Image forming device having drawer

An image forming device, including: a drawer movable from an inside position where the drawer is located inside a housing to an outside position where the drawer is located outside the housing via an intermediate position; a stopper movable between a first position where the stopper stops the drawer from moving from the intermediate position to the outside position and a second position where the stopper allows the drawer to move from the intermediate position to the outside position; a drum cartridge mountable on the drawer; and a toner cartridge mountable on the drawer; wherein the toner cartridge mounted on the drawer is detachable from the drawer in a state in which the drawer is located at the intermediate position, and wherein the drum cartridge mounted on the drawer is detachable from the drawer in a state in which the drawer is located at the outside position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-159904, which was filed on Sep. 2, 2019, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The following disclosure relates to an image forming device.

Description of Related Art

An image forming device conventionally includes a housing, a drawer, and a process cartridge. The drawer is movable between an inside position at which the drawer is located inside the housing and an outside position at which the drawer is located outside the housing. The process cartridge is mountable on the drawer. The process cartridge includes a photoconductive drum and a developer roller. The process cartridge is capable of storing toner.

SUMMARY

The process cartridge of the known image forming device includes the photoconductive drum and the developer roller as described above.

When the amount of the toner remaining in the process cartridge of the known image forming device is reduced, for instance, the entirety of the process cartridge including the photoconductive drum needs to be replaced even though the photoconductive drum need not be replaced. It is thus difficult to achieve cost reduction.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an image forming device including a drawer in which (a) a drum cartridge including a photoconductive drum and a developer roller and (b) a toner cartridge storing toner can be replaced independently of each other.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, an image forming device includes a housing; a drawer movable in a first direction from an inside position at which the drawer is located inside the housing to an outside position at which the drawer is located outside the housing via an intermediate position intermediate between the inside position and the outside position; a stopper movable between a first position at which the stopper stops the drawer from moving from the intermediate position to the outside position and a second position at which the stopper allows the drawer to move from the intermediate position to the outside position; a drum cartridge including a photoconductive drum and a developer roller and mountable on the drawer; and a toner cartridge storing toner and mountable on the drawer, wherein the toner cartridge mounted on the drawer is detachable from the drawer in a state in which the drawer is located at the intermediate position, and wherein the drum cartridge mounted on the drawer is detachable from the drawer in a state in which the drawer is located at the outside position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, there will be explained an image forming device1according to a first embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 1, the image forming device1includes a housing2, a sheet supplier3, a drawer4, a drum cartridge5, a toner cartridge6, an exposure device7, a transfer roller8, and a fixing device9. The image forming device1is for monochrome printing. Thus, the image forming device1includes one drum cartridge5and one toner cartridge6.

The housing2houses the sheet supplier3, the drawer4, the drum cartridge5, the toner cartridge6, the exposure device7, the transfer roller8, and the fixing device9. As shown inFIG. 2, the housing2has an opening21. The housing2includes a cover22.

The cover22is movable between a closed position (FIG. 1) and an open position (FIG. 2). In a state in which the cover22is located at the closed position, the cover22closes the opening21. In a state in which the cover22is located at the open position, the cover opens the opening21.

As shown inFIG. 1, the sheet supplier3is capable of supplying sheets S to a photoconductive drum51. The photoconductive drum51will be later explained. The sheet supplier3includes a sheet cassette31, a pickup roller32, a conveyance roller33, and a conveyance roller34.

The sheet cassette31is capable of storing the sheets S. The pickup roller32picks up an uppermost one of the sheets S stacked on the sheet cassette31and coveys the picked-up sheet S toward the conveyance roller33. The conveyance roller33conveys the sheet S conveyed from the pickup roller32toward the conveyance roller34. The conveyance roller34conveys the sheet S conveyed from the conveyance roller33toward the photoconductive drum51.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, in the state in which the cover22is located at the open position, the drawer4is movable in a first direction from an inside position (FIG. 1) to an outside position (FIG. 3) via an intermediate position (FIG. 2) through the opening21. The first direction intersects an up-down direction. The drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6can be placed on the drawer4. The drawer4is movable in a state in which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are placed thereon.

As shown inFIG. 2, the housing2includes a drawer guide23configured to guide the drawer4. The drawer guide23extends in the first direction. The drawer guide23is a groove. The drawer guide23may be a rib. The drawer guide23has a first end portion E1and a second end portion E2. The second end portion E2is located apart from the first end portion E1in the first direction and is located between the first end portion E1and the transfer roller8in the first direction. The drawer guide23inclines downward in a direction directed from the second end portion E2toward the first end portion E1. Owing to the thus inclined drawer guide23, the drawer4inclines downward in a direction directed from the inside position toward the outside position. This configuration enables the drawer4to be easily moved from the inside position to the outside position utilizing the weight of the drawer4.

As shown inFIG. 1, the inside position is a position at which a guided portion42A of the drawer4engages the second end portion E2of the drawer guide23. The guided portion42A will be later explained. In the state in which the drawer4is located at the inside position, the entirety of the drawer4is disposed in the housing2.

As shown inFIG. 2, the intermediate position is a position at which a guided portion43A of the drawer4contacts a stopper24and the drawer4stays between the inside position and the outside position. The stopper24and the guided portion43A will be later explained.

As shown inFIG. 3, the outside position is a position at which the guided portion43A of the drawer4engages the first end portion E1of the drawer guide23. In the state in which the drawer4is located at the outside position, at least a part of the drawer4is disposed outside the housing2.

The drum cartridge5mounted on the drawer4is detachable from the drawer4in the state in which the drawer4is located at the outside position. The state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4refers to a state in which the drum cartridge5is placed at a specific position on the drawer4. The drum cartridge5need not be fixed to the drawer4in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4. It is noted that the drum cartridge5is mountable on the drawer4in the state in which the drawer4is located at the outside position.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the drum cartridge5mounted on the drawer4cannot be detached from the drawer4in the state in which the drawer4is located at the inside position or the intermediate position. The drum cartridge5cannot be mounted on the drawer4in the state in which the drawer4is located at the inside position or the intermediate position.

As shown inFIG. 1, the drum cartridge5includes the photoconductive drum51, a charging roller52, and a developer device53.

The photoconductive drum51is rotatable about an axis A1extending in a second direction that intersects the first direction and the up-down direction. Preferably, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction and the up-down direction. The photoconductive drum51extends in the second direction and has a cylindrical shape.

The charging roller52causes the surface of the photoconductive drum51to be charged. The charging roller52is in contact with the surface of the photoconductive drum51. The drum cartridge5may include a scorotron charging device in place of the charging roller52.

The developer device53is capable of supplying the toner to the photoconductive drum51. Specifically, the developer device53includes a developer housing531and a developer roller532. In other words, the drum cartridge5includes the developer housing531and the developer roller532.

The developer housing531stores the toner to be supplied to the photoconductive drum51. The developer housing531supports the developer roller532.

The developer roller532is rotatable about an axis A2extending in the second direction. The developer roller532is in contact with the photoconductive drum51. The developer roller532is capable of supplying the toner in the developer housing531to the photoconductive drum51.

The toner cartridge6stores the toner to be supplied to the developer device53.

As shown inFIG. 2, the toner cartridge6mounted on the drawer4is detachable from the drawer4in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position. The state in which the toner cartridge6is mounted on the drawer4refers to a state in which the toner cartridge6is placed at a specific position on the drawer4. The toner cartridge6need not be fixed to the drawer4in the state in which the toner cartridge6is mounted on the drawer4. The toner cartridge6may be mounted on the drawer4via the drum cartridge5. In the first embodiment, the toner cartridge6can be mounted on the drum cartridge5mounted on the drawer4. The toner cartridge6can be mounted on the drawer4in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position. The toner cartridge6and the photoconductive drum51are arranged in the first direction in a state in which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are mounted on the drawer4. Specifically, in the state in which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are mounted on the drawer4, the toner cartridge6is located opposite to the transfer roller8with respect to the photoconductive drum51in the first direction, in other words, the photoconductive drum51is located between the transfer roller8and the toner cartridge6in the first direction.

As shown inFIG. 1, the toner cartridge6cannot be mounted on the drawer4in the state in which the drawer4is located at the inside position. The toner cartridge6mounted on the drawer4cannot be detached from the drawer4in the state in which the drawer4is located at the inside position.

As shown inFIG. 1, the exposure device7is capable of exposing the surface of the photoconductive drum51in the state in which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are mounted on the drawer4and the drawer4is located at the inside position. Specifically, the exposure device7is a laser scanning unit.

The exposure device7exposes the surface of the photoconductive drum51in the state in which the surface of the photoconductive drum51is charged by the charging roller52, so that a latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum51. The developer device53supplies the toner onto the surface of the photoconductive drum51in the state in which the latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum51, so that a toner image is formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum51.

In the state in which the drawer4, on which the drum cartridge5is mounted, is located at the inside position, the transfer roller8is in contact with the photoconductive drum51. The sheet S conveyed by the conveyance roller34passes between the transfer roller8and the photoconductive drum51. In this instance, the transfer roller8transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum51onto the sheet S.

The fixing device9heats and pressurizes the sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred, so as to fix the toner image on the sheet S. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing device9is discharged onto an upper surface of the housing2.

2. Details of Housing2

Referring next toFIGS. 2-4B, the housing2will be explained.

As shown inFIG. 2, the housing2includes the stopper24, a guide25(as one example of a first guide), and a guide26(as one example of a second guide), in addition to the cover22and the drawer guide23described above. In other words, the image forming device1includes the stopper24, the guide25, and the guide26.

The stopper24stops the drawer4that moves from the inside position toward the outside position, such that the drawer4stays at the intermediate position. The position, the shape, and the structure of the stopper24are not limited to any particular ones as long as the stopper24enables the drawer4that moves from the inside position toward the outside position to stay at the intermediate position. In the first embodiment, the stopper24is disposed in the housing2and is attached to the drawer guide23.

As shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B, the stopper24is movable between a first position (FIG. 4A) and a second position (FIG. 4B). The stopper24includes a plate spring241. The stopper24is movable from the first position to the second position against a force of the plate spring241and is movable from the second position to the first position by the force of the plate spring241.

When the drawer4moves from the inside position to the outside position in the state in which the stopper24is located at the first position, the stopper24comes into contact with the guided portion43A of the drawer4in the first direction, as shown inFIG. 4A, whereby the drawer4stops and stays at the intermediate position, as shown inFIG. 2. In other words, the stopper24located at the first position contacts, in the first direction, the guided portion43A of the drawer4located at the intermediate position, whereby the stopper24stops the drawer4from moving from the intermediate position to the outside position.

When the drawer4, which is kept stayed at the intermediate position by the stopper24, is pulled toward the outside position, the stopper24is pushed by the guided portion43A as shown inFIG. 4B, so that the stopper24moves from the first position to the second position against the force of the plate spring241.

In the state in which the stopper24is located at the second position, the stopper24is not in contact with the guided portion43A of the drawer4in the first direction. Thus, the drawer4does not stop and stay at the intermediate position and moves from the intermediate position (FIG. 2) to the outside position (FIG. 3). In other words, the stopper24allows the drawer4to move from the intermediate position to the outside position when the stopper24is located at the second position.

As shown inFIG. 2, the guide25is disposed in the housing2. The guide25is a groove extending in the first direction.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4and the drawer4is located at the inside position or the intermediate position, a guided portion55A (as one example of a first guided portion) of the drum cartridge5engages the guide25. The guided portion55A will be later explained. When the drawer4, on which the drum cartridge5is installed, moves between the inside position and the outside position, the guide25guides the guided portion55A. Thus, the guide25guides the drum cartridge5in the first direction when the drawer4, on which the drum cartridge5is mounted, moves between the inside position and the outside position.

As shown inFIG. 2, the guide26is disposed in the housing2so as to be apart from the guide25. The guide26is located at a height level lower than the guide25. The guide26is a groove extending in the first direction.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4and the drawer4is located at the inside position or the intermediate position, a guided portion56A (as one example of a second guided portion) of the drum cartridge5engages the guide26. The guided portion56A will be later explained. When the drawer4, on which the drum cartridge5is mounted, moves between the inside position and the outside position, the guide26guides the guided portion56A. Thus, the guide26guides the drum cartridge5in the first direction, together with the guide25when the drawer4, on which the drum cartridge5is mounted, moves between the inside position and the outside position.

3. Details of Drawer4

Referring next toFIGS. 5 and 6, the drawer4will be explained.

As shown inFIG. 5, the drawer4is shaped like a tray. The drawer4extends in the first direction and the second direction. The drawer4includes a drawer side plate41A, a drawer side plate41B, the guided portion42A, a guided portion42B, the guided portion43A, a guided portion43B, a bottom plate44, and a drawer grip45.

The drawer side plate41A is located at a first end portion of the drawer4in the second direction. The drawer4includes the first end portion and a second end portion in the second direction. The second end portion is apart from the first end portion in the second direction. The drawer side plate41A extends in the first direction. The drawer side plate41A has a first end portion E11and a second end portion E12in the first direction. The second end portion E12is apart from the first end portion E11in the first direction. The drawer side plate41A has a first surface S1and a second surface S2in the second direction. The second surface S2is located between the first surface S1and the drawer side plate41B in the second direction.

As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the drawer side plate41A includes a guide46A and a receiving portion47A.

As shown inFIG. 6, the guide46A is provided at an edge of the drawer side plate41A. The guide46A may be provided on the second surface S2of the drawer side plate41A. The guide46A extends in the first direction and inclines with respect to the first direction. The guide46A gets closer to the bottom plate44as the guide46A gets closer to the second end portion E12. The guide46A includes a first end portion461and a second end portion462. The first end portion461is located between the first end portion E11of the drawer side plate41A and the second end portion E12of the drawer side plate41A in the first direction. The second end portion462is located between the first end portion461and the second end portion E12of the drawer side plate41A in the first direction. The guide46A guides the guided portion56A (FIG. 7) of the drum cartridge5in mounting the drum cartridge5on the drawer4.

The receiving portion47A is located between the guide46A and the second end portion E12of the drawer side plate41A in the first direction. In the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4(FIG. 3), the receiving portion47A receives the guided portion56A (FIG. 7) of the drum cartridge5.

As shown inFIG. 5, the drawer side plate41B is located at the second end portion of the drawer4in the second direction. The drawer side plate41B is apart from the drawer side plate41A in the second direction. The drawer side plate41B includes a guide46B and a receiving portion47B. The above explanation of the drawer side plate41A is true of the drawer side plate41B.

The guided portion42A is located opposite to the drawer side plate41B with respect to the drawer side plate41A in the second direction. The guided portion42A is located on the first surface S1of the drawer side plate41A. The guided portion42A is a protrusion extending from the first surface S1of the drawer side plate41A. The guided portion42A may be attached to the first surface S1of the drawer side plate41A. The guided portion42A has a cylindrical shape. The guided portion42A engages the drawer guide23(FIG. 2) of the housing2so as to be guided by the drawer guide23.

The guided portion42B is located opposite to the drawer side plate41A with respect to the drawer side plate41B in the second direction. The above explanation of the guided portion42A is true of the guided portion42B.

The guided portion43A is apart from the guided portion42A in the first direction. The guided portion43A is located opposite to the drawer side plate41B with respect to the drawer side plate41A in the second direction. The guided portion43A is located on the first surface S1of the drawer side plate41A. The guided portion43A is a protrusion extending from the first surface S1of the drawer side plate41A. The guided portion43A may be attached to the first surface S1of the drawer side plate41A. The guided portion43A has a cylindrical shape. The guided portion43A engages the drawer guide23(FIG. 2) of the housing2so as to be guided by the drawer guide23.

The guided portion43B is located opposite to the drawer side plate41A with respect to the drawer side plate41B in the second direction. The above explanation of the guided portion43A is true of the guided portion43B.

The bottom plate44is located between the drawer side plate41A and the drawer side plate41B in the second direction so as to extend in the second direction. The bottom plate44is connected to the drawer side plate41A and the drawer side plate41B.

The drawer grip45is configured to be gripped by a user when the user moves the drawer4between the inside position and the outside position. The drawer grip45is located at an end of the drawer4in the first direction. The drawer grip45extends in the second direction. The drawer grip45includes a first end portion and a second end portion in the second direction. The first end portion of the drawer grip45is connected to the first end portion E11of the drawer side plate41A, and the second end portion of the drawer grip45is connected to the first end portion E11of the drawer side plate41B.

4. Details of Drum Cartridge5

Referring next toFIGS. 7-9, the drum cartridge5will be explained.

As shown inFIG. 7, the drum cartridge5extends in the second direction. The drum cartridge5includes a drum cartridge side plate54A, a drum cartridge side plate54B, the guided portion55A, a guided portion55B, the guided portion56A, a guided portion56B, a drum cleaner57, a waste-toner conveyor pipe58, and a seal59, in addition to the photoconductive drum51, the charging roller52(FIG. 8A), and the developer device53described above.

4.1 Details of Developer Device53

As shown inFIG. 7, the developer device53is located between the drum cartridge side plate54A and the drum cartridge side plate54B in the second direction.

As shown inFIG. 8A, the developer device53includes a tray533, a connection portion534, and a shutter535shown inFIG. 8A(as one example of a second shutter), in addition to the developer housing531and the developer roller532described above. In other words, the drum cartridge5includes the connection portion534and the shutter535.

In the state in which the toner cartridge6is mounted on the drawer4(FIG. 1), the tray533supports the toner cartridge6.

As shown inFIG. 7, the tray533includes a tray side plate5331A, a tray side plate5331B, a bottom plate5332, a protrusion5333A, a protrusion5333B, a protrusion5334A, and a protrusion5334B.

The tray side plate5331A is located at a first end portion of the tray533in the second direction. The tray533includes the first end portion and a second end portion in the second direction. The first end portion is apart from the second end portion. The tray side plate5331A is located between the drum cartridge side plate54A and the tray side plate5331B in the second direction. The tray side plate5331A extends in a direction intersecting the axis A1, preferably, in a direction orthogonal to the axis A1. The tray side plate5331A includes a first surface S11and a second surface S12in the second direction. The second surface S12is located between the first surface S11and the tray side plate5331B in the second direction.

As shown inFIG. 8A, the tray side plate5331A has a guide5335A (as one example of a third guide) and a groove5336A. In other words, the drum cartridge5has the guide5335A.

The guide5335A is provided on the second surface S12of the tray side plate5331A. The guide5335A is located opposite to the photoconductive drum51with respect to the connection portion534in the first direction. In mounting the toner cartridge6on the drawer4in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4, a guided portion66A (FIG. 10) of the toner cartridge6engages the guide5335A. The guided portion66A will be later explained. In mounting the toner cartridge6on the drawer4in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4, the guide5335A guides the guided portion66A toward the connection portion534. Thus, the guide5335A guides a toner supply portion612(FIG. 10) of the toner cartridge6toward the connection portion534in mounting the toner cartridge6on the drawer4in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4. The toner supply portion612will be later explained. The guide5335A extends in a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction. Preferably, the third direction intersects the first direction and is orthogonal to the second direction. Specifically, the third direction is a direction directed downward toward the housing2in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4and the drawer4is located at the outside position (FIG. 3). The guide5335A is a groove.

The groove5336A is located between the guide5335A and the connection portion534in the third direction. The groove5336A is apart from the guide5335A in the third direction and extends in the third direction. In the state in which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are mounted on the drawer4, the guided portion66A (FIG. 10) of the toner cartridge6engages the groove5336A.

As shown inFIG. 7, the tray side plate5331B is apart from the tray side plate5331A in the second direction. The tray side plate5331B is located at the second end portion of the tray533in the second direction. The above explanation of the tray side plate5331A is true of the tray side plate5331B.

The bottom plate5332is located between the tray side plate5331A and the tray side plate5331B in the second direction. The bottom plate5332extends in the second direction. The bottom plate5332is connected to the tray side plate5331A and the tray side plate5331B.

The protrusion5333A is located opposite to the protrusion5333B with respect to the developer housing531in the second direction. The protrusion5333A is located on an outer surface of the developer housing531in the second direction. The protrusion5333A extends in the second direction. The protrusion5333A extends along the axis A2. The protrusion5333A has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion5333A may be attached to an end of a shaft of the developer roller532.

The protrusion5333B is located opposite to the protrusion5333A with respect to the developer housing531in the second direction. The explanation of the protrusion5333A is true of the protrusion5333B.

The protrusion5334A is apart from the protrusion5333A in the first direction. The protrusion5334A is located opposite to the tray side plate5331B with respect to the tray side plate5331A in the second direction. The protrusion5334A is located on the first surface S11of the tray side plate5331A. The protrusion5334A extends from the first surface S11of the tray side plate5331A. The protrusion5334A may be attached to the first surface S11of the tray side plate5331A. The protrusion5334A extends in the second direction. The protrusion5334A has a cylindrical shape.

The protrusion5334B is located opposite to the tray side plate5331A with respect to the tray side plate5331B in the second direction. The above explanation of the protrusion5334A is true of the protrusion5334B.

As shown inFIG. 8A, the connection portion534is located on the developer housing531in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4. In the state in which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are mounted on the drawer4, the connection portion534is connected to the toner supply portion612(FIG. 11A) and a waste-toner inlet portion614(FIG. 13) of the toner cartridge6. The connection portion534is located between the guide5335A and the developer housing531. The connection portion534is located between the guided portion55A and the photoconductive drum51in the first direction.

As shown inFIG. 7, the connection portion534is located between the tray side plate5331A and the tray side plate5331B in the second direction. The connection portion534extends in the second direction. The connection portion534includes a first end portion and a second end portion in the second direction. The second end portion is located apart from the first end portion in the second direction. The first end portion of the connection portion534in the second direction is connected to the tray side plate5331A, and the second end portion of the connection portion534in the second direction is connected to the tray side plate5331B. The connection portion534has a semi-cylindrical shape. The connection portion534has a waste-toner discharge opening5341and an inlet opening5342. In other words, the drum cartridge5has the waste-toner discharge opening5341and the inlet opening5342.

The waste-toner discharge opening5341is located at the first end portion of the connection portion534in the second direction. The toner conveyed by the waste-toner conveyor pipe58can be discharged through the waste-toner discharge opening5341. The waste-toner discharge opening5341communicates with an inner space of the waste-toner conveyor pipe58.

The inlet opening5342is located at the second end portion of the connection portion534in the second direction. In the state in which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are mounted on the drawer4, the toner discharged from a discharge opening617(FIG. 11B) of the toner cartridge6can be received by the inlet opening5342. The discharge opening617will be later explained.

As shown inFIG. 8A, the inlet opening5342communicates with an inner space of the developer housing531.

As shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, the shutter535is movable between a closing position (FIG. 8A) and an open position (FIG. 8B) with respect to the inlet opening5342and the waste-toner discharge opening5341. The shutter535is rotatable between the closing position and the open position about an axis A3.

As shown inFIG. 8A, when the shutter535is located at the closing position, the shutter535closes the inlet opening5342and the waste-toner discharge opening5341.

On the other hand, when the shutter535is located at the open position as shown inFIG. 8B, the shutter535opens the inlet opening5342and the waste-toner discharge opening5341.

As shown in8A, the shutter535includes a shutter end plate5351A, a shutter end plate5351B, and a shutter body5352. The shutter end plate5351B is not illustrated.

The shutter end plate5351A is located at a first end portion of the shutter535in the second direction. The shutter535extends in the second direction. The shutter535includes the first end portion and a second end portion in the second direction. The second end portion is apart from the first end portion in the second direction. The shutter end plate5351A is located on the second surface S12of the tray side plate5331A of the tray533. The shutter end plate5351A is a circular plate and has a groove5353A and a groove5354A.

The groove5353A extends in a radial direction of the shutter end plate5351A. In a state in which the shutter535is located at the closing position, the groove5353A is located between the guide5335A and the groove5336A and extends in the third direction. In the state in which the shutter535is located at the closing position, the groove5353A is connected to the guide5335A and the groove5336A. As shown inFIG. 8B, the groove5353A extends in a direction different from the third direction in a state in which the shutter535is located at the open position.

As shown inFIG. 8A, the groove5354A extends in the radial direction of the shutter end plate5351A. The groove5354A is apart from the groove5353A in the radial direction of the shutter end plate5351A. In the state in which the shutter535is located at the closing position, the groove5354A is located opposite to the groove5353A with respect to the groove5336A. In the state in which the shutter535is located at the closing position, the groove5354A extends in the third direction and is connected to the groove5336A. As shown inFIG. 8B, the groove5354A extends in a direction different from the third direction in the state in which the shutter535is located at the open position.

The shutter end plate5351B is apart from the shutter end plate5351A in the second direction. The shutter end plate5351B is located at the second end portion of the shutter535in the second direction. The above explanation of the shutter end plate5351A is true of the shutter end plate5351B.

In the state in which the shutter535is located at the closing position, the shutter body5352closes the waste-toner discharge opening5341and the inlet opening5342. The shutter body5352is located between the shutter end plate5351A and the shutter end plate5351B in the second direction. The shutter body5352extends in the second direction. The shutter body5352includes a first end portion and a second end portion in the second direction. The second end portion is apart from the first end portion in the second direction. The first end portion of the shutter body5352in the second direction is connected to the shutter end plate5351A, and the second end portion of the shutter body5352in the second direction is connected to the shutter end plate5351B.

As shown inFIG. 7, the drum cartridge side plate54A is located at the first end portion of the drum cartridge5in the second direction. The drum cartridge5includes the first end portion and a second end portion in the second direction. The second end portion is apart from the first end portion in the second direction. The drum cartridge side plate54A extends in a direction intersecting the axis A1, preferably, in a direction orthogonal to the axis A1. The drum cartridge side plate54A has a first surface S21and a second surface S22in the second direction. The second surface S22is located between the first surface S21and the drum cartridge side plate54B in the second direction. The drum cartridge side plate54A has an aperture541A, an aperture542A (FIG. 9), and an aperture543A (FIG. 9).

The aperture541A is a through-hole. One end of the photoconductive drum51engages the aperture541A.

Specifically, the photoconductive drum51includes a drum body511, a flange512A, and a flange512B. The drum body511extends in the second direction and has a cylindrical shape. The drum body511includes a first end portion in the second direction and a second end portion that is apart from the first end portion in the second direction. The flange512A is located at the first end portion of the drum body511. The flange512A is attached to the first end portion of the drum body511so as to extend in the second direction. The flange512A has a cylindrical shape. The flange512B is located at the second end portion of the drum body511. The flange512B is attached to the second end portion of the drum body511. The flange512B extends in the second direction. The flange512B has a cylindrical shape. The flange512A engages the aperture541A.

As shown inFIG. 9, the aperture542A is an elongate aperture and extends in a direction directed from the axis A2toward the axis A1. The protrusion5333A engages the aperture542A. The aperture542A guides the protrusion5333A in the direction directed from the axis A2toward the axis A1.

The aperture543A is an elongate aperture and extends in the first direction. The protrusion5334A engages the aperture543A. The protrusion5333A engages the aperture542A, and the protrusion5334A engages the aperture543A, so that the developer device53is supported by the drum cartridge side plate54A.

As shown inFIG. 7, the drum cartridge side plate54B is apart from the drum cartridge side plate54A in the second direction. The drum cartridge side plate54B is located at the second end portion of the drawer4in the second direction. The above explanation of the drum cartridge side plate54A is true of the drum cartridge side plate54B (i.e. the drum cartridge side plate54B includes the aperture541B, the guide5335B, etc.).

The guided portion55A is located opposite to the drum cartridge side plate54B with respect to the drum cartridge side plate54A in the second direction. The guided portion55A is located on the first surface S21of the drum cartridge side plate54A. The guided portion55A is a protrusion. The guided portion55A extends from the first surface S21of the drum cartridge side plate54A. The guided portion55A may be attached to the first surface S21of the drum cartridge side plate54A. The guided portion55A extends in the second direction and has a cylindrical columnar shape.

As shown inFIGS. 1-3, when the drawer4moves between the inside position and the outside position in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4, the guided portion55A is guided by the guide25of the housing2.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, in the state in which the drawer4, on which the drum cartridge5is mounted, is located at the inside position or the intermediate position, the guided portion55A engages the guide25of the housing2. In this state, the guide25stops the guided portion55A from moving in a direction intersecting the first direction. Thus, the guide25stops the drum cartridge5from moving in the direction intersecting the first direction.

As shown inFIG. 3, in the state in which the drawer4, on which the drum cartridge5is mounted, is located at the outside position, the guided portion55A is disengaged from the guide25of the housing2.

As shown inFIG. 7, the guided portion55B is located opposite to the drum cartridge side plate54A with respect to the drum cartridge side plate54B in the second direction. The above explanation of the guided portion55A is true of the guided portion55B.

The guided portion56A is located opposite to the guided portion55A with respect to the connection portion534in the first direction. The guided portion56A is located opposite to the drum cartridge side plate54B with respect to the drum cartridge side plate54A in the second direction. The guided portion56A is located on the first surface S21of the drum cartridge side plate54A. The guided portion56A is a protrusion. The guided portion56A extends from the first surface S21of the drum cartridge side plate54A. The guided portion56A may be attached to the first surface S21of the drum cartridge side plate54A. The guided portion56A extends in the second direction. The guided portion56A extends along the axis A1and has a cylindrical shape.

In the first embodiment, one end of the photoconductive drum51in the second direction is fitted to the guided portion56A. The flange512A of the photoconductive drum51is fitted to the guided portion56A. The guided portion56A may be the one end of the photoconductive drum51in the second direction. The guided portion56A may be the flange512A of the photoconductive drum51. The one end of the photoconductive drum51in the second direction need not be necessarily fitted to the guided portion56A.

In mounting the drum cartridge5on the drawer4, the guided portion56A is guided by the guide46A (FIG. 6) of the drawer4. In the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4, the guided portion56A engages the receiving portion47A (FIG. 6) of the drawer4.

As shown inFIGS. 1-3, when the drawer4moves between the inside position and the outside position in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4, the guided portion56A is guided by the guide26of the housing2.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, in the state in which the drawer4, on which the drum cartridge5is mounted, is located at the inside position or the intermediate position, the guided portion56A engages the guide26of the housing2. In this state, the guide26stops the guided portion56A from moving in the direction intersecting the first direction. Thus, the guide26cooperates with the guide25to stop the drum cartridge5from moving in the direction intersecting the first direction.

As shown inFIG. 3, in the state in which the drawer4, on which the drum cartridge5is mounted, is located at the outside position, the guided portion56A is disengaged from the guide26of the housing2.

As shown inFIG. 7, the guided portion56B is located opposite to the drum cartridge side plate54A with respect to the drum cartridge side plate54B in the second direction. The above explanation of the guided portion56A is true of the guided portion56B.

The drum cleaner57is located between the drum cartridge side plate54A and the drum cartridge side plate54B in the second direction. The drum cleaner57extends in the second direction. The drum cleaner57includes a first end portion in the second direction and a second end portion that is apart from the first end portion in the second direction. The first end portion of the drum cleaner57is connected to the drum cartridge side plate54A, and the second end portion of the drum cleaner57is connected to the drum cartridge side plate54B. The drum cleaner57collects waste toner that remains on the surface of the photoconductive drum51without being transferred to the sheet S.

As shown inFIG. 8A, the drum cleaner57includes a cleaner housing571, a cleaning blade572, and an auger screw573.

As shown inFIG. 7, the cleaner housing571is located between the drum cartridge side plate54A and the drum cartridge side plate54B in the second direction. The cleaner housing571extends in the second direction. The cleaner housing571includes a first end portion and a second end portion in the second direction. The first end portion of the cleaner housing571is connected to the drum cartridge side plate54A, and the second end portion of the cleaner housing571is connected to the drum cartridge side plate54B.

As shown inFIG. 8A, the cleaner housing571has an opening574.

The cleaning blade572is attached to the cleaner housing571. The cleaning blade572is in contact with the surface of the photoconductive drum51at its edge. When the photoconductive drum51rotates, the waste toner on the surface of the photoconductive drum51comes into contact with the edge of the cleaning blade572so as to be removed from the surface of the photoconductive drum51. The thus removed waste toner is stored in the cleaner housing571through the opening574.

The auger screw573is disposed in the cleaner housing571.

As shown inFIG. 7, the auger screw573extends in the second direction. The auger screw573conveys the waste toner in the cleaner housing571toward the waste-toner conveyor pipe58.

The waste-toner conveyor pipe58conveys the waste toner from the drum cleaner57to the waste-toner discharge opening5341. Specifically, the waste-toner conveyor pipe58conveys the waste toner in the cleaner housing571to the waste-toner discharge opening5341. The waste-toner conveyor pipe58includes a pipe581and a screw582.

The pipe581includes a first end portion and a second end portion that is apart from the first end portion. The first end portion of the pipe581is connected to the cleaner housing571of the drum cleaner57, and the second end portion of the pipe581is connected to the connection portion534. An inner space of the pipe581communicates with an inner space of the cleaner housing571and the waste-toner discharge opening5341. Thus, the waste toner in the cleaner housing571is discharged from the waste-toner discharge opening5341through the pipe581.

The screw582is disposed in the pipe581. The screw582conveys the waste toner in the pipe581toward the waste-toner discharge opening5341. The screw582extends in a direction in which the pipe581extends. The screw582is connected to the auger screw573. The screw582is rotatable together with the auger screw573. Specifically, the screw582is a shaftless screw.

The seal59is provided between the waste-toner conveyor pipe58and the connection portion534. The seal59seals between the waste-toner conveyor pipe58and the connection portion534so as to surround the waste-toner discharge opening5341. This arrangement prevents leakage of the waste toner from between the waste-toner conveyor pipe58and the connection portion534. The seal59has elasticity. Specifically, the seal59is a sponge.

5. Details of Toner Cartridge6

As shown inFIG. 10, the toner cartridge6extends in the second direction. The toner cartridge6includes a first end portion E31and a second end portion E32in the second direction. The second end portion E32is apart from the first end portion E31in the second direction. The toner cartridge6extends in the first direction. The toner cartridge6includes a first end portion E41and a second end portion E42in the first direction. The second end portion E42is apart from the first end portion E41in the first direction. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 10, the toner cartridge6includes a toner cartridge housing61, a belt conveyor62(FIG. 1), an agitator63(FIG. 1), an auger screw64(FIG. 1), a shutter65(as one example of a first shutter), the guided portion66A, a guided portion66B, and a toner grip67.

The toner cartridge housing61includes a toner storage portion611, the toner supply portion612, a waste-toner storage portion613, a waste-toner inlet portion614, a protrusion615A, a protrusion615B, a protrusion616A, and a protrusion616B. In other words, the toner cartridge6includes the toner supply portion612.

The toner storage portion611stores the toner.

The toner supply portion612is located at the first end portion E41of the toner cartridge6in the first direction. In the state in which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are mounted on the drawer4, the toner supply portion612is capable of supplying the toner to the developer device53(FIG. 1) of the drum cartridge5.

As shown inFIG. 11A, the toner supply portion612is connected to the toner storage portion611. An inner space of the toner supply portion612communicates with an inner space of the toner storage portion611. The inner space of the toner supply portion612does not communicate with an inner space of the waste-toner storage portion613(FIG. 10) and an inner space of the waste-toner inlet portion614(FIG. 10).

As shown inFIG. 10, the toner supply portion612extends in the second direction and has a cylindrical shape. The toner supply portion612has the discharge opening617.

The discharge opening617is located at the second end portion E32of the toner cartridge6in the second direction. The discharge opening617communicates with the inner space of the toner supply portion612. The toner in the toner supply portion612can be discharged through the discharge opening617.

As shown inFIG. 1, in the state in which the toner cartridge6and the drum cartridge5are mounted on the drawer4, the waste-toner storage portion613is located below the toner storage portion611. The waste-toner storage portion613stores the waste toner. The inner space of the waste-toner storage portion613does not communicate with the inner space of the toner storage portion611and the inner space of the toner supply portion612.

As shown inFIG. 10, the waste-toner inlet portion614is located at the first end portion E31of the toner cartridge6in the second direction.

As shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, the waste-toner inlet portion614is shaped like a pipe. The waste-toner inlet portion614includes a first end portion and a second end portion in a direction of extension thereof. The first end portion of the waste-toner inlet portion614is located at the first end portion E41of the toner cartridge6in the first direction. The first end portion of the waste-toner inlet portion614is located between the guided portion66A and the toner supply portion612in the second direction. The second end portion of the waste-toner inlet portion614is connected to the waste-toner storage portion613.

The inner space of the waste-toner inlet portion614communicates with the inner space of the waste-toner storage portion613. The inner space of the waste-toner inlet portion614does not communicate with the inner space of the toner storage portion611(FIG. 10) and the inner space of the toner supply portion612(FIG. 10). In the state in which the toner cartridge6and the drum cartridge5are mounted on the drawer4, the second end portion of the waste-toner inlet portion614is located at a height level lower than the first end portion of the waste-toner inlet portion614.

As shown inFIG. 10, the waste-toner inlet portion614has a waste-toner inlet opening618. The waste-toner inlet opening618is located at the first end portion of the waste-toner inlet portion614. The waste-toner inlet opening618is located at the first end portion E41of the toner cartridge6in the first direction. The waste-toner inlet opening618is located between the guided portion66A and the toner supply portion612in the second direction. The waste-toner inlet opening618communicates with the inner space of the waste-toner inlet portion614.

The protrusion615A is located at the first end portion E31of the toner cartridge6in the second direction. The protrusion615A extends from the waste-toner inlet portion614. The protrusion615A extends in the second direction and has a cylindrical columnar shape. In the state in which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are mounted on the drawer4, the protrusion615A engages the groove5353A (FIG. 8A) of the shutter535of the drum cartridge5.

The protrusion615B is located at the second end portion E32of the toner cartridge6in the second direction. The protrusion615B extends from the toner supply portion612. The above explanation of the protrusion615A is true of the protrusion615B.

The protrusion616A is located at the first end portion E31of the toner cartridge6in the second direction. The protrusion616A is apart from the protrusion615A. The protrusion616A is located opposite to the protrusion615A with respect to the guided portion66A. In the state in which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are mounted on the drawer4and the toner cartridge6is located at a cartridge first position (FIG. 2), the protrusion615A and the protrusion616A are arranged in the third direction. The cartridge first position will be later explained. In the state in which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are mounted on the drawer4and the toner cartridge6is located at a cartridge second position (FIG. 1), the protrusion615A and the protrusion616A are arranged in a direction different from the third direction. The cartridge second position will be later explained.

The protrusion616A extends from the waste-toner inlet portion614. The protrusion616A extends in the second direction and has a columnar cylindrical shape. In the state in which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are mounted on the drawer4, the protrusion616A engages the groove5354A (FIG. 8A) of the shutter535of the drum cartridge5.

The protrusion616B is located at the second end portion E32of the toner cartridge6in the second direction. The protrusion616B extends from the toner supply portion612. The above explanation of the protrusion616A is true of the protrusion616B.

As shown inFIG. 1, the belt conveyor62is disposed in the toner storage portion611. The belt conveyor62conveys the toner in the toner storage portion611toward the agitator63.

As shown inFIG. 11A, the agitator63is disposed in the toner storage portion611. The agitator63conveys the toner in the toner storage portion611to the toner supply portion612. The agitator63is rotatable about an axis A4. In the state in which the toner cartridge6and the drum cartridge5are mounted on the drawer4, the axis A4of the agitator63is located at a height level lower than the discharge opening617.

The auger screw64is disposed in the toner supply portion612. As shown inFIG. 10, the auger screw64extends in the second direction. The auger screw64conveys the toner in the toner supply portion612toward the discharge opening617.

As shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B, the shutter65is movable between a closing position (FIG. 11A) and an open position (FIG. 11B) with respect to the discharge opening617. The shutter65is rotatable about an axis A5between the closing position and the open position.

As shown inFIG. 11A, the shutter65closes the discharge opening617in the state in which the shutter65is located at the closing position. The shutter65further closes the waste-toner inlet opening618in the state in which the shutter65is located at the closing position.

As shown inFIG. 11B, the discharge opening617is open in the state in which the shutter65is located at the open position. Further, the waste-toner inlet opening618is open in the state in which the shutter65is located at the open position as shown inFIG. 13.

As shown inFIG. 10, the shutter65extends in the second direction. The shutter65includes a first end portion in the second direction and a second end portion that is apart from the first end portion in the second direction. The shutter65includes a shutter end plate651A, a shutter end plate651B, and a shutter body652.

The shutter end plate651A is located at the first end portion of the shutter65in the second direction. The shutter end plate651A is located opposite to the toner supply portion612with respect to the first end portion of the waste-toner inlet portion614in the second direction. In other words, the first end portion of the waste-toner inlet portion614is located between the shutter end plate651A and the toner supply portion612in the second direction.

As shown inFIG. 12, the shutter end plate651A is a circular plate and has a through-hole6511A and a through-hole6512A.

The through-hole6511A extends in the circumferential direction of the shutter end plate651A. The protrusion615A passes through the through-hole6511A.

The through-hole6512A is apart from the through-hole6511A. The through-hole6512A is located opposite to the through-hole6511A with respect to the guided portion66A and extends in the circumferential direction of the shutter end plate651A. The protrusion616A passes through the through-hole6512A.

As shown inFIG. 10, the shutter end plate651B is located at the second end portion of the shutter65in the second direction. The shutter end plate651B is apart from the shutter end plate651A in the second direction. The shutter end plate651B is located opposite to the shutter end plate651A with respect to the toner supply portion612in the second direction. In other words, the toner supply portion612is located between the shutter end plate651A and the shutter end plate651B. The above explanation of the shutter end plate651A is true of the shutter end plate651B.

As shown inFIG. 11A, in the state in which the shutter65is located at the closing position, the shutter body652closes the discharge opening617and the waste-toner inlet opening618.

As shown inFIG. 10, the shutter body652is located between the shutter end plate651A and the shutter end plate651B in the second direction. The shutter body652extends in the second direction. The shutter body652includes a first end portion in the second direction and a second end portion that is apart from the first end portion in the second direction. The first end portion of the shutter body652in the second direction is connected to the shutter end plate651A, and the second end portion of the shutter body652in the second direction is connected to the shutter end plate651B.

The guided portion66A is located at the first end portion E31of the toner cartridge6in the second direction. The guided portion66A is a protrusion. The guided portion66A extends from the shutter end plate651A of the shutter65. The guided portion66A may be attached to the shutter end plate651A of the shutter65.

As shown inFIG. 12, the guided portion66A extends in the radial direction of the shutter end plate651A. The guided portion66A is a rib.

When the toner cartridge6is mounted on the drawer4, the guided portion66A is guided by the guide5335A (FIG. 8A) of the drum cartridge5in the state in which the shutter65is located at the closing position.

In the state in which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are mounted on the drawer4(FIG. 2), the guided portion66A engages the groove5336A (FIG. 8A) of the developer device53, whereby the shutter65becomes unrotatable with respect to the developer device53, in other words, the shutter65becomes unrotatable with respect to the connection portion534. In the state in which the guided portion66A is engaged in the groove5336A, the guided portion66A extends in the third direction.

As shown inFIG. 10, the guided portion66B is apart from the guided portion66A in the second direction. The guided portion66B is located at the second end portion E32of the toner cartridge6in the second direction. The guided portion66B extends from the shutter end plate651B of the shutter65. The guided portion66B may be attached to the shutter end plate651B of the shutter65. The above explanation of the guided portion66A is true of the guided portion66B. Thus, the guided portion66B is not explained here.

The toner grip67is located at the second end portion E42of the toner cartridge6in the first direction. The toner grip67is located opposite to the toner supply portion612with respect to the toner storage portion611in the first direction. The toner grip67is configured to be gripped by the user.

As shown inFIG. 2, in the state in which the toner cartridge6is mounted on the drawer4and the drawer4is located at the intermediate position, the toner grip67is located outside the housing2and above the drawer grip45. This configuration enables the toner grip67and the drawer grip45to be easily gripped in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position, so that the toner cartridge6can be smoothly detached from the drawer4in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4.

5.9 Opening and Closing of Shutter65and Shutter535

As shown inFIG. 2, in the state in which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are mounted on the drawer4and the drawer4is located at the intermediate position, the toner cartridge6is pivotable about the toner supply portion612between the cartridge first position (FIG. 2) and the cartridge second position (FIG. 1). The user can pivot the toner cartridge6between the cartridge first position and the cartridge second position by gripping the toner grip67.

In the state in which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are mounted on the drawer4, the protrusion615A (FIG. 10) is engaged in the groove5353A (FIG. 8A) and the protrusion616A (FIG. 10) is engaged in the groove5354A (FIG. 8A), whereby the shutter535is pivotable together with the toner cartridge housing61.

In the state in which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are mounted on the drawer4, the guided portion66A (FIG. 10) is engaged in the groove5336A (FIG. 8A), whereby the shutter65is unrotatable with respect to the connection portion534.

Thus, when the toner cartridge6is pivoted in the state in which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are mounted on the drawer4, the toner cartridge housing61pivots with respect to the shutter65as shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B, and the shutter535pivots with respect to the connection portion534as shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B.

In the state in which the toner cartridge6is located at the cartridge first position, the shutter65is located at the closing position at which the discharge opening617is closed as shown inFIG. 11A, and the shutter535is located at the closing position at which the inlet opening5342is closed as shown inFIG. 8A. That is, in the state in which the toner cartridge6is located at the cartridge first position, the toner cartridge6causes the shutter65to be located at the closing position and causes the shutter535to be located at the closing position. It is noted that the shutter535is located at the closing position when the shutter65is located at the closing position.

In the state in which the toner cartridge6is located at the cartridge first position, the groove5354A, the groove5336A, the groove5353A, and the guide5335A are connected in the third direction, as shown inFIG. 8A, and the protrusion616A, the guided portion66A, and the protrusion615A are arranged in the third direction. In this configuration, the toner supply portion612of the toner cartridge6is disengaged from the connection portion534of the drum cartridge5in the third direction in the state in which the toner cartridge6is located at the cartridge first position.

In the state in which the toner cartridge6is located at the cartridge second position, the shutter65is located at the open position at which the discharge opening617is open as shown inFIG. 11B, and the shutter535is located at the open position at which the inlet opening5342is open as shown inFIG. 8B. That is, in the state in which the toner cartridge6is located at the cartridge second position, the toner cartridge6causes the shutter65to be located at the open position and causes the shutter535to be located at the open position. It is noted that the shutter535is located at the open position when the shutter65is located at the open position.

In the state in which the toner cartridge6is located at the cartridge second position, the groove5336A and the guide5335A extend in the third direction as shown inFIG. 8Bwhile the groove5354A and the groove5353A extend in a direction different from the third direction. Thus, the groove5354A, the groove5336A, the groove5353A, and the guide5335A are not connected. In the state in which the toner cartridge6is located at the cartridge second position, the guided portion66A extends in the third direction while the protrusion616A and the protrusion615A extend in a direction different from the third direction. In this configuration, the toner supply portion612of the toner cartridge6cannot be disengaged from the connection portion534of the drum cartridge5in the state in which the toner cartridge6is located at the cartridge second position.

6. Replacement of Toner Cartridge6

Referring next toFIGS. 2, 8A, 8B, 11A, and 11B, replacement of the toner cartridge6will be explained.

6.1 Detachment of Toner Cartridge6

As shown inFIG. 2, in detaching the toner cartridge6, the user first moves the cover22to the open position and then moves the drawer4, on which the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6are mounted, to the intermediate position.

The user then pivots the toner cartridge6to the cartridge first position from the cartridge second position (FIG. 1). As described above, in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4and the drawer4is located at the intermediate position, the drum cartridge5is prevented from moving in the direction intersecting the first direction owing to the guide25and the guide26of the housing2. Thus, the drum cartridge5is prevented from moving in the direction that intersects the first direction following the pivotal movement of the toner cartridge6. As a result, the user can smoothly pivot the toner cartridge6.

When the toner cartridge6is located at the cartridge first position, the shutter535is located at the closing position at which the inlet opening5342is closed as shown inFIG. 8A, and the shutter65is located at the closing position at which the discharge opening617is closed as shown inFIG. 11A.

The user then withdraws the toner cartridge6in the third direction as shown inFIG. 2in the state in which the toner cartridge6is located at the cartridge first position.

When the user withdraws the toner cartridge6in the third direction, the toner supply portion612is disengaged from the connection portion534, so that the toner cartridge6is detached from the drawer4.

6.2 Mounting of Toner Cartridge6

In mounting the toner cartridge6, the user connects the toner supply portion612to the connection portion534in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4and the drawer4is located at the intermediate position.

In this instance, the protrusion616A (FIG. 10) is guided by the guide5335A (FIG. 8A), the groove5353A (FIG. 8A), and the groove5336A (FIG. 8A) so as to engage the groove5354A (FIG. 8A). Further, the guided portion66A is guided by the guide5335A and the groove5353A so as to engage the groove5336A. Moreover, the protrusion615A is guided by the guide5335A so as to engage the groove5353A.

The user then moves the toner cartridge6from the cartridge first position to the cartridge second position (FIG. 1).

When the toner cartridge6is located at the cartridge second position, the shutter535is located at the open position at which the inlet opening5342is open as shown inFIG. 8B, and the shutter65is located at the open position at which the discharge opening617is open as shown inFIG. 11B.

Thus, mounting of the toner cartridge6on the drawer4is completed.

7. Replacement of Drum Cartridge5

Referring next toFIG. 3, replacement of the drum cartridge5will be explained.

In detaching the drum cartridge5, the user first moves the drawer4, on which the drum cartridge5is mounted, from the intermediate position (FIG. 2) to the outside position as shown inFIG. 3.

When the drawer4, on which the drum cartridge5is mounted, is located at the outside position, the guided portion55A is disengaged from the guide25and the guided portion56A is disengaged from the guide26. Thus, the drum cartridge5becomes detachable from the drawer4.

The user then withdraws the drum cartridge5from the drawer4, so that the drum cartridge5is detached from the drawer4.

7.2 Mounting of Drum Cartridge5

In mounting the drum cartridge5, the user places the drum cartridge5on the drawer4that is located at the outside position.

When the user places the drum cartridge5on the drawer4located at the outside position, the guided portion56A (FIG. 7) of the drum cartridge5comes into contact with the guide46A (FIG. 6) of the drawer4.

The user then slides the drum cartridge5toward the housing2.

The drum cartridge5slides toward the inside of the housing2. In this instance, the guided portion56A of the drum cartridge5is guided by the guide46A.

When the guided portion56A of the drum cartridge5engages the receiving portion47A (FIG. 6), mounting of the drum cartridge5on the drawer4is completed.

(1) As shown inFIG. 1, the image forming device1includes the drawer4, the drum cartridge5, and the toner cartridge6. The drum cartridge5includes the photoconductive drum51and the developer roller532. The drum cartridge5is mountable on the drawer4. The toner cartridge6stores the toner and is mountable on the drawer4.

In the thus configured image forming device1including the drawer4, (a) the drum cartridge5including the photoconductive drum51and the developer roller532and (b) the toner cartridge6storing the toner can be replaced independently of each other as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3.

Thus, each of the drum cartridge5and the toner cartridge6can be replaced at appropriate timing in accordance with its life.

In the image forming device1configured as described above, the toner cartridge6can be replaced in the state in which the drawer4is kept stopped or stays at the intermediate position as shown inFIG. 2.

This configuration shortens a distance over which the drawer4is pulled out, as compared with a case in which the drawer4is pulled to the outside position for replacement of the toner cartridge6.

As a result, the image forming device1is prevented from losing its balance during replacement of the toner cartridge6.

(2) In the image forming device1, the drawer guide23inclines downward in the direction directed from the second end portion E2toward the first end portion E1as shown inFIG. 2.

Thus, the drawer4inclines downward in the direction directed from the inside position toward the outside position.

In the thus constructed image forming device1, the drawer4can be easily moved from the inside position to the outside position utilizing the weight of the drawer4.

(3) In the image forming device1, in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4and the drawer4is located at the intermediate position, the guide25and the guide26stop the drum cartridge5from moving in the direction intersecting the first direction as shown inFIG. 2.

Thus, the drum cartridge5is prevented from moving, together with the toner cartridge6, in the direction intersecting the first direction when the user replaces the toner cartridge6in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position.

Specifically, the drum cartridge5is prevented from pivoting together with the toner cartridge6when the user pivots the toner cartridge6between the cartridge first position (FIG. 2) and the cartridge second position (FIG. 1) in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position.

Thus, the toner cartridge6can be smoothly replaced in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4.

(4) In the image forming device1, the connection portion534is located between the guided portion55A and the photoconductive drum51in the first direction as shown inFIG. 8A.

Thus, when the user replaces the toner cartridge6in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position as shown inFIG. 2, the guide25can receive a force that acts on the connection portion534from the toner supply portion612in the direction intersecting the first direction.

Specifically, when the user pivots the toner cartridge6between the cartridge first position (FIG. 2) and the cartridge second position (FIG. 1) in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position, the guide25can receive a torque that is applied to the connection portion534from the toner supply portion612.

Thus, the drum cartridge5is prevented from pivoting together with the toner cartridge6.

As a result, the toner cartridge6can be smoothly replaced in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4.

(5) In the image forming device1, the guided portion56A is located opposite to the guided portion55A with respect to the connection portion534in the first direction as shown inFIG. 8A.

Thus, when the user replaces the toner cartridge6in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position shown inFIG. 2, the guide25and the guide26can receive the force that acts on the connection portion534from the toner supply portion612in in the direction intersecting the first direction.

Specifically, when the user pivots the toner cartridge6between the cartridge first position (FIG. 2) and the cartridge second position (FIG. 1) in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position, the guide25and the guide26can receive the torque that is applied to the connection portion534from the toner supply portion612.

Thus, the drum cartridge5is prevented from pivoting together with the toner cartridge6with higher reliability.

As a result, the toner cartridge6can be smoothly replaced in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4.

(6) In the image forming device1, the drum cartridge5includes the guide5335A shown inFIG. 8A.

In mounting the toner cartridge6on the drawer4on which the drum cartridge5is mounted, the guide5335A guides the toner supply portion612toward the connection portion534as shown inFIG. 2.

Thus, the toner supply portion612can be smoothly connected to the connection portion534.

(7) In the image forming device1, the toner grip67is located outside the housing2and above the drawer grip45as shown inFIG. 2in the state in which the toner cartridge6is mounted on the drawer4and the drawer4is located at the intermediate position.

Thus, the toner grip67and the drawer grip45can be easily gripped in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position.

As a result, the toner cartridge6can be smoothly detached from the drawer4in the state in which the drum cartridge5is mounted on the drawer4.

9. Second Embodiment

Referring next toFIGS. 14A-20B, there will be explained a second embodiment.

The same reference numerals as used in the first embodiment will be used to identify the corresponding components in the second embodiment and explanation thereof is dispensed with.

9.1 Details of Housing2

In the second embodiment, the housing2includes a stopper71and a cam72, in place of the stopper24(FIG. 2) of the first embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 14A and 14B. In other words, the image forming device1includes the cam72.

The stopper71includes a coil spring711. The stopper71is movable between a first position (FIG. 14A) and a second position (FIG. 14B) against a force of the coil spring711. The stopper71is movable from the second position (FIG. 14B) to the first position (FIG. 14A) by the force of the coil spring711.

The cam72moves the stopper71from the first position to the second position.

Specifically, the cam72is movable between a cam first position (FIG. 14A) and a cam second position (FIG. 14B). In a state in which the cam72is located at the cam first position, the stopper71is located at the first position. In a state in which the cam72is located at the cam second position, the stopper71is located at the second position. The cam72includes a coil spring721. The cam72is movable from the cam first position to the cam second position against a force of the coil spring721. The cam72is movable from the cam second position to the cam first position by the force of the coil spring721.

When moving the drawer4from the intermediate position to the outside position, the user moves the cam72from the cam first position to the cam second position against the force of the coil spring721, so that the stopper71is pushed by the cam72and moved from the first position to the second position.

When the stopper71is moved to the second position, the drawer4is allowed to move from the intermediate position to the outside position as shown inFIG. 14B. The user can move the drawer4from the intermediate position to the outside position while the cam72is kept located at the cam second position.

9.2 Details of Toner Cartridge80

A toner cartridge80of the second embodiment does not include the protrusion615A, the protrusion615B, the protrusion616A, and the protrusion616B as shown inFIG. 15. The toner cartridge80includes a handle81.

The handle81is gripped by the user when the toner cartridge80is replaced. As shown inFIGS. 16A and 16B, the handle81is pivotable about the toner supply portion612between a handle first position (FIG. 16A) and a handle second position (FIG. 16B). The handle81is pivotable in conjunction with the shutter65. As shown inFIG. 16A, the shutter65is located at the closing position when the handle81is located at the handle first position. As shown inFIG. 16B, the shutter65is located at the open position when the handle81is located at the second position.

As shown inFIG. 15, the handle81includes an arm811A, an arm811B, and a toner grip812. The arm811B is not illustrated.

The arm811A extends from the first end portion of the shutter65in the second direction. The arm811A may be attached to the first end portion of the shutter65in the second direction.

The arm811B is apart from the arm811A in the second direction. The arm811B extends from the second end portion of the shutter65in the second direction. The arm811B may be attached to the second end portion of the shutter65in the second direction.

The toner grip812is located between the arm811A and the arm811B in the second direction. The toner grip812extends in the second direction. The toner grip812includes a first end portion in the second direction and a second end portion that is apart from the first end portion in the second direction. The first end portion of the toner grip812in the second direction is connected to the arm811A, and the second end portion of the toner grip812in the second direction is connected to the arm811B.

As shown inFIG. 17, the toner grip812is located outside the housing2in the state in which a drum cartridge90and the toner cartridge80are mounted on the drawer4and the drawer4is located at the intermediate position. Thus, the toner grip812can be easily gripped in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position, so that the toner cartridge80can be smoothly detached from the drawer4.

9.3 Details of Drum Cartridge90

As shown inFIG. 18A, the drum cartridge90of the second embodiment does not include the tray533(FIG. 8A). The first end portion of the connection portion534in the second direction is connected to the drum cartridge side plate54A. The second end portion of the connection portion534in the second direction is connected to the drum cartridge side plate54B. The drum cartridge90does not include the seal59(FIG. 8A). The waste-toner conveyor pipe58is connected to the connection portion534. The drum cartridge90include a seal91that is provided between the developer housing531and the connection portion534so as to surround the inlet opening5342. The seal91prevents leakage of the toner received in the inlet opening5342from between the connection portion534and the developer housing531.

The drum cartridge side plate54A of the drum cartridge90includes a guide92A (as one example of “third guide”). The shutter end plate5351A of the shutter535has a groove93A in place of the groove5353A and the groove5354A of the first embodiment. The drum cartridge90includes a handle94and a locked portion95.

In mounting the toner cartridge80on the drawer4in the state in which the drum cartridge90is mounted on the drawer4, the guided portion66A (FIG. 15) of the toner cartridge80engages the guide92A. In mounting the toner cartridge80on the drawer4on which the drum cartridge90is mounted, the guide92A guides the guided portion66A toward the connection portion534. Thus, the guide92A guides the toner supply portion612(FIG. 15) of the toner cartridge80toward the connection portion534in mounting the toner cartridge80on the drawer4on which the drum cartridge90is mounted.

The groove93A extends in the radial direction of the shutter end plate5351A. In the state in which the shutter535is located at the closing position, the groove93A is connected to the guide92A. In the state in which the shutter535is located at the open position, the groove93A is not connected to the guide92A as shown inFIG. 18B. In the state in which the drum cartridge90and the toner cartridge80are mounted on the drawer4, the guided portion66A (FIG. 15) of the toner cartridge80engages the groove93A. When the guided portion66A engages the groove93A, the shutter535becomes movable together with the shutter65.

Specifically, in the state in which the drum cartridge90and the toner cartridge80are mounted on the drawer4and the handle81is located at the handle first position, the shutter65(FIG. 16A) is located at the closing position and the shutter535(FIG. 18A) is located at the closing position. That is, in the state in which the handle81is located at the handle first position, the handle81causes the shutter65to be located at the closing position and causes the shutter535to be located at the closing position.

In the state in which the drum cartridge90and the toner cartridge80are mounted on the drawer4and the handle81is located at the handle second position, the shutter65(FIG. 16B) is located at the open position and the shutter535(FIG. 18B) is located at the open position. That is, in the state in which the handle81is located at the handle second position, the handle81causes the shutter65to be located at the open position and causes the shutter535to be located at the open position.

The handle94shown inFIG. 17is gripped by the user when the drum cartridge90is replaced. The handle94includes an arm941A, an arm941B, and a drum grip942. In other words, the drum cartridge90includes the drum grip942. The arm941B is not illustrated.

As shown inFIG. 18A, the arm941A is attached to the drum cartridge side plate54A. Specifically, the arm941A includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the arm941A is attached to the drum cartridge side plate54A. The second end portion of the arm941A is apart from the first end portion of the arm941A in a direction in which the arm941A extends. The arm941A is pivotable with respect to the drum cartridge side plate54A. The arm941A is pivotable about the first end portion of the arm941A.

The arm941B is apart from the arm941A in the second direction. The arm941B is attached to the drum cartridge side plate54B. The arm941B is pivotable with respect to the drum cartridge side plate54B. The above explanation of the arm941A is true of the arm941B.

The drum grip942is located between the arm941A and the arm941B in the second direction. Specifically, the drum grip942is located between the second end portion of the arm941A and the second end portion of the arm941B in the second direction. The drum grip942extends in the second direction. The drum grip942includes a first end portion in the second direction and a second end portion that is apart from the first end portion in the second direction. The first end portion of the drum grip942in the second direction is connected to the arm941A, and the second end portion of the drum grip942in the second direction is connected to the arm941B.

As shown inFIG. 17, the drum grip942is located inside the housing2in the state in which the drum cartridge90is mounted on the drawer4and the drawer4is located at the intermediate position. It is thus possible to prevent the user from erroneously gripping the drum grip942in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position.

As shown inFIG. 19, the drum grip942is located outside the housing2in the state in which the drum cartridge90is mounted on the drawer4and the drawer4is located at the outside position. Thus, the user can easily grip the drum grip942in the state in which the drawer4is located at the outside position, so that the drum cartridge90can be smoothly detached from the drawer4.

As shown inFIG. 18A, the locked portion95extends from the first surface S21(FIG. 7) of the drum cartridge side plate54A. The locked portion95may be attached to the first surface S21of the drum cartridge side plate54A. The locked portion95extends in the second direction and has a cylindrical columnar shape.

The locked portion95is apart from the photoconductive drum51in the first direction. The locked portion95is located opposite to the photoconductive drum51with respect to the connection portion534in the first direction. In other words, the connection portion534is located between the locked portion95and the photoconductive drum51in the first direction. The locked portion95is located opposite to the photoconductive drum51with respect to the inlet opening5342in the first direction. The locked portion95is located opposite to the photoconductive drum51with respect to the shutter535in the first direction. The locked portion95engages a locking portion101(FIG. 20A) of the drawer4in the state in which the drum cartridge90is mounted on the drawer4. The locking portion101will be later explained. The locked portion95engages the locking portion101, whereby the locked portion95is locked at the locking portion101. Thus, the drum cartridge90is locked at the locking portion101in the state in which the drum cartridge90is mounted on the drawer4.

The drum cartridge90is thus locked at the locking portion101, so that the drum cartridge90is prevented from coming off from the drawer4in detaching the toner cartridge80from the drawer4. As a result, the toner cartridge80can be smoothly replaced in the state in which the drum cartridge90is mounted on the drawer4.

9.4 Details of Drawer4

The drum cartridge90of the second embodiment is locked with respect to the drawer4in the state in which the drum cartridge90is mounted on the drawer4. Specifically, the drawer4includes the locking portion101and a locking lever102.

The locking portion101is provided at an edge of the drawer side plate41A. The locking portion101may be provided on the second surface S2(FIG. 5) of the drawer side plate41A. The locking portion101is located between the first end portion461(FIG. 6) of the guide46A and the second end portion462(FIG. 6) of the guide46A in the first direction. The locking portion101is a groove.

The locking lever102is attached to the drawer side plate41A of the drawer4. The locking lever102is movable between a lock position (FIG. 20A) and an unlock position (FIG. 20B).

As shown inFIG. 20A, the locking lever102includes a protrusion1021. When the locking lever102is located at the lock position, the protrusion1021is located in the locking portion101. If the user tries to detach the drum cartridge90from the drawer4in the state in which the locking lever102is located at the lock position, the locked portion95of the drum cartridge90comes into contact with the protrusion1021of the locking lever102. Thus, the drum cartridge90cannot be detached from the drawer4in the state in which the locking lever102is located at the lock position. That is, the locking lever102locks the drum cartridge90at the locking portion101in the state in which the locking lever102is located at the lock position.

As shown inFIG. 17, the locking lever102is located in the housing2in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position. Thus, the user is prevented from erroneously operating the locking lever102in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position.

On the other hand, the protrusion1021is not located in the locking portion101as shown inFIG. 20Bin the state in which the locking lever102is located at the unlock position. Thus, the drum cartridge90is unlocked from the locking portion101in the state in which the locking lever102is located at the unlock position. As a result, the drum cartridge90can be detached from the drawer4in the state in which the locking lever102is located at the unlock position.

As shown inFIG. 19, the locking lever102is located outside the housing2in the state in which the drawer4is located at the outside position. Thus, the user can easily operate the locking lever102in the state in which the drawer4is located at the outside position.

9.5 Advantageous Effects of Second Embodiment

(1) In the image forming device1according to the second embodiment, the drum cartridge90is locked at the locking portion101as shown inFIG. 20Ain the state in which the drum cartridge90is mounted on the drawer4.

Thus, the drum cartridge90is prevented from coming off from the drawer4when the user detaches the toner cartridge80from the drawer4.

As a result, the toner cartridge80can be smoothly replaced in the state in which the drum cartridge90is mounted on the drawer4.

(2) In the image forming device1according to the second embodiment, the locking lever102is located in the housing2as shown inFIG. 17in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position.

Thus, the user is prevented from erroneously operating the locking lever102in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position.

The locking lever102is located outside the housing2as shown inFIG. 19in the state in which the drawer4is located at the outside position.

Thus, the user can operate the locking lever102in the state in which the drawer4is located at the outside position.

(3) In the image forming device1according to the second embodiment, the toner grip812of the handle81may be located outside the housing2as shown inFIG. 17in the state in which the toner cartridge80is mounted on the drawer4and the drawer4is located at the intermediate position.

Thus, the user can easily grip the toner grip812in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position.

As a result, the toner cartridge80can be smoothly detached from the drawer4in the state in which the drum cartridge90is mounted on the drawer4.

(4) In the image forming device1according to the second embodiment, the drum grip942is located in the housing2as shown inFIG. 17in the state in which the drum cartridge90is mounted on the drawer4and the drawer4is located at the intermediate position.

Thus, the user is prevented from erroneously gripping the drum grip942in the state in which the drawer4is located at the intermediate position.

The drum grip942is located outside the housing2as shown inFIG. 19in the state in which the drum cartridge90is mounted on the drawer4and the drawer4is located at the outside position.

Thus, the user can easily grip the drum grip942in the state in which the drawer4is located at the outside position.

Accordingly, the drum cartridge90can be smoothly detached from the drawer4.

(5) The image forming device according to the second embodiment enjoys the advantages similar to those in the image forming device according to the first embodiment.