Resupply System

Abstract

To provide a supply system that can prevent a storage device for supplying consumable material provided through a predetermined service from being used by an image forming apparatus not covered by the predetermined service.SOLUTION: A supply system comprises: a first image forming apparatus that includes a first installation port; a second image forming apparatus that includes a second installation port having a different shape from the first installation port; a first storage device that includes a first interface part and stores consumable material consumed for image formation; and a second storage device that includes a second interface part having a different shape from the first interface part and stores the consumable material consumed for image formation. The first interface part can be installed in the first installation port, and the second interface part cannot be installed in the installation port. The first interface part and the second interface part can both be installed in the second installation port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a replenishment system for replenishing a consumable agent in an image forming device. [Background technology]

[0002] Image forming devices such as copiers, printers, and facsimile receivers consume consumables such as toner or ink to form images on recording media. When the consumables run out, users replace the used cartridge with a new one. The cartridge contains the consumables and various functional components that are essential for image formation, and is called a process cartridge. Meanwhile, a replenishment system has been devised in which consumables are replenished from a pack containing the consumables but not the functional components to a tank in an image forming device. Compared to the process cartridge system, a replenishment system in which a device such as a replenishment pack is connected to an image forming device only when replenishment is required and the consumables are replenished (e.g., injected) into the device has the advantages of being low cost and having a low environmental impact. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a system in which a cylindrical container containing toner is connected to a printer and the toner is replenished from the container to the printer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 046338 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Meanwhile, subscription services have become popular in the field of image forming devices in recent years. A subscription service is, for example, a service that allows a user to register the printer they use online in advance and print a preset number of pages by paying a certain amount to a dealer. When a subscription service is applied to the above-mentioned replenishment-type image forming device, when the remaining amount of consumables in the contracted printer becomes low, the dealer sends a toner replenishment storage device to the contracted user. The contracted user can then replenish the contracted printer with toner from this storage device to continue printing under the terms of the contract. For example, the user can continue printing up to the specified number of pages specified in the contract.

[0005] The applicant is considering a method of supplying toner from a storage device to a printer in one lump sum. However, if a user accidentally supplies toner to a printer that is not covered by the contract, it would be difficult to retrieve the supplied toner from inside the printer, and management of the subscription service would become complicated.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a replenishment system that can prevent a storage device for replenishing consumables provided through a specified service from being used by an image forming device that is not covered by the specified service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a supply system comprising: a first image forming apparatus having a first mounting opening; a second image forming apparatus having a second mounting opening having a different shape from the first mounting opening; a first storage device having a first interface unit and storing consumable goods consumed for image formation; and a second storage device having a second interface unit having a different shape from the first interface unit and storing consumable goods consumed for image formation; the first mounting port has a first groove, and the first interface portion has a first protrusion portion that does not interfere with the first groove when the first interface portion is mounted in the first mounting port; the second mounting port has a second groove and a third groove that is located at a position different from the second groove; the second interface portion has a second protrusion portion that does not interfere with the second groove and a third protrusion portion that does not interfere with the third groove when the second interface portion is mounted in the second mounting port; the first interface portion can be mounted in the second mounting port without the first protrusion portion interfering with the second groove; and the second interface portion cannot be mounted in the first mounting port because the third protrusion portion interferes with the first mounting port. It is characterized by: The present invention also provides a supply system including a first image forming apparatus having a first mounting opening, a second image forming apparatus having a second mounting opening shaped differently from the first mounting opening, a first storage device having a first interface portion and storing consumable goods consumed for image formation, and a second storage device having a second interface portion shaped differently from the first interface portion and storing consumable goods consumed for image formation, wherein the first mounting opening has a first groove, and the first interface portion has a first groove and a second ... the second mounting port has a first convex portion that does not interfere with the first groove when the first interface portion is mounted on the second mounting port, the second mounting port has a second groove, the second interface portion has a second convex portion that does not interfere with the second groove when the second interface portion is mounted on the second mounting port, and the first interface portion can be mounted on the second mounting port without the first convex portion interfering with the second groove, but the second interface portion cannot be mounted on the first mounting port because the second convex portion interferes with the first groove. The present invention also provides a supply system including a first image forming apparatus having a first mounting opening, a second image forming apparatus having a second mounting opening shaped differently from the first mounting opening, a first storage device having a first interface section and storing consumable goods consumed for image formation, and a second storage device having a second interface section shaped differently from the first interface section and storing consumable goods consumed for image formation, wherein the first mounting opening has a first protrusion and a second protrusion disposed at a position different from the first protrusion, and the first interface section is configured to be in a position different from that of the first mounting opening. the second interface portion has a third groove that does not interfere with the third convex portion when the second interface portion is attached to the second attachment port, the first interface portion can be attached to the second attachment port without the first groove interfering with the third convex portion, but the second interface portion cannot be attached to the first attachment port because the second convex portion interferes with the second interface portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a storage device for replenishing consumables provided through a specified service from being used by an image forming apparatus that is not covered by the specified service. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1A is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus with a rear cover closed, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus with a rear cover open. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a developing container including a toner receiving portion. [Figure 5] 1A is a perspective view showing the supply pack when the pack shutter is in the closed position, and FIG. 1B is another perspective view showing the supply pack when the pack shutter is in the closed position. [Figure 6] 1A is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus with a discharge tray closed, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus with a discharge tray open. [Figure 7] 2A and 2B are a perspective view and an enlarged plan view of the portion enclosed by the dashed line, showing the image forming apparatus with the supply pack attached thereto; [Figure 8] FIG. 4A is a bottom view showing the locking member positioned at the locked position, and FIG. 4B is a bottom view showing the locking member positioned at the unlocked position. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a control block of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 10] 1A is a perspective view showing an operation unit of a registration-type image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment, FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a registration-type supply pack, and FIG. 1C is another perspective view showing the registration-type supply pack. [Figure 11](a) is a plan view showing the operation unit of a registered image forming device, (b) is a plan view showing the pack shutter of a registered refill pack, (c) is a plan view showing the operation unit of a standard image forming device, and (d) is a plan view showing the pack shutter of a standard refill pack. [Figure 12] 10A is a perspective view showing the process of attaching a registration-type supply pack to the attachment opening, and FIG. 10B is another perspective view showing the process of attaching a registration-type supply pack to the attachment opening. [Figure 13] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a standard supply pack, and FIG. 1B is another perspective view showing the standard supply pack. [Figure 14] 1A is a perspective view showing the process of mounting a standard supply pack into the mounting opening of a registered image forming apparatus, and FIG. 1B is another perspective view showing the process of mounting a standard supply pack into the mounting opening of a registered image forming apparatus. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an operation unit of the standard image forming apparatus. [Figure 16] 1A is a perspective view showing the process of mounting a standard refill pack to the mounting opening of a standard image forming apparatus, and FIG. 1B is another perspective view showing the process of mounting a standard refill pack to the mounting opening of a standard image forming apparatus. [Figure 17] 1A is a perspective view showing the process of mounting a registered type refill pack into the mounting opening of a standard image forming apparatus, and FIG. 1B is another perspective view showing the process of mounting a registered type refill pack into the mounting opening of a standard image forming apparatus. [Figure 18] (a) is a plan view showing the operation unit of a registered image forming device according to a second embodiment, (b) is a plan view showing the pack shutter of a registered refill pack, (c) is a plan view showing the operation unit of a standard image forming device according to the second embodiment, and (d) is a plan view showing the pack shutter of a standard refill pack. [Figure 19] 10A is a perspective view showing an operation unit of a registration-type image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment, FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing a registration-type supply pack, and FIG. 10C is another perspective view showing the registration-type supply pack. [Figure 20] 10A is a perspective view showing an operation unit of a standard image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment, FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing a standard refill pack, and FIG. 10C is another perspective view showing the standard refill pack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following describes in detail exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiments may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. In other words, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0011] The following mainly describes the image forming apparatus 1, which has a configuration common to the registered image forming apparatus and the standard image forming apparatus described below, and the replenishment pack 200, which has a configuration common to the registered replenishment pack and the standard replenishment pack. The differences between the image forming apparatus 1, the registered image forming apparatus, and the standard image forming apparatus, as well as the differences between the replenishment pack 200, the registered replenishment pack, and the standard replenishment pack, will be described later.

[0012] [1. Description of replenishment type image forming device] FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus 1, and FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus 1 with the rear cover 22 open. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome printer that forms an image on a recording medium based on image information input from an external device. Recording media include various sheet materials of different materials, such as paper such as plain paper and cardboard, plastic film such as sheets for overhead projectors, sheets of special shapes such as envelopes and index paper, and cloth.

[0013] In the following description, the height direction (opposite to the vertical direction) of the image forming apparatus 1 when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal surface is referred to as the Z direction. The direction that intersects with the Z direction and is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 44 (main scanning direction), which will be described later, is referred to as the X direction. The direction that intersects with the X and Z directions is referred to as the Y direction. The X, Y, and Z directions preferably intersect perpendicularly with each other. For convenience, the positive side in the X direction is referred to as the right side and the negative side is referred to as the left side; the positive side in the Y direction is referred to as the front side or front side and the negative side is referred to as the rear side or back side; and the positive side in the Z direction is referred to as the upper side and the negative side is referred to as the lower side.

[0014] [1-1. Appearance of the device] As shown in FIGS. 1(a) to 2, the housing of the image forming apparatus 1 includes a front cover 20, an exterior cover 21, a rear cover 22, and an ejection tray 82. A handle 23 is provided on the rear cover 22. The front cover 20 is provided on one side of the image forming apparatus 1 so as to be openable and closable, and protects a processing circuit 90 (described later). The rear cover 22 is provided on the other side of the image forming apparatus 1 so as to be openable and closable. A user can grasp the handle 23 of the rear cover 22 to open the rear cover 22, thereby exposing a portion of the transport path through which the recording medium is transported and the process unit 41, and perform maintenance work such as clearing a jam or replacing the process unit 41. The housing is formed with an ejection opening 81 through which sheets pass before being ejected to the ejection tray 82. [1-2. Internal configuration of the device]

[0015] 2, the image forming apparatus 1 has an image forming unit 40 that consumes toner, which is a consumable material, to form a toner image on a recording medium P, and a feeding unit 30 that feeds the recording medium P. The image forming apparatus 1 also has a fixing unit 70 that fixes the toner image formed by the image forming unit 40 onto the recording medium, a pair of discharge rollers 80, and a processing circuit 90.

[0016] Image forming section 40 has a scanner unit 42, an electrophotographic process unit 41, and a transfer roller 43 that transfers a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum 44 of process unit 41 to a recording medium P. Process unit 41 has photosensitive drum 44, a cleaning unit 46 arranged around photosensitive drum 44, a charging roller 47, a developing roller 45, and a storage section 48 that stores toner. Note that process unit 41 may be fastened to the housing of image forming apparatus 1 with screws, and may also be removable by a service technician.

[0017] The photosensitive drum 44 serving as an image carrier is a cylindrically shaped photosensitive member. The photosensitive drum 44 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 44 is driven to rotate in a predetermined direction (direction R in the figure) at a predetermined process speed by a motor.

[0018] The charging roller 47 contacts the photosensitive drum 44 with a predetermined pressure to form a charging portion. A desired charging voltage is applied from a charging high-voltage power supply, thereby uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 44 to a predetermined potential. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 44 is negatively charged by the charging roller 47.

[0019] The scanner unit 42 scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 44 by irradiating the photosensitive drum 44 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 44. Note that the scanner unit 42 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 44.

[0020] The developing roller 45 is rotatably supported by the storage section 48. The developing roller 45 is disposed at the opening of a developer container 100 (see FIG. 3) including the storage section 48 so as to face the photosensitive drum 44. The storage section 48 may be provided with a supply roller that applies the toner stored in the storage section 48 to the surface of the developing roller 45.

[0021] The process unit 41 of this embodiment uses a contact development method. That is, a toner layer carried on the development roller 45 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 44 in a development section (development area) where the photosensitive drum 44 and the development roller 45 face each other. A development voltage is applied to the development roller 45 by a development high-voltage power supply. Under the development voltage, the toner carried on the development roller 45 is transferred from the development roller 45 to the drum surface in accordance with the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 44, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image.

[0022] The toner of this embodiment does not contain a magnetic component, and is a so-called non-magnetic one-component developer in which the toner is carried on the developing roller 45 mainly by intermolecular forces and electrostatic forces (image forces). However, a one-component developer containing a magnetic component may also be used. In addition to toner particles, a one-component developer may also contain additives (e.g., wax or silica particles) for adjusting the fluidity and charging performance of the toner. A two-component developer composed of non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier may also be used as the developer. When a magnetic developer is used, a cylindrical developing sleeve with a magnet disposed inside is used as the developer carrier, for example.

[0023] The fixing unit 70 is a thermal fixing type that fixes an image by heating and melting toner on the recording medium. The fixing unit 70 includes a heating roller 71 that incorporates a fixing heater 73, and a pressure roller 72 that presses against the heating roller 71. The feeding unit 30 includes a cassette 31 on which the recording medium P is loaded, a pickup roller 32, and a pair of separation rollers 33. The cassette 31 can be pulled out from the housing of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0024] The processing circuit 90 has a plurality of electronic components 91, 92, and 93 arranged on a substrate. For example, the electronic component 91 may be a processor, the electronic component 92 may be a memory, and the electronic component 93 may be an input / output device. The input / output device may include a communication interface. When a job instructing image formation is input to the image forming apparatus 1, an image formation process based on input image data received from, for example, an external computer, is started. The processing circuit 90 operates as a controller for controlling the image formation process.

[0025] Next, we will explain the image formation process of the image forming apparatus 1. When the image formation process starts, the scanner unit 42 irradiates the photosensitive drum 44 with laser light based on input image information. At this time, the photosensitive drum 44 is pre-charged by the charging roller 47, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 44 by irradiating it with laser light. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 45, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 44.

[0026] In parallel with the above-described image forming process, a pickup roller 32 of a feeding unit 30 feeds out recording media P supported in a cassette 31. The recording media P are separated one by one by a separation roller pair 33 and conveyed to the separation roller pair 33. Then, the recording media P are conveyed by the separation roller pair 33 toward a transfer nip N formed by a transfer roller 43 and a photosensitive drum 44.

[0027] A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 43 from a transfer high-voltage power supply, and the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 44 is transferred to the recording medium P being transported by the separation roller pair 33. The recording medium P with the transferred toner image is transported to the fixing unit 70, where the toner image is heated and pressurized as it passes through a nip between a heating roller 71 and a pressure roller 72 of the fixing unit 70. This melts the toner particles and then solidifies them, thereby fixing the toner image to the recording medium P. The recording medium P that has passed through the fixing unit 70 is discharged from a discharge port 81 by a discharge roller pair 80 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the machine), and is stacked on a discharge tray 82. After the toner image is transferred to the recording medium P, any toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 44 is cleaned by a cleaning unit 46.

[0028] It should be noted that, although the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be capable of forming an image on only one side of the recording medium P, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may be provided with a double-sided conveying path for reversing the recording medium P with an image formed on its first side, so that the image forming apparatus 1 can form images on both sides of the recording medium P.

[0029] [1-3. Detailed configuration of the developing container] Next, the developing container 100 and its peripheral configuration will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. As shown in Figure 3, the developing container 100 is composed of a storage section 48 and a toner receiving section 110. The toner receiving section 110 has an operation section 111 (not shown in Figure 3), a cylindrical section 112, a connection section 120 that connects the cylindrical section 112 and the storage section 48, and a main body shutter 116. A side opening 115 that leads to the connection section 120 is formed in the inner wall of the cylindrical section 112.

[0030] 4, a supply pack 200, which will be described later, is attached to the toner receiving portion 110, and toner discharged from the supply pack 200 is supplied to the storage portion 48 through an opening 118 in the main body shutter 116, a side opening 115 in the cylindrical portion 112, and a connecting portion 120. As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting portion 120 is connected to one end of the storage portion 48 in the longitudinal direction of the developing container 100, i.e., in the X direction.

[0031] 3 and 4, the main body shutter 116 is a cylindrical member concentric with the cylindrical portion 112, and is rotatably provided inside the cylindrical portion 112. The main body shutter 116 has an opening 118, and is movable between an open position where the opening 118 and the side opening 115 are aligned, and a closed position where the side surface of the main body shutter 116 blocks the side opening 115. A sealing member may be provided on the side surface of the main body shutter 116 so as to surround the periphery of the opening 118.

[0032] Furthermore, a protrusion 117 is formed on the inner surface of the main body shutter 116, protruding radially inward in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the main body shutter 116. The protrusion 117, which will be described in detail later, is used to receive driving force from the supply pack 200 and rotate the main body shutter 116. When the supply pack 200 is attached to the toner receiving portion 110, the operation portion 111 is rotated from the operating position (the position shown in FIG. 7) to the supply position, and the main body shutter 116 moves between the closed position and the open position. Note that at least a portion of the supply pack 200 is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 when attached to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0033] The operating part 111 is provided with a protrusion 111d (see FIG. 7) that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical part 112. The protrusion 111d is configured to be engageable with a protrusion 117 of the main body shutter 116 via a pair of drive transmission surfaces 214b (see FIG. 5(a)) of the pack shutter 214 of the supply pack 200. The main body shutter 116 moves from the closed position to the closed position when the lever part 111b of the operating part 111 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise by the user.

[0034] When forming an image on the recording medium P, the toner is stirred in the storage unit 48 by the stirring member 60 (see FIG. 4), and the side opening 115 must be closed by the main body shutter 116 to prevent the toner from leaking out from the side opening 115. Therefore, during image formation, the operation unit 111 is located in the operating position so that the main body shutter 116 is located in the closed position. On the other hand, when replenishing toner from the replenishing pack 200 to the storage unit 48, the side opening 115 must be opened. Therefore, during toner replenishing, the operation unit 111 is located in the replenishing position so that the main body shutter 116 is located in the open position. The operation unit 111 is restricted in rotation by a restricting member (not shown) so that it does not rotate further counterclockwise from the replenishing position.

[0035] When the supply pack 200 is not attached, the operation unit 111 is normally restricted in its rotational direction by a locking mechanism 150, which will be described later. This locking mechanism 150 prevents a situation in which the supply pack 200 cannot be attached due to a phase misalignment between the protrusion 111d (see FIG. 7) provided on the operation unit 111 and the protrusion 117 provided on the main body shutter 116 before the supply pack 200 is attached.

[0036] 4, an agitator 60 is provided inside the storage section 48, which rotates around a rotation shaft 60a extending in the X direction. The agitator 60 is fixed to the rotation shaft 60a and has a sheet-like blade portion 60b that is long in the direction of the rotation shaft. When driven to rotate by a drive motor 65, the agitator 60 agitates the toner in the storage section 48 and transports the toner toward the developing roller 45. In the present embodiment, the agitator 60 is composed of the rotation shaft 60a and the blade portion 60b, but a spiral-shaped agitator may also be used as a configuration that distributes the toner throughout the entire length of the storage section 48.

[0037] Furthermore, the agitating member 60 circulates within the container 48 the toner that has not been used for development and has been scraped off from the developing roller 45, thereby homogenizing the toner within the container 48. The agitating member 60 is not limited to a rotating type. For example, an agitating member that oscillates may also be used. Furthermore, in addition to the agitating member 60, another agitating member may also be provided.

[0038] The container 48 is also provided with a remaining amount detection unit 61 for detecting the amount of toner in the container 48, and the remaining amount detection unit 61 has a light-emitting unit 61a and a light-receiving unit 61b. Light emitted from the light-emitting unit 61a passes through the inside of the container 48 and is received by the light-receiving unit 61b. In other words, the light-emitting unit 61a and the light-receiving unit 61b form an optical path Q1 inside the container 48. The light-emitting unit 61a and the light-receiving unit 61b may have their light-emitting element and light-receiving element disposed inside the container 48, or may have their light-emitting element and light-receiving element disposed outside the container 48, with the light guide unit guiding the light between the inside and outside of the container 48.

[0039] Furthermore, the light-emitting element 61a and the light-receiving element 61b are provided in the central portion of the storage unit 48 in the X direction. By providing the light-emitting element 61a and the light-receiving element 61b in the central portion of the storage unit 48, it is possible to accurately detect the remaining amount of toner in the storage unit 48. That is, although developer (toner) may be unevenly distributed at the ends of the storage unit 48 in the X direction, the central portion of the storage unit 48 has less uneven distribution of developer, making it possible to detect the actual remaining amount of toner.

[0040] In this embodiment, an LED is used for the light-emitting unit 61a, and a phototransistor that is turned on by light from the LED is used for the light-receiving unit 61b, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a halogen lamp or a fluorescent lamp may be used for the light-emitting unit 61a, and a photodiode or an avalanche photodiode may be used for the light-receiving unit 61b.

[0041] The light receiving portion 61b, which is a phototransistor, receives the light emitted from the light emitting portion 61a and outputs a signal (current) corresponding to the amount of light received. This signal is converted into a voltage and input to the processing circuit 90 (see FIG. 2). In other words, the light receiving portion 61b changes its output value based on the amount of toner (developer) contained in the container 48.

[0042] The processing circuit 90 may estimate the remaining amount of toner based on, for example, the proportion of time during which light from the light-emitting element 61a is blocked (by toner) relative to a certain time window while the toner is being agitated. The remaining amount of toner may be detected or estimated by any method, without being limited to the above-described exemplary configuration of the remaining amount detection unit 61. For example, the remaining amount of toner may be estimated by subtracting the cumulative amount of toner used since the previous toner replenishment from the total amount of toner used at the time of the previous toner replenishment. The processing circuit 90 may also derive the amount of toner used based on statistical values ​​related to image formation operations, such as the number of recording media consumed by printing or pixel counts.

[0043] [1-4. Supply Pack Composition] Next, the configuration of the supply pack 200 will be described with reference to Figures 5(a) and 5(b). Figure 5(a) is a perspective view showing the supply pack 200 when the pack shutter 214 is in the closed position, and Figure 5(b) is a perspective view showing the supply pack 200 when the pack shutter 214 is in the open position.

[0044] 5(a) and 5(b), the replenishing pack 200 has a pouch portion 211, which is a bag containing the toner to be replenished, a cylindrical nozzle 212 that is inserted into the attachment opening 114 (see FIG. 6(b)), and a pack shutter 214. The nozzle 212 has a grip portion 215 that is connected to the opening of the bag-shaped pouch portion 211, and the pouch portion 211 has a grip portion 215. The pouch portion 211 communicates with the nozzle 212 via a nozzle hole 215. The nozzle 212 has an opening 213 through which the toner in the pouch portion 211 is discharged to the outside. The pouch portion 211 is made of a plastic bag that is easily deformed, and is designed to be easily pressed to move the consumable material (toner) in the pouch portion 211 in the direction of gravity or to loosen the consumable material. The pouch portion 211 is not limited to this configuration and may be made of any material such as resin, paper, or vinyl, and may have any shape such as a bottle, cylinder, or box. The grip portion 215 has a rigidity that is sufficiently greater than that of the pouch portion 211, making it suitable for the user to grip when attaching the refill pack 200 to the image forming apparatus 1. The grip portion 215 may be configured separately from the nozzle 212.

[0045] The pack shutter 214 is a cylindrical member concentric with the nozzle 212 and is provided radially outward of the nozzle 212. The pack shutter 214 has an opening 214c, and by rotating relative to the nozzle 212, it can transition between a closed position that blocks the opening 213 of the nozzle 212 and an open position that opens the opening 213. When the opening 214c of the pack shutter 214 and the opening 213 of the nozzle 212 overlap, toner can be replenished from the replenishment pack 200 to the toner receiving section 110.

[0046] A seal member 231 that can slide against the outer circumferential surface of the nozzle 212 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the pack shutter 214, and the seal member 231 blocks the opening 213 of the nozzle 212 when the pack shutter 214 is in the closed position.

[0047] Furthermore, part of the edge that forms opening 214c of pack shutter 214 constitutes drive transmission surface 214b. Drive transmission surface 214b receives a force in the circumferential direction from protrusion 111d of operation unit 111, causing pack shutter 214 to rotate relative to nozzle 212.

[0048] The drive transmission surface 214b of the pack shutter 214 engages with the protrusion 111d of the operating unit 111 and also engages with the protrusion 117 of the main body shutter 116. The pack shutter 214 moves (rotates) due to the operating (operating) force of the operating unit 111, and transmits the operating force to the main body shutter 116, causing the main body shutter 116 to move as well.

[0049] [1-5. Toner Refill] Next, the connection of the supply pack 200 to the toner receiving unit 110 will be described with reference to Figures 6(a) to 7. The discharge tray 82 is supported so as to be able to open and close at a closed position where a recording medium P can be loaded as shown in Figure 6(a) and an open position where it is open relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 as shown in Figure 6(b). In the closed position, the discharge tray 82 covers the mounting opening 114 of the toner receiving unit 110. In other words, the discharge tray 82 serves as a shielding member that shields the mounting opening 114.

[0050] When the discharge tray 82 is opened to the open position, the top surface 240 and the toner receiving portion 110 arranged on the top surface 240 are exposed. As shown in FIG. 7 , the toner receiving portion 110 is configured to have a detachable supply pack 200, so that a user or a service person can replenish toner from the outside without removing the developing container 100 from the housing of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0051] 6(b) and 7, the operation unit 111 is disposed on the top surface 240 and forms an insertion opening 114 for replenishing toner. The operation unit 111 also has a lever 111b that is operated by the user and the above-mentioned protrusion 117. The operation unit 111 is a member for operating the main body shutter 116 and the pack shutter 214 to open and close from the outside.

[0052] Next, a procedure for replenishing toner as a consumable material using the replenishing pack 200 will be described. First, the user removes the recording medium P from the discharge tray 82 and opens the discharge tray 82 from the closed position to the open position. This exposes the toner receiving section 110. The toner receiving section 110 is provided on the upper front surface of the image forming apparatus 1, making it easy to replenishing toner.

[0053] When the discharge tray 82 is opened to the open position and the toner receiving portion 110 is exposed, the rotation of the operation portion 111 is restricted by a locking mechanism 150, which will be described later. The operation portion 111 is positioned at the operating position.

[0054] The user aligns the protrusion 111d on the toner receiving portion 110 with the opening 214c on the supply pack 200, and then attaches the supply pack 200 to the toner receiving portion 110. If the positions of the protrusion 111d and the opening 214c do not match, the supply pack 200 will interfere with the protrusion 111d, and the supply pack 200 cannot be inserted.

[0055] When the supply pack 200 is inserted all the way into the toner receiving portion 110, the drive transmission surface 214b of the pack shutter 214 engages with the protrusion 111d of the operation portion 111. The drive transmission surface 214b of the pack shutter 214 also engages with the protrusion 117 of the main body shutter 116.

[0056] That is, the rotation of the operating unit 111 is transmitted to the pack shutter 214, and the rotation of the pack shutter 214 is transmitted to the main body shutter 116. As a result, the main body shutter 116 and the pack shutter 214 engage with each other and become integrated, and the operating unit 111, pack shutter 214, and main body shutter 116 move in conjunction with each other. When the locking mechanism 150 releases the lock on the operating unit 111, the operating unit 111 becomes rotatable. Note that when the supply pack 200 is not attached to the toner receiving unit 110, the operating unit 111 and the main body shutter 116 do not move in conjunction with each other.

[0057] Then, the user rotates lever portion 111b of operation portion 111 counterclockwise by 90 degrees. This rotates operation portion 111 from the operating position to the replenishing position, and pack shutter 214 and main body shutter 116 rotate from the closed position to the open position. As a result, opening 214c of pack shutter 214, opening 213 of nozzle 212 of replenishing pack 200, opening 118 of main body shutter 116, and side opening 115 of cylindrical portion 112 are aligned. This causes toner in replenishing pack 200 to be discharged into storage portion 48 through connecting portion 120.

[0058] In other words, when the operating portion 111 is located at the replenishing position, the toner receiving portion 110 is in a replenishment state in which toner can be replenished from the replenishing pack 200 to the storage portion 48. At this time, the opening 213 of the replenishing pack 200 and the side opening 115 of the cylindrical portion 112 communicate with each other. In other words, the toner replenishment path from the replenishing pack 200 to the storage portion 48 is opened.

[0059] When the toner supply from the supply pack 200 to the storage unit 48 is complete, the user returns the operating unit 111 from the supply position to the operating position. That is, the user rotates the lever portion 111b of the operating unit 111 clockwise by 90 degrees. This causes the pack shutter 214 and the main body shutter 116 to rotate from the open position to the closed position.

[0060] In other words, when the operating portion 111 is in the operating position, the toner receiving portion 110 is in a non-supplyable state in which toner can be supplied from the supply pack 200 to the storage portion 48. At this time, the opening 213 of the supply pack 200 and the side opening 115 of the cylindrical portion 112 do not communicate with each other.

[0061] The user then removes the supply pack 200 from the toner receiving section 110. In this manner, when the supply pack 200 is removed from the toner receiving section 110, the pack shutter 214 is in the closed position, thereby preventing toner from leaking from the opening 213 of the supply pack 200.

[0062] [1-6. Locking mechanism explanation] Next, the locking mechanism 150 provided in the toner receiving unit 110 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 8(b). Figure 8(a) is a bottom view showing the locking member 152 positioned at the locked position, and Figure 8(b) is a bottom view showing the locking member 152 positioned at the unlocked position.

[0063] 8(a) and 8(b), the locking mechanism 150 has a locking member 152, a protrusion 111k, and a solenoid 155. The locking member 152 is rotatably supported by a shaft 151 supported by the housing of the image forming apparatus 1, and has a tip 153 that can engage with the protrusion 111k. The protrusion 111k is provided integrally with the operation unit 111, and engagement between the locking member 152 and the protrusion 111k restricts rotation of the operation unit 111.

[0064] The locking member 152 is configured to be rotatable between a locked position (position shown in FIG. 8(a)) where it overlaps with the rotation trajectory of the protrusion 111k, and an unlocked position (position shown in FIG. 8(b)) where it is retracted from the rotation trajectory of the protrusion 111k. That is, the locked position is a position where the rotation of the operating unit 111 is restricted, and the unlocked position is a position where the rotation of the operating unit 111 is permitted. The locking member 152 is biased to the locked position by a spring (not shown), and is moved to the unlocked position against the biasing force of the spring by energizing the solenoid 155.

[0065] When the locking member 152 is in the locked position, even if the user attempts to operate the operating unit 111 in the direction of arrow Rc, the tip 153 of the locking member 152 engages with the protrusion 111k of the operating unit 111, thereby restricting the rotation of the operating unit 111. Because the rotation of the operating unit 111 from the operating position to the supply position is restricted, the rotation of the pack shutter 214 and the main body shutter 116 from the closed position to the open position is also restricted.

[0066] On the other hand, when the locking member 152 is in the unlocked position, the tip 153 is retracted from the rotation trajectory of the protrusion 111k, and therefore the rotation of the locking member 152 is not restricted. Therefore, by attaching the supply pack 200 to the toner receiving unit 110 and rotating the operation unit 111 from the operating position to the supply position, the pack shutter 214 and the main body shutter 116 can be rotated from the closed position to the open position.

[0067] In other words, when the locking member 152 is in the locked position, the locking mechanism 150 is in a locked state that restricts the rotation of the operating unit 111. When the locking member 152 is in the unlocked position, the locking mechanism 150 is in an unlocked state that does not restrict the rotation of the operating unit 111. The solenoid 155 is controlled by the processing circuit 90. The conditions under which the locking mechanism 150 is in the unlocked state will be described later.

[0068] The configuration of the locking mechanism 150 is not limited to the above example, and may be any mechanical, electromagnetic, electrical, or software mechanism. For example, the locking member 152 may be driven by a motor or other type of actuator instead of the solenoid 155. When a locking mechanism that operates under computer control without relying on user operation is employed, the locked and unlocked states of the locking mechanism may be realized simply by program code.

[0069] 7, an indicator 125 is provided near the operation unit 111. The indicator 125 is configured to change its display depending on the position of the locking member 152, for example, and indicates to the user whether the locking mechanism 150 is in a locked state or an unlocked state. The indicator 125 may be configured, for example, with an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) provided inside the housing and a window through which light from the LED passes. When the indicator 125 shows that the locking mechanism 150 is in an unlocked state, the user can rotate the operation unit 111 to open the toner supply path.

[0070] [1-7. Example of image forming device configuration] 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a control block of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a communication I / F 11, a memory 12, a user I / F 13, an image forming unit 40, an opening / closing mechanism 51, a locking mechanism 150, and a processing circuit 90.

[0071] The processing circuit 90 has a CPU 94 that executes various programs. The communication I / F 11 is an interface that enables the image forming apparatus 1 to communicate with other apparatuses. For example, under the control of the processing circuit 90, the communication I / F 11 notifies a remote service provider apparatus of the printer status of the various image forming apparatuses, including toner remaining amount information indicating the amount of toner remaining.

[0072] The memory 12 may include any type of storage medium, such as semiconductor memory such as ROM or RAM, an optical disk, or a magnetic disk. The memory 12 may also include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory 12 stores one or more computer programs executed by the processing circuit 90 and various data. Note that the memory 12 may be located on the processing circuit 90.

[0073] The user I / F 13 may include an input device for accepting operations and information input by a user and a display device for displaying images and information. For example, the user I / F 13 may include one or more of a touch panel, a keypad, a button, a switch, a microphone, and a speaker. The user I / F 13 may be treated as an operation terminal integrated into the image forming apparatus 1.

[0074] As described with reference to Fig. 2, the image forming unit 40 consumes the toner stored in the storage unit 48 to form an image on a recording medium. The opening / closing mechanism 51 is a mechanism that can open and close a supply path 50 (see Fig. 4) from the supply pack 200 connected to the toner receiving unit 110 to the storage unit 48. The operating unit 111 including the lever portion 111b and the protrusion 111d, the pack shutter 214 of the supply pack 200, and the main body shutter 116 are examples of the opening / closing mechanism 51.

[0075] The locking mechanism 150 unlocks the opening / closing mechanism 51 based on an unlock command from the CPU 94. For example, the CPU 94 may energize the solenoid 155 of the locking mechanism 150 to rotate the locking member 152 as shown in the example of FIG. 8(b). This allows the user to rotate the main body shutter 116 and the pack shutter 214 of the supply pack 200 together with the operating unit 111 to open the supply path 50.

[0076] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the toner supply path 50 is opened by a rotational force generated by a user operating the lever portion 111b of the operation unit 111. However, the closing and opening of the supply path 50 may be performed without relying on a user operation. As an example, the image forming apparatus 1 may include a pack sensor that detects that the supply pack 200 is connected to the toner receiving unit 110, and a drive motor that generates a drive force for rotating the operation unit 111. In this example, the processing circuit 90 may operate the drive motor, and rotate the operation unit 111 with the rotational force of the drive motor to open the supply path 50, on the condition that the pack sensor detects that the supply pack 200 is connected to the toner receiving unit 110.

[0077] Furthermore, the above-described opening / closing mechanism 51 has been described with reference to an example including a rotating pack shutter 214 and a main body shutter 116, but is not limited thereto. For example, instead of these rotating shutters, a linearly movable shutter may be employed, or an opening / closing mechanism other than a shutter, such as a valve, may be employed. Furthermore, the opening / closing mechanism 51 may be provided in at least one of a storage device such as the supply pack 200 and the image forming apparatus. That is, the supply path from the storage device to the image forming apparatus may be always open on one side of the storage device or the image forming apparatus, and may be opened or closed only on the other side. Alternatively, the supply path may be opened or closed on both the storage device and the image forming apparatus, as in the above-described example. Furthermore, a sensor may be additionally provided to detect the user's operation of the opening / closing mechanism or the state (open or closed) of the opening / closing mechanism.

[0078] Furthermore, the opening / closing mechanism 51 may be capable of being inhibited from operating directly or indirectly (by user operation or automatically) by the locking mechanism 150. As with the opening / closing mechanism, the locking mechanism may also be provided in at least one of the storage device and the image forming apparatus.

[0079] Furthermore, a leakage prevention member such as a lid or cap to prevent toner leakage may be attached to the mounting port 114 of the image forming apparatus 1 or the opening 213 of the supply pack 200. Such a leakage prevention member may be freely removable by the user at any time.

[0080] First Embodiment 2. Different Types of Image Forming Apparatus and Refill Packs Here, we will explain registered image forming apparatus 400 and standard image forming apparatus 500, which have substantially the same configuration as image forming apparatus 1 described above, and registered replenishment pack 1200 and standard replenishment pack 501, which have substantially the same configuration as replenishment pack 200. The registered image forming apparatus 400, standard image forming apparatus 500, registered replenishment pack 1200, and standard replenishment pack 501 constitute a replenishment system for replenishing toner as a consumable material. Differences between the registered image forming apparatus 400 and standard image forming apparatus 500 and the image forming apparatus 1, and differences between the registered replenishment pack 1200 and standard replenishment pack 501 and the replenishment pack 200 will be described later.

[0081] The registered image forming apparatus 400 and the registered replenishment pack 1200 are an image forming apparatus and a replenishment pack that correspond to a predetermined service, such as a subscription service. Here, a subscription service is, for example, a service in which a user registers the image forming apparatus they use online in advance and pays a certain amount of money to a dealer to print a preset number of pages. The registered replenishment pack 1200 is automatically shipped to the user when, for example, the remaining toner in the registered image forming apparatus 400 is low or when a delivery timing based on the subscription service contract arrives, or is shipped arbitrarily upon a user's order. In other words, the registered replenishment pack 1200 is a service-specific replenishment pack that is shipped in accordance with the subscription service contract.

[0082] On the other hand, the standard image forming device 500 and the standard replenishment pack 501 are an image forming device and a replenishment pack that do not support a predetermined service such as a subscription service. As described above, the registered replenishment pack 1200 is a dedicated product that is shipped in accordance with a subscription service contract, while the standard replenishment pack 501 is a replenishment pack that is sold in the general market, for example, at electronics retail stores or e-commerce sites. Note that the registered image forming device 400 and the standard image forming device 500 may be sold in the general market, such as electronics retail stores or e-commerce sites, as in the past, or may be available for purchase from a manufacturer's direct sales site; there are no particular restrictions on how they can be obtained.

[0083] Generally, when using the registered replenishment pack 1200 and the registered image forming apparatus 400, the user registers with the management server and can enjoy benefits not available when using the standard replenishment pack 501 and the standard image forming apparatus 500. For example, by signing a contract for continued use for a certain period of time, there are cost benefits such as low running costs, and the user can experience easy maintenance, such as automatic shipping and delivery to the user when consumables (in this embodiment, for example, the registered replenishment pack 1200) run low. The benefits listed here are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0084] A user who owns a registered image forming apparatus 400 can obtain a registered replenishment pack 1200 by subscribing to the subscription service described above. However, if the same user also owns a standard image forming apparatus 500, there is a possibility that a registered image forming apparatus 400 and a standard image forming apparatus 500 exist in the same environment. In such a case, if the user accidentally uses the registered replenishment pack 1200 sent to the user in the standard image forming apparatus 500, it would be difficult to remove the toner replenished in one batch from the standard image forming apparatus 500. Furthermore, since the dealer has already sent the registered replenishment pack 1200 to the user, if the dealer is required to send a new registered replenishment pack 1200 in response to a user's contact, the process could become complicated, such as charging the user an additional fee. Furthermore, there is a time lag before the new registered replenishment pack 1200 arrives at the user's hands, and the user is unable to use the registered image forming apparatus 400 during that time, resulting in a period during which the user is unable to benefit from the subscription service. In other words, it is desirable that the standard image forming apparatus 500 be managed so that the standard supply pack 501 can be used, but the registered supply pack 1200 cannot be used.

[0085] On the other hand, there are cases where a user who owns a registered image forming device 400 wants to use the standard replenishment pack 501 for the registered image forming device 400. For example, this may be the case when the user has signed a contract to receive the registered replenishment pack 1200 periodically at a fixed price. If the print volume temporarily increases for a certain period, it is conceivable that the toner in the registered image forming device 400 will run out before the next registered replenishment pack 1200 is delivered in accordance with the subscription service contract. In such cases, the user may want to use the easily available standard replenishment pack 501, even if only temporarily. In other words, it is desirable that both the standard replenishment pack 501 and the registered replenishment pack 1200 be available for the registered image forming device 400.

[0086] To summarize, the combinations of image forming apparatuses and refill packs shown in Table 1 are desirable. [Table 1]

[0087] [2-1. Registered image forming apparatus and registered supply pack] FIG. 10(a) is a perspective view showing the operation unit 1111 of the registered image forming apparatus 400, FIG. 10(b) is a perspective view showing the registered supply pack 1200, and FIG. 10(c) is another perspective view showing the registered supply pack 1200. FIG. 11(a) is a plan view showing the operation unit 1111 of the registered image forming apparatus 400, and FIG. 11(b) is a plan view showing the pack shutter 1214 of the registered supply pack 1200. FIG. 11(c) is a plan view showing the operation unit 811 of the standard image forming apparatus 500, and FIG. 11(d) is a plan view showing the pack shutter 714 of the standard supply pack 501. FIG. 12(a) is a perspective view showing the process of the registered supply pack 1200 being attached to the attachment opening 1114, and FIG. 12(b) is another perspective view showing the process of the registered supply pack 1200 being attached to the attachment opening 1114.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 11(a), the toner receiving unit 1110 of the registered image forming apparatus 400 serving as the second image forming apparatus has an operation unit 1111. The operation unit 1111 has a mounting opening 1114 serving as a second mounting opening, a groove 611 serving as a second groove provided in the protruding portion 111d, and a groove 612 serving as a third groove provided at a position approximately 180° different from that of the groove 611 in the circumferential direction. The grooves 611 and 612 are continuous with the mounting opening 1114 and are included in the mounting opening 1114. In other words, the mounting opening 1114 has a substantially circular opening, and the grooves 611 and 612 are provided in the opening such that their phases are approximately 180° different from each other. The grooves 611 and 612 each extend radially outward from the center of the mounting opening 1114. The operating unit 1111 is also provided with a slide member 615 that is arranged to overlap the groove 611 in the mounting direction M of the registration-type supply pack 1200, and that is slidable in the direction of arrow F when pressed by a convex portion 621 of the registration-type supply pack 1200, which will be described later. At least one of the convex portion 621 and the slide member 615 has a tapered surface that is located at the contact portion between the convex portion 621 and the slide member 615. The tapered surface is inclined with respect to the mounting direction M. When not pressed by the convex portion 621, the slide member 615, which serves as a second moving member, is biased to a standby position by, for example, a spring (not shown), and is moved to a moving position, which serves as a second position, when pressed by the convex portion 621.

[0089] Operation unit 1111 has the same configuration as operation unit 111 (see FIG. 7) described above, except that it has grooves 611, 612, and slide member 615. Furthermore, toner receiving unit 1110 has the same configuration as toner receiving unit 110 (see FIG. 3), except that it has operation unit 1111 instead of operation unit 111.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 10(b), 10(c) and 11(b), the pack shutter 1214 of the registered type supply pack 1200 serving as the second storage device has a protrusion 621 and a protrusion 622 located at a position approximately 180° apart from the protrusion 621 in the circumferential direction. The protrusions 621 and 622 extend in directions intersecting the mounting direction M of the registered type supply pack 1200. The pack shutter 1214 and the nozzle 212 of the registered type supply pack 1200 constitute an interface unit 1300 serving as a second interface unit that can be mounted to the mounting opening 1114. The interface unit 1300 is located at the downstream end of the registered type supply pack 1200 in the mounting direction M. In this embodiment, the mounting direction M faces downward in the direction of gravity, and therefore the interface unit 1300 is located at the lower end of the registered type supply pack 1200 when mounted to the mounting opening 1114.

[0091] Convex portion 621 as the second convex portion is configured to be insertable into groove 611 of operating portion 1111, and convex portion 622 as the third convex portion is configured to be insertable into groove 612 of operating portion 1111. Note that pack shutter 1214 has the same configuration as pack shutter 214 described above (see FIGS. 5(a) and (b)), except for having convex portion 621 and convex portion 622.

[0092] 12(a) and 12(b), when attaching the registration-type replenishment pack 1200 to the attachment opening 1114, the user aligns the convex portions 621 and 622 of the pack shutter 1214 with the grooves 611 and 612 of the operating portion 1111, respectively. Note that the registration-type replenishment pack 1200 is provided with a gripping portion 215 that is more rigid than the pouch portion 211, so the user can easily attach the registration-type replenishment pack 1200 to the attachment opening 1114 by gripping the gripping portion 215. In the circumferential direction of the operating portion 1111, a width 611t of the groove 611 is larger than a width 621t of the convex portion 621. In addition, in the circumferential direction of the operating portion 1111, a width 612t of the groove 612 is larger than a width 622t of the convex portion 622.

[0093] Therefore, when the registration type supply pack 1200 is attached to the attachment opening 1114, the protrusions 621 and 622 can be inserted into the grooves 611 and 612 without interfering with each other. In other words, the interface section 1300 of the registration type supply pack 1200 can be attached to the attachment opening 1114 of the registration type image forming apparatus 400. When the registration type supply pack 1200 is attached to the attachment opening 1114 and the protrusions 621 are inserted into the grooves 611, the slide member 615, which is arranged to overlap the grooves 611, is pressed by the protrusions 621 and moves in the direction of arrow F from the standby position to the moving position.

[0094] When the slide member 615 moves from the standby position to the moving position, the solenoid 155 (see FIG. 8(a)) of the lock mechanism 150 is activated, and the lock mechanism 150 enters an unlocked state. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a sensor (not shown) is turned ON when the slide member 615 moves from the standby position in the direction of arrow F, and the solenoid 155 is activated based on the sensor being turned ON.

[0095] When the locking mechanism 150 of the standard image forming apparatus 500 is in an unlocked state, i.e., when the locking member 152 serving as a second restricting unit moves from a locked position serving as a second restricting position to an unlocked position serving as a second allowing position, the operating unit 1111 becomes rotatable. In other words, the pack shutter 1214 and the main body shutter 116 serving as second opening / closing units interlocked with the operating unit 1111 become openable and closable. The pack shutter 1214 and the main body shutter 116 are configured to open and close the supply path 50 (see FIG. 4 ) serving as a second supply path for consumables (toner) from the registered-type supply pack 1200 to the registered-type image forming apparatus 400. Note that, although both the pack shutter 1214 and the main body shutter 116 are provided in this embodiment, either one may be used. Then, when the user rotates the operating unit 1111 from the operating position to the supply position and opens the pack shutter 1214 and the main body shutter 116, the registered-type supply pack 1200 becomes able to replenish toner.

[0096] [2-2. Standard Supply Pack] Fig. 13(a) is a perspective view showing the standard supply pack 501, and Fig. 13(b) is another perspective view showing the standard supply pack 501. As shown in Fig. 11(d) and Figs. 13(a) and 13(b), the pack shutter 714 of the standard supply pack 501 as a first containing device has a protrusion 721 as a first protrusion. The protrusion 721 extends in a direction intersecting the mounting direction M of the standard supply pack 501. Note that no protrusion like the above-mentioned protrusion 622 is provided at a position approximately 180° different from the protrusion 721 in the circumferential direction of the pack shutter 714.

[0097] The pack shutter 714 and nozzle 212 of the standard replenishment pack 501 constitute an interface unit 503 as a first interface unit that can be attached to an attachment opening 514 of a standard image forming apparatus 500, which will be described later. The interface unit 503 is provided at the downstream end of the standard replenishment pack 501 in the attachment direction M. In this embodiment, the attachment direction M faces downward in the direction of gravity, and therefore the interface unit 503 is provided at the lower end of the standard replenishment pack 501 when attached to the attachment opening 514. The pack shutter 714 has the same configuration as the above-mentioned pack shutter 214 (see FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b)), except for having a protrusion 721.

[0098] 14(a) is a perspective view showing the process of the standard supply pack 501 being attached to the attachment opening 1114 of the registered image forming device 400. FIG. 14(b) is another perspective view showing the process of the standard supply pack 501 being attached to the attachment opening 1114 of the registered image forming device 400.

[0099] 14(a) and 14(b), when attaching the standard refill pack 501 to the attachment opening 1114, the user aligns the convex portion 721 of the pack shutter 714 with the groove 611 of the operating portion 1111. In the circumferential direction of the operating portion 1111, the width 611t of the groove 611 is greater than the width 721t of the convex portion 721. Furthermore, the pack shutter 714 does not have a convex portion on the groove 612 side.

[0100] Therefore, when the standard refill pack 501 is attached to the attachment opening 1114, the protrusion 721 can be inserted without interfering with the groove 611. In other words, the interface portion 503 of the standard refill pack 501 can be attached to the attachment opening 1114 of the registered image forming apparatus 400. When the standard refill pack 501 is attached to the attachment opening 1114 and the protrusion 721 is inserted into the groove 611, the slide member 615 provided inside the groove 611 is pressed by the protrusion 721 and moves in the direction of arrow F from the standby position to the moving position. As a result, as described above, the locking mechanism 150 is unlocked, and the standard refill pack 501 becomes able to replenish toner.

[0101] [2-3. Standard image forming device] Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the operation unit 811 of the standard image forming device 500. Fig. 16(a) is a perspective view showing the process of the standard replenishment pack 501 being attached to the attachment opening 514 of the standard image forming device 500. Fig. 16(b) is another perspective view showing the process of the standard replenishment pack 501 being attached to the attachment opening 514 of the standard image forming device 500.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 11(c) and 15, the toner receiving unit 2110 of the standard image forming apparatus 500 serving as the first image forming apparatus has an operating unit 811. The operating unit 811 has an attachment opening 514 serving as a first attachment opening and a groove 911 serving as a first groove provided in the protruding portion 111d. The operating unit 811 does not have a groove at a position approximately 180° apart from the groove 911 in the circumferential direction. The groove 911 is continuous with the attachment opening 514 and is included in the attachment opening 514. In other words, the attachment opening 514 has a substantially circular opening, and the groove 911 is provided in the opening. The groove 911 extends radially outward from the center of the attachment opening 514. The operating unit 811 has a sliding member 915 provided inside the groove 911, and is slidable in the direction of arrow F when pressed by the protruding portion 721 of the standard refill pack 501. At least one of the convex portion 721 and the slide member 915 has a tapered surface that is disposed at the contact portion between the convex portion 721 and the slide member 915. The tapered surface is inclined with respect to the mounting direction M. Furthermore, when not pressed by the convex portion 721, the slide member 915 serving as the first moving member is biased to a standby position by, for example, a spring (not shown), and when pressed by the convex portion 721, it moves to a moving position serving as the first position.

[0103] The operation unit 811 has the same configuration as the operation unit 111 (see FIG. 7) described above, except that it has a groove 911 and a slide member 915. The toner receiving unit 2110 also has the same configuration as the toner receiving unit 110 (see FIG. 3), except that it has an operation unit 811 instead of the operation unit 111.

[0104] As shown in Figures 16(a) and 16(b), when installing the standard refill pack 501 in the installation opening 514 of the standard image forming device 500, the user aligns the convex portion 721 of the pack shutter 714 with the groove 911 of the operating portion 811. Note that the standard refill pack 501 is provided with a gripping portion 215 that is more rigid than the pouch portion 211, so the user can easily install the standard refill pack 501 in the installation opening 514 by gripping the gripping portion 215. In the circumferential direction of the operating portion 811, the width 911t of the groove 911 (see Figure 11(c)) is greater than the width 721t of the convex portion 721 (see Figure 11(d)).

[0105] Therefore, when standard refill pack 501 is attached to attachment opening 514, convex portion 721 can be inserted without interfering with groove 911. In other words, interface portion 503 of standard refill pack 501 can be attached to attachment opening 514 of standard image forming device 500. When standard refill pack 501 is attached to attachment opening 514 and convex portion 721 is inserted into groove 911, slide member 915, which is arranged to overlap groove 911, is pressed by convex portion 721 and moves in the direction of arrow F from the standby position to the moving position.

[0106] When the slide member 915 moves from the standby position to the moving position, the solenoid 155 (see FIG. 8(a)) of the lock mechanism 150 is activated, and the lock mechanism 150 is put into an unlocked state. For example, a sensor (not shown) may be turned on when the slide member 915 moves from the standby position to the moving position, and the solenoid 155 may be activated based on the sensor being turned on.

[0107] When the locking mechanism 150 of the standard image forming apparatus 500 is in an unlocked state, i.e., when the locking member 152 serving as a first restricting unit moves from a locked position serving as a first restricting position to an unlocked position serving as a first allowing position, the operating unit 811 becomes rotatable. In other words, the pack shutter 714 and the main body shutter 116 serving as first opening / closing units linked with the operating unit 811 become openable and closable. The pack shutter 714 and the main body shutter 116 are configured to open and close the supply path 50 (see FIG. 4 ) serving as a first supply path for consumables (toner) from the standard supply pack 501 to the standard image forming apparatus 500. Note that, although both the pack shutter 714 and the main body shutter 116 are provided in this embodiment, either one may be used. Then, when the user rotates the operating unit 811 from the operating position to the supply position and opens the pack shutter 714 and the main body shutter 116, the standard supply pack 501 becomes available for supplying toner.

[0108] [2-4. Installing a registered refill pack in a standard image forming device] 17(a) is a perspective view showing the process of mounting the registered type replenishment pack 1200 to the mounting opening 514 of the standard image forming device 500. FIG. 17(b) is another perspective view showing the process of mounting the registered type replenishment pack 1200 to the mounting opening 514 of the standard image forming device 500.

[0109] As described above, the operating portion 811 does not have a groove at a position that is approximately 180° different in the circumferential direction from the groove 911. On the other hand, the pack shutter 1214 of the registered type supply pack 1200 has a protrusion 622 that is provided at a position that is approximately 180° different in the circumferential direction from the protrusion 621.

[0110] As shown in FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b), when a user attempts to attach the registered-type replenishment pack 1200 to the mounting opening 514 of the standard image forming apparatus 500, the protrusion 622 of the registered-type replenishment pack 1200 interferes with the abutment portion W, which is part of the mounting opening 514 of the operation unit 811. Therefore, the registered-type replenishment pack 1200 cannot be attached to the mounting opening 514 of the standard image forming apparatus 500. In other words, the interface portion 1300 of the registered-type replenishment pack 1200 cannot be attached to the mounting opening 514 of the standard image forming apparatus 500. Therefore, the slide member 915 provided on the operation unit 811 cannot move in the direction of arrow F from the standby position to the moving position, and the locking mechanism 150 remains locked. As a result, the registered-type replenishment pack 1200 cannot replenish toner to the standard image forming apparatus 500.

[0111] In the above description, a registration-type image forming apparatus is illustrated in FIG. 10(a), a registration-type refill pack is illustrated in FIG. 10(b)(c), a standard refill pack is illustrated in FIG. 13(a)(b), and a standard image forming apparatus is illustrated in FIG. 15. However, this is not limiting. For example, FIG. 5 may be applied to a registration-type refill pack, FIG. 6 to a registration-type image forming apparatus (without grooves or slide members in the operation section), FIG. 10(a) to a standard image forming apparatus, and FIG. 10(b)(c) to a standard refill pack. In this way, the refill pack in FIG. 5 can be attached to the apparatus body without being restricted by the shape of the attachment opening in FIG. 10(a), while the refill packs in FIG. 10(b)(c) cannot be attached because they do not fit the shape of the attachment opening in FIG. 6. In other words, the same effect can be achieved. Regarding the locking mechanism 150, it is possible to remove it from the apparatus or change the locking criteria.

[0112] As described above, in this embodiment, the mechanical configurations provided in each refill pack and the image forming apparatus can realize the usable / unusable combinations shown in Table 1. Therefore, in a refill-type image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent a storage device for refilling consumables provided through a specified service from being used by an image forming apparatus that is not eligible for the specified service.

[0113] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described, which uses a mechanical configuration different from that of the first embodiment to achieve the usable / unusable combinations shown in Table 1. For this reason, the same configurations as those of the first embodiment will be omitted from the illustrations or will be described with the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0114] [3-1. Registered image forming apparatus and registered supply pack] Figure 18(a) is a plan view showing the operating unit 2111 of the registered image forming apparatus 400 (see Figure 10(a)) according to the second embodiment, and Figure 18(b) is a plan view showing the pack shutter 2214 of the registered supply pack 2200.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 18(a), the operation unit 2111 of the registration-type image forming apparatus 400 (see FIG. 10(a)) has a mounting opening 2114 as a second mounting opening and a groove 2611 as a second groove provided in the protruding portion 111d. The groove 2611 is continuous with the mounting opening 2114 and is included in the mounting opening 2114. In other words, the mounting opening 2114 has a substantially circular opening, and the opening has grooves 2611 and 2612 that are arranged so that their phases are approximately 180 degrees apart. The grooves 2611 and 2612 each extend radially outward from the center of the mounting opening 2114. The operation unit 2111 also has a slide member 615 that is arranged to overlap the groove 2611 in the mounting direction M of the registration-type supply pack 2200. The slide member 615 is pressed by a protrusion 2621 (described later) to slide in the direction of arrow F.

[0116] As shown in Figure 18(b), the registered type supply pack 2200 has an interface part 2300 as a second interface part that includes the nozzle 212 (see Figure 5(b)) and the pack shutter 2214. The pack shutter 2214 has a convex part 2621 as a second convex part provided on the outer peripheral surface, and the convex part 2621 is configured to be insertable into the groove 2611.

[0117] When attaching the interface portion 2300 of the registered type supply pack 2200 to the attachment opening 2114, the user aligns the convex portion 2621 of the pack shutter 2214 with the groove 2611 of the operating portion 2111. In the circumferential direction of the operating portion 2111, the width 2611t as the second width of the groove 2611 is larger than the width 2621t as the third width of the convex portion 2621.

[0118] Therefore, when the registration-type supply pack 2200 is attached to the attachment opening 2114, the convex portion 2621 can be inserted without interfering with the groove 2611. In other words, the interface portion 2300 of the registration-type supply pack 2200 can be attached to the attachment opening 2114 of the registration-type image forming apparatus 400. When the registration-type supply pack 2200 is attached to the attachment opening 2114 and the convex portion 2621 is inserted into the groove 2611, the slide member 615, which is arranged to overlap the groove 2611, is pressed by the convex portion 2621 and moves in the direction of arrow F from the standby position to the moving position.

[0119] When the slide member 615 moves from the standby position to the moving position, the solenoid 155 (see FIG. 8(a)) of the locking mechanism 150 is activated, and the locking mechanism 150 enters an unlocked state. As a result, the registered type refill pack 2200 becomes able to refill toner.

[0120] [3-2. Standard image forming device and standard refill pack] FIG. 18(c) is a plan view showing the operation unit 2811 of the standard image forming apparatus 500 (see FIG. 15) according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 18(d) is a plan view showing the pack shutter 2714 of the standard supply pack 2501.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 18(c), the operation unit 2811 of the standard image forming apparatus 500 (see FIG. 15) has an attachment opening 2514 as a first attachment opening, and a groove 2911 as a first groove provided in the protruding portion 111d. The groove 2911 is continuous with the attachment opening 2514 and is included in the attachment opening 2514. In other words, the attachment opening 2514 has a substantially circular opening, and the groove 2911 is provided in the opening. The groove 2911 extends radially outward from the center of the attachment opening 2514. The operation unit 2811 also has a slide member 915 that is arranged to overlap the groove 2911 in the attachment direction M of the standard refill pack 2501, and is slidable in the direction of arrow F by being pressed by a protrusion 2721 (described later).

[0122] 18(d), the standard supply pack 2501 has an interface portion 2503 as a first interface portion that includes the nozzle 212 (see FIG. 5(b)) and a pack shutter 2714. The pack shutter 2714 has a convex portion 2721 as a first convex portion provided on the outer circumferential surface, and the convex portion 2721 is configured to be insertable into the groove 2911.

[0123] When attaching the interface portion 2503 of the standard supply pack 2501 to the attachment opening 2514, the user aligns the convex portion 2721 of the pack shutter 2714 with the groove 2911 of the operating portion 2811. In the circumferential direction of the operating portion 2811, a width 2911t as a first width of the groove 2911 is larger than a width 2721t of the convex portion 2721.

[0124] Therefore, when the standard supply pack 2501 is attached to the attachment opening 2514, the convex portion 2721 can be inserted without interfering with the groove 2911. In other words, the interface portion 2503 of the standard supply pack 2501 can be attached to the attachment opening 2514 of the standard image forming apparatus 500. When the standard supply pack 2501 is attached to the attachment opening 2514 and the convex portion 2721 is inserted into the groove 2911, the slide member 915, which is arranged to overlap the groove 2911, is pressed by the convex portion 2721 and moves in the direction of arrow F from the standby position to the moving position.

[0125] When the slide member 915 moves from the standby position to the moving position, the solenoid 155 (see FIG. 8(a)) of the lock mechanism 150 is activated, and the lock mechanism 150 is unlocked. As a result, the standard refill pack 2501 becomes able to refill toner.

[0126] [3-3. Relationship between the widths of each groove and each protrusion] Here, a description will be given of the relationship between the width 2611t of the groove 2611, the width 2911t of the groove 2911, the width 2621t of the convex portion 2621, and the width 2721t of the convex portion 2721. As described above, the width 2611t of the groove 2611 is larger than the width 2621t of the convex portion 2621, and the width 2911t of the groove 2911 is larger than the width 2721t of the convex portion 2721. Furthermore, the width 2621t of the convex portion 2621 is larger than the width 2911t of the groove 2911. Therefore, the relationship between the widths of the grooves and the protrusions is as follows: (width 2721t)<(width 2911t)<(width 2621t)<(width 2611t)

[0127] Due to the relationship between the widths of the grooves and the protrusions, when the standard refill pack 2501 is attached to the attachment opening 2114 of the registered image forming apparatus 400, the protrusion 2721 can be inserted without interfering with the groove 2611. In other words, the interface portion 2503 of the standard refill pack 2501 can be attached to the attachment opening 2114 of the registered image forming apparatus 400. When the standard refill pack 2501 is attached to the attachment opening 2114 and the protrusion 2721 is inserted into the groove 2611, the slide member 615 provided inside the groove 2611 is pressed by the protrusion 2721 and moves in the direction of arrow F from the standby position to the moving position. As a result, as described above, the locking mechanism 150 is unlocked, and the standard refill pack 2501 becomes capable of replenishing toner.

[0128] On the other hand, when a user attempts to attach the registered-type replenishment pack 2200 to the mounting opening 2514 of the standard image forming apparatus 500, the protrusion 2621 of the registered-type replenishment pack 2200 interferes with the groove 2911 of the mounting opening 2514. Therefore, the registered-type replenishment pack 2200 cannot be attached to the mounting opening 2514 of the standard image forming apparatus 500. In other words, the interface unit 2300 of the registered-type replenishment pack 2200 cannot be attached to the mounting opening 2514 of the standard image forming apparatus 500. Therefore, the slide member 915 provided on the operation unit 2811 cannot move in the direction of arrow F from the standby position to the moving position, and the locking mechanism 150 remains locked. As a result, the registered-type replenishment pack 2200 cannot replenish toner to the standard image forming apparatus 500.

[0129] As described above, in this embodiment, the mechanical configurations provided in each refill pack and the image forming apparatus can realize the usable / unusable combinations shown in Table 1. Therefore, in a refill-type image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent a storage device for refilling consumables provided through a specified service from being used by an image forming apparatus that is not eligible for the specified service.

[0130] <Third embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the convex portion 621 in FIG. 10(b) and the convex portion 721 in FIG. 13(a) are arranged above the interface portions 1300 and 503 in the orientation when the supply pack is attached. However, this is not limiting. Examples are shown in FIGS. 19(a) to 20(b). Note that configurations similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted from the illustrations or will be described with the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0131] 19(b) and 19(c), the registration-type supply pack 1200 has a protrusion 3621 that extends to the lower end of the interface section 1300, and a protrusion 622. As shown in FIG. 19(a), the operation section 1111 of the registration-type image forming device 400 has a groove 612 into which the protrusion 3621 can be inserted, and a groove 611 into which the protrusion 622 can be inserted. The registration-type image forming device 400 also has a slide member 615 that moves in the direction of arrow G when pressed by the protrusion 622 inserted into the groove 611.

[0132] 20(b) and 20(c), the standard supply pack 501 has a protrusion 721 similar to the protrusion 622 (see FIG. 10(c)) of the first embodiment. The groove 911 and slide member 915 of the operation unit 811 of the standard image forming apparatus 500 according to this embodiment are shifted in phase by 180 degrees relative to the groove 911 and slide member 915 of the first embodiment. That is, the protrusion 721 of the standard supply pack 501 can be inserted into the groove 911, and the slide member 915 is pressed by the protrusion 721 inserted into the groove 911, thereby moving in the direction of arrow G.

[0133] In this way, the registered refill pack 1200 is configured to be attachable to the registered image forming apparatus 400, and the standard refill pack 501 is configured to be attachable to the standard image forming apparatus 500. Furthermore, the convex portion 721 of the standard refill pack 501 can be inserted into the groove 611 of the registered image forming apparatus 400. Therefore, the standard refill pack 501 is configured to be attachable to the registered image forming apparatus 400 as well.

[0134] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the protrusion 3621 of the registered type replenishment pack 1200 extends to the lower end of the interface unit 1300. When an attempt is made to attach the registered type replenishment pack 1200 to the standard image forming device 500, the protrusion 3621 abuts against the abutment portion W of the operation unit 811. As a result, the registered type replenishment pack 1200 cannot be attached to the standard image forming device 500, and the user can realize at an early stage that the shape of the interface unit of the registered type replenishment pack 1200 does not match the shape of the attachment opening of the standard image forming device 500.

[0135] <Fourth embodiment> Furthermore, the standard refill pack may have a recess extending vertically along its entire interface side, and a protrusion protruding inward beyond the inner diameter of the mounting opening on the main body side on the operation unit, so that the number of recesses and protrusions is greater for the standard type than for the registered type. Note that "standard type" refers to the standard refill pack and standard image forming device, while "registered type" refers to the registered refill pack and registered image forming device. More specifically, with regard to the shape of the refill pack and mounting opening, the registered type is characterized by having more portions with longer radii than the standard type. Here, the radii refer to the distance from the center of the bottom of the cylindrical interface unit or the distance from the center of the circular mounting opening. When the storage device and the image forming device main body are compatible, the protrusions on the mounting opening side (operation unit side) fit into the recesses on the interface unit side, allowing for installation.

[0136] In the replenishment system in each of the above-described embodiments, toner is replenished by attaching a replenishment pack to an attachment port provided in the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, when the replenishment pack is attached to the attachment port, most of the replenishment pack is exposed to the outside of the apparatus body, and only a portion of the interface portion is inserted inside the apparatus body. Furthermore, since this replenishment system is configured to replenish toner from the replenishment pack to the image forming apparatus using gravity, the interface portion is provided downstream of the replenishment pack in the direction of gravity. This replenishment system is characterized in that the above-described mechanical configuration is provided in this interface portion downstream in the direction of gravity to satisfy the relationship between the image forming apparatus and the replenishment pack as shown in Table 1.

[0137] On the other hand, in the case of a conventional removable cartridge system, the cartridge is completely installed inside the device body and is not exposed to the outside of the device body. In other words, if a cartridge-type image forming device is adopted and a specific cartridge cannot be inserted into an incompatible image forming device body, a mechanical structure can be provided anywhere on the cartridge housing. In contrast, the supply pack of this embodiment is designed with the above-mentioned characteristic mechanical structure in mind, even in terms of the position within the supply pack.

[0138] In the case of well-known cartridges containing consumable materials such as toner and functional components such as a developing roller, the installation direction into the image forming apparatus main body is generally perpendicular to or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the functional components. Furthermore, such cartridges generally have a rotating or reciprocating agitation / movement member for agitating / moving the contained consumable materials after installation. In contrast, the storage device of the present invention does not have such functional components. It also does not have a stirring / movement member for agitating / moving the consumable materials within the storage device. In contrast, one end of the storage device is attached to the end of the pouch portion and the other end is attached to the interface portion. The user installs the storage device into the installation opening of the image forming apparatus main body with the end of the pouch portion facing up and the interface portion facing down. This allows the toner contained in the pouch to easily move toward the storage portion 48 by loosening the pouch portion and by gravity. Furthermore, a simple storage device can be realized that does not include a rotating or reciprocating agitation / movement member.

[0139] The user moves the storage device downward in the direction of gravity while roughly maintaining the orientation of the storage device at the time of attachment, and attaches it to the device main body. From the user's perspective, the final attachment orientation of the storage device and the orientation of the storage device at the time of attachment are similar, making the attachment operation intuitively easy to understand. Furthermore, as described above, when the storage device moves in the direction in which the pouch and interface sections are arranged when attached to the device main body (the direction of gravity), the uneven portions on the storage device are restricted or allowed to move by the corresponding uneven portions on the attachment port. During the attachment operation of the storage device to the attachment port, the user can easily confirm the mechanical compatibility of the storage device and the attachment port.

[0140] Furthermore, the user can check the mechanical compatibility before operating the operation unit for moving (opening / closing) the main body shutter and / or pack shutter, i.e., before the storage device is positioned at the complete installation position. For example, while it is conceivable that the user would be informed of the compatibility of the storage device with the main body after installation, this system can inform the user of incompatibility between the supply pack and the image forming device at an earlier stage. Furthermore, operation unit 1111 and operation unit 811 are provided with grooves and abutment portions, and pack shutter 1214 and pack shutter 714 are provided with protrusions. This allows the pack shutter to be easily linked to the movement of the operation unit once the interface unit of the storage device and the shape of the installation port of the image forming device are compatible and the storage device has been installed to the installation position. This also results in a reduction in the number of parts.

[0141] <Other embodiments> In any of the above-described embodiments, the arrangement and shape of the grooves in the mounting opening of the image forming apparatus and the protrusions on the supply pack are not limited. That is, the arrangement and shape of the grooves and protrusions may be set arbitrarily so as to correspond to Table 1 above.

[0142] In addition, in all of the above-described embodiments, the locking mechanism 150 is configured to restrict or allow rotation of the operating unit, but is not limited to this. For example, instead of the locking mechanism 150 transitioning from the locked state to the unlocked state, the supply path may be opened by rotating any one of the operating unit, the pack shutter, or the main body shutter.

[0143] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiments have been described using an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to an inkjet image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet by ejecting ink liquid from nozzles. In this case, the consumable material consumed when the image forming apparatus forms an image is ink, and the refill pack contains ink.

[0144] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 50: first supply path, second supply path (supply path) / 116: first opening / closing section, second opening / closing section (main body shutter) / 152: first regulating section, second regulating section (locking member) / 400: second image forming apparatus (registered image forming apparatus) / 500: first image forming apparatus (standard image forming apparatus) / 501: first storage device (standard supply pack) / 503, 2503: first interface section (interface section) / 514, 2514: first mounting opening (mounting opening) / 611, 2611: second groove (groove) / 612: third groove (groove) / 615: second moving member (slide member) / 621, 2 621: second convex portion (convex portion) / 622: third convex portion (convex portion) / 714: first opening / closing portion (pack shutter) / 721, 2721: first convex portion (convex portion) / 911, 2911: first groove (groove) / 915: first moving member (slide member) / 1114, 2114: second mounting opening (mounting opening) / 1200: second storage device (registration type supply pack) / 1214: second opening / closing portion (pack shutter) / 1300, 2300: second interface portion (interface portion) / 2611t: second width (width) / 2621t: third width (width) / 2911t: first width (width) / M: mounting direction

Claims

1. a first image forming apparatus having a first mounting opening; a second image forming apparatus having a second mounting opening having a shape different from that of the first mounting opening; a first storage device including a first interface portion and configured to store consumable materials consumed for image formation; a second storage device that includes a second interface portion having a shape different from that of the first interface portion and that stores consumable materials consumed for image formation; the first mounting opening has a first groove, the first interface portion has a first protrusion that does not interfere with the first groove when the first interface portion is attached to the first attachment port; the second mounting opening has a second groove and a third groove disposed at a position different from the second groove, the second interface portion has a second convex portion that does not interfere with the second groove and a third convex portion that does not interfere with the third groove when the second interface portion is attached to the second attachment port, the first interface portion can be attached to the second attachment port without the first protrusion interfering with the second groove; the second interface portion cannot be attached to the first attachment port because the third protrusion interferes with the first attachment port; A resupply system characterized by:

2. the first convex portion, the second convex portion, and the third convex portion extend in directions intersecting with the mounting directions of the first containing device and the second containing device, respectively; 2. The replenishment system of claim 1.

3. A first image forming device having a first mounting port; a second image forming apparatus having a second mounting opening having a shape different from that of the first mounting opening; a first storage device including a first interface portion and configured to store consumable materials consumed for image formation; a second storage device that includes a second interface portion having a shape different from that of the first interface portion and that stores consumable materials consumed for image formation; the first mounting opening has a first groove, the first interface portion has a first protrusion that does not interfere with the first groove when the first interface portion is attached to the first attachment port; the second mounting opening has a second groove, the second interface portion has a second protrusion that does not interfere with the second groove when the second interface portion is attached to the second attachment port, the first interface portion can be attached to the second attachment port without the first protrusion interfering with the second groove; The second interface portion cannot be attached to the first attachment port because the second protrusion interferes with the first groove. A resupply system characterized by:

4. The first groove has a first width, the second groove has a second width greater than the first width; the second protrusion has a third width greater than the first width and smaller than the second width; 4. The replenishment system of claim 3.

5. the first convex portion and the second convex portion extend in directions intersecting with the mounting directions of the first and second housing devices, respectively; 4. The replenishment system of claim 3.

6. the first image forming apparatus has a first opening / closing unit that can open and close a first supply path of the consumable goods from the first storage device to the first image forming apparatus; the second image forming apparatus has a second opening / closing unit that can open and close a second supply path of the consumable goods from the second storage device to the second image forming apparatus; 6. A replenishment system according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. the first interface unit has a first opening / closing unit that can open and close a first supply path of the consumable product from the first storage device to the first image forming apparatus; the second interface unit has a second opening / closing unit that can open and close a second supply path of the consumable product from the second storage device to the second image forming apparatus; 6. A replenishment system according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

8. the first image forming apparatus has a first restricting portion that is movable between a first restricting position for restricting the first opening / closing portion from being opened and a first allowing position for allowing the first opening / closing portion to be opened; the second image forming device has a second restricting portion that is movable between a second restricting position for restricting the second opening / closing portion from being opened and a second allowing position for allowing the second opening / closing portion to be opened; 8. A replenishment system according to claim 6 or 7.

9. the first image forming device has a first moving member that is pressed by the first convex portion inserted into the first groove and moves to a first position; the second image forming device has a second moving member that is pressed by the second convex portion inserted into the second groove and moves to a second position; the first restricting portion moves from the first restricting position to the first allowing position based on the first moving member moving to the first position, the second restricting portion moves from the second restricting position to the second allowing position based on the second moving member moving to the second position.

9. The replenishment system of claim 8.

10. A first image forming device having a first mounting port; a second image forming apparatus having a second mounting opening having a shape different from that of the first mounting opening; a first storage device including a first interface portion and configured to store consumable materials consumed for image formation; a second storage device that includes a second interface portion having a shape different from that of the first interface portion and that stores consumable materials consumed for image formation; the first mounting opening has a first protrusion and a second protrusion disposed at a position different from the first protrusion, the first interface portion has a first groove that does not interfere with the first convex portion when the first interface portion is attached to the first attachment port, and a second groove that does not interfere with the second convex portion; the second mounting opening has a third protrusion, the second interface portion has a third groove that does not interfere with the third protrusion when the second interface portion is attached to the second attachment port, the first interface portion can be attached to the second attachment port without the first groove interfering with the third protrusion, the second interface portion cannot be attached to the first attachment port because the second protrusion interferes with the second interface portion; A resupply system characterized by:

11. the first interface unit is provided at a downstream end in an installation direction of the first storage device, the second interface portion is provided at a downstream end portion in the mounting direction of the second storage device; 11. A replenishment system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. the first interface unit is provided at a lower end of the first containing device in a state where the first containing device is attached to the first attachment port, the second interface unit is provided at a lower end of the second containing device in a state where the second containing device is attached to the second attachment port; 12. A replenishment system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. the first containing device is at least partially exposed to the outside of the first image forming apparatus when attached to the first image forming apparatus; At least a portion of the second containing device is exposed to the outside of the second image forming apparatus when the second containing device is attached to the second image forming apparatus.

13. A replenishment system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Each of the first storage device and the second storage device stores the consumable material and has a pouch portion composed of a deformable bag body.

14. A replenishment system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images