Cartridges and drum cartridges

Abstract

To provide a cartridge that can prevent toner from stagnating in a developing device, and a drum cartridge.SOLUTION: A cartridge 5Y comprises a photoconductor drum 51Y, a toner container 10Y, and a developing device 53Y. The toner container 10Y has a first storage chamber 612, a second storage chamber 613, a toner discharge port 617A, and a return toner receiving port 617B that communicates with the second storage chamber 613. A developing housing 531 of the developing device 53Y has a first developing chamber 530A, a second developing chamber 530B, a toner receiving port 531A, and a toner return port 531B that communicates with the second developing chamber 530B. With the cartridge 5Y mounted in an image forming apparatus 1, at least part of the second developing chamber 530B is arranged side by side with the second storage chamber 613 in the horizontal direction. The cartridge 5Y can smoothly return a toner in the developing housing 531 to the toner container 10Y through the toner return port 531B and return toner receiving port 617B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge and a drum cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a process cartridge for an image forming apparatus includes a drum cartridge and a toner cartridge. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a developing device. The developing device is capable of supplying toner from the toner cartridge to the photosensitive drum (see Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-155959 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the image forming device described in Patent Document 1, if the amount of toner supplied from the toner cartridge to the developing device is excessively large compared to the amount of toner supplied from the developing device to the photosensitive drum, there is a possibility that toner will accumulate in the developing device.

[0005] Toner remaining in the developing device tends to deteriorate as it is repeatedly charged in the developing device, resulting in a decrease in charging performance. If the amount of deteriorated toner increases in the developing device, image quality may deteriorate.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a cartridge and a drum cartridge that can prevent toner from accumulating in a developing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The cartridge of the present disclosure is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus. The cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a toner container, and a developing device. The photosensitive drum is rotatable about a first axis. The first axis extends in a first direction. The toner container is capable of containing toner. The developing device is capable of supplying toner in the toner container to the photosensitive drum. The developing device includes a developing housing and a developing roller. The developing housing is capable of containing toner from the toner container. The developing roller is supported by the developing housing. The developing roller is rotatable.

[0008] The toner container has a first container, a second container, a toner discharge port, and a returned toner receiving port. When the cartridge is installed in the image forming device, the second container is located lower than the first container. The second container communicates with the first container. The toner discharge port can discharge toner from the toner container. The returned toner receiving port communicates with the second container. The returned toner receiving port can receive returned toner. Returned toner is toner that returns from the developing device to the toner container.

[0009] The developing housing has a first developing chamber, a second developing chamber, a toner receiving port, and a toner return port. The first developing chamber houses a part of the developing roller. When the cartridge is mounted in the image forming device, the first developing chamber is located below the toner container. When the cartridge is mounted in the image forming device, the second developing chamber is located above the first developing chamber. The second developing chamber communicates with the first developing chamber. The toner receiving port can receive toner discharged from the toner discharge port. The toner return port communicates with the second developing chamber. The toner return port returns toner to the return toner receiving port.

[0010] When the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, at least a portion of the second developing chamber is aligned with the second containing chamber in the horizontal direction.

[0011] With this configuration, the toner in the developing housing can be smoothly returned to the toner container through the toner return port and the returned toner receiving port.

[0012] This allows the toner to circulate between the developing device and the toner container.

[0013] As a result, it is possible to prevent toner from accumulating in the developing device.

[0014] (2) The toner receiving port may be in communication with the first developing chamber.

[0015] (3) The toner discharge port may be in communication with the second storage chamber.

[0016] (4) The toner container may have a toner partition wall and a first toner transport member. The toner partition wall separates the first storage chamber from the second storage chamber. The toner partition wall has a first circulation port and a second circulation port. The first circulation port allows toner to pass from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber. The second circulation port allows toner to pass from the second storage chamber to the first storage chamber. The first toner transport member transports toner in the second storage chamber from the return toner receiving port toward the second circulation port.

[0017] This configuration prevents the returned toner that has entered the toner container through the returned toner receiving port from accumulating near the returned toner receiving port, allowing the returned toner from the developing device to be smoothly returned to the toner container through the returned toner receiving port.

[0018] (5) The toner container may have a second toner transport member that transports the toner in the second container chamber from the first outlet toward the toner outlet.

[0019] (6) The toner container may have a third toner transport member that transports the toner in the first container chamber toward the first outlet.

[0020] (7) The toner container may further include a third storage chamber. The third storage chamber is located above the first storage chamber when the cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus. The third storage chamber has a larger capacity than the first and second storage chambers.

[0021] (8) The developing device may have a developing partition wall, a first developing transport member, and a second developing transport member. The developing partition wall separates the first developing chamber from the second developing chamber. The developing partition wall has a developing flow port. The developing flow port allows toner to pass from the first developing chamber to the second developing chamber. The first developing transport member transports toner in the first developing chamber toward the developing flow port. The second developing transport member transports toner in the second developing chamber toward the toner return port.

[0022] This configuration allows toner to be smoothly transported toward the toner return port within the developing device. This allows toner that has deteriorated in the first developing chamber of the developing device to be returned to the toner container through the toner return port via the second developing chamber and mixed with unused toner in the toner container. As a result, deterioration of image quality due to the progression of toner deterioration in the developing device can be suppressed.

[0023] (9) The cartridge may further include a drum cleaner and a toner tube. The drum cleaner is capable of cleaning the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum. The toner tube allows recovered toner to pass through. The recovered toner is toner removed from the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum by the drum cleaner. The toner tube is connected to the developing housing. The developing housing may further include a recovered toner receiving port. The recovered toner receiving port is capable of receiving recovered toner from the toner tube.

[0024] According to this configuration, the recovered toner from the photosensitive drum can be returned to the developing housing through the recovered toner receiving port, mixed with unused toner, and supplied to the photosensitive drum again.

[0025] (10) The cartridge may further include a collected toner transport member that transports the toner in the toner tube.

[0026] (11) The cartridge may further include a seal member that seals the gap between the toner tube and the developing housing.

[0027] (12) The developing device may have a first developing shutter and a second developing shutter. The first developing shutter opens and closes the toner receiving opening. The second developing shutter opens and closes the toner returning opening.

[0028] (13) The toner container may have a first toner shutter and a second toner shutter. The first toner shutter opens and closes the toner discharge port. The second toner shutter opens and closes the return toner receiving port.

[0029] (14) The toner container may be detachable from the cartridge.

[0030] (15) The developing device may be movable relative to the photosensitive drum.

[0031] (16) A drum cartridge according to the present disclosure has a detachable toner container capable of storing toner, and is detachably mountable to an image forming device. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a developing device. The photosensitive drum is rotatable about a first axis. The first axis extends in a first direction. The developing device is capable of supplying toner in the toner container to the photosensitive drum. The developing device includes a developing housing and a developing roller. The developing housing is capable of storing toner from the toner container. The developing roller is supported by the developing housing. The developing roller is rotatable.

[0032] The toner container has a first container, a second container, a toner discharge port, and a returned toner receiving port. When the toner container is attached to the drum cartridge and the cartridge is attached to the image forming device, the second container is located lower than the first container. The second container communicates with the first container. The toner discharge port can discharge toner from the toner container. The returned toner receiving port communicates with the second container. The returned toner receiving port can receive returned toner. Returned toner is toner that returns to the toner container from the developing device.

[0033] The developing housing has a first developing chamber, a second developing chamber, a toner receiving port, and a toner return port. The first developing chamber houses a part of the developing roller. When the toner container is attached to the drum cartridge and the cartridge is attached to the image forming device, the first developing chamber is located below the toner container. When the toner container is attached to the drum cartridge and the cartridge is attached to the image forming device, the second developing chamber is located above the first developing chamber. The second developing chamber communicates with the first developing chamber. The toner receiving port can receive toner discharged from the toner discharge port. The toner return port communicates with the second developing chamber. The toner return port returns toner to the return toner receiving port.

[0034] When the toner container is attached to the drum cartridge and the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, at least a portion of the second developing chamber is aligned with the second container chamber in the horizontal direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] According to the cartridge and drum cartridge of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent toner from accumulating in the developing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining replacement of the cartridge. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge, taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge, taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the drum cartridge. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 3 taken along the line DD. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 5 taken along line CC. [Figure 8]8 is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 5 taken along the line EE. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 5 taken along the FF line. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 5 taken along line GG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the toner container, taken along line II in FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge shown in FIG. 11 taken along line JJ. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view of the toner container. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the toner container, taken along line KK in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the toner container taken along line LL in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the toner container taken along the line MM in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the toner container taken along line NN in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the toner container taken along line OO in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the attachment of the toner container to the drum cartridge, showing a state in which the second toner-accommodating chamber of the toner container is positioned relative to the drum cartridge. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the mounting of the toner container onto the drum cartridge, following FIG. 19, and shows the state in which the mounting of the toner container onto the drum cartridge is completed. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 21 in a state where the cover is in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] 1. Overview of image forming apparatus 1 An outline of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body housing 2, a sheet storage section 3, a drawer 4, a plurality of cartridges 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, an exposure device 6, a transfer device 7, and a fixing device 8.

[0039] 1.1 Main body casing 2 The main body housing 2 accommodates the sheet storage section 3, the drawer 4, the cartridges 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, the exposure device 6, the transfer device 7, and the fixing device 8. The main body housing 2 has an opening 21 and a cover 22. The cover 22 is movable between a closed position (see FIG. 1) and an open position (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 1, when the cover 22 is in the closed position, the cover 22 closes the opening 21. As shown in FIG. 2, when the cover 22 is in the open position, the opening 21 is open.

[0040] 1.2 Sheet storage section 3 1, the sheet storage unit 3 is capable of storing sheets S. The sheets S in the sheet storage unit 3 are transported toward the transfer device 7.

[0041] 1.3 Drawer 4 1 and 2, when the cover 22 is in the open position, the drawer 4 is movable between an inner position (see FIG. 1) and an outer position (see FIG. 2) through the opening 21. When the drawer 4 is in the inner position as shown in FIG. 1, the entire drawer 4 is located inside the main body housing 2. When the drawer 4 is in the outer position as shown in FIG. 2, at least a portion of the drawer 4 is located outside the main body housing 2.

[0042] 1.4 Cartridge 5Y The cartridge 5Y is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 1. More specifically, the cartridge 5Y can be attached to the drawer 4 when the drawer 4 is located at the outer position (see FIG. 2). The cartridge 5Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 when the drawer 4 is located at the inner position (see FIG. 1). When the cartridge 5Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the cartridge 5Y is located inside the main body housing 2. The cartridge 5Y attached to the drawer 4 can be removed from the drawer 4 when the drawer 4 is located at the outer position (see FIG. 2).

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the cartridge 5Y includes a drum cartridge 9Y and a toner container 10Y.

[0044] 1.4.1 Drum Cartridge 9Y The drum cartridge 9Y includes a photosensitive drum 51Y, a charging roller 52Y, and a developing device 53Y. In other words, the cartridge 5Y includes a photosensitive drum 51Y, a charging roller 52Y, and a developing device 53Y.

[0045] 1.4.1.1 Photosensitive drum 51Y The photosensitive drum 51Y is rotatable about a first axis A1. The first axis A1 extends in a first direction. The photosensitive drum 51Y extends in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 51Y has a cylindrical shape.

[0046] 1.4.1.2 Charging Roller 52Y The charging roller 52Y charges the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51Y. The image forming apparatus 1 may have a scorotron type charger instead of the charging roller 52Y.

[0047] 1.4.1.3 Developing device 53Y The developing device 53Y can supply the toner in the toner container 10Y to the photosensitive drum 51Y. The developing device 53Y has a developing housing 531 and a developing roller 532. In other words, the drum cartridge 9Y has the developing housing 531 and the developing roller 532.

[0048] The developing housing 531 can store the toner from the toner container 10Y.

[0049] The developing roller 532 is capable of supplying toner in the developing housing 531 to the photosensitive drum 51Y. The developing roller 532 is rotatably supported by the developing housing 531. The developing roller 532 contacts the photosensitive drum 51Y. The developing roller 532 may be separable from the photosensitive drum 51Y. The developing roller 532 extends in a first direction. The developing roller 532 is rotatable about a developing axis A2. When the cartridge 5Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the developing axis A2 extends in the first direction.

[0050] 1.4.2 Toner container 10Y The toner container 10Y is capable of storing toner. The toner container 10Y is detachable from the drum cartridge 9Y. In other words, the toner container 10Y is detachable from the cartridge 5Y. Therefore, the toner container 10Y is detachable from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0051] 1.5 Cartridges 5M, 5C, 5K The cartridge 5M is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 1. The cartridge 5M includes a drum cartridge 9M and a toner container 10M. The drum cartridge 9M has a photosensitive drum 51M, a charging roller 52M, and a developing device 53M. In other words, the cartridge 5M includes a photosensitive drum 51M, a charging roller 52M, and a developing device 53M.

[0052] The cartridge 5C is detachably mounted to the image forming apparatus 1. The cartridge 5C includes a drum cartridge 9C and a toner container 10C. The drum cartridge 9C has a photosensitive drum 51C, a charging roller 52C, and a developing device 53C. In other words, the cartridge 5C includes the photosensitive drum 51C, the charging roller 52C, and the developing device 53C.

[0053] The cartridge 5K is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 1. The cartridge 5K includes a drum cartridge 9K and a toner container 10K. The drum cartridge 9K has a photosensitive drum 51K, a charging roller 52K, and a developing device 53K. In other words, the cartridge 5K includes the photosensitive drum 51K, the charging roller 52K, and the developing device 53K.

[0054] Each of the cartridges 5M, 5C, and 5K has the same structure as the cartridge 5Y, so a description of each of the cartridges 5M, 5C, and 5K will be omitted.

[0055] 1.6 Exposure equipment 6 With the cartridges 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the exposure device 6 can expose the circumferential surfaces of the photosensitive drums 51Y, 51M, 51C, and 51K. Specifically, the exposure device 6 can expose the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51Y charged by the charging roller 52Y. The exposure device 6 can expose the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51M charged by the charging roller 52M. The exposure device 6 can expose the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51C charged by the charging roller 52C. The exposure device 6 can expose the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51K charged by the charging roller 52K. In this embodiment, the exposure device 6 is a laser scan unit.

[0056] 1.7 Transfer device 7 The transfer device 7 is located below the photosensitive drums 51Y, 51M, 51C, and 51K, and includes a belt 71 and a plurality of transfer rollers 72Y, 72M, 72C, and 72K.

[0057] When the cartridges 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are installed in the image forming apparatus 1, the belt 71 comes into contact with the photosensitive drums 51Y, 51M, 51C, and 51K. The belt 71 transports the sheet S from the sheet storage unit 3 toward the fixing device 8. The sheet S from the sheet storage unit 3 passes between the belt 71 and the photosensitive drums 51Y, 51M, 51C, and 51K.

[0058] The transfer roller 72Y transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 51Y to the sheet S being transported by the belt 71. The transfer roller 72M transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 51M to the sheet S being transported by the belt 71. The transfer roller 72C transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 51C to the sheet S being transported by the belt 71. The transfer roller 72K transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 51K to the sheet S being transported by the belt 71.

[0059] 1.8 Fusing unit 8 The fixing device 8 fixes the toner to the sheet S. In this embodiment, the fixing device 8 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 8 is discharged onto the top surface of the main body housing 2.

[0060] 2. Details of the 9Y drum cartridge In the present disclosure, the cartridge 5Y can return the toner in the developing device 53Y to the toner container 10Y when the cartridge 5Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1. Hereinafter, the toner returned from the developing device 53Y to the toner container 10Y is defined as returned toner.

[0061] In the present disclosure, when the cartridge 5Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the cartridge 5Y can circulate toner between the developing device 53Y and the toner container 10Y. When the cartridge 5Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the cartridge 5Y can mix returned toner with unused toner in the developing device 53Y and the toner container 10Y and supply the mixed toner to the photosensitive drum 51Y again. Unused toner is toner that has never been supplied to the photosensitive drum 51Y.

[0062] The drum cartridge 9Y will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0063] 3, the drum cartridge 9Y includes, in addition to the photosensitive drum 51Y, charging roller 52Y, and developing device 53Y, a drum frame 54, a drum cleaner 55, a toner tube 56 (see FIG. 4), a seal member 57 (see FIG. 4), and a collected toner transport member 58 (see FIG. 4). In other words, the cartridge 5Y includes the drum cleaner 55, the toner tube 56, the seal member 57, and the collected toner transport member 58.

[0064] 2.1 Drum Frame 54 5, the drum frame 54 includes two drum side plates 541A and 541B. In other words, the cartridge 5Y includes two drum side plates 541A and 541B.

[0065] The drum side plate 541A is located at one end of the drum frame 54 in the first direction. The drum side plate 541A supports one end of the photosensitive drum 51Y in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the drum side plate 541A extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. Preferably, the drum side plate 541A extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The drum side plate 541A has two holes 542A and 543A.

[0066] The hole 542A is located away from the photosensitive drum 51Y in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2. The hole 542A is an elongated hole. The hole 542A extends in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2.

[0067] The hole 543A is located between the photosensitive drum 51Y and the hole 542A in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2. The hole 543A is an elongated hole. The hole 543A extends in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 5, the drum side plate 541B is located at the other end of the drum frame 54 in the first direction. The drum side plate 541B supports the other end of the photosensitive drum 51Y in the first direction. The drum side plate 541A supports one end of the photosensitive drum 51Y in the first direction, and the drum side plate 541B supports the other end of the photosensitive drum 51Y in the first direction, thereby allowing the drum frame 54 to support the photosensitive drum 51Y. The drum side plate 541B is located away from the drum side plate 541A in the first direction. The drum side plate 541B extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. Preferably, the drum side plate 541B extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The drum side plate 541B has two holes 542B and 543B.

[0069] The hole 542B is located away from the photosensitive drum 51Y in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2. The hole 542B is an elongated hole, similar to the hole 542A (see FIG. 4). The hole 542B extends in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2.

[0070] The hole 543B is located between the photosensitive drum 51Y and the hole 542B in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2. The hole 543B is an elongated hole, similar to the hole 543A (see FIG. 4). The hole 543B extends in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2.

[0071] 2.2 Details of developing unit 53Y As shown in FIG. 6, the developing device 53Y has, in addition to the developing housing 531 and developing roller 532 described above, a first developing transport member 533, a second developing transport member 534, a developing shutter 535 (see FIG. 5), two protrusions 536A, 536B, and two protrusions 537A, 537B.

[0072] 2.2.1 Developer housing 531 5, the developing housing 531 is located between the drum side plate 541A and the drum side plate 541B in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the developing housing 531 has two developing side plates 5311A and 5311B, a main body 5312, a protruding portion 5313, and a bottom plate 5314.

[0073] 2.2.1.1 Developing side plate 5311A, 5311B The developer side plate 5311A is located at one end of the developer housing 531 in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the developer side plate 5311A is located between the drum side plate 541A and the drum side plate 541B in the first direction. The developer side plate 5311A supports one end of the developing roller 532 in the first direction. The developer side plate 5311A has a guide 5315A.

[0074] The guide 5315A guides the protrusion 66A (see FIG. 12) of the toner container 10Y when the toner container 10Y (see FIG. 12) is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y. The toner container 10Y and the protrusion 66A will be described later. The guide 5315A extends in the same direction as the guide 5315B (see FIG. 3) of the development side plate 5311B. The guide 5315B will be described later.

[0075] The developer side plate 5311B is located at the other end of the developer casing 531 in the first direction. The developer side plate 5311B is located away from the developer side plate 5311A in the first direction. The developer side plate 5311B is located between the developer side plate 5311A and the drum side plate 541B in the first direction. The developer side plate 5311B supports the other end of the developer roller 532 in the first direction. The developer side plate 5311A supports one end of the developer roller 532 in the first direction, and the developer side plate 5311B supports the other end of the developer roller 532 in the first direction, thereby supporting the developer roller 532 in the developer casing 531. As shown in FIG. 3, the developer side plate 5311B has a guide 5315B.

[0076] The guide 5315B guides a protrusion 66B (see FIG. 12) of the toner container 10Y when the toner container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y. The protrusion 66B will be described later. The guide 5315B extends in a direction intersecting the first direction and the movement direction of the developing device 53Y. The direction in which the guide 5315B extends is defined as the guide direction.

[0077] 2.2.1.2 Main body 5312 6, the main body 5312 is located between the developer side plate 5311A and the developer side plate 5311B in the first direction. The main body 5312 extends in the first direction. The main body 5312 has a first developing chamber 530A, a second developing chamber 530B, a developing chamber partition wall 530C, a toner receiving port 531A (see FIG. 5), a toner return port 531B (see FIG. 5), a second toner return port 531C (see FIG. 5), and a plurality of holes 5312A, 5312B, 5312C, 5312D, 5312E, and 5312F (see FIG. 5). In other words, the developing housing 531 has a first developing chamber 530A, a second developing chamber 530B, a developing partition wall 530C, a toner receiving port 531A, a toner return port 531B, a second toner return port 531C, and multiple holes 5312A, 5312B, 5312C, 5312D, 5312E, and 5312F.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 3, the first developing chamber 530A is an internal space of the main body 5312. The first developing chamber 530A is located between a developing side plate 5311A (see FIG. 6) and a developing side plate 5311B (see FIG. 6) in the first direction. The first developing chamber 530A can store toner from the toner container 10Y. The first developing chamber 530A stores a part of the developing roller 532. The developing roller 532 can supply the toner in the first developing chamber 530A to the photosensitive drum 51Y.

[0079] The second developing chamber 530B is another internal space of the main body 5312. The second developing chamber 530B is located between the developing side plate 5311A (see FIG. 6) and the developing side plate 5311B (see FIG. 6) in the first direction. When the cartridge 5Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the second developing chamber 530B is located higher than the first developing chamber 530A. The second developing chamber 530B can accommodate toner from the first developing chamber 530A. When the cartridge 5Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, at least a portion of the second developing chamber 530B is aligned in the horizontal direction with the second storage chamber 613 (see FIG. 11) of the toner container 10Y. The second storage chamber 613 will be described later.

[0080] The developer partition wall 530C is located between the first developing chamber 530A and the second developing chamber 530B. The developer partition wall 530C separates the first developing chamber 530A from the second developing chamber 530B. As shown in FIG. 6, the developer partition wall 530C has two developer flow ports 530D and 530E.

[0081] The developer flow port 530D allows toner to flow from the first developing chamber 530A to the second developing chamber 530B. This allows the second developing chamber 530B to communicate with the first developing chamber 530A. The developer flow port 530D is located away from the toner receiving port 531A (see FIG. 5) in the first direction. The developer flow port 530D is located between the developer side plate 5311A and the toner receiving port 531A (see FIG. 5) in the first direction. The developer flow port 530D is located at one end of the developer partition wall 530C in the first direction. When viewed from the developer flow port 530D toward the first conveying portion 533A of the first developer conveying member 533 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the developer flow port 530D overlaps with the downstream end E2 of the first conveying portion 533A. The first conveying portion 533A will be described later. The developing agent flow port 530D overlaps with the upstream end E5 of the first transport portion 534A when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction from the developing agent flow port 530D toward the first transport portion 534A of the second developing agent transport member 534. The first transport portion 534A will be described later.

[0082] The developer flow port 530E (see FIG. 10) allows toner to flow from the first developing chamber 530A to the second developing chamber 530B. The developer flow port 530E is located away from the toner receiving port 531A (see FIG. 5) in the first direction. The developer flow port 530D is located between the developer side plate 5311B and the toner receiving port 531A in the first direction. The developer flow port 530E is located at the other end of the developer partition wall 530C in the first direction. When viewed from the developer flow port 530E toward the second conveying portion 533B of the first developer conveying member 533 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the developer flow port 530E overlaps with the downstream end E4 of the second conveying portion 533B of the first developer conveying member 533. The second conveying portion 533B will be described later. The developer flow port 530E overlaps with the upstream end E7 of the third transport portion 534C when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction from the developer flow port 530E toward the third transport portion 534C of the second developer transport member 534. The third transport portion 534C will be described later.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 5, the toner receiving opening 531A is located at the center of the developing housing 531 in the first direction. More specifically, the toner receiving opening 531A is located at the center of the main body 5312 in the first direction. The toner receiving opening 531A communicates with the first developing chamber 530A (see FIG. 3). When the toner container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y, the toner receiving opening 531A can receive toner discharged from a toner discharge opening 617A (see FIG. 12) of the toner container 10Y. The toner discharge opening 617A will be described later. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction from the toner receiving opening 531A toward the first conveying portion 533A (see FIG. 6) of the first developing and conveying member 533, the toner receiving opening 531A overlaps with the upstream end E1 (see FIG. 6) of the first conveying portion 533A. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction from the toner receiving port 531A toward the second transport portion 533B (see FIG. 6) of the first developing transport member 533, the toner receiving port 531A overlaps with the upstream end E3 (see FIG. 6) of the second transport portion 533B.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 5, the toner return port 531B is located away from the toner receiving port 531A in the first direction. The toner return port 531B is located away from the developer flow port 530D (see FIG. 6) in the first direction. The toner return port 531B is located between the toner receiving port 531A and the developer flow port 530D in the first direction. The toner return port 531B communicates with the second developing chamber 530B (see FIG. 6). When the toner container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y, the toner return port 531B returns toner to a return toner receiving port 617B (see FIG. 12) of the toner container 10Y. The return toner receiving port 617B will be described later. The toner return port 531B overlaps with the downstream end E6 of the first transport portion 534A when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction from the toner return port 531B toward the first transport portion 534A of the second developing device transport member 534 (see FIG. 6).

[0085] The second toner return port 531C is located on the opposite side of the toner return port 531B with respect to the toner receiving port 531A in the first direction. The second toner return port 531C is located away from the toner receiving port 531A in the first direction. The second toner return port 531C is located away from the developer flow port 530E (see FIG. 6) in the first direction. The second toner return port 531C is located between the toner receiving port 531A and the developer flow port 530E in the first direction. The second toner return port 531C communicates with the second developing chamber 530B (see FIG. 6). When the toner container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y, the second toner return port 531C returns toner to the second returned toner receiving port 617C (see FIG. 12) of the toner container 10Y. The second toner return port 531C overlaps with the downstream end E8 of the third transport portion 534C (see FIG. 6) of the second developing transport member 534 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction from the second toner return port 531C toward the third transport portion 534C of the second developing transport member 534.

[0086] The hole 5312A is located in the center of the main body portion 5312 in the first direction.

[0087] Hole 5312B (see FIG. 7) is located in the center of main body 5312 in the first direction. Hole 5312B is located away from hole 5312A in the first direction. Hole 5312B is located on the opposite side of toner receiving opening 531A from hole 5312A in the first direction.

[0088] The hole 5312C is located between the developing side plate 5311A and the hole 5312A in the first direction.

[0089] The hole 5312D is located between the developing side plate 5311A and the hole 5312A in the first direction. The hole 5312D is located away from the hole 5312C in the first direction. The hole 5312D is located on the opposite side of the toner return port 531B from the hole 5312C in the first direction.

[0090] The hole 5312E (see FIG. 8) is located between the hole 5312B and the developing side plate 5311B in the first direction.

[0091] The hole 5312F is located between the hole 5312E and the developing side plate 5311B in the first direction. The hole 5312F is located away from the hole 5312E in the first direction. The hole 5312F is located on the opposite side of the second toner return port 531C from the hole 5312E in the first direction.

[0092] 2.2.1.3 Protrusion 5313 As shown in FIG. 6, the protruding portion 5313 is located on the opposite side of the developing device side plate 5311B from the developing device side plate 5311A in the first direction. The protruding portion 5313 protrudes from the developing device side plate 5311A. The protruding portion 5313 extends in the first direction. The internal space of the protruding portion 5313 communicates with the second developing chamber 530B. The protruding portion 5313 has a collected toner receiving opening 531D. In other words, the developing device casing 531 has the collected toner receiving opening 531D.

[0093] The recovered toner receiving port 531D is located on the opposite side of the developing side plate 5311B with respect to the developing side plate 5311A in the first direction. In other words, the recovered toner receiving port 531D is located at one end of the developing housing 531 in the first direction. The recovered toner receiving port 531D is located outside the developable area in the first direction. The developable area is an area in which the developing roller 532 can supply toner to the photosensitive drum 51Y. The recovered toner receiving port 531D can receive recovered toner from the toner tube 56 (see FIG. 4). The recovered toner receiving port 531D communicates with the internal space of the protruding portion 5313. As a result, the recovered toner receiving port 531D communicates with the second developing chamber 530B through the internal space of the protruding portion 5313.

[0094] 2.2.1.4 Bottom plate 5314 The bottom plate 5314 is located between the developer side plate 5311A and the developer side plate 5311B in the first direction. The bottom plate 5314 extends in the first direction. One end of the bottom plate 5314 in the first direction is connected to the developer side plate 5311A. The other end of the bottom plate 5314 in the first direction is connected to the developer side plate 5311B.

[0095] 2.2.2 First developing transport member 533 The first developing transport member 533 is located inside the developing housing 531. More specifically, the first developing transport member 533 is located inside the first developing chamber 530A. The first developing transport member 533 has a first transport portion 533A and a second transport portion 533B. In other words, the developing device 53Y has the first transport portion 533A and the second transport portion 533B.

[0096] 2.2.2.1 First conveyor section 533A The first transport section 533A is located within the first developing chamber 530A. The first transport section 533A is capable of transporting toner within the first developing chamber 530A in a first direction. The first developer transport member 533 transports toner within the first developing chamber 530A from the toner receiving port 531A (see FIG. 5) toward the developer flow port 530D. The first transport section 533A extends in the first direction. The first transport section 533A extends from the toner receiving port 531A to the developer flow port 530D. The first transport section 533A has an upstream end E1 and a downstream end E2 in the toner transport direction from the toner receiving port 531A to the developer flow port 530D. In this embodiment, the first transport section 533A is an auger screw. The first transport section 533A is rotatable about an axis A3. The axis A3 extends in the first direction.

[0097] 2.2.2.2 Second conveyor section 533B The second transport section 533B is located within the first developing chamber 530A. The second transport section 533B is capable of transporting toner within the first developing chamber 530A in a first direction. The second transport section 533B transports toner within the first developing chamber 530A from the toner receiving port 531A (see FIG. 5) toward the developer flow port 530E. The second transport section 533B extends in the first direction. The second transport section 533B extends from the toner receiving port 531A to the developer flow port 530E. The second transport section 533B has an upstream end E3 and a downstream end E4 in the toner transport direction from the toner receiving port 531A to the developer flow port 530D. In this embodiment, the second transport section 533B is an auger screw. The second transport section 533B is connected to the upstream end E1 of the first transport section 533A. The second conveying section 533B is rotatable together with the first conveying section 533A. The second conveying section 533B is rotatable about an axis A3.

[0098] 2.2.3 Second developing transport member 534 The second developing device transport member 534 is located inside the developing housing 531. More specifically, the second developing device transport member 534 is located inside the second developing chamber 530B. The second developing device transport member 534 has a first transport portion 534A, a second transport portion 534B, and a third transport portion 534C. In other words, the developing device 53Y has the first transport portion 534A, the second transport portion 534B, and the third transport portion 534C.

[0099] 2.2.3.1 First conveyor section 534A The first transport portion 534A is located within the second developing chamber 530B. The first transport portion 534A is capable of transporting toner within the second developing chamber 530B in a first direction. The second developing transport member 534 transports toner within the second developing chamber 530B from the developing flow port 530D toward the toner return port 531B. The first transport portion 534A extends in the first direction. The first transport portion 534A extends from the developing flow port 530D to the toner return port 531B. The first transport portion 534A has an upstream end E5 and a downstream end E6 in the toner transport direction from the developing flow port 530D to the toner return port 531B. In this embodiment, the first transport portion 534A is an auger screw. The first transport portion 534A is rotatable about an axis A4. The axis A4 extends in the first direction.

[0100] 2.2.3.2 Second conveyor section 534B The second conveying portion 534B is located within the protruding portion 5313. The second conveying portion 534B can convey the toner in the protruding portion 5313 in the first direction. The second conveying portion 534B conveys the toner in the protruding portion 5313 from the recovered toner receiving opening 531D toward the second developing chamber 530B. The second conveying portion 534B extends in the first direction. The second conveying portion 534B extends from the recovered toner receiving opening 531D to the second developing chamber 530B. In this embodiment, the second conveying portion 534B is an auger screw. The second conveying portion 534B is connected to the upstream end E5 of the first conveying portion 534A. The second conveying portion 534B can rotate together with the first conveying portion 534A. The second conveying portion 534B can rotate about an axis A4.

[0101] 2.2.3.3 Third conveyor section 534C The third transport section 534C is located within the second developing chamber 530B. The third transport section 534C can transport toner within the second developing chamber 530B in the first direction. The third transport section 534C transports toner within the second developing chamber 530B from the developer flow port 530E toward the second toner return port 531C (see FIG. 5). The third transport section 534C extends in the first direction. The third transport section 534C extends from the developer flow port 530E to the second toner return port 531C. The third transport section 534C has an upstream end E7 and a downstream end E8 in the toner transport direction from the developer flow port 530E to the second toner return port 531C. In this embodiment, the third transport section 534C is an auger screw. The third transport section 534C can rotate together with the first transport section 534A and the second transport section 534B. The third transport section 534C is rotatable about an axis A4.

[0102] 2.2.4 Development shutter 535 As shown in FIG. 5, the development shutter 535 is located between the development side plate 5311A and the development side plate 5311B in the first direction. The development shutter 535 extends in the first direction. The development shutter 535 is movable between a closed position (see FIGS. 7 to 10) and an open position (see FIG. 20). When the development shutter 535 is located in the closed position, the development shutter 535 closes the toner receiving opening 531A, the toner return opening 531B, and the second toner return opening 531C. When the development shutter 535 is located in the open position, the toner receiving opening 531A, the toner return opening 531B, and the second toner return opening 531C are open. The developing shutter 535 has a first developing shutter 535A, a second developing shutter 535B, a third developing shutter 535C, a connecting portion 535D, a connecting portion 535E, and two holes 535F and 535G. In other words, the developing device 53Y has a first developing shutter 535A, a second developing shutter 535B, a third developing shutter 535C, and two holes 535F and 535G.

[0103] 2.2.4.1 Development First Shutter 535A The first development shutter 535A opens and closes the toner receiving opening 531A. When the development shutter 535 is in the closed position, the first development shutter 535A closes the toner receiving opening 531A. When the development shutter 535 is in the open position, the toner receiving opening 531A opens. The first development shutter 535A is located in the center of the development shutter 535 in the first direction. The first development shutter 535A extends in the first direction.

[0104] 2.2.4.2 Second Development Shutter 535B The development second shutter 535B opens and closes the toner return port 531B. When the development shutter 535 is in the closed position, the development second shutter 535B closes the toner return port 531B. When the development shutter 535 is in the open position, the toner return port 531B is open. The development second shutter 535B is located between the development first shutter 535A and the development side plate 5311A in the first direction. The development second shutter 535B is located away from the development first shutter 535A in the first direction. The development second shutter 535B extends in the first direction.

[0105] 2.2.4.3 Development Third Shutter 535C The development third shutter 535C opens and closes the second toner return port 531C. As shown in FIG. 9, when the development shutter 535 is in the closed position, the development third shutter 535C closes the second toner return port 531C. When the development shutter 535 is in the open position, the second toner return port 531C is open. As shown in FIG. 5, the development third shutter 535C is located between the development first shutter 535A and the development side plate 5311B in the first direction. The development third shutter 535C is located on the opposite side of the development second shutter 535B from the development first shutter 535A in the first direction. The development third shutter 535C is located away from the development first shutter 535A in the first direction. The development third shutter 535C extends in the first direction.

[0106] 2.2.4.4 Connections 535D and 535E The connection portion 535D connects the first development shutter 535A and the second development shutter 535B. The connection portion 535D is located between the first development shutter 535A and the second development shutter 535B in the first direction. The connection portion 535D extends in the first direction. One end of the connection portion 535D in the first direction is connected to the second development shutter 535B. The other end of the connection portion 535D in the first direction is connected to the first development shutter 535A.

[0107] The connection portion 535E connects the first development shutter 535A and the third development shutter 535C. The connection portion 535E is located between the first development shutter 535A and the third development shutter 535C in the first direction. The connection portion 535E extends in the first direction. One end of the connection portion 535E in the first direction is connected to the first development shutter 535A. The other end of the connection portion 535E in the first direction is connected to the third development shutter 535C.

[0108] 2.2.4.5 Holes 535F, 535G The hole 535F is located at one end of the development shutter 535 in the first direction. The hole 535F is located on the opposite side of the development first shutter 535A with respect to the development second shutter 535B in the first direction. The hole 535F is located away from the development second shutter 535B in the first direction.

[0109] The hole 535G is located at the other end of the development shutter 535 in the first direction. The hole 535G is located on the opposite side of the development first shutter 535A with respect to the development third shutter 535C in the first direction. The hole 535G is located away from the development third shutter 535C in the first direction.

[0110] 2.2.5 Protrusions 536A, 536B, 537A, 537B As shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 536A is located on the opposite side of the developer side plate 5311A from the developer side plate 5311B in the first direction. The protrusion 536A extends from the developer side plate 5311A. The protrusion 536A may be attached to the developer side plate 5311A. The protrusion 536A extends in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 536A is located away from the photosensitive drum 51Y in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2. The protrusion 536A fits into the hole 542A of the drum side plate 541A.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 536B is located on the opposite side of the developer side plate 5311B from the developer side plate 5311A in the first direction. The protrusion 536B extends from the developer side plate 5311B. The protrusion 536B may be attached to the developer side plate 5311B. The protrusion 536B extends in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 536B fits into the hole 542B of the drum side plate 541B.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 537A is located on the opposite side of the developer side plate 5311A from the developer side plate 5311B in the first direction. The protrusion 537A extends in the first direction. The protrusion 537A extends along the development axis A2. In this embodiment, the protrusion 537A is one end of the shaft of the developing roller 532. The protrusion 537A may extend from the developer side plate 5311A. The protrusion 537A may be attached to the developer side plate 5311A. As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 537A is located away from the photosensitive drum 51Y in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2. The protrusion 537A fits into the hole 543A of the drum side plate 541A.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 537B is located on the opposite side of the developer side plate 5311B from the developer side plate 5311A in the first direction. The protrusion 537B extends in the first direction. The protrusion 537B extends along the development axis A2. In this embodiment, the protrusion 537B is the other end of the shaft of the developing roller 532. The protrusion 537B may extend from the developer side plate 5311A. The protrusion 537B may be attached to the developer side plate 5311A. The protrusion 537B is located away from the photosensitive drum 51Y in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2. As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 537B fits into the hole 543B of the drum side plate 541B.

[0114] The protrusion 536A fits into the hole 542A of the drum side plate 541A, the protrusion 536B fits into the hole 542B of the drum side plate 541B, the protrusion 537A fits into the hole 543A of the drum side plate 541A, and the protrusion 537B fits into the hole 543B of the drum side plate 541B, so that the developing device 53Y is supported by the drum side plate 541A and the drum side plate 541B and can move relative to the photosensitive drum 51Y.

[0115] The developing device 53Y is movable in a direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2, which is defined as the movement direction of the developing device 53Y.

[0116] 2.3 Drum Cleaner 55 3, the drum cleaner 55 is capable of cleaning the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51Y. The drum cleaner 55 removes toner from the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51Y that has not been transferred from the photosensitive drum 51Y to the sheet S and remains on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51Y. The toner removed from the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51Y by the drum cleaner 55 becomes recovered toner.

[0117] The drum cleaner 55 includes a cleaner housing 551 and a cleaning member 552 .

[0118] The cleaner housing 551 is located between the drum side plate 541A (see FIG. 5) and the drum side plate 541B (see FIG. 5) in the first direction. The cleaner housing 551 extends in the first direction. One end of the cleaner housing 551 in the first direction is connected to the drum side plate 541A (see FIG. 5). The other end of the cleaner housing 551 in the first direction is connected to the drum side plate 541B (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaner housing 551 has an opening 553. The cleaner housing 551 stores collected toner.

[0119] The cleaning member 552 is attached to the cleaner housing 551. The cleaning member 552 extends in a first direction. The cleaning member 552 has a plate shape. The cleaning member 552 cleans the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51Y. Specifically, the edge of the cleaning member 552 comes into contact with the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51Y. When the photosensitive drum 51Y rotates, toner on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51Y comes into contact with the edge of the cleaning member 552 and is removed from the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51Y. The removed toner passes through the opening 553 and is contained in the cleaner housing 551.

[0120] 2.4 Toner Tube 56 4 and 5, the toner tube 56 is located on the opposite side of the drum side plate 541A from the drum side plate 541B in the first direction. The toner tube 56 is fixed to the drum frame 54. More specifically, the toner tube 56 is fixed to the drum side plate 541A. The toner tube 56 allows the collected toner to pass through.

[0121] The toner tube 56 has a first end 56A and a second end 56B. The first end 56A is connected to the drum cleaner 55. More specifically, the first end 56A is connected to one end of the cleaner housing 551 in the first direction. This allows the toner tube 56 to communicate with the cleaner housing 551. The second end 56B is connected to the protrusion 5313 of the developing housing 531. In other words, the toner tube 56 is connected to the developing housing 531. The toner tube 56 has a recovered toner discharge port 561. The recovered toner discharge port 561 can discharge the recovered toner in the toner tube 56. The recovered toner discharge port 561 communicates with the recovered toner receiving port 531D of the developing housing 531.

[0122] 2.5 Sealing material 57 4, the seal member 57 is located between the collected toner discharge port 561 of the toner tube 56 and the collected toner receiving port 531D of the developing housing 531. The seal member 57 seals the gap between the toner tube 56 and the developing housing 531. The seal member 57 is elastically deformable in response to movement of the developing device 53Y relative to the photosensitive drum 51Y. The seal member 57 is made of, for example, a sponge.

[0123] 2.6 Collected toner transport member 58 The collected toner transport member 58 is located inside the toner tube 56. The collected toner transport member 58 transports the collected toner inside the toner tube 56. More specifically, the collected toner transport member 58 transports the collected toner inside the toner tube 56 toward the collected toner discharge port 561. In this embodiment, the collected toner transport member 58 is a belt conveyor.

[0124] 3. Toner container 10Y Next, the toner container 10Y will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 18. In the following description of the toner container 10Y, the first direction refers to the first direction "in a state where the toner container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y."

[0125] As shown in FIG. 11, the toner container 10Y has a toner housing 61, a toner conveying member 62, a toner conveying member 63, an agitator 64, a first toner shutter 65A, a second toner shutter 65B (see FIG. 12), a third toner shutter 65C (see FIG. 12), two protrusions 66A and 66B, a protrusion 67A (see FIG. 13), and a protrusion 67B.

[0126] 3.1 Toner housing 61 12, the toner housing 61 has two toner side plates 611A and 611B, a first storage chamber 612, a second storage chamber 613, a third storage chamber 614, a fourth storage chamber 615, a toner partition wall 616, a toner discharge port 617A, a returned toner receiving port 617B, and a second returned toner receiving port 617C. In other words, the toner container 10Y has two toner side plates 611A and 611B, the first storage chamber 612, the second storage chamber 613, the third storage chamber 614, the toner partition wall 616, a toner discharge port 617A, a returned toner receiving port 617B, and a second returned toner receiving port 617C.

[0127] 3.1.1 Toner side plates 611A, 611B The toner side plate 611A is located at one end of the toner housing 61 in the first direction. The toner side plate 611A extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. Preferably, the toner side plate 611A extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0128] The toner side plate 611B is located at the other end of the toner housing 61 in the first direction. The toner side plate 611B is located away from the toner side plate 611A in the first direction. The toner side plate 611B extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. Preferably, the toner side plate 611B extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0129] 3.1.2 First Containment Chamber 612 The first storage chamber 612 is located between the toner side plate 611A and the toner side plate 611B in the first direction. The first storage chamber 612 stores toner to be supplied to the second storage chamber 613. The first storage chamber 612 extends in the first direction. The first storage chamber 612 has a first section 6121, a second section 6122, a third section 6123, and a fourth section 6124.

[0130] The first section 6121 is located at one end of the first storage chamber 612 in the first direction. The first section 6121 extends in the first direction. The first section 6121 communicates with the fourth storage chamber 615. The first section 6121 communicates with the third storage chamber 614 through the fourth storage chamber 615.

[0131] The second compartment 6122 is located between the first compartment 6121 and the toner side plate 611B in the first direction. The second compartment 6122 is located away from the first compartment 6121 in the first direction. The second compartment 6122 extends in the first direction. The second compartment 6122 communicates with the fourth storage chamber 615. The second compartment 6122 communicates with the third storage chamber 614 through the fourth storage chamber 615.

[0132] The third compartment 6123 is located between the second compartment 6122 and the toner side plate 611B in the first direction. The third compartment 6123 is located away from the second compartment 6122 in the first direction. The third compartment 6123 extends in the first direction. The third compartment 6123 communicates with the fourth storage chamber 615. The third compartment 6123 communicates with the third storage chamber 614 through the fourth storage chamber 615.

[0133] The fourth compartment 6124 is located at the other end of the first storage chamber 612 in the first direction. The fourth compartment 6124 is located away from the third compartment 6123 in the first direction. The fourth compartment 6124 extends in the first direction. The fourth compartment 6124 communicates with the fourth storage chamber 615. The fourth compartment 6124 communicates with the third storage chamber 614 through the fourth storage chamber 615.

[0134] 3.1.3 Second Containment Chamber 613 The second storage chamber 613 is located between the toner side plate 611A and the toner side plate 611B in the first direction. The second storage chamber 613 stores toner to be supplied to the developing housing 531 (see FIG. 20). When the toner container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y, the second storage chamber 613 is located between the developing housing 531 and the first storage chamber 612. When the cartridge 5Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the second storage chamber 613 is located lower than the first storage chamber 612. The second storage chamber 613 has a cylindrical shape. The second storage chamber 613 extends in the first direction. The second storage chamber 613 has a first section 6131, a second section 6132, and a third section 6133.

[0135] The first section 6131 is located at one end of the second storage chamber 613 in the first direction. The first section 6131 extends in the first direction. The first section 6131 communicates with the first section 6121 of the first storage chamber 612 through the second circulation port 616C. In other words, the second storage chamber 613 communicates with the first storage chamber 612.

[0136] The second compartment 6132 is located between the first compartment 6131 and the toner side plate 611B in the first direction. The second compartment 6132 extends in the first direction. The second compartment 6132 communicates with the second compartment 6122 of the first storage chamber 612 through the first circulation port 616A. The second compartment 6132 communicates with the third compartment 6123 of the first storage chamber 612 through the first circulation port 616B (see FIG. 15).

[0137] The third compartment 6133 is located at the other end of the second storage chamber 613 in the first direction. The third compartment 6133 extends in the first direction. The third compartment 6133 communicates with the fourth compartment 6124 of the first storage chamber 612 through the second flow port 616D (see FIG. 18).

[0138] 3.1.4 Third Containment Chamber 614 The third storage chamber 614 is located between the toner side plate 611A and the toner side plate 611B in the first direction. The third storage chamber 614 stores toner to be supplied to the first storage chamber 612. The third storage chamber 614 extends in the first direction. When the toner storage container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y and the cartridge 5Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the third storage chamber 614 is located above the first storage chamber 612. The third storage chamber 614 has a larger capacity than the first storage chamber 612 and the second storage chamber 613.

[0139] 3.1.5 Fourth Containment Cell 615 As shown in FIG. 11 , the fourth storage chamber 615 communicates with the third storage chamber 614. When the toner storage container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y, the fourth storage chamber 615 is aligned with the first storage chamber 612 in the horizontal direction. The fourth storage chamber 615 communicates with each of the first section 6121 of the first storage chamber 612, the second section 6122 of the first storage chamber 612, the third section 6123 of the first storage chamber 612 (see FIG. 14 ), and the fourth section 6124 of the first storage chamber 612 (see FIG. 17 ). In other words, the fourth storage chamber 615 communicates with the first storage chamber 612. That is, the third storage chamber 614 communicates with the first storage chamber 612 via the fourth storage chamber 615.

[0140] 3.1.6 Toner Partition Wall 616 12, the toner partition wall 616 is located between the first storage chamber 612 and the second storage chamber 613. The toner partition wall 616 separates the first storage chamber 612 from the second storage chamber 613. The toner partition wall 616 has two first flow ports 616A, 616B and two second flow ports 616C, 616D.

[0141] The first circulation port 616A is located between the toner discharge port 617A and the return toner receiving port 617B in the first direction. The first circulation port 616A allows the toner to flow from the first storage chamber 612 to the second storage chamber 613. More specifically, the first circulation port 616A allows the toner to flow from the second section 6122 of the first storage chamber 612 to the second section 6132 of the second storage chamber 613.

[0142] The first circulation port 616B is located between the toner discharge port 617A and the second return toner receiving port 617C in the first direction. The first circulation port 616B is located away from the first circulation port 616A in the first direction. The first circulation port 616B allows the toner to flow from the first storage chamber 612 to the second storage chamber 613. More specifically, the first circulation port 616B allows the toner to flow from the third section 6123 of the first storage chamber 612 to the second section 6132 of the second storage chamber 613.

[0143] The second circulation port 616C is located at one end of the toner partition wall 616 in the first direction. The second circulation port 616C is located away from the return toner receiving port 617B in the first direction. The second circulation port 616C allows toner to flow from the second storage chamber 613 to the first storage chamber 612. More specifically, the second circulation port 616C allows toner to flow from the first section 6131 of the second storage chamber 613 to the first section 6121 of the first storage chamber 612.

[0144] The second circulation port 616D is located at the other end of the toner partition wall 616 in the first direction. The second circulation port 616D is located away from the second return toner receiving port 617C in the first direction. The second circulation port 616D allows toner to flow from the second storage chamber 613 to the first storage chamber 612. More specifically, the second circulation port 616D allows toner to flow from the third section 6133 of the second storage chamber 613 to the fourth section 6124 of the first storage chamber 612.

[0145] 3.1.7 Toner discharge port 617A, returned toner receiving port 617B, second returned toner receiving port 617C The toner discharge port 617A is capable of discharging toner from the toner storage container 10Y. Specifically, the toner discharge port 617A is capable of discharging toner from the second section 6132 of the second storage chamber 613. The toner discharge port 617A is located in the center of the second storage chamber 613 in the first direction. The toner discharge port 617A communicates with the internal space of the second section 6132 of the second storage chamber 613. In other words, the toner discharge port 617A communicates with the internal space of the second storage chamber 613.

[0146] The returned toner receiving port 617B is capable of receiving returned toner. The returned toner receiving port 617B is capable of receiving toner that is returned to the toner storage container 10Y from the toner return port 531B (see FIG. 5). The returned toner receiving port 617B is located between the toner side plate 611A and the toner discharge port 617A in the first direction. The returned toner receiving port 617B is located away from the toner discharge port 617A in the first direction. The returned toner receiving port 617B communicates with the internal space of the second storage chamber 613. More specifically, the returned toner receiving port 617B communicates with the internal space of the first section 6131 of the second storage chamber 613.

[0147] The second returned toner receiving port 617C is capable of receiving returned toner. The second returned toner receiving port 617C is capable of receiving toner returned to the toner storage container 10Y from the second toner return port 531C (see FIG. 5). The second returned toner receiving port 617C is located between the toner discharge port 617A and the toner side plate 611B in the first direction. The second returned toner receiving port 617C is located away from the toner discharge port 617A in the first direction. The second returned toner receiving port 617C is located on the opposite side of the toner discharge port 617A from the returned toner receiving port 617B in the first direction. The second returned toner receiving port 617C communicates with the internal space of the second storage chamber 613. More specifically, the second returned toner receiving port 617C communicates with the internal space of the third section 6133 of the second storage chamber 613.

[0148] 3.2 Toner transport member 62 The toner transport member 62 is located in the second storage chamber 613. The toner transport member 62 has two first toner transport members 62A and 62B and two second toner transport members 62C and 62D. In other words, the toner container 10Y includes two first toner transport members 62A and 62B and two second toner transport members 62C and 62D.

[0149] The first toner transport member 62A is capable of transporting toner in the second storage chamber 613 in a first direction. More specifically, the first toner transport member 62A is capable of transporting toner in the first section 6131 of the second storage chamber 613 in the first direction. The first toner transport member 62A transports toner from the return toner receiving port 617B toward the second circulation port 616C. The first toner transport member 62A extends in the first direction. The first toner transport member 62A extends in the first direction from the return toner receiving port 617B to the second circulation port 616C. In this embodiment, the first toner transport member 62A is an auger screw. The first toner transport member 62A is rotatable about an axis A5. The axis A5 extends in the first direction.

[0150] The first toner transport member 62B can transport toner in the second storage chamber 613 in the first direction. More specifically, the first toner transport member 62B can transport toner in the third section 6133 of the second storage chamber 613 in the first direction. The first toner transport member 62B transports toner from the second returning toner receiving port 617C toward the second circulation port 616D. The first toner transport member 62B extends in the first direction. The first toner transport member 62B extends in the first direction from the second returning toner receiving port 617C to the second circulation port 616D. In this embodiment, the first toner transport member 62B is an auger screw. The first toner transport member 62B can rotate together with the first toner transport member 62A. The first toner transport member 62B can rotate about an axis A5.

[0151] The second toner transport member 62C can transport toner in the second storage chamber 613 in the first direction. More specifically, the second toner transport member 62C can transport toner in the second section 6132 of the second storage chamber 613 in the first direction. The second toner transport member 62C transports toner from the first circulation port 616A toward the toner discharge port 617A. The second toner transport member 62C extends in the first direction. The second toner transport member 62C extends in the first direction from the first circulation port 616A to the toner discharge port 617A. In this embodiment, the second toner transport member 62C is an auger screw. The second toner transport member 62C can rotate together with the first toner transport members 62A and 62B. The second toner transport member 62C can rotate about an axis A5.

[0152] The second toner transport member 62D can transport toner in the second storage chamber 613 in the first direction. More specifically, the second toner transport member 62D can transport toner in the second section 6132 of the second storage chamber 613 in the first direction. The second toner transport member 62D transports toner from the first circulation port 616B toward the toner discharge port 617A. The second toner transport member 62D extends in the first direction. The second toner transport member 62D extends in the first direction from the first circulation port 616B to the toner discharge port 617A. In this embodiment, the second toner transport member 62D is an auger screw. The second toner transport member 62D can rotate together with the first toner transport members 62A and 62B and the second toner transport member 62C. The second toner transport member 62D can rotate about an axis A5.

[0153] 3.3 Toner transport member 63 The toner transport member 63 is located in the first storage chamber 612. The toner transport member 63 includes two third toner transport members 63A and 63B and two fourth toner transport members 63C and 63D. In other words, the toner container 10Y includes two third toner transport members 63A and 63B and two fourth toner transport members 63C and 63D.

[0154] The third toner transport member 63A can transport toner in the first storage chamber 612 in the first direction. More specifically, the third toner transport member 63A can transport toner in the second section 6122 in the first direction. The third toner transport member 63A transports toner toward the first circulation port 616A. More specifically, the third toner transport member 63A transports toner from the other end of the second section 6122 in the first direction toward the first circulation port 616A located at one end of the second section 6122 in the first direction. The third toner transport member 63A extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the third toner transport member 63A is an auger screw. The third toner transport member 63A can rotate about an axis A6. The axis A6 extends in the first direction.

[0155] The third toner transport member 63B can transport toner in the first storage chamber 612 in the first direction. More specifically, the third toner transport member 63B can transport toner in the third section 6123 in the first direction. The third toner transport member 63B transports toner toward the first circulation port 616B. More specifically, the third toner transport member 63B transports toner from one end of the third section 6123 in the first direction toward the first circulation port 616B located at the other end. The third toner transport member 63B extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the third toner transport member 63B is an auger screw. The third toner transport member 63B can rotate together with the third toner transport member 63A. The third toner transport member 63B can rotate about an axis A6.

[0156] The fourth toner transport member 63C can transport toner in the first storage chamber 612 in the first direction. More specifically, the fourth toner transport member 63C can transport toner in the first section 6121 in the first direction. The fourth toner transport member 63C transports toner from the second flow port 616C located on one end side of the first section 6121 in the first direction toward the other end side of the first section 6121 in the first direction. The fourth toner transport member 63C extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the fourth toner transport member 63C is an auger screw. The fourth toner transport member 63C can rotate together with the third toner transport members 63A and 63B. The fourth toner transport member 63C can rotate about an axis A6.

[0157] The fourth toner transport member 63D can transport toner in the first storage chamber 612 in the first direction. More specifically, the fourth toner transport member 63D can transport toner in the fourth section 6124 in the first direction. The fourth toner transport member 63D transports toner from the second flow port 616D located at the other end of the fourth section 6124 in the first direction toward one end of the fourth section 6124 in the first direction. The fourth toner transport member 63D extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the fourth toner transport member 63D is an auger screw. The fourth toner transport member 63D can rotate together with the third toner transport members 63A and 63B and the fourth toner transport member 63C. The fourth toner transport member 63D can rotate about an axis A6.

[0158] 3.4 Agitator 64 11, the agitator 64 is located inside the third storage chamber 614. More specifically, the agitator 64 is located inside the third storage chamber 614. The agitator 64 transports the toner in the third storage chamber 614 toward the fourth storage chamber 615 while stirring the toner.

[0159] 3.5 Toner first shutter 65A As shown in FIG. 12, the toner first shutter 65A is located at the center of the second storage chamber 613 in the first direction. The toner first shutter 65A is located on the circumferential surface of the second storage chamber 613. The toner first shutter 65A opens and closes the toner discharge port 617A. Specifically, the toner first shutter 65A is movable along the circumferential surface of the second storage chamber 613 between a closed position (see FIG. 11) and an open position (see FIG. 20). As shown in FIG. 11, when the toner first shutter 65A is located at the closed position, the toner first shutter 65A closes the toner discharge port 617A. When the toner first shutter 65A is located at the open position (see FIG. 20), the toner discharge port 617A is open. The toner first shutter 65A has two protrusions 651A and 651B.

[0160] The protrusion 651A is located on the circumferential surface of the first toner shutter 65A. The protrusion 651A extends from the circumferential surface of the first toner shutter 65A. The protrusion 651A may be attached to the circumferential surface of the first toner shutter 65A. The protrusion 651A is located at one end of the first toner shutter 65A in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 19, when the toner container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y, the protrusion 651A fits into the hole 5312A (see FIG. 5) of the drum cartridge 9Y.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 12, the protrusion 651B is located on the circumferential surface of the first toner shutter 65A. The protrusion 651B extends from the circumferential surface of the first toner shutter 65A. The protrusion 651B may be attached to the circumferential surface of the first toner shutter 65A. The protrusion 651B is located at the other end of the first toner shutter 65A in the first direction. When the toner container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y, the protrusion 651B fits into the hole 5312B (see FIG. 5) of the drum cartridge 9Y.

[0162] The first toner shutter 65A is fixed to the drum cartridge 9Y by fitting the protrusion 651A into the hole 5312A of the drum cartridge 9Y and the protrusion 651B into the hole 5312B of the drum cartridge 9Y.

[0163] 3.6 Toner second shutter 65B The toner second shutter 65B is located between the toner side plate 611A and the toner discharge port 617A in the first direction. The toner second shutter 65B is located away from the toner discharge port 617A in the first direction. The toner second shutter 65B is located on the circumferential surface of the second storage chamber 613. The toner second shutter 65B opens and closes the return toner receiving port 617B. More specifically, like the toner first shutter 65A, the toner second shutter 65B is movable along the circumferential surface of the second storage chamber 613 between a closed position and an open position. When the toner second shutter 65B is located in the closed position, the toner second shutter 65B closes the return toner receiving port 617B. When the toner second shutter 65B is located in the open position, the return toner receiving port 617B is open. The toner second shutter 65B has two protrusions 652A and 652B.

[0164] The protrusion 652A is located on the circumferential surface of the second toner shutter 65B. The protrusion 652A extends from the circumferential surface of the second toner shutter 65B. The protrusion 652A may be attached to the circumferential surface of the second toner shutter 65B. The protrusion 652A is located at one end of the second toner shutter 65B in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 19, when the toner container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y, the protrusion 652A fits into the hole 5312C (see FIG. 5) of the drum cartridge 9Y.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 12, the protrusion 652B is located on the circumferential surface of the second toner shutter 65B. The protrusion 652B extends from the circumferential surface of the second toner shutter 65B. The protrusion 652B may be attached to the circumferential surface of the second toner shutter 65B. The protrusion 652B is located at the other end of the second toner shutter 65B in the first direction. When the toner container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y, the protrusion 652B fits into the hole 5312D (see FIG. 5) of the drum cartridge 9Y.

[0166] The second toner shutter 65B is fixed to the drum cartridge 9Y by fitting the protrusion 652A into the hole 5312C of the drum cartridge 9Y and the protrusion 652B into the hole 5312D of the drum cartridge 9Y.

[0167] 3.7 Toner 3rd Shutter 65C The toner third shutter 65C is located between the toner side plate 611B and the toner discharge port 617A in the first direction. The toner third shutter 65C is located away from the toner discharge port 617A in the first direction. The toner third shutter 65C is located on the circumferential surface of the second storage chamber 613. The toner third shutter 65C opens and closes the second return toner receiving port 617C. More specifically, like the toner first shutter 65A and the toner second shutter 65B, the toner third shutter 65C is movable along the circumferential surface of the second storage chamber 613 between a closed position and an open position. As shown in FIG. 16 , when the toner third shutter 65C is located in the closed position, the toner third shutter 65C closes the second return toner receiving port 617C. When the toner third shutter 65C is located in the open position, the second return toner receiving port 617C is open. The third toner shutter 65C has two protrusions 653A and 653B.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 12, the protrusion 653A is located on the circumferential surface of the third toner shutter 65C. The protrusion 653A extends from the circumferential surface of the third toner shutter 65C. The protrusion 653A may be attached to the circumferential surface of the third toner shutter 65C. The protrusion 653A is located at one end of the third toner shutter 65C in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 19, when the toner container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y, the protrusion 653A fits into the hole 5312E (see FIG. 5) of the drum cartridge 9Y.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 12, the protrusion 653B is located on the circumferential surface of the third toner shutter 65C. The protrusion 653B extends from the circumferential surface of the third toner shutter 65C. The protrusion 653B may be attached to the circumferential surface of the third toner shutter 65C. The protrusion 653B is located at the other end of the third toner shutter 65C in the first direction. When the toner container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y, the protrusion 653B fits into the hole 5312F (see FIG. 5) of the drum cartridge 9Y.

[0170] The protrusion 653A fits into the hole 5312E of the drum cartridge 9Y, and the protrusion 653B fits into the hole 5312F of the drum cartridge 9Y, whereby the third toner shutter 65C is fixed to the drum cartridge 9Y.

[0171] 3.8 Protrusion 66A, 66B The protrusion 66A is located on one outer surface S1 of the toner housing 61 in the first direction. The protrusion 66A protrudes from the outer surface S1. The protrusion 66A may be attached to the outer surface S1. When the toner container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y, the protrusion 66A fits into a guide 5315A (see FIG. 5) of the drum cartridge 9Y.

[0172] The protrusion 66B is located on the other outer surface S2 of the toner housing 61 in the first direction. The protrusion 66B protrudes from the outer surface S2. The protrusion 66B may be attached to the outer surface S2. When the toner container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y, the protrusion 66B fits into a guide 5315B (see FIG. 5) of the drum cartridge 9Y.

[0173] 3.9 Protrusions 67A, 67B 13, the protrusion 67A is located on the circumferential surface of the second storage chamber 613. The protrusion 67A is located at one end of the second storage chamber 613 in the first direction. The protrusion 67A extends from the circumferential surface of the second storage chamber 613. The protrusion 67A may be attached to the circumferential surface of the second storage chamber 613. When the toner storage container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y, the protrusion 67A fits into the hole 535F of the development shutter 535.

[0174] 11, the protrusion 67B is located on the circumferential surface of the second storage chamber 613. The protrusion 67B is located at the other end of the second storage chamber 613 in the first direction. The protrusion 67B extends from the circumferential surface of the second storage chamber 613. The protrusion 67B may be attached to the circumferential surface of the second storage chamber 613. When the toner storage container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y, the protrusion 67B fits into the hole 535G of the development shutter 535.

[0175] 4. Mounting the toner container 10Y to the drum cartridge 9Y Next, with reference to FIGS. 3, 5, 11 to 13, 16, 19 and 20, the installation of the toner container 10Y into the drum cartridge 9Y will be described.

[0176] When the toner container 10Y is removed from the drum cartridge 9Y, the development shutter 535 is located in the closed position (see FIG. 3). The first toner shutter 65A is located in the closed position (see FIG. 11), the second toner shutter 65B is located in the closed position, and the third toner shutter 65C is located in the closed position (see FIG. 16).

[0177] When the user mounts the toner container 10Y on the drum cartridge 9Y, the user positions the second container chamber 613 in the developing housing 531 as shown in FIG.

[0178] Specifically, the user first fits the protrusion 66A (see FIG. 12) of the toner container 10Y into the guide 5315A (see FIG. 5) of the cartridge 5Y, and then fits the protrusion 66B (see FIG. 12) of the toner container 10Y into the guide 5315B (see FIG. 5) of the cartridge 5Y. Next, the user attaches the toner container 10Y from the second container chamber 613 to the drum cartridge 9Y along the guide 5315A and the guide 5315B.

[0179] Then, the protrusion 651A (see FIG. 12) of the first toner shutter 65A fits into the hole 5312A (see FIG. 5) of the developing housing 531, the protrusion 651B (see FIG. 12) of the first toner shutter 65A fits into the hole 5312B (see FIG. 5) of the developing housing 531, the protrusion 652A (see FIG. 12) of the second toner shutter 65B fits into the hole 5312C (see FIG. 5) of the developing housing 531, and the protrusion 652B (see FIG. 12) of the second toner shutter 65B fits into the hole 5312D (see FIG. 5) of the developing housing 531. ), the protrusion 653A of the third toner shutter 65C (see FIG. 12) is fitted into the hole 5312E of the developing housing 531 (see FIG. 5), the protrusion 653B of the third toner shutter 65C (see FIG. 12) is fitted into the hole 5312F of the developing housing 531 (see FIG. 5), the protrusion 67A of the toner container 10Y (see FIG. 13) is fitted into the hole 535F of the developing shutter 535 (see FIG. 5), and the protrusion 67B of the toner container 10Y (see FIG. 11) is fitted into the hole 535G of the developing shutter 535 (see FIG. 5).

[0180] As a result, the first toner shutter 65A, the second toner shutter 65B, and the third toner shutter 65C are fixed to the developing housing 531. By fixing the first toner shutter 65A, the second toner shutter 65B, and the third toner shutter 65C to the developing housing 531, the second storage chamber 613 is positioned in the developing housing 531.

[0181] 19 and 20, the user rotates the toner housing 61 about the second storage chamber 613. The user rotates the toner housing 61 in a direction in which the first storage chamber 612 and the third storage chamber 614 approach the bottom plate 5314.

[0182] Then, the development shutter 535 is pushed by the protrusions 67A (see FIG. 13) and 67B (see FIG. 11) of the toner container 10Y and moves from the closed position to the open position. Furthermore, with the first toner shutter 65A, the second toner shutter 65B, and the third toner shutter 65C fixed to the development housing 531, the toner housing 61 rotates in a direction in which the first storage chamber 612 and the third storage chamber 614 approach the bottom plate 5314, whereby the first toner shutter 65A moves from the closed position to the open position relative to the toner housing 61, the second toner shutter 65B moves from the closed position to the open position relative to the toner housing 61, and the third toner shutter 65C moves from the closed position to the open position relative to the toner housing 61.

[0183] Then, as shown in Figure 20, the development shutter 535 is in the open position, the first toner shutter 65A is in the open position, the second toner shutter 65B is in the open position, and the third toner shutter 65C is in the open position, and the installation of the toner container 10Y into the drum cartridge 9Y is completed.

[0184] Furthermore, when the toner container 10Y is attached to the drum cartridge 9Y and the user rotates the toner housing 61 in a direction in which the first storage chamber 612 and the third storage chamber 614 move away from the bottom plate 5314, the development shutter 535 is pushed by the protrusions 67A (see Figure 13) and 67B (see Figure 11) of the toner container 10Y and moves from the open position to the closed position. Furthermore, with the first toner shutter 65A, the second toner shutter 65B, and the third toner shutter 65C fixed to the developing housing 531, by rotating the toner housing 61 in a direction in which the first storage chamber 612 and the third storage chamber 614 move away from the bottom plate 5314, the first toner shutter 65A moves from an open position to a closed position relative to the toner housing 61, the second toner shutter 65B moves from an open position to a closed position relative to the toner housing 61, and the third toner shutter 65C moves from an open position to a closed position relative to the toner housing 61.

[0185] 5. Effects (1) As shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge 5Y allows the toner in the developing housing 531 to be smoothly returned to the toner container 10Y through the toner return opening 531B and the returned toner receiving opening 617B.

[0186] This allows the toner to circulate between the developing casing 531 and the toner container 10Y.

[0187] As a result, toner can be prevented from accumulating inside the developing casing 531.

[0188] (2) According to the cartridge 5Y, as shown in FIG. 12, the first toner transport member 62A transports the toner in the second storage chamber 613 from the return toner receiving opening 617B toward the second outlet 616C.

[0189] This prevents the returned toner that has entered the toner storage container 10Y through the returned toner receiving port 617B from accumulating near the returned toner receiving port 617B. This allows the returned toner from the developing device 53 to be smoothly returned to the toner storage container 10Y through the returned toner receiving port 617B.

[0190] (3) According to the cartridge 5Y, as shown in Fig. 6, the first developer transport member 533 transports the toner in the first developing chamber 530A toward the developer flow port 530D. The second developer transport member 534 transports the toner in the second developing chamber 530B toward the toner return port 531B.

[0191] This allows the toner to be smoothly transported toward the toner return port 531B in the developing device 53. This allows the toner that has deteriorated in the first developing chamber 530A of the developing device 53Y to be returned to the toner storage container 10Y from the toner return port 531B via the second developing chamber 530B and mixed with the unused toner in the toner storage container 10Y. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of image quality due to the progression of toner deterioration in the developing device 53Y.

[0192] (4) As shown in FIG. 4, in the cartridge 5Y, the toner tube 56 is connected to the developing housing 531.

[0193] As a result, the collected toner from the photosensitive drum 51Y can be returned to the developing casing 531 through the collected toner receiving port 531D, mixed with unused toner, and supplied to the photosensitive drum 51Y again.

[0194] 6. Variations 21, the image forming apparatus 1 may include exposure heads 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K instead of the exposure device 6. The image forming apparatus 1 does not necessarily have to include the drawer 4.

[0195] In the main body housing 2A of this modified example, the opening 21A is located at the top end of the main body housing 2A.

[0196] The cover 22A is movable between a closed position (see FIG. 21) and an open position (see FIG. 22). As shown in FIG. 21, when the cover 22A is in the closed position, the cover 22A closes the opening 21A. As shown in FIG. 22, when the cover 22A is in the open position, the opening 21A is open. The cartridges 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K can each be replaced through the opening 21A of the main body housing 2A when the cover 22A is in the open position.

[0197] The exposure heads 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K are attached to the cover 22A. The exposure head 6Y exposes the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 51Y. The exposure head 6M exposes the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 51M. The exposure head 6C exposes the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 51C. The exposure head 6K exposes the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 51K.

[0198] This modification also provides the same effects as those of the above embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0199] 1. Image forming device 5Y Cartridge 9Y drum cartridge 10Y Toner Container 51Y Photosensitive drum 53Y developing device 55 Drum cleaner 56 Toner tube 57 Sealing material 58 Collected toner transport member 62A First toner transport member 62C Second toner transport member 63A third toner transport member 65A Toner 1st shutter 65B Toner 2nd shutter 612 Containment Cell 1 613 Second Containment Cell 614 Containment Cell 3 616 Toner partition wall 616A 1st distribution port 616C 2nd distribution port 617A Toner outlet 617B Return toner receiving port 530A 1st developing chamber 530B 2nd developing chamber 530C Developing partition wall 530D Developer outlet 531 Developing cabinet 531A Toner receiving port 531B Toner return port 531D Recycled toner receiving port 532 Developing roller 533 First developing conveying member 534 Second developing conveying member 535A Development 1st shutter 535B Second development shutter A1 First axis

Claims

1. A cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; a toner container capable of storing toner; a developing device capable of supplying the toner in the toner container to the photosensitive drum, the developing device including a developing casing capable of accommodating the toner from the toner container, and a developing roller rotatably supported by the developing casing; Equipped with The toner container is A first storage chamber; a second storage chamber located below the first storage chamber when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and communicating with the first storage chamber; a toner discharge port through which the toner in the toner container can be discharged; a returned toner receiving port that is in communication with the second storage chamber and that is capable of receiving returned toner that is toner that returns from the developing device to the toner storage container, The developing housing includes: a first developing chamber that accommodates a part of the developing roller, the first developing chamber being located below the toner container when the cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus; a second developing chamber located above the first developing chamber when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and communicating with the first developing chamber; a toner receiving port capable of receiving the toner discharged from the toner discharge port; a toner return port communicating with the second developing chamber for returning toner to the return toner receiving port; When the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, at least a portion of the second developing chamber is aligned with the second containing chamber in the horizontal direction, The toner receiving port communicates with the first developing chamber.

2. A cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus, a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; a toner container capable of storing toner; a developing device capable of supplying the toner in the toner container to the photosensitive drum, the developing device including a developing casing capable of accommodating the toner from the toner container, and a developing roller rotatably supported by the developing casing; Equipped with The toner container is A first storage chamber; a second storage chamber located below the first storage chamber when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and communicating with the first storage chamber; a toner discharge port through which the toner in the toner container can be discharged; a return toner receiving port that communicates with the second storage chamber and is capable of receiving return toner, which is toner that returns from the developing device to the toner storage container; a toner partition wall separating the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber, the toner partition wall having a first flow port that allows the toner to pass from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber and a second flow port that allows the toner to pass from the second storage chamber to the first storage chamber; a first toner transport member that transports the toner in the second storage chamber from the return toner receiving port toward the second outlet, The developing housing includes: a first developing chamber that accommodates a part of the developing roller, the first developing chamber being located below the toner container when the cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus; a second developing chamber located above the first developing chamber when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and communicating with the first developing chamber; a toner receiving port capable of receiving the toner discharged from the toner discharge port; a toner return port communicating with the second developing chamber for returning toner to the return toner receiving port; When the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, at least a portion of the second developing chamber is aligned with the second containing chamber in the horizontal direction.

3. The toner container is The cartridge according to claim 2 , further comprising a second toner transport member that transports the toner in the second storage chamber from the first flow port toward the toner discharge port.

4. The toner container is The cartridge according to claim 3 , further comprising a third toner transport member that transports the toner in the first storage chamber toward the first flow port.

5. A cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus, a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; a toner container capable of storing toner; a developing device capable of supplying the toner in the toner container to the photosensitive drum, the developing device including a developing casing capable of accommodating the toner from the toner container, and a developing roller rotatably supported by the developing casing; Equipped with The toner container is A first storage chamber; a second storage chamber located below the first storage chamber when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and communicating with the first storage chamber; a toner discharge port through which the toner in the toner container can be discharged; a return toner receiving port that communicates with the second storage chamber and is capable of receiving return toner, which is toner that returns from the developing device to the toner storage container; a third storage chamber that is located above the first storage chamber when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and has a larger capacity than the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber; The developing housing includes: a first developing chamber that accommodates a part of the developing roller, the first developing chamber being located below the toner container when the cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus; a second developing chamber located above the first developing chamber when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and communicating with the first developing chamber; a toner receiving port capable of receiving the toner discharged from the toner discharge port; a toner return port communicating with the second developing chamber for returning toner to the return toner receiving port; When the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, at least a portion of the second developing chamber is aligned with the second containing chamber in the horizontal direction.

6. A cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus, a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; a toner container capable of storing toner; a developing device capable of supplying the toner in the toner container to the photosensitive drum, the developing device including a developing casing capable of accommodating the toner from the toner container, and a developing roller rotatably supported by the developing casing; Equipped with The toner container is A first storage chamber; a second storage chamber located below the first storage chamber when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and communicating with the first storage chamber; a toner discharge port through which the toner in the toner container can be discharged; a returned toner receiving port that is in communication with the second storage chamber and that is capable of receiving returned toner that is toner that returns from the developing device to the toner storage container, The developing housing includes: a first developing chamber that accommodates a part of the developing roller, the first developing chamber being located below the toner container when the cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus; a second developing chamber located above the first developing chamber when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and communicating with the first developing chamber; a toner receiving port capable of receiving the toner discharged from the toner discharge port; a toner return port communicating with the second developing chamber for returning toner to the return toner receiving port; The developing device is a developer partition wall separating the first developing chamber and the second developing chamber, the developer partition wall having a developer flow port that allows toner to pass from the first developing chamber to the second developing chamber; a first developing conveying member that conveys the toner in the first developing chamber toward the developing flow port; a second developing conveying member that conveys the toner in the second developing chamber toward the toner return port, When the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, at least a portion of the second developing chamber is aligned with the second containing chamber in the horizontal direction.

7. A cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus, a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; a toner container capable of storing toner; a developing device capable of supplying the toner in the toner container to the photosensitive drum, the developing device including a developing casing capable of accommodating the toner from the toner container, and a developing roller rotatably supported by the developing casing; a drum cleaner capable of cleaning the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum; a toner tube connected to the developing casing, the toner tube allowing passage of recovered toner, which is toner removed from the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum by the drum cleaner; The toner container is A first storage chamber; a second storage chamber located below the first storage chamber when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and communicating with the first storage chamber; a toner discharge port through which the toner in the toner container can be discharged; a returned toner receiving port that is in communication with the second storage chamber and that is capable of receiving returned toner that is toner that returns from the developing device to the toner storage container, The developing housing includes: a first developing chamber that accommodates a part of the developing roller, the first developing chamber being located below the toner container when the cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus; a second developing chamber located above the first developing chamber when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and communicating with the first developing chamber; a toner receiving port capable of receiving the toner discharged from the toner discharge port; a toner return port communicating with the second developing chamber for returning toner to the return toner receiving port; a collected toner receiving port capable of receiving the collected toner from the toner tube, When the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, at least a portion of the second developing chamber is aligned with the second containing chamber in the horizontal direction.

8. The cartridge comprises: The cartridge according to claim 7 , further comprising a collected toner transport member that transports the toner in the toner tube.

9. The cartridge comprises:

9. The cartridge according to claim 7, further comprising a seal member for sealing between said toner tube and said developing housing.

10. A cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; a toner container capable of storing toner; a developing device capable of supplying the toner in the toner container to the photosensitive drum, the developing device including a developing casing capable of accommodating the toner from the toner container, and a developing roller rotatably supported by the developing casing; Equipped with The toner container is A first storage chamber; a second storage chamber located below the first storage chamber when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and communicating with the first storage chamber; a toner discharge port through which the toner in the toner container can be discharged; a returned toner receiving port that is in communication with the second storage chamber and that is capable of receiving returned toner that is toner that returns from the developing device to the toner storage container, The developing housing includes: a first developing chamber that accommodates a part of the developing roller, the first developing chamber being located below the toner container when the cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus; a second developing chamber located above the first developing chamber when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and communicating with the first developing chamber; a toner receiving port capable of receiving the toner discharged from the toner discharge port; a toner return port communicating with the second developing chamber for returning toner to the return toner receiving port; The developing device is a first development shutter that opens and closes the toner receiving opening; a second development shutter that opens and closes the toner return port, When the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, at least a portion of the second developing chamber is aligned with the second containing chamber in the horizontal direction.

11. The toner container is a first toner shutter that opens and closes the toner discharge port; 11. The cartridge according to claim 10, further comprising: a second toner shutter for opening and closing the return toner receiving opening.

12. A cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus, comprising: a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; a toner container capable of storing toner; a developing device capable of supplying the toner in the toner container to the photosensitive drum, the developing device including a developing casing capable of accommodating the toner from the toner container, and a developing roller rotatably supported by the developing casing; Equipped with The toner container is A first storage chamber; a second storage chamber located below the first storage chamber when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and communicating with the first storage chamber; a toner discharge port through which the toner in the toner container can be discharged; a return toner receiving port that communicates with the second storage chamber and is capable of receiving return toner, which is toner that returns from the developing device to the toner storage container; a first toner shutter that opens and closes the toner discharge port; a second toner shutter that opens and closes the return toner receiving port, The developing housing includes: a first developing chamber that accommodates a part of the developing roller, the first developing chamber being located below the toner container when the cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus; a second developing chamber located above the first developing chamber when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and communicating with the first developing chamber; a toner receiving port capable of receiving the toner discharged from the toner discharge port; a toner return port communicating with the second developing chamber for returning toner to the return toner receiving port; When the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, at least a portion of the second developing chamber is aligned with the second containing chamber in the horizontal direction.

13. A cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus, comprising: a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; a toner container capable of storing toner; a developing device capable of supplying the toner in the toner container to the photosensitive drum, the developing device including a developing casing capable of accommodating the toner from the toner container, and a developing roller rotatably supported by the developing casing; Equipped with The toner container is A first storage chamber; a second storage chamber located below the first storage chamber when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and communicating with the first storage chamber; a toner discharge port through which the toner in the toner container can be discharged; a returned toner receiving port that is in communication with the second storage chamber and that is capable of receiving returned toner that is toner that returns from the developing device to the toner storage container, The developing housing includes: a first developing chamber that accommodates a part of the developing roller, the first developing chamber being located below the toner container when the cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus; a second developing chamber located above the first developing chamber when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and communicating with the first developing chamber; a toner receiving port capable of receiving the toner discharged from the toner discharge port; a toner return port communicating with the second developing chamber for returning toner to the return toner receiving port; When the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, at least a portion of the second developing chamber is aligned with the second containing chamber in the horizontal direction, The toner container is detachable from the cartridge.

14. A cartridge described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the toner discharge outlet is connected to the second storage chamber.

15. A cartridge described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the developing device is movable relative to the photosensitive drum.

16. A drum cartridge having a detachable toner container capable of accommodating toner and detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; a developing device capable of supplying the toner in the toner container to the photosensitive drum, the developing device including a developing casing capable of accommodating the toner from the toner container, and a developing roller rotatably supported by the developing casing; Equipped with The toner container is A first storage chamber; a second storage chamber that is located below the first storage chamber and communicates with the first storage chamber when the toner storage container is attached to the drum cartridge and the drum cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus; a toner discharge port through which the toner in the toner container can be discharged; a returned toner receiving port that is in communication with the second storage chamber and that is capable of receiving returned toner that is toner that returns from the developing device to the toner storage container, The developing housing includes: a first developing chamber that accommodates a part of the developing roller, the first developing chamber being located below the toner container when the toner container is attached to the drum cartridge and the drum cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus; a second developing chamber, the second developing chamber being located above the first developing chamber and communicating with the first developing chamber when the toner container is attached to the drum cartridge and the drum cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus; a toner receiving port capable of receiving the toner discharged from the toner discharge port; a toner return port communicating with the second developing chamber for returning toner to the return toner receiving port; A drum cartridge in which, when the toner container is attached to the drum cartridge and the drum cartridge is attached to the image forming device, at least a portion of the second developing chamber is aligned horizontally with the second storage chamber.

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