Image forming apparatus

摘要

An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member to bear a toner image, a waste toner storage mechanism to store residual toner, and an intermediate transfer unit detachable from the image forming apparatus. The intermediate transfer unit includes an intermediate transfer member onto which the toner image is transferred, a cleaning device to remove residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer member after the toner image is transferred to a recording medium, and a connecting mechanism to connect the cleaning device and the waste toner storage mechanism. The connecting mechanism includes a movable connecting tube and a moving device to move the connecting tube between a first position at which the connecting tube engages the cleaning device and the waste toner storage mechanism, and the second position at which the connecting tube separates the cleaning device from the waste toner storage mechanism.

主权项

1. An image forming apparatus, comprising:
a toner conveyance path; and a transfer unit detachably attachable relative to the image forming apparatus, the transfer unit including
an intermediate transfer belt configured to bear a toner image,a cleaning device configured to remove residual toner remaining on intermediate transfer belt,a connector configured to connect the cleaning device with the toner conveyance path, anda moving device configured to move the connector between a first position and a second position, the connector connecting the cleaning device with the toner conveyance path at the first position, and separating the cleaning device from the toner conveyance path at the second position, wherein the moving device includes a lever to move the connector, the lever being disposed at a front side of the transfer unit with respect to a detaching direction of the transfer unit, and wherein the transfer unit is detachable from the image forming apparatus when the connector is at the second position.