Process unit
A process unit has an image carrying unit having an image carrying member configured to be rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, and a developing agent removing member, a developing unit having a developing agent carrying member configured to be rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis, and a waste developing agent collecting unit configured to collect the developing agent removed by the removing member from the image carrying member. The waste developing agent collecting unit is arranged on one side in the first direction with respect to the developing unit such that the waste developing agent collecting unit faces the developing unit, and the developing unit is connected to the waste developing agent collecting unit such that the developing unit being movable in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction with respect to the waste developing agent collecting unit.
1. A process unit, which is attachable to an image forming apparatus in a predetermined direction, the image forming apparatus comprising a main body and an exposure device, the process unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum, the exposure device being configured to emit a laser beam to the photosensitive drum along a light path;
a developing agent reservoir configured to accommodate developing agent;
a developing roller configured to supply the developing agent to the photosensitive drum;
a developing agent collecting device configured to collect waste developing agent residing on the photosensitive drum;
a transporting member configured to transport the waste developing agent collected by the developing agent collecting device; and
a waste developing agent accommodating unit configured to accommodate the waste developing agent transported by the transporting member and disposed on a side of the developing agent reservoir, a portion of the waste developing agent accommodating unit being positioned below the light path,
wherein the developing agent reservoir and the waste developing agent accommodating unit are connected movably relative to each other.
2. The process unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the waste developing agent accommodating unit is configured to rotate, with respect to the developing agent reservoir, about a rotational shaft which is located below the light path.
3. The process unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the waste developing agent accommodating unit is provided with a guided part with which the waste developing agent accommodating unit is guided when being attached to or removed from the main body.
4. The process unit according to claim 3 ,
wherein the guided part comprises a boss.
5. The process unit according to claim 3 ,
further comprising a drum cartridge accommodating the photosensitive drum, the drum cartridge having a guide part configured to guide the guided part when the waste developing agent accommodating unit is being attached to or removed from the main body.
6. The process unit according to claim 5 ,
wherein the guided part comprises a boss, and
wherein the guide part is formed to be a recessed part in which the boss is fitted.
7. The process unit according to claim 3 ,
further comprising a drum cartridge accommodating the photosensitive drum,
wherein the photosensitive drum is configured to rotate about an axis extending in a first direction,
wherein the drum cartridge is provided with at least one supporting member disposed at an end portion of the drum cartridge in the first direction, and
wherein the at least one supporting member is configured to support the waste developing agent at a position shifted from the developing agent reservoir in the first direction such that the waste developing agent accommodating unit is movable, relative to the drum cartridge, in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction.
8. The process unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the side of the developing agent reservoir is a side of the developing agent reservoir in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction.
9. The process unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the developing agent collecting device comprises a blade.
10. The process unit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the transporting member comprises a screw.