Image forming apparatus and cartridge

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can smoothly supply toner to a process cartridge.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 comprises a body housing 2, a cover 3, and a cartridge 5. The cartridge 5 includes a photoconductor drum 51, a developing device 53, and a supply device 56. The supply device 56 can be connected to a toner storage unit B. The supply device 56 supplies toner from the toner storage unit B to the developing device 53. The supply device 56 has an insertion opening 5611. The toner storage unit B is inserted into an insertion opening 5611. With the cartridge 5 mounted inside the body housing 2, the insertion opening 5611 of the supply device 56 is located inside an opening 21 of the body housing 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a cartridge that can be mounted in an image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum, a developing device, and a replenishing device. The replenishing device is capable of replenishing toner to the developing device. The replenishing device has a replenishing port. The replenishing port is capable of receiving toner. When the cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus, a container that stores toner is connected to the replenishing port. The toner in the container is replenished to the developing device by the replenishing device (see Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 180343 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an image forming apparatus such as that described in Patent Document 1, if the space above the image forming apparatus is limited, it may be difficult to replenish toner into a cartridge that is attached to the image forming apparatus.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus and a cartridge that can smoothly replenish toner into the cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a main body housing, a cover, and a cartridge. The main body housing has an opening. The cover is movable between a cover closed position and a cover open position. When the cover is positioned in the cover closed position, the cover closes the opening. When the cover is positioned in the cover open position, the opening is open. The cartridge is mounted in the main body housing. When the cover is positioned in the cover open position, the cartridge can be replaced through the opening.

[0007] The cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a developing device, and a supplying device. The developing device has a developing roller. The developing device is capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum. The supplying device is connectable to a toner container. The supplying device supplies toner from the toner container to the developing device. The supplying device has an insertion opening. The toner container is inserted into the insertion opening.

[0008] When the cartridge is mounted in the main body housing, the insertion opening of the replenishing device is positioned within the opening of the main body housing.

[0009] With this configuration, with the cartridge installed in the main body housing, the toner container can be inserted into the insertion opening located within the opening of the main body housing, and toner can be replenished to the developing device.

[0010] Therefore, even if the space around the image forming apparatus is limited, the toner can be smoothly replenished into the cartridge by utilizing the opening in the main body housing.

[0011] (2) The cover may have a cover opening that allows the toner container to be inserted into the insertion opening when the cover is in the cover closed position.

[0012] According to this configuration, with the cover in the cover closed position, the toner container can be inserted through the cover opening into the insertion opening located within the opening of the main body housing.

[0013] Therefore, even in an image forming device that is configured to stop image forming operations when the cover is not in the cover closed position, toner can be replenished to the developing device without stopping the image forming operations.

[0014] (3) The image forming apparatus may further include a manual feed tray. When the cover is in the cover closed position, the manual feed tray is movable between a first position and a second position. When the manual feed tray is in the first position, the manual feed tray covers the cover opening. When the manual feed tray is in the first position, sheets cannot be placed on the manual feed tray. When the manual feed tray is in the second position, the manual feed tray does not cover the cover opening. When the manual feed tray is in the second position, sheets can be placed on the manual feed tray.

[0015] According to this configuration, the cover opening can be opened and closed by using the manual feed tray, without providing a separate member for opening and closing the cover opening.

[0016] (4) The cartridge may have a guide portion that guides a sheet conveyed from the manual feed tray toward the photosensitive drum when the cartridge is installed in the main body housing.

[0017] (5) The image forming apparatus may further include a sheet storage unit. The sheet storage unit is capable of storing sheets. When the cartridge is installed in the main body housing, the guide unit guides the sheets transported from the sheet storage unit toward the photosensitive drum.

[0018] (6) The replenishing device may include a receiving portion, a toner tube, and a shutter. The receiving portion has an insertion opening and a toner receiving port. When the toner container is connected to the replenishing device, the toner receiving port can receive toner from the toner container. The toner tube connects the receiving portion to the developing device. The toner tube allows toner to pass from the toner receiving port toward the developing device. The shutter is movable between a shutter closed position and a shutter open position. When the shutter is positioned in the shutter closed position, the shutter closes the toner receiving port. When the shutter is positioned in the shutter open position, the toner receiving port is open. When the toner container is inserted into the insertion opening, the toner container can rotate about an axis between a first toner position and a second toner position. The axis extends in the direction of insertion of the toner container into the insertion opening. With the toner container inserted into the insertion opening, the shutter moves from the shutter closed position to the shutter open position as the toner container rotates from the toner first position to the toner second position. With the toner container inserted into the insertion opening, the shutter moves from the shutter open position to the shutter closed position as the toner container rotates from the toner second position to the toner first position.

[0019] According to this configuration, the user can open the shutter of the replenishing device by a series of actions: inserting the toner container into the insertion opening and rotating the toner container from the first toner position to the second toner position.

[0020] Therefore, operability can be improved compared to when the operation of inserting the toner container into the insertion opening and the operation of opening and closing the shutter of the replenishing device are performed separately.

[0021] Furthermore, the user can rotate the toner container from the second toner position to the first toner position, close the shutter of the replenishing device, and then pull out the toner container from the insertion opening.

[0022] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the toner container from being removed while the shutter of the supply device is open.

[0023] (7) The cartridge may further include a first transmission member that is capable of transmitting power to the toner container when the toner container is connected to the replenishing device.

[0024] (8) The main body housing may have a drive source and a second transmission member. When the cartridge is installed in the main body housing, the second transmission member can transmit power from the drive source to the first transmission member.

[0025] (9) The cartridge may further include a sensor that detects that the toner container is located at the second toner position. When the sensor detects that the toner container is located at the second toner position, the drive source is operable.

[0026] According to this configuration, power can be input to the toner container when the toner container is located at the second toner position, and power input to the toner container can be released when the toner container is not located at the second toner position.

[0027] (10) The cartridge may further include a stopper. When the toner container is located in the second toner position, the stopper engages with a portion of the toner container. When the toner container is located in the second toner position, the stopper prevents the toner container from being removed from the receiving portion.

[0028] (11) The developing device may be movable relative to the photosensitive drum, and the replenishing device may be immovable relative to the photosensitive drum.

[0029] (12) The replenishing device has a discharge section. The discharge section has a discharge port. The discharge port is capable of discharging toner. The developing device has a storage section. The storage section is capable of storing toner discharged from the discharge port. The cartridge may further have a sealing member. The sealing member seals between the discharge section and the storage section.

[0030] (13) The toner container has a toner discharge port. The toner discharge port is capable of discharging toner from the toner container. When the toner container is connected to the toner supply device, the toner container may extend in a direction that slopes downward toward the toner discharge port.

[0031] According to this configuration, the toner in the toner container can be transported toward the toner discharge port by utilizing gravity.

[0032] (14) The cartridge of the present disclosure can be installed in an image forming apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the image forming apparatus and cartridge of the present disclosure, toner can be smoothly replenished into the cartridge. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the attachment and detachment of the cartridge shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the supply of toner to the developing device, showing a state in which the toner container is inserted into the insertion opening of the cartridge and is located at the second toner position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the shutter is located at the shutter closed position. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the cartridge shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a side view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 4, seen from the opposite side to that of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 4, showing the state in which the shutter is located at the shutter open position. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the receiving portion shown in FIG. 4 taken along line AA. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the supply of toner to the developing device, showing a state in which the toner container is inserted into the insertion opening of the cartridge and is located at the first toner position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the toner container. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the toner container shown in FIG. 10 as seen from a different angle. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the toner container shown in FIG. 10, showing the toner container in the first toner position and the toner shutter in the closed position. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the toner container shown in FIG. 10, showing the toner container in the second toner position and the toner shutter in the open position. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the movement of the manual feed tray, showing the manual feed tray in the second position. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus, showing a state in which the manual feed tray is located at the second position and the toner container is inserted into the insertion opening of the cartridge. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] 1. Overview of image forming apparatus 1 An outline of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body housing 2, a cover 3, a sheet storage section 4, a cartridge 5, an exposure device 6, and a fixing device .

[0037] 1.1 Main body casing 2 The main body housing 2 accommodates a sheet storage section 4, a cartridge 5, an exposure device 6, and a fixing device 7. The main body housing 2 has an opening 21 (see FIG. 2).

[0038] 1.2 Cover 3 The cover 3 is movable between a cover closed position (see FIG. 1) and a cover open position (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 1, when the cover 3 is in the cover closed position, the cover 3 closes the opening 21. As shown in FIG. 2, when the cover 3 is in the cover open position, the opening 21 is open.

[0039] 1.3 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 the transfer device 54. The transfer device 54 will be described later.

[0040] 1.4 Cartridge 5 The cartridge 5 is mountable in the image forming apparatus 1. More specifically, the cartridge 5 is mounted in the main body housing 2. As shown in FIG. 2, with the cover 3 in the cover open position, the cartridge 5 can be replaced through the opening 21. The cartridge 5 is replaced, for example, when deterioration of the photosensitive drum 51 or the developing roller 531 is suspected. Note that there are no limitations on the timing at which the cartridge 5 is replaced. The photosensitive drum 51 and the developing roller 531 will be described later.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the cartridge 5 includes a photosensitive drum 51, a charging device 52, a developing device 53, and a transfer device .

[0042] 1.4.1 Photosensitive drum 51 The photosensitive drum 51 is rotatable about a drum axis A1. When the cartridge 5 is attached to the main body casing 2, the drum axis A1 extends in a first direction. The photosensitive drum 51 extends in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 51 has a cylindrical shape.

[0043] When the cartridge 5 is attached to the main body housing 2, the photosensitive drum 51 is located between the fixing device 7 and the cover 3 in the second direction. The second direction intersects with the first direction. Preferably, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. When the image forming apparatus 1 is placed on a horizontal surface, the second direction is the horizontal direction.

[0044] When the cartridge 5 is attached to the main body housing 2, the photosensitive drum 51 is located between the sheet storage unit 4 and the exposure device 6 in the third direction. The third direction intersects with the first and second directions. Preferably, the third direction is perpendicular to the first and second directions. When the image forming apparatus 1 is placed on a horizontal surface, the third direction is the vertical direction. When the image forming apparatus 1 is placed on a horizontal surface and the cartridge 5 is attached to the main body housing 2, the photosensitive drum 51 is located below the exposure device 6.

[0045] 1.4.2 Charging device 52 The charging device 52 charges the photosensitive drum 51. In this embodiment, the charging device 52 is a charging roller. The charging device 52 may be a scorotron type charger.

[0046] 1.4.3 Developing device 53 The developing device 53 is capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum 51. The developing device 53 is located between the photosensitive drum 51 and the cover 3 in the second direction. The developing device 53 is located between the exposure device 6 and the sheet storage unit 4 in the third direction. The developing device 53 has a developing roller 531 and a developing housing 532.

[0047] The developing roller 531 is capable of supplying toner in the developing housing 532 to the photosensitive drum 51. The developing roller 531 contacts the photosensitive drum 51. The developing roller 531 may be capable of being separated from the photosensitive drum 51. The developing roller 531 extends in a first direction. The developing roller 531 is rotatable about a developing axis A2. The developing axis A2 extends in the first direction.

[0048] The developing housing 532 supports the developing roller 531. The developing housing 532 is capable of containing toner. More specifically, the developing housing 532 has a containing section 530. In other words, the developing device 53 has the containing section 530. The containing section 530 is capable of containing toner.

[0049] 1.4.4 Transfer device 54 The transfer device 54 transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 51 onto the sheet S. More specifically, the sheet S from the sheet storage unit 4 passes between the transfer device 54 and the photosensitive drum 51. At this time, the transfer device 54 transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 51 onto the sheet S. In this embodiment, the transfer device 54 is a transfer roller.

[0050] 1.5 Exposure equipment 6 With the cartridge 5 attached to the main body casing 2, the exposure device 6 can expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 that has been charged by the charging device 52. The developing device 53 supplies toner to the exposed surface of the photosensitive drum 51. In this embodiment, the exposure device 6 is a laser scanning unit. The exposure device 6 may also be an LED head.

[0051] 1.7 Fusing unit 7 The fixing device 7 is located away from the cover 3 in the second direction. The fixing device 7 fixes the toner to the sheet S. In this embodiment, the fixing device 7 fixes the toner to the sheet S by applying heat and pressure to the sheet S onto which the toner has been transferred. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 7 is discharged to the top surface of the main body housing 2. 2. Cartridge 5 Details The cartridge 5 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 to 8. In the following description of the cartridge 5, the "first direction," "second direction," and "third direction" refer to the "first direction," "second direction," and "third direction" when the cartridge 5 is attached to the main body casing 2.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3 , the image forming apparatus 1 of the present disclosure is capable of replenishing toner to the developing device 53 while the cartridge 5 is installed in the main body housing 2. To replenishing toner, an operator connects the toner container B, which contains toner, to a replenishing device 56 of the cartridge 5 while the cartridge 5 is installed in the main body housing 2. The replenishing device 56 will be described later. The replenishing device 56 can replenishing toner from the toner container B to the developing device 53 whether the image forming apparatus 1 is forming an image or not. After the toner replenishing is complete, the toner container B can be removed from the cartridge 5 whether the image forming apparatus 1 is forming an image or not.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, the cartridge 5 has, in addition to the photosensitive drum 51, charging device 52, developing device 53 and transfer device 54 described above, a frame 55, a supply device 56, a sealing member 57, a first transmission member 58, a sensor 59 (see FIG. 8), two stoppers 60A and 60B, a drum cleaner 61, a waste toner storage section 62, a waste toner tube 63 (see FIG. 5), a screw 64 (see FIG. 5) and a guide section 65.

[0054] 2.1 Frame 55 The frame 55 supports the photosensitive drum 51 , the charging device 52 , the developing device 53 , the transfer device 54 , the replenishing device 56 , the drum cleaner 61 , the waste toner container 62 , and the waste toner pipe 63 .

[0055] 5 and 6, the frame 55 has two side plates 551A and 551B. In other words, the cartridge 5 has two side plates 551A and 551B.

[0056] 5, the side plate 551A is located at one end of the frame 55 in the first direction. The side plate 551A extends in the second and third directions. The side plate 551A supports one end of the photosensitive drum 51, one end of the charging device 52, one end of the developing device 53, and one end of the transfer device 54. The side plate 551A has two through holes 5511A and 5512A.

[0057] The through hole 5511A is positioned away from the photosensitive drum 51 in the fourth direction. The fourth direction is a direction connecting the drum axis A1 and the development axis A2. The through hole 5511A extends in the fourth direction. The through hole 5511A is an elongated hole. A protrusion 533A of the developing device 53 fits into the through hole 5511A. The protrusion 533A will be described later.

[0058] The through hole 5512A is located away from the through hole 5511A in the fourth direction. The through hole 5512A is located between the photosensitive drum 51 and the through hole 5511A in the fourth direction. The through hole 5512A extends in the fourth direction. The through hole 5512A is an elongated hole. The protrusion 534A of the developing device 53 fits into the through hole 5511A. The protrusion 534A will be described later.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, the side plate 551B is located at the other end of the frame 55 in the first direction. The side plate 551B is located away from the side plate 551A in the first direction. The side plate 551B extends in the second and third directions. The side plate 551B supports the other end of the photosensitive drum 51, the other end of the charging device 52, the other end of the developing device 53, and the other end of the transfer device 54. The side plate 551B has two through holes 5511B and 5512B.

[0060] The through hole 5511B is positioned away from the photosensitive drum 51 in the fourth direction. The through hole 5511B extends in the fourth direction. The through hole 5511B is an elongated hole. A protrusion 533B of the developing device 53 fits into the through hole 5511B. The protrusion 533B will be described later.

[0061] The through hole 5512B is located away from the through hole 5511B in the fourth direction. The through hole 5512B is located between the photosensitive drum 51 and the through hole 5511B in the fourth direction. The through hole 5512B extends in the fourth direction. The through hole 5512B is an elongated hole. The protrusion 534B of the developing device 53 fits into the through hole 5512B. The protrusion 534B will be described later.

[0062] 2.2 Details of developing unit 53 4 and 5, the developing device 53 is located between the side plates 551A and 551B in the first direction. More specifically, the developing housing 532 is located between the side plates 551A and 551B in the first direction.

[0063] 5 and 6, the developing device 53 has two protrusions 533A, 534A and two protrusions 533B, 534B in addition to the developing roller 531 and the developing housing 532. The developing device 53 has a receiving port 535 (see FIG. 4).

[0064] 2.2.1 Protrusion 533A, 534A As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 533A is located away from the photosensitive drum 51 in the fourth direction. The protrusion 533A is located at one end of the developing device 53 in the first direction. The protrusion 533A extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the protrusion 533A extends from one outer surface of the developing housing 532 in the first direction. The protrusion 533A may be attached to one outer surface of the developing housing 532 in the first direction. The protrusion 533A has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 533A fits into the through-hole 5511A of the side plate 551A.

[0065] The protrusion 534A is located between the photosensitive drum 51 and the protrusion 533A in the fourth direction. The protrusion 534A is located at one end of the developing device 53 in the first direction. The protrusion 534A extends in the first direction. In the present embodiment, the protrusion 534A extends from one outer surface of the developing casing 532 in the first direction. The protrusion 534A may be attached to one outer surface of the developing casing 532 in the first direction. The protrusion 534A has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 534A may be one end of the shaft of the developing roller 531. The protrusion 534A fits into the through-hole 5512A of the side plate 551A.

[0066] 2.2.2 Protrusion 533B, 534B As shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 533B is located away from the photosensitive drum 51 in the fourth direction. The protrusion 533B is located at the other end of the developing device 53 in the first direction. The protrusion 533B extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the protrusion 533B extends from the other outer surface of the developing housing 532 in the first direction. The protrusion 533B may be attached to the other outer surface of the developing housing 532 in the first direction. The protrusion 533B has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 533B fits into the through-hole 5511B of the side plate 551B.

[0067] The protrusion 534B is located between the photosensitive drum 51 and the protrusion 533B in the fourth direction. The protrusion 534B is located at the other end of the developing device 53 in the first direction. The protrusion 534B extends in the first direction. In the present embodiment, the protrusion 534B extends from the other outer surface of the developing casing 532 in the first direction. The protrusion 534B may be attached to the other outer surface of the developing casing 532 in the first direction. The protrusion 534B has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 534B may be the other end of the shaft of the developing roller 531. The protrusion 534B fits into the through-hole 5512B of the side plate 551B.

[0068] The developing device 53 can move relative to the photosensitive drum 51 by fitting the protrusion 533A into the through hole 5511A of the side plate 551A, the protrusion 534A into the through hole 5512A of the side plate 551A, the protrusion 533B into the through hole 5511B of the side plate 551B, and the protrusion 534B into the through hole 5512B of the side plate 551B.

[0069] 2.2.3 Intake port 535 4, the developing housing 532 has a receiving port 535. The receiving port 535 communicates with the internal space of the storage portion 530. A discharge portion 564 of the replenishing device 56 fits into the receiving port 535. The discharge portion 564 will be described later.

[0070] 2.3 Supply device 56 3, the supply device 56 can be connected to the toner container B. The supply device 56 supplies the toner from the toner container B to the developing device 53.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4, the supply device 56 includes a receiving section 561, a toner tube 562, a belt conveyor 563, a discharge section 564, and a shutter 565.

[0072] 2.3.1 Reception Department 561 The receiving portion 561 is capable of receiving the toner container B. The receiving portion 561 extends in the second direction. The receiving portion 561 has a cylindrical shape. The receiving portion 561 has an insertion opening 5611 and a toner receiving port 5612. In other words, the replenishing device 56 has the insertion opening 5611.

[0073] The insertion opening 5611 is located at one end of the receiving portion 561 in the second direction. As shown in Fig. 3, when the cartridge 5 is attached to the main body housing 2, the insertion opening 5611 of the supply device 56 is located within the opening 21 of the main body housing 2. The toner container B is inserted into the insertion opening 5611.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 4, the toner receiving opening 5612 communicates with the internal space of the toner tube 562. As shown in Fig. 3, when the cartridge 5 is mounted in the main body housing 2, the toner receiving opening 5612 is located at the lower end of the receiving portion 561. When the toner container B is connected to the replenishing device 56, the toner receiving opening 5612 can receive toner from the toner container B.

[0075] 2.3.2 Toner Tube 562 As shown in FIG. 4 , toner tube 562 allows toner to pass from toner receiving port 5612 toward developing device 53. Toner tube 562 connects receiving portion 561 and developing device 53. Toner tube 562 extends in the second direction. One end of toner tube 562 in the second direction is connected to receiving portion 561. The other end of toner tube 562 in the second direction is connected to developing housing 532. Toner tube 562 is fixed to waste toner storage portion 62. Because toner tube 562 is fixed to waste toner storage portion 62, replenishing device 56 is immovable relative to photosensitive drum 51.

[0076] 2.3.3 Belt conveyor 563 Belt conveyor 563 transports the toner from receiving unit 561 in the second direction toward discharge unit 564. Belt conveyor 563 is located inside toner tube 562.

[0077] 2.3.4 Discharge section 564 The discharge portion 564 is capable of discharging toner inside the toner tube 562. The discharge portion 564 is located at the other end of the toner tube 562 in the second direction. The discharge portion 564 extends from the toner tube 562 toward the developing device 53. The discharge portion 564 extends in the third direction. The discharge portion 564 has a cylindrical shape. The discharge portion 564 fits into the receiving port 535 of the developing device 53. The discharge portion 564 has a discharge opening 5641.

[0078] The discharge port 5641 allows the toner to be discharged. The discharge port 5641 communicates with the internal space of the toner tube 562. When the discharge portion 564 is fitted into the receiving port 535 of the developing device 53, the discharge port 5641 communicates with the internal space of the storage portion 530 of the developing device 53. This allows the storage portion 530 to store the toner discharged from the discharge port 5641.

[0079] 2.3.5 Shutter 565 The shutter 565 is located within the receiving portion 561. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the shutter 565 is movable between a shutter closed position (see FIG. 4) and a shutter open position (see FIG. 7). The shutter 565 is rotatable about an axis A3 between the shutter closed position and the shutter open position. The axis A3 extends in the direction in which the receiving portion 561 extends. In this embodiment, the axis A3 extends in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 4, when the shutter 565 is located in the shutter closed position, the shutter 565 closes the toner receiving opening 5612. As shown in FIG. 7, when the shutter 565 is located in the shutter open position, the toner receiving opening 5612 is open.

[0080] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the shutter 565 has a shutter main body 5651 and a side plate 5652.

[0081] The shutter body 5651 extends along the inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion 561. In this embodiment, the shutter body 5651 has a cylindrical shape. The shutter body 5651 has a shutter opening 5651A.

[0082] When the shutter 565 is in the shutter closed position, the shutter opening 5651A is positioned away from the toner receiving opening 5612 in the movement direction of the shutter 565. As a result, when the shutter 565 is in the shutter closed position, the shutter 565 closes the toner receiving opening 5612. As shown in FIG. 7, when the shutter 565 is in the shutter open position, at least a portion of the shutter opening 5651A communicates with the toner receiving opening 5612. As a result, when the shutter 565 is in the shutter open position, the toner receiving opening 5612 is open.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 4, the side plate 5652 is located at the other end of the shutter 565 in the second direction. The side plate 5652 is connected to the other end of the shutter body 5651 in the second direction. In this embodiment, the side plate 5652 has a circular shape. The side plate 5652 extends in a direction intersecting the axis A3. Preferably, the side plate 5652 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis A3. The side plate 5652 has a first through hole 56521 and a plurality of second through holes 56522A, 56522B.

[0084] The first through hole 56521 is located in the center of the side plate 5652. The first coupling 58B of the first transmission member 58 is located within the first through hole 56521. The first coupling 58B of the first transmission member 58 passes through the first through hole 56521 and is exposed within the receiving portion 561. The first coupling 58B will be described later.

[0085] The second through hole 56522A is positioned away from the first through hole 56521. The second through hole 56522A is positioned away from the axis A3. When the toner container B is inserted into the insertion opening 5611, the protrusion 102A (see FIG. 10) of the toner container B fits into the second through hole 56522A. The protrusion 102A will be described later.

[0086] The second through hole 56522B is positioned away from the first through hole 56521. The second through hole 56522B is positioned away from the axis A3. When the toner container B is inserted into the insertion opening 5611, the protrusion 102B (see FIG. 10) of the toner container B fits into the second through hole 56522B. The protrusion 102B will be described later.

[0087] With the toner container B inserted into the insertion opening 5611, the protrusion 102A of the toner container B fits into the second through-hole 56522A, and the protrusion 102B of the toner container B fits into the second through-hole 56522B, thereby allowing the shutter 565 to rotate together with the container 101 (see FIG. 10) of the toner container B. The container 101 will be described later. With the toner container B inserted into the insertion opening 5611, as the toner container B rotates from the first toner position (see FIG. 9) to the second toner position (see FIG. 3), the shutter 565 moves from the shutter closed position (see FIG. 4) to the shutter open position (see FIG. 7). The first toner position and the second toner position will be described later. Furthermore, with the toner container B inserted into the insertion opening 5611, as the toner container B rotates from the second toner position to the first toner position, the shutter 565 moves from the shutter open position to the shutter closed position.

[0088] 2.4 Sealing material 57 As shown in FIG. 4 , the seal member 57 is disposed around the discharge portion 564. The seal member 57 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the discharge portion 564 and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port 535. The seal member 57 seals between the discharge portion 564 and the accommodating portion 530. More specifically, the seal member 57 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the discharge portion 564 and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port 535. The seal member 57 is elastically deformable. When the developing device 53 moves relative to the photosensitive drum 51, the seal member 57 elastically deforms between the discharge portion 564 and the accommodating portion 530 in accordance with the movement of the developing device 53. This allows the seal member 57 to seal between the discharge portion 564 and the accommodating portion 530 when the developing device 53 moves relative to the photosensitive drum 51. As a result, when the developing device 53 moves relative to the photosensitive drum 51, toner spillage from between the discharge portion 564 and the accommodating portion 530 can be suppressed.

[0089] 2.5 First transmission member 58 The first transmission member 58 is attached to the other end of the receiving portion 561 in the second direction. When the toner container B is connected to the replenishing device 56, the first transmission member 58 can transmit power to the toner container B. The first transmission member 58 is rotatable relative to the receiving portion 561. The first transmission member 58 is rotatable about an axis A4. The axis A4 extends in the direction in which the receiving portion 561 extends. In this embodiment, the axis A4 extends in the second direction. The axis A4 may coincide with the axis A3. The first transmission member 58 has a shaft 58A, a first coupling 58B, and a second coupling 58C.

[0090] The shaft 58A extends in the second direction. The shaft 58A extends along the axis A4. The shaft 58A connects the first coupling 58B and the second coupling 58C. The shaft 58A transmits power from the second coupling 58C to the first coupling 58B.

[0091] The first coupling 58B is located within the receiving portion 561. The first coupling 58B is connected to one end of the shaft 58A in the second direction. The first coupling 58B is rotatable together with the shaft 58A. When the toner container B is inserted into the insertion opening 5611, the first coupling 58B is connected to the coupling 104 (see FIG. 10) of the toner container B. The coupling 104 will be described later. When the first coupling 58B is connected to the coupling 104, the first coupling 58B is rotatable together with the coupling 104. When the toner container B is inserted into the insertion opening 5611, the first coupling 58B is able to transmit power to the coupling 104.

[0092] The second coupling 58C is located outside the receiving portion 561. The second coupling 58C is connected to the other end of the shaft 58A in the second direction. The second coupling 58C is rotatable together with the shaft 58A. When the cartridge 5 is installed in the main body housing 2, the second coupling 58C is connected to the main body coupling 23B (see FIG. 2) of the main body housing 2. The main body coupling 23B will be described later. When the second coupling 58C is connected to the main body coupling 23B, the second coupling 58C is rotatable together with the main body coupling 23B. When the cartridge 5 is installed in the main body housing 2, the second coupling 58C can receive power from the main body coupling 23B.

[0093] 2.6 Sensors 59 As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the sensor 59 is located within the other end of the receiving portion 561 in the second direction. The sensor 59 detects that the toner container B is located at the second toner position (see FIG. 3). The type of the sensor 59 is not limited. In this embodiment, the sensor 59 is a photosensor. The sensor 59 has a light-emitting element 59A and a light-receiving element 59B. The light-receiving element 59B is located away from the light-emitting element 59A. The light-receiving element 59B receives light from the light-emitting element 59A. When the toner container B is inserted into the insertion opening 5611 and the toner container B is located at the second toner position, the protrusion 102A of the toner container B is located between the light-emitting element 59A and the light-receiving element 59B. When the protrusion 102A is located between the light-emitting element 59A and the light-receiving element 59B, the light from the light-emitting element 59A toward the light-receiving element 59B is blocked. When the light from the light emitting element 59A to the light receiving element 59B is blocked, the sensor 59 detects that the toner container B is located at the second toner position.

[0094] 2.7 Stopper 60A As shown in FIG. 4, the stopper 60A is located within one end of the receiving portion 561 in the second direction. The stopper 60A is located on the inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion 561. The stopper 60A has a groove 601. The groove 601 extends along the inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion 561. When the toner container B is inserted into the receiving portion 561 and the toner container B is located in the second toner position, the stopper 60A engages with a part of the toner container B. When the toner container B is inserted into the insertion opening 5611 and the toner container B is located in the second toner position, the stopper 60A engages with a protrusion 102C (see FIG. 11) of the toner container B. The protrusion 102C will be described later. When the toner container B is inserted into the insertion opening 5611 and the toner container B is located in the second toner position, the protrusion 102C of the toner container B fits into the groove 601. As a result, when the toner container B is inserted into the insertion opening 5611 and is positioned at the second toner position, the stopper 60A prevents the toner container B from coming off the receiving portion 561.

[0095] The stopper 60B is located within one end of the receiving portion 561 in the second direction. The stopper 60B is located on the inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion 561. The stopper 60B protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion 561. The stopper 60B is a rib. When the toner container B is inserted into the insertion opening 5611, the stopper 60B engages with the protrusion 1032 (see FIG. 11) of the toner shutter 103. The toner shutter 103 will be described later. When the toner container B is inserted into the insertion opening 5611, the stopper 60B prevents the toner shutter 103 from rotating together with the container 101 of the toner container B.

[0096] 2.8 Drum Cleaner 61 As shown in FIG. 4, the drum cleaner 61 cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. The drum cleaner 61 is located at the other end of the cartridge 5 in the second direction. The drum cleaner 61 is located between a side plate 551A (see FIG. 5) and a side plate 551B in the first direction. The drum cleaner 61 has a cleaner housing 611 and a cleaning member 612.

[0097] The cleaner housing 611 is located between the side plate 551A and the side plate 551B in the first direction. The cleaner housing 611 extends in the first direction. One end of the cleaner housing 611 in the first direction is connected to the side plate 551A. The other end of the cleaner housing 611 in the first direction is connected to the side plate 551B. The cleaner housing 611 has an opening 6111. The cleaner housing 611 stores waste toner.

[0098] The cleaning member 612 is attached to the cleaner housing 611. The cleaning member 612 extends in a first direction. The cleaning member 612 has a plate shape. The cleaning member 612 cleans the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51. Specifically, the edge of the cleaning member 612 comes into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. When the photosensitive drum 51 rotates, waste toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 comes into contact with the edge of the cleaning member 612 and is removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. The removed waste toner passes through the opening 6111 and is stored in the cleaner housing 611.

[0099] 2.9 Waste toner storage compartment 62 As shown in Fig. 4, waste toner storage section 62 stores waste toner. Waste toner storage section 62 is located at one end of cartridge 5 in the second direction. Waste toner storage section 62 is located between side plate 551A and side plate 551B in the first direction. When cartridge 5 is attached to main body housing 2 and cover 3 is in the closed position (see Fig. 2), waste toner storage section 62 is located between developing device 53 and cover 3.

[0100] 2.10 Waste Toner Tube 63 As shown in FIG. 5, waste toner tube 63 is attached to side plate 551A. Waste toner tube 63 is located on the opposite side of side plate 551A from side plate 551B in the first direction. When viewed from the first direction, waste toner tube 63 overlaps with a portion of photosensitive drum 51. Waste toner tube 63 extends in the second direction. One end of waste toner tube 63 in the second direction is connected to waste toner storage unit 62. The other end of waste toner tube 63 in the second direction is connected to drum cleaner 61 (see FIG. 4). Waste toner flowing from drum cleaner 61 to waste toner storage unit 62 passes through waste toner tube 63.

[0101] 2.11 Screw 64 The screw 64 is located inside the waste toner tube 63. The screw 64 transports the toner in the drum cleaner 61 to the waste toner storage unit 62. There are no limitations on the type of screw 64 as long as it can transport the toner. Examples of the screw 64 include an auger screw and a shaftless screw.

[0102] 2.12 Guide part 65 4, the guide portion 65 is located on the opposite side of the waste toner storage portion 62 from the replenishing device 56 in the third direction. The guide portion 65 is located away from the photosensitive drum 51 in the second direction. The guide portion 65 has a first guide portion 65A and a second guide portion 65B.

[0103] 3, when the cartridge 5 is installed in the main body housing 2, the first guide portion 65A guides the sheet S transported from the manual feed tray 8 toward the photosensitive drum 51. In other words, when the cartridge 5 is installed in the main body housing 2, the guide portion 65 guides the sheet S transported from the manual feed tray 8 toward the photosensitive drum 51. The manual feed tray 8 will be described later.

[0104] 4, the second guide portion 65B is located between the first guide portion 65A and the photosensitive drum 51 in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 1, when the cartridge 5 is installed in the main body housing 2, the second guide portion 65B guides the sheet S transported from the sheet accommodating portion 4 toward the photosensitive drum 51. In other words, when the cartridge 5 is installed in the main body housing 2, the guide portion 65B guides the sheet S transported from the sheet accommodating portion 4 toward the photosensitive drum 51.

[0105] 3. Details of the main body 2 The main body housing 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 9. FIG.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 2, the main body housing 2 has a drive source 22 and a second transmission member .

[0107] 3.1 Driving Source22 With the cartridge 5 mounted in the main body casing 2, the driving source 22 is connected to the sensor 59 via a control device (not shown).

[0108] As shown in FIG. 3, when the cartridge 5 is mounted in the main housing 2, the toner container B is inserted into the receiving portion 561, and the sensor 59 detects that the toner container B is positioned at the second toner position, the drive source 22 can be driven by being controlled by the control device.

[0109] 9, when the cartridge 5 is mounted in the main body housing 2, the toner container B is inserted into the receiving portion 561, and the sensor 59 does not detect that the toner container B is located at the second toner position, the driving source 22 does not operate. In other words, when the cartridge 5 is mounted in the main body housing 2, the toner container B is inserted into the receiving portion 561, and the toner container B is located at the first toner position, the driving source 22 does not operate.

[0110] Specifically, the driving source 22 is a motor. As shown in Fig. 2, the driving source 22 has a shaft 22A and a gear 22B. The gear 22B is rotatable together with the shaft 22A.

[0111] 3.2 Second transmission member 23 The second transmission member 23 is rotatable by receiving power from the drive source 22. In detail, the second transmission member 23 has a gear 23A and a main body coupling 23B.

[0112] The gear 23A meshes with a gear 22B of the driving source 22.

[0113] The main body coupling 23B is rotatable together with the gear 23A. As shown in FIG. 3, when the cartridge 5 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the main body coupling 23B is connected to the second coupling 58C of the cartridge 5 (see FIG. 4). When the main body coupling 23B is connected to the second coupling 58C, the main body coupling 23B is rotatable together with the second coupling 58C. As a result, when the cartridge 5 is attached inside the main body housing 2, the second transmission member 23 can transmit power from the drive source 22 to the first transmission member 58.

[0114] 4. Details of Toner Container B Next, the toner container B will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3, 9, and 10 to 13. FIG.

[0115] As shown in Fig. 3, the toner container B can store toner to be supplied to the developing device 53. As shown in Fig. 10, the toner container B has a container 101, a plurality of protrusions 102A, 102B, and 102C (see Fig. 11), a toner shutter 103, a coupling 104, an agitator 105 (see Fig. 12), and a grip 106.

[0116] 4.1 Container 101 The container 101 extends in a predetermined direction. As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, when the cartridge 5 is mounted in the main body housing 2 and the toner container B is inserted into the receiving portion 561, the container 101 extends in the second direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, when the toner container B is inserted into the insertion opening 5611, the toner container B can rotate about an axis A5 between a first toner position (see FIG. 9) and a second toner position (see FIG. 3). More specifically, when the toner container B is inserted into the insertion opening 5611, the container 101 of the toner container B can rotate about the axis A5 between the first toner position (see FIG. 9) and the second toner position (see FIG. 3). The axis A5 extends in the insertion direction of the toner container B into the insertion opening 5611. In this embodiment, the axis A5 extends in the second direction.

[0117] 10, the container 101 has a cylindrical shape. The container 101 can contain toner. The container 101 has a toner discharge port 1011. In other words, the toner container B has a toner discharge port 1011.

[0118] The toner discharge port 1011 communicates with the internal space of the container 101. The toner discharge port 1011 allows the toner in the container 101 of the toner container B to be discharged.

[0119] 4.2 Protrusions 102A, 102B, 102C The protrusion 102A is located at one end of the container 101 in the extension direction of the container 101. The protrusion 102A extends in the extension direction of the container 101. The protrusion 102A is located away from the coupling 104 in the radial direction of the container 101.

[0120] The protrusion 102B is located at one end of the container 101 in the extension direction of the container 101. The protrusion 102B extends in the extension direction of the container 101. The protrusion 102B is located away from the coupling 104 in the radial direction of the container 101. The protrusion 102B is located on the opposite side of the protrusion 102A from the coupling 104 in the radial direction of the container 101.

[0121] 11, the protrusions 102C are located on the circumferential surface of the container 101. The protrusions 102C extend in the radial direction of the container 101.

[0122] 4.3 Toner Shutter 103 As shown in FIG. 10, the toner shutter 103 is located on the outer circumferential surface of the container 101. The toner shutter 103 is movable relative to the container 101 along the outer circumferential surface of the container 101. As shown in FIG. 12, when the container 101 is located in the first toner position, the toner shutter 103 is located in a closed position relative to the container 101. When the toner shutter 103 is located in the closed position, the toner shutter 103 closes the toner discharge port 1011. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, when the container 101 is located in the second toner position, the toner shutter 103 is located in an open position relative to the container 101. When the toner shutter 103 is located in the open position, the toner discharge port 1011 is open. As shown in FIG. 10, the toner shutter 103 has a cylindrical shape. The toner shutter 103 has an opening 1031 and a protrusion 1032 (see FIG. 11).

[0123] 10, when the toner shutter 103 is in the closed position, the opening 1031 is located away from the toner discharge port 1011. As shown in FIG. 13, when the toner shutter 103 is in the open position, at least a portion of the opening 1031 communicates with the toner discharge port 1011.

[0124] 11, the protrusion 1032 is located on the outer circumferential surface of the toner shutter 103. The protrusion 1032 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the toner shutter 103.

[0125] 4.4 Coupling 104 As shown in Fig. 10, the coupling 104 is located on one side of the container 101 in the direction in which the container 101 extends. As shown in Fig. 9, when the cartridge 5 is mounted in the main body casing 2 and the toner container B is inserted into the insertion opening 5611, the coupling 104 is connected to the first coupling 58B (see Fig. 2). When the coupling 104 is connected to the first coupling 58B, the coupling 104 can rotate together with the first coupling 58B. This allows the coupling 104 to receive power from the first coupling 58B.

[0126] 4.5 Agitator 105 12, the agitator 105 is located inside the container 101. The agitator 105 agitates the toner inside the container 101. The agitator 105 transports the toner inside the container 101 toward the toner discharge port 1011. The agitator 105 is rotatable together with the coupling 104.

[0127] 4.6 Grip 106 11, grip 106 is located at the other end of container 101 in the extension direction of container 101. A user can grasp grip 106 to rotate container 101 between the toner first position and the toner second position.

[0128] 5. Cover 3 Details As shown in FIG. 14, the cover 3 has a cover opening 31 .

[0129] When the cartridge 5 is mounted in the main body housing 2 and the cover 3 is in the cover closed position, the insertion opening 5611 of the cartridge 5 is located within the cover opening 31. As a result, as shown in Figures 9 and 15, when the cartridge 5 is mounted in the main body housing 2 and the cover 3 is in the cover closed position, the cover opening 31 allows the toner container B to be inserted into the insertion opening 5611.

[0130] 6. Manual Feed Tray 8 As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the image forming apparatus 1 further includes a manual feed tray 8.

[0131] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 14, when the cover 3 is in the cover closed position, the manual feed tray 8 is movable between a first position (see FIG. 1) and a second position (see FIG. 14). As shown in FIG. 1, when the manual feed tray 8 is in the first position, the manual feed tray 8 covers the cover opening 31. When the manual feed tray 8 is in the first position, the manual feed tray 8 cannot hold a sheet S. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14, when the manual feed tray 8 is in the second position, the manual feed tray 8 does not cover the cover opening 31. When the manual feed tray 8 is in the second position, the manual feed tray 8 can hold a sheet S.

[0132] 7. Action and Effects (1) According to the image forming device 1, as shown in FIG. 3, when the cartridge 5 is mounted in the main body housing 2, the toner container B can be inserted into the insertion opening 5611 located in the opening 21 of the main body housing 2, thereby supplying toner to the developing device 53.

[0133] Therefore, even if the space around the image forming apparatus 1 is limited, the opening 21 of the main body housing 2 can be used to smoothly replenish the cartridge 5 with toner.

[0134] (2) According to the image forming apparatus 1, the cover 3 has the cover opening 31 as shown in FIG.

[0135] Therefore, with the cover 3 in the cover closed position, the toner container B can be inserted through the cover opening 31 into the insertion opening 5611 located within the opening 21 of the main body housing 2.

[0136] This allows toner to be replenished to the developing device 53 without stopping the image forming operation, even in the image forming device 1 that is configured to stop the image forming operation when the cover 3 is not positioned in the cover closed position.

[0137] (3) According to image forming apparatus 1, when manual tray 8 is located at the first position as shown in Fig. 1, manual tray 8 covers cover opening 31. When manual tray 8 is located at the second position as shown in Fig. 14, manual tray 8 does not cover cover opening 31.

[0138] Therefore, the cover opening 31 can be opened and closed by using the manual feed tray 8 without providing a separate member for opening and closing the cover opening 31.

[0139] (4) According to the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, when the toner container B is inserted into the insertion opening 5611, the shutter 565 (see FIG. 4) moves from the shutter closed position (see FIG. 4) to the shutter open position (see FIG. 7) in accordance with the rotation of the toner container B from the first toner position (see FIG. 3) to the second toner position (see FIG. 9).

[0140] Therefore, the user can open the shutter 565 of the supply device 56 by a series of operations of inserting the toner container B into the insertion opening 5611 and rotating the toner container B from the first toner position to the second toner position.

[0141] This improves operability compared to when the operation of inserting the toner container B into the insertion opening 5611 and the operation of opening the shutter 565 of the supply device 56 are performed separately.

[0142] Furthermore, with the toner container B inserted into the insertion opening 5611, the shutter 565 moves from the shutter open position to the shutter closed position as the toner container B rotates from the second toner position to the first toner position.

[0143] Therefore, the user can rotate the toner container B from the second toner position to the first toner position, close the shutter 565 of the supply device 56, and then pull out the toner container B from the insertion opening 5611.

[0144] This prevents the toner container B from being removed with the shutter 565 of the supply device 56 open.

[0145] According to the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 8, the drive source 22 (see FIG. 3) can be driven when the sensor 59 detects that the toner container B is located at the second toner position.

[0146] Therefore, power can be input to the toner container B when the toner container B is located at the second toner position.

[0147] Furthermore, the input of power to the toner container B can be released when the toner container B is not positioned at the second toner position.

[0148] 8. Variations As shown in FIG. 16, when the toner container B is connected to the replenishing device 56, the toner container B may extend in a direction that slopes downward as it approaches the toner discharge port 1011.

[0149] According to this modification, the toner in the toner container B can be transported toward the toner discharge port 1011 by utilizing gravity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 1. Image forming device 2 Main unit housing 21 Aperture 22 Power Source 23 Second transmission member 3 Cover 31 Cover opening 5 cartridges 51 Photosensitive drum 53 Developing device 530 Storage unit 531 Developing roller 56 Supply device 561 Acceptance Department 5611 Insertion opening 5612 Toner receiving port 564 Discharge section 5641 Outlet 565 Shutter 57 Sealing material 58 First transmission member 59 Sensors 60A stopper 65 Guide part 8 Manual feed tray B Toner container 1011 Toner outlet S seat

Claims

1. a main body housing having an opening; a cover that is movable between a cover closed position that closes the opening and a cover open position that opens the opening; a cartridge that is mounted in the main body housing and that can be replaced through the opening when the cover is in the cover open position; a manual feed tray; The cartridge comprises: A photosensitive drum; a developing device having a developing roller and capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a supply device connectable to a toner container and configured to supply toner from the toner container to the developing device, the supply device having an insertion opening into which the toner container is inserted; When the cartridge is attached to the main body housing, the insertion opening of the replenishing device is located within the opening of the main body housing, The cover is a cover opening that allows the toner container to be inserted into the insertion opening when the cover is positioned at the cover closed position; An image forming apparatus, wherein the manual feed tray is movable between a first position in which the cover opening is covered and a sheet cannot be placed on it when the cover is positioned in the cover closed position, and a second position in which the cover opening is not covered and a sheet can be placed on it.

2. A main body housing having an opening; a cover that is movable between a cover closed position that closes the opening and a cover open position that opens the opening; a cartridge that is attached to the main body housing and that can be replaced through the opening when the cover is in the cover open position; The cartridge comprises: A photosensitive drum; a developing device having a developing roller and capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a supply device connectable to a toner container and configured to supply toner from the toner container to the developing device, the supply device having an insertion opening into which the toner container is inserted; A first transmission member; a sensor; When the cartridge is attached to the main body housing, the insertion opening of the replenishing device is located within the opening of the main body housing, The supply device is a receiving section having the insertion opening and a toner receiving port capable of receiving toner from the toner container in a state in which the toner container is connected to the replenishing device; a toner pipe connecting the receiving portion and the developing device and allowing the toner to pass from the toner receiving port toward the developing device; a shutter that is movable between a shutter closed position that closes the toner receiving opening and a shutter open position that opens the toner receiving opening, When the toner container is inserted into the insertion opening, the toner container is rotatable between a first toner position and a second toner position about an axis extending in an insertion direction of the toner container relative to the insertion opening; The shutter is With the toner container inserted into the insertion opening, the shutter moves from the shutter closed position to the shutter open position as the toner container rotates from the first toner position to the second toner position, and moves from the shutter open position to the shutter closed position as the toner container rotates from the second toner position to the first toner position; the first transmission member is capable of transmitting power to the toner container in a state in which the toner container is connected to the replenishing device; The main body housing includes: A driving source; a second transmission member capable of transmitting power from the drive source to the first transmission member in a state in which the cartridge is mounted in the main body housing; the sensor detects that the toner container is located at the second toner position; The image forming apparatus, wherein the driving source is drivable in a state where the sensor detects that the toner container is located at the second toner position.

3. The cartridge comprises:

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a stopper that engages with a portion of the toner container to prevent the toner container from being removed from the receiving portion when the toner container is located at the second toner position.

4. A main body housing having an opening; a cover that is movable between a cover closed position that closes the opening and a cover open position that opens the opening; a cartridge that is attached to the main body housing and that can be replaced through the opening when the cover is in the cover open position; The cartridge comprises: A photosensitive drum; a developing device having a developing roller and capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a supply device connectable to a toner container and configured to supply toner from the toner container to the developing device, the supply device having an insertion opening into which the toner container is inserted; When the cartridge is attached to the main body housing, the insertion opening of the replenishing device is located within the opening of the main body housing, The toner container is a toner discharge port through which the toner in the toner container can be discharged; In the image forming apparatus, when the toner container is connected to the replenishing device, the toner container extends in a direction that slopes downward as it approaches the toner discharge port.

5. The cover is 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a cover opening that allows the toner container to be inserted into the insertion opening when the cover is in the cover closed position.

6. the image forming apparatus, 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a manual feed tray that is movable between a first position where the cover covers the cover opening and where a sheet cannot be placed when the cover is positioned in the cover closed position, and a second position where the cover does not cover the cover opening and where a sheet can be placed.

7. The cartridge comprises:

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a guide portion that guides a sheet conveyed from the manual feed tray toward the photosensitive drum in a state where the cartridge is mounted in the main body housing.

8. the image forming apparatus, Further provided with a sheet storage section capable of storing a sheet, The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the guide portion guides the sheet transported from the sheet storage portion toward the photosensitive drum when the cartridge is installed in the main body housing.

9. The cartridge comprises:

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first transmission member capable of transmitting power to said toner container in a state in which said toner container is connected to said replenishing device.

10. The main body housing includes: A driving source; 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a second transmission member capable of transmitting power from the drive source to the first transmission member in a state in which the cartridge is mounted in the main body housing.

11. the developing device is movable relative to the photosensitive drum, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the replenishing device is immovable relative to the photosensitive drum.

12. The supply device is a discharge unit having a discharge port through which the toner can be discharged; The developing device is a storage section capable of storing the toner discharged from the discharge port; The cartridge comprises: The image forming apparatus according to claim 11 , further comprising a sealing member for sealing between the discharge section and the storage section, the sealing member being elastically deformable.

13. A cartridge that can be mounted in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, A cartridge comprising the photosensitive drum, the developing device, and the replenishment device.

Images