Drum cartridge and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a drum cartridge that can increase the capacity of a toner cartridge, and an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: A drum cartridge 5 comprises a photoconductor drum 51, a developing roller 532, and a developing housing 531. The developing roller 532 supplies toner to the photoconductor drum 51. The developing housing 531 can store toner. The developing housing 531 has a first housing 531A, a second housing 531B, and a seal member 531C. The first housing 531A supports the developing roller 532. The first housing 531A is movable relative to the photoconductor drum 51. The second housing 531B has a receiving port 5315A that can receive toner. The second housing 531B does not move relative to the photoconductor drum 51. The seal member 531C seals between the first housing 531A and the second housing 531B. The seal member 531C is elastically deformable according to the movement of the first housing 531A relative to the photoconductor drum 51.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drum cartridge and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a drum cartridge into which a toner cartridge can be detachably attached is known as a drum cartridge for an image forming apparatus (see Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] The drum cartridge described in Patent Document 1 includes a photosensitive drum, a developing housing, and a developing roller. The developing housing supports the developing roller. The developing housing is movable relative to the photosensitive drum in order to keep the pressing force of the developing roller against the photosensitive drum constant. When the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the entire developing housing is movable together with the toner cartridge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-064435 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the drum cartridge described in Patent Document 1, the entire developing housing moves together with the toner cartridge. Therefore, as the capacity of the toner cartridge increases, the weight of the toner cartridge makes it more difficult for the developing housing to move relative to the photosensitive drum. Therefore, in the drum cartridge described in Patent Document 1, it may be difficult to increase the capacity of the toner cartridge sufficiently.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a drum cartridge and an image forming apparatus that enable a toner cartridge with a large capacity to be formed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The drum cartridge of the present disclosure includes a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, and a developing housing. The photosensitive drum is rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction. The developing roller supplies toner to the photosensitive drum. The developing housing is capable of containing toner. The developing housing has a first housing, a second housing, and a sealing member. The first housing supports the developing roller. The first housing is movable relative to the photosensitive drum. The second housing has an inlet capable of receiving the toner. The second housing does not move relative to the photosensitive drum. The sealing member seals between the first housing and the second housing. The sealing member is elastically deformable in response to the movement of the first housing relative to the photosensitive drum.

[0008] According to this configuration, the portion (first housing) of the developing housing that supports the developing roller is movable relative to the photosensitive drum, while the portion (second housing) of the developing housing that has the toner receiving port does not move relative to the photosensitive drum.

[0009] Therefore, with the toner cartridge connected to the drum cartridge, the developing roller can be moved relative to the photosensitive drum without moving the toner cartridge, which means that the pressing force of the developing roller against the photosensitive drum can be kept constant regardless of the weight of the toner cartridge.

[0010] As a result, the toner cartridge can have a large capacity.

[0011] In addition, the seal member seals between the first housing and the second housing and is elastically deformable in response to movement of the first housing relative to the photosensitive drum, thereby preventing toner from leaking between the first housing and the second housing.

[0012] (2) The drum cartridge may further include a first frame and a second frame. The first frame supports one end of the photosensitive drum in the first direction. The second frame supports the other end of the photosensitive drum in the first direction. The developing housing is located between the first frame and the second frame in the first direction. One end of the second housing in the first direction is fixed to the first frame. The other end of the second housing in the first direction is fixed to the second frame.

[0013] (3) The image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a main body housing, a drum cartridge, and a toner cartridge. The drum cartridge is the drum cartridge of the present disclosure described above. The drum cartridge is detachable from the main body housing. The toner cartridge is capable of containing toner. The toner cartridge is detachable from the main body housing. The toner cartridge is connected to the drum cartridge with the drum cartridge and the toner cartridge attached to the main body housing.

[0014] According to this configuration, the image forming apparatus includes the drum cartridge of the present disclosure, and therefore the toner cartridge can have a large capacity.

[0015] (4) The toner cartridge may have a toner discharge port through which toner can be discharged. The toner discharge port communicates with the receiving port of the second housing when the toner cartridge is connected to the drum cartridge.

[0016] (5) The drum cartridge may further have a developing shutter. The developing shutter is movable between a developing closed position and a developing open position. When the developing shutter is located at the developing closed position, the developing shutter closes the receiving port. When the developing shutter is located at the developing open position, the receiving port opens. The toner cartridge may have a toner housing, a toner shutter, and a lever. The toner housing has a toner discharge port. The toner housing is capable of containing toner. The toner shutter is movable between a closed position and an open position. When the toner shutter is located at the closed position, the toner shutter closes the toner discharge port. When the toner shutter is located at the open position, the toner discharge port opens. When the toner cartridge is connected to the drum cartridge, the toner shutter is movable together with the developing shutter. When the toner cartridge is connected to the drum cartridge, the toner shutter moves from the toner closed position to the toner open position in accordance with the movement of the developing shutter from the developing closed position to the developing open position. When the toner cartridge is connected to the drum cartridge, the toner shutter moves from the toner open position to the toner closed position in association with the movement of the developer shutter from the developer open position to the developer closed position. The lever is independent of the toner shutter. The lever engages with the developer shutter when the toner cartridge is connected to the drum cartridge. The lever is movable between a first position and a second position. When the lever is located at the first position, the lever positions the developer shutter at the developer open position. When the lever is located at the second position, the lever positions the developer shutter at the developer closed position.

[0017] With this configuration, with the toner cartridge connected to the drum cartridge, by a single operation of moving the lever from the first position to the second position, it is possible to position the development shutter in the development closed position and the toner shutter in the toner closed position.

[0018] In addition, with the toner cartridge connected to the drum cartridge, by a single operation of moving the lever from the second position to the first position, it is possible to position the development shutter at the development open position and the toner shutter at the toner open position.

[0019] In addition, the lever is independent of the toner shutter, and engages with the developing shutter when the toner cartridge is connected to the drum cartridge.

[0020] Therefore, when the toner cartridge is not connected to the drum cartridge, the toner shutter does not move even if the lever moves.

[0021] Therefore, when the toner cartridge is not connected to the drum cartridge, the toner shutter located at the toner closed position can be prevented from moving to the toner open position.

[0022] (6) When the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge are mounted in the main body housing and the lever is in the first position, the connection between the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge may not be releasable. When the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge are mounted in the main body housing and the lever is in the second position, the connection between the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge may be releasable.

[0023] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the connection between the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge from being released when the toner outlet and the toner inlet are open.

[0024] (7) When the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge are attached to the main body housing and the lever is in the first position, the drum cartridge may be removable from the main body housing together with the toner cartridge. When the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge are attached to the main body housing and the lever is in the second position, the toner cartridge may be removable from the main body housing independently of the drum cartridge.

[0025] According to this configuration, by positioning the lever in the second position and removing the toner cartridge from the main body housing, the toner cartridge can be replaced without removing the drum cartridge from the main body housing.

[0026] (8) The second housing may further have a discharge port. The discharge port is located away from the receiving port in the first direction. The discharge port is capable of discharging toner in the developing housing. The toner cartridge may further have a toner receiving port. The toner receiving port is capable of receiving toner. The toner receiving port communicates with the discharge port of the second housing when the toner cartridge is connected to the drum cartridge. When the drum cartridge and the toner cartridge are attached to the main housing, the discharge port may be located below the receiving port.

[0027] According to this configuration, the toner in the developing housing can be returned to the toner cartridge through the discharge port by utilizing gravity. This allows the toner to circulate between the developing housing and the toner cartridge. As a result, the toner can be prevented from accumulating in the developing housing. (9) The drum cartridge may further include a transport member capable of transporting the toner in the developing housing from the receiving opening toward the discharging opening.

[0028] (10) The toner cartridge may have a first storage section and a second storage section. The first storage section is capable of storing toner. The second storage section is capable of storing toner from the first storage section. The second storage section has a toner outlet and a toner inlet. The amount of toner that the second storage section can store may be greater than the amount of toner that the developing housing can store. The amount of toner that the first storage section can store may be greater than the amount of toner that the second storage section can store.

[0029] According to this configuration, the amount of toner that can be stored in the second storage portion is greater than the amount of toner that can be stored in the developing housing.

[0030] Therefore, a sufficient amount of toner to be supplied to the developing housing can be accommodated in the second accommodation portion.

[0031] Furthermore, the amount of toner that the first container can store is greater than the amount of toner that the second container can store.

[0032] Therefore, the first container can be made larger, thereby enabling the toner cartridge to have a larger capacity.

[0033] (11) The toner cartridge may further include a sheet guide that guides the sheet toward the photosensitive drum when the drum cartridge and the toner cartridge are attached to the main body housing.

[0034] According to this configuration, the toner cartridge can be made larger than in a configuration in which a sheet guide is provided separately from the toner cartridge.

[0035] In addition, since the toner cartridge is connected to the second housing, which does not move relative to the photosensitive drum, the sheet guide provided on the toner cartridge also does not move relative to the photosensitive drum, so that the sheet can be stably guided by the sheet guide. Effect of the Invention

[0036] According to the drum cartridge and image forming apparatus of the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the capacity of the toner cartridge. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a state in which the drum cartridge and the toner cartridge are removed from the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, with the toner cartridge still attached to the drum cartridge. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a central cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of one side of the drum cartridge in the first direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the other side of the drum cartridge in the first direction. [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective view of a part of the developing unit and a sealing member shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 3, with a part of the second frame cut away. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 3 with the second housing removed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 3, showing a state in which the development shutter is located at the development closed position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 3, showing a state in which the development shutter is located at the development open position. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge shown in FIG. 14 taken along the line BB. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a central cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge shown in FIG. 12, showing a state in which the toner shutter is located at the toner closing position. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a central cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge shown in FIG. 12, showing a state in which the toner shutter is located at the toner open position. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view of the toner cartridge shown in FIG. 12, showing a state in which the toner shutter is located at the toner open position. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side view of one side in the first direction of the toner cartridge shown in FIG. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a side view of the other side in the first direction of the toner cartridge shown in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a side view of the other side in the first direction of the toner cartridge shown in FIG. 12, showing a state in which the toner shutter is located at the toner open position. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows a state in which the toner cartridge is connected to the drum cartridge, the toner shutter of the toner cartridge is located at the toner open position, and the developer shutter of the drum cartridge is located at the developer open position. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows a state in which the toner cartridge is connected to the drum cartridge, the toner shutter of the toner cartridge is located at the toner closed position, and the developer shutter of the drum cartridge is located at the developer closed position. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a state where the cover is in the open position and the lever of the toner cartridge is in the second position. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 shows a state in which the toner cartridge is removed from the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a plan view showing the toner cartridge connected to the drum cartridge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] 1. Overview of image forming apparatus 1 An outline of an image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0039] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body housing 2, a cover 3, a sheet storage unit 4, a drum cartridge 5, a toner cartridge 6, an exposure device 7, a transport roller 8, and a fixing device 9.

[0040] 1.1 Main body 2 and cover 3 The main body housing 2 accommodates a sheet storage unit 4, a drum cartridge 5, a toner cartridge 6, an exposure device 7, a transport roller 8, and a fixing device 9. As shown in Fig. 2, the main body housing 2 has an opening 2A.

[0041] The cover 3 is movable between a closed position (see FIG. 1) and an open position (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 1, when the cover 3 is in the closed position, the cover 3 closes the opening 2A. As shown in FIG. 2, when the cover 3 is in the open position, the opening 2A is open.

[0042] 1.2 Sheet storage section 4 1, the sheet storage unit 4 is capable of storing sheets S. The sheets S in the sheet storage unit 4 are transported toward transport rollers 8.

[0043] 1.3 Drum Cartridge 5 The drum cartridge 5 is detachably attached to the main body housing 2. More specifically, the drum cartridge 5 is attached to the main body housing 2 through an opening 2A (see FIG. 2) with the cover 3 in the open position. The drum cartridge 5 includes a photosensitive drum 51, a charging roller 52, a developing unit 53, and a transfer roller 54.

[0044] 1.3.1 Photosensitive drum 51 The photosensitive drum 51 is rotatable about an axis A1. When the drum cartridge 5 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the axis A1 extends in a first direction. The photosensitive drum 51 extends in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 51 has a cylindrical shape.

[0045] 1.3.2 Charging roller 52 The charging roller 52 charges the photosensitive drum 51. Instead of the charging roller 52, the image forming apparatus 1 may have a Scorotron type charger.

[0046] 1.3.3 Developing unit 53 The developing unit 53 is capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum 51. The developing unit 53 includes a developing housing 531 and a developing roller 532.

[0047] The developing housing 531 is capable of containing toner. The developing roller 532 is supported at one end of the developing housing 531 in the second direction. The second direction intersects with the first direction. Preferably, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. When the drum cartridge 5 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 and the image forming apparatus 1 is placed on a horizontal surface, the second direction is the horizontal direction.

[0048] The developing roller 532 supplies toner in the developing housing 531 to the photosensitive drum 51. The developing roller 532 contacts the photosensitive drum 51. The developing roller 532 may be separable from the photosensitive drum 51. The developing roller 532 is rotatable about a developing axis A2. The developing axis A2 extends in a first direction. The developing roller 532 extends in the first direction. The developing roller 532 has a cylindrical shape.

[0049] 1.3.4 Transfer roller 54 The transfer roller 54 comes into contact with the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51. The transfer roller 54 transfers the toner from the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51 to the sheet S.

[0050] 1.4 Toner Cartridge 6 The toner cartridge 6 can contain toner. The toner cartridge 6 is detachable from the main body housing 2. More specifically, the toner cartridge 6 is installed in the main body housing 2 through the opening 2A (see FIG. 2) with the cover 3 in the open position.

[0051] The toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5 in a state where the drum cartridge 5 and the toner cartridge 6 are attached to the main body housing 2. In a state where the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5, the toner cartridge 6 can supply the toner in the toner cartridge 6 to the developing housing 531.

[0052] 1.5 Exposure equipment 7 With the drum cartridge 5 attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the exposure device 7 can expose the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51 charged by the charging roller 52. The development unit 53 supplies toner to the exposed circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51. In this embodiment, the exposure device 7 is a laser scan unit. The exposure device 7 may also be an LED head.

[0053] 1.6 Transport roller 8 The conveying roller 8 is capable of conveying the sheet S from the sheet storage unit 4 toward the photosensitive drum 51.

[0054] 1.7 Fixing device 9 The fixing device 9 is located away from the cover 3 in the second direction. The fixing device 9 fixes the toner to the sheet S. In this embodiment, the fixing device 9 fixes the toner to the sheet S by applying heat and pressure to the sheet S to which the toner has been transferred. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 9 is discharged onto the top surface of the main body housing 2.

[0055] 2. Details of drum cartridge 5 The drum cartridge 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, the drum cartridge 5 has, in addition to the photosensitive drum 51, charging roller 52, developing unit 53, and transfer roller 54 described above, a drum frame 55, an opposing roller 56, and multiple protrusions 57A, 57B, 58A, 58B, 59A, and 59B (see FIG. 4).

[0057] 2.1 Drum Frame 55 The drum frame 55 supports the photosensitive drum 51, the charging roller 52, the developing unit 53, the transfer roller 54, and the opposing roller 56. As shown in Fig. 4, the drum frame 55 has a first frame 551A, a second frame 551B, and a support portion 552. In other words, the drum cartridge 5 includes the first frame 551A, the second frame 551B, and the support portion 552.

[0058] 2.1.1 First frame 551A The first frame 551A is located at one end of the drum frame 55 in the first direction. The first frame 551A supports one end of the photosensitive drum 51 in the first direction. The first frame 551A extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. Preferably, the first frame 551A extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first frame 551A has an outer surface S1 and an inner surface S2. As shown in FIG. 5, the first frame 551A has two through holes 552A, 553A, a guide portion 554A, a lock portion 555A, a lock portion 556A, and a shutter guide 557A.

[0059] The through hole 552A is located away from the photosensitive drum 51 in the direction connecting the axis A1 and the development axis A2. The through hole 552A is located between the protrusion 57A and the protrusion 58A in the direction connecting the axis A1 and the development axis A2. The through hole 552A extends in the direction connecting the axis A1 and the development axis A2.

[0060] The through hole 553A is located between the photosensitive drum 51 and the through hole 552A in the direction connecting the axis A1 and the development axis A2. The through hole 553A is located between the protrusion 57A and the through hole 552A in the direction connecting the axis A1 and the development axis A2. The through hole 553A extends in the direction connecting the axis A1 and the development axis A2.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 3, the guide portion 554A is located on the inner surface S2 of the first frame 551A. In this embodiment, the guide portion 554A is a groove. In this embodiment, the guide portion 554A extends in a direction intersecting both the first direction (see FIG. 4) and the second direction. The guide portion 554A has a first end E11 and a second end E12 in the direction in which the guide portion 554A extends. The first end E11 is located away from the photosensitive drum 51 in the second direction. The second end E12 is located between the photosensitive drum 51 and the first end E11 in the second direction.

[0062] The locking portion 555A is located on the inner surface S2 of the first frame 551A. The locking portion 555A is located at the second end E12 of the guide portion 554A. In this embodiment, the locking portion 555A is a groove. The locking portion 555A extends from the second end E12 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the guide portion 554A extends. The locking portion 555A has an arc shape.

[0063] The locking portion 556A is located on the inner surface S2 of the first frame 551A. The locking portion 556A is located at the first end E11 of the guide portion 554A. In this embodiment, the locking portion 556A is a groove. The locking portion 556A extends from the first end E11 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the guide portion 554A extends. The locking portion 556A extends on the opposite side to the direction in which the locking portion 555A extends with respect to the guide portion 554A. The locking portion 556A has an arc shape.

[0064] The shutter guide 557A is located on the inner surface S2 of the first frame 551A. The shutter guide 557A is located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 51 with respect to the developing housing 531. The shutter guide 557A has an arc shape. In this embodiment, the shutter guide 557A is a groove. The shutter guide 557A guides the developing shutter 536. The developing shutter 536 will be described later.

[0065] 2.1.2 Second Frame 551B As shown in FIG. 4, the second frame 551B is located at the other end of the drum frame 55 in the first direction. The second frame 551B is located away from the first frame 551A in the first direction. The second frame 551B supports the other end of the photosensitive drum 51 in the first direction. The first frame 551A supports one end of the photosensitive drum 51 in the first direction, and the second frame 551B supports the other end of the photosensitive drum 51 in the first direction, so that the drum frame 55 supports the photosensitive drum 51. The second frame 551B extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. Preferably, the second frame 551B extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second frame 551B has an outer surface S3 and an inner surface S4. As shown in FIG. 6, the second frame 551B has two through holes 552B and 553B, a guide portion 554B, a lock portion 555B, a lock portion 556B, and a shutter guide 557B.

[0066] The through hole 552B is located away from the photosensitive drum 51 in the direction connecting the axis A1 and the development axis A2. The through hole 552B is located between the protrusion 57B and the protrusion 58B in the direction connecting the axis A1 and the development axis A2. The through hole 552B extends in the direction connecting the axis A1 and the development axis A2.

[0067] The through hole 553B is located between the photosensitive drum 51 and the through hole 552B in the direction connecting the axis A1 and the development axis A2. The through hole 553B is located between the protrusion 57B and the through hole 552B in the direction connecting the axis A1 and the development axis A2. The through hole 553B extends in the direction connecting the axis A1 and the development axis A2.

[0068] The guide portion 554B is located on the inner surface S4 (see FIG. 4) of the second frame 551B. In this embodiment, the guide portion 554B is a groove. In this embodiment, the guide portion 554B extends in the same direction as the guide portion 554A (see FIG. 3). The guide portion 554B has a first end E21 and a second end E22 in the direction in which the guide portion 554B extends. The first end E21 is located away from the photosensitive drum 51 in the second direction. The second end E22 is located between the photosensitive drum 51 and the first end E21 in the second direction.

[0069] The locking portion 555B is located on the inner surface S4 (see FIG. 4) of the second frame 551B. The locking portion 555B is located at the second end E22 of the guide portion 554B. In this embodiment, the locking portion 555B is a groove. In this embodiment, the locking portion 555B extends in the same direction as the locking portion 555A (see FIG. 3). The locking portion 555B has an arc shape.

[0070] The locking portion 556B is located on the inner surface S4 (see FIG. 4) of the second frame 551B. The locking portion 556B is located at the first end E21 of the guide portion 554B. In this embodiment, the locking portion 556B is a groove. In this embodiment, the locking portion 556B extends in the same direction as the locking portion 556A (see FIG. 3). The locking portion 556B has an arc shape.

[0071] The shutter guide 557B is located on the inner surface S4 (see FIG. 4) of the second frame 551B. The shutter guide 557B is located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 51 with respect to the developing housing 531. The shutter guide 557B has an arc shape. In this embodiment, the shutter guide 557B is a groove. The shutter guide 557B extends in the moving direction of the developing shutter 536. The shutter guide 557B guides the other end of the developing shutter 536.

[0072] 2.1.3 Support part 552 As shown in FIG. 4, the support portion 552 extends in the first direction and the second direction. The support portion 552 is located between the first frame 551A and the second frame 551B in the first direction. One end of the support portion 552 in the first direction is connected to the first frame 551A. The other end of the support portion 552 in the first direction is connected to the second frame 551B. When the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5, the support portion 552 supports the second storage portion 612 (see FIG. 12) of the toner cartridge 6.

[0073] 2.2 Details of the developing unit 53 3, the developing unit 53 has a supply roller 533, a layer thickness regulating blade 534, a conveying member 535, a developing shutter 536, two protrusions 537A and 538A (see FIG. 4), and two protrusions 537B and 538B (see FIG. 4) in addition to the developing housing 531 and the developing roller 532. In other words, the drum cartridge 5 has a supply roller 533, a layer thickness regulating blade 534, a conveying member 535, a developing shutter 536, two protrusions 537A and 538A (see FIG. 4), and two protrusions 537B and 538B (see FIG. 4) in addition to the developing housing 531 and the developing roller 532.

[0074] 2.2.1 Details of the developing unit 531 4, the developing housing 531 is located between the first frame 551A and the second frame 551B in the first direction. The developing housing 531 extends in the first direction.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 3, the developing housing 531 has a first housing 531A, a second housing 531B, and a sealing member 531C.

[0076] 2.2.1.1 Details of the first housing 531A The first housing 531A is located between the photosensitive drum 51 and the second housing 531B in the second direction. The first housing 531A supports the developing roller 532.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 4, first housing 531A is located between first frame 551A and second frame 551B in the first direction. First housing 531A extends in the first direction. As shown in Fig. 7, first housing 531A has a first wall 5311, a second wall 5312, a third wall 5313, and a fourth wall 5314. In addition, first housing 531A has an opening 5310A.

[0078] 2.2.1.1.1 1st wall 5311~4th wall 5314 The first wall 5311 is located at one end of the first housing 531A in the first direction. The first wall 5311 faces the first frame 551A (see FIG. 4) in the first direction. The first wall 5311 extends in the second direction and the third direction. The third direction intersects with both the first direction and the second direction. Preferably, the third direction is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction. When the drum cartridge 5 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 and the image forming apparatus 1 is placed on a horizontal surface, the third direction is preferably the up-down direction.

[0079] The first wall 5311 supports one end of the developing roller 532 (see FIG. 4) in the first direction.

[0080] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the developing roller 532 has a developing roller main body 532A and a developing roller shaft 532B.

[0081] 4, the developing roller body 532A extends in a first direction. The developing roller body 532A has a cylindrical shape. The developing roller body 532A is located between a first wall 5311 and a second wall 5312 in the first direction. The developing roller body 532A is rotatable together with the developing roller shaft 532B.

[0082] The developing roller shaft 532B extends in the first direction along the development axis A2. The developing roller shaft 532B penetrates the developing roller main body 532A. One end of the developing roller shaft 532B in the first direction protrudes from one end of the developing roller main body 532A in the first direction. The other end of the developing roller shaft 532B in the first direction protrudes from the other end of the developing roller main body 532A in the first direction. The first wall 5311 supports one end of the developing roller shaft 532B in the first direction.

[0083] 7, the second wall 5312 is located at the other end of the first housing 531A in the first direction. The second wall 5312 is located away from the first wall 5311 in the first direction. The second wall 5312 is located between the first wall 5311 and the second frame 551B (see FIG. 4) in the first direction. The second wall 5312 faces the second frame 551B (see FIG. 4) in the first direction. The second wall 5312 extends in the second and third directions.

[0084] The second wall 5312 supports the other end of the developing roller shaft 532B (see FIG. 4) in the first direction. The first wall 5311 supports one end of the developing roller shaft 532B in the first direction, and the second wall 5312 supports the other end of the developing roller shaft 532B in the first direction, whereby the developing roller shaft 532B is supported by the first housing 531A. That is, the developing roller shaft 532B is supported by the first housing 531A.

[0085] The third wall 5313 is located at one end of the first housing 531A in the third direction. The third wall 5313 is located between the first wall 5311 and the second wall 5312 in the first direction. The third wall 5313 extends in the first and second directions. One end of the third wall 5313 in the first direction is connected to the first wall 5311. In this embodiment, one end of the third wall 5313 in the first direction is connected to one end of the first wall 5311 in the third direction. The other end of the third wall 5313 in the first direction is connected to the second wall 5312. In this embodiment, the other end of the third wall 5313 in the first direction is connected to one end of the second wall 5312 in the third direction.

[0086] The fourth wall 5314 is located at the other end of the first housing 531A in the third direction. The fourth wall 5314 is located away from the third wall 5313 in the third direction. The fourth wall 5314 is located between the first wall 5311 and the second wall 5312 in the first direction. The fourth wall 5314 extends in the first and second directions. One end of the fourth wall 5314 in the first direction is connected to the first wall 5311. In this embodiment, one end of the fourth wall 5314 in the first direction is connected to the other end of the first wall 5311 in the third direction. The other end of the fourth wall 5314 in the first direction is connected to the second wall 5312. In this embodiment, the other end of the fourth wall 5314 in the first direction is connected to the other end of the second wall 5312 in the third direction.

[0087] 2.2.1.1.2 Aperture 5310A As shown in FIG. 3, the opening 5310A is located away from the developing roller 532 in the second direction.

[0088] 7, edge 5310AE of opening 5310A is composed of the other end of first wall 5311 in the second direction, the other end of second wall 5312 in the second direction, the other end of third wall 5313 in the second direction, and the other end of fourth wall 5314 in the second direction. That is, opening 5310A is open over the entire area between first wall 5311 and second wall 5312 in the first direction, and is open over the entire area between third wall 5313 and fourth wall 5314 in the third direction.

[0089] 2.2.1.2 Details of the second housing 531B As shown in FIG. 3, the second housing 531B is positioned away from the photosensitive drum 51 in the second direction.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 8, the second housing 531B is located between the first frame 551A and the second frame 551B in the first direction. The second housing 531B extends in the first direction. One end of the second housing 531B in the first direction is fixed to the first frame 551A. The other end of the second housing 531B in the first direction is fixed to the second frame 551B. The second housing 531B does not move relative to the photosensitive drum 51 (see FIG. 3). The internal space of the second housing 531B communicates with the internal space of the first housing 531A.

[0091] 4, the second housing 531B has an arc wall 5315 and two side walls 5316A and 5316B. The second housing 531B has a semi-cylindrical shape. The second housing 531B also has an opening 5310B (see FIG. 3).

[0092] 2.2.1.2.1 Circular Wall5315 As shown in FIG. 8, the arc wall 5315 is located between the first frame 551A and the second frame 551B in the first direction. The arc wall 5315 extends in the first direction and the third direction. One end of the arc wall 5315 in the first direction is fixed to the first frame 551A. The other end of the arc wall 5315 in the first direction is fixed to the second frame 551B. As shown in FIG. 3, the arc wall 5315 has an arc shape. The arc wall 5315 has a first end E31 and a second end E32 in the third direction. The first end E31 is aligned with the other end of the third wall 5313 of the first housing 531A in the second direction. The second end E32 is aligned with the other end of the fourth wall 5314 of the first housing 531A in the second direction.

[0093] 8, the arc wall 5315 has an inlet 5315A and two outlets 5315B, 5315C. In other words, the second housing 531B has an inlet 5315A and two outlets 5315B, 5315C.

[0094] The receiving opening 5315A is located at the center of the second housing 531B in the first direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the receiving opening 5315A is located between the first housing 531A and the locking portion 555A in the second direction. When the drum cartridge 5 and the toner cartridge 6 (see Fig. 12) are connected to each other, the toner from the toner cartridge 6 can pass through the receiving opening 5315A. That is, the receiving opening 5315A can receive the toner.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 8, the discharge port 5315B is located away from the receiving port 5315A in the first direction. The discharge port 5315B is located between the receiving port 5315A and the first frame 551A in the first direction. When the drum cartridge 5 and the toner cartridge 6 (see FIG. 12) are connected, the toner from the developing housing 531 (see FIG. 3) can pass through the discharge port 5315B. That is, the discharge port 5315B can discharge the toner in the developing housing 531. When the drum cartridge 5 and the toner cartridge 6 are attached to the main body housing 2 of the image forming apparatus 1, the discharge port 5315B is located below the receiving port 5315A. When the drum cartridge 5 and the toner cartridge 6 are attached to the main body housing 2 of the image forming apparatus 1, the discharge port 5315B opens downward.

[0096] The discharge port 5315C is located on the opposite side of the receiving port 5315A from the discharge port 5315B in the first direction. The discharge port 5315C is located away from the receiving port 5315A in the first direction. The discharge port 5315C is located between the receiving port 5315A and the second frame 551B in the first direction. When the drum cartridge 5 and the toner cartridge 6 (see FIG. 12) are connected, the toner from the developing housing 531 can pass through the discharge port 5315C. That is, the discharge port 5315C can discharge the toner in the developing housing 531. When the drum cartridge 5 and the toner cartridge 6 are attached to the main body housing 2 of the image forming apparatus 1, the discharge port 5315C is located below the receiving port 5315A.

[0097] 2.2.1.2.2 Side wall 5316A, 5316B 4, the side wall 5316A is located at one end of the second housing 531B in the first direction. The side wall 5316A faces the first frame 551A in the first direction. The side wall 5316A is aligned with the other end of the first wall 5311 of the first housing 531A in the second direction.

[0098] The side wall 5316B is located at the other end of the second housing 531B in the first direction. The side wall 5316B is located away from the side wall 5316A in the first direction. The side wall 5316B is located between the side wall 5316A and the second frame 551B in the first direction. The side wall 5316B faces the second frame 551B in the first direction. The side wall 5316B is aligned with the other end of the second wall 5312 of the first housing 531A in the second direction.

[0099] 2.2.1.2.3 Aperture 5310B An edge 5310BE (see FIG. 3) of the opening 5310B is composed of one end of the side wall 5316A (see FIG. 4) in the second direction, one end of the side wall 5316B (see FIG. 4) in the second direction, a first end E31 (see FIG. 3) of the arc wall 5315 in the second direction, and a second end E32 (see FIG. 3) of the arc wall 5315 in the second direction. That is, the opening 5310B is open over the entire area between the side wall 5316A and the side wall 5316B in the first direction, and is open over the entire area between the first end E31 and the second end E32 of the arc wall 5315 in the third direction.

[0100] 2.2.1.3 Seal member 531C As shown in Fig. 3, seal member 531C is located between first housing 531A and second housing 531B in the second direction. As shown in Fig. 7, seal member 531C has a frame shape. In detail, seal member 531C has a first seal portion 531CA, a second seal portion 531CB, a third seal portion 531CC, and a fourth seal portion 531CD.

[0101] The first seal portion 531CA is located at one end of the seal member 531C in the first direction. The first seal portion 531CA extends in the third direction.

[0102] The second seal portion 531CB is located at the other end of the seal member 531C in the first direction. The second seal portion 531CB is located away from the first seal portion 531CA in the first direction. The second seal portion 531CB extends in the third direction.

[0103] The third seal portion 531CC is located at one end of the seal member 531C in the third direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the third seal portion 531CC is located on the opposite side of the opening 5310B with respect to the first end E31 of the arc wall 5315 in the third direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the third seal portion 531CC is located between the first seal portion 531CA and the second seal portion 531CB in the first direction. The third seal portion 531CC extends in the first direction. One end of the third seal portion 531CC in the first direction is connected to one end of the first seal portion 531CA in the third direction. The other end of the third seal portion 531CC in the first direction is connected to one end of the second seal portion 531CB in the third direction.

[0104] The fourth seal portion 531CD is located at the other end of the seal member 531C in the third direction. The fourth seal portion 531CD is located away from the third seal portion 531CC in the third direction. The fourth seal portion 531CD is located between the first seal portion 531CA and the second seal portion 531CB in the first direction. The fourth seal portion 531CD extends in the first direction. One end of the fourth seal portion 531CD in the first direction is connected to the other end of the first seal portion 531CA in the third direction. The other end of the fourth seal portion 531CD in the first direction is connected to the other end of the second seal portion 531CB in the third direction.

[0105] In the second direction, a first seal portion 531CA of the seal member 531C is located between the first wall 5311 of the first housing 531A and a side wall 5316A (see FIG. 4) of the second housing 531B. In the second direction, a second seal portion 531CB of the seal member 531C is located between the second wall 5312 of the first housing 531A and a side wall 5316B (see FIG. 4) of the second housing 531B. In the second direction, a third seal portion 531CC of the seal member 531C is located between the third wall 5313 of the first housing 531A and a first end E31 (see FIG. 3) of the arc wall 5315 of the second housing 531B. In the second direction, a fourth seal portion 531CD of the seal member 531C is located between the fourth wall 5314 of the first housing 531A and the second end E32 (see FIG. 3) of the arcuate wall 5315 of the second housing 531B.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 9, the seal member 531C contacts the edge 5310AE (see FIG. 7) of the opening 5310A of the first housing 531A. In detail, the first seal portion 531CA of the seal member 531C contacts the other end of the first wall 5311 (see FIG. 7) of the first housing 531A in the second direction, the second seal portion 531CB (see FIG. 7) contacts the other end of the second wall 5312 (see FIG. 7) in the second direction, the third seal portion 531CC contacts the other end of the third wall 5313 (see FIG. 7) in the second direction, and the fourth seal portion 531CD contacts the other end of the fourth wall 5314 (see FIG. 7) in the second direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the seal member 531C contacts the edge 5310BE of the opening 5310B of the second housing 531B. In detail, a first seal portion 531CA (see FIG. 7) of the seal member 531C contacts one end of a side wall 5316A (see FIG. 4) of the second housing 531B in the second direction, a second seal portion 531CB (see FIG. 7) contacts the other end of the side wall 5316B (see FIG. 4) in the second direction, a third seal portion 531CC (see FIG. 7) contacts a first end E31 of the arc wall 5315 in the second direction, and a fourth seal portion 531CD (see FIG. 7) contacts a second end E32 of the arc wall 5315 in the second direction. That is, the seal member 531C contacts an edge 5310AE (see FIG. 7) of the opening 5310A and an edge 5310BE of the opening 5310B.

[0107] As a result, sealing member 531C seals between edge 5310AE of opening 5310A and edge 5310BE of opening 5310B. That is, sealing member 531C seals between first housing 531A and second housing 531B.

[0108] The seal member 531C is elastically deformable in response to movement of the first housing 531A relative to the photosensitive drum 51. This makes it possible to prevent toner from leaking between the first housing 531A and the second housing 531B when the first housing 531A moves relative to the photosensitive drum 51. The seal member 531C is made of, for example, a sponge.

[0109] 2.2.2 Supply roller 533 The supply roller 533 can supply toner to the developing roller 532 in the developing housing 531. More specifically, the supply roller 533 can supply toner to the developing roller 532 in the first housing 531A. The supply roller 533 is located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 51 with respect to the developing roller 532 in the second direction. The supply roller 533 contacts the developing roller 532. The supply roller 533 can rotate about the supply roller axis A3. The supply roller axis A3 extends in the first direction. The supply roller 533 extends in the first direction. The supply roller 533 has a cylindrical shape.

[0110] One end of supply roller 533 in the first direction is supported by first wall 5311 (see FIG. 4). The other end of supply roller 533 in the first direction is supported by second wall 5312 (see FIG. 4). One end of supply roller 533 in the first direction is supported by first wall 5311 (see FIG. 4) and the other end of supply roller 533 in the first direction is supported by second wall 5312 (see FIG. 4), whereby supply roller 533 is supported by first housing 531A.

[0111] 2.2.3 Layer thickness regulation blade 534 The layer thickness regulating blade 534 regulates the thickness of the toner on the developing roller 532. The layer thickness regulating blade 534 comes into contact with the developing roller 532. The layer thickness regulating blade 534 is supported by the first housing 531A.

[0112] 2.2.4 Transport member 535 As shown in FIG. 7, the transport member 535 is located in the developing housing 531. More specifically, the transport member 535 is located in the first housing 531A of the developing housing 531. As shown in FIG. 3, the transport member 535 is located away from the supply roller 533 in the third direction. The transport member 535 transports the toner in the developing housing 531 in the first direction. The transport member 535 is rotatable about an axis A4. The axis A4 extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the transport member 535 is an auger screw.

[0113] 7, one end of the shaft of conveying member 535 in the first direction is supported by first wall 5311. The other end of the shaft of conveying member 535 in the first direction is supported by second wall 5312. One end of the shaft of conveying member 535 in the first direction is supported by first wall 5311, and the other end of the shaft of conveying member 535 in the first direction is supported by second wall 5312, whereby conveying member 535 is supported by first housing 531A. That is, first housing 531A supports conveying member 535.

[0114] The transport member 535 is capable of transporting the toner in the developing housing 531 in a first direction from the receiving port 5315A (see FIG. 8) toward the discharge ports 5315B and 5315C (see FIG. 8).

[0115] In detail, the conveying member 535 has a first conveying portion 535A and a second conveying portion 535B.

[0116] The first transport section 535A extends in the first direction from the center of the transport member 535 to the first wall 5311 of the first housing 531A. The first transport section 535A can transport the toner in the developing housing 531 in the first direction from the receiving opening 5315A (see FIG. 8) toward the discharge opening 5315B (see FIG. 8).

[0117] The second conveying section 535B extends in the first direction from the center of the conveying member 535 to the second wall 5312 of the first housing 531A. The second conveying section 535B is capable of conveying the toner in the developing housing 531 in the first direction from the receiving opening 5315A (see FIG. 8) toward the discharge opening 5315C (see FIG. 8).

[0118] 2.2.5 Development Shutter 536 10 and 11, the development shutter 536 can open and close the receiving port 5315A and the discharge ports 5315B, 5315C (see FIG. 8). In detail, the development shutter 536 can move between a development closed position (see FIG. 10) where the receiving port 5315A and the discharge ports 5315B, 5315C (see FIG. 8) are closed, and a development open position (see FIG. 11) where the receiving port 5315A and the discharge ports 5315B, 5315C are open.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 8, the development shutter 536 has a shutter main body 536A, two engagement portions 536B and 536C, and two engagement portions 536D and 536E.

[0120] 2.2.5.1 Shutter body 536A The shutter body 536A extends in a first direction. As shown in FIG. 4, one end of the shutter body 536A in the first direction fits into the shutter guide 557A of the first frame 551A. The other end of the shutter body 536A in the first direction fits into the shutter guide 557B of the second frame 551B. The shutter body 536A is guided by the shutter guides 557A and 557B and is movable. This allows the development shutter 536 to move between a development closed position (see FIG. 10) and a development open position (see FIG. 11).

[0121] The shutter body 536A has a shutter opening 5361. The shutter opening 5361 is located at the center of the shutter body 536A in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 10, when the development shutter 536 is located at the development closed position, the shutter opening 5361 is located away from the receiving port 5315A. When the development shutter 536 is located at the development closed position, the shutter opening 5361 does not communicate with the receiving port 5315A. As a result, the shutter body 536A closes the receiving port 5315A. In other words, the development shutter 536 closes the receiving port 5315A.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 11, when the developer shutter 536 is in the developer open position, the shutter opening 5361 communicates with the receiving port 5315A. This opens the receiving port 5315A. When the developer shutter 536 is in the developer open position, the developer shutter 536 is positioned away from the discharge port 5315B. This opens the discharge port 5315B. When the developer shutter 536 is in the developer open position, the developer shutter 536 is positioned away from the discharge port 5315C (see FIG. 8). This opens the discharge port 5315C.

[0123] 2.2.5.2 Engagement part 536B, 536C As shown in FIG. 8, the engagement portion 536B is located at one end of the developing shutter 536 in the first direction. The engagement portion 536B is located between the first frame 551A and the shutter opening 5361 in the first direction. The engagement portion 536B is located away from the shutter opening 5361 in the first direction. In this embodiment, the engagement portion 536B is a gear. The engagement portion 536B has a plurality of gear teeth. The multiple gear teeth are aligned in the moving direction of the developing shutter 536.

[0124] The engaging portion 536C is located at the other end of the developing shutter 536 in the first direction. The engaging portion 536C is located on the opposite side of the engaging portion 536B with respect to the shutter opening 5361 in the first direction. The engaging portion 536C is located away from the shutter opening 5361 in the first direction. The engaging portion 536C is located between the shutter opening 5361 and the second frame 551B in the first direction. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 536C is a gear. The engaging portion 536C has a plurality of gear teeth. The multiple gear teeth are aligned in the moving direction of the developing shutter 536.

[0125] 2.2.5.3 Engagement part 536D, 536E The engagement portion 536D is located between the first frame 551A and the shutter opening 5361 in the first direction. The engagement portion 536D is located away from the shutter opening 5361 in the first direction. The engagement portion 536D is located between the shutter opening 5361 and the engagement portion 536B in the first direction. The engagement portion 536D is located away from the engagement portion 536B in the first direction. In this embodiment, the engagement portion 536D is a protrusion.

[0126] The engagement portion 536E is located between the second frame 551B and the shutter opening 5361 in the first direction. The engagement portion 536E is located on the opposite side of the engagement portion 536D with respect to the shutter opening 5361 in the first direction. The engagement portion 536E is located away from the shutter opening 5361 in the first direction. The engagement portion 536E is located between the shutter opening 5361 and the engagement portion 536C in the first direction. The engagement portion 536E is located away from the engagement portion 536C in the first direction. In this embodiment, the engagement portion 536E is a protrusion.

[0127] 2.2.6 Protrusion 537A, 538A As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 537A is located away from the photosensitive drum 51 in the direction connecting the axis A1 and the development axis A2. As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 537A is located on one end surface of the first housing 531A in the first direction. The protrusion 537A is one end of the shaft of the conveying member 535 (see FIG. 7). The protrusion 537A extends from one end surface of the first housing 531A in the first direction. The protrusion 537A may be attached to one end surface of the first housing 531A in the first direction. The protrusion 537A has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 537A extends in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 537A fits into the through hole 552A of the first frame 551A.

[0128] The protrusion 538A is located between the photosensitive drum 51 and the protrusion 537A in the direction connecting the axis A1 and the development axis A2. The protrusion 538A is one end of the developing roller shaft 532B (see FIG. 3) of the developing roller 532. The protrusion 538A may extend from one end surface of the first housing 531A in the first direction. The protrusion 538A may be attached to one end surface of the first housing 531A in the first direction. The protrusion 538A has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 538A extends in the first direction. The protrusion 538A fits into the through hole 553A of the first frame 551A.

[0129] 2.2.7 Protrusion 537B, 538B As shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 537B is located away from the photosensitive drum 51 in the direction connecting the axis A1 and the development axis A2. As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 537B is located on the other end surface of the first housing 531A in the first direction. The protrusion 537B is the other end of the shaft of the conveying member 535. The protrusion 537B extends from the other end surface of the first housing 531A in the first direction. The protrusion 537B may be attached to the other end surface of the first housing 531A in the first direction. The protrusion 537B has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 537B extends in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 537B fits into the through hole 552B of the second frame 551B.

[0130] The protrusion 538B is located between the photosensitive drum 51 and the protrusion 537B in the direction connecting the axis A1 and the development axis A2. The protrusion 538B is the other end of the developing roller shaft 532B (see FIG. 3) of the developing roller 532. The protrusion 538B may extend from the other end surface of the first housing 531A in the first direction. The protrusion 538B may be attached to the other end surface of the first housing 531A in the first direction. The protrusion 538B has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 538B extends in the first direction. The protrusion 538B fits into the through hole 553B of the second frame 551B.

[0131] By fitting the protrusion 537A into the through hole 552A, the protrusion 538A into the through hole 553A, the protrusion 537B into the through hole 552B, and the protrusion 538B into the through hole 553B, the first housing 531A can move relative to the photosensitive drum 51 in the direction connecting the axis A1 and the development axis A2.

[0132] 2.3 Counter roller 56 3, the opposing roller 56 is located at the other end of the drum cartridge 5 in the second direction. The opposing roller 56 is located away from the photosensitive drum 51 in the second direction. The opposing roller 56 is located on one side of the support portion 552 in the third direction.

[0133] 1, when the drum cartridge 5 is attached to the main body housing 2, the opposing roller 56 comes into contact with the conveying roller 8. This allows the conveying roller 8 to convey the sheet S from the sheet storage unit 4 toward the photosensitive drum 51 when the drum cartridge 5 is attached to the main body housing 2.

[0134] 2.4 Projections 57A, 57B, 58A, 58B, 59A, 59B As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 57A is located on the opposite side of the second frame 551B with respect to the first frame 551A in the first direction. The protrusion 57A extends in the first direction along the axis A1. The protrusion 57A has a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the protrusion 57A is one end of the shaft of the photosensitive drum 51. The protrusion 57A may extend from an outer surface S1 of the first frame 551A. The protrusion 57A may be attached to the outer surface S1 of the first frame 551A.

[0135] The protrusion 57B is located on the opposite side of the first frame 551A with respect to the second frame 551B in the first direction. The protrusion 57B extends in the first direction along the axis A1. The protrusion 57B has a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the protrusion 57B is the other end of the shaft of the photosensitive drum 51. The protrusion 57B may extend from the outer surface S3 of the second frame 551B. The protrusion 57B may be attached to the outer surface S3 of the second frame 551B.

[0136] The protrusion 58A is located away from the protrusion 57A in the second direction. The protrusion 58A is located on the opposite side of the protrusion 57A with respect to the developing housing 531 in the second direction. The protrusion 58A is located on the opposite side of the second frame 551B with respect to the first frame 551A in the first direction. The protrusion 58A extends in the first direction. The protrusion 58A has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 58A extends from an outer surface S1 of the first frame 551A. The protrusion 58A may be attached to the outer surface S1 of the first frame 551A.

[0137] The protrusion 58B is located away from the protrusion 57B in the second direction. The protrusion 58B is located on the opposite side of the protrusion 57B with respect to the developing housing 531 in the second direction. The protrusion 58B is located on the opposite side of the first frame 551A with respect to the second frame 551B in the first direction. The protrusion 58B extends in the first direction. The protrusion 58B has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 58B extends from an outer surface S3 of the second frame 551B. The protrusion 58B may be attached to the outer surface S3 of the second frame 551B.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 59A is located away from the protrusion 58A in the third direction. The protrusion 59A is located on one side of the protrusion 58A in the third direction. The protrusion 59A is located away from the protrusion 57A in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 59A is located on the opposite side of the second frame 551B with respect to the first frame 551A in the first direction. The protrusion 59A extends in the first direction. The protrusion 59A has a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the protrusion 59A is one end of the opposing roller 56. The protrusion 59A may extend from the outer surface S1 of the first frame 551A. The protrusion 59A may be attached to the outer surface S1 of the first frame 551A.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 59B is located away from the protrusion 58B in the third direction. The protrusion 59B is located on one side of the protrusion 58B in the third direction. The protrusion 59B is located away from the protrusion 57B in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 59B is located on the opposite side of the second frame 551B with respect to the first frame 551A in the first direction. The protrusion 59B extends in the first direction. The protrusion 59B has a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the protrusion 59B is the other end of the opposing roller 56. The protrusion 59B may extend from the outer surface S3 of the second frame 551B. The protrusion 59B may be attached to the outer surface S3 of the second frame 551B.

[0140] 3. Toner Cartridge 6 Details The toner cartridge 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 12 to Fig. 19. In the following description of the toner cartridge 6, the "first direction", the "second direction", and the "third direction" respectively refer to the "first direction", the "second direction", and the "third direction" in a state in which the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5, and the drum cartridge 5 and the toner cartridge 6 are attached to the main body housing 2.

[0141] As shown in Figure 12, the toner cartridge 6 has a toner housing 61, a toner shutter 62, multiple agitators 63A, 63B, 63C, 63D (see Figures 13 and 14), two support portions 64A, 64B, two ribs 65A, 65B, two protrusions 66A, 66B, two first stoppers 67A, 67B, two second stoppers 68A, 68B, and a lever 70.

[0142] 3.1 Toner housing 61 The toner housing 61 is capable of housing toner. The toner housing 61 has a first housing portion 611, a second housing portion 612, a partition wall 613 (see FIGS. 13 and 14), and a sheet guide 614. In other words, the toner cartridge 6 has the first housing portion 611, the second housing portion 612, the partition wall 613 (see FIGS. 13 and 14), and the sheet guide 614.

[0143] 3.1.1 First Container 611 The first storage portion 611 can store toner. The first storage portion 611 extends in a first direction. The first storage portion 611 has a box shape. The amount of toner that the first storage portion 611 can store is greater than the amount of toner that the second storage portion 612 can store. This allows the toner cartridge 6 to have a large capacity.

[0144] 3.1.2 Second Container 612 The second storage portion 612 is located at one end of the toner cartridge 6 in the second direction. The second storage portion 612 extends in the first direction. The second storage portion 612 has a cylindrical shape. The second storage portion 612 has an outer peripheral surface S5. The outer peripheral surface S5 extends in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 15, the outer peripheral surface S5 has an arc shape. The amount of toner that the second storage portion 612 can store is greater than the amount of toner that the developing housing 531 (see FIG. 3) can store. This allows a sufficient amount of toner to be supplied to the developing housing 531 to be stored in the second storage portion 612.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 1, when the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5, the second accommodating portion 612 is located between the developing housing 531 of the drum cartridge 5 and the first accommodating portion 611.

[0146] 13, the second storage section 612 communicates with the first storage section 611. The second storage section 612 is capable of storing toner from the first storage section 611. The second storage section 612 has a toner discharge port 615 and two toner receiving ports 616A and 616B. In other words, the toner housing 61 has the toner discharge port 615 and two toner receiving ports 616A and 616B.

[0147] Toner discharge port 615 is located at the center of second container 612 in the first direction. Toner discharge port 615 is located on outer peripheral surface S5 of second container 612. Toner discharge port 615 communicates with the internal space of second container 612. This allows toner discharge port 615 to discharge toner inside second container 612.

[0148] The toner receiving opening 616A is located at one end of the second storage unit 612 in the first direction. The toner receiving opening 616A is located on the outer peripheral surface S5 of the second storage unit 612. The toner receiving opening 616A is located away from the toner discharge port 615 in the first direction. The toner receiving opening 616A communicates with the internal space of the second storage unit 612. When the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5, the toner receiving opening 616A can receive returned toner. The returned toner is toner that returns from the developing housing 531 to the toner cartridge 6.

[0149] The toner receiving opening 616B is located at the other end of the second storage unit 612 in the first direction. The toner receiving opening 616B is located on the outer peripheral surface S5 of the second storage unit 612. The toner receiving opening 616B is located away from the toner discharge port 615 in the first direction. The toner receiving opening 616B communicates with the internal space of the second storage unit 612. When the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5, the toner receiving opening 616B, together with the toner receiving opening 616A, can receive returned toner.

[0150] 3.1.3 Partition wall 613 13 and 14, the partition wall 613 is located between the first storage section 611 and the second storage section 612. The partition wall 613 separates the first storage section 611 from the second storage section 612. As shown in Fig. 13, the partition wall 613 has two openings 613A and 613B.

[0151] The opening 613A is located between the toner discharge port 615 and the toner receiving port 616A in the first direction. The internal space of the second container 612 communicates with the internal space of the first container 611 through the opening 613A. The toner in the first container 611 flows into the second container 612 through the opening 613A.

[0152] The opening 613B is located between the toner discharge port 615 and the toner receiving port 616B in the first direction. The opening 613B is located away from the opening 613A in the first direction. The internal space of the second container 612 communicates with the internal space of the first container 611 through the opening 613B. The toner in the first container 611 enters the second container 612 through the opening 613B.

[0153] 3.1.4 Seat guide 614 As shown in FIG. 12, the sheet guide 614 is located at one end of the first accommodating portion 611 in the third direction.

[0154] 1, when the drum cartridge 5 and the toner cartridge 6 are attached to the main body housing 2, the sheet guide 614 guides the sheet S toward the photosensitive drum 51. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 does not have a sheet guide separate from the toner cartridge 6 on one side of the toner cartridge 6 in the third direction.

[0155] Therefore, compared to a configuration in which a sheet guide separate from the toner cartridge 6 is provided on the other side of the toner cartridge 6 in the third direction, the toner cartridge 6 can be made larger in size in the third direction.

[0156] Further, the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the second housing 531B which does not move relative to the photosensitive drum 51. Therefore, the sheet guide 614 also does not move relative to the photosensitive drum 51. Therefore, the sheet S can be stably guided by the sheet guide 614.

[0157] 3.2 Toner Shutter 62 As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the toner shutter 62 can open and close the toner discharge port 615 and the toner receiving ports 616A, 616B (see Figure 12). The toner shutter 62 can move between a toner closed position (see Figure 14) and a toner open position (see Figure 15). As shown in Figure 14, when the toner shutter 62 is located at the toner closed position, the toner shutter 62 closes the toner discharge port 615 and the toner receiving ports 616A, 616B (see Figure 12). As shown in Figure 15, when the toner shutter 62 is located at the toner open position, the toner discharge port 615 and the toner receiving ports 616A, 616B (see Figure 12) are open.

[0158] 12, the toner shutter 62 extends in the first direction. The toner shutter 62 is aligned along the outer peripheral surface S5 of the second storage portion 612. The toner shutter 62 has an arc shape. One end of the toner shutter 62 in the first direction is supported by one end of the second storage portion 612, and the other end of the toner shutter 62 in the first direction is supported by the other end of the second storage portion 612, whereby the toner shutter 62 is supported by the second storage portion 612.

[0159] The toner shutter 62 has a shutter opening 621 and two engagement holes 622A and 622B (see FIG. 16).

[0160] 3.2.1 Shutter Aperture 621 The shutter opening 621 is located at the center of the toner shutter 62 in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 14, when the toner shutter 62 is located at the toner closed position, the shutter opening 621 is located away from the toner discharge port 615. When the toner shutter 62 is located at the toner closed position, the shutter opening 621 does not communicate with the toner discharge port 615. When the toner shutter 62 is located at the toner closed position, the toner shutter 62 closes the toner receiving ports 616A and 616B (see FIG. 12). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, when the toner shutter 62 is located at the toner open position, the shutter opening 621 communicates with the toner discharge port 615. When the toner shutter 62 is located at the toner open position, the toner shutter 62 is located away from the toner receiving port 616A. As a result, when the toner shutter 62 is located at the toner open position, the toner receiving port 616A is opened. When the toner shutter 62 is in the toner open position, the toner shutter 62 is positioned away from the toner receiving opening 616B (see FIG. 12). As a result, when the toner shutter 62 is in the toner open position, the toner receiving opening 616B is open.

[0161] 3.2.2 Engagement holes 622A, 622B 16, the engagement hole 622A is located at one end in the first direction of the toner shutter 62. The engagement hole 622A is located away from the shutter opening 621 (see FIG. 12) in the first direction.

[0162] The engagement hole 622B is located at the other end in the first direction of the toner shutter 62. The engagement hole 622B is located away from the shutter opening 621 (see FIG. 12) in the first direction.

[0163] 3.3 Agitators 63A, 63B, 63C, 63D 13, the agitator 63A is located inside the first container 611. The agitator 63A is located inside the other end of the first container 611 in the second direction. The agitator 63A transports the toner in the first container 611 toward the second container 612.

[0164] The agitator 63B is located inside the first container 611. The agitator 63B is located between the agitator 63A and the second container 612 in the second direction. The agitator 63B transports the toner in the first container 611 toward the second container 612.

[0165] The agitator 63C is located inside the first container 611. The agitator 63C is located between the agitator 63B and the second container 612 in the second direction. The agitator 63C transports the toner in the first container 611 toward the second container 612.

[0166] The agitator 63D is located inside the second container 612. The agitator 63D transports the toner inside the second container 612 toward the toner discharge port 615.

[0167] Agitator 63A, agitator 63B, and agitator 63C each rotate clockwise when viewed from the other end side in the first direction (see FIG. 14) to one end side, and transport toner in first container 611 toward second container 612.

[0168] The agitator 63D rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the other end side in the first direction (see Figure 14) to one end side, and transports the toner that has returned to the second storage section 612 through the toner receiving port 616A and the toner receiving port 616B toward the toner discharge port 615 in the first direction, while returning some of the toner to the first storage section 611.

[0169] As a result, the toner is circulated between the first container 611 and the second container 612.

[0170] 3.4 Support part 64A, 64B 12, the support portion 64A is located at one end of the toner cartridge 6 in the first direction. The support portion 64A is located on the opposite side of the support portion 64B with respect to the second accommodating portion 612 in the first direction. The support portion 64A protrudes from one end surface of the second accommodating portion 612 in the first direction. The support portion 64A has a cylindrical shape. The support portion 64A supports the lever 70.

[0171] The support portion 64B is located at the other end of the toner cartridge 6 in the first direction. The support portion 64B is located on the opposite side of the support portion 64A with respect to the second accommodating portion 612 in the first direction. The support portion 64B protrudes from the other end surface of the second accommodating portion 612 in the first direction. The support portion 64B has a cylindrical shape. The support portion 64B supports the lever 70 together with the support portion 64A.

[0172] 3.5 Rib 65A, 65B The rib 65A is located at one end of the toner cartridge 6 in the first direction. The rib 65A is located on the opposite side of the rib 65B with respect to the second accommodating portion 612 in the first direction. The rib 65A protrudes from the support portion 64A in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 17 , the rib 65A extends in a fourth direction. The fourth direction intersects with the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction. The fourth direction is preferably perpendicular to the first direction and intersects with the second direction and the third direction.

[0173] As shown in Fig. 12, the rib 65B is located at the other end of the toner cartridge 6 in the first direction. The rib 65B is located on the opposite side of the rib 65A with respect to the second accommodating portion 612 in the first direction. The rib 65B protrudes from the support portion 64B in the first direction. As shown in Fig. 18, the rib 65B extends in the fourth direction. The rib 65B extends in the same direction as the rib 65A.

[0174] 3.6 Protrusion 66A, 66B As shown in FIG. 12, the protrusion 66A is located at one end of the toner cartridge 6 in the first direction. The protrusion 66A is located at the other end of the toner cartridge 6 in the second direction. The protrusion 66A is located on the opposite side of the first accommodating portion 611 from the protrusion 66B in the first direction. The protrusion 66A extends from one side surface of the first accommodating portion 611 in the first direction. The protrusion 66A extends in the first direction. The protrusion 66A has a cylindrical shape.

[0175] The protrusion 66B is located at the other end of the toner cartridge 6 in the first direction. The protrusion 66B is located at the other end of the toner cartridge 6 in the second direction. The protrusion 66B is located on the opposite side to the protrusion 66A with respect to the first accommodating portion 611 in the first direction. The protrusion 66B extends in the first direction. The protrusion 66B has a cylindrical shape.

[0176] 3.7 First stoppers 67A, 67B The first stopper 67A is located at one end of the toner cartridge 6 in the first direction. The first stopper 67A is located at the other end of the toner cartridge 6 in the second direction. The first stopper 67A is located on the opposite side of the first accommodating portion 611 from the first stopper 67B in the first direction. The first stopper 67A protrudes from one side surface of the first accommodating portion 611 in the first direction.

[0177] The first stopper 67B is located at the other end of the toner cartridge 6 in the first direction. The first stopper 67B is located at the other end of the toner cartridge 6 in the second direction. The first stopper 67B is located on the opposite side of the first accommodating portion 611 from the first stopper 67A in the first direction. The first stopper 67B protrudes from the other side surface of the first accommodating portion 611 in the first direction.

[0178] 3.8 Second stoppers 68A, 68B The second stopper 68A is located at one end of the toner cartridge 6 in the first direction. The second stopper 68A is located between the support portion 64A and the first stopper 67A in the second direction. The second stopper 68A is located on the opposite side of the first accommodating portion 611 from the second stopper 68B in the first direction. The second stopper 68A protrudes from one side surface of the first accommodating portion 611 in the first direction.

[0179] The second stopper 68B is located at the other end of the toner cartridge 6 in the first direction. The second stopper 68B is located between the support portion 64B and the first stopper 67B in the second direction. The second stopper 68B is located on the opposite side of the second stopper 68A with respect to the first accommodating portion 611 in the first direction. The second stopper 68B protrudes from the other side surface of the first accommodating portion 611 in the first direction.

[0180] 3.9 Lever 70 The lever 70 is grasped by a user when the user replaces the toner cartridge 6. The lever 70 is movable between a first position (see FIG. 19) and a second position (see FIG. 18). The lever 70 is rotatable about an axis A5 (see FIGS. 18 and 19) between the first position and the second position. The lever 70 is independent of the toner shutter 62. Therefore, even if the lever 70 rotates between the first position and the second position when the toner cartridge 6 is removed from the drum cartridge 5, the toner shutter 62 does not move.

[0181] The lever 70 has a grip 71, two arms 72A and 72B, two protrusions 73A and 73B (see FIG. 16), two protrusions 74A and 74B (see FIG. 16), and two gears 75A and 75B.

[0182] 3.9.1 Grip 71 The grip 71 is a portion that is held by a user. The grip 71 extends in the first direction. The grip 71 is located above the toner housing 61 in the third direction. The grip 71 has a cylindrical shape.

[0183] 3.9.2 Arms 72A, 72B The arm 72A is located at one end of the toner cartridge 6 in the first direction. The arm 72A connects one end of the grip 71 in the first direction and the support portion 64A. In detail, as shown in FIG. 17, the arm 72A has a first end 721A and a second end 722A. The arm 72A has a through hole 723A at the first end 721A. The support portion 64A fits into the through hole 723A. As a result, the arm 72A is supported by the support portion 64A. The second end 722A of the arm 72A is connected to one end of the grip 71 (see FIG. 12).

[0184] The arm 72A comes into contact with the first stopper 67A when the lever 70 is in the first position (see FIG. 19). The arm 72A comes into contact with the second stopper 68A when the lever 70 is in the second position.

[0185] As shown in FIG. 12, the arm 72B is located at the other end of the toner cartridge 6 in the first direction. The arm 72B connects the other end of the grip 71 in the first direction and the support portion 64B. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, the arm 72B has a first end 721B and a second end 722B. The arm 72B has a through hole 723B at the first end 721B. The support portion 64B fits into the through hole 723B. This allows the arm 72B to be supported by the support portion 64B. The second end 722B of the arm 72B is connected to the other end of the grip 71.

[0186] The arm 72B abuts against the first stopper 67B when the lever 70 is in the first position (see FIG. 19). The arm 72B abuts against the second stopper 68B when the lever 70 is in the second position.

[0187] 3.9.3 Protrusions 73A, 73B As shown in FIG. 16, the protrusion 73A is located on the opposite side of the arm 72B with respect to the arm 72A in the first direction. The protrusion 73A extends in the first direction. The protrusion 73A extends from the first end 721A of the arm 72A. The protrusion 73A has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 17, when the lever 70 is located at the second position, the protrusion 73A is aligned with the rib 65A in the fourth direction. When the lever 70 is located at the second position, the protrusion 73A is located between the rib 65A and the toner shutter 62.

[0188] As shown in FIG. 16, the protrusion 73B is located on the opposite side of the arm 72B from the arm 72A in the first direction. The protrusion 73B extends in the first direction. The protrusion 73B extends from a first end 721B of the arm 72B. The protrusion 73B has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 18, when the lever 70 is located at the second position, the protrusion 73B is aligned with the rib 65B in the fourth direction. When the lever 70 is located at the second position, the protrusion 73B is located between the rib 65B and the toner shutter 62.

[0189] 3.9.4 Protrusions 74A, 74B As shown in FIG. 16, the protrusion 74A is located on the opposite side of the arm 72B with respect to the arm 72A in the first direction. The protrusion 74A extends in the first direction. The protrusion 74A extends from the first end 721A of the arm 72A. The protrusion 74A has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 17, when the lever 70 is located in the second position, the protrusion 74A is aligned with the rib 65A and the protrusion 73A in the fourth direction. When the lever 70 is located in the second position, the protrusion 74A is located on the opposite side of the protrusion 73A with respect to the rib 65A.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 16, the protrusion 74B is located on the opposite side of the arm 72A with respect to the arm 72B in the first direction. The protrusion 74B extends in the first direction. The protrusion 74B extends from the first end 721B of the arm 72B. The protrusion 74B has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 18, when the lever 70 is located in the second position, the protrusion 74B is aligned with the rib 65B and the protrusion 73B in the fourth direction. When the lever 70 is located in the second position, the protrusion 74B is located on the opposite side of the protrusion 73B with respect to the rib 65B.

[0191] 3.9.5 Gears 75A and 75B As shown in Fig. 12, the gear 75A is located at one end of the toner cartridge 6 in the first direction. As shown in Fig. 17, the gear 75A extends from the first end 721A of the arm 72A. In the fourth direction, the gear 75A is located on the opposite side of the protrusion 73A from the protrusion 74A. The gear 75A has a plurality of gear teeth. The multiple gear teeth are aligned in the rotation direction of the lever 70.

[0192] With the toner cartridge 6 connected to the drum cartridge 5, the gear 75A engages with an engagement portion 536B (see FIG. 8) of the development shutter 536 of the drum cartridge 5. In other words, with the toner cartridge 6 connected to the drum cartridge 5, the lever 70 engages with the development shutter 536.

[0193] As shown in Fig. 12, the gear 75B is located at the other end of the toner cartridge 6 in the first direction. As shown in Fig. 18, the gear 75B extends from the first end 721B of the arm 72B. In the fourth direction, the gear 75B is located on the opposite side of the protrusion 73B from the protrusion 74B. The gear 75B has a plurality of gear teeth. The multiple gear teeth are aligned in the rotation direction of the lever 70.

[0194] When the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5, the gear 75B engages with an engaging portion 536C of the developing shutter 536 of the drum cartridge 5 (see FIG. 8).

[0195] 3.10 Connection of Toner Cartridge 6 to Drum Cartridge 5 20 and 21, with the toner cartridge 6 connected to the drum cartridge 5, the lever 70 is rotatable between a first position (see FIG. 20) and a second position (see FIG. 21). In detail, the lever 70 is movable between the first position (see FIG. 20) where the development shutter 536 is positioned at the development open position, and the second position (see FIG. 21) where the development shutter 536 is positioned at the development closed position.

[0196] When the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5, the second accommodating portion 612 of the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the second housing 531B of the drum cartridge 5. When the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5, the rib 65A (see FIG. 17) of the toner cartridge 6 fits into the guide portion 554A (see FIG. 3) of the drum cartridge 5. Also, the rib 65B (see FIG. 18) of the toner cartridge 6 fits into the guide portion 554B (see FIG. 6) of the drum cartridge 5.

[0197] With the toner cartridge 6 connected to the drum cartridge 5, the engagement portion 536D (see FIG. 8) of the developing shutter 536 fits into the engagement hole 622A (see FIG. 16) of the toner cartridge 6. Also, the engagement portion 536E (see FIG. 8) of the developing shutter 536 fits into the engagement hole 622B (see FIG. 16) of the toner cartridge 6. This allows the toner shutter 62 to move together with the developing shutter 536 with the toner cartridge 6 connected to the drum cartridge 5.

[0198] With the toner cartridge 6 connected to the drum cartridge 5, the gear 75A (see FIG. 12) of the lever 70 in the toner cartridge 6 meshes with the engagement portion 536B (see FIG. 8) of the development shutter 536. In addition, the gear 75B (see FIG. 12) of the lever 70 meshes with the engagement portion 536C (see FIG. 8) of the development shutter 536. As a result, with the toner cartridge 6 connected to the drum cartridge 5, the development shutter 536 is movable together with the lever 70.

[0199] When the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5 and the lever 70 rotates from the first position (see Figure 20) to the second position (see Figure 21), the development shutter 536 moves together with the lever 70 from the development open position (see Figure 11) to the development closed position (see Figure 10).

[0200] At this time, the toner shutter 62 moves from the toner open position (see FIG. 15) to the toner closed position (see FIG. 14) relative to the second container 612. In detail, the toner shutter 62 moves from the toner open position (see FIG. 15) to the toner closed position (see FIG. 14) in association with the movement of the development shutter 536 from the development open position (see FIG. 11) to the development closed position (see FIG. 10).

[0201] That is, when the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5 and the lever 70 is in the second position (see FIG. 21), the toner in the toner cartridge 6 is not supplied to the developing housing 531.

[0202] When the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5 and the lever 70 is located at the second position (see FIG. 21), the projections 73A and 74A (see FIG. 17) of the toner cartridge 6 fit into the guide portion 554A (see FIG. 3) of the drum cartridge 5. Furthermore, the projections 73B and 74B (see FIG. 18) of the toner cartridge 6 fit into the guide portion 554B (see FIG. 6) of the drum cartridge 5. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5 and the lever 70 is located at the second position (see FIG. 21), the toner cartridge 6 can be released from the drum cartridge 5. That is, when the toner cartridge 6 and the drum cartridge 5 are mounted in the main body housing 2 (see FIG. 1) and the lever 70 is located at the second position (see FIG. 21), the toner cartridge 6 can be released from the drum cartridge 5.

[0203] In addition, when the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5 and the lever 70 rotates from the second position (see Figure 21) to the first position (see Figure 20), the development shutter 536 moves together with the lever 70 from the development closed position (see Figure 10) to the development open position (see Figure 11).

[0204] At this time, the toner shutter 62 rotates together with the development shutter 536, and thereby the toner shutter 62 moves with respect to the second container 612 from the toner closed position (see FIG. 14) to the toner open position (see FIG. 15).

[0205] As shown in FIG. 20, when the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5 and the lever 70 is in the first position, the developer shutter 536 is in the developer open position, the toner shutter 62 is in the toner open position, and the toner outlet 615 of the toner cartridge 6 communicates with the receiving port 5315A of the second housing 531B. When the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5 and the lever 70 is in the first position, the developer shutter 536 is in the developer open position, the toner shutter 62 is in the toner open position, and the toner receiving port 616A of the toner cartridge 6 (see FIG. 12) communicates with the outlet 5315B of the second housing 531B (see FIG. 8). Also, the toner receiving port 616B of the toner cartridge 6 (see FIG. 12) communicates with the outlet 5315C of the second housing 531B (see FIG. 8).

[0206] As a result, when the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5 and the lever 70 is located at the first position, toner from the toner discharge port 615 of the toner cartridge 6 can pass through the receiving port 5315A, and toner from the second housing 531B can pass through the toner receiving ports 616A, 616B (see FIG. 12). When the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5 and the lever 70 is located at the first position, the toner receiving port 616A (see FIG. 12) can receive the returned toner. Also, the toner receiving port 616B (see FIG. 12) can receive the returned toner.

[0207] When the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5 and the lever 70 is located at the first position, the projection 73A (see FIG. 17) of the toner cartridge 6 fits into the locking portion 555A (see FIG. 3) of the drum cartridge 5, and the projection 74A (see FIG. 17) of the toner cartridge 6 fits into the locking portion 556A (see FIG. 3) of the drum cartridge 5. In addition, the projection 73B (see FIG. 18) of the toner cartridge 6 fits into the locking portion 555B (see FIG. 6) of the drum cartridge 5, and the projection 74B (see FIG. 18) of the toner cartridge 6 fits into the locking portion 556B (see FIG. 6) of the drum cartridge 5. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5 and the lever 70 is located at the first position, the toner cartridge 6 cannot be released from the connection with the drum cartridge 5. In other words, when the toner cartridge 6 and the drum cartridge 5 are attached to the main body housing 2 (see FIG. 1) and the lever 70 is in the first position, the connection between the toner cartridge 6 and the drum cartridge 5 cannot be released.

[0208] 2, when the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5 and the lever 70 is located at the first position, the drum cartridge 5 can be removed together with the toner cartridge 6 from the main body housing 2. In other words, when the toner cartridge 6 and the drum cartridge 5 are attached to the main body housing 2 and the lever 70 is located at the first position, the drum cartridge 5 can be removed together with the toner cartridge 6 from the main body housing 2.

[0209] 22 and 23, when the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5 and the lever 70 is located at the second position, the toner cartridge 6 can be removed from the main body housing 2 independently of the toner cartridge 6. In other words, when the toner cartridge 6 and the drum cartridge 5 are attached to the main body housing 2 and the lever 70 is located at the second position, the toner cartridge 6 can be removed from the main body housing 2 independently of the drum cartridge 5.

[0210] 4. Details of the main body 2 Next, the main body housing 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0211] As shown in Fig. 2, the main body housing 2 has two drum cartridge guides 21A, 21B, two drum cartridge guides 22A, 22B, two drum cartridge guides 23A, 23B, two toner cartridge guides 24A, 24B, two stoppers 25A, 25B, and two stoppers 26A, 26B. The drum cartridge guides 21B, 22B, 23B and the toner cartridge guide 24B are shown in Fig. 24. The stoppers 25B, 26B are not shown.

[0212] 4.1 Drum cartridge guides 21A, 22A, 23A, 21B, 22B, 23B The drum cartridge guides 21A, 22A, and 23A are located on one side wall of the main body housing 2 in the first direction.

[0213] The drum cartridge guides 21A, 22A, and 23A guide the drum cartridge 5 inside the main body casing 2.

[0214] More specifically, the drum cartridge guide 21A guides the protrusion 57A (see FIG. 4) of the drum cartridge 5. The drum cartridge guide 21A extends in the second direction. The drum cartridge guide 21A has a first end E41 and a second end E42 in the second direction. The first end E41 is located between the conveying roller 8 and the fixing device 9 in the second direction. The second end E42 is located within the opening 2A. In this embodiment, the drum cartridge guide 21A is a groove.

[0215] The drum cartridge guide 22A guides the protrusion 58A (see FIG. 4) of the drum cartridge 5. The drum cartridge guide 22A is located on one side of the drum cartridge guide 21A in the third direction. The drum cartridge guide 22A extends in the second direction. The drum cartridge guide 22A has a first end E51 and a second end E52 in the second direction. The first end E51 is located on one side of the conveying roller 8 in the third direction. The second end E52 is located within the opening 2A. In this embodiment, the drum cartridge guide 22A is a groove.

[0216] The drum cartridge guide 23A guides the protrusion 59A (see FIG. 4) of the drum cartridge 5. The drum cartridge guide 23A is located on one side of the drum cartridge guide 22A in the third direction. The drum cartridge guide 23A extends in the second direction. The drum cartridge guide 23A has a first end E61 and a second end E62 in the second direction. The first end E61 is located between the first end E51 of the drum cartridge guide 22A and the conveying roller 8 in the third direction. The second end E62 is located within the opening 2A. In this embodiment, the drum cartridge guide 23A is a groove.

[0217] The drum cartridge guides 21B, 22B, and 23B shown in FIG. 24 are located on the other side wall of the main body housing 2 in the first direction.

[0218] The drum cartridge guides 21B, 22B, and 23B guide the drum cartridge 5 inside the main body casing 2.

[0219] Specifically, drum cartridge guide 21B has the same shape as drum cartridge guide 21A and guides protrusion 57B (see FIG. 4) of drum cartridge 5. Drum cartridge guide 22B has the same shape as drum cartridge guide 22A and guides protrusion 58B (see FIG. 4) of drum cartridge 5. Drum cartridge guide 23B has the same shape as drum cartridge guide 23A and guides protrusion 59B (see FIG. 4) of drum cartridge 5.

[0220] 1, when the drum cartridge 5 is attached to the main body housing 2, the protrusion 57A of the drum cartridge 5 fits into the first end E41 (see FIG. 2) of the drum cartridge guide 21A. The protrusion 58B of the drum cartridge 5 fits into the first end E51 (see FIG. 2) of the drum cartridge guide 22A, and the protrusion 59B of the drum cartridge 5 fits into the first end E61 (see FIG. 2) of the drum cartridge guide 23A.

[0221] When the drum cartridge 5 is attached to the main body housing 2, the protrusion 57B of the drum cartridge 5 fits into the first end E41 of the drum cartridge guide 21B. Furthermore, the protrusion 58B of the drum cartridge 5 fits into the first end E51 of the drum cartridge guide 22B, and the protrusion 59B of the drum cartridge 5 fits into the first end E61 of the drum cartridge guide 23B.

[0222] As shown in FIG. 24, in the main body housing 2, the distance between the bottom of the drum cartridge guide 21A in the first direction and the bottom of the drum cartridge guide 21B in the first direction is defined as length D1. The distance between the bottom of the drum cartridge guide 22A in the first direction and the bottom of the drum cartridge guide 22B in the first direction is defined as length D2. The distance between the bottom of the drum cartridge guide 23A in the first direction and the bottom of the drum cartridge guide 23B in the first direction is defined as length D3. In addition, in a state in which the drum cartridge 5 and the toner cartridge 6 are connected, the outermost width of the portion of the drum cartridge 5 and the toner cartridge 6 excluding the protrusions 57A, 57B, 58A, 58B, 59A, 59B, 66A, and 66B is defined as length W. The lengths D1, D2, and D3 are longer than the length W. In this embodiment, the length D1 is longer than the length D2. In addition, the length D1 is longer than the length D3. In this embodiment, the length D2 and the length D3 are the same. The length D2 and the length D3 may be different.

[0223] 4.2 Toner cartridge guides 24A, 24B The toner cartridge guide 24A shown in FIG.

[0224] In detail, the toner cartridge guide 24A guides the protrusion 66A (see FIG. 12) of the toner cartridge 6. The toner cartridge guide 24A is located within the drum cartridge guide 23A. The toner cartridge guide 24A extends in the second direction. The toner cartridge guide 24A has a first end E71 and a second end E72 in the second direction. The first end E71 is located between the first end E61 and the second end E62 of the drum cartridge guide 23A in the third direction. The second end E72 is located within the opening 2A.

[0225] 24 is located on the other side wall of the main housing 2 in the first direction. The toner cartridge guide 24B guides the toner cartridge 6 inside the main housing 2. More specifically, the toner cartridge guide 24B has the same shape as the toner cartridge guide 24A, and guides the protrusion 66B (see FIG. 4) of the toner cartridge 6.

[0226] 1, when the toner cartridge 6 is attached to the main body housing 2, the protrusion 66A (see FIG. 12) of the toner cartridge 6 fits into the first end E71 (see FIG. 2) of the toner cartridge guide 24A. Also, the protrusion 66B (see FIG. 12) of the toner cartridge 6 fits into the first end E71 of the toner cartridge guide 24B.

[0227] 24, the distance between the bottom of the toner cartridge guide 24A in the first direction and the bottom of the toner cartridge guide 24B in the first direction is length D4. Length D4 is longer than length W. In this embodiment, length D4 is the same as length D1. Length D4 may be different from length D1. In this embodiment, length D4 is longer than lengths D2 and D3.

[0228] 22, when the drum cartridge 5 and toner cartridge 6 are attached to the main body housing 2 and the lever 70 of the toner cartridge 6 is in the second position, the toner cartridge 6 can be released from the drum cartridge 5. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23, the toner cartridge 6 can be removed from the main body housing 2 while leaving the drum cartridge 5 inside the main body housing 2.

[0229] 4.3 Stoppers 25A, 25B The stopper 25A shown in Fig. 2 stops the drum cartridge 5 at the drum mounting position when the drum cartridge 5 is mounted in the main body housing 2. More specifically, the stopper 25A is located inside the drum cartridge guide 21A. The stopper 25A is a leaf spring. When the drum cartridge 5 is mounted in the main body housing 2, the stopper 25A presses the protrusion 57A (see Fig. 4) of the drum cartridge 5 toward the first end E41 of the drum cartridge guide 21A.

[0230] The stopper 25B (not shown) stops the drum cartridge 5 at the drum mounting position when the drum cartridge 5 is mounted in the main body housing 2. More specifically, the stopper 25B is located inside the drum cartridge guide 21B (see FIG. 24). The stopper 25B is a leaf spring. When the drum cartridge 5 is mounted in the main body housing 2, the stopper 25B presses the protrusion 57B (see FIG. 4) of the drum cartridge 5 toward the first end E41 of the drum cartridge guide 21B.

[0231] 4.4 Stoppers 26A, 26B The stopper 26A stops the toner cartridge 6 at the toner installation position when the toner cartridge 6 is installed in the main housing 2. The stopper 26A is located inside the toner cartridge guide 24A. The stopper 26A is a leaf spring. When the toner cartridge 6 is located at the toner installation position, the stopper 26A presses the protrusion 66A (see FIG. 12) of the toner cartridge 6 toward the first end E71 of the toner cartridge guide 24A.

[0232] Stopper 26B (not shown) stops toner cartridge 6 at the toner mounting position when toner cartridge 6 is mounted in main body housing 2. Stopper 26B is located inside toner cartridge guide 24B (see FIG. 24). Stopper 26B is a leaf spring. When toner cartridge 6 is located at the toner mounting position, stopper 26B presses protrusion 66B (see FIG. 12) of toner cartridge 6 toward first end E71 of toner cartridge guide 24B.

[0233] 5. Effects (1) According to the drum cartridge 5, as shown in FIG. 3, a portion (first housing 531A) of the developing housing 531 that supports the developing roller 532 is movable relative to the photosensitive drum 51. On the other hand, a portion (second housing 531B) of the developing housing 531 that has the toner receiving port 5315A does not move relative to the photosensitive drum 51.

[0234] 20, with the toner cartridge 6 connected to the drum cartridge 5, the developing roller 532 can be moved relative to the photosensitive drum 51 without moving the toner cartridge 6. In other words, regardless of the weight of the toner cartridge 6, the pressing force of the developing roller 532 against the photosensitive drum 51 can be kept constant.

[0235] As a result, the toner cartridge 6 can have a large capacity.

[0236] Furthermore, the seal member 531C seals between the first housing 531A and the second housing 531B, and is elastically deformable in response to movement of the first housing 531A relative to the photosensitive drum 51. Therefore, it is possible to prevent toner from leaking from between the first housing 531A and the second housing 531B.

[0237] (2) As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the above-mentioned drum cartridge 5. Therefore, the toner cartridge 6 can have a large capacity.

[0238] (3) According to the image forming apparatus 1, when the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5, the toner shutter 62 (see FIG. 12) moves from the toner closed position (see FIG. 14) to the toner open position (see FIG. 15) in association with the movement of the development shutter 536 from the development closed position (see FIG. 10) to the development open position (see FIG. 11). When the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5, the toner shutter 62 (see FIG. 12) moves from the toner open position (see FIG. 15) to the toner closed position (see FIG. 14) in association with the movement of the development shutter 536 from the development open position (see FIG. 11) to the development closed position (see FIG. 10). The lever 70 is independent of the toner shutter 62. As shown in FIG. 12, the lever 70 engages with the development shutter 536 (see FIG. 8) in a state in which the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5. The lever 70 is movable between a first position (see FIG. 19) and a second position (see FIG. 18). When the lever 70 is in the first position (see FIG. 19), the lever 70 positions the developer shutter 536 in the developer open position (see FIG. 11). When the lever 70 is in the second position (see FIG. 18), the lever 70 positions the developer shutter 536 in the developer closed position (see FIG. 10).

[0239] According to this configuration, with the toner cartridge 6 connected to the drum cartridge 5, by a single operation of moving the lever 70 from the first position (see Figure 20) to the second position (see Figure 21), it is possible to position the development shutter 536 at the development closed position (see Figure 10) and the toner shutter 62 at the toner closed position (see Figure 14).

[0240] In addition, with the toner cartridge 6 connected to the drum cartridge 5, by a single operation of moving the lever 70 from the second position (see Figure 21) to the first position (see Figure 20), it is possible to position the development shutter 536 at the development open position (see Figure 11) and the toner shutter 62 at the toner open position (see Figure 15).

[0241] As shown in FIG. 12, the lever 70 is independent of the toner shutter 62, and engages with the developing shutter 536 (see FIG. 8) when the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5.

[0242] Therefore, when the toner cartridge 6 is not connected to the drum cartridge 5, the toner shutter 62 does not move even if the lever 70 moves.

[0243] Therefore, when the toner cartridge 6 is not connected to the drum cartridge 5, the toner shutter 62 located at the toner closed position (see FIG. 14) can be prevented from moving to the toner open position (see FIG. 15).

[0244] (4) According to the image forming device 1, when the toner cartridge 6 and the drum cartridge 5 are mounted in the main body housing 2 (see FIG. 1) and the lever 70 is in the first position, the connection between the toner cartridge 6 and the drum cartridge 5 cannot be released, as shown in FIG. 20. When the toner cartridge 6 and the drum cartridge 5 are mounted in the main body housing 2 (see FIG. 1) and the lever 70 is in the second position, the connection between the toner cartridge 6 and the drum cartridge 5 can be released, as shown in FIG. 21.

[0245] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the connection between the toner cartridge 6 and the drum cartridge 5 from being released in a state in which the toner discharge port 615 and the toner receiving port 5315A are open.

[0246] (5) As shown in FIG. 2, when the toner cartridge 6 and the drum cartridge 5 are attached to the main housing 2 and the lever 70 is in the first position, the drum cartridge 5 can be removed from the main housing 2 together with the toner cartridge 6.

[0247] According to this configuration, when a sheet S (see FIG. 1) becomes jammed between the photosensitive drum 51 (see FIG. 1) and the transfer roller 54 (see FIG. 1), or when the sheet S becomes jammed between the conveying roller 8 (see FIG. 1) and the opposing roller 56 (see FIG. 1), the jammed sheet S can be easily removed by removing the drum cartridge 5 together with the toner cartridge 6 from the main housing 2.

[0248] Also, as shown in FIG. 22, when the toner cartridge 6 and the drum cartridge 5 are attached to the main body housing 2 and the lever 70 is in the second position, the toner cartridge 6 can be removed from the main body housing 2 independently of the drum cartridge 5.

[0249] According to this configuration, by positioning the lever 70 in the second position and removing the toner cartridge 6 from the main body housing 2, the toner cartridge 6 can be replaced without removing the drum cartridge 5 from the main body housing 2.

[0250] (6) As shown in FIG. 8, the second housing 531B has a discharge port 5315B. The discharge port 5315B can discharge the toner in the developing housing 531. As shown in FIG. 12, the toner cartridge 6 has a toner receiving port 616A. The toner receiving port 616A can receive the toner. The toner receiving port 616A communicates with the discharge port 5315B (see FIG. 8) of the second housing 531B when the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the drum cartridge 5. When the drum cartridge 5 and the toner cartridge 6 are attached to the main housing 2, the discharge port 5315B (see FIG. 8) is located below the receiving port 5315A (see FIG. 8) and opens downward.

[0251] According to this configuration, the toner in the developing housing 531 (see FIG. 8) can be returned to the toner cartridge 6 through the discharge port 5315B by utilizing gravity. This allows the toner to circulate between the developing housing 531 (see FIG. 8) and the toner cartridge 6. As a result, it is possible to suppress the toner from accumulating in the developing housing 531 (see FIG. 8).

[0252] (7) As shown in FIG. 20, the toner cartridge 6 has a first storage section 611 and a second storage section 612. The second storage section 612 can store the toner from the first storage section 611. The second storage section 612 has toner receiving openings 616A, 616B (see FIG. 12). The amount of toner that the second storage section 612 can store is greater than the amount of toner that the developing housing 531 (see FIG. 8) can store. The amount of toner that the first storage section 611 can store is greater than the amount of toner that the second storage section 612 can store.

[0253] According to this configuration, the amount of toner that can be stored in the second storage portion 612 is greater than the amount of toner that can be stored in the developing casing 531 (see FIG. 8).

[0254] Therefore, a sufficient amount of toner can be stored in the second storage portion 612 to be supplied to the developing case 531 (see FIG. 8).

[0255] Moreover, the amount of toner that the first container 611 can store is greater than the amount of toner that the second container 612 can store.

[0256] Therefore, the first container 611 can be made larger, and the toner cartridge 6 can have a larger capacity.

[0257] (8) As shown in Fig. 1, the toner cartridge 6 has a sheet guide 614. The sheet guide 614 guides the sheet S toward the photosensitive drum 51 in a state in which the drum cartridge 5 and the toner cartridge 6 are attached to the main body housing 2.

[0258] According to this configuration, the toner cartridge 6 can be made larger than in a configuration in which a sheet guide is provided separately from the toner cartridge 6.

[0259] Further, the toner cartridge 6 is connected to the second housing 531B which does not move relative to the photosensitive drum 51. Therefore, the sheet guide 614 also does not move relative to the photosensitive drum 51. Therefore, the sheet S can be stably guided by the sheet guide 614. [Explanation of symbols]

[0260] 1. Image forming device 2 Main unit 5 Drum Cartridge 51 Photosensitive drum 531 Developing unit 531A 1st housing 531B 2nd unit 531C Sealing material 532 Developing roller 535 Transporting parts 536 Development Shutter 551A 1st Frame 551B 2nd Frame 5315A Inlet 5315B Outlet 6 Toner Cartridge 61 Toner case 62 Toner Shutter 611 First Storage Unit 612 Second Storage Unit 614 Seat Guide 615 Toner outlet 616A Toner receiving port 70 Lever A1 axis S Seat

Claims

1. a photosensitive drum rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction; a developing roller for supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; A developing housing capable of accommodating toner, a first housing supporting the developing roller and movable relative to the photosensitive drum; a second housing having an inlet capable of receiving toner and not moving relative to the photosensitive drum; a seal member that seals between the first housing and the second housing, the seal member being elastically deformable in response to movement of the first housing relative to the photosensitive drum; a developing housing having a A drum cartridge comprising:

2. The drum cartridge is a first frame supporting one end of the photosensitive drum in the first direction; a second frame supporting the other end of the photosensitive drum in the first direction, the developing housing is located between the first frame and the second frame in the first direction, one end of the second housing in the first direction is fixed to the first frame, The drum cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the other end of the second housing in the first direction is fixed to the second frame.

3. A main body housing; 3. The drum cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising: a drum cartridge detachably attached to the main body housing; a toner cartridge capable of containing toner and detachably attached to the main body housing, the toner cartridge being connected to the drum cartridge in a state in which the drum cartridge and the toner cartridge are attached to the main body housing; An image forming apparatus comprising:

4. The toner cartridge includes:

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a toner discharge port capable of discharging toner, the toner discharge port communicating with the receiving port of the second housing when the toner cartridge is connected to the drum cartridge.

5. The drum cartridge is a developing shutter movable between a developing closed position where the receiving opening is closed and a developing open position where the receiving opening is opened, The toner cartridge includes: a toner housing having the toner discharge port and capable of containing toner; a toner shutter movable between a toner closed position where the toner discharge port is closed and a toner open position where the toner discharge port is open, the toner shutter being movable together with the developing shutter in a state where the toner cartridge is connected to the drum cartridge, the toner shutter moving from the toner closed position to the toner open position as the developing shutter moves from the developing closed position to the developing open position, and moving from the toner open position to the toner closed position as the developing shutter moves from the developing open position to the developing closed position; a lever independent of the toner shutter, the lever engaging with the developing shutter in a state in which the toner cartridge is connected to the drum cartridge, the lever being movable between a first position for positioning the developing shutter at the developing open position and a second position for positioning the developing shutter at the developing closed position; The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

6. When the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge are attached to the main body housing and the lever is in the first position, the connection between the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge cannot be released, 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge are attached to the main body housing and the lever is in the second position, and the connection between the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge is releasable.

7. the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge are attached to the main body housing, and in a state in which the lever is located at the first position, the drum cartridge is removable from the main body housing together with the toner cartridge; 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge are attached to the main body housing and the lever is in the second position, the toner cartridge is removable from the main body housing independently of the drum cartridge.

8. The second housing includes: a discharge port that is located away from the receiving port in the first direction and that is capable of discharging the toner in the developing housing, The toner cartridge includes: a toner receiving port capable of receiving toner, the toner receiving port communicating with the discharge port of the second housing when the toner cartridge is connected to the drum cartridge; 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the discharge port is located lower than the receiving port when the drum cartridge and the toner cartridge are attached to the main body housing.

9. The drum cartridge is a conveying member capable of conveying the toner in the developing housing from the receiving opening toward the discharge opening, The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the first housing supports the conveying member.

10. The toner cartridge includes: a first container capable of containing toner, and a second container capable of containing the toner from the first container and having the toner outlet and the toner receiving port, the amount of toner that can be accommodated in the second container is greater than the amount of toner that can be accommodated in the developing housing, The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein an amount of toner that can be stored in the first storage section is greater than an amount of toner that can be stored in the second storage section.

11. The toner cartridge includes:

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a sheet guide configured to guide a sheet toward the photosensitive drum in a state in which the drum cartridge and the toner cartridge are mounted in the main body housing.

Images