Toner container and image forming system

Abstract

The task of the present invention is to provide a new type of toner container that can be installed in an image forming device. The solution is to provide a toner containing portion, a discharge portion with an opening, a rotatable member that can rotate along 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 they move along the first rotation direction. At least a portion of the first downward surface is closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the second downward surface, and is arranged at a different position from the second downward surface in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle. At least a portion of the upward surface is located above at least a portion of the second downward surface.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Colorant Container and Image Forming System", with an international application 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 mountable 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 an image forming apparatus, a structure using a detachable toner container for an image forming apparatus is known (WO2020100699A2). Summary of the Invention

[0004] [Problem to be solved]

[0005] Recently, users have demanded the use of various types of image forming apparatuses. An object of the present invention is to provide a new type of toner container that can be mounted on an image forming apparatus.

[0006] [Methods of solving the problem]

[0007] 20. The inkjet printer of claim 19, wherein the inkjet printer is configured to move inkjet printer toward the outside of the container, wherein the inkjet printer is configured to move inkjet printer toward the outside of the container. The inkjet printer is configured to move inkjet printer toward the outside of the container, wherein the inkjet printer is configured to move inkjet printer toward the outside of the container. wherein when the colorant container is oriented in a predetermined direction, the protrusion has a first downward surface and a second downward surface facing downward, and an upward surface facing upward, the first downward surface, the second downward surface and the upward surface being located outside the inner circumferential surface in a radial direction and inside the opening of the discharge portion, the first downward surface and the second downward surface extending in a manner that rises as they proceed in the first rotational direction, and at least a portion of the first downward surface is disposed at a position that is closer to the center axis than the second downward surface in a radial direction and is different from a position in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle at which the second downward surface is disposed, and at least a portion of the upward surface is located above at least a portion of the second downward surface.

[0008] [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram of the image forming system of Embodiment 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0018] Figure 9 It 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 It 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 This is a perspective view of the restriction member in Example 1.

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

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

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

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

[0025] Figure 16 is a front view of a toner pack according to Embodiment 1.

[0026] Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of a toner package according to Embodiment 1.

[0027] Figure 18 1 and 2 are perspective views and bottom views of the vicinity of the nozzle in Example 1 (when the bag side shutter is closed).

[0028] Figure 19 1 and 2 are a perspective view and a bottom view of the vicinity of the nozzle according to Example 1 (when the bag side shutter is opened).

[0029] Figure 20 This is a rear perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle in Example 1.

[0030] Figure 21 This is a front view of the vicinity of the nozzle in Example 1.

[0031] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of the protruding portion of the nozzle of Example 1.

[0032] Figure 23 is a perspective view of the mounting portion and the toner package in a state during a mounting operation in Embodiment 1.

[0033] Figure 24 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion and the toner pack in a state during mounting in Embodiment 1.

[0034] Figure 25 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion and the toner pack in a state during mounting in Embodiment 1.

[0035] Figure 26 This is a diagram illustrating a process in which the rotation restriction of the device side shutter by the rotation restriction mechanism of the mounting portion is released by mounting the toner pack in Embodiment 1.

[0036] Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion and the toner pack when the mounting portion of the toner pack according to Embodiment 1 is completed.

[0037] Figure 28 1 and 2 are perspective views of a toner pack mounted on a mounting portion, viewed from above when an operation lever is in a closed position and an open position.

[0038] Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view showing a toner moving path when the apparatus-side shutter and the bag-side shutter are closed and opened.

[0039] Figure 30 This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle in Modification 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0040] Figure 31 It is a perspective view of the vicinity of a nozzle according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1.

[0041] Figure 32 This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle in Modification 3 of Embodiment 1.

[0042] Figure 33 1 and 2 are perspective views and a front view of the vicinity of the nozzle in Modification 4 of Embodiment 1.

[0043] Figure 34 1 is a front view of a toner pack in Modification 5 of Embodiment 1.

[0044] Figure 35 This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle in Modification 6 of Embodiment 1.

[0045] Figure 36 This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle in Modification 7 of Embodiment 1.

[0046] Figure 37 This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle in Modification 8 of Embodiment 1.

[0047] Figure 38 It is a perspective view of the vicinity of a nozzle and an attachment according to Modification 9 of Embodiment 1.

[0048] Figure 39 It is an enlarged view of the second inclined surface of the restriction releasing portion in Example 1 and Modifications 1 to 9 of Example 1.

[0049] Figure 40 This is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion in Example 2.

[0050] Figure 41 This is an external perspective view of the mounting portion in Example 2.

[0051] Figure 42 This is a view of the mounting portion in Example 2 as viewed from above.

[0052] Figure 43 This is a view of the mounting portion in Example 2 as viewed from below.

[0053] Figure 44 This is a perspective view of the device side baffle in Example 2.

[0054] Figure 45 This is a perspective view of the cover in Example 2.

[0055] Figure 46 This is a perspective view of a restriction member in Example 2.

[0056] Figure 47 This is a perspective view of the release member in Example 2.

[0057] Figure 48 This is a perspective view of a unit in which a restricting member and a releasing member are assembled in Example 2.

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

[0059] Figure 50 This is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the release member relative to the restriction member in the second embodiment.

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

[0061] Figure 52 This is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the release member relative to the restriction member in the second embodiment.

[0062] Figure 53 This is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the release member relative to the restriction member in the second embodiment.

[0063] Figure 54 This is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the release member relative to the restriction member in the second embodiment.

[0064] Figure 55 1 and 2 are front, rear, and side views of a toner pack according to Embodiment 2.

[0065] Figure 56 is an exploded perspective view of a toner package according to Embodiment 2.

[0066] Figure 57 1 and 2 are perspective views and bottom views of the vicinity of the nozzle in Example 2 (when the bag side shutter is closed).

[0067] Figure 58 1 and 2 are perspective views, bottom views, and front views (when the bag side shutters are opened) of the vicinity of the nozzle in Example 2.

[0068] Figure 59 1 and 2 are a rear perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle, an enlarged perspective view of the protrusion, and a front view according to Example 2.

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

[0070] Figure 61 These are front and rear views of the vicinity of the nozzle in Example 2.

[0071] Figure 62 1 and 2 are a cross-sectional view of a protruding portion of a nozzle and a bottom view of the nozzle in Example 2.

[0072] Figure 63 1 and 2 are perspective views of a toner package and a mounting portion immediately before and at the time of completion of mounting of the toner package according to Embodiment 2.

[0073] Figure 64 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting portion and a toner pack during mounting of the toner pack according to Embodiment 2.

[0074] Figure 65 This is a diagram illustrating a process in which the rotation restriction of the apparatus side shutter by the rotation restriction mechanism of the mounting portion is released by mounting the toner pack in Embodiment 2.

[0075] Figure 66 This is a diagram illustrating a process in which the rotation restriction of the apparatus side shutter by the rotation restriction mechanism of the mounting portion is released by mounting the toner pack in Embodiment 2.

[0076] Figure 67 It is an enlarged perspective view of the mounting portion in Embodiment 2, showing how the releasing claw of the releasing member is exposed through the central hole of the cover of the mounting portion.

[0077] Figure 68 This is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion and the toner pack when the toner pack is completely mounted in Example 2.

[0078] Figure 69 It is a perspective view of the toner pack mounted on the mounting portion, viewed from above when the operation lever is in the closed position and the open position.

[0079] Figure 70 is a cross-sectional view showing a toner moving path when the apparatus-side shutter and the bag-side shutter are closed and opened.

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

[0081] Figure 72 1 and 2 are perspective views and side views of an attachment according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0082] Figure 73 These are a top view and a sectional view showing only the portion related to mounting of the accessory to the apparatus main assembly in Modification 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0083] Figure 74 is a sectional view showing a process of mounting the accessory to the apparatus main assembly according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0084] Figure 75 is a sectional view showing a process of mounting the accessory to the apparatus main assembly according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0085] Figure 76is a perspective view of a toner pack according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0086] Figure 77 are a side view and a sectional view of a toner pack mounted to the apparatus main assembly in Modification 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0087] Figure 78 is a perspective view of an attachment having a different shape according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0088] Figure 79 1 and 2 are perspective views and side views of an accessory unit according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 2.

[0089] Figure 80 This is a perspective view of a baffle in Modification 2 of Example 2.

[0090] Figure 81 3 is a perspective view of a protruding member in Modification 2 of Embodiment 2.

[0091] Figure 82 is an exploded perspective view of an accessory unit according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 2.

[0092] Figure 83 is a cross-sectional view of the protruding member and the shutter in Modification 2 of Embodiment 2 when they are in the first position.

[0093] Figure 84 It is a side view of the vicinity of the protruding member in a state where the operation lever is located between the closed position and the open position in Modification 2 of Embodiment 2.

[0094] Figure 85 It is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the protruding member in a state where the operation lever is located between the closed position and the open position in Modification 2 of Embodiment 2.

[0095] Figure 86 is a perspective view of a toner package according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 2 mounted to the apparatus main assembly.

[0096] Figure 87 1 is a perspective view of an accessory unit according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 2 to which a cover member is mounted.

[0097] Figure 88 1 and 2 are diagrams showing specific shapes of the first and second restriction releasing portions in Modification 3 of Embodiment 2.

[0098] Figure 89 1 is a diagram showing a process in which the releasing member is rotated by the first inclined surface of the first restriction releasing portion in Modification 3 of Embodiment 2. FIG.

[0099] Figure 901 is a diagram showing a process in which the releasing member is rotated by the second inclined surface of the first restriction releasing portion in Modification 3 of Embodiment 2. FIG.

[0100] Figure 91 1 and 2 are diagrams showing specific shapes of the first and second restriction releasing portions in another form in Modification 3 of Embodiment 2.

[0101] Figure 92 1 is a diagram showing a process of rotating the release member by the first restriction releasing portion and the second restriction releasing portion in another form in Modification 3 of Embodiment 2.

[0102] Figure 93 is an external perspective view of a discharge unit according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 2.

[0103] Figure 94 is an exploded perspective view of a discharge unit according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 2.

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

[0105] Figure 96 is a perspective view of a toner package according to Modification 5 of Embodiment 2.

[0106] Figure 97 These are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a nozzle in Modification 5 of Embodiment 2.

[0107] Figure 98 These are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a nozzle in a fifth modification of the second embodiment, with the discharge opening facing downward.

[0108] Figure 99 These are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a nozzle in a fifth modification of the second embodiment, with the discharge opening facing radially outward.

[0109] Figure 100 1 and 2 are diagrams showing specific shapes of the first restriction releasing portion and the second restriction releasing portion according to Modification 6 of Embodiment 2.

[0110] Figure 101 1 and 2 are perspective views, front views, side views, and rear views of a toner pack according to Modification 7 of Embodiment 2.

[0111] Figure 102 It is a perspective view of a toner pack and a mounting portion according to Modification 7 of Embodiment 2, and a perspective view of a lever for opening a side shutter of the apparatus.

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

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

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

[0115] Figure 106 1 and 2 are diagrams showing the specific shape of the restriction releasing member in the third embodiment.

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

[0117] Figure 108 1 is a diagram showing the operation process of the toner pack in Embodiment 3.

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

[0119] Figure 110 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a process of releasing the rotation restriction of the apparatus side shutter by the rotation restriction mechanism of the mounting portion by mounting the toner pack according to Embodiment 3. FIG.

[0120] Figure 111 This is a diagram illustrating a process in which the rotation restriction of the apparatus side shutter by the rotation restriction mechanism of the mounting portion is released by mounting the toner pack in Embodiment 3.

[0121] Figure 112 1 is a diagram showing a specific shape of a restriction releasing member according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 3.

[0122] Figure 113 1 and 2 are diagrams showing the specific shape of the restriction releasing member in Modification 2 of Embodiment 3.

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

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

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

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

[0127] Figure 118 It is a perspective view of a cam member, an operating member, and a shaft member in Embodiment 4.

[0128] Figure 119: is a diagram showing an assembly of a movement path and a tension spring assembled to a nozzle in Example 4.

[0129] Figure 120 1 is a diagram showing a process of assembling the operating mechanism to the nozzle in Embodiment 4.

[0130] Figure 121 This is a perspective view of a state in which each part is assembled to a nozzle in Example 4.

[0131] Figure 122 1 and 2 are diagrams showing the states in which the bag side guards are in the open position and the closed position at the second position of the movement path in the fourth embodiment.

[0132] Figure 123 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a movement path controlled by operating the operating member in the fourth embodiment.

[0133] Figure 124 1 is a diagram illustrating a process of inserting a toner pack into a mounting portion and operating the operating lever and the operating member according to Embodiment 4.

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

[0135] Figure 126 This is a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment when the operating member is operated to move the moving path to the first position.

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

[0137] Figure 128 is an exploded perspective view of a toner package according to Embodiment 5.

[0138] Figure 129 is a partially exploded perspective view of a toner package according to Embodiment 5.

[0139] Figure 130 is a partially exploded perspective view of a toner package according to Embodiment 5.

[0140] Figure 131 This is a perspective view of the nozzle in Example 5.

[0141] Figure 132 1 and 2 are a cross-sectional view and a side view of the nozzle in Example 5.

[0142] Figure 133 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a first operation by a user in Embodiment 5.

[0143] Figure 134 3 is a side view showing a second operation performed by the user in the fifth embodiment.

[0144] Figure 135 1 is a side view illustrating a third operation by a user according to the fifth embodiment.

[0145] Figure 136 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a third operation performed by a user in the fifth embodiment.

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

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

[0148] Figure 139 is an exploded perspective view illustrating attachment of a toner seal of a toner pack in Embodiment 5.

[0149] Figure 140 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating installation of a toner seal of a toner pack according to Embodiment 5.

[0150] Figure 141 is a sectional view of a toner pack according to Embodiment 5 configured so that the toner seal is pulled out to the outside.

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

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

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

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

[0155] Figure 146 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the restriction release mechanism in the sixth embodiment.

[0156] Figure 147 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of a protrusion of a toner pack according to Embodiment 6.

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

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

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

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

[0161] Figure 152 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the restriction release mechanism in the seventh embodiment.

[0162] Figure 153 This is a diagram illustrating a process in which the rotation restriction of the apparatus side shutter by the rotation restriction mechanism of the mounting portion is released by mounting a toner pack in Embodiment 7.

[0163] Figure 154 Detailed view of the first and second restriction releasing members in Modification 1 of Example 7.

[0164] Figure 155 This is a diagram showing a process of releasing the rotation restriction of the apparatus side shutter by the rotation restriction mechanism of the mounting portion by mounting a toner pack in Modification 1 of Embodiment 7.

[0165] Figure 156 1 is an exploded perspective view of a restriction releasing mechanism according to Modification 2 of Example 7.

[0166] Figure 157 : is a diagram showing the operation of the restriction release mechanism according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 7.

[0167] Figure 158 This is a diagram showing a process of releasing the rotation restriction of the apparatus side shutter by the rotation restriction mechanism of the mounting portion by mounting a toner pack in Modification 2 of Embodiment 7.

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

[0169] Figure 160 This is a diagram showing a process of releasing the rotation restriction of the apparatus side shutter by the rotation restriction mechanism of the mounting portion by mounting a toner pack in Modification 3 of Embodiment 7.

[0170] Figure 161 : is a diagram showing the position of a pin provided on the straight portion when the toner pack is mounted on the mounting portion in Modification 3 of Embodiment 7.

[0171] Figure 162 is a diagram showing the entire toner package according to Embodiment 8.

[0172] Figure 163 This is an exploded perspective view of the eighth embodiment before the restriction releasing member and the collar are assembled to the nozzle.

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

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

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

[0176] Figure 167 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a process of releasing the rotation restriction of the apparatus side shutter by the rotation restriction mechanism of the mounting portion by mounting a toner pack according to Embodiment 8. FIG.

[0177] Figure 168 This is a diagram illustrating a process in which the rotation restriction of the apparatus side shutter by the rotation restriction mechanism of the mounting portion is released by mounting a toner pack in Embodiment 8.

[0178] Figure 169 This is a diagram illustrating a process in which the rotation restriction of the apparatus side shutter by the rotation restriction mechanism of the mounting portion is released by mounting a toner pack in Embodiment 8.

[0179] Figure 170 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a process of releasing the rotation restriction of the apparatus side shutter by the rotation restriction mechanism of the mounting portion by mounting a toner pack according to Embodiment 8. FIG.

[0180] Figure 171 This is a diagram illustrating a process in which the rotation restriction of the apparatus side shutter by the rotation restriction mechanism of the mounting portion is released by mounting a toner pack in Embodiment 8.

[0181] Figure 172 This is a diagram illustrating a process in which the rotation restriction of the apparatus side shutter by the rotation restriction mechanism of the mounting portion is released by mounting a toner pack in Embodiment 8.

[0182] Figure 173 This is a perspective view of a restriction releasing member in Modification 1 of Example 8.

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

[0184] Figure 175 This is a detailed view of a restriction releasing member according to Modification 3 of Example 8.

[0185] Figure 176 is a perspective view of a toner package according to Embodiment 9.

[0186] Figure 177 is an exploded perspective view of a toner package according to Embodiment 9.

[0187] Figure 178 is an exploded perspective view of a nozzle according to Example 9.

[0188] Figure 179 1 is an exploded perspective view of a bag side baffle according to Example 9.

[0189] Figure 180 1 and 2 are a top view and a side view showing a state in which a toner pack is mounted on a mounting portion in Embodiment 9.

[0190] Figure 181 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a toner pack is mounted on a mounting portion in Example 9.

[0191] Figure 182 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a toner pack is mounted on a mounting portion according to Embodiment 9.

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

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

[0194] Figure 185 This is an exploded view of the nozzle in Example 10.

[0195] Figure 186 1 is an exploded perspective view of a bag side baffle according to Example 10.

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

[0197] Figure 188 1 and 2 are a top view, a side view, and a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a toner pack is mounted to a mounting portion in Embodiment 10.

[0198] Figure 189 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a toner pack is mounted on a mounting portion in Embodiment 10.

[0199] Figure 190 1 and 2 are a top view, a side view, and a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner in the toner pack is supplied to the toner accommodating chamber of the developer container in Embodiment 10.

[0200] Figure 191 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner of the toner pack is supplied to the toner accommodating chamber of the developer container in Embodiment 10.

[0201] Figure 192 1 is a perspective view of a state in which the free end member of the toner pack in Embodiment 11 is in a first posture.

[0202] Figure 193is a partially exploded perspective view of a toner package according to Embodiment 11.

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

[0204] Figure 195 1 and 10 are a side view and a cross-sectional view illustrating a user operation of the protruding member in Example 11.

[0205] Figure 196 This is a diagram showing a structure in which the protruding portion has only one restriction releasing portion in Example 2 and a structure in which the second restriction releasing portion has a shape that is 190 degrees rotationally symmetrical with the first restriction releasing portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0207] <Example 1>

[0208] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0209] (Image Forming Equipment System)

[0210] Figure 1 Part (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the image forming system 1000 according to Embodiment 1, Figure 1 Part (b) 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) mountable to the image forming apparatus 1 . Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 without the toner package 100 being mounted.

[0212] The toner pack 100 can be mounted on Figure 2 The toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 and contains toner to be supplied to the image forming apparatus 1. The specific structure of the toner pack 100 will be described below. The toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. Figure 2 The toner pack 100 is mounted while moving in the illustrated mounting direction M. In this embodiment, the mounting direction M of the toner pack 100 is the direction of gravity, but the direction M may be inclined relative to the direction of gravity.

[0213] (Image Forming Device)

[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 may be various sheet materials, for example, paper such as plain paper and thick paper, plastic films such as sheets for overhead projectors, sheets having special shapes such as envelopes and index paper, or various sheets made of different materials such as cloth.

[0215] like Figure 1 Part (a) and Figure 1 As shown in part (b) of the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 1 has the following structure. It includes an image forming section 10 that forms a toner image on a recording material P, a pickup roller 65 that feeds the recording material P to the image forming section 10, a fixing section 70 that fixes the toner image formed by the image forming section 10 on the recording material P, and a discharge roller pair 80.

[0216] The image forming section 10 includes a scanner unit 11, an electrophotographic process unit 20, and a transfer roller 12 that transfers a toner image (which serves as a developer image) formed on a photosensitive drum 21 of the process unit 20 onto a recording material P. The process 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.

[0217] The photosensitive drum 21 (image bearing member) is a photosensitive member molded into a cylindrical shape. The photosensitive drum 21 of this embodiment has a photosensitive layer formed of a negatively charged organic photosensitive member on a drum-shaped aluminum substrate. The photosensitive drum 21 is rotationally driven by a motor at a predetermined process speed in a predetermined rotational direction (clockwise in the figure).

[0218] The charging roller 22 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 with a predetermined pressure contact force to form a charging section. Furthermore, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by applying a desired charging voltage from a charging high-voltage power supply. In this 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, thereby generating a stable discharge in the charging section.

[0219] The scanner unit 11, serving 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 image information input from an external device using a polygonal mirror. This exposure forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The scanner unit 11 is not limited to a laser scanner device; 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 may be employed.

[0220] The developing device 30 includes a developing roller 31, which is supplied with developer and serves as a developer carrying member for carrying the developer; a developer container 32 (developing frame) serving as a frame of the developing device 30; and a supply roller 33 capable of supplying the developer to the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are rotatably supported by the developer container 32. Furthermore, the developing roller 31 is arranged in an opening of the developer container 32 so as to face the photosensitive drum 21. The supply roller 33 is in rotatable contact with the developing roller 31, and the toner, serving as the developer contained in the developer container 32, is supplied to the surface of the developing roller 31 by the supply roller 33. If the toner can be sufficiently supplied to the developing roller 31, the supply roller 33 is not always necessary.

[0221] The developing device 30 of this embodiment uses a contact developing method as a developing method. That is, in the developing section (developing area) where the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 31 face each other, the colorant layer carried by the developing roller 31 contacts 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, the colorant carried by the developing roller 31 is transferred from the developing roller 31 to the drum surface according to the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, so that the electrostatic latent image is developed into a colorant image. In this embodiment, a reverse developing method is adopted. That is, the surface of the photosensitive drum is charged in the charging step, and then the charge amount is attenuated by exposure in the exposure step, and the colorant adheres to the surface area of ​​the photosensitive drum 21 where the charge amount is attenuated, thereby forming a colorant image.

[0222] In addition, in the present embodiment, a toner having a particle size of 6 μm and a negative conventional charge polarity is used. As an example, the toner of the present embodiment uses a polymerized 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 single-component developer that supports the toner on the developing roller 31 mainly by intermolecular force or electrostatic force (mirror force). However, a single-component developer containing a magnetic component may be used. In addition to the toner particles, the single-component developer may contain additives (for example, wax or fine silica particles) for adjusting the fluidity and charging properties of the toner. In addition, as the developer, a two-component developer containing a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier may be used. When a magnetic developer is used, for example, a cylindrical developing sleeve having a magnet arranged inside is used as a developer carrier.

[0223] The developer container 32 includes a toner storage chamber 36 (second storage portion, main assembly storage portion) for storing toner. A stirring member 34 (toner conveying member) is provided in 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 simultaneously 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 that is not used for development and is peeled off from the developing roller 31 in the developer container, thereby making the toner in the developer container uniform. The stirring member 34 is not limited to a rotating type. For example, a stirring member including an oscillating shape may be used instead.

[0224] Furthermore, a developing blade 35 that limits 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, so that the toner is uniformly formed into a thin layer and is charged to a negative polarity by frictional charging.

[0225] Next, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. When an image formation command is input to the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming process of the image forming unit 10 begins based on 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 delivered by the pickup roller 65 and fed toward the transfer nip formed by the transfer roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21 .

[0227] The transfer roller 12 is supplied with a transfer voltage from a high-voltage transfer power supply, thereby transferring the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 21 onto the recording material P. When the recording material P carrying the toner image passes through the fixing unit 70, the toner image is heated and pressurized. This causes the toner particles to melt and become fixed, fixing the toner image onto the recording material P. The recording material P that has passed through the fixing unit 70 is discharged to the exterior of the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the machine) via a pair of discharge rollers 80, serving as a discharge device, and is discharged onto a discharge tray 81 (which serves as a stacking unit) provided at the top of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0228] A top cover 82 as a stacking tray is provided at an upper portion of the image forming apparatus 1, and a discharge tray 81 as a stacking surface is formed at an upper surface of the top cover 82. Figure 1 Part (b) and Figure 2As shown, the top cover 82 is provided with an opening / closing member 83, which is supported so as to be openable / closable around a rotation axis 83a extending in the front-rear direction. The discharge tray 81 of the top cover 82 is provided with an opening 82a that opens upward. Figure 2 As 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, which covers the mounting portion 106, and an open position, which exposes the mounting portion 106 and enables the toner pack 100 to 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 functions as 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, as described here, refers to the upstream side of the image forming apparatus 1 in the direction in which the recording material P is fed by the pickup roller 65. The opening / closing member 83 can be opened leftward by hooking a finger into the recessed 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 portion 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 this embodiment, a direct supply method is adopted in which the user supplies toner from the toner pack 100 mounted on the mounting portion 106 to the developing device 30 while the developing device 30 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1. At least a portion of the toner pack 100 is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state in which the toner pack is mounted on the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0231] When the amount of toner remaining in the process unit 20 is low, there is no need to remove the process unit 20 from the image forming apparatus 1 and replace it with a new one, thereby improving usability. Furthermore, compared to replacing the entire process unit 20, the developer container 32 can be replenished with toner at a lower cost. In the direct supply method, there is no need to replace various rollers, gears, etc., thus reducing costs compared to replacing only the developing device 30 of the process unit 20.

[0232] (Toner pack installation section)

[0233] First, refer 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) is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion 106 . Figure 3Part (b) is from Figure 3 (a) is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion 106 viewed from different directions.

[0235] Figure 4 Part (a) and Figure 5 Part (a) of FIG. 1 is 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 when viewed in the mounting direction M, respectively. Figure 4 Part (b) and Figure 5 Part (b) is 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 when viewed in the mounting direction M, respectively. Figure 6 106 is a perspective view of the mounting portion 106 when viewed from the downstream side in the mounting direction M.

[0236] Figure 7 Part (a) is a perspective view of the device side baffle 109 when viewed from the upstream side in the installation direction M. Figure 7 Part (b) is from Figure 7 Part (a) is a perspective view of the device side baffle 109 when viewed from different viewpoints. Figure 8 Part (a) is a perspective view of the cover 110 when viewed 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 when viewed from the upstream side in the installation 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. Figure 8 As shown, the cover 110 includes an engaged portion 110h which engages with the engaging portion 107b ( Figure 3 The first frame 107, the cover 110 and the second frame 117 may be integrally constructed rather than as separate components. Figure 3 and 6 As shown, the second frame 117 is provided with an apparatus side opening 117a (frame opening, receiving opening), and the apparatus side opening 117a is in fluid communication with the toner receiving chamber 36 of the developing device 30 (see FIG. Figure 1 part (a)).

[0238] The operating lever 108 and the device-side shutter 109 (second shutter) are mounted to the base frame 2 in a manner rotatable around the rotation axis B (center axis).

[0239] The first frame 107 is provided with a positioning portion 107a. The positioning portion 107a protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface of the first frame 107 centered on the rotation axis B along the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis B. In addition, the operating lever 108 is provided with a drive transmission portion 108a (lever protrusion) and an operating portion 108b. Figure 3 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the drive transmission portion 108 a of the operating lever 108 is a protrusion that protrudes inwardly in the radial direction r of an 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 is Figure 7 As shown, a receiving opening 109a (second baffle opening, device side baffle opening) is provided in the lateral side surface of the device side baffle extending in the direction of the rotation axis B, and it includes a bottom surface 109b provided with a restricted rib 109c (rotation restricted portion). The device side baffle 109 also includes a central boss 109d (positioning shaft, shaft portion), a driven transmission portion 109e (pushed portion, device side baffle protrusion), a package 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 around the rotation axis B relative to the base frame 2.

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

[0242] Here, the device side shutter 109 is configured to be rotatable 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 opened and not covered by the cover 110. The closed position is Figure 4 Part (a) and Figure 5 The open position is the position shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , and 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). Figure 4 Part (b) and Figure 5, and is a position shown in part (b) of the apparatus side shutter 109, and is a position (communication position) where the receiving opening 109a of the apparatus side shutter 109 is in fluid communication with the apparatus side opening 117a of the second frame 117. By moving the apparatus side shutter 109 to the open position, toner can be fed (supplied) from the toner pack 100 to the toner containing chamber 36 of the developing device 30 through the receiving opening 109a.

[0243] The operation lever 108 and the drive of the device side shutter 109 are not linked for drive transmission. Therefore, when the toner pack 100 is not mounted, even if the operation lever 108 is operated, the device side shutter 109 does not rotate.

[0244] (Device side guard rotation restriction mechanism)

[0245] like Figure 3 As shown, the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1 further includes a rotation restricting mechanism 112 including 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 limiting mechanism 112 will be described. Figure 9 、 10 14 , for better illustration, the cross-sectional surfaces 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 mounted on the mounting portion 106, the device side flap 109 may be accidentally moved from the closed position to the open position due to an impact during transportation of the image forming apparatus 1 or due to a user's incorrect operation, causing the device side flap 109 to rotate beyond a predetermined angle. In this case, it may be difficult for the user to mount the toner pack 100 on the mounting portion 106 when using the image forming apparatus 1. The details of this will be described below. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is provided with a rotation restriction mechanism 112 to prevent the device side flap 109 from rotating from the closed position to the open position.

[0248] Figure 9 and 10 3 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion 106 . Figure 9 Part (a) is a 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) is along Figure 9 A sectional view taken along line X1-X1 in part (a). 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 For ease of explanation, Figure 10 The state of the mounting portion 106 in which the rotation restriction of the device-side shutter 109 is released in a state where the toner pack 100 is not mounted is shown.

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

[0250] like Figure 9 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the restriction member 113 , the release member 114 , the restriction spring 115 and the release spring 116 are arranged inside the device-side baffle 109 .

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

[0252] like Figure 12As shown, the release member 114 (guided member) is provided with a pair of release claws 114e (engaging claws) extending upward, and is provided with a center hole 114i centered on the rotation axis B. The release member 114 includes a pair of contact surfaces 114a, a contact surface 114b, a pair of rising restricted surfaces 114c, a pair of locking surfaces 114d, a pair of release claws 114e (engaged parts), a pair of contact surfaces 114f and a spring engaging part 114g. The pair of contact surfaces 114a are the end surfaces on the downstream side in the rotation direction E of the device side baffle 109. The contact surface 114b is the end surface (upper surface) on the upstream side in the installation direction M. The contact surface 114f is the end surface on the downstream side relative to the contact surface 114a in the rotation direction E. The rising restricted surface 114c is a surface connecting the contact surface 114a and the contact surface 114f, and is the end surface on the upstream side in the installation direction M (the end surface facing upward). The locking surface 114 d is a surface that projects from the outer peripheral surface of the release member 114 and faces in the mounting direction M (a surface that faces downward).

[0253] like Figure 13 As shown, when the restricting member 113 and the releasing member 114 are assembled, the locked surface 113f of the restricting member 113 is directly below and faces the locking surface 114d of the releasing member 114. In addition, the releasing claw 114e protrudes upward from the center hole of the restricting member 113 centered on the rotation axis B and exceeds the upper surface of the restricting member 113.

[0254] like Figure 9 Part (a) and Figure 9 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the limiting member 113 and the releasing member 114 are rotatably supported by the large diameter portion 109d1 of the center boss 109d of the device side baffle 109. In addition, the rotation limiting mechanism 112 is covered by the upper surface 110i of the cover 110. The center boss 109d is coaxially arranged with the rotation axis B of the device side baffle 109. The limiting member 113 is pushed in the direction of arrow C in the direction of the rotation axis B by the pushing force F1 of the limiting spring 115 (second elastic member, second pushing member), and its lower surface 113a contacts the bottom surface 109b of the device side baffle 109. The position of the limiting member at this time is the limiting position. The direction of arrow C is the installation direction M of the colorant pack 100. In addition, as shown Figure 9As shown in part (b) of the figure, the release spring 116 (first elastic member, first pushing member) is provided between the limiting member 113 and the releasing member 114 in the rotation direction of the device side baffle 109. One end and the other end of the release spring 116 are respectively engaged with the spring engaging portion 113g of the limiting member 113 and the spring engaging portion 114g of the releasing member 114. By the pushing force F2 of the release spring 116, the limiting member 113 receives a moment M1 along the rotation direction D, so 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 limiting member 113 contacts the contacted surface 110j of the cover 110 (see Figure 8 ), thereby restricting rotation in the rotation direction D. On the other hand, the release member 114 receives a moment M2 in the rotation direction E generated by the urging force F3 of the release spring 116, so 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. Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown in part (b) of the figure, the restricted rib 109c of the device side fence 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 fence 109 in the rotation 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 fence 109 in the rotation 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] (How to remove the rotation restriction)

[0257] A method of releasing the rotation restriction of the device side fence 109 by the rotation restriction mechanism 112 will be described. Figure 9 The state of part (b) overcomes the moment M2 of the release spring 116 to rotate the release member 114 in the rotation direction D, and then performs the first step of rotating the release member 114 in the rotation direction D. Figure 9 The first and second steps 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 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 urging force F1 of the restricting spring 115. Figure 10As shown, the rotation restriction is released, and the direction of arrow G is the opposite direction to the mounting direction M of the toner pack 100 .

[0259] When the rotation restriction is released, Figure 10 As shown in part (b) of , the second limiting surface 113c of the limiting member 113 retracts from the moving trajectory (rotation trajectory) of the restricted rib 109c of the device side baffle 109. The position of the limiting member 113 at this time is the restriction release position (release position). Then, the restricted rib 109c becomes movable between the first limiting surface 110c and the third limiting surface 110d of the cover 110. The distance between the first limiting surface 110c and the third limiting surface 110d enables the device side baffle 109 to rotate and move between the closed position and the open position, so that the rotation restriction of the device side baffle 109 is released. The device side baffle 109 becomes rotatable around the rotation axis B along the rotation direction D from the closed position to the open position. On the other hand, the rotation of the device side baffle 109 from the closed position in the direction opposite to the rotation direction D is restricted by the first limiting surface 110c of the cover 110. The amount of movement of the releasing member 114 in the direction of arrow G (upward direction) is sufficient as long as the movement is not less than the amount by which the second limiting surface 113c of the limiting 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 movement with the releasing member 114.

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

[0261] Figure 14 Part (a) is along Figure 9 A sectional view taken along line X3-X3 in part (b). Figure 14 Part (b) is when the limiting member 113 is Figure 14 The state of part (a) is moved in the direction of arrow G and the release member 114 is not rotated in the rotation direction D and is cut along the line X3-X3.

[0262] like Figure 14 Part (a) and Figure 8 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the cover 110 is provided with an ascending restriction surface 110e (ascending restriction portion). Figure 14 Part (a) and Figure 12 As shown in part (a), the release member 114 is provided with a rise restricted surface 114c (rise restricted portion). Figure 9When the restricting member 113 moves in the direction of arrow G in a state of contact with each other as shown in part (b), the locked surface 113f of the restricting member 113 abuts against the locking surface 114d of the releasing member 114. The same structure is also provided on the opposite side relative to the rotation axis B as the center, so that the restricting member 113 and the releasing member 114 move in the direction of arrow G (upward) as a whole. As a result, as shown in FIG. Figure 14 As shown in part (b) of FIG, the lifting restricted surface 114c of the release member 114 abuts against the lifting restriction surface 110e of the cover 110, thereby restricting the movement of the release member in the direction G, thereby restricting the movement of the restriction member 113 that moves integrally with the release member 114 in the direction of arrow G. At this time, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown in part (b) of the figure, the restricted rib 109c of the device-side baffle 109 is maintained in a rotationally restricted state by the first restricting surface 110c and the second restricting surface 113c. At this time, the position (region) of the release member 114 in the rotational direction about the rotation axis B is the rise restricted position (rise restricted region). Specifically, the rise restricted position is the position (region) of the release member 114 when the rise restricted surface 114c of the release member 114 overlaps the rise restricting surface 110e of the cover 110 when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis B.

[0263] The first step is to rotate the releasing member 114 in the rotation direction D to a rise restriction releasing position (rise restriction releasing region) where the rise restricted surface 114 c of the releasing member 114 does not abut against the rise restriction surface 110 e of the cover 110 , against the urging force of the releasing spring 116 .

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

[0265] like Figure 15 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B, the rise restricted surface 114c of the release member 114 and the rise restricting surface 110e of the cover 110 do not overlap with each other. Figure 15As shown in part (b) of the figure, the restricting member 113 is movable 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 rise restriction release position. Specifically, the rise restriction release position is the position of the releasing member 114 when the rise restricted surface 114c of the releasing member 114 does not overlap with the rise restricting surface 110e of the cover 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 as long as the rise restricted surface 114c of the releasing member 114 does not overlap with the rise restricting surface 110e of the cover 110 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B.

[0266] The method for releasing the rotation restriction of the device side guard 109 includes a first step and a second step following the first step. The first step is to rotate the release member 114 from the rise restriction position in the rotation direction D to the rise restriction release position. The second step is to move the release member 114 upward together with the restriction member 113 while the release member 114 is in the rise restriction release position, so that the restriction member 113 moves from the restriction position to the restriction release position. The second step may or may not include rotating the release member 114 in the rotation direction E until the contact surface 114f of the release member 114 abuts the second contacted surface 110b of the cover 110.

[0267] (Toner Pack)

[0268] refer to Figure 16 and 17 , the basic structure of the toner pack 100 will be described. Figure 16 Part (a) is a front view of the toner pack 100 when the pack side shutter 103 is in the closed position. Figure 16 Part (b) is a front view of the toner pack 100 when the pack side shutter 103 is in the open position. Figure 17 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 shutter 103 (container shutter, rotatable member). Figure 16 As shown, the container 101 is positioned on a first end side in the first direction D1, while the nozzle 102 and the bag side baffle 103 are positioned on a second end side opposite the first end side in the first direction. The container 101 is a bag formed from a flexible polypropylene sheet through bagging. The container 101 is not limited to a bag and may be a resin bottle or a container made of paper or vinyl resin.

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

[0271] The pack side baffle 103 (rotatable member) is provided on the outer side of the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102. The pack side baffle 103 is installed to be rotatable around the rotation axis A (first rotation axis) extending in the direction of the first direction D1, and Figure 17 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 located outside the side surface 102c in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. The side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 is a curved surface that convexes outward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. The inner surface of the pack-side baffle 103 (the surface facing the side surface 102c) is a curved surface that follows the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 and is mounted with a generally rectangular pack-side seal 105. The side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 also extends along the rotation axis A.

[0272] like Figure 16 As shown, the bag side shutter 103 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis A between a closed position in which the bag side seal 105 closes the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 and an open position in which the discharge opening 102a is opened. When the bag side shutter 103 is in the open position, the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 is exposed through the opening 103a.

[0273] Figure 16 Part (a) and Figure 16 Part (b) shows the state where the side baffle 103 is in the closed position and the open position respectively. Figure 16 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , when the package side baffle 103 in the closed position rotates around the rotation axis A in the direction of arrow K (first rotation direction), the package side baffle 103 becomes in the closed position. Figure 16 The package side shutter 103 is in the open position shown in part (b) of FIG. Conversely, when the package side shutter 103 rotates from the open position in the direction of arrow L (second rotational direction), it is brought into the closed position. During the rotation operation of the package side shutter 103, the package side shutter 103 rubs against the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 via the package side seal 105.

[0274] refer to Figures 18 to 21 The specific structure of the nozzle 102 and the bag side baffle 103 will be described. Arrow N indicates the direction from the container 101 toward the nozzle 102, and arrow U is opposite thereto. The arrow N and arrow U directions are parallel to the rotation axis A.

[0275] Figure 18 Part (a) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the nozzle 102 when the bag side baffle 103 is in the closed position. Figure 18 Part (b) is along Figure 18 FIG. 1 is a view of the toner pack 100 viewed in the direction of arrow U in part (a). Figure 19 Part (a) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the nozzle 102 when the bag side shutter 103 is in the open position. Figure 19 Part (b) is along Figure 19 FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the toner pack 100 as viewed in the direction of arrow U in part (a). Figure 20 It is from Figure 18 A view of the vicinity of the nozzle 102 as viewed from the side opposite to the side being viewed. Figure 21 It is a view of the vicinity of the nozzle 102 viewed in a direction parallel to the surfaces 102 d 1 and 102 d 2 of the nozzle 102 (a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A).

[0276] like Figure 18 Part (a) and Figure 18 As shown in part (b) of FIG, the nozzle 102 is provided with a positioned portion 102d having a surface 102d1 (first nozzle surface, first facing surface) and a surface 102d2 (second nozzle surface, second facing surface) which are arranged to face each other with a space therebetween in the arrow R direction (second direction D2) and extend in a direction perpendicular to the R direction. Figure 18 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , in this 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 pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106, the positioned portion 102d is aligned with the positioning portion 107a ( Figure 3 The part (a) is engaged. Thus, the position of the nozzle 102 relative to the first frame 107 (base frame 2) in the direction of arrow R is determined. Thus, the position of the nozzle 102 relative to the first frame 107 in the direction of rotation around the rotation axis A is also determined. Figure 18In part (b), a straight line CL1 (a first imaginary straight line) passing through the center between surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 in the R direction and extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow R is rotated approximately 90 degrees relative to a straight line CL2 (a second imaginary straight line) passing through the rotation axis A and the center of the discharge opening 102a. That is, straight lines CL1 and CL2 are perpendicular to each other.

[0277] In addition, if Figure 18 and 21 As shown, in the direction of the rotation axis A, the surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2 are provided with the surfaces 102e1 and 102e2 on the downstream side in the N direction, respectively. Figure 18 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the surfaces 102e1 and 102e2 extend in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A.

[0278] exist Figure 21 In the embodiment, side surface 102e3 (second outer surface) is provided between surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 and between surfaces 102e1 and 102e2 in the direction of arrow R. Side surface 102e3 is recessed inward in radial direction r relative to side surface 102c. Surfaces 102d1, 102d2, side surface 102e3, surface 102e1, surface 102e2, and side surface 102e3 form recess 102e (nozzle recess).

[0279] The surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2 do not need to be parallel as in the present embodiment. The surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2 may extend in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC having the rotation axis A as the center.

[0280] In addition, if Figure 18 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 the side surface 103d (outer surface of the first rotatable member) of the pack side baffle 103. Figure 18 In part (a), when the bag side shutter 103 is in the closed position, at least a portion of the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 is exposed through the opening 103a. Thus, when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106 with the bag side shutter 103 closed, the recess 102e (surfaces 102d1 and 102d2) engages with the positioning portion 107a.

[0281] In addition, if Figure 18As shown in part (b) of the drawing, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A (first direction D), when the bag-side shutter 103 is in the closed position, the driven transmission portion 103e (rotatable member recess) is provided on the opposite side of the rotation axis A from the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 (the opening 103a of the bag-side shutter 103). Both the surface 103b1 and the surface 103b2 of the driven transmission portion 103e extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow R. Figure 20 This is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the pack-side baffle 103, viewed from the side where the driven transmission portion 103e is provided. Between surfaces 103b1 and 103b2, there is a side surface 103b3 (the outer surface of the second rotatable member) that is recessed inward in the radial direction r beyond the side surface 103d. The driven transmission portion 103e includes surfaces 103b1, 103b2, and side surface 103b3.

[0282] When the side baffle 103 is Figure 18 When the closed position shown is rotated in the direction of arrow K, 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 in FIG. Figure 19 shown.

[0283] In addition, if Figure 18 and 20 As shown, the pack side shutter 103 is provided with a radial positioning portion 103f that protrudes outward beyond the side surface 103d in the radial direction r. The radial positioning portion 103f is located upstream of the pack side shutter 103 in the N direction relative to the rotation axis A. The radial positioning portion 103f is provided at each of three spaced locations in the rotational direction of the pack side shutter 103 (circumferentially around the imaginary circle VC). This structure allows the radial positioning portion 103f of the pack side shutter 103 to abut against the inner circumferential surface 109h of the device side shutter 109 when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106, thereby determining the position of the toner pack 100 in the radial direction r.

[0284] The nozzle 102 in this embodiment is a component provided with a passage through which 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 passes in the nozzle 102 can decrease, increase, or be uniform as it approaches the discharge opening 102a. The cross-sectional area and length of the passage in the nozzle 102 can be appropriately changed according to the toner discharge characteristics, etc., and therefore are not limited. In addition, the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 does not necessarily have to be the most downstream opening for discharging toner from the toner pack 100. The toner discharged from the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 can be discharged outside the toner pack 100 after passing through a passage of a component separate from the nozzle 102.

[0285] The pack side shutter 103 may be a rotatable member including a driven transmission portion 103e, and may always open the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 regardless of its rotational position. In this case, the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 may be sealed by a seal when the toner pack 100 is not mounted on the mounting portion 106, and the seal may be removed during the mounting operation of the toner pack on the mounting portion 106 or after the toner pack 100 is mounted. Alternatively, the toner pack 100 may not be provided with the pack side shutter 103.

[0286] (Toner Pack Restriction Release Unit)

[0287] refer to Figures 16 to 21 , the restriction removal unit 104 will be described. Figure 16 As shown, the toner pack 100 is oriented so that the second end side (nozzle 102 side) of the toner pack 100 is lower than the first end side (toner container side). Alternatively, the toner pack 100 is oriented so that at least a portion of the nozzle 102 is located below the container 101 and the rotation axis A is located in the vertical direction. This posture is the posture for mounting on the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1. At this time, Figure 18 Part (a) and Figure 19 In part (a), the direction of arrow N is downward and the direction of arrow U is upward.

[0288] The nozzle 102 is provided with a protrusion 102b (protrusion, engaging portion) that protrudes (projects) in the arrow N direction (downward) beyond the end surface 103c of the pack side baffle 103 in the arrow N direction. Figure 18 As shown in part (a), the protrusion 102b is a cylindrical portion (including a cylindrical portion) centered on the rotation axis A. The protrusion 102b has a protrusion end surface 102b2 as a lower end surface. The protrusion end surface 102b2 is provided with a hole formed by the inner peripheral surface 102b1 (inner peripheral guide surface) centered on the rotation axis A. The protrusion 102b protrudes downward beyond the end surface 103c of the package side baffle 103 provided below the discharge opening 102a. In addition, as shown Figure 17 As shown, the protrusion 102b protrudes downward beyond the lower end surface 102j of the nozzle 102. In this embodiment, the end surface 103c of the bag side baffle 103 and the end surface 102j of the nozzle 102 are end surfaces perpendicular to the rotation axis A, but this structure is not limited to this. These surfaces may be any surface that extends 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 protruding portion 102b is provided with a restriction releasing portion 104 including a first restriction releasing portion 104a (first protrusion) and a second restriction releasing portion 104b (second protrusion). The first restriction releasing portion 104a and the second restriction releasing portion 104b have shapes symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis A. That is, as Figure 20 As shown, the second restriction releasing portion 104b is located on the opposite side of the first restriction releasing portion 104A relative to the rotation axis A in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A. In other words, the second restriction releasing portion 104b has a shape that is 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical with the first restriction releasing portion 104a about the rotation axis A.

[0290] The first restriction release portion 104a includes a first inclined surface 104a1 (first engagement surface, downward surface, downward guiding surface, downward force application 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 with the second inclined surface 104a2 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A. Figure 18 As shown in part (a), the first inclined surface 104a1 is a surface that extends in the direction of arrow U (upward) as it proceeds 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 the direction of arrow N (downward) as it progresses in the rotation direction K about 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 the direction of arrow U as it progresses in the rotation direction L (the second rotation direction, the second circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC) about the rotation axis A, and faces the direction of arrow U. The 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 overlapping positions when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A.

[0293] In other words, there is a connection portion connecting 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] like Figure 21 As shown, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (first direction D1), the first inclined surface 104a1 extends so as to advance upward (in the direction of arrow U) as it advances in the direction of arrow J (predetermined direction) perpendicular to the rotation axis A. The second inclined surface 104a2 extends so as to advance downward (in the direction of arrow N) as it advances 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 the direction of arrow U as it moves 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 the direction of arrow N as it moves in the direction of arrow J perpendicular to the rotation axis A. The ridge lines described here are the boundaries between the respective surfaces. Ridge line 104a5 is the boundary line between the first inclined surface 104a1 and the outer peripheral surface of the first de-restriction portion 104a. Ridge line 104a4 is the boundary line between the second inclined surface 104a2 and the outer peripheral surface of the first de-restriction portion 104a.

[0296] like Figure 20 As shown, the second restriction release portion 104b has a first inclined surface 104b1 (downward-facing surface) and a second inclined surface 104b2 (upward-facing 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 have the same structures as the first inclined surface 104a1, the second inclined surface 104a2, and the cavity 104a3 of the first restriction release portion 104a, respectively, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0297] Figure 22 It is along Figure 21 sectional view of the protrusion 102b taken along line X33-X33 in FIG. Figure 22 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 are shown when viewed from above. Figure 22 In the embodiment, it can be understood that both the second inclined surface 104 a 2 and the second inclined surface 104 b 2 extend along the rotation direction of the side baffle 103 (the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A).

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

[0299] like Figure 21 As shown, the positions of the first and second restriction release portions 104a, 104b are located between the positions of the surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2 of the positioned portion 102d in the direction of arrow R. That is, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (the direction of arrow R), the positions of the first and second inclined surfaces 104a1, 104a2 are both located between the positions of the surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2 in the direction of arrow R. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (the direction of arrow R), the positions of the first and second restriction release portions 104a, 104b overlap with the position of the recessed 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 relative to the rotation axis A be 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 approximately 2 mm, and the length of the second inclined surface 104a2 is approximately 3 mm, and the length of the second inclined surface 104a2 is greater than the length of the first inclined surface 104a1.

[0301] The first slope 104a1, the second slope 104a2 and the cavity 104a3 are exposed to the outside of the toner pack 100 so that the rotation restriction mechanism 112 of the mounting portion 106 can be accessed.

[0302] (Install the toner pack to the installation section)

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

[0304] Figure 23 Part (a) of FIG. 1 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) is from Figure 23 (a) is a perspective view of the toner pack 100 and the mounting portion 106 when viewed from different viewpoints.

[0305] Figure 24 Is in toner pack 100 from Figure 23 sectional view taken along a line parallel to the rotation axis A (rotation axis B) in a state in which the state of the rotating shaft is further moved in the mounting direction. Figure 25 Part (a) is along Figure 24 A cross-sectional view taken along line X4-X4 in FIG. Figure 25 Part (b) is along Figure 24A cross-sectional view taken along line X5-X5 in FIG. Figure 26 Part (a) is along Figure 24 A cross-sectional view taken along line X6-X6 in FIG. Figure 26 Part (a) to Figure 26 Part (d) of FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a process of mounting the toner pack 100 on the mounting portion 106 . Figure 27 Part (a) is along Figure 26 A sectional view taken along line X7-X7 in part (d) of FIG. Figure 27 Part (b) is along Figure 27 A cross-sectional view taken along line X8-X8 in part (a).

[0306] exist Figure 24 、 Figure 25 ,and Figure 27 In part (b), the cross-section of the side baffle 103 and the cover 110 is shaded for better illustration. Figure 26 In FIG, the side baffle 103, the restricting member 113 and the releasing member 114 are shown in a side view, and the other members are shown in a cross-sectional view. Figure 27 In the figure, for better illustration, the cross-sectional surfaces of the cover 110, the restricting member 113, and the releasing member 114 are shaded.

[0307] like Figure 23 As shown, the toner pack 100, with the pack side shutter 103 in the closed position, is moved in the mounting direction M relative to the mounting portion 106, with the device side shutter 109 in the closed position. At this time, the pack side shutter 103 is positioned in the rotational direction so as to achieve alignment between the position of the recessed portion 102 e of the nozzle 102 (the opening 103 a of the pack side shutter 103) and the position of the positioning portion 107 a of the first frame 107 when viewed in the mounting direction M. Simultaneously, the pack side shutter 103 is positioned in the rotational direction so as to achieve alignment between the position of the driven transmission portion 103 e of the pack side shutter 103 and the position of the drive transmission portion 108 a of the operating lever 108 in the rotational direction of the pack side shutter 103.

[0308] After the above positioning, the toner pack 100 is moved in the mounting direction M and mounted on the mounting portion 106, and then Figure 24 As shown, the inner peripheral surface 102b1 of the protrusion 102b of the nozzle 102 is assembled (engaged) around the small diameter portion 109d2 of the center boss 109d of the device side baffle 109. As a result, the position of the nozzle 102 in the radial direction relative to the device side baffle 109 below the nozzle 102 (downstream side in the installation direction M) is determined. The inner peripheral surface 102b1 of the protrusion 102b does not necessarily have to be configured to cooperate with the center boss 109d, but can be configured not to interfere with the center boss 109d. Figure 25 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the drive transmission portion 108a (lever protrusion) of the operating lever 108 and the driven transmission portion 103e (rotatable member recess) of the pack side fence 103 are engaged with each other. Figure 25 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the side surface 110f and the side surface 110g of the cover 110 become closer to the surfaces 102e1 and 102e2 forming the recess 102e (nozzle recess) of the nozzle 102, respectively. In addition, the driven transmission portion 103e (rotatable member recess) of the package side baffle 103 engages with the driven transmission portion 109e (baffle protrusion) of the device side baffle 109. As a result, the rotation axis A of the package side baffle 103 and the rotation axis B of the device side baffle 109 are approximately coaxial. The operating lever 108, the package side baffle 103, and the device side baffle 109 can rotate approximately integrally relative to the first frame 107 (base frame 2) and the nozzle 102 in the rotation around 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 bag-side fence 103, thereby rotating the bag-side fence 103. Thereafter, the surface 103b1 or 103b2 of the bag-side fence 103 presses the driven transmission portion 109e of the device-side fence 109, thereby rotating the device-side fence 109.

[0309] Here, if the device side baffle 109 rotates from the closed position to the open position due to vibration during transportation of the image forming apparatus 1, the position of the driven transmission portion 109e of the device side baffle 109 shifts in the rotation direction. Then, when the toner pack 100 is to be mounted on the mounting portion 106, the following occurs. When the driven transmission portion 103e of the pack side baffle 103 engages with the drive transmission portion 108a of the operating lever 108 and thereafter the toner pack 100 further moves in the mounting direction M, the driven transmission portion 103e cannot engage with the driven transmission portion 109e of the device side baffle 109. Therefore, the toner pack 100 cannot move to the mounting completion position relative to the mounting portion 106. In order to prevent this from happening, a rotation limiting mechanism 112 of the device side baffle 109 is provided.

[0310] Here, a mechanism is described in which the rotation restricting mechanism 112 of the mounting portion 106 is released by mounting the toner pack 100 on the mounting portion 106. Hereinafter, the second restriction releasing portion 104b functions in the same manner as the first restriction releasing portion 104a, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

[0311] exist Figure 26 In 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 are not in contact with each other. When the toner pack 100 is further moved from this position in the direction of arrow N (mounting direction M), as shown in FIG. Figure 26 As shown in part (b) of , 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 colorant pack 100 moves further from this position in the direction of arrow N, the release member 114 rotates in the rotation direction D by overcoming the moment M2 (pushing force) applied by the release spring 116 through the force F5 received by the release claw 114e from the first inclined surface 104a1. 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 As shown in part (a), it is a step in which the rising restricted surface 114c of the lifted restricting member causes the releasing member 114 to rotate in the rotation direction D against the pushing force of the releasing spring 116 until the rising restricted surface 114c reaches a position where it does not contact the rising restricting surface 110e of the cover 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, Figure 26 As shown in part (c) of the drawing, the release claw 114e contacts the second inclined surface 104a2 of the nozzle 102 via the moment M2 (urging force) provided by the release spring 116, thereby receiving the force F6. Then, due to the component F6a of the force F6 in the direction of arrow G, the release member 114 is moved (guided) along the second inclined surface 104a2 in the direction of arrow G (upward) while rotating about the rotation axis A in the rotation direction E. Specifically, the rotation direction of the release member 114 changes from the rotation direction D to the rotation direction E at the connection 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. Furthermore, the second inclined surface 104a2 guides the release claw 114e, causing the release member 114 to move upward. The second inclined surface 104a2 guides the release claw 114e, causing the release member 114 to move upward while being rotated in the rotation direction E.

[0313] The movement of the release member 114 in the direction of arrow G (upward) and the rotation in the rotation direction E are the second step described above. Here, as described above, in the second step, the restricting member 113 moves along the direction of arrow G together with the release member 114. Figure 15 As 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 a second contact surface 110b of the corresponding cover 110, thereby reaching Figure 26 Part (d) and Figure 27 The installation is complete as shown. Figure 26 As shown in part (d) of FIG, when the contact surface 114f of the releasing member abuts against the second contact surface 110b of the cover 110, a portion of the releasing claw 114e enters the cavity 104a3 located above (directly above) the second inclined surface 104a2.

[0314] As described above, by mounting the toner pack 100 on the mounting portion 106 , the rotation restriction by the rotation restriction mechanism 112 of the device-side shutter 109 is released through the first and second steps described above.

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

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

[0317] By means of 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 releasing member 114 rotates violently due to the moment M2, thereby generating a slight collision sound, and the user feels the reaction with his hand holding the toner pack 100. That is, the user can recognize that the lock of the device side baffle 109 has been released by the collision sound and the reaction. When the toner pack 100 is removed from the mounting portion 106, Figure 26 The opposite process is performed, and the device side baffle 109 is restricted again by the rotation restriction mechanism 112.

[0318] (Lever operation)

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

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

[0321] like Figure 28 As shown, when the operating portion 108b of the operating lever 108 rotates in the rotation direction D after the installation of the colorant pack 100 to the installation portion 106 is completed, the device side shutter 109 rotates from the closed position to the open position, and the pack side shutter 103 rotates from the closed position to the open position.

[0322] When the package side baffle 103 rotates from the closed position to the open position, the friction force F7 received by the nozzle 102 from the package side baffle 103 through the package side seal 105 points in the direction of arrow K, as shown in FIG. Figure 18 This is shown in part (a) of Figure 28The nozzle 102 receives the friction force F7 and rotates in the direction of the same direction as the rotation direction D of the operating lever 108 in the first frame 107. The nozzle 102 receives the friction force F7 and rotates in the direction of the arrow K by the amount of engagement play (clearance) 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 a direction in which 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 shutter 103 from the closed position to the open position, the restriction member 113 moves upward (in the direction opposite to the installation direction M) together with the release member 114. Then, the second restricted surface 113c of the restriction member 113 separates upward from the restricted rib 109c of the device side shutter 109, and the margin for releasing the rotation restriction increases. Therefore, the state in which the rotation restriction of the device-side shutter 109 is released can be maintained more stably.

[0323] By the above-described operation, the accommodating portion 101 of the toner pack 100 and the toner accommodating chamber 36 rotate in fluid communication with each other through the discharge opening 102 a , the receiving opening 109 a , and the apparatus-side opening 117 a .

[0324] here, Figure 29 Part (a) of FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 100 and the mounting portion 106 when the apparatus-side shutter 109 and the pack-side shutter 103 are both 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 the apparatus-side shutter 109 and the pack-side shutter 103 are both in their respective open positions.

[0325] exist Figure 29 In the portion (a), the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 is closed by the bag side shutter 103, the bag side seal 105 and the device side shutter 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 In the portion (b) of FIG. 1 , the discharge opening 102a of the nozzle 102 is opened by moving the bag side shutter 103, the bag side seal 105, and the device side shutter 109. Therefore, by the user squeezing 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 through the discharge opening 102a together with the air, and the toner is supplied to the toner accommodating chamber 36 of the developer container 32 through the device side opening 117a.

[0326] (Variant 1)

[0327] In this embodiment 1, the first restriction releasing portion 104a and the second restriction releasing 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 employed instead.

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

[0329] Second, if Figure 30 As shown in part (b), the protruding portion 1021b is provided with a restriction releasing portion 1040b corresponding to the second restriction releasing portion 104b of Example 1. However, a portion corresponding to the first restriction releasing portion 104a is not provided.

[0330] (Variant 2)

[0331] In this embodiment 1, the first restriction releasing portion 104a is provided with the first inclined surface 104a1 and the second inclined surface 104a2, and the second restriction releasing portion 104b has a shape rotationally symmetrical with the first restriction releasing portion 104A about the rotation axis A. However, the following structure may be used instead.

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

[0333] Second, if Figure 31 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, although the first restriction-releasing portion 1042a has the first inclined surface 1042a1 corresponding to that of Example 1, it does not have an inclined surface corresponding to the second inclined surface 104a2 of Example 1. Furthermore, although the second restriction-releasing portion 1042b has the second inclined surface 1042b2 corresponding to the second inclined surface 104a2 of Example 1, it does not have an inclined surface corresponding to the first inclined surface 104a1 of Example 1.

[0334] (Variant 3)

[0335] In this embodiment 1, the protrusion 102b is provided with the first restriction releasing portion 104a and the second restriction releasing portion 104b on the outer peripheral surface 102b3 of the cylindrical portion having a hole with the inner peripheral surface 102b1 on the protrusion end surface 102b2. However, the following structure may be adopted instead.

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

[0337] (Variant 4)

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

[0339] (Variant 5)

[0340] like Figure 34 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , a toner pack 1050 in which the nozzle 1025 is bent into an L-shape may be used. The accommodating portion 1015 has a structure extending in a direction intersecting with the rotation axis A of the pack side shutter 1035 .

[0341] In addition, if Figure 34As shown in part (b) of the drawing, a toner pack 1052 in which the accommodating portion 10151 of the toner pack 1051 is suspended downward may be used.

[0342] (Variant 6)

[0343] In this embodiment 1, the first restriction releasing portion 104a and the second restriction releasing portion 104b are fixed to the nozzle 102, but they may be movable. Figure 35 As shown in part (a) of the drawing, when the toner pack 1060 is not mounted on the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1, the first restriction releasing portion 1046a is accommodated on the inner side (on the inner peripheral surface 1026b1 side) of the outer peripheral surface 1026b3 of the protruding portion 1026b. Furthermore, during the process of mounting the toner pack 1060 on the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1 or by a user's operation, the first restriction releasing portion 1046a protrudes to the outside of the outer peripheral surface 1026b3 of the protruding portion 1026b in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC.

[0344] As an example of a structure in which the first restriction-releasing portion 1046a protrudes outward in the radial direction r during the process of mounting the toner pack 1060 on the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1, when the central boss 109d of the apparatus-side fence 109 is inserted into the inner peripheral surface 1026b1 of the protruding portion 1026b, the first restriction-releasing 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 that of the first restriction-releasing portion 1046a can be applied to the second restriction-releasing portion 1046b.

[0345] (Variant 7)

[0346] The structure may be such that when the toner pack 1070 is not mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, the protrusion 1027b does not protrude from the end surface 1037c of the pack side baffle 1037, and in the process of mounting the toner pack on the image forming apparatus 1, the protrusion 1027b protrudes beyond the end surface 1037c in the direction of arrow N. That is, the protrusion 1027b is movable to take the following steps: Figure 36 The protruding position (protruding position) shown in part (b) and Figure 36 The protrusion protrudes (projects) beyond the end surface 1037c in the direction of arrow N in the protruding position, and the protrusion is retracted from the protruding position along the U direction in the retracted position ( Figure 36 ). The protrusion 1027b may be configured not to protrude from the end surface 1037c in the retracted position. In this case, the user can manually move the protrusion 1027b to the protruding position and the retracted position.

[0347] (Variant 8)

[0348] like Figure 37 As shown in part (a) of , in a state where the toner pack 1080 is not mounted 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. The structure may be such that, before or during the process of mounting 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 Example 1 and a second inclined surface 1048a2 corresponding to the second inclined surface 104a2 of Example 1, as Figure 37 as shown in part (b).

[0349] (Variant 9)

[0350] In this embodiment 1, the nozzle 102 and the protrusion 102b are formed integrally with each other, but they may be separate components. Figure 38 As shown, it may be a mounting kit including a toner pack 1090 containing toner and an accessory 1090b, and may be a mounting kit for mounting to an image forming mount.

[0351] The toner pack 1090 has the same structure as that of the embodiment 1 except that a portion corresponding to the protrusion 102 b of the embodiment 1 is not provided, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0352] The attachment 1090b has a cylindrical shape 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 relief portion 1049a and a second restriction relief portion 1049b on the outer peripheral surface 1029a3. The first restriction relief portion 1049a has an upward-facing surface 1049a2 that faces upward and descends as it travels 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-facing surface 1049a2 is configured to extend and face upward, ascending as it travels in the second circumferential direction LZ, which is the opposite direction to the first circumferential direction KZ of the imaginary circle VCZ. The attachment 1090b also has a downward surface 1049a1 that faces downward and extends in an ascending manner as it progresses in the circumferential direction (first circumferential direction KZ) along the outer circumferential surface 1029b3. Furthermore, 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 accessory 1090b may be configured to be mounted to the bottom surface of the nozzle 1029 of the toner pack 1090 (the bottom surface of the toner pack 1090). In addition, the accessory 1090b may be configured not to be mounted to the toner pack 1090. That is, the accessory 1090b is first mounted to the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1, thereby releasing the rotation restriction of the apparatus side baffle 109. Then, after the accessory 1090b is mounted, the toner pack 1090 is mounted to the mounting portion 106. The mechanism for releasing the rotation restriction of the apparatus side baffle 109 by the rotation restriction mechanism 112 by mounting the accessory 1090b to the mounting portion 106 is the same as the case of mounting the toner pack 100 to the mounting portion 106, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0354] Finally, we will describe the Figure 39 The uneven surface is formed by a surface parallel to or perpendicular to the rotation axis A. When the envelope S of the uneven surface extends in the same direction as the second inclined surface 104a2 of this basic embodiment or any of the modified examples, it can be regarded as the first inclined surface 104a1 or the second inclined surface 104a2 of Example 1. The same applies to Example 2 and its modified examples described below.

[0355] <Example 2>

[0356] Reference Figures 40 to 71, the structure of Example 2 will be described. The same points as in the above embodiment will be omitted. Among the elements disclosed in this embodiment, the elements corresponding to the components described in Example 1 are given the same names as the components of Example 1, and only the points different from Example 1 will be described.

[0357] (Toner pack installation section)

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

[0359] Figure 40 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion 206. Figure 40 Part (b) is from Figure 40 (a) is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion 206 viewed from different directions. Figure 41 Part (a) and Figure 42 Part (a) of FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting portion 206 when the operating lever 208 is in the closed position, and a view viewed from the mounting direction M (the direction of the rotation axis B), respectively. Figure 41 Part (b) and Figure 42 Part (b) of FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting portion 206 when the operation lever 208 is in the open position, and a view viewed in the mounting direction M (the direction of the rotation axis B), respectively. Figure 43 1 and 2. It is a perspective view of the mounting portion 206 viewed from the downstream side in the mounting direction M. FIG. Figure 44 Part (a) is a perspective view of the device side baffle 209 viewed from the upstream side in the installation direction M. Figure 44 Part (b) is from Figure 44 Part (a) is a perspective view of the device side baffle 209 observed from different viewpoints. Figure 44 Part (c) is a top view of the device side baffle 209 viewed from the installation direction M. Figure 45 Part (a) is a perspective view of the cover 210 viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction M. Figure 45 Part (b) is a perspective view of the cover 210 viewed from the downstream side in the mounting direction M. Figure 45 Part (c) is a top view of the cover 210 viewed from the mounting direction M. Figure 45 Part (d) is a bottom view of the cover 210 viewed from the installation direction M. Figure 45 Part (e) is a side view of the cover 210 viewed from a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction M.

[0360] Figure 40 and 41The mounting portion 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 mounted on the air hole 207c of the first frame 207. In addition, a second filter 219 having a predetermined air flow rate is also mounted on the second frame 217. Figure 45 As shown, the cover 210 is provided with a joint portion 207b (see Figure 40 The engaged portion 210h is engaged with the portion (b) 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 an integral member rather than separate members. Figure 40 and 43 As shown, the second frame 217 is provided with an apparatus side opening 217a (frame opening, receiving opening), and the apparatus side opening 217a is in contact with the toner accommodating chamber 36 (second accommodating portion) of the developing device 30 (see Figure 1 The mounting portion 206 and the toner accommodating chamber 36 form a toner accommodating unit.

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

[0362] like Figure 40 As shown in part (a) of the diagram, the first frame 207 is provided with a positioning portion 207a. The positioning portion 207a protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the first frame 207 centered on the rotation axis B in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis B. In addition, the operating lever 208 is provided with a drive transmission portion 208a (lever protrusion) and an operating portion 208b. The drive transmission portion 208a is provided with a slit 208c. The drive transmission portion 208a of the operating lever 208 is a protrusion that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface 208d of the operating lever 208 centered on the rotation axis B in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis B.

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

[0364] The center boss 209d is a shaft having the rotation axis B as its center axis, and protrudes above the bottom surface 209B (in the direction opposite to the mounting direction M). Figure 44 As shown in part (c) of FIG. 1 , the restricted rib 209c is provided outside the center boss 209d in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis B. Figure 44 Part (a) and Figure 44 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 2 , the restricted rib 209c protrudes upward from the bottom surface 209b in the direction of the rotation axis B. Figure 44 As shown in part (c), 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 on the outside of the restricted rib 209c in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC. Figure 41 As shown in part (b) of , the device-side seal 211 is installed around the receiving opening 209a.

[0365] Here, the device side shutter 209 is movable 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 opened without being closed by the cover 210. Figure 41 Part (a) and Figure 42 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the closed position is such that the receiving opening 209a of the device side baffle 209 and Figure 43 The device-side openings 217a of the second frame 217 are not in fluid communication with each other. Figure 41 Part (b) and Figure 42As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the open position is a fluid communication position in which the receiving opening 209a of the device-side shutter 209 and the device-side opening 217a of the second frame 217 are in fluid communication with each other. When the device-side shutter 209 is rotated from the closed position (non-communication position) to the open position (communication position) in the rotation direction D, the toner of the developing device 30 can be replenished (supplied) from the toner pack 220 to the accommodating chamber 36 via the receiving opening 209a. When the device-side shutter 209 is rotated from the open position to the closed position in the rotation direction E, the toner cannot be supplied from the toner pack 220 to the toner accommodating chamber 36 of the developing device 30 through the receiving opening 209a.

[0366] The operation lever 208 and the apparatus-side fence 209 do not directly engage with each other, so even if the lever 208 is operated when the toner pack 220 is not mounted, the apparatus-side fence 209 does not rotate.

[0367] (Device side guard rotation restriction mechanism)

[0368] like Figure 40 As 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] Reference Figures 46 to 50 , the rotation limiting mechanism 212 will be described. Figure 49 and 50 , for better illustration, cross-sectional surfaces of the cover 210, the restricting member 213, and the releasing member 214 are shaded.

[0370] There is a possibility that, when the toner pack 220 is not mounted on the mounting portion 206, the device side flap 209 may rotate beyond a predetermined amount from the closed position to the open position due to shock (vibration) during the logistics of the image forming apparatus 1 or due to a user's incorrect operation. If this occurs, it will be difficult for the user to mount the toner pack 220 on the mounting portion 206 when using the image forming apparatus 1. The details of this will be described later. In view of this, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is provided with a rotation limiting mechanism 212 to limit the rotation of the device side flap 209 from the closed position to the open position.

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

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

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

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

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

[0377] like Figure 47 As shown in part (d) of FIG. 2 , the release claw 214e is 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). Figure 47 Part (a) and Figure 47 As shown in part (b), the second guided portion 214eB is arranged at a position farther away 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] like Figure 47 As 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] like Figure 47As shown in part (b) of FIG, contact surface 214f ​​and contact surface 214a are end surfaces of release claw 214e on the downstream side in the rotation direction E about the rotation axis B, and they are located at the same position in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC. Contact surface 214a is located outside contact surface 214f ​​in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis B.

[0380] The first guided surface 214e1 is located on the upstream side relative to the contact surface 214f ​​in the installation 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 on the upstream side relative to the contact surface 214a in the installation 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 on the downstream side relative to the contact surface 214a in the installation 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 installation direction (the direction of the rotation axis B, the direction of gravity).

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

[0382] The pair of lift restricted surfaces 214c and the pair of locking surfaces 214d are arranged 180 degrees symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis B. Figure 47 Part (a) to Figure 47 As shown in part (c) of FIG. 1 , the rise restricted surface 214 c 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 rotation axis B. The locking surface 214 d is a surface (a downwardly facing surface) that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the release member 214 in a direction opposite to the mounting direction M and faces the mounting direction M. The release spring engaging portion 214 g is a protrusion that protrudes in the rotation direction D. The contact surface 214 b is an upwardly facing surface.

[0383] In a state where the restricting member 213 and the releasing member 214 are assembled, Figure 48 Part (a) and Figure 48As shown in part (c) of the drawing, the locked surface 213f of the restricting member 213 is located just below and faces the locking surface 214d of the releasing member 214. Therefore, this structure makes it possible that even if an attempt is made to move the restricting member 213 upward, the restricting member 213 cannot be moved 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 is moved upward. Figure 48 As shown in part (c) of the release member 214, the contact surface 214b of the release member 214 faces the contacted surface 213e of the restricting member 213. Therefore, when the release member 214 moves upward, the contact surface 214b contacts the contacted surface 213e of the restricting member 213, and the release member 214 and the restricting member 213 can move upward integrally. Figure 48 Part (b) and Figure 48 As shown in part (d) of the drawing, 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 release member 214. Furthermore, the pair of release claws 214e extend through a center hole 213i of the restricting member 213 centered on the rotation axis B and project upward beyond the upper surface of the restricting member 213.

[0384] like Figure 45 As 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 210Aa includes an upper surface 210i having a central hole 210p (cover opening) centered on the rotation axis B and a pair of eaves 210n, a first contacted surface 210a, a second contacted surface 210b, a pair of third contacted surfaces 210k, a first limiting surface 210c, a pair of rise limiting surfaces 210e, and a limiting spring engaging portion 210m. The wall 210Bb includes a side surface 210f, a side surface 210g, and the aforementioned engaged portion 210h.

[0386] like Figure 45 Part (b) and Figure 45 As shown in part (d) of FIG. 1 , the first contact surface 210a and the second contact surface 210b are end surfaces on the downstream side in the rotation direction E. The third contact surface 210k is the end surface on the downstream side in the rotation direction D. The eaves 210n is provided on the upstream side of the third contact surface 210k in the mounting direction M. Figure 45 As shown in part (c) of FIG. 1 , 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 rise limiting surfaces 210e are surfaces facing the downstream side (downward) in the mounting direction M, and as shown in FIG. Figure 45As shown in part (e) of , it includes a surface extending in a manner that advances toward the mounting direction M (downward) as it advances in the rotation direction D. The restriction spring engagement portion 210m is a cylindrical protrusion that protrudes in the mounting direction M.

[0387] Here, as Figure 49 As shown, the limiting 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 portion of the rotation limiting mechanism 212 is covered by the upper surface 210i of the cover 210. The central boss 209d is coaxially arranged with the rotation axis B of the device side baffle 209. Figure 49 As shown, the limiting spring 215 (second elastic member, second urging member) is installed between the cover 210 and the limiting member 213. One end and the other end of the limiting spring 215 are respectively engaged with the limiting spring engaging portion 210m of the cover 210 and the limiting spring engaging portion 213k of the limiting member 213. Figure 45 Part (b) and Figure 45 As shown in part (d) of FIG. 2 , the restriction spring engaging portion 210 m is an annular rib centered on the rotation axis B and is inserted into the inner diameter region of the restriction spring 215 .

[0388] The restriction member 213 is urged by the urging force F201 of the restriction spring 215 in the direction of arrow C parallel to the rotation axis B, and the lower surface 213a (see Figure 46 The portion (b) of the toner pack 220 contacts the bottom surface 209b of the device side baffle 209. The direction of arrow C is the installation direction M (gravity direction) of the toner pack 220. Figure 50 、 Figure 48 Part (b) and Figure 48 As shown in part (d) of FIG, in the rotation direction of the device side baffle 209, the release spring 216 (first elastic member, first pushing member) is installed between the limiting member 213 and the release member 214. One end and the other end of the release spring 216 are respectively engaged with the release spring engaging portion 213g of the limiting member 213 and the release spring engaging portion 214g of the release member 214. Figure 50 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the restricting member 213 is subjected to a moment M201 acting in the rotational direction D by the urging force F202 of the release 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. As a result, the restricting member 213 is restricted from rotating in the rotational direction D.

[0389] On the other hand, Figure 50As shown in part (c) of the drawing, the releasing member 214 is subjected to a moment M202 acting in the rotational direction E by the urging force F203 of the releasing spring 216, and at least one of the pair of contact surfaces 214a contacts a corresponding one of the third contacted surfaces 210k of the cover 210. As a result, the rotation of the releasing member 214 in the rotational direction E is restricted, and the position of the releasing member relative to the cover 210 in the rotational direction E is determined.

[0390] Here, the cover 210 is fixed to the first frame 207. Figure 50 As shown in part (a) of the figure, the restricted rib 209c of the device side fence 209 is located between the first restricting surface 210c of the cover 210 and the second restricting surface 213c of the restricting member 213. Therefore, the rotation of the device side fence 209 in the rotation 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 fence 209 in the rotation direction E (the direction from the open position to the closed position) is restricted by the first restricting surface 210c of the cover 210.

[0391] (How to remove the rotation restriction)

[0392] refer to Figures 51 to 54 Next, a method of releasing the rotation restriction of the device side baffle 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 will be described. For better explanation, the cross-sectional surfaces of the cover 210, the restriction member 213, and the release member 214 are hatched.

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

[0394] In from Figure 49 and 50 After the first step of rotating the release member 214 in the rotation direction D, the Figure 49The second step is to move the releasing member 214 in the direction of arrow G (upward) shown. In this 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 the structure of the toner pack 220 is explained. 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 in the direction of arrow G against the urging force F201 of the restricting spring 215. Through this second step, the toner pack 220 is mounted on the mounting portion 106. Figure 51 The direction of arrow G is opposite to the mounting direction M of the toner pack 220.

[0395] When the rotation restriction is released, Figure 51 As shown in part (b) of the figure, the second limiting surface 213c of the limiting member 213 retracts upward from the moving trajectory (rotation trajectory) of the restricted rib 209c between the closed position and the open position of the device side baffle 209. The position of the limiting member 213 is called the restriction release position (release position). In addition, the restricted rib 209c (device side baffle 209) is able to move between the first limiting surface 210c and the third limiting surface 210d of the cover 210. The distance between the first limiting surface 210c and the third limiting surface 210d enables the device side baffle 209 to 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 along the rotation direction D around the rotation axis B. On the other hand, the rotation of the device side baffle 209 from the closed position along the rotation direction E is restricted by the first limiting surface 210c of the cover 210. The amount of movement of the releasing member 214 in the direction of arrow G (upward direction) is sufficient as long as the movement is greater than the amount required to reach a position where the second limiting surface 213c of the limiting 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 so that the rotation restriction of the device-side fence 209 is not released when the rotation restricting mechanism 212 starts to be operated in the second step without performing the operation of the first step.

[0397] Figure 52 Part (a) is Figure 50 (a) is a view of the portion viewed in the direction of arrow G. Figure 52 Part (b) is along Figure 52 A cross-sectional view of part (a) taken along line X206-X206. Figure 52Part (c) shows the limiting member from Figure 52 Part (a) and Figure 52 The state of part (b) is a state of moving in the direction of arrow G. For better explanation, 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 section.

[0398] like Figure 52 Part (a), Figure 52 Part (b) Figure 45 Part (b) and Figure 45 As shown in part (d) of the figure, the cover 210 is provided with a rising limiting surface 210e (rising limiting portion), and the releasing member 214 is provided with a rising restricted surface 214c (rising restricted portion). When the limiting member 213 moves in the direction of arrow G from this state without rotating in the rotation direction D, the locked surface 213f of the limiting member 213 contacts the locking surface 214d of the releasing member 214. The same structure is also provided on the opposite side with respect to the rotation axis B, and the limiting member 213 and the releasing member 214 move integrally in the direction of arrow G (upward). As a result, as shown in FIG. Figure 52 As shown in part (c) of the figure, the rising restricted surface 214c of the release member 214 contacts the rising restricting surface 210e of the cover 210 to restrict the movement of the release member 214 in the direction of arrow G, and thus the restricting member 213 that moves integrally with the release member 214 is also restricted from moving in the direction of arrow G. Since the movement amount 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 a rotation restricted state by the first restricting surface 210c and the second restricting surface 213c, as shown in FIG. Figure 50 As shown in part (a) of . At this time, the position (area) of the release member 214 in the rotation direction around the rotation axis B is the rise limit position (rise limit area). That is, the rise limit position is the position of the release member 214 when the rise limit surface 214c of the release member 214 overlaps the rise limit surface 210e of the cover 110 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B. In addition, as Figure 52As shown in part (c) of the drawing, the rise limiting surface 210e and the rise restricted surface 214c are inclined so that the force F204 received by the rise restricted surface 214c from the rise limiting surface 210e has a component in the direction of arrow H. The rise limiting surface 210e and the rise 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 in the rotation direction E to the release member 214. Thus, even if the limiting member 213 tends to move in the direction of arrow G (upward) due to vertical vibration of the image forming apparatus 1 during transportation, the release member 214 does not easily rotate in the rotation direction D, and thus the restriction of the cover 210 in the direction of arrow G is not released.

[0399] Next, refer to Figure 52 and 53 , the process of releasing the rotation restriction of the device side fence 209 through the first and second steps will be described. The first step is a step of rotating the release member 214 in the rotation direction D against the moment M202 of the release spring 216 until the rise restricted surface 214c of the release member 214 is out of contact with the rise restriction surface 210e of the cover 210.

[0400] Figure 53 Part (a) shows the Figure 52 The state in part (a) has passed the state of the first step. Figure 53 Part (b) is along Figure 53 A cross-sectional view taken along line X207-X207 in part (a). Figure 53 Part (c) shows the Figure 53 The state in part (b) has passed the state of the second step. Figure 54 Part (a) shows the release member 214 from Figure 53 The state in which part (a) is further rotated along the rotation direction D. Figure 54 Part (b) is along Figure 54 A cross-sectional view taken along line X208-X208 in part (a). Figure 52 For better explanation, Figure 53 and 54 Only the cover 210 , the restricting member 213 , the releasing member 214 , the restricting spring 215 , and the releasing spring 216 are shown, and the releasing member 214 is not shown in section.

[0401] like Figure 53 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 2 , when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B, the rise restricted surface 214c of the release member 214 and the rise restricting surface 210e of the cover 210 do not overlap with each other. Figure 53As shown in part (b) of , the limiting member 213 can be moved 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 rotation direction around the rotation axis B is the rise limit release position (rise limit release area). That is, the rise limit release position is the position (area) of the releasing member 214 when the rise restricted surface 214c of the releasing member 214 does not overlap with the rise restricting surface 210e of the cover 210 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B. The amount of rotation of the releasing member 214 in the rotation direction D in the first step is sufficient as long as the rotation amount is greater than the amount that causes the rise restricted surface 214c of the releasing member 214 to not overlap with the rise restricting surface 210e of the cover 210 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B.

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

[0403] (Toner Pack)

[0404] Reference 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 shutter 203 is in the closed position. Figure 55 Part (d) is a front view of the toner pack 220 when the pack side shutter 203 is in the open position. Figure 55 Part (a) of 55 and part (c) of 55 are Figure 55 FIG. 2 is a left side view and a right side view of the toner package 220 of FIG. 2 . Figure 56 : is an exploded perspective view of toner pack 220. Arrow N and arrow U are parallel to rotation axis A. When toner pack 220 is in the mounted position, arrow N is a vertically downward direction (gravity direction), and arrow U is a vertically upward direction.

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

[0406] like Figure 56 As shown, on a 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 interior of the container 201. The toner stored in the container 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 can be integrally configured with the container 201. In addition, a seal (not shown) can be provided between the container 201 and the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202, and when the seal is removed, the container 201 and the discharge opening 202a can be placed in fluid communication with each other. In addition, the discharge opening 202a does not necessarily have to be the final discharge opening for discharging the toner from the toner pack 220 to the outside of the toner pack 220.

[0407] A side baffle 203 is provided on the outer side of the side surface 202c of the nozzle 202. The 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 is provided with an opening 203a (rotatable member opening, first baffle opening) on ​​a side surface 203d (first rotatable member outer surface, rotatable member side surface portion) extending in the direction of the rotation axis A. Figure 56 As shown in FIG. The pack-side baffle 203 is disposed outside the side surface 202c of the nozzle 202 in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. The side surface 202c of the nozzle 202 is a curved surface that convexes outward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. That is, the discharge opening 202a faces outward in the radial direction r (perpendicular to the rotation axis A). Furthermore, the inner surface of the pack-side baffle 203 (the surface facing the side surface 202c) is a curved surface that follows the side surface 202c of the nozzle 202, and a generally rectangular pack-side seal 205 is mounted thereon.

[0408] like Figure 55 Part (b) and Figure 55 As shown in part (d) of the drawing, the bag side shutter 203 is movable about the rotation axis A in a rotation direction K (a first rotation direction) and a rotation direction L (a second rotation direction) opposite to the rotation direction K, between a closed position in which the bag side seal 205 closes the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202 and an open position in which the discharge opening 202a is opened. When the bag side shutter 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 When the package side baffle 203 in the closed position shown in part (b) rotates around the rotation axis A in the direction of arrow K, the package side baffle 203 moves to Figure 55 203 is in the open position shown in part (d) of FIG. Conversely, when the bag side shutter 203 is rotated from the open position in the direction of arrow L, it moves to the closed position. During the rotation operation of the bag side shutter 203, the bag side shutter 203 slides on the side surface 202c of the nozzle 202 via the bag side seal 205.

[0410] Reference Figures 57 to 61 The specific structures of the nozzle 202 and the bag side shield 203 will be described below. The arrow N indicates the direction from the housing 201 toward the nozzle 202, while the arrow U indicates the opposite. The arrows N and U are parallel to the rotation axis A. When the toner pack 220 is in the installed position, the arrow N indicates the vertical downward direction (the direction of gravity), and the arrow U indicates the vertical upward direction.

[0411] Figure 57 Part (a) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the nozzle 202 when the bag side baffle 203 is in the closed position. Figure 57 Part (b) is along Figure 57 FIG. 2 is a view of the toner package 220 viewed in the direction of arrow U in part (a). Figure 58 Part (a) is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle 202 when the bag side shutter 203 is in the open position. Figure 58 Part (b) is along Figure 58 FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the toner pack 220 as viewed in the direction of arrow U in part (a). Figure 58 Part (c) is viewed from the front side Figure 58 An enlarged view of the nozzle 202 in part (a) of FIG. Figure 59 Part (a) is from Figure 57 A perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle 202 as viewed from the side opposite to part (a). Figure 59 Part (b) is Figure 59 FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the protrusion 202b of part (a). Figure 59Part (c) is an enlarged view of the protrusion 202b 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 partially enlarged view of the protrusion 202b of part (b). Figure 61 Part (a) and Figure 61 Part (b) is a front view and a rear view of the nozzle 202, respectively. Figure 61 Part (a) and Figure 61 Part (b) is a diagram of the vicinity of the nozzle 202 when viewed in a direction parallel to the surface 202d1 and the surface 202d2 of the nozzle 202 (a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A).

[0412] like Figure 61 Part (a) and Figure 57 As shown in part (b) of the nozzle 202, the nozzle 202 is provided with a positioned portion 202d having a surface 202d1 (first nozzle surface, first opposing surface) and a surface 202d2 (second nozzle surface, second opposing surface), which are arranged in the arrow R direction (second direction D2) with a gap therebetween and extend in a direction intersecting the arrow R direction. The arrow R direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. Figure 57 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 2 , the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 in this embodiment 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 mounted on the mounting portion 206, the positioned portion 202d is aligned with the positioning portion 207a ( Figure 40 Thus, the position of the nozzle 202 in the direction of arrow R (the position in the rotation direction around the rotation axis A) is determined relative to the first frame 207 (base frame 221). Figure 57 In portion (b), straight line CL1 (a first imaginary straight line) passing through the center between surface 202d1 and surface 202d2 in the direction of arrow R and extending perpendicularly thereto is in a phase rotated approximately 90° relative to straight line CL2 (a second imaginary straight line) passing through the center of discharge opening 202a and rotation axis A. That is, straight line CL2, obtained by rotating straight line CL1 90 degrees about rotation axis A, passes through discharge opening 202a of nozzle 202.

[0413] In addition, if Figure 57 and 61 As shown, the surface 202e1 and the surface 202e2 are respectively arranged on the downstream side of the surface 202d1 and the surface 202d2 in the N direction along the direction of the rotation axis A. Figure 57 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 2 , the surfaces 202e1 and 202e2 extend in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A.

[0414] exist Figure 61 In the embodiment, side surface 202e3 (second outer surface) is provided between surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 and between surfaces 202e1 and 202e2 in the direction of arrow R. Side surface 202e3 is recessed inwardly in radial direction r relative to side surface 202c. Surface 202d1, surface 202d2, side surface 202e3, surface 202e1, surface 202e2, and side surface 202e3 form recess 202e (nozzle recess).

[0415] The surface 202d1 and the surface 202d2 do not need to be parallel as in the present embodiment. The surface 202d1 and the surface 202d2 may be surfaces extending in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC having the rotation axis A as the center.

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

[0417] In addition, if Figure 57 As shown in part (b) of FIG, when the vicinity of the nozzle 202 is viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A (first direction D) when the package side shutter 203 is in the closed position, the driven transmission portion 203b (rotatable member recess) is provided on the outer surface of the package side shutter 203, on the opposite side of the recess 202e of the nozzle 202 (the opening 203a of the package side shutter 203) with respect to the rotation axis A. Figure 61 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 2 , both the surface 203 b 1 and the surface 203 b 2 of the driven transmission portion 203 b 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 pack side baffle 203, viewed from the side where the driven transmission portion 203b is located. Between surface 203b1 and surface 203b2, a side surface 203b3 (second rotatable member outer surface, rotatable member side surface portion) is provided, radially recessed inward from side surface 203d. The driven transmission portion 203b includes surface 203b1, surface 203b2, and side surface 203b3. Ribs 203e are also provided on side surface 203b3.

[0418] When the side baffle 203 is Figure 57 When the closed position shown is rotated in the rotation direction K, 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 shown in FIG. Figure 58 shown.

[0419] In addition, if Figure 57 Part (a) and Figure 59 As shown in part (a) of the drawing, the pack-side dam 203 is provided with a radial positioning portion 203f that protrudes radially outward beyond the side surface 203d. The radial positioning portion 203f is provided upstream of the pack-side dam 203 in the N direction along the rotation axis A. The radial positioning portion 203f is provided at each of three positions spaced apart in the rotation direction of the pack-side dam 203.

[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 passes in the nozzle 202 can be made smaller, larger, or uniform toward the discharge opening 202a. The cross-sectional area and length of the passage in the nozzle 202 can be appropriately modified depending on the desired toner discharge and are not limited. Furthermore, the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202 does not necessarily have to be the most downstream opening through which toner is discharged from the toner pack 220. The toner discharged from the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202 can be discharged to the outside of the toner pack 220 after passing through a passage formed by a member separate from the nozzle 202.

[0421] The pack-side shutter 203 may be a rotatable member provided with a driven transmission portion 203b but without a shutter function, so that the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202 remains open regardless of the rotational position. In this case, the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202 may be closed by a seal (not shown) when the toner pack 220 is not mounted on the mounting portion 206, and the seal may be removed during or after the mounting operation on the mounting portion 206. Alternatively, a toner pack 220 may be used without the pack-side shutter 203.

[0422] (Toner Pack Restriction Release Unit)

[0423] Reference Figures 55 to 61 , the restriction removal unit 204 will be described. Here, Figure 55 As 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 container 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 (gravity direction) and at least a portion of the nozzle 202 is below the container 201. The posture of the toner container 220 at this time is a posture for installation toward the installation portion 206 of the image forming apparatus 1. At this time, Figures 55 to 61 , the N direction is the vertical downward direction (the direction of gravity), and the U direction is the vertical upward direction.

[0424] The nozzle 202 is provided with a protrusion 202b (projection, engaging portion) that protrudes in the arrow N direction (downward) beyond the end surface 203c of the pack side baffle 203 in the arrow N direction. Figure 57 Part (a) and Figure 57 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 2 , the protrusion 202b is a cylindrical portion centered on the rotation axis A. Figure 55 As shown, the accommodating portion 201 , the nozzle 202 (the package side shutter 203 ), and the protruding portion 202 b are arranged in the specified order in the N direction, which is the mounting direction of the toner pack 220 to the mounting portion 206 .

[0425] When the protrusion 202b is viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, Figure 57 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 2 , the protruding portion 202 b is located closer to the rotation axis A than the driven transmission portion 203 b of the pack side baffle 203 in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC.

[0426] The protrusion 202b has a protrusion end surface 202b2 (a positioning surface in the mounting direction) as an end surface in the N direction. The protrusion 202b is provided with a hole having an inner peripheral surface 202b1 (a guide inner peripheral surface, a positioning inner peripheral surface) facing inward in the radial direction r with the rotation axis A as the center axis.

[0427] The inner peripheral surface 202b1 of this embodiment is a cylindrical surface centered on the rotation axis A. Figure 60 However, the present invention is not limited to this example. Figure 71 Part (a) is an enlarged perspective view of a protrusion 202b having an inner peripheral surface structure different from that of the present embodiment, Figure 71 Part (b) shows the direction of the rotation axis A when viewed Figure 71The inner peripheral surface 202b10 includes a plurality of flat surfaces inscribed in the imaginary circle, thereby defining the position of the center (central axis) of the imaginary circle VC2 relative to the protrusion 202b. The central axis of the imaginary circle VC2 coincides with the rotation axis A. The inner peripheral surface of the protrusion 202b does not necessarily need to be a surface defining a central axis. Any inner peripheral surface can be used as long as the toner pack 220 can be mounted on the mounting portion 206 without avoiding the central boss 209d.

[0428] like Figure 57 Part (a), Figure 58 Part (a) and Figure 58 As shown in part (c) of FIG. 2 , the protrusion 202b protrudes downward from the end surface 203c of the bag side baffle 203 beyond the discharge opening 202a. Figure 62 The end surface 202j (bottom surface) of the nozzle 202 shown in the part (b) of FIG. 202 is provided on the nozzle 202 in a manner that the end surface 202j (bottom surface) in the direction of the rotation axis A protrudes. Figure 56 As shown, the protrusion 202b protrudes downward beyond the lower end surface 202j of the nozzle 202. In this embodiment, the end surface 203c of the bag 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. These surfaces may be any surface 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] like Figure 58 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 package side baffle 203 preferably satisfy 0.09<L2 / L1<2.2.

[0430] In addition, if Figure 56 As shown, the protrusion 202b protrudes beyond the end surface 202j of the nozzle 202. In this embodiment, the end surface 203c of the bag 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 may be any surface that extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis A when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A.

[0431] In addition, if Figure 58 As shown in part (b), it can be understood that when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, when the package side baffle 203 is in the open position, the opening 203a of the package side baffle 203 overlaps with the discharge opening 202a in the circumferential direction of the imaginary 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). Figure 59 Part (b) Figure 59 Part (c), Figure 60 Part (a), Figure 60 Part (b) Figure 62 Part (a) and Figure 62 Part (b) describes the specific structure of the restriction release unit 204.

[0433] The first restriction release portion 204a includes a first inclined surface 204a1 (first internal engaging surface, first downward surface, first downward guide surface, first force application surface, first pushing surface), a second inclined surface 204a2 (first external engaging surface, second downward surface, second downward guide surface, second force application surface, second pushing surface) and a third inclined surface 204a3 (second engaging surface, first upward surface, upward guide surface).

[0434] When the toner pack 220 is moved in the predetermined direction ( Figure 50 ), the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 have surfaces facing the direction of arrow N (downward), and the surfaces extend in a manner that progresses in the direction of arrow U (upward) as they progress in the rotation direction K (first rotation direction) about the rotation axis A. In addition, as Figure 59 As shown in part (c) of FIG, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A, the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 extend so as to advance in the U direction (upward) as they advance in the first horizontal direction hz1 of the horizontal direction. Furthermore, when the rotation direction K is a 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 so as to advance in the arrow U direction as they advance in the first circumferential direction.

[0435] The third inclined surface 204a3 is a surface facing the arrow U direction (upward), and the surface extends in such a manner as to advance in the arrow U direction (upward) as it advances in the rotation direction L (second rotation direction) about the rotation axis A. Figure 59As shown in part (c) of FIG. , the third inclined surface 204a3 has a surface that, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A, extends in the direction of arrow U (upward) as it progresses in a second horizontal direction hz2 that is opposite to the first horizontal direction hz1. Furthermore, when the rotation direction L is a second circumferential direction that is 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 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 connected to each other through the connecting portion 204a23. Figure 59 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 connected to each other 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 the second inclined surface 204a2. In this 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 portion of the third inclined surface 204a3 is located on the second inclined surface 204a2.

[0438] like Figure 60 As shown in part (b), at least a portion of the first inclined surface 204a1 is located 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] exist Figure 60 In portion (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 portion 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] In addition, Figure 60In part (b), the two regions of first slope 204a1 separated by imaginary straight line VL204a1 passing through the rotation axis A and the most downstream end of second slope 204a2 in the rotation direction L are upstream region 204a12 and downstream region 204a11 in the rotation direction K. In this case, second slope 204a2 is not provided outside upstream region 204a12 in the radial direction r. That is, at least a portion of first slope 204a1 (upstream region 204a12) is located at a different position from second slope 204a2 in the circumferential direction of imaginary circle VC. Similarly, the two regions of first slope 204b1 separated by imaginary straight line VL204b1 passing through the rotation axis A and the most upstream end of second slope 204b2 in the rotation direction K are upstream region 204b12 and downstream region 204b11 in the rotation direction L. In this case, the second inclined surface 204b2 is not provided outside the upstream region 204b12 in the radial direction r. That is, at least a portion of the first inclined surface 204b1 (the upstream region 204b12) is located at a different position than the second inclined surface 204b2 in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC. In other words, in the first derestriction-releasing portion 204a, the upstream region 204a12 of the first inclined surface 204a1 is located upstream of the second inclined surface 204a2 in the rotational direction K. Furthermore, in the second derestriction-releasing portion 204b, the upstream region 204b12 of the first inclined surface 204b1 is located upstream of the second inclined surface 204b2 in the rotational direction K.

[0441] In addition, if Figure 59 As shown in part (c), when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A, at least a portion of the first inclined surface 204a1 is located at a different position from 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 portion of the third inclined surface 204a3 is arranged on the downstream side (upper side) of at least a portion 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 portion of the third inclined surface 204a3 overlaps with the second inclined surface 204a2, and in addition, above (directly above) the third inclined surface 204a3, a cavity 204a4 and an abutment surface 204a5 (downstream end surface, contacted surface) are provided. The abutment surface 204a5 is an end surface on the downstream side in the rotation direction K, which extends from the downstream end of the third inclined surface 204a3 in the rotation direction L along the direction of the rotation axis A. The abutment surface 204a5 faces the downstream side in the rotation direction K. Figure 59 In portion (c), the abutment surface 204a5 extends upward from the downstream end of the third inclined surface 204a3 in the second horizontal direction hz2, and is an end surface on the downstream side in the first horizontal direction hz1.

[0442] Next, refer to Figure 59 In the section (c), the inclination angles of the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2 and the third inclined surface 204a3 relative to the rotation axis A will be described. Figure 59 As shown in part (c) of the drawing, 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 relative to the rotation axis A are α1, α2, and α3, respectively. In this 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] Furthermore, in this 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. Furthermore, 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 abutment surface 204a5 are exposed to the outside of the toner pack 220 so that they can be accessed by the rotation limiting 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 mounted on 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 shutter 203 of the toner pack 220 during transportation, they are exposed when the cover or hood is removed.

[0445] Figure 62 Part (a) is along Figure 61 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X209-X209 of the protrusion 202b of part (a), showing the third inclined surface 204a3 of the first restriction release portion 204a and the third inclined surface 204b3 of the second restriction release portion 204b. It will be understood that both the third inclined surface 204a3 and the third inclined surface 204b3 extend along the rotation direction of the side fence 203 (the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A).

[0446] Figure 62 Part (b) is a view of the nozzle 202 viewed from the side where the protrusion 202b can be seen in the direction of the rotation axis A. Figure 62 As shown in section (b) of the nozzle 202, the restriction release portion 204 is disposed outside the inner peripheral surface 202b1 in the radial direction r and inside the discharge opening 202a. When the nozzle 202 is viewed along 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 disposed closer to the inner peripheral surface 202b1 than to 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 the nozzle 202 is observed in the direction of the rotation axis A, the distance from the inner circumferential surface 202b1 to the first inclined surface 204a1, the distance from the inner circumferential surface 202b1 to the second inclined surface 204a2, and the distance from the inner circumferential surface 202b1 to the third inclined surface 204a3 are preferably less than 30% of the distance from the inner circumferential surface 202b1 to the discharge opening 202a.

[0449] like Figures 57 to 61 As shown, the second restriction-releasing portion 204b is provided with a first inclined surface 204b1 (third downward-facing surface), a second inclined surface 204b2 (fourth downward-facing surface), a third inclined surface 204b3 (second upward-facing surface), a cavity 204b4 (second cavity), and an abutment surface 204b5 (second abutment surface, second downstream end surface, second contacted surface). Here, the second restriction-releasing portion 204b has a shape that is 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical with the first restriction-releasing portion 204a with respect to the rotation axis A, and is located on the opposite side of the restriction-releasing 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 abutting surface 204b5 respectively have shapes that are 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis A. That is, if the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the cavity 204a4, and the abutting surface 204a5 are rotated 180 degrees about 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 abutting surface 204b5. Therefore, a detailed description of the second restriction releasing portion 204b will be omitted.

[0450] Here, the second slope 204a2 of the first restriction releasing portion 204a is not provided outside any area of ​​the first slope 204b1 of the second restriction releasing portion 204b in the radial direction r. That is, the first slope 204a1 is provided at a position different from the second slope 204b2 in the circumferential direction of the virtual circle VC.

[0451] like Figure 61 As shown in part (a) of FIG, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (perpendicular to the direction of arrow R), the protrusion 202b is located 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 and second restriction release portions 204a, 204b are between the positions of the surface 202d1 and the surface 202d2 of the positioned portion 202d. In other words, in the direction of arrow R, the positions of the first, second, and third inclined surfaces 204a1, 204a2, and 204a3 are all between the positions of the surface 202d1 and the surface 202d2. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A, the positions of the first and second restriction release portions 204a, 204b overlap with the position of the recess 202e in the direction of arrow R.

[0452] In addition, if Figure 61 As shown in part (a), when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (radial direction r), the protrusion 202b is located within the width of the opening 203a of the pack side baffle 203 in the direction of arrow R.

[0453] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the protrusion 202 b is provided on the nozzle 202 , but it is not necessarily provided on the nozzle 202 .

[0454] Here, the protrusion 202b of the present embodiment is provided with two parts, namely, the first restriction releasing portion 204a and the second restriction releasing portion 204b which are 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis A. However, the present embodiment is not limited to such an example.

[0455] Figure 196 Part (a) and Figure 196 Part (b) is a perspective view and a bottom view of the vicinity of the protruding portion 202b in which the first restriction releasing portion 204a is provided but the second restriction releasing portion 204b is not provided.

[0456] Figure 196 Part (c) and Figure 196 Part (d) is a perspective view and a bottom view of the vicinity of the protrusion 202b in which the second restriction releasing portion 204b has a shape that is 190 degrees rotationally symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis A with respect to the first restriction releasing portion 204a.

[0457] The structure may be such that only the first restriction releasing 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. Figure 196 Part (a) and Figure 196 In addition, as shown in part (b) of Figure 196 Part (c) and Figure 196 As shown in part (d) of the figure, the second restriction relief portion 204b can have a shape that is 190 degrees rotationally symmetrical with the first restriction relief portion 204a about the rotation axis A. That is, the first inclined surface 204b1, the second inclined surface 204b2, the third inclined surface 204b3, the cavity 204b4, and the abutment surface 204b5 can have shapes that are 190 degrees rotationally symmetrical with the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the cavity 204a4, and the abutment surface 204a5, respectively, about the rotation axis A. 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-releasing portion 204b preferably has a shape that is rotationally symmetrical with the first restriction-releasing portion 204a at a range of 150 to 210 degrees about the rotation axis A. 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 symmetrical with the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the cavity 204a4, and the abutting surface 204a5, respectively, at a range of 150 to 210 degrees about the rotation axis A.

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

[0459] Reference Figures 63 to 69 , a mechanism for releasing the rotation restriction of the apparatus side shutter 209 by the above-mentioned rotation restriction mechanism 212 by attaching the toner pack 220 to the attaching portion 206 will be described.

[0460] Figure 63 Part (a) and Figure 63 Part (c) of FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the toner package 220 and the mounting portion 206 when the toner package 220 is being mounted on the mounting portion 206 and when the mounting is completed, respectively. Figure 63 Part (b) is from Figure 63 (a) is a perspective view of the toner pack 220 and the mounting portion 206 viewed from a different side. Figure 64 The portion (a) is formed in the toner pack 220 from Figure 632 is a 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 in which the toner pack 220 is further moved in the mounting direction from the state shown in part (a). 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 Part (a) to Figure 65 Part (c) of FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a process of mounting the toner pack 220 to the mounting portion 206 . Figure 65 Part (d) to Figure 65 The part (f) is respectively Figure 65 Part (a) to Figure 65 2 is a perspective view corresponding to part (c) of FIG. 1 , but only the protrusion 202 b , the releasing member 214 and the restricting member 213 are shown. Figure 66 Part (a) and Figure 66 Part (b) shows the Figure 65 2 is a cross-sectional view of a process of mounting the toner pack 220 to the mounting portion 206 after the state shown in part (c). Figure 66 Part (c) and Figure 66 Part (d) is respectively Figure 66 Part (a) and Figure 66 2 is a perspective view corresponding to part (b) of FIG. 2 , but only the protrusion 202 b , the releasing member 214 and the restricting member 213 are shown. Figure 67 Part (a) and Figure 67 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the releasing member 214 and the cover 210 . Figure 67 Part (c) and Figure 67 The parts (d) are respectively in the direction of the rotation axis A (upper side) when viewed Figure 67 Part (a) and Figure 67 FIG. 2 is a diagram of the release member 214 and the cover 210 in the state of 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 mounting of the toner pack 220 in the mounting portion 206 has been completed. Figure 68 Part (b) and Figure 68 Part (c) is along Figure 68 A sectional view taken along line X213-X213 in part (a) and a sectional view taken along line X212-X212.

[0461] exist Figure 64In the figure, the cross-section of the side baffle 203 and the cover 210 is shaded for better illustration. Figure 65 Part (a) to Figure 65 Part (c) and Figure 66 Part (a) and Figure 66 In part (b), the side baffle 203, the limiting member 213 and the releasing member 214 are shown in side view, while the other members are shown in cross-sectional view. Figure 68 In the figure, for better illustration, the cross-sectional surfaces of the cover 210, the restricting member 213, and the releasing member 214 are shaded.

[0462] like Figure 63 Part (a) and Figure 63 As shown in part (b) of the figure, the toner pack 220, with the pack side shutter 203 in the closed position, is moved in the installation direction M toward the mounting portion 206, with the device side shutter 209 in the closed position. The user installs the toner pack 220 on the mounting portion 206 by moving the toner pack 220 in the installation direction M while the toner pack is oriented in the predetermined direction. The installation direction M is the direction of arrow N, i.e., the vertical downward direction (the direction of gravity). Furthermore, the installation direction M is the direction of the rotation axis A (rotation axis B).

[0463] At this time, the toner pack 220 is mounted on the mounting portion 206 in such a manner that the two positions are aligned in the rotation direction of the pack side shutter 203 (the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC). The alignment between the first recess 202e for the nozzle 202 (the opening 203a of the pack side shutter 203) and the positioning portion 207a of the first frame 207 when viewed in the mounting direction M is as shown in FIG. Figure 63 The second one is used to align the position of the driven transmission portion 203b of the side baffle 203 with the position of the driving transmission portion 208a of the operating rod 208, as shown in FIG. Figure 63 The structure is such that by aligning one of them, the other is aligned.

[0464] After aligning these positions, the toner pack 220 is moved in the mounting direction M and mounted to the mounting portion 206, thereby Figure 64 As shown in part (a) of the figure, the small diameter portion 209d2 of the center boss 209d of the device side baffle 209 is inserted into the protrusion 202b of the nozzle 202 along the inner peripheral surface 202b1. The inner peripheral surface 202b1 of the protrusion 202b cooperates (engages) with the small diameter portion 209d2 of the center boss 209d. By this cooperation, the position of the nozzle 202 in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC relative to the device side baffle 209 located below the nozzle 202 (downstream in the installation direction M) is determined. At this time, as shown in FIG. Figure 64As shown in part (b) of the embodiment, the drive transmission portion 208a (lever protrusion) of the operating lever 208 and the driven transmission portion 203b (rotatable member recess) of the side baffle 203 are engaged with each other. In addition, the rib 203e is inserted into the slit 208c provided in the drive transmission portion 208a. At the same time, as shown in FIG. Figure 64 As shown in section (c), side surfaces 210f and 210g of cover 210 guide surfaces 202e1 and 202e2, which form recess 202e (nozzle recess) of nozzle 202. Furthermore, driven transmission portion 203b (rotatable member recess) of pack-side shutter 203 engages driven transmission portion 209e (shutter protrusion) of device-side shutter 209. This makes the rotation axis A of pack-side shutter 203 and the rotation axis B of device-side shutter 209 substantially coaxial.

[0465] The operating lever 208, the bag-side fence 203, and the device-side fence 209 are integrally rotatable 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 is rotated in the rotation direction D, the drive transmission portion 208a of the operating lever 208 pushes the surface 203b1 of the bag-side fence 203, rotating the bag-side fence 203 in the rotation direction D. Thereafter, the surface 203b2 of the bag-side fence 203 pushes the driven transmission portion 209e of the device-side fence 209, rotating the device-side fence 209 in the rotation direction D. When the operating lever 208 is rotated in the rotation direction E, the drive transmission portion 208a of the operating lever 208 pushes the surface 203b2 of the bag-side fence 203, rotating the bag-side fence 203 in the rotation direction E. Thereafter, the surface 203b1 of the bag side fence 203 pushes the driven transmission portion 209e of the device side fence 209 to rotate the device side fence 209 in the rotation direction E. Therefore, the structure is such that, without providing the above-mentioned rotation restricting mechanism 212, the device side fence 209 is configured to be rotated by the operating lever 208 via the bag side fence 203, and thus the device side fence 209 can be rotated regardless of the position of the operating lever.

[0466] Here, if the device side flap 209 rotates from the closed position to the open position in the rotation direction D due to an erroneous operation by the user or vibration during transportation of the image forming apparatus 1, the position of the driven transmission portion 209e of the device side flap 209 in the rotation direction is also offset. Then, when the toner pack 220 is to be mounted on the mounting portion 206, the result is as follows. When the toner pack 220 moves further in the mounting direction M after the driven transmission portion 203b of the pack side flap 203 engages with the drive transmission portion 208a of the operating lever 208, it cannot engage with the driven transmission portion 209e of the device side flap 209. Therefore, the toner pack 220 cannot move to the mounting completion position relative to the mounting portion 206. In order to prevent this from happening, the rotation limiting mechanism 212 limits the rotation of the device side flap 209.

[0467] Next, refer to Figures 65 to 67 , details of a mechanism for releasing the rotation restricting mechanism 212 of the mounting portion 206 by mounting the toner pack 220 on the mounting portion 206 will be described. Figure 65 and 66 2 is a diagram showing, in chronological order, a process of mounting the toner pack 220 on the mounting portion 206. The second restriction releasing portion 204b functions in the same manner as the first restriction releasing portion 204a, and thus a description thereof will be omitted.

[0468] exist Figure 65 Part (a) ( Figure 65 At the moment shown in part (d) of FIG. 1 , the first restriction release portion 204a of the nozzle 202 and the release claw 214e of the release member 214 are separated from each other. Figure 67 Part (a) and Figure 67 As shown in part (c), when viewed along the direction of the rotation axis A, Figure 47 The second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e shown is covered by the eaves portion 210n of the cover 210 so as not to be exposed through the center hole 210p of the cover 210. When the toner pack 220 is further moved from this position in the direction of arrow N (mounting direction M), the first inclined surface 204a1 of the first restriction release portion 204a and the first guided surface 214e1 of the release claw 214e are brought into contact with each other, and the position shown in FIG. Figure 65 Part (b) ( Figure 65 When the toner pack 220 moves further from this position in the direction of arrow N, the releasing member 214 overcomes the force F204 received by the first guided surface 214e1 from the first inclined surface 204a1. Figure 50The urging force F203 of the release spring 216 shown rotates in the rotation direction D. At this time, the first inclined surface 204a1 of the first restriction release portion 204a serves as a guide surface, which 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 in the rotation direction D around the rotation axis A. In addition, the first inclined surface 204a1 of the first restriction release portion 204a also functions as a first force-applying surface (first pushing surface) that applies (pushes) force to the first guided surface 214e1. The force F204 includes a force component F204x that causes the release member 214 to rotate in the rotation direction D around the rotation axis B against the urging force of the release spring 216. The releasing member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D until the first guided surface 214e1 passes the downstream end of the first inclined surface 204a1 in the rotation direction D. By the rotation of the releasing member 214 in the rotation direction D, the second guided surface 214e2 of the releasing claw 214e is exposed through the central hole 210p of the cover 210 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, as shown in FIG. Figure 67 Part (b) ( Figure 67 As shown in section (d) of FIG. Specifically, first inclined surface 204a1 functions to rotate releasing member 214 to a position where at least second guided surface 214e2 is exposed through center hole 210p of cover 210 when viewed along rotation axis A (pre-rotation function). While first inclined surface 204a1 in this embodiment is an inclined surface, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any surface that can engage with first guided surface 214e1 to rotate releasing member 214 in rotation direction D when toner pack 220 is mounted on mounting portion 206 is sufficient.

[0469] When the toner pack 220 is Figure 67 Part (b) ( Figure 67 When the position shown in the portion (d)) is further moved in the direction of arrow N, the second inclined surface 204a2 of the first restriction release portion 204a contacts the second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e, resulting in the position being in Figure 65 Part (c) ( Figure 65 In this state, when the toner pack 220 moves in the direction of arrow N, the releasing member 214 overcomes the force F205 received from the second inclined surface 204a2 by the second guided surface 214e2. Figure 50The release member 214 rotates in the rotational direction D due to the force F203 received by the release spring 216 shown. At this time, the second inclined surface 204a2 of the first limit release portion 204a serves as a guide 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 release member 214 so that the release member 114 rotates about the rotation axis A in the rotational direction D. In addition, the second inclined surface 204a2 of the first limit release portion 204a also functions as a second force-applying surface (second pushing surface) that applies (pushes) force to the second guided surface 214e2. The force F205 includes a force component F205x that causes the release member 214 to rotate about the rotation axis B in the rotational direction D against the urging force of the release spring 216.

[0470] 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 204a2 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 above-mentioned rotation restriction. That is, the first step is to rotate the release member 214 in the rotation direction D to the rise restriction release position (rise restriction release area) (such as the rise restriction release area) in which the rise restricted surface 214c does not contact the rise restriction surface 210e of the cover 210 when the release member 214 rises, overcoming the urging force of the release spring 216. Figure 53 ) (as shown in part (b) of the figure). In other words, the first step is to rotate the release member 214 in the rotational direction D, overcoming the urging force of the release spring 216, to a position where the lift restriction surface 214c does not overlap with the lift restriction surface 210e of the cover 210 when viewed along the rotation axis B. Although the second inclined surface 204a2 of this 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 when the toner pack 220 is mounted on the mounting portion 206, thereby rotating the release member 214 in the rotational direction D.

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

[0472] At this time, if Figure 66 Part (a) ( Figure 66As shown in part (c) of the drawing, 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 (urging force) of the release spring 216, and receives a force F206 therefrom. Then, due to 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 is rotated in the rotation direction D by the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3 guides the third guided surface 214e3, causing the release member 214 to move in the direction of arrow G (upward) while being rotated in the rotation 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 rotation 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 rotation direction E until Figure 47 The contact surface 214a and the contact surface 214f ​​of the releasing member 214 shown in the portion (d) of FIG. 2 abut against the abutting surface 204a5 of the protruding portion 202b. That is, in the releasing member 214, the rotation in the rotation direction E is stopped by the contact surface 214a and the contact surface 214f ​​abutting (contacting) the abutting surface 204a5 of the protruding portion 202b. In this way, when the toner pack 220 is in the 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. Figure 68 The cross section taken along line X214-X214 in part (a) is the same as Figure 51 The same as in part (b), and the rotation restriction of the device side baffle 209 is released.

[0474] As described above, by attaching the toner pack 220 to the mounting portion 206, the rotation restriction imposed on the device side guard 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 is released through the first and second steps described above. Although the third inclined surface 204a3 in this 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 third guided surface 214e3 when the toner pack 220 is attached to the mounting portion 206, causing the release member 214 to move in the direction of arrow G (upward). In this embodiment, in the second step, the release member 214 rotates in the rotation direction E, but the structure may be such that the release member 214 does not rotate in the rotation direction E.

[0475] like Figure 68As shown in part (a) of , the installation completion position of the colorant pack 220 is the position where the protrusion 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 colorant pack 220 relative to the mounting portion 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 cooperates (engages) with the small diameter portion 209d2 of the center boss 209d of the device side baffle 209, thereby determining the position of the downstream side nozzle in the installation direction M in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC. In addition, as shown in Figure 68 Part (c) (which is along Figure 68 As shown in the cross section taken along the line X212-X212 of the portion (a), the radial positioning portion 203f ( Figure 57 、 Figure 59 ) and the inner peripheral surface 209h ( Figure 44 ) contact. Thus, the positions of the upstream nozzle 202 and the pack side shutter 203 (toner pack 220) in the mounting direction M in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC are determined.

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

[0477] By the above-described mechanism, the rotation restriction of the device-side shutter 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 is released, and the device-side shutter 209 becomes rotatable from the closed position to the open position.

[0478] In addition, when the contact surface 214a and the contact surface 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 to produce a slight collision sound. In addition, the user's hand holding the toner pack 220 may feel a reaction. That is, the user can also recognize that the rotation restriction of the device side baffle 209 is released (installation is completed) through the collision sound or reaction. When the toner pack 220 is removed from the mounting portion 206, the Figure 65 The process is reversed, and the rotation of the device side baffle 209 is restricted by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 again.

[0479] (Operation of the joystick)

[0480] When the toner pack 220 is in the installation completed position, as shown in FIG. Figure 68 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, 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 fence 203 are engaged with each other. Figure 68 As shown in part (c) of the drawing, the driven transmission portion 203b (rotatable member recess) of the pack side shutter 203 engages with the driven transmission portion 209e (shutter protrusion) of the device side shutter 209. Specifically, as described above, this structure allows the operating lever 208, the pack side shutter 203, and the device side shutter 209 to rotate integrally about the rotation axis A (rotation axis B) when the toner pack 220 is mounted on the mounting portion 206.

[0481] here, Figure 69 Part (a) of FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the toner pack 220 as viewed from above when the operation lever 208 is in the closed position. Figure 69 Part (b) is a perspective view of the toner pack 220 as viewed from above when the operation lever 208 is in the open position. Figure 69 Part (c) is shown in Figure 69 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the user releases the housing portion 201 and replenishes the toner in the state of part (b).

[0482] like Figure 69 Part (a) and Figure 69 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 2 , 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 mounted on the mounting portion 206, the device side shutter 209 is rotated from the closed position to the open position, and even when the operating lever 208 for rotating the pack side shutter 203 from the closed position to the open position is rotated, the accommodating portion 101 does not rotate. What rotates together with the operating lever 208 are the pack side shutter 203 and the device side shutter 209.

[0483] When the bag side baffle 203 rotates from the closed position to the open position, the friction force F207 received by the nozzle 102 from the bag side baffle 103 via the bag side seal 105 points to the rotation direction K, as shown in FIG. Figure 57 This is shown in part (a) of Figure 69 The rotation direction D of the operating lever 108 in the nozzle 202 is the same. The nozzle 202 receives the friction force F207 and can rotate in the rotation direction K by the amount of play between the surface 202d1 and the surface 202d2 and the positioning portion 207a of the first frame 207. 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 bag side fence 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 separates upward from the restricted rib 209c of the device side fence 209, resulting in an increase in the margin for releasing the rotation restriction. Therefore, the state in which the rotation restriction on the device-side shutter 109 is released can be maintained more stably.

[0484] By the above-described operation, the accommodating portion 201 of the toner pack 220 and the toner accommodating chamber 36 communicate with each other through the discharge opening 202 a , the receiving opening 209 a , and the apparatus-side opening 217 a .

[0485] here, Figure 70 Part (a) of FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 220 and the mounting portion 206 when both the apparatus-side shutter 209 and the pack-side shutter 203 are in the closed position. Figure 70 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 220 and the mounting portion 206 when both the apparatus-side shutter 209 and the pack-side shutter 203 are in the open position.

[0486] exist Figure 70 In the portion (a), the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202 is closed by the bag side baffle 203, the bag 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. Figure 70 In the portion (b), the discharge opening 202a of the nozzle 202 is opened by the movement of the bag side baffle 203, the bag side seal 205 and the device side baffle 209. Figure 69As shown in part (c) of the drawing, as the accommodating portion 201 is squeezed by the user, the toner in the accommodating portion 201 is discharged from the discharge opening 202a together with the air to the outside of the toner pack 220. A portion of the air discharged from the discharge opening 202a passes through the first filter 218 and the second filter to be discharged to the outside of the mounting portion 206. The toner is replenished into the toner accommodating chamber 36 of the developer container 32 through the device-side opening 217a of the second frame 217.

[0487] (Variant 1)

[0488] Next, refer to Figures 72 to 78 , another structure will be described. The same points as those in the above example will be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this modification, the elements corresponding to the components described in Example 2 are assigned the same names as the components of Example 2, and the differences from Example 2 will be described.

[0489] In Example 2, the protrusion 202b of the nozzle 202 is integrally formed with the nozzle 202. In this variation, the protrusion of Example 2 is an accessory that is a separate component from the nozzle. This accessory is to be mounted on the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, the mounting kit includes this accessory and a toner pack without the protrusion. The structure of the accessory will be described below.

[0490] Figure 72 It is a perspective view of attachment 2102A of this variation. Figure 72 Part (a) and Figure 72 Part (b) is a perspective view of the attachment 2102A viewed from different viewpoints. Figure 72 Part (c) is from Figure 72 Part (b) is a perspective view of the accessory observed from different viewpoints. Figure 76 is a perspective view of the toner pack 2120 without the protrusion. Figure 77 Part (a) is a side view of a state in which the toner pack 2120 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, Figure 77 Part (b) is along Figure 77 A cross-sectional view taken along line X2103-X2103 in part (a). Figure 78 This is a perspective view of an attachment 21102A having a shape different from that of the attachment 2102A of this modification.

[0491] When the attachment 2102A is mounted on the mounting portion 206, the rotation restriction of the rotation restriction mechanism 212 can be released even if the attachment 2102A is mounted on the mounting portion 206 from any phase in the circumferential direction of the virtual circle VC.

[0492] like Figure 72As shown in part (a) of the embodiment, the attachment 2102A is generally cylindrical and includes a cylindrical portion 2102Aa and a protrusion 2102Ab arranged in sequence from the first end side of the first direction D1. The cylindrical portion 2102Aa and the protrusion 2102Ab have an inner circumferential surface 2102Ab1. The inner circumferential surface 2102Ab1 of this modification is a cylindrical surface having a central axis A. The inner circumferential surface 2102Ab1 does not necessarily have to be a cylindrical surface as in Example 2. The protrusion 2102Ab and Figure 59 Part (b) and Figure 59 Part (c) and Figure 60 The protrusion 202b of the nozzle 202 of the second embodiment shown has the same structure. The first restriction relief portion 2104a (first protrusion) and the second restriction relief portion 2104b (second protrusion) of the protrusion 2102Ab of this modification have the same structures as the first restriction relief portion 204a and the second restriction relief portion 204b of the second embodiment, respectively, and are constructed with the center axis A of the inner circumferential surface 2102Ab1 as a reference. Specifically, 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 protrusion 2102Ab have the same structures 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 with the center axis A of the inner circumferential surface 2102Ab1 as a reference. The second restriction releasing portion 2104b has a shape that is 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical with the first restriction releasing portion 2104a with respect to the rotation axis A, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

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

[0494] The end surfaces 2102At and 2102Au of the second end sides of the protrusions 2102Am and 2102An in the first direction D1 are flat surfaces perpendicular to the center 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 protrusion end surface 2102Ab2 of the protrusion 2102Ab.

[0495] (Installation of accessories)

[0496] The attachment 2102A is mounted on the mounting portion 206 of the image forming apparatus 1. The details will be described below. Figure 73 、 74 and 75, a method of mounting the accessory 2102A on the image forming apparatus 1 (method of use) will be described.

[0497] Figure 73 It is a schematic diagram showing the parts of the cover 210, the limiting member 213, the releasing member 214 and the device side baffle 209 related to the installation operation of the accessory 2102A to the installation portion 206, and other parts are omitted. Figure 73 Part (a) is the top view, Figure 73 Part (b) is along Figure 73 A cross-sectional view taken along line X2101-X2101 in part (a). Figure 74 and 75 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the installation process. In addition, the figure shows the cover 210, the limiting member 213 and the releasing member 214 related to the installation of the accessory 2102A to the image forming apparatus 1, and the other parts are omitted. That is, Figure 74 and 75 It is from Figure 73 The device side baffle 209 is omitted in the figure. Figure 74 Part (a), Figure 74 Part (b) Figure 75 Part (a) and Figure 75 Part (b) is along Figure 73 The cross-sectional view taken along line X2101-X2101 in part (a) shows a process of attaching the accessory 2102A to the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 74 Part (c), Figure 74 Part (d), Figure 75 Part (c) and Figure 75 Part (d) is along Figure 73 The cross-sectional view taken along the line X2102-X2102 in part (b) corresponds to Figure 74 Part (a), Figure 74 Part (b) Figure 75 Part (a) and Figure 75 The state shown in part (b).

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

[0499] like Figure 74 Part (a) and Figure 74As shown in part (c) of FIG. 2 , when the accessory 2102A is mounted in the direction of arrow N, the inner peripheral surface 2102Ab1 of the accessory 2102A engages with the central boss 209d of the device side baffle 209, and then the protruding end surface 2102Ab2 of the accessory 2102A abuts against the upper surface 210i of the cover 210. Figure 74 Part (b) and Figure 74 As shown in part (d) of FIG, the user pushes the attachment 2102A in the direction of arrow N while rotating the attachment 2102A in the rotation direction E, and 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. Figure 75 Part (a) and Figure 75 As shown in part (c) of the embodiment, when the user further rotates the accessory 2102A in the rotation direction E, the first inclined surface 2104a1 of the accessory 2102A comes into contact with the guided surface 214e1 of the release member 214. In this way, as in the embodiment 2, the release member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D while being guided by the first inclined surface 2104a1 by applying a force from the first inclined surface 214a1. In addition, by the user rotating the accessory 2102A in the rotation direction E, as shown in FIG. Figure 75 As shown in part (c) of FIG. 2 , the surface 2104s abuts against the eaves portion 210n of the cover 210 in the rotation direction E, thereby stopping the rotation of the accessory 2102A.

[0500] When the user Figure 75 Part (a) and Figure 75 When the attachment 2102A is further pushed in the direction of arrow N, the inclined surface 2102Aw (see Figure 72 The portion (b) of the cover 210 abuts against the flange portion 210n of the cover 210, whereby the accessory 2102A slightly rotates along the inclined surface 2102Aw relative to the cover 210 in the rotation direction D. Figure 75 Part (b) and Figure 75 As shown in part (d) of , when the user pushes the accessory 2102A in the direction of arrow N, the end surface 2102As and the end surface 2102Ar are sandwiched between the eaves 210n in the rotation direction centered on the central axis A and the surface 210r facing the eaves 210n in the rotation direction centered on the central axis A, and they are tightly fitted. Here, the surface 210r is parallel to the central axis A and is processed so that the rotation direction E surrounds the central axis A. In addition, when the user pushes the accessory 2102A in the direction of arrow N, the protrusion end surface 2102Ab2 abuts against the pack contact surface 209g, and the movement of the accessory 2102A in the direction of arrow N is stopped (see Figure 77 part (b)).

[0501] The operation of the releasing member 214 performed along with the attachment of the above-described accessory 2102A to the mounting portion 206 will be described.

[0502] First, if Figure 75 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 2 , the release member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D while being guided by the first inclined surface 2104a1.

[0503] Furthermore, the attachment 2102A moves in the direction of the arrow N, and the releasing member 214 receives a force F204 (see FIG. 204 ) from the first inclined surface 2104a1 via the first guided surface 214e1. Figure 65 )overcome Figure 50 The spring 216 shown rotates in the rotation direction D due to the biasing force F203.

[0504] The releasing 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 releasing portion 2104a abuts against the second guided surface 214e2 of the releasing claw 214e, and as a result, reaches Figure 65 Part (c) ( 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 by the second guided surface 214e2 from the second inclined surface 2104a2, overcoming the urging force F203 applied by the release spring 216.

[0506] The releasing 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 releasing member 214 in the rotation direction D until then is the first step for releasing the rotation restriction.

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

[0508] As in Example 2, the rotation restriction of the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the image forming apparatus 1 is released, and the apparatus side fence 209 becomes rotatable. Here, the attachment 2102A is mounted on the mounting portion 206 starting at any phase in the rotational direction about the central axis A. The release operation starting from this state depends on the phase at which the mounting is started, but the rotation restriction of the rotation restriction mechanism 212 can be released regardless of the state in which the release operation is started.

[0509] After the accessory 2102A is mounted on the mounting portion 206, as shown in FIG. Figure 76 The toner pack 2120 shown without the protrusion is mounted on the mounting portion 206 of the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 77 As shown. Figure 76 As shown, since a toner pack 2120 of the present modification has the same shape as that of Embodiment 2 except for the nozzle 202 shown in Embodiment 2, descriptions 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 at the first end side in the first direction D1. A surface 2102Bb perpendicular to the central axis A is provided at the second end side in the first direction D1 of the recess 2102Ba. Figure 77 As shown in part (b) of the figure, the toner pack 2120 is mounted on the mounting portion 206 in the same manner as in Example 2. The through-hole 203h, located on the first end side of the pack side guard 203 in the first direction D1 and coaxial with the center axis A of the attachment 2102A, engages with the cylindrical portion 2102Aa. It suffices if the through-hole 203h is larger than the cylindrical portion 2102Aa. Similarly, the recess 2102Ba of the nozzle 2102B engages (fits) with the cylindrical portion 2102Aa of the attachment 2102A, thereby determining the radial position of the nozzle 2102B relative to the attachment 2102A. Furthermore, the surface 2102Bb of the nozzle 2102B abuts against the end surface 2102Ax of the attachment 2102A, completing the mounting in the direction indicated by arrow N. Then, in the same manner as in Example 2, the toner within the accommodating portion 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 Example 2, and then the attachment 2102A is removed against the tight fitting force of the cover 210 .

[0511] The mounting kit may include the accessory 2102A and the toner pack 2120 without the protrusion.

[0512] The method for using the mounting kit has two steps. The first step involves moving accessory 2102A downward along the central axis while oriented in the predetermined direction to mount it on the mounting portion. The second step follows the first step and involves mounting toner pack 2120 on the mounting portion. The first step releases the rotation restriction imposed by rotation restriction mechanism 212 of device side guard 209. The second step completes the mounting of toner pack 2120 onto mounting portion 206, where accessory 2102A is mounted.

[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 the toner pack 2120 is used, the user can pre-install the accessory 2102A on the image forming apparatus 1 to release the rotation restriction of the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the apparatus side fence 209, as in the other embodiments. When the toner pack 2120 is used, the user can pre-install the accessory 2102A on the toner pack 2120 to release the rotation restriction of the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the apparatus side fence 209, as in the other embodiments.

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

[0515] The accessory 2102A is described as having a structure by which the rotation restriction of the rotation restriction mechanism 212 can be released regardless of the starting phase of the attachment 2102A on the mounting portion 206 in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC. However, a simpler structure such as the accessory 2102A can also be adopted, in which the user aligns and mounts the mounting portion 206 in a manner that matches the phase of the mounting portion 206 around the central axis A.

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

[0517] The cylindrical portion 21102Aa has an inner peripheral surface 21102Ab1. The inner peripheral surface 21102Ab1 of this modification is a cylindrical surface having a central axis A. Figure 71 As shown, the inner peripheral surface 21102Ab1 does not need to be a cylindrical surface as long as it can define the central axis A. The protrusion 21102Ab has the same structure as the protrusion 202b of the nozzle 202 of Example 2, as shown in FIG. Figure 59 Part (b) Figure 59 Part (c) and Figure 60As shown. The first restriction relief portion 21104a (first protrusion) and the second restriction relief portion 21104b (second protrusion) of the protrusion 21102Ab have the same structures as the first restriction relief portion 204a and the second restriction relief portion 204b of Example 2, respectively, and are constructed relative to the central axis A of the inner peripheral surface 21102Ab1. In other words, 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 have the same structures 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 relative to the central axis A of the inner peripheral surface 2102Ab1. 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] On the first end side of the cylindrical portion 21102Aa in the first direction D1, a triangular marking portion 21102Ac is provided at a position away from the central axis A 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, the nozzle 2102B is provided with a cylindrical recess 2102Ba 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. 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 using the operating portion 208b of the operating lever 208 shown in FIG. This is because when mounting the accessory 21102A 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 that of the above-described structure, and therefore, its description 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 apparatus side shutter 209 is released, and toner can be replenished from the toner pack 2120 into the toner accommodating chamber 36 of the developer container 32.

[0521] Alternatively, the structure may be such that the attachment 21102A is pre-installed on the toner pack 2120 before use. In this manner, similar to Embodiment 2, the rotation restriction of the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the device side shutter 209 can be released by attaching the toner pack 2120 to the mounting portion 206. In this case, when the toner pack 2120 is oriented in a predetermined direction, the attachment 21102A is attached to the lower end of the nozzle 2102B at a predetermined rotational phase. This eliminates the need for phase adjustment when attaching the toner pack 2120 to the mounting portion 206.

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

[0523] (Variant 2)

[0524] Next, refer to Figures 79 to 87 , another structure will be described. The points that are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment and modification 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 that are different from embodiment 2 and modification 1 of embodiment 2 will be described.

[0525] In Modification 1 of Embodiment 2, a mounting kit including mounting portion 2102 (having protrusion 2102Ab) and toner pack 2120 (having pack side baffle 203 and housing portion 210) has been described. In the modification now described, a structure in which an accessory includes a baffle (rotatable member) will be described. That is, this modification relates to a mounting kit including an accessory and a toner pack, the accessory including a baffle and a protruding member having a protrusion. However, with this mounting kit, as in Embodiment 2, it is also possible to release the rotation restriction of rotation restriction mechanism 212 of device side baffle 209 and replenish toner from the toner pack into toner housing chamber 36 of developer container 32.

[0526] In this modification, referring to Figure 79 、 80 , 81 and 82, the attachment 2230 including the protruding member 2202 and the baffle 2203 will be described. Figure 79 Part (a) and Figure 79 Part (b) is a perspective view and a side view of the attachment 2230 of this variant example. Figure 80 Parts (a) and (b) are perspective views of the baffle 2203 viewed from different directions, respectively. Figure 81 is a perspective view of the protruding member 2202.

[0527] like Figure 79As shown in part (a) of FIG. 2 , the attachment 2230 of this modification example includes a flap (rotatable member) 2203 and a protruding member 2202 (projecting member). The flap 2203 and the protruding member 2202 are arranged along the first direction D1.

[0528] refer to Figure 80 and 81 The structure of each component will be described in detail. Here, the baffle 2203 of this modification has the same shape as the bag-side baffle 203 of Example 2, except for the portion where the protruding member 2202 is mounted. Therefore, only the portion where the protruding member 2202 is mounted will be described. The baffle 2203 is rotatably mounted to the protruding member 2202 about the central axis A serving as the rotation axis. Further, hereinafter, in the first direction D1, the baffle 2203 side is referred to as the first end, while the protruding member 2202 side is referred to as the second end.

[0529] like Figure 80 As shown in part (a) of the embodiment, the baffle 2203 has a generally cylindrical shape centered on the central axis A and includes a hollow cylindrical portion 2203a substantially coaxial with the central axis A at its second end in the first direction D1. Inside the hollow cylindrical portion 2203a, which is centered on the central axis A, the baffle 2203 has a cylindrical surface 2203b substantially coaxial with the axis A and a through-hole 2203c, which has a smaller diameter than the cylindrical surface 2203b, disposed sequentially from the first end in the first direction D1. The hollow cylindrical portion 2203a has two engaging portions 2203k disposed at positions 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical about the central axis A. The engaging portions 2203k are arranged to protrude from the hollow cylindrical portion 2203A toward the first end in the first direction D1 and are further provided with claw portions 2203m that protrude toward the central axis A. The claw portion 2203m faces the second end portion side in the first direction D1 and has a support surface 2203n substantially perpendicular to the central axis A. In addition, the surface 2203r is located on the central axis A side of the claw portion 2203m. The surface 2203r is arranged on the inner side of the cylindrical surface 2203b relative 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. Figure 80As shown in part (b), the surface 2203d is provided with two recesses 2203e recessed toward the second end side in the first direction D1 at a position that is 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical about the central axis A. The recess 2203e has a fan-shaped recessed shape centered on the central axis A, and its side close to the central axis A is fluidically connected to the through-hole 2203c, while its side away from the central axis A has a radius smaller than that of the cylindrical surface 2203b. In addition, the angle of the fan-shaped shape around the central axis A is approximately 90 degrees. The recess 2203e has a surface 2203f that intersects with the rotation direction D on the upstream side of the rotation direction D, and a surface 2203g that roughly intersects with the rotation direction D on the downstream side of the rotation direction D. A surface 2203h that is roughly perpendicular to the central axis A is provided on the second end side (bottom surface of the recess) of the recess 2203e in the first direction D1. As shown Figure 83 As shown in part (b) of the embodiment, the baffle 2203 is further provided with a driven transmission portion 2203u (rotatable member recess) that is recessed inwardly in the radial direction r on the side circumference 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 provided with the driven transmission portion 2203u relative to the central axis A. The driven transmission portion 2203u has the same structure as that of embodiment 2. Figure 57 Part (b) and Figure 59 The structure and function of the driven transmission part 203b shown in part (a) are the same as those of the embodiment 2. Figure 57 Part (a) and Figure 61 The opening 203a has the same structure as that shown in part (a).

[0530] like Figure 81 As shown, the protruding member 2202 has a roughly cylindrical shape centered on the central axis A, and is provided with a first cylindrical portion 2202a, a second cylindrical portion 2202c having a diameter smaller than that of the first cylindrical portion 2202a, and a roughly cylindrical protrusion 2202b (protruding portion) in sequence 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 circumferential surface 2202b1 (guiding inner circumferential surface, positioning inner circumferential surface) centered on the central axis A. The inner circumferential surface 2202b1 of this modification is a cylindrical surface having the central axis A. The inner circumferential surface 2202b1 is preferably a cylindrical surface or a convex surface as in Example 2. Figure 71 Surfaces that may define a central axis A are shown.

[0531] The protrusion 2202b has the same Figure 59 Part (b) Figure 59 Part (c) and Figure 60 The first restriction-releasing portion 2204a (first protrusion) and the second restriction-releasing portion 2204b (second protrusion) of the protruding member 2202Ab of this modification example respectively have the same structure as the first restriction-releasing portion 204a and the second restriction-releasing portion 204b of Example 2, and are constructed with reference to the central axis A of the baffle 2203, which serves as the rotation axis. Specifically, 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 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 abutting surface 204a5 of Example 2, and are constructed with reference to the central axis A of the inner circumferential surface 2102Ab1. The second restriction releasing portion 2204b has a shape that is 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical with the first restriction releasing portion 2204a with respect to the rotation axis A, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

[0532] Two protrusions 2202e are provided at two positions 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical about the central axis A, projecting from the first cylindrical portion 2202a toward the second end portion in the first direction D1. The protrusions 2202e are provided inwardly of the outer shape of the first cylindrical portion 2202a in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the central axis A, and are connected to the second cylindrical portion 2202c on the central axis A side. Each protrusion 2202e has an end surface 2202f intersecting the rotational direction D on the upstream side thereof, and an end surface 2202g intersecting the rotational direction D on the downstream side thereof.

[0533] In addition, if Figure 79 As shown in part (b), 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, refer to Figure 82 and 83 , the assembly of the baffle 2203 and the protruding member 2202 will be described. Figure 82 It is an exploded perspective view of the attachment 2230 of this modification. Figure 83 Part (a) and Figure 83 The portion (b) is when the protruding member 2202 is placed in the first position relative to the baffle 2203, respectively along Figure 79 A cross-sectional view taken along lines X2201-X2201 and X2202-X2202.

[0536] like Figure 82 As shown, the protruding member 2202 is disposed substantially coaxially with the central axis A of the baffle 2203 from the first end side in a first direction D1. The protruding member 2202 is attached to the baffle 2203 while the two engaging portions 2203k of the baffle 2203 are pushed away from each other. Thereafter, the protruding member 2202 is supported by the baffle 2203 so that the second cylindrical portion 2202c fits within the through-hole 2203c of the baffle 2203. Furthermore, the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion 2202a of the protruding member 2202 fits lightly against the cylindrical surface 2203b of the baffle 2203.

[0537] like Figure 83 As shown in part (a) of the drawing, the first cylindrical portion 2202a of the protruding member 2202 abuts against the surface 2203d of the baffle 2203, thereby maintaining its position in the first direction D1. Furthermore, the protruding member 2202 abuts against the support surface 2203n on the first end side of the engaging portion 2203k of the baffle 2203 in the first direction D1, with the hollow cylindrical portion 2203a sandwiched between the surface 2203d and the support surface 2203n. This prevents the protruding member 2202 from being dislodged from the baffle 2203 in the first direction D1.

[0538] On the other hand, Figure 83 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 2 , 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 a 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 rotation direction centered on the central axis A. In other words, the protruding member 2202 is supported so as to be movable between a first position and a second position relative to the baffle 2203 in the rotation direction centered on the rotation 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 so that the protrusion 2202b protrudes beyond the lower surface of the baffle 2203, as shown in FIG. Figure 83 In addition, Figure 83 Part (a) and Figure 79 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 2 , 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 in FIG. Figure 83 Part (a) and Figure 79 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 2 , 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. Figure 83 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 2 , when viewed from the direction of the central axis A, the protruding member 2202 (protruding portion 2202 b ) is located closer to the central axis A than the driven transmission portion 2203 u of the baffle 2203 in the radial direction r.

[0540] (Installation of accessories)

[0541] That is, the attachment 2230 is moved downward (in the direction of arrow N) toward the mounting portion 206 while being oriented in the predetermined direction described above, and is mounted on the mounting portion 206 .

[0542] at this time, Figure 83 The driven transmission portion 2203u of the baffle 2203 shown in part (b) and the driven transmission portion 209e of the device side baffle 209 (baffle protrusion, see Figure 44 ) engage. This places the baffle opening 2203t of the baffle 2203 and the receiving opening 209a of the device-side baffle 209 in fluid communication with each other. Furthermore, the inner peripheral surface 2202b1 of the protruding portion 2202b of the protruding member 2202 is mated (engaged) with the small diameter portion 209d2 of the central boss 209d of the mounting portion 206.

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

[0544] Reference 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 portion of the mounting portion 206 (cover 210, limiting member 213, releasing member 214) and a connecting portion of the accessory 2230, illustrating the operation of the accessory 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 Part (a), part (b) and part (c) are along Figure 84The lines X2203-X2203 in part (a) are respectively Figure 84 Part (a), Figure 84 Part (b) and Figure 84 The cross-sectional view corresponding to part (c) of FIG.

[0545] Figure 84 Part (a) and Figure 85 Part (a) shows a state in which the accessory 2230 is mounted on the mounting portion 206 and the operating lever 208 is in the closed position. At this time, similar to Example 2, as the accessory 2230 is mounted on the mounting portion 206, the restriction release portion of the protruding member 2202b (same as the protruding portion 202b of Example 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 Part (b) and Figure 85 At this time, as the baffle 2203 rotates, the protruding member 2202 fitted to the baffle 2203 with a slight tightness also receives friction from the baffle 2203 and rotates in the direction of arrow D.

[0547] Here, since the protruding member 2202b is engaged with the releasing member 214, the releasing 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 rotation direction due to the contact between the rising restricted surface 214c and the restricting member 213. Figure 85 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 2 , in the rotation direction centered on the central axis A, the protruding member 2202 is maintained in the first position where the end surface 2202g of the protruding member 2202e abuts against the surface 2203g of the baffle 2203.

[0548] Next, when the operating lever 208 overcomes the friction force with the protruding member 2202 and further rotates in the direction of arrow D, the operating lever 208 is in the open position, as shown in FIG. Figure 84 Part (c) and Figure 85 At this time, the end surface 2202g of the protruding member 2202 does not contact the surface 2203g of the shutter 2203 in the rotation direction about the central axis A. The position of the protruding member 2202 when the operating lever 208 is in the open position is the second position.

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

[0550] For example, Figure 87 As shown, the cover member 2250 can be configured to be mounted to the accessory 2230 while the accessory 2230 is still mounted to the mounting portion 206 .

[0551] When the attachment 2230 is removed, the operating lever 208 rotates from the open position to the closed position in the direction of arrow E. The operating lever 208, the shutter 2203, the protruding member 2202, and the release member 214 then interlock to rotate in the direction of arrow E in the reverse order of the operation associated with the above-described rotation from the closed position to the open position. At this point, 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 moving in the same manner as in Example 2 in the direction of arrow G (see Figure 67 ) Pull out the accessory 2230 and remove the accessory 2230 from the mounting portion 206.

[0553] As described above, also in an installation kit including an accessory 2230 (which has a protruding member 2202 and a baffle 2203) and a colorant pack 2220 (which has a accommodating portion), the rotation restriction of the device side baffle 209 by the rotation restricting mechanism 212 can be released similarly to Example 2, and colorant can be replenished from the colorant pack 2220 to the colorant accommodating chamber 36 of the developer container 32.

[0554] In addition, in this variant example, the protruding member 2202 is configured to be movable within a predetermined range relative to the mounting portion 206 in the rotational direction around the center axis A, but the same effect can be provided even when the positioning portion for positioning relative to the cover 210 in the rotational direction around the center axis A does not move as in variant example 1.

[0555] Furthermore, regarding the structure of the protruding member 2202b in this modification, the structure of this modification can be applied to the modification of Example 2 as well as the protruding portion 202b of Example 2.

[0556] (Variant 3)

[0557] In this embodiment (Example 2), the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 of the first restriction releasing portion 204a are different inclined surfaces, and the second restriction releasing portion 204b has the same structure. Figure 88As shown, the two inclined surfaces can have smooth continuous surfaces. Figures 88 to 91 As an example of this modification, the structure of this case will be described. In this modification, the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 of the first restriction-releasing portion 204a and the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 of the second restriction-releasing portion 204b of the second embodiment are modified to have smooth, continuous surfaces. Aside from this modification, the structure is the same as that of the second embodiment, and therefore its description will be omitted.

[0558] Figure 88 1 and 2 are diagrams showing the specific shapes of the first restriction releasing portion 2304 a (first protrusion) and the second restriction releasing portion 2304 b (second protrusion) of this modification. Figure 88 Part (a) is a perspective view of the first restriction releasing portion 2304a and the second restriction releasing portion 2304b as viewed from the second end side (nozzle side) in the first direction D1. Figure 88 Part (b) is a view of the first restriction releasing portion 2304a viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A. Figure 88 Part (c) is along Figure 88 A cross-sectional view taken along line X2301-X2301 in part (b). Figure 88 Part (d) is a view of the first restriction releasing portion 2304a viewed in the direction of arrow U (upward).

[0559] like Figure 88 As shown in part (a) of the nozzle 2302, the protruding portion 2302b 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-facing surface, downward-guiding surface, downward-applying surface, downward-urging surface), a second inclined surface 2304a2 (upward-facing surface, upward-guiding surface), and an abutting surface 2304a3 (downstream-side end surface, abutted surface).

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

[0561] Here, as Figure 88 Part (a) and Figure 88As shown in part (d) of , 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 away from the rotation axis A in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A than the inner upstream end 2304a4U. In this embodiment, as Figure 88 As shown in part (d) of FIG. 2 , 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, with the second arc having a radius larger than 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, if Figure 88 Part (a) and Figure 88 As shown in part (d) of , the end of the first inclined surface 2304a1 on the side away 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 middle end 2304a5I (outer middle edge line, outer middle ridge line) connecting them. The outer downstream end 2304a5D is located at a position farther away 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 this embodiment, as Figure 88 As shown in part (d) of FIG. 2 , 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. The radius of the fourth arc is greater than the radius 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] like Figure 88 As shown in part (b), at least a portion of the second inclined surface 2304a2 is provided on the arrow U direction (upward) side of at least a portion of the first inclined surface 2304a1.

[0564] like Figure 88As shown in part (c) of FIG. , the first inclined surface 2304a1 at this time has a first inclined surface inner 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. In addition, the first inclined surface 2304a1 has a first inclined surface outer 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 portion of the first inclined surface inner portion 2304a1I and at least a portion of the first inclined surface outer portion 2304a1O overlap in the rotation direction K (see also FIG. Figure 88 part (d)).

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

[0566] like Figure 88 As shown in part (a) of the figure, the second restriction release portion 2304b has a first inclined surface 2304b1 (downward-facing surface, downward-guiding surface, downward-applying surface), a second inclined surface 2304b2 (upward-facing surface, upward-guiding surface), and an abutting surface 2304b3. Here, the first restriction release portion 2304a and the second restriction release portion 2304b have shapes that are 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis A.

[0567] Next, refer to Figure 89 and 90 , a mechanism for releasing the rotation restriction of the apparatus-side shutter 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 by attaching the toner pack 2320 of this modification to the attachment portion 206 will be described. Figure 89 23. The operation of rotating the releasing claw 214e by the first inclined surface 2304a1 of the first restriction releasing portion 2304a is shown. Figure 89 Part (a), part (c) and part (e) of FIG. 3 show the process. Figure 89 In the part (b) Figure 89 The sectional view taken along the line X2302-X2302 in the state shown in part (a), and part (d) is Figure 89 The sectional view taken along the line X2303-X2303 in the state shown in part (c), and part (f) is Figure 89 A sectional view taken along line X2304-X2304 in the state shown in part (e). 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 explanation, only the nozzle 2302 (restriction release portion 2304), the restriction member 213 and the release member 214 are shown in each part of the figure. Figure 89 In part (c) of the drawing, the hidden portion of the abutment surface 214a3 overlapping the rotation axis A is clearly shown only by a thin line in this part of the drawing.

[0568] By installing the toner package 2320, such as Figure 89 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the first inclined surface 2304a1 of the first restriction releasing portion 2304a contacts the first guided surface 214e1 of the releasing claw 214e. Figure 89 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 2 , the first guided surface 214e1 of the releasing claw 214e contacts the first inclined inner side portion 2304a1I of the first restriction releasing portion 2304a.

[0569] When the toner pack 2320 is further moved from this position in the direction of arrow N (downward), the releasing member 214 moves along the same direction as in the second embodiment. Figure 89 That is, the releasing member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D shown in the portion (a). That is, the releasing member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D by receiving the force while the first guided surface 214e1 is guided by the first inclined inner portion 2304a1I. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 89 As shown in part (c) of the figure, the releasing member 214 is in a state of rotating in the rotation direction D until the first guided surface 214e1 passes the downstream end of the first inclined surface inner portion 2304a1I in the rotation direction D. At this time, the contact between the first guided surface 214e1 of the releasing claw 214e and the first inclined surface 2304a1 of the first restriction releasing portion 2304a is released, and the rotation of the releasing claw 214e in the rotation direction D stops. In addition, as described above, the inner downstream end 2304a4D of the first restriction releasing portion 2304a is located at a position farther away 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 ( Figure 88 Therefore, if Figure 89 As shown in part (d), a space S230 exists on the arrow G direction side (upper side) of the release claw 214e.

[0570] When the toner pack 2320 moves further from this position in the direction of arrow N (downward), the release claw 214e enters the space S230 in the direction of arrow G (upward). Figure 50 ) provides torque M202 (pushing force) (such as Figure 89As shown in part (c) of FIG. 2 , the contact surface 214f ​​of the release claw 214e contacts 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 FIG. Figure 89 As shown in part (e) of FIG. 1 , the first inclined surface 2304a1 of the first restriction releasing portion 2304a contacts the second guided surface 214e2 of the releasing claw 214e. Figure 89 As shown in part (f) of FIG. 2 , the second guided surface 214 e 2 of the releasing claw 214 e contacts the first inclined outer portion 2304 a 10 of the first restriction releasing portion 2304 a .

[0571] When the toner pack 2320 is further moved from this position in the direction of arrow N (downward), the releasing member 214 is moved along the Figure 89 That is, the release member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D by receiving a force while the second guided surface 214e2 is guided by the first slope outer portion 2304a10.

[0572] Then, the releasing member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D until the second guided surface 214e2 passes the downstream end of the first inclined outer portion 2304a10 of the first restriction releasing portion 2304a in the rotation direction D. The operation up to this point is the first step in this modification.

[0573] After the first step, as Figure 90 As shown in part (a) of the embodiment, 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 the embodiment 2, as shown in FIG. Figure 90 As shown in part (b), 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 device side baffle (see FIG. 23) is released by the rotation restriction mechanism 212. Figure 40 )’s rotation limit.

[0574] As described above, in this modification, 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 is based have smooth, continuous surfaces, and the first inclined surface 204b1 and the second inclined surface of the second restriction release portion 204b in the basic embodiment are continuous. Thus, processing of one surface is sufficient to provide both surfaces, and thus, the effect of reducing processing man-hours can be expected.

[0575] In this modification, the first inclined surface 2304a1 of the first restriction-releasing portion 2304a has an inner intermediate end 2304a4I located between the inner upstream end 2304a4U and the inner downstream end 2304a4D of the inner end 2304a4. This is because of the presence of the abutment surface 2304a3. The same applies to the second restriction-releasing portion 2304b.

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

[0577] like Figure 91As shown in part (a), the inner end 23104a4 smoothly continues toward the outside of the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A as it moves 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 end portions that extend smoothly and continuously. 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 end portions extending smoothly and continuously.

[0578] In addition, if Figure 91 As shown in part (c) of FIG. 2 , the first restriction release portion 23104a includes a first abutting surface 23104a5 located on the arrow U direction side (above) of the inner end 23104a4 and a second abutting surface 23104a3 located on the arrow U direction side (above) of the second inclined surface 23104a2. Figure 91 As shown in part (c), the second restriction release portion 23104b includes a first abutment surface 23104b5 located on the arrow U direction side (above) of the inner end 23104b4 and a second abutment surface 23104b3 located on the arrow U direction side (above) of the second inclined surface 23104b2.

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

[0580] exist Figure 92 In the state shown in part (a) of FIG, in the releasing claw 214e, the contact between the first guided surface 214e1 and the first inclined inner portion 23104a1I of the first restriction releasing portion 23104a is released, and the rotation in the rotation direction D is stopped. In addition, as described above, the inner end 23104a4 of the first restriction releasing portion 23104a has a shape that progresses outward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A as it progresses in the rotation direction D ( Figure 91 Therefore, if Figure 92 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 direction of arrow G (upward), the release claw 214e tends to be released by the release spring 216 (see FIG. Figure 50 ) generates a torque M202 (pushing force) and rotates in the direction of rotation E, as shown in Figure 92 Then, as shown in part (a) of Figure 92 Part (b) and Figure 92 As shown in part (c), in the release claw 214e, the contact surface 214f ​​contacts the first abutment surface 23104a5 of the first restriction release portion 23104a by the moment M202 in the rotation direction E. As a result, the release claw 214e becomes in a state where rotation in the rotation direction E is restricted.

[0582] Here, in Figure 92 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 with the rotation axis A as the center and the first abutting 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 first inclined surface outer portion 2304a1O of the first restriction release portion 23104a with respect to the rotation direction K. In addition, since the contact portion between the first abutting 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 FIG. Figure 92As shown in part (a) of FIG. 2 , the second guided surface 214e2 of the releasing claw 214e overlaps with the first inclined surface outer portion 23104a1O of the first restriction releasing portion 23104a with respect to the rotation direction D.

[0583] When the toner pack 23120 is Figure 92 When the state shown in FIG. 1 further moves in the direction of arrow N (downward), the first inclined outer portion 2304a10 of the first restriction releasing portion 23104a and the second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e come into contact with each other. Thereafter, the rotation restriction of the device side fence 209 by the rotation restricting mechanism 212 is released by the same operation as in this modified example.

[0584] As described above, in the restriction-releasing portion 23104 of this modified example having the aforementioned alternative shape, the inner upstream end 23104a4U and the inner downstream end 23104a4D of the first restriction-releasing portion 23104a of this modified example form a smooth, continuous inner end. Furthermore, the inner upstream end 23104b4U and the inner downstream end 23104b4D of the second restriction-releasing portion 23104b form a smooth, continuous end (edge ​​line, ridge line). This allows the two ridge lines (surfaces) to be treated as a single ridge line (surface), and can be expected to reduce processing time.

[0585] (Variant 4)

[0586] Next, refer to Figures 93 to 95 , another structure will be described. The description of the same points as those in the above-mentioned embodiment and modification will be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this modification, those corresponding to the components described in Example 2 are assigned the same names as the components of Example 2, and only the points different from Example 2 will be described.

[0587] In Example 2, the protruding portion 202b (protrusion) is integrally provided on the nozzle 202. However, by providing the protrusion on another component, it is possible to easily reuse the protrusion having a complex shape, thereby improving reusability.

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

[0589] Figure 93 24 is an external perspective view of the discharge unit 2402 of this modification. Figure 94 It is an exploded perspective view of the discharge unit 2402 of this modification. Figure 95 24 is a perspective view of a toner pack 2420 to which a discharge unit 2402 according to the present modification is attached.

[0590] like Figure 93As shown, the discharge unit 2402 of the present modification has a cylindrical shape, and a nozzle 2402A (discharge portion) and a support member 2402B are arranged substantially coaxially with the rotation axis A.

[0591] like Figure 94 As shown, in nozzle 2402A, a cylindrical portion 2402Aa and a disc portion 2402Ab having a larger diameter than cylindrical portion 2402Aa are arranged in order from the first end side in first direction D1, substantially coaxially with rotation axis A. A toner feed portion 2402Ac, which protrudes toward the second end side in first direction D1, extends from disc portion 2402Ab. Toner feed portion 2402Ac is provided with a discharge surface 2402Ae extending in the direction of rotation axis A on the second end side in first direction D1.

[0592] A through hole 2402Ad is provided in the nozzle 2402A, passes through the cylindrical portion 2402Aa, the disk portion 2402Ab, and the toner feeding 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 where the through hole 2402Ad penetrates the discharge surface 2402Ae is referred to as a discharge opening 2402Ag (opening).

[0593] The support member 2402B has a generally cylindrical shape and includes, in order from the first end side in the first direction D1, a first cylindrical portion 2402Ba, a disc portion 2402Bc having a larger diameter than the first cylindrical portion 2402Ba, and a second cylindrical portion 2402Be substantially coaxial with the rotation axis A. The protrusion 2402Bb protrudes in the direction of the rotation axis A from an end surface 2402Bg of the second cylindrical portion 2402Be in the direction of the rotation axis A.

[0594] The protrusion 2402Bb has the same shape as the protrusion 202b of the nozzle 202 of Embodiment 2, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

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

[0596] (Assembly of the discharge unit)

[0597] The housing portion 2401 is attached to the cylindrical portion 2402Aa (see FIG. 24A ) at the first end side of the nozzle 2402A in the first direction D1 without a gap by bonding or the like. Figure 95 ).

[0598] like Figure 94As shown, nozzle 2402A is provided with a support member 2402B extending substantially coaxially with rotation axis A from the second end side in first direction D1. In support member 2402B, a first cylindrical portion 2402Ba fits tightly into a recess (not shown) provided in disk portion 2402Ab of nozzle 2402A. In this way, support member 2402B is coupled to nozzle 2402A.

[0599] In the discharge unit 2402 in which the nozzle 2402A and the supporting member 2402B are coupled, a discharge opening 2402Ag is provided at substantially the same position as that of the discharge opening 202A of the nozzle 202 of Example 2.

[0600] like Figure 95 As shown, the orientation of toner pack 2420 (in the installed position) is a predetermined orientation, in which at least a portion of discharge unit 2402 is below accommodating portion 201 and rotation axis A extends in the direction of gravity. When toner pack 2420 is oriented in the predetermined orientation, protrusion 2402Bb protrudes downward from end surface 2402Bg (lower surface) of support member 2402B. Furthermore, protrusion 2402Bb is located below discharge opening 2402Ag.

[0601] In addition, if Figure 95 As shown, the bag side baffle 203 is installed on the discharge unit 2402 by the same method as in Example 2.

[0602] The method of mounting / detaching with respect to the mounting portion 206 is the same as that of Embodiment 2, and thus a description thereof will be omitted.

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

[0604] (Variant 5)

[0605] Next, refer to Figures 96 to 98 , another structure will be described. The same points as those in the above-mentioned embodiment and modification will be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this modification, those corresponding to the components described in Example 2 are assigned the same names as the components of Example 2, and only the points different from Example 2 will be described.

[0606] Figure 9625 is a perspective view of a toner pack 2520 according to the present modification. Figure 97 Part (a) is a perspective view of a nozzle 2502 of this modification. Figure 97 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle 2502 of this modification.

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

[0608] The nozzle 2502 of the present modification will be described.

[0609] like Figure 97 Part (a) and Figure 97 As shown in part (b) of the embodiment, the nozzle 2502 of this modification 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 is cylindrical in 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 (outlet) is provided at the end of the cylindrical portion 2502k opposite to the opening 2502k1. As shown in FIG. Figure 97 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the discharge opening 2502k2 faces a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A. In other words, as Figure 97 As shown in section (a) of the embodiment, discharge opening 2502k2 faces outward in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. Opening 2502k1 and discharge opening 2502k2 are in fluid communication with each other via a communication channel 2502k3. Communication channel 2502k3 is a cylindrical portion that is curved. Specifically, when the toner pack 2520 is oriented in the predetermined direction (the direction of the installation posture) in Example 2, opening 2502k1 faces upward in cylindrical portion 2502k, while communication channel 2502k3 faces outward in the radial direction r as it moves downward.

[0610] The main assembly portion 2502n of the nozzle 2502 is provided with an inclined portion 2502m located closer to the first end side in the first direction D1 than the opening 2502k1. The inclined portion 2502m is in the form of a tapered inclined surface substantially coaxial with the rotation axis A, and is inclined toward the second end side in the first direction D1 as it moves toward the rotation axis A.

[0611] The toner in the accommodating portion 201 of the toner pack 2520 passes from the inclined portion 2502 m through the cylindrical portion 2502 k , is discharged through the discharge opening 2502 k 2 , and is replenished into the toner accommodating chamber 36 of the developer container 32 .

[0612] Furthermore, when the toner pack 2520 is oriented in a predetermined direction, the protrusion 2502b protrudes downward from the lower end surface (bottom surface) of the main assembly portion 2502n. The protrusion 2502b has exactly the same shape as the protrusion 202b of Embodiment 2, and thus its description will be omitted.

[0613] In this modification, the structure is the same as that of Embodiment 2 except that the nozzle 202 is replaced by a nozzle 2502 , and therefore other descriptions will be omitted.

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

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

[0616] Reference Figure 98 and 99 , a toner pack 2530 including a nozzle 2503 in which the direction of the discharge opening of the cylindrical portion is changeable will be described.

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

[0618] Figure 98 Part (a) and Figure 98 Part (b) is 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 (in the direction of the rotation axis A) when the toner pack 2530 is oriented in a predetermined direction. Figure 99 Part (a) and Figure 99 Part (b) is 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 outward in the radial direction r.

[0619] The cylindrical portion 2503k is flexible and as Figure 98 Part (a) and Figure 98As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the discharge opening 2503k2 faces downward in a new, unused state. The receiving opening 2503k1 for receiving the toner from the accommodating portion 201 faces upward. When the toner pack 2530 is mounted on the mounting portion 206, the user can change the direction of the cylindrical portion 2503k so that it faces outward in the radial direction r. The discharge opening 2503k2 of the cylindrical portion 2503k can be configured to face upward or inward in the radial direction r in a new, unused state. That is, it is sufficient as long as the discharge opening 2503k2 is configured to face outward in the radial direction r when the toner pa...

Claims

1. A toner container, comprising: a housing portion configured to house toner; a discharge portion configured to be provided with an opening for discharging the toner in the accommodation portion to the outside of the toner container; a rotatable member rotatable relative to the discharge portion about a rotation axis in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction; and a protrusion that is disposed below an opening of the discharge portion and has an inner peripheral surface facing inward in a radial direction centered on the rotation axis when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the rotation axis extends in the gravity direction and at least a portion of the discharge portion is located below the accommodating portion; wherein the opening of the discharge portion is configured to face outward in the radial direction, and wherein, when the toner container is oriented along the predetermined direction, The protrusion has an upward surface facing upward and a downward surface facing downward, the upward surface and the downward surface being located outside the inner peripheral surface in the radial direction and inside the opening of the discharge portion, The upward surface extends in a manner that rises as it proceeds in the second rotation direction, The lower surface extends in an ascending manner as it proceeds in the first rotational direction, and At least a portion of the upward facing surface is disposed above the downward facing surface.

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

3. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, a cavity is disposed above the upwardly facing surface of the protrusion.

4. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: The projection has a downstream side end surface that extends upward along the rotation axis from a downstream end of the upward surface in the second rotation direction and faces the downstream side in the first rotation direction when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

5. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: When the toner container is viewed in the radial direction in a state where the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the upper surface is inclined at an angle of not less than 30 degrees and not more than 60 degrees with respect to the rotation axis.

6. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: When the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, the upward surface is disposed closer to the inner peripheral surface than the opening in the radial direction.

7. The toner container according to claim 6, wherein: When the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, a distance from the inner peripheral surface to the upward surface is not more than 30% of a distance from the inner peripheral surface to the opening.

8. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, the downward facing surface overlaps the upward facing surface.

9. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion has a connecting portion connecting a downstream end of the downward surface in the first rotation direction and an upstream end of the upward surface in the second rotation direction to each other.

10. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein When the toner container is viewed in the radial direction in a state where the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction, the downward surface is inclined at an angle of not less than 30 degrees and not more than 60 degrees with respect to the rotation axis.

11. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: When the toner container is viewed in the radial direction in a state where the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction, the upward surface is longer than the downward surface.

12. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein The protrusion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the second protrusion being provided at a position different from a position at which the first protrusion is provided in a circumferential direction of an imaginary circle centered on the rotation axis, The upward surface and the downward surface are respectively a first upward surface and a first downward surface, The first protrusion includes the first upward surface and the first downward surface, and The second protrusion includes a second upwardly directed surface and a second downwardly directed surface.

13. The toner container according to claim 12, wherein: The second upward surface and the second downward surface have shapes that are rotationally symmetrical with the first upward surface and the first downward surface, respectively, from 150 degrees to 210 degrees, inclusive.

14. The toner container according to claim 13, wherein: The second upward surface and the second downward surface have shapes that are 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical with the first upward surface and the first downward surface, respectively.

15. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the second protrusion being provided at a position different from a position at which the first protrusion is provided in a circumferential direction of an imaginary circle centered on the rotation axis, The first protrusion includes an upward surface, and The second protrusion includes a downward facing surface.

16. The toner container according to claim 15, wherein: The second protrusion is provided at a position opposite to the first protrusion in the diameter direction.

17. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: The rotatable member is disposed outside the discharge portion in a radial direction.

18. The toner container according to claim 17, wherein: The rotatable member is configured to rotate about a rotation axis between a closed position for closing the opening and an open position for opening the opening.

19. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein: The 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 The outer surface of the rotatable member opposite to the opening of the rotatable member across the rotation axis is provided with a recessed portion recessed inwardly in the radial direction.

20. The toner container according to claim 19, wherein When the toner container is viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, the protrusion is provided at a position closer to the rotation axis than the recess is in the radial direction.

21. The toner container according to claim 19, wherein When viewed in the radial direction, the protrusion is inside the width of the rotatable member opening in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

22. The toner container according to claim 21, wherein The discharge portion has a first opposing surface and a second opposing surface at an outer surface of the discharge portion extending in the direction of the rotation axis, the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface being opposed to each other with a gap therebetween, 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.

23. The toner container according to claim 22, wherein: The first opposing surface and the second opposing surface are parallel to each other, and Wherein, when a line parallel to the first relative surface and passing through the center between the first relative surface and the second relative surface is a first imaginary line, and a line provided by rotating the first imaginary line 90 degrees around the rotation axis is a second imaginary line, the second imaginary line passes through the opening.

24. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein: The rotatable member is rotatable in a first rotational direction from a closed position to an open position.

25. The toner container according to claim 24, further comprising a seal for sealing between the rotatable member and the discharge portion when the rotatable member is in the closed position.

26. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: The inner peripheral surface of the protrusion is centered on the rotation axis.

27. The toner container according to claim 26, wherein: The inner peripheral surface of the protrusion is cylindrical.

28. 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 a lower surface of the toner container.

29. The toner container according to claim 28, wherein: When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion is provided on the lower surface of the discharge portion.

30. The toner container according to claim 29, wherein: The protrusion protrudes downward through a hole provided in the bottom surface of the rotatable member.

31. The toner container according to claim 22, wherein: When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, the protrusion is located in a region between the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface in a direction in which the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface are aligned.

32. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: The opening is provided in an outer surface of the discharge portion extending along the rotation axis.

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