Detachable unit and image forming apparatus

A detachable unit includes a detachable unit body to be attached to an image forming apparatus body such as to be detachable in a predetermined detachment direction, a grip part provided in the detachable unit body, and a latch portion provided in the detachable unit body, the latch portion being latched in a latched portion provided in the image forming apparatus body to restrict detachment of the detachable unit body from the image forming apparatus body in a state in which the detachable unit body is attached to the image forming apparatus body, and withdrawing from a latch position in the latched portion in conjunction with a pull-out operation of pulling out the grip part from the detachable unit body in the detachment direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-207789 filed Sep. 22, 2011.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a detachable unit and an image forming apparatus.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a detachable unit including: a detachable unit body to be attached to an image forming apparatus body such as to be detachable in a predetermined detachment direction; a grip part provided in the detachable unit body; and a latch portion provided in the detachable unit body, the latch portion being latched in a latched portion provided in the image forming apparatus body to restrict detachment of the detachable unit body from the image forming apparatus body in a state in which the detachable unit body is attached to the image forming apparatus body, and withdrawing from a latch position in the latched portion in conjunction with a pull-out operation of pulling out the grip part from the detachable unit body in the detachment direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus of Exemplary Embodiment

First, a configuration of an image forming apparatus10according to an exemplary embodiment will be described.FIG. 1schematically illustrates the configuration of the image forming apparatus10of the exemplary embodiment. An X-direction, a −X direction, a Y-direction (upward direction), a −Y-direction (downward direction), a Z-direction, and a −Z-direction described below are directions of arrows in the drawings. In the drawings, an encircled cross represents an arrow pointing from a front side toward a depth side of paper of the drawings, and an encircled dot represents an arrow pointing from the depth side toward the front side of the paper.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the image forming apparatus10has an image forming apparatus body11in which components are provided. In the image forming apparatus body11, a storage section12, an image forming section14, a transport section16, and a controller20are provided. Recording media P, such as sheets of paper, are stored in the storage section12. The image forming section14forms an image on each recording medium P. The transport section16transports the recording medium P from the storage section12to the image forming section14. The controller20controls operations of the sections of the image forming apparatus10. At the top of the image forming apparatus body11, an output portion18is provided so that the recording medium P is output therein after an image is formed on the recording medium P by the image forming section14.

The image forming section14includes image forming units22Y,22M,22C, and22K (hereinafter referred to as image forming units22Y to22K), an intermediate transfer belt24, first transfer rollers26, and a second transfer roller28. The image forming units22Y to22K form toner images of colors, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The toner images formed by the image forming units22Y to22K are to be transferred on the intermediate transfer belt24. The first transfer rollers26transfer the toner images formed by the image forming units22Y to22K onto the intermediate transfer belt24. The second transfer roller28transfers the toner images, which are transferred on the intermediate transfer belt24by the first transfer rollers26, from the intermediate transfer belt24onto a recording medium P. The structure of the image forming section14is not limited to the above-described structure, and may have any structure that forms an image on a recording medium P.

In the image forming apparatus body11, the image forming units22Y to22K are arranged in a direction inclined with respect to a horizontal direction (X-direction). Each of the image forming units22Y to22K includes a photoconductor32that rotates in one direction (e.g., a clockwise direction inFIG. 1). Since the image forming units22Y to22K are similar in structure, reference numerals of the components in the image forming units22M,22C, and22K are not shown inFIG. 1.

Around each photoconductor32, a charging roller23and a developing device38are arranged in order from an upstream side in a rotating direction of the photoconductor32. The charging roller23serves as an example of a charging device that charges the photoconductor32. The developing device38develops, into a toner image, an electrostatic latent image that is formed on the photoconductor32, which is charged by the charging roller23, by exposing the photoconductor32with a below-described exposure device36.

The exposure device36is provided on an obliquely lower side of the image forming units22Y to22K. The exposure device36exposes the photoconductor32charged by the charging roller23so as to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor32. The exposure device36forms an electrostatic latent image on the basis of an image signal sent from the controller20, for example, an image signal that the controller20acquires from an external apparatus.

The developing device38includes a developer supplier38A that supplies developer to the photoconductor32, and plural transport members38B that transport the developer to the developer supplier developing body38A while agitating the developer.

The intermediate transfer belt24is ring-shaped, and is provided on an upper side (Y-direction side) of the image forming units22Y to22K. On an inner peripheral side of the intermediate transfer belt24, winding rollers42,43,44, and45are provided such that the intermediate transfer belt24is wound thereon. When any of the winding rollers42,43,44, and45rotates, the intermediate transfer belt24circles (rotates) in one direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction inFIG. 1) while being in contact with the photoconductor32. The winding roller42serves an opposing roller opposing the second transfer roller28.

Each first transfer roller26opposes the corresponding photoconductor32with the intermediate transfer belt24being disposed therebetween. Between the first transfer roller26and the photoconductor32, a first transfer position T1where the toner image formed on the photoconductor32is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt24is set.

The second transfer roller28opposes the winding roller42with the intermediate transfer belt24being disposed therebetween. Between the second transfer roller28and the winding roller42, a second transfer position T2where the toner image transferred on the intermediate transfer belt24is transferred onto a recording medium P is set.

The transport section16includes a feed roller46that feeds a recording medium P from the storage section12, a transport path48through which the recording medium P fed by the feed roller46is transported, and plural transport rollers50arranged along the transport path48. The transport rollers50transport the recording medium P fed by the feed roller46to the second transfer position T2.

On a downstream side of the second transfer position T2in the transport direction, a fixing device40is provided to fix, on the recording medium P, the toner image formed on the recording medium P by the image forming section14. On a downstream side of the fixing device40in the transport direction, output rollers52are provided to output, into the output portion18, the recording medium P on which the toner image is fixed.

On a side of the transport path48opposite the intermediate transfer belt24(X-direction side), a reverse transport path37is provided. The reverse transport path37reverses the recording medium P with the toner image fixed on one surface and transports the recording medium P back to the second transfer position T2again. To form images on both surfaces of a recording medium P, after a toner image is fixed on one surface of the recording medium P, the recording medium P is switched back by the output rollers52, is guided into the reverse transport path37, and is transported back to the second transfer position T2.

In the exemplary embodiment, the image forming units22Y to22K are detachably mounted in the image forming apparatus body11. The intermediate transfer belt24is combined with a below-described removing device61into a unit, and is detachably mounted in the image forming apparatus body11together with the removing device61.

Next, a description will be given of image forming operations of forming an image on a recording medium P in the image forming apparatus10of the exemplary embodiment.

In the image forming apparatus10of the exemplary embodiment, a recording medium P is fed out from the storage section12by the feed roller46, and is then transported to the second transfer position T2by the plural transport rollers50.

In each of the image forming units22Y to22K, the photoconductor32charged by the charging roller23is exposed by the exposure device36, so that an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor32. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device38to form a toner image on the photoconductor32. Color toner images formed in the image forming units22Y to22K are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt24at the first transfer position T1to form a color image. The color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt24is transferred onto the recording medium P at the second transfer position T2.

After the color image is transferred, the recording medium P is transported to the fixing device40, where the transferred image is fixed. To form an image only on one surface of the recording medium P, the recording medium P is output to the output portion18by the output rollers52after the toner image is fixed. To form images on both surfaces of the recording medium P, the recording medium P is switched back by the output rollers52after an image is formed on one surface, and is then transported into the reverse transport path37in a reversed state. Further, the recording medium P is transported from the reverse transport path37to the second transfer position T2again, and an image is formed on an opposite surface, similarly to the above. After images are formed on both surfaces of the recording medium P, the recording medium P is output to the output portion18by the output rollers52. As described above, a series of image forming operations are performed.

Removing Device for Removing Residual Toner

Next, a description will be given of a removing device for removing residual toner.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, each of the image forming units22Y and22K includes a removing device60that removes residual toner remaining on the photoconductor32after the toner image is transferred on the intermediate transfer belt24. The removing device60is provided on an outer periphery of the photoconductor32, on a downstream side of the first transfer position T1in the rotating direction of the photoconductor32, and on an upstream side of the charging roller23in the rotating direction of the photoconductor32.

The removing device60includes a housing62in which components of the removing device60are provided, a removing member64provided in the housing62to remove residual toner remaining on the photoconductor32by contact with the photoconductor32, and a transport member66provided in the housing62to transport, to a below-described toner container80(seeFIG. 7), the residual toner removed by the removing member64.

The housing62has an opening62A opening at a position opposing the photoconductor32(on a photoconductor32side). In the housing62, a receiving space S that receives the residual toner removed by the removing member64is provided.

The removing member64is provided at the opening62A of the housing62such that a distal end thereof is in contact with the photoconductor32. For example, the removing member64is formed by a blade made of rubber that scrapes off the residual toner from the photoconductor32by contact with the photoconductor32. The residual toner removed by the removing member64is received in the receiving space S of the housing62, for example, under its own weight.

Since removing devices60in the image forming units22Y to22K are similar in structure, reference numerals of the removing devices60in the image forming units22Y,22M, and22C are not shown inFIG. 1.

The image forming apparatus10further includes a removing device61that removes residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt24after the toner image is transferred on the recording medium P. The removing device61is provided on an outer periphery of the intermediate transfer belt24and at a position opposing the winding roller43with the intermediate transfer belt24being disposed therebetween.

The removing device61includes a housing63in which components of the removing device61are provided, a removing member65provided in the housing63to remove residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt24by contact with the intermediate transfer belt24, and a transport member66provided in the housing63to transport, to the below-described toner container80(seeFIG. 7), the residual toner removed by the removing member65.

The housing63has an opening63A opening at a position opposing the intermediate transfer belt24(on an intermediate transfer belt24side (X-direction side)). In the housing63, a receiving space S that receives the residual toner removed by the removing member65is provided.

The removing member65is provided at the opening63A of the housing63such that a distal end thereof is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt24. For example, the removing member65is formed by a blade made of rubber that scrapes off the residual toner from the intermediate transfer belt24by contact with the intermediate transfer belt24. The residual toner removed by the removing member65is received in the receiving space S of the housing63, for example, under its own weight.

Specific Structures of Transport Members66and Discharge Pipes68

Next, specific structures of the transport members66and discharge pipes68will be described. Since structures of the transport member66and discharge pipe68in the removing device61are similar to those of the transport members66and discharge pipes68in the removing devices60, descriptions thereof will be appropriately skipped.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, each of the image forming units22Y to22K includes a discharge pipe68projecting from the housing62of the removing device60in the horizontal direction (−Z-direction). The discharge pipe68communicates with the receiving space S in the housing62(seeFIG. 1), and residual toner received in the receiving space S in the housing62can flow into the discharge pipe68. The removing device61includes a discharge pipe68projecting from the housing63in the horizontal direction (−Z-direction). The discharge pipe68communicates with the receiving space S in the housing63(seeFIG. 1).

One end (Z-direction end) of each transport member66is located in the corresponding housing62(the housing63in the removing device61), and the other end (−Z-direction end) of the transport member66is located in the corresponding discharge pipe68, as illustrated inFIG. 3. That is, the transport member66extends from the receiving space S in the housing62(the housing63in the removing device61) (seeFIG. 1) into the discharge pipe68.

The transport member66includes a rotatable rotation shaft66A and a spiral member66B spirally formed around the rotation shaft66A. Although not illustrated, one end (Z-direction end) of the rotation shaft66A is rotatably supported by a Z-direction side wall of the housing62. The one end (z-direction end) of the rotation shaft66A receives a rotation force from an unillustrated motor so that the rotation shaft66A rotates. The spiral member66B transports residual toner from the receiving space S in the housing62(seeFIG. 1) to the discharge pipe68along with the rotation of the rotation shaft66A.

The discharge pipe68includes a large-diameter portion68A, and a small-diameter portion68B provided coaxially with the large-diameter portion68A and integrally with a distal end (−Z-direction end) of the large-diameter portion68A. At the distal end (−Z-direction end) of the large-diameter portion68A, a pressing face72for pressing a pressed face88C of a below-described shutter88is provided in an annular form on a radial outer side of the small-diameter portion68B and around the axis of the small-diameter portion68B. The pressing face72faces toward a distal end (−Z-direction end) of the small-diameter portion68B.

A face of the discharge pipe68opposite the pressing face72(on the Z-direction side) serves as a restricting face73that restricts movement of a below-described opening and closing pipe74by contact with a restricted face75of the opening and closing pipe74. The restricting face73faces toward a rear side (Z-direction side) of the large-diameter portion68A.

The small-diameter portion68B has an insertion hole70in which a below-described projecting portion87is to be inserted. The insertion hole70penetrates the small-diameter portion68B in the axial direction.

At a middle portion of the large-diameter portion68A in a projecting direction (−Z-direction) of the discharge pipe68, a discharge port69is provided in a circumferential part on a lower side (−Y-direction side) of a pipe wall of the large-diameter portion68A. Through the discharge port69, residual toner is discharged out from the large-diameter portion68A.

On a portion of an inner wall of the large-diameter portion68A closer to the rear side (Z-direction side) than the discharge port69, an annular projecting face77projects toward the radial inner side and faces toward the front side (−Z-direction side).

In the discharge pipe68, an opening and closing pipe74for opening and closing the discharge port69is provided coaxially with the discharge pipe68. The opening and closing pipe74is movable in the axial direction of the discharge pipe68(−Z-direction, Z-direction).

The opening and closing pipe74includes a large-diameter portion74A, and a small-diameter portion74B provided coaxially with the large-diameter portion74A and integrally with a distal end (−Z-direction end) of the large-diameter portion74A. The distal end (−Z-direction end) of the large-diameter portion74A has an annular restricted face75that contacts with the restricting face73of the discharge pipe68to restrict movement of the opening and closing pipe74. The restricted face75is provided on a radial outer side of the small-diameter portion74B and around the axis of the small-diameter portion74B.

The small-diameter portion74B has a diameter such as to be inserted in the insertion hole70of the discharge pipe68. A distal end face76of the small-diameter portion74B serves as a pressed face to be pressed by a distal end87A of the below-described projecting portion87.

In a circumferential part on a lower side (Y-direction side) of a pipe wall at the distal end (−Z-direction end) of the large-diameter portion74A, an opening port75A penetrates the pipe wall of the large-diameter portion74A. The opening port75A opens the discharge port69of the discharge pipe68. A part of the pipe wall of the opening and closing pipe74closer to the rear side (Z-direction side) than the opening port75A serves as a closing portion75B that closes the discharge port69of the discharge pipe68.

The opening and closing pipe74is movable between a closing position (a position illustrated inFIG. 3) where the discharge port69of the discharge pipe68is closed by the closing portion75B in a state in which movement is restricted by contact of the restricted face75with the restricting face73of the discharge pipe68, and an opening position (a position illustrated inFIG. 4) where the discharge port69of the discharge pipe68is opened by the opening port75A.

Between a rear end of the large-diameter portion74A of the opening and closing pipe74and the projecting face77of the large-diameter portion68A of the discharge pipe68, a compression coil spring71is provided as an example of a biasing member that biases the opening and closing pipe74to the closing position.

Structure of Toner Container80of Exemplary Embodiment

Next, a structure of a toner container80of the exemplary embodiment will be described.

The toner container80serving as an example of a detachable unit is a storage container that stores residual toner (waste toner) removed by the removing devices60and the removing device61, and is a consumable part to be exchanged when filled with waste toner. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the toner container80is detachably mounted in a −Z-direction side portion of the image forming apparatus body11.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, a cover13is removably (or openably) attached to the −Z-direction side portion of the image forming apparatus body11. The cover13covers the toner container80mounted in the image forming apparatus body11. Therefore, in a state in which the cover13is detached from the image forming apparatus body11(or a state in which the cover13is opened relative to the image forming apparatus body11), as illustrated inFIG. 5, the toner container80is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus body11.

In the exemplary embodiment, the discharge pipes68in the removing devices60of the image forming units22Y to22K and the discharge pipe68of the removing device61provided at the intermediate transfer belt24are inserted in below-described insertion holes93A of the toner container80. Hence, to prevent interference between the discharge pipes68and the toner container80, the image forming units22Y to22K and the intermediate transfer belt24are mounted in and dismounted from the image forming apparatus body11in a state in which the toner container80is detached from the image forming apparatus body11.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the toner container80includes a container body (housing)84serving as an example of a detachable unit body to be attached to the image forming apparatus body11such as to be detachable in a predetermined detachment direction. As illustrated inFIG. 4, in the container body84, a receiving portion85is provided to receive residual toner discharged from the discharge pipes68.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the container body84includes an insertion wall93having insertion holes93A in which the discharge pipes68are to be inserted, an opposing wall83opposing an inserted face93B (seeFIG. 3) provided on a side of the insertion wall93where the discharge pipes68are inserted, and a surrounding wall94provided between the insertion wall93and the opposing wall83to surround the receiving portion85(seeFIG. 3).

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the surrounding wall94is provided integrally with the insertion wall93. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the surrounding wall94includes a first wall94A extending in the X-direction at a −Y-direction end of the insertion wall93, a second wall94B extending in the Y-direction at a −X-direction end of the insertion wall93, and a third wall94C defined by a number of steps corresponding to the number of discharge pipes68. The steps are arranged in a direction that slopes upward from an X-direction end of the first wall94A toward a Y-direction end of the second wall94B. The surrounding wall94and the opposing wall83are fixed by welding, such as ultrasonic welding or vibration welding, or by screws.

Five insertion holes93A are arranged at positions corresponding to the five discharge pipes68in an arrangement direction H of the discharge pipes68(seeFIG. 2). Thus, the discharge pipes68are inserted in the corresponding insertion holes93A together (at a time) in conjunction with attachment of the toner container80to the image forming apparatus body11. The insertion holes93A are formed by circular holes that penetrate the insertion wall93in a width direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, at a rim of each of the insertion holes93A on the inserted face93B of the insertion wall93, a seal member90is provided to seal between the insertion wall93and a pressing member86(seeFIG. 7). As illustrated inFIG. 4, the seal member90also functions as a seal member that seals between the discharge pipe68inserted in the insertion hole93A and the insertion wall93.

The surrounding wall94forms an outer wall of the container body84with the insertion wall93and the opposing wall83. The surrounding wall94may be provided integrally with the opposing wall83, not with the insertion wall93.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, the opposing wall83has cylindrical walls86extending from the opposing wall83toward the insertion wall93(toward the Z-direction side). More specifically, the cylindrical walls86are shaped like cylinders (pipes) whose axial direction is a thickness direction (Z-direction) of the opposing wall83. The cylindrical walls86are provided integrally with the opposing wall83such as to project from an opposing face83A of the opposing wall83opposing the insertion wall93toward the insertion wall93(toward the Z-direction side).

As illustrated inFIG. 3, a distal end86C (Z-direction end) of each of the cylindrical walls86surrounds an outer periphery of the insertion hole93A, as viewed in the Z-direction. Thus, an insertion space86B in which the corresponding discharge pipe68is to be inserted is formed in the cylindrical wall86. The insertion space86B is separated from the receiving portion85by the cylindrical wall86.

A projecting portion87is provided on the opposing face83A of the opposing wall83in the cylindrical wall86. The projecting portion87projects in the axial direction of the cylindrical wall86toward the insertion wall93(Z-direction side). More specifically, the projecting portion87is shaped like a rod (column) in the axial center of the cylindrical wall86. The projecting portion87functions as a pressing member that presses the distal end face76of the small-diameter portion74B of the corresponding opening and closing pipe74by a distal end87A against the biasing force of the compression coil spring71so as to move the opening and closing pipe74to the opening position when the discharge pipe68is inserted in the insertion space86B.

Further, cylindrical holding portions89for holding below-described compression coil springs81are provided on the opposing face83A of the opposing wall83. Each of the holding portions89surrounds the outer periphery of the projecting portion87around the axis of the projecting portion87in the corresponding cylindrical wall86.

At a middle portion of the cylindrical wall86in the projecting direction (Z-direction), an input port86A is provided so that residual toner flows therethrough from the discharge pipe68into the receiving portion85. The input port86A is provided in a circumferential part on a lower side (−Y-direction) of a pipe wall of the cylindrical wall86.

In the cylindrical wall86, a shutter88is provided as an example of an opening and closing portion that opens and closes the input port86A. The shutter88is formed by a cylindrical member provided coaxially with the cylindrical wall86.

The shutter88is movable in the axial direction (−Z-direction, Z-direction) of the cylindrical wall86between a closing position to close the input port86A of the cylindrical wall86(a position illustrated inFIG. 3) and an opening position to open the input port86A (a position illustrated inFIG. 4).

In the shutter88, an inner cylindrical portion88A is provided integrally with the shutter88. Between the inner cylindrical portion88A and the shutter88, a holding groove88B is provided to hold a compression coil spring81on the opposing wall83side (−Z-direction side).

On an insertion wall93side (Z-direction side) of the inner cylindrical portion88A, a pressed face88C is provided to be pressed by the pressing face72of the discharge pipe68.

Between the inner cylindrical portion88A and the opposing wall83, a compression coil spring81is provided as an example of a biasing member that biases the shutter88to the closing position. The compression coil spring81is held by the holding groove88B of the inner cylindrical portion88A and the holding portion89of the opposing wall83.

Structures of Grip part130and Latch Members104in Toner Container80

Next, structures of a grip part130and latch members104in the toner container80will be described.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the toner container80includes a grip part130provided on the container body84, and latch members104provided at opposite ends of the grip part130in the longitudinal direction (X-direction and −X-direction) on the container body84. The latch members104include latch portions120to be latched in latched portions11A provided in the image forming apparatus body11(seeFIGS. 2 and 5) (the −X-direction side latch portion120is illustrated inFIG. 8).

The latch members104are formed of an elastic material, for example, a resin material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyoxymethylene (POM), and are elastically deformable.

FIG. 10illustrates the toner container80from which below-described covers140and the grip part130are removed. As illustrated inFIG. 10, each of the latch members104includes a first arm portion106extending in the X-direction along a detachment direction (−Z-direction) side face83B of the opposing wall83, and a second arm portion108extending in the attachment direction (Z-direction) of the toner container80along the surrounding wall94. The latch member104is L-shaped in plan view (as viewed in the −Y-direction).

A recess83C is provided in a position on the opposing wall83where each first arm portion106is located. In the recess83C, a depth face83E indented from the side face83B in the Z-direction, and a side wall83D provided along the outer periphery of the depth face83E (along an inner edge of the recess83C) are provided. The depth face83E has a projecting portion83F projecting in the −Z-direction.

Each first arm portion106includes a first portion106A provided along the side face83B of the opposing wall83, a second portion106B provided along the depth face83E in the recess83C and located closer to the Z-direction side than the first portion106A, and a connecting portion106C that connects the first portion106A and the second portion106B.

The second portion106B has a slot110extending in the X-direction. The projecting portion83F is inserted through the slot110so that the latch member104is supported movably in the X-direction and the −X-direction. More specifically, in a state in which the container body84is attached to the image forming apparatus body11, each latch member104moves in the X-direction and the −X-direction between a latch position where the latch portion120is latched in the latched portion11A of the image forming apparatus body11(seeFIG. 13) and a withdrawal position where the latch portion120is withdrawn from the latch position (seeFIG. 15).

An inner rim of the slot110of the second portion106B on an X-direction center side of the toner container80(hereinafter simply referred to as an “X-direction center side”) contacts with the projecting portion83F so as to prevent the latch portion120from moving beyond the latch position to an X-direction outer side of the toner container (hereinafter simply referred to as an “X-direction outer side”) opposite the withdrawal position.

The X-direction center side of the toner container80refers to a −X-direction side of the X-direction side latch member104of the pair of latch members104, and an X-direction side of the −X-direction side latch member104of the latch members104. This also applies to a below-described pair of connecting portions134in the grip part130. The X-direction outer side of the toner container80refers to an X-direction side of the X-direction side latch member104, and a −X-direction side of the −X-direction side latch member104. This also applies to the below-described connecting portions134in the grip part130.

An inner rim on the X-direction outer side of the slot110of the second portion106B contacts with the projecting portion83F so as to prevent the latch portion120from moving beyond the withdrawal position toward the X-direction center side opposite the latch position.

On the X-direction center side of the slot110in the second portion106B, a spring116is provided as an example of a biasing member that biases the latch portion120(latch member104) to the latch position. The spring116is folded up and down in a wavy form. One end of the spring116in an extension and contraction direction (X-direction) contacts with and presses the side wall83D on the X-direction center side of the recess83C, so that the latch portion120is biased to the latch position. In the exemplary embodiment, the spring116is provided integrally with the latch portion120(latch member104).

On the X-direction outer side of the slot110in the second portion106B, a projecting portion112projects in the −Z-direction. As illustrated inFIG. 11, the projecting portion112is inserted through a slot136provided in a below-described connecting portion134of the grip part130.

Each latch portion120is provided at a Z-direction end of the second arm portion108. As illustrated inFIG. 13, a gap A is provided between the second portion106B and the surrounding wall94of the container body84, and the second portion106B is elastically deformable so that the latch portion120moves toward the X-direction center side.

More specifically, the latch portion120is formed by a claw pointing toward the X-direction outer side, and includes a first face120A and a second face120B. The first face120A faces in the attachment direction (Z-direction), and slopes toward the X-direction center side as it extends in the attachment direction. The second face120B faces in the detachment direction (−Z-direction), and is orthogonal to the detachment direction. The second face120B may be at an angle to the detachment direction (seeFIGS. 16B and 16C). In contrast, specifically, each latched portion11A provided in the image forming apparatus body11is formed by a recess by which the claw that forms the latch portion120can be caught, as illustrated inFIG. 2.

As illustrated inFIGS. 13A and 13B, the claw of the latch portion120is latched in the corresponding latched portion11A of the image forming apparatus body11in a state in which the container body84is attached to the image forming apparatus body11. This restricts detachment of the container body84from the image forming apparatus body11. As illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B, when the latch portion120withdraws from the latch position in the latched portion11A, the container body84is allowed to be detached from the image forming apparatus body11.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, the −X-direction side latch member104is located at the center in the up-down direction of the container body84. The X-direction side latch member104is located on a lower side (−Y-direction side) of the −X-direction side latch member104. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, a pair of latch portions120are located at different positions in the up-down direction at the side portions of the container body84. More specifically, the latch portions120are arranged in a direction having the same inclination angle as that of an arrangement direction B of the insertion holes93A (seeFIG. 7). The X-direction side latch portion120is latched in the corresponding latched portion11A on a lower side (−Y-direction side) of the −X-direction side latch portion120. A line connecting the centers of the latch portions120in the up-down direction may be parallel to a line connecting the centers of two insertion holes93A provided at both ends in the X-direction.

Similarly to the latch members104, the grip part130is formed of an elastic material, for example, a resin material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyoxymethylene (POM), and is elastically deformable. The grip part130is to be gripped by the operator at least during detachment of the container body84(toner container80) from the image forming apparatus body11. The grip part130extends along the side face83B of the opposing wall83.

FIGS. 11 and 12illustrate the toner container80from which below-described covers140are removed. As illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12, the grip part130includes a belt-shaped grip portion132that forms a middle portion in the longitudinal direction, and connecting portions134that form both end portions in the longitudinal direction and that are connected to the latch members104.

The connecting portions134are shaped like belts extending in the X-direction. An X-direction side connecting portion134is located on a lower side (−Y-direction side) of a −X-direction side connecting portion134. The grip portion132extends obliquely with respect to the up-down direction and the X-direction such as to connect the pair of connecting portions134. That is, the grip portion132extends obliquely with respect to the up-down direction and the X-direction from one of the latch portions120(latch members104) toward the other. The entire grip part130may extend obliquely with respect to the up-down direction and the X-direction toward the pair of latch portions120(latch members104).

When the grip portion132is pulled out from the image forming apparatus body11, it separates from the container body84while curving to be convex in the −Z-direction, so that a space in which the operator inserts the hand (a space between the grip portion132and the image forming apparatus body11) is widened (seeFIGS. 14 and 15).

Each of the connecting portions134has a slot136extending in the X-direction. The projecting portion83F and the projecting portion112are inserted through the slot136of the connecting portion134so that the connecting portion134is supported movably in the X-direction. The connecting portion134is placed on the second portion106B of the corresponding latch member104.

When the grip portion132is pulled out, tension is produced by separation of the grip portion132from the image forming apparatus body11. This tension moves each connecting portion134toward the X-direction center side.

When the connecting portion134is moved to the X-direction center side by pulling out the grip portion132of the grip part130, an X-direction outer side of the slot136first comes into contact with the projecting portion112and moves the latch member104to a withdrawal position against the biasing force of the spring116.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, covers140are provided at the recesses83C in the opposing wall83. Each of the covers140covers the connecting portion134placed on the second portion106B of the corresponding latch member104. The cover140presses the connecting portion134in a manner such that the second portion106B and the connecting portion134are movable in the −X-direction (X-direction). This prevents separation of the second portion106B from the projecting portion83F and separation of the connecting portion134from the projecting portion83F and the projecting portion112.

A second arm portion108side (X-direction side) of the first portion106A of the X-direction side latch member104is supported movably in the X-direction by support portions83G provided on the side face83B of the opposing wall83while being restricted in movement in the −Z-direction.

Operation of Exemplary Embodiment

Next, the operation of the exemplary embodiment will be described.

First, a description will be given of an attachment operation of attaching the toner container80to the image forming apparatus body11.

To attach the toner container80to the image forming apparatus body11, the operator first detaches the cover13(seeFIG. 6) from the image forming apparatus body11(seeFIG. 5), and pushes the toner container80into the image forming apparatus body11in the attachment direction (−Z-direction) in this state. At this time, the first faces120A of the latch portions120in the latch members104move in the attachment direction (−Z-direction) while being in contact with the edges of the latched portions11A, so that the second arm portions108of the latch members104elastically deform and the latch portions120are latched in the latched portions11A (seeFIG. 13).

When the toner container80is attached to the image forming apparatus body11, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the discharge pipes68are inserted in the inserted spaces86B in the cylindrical walls86through the insertion holes93A of the insertion wall93. Then, the pressing faces72of the discharge pipes68press the pressed faces88C of the shutters88against the biasing forces of the compression coil springs81, and move the shutters88to an opening position. Further, the distal ends87A of the projecting portions87press the distal faces76of the opening and closing pipes74against the biasing forces of the compression coil springs71, and move the opening and closing pipes74to an opening position.

As a result, the open ports75A of the opening and closing pipes74open the discharge ports69of the discharge pipes68, and the shutters88open the input ports86A of the cylindrical walls86. This allows residual toner to flow from the discharge pipes68into the receiving portion85of the toner container80.

In the exemplary embodiment, while the toner container80is attached to the image forming apparatus body11, it is pressed in the detachment direction (−Z-direction) by reaction forces from the compression coil springs81and the compression coil springs71in a compressed state. Since the compression coil springs81and the compression coil springs71are located in the insertion holes93A, the toner container80receives the reaction forces along the arrangement positions of the insertion holes93A. In the exemplary embodiment, since the latch portions120are arranged in the direction having the same inclination angle as that of the arrangement direction B of the insertion holes93A (seeFIG. 7), they are latched in the latched portions11A against the reaction forces.

Next, an operation of detaching the toner container80from the image forming apparatus body11will be described.

To detach the toner container80from the image forming apparatus body11, the operator first puts the tip of the operator's finger between the grip portion132of the grip part130and the container body84, and grips and pulls out the grip portion132in the −Z-direction, as illustrated inFIG. 14. Thus, the space in which the hand of the operator is inserted (the space between the grip portion132and the image forming apparatus body11) is widened.FIG. 13illustrates a state of the grip portion132before the pull-out operation, andFIG. 14illustrates a state of the grip portion132after the pull-out operation.

When the grip portion132is pulled out in the −Z-direction, the connecting portions134of the grip part130move to the X-direction center side, and the inner rims on the x-direction outer sides of the slots136come into contact with the projecting portions112. Until the inner rims of the slots136contact with the projecting portions112, the latch members104do not move, but only the connecting portions134move.

When the operator further pulls out the grip portion132in the −Z-direction, as illustrated inFIG. 15, the space in which the hand of the operator is inserted (the space between the grip portion132and the image forming apparatus body11) is widened further. Also, the projecting portions112are pressed by the inner rims of the slots136on the X-direction outer sides, and the latch members104move to the X-direction center side against the biasing forces of the springs116. Thus, the latch portions120of the latch members104move to a withdrawal position. This allows the container body84to be detached from the image forming apparatus body11.

When the operator further pulls out the grip portion132in the −Z-direction, the toner container80is detached from the image forming apparatus body11.

When the operator releases the grip part130, the latch members104are moved to the X-direction outer sides by the biasing forces of the springs116, and the grip portion132of the grip part130moves in the Z-direction toward the container body84(seeFIG. 13).

In the exemplary embodiment, the latch portions120withdraw from the latch positions in the latched portions11A in conjunction with the operation of pulling out the grip portion132of the grip part130in the −Z-direction. Hence, an operation of withdrawing the latch portions120separately from the pull-out operation of the grip part130is unnecessary. This may enhance operability in detachment of the toner container80from the image forming apparatus body11.

In the exemplary embodiment, the latch portions120withdraw from the latch positions in the latched portions11A. Hence, compared with a case in which the latch portions120do not withdraw from the latch positions in the latched portions11A, the force for pulling out the toner container80from the image forming apparatus body11may be reduced, and operability in detachment of the toner container80from the image forming apparatus body11may be enhanced.

In the exemplary embodiment, since the latch portions120withdraw from the latch positions in the latched portions11A, there is no need to set the angle of the second faces120B of the latch portions120at an angle that allows the second faces120B to be easily pulled out from the latched portions11A. That is, it is unnecessary that the second faces120B of the latch portions120slope toward the X-direction center side as they extend in the detachment direction (−Z-direction) so as to be moved toward the X-direction center side by contact with the latched portions11A, as illustrated inFIG. 16B. Even when the second faces120B are orthogonal to the detachment direction (−Z-direction) (seeFIG. 16A) and the latch portions120are firmly latched in the latched portions11A, as in the exemplary embodiment, the toner container80can be detached from the image forming apparatus body11.

As illustrated inFIG. 16C, the second faces120B of the latch portions120may slope toward the X-direction outer side as they extend in the detachment direction (−Z-direction). One-dot chain lines inFIGS. 16A to 16Crepresent a line orthogonal to the detachment direction (−Z-direction).

Since the latch portions120are thus firmly latched in the latched portions11A in the exemplary embodiment, it is necessary to restrict movement of the toner container80in the −Z-direction while pressing the toner container80with the cover13. Hence, the cover13does not need to have a large thickness. This may reduce the thickness of the image forming apparatus10in the detachment direction (−Z-direction).

In the exemplary embodiment, when the operator releases the grip part130, the grip portion132of the grip part130is moved in the Z-direction by the biasing forces of the springs116to approach the container body84. Hence, the space occupied by the grip part130in the detachment direction (−Z-direction) is reduced, and the thickness of the toner container80in the detachment direction (−Z-direction) is reduced. This may reduce the thickness of the image forming apparatus10in the detachment direction (−Z-direction).

While the toner container80is used as the detachable unit to be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus body11in the exemplary embodiment, any component to be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus body11may be used.

While the storage container that stores waste toner is used as the toner container80to be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus body11in the exemplary embodiment, for example, a storage container that stores toner to be supplied to the developing devices38may be used. It is satisfactory as long as the storage container stores toner.

While a pair of latch portions120are provided in the exemplary embodiment, only one latch portion120may be provided in the container body84. In this case, for example, one of the pair of latch portions120may be replaced with a restricting portion that restricts movement of the container body84in the −Z-direction by contact with the −Z-direction side face of the container body84.

While the springs116serving as an example of a biasing member that biases the latch members104to the latch positions are provided integrally with the latch portions120in the exemplary embodiment, they may be provided separately from the latch portions120.

While the grip part130is belt-shaped and the grip portion132is oblique with respect to the X-direction in the exemplary embodiment, the shape and position of the grip part130may be changed variously.

While the pair of latch portions120are located at positions shifted from each other in the up-down direction in the exemplary embodiment, they may be located at the same position in the up-down direction.