Process cartridge, image forming apparatus, and toner container

Abstract

To provide a process cartridge that can convey a sufficient amount of toner from a toner container to a developing unit, an image forming apparatus, and a toner container.SOLUTION: A process cartridge 6Y comprises a photoconductor drum 61Y, a developing unit 63Y, and a toner container 6YB. The toner container 6YB has a first toner storage part 671, a second toner storage part 672, a first toner conveying member 673, and a second toner conveying member 674. The second toner storage part 672 is located above the first toner storage part 671. The second toner storage part 672 has a toner discharge port 672A. The first toner conveying member 673 can convey the toner in the first toner storage part 671 upward toward the second toner storage part 672 within a wider range than the toner discharge port 672A in a first direction. The second toner conveying member 674 can convey the toner in the second toner storage part 672 toward the toner discharge port 672A in the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a process cartridge, an image forming apparatus, and a toner container. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is known a cartridge that is mounted in an image forming apparatus and that can transport toner from below to above in a toner container (see Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-265537 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the cartridge described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is difficult to transport a sufficient amount of toner from the toner container to the developing unit.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a process cartridge, an image forming apparatus, and a toner container that can transport a sufficient amount of toner from the toner container to a developing unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The process cartridge of the present disclosure is mountable in an image forming apparatus having a transfer device, and includes a photosensitive drum, a developing unit, and a toner container.

[0007] The photosensitive drum is rotatable about a drum shaft that extends in a first direction, and is located below the transfer device when the process cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus.

[0008] The developing unit has a developing roller and a developing housing. The developing roller is capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum. The developing housing supports the developing roller. The developing housing is capable of containing toner. The developing housing has a developing container receiving opening. The developing container receiving opening is capable of receiving toner.

[0009] The toner container has a first toner storage section, a second toner storage section, a first toner transport member, and a second toner transport member. The first toner storage section is capable of storing toner. When the process cartridge is attached to the image forming device, the second toner storage section is located above the first toner storage section. The second toner storage section has a toner discharge outlet. The toner discharge outlet is capable of discharging toner toward the developing device receiving port. The first toner transport member is located within the first toner storage section. The first toner transport member is capable of transporting toner in the first toner storage section upward toward the second toner storage section over a range wider than the toner discharge outlet in the first direction. The second toner transport member is located within the second toner storage section. The second toner transport member is capable of transporting toner in the second toner storage section in the first direction toward the toner discharge outlet.

[0010] According to this configuration, the first toner transport member can transport toner from the first toner storage unit to the second toner storage unit over a range wider than the toner discharge port in the first direction.

[0011] Therefore, a larger amount of toner can be transported from the first toner storage unit to the second toner storage unit than the amount of toner flowing into the developing housing from the toner discharge port.

[0012] This allows a sufficient amount of toner to be transported from the second toner storage portion of the toner storage container to the developing casing.

[0013] (2) The toner container may be detachable from the developing unit.

[0014] (3) The toner container may have a toner shutter. The toner shutter is movable between a toner closed position and a toner open position. When the toner shutter is positioned at the toner closed position, the toner shutter closes the toner discharge port. When the toner shutter is positioned at the toner open position, the toner discharge port is open.

[0015] (4) The developing unit may have a developing shutter. The developing shutter is movable between a developing closed position and a developing open position. When the developing shutter is positioned at the developing closed position, the developing shutter closes the developing receiving opening. When the developing shutter is positioned at the developing open position, the developing receiving opening is open.

[0016] (5) The process cartridge may further include a locking member. When the toner container is attached to the developing unit, the locking member is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking member is positioned at the locked position, the locking member locks the toner container to the developing unit. When the locking member is positioned at the unlocked position, the lock of the toner container to the developing unit is released. When the toner container is attached to the developing unit, the developing shutter moves from the developing open position to the developing closed position as the locking member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the toner container is attached to the developing unit, the developing shutter moves from the developing closed position to the developing open position as the locking member moves from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0017] With this configuration, the user can open the development shutter by locking the toner container to the development unit, and can close the development shutter by unlocking the toner container from the development unit.

[0018] Therefore, the user does not need to separately lock or unlock the toner container relative to the developing unit and open or close the developing shutter, thereby improving operability.

[0019] Furthermore, it is possible to prevent forgetting to close the development shutter when removing the toner container from the development unit.

[0020] (6) With the toner container attached to the developing unit, the toner shutter may move from the toner open position to the toner closed position as the developing shutter moves from the developing open position to the developing closed position.With the toner container attached to the developing unit, the toner shutter may move from the toner closed position to the toner open position as the developing shutter moves from the developing closed position to the developing open position.

[0021] With this configuration, the user can open not only the development shutter but also the toner shutter by locking the toner container to the development unit, and can close not only the development shutter but also the toner shutter by unlocking the toner container from the development unit.

[0022] Therefore, the user does not need to separately lock or unlock the toner container relative to the developing unit and open or close the toner shutter, thereby improving operability.

[0023] Furthermore, it is possible to prevent forgetting to close the toner shutter when removing the toner container from the developing unit.

[0024] (7) The developing device housing may have a first frame and a second frame. The first frame has a developing device receiving opening. The second frame has a guide. The guide guides the attachment and detachment of the toner container.

[0025] (8) The developing housing may have a developing outlet through which the toner inside the developing housing can be discharged.

[0026] (9) The toner container may have a toner receiving opening that can receive the toner discharged from the developer discharge opening.

[0027] With this configuration, the toner in the developing housing can be returned to the toner container through the toner receiving port.

[0028] Therefore, it is possible to prevent toner from accumulating inside the developing casing.

[0029] As a result, deterioration of the toner inside the developing casing can be suppressed.

[0030] (10) The first toner storage section may have a toner receiving opening.

[0031] With this configuration, the toner in the developing casing can be returned to the first toner storage section.

[0032] This allows the toner to circulate between the developing casing, the first toner storage unit, and the second toner storage unit, thereby further suppressing the acceleration of toner deterioration.

[0033] (11) When the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the first toner storage section may be located below the developing unit.

[0034] According to this configuration, the toner in the developing casing can be smoothly returned to the first toner container by utilizing gravity.

[0035] (12) The process cartridge may further include a drum cleaner and a toner tube. The drum cleaner is capable of cleaning the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum. The toner tube allows recovered toner to pass through. The recovered toner is toner removed from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum by the drum cleaner. The toner tube is connected to the developing housing.

[0036] With this configuration, the toner collected from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum can be reused for development.

[0037] In this case, a certain amount of toner with poor charging properties contained in the collected toner may cause poor printing.

[0038] However, as the toner circulates between the first toner storage unit, the second toner storage unit, and the developing casing, it is stirred and the toner with poor charging properties is diluted, thereby preventing printing problems.

[0039] (13) The first toner transport member may have a shaft and a blade. The shaft extends in a first direction. The blade rotates together with the shaft to transport the toner upward toward the second toner storage unit. The blade is longer in the first direction than the toner discharge port.

[0040] According to this configuration, the first toner transport member can transport toner from the first toner storage unit to the second toner storage unit over a range wider than the toner discharge port in the first direction.

[0041] (14) The volume of the first toner storage unit may be larger than the volume of the second toner storage unit.

[0042] (15) At least a portion of the first toner accommodating portion may be located below the developing roller of the developing unit. The process cartridge may further include a third toner transport member. The third toner transport member is located below the developing housing and is capable of transporting toner toward the first toner transport member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0043] According to the process cartridge, image forming apparatus, and toner container of the present disclosure, a sufficient amount of toner can be transported from the toner container to the developing unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the movement of the drawer shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory view illustrating the process cartridge shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drum frame shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the developing unit shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 3 taken along line AA. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the developing unit shown in FIG. 5, showing a state in which the developing shutter is positioned at the developing closed position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the developing unit shown in FIG. 5, showing a state in which the developing shutter is positioned at the developing open position. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the toner container shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the toner container shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the toner container shown in FIG. 10, showing a state in which the toner shutter is located at the toner closing position. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the toner container shown in FIG. 10, showing a state in which the toner shutter is located at the toner open position. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a development unit according to a modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view of the drum frame of the modified example shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] 1. Image forming device 1 The image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body housing 2, a cover 3, a sheet cassette 4, a drawer 5, a plurality of process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K, an exposure device 7, a transfer device 8, and a fixing device 9.

[0047] 1.1 Main body casing 2 The main body housing 2 accommodates a sheet cassette 4, a drawer 5, a plurality of process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K, an exposure device 7, a transfer device 8, and a fixing device 9. The main body housing 2 has an opening 21 (see FIG. 2).

[0048] 1.2 Cover 3 1 and 2, the cover 3 is movable between a closed position (see FIG. 1) and an open position (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 1, when the cover 3 is in the closed position, the cover 3 closes the opening 21. As shown in FIG. 2, when the cover 3 is in the open position, the opening 21 is open.

[0049] 1.3 Sheet cassette 4 1, the sheet cassette 4 can accommodate sheets S. The sheets S in the sheet cassette 4 are transported toward a secondary transfer roller 83. The secondary transfer roller 83 will be described later.

[0050] 1.4 Drawer 5 1 and 2, when the cover 3 is in the open position, the drawer 5 is movable between a storage position (see FIG. 1) and a pull-out position (see FIG. 2) through the opening 21. When the drawer 5 is in the storage position as shown in FIG. 1, the drawer 5 is stored in the main body housing 2. When the drawer 5 is in the pull-out position as shown in FIG. 2, the drawer 5 is pulled out to the outside of the main body housing 2.

[0051] 1.5 Process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K 1, each of the process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K can be installed in the image forming apparatus 1. Each of the process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K can be installed in the main body housing 2. The process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K are aligned in the direction in which the drawer 5 moves.

[0052] The process cartridge 6Y includes a drum cartridge 6YA and a toner container 6YB. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the drum cartridge 6YA and the toner container 6YB.

[0053] The process cartridges 6M, 6C, and 6K will each be described in the same manner as the process cartridge 6Y. That is, the process cartridge 6M has a drum cartridge 6MA and a toner container 6MB. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with drum cartridges 6YA and 6MA and toner containers 6YB and 6MB. Descriptions of the process cartridges 6M, 6C, and 6K will be omitted.

[0054] 1.5.1 Drum Cartridge 6YA The drum cartridge 6YA is attached to the drawer 5. The drum cartridge 6YA has a photosensitive drum 61Y, a charging device 62Y, and a developing unit 63Y. In other words, the process cartridge 6Y includes the photosensitive drum 61Y, the charging device 62Y, and the developing unit 63Y.

[0055] The drum cartridges 6MA, 6CA, and 6KA will each be described in the same manner as the drum cartridge 6YA. That is, the drum cartridge 6MA has a photosensitive drum 61M and a developing unit 63M. The drum cartridge 6MA is attached to the drawer 5. The developing unit 63M can supply toner to the photosensitive drum 61M. The description of the drum cartridges 6MA, 6CA, and 6KA will be omitted.

[0056] 1.5.1.1 Photosensitive drum 61Y The photosensitive drum 61Y extends in a first direction. The photosensitive drum 61Y has a cylindrical shape. The photosensitive drum 61Y is rotatable about a drum axis A1. The drum axis A1 extends in the first direction. When the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the photosensitive drum 61Y is located below the transfer device 8.

[0057] 1.5.1.2 Charging device 62Y The charging device 62Y charges the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y. Specifically, the charging device 62Y is a charging roller. The charging device 62Y may be a scorotron charger.

[0058] 1.5.1.3 Developer Unit 63Y The developing unit 63Y is capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum 61Y. The developing unit 63Y includes a developing roller 631Y and a developing housing 632Y.

[0059] The developing roller 631Y is capable of supplying toner in the developing housing 632Y to the photosensitive drum 61Y. The developing roller 631Y comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 61Y. The developing roller 631Y may be capable of being separated from the photosensitive drum 61Y. The developing roller 631Y extends in a first direction. The developing roller 631Y has a cylindrical shape. The developing roller 631Y is rotatable about a developing axis A2. The developing axis A2 extends in the first direction.

[0060] The developing housing 632Y supports the developing roller 631Y. The developing housing 632Y can contain toner from the toner container 6YB.

[0061] 1.5.2 Toner container 6YB The toner container 6YB can store toner to be supplied to the developing unit 63Y. The toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA. More specifically, the toner container 6YB is a toner cartridge that is detachable from the developing unit 63Y.

[0062] The toner containers 6MB, 6CB, and 6KB will be described in the same manner as the toner container 6YB. That is, the toner container 6MB can store toner to be supplied to the developing unit 63M. The toner container 6MB is attached to the drum cartridge 6MA. The description of the toner containers 6MB, 6CB, and 6KB will be omitted.

[0063] 1.6 Exposure equipment 7 The exposure device 7 can expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y charged by the charging device 62Y, the surface of the photosensitive drum 61M charged by the charging device 62M, the surface of the photosensitive drum 61C charged by the charging device 62C, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 61K charged by the charging device 62K. In this embodiment, the exposure device 7 is a laser scan unit. The exposure device 7 may also be an LED array.

[0064] When the process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K are attached to the drawer 5 and the drawer 5 is in the storage position, the exposure device 7 is located below the process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K.

[0065] 1.7 Transfer device 8 When the drum cartridges 6YA, 6MA, 6CA, and 6KA are attached to the drawer 5 and the drawer 5 is in the storage position, the transfer device 8 is positioned above the photosensitive drums 61Y, 61M, 61C, and 61K. The transfer device 8 transfers the toner on the photosensitive drums 61Y, 61M, 61C, and 61K onto the sheet S.

[0066] The transfer device 8 includes an intermediate transfer belt 81, a plurality of primary transfer rollers 82Y, 82M, 82C, and 82K, and a secondary transfer roller 83.

[0067] 1.7.1 Intermediate Transfer Belt 81 When the drum cartridges 6YA, 6MA, 6CA, and 6KA are attached to the drawer 5, the drawer 5 is in the storage position, and the cover 3 is in the closed position, the intermediate transfer belt 81 comes into contact with the photosensitive drums 61Y, 61M, 61C, and 61K. When the drum cartridges 6YA, 6MA, 6CA, and 6KA are attached to the drawer 5, and the drawer 5 is in the storage position, the intermediate transfer belt 81 passes between the photosensitive drum 61Y and the primary transfer roller 82Y, between the photosensitive drum 61M and the primary transfer roller 82M, between the photosensitive drum 61C and the primary transfer roller 82C, and between the photosensitive drum 61K and the primary transfer roller 82K.

[0068] 1.7.2 Primary transfer rollers 82Y, 82M, 82C, and 82K The primary transfer roller 82Y transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 61Y to the intermediate transfer belt 81. The primary transfer roller 82M transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 61K to the intermediate transfer belt 81. The primary transfer roller 82C transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 61C to the intermediate transfer belt 81. The primary transfer roller 82K transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 61K to the intermediate transfer belt 81.

[0069] 1.7.3 Secondary Transfer Roller 83 The secondary transfer roller 83 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 81. The sheet S conveyed from the sheet cassette 4 passes between the intermediate transfer belt 81 and the secondary transfer roller 83. At this time, the secondary transfer roller 83 transfers the toner transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 81 onto the sheet S.

[0070] 1.8 Fusing unit 9 The fixing device 9 applies heat and pressure to the sheet S onto which the toner has been transferred, thereby fixing the toner to the sheet S. After passing through the fixing device 9, the sheet S is ejected onto the top surface of the main body casing 2.

[0071] 2. Process Cartridge 6Y Details The process cartridge 6Y will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0072] 2.1 Drum Cartridge 6YA 3, the drum cartridge 6YA includes a drum frame 64Y, a drum cleaner 65Y, and a handle 66Y in addition to the photosensitive drum 61Y, the charging device 62Y, and the developing unit 63Y. In other words, the process cartridge 6Y includes the drum cleaner 65Y.

[0073] 2.1.1 Drum Frame 64Y As shown in FIG. 4, the drum frame 64Y has two drum side plates 641A and 641B.

[0074] The drum side plate 641A is located at one end of the drum frame 64Y in the first direction. The drum side plate 641A supports one end of the photosensitive drum 61Y in the first direction. The drum side plate 641A has a hole 6411A and a hole 6412A. The drum side plate 641A extends in the second direction and the third direction.

[0075] When the image forming apparatus 1 is placed on a horizontal surface and the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the second direction is the horizontal direction. The second direction intersects with the first direction. Preferably, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. When the image forming apparatus 1 is placed on a horizontal surface and the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the third direction is the up-down direction. The third direction intersects with the first and second directions. Preferably, the third direction is perpendicular to the first and second directions.

[0076] The hole 6411A is positioned away from the photosensitive drum 61Y in the fourth direction. The fourth direction is a direction connecting the drum axis A1 (see FIG. 3) and the development axis A2 (see FIG. 3). The hole 6411A is an elongated hole. The hole 6411A extends in the fourth direction.

[0077] The hole 6412A is located between the photosensitive drum 61Y and the hole 6411A in the fourth direction. The hole 6412A is an elongated hole. The hole 6412A extends in the fourth direction.

[0078] The drum side plate 641B is located at the other end of the drum frame 64Y in the first direction. The drum side plate 641B supports the other end of the photosensitive drum 61Y in the first direction. The drum side plate 641B has a hole 6411B and a hole 6412B (not shown). The drum side plate 641B extends in the second direction and the third direction.

[0079] The hole 6411B is located away from the photosensitive drum 61Y in the fourth direction. The hole 6411B is an elongated hole. The hole 6411B extends in the fourth direction.

[0080] The hole 6412B is located between the photosensitive drum 61Y and the hole 6411B in the fourth direction. The hole 6412B is an elongated hole. The hole 6412B extends in the fourth direction.

[0081] 2.1.2 Details of the Developer Unit 63Y As shown in FIG. 3, the developing unit 63Y has, in addition to the developing roller 631Y and developing housing 632Y described above, a supply roller 633Y, a toner conveying member 634Y, a developing shutter 635Y, two protrusions 636A, 637A (see FIG. 5), and two protrusions 636B, 637B (see FIG. 5).

[0082] 2.1.2.1 Details of the Developer Housing 632Y As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the developing housing 632Y has a first frame 632A and a second frame 632B.

[0083] 2.1.2.1.1 First Frame 632A The first frame 632A supports the developing roller 631Y. The first frame 632A houses the supply roller 633Y and the toner conveying member 634Y. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the first frame 632A can house the toner from the toner container 6YB. The first frame 632A extends in a first direction. The first frame 632A has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 3, the first frame 632A has a developing device receiving opening 6321 and two developing device discharging openings 6322A, 6322B (see FIG. 6). In other words, the developing device housing 632Y has the developing device receiving opening 6321 and two developing device discharging openings 6322A, 6322B.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 6, the developer receiving opening 6321 is located at the center of the first frame 632A in the first direction. The developer receiving opening 6321 communicates with the internal space of the first frame 632A. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the developer receiving opening 6321 can receive toner from the toner container 6YB. As shown in FIG. 3, the developer receiving opening 6321 is aligned with the developing roller 631Y in the second direction. When the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the developer receiving opening 6321 is located above the supply roller 633Y. When the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the developer receiving opening 6321 is located above the toner transport member 634Y.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 6, the developer discharge port 6322A is located at one end of the first frame 632A in the first direction. The developer discharge port 6322A is capable of discharging toner from the developer housing 632Y. Specifically, the developer discharge port 6322A is capable of discharging toner from the first frame 632A. The developer discharge port 6322A communicates with the internal space of the first frame 632A. When the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the developer discharge port 6322A is located below the supply roller 633Y. When the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the developer discharge port 6322A is located below the toner transport member 634Y.

[0086] The developer discharge port 6322B is located at the other end of the first frame 632A in the first direction. The developer discharge port 6322B can discharge toner inside the developer casing 632Y. More specifically, the developer discharge port 6322B can discharge toner inside the first frame 632A. The developer discharge port 6322B communicates with the internal space of the first frame 632A. As shown in FIG. 3, when the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the developer discharge port 6322B is located below the supply roller 633Y. When the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the developer discharge port 6322B is located below the toner transport member 634Y.

[0087] 2.1.2.1.2 Second Frame 632B When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the second frame 632B supports the toner container 6YB. As shown in FIG. 5, the second frame 632B is connected to the first frame 632A. The second frame 632B extends in a first direction. The second frame 632B has a cylindrical shape. The second frame 632B has two side plates 6323A, 6323B. The second frame 632B has an opening 6324 (see FIG. 7).

[0088] As shown in FIG. 6, the side plate 6323A is located at one end of the second frame 632B in the first direction. The side plate 6323A is located between one end of the first frame 632A and the drum side plate 641A in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the side plate 6323A extends in the second and third directions. The side plate 6323A has two guides 63231A and 63232A and a lock groove 63233A. Note that the guides 63231A and 63232A are not shown. The guide 63231A will be described in the same manner as the guide 63231B of the side plate 6323B, which will be described later, and the guide 63232A will be described in the same manner as the guide 63232B of the side plate 6323B, which will be described later. Therefore, a description of the guides 63231A and 63232A will be omitted.

[0089] The locking groove 63233A is located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 61Y with respect to the developing roller 631Y. The locking groove 63233A is recessed in the third direction. When the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the locking groove 63233A is recessed downward.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 6, the side plate 6323B is located at the other end of the second frame 632B in the first direction. The side plate 6323B is located between the other end of the first frame 632A and the drum side plate 641B in the first direction. As shown in Fig. 7, the side plate 6323B extends in the second and third directions. The side plate 6323B has two guides 63231B, 63232B and a lock groove 63233B. The second frame 632B has the guide 63231B.

[0091] The guide 63231B guides the attachment and detachment of the toner container 6YB to and from the second frame 632B. The guide 63231B extends in the second direction. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA and the drum cartridge 6YA and the drum cartridge 6MA (see FIG. 1) are attached to the drawer 5, the guide 63231B extends in the direction from the drum cartridge 6YA toward the drum cartridge 6MA.

[0092] The guide 63232B is positioned away from the guide 63231B in the third direction. When the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the guide 63232B is positioned above the guide 63231B. The guide 63232B, together with the guide 63231B, guides the attachment and detachment of the toner container 6YB to and from the second frame 632B. The guide 63232B extends in the second direction.

[0093] The locking groove 63233B is located on the opposite side of the developing roller 631Y from the photosensitive drum 61Y. The locking groove 63233B is recessed in a third direction. When the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the locking groove 63233B is recessed downward.

[0094] 2.1.2.2 Supply Roller 633Y The supply roller 633Y supplies toner in the first frame 632A to the developing roller 631Y. The supply roller 633Y contacts the developing roller 631Y. The supply roller 633Y extends in a first direction. The supply roller 633Y has a cylindrical shape. The supply roller 633Y is rotatable about a supply shaft A3. The supply shaft A3 extends in the first direction.

[0095] 2.1.2.3 Toner transport member 634Y As shown in FIG. 6, the toner transport member 634Y transports the toner in the first frame 632A in a first direction. The toner transport member 634Y transports the toner in the first frame 632A from the developer receiving port 6321 toward the developer discharging ports 6322A and 6322B. In this embodiment, the toner transport member 634Y is an auger screw. As long as the toner transport member 634Y can transport toner, it is not limited to an auger screw. The toner transport member 634Y may be, for example, a shaftless screw.

[0096] 2.1.2.4 Development Shutter 635Y As shown in FIG. 5, the developer shutter 635Y is attached to the first frame 632A. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the developer shutter 635Y is movable between a developer closed position (see FIG. 7) and a developer open position (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 7, when the developer shutter 635Y is positioned at the developer closed position, the developer shutter 635Y closes the developer receiving opening 6321 and the developer discharge openings 6322A and 6322B. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, when the developer shutter 635Y is positioned at the developer open position, the developer receiving opening 6321 and the developer discharge openings 6322A and 6322B are open. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the developer shutter 635Y has a developer shutter main body 6351 and two engagement portions 6352A (see FIG. 5) and 6352B (see FIG. 7).

[0097] The developer shutter body 6351 extends in the first direction. The developer shutter body 6351 has an opening 6350. As shown in FIG. 7, when the developer shutter 635Y is positioned at the developer closed position, the opening 6350 is positioned away from the developer receiving port 6321. As shown in FIG. 8, when the developer shutter 635Y is positioned at the developer open position, the opening 6350 communicates with the developer receiving port 6321.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 5, the engaging portion 6352A is located at one end of the developing shutter 635Y in the first direction. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the engaging portion 6352A engages with the engaging portion 693A (see FIG. 9) of the toner container 6YB. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 6352A is a gear. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the engaging portion 6352A meshes with the engaging portion 693A of the toner container 6YB. Note that the engaging portion 6352A is not limited to a gear as long as it can interlock the locking member 69Y (see FIG. 9) of the toner container 6YB with the developing shutter 635Y.

[0099] As shown in Fig. 7, the engaging portion 6352B is located at the other end of the developing shutter 635Y in the first direction. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the engaging portion 6352B engages with the engaging portion 693B (see Fig. 9) of the toner container 6YB. The engaging portion 6352B will be described in the same manner as the engaging portion 6352A. Therefore, a description of the engaging portion 6352B will be omitted.

[0100] 2.1.2.5 Protrusion 636A, 637A As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 636A is located at one end of the developing unit 63Y in the first direction. The protrusion 636A extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the protrusion 636A extends from one outer surface of the developing housing 632Y in the first direction. The protrusion 636A may be attached to one outer surface of the developing housing 632Y in the first direction. The protrusion 636A has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 636A fits into a hole 6411A (see FIG. 4) in a drum side plate 641A.

[0101] The protrusion 637A is located away from the protrusion 636A in the fourth direction. The protrusion 637A is located between the photosensitive drum 61Y (see FIG. 3) and the protrusion 636A in the fourth direction. The protrusion 637A is located at one end of the developing casing 632Y in the first direction. The protrusion 637A extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the protrusion 637A extends from one outer surface of the developing casing 632Y in the first direction. The protrusion 637A may be attached to one outer surface of the developing casing 632Y in the first direction. The protrusion 637A has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 637A may be one end of the shaft of the developing roller 631Y. The protrusion 637A fits into a hole 6412A (see FIG. 4) in a drum side plate 641A.

[0102] 2.1.2.6 Protrusion 636B, 637B As shown in FIG. 3, the protrusion 636B is located at the other end of the developing unit 63Y in the first direction. The protrusion 636B extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the protrusion 636B extends from the other outer surface of the developing housing 632Y in the first direction. The protrusion 636B may be attached to the other outer surface of the developing housing 632Y in the first direction. The protrusion 636B has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 636B fits into a hole 6411B (see FIG. 4) in the drum side plate 641B.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 637B is located away from the protrusion 636B in the fourth direction. The protrusion 637B is located between the photosensitive drum 61Y and the protrusion 636B in the fourth direction. The protrusion 637B is located at the other end of the developing unit 63Y in the first direction. The protrusion 637B extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the protrusion 637B extends from the other outer surface of the developing housing 632Y in the first direction. The protrusion 637B may be attached to the other outer surface of the developing housing 632Y in the first direction. The protrusion 637B has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 637B may be the other end of the shaft of the developing roller 631. The protrusion 637B fits into a hole 6412B (see FIG. 6) in the drum side plate 641B.

[0104] The development unit 63Y can move in the fourth direction relative to the photosensitive drum 61Y by fitting the protrusion 636A into the hole 6411A in the drum side plate 641A, the protrusion 637A into the hole 6412A in the drum side plate 641A, the protrusion 636B into the hole 6411B in the drum side plate 641B, and the protrusion 637B into the hole 6412B in the drum side plate 641B.

[0105] 2.1.3 Drum Cleaner 65Y As shown in FIG. 3, the drum cleaner 65Y is provided on the drum frame 64Y. The drum cleaner 65Y is located on the opposite side of the developing roller 631Y with respect to the photosensitive drum 61Y in the second direction. The drum cleaner 65Y is capable of cleaning the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y. The drum cleaner 65Y is located between the drum side plate 641A and the drum side plate 641B in the first direction. The drum cleaner 65Y has a cleaner housing 651 and a cleaning member 652.

[0106] 4, the cleaner housing 651 extends in a first direction. One end of the cleaner housing 651 in the first direction is connected to the drum side plate 641A. The other end of the cleaner housing 651 in the first direction is connected to the drum side plate 641B. The cleaner housing 651 has an opening 6511.

[0107] The cleaning member 652 cleans the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y. The cleaning member 652 extends in a first direction. The cleaning member 652 has a plate shape. The edge of the cleaning member 652 comes into contact with the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y. When the photosensitive drum 61Y rotates, toner that has not been transferred to the sheet S and remains on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y comes into contact with the edge of the cleaning member 652 and is removed from the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y. The removed toner passes through an opening 6511 and enters the cleaner housing 651.

[0108] 2.1.4 Handle 66Y 3, when the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the handle 66Y is located at the upper end of the drum frame 64Y. The handle 66Y is grasped by a user when the user removes the drum cartridge 6YA from the drawer 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the handle 66Y has a handle grip 661 and two arms 662A and 662B.

[0109] The handle grip 661 is a portion that is grasped by a user. The handle grip 661 extends in a first direction. The handle grip 661 has a cylindrical shape.

[0110] The arm 662A connects one end of the handle grip 661 in the first direction to the drum side plate 641A. One end of the arm 662A is connected to one end of the handle grip 661 in the first direction. The other end of the arm 662A is connected to the drum side plate 641A.

[0111] The arm 662B connects the other end of the handle grip 661 in the first direction to the drum side plate 641B. One end of the arm 662B is connected to the other end of the handle grip 661 in the first direction. The other end of the arm 662B is connected to the drum side plate 641B.

[0112] 2.2 Toner container 6YB 9 and 10, the toner container 6YB has a container main body 67Y, a toner shutter 68Y, a locking member 69Y, two protrusions 70A, 71A, and two protrusions 70B, 71B. In other words, the process cartridge 6Y has the locking member 69Y.

[0113] 2.2.1 Container body 67Y The container main body 67Y extends in the first direction. The container main body 67Y has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 11 , the container main body 67Y has a first toner accommodating portion 671, a second toner accommodating portion 672, a first toner transport member 673, a second toner transport member 674, and a third toner transport member 675. In other words, the toner container 6YB has the first toner accommodating portion 671, the second toner accommodating portion 672, the first toner transport member 673, the second toner transport member 674, and the third toner transport member 675. In other words, the process cartridge 6Y has the third toner transport member 675.

[0114] 2.2.1.1 First Toner Container 671 The first toner accommodating portion 671 is capable of accommodating toner. When the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the first toner accommodating portion 671 is located below the second toner accommodating portion 672. When the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, at least a portion of the first toner accommodating portion 671 is located below the developing unit 63Y (see FIG. 3). At least a portion of the first toner accommodating portion 671 is located below the developing roller 631Y (see FIG. 3) of the developing unit 63Y. The volume of the first toner accommodating portion 671 is larger than the volume of the second toner accommodating portion 672. As shown in FIG. 9, the first toner accommodating portion 671 has two toner receiving openings 6711A and 6711B. In other words, the toner container 6YB has two toner receiving openings 6711A and 6711B.

[0115] The toner receiving opening 6711A is located at one end of the first toner accommodating portion 671 in the first direction. The toner receiving opening 6711A communicates with the internal space of the first toner accommodating portion 671. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the toner receiving opening 6711A communicates with the developer discharge opening 6322A (see FIG. 6). When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the toner receiving opening 6711A can receive toner discharged from the developer discharge opening 6322A.

[0116] The toner receiving opening 6711B is located at the other end of the first toner accommodating portion 671 in the first direction. The toner receiving opening 6711B communicates with the internal space of the first toner accommodating portion 671. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the toner receiving opening 6711B communicates with the developer discharge opening 6322B (see FIG. 6). When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the toner receiving opening 6711B can receive toner discharged from the developer discharge opening 6322B.

[0117] 2.2.1.2 Second Toner Container 672 As shown in FIG. 11, the second toner accommodating section 672 is capable of accommodating toner transported from the first toner accommodating section 671. When the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the second toner accommodating section 672 is located above the first toner accommodating section 671. When the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the second toner accommodating section 672 is aligned with the developing unit 63Y (see FIG. 3) in the second direction. The second toner accommodating section 672 has a toner discharge port 672A.

[0118] The toner discharge port 672A communicates with the internal space of the second toner accommodating portion 672. As shown in FIG. 9, the toner discharge port 672A is located at the center of the second toner accommodating portion 672 in the first direction. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the toner discharge port 672A communicates with the developing agent receiving port 6321 (see FIG. 6). When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the toner discharge port 672A can discharge toner toward the developing agent receiving port 6321.

[0119] 2.2.1.3 First Toner Transport Member 673 First toner transport member 673 is located inside first toner storage unit 671. First toner transport member 673 is capable of transporting toner inside first toner storage unit 671 toward second toner storage unit 672. More specifically, first toner transport member 673 has shaft 673A and blade 673B.

[0120] The shaft 673A extends in a first direction. The shaft 673A is rotatable about an axis A4. The axis A4 extends in the first direction.

[0121] Blade 673B is attached to shaft 673A. Blade 673B is rotatable together with shaft 673A. When shaft 673A rotates, blade 673B rotates together with shaft 673A to transport toner upward toward second toner storage portion 672. As shown in FIG. 6 , blade 673B is longer than toner discharge port 672A in the first direction. The length of blade 673B in the first direction is substantially the same as the length of the internal space of first toner storage portion 671 in the first direction. Blade 673B extends across the entire width of the internal space of first toner storage portion 671 in the first direction. This allows first toner transport member 673 to transport toner in first toner storage portion 671 upward toward second toner storage portion 672 over a range wider than toner discharge port 672A in the first direction.

[0122] 2.2.1.4 Second Toner Transport Member 674 As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11 , the second toner transport member 674 is located within the second toner storage unit 672. The second toner transport member 674 is capable of transporting toner in the second toner storage unit 672 in a first direction toward the toner discharge port 672A. Specifically, the second toner transport member 674 is capable of transporting toner from both ends toward the center in the first direction so as to transport the toner toward the toner discharge port 672A. The second toner transport member 674 extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the second toner transport member 674 is an auger screw. The second toner transport member 674 is not limited to an auger screw. The second toner transport member 674 may be, for example, a shaftless screw.

[0123] 2.2.1.5 Third Toner Transport Member 675 As shown in FIG. 11, the third toner transport member 675 is located inside the first toner accommodating unit 671. The third toner transport member 675 is located away from the first toner transport member 673 in the second direction. When the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the third toner transport member 675 is located below the developing casing 632Y (see FIG. 3). The third toner transport member 675 is capable of transporting toner in the first toner accommodating unit 671 toward the first toner transport member 673. The third toner transport member 675 has a shaft 675A and a blade 675B.

[0124] The shaft 675A extends in a first direction. The shaft 675A is rotatable about an axis A5. The axis A5 extends in the first direction.

[0125] The blade 675B is attached to the shaft 675A. The blade 675B is rotatable together with the shaft 675A. When the shaft 675A rotates, the blade 675B rotates together with the shaft 675A and transports the toner toward the first toner transport member 673.

[0126] 2.2.2 Toner Shutter 68Y As shown in FIG. 9, the toner shutter 68Y is attached to the container main body 67Y. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the toner shutter 68Y is movable between a toner closed position (see FIG. 11) and a toner open position (see FIG. 12). As shown in FIG. 11, when the toner shutter 68Y is positioned at the toner closed position, the toner shutter 68Y closes the toner discharge port 672A and the toner receiving ports 6711A and 6711B. As shown in FIG. 12, when the toner shutter 68Y is positioned at the toner open position, the toner discharge port 672A and the toner receiving ports 6711A and 6711B are open. As shown in FIG. 9, the toner shutter 68Y has a toner shutter main body 681 and two protrusions 682A and 682B.

[0127] The toner shutter main body 681 extends in the first direction. The toner shutter main body 681 has an opening 6811. As shown in Fig. 11, when the toner shutter 68Y is positioned at the toner closed position, the opening 6811 is positioned away from the toner discharge port 672A. As shown in Fig. 12, when the toner shutter 68Y is positioned at the toner open position, the opening 6811 communicates with the toner discharge port 672A.

[0128] 9, the protrusion 682A is located at one end of the toner shutter 68Y in the first direction. The protrusion 682A extends from the toner shutter main body 681. The protrusion 682A may be attached to the toner shutter main body 681. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the protrusion 682A engages with one end of the development shutter 635Y in the first direction. More specifically, the protrusion 682A fits into a hole 6353A at one end of the development shutter 635Y in the first direction.

[0129] The protrusion 682B is located at the other end of the toner shutter 68Y in the first direction. The protrusion 682B extends from the toner shutter main body 681. The protrusion 682B may be attached to the toner shutter main body 681. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the protrusion 682B engages with the other end of the development shutter 635Y in the first direction. More specifically, the protrusion 682B fits into a hole 6353B at the other end of the development shutter 635Y in the first direction.

[0130] The protrusion 682A engages with one end of the developer shutter 635Y in the first direction, and the protrusion 682B engages with the other end of the developer shutter 635Y in the first direction, thereby enabling the toner shutter 68Y to move together with the developer shutter 635Y. As a result, when the toner container 6YB is attached to the developer unit 63Y, the toner shutter 68Y moves from the toner open position to the toner closed position as the developer shutter 635Y moves from the developer open position to the developer closed position. Furthermore, when the toner container 6YB is attached to the developer unit 63Y, the toner shutter 68Y moves from the toner closed position to the toner open position as the developer shutter 635Y moves from the developer closed position to the developer open position.

[0131] 2.2.3 Locking member 69Y As shown in FIG. 9, the locking member 69Y is attached to the container main body 67Y. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, when the toner container 6YB is attached to the developing unit 63Y of the drum cartridge 6YA, the locking member 69Y is movable between a locked position (see FIG. 3) and an unlocked position (see FIG. 11). As shown in FIG. 3, when the locking member 69Y is located at the locked position, the locking member 69Y fits into the locking groove 63233A (see FIG. 5) and the locking groove 63233B. As a result, when the locking member 69Y is located at the locked position, the locking member 69Y locks the toner container 6YB to the developing unit 63Y of the drum cartridge 6YA. On the other hand, when the toner container 6YB is attached to the developing unit 63Y and the locking member 69Y is located at the unlocked position shown in FIG. 11, the locking member 69Y disengages from the locking groove 63233A (see FIG. 5) and the locking groove 63233B (see FIG. 5). As a result, with the locking member 69Y in the unlocked position, the toner container 6YB is unlocked from the developing unit 63Y of the drum cartridge 6YA.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 9, the locking member 69Y has a locking grip 691, two arms 692A and 692B, and two engaging portions 693A and 693B.

[0133] 2.2.3.1 Lock Grip 691 The lock grip 691 is gripped by a user and extends in a first direction. The lock grip 691 has a cylindrical shape.

[0134] 1, when the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the locking member 69Y is in the locked position, and the drum cartridge 6YA is attached to the drawer 5, the handle grip 661 is located above the locking grip 691. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the locking member 69Y is in the locked position, the drum cartridge 6YA is attached to the drawer 5, and the drawer 5 is in the storage position, the locking grip 691 is located below the upper end of the toner container 6YB.

[0135] Furthermore, when the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the locking member 69Y is in the locked position, and the drum cartridge 6YA and the drum cartridge 6MA are attached to the drawer 5, the locking grip 691 of the locking member 69Y is positioned between the toner container 6YB and the drum cartridge 6MA. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the locking member 69Y is in the locked position, and the drum cartridge 6YA and the drum cartridge 6MA are attached to the drawer 5, the locking grip 691 of the locking member 69Y is positioned between the toner container 6YB and the photosensitive drum 61M.

[0136] 2.2.3.2 Arms 692A, 692B Arm 692A connects one end of lock grip 691 in the first direction to protrusion 71A. One end of arm 692A is connected to one end of lock grip 691 in the first direction. The other end of arm 692A is connected to protrusion 71A. Arm 692A is rotatable about protrusion 71A.

[0137] Arm 692B connects the other end of lock grip 691 in the first direction to protrusion 71B (see FIG. 10). One end of arm 692B is connected to the other end of lock grip 691 in the first direction. The other end of arm 692B is connected to protrusion 71B. Arm 692B is rotatable about protrusion 71B.

[0138] 2.2.3.3 Engagement part 693A, 693B The engaging portion 693A is provided at the other end of the arm 692A. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the engaging portion 693A engages with the engaging portion 6352A (see FIG. 5) of the developing shutter 635Y. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 693A is a gear. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the engaging portion 693A meshes with the engaging portion 6352A of the developing shutter 635Y. Note that the engaging portion 693A is not limited to a gear as long as it can interlock the locking member 69Y and the developing shutter 635Y.

[0139] The engaging portion 693B is provided at the other end of the arm 692B. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the engaging portion 693B engages with the engaging portion 6352B (see FIG. 7) of the developing shutter 635Y. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 693B is a gear. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the engaging portion 693B meshes with the engaging portion 6352B of the developing shutter 635Y. Note that the engaging portion 693B is not limited to a gear as long as it can interlock the locking member 69Y and the developing shutter 635Y.

[0140] When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the engagement portion 693A engages with the engagement portion 6352A of the developing shutter 635Y, and the engagement portion 693B engages with the engagement portion 6352B of the developing shutter 635Y, thereby enabling the developing shutter 635Y to move in conjunction with the locking member 69Y.

[0141] With the toner container 6YB attached to the developing unit 63Y, the developing shutter 635Y moves from the developing open position (see FIG. 8) to the developing closed position (see FIG. 7) as the locking member 69Y moves from the locked position (see FIG. 12) to the unlocked position (see FIG. 11). At this time, the toner shutter 68Y moves from the toner open position (see FIG. 12) to the toner closed position (see FIG. 11) as the developing shutter 635Y moves from the developing open position to the developing closed position.

[0142] Furthermore, with the toner container 6YB attached to the developing unit 63Y, the developing shutter 635Y moves from the developing closed position (see FIG. 7) to the developing open position (see FIG. 8) as the locking member 69Y moves from the unlocked position (see FIG. 11) to the locked position (see FIG. 12). At this time, the toner shutter 68Y moves from the toner closed position (see FIG. 11) to the toner closed position (see FIG. 12) as the developing shutter 635Y moves from the developing closed position to the developing open position.

[0143] 2.2.4 Protrusion 70A, 71A 9, the protrusion 70A is located at one end of the first toner accommodating portion 671 in the first direction. The protrusion 70A extends from one outer surface of the first toner accommodating portion 671 in the first direction. The protrusion 70A may be attached to one outer surface of the first toner accommodating portion 671 in the first direction. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the protrusion 70A is guided by the guide 63231A of the developing unit 63Y.

[0144] The protrusion 71A is located away from the protrusion 70A. The protrusion 71A is located at one end of the second toner accommodating portion 672 in the first direction. The protrusion 71A extends from one outer surface of the second toner accommodating portion 672 in the first direction. The protrusion 71A may be attached to one outer surface of the second toner accommodating portion 672 in the first direction. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the protrusion 71A is guided by the guide 63232A of the developing unit 63Y.

[0145] 2.2.5 Protrusion 70B, 71B As shown in FIG. 10, the protrusion 70B is located at the other end of the first toner accommodating portion 671 in the first direction. The protrusion 70B extends from the other outer surface of the first toner accommodating portion 671 in the first direction. The protrusion 70B may be attached to the other outer surface of the first toner accommodating portion 671 in the first direction. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the protrusion 70B is guided by a guide 63231B (see FIG. 7) of the developing unit 63Y.

[0146] The protrusion 71B is located away from the protrusion 70B. The protrusion 71B is located at the other end of the second toner accommodating portion 672 in the first direction. The protrusion 71B extends from the other outer surface of the second toner accommodating portion 672 in the first direction. The protrusion 71B may be attached to the other outer surface of the second toner accommodating portion 672 in the first direction. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the protrusion 71B is guided by a guide 63232B (see FIG. 7) of the developing unit 63Y.

[0147] 3. Effects (1) As shown in FIG. 3, according to the process cartridge 6Y, the first toner transport member 673 can transport toner from the first toner storage portion 671 to the second toner storage portion 672 over a range wider than the toner discharge port 672A in the first direction.

[0148] Therefore, a larger amount of toner can be transported from the first toner container 671 to the second toner container 672 than the amount of toner flowing into the developing unit 63Y from the toner discharge port 672A.

[0149] This allows a sufficient amount of toner to be transported from the second toner container 672 of the toner container 6YB to the developing unit 63Y.

[0150] (2) According to the process cartridge 6Y, as shown in Fig. 3, when the toner container 6YB is attached to the developing unit 63Y, the developing shutter 635Y moves from the developing open position (see Fig. 8) to the developing closed position (see Fig. 7) as the locking member 69Y moves from the locked position (see Fig. 3) to the unlocked position (see Fig. 11). When the toner container 6YB is attached to the developing unit 63Y, the developing shutter 635Y moves from the developing closed position (see Fig. 7) to the developing open position (see Fig. 8) as the locking member 69Y moves from the unlocked position (see Fig. 11) to the locked position (see Fig. 3).

[0151] This allows the user to open the development shutter 635Y by locking the toner container 6YB to the development unit 63Y, and close the development shutter 635Y by unlocking the toner container 6YB from the development unit 63Y.

[0152] Therefore, the user does not need to separately lock or unlock the toner container 6YB relative to the developing unit 63Y and open or close the developing shutter 635Y, thereby improving operability.

[0153] Furthermore, it is possible to prevent forgetting to close the development shutter 635Y when removing the toner container 6YB from the development unit 63Y.

[0154] (3) According to the process cartridge 6Y, as shown in Fig. 3, when the toner container 6YB is attached to the developing unit 63Y, the toner shutter 68Y moves from the toner open position (see Fig. 12) to the toner closed position (see Fig. 11) as the developing shutter 635Y moves from the developing open position (see Fig. 8) to the developing closed position (see Fig. 7). When the toner container 6YB is attached to the developing unit 63Y, the toner shutter 68Y moves from the toner closed position (see Fig. 11) to the toner open position (see Fig. 12) as the developing shutter 635Y moves from the developing closed position (see Fig. 7) to the developing open position (see Fig. 8).

[0155] This allows the user to open not only the development shutter 635Y but also the toner shutter 68Y by locking the toner container 6YB to the development unit 63Y, and to close not only the development shutter 635Y but also the toner shutter 68Y by unlocking the toner container 6YB from the development unit 63Y.

[0156] Therefore, the user does not need to separately lock or unlock the toner container 6YB relative to the developing unit 63Y and open or close the toner shutter 68Y, thereby improving operability.

[0157] Furthermore, it is possible to prevent forgetting to close the toner shutter 68Y when removing the toner container 6YB from the developing unit 63Y.

[0158] (4) According to the process cartridge 6Y, as shown in FIG. 3, the toner receiving openings 6711A and 6711B of the toner container 6YB can receive the toner discharged from the developing device discharge openings 6322A and 6322B.

[0159] Therefore, the toner in the developing casing 632Y can be returned to the toner container 6YB through the toner receiving openings 6711A and 6711B.

[0160] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the toner from deteriorating inside the developing casing 632Y and the deteriorated toner from accumulating inside the developing casing 632Y.

[0161] (5) According to the process cartridge 6Y, as shown in FIG. 3, the first toner storage portion 671 has toner receiving openings 6711A and 6711B.

[0162] Therefore, the toner in the developing casing 632Y can be returned to the first toner container 671.

[0163] This allows the toner to circulate between the developing casing 632Y, the first toner storage section 671, and the second toner storage section 672, thereby further suppressing the deterioration of the toner.

[0164] (6) According to the process cartridge 6Y, as shown in FIG. 3, when the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the first toner accommodating portion 671 is located below the developing unit 63Y.

[0165] Therefore, the toner in the developing casing 632Y can be smoothly returned to the first toner container 671 by utilizing gravity.

[0166] (7) According to the process cartridge 6Y, as shown in FIG. 6, the blade 673B of the first toner transport member 673 is longer than the toner discharge port 672A in the first direction.

[0167] Therefore, first toner transport member 673 can transport toner from first toner container 671 to second toner container 672 over a range wider than toner discharge port 672A in the first direction.

[0168] 4. Variations (1) A modified example will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. In the modified example, the same members as those in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 13, the developing unit 63Y may have a protrusion 100. The protrusion 100 is located at one end of the first frame 632A in the first direction. The protrusion 100 extends from one end of the first frame 632A in the first direction. The protrusion 100 extends in the first direction. The protrusion 100 has a cylindrical shape. The internal space of the protrusion 100 communicates with the internal space of the first frame 632A. The protrusion 100 has a receiving opening 100A.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 14, the process cartridge 6Y includes a toner tube 101 and a collected toner transport member 102.

[0171] The toner tube 101 allows recovered toner to pass from the drum cleaner 65Y toward the protruding portion 100. The recovered toner is toner removed from the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y by the drum cleaner 65Y. One end of the toner tube 101 is connected to the drum cleaner 65Y. The other end of the toner tube 101 is connected to the protruding portion 100. In other words, the toner tube 101 is connected to the developing housing 632Y. The toner tube 101 has a discharge port 101A. The discharge port 101A is located at the other end of the toner tube 101. The discharge port 101A communicates with the receiving port 100A.

[0172] The collected toner transport member 102 is located inside the toner tube 101 and the drum cleaner 65Y. The collected toner transport member 102 transports the collected toner inside the drum cleaner 65Y toward the discharge port 101A. The collected toner transport member 102 is a shaftless screw.

[0173] According to this modification, the toner collected from the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y can be reused for development.

[0174] In this case, a certain amount of toner with poor charging properties contained in the collected toner may cause poor printing.

[0175] However, as the toner circulates between the first toner storage section 671, the second toner storage section 672, and the developing casing 632Y, it is stirred and the toner with poor charging properties is diluted, thereby preventing printing defects.

[0176] In addition, in the modified example, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0177] (2) The image forming apparatus 1 does not have to be provided with the drawer 5. In that case, each of the process cartridges 6Y may be directly detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0178] 1. Image forming device 6Y process cartridge 6YA drum cartridge 6YB Toner Container 8. Transcription device 61Y Photosensitive drum 63Y Development Unit 65Y Drum Cleaner 68Y Toner Shutter 69Y Locking member 101 Toner tube 631Y Developing roller 632A 1st Frame 632B 2nd frame 632Y developing case 635Y Development Shutter 671 First toner storage unit 672 Second toner storage unit 672A Toner outlet 673 First toner transport member 673A Shaft 673B Feather 674 Second toner transport member 675 Third toner transport member 6321 Developing port 6322A Developing outlet 6322B Developing outlet 6711A Toner Receptacle 6711B Toner Receptacle 63231A Guide 63231B Guide

Claims

1. A process cartridge that can be mounted in an image forming apparatus having a transfer device, a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum axis extending in a first direction, the photosensitive drum being located below the transfer device when the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus; A development unit comprising: a developing roller capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a supply roller capable of supplying toner to the developing roller; a developing housing that supports the developing roller and the supply roller and can accommodate toner, and that has a developing housing receiving port that can receive toner; a developer toner transport member configured to transport the toner in the developing housing in the first direction from the developer receiving opening toward an end of the developing housing in the first direction; a developer shutter movable between a developer closed position at which the developer receiving opening is closed and a developer open position at which the developer receiving opening is opened; a development unit having A toner container, a first toner storage unit capable of storing toner; a second toner storage section that is located above the first toner storage section when the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and has a toner discharge port that can discharge toner toward the developing device receiving port; a toner shutter movable between a toner closed position where the toner discharge port is closed and a toner open position where the toner discharge port is opened; a first toner transport member located in the first toner storage unit and capable of transporting the toner in the first toner storage unit upward toward the second toner storage unit over a range wider than the toner discharge outlet in the first direction; a second toner transport member located in the second toner storage unit and capable of transporting the toner in the second toner storage unit in the first direction toward the toner discharge port; a toner container having a Equipped with When the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the toner discharge port is located above the supply roller.

2. A process cartridge as described in claim 1, wherein when the process cartridge is attached to the image forming device, the toner discharge outlet is located above the developing toner transport member.

3. The first toner transport member is a shaft extending in the first direction; a blade that rotates together with the shaft to transport the toner upward toward the second toner storage section, 3. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the blade is longer than the toner discharge port in the first direction.

4. 4. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the toner container is detachable from the developing unit.

5. The process cartridge is a locking member that is movable between a locking position where the toner container is locked to the developing unit and an unlocking position where the toner container is unlocked from the developing unit when the toner container is attached to the developing unit; 5. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, when the toner container is attached to the developing unit, the developing shutter moves from the developing open position to the developing closed position in accordance with movement of the locking member from the locked position to the unlocked position, and moves from the developing closed position to the developing open position in accordance with movement of the locking member from the unlocked position to the locked position.

6. A process cartridge as described in claim 5, wherein, when the toner container is attached to the development unit, the toner shutter moves from the toner open position to the toner closed position in accordance with the movement of the development shutter from the development open position to the development closed position, and moves from the toner closed position to the toner open position in accordance with the movement of the development shutter from the development closed position to the development open position.

7. The developing housing includes: a first frame having the developer receiving opening; a second frame having a guide for guiding the attachment and detachment of the toner container; The process cartridge according to claim 1 , further comprising:

8. 8. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the developing housing has a developing outlet through which toner inside the developing housing can be discharged.

9. 9. The process cartridge according to claim 8, wherein said toner container has a toner receiving opening capable of receiving the toner discharged from said developing device discharge opening.

10. The process cartridge according to claim 9 , wherein the first toner storage section has the toner receiving opening.

11. 11. The process cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the first toner storage section is located below the developing unit when the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus.

12. The process cartridge is a drum cleaner capable of cleaning the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum; 12. The process cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising: a toner tube connected to the developing housing, the toner tube allowing passage of recovered toner, which is toner removed from the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum by the drum cleaner.

13. 13. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a volume of the first toner containing portion is larger than a volume of the second toner containing portion.

14. At least a portion of the first toner storage section is located below the developing roller of the developing unit, The process cartridge is The process cartridge according to claim 1 , further comprising a third toner transport member located below the developing housing and capable of transporting toner toward the first toner transport member.

15. A main body housing; A transcription device; A process cartridge that can be installed in the main body housing, a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum axis extending in a first direction, the photosensitive drum being located below the transfer device when the process cartridge is mounted in the main body housing; A development unit comprising: a developing roller capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a supply roller capable of supplying toner to the developing roller; a developing housing that supports the developing roller and the supply roller and can accommodate toner, and that has a developing housing receiving port that can receive toner; a developer toner transport member configured to transport the toner in the developing housing in the first direction from the developer receiving opening toward an end of the developing housing in the first direction; a developer shutter movable between a developer closed position at which the developer receiving opening is closed and a developer open position at which the developer receiving opening is opened; a development unit having A toner container, a first toner storage unit capable of storing toner; a second toner storage section located above the first toner storage section when the process cartridge is mounted in the main body housing, the second toner storage section having a toner discharge port capable of discharging toner toward the developing device receiving port; a toner shutter movable between a toner closed position where the toner discharge port is closed and a toner open position where the toner discharge port is opened; a first toner transport member located in the first toner storage unit and capable of transporting the toner in the first toner storage unit upward toward the second toner storage unit over a range wider than the toner discharge outlet in the first direction; a second toner transport member located in the second toner storage unit and capable of transporting the toner in the second toner storage unit in the first direction toward the toner discharge port; a process cartridge including a toner container having the toner cartridge; Equipped with In the image forming apparatus, when the process cartridge is mounted in the main body housing, the toner discharge port is located above the supply roller.

16. A drum cartridge that can be installed in an image forming apparatus having a transfer device, a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum axis extending in a first direction, the photosensitive drum being located below the transfer device when the drum cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus; A development unit comprising: a developing roller capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a supply roller capable of supplying toner to the developing roller; a developing housing that supports the developing roller and the supply roller and can accommodate toner, and that has a developing housing receiving port that can receive toner; a developer toner transport member configured to transport the toner in the developing housing in the first direction from the developer receiving opening toward an end of the developing housing in the first direction; a developer shutter movable between a developer closed position at which the developer receiving opening is closed and a developer open position at which the developer receiving opening is opened; a development unit having A toner container that can be attached to a drum cartridge comprising: a first toner storage unit capable of storing toner; a second toner storage section that is located above the first toner storage section and has a toner discharge port that can discharge toner toward the developing device receiving port when the drum cartridge with the toner storage container attached is attached to the image forming apparatus; a toner shutter movable between a toner closed position where the toner discharge port is closed and a toner open position where the toner discharge port is opened; a first toner transport member located in the first toner storage unit and capable of transporting the toner in the first toner storage unit upward toward the second toner storage unit over a range wider than the toner discharge outlet in the first direction; a second toner transport member located in the second toner storage unit and capable of transporting the toner in the second toner storage unit in the first direction toward the toner discharge port; and a toner container in which the toner discharge port is located above the supply roller when the drum cartridge to which the toner container is attached is attached to the image forming apparatus;

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