JP7615876B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, an image forming apparatus includes a main body housing and a drawer. The drawer is movable between a storage position and a pull-out position. When the drawer is in the storage position, it is stored in the main body housing. When the drawer is in the pull-out position, it is pulled out from the main body housing. The drawer has a first photosensitive drum and a second photosensitive drum (see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2016-194583 A

In an image forming device such as that described in Patent Document 1, the drawer has a first photosensitive drum and a second photosensitive drum.

Therefore, if you want to replace the first and second photosensitive drums, you need to replace the entire drawer, which is inconvenient.

Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide an image forming device in which the first and second photosensitive drums can be easily replaced.

(1) The image forming device disclosed herein includes a main body housing, a drawer, and a drum unit.

The drawer is movable between a storage position and an extended position. When the drawer is in the storage position, it is stored in the main body housing. When the drawer is in the extended position, it is extended from the main body housing.

The drum unit has a first photosensitive drum, a second photosensitive drum, and a waste toner tube. The waste toner tube allows the waste toner from the first photosensitive drum and the waste toner from the second photosensitive drum to pass through. The drum unit can be attached to the drawer when the drawer is in the pulled-out position.

With this configuration, the drum unit having the first and second photosensitive drums can be replaced in the drawer.

This allows the first and second photosensitive drums to be easily replaced.

The drum unit also has a waste toner tube.

As a result, the waste toner tube does not separate from the drum unit when the drum unit is removed from the drawer.

This helps prevent waste toner from leaking while replacing the drum unit.

(2) The first photosensitive drum is rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction.

The drum unit may have a first drum side plate and a second drum side plate. The first drum side plate supports one end of the first photosensitive drum in the first direction. The second drum side plate supports the other end of the first photosensitive drum in the first direction.

The waste toner tube may be located between the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate in the first direction.

(3) When the drum unit is attached to the drawer, a portion of the waste toner tube may be located below the first drum side panel.

(4) The main body housing may have a first positioning plate and a second positioning plate. When the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the drawer is located in the storage position, the first positioning plate positions one end of the first photosensitive drum in the first direction relative to the main body housing. When the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the drawer is located in the storage position, the second positioning plate positions the other end of the first photosensitive drum in the first direction relative to the main body housing. When the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the drawer is located in the storage position, the waste toner tube may be located between the first positioning plate and the second positioning plate in the first direction.

(5) The drawer may include a positioning plate. When the drum unit is attached to the drawer, the positioning plate positions the first photosensitive drum and the second photosensitive drum relative to the drawer.

With this configuration, when the drawer is in the pulled-out position and the drum unit is attached to the drawer, the positioning plate can determine the positions of the first and second photosensitive drums.

Then, by moving the drawer from the pulled-out position to the stored position, the first photosensitive drum and the second photosensitive drum can be stored in the main body housing with their positions determined.

As a result, the first and second photosensitive drums can be positioned more smoothly relative to the main body housing, compared to a configuration in which the first and second photosensitive drums are positioned relative to a positioning plate inside the main body housing when the drawer is placed in the storage position.

(6) The drum unit may have a first frame, a second frame, and a drum side plate. The first frame supports a first photosensitive drum. The second frame supports a second photosensitive drum. The drum side plate supports the first frame and the second frame. Each of the first frame and the second frame is movable relative to the drum side plate.

(7) The second photosensitive drum is rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction.

The first frame may have a first support portion. The first support portion supports one end of the first photosensitive drum in the first direction.

The second frame may have a second support portion. The second support portion supports one end of the second photosensitive drum in the first direction.

When the drum unit is attached to the drawer, the positioning plate comes into contact with the first support portion and the second support portion to position the first support portion and the second support portion relative to the drawer.

(8) The drum side plate may have a first through hole and a second through hole.

The first support portion passes through the first through hole. The second support portion passes through the second through hole. The drum unit may have a first elastic member and a second elastic member. The first elastic member is located between the outer peripheral surface of the first support portion and the inner peripheral surface of the first through hole. The second elastic member is located between the outer peripheral surface of the second support portion and the inner peripheral surface of the second through hole.

(9) The drawer may further include a locking member. When the drum unit is attached to the drawer, the locking member is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking member is in the locked position, the locking member locks the drum unit to the drawer. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the locking member releases the lock of the drum unit from the drawer.

When the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the locking member is in the locked position, the locking member presses the first support portion and the second support portion toward the positioning plate.

(10) The locking member is rotatable about an axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. The axis extends in a direction from the storage position of the drawer toward the pull-out position.

(11) The locking member may have a plate shape.

(12) The locking member may have a first drum pressing member and a second drum pressing member.

When the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the locking member is in the locked position, the first drum pressing member presses the first support part toward the positioning plate.

When the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the locking member is in the locked position, the second drum pressing member presses the second support part toward the positioning plate.

(13) The first drum pressing member and the second drum pressing member may be springs.

(14) The locking member may have a first hole and a second hole.

When the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the locking member is in the locked position, the first support part fits into the first hole. When the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the locking member is in the locked position, the second support part fits into the second hole.

(15) The drawer may include a second positioning plate. The second positioning plate is located on the opposite side of the first and second photosensitive drums in the first direction from the positioning plate when the drum unit is attached to the drawer. The second positioning plate, together with the positioning plate, positions the first and second photosensitive drums with respect to the drawer. The first frame has a third support portion. The third support portion supports the other end of the first photosensitive drum in the first direction. The second frame has a fourth support portion. The fourth support portion supports the other end of the second photosensitive drum in the first direction. When the drum unit is attached to the drawer, the second positioning plate positions the third and fourth support portions with respect to the drawer.

The drawer may further include a second locking member. The second locking member is movable between a second locking position and a second unlocking position when the drum unit is attached to the drawer. When the second locking member is in the second locking position, it locks the drum unit to the drawer. When the second locking member is in the second unlocking position, it unlocks the drum unit from the drawer. When the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the second locking member is in the second locking position, the second locking member presses the third support portion and the fourth support portion toward the second positioning plate.

(16) The second locking member may have a third drum pressing member and a fourth drum pressing member.

When the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the second locking member is in the second locking position, the third drum pressing member presses the third support portion toward the second positioning plate.

When the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the second locking member is in the second locking position, the fourth drum pressing member presses the fourth support portion toward the second positioning plate.

(17) The second locking member may have a third hole and a fourth hole.

When the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the second locking member is in the second locking position, the third support part fits into the third hole.

When the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the second locking member is in the second locking position, the fourth support part fits into the fourth hole.

(18) The drum unit may further include a waste toner tube.

The waste toner tube allows waste toner from the first photosensitive drum and waste toner from the second photosensitive drum to pass through. The drum side panel supports the waste toner tube.

In this configuration, the drum unit has a waste toner tube.

As a result, the waste toner tube does not separate from the drum unit when the drum unit is removed from the drawer.

This helps prevent waste toner from leaking while replacing the drum unit.

(19) The first frame may have a first waste toner storage section and a first discharge section. The first waste toner storage section stores waste toner from the first photosensitive drum. The first discharge section may have a first discharge outlet. The first discharge outlet is capable of discharging the waste toner in the first waste toner storage section.

The second frame may have a second waste toner storage section and a second discharge section. The second waste toner storage section stores waste toner from the second photosensitive drum. The second discharge section may have a second discharge outlet. The second discharge outlet is capable of discharging the waste toner in the second waste toner storage section.

The waste toner tube may have a first receiving port and a second receiving port. The first receiving port is capable of receiving waste toner discharged from the first discharge port. The second receiving port is capable of receiving waste toner discharged from the second discharge port.

The drum unit may have a first seal member and a second seal member. The first seal member has a through hole. The through hole communicates with the first discharge port and the first receiving port. The first seal member seals between the first frame and the waste toner tube. The second seal member has a through hole. The through hole communicates with the second discharge port and the second receiving port. The second seal member seals between the second frame and the waste toner tube.

With this configuration, when the drum unit is removed from the drawer while the drawer is in the pulled-out position, the first and second sealing members can prevent waste toner from leaking from the first and second frames.

(20) The drum unit may have a first conveying member and a second conveying member.

The first transport member is located within the first waste toner storage unit. The first transport member transports the waste toner within the first waste toner storage unit toward the first discharge outlet.

The second transport member is located within the second waste toner storage section. The second transport member transports the waste toner within the second waste toner storage section toward the second discharge outlet.

(21) The main body housing may have a first positioning member.

When the drawer is in the storage position, the first positioning member positions one end of the drawer in the direction of movement of the drawer relative to the main body housing.

The drawer may have a first positioned portion. When the drawer is in the storage position, the first positioned portion is positioned by the first positioning member.

(22) The first positioning member may have a cylindrical shape. The first positioned portion may be a notch. When the drawer is in the storage position, the first positioning member fits into the first positioned portion.

(23) The main body housing may have a second positioning member. When the drawer is in the storage position, the second positioning member positions the other end of the drawer in the direction of movement of the drawer on the main body housing. The drawer may have a second positioned portion. The second positioned portion is positioned by the second positioning member when the drawer is in the storage position.

(24) The second positioned portion may have a cylindrical shape. The second positioning member may be a notch. When the drawer is in the storage position, the second positioned portion fits into the second positioning member.

(25) The image forming device may further include a first cartridge and a second cartridge. The first cartridge can accommodate toner to be supplied to the first photosensitive drum. The first cartridge can be attached to the drawer when the drawer is in the pulled-out position.

The second cartridge can contain toner to be supplied to the second photosensitive drum. The second cartridge can be attached to the drawer when the drawer is in the extended position.

(26) The drum unit may have a first cartridge guide and a second cartridge guide. The first cartridge guide guides the first cartridge. The second cartridge guide guides the second cartridge.

(27) The drawer may have a drum guide. The drum guide guides the drum unit.

(28) The first photosensitive drum is rotatable about a first axis. The first axis extends in a first direction. The drawer may have a first drawer side panel and a second drawer side panel. When the drum unit is attached to the drawer, the first drawer side panel supports one end of the drum unit in the first direction. When the drum unit is attached to the drawer, the second drawer side panel supports the other end of the drum unit in the first direction. The first drawer side panel may have a first inner surface and a second inner surface. When the drum unit is attached to the drawer, the first inner surface faces one end of the drum unit in the first direction. When the first cartridge is attached to the drawer, the second inner surface faces one end of the first cartridge in the first direction. The second drawer side panel may have a third inner surface and a fourth inner surface. When the drum unit is attached to the drawer, the third inner surface faces the other end of the drum unit in the first direction. When the first cartridge is attached to the drawer, the fourth inner surface faces the other end of the first cartridge in the first direction.

(29) The distance between the second inner surface and the fourth inner surface in the first direction may be longer than the distance between the first inner surface and the third inner surface in the first direction.

This configuration allows the drum unit to easily pass between the second inner surface and the fourth inner surface.

This allows for smooth replacement of the drum unit.

(30) The drawer may have a first rib and a second rib. The first rib is located on a second inner surface of the first drawer side plate. When the first cartridge is attached to the drawer, the first rib supports one end of the first cartridge in the first direction. The second rib is located on a fourth inner surface of the second drawer side plate. When the first cartridge is attached to the drawer, the second rib supports the other end of the first cartridge in the first direction.

(31) The drum unit may have a first drum side plate and a second drum side plate. The first drum side plate supports one end of the first photosensitive drum in the first direction. The second drum side plate supports the other end of the first photosensitive drum in the first direction. The first rib may be located on the opposite side of the second drum side plate from the first drum side plate in the first direction. The second rib may be located on the opposite side of the first drum side plate from the second drum side plate in the first direction.

With this configuration, when the first cartridge is attached to the drawer, the first rib and the second rib can stably support the first cartridge, and when replacing the drum unit, the drum unit can be replaced by passing through the gap between the first rib and the second rib.

(32) The first cartridge may have a first developing roller. When the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the first cartridge is attached to the drawer, the first developing roller comes into contact with the first photosensitive drum. The drawer may have a first developing pressing member and a second developing pressing member. The first developing pressing member presses one end of the first cartridge in the first direction toward the first photosensitive drum. The second developing pressing member presses the other end of the first cartridge in the first direction toward the first photosensitive drum.

(33) The first developer pressing member may be attached to the first rib. The second developer pressing member may be attached to the second rib.

(34) The first developer pressing member may be located on the opposite side of the second drum side plate from the first drum side plate in the first direction. The second developer pressing member may be located on the opposite side of the first drum side plate from the second drum side plate in the first direction.

With this configuration, when the first cartridge is attached to the drawer, the first developer pressing member and the second developer pressing member can press the first cartridge against the first photosensitive drum, and when replacing the drum unit, the drum unit can be replaced through the gap between the first developer pressing member and the second developer pressing member.

(35) The first rib may have a first protrusion. When the first cartridge is attached to the drawer, the first protrusion contacts one end of the first cartridge in the first direction. The second rib may have a second protrusion. When the first cartridge is attached to the drawer, the second protrusion contacts the other end of the first cartridge in the first direction.

(36) The drawer may have a sheet guide. When the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the drawer is in the storage position, the sheet guide guides the sheet transported toward the first photosensitive drum.

(37) The image forming device may further include a waste toner storage unit. The waste toner storage unit is capable of storing waste toner. When the drawer is in the storage position, the waste toner tube is connected to the waste toner storage unit. When the drawer is in the extended position, the waste toner tube is separated from the waste toner storage unit.

According to the image forming apparatus disclosed herein, the first photosensitive drum and the second photosensitive drum can be easily replaced.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the drawer of FIG. 1 in the extended position. FIG. 3 shows the drum unit of FIG. 2 in a state where it has been removed from the drawer. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the drum unit, showing a cross section passing through the center in the first direction. Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of the drum unit taken through a waste toner tube, and Figure 6B is a side view of the drum unit. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the connection between the waste toner tube and the waste toner storage unit. FIG. 8 is a side view of the drawer. FIG. 9 is a side view of the drum unit detached from the drawer of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the drum unit of FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the drum unit taken along line AA of FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the drum unit taken along the line BB of FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the drawer removed from the main body housing, showing the drawer in the locked position. FIG. 14 is a side view of the drawer of FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the drawer of FIG. 13 taken through the positioning plate. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the drawer shown in the unlocked position. 17 is a side view of the drawer of FIG. 15. FIG. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 shows the drawer of FIG. 20 in the pulled-out position. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus.

1. Overview of Image Forming Apparatus 1 The overview of an image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming device 1 includes a main body housing 2, a cover 3, a sheet storage section 4, a drawer 5, a drum unit 6, an exposure device 7, a number of cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K, a transfer device 9, and a fixing device 10.

1.1 Main body housing 2
The main body housing 2 accommodates a sheet storage section 4, a drawer 5, a drum unit 6, an exposure device 7, a plurality of cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K, a transfer device 9, and a fixing device 10. The main body housing 2 has an opening 21.

1.2 Cover 3
The cover 3 is movable between a closed position (see FIG. 1) and an open position (see FIG. 2). When the cover 3 is located at the closed position as shown in FIG. 1, the cover 3 closes the opening 21. When the cover 3 is located at the open position as shown in FIG. 2, the opening 21 is open.

1.3 Sheet storage section 4
1 , the sheet storage unit 4 is capable of storing a sheet S. The sheet S in the sheet storage unit 4 is transported toward a transfer device 9.

1.4 Drawer 5
As shown in Fig. 2, when the cover 3 is in the open position, the drawer 5 is movable between the storage position (see Fig. 1) and the pull-out position (see Fig. 2) through the opening 21. The drawer 5 is movable in the direction in which the photosensitive drums 61Y, 61M, 61C, and 61K (see Fig. 1) are aligned. The photosensitive drums 61Y, 61M, 61C, and 61K will be described later. As shown in Fig. 1, when the drawer 5 is in the storage position, the entirety of the drawer 5 is stored in the main body housing 2. As shown in Fig. 2, when the drawer 5 is in the pull-out position, at least a portion of the drawer 5 is pulled out from the main body housing 2.

1.5 Drum unit 6
As shown in FIG. 3, the drum unit 6 can be attached to the drawer 5 when the drawer 5 is in the pulled-out position.

As shown in FIG. 1, the drum unit 6 has multiple photosensitive drums 61Y, 61M, 61C, and 61K, and multiple charging devices 62Y, 62M, 62C, and 62K.

1.5.1 Photosensitive drums 61Y, 61M, 61C, and 61K
The photosensitive drum 61Y is rotatable about a first axis A1. The first axis A1 extends in a first direction. The photosensitive drum 61Y extends in the first direction.

Photosensitive drums 61Y, 61M, 61C, and 61K are aligned in a second direction. The second direction intersects with the first direction. Preferably, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

The photosensitive drums 61M, 61C, and 61K will be described in the same manner as the photosensitive drum 61Y. Therefore, the description of the photosensitive drums 61M, 61C, and 61K will be omitted. That is, the photosensitive drum 61M can rotate about the second axis A12. The second axis A12 extends in the first direction.

1.5.2 Charging devices 62Y, 62M, 62C, and 62K
The charging device 62Y charges the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y. The charging device 62M charges the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 61M. The charging device 62C charges the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 61C. The charging device 62K charges the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 61K.

In this embodiment, each of the charging devices 62Y, 62M, 62C, and 62K is a charging roller. Each of the charging devices 62Y, 62M, 62C, and 62K may be a scorotron type charger.

1.6 Exposure device 7
When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 and the drawer 5 is in the storage position, the exposure device 7 can expose the peripheral surfaces of the photosensitive drums 61Y, 61M, 61C, and 61K to light. In this embodiment, the exposure device 7 is a laser scan unit.

1.7 Cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K
2, when the drawer 5 is in the pulled-out position, each of the cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K can be installed in the drawer 5. In particular, when the drawer 5 is in the pulled-out position and the drum unit 6 is installed in the drawer 5, each of the cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K can be installed in the drawer 5.

The cartridge 8Y can accommodate toner to be supplied to the photosensitive drum 61Y. The cartridge 8M can accommodate toner to be supplied to the photosensitive drum 61M. The cartridge 8C can accommodate toner to be supplied to the photosensitive drum 61C. The cartridge 8K can accommodate toner to be supplied to the photosensitive drum 61K.

As shown in FIG. 1, cartridge 8Y has a developing roller 81Y.

The developing roller 81Y can supply toner in the cartridge 8Y to the photosensitive drum 61Y. When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 and the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5, the developing roller 81Y comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 61Y. The developing roller 81Y may be separable from the photosensitive drum 61Y. When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 and the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5, the developing roller 81Y extends in the first direction. The developing roller 81Y can rotate about the axis A2. When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 and the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5, the axis A2 extends in the first direction.

Each of cartridges 8M, 8C, and 8K will be described in the same manner as cartridge 8Y. Therefore, the description of cartridges 8M, 8C, and 8K will be omitted.

1.8 Transfer device 9
When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 and the drawer 5 is in the storage position, the transfer device 9 is located below the photosensitive drums 61Y, 61M, 61C, and 61K. The transfer device 9 includes a belt 91 and transfer rollers 92Y, 92M, 92C, and 92K.

The belt 91 transports the sheet S from the sheet storage section 4 toward the fixing device 10. When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 and the drawer 5 is in the storage position, the belt 91 comes into contact with the photosensitive drums 61Y, 61M, 61C, and 61K.

Transfer roller 92Y transfers the toner on photosensitive drum 61Y to sheet S being transported by belt 91. Transfer roller 92M transfers the toner on photosensitive drum 61M to sheet S being transported by belt 91. Transfer roller 92C transfers the toner on photosensitive drum 61C to sheet S being transported by belt 91. Transfer roller 92K transfers the toner on photosensitive drum 61K to sheet S being transported by belt 91.

1.9 Fixing device 10
The fixing device 10 applies heat and pressure to the sheet S onto which the toner has been transferred, thereby fixing the toner to the sheet S. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 10 is discharged onto the top surface of the main body housing 2.

2. Details of Drum Unit 6 The drum unit 6 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4 to 7.

In addition to the photosensitive drums 61Y, 61M, 61C, and 61K and charging devices 62Y, 62M, 62C, and 62K described above, the drum unit 6 also has a drum side plate 63A (see FIG. 4), a drum side plate 63B (see FIG. 4), drum cleaners 64Y, 64M, 64C, and 64K (see FIG. 5), a waste toner tube 65 (see FIG. 6A), and a screw 66.

2.1 Drum side plate 63A
As shown in FIG. 4, the drum side plate 63A is located at one end of the drum unit 6 in the first direction. The drum side plate 63A extends in the second direction (see FIG. 6B) and the third direction. The third direction intersects with the first direction and the second direction. The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The drum side plate 63A supports one end of the photosensitive drum 61Y in the first direction. The drum side plate 63A also supports one end of the photosensitive drum 61M (see FIG. 5) in the first direction, one end of the photosensitive drum 61C (see FIG. 5) in the first direction, and one end of the photosensitive drum 61K (see FIG. 5) in the first direction. The drum side plate 63A has an outer surface S1 and an inner surface S2. The inner surface S2 is located between the outer surface S1 and the drum side plate 63B in the first direction.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the drum side plate 63A has a plurality of protrusions 631Y, 631M, 631C, and 631K, and a plurality of cartridge guides 632Y, 632M, 632C, and 632K. In other words, the drum unit 6 has cartridge guides 632Y, 632M, 632C, and 632K.

As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 631Y is located on the outer surface S1 of the drum side plate 63A. The protrusion 631Y extends from the outer surface S1 of the drum side plate 63A. The protrusion 631Y may be attached to the outer surface S1 of the drum side plate 63A. In this embodiment, the protrusion 631Y has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 631Y receives one end of the photosensitive drum 61Y in the first direction.

As shown in FIG. 6B, protrusions 631Y, 631M, 631C, and 631K are aligned in the second direction. Each of protrusions 631M, 631C, and 631K will be described in the same manner as protrusion 631Y. Therefore, a description of each of protrusions 631M, 631C, and 631K will be omitted.

The cartridge guide 632Y is located on the inner surface S2 (see FIG. 4) of the drum side plate 63A. When the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5 with the drum unit 6 attached to the drawer 5, the protrusion 85Y1 (see FIG. 4) of the cartridge 8Y fits into the cartridge guide 632Y. The protrusion 85Y1 will be described later. As a result, when the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5 with the drum unit 6 attached to the drawer 5, the cartridge guide 632Y guides one end of the cartridge 8Y in the first direction. In this embodiment, the cartridge guide 632Y is a groove. The cartridge guide 632Y may be a rib.

The cartridge guides 632Y, 632M, 632C, and 632K are aligned in the second direction. When the cartridge 8M (see FIG. 2) is installed in the drawer 5 with the drum unit 6 installed in the drawer 5, the cartridge guide 632M guides one end of the cartridge 8M in the first direction. When the cartridge 8C (see FIG. 2) is installed in the drawer 5 with the drum unit 6 installed in the drawer 5, the cartridge guide 632C guides one end of the cartridge 8C in the first direction. When the cartridge 8K (see FIG. 2) is installed in the drawer 5 with the drum unit 6 installed in the drawer 5, the cartridge guide 632K guides one end of the cartridge 8K in the first direction.

Each of the cartridge guides 632M, 632C, and 632K will be described in the same manner as the cartridge guide 632Y. Therefore, the description of each of the cartridge guides 632M, 632C, and 632K will be omitted.

2.2 Drum side plate 63B
As shown in FIG. 4, the drum side plate 63B is located at the other end of the drum unit 6 in the first direction. The drum side plate 63B is located away from the drum side plate 63A in the first direction. The drum side plate 63B extends in the second direction (see FIG. 5) and the third direction. The drum side plate 63B supports the other end of the photosensitive drum 61Y in the first direction. The drum side plate 63B also supports the other end of the photosensitive drum 61M (see FIG. 5) in the first direction, the other end of the photosensitive drum 61C (see FIG. 5) in the first direction, and the other end of the photosensitive drum 61K (see FIG. 5) in the first direction. The drum side plate 63B has an outer surface S3 and an inner surface S4.

The inner surface S4 is located between the outer surface S3 and the drum side plate 63A in the first direction.

The drum side plate 63B has multiple protrusions 633Y, 633M, 633C, and 633K (protrusions 633M, 633C, and 633K are not shown) and multiple cartridge guides 634Y, 634M, 634C, and 634K (see Figure 5).

The protrusion 633Y is located on the outer surface S3 of the drum side plate 63B. The protrusion 633Y extends from the outer surface S3 of the drum side plate 63B. The protrusion 633Y may be attached to the outer surface S3 of the drum side plate 63B. In this embodiment, the protrusion 633Y has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 633Y receives the other end of the photosensitive drum 61Y in the first direction.

Protrusions 633Y, 633M, 633C, and 633K are aligned in the second direction. Each of protrusions 633M, 633C, and 633K will be described in the same manner as protrusion 633Y. Therefore, a description of each of protrusions 633M, 633C, and 633K will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge guide 634Y is located on the inner surface S4 of the drum side plate 63B. When the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5 with the drum unit 6 attached to the drawer 5, the protrusion 85Y2 (see FIG. 4) of the cartridge 8Y fits into the cartridge guide 634Y. The protrusion 85Y2 will be described later. As a result, when the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5 with the drum unit 6 attached to the drawer 5, the cartridge guide 634Y guides the other end of the cartridge 8Y in the first direction. In this embodiment, the cartridge guide 634Y is a groove. The cartridge guide 634Y may also be a rib.

The cartridge guides 634Y, 634M, 634C, and 634K are aligned in the second direction. When the cartridge 8M (see FIG. 2) is installed in the drawer 5 with the drum unit 6 installed in the drawer 5, the cartridge guide 634M guides the other end of the cartridge 8M in the first direction. When the cartridge 8C (see FIG. 2) is installed in the drawer 5 with the drum unit 6 installed in the drawer 5, the cartridge guide 634C guides the other end of the cartridge 8C in the first direction. When the cartridge 8K (see FIG. 2) is installed in the drawer 5 with the drum unit 6 installed in the drawer 5, the cartridge guide 634K guides the other end of the cartridge 8K in the first direction.

Each of the cartridge guides 634M, 634C, and 634K will be described in the same manner as the cartridge guide 634Y. Therefore, the description of each of the cartridge guides 634M, 634C, and 634K will be omitted.

2.3 Drum cleaners 64Y, 64M, 64C, 64K
The drum cleaner 64Y cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y. The drum cleaner 64Y includes a cleaning housing 641Y, a cleaning member 642Y, and a screw 643Y.

The cleaning housing 641Y can accommodate waste toner from the photosensitive drum 61Y. The cleaning housing 641Y has an opening 6411Y.

The cleaning member 642Y cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y. The cleaning member 642Y is attached to the cleaning housing 641Y. The edge of the cleaning member 642Y contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y. Waste toner cleaned from the surface of the photosensitive drum 61Y by the cleaning member 642Y passes through the opening 6411Y and enters the cleaning housing 641Y.

The screw 643Y is located in the cleaning housing 641Y. The screw 643Y transports the waste toner in the cleaning housing 641Y toward the waste toner tube 65 (see FIG. 6A). The screw 643Y extends in a first direction. The screw 643Y is rotatable about an axis A3. The axis A3 extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the screw 643Y is an auger screw. The screw 643Y may be a shaftless screw.

Drum cleaner 64M cleans the surface of photosensitive drum 61M. Drum cleaner 64C cleans the surface of photosensitive drum 61C. Drum cleaner 64K cleans the surface of photosensitive drum 61K.

Each of the drum cleaners 64M, 64C, and 64K will be described in the same manner as the drum cleaner 64Y. Therefore, a description of each of the drum cleaners 64M, 64C, and 64K will be omitted.

2.4 Waste toner tube 65
As shown in FIG. 6A, the waste toner pipe 65 is connected to each of the drum cleaners 64Y, 64M, 64C, and 64K. The waste toner pipe 65 allows the waste toner from the drum cleaner 64Y, the waste toner from the drum cleaner 64M, the waste toner from the drum cleaner 64C, and the waste toner from the drum cleaner 64K to pass through. In other words, the waste toner pipe 65 allows the waste toner from the photosensitive drum 61Y, the waste toner from the photosensitive drum 61M, the waste toner from the photosensitive drum 61C, and the waste toner from the photosensitive drum 61K to pass through. The waste toner pipe 65 extends in the second direction. The waste toner pipe 65 has one end 65A and the other end 65B in the second direction. The other end 65B is located away from the one end 65A in the second direction. The waste toner pipe 65 has a waste toner discharge port 651. The waste toner discharge port 651 is located at the other end 65B of the waste toner tube 65 in the second direction. The waste toner discharge port 651 is capable of discharging the waste toner in the waste toner tube 65.

As shown in FIG. 4, the waste toner tube 65 is located between the drum side plate 63A and the drum side plate 63B in the first direction. When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5, a portion of the waste toner tube 65 is located below the drum side plate 63A. When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 and the drawer 5 is in the storage position, the waste toner tube 65 is located between the transfer device 9 and the drum side plate 63A in the first direction. When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 and the drawer 5 is in the storage position, the waste toner tube 65 is located between the belt 91 and the drum side plate 63A in the first direction.

When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 and the drawer 5 is in the storage position, the waste toner pipe 65 is located between the positioning plates 22A and 22B in the first direction. The main body housing 2 has the positioning plates 22A and 22B.

When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 and the drawer 5 is in the storage position, the positioning plate 22A is located between the waste toner pipe 65 and the drum side plate 63A in the first direction. When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 and the drawer 5 is in the storage position, the positioning plate 22A positions one end of the photosensitive drum 61Y in the first direction relative to the main body housing 2. The positioning plate 22A extends in the second and third directions. The positioning plate 22A also positions one end of the photosensitive drum 61M in the first direction, one end of the photosensitive drum 61C in the first direction, and one end of the photosensitive drum 61K in the first direction relative to the main body housing 2.

The positioning plate 22B is located away from the positioning plate 22A in the first direction. The transfer device 9 is located between the positioning plate 22A and the positioning plate 22B in the first direction. When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 and the drawer 5 is located in the storage position, the positioning plate 22B is located between the transfer device 9 and the drum side plate 63B in the first direction. When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 and the drawer 5 is located in the storage position, the positioning plate 22B positions the other end of the photosensitive drum 61Y in the first direction relative to the main body housing 2. The positioning plate 22B extends in the second and third directions. The positioning plate 22B also positions the other end of the photosensitive drum 61M in the first direction, the other end of the photosensitive drum 61C in the first direction, and the other end of the photosensitive drum 61K in the first direction relative to the main body housing 2.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 and the drawer 5 is in the storage position, the waste toner tube 65 is connected to the waste toner storage section 11. The image forming apparatus 1 further includes the waste toner storage section 11. The waste toner storage section 11 is located inside the main body housing 2. When the waste toner tube 65 is connected to the waste toner storage section 11, the waste toner discharged from the waste toner discharge port 651 (see FIG. 6A) enters the waste toner storage section 11. The waste toner storage section 11 is capable of storing waste toner. As shown in FIG. 2, when the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 and the drawer 5 is in the pull-out position, the waste toner tube 65 is separated from the waste toner storage section 11.

2.5 Screw 66
As shown in Fig. 6A, the screw 66 is located in the waste toner tube 65. The screw 66 transports the waste toner in the waste toner tube 65 toward the waste toner discharge port 651. The screw 66 extends in a second direction. The screw 66 is rotatable about an axis A4. The axis A4 extends in the second direction. In this embodiment, the screw 66 is an auger screw. The screw 66 may be a shaftless screw.

3. Details of Cartridge 8Y The details of the cartridge 8Y will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 4, in addition to the developing roller 81Y described above, the cartridge 8Y has a cartridge housing 82Y, two ribs 83Y1 and 83Y2, two protrusions 84Y1 and 84Y2, and two protrusions 85Y1 and 85Y2.

3.1 Cartridge housing 82Y
The cartridge housing 82Y is capable of containing toner. The cartridge housing 82Y extends in a first direction. The cartridge housing 82Y has one side surface S11 in the first direction and the other side surface S12 in the first direction.

3.2 Ribs 83Y1, 83Y2
The rib 83Y1 is located on a side surface S11 of the cartridge 8Y. The rib 83Y1 extends from the side surface S11. The rib 83Y1 may be attached to the side surface S11. When the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5, the rib 83Y1 extends in the third direction.

The rib 83Y2 is located on the side surface S12 of the cartridge 8Y. The rib 83Y2 extends from the side surface S12. The rib 83Y2 may be attached to the side surface S12. When the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5, the rib 83Y2 extends in the third direction.

3.3 Protrusions 84Y1, 84Y2
The protrusion 84Y1 is located on a side surface S11 of the cartridge 8Y. The protrusion 84Y1 extends from the side surface S11. The protrusion 84Y1 extends in the first direction. The protrusion 84Y1 may be attached to the side surface S11. The drum unit 6 and the cartridge When the developing roller 81Y is attached to the drawer 5, the protrusion 84Y1 is located on the opposite side of the developing roller 81Y (see FIG. 1) from the photosensitive drum 61Y (see FIG. 1). It is located.

The protrusion 84Y2 is located on the side surface S12 of the cartridge 8Y. The protrusion 84Y2 extends from the side surface S12. The protrusion 84Y2 extends in the first direction. The protrusion 84Y2 may be attached to the side surface S12. When the drum unit 6 and the cartridge 8Y are attached to the drawer 5, the protrusion 84Y2 is located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 61Y (see FIG. 1) with respect to the developing roller 81Y (see FIG. 1). The protrusion 84Y2 is located away from the rib 83Y2.

3.4 Protrusions 85Y1, 85Y2
The protrusion 85Y1 is located on the side surface S11 of the cartridge 8Y. The protrusion 85Y1 extends from the side surface S11. The protrusion 85Y1 extends in the first direction. The protrusion 85Y1 may be attached to the side surface S11. The protrusion 85Y1 may be The protrusion 85Y1 extends along the axis A2 (see FIG. 1). The protrusion 85Y1 may be the shaft of the developing roller 81Y. The protrusion 85Y1 has a cylindrical shape.

The protrusion 85Y2 is located on the side surface S12 of the cartridge 8Y. The protrusion 85Y2 extends from the side surface S12. The protrusion 85Y2 extends in a first direction. The protrusion 85Y2 may be attached to the side surface S12. The protrusion 85Y2 extends along the axis A2 (see FIG. 1). The protrusion 85Y2 may be the shaft of the developing roller 81Y. The protrusion 85Y2 has a cylindrical shape.

4. Details of the Drawer 5 The details of the drawer 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 8.

The drawer 5 has a drawer side panel 51A (see FIG. 4), a drawer side panel 51B (see FIG. 4), a plurality of ribs 52Y, 52M, 52C, 52K (see FIG. 8), a plurality of ribs 53Y, 53M, 53C, 53K (see FIG. 1), a plurality of developer pressing members 54Y, 54M, 54C, 54K (see FIG. 8), a plurality of developer pressing members 55Y, 55M, 55C, 55K (see FIG. 1), and a sheet guide 56 (see FIG. 1).

4.1 Drawer side panel 51A
As shown in Fig. 4, the drawer side panel 51A is located at one end of the drawer 5 in the first direction. The drawer side panel 51A extends in the second direction (see Fig. 8) and the third direction. The drawer side panel 51A has an outer surface S21, an inner surface S31, and an inner surface S32.

The outer surface S21 is located on the opposite side of the drawer side panel 51B from the inner surface S31 in the first direction.

The inner surface S31 is located between the outer surface S21 and the drum side plate 63A in the first direction. The inner surface S31 is located between the inner surface S32 and the drum side plate 63A in the first direction. When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5, the inner surface S31 faces one end of the drum unit 6 in the first direction.

The inner surface S32 is located above the inner surface S31 in the third direction. The inner surface S32 is located away from the inner surface S31 in the first direction. The inner surface S32 is located between the outer surface S21 and the inner surface S31 in the first direction. When the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5, the inner surface S32 faces one end of the cartridge 8Y in the first direction.

As shown in FIG. 8, the drawer side panel 51A has a plurality of drum guides 511Y, 511M, 511C, and 511K. In other words, the drawer 5 has drum guides 511Y, 511M, 511C, and 511K.

The drum guides 511Y, 511M, 511C, and 511K are located on the inner surface S31 (see FIG. 4). The drum guides 511Y, 511M, 511C, and 511K are located between the inner surface S32 (see FIG. 4) and the drum side plate 63A (see FIG. 4) in the first direction. The drum guides 511Y, 511M, 511C, and 511K are aligned in the second direction. Each of the drum guides 511Y, 511M, 511C, and 511K extends in the third direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5, the drum guide 511Y guides the protrusion 631Y of the drum unit 6, the drum guide 511M guides the protrusion 631M of the drum unit 6, the drum guide 511C guides the protrusion 631C of the drum unit 6, and the drum guide 511K guides the protrusion 631K of the drum unit 6.

As shown in Figures 2 and 4, when the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5, the protrusion 631Y of the drum unit 6 fits into the drum guide 511Y, the protrusion 631M of the drum unit 6 fits into the drum guide 511M, the protrusion 631C of the drum unit 6 fits into the drum guide 511C, and the protrusion 631K of the drum unit 6 fits into the drum guide 511K, so that the drawer side panel 51A supports one end of the drum unit 6 in the first direction.

4.2 Drawer side panel 51B
4, the drawer side panel 51B is located at the other end of the drawer 5 in the first direction. The drawer side panel 51B is located away from the drawer side panel 51A in the first direction. The drawer side panel 51B extends in the second and third directions. The drawer side panel 51B has an outer surface S22, an inner surface S41, and an inner surface S42.

The outer surface S22 is located on the opposite side of the drawer side panel 51A from the inner surface S41 in the first direction.

The inner surface S41 is located between the outer surface S22 and the drum side plate 63B in the first direction. The inner surface S41 is located between the inner surface S42 and the drum side plate 63B in the first direction. When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5, the inner surface S41 faces the other end of the drum unit 6 in the first direction.

The inner surface S42 is located above the inner surface S41 in the third direction. The inner surface S42 is located away from the inner surface S41 in the first direction. The inner surface S42 is located between the outer surface S22 and the inner surface S41 in the first direction. When the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5, the inner surface S42 faces the other end of the cartridge 8Y in the first direction.

The distance D1 between the inner surface S32 and the inner surface S42 in the first direction is longer than the distance D2 between the inner surface S31 and the inner surface S41 in the first direction.

Like the drawer side panel 51A, the drawer side panel 51B has multiple drum guides 512Y, 512M, 512C, and 512K. The drum guides 512M, 512C, and 512K are not shown.

Drum guides 512Y, 512M, 512C, and 512K are located on the inner surface S41. Drum guides 512Y, 512M, 512C, and 512K are located between the inner surface S42 and the drum side plate 63B in the first direction. Drum guide 512Y has the same shape as drum guide 511Y (see FIG. 8), drum guide 512M has the same shape as drum guide 511M (see FIG. 8), drum guide 512C has the same shape as drum guide 511C (see FIG. 8), and drum guide 512K has the same shape as drum guide 511K (see FIG. 8).

When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5, the drum guide 512Y guides the protrusion 633Y of the drum unit 6, the drum guide 512M guides the protrusion 633M of the drum unit 6, the drum guide 512C guides the protrusion 633C of the drum unit 6, and the drum guide 512K guides the protrusion 633K of the drum unit 6.

When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5, the protrusion 633Y of the drum unit 6 fits into the drum guide 512Y, the protrusion 633M of the drum unit 6 fits into the drum guide 512M, the protrusion 633C of the drum unit 6 fits into the drum guide 512C, and the protrusion 633K of the drum unit 6 fits into the drum guide 512K, so that the drawer side panel 51B supports the other end of the drum unit 6 in the first direction.

4.3 Ribs 52Y, 52M, 52C, 52K
As shown in Fig. 4, the rib 52Y is located on the inner surface S32 of the drawer side plate 51A. The rib 52Y extends from the inner surface S32 of the drawer side plate 51A. The rib 52Y extends in the first direction and the third direction. The rib 52Y may be attached to the inner surface S32 of the drawer side plate 51A. The rib 52Y is located on the opposite side of the drum side plate 63A from the drum side plate 63B in the first direction.

As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the rib 52Y has a protrusion 521Y.

The protrusion 521Y is attached to the rib 52Y. In this embodiment, the protrusion 521Y has a wheel. The protrusion 521Y may extend from the drawer side panel 51A.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5, the protrusion 521Y comes into contact with one end of the cartridge 8Y in the first direction. More specifically, when the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5, the protrusion 521Y comes into contact with the rib 83Y1 of the cartridge 8Y. As a result, when the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5, the rib 52Y supports one end of the cartridge 8Y in the first direction.

As shown in FIG. 8, ribs 52Y, 52M, 52C, and 52K are aligned in the second direction. Each of ribs 52M, 52C, and 52K will be described in the same manner as rib 52Y. Therefore, a description of each of ribs 52M, 52C, and 52K will be omitted.

4.4 Ribs 53Y, 53M, 53C, 53K
4, the rib 53Y is located away from the rib 52Y in the first direction. The drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 by passing between the rib 52Y and the rib 53Y.

The rib 53Y is located on the inner surface S42 of the drawer side plate 51B. The rib 53Y extends from the inner surface S42 of the drawer side plate 51B. The rib 53Y extends in the first direction and the third direction. The rib 53Y may be attached to the inner surface S42 of the drawer side plate 51B. The rib 53Y is located on the opposite side of the drum side plate 63A from the drum side plate 63B in the first direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the rib 53Y has a protrusion 531Y.

The protrusion 531Y is attached to the rib 53Y. In this embodiment, the protrusion 531Y has a wheel. The protrusion 531Y may extend from the drawer side panel 51B.

As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 531Y is located away from the protrusion 521Y in the first direction. The drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 by passing between the protrusion 521Y and the protrusion 531Y. When the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5, the protrusion 531Y comes into contact with the other end of the cartridge 8Y in the first direction. More specifically, when the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5, the protrusion 531Y comes into contact with the rib 83Y2 of the cartridge 8Y. As a result, when the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5, the rib 53Y supports the other end of the cartridge 8Y in the first direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, ribs 53Y, 53M, 53C, and 53K are aligned in the second direction. Each of ribs 53M, 53C, and 53K will be described in the same manner as rib 53Y. Therefore, a description of each of ribs 53M, 53C, and 53K will be omitted.

4.5 Developing Pressing Members 54Y, 54M, 54C, 54K
4, in this embodiment, the developer pressing member 54Y is attached to the rib 52Y. The developer pressing member 54Y may be attached to the drawer side plate 51A. When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5, the developer pressing member 54Y is located on the opposite side of the drum side plate 63A to the drum side plate 63B in the first direction.

When the drum unit 6 and the cartridge 8Y are attached to the drawer 5, the developer pressing member 54Y presses one end of the cartridge 8Y in the first direction toward the photosensitive drum 61Y. More specifically, the developer pressing member 54Y presses the protrusion 84Y1 of the cartridge 8Y toward the photosensitive drum 61Y.

The developer pressing members 54M, 54C, and 54K (see FIG. 8) are described in the same manner as the developer pressing member 54Y. Therefore, the description of the developer pressing members 54M, 54C, and 54K is omitted.

4.6 Developing Pressing Members 55Y, 55M, 55C, 55K
The developing device pressing member 55Y is positioned away from the developing device pressing member 54Y in the first direction. The drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 by passing between the developing device pressing member 54Y and the developing device pressing member 55Y.

In this embodiment, the developer pressing member 55Y is attached to the rib 53Y. The developer pressing member 55Y may also be attached to the drawer side plate 51B. When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5, the developer pressing member 55Y is located on the opposite side of the drum side plate 63A to the drum side plate 63B in the first direction.

When the drum unit 6 and the cartridge 8Y are attached to the drawer 5, the developer pressing member 55Y presses the other end of the cartridge 8Y in the first direction toward the photosensitive drum 61Y. More specifically, the developer pressing member 55Y presses the protrusion 84Y2 of the cartridge 8Y toward the photosensitive drum 61Y.

The developer pressing members 55M, 55C, and 55K (see FIG. 1) are described in the same manner as the developer pressing member 55Y. Therefore, the description of the developer pressing members 55M, 55C, and 55K is omitted.

4.7 Sheet guide 56
1, when the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5, the sheet guide 56 is located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 61M with respect to the photosensitive drum 61Y. When the drum unit 6 is attached to the drawer 5 and the drawer 5 is located in the storage position, the sheet guide 56 guides the sheet S transported toward the photosensitive drum 61Y. More specifically, the sheet guide 56 guides the sheet S transported toward the photosensitive drum 61Y toward the belt 91.

5. Effects (1) According to the image forming apparatus 1, the drum unit 6 having the photosensitive drums 61Y, 61M, 61C, and 61K (see FIG. 1) can be replaced with a new one in the drawer 5 as shown in FIG.

This allows the photosensitive drums 61Y, 61M, 61C, and 61K to be easily replaced.

The drum unit 6 also has a waste toner tube 65.

Therefore, when the drum unit 6 is removed from the drawer 5, the waste toner tube 65 does not separate from the drum unit 6.

This helps prevent waste toner from leaking while replacing the drum unit 6.

(2) According to the image forming device 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the distance D1 between the inner surface S32 and the inner surface S42 in the first direction is longer than the distance D2 between the inner surface S31 and the inner surface S41 in the first direction.

This allows the drum unit 6 to easily pass between the inner surface S32 and the inner surface S42.

This allows the drum unit 6 to be replaced smoothly.

(3) According to the image forming device 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the rib 52Y is located on the opposite side of the drum side plate 63B from the drum side plate 63A in the first direction. The rib 53Y is located on the opposite side of the drum side plate 63A from the drum side plate 63B in the first direction.

As a result, when the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5, the cartridge 8Y can be stably supported by the ribs 52Y and 53Y, and when replacing the drum unit 6, the drum unit 6 can be replaced through the gap between the ribs 52Y and 53Y.

(4) According to the image forming device 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the developer pressing member 54Y is located on the opposite side of the drum side plate 63A from the drum side plate 63B in the first direction. The developer pressing member 55Y is located on the opposite side of the drum side plate 63B from the drum side plate 63A in the first direction.

As a result, when the cartridge 8Y is attached to the drawer 5, the developer pressing member 54Y and the developer pressing member 55Y can press the cartridge 8Y against the photosensitive drum 61Y, and when replacing the drum unit 6, the drum unit 6 can be replaced through the gap between the developer pressing member 54Y and the developer pressing member 55Y.

6. Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9 to Fig. 20. In the second embodiment, the same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

6.1 Details of the Drum Unit 20 The drum unit 20 includes a drum side plate 201A (see FIG. 9), a drum side plate 201B (see FIG. 10), a plurality of frames 202Y, 202M, 202C, and 202K (see FIG. 11), a plurality of elastic members 203Y, 203M, 203C, and 203K (see FIG. 9), a plurality of elastic members 204Y (see FIG. 10), 204M, 204C, and 204K, a waste toner tube 205 (see FIG. 9), and a plurality of seal members 206Y, 206M, 206C, and 206K (see FIG. 11). Note that the elastic members 204M, 204C, and 204K are not shown.

6.1.1 Drum Side Panel 201A
As shown in FIG. 10, the drum side plate 201A is located at one end of the drum unit 20 in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 9, the drum side plate 201A extends in the second direction and the third direction. The third direction intersects with the first direction and the second direction. Preferably, the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The drum side plate 201A supports the frames 202Y, 202M, 202C, and 202K. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the drum side plate 201A supports one end of each of the frames 202Y, 202M, 202C, and 202K in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 9, the drum side plate 201A has a plurality of through holes 2011Y, 2011M, 2011C, and 2011K.

Through holes 2011Y, 2011M, 2011C, and 2011K are aligned in the second direction. In other words, through holes 2011Y, 2011M, 2011C, and 2011K are aligned in the movement direction of drawer 30 (see Figures 1 and 2). Each of through holes 2011Y, 2011M, 2011C, and 2011K has a circular shape.

6.1.2 Drum side panel 201B
As shown in FIG. 10, the drum side plate 201B is located at the other end of the drum unit 20 in the first direction. The drum side plate 201B is located away from the drum side plate 201A in the first direction. The drum side plate 201B extends in the second direction and the third direction. The drum side plate 201B supports the frames 202Y, 202M, 202C, and 202K (see FIG. 11) together with the drum side plate 201A. More specifically, the drum side plate 201B supports the other ends of the frames 202Y, 202M, 202C, and 202K in the first direction. The drum side plate 201B has a plurality of through holes 2012Y, 2012M, 2012C, and 2012K. The through holes 2012M, 2012C, and 2012K are not shown.

The through holes 2012Y, 2012M, 2012C, and 2012K are aligned in the second direction. In other words, the through holes 2012Y, 2012M, 2012C, and 2012K are aligned in the movement direction of the drawer 30 (see FIG. 19). Each of the through holes 2012Y, 2012M, 2012C, and 2012K has a circular shape.

6.1.3 Frame 202Y
12, the frame 202Y supports the photosensitive drum 61Y and the charging device 62Y. The frame 202Y has the drum cleaner 64Y. In other words, the frame 202Y has a cleaning housing 641Y as a first waste toner storage unit and a screw 643Y as a first conveying member.

The frame 202Y extends in a first direction. As shown in FIG. 10, the frame 202Y has a frame side plate 2021Y, a frame side plate 2022Y, a support portion 2023Y, a support portion 2024Y, and a discharge portion 2025Y (see FIG. 11).

6.1.3.1 Frame side plate 2021Y
The frame side plate 2021Y is located at one end of the frame 202Y in the first direction. As shown in Fig. 11, the frame side plate 2021Y extends in the second and third directions. As shown in Fig. 12, the frame side plate 2021Y has the above-mentioned cartridge guide 632Y.

6.1.3.2 Frame side plate 2022Y
As shown in Fig. 10, the frame side plate 2022Y is located at the other end of the frame 202Y in the first direction. The frame side plate 2022Y is located away from the frame side plate 2021Y in the first direction. The frame side plate 2022Y extends in the second direction and the third direction. The frame side plate 2022Y has the above-mentioned cartridge guide 634Y (see Fig. 5).

6.1.3.3 Support part 2023Y
The support portion 2023Y is located on the opposite side of the frame side plate 2022Y with respect to the frame side plate 2021Y in the first direction. The support portion 2023Y extends from the frame side plate 2021Y. The support portion 2023Y is attached to the frame side plate 2021Y. The support portion 2023Y extends in a first direction. The support portion 2023Y has a cylindrical shape. The support portion 2023Y supports one end of the photosensitive drum 61Y in the first direction.

The support portion 2023Y fits into the through hole 2011Y of the drum side plate 201A. The support portion 2023Y passes through the through hole 2011Y of the drum side plate 201A. The outer peripheral surface of the support portion 2023Y is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 2011Y of the drum side plate 201A. This allows the frame 202Y to move relative to the drum side plate 201A.

6.1.3.4 Support part 2024Y
The support portion 2024Y is located on the opposite side of the frame side plate 2022Y from the frame side plate 2021Y in the first direction. The support portion 2024Y extends from the frame side plate 2022Y. The support portion 2024Y is attached to the frame side plate 2022Y. The support portion 2024Y extends in the first direction. The support portion 2024Y has a cylindrical shape. The support portion 2024Y supports the other end portion of the photosensitive drum 61Y in the first direction.

The support portion 2024Y fits into the through hole 2012Y of the drum side plate 201B. The support portion 2024Y passes through the through hole 2012Y of the drum side plate 201B. The outer peripheral surface of the support portion 2024Y is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 2012Y of the drum side plate 201B. This allows the frame 202Y to move relative to the drum side plate 201B.

6.1.3.5 Discharge section 2025Y
As shown in Fig. 11, the ejection portion 2025Y is located on the opposite side of the frame side plate 2022Y (see Fig. 10) with respect to the frame side plate 2021Y in the first direction. The discharge portion 2025Y extends from the frame side plate 2021Y. The discharge portion 2025Y may be attached to the frame side plate 2021Y. The discharge portion 2025Y is located between the frame side plate 2021Y (see FIG. 10 ) and The discharge portion 2025Y is located between the drum side plate 201A (see FIG. 10 ). The discharge portion 2025Y extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the discharge portion 2025Y has a cylindrical shape. The discharge portion 2025Y is located between the cleaning housing 641Y and the drum side plate 201A (see FIG. 10 ). One end of the screw 643Y in the first direction is located within the discharge portion 2025Y. The discharge section 2025Y has a discharge port 2026Y. The screw 643Y transports the waste toner in the cleaning housing 641Y toward the discharge port 2026Y. The discharge port 2026Y can discharge the toner in the cleaning housing 641Y. .

6.1.4 Frames 202M, 202C, and 202K
Frames 202Y, 202M, 202C, and 202K are aligned in a second direction. Frames 202M, 202C, and 202K will be described similarly to frame 202Y.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the frame 202M supports the above-mentioned photosensitive drum 61M and charging device 62M (see FIG. 12). The frame 202M has the above-mentioned drum cleaner 64M. In other words, the frame 202M has a cleaning housing 641M as a second waste toner storage section and a screw 643M as a second conveying member. The screw 643M is located inside the cleaning housing 641M. Furthermore, the frame 202M has a support section 2023M (see FIG. 9), a support section 2024M, and a discharge section 2025M. Note that the support section 2024M is not shown.

As shown in FIG. 9, the support portion 2023M supports one end of the photosensitive drum 61M in the first direction. The support portion 2023M passes through the through hole 2011M of the drum side plate 201A. As shown in FIG. 11, the frame 202M is movable relative to the drum side plate 201A.

The support portion 2024M supports the other end of the photosensitive drum 61M in the first direction. The support portion 2024M passes through the through hole 2012M in the drum side plate 201B (see FIG. 10). The frame 202M is movable relative to the drum side plate 201B (see FIG. 10).

As shown in FIG. 11, the discharge section 2025M has a discharge port 2026M. The screw 643M transports the waste toner in the cleaning housing 641M toward the discharge port 2026M. The discharge port 2026M can discharge the waste toner in the cleaning housing 641M.

6.1.5 Elastic members 203Y, 203M, 203C, 203K
As shown in FIG. 9, the elastic member 203Y is located between the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 2023Y and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 2011Y. The elastic member 203Y extends in the circumferential direction of the support portion 2023Y. The elastic member 203M is located between the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 2023M and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 2011M. The elastic member 203M extends in the circumferential direction of the support portion 2023M. The elastic member 203C is located between the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 2023C and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 2011C. The elastic member 203C extends in the circumferential direction of the support portion 2023C. The elastic member 203K is located between the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 2023K and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 2011K. The elastic member 203K extends in the circumferential direction of the support portion 2023K.

In this embodiment, the elastic members 203Y, 203M, 203C, and 203K are made of sponge.

6.1.6 Elastic members 204Y, 204M, 204C, and 204K
The elastic members 204Y (see FIG. 10), 204M, 204C, and 204K are similar to the elastic members 203Y, 203M, 203C, and 203K, and therefore the description of the elastic members 204M, 204C, and 204K will be omitted.

6.1.7 Waste Toner Tube 205
11 , waste toner pipe 205 is located at the lower end of drum unit 20. Waste toner pipe 205 is attached to the lower end of drum side plate 201A. In this way, drum side plate 201A supports waste toner pipe 205. Waste toner pipe 205 is located below each of discharge portions 2025Y, 2025M, 2025C, and 2025K. Waste toner pipe 205 is located away from each of discharge portions 2025Y, 2025M, 2025C, and 2025K in the third direction.

Waste toner tube 205 allows the passage of waste toner from discharge section 2025Y, waste toner from discharge section 2025M, waste toner from discharge section 2025C, and waste toner from discharge section 2025K. Waste toner tube 205 extends in the second direction. Waste toner tube 205 has multiple receiving openings 2051Y, 2051M, 2051C, and 2051K.

The receiving openings 2051Y, 2051M, 2051C, and 2051K are aligned in the second direction. The receiving opening 2051Y can receive waste toner discharged from the discharge opening 2026Y. The receiving opening 2051M can receive waste toner discharged from the discharge opening 2026M. The receiving opening 2051C can receive waste toner discharged from the discharge opening 2026C. The receiving opening 2051K can receive waste toner discharged from the discharge opening 2026K.

6.1.8 Seal members 206Y, 206M, 206C, 206K
The seal member 206Y is located between the discharge portion 2025Y and the waste toner tube 205. The seal member 206Y seals between the waste toner tube 205 and the discharge portion 2025Y. In other words, the seal member 206Y seals between the waste toner tube 205 and the frame 202Y. The seal member 206Y extends in the third direction. One end of the seal member 206Y in the third direction contacts the discharge portion 2025Y. The other end of the waste toner tube 205 in the third direction contacts the waste toner tube 205. The seal member 206Y has a through hole 2061Y. The through hole 2061Y communicates with the discharge port 2026Y and the receiving port 2051Y. In this embodiment, the seal member 206Y is made of an elastic material such as a sponge.

The seal member 206M is located between the discharge section 2025M and the waste toner tube 205. The seal member 206M seals between the waste toner tube 205 and the frame 202M. The seal member 206M has a through hole 2061M. The through hole 2061M communicates with the discharge port 2026M and the receiving port 2051M.

The seal member 206C is located between the discharge section 2025C and the waste toner tube 205. The seal member 206C seals between the waste toner tube 205 and the frame 202C. The seal member 206C has a through hole 2061C. The through hole 2061C communicates with the discharge port 2026C and the receiving port 2051C.

The seal member 206K is located between the discharge section 2025K and the waste toner tube 205. The seal member 206K seals between the waste toner tube 205 and the frame 202K. The seal member 206K has a through hole 2061K. The through hole 2061K communicates with the discharge port 2026K and the receiving port 2051K.

Note that sealing members 206M, 206C, and 206K can be described in the same manner as sealing member 206Y. Therefore, a description of sealing members 206M, 206C, and 206K will be omitted.

7. Details of Drawer 30 The details of the drawer 30 will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 13, the drawer 30 has a drawer side panel 301A, a drawer side panel 301B, a positioning plate 302A, a positioning plate 302B, a locking member 303A, a locking member 303B, a first positioned portion 304 (see FIG. 15), and a second positioned portion 305 (see FIG. 15).

7.1 Drawer side panel 301A
As shown in FIG. 16, the drawer side panel 301A has a recess 311 in addition to the outer surface S21, the inner surface S31, and the inner surface S32 described above.

The recess 311 is recessed from the outer surface S21 toward the inner surface S31 in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 17, the recess 311 communicates with the lower ends of the drum guides 511Y, 511M, 511C, and 511K.

As shown in FIG. 14, in this embodiment, when the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30, the drum guide 511Y guides the support portion 2023Y. When the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30, the support portion 2023Y fits into the drum guide 511Y.

Drum guides 511M, 511C, and 511K will be described in the same manner as drum guide 511Y. Therefore, the description of drum guides 511M, 511C, and 511K will be omitted.

7.2 Drawer side panel 301B
As shown in FIG. 13, the drawer side panel 301B is positioned away from the drawer side panel 301A in the first direction.

Drawer side panel 301B will be described in the same manner as drawer side panel 301A. Therefore, a description of drawer side panel 301B will be omitted.

7.3 Positioning plate 302A
The positioning plate 302A is located on the inner surface S31 of the drawer side plate 301A. The positioning plate 302A is attached to the inner surface S31 of the drawer side plate 301A. When the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30, the positioning plate 302A is located on the opposite side of the frame side plate 2021Y with respect to the drum side plate 201A in the first direction.

As shown in FIG. 15, the positioning plate 302A extends in the second direction. In this embodiment, the positioning plate 302A is made of a metal such as iron or stainless steel. The positioning plate 302A has a plurality of recesses 331Y, 331M, 331C, and 331K.

When the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30, the support portion 2023Y fits into the recess 331Y, the support portion 2023M fits into the recess 331M, the support portion 2023C fits into the recess 331C, and the support portion 2023K fits into the recess 331K.

When the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30, the positioning plate 302A comes into contact with the support portion 2023Y, and the positioning plate 302A positions the support portion 2023Y relative to the drawer 30. As a result, when the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30, the positioning plate 302A positions the photosensitive drum 61Y relative to the drawer 30.

When the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30, the positioning plate 302A comes into contact with the support portion 2023M, and the positioning plate 302A positions the support portion 2023M relative to the drawer 30. As a result, when the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30, the positioning plate 302A positions the photosensitive drum 61M relative to the drawer 30.

When the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30, the positioning plate 302A comes into contact with the support portion 2023C, and the positioning plate 302A positions the support portion 2023C relative to the drawer 30. As a result, when the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30, the positioning plate 302A positions the photosensitive drum 61C relative to the drawer 30.

When the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30, the positioning plate 302A comes into contact with the support portion 2023K, and the positioning plate 302A positions the support portion 2023K relative to the drawer 30. As a result, when the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30, the positioning plate 302A positions the photosensitive drum 61K relative to the drawer 30.

7.4 Positioning plate 302B
As shown in Fig. 13, the positioning plate 302B is located away from the positioning plate 302A in the first direction. The positioning plate 302B is located on the inner surface S41 of the drawer side plate 301B. The positioning plate 302B is attached to the inner surface S41 of the drawer side plate 301B. When the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30, the positioning plate 302B is located on the opposite side of the frame side plate 2022Y with respect to the drum side plate 201B in the first direction. When the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30, the positioning plate 302B is located on the opposite side of the positioning plate 302A with respect to the photosensitive drums 61Y, 61M, 61C, and 61K (see Fig. 12) in the first direction.

The positioning plate 302B extends in the second direction. In this embodiment, the positioning plate 302B has the same shape as the positioning plate 302A. Note that the positioning plate 302B may have a shape different from that of the positioning plate 302A. The positioning plate 302B has a plurality of recesses 332Y, 332M, 332C, and 332K. Note that the plurality of recesses 332M, 332C, and 332K are not shown.

When the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30, the support portion 2024Y fits into the recess 332Y, the support portion 2024M fits into the recess 332M, the support portion 2024C fits into the recess 332C, and the support portion 2024K fits into the recess 332K. As a result, the positioning plate 302B, together with the positioning plate 302A, positions the photosensitive drums 61Y, 61M, 61C, and 61K relative to the drawer 30.

7.5 Locking member 303A
The locking member 303a is attached to the outer surface S21 of the drawer side panel 301A. As shown in Figures 13 and 16, when the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30, the locking member 303A is movable between a locked position (see Figure 13) and an unlocked position (see Figure 16). The locking member 303A is rotatable about an axis A5 between the locked position (see Figure 13) and the unlocked position (see Figure 16). The axis A5 extends in a direction from the storage position (see Figure 1) of the drawer 30 toward the pulled-out position (see Figure 2).

As shown in FIG. 13, when the drawer 30 is in the locked position, the locking member 303A locks the drum unit 20 to the drawer 30. When the locking member 303A is in the locked position, the locking member 303A is located in the recess 311. When the locking member 303A is in the locked position, the locking member 303a extends in the third direction.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the drawer 30 is in the unlocked position, the locking member 303A unlocks the drum unit 20 from the drawer 30. When the locking member 303A is in the unlocked position, a portion of the locking member 303a is located outside the recess 311. When the locking member 303A is in the unlocked position, the locking member 303a extends in the first direction.

As shown in FIG. 14, the locking member 303A extends in the second direction. The locking member 303A has a plate shape. As shown in FIG. 13, the locking member 303A has a first surface S5 and a second surface S6. When the locking member 303A is in the locked position, the second surface S6 is located between the drum side plate 201A and the first surface S5 in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 14, the locking member 303A has a plurality of holes 351Y, 351M, 351C, and 351K, a plurality of drum pressing members 352Y, 352M, 352C, and 352K, and a handle 353.

7.5.1 Holes 351Y, 351M, 351C, 351K
The holes 351Y, 351M, 351C, and 351K are aligned in the second direction. Each of the holes 351Y, 351M, 351C, and 351K has a circular shape. In this embodiment, each of the holes 351Y, 351M, 351C, and 351K has a It is a through hole.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30 and the locking member 303A is in the locked position, the support portion 2023Y of the frame 202Y fits into the hole 351Y. When the locking member 303A is in the locked position, the support portion 2023Y passes through the hole 351Y. When the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30 and the locking member 303A is in the locked position, the coupling 610Y of the photosensitive drum 61Y is exposed through the hole 351Y. The coupling 610Y is located at one end of the photosensitive drum 61Y in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 61Y has a coupling 610Y. When the drawer 30 is in the storage position, the main body coupling 400Y fits into the coupling 610Y.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30 and the locking member 303A is in the locked position, the support portion 2023M of the frame 202M fits into the hole 351M, the support portion 2023C of the frame 202C fits into the hole 351C, and the support portion 2023K of the frame 202K fits into the hole 351K.

Holes 351M, 351C, and 351K will be described in the same manner as hole 351Y. Therefore, the description of holes 351M, 351C, and 351K will be omitted.

7.5.2 Drum pressing members 352Y, 352M, 352C, 352K
14, the drum pressing member 352Y is located at the upper end of the hole 351Y. The drum pressing member 352M is located at the upper end of the hole 351M. The drum pressing member 352C is located at the upper end of the hole 351C. The drum pressing member 352K is located at the upper end of the hole 351K.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30 and the locking member 303A is positioned in the locked position, the drum pressing member 352Y presses the support portion 2023Y toward the recess 331Y of the positioning plate 302A, the drum pressing member 352M presses the support portion 2023M toward the recess 331M of the positioning plate 302A, the drum pressing member 352C presses the support portion 2023C toward the recess 331C of the positioning plate 302A, and the drum pressing member 352K presses the support portion 2023K toward the recess 331K of the positioning plate 302A. As a result, when the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30 and the locking member 303A is in the locked position, the locking member 303A presses the support portions 2023Y, 2023M, 2023C, and 2023K toward the positioning plate 302A.

In this embodiment, the drum pressing members 352Y, 352M, 352C, and 352K are springs.

7.5.3 Handle 353
As shown in FIG. 13 , the handle 353 is attached to the first surface S5 of the locking member 303A. The handle 353 may extend from the first surface S5. The handle 353 is rotatable about an axis A6. The axis A6 extends parallel to the axis A5. When the locking member 303A is in the locked position, the handle 353 is located away from the axis A5 in the third direction. When the locking member 303A is in the locked position, the handle 353 is attached to the opposite side of the hole 351Y with respect to the axis A5 in the third direction.

7.6 Locking member 303B
The locking member 303B is attached to the drawer side plate 301 B. The locking member 303B is attached to the outer surface S22 of the drawer side plate 301 B.

Locking member 303B is described similarly to locking member 303A.

In more detail, the locking member 303B has a plurality of holes 361Y, 361M, 361C, and 361K, a plurality of drum pressing members 362Y, 362M, 362C, and 362K, and a handle 363. Note that the holes 361M, 361C, and 361K and the drum pressing members 362M, 362C, and 362K are not shown.

As shown in Figures 13 and 16, when the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30, the locking member 303B can move between a second lock position (see Figure 13) and a second unlocked position (see Figure 16). As shown in Figure 13, when the locking member 303B is located in the second lock position, the locking member 303B locks the drum unit 20 to the drawer 30. As shown in Figure 16, when the locking member 303B is located in the second unlocked position, the locking member 303B releases the lock of the drum unit 20 to the drawer 30.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, when the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer and the locking member 303B is positioned in the second lock position, the support portion 2024Y fits into the hole 361Y, the support portion 2024M fits into the hole 361M, the support portion 2024C fits into the hole 361C, and the support portion 2024K fits into the hole 361K. As a result, when the drum unit 20 is attached to the drawer 30 and the locking member 303B is positioned in the second lock position, the locking member 303B presses the support portions 2024Y, 2024M, 2024C, and 2024K toward the positioning plate 302B.

7.7 First positioned part 304
As shown in FIG. 15, the first positioned portion 304 is located at one end of the drawer 30 in the second direction. The first positioned portion 304 is a notch. is located at one end of the positioning plate 302A in the second direction. In other words, the positioning plate 302A has a first positioned portion 304. The positioning plate 302B (see FIG. 18) also has a first positioned portion 304. The device has a section 304.

7.8 Second positioned part 305
The second positioned portion 305 is located at the other end of the drawer 30 in the second direction. The second positioned portion 305 has a cylindrical shape. The second positioned portion 305 extends in the first direction. The second positioned portion 305 is made of a metal such as iron or stainless steel. The second positioned portion 305 is connected to the positioning plate 302A. The second positioned portion 305 is located in the first direction of the drawer side plate 301A. The second positioned portion 305 protrudes from the outer surface S21. The second positioned portion 305 is also connected to the positioning plate 302B (see FIG. 13).

8. Details of Main Body Housing 40 The main body housing 40 has a side plate 41A (see FIG. 18), a side plate 41B (see FIG. 18), a first positioning member 42 (see FIG. 19), and a second positioning member 43 (see FIG. 19).

8.1 Side plate 41A
As shown in Fig. 18, the side plate 41A is located inside the main body housing 40. When the drawer 30 is in the storage position, the side plate 41A faces the drawer side plate 301A. The side plate 41A is made of a metal such as iron or stainless steel. The side plate 41A extends in the third direction and the second direction (see Fig. 19).

8.2 Side plate 41B
The side plate 41B is located inside the main body housing 40. The side plate 41B is located away from the side plate 41A in the first direction. When the drawer 30 is in the storage position, the side plate 41B is located on the opposite side of the drawer 30 from the side plate 41A. When the drawer 30 is in the storage position, the side plate 41B faces the drawer side plate 301B. The side plate 41B is made of a metal such as iron or stainless steel. The side plate 41B extends in the third direction. As shown in FIG. 19 , the side plate 41B extends in the second direction.

8.3 First positioning member 42
The first positioning member 42 is located at one end of the side plate 41B in the second direction. The first positioning member 42 extends in the first direction. The first positioning member 42 has a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the first positioning member 42 is attached to the side plate 41B. The first positioning member 42 may extend from the side plate 41B. The first positioning member 42 is also located on the side plate 41A (see FIG. 18 ).

As shown in FIG. 20, when the drawer 30 is in the storage position, the first positioning member 42 fits into the first positioned portion 304. As a result, when the drawer 30 is in the storage position, the first positioned portion 304 is positioned by the first positioning member 42. When the drawer 30 is in the storage position, the first positioning member 42 positions one end of the drawer 30 in the movement direction of the drawer 30 relative to the main housing 40.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the drawer 30 is in the pulled-out position, the first positioned portion 304 moves away from the first positioning member 42.

8.4 Second positioning member 43
The second positioning member 43 is located at the other end of the side plate 41B in the second direction. The second positioning member 43 is a notch. More specifically, in this embodiment, the second positioning member 43 is provided on the side plate 41B. In other words, the side plate 41B has the second positioning member 43. The side plate 41A (see FIG. 18 ) also has the second positioning member 43.

As shown in FIG. 20, when the drawer 30 is in the storage position, the second positioned portion 305 fits into the second positioning member 43. As a result, when the drawer 30 is in the storage position, the second positioned portion 305 is positioned by the second positioning member 43. When the drawer 30 is in the storage position, the second positioning member 43 positions the other end of the drawer 30 in the movement direction of the drawer 30 relative to the main housing 40.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the drawer 30 is in the pulled-out position, the second positioned portion 305 moves away from the second positioning member 43.

9. Effects of the Second Embodiment (1) In the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 19, with the drawer 30 in the pulled-out position and the drum unit 6 attached to the drawer 5, the positions of the photosensitive drum 61Y and the photosensitive drum 61M can be determined by the positioning plate 302A (see FIG. 15).

Then, as shown in FIG. 20, by moving the drawer 30 from the pulled-out position to the stored position, the photosensitive drums 61Y and 61M can be stored in the main body housing 40 with the positions of the photosensitive drums 61Y and 61M determined.

Therefore, compared to the first embodiment (see FIG. 4) in which the photosensitive drums 61Y and 61M are positioned relative to the positioning plate 22A inside the main body housing 2 when the drawer 5 is placed in the storage position, the image forming device 1 of the second embodiment can smoothly position the photosensitive drums 61Y and 61M relative to the main body housing 40.

(2) In the image forming device 1, as shown in FIG. 19, when the drum unit 20 is removed from the drawer 30 with the drawer 30 in the pulled-out position, the sealing members 206Y and 206M (see FIG. 11) can prevent waste toner from leaking from the frames 202Y and 202M.

10. Modifications (1) The cartridge 8Y may be a toner cartridge that does not have the developing roller 81Y. In this case, the drum unit 20 may have a developing device that has the developing roller 81Y.

(2) The transfer device 9 may be of an intermediate transfer type.

(3) The cartridge 8Y may not have the ribs 83Y1 and 83Y2. In this case, the rib 52Y of the drawer 5 may support one end of the cartridge housing 82Y in the first direction. The one end of the cartridge housing 82Y may be a gear cover. Furthermore, the rib 53Y of the drawer 5 may support the other end of the cartridge housing 82Y in the first direction. The other end of the cartridge housing 82Y may be a gear cover.

(4) The cartridge 8Y may not have the protrusions 84Y1, 84Y2. In this case, the developer pressing member 54Y of the drawer 5 may press one end of the cartridge housing 82Y in the first direction. The one end of the cartridge housing 82Y may be a gear cover. The developer pressing member 54Y of the drawer 5 may press the other end of the cartridge housing 82Y in the first direction. The other end of the cartridge housing 82Y may be a gear cover.

1 Image forming apparatus 2 Main body housing 5 Drawer 6 Drum unit 8Y Cartridge (first cartridge)
8M Cartridge (2nd Cartridge)
11: waste toner storage section 20: drum unit 22A: positioning plate (first positioning plate)
22B Positioning plate (second positioning plate)
30 Drawer 40 Main body housing 42 First positioning member 43 Second positioning member 51A Drawer side plate (first drawer side plate)
51B Drawer side plate (second drawer side plate)
52Y Rib (first rib)
53Y Rib (second rib)
54Y developing device pressing member (first developing device pressing member)
55Y developing device pressing member (second developing device pressing member)
56: Sheet guide 61Y: Photosensitive drum (first photosensitive drum)
61M Photosensitive drum (second photosensitive drum)
63A Drum side plate (first drum side plate)
63B Drum side plate (second drum side plate)
65 Waste toner tube 81Y Developing roller 201A Drum side plate 202Y Frame (first frame)
202M frame (2nd frame)
203Y Elastic member (first elastic member)
203M Elastic member (second elastic member)
205 Waste toner pipe 206Y Sealing member (first sealing member)
206M sealing member (second sealing member)
302A Positioning plate 302B Positioning plate (second positioning plate)
303A lock member (first lock member)
303B lock member (second lock member)
304 First positioned part 305 Second positioned part 351Y hole (first hole)
351M hole (second hole)
352Y Drum pressing member (first drum pressing member)
352M Drum pressing member (second drum pressing member)
361Y hole (3rd hole)
361M hole (4th hole)
362Y Drum pressing member (third drum pressing member)
362M drum pressing member (fourth drum pressing member)
511Y Drum guide 632Y Cartridge guide (first cartridge guide)
632M Cartridge Guide (Second Cartridge Guide)
641Y Cleaning housing (first waste toner storage section)
641M Cleaning housing (second waste toner storage section)
643Y Screw (first conveying member)
643M Screw (second conveying member)
2011Y Through hole (1st through hole)
2011M Through hole (second through hole)
2023Y Support part (first support part)
2023M Support part (second support part)
2024Y Support part (third support part)
2024M Support part (4th support part)
2025Y Discharge section (first discharge section)
2025M Discharge section (second discharge section)
2026Y Discharge port (1st discharge port)
2026M outlet (second outlet)
2051Y Intake entrance (1st reception entrance)
2051M reception entrance (second reception entrance)
A1 First axis A5 Axis A12 Second axis D1 Distance D2 Distance S Sheet S31 Inner surface S32 Inner surface S41 Inner surface S42 Inner surface

Claims (10)

A main body housing;
a drawer movable between a storage position in which the drawer is stored in the main body housing and a pull-out position in which the drawer is pulled out from the main body housing;
a drum unit including a first photosensitive drum, a second photosensitive drum, and a waste toner tube through which waste toner from the first photosensitive drum and waste toner from the second photosensitive drum pass, the drum unit being attachable to the drawer when the drawer is in the pulled-out position;
An image forming apparatus comprising: the first photosensitive drum is rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction;
The drum unit includes:
a first drum side plate supporting one end of the first photosensitive drum in the first direction;
a second drum side plate that supports the other end of the first photosensitive drum in the first direction;
having
2 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the waste toner pipe is located between the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate in the first direction. The image forming device according to claim 2, characterized in that when the drum unit is attached to the drawer, a portion of the waste toner tube is located below the first drum side plate. the first photosensitive drum is rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction;
The main body housing includes:
a first positioning plate that positions one end of the first photosensitive drum in the first direction relative to the main body housing when the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the drawer is located at the storage position;
a second positioning plate that positions the other end of the first photosensitive drum in the first direction relative to the main body housing when the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the drawer is located at the storage position,
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the drum unit is attached to the drawer and the drawer is located in the storage position, the waste toner tube is located between the first positioning plate and the second positioning plate in the first direction. The drawer includes :
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a positioning plate for positioning the first photosensitive drum and the second photosensitive drum with respect to the drawer when the drum unit is attached to the drawer. The drum unit includes:
a first frame supporting the first photosensitive drum;
a second frame supporting the second photosensitive drum;
a drum side plate supporting the first frame and the second frame;
having
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein each of the first frame and the second frame is movable relative to the drum side plate. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the drum side plate supports the waste toner tube. The first frame is
a first waste toner storage unit that stores waste toner from the first photosensitive drum;
a first discharge section having a first discharge port capable of discharging the waste toner in the first waste toner storage section,
The second frame is
a second waste toner storage unit that stores waste toner from the second photosensitive drum;
a second discharge section having a second discharge port capable of discharging the waste toner in the second waste toner storage section,
The waste toner pipe is
a first receiving opening capable of receiving the waste toner discharged from the first discharge opening;
a second receiving opening capable of receiving the waste toner discharged from the second discharge opening;
having
The drum unit includes:
a first seal member having a through hole communicating with the first discharge port and the first receiving port, and sealing between the first frame and the waste toner tube;
a second seal member having a through hole communicating with the second discharge port and the second receiving port, and sealing between the second frame and the waste toner tube;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 . The drum unit includes:
a first conveying member located in the first waste toner storage unit and configured to convey the waste toner in the first waste toner storage unit toward the first discharge port;
a second conveying member located in the second waste toner storage unit and configured to convey the waste toner in the second waste toner storage unit toward the second discharge port;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 . a waste toner storage unit capable of storing the waste toner,
10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the waste toner tube is connected to the waste toner storage unit when the drawer is in the storage position, and is separated from the waste toner storage unit when the drawer is in the extended position.

Images