Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can regulate the movement of an operating member with an actuator.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus has: an attachment part that includes an operating member for externally operating opening and closing of a container shutter with a toner container being attached to the attachment part, the operating member configured to be movable with the container shutter; a toner storage unit configured to store toner received from a receiving port; an actuator for regulating the movement of the operating member; and a control unit that controls the actuator. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit controls the actuator to cancel the regulation of the movement of the operating member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet. [Background technology]

[0002] In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a configuration is known in which a developer is replenished to a developer container using a detachable replenishment container. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a shutter member of the replenishment container is opened and closed by rotating the replenishment container attached to the image forming apparatus. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-154300 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the shutter member described in Patent Document 1 can be opened and closed at any time by rotating the supply container, and cannot regulate toner supply when it is not desirable to supply toner from the supply container.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus in which the movement of an operating member can be restricted by an actuator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides an image forming device to which a detachable toner container having an opening for supplying toner and a container shutter for opening and closing the opening is attachable, the device comprising: a mounting portion to which the toner container is attached, the mounting portion comprising an inlet for receiving toner supplied from the toner container; and an operating member for a user to operate the opening and closing of the container shutter from outside the image forming device when the toner container is attached to the mounting portion, the operating member being configured to be movable together with the container shutter; a toner storage portion configured to store toner received from the inlet; an actuator for regulating the movement of the operating member; and a control portion for controlling the actuator, wherein the control portion controls the actuator to release the restriction on the movement of the operating member when predetermined conditions are met, and the predetermined conditions include the remaining amount of toner stored in the toner storage portion being less than a predetermined amount. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the movement of the operating member can be restricted by the actuator. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic view showing an entire image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] 1A is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus with the rear cover closed, FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus with the rear cover open, and FIG. 1C is a perspective view showing an open / close detection sensor. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6](a) is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus with the discharge tray closed, (b) is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus with the discharge tray open, (c) is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus with a supply pack attached to a supply unit, and (d) is a plan view showing a state where a supply pack is attached to a supply unit. [Figure 7] 1A is a perspective view showing the supply unit, FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the supply unit and a part of the supply pack, and FIG. 1C is a perspective view showing the supply unit when the operating unit is located at the supply position. [Figure 8] 1A is a perspective view showing the operation unit, FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the operation unit and the top surface unit, and FIG. 1C is a perspective view showing how the operation unit is attached to the top surface unit. [Figure 9] 1A is a perspective view showing the supply pack when the pack shutter is in the closed position, and FIG. 1B is another perspective view showing the supply pack when the pack shutter is in the closed position. [Figure 10] 1A is a perspective view showing the supply pack when the pack shutter is in the open position, and FIG. 1B is another perspective view showing the supply pack when the pack shutter is in the open position. [Figure 11] FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view showing the supply pack, and FIG. 2B is another exploded perspective view showing the supply pack. [Figure 12] FIG. 4A is a bottom view showing the first locking mechanism in a locked state, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the first locking mechanism in a locked state. [Figure 13] FIG. 4A is a bottom view showing the first locking mechanism in an unlocked state, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the first locking mechanism in an unlocked state. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the supply pack is attached to the supply unit. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] 1A is an exploded perspective view showing a second locking mechanism, and FIG. 1B is another exploded perspective view showing the second locking mechanism. [Figure 17] 1A is a perspective view showing the second locking mechanism in a locked state, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the second locking mechanism in an unlocked state. [Figure 18]1A is a perspective view from the bottom side showing the second locking mechanism in a locked state, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view from the bottom side showing the second locking mechanism in an unlocked state. [Figure 19] FIG. 10A is a bottom view showing the second locking mechanism in a locked state, FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of FIG. 10A, and FIG. 10C is a bottom view showing the second locking mechanism in an unlocked state. [Figure 20] FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing a window portion and a first marking portion, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing a window portion and a second marking portion. [Figure 21] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the function of a power supply board. [Figure 22] 4 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether a solenoid is energized. [Figure 23] 1A is a plan view showing the second locking mechanism and the operating unit in an unlocked state, and FIG. 1B is a bottom view showing the second locking mechanism and the operating unit in an unlocked state. [Figure 24] 1A is a plan view showing the second locking mechanism and the operating unit in a locked state, and FIG. 1B is a bottom view showing the second locking mechanism and the operating unit in an unlocked state. [Figure 25] 10A is a plan view showing the state in which the operating unit is operated when the second locking mechanism is in the locked state, and FIG. 10B is a bottom view showing the state in which the operating unit is operated when the second locking mechanism is in the locked state. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a marking member according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following describes in detail exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiments may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. In other words, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0010] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome printer that forms an image on a recording material based on image information input from an external device. The recording material includes various sheet materials of different materials, such as paper such as plain paper and cardboard, plastic film such as sheets for overhead projectors, sheets of special shapes such as envelopes and index paper, and cloth.

[0011] In the following description, the height direction of the image forming apparatus 1 (the direction opposite to the vertical direction) when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal surface is referred to as the Z direction. The direction that intersects with the Z direction and is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11 (main scanning direction) described later is referred to as the X direction. The direction that intersects with the X and Z directions is referred to as the Y direction. The X, Y, and Z directions preferably intersect perpendicularly with each other. For convenience, the positive side in the X direction is referred to as the right side and the negative side is referred to as the left side; the positive side in the Y direction is referred to as the front side or front side and the negative side is referred to as the rear side or back side; and the positive side in the Z direction is referred to as the upper side and the negative side is referred to as the lower side.

[0012] [Overall configuration] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 has an image forming section 20 that forms a toner image on a recording material, a feeding section 30 that feeds the recording material P, a fixing section 9 that fixes the toner image formed by the image forming section 20 to the recording material, and a pair of discharge rollers 10.

[0013] The image forming section 20 has a scanner unit 50, an electrophotographic process unit 40, and a transfer roller 7 that transfers a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum 11 of the process unit 40 onto a recording material P. The process unit 40 has the photosensitive drum 11, a cleaning unit 13 arranged around the photosensitive drum 11, a charging roller 17, a developing roller 12, and a storage section 18 that stores toner. The process unit 40 may be fastened to a housing 72 of the image forming apparatus 1 with screws, and may also be removable by a service technician.

[0014] The photosensitive drum 11 serving as an image carrier is a cylindrically shaped photosensitive member. The photosensitive drum 11 of this embodiment has a photosensitive layer formed of a negatively chargeable organic photosensitive material on a drum-shaped substrate made of aluminum. The photosensitive drum 11 serving as an image carrier is driven to rotate in a predetermined direction (direction R in the figure) at a predetermined process speed by a motor.

[0015] The charging roller 17 contacts the photosensitive drum 11 with a predetermined pressure to form a charging portion. A desired charging voltage is applied from a charging high-voltage power supply, thereby uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 to a predetermined potential. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 11 is negatively charged by the charging roller 17.

[0016] The scanner unit 50 uses a polygon mirror to irradiate the photosensitive drum 11 with laser light corresponding to image information input from an external device, thereby scanning and exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. This exposure forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. Note that the scanner unit 50 is not limited to a laser scanner device, and may, for example, be an LED exposure device having an LED array in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0017] The developing roller 12 is rotatably supported by a storage portion 18 serving as a toner storage portion. The developing roller 12 is disposed at the opening of a developer container 230 (see FIG. 4) including the storage portion 18 so as to face the photosensitive drum 11. The storage portion 18 may be provided with a supply roller that applies toner stored in the storage portion 18 as a developer onto the surface of the developing roller 12.

[0018] The process unit 40 of this embodiment uses a contact development method. That is, a toner layer carried on the development roller 12 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 11 in a development section (development area) where the photosensitive drum 11 and the development roller 12 face each other. A development voltage is applied to the development roller 12 by a development high-voltage power supply. Under the development voltage, the toner carried on the development roller 12 is transferred from the development roller 12 to the drum surface in accordance with the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image.

[0019] The toner of this embodiment does not contain a magnetic component, and is a so-called non-magnetic one-component developer in which the toner is carried on the developing roller 12 mainly by intermolecular forces and electrostatic forces (image forces). However, a one-component developer containing a magnetic component may also be used. In addition to toner particles, a one-component developer may also contain additives (e.g., wax or silica particles) for adjusting the fluidity and charging performance of the toner. A two-component developer composed of non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier may also be used as the developer. When a magnetic developer is used, a cylindrical developing sleeve with a magnet disposed inside is used as the developer carrier, for example.

[0020] The fixing unit 9 is a thermal fixing unit that fixes an image by heating and melting the toner on the recording material. The fixing unit 9 includes a heating roller 9a incorporating a fixing heater 9c, and a pressure roller 9b that presses against the heating roller 9a.

[0021] The feeding section 30 has a cassette 4 on which the recording material P is loaded, a pickup roller 3 as a conveying section, a feeding roller 5a, and a separation roller 5b. A front cover 70 is provided on a part of the front end surface of the image forming apparatus 1, and the front cover 70 covers the circuit board 100. The housing 72 has the front cover 70, a discharge tray 14, a rear cover 73 (see FIG. 3(a)), and an exterior cover 71 that forms the exterior of the image forming apparatus 1 other than the front cover 70, the discharge tray 14, and the rear cover 73. The housing 72 has a discharge opening 15 through which sheets pass to be discharged onto the discharge tray 14.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 has a circuit board 100. The circuit board 100 is composed of a wiring board 101 made of an insulator and electronic components 111 and 121 soldered to the wiring board 101. Conductor wiring is provided on and inside the wiring board 101, so that the electronic components 111 and 121 are electrically connected. The circuit board 100 has the function of converting AC current supplied from outside the image forming apparatus 1 into DC current, and converting the input voltage to obtain a predetermined voltage value required for the image formation process.

[0023] The circuit board 100 is oriented such that the surface of the wiring board 101 on which the electronic components 111 and 121 are mounted intersects with the ejection direction. Furthermore, the wiring board 101 is provided between the front cover 70 and the scanner unit 50 in the ejection direction. The electronic components 111 and 121 are provided on the surface of the wiring board 101 facing the scanner unit 50.

[0024] Next, an 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 is started by the image forming section 20 based on image information input from an external computer connected to the image forming apparatus 1. The scanner unit 50 irradiates the photosensitive drum 11 with laser light based on the input image information. At this time, the photosensitive drum 11 is pre-charged by the charging roller 17, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11 by the irradiation of the laser light. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 12, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11.

[0025] In parallel with the image forming process described above, a pickup roller 3 of a feeding unit 30 feeds out recording material P supported by a cassette 4. The recording material P is separated into individual sheets by a feeding roller 5a and a separation roller 5b, and conveyed to a conveying roller pair 5c. The recording material P is then conveyed by the conveying roller pair 5c as a conveying unit toward a transfer nip N1 as an image forming unit formed by a transfer roller 7 and a photosensitive drum 11.

[0026] A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 7 from a transfer high-voltage power supply, and the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred onto the recording material P being conveyed by the conveying roller pair 5c. The recording material P with the transferred toner image is conveyed to the fixing unit 9, and the toner image is heated and pressurized as it passes through the nip between the heating roller 9a and pressure roller 9b of the fixing unit 9. This melts the toner particles and then solidifies them, thereby fixing the toner image to the recording material P. The recording material P that has passed through the fixing unit 9 is discharged from the discharge port 15 by the discharge roller pair 10 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the machine), and is stacked on the discharge tray 14. After the toner image is transferred to the recording material P, any toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 13.

[0027] It should be noted that, although the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be capable of forming an image on only one side of the recording material P, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may be provided with a double-sided conveying path for reversing the recording material P with an image formed on its first side, so that the image forming apparatus 1 can form images on both sides of the recording material P.

[0028] 3(a) and 3(b), a rear cover 73 that is supported so as to be able to be opened and closed is provided on the rear surface of the image forming apparatus 1. The rear cover 73 as an opening / closing member covers the process unit 40 when closed, and exposes the process unit 40 when opened.

[0029] Furthermore, opening the rear cover 73 opens the conveying path 19 (see FIG. 2) through which the sheet conveyed by the conveying roller pair 5c passes. That is, the rear cover 73 is movable between a closed position H1, which covers the conveying path 19, and an open position H2, which exposes the conveying path 19 to the outside. This makes it possible to clear a jam that has occurred in the conveying path 19.

[0030] An outer surface 73b of the rear cover 73, i.e., the surface that constitutes the exterior surface of the housing 72, is provided with a gripping portion 73c that can be gripped by the user when opening or closing the rear cover 73. An inner surface 73d of the rear cover 73, opposite the outer surface 73b, is provided with a rib 74 and a support portion 75 that rotatably supports the transfer roller 7. The rib 74 extends from the outer surface 73b in the direction in which the rear cover 73 is closed.

[0031] The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with an opening 76 that is located at a position corresponding to the rib 74 when the rear cover 73 is closed, and an open / close detection sensor 80 is provided inside the opening 76. The opening 76 may be provided in the process unit 40 or in a component of the image forming apparatus 1 other than the process unit 40.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3(c), the open / close detection sensor 80 has a flag portion 81 and a sensor portion 82, and the sensor portion 82 transitions, for example, from an OFF state to an ON state when the flag portion 81 is pressed by the rib 74 of the rear cover 73. Furthermore, when the rear cover 73 is opened, the rib 74 of the rear cover 73 moves away from the flag portion 81, and the sensor portion 82 transitions, for example, from an ON state to an OFF state. In this way, the open / close detection sensor 80 can detect whether the rear cover 73 is open or closed. The open / close detection sensor 80 can detect whether the rear cover 73 is open or closed.

[0033] [Developer container] Next, the developing container 230 and its peripheral configuration will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. As shown in Figure 4, the developing container 230 is composed of a storage section 18 and a supply section 200 that serves as an attachment section and a receiving section. The supply section 200 has an operation section 201, a cylindrical toner receiving section 202, a supply path section 203 that connects the toner receiving section 202 and the storage section 18, and a main body shutter section 206 that serves as a main body shutter. A side opening 205 that connects to the supply path section 203 is formed in the inner wall of the toner receiving section 202.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, a supply pack 210, which will be described later, is attached to the supply unit 200, and the toner discharged from the supply pack 210 is supplied to the storage unit 18 through an opening 207 in the main body shutter unit 206, a side opening 205 in the toner receiving unit 202, and the supply path unit 203.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the supply path 203 is connected to one end of the container 18 in the longitudinal direction of the developer container 230, i.e., the X direction. As shown in FIG. 5, an agitator 60 is provided inside the container 18, rotating about a rotation shaft 60a extending in the X direction. The agitator 60 has blades 60b fixed to the rotation shaft 60a, and is driven to rotate by the drive motor 311 to agitate the toner in the container 18 and transport the toner toward the developing roller 12. In the present embodiment, the agitator 60 is composed of the rotation shaft 60a and the blades 60b, but a spiral-shaped agitator may also be used to distribute the toner throughout the entire length of the container 18.

[0036] The agitating member 60 also circulates the toner that has not been used for development and has been scraped off from the developing roller 12 within the storage section 18, thereby homogenizing the toner within the storage section 18. The agitating member 60 is not limited to a rotating type. For example, an agitating member that oscillates may also be used. Furthermore, in addition to the agitating member 60, another agitating member may also be provided.

[0037] The container 18 is also provided with a remaining amount detection unit 312 as a sensor for detecting the amount of toner in the container 18, and the remaining amount detection unit 312 has a light-emitting unit 312a and a light-receiving unit 312b. Light emitted from the light-emitting unit 312a passes through the inside of the container 18 and is received by the light-receiving unit 312b. That is, the light-emitting unit 312a and the light-receiving unit 312b form an optical path Q1 inside the container 18. The light-emitting unit 312a and the light-receiving unit 312b may have their light-emitting element and light-receiving element disposed inside the container 18, or may have their light-emitting element and light-receiving element disposed outside the container 18, with the light guide unit guiding the light between the inside and outside of the container 18.

[0038] Furthermore, light-emitting element 312a and light-receiving element 312b are provided in the central portion of storage unit 18 in the X direction. By providing light-emitting element 312a and light-receiving element 312b in the central portion of storage unit 18, it is possible to accurately detect the remaining amount of toner in storage unit 18. That is, while developer (toner) may be unevenly distributed at the ends of storage unit 18 in the X direction, the central portion of storage unit 18 has less uneven distribution of developer, making it possible to detect the actual remaining amount of toner.

[0039] In this embodiment, an LED is used for the light-emitting unit 312a, and a phototransistor that is turned on by light from the LED is used for the light-receiving unit 312b, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a halogen lamp or a fluorescent lamp may be used for the light-emitting unit 312a, and a photodiode or an avalanche photodiode may be used for the light-receiving unit 312b.

[0040] The light receiving unit 312b, which is a phototransistor, receives light emitted from the light emitting unit 312a and outputs a signal (current) corresponding to the amount of light received. This signal is converted into a voltage and input to the engine controller 130 (see FIG. 21). That is, the light receiving unit 312b changes its output value based on the amount of toner (developer) contained in the container 18.

[0041] The engine controller 130 determines whether the light-receiving element 312b has received light from the light-emitting element 312a based on the input voltage level. The engine controller 130 calculates the amount of toner (amount of developer) in the container 18 based on the length of time that the light-receiving element 312b detected each light when the toner in the container 18 was stirred for a certain period of time by the stirring member 60. That is, the ROM of the engine controller 130 stores in advance a table that can output the remaining toner amount from the light-receiving time when the toner is transported by the stirring member 60, and the engine controller 130 predicts / calculates the remaining toner amount based on this table.

[0042] When the remaining toner amount is large, the light path Q1 is likely to be blocked by the toner, and the time that the light receiving element 312b receives light is shortened. On the other hand, when the remaining toner amount is small, the time that the light receiving element 312b receives light is lengthened. Therefore, the engine controller 130 can determine the remaining toner level in the storage unit 18 based on the light receiving time of the light receiving element 312b.

[0043] The method for detecting / estimating the remaining toner amount is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and various well-known methods for detecting / estimating the remaining toner amount can be used. For example, two or more metal plates or conductive resin sheets extending in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller may be placed on the inner wall of the containing section 18, and the capacitance between the two metal plates or conductive resin sheets may be measured to detect / estimate the remaining toner amount. Alternatively, a load cell may be provided to support the developing container 230 from below, and the remaining toner amount may be calculated based on the weight measured by the load cell.

[0044] [Supply Department] Next, the supply unit 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6(a) to 8(c). The discharge tray 14 is supported so as to be able to open and close at a closed position where the recording material P can be stacked as shown in FIG. 6(a) and an open position where the discharge tray 14 is open relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. 6(b). The discharge tray 14 covers the supply unit 200 in the closed position. When the discharge tray 14 is opened to the open position, a top surface 240 and the supply unit 200 arranged on the top surface 240 are exposed. A supply pack 210 is detachably attached to the supply unit 200 as shown in FIG. 6(c), so that a user or a service technician can replenish toner from the outside without removing the developing container 230 from the housing 72.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 6(b) to 6(d), the operating member 201 is disposed on the top surface 240 and forms a supply port 204, which is an inlet for replenishing toner. The width of the supply port 204 in the X direction is narrower than the width of the storage section 18. The operating member 201 is provided so as to surround the supply port 204, and has a ring portion 201a rotatably supported on the top surface 240 or the toner receiving section 202, and a lever portion 201b integral with the ring portion 201a. The operating member 201 is a member for operating the opening and closing of the main body shutter 206 and the pack shutter 214 from the outside.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 7(a), the toner receiving portion 202 is disposed inside the main body shutter portion 206 and is provided with guide portions 247 and 248 that are integral with the toner receiving portion 202. The main body shutter portion 206 is a cylindrical member that is concentric with the toner receiving portion 202 and is provided rotatably inside the toner receiving portion 202. The main body shutter portion 206 has an opening 207 (see FIG. 7(c)), and in the closed position shown in FIG. 7(a), the opening 207 and the side opening 205 of the toner receiving portion 202 are misaligned. A seal member 243 is fixed to the main body shutter portion 206 so as to surround the periphery of the opening 207.

[0047] Note that the side opening 205 is covered by the main body shutter 206, which is in the closed position, and is therefore indicated by a dashed line in Figure 7(a). Therefore, the side opening 205 is blocked by the main body shutter 206, and toner is not discharged into the supply path 203. When the supply pack 210 is not attached, the operation unit 201 is restricted in its rotation direction by a first locking mechanism 250, which will be described later. This first locking mechanism 250 prevents the operation unit drive transmission protrusion 201d and the main body shutter drive transmission protrusion 206a from becoming out of phase with each other before the supply pack 210 is attached, making it impossible to attach the supply pack 210.

[0048] 7(c), the opening 207 overlaps with the side opening 205 of the toner receiving section 202. Therefore, the toner supplied from the supply pack 210 (see FIG. 6(c)) attached to the supply section 200 can be discharged to the supply path section 203 through the side opening 205 and the opening 207.

[0049] The main body shutter 206 is provided with a main body shutter drive transmission protrusion 206a, which will be described in detail later, and is used to receive drive from the supply pack 210 and rotate the main body shutter 206. When the operation unit 201 is rotated with the supply pack 210 attached to the supply unit 200, the main body shutter 206 moves between a closed position and an open position.

[0050] The operation unit 201 is provided with an operation unit drive transmission protrusion 201d that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the toner receiving unit 202. The operation unit drive transmission protrusion 201d is engaged with a main body shutter drive transmission protrusion 206a via a pair of drive transmission surfaces 214b (see FIG. 9B) of the pack shutter 214 of the supply pack 210. The main body shutter drive transmission protrusion 206a is provided with an unlocking recess 201f, which will be described later. When the user rotates the lever portion 201b of the operation unit 201 counterclockwise by 90 degrees, the main body shutter 206 moves from the closed position shown in FIG. 7A to the closed position shown in FIG. 7C.

[0051] When forming an image on the recording material P, the toner is stirred in the container 18 by the stirring member 60 (see FIG. 5), and the side opening 205 needs to be closed by the main body shutter 206 to prevent the toner from leaking out from the side opening 205. Therefore, during image formation, the operation unit 201 is located in the operating position shown in FIG. 7(a) so that the main body shutter 206 is located in the closed position. On the other hand, when replenishing toner into the container 18 from a replenishing pack 210 (described later), the side opening 205 needs to be opened. Therefore, during toner replenishing, the operation unit 201 is located in the replenishing position shown in FIG. 7(c) so that the main body shutter 206 is located in the open position.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 8(b), the operation unit 201 is rotatably supported by a support portion 240a of the top surface portion 240. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the operation unit 201 has a stopper 201j, an engaged portion 201k, and an opening 201e. In the rotation direction of the operation unit 201, the stopper 201j is disposed in approximately the same position as the lever portion 201b, and the engaged portion 201k is disposed in a different position from the stopper 201j. A lever lock pressing portion 227a of a lever lock member 227, which will be described later, can be inserted into the opening 201e. By inserting the lever lock pressing portion 227a into the opening 201e, rotation of the operation unit 201 is restricted while the operation unit 201 is positioned in the operating position.

[0053] 8(c), the operating unit 201 is attached to the support portion 240a by aligning the retaining member 201j with the groove 240d provided in the support portion 240a. When the operating unit 201 is located in the operating position or the supply position, the retaining member 201j and the groove 240d are located at positions where they do not overlap with each other when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the operating unit 201. Furthermore, within the range where the operating unit 201 rotates between the operating position and the supply position, the retaining member 201j and the groove 240d do not overlap with each other when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the operating unit 201. In other words, when the operating unit 201 is operated between the operating position and the supply position, the operating unit 201 is prevented from coming off with respect to the support portion 240a of the top surface portion 240.

[0054] [Supply Pack] Next, the configuration of the supply pack 210 will be described with reference to Figures 9(a) to 11(b). Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are perspective views showing the supply pack when the pack shutter 214 is in the closed position. Figures 10(a) and 10(b) are perspective views showing the supply pack when the pack shutter 214 is in the open position. Figures 11(a) and 11(b) are exploded perspective views showing the supply pack.

[0055] Replenishment pack 210, which serves as a toner container, has pouch portion 211, which serves as a bag containing toner to be replenished, cylindrical insertion portion 212, which is inserted into replenishing port 204, and pack shutter portion 214, which serves as a container shutter. Insertion portion 212, which serves as a nozzle, communicates with pouch portion 211. Insertion portion 212 has opening 213, which serves as an opening through which toner in pouch portion 211 is discharged to the outside. Pouch portion 211 is made of a plastic bag that is easily deformable, but is not limited to this. For example, pouch portion 211 may be made of a resin bottle container, or a paper or vinyl container.

[0056] Furthermore, a holding portion 215 is provided at the tip of the insertion portion 212, and a pouch end portion 216 is formed in the pouch portion 211 at the end opposite to the insertion portion 212. The pouch portion 211 has a flattened shape as it approaches the pouch end portion 216, and the pouch end portion 216 extends in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the pack shutter portion 214.

[0057] The pack shutter 214 is a cylindrical member concentric with the insertion portion 212, and is provided radially outward of the insertion portion 212. The pack shutter 214 has an opening 214c, and by rotating relative to the insertion portion 212, it can transition between a closed position that blocks the opening 213 of the insertion portion 212 and an open position that opens the opening 213. When the opening 214c of the pack shutter 214 and the opening 213 of the insertion portion 212 overlap, toner can be replenished from the replenishment pack 210 to the replenishment portion 200.

[0058] In addition, a seal member 231 that can slide against the outer surface of the insertion portion 212 is fixed to the inner surface of the pack shutter portion 214, and the seal member 231 blocks the opening 213 of the insertion portion 212 when the pack shutter portion 214 is positioned in the closed position.

[0059] 11(a), the insertion portion 212 is formed with guided portions 232 recessed from the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 212, and each guided portion 232 has a pair of first guided portions 232a and second guided portions 232b. When the supply pack 210 is attached to the supply unit 200, guide portions 247, 248 integral with the toner receiving portion 202 fit into the guided portions 232. This restricts relative movement between the insertion portion 212 and the toner receiving portion 202 in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis of the pack shutter 214.

[0060] 11(b), the outer peripheral surface of the pack shutter 214 has an alignment portion 217 that engages with the operating portion 201, and a drive transmission surface 214b that faces the alignment portion 217 in the circumferential direction of the outer periphery of the pack shutter 214. That is, a groove (a recess that recesses inward in the radial direction of the pack shutter 214) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the pack shutter 214, with the alignment portion 217 serving as the groove bottom surface (recess bottom surface) and the drive transmission surface 214b serving as the groove side surface. This groove is open at the tip of the outer peripheral surface of the pack shutter 214 in the insertion direction of the insertion portion 212. The drive transmission surface 214b receives a force in the circumferential direction from the operating portion drive transmission protrusion 201d of the operating portion 201, causing the pack shutter 214 to rotate relative to the insertion portion 212. A lever lock release rib 214a that releases a first lock mechanism 250 of the operating unit 201, which will be described later, is provided between the drive transmission surfaces 214b. By providing the lever lock release rib 214a between the drive transmission surfaces 214b, the first lock mechanism 250 of the operating unit 201 can be released with high precision when the supply pack 210 is attached.

[0061] 11(a) and 11(b), a memory tag 219 serving as a memory is held in a holding section 215 provided at the tip of the insertion section 212. The memory tag 219 stores predetermined authentication information.

[0062] When the pack shutter 214 is in the closed position, the insertion portion 212 is in a state in which an opening 214c provided in the pack shutter 214 and a guided portion 232 recessed from the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 212 overlap with each other in the circumferential rotation phase. In this state, the guide portions 247, 248 of the supply unit 200 are inserted into the guided portion 232 of the supply pack 210, and the opening 214c fits into the periphery of a seal member 243 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the main body shutter 206. When the supply pack 210 is attached to the supply unit 200, of the guided portion 232, a first guided portion 232a on the upstream side in the insertion direction engages with the guide portion 247, and a second guided portion 232b on the downstream side faces the guide portion 248. A surface extending in the circumferential direction, which is a step portion between first guided portion 232a and second guided portion 232b, engages in the insertion direction with a surface extending in the circumferential direction, which is a step portion between guide portion 247 and guide portion 248, and determines the position in the insertion direction between insertion portion 212 and operating portion 201. Opening 214c has a notched shape that widens in width toward the tip side of insertion portion 212. A pair of opposing portions that face each other in the circumferential direction and form opening 214c sandwich seal member 243 in the circumferential direction.

[0063] The drive transmission surface 214b of the pack shutter 214 engages with the operation unit drive transmission protrusion 201d of the operation unit 201 and also engages with the main body shutter drive transmission protrusion 206a of the main body shutter 206. The pack shutter 214 moves (rotates) due to the operation (operation) force of the operation unit 201, and transmits the operation force to the main body shutter 206, causing the main body shutter 206 to move as well. In other words, the drive transmission surface 214b has an area that engages and abuts with the operation unit drive transmission protrusion 201d as a force receiving area. The operation unit drive transmission protrusion 201d has a convex shape that extends radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the operation unit 201, and the drive transmission surface 214b has an area that engages and abuts with the main body shutter drive transmission protrusion 206a as a force applying area.

[0064] [Explanation of the first locking mechanism] The first locking mechanism 250 will be described with reference to Figures 7(a) to (c) and Figures 12(a) to 13(b). As shown in Figures 7(a) to (c) and Figure 12(b), the first locking mechanism 250 has a lever locking member 227, a lever lock release link 229, and a pressure spring 228. The lever lock release link 229 has an abutment surface 229b that abuts against the lever locking member 227, and the lever locking member 227, which serves as a second restricting member, is pressed against the abutment surface 229b by the pressure spring 228. When the supply pack 210 is not attached, the operation unit 201 is restricted in its rotational direction by the first locking mechanism 250, and is in an operating position serving as an initial position.

[0065] 12(a) and 12(b) are a bottom view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of the operating unit 201 and the first locking mechanism 250 when the lever lock member 227 is locked at the restricted position F1, which serves as the second restricted position. Fig. 13 is a bottom view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of the operating unit 201 and the first locking mechanism 250 when the lever lock member 227 is unlocked at the released position F2, which serves as the second released restriction position.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b), when the first lock mechanism 250 is in the locked state, the lever lock member 227 is pressed against the operation unit 201 by the pressing spring 228 and is located at the restricted position F1. The lever lock pressing portion 227a of the lever lock member 227 is inserted into the opening 201e of the operation unit 201. When the operation unit 201 is rotated in this state, the inner wall of the opening 201e rotates along rotation trajectories R1 and R2, as shown in FIG. 12(a). P1 indicates the transition portion between the rotation restriction surface 227b and the inclined surface 227d, and P2 indicates the transition portion of the rotation restriction surface 227c. When the first lock mechanism 250 is in the locked state, P1 and P2 are arranged to be inside the rotation trajectories R1 and R2. Therefore, the inner wall of the opening 201e comes into contact with and engages with rotation restriction surfaces 227b and 227c, which are surfaces perpendicular to the rotation direction, restricting the rotation of the operating unit 201. That is, the lever lock member 227 restricts the movement of the operating unit 201 at the restriction position F1.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b), when the supply pack 210 is attached, the lever lock release rib 214a passes through the unlock recess 201f and comes into contact with the lever lock release link 229. The lever lock release link 229 has a sloped surface 229a that comes into contact with the lever lock release rib 214a. The lever lock release link 229 receives a force for moving the lever lock member 227 from the restricting position F1 to the release position F2 from the pack shutter portion 214 via the contact between the sloped surface 229a and the lever lock release rib 214a. The sloped surface 229a is inclined with respect to the insertion direction of the supply pack 210 into the operation unit 201. In other words, the sloped surface 229a is configured to be inclined so that the force received from the lever lock release rib 214a includes a component force that acts in a direction that moves the lever lock release link 229 to the pressed position.

[0068] 13(b), the lever lock release link 229 is pressed in the direction of the arrow by the force that the inclined surface 229a receives from the lever lock release rib 214a, and the end portion having the inclined surface 229a rides up onto the side surface of the lever lock release rib 214a. As a result, the lever lock release link 229 moves to the pressing position where the abutting surface 229b moves the lever lock member 227 to the release position F2. As a result, the lever lock member 227 abutting against the lever lock release link 229 moves in the direction of the arrow to the release position F2 against the biasing force of the pressing spring 228.

[0069] 13(a), when lever lock member 227 is located at release position F2, P1 moves to the outside of rotation locus R1, and P2 is maintained on the inside of rotation locus R2. Therefore, when lever portion 201b is rotated in the direction of the arrow, inclined surface 227d comes into contact with the inner wall of opening 201e, and a component force causes lever lock member 227 to retreat radially outward from release position F2, allowing it to climb over inclined surface 227d. Therefore, lever lock member 227 allows lever portion 201b to rotate in the direction of the arrow, allowing operation unit 201 to rotate to the replenishment position.

[0070] When the lever lock member 227 is in the release position F2, P2 remains inside R2, and therefore rotation of the lever portion 201b in the direction opposite to the arrow in Figure 13(a) is restricted. That is, the lever lock member 227, at the release position F2, releases the restriction on movement of the operation unit 201. In this embodiment, by providing an assembly phase for the operation unit 201 in the direction in which rotation is restricted, it is possible to both prevent the operation unit 201 from rotating to the assembly phase after assembly and allow it to rotate to the supply position.

[0071] [Toner replenishment procedure] Next, a procedure for replenishing toner using the replenishing pack 210 will be described with reference to Figures 6(a) to 14. First, as shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(c), the user removes the recording material P on the discharge tray 14 and opens the discharge tray 14 from the closed position to the open position. This exposes the replenishing unit 200. The replenishing unit 200 is provided on the upper front surface of the image forming apparatus 1, making it easy to replenishing toner.

[0072] When the discharge tray 14 is opened to the open position and the supply unit 200 is exposed, the rotation of the operation unit 201 is restricted by the above-described first lock mechanism 250. The operation unit 201 is positioned at the operating position.

[0073] Then, the user aligns the operation unit drive transmission protrusion 201d (see FIG. 7(a)) provided on the supply unit 200 with the alignment portion 217 (see FIG. 11(b)) provided on the supply pack 210, and attaches the supply pack 210 to the supply unit 200. If the positions of the operation unit drive transmission protrusion 201d and the alignment portion 217 do not match, the supply pack 210 will interfere with the operation unit drive transmission protrusion 201d, and the supply pack 210 cannot be inserted.

[0074] FIG. 6(c) is a perspective view showing the state in which the supply pack 210 is attached to the supply unit 200. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6(c), the supply pack 210 can be attached to the supply unit 200 when the direction of arrow D, which is the extension direction of the pouch end 216, is parallel to the X direction. When the supply pack 210 is inserted all the way into the supply unit 200, the drive transmission surface 214b forming the alignment portion 217 engages with the operation unit drive transmission protrusion 201d of the operation unit 201. In addition, the drive transmission surface 214b of the pack shutter 214 engages with the main body shutter drive transmission protrusion 206a of the main body shutter 206.

[0075] That is, the rotation of the operating unit 201 is transmitted to the pack shutter 214, and the rotation of the pack shutter 214 is transmitted to the main body shutter 206. As a result, the main body shutter 206 and the pack shutter 214 engage with each other and become integrated, and the operating unit 201, the pack shutter 214, and the main body shutter 206 move in conjunction with each other. Furthermore, when the supply pack 210 is attached to the supply unit 200, the lock on the operating unit 201 by the first locking mechanism 250 is released, and the operating unit 201 becomes rotatable. Note that when the supply pack 210 is not attached to the supply unit 200, the operating unit 201 and the main body shutter 206 do not move in conjunction with each other.

[0076] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the supply pack 210 is attached to the supply unit 200. In FIG. 14, the operation unit 201 is in the operating position, and the main body shutter unit 206 and the pack shutter unit 214 are in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 14, the toner receiving unit 202 is provided with a main body contact 170 as an electrical contact. When the supply pack 210 is fully attached to the supply unit 200, the memory tag 219 attached to the tip of the supply pack 210 comes into electrical contact with the main body contact 170. This allows the main body contact 170 to communicate with the memory tag 219 and read authentication information as specified on the memory tag 219.

[0077] 7(c), the user rotates the lever portion 201b of the operating portion 201 counterclockwise by 90 degrees. This rotates the operating portion 201 from the operating position to the replenishing position, and the pack shutter portion 214 and the main body shutter portion 206 rotate from the closed position to the open position. As a result, the opening 214c of the pack shutter portion 214, the opening 213 of the insertion portion 212 of the replenishing pack 210, the opening 207 of the main body shutter portion 206, and the side opening 205 of the toner receiving portion 202 are aligned. This causes the toner in the replenishing pack 210 to pass through the replenishing path portion 203 and be discharged into the storage portion 18.

[0078] In other words, when the operating unit 201 is located at the replenishing position, the replenishing unit 200 is in a replenishing state in which toner can be replenished from the replenishing pack 210 to the storage unit 18. At this time, the opening 213 of the replenishing pack 210 and the side opening 205 of the toner receiving unit 202 are in communication with each other.

[0079] When the toner supply from the supply pack 210 to the storage unit 18 is complete, the user returns the operation unit 201 from the supply position to the operating position. That is, the user rotates the lever portion 201b of the operation unit 201 clockwise by 90 degrees. This causes the pack shutter portion 214 and the main body shutter portion 206 to rotate from the open position to the closed position.

[0080] In other words, when the operating unit 201 is in the operating position, the supply unit 200 is in a non-supply state where toner can be supplied from the supply pack 210 to the storage unit 18. At this time, the opening 213 of the supply pack 210 and the side opening 205 of the toner receiving unit 202 do not communicate with each other.

[0081] Then, the user removes the supply pack 210 from the supply unit 200. In this manner, when the supply pack 210 is removed from the supply unit 200, the pack shutter 214 is in the closed position, so that toner leakage from the opening 213 of the supply pack 210 can be prevented.

[0082] [Explanation of the second locking mechanism] Next, the second locking mechanism 400 will be described with reference to Figures 15(a) to 25(b). In this embodiment, the rotation of the operating unit 201 is restricted by the second locking mechanism 400 in addition to the first locking mechanism 250. The first locking mechanism 250 restricts the rotation of the operating unit 201 when the supply pack 210 is not attached to the supply unit 200. The second locking mechanism 400 restricts the rotation of the operating unit 201 under predetermined conditions, even when the supply pack 210 is attached to the supply unit 200.

[0083] 15 to 17(b), the second locking mechanism 400 is fixed to a side plate 500, which is a frame member of the image forming apparatus 1. Note that only a portion of the side plate 500 is shown in FIGS. 15(a) to 17(b). The second locking mechanism 400 has a holding member 401 and a solenoid unit 402 fixed to the side plate 500, a lock lever 403, a lock spring 404, and an indicator member 405 (see FIG. 18(a)).

[0084] The holding member 401 has positioning portions 401a and 401b and a holding portion 401c that holds the lock lever 403, and is positioned relative to the side plate 500 by inserting the positioning portions 401a and 401b into holes 500a and 500b in the side plate 500. The solenoid unit 402 has a plunger 402a, a solenoid 402b that can attract the plunger 402a when current is applied, and a solenoid frame 402c. The solenoid frame 402c holds the solenoid 402b as an actuator.

[0085] The holding member 401 and the solenoid frame 402c are fixed to the side plate 500 by fastening them together with screws 501, 502 into fixing holes 500c, 500d of the side plate 500. A lock lever 403 serving as a restricting member and a first restricting member has an engaging portion 403a that engages with a pin 402d of the plunger 402a, and is rotatably held by a holding portion 401c of the holding member 401. More specifically, the holding portion 401c has a shaft support portion 401d that rotatably supports a shaft portion 403b of the lock lever 403, and the lock lever 403 is configured to be rotatable around the shaft portion 403b supported by the shaft support portion 401d.

[0086] Lock spring 404 is a coil spring held by shaft portion 403b, with one end locked to holding portion 401c of holding member 401 and the other end locked to lock lever 403. Lock lever 403 is biased in the direction of arrow LC1 by lock spring 404, and rotated in the direction of arrow LC2 opposite to the direction of arrow LC1 by plunger 402a attracted by solenoid 402b.

[0087] Furthermore, an abutment portion 401e against which the lock lever 403 abuts is formed on the holding portion 401c of the holding member 401. When the solenoid 402b is not energized, the lock lever 403 abuts against the abutment portion 401e due to the biasing force of the lock spring 404. This holds the lock lever 403 in the locked position shown in FIG. 17(a). When the solenoid 402b is energized, the plunger 402a is attracted, causing the lock lever 403 to rotate in the direction of arrow LC2 from the locked position and move to the unlocked position E2 shown in FIG. 17(b).

[0088] 17(a) and 18(a) are perspective views showing the second locking mechanism 400 when the locking lever 403 is in the locked position. 17(b) and 18(b) are perspective views showing the second locking mechanism 400 when the locking lever 403 is in the unlocked position E2. As shown in FIGS. 17(a) to 18(b), the locking lever 403 has a first engagement portion 403c and a second engagement portion 403d formed above the first engagement portion 403c and protruding radially outward from the shaft portion 403b.

[0089] The first engaging portion 403c as an engaging portion is located at a position where it protrudes into a movement trajectory 420 (see FIG. 24(b)) of the engaged portion 201k of the operating unit 201 when the lock lever 403 is located at the restricted position and the locked position E1 as the first restricted position. Furthermore, the first engaging portion 403c is located at a position retracted from the movement trajectory 420 (see FIG. 24(a)) of the engaged portion 201k when the lock lever 403 is located at the unrestricted position and the unlocked position E2 as the first unrestricted position. In other words, the first engaging portion 403c is able to engage with the engaged portion 201k of the operating unit 201 when the lock lever 403 is located at the locked position E1. The rotation of the operating unit 201 is restricted by the engaged portion 201k engaging with the first engaging portion 403c. When the lock lever 403 is positioned at the unlock position E2, the engaged portion 201k of the operating portion 201 does not engage with the first engaging portion 403c, and therefore the rotation of the operating portion 201 is not restricted by the first engaging portion 403c.

[0090] Fig. 19(a) is a bottom view showing the marking member 405 when the lock lever 403 is in the locked position E1. Fig. 19(b) is an enlarged view of Fig. 19(a). Fig. 19(c) is a bottom view showing the marking member 405 when the lock lever 403 is in the unlocked position E2. Fig. 20(a) is a perspective view of the marking member 405 and the top surface 240 when the lock lever 403 is in the locked position E1, as viewed from above. Fig. 20(b) is a perspective view of the marking member 405 and the top surface 240 when the lock lever 403 is in the unlocked position E2, as viewed from above.

[0091] As shown in Figures 18(a) to 19(b), the marking member 405 is supported rotatably with respect to the top surface 240 around a rotation shaft 405a. The marking member 405 has a marking portion 405b formed in a generally fan-shaped plate shape and a boss portion 405c protruding downward from the marking portion 405b. The marking member 405 is biased in the direction of arrow LC3 by a coil spring 406 held by the rotation shaft 405a. One end of the coil spring 406 is engaged with the top surface 240, and the other end is engaged with the marking member 405.

[0092] When the lock lever 403 is in the locked position E1, the boss 405c of the marking member 405, which is biased in the direction of the arrow LC3 by the coil spring 406, abuts against the abutment surface 240c provided on the bottom surface of the top surface 240. This positions the marking member 405 in the locked position G1, which serves as the first position. As shown in Figures 20(a) and 20(b), the top surface 240, which serves as a cover, has a hole-shaped window 240b formed therein, and a first mark 405d and a second mark 405e are provided on the upper surface of the marking portion 405b of the marking member 405.

[0093] The first mark 405d and the second mark 405e are arranged at different positions in the rotation directions (LC3 direction and LC4 direction) of the marking member 405. In this embodiment, the first mark 405d has the word "Lock" indicating that the lock lever 403 is in the lock position E1 and the movement of the operation unit 201 is restricted. The second mark 405e has the word "Unlock" indicating that the lock lever 403 is in the unlock position E2 and the movement of the operation unit 201 is not restricted.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 20(a), when the indicator member 405 is located at the lock indication position G1, the first indicator 405d can be seen from the top side of the image forming apparatus 1 through the window 240b. In the present embodiment, the indicator member 405 is positioned at the lock indication position G1 by the boss portion 405c of the indicator member 405 abutting against the abutment surface 240c of the top surface 240, but this is not limiting. For example, the indicator member 405 may be positioned at the lock indication position G1 by abutting a portion of the indicator member 405 other than the boss portion 405c against the top surface 240. Alternatively, the indicator member 405 may be positioned at the lock indication position G1 by abutting any portion of the indicator member 405 against the side panel 500.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 18(b), 19(b), and 20(b), when the solenoid 402b is energized and the lock lever 403 moves from the locked position E1 to the unlocked position E2, the second engagement portion 403d of the lock lever 403 presses the boss portion 405c. This causes the indicator member 405 to rotate in the direction of arrow LC4, opposite the direction of arrow LC3, against the biasing force of the coil spring 406. The boss portion 405c is then held by the second engagement portion 403d of the lock lever 403, which is positioned at the unlocked position E2. As a result, the indicator member 405 is held at the unlocked indicator position G2, which is the second position shown in FIGS. 18(b), 19(b), and 20(b). At this time, the boss portion 405c is pressed against the second engagement portion 403d by the biasing force of the coil spring 406, so that the indicator member 405 does not deviate from the unlocked indicator position G2.

[0096] 20(b), when the indicator member 405 is located at the unlocked indicator position G2, the second indicator 405e can be seen through the window 240b from the top side of the image forming apparatus 1. When the solenoid 402b changes from a conducting state to a non-conducting state, the lock lever 403 moves from the unlocked position E2 to the locked position E1 due to the biasing force of the lock spring 404. As a result, the second engaging portion 403d of the lock lever 403 and the boss portion 405c of the indicator member 405 are disengaged, and the indicator member 405 moves from the unlocked indicator position G2 to the locked indicator position G1 due to the biasing force of the coil spring 406.

[0097] That is, the indicator member 405 is configured to operate in conjunction with the operation of the solenoid 402b so that it is in the lock indicator position G1 when the lock lever 403 is in the lock position E1, and in the unlock indicator position G2 when the lock lever 403 is in the unlock position E2.

[0098] [Control Block] FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating the function of a circuit board 100 according to this embodiment. The circuit board 100 includes a low-voltage power supply unit 110 and a high-voltage power supply unit 120. The low-voltage power supply unit 110 receives power from an external power source via a power supply input unit (not shown) mounted on an end of the board and converts the AC voltage into a stable DC voltage using a rectifying and smoothing circuit including an electrolytic capacitor. The low-voltage power supply unit 110 then converts the DC voltage into a high-frequency AC voltage using switching elements such as transistors, and inputs the high-frequency AC voltage into a low-voltage power supply transformer. The low-voltage power supply transformer converts the high-frequency AC voltage, which is the input voltage, into an AC voltage (output voltage) having a desired voltage value. The low-voltage power supply unit 110 then converts the AC voltage back into a DC voltage and outputs the resulting DC voltage to the high-voltage power supply unit 120. Because the loss of each circuit component in the low-voltage power supply unit 110 manifests itself as heat, a heat sink (not shown) made of aluminum or iron is provided in the low-voltage power supply unit 110 to dissipate the heat.

[0099] The high-voltage power supply unit 120 converts the voltage (for example, 24 V) supplied from the low-voltage power supply unit 110 into a high voltage required for the image formation process, such as charging, developing, and transferring. The voltage supplied from the low-voltage power supply unit 110 is converted into a charging voltage by a charging transformer and supplied to the charging roller 17. The voltage supplied from the low-voltage power supply unit 110 is converted into a developing voltage by a developing transformer 123 and supplied to the developing roller 12. The voltage supplied from the low-voltage power supply unit 110 is converted into a transferring voltage by a transferring transformer 124 and supplied to the transfer roller 7.

[0100] The low-voltage power supply unit 110 supplies voltage (e.g., 3.3 V or 5 V) not only to the high-voltage power supply unit 120 but also to the scanner unit 50, the drive motor 311, the engine controller 130, and the video controller 140. The engine controller 130, which serves as a control unit, is responsible for overall control of various process components and also controls the solenoid 402b. The engine controller 130 includes a CPU (not shown), a RAM (not shown) used for calculations and temporary storage of data necessary for controlling the image forming apparatus 1, and a ROM (not shown) for storing programs and various data for controlling the image forming apparatus 1. The video controller 140 communicates with an external device such as a personal computer to receive print data and notifies the engine controller 130 of the results of analyzing the print data. The engine controller 130 and the video controller 140 may be provided on a board separate from the circuit board 100, or may be provided on the same board.

[0101] Furthermore, AC power received by the power input unit from the commercial power supply is supplied not only to the low-voltage power supply unit 110 but also to the fixing heater 9c. The rollers and other components in the fixing unit 9 are driven by a drive motor 311.

[0102] [Solenoid energization] Next, the energization determination process for solenoid 402b will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 22. In other words, energization conditions for solenoid 402b are determined according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 22, and solenoid 402b is energized when the predetermined energization conditions are satisfied.

[0103] 22, when the process of determining whether or not the solenoid 402b is energized is started, the engine controller 130 determines whether or not the power supply to the image forming apparatus 1 is on (step S1). If it is determined that the power supply to the image forming apparatus 1 is on (step S1: Yes), the engine controller 130 determines whether or not the open / close detection sensor 80 is on (step S2). As described with reference to FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c), the open / close detection sensor 80 being on means that the rear cover 73 is in the closed position.

[0104] If it is determined that the open / close detection sensor 80 is on (step S2: Yes), the engine controller 130 determines whether communication with the memory tag 219 has been successful (step S3). Communication with the memory tag 219 means that the supply pack 210 has been attached to the supply unit 200, and the authentication information of the memory tag 219 provided on the supply pack 210 has been read by the main body contact 170.

[0105] If communication with memory tag 219 is successful (step S3: Yes), engine controller 130 determines whether the amount of remaining toner in storage unit 18 detected by remaining amount detection unit 312 is full, i.e., is in a full state (step S4). If the amount of remaining toner in storage unit 18 is less than a predetermined amount, the amount of remaining toner is deemed not to be full. More specifically, if the strength (voltage) of the signal emitted by remaining amount detection unit 312 is within a predetermined range, the amount of remaining toner is deemed not to be full. If it is determined that the amount of remaining toner is not full (step S4: Yes), engine controller 130 energizes solenoid 402b and sets second lock mechanism 400 to an unlocked state in which lock lever 403 is located at unlock position E2.

[0106] That is, the predetermined conditions include that the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is on, the open / close detection sensor 80 is on, communication with the memory tag 219 is successful, and the remaining amount of toner is not full. When the predetermined conditions are met, the engine controller 130 controls the solenoid 402b to release the restriction on the movement of the operation unit 201.

[0107] 23(a), when the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from above with the discharge tray 14 open, the second mark 405e of the marking member 405 can be seen through the window 240b. This allows the user to easily see that toner can be replenished to the replenishing unit 200 using the replenishing pack 210, improving usability. Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from above with the discharge tray 14 open, the engaged portion 201k of the operating unit 201 and the lock lever 403 cannot be seen. This prevents the user from accidentally touching the lock lever 403.

[0108] 23(b), the first engaging portion 403c of the lock lever 403 located at the unlock position E2 is retracted from the movement trajectory 420 of the engaged portion 201k of the operating unit 201, and the rotation of the operating unit 201 is not restricted by the lock lever 403. In addition, the second engaging portion 403d of the lock lever 403 located at the unlock position E2 holds the boss portion 405c of the indicator member 405 located at the unlock indicator position G2.

[0109] On the other hand, if it is determined that the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is not on (step S1: No), or if it is determined that the open / close detection sensor 80 is off (step S2: No), the engine controller 130 does not energize the solenoid 402b. This is because when the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is off, power cannot be supplied to the agitating member 60 and the remaining amount detection unit 312, and therefore the remaining amount of toner in the storage unit 18 cannot be detected.

[0110] Furthermore, if communication with memory tag 219 is not successful (step S3: No) or if it is determined that the remaining toner is full (step S4: No), engine controller 130 also does not energize solenoid 402b. If communication with memory tag 219 is not successful, for example, it is possible that replenishing pack 210 is not securely attached to replenishing unit 200. If the remaining toner is full, the toner in replenishing pack 210 cannot be smoothly discharged into storage unit 18. When solenoid 402b is in a non-energized state, second locking mechanism 400 is in a locked state in which lock lever 403 is in lock position E1.

[0111] 24(a), when the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from above with the discharge tray 14 open, the first mark 405d of the marking member 405 can be seen through the window 240b. Therefore, the user can easily see that the replenishing pack 210 cannot replenish toner to the replenishing unit 200, thereby improving usability.

[0112] 6(d), even when the supply pack 210 is attached to the supply unit 200, the user can see the first mark 405d through the window 240b. Therefore, even after the supply pack 210 is attached to the supply unit 200, the user can recognize that the second locking mechanism 400 is in the locked state, thereby improving usability. Note that even when the second mark 405e is displayed through the window 240b when the supply pack 210 is attached to the supply unit 200, the second mark 405e can be seen in the same way.

[0113] 24(b), the first engagement portion 403c of the lock lever 403 located at the locked position E1 protrudes into the movement path 420 of the engaged portion 201k of the operation unit 201. At this time, the first engagement portion 403c of the lock lever 403 is separated from the engaged portion 201k of the operation unit 201 in the circumferential direction of the operation unit 201, with a predetermined gap GP therebetween. By providing the gap GP between the first engagement portion 403c and the engaged portion 201k in this manner, no frictional force is generated between the first engagement portion 403c and the engaged portion 201k when the solenoid 402b is energized, and the solenoid 402b can be made smaller and have a lower output.

[0114] Here, when the supply pack 210 is not attached to the supply unit 200, the operating unit 201 is positioned at the operating position by the first locking mechanism 250. More specifically, the operating unit 201 is positioned at the operating position by inserting the lever lock pressing portion 227a of the lever lock member 227 into the opening 201e of the operating unit 201. Therefore, when the supply pack 210 is not attached to the supply unit 200, the operating unit 201 is always positioned at the operating position, and a gap GP is secured between the first engaging portion 403c and the engaged portion 201k.

[0115] In other words, when the lock lever 403 is in the locked position E1 and the lever lock member 227 is in the restricted position F1, the lever lock member 227 restricts the movement of the operating part 201 so that the operating part 201 does not come into contact with the first engaging part 403c of the lock lever 403. Therefore, by energizing the solenoid 402b, the lock lever 403 of the second lock mechanism 400 can be easily moved from the locked position E1 to the unlocked position E2.

[0116] When the lever portion 201b of the operating unit 201 is rotated toward the replenishment position while the second locking mechanism 400 is in the locked state, the engaged portion 201k of the operating unit 201 moves by the gap GP and abuts against the second engaging portion 403d, as shown in FIG. 25(b). This restricts the rotation of the operating unit 201. At this time, the lock lever 403 does not move from the locked position E1, so the indicator member 405, which moves in conjunction with the lock lever 403, also remains held in the locked indicator position G1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 25(a), the first indicator 405d visible through the window 240b does not move either.

[0117] As described above, in this embodiment, second lock mechanism 400, which is switched between a locked state and an unlocked state by solenoid 402b, can restrict the movement of operation unit 201. Since it is not desirable to replenish toner under the above-mentioned predetermined conditions, restricting the operation (rotation) of operation unit 201 can easily restrict the replenishment of toner to image forming apparatus 1.

[0118] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, with only the first mark 405d and the second mark 405e of the marking member 405 being changed. Therefore, the same configurations as those in the first embodiment will be omitted from the illustrations or will be described with the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0119] The marking member 605 according to the present embodiment has a marking portion 605b, and a first marking 605d and a second marking 605e are provided on the upper surface of the marking portion 605b. The first marking 605d and the second marking 605e are colored in different colors, and are shown with different hatching patterns in Fig. 26.

[0120] When the indicator member 605 is positioned at the locked indicator position G1, the first indicator 605d can be seen from the top of the image forming apparatus 1 through the window 240b (see FIG. 20(a)). When the indicator member 605 is positioned at the unlocked indicator position G2, the second indicator 605e can be seen from the top of the image forming apparatus 1 through the window 240b (see FIG. 20(a)). The first indicator 605d is a mark that is colored in a warm color such as red. The second indicator 605e is a mark that is colored in a cool color such as blue.

[0121] As described above, in this embodiment, the first indicator 605d and the second indicator 605e of the indicator member 605 indicate whether the second lock mechanism 400 is in the locked or unlocked state. The first indicator 605d and the second indicator 605e are respectively colored in warm and cool colors, with warm colors such as red generally indicating that an operation is prohibited and cool colors such as blue generally indicating that an operation is permitted. This allows the user to intuitively recognize whether or not the operation unit 201 can be operated and toner can be replenished to the replenishment unit 200. Note that warm colors include, for example, red, orange, and yellow, while cool colors include, for example, blue-green, blue, and blue-purple. The first indicator 605d is preferably colored red, and the second indicator 605e is preferably colored blue.

[0122] <Other embodiments> In all of the above-described embodiments, the suction-type solenoid 402b is used as the actuator for driving the second lock mechanism 400, but this is not limiting. For example, a push solenoid or a self-holding solenoid may be used instead of the solenoid 402b. Furthermore, a motor, a linear actuator, or the like may be used instead of the solenoid 402b. Furthermore, the interlocking mechanism of the solenoid unit 402, the lock lever 403, and the marking members 405, 605 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the marking members 405, 605 may be moved by being pressed by the plunger 402a instead of the second engagement portion 403d of the lock lever 403.

[0123] In addition, in all of the above-described embodiments, the first mark 405d, 605d and the second mark 405e, 605e are each composed of a mark with letters and color, but this is not limiting. For example, the first mark may have a pictorial symbol of the locked state, and the second mark may have a pictorial symbol of the unlocked state. Alternatively, the first mark and the second mark may be distinguished by letters, colors, pictorial symbols, embossed patterns, materials, etc., to indicate the locked and unlocked states of the second locking mechanism 400.

[0124] In any of the above-described embodiments, the solenoid 402b is energized when the following conditions are met: the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on, the open / close detection sensor 80 is on, communication with the memory tag 219 is successful, and the remaining toner is not full. However, the conditions for energizing the solenoid 402b are not limited to these. For example, the solenoid 402b may be energized when any one to three of the conditions shown in steps S1 to S4 of FIG. 22 are met.

[0125] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1: Image forming apparatus / 5c: Conveying unit (pair of conveying rollers) / 18: Toner storage unit (storage unit) / 19: Conveying path / 73: Opening / closing member (rear cover) / 80: Opening / closing detection sensor / 130: Control unit (engine controller) / 170: Electrical contact (main body contact) / 200: Mounting unit, receiving unit (supply unit) / 201: Operating member (operating unit) / 204: Receiving port (supply port) / 206: Main body shutter (main body shutter unit) / 210: Toner container (supply pack) / 211: Bag (pouch unit) / 212: Nozzle unit (insertion unit) / 213: Opening (opening) / 214: Container shutter (pack shutter unit) / 219: Memory (memory tag) / 227: Second regulating member (lever lock member) / 240: C Bar (top surface) / 240b: window / 312: sensor (remaining amount detection part) / 402b: actuator (solenoid) / 403: restriction member, first restriction member (lock lever) / 403c: engagement part (first engagement part) / 405: indicator member / 405d, 605d: first indicator / 405e, 605e: second indicator / 420: movement trajectory / E1: restriction position, first restriction position (lock position) / E2: restriction release position, first restriction release position (unlock position) / F1: second restriction position (restriction position) / F2: second restriction release position (release position) / G1: first position (lock indicator position) / G2: second position (unlock indicator position) / H1: closed position / H2: open position / N1: image forming part (transfer nip)

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus in which a toner container having an opening for supplying toner and a container shutter for opening and closing the opening can be detachably mounted, a mounting portion to which the toner container is attached, the mounting portion including: a receiving port for receiving toner supplied from the toner container; and an operating member for a user to operate, from outside the image forming apparatus, to open and close the container shutter when the toner container is attached to the mounting portion, the operating member being configured to be movable together with the container shutter; a toner storage section configured to store the toner received through the receiving port; an actuator for restricting movement of the operating member; a control unit that controls the actuator, the control unit controls the actuator to release the restriction on the movement of the operation member when a predetermined condition is satisfied; the predetermined condition includes that the remaining amount of toner contained in the toner container is less than a predetermined amount; An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. a restricting member that includes an engaging portion that can be engaged with the operating member and that can move between a restricting position where the engaging portion protrudes into a movement trajectory of the operating member and a restricting release position where the engaging portion retracts from the movement trajectory of the operating member, The actuator is configured to move the restricting member between the restricting position and the unrestricted position, the control unit controls the actuator so that the restricting member moves from the restricting position to the unrestricted position when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. When the restricting member, the restricting position, and the unrestricted position are respectively defined as a first restricting member, a first restricting position, and a first unrestricted position, a second restricting member configured to be movable between a second restricting position that restricts movement of the operating member and a second restricting release position that releases restriction on movement of the operating member, the second restricting member is configured to be in the second restricting position when the toner container is not attached to the attachment portion, and to be in the second unrestricted position when the toner container is attached to the attachment portion, When the first restricting member is in the first restricting position and the second restricting member is in the second restricting position, the second restricting member restricts movement of the operating member so that the operating member does not come into contact with the engaging portion of the first restricting member.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. a marking member in which a first marking and a second marking are provided at mutually different positions; a cover provided with a window configured to allow either the first mark or the second mark to be visible; The sign member is The cover is configured to move relative to the cover between a first position where the first marking is visible through the window and a second position where the second marking is visible through the window, The operating member is configured to move in conjunction with the operation of the actuator so as to be in a first position when the movement of the operating member is restricted, and to be in a second position when the movement restriction of the operating member is released.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. a marking member in which a first marking and a second marking are provided at mutually different positions; a cover provided with a window configured to allow either the first mark or the second mark to be visible; The sign member is The window is configured to move between a first position where the first marking is visible through the window and a second position where the second marking is visible through the window, The restricting member is configured to move in conjunction with the operation of the actuator so that the restricting member is at the first position when in the restricting position and is at the second position when in the unrestricted position.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

6. The first marking has a character indicating that the movement of the operation member is restricted, and the second marking has a character indicating that the movement of the operation member is not restricted.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

7. The first marking is a mark that is colored in a warm color system, and the second marking is a mark that is colored in a cool color system.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

8. the toner container has a memory for storing information; the mounting portion has an electrical contact that electrically contacts the memory so as to be able to communicate with the memory when the toner container is mounted; the predetermined condition includes that predetermined information can be read from the memory; 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

9. an image forming section for forming an image on a recording material; a conveying section that conveys a recording material toward the image forming section; a conveying path through which the recording material conveyed by the conveying unit passes; an opening / closing member that is movable between a closed position that covers the transport path and an open position that exposes the transport path to the outside; an opening / closing detection sensor that detects the opening and closing of the opening / closing member, the predetermined condition includes that the open / close detection sensor detects that the open / close member is in the closed position.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

10. the toner container has a bag for storing toner, and a nozzle portion communicating with the inside of the bag and having the opening; 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

11. a sensor configured to emit a signal having an intensity corresponding to the remaining amount of toner contained in the toner container; the predetermined condition that the remaining amount of toner contained in the toner container is less than a predetermined amount is that the intensity of the signal detected by the sensor is within a predetermined range.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

12. The container further includes a cover member configured to be movable between an open position that opens the receiving port and a closed position that closes the receiving port, The cover member is configured such that movement from the open position to the closed position is prevented by the toner container attached to the attachment portion.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

Images