Image forming device

Abstract

The utility model discloses an image forming device, comprising: a frame; an imaging unit, arranged in the frame; a detection element, having a signal transmitting end and a signal receiving end in a first direction, for transmitting and receiving detection signals; a waste powder box, detachably installed in the frame, provided with a waste powder bin for storing waste powder; the waste powder box has a first light guide channel and a second light guide channel, and the detection signal emitted by the signal transmitting end is transmitted to the signal receiving end through the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel; the waste powder stock in the waste powder box increases to gradually block the second light guide channel; the detection signals transmitted by the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel are combined to form a combined signal, and output to the signal receiving end, and the installation state and powder stock state of the waste powder box are identified by detecting the strength of the combined signal. The present application sets a detection element and sets two light guide channels on the waste powder box to complete the identification of the installation state and powder stock state of the waste powder box, which is conducive to cost saving.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of electronic imaging equipment, in particular to an image forming device. Background Art

[0002] Image forming devices such as laser printers, copiers, and multifunction machines are all equipped with a waste toner box for storing waste toner and a detection device for detecting the waste toner box. The waste toner box linkage detection device is an important component in the image forming device, which is used to detect whether the image forming device is equipped with a waste toner box or whether the waste toner box is full of waste toner.

[0003] In the existing waste toner box detection technology, the detection methods are mainly divided into two categories: the first is to use two or more sensors and a single-channel light guide column, one sensor is used to detect the installation status, and the rest are used to detect the powder stock status. Although this method can detect the installation status of the waste toner box and the powder stock status (full box) of the waste toner box at the same time, it is costly and complicated; the second is to use one sensor and a single-channel light guide column, and its detection result is single, which can meet the needs of identifying the installation status of the waste toner box but cannot detect the powder stock status of the waste toner box, or cannot distinguish between the powder stock status of the waste toner box and the waste toner box not installed state. Utility Model Content

[0004] The image forming device of the utility model can effectively solve the problems of high cost and limited functions in the above-mentioned prior art method of detecting the waste toner box of the image forming device.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming device, comprising:

[0006] Frame;

[0007] An imaging unit, used for forming an image on an imaging medium, and disposed in the frame;

[0008] The detection element has a signal transmitting end and a signal receiving end in a first direction, and is used for transmitting and receiving a detection signal;

[0009] A waste powder box is detachably installed in the frame, and is provided with a waste powder bin for storing waste powder; the waste powder box has a first light guide channel and a second light guide channel, and the detection signal emitted by the signal transmitting end is transmitted to the signal receiving end through the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel; wherein the amount of waste powder in the waste powder box increases to gradually block the second light guide channel;

[0010] The detection signals transmitted by the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel are combined to form a combined signal, which is output to the signal receiving end. The installation status and powder stock status of the waste powder box are identified by detecting the strength of the combined signal. In some embodiments, a light guide column is provided in the waste powder box, and the light guide column is used to transmit the detection signal emitted by the detection element. The first light guide channel and the second light guide channel are integrally formed and arranged on the light guide column. Thus, signal transmission is achieved through the light guide column, and the integral formation of the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel is conducive to simplifying the structure of the waste powder box.

[0011] In some embodiments, the light guide column has a second transmitting end and a second receiving end, and the second transmitting end and the second receiving end are arranged opposite to the signal receiving end and the signal transmitting end, and the detection signal emitted by the signal transmitting end enters from the light entrance and passes through the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel, and the combined signal is output from the light exit. Thus, the detection signal enters from the light entrance, the combined signal is output from the light exit, and the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel realize variable output of signal strength.

[0012] In some embodiments, the light guide column is provided with a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface which are arranged opposite to each other, the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are located in the waste powder bin, and the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface reflect signals to communicate with each other to form the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel. Thus, the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface can be blocked by the waste powder, thereby blocking the second light guide channel and changing the signal strength in turn.

[0013] In some embodiments, a concave portion is provided between the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface, and the waste powder in the waste powder box increases so as to be gradually accommodated in the concave portion. Thus, the waste powder can be accommodated in the concave portion, thereby improving the shielding effect of the waste powder, so as to improve the accuracy of signal reflection.

[0014] In some embodiments, in the first direction, the projection of the first light guide channel does not overlap with the projection of the waste toner bin. Thus, the first light guide channel acts as a normal light guide channel, does not participate in the waste toner bin storing waste toner, and is not affected by the waste toner blocking the intensity of the reflected signal.

[0015] In some embodiments, the amount of waste powder in the waste powder box increases and gradually covers the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface along the second direction to block the second light guide channel, and the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. Thus, the waste powder mainly blocks the second light guide channel by stacking in the opposite direction of the gravity direction, satisfying the storage variable mode of the waste powder bin.

[0016] In some embodiments, in the third direction, the projection of the first light guide channel overlaps or partially overlaps with the projection of the second light guide channel, and the third direction is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. Thus, the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel meet the integrated molding design, which is convenient for reflecting the signal emitted by the detection element.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first light guiding channel and the second light guiding channel extend in a first direction, so that the directions in which the first light guiding channel and the second light guiding channel transmit signals are parallel to each other and are less likely to interfere with each other.

[0018] In some embodiments, a support plate is provided on the outside of the waste powder box, the support plate covers the waste powder box, and the support plate cooperates with the installation of the waste powder box. Thus, the support plate is used to protect the waste powder box, can be used as a part covering the frame, maintain the sealing of the frame, and has a cooperative installation function for the waste powder box.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the image forming device of the utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] The waste powder box of the present application has a first light guiding channel and a second light guiding channel. The detection signals emitted by the detection element can be transmitted to the receiving end of the detection element through the first light guiding channel and the second light guiding channel. The first light guiding channel can be used to detect the installation status of the waste powder box. The second light guiding channel is gradually blocked by increasing the amount of waste powder in the waste powder box, so that the signal intensity transmitted by the second light guiding channel changes, thereby identifying the amount of waste powder in the waste powder box. Therefore, the present application only needs to set one detection element and two light guiding channels on the waste powder box to complete the identification of the installation status and powder stock status of the waste powder box, which is conducive to cost saving and can meet the usage scenarios of the waste powder box. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the image forming device of the utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a waste toner box in the image forming device of the utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the structure of a waste toner box in an image forming device of the utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the structure of the light guide column in the image forming device of the utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the positions of the detection element and the light guide column in the image forming device of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of part A;

[0027] Figure 7 The utility model is a logic diagram of the detection element detecting the waste toner box.

[0028] In the figure: 1-image forming device, 11-frame, 12-waste toner box, 121-waste toner bin, 122-support plate, 13-detection element, 13a-photoelectric sensor, 131-signal transmitting end, 132-signal receiving end, 14-light guiding column, 141-light outlet, 142-light entrance, 143-first reflecting surface, 144-second reflecting surface, 145-recess. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiment of the utility model clearer, the technical solution in the embodiment of the utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiment of the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiment is a part of the embodiment of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiment of the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0030] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present utility model, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0031] The utility model relates to an image forming device, such as a laser printer, an electrophotographic copier, an electrophotographic printer (LED printer, a compound machine, an electrophotographic printer type fax machine and other products capable of electronic imaging. The image forming device needs to use carbon powder to form an electrostatic latent image during the imaging process, and waste toner is generated accordingly and stored in a waste toner box of the image forming device.

[0032] The utility model is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 The image forming device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. Figure 1As shown, the length direction of the image forming device 1 is the left-right direction (first direction), the height direction of the image forming device 1 is the up-down direction (second direction), and the width direction of the image forming device 1 is the front-back direction (third direction), and the three directions are orthogonal to each other. The image forming device 1 includes a frame 11, a paper feeding unit, an imaging unit (developing unit), a fixing unit and a discharge unit.

[0034] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the frame 11 has a three-dimensional structure appearance, and its interior is used to accommodate and support other components; the paper feeding unit includes a tray, a pickup roller and a conveying roller, the tray is used to place paper, the pickup roller is used to pick up the paper on the tray one by one, and the conveying roller is used to convey the paper picked up by the pickup roller to the imaging unit; the imaging unit includes a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, a developing device and a transfer unit, the photosensitive drum forms an electrostatic latent image thereon through the exposure unit, the charging roller is used to charge the photosensitive drum, the developing device contains toner, and the developing device includes a developing roller, the developing roller can rotate relative to the photosensitive drum, and after the developing roller is energized, it can develop the electrostatic latent image of the photosensitive drum into an image, and transfer the image to the paper through the transfer unit for final output. During the process of transferring the image to the transfer unit and then to the paper, a part of the toner will remain on the photosensitive drum and / or the transfer belt of the transfer unit. In order not to affect the subsequent paper printing effect, the residual toner (waste toner) will be removed. The image forming device 1 also includes a first cleaning unit, a second cleaning unit, a conveying device and a waste toner box 12. The first cleaning unit removes the waste toner on the photosensitive drum through a cleaning blade and conveys it to the conveying device. The second cleaning unit removes the waste toner on the transfer belt through a cleaning blade and conveys it to the conveying device. The conveying device can be constructed as a spiral blade to output the waste toner. The waste toner box 12 has a waste toner bin 121 for accommodating waste toner. The waste toner falls into the waste toner box 12 by its own weight and gradually stacks up. The waste toner finally gathers in the waste toner bin 121.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the waste powder box 12 is detachably installed in the frame 11. In order to be able to identify the installation status of the waste powder box 12 and the powder stock status inside the waste powder box 12, the present application detects the light intensity through a light reflection route to detect and identify the installation status and powder stock status of the waste powder box 12.

[0036] like Figure 3As shown, the image forming device 1 further includes a detection element 13 and a light guide column 14. The detection element 13 includes a PCB board, a power socket, a jumper and a photoelectric sensor 13a. The detection element 13 can emit a detection signal. In this embodiment, the detection signal is preferably a light intensity signal. The photoelectric sensor 13a has a signal transmitting end 131 and a signal receiving end 132. The signal transmitting end 131 and the signal receiving end 132 are arranged in a first direction and surrounded by a partition structure (cylindrical structure) to avoid mutual interference. The signal transmitting end 131 is used as a light source transmitting end, and the signal receiving end 132 is used to receive light intensity. The photoelectric sensor 13a can output different voltages according to the light intensity received by the signal receiving end 132. In the second direction, the photoelectric sensor 13a is located on the upper side of the waste toner box 12. The installation process of the waste toner box 12 does not interfere with the detection element 13. The detection element 13 is mainly used to transmit the detection signal and calculate the received detection signal. Other design structures can refer to the prior art.

[0037] The light guide column 14 is made of transparent PC material, and is used to receive and transmit the light intensity signal emitted from the detection element 13. The light reflection is mainly achieved by the inclination angle of the reflection surface. The light guide column 14 is set on the waste powder box 12, and a split structure can be adopted. Optionally, the light guide column 14 and the waste powder box 12 are integrally formed. In the second direction, the light guide column 14 is closer to the upper side of the waste powder box 12. When the waste powder box 12 is installed in the frame 11, the light guide column 14 and the photoelectric sensor 13a are arranged opposite to each other in the third direction. The light guide column 14 has a first light guide channel and a second light guide channel. The first light guide channel and the second light guide channel are both preset paths for light reflection and extend in the first direction. The waste powder box 12 transmits the light intensity signal emitted by the detection element 13 through the light guide column 14, that is, the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel are integrally formed and arranged on the light guide column 14. In this embodiment, part of the light guide column 14 is inserted into the waste powder bin 121 as a part of sealing the waste powder bin 121.

[0038] Among them, Figure 4 As shown, the rear side of the light guide column 14 has a light outlet 141 and a light inlet 142. In the third direction, the light outlet 141 is arranged opposite to the signal receiving end 132, and the light inlet 142 is arranged opposite to the signal transmitting end 131. The light intensity signal emitted by the signal transmitting end 131 enters the light inlet 142 and is transmitted to the light outlet 141 and finally output to the signal receiving end 132, so that the photoelectric sensor 13a can receive the light intensity signal of the signal receiving end 132. The light guide column 14 can be divided into a front part and a rear part. The front part is located in the waste toner bin 121, and the rear part does not overlap with the waste toner bin 121. The rear part is snapped or embedded in the edge of the waste toner box 12. The light outlet 141 and the light inlet 142 are located on the rear part and exposed to the outside of the waste toner box 12. The rear part of the light guide column 14 can reflect the light source by itself. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the light outlet 141 and the light inlet 142 are signal-connected with the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel of the light guide column 14, that is, the light intensity signal emitted by the signal transmitting end 131 enters from the light inlet 142, and passes through the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel and is finally output from the light outlet 141. In this process, the light intensity signals of the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel can be combined to form a combined (light intensity) signal. The intensity of the combined signal output from the light outlet 141 will vary. The installation status and powder stock status of the waste powder box 12 can be identified by identifying the intensity of the combined signal. Among them, the first light guide channel is used as a normal light guide channel and is not affected by the accumulation of waste powder, that is, it does not interfere with external obstructions. In the first direction, the projection of the first light guide channel does not overlap with the projection of the waste powder bin 121. The first light guide channel can normally ensure the reflected light intensity signal. The light intensity value of the light intensity emitted by the signal transmitting end 131 output through the first light guide channel is a constant value. The first light guide channel can be used to detect the installation status of the waste powder box 12.

[0039] The front part of the light guide column 14 is provided with a first reflecting surface 143 and a second reflecting surface 144, and the first reflecting surface 143 and the second reflecting surface 144 are arranged opposite to each other in the first direction. It can be seen that the first reflecting surface 143 and the second reflecting surface 144 are located in the waste powder bin 121, and can be covered by the waste powder after being stacked to block the light intensity signal. The first reflecting surface 143 and the second reflecting surface 144 are both inclined surfaces that can reflect light. The first reflecting surface 143 and the second reflecting surface 144 are arranged in mirror symmetry and extend along the third direction, so that the front part of the light guide column 14 forms a tip structure, and the light intensity signal can enter from the light inlet 142 and be refracted through the first reflecting surface 143 and the second reflecting surface 144, and finally output from the light outlet 141, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 , Figure 6As shown, it can be known that the first reflecting surface 143 and the second reflecting surface 144 form a first conduit channel and a second light guiding channel, which are marked as L1 and L2 respectively. Specifically, there is a boundary between L1 and L2, and the boundary is marked as L. The first reflecting surface 143 and the second reflecting surface 144 are divided into respective parts by the boundary L, that is, the first reflecting surface includes a first refractive surface 1431 and a second refractive surface 1432, and the second reflecting surface 144 includes a first transmission surface 1441 and a second transmission surface 1442. The first refractive surface 1431 and the first transmission surface 1441 form a first light guiding channel, and the second refractive surface 1432 and the second transmission surface 1442 form a second light guiding channel. In the first direction, the projection of the first light guiding channel does not overlap with the projection of the second light guiding channel. The second light guiding channel is different from the first light guiding channel. The second light guiding channel is a light guiding path whose light guiding area can be blocked. When the waste powder in the waste powder bin 121 is stacked upward along the third direction, the waste powder gradually covers the areas of the first reflecting surface 143 and the second reflecting surface 144 to block the second light guiding channel. The light intensity signal transmitted by the second light guiding channel will be weakened.

[0040] Further, a recess 145 is provided on the light guide column 14, the recess 145 is located at the front part of the light guide column 14 and is recessed backward along the third direction, the recess 145 is located between the first reflective surface 143 and the second reflective surface 144, and the recess 145 is connected to the first reflective surface 143 and the second reflective surface 144. It can be understood that the bottom (rear plane) of the recess 145 extending along the first direction is the boundary L. The recess 145 is used to improve the accuracy of the detection element 13. When the waste powder in the waste powder bin 121 is stacked to gradually cover the first reflective surface 143 and the second reflective surface 144, the waste powder can also be accommodated in the recess 145, and the waste powder has a more obvious covering effect between the first reflective surface 143 and the second reflective surface 144, thereby avoiding the problem of excessive deviation in the output light intensity due to the reflection offset of the light intensity signal or the uneven stacking of the waste powder.

[0041] Furthermore, a support plate 122 is provided on the outer side of the waste powder box 12, and the support plate 122 covers the waste powder box 12. When the waste powder box 12 is installed in the frame 11 through the support plate 122, the support plate 122 is exposed to the right side plate of the frame 11 to protect the waste powder box 12 from external interference. The support plate 122 can also cooperate with the installation of the waste powder box 12.

[0042] Working principle: The light guide column 14 is installed on the waste toner box 12, and the detection element 13 is installed in the frame 11 of the image forming device 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, when the waste toner box 12 is not installed in the frame 11, the signal receiving end 132 of the photoelectric sensor 13a cannot receive the light intensity signal. At this time, the voltage output by the photoelectric sensor 13a is 0-70mV, which is less than the reference value V ref1, define this installation state as "waste toner box 12 not installed", at which time the image forming device 1 cannot print normally. When the waste toner box 12 is installed into the frame 11, the signal transmitting end 131 transmits the light intensity signal to the light guide column 14. If the amount of waste toner in the waste toner bin 121 is not much and does not block the second light guide channel, the light intensity signal transmitted by the light guide column 14 is the sum of the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel, that is, the intensity of the combined signal. It can be said that the signal receiving end 132 receives the strongest light, and the output voltage at this time is greater than V ref1 100mV, then the installation status of the waste toner box 12 is "waste toner box 12 installed", and the image forming device 1 can print normally. If there is not much toner in the waste toner bin 121, the light source in the waste toner box 12 is transmitted to the photoelectric sensor 13a through the light guide 14, and the output voltage is ≥V ref2 1300 mV, define this state as "ready", in which printing jobs can be done. When the waste toner in the waste toner bin 121 gradually accumulates and reaches the position of the light guide column 14, the first reflection surface 143 and the second reflection surface 144 are covered, and the second light guide channel is blocked to reduce the area through which the light intensity signal passes. In comparison, the light intensity signal of the combined signal decreases, but the signal receiving end 132 can still receive the light intensity signal. At this time, the voltage output by the photoelectric sensor 13a is V full ~V ref2 The waste toner storage state is defined as "waste toner box 12 is about to be full", prompting the user to replace the waste toner box 12 in time, but the image forming device 1 can still operate normally at this time. When the waste toner box 12 is in the full state, the waste toner completely blocks the second light guide channel, the light intensity signal received by the signal receiving end 132 is the weakest, and the voltage output by the photoelectric sensor 13a is less than V full 400mV, the toner storage status is defined as "the waste toner box 12 is full", the image forming device 1 cannot print, and the waste toner box 12 needs to be replaced. (The voltage values ​​mentioned above are jointly determined by related components, mechanical structures, etc., and can be used as a reference.)

[0043] In some embodiments, the light guide column 14 is only provided with a second light guide channel. When the waste toner box 12 is not installed, the signal receiving end 132 cannot receive the light intensity signal. At this time, the voltage output by the photoelectric sensor 13a is less than the reference value. When the waste toner box 12 is installed on the frame 11, the light intensity signal emitted by the signal transmitting end 131 is transmitted to the signal receiving end 132 through the second light guide channel. The light intensity signal received by the signal receiving end 132 is the largest, and the voltage output by the photoelectric sensor 13a is greater than the reference value, indicating that the waste toner box 12 has been installed. When the waste toner in the waste toner bin 121 is When the waste powder gradually accumulates to block part of the second light guide channel, the light intensity signal received by the signal receiving end 132 weakens, and the powder inventory status is defined as "the waste powder box 12 is about to be full", prompting the user to replace the waste powder box 12 in time. When the waste powder in the waste powder bin 121 completely blocks the second light guide channel, the light intensity signal received by the signal receiving end 132 is the weakest, and the voltage output by the photoelectric sensor 13a is the minimum value after the waste powder box 12 is installed. The powder inventory status is defined as "the waste powder box 12 is full", the image forming device 1 cannot print, and the waste powder box 12 needs to be replaced.

[0044] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the various technical features in the above embodiments are described. This does not limit the present invention in any form. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. An image forming device, characterized in that: include: Frame; An imaging unit, used for forming an image on an imaging medium, and disposed in the frame; The detection element has a signal transmitting end and a signal receiving end in a first direction, and is used for transmitting and receiving a detection signal; A waste powder box is detachably installed in the frame, and is provided with a waste powder bin for storing waste powder; the waste powder box has a first light guide channel and a second light guide channel, and the detection signal emitted by the signal transmitting end is transmitted to the signal receiving end through the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel; wherein the amount of waste powder in the waste powder box increases to gradually block the second light guide channel; The detection signals transmitted by the first light guiding channel and the second light guiding channel are combined to form a combined signal, and output to the signal receiving end. The installation status and powder storage status of the waste toner box are identified by detecting the strength of the combined signal.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a light guide column arranged in the waste toner box, the light guide column is used to transmit the detection signal emitted by the detection element, and the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel are integrally formed and arranged on the light guide column.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The light guide column has a light outlet and a light inlet, which are arranged opposite to the signal receiving end and the signal transmitting end. The detection signal emitted by the signal transmitting end enters from the light inlet and passes through the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel, and the combined signal is output from the light outlet.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The light guide column is provided with a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface arranged opposite to each other, the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are located in the waste powder bin, and the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are connected in reflected signals to form the first light guide channel and the second light guide channel.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The first reflecting surface includes a first refractive surface and a second refractive surface, the second reflecting surface includes a first transmitting surface and a second transmitting surface, the first refractive surface and the first transmitting surface form the first light guiding channel, and the second refractive surface and the second transmitting surface form the second light guiding channel.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: A recess is provided between the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface, and the amount of waste powder in the waste powder box increases so as to be gradually accommodated in the recess.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: In a first direction, a projection of the first light guiding channel does not overlap with a projection of the waste toner bin.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The amount of waste powder in the waste powder box increases and gradually covers the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface along a second direction to block the second light guiding channel, and the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: In the third direction, the projection of the first light guiding channel overlaps or partially overlaps with the projection of the second light guiding channel, and the third direction is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A support plate is provided on the outer side of the waste toner box, the support plate covers the waste toner box, and the support plate cooperates with the waste toner box to be installed.

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