Patent ID: 12216430

DESCRIPTION

1. Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus1

With reference toFIGS.1-2, an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus1will be described.

As shown inFIGS.1-2, the image forming apparatus1includes a main housing2, a cover3, a sheet container4, a drawer5, a process cartridge6, an exposure device7, a transfer device8, and a fuser9.

1.1 Main Housing2

The main housing2accommodates the sheet container4, the drawer5, the process cartridge6, the exposure device7, the transfer device8, and the fuser9. The main housing2has an opening21. The opening21is located at one end of the main housing2in a second direction, which will be described further below.

The main housing2has an upper wall22, which includes an ejection tray23. The upper wall22is located at an upper end of the main housing2, under a condition where the image forming apparatus1is placed on a horizontal plane. Sheets S ejected from the main housing2may rest on the ejection tray23.

1.2 Cover3

The cover3is movable between a closed position (seeFIG.1) and an open position (seeFIG.2). When the cover3is located at the closed position, the cover3closes the opening21. When the cover3is located at the open position, the opening21is exposed.

1.3 Sheet Container4

The sheet container4may store sheets S therein. The sheets S in the sheet container4may be conveyed toward the transfer device8.

1.4 Drawer5

The drawer5may support the process cartridge6. The drawer5is movable between an inner position (seeFIG.1) and an outer position (seeFIG.2) through the opening21of the main housing2, under a condition where the cover3is located at the open position. The drawer5is movable in the second direction. The drawer5is, when located at the inner position, entirely located inside the main housing2. When located at the outer position, the drawer5is at least partly located outside the main housing2.

1.5 Process Cartridge6

The process cartridge6is exchangeable with another process cartridge6through the opening21of the main housing2under the condition where the cover3is located at the open position. When the drawer5is located at the outer position, the process cartridge6may be supported by the drawer5. Under a condition where the process cartridge6is supported by the drawer5, the process cartridge6may move through the opening21.

The process cartridge6has a plurality of photosensitive drums61Y,61M,61C,61K, a plurality of chargers62Y,62M,62C,62K, and a plurality of developing devices63Y,63M,63C,63K. In other words, the image forming apparatus1has the plurality of photosensitive drums61Y,61M,61C,61K, the plurality of chargers62Y,62M,62C,62K, and the plurality of developing devices63Y,63M,63C,63K.

1.5.1 Photosensitive Drums61Y,61M,61C,61K

The photosensitive drum61Y is rotatable on a drum axis A1Y. The drum axis A1Y extends in a first direction.

The photosensitive drum61M is rotatable on a drum axis A1M. The drum axis A1M extends in the first direction.

The photosensitive drum61C is rotatable on a drum axis A1C. The drum axis A1C extends in the first direction.

The photosensitive drum61K is rotatable on a drum axis A1K. The drum axis A1K extends in the first direction.

The photosensitive drums61Y,61M,61C,61K extend in the first direction. Each of the photosensitive drums61Y,61M,61C,61K has a cylindrical shape. The photosensitive drums61Y,61M,61C,61K align in the second direction, which intersects with the first direction. Preferably, the second direction may intersect orthogonally with the first direction.

1.5.2 Chargers62Y,62M,62C,62K

The charger62Y may charge a circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum61Y. The charger62M may charge a circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum61M. The charger62C may charge a circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum61C. The charger62K may charge a circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum61K.

The chargers62Y,62M,62C,62K may be, for example, charging rollers. Optionally, the chargers62Y,62M,62C,62K may be scorotron-typed chargers.

1.5.3 Developing Devices63Y,63M,63C,63K

The developing device63Y may supply toner to the photosensitive drum61Y. The developing device63Y has a developing roller631Y and a development housing632Y. The developing roller631Y may supply the toner in the development housing632Y to the photosensitive drum61Y. The developing roller631Y is arranged to contact the photosensitive drum61Y. The developing roller631Y extends in the first direction. The developing roller631Y is rotatable on an axis A2Y. The axis A2Y extends in the first direction. The development housing632Y may store the toner.

The developing device63M may supply toner to the photosensitive drum61M. The developing device63M has a developing roller631M and a development housing632M. The developing roller631M may supply the toner in the development housing632M to the photosensitive drum61M. The developing roller631M is arranged to contact the photosensitive drum61M. The developing roller631M extends in the first direction. The developing roller631M is rotatable on an axis A2M. The axis A2M extends in the first direction. The development housing632M may store the toner.

The developing device63C may supply toner to the photosensitive drum61M. The developing device63C has a developing roller631C and a development housing632C. The developing roller631C may supply the toner in the development housing632C to the photosensitive drum61C. The developing roller631C is arranged to contact the photosensitive drum61C. The developing roller631C extends in the first direction. The developing roller631C is rotatable on an axis A2C. The axis A2C extends in the first direction. The development housing632C may store the toner.

The developing device63K may supply toner to the photosensitive drum61K. The developing device63K has a developing roller631K and a development housing632K. The developing roller631K may supply the toner in the development housing632K to the photosensitive drum61K. The developing roller631K is arranged to contact the photosensitive drum61K. The developing roller631K extends in the first direction. The developing roller631K is rotatable on an axis A2K. The axis A2K extends in the first direction. The development housing632K may store the toner.

1.6 Exposure Device7

The exposure device7may expose the circumferential surfaces of the photosensitive drums61Y,61M,61C,61K. The exposure device7may be, for example, a laser-scanning unit.

1.7 Transfer Device8

The transfer device8is located at a position below the photosensitive drums61Y,61M,61C,61K. The transfer device8has a belt81and transfer rollers82Y,82M,82C,82K.

The belt81may convey the sheet S fed from the sheet container4toward the fuser9. Under a condition where the process cartridge6is supported by the drawer5and where the drawer5is located at the inner position, the belt81contacts the photosensitive drums61Y,61M,61C,61K.

The transfer roller82Y may transfer to the toner on the photosensitive drum61Y to the sheet S being conveyed by the belt81. The transfer roller82M may transfer to the toner on the photosensitive drum61M to the sheet S being conveyed by the belt81. The transfer roller82C may transfer to the toner on the photosensitive drum61C to the sheet S being conveyed by the belt81. The transfer roller82K may transfer to the toner on the photosensitive drum61K to the sheet S being conveyed by the belt81.

1.8 Fuser9

The fuser9is located apart from the cover3in the second direction. The fuser9may apply heat and pressure to the sheet S, on which the toners are transferred, to fix the toners onto the sheet S. The sheet S exiting the fuser9may be ejected outside the main housing2and rest on the ejection tray23.

2. Detailed Configuration of Process Cartridge6

With reference toFIGS.3-8, the process cartridge6will be described in detail. Further to the photosensitive drums61Y,61M,61C,61K, the chargers62Y,62M,62C,62K, and the developing devices63Y,63M,63C,63K described above, as shown inFIG.3, the process cartridge6has a process housing64, a plurality of reloading devices65Y,65M,65C,65K, a plurality of sealer members66Y,66M,66C,66K (seeFIG.4), a plurality of pressing members67Y,67M,67C,67K (seeFIG.4), a plurality of cleaners68Y,68M,68C,68K (seeFIG.4), a waste toner tube69, a screw70(seeFIG.4), and a handle71. In other words, the image forming apparatus1has the reloading devices65Y,65M.

2.1 Detailed Configuration of Process Housing64

As shown inFIG.4, the process housing64supports the photosensitive drums61Y,61M,61C,61K, the chargers62Y,62M,62C,62K, the developing devices63Y,63M,63C,63K, the sealer members66Y,66M,66C,66K, the pressing members67Y,67M,67C,67K, and the cleaners68Y,68M,68C,68K.

As shown inFIG.5, the process housing64has a side board641, a side board642, and a supporting member643. In other words, the process cartridge6has the side board641, the side board642, and the supporting member643.

2.1.1 Side Board641

The side board641is located on one end of the process housing64in the first direction. The side board641has an outer surface S1 and an inner surface S2.

Under the condition where the process cartridge6is supported by the drawer5(seeFIG.1), the outer surface S1 faces a side board (not shown) of the drawer5in the first direction. The side board of the drawer5is located on an end of the drawer5on one side in the first direction. The side board may support one end of the process cartridge6in the first direction. The side board has guides, which are now shown.

As shown inFIG.6, the side board641extends in the second direction and a third direction, which intersects with the first direction and the second direction. Preferably, the third direction may intersect orthogonally with the first direction and with the second direction. Under a condition where the image forming apparatus1with the process cartridge6attached thereto is placed on the horizontal plane, the third direction may be a vertical direction. The side board641has a plurality of protrusions6411Y,6411M,6411C,6411K, a plurality of through holes6412Y,6412M,6412C,6412K, and a plurality of through holes6413Y,6413M,6413C,6413K.

As shown inFIGS.5-6, the protrusion6411Y is located on the outer surface S1 of the side board641. The protrusion6411Y extends in the first direction. The protrusion6411Y extends outward from the outer surface S1 of the side board641. The protrusion6411Y has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion6411Y may receive one end of the photosensitive drum61Y in the first direction. Under a condition where the drawer5supports the process cartridge6, the protrusion6411Y fits in one of the guides (not shown) in the side board (not shown) of the drawer5.

As shown inFIG.6, the protrusions6411Y,6411M,6411C,6411K align in the second direction. The protrusions6411M,6411C,6411K may be described similarly to the protrusion6411Y; therefore, the description of the protrusions6411M,6411C,6411K is herein omitted.

The through hole6412Y is located between the protrusion6411Y and the through hole6413Y in a fourth direction. The fourth direction extends through the drum axis A1Y and the axis A2Y. The through hole6412Y is an ellipse-shaped hole. The through hole6412Y is elongated in the fourth direction. A protrusion6323Y of the developing device63Y, which will be described further below, may fit in the through hole6412Y.

The through holes6412M,6412C,6412K may be described similarly to the through hole6412Y; therefore, description of the through holes6412M,6412C,6412K is herein omitted.

The through hole6413Y is located apart from the through hole6412Y in the fourth direction. The through hole6413Y is an ellipse-shaped hole. The through hole6413Y is elongated in the fourth direction. A protrusion6324Y of the developing device63Y, which will be described further below, may fit in the through hole6413Y.

The through holes6413M,6413C,6413K may be described similarly to the through hole6413Y; therefore, description of the through holes6413M,6413C,6413K is herein omitted.

2.1.2 Side Board642

As shown inFIG.5, the side board642is located on the other end of the process housing64in the first direction. The side board642is located apart from the side board641in the first direction.

The side board642has an outer surface S3 and an inner surface S4. The inner surface S4 is located between the outer surface S3 and the side board641.

Under the condition where the process cartridge6is supported by the drawer5(seeFIG.1), the outer surface S3 faces a side board52of the drawer5in the first direction. The side board52is located on the other end of the drawer5in the first direction. The side board52is located apart from the side board, which is not shown but is located on the one end of the drawer5, in the first direction. The side board52may support the other end of the process cartridge6in the first direction. The side board52has a plurality of guides54(seeFIG.2), which are located on an inner side of the side board52.

As shown inFIG.3, the side board642extends in the second direction and the third direction. The side board642has a plurality of protrusions6421Y,6421M,6421C,6421K, a plurality of through holes6422Y,6422M,6422C,6422K, and a plurality of through holes6423Y,6423M,6423C,6423K. It is to be noted that the through holes6422Y,6422M,6422C,6422K, and the through holes6423Y,6423M,6423C,6423K are not shown in the drawings but have the reference sings assigned thereto merely in a purpose to distinguish them clearly from one another in the context.

As shown inFIG.5, the protrusion6421Y is located on the outer surface S3 of the side board642. The protrusion6421Y extends in the first direction. The protrusion6421Y extends outward from the outer surface S3 of the side board642. The protrusion6421Y has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion6421Y may receive the other end of the photosensitive drum61Y in the first direction. Under the condition where the drawer5supports the process cartridge6, the protrusion6421Y fits in one of the guides54in the side board52of the drawer5(seeFIG.2).

As shown inFIG.3, the protrusions6421Y,6421M,6421C,6421K align in the second direction. The protrusions6421M,6421C,6421K may be described similarly to the protrusion6421Y; therefore, the description of the protrusions6421M,6421C,6421K is herein omitted.

The through holes6422Y,6422M,6422C,6422K, which are not shown, may be described similarly to the through holes6412Y,6412M,6412C,6412K, respectively. The through holes6423Y,6423M,6423C,6423K, which are not shown, may be described similarly to the through holes6413Y,6413M,6413C,6413K, respectively. Therefore, the description of the through holes6422Y,6422M,6422C,6422K and the through holes6423Y,6423M,6423C,6423K is herein omitted.

2.1.3 Supporting Member643

As shown inFIGS.3and5, the supporting member643is located between the side board641and the side board642in the first direction. The supporting member643extends in the first direction and the second direction. The supporting member643has a shape of a plate. The supporting member643has an upper surface S5 and a lower surface S6. The supporting member643may support the reloading devices65Y,65M,65C,65K.

As shown inFIGS.3and4, the supporting member643has a plurality of slits6431Y,6431M,6431C,6431K and a plurality of through holes6432Y,6432M,6432C,6432K (seeFIG.4).

2.1.3.1 Slits6431Y,6431M,6431C,6431K

As shown inFIG.3, the slits6431Y,6431M,6431C,6431K extend in the first direction. The slits6431Y,6431M,6431C,6431K align in the second direction. The slits6431Y,6431M,6431C,6431K are spaced apart from one another in the second direction. Light emitted from the exposure device7at the photosensitive drum61Y may pass through the slit6431Y. Light emitted from the exposure device7at the photosensitive drum61M may pass through the slit6431M. Light emitted from the exposure device7at the photosensitive drum61C may pass through the slit6431C. Light emitted from the exposure device7at the photosensitive drum61K may pass through the slit6431K. In other words, the slits6431Y,6431M,6431C,6431K allow the light emitted from the exposure device7to pass there-through to reach the photosensitive drums61Y,61M,61C,61K, respectively.

2.1.3.2 Through Holes6432Y,6432M,6432C,6432K

As shown inFIG.3, the through holes6432Y,6432M,6432C,6432K are located in a central area in the supporting member643in the first direction. The through holes6432Y,6432M,6432C,6432K align in the second direction.

The through hole6432Y is located on one side of the slit6431Y opposite to the through hole6432M in the second direction.

The through hole6432M is located between the slit6431Y and the slit6431M in the second direction.

The through hole6432C is located between the slit6431M and the slit6431C in the second direction.

The through hole6432K is located between the slit6431C and the slit6431K in the second direction.

2.2 Reloading Devices65Y,65M,65C,65K

The reloading devices65Y,65M,65C,65K are located on the upper surface S5 of the supporting member643. In particular, the reloading devices65Y,65M,65C,65K are attached to the upper surface S5 of the supporting member643.

The reloading device65Y may reload the developing device63Y with the toner. The reloading device65M may reload the developing device63M with the toner. The reloading device65C may reload the developing device63C with the toner. The reloading device65K may reload the developing device63K with the toner.

As shown inFIG.3, the reloading device65Y has a container651Y and a toner tube653Y. The reloading device65M has a container651M and a toner tube653M. The reloading device65C has a container651C and a toner tube653C. The reloading device65K has a container651K and a toner tube653K.

2.2.1 Containers651Y,651M,651C,651K The containers651Y,651M,651C,651K are located on one end of the process cartridge6in the second direction. The containers651Y,651M,651C,651K align in the first direction. Each of the containers651Y,651M,651C,651K may have a rectangular-boxed shape elongated in the third direction, as shown inFIGS.3-4.
2.2.1.1 Reloading Ports650Y,650M,650C,650K

The container651Y has a reloading port650Y. In other words, the reloading device65Y has the reloading port650Y. The container651M has a reloading port650M. In other words, the reloading device65M has the reloading port650M (seeFIG.3). The container651C has a reloading port650C. In other words, the reloading device65C has the reloading port650C. The container651K has a reloading port650K. In other words, the reloading device65K has the reloading port650K. The reloading ports650Y,650M,650C,650K align in the first direction.

The reloading port650Y may accept the toner to be supplied to the developing device63Y. As shown inFIG.1, under the condition where the process cartridge6is supported by the drawer5and where the drawer5is located at the inner position, the reloading port650Y is openable to the outside of the main housing2. Under the condition where the process cartridge6is supported by the drawer5and where the drawer5is located at the inner position, the reloading port650Y is exposed externally from the main housing2. The reloading port650Y is openable upward. Under the condition where the process cartridge6is supported by the drawer5and where the drawer5is located at the inner position, the reloading port650Y is located between the ejection tray23and the cover3in the second direction. Under the condition where the process cartridge6is supported by the drawer5and where the drawer5is located at the inner position, the reloading port650Y is located to be lower than an upper end of the ejection tray23. Under the condition where the process cartridge6is supported by the drawer5and where the drawer5is located at the inner position, the reloading port650Y is located between the exposure device7and the cover3in the second direction. Under the condition where the process cartridge6is supported by the drawer5and where the drawer5is located at the inner position, the reloading port650Y is located to be lower than an upper end of the exposure device7. The reloading port650Y is located on an upper end of the container651Y. The reloading port650Y is located on one end of the container651Y in the third direction. As shown inFIG.7, in the reloading port650Y, a part of a reloading bottle B may be inserted. For example, the part of the reloading bottle B may be a lower-end part of the reloading bottle B. The reloading bottle B may contain the toner. The reloading bottle B may be detached from the reloading port650Y after the toner is transported from the reloading bottle B to the reloading device65Y.

As shown inFIG.3, the reloading port650M may accept the toner to be supplied to the developing device63M. As shown inFIG.1, under the condition where the process cartridge6is supported by the drawer5and where the drawer5is located at the inner position, the reloading port650M is openable to the outside of the main housing2. Under the condition where the process cartridge6is supported by the drawer5and where the drawer5is located at the inner position, the reloading port650M is exposed externally from the main housing2. Under the condition where the process cartridge6is supported by the drawer5and where the drawer5is located at the inner position, the reloading port650M is openable upward. Under the condition where the process cartridge6is supported by the drawer5and where the drawer5is located at the inner position, the reloading port650M is located between the ejection tray23and the cover3in the second direction. Under the condition where the process cartridge6is supported by the drawer5and where the drawer5is located at the inner position, the reloading port650M is located to be lower than the upper end of the ejection tray23. Under the condition where the process cartridge6is supported by the drawer5and where the drawer5is located at the inner position, the reloading port650M is located between the exposure device7and the cover3in the second direction. Under the condition where the process cartridge6is supported by the drawer5and where the drawer5is located at the inner position, the reloading port650M is located to be lower than the upper end of the exposure device7. The reloading port650M is located on an upper end of the container651M. The reloading port650M is located on one end of the container651M in the third direction.

The reloading port650C may accept the toner to be supplied to the developing device63C. The reloading port650K may accept the toner to be supplied to the developing device63K. The reloading ports650C,650K may be described similarly to the reloading ports650Y,650M; therefore, description of the reloading ports650C,650K is herein omitted.

2.2.2 Toner Tube653Y

As shown inFIGS.3-4, the toner tube653Y allows the toner travelling from the container651Y to the developing device63Y to pass there-through. Under a condition where the process cartridge6is attached to the image forming apparatus1(seeFIG.1), the toner tube653Y is located between the photosensitive drum61Y and the exposure device7in the third direction. One end of the toner tube653Y is continuous with the container651Y. The other end of the toner tube653Y is continuous with the developing device63Y. The toner tube653Y has a section6531Y, a section6532Y, and a section6533Y. The sections6531Y,6532Y,6533Y may each have a cylindrical form.

The section6531Y extends in the first direction. The section6531Y is connected with the container651Y.

The section6532Y extends in the second direction. The section6532Y is continuous with the section6531Y. The section6532Y extends in the second direction from an end of the section6531Y on the other side in the first direction. In other words, the section6532Y is continuous with the end of the section6531Y on the other side in the first direction at the end thereof on one side in the second direction and extends in the second direction.

The section6533Y extends in the first direction. The section6533Y is continuous with the section6532Y. The section6533Y extends in the first direction from an end of the section6532Y on the other side in the second direction toward the through hole6432Y. The section6533Y has an outlet6534Y.

The toner may be discharged from the toner tube653Y through the outlet6534Y. The outlet6534Y is located on an end of the section6533Y on the one side in the first direction. The outlet6534Y is continuous with the through hole6432Y.

2.2.3 Toner Tube653M

The toner tube653M allows the toner travelling from the container651M to the developing device63M to pass there-through. Under the condition where the process cartridge6is attached to the image forming apparatus1(seeFIG.1), the toner tube653M is located between the photosensitive drum61Y and the exposure device7in the third direction.

The light emitted from the exposure device7at the photosensitive drum61Y may travel between the toner tube653Y and the toner tube653M. One end of the toner tube653M is continuous with the container651M. The other end of the toner tube653M is continuous with the developing device63M. The toner tube653M has sections6531M,6532M,6533M. The sections6531M,6532M,6533M may each have a cylindrical form.

The section6531M extends in the first direction. The section6531M is connected with the container651M.

The section6532M extends in the second direction. The section6532M is continuous with the section6531M. The section6532M extends in the second direction from an end of the section6531M on the one side in the first direction. The section6532M is longer than the section6532Y.

The section6533M extends in the first direction. The section6533M is continuous with the section6532M. The section6533M extends in the first direction from an end of the section6532M on the other side in the second direction toward the through hole6432M. The section6533M has an outlet6534M.

The toner may be discharged from the toner tube653M through the outlet6534M. The outlet6534M is located on an end of the section6533M on the other side in the first direction. The outlet6534M is continuous with the through hole6432M.

2.2.4 Toner Tube653C

The toner tube653C allows the toner traveling from the container651C to the developing device63C to pass there-through. The light emitted from the exposure device7at the photosensitive drum61M may travel between the toner tube653M and the toner tube653C. One end of the toner tube653C is continuous with the container651C. The other end of the toner tube653C is continuous with the developing device63C. The toner tube653C has sections6531C,6532C,6533C. The sections6531C,6532C,6533C may each have a cylindrical form.

The section6531C extends in the first direction. The section6531C is connected with the container651C.

The section6532C extends in the second direction. The section6532C is continuous with the section6531C. The section6532C extends in the second direction from an end of the section6531C on the other side in the first direction. The section6532C is longer than the section6532M.

The section6533C extends in the first direction. The section6533C is continuous with the section6532C. The section6533C extends in the first direction from an end of the section6532C on the other side in the second direction toward the through hole6432C. The section6533C has an outlet6534C.

The toner may be discharged from the toner tube653C through the outlet6534C. The outlet6534C is located on an end of the section6533C on the one side in the first direction. The outlet6534C is continuous with the through hole6432C.

The slit6431Y is located between the section6533Y and the section6533M in the second direction. The slit6431Y is located between the section6532M and the section6532C in the first direction.

2.2.5 Toner Tube653K

The toner tube653K allows the toner travelling from the container651K to the developing device63K to pass there-through. The light emitted from the exposure device7at the photosensitive drum61C may travel between the toner tube653C and the toner tube653K. One end of the toner tube653K is continuous with the container651K. The other end of the toner tube653K is continuous with the developing device63K. The toner tube653K has sections6531K,6532K,6533K. The sections6531K,6532K,6533K may each have a cylindrical form.

The section6531K extends in the first direction. The section6531K is connected with the container651K.

The section6532K extends in the second direction. The section6532K is continuous with the section6531K. The section6532K extends in the second direction from an end of the section6531K on the one side in the first direction. The section6532K is longer than the section6532C.

The section6533K extends in the first direction. The section6533K is continuous with the section6532K. The section6533K extends in the first direction from an end of the section6532K on the other side in the second direction toward the through hole6432K. The section6533K has an outlet6534K.

The toner may be discharged from the toner tube653K through the outlet6534K. The outlet6534K is located on an end of the section6533K on the other side in the first direction. The outlet6534K is continuous with the through hole6432K.

The slit6431M is located between the section6533M and the section6533C in the second direction.

The slit6431C is located between the section6533C and the section6533K in the second direction.

The slit6431K is located on a side of the section6533K opposite to the slit6431C in the second direction.

2.2.6 Detailed Configuration of Reloading Device65Y

The reloading device65Y has, further to the container651Y and the toner tube653Y described above, a port cover652Y (seeFIG.4), and a plurality of screws654Y,655Y,656Y.

2.2.6.1 Port Cover652Y

As shown inFIGS.4and7, the port cover652Y is movable between a closing position and an opening position. When the port cover652Y is located at the opening position, the reloading port650Y is open. When the port cover652Y is located at the closing position, the reloading port650Y is closed. The port cover652Y may be pivotable on an axis A3, which extends in the third direction.

2.2.6.2 Screws654Y,655Y,656Y

As shown inFIG.3, the screw654Y is located inside the section6531Y. The screw654Y may convey the toner in the section6531Y to the section6532Y. The screw654Y extends in the first direction. The screw654Y is rotatable on an axis A4, which extends in the first direction. The screw654Y may be an auger screw. The screw654Y includes a shaft6541Y and a plurality of pins6542Y.

The shaft6541Y extends in the first direction. The shaft6541Y may have a cylindrical shape.

The pins6542Y are located on an end of the shaft6541Y on the other side in the first direction. As shown inFIG.8, the pins6542Y extend from a circumferential surface of the shaft6541Y. The pins6542Y extend in directions intersecting with the axis A4. Preferably, the pins6542Y may extend in directions intersecting orthogonally with the axis A4. The pins6542Y may be attached to the circumferential surface of the shaft6541Y.

As shown inFIG.3, the screw655Y is located inside the section6532Y. The screw655Y may convey the toner in the section6532Y to the section6533Y. The screw655Y extends in the second direction. The screw655Y is rotatable on an axis A5, which extends in the second direction. The screw655Y may be an auger screw. The screw655Y includes a shaft6521Y and a plurality of pins6552Y.

The shaft6551Y extends in the second direction. The shaft6551Y may have a cylindrical shape.

The pins6552Y are located on an end of the shaft6551Y on the other side in the second direction. The pins6552Y extend from a circumferential surface of the shaft6551Y. The pins6552Y extend in directions intersecting with the axis A5. Preferably, the pins6552Y may extend in directions intersecting orthogonally with the axis A5. The pins6552Y may be attached to the circumferential surface of the shaft6551Y The pins6553Y are located on an end of the shaft6551Y on the one side in the second direction. The pins6553Y are located apart from the pins6552Y in the second direction. As shown inFIG.8, the pins6553Y extend from the circumferential surface of the shaft6551Y. The pins6553Y extend in directions intersecting with the axis A5. Preferably, the pins6553Y may extend in directions intersecting orthogonally with the axis A5. The pins6553Y may be attached to the circumferential surface of the shaft6551Y.

As the screw654Y rotates, the pins6542Y may contact the pins6553Y one after another. Thus, the screw655Y may rotate.

As shown inFIG.3, the screw656Y is located inside the section6533Y. The screw656Y may convey the toner in the section6533Y to the outlet6534Y. The screw656Y extends in the first direction. The screw656Y is rotatable on an axis A6, which extends in the first direction. The screw656Y may be an auger screw. The screw656Y includes a shaft6561Y and a plurality of pins6562Y.

The shaft6561Y extends in the first direction. The shaft6561Y may have a cylindrical shape.

The pins6562Y are located on an end of the shaft6561Y on the other side in the first direction. The pins6562Y extend from a circumferential surface of the shaft6561Y The pins6562Y extend in directions intersecting with the axis A6. Preferably, the pins6562Y may extend in directions intersecting orthogonally with the axis A6. The pins6562Y may be attached to the circumferential surface of the shaft6561Y.

As the screw655Y rotates, the pins6552Y may contact the pins6562Y one after another. Thus, the screw656Y may rotate.

2.2.7 Detailed Configuration of Reloading Devices65M,65C,65K

The reloading devices65M,65C,65K may be described similarly to the reloading device65Y; therefore, description of the reloading devices65M,65C,65K is herein omitted.

2.3 Detailed Configuration of Developing Devices63Y,63M,63C,63K

As shown inFIG.4, the developing device63Y has the development housing632Y, a plurality of protrusions6323Y (seeFIG.6),6324Y (seeFIG.6),6325Y,6326Y It is to be noted that the protrusions6325Y,6326Y are not shown in the drawings but have the reference sings assigned thereto merely in a purpose to distinguish them clearly from one another in the context. The development housing632Y has an inlet6328Y The inlet6328Y may accept the toner from the reloading device65Y. The inlet6328Y is located in a central area of the development housing632Y in the first direction. In other words, the inlet6328Y is located in a central area of the process cartridge6in the first direction. The inlet6328Y is located at an upper end of the development housing632Y.

The protrusion6323Y (seeFIG.6) is located on a surface of the development housing632Y on the one side in the first direction. As shown inFIG.6, the protrusion6323Y has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion6323Y extends in the first direction. The protrusion6323Y fits in the through hole6412Y.

The protrusion6324Y is located on the surface of the development housing632Y on the one side in the first direction. The protrusion6324Y is located apart from the protrusion6323Y in the fourth direction. The protrusion6324Y has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion6324Y extends in the first direction. The protrusion6324Y fits in the through hole6413Y.

The protrusions6325Y,6326Y are located on a surface of the development housing632Y on the other side in the first direction. The protrusions6325Y,6326Y each have a cylindrical shape. The protrusions6325Y,6326Y extend in the first direction. The protrusion6325Y fits in the through hole6422Y, and the protrusion6326Y fits in the through hole6423Y.

With the protrusions6323Y,6324Y,6325Y,6326Y fitted in the through holes6412Y,6413Y,6422Y,6423Y, respectively, the developing device63Y is movable with respect to the photosensitive drum61Y.

The developing devices63M,63C,63K may be described similarly to the developing device63Y; therefore, description of the developing devices63M,63C,63K is herein omitted. In other words, the development housing632M has an inlet6328M. The inlet6328M may accept the toner from the reloading device65M. The inlet6328M is located in the central area of the process cartridge6in the first direction. The inlet6328Y and the inlet6328M align in the second direction. The developing device63M is movable with respect to the photosensitive drum61M.

2.4 Detailed Configuration of Sealer Members66Y,66M,66C,66K

The sealer member66Y may seal a gap between the reloading device65Y and the development housing632Y. The sealer member66Y is located between the supporting member643and the development housing632Y The sealer member66Y has a through hole661Y. The sealer member66Y is arranged to contact the supporting member643. The sealer member66Y is arranged to contact the development housing632Y. The through hole661Y is continuous with the outlet6534Y. In particular, the through hole661Y is continuous with the outlet6534Y via the through hole6432Y The through hole661Y is continuous with the inlet6328Y. The sealer member66Y may be made of, for example, a resilient material and may include sponge. The sealer member66Y is deformable in response to the moving behavior of the developing device63Y.

The sealer members66M,66C,66K may be described similarly to the sealer member66Y; therefore, description of the sealer members66M,66C,66K is herein omitted. In other words, the sealer member66M may seal a gap between the reloading device65M and the development housing632M. The sealer member66M has a through hole661M. The through hole661M is continuous with the inlet6328M. The sealer member66Y is deformable in response to the moving behavior of the developing device63M.

2.5 Pressing Members67Y,67M,67C,67K

The pressing member67Y may press the development housing632Y toward the photosensitive drum61Y. The pressing member67M may press the development housing632M toward the photosensitive drum61M. The pressing member67C may press the development housing632C toward the photosensitive drum61C. The pressing member67K may press the development housing632K toward the photosensitive drum61K.

2.6 Cleaners68Y,68M,68C,68K

The cleaner68Y may clean the surface of the photosensitive drum61Y. The cleaner68Y has a cleaner housing681Y, a cleaning member682Y, and a screw683Y.

The cleaner housing681Y may store waste toner collected from the photosensitive drum61Y. The cleaner housing681Y has an opening6811Y.

The cleaning member682Y may clean the surface of the photosensitive drum61Y. The cleaning member682Y is attached to the cleaner housing681Y. The cleaning member682Y is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum61Y at an edge thereof. Waste toner scraped off from the surface of the photosensitive drum61Y by the cleaning member682Y may enter the cleaner housing681Y through the opening6811Y.

The screw683Y is located inside the cleaner housing681Y. The screw683Y may convey the waste toner in the cleaner housing681Y toward a waste toner tube69. The screw683Y extends in the first direction. The screw683Y may be an auger screw. Optionally, the screw683Y may be a shaftless screw.

The cleaner68M may clean the surface of the photosensitive drum61M. The cleaner68C may clean the surface of the photosensitive drum61C. The cleaner68K may clean the surface of the photosensitive drum61K. The cleaners68M,68C,68K may be described similarly to the cleaner68Y; therefore, description of the cleaners68M,68C,68K is herein omitted.

2.7 Waste Toner Tube69, Screw70, and Waste Toner Container10

With reference toFIGS.3-8, the waste toner tube69, a screw70, and a waste toner container10will be described in detail.

2.7.1 Waste Toner Tube69

As shown inFIG.4, the waste toner tube69is connected with the cleaners68Y,68M,68C,68K. The waste toner tube69allows the waste toner from the cleaners68Y,68M,68C,68K to pass there-through. The waste toner tube69extends in the second direction. The waste toner tube69has one end691on the one side and the other end692on the other side in the second direction. The other end692is located apart from the one end691in the second direction. The waste toner tube69has a waste toner outlet693. The waste toner outlet693is located on the other end692of the waste toner tube69in the second direction. The waste toner may be discharged from the waste toner tube69through the waste toner outlet693.

As shown inFIG.5, the waste toner tube69is located between the side board641and the side board642of the process housing64in the first direction.

As shown inFIG.1, the image forming apparatus1has the waste toner container10. Under the condition where the process cartridge6is attached to the image forming apparatus1, the waste toner container10is located inside the main housing2. Under a condition where the waste toner tube69is connected with the waste toner container10, the waste toner discharged from the waste toner outlet693may enter the waste toner container10, and the waste toner container10may store the waste toner. As shown inFIG.2, under the condition where the drawer5is located at the outer position, the waste toner tube69is separated from the waste toner container10. The waste toner container10is removable from the main housing2and is exchangeable.

2.7.2 Screw70

As shown inFIGS.5and6, the screw70is located inside the waste toner tube69. The screw70may convey the waste toner in the waste toner tube69toward the waste toner outlet693. The screw70extends in the second direction. The screw70may be an auger screw. Optionally, the screw70may be a shaftless screw.

2.8 Handle71

As shown inFIG.3, the process cartridge6has a handle71. The handle71is located in a central area in the second direction and in a central area in the first direction in the process cartridge6. The handle71is located between the section6532C and the section6532K in the first direction.

3. Benefits

(1) According to the image forming apparatus1, the developing device63Y may be reloaded with the toner from the outside of the main housing2through the reloading port650Y. Moreover, the developing device63M may be reloaded with the toner from the outside of the main housing2through the reloading port650M.

(2) According to the image forming apparatus1, the toner may be poured easily through the reloading port650Y from above, and the toner may be poured easily through the reloading port650M from above.

(3) According to the image forming apparatus1, the ejected sheet S on the ejection tray23may be restrained from covering the reloading ports650Y,650M.

Therefore, while the sheet S stays on the ejection tray23, the developing devices63Y,63M may be easily reloaded with the toners through the reloading ports650Y,650M, respectively.

(4) According to the image forming apparatus1, even if the toner spills from the reloading port650Y or the reloading port650M, the sheet S may be restrained from being smeared with the spilled toner.

Moreover, the user may pick up the ejected sheet S while interference from the reloading ports650Y,650M may be restrained.

(5) According to the image forming apparatus1, even if the developing device63Y moves with respect to the photosensitive drum61Y, the sealer member66Y may resiliently deform and therefore restrain the toner from leaking through the gap between the reloading device65Y and the development housing632Y. Moreover, even if the developing device63M moves with respect to the photosensitive drum61M, the sealer member66M may resiliently deform and therefore restrain the toner from leaking through the gap between the reloading device65M and the development housing632M.

(6) According to the image forming apparatus1, the user may grab the handle71to maintain the process cartridge6in a balanced posture.

Therefore, the user may transport the process cartridge6securely.

4. Modified Example

With reference toFIG.9, a modified example of the embodiment will be described. In the modified example, items that are identical to those described above will be referred to by the same reference signs, and description of those items is herein omitted.

The reloading device65Y has a screw657Y in place of the screws654Y,655Y,656Y. The screw657Y is a shaftless screw.

The reloading devices65M,65C,65K may be described similarly to the reloading device65Y; therefore, description of the reloading devices65M,65C,65K is herein omitted.

Although examples of carrying out the invention have been described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the image forming apparatus that fall within the spirit and the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. It is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or act described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. In the meantime, the terms used to represent the components in the above embodiment may not necessarily agree identically with the terms recited in the appended claims, but the terms used in the above embodiments may merely be regarded as examples of the claimed subject matters.