JP2023067650A - Process cartridge, image forming apparatus, and toner container - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

The present invention relates to process cartridges, image forming apparatuses, and toner containers.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a cartridge that is mounted in an image forming apparatus and that can convey toner in a toner container from bottom to top (see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2009-265537 A

With the cartridge as described in JP-A-2003-200013, it is difficult to convey a sufficient amount of toner from the toner container to the developing unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a process cartridge, an image forming apparatus, and a toner container capable of conveying a sufficient amount of toner from a toner container to a developing unit.

(1) The process cartridge of the present disclosure can be installed in an image forming apparatus having a transfer device. A process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a developing unit, and a toner container.

The photosensitive drum is rotatable about a drum shaft. The drum shaft extends in the first direction. When the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum is positioned below the transfer device.

The development unit has a development roller and a development housing. The developing roller can supply toner to the photosensitive drum. The developing housing supports the developing roller. The development housing can accommodate toner. The developer housing has a developer receiving port. The developer receiving port is capable of receiving toner.

The toner container has a first toner container, a second toner container, a first toner conveying member, and a second toner conveying member. The first toner container can contain toner. When the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the second toner container is positioned above the first toner container. The second toner container has a toner outlet. The toner discharge port can discharge toner toward the development receiving port. The first toner conveying member is positioned within the first toner container. The first toner conveying member is capable of conveying the toner in the first toner containing portion upward toward the second toner containing portion in a range wider than the toner outlet in the first direction. The second toner conveying member is positioned inside the second toner container. The second toner conveying member is capable of conveying the toner in the second toner container in the first direction toward the toner outlet.

According to such a configuration, the first toner conveying member can convey toner from the first toner containing portion to the second toner containing portion in a range wider than the toner outlet in the first direction.

Therefore, a larger amount of toner than the amount of toner flowing into the developing housing from the toner outlet can be conveyed from the first toner containing portion to the second toner containing portion.

As a result, a sufficient amount of toner can be conveyed from the second toner container of the toner container to the developing housing.

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

(3) The toner container may have a toner shutter. The toner shutter is movable between a toner closed position and a toner open position. The toner shutter closes the toner outlet while the toner shutter is positioned at the toner closed position. The toner outlet is opened while the toner shutter is positioned at the toner open position.

(4) The development unit may have a development shutter. The development shutter is movable between a development closed position and a development open position. The development shutter closes the development receiving opening while the development shutter is positioned at the development closing position. The developer receiving port is opened while the developer shutter is positioned at the developer open position.

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

According to such a configuration, the user can open the development shutter by locking the toner container to the development unit, and close the development shutter by unlocking the toner container from the development unit. can be done.

Therefore, the user does not need to separately lock or unlock the toner container with respect to the developing unit and open/close the developing shutter, thereby improving the operability.

In addition, it is possible to prevent forgetting to close the developing shutter when removing the toner container from the developing unit.

(6) With the toner container attached to the developing unit, the toner shutter may move from the toner open position to the toner closed position as the developer shutter moves from the development open position to the development close position. . With the toner container attached to the development unit, the toner shutter may move from the toner closed position to the toner open position as the development shutter moves from the development closed position to the development open position.

According to such a configuration, the user can open not only the development shutter but also the toner shutter by locking the toner container to the developing unit, and by unlocking the toner container from the developing unit, Not only the developing shutter but also the toner shutter can be closed.

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

In addition, it is possible to prevent forgetting to close the toner shutter when removing the toner container from the developing unit.

(7) The development housing may have a first frame and a second frame. The first frame has a developer receiving port. The second frame has guides. The guide guides attachment and detachment of the toner container.

(8) The development housing may have a development outlet. The development discharge port can discharge the toner in the development housing.

(9) The toner container may have a toner receiving port. The toner receiving port can receive toner discharged from the developing discharge port.

According to such a configuration, the toner in the developing housing can be returned to the toner container through the toner receiving port.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the toner from remaining in the developing housing.

As a result, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the toner in the developing housing.

(10) The first toner container may have a toner receiving port.

According to such a configuration, the toner in the developing housing can be returned to the first toner container.

As a result, it becomes possible to circulate the toner between the developing housing, the first toner containing portion, and the second toner containing portion, thereby further suppressing deterioration of the toner.

(11) The first toner container may be positioned below the developing unit when the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus.

According to such a configuration, gravity can be used to smoothly return the toner in the developing housing to the first toner container.

(12) The process cartridge may further include a drum cleaner and a toner tube. 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.

With such a configuration, the toner collected from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum can be reused for development.

In this case, a certain amount of the collected toner contains poorly charged toner, which may cause a problem of poor printing.

However, since the toner is agitated by circulating between the first toner storage unit, the second toner storage unit, and the developing housing, and the toner with poor chargeability is diluted, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of printing problems. .

(13) The first toner conveying member may have a shaft and a blade. The shaft extends in a first direction. The vane rotates together with the shaft to carry the toner upward toward the second toner containing portion. The vane is longer than the toner outlet in the first direction.

According to such a configuration, the first toner conveying member can convey toner from the first toner containing portion to the second toner containing portion in a range wider than the toner outlet in the first direction.

(14) The volume of the first toner containing portion may be larger than the volume of the second toner containing portion.

(15) At least a portion of the first toner containing portion may be positioned below the developing roller of the developing unit. The process cartridge may further include a third toner conveying member. The third toner conveying member is positioned below the developing housing and can convey toner toward the first toner conveying member.

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

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining movement of the drawer shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process cartridge shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drum frame shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the developing unit shown in FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 3 taken along the line AA. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the developing unit shown in FIG. 5, showing a state where the developing shutter is positioned at the developing close position. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the developing unit shown in FIG. 5, showing a state where the developing shutter is positioned at the developing open position. 9 is a perspective view of the toner container shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the toner container shown in FIG. 9. FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the toner container shown in FIG. 10, showing a state in which the toner shutter is positioned at the toner closed position. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the toner container shown in FIG. 10, showing a state in which the toner shutter is positioned at the toner open position. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a modified developing unit. 14 is a side view of the modified drum frame shown in FIG. 13. FIG.

1. Image forming apparatus 1
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 cover 3, a sheet cassette 4, a drawer 5, a plurality of process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C and 6K, an exposure device 7, A transfer device 8 and a fixing device 9 are provided.

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

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

1.3 Sheet cassette 4
As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet cassette 4 can accommodate sheets S. As shown in FIG. A sheet S in the sheet cassette 4 is conveyed toward the secondary transfer roller 83 . The secondary transfer roller 83 will be described later.

1.4 Drawer 5
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the cover 3 in the open position, the drawer 5 moves through the opening 21 between the retracted position (see FIG. 1) and the drawn position (see FIG. 2). It is movable. As shown in FIG. 1, the drawer 5 is accommodated in the main housing 2 while the drawer 5 is positioned at the accommodation position. As shown in FIG. 2, the drawer 5 is pulled out of the main body housing 2 while the drawer 5 is in the pulled-out position.

1.5 Process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K
As shown in FIG. 1, each of the process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K can be installed in the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. Each of the process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K can be mounted inside the main housing 2. As shown in FIG. The process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K are arranged in the drawer 5 moving direction.

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

Each of the process cartridges 6M, 6C, 6K will be described in the same manner as the process cartridge 6Y. That is, the process cartridge 6M has a drum cartridge 6MA and a toner container 6MB. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 includes drum cartridges 6YA, 6MA and toner containers 6YB, 6MB. A description of each of the process cartridges 6M, 6C, and 6K is omitted.

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

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

1.5.1.1 Photosensitive drum 61Y
The photosensitive drum 61Y extends in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 61Y has a cylindrical shape. The photosensitive drum 61Y is rotatable about the drum axis A1. The drum axis A1 extends in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 61</b>Y is positioned below the transfer device 8 when the process cartridge 6</b>Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 .

1.5.1.2 Charging device 62Y
The charging device 62Y charges the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y. The charging device 62Y is specifically a charging roller. The charging device 62Y may be a scorotron charger.

1.5.1.3 Development unit 63Y
The developing unit 63Y can supply toner to the photosensitive drum 61Y. The development unit 63Y has a development roller 631Y and a development housing 632Y.

The developing roller 631Y can supply the toner in the developing housing 632Y to the photosensitive drum 61Y. The developing roller 631Y contacts the photosensitive drum 61Y. The developing roller 631Y may be separated from the photosensitive drum 61Y. The developing roller 631Y extends in the first direction. The developing roller 631Y has a cylindrical shape. The development roller 631Y is rotatable about the development axis A2. The development axis A2 extends in the first direction.

The development housing 632Y supports the development roller 631Y. The developing housing 632Y can accommodate toner from the toner container 6YB.

1.5.2 Toner container 6YB
The toner container 6YB can contain toner to be supplied to the developing unit 63Y. The toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA. Specifically, the toner container 6YB is a toner cartridge that is detachable from the developing unit 63Y.

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

1.6 Exposure device 7
The exposure device 7 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y charged by the charging device 62Y, the surface of the photosensitive drum 61M charged by the charging device 62M, the surface of the photosensitive drum 61C charged by the charging device 62C, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 61C charged by the charging device 62K. The surface of the charged photosensitive drum 61K can be exposed. In this embodiment, the exposure device 7 is a laser scanning unit. The exposure device 7 may be an LED array.

With the process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C and 6K attached to the drawer 5 and the drawer 5 positioned at the housing position, the exposure device 7 is positioned below the process cartridges 6Y, 6M, 6C and 6K.

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

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

1.7.1 Intermediate transfer belt 81
With the drum cartridges 6YA, 6MA, 6CA, and 6KA attached to the drawer 5, the drawer 5 positioned at the accommodation position, and the cover 3 positioned at the closed position, the intermediate transfer belt 81 moves the photosensitive drums 61Y, 61M, 61C, 61Y, 61M, 61C, Contact with 61K. With the drum cartridges 6YA, 6MA, 6CA, and 6KA attached to the drawer 5 and the drawer 5 positioned at the storage position, the intermediate transfer belt 81 is positioned between the photosensitive drum 61Y and the primary transfer roller 82Y, between the photosensitive drum 61M and the primary transfer roller 82Y. It passes between the transfer roller 82M, between the photosensitive drum 61C and the primary transfer roller 82C, and between the photosensitive drum 61K and the primary transfer roller 82K.

1.7.2 Primary transfer rollers 82Y, 82M, 82C, 82K
The primary transfer roller 82Y transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 61Y to the intermediate transfer belt 81. As shown in FIG. The primary transfer roller 82M transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 61K to the intermediate transfer belt 81. As shown in FIG. A primary transfer roller 82</b>C transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 61</b>C to the intermediate transfer belt 81 . The primary transfer roller 82K transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum 61K to the intermediate transfer belt 81. As shown in FIG.

1.7.3 Secondary transfer roller 83
A secondary transfer roller 83 contacts the intermediate transfer belt 81 . A sheet S conveyed from the sheet cassette 4 passes between the intermediate transfer belt 81 and the secondary transfer roller 83 . At this time, the secondary transfer roller 83 transfers the toner transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 81 onto the sheet S. As shown in FIG.

1.8 Fixing device 9
The fixing device 9 heats and presses the sheet S onto which the toner has been transferred, thereby fixing the toner onto the sheet S. As shown in FIG. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 9 is ejected onto the upper surface of the main housing 2 .

2. Details of Process Cartridge 6Y Details of the process cartridge 6Y will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 12. FIG.

2.1 Drum cartridge 6YA
As shown in FIG. 3, the drum cartridge 6YA has a drum frame 64Y, a drum cleaner 65Y, and a handle 66Y in addition to the photosensitive drum 61Y, charging device 62Y and developing unit 63Y described above. In other words, the process cartridge 6Y has a drum cleaner 65Y.

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

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

The second direction is the horizontal direction when the image forming apparatus 1 is placed on a horizontal surface and the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 . The second direction intersects the first direction. Preferably, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. When the image forming apparatus 1 is placed on a horizontal surface and the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the third direction is the vertical direction. The third direction intersects the first direction and the second direction. Preferably, the third direction is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

The hole 6411A is located away from the photosensitive drum 61Y in the fourth direction. The fourth direction is the direction connecting the drum axis A1 (see FIG. 3) and the developing axis A2 (see FIG. 3). Hole 6411A is an elongated hole. Hole 6411A extends in the fourth direction.

The hole 6412A is positioned between the photosensitive drum 61Y and the hole 6411A in the fourth direction. Hole 6412A is an elongated hole. Hole 6412A extends in the fourth direction.

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

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

The hole 6412B is positioned between the photosensitive drum 61Y and the hole 6411B in the fourth direction. Hole 6412B is an elongated hole. Hole 6412B extends in the fourth direction.

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

2.1.2.1 Details of Development Housing 632Y As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the development housing 632Y has a first frame 632A and a second frame 632B.

2.1.2.1.1 First frame 632A
The first frame 632A supports the developing roller 631Y. The first frame 632A accommodates the supply roller 633Y and the toner conveying member 634Y. With the toner container 6YB attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the first frame 632A can contain toner from the toner container 6YB. The first frame 632A extends in the first direction. The first frame 632A has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 3, the first frame 632A has a developer inlet 6321 and two developer outlets 6322A and 6322B (see FIG. 6). In other words, the developer housing 632Y has a developer receiving port 6321 and two developer discharge ports 6322A and 6322B.

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

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

The developer discharge port 6322B is located at the other end of the first frame 632A in the first direction. The developer discharge port 6322B can discharge the toner in the developer housing 632Y. Specifically, the developer discharge port 6322B can discharge the toner in the first frame 632A. The developer outlet 6322B communicates with the internal space of the first frame 632A. As shown in FIG. 3, when the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the developer discharge port 6322B is positioned below the supply roller 633Y. When the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the developer discharge port 6322B is located below the toner conveying member 634Y.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2.1.2.4 Development shutter 635Y
As shown in FIG. 5, the developing shutter 635Y is attached to the first frame 632A. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the development shutter 635Y is movable between a development closed position (see FIG. 7) and a development open position (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 7, the development shutter 635Y closes the development reception port 6321 and the development discharge ports 6322A and 6322B while the development shutter 635Y is positioned at the development closing position. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the developer receiving port 6321 and the developer discharge ports 6322A and 6322B are opened when the developer shutter 635Y is positioned at the development open position. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the developing shutter 635Y has a developing shutter main body 6351 and two engaging portions 6352A (see FIG. 5) and 6352B (see FIG. 7).

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

As shown in FIG. 5, the engaging portion 6352A is positioned at one end of the developing shutter 635Y in the first direction. With the toner container 6YB attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the engaging portion 6352A engages with the engaging portion 693A (see FIG. 9) of the toner container 6YB. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 6352A is a gear. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the engaging portion 6352A engages with the engaging portion 693A of the toner container 6YB. The engaging portion 6352A is not limited to a gear as long as the locking member 69Y (see FIG. 9) of the toner container 6YB and the developing shutter 635Y can be interlocked.

As shown in FIG. 7, the engaging portion 6352B is positioned at the other end of the developing shutter 635Y in the first direction. With the toner container 6YB attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the engaging portion 6352B engages with the engaging portion 693B (see FIG. 9) of the toner container 6YB. Engagement portion 6352B is described similarly to engagement portion 6352A. Therefore, description of the engaging portion 6352B is omitted.

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

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

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

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

The projection 636A fits into the hole 6411A of the drum side plate 641A, the projection 637A fits into the hole 6412A of the drum side plate 641A, the projection 636B fits into the hole 6411B of the drum side plate 641B, and the projection 637B fits into the hole 6412B of the drum side plate 641B. As a result, the developing unit 63Y can move in the fourth direction with respect to the photosensitive drum 61Y.

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

As shown in FIG. 4, the cleaner housing 651 extends in the first direction. One end of the cleaner housing 651 in the first direction is connected to the drum side plate 641A. The other end of the cleaner housing 651 in the first direction is connected to the drum side plate 641B. Cleaner housing 651 has opening 6511 .

The cleaning member 652 cleans the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y. Cleaning member 652 extends in a first direction. The cleaning member 652 has a plate shape. The edge of the cleaning member 652 contacts the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y. When the photosensitive drum 61Y rotates, the toner remaining on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y without being transferred onto the sheet S comes into contact with the edge of the cleaning member 652 and is removed from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y. The removed toner enters cleaner housing 651 through opening 6511 .

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

The handle grip 661 is the part that is grasped by the user. Handle grip 661 extends in a first direction. Handle grip 661 has a cylindrical shape.

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

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

2.2 Toner container 6YB
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the toner container 6YB has a container body 67Y, a toner shutter 68Y, a lock member 69Y, two protrusions 70A and 71A, and two protrusions 70B and 71B. That is, the process cartridge 6Y has a locking member 69Y.

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

2.2.1.1 First toner container 671
The first toner containing portion 671 can contain toner. When the process cartridge 6</b>Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 , the first toner containing portion 671 is positioned below the second toner containing portion 672 . When the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, at least part of the first toner containing portion 671 is located below the developing unit 63Y (see FIG. 3). At least part of the first toner containing portion 671 is positioned below the developing roller 631Y (see FIG. 3) of the developing unit 63Y. The volume of the first toner containing portion 671 is larger than the volume of the second toner containing portion 672 . As shown in FIG. 9, the first toner containing portion 671 has two toner receiving openings 6711A and 6711B. In other words, the toner container 6YB has two toner receiving openings 6711A and 6711B.

The toner receiving port 6711A is positioned at one end of the first toner containing portion 671 in the first direction. The toner receiving port 6711 A communicates with the internal space of the first toner containing portion 671 . With the toner container 6YB attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the toner receiving port 6711A communicates with the developer discharge port 6322A (see FIG. 6). With the toner container 6YB attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the toner receiving port 6711A can receive toner discharged from the developer discharging port 6322A.

The toner receiving port 6711B is positioned at the other end of the first toner containing portion 671 in the first direction. The toner receiving port 6711B communicates with the internal space of the first toner containing portion 671. As shown in FIG. With the toner container 6YB attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the toner receiving port 6711B communicates with the developer discharging port 6322B (see FIG. 6). With the toner container 6YB attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the toner receiving port 6711B can receive toner discharged from the developing discharge port 6322B.

2.2.1.2 Second toner container 672
As shown in FIG. 11, the second toner containing portion 672 can contain toner conveyed from the first toner containing portion 671 . The second toner containing portion 672 is positioned above the first toner containing portion 671 when the process cartridge 6</b>Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 . With the process cartridge 6Y attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the second toner containing portion 672 is aligned with the developing unit 63Y (see FIG. 3) in the second direction. The second toner containing portion 672 has a toner discharge port 672A.

The toner outlet 672</b>A communicates with the internal space of the second toner containing portion 672 . As shown in FIG. 9, the toner discharge port 672A is located in the central portion of the second toner containing portion 672 in the first direction. With the toner container 6YB attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the toner discharge port 672A communicates with the developer receiving port 6321 (see FIG. 6). The toner discharge port 672A can discharge toner toward the developer receiving port 6321 in a state where the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA.

2.2.1.3 First toner conveying member 673
The first toner conveying member 673 is positioned inside the first toner containing portion 671 . The first toner conveying member 673 can convey the toner in the first toner containing portion 671 toward the second toner containing portion 672 . Specifically, the first toner conveying member 673 has a shaft 673A and blades 673B.

Shaft 673A extends in the first direction. Shaft 673A is rotatable about axis A4. Axis A4 extends in the first direction.

Blade 673B is attached to shaft 673A. Blade 673B is rotatable with shaft 673A. When the shaft 673A rotates, the vane 673B rotates together with the shaft 673A and conveys the toner upward toward the second toner containing portion 672. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the blade 673B is longer than the toner outlet 672A in the first direction. The length of the blade 673B in the first direction is substantially the same as the length of the internal space of the first toner containing portion 671 in the first direction. Blade 673B extends across the entire width of the internal space of first toner containing portion 671 in the first direction. Accordingly, the first toner conveying member 673 can convey the toner in the first toner containing portion 671 upward toward the second toner containing portion 672 in a range wider than the toner discharge port 672A in the first direction. .

2.2.1.4 Second toner transport member 674
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11, the second toner conveying member 674 is positioned inside the second toner containing portion 672 . The second toner conveying member 674 can convey the toner in the second toner containing portion 672 in the first direction toward the toner outlet 672A. Specifically, the second toner conveying member 674 can convey the toner from both ends toward the center in the first direction so as to convey toward the toner outlet 672A. The second toner transport member 674 extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the second toner conveying member 674 is an auger screw. The second toner conveying member 674 is not limited to an auger screw. The second toner transport member 674 may be, for example, a shaftless screw.

2.2.1.5 Third toner conveying member 675
As shown in FIG. 11, the third toner conveying member 675 is positioned inside the first toner containing portion 671 . The third toner transport member 675 is positioned apart from the first toner transport member 673 in the second direction. With the process cartridge 6Y attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the third toner conveying member 675 is positioned below the developing housing 632Y (see FIG. 3). The third toner conveying member 675 can convey the toner in the first toner containing portion 671 toward the first toner conveying member 673 . The third toner conveying member 675 has a shaft 675A and blades 675B.

Shaft 675A extends in a first direction. Shaft 675A is rotatable about axis A5. Axis A5 extends in the first direction.

Blade 675B is attached to shaft 675A. Blade 675B is rotatable with shaft 675A. When the shaft 675A rotates, the blades 675B rotate together with the shaft 675A and transport toner toward the first toner transport member 673. As shown in FIG.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 9, the protrusion 682A is positioned at one end of the toner shutter 68Y in the first direction. The protrusion 682A extends from the toner shutter main body 681. As shown in FIG. The protrusion 682A may be attached to the toner shutter main body 681 . With the toner container 6YB attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the protrusion 682A engages with one end of the developing shutter 635Y in the first direction. Specifically, the projection 682A fits into the hole 6353A at one end of the development shutter 635Y in the first direction.

The protrusion 682B is positioned at the other end of the toner shutter 68Y in the first direction. The protrusion 682B extends from the toner shutter main body 681. As shown in FIG. The protrusion 682B may be attached to the toner shutter main body 681 . With the toner container 6YB attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the projection 682B engages with the other end of the developing shutter 635Y in the first direction. Specifically, the protrusion 682B fits into the hole 6353B at the other end of the development shutter 635Y in the first direction.

The protrusion 682A engages with one end of the developing shutter 635Y in the first direction, and the protrusion 682B engages with the other end of the developing shutter 635Y in the first direction, thereby allowing the toner shutter 68Y to move together with the developing shutter 635Y. becomes. As a result, with the toner container 6YB attached to the development unit 63Y, the toner shutter 68Y moves from the toner open position to the toner closed position as the development shutter 635Y moves from the development open position to the development closed position. do. With the toner container 6YB attached to the developing unit 63Y, the toner shutter 68Y moves from the toner closed position to the toner open position as the developer shutter 635Y moves from the closed development position to the open development position. .

2.2.3 Lock member 69Y
As shown in FIG. 9, the lock member 69Y is attached to the container main body 67Y. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, when the toner container 6YB is attached to the developing unit 63Y of the drum cartridge 6YA, the locking member 69Y is in the locked position (see FIG. 3) and the unlocked position (see FIG. 11). It is possible to move between As shown in FIG. 3, the lock member 69Y is fitted into the lock groove 63233A (see FIG. 5) and the lock groove 63233B when the lock member 69Y is positioned at the lock position. As a result, the lock member 69Y locks the toner container 6YB to the developing unit 63Y of the drum cartridge 6YA while the lock member 69Y is positioned at the lock position. On the other hand, when the lock member 69Y is positioned at the unlocked position shown in FIG. 11 with the toner container 6YB attached to the developing unit 63Y, the lock member 69Y moves into the lock groove 63233A (see FIG. 5) and the lock groove 63233B. (see FIG. 5). As a result, the locking of the toner container 6YB with respect to the developing unit 63Y of the drum cartridge 6YA is released with the lock member 69Y positioned at the unlocked position.

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

2.2.3.1 Lock grip 691
Locking grip 691 is grasped by the user. Lock grip 691 extends in a first direction. Lock grip 691 has a cylindrical shape.

As shown in FIG. 1, with the toner container 6YB attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the lock member 69Y positioned at the lock position, and the drum cartridge 6YA attached to the drawer 5, the handle grip 661 is moved to the lock grip 691. located above. With the toner container 6YB attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the lock member 69Y positioned at the lock position, the drum cartridge 6YA attached to the drawer 5, and the drawer 5 positioned at the accommodation position, the lock grip 691 is opened to hold the toner. located below the upper end of the container 6YB.

When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the lock member 69Y is positioned at the lock position, and the drum cartridge 6YA and the drum cartridge 6MA are attached to the drawer 5, the lock grip 691 of the lock member 69Y is It is located between the toner container 6YB and the drum cartridge 6MA. With the toner container 6YB attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the lock member 69Y positioned at the lock position, and the drum cartridge 6YA and the drum cartridge 6MA attached to the drawer 5, the lock grip 691 of the lock member 69Y is engaged with the toner container. It is positioned between the device 6YB and the photosensitive drum 61M.

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

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

2.2.3.3 Engaging portions 693A and 693B
The engaging portion 693A is provided at the other end of the arm 692A. With the toner container 6YB attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the engaging portion 693A engages with the engaging portion 6352A (see FIG. 5) of the developing shutter 635Y. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 693A is a gear. With the toner container 6YB attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the engaging portion 693A engages with the engaging portion 6352A of the developing shutter 635Y. Note that the engaging portion 693A is not limited to a gear as long as the locking member 69Y and the developing shutter 635Y can be interlocked.

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

With the toner container 6YB attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the engaging portion 693A engages with the engaging portion 6352A of the developing shutter 635Y, and the engaging portion 693B engages with the engaging portion 6352B of the developing shutter 635Y. The development shutter 635Y can be interlocked with the lock member 69Y.

With the toner container 6YB attached to the developing unit 63Y, the developing shutter 635Y moves to the developing open position as the lock member 69Y moves from the lock position (see FIG. 12) to the unlock position (see FIG. 11). (see FIG. 8) to the developing close position (see FIG. 7). At this time, the toner shutter 68Y moves from the toner open position (see FIG. 12) to the toner closed position (see FIG. 11) as the development shutter 635Y moves from the development open position to the development closed position.

Further, with the toner container 6YB attached to the developing unit 63Y, the developing shutter 635Y moves along with the movement of the lock member 69Y from the unlocked position (see FIG. 11) to the locked position (see FIG. 12). It moves from the closed position (see FIG. 7) to the developing open position (see FIG. 8). At this time, the toner shutter 68Y moves from the toner closed position (see FIG. 11) to the toner closed position (see FIG. 12) as the development shutter 635Y moves from the development closed position to the development open position.

2.2.4 Protrusions 70A and 71A
As shown in FIG. 9, the projection 70A is positioned at one end of the first toner containing portion 671 in the first direction. The projection 70A extends from one outer surface of the first toner containing portion 671 in the first direction. The protrusion 70A may be attached to one outer surface of the first toner containing portion 671 in the first direction. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the projection 70A is guided by the guide 63231A of the developing unit 63Y.

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

2.2.5 Protrusions 70B and 71B
As shown in FIG. 10, the projection 70B is positioned at the other end of the first toner containing portion 671 in the first direction. Projection 70B extends from the other outer surface of first toner containing portion 671 in the first direction. The protrusion 70B may be attached to the other outer surface of the first toner containing portion 671 in the first direction. When the toner container 6YB is attached to the drum cartridge 6YA, the projection 70B is guided by the guide 63231B (see FIG. 7) of the developing unit 63Y.

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

3. (1) According to the process cartridge 6Y, as shown in FIG. 3, the first toner conveying member 673 moves the toner from the first toner container 671 to the second toner container 671 in a range wider than the toner outlet 672A in the first direction. Toner can be transported to the toner containing portion 672 .

Therefore, a larger amount of toner than the amount of toner flowing into the developing unit 63Y from the toner outlet 672A can be conveyed from the first toner containing portion 671 to the second toner containing portion 672. FIG.

As a result, a sufficient amount of toner can be transported from the second toner container 672 of the toner container 6YB to the developing unit 63Y.

(2) According to the process cartridge 6Y, as shown in FIG. 3, with the toner container 6YB attached to the developing unit 63Y, the developing shutter 635Y is locked from the locking position (see FIG. 3) of the locking member 69Y. As it moves to the release position (see FIG. 11), it moves from the developing open position (see FIG. 8) to the developing closed position (see FIG. 7). With the toner container 6YB attached to the developing unit 63Y, the developing shutter 635Y moves from the unlocked position (see FIG. 11) to the locked position (see FIG. 3) of the lock member 69Y. (See FIG. 7) to the development open position (See FIG. 8).

Accordingly, the user can open the developing shutter 635Y by locking the toner container 6YB to the developing unit 63Y, and close the developing shutter 635Y by unlocking the toner container 6YB from the developing unit 63Y. be able to.

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

In addition, it is possible to prevent forgetting to close the developing shutter 635Y when removing the toner container 6YB from the developing unit 63Y.

(3) According to the process cartridge 6Y, as shown in FIG. 3, with the toner container 6YB attached to the developing unit 63Y, the toner shutter 68Y moves from the developing open position (see FIG. 8) of the developing shutter 635Y. Along with the movement to the development closing position (see FIG. 7), the toner opening position (see FIG. 12) moves to the toner closing position (see FIG. 11). With the toner container 6YB attached to the developing unit 63Y, the toner shutter 68Y closes the toner as the developing shutter 635Y moves from the closed development position (see FIG. 7) to the open development position (see FIG. 8). It moves from the position (see FIG. 11) to the toner open position (see FIG. 12).

Thus, the user can open not only the developing shutter 635Y but also the toner shutter 68Y by locking the toner container 6YB to the developing unit 63Y, and by unlocking the toner container 6YB from the developing unit 63Y. , the toner shutter 68Y as well as the developing shutter 635Y can be closed.

Therefore, the user does not have to separately lock or unlock the toner container 6YB with respect to the developing unit 63Y and open/close the toner shutter 68Y, thereby improving operability.

In addition, it is possible to prevent forgetting to close the toner shutter 68Y when removing the toner container 6YB from the developing unit 63Y.

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

Therefore, the toner in the developing housing 632Y can be returned to the toner container 6YB through the toner receiving ports 6711A and 6711B.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the toner from deteriorating in the developing housing 632Y and the deteriorated toner from accumulating in the developing housing 632Y.

(5) According to the process cartridge 6Y, as shown in FIG. 3, the first toner containing portion 671 has toner receiving ports 6711A and 6711B.

Therefore, the toner in the developing housing 632Y can be returned to the first toner containing portion 671. As shown in FIG.

As a result, the toner can be circulated among the developing housing 632Y, the first toner containing portion 671, and the second toner containing portion 672, thereby further suppressing deterioration of the toner.

(6) According to the process cartridge 6Y, as shown in FIG. 3, when the process cartridge 6Y is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the first toner container 671 is positioned below the developing unit 63Y.

Therefore, the toner in the developing housing 632Y can be smoothly returned to the first toner containing portion 671 using gravity.

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

Therefore, the first toner conveying member 673 can convey the toner from the first toner containing portion 671 to the second toner containing portion 672 in a range wider than the toner outlet 672A in the first direction.

4. Modifications (1) Modifications will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. In the modified example, members similar to those of the embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

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

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

The toner tube 101 allows collected toner to pass from the drum cleaner 65Y toward the projecting portion 100 . The collected toner is toner removed from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y by the drum cleaner 65Y. One end of the toner tube 101 is connected to the drum cleaner 65Y. The other end of toner tube 101 is connected to protrusion 100 . In other words, the toner tube 101 is connected with the developing housing 632Y. The toner tube 101 has an outlet 101A. The discharge port 101A is located at the other end of the toner tube 101. As shown in FIG. The outlet 101A communicates with the inlet 100A.

Collected toner conveying member 102 is positioned within toner tube 101 and drum cleaner 65Y. The collected toner conveying member 102 conveys the collected toner in the drum cleaner 65Y toward the outlet 101A. The collected toner conveying member 102 is a shaftless screw.

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

In this case, a certain amount of the collected toner contains poorly charged toner, which may cause a problem of poor printing.

However, the toner is agitated by circulating between the first toner containing portion 671, the second toner containing portion 672, and the developing housing 632Y, and the toner having poor chargeability is diluted, resulting in printing problems. can be suppressed.

Also in the modified example, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the above-described embodiment.

(2) The image forming apparatus 1 may not have the drawer 5 . In that case, each of the process cartridges 6Y may be directly detachable from the image forming apparatus 1. FIG.

1 Image forming apparatus 6Y Process cartridge 6YA Drum cartridge 6YB Toner container 8 Transfer device 61Y Photosensitive drum 63Y Development unit 65Y Drum cleaner 68Y Toner shutter 69Y Lock member 101 Toner tube 631Y Development roller 632A First frame 632B Second frame 632Y Development housing 635Y Development shutter 671 First toner storage portion 672 Second toner storage portion 672A Toner discharge port 673 First toner transport member 673A Shaft 673B Blade 674 Second toner transport member 675 Third toner transport member 6321 Development reception port 6322A Development discharge port 6322B Development outlet 6711A Toner receiving port 6711B Toner receiving port 63231A Guide 63231B Guide

Claims (17)

A process cartridge mountable in an image forming apparatus having a transfer device,
a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum shaft extending in a first direction, the photosensitive drum positioned below the transfer device when the cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus;
a developing unit,
a developing roller capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum;
a developing housing that supports the developing roller and can accommodate toner, the developing housing having a developer receiving opening that can receive the toner;
a developer unit having
a toner container,
a first toner containing portion capable of containing toner;
a second toner containing portion positioned above the first toner containing portion when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, and having a toner discharge opening capable of discharging toner toward the development receiving opening;
A first toner container located in the first toner container and capable of conveying the toner in the first toner container upward toward the second toner container in a range wider than the toner outlet in the first direction. a toner conveying member;
a second toner conveying member positioned in the second toner containing portion and capable of conveying the toner in the second toner containing portion in the first direction toward the toner outlet;
a toner container having
A process cartridge. The first toner conveying member
a shaft extending in the first direction;
a blade that rotates together with the shaft and conveys the toner upward toward the second toner containing portion;
2. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said blade is longer than said toner outlet in said first direction. 3. A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said toner container is detachable from said developing unit. The toner container is
4. A process cartridge according to claim 3, further comprising a toner shutter movable between a toner closed position in which said toner outlet is closed and a toner open position in which said toner outlet is opened. The developing unit is
5. A process cartridge according to claim 3, further comprising a development shutter movable between a development closing position for closing said development receiving port and a development opening position for opening said development receiving port. The cartridge is
Between a locking position at which the toner container is locked to the developing unit and an unlocked position at which the toner container is unlocked from the developing unit when the toner container is attached to the developing unit. further comprising a lock member capable of moving the
With the toner container attached to the developing unit, the developing shutter moves from the developing open position to the developing closed position as the lock member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position. 6. The process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the lock member moves from the closed development position to the opened development position as the locking member moves from the unlocked position to the locked position. The toner container is
a toner shutter movable between a toner closed position where the toner discharge port is closed and a toner open position where the toner discharge port is opened;
With the toner container attached to the developing unit, the toner shutter moves from the toner open position to the toner closed position as the developer shutter moves from the development open position to the development close position. 7. A process cartridge according to claim 6, which moves from said toner closed position to said toner open position as said developer shutter moves from said development closed position to said development open position. The development housing is
a first frame having the developer receiving opening;
a second frame having a guide for guiding attachment and detachment of the toner container;
8. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 7, comprising: 9. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said development housing has a development discharge port through which toner in said development housing can be discharged. 10. A process cartridge according to claim 9, wherein said toner container has a toner receiving port capable of receiving toner discharged from said developing discharge port. 11. A process cartridge according to claim 10, wherein said first toner containing portion has said toner receiving port. 12. A process cartridge according to claim 11, wherein said first toner container is positioned below said developing unit when said cartridge is mounted in said image forming apparatus. The process cartridge is
a drum cleaner capable of cleaning the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum;
3. The apparatus further comprises a toner tube that allows passage of collected toner, which is toner removed from the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum by the drum cleaner, and is connected to the developing housing. The process cartridge according to any one of Claims 1 to 12. 14. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the volume of said first toner containing portion is larger than the volume of said second toner containing portion. at least a portion of the first toner containing portion is positioned below the developing roller of the developing unit;
The process cartridge is
15. The process of any one of claims 1-14, further comprising a third toner transport member positioned below the developer housing and capable of transporting toner toward the first toner transport member. cartridge. main housing,
a transfer device;
A process cartridge mountable in the main housing,
a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum shaft extending in a first direction, the photosensitive drum positioned below the transfer device in a state in which the process cartridge is mounted in the main housing;
a developing unit,
a developing roller capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum;
a developing housing that supports the developing roller and can accommodate toner, the developing housing having a developer receiving opening that can receive the toner;
a developer unit having
a toner container,
a first toner containing portion capable of containing toner;
a second toner containing portion positioned above the first toner containing portion when the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus, and having a toner discharge opening capable of discharging toner toward the development receiving opening; ,
A first toner container located in the first toner container and capable of conveying the toner in the first toner container upward toward the second toner container in a range wider than the toner outlet in the first direction. a toner conveying member;
a second toner conveying member positioned in the second toner containing portion and capable of conveying the toner in the second toner containing portion in the first direction toward the toner outlet;
a toner container having a process cartridge including
An image forming apparatus comprising: A drum cartridge mountable in an image forming apparatus having a transfer device,
a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum shaft extending in a first direction, the photosensitive drum positioned below the transfer device when the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus;
a developing unit,
a developing roller capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum;
a developing housing that supports the developing roller and can accommodate toner, the developing housing having a developer receiving opening that can receive the toner;
a developer unit having
A toner container attachable to a drum cartridge comprising
a first toner containing portion capable of containing toner;
a second toner containing portion positioned above the first toner containing portion when the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus, and having a toner discharge opening capable of discharging toner toward the development receiving opening; ,
A first toner container located in the first toner container and capable of conveying the toner in the first toner container upward toward the second toner container in a range wider than the toner outlet in the first direction. a toner conveying member;
a second toner conveying member positioned in the second toner containing portion and capable of conveying the toner in the second toner containing portion in the first direction toward the toner outlet;
a toner container.

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