This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-129805 filed on Jul. 9, 2018, the entire subject-matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus.
There has been proposed an image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a drawer configured to be movable between an inner position located inside the apparatus main body and an outer position located outside the apparatus main body, a plurality of cartridges supported to the drawer, and a waste toner box. Each of the plurality of cartridges includes a photosensitive drum, and a drum cleaning unit configured to remove waste toner from the photosensitive drum. The drawer includes a collective conveying unit configured to collect the waste toner from the plurality of drum cleaning units and to convey the same to the waste toner box.
Illustrative aspects of the disclosure provide an image forming apparatus capable of securing smooth movement of a drawer while accommodating waste toner from a plurality of photosensitive drums into a waste toner box.
One illustrative aspect of the disclosure may provide an image forming apparatus comprising: an apparatus main body having an opening; a drawer movable between: an inner position where the drawer is located inside the apparatus main body; and an outer position where the drawer is located outside the apparatus main body through the opening; a first cartridge supported by the drawer, the first cartridge comprising: a first photosensitive drum; and a first discharge part configured to discharge waste toner removed from the first photosensitive drum; a second cartridge supported by the drawer, the second cartridge comprising: a second photosensitive drum; and a second discharge part configured to discharge waste toner removed from the second photosensitive drum; and a waste toner box comprising: a first coupling part configured to be coupled with the first discharge part; and a second coupling part configured to be coupled with the second discharge part, in a state where the first cartridge and the second cartridge are supported by the drawer located at the inner position and the waste toner box is mounted to the apparatus main body, the waste toner box being movable between: a first position where the first coupling part and the first discharge part are coupled and the second coupling part and the second discharge part are coupled; and a second position where the first coupling part and the first discharge part are decoupled and the second coupling part and the second discharge part are decoupled.
According to the disclosure, in a state where the waste toner box is located at the first position, the first coupling part can receive the waste toner from the first discharge part, and the second coupling part can receive the waste toner from the second discharge part.
For this reason, even though the drawer does not include a member configured to collect the waste toner from the first discharge part and the second discharge part and to convey the same to the waste toner box, it is possible to accommodate the waste toner from the first photosensitive drum and the second photosensitive drum into the waste toner box. Also, in a state where the waste toner box is located at the second position, the first coupling part and the first discharge part are decoupled and the second coupling part and the second discharge part are decoupled. As a result, it is possible to secure smooth movement of the drawer while accommodating the waste toner from the first photosensitive drum and the second photosensitive drum into the waste toner box.
According to the disclosure, it is possible to secure smooth movement of the drawer while accommodating the waste toner from the plurality of photosensitive drums.
Illustrative aspects of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures wherein:
In the related-art image forming apparatus, the collective conveying unit may be an obstacle to movement of the drawer.
Therefore, illustrative aspects of the disclosure provide an image forming apparatus capable of securing smooth movement of a drawer while accommodating waste toner from a plurality of photosensitive drums into a waste toner box.
1. Outline of Image Forming Apparatus 1
An outline of an image forming apparatus 1 is described with reference to
The image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 2, a feeder unit 10, a drawer 3, a plurality of cartridges 4K, 4Y, 4M, 4C, an exposure device 11, a belt unit (one example of a belt device) 6, a secondary transfer roller 14, a fixing device 12, and a duplex printing path 13.
1.1 Apparatus Main Body
The apparatus main body 2 is configured to accommodate therein the feeder unit 10, the drawer 3, the plurality of cartridges 4K, 4Y, 4M, 4C, the exposure device 11, the belt unit 6, the secondary transfer roller 14, the fixing device 12, and the duplex printing path 13. The apparatus main body 2 has an opening 2A and a cover 2B.
The opening 2A is located at an opposite side to the fixing device 12 with respect to the plurality of cartridges 4K, 4Y, 4M, 4C in a state where the drawer 3 is mounted to the apparatus main body 2.
The cover 2B is configured to be movable between a closing position (refer to
1.2 Feeder Unit
The feeder unit 10 is configured to feed a printing medium to the secondary transfer roller 14. The printing medium is a printing sheet, for example. The feeder unit 10 includes a sheet feeding tray 15, a pickup roller 16, and a feeder roller 17. The sheet feeding tray 15 is configured to accommodate therein the printing medium. The pickup roller 16 is configured to convey the printing medium in the sheet feeding tray 15 toward the feeder roller 17. The feeder roller 17 is configured to convey the printing medium from the pickup roller 16 toward the secondary transfer roller 14.
1.3 Drawer
The drawer 3 is configured to be movable between an inner position located inside the apparatus main body 2 (refer to
1.4 Cartridge
The plurality of cartridges 4K, 4Y, 4M, 4C is supported to the drawer 3. The plurality of cartridges 4K, 4Y, 4M, 4C is aligned with intervals. A direction in which the plurality of cartridges 4K, 4Y, 4M, 4C is aligned is defined as ‘alignment direction’. The alignment direction intersects with an axis direction. Preferably, the alignment direction is perpendicular to in the axis direction. The axis direction will be described later. Each of the plurality of cartridges 4K, 4Y, 4M, 4C includes a photosensitive drum 40, a charging roller 48, and a developing unit (one example of a developing device) 44.
The photosensitive drum 40 is configured to be rotatable about a rotational axis A. A direction in which the rotational axis A of the photosensitive drum 40 extends is defined as ‘axis direction’. The axis direction intersects with both a vertical direction and the alignment direction. Preferably, the axis direction is perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the alignment direction. The photosensitive drum 40 extends in the axis direction, and has a cylindrical shape.
The charging roller 48 is configured to charge a peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40. The charging roller 48 is in contact with the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40. In the meantime, the charging roller 48 may be replaced with a non-contact type charger such as a scorotron-type charger.
The developing unit 44 includes a developing roller 45. The developing unit 44 is arranged so that the developing roller 45 is to face the photosensitive drum 40. The developing roller 45 is configured to supply toner in the developing unit 44 to the photosensitive drum 40. The developing roller 45 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 40. The developing roller 45 is configured to develop a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 40, thereby forming a toner image on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40.
1.5 Exposure Device
The exposure device 11 is configured to expose the photosensitive drum 40, thereby forming a latent image. The exposure device 11 is configured to expose the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40 charged by the charging roller 48. Thereby, a latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40. The exposure device 11 is located above the drawer 3 in a state where the drawer 3 is located at the inner position. The exposure device 11 is, specifically, a laser scan unit.
1.6 Belt Unit
The belt unit 6 is arranged to face the photosensitive drums 40 of the plurality of cartridges 4K, 4Y, 4M, 4C in the state where the drawer 3 is located at the inner position. The belt unit 6 is located between the drawer 3 and the sheet feeding tray 15 in the state where the drawer 3 is located at the inner position. The belt unit 6 includes a first roller 60, a second roller 61, an intermediate transfer belt 62, a plurality of primary transfer rollers 63K, 63Y, 63M, 63C, and a belt cleaner 64.
The first roller 60 is configured to be rotatable about a rotational axis extending in the axis direction. The second roller 61 is located with being spaced from the first roller 60 in the alignment direction. The second roller 61 is located at an opposite side to the fixing device 12 with respect to the first roller 60 in the alignment direction. The second roller 61 is configured to be rotatable about a rotational axis extending in the axis direction.
The intermediate transfer belt 62 is supported by the first roller 60 and the second roller 61. The intermediate transfer belt 62 is an endless belt. The intermediate transfer belt 62 is wound around the first roller 60 and the second roller 61. The intermediate transfer belt 62 is configured to be movable around the first roller 60 and the second roller 61. The intermediate transfer belt 62 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 40, in the state where the drawer 3 is located at the inner position.
Each of the plurality of primary transfer rollers 63K, 63Y, 63M, 63C is configured to transfer the toner image from the photosensitive drum 40 to the intermediate transfer belt 62. The plurality of primary transfer rollers 63K, 63Y, 63M, 63C is located between the first roller 60 and the second roller 61. The plurality of primary transfer rollers 63K, 63Y, 63M, 63C is aligned in the alignment direction. The plurality of primary transfer rollers 63K, 63Y, 63M, 63C has the same structure, respectively. Each of the plurality of primary transfer rollers 63K, 63Y, 63M, 63C is located at an opposite side to the photosensitive drum 40 with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 62.
The belt cleaner 64 is configured to clean the intermediate transfer belt 62, thereby removing waste toner from a peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 62. The belt cleaner 64 is located between the first roller 60 and the fixing device 12. The belt cleaner 64 is located at an opposite side to the first roller 60 with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 62.
1.7 Secondary Transfer Roller
The secondary transfer roller 14 is configured to transfer the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 62 to the printing medium. The secondary transfer roller 14 is located at an opposite side to the first roller 60 with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 62. The intermediate transfer belt 62 passes between the secondary transfer roller 14 and the first roller 60 when it is moved. The secondary transfer roller 14 is provided for a secondary transfer unit 18.
The secondary transfer unit 18 is located between the belt unit 6 and the sheet feeding tray 15. The secondary transfer unit 18 can be demounted from the apparatus main body 2 through an opening 2C of the apparatus main body 2 (refer to
1.8 Fixing Device
The fixing device 12 is configured to heat and press the printing medium having the toner images transferred thereto, thereby fixing the toner images on the printing medium. The printing medium having passed through the fixing device 12 is discharged onto an upper surface of the apparatus main body 2.
1.9 Duplex Printing Path
The duplex printing path 13 is formed to again convey the printing medium having passed through the fixing device 12 toward the secondary transfer roller 14. The duplex printing path 13 includes a first path 13A, a second path 13B, and a third path 13C.
The first path 13A is located at an opposite side to the drawer 3 with respect to the fixing device 12 in the alignment direction, in the state where the drawer 3 is located at the inner position. The first path 13A extends in the vertical direction.
The second path 13B is a part between the first path 13A and the third path 13C of the duplex printing path 13. The second path 13B is located below the sheet feeding tray 15. The second path 13B extends in the alignment direction. The second path 13B has one end and the other end in the alignment direction. One end of the second path 13B continues to a lower end of the third path 13C. The other end of the second path 13B continues to a lower end of the first path 13A.
The third path 13C is located at an opposite side to the first path 13A with respect to the feeder roller 17 in the alignment direction. The third path 13C extends in the vertical direction. The third path 13C is supported to the sheet feeding tray 15.
2. Details of Cartridge
Subsequently, the plurality of cartridges 4K, 4Y, 4M, 4C is described in detail with reference to
As shown in
2.1 Frame
The frame 46 is located at one end of the cartridge 4M in the axis direction. The frame 47 is located at the other end of the cartridge 4M in the axis direction. The frame 46 and the frame 47 are located with an interval in the axis direction. The frame 46 and the frame 47 extend in a direction intersecting with the axis direction, respectively. The frame 46 and the frame 47 are configured to rotatably support the photosensitive drum 40 and to swingably support the developing unit 44. The frame 46 is configured to rotatably support one end of the photosensitive drum 40 in the axis direction. The frame 47 is configured to rotatably support the other end of the photosensitive drum 40 in the axis direction. The frame 46 is arranged to face the developing unit 44 in the axis direction in which the rotational axis A of the photosensitive drum 40 extends. The frame 47 is located at an opposite side to the frame 46 with respect to the developing unit 44. The frame 46 and the frame 47 are configured to rotatably support the shaft 72. The frame 46 and the frame 47 are configured to support the developing unit 44 via the shaft 72.
2.2 Shaft
The shaft 72 is configured to support the developing unit 44 so that the developing roller 45 can move relative to the photosensitive drum 40. The shaft 72 is located above the photosensitive drum 40 in a state where the cartridge 4M is supported to the drawer 3. The shaft 72 extends in the axis direction. The shaft 72 has one end and the other end in the axis direction. One end of the shaft 72 is rotatably supported to the frame 46. The other end of the shaft 72 is rotatably supported to the frame 47.
2.3 Developing Frame
The developing unit 44 further includes a developing frame 76. The developing frame 76 is configured to support the developing roller 45. The developing frame 76 is mounted to the shaft 72. The developing frame 76 is located between the frame 46 and the frame 47 in the axis direction. The developing frame 76 extends in the axis direction. The developing frame 76 has one end 76A and the other end 76B in the axis direction. One end 76A of the developing frame 76 is arranged to face the frame 46 with an interval in the axis direction. The other end 76B of the developing frame 76 is located at an opposite side to the frame 46 with respect to one end 76A.
2.4 Elastic Member
The elastic member 70 is arranged between the developing unit 44 and the frame 46 in the axis direction. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the toner from being leaked from between the developing unit 44 and the frame 46 while securing smooth swing of the developing unit 44. The elastic member 70 is arranged between one end 76A of the developing frame 76 and the frame 46 in the axis direction. The elastic member 70 may be formed of rubber, sponge or the like, for example. The elastic member 70 has a through-opening 70A. The frame 46 has a first hole 46A. The elastic member 70 is fixed to the frame 46 so that the through-opening 70A is to communicate with the first hole 46A in the axis direction. Also, one end 76A of the developing frame 76 has a first communication hole 76C. The first communication hole 76C is formed to communicate with an internal space of the developing frame 76 and the through-opening 70A in the axis direction. That is, the first hole 46A, the through-opening 70A and the first communication hole 76C are formed to communicate with each other in the axis direction. Also, the first hole 46A is formed to communicate with an internal space of the toner receiving wall 73. For this reason, the internal space of the toner receiving wall 73 and the internal space of the developing frame 76 communicate with each other through the first hole 46A, the through-opening 70A and the first communication hole 76C. The toner receiving wall 73 will be described later.
2.5 Receiving Part
As shown in
The toner receiving wall 73 is located at an opposite side to the developing unit 44 with respect to the frame 46. The toner receiving wall 73 has a cylindrical shape. The toner receiving wall 73 extends in the axis direction. The toner receiving wall 73 has one end and the other end in the axis direction. One end of the toner receiving wall 73 is closed (refer to
The toner coupling wall 74 is located above the toner receiving wall 73, in the state where the cartridge 4M is supported to the drawer 3. The toner coupling wall 74 has a semi-cylindrical shape. The toner coupling wall 74 is opened upward, in the state where the cartridge 4M is supported to the drawer 3. The toner coupling wall 74 extends in the axis direction. The toner coupling wall 74 has one end and the other end in the axis direction. One end of the toner coupling wall 74 is opened (refer to
The shutter 75 is arranged within the toner coupling wall 74. The shutter 75 has a semi-circular arc shape conforming to an inner peripheral surface of the toner coupling wall 74. The shutter 75 is configured to be movable between a closing position at which the toner receiving opening 73A is closed and an opening position at which the toner receiving opening 73A is opened.
2.6 Drum Cleaner
As shown in
The drum cleaner frame 49A is configured to accommodate therein waste toner removed from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40 by the drum cleaning blade 49B. The drum cleaner frame 49A has an opening 49D for receiving the waste toner. The drum cleaner frame 49A is located between the frame 46 and the frame 47 in the axis direction. The drum cleaner frame 49A extends in the axis direction.
The drum cleaning blade 49B is configured to clean the photosensitive drum 40, thereby removing the waste toner from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40. An edge of the drum cleaning blade 49B is located in the opening 49D. The edge of the drum cleaning blade 49B is in contact with the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40. Thereby, when the photosensitive drum 40 is rotated, the toner attached to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 40 is scraped by the edge of the drum cleaning blade 49B and is then accommodated in the drum cleaner frame 49A through the opening 49D.
The auger 49C is configured to convey the waste toner in the drum cleaner frame 49A toward the discharge part 41. The auger 49C is located in the drum cleaner frame 49A. The auger 49C extends in the axis direction.
2.7 Discharge Part
As shown in
The discharge wall 42 is located at an opposite side to the drum cleaner frame 49A with respect to the frame 46 (refer to
The waste toner coupling wall 71 is located below the discharge wall 42 in the state where the cartridge 4M is supported to the drawer 3. The waste toner coupling wall 71 extends in the axis direction. The waste toner coupling wall 71 has one end and the other end in the axis direction. One end of the waste toner coupling wall 71 is opened. The other end of the waste toner coupling wall 71 is closed (refer to
The elastic member 24 is located within the waste toner coupling wall 71. The elastic member 24 has a communication opening 24A. The elastic member 24 is fixed to an inner peripheral surface of the waste toner coupling wall 71 so that the communication opening 24A is to communicate with the discharge opening 42A. The elastic member 24 may be formed of rubber, sponge or the like, for example.
3. Details of Image Forming Apparatus
As shown in
3.1 Waste Toner Box
As shown in
3.1.1 Box Main Body
The box main body 52 can accommodate therein the waste toner removed from the photosensitive drum 40 and the waste toner removed from the intermediate transfer belt 62 (refer to
The first wall 52A is configured to support the plurality of coupling parts 50K, 50Y, 50M, 50C. The second wall 52B is located at an opposite side to the plurality of coupling parts 50K, 50Y, 50M, 50C with respect to the first wall 52A. The second wall 52B is located with being spaced from the first wall 52A in the axis direction.
The first sidewall 52C and the second sidewall 52D are located at both end portions of the box main body 52 in the alignment direction, and are spaced from each other in the alignment direction. The bottom wall 52E is located at a lower end portion of the box main body 52.
The upper wall 52F is arranged with being spaced from the bottom wall 52E in the vertical direction, and extends in parallel with the bottom wall 52E. The upper wall 52F has one end and the other end in the axis direction. One end of the upper wall 52F in the axis direction is located with being spaced from an upper end of the second wall 52B. One end of the upper wall 52F in the axis direction is located above the upper end of the second wall 52B. The other end of the upper wall 52F in the axis direction is connected to an upper end of the first wall 52A.
The inclined wall 52G is formed to interconnect one end of the upper wall 52F in the axis direction and the upper end of the second wall 52B. The inclined wall 52G intersects with both the vertical direction and the axis direction. The inclined wall 52G is inclined toward the bottom wall 52E from the upper wall 52F toward the second wall 52B. Since the inclined wall 52G is inclined, when mounting and demounting the plurality of toner boxes 9K, 9Y, 9M, 9C to and from the apparatus main body 2, it is possible to suppress the waste toner box 5 from being an obstacle (refer to
3.1.2 Coupling Part
The plurality of coupling parts 50K, 50Y, 50M, 50C can be coupled with the discharge parts 41 of the plurality of cartridges 4K, 4Y, 4M, 4C (refer to
The plurality of coupling parts 50K, 50Y, 50M, 50C is located on an outer surface of the box main body 52 in the axis direction. The plurality of coupling parts 50K, 50Y, 50M, 50C protrudes from the first wall 52A. The plurality of coupling parts 50K, 50Y, 50M, 50C is arranged with intervals in the alignment direction. The plurality of coupling parts 50K, 50Y, 50M, 50C has the same structure, respectively. Therefore, the coupling part 50M is described, and the descriptions of the coupling parts 50K, 50Y, 50C are omitted.
The coupling part 50M has a cylindrical shape. The coupling part 50M extends in the axis direction. The coupling part 50M has one end and the other end in the axis direction. One end of the coupling part 50M is fixed to the box main body 52. The other end of the coupling part 50M is closed. An internal space of the coupling part 50M is formed to communicate with an internal space of the box main body 52. The coupling part 50M has a receiving wall 51. That is, the plurality of coupling parts 50K, 50Y, 50M, 50C has a receiving wall 51, respectively. The receiving wall 51 is located at an upper end of the coupling part 50M in the state where the waste toner box 5 is located at a first position. The first position of the waste toner box 5 will be described later. The receiving wall 51 has a receiving opening 55. The waste toner from the discharge opening 42A is received through the receiving opening 55.
3.1.3 Sub-Coupling Part
The sub-coupling part 53 is located on an outer surface of the box main body 52 in the axis direction. The sub-coupling part 53 protrudes from the first wall 52A. The sub-coupling part 53 is arranged with being spaced from the coupling part 50C in the alignment direction. The sub-coupling part 53 has the same structure as the coupling part 50M. Therefore, the detailed description of the sub-coupling part 53 is omitted. In the meantime, a receiving wall of the sub-coupling part 53 is described as a receiving wall 54, and a receiving opening of the sub-coupling part 53 is described as a receiving opening 56.
Also, as shown in
3.1.4 First Position of Waste Toner Box
The waste toner box 5 is configured to be movable between a first position (refer to
As shown in
Also, the elastic member 24 is arranged between the discharge wall 42 and the receiving wall 51 in the state where the waste toner box 5 is located at the first position. The communication opening 24A communicates with each of the discharge opening 42A and the receiving opening 55. For this reason, in the state where the waste toner box 5 is located at the first position, the elastic member 24 can stably fill a gap between the discharge wall 42 and the receiving wall 51. The waste toner that is discharged from the discharge opening 42A is received into the receiving opening 55 through the communication opening 24A. As a result, it is possible to prevent the waste toner from being leaked from between the discharge wall 42 and the receiving wall 51.
Also, the sub-coupling part 53 is fitted to the waste toner coupling wall 68 in the state where the waste toner box 5 is located at the first position (refer to
3.1.5 Second Position of Waste Toner Box
As shown in
In the meantime, in the state where the waste toner box 5 is located at the second position, the plurality of toner boxes 9K, 9Y, 9M, 9C mounted to the apparatus main body 2 is located downstream of the waste toner box 5 located at the second position with respect to a separation direction of the waste toner box 5 from the apparatus main body 2. For this reason, in the state where the waste toner box 5 is located at the second position, the waste toner box 5 cannot be separated from the apparatus main body 2.
3.1.6 Third Position of Waste Toner Box
As shown in
Thereby, in the state where the waste toner box 5 is located at the third position, the plurality of toner boxes 9K, 9Y, 9M, 9C mounted to the apparatus main body 2 is not located downstream of the waste toner box 5 located at the third position with respect to the separation direction of the waste toner box 5 from the apparatus main body 2. For this reason, in the state where the waste toner box 5 is located at the third position, the waste toner box 5 can be separated from the apparatus main body 2.
3.2 Support Configuration of Waste Toner Box
As shown in
3.2.1 First Wall
The first wall 20 is formed to divide an internal space of the apparatus main body 2 into a first space in which the plurality of cartridges 4K, 4Y, 4M, 4C (refer to
3.2.2 Second Wall
The second wall 21 is located at an opposite side to the plurality of cartridges 4K, 4Y, 4M, 4C with respect to the waste toner box 5 located at the first position. The second wall 21 is located with being spaced from the first wall 20 in the axis direction. The second wall 21 extends in the vertical direction. The second wall 21 has a second opening 21A and a movable wall 21B.
The second opening 21A is located at an opposite side to the plurality of cartridges 4K, 4Y, 4M, 4C with respect to the waste toner box 5 located at the first position, in the axis direction.
The movable wall 21B is configured to be movable in association with movement of the waste toner box 5. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the second wall 21 from being an obstacle to movement of the waste toner box 5, so that it is possible to secure smooth movement of the waste toner box 5. The movable wall 21B is supported to a lower end of the second opening 21A of the second wall 21. The movable wall 21B can swing about a lower end portion of the movable wall 21B, which is a support point. The movable wall 21B extends in the vertical direction, in the state where the waste toner box 5 is located at the first position.
3.2.3 First Accommodation Part
The first support part 26 is configured to support the waste toner box 5. The first support part 26 is located between the first wall 20 and the second wall 21 in the axis direction. The first support part 26 is supported to the first wall 20. The first support part 26 has a rotary shaft 32 and a first accommodation frame 31.
The rotary shaft 32 extends in the alignment direction. The rotary shaft 32 is rotatably supported to the first wall 20.
The first accommodation frame 31 can accommodate therein the waste toner box 5. The first accommodation frame 31 has a first side frame 31A, a second side frame 31B, a movable frame 31C, and a mounting/demounting opening 31D.
The first side frame 31A is located at one end of the first accommodation frame 31 in the axis direction. The second side frame 31B is located at the other end of the first accommodation frame 31 in the axis direction. The first side frame 31A is located at an opposite side to the first wall 20 with respect to the box main body 52, in the state where the waste toner box 5 is located at the first position. The second side frame 31B is located between the box main body 52 and the first wall 20 in the state where the waste toner box 5 is located at the first position. Each of the first side frame 31A and the second side frame 31B extends in the vertical direction, in the state where the waste toner box 5 is located at the first position.
The movable frame 31C is configured to be movable in association with movement of the plurality of toner boxes 9K, 9Y, 9M, 9C. The movable frame 31C is supported to an upper end of the first side frame 31A. The movable frame 31C extends in the vertical direction in a state where the waste toner box 5 is located at the first position and the plurality of toner boxes 9K, 9Y, 9M, 9C is located at a coupling position. In the meantime, the coupling position will be described later. The movable frame 31C is configured to be swingable about a lower end portion of the movable frame 31C, which is a support point. The first side frame 31A and the movable frame 31C are configured to close a lower part of the second opening 21A, in the state where the waste toner box 5 is located at the first position.
The mounting/demounting opening 31D is formed to allow the waste toner box 5 to pass therethrough when mounting and demounting the waste toner box 5 to and from the first accommodation frame 31. The mounting/demounting opening 31D is defined between an upper end of the second side frame 31B and an upper end of the movable frame 31C.
The first accommodation frame 31 is mounted to the rotary shaft 32. Specifically, a lower end portion of the first accommodation frame 31 is fixed to the rotary shaft 32. Thereby, the waste toner box 5 rotates about the rotary shaft 32 in a state where it is accommodated in the first support part 26. That is, a rotation support point of the waste toner box 5 is the rotary shaft 32 and is supported to the first wall 20. For this reason, as compared to a configuration where the rotation support point of the waste toner box 5 is supported to the second wall 21, it is possible to reduce an amount of movement of the coupling part 50M in the vertical direction and to make the image forming apparatus 1 smaller in the vertical direction.
As shown in
As shown in
Also, when the waste toner box 5 is moved from the first position (refer to
3.3 Toner Box
As shown in
3.3.1 Housing and Auger
As shown in
The partitioning wall 92 is configured to partition an internal space of the housing 91 into a first accommodation chamber 91A and a second accommodation chamber 91B. The partitioning wall 92 is arranged in the housing 91. The partitioning wall 92 extends in the axis direction. The first accommodation chamber 91A is located above the second accommodation chamber 91B, in a state where the toner box 9M is located at the coupling position. A first agitator 95 is arranged in the first accommodation chamber 91A. A second agitator 96 is arranged in the second accommodation chamber 91B.
The communication opening 92A is arranged at the partitioning wall 92. The communication opening 92A is formed to communicate the first accommodation chamber 91A and the second accommodation chamber 91B each other.
The auger 93 is configured to convey the toner in the second accommodation chamber 91B toward the supply unit 90. The auger 93 extends in the axis direction.
3.3.2 Supply Unit and Shutter
As shown in
The supply unit 90 can be coupled with the receiving part 43 of each of the plurality of cartridges 4K, 4Y, 4M, 4C (refer to
The supply unit 90 has a toner passage opening 90A. The toner passage opening 90A is formed to allow the toner to pass therethrough. The toner passage opening 90A is located at a lower end of the supply unit 90 in the state where the toner box 9M is located at the coupling position.
The shutter 94 is arranged on a peripheral surface of the supply unit 90. The shutter 94 is configured to be movable between a closing position at which the toner passage opening 90A is closed and an opening position at which the toner passage opening 90A is opened.
3.3.3 Coupling Position of Toner Box
Each of the plurality of toner boxes 9K, 9Y, 9M, 9C is configured to be movable between a coupling position (refer to
In a state where each of the plurality of toner boxes 9K, 9Y, 9M, 9C is located at the coupling position, the supply unit 90 of each of the plurality of toner boxes 9K, 9Y, 9M, 9C is coupled with the receiving part 43 of each of the plurality of cartridges 4K, 4Y, 4M, 4C (refer to
In the state where the toner box 9M is located at the coupling position, the supply unit 90 is fitted to the toner coupling wall 74. In a state where each of the shutter 75 and the shutter 94 is located at the opening position, the toner passage opening 90A of the supply unit 90 and the toner receiving opening 73A of the toner receiving wall 73 communicate with each other. Thereby, it is possible to supply toner accommodated in the housing 91 from the supply unit 90 to the toner receiving wall 73.
Also, the first wall 20 is located between the cartridge 4M and the toner box 9M located at the coupling position. Specifically, the first wall 20 is located between the cartridge 4M and the housing 91 of the toner box 9M located at the coupling position, in the axis direction.
The first wall 20 has a plurality of second holes 20B. Each of the plurality of second holes 20B is formed to face the toner coupling wall 74 of the receiving part 43 in the axis direction in the state where the drawer 3 is located at the inner position. The second hole 20B receives the supply unit 90 in the state where the toner box 9M is located at the coupling position.
3.3.4 Decoupling Position of Toner Box
As shown in
In the meantime, in the state where the toner box 9M is located at the decoupling position, an upper wall of the apparatus main body 2 is located downstream of the toner box 9M located at the decoupling position with respect to the separation direction of the toner box 9M from the apparatus main body 2. For this reason, the toner box 9M cannot be separated from the apparatus main body 2 in the state where the toner box 9M is located at the decoupling position.
3.3.5 Separable Position of Toner Box
As shown in
Thereby, in the state where the toner box 9M is located at the separable position, the upper wall of the apparatus main body 2 is not located downstream of the toner box 9M located at the separable position with respect to the separation direction of the toner box 9M from the apparatus main body 2. For this reason, the toner box 9M can be separated from the apparatus main body 2 in the state where the toner box 9M is located at the separable position.
3.4 Second Support Part
As shown in
The second support part 27M is configured to support the toner box 9M. The second support part 27M is located above the first support part 26. The second support part 27M is supported to the first wall 20. The second support part 27M has a rotary shaft 34 and a second accommodation frame 33.
The rotary shaft 34 extends in the alignment direction. The rotary shaft 34 is rotatably supported to the first wall 20.
The second accommodation frame 33 can accommodate therein the toner box 9M. The second accommodation frame 33 has a third side frame 33A, a fourth side frame 33B, and a mounting/demounting opening 33C.
The third side frame 33A is located at one end of the second accommodation frame 33 in the axis direction. The fourth side frame 33B is located at the other end of the second accommodation frame 33 in the axis direction. The third side frame 33A is located at an opposite side to the first wall 20 with respect to the housing 91, in the state where the toner box 9M is located at the coupling position. The fourth side frame 33B is located between the housing 91 and the first wall 20 in the state where the toner box 9M is located at the coupling position. Each of the third side frame 33A and the fourth side frame 33B extends in the vertical direction in the state where the toner box 9M is located at the coupling position. The third side frame 33A is configured to close an upper part of the second opening 21A in the state where the toner box 9M is located at the coupling position.
The mounting/demounting opening 33C is formed to allow the toner box 9M to pass therethrough when mounting and demounting the toner box 9M to and from the second accommodation frame 33. The mounting/demounting opening 33C is defined between an upper end of the third side frame 33A and an upper end of the fourth side frame 33B.
The second accommodation frame 33 is mounted to the rotary shaft 34. Specifically, a lower end portion of the second accommodation frame 33 is fixed to the rotary shaft 34. Thereby, the toner box 9M rotates about the rotary shaft 34 in the state where it is supported to the second support part 27M. That is, a rotation support point of the toner box 9M is the rotary shaft 34 and is supported to the first wall 20.
As shown in
As shown in
Also, when the waste toner box 5 is located at the first position and the toner box 9M is moved from the coupling position (refer to
3.5 First Pressing Unit
Also, as shown in
The first pressing units 28A, 28B are configured to press the waste toner box 5 so that the waste toner box 5 is to face from the first position toward the second position (refer to
As shown in
The spring 23 is provided to press the waste toner box 5 from the first position toward the second position (refer to
The first contact part 35 is in contact with the second side frame 31B through a third hole 20C of the first wall 20. The first contact part 35 is pressed toward the second side frame 31B by the spring 23. The first contact part 35 has a cylindrical shape. The first contact part 35 extends in the axis direction. The first contact part 35 is configured to accommodate therein the spring 23.
3.6 Second Pressing Unit
As shown in
As shown in
The second spring 25 is provided to press the toner box 9M from the coupling position toward the decoupling position (refer to
The second contact part 36 is in contact with the fourth side frame 33B through a fourth hole 20D of the first wall 20. The second contact part 36 is pressed toward the fourth side frame 33B by the second spring 25. The second contact part 36 has a cylindrical shape. The second contact part 36 extends in the axis direction. The second contact part 36 is configured to accommodate therein the second spring 25.
3.7 First Link Member
The first link member 7 is configured to interlink movement of the cover 2B and pressing and press-releasing of the spring 23 with respect to the waste toner box 5. The first link member 7 is configured to restrain the pressing of the spring 23 to the waste toner box 5 in a state where the cover 2B is located at the closing position. The first link member 7 allows the spring 23 to press the waste toner box 5 when the cover 2B is moved from the closing position to the opening position (refer to
Also, the first link member 7 is configured to interlink movement of the cover 2B and pressing and press-releasing of the second spring 25 with respect to the toner box 9M. The first link member 7 is configured to restrain the pressing of the second spring 25 to the toner box 9M in a state where the cover 2B is located at the closing position. The first link member 7 allows the second spring 25 to press the toner box 9M when the cover 2B is moved from the closing position to the opening position (refer to
As shown in
3.7.1 First Part
The first part 77 extends in the alignment direction. The first part 77 is located at an opposite side to the first accommodation frame 31 with respect to the first wall 20 in the axis direction (refer to
The plurality of first through-openings 82A, 82B is located with being spaced from each other in the alignment direction. The plurality of first through-openings 82A, 82B has the same structure. Therefore, in the below, the first through-opening 82A is described, and the description of the first through-opening 82B is omitted.
The first through-opening 82A is formed to receive the first contact part 35 of the first pressing unit 28A. The first through-opening 82A extends in the alignment direction. The first through-opening 82A has one end and the other end in the alignment direction. The first contact part 35 is located at one end of the first through-opening 82A in the state where the cover 2B is located at the closing position. The first contact part 35 is located at the other end of the first through-opening 82A in the state where the cover 2B is located at the opening position (refer to
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
3.7.2 Second Part
As shown in
The plurality of second through-openings 84K, 84Y, 84M, 84C is located with being spaced from each other in the alignment direction. The plurality of second through-openings 84K, 84Y, 84M, 84C has the same structure. Therefore, in the below, the second through-opening 84M is described, and the descriptions of the second through-openings 84K, 84Y, 84C are omitted. The second through-opening 84M is formed to receive the second contact part 36 of the second pressing unit 29M. The second through-opening 84M extends in the alignment direction. The second through-opening 84M has one end and the other end in the alignment direction. The second contact part 36 is located at one end of the second through-opening 84M in the state where the cover 2B is located at the closing position. The second contact part 36 is located at the other end of the second through-opening 84M in the state where the cover 2B is located at the opening position (refer to
As shown in
The second cam 85M is configured to surround one end of the second through-opening 84M. The second cam 85M protrudes from one end edge of the second through-opening 84M of the second part 78 in the axis direction. The second cam 85M has an inclined surface S2. The inclined surface S2 is inclined to intersect with the axis direction.
As shown in
As shown in
3.7.3 Connection Part and Boss
As shown in
The first boss 80 extends in the axis direction. The first boss 80 is fixed to the connection part 79.
3.7.4 Coupling Part
The coupling part 81 is configured to couple the cover 2B and the first link member 7 each other. The coupling part 81 is arranged in alignment with the connection part 79 in the axis direction. The coupling part 81 has a circular arc shape of which a center is the rotation support point of the cover 2B. The coupling part 81 is fixed to the cover 2B. The coupling part 81 has a long hole 87. The long hole 87 is formed to receive the first boss 80. The long hole 87 extends in a rotating direction of the cover 2B. The long hole 87 has one end 87A and the other end 87B in an extension direction of the long hole 87. The other end 87B of the long hole 87 is located at an opposite side to the cover 2B with respect to one end 87A of the long hole 87 in the extension direction of the long hole 87. The first boss 80 is located at one end 87A of the long hole 87 in the state where the cover 2B is located at the closing position. The first boss 80 is located at the other end 87B of the long hole 87 in the state where the cover 2B is located at the opening position (refer to
3.8 First Guide and Second Guide
As shown in
3.8 Second Link Member and Third Guide
The second link member 8 is configured to interlink movement of the cover 2B and movement of the drawer 3. The drawer 3 is configured to be movable between the contact position (refer to
As shown in
3.8.1 Link Main Body 88
The link main body 88 extends in the alignment direction. The link main body 88 is located at an opposite side to the coupling part 81 with respect to the first link member 7 in the axis direction. The link main body 88 is located below the drawer 3 in the state where the drawer 3 is located at the inner position (refer to
The first surface 88A is located at an end portion of the lower surface of the link main body 88 facing toward the cover 2B. The first surface 88A extends in the alignment direction. The second surface 88B is located at an opposite side to the cover 2B with respect to the first surface 88A. The second surface 88B is inclined to intersect with the vertical direction. The second surface 88B has one end and the other end in the alignment direction. One end of the second surface 88B continues to the first surface 88A. The other end of the second surface 88B is located at a position lower than one end of the second surface 88B. The other end of the second surface 88B continues to the third surface 88C.
The third surface 88C is located at an opposite side to the cover 2B with respect to the second surface 88B. The third surface 88C extends in the alignment direction. The fourth surface 88D is located at an opposite side to the cover 2B with respect to the third surface 88C. The fourth surface 88D is inclined to intersect with the vertical direction. The fourth surface 88D has one end and the other end in the alignment direction. One end of the fourth surface 88D continues to the third surface 88C. The other end of the fourth surface 88D is located at a position lower than one end of the fourth surface 88D. The other end of the fourth surface 88D continues to the fifth surface 88E. The fifth surface 88E is located at an opposite side to the cover 2B with respect to the fourth surface 88D. The fifth surface 88E extends in the alignment direction.
3.8.2 Second Boss
Also, when the cover 2B is moved from the closing position to the opening position, the first link member 7 and the second link member 8 are coupled with each other so that the first link member 7 first allows the spring 23 to press the waste toner box 5 and then the second link member 8 moves the drawer 3 from the contact position to the spaced position. For this reason, when the cover 2B is moved from the closing position to the opening position, the waste toner box 5 is first located at the first position, so that the coupling part 50M and the discharge part 41 can be decoupled and then the drawer 3 can be moved from the contact position to the spaced position.
Specifically, the second boss 89 is inserted in the receiving hole 86. Thereby, the second link member 8 is coupled with the first link member 7. The second boss 89 is fixed to the link main body 88. The second boss 89 extends in the axis direction.
3.9 Third Guide
When the cover 2B is moved between the closing position and the opening position, the third guide 39 guides the second link member 8. The third guide 39 is located below the second link member 8.
The third guide 39 extends in the alignment direction. The third guide 39 is fixed to the apparatus main body 2. An upper surface of the third guide 39 is in contact with a lower surface of the link main body 88. The upper surface of the third guide 39 has a first guide surface 39A, a second guide surface 39B, a third guide surface 39C, a fourth guide surface 39D, and a fifth guide surface 39E.
The first guide surface 39A is located at an end portion of the upper surface of the third guide 39 facing toward the cover 2B. The first guide surface 39A extends in the alignment direction. The first guide surface 39A is in contact with the first surface 88A in the state where the cover 2B is located at the closing position. The first guide surface 39A is in contact with the third surface 88C in the state where the cover 2B is located at the opening position (refer to
The second guide surface 39B is located at an opposite side to the cover 2B with respect to the first guide surface 39A. The second guide surface 39B is inclined to intersect with the vertical direction. The second guide surface 39B has one end and the other end in the alignment direction. One end of the second guide surface 39B continues to the first guide surface 39A. The other end of the second guide surface 39B is located at a position lower than one end of the second guide surface 39B. The other end of the second guide surface 39B continues to the third guide surface 39C. The second guide surface 39B faces the second surface 88B in the alignment direction, in the state where the cover 2B is located at the closing position. The second guide surface 39B comes in contact with the second surface 88B when the cover 2B is moved between the closing position and the opening position.
The third guide surface 39C is located at an opposite side to the cover 2B with respect to the second guide surface 39B. The third guide surface 39C extends in the alignment direction. The third guide surface 39C is in contact with the third surface 88C in the state where the cover 2B is located at the closing position. The third guide surface 39C is in contact with the fifth surface 88E in the state where the cover 2B is located at the opening position (refer to
The fourth guide surface 39D is located at an opposite side to the cover 2B with respect to the third guide surface 39C. The fourth guide surface 39D is inclined to intersect with the vertical direction. The fourth guide surface 39D has one end and the other end in the alignment direction. One end of the fourth guide surface 39D continues to the third guide surface 39C. The other end of the fourth guide surface 39D is located at a position lower than one end of the fourth guide surface 39D. The other end of the fourth guide surface 39D continues to the fifth guide surface 39E. The fourth guide surface 39D faces the fourth surface 88D in the alignment direction, in the state where the cover 2B is located at the closing position. The fourth guide surface 39D comes in contact with the fourth surface 88D when the cover 2B is moved between the closing position and the opening position.
The fifth guide surface 39E is located at an opposite side to the cover 2B with respect to the fourth guide surface 39D. The fifth guide surface 39E extends in the alignment direction. The fifth guide surface 39E is in contact with the fifth surface 88E in the state where the cover 2B is located at the closing position.
4. Operations of Waste Toner Box, Toner Box and Drawer
Subsequently, operations of the waste toner box 5, the toner box 9M and the drawer 3 are described with reference to
As shown in
Then, as shown in
At this time, the contact between the second contact part 36 and the second cam 85M is released by the movement of the first link member 7. Then, the second contact part 36 is brought into contact with the second accommodation frame 33 by the pressing force of the second spring 25, thereby pressing the second accommodation frame 33. Thereby, the toner box 9M is moved from the coupling position to the decoupling position.
Then, as shown in
Thereafter, as shown in
Also, as shown in
Also, as shown in
5. Advantages
As shown in
For this reason, the drawer 3 can accommodate the waste toner from the plurality of photosensitive drum 40 into the waste toner box 5 without a member configured to collect the waste toner from the plurality of discharge parts 41 and to convey the same into the waste toner box 5.
Also, as shown in
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2018-129805 | Jul 2018 | JP | national |