Developer container and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a technique that can improve operability in mounting a developer storage container to an image forming apparatus body.SOLUTION: A mounting target part 200 of an image forming apparatus 1 comprises: a rotating body 201 that, when a developer container 210 is mounted thereto, is at least partially exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1; and a rotation regulation mechanism that includes a regulation member 227 movable between a regulation position where it regulates the rotation of the rotating body 201 and a permission position where it permits the rotation of the rotating body 201, and is at the regulation position when the developer container 210 is not mounted. The developer container 210 is mounted to the mounting target part 200 in such a manner that a container shutter 214 is in a closed state, and a nozzle engagement part 232 and shutter engagement parts 218b1, 218b2 are engaged with frame body engagement target parts 247, 248, and rotating body engagement target parts 201d1, 201d2, respectively. The mounting of the developer container 210 to the mounting target part 200 moves the regulation member 227 from the regulation position to the permission position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material.

Background Art

[0002] In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a configuration in which a developer container that is detachable from the image forming apparatus is used to supply a developer is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a shutter of a container that seals an opening of a developer container is opened and closed by rotating the developer container mounted on the image forming apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of improving the operability of attaching a developer container to an image forming apparatus main body in a configuration in which a developer is supplied to the image forming apparatus using a developer container that is detachable from the image forming apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The developer container of the present invention for achieving the above object is an operation member configured to be rotatable about a second rotation axis and operated by a user, the operation member having a second convex portion that protrudes toward the second rotation axis in a second radial direction of a second virtual circle centered on the second rotation axis, and a second concave portion that is recessed in a direction away from the second rotation axis in the second radial direction from a tip portion of the second convex portion in the protruding direction of the second convex portion, and is a developer container configured to be detachable from a mounting portion of an image forming apparatus and A compartment for storing the developer, A nozzle is provided with an outlet for discharging the developer contained in the aforementioned storage section to the outside of the developer container, A container shutter that is rotatable with respect to the nozzle about a first axis of rotation between an open position that opens the discharge port and a closed position that closes the discharge port, comprising: a first outer surface portion having an opening that exposes the discharge port when in the open position and extending in the direction of the first axis of rotation; a first recess including a second outer surface portion that is recessed relative to the first outer surface portion in the direction approaching the first axis of rotation with respect to the first radial direction of a first virtual circle centered on the first axis of rotation; and in the first recess, with respect to the first radial direction, the first axis of rotation Move away A container shutter having a first protrusion that protrudes in the direction relative to the second outer surface, Equipped with, The discharge port of the nozzle opens in the first radial direction, When the developer container is mounted to the mounting portion, the first recess and the first protrusion of the container shutter engage with the second protrusion and the second recess of the operating member, respectively, and the container shutter is configured to rotate between the open position and the closed position about the second axis of rotation as the operating member is rotated. The device is characterized in that, when the developer container is attached to the mounting portion, the engagement between the first recess of the container shutter and the second protrusion of the operating member begins before the engagement between the first protrusion of the container shutter and the second recess of the operating member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, the operability of attaching the developer container to the main body of the image forming apparatus can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Perspective view of an image forming apparatus [Figure 2] Diagram illustrating the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3]Perspective view for explaining the position of the circuit board [Figure 4] Front perspective view for explaining the position of the circuit board [Figure 5] Perspective view of the circuit board and its peripheral members [Figure 6] Side view of the circuit board and its peripheral members [Figure 7] Top view of the circuit board and its peripheral members [Figure 8] Perspective view for explaining the holding configuration of the scanner unit and the drive motor [Figure 9] Rear view of the circuit board from a direction perpendicular to the board surface [Figure 10] Diagram for explaining the electronic components on the circuit board [Figure 11] Block diagram for explaining the functions of the circuit board [Figure 12] Side view for explaining the positions of the supply unit and the scanner unit [Figure 13] Top view for explaining the positions of the supply unit and the scanner unit [Figure 14] Perspective view of the developing container [Figure 15] Enlarged perspective view of the supply unit [Figure 16] Upper sectional view of the supply unit [Figure 17] Exploded perspective view of the supply pack [Figure 18] Diagram for explaining the configuration of the supply pack [Figure 19] Exploded perspective view of the mounted part [Figure 20] Perspective view of the mounted part [Figure 21] Cross-sectional view of the supply pack and the mounted part [Figure 22] Perspective view for explaining the rotation locus of the mounting part [Figure 23] Top view for explaining the rotation locus of the mounting part ] [Figure 24] Perspective view of the rotation restricting mechanism [Figure 25] Cross-sectional view when the lever lock mechanism is locked [Figure 26] Cross-sectional view when the lever lock mechanism is unlocked [Figure 27] Cross-sectional diagram illustrating the sequence of steps in the lever lock mechanism. [Figure 28] Perspective view showing the discharge tray in the open and closed position. [Figure 29] Perspective view showing the supply pack attached. [Figure 30] Top view showing the resupply pack attached. [Figure 31] Perspective view of the replenishment unit and developing container with different lever lock positions. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments for carrying out this invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, based on examples. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in these embodiments should be appropriately modified depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. In other words, the scope of this invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments.

[0009] (Example 1) [Overall configuration of the image forming apparatus] The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment is a monochrome laser beam printer using an electrophotographic process, and forms an image on a recording material P using a developer (toner) in accordance with image information transmitted from an external device such as a personal computer. Examples of recording material P include recording paper, label paper, OHP sheets, cloth, etc.

[0010] Furthermore, in the following description, the height direction of the image forming apparatus 1 when it is installed on a horizontal surface (the direction opposite to the vertical direction) will be referred to as the Z direction. The direction that intersects the Z direction and is parallel to the rotation axis direction (main scanning direction) of the photosensitive drum 11, which will be described later, will be referred to as the X direction. The direction that intersects the X direction and the Z direction will be referred to as the Y direction. Preferably, the X direction, Y direction and Z direction intersect each other perpendicularly. Also, for convenience, in the X direction, the positive side will be referred to as the right side and the negative side as the left side, in the Y direction, the positive side will be referred to as the front side and the negative side as the rear side, and in the Z direction, the positive side will be referred to as the upper side and the negative side as the lower side.

[0011] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1, and Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 as seen from the X direction (direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11). Figure 2 shows only the components related to the image forming process. In Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 has a feeding cassette 4 in which recording material P is contained, and an discharge tray 14 on which the discharged recording material P is loaded. The feeding cassette 4 can be pulled out in the Y direction, allowing the user to replenish the recording material P. The recording material P, which has been fed from the feeding cassette 4 and on which an image has been formed, is discharged from the discharge port 15 in the discharge direction (Y direction) shown in Figure 1 and loaded onto the discharge tray 14. A front cover 70 is provided on a part of the end face (part of the front) of the image forming apparatus 1 on the downstream side in the discharge direction, covering the circuit board 100 which will be described later. An outer cover 71 is provided on a part of the front other than where the front cover 70 is provided, as well as on the sides and top of the image forming apparatus 1. The front cover 70, the outer cover 71, and the aforementioned discharge tray 14 all form the housing 72 of the image forming apparatus 1. Here, the housing 72 is a component that covers the entire image forming apparatus 1 and houses process components such as the scanner unit 50, which will be described later. The aforementioned discharge port 15 is an opening formed in a part of the housing 72, and the recording material P is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through the discharge port 15.

[0012] The flow of the image formation operation on the recording material P will be explained using Figure 2. When image information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1, based on the print start signal... , feeling The optical drum 11 is driven to rotate at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) in the direction of arrow R. The scanner unit 50 irradiates the photosensitive drum 11 with laser light based on the input image information. The scanner unit 50 is a unit that includes a laser oscillator that outputs laser light, a polygon mirror and lens for irradiating the photosensitive drum 11 with laser light, a scanner motor for rotating the polygon mirror, and a frame that integrally supports these components. The photosensitive drum 11 is pre-charged by the charging roller 17, and when the laser light is irradiated, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11 as an image carrier. Subsequently, the toner (developer) stored in the storage unit 18 is carried to the photosensitive drum 11 (photoreceptor) by the developing roller 12 (developer carrier), thereby developing the electrostatic latent image and forming a toner image (developer image) on the photosensitive drum 11. The storage unit 18 is connected to a supply port 200 for supplying toner from the outside, which will be described later.

[0013] In parallel with the image forming process described above, recording material P is fed from the feed cassette 4. A pickup roller 3, a feed roller 5a, and a pair of transport rollers 5c are provided on the transport path of the image forming apparatus 1. The pickup roller 3 contacts the uppermost recording material P contained in the feed cassette 4, and the roller itself rotates to feed the recording material P. The feeding roller 5a and the separating roller 5b that presses against it form a separation nip. If multiple recording materials P are fed into the separation nip due to the frictional force between them, the feeding roller 5a and the separating roller 5b separate the multiple recording materials P and feed only the one at the top downstream.

[0014] The recording material P fed from the feed cassette 4 is transported toward the transfer roller 7 by the transport roller pair 5c. When a transfer bias is applied to the transfer roller 7, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred to the recording material P. The recording material P onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer roller 7 is heated and pressurized by the fixing device 9, fixing the toner image to the recording material P. The fixing device 9 consists of a heating roller 9a with a built-in fixing heater 9c and a pressurizing roller 9b that is biased toward the heating roller 9a. The recording material P with the fixed toner image is then discharged to the discharge tray 14 by the discharge roller pair 10. When an image is to be formed on both sides of the recording material P, the discharge roller pair 10 guides the recording material P to the double-sided transport path 16 by switching back (switching the transport direction) the recording material P with the image formed on the first side. The recording material P guided to the double-sided transport path 16 is transported again toward the transfer roller 7 by the double-sided transport roller pair 5d. After an image is formed on the second surface of the recording material P by the transfer roller 7, it is discharged outside the machine by the discharge roller pair 10. After the toner image is transferred to the recording material P, any toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 13.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 1 has a circuit board 100. The circuit board 100 consists of a wiring board 101 made of an insulator and electronic components 111 and 121 soldered to the wiring board 101. Conductive wiring is provided on and inside the wiring board 101, so the electronic components 111 and 121 are electrically connected. The circuit board 100 has the function of converting alternating current supplied from outside the image forming apparatus 1 into direct current, and converting the input voltage to obtain a predetermined voltage value required for the image forming process. As shown in Figure 2, the circuit board 100 is arranged in a direction such that the surface of the wiring board 101 on which the electronic components 111 and 121 are mounted intersects with the discharge direction. Furthermore, the wiring board 101 is provided between the front cover 70 and the scanner unit 50 in the discharge direction. The electronic components 111 and 121 are provided on the surface of the wiring board 101 that faces the scanner unit 50.

[0016] [Circuit board layout] The arrangement of the circuit board 100 in this embodiment will be explained in detail using Figures 3 to 8. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 to illustrate the arrangement of the circuit board 100, and unlike Figure 1, the front cover 70 and exterior member 71 are not shown. Note that Figure 3 newly shows a mounting section 200 for replenishing toner. In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the user or service technician can replenish the developer from the mounting section 200, and the mounting section 200 is connected to the housing section 18 inside the apparatus. Details of the mounting section 200 will be described later.

[0017] As shown in Figure 3, the circuit board 100 is installed on the front side, and the scanner unit 50 and drive motor 60 (drive source) are located further back (negative side in the Y direction) from the circuit board 100. Note that the scanner unit 50 and drive motor 60 are not actually visible in Figure 3, so they are shown with dotted lines. As shown in Figure 3, the image forming apparatus 1 has a right plate frame 72, a left plate frame 73, and a base frame 74. The circuit board 100 is supported by these frame members and mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 in such a way that its plate surface is approximately parallel to the XZ plane. At the ends of the right plate frame 72 and the left plate frame 73 in the Y direction, bent portions 72a and 73a are formed for reinforcement. The bent portion 72a is bent toward the positive side in the X direction so as to be approximately parallel to the XZ plane, and the bent portion 73a is bent toward the negative side in the X direction so as to be approximately parallel to the XZ plane. In this way, both side plate frames By bending the circuit board 101 outwards, electronic components can be mounted on a larger area of ​​the circuit board 101.

[0018] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 to illustrate the arrangement of the circuit board 100. As shown in Figure 4, the distance L1 between the inner surfaces of the right plate frame 72 and the left plate frame 73 in the X direction is shorter than the length L2 of the circuit board 100 in the X direction. The wiring board 101 is positioned on the positive side (front side) in the Y direction relative to the bent portions 72a and 73a. When viewed from the front, the circuit board 100 and the bent portions 72a and 73a overlap. In Figure 4, the bent portions 72a and 73a, as well as parts of the scanner unit 50 and drive motor 60, are not actually visible and are therefore shown with dotted lines.

[0019] In this way, by providing the circuit board 100 on the front side and forming it between the right plate frame 72 and the left plate frame 73, the image forming apparatus 1 does not need to provide bundles of wires that cross between the right plate frame 72 and the left plate frame 73 in the Y direction. As a result, the length of the bundles of wires can be shortened compared to conventional designs, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, since the area over which the bundles of wires are routed is also reduced compared to conventional designs, electrical noise can also be reduced.

[0020] <Positional relationship between electronic components and scanner unit> The positional relationship between the electronic component 111 and the scanner unit 50 will be explained in detail using Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the circuit board 100 as seen from the rear of the main unit. The electronic component 111, which is larger in size in the Y direction compared to other components, is concentrated below the wiring board 101 to make effective use of space and is mounted so as to fit below the scanner unit 50. A power input section 115 is provided at the end of the wiring board 101. The power input section 115 is connected to an inlet 116, which will be described later, and receives power from the commercial power supply.

[0021] Figure 6 shows the circuit board 100 as viewed from the left side of the main unit. Part of the scanner unit 50 is overlapping with the mounting portion 200 and is not actually visible, so this area is shown with a dashed line. The scanner unit 50 is positioned optimally for irradiating the photosensitive drum 11 with laser light, which is shown by a dotted line. In addition, no components such as electronic components 111 that protrude significantly from the board surface are placed at the point where the scanner unit 50 and the wiring board 101 are closest in the Y direction. In other words, the scanner unit 50 and the electronic components 111 are offset in the Z direction so that they do not interfere with each other.

[0022] Figure 7 is an enlarged top view of the circuit board 100 as seen from the top of the main unit. In this figure, the scanner unit 50 and the electronic component 111 are positioned so that they partially overlap each other. As mentioned above, the scanner unit 50 is above the electronic component 111, so the electronic component 111 cannot normally be seen from this direction. In Figure 7, to make the positional relationship between the two components easier to understand, the scanner unit 50 is shown with a dotted line, and the electronic component 111 is shown as if viewed through it. By positioning the electronic component 111 in the above position, the distance between the circuit board 100 and the scanner unit 50 in the Y direction (front-to-back direction) can be shortened, and the image forming apparatus 1 can be miniaturized.

[0023] <Positional relationship between electronic components and drive motor> Figures 5 to 7 will be used to explain in detail the positional relationship between the electronic component 111 and the drive motor 60. The drive motor 60 is responsible for rotating the transport members (pickup roller 3, feed roller 5a, transport roller pair 5c, etc.) and the photosensitive drum 11 for feeding and transporting the recording material P.

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the drive motor 60 protrudes to the negative side in the X direction, and the wiring board 101 is positioned in front of the drive motor 60. It can be seen that the electronic component 111 is mounted to avoid interference with the drive motor 60. As shown in Figure 6, when viewed from the left side of the main body, the drive motor 60 and the electronic component 111 are positioned so that they partially overlap each other. And, as shown in Figure 7, when viewed from the top of the main body, the drive motor 60 and the electronic component 111 are offset in the X direction so that they do not interfere with each other. By positioning the electronic component 111 in the above position, the distance between the circuit board 100 and the drive motor 60 in the Y direction (front-to-back direction) can be shortened, and the image forming apparatus 1 can be miniaturized.

[0025] <Mounting configuration for the main unit> Figure 8 will be used to explain in detail the mounting configuration of the scanner unit 50 and the drive motor 60 to the main body. Figure 8 is a perspective view of Figure 5 with the addition of a right-side plate frame 72 and a scanner holding member 40. The left-side plate frame 73 and the base frame 74 are omitted from the illustration. The scanner unit 50 is held by the scanner holding member 40. The scanner holding member 40 is fixed to the right-side plate frame 72 and the left-side plate frame 73 (not shown in Figure 8), respectively, and is configured to bridge the two frames by passing below the mounting portion 200. On the other hand, the drive motor 60 is attached to the right-side plate frame 72, and the gear connected to the drive motor 60 is located on the X-direction positive side (right side) of the right-side plate frame 72. The driving force of the drive motor 60 is transmitted to the feed roller 5a and the photosensitive drum 11 via this gear.

[0026] [Circuit board configuration] The configuration of the circuit board 100 will be explained using Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a rear view of the circuit board 100 as seen from the rear of the main body. In Figure 9, not only the circuit board 100 but also the scanner unit 50, drive motor 60, and mounted parts 200 are shown together. In Figure 10, only the circuit board 100 is shown. The circuit board 100 consists of a low-voltage power supply unit 110 that takes in AC power from an external commercial power supply and converts it to DC power, and a high-voltage power supply unit 120 that supplies the high voltage necessary for image formation to each process component. In the circuit board 100 of this embodiment, the low-voltage power supply unit 110 and the high-voltage power supply unit 120 are mounted on the same board. The low-voltage power supply unit 110 includes a low-voltage power transformer 112, a heat sink 113, and an electrolytic capacitor 114 as electronic components 111 with a large size in the Y direction. Furthermore, the low-voltage power supply unit 110 includes a power input unit 115. The high-voltage power supply unit 120 includes a charging transformer 122, a developing transformer 123, and a transfer transformer 124 as electronic components 121 with a large size in the Y direction. As is clear from Figure 9, the electronic components 111 and 121 with a large size in the Y direction are all positioned to avoid the positions of the scanner unit 50, the drive motor 60, and the mounting part 200.

[0027] Other components on the circuit board 100 will be explained using Figure 10. Multiple connectors 220, 221, 222, and 223 are provided at the upper and lower ends of the circuit board 100, and the circuit board 100 is connected to various components by bundled wires. Connector 220 is connected to the drive motor 60 and a sensor (not shown) that detects the recording material P during transport. Connector 221 is connected to the laser output unit (not shown) of the scanner unit 50 and the scanner motor (not shown) that rotates the polygon mirror. Connector 222 is connected to a control panel (not shown) equipped with a power switch and execution keys operated by the user, and to the video controller 140. Connector 223 is connected to the fuser heater 9c. Small electronic components in the Y direction of the high-voltage power supply unit 120 are mounted in the shaded area 224 facing the drive motor 60. Specifically, resistors and jumper wires are provided. The resistor located at this position is responsible for adjusting the various biases output from the charging transformer 122, the developing transformer 123, and the transfer transformer 124.

[0028] The functions of the low-voltage power supply unit 110 and the high-voltage power supply unit 120 will be explained using Figures 9 and 11. Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the power supply board 100. First, the low-voltage power supply unit 110 takes power from an external power source via the power input unit 115 mounted on the edge of the board, and converts the AC voltage into a stable DC voltage using a rectifier and smoothing circuit including an electrolytic capacitor 114. Then, the low-voltage power supply unit 110 converts the DC voltage into a high-frequency AC voltage using switching elements such as transistors, and then inputs the high-frequency AC voltage to the low-voltage power transformer 112. The low-voltage power transformer 112 converts the input voltage, which is a high-frequency AC voltage, into an AC voltage (output voltage) with a desired voltage value. The low-voltage power supply unit 110 converts the AC voltage back into a DC voltage and outputs the obtained DC voltage to the high-voltage power supply unit 121. In addition, in the low-voltage power supply unit 110, since the losses of individual circuit components appear as heat, a heat sink 113 made of aluminum or iron is provided to dissipate heat.

[0029] The high-voltage power supply unit 120 converts the voltage (e.g., 24V) supplied from the low-voltage power supply unit 110 into a high voltage required for image formation processes such as charging, developing, and transfer. The charging transformer 122 converts the voltage supplied from the low-voltage power supply unit 110 into a voltage for charging, and the converted voltage is then supplied to the charging roller 17. The developing transformer 123 converts the voltage supplied from the low-voltage power supply unit 110 into a voltage for developing, and the converted voltage is then supplied to the developing roller 12. The transfer transformer 124 converts the voltage supplied from the low-voltage power supply unit 110 into a voltage for transfer, and the converted voltage is then supplied to the transfer roller 7.

[0030] The low-voltage power supply unit 110 supplies voltage (for example, 3.3V or 5V) not only to the high-voltage power supply unit 120, but also to the scanner unit 50, drive motor 60, engine controller 130, and video controller 140. Here, the engine controller 130 is responsible for the overall control of various process components. The engine controller 130 has a CPU (not shown), RAM (not shown) used for calculations and temporary storage of data necessary for controlling the image forming apparatus 1, and ROM (not shown) for storing programs and various data that control the image forming apparatus 1. The video controller 140 is responsible for receiving print data by communicating with external devices such as a personal computer and notifying the engine controller 130 of the results of analyzing the print data. The engine controller 130 and the video controller 140 may be provided on a separate board from the circuit board 100, or they may be provided on the same board.

[0031] Furthermore, the AC power received by the power input unit 115 from the commercial power supply is supplied not only to the low-voltage power supply unit 110 but also to the fuser heater 9c. In the circuit board 100 shown in Figure 10, a triac (not shown) is provided between the power input unit 115 and the connector 223, and the temperature of the fuser heater 9c can be adjusted by switching the triac on and off and changing the sine wave. The rollers and other components in the fuser device 9 are driven by the drive motor 60.

[0032] [Location and configuration of the supply department] The mounting section 200 will be explained using Figures 12 to 22. As mentioned above, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a mounting section 200 for replenishing toner from the outside without removing the storage section 18 from the housing 72 when the amount of toner remaining in the storage section 18 becomes low. The mounting section 200 is configured to allow the replenishment pack 210, which is a toner storage container (developer container) described later, to be attached to and detached.

[0033] Figure 12 is a left side view of the image forming apparatus 1 as seen from the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11. In Figure 12, the outer cover 71 and the left side plate frame 73 are removed. The mounting part 200 is the mounting part 201 to which the replenishment pack 210 (not shown in Figure 12) is attached. The scanner unit 50 is composed of a cylindrical toner receiving section 202 as a frame and a replenishment path section 203 connecting the storage section 18 and the toner receiving section 202. The mounting section 201 forms a replenishment port 204, which is an opening for replenishing toner. Toner moves through the replenishment port 204 to the toner receiving section 202 and then to the replenishment path section 203, and finally to the storage section 18. A part of the scanner unit 50 is in a position that is not actually visible as it overlaps with the mounted section 200, so this area is shown with a dotted line in Figure 12. Specifically within the mounted section 200, the toner receiving section 202 and the replenishment path section 203 overlap with the scanner unit 50. In other words, the toner receiving section 202 and the replenishment path section 203 are in a position that overlaps with the scanner unit 50 in the Z direction. Here, if we let R1 be the area in the Y direction (horizontal direction) where the replenishment port 204 is provided, and R2 be the area in the Y direction where the scanner unit 50 is provided, then R1 and R2 overlap.

[0034] Furthermore, let S be a virtual plane parallel to the horizontal plane, passing through the upper end portion 18b, which is located at the uppermost position within the frame 18a of the housing section 18. The virtual plane S is shown as a dashed line in Figure 12. Using the virtual plane S as a reference, it can be seen that a part of the mounted section 200 is located on the positive side (upper side) in the Z direction. In other words, a part of the mounted section 200 protrudes upward relative to the upper end portion 18b of the housing section 18. Specifically, the part of the mounted section 200 is the entirety of the mounting section 201, a part of the toner receiving section 202, and a part of the replenishment path section 203. In addition, the toner receiving section 202 and a part of the replenishment path section 203 that protrude above the virtual plane S overlap with the scanner unit 50.

[0035] As shown in Figure 12, a portion of the housing section 18 is actually hidden from view as it overlaps with the drum frame 11a that supports the photosensitive drum 11, and this area is shown with a dotted line. The housing section 18 also supports the developing roller 12 that carries the developer, and this developing roller 12 is also shown with a dotted line in Figure 12 as it is also hidden from view.

[0036] Figure 13 is a top view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the outer cover 71 removed. As previously mentioned, the mounting portion 201 forms a supply port 204. Furthermore, the mounting portion 201 includes a ring portion 201a arranged to surround the supply port 204 and a lever portion 201b connected to the ring portion 201a. As shown in Figure 13, the width of the mounted portion 200 in the X direction is shorter than the width of the housing portion 18 in the X direction.

[0037] Here, the laser light irradiated from the scanner unit 50 onto the photosensitive drum 11 spreads out in a trapezoidal shape as shown in Figure 13 due to the action of a polygon mirror and a lens (neither of which are shown). As a result, the width of the scanner unit 50 in the X direction is shorter than the width of the photosensitive drum 11. Consequently, a space is created between the left end of the scanner unit 50 and the left side plate frame 73, and in this embodiment, the mounting section 200 is provided in that space. In other words, as shown in Figure 13, the mounting section 200 is provided between the scanner unit 50 and the left side plate frame 73 in the X direction. Furthermore, the supply port 204 and the scanner unit 50 are provided side by side in the area where the housing section 18 is provided in the X direction. By providing the mounting section 200 in this position, it is possible to reduce the impact on the size of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0038] Furthermore, the mounting portion 200 is located on the opposite side from the drive motor 60 via the scanner unit 50. Because the drive motor 60 used in this embodiment is relatively small, the mounting portion 200 and the drive motor 60 do not overlap in the Z direction, as shown in Figure 12. Therefore, although it is possible to provide the mounting portion 200 and the drive motor 60 on the same side via the scanner unit 50, if a larger drive motor 60 is used, the mounting portion 200 must be positioned in an upward-shifted location. As a result, the size of the image forming apparatus 1 increases. By adopting the configuration described in this embodiment, where the mounting portion is located on the opposite side, the size of the image forming apparatus 1 can be increased. It is possible to use a larger drive motor 60 without increasing the overall size. In other words, design flexibility can be ensured.

[0039] [Explanation of supply configuration] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the developing container 230, which is composed of a storage section 18 and a mounting section 200. Note that some components attached to the mounting section 200 are omitted from the illustration in Figure 14. Although it is covered by the main shutter section 206 and is therefore not actually visible, and is shown with a dotted line, a side opening 205 is formed in the inner wall of the cylindrical toner receiving section 202, which connects to the replenishment path section 203. The toner is guided from the toner receiving section 202 through this side opening 205 to the replenishment path section 203, and then stored in the storage section 18 through the replenishment path section 203. The main shutter 206 is provided with a main shutter drive transmission rib 206a, which, as will be described in detail later, receives drive from the replenishment pack 210 and is used to rotate the main shutter 206.

[0040] Figure 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the mounting portion 200, and Figure 16 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the mounting portion 201 viewed from above. In Figure 15(a), the side opening 205 formed in the toner receiving portion 202 is covered by the main body shutter portion 206 and is not actually visible, so it is shown with a dotted line. The main body shutter portion 206 is a cylindrical member concentric with the toner receiving portion 202 and is provided inside the toner receiving portion 202. The main body shutter portion 206 also has an opening 207 for toner to pass through. In Figure 15(a), the side opening 205 and the opening 207 are in offset positions, so the side opening 205 is blocked. The mounting portion 201 is provided on the top surface portion 240 (not shown) concentric with the toner receiving portion 202, and when the replenishment pack 210 is not installed, its rotation is restricted by a lever lock mechanism described later. This lever lock mechanism prevents the drive transmission rib 201d of the mounting section and the drive transmission rib 206a of the main body shutter section from being misaligned before the replenishment pack 210 is attached, thus preventing the replenishment pack 210 from being attached.

[0041] As shown in Figures 15(b) and 16(c), by attaching the replenishment pack 210, the shutter member Pack shutter sectionThe lever lock release rib 214a, which serves as a release part provided on 214, is inserted into the lock release recess 201f. Note that in Figures 15(b) and 16(c), the supply pack 210 is shown in a simplified manner. Pack shutter section Only 214 is shown. The lever lock release rib 214a is Pack shutter section This is a protruding portion that extends from the outer surface of 214 in the direction of the rotation axis in a direction intersecting the rotation axis. When the replenishment pack 210 is attached to the mounting part 200, the lever lock release rib 214a moves the lever lock release link 229, thereby releasing the lever lock mechanism and allowing the lever part 201b to rotate. The details of the lever lock mechanism will be described later. Furthermore, the engagement between the guided part 232 (nozzle engaging part) of the insertion part 212 and the guide part 247 (248) (frame engaging part) of the toner receiving part 202 is as shown in Figure 16(b). With this engagement configuration, Pack shutter section The relative movement between the insertion section 212 and the toner receiving section 202 in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis of 214 is mutually restricted. Further details will be described later.

[0042] The mounting drive transmission rib 201d is part of the replenishment pack 210. Pack shutter sectionThe drive transmission rib 206a of the main body shutter section is engaged with the drive transmission rib 206a of the main body shutter section via a pair of drive transmission surfaces 214b of the main body shutter section 206. The drive transmission rib 201d of the mounting section is a convex portion (rotating body convex portion) extending from the inner circumferential surface of a hole provided in the substantially ring-shaped mounting section 201, centered on the rotation axis R, toward the rotation axis RA. The drive transmission rib 201d of the mounting section has a first engaging portion 201d1 and a second engaging portion 201d2, which are portions that form a first convex portion side surface 201ds1 and a second convex portion side surface 201ds2, which are provided in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis RA, sandwiching the tip surface 201dt of the convex portion. The drive transmission rib 206a of the main body shutter section is a convex portion (shutter convex portion) extending from the inner circumferential surface of a hole provided in the substantially cylindrical main body shutter section 206, centered on the rotation axis R, toward the rotation axis RA. The main shutter drive transmission rib 206a has a first shutter protrusion side surface 206a1 and a second shutter protrusion side surface 206a2 that are provided on either side of the shutter protrusion tip surface 206at in the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis RA. By gripping the lever portion 201b and moving the lever portion 201b from the state shown in Figures 15(b) and 16(c) to the state shown in Figures 15(c) and 16(d), the main shutter portion 206 can be rotated within the toner receiving portion 202. In Figures 15(c) and 16(d), the side opening 205 and the opening 207 are in an overlapping position, so the side opening 205 is open, and toner can be supplied through the side opening 205.

[0043] When forming an image on the recording material P, the toner is agitated within the storage section 18 by an agitation member (not shown), and the side opening 205 must be blocked (closed) to prevent toner from leaking out. Therefore, during image formation, the lever section 201b is moved to the position shown in Figures 15(a) and 16(a). This position is called the initial position or operating position of the lever section 201b. On the other hand, when replenishing toner from the replenishment pack 210 (described later) to the storage section 18, the side opening 205 must be opened. Therefore, when replenishing toner, the lever section 201b is moved to the position shown in Figures 15(c) and 16(d). This position is called the replenishment position of the lever section 201b.

[0044] Here, it is preferable that the lever portion 201b be as large as possible so that the user can easily grasp it. However, the configuration of the operating part for opening and closing the shutter is not limited to the configuration of the lever portion 201b. Various configurations can be adopted as long as at least a part of the mounting portion 201 is exposed to the outside and can be operated by the user when the replenishment pack 210 is attached. Furthermore, the circuit board 100 is provided in front of the mounting portion 200 (positive side in the Y direction), and in order to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus 1 in the Y direction, in this embodiment the mounting portion 200 and the circuit board 100 are provided in close proximity to each other. For this reason, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, a notch 101a is formed at the upper end of the wiring board 101 so as not to come into contact with the lever portion 201b. Figure 22 is a perspective view when viewed from the rear of the main body, and Figure 23 is a top view. In Figure 23, the position corresponding to the notch 101a is indicated by a dotted line. It can be seen that the lever portion 201b in its initial position overlaps with the wiring board 101. As shown in these figures, the notch 101a is provided at a position corresponding to the rotational trajectory of the lever portion 201b. In this embodiment, a notch 101a is provided in the wiring board 101, but the wiring board 101 may also be configured to have a through hole or groove so as not to interfere with the lever portion 201b.

[0045] Referring to Figures 19, 20, and 21, the details of the configuration for receiving developer replenishment in the image forming apparatus or image forming system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0046] Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the mounting part 200 in disassembled form. Figures 19(a) and 19(b) are shown with different perspective directions. Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the mounting part 200, and unlike Figure 15, the illustration of the replenishment pack 210, lever lock member 227, and lever lock part pressing spring 228 is omitted. Figures 20(a) and 20(c) show the mounting part 201 as an opening / closing member in the closed position, with different perspective directions. The mounting part 201 is positioned so that, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis when the replenishment pack 210 is attached, it is located outside the pack shutter part 214 in the radial direction r of a virtual circle VC centered on the rotation axis RA. Figure 20(b) shows the mounting part 201 in the open position. The main shutter section 206, which serves as the device shutter, is positioned inside the toner receiving section 202 as the developer receiving section. The main shutter section 206 has an opening 207 as a device opening for forming a communication hole for toner replenishment, and a sealing member 243 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the main shutter section 206 so as to surround the outer circumference of the opening 207. The sealing member 243 is attached when the main shutter section 206 is in the open position. In this configuration, the outer surface of the insertion portion 212, particularly around the opening 213, is closely fitted to seal the communication hole 245, which will be described later. Inside this, guide portions 247 and 248 (frame engagement portions) are provided to guide the guided portion 232 (nozzle engagement portion) of the insertion portion 212 of the replenishment pack 210. In addition, a main body shutter drive transmission rib 206a, which guides the alignment portion 217 as the guided portion of the pack shutter portion 214 as a cylindrical container shutter, is also provided on the inner circumferential surface of the main body shutter portion 206. On the opening side of the concave insertion portion configuration of the mounting portion 200 into which the convex insertion portion 212 of the replenishment pack 210 is inserted, a mounting member 201 as an opening / closing member is rotatably mounted. A mounting portion drive transmission rib 201d, which protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the mounting member 201, is also a guide portion that guides the alignment portion 217 of the pack shutter portion 214. When the pack shutter section 214 is in the closed position, the guided section 232 and the guide sections 247 and 248 become engageable, and the alignment section 217 becomes engageable with the mounting section drive transmission rib 201d and the main body shutter section drive transmission rib 206a.

[0047] Figure 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the replenishment pack 210 and the mounting portion 200. Figure 21(a) shows the case when the mounting portion 201 is in the closed position and each shutter is in the closed position. That is, the opening 213 as the container opening is closed by the sealing member 231 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the pack shutter 214, and the side opening 205 as the receiving port is closed by the main body shutter portion 206. Figure 21(b) shows the case when the mounting portion 201 is in the open position and each shutter is in the open position. That is, the opening 213 and the receiving port 205 are in communication through a communication hole 245 formed by the opening 207 provided on the main body shutter portion 206 and the opening 244 of the sealing member 243 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the main body shutter portion 206 so as to surround the opening 207. In other words, it is possible to replenish toner (developer) to the image forming apparatus 1 from the replenishment pack 210, which serves as the developer container.

[0048] [Supply container configuration] The configuration of the replenishment pack 210 (replenishment container) will be explained using Figure 18. The replenishment pack 210 includes a pouch section 211 containing the toner to be replenished, a cylindrical insertion section (nozzle section, pipe, tube, valve) 212 that is inserted into the replenishment port 204, an opening 213 formed on the side of the insertion section 212 through which the toner enters and exits, and a pack shutter section 214 that covers the opening 213 to prevent toner from leaking out. The pouch section 211 is flattened towards the opposite side from the insertion section 212, and a pouch end 216 extending in a predetermined direction is formed at its end. The pouch section 211 is a pouch formed by pouch processing of a flexible polypropylene sheet, but the toner storage section is not limited to a pouch; it may also be a resin bottle or a container made of paper or vinyl.

[0049] As shown in Figure 18(a), a pack shutter opening 214c is also formed in the pack shutter section 214. When the pack shutter section 214 rotates and the pack shutter opening 214c and the opening 213 of the insertion section 212 coincide (their rotational phase positions overlap), toner can be supplied from the replenishment pack 210. Figure 18(b) is a view of the replenishment pack 210 from a different angle than that shown in Figure 18(a). The opening 213 formed in the insertion section 212 is covered by the pack shutter section 214 and is not actually visible, so it is shown with a dotted line.

[0050] The pack shutter portion 214 is a cylindrical member concentric with the insertion portion 212 and is rotatably mounted on the outside (outer circumference) of the insertion portion 212. The outer circumferential surface of the pack shutter portion 214 has an alignment portion 217 that fits with the mounting portion 201, and a drive transmission surface 214b that faces the alignment portion 217 in the circumferential direction of the outer circumference of the pack shutter portion 214. That is, the outer circumferential surface of the pack shutter portion 214 has a groove shape formed thereon, with the alignment portion 217 as the groove bottom surface (recess bottom surface) and the drive transmission surface 214b as the groove side surface (recess that is recessed inward in the radial direction r of the virtual circle VC). This groove is open at the tip of the outer circumferential surface of the pack shutter portion 214 in the insertion direction of the insertion portion 212. The pack shutter portion 214 rotates relative to the insertion portion 212 as the drive transmission surface 214b receives a force in the circumferential direction from the mounting portion drive transmission rib 201d. Between the drive transmission surfaces 214b, a rib 214a is provided to release the lever lock mechanism of the mounting portion 201. Rib 214a for releasing the lever lock mechanism By providing this feature, the lever lock mechanism of the mounting section 201 can be precisely released when the supply pack 210 is attached.

[0051] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, the details of the configuration of the replenishment pack as a developer container in the image forming apparatus or developer replenishment system according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of the replenishment pack 210. Figures 17(a), 17(b), and 17(c) are shown with different perspective directions. When the pack shutter 214 is in the closed position, the insertion portion 212 is such that the pack shutter opening 214c provided on the pack shutter 214 and the guided portion 232, which is recessed from the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 212, overlap each other in the rotational phase in the circumferential direction. In this state, the replenishment pack 200 is guided by the guided portion 232 fitting into the guide portions 247 and 248, and the pack shutter opening 214c fits into the periphery of the sealing member 243 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the main shutter portion 206. When the replenishment pack 210 is attached to the mounting portion 200, the first guided portion 232a on the upstream side in the insertion direction of the guided portion 232 engages with the guide portion 247, and the second guide portion 232b on the downstream side engages with the guide portion 248. In addition, the circumferentially extending surface of the stepped portion between the first guided portion 232a and the second guide portion 232b engages in the insertion direction with the circumferentially extending surface of the stepped portion between the guide portion 247 and the guide portion 248, determining the position in the insertion direction between the insertion portion 212 and the mounting portion 201. The pack shutter portion opening 214c has a shape that widens toward the tip side of the insertion portion 212 and opens in a notched shape. The pair of circumferentially opposing portions that form the pack shutter portion opening 214c sandwich the sealing member 243 in the circumferential direction.

[0052] The drive transmission surface 214b of the pack shutter section 214 serves as a shutter engagement section in the pack shutter section 214. It is a solid of revolution. The pack shutter section 214 engages with the mounting section 201 and also engages with the main shutter section 206 as an opening / closing engagement section. The pack shutter section 214 moves (rotates) due to the operating force of the mounting section 201 and transmits that operating force to the main shutter section 206, causing the main shutter section 206 to move as well.

[0053] In other words, the drive transmission surface 214b, as a force receiving region, is engaged with the rotating body. Department and The drive transmission rib 201d has a region that engages with and contacts the drive transmission rib 201d of the mounting portion. Specifically, the drive transmission surface 214b includes, as a shutter engagement portion, a portion (first shutter engagement portion) 218b1 which is part of one of the pair of groove side surfaces of the groove shape (first recess side surface) 214b1, and a portion (second shutter engagement portion) 218b2 which is part of the other groove side surface (second recess side surface) 214b2. On the other hand, the drive transmission rib 201d of the mounting portion includes, as a rotating body engagement portion, a first engagement portion 201d1 (first rotating body engagement portion) which engages with portion 218b1 of the drive transmission surface 214b in one circumferential direction about the axis of rotation, and a second engagement portion 201d2 (second rotating body engagement portion) which engages with portion 218b2 of the drive transmission surface 214b in the other circumferential direction. Each engaging portion 201d1 and 201d2 of the mounting drive transmission rib 201d has a convex shape that extends from the inner circumferential surface of the annular mounting portion 201, which is centered on the rotation axis RA, toward the rotation axis RA.

[0054] Furthermore, the drive transmission surface 214b has a force-applying region (a pair of force-applying parts) that engages with and contacts the drive transmission rib 206a of the main shutter section, which is an open / close engaged part. Specifically, the drive transmission surface 214b has a portion that is located at a different position (downstream in the insertion direction) in the direction of the rotation axis RA from the first shutter engaging part 218b1 on the side surface of one of the grooves ( The first opening / closing engaging portion) 219b1 and the second shutter engaging portion 218b2 on the other groove side surface are located at different positions (downstream in the insertion direction) in the direction of the rotation axis RA (second opening / closing engaging portion) 219b2. On the other hand, the main body shutter drive transmission rib 206a includes, as an opening / closing engaged portion, a first shutter protrusion side surface 206a1 which is a portion (first opening / closing engaged portion) that engages with portion 219b1 of the drive transmission surface 214b in one circumferential direction, and a second shutter protrusion side surface 206b2 which is a portion (second opening / closing engaged portion) that engages with portion 219b2 of the drive transmission surface 214b in the other circumferential direction.

[0055] The lever lock mechanism will be described with reference to Figures 24, 25, and 26. The mounting portion 201 is restricted in the rotational direction by the lever lock mechanism and is in its initial position when the supply pack 210 is not attached. Figure 24 shows the lever lock member 227 as a restricting member for the rotation restricting mechanism in this embodiment. Release member Figure 25 shows a perspective view illustrating only the lever lock release link 229 and the lever lock part pressing spring 228 as the biasing member of the regulating return part. Figure 26 shows a bottom view and a cross-sectional view of the mounting part 201 and the lever lock mechanism when the lever lock member 227 is locked in the regulating position.

[0056] As shown in Figure 25, when the lever lock mechanism is activated, the lever lock member 227 is pressed against the mounting portion 201 by the lever lock portion pressing spring 228, and the lever lock pressing portion 227a is inserted into the opening 201e of the mounting portion 201. When the mounting portion 201 is rotated in this state, as shown in Figure 25(a), the inner wall of the opening 201e rotates along the rotation trajectories R1 and R2. P1 indicates the switching point between the rotation restricting surface 227b and the inclined surface 227d, and P2 indicates the switching point of the rotation restricting surface 227c. When the lever lock mechanism is activated, P1 and P2 are positioned to be inside the rotation trajectories R1 and R2. Therefore, the inner wall of the opening 201e as the restricted portion is ,times The mounting portion 201 is locked in contact with and engages with the rotation restricting surfaces 227b and 227c, which are surfaces perpendicular to the direction of rotation.

[0057] As shown in Figures 26(a) and 26(b), when the replenishment pack 210 is attached, the lever lock release rib 214a passes through the lock release recess 201f and comes into contact with the lever lock release link 229. The lever lock release link 229 has a sloped surface shape 229a as the actuated part that comes into contact with the lever lock release rib 214a. The lever lock release link 229 applies force to move the lever lock member 227 to the pressing position for moving it to the lever lock release position via the contact between the sloped surface shape 229a and the lever lock release rib 214a. Pack shutter section It receives from 214. The inclined shape 229a has a shape that is inclined with respect to the insertion direction of the supply pack 210 into the mounting portion 201. That is, the inclined shape 229a is such that the force received from the lever lock release rib 214a presses the lever lock release link 229 in the position The inclined configuration includes a component force that acts in the direction of movement.

[0058] As shown in Figure 26(b), the lever lock release link 229 is pressed in the direction of the arrow by the force received from the lever lock release rib 214a on the inclined surface 229a which acts as the pressed surface, and the end with the inclined surface 229a rides up on the side surface of the lever lock release rib 214a. As a result, the contact surface 229b of the lever lock release link 229 moves to a pressing position that moves the lever lock member 227 to the lever lock release position. As a result, the lever lock member 227, which is in contact with the lever lock release link 229, moves in the direction of the arrow to the lever lock release position, resisting the biasing force of the lever lock pressing spring 228.

[0059] As shown in Figure 26(a), in the lever lock release position, P1 moves outside the rotation trajectory R1, and P2 is maintained inside R2. Therefore, when the lever portion 201b is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the inclined surface 227d hits the inner wall of the opening 201e, and the lever lock member 277 retracts due to the component force, allowing it to overcome the inclined surface 227d. Thus, the lever lock member 227 allows the lever portion 201b to rotate in the direction of the arrow, and the lever portion 201b can be rotated to the replenishment position.

[0060] Rotation in the opposite direction is restricted because P2 remains inside R2. In this embodiment, by providing an assembly phase for the mounting portion 201 in the direction in which rotation is restricted, it is possible to prevent rotation to the assembly phase after assembly while simultaneously allowing rotation to the supply position.

[0061] Figure 27 shows the sequence of movements from the initial position of the locking mechanism to the replenishment position. In the initial position shown in Figure 27(a), as previously described, P1 and P2 are inside the rotational trajectories R1 and R2, so the rotation of the mounting part 201 is restricted. As shown in Figure 27(b), by attaching the replenishment pack 210, as previously described, the lever lock member 227 retracts and the mounting part 201 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow. Figure 27(c) shows the state in which the lock member 227 has retracted and the slope 227e has completely overcome the opening 201e. From this state onward to the replenishment position, as shown in Figure 27(d), the lock member 227 and the lever lock release link 229 are in a relative position (separated state) where they do not come into contact with each other, and the lock member 227 comes into contact with the outer surface of the mounting part 201 and is maintained in a rotation-permitted position. Therefore, since the lock member 227 does not hinder the rotation of the mounting part 201, the user can move the lever part 201b to the replenishment position. As shown in Figure 27(e), when the mounting portion 201 is rotated to the replenishment position, the lever lock pressing portion 227a enters the replenishment position recess 201h of the mounting portion 201, causing a change in sound and operating force. Therefore, the user can easily understand that the lever portion 201b has been moved to the replenishment position.

[0062] [Instructions for attaching the refill container] The toner replenishment procedure using the replenishment pack 210 will be explained using Figures 28 and 29. Figure 28 shows a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 28(a) shows the output tray 14 in a position where it covers the mounting section 200 and can load the recording material P discharged from the output port 15. Figure 28(b) shows the output tray 14 in a position where it exposes the mounting section 200. The output tray 14 is configured to be movable between the loading position shown in Figure 28(a) and the exposed position shown in Figure 28(b). The mounting section 200 is located on the upper front of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, making it easily accessible to the user during replenishment.

[0063] When replenishing toner, the recording material P loaded in the output tray 14 is removed, and the output tray 14, which is in the loading position shown in Figure 28(a), is opened to move to the exposed position shown in Figure 28(b). When the output tray 14 is opened, the mounting portion 200 and the top surface portion 240 adjacent to the mounting portion 200 are exposed. Then, the replenishment pack 210 is inserted into the exposed mounting portion 200. At this time, the replenishment pack 210 is inserted so that the mounting portion drive transmission rib 201d (Figure 15) provided on the mounting portion 200 and the alignment portion 217 (Figure 18) provided on the replenishment pack 210 are aligned. If the mounting portion drive transmission rib 201d and the alignment portion 217 are not aligned, the replenishment pack 210 will interfere with the mounting portion drive transmission rib 201d, and the replenishment pack 210 cannot be installed.

[0064] Here, by using different colors for the mounting member 201 and the lever lock release link 229, it is also possible to visually align the phase when attaching the replenishment pack 210.

[0065] Figure 29(a) shows the state in which the replenishment pack 210 is inserted into the mounting portion 200. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 29(a), the replenishment pack 210 can be inserted when the direction D in which the pouch end portion 216 extends is parallel to the X direction. When the replenishment pack 210 is inserted all the way into the mounting portion 200, the drive transmission rib 206a (Figure 14) of the main shutter portion of the mounting portion 200 and the alignment portion 217 (Figure 18) of the pack shutter portion 214 of the replenishment pack 210 engage. That is, the rib 206a faces radially opposite the alignment portion 217 and fits between the drive transmission surfaces 214b, so that the main shutter portion 206 and the pack shutter portion 214 engage with each other and become one unit. As a result, the main shutter portion 206 and the pack shutter portion 214 can be rotated together by operating the lever portion 201b.

[0066] Figure 29(b) shows the lever portion 201b moved from its initial position to the replenishment position. At this time, the replenishment pack 210 is fixed in the Z direction relative to the mounting portion 200 by a replenishment pack retention mechanism (not shown). As described above, when the lever portion 201b is moved, the pack shutter portion 214 provided on the replenishment pack 210 rotates. Furthermore, since the main body shutter portion 206 of the mounting portion 200 and the pack shutter portion 214 are engaged, the main body shutter portion 206 rotates together with the pack shutter portion 214. As a result, when the lever portion 201b is moved to the replenishment position, the side opening 205 (Figure 15) formed in the toner receiving portion 202 opens, and the opening 213 (Figure 18) formed in the insertion portion 212 also opens. The side opening 205 formed in the toner receiving section 202 and the opening 213 formed in the insertion section 212 are positioned opposite each other when the replenishment pack 210 is inserted into the mounting section 200. Therefore, when the lever section 201b is moved from the initial position to the replenishment position, the replenishment pack 210, the mounting section 200, and the storage section 18 are connected, making it possible to replenish the toner.

[0067] Figure 30 is a top view of the state shown in Figure 29(b) as seen from above. Looking at the replenishment pack 210 attached to the image forming apparatus 1, it can be seen that, as mentioned above, the direction D in which the pouch end 216 extends is parallel to the X direction. Also, a protrusion 241 is formed on the Y-positive side (front side) of the top surface 240 that is exposed when the discharge tray 14 is opened, and it is raised on the Z-positive side (upward side). A notch 242 is formed in part of the protrusion 241, and the position where the notch 242 is provided corresponds to the rotation trajectory of the lever part 201b.

[0068] In Figure 30, the lever portion 201b in its initial position is shown by a dotted line. After toner replenishment is complete, the lever portion 201b is returned to its original initial position. At this time, in the opposite direction to the lever operation to the replenishment position, the main shutter portion 206 of the mounting portion 200 and the pack shutter portion 214 of the replenishment pack 210 both rotate, and the side openings 205 and 213 of both close. Then, the retaining mechanism between the mounting portion 200 and the replenishment pack 210 is released, and the replenishment pack 210 can be removed from the mounting portion 200. As a result, if the replenishment pack 210 is not inserted into the mounting portion 200 of the image forming apparatus 1, the pack shutter portion 214 will be closed, preventing toner leakage.

[0069] (Example 2) In the configuration using the replenishment pack 210, the user replenishes the toner in the image forming apparatus 1 by attaching the replenishment pack 210. Therefore, if the user mistakenly attaches a replenishment pack 210 filled with incompatible toner, image defects may occur. In Embodiment 1, the lock release recess 201f of the replenishment port 201 used in the lever lock mechanism is provided in a larger size than the lock release rib 214a of the replenishment pack 210, so that the lever lock mechanism can be released even if their positions are slightly misaligned. Therefore, as shown in Figure 31, by making the positional relationship between the lock release recess 201f and the lock release rib 214a such that only compatible combinations can be attached, user misattachment can be prevented.

[0070] Figure 31(a) shows a first replenishment pack 201A in which the unlock recess 201f and the unlock rib 214a do not interfere with each other. That is, the replenishment pack 201A is in a relative position to the mounting portion 200 in which the various guide portions can engage, and the unlock rib 214aA can be guided by the unlock recess 201f acting as a guide portion. On the other hand, Figure 31(b) shows a second replenishment pack 201B in which the unlock rib 214aB is positioned differently from the unlock rib 214aA. In the second replenishment pack 201B, the engagement positions of the various guide portions are the same as in the first replenishment pack 201A, but because the position of the unlock rib 214aB does not match that of the unlock recess 201f, it comes into contact with the mounting portion drive transmission rib 201d, which forms a wall portion as a mounting restricting portion adjacent to the unlock recess 201f. As a result, the second replenishment pack 201B is restricted from being mounted on the mounting portion 200. When the refill pack 210 is installed, the phase between the refill container 210 and the refill port 201 is determined by the fitting of the alignment part 217 and the mounting part drive transmission rib 201d. Therefore, if the position of the lock release rib 214a is different, it will interfere with the mounting part drive transmission rib 201d, and the refill pack 210 cannot be installed completely. For this reason, by providing a lock release rib 214a in a different position on a refill pack 210 filled with incompatible toner, it is possible to prevent incorrect installation by the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1…Image forming apparatus, 200…Replenishment unit, 201…Mounting unit, 204…Replenishment port, 210…Replenishment pack, 230…Developing container

Claims

1. An operating member configured to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation and operated by a user, comprising an operating member having a second protrusion projecting toward the second axis of rotation in the second radial direction of a second virtual circle centered on the second axis of rotation, and a second recess recessing in the direction away from the second axis of rotation in the second radial direction from the tip of the second protrusion in the direction of projection of the second protrusion, wherein the developer container is configured to be detachably attached to a mounting part of an image forming apparatus, A compartment for storing the developer, A nozzle is provided with an outlet for discharging the developer contained in the aforementioned storage section to the outside of the developer container, A container shutter that is rotatable with respect to the nozzle about a first axis of rotation between an open position that opens the discharge port and a closed position that closes the discharge port, comprising: a first outer surface portion having an opening that exposes the discharge port when in the open position and extending in the direction of the first axis of rotation; a first recess including a second outer surface portion that is recessed relative to the first outer surface portion in a direction approaching the first axis of rotation with respect to the first radial direction of a first virtual circle centered on the first axis of rotation; and a first convex portion in the first recess that protrudes from the second outer surface portion in a direction away from the first axis of rotation with respect to the first radial direction, Equipped with, The discharge port of the nozzle opens in the first radial direction, When the developer container is mounted to the mounting portion, the first recess and the first protrusion of the container shutter engage with the second protrusion and the second recess of the operating member, respectively, and the container shutter is configured to rotate between the open position and the closed position about the second axis of rotation as the operating member is rotated. When the developer container is mounted on the mounting portion, the engagement between the first recess of the container shutter and the second protrusion of the operating member is configured to begin before the engagement between the first protrusion of the container shutter and the second recess of the operating member. A developer container characterized by the following features.

2. The nozzle and the housing are aligned in the direction of the first rotation axis, With respect to the direction of the first rotation axis, the mounting direction is defined as the direction from the housing portion toward the nozzle. It is configured to be attached to the aforementioned mounting portion, The first protrusion is provided on the upstream side of the first recess of the container shutter in the mounting direction. The developer container according to feature 1.

3. The first recess of the container shutter is located in the first radial direction, on the opposite side of the opening with respect to the first axis of rotation, The developer container according to feature 1.

4. The aforementioned mounting portion has a third protrusion, The nozzle has a third recess that is recessed in the region exposed from the opening when the container shutter is in the closed position, in a direction away from the first axis of rotation with respect to the first radial direction, and the third recess engages with the third protrusion when the developer container is mounted on the mounting portion. The developer container according to feature 1.

5. When the container shutter is in the closed position, the first recess of the container shutter is located in the first radial direction, on the opposite side of the nozzle from the first rotation axis, The developer container according to feature 4.

6. When the operating member, mounting portion, and image forming apparatus are respectively designated as a first operating member, a first mounting portion, and a first image forming apparatus, the second operating member is configured to be rotatable about a second rotation axis and operated by a user, and includes a second operating member having a third protrusion that protrudes toward the second rotation axis in the second radial direction, and a third recess that is recessed in the direction away from the second rotation axis in the second radial direction from the tip of the third protrusion in the direction of protrusion of the third protrusion, and whose position in the circumferential direction of the second virtual circle is different from that of the second recess of the first operating member, the second operating member is configured such that when a developer container is mounted on the second mounting portion of the second image forming apparatus, the first protrusion interferes with the third protrusion without engaging with the third recess during the engagement between the first recess of the container shutter and the third protrusion of the second operating member, thereby preventing mounting on the second mounting portion. The developer container according to feature 1.

7. An image forming system comprising a developer container and an image forming apparatus from which the developer container can be attached and detached, The image forming apparatus is The mounting part is a detachable mounting part for the developer container and includes an operating member for operation by a user, which is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis, and the operating member includes a second protrusion that protrudes toward the rotation axis in the radial direction of a virtual circle centered on the rotation axis, and a second recess that is recessed in the radial direction away from the rotation axis from the tip of the second protrusion in the direction of protrusion of the second protrusion, The aforementioned developer container is A container for storing the developer, A nozzle is provided with an outlet for discharging the developer contained in the storage section to the outside of the developer container, A container shutter that is rotatable with respect to the nozzle about the axis of rotation between an open position that opens the discharge port and a closed position that closes the discharge port, comprising: a first outer surface portion having an opening that exposes the discharge port when in the open position and extending in the direction of the axis of rotation; a first recess including a second outer surface portion that is recessed relative to the first outer surface portion in the radial direction toward the axis of rotation; and the first recess, in the radial direction toward the axis of rotation A container shutter having a first protrusion that protrudes from the second outer surface in a direction away from the axis of rotation, Equipped with, The discharge port of the nozzle opens in the radial direction, When the developer container is mounted to the mounting portion, the first recess and the first protrusion of the container shutter engage with the second protrusion and the second recess of the operating member, respectively, and the container shutter is configured to rotate between the open position and the closed position about the axis of rotation when the operating member is rotated. An image forming system characterized in that, when the developer container is mounted on the mounting portion, the engagement between the first recess of the container shutter and the second protrusion of the operating member begins before the engagement between the first protrusion of the container shutter and the second recess of the operating member.

8. The aforementioned mounting portion is A restricting member that is movable between a restricting position that restricts the rotation of the operating member and an allowable position that allows the rotation of the operating member, A release member having a pressed portion that is pressed against the first protrusion, and a pressing portion that presses the regulating member in a direction that moves it from the regulating position to the allowable position, A biasing member that biases the restricting member in the direction of moving from the allowable position to the restricted position, Equipped with, The image forming system according to claim 7, characterized in that when the developer container is mounted on the mounting portion, the pressing portion is pressed by the first protrusion of the developer container, causing the pressing portion to press the regulating member, and the regulating member is moved from the regulating position to the allowable position against the biasing force of the biasing member.

9. The release member is supported by the operating member so as to rotate together with the operating member and move relative to the operating member. The image forming system according to claim 8, characterized in that the mounting portion includes a frame to which the regulating member is movably supported and the biasing member is attached.

10. The image forming system according to claim 9, characterized in that the release member is linearly movable relative to the operating member in the radial direction.

11. The image forming system according to claim 8, characterized in that the regulating member is linearly movable between the regulating position and the allowable position in the radial direction.

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