receiving ports109of the supply cylinders98and the through-holes97of the toner-accommodating sections95. In addition, the fitting parts102of the supply cylinders98are moved rightward and separated from the fitting members75of the corresponding receiving cylinders69, and the waste-toner-conveying cylinder104is uncoupled from the waste toner reservoir87.

At this time, the toner cartridge drawer45can be pulled forward.

Further, the process-side shutters71are moved to the closed position by the urging force of the corresponding compression springs73at this time.

To move the toner cartridges46, the operator pulls the toner cartridge drawer45forward through the cartridge-side access opening132. When the toner cartridge drawer45reaches the pulled-out position, the drawer-side rollers117contact the rear side of the rail-side rollers127, as shown inFIG. 8. This contact between the rail-side rollers127and the drawer-side rollers117restricts the toner cartridge drawer45from being pulled farther.

To remove the toner cartridges46, the operator lifts the toner cartridges46up and out of the toner cartridge drawer45. This completes the operation to remove toner cartridges46from the main casing2.

In order to mount toner cartridges46in the main casing2, the procedure described above for removing the toner cartridges46is performed in reverse.

Specifically, while the toner cartridge drawer45is disposed in the pulled-out position, the operator inserts the toner cartridges46into the toner cartridge drawer45from above to a prescribed position within the toner cartridge drawer45.

To mount the toner cartridges46in the main casing2, the operator then pushes the toner cartridge drawer45rearward through the cartridge-side access opening132. As the toner cartridge drawer45is pushed rearward, the rear end of the toner cartridge drawer45contacts the rear wall of the toner-cartridge-accommodating section5, as shown inFIG. 7. At this time, the toner cartridge drawer45is in the mounted position.

In this position, the supply cylinders98of the toner cartridge46face the right sides of the receiving cylinders69in the corresponding process cartridges26through the through-holes135formed in the partitioning wall131. The waste-toner-conveying cylinder104of the toner cartridge46confronts the right side of the waste toner reservoir87in the black process cartridge26K through the through-hole135of the partitioning wall131.

Next, the operator moves the front cover7to its closed position, thereby closing the cartridge-side access opening132. As the front cover7moves from the open position to the closed position, the translation cam122is pushed rearward through the coupling member128, moving the translation cam122from the second position shown inFIG. 7to the first position shown inFIG. 6.

As the translation cam122moves toward the first position, each of the pressing members121is pushed leftward by the sloping front surfaces141of the recessed parts119. Hence, the pressing members121move from their release position to their pressing position against the urging force of the compression springs108.

At the same time, the supply cylinders98and the waste-toner-conveying cylinder104are pressed leftward by the corresponding pressing members121. As shown inFIG. 3, the supply cylinders98and the waste-toner-conveying cylinder104move from their retracted position to their advanced position against the urging force of the compression springs103and are inserted through the through-holes135formed in the partitioning wall131.

Consequently, each of the supply cylinders98contacts the right ends of the process-side shutters71in the corresponding process cartridges26from the right side. As the supply cylinders98are pressed further leftward, each of the supply cylinders98is inserted into the corresponding receiving cylinders69against the urging force of the compression springs73while pressing the process-side shutters71leftward.

When the supply cylinders98reach the advanced position, the process-side shutters71are disposed in their open position. Similarly, the waste-toner-conveying cylinder104is coupled to the waste toner reservoir87. By inserting the supply cylinders98into the receiving cylinders69and coupling the waste-toner-conveying cylinder104with the waste toner reservoir87, the toner cartridge drawer45is no longer movable in forward and rearward directions.

At this time, the supply openings99in the supply cylinders98and the first reception openings70of the receiving cylinders69oppose each other vertically and are in communication. Further, the second receiving ports109of the supply cylinders98vertically oppose the through-holes97of the toner-accommodating sections95and are in communication with the same. The fitting parts102of the supply cylinders98are fitted with the fitting members75of the corresponding receiving cylinders69through the coupling exposure holes76of the process-side shutters71.

This completes the process for mounting the toner cartridges46in the main casing2.

6. Operations for Supplying Toner from the Toner Cartridges to the Process Cartridges

At the beginning of an image-forming operation performed on the printer1, a drive source (not shown) in the main casing2inputs a drive force into the drive input gears77of the receiving cylinders69. As shown inFIG. 3, the drive force is transmitted to the auger screws100of the toner cartridges46via the couplings72of the receiving cylinders69for rotating the auger screws100.

The drive source (not shown) provided in the main casing2also inputs a drive force into the drive gears84of the toner reservoirs34. The drive force is transmitted to the toner-conveying members81of the toner reservoirs34to rotate the same.

As a result, the auger screws100convey toner, which has been supplied from the toner-accommodating sections95of the toner cartridges46into the supply cylinders98through the through-holes97and second receiving ports109, leftward through the supply cylinders98. The toner conveyed leftward in the supply cylinders98is supplied through the first reception openings70formed in the process cartridges26via the supply openings99.

Toner supplied through the first reception openings70is conveyed leftward through the conveying cylinders68by the auger screws83of the toner-conveying members81and is supplied into the toner reservoirs34of the process cartridges26.

Toner supplied to the toner reservoirs34is subsequently agitated by the agitators82of the toner-conveying members81while being conveyed leftward through the toner reservoirs34. The toner is supplied through the toner supply holes64into the first frames62of the developing devices30.

The toner supplied into the first frames62is accumulated therein and subsequently supplied to the developing rollers31by the supply rollers32, as described above.

The auger screws67in the first frames62(seeFIG. 1) convey toner in the first frames62from the left side toward the right side. Excess toner passes through the toner recovery holes65and is collected in the toner reservoirs34so that the level of toner in the first frames62does not exceed a prescribed level.

7. Mounting and Removing the Process Cartridges

To remove the process cartridges26when the process cartridges26are mounted in the main casing2, the operator first places the front cover7in the open position, as shown inFIG. 2, thereby exposing the process-side access opening6.

Next, the operator pulls the process unit23forward through the process-side access opening6. As the process unit23is pulled forward, the guide rollers55of the process frame27are guided in the process-unit guide grooves134formed in the main casing2until the process unit23reaches the pulled-out position.

In this state, the operator can lift the process cartridges26up and out of the process frame27, thereby completing the removal of the process cartridges26from the main casing2.

When mounting the process cartridges26in the main casing2, the procedure for removing the process cartridges26described above is performed in reverse. That is, while the process frame27is disposed in the pulled-out position, the operator inserts the process cartridges26into the process frame27from above until the process cartridges26are in a prescribed position.

Next, the operator pushes the process unit23rearward through the process-side access opening6. As the process unit23moves rearward, the guide rollers55of the process frame27are guided in the process-unit guide grooves134formed in the main casing2until the process unit23reaches the mounted position.

Next, the operator moves the front cover7into its closed position to cover the process-side access opening6, thereby completing the operation for mounting the process cartridges26in the main casing2.

(1) As illustrated inFIGS. 6,7, and8, after the supply cylinders98are moved from the advanced position to the retracted position in the printer1of the embodiment, the toner cartridge drawer45can be pulled in a forward direction from the mounted position out of the main casing2.

Hence, the toner cartridge drawer45having a structure for providing communication between the toner cartridges46and process cartridges26in the left-to-right direction can be moved forward and rearward by retracting the supply cylinders98of the toner cartridges46rightward from the process cartridges26.

With this configuration, the space on the right side of the printer1required for mounting and removing the toner cartridges46can be greatly reduced, thereby minimizing the space required for installing the printer1.

Further, even when the printer1is installed on a shelf or other location with limited space on left and right sides of the printer1, the toner cartridge drawer45can be pulled forward for replacing the toner cartridges46. As a result, this configuration enhances the user's options for locations in which the printer1can be installed.

(2) As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the moving mechanism111of the printer1can move the supply cylinders98of all toner cartridges46altogether between the advanced position and retracted position at a time. Therefore, the moving mechanism111can move all supply cylinders98from the advanced position to the retracted position or from the retracted position to the advanced position in one operation.

(3) As shown inFIG. 2, the translation cam122in the printer1of the embodiment includes the rack part120on the front end thereof. With this construction, an operator can easily access the rack part120of the translation cam122from the same side (front side) as the toner cartridge drawer45.

(4) As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the supply cylinders98can be maintained constantly in the retracted position by the urging force of the compression springs103, interrupting communication between the supply openings99and corresponding first reception openings70.

Further, through a simple structure for reciprocating the translation cam122in forward and rearward directions, the supply cylinders98can be moved between the advanced position and retracted position.

(5) As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the supply cylinders98can be moved to the retracted position in association with the opening operation of the front cover7and can be moved to the advanced position in association with the closing operation of the front cover7.

(6) As shown inFIG. 3, each supply cylinder98in the printer1has the auger screw100for conveying toner toward the supply opening99. Hence, the printer1can reliably convey toner toward the supply opening99to maintain a stable supply of toner in the process cartridge26.

Further, since the auger screw100and supply cylinder98move together between the retracted position and the advanced position, the auger screw100does not interfere with movement of the toner cartridge drawer45in the forward and rearward directions. Therefore, the toner cartridge drawer45can be moved smoothly in the forward and rearward directions.

(7) With the printer1described above, by moving the supply cylinder98from the retracted position to the advanced position and coupling the coupling72of the receiving cylinder69with the fitting part102of the supply cylinder98, as shown inFIG. 3, a drive force generated in the main casing2can be transmitted to the supply cylinder98.

Further, by moving the supply cylinder98from the advanced position to the retracted position and decoupling the coupling72of the receiving cylinder69from the fitting part102of the supply cylinder98, as shown inFIG. 4, transmission of the drive force to the supply cylinder98can be cancelled.

(8) As shown inFIG. 9, the process cartridges26can be mounted in the main casing2or pulled out of the main casing2in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, maintenance can be performed on the process cartridges26from the front side of the printer1.

(9) As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, direct communication can be established between the toner-accommodating section95of the toner cartridge46and the toner reservoir34of the developing device30in the corresponding process cartridge26, without any separate member interposed therebetween, simply by moving the supply cylinder98.

(10) As shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, the toner cartridges46and process cartridges26can be replaced independently of each other by retracting the supply cylinders98.

(11) As shown inFIG. 3, the supply cylinder98of the toner cartridge46can open and close the through-hole97formed in the toner-accommodating section95and can supply toner from the toner-accommodating section95leftward.

Hence, operations for opening and closing the through-hole97and for supplying toner can be achieved simultaneously through a simple structure that does not require separate members for opening and closing the through-hole97and for supplying the toner leftward.

(12) As shown inFIG. 7, the supply cylinder98can be maintained constantly in the retracted position by the urging force of the compression spring103, thereby closing the through-hole97.

(13) As shown inFIG. 3, the supply cylinder98of the toner cartridge46includes the auger screw100for conveying toner leftward. Hence, through a simple yet reliable construction, a stable supply of toner can be conveyed leftward to the process cartridge26.

(14) As shown inFIG. 3, a drive force is easily inputted into the fitting part102when the supply cylinder98is moved to the left side.

9. Variations of the Embodiment

In the embodiment described above, the supply cylinders98are moved to the retracted position in association with the opening operation of the front cover7and are moved to the advanced position in association with the closed operation of the front cover7. However, instead of associating the operations of the front cover7and translation cam122, the printer1may be configured such that the user directly operates the front end of the translation cam122after opening the front cover7.

In this case, the front cover7is not provided with the coupling member128, and the rack part120is not provided on the translation cam122.

The user first opens the front cover7and subsequently pulls the translation cam122forward to move the supply cylinders98into the retracted position. The user pushes the translation cam122rearward to move the supply cylinders98into the advanced position.