Image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can smoothly supply toner to a process cartridge.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 comprises a process cartridge 5 and a drawer 6. The process cartridge 5 has a photoconductor drum 51, a developing device 53, and a supply device 54. The supply device 54 supplies toner to the developing device 53. The supply device 54 has a supply port 540. With the process cartridge 5 placed on the drawer 6, the drawer 6 is movable between a first position and a second position. With the drawer 6 located at the first position, the drawer 6 locates the process cartridge 5 at an accommodated position. With the drawer 6 located at the second position, the drawer 6 locates the process cartridge 5 at a supply position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a process cartridge that can be mounted in an image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum, a developing device, and a supplying device. The supplying device is capable of supplying toner to the developing device. The supplying device has a supplying port. The supplying port is capable of receiving toner. When the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus, a container that contains toner is connected to the supplying port. The toner in the container is supplied to the developing device by the supplying device (see Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 180343 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an image forming apparatus such as that described in Patent Document 1, if the space above the image forming apparatus is limited, it may be difficult to replenish toner to a process cartridge that is attached to the image forming apparatus.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus that can smoothly replenish toner to a process cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a main body housing, a process cartridge, and a drawer. The main body housing has an opening.

[0007] The process cartridge is replaceable with respect to the main body housing. The process cartridge has a photosensitive drum, a developing device, and a replenishing device. The developing device is capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum. The replenishing device replenishing toner to the developing device. The replenishing device has a replenishing port. The replenishing port receives toner to be replenished to the developing device.

[0008] The drawer is capable of housing the process cartridge. With the process cartridge housed in the drawer, the drawer is movable between a first position and a second position through the opening. With the drawer in the first position, the drawer positions the process cartridge in the housing position. With the process cartridge in the housing position, the process cartridge is housed within the main body housing. With the process cartridge in the housing position, the user cannot replenish toner to the refill port. With the drawer in the second position, the drawer positions the process cartridge in the refill position. With the process cartridge in the refill position, the user can replenish toner to the refill port.

[0009] According to this configuration, the process cartridge located at the accommodation position can be placed on the drawer and moved to the supply position.

[0010] Therefore, even if it is difficult to replenish toner to a process cartridge located at the accommodation position, the process cartridge can be moved to the replenishment position and then the toner can be replenished to the process cartridge.

[0011] As a result, as long as a space is secured that allows access to the process cartridge located at the replenishing position, the process cartridge can be smoothly replenished with toner even in cases where the space around the image forming apparatus is limited.

[0012] (2) The main body may have a first stopper that engages with at least one of the process cartridge and the drawer when the process cartridge is located at the supply position to stop the process cartridge at the supply position.

[0013] According to this configuration, the toner replenishment operation can be smoothly performed with the process cartridge stopped at the replenishment position.

[0014] (3) When the process cartridge is in the supply position, the supply port may be located outside the main body casing.

[0015] With this configuration, the space outside the main body housing can be utilized.

[0016] Therefore, a working space for the toner supply operation can be easily secured.

[0017] (4) The main body housing may have a holder. The holder has a positioning opening. The positioning opening positions a container that contains toner with respect to the process cartridge that is located at the supply position. When the process cartridge is located at the supply position, the supply port can receive the toner through the positioning opening.

[0018] According to this configuration, the container containing the toner can be positioned relative to the process cartridge, so that the toner can be replenished to the process cartridge more smoothly.

[0019] (5) When the process cartridge is located at the replenishing position, the process cartridge may not be removable from the drawer. The drawer may be movable between the first position and the third position via the second position. When the drawer is located at the third position, the drawer positions the process cartridge at the pulled-out position. When the process cartridge is located at the pulled-out position, the process cartridge is pulled out to the outside of the main body housing. When the process cartridge is located at the pulled-out position, the process cartridge becomes removable from the drawer.

[0020] According to this configuration, when the drawer is in the second position, the amount by which the drawer is pulled out is smaller than when the drawer is in the third position, at which the process cartridge can be removed from the drawer.

[0021] Therefore, toner can be replenished to the process cartridge with the drawer pulled out to the minimum extent necessary.

[0022] As a result, even if the space around the image forming apparatus is limited, toner can be smoothly replenished to the process cartridge.

[0023] As a result, the image forming apparatus can be prevented from falling over during the operation of replenishing the toner to the process cartridge.

[0024] (6) The main body may have a second stopper that prevents the process cartridge from being removed from the drawer when the process cartridge is in the supply position.

[0025] According to this configuration, the process cartridge can be more reliably stopped at the supply position.

[0026] (7) The process cartridge may have an engagement portion. When the process cartridge is located at the supply position, the engagement portion faces the second stopper. When the process cartridge is located at the pulled-out position, the engagement portion of the process cartridge is located away from the second stopper.

[0027] (8) When the process cartridge is placed on the drawer, the supply port opens upward. The main body housing may have a receiving portion and a rotation preventing portion. When the process cartridge is located at the supply position, the receiving portion receives a force applied from above to the supply port. When the process cartridge is located at the supply position, the rotation preventing portion stops the drawer from rotating around the receiving portion due to the force applied from above to the supply port.

[0028] According to this configuration, when the process cartridge is located at the supply position, the process cartridge and the drawer can be stably supported by the receiving portion and the anti-rotation portion.

[0029] As a result, it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus from falling over during the operation of replenishing the toner to the process cartridge.

[0030] (9) In the direction of movement of the drawer, the receiving portion may be located between the supply port and the anti-rotation portion.

[0031] According to this configuration, when the process cartridge is located at the supply position, the main body housing can more stably support the process cartridge and the drawer.

[0032] (10) When the process cartridge is located at the replenishing position, the first stopper may engage with at least one of the process cartridge and the drawer between the receiving portion and the anti-rotation portion in the moving direction of the drawer.

[0033] According to this configuration, when the process cartridge is located at the supply position, the main body housing can more stably support the process cartridge and the drawer.

[0034] (11) In the direction of movement of the drawer, the distance between the receiving portion and the anti-rotation portion may be longer than the distance between the receiving portion and the supply port.

[0035] According to this configuration, when the process cartridge is located at the supply position, the main body housing can more stably support the process cartridge and the drawer.

[0036] (12) The main body housing may have a first guide. The first guide extends in a moving direction of the drawer and guides the drawer. The drawer may have a first guided portion. The first guided portion is guided by the first guide.

[0037] (13) The first guide may be a rail extending in the movement direction of the drawer. The first guided portion may be a rail extending in the movement direction of the drawer and slidable relative to the first guide.

[0038] (14) With the process cartridge placed on the drawer, the supply port may be located downstream of the photosensitive drum in the direction in which the drawer moves from the first position to the second position.

[0039] With this configuration, the amount by which the drawer is pulled out when in the second position can be reduced.

[0040] As a result, even if the space around the image forming apparatus is limited, toner can be smoothly replenished to the process cartridge.

[0041] As a result, the image forming apparatus can be prevented from falling over during the operation of replenishing the toner to the process cartridge.

[0042] (15) The process cartridge may further have a drum cleaner, a waste toner storage section, and a waste toner tube. The drum cleaner cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum. The waste toner storage section stores waste toner. The waste toner is toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum by the drum cleaner. Waste toner traveling from the drum cleaner to the waste toner storage section passes through the waste toner tube. The replenishing device has a container and a toner tube. The container has a replenishing port. The toner tube allows the passage of toner traveling from the container to the developing device. The waste toner storage section may be located between the container and the photosensitive drum.

[0043] (16) When the process cartridge is placed in the drawer, the waste toner storage unit may be located above the toner tube.

[0044] (17) The developing device may be movable relative to the photosensitive drum. The process cartridge may further include a seal member. The seal member seals between the toner tube and the developing device.

[0045] (18) The drawer may move downward from the first position to the second position.

[0046] (19) The image forming apparatus may further include a second process cartridge. The second process cartridge is replaceable with respect to the main body housing. The second process cartridge has a second photosensitive drum, a second developing device, and a second replenishing device. The second developing device is capable of supplying toner to the second photosensitive drum. The second replenishing device replenishing toner to the second developing device. The second replenishing device has a second replenishing port. The second replenishing port receives toner to be replenished to the second developing device. The drawer can carry the process cartridge and the second process cartridge. With the process cartridge and the second process cartridge placed on the drawer, the drawer is movable between the second position and the third position through the opening. With the drawer located at the second position, the drawer positions the process cartridge at the replenishing position and positions the second process cartridge at the second housing position. With the second process cartridge located at the second housing position, the second process cartridge is housed within the main body housing. When the second process cartridge is located at the second storage position, the user cannot replenish toner to the second supply port. When the drawer is located at the third position, the drawer positions the process cartridge in the pulled-out position and the second process cartridge in the second supply position. When the second process cartridge is located at the second supply position, the user can replenish toner to the second supply port.

[0047] (20) The photosensitive drum is rotatable about a drum shaft. The drum shaft extends in a first direction. The process cartridge further has a first side plate and a second side plate. The second side plate is located away from the first side plate in the first direction. The developing device is located between the first side plate and the second side plate in the first direction. The container may be located on the opposite side of the first side plate with respect to the second side plate in the first direction. The toner tube may extend in the first direction.

[0048] (21) The drum cleaner may be located between the first side plate and the second side plate in the first direction. The waste toner storage unit may be located on an opposite side of the first side plate with respect to the second side plate in the first direction. The waste toner tube may extend in the first direction.

[0049] (22) When the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the container of the replenishing device may be located above the waste toner storage unit.

[0050] (23) The image forming apparatus may further include a cover that is movable between a closed position and an open position, and when the cover is in the closed position, the cover closes the opening, and when the cover is in the open position, the opening is open. Effect of the Invention

[0051] According to the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure, toner can be smoothly replenished to the process cartridge. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the movement of the drawer shown in FIG. 1, and shows a state in which the drawer is located at the second position and the process cartridge is located at the supply position. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the movement of the drawer shown in FIG. 1, and shows a state in which the drawer is located at the third position and the process cartridge is located at the pulled-out position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positioning of the process cartridge shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positioning of the process cartridge shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a side view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 7 as viewed from a first direction. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 6 taken along line AA. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a modified example of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the movement of the drawer shown in FIG. 11, and shows a state in which the drawer is located at the first position and the process cartridge 103Y is located at the housing position. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the movement of the drawer shown in FIG. 11, and shows a state in which the drawer is located at the second position, the process cartridge 103Y is located at the supply position, and the process cartridge 103M is located at the second storage position. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram explaining the movement of the drawer shown in Figure 11, and shows a state in which the drawer is located in the third position, process cartridge 103Y is located in the pulled-out position, process cartridge 103M is located in the second supply position, and process cartridge 103C is located in the third storage position. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram explaining the movement of the drawer shown in Figure 11, and shows a state in which the drawer is located in the fourth position, the process cartridge 103M is located in the second pulled-out position, and the process cartridge 103C is located in the third supply position. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the movement of the drawer shown in FIG. 11, and shows a state in which the drawer is located at the fifth position and the process cartridge 103C is located at the third pulled-out position. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a top view of the drawer shown in FIG. 12, showing the drawer locked in the first position. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a top view of the drawer shown in FIG. 12, showing the drawer unlocked in the first position. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a top view of the drawer shown in FIG. 13, showing the drawer locked in the second position. [Figure 20] 20 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 11, taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 21] 21 is a side view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 20 as viewed from the moving direction of the drawer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] 1. Overview of image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment An outline of an image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0054] 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is an image forming apparatus dedicated to monochrome printing. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body housing 2, a cover 3, a sheet storage unit 4, a process cartridge 5, a drawer 6, an exposure device 7, a transfer device 8, and a fixing device 9.

[0055] 1.1 Main unit 2 The main body housing 2 accommodates a sheet storage section 4, a process cartridge 5, a drawer 6, an exposure device 7, a transfer device 8, and a fixing device 9. The main body housing 2 has an opening 21.

[0056] 1.2 Cover 3 The cover 3 is movable between a closed position (see FIG. 1) and an open position (see FIG. 2). When the cover 3 is in the closed position, the cover 3 closes the opening 21. When the cover 3 is in the open position, as shown in FIG. 2, the opening 21 is open.

[0057] 1.3 Sheet storage section 4 1, the sheet storage unit 4 is capable of storing a sheet S. The sheet S in the sheet storage unit 4 is transported toward the transfer device 8.

[0058] 1.4 Process Cartridge 5 The process cartridge 5 is replaceable with respect to the main body casing 2. The process cartridge 5 includes a photosensitive drum 51, a charging device 52, and a developing device 53.

[0059] 1.4.1 Photosensitive drum 51 The photosensitive drum 51 is rotatable about a drum axis A1. The drum axis A1 extends in a first direction. The photosensitive drum 51 has a cylindrical shape. The photosensitive drum 51 extends in the first direction.

[0060] 1.4.2 Charging device 52 The charging device 52 charges the photosensitive drum 51. In this embodiment, the charging device 52 is a charging roller. The charging device 52 may be a scorotron type charger.

[0061] 1.4.3 Developing device 53 The developing device 53 is capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum 51. The developing device 53 includes a developing housing 531 and a developing roller 532.

[0062] The developing housing 531 is capable of containing toner.

[0063] The developing roller 532 can supply toner in the developing housing 531 to the photosensitive drum 51. In this embodiment, the developing roller 532 contacts the photosensitive drum 51. The developing roller 532 may be separated from the photosensitive drum 51. The developing roller 532 extends in a first direction. The developing roller 532 can rotate about a developing axis A2. The developing axis A2 extends in the first direction.

[0064] 1.5 Drawer 6 The drawer 6 can accommodate the process cartridge 5. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the process cartridge 5 is placed on the drawer 6, the drawer 6 can move between a first position (see FIG. 1) and a second position (see FIG. 2) through the opening 21. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the process cartridge 5 is placed on the drawer 6, the drawer 6 can move between a second position (see FIG. 2) and a third position (see FIG. 3) through the opening 21. That is, the drawer 6 can move between the first position (see FIG. 1) and the third position (see FIG. 3) via the second position (see FIG. 2). The movement direction of the drawer 6 intersects with the first direction. Preferably, the movement direction of the drawer 6 is perpendicular to the first direction. The drawer 6 moves downward from the first position toward the second position.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 1, when the drawer 6 is in the first position, the drawer 6 positions the process cartridge 5 in the storage position. When the process cartridge 5 is in the storage position, the process cartridge 5 is stored in the main body housing 2. When the process cartridge 5 is in the storage position, the user cannot supply toner to the supply port 540. The supply port 540 will be described later. When the process cartridge 5 is in the storage position, the process cartridge 5 cannot be removed from the drawer 6.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, when the drawer 6 is in the second position, the drawer 6 positions the process cartridge 5 at the refill position. In this embodiment, when the process cartridge 5 is in the refill position, the refill port 540 is located outside the main body housing 2. This allows the user to refill toner into the refill port 540 when the process cartridge 5 is in the refill position. When the process cartridge 5 is in the refill position, the photosensitive drum 51, the developing device 53, and the waste toner storage section 58 are located inside the main body housing 2, and a part of the container 541 of the refill device 54 is located outside the main body housing 2. The waste toner storage section 58 and the refill device 54 will be described later. When the process cartridge 5 is in the refill position, the process cartridge 5 cannot be removed from the drawer 6.

[0067] 3, when the drawer 6 is in the third position, the drawer 6 positions the process cartridge 5 in the pulled-out position. When the process cartridge 5 is in the pulled-out position, at least a part of the process cartridge 5 is pulled out to the outside of the main body housing 2. When the process cartridge 5 is in the pulled-out position, the photosensitive drum 51 and the developing device 53 are located inside the main body housing 2, and the entire container 541 of the replenishing device 54 and a part of the waste toner storage section 58 are located outside the main body housing 2. When the process cartridge 5 is in the pulled-out position, the process cartridge 5 can be removed from the drawer 6.

[0068] 1.6 Exposure equipment 7 1, the exposure device 7 can expose the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 51 that has been charged by the charging device 52. In this embodiment, the exposure device 7 is a laser scan unit. The exposure device 7 may also be an LED head.

[0069] 1.7 Transfer device 8 The transfer device 8 transfers the toner from the photosensitive drum 51 to the sheet S. The transfer device 8 includes a transfer roller 81.

[0070] 1.8 Fixing device 9 The fixing device 9 fixes the toner to the sheet S. In this embodiment, the fixing device 9 fixes the toner to the sheet S by applying heat and pressure to the sheet S to which the toner has been transferred. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing device 9 is discharged onto the top surface of the main body housing 2.

[0071] 2. Details of the main body 2 Next, main body housing 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7. FIG.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 4, the main body housing 2 has two first stoppers 22A, 22B, two second stoppers 23A, 23B, two third stoppers 24A, 24B, two first guides 25A, 25B, two second guides 26A, 26B, and two drum guides 27A, 27B.

[0073] It should be noted that the first stopper 22B, the second stopper 23B, the third stopper 24A, the first guide 25A, the second guide 26A, and the drum guide 27A are not shown.

[0074] 2.1 First stoppers 22A, 22B When the process cartridge 5 is located at the supply position, the first stopper 22A engages with an engagement portion 55A (see FIG. 7) of the process cartridge 5 to stop the process cartridge 5 at the supply position. The engagement portion 55A will be described later. The first stopper 22A may engage with the drawer 6. When the process cartridge 5 is located at the supply position, the first stopper 22A engages with the process cartridge 5 between the receiving portion 251B and the rotation stopper 261B in the moving direction of the drawer 6. The receiving portion 251B and the rotation stopper 261B will be described later. In this embodiment, the first stopper 22A is a leaf spring. The first stopper 22A is attached to the second stopper 23A.

[0075] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the user pulls the drawer 6 from the second position (see Figure 4) to the third position (see Figure 5), the first stopper 22A elastically deforms, causing the first stopper 22A to disengage from the engagement portion 55A of the process cartridge 5.

[0076] When the process cartridge 5 is located at the supply position, the first stopper 22B (not shown) engages with an engagement portion 55B (see FIG. 7) of the process cartridge 5 to stop the process cartridge 5 at the supply position. The engagement portion 55B will be described later. The first stopper 22B will be described in the same manner as the first stopper 22A. Therefore, a description of the first stopper 22B will be omitted.

[0077] 2.2 Second stoppers 23A, 23B As shown in FIG. 4, when the process cartridge 5 is located at the supply position, the second stopper 23A stops the process cartridge 5 from being removed from the drawer 6. The second stopper 23A is located on one inner surface of the main body housing 2 in the first direction. When the process cartridge 5 is located at the supply position, the second stopper 23A faces the engagement portion 55A (see FIG. 7) of the process cartridge 5. When the process cartridge 5 is located at the supply position, the second stopper 23A is located above the engagement portion 55A of the process cartridge 5. When the process cartridge 5 is located at the supply position, if the user moves the process cartridge 5 upward to remove it from the drawer 6, the second stopper 23A comes into contact with the engagement portion 55A of the process cartridge 5 to stop the process cartridge 5 from being removed from the drawer 6.

[0078] The second stopper 23B, not shown, is located on the other inner surface of the main body housing 2 in the first direction. When the process cartridge 5 is located at the supply position, the second stopper 23B faces an engagement portion 55B (see FIG. 7) of the process cartridge 5. The second stopper 23B will be described in the same manner as the second stopper 23A. Therefore, a description of the second stopper 23B will be omitted.

[0079] 2.3 Third stoppers 24A, 24B The third stopper 24B is located inside the drum guide 27B. When the process cartridge 5 is located at the accommodation position (see FIG. 1), the third stopper 24B engages with a protrusion 501B (see FIG. 7) of the process cartridge 5 to stop the process cartridge 5 at the accommodation position. The protrusion 501B will be described later.

[0080] When the process cartridge 5 is located at the housing position, the third stopper 24A (not shown) engages with a protrusion 501A (see FIG. 7) of the process cartridge 5 to stop the process cartridge 5 at the housing position. The third stopper 24A will be described in the same manner as the third stopper 24B. Therefore, the description of the third stopper 24A will be omitted.

[0081] 2.4 First guide 25A, 25B As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first guide 25B is located on the other inner surface of the main housing 2 in the first direction. The first guide 25B guides the drawer 6. The first guide 25B extends in the movement direction of the drawer 6. The first guide 25B is a rail that extends in the movement direction of the drawer 6. The first guide 25B has one end E1 and the other end E2 in the movement direction of the drawer 6. The one end E1 is located between the transfer roller 81 and the other end E2 in the movement direction of the drawer 6.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 4, when the process cartridge 5 is in the replenishing position and a container B (see FIG. 2) containing toner is connected to the replenishing port 540, the other end E2 receives a force applied from above to the replenishing port 540. That is, the first guide 25B has a receiving portion 251B. In other words, the main housing 2 has a receiving portion 251B. The receiving portion 251B is located at the other end E2 of the first guide 25B in the moving direction of the drawer 6. When the process cartridge 5 is in the replenishing position, the receiving portion 251B receives a force applied from above to the replenishing port 540.

[0083] In the movement direction of the drawer 6, the receiving portion 251B is located between the supply port 540 and the anti-rotation portion 261B. The anti-rotation portion 261B will be described later. In the movement direction of the drawer 6, the distance D1 between the receiving portion 251B and the anti-rotation portion 261B is longer than the distance D2 between the receiving portion 251B and the supply port 540. As a result, when the container B containing toner is connected to the supply port 540 with the process cartridge 5 located at the supply position, the force applied from above to the supply port 540 can be stably received by the receiving portion 251B, and the image forming apparatus 1 can be prevented from tipping over.

[0084] The first guide 25A, not shown, is located on one inner surface of the main body housing 2 in the first direction. The first guide 25A will be described in the same manner as the first guide 25B. Therefore, a description of the first guide 25A will be omitted.

[0085] 2.5 Second guide 26A, 26B The second guide 26B is located on the other inner surface of the main body housing 2 in the first direction. The second guide 26B is located below the first guide 25B. The second guide 26B extends in the movement direction of the drawer 6. The second guide 26B extends parallel to the first guide 25B. The second guide 26B guides the drawer 6 together with the first guide 25B. The second guide 26B is a groove extending in the movement direction of the drawer 6. The second guide 26B has one end E11 and the other end E12 in the movement direction of the drawer 6. The one end E11 is located between the transfer roller 81 and the other end E12 in the movement direction of the drawer 6.

[0086] In this embodiment, the second guide 26B has a rotation prevention portion 261B. In other words, the main housing 2 has the rotation prevention portion 261B. The rotation prevention portion 261B is a part of the inner surface of the upper side of the second guide 26B. When the process cartridge 5 is located at the supply position, the rotation prevention portion 261B faces the protrusion 621B of the drawer 6.

[0087] When the process cartridge 5 is in the replenishing position and the container B containing toner is connected to the replenishing port 540, the drawer 6 tries to rotate about the receiving portion 251B due to the force applied from above to the replenishing port 540. Here, the rotation stopper 261B comes into contact with the protrusion 621B of the drawer 6 and stops the rotation of the drawer 6. In other words, when the process cartridge 5 is in the replenishing position, the rotation stopper 261B stops the drawer 6 from rotating about the receiving portion 251B due to the force applied from above to the replenishing port 540.

[0088] The second guide 26A, not shown, is located on one inner surface of the main body housing 2 in the first direction. The second guide 26A will be described in the same manner as the second guide 26B. Therefore, a description of the second guide 26A will be omitted.

[0089] 2.6 Drum guides 27A, 27B The drum guide 27B is located on the other inner surface of the main body housing 2 in the first direction. The drum guide 27B is located above the first guide 25B. The drum guide 27B extends in the movement direction of the drawer 6. The drum guide 27B extends parallel to the first guide 25B. The drum guide 27B guides a protrusion 501B (see FIG. 7) of the process cartridge 5. The drum guide 27B is a groove.

[0090] The drum guide 27A, not shown, is located on one inner surface of the main body housing 2 in the first direction. The drum guide 27A guides a protrusion 501A (see FIG. 7) of the process cartridge 5. The drum guide 27A will be described in the same manner as the drum guide 27B. Therefore, a description of the drum guide 27A will be omitted.

[0091] 3. Details of Drawer 6 Next, the drawer 6 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 4, the drawer 6 has two drawer side plates 60A, 60B, two first guided portions 61A, 61B, and two second guided portions 62A, 62B.

[0093] The drawer side plate 60B, the first guided portion 61B, and the second guided portion 62B are not shown.

[0094] 3.1 Drawer side panels 60A, 60B The drawer side plate 60A is located at one end of the drawer 6 in the first direction. The drawer side plate 60A extends in the movement direction of the drawer 6 and in the up-down direction.

[0095] The drawer side plate 60B, not shown, is located at the other end of the drawer 6 in the first direction. The drawer side plate 60B is located away from the drawer side plate 60A in the first direction. The drawer side plate 60B extends in the movement direction of the drawer 6 and in the up-down direction.

[0096] 3.2 First guided portions 61A, 61B The first guided portion 61A is guided by the first guide 25A. The first guided portion 61A is located on one side of the drawer side plate 60A in the first direction. The first guided portion 61A protrudes from the drawer side plate 60A in the first direction. The first guided portion 61A extends in the movement direction of the drawer 6. The first guided portion 61A is a rail that is slidable relative to the first guide 25A.

[0097] The first guided portion 61B, not shown, is guided by the first guide 25B. The first guided portion 61B is located on the other side of the drawer side plate 60B in the first direction. The first guided portion 61B will be described in the same manner as the first guided portion 61A. Therefore, a description of the first guided portion 61B will be omitted.

[0098] 3.3 Second guided portions 62A, 62B The second guided portion 62A is guided by the second guide 26A. The second guided portion 62A has two protrusions 621A and 622A.

[0099] The protrusion 621A is located on one side of the drawer side plate 60A in the first direction. The protrusion 621A protrudes from the drawer side plate 60A in the first direction. The protrusion 621A has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 621A fits within the second guide 26A.

[0100] The protrusion 622A is located on one side of the drawer side plate 60A in the first direction. The protrusion 622A is located away from the protrusion 621A in the movement direction of the drawer 6. The protrusion 622A is located on the opposite side of the transfer roller 81 from the protrusion 621A in the movement direction of the drawer 6. The protrusion 622A protrudes from the drawer side plate 60A in the first direction. The protrusion 622A has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 622A fits into the second guide 26A. As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 622A abuts against the inner surface of the other end E12 of the second guide 26A, thereby stopping the drawer 6 in the third position.

[0101] The second guided portion 62B, not shown, is guided by the second guide 26B. The second guided portion 62B has two protrusions 621B, 622B. The protrusions 621B, 622B are located on the other side of the drawer side plate 60B in the first direction. The protrusion 621B will be described in the same manner as the protrusion 621A, and the protrusion 622B will be described in the same manner as the protrusion 622A. Therefore, a description of the protrusions 621B, 622B will be omitted.

[0102] 4. Process Cartridge 5 Details Next, the process cartridge 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 6, in addition to the photosensitive drum 51, charging device 52 and developing device 53 described above, the process cartridge 5 further has two process side plates 50A, 50B (see FIG. 7), two protrusions 501A, 501B, a replenishing device 54, two engagement portions 55A, 55B (see FIG. 7), a sealing member 56, a drum cleaner 57, a waste toner storage portion 58, a waste toner tube 59 (see FIG. 7) and a screw 60 (see FIG. 7).

[0104] 4.1 Process side panels 50A, 50B As shown in Fig. 7, the process side plate 50A is located at one end of the process cartridge 5 in the first direction. The process side plate 50A extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. The process side plate 50A extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The process side plate 50A supports one end of the photosensitive drum 51 in the first direction. As shown in Fig. 8, the process side plate 50A has holes 502A and 503A.

[0105] The hole 502A extends in a direction connecting the drum axis A1 and the development axis A2. The hole 502A is an elongated hole.

[0106] The hole 503A is located away from the hole 502A. The hole 503A extends in a different direction from the hole 502A. When the process cartridge 5 is attached to the drawer 6, the hole 503A extends in the movement direction of the drawer 6. The hole 503A is an elongated hole.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 7, the process side plate 50B is located at the other end of the process cartridge 5 in the first direction. The process side plate 50B is located away from the process side plate 50A in the first direction. The process side plate 50B extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. The process side plate 50B extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The process side plate 50B supports the other end of the photosensitive drum 51 in the first direction. The process side plate 50B has holes 502B and 503B. The holes 502B and 503B are not shown. The hole 502B will be described in the same manner as the hole 502A, and the hole 503B will be described in the same manner as the hole 503A. Therefore, the description of the holes 502B and 503B will be omitted.

[0108] 4.2 Protrusion 501A, 501B The protrusion 501A is located on the opposite side of the process side plate 50B with respect to the process side plate 50A in the first direction. The protrusion 501A extends in the first direction. The protrusion 501A extends from the process side plate 50A. The protrusion 501A may be attached to the process side plate 50A. The protrusion 501A has a cylindrical shape. One end of the photosensitive drum 51 in the first direction fits into the protrusion 501A.

[0109] The protrusion 501B is located on the opposite side of the process side plate 50A with respect to the process side plate 50B in the first direction. The protrusion 501B extends in the first direction. The protrusion 501B extends from the process side plate 50B. The protrusion 501B may be attached to the process side plate 50B. The protrusion 501B has a cylindrical shape. The other end of the photosensitive drum 51 in the first direction fits into the protrusion 501B.

[0110] 4.3 Details of developing unit 53 9, the developing device 53 has two protrusions 533A and 533B and two protrusions 534A and 534B in addition to the developing casing 531 and the developing roller 532 described above.

[0111] The protrusion 533A is located at one end of the developing device 53 in the first direction. The protrusion 533A extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the protrusion 533A is one end of the developing roller 532 in the first direction. The protrusion 533A protrudes from one side surface of the developing housing 531 in the first direction. The protrusion 533A fits into a hole 502A (see FIG. 8) of the process side plate 50A.

[0112] The protrusion 533B is located at the other end of the developing device 53 in the first direction. The protrusion 533B extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the protrusion 533B is the other end of the developing roller 532 in the first direction. The protrusion 533B protrudes from the other side surface of the developing housing 531 in the first direction. The protrusion 533B fits into the hole 502B of the process side plate 50B.

[0113] The protrusion 534A is located at one end of the developing device 53 in the first direction. The protrusion 534A is located away from the protrusion 533A. The protrusion 534A extends in the first direction. The protrusion 534A extends from one side surface of the developing housing 531 in the first direction. The protrusion 534A fits into the hole 503A (see FIG. 8) of the process side plate 50A.

[0114] The protrusion 534B is located at the other end of the developing device 53 in the first direction. The protrusion 534B is located away from the protrusion 533B. The protrusion 534B extends in the first direction. The protrusion 534B extends from the other side surface of the developing housing 531 in the first direction. The protrusion 534B fits into the hole 503B of the process side plate 50B.

[0115] With protrusion 533A fitting into hole 502A, protrusion 533B fitting into hole 502B, protrusion 534A fitting into hole 503A, and protrusion 534B fitting into hole 503B, developing device 53 is supported by process side plates 50A and 50B and can move relative to photosensitive drum 51.

[0116] The receiving port 535 is capable of receiving the toner from the supply device 54. The receiving port 535 is located in the center of the developing housing 531 in the first direction. The receiving port 535 communicates with the internal space of the developing housing 531.

[0117] 4.4 Supply device 54 6 and 9, the replenishing device 54 replenishing toner to the developing device 53. The replenishing device 54 includes a container 541, a toner tube 542, an agitator 543, a screw 544, and a belt conveyor 545.

[0118] 4.4.1 Container 541 As shown in FIG. 6, the container 541 is located away from the developing device 53 in the second direction. The second direction intersects with the first direction. Preferably, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. With the process cartridge 5 placed on the drawer 6, the second direction is the same as the moving direction of the drawer 6. The container 541 is capable of containing toner. The container 541 is fixed to the process side plate 50A and the process side plate 50B. The container 541 has a supply port 540. In other words, the supply device 54 has a supply port 540.

[0119] The supply port 540 receives the toner to be supplied to the developing device 53. When the process cartridge 5 is placed on the drawer 6, the supply port 540 is located downstream of the photosensitive drum 51 in the direction in which the drawer 6 moves from the first position to the second position. When the process cartridge 5 is placed on the drawer 6, the supply port 540 is located downstream of the developing device 53 in the direction in which the drawer 6 moves from the first position to the second position. When the process cartridge 5 is placed on the drawer 6, the supply port 540 is located at the downstream end of the process cartridge 5 in the direction in which the drawer 6 moves from the first position to the second position. When the process cartridge 5 is placed on the drawer 6, the supply port 540 opens upward. As shown in FIG. 7, the supply port 540 is located at the center of the container 541 in the first direction.

[0120] 4.4.2 Toner Tube 542 As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the toner tube 542 allows the passage of toner from the container 541 toward the developing device 53. The toner tube 542 is located between the container 541 and the developing device 53 in the second direction. The toner tube 542 extends in the second direction. One end of the toner tube 542 in the second direction is connected to the developing device 53. The other end of the toner tube 542 in the second direction is connected to the container 541. The toner tube 542 is fixed to the container 541. The toner tube 542 is located in the center of the process cartridge 5 in the first direction. The toner tube 542 has an outlet 5421.

[0121] The discharge port 5421 is capable of discharging the toner in the toner tube 542. The discharge port 5421 is located at one end of the toner tube 542 in the second direction. The discharge port 5421 communicates with the internal space of the toner tube 542. The discharge port 5421 communicates with the receiving port 535 of the developing device 53.

[0122] 4.4.3 Agitator 543 The agitator 543 is located inside the container 541. The agitator 543 agitates the toner inside the container 541 and transports it toward the screw 544.

[0123] 4.4.4 Screw 544 The screw 544 is located in the container 541. The screw 544 is located between the agitator 543 and the toner tube 542. The screw 544 extends in a first direction. In this embodiment, the screw 544 is an auger screw. The screw 544 transports the toner in the container 541 toward the center in the first direction. The screw 544 transports the toner in the container 541 toward the toner tube 542.

[0124] 4.4.5 Belt Conveyor 545 Belt conveyor 545 is located inside toner tube 542. Belt conveyor 545 transports the toner inside toner tube 542 toward discharge port 5421.

[0125] 4.3 Engagement part 55A, 55B As shown in Fig. 4, when the process cartridge 5 is located at the supply position, the engagement portion 55A faces the second stopper 23A. As shown in Fig. 5, when the process cartridge 5 is located at the pulled-out position, the engagement portion 55A is located away from the second stopper 23A.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 7, the engagement portion 55A is located at one end of the process cartridge 5 in the first direction. The engagement portion 55A is located on the opposite side of the process side plate 50B with respect to the process side plate 50A in the first direction. The engagement portion 55A extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the engagement portion 55A extends from one side surface of the container 541 in the first direction. The engagement portion 55A has a recess 551A. When the process cartridge 5 is located in the supply position, the first stopper 22A (see FIG. 4) fits into the recess 551A.

[0127] The engaging portion 55B is located at the other end of the process cartridge 5 in the first direction. The engaging portion 55B extends from the other side surface of the container 541 in the first direction. The engaging portion 55B will be described in the same manner as the engaging portion 55A. Therefore, a description of the engaging portion 55B will be omitted.

[0128] 4.4 Sealing material 56 6, the seal member 56 surrounds the discharge port 5421 and the receiving port 535. The seal member 56 seals between the toner tube 542 and the developing housing 531. The seal member 56 is elastically deformable in response to the movement of the developing device 53. The seal member 56 is made of, for example, a sponge.

[0129] 4.5 Drum cleaner 57 The drum cleaner 57 cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. The drum cleaner 57 includes a cleaner housing 571, a cleaning member 572, and a screw 573.

[0130] The cleaner housing 571 can accommodate waste toner from the photosensitive drum 51. The cleaner housing 571 has an opening 574. The waste toner is toner that has been removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 by the drum cleaner 57.

[0131] The cleaning member 572 cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. The cleaning member 572 is attached to a cleaner housing 571. An edge of the cleaning member 572 comes into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. When the photosensitive drum 51 rotates, toner that has not been transferred from the photosensitive drum 51 to the sheet S and remains on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 is removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 by the edge of the cleaning member 572. The waste toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 passes through an opening 574 and enters the cleaner housing 571.

[0132] The screw 573 is located in the cleaner housing 571. The screw 573 transports the waste toner in the cleaner housing 571 toward the waste toner tube 59 (see FIG. 7). The screw 573 extends in a first direction. In this embodiment, the screw 573 is an auger screw. The screw 573 may be a shaftless screw.

[0133] 4.6 Waste toner storage compartment 58 The waste toner storage unit 58 stores waste toner. The waste toner storage unit 58 is located between the container 541 and the photosensitive drum 51 in the second direction. When the process cartridge 5 is placed on the drawer 6, the waste toner storage unit 58 is located above the toner tube 542. As shown in FIG. 7, the waste toner storage unit 58 is located between the process side plate 50A and the process side plate 50B in the first direction. The waste toner storage unit 58 is fixed to the process side plate 50A and the process side plate 50B.

[0134] 4.7 Waste Toner Tube 59 The waste toner flowing from drum cleaner 57 to waste toner storage unit 58 passes through waste toner tube 59. One end of waste toner tube 59 is connected to drum cleaner 57. The other end of waste toner tube 59 is connected to waste toner storage unit 58. Waste toner tube 59 passes on the side opposite process side plate 50B with respect to process side plate 50A in the first direction.

[0135] 4.8 Screw 60 The screw 60 is located inside the waste toner tube 59. The screw 60 transports the toner inside the waste toner tube 59 toward the waste toner storage unit 58. The screw 60 is a shaftless screw.

[0136] 5. Effects (1) According to the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the process cartridge 5 located in the housing position can be placed on the drawer 6 and moved to the supply position.

[0137] Therefore, even if it is difficult to replenish toner to the process cartridge 5 located at the accommodation position, the process cartridge 5 can be moved to the replenishment position and then the toner can be replenished to the process cartridge 5.

[0138] As a result, as long as there is sufficient space to access the process cartridge 5 located at the supply position, toner can be smoothly supplied to the process cartridge 5 even if the space around the image forming apparatus 1 is limited.

[0139] (2) According to the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the first stopper 22A can stop the process cartridge 5 at the supply position.

[0140] Therefore, with the process cartridge 5 stopped at the supply position, the toner supply operation can be smoothly performed.

[0141] (3) According to the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 2, when the process cartridge 5 is located at the replenishing position, the replenishing port 540 is located outside the main body housing 2.

[0142] This allows the space outside the main housing 2 to be utilized.

[0143] Therefore, a working space for the toner supply operation can be easily secured.

[0144] (4) According to the image forming device 1, as shown in FIG. 2, when the drawer 6 is in the second position, the amount by which the drawer 6 is pulled out is smaller than when the drawer 6 is in the third position (see FIG. 3) in which the process cartridge 5 can be removed from the drawer 6.

[0145] Therefore, toner can be replenished to the process cartridge 5 with the drawer 6 pulled out to the minimum extent necessary.

[0146] As a result, even if the space around the image forming apparatus 1 is limited, the toner can be smoothly replenished to the process cartridge 5.

[0147] As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 can be prevented from falling over during the operation of replenishing the toner to the process cartridge 5.

[0148] (5) According to the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 4, when the process cartridge 5 is located at the supply position, the second stopper 23A can prevent the process cartridge 5 from coming out of the drawer 6.

[0149] Therefore, the process cartridge 5 can be more reliably stopped at the supply position.

[0150] (6) According to the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in Fig. 4, when the process cartridge 5 is in the supply position, the receiving portion 251B receives a force applied from above to the supply port 540. In addition, when the process cartridge 5 is in the supply position, the rotation preventing portion 261B stops the drawer 6 from rotating about the receiving portion 251B due to the force applied from above to the supply port 540.

[0151] With this, when the process cartridge 5 is located at the supply position, the process cartridge 5 and the drawer 6 can be stably supported by the receiving portion 251B and the anti-rotation portion 261B.

[0152] As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 can be prevented from falling over during the operation of replenishing the toner to the process cartridge 5.

[0153] (7) According to image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 4, receiving portion 251B is located between supply opening 540 and anti-rotation portion 261B in the movement direction of drawer 6.

[0154] This allows the main body casing 2 to more stably support the process cartridge 5 and the drawer 6 when the process cartridge 5 is located at the supply position.

[0155] (8) According to the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 4, when the process cartridge 5 is positioned in the supply position, the first stopper 22A engages with the engagement portion 55A of the process cartridge 5 between the receiving portion 251B and the anti-rotation portion 261B in the movement direction of the drawer 6.

[0156] This allows the main body casing 2 to more stably support the process cartridge 5 and the drawer 6 when the process cartridge 5 is located at the supply position.

[0157] (9) According to image forming apparatus 1, distance D1 between receiving portion 251B and anti-rotation portion 261B in the movement direction of drawer 6 is longer than distance D2 between receiving portion 251B and supply port 540, as shown in FIG.

[0158] Therefore, when the process cartridge 5 is located at the supply position, the main body housing 2 can support the process cartridge 5 and the drawer 6 more stably.

[0159] (10) According to the image forming device 1, as shown in FIG. 2, when the process cartridge 5 is placed in the drawer 6, the supply port 540 is located downstream of the photosensitive drum 51 in the direction in which the drawer 6 moves from the first position to the second position.

[0160] This makes it possible to reduce the amount by which the drawer 6 is pulled out when in the second position.

[0161] As a result, even if the space around the image forming apparatus 1 is limited, the toner can be smoothly replenished to the process cartridge 5.

[0162] As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 can be prevented from falling over during the operation of replenishing the toner to the process cartridge 5.

[0163] 6. Modification of the First Embodiment (1) As shown in FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus 1 may include a reading device 10.

[0164] The reading device 10 is capable of reading an image of a document and is located on top of the main body housing 2.

[0165] Even if the space above the main body housing 2 is limited as in this modified example, the process cartridge 5 can be pulled out to the replenishing position (see FIG. 4) and the toner can be smoothly replenished to the process cartridge 5.

[0166] (2) A part of the configuration of the second embodiment described later can also be applied to the first embodiment. For example, the main body housing 2 may have a holder similar to the holder 1011 (see FIG. 11) of the second embodiment.

[0167] 7. Second embodiment Next, an image forming apparatus 100 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0168] 7.1 Overview of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment 11, the image forming apparatus 100 is capable of multi-color printing. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a main body housing 101, a cover 102, a sheet storage section 4, a plurality of process cartridges 103K, 103Y, 103M, and 103C, a drawer 104, an exposure device 7, a transfer device 105, and a fixing device 9.

[0169] 7.1.1 Main body casing 101 The main body housing 101 accommodates the sheet storage section 4, a plurality of process cartridges 103K, 103Y, 103M, and 103C, a drawer 104, an exposure device 7, a transfer device 105, and a fixing device 9. The main body housing 101 has an opening 101A.

[0170] 7.1.2 Cover 102 The cover 102 is movable between a closed position (see FIG. 11) and an open position (see FIG. 12). When the cover 102 is in the closed position, the cover 102 closes the opening 101A. When the cover 102 is in the open position, as shown in FIG. 12, the opening 101A is open.

[0171] 7.1.3 Process cartridges 103K, 103Y, 103M, 103C Each of the process cartridges 103K, 103Y, 103M, and 103C shown in FIG.

[0172] The process cartridge 103Y includes a photosensitive drum 1031Y, a charging device 1032Y, and a developing device 1033Y.

[0173] 7.1.3.1 Photoconductor Drum 1031Y The photosensitive drum 1031Y is rotatable about a drum axis A11. The drum axis A11 extends in a first direction. The photosensitive drum 1031Y has a cylindrical shape. The photosensitive drum 1031Y extends in the first direction.

[0174] 7.1.3.2 Charging device 1032Y The charging device 1032Y charges the photosensitive drum 1031Y. In this embodiment, the charging device 1032Y is a charging roller. The charging device 1032Y may be a scorotron type charger.

[0175] 7.1.3.3 Developer 1033Y The developing device 1033Y is capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum 1031Y. The developing device 1033Y includes a developing housing 10331Y and a developing roller 10332Y.

[0176] The developing housing 10331Y is capable of containing toner.

[0177] The developing roller 10332Y can supply the toner in the developing housing 10331Y to the photosensitive drum 1031Y. In this embodiment, the developing roller 10332Y contacts the photosensitive drum 1031Y. The developing roller 10332Y may be separated from the photosensitive drum 1031Y. The developing roller 10332Y extends in a first direction. The developing roller 10332Y can rotate about a developing axis A12. The developing axis A12 extends in the first direction.

[0178] Each of the process cartridges 103K, 103M, and 103C will be described in the same manner as the process cartridge 103Y. That is, the process cartridge 103M has a photosensitive drum 1031M and a developing device 1033M. The developing device 1033M can supply toner to the photosensitive drum 1031M. Descriptions of each of the process cartridges 103K, 103M, and 103C will be omitted.

[0179] 7.1.4 Drawer 104 The drawer 104 can accommodate the process cartridges 103K, 103Y, 103M, and 103C.

[0180] 12 to 16, with the process cartridges 103K, 103Y, 103M, and 103C placed on the drawer 104, the drawer 104 can move between a first position (see FIG. 12) and a fifth position (see FIG. 16) via a second position (see FIG. 13), a third position (see FIG. 14), and a fourth position (see FIG. 15). That is, with the process cartridges 103K, 103Y, 103M, and 103C placed on the drawer 104, the drawer 104 can move between the second position and the third position. The drawer 104 can move through the opening 101A.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 12, when the drawer 104 is in the first position, the drawer 104 positions the process cartridge 103Y in the housing position. When the process cartridge 103Y is in the housing position, the process cartridge 103Y is housed in the main body housing 101. When the process cartridge 103Y is in the housing position, the process cartridge 103Y cannot be removed from the drawer 104. When the process cartridge 103Y is in the housing position, the supply port 10340Y does not face the positioning opening 1011A of the holder 1011. Therefore, when the process cartridge 103Y is in the housing position, the user cannot supply toner to the supply port 10340Y. The supply port 10340Y, the holder 1011, and the positioning opening 1011A will be described later.

[0182] When the drawer 104 is in the first position, the supply port 10340K of the process cartridge 103K faces the positioning opening 1011A of the holder 1011. Therefore, when the drawer 104 is in the first position, the user can supply toner to the supply port 10340K through the positioning opening 1011A.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 13, when the drawer 104 is in the second position, the drawer 104 positions the process cartridge 103Y at the refill position. In this embodiment, when the process cartridge 103Y is in the refill position, the refill port 10340Y is located inside the main body housing 101. When the process cartridge 103Y is in the refill position, the refill port 10340Y faces the positioning opening 1011A of the holder 1011. When the process cartridge 103Y is in the refill position, the user can refill the refill port 10340Y with toner through the positioning opening 1011A. When the process cartridge 103Y is in the refill position, the process cartridge 103Y is located inside the main body housing 101. Therefore, when the process cartridge 103Y is in the refill position, the process cartridge 103Y cannot be removed from the drawer 104.

[0184] Furthermore, when the drawer 104 is located at the second position, the drawer 104 positions the process cartridge 103M at the second housing position. When the process cartridge 103M is located at the second housing position, the process cartridge 103M is housed in the main body housing 101. When the process cartridge 103M is located at the second housing position, the process cartridge 103M cannot be removed from the drawer 104. When the process cartridge 103M is located at the second housing position, the supply port 10340M does not face the positioning opening 1011A of the holder 1011. Therefore, when the process cartridge 103M is located at the second housing position, the user cannot supply toner to the supply port 10340M. The supply port 10340M will be described later.

[0185] When the drawer 104 is in the third position, at least a portion of the process cartridge 103K is pulled out to the outside of the main body housing 2. This makes it possible to remove the process cartridge 103K from the drawer 104 when the drawer 104 is in the third position.

[0186] 14, when the drawer 104 is in the third position, the drawer 104 positions the process cartridge 103Y in the pulled-out position. When the process cartridge 103Y is in the pulled-out position, at least a portion of the process cartridge 103Y is pulled out to the outside of the main body housing 2. This makes it possible to remove the process cartridge 103Y from the drawer 104 when the process cartridge 103Y is in the pulled-out position.

[0187] Moreover, when the drawer 104 is located at the third position, the drawer 104 positions the process cartridge 103M at the second supply position. In this embodiment, when the process cartridge 103M is located at the second supply position, the supply port 10340M is located inside the main body housing 101. When the process cartridge 103M is located at the second supply position, the supply port 10340M faces the positioning opening 1011A of the holder 1011. When the process cartridge 103M is located at the second supply position, the user can supply toner to the supply port 10340M through the positioning opening 1011A. When the process cartridge 103M is located at the second supply position, the process cartridge 103M is located inside the main body housing 101. Therefore, when the process cartridge 103M is located at the supply position, the process cartridge 103M cannot be removed from the drawer 104.

[0188] Furthermore, when the drawer 104 is in the third position, the drawer 104 positions the process cartridge 103C in the third housing position. When the process cartridge 103C is in the third housing position, the process cartridge 103C is housed in the main body housing 101. When the process cartridge 103C is in the housing position, the process cartridge 103C cannot be removed from the drawer 104. When the process cartridge 103C is in the third housing position, the supply port 10340C does not face the positioning opening 1011A of the holder 1011. Therefore, when the process cartridge 103C is in the third housing position, the user cannot supply toner to the supply port 10340C. The supply port 10340C will be described later.

[0189] 15, when the drawer 104 is in the fourth position, the drawer 104 positions the process cartridge 103M in the second pulled-out position. When the process cartridge 103M is in the second pulled-out position, at least a portion of the process cartridge 103M is pulled out to the outside of the main body housing 2. As a result, when the process cartridge 103M is in the second pulled-out position, the process cartridge 103M can be removed from the drawer 104.

[0190] Moreover, when the drawer 104 is located at the fourth position, the drawer 104 positions the process cartridge 103C at the third supply position. In this embodiment, when the process cartridge 103C is located at the third supply position, the supply port 10340C is located inside the main body housing 101. When the process cartridge 103C is located at the third supply position, the supply port 10340C faces the positioning opening 1011A of the holder 1011. When the process cartridge 103C is located at the third supply position, the user can supply toner to the supply port 10340C through the positioning opening 1011A. When the process cartridge 103C is located at the third supply position, the process cartridge 103C is located inside the main body housing 101. Therefore, when the process cartridge 103C is located at the supply position, the process cartridge 103C cannot be removed from the drawer 104.

[0191] 16, when the drawer 104 is in the fifth position, the drawer 104 positions the process cartridge 103C in the third pulled-out position. When the process cartridge 103C is in the third pulled-out position, at least a portion of the process cartridge 103C is pulled out to the outside of the main body housing 2. As a result, when the process cartridge 103C is in the third pulled-out position, the process cartridge 103C can be removed from the drawer 104.

[0192] 7.1.5 Transfer device 105 11, when the process cartridges 103K, 103Y, 103M, and 103C are attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the transfer device 105 is located below the photosensitive drums 1031K, 1031Y, 1031M, and 1031C. The transfer device 105 includes a conveyor belt 1051 and a plurality of transfer rollers 1052K, 1052Y, 1052M, and 1052C.

[0193] When the process cartridges 103K, 103Y, 103M, and 103C are attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the conveyor belt 1051 contacts the photosensitive drums 1031K, 1031Y, 1031M, and 1031C. The conveyor belt 1051 conveys the sheet S from the sheet storage unit 4 toward the fixing device 9.

[0194] The transfer roller 1052K transfers toner from the photosensitive drum 1031K to the sheet S being transported by the transport belt 1051. The transfer roller 1052Y transfers toner from the photosensitive drum 1031Y to the sheet S being transported by the transport belt 1051. The transfer roller 1052M transfers toner from the photosensitive drum 1031M to the sheet S being transported by the transport belt 1051. The transfer roller 1052C transfers toner from the photosensitive drum 1031C to the sheet S being transported by the transport belt 1051.

[0195] 7.2 Details of the main body housing 101 of the second embodiment 11, the main body housing 101 has the above-mentioned second stoppers 23A, 23B and a holder 1011. The main body housing 101 does not have the above-mentioned first stoppers 22A, 22B. The second stoppers 23A, 23B prevent the process cartridge 103Y located at the supply position, the process cartridge 103M located at the second supply position, and the process cartridge 103C located at the third supply position from coming out of the drawer 104.

[0196] The holder 1011 is located between the exposure device 7 and the cover 102 in the moving direction of the drawer 104. The holder 1011 holds each of the containers BK, BY, BM, and BC containing toner, as shown in Figures 12 to 15. The holder 1011 has a positioning opening 1011A.

[0197] The tip of each of the containers BK, BY, BM, and BC fits into the positioning opening 1011A. The tip of each of the containers BK, BY, BM, and BC is provided with a discharge port through which the toner can be discharged.

[0198] 12, the positioning opening 1011A positions the tip of the container BK with respect to the supply port 10340K of the process cartridge 103K. The tip of the container BK is inserted into the supply port 10340K through the positioning opening 1011A. The supply port 10340K can receive toner from the container BK through the positioning opening 1011A.

[0199] 13, the positioning opening 1011A positions the tip of the container BY with respect to the supply port 10340Y of the process cartridge 103Y located at the supply position. The tip of the container BY is inserted into the supply port 10340Y through the positioning opening 1011A. When the process cartridge 103Y is located at the supply position, the supply port 10340Y can receive toner from the container BY through the positioning opening 1011A.

[0200] 14, the positioning opening 1011A positions the tip of the container BM with respect to the supply port 10340M of the process cartridge 103M located at the second supply position. The tip of the container BM is inserted into the supply port 10340M through the positioning opening 1011A. When the process cartridge 103M is located at the second supply position, the supply port 10340M can receive toner from the container BM through the positioning opening 1011A.

[0201] 15, the positioning opening 1011A positions the tip of the container BC with respect to the supply port 10340C of the process cartridge 103C located at the third supply position. The tip of the container BC is inserted into the supply port 10340C through the positioning opening 1011A. When the process cartridge 103C is located at the second supply position, the supply port 10340C can receive toner from the container BC through the positioning opening 1011A.

[0202] 7.3 Details of the Drawer 104 of the Second Embodiment As shown in FIG. 17, the drawer 104 has two drawer side panels 1041A, 1041B, a first beam 1042, a second beam 1043, a grip 1044, two first lock pins 1045A, 1045B, a bar 1046, two second lock pins 1047A, 1047B, two third lock pins 1048A, 1048B, and two fourth lock pins 1049A, 1049B.

[0203] 7.3.1 Drawer side panels 1041A, 1041B The drawer side plate 1041A is located at one end of the drawer 104 in the first direction. The drawer side plate 1041A extends in the movement direction of the drawer 104. When the drawer 104 is in the first position, the drawer side plate 1041A faces one inner surface S1 of the main housing 2 in the first direction.

[0204] The drawer side plate 1041B is located at the other end of the drawer 104 in the first direction. The drawer side plate 1041B extends in the movement direction of the drawer 104. When the drawer 104 is in the first position, the drawer side plate 1041B faces the other inner surface S2 of the main housing 2 in the first direction.

[0205] 7.3.2 First Beam 1042 The first beam 1042 is located at the downstream end of the drawer 104 in the direction in which the drawer 104 moves from the first position to the second position. The first beam 1042 is located between the drawer side plate 1041A and the drawer side plate 1041B in the first direction. The first beam 1042 extends in the first direction. One end of the first beam 1042 in the first direction is connected to the drawer side plate 1041A. The other end of the first beam 1042 in the first direction is connected to the drawer side plate 1041B.

[0206] 7.3.3 Second Beam 1043 The second beam 1043 is located at the upstream end of the drawer 104 in the direction in which the drawer 104 moves from the first position to the second position. The second beam 1043 is located between the drawer side plate 1041A and the drawer side plate 1041B in the first direction. The second beam 1043 extends in the first direction. One end of the second beam 1043 in the first direction is connected to the drawer side plate 1041A. The other end of the second beam 1043 in the first direction is connected to the drawer side plate 1041B.

[0207] 7.3.4 Grip 1044 The grip 1044 extends from the first beam 1042. The grip 1044 may be attached to the first beam 1042. When the user moves the drawer 104, the user can grasp the grip 1044.

[0208] 7.3.5 First lock pin 1045A, 1045B A first locking pin 1045A locks the drawer 104 in a first position.

[0209] In detail, the main body housing 101 has holes 1012A and 1012B. The hole 1012A is provided on one inner surface S1 of the main body housing 101 in the first direction. The hole 1012B is provided on the other inner surface S2 of the main body housing 101 in the first direction. The hole 1012B is similar to the hole 1012A. Therefore, the illustration of the hole 1012B is omitted.

[0210] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, when the drawer 104 is in the first position, the first lock pin 1045A is movable in a first direction between a position where it fits into the hole 1012A (see FIG. 17) and a position where it is removed from the hole 1012A (see FIG. 18). When the first lock pin 1045A fits into the hole 1012A, the drawer 104 is locked in the first position. When the first lock pin 1045A is removed from the hole 1012A, the lock of the drawer 104 in the first position is released. When the drawer 104 is in the first position, the first lock pin 1045A that has been removed from the hole 1012A is pressed toward the hole 1012A by the spring 1045C.

[0211] The first lock pin 1045B, together with the first lock pin 1045A, locks the drawer 104 in the first position. The relationship between the first lock pin 1045B and the hole 1012B is the same as the relationship between the first lock pin 1045A and the hole 1012A, so it is not shown in the figures. However, when the drawer 104 is in the first position, the first lock pin 1045B can move in the first direction between a position where it fits into the hole 1012B and a position where it is removed from the hole 1012B. When the drawer 104 is in the first position, the first lock pin 1045B that has been removed from the hole 1012B is pressed toward the hole 1012B by the spring 1045C.

[0212] 7.3.6 Bar 1046 The bar 1046 moves the first lock pin 1045A in a direction away from the hole 1012A, and moves the first lock pin 1045B in a direction away from the hole 1012B. The bar 1046 is connected to the first lock pin 1045A and the first lock pin 1045B via a cam 1046A. The bar 1046 is located between the grip 1044 and the first beam 1042. The bar 1046 is movable between a position away from the grip 1044 (see FIG. 17) and a position close to the grip 1044 (see FIG. 18).

[0213] When the bar 1046 moves in a direction approaching the grip 1044, the first lock pin 1045A moves in a direction away from the hole 1012A, and the first lock pin 1045B moves in a direction away from the hole 1012B.

[0214] When bar 1046 moves in a direction away from grip 1044, first lock pin 1045A moves in a direction into which it fits into hole 1012A, and first lock pin 1045B moves in a direction into which it fits into hole 1012B.

[0215] 7.3.7 Second Lock Pin 1047A, 1047B As shown in FIG. 19, the second lock pin 1047A locks the drawer 104 in the second position. When the drawer 104 is in the second position, the second lock pin 1047A fits into the hole 1012A. The second lock pin 1047A fits into the hole 1012A, locking the drawer 104 in the second position. The second lock pin 1047A is movable in the first direction in a direction away from the hole 1012A. The second lock pin 1047A is pressed toward the hole 1012A by the spring 1047C. When the user attempts to move the drawer 104 from the second position, the second lock pin 1047A comes off the hole 1012A against the force of the spring 1047C.

[0216] The second lock pin 1047B, together with the second lock pin 1047A, locks the drawer 104 in the second position. The relationship between the second lock pin 1047B and the hole 1012B is the same as the relationship between the second lock pin 1047A and the hole 1012A, so it is not shown in the figures. However, when the drawer 104 is in the second position, the second lock pin 1047B fits into the hole 1012B. The second lock pin 1047B fits into the hole 1012B, locking the drawer 104 in the second position. The second lock pin 1047B is movable in the first direction in a direction away from the hole 1012B. The second lock pin 1047B is pressed toward the hole 1012B by the spring 1047D. When a user attempts to move the drawer 104 from the second position, the second locking pin 1047B disengages from the hole 1012B against the force of the spring 1047D.

[0217] The second locking pin 1047A is removed from the hole 1012A, and the second locking pin 1047B is removed from the hole 1012B, thereby unlocking the drawer 104 in the second position.

[0218] 7.3.8 Third lock pin 1048A, 1048B The third locking pin 1048A locks the drawer 104 in the third position. When the drawer 104 is in the third position, the third locking pin 1048A fits into the hole 1012A. By fitting the third locking pin 1048A into the hole 1012A, the drawer 104 is locked in the third position.

[0219] The third locking pin 1048B, together with the third locking pin 1048A, locks the drawer 104 in the third position. With the drawer 104 in the third position, the third locking pin 1048B fits into the hole 1012B. With the third locking pin 1048B fitting into the hole 1012B, the drawer 104 is locked in the third position.

[0220] The third lock pin 1048A will be described in the same manner as the second lock pin 1047A, and the third lock pin 1048B will be described in the same manner as the second lock pin 1047B. Therefore, the description of the third lock pins 1048A and 1048B will be omitted.

[0221] 7.3.9 Fourth Lock Pin 1049A, 1049B The fourth locking pin 1049A locks the drawer 104 in the fourth position. With the drawer 104 in the fourth position, the fourth locking pin 1049A fits into the hole 1012A. With the fourth locking pin 1049A fitting into the hole 1012A, the drawer 104 is locked in the fourth position.

[0222] The fourth locking pin 1049B, together with the fourth locking pin 1049A, locks the drawer 104 in the fourth position. With the drawer 104 in the fourth position, the fourth locking pin 1049B fits into the hole 1012B. With the fourth locking pin 1049B fitting into the hole 1012B, the drawer 104 is locked in the fourth position.

[0223] The fourth lock pin 1049A will be described in the same manner as the second lock pin 1047A, and the fourth lock pin 1049B will be described in the same manner as the second lock pin 1047B. Therefore, the description of the fourth lock pins 1049A and 1049B will be omitted.

[0224] 7.4 Details of the Process Cartridge 103Y of the Second Embodiment As shown in FIG. 20, the process cartridge 103Y further has, in addition to the photosensitive drum 1031Y, charging device 1032Y and developing device 1033Y described above, a first side plate 1030A (see FIG. 21), a second side plate 1030B (see FIG. 21), a supply device 1034Y, two engagement portions 1035A, 1035B (see FIG. 21), a sealing member 1036Y, a drum cleaner 1037Y, a waste toner storage portion 1038Y (see FIG. 21) and a waste toner tube 1039Y (see FIG. 21).

[0225] 7.4.1 First Side Plate 1030A and Second Side Plate 1030B As shown in Fig. 21, the first side plate 1030A is located at one end of the process cartridge 103Y in the first direction. The first side plate 1030A extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. The first side plate 1030A extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first side plate 1030A supports one end of the photosensitive drum 1031Y in the first direction. The first side plate 1030A has holes 10301A and 10302A.

[0226] The hole 10301A extends in a direction connecting the drum shaft A11 and the development shaft A12. The hole 10301A is an elongated hole.

[0227] The hole 10302B is located away from the hole 10301A. The hole 10302B extends in a direction connecting the drum axis A11 and the development axis A12. The hole 10302B is an elongated hole.

[0228] The second side plate 1030B is located at the other end of the process cartridge 103Y in the first direction. The second side plate 1030B is located away from the first side plate 1030A in the first direction. The second side plate 1030B extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. The second side plate 1030B extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second side plate 1030B supports the other end of the photosensitive drum 1031Y in the first direction. The second side plate 1030B has holes 10301B and 10302B. The hole 10301B will be described in the same manner as the hole 10301A, and the hole 10302B will be described in the same manner as the hole 10302A. Therefore, the description of the holes 10301B and 10302B will be omitted.

[0229] 7.4.2 Details of the developing unit 1033Y 21, the developing device 1033Y has, in addition to the developing casing 10331Y and the developing roller 10332Y described above, two protrusions 10333A and 10333B and two protrusions 10334A and 10334B.

[0230] The protrusion 10333A is located at one end of the developing device 1033Y in the first direction. The protrusion 10333A extends in the first direction. The protrusion 10333A may be one end of the developing roller 10332Y in the first direction. The protrusion 10333A protrudes from one side surface of the developing housing 10331Y in the first direction. The protrusion 10333A fits into the hole 10301A of the first side plate 1030A.

[0231] The protrusion 10333B is located at the other end of the developing device 1033Y in the first direction. The protrusion 10333B extends in the first direction. The protrusion 10333B may be the other end of the developing roller 10332Y in the first direction. The protrusion 10333B protrudes from the other side surface of the developing housing 10331Y in the first direction. The protrusion 10333B fits into the hole 10301B of the second side plate 1030B.

[0232] The protrusion 10334A is located at one end of the developing device 1033Y in the first direction. The protrusion 10334A is located away from the protrusion 10333A. The protrusion 10334A extends in the first direction. The protrusion 10334A extends from one side surface of the developing housing 10331Y in the first direction. The protrusion 10334A fits into the hole 10302A of the first side plate 1030A.

[0233] The protrusion 10334B is located at the other end of the developing device 1033Y in the first direction. The protrusion 10334B is located away from the protrusion 10333B. The protrusion 10334B extends in the first direction. The protrusion 10334B extends from the other side surface of the developing housing 10331Y in the first direction. The protrusion 10334B fits into the hole 10302B of the second side plate 1030B.

[0234] With the protrusion 10333A fitting into the hole 10301A, the protrusion 10333B fitting into the hole 10301B, the protrusion 10334A fitting into the hole 10302A, and the protrusion 10334B fitting into the hole 10302B, the developing device 1033Y is supported by the first side plate 1030A and the second side plate 1030B and can move relative to the photosensitive drum 1031Y.

[0235] The receiving port 10335 is capable of receiving toner from the replenishing device 1034Y. The receiving port 10335 is located at the center of the developing housing 10331Y in the first direction. The receiving port 10335 communicates with the internal space of the developing housing 10331Y.

[0236] 7.4.3 Supply device 1034Y 20 and 21, the replenishing device 1034Y replenishing toner to the developing device 1033Y. The replenishing device 1034Y includes a container 10341Y, a toner tube 10342Y, a screw 10343Y, and a belt conveyor 10344Y.

[0237] 7.4.3.1 Container 10341Y As shown in FIG. 21, the container 10341Y is located away from the developing device 1033Y in the first direction. The container 10341Y is located on the opposite side of the first side plate 1030A with respect to the second side plate 1030B in the first direction. When the process cartridge 103Y is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100, the container 10341Y is located above the waste toner storage section 1038Y. The container 10341Y can store toner. The container 10341Y is fixed to the second side plate 1030B. The container 10341Y has a supply port 10340Y. In other words, the supply device 1034Y has a supply port 10340Y.

[0238] The supply port 10340Y receives toner to be supplied to the developing device 1033Y. As shown in Fig. 13, when the process cartridge 103Y is placed on the drawer 104, the supply port 10340Y is located downstream of the photosensitive drum 1031Y in the direction in which the drawer 104 moves from the first position to the second position. When the process cartridge 103Y is placed on the drawer 104, the supply port 10340Y opens upward.

[0239] 7.4.3.2 Toner Tube 10342Y As shown in FIG. 21, the toner tube 10342Y allows the passage of toner from the container 10341Y to the developing device 1033Y. The toner tube 10342Y extends in a first direction. One end of the toner tube 10342Y in the first direction is connected to the developing device 1033Y. The other end of the toner tube 10342Y in the first direction is connected to the container 10341Y. The toner tube 10342Y is fixed to the container 10341Y. The toner tube 10342Y has an outlet 10342A.

[0240] The discharge port 10342A can discharge the toner in the toner tube 10342Y. The discharge port 10342A communicates with the internal space of the toner tube 10342Y. The discharge port 10342A communicates with the receiving port 10335 of the developing device 1033Y.

[0241] 7.4.3.3 Screw 10343Y The screw 10343Y is located in the toner tube 10342Y. The screw 10343Y extends in a first direction. In this embodiment, the screw 10343Y is an auger screw. The screw 10343Y can transport the toner in the container 10341Y in one direction in the first direction.

[0242] 7.4.3.2 Belt Conveyor 10344Y The belt conveyor 10344Y is located within one end of the toner tube 10342Y in the first direction. As shown in Fig. 20, the belt conveyor 10344Y conveys the toner conveyed by the screw 10343Y toward the discharge port 10342A.

[0243] 7.4.4 Engagement part 1035A, 1035B As shown in FIG. 21, the engaging portion 1035A is located at one end of the process cartridge 103Y in the first direction. The engaging portion 1035A is located on the opposite side of the second side plate 1030B with respect to the first side plate 1030A in the first direction. The engaging portion 1035A extends in the first direction. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 1035A extends from the first side plate 1030A. When the process cartridge 103Y is located at the supply position (see FIG. 13), the engaging portion 1035A faces the second stopper 23A. When the process cartridge 103Y is located at the pulled-out position (see FIG. 14), the engaging portion 1035A is located away from the second stopper 23A.

[0244] The engaging portion 1035B is located at the other end of the process cartridge 103Y in the first direction. The engaging portion 1035B extends from the other side of the waste toner storage portion 1038Y in the first direction. The engaging portion 1035B will be described in the same manner as the engaging portion 1035A. Therefore, a description of the engaging portion 1035B will be omitted.

[0245] 7.4.5 Seal member 1036Y The seal member 1036Y surrounds the discharge port 10342A and the receiving port 10335. The seal member 1036Y seals between the toner tube 10342 and the developing housing 10331Y. The seal member 1036Y is elastically deformable in response to the movement of the developing device 1033Y. The seal member 1036Y is made of, for example, a sponge.

[0246] 7.4.6 Drum Cleaner 1037Y 20, the drum cleaner 1037Y cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 1031Y. The drum cleaner 1037Y is located between the first side plate 1030A and the second side plate 1030B in the first direction. The drum cleaner 1037Y has a cleaner housing 10371, a cleaning member 10372, and a screw 10373.

[0247] The cleaner housing 10371 can accommodate the waste toner from the photosensitive drum 1031Y. The cleaner housing 10371 has an opening 10374.

[0248] The cleaning member 10372 cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 1031Y. The cleaning member 10372 is attached to a cleaner housing 10371. An edge of the cleaning member 10372 comes into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 1031Y. When the photosensitive drum 1031Y rotates, toner that has not been transferred from the photosensitive drum 1031Y to the sheet S and remains on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1031Y is removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1031Y by the edge of the cleaning member 10372. The waste toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1031Y passes through an opening 10374 and enters the cleaner housing 10371.

[0249] The screw 10373 is located in the cleaner housing 10371. As shown in FIG. 21 , the screw 10373 transports the waste toner in the cleaner housing 10371 toward the waste toner storage unit 1038Y. The screw 10373 extends in a first direction. In this embodiment, the screw 10373 is an auger screw. The screw 10373 may be a shaftless screw.

[0250] 7.4.7 Waste toner storage unit 1038Y The waste toner storage unit 1038Y stores waste toner. The waste toner storage unit 1038Y is located on the opposite side of the first side plate 1030A with respect to the second side plate 1030B in the first direction. The waste toner storage unit 1038Y is fixed to the second side plate 1030B.

[0251] 7.4.8 Waste toner pipe 1039Y The waste toner flowing from the drum cleaner 1037Y to the waste toner collection unit 1038Y passes through a waste toner tube 1039Y. The waste toner tube 1039Y is located between the second side plate 1030B and the waste toner collection unit 1038Y in the first direction. The waste toner tube 1039Y extends in the first direction.

[0252] 7.5 Process Cartridge 103K, 103M, 103C The process cartridges 103K, 103M, and 103C will be described in the same manner as the process cartridge 103Y. That is, the process cartridge 103M has a replenishing device 1034M. The replenishing device 1034M replenishing toner to the developing device 1033M. The replenishing device 1034M has a replenishing port 10340M. The replenishing port 10340M receives the toner replenishing to the developing device 1033M. Descriptions of the process cartridges 103K, 103M, and 103C will be omitted.

[0253] 7.6 Effects of the Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0254] Furthermore, when the main body housing 101 has a holder 1011 as in the image forming apparatus 100 of the second embodiment, the container BY containing the toner can be positioned relative to the process cartridge 103Y, as shown in FIG. 13, so that the toner can be replenished to the process cartridge 103Y more smoothly.

[0255] Furthermore, since the container BY containing the toner is attached to the holder 1011 of the main body housing 101, the holder 1011 can support the container BY.

[0256] This makes it possible to prevent excessive force from being applied to the process cartridge 103Y when the container BY is attached to the holder 1011.

[0257] Therefore, when the container BY is attached to the holder 1011, it is possible to prevent excessive force from being applied to the drawer 104 and the image forming apparatus 100 from falling over.

[0258] 7.7 Variations A part of the configuration of the first embodiment described above can also be applied to the second embodiment. For example, like the main body housing 2 of the first embodiment, the main body housing 101 may have first stoppers 22A and 22B (see FIG. 4) that engage with the process cartridge 103Y located at the supply position, the process cartridge 103M located at the second supply position, and the process cartridge 103C located at the third supply position.

[0259] In this case, the drawer 104 does not have the first lock pins 1045A and 1045B, the second lock pins 1047A and 1047B, the third lock pins 1048A and 1048B, and the fourth lock pins 1049A and 1049B. [Explanation of symbols]

[0260] 1. Image forming device 2 Main unit 3 Cover 5 Process cartridge 6 Drawer 21 Aperture 22A First stopper 23A Second stopper 25B 1st Guide 251B Receiving part 261B Anti-rotation part 51 Photosensitive drum 53 Developing device 54 Supply device 540 Supply port 541 Container 542 Toner tube 55A Engagement part 56 Sealing material 57 Drum cleaner 58 Waste toner storage compartment 59 Waste Toner Tube 61A First guided part A1 Drum shaft B container D1 Distance D2 distance 100 Image forming device 101 Main unit housing 1011 Holder 1011A Positioning opening 101A aperture 102 Cover 103Y Process Cartridge 103M Process Cartridge (2nd Process Cartridge) 104 Drawer 1030A 1st side plate 1030B 2nd side plate 1031Y Photosensitive drum 1031M Photosensitive drum (second photosensitive drum) 1033Y Developing device 1033M developing device (second developing device) 1034Y supply device 1034M Supply device (2nd supply device) 1035A Engagement part 1035B Engagement part 1036Y Sealing material 1037Y Drum Cleaner 1038Y Waste toner storage unit 1039Y Waste toner tube 10340Y Supply port 10340M Supply port (2nd supply port) 10341Y Container 10342Y Toner tube A11 Drum shaft BY container

Claims

1. a main body housing having an opening; A process cartridge that is replaceable with respect to the main body housing, A photosensitive drum; a developing device capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a replenishing device for replenishing toner to the developing device, the replenishing device having a replenishing port for receiving the toner to be replenished to the developing device; A process cartridge having a drawer in which the process cartridge can be placed, the drawer being movable through the opening between a first position at which the process cartridge is housed in the main body housing and which positions the process cartridge at a housing position where toner cannot be replenished to the supply port when the process cartridge is placed on the drawer, and a second position at which the process cartridge is housed in a supply position where toner can be replenished to the supply port; Equipped with The main body housing includes: a holder having a positioning opening for positioning a container containing toner with respect to the process cartridge located at the supply position; When the process cartridge is located at the replenishing position, the replenishing port is capable of receiving toner through the positioning opening.

2. A main body housing having an opening; A process cartridge that is replaceable with respect to the main body housing, A photosensitive drum; a developing device capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a replenishing device for replenishing toner to the developing device, the replenishing device having a replenishing port for receiving the toner to be replenished to the developing device; A process cartridge having a drawer in which the process cartridge can be placed, the drawer being movable through the opening between a first position at which the process cartridge is housed in the main body housing and which positions the process cartridge at a housing position where toner cannot be replenished to the supply port when the process cartridge is placed on the drawer, and a second position at which the process cartridge is housed in a supply position where toner can be replenished to the supply port; Equipped with When the process cartridge is placed on the drawer, the supply port opens upward, The main body housing includes: a receiving portion that receives a force applied from above to the supply port when the process cartridge is located at the supply position; a rotation prevention portion that prevents the drawer from rotating about the receiving portion due to a force applied from above to the supply port when the process cartridge is located at the supply position, In the image forming apparatus, the receiving portion is located between the supply opening and the anti-rotation portion in a moving direction of the drawer.

3. The main body housing includes: a first stopper that engages with at least one of the process cartridge and the drawer when the process cartridge is located at the supply position, to stop the process cartridge at the supply position; 3. An image forming apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein when the process cartridge is positioned at the supply position, the first stopper engages with at least one of the process cartridge and the drawer between the receiving portion and the anti-rotation portion in the movement direction of the drawer.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a distance between the receiving portion and the anti-rotation portion in a moving direction of the drawer is longer than a distance between the receiving portion and the supply port.

5. A main body housing having an opening; A process cartridge that is replaceable with respect to the main body housing, A photosensitive drum; a developing device capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a replenishing device for replenishing toner to the developing device, the replenishing device having a replenishing port for receiving the toner to be replenished to the developing device; A process cartridge having a drawer in which the process cartridge can be placed, the drawer being movable through the opening between a first position at which the process cartridge is housed in the main body housing and which positions the process cartridge at a housing position where toner cannot be replenished to the supply port when the process cartridge is placed on the drawer, and a second position at which the process cartridge is housed in a supply position where toner can be replenished to the supply port; Equipped with The process cartridge comprises: a drum cleaner for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum; a waste toner storage section that stores waste toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum by the drum cleaner; a waste toner pipe through which the waste toner passes from the drum cleaner to the waste toner storage unit, The replenishing device is A container having the refill port; a toner tube for allowing passage of toner from the container toward the developing device; The waste toner storage unit is located between the container and the photosensitive drum.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the waste toner container is located above the toner tube when the process cartridge is placed on the drawer.

7. the developing device is movable relative to the photosensitive drum, 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the process cartridge further comprises a seal member for sealing between the toner tube and the developing device.

8. A main body housing having an opening; A process cartridge that is replaceable with respect to the main body housing, A photosensitive drum; a developing device capable of supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; a replenishing device for replenishing toner to the developing device, the replenishing device having a replenishing port for receiving the toner to be replenished to the developing device; A process cartridge having a second process cartridge that is replaceable with respect to the main body housing, A second photosensitive drum; a second developing device capable of supplying toner to the second photosensitive drum; a second supply device for supplying toner to the second developing device, the second supply device having a second supply port for receiving the toner to be supplied to the second developing device; A second process cartridge having a drawer in which the process cartridge and the second process cartridge can be placed, the drawer being movable through the opening between a first position in which the process cartridge is accommodated within the main body housing and the process cartridge is positioned at a storage position where toner cannot be replenished to the supply port when the process cartridge and the second process cartridge are placed on the drawer, a second position in which the process cartridge is positioned at a supply position where toner can be replenished to the supply port, the second position in which the second process cartridge is accommodated within the main body housing and the second process cartridge is positioned at the second storage position where toner cannot be replenished to the second supply port, and a third position in which the process cartridge is pulled out to an outside of the main body housing and the process cartridge is removable from the drawer, the third position in which the process cartridge is positioned at the second supply position where toner can be replenished to the second supply port; An image forming apparatus comprising:

9. The photosensitive drum is rotatable about a drum axis extending in a first direction, The process cartridge comprises: A first side plate; a second side plate positioned away from the first side plate in the first direction; and the developing device is located between the first side plate and the second side plate in the first direction, The replenishing device is a container having the supply port and located on an opposite side of the first side plate with respect to the second side plate in the first direction; 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a toner tube extending in the first direction and allowing passage of toner from the container toward the developing device.

10. The process cartridge comprises: a drum cleaner configured to clean a surface of the photosensitive drum, the drum cleaner being positioned between the first side plate and the second side plate in the first direction; a waste toner storage unit that stores waste toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum by the drum cleaner, the waste toner storage unit being located on an opposite side of the first side plate with respect to the second side plate in the first direction; The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 , further comprising: a waste toner pipe extending in the first direction and through which the waste toner passes from the drum cleaner to the waste toner storage unit.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the container of the replenishing device is located above the waste toner storage unit when the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus.

12. The main body housing includes:

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first stopper that engages with at least one of the process cartridge and the drawer when the process cartridge is positioned at the supply position, thereby stopping the process cartridge at the supply position.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the supply port is located outside the main body housing when the process cartridge is located at the supply position.

14. The main body housing includes: a holder having a positioning opening for positioning a container containing toner with respect to the process cartridge located at the supply position; 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the supply port is capable of receiving the toner through the positioning opening when the process cartridge is located at the supply position.

15. When the process cartridge is located at the supply position, the process cartridge cannot be removed from the drawer, An image forming apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the drawer is movable between the first position and a third position in which the process cartridge is positioned at a pulled-out position where the process cartridge is pulled out of the main body housing and can be removed from the drawer, via the second position.

16. The main body housing includes:

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a second stopper that prevents the process cartridge from being removed from the drawer when the process cartridge is located at the supply position.

17. The process cartridge comprises: the process cartridge has an engaging portion that faces the second stopper when the process cartridge is located at the supply position, 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the engaging portion of the process cartridge is positioned away from the second stopper when the process cartridge is in the pulled-out position.

18. The main body housing includes: a first guide extending in a moving direction of the drawer and guiding the drawer; The drawer includes: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a first guided portion that is guided by the first guide.

19. the first guide is a rail extending in a moving direction of the drawer, The image forming apparatus according to claim 18 , wherein the first guided portion is a rail that extends in the movement direction of the drawer and is slidable relative to the first guide.

20. 20. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the process cartridge is placed on the drawer, in a direction in which the drawer moves from the first position to the second position, the supply port is located downstream of the photosensitive drum.

21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the drawer moves downward from the first position to the second position.

22. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a cover movable between a closed position at which the opening is closed and an open position at which the opening is opened.

Images