Toner container and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a new form of a toner container which can be attached to an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: A developing cartridge comprising a toner accommodating portion, a discharging portion provided with an opening, a rotatable member rotatable in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, and a projected portion projecting downward, wherein the projected portion includes a first downward surface and a second downward surface which face downward, and an upward surface which faces upward, and wherein the first downward surface and the second downward surface extend so as to go upward as they go in the first rotational direction, At least a portion of the first downward surface is arranged at a position that is closer to the central axis than the second downward surface is in the radial direction and that is different from a position of the second downward surface in a circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, and at least a portion of the upward surface is arranged above at least a portion of the second downward surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 57

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toner container that can be attached to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A configuration is known in which a toner container that is detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is used to replenish the image forming apparatus with toner (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] WO2020100699A2 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In recent years, users have been demanding a variety of ways to use image forming apparatuses. An object of the present invention is to provide a new type of toner container that can be attached to an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention is a toner container comprising: a storage section configured to store toner; a discharge section configured to be provided with an opening for discharging the toner in the storage section to the outside; a rotating member rotatable relative to the discharge section in a first rotation direction about a central axis serving as a rotation axis, and in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction; and a protrusion located below the opening of the discharge section when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which at least a portion of the discharge section is below the storage section and the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity, the protrusion having an inner circumferential surface facing inward in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis and protruding downward, the opening of the discharge section being located within the predetermined direction of the radius of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis. When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has a first downward surface and a second downward surface facing downward, and an upward surface facing upward, outside the inner circumferential surface and inside the opening of the discharge portion in the radial direction, the first downward surface and the second downward surface extend upward as they approach the first rotation direction, at least a portion of the first downward surface is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the second downward surface and at a different position from the second downward surface in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, and at least a portion of the upward surface is located above at least a portion of the second downward surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, a new form of toner container that can be attached to an image forming apparatus can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of a mounting portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram showing the mounting section according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a view of the mounting portion according to the first embodiment as seen from below. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus-side shutter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion according to the first embodiment (when the device-side shutter rotation is restricted). FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion according to the first embodiment (when the device-side shutter rotation restriction is released). FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a regulating member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a release member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are a perspective view and a front view of a unit in which a restricting member and a releasing member according to a first embodiment are assembled. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a front view of the toner pack according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the toner pack according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] 3A and 3B are a perspective view and a bottom view of the vicinity of the nozzle according to the first embodiment (when the pack-side shutter is closed). [Figure 19] 2A and 2B are a perspective view and a bottom view of the vicinity of the nozzle according to the first embodiment (when the pack-side shutter is open). [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a front view of the vicinity of the nozzle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] 3 is a cross section of a protruding portion of a nozzle according to Example 1. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mounting portion and the toner pack in the middle of mounting according to the first embodiment. [Figure 24] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion and the toner pack during mounting according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 25] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion and the toner pack during mounting according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 26] 10A to 10C are diagrams 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, according to the first embodiment. [Figure 27] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion and the toner pack when the toner pack according to the first embodiment has been completely mounted to the mounting portion. FIG. [Figure 28] 10A and 10B are perspective views of the toner pack mounted in the mounting portion when the operating lever is in the closed position and the open position, as viewed from above. [Figure 29] 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views showing the toner movement path when the device-side shutter and the pack-side shutter are closed and opened. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a nozzle according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a nozzle according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a nozzle according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 33] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a front view of the vicinity of a nozzle according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 11 is a front view of a toner pack according to a fifth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a nozzle according to a sixth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a nozzle according to a seventh modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a nozzle according to Modification 8 of Example 1. [Figure 38] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle and the attachment according to a ninth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 39] 10 is an enlarged view of a second inclined surface of the deregulation portion in the first embodiment and first to ninth modifications of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 40]FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting portion according to a second embodiment. [Figure 41] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a mounting portion according to a second embodiment. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a top view of the mounting section according to the second embodiment. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is a view of the mounting portion according to the second embodiment as seen from below. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an apparatus-side shutter according to a second embodiment. [Figure 45] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cover according to a second embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a restricting member according to a second embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a release member according to a second embodiment. [Figure 48] 10A and 10B are perspective views of a unit in which a restricting member and a releasing member according to a second embodiment are assembled. [Figure 49] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion according to the second embodiment (when the device-side shutter rotation is restricted). FIG. [Figure 50] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of a release member relative to a restricting member according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 51] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion according to the second embodiment (when the device-side shutter rotation restriction is released). FIG. [Figure 52] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of a release member relative to a restricting member according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 53] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of a release member relative to a restricting member according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 54] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of a release member relative to a restricting member according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 55] 10A to 10C are a front view, a rear view, and a side view of a toner pack according to a second embodiment. [Figure 56] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a toner pack according to a second embodiment. [Figure 57] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a bottom view of the vicinity of the nozzle according to the second embodiment (when the pack-side shutter is closed). [Figure 58] 10A and 10B are a perspective view, a bottom view, and a front view of the vicinity of the nozzle according to Example 2 (when the pack-side shutter is open). [Figure 59] 10 is a rear perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle according to Example 2, an enlarged perspective view of a protruding portion, and a front view. FIG. [Figure 60] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a bottom view of a protrusion according to a second embodiment. [Figure 61] 10A and 10B are a front view and a rear view of the vicinity of a nozzle according to a second embodiment. [Figure 62] 10A and 10B are a cross-sectional view of a protruding portion of a nozzle according to a second embodiment and a bottom view of the nozzle. [Figure 63] 10A and 10B are perspective views of the toner pack and the mounting portion immediately before and after the toner pack according to the second embodiment is mounted to the mounting portion. [Figure 64] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack and the mounting portion when the toner pack is in the middle of being mounted according to the second embodiment. [Figure 65] 10A to 10C are diagrams 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, according to the second embodiment. [Figure 66] 10A to 10C are diagrams 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, according to the second embodiment. [Figure 67] 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the mounting portion showing a state in which a release claw of a release member is exposed from a central hole of a cover of the mounting portion according to Example 2. FIG. [Figure 68] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion and the toner pack when the mounting of the toner pack is completed according to the second embodiment. [Figure 69] 10A and 10B are perspective views of the toner pack mounted in the mounting portion when the operating lever is in the closed position and the open position, as viewed from above. [Figure 70] 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views showing the toner movement path when the device-side shutter and the pack-side shutter are closed and opened. [Figure 71] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a bottom view showing a modified configuration of the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion of the nozzle. [Figure 72] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a side view of an attachment according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 73]10A and 10B are a top view and a cross-sectional view showing only parts related to attaching an attachment to an apparatus main body according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 74] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views showing a process of attaching an attachment to a device body according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 75] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views showing a process of attaching an attachment to a device body according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 76] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a toner pack according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 77] 10A and 10B are a side view and a cross-sectional view of a toner pack attached to an apparatus main body according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 78] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an attachment having a different shape according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 79] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a side view of an attachment unit according to a second modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 80] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a shutter according to a second modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 81] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a protruding member according to a second modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 82] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an attachment unit according to a second modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 83] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a protruding member and a shutter according to a second modification of the second embodiment when the protruding member and the shutter are located at a first position. FIG. [Figure 84] FIG. 10 is a side view of the vicinity of the protruding member in a state where the operating lever is between the closed position and the open position according to the second modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 85] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the protruding member in a state where the operating lever is between the closed position and the open position, according to a second modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 86] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a toner pack attached to the apparatus main body according to a second modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 87] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an attachment unit with a cover member attached according to a second modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 88]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing detailed shapes of a first restriction release portion and a second restriction release portion according to a third modification of the second embodiment; [Figure 89] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a process in which the release member is rotated by the first inclined surface of the first restriction release portion according to the third modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 90] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a process in which the release member is rotated by the second inclined surface of the first restriction release portion according to the third modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 91] 10 is a diagram showing detailed shapes of a first restriction release portion and a second restriction release portion in another form according to the third modification of the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 92] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a process in which the release member is rotated by a first restriction release portion and a second restriction release portion of another form, according to a third modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 93] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a discharge unit according to a fourth modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 94] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a discharge unit according to a fourth modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 95] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a toner pack to which a discharge unit is attached according to a fourth modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 96] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a toner pack according to a fifth modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 97] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a nozzle according to a fifth modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 98] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a nozzle according to a fifth modified example of the second embodiment, in a state where the outlet faces downward. [Figure 99] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a nozzle according to a fifth modified example of the second embodiment, in a state in which the outlet faces radially outward. [Figure 100] 13 is a diagram showing detailed shapes of a first derestriction section and a second derestriction section according to a sixth modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 101] 13A to 13C are a perspective view, a front view, a side view, and a rear view of a toner pack according to a seventh modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 102]13 is a perspective view of a toner pack and a mounting portion, and a perspective view of a rod used to open an apparatus-side shutter, according to a seventh modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 103] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the entire toner pack according to a third embodiment. [Figure 104] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a nozzle and parts assembled to the nozzle according to a third embodiment. [Figure 105] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a nozzle and parts assembled to the nozzle according to a third embodiment. [Figure 106] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a detailed shape of a restriction release member according to a third embodiment. [Figure 107] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a toner pack according to a third embodiment. [Figure 108] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the process of operating the toner pack according to the third embodiment. [Figure 109] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a toner pack according to a third embodiment. [Figure 110] 10A to 10C are diagrams 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, according to the third embodiment. [Figure 111] 10A to 10C are diagrams 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, according to the third embodiment. [Figure 112] 13 is a diagram showing a detailed shape of a restriction release member according to a first modified example of the third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 113] 13 is a diagram showing a detailed shape of a restriction release member according to a second modification of the third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 114] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the entire toner pack according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 115] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a nozzle and parts assembled to the nozzle according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 116] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a nozzle according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 117] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a movable passage according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 118] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cam member, an operating member, and a shaft member according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 119] 10 is a diagram showing the assembly of a movable passage and a tension spring to a nozzle according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 120] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing the process of assembling the operating mechanism to the nozzle according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 121] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a nozzle with parts assembled thereto according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 122] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the state in which the pack-side shutter is in the open position and the closed position at the second position of the movable passage according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 123] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of a movable passage when an operating member is operated according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 124] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing a process of inserting a toner pack into a mounting portion and operating an operating lever and an operating member according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 125] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner pack is attached to the attachment portion and the operation lever is in the open position according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 126] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment when the operating member is operated to move the movable passage to a first position. [Figure 127] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a toner pack according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 128] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a toner pack according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 129] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of a toner pack according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 130] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of a toner pack according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 131] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a nozzle according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 132] 10A and 10B are a cross-sectional view and a side view of a nozzle according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 133] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a first operation by a user according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 134] FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating a second operation by the user according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 135] FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating a third operation by the user according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 136] 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a third operation by the user according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 137] 10A and 10B are perspective views showing the state before and after the toner seal is broken in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 138] FIG. 10 is an external view of a toner pack according to a fifth embodiment, in which a toner seal is pulled out to the outside. [Figure 139] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the attachment of a toner seal to a toner pack according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 140] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating the attachment of a toner seal to a toner pack according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 141] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a toner pack according to a fifth embodiment, in which a toner seal is pulled out to the outside. [Figure 142] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the entire toner pack according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 143] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a restriction release mechanism according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 144] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing the detailed shape of the restriction release mechanism and the process of assembling the mechanism according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 145] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a toner pack according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 146] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the restriction release mechanism according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 147] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of a protruding portion of a toner pack according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 148] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the entire toner pack according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 149] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a restriction release mechanism according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 150] 13 is a detailed view of a first deregulation member and a second deregulation member according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. [Figure 151] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a toner pack according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 152] 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the restriction release mechanism according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. [Figure 153]13A to 13C are diagrams 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, according to the seventh embodiment. [Fig. 154] 13 is a detailed view of a first deregulation member and a second deregulation member according to a first modification of the seventh embodiment. FIG. [Figure 155] 13A and 13B are diagrams 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, according to a first modified example of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 156] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a restriction release mechanism according to a second modified example of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 157] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the restriction release mechanism according to the second modification of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 158] 13A and 13B are diagrams 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, according to a second modification of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 159] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a restriction release mechanism according to a third modified example of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 160] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing 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, according to a third modification of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 161] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the position of the pins on the straight portion when the toner pack is attached to the attachment portion according to the third modification of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 162] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the entire toner pack according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 163] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a deregulation member and a shaft ring before they are assembled into a nozzle according to an eighth embodiment. [Fig. 164] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of a deregulating member according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 165] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a restriction release member according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 166] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a toner pack according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 167]13A to 13C are diagrams showing 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, according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 168] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing 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, according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 169] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing 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, according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 170] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing 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, according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 171] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing 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, according to the eighth embodiment. [Fig. 172] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing 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, according to the eighth embodiment. [Fig. 173] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a restriction release member according to a first modified example of the eighth embodiment. [Fig. 174] FIG. 20 is a detailed view of a deregulation member according to a second modification of the eighth embodiment. [Figure 175] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of a deregulation member according to a third modified example of the eighth embodiment. [Figure 176] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a ner pack according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 177] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a toner pack according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 178] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a nozzle according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 179] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a pack-side shutter according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 180] 13A and 13B are a top view and a side view showing a state in which a toner pack is attached to an attachment portion according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 181] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which a toner pack is attached to an attachment portion according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 182] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which a toner pack is attached to an attachment portion according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 183] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a toner pack according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 184] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a toner pack according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 185] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a nozzle according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 186] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a pack-side shutter according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 187] 13A and 13B are a side view and a cross-sectional view of a toner pack according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 188] 13A to 13C are a top view, a side view, and a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a toner pack is attached to an attachment portion according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 189] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner pack is attached to the attachment portion according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 190] 13A to 13C are a top view, a side view, and a cross-sectional view showing a state in which toner from a toner pack is being replenished into a toner storage chamber of a developing container according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 191] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which toner from a toner pack is being replenished into a toner storage chamber of a developing container according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 192] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the toner pack according to the eleventh embodiment, showing the state in which the tip member of the toner pack is in the first position. [Figure 193] FIG. 20 is a partially exploded perspective view of a toner pack according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 194] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a protruding member according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 195] 19A and 19B are a side view and a cross-sectional view illustrating a user's operation of a protruding member according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 196] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a configuration in which a protrusion according to a second embodiment has only one derestriction portion and a configuration in which a second derestriction portion has a shape that is 190 degrees rotationally symmetrical to the first derestriction portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Example 1 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (Image forming device system) Fig. 1(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an image forming system 1000 according to Example 1. Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view of the image forming system 1000.

[0011] The image forming system 1000 includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a toner pack 100 (toner container, toner cartridge) that can be attached to the image forming apparatus 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 without the toner pack 100 attached.

[0012] The toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 2 and contains toner to be replenished to the image forming apparatus 1. The detailed configuration of the toner pack 100 will be described later. The toner pack 100 is attached by moving the toner pack 100 in an attachment direction M shown in Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the attachment direction M of the toner pack 100 is the direction of gravity, but it may also be a direction inclined toward the direction of gravity.

[0013] (Image forming device) 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 includes a variety of sheet materials made of different materials, such as paper such as plain paper and cardboard, plastic film such as sheets for overhead projectors, specially shaped sheets such as envelopes and index paper, and cloth.

[0014] 1(a) and 1(b), the image forming apparatus 1 has the following configuration: an image forming unit 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 unit 10, a fixing unit 70 that fixes the toner image formed by the image forming unit 10 onto the recording material P, and a pair of discharge rollers 80.

[0015] The image forming section 10 has a scanner unit 11, an electrophotographic process unit 20, and a transfer roller 12 that transfers a toner image as a developer image formed on a photosensitive drum 21 of the process unit 20 onto a recording material P. The process unit 20 has the 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.

[0016] The photosensitive drum 21 (image carrier) is a cylindrically shaped photosensitive member. The photosensitive drum 21 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 21 is driven by a motor to rotate in a predetermined direction (clockwise in the drawing) at a predetermined process speed.

[0017] The charging roller 22 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 with a predetermined pressure to form a charging section. A desired charging voltage is applied by a charging high-voltage power supply, thereby uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to a predetermined potential. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 is negatively charged by the charging roller 22. The pre-exposure section 23 neutralizes the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 21 before it reaches the charging section in order to generate a stable discharge at the charging section.

[0018] The scanner unit 11, which serves as an exposure means, scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 by irradiating the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light corresponding to image information input from an external device using a polygon mirror. This exposure forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Note that the scanner unit 11 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 21.

[0019] The developing device 30 includes a developing roller 31 as a developer carrier that carries developer, a developing container 32 (developing frame) that forms the frame of the developing device 30, and a supply roller 33 that can supply developer to the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are rotatably supported by the developing container 32. The developing roller 31 is disposed at the opening of the developing container 32 so as to face the photosensitive drum 21. The supply roller 33 rotatably contacts the developing roller 31, and toner contained in the developing container 32 as developer is supplied to the surface of the developing roller 31 by the supply roller 33. Note that the supply roller 33 is not necessarily required as long as the configuration can supply a sufficient amount of toner to the developing roller 31.

[0020] The developing device 30 of this embodiment uses a contact development method. That is, a toner layer carried on the developing roller 31 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 21 in a development section (development area) where the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 31 face each other. A development voltage is applied to the developing roller 31 by a development high-voltage power supply. Under the development voltage, the toner carried on the developing roller 31 is transferred from the developing roller 31 to the drum surface in accordance with the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image. Note that this embodiment employs a reversal development method. That is, a toner image is formed by the toner adhering to the surface area of ​​the photosensitive drum 21, which has been charged in a charging process and then exposed in an exposure process, where the charge amount has attenuated.

[0021] In this embodiment, a toner having a particle size of 6 μm and a normal negative charge polarity is used. As an example, the toner used in this embodiment is a polymerized toner produced by a polymerization method. The toner used in this embodiment does not contain a magnetic component, and is a so-called non-magnetic single-component developer in which the toner is carried on the developing roller 31 mainly by intermolecular forces and electrostatic forces (image forces). However, a single-component developer containing a magnetic component may also be used. In addition to toner particles, a single-component developer may contain additives (e.g., wax or silica particles) to adjust the fluidity and charging performance of the toner. A two-component developer composed of a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier may also be used. When a magnetic developer is used, a cylindrical developing sleeve with a magnet disposed inside is used as the developer carrier.

[0022] The developing container 32 has a toner storage chamber 36 (second storage section, main body storage section) that stores toner. An agitating member 34 (toner transport member) is provided inside the toner storage chamber 36. The agitating member 34 is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown), thereby agitating the toner in the developing container 32 and transporting the toner toward the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33. The agitating member 34 is not used for development, but rather circulates toner scraped off from the developing roller 31 within the developing container, thereby homogenizing the toner in the developing container. The agitating member 34 is not limited to a rotating type. For example, an oscillating type agitating member may be used.

[0023] A developing blade 35 is disposed at the opening of the developing container 32 in which the developing roller 31 is disposed, to regulate the amount of toner carried by the developing roller 31. The toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller 31 passes through the area facing the developing blade 35 as the developing roller 31 rotates, whereby the toner is uniformly formed into a thin layer and is negatively charged by frictional charging.

[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 unit 10 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 laser light 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 the irradiation of the laser light. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 31, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21.

[0025] In parallel with the above-described image forming process, the recording material P is sent out by the pickup roller 65 and conveyed toward the transfer nip formed by the transfer roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21 .

[0026] A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 12 from a transfer high-voltage power supply, and the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred onto the recording material P. The recording material P with the transferred toner image is heated and pressurized as it passes through a fixing section 70. This melts the toner particles and then solidifies the toner image, thereby fixing the toner image to the recording material P. Having passed through the fixing section 70, the recording material P is discharged to the outside (outside the machine) of the image forming apparatus 1 by a pair of discharge rollers 80 serving as a discharge means, and is stacked on a discharge tray 81 serving as a stacking section formed above the image forming apparatus 1.

[0027] A top cover 82 serving as a loading tray is provided on the top of the image forming apparatus 1, and a discharge tray 81 serving as a loading surface is formed on the upper surface of the top cover 82. As shown in FIGS. 1(b) and 2, the top cover 82 is provided with an opening / closing member 83 that is supported so as to be able to open and close around a rotation shaft 83a extending in the front-rear direction. An opening 82a that opens upward is formed in the discharge tray 81 of the top cover 82. As shown in FIG. 2, a mounting portion 106 for mounting a toner pack 100 is exposed from the opening 82a.

[0028] The opening / closing member 83 is configured to be movable between a closed position where it covers the mounting portion 106 so that the toner pack 100 cannot be mounted in the image forming apparatus 1, and an open position where it exposes the mounting portion 106 so that the toner pack 100 can be mounted in the image forming apparatus 1. In the closed position, the opening / closing member 83 functions as part of the discharge tray 81. The opening / closing member 83 and the opening 82a are formed on the left side of the discharge tray 81 when viewed from the front of the image forming apparatus 1. The front of the image forming apparatus 1 described here is the upstream side of the image forming apparatus 1 in the direction in which the recording material P is fed by the pickup roller 65. The opening / closing member 83 can be opened to the left by hooking a finger into a groove 82b provided in the top cover 82.

[0029] Opening 82a of discharge tray 81 is open so as to expose mounting portion 106 formed on the top of image forming apparatus 1, and a user can access mounting portion 106 by opening opening / closing member 83. Note that this embodiment employs a direct replenishment method in which, with developing device 30 attached to image forming apparatus 1, a user replenishes toner from toner pack 100 attached to mounting portion 106 to developing device 30. When toner pack 100 is attached to mounting portion 106 of image forming apparatus 1, at least a portion of toner pack 100 is exposed to the outside of image forming apparatus 1.

[0030] When the amount of toner remaining in the process unit 20 becomes low, it is no longer necessary to remove the process unit 20 from the image forming apparatus 1 and replace it with a new process unit, thereby improving usability. Also, toner can be replenished to the developing container 32 more cheaply than if the entire process unit 20 were replaced. Furthermore, the direct replenishment method eliminates the need to replace various rollers, gears, etc., compared to replacing only the developing device 30 of the process unit 20, thereby reducing costs.

[0031] (Toner pack attachment part) First, the configuration of the mounting portion 106 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 8. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 106 is a unit into which the toner pack 100 is mounted.

[0032] Fig. 3(a) is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion 106. Fig. 3(b) is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion 106 as viewed from a different direction than Fig. 3(a). Figs. 4(a) and 5(a) are a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting portion 106 when the operating lever 108 is in the closed position, and a view of the mounting portion 106 as viewed from the mounting direction M, respectively. Figs. 4(b) and 5(b) are a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting portion 106 when the operating lever 108 is in the open position, and a view of the mounting portion 106 as viewed from the mounting direction M, respectively. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the mounting portion 106 as viewed from the downstream side of the mounting direction M.

[0033] Fig. 7(a) is a perspective view of the device-side shutter 109 as seen from the upstream side in the mounting direction M. Fig. 7(b) is a perspective view of the device-side shutter 109 from a different perspective than Fig. 7(a). Fig. 8(a) is a perspective view of the cover 110 as seen from the downstream side of the cover 110 in the mounting direction M. Fig. 8(b) is a perspective view of the cover 110 as seen from the upstream side in the mounting direction M.

[0034] The mounting portion 106 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is provided with a base frame 2 including a first frame 107, a second frame 117, and a cover 110. The cover 110 and the second frame 117 are fixed to the first frame 107. As shown in FIG. 8, the cover 110 has an engaged portion 110h that engages with an engaging portion 107b (FIG. 3(a)) of the first frame 107 so as not to rotate about the rotation axis B relative to the first frame 107. Note that the first frame 107, the cover 110, and the second frame 117 may be integrally formed rather than being separate members. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the second frame 117 is provided with an apparatus-side opening 117a (frame opening, receiving opening), which communicates with the toner storage chamber 36 of the developing device 30 (see FIG. 1(a)).

[0035] The operating lever 108 and the device-side shutter 109 (second shutter) are each attached to the base frame 2 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis B (central axis).

[0036] The first frame 107 is provided with a positioning portion 107a. The positioning portion 107a protrudes inward from an inner circumferential surface of the first frame 107 that is centered on the rotation axis B in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC that is centered on the rotation axis B. The operating lever 108 is also provided with a drive transmission portion 108a (lever convex portion) and an operating portion 108b. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the drive transmission portion 108a of the operating lever 108 is a convex portion that protrudes inward from an inner circumferential surface of the operating lever 108 that is centered on the rotation axis B in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC that is centered on the rotation axis B.

[0037] The device-side shutter 109 is a cylindrical member that is open at the top, and as shown in Fig. 7, has a receiving opening 109a (second shutter opening, device-side shutter opening) provided on a side surface of the device-side shutter that extends in the direction of the rotation axis B, and a bottom surface 109b on which a regulated rib 109c (rotation-regulated portion) is provided. The device-side shutter 109 further has a center boss 109d (positioning shaft, shaft portion), a drive transmission portion 109e (pressed portion, device-side shutter protrusion), a pack abutment surface 109g (mounting direction positioning), and an inner peripheral surface 109h (radial direction positioning). The device-side shutter 109 is configured to be rotatable around the rotation axis B relative to the base frame 2.

[0038] The regulated rib 109c protrudes upward from the bottom surface 109b in the direction of the rotation axis B. As shown in FIG. 7(a), the drive transmission portion 109e is a convex portion that protrudes inward in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis B. An apparatus-side seal 111 is affixed around the receiving opening 109a (see FIG. 4(b)).

[0039] Here, the apparatus-side shutter 109 is configured to be rotatable relative to the base frame 2 between a closed position in which the receiving opening 109a is covered by the apparatus-side seal 111 and the cover 110, and an open position in which the receiving opening 109a is not covered by the cover 110. The closed position is the position shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 5(a), and is a position (non-communicating position) in which the receiving opening 109a of the apparatus-side shutter 109 does not communicate with the apparatus-side opening 117a of the second frame 117. The open position is the position shown in FIGS. 4(b) and 5(b), and is a position (communicating position) in which the receiving opening 109a of the apparatus-side shutter 109 communicates with the apparatus-side opening 117a of the second frame 117. When the apparatus-side shutter 109 moves to the open position, toner can be replenished (supplied) from the toner pack 100 to the toner storage chamber 36 of the developing device 30 through the receiving opening 109a.

[0040] Since the operating lever 108 and the device-side shutter 109 are not connected to each other, the device-side shutter 109 will not rotate even if the operating lever 108 is operated without the toner pack 100 attached.

[0041] (Rotation restriction mechanism for the device-side shutter) 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, as shown in FIG.

[0042] The rotation restriction mechanism 112 will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 15. In Figures 9, 10, and 14, cross sections of the cover 110, restriction member 113, and release member 114 are shaded for ease of viewing.

[0043] When the toner pack 100 is not attached to the attachment portion 106, it is conceivable that the apparatus-side shutter 109 may be inadvertently rotated from the closed position toward the open position by more than a predetermined amount due to an impact during transportation of the image forming apparatus 1 or an erroneous operation by the user. In this case, it may be difficult for the user to attach the toner pack 100 to the attachment portion 106 when using the image forming apparatus 1. This point will be described in detail later. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is provided with a rotation restriction mechanism 112 to restrict the apparatus-side shutter 109 from being rotated from the closed position toward the open position.

[0044] 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of the mounting portion 106. FIG. 9(a) is a cross-sectional view parallel to the rotation axis B in a state in which the rotation restriction mechanism 112 restricts the rotation of the device-side shutter 109 from the closed position to the open position. FIG. 9(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the X1-X1 line in FIG. 9(a). FIG. 10(a) is a cross-sectional view parallel to the rotation axis B in a state in which the restriction on the rotation of the device-side shutter 109 by the rotation restriction mechanism 112 has been released. FIG. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the X2-X2 line in FIG. 10(a). For convenience, FIG. 10 shows the mounting portion 106 in a state in which the restriction on the rotation of the device-side shutter 109 has been released when the toner pack 100 is not mounted.

[0045] Furthermore, Fig. 11(a) shows a perspective view of the regulating member 113 as seen from the upstream side in the mounting direction M. Fig. 11(b) shows a perspective view of the regulating member 113 as seen from the downstream side in the mounting direction. Fig. 12(a) shows a perspective view of the releasing member 114 as seen from the upstream side in the mounting direction M. Fig. 12(b) shows a perspective view of the releasing member 114 as seen from the downstream side in the mounting direction M. Fig. 13(a) is a perspective view of a unit in which the regulating member 113 and the releasing member 114 are assembled. Fig. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view parallel to the rotation axis B of the unit in which the regulating member 113 and the releasing member 114 are assembled.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 9(a), a regulating member 113, a releasing member 114, a regulating spring 115, and a releasing spring 116 are provided inside the apparatus-side shutter 109.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 11, the regulating member 113 is an annular member having a central hole 113i centered on the rotation axis B. The regulating member 113 has a bottom surface 113a, a pair of first contact surfaces 113b, a second contact surface 113h, a second regulating surface 113c (rotation regulating portion), a contacted surface 113e, a pair of locked surfaces 113f, and a spring engaging portion 113g. The pair of first contact surfaces 113b and the second contact surface 113h are downstream end surfaces in the rotation direction D of the device-side shutter 109. The second regulating surface 113c is a downstream end surface in the rotation direction E of the device-side shutter 109. The locked surface 113f is an upstream end surface (upper surface) in the mounting direction M. The bottom surface 113a is a downstream end surface in the mounting direction M. The spring engaging portion 113g is a protrusion that protrudes in the rotation direction E.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 12, the release member 114 (guided member) has a pair of release claws 114e (engagement claws) extending upward, and is a member provided with a central hole 114i centered on the rotation axis B. The release member 114 has a pair of contact surfaces 114a, a contact surface 114b, a pair of rise-restricted surfaces 114c, a pair of locking surfaces 114d, a pair of release claws 114e (engaged portions), a pair of contact surfaces 114f, and a spring engagement portion 114g. The pair of contact surfaces 114a are end surfaces on the downstream side in the rotation direction E of the apparatus-side shutter 109. The contact surface 114b is an end surface (upper surface) on the upstream side in the mounting direction M. The contact surface 114f is an end surface downstream of the contact surfaces 114a in the rotation direction E. The rise-regulated surface 114c is a surface that connects the abutment surface 114a and the abutment surface 114f, and is an end surface (an end surface facing upward) on the upstream side in the mounting direction M. The locking surface 114d protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the release member 114, and is a surface (a surface facing downward) that faces the mounting direction M.

[0049] 13, when the restricting member 113 and the releasing member 114 are assembled, the locked surface 113f of the restricting member 113 is located directly below and faces the locking surface 114d of the releasing member 114. In addition, the releasing claw 114e protrudes above the upper surface of the restricting member 113 from a central hole whose center is on the rotation axis B of the restricting member 113.

[0050] As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the regulating member 113 and the release member 114 are rotatably supported by the large diameter portion 109d1 of the center boss 109d of the apparatus-side shutter 109. The rotation regulating mechanism 112 is covered by the upper surface 110i of the cover 110. The center boss 109d is provided coaxially with the rotation axis B of the apparatus-side shutter 109. The regulating member 113 is urged in the direction of arrow C in the direction of the rotation axis B by the urging force F1 of the regulating spring 115 (second elastic member, second urging member), and the lower surface 113a abuts against the bottom surface 109b of the apparatus-side shutter 109. The position of the regulating member at this time is referred to as the regulated position. The direction of arrow C is the installation direction M of the toner pack 100. 9(b), a release spring 116 (first elastic member, first biasing member) is attached between the regulating member 113 and the release member 114 in the rotation direction of the apparatus-side shutter 109. One end and the other end of the release spring 116 are engaged with a spring engaging portion 113g of the regulating member 113 and a spring engaging portion 114g of the release member 114, respectively. Due to the biasing force F2 of the release spring 116, the regulating member 113 receives a moment M1 in the rotation direction D, and at least one of the pair of first abutment surfaces 113b abuts against the corresponding pair of first abutted surfaces 110a of the cover 110. The second abutment surface 113h of the regulating member 113 abuts against the abutted surface 110j (see FIG. 8) of the cover 110, thereby restricting rotation in the rotation direction D. Meanwhile, the release member 114 receives a moment M2 in the rotation direction E due to the biasing force F3 of the release spring 116, and at least one of the pair of contact surfaces 114a contacts the corresponding pair of second contacted surfaces 110b of the cover 110.

[0051] Here, the cover 110 is fixed integrally to the first frame 107. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the regulated rib 109c of the apparatus-side shutter 109 is located between the first regulating surface 110c of the cover 110 and the second regulating surface 113c of the regulating member 113. Therefore, rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 109 in rotation direction D (direction from the closed position to the open position) is regulated by the second regulating surface 113c of the regulating member 113. Furthermore, rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 109 in rotation direction E (direction from the open position to the closed position) is regulated by the first regulating surface 110c of the cover 110.

[0052] (How to release rotation restriction) A method for releasing the restriction on rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 109 by the rotation restriction mechanism 112 will now be described. After a first step in which the release member 114 is rotated in the rotation direction D against the moment M2 of the release spring 116 from the state shown in FIG. 9(b), a second step in which the release member 114 is moved in the direction of arrow G shown in FIG. 9(a) is executed. These first and second steps are performed by the operation of mounting the toner pack 100 in the mounting portion 106, which will be described after explaining the configuration of the toner pack 100. Here, only the configuration of the mounting portion 106 will be used for explanation.

[0053] In the second step, the contact surface 114b of the release member 114 contacts the contacted surface 113e of the regulation member 113, and the release member 114 and the regulation member 113 move together in the direction of arrow G against the biasing force F1 of the regulation spring 115. After this second step, the state shown in Figure 10 is reached where the rotation restriction is released. Note that the direction of arrow G is opposite to the installation direction M of the toner pack 100.

[0054] In the rotation restriction release state, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the second restriction surface 113c of the restriction member 113 is retracted from the movement locus (rotation locus) of the regulated rib 109c of the apparatus-side shutter 109. This position of the restriction member 113 is referred to as the restriction release position (release position). The regulated rib 109c is then movable between the first restriction surface 110c and the third restriction surface 110d of the cover 110. The distance between the first restriction surface 110c and the third restriction surface 110d is such that the apparatus-side shutter 109 can rotate between the closed position and the open position, so the rotation restriction on the apparatus-side shutter 109 is released. The apparatus-side shutter 109 can rotate in the rotation direction D around the rotation axis B from the closed position to the open position. Meanwhile, rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 109 from the closed position in the direction opposite to the rotation direction D is restricted by the first restriction surface 110c of the cover 110. The amount of movement of the release member 114 in the direction of arrow G (upward) should be equal to or greater than the amount of movement at which the second regulating surface 113c of the regulating member 113, which moves integrally with the release member 114, reaches a position where it does not overlap with the regulated rib 109c of the device-side shutter 109 in the direction of the rotation axis B.

[0055] Here, the rotation restriction mechanism 112 is configured so that the restriction on rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 109 is not released when the second step is started without going through the first step.

[0056] Fig. 14(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X3-X3 in Fig. 9(b). Fig. 14(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X3-X3 in a case where the restricting member 113 is moved in the direction of arrow G without rotating the release member 114 in the rotation direction D from the state shown in Fig. 14(a).

[0057] As shown in Figures 14(a) and 8(a), the cover 110 is provided with an ascent restriction surface 110e (ascent restriction portion). As shown in Figures 14(a) and 12(a), the release member 114 is provided with an ascent restricted surface 114c (ascent restricted portion). When the restriction member 113 moves in the direction of arrow G with the second abutment surface 110b and the abutment surface 114a abutting against each other as shown in Figure 9(b), the locked surface 113f of the restriction member 113 abuts against the locking surface 114d of the release member 114. Because a similar configuration is provided on the opposite side centered on the rotation axis B, the restriction member 113 and the release member 114 move together in the direction of arrow G (upward). As a result, as shown in FIG. 14(b), the upward-restricted surface 114c of the release member 114 abuts against the upward-restricted surface 110e of the cover 110, restricting its movement in the direction of arrow G. This also restricts the movement of the restricting member 113, which moves integrally with the release member 114, in the direction of arrow G. At this time, the restricted rib 109c of the apparatus-side shutter 109 remains in a state in which its rotation is restricted by the first restricting surface 110c and the second restricting surface 113c, as shown in FIG. 9(b). The position (area) of the release member 114 in the rotation direction about the rotation axis B at this time is defined as the upward-restricted position (upward-restricted area). In other words, the upward-restricted position is the position (area) of the release member 114 when the upward-restricted surface 114c of the release member 114 overlaps with the upward-restricted surface 110e of the cover 110, as viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B. 14(b), the upward restricting surface 110e and the upward restricted surface 114c are inclined so that the pair of contacting surfaces 114a have a component in the direction of arrow H in which they contact the pair of second contacted surfaces 110b. This prevents the restricting member 113 from being released from the restriction in the direction of arrow G by the cover 110 even if the restricting member 113 attempts to move in the direction of arrow G (upward) due to up and down vibration of the image forming apparatus 1 during logistics.

[0058] The first step is to rotate the release member 114 in the rotation direction D against the force of the release spring 116 to the ascent restriction release position (ascent restriction release area), which is a position (area) where the ascent restricted surface 114c of the release member 114 does not abut against the ascent restriction surface 110e of the cover 110.

[0059] Figure 15(a) is a cross section taken along the line X22-X22 in Figure 10(a). Figure 15(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the second step has been performed after the first step. The second step in this embodiment also includes an operation of rotating the release member 114 in the rotation direction E until at least one of the pair of contact surfaces 114f of the release member 114 contacts one of the pair of second contact surfaces 110b of the corresponding cover 110. Figure 15(b) is a cross section taken along the line X111-X111 in Figure 15(a).

[0060] As shown in FIG. 15(a), when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B, the upward-restricted surface 114c of the release member 114 and the upward-restricted surface 110e of the cover 110 do not overlap. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15(b), the restricting member 113 can move integrally with the release member 114 in the direction of arrow G. The rotational position of the release member 114 about the rotation axis B at this time is defined as the upward-restriction release position. In other words, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B, the upward-restriction release position is the position of the release member 114 when the upward-restricted surface 114c of the release member 114 does not overlap with the upward-restricted surface 110e of the cover 110. The amount of rotation of the release member 114 in the rotation direction D in the first step should be equal to or greater than the amount of rotation required to reach a position where the upward-restricted surface 114c of the release member 114 does not overlap with the upward-restricted surface 110e of the cover 110 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B.

[0061] The method for releasing the restriction on rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 109 includes a first step and a second step following the first step. The first step is a step of rotating the release member 114 in rotation direction D from the ascent restriction position to the ascent restriction release position. The second step is a step of moving the release member 114 upward together with the restriction member 113 so that the restriction member 113 moves from the restriction position to the restriction release position while the release member 114 is in the ascent restriction release position. The second step may or may not include an operation of rotating the release member 114 in rotation direction E until the abutment surface 114f of the release member 114 abuts against the second abutment surface 110b of the cover 110.

[0062] (Toner pack) The basic configuration of the toner pack 100 will be described using Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16(a) is a front view of the toner pack 100 when the pack-side shutter 103 is in the closed position. Figure 16(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.

[0063] The toner pack 100 has a storage section 101 (first storage section) that stores toner, a nozzle 102 (nozzle section, pipe, tube, valve, discharge section), and a pack-side shutter 103 (container shutter, rotating member). As shown in FIG. 16 , the storage section 101 is provided on the side of a first end in a first direction D1, and the nozzle 102 and the pack-side shutter 103 are provided on the side of a second end opposite the first end in the first direction. The storage section 101 is a pouch formed by pouch processing using a flexible polypropylene sheet. The storage section 101 is not limited to a pouch, and may be a resin bottle or a container made of paper, vinyl, or the like.

[0064] A side surface 102c (first outer surface) of the nozzle 102 extending along the first direction D1 is provided with an outlet 102a (nozzle opening, first opening) configured to communicate with the inside of the storage section 101. The toner stored in the storage section 101 is configured to be discharged to the outside of the toner pack 100 through the outlet 102a. The nozzle 102 may be configured integrally with the storage section 101. Alternatively, a seal may be provided between the storage section 101 and the outlet 102a of the nozzle 102, and the storage section 101 and the outlet 102a may be configured to communicate with each other when the seal is removed.

[0065] A pack-side shutter 103 (rotating member) is provided on the outside of the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102. The pack-side shutter 103 is attached rotatably around a rotation axis A (first rotation axis) extending in the first direction D1, and has an opening 103a (rotating member opening, first shutter opening) as shown in FIG. 17. The pack-side shutter 103 is provided on the outside of the side surface 102c in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. The side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 is a curved surface that convexly extends outward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. The inner surface of the pack-side shutter 103 (the surface facing the side surface 102c) is a curved surface that conforms to the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102, and a substantially rectangular pack-side seal 105 is attached to it. The side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 also extends along the rotation axis A.

[0066] 16, the pack-side shutter 103 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis A between a closed position where the pack-side seal 105 closes the discharge outlet 102a of the nozzle 102 and an open position where the discharge outlet 102a is open. When the pack-side shutter 103 is in the open position, the discharge outlet 102a of the nozzle 102 is exposed from the opening 103a.

[0067] Figures 16(a) and 16(b) show the pack-side shutter 103 in the closed position and the open position, respectively. As shown in Figure 16(a), when the pack-side shutter 103 in the closed position is rotated in the direction of arrow K (first rotation direction) around the rotation axis A, it reaches the open position shown in Figure 16(b). Conversely, when the pack-side shutter 103 is rotated from the open position in the direction of arrow L (second rotation direction), it reaches the closed position. During the rotation of the pack-side shutter 103, the pack-side shutter 103 rubs against the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 via the pack-side seal 105.

[0068] The detailed configuration of the nozzle 102 and the pack-side shutter 103 will be described using Figures 18 to 21. The direction of arrow N is the direction from the storage section 101 to the nozzle 102, and the direction of arrow U is the opposite direction. The directions of arrow N and arrow U are parallel to the rotation axis A.

[0069] Fig. 18(a) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the nozzle 102 when the pack-side shutter 103 is in the closed position. Fig. 18(b) is a view of the toner pack 100 viewed in the direction of arrow U in Fig. 18(a). Fig. 19(a) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the nozzle 102 when the pack-side shutter 103 is in the open position. Fig. 19(b) is a side view of the toner pack 100 viewed in the direction of arrow U in Fig. 19(a). Fig. 20 is a view of the vicinity of the nozzle 102 viewed from the opposite side to Fig. 18. Fig. 21 is a view of the vicinity of the nozzle 102 viewed in a direction parallel to surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 of the nozzle 102 (a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A).

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b), the nozzles 102 are aligned in the direction of arrow R (second direction D2) so as to face each other at a distance from each other, and each nozzle 102 includes a positioned portion 102d having a surface 102d1 (first nozzle surface, first opposing surface) and a surface 102d2 (second nozzle surface, second opposing surface) extending in a direction intersecting the direction R. As shown in FIG. 18(b), in this embodiment, the surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 extend perpendicular to the direction of arrow R and are parallel to each other. In other words, the direction of arrow R is the normal direction of the surfaces 102d1 and 102d2. The positioned portion 102d engages with a positioning portion 107a (FIG. 3(a)) of the first frame 107 when the toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment portion 106. This determines the position of the nozzle 102 in the direction of arrow R relative to the first frame 107 (base frame 2). This also determines the position of the nozzle 102 in the rotation direction about the rotation axis A relative to the first frame 107. In Figure 18(b), a line CL1 (first virtual line) that passes through the center of the surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 in the R direction and extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow R is in a phase rotated by approximately 90° with respect to CL2 (second virtual line) that passes through the rotation axis A and the center of the discharge port 102a. In other words, the lines CL1 and CL2 are perpendicular to each other.

[0071] 18 and 21, surfaces 102e1 and 102e2 are provided downstream of surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 in the N direction, respectively, in the direction of rotation axis A. As shown in Fig. 18(b), surfaces 102e1 and 102e2 extend in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC whose center is the rotation axis A.

[0072] 21, a side surface 102e3 (second outer surface) is provided between the surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2 and between the surface 102e1 and the surface 102e2 in the direction of the arrow R. The side surface 102e3 is recessed more inward in the radial direction r than the side surface 102c. The surfaces 102d1, 102d2, and the side surface 102e3, and the surfaces 102e1, 102e2, and the side surface 102e3 form a recess 102e (nozzle recess).

[0073] The surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 do not necessarily have to be parallel to each other as in this embodiment. The surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 may be surfaces extending in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A.

[0074] 18, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis A (first direction D1), an opening 103a (rotating body opening) is provided in the side surface 103d (outer surface of the first rotating member) of the pack-side shutter 103. In FIG. 18(a), when the pack-side shutter 103 is in the closed position, at least a part of the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 is exposed from the opening 103a. This is so that when the toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment portion 106 with the pack-side shutter 103 in the closed state, the recess 102e (surfaces 102d1 and 102d2) is engaged with the positioning portion 107a.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18(b), when the pack-side shutter 103 is in the closed position, as viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A (first direction D), a drive-transmitted portion 103e (rotating body recess) is provided on the opposite side of the rotation axis A from the recess 102e (opening 103a of the pack-side shutter 103) of the nozzle 102. The surfaces 103b1 and 103b2 of the drive-transmitted portion 103e both extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow R. FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the pack-side shutter 103 as viewed from the side where the drive-transmitted portion 103e is located. Between the surfaces 103b1 and 103b2, there is provided a side surface 103b3 (outer surface of the second rotating member) that is recessed inward in the radial direction r relative to the side surface 103d. The surfaces 103b1, 103b2, and 103b3 constitute the drive-transmitted portion 103e.

[0076] When the pack-side shutter 103 is rotated in the direction of arrow K from the closed position shown in Figure 18, the pack-side shutter 103 takes the open position as shown in Figure 19, and the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 is exposed from the opening 103a of the pack-side shutter 103.

[0077] 18 and 20, the pack-side shutter 103 has a radial positioning portion 103f that protrudes outward in the radial direction r beyond the side surface 103d. The radial positioning portion 103f is provided upstream of the pack-side shutter 103 in the N direction in the direction of the rotation axis A. The radial positioning portions 103f are provided at three locations spaced apart in the rotation direction of the pack-side shutter 103 (the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC). When the toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment portion 106, the radial positioning portion 103f of the pack-side shutter 103 abuts against the inner peripheral surface 109h of the device-side shutter 109, thereby determining the position of the toner pack 100 in the radial direction r.

[0078] The nozzle 102 in this embodiment is a component that includes a passage through which the toner passes and an outlet 102a through which the toner is discharged from the nozzle 102. The cross-sectional area of ​​the passage through which the toner passes in the nozzle 102 may decrease, increase, or be uniform toward the outlet 102a. The cross-sectional area and length of the passage in the nozzle 102 are not limited and may be changed appropriately depending on the toner discharging performance, etc. Furthermore, the outlet 102a of the nozzle 102 does not need to be the most downstream opening through which the toner is discharged from the toner pack 100. The toner discharged from the outlet 102a of the nozzle 102 may pass through a passage made of a separate member from the nozzle 102 before being discharged to the outside of the toner pack 100.

[0079] The pack-side shutter 103 may be a rotating body that has a drive transmission part 103e and always opens the discharge outlet 102a of the nozzle 102 regardless of the rotation position. In this case, the discharge outlet 102a of the nozzle 102 may be closed with a seal when the toner pack 100 is not attached to the attachment part 106, and the seal may be removed during or after the toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment part 106. Also, the toner pack 100 may not be provided with the pack-side shutter 103.

[0080] (Toner pack restriction release part) The deregulation unit 104 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 21. As shown in FIG. 16, the toner pack 100 is oriented in a position where the second end side (the nozzle 102 side) of the toner pack 100 is below the first end side (the toner storage unit side). Alternatively, the toner pack 100 is oriented so that at least a portion of the nozzle 102 is below the storage unit 101 and the rotation axis A is vertical. This position is the mounting position for the mounting unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, in FIGS. 18(a) and 19(a), the direction of arrow N is downward and the direction of arrow U is upward.

[0081] The nozzle 102 has a protrusion 102b (protrusion, engagement portion) that protrudes (projects) in the direction of arrow N (downward) beyond an end face 103c of the pack-side shutter 103 in the direction of arrow N. As shown in FIG. 18(a), the protrusion 102b is a cylindrical portion (a portion having a cylindrical shape) centered on the rotation axis A. The protrusion 102b has a protrusion end face 102b2, which is its lower end face. The protrusion end face 102b2 is provided with a hole having an inner peripheral surface 102b1 (inner peripheral guide surface) centered on the rotation axis A. The protrusion 102b protrudes downward beyond an end face 103c of the pack-side shutter 103, which is located below the discharge port 102a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17, the protrusion 102b protrudes downward beyond a lower end face 102j of the nozzle 102. In this embodiment, the end surface 103c of the pack-side shutter 103 and the end surface 102j of the nozzle 102 are end surfaces perpendicular to the rotation axis A, but are not limited to this. These surfaces may be any surfaces that extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis A when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A.

[0082] An outer peripheral surface 102b3 of the protruding portion 102b is provided with a deregulation portion 104 including a first deregulation portion 104a (first protrusion) and a second deregulation portion 104b (second protrusion). The first deregulation portion 104a and the second deregulation portion 104b are symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis A. That is, as shown in FIG. 20 , the second deregulation portion 104b is located on the opposite side of the rotation axis A from the first deregulation portion 104a in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A. In other words, the second deregulation portion 104b has a shape that is 180 degrees rotationally symmetric with respect to the rotation axis A of the first deregulation portion 104a.

[0083] The first derestriction portion 104a has a first inclined surface 104a1 (first engagement surface, downward surface, downward guide surface, downward force applying surface, downward pressing surface) and a second inclined surface 104a2 (second engagement surface, upward surface, upward guide 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. As shown in FIG. 18(a), the first inclined surface 104a1 is a surface that extends in the direction of arrow U (upward) and faces in the direction of arrow N (downward) as it moves toward a rotation direction K (predetermined rotation direction, first rotation direction, first circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC) centered on the rotation axis A.

[0084] On the other hand, the second inclined surface 104a2 is a surface that extends in the direction of arrow N (downward) around the rotation axis A toward the rotation direction K, and 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 around the rotation axis A toward the rotation direction L (second rotation direction, second circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC), and faces the direction of arrow U. A gap 104a3 is provided above (directly above) the second inclined surface 104a2.

[0085] The downstream end of the first inclined surface 104a1 and the downstream end of the second inclined surface 104a2 are continuous with each other in the rotation direction K. In other words, the downstream end of the first inclined surface 104a1 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.

[0086] In other words, it has a connecting portion that connects the downstream end of the first inclined surface 104a1 in the rotation direction K and the upstream end of the second inclined surface 104a2 in the rotation direction L.

[0087] 21, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (first direction D1), the first inclined surface 104a1 extends in the direction of arrow U (upward) as it moves in the direction of arrow J (predetermined direction) perpendicular to the rotation axis A. The second inclined surface 104a2 extends in the direction of arrow N (downward) as it moves in the direction of arrow J (predetermined direction) perpendicular to the rotation axis A.

[0088] 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, which is 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, which is perpendicular to the rotation axis A. Note that the ridge line described here refers to the boundary line between surfaces. The ridge line 104a5 is the boundary line between the first inclined surface 104a1 and the outer peripheral surface of the first deregulation portion 104a. The ridge line 104a4 is the boundary line between the second inclined surface 104a2 and the outer peripheral surface of the first deregulation portion 104a.

[0089] 20, the second derestriction portion 104b has a first inclined surface 104b1 (downward surface) and a second inclined surface 104b2 (upward surface). A gap 104b3 is provided above the second inclined surface 104b2. The first inclined surface 104b1, the second inclined surface 104b2, and the gap 104b3 have the same configurations as the first inclined surface 104a1, the second inclined surface 104a2, and the gap 104a3 of the first derestriction portion 104a, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the protrusion 102b in Figure 21 taken along the line X33-X33. Figure 22 shows the second inclined surface 104a2 of the first deregulation portion 104a and the second inclined surface 104b2 of the second deregulation portion 104b as viewed from above. It can be seen from Figure 22 that both the second inclined surface 104a2 and the second inclined surface 104b2 extend along the rotation direction of the pack-side shutter 103 (the circumferential direction of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A).

[0091] 21, the direction of the arrow J is parallel to the direction of the arrow R (second direction) which is the normal direction of the surfaces 102d1 and 102d2. In FIG. 18(b), the straight line Q passing through the first derestriction portion 104a and the second derestriction portion 104b extends in a direction intersecting with the direction of the arrow R.

[0092] 21 , in the direction of arrow R, the positions of the first deregulation portion 104a and the second deregulation portion 104b are between the positions of the surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 of the positioned portion 102d. In other words, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (direction of arrow R), the positions of the first inclined surface 104a1 and the second inclined surface 104a2 are both between the positions of the surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 in the direction of arrow R. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (direction of arrow R), the positions of the first deregulation portion 104a and the second deregulation portion 104b overlap with the position of the recess 102e in the direction of arrow R.

[0093] The inclination angles of the first inclined surface 104a1 and the second inclined surface 104a2 with respect to the rotation axis A are preferably in the range of 45°±15°. 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, with the length of the second inclined surface 104a2 being longer than the length of the first inclined surface 104a1.

[0094] The first inclined surface 104a1, the second inclined surface 104a2, and the gap 104a3 are exposed to the outside of the toner pack 100 so as to allow access to the rotation restriction mechanism 112 of the mounting portion 106. The protruding portion 102b does not necessarily have to be provided on the nozzle 102.

[0095] (Attaching toner pack toner pack attachment) 23 to 29, the mechanism by which the rotation restriction mechanism 112 on the apparatus-side shutter 109 is released by mounting the toner pack 100 in the mounting portion 106 will be described.

[0096] FIG. 23(a) is a perspective view of the toner pack 100 and the mounting portion 106 when the toner pack 100 is being mounted to the mounting portion 106. FIG. 23(b) is a perspective view of the toner pack 100 and the mounting portion 106 from a different perspective than that of FIG. 23(a). FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view parallel to the rotation axis A (rotation axis B) when the toner pack 100 is further moved in the mounting direction from the state of FIG. 23. FIG. 25(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X4-X4 in FIG. 24. FIG. 25(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X5-X5 in FIG. 24. FIG. 26(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X6-X6 in FIG. 24. FIGS. 26(a) to 26(d) are cross-sectional views showing the process of mounting the toner pack 100 to the mounting portion 106. FIG. 27(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X7-X7 in FIG. 26(d). FIG. 27(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X8-X8 in FIG. 27(a).

[0097] 24, 25, and 27(b), cross sections of the pack-side shutter 103 and cover 110 are shaded for ease of viewing. Also, in Fig. 26, the pack-side shutter 103, restricting member 113, and release member 114 are shown in side views, and the other members are shown in cross sections. Also, in Fig. 27, cross sections of the cover 110, restricting member 113, and release member 114 are shaded for ease of viewing.

[0098] 23, the toner pack 100 with the pack-side shutter 103 in the closed position is moved in the installation direction M to be installed into the installation portion 106 with the apparatus-side shutter 109 in the closed position. At this time, when viewed in the installation direction M, the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 (the opening 103a of the pack-side shutter 103) and the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107 are aligned in the rotational direction of the pack-side shutter 103. At the same time, the drive-receiving portion 103e of the pack-side shutter 103 and the drive transmission portion 108a of the operating lever 108 are also aligned in the rotational direction of the pack-side shutter 103.

[0099] After the above-described alignment, the toner pack 100 is moved in the mounting direction M to be mounted in the mounting portion 106. As shown in FIG. 24, the inner circumferential surface 102b1 of the protruding portion 102b of the nozzle 102 engages with the small-diameter portion 109d2 of the center boss 109d of the apparatus-side shutter 109. This determines the radial position of the nozzle 102 below the nozzle 102 (downstream in the mounting direction M) relative to the apparatus-side shutter 109. Note that the inner circumferential surface 102b1 of the protruding portion 102b does not necessarily need to be configured to engage with the center boss 109d, as long as it is configured so as not to interfere. As shown in FIG. 25(a), the drive transmission portion 108a (lever protrusion) of the operating lever 108 engages with the drive-received portion 103e (rotating body recess) of the pack-side shutter 103. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 25(b), the side surfaces 110f and 110g of the cover 110 approach the surfaces 102e1 and 102e2 that form the recess 102e (nozzle recess) of the nozzle 102. Furthermore, the drive-receiving portion 103e (rotating body recess) of the pack-side shutter 103 engages with the drive-receiving portion 109e (shutter protrusion) of the device-side shutter 109. As a result, the rotation axis A of the pack-side shutter 103 and the rotation axis B of the device-side shutter 109 become approximately coaxial. The operating lever 108, the pack-side shutter 103, and the device-side shutter 109 can move approximately as a single unit relative to the first frame 107 (base frame 2) and the nozzle 102 when rotated about the rotation axis A (rotation axis B). Specifically, when the operating lever 108 is rotated, the drive transmission part 108a of the operating lever 108 presses the surface 103b1 or 103b2 of the pack-side shutter 103, rotating the pack-side shutter 103. Thereafter, the surface 103b1 or 103b2 of the pack-side shutter 103 presses the drive-received part 109e of the device-side shutter 109, rotating the device-side shutter 109.

[0100] If the apparatus-side shutter 109 rotates from the closed position toward the open position due to vibrations during transportation of the image forming apparatus 1, the rotational position of the drive transmission member 109e of the apparatus-side shutter 109 also shifts. This causes the following problem when attempting to mount the toner pack 100 in the mounting portion 106: After the drive transmission member 103e of the pack-side shutter 103 engages with the drive transmission member 108a of the operating lever 108, further movement of the toner pack 100 in the mounting direction M prevents it from engaging with the drive transmission member 109e of the apparatus-side shutter 109. Therefore, the toner pack 100 cannot be moved to the mounting portion 106 to the fully mounted position. To prevent this situation from occurring, a rotation restriction mechanism 112 for the apparatus-side shutter 109 is provided.

[0101] Here, we will explain the mechanism by which the rotation restriction mechanism 112 of the mounting portion 106 is released when the toner pack 100 is mounted in the mounting portion 106. Below, we will omit the explanation of the second restriction release portion 104b, as it functions in the same way as the first restriction release portion 104a.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 26(a), the first deregulation portion 104a of the nozzle 102 and the release claw 114e of the release member 114 have not yet come into contact. When the toner pack 100 is further moved in the direction of arrow N (mounting direction M) from this point, the first inclined surface 104a1 of the first deregulation portion 104a comes into contact with the release claw 114e, as shown in FIG. 26(b). When the toner pack 100 is further moved in the direction of arrow N from this point, the force F5 that the release claw 114e receives from the first inclined surface 104a1 causes the release member 114 to rotate in the rotation direction D against the moment M2 (biasing force) of the release spring 116. At this time, the first inclined surface 104a1 guides the release claw 114e so that the release member 114 rotates in the rotation direction D. The release member 114 rotates in the rotation direction D until the release claw 114e passes the downstream end of the first inclined surface 104a1 in the rotation direction D. This rotation of the release member 114 in the rotation direction D is the first step described above. That is, as shown in FIG. 15(a), this is the step of rotating the release member 114 in the rotation direction D against the biasing force of the release spring 116 until the ascent-restricted surface 114c does not come into contact with the ascent-restricted surface 110e of the cover 110 when the release member 114 is raised.

[0103] After the first step, the release claw 114e climbs up onto 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 climbs up onto the upstream end of the second inclined surface 104a2 in the rotation direction E. At this time, as shown in FIG. 26(c), the release claw 114e abuts against the second inclined surface 104a2 of the nozzle 102 due to moment M2 (biasing force) of the release spring 116, and receives force F6. Then, due to an arrow G direction component F6a of the force F6, the release member 114 moves (is guided) along (or moves upward in) the arrow G direction along the second inclined surface 104a2, and simultaneously rotates in the rotation direction E around the rotation axis A. In other words, the rotation direction of the release member 114 switches from rotation direction D to rotation direction E at a connection portion where the downstream end of the first inclined surface 104a1 in the rotation direction D and the upstream end of the second inclined surface 104a2 in the rotation direction E are connected. Furthermore, the second inclined surface 104a2 guides the release claw 114e so that the release member 114 is moved upward. The second inclined surface 104a2 guides the release claw 114e so that the release member 114 is moved upward while being rotated in the rotation direction E.

[0104] This movement of the release member 114 in the direction of arrow G (upward) and rotation in the rotational direction E is the second step described above. As described above, in the second step, the restricting member 113 moves in the direction of arrow G together with the release member 114. Then, as shown in FIG. 15(a), the release member 114 rotates and moves until at least one of the pair of contact surfaces 114f of the release member 114 contacts one of the pair of second contact surfaces 110b of the corresponding cover 110, and reaches the attachment completion position shown in FIGS. 26(d) and 27. As shown in FIG. 26(d), when the contact surface 114f of the release member contacts the second contact surface 110b of the cover 110, part of the release claw 114e enters the gap 104a3 above (directly above) the second inclined surface 104a2.

[0105] In this way, by mounting the toner pack 100 in the mounting portion 106, the rotation restriction by the rotation restriction mechanism 112 of the apparatus-side shutter 109 is released through the first and second steps described above.

[0106] When the toner pack 100 is in the installation completion position, as shown in Fig. 27, the protrusion end surface 102b2 of the protrusion 102b of the nozzle 102 abuts against the pack abutment surface 109g of the apparatus-side shutter 109. This determines the position of the nozzle 102 (toner pack 100) in the direction of the rotation axis A (installation direction M) relative to the installation portion 106. In addition, three points of the radial positioning portion 103f (Figs. 18 and 20) of the pack-side shutter 103 contact the inner circumferential surface 109h (Fig. 7) of the apparatus-side shutter 109. This determines the radial position of the nozzle 102 and pack-side shutter 103 (toner pack 100) on the upstream side of the installation direction M.

[0107] The X10-X10 cross-sectional view of FIG. 27(a) is the same as FIG. 15(a), and therefore its description will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 27(b), which is a cross-sectional view taken along X8-X8 of FIG. 27(a), the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107 engages with the positioned portion 102d of the nozzle 102, which has surfaces 102d1 and 102d2. Therefore, the position of the nozzle 102 is determined relative to the first frame 107 (base frame 2) in the direction of arrow R between the surfaces 102d1 and 102d2. As shown in FIG. 26, 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 release portion 104a and the release claw 114e come into contact with each other. Therefore, since the position of the nozzle 102 is determined relative to the first frame 107 in the direction of arrow R, the operation of releasing the rotation restriction on the apparatus-side shutter 109 can be made more stable.

[0108] By the mechanism described above, the rotation restriction of the apparatus-side shutter 109 by the rotation restriction mechanism 112 is released, and the apparatus-side shutter 109 becomes able to rotate from the closed position to the released position. When the pair of contact surfaces 114f come into contact with the pair of second contacted surfaces 110b, the release member 114 rotates vigorously due to moment M2, generating a soft collision sound and simultaneously causing the user's hand holding the toner pack 100 to feel a recoil. In other words, the collision sound and the recoil allow the user to recognize that the apparatus-side shutter 109 has been unlocked. When the toner pack 100 is to be removed from the mounting portion 106, the process shown in FIG. 26 is reversed, and the apparatus-side shutter 109 is again restricted in rotation by the rotation restriction mechanism 112.

[0109] (Lever operation) As described above, when the toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment portion 106, the operating lever 108, the pack-side shutter 103, and the apparatus-side shutter 109 rotate integrally about the rotation axis A (rotation axis B).

[0110] Here, Figure 28(a) is a perspective view of the toner pack 100 seen from above when the operating lever 108 is in the closed position, and Figure 28(b) is a perspective view of the toner pack 100 seen from above when the operating lever 108 is in the open position.

[0111] As shown in Figure 28, after completing the installation of the toner pack 100 in the installation portion 106, when the operating portion 108b of the operating lever 108 is rotated in the rotation direction D, 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.

[0112] When the pack-side shutter 103 rotates from the closed position to the open position, as shown in FIG. 18(a), the frictional force F7 that the nozzle 102 receives from the pack-side shutter 103 via the pack-side seal 105 is directed in the direction of arrow K. This is the same direction as the rotational direction D of the operating lever 108 in FIG. 28. The nozzle 102 receives the frictional force F7 and rotates in the direction of arrow K by an amount corresponding to the engagement backlash (play) between the surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 and the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107. The rotational direction of the nozzle 102 at this time is the direction in which the second inclined surface 104a2 of the first restrict release portion 104a approaches the release claw 114e of the release member 114, and the direction in which the second inclined surface 104b2 of the second restrict release portion 104b approaches the release claw 114e of the release member 114. In other words, when the operating lever 108 is rotated to rotate the pack-side shutter 103 from the closed position to the open position, the regulating member 113 moves further upward (in the opposite direction to the mounting direction M) together with the release member 114. Then, the second regulating surface 113c of the regulating member 113 moves upward away from the regulated rib 109c of the device-side shutter 109, increasing the margin for releasing the rotation restriction. Therefore, the rotation restriction release state for the device-side shutter 109 can be maintained more stably.

[0113] By the above-described operation, the storage portion 101 of the toner pack 100 and the toner storage chamber 36 are in communication with each other via the discharge port 102a, the receiving port 109a, and the apparatus-side opening 117a.

[0114] Here, Figure 29(a) is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 100 and the mounting portion 106 when both the apparatus-side shutter 109 and the pack-side shutter 103 are in the closed position. Figure 29(b) is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 100 and the mounting portion 106 when both the apparatus-side shutter 109 and the pack-side shutter 103 are in the open position.

[0115] 29(a), the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 is closed by the pack-side shutter 103, the pack-side seal 105, and the apparatus-side shutter 109, so that the toner in the storage section 101 cannot reach the apparatus-side opening 117a of the second frame 117. On the other hand, in FIG. 29(b), the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 is opened by the pack-side shutter 103, the pack-side seal 105, and the apparatus-side shutter 109 moving. Therefore, when the storage section 101 is compressed by the user, the toner in the storage section 101, together with air, reaches the apparatus-side opening 117a of the second frame 117 through the discharge port 102a, and is replenished to the toner storage chamber 36 of the developing container 32 through the apparatus-side opening 117a.

[0116] (Variation 1) In this embodiment, a first deregulating portion 104a and a second deregulating portion 104b are provided on the outer circumferential surface 102b3 of the protruding portion 102b of the nozzle 102. However, the following configuration may also be used.

[0117] 30(a), the protrusion 1020b is provided with a derestriction portion 1040a corresponding to the first derestriction portion 104a of the first embodiment. However, there is no portion corresponding to the second derestriction portion 104b.

[0118] 30(b), the protrusion 1021b is provided with a derestriction portion 1040b corresponding to the second derestriction portion 104b of the first embodiment. However, there is no portion corresponding to the first derestriction portion 104a.

[0119] (Variation 2) In this embodiment, the first deregulation portion 104a has a first inclined surface 104a1 and a second inclined surface 104a2, and the second deregulation portion 104b has a shape that is rotationally symmetrical with the first deregulation portion 104a about the rotation axis A. However, the following configuration may also be used.

[0120] 31(a), the first restriction release portion 1041a has a second inclined surface 1014a2 corresponding to the second inclined surface 104a2 of Example 1, but does not have a slope corresponding to the first inclined surface 104a1 of Example 1. Furthermore, the second restriction release portion 1041b has a first inclined surface 1041b1 corresponding to the first inclined surface 104a1 of Example 1, but does not have a slope corresponding to the second inclined surface 104a2 of Example 1.

[0121] 31(b), the second is a configuration in which the first derestriction portion 1042a has the first inclined surface 1042a1 of Example 1, but does not have a slope corresponding to the second inclined surface 104a2 of Example 1. Furthermore, the second derestriction portion 1042b has a second inclined surface 1042b2 corresponding to the second inclined surface 104a2 of Example 1, but does not have a slope corresponding to the first inclined surface 104a1 of Example 1.

[0122] (Variation 3) In this embodiment, the protrusion 102b has a cylindrical portion having a hole with an inner peripheral surface 102b1 formed on its end face 102b2, and the cylindrical portion has an outer peripheral surface 102b3 on which a first deregulation portion 104a and a second deregulation portion 104b are provided. However, the following configuration may also be used.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 32, the first deregulation portion 1043a has a protrusion 1023b that does not have a wall surface (a wall surface corresponding to the outer peripheral surface 102b3) connecting the first deregulation portion 1043a and the second deregulation portion 1043b. The first deregulation portion 1043a has 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 the first embodiment, respectively, and is a first protrusion that protrudes downward. The second deregulation 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 the first embodiment, respectively, and is a second protrusion that protrudes downward. A gap is formed between the first deregulation portion 1043a and the second deregulation portion 1043b.

[0124] (Variation 4) As shown in FIG. 33(a), two round-shaft-shaped bosses may be used as the first deregulation portion 1044a and the second deregulation portion 1044b. As shown in FIG. 33(b), when viewed in the axial direction of the first deregulation portion 1044a, a Y-axis is defined, extending in the direction of the rotation axis A (indicated by the arrow U) with the axial center of the first deregulation portion 1044a as the origin, and an X-axis is defined, extending perpendicular to the rotation axis A. Of the four quadrants defined by the X-axis and Y-axis, the outer peripheral surface of the first deregulation portion 1044a in the fourth quadrant can be considered as the first inclined surface 1044a1, and the outer peripheral surface of the first deregulation portion 1044a in the first quadrant can be considered as the second inclined surface 1044a2. The same applies to the second deregulation portion 1044b. Therefore, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

[0125] (Variation 5) 34(a), a toner pack 1050 in which the nozzle 1025 is bent in an L shape may also be used. The containing section 1015 is configured to extend in a direction intersecting with the rotation axis A of the pack-side shutter 1035.

[0126] Also, as shown in FIG. 34(b), a toner pack 1052 in which the container 10151 of the toner pack 1051 hangs down may be used.

[0127] (Variation 6) In this embodiment, the first deregulation portion 104a and the second deregulation portion 104b are fixed to the nozzle 102, but they may be configured to be movable. In this modified example, as shown in FIG. 35(a), when the toner pack 1060 is not attached to the attachment portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1, the first deregulation portion 1046a is stored radially inward (toward the inner peripheral surface 1026b1) of the outer peripheral surface 1026b3 of the protrusion 1026b. Then, in the process of attaching the toner pack 1060 to the attachment portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1 or by a user operation, the first deregulation portion 1046a is configured to protrude outward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC of the outer peripheral surface 1026b3 of the protrusion 1026b.

[0128] An example of a configuration in which the first deregulation portion 1046a protrudes outward in the radial direction r during the process of mounting the toner pack 1060 in the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1 is a configuration in which, when the center boss 109d of the apparatus-side shutter 109 is inserted inside the inner circumferential surface 1026b1 of the protruding portion 1026b, the first deregulation portion 1046a is pushed by the center boss 109d and protrudes outward in the radial direction from the outer circumferential surface 1026b3. A configuration similar to that of the first deregulation portion 1046a can also be applied to the second deregulation portion 1046b.

[0129] (Variation 7) The protrusion 1027b may not protrude from the end surface 1037c of the pack-side shutter 1037 when the toner pack 1070 is not attached to the image forming apparatus 1, and may protrude from the end surface 1037c in the direction of arrow N during attachment to the image forming apparatus 1. That is, the protrusion 1027b may take a protruding position (protruding position) in which it protrudes (protrudes) from the end surface 1037c in the direction of arrow N, as shown in FIG. 36(b), and a retracted position in which it retracts in the direction U from the protruding position, as shown in FIG. 36(a). The protrusion 1027b may not protrude from the end surface 1037c in the retracted position. The protrusion 1027b may be manually moved between the protruding position and the retracted position by a user.

[0130] (Variation 8) As shown in FIG. 37(a), when the toner pack 1080 is not attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the first deregulation 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 rotation axis A. The first deregulation portion 1048a has a rotation center 1048a3 between one end and the other end in the direction of the rotation axis A. As shown in FIG. 37(b), during or before attachment to the attachment portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1, the user may move (rotate) the rib about the rotation center 1048a3 so as to have a first inclined surface 1048a1 corresponding to the first inclined surface 104a1 of the first embodiment and a second inclined surface 1048a2 corresponding to the second inclined surface 104a2 of the first embodiment.

[0131] (Variation 9) In this embodiment, the nozzle 102 and the protrusion 102b are configured to be integrated, but they may be separate. That is, as shown in Fig. 38, an installation kit may be provided that includes a toner pack 1090 that stores toner and an attachment 1090b, and that is to be installed for image formation.

[0132] The toner pack 1090 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that it does not have a portion corresponding to the protrusion 102b of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0133] The attachment 1090b has a cylindrical shape with an outer peripheral surface 1029a3 centered on the central axis Z. When the attachment 1090b is oriented so that the central axis Z faces the vertical direction (the direction of gravity), a first deregulation portion 1049a and a second deregulation portion 1049b are provided on the outer peripheral surface 1029a3. The first deregulation portion 1049a has an upward surface 1049a2 that extends downward and faces upward in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface 1029a3 (a first circumferential direction KZ of an imaginary circle VCZ centered on the central axis Z). In other words, the upward surface 1049a2 extends upward and faces upward in a 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 extends upward and faces downward in the circumferential direction (first circumferential direction KZ) of the outer circumferential surface 1029b3. The attachment 1090b also has a connecting portion 1049a23 that connects the upstream end of the upward surface 1049a2 in the second circumferential direction LZ to the downstream end of the downward surface 1049a1 in the first circumferential direction KZ.

[0134] The attachment 1090b may be configured so that it can be attached to the bottom surface of the nozzle 1029 of the toner pack 1090 (the bottom surface of the toner pack 1090). Alternatively, the attachment 1090b may not be configured so that it can be attached to the toner pack 1090. In other words, the attachment 1090b is first attached to the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1 to release the rotation restriction on the apparatus-side shutter 109. Then, after the attachment 1090b has been attached, the toner pack 1090 is used by being attached to the mounting portion 106. Note that the mechanism by which the rotation restriction mechanism 112 on the apparatus-side shutter 109 is released by attaching the attachment 1090b to the mounting portion 106 is the same as when the toner pack 100 is attached to the mounting portion 106, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0135] Finally, we will discuss how to handle a minute uneven surface formed by repeatedly and finely repeating surfaces parallel or perpendicular to the rotation axis A, as shown in Figure 39. If the envelope S of the uneven surface extends in the same direction as the second inclined surface 104a2 of this embodiment and its modified examples, it can be regarded as the first inclined surface 104a1 or the second inclined surface 104a2 of embodiment 1. The same applies to embodiment 2 and its modified examples described below.

[0136] <Example 2> Next, the configuration of Example 2 will be described with reference to Figures 40 to 71. Note that a description of the same points as those in the previous examples will be omitted. Among the elements disclosed in this example, those corresponding to the members described in Example 1 will be given the same names as the members in Example 1, and only the points that are different from those in Example 1 will be described.

[0137] (Toner pack attachment part) 40 to 45, the configuration of the mounting portion 206 will be described. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 206 is a unit for mounting the toner pack 220.

[0138]

[0111] Figure 40(a) is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion 206. Figure 40(b) is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion 206 as viewed from a different direction than Figure 40(a). Figures 41(a) and 42(a) are a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting portion 206 when the operating lever 208 is in the closed position, and a view of the mounting portion 206 as viewed in the mounting direction M (the direction of the rotation axis B), respectively. Figures 41(b) and 42(b) are a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting portion 206 when the operating lever 208 is in the open position, and a view of the mounting portion 206 as viewed in the mounting direction M, respectively. Figure 43 is a perspective view of the mounting portion 206 as viewed from the downstream side in the mounting direction M. Figure 44(a) is a perspective view of the device-side shutter 209 as viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction M. Figure 44(b) is a perspective view of the device-side shutter 209 as viewed from a different perspective than Figure 44(a). Fig. 44(c) is a top view of the device-side shutter 209 as seen in the mounting direction M. Fig. 45(a) is a perspective view of the cover 210 as seen from the upstream side in the mounting direction M. Fig. 45(b) is a perspective view of the cover 210 as seen from the downstream side in the mounting direction M. Fig. 45(c) is a top view of the cover 210 as seen in the mounting direction M. Fig. 45(d) is a bottom view of the cover 210 as seen in the mounting direction M. Fig. 45(e) is a side view of the cover 210 as seen from a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction M.

[0139] The mounting portion 206 shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 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 airflow rate is attached to the air hole 207c of the first frame 207. A second filter 219 having a predetermined airflow rate is also attached to the second frame 217. As shown in FIG. 45, the cover 210 has an engaged portion 210h that engages with the engaging portion 207b (see FIG. 40(b)) of the first frame 207 to prevent the cover 210 from moving relative to the first frame 207. The first frame 207, the cover 210, and the second frame 217 may be integrally formed rather than being separate members. 40 and 43, the second frame 217 is provided with an apparatus-side opening 217a (frame opening, receiving opening), which communicates with the toner storage chamber 36 (second storage portion) of the developing device 30 (see FIG. 1(a)). The mounting portion 206 and the toner storage chamber 36 together form a toner storage unit.

[0140] 41, the operating lever 208 and the device-side shutter 209 (second shutter) are respectively attached to the base frame 221 so as to be rotatable in a rotation direction D (first rotation direction) and a rotation direction E (second rotation direction) around a rotation axis B (central axis). The rotation direction E is the opposite direction to the rotation direction D.

[0141] As shown in Figure 40(a), the first frame 207 is provided with a positioning portion 207a. The positioning portion 207a protrudes inward from an inner circumferential surface of the first frame 207 that is centered on the rotation axis B in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC that is centered on the rotation axis B. The operating lever 208 is also provided with a drive transmission portion 208a (lever convex portion) 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 convex portion that protrudes inward from an inner circumferential surface 208d of the operating lever 208 that is centered on the rotation axis B in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC that is centered on the rotation axis B.

[0142] As shown in Figure 44, the device-side shutter 209 is a cylindrical member that is open at the top and has a bottom surface 209b and a device-side shutter side surface provided with an inner circumferential surface 209h (radial positioning) centered on the rotation axis B. A center boss 209d (positioning shaft, shaft portion) and a regulated rib 209c (rotation regulated portion) are provided on the bottom surface 209b. A receiving opening 209a (second shutter opening, device-side shutter opening) and a drive transmission portion 209e (pressed portion, shutter protrusion) are provided on the device-side shutter side surface of the device-side shutter 209. The center boss 209d has an upward-facing pack abutment surface 209g (mounting direction positioning).

[0143] The center boss 209d is a shaft whose central axis is the rotation axis B and protrudes upward (opposite to the installation direction M) from the bottom surface 209b. As shown in FIG. 44(c), the regulated rib 209c is provided outward from the center boss 209d in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis B. As shown in FIGS. 44(a) and 44(b), the regulated rib 209c protrudes upward from the bottom surface 209b in the direction of the rotation axis B. As shown in FIG. 44(c), the drive transmission portion 209e is a convex portion that protrudes inward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC. Furthermore, the drive transmission portion 209e is provided outward from the regulated rib 209c in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC. As shown in FIG. 41(b), an apparatus-side seal 211 is affixed around the periphery of the receiving opening 209a.

[0144] Here, the apparatus-side shutter 209 is configured to move relative to the base frame 221 between a closed position where the receiving port 209a is closed by the apparatus-side seal 211 and the cover 210, and an open position where the receiving port 209a is open and not closed by the cover 210. The closed position is a non-communicating position where the receiving port 209a of the apparatus-side shutter 209 does not communicate with the apparatus-side opening 217a of the second frame 217 shown in Figure 43, as shown in Figures 41(a) and 42(a). The open position is a communicating position where the receiving port 209a of the apparatus-side shutter 209 communicates with the apparatus-side opening 217a of the second frame 217, as shown in Figures 41(b) and 42(b). When the device-side shutter 209 rotates in the rotation direction D and moves from the closed position (non-communicating position) to the open position (communicating position), toner can be replenished (supplied) from the toner pack 220 to the toner storage chamber 36 of the developing device 30 through the receiving port 209a. When the device-side shutter 209 rotates in the rotation direction E and moves from the open position to the closed position, toner cannot be replenished from the toner pack 220 to the toner storage chamber 36 of the developing device 30 through the receiving port 209a.

[0145] Since the operating lever 208 and the device-side shutter 209 are not directly engaged with each other, the device-side shutter 209 will not rotate even if the operating lever 208 is operated without the toner pack 220 attached.

[0146] (Rotation restriction mechanism for the device-side shutter) As shown in FIG. 40, the mounting portion 206 of the image forming apparatus 1 has a rotation restricting mechanism 212 including a restricting member 213, a releasing member 214, a restricting spring 215, and a releasing spring 216.

[0147] The rotation restricting mechanism 212 will be described with reference to Figures 46 to 50. In Figures 49 and 50, cross sections of the cover 210, restricting member 213, and releasing member 214 are shaded for ease of viewing.

[0148] When the toner pack 220 is not attached to the attachment portion 206, it is conceivable that the apparatus-side shutter 209 may be rotated from the closed position toward the open position by more than a predetermined amount due to shock (vibration) during transportation of the image forming apparatus 1 or an erroneous operation by the user. In this case, it may be difficult for the user to attach the toner pack 220 to the attachment portion 206 when using the image forming apparatus 1. This point will be described in detail later. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is provided with a rotation restriction mechanism 212 to restrict the apparatus-side shutter 209 from being rotated from the closed position toward the open position.

[0149] FIG. 46(a) is a perspective view of the restricting member 213 as seen from the upstream side in the mounting direction M. FIG. 46(b) is a perspective view of the restricting member 213 as seen from the downstream side in the mounting direction M. FIG. 47(a) is a perspective view of the releasing member 214 as seen from the upstream side in the mounting direction M. FIG. 47(b) is a top view of the releasing member 214 as seen in the mounting direction M. FIG. 47(c) is a perspective view of the releasing member 214 as seen from the downstream side in the mounting direction M. FIG. 47(d) is an enlarged view of the releasing claw 214e of the releasing member 214. FIG. 48(a) is a perspective view of a unit in which the restricting member 213 and the releasing member 214 are assembled. FIG. 48(b) is a top view of the unit in which the restricting member 213 and the releasing member 214 are assembled as seen in the mounting direction M. FIG. 48(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along X214-X214 in FIG. 48(b). Figure 48(d) is a bottom view of a unit in which the restricting member 213 and the releasing member 214 are assembled, as seen in the mounting direction M. Figure 49 is an X201-X201 cross-sectional view of Figure 42(a), and is a cross-sectional view parallel to the rotation axis B in a state in which the rotation restricting mechanism 212 restricts the rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 209 from the closed position to the open position. Figure 50(a) is an X202-X202 cross-sectional view of Figure 49. Figure 50(b) is an X203-X203 cross-sectional view of Figure 49. Figure 50(c) is an X204-X204 cross-sectional view of Figure 49.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 49, a restricting member 213, a releasing member 214, a restricting spring 215, and a releasing spring 216 are provided inside the apparatus-side shutter 209.

[0151] As shown in Figures 46(a) and 46(b), the regulating member 213 is an annular member provided with a central hole 213i centered on the rotation axis B. The regulating member 213 has a function of regulating the rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 209, which will be described later. The regulating member has a lower surface 213a, a first abutment surface 213b, a second abutment surface 213h, a second regulating surface 213c (rotation regulating portion), an abutted surface 213e, a pair of locked surfaces 213f, a release spring engaging portion 213g, and a regulating spring engaging portion 213k. The first abutment surface 213b and the second abutment surface 213h are end surfaces on the downstream side in the rotation direction D of the apparatus-side shutter 209. The second regulating surface 213c is an end surface on the downstream side in the rotation direction E of the apparatus-side shutter 209.

[0152] The locked surface 213f is the end surface (top surface) on the upstream side in the mounting direction M. The lower surface 213a is the end surface (bottom surface) on the downstream side in the mounting direction M. The release spring engagement portion 213g is a convex portion that protrudes in the rotation direction E. The restriction spring engagement portion 213k is a concave portion that retracts in the mounting direction M.

[0153] 47(a) and 47(b), the release member 214 (guided member, engaged member) has a pair of release claws 214e (first engaging claw and second engaging claw, a pair of engaged portions) that are shaped to be 180 degrees rotationally symmetric about the rotation axis B. The release claws 214e extend in the opposite direction (upward) to the mounting direction M.

[0154] As shown in Figure 47(d), the release claw 214e includes a first guided portion 214eA (first abutted portion, first engaged portion) and a second guided portion 214eB (second abutted portion, second engaged portion). As shown in Figures 47(a) and 47(b), the second guided portion 214eB is located farther from the rotation axis B than the first guided portion 214eA in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC, and is located lower in the direction of the rotation axis B.

[0155] 47(d), the first guided portion 214eA has a first guided surface 214e1 and an abutment surface 214f. The second guided portion 214eB has an abutment surface 214a, a second guided surface 214e2 (first engaged surface), and a third guided surface 214e3 (second engaged surface).

[0156] 47(b), the contact surfaces 214f ​​and 214a are end surfaces on the downstream side of the release claw 214e in the direction of rotation E centered on the rotation axis B, and are located at the same position in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC. The contact surface 214a is located further outward than the contact surface 214f ​​in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis B.

[0157] The first guided surface 214e1 is disposed upstream of the abutting surface 214f ​​in the mounting direction M. In other words, the first guided surface 214e1 is disposed above the abutting surface 214f, the second guided surface 214e2, and the third guided surface 214e3.

[0158] The second guided surface 214e2 faces upward. The second guided surface 214e2 is disposed upstream of the abutting surface 214a in the mounting direction M. In other words, the second guided surface 214e2 is disposed above the abutting surface 214a.

[0159] The third guided surface 214e3 is a surface facing downward. The third guided surface 214e3 is disposed downstream of the abutting surface 214a in the mounting direction M. In other words, the third guided surface 214e3 is disposed below the abutting surface 214a. In other words, the second guided surface 214e2 is located above the third guided surface 214e3. The abutting surface 214a is located between the second guided surface 214e2 and the third guided surface 214e3 in the mounting direction (the direction of the rotation axis B, the direction of gravity).

[0160] The release member 214 further has a pair of upward restricted surfaces 214c (upward restricted portions), a pair of locking surfaces 214d, a release spring engaging portion 214g, and a contact surface 214b.

[0161] The pair of upward restricted surfaces 214c and the pair of locking surfaces 214d are arranged 180 degrees symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis B. As shown in Figures 47(a) to 47(c), the upward restricted surfaces 214c protrude outward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC from the outer circumferential surface of the release member 214, which is centered on the rotation axis B. The locking surfaces 214d protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the release member 214 in the direction opposite to the mounting direction M, and are surfaces facing the mounting direction M (surfaces facing downward). The release spring engaging portions 214g are convex portions that protrude in the rotation direction D. The abutting surfaces 214b are surfaces facing upward.

[0162] When the restricting member 213 and the releasing member 214 are assembled, as shown in Figures 48(a) and 48(c), the locked surface 213f of the restricting member 213 is located directly below and faces the locking surface 214d of the releasing member 214. Therefore, even if the restricting member 213 is moved upward, it cannot move unless the releasing member 214 moves upward because the locked surface 213f of the restricting member 213 is locked by the locking surface 214d of the releasing member 214. As shown in Figure 48(c), the abutting surface 214b of the releasing member 214 faces the abutting surface 213e of the restricting member 213. Therefore, when the releasing member 214 is moved upward, the abutting surface 214b abuts against the abutting surface 213e of the restricting member 213, and the releasing member 214 and the restricting member 213 can move upward together. 48(b) and 48(d), a release spring 216 is provided between a release spring engaging portion 213g of the restricting member 213 and a release spring engaging portion 214g of the releasing member 214. Furthermore, a pair of release claws 214e protrude upward from a central hole 213i whose center is on the rotation axis B of the restricting member 213, above the upper surface of the restricting member 213.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 45, the cover 210 has a base cover portion 210Aa and a wall portion 210Bb extending upward from the base cover portion 210Aa.

[0164] The base cover portion 210Aa has an upper surface 210i provided with a central hole 210p (cover opening) centered on the rotation axis B and a pair of eaves portions 210n, a first abutted surface 210a, a second abutted surface 210b, a pair of third abutted surfaces 210k, a first restriction surface 210c, a pair of rise restriction surfaces 210e, and a restriction spring engaging portion 210m. The wall portion 210Bb is provided with side surfaces 210f and 210g and the aforementioned engaged portion 210h.

[0165] As shown in FIGS. 45(b) and 45(d), the first abutment surface 210a and the second abutment surface 210b are downstream end surfaces in the rotational direction E. The third abutment surface 210k is downstream end surface in the rotational direction D. A visor portion 210n is provided on the upstream side of the third abutment surface 210k in the installation direction M. As shown in FIG. 45(c), the third abutment surface 210k is configured so as to be covered by the visor portion 210n and not exposed when viewed from above in the direction of the rotational axis B. Each of the pair of rise restriction surfaces 210e is a surface facing downstream (downward) in the installation direction M, and includes a surface that extends toward the installation direction M (downward) as it moves toward the rotational direction D. The restriction spring engagement portion 210m is a cylindrical convex portion that protrudes in the installation direction M.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 49, the restricting member 213 and the release member 214 are rotatably supported on a large-diameter portion 209d1 of a center boss 209d of the apparatus-side shutter 209. A portion of the rotation restricting mechanism 212 is covered by an upper surface 210i of the cover 210. The center boss 209d is provided coaxially with the rotation axis B of the apparatus-side shutter 209. As shown in FIG. 49, a restricting spring 215 (second elastic member, second biasing member) is attached between the cover 210 and the restricting member 213. One end and the other end of the restricting spring 215 are engaged with a restricting spring engaging portion 210m of the cover 210 and a restricting spring engaging portion 213k of the restricting member 213, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 45(b) and 43(d), the restricting spring engaging portion 210m is an annular rib centered on the rotation axis B, and is inserted into the inner diameter side of the restricting spring 215.

[0167] The regulating member 213 is urged in the direction of arrow C in the direction of the rotation axis B by the urging force F201 of the regulating spring 215, and its lower surface 213a (see FIG. 46(b)) abuts against the bottom surface 209b of the apparatus-side shutter 209. The direction of arrow C is the mounting direction M (direction of gravity) of the toner pack 220. As shown in FIGS. 50, 48(b), and 48(d), a release spring 216 (first elastic member, first urging member) is attached between the regulating member 213 and the release member 214 in the rotation direction of the apparatus-side shutter 209. One end and the other end of the release spring 216 are engaged with a release spring engagement portion 213g of the regulating member 213 and a release spring engagement portion 214g of the release member 214, respectively. 50(b), the restricting member 213 receives a moment M201 in the rotation direction D due to the biasing force F202 of the release spring 216, and the first abutting surface 213b of the restricting member 213 abuts against the first abutted surface 210a of the cover 210, or the second abutting surface 213h of the restricting member 213 abuts against the second abutted surface 210b of the cover 210. As a result, the rotation of the restricting member 213 in the rotation direction D is restricted.

[0168] 50(c), the release member 114 receives a moment M202 in the rotational direction E due to the biasing force F203 of the release spring 116, and at least one of the pair of contact surfaces 214a contacts the corresponding pair of third contacted surfaces 210k of the cover 210. This restricts the rotation of the release member 114 in the rotational direction E, and determines its position in the rotational direction E relative to the cover 210.

[0169] Here, the cover 210 is fixed to the first frame 207. Therefore, as shown in Figure 50(a), the regulated rib 209c of the apparatus-side shutter 209 is located between the first regulating surface 210c of the cover 210 and the second regulating surface 213c of the regulating member 213. Therefore, rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 209 in rotation direction D (direction from the closed position to the open position) is regulated by the second regulating surface 213c of the regulating member 213. Furthermore, rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 209 in rotation direction E (direction from the open position to the closed position) is regulated by the first regulating surface 210c of the cover 210.

[0170] (How to release rotation restriction) 51 to 54, a method for releasing the restriction on rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 will be described. For ease of viewing, cross sections of the cover 210, restriction member 213, and release member 214 are shown shaded.

[0171] Figure 51(a) is a cross-sectional view, taken along the same cutting plane as Figure 49, parallel to the rotation axis B of the mounting part 206 in a state in which the rotation restriction on the apparatus-side shutter 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 has been released. Figure 51(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the X205-X205 line in Figure 51(a). For convenience, Figure 51 shows the state of the mounting part 206 in which the rotation restriction on the apparatus-side shutter 209 has been released when the toner pack 220 is not attached.

[0172] After the first step of rotating the release member 214 in the rotation direction D from the state shown in FIGS. 49 and 50, the second step of moving the release member 214 in the direction of arrow G (upward) shown in FIG. 49 is executed. In this embodiment, the first and second steps are performed by the operation of mounting the toner pack 220 to the mounting portion 106. This will be explained after explaining the configuration of the toner pack 220. Here, only the configuration of the mounting portion 206 will be explained. In the second step, the contact surface 214b of the release member 214 contacts the contacted surface 213e of the regulating member 213, and the release member 214 and the regulating member 213 move together in the direction of arrow G against the biasing force F201 of the regulating spring 215. After this second step, the state in which the rotation restriction is released is reached as shown in FIG. 51. The direction of arrow G is opposite to the mounting direction M of the toner pack 220.

[0173] In the rotation restriction release state, as shown in FIG. 51(b), the second restriction surface 213c of the restriction member 213 is retracted upward from the movement locus (rotation locus) of the regulated rib 209c between the closed position and the open position of the apparatus-side shutter 209. This position of the restriction member 213 is referred to as the restriction release position (release position). The regulated rib 209c (apparatus-side shutter 209) is then movable between the first restriction surface 210c and the third restriction surface 210d of the cover 210. The distance between the first restriction surface 210c and the third restriction surface 210d is set so that the apparatus-side shutter 209 can rotate between the closed position and the open position. Therefore, the rotation restriction of the apparatus-side shutter 209 is released between the closed position and the open position. In other words, the apparatus-side shutter 209 can rotate in the rotation direction D from the closed position to the open position around the rotation axis B. On the other hand, rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 209 in the rotation direction E from the closed position is restricted by the first restriction surface 210c of the cover 210. The amount of movement of the release member 214 in the direction of arrow G (upward) may be equal to or greater than the amount of movement by which the second restriction surface 213c of the restriction member 213, which moves integrally with the release member 214, reaches a position where it does not overlap with the restricted rib 209c of the apparatus-side shutter 209 in the direction of the rotation axis B.

[0174] Here, the rotation restriction mechanism 212 is configured so that the restriction on rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 209 is not released when the second step is started without going through the first step.

[0175] Figure 52(a) is a side view of Figure 50(a) as viewed from the direction of arrow G. Figure 52(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line X206-X206 of Figure 52(a). Figure 53(c) shows the state in which the regulating member has been moved in the direction of arrow G from the state shown in Figures 52(a) and 52(b). For ease of viewing, only the cover 210, regulating member 213, release member 214, regulating spring 215, and release spring 216 are shown, and the regulating member 213 is not shown in cross section.

[0176] 52(a), 52(b), 45(b), and 45(d), cover 210 is provided with an ascent restriction surface 210e (ascent restriction portion), and release member 214 is provided with an ascent-restricted surface 214c (ascent-restricted portion). When restricting member 213 is moved in the direction of arrow G from this state without rotating in rotation direction D, locked surface 213f of restricting member 213 comes into contact with locking surface 214d of release member 214. A similar configuration is provided on the opposite side centered on rotation axis B, so that restricting member 213 and release member 214 are moved together in the direction of arrow G (upward). As a result, as shown in FIG. 52(c), the upward-restricted surface 214c of the release member 214 abuts against the upward-restricted surface 210e of the cover 210, restricting the movement of the release member 214 in the direction of arrow G. This also restricts the movement of the restricting member 213, which moves integrally with the release member 214, in the direction of arrow G. Because the amount of movement of the restricting member 213 in the direction of arrow G is insufficient, the restricted rib 209c of the apparatus-side shutter 209 remains in a state in which its rotation is restricted by the first restricting surface 210c and the second restricting surface 213c, as shown in FIG. 50(a). The position (area) of the release member 214 in the rotational direction about the rotation axis B at this time is defined as the upward-restricted position (upward-restricted area). In other words, the upward-restricted position is the position of the release member 214 when the upward-restricted surface 214c of the release member 214 overlaps with the upward-restricted surface 210e of the cover 110 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B. 52(c), the ascent restricting surface 210e and the ascent restricted surface 214c are inclined so that the force F204 that the ascent restricting surface 210e receives on the ascent restricted surface 214c has a component in the direction of arrow H. The ascent restricting surface 210e and the ascent restricted surface 214c are inclined downward as they approach 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. As a result, even if the restricting member 213 attempts to move in the direction of arrow G (upward) due to up-and-down vibration of the image forming apparatus 1 during logistics, the release member 214 is unlikely to rotate in the rotation direction D, and therefore the restriction in the direction of arrow G by the cover 210 is not released.

[0177] 52 and 53, the process of releasing the restriction on rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 209 through the first and second steps will be described. The first step is a step in which the release member 214 is rotated in the rotation direction D against the moment M202 of the release spring 216 until the ascent-restricted surface 214c of the release member 214 does not come into contact with the ascent-restricted surface 210e of the cover 210.

[0178] FIG. 53(a) shows the state after the first step from the state of FIG. 52(a). FIG. 53(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along X207-X207 in FIG. 53(a). FIG. 53(c) shows the state after the second step from the state of FIG. 53(b). FIG. 54(a) shows the state after the release member 214 has been further rotated in the rotation direction D from FIG. 53(a). FIG. 54(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along X208-X208 in FIG. 54(a). As with FIG. 52, for ease of viewing, FIGS. 53 and 54 only show the cover 210, restricting member 213, releasing member 214, restricting spring 215, and release spring 216, and the restricting member 213 is not shown in cross section.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 53(a), when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B, the rise-restricted surface 214c of the release member 214 and the rise-restricted surface 210e of the cover 210 do not overlap. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 53(b), the restricting member 213 can move integrally with the release member 214 in the direction of arrow G. The position (area) of the release member 214 in the rotation direction about the rotation axis B at this time is defined as the rise-restriction release position (rise-restriction release area). In other words, the rise-restriction release position is the position (area) of the release member 214 when the rise-restricted surface 214c of the release member 214 does not overlap with the rise-restricted surface 210e of the cover 210 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B. The amount of rotation of the release member 214 in the rotation direction D in the first step may be equal to or greater than the amount of rotation required to reach a position where the rise-restricted surface 214c of the release member 214 does not overlap with the rise-restricted surface 210e of the cover 210 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B.

[0180] The method for releasing the restriction on rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 209 includes a first step and a second step following the first step. The first step is a step of rotating the release member 214 in rotation direction D from the upward restriction position to the upward restriction release position. The second step is a step of moving the release member 214 upward together with the restriction member 213 so that the restriction member 213 moves from the restriction position to the restriction release position while the release member 214 is in the upward restriction release position. Note that the second step in this embodiment may include an operation of rotating the release member 214 in rotation direction D or rotation direction E. For example, as shown in FIG. 54, in the first step, the release member 214 may be rotated more in rotation direction D than in FIG. 53(a), and in the second step, the release member 214 may be moved in the direction of arrow G and rotated in rotation direction E.

[0181] (Toner pack) The overall configuration of the toner pack 220 will be described using Figures 55 and 56. Figure 55(b) is a front view of the toner pack 220 when the pack-side shutter 203 is in the closed position. Figure 55(d) is a front view of the toner pack 220 when the pack-side shutter 203 is in the open position. Figures 55(a) and 55(c) are left and right side views, respectively, of the toner pack 220 in Figure 55(b). Figure 56 is an exploded perspective view of the toner pack 220. The directions of arrows N and U are directions parallel to the rotation axis A. When the toner pack 220 is in the mounted position, the direction of arrow N is the vertically downward direction (the direction of gravity), and the direction of arrow U is the vertically upward direction.

[0182] The toner pack 220 has a storage section 201 (first storage section) that stores toner, a nozzle 202 (discharge section, nozzle section, pipe, tube, valve), and a pack-side shutter 203 (container shutter, rotating member). As shown in FIG. 55 , the storage section 201 is provided on the side of a first end in a first direction D1, and the nozzle 102 and the pack-side shutter 203 are provided on the side of a second end opposite the first end in the first direction D1. In other words, the storage section 201 and the nozzle 202 are configured to be aligned in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the storage section 201 is a pouch formed by processing a flexible polypropylene sheet into a pouch. The storage section 201 is not limited to a pouch, and may be a resin bottle or a container made of paper, vinyl, or the like.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 56, a side surface 202c (first outer surface) of the nozzle 202 extending in the first direction D1 is provided with an outlet 202a (opening, nozzle opening, first opening) configured to communicate with the interior of the storage unit 201. The toner stored in the storage unit 201 is configured to be discharged to the outside of the toner pack 220 through the outlet 202a of the nozzle 202. The nozzle 202 may be configured integrally with the storage unit 201. Alternatively, a seal (not shown) may be provided between the storage unit 201 and the outlet 202a of the nozzle 202, and the storage unit 201 and the outlet 202a may be configured to communicate with each other when the seal is removed. The outlet 202a does not have to be the final outlet through which toner is discharged from the toner pack 220 to the outside of the toner pack 220.

[0184] A pack-side shutter 203 is provided on the outside of the side surface 202c of the nozzle 202. The pack-side shutter 203 is attached rotatably around a rotation axis A (first rotation axis, central axis) extending in the first direction D1, and has an opening 203a (rotating member opening, first shutter opening) on ​​a side surface 203d (outer surface of the first rotating member, side surface portion of the rotating member) extending in the direction of the rotation axis A, as shown in FIG. 56. The pack-side shutter 203 is provided on the outside of the side surface 202c of the nozzle 202 in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. The side surface 202c of the nozzle 202 is a curved surface that convexly extends outward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. In other words, the discharge port 202a faces outward in the radial direction r (direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A). The inner surface of the pack-side shutter 203 (the surface facing the side surface 202c) is a curved surface that conforms to the side surface 202c of the nozzle 202, and a substantially rectangular pack-side seal 205 is attached thereto.

[0185] 55(b) and 55(d), the pack-side shutter 203 is configured to be rotatable in a rotation direction K (first rotation direction) and in the opposite rotation direction L (second rotation direction) about a rotation axis A between a closed position where the pack-side seal 205 closes the discharge outlet 202a of the nozzle 202 and an open position where the discharge outlet 202a is open. When the pack-side shutter 203 is in the open position, the discharge outlet 202a of the nozzle 202 is exposed from the opening 203a.

[0186] When the pack-side shutter 203, which is in the closed position shown in Figure 55(b), is rotated in the direction of arrow K about the rotation axis A, the pack-side shutter 203 reaches the open position shown in Figure 55(d). Conversely, when the pack-side shutter 203 is rotated from the open position in the direction of arrow L, it reaches the closed position. During the rotation of the pack-side shutter 203, the pack-side shutter 203 rubs against the side surface 202c of the nozzle 202 via the pack-side seal 205.

[0187] 57 to 61, the detailed configuration of the nozzle 202 and the pack-side shutter 203 will be described. The direction of arrow N is the direction from the storage section 201 to the nozzle 202, and the direction of arrow U is the opposite direction. The directions of arrow N and arrow U are parallel to the rotation axis A. When the toner pack 220 is in the mounted position, the direction of arrow N is the vertically downward direction (the direction of gravity), and the direction of arrow U is the vertically upward direction.

[0188] FIG. 57(a) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the nozzle 202 when the pack-side shutter 203 is in the closed position. FIG. 57(b) is a view of the toner pack 220 viewed in the direction of arrow U in FIG. 57(a). FIG. 58(a) is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle 202 when the pack-side shutter 203 is in the open position. FIG. 58(b) is a side view of the toner pack 220 viewed in the direction of arrow U in FIG. 58(a). FIG. 58(c) is an enlarged front view of the nozzle 202 in FIG. 58(a). FIG. 59(a) is a perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle 202 viewed from the opposite side to FIG. 57(a). FIG. 59(b) is an enlarged perspective view of the protrusion 202b in FIG. 59(a). FIG. 59(c) is an enlarged view of the protrusion 202b viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A. FIG. 60(a) is an enlarged perspective view of the protrusion 202b. Figure 60(b) is a partially enlarged view of protrusion 202b in Figure 57(b). Figures 61(a) and 61(b) are respectively a front view and a rear view of nozzle 202. Figures 61(a) and 61(b) are views of the vicinity of nozzle 202 viewed in a direction parallel to surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 of nozzle 202 (a direction perpendicular to rotation axis A).

[0189] As shown in FIG. 61(a) and FIG. 57(b), the nozzles 102 are aligned in the direction of arrow R (second direction D2) at intervals from each other and include positioned portions 202d having surfaces 202d1 (first nozzle surface, first opposing surface) and 202d2 (second nozzle surface, second opposing surface) extending in a direction intersecting the direction of arrow R. The direction of arrow R is perpendicular to the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 extend perpendicular to the direction of arrow R and are parallel to each other, as shown in FIG. 57(b). In other words, the direction of arrow R is the normal direction of the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2. The positioned portions 202d engage with the positioning portion 207a (FIG. 40(a)) of the first frame 207 when the toner pack 220 is attached to the attachment portion 206. This determines the position of the nozzle 202 in the direction of arrow R relative to the first frame 207 (base frame 221) (position in the rotational direction about the rotation axis A). In Figure 57(b), a line CL1 (first imaginary line) that passes through the center between surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 in the direction of arrow R and extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow R is in a phase rotated by approximately 90° with respect to CL2 (second imaginary line) that passes through the center of the rotation axis A and the discharge port 202a. In other words, CL2, which is obtained by rotating CL1 by 90 degrees about the rotation axis A, passes through the discharge port 202a of the nozzle 202.

[0190] 57 and 61, surfaces 202e1 and 202e2 are provided downstream of surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 in the direction N, respectively, along the rotation axis A. As shown in Fig. 57(b), surfaces 202e1 and 202e2 extend in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC whose center is the rotation axis A.

[0191] 61, a side surface 202e3 (second outer surface) is provided between the surface 202d1 and the surface 202d2 and between the surface 202e1 and the surface 202e2 in the direction of the arrow R. The side surface 202e3 is recessed more inward in the radial direction r than the side surface 202c. The surfaces 202d1, 202d2, and the side surface 202e3, and the surfaces 202e1, 202e2, and the side surface 202e3 form a recess 202e (nozzle recess).

[0192] The surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 do not necessarily have to be parallel to each other as in this embodiment. The surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 may be surfaces extending in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A.

[0193] 61(a) is a view of the vicinity of the nozzle of the toner pack 220 when the pack-side shutter 203 is in the closed position, in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis A. As shown in FIG. 61(a), an opening 203a is provided in the side surface 203d of the pack-side shutter 203, and at least a portion of the recess 202e (surface 202e1, surface 202e2, side surface 202e3) of the nozzle 202 is exposed to the outside through the opening 203a. At least the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 are exposed through the opening 203a of the pack-side shutter 203 in the closed position. This is so that the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 can be engaged with the positioning portion 207a of the first frame 207 when the toner pack 220 is attached to the attachment portion 206 with the pack-side shutter 203 in the closed state.

[0194] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 57(b), when the pack-side shutter 203 is in the closed position and the vicinity of the nozzle 202 is viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A (first direction D), a drive transmitted portion 203b (rotating member recess) is provided on the outer surface of the pack-side shutter 203 on the opposite side of the rotation axis A from the recess 202e of the nozzle 202 (opening 203a of the pack-side shutter 203). As shown in FIG. 61(b), surfaces 203b1 and 203b2 of the drive transmitted portion 203b both extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow R (the direction of the rotation axis A). FIG. 59(a) is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the pack-side shutter 203 as seen from the side where the drive transmitted portion 203b is located. Between the surfaces 203b1 and 203b2, a side surface 203b3 (second rotating member outer surface, rotating member side surface portion) is provided that is recessed inward in the radial direction r relative to the side surface 203d. The surfaces 203b1, 203b2, and side surface 203b3 constitute the drive-receiving portion 203b. The side surface 203b3 is provided with a rib 203e.

[0195] When the pack-side shutter 203 is rotated in the rotation direction K from the closed position shown in Figure 57, the pack-side shutter 203 takes the open position as shown in Figure 58, and the discharge port 202a of the nozzle 202 is exposed from the opening 203a of the pack-side shutter 203.

[0196] 57(a) and 59(a), the pack-side shutter 203 has radial positioning portions 203f that protrude outward in the radial direction r beyond the side surface 203d. The radial positioning portions 203f are provided upstream of the pack-side shutter 203 in the N direction, in the direction of the rotation axis A. The radial positioning portions 203f are provided at three locations spaced apart in the rotation direction of the pack-side shutter 203.

[0197] In this embodiment, the nozzle 202 is a member that is provided with a passage through which the toner passes and an outlet 202a through which the toner is discharged from the nozzle 202. The cross-sectional area of ​​the passage through which the toner passes in the nozzle 202 may decrease, increase, or be uniform toward the outlet 202a. The cross-sectional area and length of the passage in the nozzle 202 are not limited and may be changed appropriately depending on the required toner discharge. Furthermore, the outlet 202a of the nozzle 202 does not need to be the most downstream opening through which the toner is discharged from the toner pack 220. The toner discharged from the outlet 202a of the nozzle 202 may pass through a passage that is a separate member from the nozzle 202 before being discharged to the outside of the toner pack 220.

[0198] The pack-side shutter 203 may be a rotating member having a drive-receiving portion 203b and having no shutter function, so that the discharge port 202a of the nozzle 202 is always open regardless of the rotational position. In this case, the discharge port 202a of the nozzle 202 may be closed by a seal (not shown) when the toner pack 220 is not attached to the attachment portion 206, and the seal may be removed during or after the toner pack 220 is attached to the attachment portion 206. Also, the toner pack 220 may not be provided with the pack-side shutter 203.

[0199] (Toner pack restriction release part) The restriction release unit 204 will be described with reference to FIGS. 55 to 61. Here, as shown in FIG. 55, the toner pack 220 is oriented in a predetermined direction such that the second end side (the nozzle 202 side) of the toner pack 220 is below the first end side (the toner storage unit side). In other words, the toner pack 220 is oriented in a posture (predetermined orientation) such that at least a portion of the nozzle 202 is below the storage unit 201 and the rotation axis A is in the vertical direction (the direction of gravity). The posture of the toner pack 220 at this time is the posture in which the toner pack 220 is mounted in the mounting unit 206 of the image forming apparatus 1. At this time, in FIGS. 55 to 61, the N direction is the vertically downward direction (the direction of gravity), and the U direction is the vertically upward direction.

[0200] The nozzle 202 has a protruding portion 202b (protruding portion, engaging portion) that protrudes (projects) in the direction of arrow N (downward) from an end face 203c of the pack-side shutter 203 in the direction of arrow N. As shown in Figures 57(a) and 57(b), the protruding portion 202b is a cylindrical portion centered on the rotation axis A. Also, as shown in Figure 55, in the direction N, which is the mounting direction of the toner pack 220 to the mounting portion 206, the storage portion 201, the nozzle 202 (pack-side shutter 203), and the protruding portion 202b are aligned in this order.

[0201] When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, the protrusion 202b is located closer to the rotation axis A in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC than the driven transmission part 203b of the pack-side shutter 203, as shown in Figure 57(b).

[0202] The protrusion 202b has a protrusion end surface 202b2 (mounting direction positioning surface) which is the end surface in the N direction. The protrusion 202b has a hole whose central axis is the rotation axis A and has an inner peripheral surface 202b1 (guide inner peripheral surface, positioning inner peripheral surface) facing inward in the radial direction r.

[0203] The inner peripheral surface 202b1 of this embodiment is a cylindrical surface centered on the rotation axis A as shown in FIG. 60(b). However, it is not limited to this. FIG. 71(a) is an enlarged perspective view of the protruding portion 202b with a different inner peripheral surface configuration from this embodiment, and FIG. 71(b) is a view of the protruding portion 202b in FIG. 71(a) seen in the direction of the rotation axis A. The inner peripheral surface 202b10 is composed of a plurality of planes to which a virtual circle is inscribed so that the position of the center (central axis) of the virtual circle VC2 is determined with respect to the protruding portion 202b. The central axis of the virtual circle VC2 coincides with the rotation axis A. Note that the inner peripheral surface of the protruding portion 202b does not necessarily have to be a surface on which a central axis can be defined. Any inner peripheral surface that allows the toner pack 220 to be mounted on the mounting portion 206 while avoiding the center boss 209d is acceptable.

[0204] As shown in FIGS. 57(a), 58(a), and 58(c), the protruding portion 202b protrudes below the end surface 203c of the pack-side shutter 203, which is below the discharge port 202a. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 202b is provided on the nozzle 202 so as to protrude from the end surface 202j (bottom surface) in the direction of the rotation axis A of the nozzle 202 as shown in FIG. 62(b). Further, as shown in FIG. 56, the protruding portion 202b protrudes below the lower end surface 202j of the nozzle 202. Note that in this embodiment, the end surface 203c of the pack-side shutter 203 and the end surface 202j of the nozzle 202 are end surfaces perpendicular to the rotation axis A, but it is not limited to this. These surfaces may be surfaces that extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis A when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A.

[0205] As shown in FIG. 58(c), when the opening width in the direction of the rotation axis A of the discharge port 202a of the nozzle 202 is L1 and the width from the lower end of the discharge port 202a to the end surface 203c of the pack-side shutter 203 is L2, it is preferable to satisfy 0.09 < L2 / L1 < 2.2.

[0206] 56, the protrusion 202b protrudes downward further than the lower end face 202j of the nozzle 202. In this embodiment, the end face 203c of the pack-side shutter 203 and the end face 202j of the nozzle 202 are end faces perpendicular to the rotation axis A, but are not limited to this. These faces may be faces that extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis A when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A.

[0207] Also, as shown in Figure 58(b), when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, when the pack-side shutter 203 is in the open position, it can be seen that the opening 203a of the pack-side shutter 203 is in a position that overlaps with the discharge port 202a in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC.

[0208] The protruding portion 202b is provided with a deregulation portion 204 including a first deregulation portion 204a (first protrusion) and a second deregulation portion 204b (second protrusion). The detailed configuration of the deregulation portion 204 will be described with reference to Figures 59(b), 59(c), 60(a), 60(b), 62(a), and 62(b).

[0209] The first deregulating portion 204a has a first inclined surface 204a1 (first inner engagement surface, first downward surface, first downward guide surface, first force application surface, first pressing surface), a second inclined surface 204a2 (first outer engagement surface, second downward surface, second downward guide surface, second force application surface, second pressing surface), and a third inclined surface 204a3 (second engagement surface, first upward surface, upward guide surface).

[0210] When the toner pack 220 is oriented in the predetermined direction (FIG. 50), the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 are surfaces that face in the direction of arrow N (downward) and extend in the direction of arrow U (upward) as they move toward a rotation direction K (first rotation direction) centered on the rotation axis A. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A, the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 are surfaces that extend in the direction of arrow U (upward) as they move toward a first horizontal direction hz1 among the horizontal directions, as shown in FIG. 59(c). When the rotation direction K is the first circumferential direction among the circumferential directions of the imaginary circle VC, the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 are surfaces that face in the direction of arrow N (downward) and extend in the direction of arrow U (upward) as they move toward the first circumferential direction.

[0211] The third inclined surface 204a3 faces in the direction of arrow U (upward) and extends in such a way that it approaches the direction of rotation L (second rotation direction) about the rotation axis A. As shown in FIG. 59(c), when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A, the third inclined surface 204a3 extends in such a way that it approaches the direction of arrow U (upward) in a second horizontal direction hz2 that is opposite to the first horizontal direction hz1 among the horizontal directions. If the rotation direction L is a second circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC that is opposite to the first circumferential direction, the third inclined surface 204a3 faces in the direction of arrow U (upward) and extends in such a way that it approaches the second circumferential direction.

[0212] A connecting portion 204a23 connects the downstream end of the second inclined surface 204a2 in the rotation direction K to the downstream end of the third inclined surface 204a3 in the rotation direction L. As shown in Fig. 59(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 to the downstream end of the third inclined surface 204a3 in the second horizontal direction hz2 are connected to each other.

[0213] The third inclined surface 204a3 is located above the second inclined surface 204a2. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, the third inclined surface 204a3 overlaps with the second inclined surface 204a2. In this embodiment, the entire third inclined surface 204a3 is located above the second inclined surface 204a2, but it is sufficient if at least a portion of the third inclined surface 204a3 is located above the second inclined surface 204a2.

[0214] As shown in Figure 60(b), at least a portion of the first inclined surface 204a1 is located closer to the rotation axis A in the radial direction r than the second inclined surface 204a2, and is located at a different position from the second inclined surface 204a2 in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC.

[0215] 60(b), the radius R204a1 from the rotation axis A to the inner edge (edge ​​line) of the first slant surface 204a1 is shorter than the radius R204a2 from the rotation axis A to the inner edge (edge ​​line) of the second slant surface 204a2. In other words, at least a portion of the first slant surface 204a1 is located closer to the rotation axis A in the radial direction r than the second slant surface 204a2.

[0216] 60(b), two regions of the first slant surface 204a1 separated by a virtual straight line VL204a1 passing through the rotation axis A and the most downstream end of the second slant surface 204a2 in the rotation direction L are defined as an upstream region 204a12 and a downstream region 204a11 in the rotation direction K. In this case, the second slant surface 204a2 is not provided outside the upstream region 204a12 in the radial direction r. In other words, at least a portion of the first slant surface 204a1 (the upstream region 204a12) is provided at a different position from the second slant surface 204a2 in the circumferential direction of the virtual circle VC. Similarly, two regions of the first slant surface 204b1 separated by a virtual straight line VL204b1 passing through the rotation axis A and the most upstream end of the second slant surface 204b2 in the rotation direction K are defined as an upstream region 204b12 and a 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 provided at a different position from the second inclined surface 204b2 in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC. That is, in the first derestriction 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. Also, in the second derestriction 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.

[0217] As shown in FIG. 59(c), when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A, at least a portion of the first inclined surface 204a1 is positioned differently from the second inclined surface 204a2 in the horizontal direction (first horizontal direction hz1 or second horizontal direction hz2). Meanwhile, at least a portion of the third inclined surface 204a3 is located downstream (upper) in the direction of arrow U than at least a portion of the second inclined surface 204a2. That is, at least a portion of the third inclined surface 204a3 overlaps with the second inclined surface 204a2 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A. A gap 204a4 and an abutting surface 204a5 (downstream end surface, abutted surface) are located above (directly above) the third inclined surface 204a3. The abutting surface 204a5 is an end surface on the downstream side in the rotation direction K that extends from the downstream end of the third inclined surface 204a3 in the rotation direction L along the rotation axis A. The abutment surface 204a5 faces downstream in the rotation direction K. In Figure 59(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 the downstream end face in the first horizontal direction hz1.

[0218] Next, the inclination angles of the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, and the third inclined surface 204a3 with respect to the rotation axis A will be described with reference to FIG. 59(c). As shown in FIG. 59(c), when the protrusion 202b is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A, the inclination angles of the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, and the third inclined surface 204a3 with respect to the direction of the rotation axis A (the direction of gravity) are defined as α1, α2, and α3, respectively. In this embodiment, α1, α2, and α3 are approximately 50 degrees, approximately 50 degrees, and approximately 40 degrees, respectively. It is preferable that each of α1, α2, and α3 be greater than or equal to 30 degrees and less than or equal to 60 degrees.

[0219] In this embodiment, when viewing the protrusion 202b in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A, the length L204a1 of the first inclined surface 204a1 is approximately 2 mm, the length L204a2 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. It is preferable that L204a2 is longer than L204a1, and that L204a3 is longer than 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 shorter than the length H204a2 from the protrusion end surface 202b2 to the upper end of the second inclined surface 204a2.

[0220] The first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the gap 204a4, and the abutment surface 204a5 are configured to be exposed to the outside of the toner pack 220 so as to allow access to the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the mounting portion 206. These are exposed to the outside of the toner pack 220 when it is in a state where it can be mounted in the mounting portion 206. In other words, if a cap or cover is provided to cover the nozzle 202 or the pack-side shutter 203 of the toner pack 220 for protection during distribution, the cap or cover is removed.

[0221] Figure 62(a) is a X209-X209 cross-sectional view of the protrusion 202b in Figure 61(a), and shows the third inclined surface 204a3 of the first deregulation portion 204a and the third inclined surface 204b3 of the second deregulation portion 204b. It can be seen that both the third inclined surface 204a3 and the third inclined surface 204b3 extend along the rotation direction of the pack-side shutter 203 (the circumferential direction of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A).

[0222] FIG. 62(b) is a view of the nozzle 202 as viewed from the side where the protruding portion 202b is visible in the direction of the rotation axis A. As shown in FIG. 62(b), the derestriction portion 204 is disposed outward of the inner circumferential surface 202b1 and inward of the discharge port 202a in the radial direction r. When the nozzle 202 is viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, and the third inclined surface 204a3 are preferably positioned closer to the inner circumferential surface 202b1 than the discharge port 202a. Here, assuming that the distance from the rotation axis A to the inner circumferential 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 from the rotation axis A to the discharge port 202a is r3, it is preferable that (r2-r1) / (r3-r1)<0.3. In other words, when viewing the nozzle 202 in the direction of the rotation axis A, it is preferable that 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 be 30% or less of the distance from the inner circumferential surface 202b1 to the discharge outlet 202a.

[0223] 57 to 61, the second deregulation portion 204b is provided with a first inclined surface 204b1 (third downward surface), a second inclined surface 204b2 (fourth downward surface), a third inclined surface 204b3 (second upward surface), a gap 204b4 (second gap), and an abutment surface 204b5 (second abutment surface, second downstream end face, second abutted surface). Here, the second deregulation portion 204b has a shape that is 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical to the first deregulation portion 204a about the rotation axis A, and is provided on the opposite side to the first deregulation portion 204a across 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 gap 204b4, and the abutting surface 204b5 have shapes that are 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis A. In other words, when the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the gap 204a4, and the abutting surface 204a5 are rotated 180 degrees around the rotation axis A, they become the first inclined surface 204b1, the second inclined surface 204b2, the third inclined surface 204b3, the gap 204b4, and the abutting surface 204b5, respectively. Therefore, a detailed description of the second restriction release portion 204b will be omitted.

[0224] Here, the second inclined surface 204a2 of the first deregulation portion 204a is not provided outside any region of the first inclined surface 204b1 of the second deregulation portion 204b in the radial direction r. In other words, the first inclined surface 204a1 is provided at a different position from the second inclined surface 204b2 in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC.

[0225] As shown in FIG. 61(a), when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow R), the protrusion 202b is located between the positions of the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 of the positioned portion 202d in the direction of arrow R. Therefore, in the direction of arrow R, the positions of the first deregulation portion 204a and the second deregulation portion 204b are located between the positions of the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 of the positioned portion 202d. In other words, in the direction of arrow R, the positions of the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, and the third inclined surface 204a3 are all located between the positions of the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A, the positions of the first deregulation portion 204a and the second deregulation portion 204b overlap with the position of the recess 202e in the direction of arrow R.

[0226] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 61(a), the protrusion 202b is located inside the width of the opening 203a of the pack-side shutter 203 in the direction of arrow R when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (radial direction r).

[0227] In addition, although the protrusion 202 b is provided on the nozzle 202 in this embodiment, it is not necessarily required that the protrusion 202 b be provided on the nozzle 202 .

[0228] Here, the protrusion 202b of this embodiment is provided with two portions, a first deregulation portion 204a and a second deregulation portion 204b, which are provided to be rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees around the rotation axis A. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0229] 196(a) and 196(b) are respectively a perspective view and a bottom view of the vicinity of the protruding portion 202b where the first derestriction portion 204a is provided and the second derestriction portion 204b is not provided.

[0230] Figure 196(c) and Figure 196(d) are respectively an oblique view and a bottom view of the vicinity of the protrusion 202b in which the second deregulation portion 204b has a shape that is 190 degrees rotationally symmetrical about the rotation axis A of the first deregulation portion 204a.

[0231] As shown in Figures 196(a) and 196(b), only the first deregulation portion 204a may have the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the gap 204a4, and the abutting surface 204a5. Also, as shown in Figures 196(c) and 196(d), the second deregulation portion 204b may have a shape that is rotationally symmetrical by 190 degrees about the rotation axis A of the first deregulation portion 204a. That is, the first inclined surface 204b1, the second inclined surface 204b2, the third inclined surface 204b3, the gap 204b4, and the abutting surface 204b5 may each have a shape that is rotationally symmetrical by 190 degrees about the rotation axis A. In this configuration, the angle α204ab1 between the first inclined surface 204a1 and the first inclined surface 204b1 and the rotation axis A is 190 degrees. The angle α204ab2 between the second inclined surface 204a2 and the second inclined surface 204b2 and the rotation axis A is also 190 degrees. The second deregulation portion 204b preferably has a rotationally symmetric shape with respect to the rotation axis A of the first deregulation portion 204a, which is at an angle of 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less. In other words, the first inclined surface 204b1, the second inclined surface 204b2, the third inclined surface 204b3, the gap 204b4, and the abutting surface 204b5 preferably have a rotationally symmetric shape with respect to the rotation axis A of the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the gap 204a4, and the abutting surface 204a5, which is at an angle of 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less.

[0232] (Attaching toner pack toner pack attachment) 63 to 69, the mechanism by which the rotation restriction of the apparatus-side shutter 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 is released by mounting the toner pack 220 in the mounting portion 206 will be described.

[0233] Figures 63(a) and 63(c) are perspective views of the toner pack 220 and the mounting portion 206 when the toner pack 220 is being mounted to the mounting portion 206 and when the mounting is complete, respectively. Figure 63(b) is a perspective view of the toner pack 220 and the mounting portion 206 from a different perspective than that of Figure 63(a). Figure 64(a) is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 220 and the mounting portion 206 parallel to the rotation axis A (rotation axis B) in a state where the toner pack 220 is being further moved in the mounting direction from the state shown in Figure 63(a) and is in the middle of mounting. Figure 64(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the X210-X210 line in Figure 64(a). Figure 64(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the X211-X211 line in Figure 64(a). Figures 65(a) to 65(c) are cross-sectional views showing the process of mounting the toner pack 220 to the mounting portion 206. Figures 65(d) to 65(f) are perspective views corresponding to Figures 65(a) to 65(c), respectively, showing only the protrusion 202b, the release member 214, and the regulating member 213. Figures 66(a) and 66(b) are cross-sectional views showing the process of the toner pack 220 being attached to the attachment portion 206, continuing from Figure 65(c). Figures 66(c) and 66(d) are perspective views corresponding to Figures 66(a) and 66(b), respectively, showing only the protrusion 202b, the release member 214, and the regulating member 213. Figures 67(a) and 67(b) are perspective views showing the positional relationship between the release member 214 and the cover 210. Figures 67(c) and 67(d) are views of the release member 214 and the cover 210 in the states shown in Figures 67(a) and 67(b), respectively, viewed from the direction of the rotation axis A (above). Figure 68(a) is a cross-sectional view parallel to the rotation axis A (rotation axis B) of the toner pack 220 and the mounting portion 206 after the toner pack 220 has been completely mounted to the mounting portion 206. Figures 68(b) and 68(c) are cross-sectional views taken along X213-X213 and X212-X212 in Figure 68(a), respectively.

[0234] In Fig. 64, for ease of viewing, cross sections of the pack-side shutter 203 and cover 210 are shaded. In Figs. 65(a) to 65(c) and 66(a) and 66(b), the pack-side shutter 203, restricting member 213, and release member 214 are shown in side views, and the other members are shown in cross sections. In Fig. 68, for ease of viewing, cross sections of the cover 210, restricting member 213, and release member 214 are shown in shaded.

[0235] As shown in Figures 63(a) and 63(b), the toner pack 220 with the pack-side shutter 203 in the closed position is moved in the mounting direction M to mount the toner pack 220 into the mounting portion 206 with the apparatus-side shutter 209 in the closed position. The user mounts the toner pack 220 in the mounting portion 206 by moving the toner pack 220 in the mounting direction M while orienting it in the predetermined direction described above. The mounting direction M is the direction of arrow N, that is, the vertically downward direction (the direction of gravity). The mounting direction M is also the direction of the rotation axis A (rotation axis B).

[0236] At this time, the toner pack 220 is mounted so that two positions are aligned between the toner pack 220 and the mounting portion 206 in the rotation direction of the pack-side shutter 203 (the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC). The first is to align the recess 202e of the nozzle 202 (the opening 203a of the pack-side shutter 203) with the positioning portion 207a of the first frame 207 when viewed in the mounting direction M, as shown in FIG. 63(a). The second is to align the drive-receiving portion 203b of the pack-side shutter 203 with the drive transmitting portion 208a of the operating lever 208, as shown in FIG. 63(b). The configuration is such that aligning one of these positions aligns the other.

[0237] After these alignments are completed, the toner pack 220 is moved in the installation direction M to be installed in the installation portion 206, and as a result, the small diameter portion 209d2 of the center boss 209d of the apparatus-side shutter 209 is inserted into the inner circumferential surface 202b1 of the protruding portion 202b of the nozzle 202, as shown in FIG. 64(a). The inner circumferential surface 202b1 of the protruding portion 202b and the small diameter portion 209d2 of the center boss 209d are fitted (engaged). This fitting determines the position of the nozzle 202 in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC relative to the apparatus-side shutter 209 below the nozzle 202 (downstream in the installation direction M). At this time, the drive transmission portion 208a (lever convex portion) of the operating lever 208 and the drive-received portion 203b (rotating body concave portion) of the pack-side shutter 203 are engaged, as shown in FIG. 64(b). Furthermore, the rib 203e is inserted into the slit 208c provided in the drive transmission part 208a. At the same time, as shown in Figure 64(c), the side surfaces 210f and 210g of the cover 210 guide the surfaces 202e1 and 202e2 that form the recess 202e (nozzle recess) of the nozzle 202. Furthermore, the drive transmitted part 203b (rotating body recess) of the pack-side shutter 203 engages with the drive transmitted part 209e (shutter protrusion) of the apparatus-side shutter 209. As a result, the rotation axis A of the pack-side shutter 203 and the rotation axis B of the apparatus-side shutter 209 become approximately coaxial.

[0238] When the operating lever 208, the pack-side shutter 203, and the device-side shutter 209 rotate about the rotation axis A (rotation axis B) relative to the first frame 207 (base frame 221) and the nozzle 202, the operating lever 208, the pack-side shutter 203, and the device-side shutter 209 are rotatable approximately integrally about the rotation axis A (rotation axis B). Specifically, when the operating lever 208 is rotated in the rotation direction D, the drive transmission part 208a of the operating lever 208 presses the surface 203b1 of the pack-side shutter 203, causing the pack-side shutter 203 to rotate in the rotation direction D. Thereafter, the surface 203b2 of the pack-side shutter 203 presses the drive transmitted part 209e of the device-side shutter 209, causing the device-side shutter 209 to rotate in the rotation direction D. Furthermore, when the operating lever 208 is rotated in the rotation direction E, the drive transmission part 208a of the operating lever 208 presses the surface 203b2 of the pack-side shutter 203, causing the pack-side shutter 203 to rotate in the rotation direction E. Thereafter, the surface 203b1 of the pack-side shutter 203 presses the drive transmission part 209e of the device-side shutter 209, causing the device-side shutter 209 to rotate in the rotation direction E. In this way, the device-side shutter 209 is configured to be rotated by the operating lever 208 via the pack-side shutter 203, and therefore, if the rotation restriction mechanism 212 described above were not provided, the device-side shutter 209 would be able to rotate regardless of the position of the operating lever.

[0239] If the apparatus-side shutter 209 rotates in the rotation direction D from the closed position to the open position due to a user error or vibrations during transportation of the image forming apparatus 1, the rotational position of the drive transmission member 209e of the apparatus-side shutter 209 will also shift. This causes the following problem when attempting to mount the toner pack 220 in the mounting portion 206: After the drive transmission member 203b of the pack-side shutter 203 engages with the drive transmission member 208a of the operating lever 208, further movement of the toner pack 220 in the mounting direction M will prevent it from engaging with the drive transmission member 209e of the apparatus-side shutter 209. Therefore, the toner pack 220 will not be able to move to the mounting portion 206 to the fully mounted position. To prevent this situation from occurring, the rotation restriction mechanism 212 restricts the rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 209.

[0240] Next, the mechanism by which the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the mounting portion 206 is released when the toner pack 220 is mounted in the mounting portion 206 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 65 to 67. Figures 65 and 66 are diagrams showing in chronological order the process by which the toner pack 220 is mounted in the mounting portion 206. Note that the second restriction release portion 204b functions in the same way as the first restriction release portion 204a, so its description will be omitted.

[0241] At the time of FIG. 65(a) (FIG. 65(d)), the first deregulation portion 204a of the nozzle 202 and the release claw 214e of the release member 214 are separated from each other. At this time, as shown in FIG. 67(a) (FIG. 67(c)), the second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e shown in FIG. 47 is covered by the eaves portion 210n of the cover 210 and is not exposed from the central hole 210p of the cover 210 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A. When the toner pack 220 is further moved from this point in the direction of arrow N (mounting direction M), the first inclined surface 204a1 of the first deregulation portion 204a comes into contact with the first guided surface 214e1 of the release claw 214e, and the state shown in FIG. 65(b) (FIG. 65(e)) is reached. When the toner pack 220 is further moved in the direction of arrow N, the force F204 that the first guided surface 214e1 receives from the first inclined surface 204a1 causes the release member 214 to rotate in the rotation direction D against the biasing force F203 of the release spring 216 shown in FIG. 50. At this time, the first inclined surface 204a1 of the first restriction release portion 204a serves as a guide surface that guides the first guided surface 214e1 of the release member 214 so that the first guided surface 214e1 moves along the first inclined surface 204a1. In other words, the first inclined surface 204a1 guides the first guided surface 214e1 so that the release member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D around the rotation axis A. The first inclined surface 204a1 of the first restriction release portion 204a also functions as a first force applying surface (first pressing surface) that applies a force (presses) to the first guided surface 214e1. The force F204 includes a force component F204x that rotates the releasing member 214 in the rotation direction D about the rotation axis B against the biasing force of the release spring 216. The releasing member 214 is rotated 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. As a result of the releasing member 214 being rotated in the rotation direction D, as shown in FIG. 67(b) (FIG. 67(d)), the second guided surface 214e2 of the releasing claw 214e is exposed from the central hole 210p of the cover 210 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A. In other words, the first inclined surface 204a1 has a function (preceding rotation function) of rotating the releasing member 214 at least to a position where the second guided surface 214e2 is exposed from the central hole 210p of the cover 210 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A.Although the first inclined surface 204a1 in this embodiment is an inclined surface, it is not limited to this. It may be any surface that engages with the first guided surface 214e1 so that the release member 214 is rotated in the rotation direction D when the toner pack 220 is attached to the attachment portion 206.

[0242] When the toner pack 220 is further moved in the direction of arrow N from the state in FIG. 67(b) (FIG. 67(d)), the second inclined surface 204a2 of the first restriction release portion 204a comes into contact with the second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 65(c) (FIG. 65(f)). In this state, when the toner pack 220 is moved in the direction of arrow N, the force F205 that the second guided surface 214e2 receives from the second inclined surface 204a2 causes the release member 214 to rotate in the rotation direction D against the biasing force F203 of the release spring 216 shown in FIG. 50. At this time, the second inclined surface 204a2 of the first restriction release portion 204a serves as a guide surface that guides 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 releasing member 214 so that the releasing member 214 is rotated in the rotation direction D around the rotation axis A. The second inclined surface 204a2 of the first restriction release portion 204a also functions as a second force applying surface (second pressing surface) that applies (presses) a force to the second guided surface 214e2. The force F205 includes a force component F205x that rotates the releasing member 214 in the rotation direction D around the rotation axis B against the biasing force of the release spring 216.

[0243] The release member 214 is rotated 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 up to this point is the first step for releasing the rotation restriction described above. That is, as shown in FIG. 53(b), this is the step of rotating the release member 214 in the rotation direction D against the biasing force of the release spring 216 to an elevation restriction release position (elevation restriction release region) where the elevation restricted surface 214c does not come into contact with the elevation restricted surface 210e of the cover 210 when the release member 214 is raised. In other words, this is the step of rotating the release member 214 in the rotation direction D against the biasing force of the release spring 216 to an elevation restriction release position where the elevation restricted surface 214c does not overlap with the elevation restricted surface 210e of the cover 210 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis B. Although the second inclined surface 204a2 in this embodiment is an inclined surface, it is not limited to this. It may be any surface that engages with the second guided surface 214e2 so that the release member 214 is rotated in the rotation direction D when the toner pack 220 is attached to the attachment portion 206.

[0244] After the first step, the third guided surface 214e3 of the release claw 214e passes through the connecting portion 204a23 of the first deregulation portion 204a and climbs up onto the upstream end of the third inclined surface 204a3 in the rotational direction E. In other words, the rotational direction of the release member 214 switches from rotational direction D to rotational direction E at the connecting portion 204a23 of the first deregulation portion 204a.

[0245] At this time, as shown in FIG. 66(a) (FIG. 66(c)), the third guided surface 214e3 of the releasing claw 214e abuts against the third inclined surface 204a3 of the nozzle 202 and receives a force F206 due to a moment M202 (biasing force) generated by the release spring 216. Then, due to a force component F206y in the direction of arrow G of the force F206, the third guided surface 214e3 of the releasing member 214 moves in the direction in which the third inclined surface 204a3 extends while being guided by the third inclined surface 204a3. The third inclined surface 204a3 guides the third guided surface 214e3 so that the releasing member 214 is rotated in the rotational direction D by the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2, and then the releasing member 214 is moved in the direction of arrow G (upward) while being rotated in the rotational direction E.

[0246] This movement of release member 214 in the direction of arrow G is the second step for releasing the rotation restriction described above. In the second step, restriction member 213 is moved in the direction of arrow G by release member 214. Release member 214 is then rotated in rotation direction E until contact surfaces 214a and 214f ​​of release member 214 shown in FIG. 47(d) abut against abutment surface 204a5 of protrusion 202b. In other words, rotation of release member 214 in rotation direction E is stopped when contact surfaces 214f ​​and 214f ​​abut against abutment surface 204a5 of protrusion 202b. In this way, the rotation restriction release operation of rotation restriction mechanism 212 is completed when toner pack 220 is in the installation completion position shown in FIG. 66(b) (FIG. 66(d)) and FIG. 68. The X214-X214 cross section in FIG. 68(a) is the same as that in FIG. 51(b), and the rotation restriction on the apparatus-side shutter 209 is released.

[0247] As described above, when the toner pack 220 is attached to the attachment portion 206, the rotation restriction of the apparatus-side shutter 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, this is not limiting. It may be any surface that engages with the third guided surface 214e3 so that the release member 214 is moved in the direction of arrow G (upward) when the toner pack 220 is attached to the attachment portion 206. Furthermore, although the release member 214 is configured to rotate in the rotation direction E in the second step in this embodiment, the release member 214 may not rotate in the rotation direction E.

[0248] 68(a), the toner pack 220 is in the fully installed position where the protruding portion end surface 202b2 of the protruding portion 202b of the nozzle 202 abuts against the pack abutment surface 209g of the apparatus-side shutter 209. At this fully installed position, the position of the toner pack 220 in the direction of the rotation axis A relative to the installation portion 206 is determined. Furthermore, the inner peripheral surface 202b1 of the protruding portion 202b of the nozzle 202 fits (engages) with the small diameter portion 209d2 of the center boss 209d of the apparatus-side shutter 209, thereby determining the position in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC on the downstream side of the installation direction M. Also, as shown in Figure 68(c), which is a cross section taken along line X212-X212 in Figure 68(a), three points of the radial positioning portion 203f (Figures 57 and 59) of the pack-side shutter 203 contact the inner peripheral surface 209h (Figure 44) of the apparatus-side shutter 209. This determines the position in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC on the upstream side of the mounting direction M of the nozzle 202 and the pack-side shutter 203 (toner pack 220).

[0249] Meanwhile, as shown in Figure 68(b), which is a cross section taken along line X213-X213 in Figure 68(a), the positioning portion 207a of the first frame 207 engages with the positioned portion 202d of the nozzle 202, which has surfaces 202d1 and 202d2. Therefore, the position of the nozzle 202 is determined relative to the first frame 207 (base frame 221) in the direction of arrow R between surfaces 202d1 and 202d2. As a result, since the position of the nozzle 202 is determined relative to the first frame 207 in the direction of arrow R, the operation of releasing the restriction on rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 209 can be made more stable. In this explanation, the magnitudes of the forces F204, F205, and F206 that operate the release member 214 are set to be large enough to ignore the effects of gravity and friction, and therefore a description of gravity and friction will be omitted.

[0250] By the mechanism described above, the rotation restriction of the apparatus-side shutter 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 is released, and the apparatus-side shutter 209 becomes able to rotate from the closed position to the released position.

[0251] Furthermore, when the abutment surfaces 214a and 214f ​​of the release member 214 abut against the abutment surface 204a5, the release member 214 is rotated forcefully by the moment M202, which generates a soft collision sound. In addition, the user's hand holding the toner pack 220 can feel the reaction. That is, the collision sound or reaction allows the user to recognize that the rotation restriction on the apparatus-side shutter 209 has been released (that installation has been completed). When the toner pack 220 is to be removed from the installation portion 206, the process shown in FIG. 65 is reversed, and the apparatus-side shutter 209 is again restricted in rotation by the rotation restriction mechanism 212.

[0252] (Operation of the control lever) When the toner pack 220 is in the installation complete position, the drive transmission portion 208a (lever convex portion) of the operating lever 208 and the drive transmitted portion 203b (rotating body concave portion) of the pack-side shutter 203 are engaged as shown in Figure 68(b). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 68(c), the drive transmitted portion 203b (rotating body concave portion) of the pack-side shutter 203 is engaged with the drive transmitted portion 209e (shutter convex portion) of the device-side shutter 209. In other words, as described above, when the toner pack 220 is installed in the installation portion 206, the operating lever 208, pack-side shutter 203, and device-side shutter 209 are configured to rotate integrally around the rotation axis A (rotation axis B).

[0253] Here, Figure 69(a) is a perspective view of toner pack 220 seen from above when operation lever 208 is in the closed position. Figure 69(b) is a perspective view of toner pack 220 seen from above when operation lever 208 is in the open position. Figure 69(c) is a diagram showing a state in which a user opens storage section 201 in the state of Figure 69(b) and replenishes toner.

[0254] 69(a) and 69(b), after completing the installation of the toner pack 220 in the installation portion 206, when the operation portion 208b of the operation lever 208 is rotated in the rotation direction D, the device-side shutter 209 rotates from the closed position to the open position, and the pack-side shutter 203 rotates from the closed position to the open position. It can be seen that the storage portion 101 does not rotate even when the operation lever 208 is rotated. The pack-side shutter 203 and the apparatus-side shutter 209 rotate together with the operation lever 208.

[0255] When the pack-side shutter 203 rotates from the closed position to the open position, as shown in FIG. 57(a), the frictional force F207 that the nozzle 102 receives from the pack-side shutter 103 via the pack-side seal 105 is directed in the rotational direction K. This is the same direction as the rotational direction D of the operating lever 108 in FIG. 69. The nozzle 202 may rotate in the rotational direction K by the amount of play between the surfaces 202d1 and 202d2 and the positioning portion 207a of the first frame 207 due to the frictional force F207. The rotational direction of the nozzle 202 at this time is the direction in which the third inclined surface 204a3 of the first restrict release portion 204a approaches the release claw 214e of the release member 214, and the direction in which the third inclined surface 204b3 of the second restrict release portion 204b approaches the release claw 214e of the release member 214. In other words, when the operating lever 208 is rotated to rotate the pack-side shutter 203 from the closed position to the open position, the regulating member 213 moves further upward (in the U direction) together with the release member 214. Then, the second regulating surface 213c of the regulating member 213 moves upward away from the regulated rib 209c of the device-side shutter 209, increasing the margin for releasing the rotation restriction. Therefore, the rotation restriction release state for the device-side shutter 109 can be maintained more stably.

[0256] By the above-described operation, the storage portion 201 of the toner pack 220 and the toner storage chamber 36 are in communication with each other via the discharge port 202a, the receiving port 209a, and the apparatus-side opening 217a.

[0257] Here, Figure 70(a) is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 220 and the mounting portion 206 when the apparatus-side shutter 209 and the pack-side shutter 203 are both in the closed position. Figure 70(b) is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 220 and the mounting portion 206 when the apparatus-side shutter 209 and the pack-side shutter 203 are both in the open position.

[0258] In FIG. 70(a), the discharge port 202a of the nozzle 202 is closed by the pack-side shutter 203, the pack-side seal 205, and the apparatus-side shutter 209, so that the toner in the container 201 cannot reach the apparatus-side opening 217a of the second frame 217. On the other hand, in FIG. 70(b), the pack-side shutter 203, the pack-side seal 205, and the apparatus-side shutter 209 move, opening the discharge port 202a of the nozzle 202. As shown in FIG. 69(c), when the user compresses the container 201, the toner in the container 201 is discharged from the discharge port 202a together with air to the outside of the toner pack 220. Some of the air discharged from the discharge port 202a passes through the first filter 218 and the second filter and is discharged to the outside of the mounting portion 206. The toner is replenished to the toner storage chamber 36 of the developing container 32 through the apparatus-side opening 217a of the second frame 217.

[0259] (Variation 1) Next, another configuration will be described with reference to Figures 72 to 78. Note that a description of the same points as those in the above-described embodiments and modifications will be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this embodiment, those corresponding to the members described in embodiment 2 will be given the same names as the members in embodiment 2, and only the points that are different from those in embodiment 2 will be described.

[0260] In this embodiment, the protruding portion 202b of the nozzle 202 is formed integrally with the nozzle 202. In this modified example, the protruding portion of the second embodiment is made into an attachment, which is a separate part from the nozzle. The attachment is for mounting on the image forming apparatus 1. The attachment and a toner pack without a protruding portion are set together to form an installation kit. The configuration of the attachment will be described below.

[0261] FIG. 72 is a perspective view of attachment 2102A of this modified example. FIGS. 72(a) and 72(b) are perspective views of attachment 2102A from different viewpoints, and FIG. 72(c) is a perspective view of the attachment from a different viewpoint than FIG. 72(b). FIG. 76 is a perspective view of toner pack 2120 without a protrusion. FIG. 77(a) is a side view of toner pack 2120 attached to image forming apparatus 1, and FIG. 77(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along X2103-X2103 in FIG. 77(a). FIG. 78 is a perspective view of attachment 21102A, which has a different shape from attachment 2102A of this modified example.

[0262] When attaching the attachment 2102A to the mounting portion 206, the rotation restriction by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 can be released even if the attachment is started from any phase in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC with respect to the mounting portion 206. The configuration of this modified example will be described below.

[0263] As shown in FIG. 72(a), the attachment 2102A has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is provided with a cylindrical portion 2102Aa and a protruding portion 2102Ab in this order from the first end side in the first direction D1. The cylindrical portion 2102Aa and the protruding portion 2102Ab have inner circumferential surfaces 2102Ab1. The inner circumferential surface 2102Ab1 of this modified example is a cylindrical surface having a central axis A. As with the second embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 2102Ab1 does not necessarily have to be a cylindrical surface. The protruding portion 2102Ab has the same configuration as the protruding portion 202b of the nozzle 202 of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 59(b), 59(c), and 60. The first deregulation portion 2104a (first protrusion) and the second deregulation portion 2104b (second protrusion) of the protrusion 2102Ab in this modification have the same configurations as the first deregulation portion 204a and the second deregulation portion 204b of the second embodiment, respectively, and are configured based on the central axis A of the inner circumferential surface 2102Ab1. In other words, the first inclined surface 2104a1, the second inclined surface 2104a2, the third inclined surface 2104a3, the gap 2104a4, and the abutting surface 2104a5 of the protrusion 2102Ab have the same configurations as the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the gap 204a4, and the abutting surface 204a5 of the second embodiment, respectively, and are configured based on the central axis A of the inner circumferential surface 2102Ab1. The second derestriction portion 2104b has a shape that is rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees about the rotation axis A of the first derestriction portion 2104a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0264] The cylindrical portion 2102Aa and the protruding portion 2102Ab are arranged coaxially about the central axis A. An end face 2102Ax that is perpendicular to the central axis A is provided on the cylindrical portion 2102Aa at a first end side in the first direction D1. Here, the attachment 2102A has a shape that is 180-degree rotationally symmetric about the central axis A, so only one side will be described. The cylindrical portion 2102Aa is provided with protruding portions 2102Am and 2102An that protrude toward a second end side in the first direction D1 and in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the central axis A. The protruding portions 2102Am and 2102An are arranged on the protruding portion 2102Ab in the rotational direction about the central axis A, and the protruding portion 2102An is arranged downstream of the protruding portion 2102Am in the rotational direction E. Furthermore, an end face 2102Ar is provided on the upstream side of the convex portion 2102Am in the rotational direction E, parallel to the central axis A and intersecting with the rotational direction E. Furthermore, an end face 2102As is provided on the downstream side of the convex portion 2102An in the rotational direction E, parallel to the central axis A and intersecting with the rotational direction E. The end face 2102As is provided adjacent to the deregulation portion 2104b of the protrusion 2102Ab, and is located downstream in the rotational direction E from a surface 2104s, which is the surface of the deregulation portion 2104b facing downstream in the rotational direction E. Here, the surface 2104s is parallel to the central axis A and is a plane that intersects with the rotational direction about the central axis A. The end face 2102As and the surface 2104s are smoothly connected in the first direction D1 by a slope 2102Aw.

[0265] The end faces 2102At and 2102Au located on the second end side of the protrusions 2102Am and 2102An in the first direction D1 are planes perpendicular to the central axis A, are arranged at the same position in the first direction D1, and are located closer to the first end side in the first direction D1 than the protrusion end face 2102Ab2 of the protrusion 2102Ab.

[0266] (Attaching the attachment) The attachment 2102A is attached to the attachment section 206 of the image forming apparatus 1. Details are explained below. The method of attaching (using) the attachment 2102A to the image forming apparatus 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 73, 74 and 75.

[0267] FIG. 73 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the cover 210, the restricting member 213, the release member 214, and the apparatus-side shutter 209, which are involved in attaching the attachment 2102A to the attachment portion 206, with other components omitted. FIG. 73(a) is a top view, and FIG. 73(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X2101-X2101 in FIG. 73(a). FIG. 74 and FIG. 75 are cross-sectional views showing the attachment process. Also, the cover 210, the restricting member 213, and the release member 214, which are involved in attaching the attachment 2102A to the image forming apparatus 1, are shown, with other components omitted. In other words, FIG. 74 and FIG. 75 are views similar to FIG. 73, but with the apparatus-side shutter 209 hidden. Figures 74(a), 74(b), 75(a), and 75(b) are cross-sectional views taken along the line X2101-X2101 in Figure 73(a), showing the process of attaching attachment 2102A to image forming apparatus 1. Figures 74(c), 74(d), 75(c), and 75(d) are cross-sectional views taken along the line X2102-X2102 in Figure 73(b), showing the states corresponding to Figures 74(a), 74(b), 75(a), and 75(b), respectively.

[0268] As shown in FIG. 73(b), the user moves the attachment 2102A downward (in the direction of arrow N) while orienting it in a predetermined direction in which the protrusion 2102Ab protrudes downward (in the direction of gravity) and the central axis A faces the direction of gravity, to mount it on the mounting portion 206. At this time, the attachment 2102A is mounted so that the inner peripheral surface 2102Ab1 (recess) of the attachment 2102A engages (fits) with the center boss 209d (positioning shaft, shaft portion) of the apparatus-side shutter 209. The engagement (fitting) between the inner peripheral surface 2102Ab1 of the attachment 2102A and the center boss 209d positions the attachment 2102A relative to the apparatus-side shutter 209 in the radial direction about the rotation axis B, and the central axis A of the attachment 2102A and the rotation axis B of the mounting portion 206 become coaxial. Furthermore, the user rotates the attachment 2102A in the rotation direction E while pushing it in the direction of arrow N.

[0269] 74(a) and 74(c), when the attachment 2102A is attached in the direction of arrow N, the inner peripheral surface 2102Ab1 of the attachment 2102A engages with the center boss 209d of the apparatus-side shutter 209, and then the protruding end surface 2102Ab2 of the attachment 2102A abuts against the upper surface 210i of the cover 210. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 74(b) and 74(d), the user pushes the attachment 2102A in the direction of arrow N while rotating it in the rotational direction E, and the protruding end surface 2102Ab2 of the attachment 2102A abuts against the end surface 214h located on the second end side of the release member 214 in the first direction D1. 75(a) and 75(c), when the user further rotates attachment 2102A in rotation direction E, first inclined surface 2104a1 of attachment 2102A comes into contact with first guided surface 214e1 of release member 214. In this manner, similar to embodiment 2, release member 214 is applied with force from first inclined surface 214a1 and is rotated in rotation direction D while being guided by first inclined surface 2104a1. Furthermore, when the user rotates attachment 2102A in rotation direction E, as shown in FIG. 75(c), surface 2104s abuts against eaves portion 210n of cover 210 in rotation direction E, and rotation of attachment 2102A stops.

[0270] 75(a) and 75(c), when the user further pushes the attachment 2102A in the direction of arrow N, the inclined surface 2102Aw (see FIG. 72(b)) abuts against the eaves portion 210n of the cover 210, and the attachment 2102A rotates slightly in the rotational direction D along the inclined surface 2102Aw relative to the cover 210. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 75(b) and 75(d), when the user pushes the attachment 2102A in the direction of arrow N, the end surfaces 2102As and 2102Ar are sandwiched and tightly fitted between the eaves portion 210n and the surface 210r that faces the eaves portion 210n in the rotational direction about the central axis A. Here, the surface 210r is parallel to the central axis A and intersects with the rotational direction E about the central axis A. Furthermore, when the user pushes the attachment 2102A in the direction of the arrow N, the protruding portion end surface 2102Ab2 abuts against the pack contact surface 209g, and the movement of the attachment 2102A in the direction of the arrow N stops (see FIG. 77(b)). The operation of the release member 214 associated with the attachment of the attachment 2102A to the attachment portion 206 will now be described.

[0271] First, as shown in FIG. 75(a), the release member 214 is rotated in the rotation direction D while being guided by the first inclined surface 2104a1.

[0272] Furthermore, the attachment 2102A moves in the direction of the arrow N, and the release member 214 is rotated in the rotation direction D against the spring force F203 of the release spring 216 shown in Figure 50 due to the force F204 (see Figure 65) that the first guided surface 214e1 receives from the first inclined surface 2104a1.

[0273] The release member 214 is rotated 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.

[0274] As the attachment 2102A is further moved in the direction of arrow N, the second inclined surface 2104a2 of the first restriction release portion 2104a comes into contact with the second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e, resulting in the state shown in Figure 65(c) (Figure 65(f)). In this state, when the attachment 2102A is moved in the direction of arrow N, the second guided surface 214e2 receives a force F205 from the second inclined surface 2104a2, causing the release member 214 to rotate in the rotational direction D against the biasing force F203 of the release spring 216 shown in Figure 50.

[0275] The release member 214 is rotated in the rotation direction D until the second guided surface 214e2 passes the downstream end of the second inclined surface 2104a2 in the rotation direction D. The rotation of the release member 214 in the rotation direction D up to this point is the first step for releasing the rotation restriction.

[0276] The subsequent operation of the release member 214 is the same as in the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0277] In this way, similar to the second embodiment, the rotation restriction imposed by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the image forming apparatus 1 is released, and the apparatus-side shutter 209 becomes rotatable. Here, the attachment 2102A starts to be attached to the attachment portion 206 from any phase in the rotation direction around the central axis A. The state from which the release operation starts varies depending on the phase from which the attachment starts, but the rotation restriction imposed by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 can be released regardless of the state from which the release operation is started.

[0278] After the attachment 2102A is mounted in the mounting portion 206, a toner pack 2120 having no protrusion as shown in Fig. 76 is mounted in the mounting portion 206 of the image forming apparatus 1 as shown in Fig. 77. As shown in Fig. 76, the toner pack 2120 of this modified example has the same shape as that of the second embodiment except for the nozzle 202 shown in the second embodiment, and therefore, description of parts other than the nozzle 2102B will be omitted.

[0279] In this modification, a cylindrical recess 2102Ba is provided coaxially with the central axis A at a first end in the first direction D1 of the nozzle 2102B. A surface 2102Bb perpendicular to the central axis A is provided at a second end in the first direction D1 of the recess 2102Ba. As shown in FIG. 77(b), the toner pack 2120 is attached to the attachment portion 206 in the same manner as in the second embodiment, and a through-hole 203h coaxial with the central axis A, located at the first end in the first direction D1 of the pack-side shutter 203, engages with the cylindrical portion 2102Aa of the attachment 2102A. Note that the through-hole 203h need only be larger than the cylindrical portion 2102Aa. Thereafter, similarly, the recess 2102Ba of the nozzle 2102B engages (fits) with the cylindrical portion 2102Aa of the attachment 2102A, and the position of the nozzle 2102B relative to the attachment 2102A in the radial direction about the central axis A is determined. Furthermore, the surface 2102Bb of the nozzle 2102B abuts against the end surface 2102Ax of the attachment 2102A, and the attachment in the direction of arrow N is completed. Thereafter, in the same manner as in the second embodiment, the toner in the storage portion 2101 is replenished to the toner storage chamber 36 of the developing container 32. After use, the toner pack 2120 is removed in the same manner as in the second embodiment, and then the attachment 2102A can be removed against the force of the tight fit with the cover 210.

[0280] It is possible to provide an attachment kit that includes the attachment 2102A and the toner pack 2120 that does not have a protruding portion.

[0281] The method of using the mounting kit has two steps. The first step is to mount the attachment 2102A in the mounting portion by moving it downward along the central axis while orienting it in the predetermined direction described above. The second step is the step that follows the first step and is to mount the toner pack 2120 in the mounting portion. In the first step, the rotation restriction by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the apparatus-side shutter 209 is released. In the second step, the toner pack 2120 is mounted in the mounting portion 206 to which the attachment 2102A is mounted.

[0282] By transporting the toner pack 2120 in the form of an attachment kit, the packaging size in the direction of the central axis A of the toner pack 2120 can be reduced compared to the configuration of Example 2. When using the toner pack 2120, the user can attach the attachment 2102A to the image forming apparatus 1 in advance, thereby releasing the rotation restriction by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the apparatus-side shutter 209, as in the other Examples. When using the toner pack 2120, the user can attach the attachment 2102A to the toner pack 2120 in advance, thereby releasing the rotation restriction by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the apparatus-side shutter 209, as in the other Examples.

[0283] Next, an attachment 21102A having a simpler structure than the attachment 2102A will be described.

[0284] The attachment 2102A has been described as being configured to be able to release the rotation restriction by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 even if attachment is started from any phase in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC with respect to the attachment portion 206. However, it is also possible to adopt a simpler configuration, such as attachment 21102A, in which the user aligns and attaches the attachment to match the phase of the attachment portion 206 around the central axis A.

[0285] 78, the attachment 21102A has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is provided with a cylindrical portion 21102Aa and a protruding portion 21102Ab (protruding portion) in this order in the first direction D1. Hereinafter, in the first direction D1, the cylindrical portion 21102 side of the attachment 21102A will be referred to as a first end, and the protruding portion side will be referred to as a second end.

[0286] The cylindrical portion 21102Aa has an inner circumferential surface 21102Ab1. The inner circumferential surface 21102Ab1 of this modified example is a cylindrical surface having a central axis A. As shown in FIG. 71 of the second embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 21102Ab1 does not have to be a cylindrical surface as long as the central axis A can be defined on the surface. The protrusion 21102Ab has the same configuration as the protrusion 202b of the nozzle 202 of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 59(b), 59(c), and 60. The first deregulation portion 21104a (first protrusion) and the second deregulation portion 21104b (second protrusion) of the protrusion 21102Ab have the same configuration as the first deregulation portion 204a and the second deregulation portion 204b of the second embodiment, respectively, and are configured based on the central axis A of the inner circumferential surface 21102Ab1. That is, the first inclined surface 21104a1, the second inclined surface 21104a2, the third inclined surface 21104a3, the gap 21104a4, and the abutting surface 21104a5 of the protrusion 21102Ab have the same configurations as the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the gap 204a4, and the abutting surface 204a5 of the second embodiment, and are configured based on the central axis A of the inner circumferential surface 2102Ab1. The second derestriction portion 21104b has a shape that is 180 degrees rotationally symmetric about the rotation axis A of the first derestriction portion 21104a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0287] At the first end of the cylindrical portion 21102Aa in the first direction D1, a triangular marking portion 21102Ac recessed toward the second end in the first direction D1 is provided at a position away from the central axis A. Also, as shown in FIG. 76, the toner pack 2120 of this modified example has a cylindrical recess 2102Ba provided in the nozzle 2102B to avoid interference with the attachment 21102A already attached to the attachment portion 206 when the toner pack 2120 is attached to the attachment portion 206. Other configurations will be described later.

[0288] As shown in Fig. 77, the user mounts attachment 21102A on mounting portion 206 so that indicator portion 21102Ac and operating portion 208b of operating lever 208 shown in Fig. 67 face each other in the circumferential direction of an imaginary circle VC centered on central axis A. This is because, when mounting attachment 21102A to mounting portion 206, it is necessary to mount attachment 21102A so that the phase of protrusion 21102Ab and mounting portion 206 around central axis A are aligned. The operation for releasing the rotation restriction on mounting portion 206 is the same as the configuration described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0289] Thereafter, the user mounts the toner pack 2120 in the mounting portion 206. Then, as in the second embodiment, the rotation restriction by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the apparatus-side shutter 209 is released, and toner can be replenished from the toner pack 2120 to the toner storage chamber 36 of the developing container 32.

[0290] Note that the toner pack 2120 may be configured so that the user can attach the attachment 21102A to the toner pack 2120 in advance when using the toner pack 2120. In this way, as in the second embodiment, the rotation restriction by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the apparatus-side shutter 209 can be released by the operation of attaching the toner pack 2120 to the attachment portion 206. In this case, the attachment 21102A is configured so that it can be attached at a predetermined rotational phase to the lower end of the nozzle 2102B when the toner pack 2120 is oriented in a predetermined direction. This eliminates the need for phase alignment when attaching the toner pack 2120 to the attachment portion 206.

[0291] It should be noted that, in addition to the configuration of the protrusion 202b of the second embodiment, the configuration of the modified example of the second embodiment can also be applied to the configuration of the protrusion 2102Ab in this modified example.

[0292] (Variation 2) Next, another configuration will be described with reference to Figures 79 to 87. Note that a description of the same points as those in the above-described embodiments and modifications will be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this embodiment, those corresponding to the members described in Example 2 and Modification 1 of Example 2 will be given the same names as those in Example 2 and Modification 1 of Example 2, and only the points that differ from those in Example 2 and Modification 1 of Example 2 will be described.

[0293] In the first modification of the second embodiment, an installation kit including an attachment 2102 having a protruding portion 2102Ab and a toner pack 2120 having a pack-side shutter 203 and a storage portion 2101 was described. In this modification, a configuration in which the attachment has a shutter (rotating member) will be described. In other words, this modification relates to an installation kit including an attachment having a protruding member with a shutter and a protruding portion, and a toner pack. With this installation kit, as in the second embodiment, it is possible to release the rotation restriction by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the apparatus-side shutter 209 and replenish toner from the toner pack to the toner storage chamber 36 of the developing container 32.

[0294] In this modified example, an attachment 2230 including a protruding member 2202 and a shutter 2203 will be described using Figures 79, 80, 81, and 82. Figures 79(a) and 79(b) are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of the attachment 2230 of this modified example. Figures 80(a) and (b) are perspective views of the shutter 2203 from different directions. Figure 81 is a perspective view of the protruding member 2202.

[0295] 79(a), an attachment 2230 of this modified example has a shutter (rotating member) 2203 and a protruding member 2202. The shutter 2203 and the protruding member 2202 are aligned in the first direction D1.

[0296] The configuration of each part will be described in detail with reference to Figures 80 and 81. Here, the shutter 2203 of this modified example has the same shape as the pack-side shutter 203 of Example 2 except for the portion where the protruding member 2202 is attached, and therefore only the attachment portion of the protruding member 2202 will be described. The shutter 2203 is attached to the protruding member 2202 so as to be rotatable around the central axis A, which serves as the rotation axis. Furthermore, hereinafter, in the first direction D1, the shutter 2203 side will be referred to as the first end, and the protruding member 2202 side will be referred to as the second end.

[0297] As shown in FIG. 80(a), the shutter 2203 has a substantially cylindrical shape centered on the central axis A, and has a hollow cylindrical portion 2203a substantially coaxial with the central axis A on the second end side in the first direction D1. Inside the hollow cylindrical portion 2203a centered on the central axis A, the shutter 2203 has, from the first end side in the first direction D1, a cylindrical surface 2203b and a through-hole 2203c having a smaller diameter than the cylindrical surface 2203b, which are provided substantially coaxially with the central axis A. Two snap-fit ​​portions 2203k are provided in the hollow cylindrical portion 2203a so as to be 180-degree rotationally symmetric about the central axis A. The snap-fit ​​portion 2203k is provided to protrude from the hollow cylindrical portion 2203a toward the first end side in the first direction D1, and has a claw portion 2203m protruding toward the central axis A. The claw portion 2203m faces the second end side in the first direction D1 and has a support surface 2203n that is approximately perpendicular to the central axis A. Furthermore, a surface 2203r is provided on the central axis A side of the claw portion 2203m. The surface 2203r is disposed more inward than the cylindrical surface 2203b with respect to the central axis A. The cylindrical surface 2203b and the through-hole 2203c are connected by a surface 2203d that is approximately perpendicular to the central axis A. As shown in FIG. 80(b), the surface 2203d is provided with two recesses 2203e that are recessed toward the second end side in the first direction D1 and are symmetrical about 180 degrees around the central axis A. The recesses 2203e have a fan-shaped concave shape centered on the central axis A. The side closer to the central axis A is connected to the through-hole 2203c, and the side farther from the central axis A has a smaller radius than the cylindrical surface 2203b. Furthermore, the angle of the sector about the central axis A is approximately 90 degrees. The recess 2203e is provided with a surface 2203f that intersects with the rotation direction D on the upstream side in the rotation direction D and a surface 2203g that approximately intersects with the rotation direction D on the downstream side in the rotation direction D. A surface 2203h that is approximately perpendicular to the central axis A is provided on the second end side of the recess 2203e in the first direction D1 (the bottom surface of the recess). The shutter 2203 further has a drive transmitted portion 2203u (rotating member recess) that is recessed inward in the radial direction r on the lateral periphery centered on the central axis A, as shown in FIG. 83(b). In addition, when viewed in the direction of the central axis A, a shutter opening 2203t (rotating member opening) is provided on the opposite side of the central axis A from the drive transmitted portion 2203s.The drive transmitted part 2203u has the same configuration and function as the drive transmitted part 203b shown in Figures 57(b) and 59(a) of Example 2. The shutter opening 2203t has the same configuration as the opening 203a shown in Figures 57(a) and 61(a) of Example 2.

[0298] As shown in FIG. 81, the protruding member 2202 has a generally cylindrical shape centered on the central axis A, and is provided with, from the first end side in the first direction D1, a first cylindrical portion 2202a, a second cylindrical portion 2202c having a smaller diameter than the first cylindrical portion 2202a, and a generally cylindrical protruding portion 2202b (protrusion). 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. The protruding member 2202 also has an inner circumferential surface 2202b1 (guide inner circumferential surface, positioning inner circumferential surface) centered on the central axis A. The inner circumferential surface 2202b1 of this modified example is a cylindrical surface having the central axis A. It is preferable that the inner circumferential surface 2202b1 be a cylindrical surface or a surface on which the central axis A can be defined, as shown in FIG. 71 of the second embodiment.

[0299] The protrusion 2202b has the same shape as the protrusion 202b of Example 2 shown in Figures 59(b), 59(c), and 60. The first deregulation portion 2204a (first protrusion) and the second deregulation portion 2204b (second protrusion) of the protrusion 2202Ab of this modified example have the same configurations as the first deregulation portion 204a and the second deregulation portion 204b of Example 2, respectively, and are configured based on the central axis A, which is the rotation axis of the shutter 2203. That is, the first inclined surface 2204a1, the second inclined surface 2204a2, the third inclined surface 2204a3, the gap 2204a4, and the abutting surface 2204a5 of the protrusion 2202Ab have the same configurations as the first inclined surface 204a1, the second inclined surface 204a2, the third inclined surface 204a3, the gap 204a4, and the abutting surface 204a5 of the second embodiment, and are configured based on the central axis A of the inner circumferential surface 2102Ab1. The second deregulation portion 2204b has a shape that is 180 degrees rotationally symmetric about the rotation axis A of the first deregulation portion 2204a, and therefore will not be described here.

[0300] Two protrusions 2202e protruding from the first cylindrical portion 2202a toward the second end in the first direction D1 are provided so as to have a shape that is rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees about the central axis A. The protrusions 2202e are provided inside the outer shape of the first cylindrical portion 2202a in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the central axis A, and the side of the central axis A is connected to the second cylindrical portion 2202c. Each of the pair of protrusions 2202e is provided with an end face 2202f on the upstream side of the rotation direction D that intersects with the rotation direction D, and an end face 2202g on the downstream side of the rotation direction D that intersects with the rotation direction D.

[0301] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 79(b), when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A with the shutter opening 2203t of the shutter 2203 facing forward, the protrusion 2202b is located inside the width of the shutter opening 2203t in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A.

[0302] (assembly) Next, assembly of the shutter 2203 and protrusion member 2202 will be described with reference to Figures 82 and 83. Figure 82 is an exploded perspective view of the attachment 2230 of this modified example. Figures 83(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views taken along lines X2201-X2201 and X2202-X2202 in Figure 79 when the protrusion member 2202 is located at the first position relative to the shutter 2203.

[0303] As shown in Figure 82, the protruding member 2202 is installed on the shutter 2203 from the first end side in the first direction D1, approximately coaxial with the central axis A. The protruding member 2202 is attached to the shutter 2203 while pushing apart two snap-fit ​​portions 2203k of the shutter 2203. Thereafter, the protruding member 2202 is supported by the shutter 2203 such that the second cylindrical portion 2202c is fitted into the through-hole 2203c of the shutter 2203. Furthermore, the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion 2202a of the protruding member 2202 is lightly tight-fitted into the cylindrical surface 2203b of the shutter 2203.

[0304] 83(a), the first cylindrical portion 2202a of the protruding member 2202 abuts against the surface 2203d of the shutter 2203, and the protruding member 2202 is positioned in the first direction D1. Furthermore, the first end of the protruding member 2202 in the first direction D1 abuts against the support surface 2203n of the snap fit portion 2203k of the shutter 2203, and the hollow cylindrical portion 2203a is sandwiched between the surface 2203d and the support surface 2203n. This prevents the protruding member 2202 from falling off the shutter 2203 in the first direction D1.

[0305] 83(b), in the direction of rotation about the central axis A, the end face 2202g of the convex portion 2202e of the protruding member 2202 abuts against the surface 2203g of the shutter 2203. This position is defined as the first position.

[0306] Here, the protruding member 2202 is supported relative to the shutter 2203 so as to be rotatable within a certain range in the rotation direction around the central axis A. In other words, the protruding member 2202 is configured to be movable relative to the shutter 2203 to a first position and a second position in the rotation direction around the central axis A. When the protruding portion 2202b protrudes downward (in the direction of gravity) and the central axis A is oriented in a predetermined direction facing the direction of gravity, as shown in FIG. 83, the protruding member 2202 is supported by the shutter 2203 so that the protruding portion 2202b protrudes from the lower surface of the shutter 2203. Also, as shown in FIGS. 83(a) and 79(b), when the attachment 2230 is oriented in a predetermined direction so that the protruding portion 2202b protrudes downward and the central axis A faces the direction of gravity, the protruding member 2202 is supported by the shutter 2203 so that the protruding portion 2202b protrudes downward (projects) from the lower surface 2203v of the shutter 2203. As shown in FIG. 83(b), when viewed in the direction of the central axis A, the protruding member 2202 (protruding portion 2202b) is provided at a position closer to the central axis A in the radial direction r than the drive transmitted portion 2203u of the shutter 2203.

[0307] (Attaching the attachment) 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 then mounted to the mounting portion 206.

[0308] At this time, the drive transmitted portion 2203u of the shutter 2203 shown in Figure 83(b) is engaged with the drive transmitted portion 209e (shutter protrusion, see Figure 44) of the apparatus-side shutter 209. By doing so, the shutter opening 2203t of the shutter 2203 and the receiving opening 209a of the apparatus-side shutter 209 are communicated with each other. Also, the inner peripheral surface 2202b1 of the protruding portion 2202b of the protruding member 2202 is fitted (engaged) with the small diameter portion 209d2 of the center boss 209d of the mounting portion 206.

[0309] As in the second embodiment, when the restriction release portion (same as the protrusion 202b in the second embodiment) of the protrusion 2202b of the attachment 2230 acts on the release member 214 of the mounting portion 206, the rotation restriction on the apparatus-side shutter 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 is released. Thereafter, with the rotation of the operating lever 208 shown in Figures 41(a) and 41(b), the shutter 2203 is rotated together with the apparatus-side shutter 209 in the direction of arrow D.

[0310] 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 using Figures 84 and 85. Figures 84(a), (b), and (c) are enlarged side views of a connection between a part of the mounting portion 206 (cover 210, restricting member 213, and release member 214) and the attachment 2230, illustrating the operation of the attachment 2230. Figure 84(a) is a side view of the operating lever 208 (not shown) in the closed position, Figure 84(b) is a side view of the operating lever 208 in a position between the closed position and the open position, and Figure 84(c) is a side view of the operating lever 208 in the open position. Figures 85(a), (b), and (c) are cross-sectional views taken along the line X2203-X2203 in Figure 84(a) corresponding to Figures 84(a), (b), and (c).

[0311] 84(a) and 85(a) show a state in which the attachment 2230 is attached to the attachment portion 206 and the operating lever 208 is in the closed position. At this time, as in the second embodiment, as the attachment 2230 is attached to the attachment portion 206, the restriction release portion of the protrusion 2202b (the same as the protrusion 202b in the second embodiment) acts on the release member 214, and the rotation restriction by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the apparatus-side shutter 209 is released.

[0312] Next, when the operating lever 208 is rotated, the shutter 2203 also rotates in the direction of the arrow D, and assumes the state shown in Figures 84(b) and 85(b). At this time, as the shutter 2203 rotates, the protruding member 2202, which is lightly press-fitted into the shutter 2203, also rotates in the direction of the arrow D due to the frictional force from the shutter 2203.

[0313] Here, because the protruding portion 2202b is engaged with the release member 214, the release member 214 also rotates in the direction of arrow D together with the protruding member 2202. The attachment 2230 rotated in the direction of arrow D stops moving in the rotational direction when the ascent-restricted surface 214c abuts against the restricting member 213. At this time, as shown in FIG. 85(b), in the rotational direction about the central axis A, the protruding member 2202 maintains the first position where the end surface 2202g of the convex portion 2202e abuts against the surface 2203g of the shutter 2203.

[0314] Next, when the operating lever 208 is further rotated in the direction of arrow D against the friction with the protruding member 2202, the operating lever 208 is positioned at the open position as shown in Figures 84(c) and 85(c). At this time, in the direction of rotation about the central axis A, the end surface 2202g of the protruding member 2202 is not in contact with the surface 2203g of the shutter 2203. The position of the protruding member 2202 when the operating lever 208 is positioned at the open position is the second position.

[0315] 84(c) and 85(c), the receiving port 209a of the apparatus-side shutter 209 is exposed. After this, as shown in FIG. 86, the user can attach a toner pack 2220 having, for example, a straw-shaped discharge member 2220a to the receiving port 209a, and replenish the toner in the storage section 2201 to the toner storage chamber 36 of the developing container 32.

[0316] 87, the attachment 2230 may be configured so that a cover member 2250 can be attached to the attachment 2230 while the attachment 2230 remains attached to the mounting portion 206.

[0317] Furthermore, when removing the attachment 2230, the operating lever 208 is rotated in the direction of arrow E from the open position to the closed position. Then, in the reverse order of the operation accompanying the rotation from the closed position to the open position described above, the operating lever 208, shutter 2203, protruding member 2202, and release member 214 rotate in conjunction with each other in the direction of arrow E. At this time, the operating lever moves from the open position to the closed position, and the protruding member 2202 moves from the second position to the first position.

[0318] Thereafter, by pulling out the attachment 2230 in the direction of arrow G (see FIG. 67) in the same manner as in the second embodiment, removal of the attachment 2230 from the mounting portion 206 is completed.

[0319] As described above, even with an attachment kit consisting of the attachment 2230 having the protruding member 2202 and the shutter 2203 and the toner pack 2220 having a storage section, it is possible to release the rotation restriction imposed by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 of the device-side shutter 209 and replenish toner from the toner pack 2220 to the toner storage chamber 36 of the developing container 32, as in the second embodiment.

[0320] Furthermore, in this modified example, the protruding member 2202 is configured to be movable within a certain range in a rotational direction around the central axis A relative to the mounting portion 206, but the same effect can be obtained by providing a portion that positions the protruding member 2202 in a rotational direction around the central axis A relative to the cover 210 and configuring the protruding member 2202 to not move, as in modified example 1, for example.

[0321] Furthermore, with regard to the configuration of the protrusion 2202b in this modification, in addition to the protrusion 202b in the second embodiment, the configuration of the modification of the second embodiment can also be applied.

[0322] (Variation 3) In this embodiment (embodiment 2), the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 of the first derestriction portion 204a are different inclined surfaces, and the second derestriction portion 204b has a similar configuration. However, as shown in FIG. 88, the two inclined surfaces may be the same surface. This configuration will be described as a modified example using FIGS. 88 to 91. Note that this modified example has a configuration in which the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 of the first derestriction portion 204a and the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 of the second derestriction portion 204b of this embodiment are modified to be the same surface. Other than this modification, the configuration is the same as this embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0323] FIG. 88 is a diagram showing the detailed shapes of the first derestriction portion 2304a (first protrusion) and the second derestriction portion 2304b (second protrusion) of this modified example. FIG. 88(a) is a perspective view of the first derestriction portion 2304a and the second derestriction portion 2304b as viewed from the second end side (nozzle side) in the first direction D1. FIG. 88(b) is a view of the first derestriction portion 2304a as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A. FIG. 88(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line X2301-X2301 in FIG. 88(b). FIG. 88(d) is a view of the first derestriction portion 2304a as viewed in the direction of arrow U (upward).

[0324] 88(a), a deregulation portion 2304 including a first deregulation portion 2304a and a second deregulation portion 2304b is provided on the protruding portion 2302b of the nozzle 2302. The first deregulation portion 2304a has a first inclined surface 2304a1 (downward surface, downward guide surface, downward force applying surface, downward pressing surface), a second inclined surface 2304a2 (upward surface, upward guide surface), and an abutment surface 2304a3 (downstream end surface, abutted surface).

[0325] As shown in Figure 88(b), the first inclined surface 2304a1 faces in the direction of arrow N (downward) and extends in the direction of arrow U (upward) as it approaches the rotation direction K (first rotation direction) centered on the rotation axis A.

[0326] 88(a) and 88(d), in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A, the end of the first slant surface 2304a1 closer to the rotation axis A is defined as the inner end 2304a4 (inner edge line, inner ridgeline). The inner end 2304a4 has an inner upstream end 2304a4U (inner upstream edge line, inner upstream ridgeline) located upstream in the rotation direction K, an inner downstream end 2304a4D (inner downstream edge line, inner downstream ridgeline) located downstream, and an inner intermediate end 2304a4I (inner intermediate edge line, inner intermediate ridgeline) connecting these. The inner downstream end 2304a4D is located farther 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 shown in Figure 88(d), when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, the inner upstream end 2304a4U and the inner downstream end 2304a4D each include a first arc centered on the rotation axis A and a second arc having a larger radius than the first arc. The inner intermediate end 2304a4I extends in the radial direction r so as to connect the first arc and the second arc.

[0327] 88(a) and 88(d), the end of the first slant surface 2304a1 farther from the rotation axis A in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A is defined as an outer end 2304a5 (outer edge line, outer ridgeline). The outer end 2304a5 includes an outer upstream end 2304a5U (outer upstream edge line, outer upstream ridgeline) located upstream in the rotation direction K, an outer downstream end 2304a5D (outer downstream edge line, outer downstream ridgeline) located downstream, and an outer intermediate end 2304a5I (outer intermediate edge line, outer intermediate ridgeline) connecting these. The outer downstream end 2304a5D is located farther from the rotation axis A in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A than the outer upstream end 2304a5U. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 88(d), when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, the outer upstream end 2304a5U and the outer downstream end 2304a5D each include a third arc centered on the rotation axis A and a fourth arc having a larger radius than the third arc. The outer intermediate end 2304a5I extends in the radial direction r so as to connect the third arc and the fourth arc.

[0328] As shown in FIG. 88(b), at least a portion of the second inclined surface 2304a2 is provided in the direction of arrow U (upward) from at least a portion of the first inclined surface 2304a1.

[0329] As shown in FIG. 88(c), the portion of the first inclined surface 2304a1 that is more inward than the second inclined surface 2304a2 in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A is defined as a first inner inclined surface 2304a1I. Furthermore, the portion of the first inclined surface 2304a1 that is at approximately the same position as the second inclined surface 2304a2 in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A is defined as a first outer inclined surface 2304a1O. At this time, at least a portion of the first inner inclined surface 2304a1I and at least a portion of the first outer inclined surface 2304a1O overlap in the rotation direction K (see also FIG. 88(d)).

[0330] The abutment surface 2304a3 is provided in the direction of arrow U (upward) from the downstream end of the first inner inclined surface 2304a1I in the rotational direction K. At least a part of the first inner inclined surface 2304a1I and at least a part of the first outer inclined surface 2304a1O overlap in the rotational direction K, so the abutment surface 2304a3 overlaps with the first outer inclined surface 2304a1O in the rotational direction K.

[0331] 88(a), the second deregulation portion 2304b has a first inclined surface 2304b1 (downward surface, downward guide surface, downward force applying surface), a second inclined surface 2304b2 (upward surface, upward guide surface), and an abutment surface 2304b3. Here, the first deregulation portion 2304a and the second deregulation portion 2304b have shapes that are rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees about the rotation axis A. Therefore, a detailed description of the second deregulation portion 2304b will be omitted.

[0332] Next, using Figures 89 and 90, we will explain the mechanism by which the rotation restriction on the apparatus-side shutter 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 is released by attaching the toner pack 2320 of this modified example to the attachment portion 206. Figure 89 shows the operation of rotating the release claw 214e by the first inclined surface 2304a1 of the first restriction release portion 2304a, with (a), (c), and (e) showing this process. Also in Figure 89, (b) shows the X2302-X2302 cross section in the state (a), (d) shows the X2303-X2303 cross section in the state (c), and (f) shows the X2304-X2304 cross section in the state (e). Figure 90 shows the operation by which the release claw 214e is moved by the second inclined surface 2304a2 of the first restriction release portion 2304a. For ease of viewing, each figure only shows the nozzle 2302 (restriction release portion 2304), restriction member 213, and release member 214. In addition, in Figure 89(c), the hidden lines of the abutment surface 214a3 that overlaps with the rotation axis A are shown with thin lines only in this figure.

[0333] By attaching the toner pack 2320, as shown in Fig. 89(a), the first inclined surface 2304a1 of the first restriction release portion 2304a comes into contact with the first guided surface 214e1 of the release claw 214e. At this time, as shown in Fig. 89(b), the first guided surface 214e1 of the release claw 214e comes into contact with the first inclined surface inner side 2304a1I of the first restriction release portion 2304a.

[0334] When the toner pack 2320 is further moved in the direction of arrow N (downward) from this point, the release member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D shown in FIG. 89(a) by the same operation as in this embodiment. That is, a force is applied to the first guided surface 214e1 while it is guided by the first inclined inner surface 2304a1I, causing the release member 214 to rotate in the rotation direction D. Then, as shown in FIG. 89(c), the release member 214 remains in a state of rotating in the rotation direction D until the first guided surface 214e1 passes the downstream end of the first inclined inner surface 2304a1I in the rotation direction D. At this time, the release claw 214e is released from contact between the first guided surface 214e1 and the first inclined surface 2304a1 of the first restriction release portion 2304a, and the release claw 214e stops rotating in the rotation direction D. As described above, the inner downstream end 2304a4D of the first restriction release portion 2304a is located farther 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 (see FIG. 88(d)). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 89(d), a space S230 is formed in the direction of arrow G (upward) of the release claw 214e.

[0335] If the toner pack 2320 is further moved in the direction of arrow N (downward), the release claw 214e enters the space S230 in the direction of arrow G (upward). At this time, the moment M202 (biasing force) of the release spring 216 (see FIG. 50) shown in FIG. 89(c) causes the abutment surface 214f ​​of the release claw 214e to abut against the abutting surface 2304a3 of the first restriction release portion 2304a. This restricts rotation of the release claw 214e in the rotational direction E. At this time, the abutting surface 2304a3 of the first restriction release portion 2304a overlaps with the first outer inclined surface 2304a1O in the rotational direction K, and therefore the first outer inclined surface 2304a1O overlaps with the second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e in the rotational direction D. Then, as shown in Fig. 89(e), the first inclined surface 214a1 of the first restriction release portion 2304a abuts against the second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e. At this time, as shown in Fig. 89(f), the second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e abuts against the first inclined surface outer side 2304a1O of the first restriction release portion 2304a.

[0336] When the toner pack 2320 is further moved in the direction of arrow N (downward) from here, the release member 214 rotates in the rotation direction D shown in FIG. 89(e) by the same operation as in this embodiment. In other words, the second guided surface 214e2 is guided by the first outer inclined surface 2304a1O and a force is applied to it, causing the release member 214 to rotate in the rotation direction D.

[0337] The release member 214 then rotates in the rotation direction D until the second guided surface 214e2 passes the downstream end of the first outer inclined surface 2304a1O of the first restriction release portion 2304a in the rotation direction D. The operations up to this point constitute the first step in this modified example.

[0338] After the first step, as shown in Fig. 90(a), the third guided surface 214e3 of the release claw 214e rides up onto 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 this embodiment, the abutment surfaces 214a and 214f ​​of the release member 214 abut against the abutment surface 2304a3 of the first restriction release portion 2304a, as shown in Fig. 90(b). Then, the rotation restriction of the apparatus-side shutter (see Fig. 40) by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 is released.

[0339] As described above, in this modification, the first inclined surface 204a1 and the second inclined surface 204a2 of the first derestriction portion 2304a in the present embodiment, and the first inclined surface 204b1 and the second inclined surface 204b2 of the second derestriction portion 204b in the present embodiment are made to be the same surface. This allows the two surfaces to be processed into one surface, which is expected to have the effect of reducing the number of processing steps.

[0340] In this modification, the first inclined surface 2304a1 of the first derestriction portion 2304a has an inner intermediate end 2304a4I 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 is true for the second derestriction portion 2304b.

[0341] Next, another embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 91, the protruding portion 23102b of the nozzle 23102 is provided with a deregulation portion 23104 including a first deregulation portion 23104a (first protrusion) and a second deregulation portion 23104b (second protrusion). An inner end 23104a4 (inner edge line, inner ridge line) of the first slant surface 23104a1 of the first deregulation portion 23104a and an inner end 23104b4 (inner edge line, inner ridge line) of the first slant surface 23104a1 of the second deregulation portion 23104b are smoothly continuous from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotation direction K. Because the first deregulation portion 23104a and the second deregulation portion 23104b have a shape that is 180° rotationally symmetric about the rotation axis A, only the first deregulation portion 23104a will be described below. Figure 91 shows the shape of the first restriction release portion 23104a, where (a) is an oblique view seen from the second end side (nozzle side) in the first direction D1, (b) is a view seen from the second end side (nozzle side) in the first direction D1, and (c) is a cross section taken along X23104-X23104 of (a).

[0342] As shown in FIG. 91(a), the inner end 23104a4 is an inner end that smoothly continues outward in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A as it moves downstream in the rotation direction K. Here, the inner end 23104a4 includes an inner upstream end 23104a4U (inner upstream edge line, inner upstream ridgeline) located upstream in the rotation direction K, and an inner downstream end 23104a4D (inner downstream edge line, inner downstream ridgeline). The inner upstream end 23104a4U and the inner downstream end 23104a4D are ends that extend smoothly and continuously. Similarly, the inner end 23104b4 includes an inner upstream end 23104b4U (inner upstream edge line, inner upstream ridgeline) located upstream in the rotation direction K, and an inner downstream end 23104b4D (inner downstream edge line, inner downstream ridgeline). The inner upstream end 23104b4U and the inner downstream end 23104b4D are ends that extend smoothly and continuously.

[0343] 91(c), the first derestriction portion 23104a has a first abutment surface 23104a5 in the direction of arrow U (upward) of the inner end 23104a4 and a second abutment surface 23104a3 in the direction of arrow U (upward) of the second inclined surface 23104a2. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 91(c), the second derestriction portion 23104b has a first abutment surface 23104b5 in the direction of arrow U (upward) of the inner end 23104b4 and a second abutment surface 23104b3 in the direction of arrow U (upward) of the second inclined surface 23104b2.

[0344] Next, the mechanism by which the rotation restriction on the apparatus-side shutter 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 is released by attaching a toner pack 23120 using a restriction release portion 23104 of a different shape according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG. 92. However, only the operation after the release claw 214e is rotated in the rotation direction D by the first inner slope surface 23104a1I of the first restriction release portion 23104a and released from contact with the first inner slope surface 23104a1I, which is different from the operation according to this modification, will be described. FIG. 92 shows a state in which the release claw 214e has released from contact with the first inner slope surface 23104a1I of the first restriction release portion 23104a, where (a) is a view seen from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A, (b) is a cross section taken along the line X2306-X2306 of (a), and (c) is a cross section taken along the line X2307-X2307 of (a). For ease of viewing, each figure only shows the nozzle 2302 (deregulation portion 23104), the regulating member 213, and the release member 214. In addition, in Fig. 92(c), for ease of viewing, the cut surfaces of the nozzle 2302 (deregulation portion 23104) and the release claw 214e (release member 214) are shaded.

[0345] In the state shown in FIG. 92(a), the release claw 214e is released from contact between the first guided surface 214e1 and the first inner inclined surface 23104a1I of the first restriction release portion 23104a, and rotation in the rotation direction D is stopped. As described above, the inner end 23104a4 of the first restriction release portion 23104a is shaped to point outward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A as it moves toward the rotation direction D (see FIG. 91(a)). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 92(b), a space S231 is present in the direction of arrow G (upward) of the release claw 214e.

[0346] When the release claw 214e enters the space S231 in the direction of arrow G (upward), a moment M202 (biasing force) caused by the release spring 216 (see FIG. 50) shown in FIG. 92(a) causes the release claw 214e to rotate in the rotational direction E. Then, due to the moment M202, the abutment surface 214f ​​of the release claw 214e abuts against the first abutment surface 23104a5 of the first restriction release portion 23104a from the rotational direction E, as shown in FIG. 92(b) and FIG. 92(c). This restricts the rotation of the release claw 214e in the rotational direction E.

[0347] 92(c), the intersection point between a circumscribed circle C230 centered on the rotation axis A of the abutment surface 214f ​​of the release claw 214e and the first abutment surface 23104a5 of the first restriction release portion 23104a is defined as intersection point P230. The intersection point P230 is set so as to overlap with the first outer inclined surface 2304a1O of the first restriction release portion 23104a in the rotation direction K. Furthermore, the abutment portion between the first abutment surface 23104a5 of the first restriction release portion 23104a and the abutment surface 214f ​​of the release claw 214e is the intersection point P230, so as shown in FIG. 92(a), the second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e overlaps with the first outer inclined surface 23104a1O of the first restriction release portion 23104a in the rotation direction D.

[0348] 92, the first outer inclined surface 2304a1O of the first restriction release portion 23104a comes into contact with the second guided surface 214e2 of the release claw 214e. Thereafter, the restriction on rotation of the apparatus-side shutter 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 is released by the same operation as in this modified example.

[0349] As described above, in the derestriction portion 23104 having another shape according to this modification, the inner upstream end 23104a4U and the inner downstream end 23104a4D of the first derestriction portion 2304a in this modification are configured to form a single, smoothly continuous inner end. Furthermore, the inner upstream end 23104b4U and the inner downstream end 23104b4D of the second derestriction portion 23104b are configured to form a single, smoothly continuous end (edge ​​line, ridge). This allows two ridges (surfaces) to be processed into a single ridge (surface), which is expected to reduce the number of processing steps.

[0350] (Variation 4) Next, another configuration will be described with reference to Figures 93 to 95. Note that a description of the same points as those in the above-described embodiments and modifications will be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this embodiment, those corresponding to the members described in embodiment 2 will be given the same names as the members in embodiment 2, and only the points different from those in embodiment 2 will be described.

[0351] In Example 2, the nozzle 202 is configured to have the protrusion 202b (protrusion) integrally formed thereon, but by providing the protrusion on a separate part, it becomes easier to reuse the protrusion, which has a complex shape, and it is possible to improve recyclability.

[0352] A configuration in which the protrusion 202b is provided on a component other than the nozzle will be described below.

[0353] Fig. 93 is an external perspective view of discharge unit 2402 of this modified example. Fig. 94 is an exploded perspective view of discharge unit 2402 of this modified example. Fig. 95 is a perspective view of toner pack 2420 to which discharge unit 2402 of this modified example is attached.

[0354] As shown in FIG. 93, the discharge unit 2402 of this modified example has a cylindrical shape, and a nozzle 2402A (discharge portion) and a support member 2402B are arranged approximately coaxially with the rotation axis A.

[0355] 94, nozzle 2402A has, from a first end in first direction D1, a cylindrical portion 2402Aa and a disk portion 2402Ab having a larger diameter than cylindrical portion 2402Aa, which are arranged approximately coaxially with rotation axis A. Toner transport portion 2402Ac is provided protruding from disk portion 2402Ab toward a second end in first direction D1. Toner transport portion 2402Ac has, on the second end in first direction D1, a discharge surface 2402Ae, which is a surface extending in the direction of rotation axis A.

[0356] The nozzle 2402A is provided with a through-hole 2402Ad, which penetrates from the first end side in the first direction D1 through the cylindrical portion 2402Aa, the disk portion 2402Ab, and the toner transport portion 2402Ac, and leads to the discharge surface 2402Ae in a direction approximately perpendicular to the rotation axis A. The portion where the through-hole 2402Ad penetrates the discharge surface 2402Ae will be called a discharge port 2402Ag (opening).

[0357] The support member 2402B has a substantially cylindrical shape and, from a first end side in the first direction D1, a first cylindrical portion 2402Ba, a disk portion 2402Bc having a larger diameter than the first cylindrical portion 2402Ba, and a second cylindrical portion 2402Be are provided substantially coaxially with the rotation axis A. A protrusion 2402Bb protrudes in the direction of the rotation axis A from an end face 2402Bg of the second cylindrical portion 2402Be in the direction of the rotation axis A.

[0358] The protrusion 2402Bb has the same shape as the protrusion 202b of the nozzle 202 in the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0359] In addition, a through hole 2402Bd is provided in the support member 2402B, which passes through the first cylindrical portion 2402Ba, the disk portion 2402Bc, and the second cylindrical portion 2402Be from the first end side in the first direction D1, and leads to a side hole 2402Bf (side opening) of the second cylindrical portion 2402Be.

[0360] (Assembly of the exhaust unit) At the first end of the nozzle 2402A in the first direction D1, the container 2401 is tightly attached to the cylindrical portion 2402Aa by adhesive or the like (see FIG. 95). 94, a support member 2402B is attached to the nozzle 2402A from the second end side in the first direction D1, approximately coaxially with the rotation axis A. A first cylindrical portion 2402Ba of the support member 2402B is tightly fitted into a recess (not shown) provided in a disk portion 2402Ab of the nozzle 2402A. In this way, the support member 2402B is coupled to the nozzle 2402A.

[0361] In the discharge unit 2402 in which the nozzle 2402A and the support member 2402B are coupled, the discharge port 2402Ag is disposed at approximately the same position as the position of the discharge port 202a of the nozzle 202 in the second embodiment.

[0362] 95, the predetermined orientation is the orientation (orientation of the mounting posture) of the toner pack 2420 in which at least a portion of the discharge unit 2402 is below the storage section 201 and the rotation axis A faces the direction of gravity. When the toner pack 2420 is oriented in the predetermined orientation, the protrusion 2402Bb protrudes downward from the end surface 2402Bg (bottom surface) of the support member 2402B. In addition, the protrusion 2402Bb is located below the discharge port 2402Ag.

[0363] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 95, the discharge unit 2402 is fitted with a pack-side shutter 203 in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

[0364] The method of attaching and detaching to the attachment portion 206 is the same as in the second embodiment, and therefore the explanation will be omitted.

[0365] As described above, a configuration can be adopted in which the protrusion 202b is provided on the support member 2402B, which is a separate component from the nozzle 2402A. The nozzle 2402A and the support member 2402B are fixed by an interference fit, making them relatively easy to remove from each other. This makes it easy to remove only the support member 2402B having the complexly shaped protrusion 2402Bb from the toner pack 2420. This makes it easier to reuse the support member 2402B having the protrusion 2402Bb, improving recyclability.

[0366] (Variation 5) Next, another configuration will be described with reference to Figures 96 to 98. Note that a description of the same points as those in the above-described embodiments and modifications will be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this embodiment, those corresponding to the members described in embodiment 2 will be given the same names as the members in embodiment 2, and only the points that are different from those in embodiment 2 will be described.

[0367] Figure 96 is a perspective view of a toner pack 2520 of this modified example. Figure 97(a) is a perspective view of a nozzle 2502 of this modified example. Figure 97(b) is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle 2502 of this modified example.

[0368] In the second embodiment, the nozzle 202 has a side surface 202c extending in the direction of the rotation axis A (central axis), and the outlet 202a is provided on the side surface 202c. On the other hand, in this modification, the outlet 2502k2 is provided on the end surface of the cylindrical portion 2502k.

[0369] The nozzle 2502 of this modified example will be described.

[0370] As shown in FIGS. 97(a) and 97(b), the nozzle 2502 of this modification includes a cylindrical portion 2502k (pipe) and a main body portion 2502n (pipe support member) that supports the cylindrical portion 2502k. The cylindrical portion 2502k has a cylindrical shape, and a substantially circular opening 2502k1 (inlet) is disposed on a first end side in the first direction D1, substantially coaxially with the rotation axis A. Furthermore, a substantially circular discharge port 2502k2 (outlet) is provided at the end of the cylindrical portion 2502k opposite the opening 2502k1. As shown in FIG. 97(b), the discharge port 2502k2 faces in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A. In other words, as shown in FIG. 97(a), the discharge port 2502k2 faces outward in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. The opening 2502k1 and the discharge port 2502k2 are in communication with each other through a communication path 2502k3. The communication path 2502k3 is a portion having a curved cylindrical shape. That is, when the toner pack 2520 is oriented in a predetermined direction (the direction of the mounting posture) of the second embodiment, the opening 2502k1 of the cylindrical portion 2502k faces upward, and the communication path 2502k3 extends downward and outward in the radial direction r.

[0371] Furthermore, a sloped surface 2502m is provided on the main body 2502n of the nozzle 2502 closer to the first end in the first direction D1 than the opening 2502k1. The sloped surface 2502m is a conical slope that is approximately coaxial with the rotation axis A, and is inclined so as to approach the rotation axis A as it approaches the second end in the first direction D1.

[0372] The toner in the storage portion 201 of the toner pack 2520 passes through the inclined portion 2502m and the cylindrical portion 2502k, is discharged from the discharge port 2502k2, and is replenished into the toner storage chamber 36 of the developing container 32.

[0373] Furthermore, when the toner pack 2520 is oriented in a predetermined direction, the protruding portion 2502b protrudes downward from the lower end face (bottom face) of the main body portion 2502n. The protruding portion 2502b has exactly the same shape as the protruding portion 202b in the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0374] This modified example has the same configuration as the second embodiment except that the nozzle 202 of the second embodiment is replaced with a nozzle 2502, and therefore other explanations will be omitted.

[0375] In this modification, nozzle 2502 is described as being configured by combining main body 2502n and cylindrical portion 2502k, but the cylindrical portion and main body may be formed integrally. Also, cylindrical portion 2502k may be formed of a hard material that does not deform, or may be formed of an elastic and deformable material.

[0376] In addition, in this modification, the outlet 2502k2 of the cylindrical portion 2502k is fixed in a state facing outward in the radial direction r, but this is not limiting.

[0377] A toner pack 2530 having a nozzle 2503 whose cylindrical outlet has a variable orientation will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0378] In this configuration, the protruding portion 2503b and the inclined portion 2503m of the nozzle 2503 have the same shapes as the protruding portion 2502b and the inclined portion 2502m described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0379] 98(a) and 98(b) are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the nozzle 2503 in a state where the discharge port 2503k2 of the cylindrical portion 2503k faces downward (toward the rotation axis A) when the toner pack 2530 is oriented in a predetermined direction. Fig. 99(a) and Fig. 99(b) are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the nozzle 2503 in a state where the discharge port 2503k2 of the cylindrical portion 2503k faces outward in the radial direction r.

[0380] The cylindrical portion 2503k is flexible, and when new and unused, the discharge port 2503k2 faces downward as shown in FIGS. 98(a) and 98(b). The receiving port 2503k1 for receiving toner from the storage portion 201 faces upward. When attaching the toner pack 2530 to the attachment portion 206, the user can change the orientation of the cylindrical portion 2503k so that it faces outward in the radial direction r. Note that when new and unused, the discharge port 2503k2 of the cylindrical portion 2503k may also face upward or inward in the radial direction r. In other words, it is sufficient that the discharge port 2503k2 faces outward in the radial direction r when attaching the toner pack 2530 to the attachment portion 206.

[0381] (Variation 6) In this embodiment, the first deregulation portion 204a includes a first inclined surface 204a1, a second inclined surface 204a2, a third inclined surface 204a3, and an abutment surface 204a5, and the second deregulation portion 204b has a configuration that is rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees about the rotation axis A (central axis) of the first deregulation portion 204a. However, this configuration is not limited to this. In this modified example, a configuration in which the functions of the first deregulation portion and the second deregulation portion are separated will be described.

[0382] The second deregulation portion 2604b (second protrusion) of this modification is provided on the opposite side of the rotation axis A from the first deregulation portion 2604a (first protrusion), and is located at a different position from the first deregulation portion 2604a in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle VC (FIG. 100(c)). Furthermore, the first deregulation portion 2604a and the second deregulation portion 2604b overlap when viewed in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC (FIG. 100(b)).

[0383] 100(a), the first derestriction portion 2604a has a second inclined surface 2604a2 (second downward surface, second downward guide surface, second force applying surface), a third inclined surface 2604a3 (upward surface, upward guide surface), and an abutting surface 2604a5. The second derestriction portion 2604b has a first inclined surface 2604b1 (first downward surface, first downward surface, first force applying surface) and an abutting surface 2604b5. The first derestriction portion 2604a does not have a slope corresponding to the first inclined surface 2604b1, and the second derestriction portion 2604b does not have a slope corresponding to the second inclined surface 2604a2 and the third inclined surface 2604a3.

[0384] 67, the first inclined surface 2604b1 of the second restriction release portion 2604b applies force while guiding the first guided surface 214e1 of the releasing member 214. This causes the releasing member 214 to rotate in the rotation direction D to a position where the second guided surface 214e2 and the third guided surface 214e3 of the releasing member 214 are exposed from the cover 210 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A.

[0385] On the other hand, the second inclined surface 2604a2 of the first restriction release portion 2604a rotates the release member 214 in the rotation direction D to a point where the ascent-regulated surface 214c does not overlap with the ascent-regulated surface 210e of the cover 210 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, as shown in Fig. 65(c). Furthermore, the third inclined surface 2604a3 of the first restriction release portion 2604 guides the release member 214 so that the release member 214 moves upward while being rotated in the rotation direction E, as shown in Fig. 66(a).

[0386] As described above, it is possible to employ a configuration of the protrusion that separates the functions of the first derestriction portion 2604a and the second derestriction portion 2604b.

[0387] (Variation 7) Although the toner pack 220 in the second embodiment has the pack-side shutter 203, the toner pack 220 may not have the pack-side shutter 203.

[0388] A method for replenishing toner to an image forming apparatus using a toner pack 220 that is not provided with a pack-side shutter 203 will be described.

[0389] FIG. 101(a) shows a perspective view of a toner pack 2820 without a pack-side shutter. FIG. 101(b), FIG. 101(c), and FIG. 101(d) are a left side view, a front view, and a right side view, respectively, of a toner pack 220 without a pack-side shutter 203. The nozzle 2802 has an outlet 2802a (opening, nozzle opening) and a protrusion 2802b. The shapes of the storage section 2801 and the nozzle 2802 are simplified for clarity, but are exactly the same as those in Example 2. Instead of a pack-side shutter, a sealing member s1 seals the outlet 2802a of the nozzle 2802. One end of the sealing member s1 extends above the storage section 2801.

[0390] Fig. 102(a) is a perspective view of the toner pack 2820, which does not have a pack-side shutter, when attached to the attachment portion 206, and the attachment portion 206. Fig. 102(d) shows a rod 2821 used to open the apparatus-side shutter 209. Figs. 102(b) and 102(c) are perspective views showing the state before and after the user opens the apparatus-side shutter 209 using the rod 2821, respectively. Fig. 102(d) is a perspective view of the toner pack 220 and attachment portion 206 after the sealing member s1 has been pulled out from the state shown in Fig. 102(c).

[0391] In the case of a toner pack 2820 that does not have a pack-side shutter, the apparatus-side shutter 209 cannot be opened even by operating the operating lever 208, as described above. Therefore, first, the toner pack 2820 is attached to the attachment portion 206, and the rotation restriction of the apparatus-side shutter 209 by the rotation restriction mechanism 212 is released by the protrusion 2802b (FIG. 102(a)). After that, the rod 2821 is inserted into the gap between the hole in the attachment portion 206 and the nozzle 2802, and the bent tip portion 2821a of the rod is engaged with the apparatus-side shutter protrusion 209i (FIG. 102(b)). Next, the rod 2821 is moved in the rotation direction D so that the apparatus-side shutter 209 rotates from the closed position (FIG. 102(b)) to the open position (FIG. 102(c)). Then, the sealing member s1 is removed upward, and the discharge port 2802a of the nozzle 2802 is opened. When the user compresses the containing portion 2801 in this state, the toner is discharged from the discharge port 2802 a of the nozzle 2802 and replenished into the toner containing chamber 36 of the developing container 32 through the apparatus side opening 217 a of the second frame 217 .

[0392] As described above, the toner pack 220 may not have the pack-side shutter 203.

[0393] Example 3 Next, Example 3 will be described below with reference to Figures 103 to 111. In this example, the third inclined surface of the deregulation portion is configured as a surface perpendicular to the rotation axis A, as compared with Example 2. Furthermore, the protrusion 202b in Example 2 is configured to be movable along the rotation axis A. Note that a description of the same points as in the previous examples will be omitted. In particular, among the elements disclosed in this example, those corresponding to the members described in Example 2 will be given the same names as the members in Example 2, and only the points that differ from those in Example 2 will be described.

[0394] (Toner pack configuration) First, the overall configuration of the toner pack will be described with reference to FIGS. 103 to 107. FIG. 103 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of toner pack 320. FIG. 104 is an exploded perspective view of nozzle 302 and components assembled to nozzle 302, showing the components assembled from the first end side (housing unit side) in first direction D1. FIG. 105 is an exploded perspective view of nozzle 302 and components assembled to nozzle 302, showing the components assembled from the opposite side of the first end side (housing unit side) in first direction D1. FIG. 106 is a perspective view showing the detailed shape of restriction release member 304. FIG. 107 is a cross-sectional view of toner pack 320, taken along X301-X301 in FIG. 103, centered on rotation axis A (central axis), and cut along pin 333 with restriction release member 304 (described later) protruding in the direction of arrow N.

[0395] As shown in FIG. 103, the toner pack 320 in this embodiment is composed of the storage portion 201 and pack-side shutter 203, which have the same shapes as those in the second embodiment, as well as a nozzle 302 (discharge portion), a deregulation member 304, and an operation member 330. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, in order to operate the deregulation member 304 when the operation member 330 is operated, a shaft member 331, a shaft seal 332 (see FIG. 104), a pin 333, a shaft ring 334, and a shaft ring 335 (see FIG. 105) are provided. These components will be described in detail below. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the toner pack 320 is oriented in a predetermined direction in which at least a portion of the nozzle 302 is below the storage portion 201 and the rotation axis A faces the direction of gravity.

[0396] As shown in Figure 104, the nozzle 302 has a substantially cylindrical shape centered on the rotation axis A. A hole 302e (guide groove) is provided in a cylinder 302g (guide portion) on the side of the nozzle 302 that is assembled to the housing portion 201 (see Figure 103). The hole 302e is shaped like an elongated hole that extends in the direction of arrow U (upward) of the rotation axis A as it moves in the rotation direction K. A pair of holes 302e are provided so as to be 180-degree rotationally symmetrical a...

Claims

1. A toner container, a container configured to contain toner; a discharge section configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the container section to the outside; a rotating member that is rotatable relative to the discharge portion in a first rotation direction about a central axis serving as a rotation axis and in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction; a protrusion that is located below the opening of the discharge portion when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is below the storage portion, the protrusion having an inner circumferential surface that faces inward in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis and that protrudes downward; Equipped with The opening of the discharge portion is configured to face outward in the radial direction; When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has an upward surface facing upward, the upward surface being located outward from the inner circumferential surface and inward from the opening of the discharge portion in the radial direction, The upward surface extends upward in the second rotation direction. A toner container characterized by:

2. 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. 3. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein a gap is provided above the upward surface of the protrusion when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

4. A toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion extends upward along the direction of the central axis from the downstream end of the upward surface in the second rotation direction, and has a downstream end surface facing downstream in the first rotation direction.

5. 5. A toner container according to claim 1, wherein the upward surface is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the central axis when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and the toner container is viewed in the radial direction.

6. 6. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein, when the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the upward surface is located closer to the inner circumferential surface in the radial direction than the opening.

7. 7. The toner container according to claim 6, wherein, when the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the distance from the inner circumferential surface to the upward surface is 30% or less of the distance from the inner circumferential surface to the opening.

8. When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has a downward surface that faces downward and extends upward as it moves toward the first rotation direction, 8. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the upward surface is located above at least a portion of the downward surface.

9. 9. The toner container according to claim 8, wherein the downward surface overlaps the upward surface when viewed in the direction of the central axis.

10. 10. The toner container according to claim 8, wherein the protrusion has a connecting portion that connects 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.

11. 11. The toner container according to claim 8, wherein the downward surface is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the central axis when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and the toner container is viewed in the radial direction.

12. 12. The toner container according to claim 8, wherein when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and viewed in the radial direction, the upward surface is longer than the downward surface.

13. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, When the upward surface and the downward surface are defined as a first upward surface and a second downward surface, respectively, the first protrusion has the first upward surface and the second downward surface, the second protrusion has a second upward surface and a fourth downward surface; 13. The toner container according to claim 8, wherein the toner container is a toner container.

14. 14. The toner container according to claim 13, wherein the second upward surface and the fourth downward surface have rotationally symmetric shapes with respect to the central axis at an angle of 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less of the first upward surface and the second downward surface, respectively.

15. 15. The toner container according to claim 14, wherein the second upward surface and the fourth downward surface have shapes that are rotationally symmetrical to the first upward surface and the second downward surface, respectively, with respect to the central axis by 180 degrees.

16. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, the first projection has the upward surface, the second projection has the downward surface; 13. The toner container according to claim 8, wherein the toner container is a toner container.

17. 17. The toner container according to claim 16, wherein the second protrusion is provided on the opposite side of the central axis from the first protrusion in the radial direction.

18. A toner container, a container configured to contain toner; a discharge section configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the container section to the outside; a rotating member that is rotatable relative to the discharge portion in a first rotation direction about a central axis serving as a rotation axis and in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction; a protrusion that is located below the opening of the discharge portion when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is below the storage portion, the protrusion having an inner circumferential surface that faces inward in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis and that protrudes downward; Equipped with The opening of the discharge portion is configured to face in the radial direction; When the toner container is oriented in the 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 and the second downward surface facing downward, the first downward surface and the second downward surface facing downward, the first downward surface and the second downward surface facing downward, the second ... the first downward surface and the second downward surface extend upward in the first rotation direction, and at least a portion of the first downward surface is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the second downward surface and 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 above at least a portion of the second downward surface. A toner container characterized by:

19. 19. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein the upward surface extends upward in the second rotation direction when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

20. 20. The toner container according to claim 19, wherein the upward surface is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the central axis when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and the toner container is viewed in the radial direction.

21. 19. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein the upward surface is a surface perpendicular to the central axis.

22. 19. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein the upward surface extends upward in the first rotation direction when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

23. 23. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein the upward surface is configured to be exposed to the outside of the toner container.

24. 24. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein a gap is provided above the upward surface of the protrusion when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

25. A toner container according to any one of claims 18 to 24, characterized in that, when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion extends upward from the downstream end of the upward surface in the second rotation direction along the direction of the central axis, and has a downstream end surface facing downstream in the first rotation direction.

26. 26. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein the second downward surface overlaps the upward surface when viewed in the direction of the central axis.

27. 27. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein the protrusion has a connecting portion that connects a downstream end of the second downward surface in the first rotation direction and an upstream end of the upward surface in the second rotation direction.

28. 28. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein, when the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the upward surface and the second downward surface are located closer to the inner circumferential surface in the radial direction than the opening.

29. 29. The toner container according to claim 28, wherein, when the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the distance from the inner circumferential surface to the upward surface and the distance from the inner circumferential surface to the second downward surface are both 30% or less of the distance from the inner circumferential surface to the opening.

30. 30. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein the second downward surface is configured to be movable relative to the first downward surface between an aligned position at the same position as the first downward surface in the circumferential direction and a non-aligned position at a different position from the first downward surface in the circumferential direction.

31. 30. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein the second downward surface is configured to be movable relative to the first downward surface between an aligned position where the second downward surface is at the same position as the first downward surface in the radial direction and a non-aligned position where the second downward surface is at a different position from the first downward surface in the radial direction.

32. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction, If the upward surface is a first upward surface, the first protrusion includes the first upward surface, the first downward surface, and the second downward surface, the second protrusion includes a second upward surface, a third downward surface, and a fourth downward surface; When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the third downward surface and the fourth downward surface extend upward in the first rotation direction, and at least a portion of the third downward surface is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the fourth downward surface and at a different position from the fourth downward surface in the circumferential direction, At least a portion of the second upward surface is above at least a portion of the fourth downward surface.

32. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein the toner container is a toner container.

33. In the first projection, a portion of the first downward surface is located upstream of the second downward surface in the first rotation direction, 33. The toner container according to claim 32, wherein a portion of the third downward surface of the second protrusion is located upstream of the fourth downward surface in the first rotation direction.

34. When the upward surface is defined as a first upward surface, the protrusion is formed on the first downward surface, 32. The toner container according to claim 18, further comprising a third downward surface, a fourth downward surface, and a second upward surface, each of which has a rotationally symmetric shape with respect to the second downward surface and the first upward surface, the rotational angle being 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less about the central axis.

35. When the upward surface is defined as a first upward surface, the protrusion is formed on the first downward surface, 32. The toner container according to claim 18, further comprising a third downward surface, a fourth downward surface, and a second upward surface, each of which has a shape rotationally symmetrical with respect to the second downward surface and the first upward surface by 180 degrees about the central axis.

36. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction, the first protrusion has the upward surface and the second downward surface, the second protrusion has the first downward surface; 32. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein the toner container is a toner container.

37. 37. The toner container according to claim 36, wherein the second protrusion is provided on the opposite side of the central axis from the first protrusion in the radial direction.

38. A toner container according to any one of claims 18 to 37, wherein the first downward surface is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the central axis when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and the toner container is viewed in the radial direction.

39. A toner container according to any one of claims 18 to 38, wherein the second downward surface is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the central axis when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction and the toner container is viewed in the radial direction.

40. 40. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and viewed in the radial direction, the second downward surface is longer than the first downward surface.

41. 41. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and viewed in the radial direction, the upward surface is longer than the first downward surface.

42. 42. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and viewed in the radial direction, the upward surface is longer than the second downward surface.

43. A toner container, a container configured to contain toner; a discharge section provided with an opening for discharging the toner from the container section to the outside; a rotating member that is rotatable with respect to the discharge portion around a central axis as a rotation axis in a first rotation direction and in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction; a protrusion that is located below the opening of the discharge portion when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is below the storage portion, the protrusion having an inner circumferential surface that faces inward in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis and that protrudes downward; Equipped with The opening of the discharge portion is configured to face outward in the radial direction; When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has a downward surface facing downward and an upward surface facing upward, the downward surface being located outward from the inner circumferential surface and inward from the opening of the discharge portion in the radial direction, the downward surface extends upward in the first rotation direction, an inner edge line of the downward surface closer to the central axis in the radial direction includes an inner upstream edge line that is on the upstream side in the first rotation direction, and an inner downstream edge line that is on the downstream side of the inner upstream edge line in the first rotation direction, the inner downstream edge line is located farther from the center axis in the radial direction than the inner upstream edge line, At least a portion of the upwardly facing surface is above at least a portion of the downwardly facing surface. A toner container characterized by:

44. 44. The toner container according to claim 43, wherein the inner upstream edge line and the inner downstream edge line are respectively a first arc centered on the central axis line and a second arc having a larger radius than the first arc, and the inner edge line includes an inner intermediate edge line extending in the radial direction between the first arc and the second arc to connect the first arc and the second arc.

45. 44. The toner container according to claim 43, wherein the inner upstream edge line and the inner downstream edge line are smoothly continuous.

46. The outer edge line of the downward surface on the radially farther side from the central axis is an outer upstream edge line located upstream in the first rotation direction; and an outer downstream edge line located downstream of the outer upstream edge line in the first rotation direction, the outer downstream edge line is located farther from the central axis in the radial direction than the outer upstream edge line; 46. ​​The toner container according to claim 43, wherein the toner container is a toner container.

47. 47. The toner container according to claim 43, wherein the upward surface extends upward in the second rotation direction when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

48. 48. The toner container according to claim 47, wherein the upward surface is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the central axis when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and the toner container is viewed in the radial direction.

49. 47. The toner container according to claim 43, wherein the upward surface is a surface perpendicular to the central axis.

50. 47. The toner container according to claim 43, wherein the upward surface extends upward in the first rotation direction when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

51. 51. The toner container according to claim 43, wherein the upward surface is configured to be exposed to the outside of the toner container.

52. 52. The toner container according to claim 43, wherein a gap is provided above the upward surface of the protrusion when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

53. A toner container described in any one of claims 43 to 52, characterized in that when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction, the protrusion portion extends upward along the direction of the central axis from the downstream end of the upward surface in the second rotation direction, and has a downstream end surface facing downstream in the first rotation direction.

54. 54. The toner container according to claim 43, wherein a region of the downward surface corresponding to the inner downstream edge line overlaps with the upward surface when viewed in the direction of the central axis.

55. 55. The toner container according to claim 43, wherein the protrusion has a connecting portion that connects 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.

56. 56. A toner container according to claim 43, wherein, when the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the upward surface and the downward surface are located closer to the inner circumferential surface in the radial direction than the opening.

57. A toner container according to any one of claims 43 to 55, wherein, when the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the distance from the inner circumferential surface to the upward surface and the distance from the inner circumferential surface to the downward surface are both 30% or less of the distance from the inner circumferential surface to the opening.

58. A toner container according to any one of claims 43 to 57, wherein the downward surface is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the central axis when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction and the toner container is viewed in the radial direction.

59. 59. A toner container according to claim 1, wherein the rotating member is provided radially outward of the discharge portion.

60. 60. The toner container according to claim 59, wherein the rotatable member is configured to rotate about the central axis between a closed position in which the opening is closed and an open position in which the opening is open.

61. a rotating member opening that exposes the opening of the discharge portion to the outside of the toner container when the rotating member is in the open position, the rotating member being provided on an outer surface extending in the direction of the central axis; 61. The toner container according to claim 60, wherein a recess recessed inward in the radial direction is provided on the outer surface on the opposite side of the central axis from the rotary member opening.

62. 62. The toner container according to claim 61, wherein, when the toner container is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the protrusion is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the recess.

63. 63. The toner container according to claim 61, wherein the protrusion is located inside the width of the opening of the rotary member in a direction perpendicular to the central axis when viewed in the radial direction.

64. the discharge portion has, on an outer surface extending in the direction of the central axis, a first opposing surface and a second opposing surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the central axis and opposing each other with a gap therebetween; 64. The toner container according to claim 63, wherein the first and second opposing surfaces of the discharge portion are exposed from the opening of the rotary member when the rotary member is in the closed position.

65. the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface are parallel to each other, A toner container as described in claim 64, characterized in that when the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, a second imaginary line obtained by rotating a first imaginary line passing through the center of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface and parallel to the first opposing surface by 90 degrees around the central axis passes through the opening.

66. 66. The toner container according to claim 60, wherein the direction in which the rotation member rotates from the closed position to the open position is the first rotation direction.

67. 67. The toner container of claim 66, further comprising a seal that seals between the rotating member and the discharge portion when the rotating member is in the closed position.

68. 68. A toner container according to claim 1, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion is configured so as to be centered on the central axis.

69. 69. A toner container according to claim 68, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion is a cylindrical surface.

70. 69. A toner container according to claim 68, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion is composed of a plurality of flat surfaces surrounding the central axis.

71. 71. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is configured to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the toner container when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

72. The toner container according to claim 71, characterized in that the protrusion is configured to take a protruding position in which it protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the toner container and a retracted position in which it retracts so as not to protrude from the bottom surface when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

73. 73. The toner container according to claim 71, wherein the protrusion is provided on the lower surface of the discharge portion when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

74. 74. The toner container according to claim 73, wherein said protrusion protrudes downward from a hole provided in the bottom surface of said rotating member when said toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction.

75. a support member for supporting the discharge portion, 73. The toner container according to claim 71, wherein the protrusion is provided on the lower surface of the support member when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

76. the support member has a space surrounded by a side surface extending in the direction of the central axis and in which the discharge portion is provided, 76. The toner container according to claim 75, wherein the side surface of the support member is provided with a side opening configured to expose the opening of the discharge portion.

77. 72. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is configured to be able to transition relative to the discharge portion between a first position in which the protrusion protrudes in the direction of the central axis and a second position in which the protrusion protrudes in a direction intersecting the central axis.

78. 72. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is supported by the discharge portion so as to be movable in the direction of the central axis relative to the discharge portion.

79. a shaft member extending in a direction of the central axis, the shaft member being rotatable about the central axis and movable in a direction of the central axis relative to the discharge portion; a guide portion configured to guide the shaft member so that the shaft member is moved in the direction of the central axis when the shaft member is rotated; Equipped with A toner container according to claim 78, characterized in that the protrusion is supported on a lower end of the shaft member so as to move together with the shaft member in the direction of the central axis when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

80. With the toner container oriented in the predetermined direction, the guide portion is a cylindrical member provided on the outer side of the shaft member in the radial direction, and has a guide groove on a circumferential surface around the central axis that extends upward in the direction of the central axis as it moves toward a predetermined rotation direction of the shaft member, the shaft member has a protrusion that protrudes in the radial direction and engages with the guide groove, When the shaft member is rotated in the predetermined rotation direction, the convex portion of the shaft member is guided by the guide groove of the guide portion, and the shaft member moves upward in the direction of the central axis.

80. The toner container of claim 79.

81. an operating portion provided on an outer side of the shaft member in the radial direction, the operating portion being configured to rotate together with the shaft member; When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and the operation unit is rotated in the predetermined rotation direction around the central axis, the shaft member is guided by the guide unit while being rotated and moves upward in the direction of the central axis, whereby the protrusion moves upward together with the shaft member.

81. The toner container of claim 80.

82. A toner container according to claim 64 or 65, characterized in that the protrusion is located in an area between the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface in the direction in which the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface are aligned when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the central axis.

83. the discharge section includes a pipe configured to allow the toner in the storage section to pass through when the toner is discharged to the outside of the toner container, the pipe having an inlet for receiving the toner from the storage section and an outlet for discharging the toner received from the inlet, the opening is the outlet of the pipe; 72. The toner container according to claim 1.

84. 84. The toner container according to claim 83, wherein the pipe has a portion in which the receiving port faces upward and extends downward in the radial direction when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

85. the toner container has a pipe support member that supports the pipe, the protrusion protrudes downward from the lower surface of the pipe support member when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

85. The toner container of claim 84.

86. 86. The toner container according to claim 83, wherein the pipe can be moved to a position where the outlet of the pipe faces downward.

87. 83. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the opening is provided on an outer surface of the discharge portion extending along the central axis.

88. 83. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the discharge portion is formed by breaking a portion of an outer surface of the discharge portion that extends in the direction of the central axis.

89. the ejection portion has a pull tab connected to the portion of the outer surface; The pull tab is configured so that when the pull tab is pulled, the portion of the outer surface separates from the discharge portion to form the opening in the discharge portion.

88. The toner container of claim 87.

90. A toner container, a container configured to contain toner; a discharge section configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the container section to the outside; a protrusion having an inner peripheral surface centered on a central axis, the protrusion being located below the opening of the discharge portion and protruding downward when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis faces the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is below the storage portion; Equipped with the opening of the discharge portion is configured to face radially outward of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has an upward surface facing upward, the upward surface being located outward from the inner circumferential surface and inward from the opening of the discharge portion in the radial direction, When a circumferential direction of the virtual circle is defined as a first circumferential direction and a direction opposite to the first circumferential direction is defined as a second circumferential direction, the upward surface extends upward toward the second circumferential direction. A toner container characterized by:

91. 91. The toner container according to claim 90, wherein the upward surface is configured to be exposed to the outside of the toner container.

92. 92. The toner container according to claim 90, wherein a gap is provided above the upward surface of the protrusion when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

93. A toner container described in any one of claims 90 to 92, characterized in that when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction, the protrusion portion extends upward from the downstream end of the upward surface in the second circumferential direction along the direction of the central axis, and has a downstream end surface facing downstream in the first circumferential direction.

94. A toner container according to any one of claims 90 to 93, wherein the upward surface is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the central axis when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction and the toner container is viewed in the radial direction.

95. A toner container described in any one of claims 90 to 94, characterized in that when the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the upward surface is located at a position closer to the inner surface in the radial direction than the opening.

96. 96. A toner container according to claim 95, wherein, when the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the distance from the inner circumferential surface to the upward surface is 30% or less of the distance from the inner circumferential surface to the opening.

97. When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has a downward surface that faces downward and extends upward in the first circumferential direction, 97. The toner container according to claim 90, wherein at least a portion of the upwardly facing surface is located above at least a portion of the downwardly facing surface.

98. 98. A toner container according to claim 97, wherein said downward surface overlaps said upward surface when viewed in the direction of said central axis.

99. 99. A toner container according to claim 97 or 98, wherein the protrusion has a connecting portion that connects a downstream end of the downward surface in the first circumferential direction and an upstream end of the upward surface in the second circumferential direction.

100. A toner container as described in any one of claims 97 to 99, wherein the downward surface is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the central axis when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction and the toner container is viewed in the radial direction.

101. 101. A toner container according to any one of claims 97 to 100, wherein when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and viewed in the radial direction, the upwardly facing surface is longer than the downwardly facing surface.

102. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, When the upward surface and the downward surface are defined as a first upward surface and a second downward surface, respectively, the first protrusion has the first upward surface and the second downward surface, the second protrusion has a second upward surface and a fourth downward surface; 102. The toner container according to claim 97.

103. 103. The toner container according to claim 102, wherein the second upward surface and the fourth downward surface each have a rotationally symmetric shape of 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less about the central axis of the first upward surface and the second downward surface.

104. 104. The toner container according to claim 103, wherein the second upward surface and the fourth downward surface each have a shape rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees about the central axis of the first upward surface and the second downward surface.

105. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction, the first projection has the upward surface, the second projection has the downward surface; 102. The toner container according to claim 97.

106. 106. A toner container according to claim 105, wherein the second protrusion is provided on the opposite side of the central axis from the first protrusion in the radial direction.

107. A toner container, a container configured to contain toner; a discharge section configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the container section to the outside; a protrusion having an inner peripheral surface centered on a central axis, the protrusion being located below the opening of the discharge portion and protruding downward when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis faces the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is below the storage portion; Equipped with the opening of the discharge portion is configured to face radially outward of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, When the toner container is oriented in the 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 and the second downward surface facing downward, the first downward surface and the second downward surface facing downward, the first downward surface and the second downward surface facing downward, the second ... The first downward surface and the second downward surface define a circumferential direction of the virtual circle as a first circumferential direction, a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction, the first circumferential direction extending upward as it approaches the first circumferential direction, and at least a portion of the first downward surface is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the second downward surface and at a different position in the circumferential direction from the second downward surface, At least a portion of the upward surface is above at least a portion of the second downward surface. A toner container characterized by:

108. 108. A toner container according to claim 107, wherein the upward surface extends upward in the second circumferential direction when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

109. A toner container as described in claim 107 or 108, characterized in that the upward surface is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the central axis when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction and the toner container is viewed in the radial direction.

110. 108. A toner container according to claim 107, wherein the upward surface is a surface perpendicular to the central axis.

111. 108. A toner container according to claim 107, wherein the upward surface extends upward in the first circumferential direction when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

112. 112. The toner container according to claim 107, wherein the upward surface is configured to be exposed to the outside of the toner container.

113. 113. The toner container according to claim 107, wherein a gap is provided above the upward surface of the protrusion when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

114. A toner container described in any one of claims 107 to 113, characterized in that when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction, the protrusion portion extends upward along the direction of the central axis from the downstream end of the upward surface in the second circumferential direction, and has a downstream end surface facing downstream in the first circumferential direction.

115. 115. The toner container according to claim 107, wherein the second downward surface overlaps the upward surface when viewed in the direction of the central axis.

116. A toner container according to any one of claims 107 to 115, characterized in that the protrusion has a connecting portion that connects the downstream end of the second downward surface in the first circumferential direction and the upstream end of the upward surface in the second circumferential direction.

117. A toner container as described in any one of claims 107 to 116, characterized in that when the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the upward surface, the first downward surface, and the second downward surface are located at positions closer to the inner surface in the radial direction than the opening.

118. A toner container as described in claim 117, characterized in that when the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the distance from the inner surface to the upward surface, the distance from the inner surface to the first downward surface, and the distance from the inner surface to the second downward surface are all 30% or less of the distance from the inner surface to the opening.

119. A toner container as described in any one of claims 107 to 118, characterized in that the second downward surface is configured to be movable relative to the first downward surface between an aligned position at the same position as the first downward surface in the circumferential direction and a non-aligned position at a different position from the first downward surface in the circumferential direction.

120. 119. A toner container according to any one of claims 107 to 118, wherein the second downward surface is configured to be movable relative to the first downward surface between an aligned position at the same position as the first downward surface in the radial direction and a non-aligned position at a different position from the first downward surface in the radial direction.

121. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction, If the upward surface is a first upward surface, the first protrusion includes the first upward surface, the first downward surface, and the second downward surface, the second protrusion includes a second upward surface, a third downward surface, and a fourth downward surface; When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the third downward surface and the fourth downward surface extend upward in the first circumferential direction, and at least a portion of the third downward surface is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the fourth downward surface and at a different position from the fourth downward surface in the circumferential direction, At least a portion of the second upward surface is above at least a portion of the fourth downward surface.

121. The toner container according to claim 107.

122. In the first projection, a portion of the first downward surface is located upstream of the second downward surface in the first circumferential direction, 122. A toner container according to claim 121, wherein a portion of the third downward surface of the second projection is located upstream of the fourth downward surface in the first circumferential direction.

123. When the upward surface is defined as a first upward surface, the protrusion is formed on the first downward surface, 121. A toner container according to claim 107, further comprising a third downward surface, a fourth downward surface, and a second upward surface, each of which is rotationally symmetric with respect to the second downward surface and the first upward surface, with an angle of 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less about the central axis.

124. When the upward surface is defined as a first upward surface, the protrusion is formed on the first downward surface, 121. A toner container according to claim 107, further comprising a third downward surface, a fourth downward surface, and a second upward surface, each of which has a shape rotationally symmetrical with respect to the second downward surface and the first upward surface by 180 degrees about the central axis.

125. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction, the first protrusion has the upward surface and the second downward surface, the second protrusion has the first downward surface; 121. The toner container according to claim 107.

126. 126. A toner container according to claim 125, wherein the second protrusion is provided on the opposite side of the central axis from the first protrusion in the radial direction.

127. A toner container as described in any one of claims 107 to 126, characterized in that the first downward surface is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the central axis when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction and the toner container is viewed in the radial direction.

128. A toner container as described in any one of claims 107 to 127, characterized in that the second downward surface is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the central axis when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction and the toner container is viewed in the radial direction.

129. A toner container according to any one of claims 107 to 128, wherein when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and viewed in the radial direction, the second downward surface is longer than the first downward surface.

130. 130. A toner container according to any one of claims 107 to 129, wherein when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and viewed in the radial direction, the upwardly facing surface is longer than the first downwardly facing surface.

131. 131. A toner container according to any one of claims 107 to 130, wherein when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and viewed in the radial direction, the upwardly facing surface is longer than the second downwardly facing surface.

132. A toner container, a container configured to contain toner; a discharge section configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the container section to the outside; a protrusion having an inner peripheral surface centered on a central axis, the protrusion being located below the opening of the discharge portion and protruding downward when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis faces the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is below the storage portion; Equipped with the opening of the discharge portion is configured to face radially outward of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has a downward surface facing downward and an upward surface facing upward, the downward surface being located outward from the inner circumferential surface and inward from the opening of the discharge portion in the radial direction, When a circumferential direction of the virtual circle is defined as a first circumferential direction and a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction, the downward surface extends upward toward the first circumferential direction, an inner edge line of the downward surface closer to the central axis in the radial direction includes an inner upstream edge line located upstream in the first circumferential direction and an inner downstream edge line located downstream of the inner upstream edge line in the first circumferential direction, the inner downstream edge line is located farther from the center axis in the radial direction than the inner upstream edge line, At least a portion of the upwardly facing surface is above at least a portion of the downwardly facing surface. A toner container characterized by:

133. A toner container as described in claim 132, characterized in that the inner upstream edge line and the inner downstream edge line are respectively a first arc centered on the central axis line and a second arc having a larger radius than the first arc, and the inner edge line includes an inner intermediate edge line extending in the radial direction between the first arc and the second arc to connect the first arc and the second arc.

134. 134. The toner container of claim 133, wherein the inner upstream edge line and the inner downstream edge line are smoothly continuous.

135. The outer edge line of the downward surface on the radially farther side from the central axis is an outer upstream edge line located upstream in the first circumferential direction; and an outer downstream edge line located downstream of the outer upstream edge line in the first circumferential direction, the outer downstream edge line is located farther from the central axis in the radial direction than the outer upstream edge line; 135. The toner container according to claim 132.

136. 136. A toner container according to any one of claims 132 to 135, wherein the upward surface extends upward in the second circumferential direction when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

137. A toner container as described in claim 136, characterized in that the upward surface is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the central axis when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction and the toner container is viewed in the radial direction.

138. 136. The toner container according to claim 132, wherein the upward surface is a surface perpendicular to the central axis.

139. 136. A toner container according to any one of claims 132 to 135, wherein the upward surface extends upward in the first circumferential direction when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

140. 140. The toner container according to claim 132, wherein the upward surface is configured to be exposed to the outside of the toner container.

141. 141. A toner container according to any one of claims 132 to 140, wherein a gap is provided above the upward surface of the protrusion when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

142. A toner container described in any one of claims 132 to 141, characterized in that when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction, the protrusion portion extends upward from the downstream end of the upward surface in the second circumferential direction along the direction of the central axis, and has a downstream end surface facing downstream in the first circumferential direction.

143. 143. A toner container according to any one of claims 132 to 142, wherein an area of ​​the downward surface corresponding to the inner downstream edge line overlaps with the upward surface when viewed in the direction of the central axis.

144. 144. A toner container according to any one of claims 132 to 143, wherein the protrusion has a connecting portion connecting a downstream end of the downward surface in the first circumferential direction and an upstream end of the upward surface in the second circumferential direction.

145. A toner container as described in any one of claims 132 to 144, characterized in that when the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the upward surface and the downward surface are located at positions closer to the inner surface in the radial direction than the opening.

146. A toner container as described in claim 145, characterized in that when the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the distance from the inner surface to the upward surface and the distance from the inner surface to the downward surface are both 30% or less of the distance from the inner surface to the opening.

147. A toner container as described in any one of claims 132 to 146, characterized in that the downward surface is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the central axis when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction and the toner container is viewed in the radial direction.

148. 133. A toner container according to claim 90, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion is a cylindrical surface.

149. 133. The toner container according to claim 90, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion is formed of a plurality of flat surfaces surrounding the central axis.

150. 150. A toner container according to any one of claims 90 to 149, wherein the protrusion is configured to protrude downward relative to the bottom surface of the toner container when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

151. A toner container as described in claim 150, characterized in that the protrusion portion is configured to take a protruding position in which it protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the toner container and a retracted position in which it retracts so as not to protrude from the bottom surface when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction.

152. 152. A toner container according to claim 150 or 151, wherein the protrusion is provided on the lower surface of the discharge portion when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

153. a rotating member that is rotatable relative to the discharge portion and located outside the discharge portion in the radial direction; 153. A toner container according to claim 152, wherein the protrusion protrudes downward from a hole provided in the bottom surface of the rotating member when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction.

154. a support member for supporting the discharge portion, 152. A toner container according to claim 150 or 151, wherein the protrusion is provided on the lower surface of the support member when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

155. the support member has a space surrounded by a side surface extending in the direction of the central axis and in which the discharge portion is provided, 155. A toner container according to claim 154, wherein the side surface of the support member is provided with a side opening configured to expose the opening of the discharge portion.

156. A toner container as described in any one of claims 90 to 150, characterized in that the protrusion is configured to be able to transition relative to the discharge portion between a first position in which it protrudes in the direction of the central axis and a second position in which it protrudes in a direction intersecting the central axis.

157. 151. A toner container according to claim 90, wherein the protrusion is supported by the discharge portion so as to be movable in the direction of the central axis relative to the discharge portion.

158. a shaft member extending in a direction of the central axis, the shaft member being rotatable about the central axis and movable in a direction of the central axis relative to the discharge portion; a guide portion that guides the shaft member so that the shaft member moves in the direction of the central axis when the shaft member is rotated; Equipped with A toner container as described in claim 157, characterized in that the protrusion is supported at the lower end of the shaft member so as to move together with the shaft member in the direction of the central axis when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction.

159. With the toner container oriented in the predetermined direction, the guide portion is a cylindrical member provided on the outer side of the shaft member in the radial direction, and has a guide groove on a circumferential surface around the central axis that extends upward in the direction of the central axis as it moves toward a predetermined rotation direction of the shaft member, the shaft member has a protrusion that protrudes in the radial direction and engages with the guide groove, When the shaft member is rotated in the predetermined rotation direction, the convex portion of the shaft member is guided by the guide groove of the guide portion, and the shaft member moves upward in the direction of the central axis.

159. The toner container of claim 158.

160. an operating portion provided on an outer side of the shaft member in the radial direction, the operating portion being configured to rotate together with the shaft member; When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and the operation part is rotated around the central axis, the shaft member is guided by the guide part while being rotated and moves upward in the direction of the central axis, whereby the protrusion part moves upward together with the shaft member.

160. The toner container of claim 159.

161. the discharge portion has, on an outer surface extending in the direction of the central axis, a first opposing surface and a second opposing surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the central axis and opposing each other with a gap therebetween; A toner container described in any one of claims 90 to 153, characterized in that the protrusion portion is located in an area between the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface in the direction in which the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface are aligned when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the central axis.

162. the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface are parallel to each other, A toner container as described in claim 161, characterized in that when the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, a second virtual line obtained by rotating a first virtual line passing through the center of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface and parallel to the first opposing surface by 90 degrees around the central axis passes through the opening.

163. the discharge section includes a pipe configured to allow the toner in the storage section to pass through when the toner is discharged to the outside of the toner container, the pipe having an inlet for receiving the toner from the storage section and an outlet for discharging the toner received from the inlet, the opening is the outlet of the pipe; 151. The toner container according to claim 90.

164. A toner container as described in claim 163, characterized in that when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction, the pipe has a portion where the receiving port faces upward and extends in the radial direction as it faces downward.

165. the toner container has a pipe support member that supports the pipe, the protrusion protrudes downward from the lower surface of the pipe support member when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

165. The toner container of claim 164.

166. 166. A toner container according to claim 163, wherein the pipe can be moved to a position in which the outlet of the pipe faces downward.

167. 163. A toner container according to claim 90, wherein the opening is provided in an outer surface of the discharge portion extending along the central axis.

168. A toner container as described in any one of claims 90 to 162, characterized in that the opening of the discharge portion is formed by breaking a portion of the outer surface extending in the direction of the central axis of the discharge portion.

169. the ejection portion has a pull tab connected to the portion of the outer surface; The pull tab is configured so that when the pull tab is pulled, the portion of the outer surface separates from the discharge portion to form the opening in the discharge portion.

169. The toner container of claim 168.

170. A toner container, a container configured to contain toner; a discharge section configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the container section to the outside; a rotating member that is rotatable with respect to the discharge portion around a central axis as a rotation axis in a first rotation direction and in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction; a protrusion that is located below the opening of the discharge portion when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is below the storage portion, the protrusion having an inner circumferential surface that faces inward in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis and that protrudes downward; Equipped with The opening of the discharge portion is configured to face downward; When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has an upward surface facing upward and located outward from the inner circumferential surface in the radial direction, The upward surface extends upward in the second rotation direction. A toner container characterized by:

171. A toner container, a container configured to contain toner; a discharge section configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the container section to the outside; a rotating member that is rotatable with respect to the discharge portion around a central axis as a rotation axis in a first rotation direction and in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction; a protrusion that is located below the opening of the discharge portion when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is below the storage portion, the protrusion having an inner circumferential surface that faces inward in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis and that protrudes downward; Equipped with The opening of the discharge portion is configured to face downward; When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has a first downward surface and a second downward surface facing downward, and an upward surface facing upward, on an outer side of the inner circumferential surface in the radial direction, the first downward surface and the second downward surface extend upward in the first rotation direction, and at least a portion of the first downward surface is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the second downward surface and 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 above at least a portion of the second downward surface. A toner container characterized by:

172. A toner container, a container configured to contain toner; a discharge section configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the container section to the outside; a protrusion having an inner peripheral surface centered on a central axis, the protrusion being located below the opening of the discharge portion and protruding downward when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis faces the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is below the storage portion; Equipped with The opening of the discharge portion is configured to face downward; When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has an upward surface facing upward and located outside the inner circumferential surface in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, When a circumferential direction of the virtual circle is defined as a first circumferential direction and a direction opposite to the first circumferential direction is defined as a second circumferential direction, the upward surface extends upward toward the second circumferential direction. A toner container characterized by:

173. A toner container, a container configured to contain toner; a discharge section configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the container section to the outside; a protrusion having an inner peripheral surface centered on a central axis, the protrusion being located below the opening of the discharge portion and protruding downward when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis faces the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is below the storage portion; Equipped with The opening of the discharge portion is configured to face downward; When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has a first downward surface and a second downward surface facing downward, and an upward surface facing upward, on an outer side of the inner circumferential surface in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, When a circumferential direction of the virtual circle is defined as a first circumferential direction and a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction, the first downward surface and the second downward surface extend upward toward the first circumferential direction, and at least a portion of the first downward surface is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the second downward surface and at a different position from the second downward surface in the circumferential direction, At least a portion of the upward surface is above at least a portion of the second downward surface. A toner container characterized by:

174. When the opening is a first opening, the discharge section includes a receiving member that receives the toner from the storage section, and a discharge member having the first opening that discharges the toner received from the receiving member through the first opening to the outside of the toner container, the receiving member has a second opening on a side surface extending in the direction of the central axis, A toner container described in any one of claims 170 to 173, characterized in that the discharge member is configured to be movable between a first position in which it protrudes radially from the second opening relative to the receiving member and the first opening is exposed to the outside of the toner container, and a second position in which it retracts from the first position in a direction approaching the central axis.

175. the rotating member is configured to be rotatable about the central axis between a closing position at which the rotating member closes the second opening of the receiving member and an opening position at which the rotating member opens the second opening of the receiving member, 175. A toner container as described in claim 174, wherein the ejection member is in a second position when the rotating member is in the closed position and is restricted from moving to the first position by the rotating member, and is movable between the first position and the second position when the rotating member is in the open position.

176. A toner container, a container configured to contain toner; a discharge section configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the container section to the outside; a rotating member that is rotatable with respect to the discharge portion around a central axis as a rotation axis in a first rotation direction and in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction; a protrusion that is located below the opening of the discharge portion when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is below the storage portion, the protrusion having an inner circumferential surface that faces in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis and that protrudes downward; Equipped with The opening of the discharge portion is configured to face outward in the radial direction; the protrusion portion includes a first protrusion member and a second protrusion member, the first protrusion member being rotatable about the central axis relative to the second protrusion member; When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the first protrusion member has a downstream end surface that is an end surface on the downstream side in the first rotation direction, The second protruding member has an upwardly facing surface. A toner container characterized by:

177. the second protrusion member has a downward surface that extends upward in the first rotation direction and is located outward of the downstream end surface in the radial direction, 177. The toner container of claim 176, wherein at least a portion of said upwardly facing surface is above at least a portion of said downwardly facing surface.

178. A toner container as described in claim 177, characterized in that the downstream end surface of the first protrusion member is restricted by the second protrusion member so as not to rotate downstream of the downstream end of the downward surface of the second protrusion member in the first rotation direction.

179. the second protrusion member has a downward surface that extends upward in the first rotation direction and is located outward of the downstream end surface in the radial direction, 179. A toner container according to claim 178, wherein at least a portion of said upwardly facing surface is above at least a portion of said downwardly facing surface.

180. A toner container as described in claim 179, characterized in that the downstream end surface of the first protrusion member is restricted by the second protrusion member so as not to rotate downstream of the downstream end of the downward surface of the second protrusion member in the first rotation direction.

181. 181. A toner container according to claim 176, wherein the downstream end surface of the first protrusion member is a surface parallel to the central axis.

182. the first protruding member has a first inner circumferential surface extending in the direction of the central axis, the second protruding member has a second inner circumferential surface that is centered on the central axis and extends in the direction of the central axis, the first protruding member is configured to be rotatable relative to the second protruding member on the inside of the second inner circumferential surface of the second protruding member in the radial direction; 182. The toner container according to any one of claims 176 to 181.

183. a moving member that is movable in the direction of the central axis relative to the first protruding member and is restricted in rotation about the central axis relative to the second protruding member, on the inside of the first inner peripheral surface of the first protruding member; a biasing member that biases the moving member in a direction away from the accommodating portion in the direction of the central axis; Equipped with The moving member is configured to rotate the first protruding member relative to the second protruding member in the first rotation direction by being moved in a direction approaching the accommodation portion in the direction of the central axis.

183. The toner container of claim 182.

184. a biasing member that biases the first protrusion member relative to the second protrusion member in a direction away from the accommodating portion in the direction of the central axis, the second protruding member has a guide groove, the first protruding member has an engaging portion that engages with the guide groove of the second protruding member, and is configured to be movable inside the second inner circumferential surface of the second protruding member in a direction of the central axis relative to the second protruding member, The first protrusion member is configured to rotate in the first rotation direction relative to the second protrusion member by being moved in a direction approaching the accommodating portion in the direction of the central axis, with the engaging portion of the first protrusion member being guided by the guide groove of the second protrusion member.

183. The toner container of claim 182.

185. A toner container, a container configured to contain toner; a discharge portion configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the storage portion to the outside and aligned with the storage portion in a first direction; a protrusion that is located below the opening of the discharge portion and protrudes downward when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the first direction is the direction of gravity and at least a portion of the discharge portion is below the storage portion; and Equipped with The opening of the discharge portion is configured to face outward in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has a downward guide surface that faces downward, and an upward guide surface that faces upward and at least a portion of which is located above at least a portion of the downward guide surface, A toner container, wherein at least a portion of the upward guide surface is located above at least a portion of the downward guide surface.

186. 186. A toner container according to claim 185, wherein the downward guide surface is a pressing surface.

187. 187. A toner container according to claim 185 or 186, wherein the upward guide surface is configured to be exposed to the outside of the toner container.

188. A toner container according to any one of claims 185 to 187, wherein a gap is provided above the upward guide surface of the protrusion when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction.

189. When the toner container oriented in the predetermined direction is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, The downward guide surface is configured to extend upward as it moves toward a first horizontal direction among horizontal directions, The upward guide surface is configured to be directed upward as it moves toward a second horizontal direction, which is a direction opposite to the first horizontal direction among the horizontal directions.

189. The toner container according to any one of claims 185 to 188.

190. When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, 190. A toner container according to claim 189, wherein the protrusion has a connecting portion connecting the downstream end of the downward guide surface in the first horizontal direction and the upstream end of the upward guide surface in the second horizontal direction.

191. A toner container as described in claim 189 or 190, characterized in that when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction, the protrusion portion extends upward along the first direction from the downstream end of the upward guide surface in the second horizontal direction, and has an abutment surface facing downstream in the first horizontal direction.

192. the downward guide surface includes a first downward guide surface and a second downward guide surface facing downward; When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, When the toner container is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, 192. A toner container according to claim 189, wherein at least a portion of the first downward guide surface is at a different position from the second downward guide surface in the horizontal direction.

193. When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, A toner container according to claim 192, characterized in that the protrusion portion has a connecting portion that connects the downstream end of the second downward guide surface in the first horizontal direction and the upstream end of the upward guide surface in the second horizontal direction.

194. 194. A toner container according to claim 192 or 193, wherein the second downward guide surface overlaps the upward guide surface when viewed in the first direction.

195. 195. A toner container according to any one of claims 185 to 194, wherein the protrusion is configured to protrude downward relative to the bottom surface of the toner container when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction.

196. A toner container as described in claim 195, characterized in that when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction, the protrusion portion is configured to take a protruding position in which it protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the toner container, and a retracted position in which it retracts so as not to protrude from the bottom surface.

197. 196. A toner container according to claim 195, wherein the protrusion is provided on the lower surface of the discharge portion when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

198. a support member for supporting the discharge portion, 200. A toner container according to claim 195, wherein the protrusion is provided on the lower surface of the support member when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

199. the support member has a space surrounded by a side surface extending in the first direction and in which the discharge portion is provided, 200. A toner container according to claim 198, characterized in that the side of the support member is provided with a side opening configured to expose the opening of the discharge portion.

200. A toner container described in any one of claims 185 to 195, characterized in that the protrusion portion is configured to be able to transition relative to the discharge portion between a first position in which it protrudes in the first direction and a second position in which it protrudes in a direction intersecting the first direction.

201. the discharge section includes a pipe configured to allow the toner in the storage section to pass through when the toner is discharged to the outside of the toner container, the pipe having an inlet for receiving the toner from the storage section and an outlet for discharging the toner received from the inlet, the opening is the outlet of the pipe; 196. The toner container of claim 185.

202. A toner container according to claim 201, characterized in that, when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the pipe has a portion in which the receiving port faces upward and extends downward in the second direction.

203. the toner container has a pipe support member that supports the pipe, the protrusion protrudes downward from the lower surface of the pipe support member when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

203. The toner container according to claim 201 or 202.

204. 204. The toner container according to claim 201, wherein the pipe can be moved to a position where the outlet of the pipe faces downward.

205. 201. A toner container according to claim 185, wherein the opening is provided on an outer surface of the discharge portion extending along the first direction.

206. 201. A toner container according to any one of claims 185 to 200, wherein the opening of the discharge portion is formed by breaking a portion of an outer surface of the discharge portion extending in the first direction.

207. the ejection portion has a pull tab connected to the portion of the outer surface; The pull tab is configured so that when the pull tab is pulled, the portion of the outer surface separates from the discharge portion to form the opening in the discharge portion.

207. The toner container of claim 206.

208. A toner container as described in any one of claims 185 to 207, characterized in that it has a rotating member that can rotate in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction, centered on a central axis that serves as a rotation axis extending in the first direction relative to the discharge portion.

209. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in a circumferential direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, the first protrusion has the upward guide surface and the downward guide surface, the second protrusion has a shape that is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the first protrusion by 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less.

209. The toner container of claim 208.

210. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in a circumferential direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, the first protrusion has the upward guide surface, the second protrusion has the downward guide surface; 209. The toner container of claim 208.

211. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in a circumferential direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, the downward guide surface includes a first downward guide surface and a second downward guide surface facing downward; In the case where the upward guide surface is a first upward guide surface, the first protrusion has the first upward guide surface, the first downward guide surface, and a second downward surface; the second protrusion has a second upward guide surface, a third downward guide surface, and a fourth downward guide surface; the second upward guide surface, the third downward guide surface, and the fourth downward guide surface each have a rotationally symmetric shape of 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less about the central axis of the first upward guide surface, the first downward guide surface, and the second downward guide surface, 209. The toner container of claim 208.

212. 212. A toner container according to claim 208, wherein the rotating member is provided outside the discharge portion in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis.

213. 213. A toner container according to any one of claims 208 to 212, wherein the rotating member is configured to rotate about the central axis between a closed position in which the opening is closed and an open position in which the opening is opened.

214. a rotating member opening that exposes the opening of the discharge portion to the outside of the toner container when the rotating member is in the open position, the rotating member being provided on an outer surface extending in the direction of the central axis; A toner container as described in claim 213, characterized in that a recess is provided on the outer surface on the opposite side of the rotating member opening across the central axis, the recess being recessed radially inward of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis.

215. 215. A toner container according to claim 214, wherein, when the toner container is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the protrusion is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the recess.

216. a rotating member opening that exposes the opening of the discharge portion to the outside of the toner container when the rotating member is in the open position, the rotating member being provided on an outer surface extending in the direction of the central axis; A toner container according to claim 213, characterized in that the protrusion is located inside the width of the rotating member opening in a direction perpendicular to the central axis when viewed in the radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis.

217. the discharge portion has, on an outer surface extending in the direction of the central axis, a first opposing surface and a second opposing surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the central axis and opposing each other with a gap therebetween; 215. A toner container according to claim 214, wherein the first and second opposing surfaces of the discharge portion are exposed from the rotating member opening when the rotating member is in the closed position.

218. the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface are parallel to each other, A toner container as described in claim 217, characterized in that when the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, a second virtual line obtained by rotating a first virtual line passing through the center of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface and parallel to the first opposing surface by 90 degrees around the central axis passes through the opening.

219. 219. A toner container according to any one of claims 213 to 218, wherein the direction in which the rotatable member rotates from the closed position to the open position is the first rotation direction.

220. 220. The toner container of claim 219, further comprising a seal that seals between the rotating member and the ejection portion when the rotating member is in the closed position.

221. 212. A toner container according to claim 185, wherein the protrusion has an inner peripheral guide surface centered on a central axis extending in the first direction.

222. 222. A toner container according to claim 221, wherein the inner peripheral guide surface of the protrusion is a cylindrical surface.

223. 222. A toner container according to claim 221, wherein the inner peripheral guide surface of the protrusion is composed of a plurality of flat surfaces surrounding the central axis.

224. A toner container, a container configured to contain toner; a discharge portion configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the storage portion to the outside and aligned with the storage portion in a first direction; a protrusion that is located below the opening of the discharge portion and protrudes downward when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the first direction is the direction of gravity and at least a portion of the discharge portion is below the storage portion; and Equipped with The opening of the discharge portion is configured to face outward in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has a downward guide surface that faces downward, and an upward engagement surface that faces upward and has at least a portion higher than at least a portion of the downward guide surface, A toner container, wherein at least a portion of the upward engaging surface is located above at least a portion of the downward guide surface.

225. 225. The toner container of claim 224, wherein the upwardly facing engagement surface is configured to be exposed to the exterior of the toner container.

226. 226. A toner container according to claim 224 or 225, wherein a gap is provided above the upwardly facing engagement surface of the protrusion when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

227. 227. A toner container according to claim 224, wherein the downward guide surface is a pressing surface.

228. When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, When the toner container is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, 228. A toner container according to claim 224, wherein the downward guide surface is configured to extend upward as it approaches a first horizontal direction among horizontal directions.

229. When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, 229. A toner container according to claim 228, wherein said upwardly facing engagement surface is a surface parallel to said first horizontal direction.

230. When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, 230. A toner container according to claim 228 or 229, wherein the upward engaging surface is configured to extend upward as it approaches the first horizontal direction.

231. When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, A toner container described in any one of claims 228 to 230, characterized in that the protrusion portion has a connecting portion connecting the downstream end of the downward guide surface in the first horizontal direction and the downstream end of the upward engagement surface in the first horizontal direction.

232. the protrusion extends upward along the first direction from an upstream end of the upward engagement surface in the first horizontal direction when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction; 232. A toner container according to claim 228, further comprising a contact surface facing downstream in the first horizontal direction.

233. the downward guide surface includes a first downward guide surface and a second downward guide surface facing downward; When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, When the toner container is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, 233. A toner container according to any one of claims 228 to 232, wherein at least a portion of the first downward guide surface is at a different position in the horizontal direction from the second downward guide surface.

234. When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, A toner container according to claim 233, characterized in that the protrusion portion has a connecting portion connecting the downstream end of the second downward guide surface in the first horizontal direction and the downstream end of the upward engagement surface in the first horizontal direction.

235. 235. A toner container according to claim 233 or 234, wherein the second downward guide surface overlaps the upward engagement surface when viewed in the first direction.

236. 236. A toner container according to any one of claims 224 to 235, wherein the protrusion is configured to protrude downward relative to the bottom surface of the toner container when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction.

237. 237. A toner container according to claim 224, wherein the opening is provided on an outer surface of the discharge portion extending along the first direction.

238. A toner container as described in any one of claims 224 to 237, characterized in that it has a rotating member that can rotate in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction, centered on a central axis that serves as a rotation axis extending in the first direction relative to the discharge portion.

239. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in a circumferential direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, the first protrusion has the upward engaging surface and the downward guiding surface; the second protrusion has a shape that is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the first protrusion by 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less.

239. The toner container of claim 238.

240. a rotating member that is rotatable in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction that is a direction opposite to the first rotation direction around a central axis that serves as a rotation axis extending in the first direction relative to the discharge portion, the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in a circumferential direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, In the case where the upward engagement surface is a first upward engagement surface, the first protrusion has the first upward engaging surface, the first downward guide surface, and a second downward surface; the second protrusion has a second upward engaging surface and a third downward guide surface and a fourth downward guide surface; the second upward engagement surface, the third downward guide surface, and the fourth downward guide surface each have a rotationally symmetric shape of 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less about the central axis of the first upward engagement surface, the first downward guide surface, and the second downward guide surface, 235. The toner container according to claim 233 or 234.

241. 238. A toner container according to claim 224, wherein the protrusion has an inner peripheral guide surface centered on a central axis extending in the first direction.

242. 241. A toner container according to claim 224, wherein the protrusion is supported by the discharge portion so as to be movable in the first direction relative to the discharge portion.

243. a shaft member that is rotatable about the central axis and movable in the direction of the central axis relative to the discharge portion; a guide configured to guide the shaft member so that the shaft member is moved in the direction of the central axis when the shaft member is rotated; Equipped with A toner container according to claim 78, characterized in that the protrusion is supported on a lower end of the shaft member so as to move together with the shaft member in the direction of the central axis when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction.

244. With the toner container oriented in the predetermined direction, the guide is a cylindrical member provided on the outside of the shaft member in the radial direction, and has a guide groove on a circumferential surface around the central axis that extends upward in the direction of the central axis as it moves toward a predetermined rotation direction of the shaft member, the shaft member has a protrusion that protrudes in the radial direction and engages with the guide groove, When the shaft member is rotated in the predetermined rotation direction, the convex portion of the shaft member is guided by the guide groove of the guide, and the shaft member moves upward in the direction of the central axis.

244. The toner container of claim 243.

245. an operating portion provided on an outer side of the shaft member in the radial direction, the operating portion being configured to rotate together with the shaft member; When the operation part is rotated around the central axis while the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the shaft member is guided by the guide and moved upward while being rotated, whereby the protrusion moves upward together with the shaft member.

245. The toner container of claim 244.

246. A toner container that is detachable from a mounting portion of an image forming apparatus and has a rotatable guided member, a container configured to contain toner; a discharge section configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the storage section to the outside; and a rotating member rotatable relative to the discharge section in a first rotation direction about a central axis serving as a rotation axis and in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction; a protrusion that is located below the opening of the discharge portion when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is below the storage portion, the protrusion having an inner circumferential surface that faces inward in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis and that protrudes downward; Equipped with The opening of the discharge portion is configured to face outward in the radial direction; When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has a downward guide surface facing downward and an upward guide surface facing upward, the downward guide surface being located outside the inner circumferential surface and inside the opening of the discharge portion in the radial direction, When the toner container is moved downward along the central axis toward the mounting portion while being oriented in the predetermined direction, the downward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is rotated in the first rotation direction around the central axis; the upward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member such that the guided member is moved upward after being rotated in the first rotation direction by the downward surface. A toner container characterized by the above.

247. 247. A toner container according to claim 246, wherein the rotating member is disposed radially outward of the discharge portion.

248. A toner container described in any one of claims 246 to 247, characterized in that the rotating member is configured to rotate around the central axis between a closed position in which the opening is closed and an open position in which the opening is opened, and has a rotating member opening for exposing the opening of the discharge portion to the outside of the toner container when in the open position.

249. 249. A toner container according to claim 248, wherein the direction in which the rotatable member rotates from the closed position to the open position is the first rotational direction.

250. 250. The toner container of claim 248 or 249, further comprising a seal that seals between the rotating member and the discharge portion when the rotating member is in the closed position.

251. the mounting portion has a positioning portion that protrudes radially inward, and the discharge portion has a positioned portion on an outer surface extending in the direction of the central axis, the positioned portion having a first opposing surface and a second opposing surface that extend in a direction perpendicular to the central axis and that face each other with a gap therebetween, the positioned portion being configured to engage with the positioning portion when the toner container is mounted on the mounting portion; 251. A toner container according to any one of claims 248 to 250, wherein the positioned portion of the discharge portion is exposed from the opening of the rotating member when the rotating member is in the closed position.

252. the image forming apparatus has a cylindrical apparatus-side shutter that is rotatable around the central axis and has an open top, the apparatus-side shutter having an apparatus-side shutter opening on a side surface of the apparatus-side shutter extending along the central axis, and a convex portion that protrudes radially inward in a region of the apparatus-side shutter side surface that faces the apparatus-side shutter opening in the radial direction, When the toner container is attached to the attachment portion, A toner container described in any one of claims 248 to 251, characterized in that the rotating member has, on a rotating member side portion extending along the central axis, a rotating member opening that communicates with the device-side shutter opening in the radial direction, and a recess that is configured to engage with the convex portion of the device-side shutter and is recessed radially inward.

253. the guided member is provided at a position closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the convex portion of the device-side shutter side surface portion of the device-side shutter, A toner container according to claim 252, characterized in that when the toner container is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the protrusion is located in the radial direction closer to the central axis than the recess of the rotating member.

254. the guided member is provided below the device-side shutter opening of the device-side shutter in the direction of the central axis, A toner container according to claim 252 or 253, wherein the protrusion is configured to protrude downward relative to the bottom surface of the toner container when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction.

255. the protrusion is configured to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the discharge portion when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, 255. A toner container according to any one of claims 246 to 254, wherein the toner container protrudes downward from a hole provided in the bottom surface of the rotating member below the bottom surface of the rotating member.

256. A toner container that is detachable from a mounting portion of an image forming apparatus and has a rotatable guided member, a container configured to contain toner; a discharge section configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the container section to the outside; a protrusion having an inner peripheral surface centered on a central axis, the protrusion being located below the opening of the discharge portion and protruding downward when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis faces the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is below the storage portion; Equipped with the opening of the discharge portion is configured to face radially outward of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has a downward guide surface facing downward and an upward guide surface facing upward, the downward guide surface being located outside the inner circumferential surface and inside the opening of the discharge portion in the radial direction, When the toner container is moved downward along the central axis toward the mounting portion while being oriented in the predetermined direction, When the rotation direction of the guided member around the central axis is defined as a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction that is the opposite direction to the first rotation direction, the downward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is rotated in the first rotation direction; the upward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member such that the guided member is moved upward after being rotated in the first rotation direction by the downward guide surface. A toner container characterized by the above.

257. A toner container described in any one of claims 246 to 256, characterized in that when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction and moved downward along the central axis toward the mounting portion, the downward guide surface is configured to abut against the abutting portion of the guided member, thereby pressing the guided member so that the guided member rotates in the first rotational direction.

258. 258. A toner container according to claim 257, wherein the downward guide surface extends upward as it moves in the first rotation direction.

259. A toner container described in any one of claims 246 to 258, wherein the upward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is moved upward while being rotated in the second rotational direction.

260. the image forming apparatus includes a biasing member that biases the guided member in a direction in which the guided member rotates in the second rotation direction, A toner container described in any one of claims 246 to 258, wherein the upward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is rotated in the second rotational direction by the biasing force of the biasing member while moving upward.

261. 261. A toner container according to claim 259 or 260, wherein the upward guide surface extends upward as it moves in the second rotation direction.

262. the guided member has a contact surface that is an end surface on the downstream side in the second rotation direction, A toner container described in any one of claims 246 to 261, characterized in that the protrusion portion has an abutment surface configured to stop the rotation of the guided member in the second rotation direction by abutting against the abutment surface of the guided member that has been guided by the upward guide surface and rotated in the second rotation direction.

263. A toner container as described in claim 262, characterized in that when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction, the abutment surface extends upward along the direction of the central axis from the downstream end of the upward guide surface in the second rotation direction and faces downstream in the first rotation direction.

264. A toner container as described in claim 262 or 263, characterized in that when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction, a gap is provided directly above the upward guide surface of the protrusion, and is configured to allow the portion of the guided member on which the abutment surface is provided to enter when the abutment surface of the guided member abuts against the abutted surface.

265. When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, A toner container described in any one of claims 246 to 264, characterized in that it has a connecting portion connecting the downstream end of the downward guide surface in the first rotation direction and the upstream end of the upward guide surface in the second rotation direction, and is configured to guide the guided member so that the rotation direction of the guided member is switched from the first rotation direction to the second rotation direction.

266. the downward guide surface includes a first downward guide surface and a second downward guide surface facing downward; When the toner container is moved downward along the central axis toward the mounting portion while being oriented in the predetermined direction, the first downward guide surface guides the guided member so as to rotate the guided member in the first rotation direction; A toner container described in any one of claims 246 to 265, characterized in that the second downward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that after the guided member has been guided by the first downward guide surface to rotate in the first rotational direction, the guided member is further rotated in the first rotational direction.

267. the guided member includes a first contacted portion and a second contacted portion located farther from the central axis in the radial direction than the first contacted portion, the first downward guide surface is configured to press the first contacted portion by contacting the first contacted portion so as to rotate the guided member in the first rotation direction, A toner container as described in claim 266, characterized in that the second downward guide surface is configured to abut against the second abutment portion after the guided member is rotated in the first rotational direction by the first downward guide surface, thereby pressing the second abutment portion so that the guided member is further rotated in the first rotational direction.

268. 268. A toner container according to claim 266 or 267, wherein at least a portion of the first downward guide surface is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the second downward guide surface, and is located at a different position from the second downward guide surface in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle.

269. When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, A toner container as described in claim 267, characterized in that it has a connecting portion connecting the downstream end of the second downward guide surface in the first rotation direction and the upstream end of the upward guide surface in the second rotation direction, and is configured to guide the second abutted portion of the guided member so that the rotation direction of the guided member is switched from the first rotation direction to the second rotation direction.

270. the guided member has a first engagement claw extending upward and a second engagement claw extending upward at a position different from the first engagement claw in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, the protrusion portion includes a first protrusion configured to engage with the first engagement claw and a second protrusion configured to engage with the second engagement claw when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and moved downward along the central axis relative to the image forming device, the first protrusion has the upward guide surface, the second protrusion has the downward guide surface, the second protrusion has a shape that is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the first protrusion by 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less.

270. The toner container of any one of claims 246 to 269.

271. the guided member has a first engagement claw extending upward and a second engagement claw extending upward at a position different from the first engagement claw in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, the protrusion portion includes a first protrusion configured to engage with the first engagement claw and a second protrusion configured to engage with the second engagement claw when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and moved downward along the central axis relative to the image forming device, In the case where the upward guide surface is a first upward guide surface, the first protrusion has the first upward guide surface, the first downward guide surface, and a second downward guide surface; the second protrusion has a second upward guide surface, a third downward guide surface, and a fourth downward guide surface; the second upward guide surface, the third downward guide surface, and the fourth downward guide surface each have a rotationally symmetric shape of 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less about the central axis of the first upward guide surface, the first downward guide surface, and the second downward guide surface, 270. The toner container of any one of claims 266 to 269.

272. A toner container as described in claim 271, characterized in that the second upward guide surface, the third downward guide surface, and the fourth downward surface each have a shape that is rotationally symmetrical at 180 degrees about the central axis of the first upward guide surface, the first downward guide surface, and the second downward surface.

273. the image forming device has a shaft portion extending upward along the central axis and supporting the guided member so that the guided member rotates around the central axis, A toner container as described in any one of claims 246 to 272, characterized in that the inner surface of the protrusion is configured to engage with the shaft portion when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction and moved downward along the central axis relative to the image forming device.

274. 274. A toner container according to claim 273, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion is a cylindrical surface.

275. 274. A toner container according to claim 273, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion is composed of a plurality of flat surfaces surrounding the central axis.

276. A toner container described in any one of claims 246 to 275, characterized in that when the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the downward guide surface and the upward guide surface are located at a position closer to the inner surface in the radial direction than the opening.

277. A toner container as described in claim 276, characterized in that when the discharge portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the distance from the inner surface to the upward guide surface and the distance from the inner surface to the upward guide surface are both 30% or less of the distance from the inner surface to the opening.

278. An image forming system including a toner container and an image forming apparatus to which the toner container is detachably attached, the image forming apparatus has a mounting portion to which the toner container can be detachably attached, the mounting portion having a rotatable guided member; The toner container is a container configured to contain toner; a discharge section configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the storage section to the outside; and a rotating member rotatable relative to the discharge section in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction about a central axis serving as a rotation axis; a protrusion that is located below the opening of the discharge portion when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is below the storage portion, the protrusion having an inner circumferential surface that faces inward in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis and that protrudes downward; the opening of the discharge portion is configured to face outward in the radial direction; When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has a downward guide surface facing downward and an upward guide surface facing upward, the downward guide surface being located outside the inner circumferential surface and inside the opening of the discharge portion in the radial direction, When the toner container is moved downward along the central axis toward the mounting portion while being oriented in the predetermined direction, the downward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is rotated in the first rotation direction around the central axis; the upward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member such that the guided member is moved upward after being rotated in the first rotation direction by the downward guide surface. An image forming system comprising:

279. 279. An image forming system according to claim 278, wherein the rotating member is provided radially outward of the discharge portion.

280. An image forming system as described in claim 278 or 279, characterized in that the rotating member is configured to rotate around the central axis between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening, and has a rotating member opening that exposes the opening of the discharge portion to the outside of the toner container when in the open position.

281. 281. An imaging system according to claim 280, wherein the direction in which the rotatable member rotates from the closed position to the open position is the first rotation direction.

282. 282. An image forming system according to claim 280 or 281, further comprising a seal for sealing between the rotating member and the discharge section when the rotating member is in the closed position.

283. the mounting portion has a positioning portion that protrudes radially inward, and the discharge portion has a positioned portion on an outer surface extending in the direction of the central axis, the positioned portion having first and second opposing surfaces that extend in a direction perpendicular to the central axis and that face each other at a distance, the positioned portion being configured in this manner to engage with the positioning portion when the image forming system is mounted on the mounting portion; 283. An image forming system according to claim 281 or 282, wherein the positioned portion of the discharge section is exposed from the opening of the rotating member when the rotating member is in the closed position.

284. the image forming apparatus has a cylindrical apparatus-side shutter that is rotatable around the central axis and has an open top, the apparatus-side shutter having an apparatus-side shutter opening on a side surface of the apparatus-side shutter extending along the central axis, and a convex portion that protrudes radially inward in a region of the apparatus-side shutter side surface that faces the apparatus-side shutter opening in the radial direction, When the toner container is attached to the attachment portion, An image forming system described in any one of claims 280 to 283, characterized in that the rotating member has, on a rotating member side portion extending along the central axis, a rotating member opening that communicates with the device-side shutter opening in the radial direction, and a recess configured to engage with the convex portion of the device-side shutter, the recess being recessed radially inward.

285. the guided member is provided at a position closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the convex portion of the device-side shutter side surface portion of the device-side shutter, An image forming system as described in claim 284, characterized in that when the toner container is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the protrusion is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the recess of the rotating member.

286. the guided member is provided below the device-side shutter opening of the device-side shutter in the direction of the central axis, 286. An image forming system as described in claim 284 or 285, wherein the protrusion is configured to protrude downward relative to the bottom surface of the toner container when the image forming system is oriented in the specified direction.

287. the protrusion is configured to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the discharge portion when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, 287. An image forming system according to claim 286, wherein said rotating member protrudes downward from a hole provided in the bottom surface of said rotating member below the bottom surface of said rotating member.

288. An image forming system including a toner container and an image forming apparatus to which the toner container can be attached, The toner container is a container configured to contain toner; a discharge section configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the container section to the outside; a protrusion having an inner peripheral surface centered on a central axis, the protrusion being located below the opening of the discharge portion and protruding downward when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis faces the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is below the storage portion; The opening of the discharge portion is configured to face radially outward of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis line, When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion has a downward guide surface facing downward and an upward guide surface facing upward, the downward guide surface being located outside the inner circumferential surface and inside the opening of the discharge portion in the radial direction, the image forming apparatus includes a mounting portion to which the toner container can be mounted, the mounting portion including a rotatable guided member; When the toner container is moved downward along the central axis toward the mounting portion while being oriented in the predetermined direction, the downward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is rotated in a first rotational direction about the central axis; the upward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member such that the guided member is moved upward after being rotated in the first rotation direction by the downward guide surface. An image forming system comprising:

289. An image forming system described in any one of claims 278 to 288, characterized in that when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction and moved downward along the central axis toward the mounting portion, the downward guide surface is configured to abut against the abutting portion of the guided member, thereby pressing the guided member so that the guided member rotates in the first rotational direction.

290. 290. An image forming system according to claim 289, wherein said downward guide surface extends upward as it moves in said first rotation direction.

291. An image forming system described in any one of claims 278 to 290, characterized in that the upward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is moved upward while being rotated in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction.

292. the image forming apparatus includes a biasing member that biases the guided member in a direction in which the guided member rotates in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction, An image forming system described in any one of claims 278 to 290, characterized in that the upward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is rotated in the second rotational direction by the biasing force of the biasing member while moving upward.

293. 293. An image forming system according to claim 291 or 292, wherein the upward guide surface extends upward as it moves in the second rotation direction.

294. the guided member has a contact surface that is a downstream end surface in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction, An image forming system described in any one of claims 278 to 293, characterized in that the protrusion portion has an abutment surface configured to stop the rotation of the guided member in the second rotation direction by abutting against the abutment surface of the guided member that has been guided by the upward guide surface and rotated in the second rotation direction.

295. An image forming system as described in claim 294, characterized in that when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction, the abutment surface extends upward from the downstream end of the upward guide surface in the second rotation direction along the direction of the central axis and faces downstream in the first rotation direction.

296. An image forming system as described in claim 262 or 263, characterized in that when the toner container is oriented in the specified direction, a gap is provided directly above the upward guide surface of the protrusion, and is configured to allow the portion of the guided member on which the abutment surface is provided to enter when the abutment surface of the guided member abuts against the abutted surface.

297. When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, An image forming system described in any one of claims 278 to 296, characterized in that it has a connecting portion connecting the downstream end of the downward guide surface in the first rotation direction and the upstream end of the upward guide surface in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction, and is configured to guide the guided member so that the rotation direction of the guided member is switched from the first rotation direction to the second rotation direction.

298. the downward guide surface includes a first downward guide surface and a second downward guide surface facing downward; When the toner container is moved downward along the central axis toward the mounting portion while being oriented in the predetermined direction, the first downward guide surface guides the guided member so as to rotate the guided member in the first rotation direction; An image forming system described in any one of claims 278 to 297, characterized in that the second downward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is further rotated in the first rotation direction after being guided by the first downward guide surface to rotate the guided member in the first rotation direction.

299. the guided member includes a first contacted portion and a second contacted portion located farther from the central axis in the radial direction than the first contacted portion, the first downward guide surface is configured to press the first contacted portion by contacting the first contacted portion so as to rotate the guided member in the first rotation direction, An image forming system as described in claim 298, characterized in that the second downward guide surface is configured to abut against the second abutted portion after the guided member is rotated in the first rotational direction by the first downward guide surface, thereby pressing the second abutted portion so that the guided member is further rotated in the first rotational direction.

300. 300. The image forming system according to claim 298 or 299, wherein at least a portion of the first downward guide surface is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the second downward guide surface, and is located at a different position from the second downward guide surface in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle.

301. When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, An image forming system as described in claim 299, characterized in that it has a connecting portion connecting the downstream end of the second downward guide surface in the first rotation direction and the upstream end of the upward guide surface in the second rotation direction, and is configured to guide the second abutted portion of the guided member so that the rotation direction of the guided member is switched from the first rotation direction to the second rotation direction.

302. the guided member has a first engagement claw extending upward and a second engagement claw extending upward at a position different from the first engagement claw in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, the protrusion portion includes a first protrusion configured to engage with the first engagement claw and a second protrusion configured to engage with the second engagement claw when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and moved downward along the central axis relative to the image forming device, the first protrusion has the upward guide surface, the second protrusion has the downward guide surface; 302. The image forming system of claim 278.

303. the guided member has a first engagement claw extending upward and a second engagement claw extending upward at a position different from the first engagement claw in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, the protrusion portion includes a first protrusion configured to engage with the first engagement claw and a second protrusion configured to engage with the second engagement claw when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and moved downward along the central axis relative to the image forming device, In the case where the upward guide surface is a first upward guide surface, the first protrusion has the first upward guide surface, the first downward guide surface, and a second downward surface; the second protrusion has a second upward guide surface, a third downward guide surface, and a fourth downward guide surface; the second upward guide surface, the third downward guide surface, and the fourth downward guide surface each have a rotationally symmetric shape of 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less about the central axis of the first upward guide surface, the first downward guide surface, and the second downward guide surface, 302. The image forming system of claim 298.

304. An image forming system as described in claim 303, characterized in that the second upward guide surface, the third downward guide surface, and the fourth downward surface each have a shape that is rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees around the central axis of the first upward guide surface, the first downward guide surface, and the second downward surface.

305. the image forming device has a shaft portion extending upward along the central axis and supporting the guided member so that the guided member rotates around the central axis, An image forming system described in any one of claims 278 to 304, characterized in that when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction and moved downward along the central axis relative to the image forming device, the inner surface of the protrusion is configured to engage with the shaft portion.

306. 306. An image forming system according to claim 305, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion is a cylindrical surface.

307. 306. An image forming system according to claim 305, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion is composed of a plurality of flat surfaces surrounding the central axis.

308. An image forming system described in any one of claims 278 to 307, characterized in that when the discharge section is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the downward guide surface and the upward guide surface are located at a position closer to the inner surface in the radial direction than the opening.

309. An image forming system as described in claim 308, characterized in that when the discharge section is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the distance from the inner surface to the upward guide surface and the distance from the inner surface to the downward guide surface are both 30% or less of the distance from the inner surface to the opening.

310. An attachment to be attached to an image forming apparatus, The bearing has an inner circumferential surface centered on a central axis, and includes a protrusion that protrudes toward the central axis on an outer side of the inner circumferential surface in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, When the attachment is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the protrusion protrudes downward and the central axis faces the direction of gravity, The protrusion has an upwardly facing surface; When a circumferential direction of the virtual circle is defined as a first circumferential direction and a second circumferential direction that is an opposite direction to the first circumferential direction, the upward surface extends upward toward the second circumferential direction. An attachment characterized by:

311. An attachment to be attached to an image forming apparatus, a protruding member; and a rotating member rotatable about a central axis as a rotation axis relative to the protruding member, the protruding member has an inner circumferential surface facing inward in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, and a protruding portion protruding in the direction of the central axis on an outer side of the inner circumferential surface in the radial direction, When the attachment is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and the protrusion protrudes downward, the protruding member is supported by the rotating member such that the protruding portion protrudes downward from the lower surface of the rotating member; The protrusion has an upwardly facing surface; When the circumferential direction of the virtual circle is defined as a first circumferential direction and a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction, the upward surface extends upward toward the second circumferential direction. An attachment characterized by:

312. an outer surface of the rotary member extending in the direction of the central axis line is provided with a rotary member opening and a recess recessed inward in the radial direction; An attachment as described in claim 311, characterized in that the recess is located on the opposite side of the central axis from the rotating member opening.

313. An attachment as described in claim 312, characterized in that when the attachment is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the protrusion is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the recess.

314. 314. An attachment as described in claim 312 or 313, characterized in that the protrusion is located inside the width of the rotating member opening in a direction perpendicular to the central axis when viewed in the radial direction.

315. 315. An attachment as described in any one of claims 310 to 314, wherein the upwardly facing surface is configured to be exposed to the exterior of the attachment.

316. 316. An attachment as described in any one of claims 310 to 315, wherein when the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction, a gap is provided above the upwardly facing surface of the protrusion.

317. When the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion An attachment as described in any one of claims 310 to 313, characterized in that it has a downstream end face extending upward along the direction of the central axis from the downstream end of the upward surface in the second circumferential direction and facing downstream in the first circumferential direction.

318. An attachment as described in any one of claims 310 to 314, characterized in that the upward surface is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the central axis when the attachment is oriented in the specified direction and the attachment is viewed in the radial direction.

319. When the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion a downwardly facing surface that extends upward in the first circumferential direction, 319. An attachment as described in any one of claims 310 to 318, wherein at least a portion of the upwardly facing surface is above at least a portion of the downwardly facing surface.

320. 320. An attachment as described in claim 319, characterized in that the downwardly facing surface overlaps the upwardly facing surface when viewed in the direction of the central axis.

321. An attachment as described in claim 319 or 320, characterized in that the protrusion portion has a connecting portion that connects the downstream end of the downward surface in the first circumferential direction and the upstream end of the upward surface in the second circumferential direction.

322. An attachment as described in any one of claims 319 to 321, characterized in that the downward surface is inclined at an angle of more than 30 degrees and less than 60 degrees with respect to the central axis when the attachment is oriented in the specified direction and the attachment is viewed in the radial direction.

323. 323. An attachment as described in any one of claims 319 to 322, characterized in that when the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction and viewed in the radial direction, the upwardly facing surface is longer than the downwardly facing surface.

324. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, When the upward surface and the downward surface are defined as a first upward surface and a second downward surface, respectively, the first protrusion has the first upward surface and the second downward surface, the second protrusion has a second upward surface and a fourth downward surface; 324. An attachment according to any one of claims 319 to 323.

325. An attachment as described in claim 324, characterized in that the second upward surface and the fourth downward surface each have a rotationally symmetric shape with respect to the central axis of the first upward surface and the second downward surface by more than 150 degrees and less than 210 degrees.

326. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction, the first projection has the upward surface, the second projection has the downward surface; 324. An attachment according to any one of claims 319 to 323.

327. An attachment to be attached to an image forming apparatus, The bearing has an inner circumferential surface centered on a central axis, and includes a protrusion that protrudes toward the central axis on an outer side of the inner circumferential surface in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, When the attachment is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and the protrusion protrudes downward, The protrusion has a first downward surface and a second downward surface facing downward, and an upward surface facing upward, When a circumferential direction of the virtual circle is defined as a first circumferential direction and a second circumferential direction that is opposite to the first circumferential direction, the first downward surface and the second downward surface extend upward toward the first circumferential direction, and at least a portion of the first downward surface is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the second downward surface and at a different position from the second downward surface in the circumferential direction, At least a portion of the upward surface is above at least a portion of the second downward surface. An attachment characterized by:

328. An attachment to be attached to an image forming apparatus, a protruding member; and a rotating member rotatable relative to the protruding member about a central axis serving as a rotation axis; Equipped with the protruding member has an inner circumferential surface facing inward in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, and protrudes toward the central axis on an outer side of the inner circumferential surface in the radial direction. a protrusion, When the attachment is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and the protrusion portion protrudes downward, the protrusion member is supported by the rotating member such that the protrusion portion protrudes downward with respect to a lower surface of the rotating member, The protrusion has a first downward surface and a second downward surface facing downward, and an upward surface facing upward, When a circumferential direction of the virtual circle is defined as a first circumferential direction and a second circumferential direction that is opposite to the first circumferential direction, the first downward surface and the second downward surface extend upward toward the first circumferential direction, and at least a portion of the first downward surface is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the second downward surface and at a different position from the second downward surface in the circumferential direction, At least a portion of the upward surface is above at least a portion of the second downward surface. An attachment characterized by:

329. an outer surface of the rotary member extending in the direction of the central axis line is provided with a rotary member opening and a recess recessed inward in the radial direction; An attachment as described in claim 328, characterized in that the recess is located on the opposite side of the central axis from the rotating member opening.

330. An attachment as described in claim 329, characterized in that when the attachment is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the protrusion is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the recess.

331. 331. An attachment as described in any one of claims 329 or 330, characterized in that the protrusion, when viewed in the radial direction, is located inside the width of the rotating member opening in a direction perpendicular to the central axis.

332. An attachment as described in any one of claims 327 to 331, characterized in that the upwardly facing surface extends upwardly in the second circumferential direction when the attachment is oriented in the specified direction.

333. An attachment as described in claim 332, characterized in that the upward surface is inclined at an angle of more than 30 degrees and less than 60 degrees with respect to the central axis when the attachment is oriented in the specified direction and viewed in the radial direction.

334. 334. An attachment as described in any one of claims 327 to 333, wherein the upwardly facing surface is configured to be exposed to the outside of the attachment.

335. An attachment as described in any one of claims 327 to 334, characterized in that when the attachment is oriented in the specified direction, a gap is provided above the upwardly facing surface of the protrusion.

336. When the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion An attachment as described in any one of claims 327 to 335, characterized in that it has a downstream end face extending upward along the direction of the central axis from the downstream end of the upward surface in the second circumferential direction and facing downstream in the first circumferential direction.

337. 337. An attachment as described in any one of claims 327 to 336, wherein the second downwardly facing surface overlaps the upwardly facing surface when viewed in the direction of the central axis.

338. An attachment as described in any one of claims 327 to 337, characterized in that the protrusion portion has a connecting portion connecting the downstream end of the second downward surface in the first circumferential direction and the upstream end of the upward surface in the second circumferential direction.

339. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction, If the upward surface is a first upward surface, the first protrusion includes the first upward surface, the first downward surface, and the second downward surface, the second protrusion includes a second upward surface, a third downward surface, and a fourth downward surface; When the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction, the third downward surface and the fourth downward surface extend upward in the first circumferential direction, and at least a portion of the third downward surface is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the fourth downward surface and at a different position from the fourth downward surface in the circumferential direction, At least a portion of the second upward surface is above at least a portion of the fourth downward surface.

339. An attachment according to any one of claims 327 to 338.

340. In the first projection, a portion of the first downward surface is located upstream of the second downward surface in the first circumferential direction, 340. An attachment as described in claim 339, characterized in that, in the second projection, a portion of the third downward surface is upstream of the fourth downward surface in the first circumferential direction.

341. When the upward surface is defined as a first upward surface, the protrusion is formed on the first downward surface, An attachment as described in any one of claims 327 to 338, characterized in that it has a third downward surface, a fourth downward surface, and a second upward surface arranged so as to have a rotationally symmetric shape of 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less around the central axis relative to the second downward surface and the first upward surface, respectively.

342. When the upward surface is defined as a first upward surface, the protrusion is formed on the first downward surface, An attachment as described in any one of claims 327 to 338, characterized in that it has a third downward surface, a fourth downward surface, and a second upward surface arranged in a shape that is rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees about the central axis with respect to the second downward surface and the first upward surface, respectively.

343. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction, the first protrusion has the upward surface and the second downward surface, the second protrusion has the first downward surface; 339. An attachment according to any one of claims 327 to 338.

344. An attachment as described in claim 343, characterized in that the second protrusion is located on the opposite side of the central axis from the first protrusion in the radial direction.

345. An attachment as described in any one of claims 327 to 344, characterized in that the first downward surface is inclined at an angle of more than 30 degrees and less than 60 degrees with respect to the central axis when the attachment is oriented in the specified direction and the attachment is viewed in the radial direction.

346. An attachment as described in any one of claims 327 to 345, characterized in that the second downward surface is inclined at an angle of more than 30 degrees and less than 60 degrees with respect to the central axis when the attachment is oriented in the specified direction and the attachment is viewed in the radial direction.

347. 347. An attachment as described in any one of claims 327 to 346, wherein when the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction and viewed in the radial direction, the second downward surface is longer than the first downward surface.

348. An attachment as described in any one of claims 327 to 347, characterized in that when the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction and viewed in the radial direction, the upwardly facing surface is longer than the first downwardly facing surface.

349. An attachment as described in any one of claims 327 to 348, characterized in that when the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction and viewed in the radial direction, the upwardly facing surface is longer than the second downwardly facing surface.

350. An attachment to be attached to an image forming apparatus, The bearing has an inner circumferential surface centered on a central axis, and includes a protrusion that protrudes toward the central axis on an outer side of the inner circumferential surface in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, When the attachment is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and the protrusion protrudes downward, The protrusion has a downward guide surface facing downward and an upward guide surface facing upward, at least a portion of which is located above at least a portion of the downward guide surface. An attachment characterized by:

351. An attachment to be attached to an image forming apparatus, a protruding member; and a rotating member rotatable relative to the protruding member about a central axis serving as a rotation axis; Equipped with the protruding member has an inner circumferential surface facing inward in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, and protrudes toward the central axis on an outer side of the inner circumferential surface in the radial direction. a protrusion, When the attachment is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and the protrusion protrudes downward, the protruding member is supported by the rotating member such that the protruding portion protrudes downward from the lower surface of the rotating member; The protrusion has a downward guide surface facing downward and an upward guide surface facing upward, at least a portion of which is located above at least a portion of the downward guide surface. An attachment characterized by:

352. an outer surface of the rotary member extending in the direction of the central axis line is provided with a rotary member opening and a recess recessed inward in the radial direction; An attachment as described in claim 351, characterized in that the recess is located on the opposite side of the central axis from the rotating member opening.

353. An attachment as described in claim 352, characterized in that when the attachment is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the protrusion is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the recess.

354. An attachment as described in claim 352 or 353, characterized in that the protrusion, when viewed in the radial direction, is located inside the width of the rotating member opening in a direction perpendicular to the central axis.

355. 355. An attachment as described in any one of claims 350 to 354, wherein the downward guide surface is a pressing surface.

356. 356. An attachment as described in claim 350 or 355, characterized in that the upward guide surface is configured to be exposed to the outside of the attachment.

357. An attachment as described in any one of claims 350 to 356, characterized in that when the attachment is oriented in the specified direction, a gap is provided above the upward guide surface of the protrusion.

358. When the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction, When the circumferential direction of the virtual circle is a first circumferential direction and a second circumferential direction that is opposite to the first circumferential direction, The downward guide surface is configured to extend upward as it moves in a first circumferential direction, The upward guide surface is configured to extend upward toward the second circumference.

358. An attachment according to any one of claims 350 to 357.

359. When the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction, An attachment as described in claim 358, characterized in that the protrusion portion has a connecting portion connecting the downstream end of the downward guide surface in the first circumferential direction and the upstream end of the upward guide surface in the second circumferential direction.

360. When the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction, the protrusion An attachment as described in 358 or 359, characterized in that it has an abutment surface extending upward along the direction of the central axis from the downstream end of the upward guide surface in the second circumferential direction and facing downstream in the first circumferential direction.

361. the downward guide surface includes a first downward guide surface and a second downward guide surface facing downward; When the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction, 361. An attachment as described in any one of claims 358 to 360, wherein at least a portion of the first downward guide surface is located at a different position from the second downward guide surface in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle.

362. When the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction, An attachment as described in claim 361, characterized in that the protrusion portion has a connecting portion connecting the downstream end of the second downward guide surface in the first circumferential direction and the upstream end of the upward guide surface in the second circumferential direction.

363. 363. An attachment as described in claim 361 or 362, characterized in that the second downward guide surface overlaps the upward guide surface when viewed in the direction of the central axis.

364. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, the first protrusion has the upward guide surface and the downward guide surface, the second protrusion has a shape that is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the first protrusion by 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less.

364. An attachment according to any one of claims 350 to 363.

365. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, the first protrusion has the upward guide surface, the second protrusion has the downward guide surface; 364. An attachment according to any one of claims 350 to 363.

366. the protruding portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion located at a position different from the first protrusion in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, In the case where the upward guide surface is a first upward guide surface, the first protrusion has the first upward guide surface, the first downward guide surface, and a second downward surface; the second protrusion has a second upward guide surface, a third downward guide surface, and a fourth downward guide surface; the second upward guide surface, the third downward guide surface, and the fourth downward guide surface each have a rotationally symmetric shape of 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less about the central axis of the first upward guide surface, the first downward guide surface, and the second downward guide surface, 362. The attachment of claim 361.

367. An attachment that can be attached to a mounting portion of an image forming apparatus that has a rotatable guided member, The bearing has an inner circumferential surface centered on a central axis, and includes a protrusion that protrudes toward the central axis on an outer side of the inner circumferential surface in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, When the attachment is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and the protrusion protrudes downward, the protrusion has a downward guide surface facing downward and an upward guide surface facing upward, at least a portion of which is located above at least a portion of the downward guide surface, When the attachment is moved downward along the central axis while being oriented in the predetermined direction and attached to the attachment portion, The protrusion is the downward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is rotated in a first rotation direction about the central axis; The upward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is moved upward after being rotated in the first rotation direction. An attachment characterized by:

368. An attachment that can be attached to a mounting portion of an image forming apparatus that has a rotatable guided member, a protruding member; and a rotating member rotatable relative to the protruding member about a central axis serving as a rotation axis; Equipped with the protruding member has an inner circumferential surface facing inward in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, and protrudes toward the central axis on an outer side of the inner circumferential surface in the radial direction. a protrusion; When the attachment is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and the protrusion protrudes downward, the protruding member is supported by the rotating member such that the protruding portion protrudes downward from the lower surface of the rotating member; the protrusion has a downward guide surface facing downward and an upward guide surface facing upward, at least a portion of which is located above at least a portion of the downward guide surface, When the attachment is moved downward along the central axis while being oriented in the predetermined direction and attached to the attachment portion, The protrusion is the downward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is rotated in a first rotation direction about the central axis; The upward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is moved upward after being rotated in the first rotation direction. An attachment characterized by:

369. the image forming apparatus has a cylindrical apparatus-side shutter that is rotatable around the central axis and has an open top, the apparatus-side shutter having an apparatus-side shutter opening on a side surface of the apparatus-side shutter extending along the central axis, and a convex portion that protrudes radially inward in a region of the apparatus-side shutter side surface that faces the apparatus-side shutter opening in the radial direction, When the attachment is attached to the attachment portion, An attachment as described in claim 368, characterized in that the rotating member has, on a rotating member side portion extending along the central axis, a rotating member opening that communicates with the device side shutter opening in the radial direction, and a recess that is configured to engage with the convex portion of the device side shutter and is recessed radially inward.

370. the guided member is provided at a position closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the convex portion of the device-side shutter side surface portion of the device-side shutter, An attachment as described in claim 369, characterized in that when the attachment is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the protrusion is located closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the recess of the rotating member.

371. An attachment as described in any one of claims 367 to 370, characterized in that when the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction and moved downward along the central axis toward the mounting portion, the downward guide surface is configured to abut against the abutting portion of the guided member, thereby pressing the guided member so that the guided member rotates in the first rotational direction.

372. An attachment as described in claim 371, characterized in that the downward guide surface extends upward as it moves in the first rotation direction.

373. An attachment as described in any one of claims 368 to 372, characterized in that the upward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is moved upward while being rotated in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction.

374. the image forming apparatus includes a biasing member that biases the guided member in a direction in which the guided member rotates in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction, An attachment described in any one of claims 368 to 372, characterized in that the upward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is rotated in the second rotational direction by the biasing force of the biasing member while moving upward.

375. An attachment as described in claim 373 or 374, characterized in that the upward guide surface extends upward as it moves in the second rotation direction.

376. the guided member has a contact surface that is a downstream end surface in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction, An attachment as described in claim 367 or 368, characterized in that the protrusion portion has an abutment surface configured to stop the rotation of the guided member in the second rotation direction by abutting against the abutment surface of the guided member that has been guided by the upward guide surface and rotated in the second rotation direction.

377. An attachment as described in claim 376, characterized in that when the attachment is oriented in the specified direction, the abutment surface extends upward along the direction of the central axis from the downstream end of the upward guide surface in the second rotation direction and faces downstream in the first rotation direction.

378. An attachment as described in claim 376 or 377, characterized in that when the attachment is oriented in the specified direction, a gap is provided directly above the upward guide surface of the protrusion, and is configured to allow the portion of the guided member on which the abutment surface is provided to enter when the abutment surface of the guided member abuts against the abutted surface.

379. When the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction, An attachment as described in claim 367 or 368, characterized in that it has a connecting portion connecting the downstream end of the downward guide surface in the first rotational direction and the upstream end of the upward guide surface in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction, and is configured to guide the guided member so that the rotational direction of the guided member is switched from the first rotational direction to the second rotational direction.

380. the downward guide surface includes a first downward guide surface and a second downward guide surface facing downward; When the attachment is moved downward along the central axis toward the mounting portion while being oriented in the predetermined direction, the first downward guide surface guides the guided member so as to rotate the guided member in the first rotation direction; An attachment as described in any one of claims 367 to 379, characterized in that the second downward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that after the guided member has been guided by the first downward guide surface to rotate in the first rotational direction, the guided member is further rotated in the first rotational direction.

381. the guided member includes a first contacted portion and a second contacted portion located farther from the central axis in the radial direction than the first contacted portion, the first downward guide surface is configured to press the first contacted portion by contacting the first contacted portion so as to rotate the guided member in the first rotation direction, An attachment as described in claim 380, characterized in that the second downward guide surface is configured to abut against the second abutted portion after the guided member is rotated in the first rotational direction by the first downward guide surface, thereby pressing the second abutted portion so that the guided member is further rotated in the first rotational direction.

382. An attachment as described in claim 380 or 381, characterized in that at least a portion of the first downward guide surface is configured to be closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the second downward guide surface and to be at a different position from the second downward guide surface in the circumferential direction of the virtual circle.

383. When the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction, An attachment as described in claim 381, characterized in that it has a connecting portion connecting the downstream end of the second downward guide surface in the first rotational direction and the upstream end of the upward guide surface in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction, and is configured to guide the second abutted portion of the guided member so that the rotational direction of the guided member is switched from the first rotational direction to the second rotational direction.

384. the guided member has a first engagement claw extending upward and a second engagement claw extending upward at a position different from the first engagement claw in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, the protrusion portion includes a first protrusion configured to engage with the first engagement claw and a second protrusion configured to engage with the second engagement claw when the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction and moved downward along the central axis relative to the image forming apparatus, the first protrusion has the upward guide surface, the second protrusion has the downward guide surface; 384. An attachment according to any one of claims 367 to 383.

385. the guided member has a first engagement claw extending upward and a second engagement claw extending upward at a position different from the first engagement claw in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, the protrusion portion includes a first protrusion configured to engage with the first engagement claw and a second protrusion configured to engage with the second engagement claw when the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction and moved downward along the central axis relative to the image forming apparatus, In the case where the upward guide surface is a first upward guide surface, the first protrusion has the first upward guide surface, the first downward guide surface, and a second downward surface; the second protrusion has a second upward guide surface, a third downward guide surface, and a fourth downward guide surface; the second upward guide surface, the third downward guide surface, and the fourth downward guide surface each have a rotationally symmetric shape of 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less about the central axis of the first upward guide surface, the first downward guide surface, and the second downward guide surface, 384. An attachment according to any one of claims 380 to 383.

386. An attachment as described in claim 385, characterized in that the second upward guide surface, the third downward guide surface, and the fourth downward surface are each shaped with 180-degree rotational symmetry around the central axis of the first upward guide surface, the first downward guide surface, and the second downward surface.

387. the image forming device has a shaft portion extending upward along the central axis and supporting the guided member so that the guided member rotates around the central axis, An attachment as described in any one of claims 367 to 386, characterized in that the inner surface of the protrusion is configured to engage with the shaft portion when the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction and moved downward along the central axis relative to the image forming device.

388. An attachment as described in claim 387, characterized in that the inner surface of the protrusion is a cylindrical surface.

389. An attachment as described in claim 387, characterized in that the inner surface of the protrusion is composed of a plurality of planes surrounding the central axis.

390. a storage section configured to store toner; and a discharge section configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the storage section to the outside, the discharge section being arranged alongside the storage section in a first direction; a toner container having the opening facing a second direction intersecting the first direction; An attachment according to any one of claims 313 to 389; A mounting kit comprising:

391. When the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction such that at least a portion of the discharge portion is lower than the storage portion and the first direction is the direction of gravity, 391. The installation kit of claim 390, wherein the attachment is configured to be attached to a bottom surface of the toner container.

392. When the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction such that at least a portion of the discharge portion is lower than the storage portion and the first direction is the direction of gravity, 391. An installation kit according to claim 390, wherein a recess is provided in the bottom surface of the toner container for receiving a portion of the attachment.

393. An image forming system including an image forming apparatus and an attachment that can be attached to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus includes a mounting portion to which the attachment can be attached, the mounting portion having a rotatable guided member; the attachment has an inner circumferential surface centered on a central axis, and includes a protrusion that protrudes in a direction toward the central axis on an outer side of the inner circumferential surface in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, When the attachment is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and the protrusion protrudes downward, the protrusion has a downward guide surface facing downward and an upward guide surface facing upward, at least a portion of which is located above at least a portion of the downward guide surface, When the attachment is moved downward along the central axis toward the mounting portion while being oriented in the predetermined direction, the downward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is rotated in a first rotational direction about the central axis; the upward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member such that the guided member is moved upward after being rotated in the first rotation direction by the downward guide surface. An image forming system comprising:

394. An image forming system including an image forming apparatus and an attachment that can be attached to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus includes a mounting portion to which the attachment can be attached, the mounting portion having a rotatable guided member; the attachment includes a protruding member and a rotating member rotatable relative to the protruding member about a central axis serving as a rotation axis, the protruding member has an inner circumferential surface facing inward in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, and protrudes toward the central axis on an outer side of the inner circumferential surface in the radial direction. a protrusion, When the attachment is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and the protrusion protrudes downward, the protruding member is supported by the rotating member such that the protruding portion protrudes downward from the lower surface of the rotating member; the protrusion has a downward guide surface facing downward and an upward guide surface facing upward, at least a portion of which is located above at least a portion of the downward guide surface, When the attachment is moved downward along the central axis while being oriented in the predetermined direction and attached to the attachment portion, The protrusion is the downward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is rotated in a first rotation direction about the central axis; The upward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is moved upward after being rotated in the first rotation direction. An image forming system comprising:

395. the image forming apparatus has a cylindrical apparatus-side shutter that is rotatable around the central axis and has an open top, the apparatus-side shutter having an apparatus-side shutter opening on a side surface of the apparatus-side shutter extending along the central axis, and a convex portion that protrudes radially inward in a region of the apparatus-side shutter side surface that faces the apparatus-side shutter opening in the radial direction, When the attachment is attached to the attachment portion, The image forming system described in claim 394, characterized in that the rotating member has, on a rotating member side portion extending along the central axis, a rotating member opening that communicates with the device-side shutter opening in the radial direction, and a recess configured to engage with the convex portion of the device-side shutter, the recess being recessed radially inward.

396. the guided member is provided at a position closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the convex portion of the device-side shutter side surface portion of the device-side shutter, An image forming system as described in claim 395, characterized in that when the attachment is viewed in the direction of the central axis, the protrusion is located in the radial direction closer to the central axis than the recess of the rotating member.

397. An image forming system described in any one of claims 393 to 396, characterized in that when the attachment is oriented in the specified direction and moved downward along the central axis toward the mounting portion, the downward guide surface is configured to abut against the abutting portion of the guided member, thereby pressing the guided member so that the guided member rotates in the first rotational direction.

398. 400. An image forming system according to claim 397, wherein the downward guide surface extends upward as it moves in the first rotation direction.

399. An image forming system described in any one of claims 393 to 398, characterized in that the upward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is moved upward while being rotated in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction.

400. the image forming apparatus includes a biasing member that biases the guided member in a direction in which the guided member rotates in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction, An image forming system described in any one of claims 393 to 398, characterized in that the upward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is rotated in the second rotational direction by the biasing force of the biasing member while moving upward.

401. 401. An image forming system according to claim 399 or 400, wherein the upward guide surface extends upward as it moves in the second rotation direction.

402. the guided member has a contact surface that is a downstream end surface in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction, An image forming system described in any one of claims 393 to 401, characterized in that the protrusion portion has an abutment surface configured to stop the rotation of the guided member in the second rotation direction by abutting against the abutment surface of the guided member that has been guided by the upward guide surface and rotated in the second rotation direction.

403. An image forming system as described in claim 402, characterized in that when the attachment is oriented in the specified direction, the abutment surface extends upward along the direction of the central axis from the downstream end of the upward guide surface in the second rotation direction and faces downstream in the first rotation direction.

404. An image forming system as described in claim 402 or 403, characterized in that when the attachment is oriented in the specified direction, a gap is provided directly above the upward guide surface of the protrusion, and is configured to allow the portion of the guided member on which the abutment surface is provided to enter when the abutment surface of the guided member abuts against the abutted surface.

405. When the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction, An image forming system described in any one of claims 393 to 404, characterized in that it has a connecting portion connecting the downstream end of the downward guide surface in the first rotation direction and the upstream end of the upward guide surface in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction, and is configured to guide the guided member so that the rotation direction of the guided member is switched from the first rotation direction to the second rotation direction.

406. the downward guide surface includes a first downward guide surface and a second downward guide surface facing downward; When the attachment is moved downward along the central axis toward the mounting portion while being oriented in the predetermined direction, the first downward guide surface guides the guided member so as to rotate the guided member in the first rotation direction; An image forming system described in any one of claims 393 to 405, characterized in that the second downward guide surface is configured to guide the guided member so that the guided member is further rotated in the first rotation direction after being guided by the first downward guide surface to rotate the guided member in the first rotation direction.

407. the guided member includes a first contacted portion and a second contacted portion located farther from the central axis in the radial direction than the first contacted portion, the first downward guide surface is configured to press the first contacted portion by contacting the first contacted portion so as to rotate the guided member in the first rotation direction, An image forming system as described in claim 406, characterized in that the second downward guide surface is configured to abut against the second abutment portion after the guided member is rotated in the first rotation direction by the first downward guide surface, thereby pressing the second abutment portion so that the guided member is further rotated in the first rotation direction.

408. An image forming system as described in claim 406 or 407, characterized in that at least a portion of the first downward guide surface is configured to be closer to the central axis in the radial direction than the second downward guide surface and to be at a different position from the second downward guide surface in the circumferential direction of the virtual circle.

409. When the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction, An image forming system as described in claim 407, characterized in that it has a connecting portion connecting the downstream end of the second downward guide surface in the first rotation direction and the upstream end of the upward guide surface in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction, and is configured to guide the second abutted portion of the guided member so that the rotation direction of the guided member is switched from the first rotation direction to the second rotation direction.

410. the guided member has a first engagement claw extending upward and a second engagement claw extending upward at a position different from the first engagement claw in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, the protrusion portion includes a first protrusion configured to engage with the first engagement claw and a second protrusion configured to engage with the second engagement claw when the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction and moved downward along the central axis relative to the image forming apparatus, the first protrusion has the upward guide surface, the second protrusion has the downward guide surface; 409. The image forming system of any one of claims 393 to 408.

411. the guided member has a first engagement claw extending upward and a second engagement claw extending upward at a position different from the first engagement claw in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle, the protrusion portion includes a first protrusion configured to engage with the first engagement claw and a second protrusion configured to engage with the second engagement claw when the attachment is oriented in the predetermined direction and moved downward along the central axis relative to the image forming apparatus, In the case where the upward guide surface is a first upward guide surface, the first protrusion has the first upward guide surface, the first downward guide surface, and a second downward surface; the second protrusion has a second upward guide surface, a third downward guide surface, and a fourth downward guide surface; the second upward guide surface, the third downward guide surface, and the fourth downward guide surface each have a rotationally symmetric shape of 150 degrees or more and 210 degrees or less about the central axis of the first upward guide surface, the first downward guide surface, and the second downward guide surface, 409. The image forming system according to claim 406, wherein the image forming system comprises: a first image forming unit;

412. An image forming system as described in claim 411, characterized in that the second upward guide surface, the third downward guide surface, and the fourth downward surface each have a shape that is rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees around the central axis of the first upward guide surface, the first downward guide surface, and the second downward surface.

413. the image forming device has a shaft portion extending upward along the central axis and supporting the guided member so that the guided member rotates around the central axis, An image forming system described in any one of claims 393 to 412, characterized in that the inner surface of the protrusion is configured to engage with the shaft portion when the attachment is oriented in the specified direction and moved downward along the central axis relative to the image forming device.

414. 414. An image forming system according to claim 413, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion is a cylindrical surface.

415. 414. An image forming system according to claim 413, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion is composed of a plurality of planes surrounding the central axis.

416. A method of using an attachment for mounting on an image forming apparatus, comprising: the image forming apparatus has a main body storage section for storing toner and a mounting section for mounting an attachment; The mounting portion is a frame body having a frame body opening communicating with the main body accommodating portion; an apparatus-side shutter provided with a rotation restricted portion and an apparatus-side shutter opening, the apparatus-side shutter being rotatable about a rotation axis between a non-communicating position where the apparatus-side shutter opening does not communicate with the frame body opening and a communicating position where the apparatus-side shutter opening communicates with the frame body opening; a regulating member having a rotation regulating portion, the regulating member being movable in a direction along the rotation axis between a regulating position where the rotation regulating portion engages with the rotation-regulated portion of the device-side shutter to regulate the device-side shutter from rotating from the non-communicating position to the communicating position, and a release position where the restriction on the rotation of the device-side shutter from the non-communicating position to the communicating position is released, the release position being above the regulating position; a release member configured to rotate about the rotation axis in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the release member having an abutment portion, the release member being movable upward together with the restricting member so that the restricting member moves from the restricting position to the release position; a biasing member that biases the release member in a direction in which the release member rotates in the second rotation direction; an ascent restriction portion that restricts upward movement of the release member; Equipped with The attachment is a protrusion having an inner circumferential surface centered on a central axis line, and protruding in the direction of the central axis line at a position outside the inner circumferential surface in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis line, When the attachment is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis is oriented in the direction of gravity and the protrusion protrudes downward, the attachment has a downward surface that faces downward, and an upward surface that faces upward and has at least a portion higher than at least a portion of the downward surface, a first step of moving the attachment downward along the central axis toward the mounting portion while orienting the attachment in the predetermined direction, and rotating the release member in the first rotation direction against the biasing force of the biasing member to an ascent restriction release region where upward movement of the release member is not restricted by the ascent restriction portion by bringing the downward surface into contact with the abutted portion of the release member; a second step of guiding the contacted portion of the release member with the upward surface so that the release member is moved upward while being rotated in the second rotation direction by the biasing force after the first step; How to use attachments including.

417. the apparatus-side shutter has a shaft portion centered on the rotation axis and extending upward along the rotation axis, A method of using an attachment as described in claim 416, characterized in that in the first step, the inner surface of the attachment is engaged with the shaft portion of the device-side shutter.

418. the attachment includes a protruding member having the protruding portion, and a rotating member that is rotatable relative to the protruding member around the central axis, the rotating member having a side surface extending along the rotation axis and a recess recessed inward in the radial direction, the apparatus-side shutter has a convex portion that protrudes radially inward on an inner circumferential surface of a side surface portion of the apparatus-side shutter that extends along the rotation axis, A method of using an attachment as described in claim 416 or 417, characterized in that the first step includes engaging the recess of the rotating member with the protrusion of the device-side shutter.

419. 419. A method of using an attachment according to any one of claims 416 to 418, further comprising a third step of mounting a toner container containing toner in the mounting portion after the attachment is mounted in the mounting portion.

420. A method for releasing a restriction on rotation of a shutter of an image forming apparatus, comprising: the image forming apparatus has a main body storage section for storing toner and a mounting section for mounting a toner container; The mounting portion is a frame body having a frame body opening communicating with the main body accommodating portion; a shutter provided with a rotation restricted portion and a shutter opening, the shutter being rotatable about a rotation axis between a non-communicating position where the shutter opening does not communicate with the frame opening and a communicating position where the shutter opening communicates with the frame opening; a restricting member having a rotation restricting portion, the restricting member being movable in a direction along the rotation axis between a restricting position where the rotation restricting portion engages with the rotation restricted portion of the shutter to restrict rotation of the shutter from the non-communicating position to the communicating position, and a release position where the restriction on rotation of the shutter from the non-communicating position to the communicating position is released, the release position being above the restricting position; a release member that is rotatable about the rotation axis in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and that is movable upward along the rotation axis together with the restricting member so that the restricting member moves from the restricting position to the release position; a biasing member that biases the release member in a direction in which the release member rotates in the second rotation direction; an ascent restriction portion that restricts upward movement of the release member; and a first step of rotating the release member in the first rotation direction against the biasing force of the biasing member to an ascent restriction release region where upward movement of the release member is not restricted by the ascent restriction portion; a second step of moving the release member upward after the first step, thereby moving the regulating member together with the release member from the regulating position to the release position; A method for releasing restriction on shutter rotation, comprising:

421. An image forming system including a toner container and an image forming apparatus to which the toner container can be attached, The toner container is a first container configured to contain toner; a discharge portion provided with an opening for discharging the toner in the first storage portion to the outside of the toner container; a protrusion having an inner circumferential surface centered on a central axis, which is located below the opening of the discharge portion and protrudes downward when the toner container is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the central axis faces the direction of gravity and at least a part of the discharge portion is below the first storage portion, the protrusion having an upward surface facing upward and a downward surface facing downward, the protrusion being located outside the inner circumferential surface and inside the opening of the discharge portion in the radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the central axis; Equipped with the image forming apparatus, A photosensitive drum; a developing roller that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum; a second storage section configured to store the toner supplied from the toner container; a mounting portion to which the toner container can be detachably attached; Equipped with The mounting portion is a frame body having a frame body opening communicating with the second storage portion; an apparatus-side shutter provided with a rotation restricted portion and an apparatus-side shutter opening, rotatable about a rotation axis between a communication position where the apparatus-side shutter opening communicates with the frame body opening and a non-communication position where the apparatus-side shutter opening does not communicate with the frame body opening, the apparatus-side shutter having a shaft portion centered on the rotation axis and extending in the direction of the rotation axis; a regulating member having a rotation regulating portion, the regulating member being movable along the direction of the rotation axis between a regulating position where the rotation regulating portion engages with the rotation-regulated portion of the device-side shutter to regulate the device-side shutter from rotating from the non-communicating position to the communicating position, and a release position where the restriction on the rotation of the device-side shutter from the non-communicating position to the communicating position is released and the release position is above the regulating position; a release member that is supported on the shaft portion of the apparatus-side shutter so as to rotate about the rotation axis in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction that is the opposite direction to the first rotation direction, and that has an abutment portion, and that is movable upward along the rotation axis together with the regulating member so that the regulating member moves from the regulating position to the release position; a biasing member that biases the release member in a direction in which the release member rotates in the second rotation direction; an ascent restriction portion that restricts upward movement of the release member; Including, When the toner container is moved downward along the central axis toward the mounting portion while being oriented in the predetermined direction, the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion engages with the shaft portion of the apparatus-side shutter, The downward surface abuts against the abutted portion of the release member, thereby rotating the release member in the first rotation direction against the biasing force of the biasing member to an ascent restriction release region where the upward movement of the release member is not restricted by the ascent restriction portion, the upward surface guides the abutted portion of the release member so that, after the release member is rotated in the first rotation direction by the downward surface, the release member is moved upward while being rotated in the second rotation direction by the biasing force, whereby the restricting member is moved from the restricting position to the release position by the release member. An image forming system comprising:

422. the downward surface includes a first downward surface and a second downward surface located farther from the rotation axis in the radial direction than the first downward surface, the abutted portion includes a first abutted portion and a second abutted portion located farther from the rotation axis in the radial direction than the first abutted portion, the first downward surface abuts against the first abutted portion to rotate the release member in the first rotation direction against the biasing force, and then the second downward surface abuts against the second abutted portion to further rotate the release member in the first rotation direction, and then the upward surface guides the second abutted portion so that the release member is moved upward while rotating in the second rotation direction by the biasing force of the biasing member.

422. The imaging system of claim 421.

423. the image forming apparatus has a cover that covers a part of the release member from above and has a cover opening on an upper surface thereof; When the mounting portion is viewed in the direction of the rotation axis in a state where the toner container is not mounted to the mounting portion, the first abutted portion is exposed from the cover opening, and the second abutted portion is covered by the cover, the first downward surface abuts against the first abutted portion, causing the release member to rotate in the first rotation direction, whereby the second abutted portion is exposed from the cover opening when the mounting portion is viewed in the direction of the central axis, When the second abutted portion is exposed from the cover opening, the second downward surface abuts on the second abutted portion, thereby causing the release member to further rotate in the first rotation direction.

423. The imaging system of claim 422.

424. the toner container includes a rotating member that is rotatable with respect to the discharge portion around a central axis as a rotation axis in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction that is a direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the rotating member having a pressing portion; the apparatus-side shutter of the mounting portion has a pressed portion that engages with the pressing portion when the toner container is mounted to the mounting portion, An image forming system described in any one of claims 421 to 423, characterized in that when the rotating member is rotated, the pressed portion of the device-side shutter is pressed by the pressing portion of the rotating member, causing the device-side shutter to rotate from the non-communicating position to the communicating position.

425. A toner container detachably attached to an image forming apparatus includes a release member for releasing a rotation restriction on a device-side shutter that is rotatable so as to communicate with a toner receiving opening, the release member being rotatable about a rotation axis in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction and movable upward, a container configured to contain toner; a discharge section configured to have an opening for discharging the toner from the storage section to the receiving opening; an engagement portion having a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface; Equipped with When the toner container is attached to the image forming apparatus, the first engagement surface is configured to engage with the engaged portion of the release member so that the release member is rotated in the first rotational direction; The second engagement surface is configured to engage with the engaged portion such that the release member is moved upward after being rotated in the first rotational direction by engagement with the first engagement surface. A toner container characterized by:

426. When the toner container is in a position to be attached to the image forming apparatus, A toner container according to claim 425, characterized in that the storage portion, the discharge portion, and the engagement portion are arranged in this order with respect to the mounting direction of the toner container to the image forming apparatus.

427. When the toner container is in a position to be attached to the image forming apparatus, 427. A toner container according to claim 425 or 426, wherein at least a portion of the second engagement surface is above the first engagement surface.

428. When the toner container is in a position to be attached to the image forming apparatus, A toner container as described in any one of claims 425 to 427, characterized in that when viewed in the mounting direction of the toner container to the image forming device, the second engagement surface and the first engagement surface overlap.

429. The engaged portion includes a first engaged surface facing upward and a second engaged surface facing downward, 429. A toner container according to any one of claims 425 to 428, wherein the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface are configured to engage with the first engaged surface and the second engaged surface, respectively.

430. When the toner container is in a position to be attached to the image forming apparatus, 430. A toner container according to any one of claims 425 to 429, wherein the second engagement surface is an upwardly facing surface.

431. When the toner container is in a position to be attached to the image forming apparatus, 431. A toner container according to claim 430, wherein the second engagement surface extends upward in the second rotational direction.

432. When the toner container is in a position to be attached to the image forming apparatus, 431. A toner container according to claim 430, wherein the second engagement surface is a surface perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

433. When the toner container is in a position to be attached to the image forming apparatus, 431. A toner container according to claim 430, wherein the second engagement surface extends upwardly in the first rotational direction.

434. When the toner container is in a position to be attached to the image forming apparatus, 434. A toner container according to any one of claims 425 to 433, wherein the first engagement surface is a downwardly facing surface.

435. When the toner container is in a position to be attached to the image forming apparatus, 435. A toner container according to claim 434, wherein the first engagement surface extends upward in the first rotational direction.

436. 436. A toner container according to any one of claims 425 to 435, wherein the first engagement surface is a surface parallel to the axis of rotation.

437. When the toner container is in a position to be attached to the image forming apparatus, a downstream end surface extending upward along the direction of the rotation axis from a downstream end of the second engagement surface in the second rotation direction and facing downstream in the first rotation direction; 437. The toner container of claim 425.

438. 438. A toner container according to any one of claims 425 to 437, wherein the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface are exposed to the outside of the toner container.

439. the image forming apparatus has a restricting member that is movable along the rotation axis between a restricting position that restricts rotation of the apparatus-side shutter and a release position that releases the restriction on rotation of the apparatus-side shutter and is located above the restricting position, the release member is configured to move upward together with the restricting member so that the restricting member moves from the restricting position to the release position; The second engagement surface is configured to allow the release member to move upward together with the regulating member. configured to engage with the engaged portion, 439. The toner container of any one of claims 425 to 438.

440. the image forming apparatus has an ascent restriction portion that restricts the release member from moving upward, the first engagement surface is configured to engage with the engaged portion so that the release member is rotated in the first rotation direction at least to an area where upward movement of the release member is not restricted by the ascent restriction portion, The second engagement surface is configured to engage with the engaged portion so that the release member is moved upward together with the restricting member in the region.

440. The toner container of claim 439.

441. the image forming apparatus includes a biasing member that biases the release member in a direction in which the release member rotates in the second rotation direction, The second engagement surface is configured to guide the engaged portion so that the releasing member is rotated in the second rotation direction and moved upward by the biasing force of the biasing member.

432. The toner container of claim 431.

442. the image forming apparatus includes a biasing member that biases the release member in a direction in which the release member rotates in the second rotation direction, the second engagement surface is configured to guide the engaged portion so that the releasing member is rotated in the second rotation direction and moved upward by the biasing force of the biasing member, the release member has a contact surface that is an end surface on the downstream side in the second rotation direction, A toner container as described in claim 437, characterized in that the downstream end surface of the engagement portion is configured to stop rotation of the release member in the second rotation direction by engaging with the first engagement surface and abutting against the abutment surface of the release member that has been rotated in the second rotation direction.

443. The engaged portion of the releasing member has a first engaged surface facing upward and a second engaged surface facing downward and located below the first engaged surface, A toner container according to claim 442, wherein the abutment surface is provided between the first engaged surface and the second engaged surface.

444. When the toner container is in a position to be attached to the image forming apparatus, A toner container as described in claim 442 or 443, characterized in that a gap is provided directly above the second engagement surface, into which the portion of the release member on which the abutment surface is provided enters when the abutment surface of the release member abuts the downstream end surface.

445. When the toner container is in a position to be attached to the image forming apparatus, The engagement portion is configured to be movable upward relative to the discharge portion, A toner container described in any one of claims 425 to 427, characterized in that when the engaging portion is moved upward relative to the discharge portion, the second engaging surface is configured to press the engaged portion from below, thereby moving the release member upward.

446. 437. A toner container according to claim 434, wherein the first engaging surface presses against the engaged portion of the releasing member to rotate the releasing member in the first rotation direction.

447. the engaged portion of the releasing member includes a first engaged portion and a second engaged portion that is located farther from the rotation axis than the first engaged portion in a radial direction of an imaginary circle centered on the rotation axis, the first engagement surface includes a first inner engagement surface and a first outer engagement surface located farther from the rotation axis in the radial direction than the first inner engagement surface, the first inner engagement surface is configured to engage with a first engaged portion of the release member so that the release member is rotated in the first rotational direction; the first outer engagement surface is configured to engage with the second engaged portion so that the release member is further rotated in the first rotation direction after the release member is rotated in the first rotation direction by engagement with the first inner engagement surface, 447. The toner container of claim 425.

448. the image forming apparatus has a cover that covers a part of the release member from above and has a cover opening on an upper surface thereof; when the image forming apparatus without the toner container attached is viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, the cover is configured to cover the releasing member so that the first engaged portion is exposed from the cover opening and the second engaged portion is not exposed, When the toner container is attached to the image forming apparatus, When the first inner engagement surface engages with the first engaged portion and the release member is rotated in the first rotation direction, the second engaged portion is exposed from the cover opening when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, When the second engaged portion is exposed from the cover opening, the first outer engaging surface engages with the second engaged portion, thereby causing the release member to further rotate in the first rotation direction.

448. The toner container of claim 447.

449. When the toner container is in a position to be attached to the image forming apparatus, the first engagement surface is a downward surface that extends upward in the first rotation direction, the second engagement surface is an upward surface that extends upward in the second rotation direction, A toner container described in any one of claims 425 to 429, characterized in that it has a connecting portion connecting the downstream end of the first engagement surface in the first rotational direction and the upstream end of the second engagement surface in the second rotational direction, and is configured to guide the engaged portion so that the rotational direction of the release member is switched from the first rotational direction to the second rotational direction.

450. When the toner container is in a position to be attached to the image forming apparatus, 450. A toner container according to any one of claims 425 to 449, wherein the engaging portion is configured to protrude downward relative to the bottom surface of the toner container.

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