US 11,815,832 B2
Image forming apparatus comprising development unit for receiving replenishment container and retractable support for supporting the development unit
Tomohiro Suzuki, Kanagawa (JP); Takeo Kawanami, Kanagawa (JP); Akinori Mitsumata, Tokyo (JP); and Tomoya Tateishi, Kanagawa (JP)
Assigned to Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo (JP)
Filed by CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Tokyo (JP)
Filed on Nov. 18, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/530,319.
Claims priority of application No. 2020-197063 (JP), filed on Nov. 27, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0171311 A1, Jun. 2, 2022
Int. Cl. G03G 15/08 (2006.01)
CPC G03G 15/0894 (2013.01) 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An image forming apparatus configured to perform an image forming operation on a recording medium and allow a replenishment container for replenishing toner to be detachably attached thereto, the image forming apparatus comprising:
a drum unit including a photosensitive drum;
a development unit configured to be movable relative to the drum unit, the development unit including a development roller, a reception portion configured to receive the replenishment container, and a containing portion for containing the toner replenished from the replenishment container;
a housing containing the drum unit and the development unit, the housing including an opening/closing member, the opening/closing member being movable between a cover position, at which the opening/closing member covers the reception portion, and an exposing position, at which the reception portion is exposed such that the replenishment container can be attached to the reception portion; and
a support member configured to be movable between a support position, at which the support member supports the development unit, and a retracted position, at which the support member is retracted from the support position, in conjunction with the movement of the opening/closing member,
wherein the support member is located at the support position when the opening/closing member is located at the exposing position, and the support member is located at the retracted position when the opening/closing member is located at the cover position, and
wherein the development unit is located at a unit contact position, at which the development roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum, when the support member is located at the retracted position, and the development unit is located at a unit retracted position, at which the development unit is retracted from the unit contact position, when the support member is located at the support position.