Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that allows a user to remove a toner cartridge without removing a drum cartridge by mistake.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 comprises a body housing 2, a first cover 3, a second cover 9, a drum cartridge 5, and a toner cartridge 6. The first cover 3 opens and closes a first area R1 of an opening R in the body housing 2. The second cover 9 opens and closes a second area R2 of the opening R. The drum cartridge 5 is removably attached to the body housing 2 in a first direction through the first area R1. The toner cartridge 6 is removably attached to the drum cartridge 5 in a second direction through the second area R2. The second direction intersects the first direction. With the toner cartridge 6 attached to the drum cartridge 5, a part of the toner cartridge 6 is movable between a first position where the toner cartridge 6 cannot be removed and a second position where the toner cartridge can be removed, and the direction of the movement is a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus includes a main body housing, a drum cartridge, and a toner cartridge (see Patent Document 1 below). The main body housing has an opening. The drum cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the main body housing through the opening. The toner cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the drum cartridge both in a state where the drum cartridge is removed from the main body housing and in a state where the drum cartridge is mounted in the main body housing. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-155959 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the opening of the main body housing for replacing the drum cartridge with the toner cartridge mounted thereon and the opening of the main body housing for replacing the toner cartridge are the same opening. Therefore, when the drum cartridge is mounted in the main body housing and the toner cartridge is mounted in the drum cartridge, if a user wants to remove the toner cartridge without removing the drum cartridge, there is a possibility that the user accidentally removes the drum cartridge.

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus that allows the toner cartridge to be removed without removing the drum cartridge, when the drum cartridge is mounted in the main housing and the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, without accidentally removing the drum cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The image forming apparatus disclosed herein comprises a main body housing, a first cover, a second cover, a drum cartridge, and a toner cartridge.

[0007] The main housing has an opening. The first cover is movable between a first closed position and a first open position. When the first cover is in the first closed position, the first cover closes a first region of the opening. When the first cover is in the first open position, the first region opens. The second cover is movable between a second closed position and a second open position. When the second cover is in the second closed position, the second cover closes a second region of the opening. When the second cover is in the second open position, the second region opens.

[0008] The drum cartridge has a photosensitive drum. The drum cartridge is detachable from the main body housing in a first direction through a first region when the first cover is in a first open position.

[0009] The toner cartridge is capable of containing toner. With the toner cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge, a portion of the toner cartridge is movable between a first position and a second position. When a portion of the toner cartridge is in the first position, the toner cartridge cannot be removed from the drum cartridge. When a portion of the toner cartridge is in the second position, the toner cartridge can be removed from the drum cartridge. With the first cover in the first closed position, the second cover in the second open position, and a portion of the toner cartridge in the second position, the toner cartridge can be attached to and detached from the drum cartridge in a second direction through the second region. The second direction is the direction intersecting the first direction. The direction in which a portion of the toner cartridge moves from the first position to the second position is a third direction that intersects the first and second directions.

[0010] In an image forming apparatus with this configuration, when the first cover is in the first open position, the first region of the opening of the main body housing opens.

[0011] Therefore, the user can remove the drum cartridge from the main unit housing in a first direction through a first area of ​​the opening in the main unit housing.

[0012] On the other hand, with the first cover in the first closed position and the second cover in the second open position, the first region of the opening of the main body housing is closed by the first cover, and the second region of the opening of the main body housing is opened.

[0013] Since the first area is closed, the user cannot remove the drum cartridge from the main unit housing, but can remove the toner cartridge from the drum cartridge in a second direction through the open second area.

[0014] Therefore, when the drum cartridge is installed in the main unit and the toner cartridge is installed in the drum cartridge, if you want to remove the toner cartridge without removing the drum cartridge, you can remove the toner cartridge without accidentally removing the drum cartridge.

[0015] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of this disclosure, when the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, if a portion of the toner cartridge is in a first position, the toner cartridge cannot be removed from the drum cartridge. When a portion of the toner cartridge is in a second position, the toner cartridge becomes removable from the drum cartridge.

[0016] Here, if the direction in which a portion of the toner cartridge moves from the first position to the second position is the same as the direction in which the drum cartridge is attached and detached (first direction), there is a possibility that the drum cartridge may move in the first direction due to the user's action of moving a portion of the toner cartridge from the first position to the second position.

[0017] If the drum cartridge moves in a first direction while the user is removing the toner cartridge from the drum cartridge, the drum cartridge may hit the first cover, which is in a first closed position, potentially causing the first cover to open.

[0018] If the first cover opens while the user is removing the toner cartridge from the drum cartridge, there is a possibility that the drum cartridge may be detached from the main unit casing as a result of the user's removal of the toner cartridge.

[0019] In this regard, in the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure, the direction in which a part of the toner cartridge moves from a first position to a second position (third direction) intersects with the direction in which the drum cartridge is attached to and removed (first direction).

[0020] Accordingly, movement of the drum cartridge in the first direction caused by the user's operation of moving a part of the toner cartridge from the first position to the second position can be suppressed.

[0021] Accordingly, opening of the first cover can be suppressed while the user is detaching the toner cartridge from the drum cartridge.

[0022] As a result, detachment of the drum cartridge from the main body housing caused by the user's operation of detaching the toner cartridge from the drum cartridge can be suppressed.

[0023] (2) The second area may be smaller than the first area. The drum cartridge cannot pass through the second area.

[0024] According to such a configuration, the second area is smaller than the first area, and the drum cartridge cannot pass through the second area.

[0025] Therefore, in a state where the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body housing, the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, the first cover is located at the first closed position, and the second cover is located at the second open position, the user cannot remove the drum cartridge, which cannot pass through the second area, from the main body housing.

[0026] As a result, the user can detach the toner cartridge without accidentally detaching the drum cartridge.

[0027] (3) The second cover may be attached to the first cover. The opening is closed by the first cover located at the first closed position and the second cover located at the second closed position.

[0028] (4) A part of the toner cartridge may be rotatable between the first position and the second position.

[0029] (5) A portion of the toner cartridge may have a handle. When the handle is in the first position, it does not protrude from the second area. When the handle is in the second position, it protrudes from the second area.

[0030] With this configuration, when the drum cartridge is mounted in the main casing, the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, the handle is in the second position, and the first cover is in the first closed position, the second cover cannot be moved to the second closed position because it is obstructed by the handle. Therefore, a user attempting to close the second area using the second cover can be prompted to move the handle from the second position to the first position.

[0031] (6) With the handle in the first position and the second cover in the second closed position, the end of the handle may be exposed between the edge of the second region and the second cover.

[0032] With this configuration, the user can access the handle when the second cover is in the second closed position.

[0033] (7) With the handle in the first position and the second cover in the second closed position, the handle may move from the first position to the second position, thereby pushing the second cover from the second closed position to the second open position.

[0034] With this configuration, the user can move the second cover from the second closed position to the second open position and remove the toner cartridge from the drum cartridge in a single operation: moving the handle from the first position to the second position.

[0035] (8) The main unit housing may further include a stopper. When the drum cartridge is mounted in the main unit housing and a portion of the toner cartridge moves from the first position to the second position, the stopper prevents the drum cartridge from moving.

[0036] With this configuration, it is possible to move a portion of the toner cartridge from the first position to the second position while stopping the movement of the drum cartridge within the main unit casing.

[0037] (9) The stopper may be a groove. The drum cartridge may have a projection. The projection fits into the groove when the drum cartridge is mounted in the main body housing.

[0038] (10) The image forming apparatus may have a guide. The guide guides the mounting of the drum cartridge to the main housing. The guide extends in a first direction.

[0039] (11) The drum cartridge may have a developing unit. The developing unit has a developing housing and a developing roller. The developing housing is capable of housing toner. The developing housing has a receiving port. The receiving port is capable of receiving toner from the toner cartridge. The developing roller is capable of supplying the toner in the developing housing to the photosensitive drum. The developing unit is movable relative to the photosensitive drum.

[0040] (12) The drum cartridge may have a drum frame. The drum frame supports the photosensitive drum. The toner cartridge may be removable from the drum frame.

[0041] (13) The toner cartridge may be removable from the developing unit.

[0042] (14) The drum cartridge may further include a developer shutter. The developer shutter is capable of opening and closing an inlet. The toner cartridge may further include a toner housing and a toner shutter. The toner housing is capable of housing toner. The toner housing has an outlet. The outlet is capable of discharging toner. The toner shutter is capable of opening and closing the outlet. When the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge and a portion of the toner cartridge is in a first position, the developer shutter opens the inlet and the toner shutter opens the outlet. When the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge and a portion of the toner cartridge is in a second position, the developer shutter closes the inlet and the toner shutter closes the outlet.

[0043] With this configuration, when a user attempts to close the second area of ​​the opening with the second cover, they move a portion of the toner cartridge from the second position to the first position, thereby opening the inlet and outlet. This prevents the user from forgetting to open the inlet and outlet and closing the second area.

[0044] On the other hand, when a user attempts to open the second area of ​​the opening, they move a portion of the toner cartridge from the first position to the second position, causing the developer shutter to close the receiving port and the toner shutter to close the output port. Therefore, when removing the toner cartridge from the drum cartridge while the drum cartridge is installed in the main housing, it is possible to prevent toner from leaking out of the toner housing through the output port. [Effects of the Invention]

[0045] According to the image forming apparatus of this disclosure, when a drum cartridge is mounted in the main housing and a toner cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, if the user wants to remove the toner cartridge without removing the drum cartridge, the toner cartridge can be removed without accidentally removing the drum cartridge. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the drum cartridge shown in Figure 1 removed from the main unit housing. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view of the drum cartridge shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in Figure 3, with the developing shutter in the closed position. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in Figure 3, with the developing shutter in the open position. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a rear view of the toner cartridge shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a plan view of the toner cartridge shown in Figure 7. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge shown in Figure 7. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge shown in Figure 7, mounted on the drum cartridge, with the handle in the second position. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge shown in Figure 7, mounted on the drum cartridge, with the handle in the first position. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus shown in Figure 1, with the second cover in the second open position. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus shown in Figure 13, showing the second cover in the second open position and the handle in the second position. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows the toner cartridge shown in Figure 7 removed from the drum cartridge mounted in the main unit housing. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a modified image forming apparatus drum cartridge. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a plan view of the drum cartridge shown in Figure 16. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in Figure 16, with the developing shutter in the closed position. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in Figure 16, with the developing shutter in the open position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] 1. Outline of Image Forming Apparatus 1 The general outline of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0048] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 comprises a main body housing 2, a first cover 3, a sheet storage section 4, a drum cartridge 5, a toner cartridge 6, an exposure device 7, and a fuser device 8.

[0049] 1.1 Main Unit 2 The main housing 2 houses the sheet storage section 4, the drum cartridge 5, the toner cartridge 6, the exposure unit 7, and the fuser unit 8. The main housing 2 has an opening 21 (see Figure 2).

[0050] 1.2 Cover 1, Section 3 As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first cover 3 is movable between a first closed position (see Figure 1) and a first open position (see Figure 2). The first cover 3 is rotatable around a first axis A1 between the first closed position and the first open position. When the first cover 3 is in the first closed position, the first axis A1 is located at the lower end of the first cover 3. The first axis A1 is located above the seat housing 4. As shown in Figure 1, when the first cover 3 is in the first closed position, the first cover 3 closes the first region 211 (see Figure 2) of the opening 21 (see Figure 2). As shown in Figure 2, when the first cover 3 is in the first open position, the first region 211 is open. In this embodiment, the first region 211 is the entire opening 21. That is, as shown in Figure 1, when the first cover 3 is in the first closed position, the first cover 3 closes the opening 21 (see Figure 2). As shown in Figure 2, the opening 21 opens when the first cover 3 is in the first open position.

[0051] 1.3 Seat storage section 4 As shown in Figure 1, the sheet storage section 4 is located at the lower end of the image forming apparatus 1. The sheet storage section 4 is capable of accommodating a sheet S. The sheet S inside the sheet storage section 4 is transported toward the photosensitive drum 51. The photosensitive drum 51 will be described later.

[0052] 1.4 Drum Cartridge 5 As shown in Figure 2, the drum cartridge 5 can be attached to and detached from the main body housing 2 in a first direction through the opening 21 when the first cover 3 is in a first open position. That is, the drum cartridge 5 can be attached to and detached from the main body housing 2 in a first direction through the first region 211 when the first cover 3 is in a first open position. As shown in Figure 1, the drum cartridge 5 has a photosensitive drum 51, a charging roller 52, a developing unit 53, and a transfer roller 54.

[0053] 1.4.1 Photosensitive drum 51 The photosensitive drum 51 is rotatable about the drum axis A11. The drum axis A11 extends in the axial direction. With the drum cartridge 5 mounted in the main housing 2, the axial direction intersects with the first direction. Preferably, the axial direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The photosensitive drum 51 extends in the axial direction. The photosensitive drum 51 has a cylindrical shape.

[0054] 1.4.2 Charging Roller 52 The charging roller 52 charges the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51. The charging roller 52 comes into contact with the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51.

[0055] 1.4.3 Developing Unit 53 The developing unit 53 is capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum 51. The developing unit 53 includes a developing housing 531 and a developing roller 532.

[0056] The developing unit 531 is capable of housing toner. The developing unit 531 supports the developing roller 532.

[0057] The developing roller 532 is capable of supplying toner from the developing housing 531 to the photosensitive drum 51. The developing roller 532 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 51. The developing roller 532 may be able to move away from the photosensitive drum 51. The developing roller 532 is rotatable about the developing shaft A12. The developing shaft A12 extends in the axial direction. The developing roller 532 extends in the axial direction. The developing roller 532 has a cylindrical shape.

[0058] 1.4.4 Transfer Roller 54 The transfer roller 54 transfers toner from the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51 to the sheet S. The transfer roller 54 is in contact with the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51. Specifically, the sheet S from the sheet storage section 4 passes between the photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer roller 54. At this time, the transfer roller 54 transfers the toner on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51 to the sheet S.

[0059] 1.5 Toner Cartridge 6 The toner cartridge 6 is capable of containing toner. The toner cartridge 6 is detachable from the drum cartridge 5. In this embodiment, the toner cartridge 6 is detachable from the drum frame 55 (see Figure 3) of the drum cartridge 5. The drum frame 55 will be described later. With the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the drum cartridge 5, the toner in the toner cartridge 6 is supplied to the developing housing 531.

[0060] 1.6 Exposure apparatus 7 With the drum cartridge 5 mounted in the main body housing 2, the exposure device 7 can expose the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51, which has been charged by the charging roller 52. The developing unit 53 described above supplies toner to the exposed circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 51. In this embodiment, the exposure device 7 is a laser scanning unit. The exposure device 7 may also be an exposure head.

[0061] 1.7 Fixing device 8 The fuser unit 8 fixes the toner to the sheet S. In this embodiment, the fuser unit 8 fixes the toner to the sheet S by heating and pressurizing the sheet S to which the toner has been transferred. The sheet S that has passed through the fuser unit 8 is discharged to the upper surface of the main body housing 2.

[0062] 2. Details of Drum Cartridge 5 Next, we will describe the details of the drum cartridge 5 with reference to Figures 3 to 6.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, in addition to the photosensitive drum 51, charging roller 52 (see Figure 5), developing unit 53 (see Figure 5), and transfer roller 54 (see Figure 5) described above, the drum cartridge 5 includes a drum frame 55, a developing shutter 56, two protrusions 57A, 57B (see Figure 4), and two protrusions 58A, 58B (see Figure 4).

[0064] 2.1 Drum Frame 55 The drum frame 55 supports the photosensitive drum 51, the charging roller 52 (see Figure 5), the developing unit 53 (see Figure 5), and the transfer roller 54 (see Figure 5). The drum frame 55 has two drum side plates 551A and 551B and a support section 552.

[0065] 2.1.1 Drum side panels 551A, 551B The drum side plate 551A is located at one end of the drum frame 55 in the axial direction. The drum side plate 551A extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction. Preferably, the drum side plate 551A extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The drum side plate 551A has an outer surface S1 (see Figure 4) and an inner surface S2. The drum side plate 551A, together with the drum side plate 551B, supports the photosensitive drum 51, the charging roller 52 (see Figure 5), the developing unit 53 (see Figure 5), and the transfer roller 54 (see Figure 5). As shown in Figure 4, the drum side plate 551A has two through holes 5510A and 5511A, a guide portion 5512A, and a locking portion 5513A (see Figure 3).

[0066] The through-hole 5510A is located away from the photosensitive drum 51 in the direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the developing axis A12. The direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the developing axis A12 is perpendicular to the axial direction. The direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the developing axis A12 may be the same as or different from the first direction. The through-hole 5510A is an elongated hole. The through-hole 5510A extends in the direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the developing axis A12.

[0067] The through-hole 5511A is located between the photosensitive drum 51 and the through-hole 5510A in the direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the developing axis A12. The through-hole 5511A is an elongated hole. The through-hole 5511A extends in the direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the developing axis A12.

[0068] As shown in Figure 3, the guide portion 5512A is located on the inner surface S2 of the drum side plate 551A. In this embodiment, the guide portion 5512A is a groove. As shown in Figure 5, the guide portion 5512A extends in a second direction. The second direction intersects the first direction.

[0069] The locking portion 5513A is located at one end of the guide portion 5512A in the second direction. In this embodiment, the locking portion 5513A is a groove. The locking portion 5513A extends in a direction intersecting the guide portion 5512A.

[0070] As shown in Figure 4, the drum side plate 551B is located at the other end of the drum frame 55 in the axial direction. The drum side plate 551B is located away from the drum side plate 551A in the axial direction. The drum side plate 551B extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction. Preferably, the drum side plate 551B extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The drum side plate 551B has an outer surface S3 and an inner surface S4. The drum side plate 551B has two through holes 5510B, 5511B, a guide portion 5512B, and a locking portion 5513B (see Figure 3).

[0071] The through-hole 5510B is located away from the photosensitive drum 51 in the direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the developing axis A12. The through-hole 5510B is an elongated hole. The through-hole 5510B extends in the direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the developing axis A12.

[0072] The through-hole 5511B is located between the photosensitive drum 51 and the through-hole 5510B in the direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the developing axis A12. The through-hole 5511B is an elongated hole. The through-hole 5511B extends in the direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the developing axis A12.

[0073] The guide portion 5512B is located on the inner surface S4 of the drum side plate 551B. In this embodiment, the guide portion 5512B is a groove. The guide portion 5512B extends in the same direction as the guide portion 5512A.

[0074] As shown in Figure 3, the locking portion 5513B is located at one end of the guide portion 5512B in the second direction. In this embodiment, the locking portion 5513B is a groove. The locking portion 5513B extends in the same direction as the locking portion 5513A.

[0075] 2.1.2 Support part 552 The support portion 552 can support the toner casing 61 (see Figure 7) of the toner cartridge 6. The toner casing 61 will be described later.

[0076] The support portion 552 extends in the axial direction. One end of the support portion 552 in the axial direction is connected to the drum side plate 551A. The other end of the support portion 552 in the axial direction is connected to the drum side plate 551B.

[0077] As shown in Figure 4, the support portion 552 has an opening 5527, two recesses 5525 and 5526, and two guide portions 553A and 553B.

[0078] The opening 5527 is located in the center of the support portion 552 in the axial direction. The opening 5527 is located between the recess 5525 and the recess 5526 in the axial direction. The opening 5527 is located between the guide portion 553A and the guide portion 553B in the axial direction. As shown in Figure 5, the opening 5527 is located between the developing housing 531 and the locking portion 5513A in the direction connecting the drum shaft A11 and the developing shaft A12. The opening 5527 is connected to the receiving port 5311 of the developing housing 531. The receiving port 5311 will be described later.

[0079] As shown in Figure 4, the recess 5525 is located in the axial direction between the opening 5527 and the drum side plate 551A. The recess 5525 is located in the axial direction between the opening 5527 and the guide portion 553A.

[0080] The recess 5526 is located in the axial direction between the opening 5527 and the drum side plate 551B. The recess 5526 is located in the axial direction opposite to the recess 5525 relative to the opening 5527. The recess 5526 is located in the axial direction between the opening 5527 and the guide portion 553B.

[0081] As shown in Figure 3, guide portion 553A guides one end of the developing shutter 56 in the axial direction. Guide portion 553B guides the other end of the developing shutter 56 in the axial direction.

[0082] As shown in Figure 4, the guide portion 553A is located in the axial direction between the opening 5527 of the support portion 552 and the drum side plate 551A. The guide portion 553A is located in the axial direction between the recess 5525 and the drum side plate 551A. The guide portion 553A extends in the direction of movement of the developing shutter 56.

[0083] Guide portion 553B is located in the axial direction between the opening 5527 of the support portion 552 and the drum side plate 551B. Guide portion 553B is located in the axial direction opposite to recess 5525 relative to recess 5526. Guide portion 553B is located in the axial direction opposite to opening 5527 relative to recess 5526. Guide portion 553B extends in the same direction as guide portion 553A.

[0084] 2.2 Details of the developing unit 53 As shown in Figure 4, in addition to the developing housing 531 and developing roller 532 described above, the developing unit 53 has a sealing member 535 (see Figure 5), two protrusions 533A, 534A and two protrusions 533B, 534B.

[0085] 2.2.1 Details of the developing unit 531 As shown in Figure 5, the developing housing 531 is located between the photosensitive drum 51 and the support portion 552 in the direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the developing axis A12. The developing housing 531 extends in the axial direction. The developing housing 531 has a receiving opening 5311.

[0086] The receiving port 5311 is located in the center of the developing housing 531 in the axial direction. The receiving port 5311 is connected to the opening 5527 of the support portion 552. This allows the receiving port 5311 to receive toner from the toner cartridge 6 through the opening 5527 of the support portion 552. The receiving port 5311 is located away from the developing roller 532 in the direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the developing axis A12.

[0087] 2.2.2 Sealing member 535 The sealing member 535 is located between the developing housing 531 and the support portion 552 in the direction connecting the drum shaft A11 and the developing shaft A12. The sealing member 535 is located around the receiving port 5311 and the opening 5527. The sealing member 535 seals the space between the developing housing 531 and the support portion 552. The sealing member 535 is elastically deformable in response to the movement of the developing unit 53 relative to the photosensitive drum 51. This prevents toner from leaking from between the developing housing 531 and the support portion 552 when the developing unit 53 moves relative to the photosensitive drum 51. The sealing member 535 is made of, for example, sponge.

[0088] 2.2.3 Protrusions 533A, 534A As shown in Figure 4, the projection 533A is located away from the drum axis A11 in the direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the developing axis A12. The projection 533A is located on one end face of the developing housing 531 in the axial direction. The projection 533A extends from one end face of the developing housing 531 in the axial direction. The projection 533A may be attached to one end face of the developing housing 531 in the axial direction. The projection 533A has a cylindrical shape. The projection 533A extends in the axial direction. The projection 533A fits into the through hole 5510A of the drum side plate 551A.

[0089] The projection 534A is located between the drum shaft A11 and the projection 533A in the direction connecting the drum shaft A11 and the developing shaft A12. The projection 534A is one end of the shaft of the developing roller 532. The projection 534A may extend from one end face of the developing housing 531 in the axial direction. The projection 534A may be attached to one end face of the developing housing 531 in the axial direction. The projection 534A has a cylindrical shape. The projection 534A extends in the axial direction. The projection 534A fits into the through hole 5511A of the drum side plate 551A.

[0090] 2.2.4 Protrusion 533B, 534B The projection 533B is located away from the drum axis A11 in the direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the developing axis A12. The projection 533B is located on the other end face of the developing housing 531 in the axial direction. The projection 533B extends from the other end face of the developing housing 531 in the axial direction. The projection 533B may be attached to the other end face of the developing housing 531 in the axial direction. The projection 533B has a cylindrical shape. The projection 533B extends in the axial direction. The projection 533B fits into the through hole 5510B of the drum side plate 551B.

[0091] The projection 534B is located between the drum shaft A11 and the projection 533B in the direction connecting the drum shaft A11 and the developing shaft A12. The projection 534B is the other end of the shaft of the developing roller 532. The projection 534B may extend from the other end face of the developing housing 531 in the axial direction. The projection 534B may be attached to the other end face of the developing housing 531 in the first direction. The projection 534B has a cylindrical shape. The projection 534B extends in the axial direction. The projection 534B fits into the through hole 5511B of the drum side plate 551B.

[0092] The development unit 53 is movable relative to the photosensitive drum 51 in the direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the development axis A12, as the projection 533A fits into the through hole 5510A, the projection 534A fits into the through hole 5511A, the projection 533B fits into the through hole 5510B, and the projection 534B fits into the through hole 5511B.

[0093] 2.3 Developing Shutter 56 As shown in Figure 5, the developing shutter 56 can open and close the receiving port 5311 of the developing unit 53. More specifically, the developing shutter 56 is movable between a closed position (see Figure 5) in which the receiving port 5311 is closed and an open position (see Figure 6) in which the receiving port 5311 is open.

[0094] The developing shutter 56 extends along the support portion 552. The developing shutter 56 has one end E1 and the other end E2 in the direction of movement of the developing shutter 56. As shown in Figure 4, the developing shutter 56 is located in the center of the support portion 552 in the axial direction. The developing shutter 56 extends in the axial direction. One end of the developing shutter 56 in the axial direction fits into the guide portion 553A. The other end of the developing shutter 56 in the axial direction fits into the guide portion 553B.

[0095] The developing shutter 56 is movable between a closed position (see Figure 5) and an open position (see Figure 6), guided by guides 553A and 553B. The developing shutter 56 has a developing shutter opening 561 and two slits 562A and 562B.

[0096] 2.3.1 Developing shutter aperture 561 The developing shutter opening 561 is located in the center of the developing shutter 56 in the axial direction. As shown in Figure 5, when the developing shutter 56 is in the closed position, the developing shutter opening 561 is located away from the receiving port 5311 of the developing unit 53. When the developing shutter 56 is in the closed position, the developing shutter opening 561 does not communicate with the receiving port 5311. As a result, the developing shutter 56 closes the receiving port 5311.

[0097] As shown in Figure 6, with the developing shutter 56 in the open position, the developing shutter opening 561 is connected to the receiving port 5311. This causes the receiving port 5311 to open.

[0098] 2.3.2 Slits 562A, 562B As shown in Figure 4, the slit 562A is located at one end of the developing shutter 56 in the axial direction. The slit 562A is located between the developing shutter opening 561 and the drum side plate 551A in the axial direction. The slit 562A is located between the developing shutter opening 561 and the guide portion 553A in the axial direction. The recess 5525 is located within the slit 562A. The slit 562A extends in the direction in which the guide portion 553A extends.

[0099] Slit 562B is located at the other end of the developing shutter 56 in the axial direction. Slit 562B is located between the developing shutter opening 561 and the drum side plate 551B in the axial direction. Slit 562B is located on the opposite side of slit 562A from the developing shutter opening 561 in the axial direction. Slit 562B is located between the developing shutter opening 561 and the guide portion 553B in the axial direction. Slit 562B is located on the opposite side of the guide portion 553A from the developing shutter opening 561 in the axial direction. The recess 5526 is located within slit 562B. Slit 562B extends in the direction in which the guide portion 553B extends.

[0100] 2.4 Protrusions 57A, 57B The projection 57A is located at one end of the drum cartridge 5 in the axial direction. The projection 57A is located in the axial direction on the opposite side of the drum side plate 551B from the drum side plate 551A. The projection 57A extends in the axial direction. The projection 57A has a cylindrical shape. The projection 57A is one end of the shaft of the photosensitive drum 51 in the axial direction. The projection 57A may extend from the drum side plate 551A. The projection 57A may be attached to the drum side plate 551A.

[0101] The projection 57B is located at the other end of the drum cartridge 5 in the axial direction. The projection 57B is located in the axial direction on the opposite side of the drum side plate 551A from the drum side plate 551B. The projection 57B has a cylindrical shape. The projection 57B is the other end of the shaft of the photosensitive drum 51 in the axial direction. The projection 57B may extend from the drum side plate 551B. The projection 57B may be attached to the drum side plate 551B.

[0102] 2.5 Protrusion 58A, 58B The projection 58A is located at one end of the drum cartridge 5 in the axial direction. The projection 58A is located in the axial direction on the opposite side of the drum side plate 551B from the drum side plate 551A. The projection 58A is located on the outer surface S1 of the drum side plate 551A. The projection 58A extends from the outer surface S1. The projection 58A may be attached to the outer surface S1. The projection 58A is located away from the projection 57A in the direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the developing axis A12. The projection 58A extends in the axial direction. The projection 58A has a cylindrical shape.

[0103] The projection 58B is located at the other end of the drum cartridge 5 in the axial direction. The projection 58B is located in the axial direction on the opposite side of the drum side plate 551A from the drum side plate 551B. The projection 58B is located on the outer surface S3 of the drum side plate 551B. The projection 58B extends from the outer surface S3. The projection 58B may be attached to the outer surface S3. The projection 58B is located away from the projection 57B in the direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the developing axis A12. The projection 58B extends in the axial direction. The projection 58B has a cylindrical shape.

[0104] 3. Details of Toner Cartridge 6 Refer to Figures 7 through 12 for a detailed explanation of the toner cartridge 6.

[0105] As shown in Figure 7, the toner cartridge 6 has a toner housing 61, two protrusions 62A and 62B (see Figure 8), two protrusions 63A and 63B, two protrusions 64A and 64B (see Figure 9), a toner shutter 65, and a handle 66. In other words, part of the toner cartridge 6 has a handle 66.

[0106] 3.1 Toner enclosure 61 The toner housing 61 is capable of housing toner. The toner housing 61 extends in the axial direction. The toner housing 61 has a cylindrical shape. The toner housing 61 has one side surface S11 in the axial direction, the other side surface S12 in the axial direction, and a circumferential surface S13. The circumferential surface S13 is located between side surfaces S11 and S12 in the axial direction. As shown in Figure 8, the toner housing 61 has an outlet 610. The outlet 610 is capable of discharging toner from the toner housing 61. The outlet 610 is located in the central part of the toner housing 61 in the axial direction.

[0107] 3.2 Protrusions 62A, 62B The projection 62A is located at one end of the toner housing 61 in the axial direction. The projection 62A is located on the side surface S11 of the toner housing 61. In this embodiment, the projection 62A extends from the side surface S11. The projection 62A may be attached to the side surface S11. The projection 62A extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0108] The projection 62B is located at the other end of the toner housing 61 in the axial direction. The projection 62B is located away from the projection 62A in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the projection 62B extends from the side surface S12. The projection 62B may be attached to the side surface 12. As shown in Figure 7, the projection 62B extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0109] 3.3 Protrusions 63A, 63B The projection 63A is located on the circumferential surface S13 of the toner housing 61. In the axial direction, the projection 63A is located between the side surface S11 and the toner outlet 610 (see Figure 8) of the toner housing 61. In the axial direction, the projection 63A is located between the side surface S11 and the toner shutter 65. As shown in Figure 11, with the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the drum cartridge 5, the projection 63A faces one end E1 of the developing shutter 56 in the direction of movement of the developing shutter 56. As shown in Figure 10, the projection 63A extends from the circumferential surface S13. The projection 63A may be attached to the circumferential surface S13. The projection 63A extends radially from the toner housing 61.

[0110] As shown in Figure 8, the projection 63B is located on the circumferential surface S13 of the toner housing 61. In the axial direction, the projection 63B is located between the discharge port 610 and the side surface S12 of the toner housing 61. In the axial direction, the projection 63B is located between the side surface S12 and the toner shutter 65. In the axial direction, the projection 63B is located on the opposite side surface S11 from the projection 63A. As shown in Figure 11, with the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the drum cartridge 5, the projection 63B faces one end E1 (see Figure 4) of the developing shutter 56 in the direction of movement of the developing shutter 56. The projection 63B extends from the circumferential surface S13. The projection 63B may be attached to the circumferential surface S13. The projection 63B extends radially from the toner housing 61.

[0111] 3.4 Protrusions 64A, 64B As shown in Figure 9, the projection 64A is located on the circumferential surface S13 of the toner housing 61. In the axial direction, the projection 64A is located between the side surface S11 and the toner outlet 610 (see Figure 8) of the toner housing 61. In the axial direction, the projection 64A is located between the side surface S11 and the toner shutter 65. As shown in Figure 10, the projection 64A is located away from the projection 63A in the circumferential direction of the toner housing 61. As shown in Figure 11, with the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the drum cartridge 5, the projection 64A faces the other end E2 (see Figure 4) of the developing shutter 56 in the direction of movement of the developing shutter 56. As shown in Figure 10, the projection 64A extends from the circumferential surface S13. The projection 64A may be attached to the circumferential surface S13. The projection 64A extends radially of the toner housing 61. As shown in Figure 11, with the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the drum cartridge 5, the projection 64A is located in the circumferential direction of the toner housing 61, on the opposite side of the projection 63A from the developing shutter 56.

[0112] As shown in Figure 9, the projection 64B is located on the circumferential surface S13 of the toner housing 61. In the axial direction, the projection 64B is located between the toner housing 61's discharge port 610 (see Figure 8) and the side surface S12. In the axial direction, the projection 64B is located between the side surface S12 and the toner shutter 65. In the axial direction, the projection 64B is located on the opposite side surface S11 from the projection 64A. In the circumferential direction of the toner housing 61, the projection 64B is located away from the projection 63B (see Figure 7). With the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the drum cartridge 5, the projection 64B faces the other end E2 (see Figure 4) of the developing shutter 56 in the direction of movement of the developing shutter 56. The projection 64B extends from the circumferential surface S13. The projection 64B may be attached to the circumferential surface S13. The projection 64B extends radially from the toner housing 61. With the toner cartridge 6 installed in the drum cartridge 5, the projection 64B is located in the circumferential direction of the toner housing 61, on the opposite side of the projection 63B from the developer shutter 56 (see Figure 11).

[0113] 3.5 Toner Shutter 65 The toner shutter 65 can open and close the discharge port 610. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the toner shutter 65 is movable between a closed position (see Figure 11) that closes the discharge port 610 and an open position (see Figure 12) that opens the discharge port 610. The toner shutter 65 is rotatable between the closed position (see Figure 11) and the open position (see Figure 12) about axis A6. As shown in Figure 8, axis A6 extends along the axial direction. The toner shutter 65 has a shutter body 651 and two protrusions 652A and 652B.

[0114] 3.5.1 Shutter body 651 The shutter body 651 is located in the central part of the toner cartridge 6 in the axial direction. As shown in Figure 10, the shutter body 651 is located on the circumferential surface S13 of the toner housing 61. In this embodiment, the shutter body 651 has a cylindrical shape. The shutter body 651 has a toner shutter opening 6511.

[0115] As shown in Figure 8, the toner shutter opening 6511 is located in the center of the shutter body 651 in the axial direction.

[0116] As shown in Figure 11, when the toner shutter 65 is in the closed position, the toner shutter opening 6511 is located away from the discharge port 610. Therefore, the toner shutter opening 6511 does not communicate with the discharge port 610. As a result, the toner shutter opening 6511 closes the discharge port 610. As shown in Figure 12, when the toner shutter 65 is in the open position, the toner shutter opening 6511 communicates with the discharge port 610. As a result, the discharge port 610 opens. As a result, the receiving port 5311 of the developing unit 53 communicates with the discharge port 610 via the opening 5527 of the support part 552, the developing shutter opening 561 of the developing shutter 56, and the toner shutter opening 6511.

[0117] 3.5.2 Protrusion 652A, 652B As shown in Figure 8, projection 652A is located at one end of the toner shutter 65 in the axial direction. Projection 652A is located between the toner shutter opening 6511 and the side surface S11 of the toner housing 61 in the axial direction. Projection 652A is located on the opposite side of projection 63B from the toner shutter opening 6511 in the axial direction. As shown in Figure 10, projection 652A is located on the circumferential surface of the shutter body 651. Projection 652A extends radially from the shutter body 651.

[0118] As shown in Figure 8, projection 652B is located at the other end of the toner shutter 65 in the axial direction. Projection 652B is located between the toner shutter opening 6511 and the side surface S12 of the toner housing 61. Projection 652B is located in the axial direction opposite to projection 652A relative to the toner shutter opening 6511. Projection 652B is located in the axial direction opposite to projection 63A relative to the toner shutter opening 6511. Projection 652B extends radially across the toner housing 61.

[0119] 3.6 Handle 66 As shown in Figure 7, the handle 66 is located in the central part of the toner cartridge 6 in the axial direction. As shown in Figure 10, the handle 66 is located on the circumferential surface S13 of the toner housing 61. In this embodiment, the handle 66 extends from the circumferential surface S13 of the toner housing 61. In this embodiment, the handle 66 is located on the opposite side of the toner housing 61's discharge port 610 with respect to axis A6. The handle 66 extends radially from the toner housing 61.

[0120] 3.7 Installing the toner cartridge 6 onto the drum cartridge 5 With the toner cartridge 6 removed from the drum cartridge 5, the toner shutter 65 is in the closed position. As shown in Figure 3, with the toner cartridge 6 removed from the drum cartridge 5, the developer shutter 56 is in the closed position.

[0121] To install the toner cartridge 6 into the drum cartridge 5, as shown in Figure 11, the user inserts the toner cartridge 6 into the support portion 552 of the drum cartridge 5 such that the projection 62A of the toner cartridge 6 fits into the guide portion 5512A of the drum cartridge 5, and the projection 62B of the toner cartridge (see Figure 7) fits into the guide portion 5512B of the drum cartridge 5 (see Figure 3).

[0122] Then, the toner cartridge 6 moves toward the developing unit 53 until the toner shutter 65 comes into contact with the developing shutter 56.

[0123] When the toner shutter 65 comes into contact with the developer shutter 56, the projection 652A of the toner shutter 65 passes through the slit 562A (see Figure 4) of the developer shutter 56 and fits into the recess 5525 of the support part 552. When the toner shutter 65 comes into contact with the developer shutter 56, the projection 652B (see Figure 8) of the toner shutter 65 passes through the slit 562B (see Figure 4) of the developer shutter 56 and fits into the recess 5526 (see Figure 4) of the support part 552. This fixes the toner shutter 65 to the support part 552.

[0124] Furthermore, when the toner shutter 65 comes into contact with the developer shutter 56, the developer shutter 56 fits between the projections 63A (see Figure 7) and 64A (see Figure 9) of the toner cartridge 6, and between the projections 63B (see Figure 7) and 64B (see Figure 9). This fixes the developer shutter 56 to the toner housing 61.

[0125] Furthermore, the projection 62A of the toner cartridge 6 is located within one end of the guide portion 5512A of the drum cartridge 5. The projection 62B of the toner cartridge 6 (see Figure 7) is located within one end of the guide portion 5512B of the drum cartridge 5 (see Figure 3).

[0126] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, with the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the drum cartridge 5, the handle 66 is movable between a first position (see Figure 12) and a second position (see Figure 11). In other words, with the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the drum cartridge 5, a portion of the toner cartridge 6 is movable between a first position (see Figure 12) and a second position (see Figure 11). In this embodiment, a portion of the toner cartridge 6 is rotatable between a first position (see Figure 12) and a second position (see Figure 11).

[0127] In this embodiment, as the handle 66 moves between the first position (see Figure 12) and the second position (see Figure 11), the toner housing 61 of the toner cartridge 6 rotates relative to the support portion 552 of the drum cartridge 5.

[0128] As shown in Figure 11, with the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the drum cartridge 5 and the handle 66 in the second position, the developer shutter 56 is in the closed position and the toner shutter 65 is in the closed position.

[0129] As shown in Figure 12, when the user moves the handle 66 from the second position to the first position, the toner casing 61 rotates, and the developing shutter 56 moves together with the toner casing 61 from the closed position to the open position.

[0130] At this time, the toner housing 61 rotates relative to the toner shutter 65, which is fixed to the support part 552. As a result, the toner shutter 65 moves from the closed position to the open position relative to the toner housing 61.

[0131] As shown in Figure 12, with the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the drum cartridge 5 and the handle 66 in the first position, projection 62A fits into the locking part 5513A, and projection 62B (see Figure 7) fits into the locking part 5513B (see Figure 3). This locks the toner cartridge 6 to the drum cartridge 5. In other words, with the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the drum cartridge 5 and a portion of the toner cartridge 6 in the first position, the toner cartridge 6 becomes impossible to remove from the drum cartridge 5.

[0132] With the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the drum cartridge 5 and the handle 66 in the first position, the developer shutter 56 is in the open position and the toner shutter 65 is in the open position.

[0133] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, when the user moves the handle 66 from the first position (see Figure 12) to the second position (see Figure 11), the developing shutter 56 moves from the open position to the closed position, and the toner shutter 65 moves from the open position to the closed position relative to the toner housing 61. The direction in which a portion of the toner cartridge 6 moves from the first position (see Figure 12) to the second position (see Figure 12) is a third direction that intersects the first and second directions.

[0134] As shown in Figure 11, with the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the drum cartridge 5 and the handle 66 in the second position, projection 62A disengages from the locking part 5513A, and projection 62B (see Figure 7) disengages from the locking part 5513B (see Figure 3). This releases the lock of the toner cartridge 6 on the drum cartridge 5. In other words, with the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the drum cartridge 5 and a portion of the toner cartridge 6 in the second position, the toner cartridge 6 becomes removable from the drum cartridge 5.

[0135] 4. Details of Image Forming Apparatus 1 The details of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 13 to 15.

[0136] As shown in Figure 13, the image forming apparatus 1 further comprises a second cover 9 in addition to the main housing 2 and the first cover 3 described above.

[0137] 4.1 Main Unit 2 As shown in Figure 2, the main housing 2 further includes guides 22A, 22B, 23A, 23B and stoppers 24A, 24B in addition to the opening 21 described above. Guides 22B, 23B and stopper 24B are not shown.

[0138] Guides 22A, 23A and stopper 24A are provided on one wall of the main housing 2 in the axial direction. Guides 22B, 23B and stopper 24B are provided on the other wall of the main housing 2 in the axial direction. The positional relationship between guides 22B, 23B and stopper 24B is the same as the positional relationship between guides 22A, 23A and stopper 24A.

[0139] 4.1.1 Guides 22A, 22B, 23A, 23B Guide 22A extends in a first direction. In this embodiment, guide 22A is a groove. Guide 22A guides the mounting of the drum cartridge 5 to the main housing 2. More specifically, when the drum cartridge 5 is mounted to the main housing 2, guide 22A guides the projection 57A of the drum cartridge 5.

[0140] Guide 22B extends in a first direction. In this embodiment, guide 22B is a groove. Guide 22B guides the mounting of the drum cartridge 5 to the main housing 2. Specifically, when the drum cartridge 5 is mounted to the main housing 2, guide 22B guides the projection 57B (see Figure 4) of the drum cartridge 5.

[0141] Guide 23A is located away from Guide 22A. Guide 23A extends in a first direction. In this embodiment, Guide 23A is a groove. Guide 23A guides the mounting of the drum cartridge 5 to the main housing 2. More specifically, when the drum cartridge 5 is mounted to the main housing 2, Guide 23A guides the projection 58A of the drum cartridge 5.

[0142] Guide 23B is located away from Guide 22B. Guide 23B extends in a first direction. In this embodiment, Guide 23B is a groove. Guide 23B guides the mounting of the drum cartridge 5 to the main housing 2. Specifically, when the drum cartridge 5 is mounted to the main housing 2, Guide 23B guides the projection 58B (see Figure 4) of the drum cartridge 5.

[0143] 4.1.2 Stoppers 24A, 24B The stopper 24A is located at one end of the guide 23A in the first direction. The stopper 24A extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. In this embodiment, the stopper 24A extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the stopper 24A is a groove. When the drum cartridge 5 is mounted in the main housing 2, the projection 58A of the drum cartridge 5 fits into the stopper 24A. In other words, the projection 58A fits into the groove when the drum cartridge 5 is mounted in the main housing 2.

[0144] The stopper 24B is located at one end of the guide 23B in the first direction. The stopper 24B extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. In this embodiment, the stopper 24B extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the stopper 24B is a groove. When the drum cartridge 5 is mounted in the main body housing 2, the projection 58B of the drum cartridge 5 (see Figure 4) fits into the stopper 24B.

[0145] 4.2 Cover 1, Section 3 As shown in Figure 13, the first cover 3 is located at the other end of the main housing 2 in the first direction. The first cover 3 has a first plate 31, a second plate 32, and a first cover opening 33.

[0146] 4.2.1 1st board 31 With the first cover 3 in the first closed position, the first plate 31 extends in the vertical direction.

[0147] 4.2.2 Second plate 32 With the drum cartridge 5 mounted in the main housing 2 and the first cover 3 in the first closed position, the second plate 32 is positioned above the support portion 552 (see Figure 1) of the drum cartridge 5. With the drum cartridge 5 mounted in the main housing 2 and the first cover 3 in the first closed position, the second plate 32 extends horizontally.

[0148] 4.2.3 First cover opening 33 In this embodiment, the first cover opening 33 is located in the center of the second plate 32 in the axial direction. With the first cover 3 in the first closed position, the first cover opening 33 defines the second region 212 of the opening 21 (see Figure 2). The first cover opening 33 is smaller than the opening 21 (see Figure 2). In other words, the second region 212 is smaller than the opening 21 (see Figure 2). In other words, the second region 212 is smaller than the first region 211 (see Figure 2).

[0149] The first cover opening 33 is smaller than the drum cartridge 5. In this embodiment, the first cover opening 33 is shorter than the drum cartridge 5 in the axial direction. Therefore, the drum cartridge 5 cannot pass through the first cover opening 33. In other words, the drum cartridge 5 cannot pass through the second region 212 of the opening 21. Note that the second region 212 only needs to be inaccessible to the drum cartridge 5. The second region 212 is not limited to a configuration that is shorter than the drum cartridge 5 and longer than the toner cartridge 6 in the axial direction. The second region 212 may be longer than the drum cartridge 5 in the axial direction, and shorter than the drum cartridge 5 and longer than the toner cartridge 6 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0150] The first cover opening 33 is larger than the toner cartridge 6. This allows the toner cartridge 6 to pass through the first cover opening 33. This allows the toner cartridge 6 to pass through the second region 212 of the opening 21 (see Figure 2).

[0151] 4.2.4 Cover 2, Section 9 The second cover 9 is attached to the first cover 3. As shown in Figures 1 and 14, the second cover 9 is movable between a second closed position (see Figure 1) and a second open position (see Figure 14). As shown in Figure 1, when the second cover 9 is in the second closed position, the second cover 9 closes the first cover opening 33 (see Figure 13). In other words, when the first cover 3 is in the first closed position and the second cover 9 is in the second closed position, the second cover 9 closes the second region 212 (see Figure 13) of the opening 21 (see Figure 2). The opening 21 (see Figure 2) is closed by the first cover 3 in the first closed position and the second cover 9 in the second closed position. As shown in Figure 14, when the second cover 9 is in the second open position, the first cover opening 33 opens. In other words, with the first cover 3 in the first closed position and the second cover 9 in the second open position, the second region 212 of the opening 21 opens.

[0152] As shown in Figures 1 and 14, the second cover 9 is rotatable around the second axis A2 between a second closed position (see Figure 1) and a second open position (see Figure 14). When the first cover 3 is in the first closed position, the second axis A2 is located above the first axis A1. The second axis A2 extends in the same direction as the first axis A1. When the second cover 9 is in the second closed position, the second cover 9 extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0153] 5. Removing and installing drum cartridge 5 5.1 Installing the Drum Cartridge As shown in Figure 2, with the first cover 3 in the first open position and the opening 21 of the main body housing 2 open, the user inserts the drum cartridge 5 into the main body housing 2 through the opening 21.

[0154] Then, projection 57A of the drum cartridge 5 is guided by guide 22A, projection 57B (see Figure 4) is guided by guide 22B, projection 58A is guided by guide 23A, and projection 58B (see Figure 4) is guided by guide 23B, causing the drum cartridge 5 to move along the first direction.

[0155] Then, projection 58A fits into stopper 24A, and projection 58B (see Figure 4) fits into stopper 24B. This completes the mounting of the drum cartridge 5 to the main body housing 2.

[0156] 5.2 Removal of Drum Cartridge 5 As shown in Figure 1, with the drum cartridge 5 mounted in the main body housing 2, projection 57A (see Figure 4) of the drum cartridge 5 fits into guide 22A (see Figure 2), projection 57B (see Figure 4) fits into guide 22B, projection 58A (see Figure 4) fits into stopper 24A (see Figure 2), and projection 58B (see Figure 4) fits into stopper 24B.

[0157] When the user moves the first cover 3 from the first closed position (see Figure 1) to the first open position (see Figure 2), the drum cartridge 5 is exposed. The projection 58A (see Figure 4) of the drum cartridge 5 is prevented from moving in a direction intersecting the first direction by the stopper 24A (see Figure 2), and the projection 58B (see Figure 4) is prevented from moving in a direction intersecting the first direction by the stopper 24B. Therefore, the user can pull the drum cartridge 5 out in the first direction along the guides 22A, 22B, 23A, and 23B.

[0158] 6. Attaching and detaching the toner cartridge 6 to the drum cartridge 5. 6.1 Removing Toner Cartridge 6 Referring to Figures 1, 14, and 15, the process of attaching and detaching the toner cartridge 6 to the drum cartridge 5 will be explained.

[0159] As shown in Figure 1, when the drum cartridge 5 is mounted in the main housing 2, the toner cartridge 6 is mounted on the drum cartridge 5, the first cover 3 is in the first closed position, and the handle 66 is in the first position, the handle 66 does not protrude from the second region 212 (see Figure 14) of the opening 21. When the drum cartridge 5 is mounted in the main housing 2, the toner cartridge 6 is mounted on the drum cartridge 5, the first cover 3 is in the first closed position, the handle 66 is in the first position, and the second cover 9 is in the second closed position, the end 661 of the handle 66 is exposed between the edge of the second region 212 and the second cover 9.

[0160] With the drum cartridge 5 mounted in the main unit housing 2, the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the drum cartridge 5, the first cover 3 in the first closed position, and the second cover 9 in the second closed position, the user grasps the end 661 of the handle 66 and moves the handle 66 from the first position (see Figure 1) to the second position (see Figure 14).

[0161] Then, as shown in Figure 14, the second cover 9 moves from the second closed position to the second open position when pushed by the handle 66. In other words, with the handle 66 in the first position and the second cover 9 in the second closed position, when the handle 66 moves from the first position to the second position, the second cover 9 moves from the second closed position to the second open position when pushed by the handle 66. This opens the first cover opening 33. With the drum cartridge 5 installed in the main body housing 2, the toner cartridge 6 installed in the drum cartridge 5, the first cover 3 in the first closed position, the second cover 9 in the second open position, and the handle 66 in the second position, the handle 66 protrudes from the second area 212. In other words, with the drum cartridge 5 mounted in the main unit housing 2, the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the drum cartridge 5, the first cover 3 in the first closed position, the handle 66 in the second position, and the second cover 9 in the second open position, a portion of the toner cartridge 6 protrudes from the second area 212. The user may move the second cover 9 from the second closed position to the second open position, and then move the handle 66 from the first position (see Figure 1) to the second position (see Figure 14).

[0162] At this time, the stoppers 24A and 24B prevent the drum cartridge 5 from moving in response to the user's operation of the handle 66. In other words, when a part of the toner cartridge 6 moves from the first position to the second position while the drum cartridge 5 is mounted in the main unit housing 2, the stoppers 24A and 24B prevent the drum cartridge 5 from moving in the third direction.

[0163] When the handle 66 is in the second position, as described above, the developer shutter 56 of the drum cartridge 5 is in the closed position, and the toner shutter 65 of the toner cartridge 6 is in the closed position. That is, when the toner cartridge 6 is mounted on the drum cartridge 5 and a portion of the toner cartridge 6 is in the second position, the developer shutter 56 (see Figure 11) closes the receiving port 5311 (see Figure 11), and the toner shutter 65 (see Figure 11) closes the output port 610 (see Figure 11).

[0164] Next, as shown in Figure 14, with the handle 66 in the second position, the user grasps the handle 66 and pulls out the toner cartridge 6 in the second direction.

[0165] Then, as shown in Figure 15, with the drum cartridge 5 mounted in the main body housing 2, the toner cartridge 6 is removed from the drum cartridge 5 through the first cover opening 33. In other words, with the first cover 3 in the first closed position, the second cover 9 in the second open position, and a portion of the toner cartridge 6 in the second position, the toner cartridge 6 can be attached to and detached from the drum cartridge 5 in the second direction through the second region 212.

[0166] 6.2 Installing Toner Cartridge 6 As shown in Figures 15 and 14, with the drum cartridge 5 mounted in the main unit housing 2, the first cover 3 in the first closed position, and the second cover 9 in the second open position, the user inserts the toner cartridge 6 through the opening 33 of the first cover into the support portion 552 of the drum cartridge 5. The toner cartridge 6 is then mounted into the support portion 552 of the drum cartridge 5.

[0167] At this time, the handle 66 of the toner cartridge 6 is in the second position. When the handle 66 is in the second position, the handle 66 protrudes from the first cover opening 33.

[0168] Then, the user moves the handle 66 from the second position to the first position.

[0169] When the user moves the handle 66 from the second position to the first position, as described above, the receiving port 5311 (see Figure 12) of the developing unit 53 opens, and the output port 610 (see Figure 12) of the toner cartridge 6 opens. In other words, with the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the drum cartridge 5 and a portion of the toner cartridge 6 in the first position, the developing shutter 56 opens the receiving port 5311 (see Figure 12), and the toner shutter 65 opens the output port 610 (see Figure 12).

[0170] Next, the user moves the second cover 9 from the second open position to the second closed position (see Figure 1).

[0171] 7. Effects of one embodiment (1) In the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in Figure 2, with the first cover 3 in the first open position, the first region 211 of the opening 21 of the main body housing 2 opens.

[0172] Therefore, the user can remove the drum cartridge 5 from the main body housing 2 in a first direction through the first region 211 of the opening 21 of the main body housing 2.

[0173] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 14, with the first cover 3 in the first closed position and the second cover 9 in the second open position, the first region 211 (see Figure 2) of the opening 21 of the main housing 2 is closed by the first cover 3, and the second region 212 of the opening 21 of the main housing 2 opens.

[0174] Since the first area 211 (see Figure 2) is closed, the user cannot remove the drum cartridge 5 from the main unit housing 2, but can remove the toner cartridge 6 from the drum cartridge 5 in the second direction through the open second area 212.

[0175] Therefore, when the drum cartridge 5 is installed in the main unit 2 and the toner cartridge 6 is installed in the drum cartridge 5, if you want to remove the toner cartridge 6 without removing the drum cartridge 5, you can remove the toner cartridge 6 without accidentally removing the drum cartridge 5.

[0176] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1 of this disclosure, when the toner cartridge 6 is mounted on the drum cartridge 5, if a portion of the toner cartridge 6 is in a first position, the toner cartridge 6 cannot be removed from the drum cartridge 5. When a portion of the toner cartridge 6 is in a second position, the toner cartridge 6 becomes removable from the drum cartridge 5.

[0177] Here, if the direction in which a portion of the toner cartridge 6 moves from the first position to the second position is the same as the direction in which the drum cartridge 5 is attached and detached (first direction), there is a possibility that the drum cartridge 5 may move in the first direction due to the user's action of moving a portion of the toner cartridge 6 from the first position to the second position.

[0178] If the drum cartridge moves in the first direction while the user is removing the toner cartridge 6 from the drum cartridge 5, the drum cartridge 5 may come into contact with the first cover, which is in the first closed position, potentially causing the first cover 3 to open.

[0179] If the first cover 3 opens while the user is removing the toner cartridge 6 from the drum cartridge 5, there is a possibility that the drum cartridge 5 may be detached from the main unit casing as a result of the user's action of removing the toner cartridge 6 from the drum cartridge 5.

[0180] In this regard, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present disclosure, the direction in which a part of the toner cartridge 6 moves from a first position to a second position (third direction) intersects with the direction in which the drum cartridge 5 is attached to and detached (first direction).

[0181] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the drum cartridge 5 from moving in the first direction due to the user's action of moving a part of the toner cartridge 6 from the first position to the second position.

[0182] This prevents the first cover 3 from opening while the user is removing the toner cartridge 6 from the drum cartridge 5.

[0183] As a result, it is possible to prevent the drum cartridge 5 from being removed from the main unit 2 when the user removes the toner cartridge 6 from the drum cartridge 5.

[0184] (2) According to the image forming apparatus 1, the second region 212 is smaller than the first region 211, and the drum cartridge 5 cannot pass through the second region 212.

[0185] Therefore, when the drum cartridge 5 is installed in the main unit housing 2, the toner cartridge 6 is installed on the drum cartridge 5, the first cover 3 is in the first closed position, and the second cover 9 is in the second open position, the user cannot remove the drum cartridge 5 from the main unit housing 2 without passing through the second area 212.

[0186] As a result, the user can remove the toner cartridge 6 without accidentally removing the drum cartridge 5.

[0187] (3) In the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in Figure 14, when the drum cartridge 5 is mounted on the main body housing 2, the toner cartridge 6 is mounted on the drum cartridge 5, the handle 66 is in the second position, and the first cover 3 is in the first closed position, the second cover 9 cannot be positioned in the second closed position. Therefore, a user attempting to close the second area 212 using the second cover 9 can be prompted to move the handle 66 from the second position to the first position.

[0188] (4) According to the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in Figure 1, the user can access the handle 66 when the second cover 9 is in the second closed position.

[0189] (5) According to the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in Figure 14, the user can move the second cover 9 from the second closed position to the second open position and make the toner cartridge 6 removable from the drum cartridge 5 in a single operation of moving the handle 66 from the first position to the second position.

[0190] (6) According to the image forming apparatus 1, while the movement of the drum cartridge 5 within the main body housing 2 is stopped, a portion of the toner cartridge 6 can be moved from the first position to the second position.

[0191] (7) According to the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in Figure 12, when a user attempts to close the second region 212 of the opening 21 with the second cover 9, the receiving port 5311 and the output port 610 open by moving a part of the toner cartridge 6 from the second position to the first position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to open the receiving port 5311 and the output port 610 and closing the second region 212 (see Figure 13).

[0192] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11, when a user attempts to open the second region 212 of the opening 21, they move a portion of the toner cartridge 6 from the first position to the second position, causing the developer shutter 56 to close the receiving port 5311 and the toner shutter 65 to close the discharge port 610. Therefore, when removing the toner cartridge 6 from the drum cartridge 5 while the drum cartridge 5 is mounted in the main body housing 2, it is possible to prevent toner from leaking out of the toner housing 61 through the discharge port 610.

[0193] 8. Variations A modified example will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 19. In the modified example, the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those described above, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0194] Instead of the toner cartridge 6 being detachable from the drum frame 55 of the drum cartridge 5, it may be detachable from the developing unit 53 of the drum cartridge 5. In this modified version, as shown in Figure 16, the developing unit 53 has a support portion 536 in addition to the developing housing 531, developing roller 532 (see Figure 17), two protrusions 533A, 534A (see Figure 17), and two protrusions 533B, 534B described above. In this modified version, the developing unit 53 does not have the sealing member 535 described above. The drum frame 55 of the drum cartridge 5 does not have the support portion 552 described above.

[0195] 8.1 Support part 536 The support portion 536 is located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 51 from the developing housing 531 in the direction connecting the drum shaft A11 and the developing shaft A12. The support portion 536 is connected to the developing housing 531. The support portion 536 may be attached to the developing housing 531. The support portion 536 extends in the axial direction. The support portion 536 has a box shape. The support portion 536 is capable of accommodating the toner cartridge 6. Specifically, the support portion 536 has two support side plates 537A, 537B and a bottom plate 538.

[0196] 8.1.1 Support side plates 537A, 537B The support side plate 537A is located at one end of the support portion 536 in the axial direction. The support side plate 537A extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction. Preferably, the support side plate 537A extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The support side plate 537A has an outer surface S5 (see Figure 17) and an inner surface S6. The support side plate 537A has a guide portion 5371A and a locking portion 5372A.

[0197] The guide portion 5371A is located on the inner surface S6 of the support side plate 537A. In this modified example, the guide portion 5371A is a groove. As shown in Figure 18, the guide portion 5371A extends in the second direction.

[0198] The locking portion 5372A is located at one end of the guide portion 5371A in the second direction. In this modified example, the locking portion 5372A is a groove. The locking portion 5372A extends in a direction intersecting the guide portion 5371A.

[0199] As shown in Figure 17, the support side plate 537B is located at the other end of the support portion 536 in the axial direction. The support side plate 537B is located away from the support side plate 537A in the axial direction. The support side plate 537B extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction. Preferably, the support side plate 537B extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The support side plate 537B has an outer surface S7 and an inner surface S8. As shown in Figure 16, the support side plate 537B has a guide portion 5371B and a locking portion 5372B.

[0200] The guide portion 5371B is located on the inner surface S8 of the support side plate 537B. In this modified example, the guide portion 5371B is a groove. The guide portion 5371B extends in the same direction as the guide portion 5371A.

[0201] The locking portion 5372B is located at one end of the guide portion 5371B in the second direction. In this modified example, the locking portion 5372B is a groove. The locking portion 5372B extends in the same direction as the locking portion 5372A.

[0202] 8.1.2 Bottom plate 538 The base plate 538 is located in the axial direction between the support side plates 537A and 537B. The base plate 538 extends in the axial direction. One end of the base plate 538 in the axial direction is connected to the support side plate 537A. The other end of the base plate 538 in the axial direction is connected to the support side plate 537B. With the toner cartridge 6 mounted on the support portion 536, the base plate 538 follows the circumferential surface S13 (see Figure 7) of the toner cartridge 6.

[0203] As shown in Figure 17, the bottom plate 538 has a receiving opening 5319, two recesses 5381 and 5382, and two guide portions 539A and 539B.

[0204] The receiving port 5319 is located in the center of the bottom plate 538 in the axial direction. The receiving port 5319 is located between recesses 5381 and 5382 in the axial direction. The receiving port 5319 is located between guide portion 539A and guide portion 539B in the axial direction. The receiving port 5319 is located away from the developing roller 532 in the direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the developing axis A12. The receiving port 5319 leads to the internal space of the developing housing 531. The receiving port 5319 is capable of receiving toner from the toner cartridge 6.

[0205] The recess 5381 is located in the axial direction between the receiving port 5319 and the support side plate 537A. The recess 5381 is located in the axial direction between the receiving port 5319 and the guide portion 539A.

[0206] The recess 5382 is located in the axial direction between the receiving port 5319 and the support side plate 537B. The recess 5382 is located in the axial direction opposite to the recess 5381 relative to the receiving port 5319. The recess 5382 is located in the axial direction between the receiving port 5319 and the guide portion 539B.

[0207] As shown in Figure 17, the guide portion 539A guides one end of the developing shutter 56 in the axial direction. The guide portion 539A is located in the axial direction between the receiving port 5319 and the support side plate 537A. The guide portion 539A is located in the axial direction between the recess 5381 and the support side plate 537A. The guide portion 539A extends in the direction of movement of the developing shutter 56.

[0208] Guide portion 539B guides the other end of the developing shutter 56 in the axial direction. Guide portion 539B is located between the receiving port 5319 and the support side plate 537B in the axial direction. Guide portion 539B is located on the opposite side of recess 5381 to recess 5382 in the axial direction. Guide portion 539B is located on the opposite side of the receiving port 5319 to recess 5382 in the axial direction. Guide portion 539B extends in the same direction as guide portion 539A.

[0209] 8.2 Developing Shutter 56 As shown in Figures 18 and 19, in the modified example, the developing shutter 56 can open and close the receiving port 5319 of the bottom plate 538. Specifically, the developing shutter 56 is movable between a closed position (see Figure 18) in which the receiving port 5319 is closed and an open position (see Figure 19) in which the receiving port 5319 is open. As shown in Figure 18, when the developing shutter 56 is in the closed position, the developing shutter opening 561 is located away from the receiving port 5319. When the developing shutter 56 is in the closed position, the developing shutter opening 561 does not communicate with the receiving port 5319. As a result, the developing shutter 56 closes the receiving port 5319.

[0210] As shown in Figure 19, with the developing shutter 56 in the open position, the developing shutter opening 561 is connected to the receiving port 5319. This causes the receiving port 5319 to open.

[0211] Even in such modified forms, the same effects and advantages as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0212] 1. Image forming apparatus 2 Main unit 3. Cover 1 5 Drum Cartridges 6 Toner Cartridges 9. Second cover 21 Aperture 22A Guide 24A Stopper (groove) 51 Photosensitive drum 53 Developing Unit 55 Drum Frames 56 Developing shutter 58A Protrusion (part of the drum cartridge) 61 Toner enclosure 65 Toner Shutter 66 Handles (part of the toner cartridge) 211 First area 212 Second area 531 Developing cabinet 532 Developing Roller 610 Outlet 5311 Inlet

Claims

1. A main body housing having an opening, A first cover that is movable between a first closed position in which the first region of the opening is closed and a first open position in which the first region is open, A second cover is attached to the first cover and is movable between a second closed position in which the second region of the opening is closed and a second open position in which the second region is open. A drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum, and which is detachable from the main body housing in a first direction through the first region when the first cover is in the first open position, A toner cartridge capable of containing toner, wherein, with the toner cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge, a portion of the toner cartridge is movable between a first position in which the toner cartridge cannot be removed from the drum cartridge and a second position in which the toner cartridge can be removed from the drum cartridge, and the toner cartridge is detachable from the drum cartridge in a second direction by passing through a second region, with the first cover in a first closed position, the second cover in a second open position, and the portion of the toner cartridge in the second position. The second direction is a direction that intersects with the first direction. The direction in which a portion of the toner cartridge moves from the first position to the second position is a third direction that intersects the first and second directions. An image forming apparatus in which the opening is closed by a first cover located in the first closed position and a second cover located in the second closed position.

2. A main body housing having an opening, A first cover that is movable between a first closed position in which the first region of the opening is closed and a first open position in which the first region is open, A second cover that is movable between a second closed position in which the second region of the opening is closed and a second open position in which the second region is open, A drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum, and which is detachable from the main body housing in a first direction through the first region when the first cover is in the first open position, A toner cartridge capable of containing toner, wherein, with the toner cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge, a portion of the toner cartridge is movable between a first position in which the toner cartridge cannot be removed from the drum cartridge and a second position in which the toner cartridge can be removed from the drum cartridge, and the toner cartridge is detachable from the drum cartridge in a second direction by passing through a second region, with the first cover in a first closed position, the second cover in a second open position, and the portion of the toner cartridge in the second position. The second direction is a direction that intersects with the first direction. The direction in which a portion of the toner cartridge moves from the first position to the second position is a third direction that intersects the first and second directions. The aforementioned toner cartridge has a handle, When the handle is in the first position, it does not protrude from the second region, and when it is in the second position, it protrudes from the second region. An image forming apparatus in which, with the handle in the first position and the second cover in the second closed position, the end of the handle is exposed from between the edge of the second region and the second cover.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, with the handle in the first position and the second cover in the second closed position, the handle moves from the first position to the second position, causing the second cover to move from the second closed position to the second open position by being pushed by the handle.

4. A main body housing having an opening, A first cover that is movable between a first closed position in which the first region of the opening is closed and a first open position in which the first region is open, A second cover that is movable between a second closed position in which the second region of the opening is closed and a second open position in which the second region is open, A drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum, and which is detachable from the main body housing in a first direction through the first region when the first cover is in the first open position, A toner cartridge capable of containing toner, wherein, with the toner cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge, a portion of the toner cartridge is movable between a first position in which the toner cartridge cannot be removed from the drum cartridge and a second position in which the toner cartridge can be removed from the drum cartridge, and the toner cartridge is detachable from the drum cartridge in a second direction by passing through a second region, with the first cover in a first closed position, the second cover in a second open position, and the portion of the toner cartridge in the second position. The second direction is a direction that intersects with the first direction. The direction in which a portion of the toner cartridge moves from the first position to the second position is a third direction that intersects the first and second directions. The aforementioned main body housing is An image forming apparatus further comprising a stopper that prevents the drum cartridge from moving when a portion of the toner cartridge moves from a first position to a second position while the drum cartridge is mounted in the main housing.

5. The stopper is a groove, The aforementioned drum cartridge is The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the drum cartridge has a projection that fits into the groove when mounted on the main body housing.

6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second region is smaller than the first region and the drum cartridge cannot pass through it.

7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the part of the toner cartridge is rotatable between the first position and the second position.

8. The aforementioned main body housing is An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a guide for guiding the mounting of the drum cartridge to the main body housing, the guide extending in the first direction.

9. The aforementioned drum cartridge is An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a developing housing having a receiving port for receiving toner from the toner cartridge and capable of accommodating toner, and a developing roller capable of supplying the toner in the developing housing to the photosensitive drum, wherein the developing unit is movable relative to the photosensitive drum.

10. The drum cartridge has a drum frame that supports the photosensitive drum, The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the toner cartridge is detachable from the drum frame.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the toner cartridge is detachable from the developing unit.

12. The aforementioned drum cartridge is The device further includes a developing shutter that can open and close the receiving port, The aforementioned toner cartridge is A toner casing capable of containing toner and having an outlet from which toner can be discharged, A toner shutter that can open and close the aforementioned discharge port, It further possesses, With the toner cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge and a portion of the toner cartridge positioned in the first position, the developer shutter opens the receiving port, and the toner shutter opens the discharge port. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge and a portion of the toner cartridge is positioned at the second position, the developing shutter closes the receiving port and the toner shutter closes the discharge port.

Images