Patent Publication Number: US-2023137161-A1

Title: Image forming apparatus

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-180693, which was filed on Nov. 4, 2021, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     The following disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus. 
     There has been known a conventional image forming apparatus including a process cartridge. The process cartridge includes a photoconductive drum, a cleaning member configured to remove transfer-remaining toner remained in the photoconductive drum, and a screw configured to convey the transfer-remaining toner removed from the photoconductive drum by the cleaning member. 
     DESCRIPTION 
     In the conventional image forming apparatus, the transfer-remaining toner conveyed by the screw falls to a lower side through a through hole and the transfer-remaining toner is conveyed to a collecting unit. 
     Here, in a case where a user removes the process cartridge from the image forming apparatus, there is a possibility that the transfer-remaining toner spills through the through hole of the process cartridge. It is possible to provide a shutter for closing the through hole, however, in this case, there is a possibility that the shutter is forgotten to be closed when the user removes the process cartridge from the image forming apparatus. 
     An aspect of the disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus capable of preventing waste toner from being fallen out of a first drum cartridge and a second drum cartridge in a case where the first drum cartridge and the second drum cartridge are removed from a drawer. 
     In one aspect of the disclosure, an image forming apparatus includes a body housing having an opening, a drawer movable through the opening between an accommodated position at which the drawer is accommodated in the body housing and a drawn position at which the drawer is drawn to a position outside the body housing, a first drum cartridge mountable on the drawer and including: a first photoconductive drum, a first drum cleaner configured to collect waste toner from the first photoconductive drum, a first discharging outlet through which the waste toner collected by the first drum cleaner is discharged, and a first shutter movable between a first closed position at which the first shutter closes the first discharging outlet and a first open position at which the first discharging outlet is open, a first toner cartridge mountable on the first drum cartridge and capable of storing toner which is to be supplied to the first photoconductive drum, a second drum cartridge mountable on the drawer and including: a second photoconductive drum, a second drum cleaner configured to collect waste toner from the second photoconductive drum, a second discharging outlet through which the waste toner collected by the second drum cleaner is discharged, and a second shutter movable between a second closed position at which the second shutter closes the second discharging outlet and a second open position at which the second discharging outlet is open, and a second toner cartridge mountable on the second drum cartridge and capable of storing toner which is to be supplied to the second photoconductive drum. The drawer includes a waste toner tube through which the waste toner is allowed to pass, the waste toner tube having (i) a first waste-toner-inlet through which the waste toner discharged from the first discharging outlet of the first drum cartridge mounted on the drawer is received and (ii) a second waste-toner-inlet through which the waste toner discharged from the second discharging outlet of the second drum cartridge mounted on the drawer is received, a shutter driving member movable with respect to the waste toner tube between a first position and a second position, the shutter driving member being positioned at the first position in at least a state in which the drawer is positioned at the drawn position, the shutter driving member causing the first shutter and the second shutter to move in accordance with a movement of the shutter driving member in the state in which the first drum cartridge and the second drum cartridge are mounted on the drawer. In a state in which the shutter driving member is positioned at the first positon, the first shutter is positioned at the first closed position and the second shutter is positioned at the second closed position. In a state in which the shutter driving member is positioned at the second position, the first shutter is positioned at the first open position and the second shutter is positioned at the second open position. 
    
    
     
       The objects, features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of the present disclosure will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus; 
         FIG.  2    is a view illustrating a state in which a drawer illustrated in  FIG.  1    is positioned at a drawn position; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a drum cartridge illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge illustrated in  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of the drum cartridge illustrated in  FIG.  3    and illustrating a state in which a shutter is positioned at a first closed position; 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of the drum cartridge illustrated in  FIG.  3    and illustrating a state in which the shutter is positioned at a first open position; 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view of the drawer illustrated in  FIG.  7    which passes a toner tube; 
         FIG.  9    is a view illustrating a state in which a waste toner shutter illustrated in  FIG.  8    is positioned at a first waste toner open position; 
         FIG.  10    is a view for explaining a connection between a waste toner tube and a waste toner storage; 
         FIG.  11    is a cross-sectional view of the drawer illustrated in  FIG.  7    and which passes the shutter driving member; 
         FIG.  12    is a view illustrating a state in which the shutter driving member illustrated in  FIG.  11    is positioned at a second position; 
         FIG.  13    is a view illustrating a state in which the drawer illustrated in  FIG.  2    is positioned at an accommodated position and the shutter driving member is positioned at a second position; 
         FIG.  14 A  is a view for explaining a lock of the drawer positioned at the accommodated position and illustrating a state in which the drawer is locked to a body housing; 
         FIG.  14 B  is a view for explaining the lock of the drawer positioned at the accommodated position and illustrating a state in which the lock of the drawer to the body housing is released; 
         FIG.  15    is a view for explaining a modification and illustrating a state in which the drawer is positioned at the accommodated position, a cover is positioned at a cover open position and the shutter driving member is positioned at the first position; and 
         FIG.  16    is a view illustrating a state in which the cover illustrated in  FIG.  15    is positioned at a cover closed position and the shutter driving member is positioned at the second position. 
     
    
    
     OUTLINE OF IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS 
     There will be described a first embodiment of this disclosure in detail. An image forming apparatus  1  includes a body housing  2 , a cover  3 , a sheet tray  4 , a drawer  5 , a plurality of drum cartridges  6 Y,  6 M,  6 C,  6 K, a plurality of toner cartridges  7 Y,  7 M,  7 C,  7 K, an exposing unit  8 , a belt unit  9 , a transfer roller  10  and a fixing unit  11 . 
     Body Housing 
     The body housing  2  accommodates the sheet tray  4 , the drawer  5 , the plurality of drum cartridges  6 Y,  6 M,  6 C,  6 K, the plurality of toner cartridges  7 Y,  7 M,  7 C,  7 K, the exposing unit  8 , the belt unit  9 , the transfer roller  10  and the fixing unit  11 . The body housing  2  has an opening  21 . 
     Cover 
     The cover  3  is movable between a cover closed position (see  FIG.  1   ) and a cover open position (see  FIG.  2   ). As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , in a state in which the cover  3  is positioned at the cover closed position, the cover  3  closes the opening  21 . As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , in a state in which the cover  3  is positioned at the cover open position, the opening  21  is open. 
     Sheet Tray 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the sheet tray  4  is capable of storing a sheet S. The sheet Sin the sheet tray  4  is conveyed toward the transfer roller  10 . 
     Drawer 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , in the state in which the cover  3  is positioned at the cover open position, the drawer  5  is movable in a first direction through the opening  21  between an accommodated position (see  FIG.  1   ) and a drawn position (see  FIG.  2   ). As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , in a state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, the whole drawer  5  is accommodated in the body housing  2 . As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , in a state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the drawn position, at least a part of the drawer  5  is drawn from the body housing  2  to a position outside of the body housing  2 . 
     Drum Cartridges 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , in the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the drawn position, each of the plurality of drum cartridges  6 Y,  6 M,  6 C,  6 K is mountable on the drawer  5 . As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , in a state in which the plurality of drum cartridges  6 Y,  6 M,  6 C,  6 K are mounted on the drawer  5 , a plurality of photoconductive drums  61 Y,  61 M,  61 C,  61 K are arranged in the first direction. 
     The drum cartridge  6 Y includes the photoconductive drum  61 Y, a charging unit  62 Y and a developing unit  63 Y. It is noted that each of the drum cartridges  6 M,  6 C,  6 K has the same configuration as the drum cartridge  6 Y. That is, the drum cartridge  6 M includes the photoconductive drum  61 M. An explanation of the drum cartridges  6 M,  6 C,  6 K is dispensed with. 
     Photoconductive Drum 
     The photoconductive drum  61 Y extends in a second direction. In a state in which the drum cartridge  6 Y is mounted on the drawer  5 , the second direction intersects the first direction. It is preferable that in the state in which the drum cartridge  6 Y is mounted on the drawer  5 , the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. The photoconductive drum  61 Y is rotatable around a drum axis A 1 . The drum axis A 1  extends in the second direction. 
     Charging Unit 
     The charging unit  62 Y charges a circumferential surface of the photoconductive drum  61 Y. In the present embodiment, the charging unit  62 Y is a charging roller. The charging unit  62 Y may be a scorotron type charging unit. 
     Developing Unit 
     The developing unit  63 Y is capable of supplying toner to the photoconductive drum  61 Y. More specifically, the developing unit  63 Y includes a developer housing  631 Y and a developing roller  632 Y. 
     The developer housing  631 Y is capable of storing toner from the toner cartridge  7 Y. The developer housing  631 Y supports the developing roller  632 Y. 
     The developing roller  632 Y is capable of supplying toner in the developer housing  631 Y to the photoconductive drum  61 Y. The developing roller  632 Y is in contact with the photoconductive drum  61 Y. The developing roller  632 Y may be capable of being spaced apart from the photoconductive drum  61 Y. The developing roller  632 Y extends in the second direction. The developing roller  632 Y is rotatable around a developer axis A 2 . The developer axis A 2  extends in the second direction. 
     Toner Cartridges 
     The toner cartridge  7 Y is capable of storing toner which is to be supplied to the photoconductive drum  61 Y. The toner cartridge  7 Y is mountable on the drum cartridge  6 Y. In a state in which the toner cartridge  7 Y is mounted on the drum cartridge  6 Y, the toner cartridge  7 Y is capable of supplying toner to the developing unit  63 Y. 
     The toner cartridge  7 M is capable of storing toner which is to be supplied to the photoconductive drum  61 M. The toner cartridge  7 M is mountable on the drum cartridge  6 M. In a state in which the toner cartridge  7 M is mounted on the drum cartridge  6 M, the toner cartridge  7 M is capable of supplying toner to a developing unit  63 M. 
     The toner cartridge  7 C is capable of storing toner which is to be supplied to the photoconductive drum  61 C. The toner cartridge  7 C is mountable on the drum cartridge  6 C. In a state in which the toner cartridge  7 C is mounted on the drum cartridge  6 C, the toner cartridge  7 C is capable of supplying toner to a developing unit  63 C. 
     The toner cartridge  7 K is capable of storing toner which is to be supplied to the photoconductive drum  61 K. The toner cartridge  7 K is mountable on the drum cartridge  6 K. In a state in which the toner cartridge  7 K is mounted on the drum cartridge  6 K, the toner cartridge  7 K is capable of supplying toner to a developing unit  63 K. 
     Exposing Unit 
     In a state in which the plurality of drum cartridges  6 Y,  6 M,  6 C,  6 K are mounted on the drawer  5  and the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, the exposing unit  8  is capable of exposing a circumferential surface of each of the plurality of photoconductive drums  61 Y,  61 M,  61 C,  61 K. In the present embodiment, the exposing unit  8  is a laser scanning unit. 
     Belt Unit 
     In the state in which the plurality of drum cartridges  6 Y,  6 M,  6 C,  6 K are mounted on the drawer  5  and the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, the belt unit  9  is located below the plurality of drum cartridges  6 Y,  6 M,  6 C,  6 K. The belt unit  9  includes an intermediate transfer belt  91  and a plurality of transfer rollers  92 Y,  92 M,  92 C,  92 K. 
     In the state in which the plurality of drum cartridges  6 Y,  6 M,  6 C,  6 K are mounted on the drawer  5  and the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, the intermediate transfer belt  91  is in contact with the plurality of photoconductive drums  61 Y,  61 M,  61 C,  61 K. 
     The transfer roller  92 Y transfers toner on the photoconductive drum  61 Y to the intermediate transfer belt  91 . The transfer roller  92 M transfers toner on the photoconductive drum  61 M to the intermediate transfer belt  91 . The transfer roller  92 C transfers toner on the photoconductive drum  61 C to the intermediate transfer belt  91 . The transfer roller  92 K transfers toner on the photoconductive drum  61 K to the intermediate transfer belt  91 . 
     Transfer Roller 
     The transfer roller  10  transfers toner on the intermediate transfer belt  91  to the sheet S. More specifically, the sheet S conveyed from the sheet tray  4  toward the transfer roller  10  is conveyed to the fixing unit  11  between the transfer roller  10  and the intermediate transfer belt  91 . At this time, the transfer roller  10  transfers the toner on the intermediate transfer belt  91  to the sheet S. 
     Fixing Unit 
     The fixing unit  11  heats and presses the sheet S on which the toner is transferred, and fixes the toner onto the sheet S. The sheet S having passed through the fixing unit  11  is discharged to an upper surface of the body housing  2 . 
     Details of Drum Cartridge 
     There will be described next the drum cartridge  6 Y in detail with reference to  FIG.  3    to  FIG.  6   . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the drum cartridge  6 Y includes a drum frame  64 Y, a drum cleaner  65 Y, a waste toner discharge portion  66 Y, a shutter  67 Y and an engaging portion  68 Y in addition to the above described the photoconductive drum  61 Y (see  FIG.  4   ), the charging unit  62 Y (see  FIG.  4   ) and the developing unit  63 Y. 
     Drum Frame 
     The drum frame  64 Y includes drum side plates  641 A,  641 B, a receiving portion  642  and a toner shutter  643 . 
     Drum Side Plate 
     The drum side plate  641 A is located at a first end of the drum cartridge  6 Y in the second direction. The drum side plate  641 A supports a first end of the photoconductive drum  61 Y in the second direction and a first end of the developing unit  63 Y in the second direction. In the state in which the toner cartridge  7 Y is mounted on the drum cartridge  6 Y, the drum side plate  641 A supports a first end of the toner cartridge  7 Y in the second direction. The drum side plate  641 A extends in a third direction. The third direction intersects the first direction and the second direction. It is preferable that the third direction is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. In a state in which the drum cartridge  6 Y is mounted on the image forming apparatus  1  and the image forming apparatus  1  is placed on a horizontal plane, the third direction is an up and down direction. 
     The drum side plate  641 B is located at a second end of the drum cartridge  6 Y in the second direction. The drum side plate  641 B is spaced apart from the drum side plate  641 A in the second direction. The drum side plate  641 B supports a second end of the photoconductive drum  61 Y in the second direction and a second end of the developing unit  63 Y in the second direction. In the state in which the toner cartridge  7 Y is mounted on the drum cartridge  6 Y, the drum side plate  641 A supports a second end of the toner cartridge  7 Y in the second direction. The drum side plate  641 B extends in the third direction. 
     Receiving Portion 
     In a state in which the toner cartridge  7 Y is mounted on the drum cartridge  6 Y, the receiving portion  642  receives the toner cartridge  7 Y. The receiving portion  642  extends in the second direction. A first end of the receiving portion  642  in the second direction is connected to the drum side plate  641 A. A second end of the receiving portion  642  in the second direction is connected to the drum side plate  641 B. The receiving portion  642  includes a toner inlet  6421 . 
     The toner inlet  6421  is located at a central part of the receiving portion  642  in the second direction. The toner inlet  6421  communicates with an inner space of the developer housing  631 Y. 
     Toner Shutter 
     The toner shutter  643  is attached to the receiving portion  642 . The toner shutter  643  closes and opens the toner inlet  6421 . When the toner cartridge  7 Y is mounted to the drum cartridge  6 Y, the toner shutter  643  moves from a closed position to an open position while engaging with the toner cartridge  7 Y. Moreover, when the toner cartridge  7 Y is removed from the drum cartridge  6 Y, the toner shutter  643  moves from the open position to the closed position while engaging with the toner cartridge  7 Y. 
     Drum Cleaner 
     The drum cleaner  65 Y is located between the drum side plate  641 A and the drum side plate  641 B in the second direction. The drum cleaner  65 Y extends in the second direction. A first end of the drum cleaner  65 Y in the second direction is connected to the drum side plate  641 A. A second end of the drum cleaner  65 Y in the second direction is connected to the drum side plate  641 B. The drum cleaner  65 Y is capable of collecting waste toner from the photoconductive drum  61 Y. The waste toner is toner remaining on a surface of the photoconductive drum  61 Y without being transferred to the intermediate transfer belt  91 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the drum cleaner  65 Y includes a cleaning housing  651 , a cleaning member  652  and a waste toner conveying member  653 . 
     Cleaning Housing 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the cleaning housing  651  is located between the drum side plate  641 A and the drum side plate  641 B in the second direction. The cleaning housing  651  extends in the second direction. A first end of the cleaning housing  651  in the second direction is connected to the drum side plate  641 A. A second end of the cleaning housing  651  in the second direction is connected to the drum side plate  641 B. The cleaning housing  651  is capable of storing waste toner. As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the cleaning housing  651  has an opening  6511 . 
     Cleaning Member 
     The cleaning member  652  is attached to the cleaning housing  651 . The cleaning member  652  extends in the second direction. The cleaning member  652  has a plate shape. An edge of the cleaning member  652  is in contact with the surface of the photoconductive drum  61 Y. When the photoconductive drum  61 Y rotates, waste toner on the surface of the photoconductive drum  61 Y is removed from the surface of the photoconductive drum  61 Y by contacting with the edge of the cleaning member  652 . As a result of this, the cleaning member  652  cleans the circumferential surface of the photoconductive drum  61 Y. The removed waste toner is conveyed through the opening  6511  and stored in the cleaning housing  651 . 
     Waste Toner Conveying Member 
     The waste toner conveying member  653  is located in the cleaning housing  651 . The waste toner conveying member  653  conveys, in the second direction, the waste toner in the cleaning housing  651  toward the waste toner discharge portion  66 Y (see  FIG.  3   ). In the present embodiment, the waste toner conveying member  653  is an auger screw. The waste toner conveying member  653  extends in the second direction. 
     Waste Toner Discharge Portion 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the waste toner discharge portion  66 Y is located on an opposite side of the drum side plate  641 B with respect to the drum side plate  641 A in the second direction. The waste toner discharge portion  66 Y extends from the drum side plate  641 A in the second direction. The waste toner discharge portion  66 Y may be attached to the drum side plate  641 A. The waste toner discharge portion  66 Y has a cylindrical shape. An inner space of the waste toner discharge portion  66 Y communicates with an inner space of the cleaning housing  651 . As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the waste toner discharge portion  66 Y has a discharging outlet  661 Y. In other words, the drum cartridge  6 Y has the discharging outlet  661 Y. 
     The discharging outlet  661 Y communicates with the inner space of the waste toner discharge portion  66 Y. The discharging outlet  661 Y is capable of discharging the waste toner in the waste toner discharge portion  66 Y. As a result of this, the discharging outlet  661 Y is capable of discharging the waste toner collected by the drum cleaner  65 Y. 
     Shutter 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the shutter  67 Y is located on an opposite side of the drum side plate  641 B with respect to the drum side plate  641 A in the second direction. The shutter  67 Y is attached to the waste toner discharge portion  66 Y. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  5    and  FIG.  6   , the shutter  67 Y closes and opens the discharging outlet  661 Y. The shutter  67 Y is movable between a first closed position (see  FIG.  5   ) and a first open position (see  FIG.  6   ). The shutter  67 Y is pivotable with respect to the waste toner discharge portion  66 Y. The shutter  67 Y is pivotable around an axis A 11  between the first closed position and the first open position. As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , in a state in which the shutter  67 Y is positioned at the first closed position, the shutter  67 Y closes the discharging outlet  661 Y. As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , in a state in which the shutter  67 Y is positioned at the first open position, the discharging outlet  661 Y is open. 
     The shutter  67 Y extends in the second direction. The shutter  67 Y has a cylindrical shape. The shutter  67 Y is movable together with the engaging portion  68 Y. The shutter  67 Y has a shutter opening  671 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , in the state in which the shutter  67 Y is positioned at the first open position, at least a part of the shutter opening  671  communicates with the discharging outlet  661 Y. As a result of this, in the state in which the shutter  67 Y is positioned at the first open position, the discharging outlet  661 Y is open. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , it is noted that in the state in which the shutter  67 Y is positioned at the first closed position, the shutter opening  671  is spaced apart from the discharging outlet  661 Y. In the state in which the shutter  67 Y is positioned at the first closed position, the shutter opening  671  does not communicate with the discharging outlet  661 Y. 
     Engaging Portion 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the engaging portion  68 Y is located at an opposite side of the drum side plate  641 A with respect to the shutter  67 Y in the second direction. The engaging portion  68 Y is located on a side surface of the shutter  67 Y in the second direction. In the state in which the drum cartridge  6 Y is mounted on the drawer  5 , the engaging portion  68 Y engages with an engaging member  57 Y of the drawer  5  (see  FIG.  8   ). The engaging portion  68 Y becomes rotatable together with the engaging member  57 Y by engaging with the engaging member  57 Y. 
     More specifically, the engaging portion  68 Y protrudes, in the second direction, from the side surface of the shutter  67 Y in the second direction. The engaging portion  68 Y extends in a radial direction of the shutter  67 Y. In the state in which the drum cartridge  6 Y is mounted on the drawer  5 , the engaging portion  68 Y is fitted into a groove  571 Y of the engaging member  57 Y (see  FIG.  8   ). The engaging portion  68 Y becomes rotatable around the axis A 11  together with the engaging member  57 Y by being fitted into the groove  571 Y of the engaging member  57 Y. 
     Drum Cartridge 
     As described above, each of the drum cartridges  6 M,  6 C,  6 K has the same configuration as the drum cartridge  6 Y. That is, the drum cartridge  6 M includes a drum cleaner  65 M, a discharge outlet  661 M and a shutter  67 M. The drum cleaner  65 M is capable of collecting waste toner from the photoconductive drum  61 M. The discharge outlet  661 M is capable of discharging the waste toner collected by the drum cleaner  65 M. The shutter  67 M is movable between a second closed position and a second open position. In a state in which the shutter  67 M is positioned at the second closed position, the shutter  67 M closes the discharge outlet  661 M. In a state in which the shutter  67 M is positioned at the second open position, the discharge outlet  661 M is open. 
     Details of Drawer 
     There will be described in detail the drawer  5  with reference to  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  7    to  FIG.  14 B . 
     It is noted that “the second direction” in the following description of the drawer  5  is “the second direction” in the state in which the drum cartridge  6 Y is mounted on the drawer  5 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the drawer  5  includes a first side plate  51 A, a second side plate  51 B, a waste toner tube  52 , a plurality of waste toner shutters  53 Y,  53 M,  53 C,  53 K (see  FIG.  8   ), a conveying member  54 , a shutter driving member  55  (see  FIG.  11   ), a spring  56  (see  FIG.  11   ), the plurality of engaging members  57 Y,  57 M,  57 C,  57 K (see  FIG.  8   ), a grip  58  (see  FIG.  14 A ), the plurality of lock members  59 A,  59 B (see  FIG.  14 A ) and a bar  60  (see  FIG.  14 A ). 
     First Side Plate and Second Side Plate 
     The first side plate  51 A is located at a first end of the drawer  5  in the second direction. In the state in which the drum cartridge  6 Y is mounted on the drawer  5 , the first side plate  51 A is opposed to the drum side plate  641 A in the second direction. In the state in which the drum cartridge  6 Y is mounted on the drawer  5 , the first side plate  51 A is located on an opposite side of the drum side plate  641 B with respect to the drum side plate  641 A in the second direction. The first side plate  51 A supports the waste toner tube  52 . In the state in which the drum cartridge  6 Y is mounted on the drawer  5 , the first side plate  51 A supports the first end of the drum cartridge  6 Y in the second direction. 
     The second side plate  51 B is located at a second end of the drawer  5  in the second direction. The second side plate  51 B is spaced apart from the first side plate  51 A in the second direction. In the state in which the drum cartridge  6 Y is mounted on the drawer  5 , the second side plate  51 B is opposed to the drum side plate  641 B in the second direction. In the state in which the drum cartridge  6 Y is mounted on the drawer  5 , the second side plate  51 B is located on an opposite side of the drum side plate  641 A with respect to the drum side plate  641 B in the second direction. In the state in which the drum cartridge  6 Y is mounted on the drawer  5 , the second side plate  51 B supports the second end of the drum cartridge  6 Y in the second direction. 
     Waste Toner Tube 
     The waste toner tube  52  is located between the first side plate  51 A and the second side plate  51 B in the second direction. As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , the waste toner tube  52  extends in the first direction. Waste toner is allowed to pass through the waste toner tube  52 . As illustrated in  FIG.  10   , in the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, the waste toner tube  52  is connected to a waste toner storage  20 . On the other hand, in the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the drawn position (see  FIG.  2   ), the waste toner tube  52  is spaced apart from the waste toner storage  20 . 
     It is noted that the image forming apparatus  1  includes the waste toner storage  20 . The waste toner storage  20  is located in the body housing  2 . The waste toner storage  20  stores waste toner. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , the waste toner tube  52  includes a plurality of waste toner inlets  521 Y,  521 M,  521 C,  521 K and a waste toner discharging outlet  522 . 
     The plurality of waste toner inlets  521 Y,  521 M,  521 C,  521 K are arranged in the first direction. The waste toner inlet  521 Y is capable of receiving waste toner discharged from the discharging outlet  661 Y (see  FIG.  5   ) of the drum cartridge  6 Y which is being mounted on the drawer  5 . The waste toner inlet  521 M is capable of receiving waste toner discharged from the discharge outlet  661 M of the drum cartridge  6 M which is being mounted on the drawer  5 . The waste toner inlet  521 C is capable of receiving waste toner discharged from a discharging outlet  661 C of the drum cartridge  6 C which is being mounted on the drawer  5 . The waste toner inlet  521 K is capable of receiving waste toner discharged from a discharging outlet  661 K of the drum cartridge  6 K which is being mounted on the drawer  5 . 
     The waste toner discharging outlet  522  is capable of discharging the waste toner in the waste toner tube  52 . The waste toner discharging outlet  522  is located at a first end of the waste toner tube  52  in the first direction. As illustrated in  FIG.  10   , in a state in which the waste toner tube  52  is connected to the waste toner storage  20 , the waste toner discharging outlet  522  is located in the waste toner storage  20 . 
     Waste Toner Shutter 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  8    and  FIG.  9   , the waste toner shutter  53 Y is movable between a first waste toner closed position (see  FIG.  8   ) and a first waste toner open position (see  FIG.  9   ). The waste toner shutter  53 Y is pivotable between the first waste toner closed position (see  FIG.  8   ) and the first waste toner open position (see  FIG.  9   ). As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , in a state in which the waste toner shutter  53 Y is positioned at the first waste toner closed position, the waste toner shutter  53 Y closes the waste toner inlet  521 Y. As illustrated in  FIG.  9   , in a state in which the waste toner shutter  53 Y is positioned at the first waste toner open position, the waste toner inlet  521 Y is open. 
     The waste toner shutter  53 Y has an arc shape. In the state in which the drum cartridge  6 Y is mounted on the drawer  5 , the waste toner shutter  53 Y extends along a circumferential surface of the shutter  67 Y of the drum cartridge  6 Y (see  FIG.  3   ). As illustrated in  FIG.  11   , the waste toner shutter  53 Y includes a gear  531 Y. The gear  531 Y includes a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth are arranged in a direction in which the waste toner shutter  53 Y moves. 
     Each of the waste toner shutters  53 M,  53 C,  53 K has the same configuration as the waste toner shutter  53 Y. That is, the waste toner shutter  53 M is movable between a second waste toner closed position (see  FIG.  8   ) and a second waste toner open position (see  FIG.  9   ). As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , in a state in which the waste toner shutter  53 M is positioned at the second waste toner closed position, the waste toner shutter  53 M closes the waste toner inlet  521 M. As illustrated in  FIG.  9   , in a state in which the waste toner shutter  53 M is positioned at the second waste toner open position, the waste toner inlet  521 M is open. As illustrated in  FIG.  11   , the waste toner shutter  53 M includes a gear  531 M. An explanation of the waste toner shutters  53 M,  53 C,  53 K is dispensed with. 
     Conveying Member 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , the conveying member  54  is located in the waste toner tube  52 . The conveying member  54  is capable of conveying waste toner in the waste toner tube  52  toward the waste toner discharging outlet  522 . As illustrated in  FIG.  10   , in the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, the conveying member  54  is capable of conveying the waste toner in the waste toner tube  52  toward the waste toner storage  20 . In the present embodiment, the conveying member  54  is an auger screw. The conveying member  54  extends in the first direction. 
     Shutter Driving Member 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  11   , the shutter driving member  55  is supported by the first side plate  51 A. In the present embodiment, the shutter driving member  55  is located in the first side plate  51 A. The shutter driving member  55  extends in the first direction. The shutter driving member  55  is movable in the first direction with respect to the waste toner tube  52  between a first position (see  FIG.  11   ) and a second position (see  FIG.  12   ). Moreover, the shutter driving member  55  is movable with respect to the first side plate  51 A in the first direction between the first position and the second position. In the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the drawn position, the shutter driving member  55  is positioned at the first position (see  FIG.  11   ). In the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, the shutter driving member  55  is positioned at the second position (see  FIG.  12   ). The shutter driving member  55  drives the plurality of waste toner shutters  53 Y,  53 M,  53 C,  53 K. 
     More specifically, the shutter driving member  55  includes a plurality of rack portions  551 Y,  551 M,  551 C,  551 K and an acted portion  552 . 
     The plurality of rack portions  551 Y,  551 M,  551 C,  551 K are arranged in the first direction. The rack portion  551 Y meshes with the gear  531 Y The rack portion  551 Y includes a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth are arranged in the first direction. The rack portion  551 M meshes with the gear  531 M. The rack portion  551 M includes a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth are arranged in the first direction. The rack portion  551 C meshes with a gear  531 C. The rack portion  551 C includes a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth are arranged in the first direction. The rack portion  551 K meshes with a gear  531 K. The rack portion  551 K includes a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth are arranged in the first direction. 
     In a state in which the rack portion  551 Y meshes with the gear  531 Y, the rack portion  551 M meshes with the gear  531 M, the rack portion  551 C meshes with the gear  531 C and the rack portion  551 K meshes with the gear  531 K, the shutter driving member  55  is capable of driving the plurality of waste toner shutters  53 Y,  53 M,  53 C,  53 K. 
     In a state in which the shutter driving member  55  is positioned at the first position, the waste toner shutter  53 Y is positioned at the first waste toner closed position and the waste toner shutter  53 M is positioned at the second waste toner closed position. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  12   , in a state in which the shutter driving member  55  is positioned at the second position, the waste toner shutter  53 Y is positioned at the first waste toner open position and the waste toner shutter  53 M is positioned at the second waste toner open position. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  11   , the acted portion  552  is located at a downstream end of the drawer  5  in a direction in which the drawer  5  moves from the drawn position to the accommodated position. The acted portion  552  is located at a downstream end of the shutter driving member  55  in the direction in which the drawer  5  moves from the drawn position to the accommodated position. The acted portion  552  extends in the first direction. The acted portion  552  extends from the downstream end of the shutter driving member  55  in the direction in which the drawer  5  moves from the drawn position to the accommodated position. 
     Here, as illustrated in  FIG.  13   , the body housing  2  includes an acting portion  22 . In the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, the acting portion  22  is capable of acting on the acted portion  552 . More specifically, in the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, the acting portion  22  is capable of coming into contact with the acted portion  552 . 
     The shutter driving member  55  moves from the first position to the second position in accordance with a movement of the drawer  5  from the drawn position (see  FIG.  2   ) to the accommodated position (see  FIG.  13   ) while the acting portion  22  is in contact with the acted portion  552 . 
     The shutter driving member  55  becomes movable from the second position to the first position in accordance with a movement of the drawer  5  from the accommodated position (see  FIG.  13   ) to the drawn position (see  FIG.  2   ) while a contact of the acted portion  552  with the acting portion  22  is released. 
     Spring 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  11   , the spring  56  presses the shutter driving member  55  in a direction directed from the second position (see  FIG.  12   ) toward the first position (see  FIG.  11   ). As illustrated in  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  13   , when the drawer  5  moves from the drawn position to the accommodated position, the shutter driving member  55  moves from the first position to the second position against a pressing force of the spring  56  while the acting portion  22  acts on the acted portion  552 . When the drawer  5  moves from the accommodated position to the drawn position, the shutter driving member  55  moves from the second position to the first position by the pressing force of the spring  56  while an act of the acting portion  22  on the acted portion  552  is released. That is, the shutter driving member  55  moves with respect to the first side plate  51 A in the first direction in accordance with a movement of the drawer  5  between the accommodated position and the drawn position. 
     Engaging Member 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , the engaging member  57 Y is connected to the waste toner shutter  53 Y. The engaging member  57 Y is movable together with the waste toner shutter  53 Y. The engaging member  57 Y has a disc shape. The engaging member  57 Y includes the groove  571 Y. 
     The groove  571 Y extends in a radial direction of the engaging member  57 Y. In the state in which the drum cartridge  6 Y is mounted on the drawer  5 , the engaging portion  68 Y of the drum cartridge  6 Y (see  FIG.  3   ) is fitted into the groove  571 Y. The shutter  67 Y becomes movable together with the waste toner shutter  53 Y in a state in which the engaging portion  68 Y is fitted into the groove  571 Y. 
     As a result of this, the shutter driving member  55  can drive the shutter  67 Y via the waste toner shutter  53 Y. In other words, in the state in which the drum cartridge  6 Y is mounted on the drawer  5 , the shutter driving member  55  can cause the shutter  67 Y to move in accordance with a movement of the shutter driving member  55 . As illustrated in  FIG.  11   , in the state in which the shutter driving member  55  is positioned at the first position, the waste toner shutter  53 Y is positioned at the first waste toner closed position and the shutter  67 Y is positioned at the first closed position (see  FIG.  5   ). As illustrated in  FIG.  12   , in the state in which the shutter driving member  55  is positioned at the second position, the waste toner shutter  53 Y is positioned at the first waste toner open position and the shutter  67 Y is positioned at the first open position (see  FIG.  6   ). That is, the shutter  67 Y moves between the first closed position and the first open position in accordance with a movement of the shutter driving member  55  with respect to the first side plate  51 A in the first direction. 
     It is noted that the engaging member  57 Y functions as a drum locking member which locks the drum cartridge  6 Y to the drawer  5 . As illustrated in  FIG.  12   , in the state in which the shutter driving member  55  is positioned at the second position, the engaging member  57 Y is positioned at a first lock position. In a state in which the engaging member  57 Y is positioned at the first lock position, the engaging member  57 Y locks the drum cartridge  6 Y to the drawer  5 . As illustrated in  FIG.  11   , in the state in which the shutter driving member  55  is positioned at the first position, the engaging member  57 Y is positioned at a first lock release position. In a state in which the engaging member  57 Y is positioned at the first lock release position, the engaging member  57 Y releases a lock of the drum cartridge  6 Y to the drawer  5 . 
     Moreover, in a state in which the drum cartridges  6 M,  6 C,  6 K are mounted on the drawer  5 , the shutter driving member  55  can cause the shutters  67 M,  67 C,  67 K to move in accordance with the movement of the shutter driving member  55 . That is, in a state in which the drum cartridge  6 M is mounted on the drawer  5 , the shutter driving member  55  can cause the shutter  67 M to move in accordance with the movement of the shutter driving member  55 . In the state in which the shutter driving member  55  is positioned at the first position, the shutter  67 M is positioned at the second closed position. In the state in which the shutter driving member  55  is positioned at the second position, the shutter  67 M is positioned at the second open position. That is, the shutter  67 M moves between the second closed position and the second open position in accordance with the movement of the shutter driving member  55  with respect to the first side plate  51 A in the first direction. Moreover, in the state in which the shutter driving member  55  is positioned at the second position, an engaging portion  57 M is positioned at a second lock position. In a state in which the engaging portion  57 M is positioned at the second lock position, the engaging portion  57 M locks the drum cartridge  6 M to the drawer  5 . In the state in which the shutter driving member  55  is positioned at the first position, the engaging portion  57 M is positioned at a second lock release position. In a state in which the engaging portion  57 M is positioned at the second lock release position, the engaging portion  57 M releases a lock of the drum cartridge  6 M to the drawer  5 . 
     Grip 
     The grip  58  is located at an upstream end of the drawer  5  in a direction in which the drawer  5  moves from the drawn position to the accommodated position. When the user moves the drawer  5 , the user can grab the grip  58 . 
     Lock Member 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  14 A , the lock member  59 A and the lock member  59 B lock the drawer  5  to the accommodated position. 
     More specifically, the body housing  2  includes holes  23 A,  23 B. The hole  23 A is formed on a first inner surface of a first end portion of the body housing  2  in the second direction. The hole  23 B is formed on a second inner surface, which is opposed to the first inner surface in the second direction, of a second end portion of the body housing  2  in the second direction. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  14 A  and  FIG.  14 B , in the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, the lock member  59 A is movable in the second direction between a position at which the lock member  59 A fits into the hole  23 A (see  FIG.  14 A ) and a position at which the lock member  59 A goes out from the hole  23 A (see  FIG.  14 B ). 
     In the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, the lock member  59 B is movable in the second direction between a position at which the lock member  59 B fits into the hole  23 B (see  FIG.  14 A ) and a position at which the lock member  59 B goes out from the hole  23 B (see  FIG.  14 B ). 
     When the lock member  59 A fits into the hole  23 A and the lock member  59 B fits into the hole  23 B, the drawer  5  is locked to the accommodated position. When the lock member  59 A goes out from the hole  23 A and the lock member  59 B goes out from the hole  23 B, a lock of the drawer  5  to the accommodated position is released. 
     Bar 
     The bar  60  moves the lock member  59 A in a direction in which the lock member  59 A goes out from the hole  23 A and moves the lock member  59 B in a direction in which the lock member  59 B goes out from the hole  23 B. The bar  60  is connected to the lock member  59 A via a cam  601 A, and the bar is connected to the lock member  59 B via a cam  601 B. The bar  60  is movable between a distant position distant from the grip  58  (see  FIG.  14 A ) and a close position closer to the grip  58  (see  FIG.  14 B ) than the distant position. 
     When the bar  60  moves in a direction in which the bar  60  moves toward the grip  58 , the lock member  59 A moves in the direction in which the lock member  59 A goes out from the hole  23 A and the lock member  59 B moves in the direction in which the lock member  59 B goes out from the hole  23 B. 
     When the bar  60  moves in a direction in which the bar  60  moves away from the grip  58 , the lock member  59 A moves in a direction in which the lock member  59 A goes into the hole  23 A and the lock member  59 B moves in a direction in which the lock member  59 B goes into the hole  23 B. 
     Effects 
     According to the image forming apparatus  1 , as illustrated in  FIG.  13   , it is possible to position the shutter  67 Y at the first open position (see  FIG.  5   ) and position the shutter  67 M at the second open position in the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position. 
     Accordingly, in the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, it is possible to convey the waste toner from the drum cartridge  6 Y and the waste toner from the drum cartridge  6 M by the waste toner tube  52 . 
     Moreover, as illustrated in  FIG.  2   , in the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the drawn position, it is possible to position the shutter  67 Y at the first closed position (see  FIG.  6   ) and position the shutter  67 M at the second closed position. 
     As a result of this, it is possible to prevent the waste toner from being spilled from the drum cartridge  6 Y and the drum cartridge  6 M when the drum cartridge  6 Y and the drum cartridge  6 M are removed from the drawer  5 . 
     According to the image forming apparatus  1 , as illustrated in  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  13   , the shutter driving member  55  moves from the first position (see  FIG.  2   ) to the second position (see  FIG.  13   ) in accordance with the movement of the drawer  5  from the drawn position to the accommodated position, and moves from the second position (see  FIG.  13   ) to the first position (see  FIG.  2   ) in accordance with the movement of the drawer  5  from the accommodated position to the drawn position. 
     According to the configuration, it is possible to close and open the shutters  67 Y,  67 M,  67 C,  67 K by utilizing a force of the user at a time when the user moves the drawer  5 . 
     Accordingly, it is possible to improve usability of the image forming apparatus  1 . 
     According to the image forming apparatus  1 , as illustrated in  FIG.  11    and  FIG.  12   , the rack portion  551 Y of the shutter driving member  55  meshes with the gear  531 Y of the waste toner shutter  53 Y, the rack portion  551 M of the shutter driving member  55  meshes with the gear  531 M of the waste toner shutter  53 M, the rack portion  551 C of the shutter driving member  55  meshes with the gear  531 C of the waste toner shutter  53 C, and the rack portion  551 K of the shutter driving member  55  meshes with the gear  531 K of the waste toner shutter  53 K. As a result of this, it is possible to move the plurality of waste toner shutters  53 Y,  53 M,  53 C,  53 K in accordance with the movement of the shutter driving member  55 . 
     Accordingly, the user needs not close and open each of the plurality of waste toner shutters  53 Y,  53 M,  53 C,  53 K, and it is possible to improve usability of the image forming apparatus  1 . 
     Modification 
     While the disclosure has been described in conjunction with various example structures outlined above and illustrated in the figures, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that may be presently unforeseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the example embodiments of the disclosure, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative of the invention, and not limiting the invention. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to embrace all known or later developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents. Some specific examples of potential alternatives, modifications, or variations in the described invention are provided below: 
     There will be described next modifications with reference to  FIG.  15    and  FIG.  16   . In the modifications, it is noted that the same reference numerals as used in the first embodiment are used to designate the corresponding elements of the modifications, and an explanation of which is dispensed with. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  15    and  FIG.  16   , in the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, a shutter driving member  100  may move from a first position (see  FIG.  15   ) to a second position (see  FIG.  16   ) in accordance with a movement of the cover  3  from the cover open position (see  FIG.  15   ) to the cover closed position (see  FIG.  16   ). Moreover, in the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, the shutter driving member  100  may move from the second position (see  FIG.  16   ) to the first position (see  FIG.  15   ) in accordance with a movement of the cover  3  from the cover closed position (see  FIG.  16   ) to the cover open position (see  FIG.  15   ). 
     More specifically, the shutter driving member  100  includes an acted portion  101  in place of the acted portion  552  of the shutter driving member  55  in the above described first embodiment. 
     The acted portion  101  is located at the upstream end of the drawer  5  in the direction in which the drawer  5  moves from the drawn position to the accommodated position. The acted portion  101  is located at an upstream end of the shutter driving member  100  in the direction in which the drawer  5  moves from the drawn position to the accommodated position. The acted portion  101  extends in the first direction. The acted portion  101  extends from the upstream end of the shutter driving member  100  in the direction in which the drawer  5  moves from the drawn position to the accommodated position. 
     The cover  3  includes an acting portion  102 . As illustrated in  FIG.  16   , in the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, the acting portion  102  is capable of acting on the acted portion  101 . More specifically, in the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, the acting portion  102  is capable of coming into contact with the acted portion  101 . 
     In the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, when the cover  3  moves from the cover open position to the cover closed position, the shutter driving member  100  moves from the first position to the second position while the acting portion  102  acts on the acted portion  101 . 
     In the state in which the drawer  5  is positioned at the accommodated position, when the cover  3  moves from the cover closed position to the cover open position, the shutter driving member  100  moves from the second position to the first position while an act of the acting portion  102  on the acted portion  101  is released. 
     According to the modification, it is possible to close and open the shutters  67 Y,  67 M,  67 C,  67 K by utilizing a force of the user at a time when the user moves the cover  3 . 
     Accordingly, it is possible to improve usability of the image forming apparatus.