# US 12,339,615 B2 · Image forming apparatus

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- Number: US 12,339,615 B2
- Document ID: US12339615B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 18/603,811
- Filed: 2024-03-13
- Published: 2024-07-04
- Granted: 2025-06-24
- Earliest claimed: 2018-08-23
- Assignees: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
- Applicants: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
- Inventors: Shougo Sato
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12339615B2

## CPC

- G03G 21/18: using a processing cartridge {, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit}
- G03G 21/10: Collecting or recycling waste developer
- G03G 21/105: {Arrangements for conveying toner waste}
- G03G 21/12: Toner waste containers
- G03G 21/1803: {Arrangements or disposition of the complete process cartridge or parts thereof}
- G03G 21/1817: {having a submodular arrangement}
- G03G 21/1821: {means for connecting the different parts of the process cartridge, e.g. attachment, positioning of parts with each other, pressure/distance regulation (G03G21/1825 takes precedence)}
- G03G 21/1842: {for guiding and mounting the process cartridge, positioning, alignment, locks (G03G21/1864 and G03G21/1871 take precedence)}
- G03G 21/1846: {using a handle for carrying or pulling out of the main machine, legs of casings}
- G03G 21/1853: {the process cartridge being mounted perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member}
- G03G 2221/183: Process cartridge
- G03G 2221/1846: using a handle for carrying or pulling out of the main machine
- G03G 2221/1884: Projections on process cartridge for guiding mounting thereof in main machine
- G03G: ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY

## Abstract

A process unit includes a photosensitive drum rotatable about a rotational axis extending in a first direction. A development unit includes a development roller configured to supply toner to the photosensitive drum. A scanner unit is configured to expose the photosensitive drum. A reception portion is configured to receive toner from a toner container for supplying toner into the development unit. The scanner unit and the photosensitive drum overlap each other as viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and a gravitational direction. The scanner unit is arranged at a center in the first direction in an apparatus main body. The reception portion is arranged on a same side as the scanner unit with respect to the photosensitive drum in the second direction. The reception portion is closer to an end of the apparatus main body in the first direction than the scanner unit is.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An image forming apparatus comprising:
an apparatus main body;
a process unit including a photosensitive drum rotatable about a rotational axis extending in a first direction;
a development unit including a development roller configured to supply toner to the photosensitive drum;
a scanner unit configured to expose the photosensitive drum;
a reception portion configured to receive toner from a toner container for supplying toner into the development unit, and
a connector connecting the development unit and the reception portion,
the process unit, the development unit, the scanner unit, and the reception portion being arranged in the apparatus main body,
the scanner unit and the photosensitive drum overlapping each other as viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and a gravitational direction, the scanner unit being arranged at a center in the first direction in the apparatus main body,
the reception portion being arranged on a same side as the scanner unit with respect to the photosensitive drum in the second direction, the reception portion being closer to an end of the apparatus main body in the first direction than the scanner unit is,
the connector overlapping the scanner unit as viewed from the first direction.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reception portion includes a hole and a shutter configured to open and close the hole.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the hole opens upward in the gravitational direction.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the development unit includes a reception port configured to receive toner;
wherein the connector includes a supply port located at an end opposite to the reception portion; and
wherein the reception port and the supply port are in communication with each other.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the reception port and the supply port are in communication with each other via a seal member.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the process unit includes a pair of side frames supporting the photosensitive drum at both ends in the first direction; and
wherein the pair of side frames supports the development unit so as to be swingable.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
a supply unit configured to supply a sheet toward the photosensitive drum; and
a transfer roller configured to transfer a toner image on the photosensitive drum to the sheet,
wherein the reception portion is arranged on an opposite side of the transfer roller with respect to the photosensitive drum.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the transfer roller, the photosensitive drum, the development unit, and the reception portion are arranged in this order in the second direction.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reception portion does not overlap the scanner unit as viewed from the second direction.