JP2023032990A - Cartridge and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a cartridge and an image forming apparatus which are capable of having a large-capacity toner storage part while suppressing increase in the size of the cartridge.SOLUTION: A cartridge 4A comprises a photoreceptor drum 41, a toner storage 8A, a development device 43, a drum cleaner 45, and a toner tube 46. The development device 43 can supply toner in the toner storage 8A to the photoreceptor drum 41. The drum cleaner 45 can clean a peripheral surface of the photoreceptor drum 41. The cartridge 4A can return recovered toner removed from the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor drum 41 by the drum cleaner 45 to a development housing 431 of the development device 43 via the toner tube 46. In addition, the cartridge 4A can circulate toner between the development housing 431 and the toner storage 8A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present disclosure relates to cartridges and image forming apparatuses.

Conventionally, a process cartridge includes a drum cartridge and a toner cartridge. A drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a developing device, a cleaner, and a conveying pipe. The toner cartridge includes a waste toner container and a toner container. The cleaner removes toner from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum. The transport pipe transports the toner removed by the cleaner. The waste toner storage unit stores toner transported through the transport pipe. The toner storage unit stores toner to be supplied to the photosensitive drum (see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2018-155959 A

In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200312, there are cases where it is desired to increase the capacity of the toner containing portion while suppressing the enlargement of the process cartridge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a cartridge and an image forming apparatus capable of increasing the capacity of a toner containing portion while suppressing an increase in the size of the cartridge.

(1) A cartridge of the present disclosure includes a photosensitive drum, a toner container, a developing device, a drum cleaner, and a toner tube. The photosensitive drum is rotatable about the first axis. A first axis extends in a first direction. The toner container can contain toner. The developing device can supply the toner in the toner container to the photosensitive drum. The developing device has a developing housing and a developing roller. The developer enclosure is capable of accommodating toner from the toner reservoir. The development roller is rotatably supported by the development housing. The drum cleaner can clean the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum. A toner tube allows the passage of collected toner. The collected toner is toner removed from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum by the drum cleaner. The toner tube is connected with the developer housing.

The toner container has a toner outlet and a return toner inlet. The toner discharge port can discharge the toner in the toner container. The return toner receptacle is capable of receiving return toner. Return toner is toner that returns from the developer to the toner container.

The development housing has a toner receiving port, a collected toner receiving port, and a toner return port. The toner receiving port can receive toner discharged from the toner discharge port. The collected toner receiving port can receive collected toner from the toner tube. The toner return port returns toner to the return toner receiving port.

According to such a configuration, the collected toner from the photosensitive drum can be returned to the developing housing through the collected toner receiving port, and further returned to the toner container through the toner returning port and the returned toner receiving port.

As a result, the collected toner can be mixed with the unused toner in the developing housing or the toner container and supplied to the photosensitive drum again.

Therefore, there is no need to provide the cartridge with a portion for containing collected toner, and the capacity of the toner container can be increased accordingly.

As a result, it is possible to increase the capacity of the toner containing portion while suppressing an increase in the size of the cartridge.

(2) The developing device may further include a developer first transport member. The first developer conveying member conveys the toner from the toner receiving port toward the toner returning port.

(3) The first developer conveying member extends in the first direction. The development first transport member is capable of transporting toner in a first direction. The first developer conveying member has an upstream end and a downstream end in the toner conveying direction from the toner receiving port to the toner returning port. The toner return port may overlap the downstream end of the first developer transport member when viewed from the toner return port toward the first developer transport member in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The toner receiving port may overlap the upstream end of the first developing transport member when viewed from the toner receiving port toward the first developer transport member in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

(4) The toner container may further include a first toner conveying member. The first toner conveying member conveys the toner from the return toner receiving port toward the toner discharge port.

(5) The developing device may further include a second developer conveying member. The second developer conveying member conveys the toner from the collected toner receiving port toward the toner returning port.

According to such a configuration, the collected toner that has entered the developing housing from the collected toner receiving port can be smoothly returned to the toner container by the second developer conveying member.

(6) When the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the collected toner receiving opening may be located above the toner returning opening.

According to such a configuration, the collected toner that has entered the developing housing through the collected toner receiving opening can be smoothly returned to the toner container using gravity.

(7) The collected toner receiving port and the toner return port may be positioned at one end of the developing housing in the first direction.

According to such a configuration, the collected toner that has entered the one end portion of the developing housing in the first direction from the collected toner receiving port is transferred from the toner return port to the toner container without being conveyed to the other side in the first direction. can be returned.

Therefore, after the collected toner and the unused toner are mixed in the toner container, they can be further mixed in the developing housing and supplied to the photosensitive drum.

As a result, the collected toner and the unused toner can be uniformly mixed and supplied to the photosensitive drum.

(8) The collected toner receiving port and the toner return port may be positioned outside the developable area in the first direction. The developable area is an area in which the developing roller can supply toner to the photosensitive drum.

According to such a configuration, the collected toner can be returned to the toner container outside the developable area.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the collected toner that has entered the developing housing from being supplied to the photosensitive drum before returning to the toner container.

(9) At least part of the collected toner receiving port may overlap the toner returning port when viewed from the collected toner receiving port toward the toner return port in a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

According to such a configuration, the collected toner that has entered the developing housing through the collected toner receiving port can be returned to the toner container through the toner return port without being transported in the first direction.

As a result, the collected toner can be smoothly returned to the toner container.

(10) The toner receiving port may be positioned at the other end of the developing housing in the first direction.

(11) The toner receiving port may be located in the central portion of the developing housing in the first direction. The developer housing may further have a second toner return port. The second toner return port returns toner to the toner container. The second toner return port may be positioned at the other end of the developing housing in the first direction.

(12) The toner container may further have a second return toner inlet. The second return toner receiving port can receive toner returning from the second toner return port to the toner container.

(13) The toner container may further include a second toner conveying member. The toner second conveying member conveys the toner from the second return toner receiving port toward the toner discharging port.

(14) The developing device may further include a third developer conveying member. The developing third conveying member conveys the toner from the toner receiving port toward the second toner returning port.

(15) The collected toner receiving port may be positioned at one end of the developing housing in the first direction. The toner return port may be located at the other end of the developer housing in the first direction.

According to such a configuration, the collected toner entering the developing housing through the collected toner receiving port is conveyed from one end of the developing housing to the other end of the developing housing having the toner return port, and then returned to containment.

Therefore, the influence of the collected toner occurs uniformly over the entire width of the image forming area.

As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unevenness in the image in the first direction.

(16) The toner receiving port may be located at one end of the developing housing in the first direction.

(17) The collected toner receiving port may be positioned at the center of the developing housing in the first direction. The toner return port may be located at one end of the developer housing in the first direction. The second toner return port may be positioned at the other end of the developing housing in the first direction.

According to such a configuration, the collected toner can be mixed with the toner that has entered from the toner receiving port, and can be uniformly transported from the center of the developing housing toward both ends of the developing housing in the first direction.

Therefore, it is possible to suppress a difference in the mixing ratio of collected toner between the toner on one side of the center of the developing housing and the toner on the other side of the developing housing from the center.

As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unevenness in the image in the first direction.

(18) The developing device may have a partition wall. The partition wall partitions the internal space of the developing housing into a first developing chamber and a second developing chamber. The first development chamber accommodates part of the development roller. The second developing chamber communicates with the toner receiving port, the collected toner receiving port and the toner return port.

According to such a configuration, the partition wall can prevent the collected toner that has entered the developing housing from being supplied to the photosensitive drum before being mixed with the unused toner.

(19) The developing device may have a first conveying member and a second conveying member. The first conveying member is positioned inside the first developing chamber. The second conveying member is positioned inside the second developing chamber.

(20) The developing device may have a first developing shutter and a second developing shutter. The development first shutter opens and closes the toner receiving port. The development second shutter opens and closes the toner return port.

(21) The toner container may have a toner first shutter and a toner second shutter. The first toner shutter opens and closes the toner outlet. The second toner shutter opens and closes the return toner receiving port.

(22) The toner container may have a toner circulation port. The toner circulation port can discharge the toner in the toner container and can receive the return toner, which is the toner returned to the toner container from the developing device. The developer housing may have a developer flow port. The developer circulation port can receive the toner discharged from the toner circulation port, and returns the toner to the toner circulation port.

(23) When the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the collected toner receiving port may be located above the developing flow port.

According to such a configuration, the collected toner can be conveyed from the collected toner receiving port toward the developing flow port using gravity.

As a result, the collected toner can be smoothly returned to the toner container.

(24) At least part of the collected toner receiving port may overlap with the developer flow port when viewed from the collected toner receiving port toward the developer flow port in a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

According to such a configuration, the collected toner that has entered the developing housing through the collected toner receiving port can be returned to the toner container from the developing flow port without being transported in the first direction.

As a result, the collected toner can be smoothly returned to the toner container.

(25) The first conveying member may convey the toner in the developing device in the first direction away from the developer flow port. The second conveying member may convey the toner in the developing device in the first direction in a direction closer to the developer flow port.

(26) The partition wall may be positioned between the first conveying member and the second conveying member.

(27) The first conveying member and the second conveying member may be arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The partition wall may be positioned between one end of the developer flow port and the other end of the developer flow port in the second direction.

(28) The toner container may have a third conveying member. The third conveying member conveys the toner in the toner container toward the toner circulation port.

(29) The developing device may have a first shutter. The first shutter opens and closes the developer flow port.

(30) The toner container may have a second shutter. The second shutter opens and closes the toner circulation port.

(31) The toner container may be replaceable with respect to the cartridge.

(32) The cartridge may further include a collected toner conveying member. The collected toner conveying member conveys the collected toner inside the toner tube.

(33) The toner tube may pass on one side of the developer roller in the first direction.

(34) The cartridge may further have a drum frame. A drum frame supports the photosensitive drum. The toner tube may be fixed to the drum frame. The developing device may be supported by a drum frame and movable with respect to the photosensitive drum.

(35) The cartridge may further include a sealing member. The sealing member is positioned around the collected toner receiving port and seals between the toner tube and the developing device.

(36) The above-described cartridge can be attached to the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure. The image forming apparatus may further include a detection member and a control section. With the cartridge mounted in the image forming apparatus, the detection member detects the amount of toner remaining in the toner container. When the detection member detects that the remaining amount of toner in the toner container has become equal to or less than the threshold value, the control section executes processing for exchanging the toner container.

Repeated image formation tends to deteriorate the toner. Deterioration of the toner is defined as at least one of a state in which the charging performance of the toner is deteriorated so that the toner cannot be charged properly, and a state in which the fluidity is deteriorated so that development and transfer cannot be performed properly. It means that it becomes unsuitable for formation.

A certain amount of deteriorated toner may be contained in the collected toner collected from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum by the drum cleaner.

In a configuration in which the collected toner is returned to the developing device, the toner in the toner container is consumed, and deteriorated toner may remain in the developing device when the toner container is replaced.

Therefore, if the toner is not circulated between the developing device and the toner container, repeated replacement of the toner container will accumulate deteriorated toner in the developing device, and the image quality may gradually deteriorate. have a nature.

In this regard, in the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure, a cartridge capable of circulating toner between the developing device and the toner container can be mounted, and furthermore, the toner in the toner container is allowed to remain below a certain threshold value. , the toner container can be replaced.

Therefore, part of the deteriorated toner can be discarded together with the toner container.

As a result, it is possible to prevent deteriorated toner from accumulating in the developing device when the toner container is repeatedly replaced.

(37) The threshold may be 1/2 of the amount of toner in the developing device.

According to such a configuration, one-third of the deteriorated toner can be discarded together with the toner container when the toner container is replaced. In this case, two-thirds of the deteriorated toner remains in the developing device.

As a result, it is possible to prevent deteriorated toner from accumulating in the developing device when the toner container is repeatedly replaced.

(38) The threshold value may be the same amount as the amount of toner in the developing device.

According to such a configuration, when the toner container is replaced, the remaining toner is divided into two parts, one for the developing device and the other for the toner container.

Therefore, half of the deteriorated toner can be discarded together with the toner container.

As a result, even if the toner container is replaced infinitely many times, it is possible to prevent deteriorated toner from accumulating in the developing device.

(39) The toner container may have a first toner container and a second toner container. The first toner container contains toner to be supplied to the developing housing. The second toner containing portion contains the toner supplied to the first toner containing portion. The detection member detects the amount of toner remaining in the second toner container.

According to such a configuration, the detection member detects that the remaining amount of toner in the second toner containing portion has become equal to or less than the threshold.

As a result, it is possible to prompt replacement of the toner container while toner remains in the first toner container.

Here, when it is desired to replace the toner container with the toner remaining in the toner container below a certain threshold value, it is possible to keep the remaining amount of toner in the toner container constant at the time of replacement of the toner container. ,Have difficulty.

In this regard, if the capacity of the first toner container is appropriately designed, the remaining amount of toner in the toner container can be made constant when the toner container is replaced.

As a result, the control section can prompt replacement of the toner container at an accurate timing.

According to the cartridge and the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the capacity of the toner containing portion while suppressing the enlargement of the cartridge.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining cartridge replacement. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge of the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line AA in FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 3, corresponding to the BB line of FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 6 is a CC cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the toner container of the first embodiment, corresponding to line DD of FIG. 8, showing a state in which the toner shutter is positioned at the closed position. 8 is a plan view of the toner container shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the toner container shown in FIG. 7, corresponding to the EE line of FIG. 10. FIG. FIG. 10 shows the toner container shown in FIG. 7 with the toner shutter in the open position. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining attachment of the toner container to the drum cartridge, and shows a state in which the first toner containing portion of the toner container is positioned with respect to the drum cartridge. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view for explaining attachment of the toner container to the drum cartridge following FIG. 11, and shows a state in which the attachment of the toner container to the drum cartridge is completed. FIG. 13 is a plan view of the drum cartridge of the second embodiment. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 13 taken along the line FF. FIG. 15 is a GG cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a plan view of the drum cartridge of the third embodiment. 17 is a sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 16. FIG. FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the drum cartridge of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the toner containing portion of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a plan view of the drum cartridge of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 20 taken along the line HH. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 21 taken along the line II. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the toner container of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the drum cartridge of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 25 is a JJ cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 26 is a sectional view of the toner container of the sixth embodiment.

1. Outline of Image Forming Apparatus 1 An outline of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

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

1.1 Main housing 2
The main body housing 2 houses a sheet housing portion 3 , a cartridge 4 , an exposure device 5 and a fixing device 6 . The body housing 2 has an opening 21 and a cover 22 . The cover 22 is movable between a closed position (see FIG. 1) and an open position (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 1, the cover 22 closes the opening 21 while the cover 22 is in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 2, the opening 21 opens when the cover 22 is in the open position.

1.2 Sheet storage section 3
As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet containing portion 3 can contain sheets S. As shown in FIG. A sheet S in the sheet storage portion 3 is conveyed toward the transfer roller 40 . The transfer roller 40 will be described later.

1.3 Cartridge 4
The cartridge 4 is attachable to the image forming apparatus 1 . The cartridge 4 is positioned inside the main housing 2 in a state where the cartridge 4 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 . As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge 4 can be replaced in the image forming apparatus 1 through the opening 21 while the cover 22 is in the open position.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cartridge 4 includes a drum cartridge 7 and a toner container 8. As shown in FIG.

1.3.1 Drum cartridge 7
The drum cartridge 7 has a photosensitive drum 41 , a charging roller 42 , a developing device 43 and a transfer roller 40 . In other words, the cartridge 4 includes the photosensitive drum 41 and the developing device 43 .

1.3.1.1 Photosensitive drum 41
The photosensitive drum 41 is rotatable about the first axis A1. When the cartridge 4 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the first axis A1 extends in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 41 extends in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 41 has a cylindrical shape.

1.3.1.2 Charging roller 42
The charging roller 42 charges the photosensitive drum 41 . The image forming apparatus 1 may have a scorotron charger instead of the charging roller 42 .

1.3.1.3 Development device 43
The developing device 43 can supply the toner in the toner container 8 to the photosensitive drum 41 . The developing device 43 has a developing housing 431 and a developing roller 432 .

The development housing 431 can accommodate toner from the toner container 8 .

The developing roller 432 can supply the toner in the developing housing 431 to the photosensitive drum 41 . The development roller 432 is rotatably supported by the development housing 431 . The developing roller 432 contacts the photosensitive drum 41 . The developing roller 432 may be separated from the photosensitive drum 41 . The developing roller 432 extends in the first direction. The development roller 432 is rotatable about the development axis A2. With the cartridge 4 attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the development axis A2 extends in the first direction.

1.3.1.4 Transfer roller 40
The transfer roller 40 transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 41 onto the sheet S. As shown in FIG. Specifically, the sheet S from the sheet container 3 passes between the transfer roller 40 and the photosensitive drum 41 . At this time, the transfer roller 40 transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 41 to the sheet S. As shown in FIG.

1.3.2 Toner Container 8
The toner container 8 can contain toner. The toner container 8 is replaceable with respect to the cartridge 4 . Specifically, the toner container 8 is replaceable with respect to the drum cartridge 7 .

1.4 Exposure device 5
With the cartridge 4 attached to the image forming apparatus 1 , the exposure device 5 can expose the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 41 charged by the charging roller 42 . The developing device 43 supplies toner to the exposed circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 41 . In this embodiment, the exposure device 5 is a laser scanning unit. The exposure device 5 may be an LED head.

1.5 Fixing device 6
The fixing device 6 fixes the toner onto the sheet S. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the fixing device 6 fixes the toner onto the sheet S by heating and pressurizing the sheet S onto which the toner has been transferred. After passing through the fixing device 6 , the sheet S is discharged onto the upper surface of the main housing 2 .

2. Drum cartridge 7A of the first embodiment
In the present disclosure, when the cartridge 4 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 , the cartridge 4 transfers toner remaining on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 41 without being transferred from the photosensitive drum 41 onto the sheet S to the developing device 43 . It is recoverable. Hereinafter, the toner collected from the photosensitive drum 41 to the developing device 43 is defined as collected toner.

Further, the cartridge 4 can circulate toner between the developing device 43 and the toner container 8 while the cartridge 4 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 . While the cartridge 4 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 , the cartridge 4 can mix the collected toner with the unused toner in the developing device 43 and the toner container 8 and supply the mixed toner to the photosensitive drum 41 again. The unused toner is toner that has never been supplied to the photosensitive drum 41 .

The drum cartridge 7A of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, 8, 9 and 12. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the drum cartridge 7A includes, in addition to the photosensitive drum 41, charging roller 42 and developing device 43, a drum frame 44, a drum cleaner 45, a toner tube 46 (see FIG. 4) and a seal. It includes a member 47 (see FIG. 4) and a collected toner conveying member 48 (see FIG. 4). In other words, the cartridge 4</b>A includes a drum frame 44 , a drum cleaner 45 , a toner tube 46 , a seal member 47 and a collected toner conveying member 48 .

2.1 Drum frame 44
As shown in FIG. 5, the drum frame 44 has two drum side plates 441A and 441B.

The drum side plate 441A is positioned at one end of the drum frame 44 in the first direction. The drum side plate 441A supports one end of the photosensitive drum 41 in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the drum side plate 441A extends in a direction crossing the first direction. Preferably, the drum side plate 441A extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The drum side plate 441A has two holes 442A and 443A.

The hole 442A is positioned away from the photosensitive drum 41 in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2. Hole 442A is an elongated hole. The hole 442A extends in a direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2.

The hole 443A is located between the photosensitive drum 41 and the hole 442A in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2. Hole 443A is an elongated hole. The hole 443A extends in a direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2.

As shown in FIG. 5, the drum side plate 441B is positioned at the other end of the drum frame 44 in the first direction. The drum side plate 441B supports the other end of the photosensitive drum 41 in the first direction. The drum frame 44 supports the photosensitive drum 41 by the drum side plate 441A supporting one end of the photosensitive drum 41 in the first direction and the drum side plate 441B supporting the other end of the photosensitive drum 41 in the first direction. . The drum side plate 441B is positioned apart from the drum side plate 441A in the first direction. The drum side plate 441B extends in a direction crossing the first direction. Preferably, the drum side plate 441B extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The drum side plate 441B has two holes 442B and 443B.

The hole 442B is positioned away from the photosensitive drum 41 in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2. Hole 442B is an elongated hole, like hole 442A. The hole 442B extends in a direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2.

The hole 443B is positioned between the photosensitive drum 41 and the hole 442B in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2. The hole 443B is an oblong hole like the hole 443A. The hole 443B extends in a direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2.

2.2 Details of Developing Device 43 As shown in FIG. 6, the developing device 43 includes, in addition to the above-described developing housing 431 and developing roller 432, a developing conveying member 433, a developing shutter 434, two projections 435A, 435B and two protrusions 436A and 436B.

2.2.1 Details of Development Housing 431 The development housing 431 is positioned between the drum side plate 441A and the drum side plate 441B in the first direction. The developer housing 431 has two developer side plates 4311A and 4311B, a main body portion 4312, a projecting portion 4313, and a bottom plate 4314. As shown in FIG.

2.2.1.1 Development side plate 4311A, 4311B
The development side plate 4311A is positioned at one end of the development housing 431 in the first direction. The development side plate 4311A is positioned between the drum side plate 441A and the drum side plate 441B in the first direction. The development side plate 4311A supports one end of the development roller 432 in the first direction. The development side plate 4311A has a guide 4315A.

The guide 4315A guides the projection 56A (see FIG. 8) of the toner container 8A (see FIG. 8) when the toner container 8A (see FIG. 8) is attached to the drum cartridge 7A. The toner container 8A and the protrusion 56A will be described later. The guide 4315A extends in the same direction as the guide 4315B (see FIG. 3) of the development side plate 4311B. Guide 4315B will be described later.

The development side plate 4311B is positioned at the other end of the development housing 431 in the first direction. The development side plate 4311B is positioned apart from the development side plate 4311A in the first direction. The development side plate 4311B is positioned between the development side plate 4311A and the drum side plate 441B in the first direction. The development side plate 4311B supports the other end of the development roller 432 in the first direction. The development side plate 4311A supports one end of the development roller 432 in the first direction, and the development side plate 4311B supports the other end of the development roller 432 in the first direction. be done. As shown in FIG. 3, the development side plate 4311B has guides 4315B.

The guide 4315B guides the projection 56B (see FIG. 8) of the toner container 8A when the toner container 8A is attached to the drum cartridge 7A. Incidentally, the protrusion 56B will be described later. The guide 4315B extends in the first direction and in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the developing device 43 . A direction in which the guide 4315B extends is defined as a guide direction. The guide direction is preferably orthogonal to the first direction and intersects the moving direction of the developing device 43 .

2.2.1.2 Body 4312
As shown in FIG. 6, the body portion 4312 is positioned between the development side plate 4311A and the development side plate 4311B in the first direction. Body portion 4312 extends in the first direction. The body portion 4312 has a developing chamber 430, a toner receiving port 431A, a toner returning port 431B, and a second toner returning port 431C. In other words, the developing housing 431 has a developing chamber 430, a toner receiving port 431A, a toner returning port 431B, and a second toner returning port 431C.

The development chamber 430 is an internal space of the body portion 4312 . The development chamber 430 is located between the development side plate 4311A and the development side plate 4311B in the first direction. The developing chamber 430 can accommodate toner from the toner container 8A. The developing roller 432 can supply the toner in the developing chamber 430 to the photosensitive drum 41 .

With the toner container 8A attached to the drum cartridge 7A, the toner receiving port 431A can receive toner discharged from the toner discharge port 511A (see FIG. 9) of the toner container 8A. The toner discharge port 511A will be described later. The toner receiving port 431A is located in the central portion of the developing housing 431 in the first direction. Specifically, the toner receiving port 431A is positioned in the central portion of the main body portion 4312 in the first direction. The toner receiving port 431A overlaps the upstream end E1 of the first developing transport member 433A when viewed from the toner receiving port 431A toward the first developer transport member 433A in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The first developer conveying member 433A will be described later. The toner receiving port 431A overlaps the upstream end E11 of the third developer transporting member 433C when viewed from the toner receiving port 431A toward the third developer transporting member 433C in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The third developer conveying member 433C will be described later. The toner receiving port 431 A communicates with the developing chamber 430 .

With the toner container 8A attached to the drum cartridge 7A, the toner return port 431B returns toner to the return toner receiving port 511B (see FIG. 9) of the toner container 8A. The toner return port 431B is located apart from the toner reception port 431A in the first direction. The toner return port 431B is located between the developing side plate 4311A and the toner receiving port 431A in the first direction. The toner return port 431B is positioned at one end of the main body 4312 in the first direction. The toner return port 431B overlaps the downstream end E2 of the first developer transport member 433A when viewed from the toner return port 431B toward the first developer transport member 433A in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The toner return port 431 B communicates with the developing chamber 430 .

With the toner container 8A attached to the drum cartridge 7A, the second toner return port 431C returns toner to the second return toner receiving port 511C of the toner container 8 (see FIG. 9). The second toner return port 431C is located on the opposite side of the toner reception port 431A from the toner return port 431B in the first direction. The second toner return port 431C is located apart from the toner receiving port 431A in the first direction. The second toner return port 431C is located between the developing side plate 4311B and the toner receiving port 431A in the first direction. The second toner return port 431C is positioned at the other end of the developing housing 431 in the first direction. The second toner return port 431C is positioned at the other end of the main body 4312 in the first direction. The second toner return port 431C overlaps the downstream end E12 of the third developer transport member 433C when viewed from the second toner return port 431C toward the third developer transport member 433C in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second toner return port 431</b>C communicates with the developing chamber 430 .

2.2.1.3 Projection 4313
The protruding portion 4313 is located on the opposite side of the development side plate 4311B from the development side plate 4311A in the first direction. The protrusion 4313 protrudes from the development side plate 4311A. The protrusion 4313 extends in the first direction. The internal space of the protrusion 4313 communicates with the developing chamber 430 . As shown in FIG. 4, the projecting portion 4313 has a collected toner receiving port 431D. In other words, the developing housing 431 has a collected toner receiving port 431D.

The collected toner receiving port 431D is positioned on the opposite side of the developing side plate 4311A from the developing side plate 4311B in the first direction. The collected toner receiving port 431D can receive collected toner from the toner tube 46 . The collected toner receiving port 431D communicates with the internal space of the projecting portion 4313 . As a result, the collected toner receiving port 431D communicates with the developing chamber 430 through the internal space of the projecting portion 4313 . When the cartridge 4A is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the collected toner receiving port 431D is located above the toner return port 431B (see FIG. 6). As a result, the collected toner can be transported from the collected toner receiving port 431D to the toner return port 431B using gravity.

2.2.1.4 Bottom plate 4314
As shown in FIG. 5, the bottom plate 4314 is positioned between the development side plate 4311A and the development side plate 4311B in the first direction. The bottom plate 4314 extends in the first direction. One end of the bottom plate 4314 in the first direction is connected to the development side plate 4311A. The other end of the bottom plate 4314 in the first direction is connected to the development side plate 4311B. The bottom plate 4314 has a plurality of holes 4314A, 4314B, 4314C.

The hole 4314A fixes the toner first shutter 55A (see FIG. 8) to the developing device 43 when the toner container 8A is attached to the drum cartridge 7A. The toner first shutter 55A will be described later. Hole 4314A is located in the center of bottom plate 4314 in the first direction. When the toner container 8A is attached to the drum cartridge 7A, the protrusion 551 (see FIG. 8) of the first toner shutter 55A fits into the hole 4314A. As a result, the toner first shutter 55A is fixed with respect to the developing device 43 . The projection 551 will be explained later.

The hole 4314B fixes the second toner shutter 55B (see FIG. 8) to the developing device 43 when the toner container 8A is attached to the drum cartridge 7A. The toner second shutter 55B will be described later. The hole 4314B is located at one end of the bottom plate 4314 in the first direction. When the toner container 8A is attached to the drum cartridge 7A, the protrusion 552 (see FIG. 8) of the second toner shutter 55B fits into the hole 4314B. As a result, the toner second shutter 55B is fixed with respect to the developing device 43 . The projection 552 will be explained later.

The hole 4314C fixes the toner third shutter 55C (see FIG. 8) to the developing device 43 when the toner container 8A is attached to the drum cartridge 7A. The toner third shutter 55C will be described later. Hole 4314C is located at the other end of bottom plate 4314 in the first direction. When the toner container 8A is attached to the drum cartridge 7A, the protrusion 553 (see FIG. 8) of the third toner shutter 55C fits into the hole 4314C. As a result, the toner third shutter 55C is fixed with respect to the developing device 43 . The projection 553 will be explained later.

2.2.3 Development transport member 433
As shown in FIG. 6 , the developer transport member 433 is positioned inside the developer housing 431 . Specifically, the developer transport member 433 is positioned inside the developing chamber 430 and inside the projecting portion 4313 . The developer transport member 433 has a first developer transport member 433A, a second developer transport member 433B, and a third developer transport member 433C. In other words, the developing device 43 has a first developer transport member 433A, a second developer transport member 433B, and a third developer transport member 433C.

2.2.3.1 First developer transport member 433A
The first developer conveying member 433A is positioned inside the developing chamber 430 . The first developer conveying member 433A can convey the toner in the developing chamber 430 in the first direction. The first developer conveying member 433A conveys the toner from the toner receiving port 431A toward the toner returning port 431B. The first developer conveying member 433A extends in the first direction. The developer first conveying member 433A extends from the toner receiving port 431A to the toner returning port 431B. The first developer conveying member 433A has an upstream end E1 and a downstream end E2 in the toner conveying direction from the toner receiving port 431A to the toner returning port 431B. In this embodiment, the first developer conveying member 433A is an auger screw. The developer first transport member 433A is rotatable about the axis A3. Axis A3 extends in the first direction.

2.2.3.2 Second developer transport member 433B
The second developer conveying member 433B is positioned inside the projecting portion 4313 . The developer second conveying member 433B can convey the toner in the projecting portion 4313 in the first direction. The second developer conveying member 433B conveys the toner from the collected toner receiving port 431D (see FIG. 4) toward the toner returning port 431B. The second developer conveying member 433B extends in the first direction. The second developer conveying member 433B extends from the collected toner receiving port 431D to the toner returning port 431B. In this embodiment, the second developer conveying member 433B is an auger screw. The second developer transport member 433B is connected to the downstream end E2 of the first developer transport member 433A. The developer second transport member 433B is rotatable together with the developer first transport member 433A. The second developer conveying member 433B is rotatable about the axis A3.

2.2.3.3 Development third transport member 433C
The third developer conveying member 433</b>C is positioned inside the developing chamber 430 . The developing third conveying member 433C can convey the toner in the developing chamber 430 in the first direction. The developing third conveying member 433C conveys the toner from the toner receiving port 431A toward the second toner returning port 431C. The developer third conveying member 433C extends in the first direction. The developing third conveying member 433C extends from the toner receiving port 431A to the second toner returning port 431C. The developing third conveying member 433C has an upstream end E11 and a downstream end E12 in the toner conveying direction from the toner receiving port 431A to the second toner returning port 431C. In this embodiment, the third developer conveying member 433C is an auger screw. The third developer conveying member 433C is connected to the upstream end E1 of the first developer conveying member 433A. The third developer conveying member 433C is rotatable together with the first developer conveying member 433A. The third developer conveying member 433C is rotatable about the axis A3.

2.2.4 Development shutter 434
The development shutter 434 is positioned between the development side plate 4311A and the development side plate 4311B in the first direction. Development shutter 434 extends in the first direction. The developer shutter 434 is movable between a closed position (see FIG. 3) and an open position (see FIG. 12). With the development shutter 434 positioned at the closed position, the development shutter 434 closes the toner receiving port 431A, the toner return port 431B and the second toner return port 431C. The toner receiving port 431A, the toner return port 431B and the second toner return port 431C are opened when the development shutter 434 is positioned at the open position. The development shutter 434 has a first development shutter 434A, a second development shutter 434B, a third development shutter 434C, a connection portion 434D, and a connection portion 434E. In other words, the developing device 43 has a first development shutter 434A and a second development shutter 434B.

2.2.4.1 Development first shutter 434A
The development first shutter 434A opens and closes the toner receiving port 431A. With the development shutter 434 positioned at the closed position, the development first shutter 434A closes the toner receiving port 431A. The toner receiving port 431A is opened while the developing shutter 434 is at the open position. The development first shutter 434A is positioned at the center of the development shutter 434 in the first direction. The development first shutter 434A extends in the first direction.

2.2.4.2 Development second shutter 434B
The second developer shutter 434B opens and closes the toner return port 431B. With the development shutter 434 positioned at the closed position, the development second shutter 434B closes the toner return port 431B. The toner return port 431B is opened while the development shutter 434 is at the open position. The second development shutter 434B is positioned at one end of the development shutter 434 in the first direction. The development second shutter 434B is positioned apart from the development first shutter 434A in the first direction. The development second shutter 434B extends in the first direction.

2.2.4.3 Development third shutter 434C
The development third shutter 434C opens and closes the second toner return port 431C. With the development shutter 434 positioned at the closed position, the development third shutter 434C closes the second toner return port 431C. The second toner return port 431C is opened when the development shutter 434 is positioned at the open position. The third development shutter 434C is positioned at the other end of the development shutter 434 in the first direction. The third development shutter 434C is located on the opposite side of the first development shutter 434A from the second development shutter 434B in the first direction. The development third shutter 434C is positioned apart from the development first shutter 434A in the first direction. The development third shutter 434C extends in the first direction.

2.2.4.4 Connections 434D, 434E
The connecting portion 434D connects the first development shutter 434A and the second development shutter 434B. The connecting portion 434D is located between the first development shutter 434A and the second development shutter 434B in the first direction. The connecting portion 434D extends in the first direction. One end of the connecting portion 434D in the first direction is connected to the second developing shutter 434B. The other end of the connecting portion 434D in the first direction is connected to the first developing shutter 434A.

The connecting portion 434E connects the first development shutter 434A and the third development shutter 434C. The connecting portion 434E is positioned between the first development shutter 434A and the third development shutter 434C in the first direction. The connecting portion 434E extends in the first direction. One end of the connecting portion 434E in the first direction is connected to the first development shutter 434A. The other end of the connecting portion 434E in the first direction is connected to the third development shutter 434C.

2.2.5 Protrusions 435A, 435B, 436A, 436B
The protrusion 435A is located on the opposite side of the developing side plate 4311A from the developing side plate 4311B in the first direction. The protrusion 435A is positioned apart from the photosensitive drum 41 in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2. The protrusion 435A extends from the developer side plate 4311A. The protrusion 435A may be attached to the development side plate 4311A. The protrusion 435A extends in the first direction. The projection 435A fits within the hole 442A (see FIG. 4) of the drum side plate 441A.

The projection 435B is located on the opposite side of the developing side plate 4311B from the developing side plate 4311A in the first direction. The protrusion 435B is positioned away from the photosensitive drum 41 in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2. The protrusion 435B extends from the developer side plate 4311B. The protrusion 435B may be attached to the development side plate 4311B. The protrusion 435B extends in the first direction. The protrusion 435B fits within the hole 442B (see FIG. 5) of the drum side plate 441B.

The protrusion 436A is located on the opposite side of the developing side plate 4311A from the developing side plate 4311B in the first direction. The protrusion 436A is positioned between the photosensitive drum 41 and the protrusion 435A in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2. The protrusion 436A extends in the first direction. The protrusion 436A extends along the development axis A2. In this embodiment, the protrusion 436A is one end of the shaft of the developing roller 432. As shown in FIG. The protrusion 436A may extend from the developer side plate 4311A. The protrusion 436A may be attached to the development side plate 4311A. The projection 436A fits within the hole 443A (see FIG. 4) of the drum side plate 441A.

The protrusion 436B is located on the opposite side of the developing side plate 4311B from the developing side plate 4311A in the first direction. The protrusion 436B is positioned between the photosensitive drum 41 and the protrusion 435B in the direction connecting the first axis A1 and the development axis A2. The protrusion 436B extends in the first direction. The protrusion 436B extends along the development axis A2. In this embodiment, protrusion 436B is the other end of the shaft of developing roller 432 . The protrusion 436B may extend from the developer side plate 4311A. The protrusion 436B may be attached to the development side plate 4311A. The projection 436B fits within the hole 443B (see FIG. 5) of the drum side plate 441B.

The projection 435A fits into the hole 442A of the drum side plate 441A, the projection 435B fits into the hole 442B of the drum side plate 441B, the projection 436A fits into the hole 443A of the drum side plate 441A, and the projection 436B fits into the hole of the drum side plate 441B. The developing device 43 is supported by the drum frame 44 and is movable with respect to the photosensitive drum 41 by being fitted inside 443B. The developing device 43 is movable in a direction connecting the first axis A1 and the developing axis A2. A direction connecting the first axis A<b>1 and the development axis A<b>2 is defined as a moving direction of the developing device 43 .

2.3 Drum cleaner 45
As shown in FIG. 3, the drum cleaner 45 can clean the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 41 . The drum cleaner 45 removes toner remaining on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 41 without being transferred from the photosensitive drum 41 to the sheet S from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 41 . The toner removed from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 41 by the drum cleaner 45 becomes collected toner.

The drum cleaner 45 has a cleaner housing 451 and a cleaning member 452 .

As shown in FIG. 5, the cleaner housing 451 is positioned between the drum side plate 441A and the drum side plate 441B in the first direction. The cleaner housing 451 extends in the first direction. One end of the cleaner housing 451 in the first direction is connected to the drum side plate 441A. The other end of the cleaner housing 451 in the first direction is connected to the drum side plate 441B. As shown in FIG. 3, cleaner housing 451 has opening 453 . The cleaner housing 451 accommodates collected toner.

Cleaning member 452 is attached to cleaner housing 451 . Cleaning member 452 extends in the first direction. The cleaning member 452 has a plate shape. The cleaning member 452 cleans the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 41 . Specifically, the edge of the cleaning member 452 contacts the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 41 . When the photosensitive drum 41 rotates, the toner on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 41 comes into contact with the edge of the cleaning member 452 and is removed from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 41 . The removed toner is accommodated in cleaner housing 451 through opening 453 .

2.4 Toner tube 46
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the toner tube 46 is located on the opposite side of the drum side plate 441A from the drum side plate 441B in the first direction. A toner tube 46 is fixed to the drum frame 44 . Specifically, the toner tube 46 is fixed to the drum side plate 441A. The toner tube 46 passes on one side of the developing roller 432 in the first direction. Toner tube 46 allows the passage of collected toner. The toner tube 46 is connected to the projecting portion 4313 of the developing housing 431 . The toner tube 46 has a collected toner outlet 461 .

The collected toner discharge port 461 can discharge the collected toner in the toner tube 46 . The collected toner discharge port 461 communicates with the collected toner receiving port 431</b>D of the developing housing 431 .

2.5 Seal member 47
As shown in FIG. 4, the seal member 47 is positioned around the collected toner receiving port 431D. The sealing member 47 seals between the toner tube 46 and the developing device 43 . Specifically, the sealing member 47 seals between the toner tube 46 and the projecting portion 4313 . The seal member 47 is elastically deformable according to the movement of the developing device 43 with respect to the photosensitive drum 41 . The seal member 47 is made of sponge, for example.

2.6 Collected Toner Conveying Member 48
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the collected toner conveying member 48 is located inside the cleaner housing 451 and the toner tube 46 . The collected toner conveying member 48 conveys the toner in the cleaner housing 451 and the collected toner in the toner tube 46 toward the collected toner outlet 461 . In this embodiment, the collected toner conveying member 48 is a shaftless screw.

3. Toner container 8A of the first embodiment
Next, the toner container 8A of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 12. FIG. In the following description of the toner container 8A, the first direction is the first direction when "the toner container 8A is attached to the drum cartridge 7A".

As shown in FIG. 7, the toner container 8A includes a toner housing 51, a toner conveying member 52, a first agitator 53, a second agitator 54, a first toner shutter 55A, and a second toner shutter 55B ( 8), a toner third shutter 55C (see FIG. 8), two protrusions 56A and 56B (see FIG. 8), and two protrusions 57A and 57B (see FIG. 8).

3.1 Toner housing 51
The toner housing 51 has a first toner containing portion 511 , a second toner containing portion 512 and a partition wall 513 . In other words, the toner container 8</b>A has a first toner containing portion 511 and a second toner containing portion 512 .

3.1.1 First toner container 511
The first toner containing portion 511 contains toner to be supplied to the developing housing 431 . The first toner container 511 is located between the developing housing 431 (see FIG. 12) and the second toner container 512 when the toner container 8A is attached to the drum cartridge 7A. The first toner containing portion 511 has a cylindrical shape. The first toner containing portion 511 extends in the first direction. The capacity of the first toner containing portion 511 is smaller than the capacity of the second toner containing portion 512 .

As shown in FIG. 9, the first toner containing portion 511 has a toner discharge port 511A, a return toner reception port 511B, and a second return toner reception port 511C. In other words, the toner container 8A has a toner discharge port 511A, a return toner reception port 511B, and a second return toner reception port 511C.

The toner discharge port 511A can discharge the toner in the toner container 8A. Specifically, the toner discharge port 511A can discharge the toner in the first toner containing portion 511 . The toner discharge port 511A is positioned at the center of the first toner containing portion 511 in the first direction. The toner discharge port 511A communicates with the internal space of the first toner containing portion 511 .

The return toner receiving port 511B can receive the return toner. The return toner is toner that returns from the developing device 43 to the toner container 8A. The return toner receiving port 511B can receive toner returning to the toner container 8A from the toner return port 431B (see FIG. 6). The return toner receiving port 511B is positioned at one end of the first toner containing portion 511 in the first direction. The return toner receiving port 511B is located apart from the toner discharging port 511A in the first direction. The return toner receiving port 511B communicates with the internal space of the first toner containing portion 511 .

The second return toner receiving port 511C can receive return toner. The second return toner receiving port 511C can receive toner returning to the toner container 8A from the second toner returning port 431C (see FIG. 6). The second return toner receiving port 511C is positioned at the other end of the first toner containing portion 511 in the first direction. The second return toner receiving port 511C is located apart from the toner discharging port 511A in the first direction. The second return toner reception port 511C is located on the opposite side of the toner discharge port 511A from the return toner reception port 511B in the first direction. The second return toner receiving port 511</b>C communicates with the internal space of the first toner containing portion 511 .

3.1.2 Second toner container 512
The second toner containing portion 512 contains the toner supplied to the first toner containing portion 511 . With the toner container 8A attached to the drum cartridge 7A, the second toner container 512 is positioned away from the developing housing 431 (see FIG. 12). The second toner containing portion 512 extends in the first direction. The capacity of the second toner containing portion 512 is larger than the capacity of the first toner containing portion 511 . The second toner containing portion 512 has two translucent members 512A and 512B.

The translucent member 512A is attached to one side plate of the second toner containing portion 512 in the first direction. The translucent member 512A penetrates one side plate of the second toner containing portion 512 in the first direction. The translucent member 512A is transparent. Light can pass through the translucent member 512A.

The translucent member 512B is attached to the other side plate of the second toner containing portion 512 in the first direction. The translucent member 512B penetrates the other side plate of the second toner containing portion 512 in the first direction. The translucent member 512B is located apart from the translucent member 512A in the first direction. The translucent member 512B is aligned with the translucent member 512A in the first direction. The translucent member 512B is transparent. Light can pass through the translucent member 512B.

3.1.3 Partition 513
The partition wall 513 is located between the first toner containing portion 511 and the second toner containing portion 512 . The partition wall 513 partitions the first toner containing portion 511 and the second toner containing portion 512 . The partition 513 has two circulation ports 513A and 513B.

The circulation port 513A is located between the toner discharge port 511A and the return toner reception port 511B in the first direction. The circulation port 513</b>A allows toner to flow between the first toner storage portion 511 and the second toner storage portion 512 .

The circulation port 513B is located between the toner discharge port 511A and the second return toner reception port 511C in the first direction. The flow port 513B is located apart from the flow port 513A in the first direction. The circulation port 513</b>B allows the toner to flow between the first toner storage portion 511 and the second toner storage portion 512 .

3.2 Toner Conveying Member 52
The toner conveying member 52 is positioned inside the first toner containing portion 511 . The toner conveying member 52 has a first toner conveying member 52A and a second toner conveying member 52B. In other words, the toner container 8A includes a first toner conveying member 52A and a second toner conveying member 52B.

The first toner conveying member 52A can convey the toner in the first toner containing portion 511 in the first direction. The first toner conveying member 52A conveys the toner from the return toner receiving port 511B toward the toner discharge port 511A. The first toner conveying member 52A conveys toner from the circulation port 513A toward the toner discharge port 511A. The first toner conveying member 52A extends in the first direction. The first toner conveying member 52A extends from the return toner receiving port 511B to the toner discharge port 511A. In this embodiment, the first toner conveying member 52A is an auger screw. The first toner conveying member 52A is rotatable about an axis A4. Axis A4 extends in the first direction.

The second toner conveying member 52B can convey the toner in the first toner containing portion 511 in the first direction. The second toner conveying member 52B conveys the toner from the second return toner receiving port 511C toward the toner discharging port 511A. The second toner conveying member 52B extends in the first direction. The second toner conveying member 52B extends from the second return toner receiving port 511C to the toner discharging port 511A. In this embodiment, the second toner conveying member 52B is an auger screw. The second toner conveying member 52B is rotatable together with the first toner conveying member 52A. The second toner conveying member 52B is rotatable about an axis A4.

3.3 First agitator 53
The first agitator 53 is positioned inside the second toner container 512 . The first agitator 53 is positioned between the first toner container 511 and the second agitator 54 . The first agitator 53 conveys the toner in the second toner containing portion 512 toward the first toner containing portion 511 while agitating the toner.

3.4 Second agitator 54
The second agitator 54 is positioned inside the second toner container 512 . The second agitator 54 is located on the side opposite to the first toner containing portion 511 with respect to the first agitator 53 . The second agitator 54 conveys the toner in the second toner container 512 toward the first agitator 53 while agitating it.

3.5 Toner First Shutter 55A
As shown in FIG. 8, the toner first shutter 55A is positioned at the center of the first toner containing portion 511 in the first direction. The toner first shutter 55A is positioned on the peripheral surface of the first toner containing portion 511 . The toner first shutter 55A opens and closes the toner discharge port 511A (see FIG. 9). More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the toner first shutter 55A is positioned between the closed position (see FIG. 7) and the open position (see FIG. 10) on the peripheral surface of the first toner containing portion 511. It is possible to move along. With the toner first shutter 55A positioned at the closed position, the toner first shutter 55A closes the toner discharge port 511A. With the toner first shutter 55A positioned at the open position, the toner discharge port 511A is opened. As shown in FIG. 8, the first toner shutter 55A has a projection 551. As shown in FIG.

The protrusion 551 is positioned on the peripheral surface of the first toner shutter 55A. The projection 551 extends from the peripheral surface of the first toner shutter 55A. The protrusion 551 may be attached to the peripheral surface of the first toner shutter 55A. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the toner container 8A is attached to the drum cartridge 7A, the protrusion 551 fits into the hole 4314A (see FIG. 5) of the drum cartridge 7A. By fitting the projection 551 into the hole 4314A of the drum cartridge 7A, the toner first shutter 55A is fixed to the drum cartridge 7A.

3.6 Second Toner Shutter 55B
As shown in FIG. 8, the second toner shutter 55B is positioned at one end of the first toner containing portion 511 in the first direction. The second toner shutter 55B is positioned on the peripheral surface of the first toner containing portion 511 . The second toner shutter 55B opens and closes the returned toner receiving port 511B (see FIG. 9). Specifically, the second toner shutter 55B is movable along the peripheral surface of the first toner containing portion 511 between the closed position and the open position, like the first toner shutter 55A. With the toner second shutter 55B positioned at the closed position, the toner second shutter 55B closes the return toner receiving port 511B. With the second toner shutter 55B at the open position, the returned toner receiving port 511B is opened. The second toner shutter 55B has a projection 552. As shown in FIG.

The projection 552 is positioned on the peripheral surface of the second toner shutter 55B. The protrusion 552 extends from the peripheral surface of the toner second shutter 55B. The protrusion 552 may be attached to the peripheral surface of the second toner shutter 55B. When the toner container 8A is attached to the drum cartridge 7A, the projection 552 fits into the hole 4314B (see FIG. 5) of the drum cartridge 7A. The second toner shutter 55B is fixed to the drum cartridge 7A by fitting the projection 552 into the hole 4314B of the drum cartridge 7A.

3.7 Third Toner Shutter 55C
The third toner shutter 55C is positioned at the other end of the first toner containing portion 511 in the first direction. The third toner shutter 55</b>C is positioned on the peripheral surface of the first toner containing portion 511 . The third toner shutter 55C opens and closes the second return toner receiving port 511C (see FIG. 9). Specifically, like the first toner shutter 55A, the third toner shutter 55C is movable along the peripheral surface of the first toner containing portion 511 between the closed position and the open position. With the third toner shutter 55C positioned at the closed position, the third toner shutter 55C closes the second return toner receiving opening 511C. With the third toner shutter 55C positioned at the open position, the second return toner receiving opening 511C is opened. The third toner shutter 55C has a projection 553. As shown in FIG.

The protrusion 553 is positioned on the peripheral surface of the third toner shutter 55C. The protrusion 553 extends from the peripheral surface of the third toner shutter 55C. The protrusion 553 may be attached to the peripheral surface of the third toner shutter 55C. When the toner container 8A is attached to the drum cartridge 7A, the protrusion 553 fits into the hole 4314C (see FIG. 5) of the drum cartridge 7A. The third toner shutter 55C is fixed to the drum cartridge 7A by fitting the projection 553 into the hole 4314C of the drum cartridge 7A.

3.8 Protrusions 56A, 56B
The projection 56A is positioned on one outer surface S1 of the first toner containing portion 511 in the first direction. The protrusion 56A protrudes from the outer surface S1. The protrusion 56A may be attached to the outer surface S1. When the toner container 8A is attached to the drum cartridge 7A, the protrusion 56A fits into the guide 4315A (see FIG. 5) of the drum cartridge 7A.

The projection 56B is positioned on the other outer surface S2 of the first toner containing portion 511 in the first direction. The protrusion 56B protrudes from the outer surface S2. The protrusion 56B may be attached to the outer surface S2. When the toner container 8A is attached to the drum cartridge 7A, the protrusion 56B fits into the guide 4315B (see FIG. 5) of the drum cartridge 7A.

3.9 Protrusions 57A and 57B
The projection 57A is located on the peripheral surface of the first toner containing portion 511. As shown in FIG. The projection 57A is positioned between the first toner shutter 55A and the second toner shutter 55B in the first direction. The projection 57A is positioned between the toner discharge port 511A and the return toner reception port 511B in the first direction. The projection 57A extends from the peripheral surface of the first toner containing portion 511. As shown in FIG. The protrusion 57A may be attached to the peripheral surface of the first toner containing portion 511 .

The projection 57B is located on the peripheral surface of the first toner containing portion 511. As shown in FIG. The projection 57B is located between the first toner shutter 55A and the third toner shutter 55C in the first direction. The projection 57B is located between the toner discharge port 511A and the second return toner reception port 511C in the first direction. The projection 57B extends from the peripheral surface of the first toner containing portion 511. As shown in FIG. The protrusion 57B may be attached to the peripheral surface of the first toner containing portion 511 .

4. Attachment of Toner Container 8A to Drum Cartridge 7A Next, attachment of the toner container 8A to the drum cartridge 7A will be described with reference to FIGS.

The development shutter 434 is positioned at the closed position (see FIG. 3) when the toner container 8A is removed from the drum cartridge 7A. again. The toner first shutter 55A is positioned at the closed position (see FIG. 7), the toner second shutter 55B is positioned at the closed position, and the toner third shutter 55C is positioned at the closed position.

When the user attaches the toner container 8A to the drum cartridge 7A, the user positions the first toner container 511 in the developing housing 431 as shown in FIG.

Specifically, the user first fits the protrusion 56A (see FIG. 8) of the toner container 8A into the guide 4315A (see FIG. 5) of the cartridge 4A, and then inserts the protrusion 56B (see FIG. 8) of the toner container 8A into the cartridge 4A. It fits into guide 4315B (see FIG. 5). Next, the user attaches the toner container 8A to the drum cartridge 7A from the first toner container 511 along the guides 4315A and 4315B.

Then, the protrusion 551 of the first toner shutter 55A fits into the hole 4314A of the developing housing 431, and the protrusion 552 of the second toner shutter 55B (see FIG. 8) fits into the hole 4314B of the developing housing 431 (see FIG. 5). Thus, the protrusion 553 (see FIG. 8) of the third toner shutter 55C fits into the hole 4314C (see FIG. 5) of the developing housing 431. As shown in FIG.

As a result, the first toner shutter 55A, the second toner shutter 55B, and the third toner shutter 55C are fixed to the developing housing 431. As shown in FIG. By fixing the first toner shutter 55A, the second toner shutter 55B, and the third toner shutter 55C to the developing housing 431, the first toner containing portion 511 is positioned in the developing housing 431. FIG. The development shutter 434 is fitted between the projections 57A and 57B (see FIG. 8) of the toner container 8A and the second toner container 512. As shown in FIG. The second toner containing portion 512 is located away from the bottom plate 4314 of the developing housing 431 .

Next, the user rotates the toner housing 51 about the first toner containing portion 511 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 . The user rotates the toner housing 51 in a direction in which the second toner containing portion 512 approaches the bottom plate 4314 .

Then, the developing shutter 434 is pushed by the projections 57A and 57B (see FIG. 8) of the toner container 8A and moves from the closed position to the open position. Further, while the first toner shutter 55A, the second toner shutter 55B, and the third toner shutter 55C are fixed to the developing housing 431, the toner housing 51 and the second toner containing portion 512 approach the bottom plate 4314. By rotating in the direction, the first toner shutter 55A moves from the closed position to the open position with respect to the toner housing 51, and the second toner shutter 55B moves from the closed position with respect to the toner housing 51. Moving to the open position, the toner third shutter 55C moves from the closed position to the open position with respect to the toner housing 51 .

Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the developing shutter 434 is at the open position, the first toner shutter 55A is at the open position, the second toner shutter 55B is at the open position, and the third toner shutter 55C is open. In this position, the attachment of the toner container 8A to the drum cartridge 7A is completed.

When the user rotates the toner housing 51 in the direction in which the second toner housing portion 512 moves away from the bottom plate 4314 while the toner container 8A is attached to the drum cartridge 7A, the developing shutter 434 is moved to the second position. 2 is pushed by the toner container 512 and moves from the open position to the closed position. Further, while the first toner shutter 55A, the second toner shutter 55B, and the third toner shutter 55C are fixed to the developing housing 431, the toner housing 51 moves away from the bottom plate 4314. By rotating in the direction, the first toner shutter 55A moves from the open position to the closed position with respect to the toner housing 51, and the second toner shutter 55B moves from the open position with respect to the toner housing 51. Moving to the closed position, the toner third shutter 55C moves from the open position to the closed position with respect to the toner housing 51 .

5. Detection of Remaining Toner Next, detection of the remaining amount of toner will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 1 further includes detection members 9A and 9B and a control section 10. As shown in FIG.

The detection members 9A and 9B are positioned inside the main housing 2 . When the cartridge 4A is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the detection member 9A faces the translucent member 512A of the toner container 8A, and the detection member 9B faces the translucent member 512B of the toner container 8A. The detection member 9A is a light emitting element, and the detection member 9B is a light receiving element.

With the cartridge 4A attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the detection members 9A and 9B detect the amount of toner remaining in the toner container 8A. Specifically, the detection members 9A and 9B detect the amount of toner remaining in the second toner containing portion 512 . Specifically, when the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 8A decreases and the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 8A falls below a threshold value, the detection member 9B detects light from the detection member 9A. receive light.

The threshold value of the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 8A is, for example, 1/2 of the toner amount in the developing device 43, preferably the same amount as the toner amount in the developing device 43. FIG. The light-transmitting members 512A and 512B of the toner container 8A are arranged so that the toner container 8A is attached to the cartridge 4A and the cartridge 4A is attached to the image forming apparatus 1. It is arranged at a position through which the light from the detection member 9A passes when it becomes equal to or less than the threshold.

When the detection member 9B receives the light from the detection member 9A, the detection members 9A and 9B detect the remaining amount of toner in the second toner containing portion 512 when the cartridge 4A is attached to the image forming apparatus 1. Decrease is detected. When the detection member 9B receives the light from the detection member 9A, the detection member 9B emits a signal.

When the amount of toner remaining in the toner container 8A is large, the light from the detection member 9A is blocked by the toner in the toner container 8A and does not reach the detection member 9B. Therefore, when the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 8A is large, the detection member 9B does not receive light from the detection member 9A and does not transmit a signal.

The control unit 10 can receive a signal from the detection member 9B. When the control unit 10 receives the signal from the detection member 9B, the control unit 10 executes processing for exchanging the toner container 8A. In other words, when the detection members 9A and 9B detect that the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 8A has become equal to or less than the threshold value, the controller 10 executes processing for exchanging the toner container 8A.

Processing for replacing the toner container 8A includes, for example, stopping printing processing and displaying toner empty.

6. (1) According to the cartridge 4A, as shown in FIG. 5, the collected toner from the photosensitive drum 41 is returned to the developing housing 431 through the collected toner receiving port 431D (see FIG. 4), and further, as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 9, the toner can be returned to the toner container 8A through the toner return port 431B and the return toner receiving port 511B.

As a result, the collected toner can be mixed with unused toner in the developing housing 431 or the toner container 8A and supplied to the photosensitive drum 41 again.

Therefore, there is no need to provide the cartridge 4A with a portion for accommodating the collected toner, and the capacity of the toner container 8A can be increased accordingly.

As a result, it is possible to increase the capacity of the toner container 8A while suppressing the enlargement of the cartridge 4A.

(2) According to the cartridge 4A, as shown in FIG. 6, the developing device 43 is provided with the developer second transport member 433B. The second developer conveying member 433B conveys the toner from the collected toner receiving port 431D toward the toner returning port 431B.

As a result, the collected toner that has entered the developing housing 431 through the collected toner receiving port 431D can be smoothly returned to the toner container 8A by the second developer conveying member 433B.

(3) According to the cartridge 4A, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the collected toner receiving port 431D is located above the toner return port 431B when the cartridge 4A is attached to the image forming apparatus.

Therefore, the collected toner can be transported from the collected toner receiving port 431D toward the toner return port 431B using gravity.

As a result, the collected toner that has entered the developing housing 431 through the collected toner receiving port 431D can be smoothly returned to the toner container 8A using gravity.

(4) As shown in FIG. 9, with the cartridge 4A attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the detection members 9A and 9B detect the amount of toner remaining in the toner container 8A. When the detection members 9A and 9B detect that the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 8A has become equal to or less than the threshold value, the controller 10 executes processing for replacing the toner container 8A.

Repeated image formation tends to deteriorate the toner. A certain amount of deteriorated toner may be contained in collected toner.

In the configuration in which the collected toner is returned to the developing device 43, the toner in the toner container 8A is consumed, and deteriorated toner may remain in the developing device 43 when the toner container 8A is replaced.

Therefore, when the toner is not circulated between the developing device 43 and the toner container 8A, repeated replacement of the toner container 8A causes deteriorated toner to accumulate in the developing device 43, thereby gradually deteriorating the image quality. There is a possibility of doing so.

In this regard, in the image forming apparatus 1, the cartridge 4A capable of circulating toner between the developing device 43 and the toner container 8A can be mounted, and furthermore, the toner in the toner container 8A can be reduced to a certain threshold value or less. Leaving this, the toner container 8A can be replaced.

Therefore, part of the deteriorated toner can be discarded together with the toner container 8A.

As a result, it is possible to prevent deteriorated toner from accumulating in the developing device 43 when the toner container 8A is repeatedly replaced.

(5) The threshold may be 1/2 of the amount of toner in the developing device 43 . If the threshold value is 1/2 of the amount of toner in the developing device 43, 1/3 of the deteriorated toner can be discarded together with the toner container 8A when the toner container 8A is replaced. In this case, two-thirds of the deteriorated toner remains in the developing device 43 .

Even in this case, it is possible to prevent deteriorated toner from accumulating in the developing device 43 when the toner container 8A is repeatedly replaced.

(6) The threshold may be the same amount as the amount of toner in the developing device 43 . When the threshold value is the same as the amount of toner in the developing device 43, when the toner container 8A is replaced, the remaining toner is divided into two parts, the developing device 43 and the toner container 8A.

Therefore, half of the deteriorated toner can be discarded together with the toner container 8A.

As a result, even if the toner container 8A is replaced infinitely many times, it is possible to prevent deteriorated toner from accumulating in the developing device 43. FIG.

(7) As shown in FIG. 9, the detection members 9A and 9B detect the remaining amount of toner in the second toner container 512. As shown in FIG.

As a result, it is possible to prompt replacement of the toner container 8</b>A while toner remains in the first toner container 511 .

Here, when it is desired to replace the toner container 8A with the toner remaining in the toner container 8A at a certain threshold value or less, the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 8A at the time of replacement of the toner container 8A is kept constant. It is difficult to

In this regard, if the capacity of the first toner container 511 is appropriately designed, the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 8A can be made constant when the toner container 8A is replaced.

As a result, the controller 10 can prompt replacement of the toner container 8A at an accurate timing.

7. 2nd Embodiment Next, 2nd Embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 13-15. In the second embodiment, members similar to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

A cartridge 4B of the second embodiment includes a drum cartridge 7B and a toner container 8B. The description of the toner container 8B is the same as the description of the toner container 8A. Therefore, description of the toner container 8B is omitted.

7.1 Drum Cartridge 7B of Second Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 13, in the drum cartridge 7B of the second embodiment, the collected toner receiving port 431D is located in the central portion of the developing housing 431 in the first direction. Specifically, the collected toner receiving port 431D is positioned at the center of the main body 4312 in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 14, the collected toner receiving port 431D is provided on the upper wall of the main body portion 4312 of the developing housing 431. As shown in FIG. The drum cartridge 7B does not have the projecting portion 4313 (see FIG. 6).

As shown in FIG. 15, in the drum cartridge 7B, as in the drum cartridge 7A of the first embodiment, the toner receiving port 431A is located in the central portion of the developing housing 431 in the first direction. Further, the toner return port 431B is positioned at one end of the developing housing 431 in the first direction. Also, the second toner return port 431C is positioned at the other end of the developing housing 431 in the first direction.

7.2 Effects of Second Embodiment (1) According to the cartridge 4B of the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. Centrally located. The toner return port 431B is located at one end of the developing housing 431 in the first direction, and the second toner returning port 431C is located at the other end of the developing housing 431 in the first direction.

As a result, the collected toner can be mixed with the toner that has entered from the toner receiving port 431A, and can be uniformly transported from the center of the developing housing 431 toward both ends of the developing housing 431 in the first direction.

For this reason, there is a difference in the mixing ratio of the collected toner between the toner on one side of the center of the developing housing 431 and the toner on the other side of the developing housing 431, thereby preventing unevenness in the image. can be suppressed.

(2) In the cartridge 4B of the second embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the cartridge 4A of the first embodiment.

8. 3rd Embodiment Next, 3rd Embodiment is described with reference to FIG.16 and FIG.17. In the third embodiment, members similar to those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

A cartridge 4C of the third embodiment includes a drum cartridge 7C and a toner container 8C. The description of the toner container 8C is the same as the description of the toner container 8A. Therefore, description of the toner container 8C is omitted.

8.1 Drum cartridge 7C of the third embodiment
As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in the drum cartridge 7C of the third embodiment, the collected toner receiving port 431D and the toner return port 431B are positioned at one end of the developing housing 431 in the first direction. Specifically, the collected toner receiving port 431D and the toner return port 431B are located in the projecting portion 4313 of the developing housing 431. As shown in FIG. That is, the collected toner receiving port 431D and the toner return port 431B are located outside the developing chamber 430 in the first direction. In other words, the collected toner receiving port 431D and the toner returning port 431B are located outside the developable area in the first direction. The developable area is an area in which the developing roller 432 can supply toner to the photosensitive drum 41 . In this embodiment, the developable area is an area between one end of the developing chamber 430 and the other end of the developing chamber 430 in the first direction. Preferably, at least part of the collected toner receiving port 431D overlaps the toner returning port 431B when viewed from the collected toner receiving port 431D toward the toner return port 431B in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. More preferably, the collected toner receiving port 431D entirely overlaps with the toner returning port 431B when viewed from the collected toner receiving port 431D toward the toner return port 431B in a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

8.2 Effects of Third Embodiment (1) According to the cartridge 4C of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 431 at one end.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, the collected toner that has entered one end of the developing housing 431 in the first direction from the collected toner receiving port 431D is not conveyed to the other side in the first direction, and is removed from the toner returning port 431B. can be returned to the toner container 8C.

Therefore, after the collected toner and the unused toner are mixed in the toner container 8</b>C, they can be further mixed in the developing housing 431 and supplied to the photosensitive drum 41 .

As a result, the collected toner and the unused toner can be uniformly mixed and supplied to the photosensitive drum 41 .

(2) According to the cartridge 4C of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the collected toner receiving port 431D and the toner return port 431B are positioned outside the developable area in the first direction.

Therefore, the collected toner can be returned to the toner container 8C outside the developable area.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the collected toner that has entered the developing housing 431 from being supplied to the photosensitive drum 41 before returning to the toner container 8C.

(3) According to the cartridge 4C of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, at least a portion of the collected toner receiving port 431D is perpendicular to the first direction from the collected toner receiving port 431D toward the toner return port 431B. It overlaps with the toner return port 431B when viewed in the direction of .

Therefore, the collected toner that has entered the developing housing 431 through the collected toner receiving port 431D can be returned to the toner container 8C from the toner return port 431B without being transported in the first direction.

As a result, the collected toner can be smoothly returned to the toner container 8C.

(4) In the cartridge 4C of the third embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the cartridge 4A of the first embodiment.

8.3 Modification of Third Embodiment The toner receiving port 431A may be positioned at the other end of the developing housing 431 in the first direction. In this case, the developing housing 431 does not have the second toner return port 431C.

9. Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. In the fourth embodiment, members similar to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

A cartridge 4D of the fourth embodiment includes a drum cartridge 7D and a toner container 8D.

9.1 Drum cartridge 7D of the fourth embodiment
As shown in FIG. 18, in the drum cartridge 7D of the fourth embodiment, the toner receiving port 431A is positioned at one end of the developing housing 431 in the first direction. Specifically, the toner receiving port 431A is positioned at one end of the main body 4312 in the first direction. Further, the toner return port 431B is positioned at the other end of the developing housing 431 in the first direction. Specifically, the toner return port 431B is positioned at the other end of the main body 4312 in the first direction. The drum cartridge 7D does not have the second toner return port 431C. The collected toner receiving port 431D is positioned at one end of the developing housing 431 in the first direction, like the drum cartridge 7A (see FIG. 4) of the first embodiment. Specifically, the collected toner receiving port 431</b>D is positioned at the projecting portion 4313 . The developer conveying member 433 can convey the toner in the other direction in the first direction from the recovered toner receiving port 431D to the toner returning port 431B via the toner receiving port 431A.

9.2 Toner Container 8D of Fourth Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 19, in the toner container 8D of the fourth embodiment, the toner outlet 511A is positioned at one end of the toner housing 51 in the first direction. Also, the return toner receiving port 511B is positioned at the other end of the toner housing 51 in the first direction. The toner container 8D does not have the second return toner receiving port 511C. The toner conveying member 52 can convey toner in one direction in the first direction from the return toner receiving port 511B to the toner discharging port 511A.

9.3 Effects of Fourth Embodiment (1) According to the cartridge 4A of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 431, and the toner return port 431B is located at the other end of the developing housing 431 in the first direction.

Therefore, the collected toner entering the developing housing 431 through the collected toner receiving port 431D is transported from one end of the developing housing 431 to the other end of the developing housing 431 where the toner return port 431B is located. returned to vessel 8A.

As a result, the influence of the collected toner is generated uniformly over the entire width of the image forming area.

As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unevenness in the image in the first direction.

(2) With the cartridge 4D of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the cartridge 4A of the first embodiment.

9.4 Modifications of the Fourth Embodiment (1) The toner receiving port 431A is positioned at the other end of the developing housing 431 in the first direction, and the toner return port 431B is positioned at the developing housing 431 in the first direction. A collected toner receiving port 431D located at one end may be located at the projecting portion 4313 .

In this case, the developer transport member 433 includes a first developer transport member 433A that transports toner from the toner receiving port 431A toward the toner return port 431B, and a toner transport member that transports toner from the recovered toner receiving port 431D toward the toner return port 431B. and a developer second transport member 433B.

(2) The collected toner receiving port 431D and the toner receiving port 431A may be positioned at the projecting portion 4313, and the toner return port 431B may be positioned at the other end of the main body portion 4312 in the first direction.

(3) The collected toner receiving port 431D and the toner return port 431B may be positioned at the projecting portion 4313, and the toner receiving port 431A may be positioned at the other end of the main body portion 4312 in the first direction.

10. Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 23. FIG. In the fifth embodiment, members similar to those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

A cartridge 4E of the fifth embodiment includes a drum cartridge 7E and a toner container 8E.

10.1 Drum Cartridge 7E of Fifth Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 20, in the drum cartridge 7E of the fifth embodiment, the developing housing 431 does not have the toner receiving port 431A, the toner returning port 431B, and the second toner returning port 431C. and a developer flow port 100 .

In addition, in the drum cartridge 7E, the collected toner receiving port 431D is positioned at the central portion of the developing housing 431 in the first direction. The drum cartridge 7E does not have the projecting portion 4313 (see FIG. 6).

Further, as shown in FIG. 21, in the drum cartridge 7E, the toner tube 46 has a cylinder 460 having a collected toner discharge port 461. As shown in FIG. The cylinder 460 is inserted into the collected toner receiving port 431D. The seal member 47 is positioned between the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 460 and the inner peripheral surface of the collected toner receiving port 431D.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the developing housing 431 has a partition wall 101 in the drum cartridge 7E. In other words, the developing device 43 has the partition wall 101 .

Further, in the drum cartridge 7E, the developing device 43 does not have the developer conveying member 433, but has the first conveying member 102 and the second conveying member 103. As shown in FIG.

20 and 21, in the drum cartridge 7E, the developing device 43 does not have the developing shutter 434, but has the first shutter 104. As shown in FIGS.

10.1.1 Development flow port 100
As shown in FIG. 20, the development flow port 100 is located in the central portion of the development housing 431 in the first direction. Specifically, the developer flow port 100 is positioned in the central portion of the main body portion 4312 in the first direction. The developer circulation port 100 can receive the toner discharged from the toner circulation port 105 (see FIG. 23), and returns the toner to the toner circulation port 105 . The toner circulation port 105 will be described later. The development flow port 100 communicates with the development chamber 430 .

10.1.2 Collected Toner Receiving Port 431D
The collected toner receiving port 431D is located in the central portion of the developing housing 431 in the first direction. The collected toner receiving port 431D is located in the central portion of the main body portion 4312 in the first direction. At least a portion of the collected toner receiving port 431D overlaps with the developer flow port 100 when viewed from the collected toner receiving port 431D toward the developer flow port 100 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. As shown in FIG. 21, the collected toner receiving port 431D is provided on the upper wall of the main body portion 4312 of the developing housing 431. As shown in FIG. When the cartridge 4E is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the collected toner receiving port 431D is located above the developing flow port 100. As shown in FIG. As a result, the collected toner from the collected toner receiving port 431D can be returned to the toner container 8E from the developing flow port 100 by gravity.

10.1.3 Partition wall 101
As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the partition wall 101 is positioned inside the developer housing 431 . The partition wall 101 is positioned between the first conveying member 102 and the second conveying member 103 in the second direction. The second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. When the cartridge 4E is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the second direction is the vertical direction. The partition wall 101 is positioned between one end of the developer flow port 100 and the other end of the developer flow port 100 in the second direction. The partition wall 101 partitions the internal space of the developing housing 431 into a first developing chamber 430A and a second developing chamber 430B.

The first developing chamber 430A accommodates part of the developing roller 432 . The first developing chamber 430A is located apart from the collected toner receiving port 431D in the second direction. The first development chamber 430A communicates with one end of the development flow port 100 .

The second developing chamber 430B is positioned between the first developing chamber 430A and the collected toner receiving port 431D in the second direction. The second developing chamber 430B communicates with the collected toner receiving port 431D and the other end of the developing flow port 100. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 22, partition wall 101 has two openings 101A and 101B.

The opening 101A is located at one end of the partition wall 101 in the first direction. The opening 101A allows passage of toner from the first developing chamber 430A to the second developing chamber 430B.

The opening 101B is located at the other end of the partition wall 101 in the first direction. The opening 101B allows passage of toner from the first developing chamber 430A to the second developing chamber 430B.

10.1.4 First conveying member 102
As shown in FIG. 21, the first conveying member 102 is positioned inside the first developing chamber 430A. As shown in FIG. 22, the first conveying member 102 conveys the toner in the developing device 43 away from the developing flow port 100 in the first direction. Specifically, the first conveying member 102 conveys the toner in the first developing chamber 430A away from the developer flow port 100 in the first direction. More specifically, the first conveying member 102 conveys the toner in the first developing chamber 430A from the developer flow port 100 toward the opening 101A and from the developer flow port 100 toward the opening 101B. The first conveying member 102 is an auger screw. The first conveying member 102 may be a shaftless screw.

10.1.5 Second conveying member 103
As shown in FIG. 21, the second conveying member 103 is positioned inside the second developing chamber 430B. The first conveying member 102 and the second conveying member 103 are arranged in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 22, the second conveying member 103 conveys the toner in the developing device 43 in the first direction in the direction of approaching the developer flow port 100 . Specifically, the second conveying member 103 conveys the toner in the second developing chamber 430B in the first direction in the direction of approaching the developer flow port 100 . More specifically, the second conveying member 103 conveys the toner in the second developing chamber 430B from the opening 101A toward the developer flow port 100 and from the opening 101B toward the developer flow port 100. The second conveying member 103 is an auger screw. The second conveying member 103 may be a shaftless screw.

10.1.6 First shutter 104
As shown in FIG. 21, the first shutter 104 opens and closes the developer flow port 100 . The first shutter 104 is movable between a closed position and an open position. The first shutter 104 closes the developer flow port 100 while the first shutter 104 is positioned at the closed position. The developer flow port 100 is opened while the first shutter 104 is positioned at the open position.

As with the developing shutter 434 of the first embodiment, the first shutter 104 is configured such that when the toner container 8E is attached to the cartridge 4E, the user can remove the toner casing 51 and the second toner container 512 to the bottom plate 4314. is pushed by the projections 57A and 57B (see FIG. 23) of the toner container 8E to move from the closed position to the open position.

Further, the first shutter 104 is opened by the user rotating the toner housing 51 in a direction in which the second toner containing portion 512 is separated from the bottom plate 4314 in a state where the toner container 8E is attached to the cartridge 4E. Pushed by the second toner container 512, it moves from the open position to the closed position.

10.2 Toner Container 8E of Fifth Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 23, the toner housing 51 of the toner container 8E has a toner circulation port 105. As shown in FIG. The toner container 8</b>E has a third conveying member 106 and a second shutter 107 .

10.2.1 Toner distribution port 105
The toner circulation port 105 is positioned in the central portion of the developing housing 431 in the first direction. The toner circulation port 105 can discharge the toner in the toner container 8E and can receive the returned toner from the development circulation port 100 .

10.2.2 Third conveying member 106
The third conveying member 106 is positioned inside the first toner container 511 of the toner container 8E. The third conveying member 106 conveys the toner in the toner container 8E toward the toner circulation port 105. As shown in FIG. The third conveying member 106 has a shaft 106A and a plurality of blades 106B. Shaft 106A extends in a first direction. A plurality of blades 106B are arranged in the first direction. Each of the plurality of vanes 106B is attached to shaft 106A. Each of the plurality of vanes 106B is rotatable together with the shaft 106A.

10.2.3 Second shutter 107
A second shutter 107 opens and closes the toner circulation port 105 . The second shutter 107 is movable between a closed position and an open position. The second shutter 107 closes the toner circulation port 105 while the second shutter 107 is positioned at the closed position. The toner circulation port 105 is opened while the second shutter 107 is positioned at the open position.

As with the first toner shutter 55A of the first embodiment, the second shutter 107 is configured such that when the toner container 8E is attached to the cartridge 4E, the user can open the toner housing 51 and the second toner container 512 can be opened. By rotating it in a direction approaching the bottom plate 4314, it moves from the closed position to the open position.

In addition, the second shutter 107 is operated by the user rotating the toner housing 51 in the direction in which the second toner containing portion 512 is separated from the bottom plate 4314 while the toner container 8E is attached to the cartridge 4E. Move from the open position to the closed position.

10.3 Effects of Fifth Embodiment (1) According to the cartridge 4E of the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 431D is located above the development flow port 100. As shown in FIG.

Therefore, the collected toner can be transported from the collected toner receiving port 431D toward the developing flow port 100 using gravity.

As a result, the collected toner can be smoothly returned to the toner container 8E.

(2) According to the cartridge 4E of the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, at least a portion of the collected toner receiving port 431D extends perpendicularly to the first direction from the collected toner receiving port 431D toward the development flow port 100. It overlaps with the developer flow port 100 when viewed in the direction of the arrow.

Therefore, the collected toner that has entered the developing housing 431 through the collected toner receiving port 431D can be returned from the developing flow port 100 to the toner container 8E without being transported in the first direction.

As a result, the collected toner can be smoothly returned to the toner container 8E.

(3) According to the cartridge 4E of the fifth embodiment, the developing device 43 has the partition wall 101 as shown in FIG. The partition wall 101 partitions the internal space of the developing housing 431 into a first developing chamber 430A and a second developing chamber 430B. The first developing chamber 430A accommodates part of the developing roller 432 . The second developing chamber 430B communicates with the collected toner receiving port 431D.

Therefore, the partition wall 101 can prevent the collected toner that has entered the developing housing 431 from being supplied to the photosensitive drum 41 before being mixed with the unused toner.

(4) The cartridge 4E of the fifth embodiment can also obtain the same effect as the cartridge 4A of the first embodiment.

11. Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 26. FIG. In the sixth embodiment, members similar to those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

A cartridge 4F of the sixth embodiment includes a drum cartridge 7F and a toner container 8F.

11.1 Drum Cartridge 7F of Sixth Embodiment
As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the developing housing 431 has a partition wall 201 in the drum cartridge 7F. In other words, the developing device 43 has the partition wall 201 .

Further, in the drum cartridge 7F, the developing device 43 does not have the developer conveying member 433, but has the first conveying member 202 and the second conveying member 203. As shown in FIG.

11.1.1 Partition wall 201
As shown in FIG. 24, the partition wall 201 is positioned inside the developer housing 431 . The partition wall 201 is positioned between the first conveying member 202 and the second conveying member 203 . The partition wall 201 is positioned between the first conveying member 202 and the second conveying member 203 in the horizontal direction when the cartridge 4F is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 . The partition wall 201 partitions the internal space of the developing housing 431 into a first developing chamber 430A and a second developing chamber 430B.

The first developing chamber 430A accommodates part of the developing roller 432 . The first developing chamber 430A is located away from the toner receiving port 431A. When the cartridge 4F is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the first developing chamber 430A is positioned apart from the toner receiving port 431A in the horizontal direction.

The second developing chamber 430B is located between the first developing chamber 430A and the toner receiving port 431A. When the cartridge 4F is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the second developing chamber 430B is horizontally positioned between the first developing chamber 430A and the toner receiving port 431A. As shown in FIG. 25, the second developing chamber 430B communicates with a toner receiving port 431A, a toner return port 431B, and a second toner return port 431C. Also, the second developing chamber 430B communicates with the internal space of the projecting portion 4313 . Similar to the drum cartridge 7A of the first embodiment, the projecting portion 4313 has a collected toner receiving port 431D. Therefore, the second developing chamber 430B communicates with the collected toner receiving port 431D through the inner space of the projecting portion 4313. As shown in FIG.

Partition wall 201 has three openings 201A, 201B, and 201C.

201 A of openings are located in the center part of the partition wall 201 in a 1st direction. The opening 201A allows passage of toner from the second developing chamber 430B to the first developing chamber 430A.

The opening 201B is located at one end of the partition wall 201 in the first direction. The opening 201B allows passage of toner from the first developing chamber 430A to the second developing chamber 430B.

The opening 201C is located at the other end of the partition wall 201 in the first direction. The opening 201C allows passage of toner from the first developing chamber 430A to the second developing chamber 430B.

11.1.2 First transport member 202
As shown in FIG. 24, the first conveying member 202 is positioned inside the first developing chamber 430A. As shown in FIG. 25, the first conveying member 202 conveys the toner in the developing device 43 in the first direction away from the toner receiving port 431A. Specifically, the first conveying member 202 conveys the toner in the first developing chamber 430A from the opening 201A toward the opening 201B and from the opening 201A toward the opening 201C. The first conveying member 202 is an auger screw. The first conveying member 202 may be a shaftless screw.

11.1.3 Second conveying member 203
As shown in FIG. 24, the second conveying member 203 is positioned inside the second developing chamber 430B. As shown in FIG. 25, the second conveying member 203 conveys the toner in the developing device 43 in the first direction toward the toner return port 431B and the second toner return port 431C. Specifically, the second conveying member 203 conveys the toner in the second developing chamber 430B from the opening 201B toward the toner return port 431B and from the opening 201C toward the second toner return port 431C. The second conveying member 203 is an auger screw. The second conveying member 203 may be a shaftless screw.

11.2 Toner Container 8F of Sixth Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 26, in the toner container 8F, the toner housing 51 has a partition wall 204 instead of the partition wall 513 (see FIG. 9).

Further, the toner container 8F has a toner conveying member 205 instead of the toner conveying member 52 (see FIG. 9).

11.2.1 Partition 204
The partition wall 204 is positioned between the first toner containing portion 511 and the second toner containing portion 512 . The partition wall 204 partitions the first toner containing portion 511 and the second toner containing portion 512 . Partition 204 has four flow ports 204A, 204B, 204C, and 204D.

The circulation port 204A is located between the toner discharge port 511A and the return toner reception port 511B in the first direction. The circulation port 204</b>A allows the toner to flow between the first toner storage portion 511 and the second toner storage portion 512 .

The circulation port 204B is located between the toner discharge port 511A and the second return toner reception port 511C in the first direction. The flow port 204B is located apart from the flow port 204A in the first direction. The circulation port 204</b>B allows the toner to flow between the first toner storage portion 511 and the second toner storage portion 512 .

The circulation port 204C is located on the side opposite to the toner discharge port 511A with respect to the return toner reception port 511B in the first direction. The flow port 204C is positioned apart from the flow port 204A in the first direction. The circulation port 204</b>C allows the toner to flow between the first toner storage portion 511 and the second toner storage portion 512 .

The circulation port 204D is located on the side opposite to the toner discharge port 511A with respect to the second return toner reception port 511C in the first direction. The flow port 204D is positioned apart from the flow port 204B in the first direction. The circulation port 204</b>D allows the toner to flow between the first toner storage portion 511 and the second toner storage portion 512 .

11.2.2 Toner transport member 205
The toner conveying member 205 is positioned inside the first toner containing portion 511 . The toner conveying member 205 has a first toner conveying member 205A, a second toner conveying member 205B, a third toner conveying member 205C, and a fourth toner conveying member 205D.

The first toner conveying member 205A can convey the toner in the first toner containing portion 511 in the first direction. The first toner conveying member 205A conveys toner from the circulation port 204A toward the toner discharge port 511A. The first toner conveying member 205A extends in the first direction. The first toner conveying member 205A extends from the circulation port 204A to the toner discharge port 511A. In this embodiment, the first toner conveying member 205A is an auger screw.

The second toner conveying member 205B can convey the toner in the first toner containing portion 511 in the first direction. The second toner conveying member 205B conveys the toner from the circulation port 204B toward the toner discharge port 511A. The second toner conveying member 205B extends in the first direction. The second toner conveying member 205B extends from the circulation port 204B to the toner discharge port 511A. In this embodiment, the second toner conveying member 205B is an auger screw. The second toner conveying member 205B is rotatable together with the first toner conveying member 205A.

The third toner conveying member 205C can convey the toner in the first toner containing portion 511 in the first direction. The third toner conveying member 205C conveys the toner from the return toner receiving port 511B toward the circulation port 204C. The third toner conveying member 205C extends in the first direction. The third toner conveying member 205C extends from the return toner receiving port 511B to the circulation port 204C. In this embodiment, the third toner conveying member 205C is an auger screw. The third toner conveying member 205C is rotatable together with the first toner conveying member 205A.

The fourth toner conveying member 205D can convey the toner in the first toner containing portion 511 in the first direction. The fourth toner conveying member 205D conveys the toner from the second return toner receiving port 511C toward the circulation port 204D. The fourth toner conveying member 205D extends in the first direction. The fourth toner conveying member 205D extends from the second return toner receiving port 511C to the circulation port 204D. In this embodiment, the fourth toner conveying member 205D is an auger screw. The fourth toner conveying member 205D is rotatable together with the second toner conveying member 205B.

11.3 Effects of Sixth Embodiment (1) According to the cartridge 4F of the sixth embodiment, the developing device 43 has the partition wall 201 as shown in FIG. The partition wall 201 partitions the internal space of the developing housing 431 into a first developing chamber 430A and a second developing chamber 430B. The first developing chamber 430A accommodates part of the developing roller 432 . As shown in FIG. 25, the second developing chamber 430B communicates with a toner receiving port 431A and a toner returning port 431B. The second developing chamber 430B communicates with the collected toner receiving port 431D through the inner space of the projecting portion 4313. As shown in FIG.

Therefore, the partition wall 201 can prevent the collected toner entering the developing housing 431 from being supplied to the photosensitive drum 41 before being mixed with the unused toner.

(2) With the cartridge 4F of the sixth embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the cartridge 4A of the first embodiment.

1 Image forming apparatus 4A Cartridge 4B Cartridge 4C Cartridge 4D Cartridge 4E Cartridge 4F Cartridge 8A Toner container 8B Toner container 8C Toner container 8D Toner container 8E Toner container 8F Toner container 9A Detecting member 9B Detecting member 10 Control unit 41 Photosensitive drum 43 Developing device 44 Drum frame 45 Drum cleaner 46 Toner tube 47 Sealing member 48 Collected toner conveying member 52A First toner conveying member 52B Second toner conveying member 55A First toner shutter 55B Second toner shutter 100 Development flow port 101 Partition wall 102 first conveying member 103 second conveying member 104 first shutter 105 toner circulation port 106 third conveying member 107 second shutter 201 partition wall 202 first conveying member 203 second conveying member 430A first developing chamber 430B second developing Chamber 431 Developing housing 431A Toner receiving port 431B Toner returning port 431C Second toner returning port 431D Collected toner receiving port 432 Developing roller 433A First developer conveying member 433B Second developer conveying member 433C Third developer conveying member 434A First developer shutter 434B Developing second shutter 511 First toner storage unit 511A Toner discharge port 511B Return toner reception port 511C Second return toner reception port 512 Second toner storage unit A1 First shaft E1 Upstream end E2 Downstream end

Claims (44)

a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction;
a toner container capable of containing toner;
A developing device capable of supplying the toner in the toner container to the photosensitive drum, comprising: a developing housing capable of containing the toner from the toner containing container; and a developing roller rotatably supported by the developing housing. and a developing device having
a drum cleaner capable of cleaning the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum;
a toner tube that allows passage of collected toner, which is the toner removed from the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum by the drum cleaner, and is connected to the developing housing;
with
The toner container is
a toner outlet through which the toner in the toner container can be discharged;
a return toner receiving port capable of receiving return toner, which is toner returning from the developing device to the toner container;
has
The development housing is
a toner receiving port capable of receiving toner discharged from the toner discharging port;
a collected toner receiving port capable of receiving collected toner from the toner tube;
a toner return port for returning toner to the return toner receiving port;
A cartridge. The developing device
2. The cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a developer first conveying member that conveys toner from said toner receiving port toward said toner return port. The first developer conveying member extends in the first direction, can convey the toner in the first direction, and has an upstream end and a downstream end in a toner conveying direction from the toner receiving port to the toner returning port. and
the toner return port overlaps the downstream end of the first developer transport member when viewed from the toner return port toward the first developer transport member in a direction orthogonal to the first direction;
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the toner receiving port overlaps the upstream end of the first developing transport member when viewed from the toner receiving port toward the first developer transport member in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. cartridge. The toner container is
4. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a toner first conveying member that conveys toner from the return toner receiving port toward the toner discharge port. The developing device
5. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a developer second conveying member that conveys toner from the collected toner receiving port toward the toner return port. 6. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the collected toner receiving port is located above the toner return port when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus. 7. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said collected toner receiving port and said toner return port are positioned at one end of said developing housing in said first direction. 8. The cartridge according to claim 7, wherein said collected toner receiving port and said toner return port are positioned outside a developable area, which is an area in which said developing roller can supply toner to said photosensitive drum, in said first direction. . 9. At least part of the collected toner receiving port overlaps with the toner returning port when viewed from the collected toner receiving port toward the toner return port in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. A cartridge according to any one of Claims 1 to 3. 10. The cartridge according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the toner receiving port is positioned at the other end of the developing housing in the first direction. The toner receiving port is positioned at a central portion of the developing housing in the first direction,
The development housing is
8. The apparatus further comprises a second toner return port for returning toner to the toner container, the second toner return port being located at the other end of the developing housing in the first direction. Item 10. The cartridge according to any one of Item 9. The toner container is
12. The cartridge according to claim 11, further comprising a second return toner receiving port capable of receiving toner returning from said second toner returning port to said toner container. The toner container is
13. The cartridge according to claim 12, further comprising a toner second conveying member that conveys toner from said second return toner inlet toward said toner outlet. The developing device
14. The cartridge according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising a developing third conveying member that conveys toner from said toner receiving port toward said second toner returning port. The collected toner receiving port is positioned at one end of the developing housing in the first direction,
7. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said toner return port is positioned at the other end of said developing housing in said first direction. 16. The cartridge according to claim 15, wherein said toner receiving port is located at one end of said developer housing in said first direction. the collected toner receiving port is positioned at a central portion of the developing housing in the first direction;
The toner return port is positioned at one end of the developing housing in the first direction,
The development housing is
7. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second toner return port positioned at the other end of said developing housing in said first direction. The toner container is
18. The cartridge according to claim 17, further comprising a second return toner receiving port capable of receiving toner returning from said second toner returning port to said toner container. The toner container is
19. The cartridge according to claim 18, further comprising a toner second conveying member that conveys toner from said second return toner inlet toward said toner outlet. The developing device
20. The cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising a developer third conveying member that conveys toner from the toner receiving port toward the second toner return port. 21. The cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein said toner receiving port is positioned at a central portion of said developing housing in said first direction. The developing device
A partition wall that partitions the inner space of the developing housing into a first developing chamber that houses a portion of the developing roller and a second developing chamber that communicates with the toner receiving port, the collected toner receiving port, and the toner returning port. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, comprising: The developing device
a first conveying member positioned in the first developing chamber;
and a second transport member positioned within the second development chamber. The developing device
a development first shutter that opens and closes the toner receiving port;
24. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 23, further comprising a second development shutter that opens and closes the toner return port. The toner container is
a toner first shutter that opens and closes the toner outlet;
25. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising a toner second shutter that opens and closes the return toner receiving port. a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction;
a toner container capable of containing toner;
A developing device capable of supplying the toner in the toner container to the photosensitive drum, comprising: a developing housing capable of containing the toner from the toner containing container; and a developing roller rotatably supported by the developing housing. and a developing device having
a drum cleaner capable of cleaning the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum;
a toner tube that allows passage of toner removed from the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum by the drum cleaner, the toner tube being connected to the developing housing;
with
The toner container is
a toner circulation port capable of discharging toner in the toner container and receiving return toner, which is toner returning from the developing device to the toner container;
The development housing is
a collected toner receiving port capable of receiving collected toner from the toner tube;
a developing flow port capable of receiving the toner discharged from the toner flow port and returning the toner to the toner flow port;
A cartridge. 27. A cartridge according to claim 26, wherein said collected toner receiving port is located above said developing flow port when said cartridge is mounted in an image forming apparatus. (26) or (27), wherein at least part of the collected toner receiving port overlaps with the developing channel when viewed from the collected toner receiving port toward the developing channel in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. cartridge described in . The developing device
a first conveying member that conveys the toner in the developing device in the first direction in a direction away from the developer flow opening;
29. The cartridge according to any one of claims 26 to 28, further comprising a second conveying member that conveys the toner in the developing device in the first direction in a direction closer to the developer flow port. The developing device
30. The cartridge of claim 29, comprising a partition wall located between said first transport member and said second transport member. the partition wall partitions the internal space of the developing housing into a first developing chamber accommodating a portion of the developing roller and a second developing chamber communicating with the collected toner receiving port;
The first conveying member is positioned inside the first developing chamber,
31. A cartridge according to claim 30, wherein said second conveying member is positioned within said second developing chamber. The first conveying member and the second conveying member are arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction,
32. The cartridge according to claim 30, wherein said partition wall is positioned between one end of said developer flow port and the other end of said developer flow port in the second direction. The toner container is
33. The cartridge according to any one of claims 26 to 32, further comprising a third conveying member that conveys the toner in the toner container toward the toner circulation port. The developing device
34. A cartridge according to any one of claims 26 to 33, comprising a first shutter that opens and closes said developer flow port. The toner container is
35. A cartridge according to any one of claims 26 to 34, further comprising a second shutter for opening and closing said toner circulation port. 36. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein the toner container is replaceable with respect to the cartridge. The cartridge is
37. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 36, further comprising a collected toner conveying member that conveys collected toner in said toner tube. 38. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein said toner tube passes on one side of said developing roller in said first direction. The cartridge is
further comprising a drum frame that supports the photosensitive drum;
The toner tube is fixed to the drum frame,
39. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein said developing device is supported by said drum frame and movable with respect to said photosensitive drum. The cartridge is
40. The cartridge according to claim 39, further comprising a sealing member located around said collected toner receiving port and sealing between said toner tube and said developing device. An image forming apparatus to which the cartridge according to claim 36 can be attached,
The image forming apparatus is
a detection member for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner container in a state in which the cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus;
further comprising a control unit;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit executes processing for exchanging the toner container when the detection member detects that the remaining amount of toner in the toner container is equal to or less than a threshold value. 42. The image forming apparatus according to claim 41, wherein said threshold is 1/2 of the amount of toner in said developing device. 42. The image forming apparatus according to claim 41, wherein said threshold value is the same amount as the amount of toner in said developing device. The toner container is
a first toner container for containing toner to be supplied to the developing housing;
a second toner storage unit that stores the toner supplied to the first toner storage unit;
44. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Claims 41 to 43, wherein the detection member detects the remaining amount of toner in the second toner container.

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