Developing cartridge and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a developing cartridge and an image forming apparatus in which a developing roller is movable with respect to a photoconductor drum, and the degree of parallelization of the developing roller with respect to the photoconductor drum can be ensured.SOLUTION: A developing cartridge 6Y comprises a toner container 61Y, a developing roller 622Y, and a developing housing 621Y. The toner container 61Y can store toner. The developing housing 621Y supports the developing roller 622Y. The developing housing 621Y is movably supported by the toner container 61Y. The toner container 61Y has a first storage part 611 and a second storage part 612. The first storage part 611 can store toner. The second storage part 612 stores the developing housing 621Y.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus includes a main body having an opening, a cartridge, and an intermediate transfer unit located above the cartridge. The cartridge integrally includes a drum and a developing unit. The developing unit has a developing roller. The cartridge is detachable from the main body through the opening in the axial direction of the drum (see Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-167522 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the image forming apparatus described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it may be desirable to configure the cartridge so that it can be separated into a drum cartridge having a drum and a developing cartridge having a developing roller.

[0005] However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, an opening for passing the cartridge is provided on one side of the cartridge in the axial direction of the drum, which makes it difficult to provide a member for supporting one end of the drum cartridge in the axial direction of the drum and one end of the developer cartridge in the axial direction of the drum.

[0006] Therefore, it is difficult to ensure parallelism of the developing roller relative to the photosensitive drum while configuring the developing roller to be movable relative to the drum.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a developing cartridge and an image forming apparatus that are configured so that the developing roller is movable relative to the photosensitive drum, while ensuring parallelism of the developing roller relative to the photosensitive drum. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) A developer cartridge according to the present disclosure includes a toner container, a developer roller, and a developer housing. The toner container is capable of containing toner. The developer housing supports the developer roller. The developer housing is movably supported by the toner container.

[0009] The toner container has a first container portion and a second container portion. The first container portion is capable of containing toner. The second container portion contains a developing housing.

[0010] According to this configuration, the toner container has a first container portion capable of containing toner and a second container portion that contains the developing housing. The developing housing is movably supported by the toner container. Therefore, the developing roller is movable relative to the toner container.

[0011] When the developer cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus and the toner container of the developer cartridge is supported by the image forming apparatus, the developer roller, which is movable relative to the toner container, comes into contact with the photosensitive drum, and therefore becomes movable relative to the photosensitive drum.

[0012] Furthermore, since the developing casing can be supported by the toner container, the parallelism of the developing roller relative to the photosensitive drum can be ensured.

[0013] Therefore, the developing roller is configured to be movable relative to the photosensitive drum, while ensuring parallelism of the developing roller relative to the photosensitive drum.

[0014] (2) The developing roller is rotatable about a developing shaft. The developing shaft extends in a first direction. The developing cartridge may have a shaft. The shaft protrudes in the first direction from an outer surface of the developing housing in the first direction. The toner container may have a receiving portion in the second containing portion. The receiving portion receives the shaft. The receiving portion is cylindrical.

[0015] (3) The toner container may have a shaft extending in the first direction and supporting the developing housing.

[0016] (4) The developing housing may be rotatable about a shaft relative to the toner container.

[0017] (5) The developing cartridge may have a protrusion. The protrusion protrudes in the first direction from an outer surface of the developing housing in the first direction. The second storage section of the toner storage container may have a hole. The protrusion fits into the hole. The hole extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. The developing housing is movable relative to the toner storage container in the direction in which the hole extends.

[0018] (6) The developing cartridge may have a developing rib. The developing rib protrudes in the first direction from the outer surface of the developing housing in the first direction. The toner container may have a toner rib. The toner rib engages with the developing rib. The toner rib protrudes from the inner surface of the second container in the first direction toward the developing rib.

[0019] (7) The toner container may have an opening, a first support surface, a second support surface, a third support surface, and a cover sidewall. The opening connects the first storage section and the second storage section. The first support surface is located on one side of the opening in the first direction. The first support surface supports one end of the developing housing in the first direction. The second support surface is located on the other side of the opening in the first direction. The second support surface supports the other end of the developing housing in the first direction. The third support surface is located on one side of the opening in the second direction. The third support surface supports one end of the developing housing in the second direction. The cover sidewall is located on the other side of the opening in the second direction. The cover sidewall covers the other end of the developing housing in the second direction. The developer cartridge may include a first seal member and a second seal member. The first seal member may have a first seal portion, a second seal portion, and a third seal portion. The first seal member seals between one end of the developing housing in the first direction and the first support surface. The second seal member seals between the other end of the developing housing in the first direction and the second support surface. The third seal member seals between one end of the developing housing in the second direction and the third support surface. The second seal member seals between the other end of the developing housing in the second direction and the cover side wall.

[0020] (8) The first sealing member may be a sponge, and the second sealing member may be a film.

[0021] (9) The developer cartridge may include a seal member. The seal member may have a first seal portion, a second seal portion, a third seal portion, and a fourth seal portion. The first seal portion seals between one end of the developer housing in the first direction and the first support surface. The second seal portion seals between the other end of the developer housing in the first direction and the second support surface. The third seal portion seals between one end of the developer housing in the second direction and the third support surface. The fourth seal portion seals between the other end of the developer housing in the second direction and the cover side wall.

[0022] (10) The developer cartridge may have an agitator. The agitator is capable of agitating the toner in the first toner storage section of the toner storage container. The agitator is rotatable about an agitator shaft. The agitator shaft extends in a first direction. When the developer cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the agitator shaft may be located below the developer housing.

[0023] (11) When the developer cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the toner level in the toner container may be located below the developer housing.

[0024] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent toner from spilling out from between the developing housing and the toner container.

[0025] (12) The image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a main body housing, a transfer device, a drum cartridge, the above-described developer cartridge, and a support frame. The drum cartridge has a photosensitive drum. When the drum cartridge is attached to the main body housing, the drum cartridge is located below the transfer device. When the developer cartridge is attached to the main body housing, the support frame supports the toner container.

[0026] According to this configuration, when the developer cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the toner container of the developer cartridge can be supported by the support frame.

[0027] Therefore, the developing roller can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum while being movable relative to the toner container. Also, by supporting the developing housing with the toner container, the parallelism of the developing roller with respect to the photosensitive drum can be ensured.

[0028] Therefore, the developing roller is configured to be movable relative to the photosensitive drum, while ensuring parallelism of the developing roller relative to the photosensitive drum.

[0029] (13) The developing cartridge may have a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion. The first engaging portion is located at one end of the developing housing in the first direction. The second engaging portion is located at the other end of the developing housing in the first direction. The drum cartridge may have a first engaged portion and a second engaged portion. When the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are attached to the main housing, the first engaging portion engages with the first engaged portion. The first engaged portion is located at one end of the drum cartridge in the first direction. When the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are attached to the main housing, the second engaging portion engages with the second engaged portion. The second engaged portion is located at the other end of the drum cartridge in the first direction.

[0030] According to this configuration, when the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are attached to the main body casing, the drum cartridge can support both ends of the developing casing in the first direction.

[0031] Therefore, the parallelism of the developing roller with respect to the photosensitive drum can be further ensured.

[0032] (14) When the drum cartridge and the developer cartridge are attached to the main body housing, the developer cartridge may be movable between a first position and a second position. When the developer cartridge is located at the first position, the developer roller contacts the photosensitive drum. When the developer cartridge is located at the second position, the developer roller is separated from the photosensitive drum. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the developer cartridge and image forming apparatus of the present disclosure, the developer roller is configured to be movable relative to the photosensitive drum, while ensuring parallelism of the developer roller relative to the photosensitive drum. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the attachment and detachment of the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the cover is located at the closed position. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows the cover shown in FIG. 2 in the open position. [Figure 4] 4 is a central cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the movement of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the support frame is located at the frame first position and the developing cartridge is located at the first position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the movement of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the support frame is located at the frame second position and the developing cartridge is located at the second position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a first modified example of the developing cartridge. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a second modified example of the developing cartridge. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a third modified example of the developing cartridge. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the developer cartridge shown in FIG. 12, showing a cross section passing through the developer rib and the toner rib. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0036] In the following description, the "vertical direction" refers to the vertical direction when the image forming apparatus 1 is placed on a horizontal surface. In addition, in the description of the image forming apparatus 1, the "first direction" refers to the first direction when the developing cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body housing 2, a cover 3 (see Figure 2), a sheet storage section 4, a plurality of drum cartridges 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, a plurality of developing cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K, an exposure device 7, a transfer device 8, a transfer roller 9, and a fixing device 10.

[0038] 1.1 Main body casing 2 The main body housing 2 accommodates the sheet storage section 4, drum cartridges 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, developer cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K, an exposure device 7, a transfer device 8, a transfer roller 9, and a fixing device 10. The main body housing 2 has an opening 21 (see FIG. 3). The opening 21 is located at one end of the main body housing 2 in the first direction.

[0039] 1.2 Cover 3 2 and 3, the cover 3 is movable between a closed position (see FIG. 2) and an open position (see FIG. 3). When the cover 3 is in the closed position, the cover 3 closes the opening 21. When the cover 3 is in the open position, the opening 21 is open.

[0040] 1.3 Sheet storage compartment 4 1, the sheet storage unit 4 is capable of storing sheets S. The sheets S in the sheet storage unit 4 are conveyed toward a transfer roller 9.

[0041] 1.4 Drum Cartridges 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K As shown in FIG. 3, with the cover 3 in the open position, each of the drum cartridges 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K can be attached to and detached from the main body housing 2 through the opening 21. Each of the drum cartridges 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K can be attached and detached in a first direction. As shown in FIG. 1, with the drum cartridges 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K attached to the main body housing 2, the drum cartridges 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are located below the transfer device 8. The drum cartridge 5Y has a photosensitive drum 51Y and a charging device 52Y.

[0042] The photosensitive drum 51Y extends in a first direction. The photosensitive drum 51Y has a cylindrical shape. The photosensitive drum 51Y is rotatable about a drum axis A1. The drum axis A1 extends in the first direction.

[0043] The charging device 52Y charges the photosensitive drum 51Y. In this embodiment, the charging device 52Y is a charging roller. The charging device 52Y may be a scorotron charger.

[0044] The drum cartridges 5M, 5C, and 5K each have the same structure as the drum cartridge 5Y, so a description of the drum cartridges 5M, 5C, and 5K will be omitted.

[0045] 1.5 Developer cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K As shown in Fig. 3, when the cover 3 is in the open position, the developer cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K can be attached to and detached from the main body housing 2 through the opening 21. As shown in Fig. 1, when the developer cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K are attached to the main body housing 2, the developer cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K are located below the transfer device 8. The developer cartridge 6Y includes a toner container 61Y and a developing device 62Y.

[0046] The toner container 61Y is capable of storing toner.

[0047] The developing device 62Y is supported by the toner container 61Y. The developing device 62Y includes a developing housing 621Y and a developing roller 622Y. In other words, the developing cartridge 6Y includes a developing housing 621Y and a developing roller 622Y.

[0048] The developing housing 621Y supports the developing roller 622Y. The developing housing 621Y is capable of receiving toner from the toner container 61Y. The developing housing 621Y is capable of storing toner from the toner container 61Y.

[0049] The developing roller 622Y is capable of supplying toner in the developing housing 621Y to the photosensitive drum 51Y. The developing roller 622Y comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 51Y. The developing roller 622Y may be capable of being separated from the photosensitive drum 51Y. The developing roller 622Y extends in a first direction. The developing roller 622Y is rotatable about a developing axis A2. The developing axis A2 extends in the first direction.

[0050] The developing cartridges 6M, 6C, and 6K each have the same structure as the developing cartridge 6Y, so a description of the developing cartridges 6M, 6C, and 6K will be omitted.

[0051] 1.6 Exposure equipment 7 The exposure device 7 can expose the circumferential surfaces of the photosensitive drums 51Y, 51M, 51C, and 51K when the drum cartridges 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are attached to the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the exposure device 7 is a laser scanning unit.

[0052] 1.7 Transfer device 8 When the drum cartridges 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are installed in the image forming apparatus 1, the transfer device 8 is located above the drum cartridges 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K. The transfer device 8 includes an intermediate transfer belt 81 and transfer rollers 82Y, 82M, 82C, and 82K.

[0053] When the drum cartridges 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are installed in the image forming apparatus 1, the intermediate transfer belt 81 comes into contact with the photosensitive drums 51Y, 51M, 51C, and 51K.

[0054] The transfer roller 82Y transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 51Y onto the intermediate transfer belt 81. The transfer roller 82M transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 51M onto the intermediate transfer belt 81. The transfer roller 82C transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 51C onto the intermediate transfer belt 81. The transfer roller 82K transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 51K onto the intermediate transfer belt 81.

[0055] 1.8 Transfer Roller 9 The transfer roller 9 transfers the toner on the intermediate transfer belt 81 onto the sheet S. More specifically, the sheet S transported from the sheet storage unit 4 toward the transfer roller 9 passes between the transfer roller 9 and the intermediate transfer belt 81 and is transported to the fixing device 10. At this time, the transfer roller 9 transfers the toner on the intermediate transfer belt 81 onto the sheet S.

[0056] 1.8 Fixing device 10 The fixing device 10 applies heat and pressure to the sheet S onto which the toner has been transferred, thereby fixing the toner to the sheet S. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 10 is discharged onto the top surface of the main body housing 2.

[0057] 2. Details of the 6Y Developing Cartridge Next, the developing cartridge 6Y will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the developing cartridge 6Y includes a first seal member 63, a second seal member 64, and an agitator 65 (see FIG. 4) in addition to the toner container 61Y and the developing device 62Y.

[0058] 2.1 Details of Toner Container 61Y 5, the toner container 61Y extends in a first direction and includes a first container portion 611 and a second container portion 612.

[0059] 2.1.1 First Receptacle 611 The first container 611 is capable of containing toner. The first container 611 extends in a first direction. The first container 611 has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 4, when the developer cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the toner level T in the first container 611 is located below the developer housing 621Y. In other words, when the developer cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the toner level T in the toner container 61Y is located below the developer housing 621Y.

[0060] 5, the first storage unit 611 has an opening 6111, a first support surface 6112A, a second support surface 6112B (see FIG. 4), a third support surface 6112C, a fourth support surface 6112D, and a fifth support surface 6112E (see FIG. 4). In other words, the toner storage container 61Y has the opening 6111, the first support surface 6112A, the second support surface 6112B, and the third support surface 6112C.

[0061] The opening 6111 communicates between the first accommodating portion 611 and the second accommodating portion 612. The opening 6111 is located at the boundary between the first accommodating portion 611 and the second accommodating portion 612. When the developing cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the opening 6111 is located at the upper end of the first accommodating portion 611. The opening 6111 extends in a first direction. The opening 6111 communicates with a receiving opening 6211 (see FIG. 4) of the developing casing 621Y. The receiving opening 6211 will be described later. The opening 6111 allows toner to pass from the toner container 61Y toward the developing casing 621Y.

[0062] The first support surface 6112A is located on one side of the opening 6111 in the first direction. The first support surface 6112A supports one end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction. The first support surface 6112A has a width in the first direction and extends in the second direction. The second direction intersects with the first direction. Preferably, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0063] The second support surface 6112B shown in FIG. 4 is located on the other side of the opening 6111 (see FIG. 5) in the first direction. In other words, the second support surface 6112B is located on the opposite side of the first support surface 6112A with respect to the opening 6111 in the first direction. The second support surface 6112B supports the other end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction. Like the first support surface 6112A, the second support surface 6112B has a width in the first direction and extends in the second direction.

[0064] The third support surface 6112C is located on one side of the opening 6111 in the second direction. The third support surface 6112C supports one end of the developing casing 621Y in the second direction. The third support surface 6112C has a width in the second direction and extends in the first direction. One end of the third support surface 6112C in the first direction is continuous with the first support surface 6112A. The other end of the third support surface 6112C in the first direction is continuous with the second support surface 6112B.

[0065] The fourth support surface 6112D is located on one side of the opening 6111 in the first direction. Together with the first support surface 6112A, the fourth support surface 6112D supports one end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction. The fourth support surface 6112D has a width in the first direction and extends in the third direction. The third direction intersects with the first and second directions. Preferably, the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and intersects with the second direction. When the developing cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the third direction is the up-down direction. One end of the fourth support surface 6112D in the third direction is continuous with the first support surface 6112A. The other end of the fourth support surface 6112D in the third direction is continuous with the inner surface of the cover side wall 6122.

[0066] The fifth support surface 6112E shown in FIG. 4 is located on the other side of the opening 6111 in the first direction. The fifth support surface 6112E, together with the second support surface 6112B, supports the other end of the developing housing 621Y in the first direction. Like the fourth support surface 6112D (see FIG. 5), the fifth support surface 6112E has a width in the first direction and extends in the third direction. One end of the fifth support surface 6112E in the third direction is continuous with the second support surface 6112B. The other end of the fifth support surface 6112E in the third direction is continuous with the inner surface of the cover side wall 6122.

[0067] 2.1.2 Second Receptacle 612 The second accommodating portion 612 accommodates the developing casing 621Y. The second accommodating portion 612 is located on the other side of the first accommodating portion 611 in the third direction. When the developing cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the second accommodating portion 612 is located above the first accommodating portion 611.

[0068] 5, the second container 612 has two support side walls 6121A and 6121B, a cover side wall 6122, and two receiving portions 6123A and 6123B. In other words, the toner container 61Y has a cover side wall 6122 and two receiving portions 6123A and 6123B.

[0069] The supporting side wall 6121A is located at one end of the toner container 61Y in the first direction. The supporting side wall 6121A is located on one side of the first supporting surface 6112A in the first direction. In other words, the supporting side wall 6121A is located outside the first supporting surface 6112A in the first direction. The supporting side wall 6121A is located on the opposite side of the opening 6111 with respect to the first supporting surface 6112A in the first direction. The supporting side wall 6121A extends in the second and third directions. The supporting side wall 6121A supports one end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction. The supporting side wall 6121A has a hole 61211A and a hole 61212A. In other words, the second container section 612 of the toner container 61Y has the hole 61212A.

[0070] The hole 61211A is located at one end of the support side wall 6121A in the second direction. The hole 61212A is located on the opposite side of the cover side wall 6122 with respect to the opening 6111 in the second direction. The hole 61211A has a circular shape. A shaft 623A of the developing device 62Y fits into the hole 61211A. The shaft 623A will be described later.

[0071] The hole 61212A is located away from the hole 61211A. In this embodiment, the hole 61212A is located between the hole 61211A and the cover side wall 6122 in the second direction. The hole 61212A extends in a direction intersecting with the first direction. More specifically, the hole 61212A extends in the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the hole 61211A. A protrusion 624A of the developing device 62Y fits into the hole 61212A. The protrusion 624A will be described later.

[0072] The supporting side wall 6121B is located at the other end of the toner container 61Y in the first direction. The supporting side wall 6121B is located on the other side of the second supporting surface 6112B (see FIG. 4) in the first direction. In other words, the supporting side wall 6121B is located outside the second supporting surface 6112B in the first direction. The supporting side wall 6121B is located on the opposite side of the opening 6111 with respect to the second supporting surface 6112B in the first direction. The supporting side wall 6121B extends in the second and third directions. The supporting side wall 6121B supports the other end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction. The supporting side wall 6121B has a hole 61211B and a hole 61212B.

[0073] The hole 61211B is located at one end of the support side wall 6121B in the second direction. The hole 61212B is located on the opposite side of the cover side wall 6122 with respect to the opening 6111 in the second direction. The hole 61211B has a circular shape. A shaft 623B of the developing device 62Y fits into the hole 61211B. The shaft 623B will be described later.

[0074] The hole 61212B is located away from the hole 61211B. In this embodiment, the hole 61212B is located between the hole 61211B and the cover side wall 6122 in the second direction. The hole 61212B extends in the same direction as the hole 61212A. In other words, the hole 61212B extends in the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the hole 61211B. A protrusion 624B of the developing device 62Y fits into the hole 61212B. The protrusion 624B will be described later.

[0075] The cover side wall 6122 is located on the other side of the opening 6111 in the second direction. The cover side wall 6122 covers the other end of the developing housing 621Y in the second direction. The cover side wall 6122 extends in the first direction. The cover side wall 6122 is inclined with respect to the third direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the cover side wall 6122 moves away from the developing housing 621Y as it approaches the first accommodating portion 611. As shown in FIG. 5, one end of the cover side wall 6122 in the first direction is connected to the support side wall 6121A. The other end of the cover side wall 6122 in the first direction is connected to the support side wall 6121B.

[0076] The receiving portion 6123A is located outside the support side wall 6121A in the first direction. In other words, the receiving portion 6123A is located on the opposite side of the opening 6111 with respect to the support side wall 6121A in the first direction. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 6123A protrudes in the first direction from the outer surface of the support side wall 6121A in the first direction. In other words, the receiving portion 6123A protrudes in the first direction from the outer surface of the second accommodating portion 612 in the first direction. Note that the receiving portion 6123A may be attached to the outer surface of the support side wall 6121A. The receiving portion 6123A has a tubular shape. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 6123A has a cylindrical shape. The internal space of the receiving portion 6123A communicates with the hole 61211A. The shaft 623A fits into the receiving portion 6123A. The receiving portion 6123A receives the shaft 623A.

[0077] The receiving portion 6123B is located outside the support side wall 6121B in the first direction. In other words, the receiving portion 6123B is located on the opposite side of the opening 6111 with respect to the support side wall 6121B in the first direction. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 6123B protrudes in the first direction from the outer surface of the support side wall 6121B in the first direction. In other words, the receiving portion 6123B protrudes in the first direction from the outer surface of the second accommodating portion 612 in the first direction. Note that the receiving portion 6123B may be attached to the outer surface of the support side wall 6121B. The receiving portion 6123B has a tubular shape. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 6123B has a cylindrical shape. The internal space of the receiving portion 6123B communicates with the hole 61211B. The shaft 623B fits into the receiving portion 6123B. The receiving portion 6123B receives the shaft 623B.

[0078] 2.2 Details of the developing unit 62Y The developing device 62Y has two shafts 623A and 623B and two protrusions 624A and 624B in addition to the developing housing 621Y and developing roller 622Y described above. In other words, the developing cartridge 6Y has two shafts 623A and 623B. In this embodiment, the shaft 623A functions as a first engaging portion, and the shaft 623B functions as a second engaging portion.

[0079] 2.2.1 Details of the developing unit 621Y The developing housing 621Y extends in the first direction. The developing housing 621Y has a cylindrical shape. As shown in Figure 4, the other end of the developing housing 621Y in the second direction faces the cover side wall 6122. The developing housing 621Y has a receiving opening 6211.

[0080] The receiving opening 6211 is capable of receiving toner from the toner container 61Y. The toner from the toner container 61Y enters the developing housing 621Y through the gap between the cover side wall 6122 and the developing housing 621Y and through the receiving opening 6211. The receiving opening 6211 is located at the other end of the developing housing 621Y in the second direction.

[0081] 2.2.2 Shafts 623A, 623B As shown in FIG. 5, the shaft 623A is located at one end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction. The shaft 623A protrudes in the first direction from one outer surface of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction. The shaft 623A may alternatively be attached to one outer surface of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction. The shaft 623A is located away from the developing axis A2. The shaft 623A has a cylindrical shape. The shaft 623A passes through a hole 61211A of the toner container 61Y and fits into the receiving portion 6123A of the toner container 61Y.

[0082] The shaft 623B is located at the other end of the developing housing 621Y in the first direction. The shaft 623B protrudes in the first direction from the other outer surface of the developing housing 621Y in the first direction. The shaft 623B may be attached to the other outer surface of the developing housing 621Y in the first direction. The shaft 623B is located away from the developing axis A2. The shaft 623B has a cylindrical shape. The shaft 623B passes through a hole 61211B of the toner container 61Y and fits into the receiving portion 6123B of the toner container 61Y.

[0083] 2.2.3 Protrusions 624A, 624B The protrusion 624A protrudes in the first direction from one outer surface of the developing housing 621Y in the first direction. Note that the protrusion 624A may be attached to one outer surface of the developing housing 621Y in the first direction. The protrusion 624A is located away from the shaft 623A. The protrusion 624A has a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the protrusion 624A receives the shaft of the developing roller 622Y. The protrusion 624A fits into the hole 61212A of the toner container 61Y.

[0084] The protrusion 624B protrudes in the first direction from the other outer surface of the developing housing 621Y in the first direction. The protrusion 624B may be attached to the other outer surface of the developing housing 621Y in the first direction. The protrusion 624B is located away from the shaft 623B. The protrusion 624B has a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the protrusion 624B receives the shaft of the developing roller 622Y. The protrusion 624B fits into the hole 61212B of the toner container 61Y.

[0085] The shaft 623A fits into the receiving portion 6123A, the shaft 623B fits into the receiving portion 6123B, the protrusion 624A fits into the hole 61212A, and the protrusion 624B fits into the hole 61212B, so that the developing casing 621Y is movably supported in the toner container 61Y. The developing casing 621Y is movable relative to the toner container 61Y in the direction in which the holes 61212A and 61212B extend. In this embodiment, the developing casing 621Y is rotatable about the shaft 623A and the shaft 623B relative to the toner container 61Y.

[0086] 2.3 First seal member 63 As shown in Fig. 4, the first seal member 63 seals the gap between the toner container 61Y and the developing housing 621Y. The first seal member 63 is elastically deformable in response to movement of the developing housing 621Y. The first seal member 63 is, for example, a sponge. As shown in Fig. 5, the first seal member 63 has a first seal portion 63A, a second seal portion 63B, a third seal portion 63C, a fourth seal portion 63D, and a fifth seal portion 63E.

[0087] The first seal portion 63A is located at one end of the first seal member 63 in the first direction. The first seal portion 63A has a width in the first direction and extends in the second direction. The first seal portion 63A is located between one end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and the first support surface 6112A of the toner container 61Y. The first seal portion 63A contacts one end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and also contacts the first support surface 6112A of the toner container 61Y. The first seal portion 63A seals between one end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and the first support surface 6112A.

[0088] The second seal portion 63B is located at the other end of the first seal member 63 in the first direction. The second seal portion 63B is located away from the first seal portion 63A in the first direction. The second seal portion 63B has a width in the first direction and extends in the second direction. The second seal portion 63B is located between the other end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and the second support surface 6112B (see FIG. 4) of the toner container 61Y. The second seal portion 63B contacts the other end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and also contacts the second support surface 6112B of the toner container 61Y. The second seal portion 63B seals between the other end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and the second support surface 6112B.

[0089] The third seal portion 63C is located between the first seal portion 63A and the second seal portion 63B in the first direction. The third seal portion 63C has a width in the second direction and extends in the first direction. One end of the third seal portion 63C in the first direction is continuous with the first seal portion 63A. The other end of the third seal portion 63C in the first direction is continuous with the second seal portion 63B. The third seal portion 63C is located between one end of the developing casing 621Y in the second direction and the third support surface 6112C of the toner container 61Y. The third seal portion 63C contacts one end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and also contacts the third support surface 6112C of the toner container 61Y. The third seal portion 63C seals the gap between one end of the developing casing 621Y in the second direction and the third support surface 6112C.

[0090] The fourth seal portion 63D is located at one end of the first seal member 63 in the first direction. The fourth seal portion 63D is located at the other end of the first seal portion 63A in the second direction. The fourth seal portion 63D has a width in the first direction. The fourth seal portion 63D extends in the third direction from the other end of the first seal portion 63A. The fourth seal portion 63D is located between one end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and the fourth support surface 6112D of the toner container 61Y. The fourth seal portion 63D contacts one end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and also contacts the fourth support surface 6112D of the toner container 61Y. The fourth seal portion 63D seals between one end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and the fourth support surface 6112D of the toner container 61Y.

[0091] The fifth seal portion 63E is located at the other end of the first seal member 63 in the first direction. The fifth seal portion 63E is located at the other end of the second seal portion 63B in the second direction. The fifth seal portion 63E has a width in the first direction. The fifth seal portion 63E extends in the third direction from the other end of the second seal portion 63B. The fifth seal portion 63E is located between the other end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and the fifth support surface 6112E of the toner container 61Y (see FIG. 4). The fifth seal portion 63E contacts the other end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and also contacts the fifth support surface 6112E of the toner container 61Y. The fifth seal portion 63E seals between the other end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and the fifth support surface 6112E.

[0092] 2.4 Second seal member 64 As shown in FIG. 4, the second seal member 64 is located between the other end of the developing housing 621Y in the second direction and the cover side wall 6122 of the toner container 61Y. As shown in FIG. 5, the second seal member 64 extends in the first direction. The second seal member 64 extends in the first direction from the fourth seal portion 63D to the fifth seal portion 63E. The second seal member 64 is adhered to the other end of the developing housing 621Y in the second direction and contacts the cover side wall 6122 of the toner container 61Y. The second seal member 64 seals between the other end of the developing housing 621Y in the second direction and the cover side wall 6122. The second seal member 64 is, for example, a film. The second seal member 64 may also be a sponge.

[0093] 2.5 Agitator 65 As shown in FIG. 4, the agitator 65 is located in the first storage portion 611 of the toner storage container 61Y. The agitator 65 is capable of agitating the toner in the first storage portion 611 of the toner storage container 61Y. The agitator 65 is capable of transporting the toner in the toner storage container 61Y toward the receiving opening 6211 of the developing housing 621Y. The agitator 65 is rotatable about an agitator axis A3. The agitator axis A3 extends in a first direction. When the developing cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the agitator axis A3 is located below the developing housing 621Y. The agitator 65 has a shaft 651 and a blade 652.

[0094] The shaft 651 extends in a first direction along the agitator axis A3.

[0095] The blade 652 extends from the shaft 651. The blade 652 is rotatable together with the shaft 651. The blade 652 is capable of transporting the toner in the toner container 61Y toward the receiving opening 6211. The tip of the blade 652 is capable of reaching the receiving opening 6211.

[0096] 3. Details of the 5Y drum cartridge The drum cartridge 5Y will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 6.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 2, the drum cartridge 5Y has two side plates 53A and 53B in addition to the photosensitive drum 51Y and the charging device 52Y.

[0098] The side plate 53A is located at one end of the drum cartridge 5Y in the first direction. The side plate 53A supports one end of the photosensitive drum 51Y in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the side plate 53A has a first engaged portion 531A. In other words, the drum cartridge 5Y has the first engaged portion 531A.

[0099] The first engaged portion 531A is located at one end of the drum cartridge 5Y in the first direction. The first engaged portion 531A is a groove. When the developer cartridge 6Y and the drum cartridge 5Y are attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the receiving portion 6123A of the toner container 61Y fits into the first engaged portion 531A. As a result, when the developer cartridge 6Y and the drum cartridge 5Y are attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the shaft 623A (see FIG. 5) of the developing device 62Y engages with the first engaged portion 531A via the receiving portion 6123A.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 2, the side plate 53B is positioned away from the side plate 53A in the first direction. The side plate 53B is positioned at the other end of the drum cartridge 5Y in the first direction. The side plate 53B supports the other end of the photosensitive drum 51Y in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the side plate 53B has a second engaged portion 531B. In other words, the drum cartridge 5Y has the second engaged portion 531B.

[0101] The second engaged portion 531B is located at the other end of the drum cartridge 5Y in the first direction. The second engaged portion 531B is a groove. When the developer cartridge 6Y and the drum cartridge 5Y are attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the receiving portion 6123B of the toner container 61Y fits into the second engaged portion 531B. As a result, when the developer cartridge 6Y and the drum cartridge 5Y are attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the shaft 623B (see FIG. 5) of the developing device 62Y engages with the second engaged portion 531B via the receiving portion 6123B.

[0102] 4. Details of Image Forming Apparatus 1 Next, the image forming apparatus 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 further includes a plurality of support frames 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K.

[0104] The support frame 11Y is located inside the main body housing 2. When the developing cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the support frame 11Y supports the toner container 61Y.

[0105] 6 and 7, while the support frame 11Y supports the toner container 61Y, the support frame 11Y is movable between a frame first position (see FIG. 6) and a frame second position (see FIG. 7). In this embodiment, the support frame 11Y is rotatable about an axis A4 between the frame first position and the frame second position.

[0106] 6, when the support frame 11Y is located at the frame first position, the support frame 11Y positions the developer cartridge 6Y at the first position. When the developer cartridge 6Y is located at the first position, the developer roller 622Y (see FIG. 1) comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 51Y (see FIG. 1).

[0107] 7, when the support frame 11Y is located at the second frame position, the support frame 11Y positions the developer cartridge 6Y at the second position. When the developer cartridge 6Y is located at the second position, the developer roller 622Y is separated from the photosensitive drum 51Y.

[0108] That is, when the drum cartridge 5Y and the developing cartridge 6Y are mounted in the image forming apparatus 1, the developing cartridge 6Y is movable between the first position and the second position.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 6, the support frame 11Y has a support portion 111, a shaft portion 112, and an arm portion 113.

[0110] The support portion 111 supports the toner container 61Y when the developer cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1. The support portion 111 extends in a first direction. The support portion 111 has an arc shape that fits along the outer surface of the toner container 61Y.

[0111] The shaft portion 112 is located away from the support portion 111. The shaft portion 112 extends in a first direction along an axis A4.

[0112] The arm portion 113 connects the support portion 111 and the shaft portion 112 .

[0113] 4. Effects (1) According to the developing cartridge 6Y, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the toner container 61Y has a first container portion 611 that can store toner and a second container portion 612 that stores the developing casing 621Y. The developing casing 621Y is movably supported by the toner container 61Y. Therefore, the developing roller 622Y is movable relative to the toner container 61Y.

[0114] 1, when the developing cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner container 61Y of the developing cartridge 6Y is supported by the image forming apparatus 1, the developing roller 622Y, which is movable relative to the toner container 61Y, comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 51Y. Therefore, the developing roller 622Y becomes movable relative to the photosensitive drum 51Y.

[0115] Furthermore, since the toner container 61Y can support the developing casing 621Y, the parallelism of the developing roller 622Y with respect to the photosensitive drum 51Y can be ensured.

[0116] Therefore, the developing roller 622Y is configured to be movable relative to the photosensitive drum 51Y, and parallelism of the developing roller 622Y relative to the photosensitive drum 51Y can be ensured.

[0117] (2) The image forming apparatus 1 includes a support frame 11Y, as shown in Fig. 6. When the developing cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the support frame 11Y supports the toner container 61Y of the developing cartridge 6Y.

[0118] Therefore, the developing roller 622Y can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 51Y while being movable relative to the toner container 61Y. Furthermore, by supporting the developing casing 621Y with the toner container 61Y, the parallelism of the developing roller 622Y with respect to the photosensitive drum 51Y can be ensured.

[0119] Therefore, the developing roller 622Y is configured to be movable relative to the photosensitive drum 51Y, and parallelism of the developing roller 622Y relative to the photosensitive drum 51Y can be ensured.

[0120] (3) According to the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in Fig. 6, when the drum cartridge 5Y and the developer cartridge 6Y are mounted in the main body housing 2, the shaft 623A of the developer device 62Y engages with the first engaged portion 531A of the drum cartridge 5Y via the receiving portion 6123A. Also, when the drum cartridge 5Y and the developer cartridge 6Y are mounted in the main body housing 2, the shaft 623B (see Fig. 5) of the developer device 62Y engages with the second engaged portion 531B (see Fig. 3) of the drum cartridge 5Y via the receiving portion 6123B (see Fig. 5).

[0121] With this, when the drum cartridge 5Y and the developing cartridge 6Y are attached to the main body casing 2, both end portions of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction can be supported by the drum cartridge 5Y.

[0122] Therefore, the parallelism of the developing roller 622Y with respect to the photosensitive drum 51Y can be further ensured.

[0123] 5. Variations Modified examples of the developing cartridge 6Y will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 13. In the description of the modified examples, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same members as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0124] (1) As shown in Fig. 8, the toner container 61Y may have a shaft 100. In this case, the toner container 61Y does not have the receiving portions 6123A and 6123B.

[0125] The shaft 100 extends in a first direction. One end of the shaft 100 in the first direction is supported by a support side wall 6121A of the second accommodating portion 612. The other end of the shaft 100 in the first direction is supported by a support side wall 6121B of the second accommodating portion 612.

[0126] The developing housing 621Y has a hole 101. The developing housing 621Y does not have the shafts 623A and 623B.

[0127] 9, the shaft 100 is fitted into the hole 101. In this way, the shaft 100 supports the developing casing 621Y.

[0128] Furthermore, the supporting sidewall 6121A may have a notch 102A, and the supporting sidewall 6121B may have a notch 102B. The protrusion 624A of the developing device 62Y is located in the notch 102A. The protrusion 624B of the developing device 62Y is located in the notch 102B.

[0129] In this modified example, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0130] (2) The movement of the developing housing 621Y relative to the toner container 61Y is not limited to rotation. The developing housing 621Y may be movable linearly relative to the toner container 61Y.

[0131] In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the supporting side wall 6121A has a hole 201A and a hole 202A.

[0132] The hole 201A is located away from the cover side wall 6122 in the second direction. The hole 201A extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. More specifically, when the drum cartridge 5Y and the developer cartridge 6Y are installed in the image forming apparatus 1 and the developer roller 622Y is in contact with the photosensitive drum 51Y, the hole 201A extends in a direction connecting the drum axis A1 (see FIG. 1) and the developer axis A2 (see FIG. 1). A protrusion 624A of the developer device 62Y fits into the hole 201A.

[0133] The hole 202A is located away from the hole 201A. The hole 202A is located between the hole 201A and the cover side wall 6122 in the second direction. The hole 202A extends in the same direction as the hole 201A. A protrusion 200A of the developing device 62Y fits into the hole 202A. The protrusion 200A is not shown. The protrusion 200A will be described later.

[0134] The support sidewall 6121B has a hole 201B and a hole 202B.

[0135] The hole 201B is positioned away from the cover side wall 6122 in the second direction. The hole 201B extends in the same direction as the hole 201A. A protrusion 624B of the developing device 62Y fits into the hole 201B.

[0136] The hole 202B is located away from the hole 201B. The hole 202B is located between the hole 201B and the cover side wall 6122 in the second direction. The hole 202B extends in the same direction as the hole 201A. The protrusion 200B of the developing device 62Y fits into the hole 202B. The protrusion 200B will be described later.

[0137] The developing device 62Y has two protrusions 200A and 200B. The developing device 62Y does not have shafts 623A and 623B.

[0138] The protrusion 200A is positioned away from the protrusion 624A in the second direction. The protrusion 200A protrudes in the first direction from one outer surface of the developing housing 621Y in the first direction. The protrusion 200A may be attached to one outer surface of the developing housing 621Y in the first direction. The protrusion 200A fits into the hole 202A of the toner container 61Y.

[0139] The protrusion 200B is positioned away from the protrusion 624B in the second direction. The protrusion 200B protrudes in the first direction from the other outer surface of the developing housing 621Y in the first direction. The protrusion 200B may be attached to the other outer surface of the developing housing 621Y in the first direction. The protrusion 200B fits into the hole 202B of the toner container 61Y.

[0140] 11, the protrusion 624A fits into the hole 201A, the protrusion 624B fits into the hole 201B, the protrusion 200A fits into the hole 202A, and the protrusion 200B fits into the hole 202B, whereby the developing casing 621Y is movably supported by the toner container 61Y. The developing casing 621Y is movable relative to the toner container 61Y in the direction in which the holes 201A, 201B, 202A, and 202B extend.

[0141] 10, the developing cartridge 6Y does not necessarily have to include the second seal member 64 (see FIG. 5). The developing cartridge 6Y may also include a seal member 203.

[0142] The seal member 203 provides a seal between the toner container 61Y and the developing housing 621Y. The seal member 203 is elastically deformable in response to movement of the developing housing 621Y. The seal member 203 is, for example, a sponge. The seal member 203 has a first seal portion 203A, a second seal portion 203B, a third seal portion 203C, a fourth seal portion 203D, a fifth seal portion 203E, and a sixth seal portion 203F.

[0143] The first seal portion 203A is located at one end of the seal member 203 in the first direction. The first seal portion 203A has a width in the first direction and extends in the second direction. The first seal portion 203A is located between one end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and the first support surface 6112A of the toner container 61Y. The first seal portion 203A contacts one end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and also contacts the first support surface 6112A of the toner container 61Y. The first seal portion 203A seals between one end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and the first support surface 6112A.

[0144] The second seal portion 203B is located at the other end of the seal member 203 in the first direction. The second seal portion 203B is located away from the first seal portion 203A in the first direction. The second seal portion 203B has a width in the first direction and extends in the second direction. The second seal portion 203B is located between the other end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and the second support surface 6112B (see FIG. 4) of the toner container 61Y. The second seal portion 203B contacts the other end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and also contacts the second support surface 6112B of the toner container 61Y. The second seal portion 203B seals between the other end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and the second support surface 6112B.

[0145] The third seal portion 203C is located between the first seal portion 203A and the second seal portion 203B in the first direction. The third seal portion 203C has a width in the second direction and extends in the first direction. One end of the third seal portion 203C in the first direction is continuous with the first seal portion 203A. The other end of the third seal portion 203C in the first direction is continuous with the second seal portion 203B. The third seal portion 203C is located between one end of the developing casing 621Y in the second direction and the third support surface 6112C of the toner container 61Y. The third seal portion 203C contacts one end of the developing casing 621Y in the second direction and also contacts the third support surface 6112C of the toner container 61Y. The third seal portion 203C seals the gap between one end of the developing casing 621Y in the second direction and the third support surface 6112C.

[0146] The fourth seal portion 203D is located between the other end of the developing housing 621Y in the second direction and the cover side wall 6122 of the toner container 61Y. The fourth seal portion 203D extends in the first direction. The fourth seal portion 203D contacts the other end of the developing housing 621Y in the second direction and also contacts the cover side wall 6122 of the toner container 61Y. The fourth seal portion 203D seals between the other end of the developing housing 621Y in the second direction and the cover side wall 6122.

[0147] The fifth seal portion 203E is located at one end of the seal member 203 in the first direction. The fifth seal portion 203E is located at the other end of the first seal portion 203A in the second direction. The fifth seal portion 203E has a width in the first direction. The fifth seal portion 203E extends in the third direction. One end of the fifth seal portion 203E in the third direction is continuous with the first seal portion 203A. The other end of the fifth seal portion 203E in the third direction is continuous with the fourth seal portion 203D. The fifth seal portion 203E is located between one end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and the fourth support surface 6112D of the toner container 61Y. The fifth seal portion 203E contacts one end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and also contacts the fourth support surface 6112D of the toner container 61Y. The fifth seal portion 203E seals the gap between one end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and the fourth support surface 6112D.

[0148] The sixth seal portion 203F is located at the other end of the seal member 203 in the first direction. The sixth seal portion 203F is located at the other end of the second seal portion 203B in the second direction. The sixth seal portion 203F has a width in the first direction. The sixth seal portion 203F extends in the third direction. One end of the sixth seal portion 203F in the third direction is continuous with the second seal portion 203B. The other end of the sixth seal portion 203F in the third direction is continuous with the fourth seal portion 203D. The sixth seal portion 203F is located between the other end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and the fifth support surface 6112E of the toner container 61Y (see FIG. 4). The sixth seal portion 203F contacts the other end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and also contacts the fifth support surface 6112E of the toner container 61Y. The sixth seal portion 203F seals the gap between the other end of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction and the fifth support surface 6112E.

[0149] In this modified example, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. (3) As long as the developing device 62Y is movable relative to the toner container 61Y, the structure for supporting the developing device 62Y on the toner container 61Y is not limited.

[0150] For example, as shown in Fig. 12, the developing device 62Y may have developing ribs 300A and 300B. In other words, the developing cartridge 6Y may have developing ribs 300A and 300B. Note that the developing rib 300A is not shown.

[0151] The developing rib 300A protrudes in the first direction from one outer surface of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction. The developing rib 300A has the same shape as the developing rib 300B.

[0152] The developing rib 300B protrudes in the first direction from the other outer surface of the developing casing 621Y in the first direction. The developing rib 300B has an L-shape.

[0153] The toner container 61Y has toner ribs 301A and 301B.

[0154] The toner rib 301A protrudes in the first direction from the inner surface of the support side wall 6121A in the first direction. The toner rib 301A protrudes from the inner surface of the support side wall 6121A in the first direction toward the developing rib 300A. In other words, the toner rib 301A protrudes from the inner surface of the second accommodating portion 612 in the first direction toward the developing rib 300A. The toner rib 301A has an L-shape. The toner rib 301A engages with the developing rib 300A.

[0155] The toner rib 301B protrudes in the first direction from the inner surface of the support side wall 6121B in the first direction. The toner rib 301B protrudes from the inner surface of the support side wall 6121B in the first direction toward the developing rib 300B. In other words, the toner rib 301B protrudes from the inner surface of the second accommodating portion 612 in the first direction toward the developing rib 300B. The toner rib 301B has an L-shape. As shown in FIG. 13 , the toner rib 301B engages with the developing rib 300B. More specifically, the developing rib 300B is located between the toner rib 301B and the seal member 203.

[0156] In this modified example, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1. Image forming device 2 Main unit housing 5Y drum cartridge 51Y Photosensitive drum 531A First engaged part 531B Second engaged part 6Y developing cartridge 61Y Toner container 611 First Storage Unit 6111 Aperture 6112A 1st support surface 6112B 2nd support surface 6112C 3rd support surface 612 Second Storage Unit 6122 Cover side wall 6123A Receptacle 6123B Receiving part 621Y developing case 622Y developing roller 623A Shaft 623B shaft 624A protrusion 624B Protrusion 63 First seal member 63A First seal part 63B Second seal part 63C Third seal part 64 Second seal member 65 Agitator 8. Transcription device 11Y Support Frame 100 shaft 200A protrusion 200B protrusion 201A hole 201B Hole 202A hole 202B Hole 203 Sealing material 203A First seal part 203B Second seal part 203C Third seal part 203D 4th seal part 300A Developing Rib 300B Developing Rib 301A Toner Rib 301B Toner Rib A2 development axis T Toner level

Claims

1. a toner container capable of storing toner; a developing roller rotatable about a developing axis extending in a first direction; a developing housing that supports the developing roller and is movably supported on the toner container; a shaft protruding in the first direction from an outer surface of the developing housing in the first direction; Equipped with The toner container is a first container capable of containing toner; a second housing portion that houses the developing housing; a cylindrical receiving portion that receives the shaft in the second housing portion, The developing cartridge is configured such that the developing housing is rotatable about the shaft relative to the toner container.

2. A toner container capable of storing toner; a developing roller rotatable about a developing axis extending in a first direction; a developing housing that supports the developing roller and is movably supported on the toner container; Equipped with The toner container is a first container capable of containing toner; a second housing portion that houses the developing housing; a shaft extending in the first direction and supporting the developing housing, The developing cartridge is configured such that the developing housing is rotatable about the shaft relative to the toner container.

3. The toner container is an opening that allows the first storage portion and the second storage portion to communicate with each other; a first support surface located on one side of the opening in the first direction and supporting one end of the developing casing in the first direction; a second support surface located on the other side of the opening in the first direction and configured to support the other end of the developing casing in the first direction; a third support surface located on one side of the opening in the second direction and supporting one end of the developing casing in the second direction; a cover sidewall that is located on the other side of the opening in the second direction and covers the other end of the developing housing in the second direction, the developing cartridge further includes a first seal member and a second seal member; The first seal member is a first seal portion that seals between one end of the developing casing in the first direction and the first support surface; a second seal portion that seals between the other end of the developing casing in the first direction and the second support surface; a third seal portion that seals between one end of the developing casing in the second direction and the third support surface, 3. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second seal member seals between the other end of the developing housing in the second direction and the cover side wall.

4. the first sealing member is a sponge, 4. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the second seal member is a film.

5. The toner container is an opening that allows the first storage portion and the second storage portion to communicate with each other; a first support surface located on one side of the opening in the first direction and supporting one end of the developing casing in the first direction; a second support surface located on the other side of the opening in the first direction and configured to support the other end of the developing casing in the first direction; a third support surface located on one side of the opening in the second direction and supporting one end of the developing casing in the second direction; a cover sidewall that is located on the other side of the opening in the second direction and covers the other end of the developing housing in the second direction, the developing cartridge further includes a sealing member, The sealing member is a first seal portion that seals between one end of the developing casing in the first direction and the first support surface; a second seal portion that seals between the other end of the developing casing in the first direction and the second support surface; a third seal portion that seals between one end of the developing casing in the second direction and the third support surface; 3. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth seal portion that seals between the other end of the developing casing in the second direction and the cover side wall.

6. The developing cartridge is the toner container further includes an agitator that can agitate the toner in the first storage portion of the toner container and that can rotate about an agitator shaft that extends in the first direction; The developing cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the agitator shaft is positioned below the developing housing when the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein when the developing cartridge is attached to an image forming apparatus, the toner level in the toner container is located below the level of the developing housing.

8. A main body housing; A transcription device; a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum and positioned below the transfer device when attached to the main body housing; The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a support frame that supports the toner container when the developer cartridge is attached to the main body housing.

9. The developing cartridge is a first engaging portion located at one end of the developing housing in the first direction; a second engaging portion located at the other end of the developing housing in the first direction, The drum cartridge is a first engaged portion with which the first engaging portion engages when the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are attached to the main body housing, the first engaged portion being located at one end of the drum cartridge in the first direction; 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a second engaged portion with which the second engaging portion engages when the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are attached to the main body housing, the second engaged portion being located at the other end of the drum cartridge in the first direction.

10. An image forming apparatus as described in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein when the drum cartridge and the developer cartridge are attached to the main housing, the developer cartridge is movable between a first position where the developer roller contacts the photosensitive drum and a second position where the developer roller is separated from the photosensitive drum.

Images