Toner Container and Image Forming System

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to provide a novel toner container that can be installed in an image forming apparatus. The solution is to provide a toner storage portion, a discharge portion having an opening, a rotatable member that can rotate in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and a protrusion that protrudes downward. The protrusion has a first downward surface and a second downward surface facing downward, and an upward surface facing upward. The first downward surface and the second downward surface extend in a manner that rises as it advances in the first rotation direction. At least a part of the first downward surface is closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the second downward surface, and is disposed at a position different from the second downward surface in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle. At least a part of the upward surface is located above at least a part of the second downward surface.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application for invention titled "Toner Container and Image Forming System", with an international filing date of December 6, 2021, an international application number of PCT / JP2021 / 045722, and a national application number of 202180035504.5. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a toner container that can be attached to an image forming apparatus, and to an image forming system. Background Art

[0003] In order to supply toner for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus, a structure using a detachable toner container for the image forming apparatus is known (WO2020100699A2). Summary of the Invention

[0004] [Problems to be Solved]

[0005] Recently, users require the use of various types of image forming apparatuses. An object of the present invention is to provide a new form of toner container that can be attached to an image forming apparatus.

[0006] [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a toner container including: a housing portion configured to house toner; a discharge portion configured to be provided with an opening for discharging the toner in the housing portion to the outside; a rotatable member capable of rotating relative to the discharge portion about a central axis as a rotation axis in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction; and a protrusion. When the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis extends in the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is located below the housing portion, the protrusion is provided below the opening of the discharge portion and has an inner peripheral surface facing inward in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, wherein the opening of the discharge portion faces the radial direction. When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has a first downward surface, a second downward surface, and an upward surface facing downward, the first downward surface, the second downward surface, and the upward surface are located outside the inner peripheral surface and inside the opening of the discharge portion in the radial direction, the first downward surface and the second downward surface extend in a manner of rising as they progress in the first rotation direction, and at least a part of the first downward surface is provided at a position closer to the central axis than the second downward surface in the radial direction and different from the position where the second downward surface is provided in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, and at least a part of the upward surface is located above at least a part of the second downward surface.

[0008] [Effects of the present invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a new form of toner container that can be installed in an image forming apparatus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a view of the image forming system of Example 1.

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to Example 1.

[0012] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion in Example 1.

[0013] Figure 4 is an external perspective view of the mounting portion in Example 1.

[0014] Figure 5 is a top view of the mounting portion in Example 1 as viewed from above.

[0015] Figure 6 is a view of the mounting portion in Example 1 as viewed from below.

[0016] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the device side baffle in Example 1.

[0017] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the cover in Example 1.

[0018] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion in Example 1 (when the rotation of the device side baffle is restricted).

[0019] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion in Example 1 (when the restriction on the rotation of the device side baffle is released).

[0020] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the restricting member in Example 1.

[0021] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the releasing member used in Example 1.

[0022] Figure 13 is a perspective view and a front view of the unit in Example 1 in which the restricting member and the releasing member are assembled.

[0023] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion in Example 1.

[0024] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion in Example 1.

[0025] Figure 16 Front view of the toner pack according to Example 1.

[0026] Figure 17 Exploded perspective view of the toner pack according to Example 1.

[0027] Figure 18 Perspective view and bottom view near the nozzle in Example 1 (when the pack side baffle is closed).

[0028] Figure 19 Perspective view and bottom view near the nozzle in Example 1 (when the pack side baffle is open).

[0029] Figure 20 Rear perspective view near the nozzle in Example 1.

[0030] Figure 21 Front view near the nozzle in Example 1.

[0031] Figure 22 Cross-sectional view of the protrusion of the nozzle in Example 1.

[0032] Figure 23 Perspective view of the installation part and the toner pack in the state during the installation operation in Example 1.

[0033] Figure 24 Cross-sectional view of the installation part and the toner pack in the state during the installation in Example 1.

[0034] Figure 25 Cross-sectional view of the installation part and the toner pack in the state during the installation in Example 1.

[0035] Figure 26 Illustration of the process of releasing the rotation restriction of the device side baffle by the rotation restriction mechanism of the installation part by installing the toner pack in Example 1.

[0036] Figure 27 Cross-sectional view of the installation part and the toner pack when the installation of the toner pack according to Example 1 is completed.

[0037] Figure 28 Perspective view of the toner pack installed on the installation part as viewed from above when the operating lever is in the closed position and the open position.

[0038] Figure 29 Cross-sectional view showing the toner movement path when the device side baffle and the pack side baffle are closed and opened.

[0039] Figure 30 Perspective view near the nozzle in Variant Example 1 of Example 1.

[0040] Figure 31 Perspective view near the nozzle according to Variant Example 2 of Example 1.

[0041] Figure 32 Perspective view near the nozzle in Variant Example 3 of Example 1.

[0042] Figure 33 Perspective view and front view near the nozzle in Variant Example 4 of Example 1.

[0043] Figure 34 Front view of the toner pack in Variant Example 5 of Example 1.

[0044] Figure 35 Perspective view near the nozzle in Variant Example 6 of Example 1.

[0045] Figure 36 Perspective view near the nozzle in Variant Example 7 of Example 1.

[0046] Figure 37 Perspective view near the nozzle in Variant Example 8 of Example 1.

[0047] Figure 38 Perspective view near the nozzle and the attachment according to Variant Example 9 of Example 1.

[0048] Figure 39 Enlarged view of the second inclined surface of the restriction release portion in Example 1 and Variant Examples 1 to 9 of Example 1.

[0049] Figure 40 Exploded perspective view of the mounting portion in Example 2.

[0050] Figure 41 External perspective view of the mounting portion in Example 2.

[0051] Figure 42 View of the mounting portion in Example 2 as observed from above.

[0052] Figure 43 View of the mounting portion in Example 2 as observed from below.

[0053] Figure 44 Perspective view of the device side baffle in Example 2.

[0054] Figure 45 Perspective view of the cover in Example 2.

[0055] Figure 46 Perspective view of the restriction member in Example 2.

[0056] Figure 47 Perspective view of the release member in Example 2.

[0057] Figure 48 is a perspective view of the unit for assembling the restricting member and the releasing member in Example 2.

[0058] Figure 49 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion in Example 2 (when the rotation of the equipment side baffle is restricted).

[0059] Figure 50 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the releasing member relative to the restricting member in Example 2.

[0060] Figure 51 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion in Example 2 (when the rotation restriction of the equipment side baffle is released).

[0061] Figure 52 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the releasing member relative to the restricting member in Example 2.

[0062] Figure 53 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the releasing member relative to the restricting member in Example 2.

[0063] Figure 54 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the releasing member relative to the restricting member in Example 2.

[0064] Figure 55 are the front view, rear view, and side view of the toner pack according to Example 2.

[0065] Figure 56 is an exploded perspective view of the toner pack according to Example 2.

[0066] Figure 57 are a perspective view and a bottom view near the nozzle in Example 2 (when the pack side baffle is closed).

[0067] Figure 58 are a perspective view, a bottom view, and a front view near the nozzle in Example 2 (when the pack side baffle is open).

[0068] Figure 59 are a rear perspective view, an enlarged perspective view of the protrusion, and a front view near the nozzle according to Example 2.

[0069] Figure 60 are a perspective view and a bottom view of the protrusion in Example 2.

[0070] Figure 61 are a front view and a rear view near the nozzle in Example 2.

[0071] Figure 62 are a cross-sectional view of the protrusion of the nozzle and a bottom view of the nozzle in Example 2.

[0072] Figure 63 Perspective views of the toner pack and the installation portion before and at the completion of the installation of the toner pack according to Embodiment 2.

[0073] Figure 64 Cross-sectional views of the installation portion and the toner pack during the installation of the toner pack according to Embodiment 2.

[0074] Figure 65 Illustration showing the process of releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle by the rotation restriction mechanism of the installation portion through the installation of the toner pack in Embodiment 2.

[0075] Figure 66 Illustration showing the process of releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle by the rotation restriction mechanism of the installation portion through the installation of the toner pack in Embodiment 2.

[0076] Figure 67 Enlarged perspective view of the installation portion in Embodiment 2, showing how the release claws of the release member are exposed through the central hole of the cover of the installation portion.

[0077] Figure 68 Cross-sectional view of the installation portion and the toner pack at the completion of the installation of the toner pack in Embodiment 2.

[0078] Figure 69 Perspective views of the toner pack installed on the installation portion as viewed from above when the operating lever is in the closed position and the open position.

[0079] Figure 70 Cross-sectional view showing the toner movement path when the device-side baffle and the pack-side baffle are closed and opened.

[0080] Figure 71 Perspective view and bottom view showing a modified example of the inner peripheral surface of the protruding portion of the nozzle.

[0081] Figure 72 Perspective view and side view of an accessory according to Modified Example 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0082] Figure 73 Top view and cross-sectional view showing only the part related to the installation of the accessory to the main device assembly in Modified Example 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0083] Figure 74 Cross-sectional view showing the process of installing the accessory to the main device assembly according to Modified Example 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0084] Figure 75 Cross-sectional view showing the process of installing the accessory to the main device assembly according to Modified Example 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0085] Figure 76Perspective view of the toner pack according to Variant Example 1 of Example 2.

[0086] Figure 77 Side view and cross-sectional view of the toner pack installed in the main device component in Variant Example 1 of Example 2.

[0087] Figure 78 Perspective view of the attachment with a different shape according to Variant Example 1 of Example 2.

[0088] Figure 79 Perspective view and side view of the attachment unit according to Variant Example 2 of Example 2.

[0089] Figure 80 Perspective view of the baffle in Variant Example 2 of Example 2.

[0090] Figure 81 Perspective view of the protruding member in Variant Example 2 of Example 2.

[0091] Figure 82 Exploded perspective view of the attachment unit according to Variant Example 2 of Example 2.

[0092] Figure 83 Cross-sectional view of the protruding member and the baffle when they are in the first position in Variant Example 2 of Example 2.

[0093] Figure 84 Side view near the protruding member in the state where the operating lever is between the closed position and the open position in Variant Example 2 of Example 2.

[0094] Figure 85 Cross-sectional view near the protruding member in the state where the operating lever is between the closed position and the open position in Variant Example 2 of Example 2.

[0095] Figure 86 Perspective view of the toner pack installed in the main device component according to Variant Example 2 of Example 2.

[0096] Figure 87 Perspective view of the attachment unit with a cover member installed according to Variant Example 2 of Example 2.

[0097] Figure 88 Illustration showing the specific shapes of the first restriction release portion and the second restriction release portion in Variant Example 3 of Example 2.

[0098] Figure 89 Illustration showing the process of rotating the release member through the first inclined surface of the first restriction release portion in Variant Example 3 of Example 2.

[0099] Figure 90It is a diagram showing the process of rotating the release member by the second inclined surface of the first restriction release portion in Variant Example 3 of Embodiment 2.

[0100] Figure 91 It is a diagram showing the specific shapes of the first restriction release portion and the second restriction release portion in another form in Variant Example 3 of Embodiment 2.

[0101] Figure 92 It is a diagram showing the process of rotating the release member by the first restriction release portion and the second restriction release portion in another form in Variant Example 3 of Embodiment 2.

[0102] Figure 93 It is an external perspective view of the discharge unit according to Variant Example 4 of Embodiment 2.

[0103] Figure 94 It is an exploded perspective view of the discharge unit according to Variant Example 4 of Embodiment 2.

[0104] Figure 95 It is a perspective view of the toner pack equipped with the discharge unit according to Variant Example 4 of Embodiment 2.

[0105] Figure 96 It is a perspective view of the toner pack according to Variant Example 5 of Embodiment 2.

[0106] Figure 97 It is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the nozzle in Variant Example 5 of Embodiment 2.

[0107] Figure 98 It is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the nozzle in the state where the discharge opening faces downward in Variant Example 5 of Embodiment 2.

[0108] Figure 99 It is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the nozzle in the state where the discharge opening faces radially outward in Variant Example 5 of Embodiment 2.

[0109] Figure 100 It is a diagram showing the specific shapes of the first restriction release portion and the second restriction release portion according to Variant Example 6 of Embodiment 2.

[0110] Figure 101 It is a perspective view, a front view, a side view, and a rear view of the toner pack according to Variant Example 7 of Embodiment 2.

[0111] Figure 102 It is a perspective view of the toner pack and the mounting portion according to Variant Example 7 of Embodiment 2, and a perspective view of the rod for opening the device side baffle.

[0112] Figure 103 It is a diagram showing the entire toner pack according to Embodiment 3.

[0113] Figure 104 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle and the parts assembled to the nozzle in Example 3.

[0114] Figure 105 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle and the parts assembled to the nozzle in Example 3.

[0115] Figure 106 is a diagram showing the specific shape of the restriction release member in Example 3.

[0116] Figure 107 is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack according to Example 3.

[0117] Figure 108 is a diagram showing the operation process of the toner pack in Example 3.

[0118] Figure 109 is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack according to Example 3.

[0119] Figure 110 is a diagram showing the process of releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle by the rotation restriction mechanism of the installation part by installing the toner pack according to Example 3.

[0120] Figure 111 is a diagram showing the process of releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle by the rotation restriction mechanism of the installation part by installing the toner pack in Example 3.

[0121] Figure 112 is a diagram showing the specific shape of the restriction release member according to Variant Example 1 of Example 3.

[0122] Figure 113 is a diagram showing the specific shape of the restriction release member in Variant Example 2 of Example 3.

[0123] Figure 114 is a diagram showing the entire toner pack according to Example 4.

[0124] Figure 115 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle and the parts assembled to the nozzle in Example 4.

[0125] Figure 116 is a perspective view of the nozzle in Example 4.

[0126] Figure 117 is a perspective view of the movement path in Example 4.

[0127] Figure 118 is a perspective view of the cam member, operation member, and shaft member in Example 4.

[0128] Figure 119It is a diagram showing the assembly of the moving path and the tension spring to the nozzle in Embodiment 4.

[0129] Figure 120 It is a diagram showing the process of assembling the operating mechanism to the nozzle in Embodiment 4.

[0130] Figure 121 It is a perspective view of the state where each part is assembled to the nozzle in Embodiment 4.

[0131] Figure 122 It is a diagram showing the state of the side baffle in the open position and the closed position at the second position of the moving path in Embodiment 4.

[0132] Figure 123 It is a diagram showing the operation of the moving path by operating the operating member in Embodiment 4.

[0133] Figure 124 It is a diagram showing the process of inserting the toner pack into the mounting portion and operating the operating lever and the operating member according to Embodiment 4.

[0134] Figure 125 It is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack mounted to the attachment portion and the operating lever in the open position in Embodiment 4.

[0135] Figure 126 It is a cross-sectional view when the operating member is operated to move the moving path to the first position in Embodiment 4.

[0136] Figure 127 It is a perspective view of the toner pack according to Embodiment 5.

[0137] Figure 128 It is an exploded perspective view of the toner pack according to Embodiment 5.

[0138] Figure 129 It is a partial exploded perspective view of the toner pack according to Embodiment 5.

[0139] Figure 130 It is a partial exploded perspective view of the toner pack according to Embodiment 5.

[0140] Figure 131 It is a perspective view of the nozzle in Embodiment 5.

[0141] Figure 132 It is a cross-sectional view and a side view of the nozzle in Embodiment 5.

[0142] Figure 133 It is a schematic perspective view showing the first operation of the user in Embodiment 5.

[0143] Figure 134 It is a side view showing the second operation of the user in Embodiment 5.

[0144] Figure 135 It is a side view showing the third operation of the user according to Embodiment 5.

[0145] Figure 136 It is a cross-sectional view showing the third operation of the user in Embodiment 5.

[0146] Figure 137 It is a perspective view showing the states before and after the toner seal is broken in Embodiment 5.

[0147] Figure 138 It is an external view of a toner pack having a structure in which the toner seal is pulled out according to Embodiment 5.

[0148] Figure 139 It is an exploded perspective view showing the attachment of the toner seal of the toner pack in Embodiment 5.

[0149] Figure 140 It is a partial exploded perspective view showing the installation of the toner seal of the toner pack according to Embodiment 5.

[0150] Figure 141 It is a cross-sectional view of a toner pack configured to pull out the toner seal to the outside according to Embodiment 5.

[0151] Figure 142 It is a diagram showing the entire toner pack according to Embodiment 6.

[0152] Figure 143 It is an exploded perspective view of the restriction release mechanism according to Embodiment 6.

[0153] Figure 144 It is a diagram showing the process of the specific shape and assembly method of the restriction release mechanism of Embodiment 6.

[0154] Figure 145 It is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack according to Embodiment 6.

[0155] Figure 146 It is a diagram showing the operation of the restriction release mechanism in Embodiment 6.

[0156] Figure 147 It is an enlarged perspective view near the protruding portion of the toner pack according to Embodiment 6.

[0157] Figure 148 It is a diagram showing the entire toner pack according to Embodiment 7.

[0158] Figure 149 It is an exploded perspective view of the restriction release mechanism according to Embodiment 7.

[0159] Figure 150It is a detailed view of the first restriction release member and the second restriction release member in Example 7.

[0160] Figure 151 It is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack according to Example 7.

[0161] Figure 152 It is a diagram showing the operation of the restriction release mechanism in Example 7.

[0162] Figure 153 It is a diagram showing the process of releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle by the rotation restriction mechanism of the installation part by installing the toner pack in Example 7.

[0163] Figure 154 It is a detailed view of the first restriction release member and the second restriction release member in Variant Example 1 of Example 7.

[0164] Figure 155 It is a diagram showing the process of releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle by the rotation restriction mechanism of the installation part by installing the toner pack in Variant Example 1 of Example 7.

[0165] Figure 156 It is an exploded perspective view of the restriction release mechanism according to Variant Example 2 of Example 7.

[0166] Figure 157 It is a diagram showing the operation of the restriction release mechanism according to Variant Example 2 of Example 7.

[0167] Figure 158 It is a diagram showing the process of releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle by the rotation restriction mechanism of the installation part by installing the toner pack in Variant Example 2 of Example 7.

[0168] Figure 159 It is an exploded perspective view of the restriction release mechanism in Variant Example 3 of Example 7.

[0169] Figure 160 It is a diagram showing the process of releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle by the rotation restriction mechanism of the installation part by installing the toner pack in Variant Example 3 of Example 7.

[0170] Figure 161 It is a diagram showing the position of the pin provided on the straight part when the toner pack is installed on the installation part in Variant Example 3 of Example 7.

[0171] Figure 162 It is a diagram showing the entire toner pack according to Example 8.

[0172] Figure 163 It is an exploded perspective view before the restriction release member and the collar are assembled to the nozzle in Example 8.

[0173] Figure 164 It is a detailed view of the restriction release member in Example 8.

[0174] Figure 165 It is a cross-sectional view of the restriction release member in Example 8.

[0175] Figure 166 It is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack according to Example 8.

[0176] Figure 167 It is a diagram showing the process of releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle by the rotation restriction mechanism of the installation part by installing the toner pack according to Example 8.

[0177] Figure 168 It is a diagram showing the process of releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle by the rotation restriction mechanism of the installation part by installing the toner pack in Example 8.

[0178] Figure 169 It is a diagram showing the process of releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle by the rotation restriction mechanism of the installation part by installing the toner pack in Example 8.

[0179] Figure 170 It is a diagram showing the process of releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle by the rotation restriction mechanism of the installation part by installing the toner pack according to Example 8.

[0180] Figure 171 It is a diagram showing the process of releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle by the rotation restriction mechanism of the installation part by installing the toner pack in Example 8.

[0181] Figure 172 It is a diagram showing the process of releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle by the rotation restriction mechanism of the installation part by installing the toner pack in Example 8.

[0182] Figure 173 It is a perspective view of the restriction release member in Variant Example 1 of Example 8.

[0183] Figure 174 It is a detailed view of the restriction release member in Variant Example 2 of Example 8.

[0184] Figure 175 It is a detailed view of the restriction release member according to Variant Example 3 of Example 8.

[0185] Figure 176 It is a perspective view of the toner pack according to Example 9.

[0186] Figure 177 It is an exploded perspective view of the toner pack according to Example 9.

[0187] Figure 178 Is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle according to Embodiment 9.

[0188] Figure 179 Is an exploded perspective view of the package side baffle according to Embodiment 9.

[0189] Figure 180 Is a top view and a side view showing the state where the toner package in Embodiment 9 is mounted on the mounting portion.

[0190] Figure 181 Is a cross-sectional view of the state where the toner package is mounted on the mounting portion in Embodiment 9.

[0191] Figure 182 Is a cross-sectional view of the state where the toner package is mounted on the mounting portion according to Embodiment 9.

[0192] Figure 183 Is a perspective view of the toner package according to Embodiment 10.

[0193] Figure 184 Is an exploded perspective view of the toner package according to Embodiment 10.

[0194] Figure 185 Is an exploded view of the nozzle in Embodiment 10.

[0195] Figure 186 Is an exploded perspective view of the package side baffle according to Embodiment 10.

[0196] Figure 187 Is a side view and a cross-sectional view of the toner package according to Embodiment 10.

[0197] Figure 188 Is a top view, a side view, and a cross-sectional view showing the state where the toner package is mounted on the mounting portion in Embodiment 10.

[0198] Figure 189 Is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the toner package is mounted on the mounting portion in Embodiment 10.

[0199] Figure 190 Is a top view, a side view, and a cross-sectional view showing the state where the toner in the toner package in Embodiment 10 is supplied to the toner storage chamber of the developer container.

[0200] Figure 191 Is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the toner of the toner package is supplied to the toner storage chamber of the developer container in Embodiment 10.

[0201] Figure 192 Is a perspective view of the state where the free end member of the toner package in Embodiment 11 is in the first posture.

[0202] Figure 193It is a partial exploded perspective view of the toner pack according to Embodiment 11.

[0203] Figure 194 It is an exploded perspective view of the protruding member in Embodiment 11.

[0204] Figure 195 It is a side view and a cross-sectional view showing the user operation of the protruding member in Embodiment 11.

[0205] Figure 196 It is a diagram showing the structure of only one restriction release portion of the protrusion in Embodiment 2 and the structure in which the second restriction release portion has a shape rotationally symmetric by 190 degrees with respect to the first restriction release portion. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0206] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0207] <Embodiment 1>

[0208] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0209] (Image Forming Apparatus System)

[0210] Figure 1 Part (a) of which is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the image forming system 1000 according to Embodiment 1, Figure 1 Part (b) of which is a perspective view of the image forming system 1000.

[0211] The image forming system 1000 includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a toner pack 100 (toner container, toner cartridge) that can be mounted on the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 without the toner pack 100 mounted thereon.

[0212] The toner pack 100 can be mounted on Figure 2 the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown, and houses the toner to be supplied to the image forming apparatus 1. The specific structure of the toner pack 100 will be described hereinafter. The toner pack 100 is mounted by moving it along Figure 2 the mounting direction M shown. In the present embodiment, the mounting direction M of the toner pack 100 is the direction of gravity, but the direction M may be inclined with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0213] (Image Forming Apparatus)

[0214] The image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome printer that forms an image on a recording material P based on image information input from an external device. The recording material P can be various sheet materials, such as paper such as plain paper and thick paper, plastic films such as sheets for overhead projectors, sheets with special shapes such as envelopes and index papers, or various sheets made of different materials such as cloth.

[0215] As Figure 1 shown in part (a) of Figure 1 and part (b) of

[0216]

[0217]

[0218]

[0219]

[0220] The image forming unit 10 includes a scanner unit 11, an electrophotographic processing unit 20, and a transfer roller 12 that transfers the toner image (which is a developer image) formed on the photosensitive drum 21 of the processing unit 20 to the recording material P. The processing unit 20 includes a photosensitive drum 21, a charging roller 22, a pre-exposure section 23, and a developing device 30 (developing unit, developing section) including a developing roller 31. The photosensitive drum 21 (image bearing member) is a photosensitive member molded into a cylindrical shape. The photosensitive drum 21 of the present embodiment has a photosensitive layer formed of a negatively charged organic photosensitive member on a drum-shaped substrate made of aluminum. In addition, the photosensitive drum 21 is rotationally driven by a motor at a predetermined processing speed in a predetermined rotational direction (clockwise direction in the figure). The charging roller 22 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 with a predetermined pressure contact force to form a charging section. Further, by applying a desired charging voltage by a charging high-voltage power supply, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential. In the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 is charged to a negative polarity by the charging roller 22. The pre-exposure section 23 removes static electricity from the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 21 before the surface of the photosensitive drum reaches the charging section, so as to generate a stable discharge in the charging section. The scanner unit 11 as an exposure device scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 by irradiating the photosensitive drum 21 with a laser beam corresponding to the image information input from an external device using a polygon mirror. By this exposure, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The scanner unit 11 is not limited to a laser scanner device, and for example, an LED exposure device including an LED array in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 21 can be employed.The developing device 30 includes a developing roller 31 that is supplied with developer and serves as a developer carrier member for carrying the developer, a developer container 32 (developing frame) that is the frame of the developing device 30, and a supply roller 33 that can supply the developer to the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are rotatably supported by the developer container 32. In addition, the developing roller 31 is disposed in the opening of the developer container 32 so as to face the photosensitive drum 21. The supply roller 33 is rotatably in contact with the developing roller 31, and toner, which is the developer accommodated in the developer container 32, is supplied by the supply roller 33 to the surface of the developing roller 31. If the toner can be sufficiently supplied to the developing roller 31, the supply roller 33 is not always required.

[0221] The developing device 30 of the present embodiment uses a contact developing method as the developing method. That is, in a developing portion (developing area) where the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 31 face each other, the toner layer carried on the developing roller 31 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 21. A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 31 by a developing high-voltage power supply. Under the developing voltage, according to the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, the toner carried on the developing roller 31 is transferred from the developing roller 31 to the drum surface, so that the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image. In the present embodiment, a reverse developing method is adopted. That is, in the charging step, the surface of the photosensitive drum is charged, and then in the exposure step, the amount of charge is attenuated by exposure, and the toner adheres to the surface area of the photosensitive drum 21 where the amount of charge has been attenuated, thereby forming a toner image.

[0222] In addition, in the present embodiment, a toner having a particle size of 6 μm and a negative normal charge polarity is used. As an example, the toner of the present embodiment uses a polymer toner prepared by a polymerization method. In addition, the toner of the present embodiment does not contain a magnetic component and is a so-called non-magnetic one-component developer that mainly supports the toner on the developing roller 31 by intermolecular force or electrostatic force (image force). However, a one-component developer containing a magnetic component can be used. In addition to the toner particles, the one-component developer may contain additives (e.g., wax or fine silica particles) for adjusting the fluidity and charging performance of the toner. In addition, as the developer, a two-component developer containing a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier can be used. When using a magnetic developer, for example, a cylindrical developing sleeve internally provided with a magnet is used as the developer carrier.

[0223] The developer container 32 includes a toner storage chamber 36 (second storage portion, main component storage portion) for storing toner. A stirring member 34 (toner conveying member) is disposed within the toner storage chamber 36. The stirring member 34 is driven by a motor (not shown) to stir the toner in the developer container 32 while feeding the toner to the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33. In addition, the stirring member 34 is used to circulate the toner peeled from the developing roller 31 that is not used for development within the developer container, thereby making the toner in the developer container uniform. The stirring member 34 is not limited to a rotary type. For example, a stirring member including a swinging shape can be alternatively employed.

[0224] In addition, a developing blade 35 that restricts the amount of toner carried on the developing roller 31 is disposed at the opening of the developer container 32 in which the developing roller 31 is disposed. The toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller 31 passes through the portion facing the developing blade 35 as the developing roller 31 rotates, such that the toner is uniformly formed into a thin layer and charged to a negative polarity by triboelectrification.

[0225] Next, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. When an image forming command is input to the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming process of the image forming unit 10 starts based on the image information input from an external computer connected to the image forming apparatus 1. The scanner unit 11 irradiates the photosensitive drum 21 with a laser beam based on the input image information. At this time, the photosensitive drum 21 is pre-charged by the charging roller 22, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21 by being irradiated with the laser beam. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 31, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21.

[0226] In parallel with the above-described image forming process, the recording material P is sent out by the pickup roller 65 and fed toward the transfer nip portion formed by the transfer roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0227] The transfer roller 12 is supplied with a transfer voltage from the transfer high voltage power source, so that the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred onto the recording material P. When the recording material P carrying the toner image at that time passes through the fixing unit 70, the toner image is heated and pressed. Thereby, the toner particles melt and are then fixed, so that the toner image is fixed onto the recording material P. The recording material P that has passed through the fixing unit 70 is discharged to the outside (outside the machine) of the image forming apparatus 1 by the discharge roller pair 80 as a discharging device, and is discharged onto a discharge tray 81 (which serves as a stacking portion) provided at the upper part of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0228] A top cover 82 serving as a stacking tray is provided at the upper part of the image forming apparatus 1, and a discharge tray 81 serving as a stacking surface is formed on the upper surface of the top cover 82. As shown in Figure 1 part (b) of Figure 2As shown, the top cover 82 is provided with an opening / closing member 83 which is supported so as to be able to open / close about a rotation axis 83a extending in the front-rear direction. The discharge tray 81 of the top cover 82 is provided with an upwardly open opening 82a. As Figure 2 shown, the mounting portion 106 for mounting the toner pack 100 is exposed through the opening 82a.

[0229] The opening / closing member 83 is movable between a closed position covering the mounting portion 106 and an open position exposing the mounting portion 106 so that the toner pack 100 can be mounted on the image forming apparatus 1. In the closed position, the toner pack 100 cannot be mounted on the image forming apparatus 1. In the closed position, the opening / closing member 83 serves as a part of the discharge tray 81. When viewed from the front of the image forming apparatus 1, the opening / closing member 83 and the opening 82a are formed on the left side of the discharge tray 81. The front side of the image forming apparatus 1 described here is the upstream side of the image forming apparatus 1 in the direction in which the recording material P is sent out by the pickup roller 65. Further, the opening / closing member 83 is opened to the left by hooking a finger in the groove portion 82b provided in the top cover 82.

[0230] The opening 82a of the discharge tray 81 is opened so that the mounting portion 106 formed on the upper part of the image forming apparatus 1 is exposed, and by opening the opening / closing member 83, the user can access the mounting portion 106. In the present embodiment, a direct supply method is adopted, in which: while the developing device 30 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1, the user supplies toner from the toner pack 100 mounted on the mounting portion 106 to the developing device 30. At least a part of the toner pack 100 is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the toner pack is mounted on the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0231] When the remaining amount of toner in the processing unit 20 is small, it is not necessary to take out the processing unit 20 from the image forming apparatus 1 and replace the processing unit with a new one, thereby improving usability. Further, compared with replacing the entire processing unit 20, toner can be replenished to the developer container 32 at a lower cost. In the direct supply method, it is not necessary to replace various rollers, gears, etc., and thus the cost can also be reduced compared with the case of replacing only the processing unit 20 of the developing device 30.

[0232] (Toner pack mounting portion)

[0233] First, with reference to Figures 3 to 8 , the structure of the mounting portion 106 will be described. In the present embodiment, the mounting portion 106 is a unit for mounting the toner pack 100.

[0234] Figure 3 Part (a) of is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion 106. Figure 3Part (b) is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion 106 observed from a direction different from that of Figure 3 part (a).

[0235] Figure 4 Part (a) of Figure 5 and part (a) of Figure 4 are a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting portion 106 when the operating lever 108 is in the closed position, and a view of the mounting portion 106 observed along the mounting direction M, respectively. Figure 5 Part (b) of Figure 6 and part (b) of

[0236] Figure 7 are a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting portion 106 when the operating lever 108 is in the open position, and a view of the mounting portion 106 observed along the mounting direction M, respectively. Figure 7 Part (b) is a perspective view of the device-side baffle 109 observed from a viewpoint different from that of Figure 7 part (a). Figure 8 Part (a) is a perspective view of the cover 110 observed from the downstream side of the cover 110 in the mounting direction M. Figure 8 Part (b) is a perspective view of the cover 110 observed from the upstream side in the mounting direction M.

[0237] Figure 3 and 4 The mounting portion 106 shown is provided with a base frame 2 including a first frame 107, a second frame 117, and a cover 110. The cover 110 and the second frame 117 are fixed to the first frame 107. As Figure 8 shown, the cover 110 includes an engaged portion 110h that engages with the engaged portion 107b of the first frame 107 ( Figure 3 part (a) of Figure 3 and 6 ), so as not to rotate about the rotation axis B with respect to the first frame 107. The first frame 107, the cover 110, and the second frame 117 may be integrally formed instead of being separate members. As Figure 1 shown, the second frame 117 is provided with a device-side opening 117a (frame opening, receiving opening), and the device-side opening 117a is in fluid communication with the toner storage chamber 36 of the developing device 30 (see

[0238] part (a) of

[0239] The operating lever 108 and the device-side baffle 109 (second baffle) are mounted to the base frame 2 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis B (central axis).The first frame 107 is provided with a positioning portion 107a. The positioning portion 107a projects inward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis B from the inner peripheral surface of the first frame 107 centered on the rotation axis B. In addition, the operating lever 108 is provided with a drive transmission portion 108a (lever projection) and an operating portion 108b. As shown in part (a) of Figure 3 , the drive transmission portion 108a of the operating lever 108 is a projection that projects inward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis B beyond the inner peripheral surface of the operating lever 108 centered on the rotation axis B.

[0240] The device side baffle 109 is a cylindrical member having an open upper portion, and as shown in Figure 7 , it is provided with a receiving opening 109a (second baffle opening, device side baffle opening) in the lateral side surface of the device side baffle extending along the rotation axis B, and it includes a bottom surface 109b provided with a restricted rib 109c (rotation restricting portion). The device side baffle 109 further includes a central boss 109d (positioning shaft, shaft portion), a driven transmission portion 109e (pushed portion, device side baffle projection), a wrapping contact surface 109g (installation direction positioning), and an inner peripheral surface 109h (radial direction positioning). The device side baffle 109 is configured to be rotatable relative to the base frame 2 about the rotation axis B.

[0241] The restricted rib 109c projects upward from the bottom surface 109b in the direction of the rotation axis B. As shown in part (a) of Figure 7 , the driven transmission portion 109e is a projection that projects inward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis B. Around the receiving opening 109a, a device side seal 111 is installed (see part (b) of Figure 4 ).

[0242] Here, the device side baffle 109 is configured to be able to rotate relative to the base frame 2 between a closed position where the receiving opening 109a is covered by the device side seal 111 and the cover 110 and an open position where the receiving opening is open and not covered by the cover 110. The closed position is the position shown in part (a) of Figure 4 and part (a) of Figure 5 , and it is a position where the receiving opening 109a of the device side baffle 109 is not in fluid communication with the device side opening 117a of the second frame 117 (non-communication position). The open position is the position shown in part (b) of Figure 4 and part (b) of Figure 5the position shown in part (b), and is a position where the receiving opening 109a of the device-side baffle 109 is in fluid communication with the device-side opening 117a of the second frame 117 (communication position). By moving the device-side baffle 109 to the open position, toner can be supplied from the toner pack 100 through the receiving opening 109a into the toner storage chamber 36 of the developing device 30.

[0243] The operating lever 108 and the drive of the device-side baffle 109 are not connected for drive transmission. Therefore, even if the operating lever 108 is operated when the toner pack 100 is not installed, the device-side baffle 109 does not rotate.

[0244] (Device-side baffle rotation restricting mechanism)

[0245] As Figure 3 shown, the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1 further includes a rotation restricting mechanism 112, which includes a restricting member 113 (rotation restricting member), a releasing member 114, a restricting spring 115, and a releasing spring 116.

[0246] Refer to Figures 9 to 15 , the rotation restricting mechanism 112 will be described. In Figure 9 , 10 and 14, for better illustration, the cross-sectional planes of the cover 110, the restricting member 113, and the releasing member 114 are shaded.

[0247] The following situation may occur: When the toner pack 100 is not installed on the mounting portion 106, due to the impact during the transportation of the image forming apparatus 1 or due to the user's incorrect operation, the device-side baffle rotates more than a predetermined angle, and the device-side baffle 109 inadvertently moves from the closed position to the open position. In this case, when using the image forming apparatus 1, it may be difficult for the user to install the toner pack 100 on the mounting portion 106. Details regarding this will be described below. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a rotation restricting mechanism 112 to prevent the device-side baffle 109 from rotating from the closed position to the open position.

[0248] Figure 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of the mounting portion 106. Figure 9 Part (a) of is a cross-sectional view taken along a line parallel to the rotation axis B in a state where the rotation of the device-side baffle 109 from the closed position to the open position is restricted by the rotation restricting mechanism 112. Figure 9 Part (b) of is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1 in part (a) of Figure 9 . Figure 10Part (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along a line parallel to the rotation axis B in a state where the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle 109 by the rotation restriction mechanism 112 is released. Figure 10 Part (b) is along Figure 10 a cross-sectional view taken along the line X2-X2 in part (a). For ease of explanation, Figure 10 the state of the mounting portion 106 where the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle 109 is released in a state where the toner pack 100 is not installed is shown.

[0249] In addition, Figure 11 part (a) is a perspective view of the restriction member 113 viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction M. Figure 11 part (b) is a perspective view of the restriction member 113 viewed from the downstream side in the mounting direction. Figure 12 part (a) is a perspective view of the release member 114 viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction M. Figure 12 part (b) is a perspective view of the release member 114 viewed from the downstream side in the mounting direction M. Figure 13 part (a) is a perspective view of a unit in which the restriction member 113 and the release member 114 are assembled. Figure 13 part (b) is a cross-sectional view of a unit in which the restriction member 113 and the release member 114 are assembled, taken along a line parallel to the rotation axis B.

[0250] As Figure 9 shown in part (a), the restriction member 113, the release member 114, the restriction spring 115, and the release spring 116 are provided inside the device-side baffle 109.

[0251] As Figure 11 shown, the restriction member 113 is an annular member provided with a central hole 113i centered on the rotation axis B. The restriction member 113 includes a lower surface 113a, a pair of first contact surfaces 113b, a second contact surface 113h, a second restriction surface 113c (rotation restriction portion), a surface to be contacted 113e, a pair of locked surfaces 113f, and a spring engagement portion 113g. The pair of first contact surfaces 113b and the second contact surface 113h are end surfaces on the downstream side in the rotation direction D of the device-side baffle 109. The second restriction surface 113c is an end surface on the downstream side in the rotation direction E of the device-side baffle 109. The locked surface 113f is an end surface (upper surface) on the upstream side in the mounting direction M. The lower surface 113a is an end surface on the downstream side in the mounting direction M. The spring engagement portion 113g is a protrusion protruding in the rotation direction E.

[0252] As Figure 12As shown, the release member 114 (the guided member) is provided with a pair of upwardly extending release claws 114e (engagement claws), and is provided with a central hole 114i centered on the rotation axis B. The release member 114 includes a pair of contact surfaces 114a, contact surfaces 114b, a pair of upward movement restricted surfaces 114c, a pair of locking surfaces 114d, a pair of release claws 114e (the engaged portion), a pair of contact surfaces 114f, and a spring engagement portion 114g. The pair of contact surfaces 114a are the end surfaces on the downstream side in the rotation direction E of the equipment side baffle 109. The contact surfaces 114b are the end surfaces (upper surfaces) on the upstream side in the mounting direction M. The contact surfaces 114f are the end surfaces on the downstream side in the rotation direction E with respect to the contact surfaces 114a. The upward movement restricted surfaces 114c are the surfaces connecting the contact surfaces 114a and the contact surfaces 114f, and are the end surfaces on the upstream side in the mounting direction M (the end surfaces facing upward). The locking surfaces 114d are the surfaces protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the release member 114 and facing the mounting direction M (the surfaces facing downward).

[0253] As Figure 13 shown, when the restricting member 113 and the release member 114 are assembled, the locked surface 113f of the restricting member 113 is directly below the locking surface 114d of the release member 114 and faces the locking surface 114d. In addition, the release claws 114e protrude upward from the central hole centered on the rotation axis B of the restricting member 113 beyond the upper surface of the restricting member 113.

[0254] As Figure 9 parts (a) of Figure 9 and as shown in part (b), the restricting member 113 and the release member 114 are rotatably supported by the large diameter portion 109d1 of the central boss 109d of the equipment side baffle 109. In addition, the rotation restricting mechanism 112 is covered by the upper surface 110i of the cover 110. The central boss 109d is provided coaxially with the rotation axis B of the equipment side baffle 109. The restricting member 113 is pushed in the direction of the arrow C along the rotation axis B by the pushing force F1 of the restricting spring 115 (the second elastic member, the second pressing member), and its lower surface 113a contacts the bottom surface 109b of the equipment side baffle 109. The position of the restricting member at this time is the restricting position. The direction of the arrow C is the mounting direction M of the toner cartridge 100. In addition, as Figure 9As shown in part (b), the release spring 116 (first elastic member, first pressing member) is disposed between the restricting member 113 and the releasing member 114 in the rotational direction of the device-side baffle 109. One end and the other end of the release spring 116 are engaged with the spring engaging portion 113g of the restricting member 113 and the spring engaging portion 114g of the releasing member 114, respectively. By the pressing force F2 of the release spring 116, the restricting member 113 receives a moment M1 along the rotational direction D such that at least one of the pair of first contact surfaces 113b contacts the corresponding first contact surface 110a of the cover 110. The second contact surface 113h of the restricting member 113 contacts the contacted surface 110j of the cover 110 (see Figure 8 ), thereby restricting rotation in the rotational direction D. On the other hand, the releasing member 114 receives a moment M2 along the rotational direction E generated by the pressing force F3 of the release spring 116 such that at least one of the pair of contact surfaces 114a contacts the corresponding second contacted surface 110b of the cover 110.

[0255] Here, the cover 110 is integrally fixed to the first frame 107. Thus, as shown in part (b) of Figure 9 , the restricting rib 109c of the device-side baffle 109 is located between the first restricting surface 110c of the cover 110 and the second restricting surface 113c of the restricting member 113. Therefore, the rotation of the device-side baffle 109 in the rotational direction D (the direction from the closed position to the open position) is restricted by the second restricting surface 113c of the restricting member 113. The rotation of the device-side baffle 109 in the rotational direction E (the direction from the open position to the closed position) is restricted by the first restricting surface 110c of the cover 110.

[0256] (Rotation restriction release method)

[0257] A method of releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle 109 by the rotation restricting mechanism 112 will be described. A first step of rotating the releasing member 114 in the rotational direction D against the moment M2 of the release spring 116 is performed from the state of part (b) of Figure 9 , and then a second step of moving the releasing member 114 in the direction of arrow G shown in part (a) of Figure 9 is performed. The first step and the second step are performed by mounting the toner pack 100 on the mounting portion 106, which will be described after describing the structure of the toner pack 100. Here, only the structure of the mounting portion 106 will be used for the description.

[0258] In the second step, the contact surface 114b of the releasing member 114 is brought into contact with the contacted surface 113e of the restricting member 113, and the releasing member 114 and the restricting member 113 are integrally moved in the direction of arrow G against the pressing force F1 of the restricting spring 115. By performing the second step, as shown in Figure 10The rotation restriction is released as shown, and the direction of arrow G is opposite to the installation direction M of the toner pack 100.

[0259] In the state where the rotation restriction is released, as Figure 10 shown in part (b), the second restriction surface 113c of the restriction member 113 retracts from the movement locus (rotation locus) of the restricted rib 109c of the device side baffle 109. The position of the restriction member 113 at this time is the restriction release position (release position). Then, the restricted rib 109c becomes movable between the first restriction surface 110c and the third restriction surface 110d of the cover 110. The distance between the first restriction surface 110c and the third restriction surface 110d is such that the device side baffle 109 can rotate and move between the closed position and the open position, so the rotation restriction of the device side baffle 109 is released. The device side baffle 109 becomes rotatable about the rotation axis B in the rotation direction D from the closed position to the open position. On the other hand, the rotation of the device side baffle 109 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction D from the closed position is restricted by the first restriction surface 110c of the cover 110. The amount of movement of the release member 114 in the direction of arrow G (upward direction) is sufficient as long as the amount is not less than the amount such that the second restriction surface 113c of the restriction member 113 does not overlap with the restricted rib 109c of the device side baffle 109 in the direction of the rotation axis B during the movement together with the release member 114.

[0260] Here, the structure of the rotation restriction mechanism 112 will be described, by which the rotation restriction of the device side baffle 109 is not released when the rotation restriction mechanism 112 is executed from the second step without executing the first step.

[0261] Figure 14 Part (a) of Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X3-X3 in part (b) of Figure 14 Part (b) of Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X3-X3 when the restriction member 113 moves in the direction of arrow G from the state of part (a) of

[0262] As Figure 14 shown in part (a) of Figure 8 and part (a) of Figure 14 the cover 110 is provided with a rising restriction surface 110e (rising restriction portion). As Figure 12 shown in part (a) of Figure 9When the restricting member 113 is restricted from moving in the direction of arrow G while the portions shown in (b) are in contact with each other, the locked surface 113f of the restricting member 113 abuts against the locking surface 114d of the releasing member 114. Since the same structure is provided on the opposite side with respect to the rotation axis B as the center, the restricting member 113 and the releasing member 114 move integrally in the direction of arrow G (upward). As a result, as shown in Figure 14 the portion (b), the upward movement restricting surface 114c of the releasing member 114 abuts against the upward movement restricting surface 110e of the cover 110, thereby restricting the movement of the releasing member in the G direction, and thereby restricting the movement of the restricting member 113 that moves integrally with the releasing member 114 in the direction of arrow G. At this time, as shown in Figure 9 the portion (b), the restricted rib 109c of the device-side baffle 109 is held in a rotation-restricted state by the first restricting surface 110c and the second restricting surface 113c. At this time, the position (area) of the releasing member 114 in the rotational direction around the rotation axis B is the upward movement restricting position (upward movement restricting area). That is, the upward movement restricting position is the position (area) of the releasing member 114 when the upward movement restricting surface 114c of the releasing member 114 overlaps with the upward movement restricting surface 110e of the cover 110 when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis B.

[0263] The first step is a step of rotating the releasing member 114 in the rotational direction D against the pushing force of the releasing spring 116 to the upward movement restricting release position (upward movement restricting release area) where the upward movement restricting surface 114c of the releasing member 114 does not abut against the upward movement restricting surface 110e of the cover 110.

[0264] Figure 15 The portion (a) is along Figure 10 a cross-section taken along the line X22-X22 of the portion (a). Figure 15 The portion (a) is a diagram showing the state in which the second step is performed after the first step. The second step of the present embodiment includes an operation of rotating the releasing member 114 in the rotational direction E until at least one of the pair of contact surfaces 114f of the releasing member 114 abuts against the corresponding one of the pair of second contacted surfaces 110b of the cover 110. Figure 1 The portion (b) is along ​ a cross-section taken along the line X111-X111 of the portion (a).

[0265] As ​ shown in the portion (a), when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B, the upward movement restricting surface 114c of the releasing member 114 and the upward movement restricting surface 110e of the cover 110 do not overlap with each other. Therefore, as shown in ​As shown in part (b), the restricting member 113 can move integrally with the releasing member 114 in the direction of arrow G, and the position of the releasing member 114 in the rotational direction about the rotation axis B is the lifting restriction release position. That is, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B, the lifting restriction release position is the position of the releasing member 114 when the lifting restriction surface 114c of the releasing member 114 does not overlap with the lifting restriction surface 110e of the lid 110. As long as the lifting restriction surface 114c of the releasing member 114 does not overlap with the lifting restriction surface 110e of the lid 110 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B, the amount of rotation of the releasing member 114 in the rotational direction D in the first step is sufficient.

[0266] The method of releasing the rotational restriction of the equipment side baffle 109 is the first step and the second step after the first step. The first step is the step of rotating the releasing member 114 from the lifting restriction position in the rotational direction D to the lifting restriction release position. The second step is the step of moving the releasing member and the restricting member 113 upward together while the releasing member 114 is in the lifting restriction release position so that the restricting member 113 moves from the restricting position to the restricting release position. The second step may or may not include the operation of rotating the releasing member 114 in the rotational direction E until the contact surface 114f of the releasing member 114 abuts against the second contacted surface 110b of the lid 110.

[0267] (Toner pack)

[0268] Reference ​ and 17 , the basic structure of the toner pack 100 will be described. ​ Part (a) is a front view of the toner pack 100 when the pack side baffle 103 is in the closed position. ​ Part (b) is a front view of the toner pack 100 when the pack side baffle 103 is in the open position. ​ is an exploded perspective view of the toner pack 100.

[0269] The toner pack 100 includes a housing portion 101 (first housing portion) for housing toner, a nozzle 102 (nozzle portion, tube, valve, discharge portion), and a pack side baffle 103 (container baffle, rotatable member). As ​ shown, the housing portion 101 is provided on the first end side in the first direction D1, and the nozzle 102 and the pack side baffle 103 are provided on the second end side in the first direction opposite to the first end. The housing portion 101 is a bag formed by bag processing with a flexible polypropylene sheet. The housing portion 101 is not limited to a bag, but may be a resin bottle or a container made of paper or vinyl resin material.

[0270] On a side surface 102c (first outer surface) of the nozzle 102 extending along the first direction D1, a discharge opening 102a (nozzle opening, first opening) configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of the accommodating portion 101 is provided. The toner stored in the accommodating portion 101 is discharged to the outside of the toner pack 100 through the discharge opening 102a. The nozzle 102 may be integrally formed with the accommodating portion 101. Additionally, a seal may be provided between the accommodating portion 101 and the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 such that the accommodating portion 101 and the discharge opening 102a can be in fluid communication with each other when the seal is removed.

[0271] A pack side baffle 103 (rotatable member) is provided outside the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102. The pack side baffle 103 is mounted to be rotatable about a rotation axis A (first rotation axis) extending along the first direction D1, and as ​ shown, the pack side baffle 103 is provided with an opening 103a (rotatable member opening, first baffle opening). The pack side baffle 103 is provided outside the side surface 102c in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. The side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 is a curved surface protruding outward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. The inner surface (the surface facing the side surface 102c) of the pack side baffle 103 is a curved surface along the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102, and a substantially rectangular pack side seal 105 is mounted thereon. The side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 is also a surface extending along the rotation axis A.

[0272] As ​ shown, the pack side baffle 103 is configured to be rotatable about the rotation axis A between a closed position where the pack side seal 105 closes the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 and an open position where the discharge opening 102a is open. When the pack side baffle 103 is in the open position, the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 is exposed through the opening 103a.

[0273] ​ Part (a) of ​ and ​ part (b) of ​ show the states where the pack side baffle 103 is in the closed position and the open position, respectively. As shown in part (a) of , when the pack side baffle 103 in the closed position rotates about the rotation axis A in the direction of arrow K (first rotation direction), the pack side baffle 103 changes to the open position shown in part (b) of . Conversely, when the pack side baffle 103 rotates in the direction of arrow L (second rotation direction) from the open position, it changes to the closed position. In the rotation operation of the pack side baffle 103, the pack side baffle 103 rubs against the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 through the pack side seal 105.

[0274] Reference ​ , the specific structures of the nozzle 102 and the cartridge side baffle 103 will be described. Arrow N indicates the direction from the accommodating portion 101 toward the nozzle 102, and the direction of arrow U is opposite thereto. The direction of arrow N and the direction of arrow U are parallel to the rotation axis A.

[0275] ​ Part (a) shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the nozzle 102 when the cartridge side baffle 103 is in the closed position. ​ Part (b) ​ is a view of the toner cartridge 100 as viewed in the direction of arrow U in part (a). ​ Part (a) shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the nozzle 102 when the cartridge side baffle 103 is in the open position. ​ Part (b) ​ is a bottom view of the toner cartridge 100 as viewed in the direction of arrow U in part (a). ​ is a view of the vicinity of the nozzle 102 as viewed from the side opposite to the side from which ​ it is viewed. ​ is a view of the vicinity of the nozzle 102 as viewed in a direction parallel to the surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 of the nozzle 102 (a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A).

[0276] As ​ shown in part (a) and ​ part (b), the nozzle 102 is provided with a positioned portion 102d having surfaces 102d1 (first nozzle surface, first facing surface) and 102d2 (second nozzle surface, second facing surface), which are arranged to face each other with a space therebetween in the direction of arrow R (second direction D2), and they extend in a direction perpendicular to the R direction. As ​ shown in part (b), in the present embodiment, the surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow R and are parallel to each other. That is, the direction of arrow R is the normal direction of the surfaces 102d1 and 102d2. When the toner cartridge 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106, the positioned portion 102d engages with the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107 ( ​ part (a)). Thereby, the position of the nozzle 102 relative to the first frame 107 (base frame 2) in the direction of arrow R is determined. Thereby, the position of the nozzle 102 relative to the first frame 107 in the rotational direction around the rotation axis A is also determined. In ​In part (b), a straight line CL1 (first imaginary line) that passes through the center in the R direction between surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the arrow R direction is in a phase rotated by approximately 90° with respect to a CL2 (second imaginary line) that passes through the center of the rotation axis A and the discharge opening 102a. That is, the straight line CL1 and the straight line CL2 are perpendicular to each other.

[0277] In addition, as ​ and 21 shown, in the direction of the rotation axis A, surfaces 102e1 and 102e2 are provided on the downstream side in the N direction of surfaces 102d1 and 102d2, respectively. As ​ shown in part (b), surfaces 102e1 and 102e2 extend in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A.

[0278] In ​ , a side surface 102e3 (second outer surface) is provided in the arrow R direction between surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 and between surfaces 102e1 and 102e2. The side surface 102e3 is recessed inward in the radial direction r with respect to the side surface 102c. The surface 102d1, the surface 102d2, the side surface 102e3, the surface 102e1, the surface 102e2, and the side surface 102e3 form a recess 102e (nozzle recess).

[0279] The surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 do not have to be parallel as in this embodiment. The surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 may extend in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A.

[0280] In addition, as ​ shown, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis A (first direction D1), an opening 103a (rotatable member opening) is formed on a side surface 103d (outer surface of the first rotatable member) of the side baffle 103. In ​ part (a), when the side baffle 103 is in the closed position, at least a part of the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 is exposed through the opening 103a. Thus, when the toner cartridge 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106 with the side baffle 103 closed, the recess 102e (surfaces 102d1 and 102d2) engages with the positioning portion 107a.

[0281] In addition, as ​As shown in part (b), when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A (first direction D), when the package side baffle 103 is in the closed position, the driven transmission part 103e (rotatable member recess) is provided on the side opposite to the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 (the opening 103a of the package side baffle 103) across the rotation axis A. Both the surface 103b1 and the surface 103b2 of the driven transmission part 103e extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the arrow R. ​ is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the package side baffle 103 as viewed from the side where the driven transmission part 103e is provided. There is a side surface 103b3 (outer surface of the second rotatable member) that is recessed inward in the radial direction r beyond the side surface 103d between the surface 103b1 and the surface 103b2. The driven transmission part 103e includes the surface 103b1, the surface 103b2, and the side surface 103b3.

[0282] When the package side baffle 103 rotates in the direction of the arrow K from the ​ shown closed position, the package side baffle 103 is in the open position, and the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 is exposed through the opening 103a of the package side baffle 103, as ​ shown.

[0283] In addition, as ​ and 20 shown, the package side baffle 103 is provided with a radial positioning part 103f that protrudes outward in the radial direction r beyond the side surface 103d. The radial positioning part 103f is provided on the upstream side of the package side baffle 103 in the N direction along the rotation axis A direction. The radial positioning part 103f is provided at each of three spaced positions in the rotation direction of the package side baffle 103 (circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC). This structure enables the radial positioning part 103f of the package side baffle 10 of the toner package 100 to abut against the inner peripheral surface 109h of the device side baffle 109 when the toner package 100 is installed on the installation part 106, thereby determining the position of the toner package 100 in the radial direction r.

[0284] The nozzle 102 in this embodiment is a component provided with a passage through which the toner passes and a discharge opening 102a for discharging the toner through the nozzle 102. The cross-sectional area of the passage through which the toner of the nozzle 102 passes can become smaller, larger, or be uniform toward the discharge opening 102a. The cross-sectional area and length of the passage of the nozzle 102 can be appropriately changed according to the toner discharge characteristics and the like, so they are not limited. In addition, the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 does not have to be the most downstream opening for discharging the toner from the toner package 100. The toner discharged from the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 can be discharged to the outside of the toner package 100 after passing through a passage of a member different from the nozzle 102.

[0285] The side baffle 103 of the toner pack can be a rotatable member including a driven transmission portion 103e, and always opens the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 regardless of the rotational position. In this case, the structure can be such that when the toner pack 100 is not installed on the installation portion 106, the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 is sealed by a seal, and the seal is removed by the installation operation of installing the toner pack on the installation portion 106 or after installing the toner pack 100. In addition, the toner pack 100 may not be provided with the side baffle 103.

[0286] (Restriction release portion of the toner pack)

[0287] Reference ​ , the restriction release portion 104 will be described. As Figure 16 shown, the toner pack 100 is oriented such that the second end side (nozzle 102 side) of the toner pack 100 is lower than the first end side (toner storage portion side). Alternatively, the toner pack 100 is oriented such that at least a part of the nozzle 102 is located below the storage portion 101, and the rotation axis A is in the vertical direction. This posture is for installation on the installation portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1. At this time, in Figure 18 part (a) of Figure 19 , the direction of arrow N is downward, and the direction of arrow U is upward.

[0288] The nozzle 102 is provided with a protruding portion 102b (protruding portion, engaging portion) that protrudes (bulges) downward in the direction of arrow N beyond the end surface 103c of the side baffle 103 in the direction of arrow N. As Figure 18 shown in part (a) of Figure 17 , the protruding portion 102b is a cylindrical portion (including a cylindrical-shaped part) centered on the rotation axis A. The protruding portion 102b has a protruding portion end surface 102b2 as the lower end surface. The protruding portion end surface 102b2 is provided with a hole formed by an inner peripheral surface 102b1 (inner peripheral guiding surface) centered on the rotation axis A. The protruding portion 102b protrudes downward beyond the end surface 103c of the side baffle 103 provided below the discharge opening 102a. In addition, as shown in Figure 17 , the protruding portion 102b protrudes downward beyond the lower end surface 102j of the nozzle 102. In the present embodiment, the end surface 103c of the side baffle 103 and the end surface 102j of the nozzle 102 are end surfaces perpendicular to the rotation axis A, but the structure is not limited to this. These surfaces can be any surfaces that extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis A when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A.

[0289] The outer peripheral surface 102b3 of the protrusion 102b is provided with a restriction release portion 104 including a first restriction release portion 104a (first protrusion) and a second restriction release portion 104b (second protrusion). The first restriction release portion 104a and the second restriction release portion 104b have shapes that are symmetric about the rotation axis A. That is, as Figure 20 shown, the second restriction release portion 104b is located on the opposite side of the first restriction release portion 104A with respect to the rotation axis A in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A. In other words, the second restriction release portion 104b has a shape that is rotationally symmetric by 180 degrees about the rotation axis A with respect to the first restriction release portion 104a.

[0290] The first restriction release portion 104a includes a first inclined surface 104a1 (first engagement surface, downward surface, downward guiding surface, downward biasing surface, downward pushing surface) and a second inclined surface 104a2 (second engagement surface, upward surface, upward guiding surface). The first inclined surface 104a1 is located below the second inclined surface 104a2 and overlaps the second inclined surface 104a2 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A. As Figure 18 shown in part (a), the first inclined surface 104a1 is a surface that extends in such a manner that it travels in the direction of arrow U (upward) as it travels along the rotation direction K (predetermined rotation direction, first rotation direction, first circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC) around the rotation axis A and faces the direction of arrow N (downward).

[0291] On the other hand, the second inclined surface 104a2 is a surface that extends in such a manner that it travels in the direction of arrow N (downward) as it travels along the rotation direction K around the rotation axis A, and is a surface that faces the direction of arrow U (upward). In other words, the second inclined surface 104a2 is a surface that extends in such a manner that it travels in the direction of arrow U as it travels along the rotation direction L (second rotation direction, second circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC) around the rotation axis A and faces the direction of arrow U. A cavity 104a3 is provided above (directly above) the second inclined surface 104a2.

[0292] The downstream end of the first inclined surface 104a1 in the rotation direction K and the downstream end of the second inclined surface 104a2 in the rotation direction K are continuous with each other. That is, the downstream end of the first inclined surface 104a1 in the rotation direction K and the downstream end of the second inclined surface 104a2 in the rotation direction K are at the same position in the rotation direction D. In other words, the downstream end of the first inclined surface 104a1 and the downstream end of the second inclined surface 104a2 are at an overlapping position when viewed in the direction along the rotation axis A.

[0293] In other words, there is a connecting portion that connects the downstream end of the first inclined surface 104a1 in the rotation direction K and the upstream end of the second inclined surface 104a2 in the rotation direction L.

[0294] As Figure 21 shown, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (first direction D1), the first inclined surface 104a1 extends in such a manner that it travels upward (in the direction of arrow U) as it travels in the direction of arrow J (predetermined direction) perpendicular to the rotation axis A. The second inclined surface 104a2 extends in such a manner that it travels downward (in the direction of arrow N) as it travels in the direction of arrow J (predetermined direction) perpendicular to the rotation axis A.

[0295] The ridge line 104a5 of the first inclined surface 104a1 also extends in such a manner that it travels in the direction of arrow U as it travels in the direction of arrow J perpendicular to the rotation axis A. The ridge line 104a4 of the second inclined surface 104a2 also extends in such a manner that it travels in the direction of arrow N as it travels in the direction of arrow J perpendicular to the rotation axis A. The ridge lines described here are the boundary lines between the respective surfaces. The ridge line 104a5 is the boundary line between the first inclined surface 104a1 and the outer peripheral surface of the first restriction release portion 104a. The ridge line 104a4 is the boundary line between the second inclined surface 104a2 and the outer peripheral surface of the first restriction release portion 104a.

[0296] As Figure 20 shown, the second restriction release portion 104b has a first inclined surface 104b1 (downward surface) and a second inclined surface 104b2 (upward surface). A cavity 104b3 is provided above the second inclined surface 104b2. The first inclined surface 104b1, the second inclined surface 104b2, and the cavity 104b3 respectively have the same structure as the first inclined surface 104a1, the second inclined surface 104a2, and the cavity 104a3 of the first restriction release portion 104a, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0297] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the protrusion 102b taken along the line X33-X33 in Figure 21 . Figure 22 shows the second inclined surface 104a2 of the first restriction release portion 104a and the second inclined surface 104b2 of the second restriction release portion 104b when viewed from above. In Figure 22 , it can be understood that both the second inclined surface 104a2 and the second inclined surface 104b2 extend along the rotation direction of the wrapper side baffle 103 (circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A).

[0298] In addition, as Figure 21 shown, the direction of arrow J is parallel to the direction of arrow R (second direction), which is the normal direction of the surfaces 102d1 and 102d2. And, in Figure 18 part (b), the straight line Q passing through the first restriction release portion 104a and the second restriction release portion 104b extends in a direction intersecting the direction of arrow R.

[0299] As Figure 21 shown, in the direction of arrow R, the positions of the first restriction release portion 104a and the second restriction release portion 104b are located between the position of the surface 102d1 and the position of the surface 102d2 of the positioned portion 102d. That is, when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (arrow R direction), the positions of the first inclined surface 104a1 and the second inclined surface 104a2 are both located between the position of the surface 102d1 and the position of the surface 102d2 in the direction of arrow R. When viewed in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (arrow R direction), the positions of the first restriction release portion 104a and the second restriction release portion 104b overlap with the position of the concave portion 102e in the direction of arrow R.

[0300] It is desirable that the inclination angles of the first inclined surface 104a1 and the second inclined surface 104a2 with respect to the rotation axis A are within the range of 45° ± 15°. In addition, in this embodiment, the length of the first inclined surface 104a1 in the direction of the rotation axis A is about 2 mm, and the length of the second inclined surface 104a2 is about 3 mm. The length of the second inclined surface 104a2 is greater than the length of the first inclined surface 104a1.

[0301] The first inclined surface 104a1, the second inclined surface 104a2, and the cavity 104a3 are exposed to the outside of the toner pack 100 so that the rotation restricting mechanism 112 of the mounting portion 106 can be accessed. In addition, the protruding portion 102b does not necessarily have to be provided on the nozzle 102.

[0302] (Mounting the toner pack to the mounting portion)

[0303] Referring Figures 23 to 29 , a mechanism for releasing the rotation restriction of the device side baffle 109 by the rotation restricting mechanism 112 described above by mounting the toner pack 100 on the mounting portion 106 will be described.

[0304] Figure 23 Part (a) of is a perspective view of the toner pack 100 and the mounting portion 106 when the toner pack 100 is being mounted on the mounting portion 106. Figure 23 Part (b) of is a perspective view of the toner pack 100 and the mounting portion 106 when viewed from a viewpoint different from that of Figure 23 part (a) of .

[0305] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line parallel to the rotation axis A (rotation axis B) in a state where the toner pack 100 is further moved in the mounting direction from the Figure 23 state. Figure 25 Part (a) of is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X4-X4 in Figure 24 . Figure 25 Part (b) of is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 24A cross-sectional view taken along line X5-X5 therein. Figure 26 Part (a) of Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X6-X6 in Figure 26 Part (a) of Figure 26 to part (d) of Figure 27 Part (a) of Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X7-X7 in part (d) of Figure 27 Part (b) of Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X8-X8 in part (a) of

[0306] In Figure 24 、 Figure 25 、and Figure 27 In part (b) of Figure 26 ,for better illustration, the cross-sectional planes of the package side baffle 103 and the cover 110 are shaded. Further, in Figure 27 ,the package side baffle 103, the restricting member 113, and the releasing member 114 are shown in a side view, and other members other than them are shown in a cross-sectional view. Further, in

[0307] As Figure 23 shown, the toner package 100 in which the package side baffle 103 is in the closed position moves along the mounting direction M with respect to the mounting portion 106 in which the device side baffle 109 is in the closed position. At this time, when observing along the mounting direction M, the package side baffle 103 is positioned in the rotational direction so as to align the position of the concave portion 102e (opening 103a of the package side baffle 103) of the nozzle 102 with the position of the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107. At the same time, the package side baffle 103 is positioned in the rotational direction so as to align the position of the driven transmission portion 103e of the package side baffle 103 with the position of the drive transmission portion 108a of the operating lever 108 in the rotational direction of the package side baffle 103.

[0308] After the above positioning, the toner package 100 moves along the mounting direction M and is mounted on the mounting portion 106, and then as Figure 24 shown, the inner peripheral surface 102b1 of the protruding portion 102b of the nozzle 102 is assembled (engaged) around the small diameter portion 109d2 of the central boss 109d of the device side baffle 109. Thereby, the position of the nozzle 102 in the radial direction with respect to the device side baffle 109 below the nozzle 102 (downstream side in the mounting direction M) is determined. The inner peripheral surface 102b1 of the protruding portion 102b does not necessarily have to be configured to cooperate with the central boss 109d, but may be configured not to interfere with the central boss 109d. AsFigure 25 As shown in part (a), the drive transmission portion 108a (rod protrusion) of the operating lever 108 and the driven transmission portion 103e (rotatable member recess) of the cartridge side baffle 103 are engaged with each other. At the same time, as Figure 25 shown in part (b), the side surfaces 110f and 110g of the cover 110 become close to the surfaces 102e1 and 102e2 of the nozzle 102 that form the recess 102e (nozzle recess), respectively. In addition, the driven transmission portion 103e (rotatable member recess) of the cartridge side baffle 103 is engaged with the driven transmission portion 109e (baffle protrusion) of the device side baffle 109. Thus, the rotation axis A of the cartridge side baffle 103 and the rotation axis B of the device side baffle 109 are substantially coaxial. The operating lever 108, the cartridge side baffle 103, and the device side baffle 109 can rotate relative to the first frame 107 (base frame 2) and the nozzle 102 substantially integrally during rotation about the rotation axis A (rotation axis B). Specifically, when the operating lever 108 rotates, the drive transmission portion 108a of the operating lever 108 presses the surface 103b1 or 103b2 of the cartridge side baffle 103, thereby rotating the cartridge side baffle 103. Thereafter, the surface 103b1 or surface 103b2 of the cartridge side baffle 103 presses the driven transmission portion 109e of the device side baffle 109 to rotate the device side baffle 109.

[0309] Here, if the device side baffle 109 rotates from the closed position to the open position due to the vibration during the transportation of the image forming apparatus 1, the position of the driven transmission portion 109e of the device side baffle 109 is offset in the rotation direction. Then, when the toner cartridge 100 is to be installed on the installation portion 106, the following occurs. When the driven transmission portion 103e of the cartridge side baffle 103 is engaged with the drive transmission portion 108a of the operating lever 108 and then the toner cartridge 100 is further moved in the installation direction M, the driven transmission portion 103e cannot be engaged with the driven transmission portion 109e of the device side baffle 109. Therefore, the toner cartridge 100 cannot be moved relative to the installation portion 106 to the installation completion position. To prevent this from happening, a rotation restricting mechanism 112 for the device side baffle 109 is provided.

[0310] Herein, a mechanism for releasing the rotation restricting mechanism 112 of the installation portion 106 by installing the toner cartridge 100 on the installation portion 106 is described. Hereinafter, the second restriction releasing portion 104b functions in the same manner as the first restriction releasing portion 104a, and thus its description will be omitted.

[0311] In Figure 26 the state of part (a), the first restriction releasing portion 104a of the nozzle 102 and the releasing claw 114e of the releasing member 114 have not contacted each other yet. When the toner cartridge 100 is further moved in the direction of arrow N (installation direction M) from this position, asFigure 26 As shown in part (b), the first inclined surface 104a1 of the first restriction release portion 104a and the release claw 114e are in contact with each other. When the toner pack 100 further moves in the direction of arrow N from this position, the release member 114 rotates in the rotation direction D by the force F5 received by the release claw 114e from the first inclined surface 104a1, overcoming the torque M2 (pushing force) applied by the release spring 116. At this time, the first inclined surface 104a1 guides the release claw 114e so that the release member 114 rotates in the rotation direction D. The release member 114 rotates in the rotation direction D until the release claw 114e passes the downstream end of the first inclined surface 104a1 in the rotation direction D. The rotation of the release member 114 in the rotation direction D is the above-mentioned first step. That is, as Figure 15 shown in part (a), it is a step in which the rising restricted surface 114c of the lifted restriction member causes the release member 114 to rotate in the rotation direction D against the pushing force of the release spring 116 until the rising restricted surface 114c reaches a position where it does not contact the rising restriction surface 110e of the lid 110.

[0312] After the first step, the release claw 114e rides on the downstream end of the second inclined surface 104a2 in the rotation direction D. In other words, after the first step, the release claw 114e rides on the upstream end of the second inclined surface 104a2 in the rotation direction E. At this time, as Figure 26 shown in part (c), the release claw 114e contacts the second inclined surface 104a2 of the nozzle 102 by the torque M2 (pushing force) provided by the release spring 116 to receive the force F6. Then, by the component F6a of the force F6 in the direction of arrow G, the release member 114 is moved (guided) upward in the direction of arrow G along the second inclined surface 104a2 while rotating in the rotation direction E around the rotation axis A. That is, the rotation direction of the release member 114 changes from the rotation direction D to the rotation direction E at the connecting portion where the downstream end of the first inclined surface 104a1 in the rotation direction D is connected to the upstream end of the second inclined surface 104a2 in the rotation direction E. In addition, the second inclined surface 104a2 guides the release claw 114e so that the release member 114 moves upward. The second inclined surface 104a2 guides the release claw 114e so that the release member 114 moves upward while rotating in the rotation direction E.

[0313] The upward movement of the release member 114 in the direction of arrow G and the rotation in the rotation direction E are the second step described above. Here, as described above, in the second step, the restriction member 113 moves in the direction of arrow G together with the release member 114. As Figure 15 shown in part (a), at least one of the contact surfaces 114f (a pair) of the release member 114 rotates and moves until it contacts one of the second contact surfaces 110b of the corresponding lid 110, thereby reachingFigure 26 part (d) and Figure 27 the installed completed position shown. As Figure 26 shown in part (d), when the contact surface 114f of the releasing member abuts against the second contact surface 110b of the cover 110, a part of the releasing claw 114e enters the cavity 104a3 located above (directly above) the second inclined surface 104a2.

[0314] As described above, by installing the toner pack 100 on the installation portion 106, the rotation restriction by the rotation restriction mechanism 112 of the device side baffle 109 is released via the above first step and second step.

[0315] When the toner pack 100 is in the installed completed position, as Figure 27 shown, the protruding end surface 102b2 of the protruding portion 102b of the nozzle 102 contacts the bag contact surface 109g of the device side baffle 109. Thus, the position of the nozzle 102 (toner pack 100) in the direction of the rotation axis A (installation direction M) is determined relative to the installation portion 106. In addition, three points of the radial positioning portion 103f ( Figure 18 and 20 ) of the bag side baffle 103 contact the inner peripheral surface 109h ( Figure 7 ) of the device side baffle 109. Thus, the positions of the nozzle 102 and the bag side baffle 103 (toner pack 100) in the radial direction are determined on the upstream side in the installation direction M.

[0316] Figure 27 The X10 - X10 cross-sectional view in part (a) of Figure 15 is the same as that in part (a) of Figure 27 , so its description is omitted. As Figure 27 shown in part (b) (which is the X8 - X8 cross-section in part (a) of Figure 26 ), the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107 engages with the positioned portion 102d of the nozzle 102 having surfaces 102d1 and 102d2. Thus, the nozzle 102 is positioned relative to the first frame 107 (base frame 2) in the arrow R direction on the surfaces 102d1 and 102d2. As shown, the arrow R direction is substantially parallel to the locus V along which the releasing claw 114e rotates in the rotation direction D when the first release portion 104a and the releasing claw 114e come into contact with each other. Thus, the position of the nozzle 102 relative to the first frame 107 in the arrow R direction is determined, and thus the release operation of the rotation restriction with respect to the device side baffle 109 can be further stabilized.

[0317] Through the above mechanism, the rotation restriction of the rotation restriction mechanism 112 of the device-side baffle 109 is released, and the device-side baffle 109 can be rotated from the closed position to the released position. When the pair of contact surfaces 114f abuts against the pair of second contact surfaces 110b, the release member 114 rotates violently due to the moment M2, generating a slight collision sound, and at the same time, the hand of the user holding the toner pack 100 feels a reaction. That is, the user can recognize that the locking of the device-side baffle 109 has been released through the collision sound and the reaction. When removing the toner pack 100 from the mounting portion 106, the Figure 26 opposite process is performed, and the rotation of the device-side baffle 109 is restricted again by the rotation restriction mechanism 112.

[0318] (Rod operation)

[0319] As described above, in the state where the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106, the operating rod 108, the pack-side baffle 103, and the device-side baffle 109 rotate integrally about the rotation axis A (rotation axis B).

[0320] Here, Figure 28 Part (a) of is a perspective view of the toner pack 100 as viewed from above when the operating rod 108 is in the closed position. Figure 28 Part (b) of is a perspective view of the toner pack 100 as viewed from above when the operating rod 108 is in the open position.

[0321] As Figure 28 shown, when the operating portion 108b of the operating rod 108 rotates in the rotation direction D after the installation of the toner pack 100 on the mounting portion 106 is completed, the device-side baffle 109 rotates from the closed position to the open position, and the pack-side baffle 103 rotates from the closed position to the open position.

[0322] When the pack-side baffle 103 rotates from the closed position to the open position, the frictional force F7 received by the nozzle 102 from the pack-side baffle 103 through the pack-side seal 105 points in the direction of the arrow K, as Figure 18 shown in part (a) of. This is the same as Figure 28in the same direction as the rotation direction D of the operating lever 108. The nozzle 102 receives the frictional force F7 and rotates and engages with a clearance (play) amount in the direction of arrow K between the surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 and the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107. At this time, the rotation direction of the nozzle 102 is such that the second inclined surface 104a2 of the first restriction release portion 104a approaches the release claw 114e of the release member 114 and the second inclined surface 104b2 of the second restriction release portion 104b approaches the release member 114. That is, when the operating lever 108 is rotated to rotate the bag side baffle 103 from the closed position to the open position, the restriction member 113 moves upward (in the direction opposite to the mounting direction M) together with the release member 114. Then, the second restricted surface 113c of the restriction member 113 moves upward and separates from the restricted rib 109c of the device side baffle 109, and the margin for releasing the rotation restriction increases. Therefore, the state in which the rotation restriction of the device side baffle 109 is released can be maintained more stably.

[0323] Through the above operation, the accommodating portion 101 of the toner pack 100 and the toner accommodating chamber 36 are rotationally and fluidly communicated with each other through the discharge opening 102a, the receiving opening 109a, and the device side opening 117a.

[0324] Here, Figure 29 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 100 and the mounting portion 106 when both the device side baffle 109 and the bag side baffle 103 are in their respective closed positions. Figure 29 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 100 and the mounting portion 106 when both the device side baffle 109 and the bag side baffle 103 are in their respective open positions.

[0325] In Figure 29 part (a), the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 is closed by the bag side baffle 103, the bag side seal 105, and the device side baffle 109, and the toner in the accommodating portion 101 cannot reach the device side opening 117a of the second frame 117. On the other hand, in Figure 29 part (b), the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 is opened by moving the bag side baffle 103, the bag side seal 105, and the device side baffle 109. Therefore, when the user squeezes the accommodating portion 101 to squeeze the toner in the accommodating portion 101, the toner in the accommodating portion 101 reaches the device side opening 117a of the second frame 117 together with the air through the discharge opening 102a, and the toner is supplied to the toner accommodating chamber 36 of the developer container 32 through the device side opening 117a.

[0326] (Variant Example 1)

[0327] In this Embodiment 1, a first restriction release portion 104a and a second restriction release portion 104b are provided on the outer peripheral surface 102b3 of the protruding portion 102b of the nozzle 102. However, the following structure may be alternatively adopted.

[0328] First, as shown in part (a) of Figure 30 , a restriction release portion 1040a corresponding to the first restriction release portion 104a of Embodiment 1 is provided on the protruding portion 1020b. However, the portion corresponding to the second restriction release portion 104b is not provided.

[0329] Second, as shown in part (b) of Figure 30 , a restriction release portion 1040b corresponding to the second restriction release portion 104b of Embodiment 1 is provided on the protruding portion 1021b. However, the portion corresponding to the first restriction release portion 104a is not provided.

[0330] (Variant Example 2)

[0331] In this Embodiment 1, the first restriction release portion 104a is provided with a first inclined surface 104a1 and a second inclined surface 104a2, and the second restriction release portion 104b has a shape rotationally symmetric with respect to the rotation axis A with the first restriction release portion 104A. However, the following structure may be alternatively used.

[0332] First, as shown in part (a) of Figure 31 , although the first restriction release portion 1041a is provided with a second inclined surface 1014a2 corresponding to the second inclined surface 104a2 of Embodiment 1, it does not have an inclined surface corresponding to the first inclined surface 104a1 of Embodiment 1. In addition, although the second restriction release portion 1041b has a first inclined surface 1041b1 corresponding to the first inclined surface 104a1 of Embodiment 1, it does not have an inclined surface corresponding to the second inclined surface 104a2 of Embodiment 1.

[0333] Second, as shown in part (b) of Figure 31 , although the first restriction release portion 1042a has a first inclined surface 1042a1 corresponding to Embodiment 1, it does not have an inclined surface corresponding to the second inclined surface 104a2 of Embodiment 1. In addition, although the second restriction release portion 1042b has a second inclined surface 1042b2 corresponding to the second inclined surface 104a2 of Embodiment 1, it does not have an inclined surface corresponding to the first inclined surface 104a1 of Embodiment 1.

[0334] (Variant Example 3)

[0335] In this Embodiment 1, the protruding portion 102b is provided with a first restriction release portion 104a and a second restriction release portion 104b on the outer peripheral surface 102b3 of the cylindrical portion, and the cylindrical portion has a hole with an inner peripheral surface 102b1 on the protruding portion end surface 102b2. However, the following structure may alternatively be adopted.

[0336] As Figure 32 shown, the modified example 3 has a protruding portion 1023b that does not include the wall surface (the wall surface corresponding to the outer peripheral surface 102b3) connected between the first restriction release portion 1043a and the second restriction release portion 1043b. The first restriction release portion 1043a is a first protrusion having a first inclined surface 1043a1 and a second inclined surface 1043a2 that respectively correspond to the first inclined surface 104a1 and the second inclined surface 104a2 of Embodiment 1, and is a first protrusion that protrudes downward. The second restriction release portion 1043b has a first inclined surface 1043b1 and a second inclined surface 1043b2 that respectively correspond to the first inclined surface 104b1 and the second inclined surface 104b2 of Embodiment 1, and is a second protrusion that protrudes downward. A space is provided between the first restriction release portion 1043a and the second restriction release portion 1043b.

[0337] (Modified Example 4)

[0338] As Figure 33 shown in part (a) of, two cylindrical bosses can be used as the first restriction release portion 1044a and the second restriction release portion 1044b respectively. When viewed in the axial direction of the first restriction release portion 1044a, as Figure 33 shown in part (b) of, with the axis of the first restriction release portion 1044a as the origin, a Y-axis extending in the direction of the rotation axis A (arrow U direction) and an X-axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A are defined. In the four quadrants separated by the X-axis and the Y-axis, the outer peripheral surface of the first restriction release portion 1044a in the fourth quadrant is the first inclined surface 1044a1, and the outer peripheral surface of the first restriction release portion 1044a in the first quadrant is the second inclined surface 1044a2. The same applies to the second restriction release portion 1044b. Therefore, the same effect as that of this Embodiment 1 can be provided.

[0339] (Modified Example 5)

[0340] As Figure 34 shown in part (a) of, a toner pack 1050 in which the nozzle 1025 is bent into an L shape can be used. The accommodating portion 1015 has a structure that extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis A of the pack side baffle 1035.

[0341] In addition, as Figure 34As shown in part (b), the toner pack 1052 that hangs downward can be used with the accommodating portion 10151 of the toner pack 1051.

[0342] (Variant Example 6)

[0343] In the first embodiment 1, the first restriction release portion 104a and the second restriction release portion 104b are fixed to the nozzle 102, but they can be movable. In this variant example, as Figure 35 shown in part (a), the structure is such that when the toner pack 1060 is not installed on the installation portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1, the first restriction release portion 1046a is accommodated inside (on the inner peripheral surface 1026b1 side) the outer peripheral surface 1026b3 of the protruding portion 1026b. And, the structure is such that during the process of installing the toner pack 1060 on the installation portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1 or by the operation of the user, the first restriction release portion 1046a protrudes outward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC to the outside of the outer peripheral surface 1026b3 of the protruding portion 1026b.

[0344] As an example of the structure in which the first restriction release portion 1046a protrudes outward in the radial direction r during the process of installing the toner pack 1060 on the installation portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1, when the central boss 109d of the device side baffle 109 is inserted into the inner peripheral surface 1026b1 of the protruding portion 1026b, the first restriction release portion 1046a is pushed by the central boss 109d and protrudes outward in the radial direction beyond the outer peripheral surface 1026b3. The same structure as the first restriction release portion 1046a can be applied to the second restriction release portion 1046b.

[0345] (Variant Example 7)

[0346] The structure can be such that when the toner pack 1070 is not installed on the image forming apparatus 1, the protruding portion 1027b does not protrude from the end surface 1037c of the pack side baffle 1037, and during the process of installing the toner pack on the image forming apparatus 1, the protruding portion 1027b protrudes beyond the end surface 1037c in the direction of arrow N. That is, the protruding portion 1027b is movable to assume a protruding position (bulging position) as shown in Figure 36 part (b) and a retracted position as shown in Figure 36 part (a), in the protruding position, the protruding portion protrudes (bulges) beyond the end surface 1037c in the direction of arrow N, and in the retracted position, the protruding portion retracts from the protruding position along the U direction ( Figure 36 ). The protruding portion 1027b can be configured not to protrude from the end surface 1037c in the retracted position. In this case, the user can manually move the protruding portion 1027b to the protruding position and the retracted position.

[0347] (Variant Example 8)

[0348] As Figure 37 shown in part (a) of, in a state where the toner pack 1080 is not installed on the image forming apparatus 1, the first restriction releasing portion 1048a is a linear rib extending in the direction of the rotation axis A and has only a surface extending in the direction of the axis A. The first restriction releasing portion 1048a has a rotation center 1048a3 at a position between one end and the other end in the direction of the rotation axis A. This structure may be such that during or before the process of being installed on the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1, the rib is moved (rotated) by the user around the rotation center 1048a3 to provide a first inclined surface 1048a1 corresponding to the first inclined surface 104a1 of the first embodiment and a second inclined surface 1048a2 corresponding to the second inclined surface 104a2 of the first embodiment, as Figure 37 shown in part (b) of.

[0349] (Variant Example 9)

[0350] In the first embodiment, the nozzle 102 and the protrusion 102b are formed integrally with each other, but they may also be separate components. That is, as Figure 38 shown, it may be a mounting kit including a toner pack 1090 for accommodating toner and an attachment 1090b, and may be a mounting kit for mounting to an image forming mount.

[0351] Except that a portion corresponding to the protrusion 102b of the first embodiment is not provided, the toner pack 1090 has the same structure as that of the first embodiment, and thus its description is omitted.

[0352] The attachment 1090b is cylindrical and has an outer peripheral surface 1029a3 centered on the central axis Z. When the central axis Z is oriented in the vertical direction (the direction of gravity), the attachment 1090b is provided with a first restriction release portion 1049a and a second restriction release portion 1049b on the outer peripheral surface 1029a3. The first restriction release portion 1049a has an upward-facing surface 1049a2 that faces upward and descends as it advances in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface 1029a3 (the first circumferential direction KZ of the imaginary circle VCZ centered on the central axis Z). In other words, the upward surface 1049a2 is configured to extend in a manner that rises as it advances in the second circumferential direction LZ, which is the opposite direction of the first circumferential direction KZ of the imaginary circle VCZ, and faces upward. The attachment 1090b also has a downward surface 1049a1, which is configured to face downward and extend in a manner that rises as it advances in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface 1029b3 (the first circumferential direction KZ). In addition, the attachment has a connecting portion 1049a23 that connects the upstream end of the upward surface 1049a2 in the second circumferential direction LZ and the downstream end of the downward surface 1049a1 in the first circumferential direction KZ.

[0353] The attachment 1090b can be configured to be attachable to the bottom surface of the nozzle 1029 of the toner pack 1090 (the bottom surface of the toner pack 1090). In addition, the attachment 1090b can be configured not to be attached to the toner pack 1090. That is, the attachment 1090b is first attached to the attachment portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1, thereby releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle 109. Then, after attaching the attachment 1090b, the toner pack 1090 is attached to the attachment portion 106. The mechanism for releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle 109 by the rotation restriction mechanism 112 by attaching the attachment 1090b to the attachment portion 106 is the same as the case of attaching the toner pack 100 to the attachment portion 106, and thus its description is omitted.

[0354] Finally, the description will be made of the minute uneven surface formed by finely and alternately repeating the surfaces parallel to or perpendicular to the rotation axis A as Figure 39 shown. In the case where the envelope line S of the uneven surface extends in the same direction as the second inclined surface 104a2 of the present basic embodiment or any variant example, it can be regarded as the first inclined surface 104a1 or the second inclined surface 104a2 of Embodiment 1. The same applies to Embodiment 2 and the variant examples of Embodiment 2 described below.

[0355] <Embodiment 2>

[0356] Refer to Figures 40 to 71, the structure of Embodiment 2 will be described. Points identical to those in the above-described embodiments will be omitted. Among the elements disclosed in this embodiment, elements corresponding to the components described in Embodiment 1 are given the same names as the components in Embodiment 1, and only the points different from those in Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0357] (Toner pack mounting portion)

[0358] Referring to Figures 40 to 45 , the structure of the mounting portion 206 will be described. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 206 is a unit for mounting the toner pack 220.

[0359] Figure 40 Part (a) of is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion 206. Figure 40 Part (b) of is from the same direction as Figure 40 An exploded perspective view of the mounting portion 206 viewed from a different direction from part (a) of. Figure 41 Part (a) of and Figure 42 Part (a) of are a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting portion 206 when the operating lever 208 is in the closed position and a view observed from the mounting direction M (the direction of the rotation axis B), respectively. Figure 41 Part (b) of and Figure 42 Part (b) of are a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting portion 206 when the operating lever 208 is in the open position and a view observed along the mounting direction M (the direction of the rotation axis B), respectively. Figure 43 is a perspective view of the mounting portion 206 observed from the downstream side in the mounting direction M. Figure 44 Part (a) of is a perspective view of the device-side baffle 209 observed from the upstream side in the mounting direction M. Figure 44 Part (b) of is from the same direction as Figure 44 A perspective view of the device-side baffle 209 observed from a different viewpoint from part (a) of. Figure 44 Part (c) of is a top view of the device-side baffle 209 observed from the mounting direction M. Figure 45 Part (a) of is a perspective view of the cover 210 observed from the upstream side in the mounting direction M. Figure 45 Part (b) of is a perspective view of the cover 210 observed from the downstream side in the mounting direction M. Figure 45 Part (c) of is a top view of the cover 210 observed from the mounting direction M. Figure 45 Part (d) of is a bottom view of the cover 210 observed from the mounting direction M. Figure 45 Part (e) of is a side view of the cover 210 observed from a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction M.

[0360] Figure 40 And 41The installation part 206 shown is provided with a base frame 221 including a first frame 207, a second frame 217, and a cover 210. The cover 210 and the second frame 217 are fixed to the first frame 207. A first filter 218 having a predetermined air flow rate is installed on the air holes 207c of the first frame 207. In addition, a second filter 219 having a predetermined air flow rate is also installed on the second frame 217. As Figure 45 shown, the cover 210 is provided with an engaged part 210h that engages with the engaging part 207b (see Figure 40 part (b)) of the first frame 207, so that the cover 210 does not move relative to the first frame 207. The first frame 207, the cover 210, and the second frame 217 may be integral members rather than separate members. As Figure 40 and 43 shown, the second frame 217 is provided with a device-side opening 217a (frame opening, receiving opening), and the device-side opening 217a is in fluid communication with the toner storage chamber 36 (second storage part) of the developing device 30 (see Figure 1 part (a)). The installation part 206 and the toner storage chamber 36 form a toner storage unit.

[0361] As Figure 41 shown, the operating lever 208 and the device-side baffle 209 (second baffle) can rotate relative to the base frame 221 about the rotation axis B (central axis) in the rotation direction D (first rotation direction) and the rotation direction E (second rotation direction). The rotation direction E is opposite to the direction of the rotation direction D.

[0362] As Figure 40 shown in part (a) of

[0363] As Figure 44As shown, the device-side baffle 209 is a cylindrical member that has an open top end, a bottom surface 209b, and an inner circumferential surface 209h (radially positioned) centered on the rotation axis B on the side portion of the device-side baffle. The bottom surface 209b is provided with a central boss 209d (positioning shaft, shaft portion) and a restricted rib 209c (rotation-restricted portion). On the device-side baffle side portion of the device-side baffle 209, a receiving opening 209a (second baffle opening, device-side baffle opening) and a driven transmission portion 209e (pushed portion, baffle protrusion) are provided. The central boss 209d has a package contact surface 209g (mounting direction positioning) facing upward.

[0364] The central boss 209d is a shaft centered on the rotation axis B and protrudes above the bottom surface 209B (in the direction opposite to the mounting direction M). As Figure 44 shown in part (c) of, the restricted rib 209c is provided outside the central boss 209d in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis B. As Figure 44 shown in part (a) of and Figure 44 shown in part (b) of, the restricted rib 209c protrudes upward from the bottom surface 209b in the direction of the rotation axis B. As Figure 44 shown in part (c) of, the driven transmission portion 209e is a protrusion that protrudes inward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC. In addition, the driven transmission portion 209e is provided outside the restricted rib 209c in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC. As Figure 41 shown in part (b) of, the device-side seal 211 is installed around the receiving opening 209a.

[0365] Here, the device-side baffle 209 can move relative to the base frame 221 between a closed position where the receiving opening 209a is closed by the device-side seal 211 and the cover 210 and an open position where the receiving opening is not closed by the cover 210 and is open. As Figure 41 shown in part (a) of and Figure 42 shown in part (a) of, the closed position is such that the receiving opening 209a of the device-side baffle 209 and Figure 43 the device-side opening 217a of the second frame 217 shown in are not in fluid communication with each other. As Figure 41 shown in part (b) of and Figure 42As shown in part (b), the open position is a fluid communication position where the receiving opening 209a of the device-side baffle 209 and the device-side opening 217a of the second frame 217 are in fluid communication with each other. When the device-side baffle 209 rotates from the closed position (non-communication position) to the open position (communication position) in the rotation direction D, the toner in the developing device 30 can be replenished (supplied) from the toner pack 220 to the accommodation chamber 36 via the receiving opening 209a. When the device-side baffle 209 rotates from the open position to the closed position in the rotation direction E, toner cannot be supplied from the toner pack 220 to the toner accommodation chamber 36 of the developing device 30 through the receiving opening 209a.

[0366] The operating lever 208 and the device-side baffle 209 are not directly engaged with each other, so even if the operating lever 208 is operated when the toner pack 220 is not installed, the device-side baffle 209 does not rotate.

[0367] (Device-side baffle rotation restricting mechanism)

[0368] As Figure 40 shown, the mounting portion 206 of the image forming apparatus 1 includes a rotation restricting mechanism 212 having a restricting member 213, a releasing member 214, a restricting spring 215, and a releasing spring 216.

[0369] Referring to Figures 46 to 50 , the rotation restricting mechanism 212 will be described. In Figure 49 and 50 , for better illustration, the cross-sectional planes of the cover 210, the restricting member 213, and the releasing member 214 are shaded.

[0370] It is possible that, when the toner pack 220 is not installed on the mounting portion 206, due to the impact (vibration) during the logistics of the image forming apparatus 1 or the user's incorrect operation, the device-side baffle 209 rotates from the closed position to the open position by more than a predetermined amount. If this occurs, it is difficult for the user to install the toner pack 220 on the mounting portion 206 when using the image forming apparatus 1. Details regarding this will be described later. In view of this, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a rotation restricting mechanism 212 to restrict the rotation of the device-side baffle 209 from the closed position to the open position.

[0371] Figure 46 Part (a) of Figure 46 is a perspective view of the restricting member 213 viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction. Figure 47 Part (b) of Figure 47Part (b) is a top view of the release member 214 as viewed from the installation direction M. Figure 47 Part (c) is a perspective view of the release member 214 as viewed from the downstream side in the installation direction M. Figure 47 Part (d) is an enlarged view of the release claw 214e of the release member 214. Figure 48 Part (a) is a perspective view of the unit in which the restriction member 213 and the release member 214 are assembled. Figure 48 Part (b) is a top view of the unit in which the restriction member 213 and the release member 214 are assembled as viewed along the installation direction M.

[0372] Figure 48 Part (c) is along Figure 48 The cross-sectional view taken along the line X214-X214 in part (b). Figure 48 Part (d) is a bottom view of the unit in which the restriction member 213 and the release member 214 are assembled as viewed along the installation direction M. Figure 49 is along Figure 42 The cross-sectional view taken along the line X201-X201 in part (a), which is a cross-sectional view taken along a line parallel to the rotation axis B in a state where the rotation of the equipment-side baffle 209 from the closed position to the open position is restricted by the rotation restriction mechanism 212. Figure 50 Part (a) is along Figure 49 The cross-sectional view taken along the line X202-X202 in Figure 50 Part (b) is along Figure 49 The cross-sectional view taken along the line X203-X203 in Figure 50 Part (c) is along Figure 49 The cross-sectional view taken along the line X204-X204 in

[0373] As Figure 49 shown, a restriction member 213, a release member 214, a restriction spring 215, and a release spring 216 are provided inside the equipment-side baffle 209.

[0374] As Figure 46 Part (a) and Figure 46As shown in part (b), the restricting member 213 is an annular member provided with a central hole 213i centered on the rotation axis B. The restricting member 213 has a function of restricting the rotation of the device-side baffle 209, which will be described below. The restricting member has a lower surface 213a, a first contact surface 213b, a second contact surface 213h, a second restricting surface 213c (rotation restricting portion), a surface to be contacted 213e, a pair of locked surfaces 213f, a release spring engaging portion 213g, and a restricting spring engaging portion 213k. The first contact surface 213b and the second contact surface 213h are end surfaces on the downstream side of the device-side baffle 209 in the rotation direction D. The second restricting surface 213c is an end surface on the downstream side of the device-side baffle 209 in the rotation direction E.

[0375] The locked surface 213f is an end surface (upper surface) on the upstream side in the mounting direction M. The lower surface 213a is an end surface (bottom surface) on the downstream side in the mounting direction M. The release spring engaging portion 213g is a protrusion protruding in the rotation direction E. The restricting spring engaging portion 213k is a recess recessed in the mounting direction M.

[0376] As Figure 47 shown in part (a) and Figure 47 part (b), the release member 214 (guided member, engaged member) includes a pair of release claws 214e (first engaging claws and second engaging claws, a pair of engaged portions) having a shape rotationally symmetric by 180 degrees about the rotation axis B. The release claws 214e extend in a direction opposite to the mounting direction M (upward).

[0377] As Figure 47 shown in part (d), the release claws 214e are provided with a first guided portion 214eA (first contacted portion, first engaged portion) and a second guided portion 214eB (second contacted portion, second engaged portion). As Figure 47 shown in part (a) and Figure 47 part (b), the second guided portion 214eB is disposed at a position farther from the rotation axis B than the first guided portion 214eA in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC and below the first guided portion in the direction of the rotation axis B.

[0378] As Figure 47 shown in part (d), the first guided portion 214eA has a first guided surface 214e1 and a contact surface 214f. The second guided portion 214eB has a contact surface 214a, a second guided surface 214e2 (first engaged surface), and a third guided surface 214e3 (second engaged surface).

[0379] As Figure 47As shown in part (b), the contact surface 214f and the contact surface 214a are end surfaces on the downstream side of the release claw 214e in the rotational direction E about the rotational axis B, and they are at the same position in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC. The contact surface 214a is located outside the contact surface 214f in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotational axis B.

[0380] The first guided surface 214e1 is located upstream of the contact surface 214f in the mounting direction M. In other words, the first guided surface 214e1 is located above any one of the contact surface 214f, the second guided surface 214e2, and the third guided surface 214e3. The second guided surface 214e2 is a surface facing upward. The second guided surface 214e2 is located upstream of the contact surface 214a in the mounting direction M. In other words, the second guided surface 214e2 is placed above the contact surface 214a. The third guided surface 214e3 is a surface facing downward. The third guided surface 214e3 is located downstream of the contact surface 214a in the mounting direction M. In other words, the third guided surface 214e3 is located below the contact surface 214a. That is, the second guided surface 214e2 is located above the third guided surface 214e3. The contact surface 214a is located between the second guided surface 214e2 and the third guided surface 214e3 in the mounting direction (the direction of the rotational axis B, the direction of gravity).

[0381] The release member 214 further includes a pair of upward movement restricted surfaces 214c (upward movement restricting portions), a pair of locking surfaces 214d, a release spring engaging portion 214g, and a contact surface 214b.

[0382] The pair of upward movement restricted surfaces 214c and the pair of locking surfaces 214d are arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotational axis B by 180 degrees. As Figure 47 in part (a) to Figure 47 in part (c) shown, the upward movement restricted surface 214c protrudes outward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC beyond the outer peripheral surface of the release member 214 centered on the rotational axis B. The locking surface 214d is a surface that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the release member 214 in the direction opposite to the mounting direction M and faces the mounting direction M (a surface facing downward). The release spring engaging portion 214g is a protrusion that protrudes in the rotational direction D. The contact surface 214b is a surface facing upward.

[0383] In a state where the restricting member 213 and the release member 214 are assembled, as Figure 48 in part (a) and Figure 48As shown in part (c), the locked surface 213f of the restricting member 213 is located directly below and faces the locking surface 214d of the releasing member 214. Thus, this structure is such that even if an attempt is made to move the restricting member 213 upward, the restricting member cannot move because the locked surface 213f of the restricting member 213 is locked to the locking surface 214d of the releasing member 214, unless the releasing member 214 moves upward. As Figure 48 As shown in part (c), the contact surface 214b of the releasing member 214 faces the contacted surface 213e of the restricting member 213. Thus, when the releasing member 214 moves upward, the contact surface 214b contacts the contacted surface 213e of the restricting member 213, and the releasing member 214 and the restricting member 213 can move upward integrally. Additionally, as Figure 48 in part (b) and Figure 48 in part (d) show, a spring 216 is provided between the release spring engaging portion 213g of the restricting member 213 and the release spring engaging portion 214g of the releasing member 214. Moreover, the pair of release claws 214e project upward through the central hole 213i of the restricting member 213 centered on the rotation axis B beyond the upper surface of the restricting member 213.

[0384] As Figure 45 shown, the cover 210 includes a base cover portion 210Aa and a wall portion 210Bb extending upward from the base cover portion 210Aa.

[0385] The base cover portion 210Aa includes an upper surface 210i provided with a central hole 210p (cover opening) centered on the rotation axis B and a pair of eaves portions 210n, a first contacted surface 210a and a second contacted surface 210b, a pair of third contacted surfaces 210k, a first restricting surface 210c, a pair of rising restricting surfaces 210e, and a restricting spring engaging portion 210m. The wall portion 210Bb is provided with a side surface 210f, a side surface 210g, and the above-described engaged portion 210h.

[0386] As Figure 45 in part (b) and Figure 45 in part (d) show, the first contacted surface 210a and the second contacted surface 210b are end surfaces on the downstream side in the rotation direction E. The third contacted surface 210k is an end surface on the downstream side in the rotation direction D. The eaves portion 210n is provided on the upstream side of the third contacted surface 210k in the installation direction M. As Figure 45 shown in part (c), the third contacted surface 210k is configured to be covered by the eaves portion 210n and not exposed when viewed from above in the direction of the rotation axis B. The pair of rising restricting surfaces 210e are surfaces facing the downstream side (downward) in the installation direction M, and as Figure 45As shown in part (e) thereof, it includes a surface that extends in such a manner as to travel in the mounting direction M (downward) as it travels in the rotational direction D. The restricting spring engaging portion 210m is a cylindrical projection that projects in the mounting direction M.

[0387] Here, as Figure 49 shown, the restricting member 213 and the releasing member 214 are rotatably supported by the large-diameter portion 209d1 of the central boss 209d of the device-side baffle 209. In addition, a part of the rotation restricting mechanism 212 is covered by the upper surface 210i of the cover 210. The central boss 209d is provided coaxially with the rotation axis B of the device-side baffle 209. As Figure 49 shown, the restricting spring 215 (second elastic member, second pressing member) is installed between the cover 210 and the restricting member 213. One end and the other end of the restricting spring 215 are respectively engaged with the restricting spring engaging portion 210m of the cover 210 and the restricting spring engaging portion 213k of the restricting member 213. As Figure 45 of part (b) and Figure 45 of part (d) shown, the restricting spring engaging portion 210m is an annular rib centered on the rotation axis B and is inserted into the inner diameter region of the restricting spring 215.

[0388] The restricting member 213 is pressed by the pressing force F201 of the restricting spring 215 in the direction of arrow C parallel to the rotation axis B, and the lower surface 213a (see Figure 46 of part (b)) contacts the bottom surface 209b of the device-side baffle 209. The direction of arrow C is the mounting direction M (gravity direction) of the toner pack 220. In addition, as Figure 50 、 Figure 48 of part (b) and Figure 48 of part (d) shown, in the rotational direction of the device-side baffle 209, the releasing spring 216 (first elastic member, first pressing member) is installed between the restricting member 213 and the releasing member 214. One end and the other end of the releasing spring 216 are respectively engaged with the releasing spring engaging portion 213g of the restricting member 213 and the releasing spring engaging portion 214g of the releasing member 214. As Figure 50 of part (b) shown, the restricting member 213 is subjected to the moment M201 acting in the rotational direction D by the pressing force F202 of the releasing spring 216, and the first contact surface 213b of the restricting member 213 contacts the first contacted surface 210a of the cover 210, or the second contact surface 213h of the restricting member 213 contacts the second contacted surface 210b of the cover 210. Thus, the restricting member 213 is restricted from rotating in the rotational direction D.

[0389] On the other hand, as Figure 50As shown in part (c), the release member 214 is subjected to a moment M202 acting in the rotational direction E by the pressing force F203 of the release spring 216, and at least one of the pair of contact surfaces 214a comes into contact with a corresponding third contact surface 210k of the lid 210. Thereby, the rotation of the release member 214 in the rotational direction E is restricted, and the position of the release member relative to the lid 210 in the rotational direction E is determined.

[0390] Here, the lid 210 is fixed to the first frame 207. Thus, as Figure 50 shown in part (a), the restricting rib 209c of the device-side baffle 209 is located between the first restricting surface 210c of the lid 210 and the second restricting surface 213c of the restricting member 213. For this reason, the rotation of the device-side baffle 209 in the rotational direction D (the direction from the closed position to the open position) is restricted by the second restricting surface 213c of the restricting member 213. The rotation of the device-side baffle 209 in the rotational direction E (the direction from the open position to the closed position) is restricted by the first restricting surface 210c of the lid 210.

[0391] (Rotation restriction release method)

[0392] Refer to Figures 51 to 54 , and a method for releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 will be described. For better illustration, the cross-sectional planes of the lid 210, the restricting member 213, and the release member 214 are shaded.

[0393] Figure 51 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion 206 taken along a line parallel to the rotation axis B (the same as in Figure 49 ) in a state where the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 is released. Figure 51 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X205-X205 of part (a) of Figure 51 . Figure 51 The state of the mounting portion 206 is shown, where, for ease of explanation, the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle 209 when the toner pack 220 is not installed is released.

[0394] In a first step of rotating the release member 214 in the rotational direction D from the state of Figure 49 and 50 , a second step of rotating along Figure 49The second step of releasing the releasing member 214 by moving it in the direction of arrow G (upward) as shown. In the present embodiment, the first step and the second step are performed by the operation of mounting the toner pack 220 on the mounting portion 106. This will be described after explaining the structure of the toner pack 220. Here, only the structure of the mounting portion 206 will be described. In the second step, the contact surface 214b of the releasing member 214 contacts the contacted surface 213e of the restricting member 213, and the releasing member 214 and the restricting member 213 move integrally along the direction of arrow G against the pushing force F201 of the restricting spring 215. Through this second step, it reaches Figure 51 the state where the rotation restriction is released as shown. The direction of arrow G is the direction opposite to the mounting direction M of the toner pack 220.

[0395] In the state where the rotation restriction is released, as Figure 51 shown in part (b), the second restricting surface 213c of the restricting member 213 retracts upward from the movement locus (rotation locus) of the restricted rib 209c between the closed position and the open position of the device side baffle 209. The position of the restricting member 213 is referred to as the restriction release position (release position). And, the restricted rib 209c (device side baffle 209) can move between the first restricting surface 210c and the third restricting surface 210d of the cover 210. The distance between the first restricting surface 210c and the third restricting surface 210d is such that the device side baffle 209 can rotate and move between the closed position and the open position. Therefore, the rotation restriction of the device side baffle 209 is released between the closed position and the open position. That is, the device side baffle 209 can rotate from the closed position to the open position around the rotation axis B in the rotation direction D. On the other hand, the rotation of the device side baffle 209 in the rotation direction E from the closed position is restricted by the first restricting surface 210c of the cover 210. The movement amount of the releasing member 214 in the direction of arrow G (upward direction) is sufficient as long as the movement amount is greater than the amount required to reach a position where the second restricting surface 213c of the restricting member 213 that moves integrally with the releasing member 214 does not overlap with the restricted rib 209c of the device side baffle 209 in the direction of the rotation axis B.

[0396] Here, the rotation restricting mechanism 212 is configured such that when the rotation restricting mechanism 212 starts operating in the second step without performing the operation of the first step, the rotation restriction of the device side baffle 209 is not released.

[0397] Figure 52 Part (a) of Figure 50 is a view observed in the direction of arrow G of part (a) of Figure 52 Part (b) of Figure 52 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X206-X206 of part (a) of Figure 52Part (c) shows the state in which the restricting member moves in the direction of arrow G from Figure 52 part (a) of Figure 52 and the state in which the restricting member moves in the direction of arrow G from part (b). For better illustration, only the cover 210, the restricting member 213, the releasing member 214, the restricting spring 215, and the releasing spring 216 are shown, but the releasing member 214 is not shown in cross section.

[0398] As Figure 52 shown in part (a) of Figure 52 and part (b) of Figure 45 and part (b) of Figure 45 and part (d), the cover 210 is provided with a rising restriction surface 210e (rising restriction portion), and the releasing member 214 is provided with a rising restricted surface 214c (rising restricted portion). When the restricting member 213 moves in the direction of arrow G from this state without rotating in the rotational direction D, the locked surface 213f of the restricting member 213 contacts the locking surface 214d of the releasing member 214. The same structure is provided on the opposite side with respect to the rotation axis B, and the restricting member 213 and the releasing member 214 move integrally in the direction of arrow G (upward). As a result, as Figure 52 shown in part (c), the rising restricted surface 214c of the releasing member 214 contacts the rising restriction surface 210e of the cover 210 to restrict the movement of the releasing member 214 in the direction of arrow G, and thus the restricting member 213 that moves integrally with the releasing member 214 is also restricted from moving in the direction of arrow G. Since the amount of movement of the restricting member 213 in the direction of arrow G is insufficient, the restricted rib 209c of the device side baffle 209 is maintained in the rotation-restricted state by the first restriction surface 210c and the second restriction surface 213c, as Figure 50 shown in part (a). At this time, the position (region) of the releasing member 214 in the rotational direction about the rotation axis B is the rising restriction position (rising restriction region). That is, the rising restriction position is the position of the releasing member 214 when the rising restricted surface 214c of the releasing member 214 overlaps with the rising restriction surface 210e of the cover 110 when viewed in the direction along the rotation axis B. In addition, as Figure 52As shown in part (c), the rising limit surface 210e and the rising restricted surface 214c are inclined such that the force F204 received by the rising restricted surface 214c from the rising limit surface 210e has a component in the direction of arrow H. The rising limit surface 210e and the rising restricted surface 214c are inclined downward toward the downstream side in the rotation direction D. The component of the force F204 in the direction of arrow H applies a moment M203 to the release member 214 in the rotation direction E. Thus, even if the restricting member 213 tends to move in the direction of arrow G (upward) due to the vertical vibration of the image forming apparatus 1 during transportation, the release member 214 is not easily rotated in the rotation direction D, and thus the restriction on the direction of arrow G by the cover 210 is not released.

[0399] Next, referring to Figure 52 and 53 , the process of releasing the rotational restriction of the device-side baffle 209 through the first step and the second step will be described. The first step is the step of rotating the release member 214 in the rotation direction D against the moment M202 of the release spring 216 until the rising restricted surface 214c of the release member 214 is disengaged from the rising limit surface 210e of the cover 210.

[0400] Figure 53 Part (a) of Figure 52 shows the state after the first step has been passed from the state in part (a) of Figure 53 Part (b) of Figure 53 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X207-X207 in part (a) of Figure 53 Part (c) of Figure 53 shows the state after the second step has been passed from the state in part (b) of Figure 54 Part (a) of Figure 53 shows the state in which the release member 214 is further rotated in the rotation direction D from part (a) of Figure 54 Part (b) of Figure 54 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X208-X208 in part (a) of Figure 52 As in Figure 53 and 54 , for better illustration,

[0401] As Figure 53 shown in part (a) of Figure 53As shown in part (b), the restricting member 213 can move integrally with the releasing member 214 in the direction of arrow G. At this time, the position (area) of the releasing member 214 in the rotational direction around the rotation axis B is the rising restriction release position (rising restriction release area). That is, the rising restriction release position is the position (area) of the releasing member 214 when the rising restriction surface 214c of the releasing member 214 does not overlap with the rising restriction surface 210e of the cover 210 when viewed in the direction along the rotation axis B. The rotation amount of the releasing member 214 in the rotational direction D in the first step is sufficient as long as the rotation amount is greater than the amount that causes the rising restriction surface 214c of the releasing member 214 not to coincide with the rising restriction surface 210e of the cover 210 when viewed in the direction along the rotation axis B.

[0402] The method for releasing the rotation restriction of the equipment side baffle 209 includes a first step and a second step after the first step. The first step is the step of rotating the releasing member 214 from the rising restriction position to the rising restriction release position in the rotational direction D. The second step is the step of moving the releasing member upward together with the restricting member 213 while the releasing member 214 is in the rising restriction release position so that the restricting member 213 moves from the restricting position to the restriction release position. The second step of this embodiment may include the operation of rotating the releasing member 214 in the rotational direction D or the rotational direction E. For example, as Figure 54 shown, in the first step, the releasing member 214 rotates more in the rotational direction D than Figure 53 in part (a), and in the second step, the releasing member 214 moves in the direction of arrow G and rotates in the rotational direction E.

[0403] (Toner pack)

[0404] Referring to Figure 55 and 56 , the overall structure of the toner pack 220 will be described. Figure 55 Part (b) is a front view of the toner pack 220 when the pack side baffle 203 is in the closed position. Figure 55 Part (d) is a front view of the toner pack 220 when the pack side baffle 203 is in the open position. Figure 55 Part (a) of 55 and part (c) are respectively Figure 55 the left side view and the right side view of the toner pack 220 in part (b). Figure 56 is an exploded perspective view of the toner pack 220. The directions of arrow N and arrow U are parallel to the rotation axis A. When the toner pack 220 is in the installed posture, the direction of arrow N is the vertically downward direction (direction of gravity), and the direction of arrow U is the vertically upward direction.

[0405] The toner pack 220 includes a housing portion 201 (first housing portion) for accommodating toner, a nozzle 202 (discharge portion, nozzle portion, pipe, tube, valve), and a pack side baffle 203 (container baffle, rotatable member). As Figure 55 shown, the housing portion 201 is provided on the first end side in the first direction D1, and the nozzle 102 and the pack side baffle 203 are provided on the second end side opposite to the first end in the first direction D1. That is, the housing portion 201 and the nozzle 202 are configured to be arranged along the first direction D1. The housing portion 201 in this embodiment is a bag formed by bagging a flexible polypropylene sheet. The housing portion 201 is not limited to a bag, but may be a resin bottle or a container made of paper, vinyl resin, or the like.

[0406] As Figure 56 shown, on the side surface 202c (first outer surface) of the nozzle 202 extending in the first direction D1, a discharge opening 202a (opening, nozzle opening, first opening) is configured to be in fluid communication with the inside of the housing portion 201. The toner stored in the housing portion 201 is configured to be discharged to the outside of the toner pack 220 through the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202. The nozzle 202 may be integrally formed with the housing portion 201. In addition, a seal (not shown) may be provided between the housing portion 201 and the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202, and the housing portion 201 and the discharge opening 202a may be brought into fluid communication with each other when the seal is removed. In addition, the discharge opening 202a is not necessarily the final discharge opening for discharging the toner from the toner pack 220 to the outside of the toner pack 220.

[0407] The pack side baffle 203 is provided outside the side surface 202c of the nozzle 202. The pack side baffle 203 is rotatably mounted around a rotation axis A (first rotation axis, central axis) extending in the direction along the first direction D1, and an opening 203a (rotatable member opening, first baffle opening) is provided on a side surface 203d (first rotatable member outer surface, rotatable member side surface portion) extending in the direction along the rotation axis A, as Figure 56 shown. The pack side baffle 203 is provided outside the side surface 202c of the nozzle 202 in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. The side surface 202c of the nozzle 202 is a curved surface protruding outward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. That is, the discharge opening 202a faces the outside in the radial direction r (direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A). In addition, the inner surface (surface facing the side surface 202c) of the pack side baffle 203 is a curved surface along the side surface 202c of the nozzle 202, and a substantially rectangular pack side seal 205 is mounted thereon.

[0408] As Figure 55 of part (b) andFigure 55 As shown in part (d), the package side baffle 203 can move between a closed position and an open position about a rotation axis A in a rotation direction K (first rotation direction) and a rotation direction L (second rotation direction) opposite to the rotation direction K. In the closed position, the package side seal 205 closes the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202, and in the open position, the discharge opening 202a is opened. When the package side baffle 203 is in the open position, the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202 is exposed through the opening 203a.

[0409] When in Figure 55 the package side baffle 203 in the closed position shown in part (b) rotates about the rotation axis A in the direction of arrow K, the package side baffle 203 moves to Figure 55 the open position shown in part (d). Conversely, when the package side baffle 203 rotates in the direction of arrow L from the open position, it moves to the closed position. In the rotation operation of the package side baffle 203, the package side baffle 203 slides on the side surface 202c of the nozzle 202 via the package side seal 205.

[0410] Referring to Figures 57 to 61 , the specific structures of the nozzle 202 and the package side baffle 203 will be described. The direction of arrow N is the direction from the accommodating portion 201 toward the nozzle 202, and the direction of arrow U is opposite thereto. The direction of arrow N and the direction of arrow U are directions parallel to the rotation axis A. When the toner package 220 is in the installed posture, the direction of arrow N is the vertically downward direction (direction of gravity), and the direction of arrow U is the vertically upward direction.

[0411] Figure 57 Part (a) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the nozzle 202 when the package side baffle 203 is in the closed position. Figure 57 Part (b) is a view of the toner package 220 observed in the direction of arrow U in part (a). Figure 57 Part (a) is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle 202 when the package side baffle 203 is in the open position. Figure 58 Part (b) is a bottom view of the toner package 220 observed in the direction of arrow U in part (a). Figure 58 Part (c) is an enlarged perspective view of the protrusion 202b in part (a). Figure 58 Part (b) is a front view of the nozzle 202 in part (a). Figure 58 Part (c) is an enlarged view of the nozzle 202 in part (a) observed from the front side. Figure 58 Part (a) is a perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle 202 observed from the side opposite to part (a). Figure 59 Part (a) is from the side opposite to Figure 57 Part (a). Figure 59 Part (b) is Figure 59 an enlarged perspective view of the protrusion 202b in part (a). Figure 59Part (c) is an enlarged view of the protrusion 202b as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A. Figure 60 Part (a) is an enlarged perspective view of the protrusion 202b. Figure 60 Part (b) is Figure 57 A partial enlarged view of the protrusion 202b of part (b). Figure 61 Part (a) and Figure 61 Part (b) are respectively the front view and the rear view of the nozzle 202. Figure 61 Part (a) and Figure 61 Part (b) are views of the vicinity of the nozzle 202 when viewed in a direction parallel to the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 of the nozzle 202 (a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A).

[0412] As Figure 61 Part (a) and Figure 57 Part (b) show, the nozzle 202 is provided with a positioning portion 202d which has a surface 202d1 (first nozzle surface, first opposing surface) and a surface 202d2 (second nozzle surface, second opposing surface), and these two surfaces are arranged in a state with a gap therebetween in the direction of arrow R (second direction D2) and extend in a direction crossing the direction of arrow R. The direction of arrow R is a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. As Figure 57 Part (b) shows, in the present embodiment, the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow R and are parallel to each other. That is, the direction of arrow R is the normal direction of the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2. When the toner pack 220 is installed on the installation portion 206, the positioning portion 202d engages with the positioning portion 207a of the first frame 207 ( Figure 40 Part (a)). Thereby, the position of the nozzle 202 relative to the first frame 207 (base frame 221) in the direction of arrow R (position in the rotational direction about the rotation axis A) is determined. In Figure 57 Part (b), a straight line CL1 (first imaginary line) passing through the center between the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 in the direction of arrow R and extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow R is in a phase rotated by approximately 90° with respect to a straight line CL2 (second imaginary line) passing through the center of the discharge opening 202a and the rotation axis A. That is, a straight line CL2 obtained by rotating the straight line CL1 by 90 degrees about the rotation axis A passes through the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202.

[0413] In addition, as Figure 57 And 61 Show, the surfaces 202e1 and 202e2 are respectively provided on the downstream sides of the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 in the N direction along the rotation axis A direction. AsFigure 57 As shown in part (b), surfaces 202e1 and 202e2 extend in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A.

[0414] In Figure 61 , the side surface 202e3 (second outer surface) is disposed between the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 and between the surfaces 202e1 and 202e2 in the direction of arrow R. The side surface 202e3 is recessed inward in the radial direction r with respect to the side surface 202c. The surfaces 202d1, 202d2, side surface 202e3, surface 202e1, surface 202e2, and side surface 202e3 form a recess 202e (nozzle recess).

[0415] The surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 do not have to be parallel as in the present embodiment. The surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 may be surfaces that extend in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A.

[0416] In addition, Figure 61 part (a) is a view near the nozzle of the toner cartridge 220 in which the package side baffle 203 is in the closed position when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis A. As Figure 61 shown in part (a), an opening 203a is provided in the side surface 203d of the package side baffle 203, and at least a part of the recess 202e (surfaces 202e1, 202e2, side surface 202e3) of the nozzle 202 is exposed to the outside through the opening 203a. At least the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 are configured to be exposed through the opening 203a of the package side baffle 203 in the closed position. This is because, when the toner cartridge 220 is mounted on the mounting portion 206 with the package side baffle 203 closed, the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 are to be engaged with the positioning portion 207a of the first frame 207.

[0417] In addition, as Figure 57 shown in part (b), when viewing the vicinity of the nozzle 202 in the direction of the rotation axis A (first direction D) with the package side baffle 203 in the closed position, the driven transmission portion 203b (rotatable member recess) is provided on the outer surface of the package side baffle 203, on the opposite side of the recess 202e (opening 203a of the package side baffle 203) of the nozzle 202 with respect to the rotation axis A. As Figure 61 shown in part (b), both the surface 203b1 and the surface 203b2 of the driven transmission portion 203b extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow R (the direction of the rotation axis A). Figure 59Part (a) is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the package side baffle 203 as viewed from the side where the driven transmission portion 203b is disposed. Between the surface 203b1 and the surface 203b2, there is provided a side surface 203b3 (outer surface of the second rotatable member, side surface portion of the rotatable member) that is recessed inward from the side surface 203d in the radial direction. The driven transmission portion 203b includes the surface 203b1, the surface 203b2, and the side surface 203b3. In addition, ribs 203e are provided on the side surface 203b3.

[0418] When the package side baffle 203 rotates in the rotation direction K from Figure 57 the closed position shown, the package side baffle 203 takes the open position, and the outlet 202a of the nozzle 202 is exposed through the opening 203a of the package side baffle 203, as Figure 58 shown.

[0419] In addition, as shown in part (a) of Figure 57 and part (a) of Figure 59 the package side baffle 203 is provided with a radial positioning portion 203f that projects outward in the radial direction beyond the side surface 203d. The radial positioning portion 203f is provided on the upstream side of the package side baffle 203 in the N direction along the rotation axis A direction. The radial positioning portions 203f are provided at intervals in the rotation direction of the package side baffle 203 at each of three positions.

[0420] The nozzle 202 in this embodiment includes a passage through which toner passes and a discharge opening 202a for discharging the toner from the nozzle 202. The cross-sectional area of the passage through which the toner of the nozzle 202 passes can be made smaller, larger, or uniform toward the discharge opening 202a. The cross-sectional area and length of the passage of the nozzle 202 can be appropriately changed according to the required toner discharge and are not limited. In addition, the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202 does not have to be the most downstream opening from which the toner is discharged from the toner package 220. The toner discharged from the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202 can be discharged to the outside of the toner package 220 after passing through a passage of a member different from the nozzle 202.

[0421] The package side baffle 203 can be a rotatable member provided with the driven transmission portion 203b but not having a baffle function, so that the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202 is open regardless of the rotation position. In this case, it can be that when the toner package 220 is not installed in the installation portion 206, the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202 is closed by a seal (not shown), and the seal is removed by the installation operation of installing it in the installation portion 206 or after the installation operation. In addition, a toner package 220 not provided with the package side baffle 203 can be used.

[0422] (Restriction release portion of the toner package)

[0423] Referring to Figures 55 to 61 , the description restriction release unit 204 will be described. Here, as Figure 55 shown, the toner pack 220 is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the second end side (nozzle 202 side) of the toner pack 220 is lower than the first end side (toner storage portion side). In other words, the toner pack 220 is oriented in a posture (predetermined orientation) in which the rotation axis A is in the vertical direction (direction of gravity) and at least a part of the nozzle 202 is below the storage portion 201. The posture of the toner container 220 at this time is the posture for mounting to the mounting portion 206 of the image forming apparatus 1. At this time, in Figures 55 to 61 , the N direction is the vertically downward direction (direction of gravity), and the U direction is the vertically upward direction.

[0424] The nozzle 202 is provided with a protruding portion 202b (protruding portion, engaging portion) that protrudes beyond the end surface 203c in the arrow N direction (downward) of the pack side baffle 203 in the arrow N direction. As in Figure 57 part (a) and Figure 57 part (b) of Figure 55 shown, the protruding portion 202b is a cylindrical portion centered on the rotation axis A. Further, as in

[0425] shown when observing the protruding portion 202b in the direction of the rotation axis A, as in Figure 57 part (b) of

[0426] the protruding portion 202b is located on the side closer to the rotation axis A than the driven transmission portion 203b of the pack side baffle 203 in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC.

[0427] The protruding portion 202b has a protruding portion end surface 202b2 (positioning surface in the mounting direction) as the end surface in the N direction. The protruding portion 202b is provided with a hole having an inner peripheral surface 202b1 (guide inner peripheral surface, positioning inner peripheral surface) that faces inward in the radial direction r with the rotation axis A as the central axis. Figure 60 The inner peripheral surface 202b1 of the present embodiment is a cylindrical surface centered on the rotation axis A, as in [[ID=2 part (b) of ​ shown. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. ​The protrusion 202b of part (a). The inner peripheral surface 202b10 includes a plurality of flat surfaces inscribed in a hypothetical circle, thereby determining the position of the center (central axis) of the hypothetical circle VC2 with respect to the protrusion 202b. The central axis of the hypothetical circle VC2 coincides with the rotation axis A. The inner peripheral surface of the protrusion 202b does not necessarily have to be a surface on which a central axis can be defined. Any inner peripheral surface can be used as long as the toner pack 220 can be installed on the installation part 206 while avoiding the central boss 209d.

[0428] As ​ shown in part (a), ​ shown in part (a) and ​ shown in part (c), the protrusion 202b protrudes downward from the end surface 203c of the pack side baffle 203 beyond the discharge opening 202a. In the present embodiment, the protrusion 202b is provided on the nozzle 202 in such a manner as to protrude from the end surface 202j (bottom surface) of the nozzle 202 in the direction of the rotation axis A as shown in ​ part (b). Additionally, as ​ shown, the protrusion 202b protrudes downward beyond the lower end surface 202j of the nozzle 202. In the present embodiment, the end surface 203c of the pack side baffle 203 and the end surface 202j of the nozzle 202 are end surfaces perpendicular to the rotation axis A, but the present invention is not limited thereto. These surfaces can be any surfaces as long as they extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis A when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A.

[0429] As ​ shown in part (c), the opening width L1 of the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202 in the direction of the rotation axis A and the width L2 measured from the lower end of the discharge opening 202A to the end surface 203c of the pack side baffle 203 preferably satisfy 0.09 < L2 / L1 < 2.2.

[0430] Furthermore, as ​ shown, the protrusion 202b protrudes beyond the end surface 202j of the nozzle 202. In the present embodiment, the end surface 203c of the pack side baffle 203 and the end surface 202j of the nozzle 202 are end surfaces perpendicular to the rotation axis A, but the present invention is not limited to this example. These surfaces can be any surfaces that extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis A when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A.

[0431] Furthermore, as ​ shown in part (b), it can be understood that when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, when the pack side baffle 203 is in the open position, the opening 203a of the pack side baffle 203 overlaps the discharge opening 202a in the circumferential direction of the hypothetical circle VC.

[0432] The protruding portion 202b is provided with a restriction releasing portion 204 including a first restriction releasing portion 204a (first protrusion) and a second restriction releasing portion 204b (second protrusion). The specific structure of the restriction releasing portion 204 will be described with reference to ​ part (b) of ​ part (c) of ​ part (a) of ​ part (b) of ​ part (a) of and ​ part (b) of

[0433] The first restriction releasing portion 204a includes a first inclined surface 204a1 (first internal engaging surface, first downward surface, first downward guiding surface, first biasing surface, first pressing surface), a second inclined surface 204a2 (first external engaging surface, second downward surface, second downward guiding surface, second biasing surface, second pressing surface), and a third inclined surface 204a3 (second engaging surface, first upward surface, upward guiding surface).

[0434] When the toner pack 220 is oriented in the above-mentioned predetermined direction ( ​ ), the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 have surfaces facing the arrow N direction (downward), and these surfaces extend in a manner that progresses in the arrow U direction (upward) as they travel in the rotational direction K (first rotational direction) around the rotational axis A. Additionally, as shown in ​ part (c) of, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis A, the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 extend in a manner that progresses in the U direction (upward) as they travel in the first horizontal direction hz1 in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, when the rotational direction K is the first circumferential direction of the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC, the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 face the arrow N direction (downward) and extend in a manner that progresses in the arrow U direction as they travel in the first circumferential direction.

[0435] The third inclined surface 204a3 is a surface facing the arrow U direction (upward), and this surface extends in a manner that progresses in the arrow U direction (upward) as it travels in the rotational direction L (second rotational direction) around the rotational axis A. Additionally, as shown in ​As shown in part (c), the third inclined surface 204a3 has a surface that extends in a manner that progresses in the direction of arrow U (upward) as it progresses in the second horizontal direction hz2, which is opposite to the first horizontal direction hz1, in the horizontal direction when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A. Further, when the rotation direction L is the second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC, the third inclined surface 204a3 faces the direction of arrow U (upward) and extends in a manner that progresses in the direction of arrow U (upward) as it progresses in the second circumferential direction.

[0436] The downstream end of the second inclined surface 204a2 in the rotation direction K and the upstream end of the third inclined surface 204a3 in the rotation direction L are interconnected by a connecting portion 204a23. Further, as ​ shown in part (c), when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A, the downstream end of the second inclined surface 204a2 in the first horizontal direction hz1 and the upstream end of the third inclined surface 204a3 in the second horizontal direction hz2 are interconnected by a connecting portion 204a23.

[0437] The third inclined surface 204a3 is located above the second inclined surface 204a2. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, the third inclined surface 204a3 overlaps with the second inclined surface 204a2. In the present embodiment, although the entire third inclined surface 204a3 is located above the second inclined surface 204a2, it is sufficient as long as at least a part of the third inclined surface 204a3 is located above the second inclined surface 204a2.

[0438] As ​ shown in part (b), at least a part of the first inclined surface 204a1 is located at a position closer to the rotation axis A than the second inclined surface 204a2 in the radial direction r, and this position is different from the position of the second inclined surface 204a2 in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC.

[0439] In ​ part (b), the radius R204a1 measured from the rotation axis A to the inner end (edge line) of the first inclined surface 204a1 is shorter than the radius R204a2 measured from the rotation axis A to the inner end (edge line) of the second inclined surface 204a2. That is, at least a part of the first inclined surface 204a1 is closer to the rotation axis A than the second inclined surface 204a2 in the radial direction r.

[0440] Further, in ​In part (b), the two regions of the first inclined surface 204a1 separated by an imaginary straight line VL204a1 passing through the rotation axis A and the most downstream end in the rotation direction L of the second inclined surface 204a2 are the upstream side region 204a12 and the downstream side region 204a11 in the rotation direction K. In this case, no second inclined surface 204a2 is provided outside the upstream side region 204a12 in the radial direction r. That is, at least a part (upstream side region 204a12) of the first inclined surface 204a1 is provided at a position different from that of the second inclined surface 204a2 in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC. Similarly, the two regions of the first inclined surface 204b1 separated by an imaginary straight line VL204b1 passing through the rotation axis A and the most upstream end in the rotation direction K of the second inclined surface 204b2 are the upstream side region 204b12 and the downstream side region 204b11 in the rotation direction L. In this case, no second inclined surface 204b2 is provided outside the upstream side region 204b12 in the radial direction r. That is, at least a part (upstream side region 204b12) of the first inclined surface 204b1 is provided at a position different from that of the second inclined surface 204b2 in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC. That is, in the first restriction release portion 204a, the upstream side region 204a12 of the first inclined surface 204a1 is located upstream of the second inclined surface 204a2 in the rotation direction K. In addition, in the second restriction release portion 204b, the upstream side region 204b12 of the first inclined surface 204b1 is located upstream of the second inclined surface 204b2 in the rotation direction K.

[0441] In addition, as ​ shown in part (c), when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A, at least a part of the first inclined surface 204a1 is located at a position different from that of the second inclined surface 204a2 in the horizontal direction (first horizontal direction hz1 or second horizontal direction hz2). On the other hand, at least a part of the third inclined surface 204a3 is provided downstream (upper side) of at least a part of the second inclined surface 204a2 in the direction of arrow U. That is, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, at least a part of the third inclined surface 204a3 overlaps with the second inclined surface 204a2. In addition, above (directly above) the third inclined surface 204a3, a cavity 204a4 and an abutting surface 204a5 (downstream end surface, surface to be contacted) are provided. The abutting surface 204a5 is an end surface on the downstream side in the rotation direction K, and this end surface extends along the direction of the rotation axis A from the downstream end in the rotation direction L of the third inclined surface 204a3. The abutting surface 204a5 faces the downstream side in the rotation direction K. In ​ part (c), the abutting surface 204a5 extends upward from the downstream end in the second horizontal direction hz2 of the third inclined surface 204a3 and is an end surface on the downstream side in the first horizontal direction hz1.

[0442] Next, referring to ​ part (c), the inclination angles of the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, and the third inclined surface 204a3 with respect to the rotation axis A will be described. As shown in ​ part (c), when the protrusion 202b is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (the direction of gravity), the inclination angles of the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, and the third inclined surface 204a3 with respect to the direction of the rotation axis A are α1, α2, and α3, respectively. In the present embodiment, α1, α2, and α3 are approximately 50 degrees, approximately 50 degrees, and approximately 40 degrees, respectively. Preferably, α1, α2, and α3 are all greater than 30 degrees and less than 60 degrees.

[0443] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the protrusion 202b is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A, the length L204a1 of the first inclined surface 204a1 is approximately 2 mm, the length of the second inclined surface 204a2 is approximately 3 mm, and the length L204a3 of the third inclined surface 204a3 is approximately 3.5 mm. Preferably, the length L204a2 is greater than the length L204a1, and the length L204a3 is greater than the length L204a2. Further, the length H204a1 from the protrusion end surface 202b2, which is the lower end of the protrusion 202b, to the upper end of the first inclined surface 204a1 is less than the length H204a2 from the protrusion end surface 202b2 to the upper end of the second inclined surface 204a2.

[0444] The first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the cavity 204a4, and the abutting surface 204a5 are exposed to the outside of the toner pack 220 so that they can be accessed by the rotation restricting mechanism 212 of the mounting portion 206. They are configured to be exposed to the outside of the toner pack 220 when the toner pack 220 is in a state of being mounted to the mounting portion 206. That is, in the case where a cover or a hood is provided to protect the nozzle 202 and the pack side baffle 203 of the toner pack 220 during transportation, they are exposed when the cover or the hood is removed.

[0445] ​ Part (a) of ​ is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X209-X209 of the protrusion 202b in part (a) of

[0446] ​ and shows the third inclined surface 204a3 of the first restriction releasing portion 204a and the third inclined surface 204b3 of the second restriction releasing portion 204b. It can be understood that both the third inclined surface 204a3 and the third inclined surface 204b3 extend along the rotation direction of the pack side baffle 203 (the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A).

[0446] ​ Part (b) of​ As shown in part (b), the restriction release portion 204 is provided on the outer side of the inner peripheral surface 202b1 in the radial direction r and on the inner side of the discharge opening 202a. When observing the nozzle 202 in the direction of the rotation axis A, the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, and the third inclined surface 204a3 are preferably provided closer to the inner peripheral surface 202b1 than the discharge opening 202a. Here, the distance from the rotation axis A to the inner peripheral surface 202b1 is r1, the distance from the rotation axis A to the outer end of the second inclined surface 204a2 (second inclined surface 204b2) is r2, and the distance r3 from the rotation axis A to the discharge opening 202a preferably satisfies:

[0447] (r2 - r1) / (r3 - r1) < 0.3.

[0448] That is, when observing the nozzle 202 in the direction of the rotation axis A, the distance from the inner peripheral surface 202b1 to the first inclined surface 204a1, the distance from the inner peripheral surface 202b1 to the second inclined surface 204a2, and the distance from the inner peripheral surface 202b1 to the third inclined surface 204a3 are preferably 30% or less of the distance from the inner peripheral surface 202b1 to the discharge opening 202a.

[0449] As ​ shown, the second restriction release portion 204b is provided with a first inclined surface 204b1 (third lower surface), a second inclined surface 204b2 (fourth lower surface), a third inclined surface 204b3 (second upper surface), a cavity 204b4 (second cavity), and an abutment surface 204b5 (second abutment surface, second downstream end surface, second contact surface). Here, the second restriction release portion 204b has a shape that is rotationally symmetric by 180 degrees with respect to the rotation axis A with respect to the first restriction release portion 204a, and it is provided on the opposite side of the restriction release portion 204a with respect to the rotation axis A in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC. In other words, the first inclined surface 204b1, the second inclined surface 204b2, the third inclined surface 204b3, the cavity 204b4, and the abutment surface 204b5 respectively have a shape that is rotationally symmetric by 180 degrees with respect to the rotation axis A with respect to the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the cavity 204a4, and the abutment surface 204a5. That is, if the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the cavity 204a4, and the abutment surface 204a5 are rotated 180 degrees around the rotation axis A, they become the first inclined surface 204b1, the second inclined surface 204b2, the third inclined surface 204b3, the cavity 204b4, and the abutment surface 204b5. Therefore, a detailed description of the second restriction release portion 204b will be omitted.

[0450] Here, the second inclined surface 204a2 of the first restriction release portion 204a is not disposed outside any region of the first inclined surface 204b1 of the second restriction release portion 204b in the radial direction r. That is, the first inclined surface 204a1 is disposed at a position different from that of the second inclined surface 204b2 in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC.

[0451] As ​ shown in part (a) of

[0452] When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow R), the protruding portion 202b is located at a position between the surface 202d1 and the surface 202d2 of the positioned portion 202d in the direction of arrow R. Therefore, in the direction of arrow R, the positions of the first restriction release portion 204a and the second restriction release portion 204b are between the position of the surface 202d1 and the position of the surface 202d2 of the positioned portion 202d. That is, in the direction of arrow R, the positions of the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, and the third inclined surface 204a3 are all between the position of the surface 202d1 and the position of the surface 202d2. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A, the positions of the first restriction release portion 204a and the second restriction release portion 204b overlap with the position of the recess 202e in the direction of arrow R. ​ shown in part (a) of

[0453] In addition, in the present embodiment, the protruding portion 202b is provided on the nozzle 202, but it is not necessarily provided on the nozzle 202.

[0454] Here, the protruding portion 202b of the present embodiment is provided with two parts, that is, the first restriction release portion 204a and the second restriction release portion 204b that are rotationally symmetric about 180 degrees with respect to the rotation axis A. However, the present embodiment is not limited to such an example.

[0455] ​ parts (a) of ​ and parts (b) of

[0456] ​ are perspective views and bottom views of the vicinity of the protruding portion 202b in which the first restriction release portion 204a is provided and the second restriction release portion 204b is not provided. ​ parts (c) of

[0457] The structure may be such that only the first restriction release portion 204a including the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the cavity 204a4, and the abutting surface 204a5 is provided, as ​ shown in part (a) of ​ and ​ shown in part (c) of ​ The second restriction release portion 204b may have a shape that is rotationally symmetric about the rotation axis A by 190 degrees with respect to the first restriction release portion 204a. That is, the first inclined surface 204b1, the second inclined surface 204b2, the third inclined surface 204b3, the cavity 204b4, and the abutting surface 204b5 may have shapes that are rotationally symmetric about the rotation axis A by 190 degrees with respect to the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the cavity 204a4, and the abutting surface 204a5, respectively. With this structure, the angle α204ab1 between the first inclined surface 204a1 and the first inclined surface 204b1 about the rotation axis is 190 degrees. The angle α204ab2 between the second inclined surface 204a2 and the second inclined surface 204b2 about the rotation axis A is also 190 degrees. The second restriction release portion 204b preferably has a shape that is rotationally symmetric about the rotation axis A by 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less with respect to the first restriction release portion 204a. That is, the first inclined surface 204b1, the second inclined surface 204b2, the third inclined surface 204b3, the cavity 204b4, and the abutting surface 204b5 preferably have shapes that are rotationally symmetric about the rotation axis A by 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less with respect to the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the cavity 204a4, and the abutting surface 204a5, respectively.

[0458] (Installation of the toner pack to the installation portion)

[0459] Referring to Figures 63 to 69 , a mechanism for releasing the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 by installing the toner pack 220 to the installation portion 206 will be described.

[0460] Figure 63 Part (a) of Figure 63 and part (c) of Figure 63 are perspective views of the toner pack 220 and the installation portion 206 when the toner pack 220 is being installed on the installation portion 206 and when the installation is completed, respectively. Figure 63 Part (b) of Figure 64 is a perspective view of the toner pack 220 and the installation portion 206 viewed from a side different from that of Figure 63 part (a). Figure 64 Part (a) of Figure 63A cross-sectional view of the toner pack 220 and the mounting portion 206 taken along a line parallel to the rotation axis A (rotation axis B) in a state where the state shown in part (a) is further moved in the mounting direction. Figure 64 Part (b) is along Figure 64 A cross-sectional view taken along line X210-X210 in part (a). Figure 64 Part (c) is along Figure 64 A cross-sectional view taken along line X211-X211 in part (a). Figure 65 Parts (a) to Figure 65 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the process of mounting the toner pack 220 to the mounting portion 206. Figure 65 Parts (d) to Figure 65 Parts (f) are perspective views corresponding to Figure 65 Parts (a) to Figure 65 Part (c), but only the protrusion 202b, the release member 214, and the restricting member 213 are shown. Figure 66 Part (a) and Figure 66 Part (b) are cross-sectional views showing the process of mounting the toner pack 220 to the mounting portion 206 after the state shown in Figure 65 Part (c). Figure 66 Part (c) and Figure 66 Part (d) are perspective views corresponding to Figure 66 Part (a) and Figure 66 Part (b), but only the protrusion 202b, the release member 214, and the restricting member 213 are shown. Figure 67 Part (a) and Figure 67 Part (b) are perspective views showing the positional relationship between the release member 214 and the cover 210. Figure 67 Part (c) and Figure 67 Part (d) are views of the release member 214 and the cover 210 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A (upper side) in the state of Figure 67 Part (a) and Figure 67 Part (b). Figure 68 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 220 and the mounting portion 206 taken along the rotation axis A (rotation axis B) in a state where the installation of the toner pack 220 in the mounting portion 206 has been completed. Figure 68 Part (b) and Figure 68 Part (c) are a cross-sectional view taken along line X213-X213 in Figure 68 Part (a) and a cross-sectional view taken along line X212-X212.

[0461] In Figure 64In order to better illustrate, the cross-section planes of the package side baffle 203 and the lid 210 are shaded. Additionally, in Figure 65 section (a) to Figure 65 section (c) and Figure 66 section (a) of Figure 66 and section (b) of Figure 68 the package side baffle 203, the restricting member 213, and the releasing member 214 are shown in side view, while the other members are shown in cross-section. Furthermore, in

[0462] As Figure 63 section (a) of Figure 63 and section (b) of

[0463] show, the toner package 220 with the package side baffle 203 in the closed position moves in the installation direction M towards the installation portion 206 where the equipment side baffle 209 is in the closed position. The user installs the toner package 220 onto the installation portion 206 by moving the toner package 220 in the installation direction M while the toner package is oriented in the above-mentioned predetermined direction. The installation direction M is the direction of arrow N, i.e., the vertically downward direction (the direction of gravity). Additionally, the installation direction M is the direction of the rotation axis A (rotation axis B). Figure 63 At this time, the toner package 220 is installed onto the installation portion 206 in such a manner that it is aligned at two positions in the rotation direction (circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC) of the package side baffle 203. The first alignment is between the recess 202e (opening 203a of the package side baffle 203) for the nozzle 202 and the positioning portion 207a of the first frame 207 when viewed in the installation direction M, as shown in Figure 63 section (a). The second alignment is between the position of the driven transmission portion 203b of the package side baffle 203 and the position of the driving transmission portion 208a of the operating lever 208, as shown in

[0464] section (b). This structure is such that by aligning one of them, the other is aligned. Figure 64 After aligning these positions, the toner package 220 moves in the installation direction M and is installed onto the installation portion 206. As a result, as shown in Figure 64As shown in part (b), the drive transmission part 208a (rod protrusion) of the operating lever 208 and the driven transmission part 203b (rotatable member recess) of the bag side baffle 203 are engaged with each other. In addition, the rib 203e is inserted into the slit 208c provided in the drive transmission part 208a. At the same time, as Figure 64 shown in part (c), the side surfaces 210f and 210g of the cover 210 guide the surfaces 202e1 and 202e2 of the forming recess 202e (nozzle recess) of the nozzle 202. In addition, the driven transmission part 203b (rotatable member recess) of the bag side baffle 203 is engaged with the driven transmission part 209e (baffle protrusion) of the equipment side baffle 209. Thereby, the rotation axis A of the bag side baffle 203 and the rotation axis B of the equipment side baffle 209 are made substantially coaxial.

[0465] The operating lever 208, the bag side baffle 203, and the equipment side baffle 209 can rotate integrally relative to the first frame 207 (base frame 221) and the nozzle 202 about the rotation axis A (rotation axis B). Specifically, when the operating lever 208 rotates in the rotation direction D, the drive transmission part 208a of the operating lever 208 pushes the surface 203b1 of the bag side baffle 203 to rotate the bag side baffle 203 in the rotation direction D. Thereafter, the surface 203b2 of the bag side baffle 203 pushes the driven transmission part 209e of the equipment side baffle 209, and the equipment side baffle 209 rotates in the rotation direction D. When the operating lever 208 rotates in the rotation direction E, the drive transmission part 208a of the operating lever 208 pushes the surface 203b2 of the bag side baffle 203, and the bag side baffle 203 rotates in the rotation direction E. Thereafter, the surface 203b1 of the bag side baffle 203 pushes the driven transmission part 209e of the equipment side baffle 209 to rotate the equipment side baffle 209 in the rotation direction E. Therefore, the structure is such that, without providing the above-described rotation restricting mechanism 212, the equipment side baffle 209 is configured to rotate via the bag side baffle 203 by the operating lever 208, and thus the equipment side baffle 209 can be rotated regardless of the position of the operating lever.

[0466] Here, if the device-side baffle 209 rotates from the closed position to the open position in the rotation direction D due to an incorrect operation by the user or vibration during the transportation of the image forming apparatus 1, the position of the follower transmission portion 209e of the device-side baffle 209 also shifts in the rotation direction. Then, when the toner pack 220 is to be installed on the installation portion 206, the following results. When the toner pack 220 further moves in the installation direction M after the follower transmission portion 203b of the pack-side baffle 203 engages with the drive transmission portion 208a of the operating lever 208, it cannot engage with the follower transmission portion 209e of the device-side baffle 209. Therefore, the toner pack 220 cannot be moved relative to the installation portion 206 to the installation completion position. To prevent this from happening, the rotation restricting mechanism 212 restricts the rotation of the device-side baffle 209.

[0467] Next, with reference to Figures 65 to 67 , details of the mechanism for releasing the rotation restricting mechanism 212 of the installation portion 206 by installing the toner pack 220 on the installation portion 206 will be described. Figure 65 and 66 are diagrams showing the process of installing the toner pack 220 on the installation portion 206 in chronological order. The second restriction releasing portion 204b functions in the same manner as the first restriction releasing portion 204a, and thus its description will be omitted.

[0468] At the moment shown in part (a) of Figure 65 (part (d) of Figure 65 ), the first restriction releasing portion 204a of the nozzle 202 and the releasing claw 214e of the releasing member 214 are separated from each other. At this moment, as shown in part (a) of Figure 67 and part (c) of Figure 67 , when viewed in the direction along the rotation axis A, the second guided surface 214e2 of the releasing claw 214e shown in Figure 47 is covered by the eaves portion 210n of the cover 210 and thus does not protrude through the central hole 210p of the cover 210. When the toner pack 220 further moves in the direction of arrow N (installation direction M) from this position, the first inclined surface 204a1 of the first restriction releasing portion 204a and the first guided surface 214e1 of the releasing claw 214e come into contact with each other, and the state shown in part (b) of Figure 65 (part (e) of Figure 65 ) is obtained. When the toner pack 220 further moves in the direction of arrow N from this position, the releasing member 214 overcomes Figure 50The pressing force F203 of the release spring 216 shown rotates in the rotational direction D. At this time, the first inclined surface 204a1 of the first restriction release portion 204a serves as a guiding surface that guides the first guided surface 214e1 of the release member 214 so that the first guided surface 214e1 moves along the first inclined surface 204a1. In other words, the first inclined surface 204a1 guides the first guided surface 214e1 so that the release member 214 rotates about the rotation axis A in the rotational direction D. Further, the first inclined surface 204a1 of the first restriction release portion 204a also functions as a first biasing surface (first pushing surface) that applies (pushes) a force to the first guided surface 214e1. The force F204 includes a force component F204x that causes the release member 214 to rotate about the rotation axis B in the rotational direction D against the pressing force of the release spring 216. The release member 214 rotates in the rotational direction D until the first guided surface 214e1 passes the downstream end in the rotational direction D of the first inclined surface 204a1 in the rotational direction D. By the rotation of the release member 214 in the rotational direction D, the second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e is exposed through the central hole 210p of the cover 210 when viewed in the direction along the rotation axis A, as Figure 67 part (b) of Figure 67 part (d) of

[0469] shown. That is, the first inclined surface 204a1 has a function (preliminary rotation function) of rotating the release member 214 to a position where at least the second guided surface 214e2 is exposed through the central hole 210p of the cover 210 when viewed in the direction along the rotation axis A. Although the first inclined surface 204a1 of the present embodiment is an inclined surface, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any surface that can engage with the first guided surface 214e1 to rotate the release member 214 in the rotational direction D when the toner pack 220 is installed on the installation portion 206 is sufficient. Figure 67 part (b) of Figure 67 part (d) of Figure 65 shown in part (c) of Figure 65 part (f) of Figure 50The unlocking spring 216 shown receives the force F203 and rotates in the rotational direction D. At this time, the second inclined surface 204a2 of the first unlocking portion 204a serves as a guiding surface for guiding the second guided surface 214e2 so that the second guided surface 214e2 moves along the second inclined surface 204a2. In other words, the second inclined surface 204a2 guides the second guided surface 214e2 of the unlocking member 214 so that the unlocking member 114 rotates about the rotation axis A in the rotational direction D. In addition, the second inclined surface 204a2 of the first unlocking portion 204a also functions as a second force-applying surface (second pushing surface) that applies (pushes) a force to the second guided surface 214e2. The force F205 includes a force component F205x that causes the unlocking member 214 to rotate about the rotation axis B in the rotational direction D against the pushing pressure of the unlocking spring 216.

[0470] The unlocking member 214 rotates in the rotational direction D until the second guided surface 214e2 passes the downstream end in the rotational direction D of the second inclined surface 204a2 in the rotational direction D. The rotation of the unlocking member 214 in the rotational direction D up to this point is the first step for releasing the above-described rotational restriction. That is, the first step is to rotate the unlocking member 214 in the rotational direction D against the pushing pressure of the unlocking spring 216 to an unlocking position (unlocking region) where the rising-restricted surface 214c does not contact the rising-restriction surface 210e of the lid 210 when the unlocking member 214 rises (as shown in part (b) of Figure 53 . In other words, the first step is to rotate the unlocking member 214 in the rotational direction D against the pushing pressure of the unlocking spring 216 to an unlocking position where the rising-restricted surface 214c does not overlap the rising-restriction surface 210e of the lid 210 when viewed in the direction along the rotation axis B. Although the second inclined surface 204a2 of the present embodiment is an inclined surface, the present invention is not limited to such an example. It is sufficient that the surface can engage with the second guided surface 214e2 to rotate the unlocking member 214 in the rotational direction D when the toner pack 220 is installed on the installation portion 206.

[0471] After the first step, the third guided surface 214e3 of the unlocking claw 214e rises to the upstream end in the rotational direction E of the third inclined surface 204a3 via the connecting portion 204a23 of the first unlocking portion 204a. That is, at the connecting portion 204a23 of the first unlocking portion 204a, the rotational direction of the unlocking member 214 is switched from the rotational direction D to the rotational direction E.

[0472] At this time, as shown in part (a) of Figure 66 Figure 66As shown in part (c), the third guided surface 214e3 of the release claw 214e contacts the third inclined surface 204a3 of the nozzle 202 due to the moment M202 (pushing force) of the release spring 216 and receives the force F206 therefrom. Then, by the force component F206y of the force F206 in the direction of arrow G, the third guided surface 214e3 of the release member 214 moves in the direction in which the third inclined surface 204a3 extends while being guided by the third inclined surface 204a3. After the release member 214 rotates in the rotational direction D through the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3 guides the third guided surface 214e3 such that the release member 214 moves in the direction of arrow G (upward) while being rotated in the rotational direction E.

[0473] The movement of the release member 214 in the direction of arrow G is the second step for releasing the above-mentioned rotational restriction. In the second step, the restriction member 213 is moved in the direction of arrow G by the release member 214. In addition, the release member 214 rotates in the rotational direction E until Figure 47 the contact surfaces 214a and 214f of the release member 214 shown in part (d) abut against the abutting surface 204a5 of the protrusion 202b. That is, in the release member 214, the rotation in the rotational direction E is stopped by the contact surfaces 214a and 214f abutting (contacting) the abutting surface 204a5 of the protrusion 202b. In this way, when the toner pack 220 is in Figure 66 part (b) ( Figure 66 part (d)) and Figure 68 in the state of the installation completion position shown, the rotation restriction release operation of the rotation restriction mechanism 212 is completed. The cross-section taken along the line X214-X214 in part (a) is the same as that in Figure 68 part (b), and the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle 209 is released. Figure 51 the same as that in part (b), and the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle 209 is released.

[0474] As described above, by mounting the toner pack 220 on the mounting portion 206, the rotation restriction of the rotation restriction mechanism 212 on the device-side baffle 209 is released through the above-mentioned first step and second step. Although the third inclined surface 204a3 in the present embodiment is an inclined surface, the present invention is not limited to such an example. As long as the surface can engage with the third guided surface 214e3 when the toner pack 220 is mounted on the mounting portion 206 to move the release member 214 in the direction of arrow G (upward), it is sufficient. In addition, in the present embodiment, in the second step, the release member 214 rotates in the rotational direction E, but the structure may be such that the release member 214 does not rotate in the rotational direction E.

[0475] As Figure 68As shown in part (a), the installation completion position of the toner pack 220 is the position where the protruding end surface 202b2 of the protrusion 202b of the nozzle 202 contacts the pack contact surface 209g of the device side baffle 209. At this installation completion position, the position of the toner pack 220 relative to the installation part 206 in the direction of the rotation axis A is determined. In addition, the inner peripheral surface 202b1 of the protrusion 202b of the nozzle 202 mates (engages) with the small diameter part 209d2 of the central boss 209d of the device side baffle 209, thereby determining the position of the downstream nozzle in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC in the installation direction M. Furthermore, as Figure 68 shown in part (c) (which is a cross-section taken along Figure 68 the line X212-X212 of part (a)), three positions of the radial positioning part 203f ( Figure 57 , Figure 59 ) of the pack side baffle 203 contact the inner peripheral surface 209h ( Figure 44 ) of the device side baffle 209. Thereby, the positions of the upstream nozzle 202 and the pack side baffle 203 (toner pack 220) in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC in the installation direction M are determined.

[0476] On the other hand, as Figure 68 shown in part (b) (which is a cross-section taken along Figure 68 the line X213-X213 of part (a)), the positioning part 207a of the first frame 207 engages with the positioned part of the nozzle 202 having the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2. Therefore, the nozzle 202 is positioned relative to the first frame 207 (base frame 221) in the arrow R direction of the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2. Thereby, the position of the nozzle 202 relative to the first frame 207 in the direction of the arrow R is determined, and thus the operation for releasing the rotation restriction with respect to the device side baffle 209 can be further stabilized. In this specification, the magnitudes of the forces F204, F205, and F206 for operating the release member 214 are selected to be large enough so that the effects of gravity and friction can be ignored, and thus the descriptions related to gravity and friction are omitted.

[0477] Through the above mechanism, the rotation restriction of the rotation restriction mechanism 212 on the device side baffle 209 is released, and the device side baffle 209 becomes rotatable from the closed position to the open position.

[0478] In addition, when the contact surfaces 214a and 214f of the release member 214 come into contact with the abutment surface 204a5, the release member 214 may rotate forcefully due to the moment M202, generating a slight knocking sound. Additionally, a reaction force will be felt by the hand of the user holding the toner pack 220. That is, the user can also recognize that the rotation restriction of the device side baffle 209 is released (installation completed) through the knocking sound or the reaction force. When the toner pack 220 is removed from the installation portion 206, the opposite process is performed, and the rotation of the device side baffle 209 is restricted again by the rotation restriction mechanism 212. Figure 65 The opposite process is performed, and the rotation of the device side baffle 209 is restricted again by the rotation restriction mechanism 212.

[0479] (Operation of the operating lever)

[0480] When the toner pack 220 is in the installation completed position, as shown in part (b) of Figure 68 , the drive transmission portion 208a (lever protrusion) of the operating lever 208 and the driven transmission portion 203b (rotatable member recess) of the pack side baffle 203 are engaged with each other. Additionally, as shown in part (c) of Figure 68 , the driven transmission portion 203b (rotatable member recess) of the pack side baffle 203 is engaged with the driven transmission portion 209e (baffle protrusion) of the device side baffle 209. That is, as described above, this structure enables the operating lever 208, the pack side baffle 203, and the device side baffle 209 to rotate integrally about the rotation axis A (rotation axis B) in a state where the toner pack 220 is installed on the installation portion 206.

[0481] Here, Figure 69 Part (a) is a perspective view of the toner pack 220 when the operating lever 208 is in the closed position, viewed from above. Figure 69 Part (b) is a perspective view of the toner pack 220 when the operating lever 208 is in the open position, viewed from above. Figure 69 Part (c) shows the state where the user releases the accommodation portion 201 and replenishes the toner in the state of part (b) of Figure 69 .

[0482] As shown in part (a) of Figure 69 and part (b) of Figure 69 , it can be understood that when the operating portion 208b of the operating lever 208 is rotated in the rotation direction D after the toner pack 220 is installed on the installation portion 206, the device side baffle 209 rotates from the closed position to the open position, and even when the operating lever 208 for rotating the pack side baffle 203 from the closed position to the open position rotates, the accommodation portion 101 does not rotate. Rotating together with the operating lever 208 are the pack side baffle 203 and the device side baffle 209.

[0483] When the package side baffle 203 rotates from the closed position to the open position, the frictional force F207 received by the nozzle 102 from the package side baffle 103 via the package side seal 105 is directed in the rotation direction K, as shown in Figure 57 part (a) thereof. This is the same as the rotation direction D of the operating lever 108 in Figure 69 . The nozzle 202 receives the frictional force F207 and can rotate the clearance amount between the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 and the positioning portion 207a of the first frame 207 in the rotation direction K. At this time, the rotation direction of the nozzle 202 causes the third inclined surface 204a3 of the first restriction release portion 204a to approach the release claw 214e of the release member 214, and causes the third inclined surface 204b3 of the second restriction release portion 204b to approach the release claw 214e of the release member 214. That is, when the operating lever 208 is rotated to rotate the package side baffle 203 from the closed position to the open position, the restriction member 213 moves upward (in the U direction) together with the release member 214. Then, the second restriction surface 213c of the restriction member 213 moves upward and separates from the restricted rib 209c of the device side baffle 209, and as a result, the margin for releasing the rotation restriction increases. Therefore, the state in which the rotation restriction on the device side baffle 109 is released can be more stably maintained.

[0484] Through the above operations, the accommodating portion 201 of the toner package 220 and the toner accommodating chamber 36 communicate with each other through the discharge opening 202a, the receiving opening 209a, and the device side opening 217a.

[0485] Here, Figure 70 part (a) of Figure 70 is a cross-sectional view of the toner package 220 and the mounting portion 206 when both the device side baffle 209 and the package side baffle 203 are in the closed position.

[0486] In Figure 70 part (a), the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202 is closed by the package side baffle 203, the package side seal 205, and the device side baffle 209, so that the toner in the accommodating portion 201 cannot reach the device side opening 217a of the second frame 217. On the other hand, in Figure 70 part (b), the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202 is opened by the movement of the package side baffle 203, the package side seal 205, and the device side baffle 209. As shown in Figure 69As shown in part (c), as the accommodating portion 201 is squeezed by the user, the toner in the accommodating portion 201 is discharged together with air from the discharge opening 202a to the outside of the toner pack 220. A part of the air discharged from the discharge opening 202a passes through the first filter 218 and the second filter and is discharged to the outside of the mounting portion 206. The toner is replenished into the toner accommodating chamber 36 of the developing agent container 32 through the device-side opening 217a of the second frame 217.

[0487] (Variant Example 1)

[0488] Next, referring to Figures 72 to 78 , another structure will be described. Points that are the same as those in the above example will be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this variant example, the elements corresponding to the components described in Embodiment 2 are assigned the same names as the components in Embodiment 2, and the differences from Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0489] In Embodiment 2, the protrusion 202b of the nozzle 202 is integrally formed with the nozzle 202. In this variant example, the protrusion of Embodiment 2 is an attachment that is a component different from the nozzle. This attachment is an attachment to be installed on the image forming apparatus 1. And, the installation kit includes this attachment and a toner pack without a protrusion. The structure of the attachment will be described below.

[0490] Figure 72 is a perspective view of the attachment 2102A of this variant example. Figure 72 Parts (a) of Figure 72 and Figure 72 Part (b) are perspective views of the attachment 2102A observed from different viewpoints, Figure 72 Part (c) is a perspective view of the attachment observed from a viewpoint different from that of Figure 76 Part (b). Figure 77 Part (a) is a side view of the state where the toner pack 2120 is installed on the image forming apparatus 1, Figure 77 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X2103-X2103 in Figure 77 Part (a). Figure 78 is a perspective view of an attachment 21102A having a shape different from that of the attachment 2102A of this variant example.

[0491] When installing the attachment 2102A onto the mounting portion 206, the rotation restriction of the rotation restriction mechanism 212 can be released even when starting the installation onto the mounting portion 206 from any phase in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC. The structure of this variant example will be described below.

[0492] As shown in Figure 72As shown in part (a), the attachment 2102A is generally cylindrical and includes a cylindrical portion 2102Aa and a protruding portion 2102Ab that are sequentially arranged from the first end side in the first direction D1. The cylindrical portion 2102Aa and the protruding portion 2102Ab have an inner peripheral surface 2102Ab1. The inner peripheral surface 2102Ab1 of this modification example is a cylindrical surface having a central axis A. The inner peripheral surface 2102Ab1 does not necessarily have to be a cylindrical surface as in Embodiment 2. The protruding portion 2102Ab and Figure 59 part (b) of Figure 59 part (c) of Figure 60 the protruding portion 202b of the nozzle 202 in Embodiment 2 shown have the same structure. The first restriction release portion 2104a (first protrusion) and the second restriction release portion 2104b (second protrusion) of the protruding portion 2102Ab in this modification example have the same structure as the first restriction release portion 204a and the second restriction release portion 204b in Embodiment 2, respectively, and they are constructed based on the central axis A of the inner peripheral surface 2102Ab1. That is, the first inclined surface 2104a1, the second inclined surface 2104a2, the third inclined surface 2104a3, the cavity 2104a4, and the abutment surface 2104a5 of the protruding portion 2102Ab have the same structure as the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the cavity 204a4, and the abutment surface 204a5, respectively, and are constructed based on the central axis A of the inner peripheral surface 2102Ab1. The second restriction release portion 2104b has a shape that is rotationally symmetric by 180 degrees with respect to the rotation axis A with respect to the first restriction release portion 2104a, and thus its description will be omitted.

[0493] The cylindrical portion 2102Aa and the protruding portion 2102Ab are coaxial with the central axis A. The cylindrical portion 2102Aa is provided with an end surface 2102Ax orthogonal to the central axis A on the first end side in the first direction D1. Here, since the attachment 2102A has a shape that is rotationally symmetric by 180 degrees with respect to the central axis A, only one side will be described. The cylindrical portion 2102Aa is provided with protrusions 2102Am, 2102An, which are located on the second end side in the first direction D1 and protrude in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the central axis A. The protrusions 2102Am, 2102An are located on the protruding portion 2102Ab in the rotational direction centered on the central axis A, and the protrusion 2102An is provided on the downstream side of the protrusion 2102Am in the rotational direction E. In addition, on the upstream side of the protrusion 2102Am in the rotational direction E, an end surface 2102Ar parallel to the central axis A and intersecting the rotational direction E is provided. Further, on the downstream side of the protrusion 2102An in the rotational direction E, an end surface 2102As parallel to the central axis A and intersecting the rotational direction E is provided. The end surface 2102As is provided near the restriction release portion 2104b of the protruding portion 2102Ab, and the end surface 2102As is located on the downstream side in the rotational direction E of the surface 2104s, which is the surface of the restriction release portion 2104b facing the downstream side in the rotational direction E. Here, the surface 2104s is a flat surface parallel to the central axis A and intersecting the rotational direction around the central axis A. The end surface 2102As and the surface 2104s are smoothly connected by an inclined surface 2102Aw in the first direction D1.

[0494] The end surfaces 2102At, 2102Au on the second end side of the protrusions 2102Am, 2102An in the first direction D1 are flat surfaces perpendicular to the central axis A, are located at the same position in the first direction D1, and are located on the first end side in the first direction D1 compared to the protruding portion end surface 2102Ab2 of the protruding portion 2102Ab.

[0495] (Installation of the attachment)

[0496] The attachment 2102A is installed on the installation portion 206 of the image forming apparatus 1. Details will be described below. Referring to Figure 73 、 74 and 75, the method (usage method) of installing the attachment 2102A on the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

[0497] Figure 73 is a schematic view showing parts related to the installation operation of the attachment 2102A to the installation portion 206 of the cover 210, the restricting member 213, the releasing member 214, and the apparatus side baffle 209, and other parts are omitted. Figure 73 Part (a) ofFigure 73 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X2101-X2101 in part (a). Figure 73 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X2101-X2101 in part (a). Figure 74 And 75 is a cross-sectional view showing the installation process. In addition, the figure shows the cover 210, the restricting member 213, and the releasing member 214 related to the installation of the attachment 2102A to the image forming apparatus 1, and other parts are omitted. That is, Figure 74 And 75 is a view in which the device side baffle 209 is omitted from Figure 73 Part (a), part (b), part (a), and part (b) of are cross-sectional views taken along the line X2101-X2101 in part (a) of, showing the process of installing the attachment 2102A to the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, Figure 74 Part (a) of Figure 74 Part (b) of Figure 75 Part (a) of Figure 75 Part (b) of are cross-sectional views taken along the line X2101-X2101 in part (a) of, showing the process of installing the attachment 2102A to the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, Figure 73 Part (c) of Figure 74 Part (d) of Figure 74 Part (c) of Figure 75 Part (d) of are cross-sectional views taken along the line X2102-X2102 in part (b) of, which respectively correspond to the states shown in part (a) of, part (b) of, part (a) of, and part (b) of Figure 75 Part (d) of Figure 73 Part (b) of Figure 74 Part (a) of Figure 74 Part (b) of Figure 75 Part (a) of Figure 75 Part (b) of

[0498] As shown in part (b) of Figure 73 the user installs the attachment 2102A to the mounting portion 206 by moving the attachment downward (arrow N) in a state where the protruding portion 2102Ab faces downward (the direction of gravity) and the central axis A generally points in a predetermined direction facing the direction of gravity. At this time, the installation movement is performed such that the inner peripheral surface 2102Ab1 (recess) of the attachment 2102A engages (fits) with the central boss 209d (positioning shaft, shaft portion) of the device side baffle 209. By engaging (fitting) the inner peripheral surface 2102Ab1 of the attachment 2102A with the central boss 209d, the attachment 2102A is positioned in the radial direction around the rotation axis B with respect to the device side baffle 209, and the central axis A of the attachment 2102A becomes coaxial with the rotation axis B of the mounting portion 206. In addition, the user pushes the attachment in the direction of arrow N while rotating the attachment 2102A in the rotation direction E.

[0499] As shown in part (a) and part (b) of Figure 74 Part (a) of Figure 74As shown in part (c), when the attachment 2102A is installed in the direction of arrow N, the inner peripheral surface 2102Ab1 of the attachment 2102A engages with the central boss 209d of the device-side baffle 209, and then the protruding end surface 2102Ab2 of the attachment 2102A abuts against the upper surface 210i of the cover 210. In addition, as shown in part (b) of Figure 74 and Figure 74 part (d), while the user rotates the attachment 2102A in the rotational direction E and pushes the attachment 2102A in the direction of arrow N, the protruding end surface 2102Ab2 of the attachment 2102A abuts against the end surface 214h of the release member 214 located on the second end side in the first direction D1. As shown in part (a) of Figure 75 and Figure 75 part (c), when the user further rotates the attachment 2102A in the rotational direction E, the first inclined surface 2104a1 of the attachment 2102A contacts the guided surface 214e1 of the release member 214. In this way, as in the second embodiment, the release member 214 rotates in the rotational direction D while being guided by the first inclined surface 2104a1 by the force applied from the first inclined surface 214a1. In addition, by the user rotating the attachment 2102A in the rotational direction E, as shown in part (c) of Figure 75 , the surface 2104s abuts against the eaves 210n of the cover 210 in the rotational direction E, thereby stopping the rotation of the attachment 2102A.

[0500] When the user further pushes the attachment 2102A in the direction of arrow N from the state shown in part (a) of Figure 75 and part (c) of Figure 75 , the inclined surface 2102Aw (see part (b) of Figure 72 ) abuts against the eaves 210n of the cover 210, whereby the attachment 2102A slightly rotates relative to the cover 210 along the inclined surface 2102Aw in the rotational direction D. In addition, as shown in part (b) of Figure 75 and part (d) of Figure 75 , when the user pushes the attachment 2102A in the direction of arrow N, the end surface 2102As and the end surface 2102Ar are sandwiched between the eaves 210n and the surface 210r facing the eaves 210n in the rotational direction centered on the central axis A, and they are tightly assembled. Here, the surface 210r is parallel to the central axis A and is machined so that the rotational direction E is around the central axis A. In addition, when the user pushes the attachment 2102A in the direction of arrow N, the protruding end surface 2102Ab2 abuts against the package contact surface 209g, and the movement of the attachment 2102A in the direction of arrow N is stopped (see part (b) of Figure 77 ).

[0501] The operation of the release member 214 that accompanies the attachment of the above-described attachment 2102A to the mounting portion 206 will be described.

[0502] First, as Figure 75 shown in part (a) of

[0503] , the release member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D while being guided by the first inclined surface 2104a1. Figure 65 In addition, the attachment 2102A moves in the direction of arrow N, and the force F204 that the release member 214 receives from the first inclined surface 2104a1 through the first guided surface 214e1 (see Figure 50 ) overcomes the pushing force F203 of the spring 216 shown in

[0504] and rotates in the rotation direction D. The release member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D until the first guided surface 214e1 passes the downstream end of the first inclined surface 2104a1 in the rotation direction D.

[0505] The attachment 2102A further moves in the direction of arrow N, and the second inclined surface 2104a2 of the first restriction release portion 2104a abuts against the second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e, and as a result, it reaches the state shown in part (c) of Figure 65 (part (f) of Figure 65 ). In this state, when the attachment 2102A moves in the direction of arrow N, the release member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D by the force F205 received from the second inclined surface 2104a2 through the second guided surface 214e2 and overcomes the pushing force F203 applied by the release spring 216.

[0506] The release member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D until the second guided surface 214e2 passes the downstream end of the second inclined surface 2104a2 in the rotation direction D. The rotation of the release member 214 in the rotation direction D until this point is the first step for releasing the rotation restriction.

[0507] The subsequent operation of the release member 214 is the same as that in Embodiment 2, and thus its description will be omitted.

[0508] As in Embodiment 2, the rotation restriction of the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the image forming apparatus 1 is released, and the apparatus-side baffle 209 becomes rotatable. Here, the attachment 2102A is installed on the mounting portion 206 at an arbitrary phase in the rotation direction about the central axis A. The release operation starting from the above state depends on the phase at which the installation starts, but regardless of the state at which the release operation starts, the rotation restriction of the rotation restriction mechanism 212 can be released.

[0509] After the attachment 2102A is installed on the mounting portion 206, asFigure 76 The toner pack 2120 without protrusions shown is installed on the installation part 206 of the image forming apparatus 1, as Figure 77 shown. As Figure 76 shown, since the toner pack 2120 of this modification has the same shape as that of the second embodiment except for the nozzle 202 shown in the second embodiment, the description of parts other than the nozzle 2102B will be omitted.

[0510] In the nozzle 2102B of this modification, a cylindrical recess 2102Ba is provided coaxially with the central axis A on the first end side in the first direction D1. A surface 2102Bb perpendicular to the central axis A is provided on the second end side in the first direction D1 of the recess 2102Ba. As Figure 77 shown in part (b) of , the toner pack 2120 is installed on the installation part 206 in the same manner as in the second embodiment, and a through hole 203h located on the first end side of the pack side baffle 203 in the first direction D1 and coaxial with the central axis A of the attachment 2102A engages with the cylindrical part 2102Aa. It is sufficient that the through hole 203h is larger than the cylindrical part 2102Aa. Thereafter, similarly, the recess 2102Ba of the nozzle 2102B engages (fits) with the cylindrical part 2102Aa of the attachment 2102A, and the position of the nozzle 2102B relative to the attachment 2102A in the radial direction is determined. Further, the surface 2102Bb of the nozzle 2102B abuts against the end surface 2102Ax of the attachment 2102A, thereby completing the installation in the direction of arrow N. Then, in the same manner as in the second embodiment, the toner in the accommodating part 2101 is replenished into the toner accommodating chamber 36 of the developer container 32. After use, the toner pack 2120 is removed in the same manner as in the second embodiment, and then the attachment 2102A is removed against the fastening force of the lid 210.

[0511] The installation kit may include the attachment 2102A and the toner pack 2120 without protrusions.

[0512] The method of using the installation kit has two steps. The first step is the step of moving the attachment 2102A downward along the central axis in a state oriented in the above-mentioned predetermined direction to install the attachment 2102A on the installation part. The second step is the step after the first step, and is the step of installing the toner pack 2120 on the installation part. By the first step, the rotation restriction of the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the device side baffle 209 is released. By the second step, the toner pack 2120 is installed on the installation part 206 where the attachment 2102A is installed.

[0513] By transporting the toner pack in the form of an installation kit, the packaging size of the toner pack 2120 in the direction of the central axis A can be reduced compared to the structure of Example 2. When using the toner pack 2120, by the user pre-installing the attachment 2102A onto the image forming apparatus 1, the rotational restriction of the rotational restriction mechanism 212 of the apparatus side shutter 209 can be released as in the other embodiments. When using the toner pack 2120, by pre-installing the attachment 2102A onto the toner pack 2120, the rotational restriction of the rotational restriction mechanism 212 of the apparatus side shutter 209 can be released as in the other embodiments.

[0514] Next, an attachment 21102A having a simpler structure than the attachment 2102A will be described.

[0515] The attachment 2102A was described as having a structure by which, regardless of the starting phase in the circumferential direction of the attachment 2102A's installation to the installation portion 206, the rotational restriction of the rotational restriction mechanism 212 can be released. However, a simpler structure such as the attachment 21102A can also be adopted, by which the user aligns and installs the installation portion 206 in a manner that matches the phase of the installation portion 206 about the central axis A.

[0516] As Figure 78 shown, the attachment 21102A is generally cylindrical, and in the first direction D1, a cylindrical portion 21102Aa and a protruding portion 21102Ab (protruding portion) are sequentially provided. Hereinafter, in the first direction D1, the cylindrical portion 21102 side of the attachment 21102A is referred to as the first end portion, and the protruding portion side is referred to as the second end portion.

[0517] The cylindrical portion 21102Aa has an inner peripheral surface 21102Ab1. The inner peripheral surface 21102Ab1 of this modification is a cylindrical surface having the central axis A. As in Example 2's Figure 71 shown, the inner peripheral surface 21102Ab1 does not have to be a cylindrical surface, as long as the central axis A can be defined. The protruding portion 21102Ab has the same structure as the protruding portion 202b of the nozzle 202 of Example 2, as in Figure 59 part (b) of Figure 59 part (c) of Figure 60As shown. The first restriction release portion 21104a (first protrusion) and the second restriction release portion 21104b (second protrusion) of the protrusion 21102Ab respectively have the same structure as the first restriction release portion 204a and the second restriction release portion 204b of Example 2, and they are constructed relative to the central axis A of the inner peripheral surface 21102Ab1. That is, the first inclined surface 21104a1, the second inclined surface 21104a2, the third inclined surface 21104a3, the cavity 21104a4 and the abutment surface 21104a5 of the protrusion 21102Ab respectively have the same structure as the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the cavity 204a4 and the abutment surface 204a5, and they are constructed with the central axis A of the inner peripheral surface 2102Ab1 as a reference. The second restriction releasing portion 21104b has a shape that is 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical with the first restriction releasing portion 21104a relative to the rotation axis A, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0518] A triangular marking portion 21102Ac is provided at a position away from the central axis A on the first end side of the cylindrical portion 21102Aa in the first direction D1 and is recessed toward the second end side in the first direction D1. Figure 76 As shown, in the toner pack 2120 of this modification, in order to avoid interference with the attachment 21102A already mounted on the mounting portion 206 when the toner pack 2120 is mounted on the mounting portion 206, the nozzle 2102B is provided with a cylindrical recess 2102Ba. Other structures will be described below.

[0519] like Figure 77 As shown, the user makes the marking portion 21102Ac face the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC centered on the central axis A. Figure 67 The accessory 21102A is mounted on the mounting portion 206 by the operation portion 208b of the operation lever 208 shown in FIG. This is because when the accessory 21102A is mounted on the mounting portion 206, it is necessary to align the phases of the protrusion 21102Ab and the mounting portion 206 about the central axis A. The operation for releasing the rotation restriction of the mounting portion 206 is the same as the above-mentioned structure, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0520] Then, the user mounts the toner pack 2120 on the mounting portion 206. Then, as in Embodiment 2, the rotation restriction of the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the device side shutter 209 is released, and toner can be replenished from the toner pack 2120 into the toner containing chamber 36 of the developer container 32.

[0521] Alternatively, the structure can also be such that when using the toner pack 2120, the attachment 21102A is pre-installed to the toner pack 2120. In this way, similar to Embodiment 2, by the attachment operation of the toner pack 2120 to the mounting portion 206, the rotation restriction of the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the device-side baffle 209 can be released. In this case, when the toner pack 2120 is oriented in a predetermined direction, the attachment 21102A is installed at the lower end of the nozzle 2102B with a predetermined rotation phase. In this way, no phase adjustment is required when installing onto the mounting portion 206.

[0522] The structure of the protrusion 2102Ab in this modification can be used not only for the protrusion 202b of Embodiment 2 but also for the modification of Embodiment 2.

[0523] (Modification 2)

[0524] Next, with reference to Figures 79 to 87 , another structure will be described. Points the same as those in the above-described embodiments and modifications will be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this modification, those corresponding to the components described in Embodiment 2 and Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 are assigned the same names as the components of Embodiment 2 and Modification 1 of Embodiment 2, and only the points different from Embodiment 2 and Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0525] In Modification 1 of Embodiment 2, an installation kit including a mounting portion 2102 (which has a protrusion 2102Ab) and a toner pack 2120 (which has a pack-side baffle 203 and a receiving portion 210) has been described. In the modification now described, a structure in which the attachment has a baffle (rotatable member) will be described. That is, this modification relates to an installation kit including an attachment and a toner pack, the attachment including a baffle and a protruding member having a protrusion. However, with this installation kit, similar to Embodiment 2, the rotation restriction of the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the device-side baffle 209 can be released and toner can be replenished from the toner pack to the toner storage chamber 36 of the developer container 32.

[0526] In this modification, with reference to Figure 79 , 80 , 81 and 82, an attachment 2230 including a protruding member 2202 and a baffle 2203 will be described. Figure 79 Part (a) of Figure 79 and part (b) of Figure 80 are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of the attachment 2230 of this modification. Figure 81 Parts (a) and (b) of

[0527] are perspective views of the baffle 2203 observed from different directions. Figure 79As shown in part (a), the attachment 2230 of this variant example has a baffle (rotatable member) 2203 and a protruding member 2202 (protruding member). The baffle 2203 and the protruding member 2202 are arranged along the first direction D1.

[0528] Reference Figure 80 and 81 , the structure of each component will be described in detail. Here, except for the part where the protruding member 2202 is installed, the baffle 2203 of this variant example has the same shape as the package side baffle 203 of the second embodiment, so only the installation part of the protruding member 2202 will be described. The baffle 2203 is rotatably mounted on the protruding member 2202 around the central axis A as the rotation axis. In addition, hereinafter, in the first direction D1, the baffle 2203 side is referred to as the first end, and the protruding member 2202 side is referred to as the second end.

[0529] As Figure 80 shown in part (a), the baffle 2203 has a substantially cylindrical shape centered on the central axis A, and has a hollow cylindrical portion 2203a substantially coaxial with the central axis A on the second end side in the first direction D1. For the baffle 2203, inside the hollow cylindrical portion 2203a centered on the central axis A, a cylindrical surface 2203b and a through hole 2203c substantially coaxial with the axis A are sequentially provided from the first end side in the first direction D1, and the diameter of the through hole is smaller than that of the cylindrical surface 2203b. The hollow cylindrical portion 2203a is provided with two engaging portions 2203k at positions rotationally symmetric about the central axis A by 180 degrees. The engaging portion 2203k is provided to protrude from the hollow cylindrical portion 2203A toward the first end in the first direction D1, and is provided with a claw portion 2203m protruding toward the central axis A side. The claw portion 2203m faces the second end side in the first direction D1 and has a support surface 2203n substantially perpendicular to the central axis A. In addition, a surface 2203r is located on the central axis A side of the claw portion 2203m. The surface 2203r is arranged inside the cylindrical surface 2203b with respect to the central axis A. The cylindrical surface 2203b and the through hole 2203c are connected by a surface 2203d substantially perpendicular to the central axis A. As Figure 80As shown in part (b), two concave portions 2203e that are recessed toward the second end side in the first direction D1 are provided on the surface 2203d at positions that are rotationally symmetric about the central axis A by 180 degrees. The concave portions 2203e have a sector-shaped recessed shape centered on the central axis A. The side closer to the central axis A is in fluid communication with the through hole 2203c, and the side farther from the central axis A has a radius smaller than that of the cylindrical surface 2203b. In addition, the angle of the sector shape around the central axis A is approximately 90 degrees. The concave portion 2203e has a surface 2203f that intersects the rotation direction D on the upstream side of the rotation direction D and a surface 2203g that substantially intersects the rotation direction D on the downstream side of the rotation direction D. A surface 2203h that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis A is provided on the second end side (the bottom surface of the concave portion) of the concave portion 2203e in the first direction D1. As Figure 83 As shown in part (b), the baffle 2203 is further provided with a driven transmission portion 2203u (rotatable member concave portion) that is recessed inward in the radial direction r on the side peripheral portion centered on the central axis A. In addition, when viewed in the direction of the central axis A, the baffle opening 2203t (rotatable member opening) is provided on the side opposite to the side where the driven transmission portion 2203u is provided with respect to the central axis A. The driven transmission portion 2203u has the same structure and function as the Figure 57 driven transmission portion in part (b) of Figure 59 and the Figure 57 driven transmission portion in part (a) of Figure 61 shown in part (a). The baffle opening 2203t has the same structure as the

[0530] opening 203a shown in part (a) of Figure 81 As shown, the protruding member 2202 has a substantially cylindrical shape centered on the central axis A, and a first cylindrical portion 2202a, a second cylindrical portion 2202c having a diameter smaller than that of the first cylindrical portion 2202a, and a substantially cylindrical protruding portion 2202b (protruding portion) are sequentially provided starting from the first end side in the first direction D1. The central axes of the first cylindrical portion 2202a and the second cylindrical portion 2202c of the protruding member 2202 coincide with the central axis A. In addition, the protruding member 2202 has an inner peripheral surface 2202b1 (guide inner peripheral surface, positioning inner peripheral surface) centered on the central axis A. The inner peripheral surface 2202b1 of this modified example is a cylindrical surface having the central axis A. The inner peripheral surface 2202b1 is preferably a cylindrical surface or a surface that can define the central axis A as shown in Figure 71 shown.

[0531] The protruding portion 2202b has the same structure as the Figure 59 protruding portion in part (b) of Figure 59 shown in part (c) ofFigure 60 The protruding member 2202Ab has the same shape as the protruding portion 202b shown. The first restriction release portion 2204a (first protrusion) and the second restriction release portion 2204b (second protrusion) of the protruding member 2202Ab in this modification have the same structure as the first restriction release portion 204a and the second restriction release portion 204b of the second embodiment, and are constructed with reference to the central axis A of the baffle 2203 as the rotation axis. That is, the first inclined surface 2204a1, the second inclined surface 2204a2, the third inclined surface 2204a3, the cavity 2204a4, and the abutting surface 2204a5 of the protruding member 2202Ab have the same structure as the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the cavity 204a4, and the abutting surface 204a5 of the second embodiment, and they are constructed with reference to the central axis A of the inner peripheral surface 2102Ab1. The second restriction release portion 2204b has a shape that is rotationally symmetric by 180 degrees with respect to the rotation axis A with the first restriction release portion 2204a, and thus its description will be omitted.

[0532] Two protrusions 2202e that protrude from the first cylindrical portion 2202a toward the second end in the first direction D1 are provided at two positions that are rotationally symmetric by 180 degrees with respect to the central axis A. The protrusions 2202e are provided inside the outer shape of the first cylindrical portion 2202a in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the central axis A, and their central axis A sides are connected to the second cylindrical portion 2202c. Each of the protrusions 2202e is provided with an end surface 2202f that intersects the rotation direction D on the upstream side in the rotation direction D, and an end surface 2202g that intersects the rotation direction D on the downstream side in the rotation direction D.

[0533] In addition, as Figure 79 shown in part (b) of, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A with the baffle opening 2203t of the baffle 2203 facing forward, the protruding member 2202b is located inside the width of the baffle opening 2203t in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A.

[0534] (Assembly)

[0535] Next, with reference to Figure 82 and 83 , the assembly of the baffle 2203 and the protruding member 2202 will be described. Figure 82 is an exploded perspective view of the accessory 2230 of this modification. Figure 83 Part (a) of Figure 83 and Figure 79 Part (b) of are cross-sectional views taken along the lines X2201 - X2201 and X2202 - X2202 in

[0536] As shown Figure 82 in Figure 82 , the protruding member 2202 is disposed substantially coaxially with the central axis A from the first end side toward the baffle 2203 in the first direction D1. While pushing the two engaging portions 2203k of the baffle 2203 in a direction away from each other, the protruding member 2202 is mounted on the baffle 2203. Thereafter, the protruding member 2202 is supported by the baffle 2203 such that the second cylindrical portion 2202c is fitted in the through hole 2203c of the baffle 2203. In addition, the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion 2202a of the protruding member 2202 is fitted to the cylindrical surface 2203b of the baffle 2203 with a slight tightness.

[0537] As shown Figure 83 in part (a) of Figure 83 , the first cylindrical portion 2202a of the protruding member 2202 abuts against the surface 2203d of the baffle 2203, and its positioning in the first direction D1 is achieved. In addition, the protruding member 2202 abuts against the support surface 2203n on the first end side in the first direction D1 of the engaging portion 2203k of the baffle 2203, and the hollow cylindrical portion 2203a is sandwiched between the surface 2203d and the support surface 2203n. Thus, the protruding member 2202 is restricted from detaching from the baffle 2203 in the first direction D1.

[0538] On the other hand, as shown Figure 83 in part (b) of Figure 83 , in the rotational direction about the central axis A, the end surface 2202g of the protrusion 2202e of the protruding member 2202 abuts against the surface 2203g of the baffle 2203. This position is referred to as the first position.

[0539] Here, the protruding member 2202 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the baffle 2203 within a specific range in the rotational direction centered on the central axis A. In other words, the protruding member 2202 is supported so as to be movable between the first position and the second position relative to the baffle 2203 in the rotational direction centered on the rotational axis A. When the protruding member 2202b is oriented in a predetermined direction so as to protrude downward (in the direction of gravity) and the central axis A is in the direction of gravity, the protruding member 2202 is supported by the baffle 2203 such that the protrusion 2202b protrudes beyond the lower surface of the baffle 2203, as shown Figure 83 in Figure 83 . In addition, as shown Figure 83 in part (a) of Figure 83 and Figure 79 in part (b) of Figure 79 , when the protruding member 2202b protrudes downward and the central axis A is oriented in a predetermined direction facing the direction of gravity, as shown Figure 83 in part (a) of Figure 83 and Figure 79 in part (b) of Figure 79 , the protruding member 2202 is supported by the baffle 2203 so as to protrude downward (bulge) beyond the lower surface 2203v of the baffle 2203. In addition, as shownFigure 83 As shown in part (b), when viewed in the direction of the central axis A, the protruding member 2202 (protrusion 2202b) is located at a position closer to the central axis A in the radial direction r than the follower transmission portion 2203u of the baffle 2203.

[0540] (Attachment installation)

[0541] That is, the attachment 2230 moves downward (in the direction of arrow N) toward the mounting portion 206 in a state oriented along the above-mentioned predetermined direction and is mounted on the mounting portion 206.

[0542] At this time, Figure 83 the follower transmission portion 2203u of the baffle 2203 shown in part (b) engages with the follower transmission portion 209e (baffle protrusion, see Figure 44 ) of the device-side baffle 209. In this way, the baffle opening 2203t of the baffle 2203 and the receiving opening 209a of the device-side baffle 209 are made to communicate with each other fluidly. In addition, the inner peripheral surface 2202b1 of the protrusion 2202b of the protruding member 2202 mates (engages) with the small-diameter portion 209d2 of the central boss 209d of the mounting portion 206.

[0543] Similar to Embodiment 2, when the restriction release portion (the same as the protrusion 202b in Embodiment 2) of the protruding member 2202b of the attachment 2230 acts on the release member 214 of the mounting portion 206, the rotational restriction of the device-side baffle 209 by the rotational restriction mechanism 212 is released. Thereafter, as Figure 41 shown in part (a) and Figure 41 part (b), with the rotation of the operating lever 208, the baffle 2203 rotates together with the device-side baffle 209 in the direction of arrow D.

[0544] Referring to Figure 84 and 85 , the operation of the attachment 2230 associated with the rotation of the operating lever 208 from the closed position to the open position will be described in detail. Figure 84 Parts (a), (b), and (c) are enlarged side views of a part of the mounting portion 206 (cover 210, restriction member 213, release member 214) and the connection portion of the attachment 2230, showing the operation of the attachment 2230. Figure 84 Part (a) is a side view when the operating lever 208 (not shown) is in the closed position, Figure 84 part (b) is a side view when the operating lever 208 is between the closed position and the open position, Figure 84 part (c) is a side view when the operating lever 208 is in the open position. Figure 85 Parts (a), (b), and (c) are along Figure 84The cross-sectional views intercepted by the line X2203-X2203 in part (a) respectively corresponding to Figure 84 part (a) of Figure 84 part (b) of Figure 84 and part (c) of

[0545] Figure 84 Part (a) of Figure 85 shows a state where the attachment 2230 is installed on the mounting portion 206 and the operating lever 208 is in the closed position. At this time, similar to Embodiment 2, as the attachment 2230 is installed on the mounting portion 206, the restriction release portion of the protruding member 2202b (the same as the protruding portion 202b of Embodiment 2) acts on the release member 214 to release the rotation restriction imposed by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the device-side baffle 209.

[0546] Next, when the operating lever 208 rotates, the baffle 2203 also rotates in the direction of arrow D and reaches Figure 84 the state shown in part (b) of Figure 85 and part (b) of

[0547] Here, since the protruding member 2202b is engaged with the release member 214, the release member 214 also rotates in the direction of arrow D together with the protruding member 2202. The attachment 2230 rotating in the direction of arrow D stops moving in the rotational direction by the abutment between the rising restriction surface 214c and the restricting member 213. At this time, as shown in Figure 85 part (b) of

[0548] Next, when the operating lever 208 further rotates in the direction of arrow D against the frictional force with the protruding member 2202, the operating lever 208 is in the open position, as shown in Figure 84 part (c) of Figure 85 and part (c) of

[0549] In Figure 84 the state shown in part (c) of Figure 85 and part (c) of the receiving opening 209a of the device-side baffle 209 is exposed. Then, asFigure 86 As shown, the user installs a toner pack 2220 provided with a straw-shaped discharge member 2220a to a receiving opening 209a, for example, and can supply the toner in the accommodating portion 2201 to the toner accommodating chamber 36 of the developer container 32.

[0550] For example, as Figure 87 shown, the lid member 2250 can be configured to be installed to the attachment 2230 while the attachment 2230 is still installed on the installation portion 206.

[0551] When removing the attachment 2230, the operating lever 208 rotates from the open position to the closed position in the direction of arrow E. Then, the operating lever 208, the baffle 2203, the protruding member 2202, and the release member 214 are linked so as to rotate in the direction of arrow E in the reverse order of the operation associated with the above rotation from the closed position to the open position. At this time, the operating lever moves from the open position to the closed position, and the protruding member 2202 moves from the second position to the first position.

[0552] Thereafter, by pulling out the attachment 2230 in the direction of arrow G (see Figure 67 ) in the same manner as in the second embodiment, the attachment 2230 is removed from the installation portion 206.

[0553] As described above, also in the installation kit including the attachment 2230 (which has the protruding member 2202 and the baffle 2203) and the toner pack 2220 (which has the accommodating portion), it is also possible to release the rotation restriction of the device-side baffle 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 similarly to the second embodiment, and to supplement the toner from the toner pack 2220 to the toner accommodating chamber 36 of the developer container 32.

[0554] In addition, in this modification, the protruding member 2202 is configured to be movable within a predetermined range in the rotational direction about the central axis A relative to the installation portion 206. However, even when the positioning portion for positioning in the rotational direction about the central axis A relative to the lid 210 does not move as in the first modification, the same effect can be provided.

[0555] In addition, regarding the structure of the protruding member 2202b in this modification, the structure of this modification can be applied to the modification of the second embodiment and the protruding portion 202b of the second embodiment.

[0556] (Modification 3)

[0557] In this embodiment (the second embodiment), the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 of the first restriction release portion 204a are different inclined surfaces, and the second restriction release portion 204b has the same structure. However, as Figure 88As shown, the two inclined surfaces may have smooth and continuous surfaces. Referring to Figures 88 to 91 , as an example of this modification, the structure in this case will be described. In this modification, the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 of the first restriction release portion 204a of the second embodiment and the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 of the second restriction release portion 204b are changed to have smooth and continuous surfaces. Except for this changed part, the structure is the same as that of the second embodiment, so its description will be omitted.

[0558] Figure 88 FIG. Figure 88 is a diagram showing the specific shapes of the first restriction release portion 2304a (first protrusion) and the second restriction release portion 2304b (second protrusion) of this modification. Figure 88 Part (a) of FIG. Figure 88 is a perspective view of the first restriction release portion 2304a and the second restriction release portion 2304b as viewed from the second end side (nozzle side) in the first direction D1. Figure 88 Part (b) of FIG. Figure 88 is a view of the first restriction release portion 2304a as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A. Figure 88 Part (c) of FIG. Figure 88 is along Figure 88 a cross-sectional view taken along the line X2301-X2301 in part (b) of FIG. Figure 88 . Figure 88 Part (d) of FIG. Figure 88 is a view of the first restriction release portion 2304a as viewed in the direction of arrow U (upward).

[0559] As Figure 88 shown in part (a) of FIG. Figure 88 , a protrusion 2302b of the nozzle 2302 is provided with a restriction release portion 2304 including a first restriction release portion 2304a and a second restriction release portion 2304b. The first restriction release portion 2304a includes a first inclined surface 2304a1 (downward surface, downward guiding surface, downward biasing surface, downward pushing surface), a second inclined surface 2304a2 (upward surface, upward guiding surface), and an abutting surface 2304a3 (downstream end surface, surface to be abutted).

[0560] As Figure 88 shown in part (b) of FIG. Figure 88 , the first inclined surface 2304a1 faces the direction of arrow N (downward), and it rises in the direction of arrow U (upward) as it advances in the rotational direction K (first rotational direction) around the rotation axis A.

[0561] Here, as Figure 88 shown in part (a) of FIG. Figure 88 and Figure 88As shown in part (d), the end of the first inclined surface 2304a1 on the side closer to the rotation axis A in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A is called the inner end 2304a4 (inner edge line, inner ridge line). In addition, the inner end 2304a4 includes an inner upstream end 2304a4U (inner upstream edge line, inner upstream ridge line) located on the upstream side in the rotation direction K, an inner downstream end 2304a4D (inner downstream edge line, inner downstream ridge line) located on the downstream side, and an inner intermediate end 2304a4I (inner intermediate edge line, inner intermediate ridge line) connecting them. The inner downstream end 2304a4D is farther from the rotation axis A than the inner upstream end 2304a4U in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. In the present embodiment, as Figure 88 shown in part (d), when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, the inner upstream end 2304a4U and the inner downstream end 2304a4D have a first arc and a second arc centered on the rotation axis A, and the second arc has a radius greater than that of the first arc. The inner intermediate end 2304a4I extends in the radial direction r to connect the first arc and the second arc.

[0562] In addition, as Figure 88 shown in part (a) and Figure 88 part (d), the end of the first inclined surface 2304a1 on the side farther from the rotation axis A in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A is called the outer end 2304a5 (outer edge line, outer ridge line). In addition, the outer end 2304a5 includes an outer upstream end 2304a5U (outer upstream edge line, outer upstream ridge line) located on the upstream side in the rotation direction K, an outer downstream end 2304a5D (outer downstream edge line, outer downstream ridge line) located on the downstream side, and an outer intermediate end 2304a5I (outer intermediate edge line, outer intermediate ridge line) connecting them. The outer downstream end 2304a5D is located at a position farther from the rotation axis A than the outer upstream end 2304a5U in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. In the present embodiment, as Figure 88 shown in part (d), when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, the outer upstream end 2304a5U and the outer downstream end 2304a5D have a third arc and a fourth arc centered on the rotation axis A, and the radius of the fourth arc is greater than that of the third arc. The outer intermediate end 2304a5I extends in the radial direction r to connect the third arc and the fourth arc.

[0563] As Figure 88 shown in part (b), at least a part of the second inclined surface 2304a2 is provided on the arrow U direction (upward) side of at least a part of the first inclined surface 2304a1.

[0564] As Figure 88As shown in part (c), the first inclined surface 2304a1 has a first inner inclined surface portion 2304a1I located inside the second inclined surface 2304a2 in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A at this time. In addition, the first inclined surface 2304a1 has a first outer inclined surface portion 2304a1O at a position substantially the same as that of the second inclined surface 2304a2 in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. At this time, at least a part of the first inner inclined surface portion 2304a1I and at least a part of the first outer inclined surface portion 2304a1O overlap in the rotation direction K (see also Figure 88 part (d)).

[0565] The contact surface 2304a3 is provided on the arrow U direction side (upper side) of the downstream end of the first inner inclined surface portion 2304a1I in the rotation direction K. Since at least a part of the first inner inclined surface portion 2304a1I and at least a part of the first outer inclined surface portion 2304a1O overlap with each other in the rotation direction K, the contact surface 2304a3 overlaps with the first outer inclined surface portion 2304a1O in the rotation direction K.

[0566] As Figure 88 shown in part (a), the second restriction release portion 2304b has a first inclined surface 2304b1 (downward surface, downward guiding surface, downward biasing surface), a second inclined surface 2304b2 (upward surface, upward guiding surface), and a contact surface 2304b3. Here, the first restriction release portion 2304a and the second restriction release portion 2304b have a shape that is rotationally symmetric by 180 degrees with respect to the rotation axis A.

[0567] Next, with reference to Figure 89 and 90 , a mechanism for releasing the rotational restriction of the device side baffle 209 imposed by the rotational restriction mechanism 212 by installing the toner pack 2320 of this modification example on the installation portion 206 will be described. Figure 89 shows the operation of the rotation release claw 214e by the first inclined surface 2304a1 of the first restriction release portion 2304a, Figure 89 parts (a), (c), and (e) show this process. In addition, in Figure 89 , part (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line X2302-X2302 in the state shown in part (a) of Figure 89 , part (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line X2303-X2303 in the state shown in part (c) of Figure 89 , and part (f) is a cross-sectional view taken along line X2304-X2304 in the state shown in part (e) of Figure 89 . Figure 90The operation of the release claw 214e moving through the second inclined surface 2304a2 of the first restriction release portion 2304a is shown. For better illustration, only the nozzle 2302 (restriction release portion 2304), the restriction member 213, and the release member 214 are shown in each part of this figure. In addition, in Figure 89 part (c) of, only the hidden portion of the contact surface 214a3 that overlaps with the rotation axis A is clearly shown by a thin line in this part of the figure.

[0568] By installing the toner pack 2320, as shown in Figure 89 part (a) of, the first inclined surface 2304a1 of the first restriction release portion 2304a contacts the first guided surface 214e1 of the release claw 214e. At this time, as shown in Figure 89 part (b) of, the first guided surface 214e1 of the release claw 214e contacts the inner side portion 2304a1I of the first inclined surface of the first restriction release portion 2304a.

[0569] When the toner pack 2320 further moves in the direction of arrow N (downward) from this position, the release member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D shown in Figure 89 part (a) of this embodiment 2 through the same operation as in this embodiment 2. That is, the release member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D while the first guided surface 214e1 is guided by the inner side portion 2304a1I of the first inclined surface and receives a force. Then, as shown in Figure 89 part (c) of, the release member 214 is in a state of rotating in the rotation direction D until the first guided surface 214e1 passes through the downstream end in the rotation direction D of the inner side portion 2304a1I of the first inclined surface. At this time, the contact between the first guided surface 214e1 of the release claw 214e and the first inclined surface 2304a1 of the first restriction release portion 2304a is released, and the rotation of the release claw 214e in the rotation direction D stops. In addition, as described above, the inner side downstream end 2304a4D of the first restriction release portion 2304a is located at a position farther from the rotation axis A than the inner side upstream end 2304a4U in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A ( Figure 88 part (d)). Therefore, as shown in Figure 89 part (d) of, there is a space S230 on the arrow G direction side (upper side) of the release claw 214e.

[0570] When the toner pack 2320 further moves in the direction of arrow N (downward) from this position, the release claw 214e enters the space S230 in the direction of arrow G (upward). At this time, the moment M202 (pushing force) provided by the release spring 216 (see Figure 50 ) (as shown in Figure 89As shown in part (c), the contact surface 214f of the release claw 214e comes into contact with the abutment surface 2304a3 of the first restriction release portion 2304a. As a result, the release claw 214e is in a state of being restricted from rotating in the rotation direction E. At this time, since the abutment surface 2304a3 of the first restriction release portion 2304a overlaps with the first inclined surface outer portion 2304a1O in the rotation direction K, the first inclined surface outer portion 2304a1O overlaps with the second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e in the rotation direction D. Then, as shown in part (e) of Figure 89 , the first inclined surface 2304a1 of the first restriction release portion 2304a comes into contact with the second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e. At this time, as shown in part (f) of Figure 89 , the second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e comes into contact with the first inclined surface outer portion 2304a1O of the first restriction release portion 2304a.

[0571] When the toner pack 2320 further moves in the direction of arrow N (downward) from this position, the release member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D as in the same operation in Embodiment 2. That is, the release member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D while the second guided surface 214e2 is guided by the first inclined surface outer portion 2304a1O and by receiving a force. Figure 89 As shown in part (e) of

[0572] Then, the release member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D until the second guided surface 214e2 reaches the downstream end of the first inclined surface outer portion 2304a1O of the first restriction release portion 2304a in the rotation direction D. The operation up to this point in this modified example is the first step.

[0573] After the first step, as shown in part (a) of Figure 90 , the third guided surface 214e3 of the release claw 214e rides on the downstream end of the second inclined surface 2304a2 of the first restriction release portion 2304a in the rotation direction D. Thereafter, by the same operation as in Embodiment 2, as shown in part (b) of Figure 90 , the contact surface 214a and the contact surface 214f of the release member 214 abut against the abutment surface 2304a3 of the first restriction release portion 2304a. Thus, the rotation restriction of the equipment side baffle (see Figure 40 ) by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 is released.

[0574] As described above, in this modification example, the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 of the first restriction release portion 2304a in the embodiment on which this modification example is based have smooth and continuous surfaces, and the first inclined surface 204b1 and the second inclined surface of the second restriction release portion 204b of the basic embodiment are continuous with each other. Thus, machining one surface is sufficient to provide two surfaces, and therefore an effect of reducing processing man-hours can be expected.

[0575] In this modification example, the first inclined surface 2304a1 of the first restriction release portion 2304a has an inner intermediate end 2304a4 located between an inner upstream end 2304a4U and an inner downstream end 2304a4D of the inner end 2304a4. This is because there is an abutment surface 2304a3. The same applies to the second restriction release portion 2304b.

[0576] Next, another structure will be described. As Figure 91 shown, a protrusion 23102b of a nozzle 23102 is provided with a restriction release portion 23104 including a first restriction release portion 23104a (first protrusion) and a second restriction release portion 23104b (second protrusion). The inner end 23104a4 (inner edge line, inner ridge line) of the first inclined surface 23104a1 of the first restriction release portion 23104a and the inner end 23104b4 (inner edge line, inner ridge line) of the first inclined surface 23104a1 of the second restriction release portion 23104b are smoothly continuous in the rotational direction K from the upstream side to the downstream side. Hereinafter, since the first restriction release portion 23104a and the second restriction release portion 23104b have a shape that is rotationally symmetric by 180° about the rotation axis A, only the first restriction release portion 23104a will be described. Figure 91 The shape of the first restriction release portion 23104a is shown, where part (a) is a perspective view observed from the second end side (nozzle side) in the first direction D1, part (b) is a view observed from the second end side (nozzle side) in the first direction D1, and part (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 91 line X23104-X23104 in part (a) thereof.

[0577] As Figure 91As shown in part (a), the inner end 23104a4 smoothly continues toward the outside in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A as it proceeds toward the downstream side in the rotation direction K. Here, the inner end 23104a4 includes an inner upstream end 23104a4U (inner upstream edge line, inner upstream ridge line) located on the upstream side in the rotation direction K, and an inner downstream end 23104a4D (inner downstream edge line, inner downstream ridge line). The inner upstream end 23104a4U and the inner downstream end 23104a4D are ends that smoothly and continuously extend. Similarly, the inner end 23104b4 includes an inner upstream end 23104b4U (inner upstream edge line, inner upstream ridge line) located on the upstream side in the rotation direction K, and an inner downstream end 23104b4D (inner downstream edge line, inner downstream ridge line). The inner upstream end 23104b4U and the inner downstream end 23104b4D are ends that smoothly and continuously extend.

[0578] In addition, as Figure 91 shown in part (c), the first restriction release portion 23104a includes a first contact surface 23104a5 located on the arrow U direction side (upper side) of the inner end 23104a4 and a second contact surface 23104a3 located on the arrow U direction side (upper side) of the second inclined surface 23104a2. Similarly, as Figure 91 shown in part (c), the second restriction release portion 23104b includes a first contact surface 23104b5 located on the arrow U direction side (upper side) of the inner end 23104b4 and a second contact surface 23104b3 located on the arrow U direction side (upper side) of the second inclined surface 23104b2.

[0579] Next, with reference to Figure 92 , the mechanism for releasing the rotation restriction of the device side baffle 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 by installing the toner pack 23120 using the restriction release portion 23104 having another shape of this modification example will be described. However, only the points different from this modification example will be described, that is, only the operation after the release claw 214e rotates in the rotation direction D along the inner portion 23104a1I of the first inclined surface of the first restriction release portion 23104a to release the contact with the inner portion 23104a1I of the first inclined surface will be described. Figure 92 The state where the release claw 214e has released the contact between the first restriction release portion 23104a and the inner portion 23104a1I of the first inclined surface is shown, Figure 92 Part (a) is a view observed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A, Figure 92 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X2306-X2306 in part (a) of ​ , ​ Part (c) is taken along ​A cross-sectional view taken along line X2307-X2307 in part (a). In addition, for better illustration, only the nozzle 2302 (restriction release portion 23104), the restriction member 213, and the release member 214 are shown in each figure. In addition, in ​ In part (c), the cross-sectional planes of the nozzle 2302 (restriction release portion 23104) and the release claw 214e (release member 214) are shaded.

[0580] In ​ In the state shown in part (a), in the release claw 214e, the contact between the first guided surface 214e1 and the inner side portion 23104a1I of the first inclined surface of the first restriction release portion 23104a is released, and the rotation in the rotation direction D stops. In addition, as described above, the inner end 23104a4 of the first restriction release portion 23104a has a shape that travels outward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A as it travels in the rotation direction D ( ​ part (a)). Therefore, as shown in ​ part (b), there is a space S231 on the arrow G direction side (upper side) of the release claw 214e.

[0581] When the release claw 214e enters the space S231 in the arrow G direction (upward), the release claw 214e tends to rotate in the rotation direction E by the torque M202 (pushing force) generated by the release spring 216 (participating in ​ ), as shown in ​ part (a). Then, as shown in ​ part (b) and ​ part (c), in the release claw 214e, the contact surface 214f contacts the first contact surface 23104a5 of the first restriction release portion 23104a along the rotation direction E by the torque M202. As a result, the release claw 214e becomes a state where the rotation in the rotation direction E is restricted.

[0582] Here, in the cross-section of ​ part (c), the intersection point between the circumscribed circle C230 of the contact surface 214f of the release claw 214e centered on the rotation axis A and the first contact surface 23104a5 of the first restriction release portion 23104a is the intersection point P230. And the intersection point P230 is set to overlap with the outer side portion 2304a1O of the first inclined surface of the first restriction release portion 23104a with respect to the rotation direction K. In addition, since the contact portion between the first contact surface 23104a5 of the first restriction release portion 23104a and the contact surface 214f of the release claw 214e is the intersection point P230, as shown in ​As shown in part (a), the second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e overlaps with the outer side portion 23104a1O of the first inclined surface of the first restriction release portion 23104a with respect to the rotation direction D.

[0583] When the toner pack 23120 moves further in the direction of arrow N (downward) from the state shown ​ The outer side portion 2304a1O of the first inclined surface of the first restriction release portion 23104a contacts the second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e. Thereafter, the rotation restriction of the device side baffle 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 is released by the same operation as in this modification example.

[0584] As described above, in the restriction release portion 23104 having the above-described other shape in this modification example, the inner upstream end 23104a4U and the inner downstream end 23104a4D of the first restriction release portion 23104a of this modification example constitute a smooth and continuous inner end. In addition, the inner upstream end 23104b4U and the inner downstream end 23104b4D of the second restriction release portion 23104b constitute a smooth and continuous end portion (edge line, ridge line). Thus, the two ridge lines (surfaces) can be treated as one ridge line (surface), and an effect of reducing processing man-hours can be expected.

[0585] (Modification Example 4)

[0586] Next, with reference to ​ , another structure will be described. Points the same as those in the above-described embodiments and modification examples will be omitted from the description. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this modification example, those corresponding to the components described in Embodiment 2 are assigned the same names as the components of Embodiment 2, and only the points different from Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0587] In Embodiment 2, the protrusion 202b (protrusion) is integrally provided on the nozzle 202, but by providing a protrusion in other components, it is also possible to facilitate the reuse of the protrusion having a complex shape, thereby improving the reusability.

[0588] The structure in which the protrusion 202b is provided on a component other than the nozzle will be described below.

[0589] ​ is an external perspective view of the discharge unit 2402 of this modification example. ​ is an exploded perspective view of the discharge unit 2402 of this modification example. ​ is a perspective view of the toner pack 2420 on which the discharge unit 2402 of this modification example is mounted.

[0590] As ​As shown, the discharge unit 2402 of this modified example is cylindrical, and the nozzle 2402A (discharge portion) and the support member 2402B are arranged substantially coaxially with the rotation axis A.

[0591] As ​ shown, in the nozzle 2402A, a cylindrical portion 2402Aa and a disk portion 2402Ab having a diameter larger than that of the cylindrical portion 2402Aa are arranged substantially coaxially with the rotation axis A in sequence from the first end side in the first direction D1. A toner supply portion 2402Ac protruding toward the second end portion in the first direction D1 extends from the disk portion 2402Ab. The toner supply portion 2402Ac is provided with a discharge surface 2402Ae on the second end side in the first direction D1, which is a surface extending in the direction of the rotation axis A.

[0592] A through hole 2402Ad is provided in the nozzle 2402A, and extends through the cylindrical portion 2402Aa, the disk portion 2402Ab, and the toner supply portion 2402Ac from the first end side in the first direction D1, and is in fluid communication with the discharge surface 2402Ae in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis A. The portion of the through hole 2402Ad that penetrates the discharge surface 2402Ae is referred to as a discharge opening 2402Ag (opening).

[0593] The support member 2402B is substantially cylindrical, and includes a first cylindrical portion 2402Ba, a disk portion 2402Bc having a diameter larger than that of the first cylindrical portion 2402Ba, and a second cylindrical portion 2402Be substantially coaxial with the rotation axis A in sequence from the first end side in the first direction D1. A protrusion 2402Bb protrudes from the end surface 2402Bg of the second cylindrical portion 2402Be in the direction of the rotation axis A along the rotation axis A.

[0594] The protrusion 2402Bb has the same shape as the protrusion 202b of the nozzle 202 of the second embodiment, and thus its description will be omitted.

[0595] In addition, a through hole 2402Bd is provided in the support member 2402B, and extends through the first cylindrical portion 2402Ba, the disk portion 2402Bc, and the second cylindrical portion 2402Be from the first end side in the first direction D1, and extends to a side hole 2402Bf (side opening) of the second cylindrical portion 2402Be.

[0596] (Assembly of the discharge unit)

[0597] On the first end side in the first direction D1 of the nozzle 2402A, the accommodating portion 2401 is mounted to the cylindrical portion 2402Aa without clearance by adhesion or the like (see ​ ).

[0598] As ​As shown, the nozzle 2402A is provided with a support member 2402B that extends substantially coaxially with the rotation axis A from the second end side in the first direction D1. In the support member 2402B, the first cylindrical portion 2402Ba is tightly fitted into a recess (not shown) provided in the disk portion 2402Ab of the nozzle 2402A. Thus, the support member 2402B is coupled to the nozzle 2402A.

[0599] In the discharge unit 2402 in which the nozzle 2402A and the support member 2402B are coupled, a discharge opening 2402Ag is provided at a position substantially the same as the position of the discharge opening 202A of the nozzle 202 of the second embodiment.

[0600] As ​ shown, the orientation (direction in the mounted posture) of the toner pack 2420 in which at least a part of the discharge unit 2402 is below the accommodating portion 201 and the rotation axis A extends in the direction of gravity is a predetermined direction. When the toner pack 2420 is oriented in the predetermined direction, a protrusion 2402Bb protrudes downward from the end surface 2402Bg (lower surface) of the support member 2402B. Further, the protrusion 2402Bb is located below the discharge opening 2402Ag.

[0601] In addition, as ​ shown, the pack side baffle 203 is attached to the discharge unit 2402 by the same method as in the second embodiment.

[0602] The method of mounting / dismounting with respect to the mounting portion 206 is the same as in the second embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0603] As described above, the protrusion 202B can be provided on the support member 2402B which is a member different from the nozzle 2402A. The nozzle 2402A and the support member 2402B are fixed by press fitting and can be relatively easily removed from each other. Thus, it is possible to easily remove only the support member 2402B (which includes the protrusion 2402Bb having a complex shape) from the toner pack 2420. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the reuse of the support member 2402B including the protrusion 2402Bb, thereby improving the reusability.

[0604] (Modification 5)

[0605] Next, referring to ​ , another structure will be described. Points the same as in the above-described embodiments and modifications will be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this modification, those corresponding to the members described in the second embodiment are assigned the same names as the members of the second embodiment, and only the points different from the second embodiment will be described.

[0606] ​It is a perspective view of the toner pack 2520 of this modified example. ​ Part (a) of ​ is a perspective view of the nozzle 2502 of this modified example. ​ Part (b) of ​ is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle 2502 of this modified example.

[0607] In Example 2, the nozzle 202 has a side surface 202c extending in the direction of the rotation axis A (central axis), and the discharge opening 202a is provided on the side surface 202c. On the other hand, in this modified example, the discharge opening 2502k2 is provided in the end surface of the cylindrical portion 2502k.

[0608] The nozzle 2502 of this modified example will be described.

[0609] As ​ shown in part (a) of ​ and ​ part (b) of ​ , the nozzle 2502 of this modified example includes a cylindrical portion 2502k (tube) and a main component portion 2502n (tube support member) that supports the cylindrical portion 2502k. The cylindrical portion 2502k has a cylindrical shape, and a substantially circular opening 2502k1 (receiving port) is arranged substantially coaxially with the rotation axis A on the first end side in the first direction D1. In addition, a substantially circular discharge opening 2502k2 (exit) is provided at the end of the cylindrical portion 2502k opposite to the opening 2502k1. As ​ shown in part (b) of ​ , the discharge opening 2502k2 faces a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A. In other words, as ​ shown in part (a) of ​ , the discharge opening 2502k2 faces the outside in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. The opening 2502k1 and the discharge opening 2502k2 are in fluid communication with each other through a communication channel 2502k3. The communication channel 2502k3 is a cylindrical portion bent into a curved shape. That is, when the toner pack 2520 is oriented in the predetermined direction (the direction of the installation posture) in Example 2, in the cylindrical portion 2502k, the opening 2502k1 faces upward, and the communication channel 2502k3 faces the outside in the radial direction r as it travels downward.

[0610] In addition, the main component portion 2502n of the nozzle 2502 is provided with an inclined surface portion 2502m on the first end side in the first direction D1 closer to the opening 2502k1. The inclined surface portion 2502m is in the form of a conical inclined surface substantially coaxial with the rotation axis A, and is an inclined surface that inclines toward the second end side in the first direction D1 as it approaches the rotation axis A.

[0611] The toner in the accommodating portion 201 of the toner pack 2520 is discharged from the inclined surface portion 2502m through the cylindrical portion 2502k and discharged through the discharge opening 2502k2, and is replenished into the toner accommodating chamber 36 of the developer container 32.

[0612] In addition, when the toner pack 2520 is oriented in a predetermined direction, the protruding portion 2502b protrudes downward from the lower end surface (bottom surface) of the main component portion 2502n. The protruding portion 2502b has exactly the same shape as the protruding portion 202b of the second embodiment, and thus its description will be omitted.

[0613] In this modification, except that the nozzle 202 is replaced by the nozzle 2502, it has the same structure as the second embodiment, and thus other descriptions will be omitted.

[0614] In this modification, the nozzle 2502 is described as a structure in which the main component portion 2502n and the cylindrical portion 2502k are combined, but the cylindrical portion and the main component portion may be integrally formed. In addition, the cylindrical portion 2502k may be a rigid member that does not deform, or may be formed of an elastic and deformable member.

[0615] Further, in this modification, although the discharge opening 2502k2 of the cylindrical portion 2502k is fixed so as to face the outside in the radial direction r, the present invention is not limited to such an example.

[0616] Referring to ​ and 99 , a toner pack 2530 including a nozzle 2503 (where the direction of the discharge opening of the cylindrical portion is variable) will be described.

[0617] With this structure, the protruding portion 2503b and the inclined surface portion 2503m of the nozzle 2503 have the same shapes as the protruding portion 2502b and the inclined surface portion 2502m described above, respectively, and thus their descriptions will be omitted.

[0618] ​ Part (a) of ​ and part (b) of ​ are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the nozzle 2503 in a state where the discharge opening 2503k2 of the cylindrical portion 2503k faces downward (the direction of the rotation axis A) when the toner pack 2530 is oriented in a predetermined direction. ​ Part (a) of and part (b) of

[0619] ​ are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the nozzle 2503 in a state where the discharge opening 2503k2 of the cylindrical portion 2503k faces the outside in the radial direction r. ​As shown in part (b), the discharge opening 2503k2 faces downward in the unused new state. The receiving opening 2503k1 for receiving toner from the accommodating portion 201 faces upward. When the toner pack 2530 is installed on the installation portion 206, the user can change the direction of the cylindrical portion 2503k so that it faces the outside in the radial direction r. The discharge opening 2503k2 of the cylindrical portion 2503k can be configured to face upward or the inside in the radial direction r in the unused new state. That is, it is sufficient that the discharge opening 2503k2 is configured to face the outside in the radial direction r when the toner pack 2530 is installed on the installation portion 206.

[0620] (Variant Example 6)

[0621] In the present Embodiment 2, the first restriction release portion 204a includes a first inclined surface 204a1, a second inclined surface 204a2, a third inclined surface 204a3, and an abutting surface 204a5, and the second restriction release portion 204b has a structure that is rotationally symmetric by 180 degrees with respect to the rotation axis A (central axis) with the first restriction release portion 204a. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. In the present variant example, a structure in which the functions of the first restriction release portion and the second restriction release portion are separated will be described.

[0622] The second restriction release portion 2604b (second protrusion) of the present variant example is provided on the opposite side of the first restriction release portion 2604a (first protrusion) on the rotation axis A, and is provided at a position different from the first restriction release portion 2604a in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC ( ​ part (c)). Further, when viewed in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC, the first restriction release portion 2604a and the second restriction release portion 2604b overlap each other ( ​ part (b)).

[0623] As ​ shown in part (a), the first restriction release portion 2604a includes a second inclined surface 2604a2 (second downward surface, second downward guiding surface, second biasing surface) and a third inclined surface 2604a3 (upward surface, upward guiding surface), and an abutting surface 2604a5. The second restriction release portion 2604b includes a first inclined surface 2604b1 (first downward surface, first biasing surface) and an abutting surface 2604b5. The first restriction release portion 2604a does not include an inclined surface corresponding to the first inclined surface 2604b1, and the second restriction release portion 2604b does not include inclined surfaces corresponding to the second inclined surface 2604a2 and the third inclined surface 2604a3.

[0624] As ​ shown in part (a), ​ part (b) and ​As shown, the first inclined surface 2604b1 of the second restriction release portion 2604b applies a force while guiding the first guided surface 214e1 of the release member 214. As a result, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, the release member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D to a position where the second guided surface 214e2 and the third guided surface 214e3 of the release member 214 are exposed through the cover 210.

[0625] On the other hand, as Figure 65 shown in part (c) of, the second inclined surface 2604a2 of the first restriction release portion 2604a rotates the release member 214 to a position where the rising restriction surface 214c does not overlap with the rising restriction surface 210e of the cover 210 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A. In addition, as Figure 66 shown in part (a) of, the third inclined surface 2604a3 of the first restriction release portion 2604 guides the release member 214 so that the release member 214 moves upward while being rotated in the rotation direction E.

[0626] As d...

Claims

1. A toner container that can be installed in and detached from an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus including a rotatable guided member, the toner container including: A storage portion configured to store toner; A discharge portion configured to have an opening for discharging the toner in the storage portion to the outside of the toner container, the discharge portion being aligned with the storage portion in a first direction; And A protrusion that, when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the first direction is the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is located below the storage portion, is provided below the opening of the discharge portion and protrudes downward, wherein the opening of the discharge portion faces outward in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein, when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has a first downward guiding surface facing downward, a second downward guiding surface facing downward, and an upward guiding surface at least a part of which is located above the second downward guiding surface and faces upward, and wherein, when observing the toner container in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, at least a part of the first downward guiding surface is located at a position different from the position where the second downward guiding surface is provided in the horizontal direction, and wherein the first downward guiding surface and the second downward guiding surface are configured to guide the rotatable guided member to rotate, and the upward guiding surface is configured to guide the rotatable guided member to move upward.

2. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein, The first downward guiding surface and the second downward guiding surface are pushing surfaces.

3. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein, The upward guiding surface is configured to be exposed to the outside of the toner container.

4. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein, When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, a cavity is provided above the upward guiding surface of the protrusion.

5. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein, When observing the toner container oriented in the predetermined direction from a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first downward guiding surface and the second downward guiding surface are configured to extend in a manner that rises as it progresses in a first horizontal direction in the horizontal direction, and the upward guiding surface is configured to extend in a manner that rises as it progresses in a second horizontal direction opposite to the first horizontal direction.

6. The toner container according to claim 5, wherein, When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion includes a connecting portion that connects the downstream end of the second downward guiding surface in the first horizontal direction and the upstream end of the upward guiding surface in the second horizontal direction to each other.

7. The toner container according to claim 5, wherein, When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has a surface to be contacted that extends upward along the first direction from the downstream end of the upward guiding surface in the second horizontal direction and faces the downstream side in the first horizontal direction.

8. The toner container according to claim 7, wherein, When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion includes a connecting portion that connects the downstream end of the second downward guiding surface in the first horizontal direction and the upstream end of the upward guiding surface in the second horizontal direction to each other.

9. The toner container according to claim 5, wherein, When observing in the first direction, the second downward guiding surface overlaps with the upward guiding surface.

10. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein, When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion is configured to protrude downward relative to the lower surface of the toner container.

11. The toner container according to claim 10, wherein, When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion is capable of taking a protruding position and a retracted position, in the protruding position the protrusion protrudes downward relative to the lower surface of the toner container, and in the retracted position the protrusion retracts so as not to protrude relative to the lower surface.

12. The toner container according to claim 10, wherein, When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion is provided at the lower surface of the discharge portion.

13. The toner container according to claim 10, further comprising a support member that supports the discharge portion, Among them, When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion is provided on the lower surface of the support member.

14. The toner container according to claim 13, wherein, The support member includes a space surrounded by side surfaces extending in a first direction and in which the discharge portion is provided, and wherein, a side surface opening configured to expose the opening of the discharge portion is provided on the side surface of the support member.

15. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion is capable of transitioning between a first posture and a second posture relative to the discharge portion, in the first posture the protrusion protrudes in the first direction, and in the second posture the protrusion protrudes in a direction intersecting the first direction.

16. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein, The discharge portion includes a tube configured to allow toner to pass therethrough when the toner in the accommodating portion is discharged to the outside of the toner container, and the tube is provided with a receiving opening for receiving toner from the accommodating portion and an outlet for discharging the toner received through the receiving opening, wherein, the opening is the outlet of the tube.

17. The toner container according to claim 16, wherein, When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the receiving opening faces upward, and the tube includes a portion extending in a manner of advancing in a second direction as it advances downward.

18. The toner container according to claim 16, further comprising a tube support member that supports the tube, Among them, When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion protrudes downward from the lower surface of the tube support member.

19. The toner container according to claim 16, wherein, The tube is capable of transitioning to a posture in which the outlet of the tube faces downward.

20. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein, The opening is provided in the outer surface of the discharge portion extending in the first direction.

21. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein, The opening of the discharge portion is provided by breaking a part of the outer surface of the discharge portion, and the part of the outer surface of the discharge portion extends in the first direction.

22. The toner container according to claim 21, wherein, The discharge portion is provided with a tab connected to a part of the outer surface, and wherein, the part of the outer surface is separated from the discharge portion by pulling the tab to provide the opening of the discharge portion.

23. The toner container according to claim 1, further comprising a rotatable member that is capable of rotating relative to the discharge portion about a rotation axis extending in the first direction in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction.

24. The toner container according to claim 23, wherein, The protrusion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and the second protrusion is provided at a position different from the position where the first protrusion is provided in the circumferential direction of an imaginary circle centered on the rotation axis, wherein, the first protrusion has the upward guiding surface, the first downward guiding surface and the second downward guiding surface, and wherein, the second protrusion has a shape rotationally symmetric with respect to the rotation axis and the first protrusion by 150 degrees to 210 degrees, including the end values of 150 degrees and 210 degrees.

25. The toner container according to claim 23, wherein, The protrusions include a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and the second protrusion is disposed at a position different from the position where the first protrusion is disposed in the circumferential direction of an imaginary circle centered on the rotation axis. Wherein, the first protrusion has the upward guiding surface. Wherein, the second protrusion has the first downward guiding surface and the second downward guiding surface.

26. The toner container according to claim 23, wherein, The protrusions include a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and the second protrusion is disposed at a position different from the position where the first protrusion is disposed in the circumferential direction of an imaginary circle centered on the rotation axis. Wherein, the upward guiding surface is a first upward guiding surface. The first protrusion has the first upward guiding surface, the first downward guiding surface and the second downward guiding surface. The second protrusion has a second upward guiding surface, a third downward guiding surface and a fourth downward guiding surface, and the second upward guiding surface, the third downward guiding surface and the fourth downward guiding surface have shapes that are rotationally symmetric with respect to the rotation axis by 150 degrees to 210 degrees from the first upward guiding surface, the first downward guiding surface and the second downward guiding surface respectively, and the end values 150 degrees and 210 degrees are included.

27. The toner container according to claim 23, wherein, The rotatable member is disposed outside the discharge portion in the radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the rotation axis.

28. The toner container according to claim 23, wherein, The rotatable member is configured to rotate about the rotation axis between a closed position for closing the opening and an open position for opening the opening.

29. The toner container according to claim 28, wherein, An outer surface of the rotatable member extending in the direction of the rotation axis is provided with a rotatable member opening for exposing the opening of the discharge portion to the outside of the toner container when the rotatable member is in the open position, and wherein, an outer surface of the rotatable member opposite to the rotatable member opening across the rotation axis is provided with a recess that is recessed inward in the radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the rotation axis.

30. The toner container according to claim 29, wherein, When the toner container is observed in the direction of the rotation axis, the protrusions are located at positions closer to the rotation axis than the recesses in the radial direction.

31. The toner container according to claim 28, wherein, An outer surface of the rotatable member extending in the direction of the rotation axis is provided with a rotatable member opening for exposing the opening of the discharge portion to the outside of the toner container when the rotatable member is in the open position, and wherein, when observed in the radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the rotation axis, the protrusions are within the width of the rotatable member opening in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

32. The toner container according to claim 29, wherein, The discharge portion has a first opposing surface and a second opposing surface at an outer surface thereof extending along the rotation axis, and the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface face each other with a gap therebetween. Wherein, when the rotatable member is in the closed position, the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface are exposed to the outside of the toner container through the rotatable member opening.

33. The toner container according to claim 32, wherein, The first opposing surface and the second opposing surface are parallel to each other, and wherein, when a line parallel to the first opposing surface and passing through the center between the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface is a first imaginary line, a second imaginary line passes through the opening, and the second imaginary line is a line provided by rotating the first imaginary line about the rotation axis by 90 degrees.

34. The toner container according to claim 28, wherein, The rotatable member can rotate from the closed position to the open position along a first rotation direction.

35. The toner container according to claim 34 further includes a seal for sealing between the rotatable member and the discharge portion when the rotatable member is in the closed position.

36. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion has an inner circumferential guide surface that extends in a first direction and is centered on the rotation axis.

37. The toner container according to claim 36, wherein, The inner circumferential guide surface of the protrusion is a cylindrical surface.

38. The toner container according to claim 36, wherein, The inner circumferential guide surface of the protrusion includes a plurality of flat surfaces around the rotation axis.

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