Toner case including rotator rotating around rotation axis and cover moving along rotation axis direction of rotator and image forming apparatus including the same

A toner case includes a case main body, a rotator, a transmitter and a cover. The case main body stores a toner. The rotator is stored in the case main body and rotates around a rotation axis. The transmitter transmits rotation to the rotator. At least apart of the transmitter is arranged outside the case main body. The cover moves along a rotation axis direction of the rotator between a covering position where the cover covers an outer circumference of the transmitter and an exposing position where the cover exposes the transmitter.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese patent application No. 2017-005910 filed on Jan. 17, 2017, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a toner case and an image forming apparatus including the toner case.

An image forming apparatus, such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile and a multifunctional peripheral, includes a toner case which replenishes a developing device with a toner (a developer). For instance, the toner case includes a case main body storing the toner, a rotator stored in the case main body and rotating around a rotation axis and a transmitter arranged outside the case main body and transmitting rotation to the rotator. In such a toner case, by transmitting the rotation from the transmitter to the rotator, the toner in the case main body is agitated or conveyed by the rotator.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a toner case includes a case main body, a rotator, a transmitter and a cover. The case main body stores a toner. The rotator is stored in the case main body and rotates around a rotation axis. The transmitter transmits rotation to the rotator. At least a part of the transmitter is arranged outside the case main body. The cover moves along a rotation axis direction of the rotator between a covering position where the cover covers an outer circumference of the transmitter and an exposing position where the cover exposes the transmitter.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an image forming apparatus includes the toner case and an attachment part to which the toner case is detachably attached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, a multifunctional peripheral1(an example of an image forming apparatus) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Arrows Fr, Rr, L, R, U and Lo shown in each figure respectively indicate a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, an upper side and a lower side of the multifunctional peripheral1.

Firstly, an entire structure of the multifunctional peripheral1will be described.

With reference toFIG. 1, the multifunctional peripheral1includes a box-shaped multifunctional peripheral main body2(an example of an apparatus main body). In an upper portion of the multifunctional peripheral main body2, an ejected sheet tray4is provided. In an approximate center portion of the multifunctional peripheral main body2, an intermediate transferring belt5and four image forming parts6are stored. The four image forming parts6correspond to four colors, for example, black, cyan, magenta and yellow, of a toner (a developer). Each image forming part6includes a photosensitive drum7(an example of an image carrier) and a developing device8. In a lower portion of the multifunctional peripheral main body2, an exposing device10is stored. In a lower end portion of the multifunctional peripheral main body2, a sheet feeding cassette11storing a sheet S (an example of a recording medium) is stored.

In a right side portion of the multifunctional peripheral main body2, a conveying path P for the sheet S is provided. At an upstream end of the conveying path P, a sheet feeding part12is provided. At a middle portion of the conveying path P, a secondary transferring part13is provided. At a downstream portion of the conveying path P, a fixing device14is provided.

In the upper portion of the multifunctional peripheral main body2, four toner containers15(an example of a toner case) are stored below the ejected sheet tray4. The toner containers15correspond to the four colors, for example, black, cyan, magenta and yellow, of the toner (the developer). The four toner containers15are detachably attached to four attachment parts16provided in the upper portion of the multifunctional peripheral main body2.

At an upper end portion of the multifunctional peripheral main body2, an image reading device17configured to read an image of a document is provided. Above the image reading device17, a document conveying device18configured to convey the document automatically to an image reading position of the image reading device17is provided.

Next, an operation of the multifunctional peripheral1will be described.

Firstly, light (refer to a dot line arrow inFIG. 1) emitted from the exposing device10exposes the photosensitive drum7of each image forming part6to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum7. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device8of each image forming part6. Thereby, a toner image is carried on the photosensitive drum7. The toner image is primarily transferred from the photosensitive drum7of each image forming part6to the intermediate transferring belt5. Thereby, a full color toner image is formed on the intermediate transferring belt5.

On the other hand, the sheet S fed from the sheet feeding cassette11by the sheet feeding part12is conveyed to a downstream side along the conveying path P and enters the secondary transferring part13. At the secondary transferring part13, the full color toner image formed on the intermediate transferring belt5is secondarily transferred to the sheet S. The sheet S on which the toner image is secondarily transferred is further conveyed to the downstream side along the conveying path P and enters the fixing device14. The fixing device14fixes the toner image on the sheet S. The sheet S on which the toner image is fixed is ejected on the ejected sheet tray4.

Next, the four toner containers15will be described in detail. The four toner containers15have the same configuration, and, therefore, one of the toner containers15will be described and other toner containers will not be described. An arrow O shown in each figure afterFIG. 2indicates an outside in the front-and-rear direction of the toner container15, and an arrow I shown in each figure afterFIG. 2indicates an inside in the front-and-rear direction of the toner container15.

With reference toFIG. 2, the toner container15includes a case main body21, an agitator22(an example of a rotator) stored in a center portion of the case main body21, a conveyer23(an example of a rotator) stored in a left lower portion of the case main body21, a transmitter24arranged at a rear end side of the case main body21, a connector25arranged at a left lower side of the transmitter24, a holder26partially covering a rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction) of the case main body21, a cover27arranged at a center of the holder26, a pair of left and right coil springs28(an example of a biasing member, only the right coil spring28is shown inFIG. 2) arranged between the case main body21and the cover27, a shutter29arranged at a left lower side of a rear portion of the case main body21, a link30arranged at a lower side of the transmitter24and a restriction member31arranged at a right side of the transmitter24.

With reference toFIG. 3andFIG. 4, the case main body21has a shape elongated in the front-and-rear direction. The case main body21stores the toner (the developer). The case main body21includes a storage33and a lid34provided at an upper side of the storage33.

The storage33of the case main body21is formed in a box-like shape whose upper side is opened. Around an upper end of an outer circumference of the storage33, a lower side flange36is provided. In a left rear portion of a bottom wall33Lo of the storage33, a discharge port37through which the toner is discharged is provided. With reference toFIG. 5, in a center portion of a rear side wall33Rr of the storage33, a communication hole38is provided. On the center portion of the rear side wall33Rr of the storage33, a communication cylinder39is protruded from an outer circumference of the communication hole38to the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction). On a right side portion of the rear side wall33Rr of the storage33, a mounting projection40is protruded to the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction). On a left upper portion of the rear side wall33Rr of the storage33, a cylindrical bearing41is protruded to the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction). The bearing41rotatably supports an idle gear42. On a lower portion of the rear side wall33Rr of the storage33, a supporting plate43is protruded to the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction).

The lid34of the case main body21is formed in a box-like shape whose lower side is opened. Around a lower end of an outer circumference of the lid34, an upper side flange45is provided. The upper side flange45is fixed to the lower side flange36of the storage33. Thereby, the lid34is integrated with the storage33. An inner space of the lid34is communicated with an inner space of the storage33.

With reference toFIG. 2, the agitator22of the toner container15is stored in the storage33of the case main body21. The agitator22is rotatable around a first rotation axis X extending along the front-and-rear direction. That is, the front-and-rear direction is a rotation axis direction of the agitator22in the present embodiment. The agitator22includes an agitating shaft47extending along the front-and-rear direction and an agitating blade48mounted to the agitating shaft47. The agitating blade48is made of resin film, for example, and formed in a sheet-like shape.

The conveyer23of the toner container15is stored in the storage33of the case main body21. The conveyer23is rotatable around a second rotation axis Y extending along the front-and-rear direction. That is, the front-and-rear direction is a rotation axis direction of the conveyer23in the present embodiment. The conveyer23includes a conveying shaft50extending along the front-and-rear direction and a spiral conveying fin51protruding on an outer circumference of the conveying shaft50.

With reference toFIG. 5, the transmitter24of the toner container15includes an annular base piece53, a transmitting piece54protruding from a center portion of the base piece53to the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction) and a coupling piece55protruding from the center portion of the base piece53to the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction).

The base piece53of the transmitter24is arranged at the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction) of the case main body21. That is, the base piece53is arranged outside the case main body21. Around an outer circumferential face of the base piece53, a transmitting gear57is provided.

The transmitting piece54of the transmitter24is arranged at the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction) of the case main body21. That is, the transmitting piece54is arranged outside the case main body21. On a rear face (a face at the outside in the front-and-rear direction) of the transmitting piece54, a transmitting coupling58is provided.

With reference toFIG. 2, the coupling piece55of the transmitter24penetrates through the communication hole38and the communication cylinder39provided in the rear side wall33Rr of the storage33of the case main body21. Thereby, the transmitter24is rotatably supported by the case main body21. A tip end portion of the coupling piece55is inserted into an inside of the storage33, and fixed to a rear end portion of the agitating shaft47of the agitator22. Thereby, the transmitter24is connected to the agitator22, and rotatable integrally with the agitator22around the first rotation axis X.

The connector25of the toner container15includes a connecting shaft60and a connecting gear61provided around an outer circumference of the connecting shaft60. The connecting shaft60penetrates through the rear side wall33Rr of the storage33of the case main body21, and is fixed to a rear end portion of the conveying shaft50of the conveyer23. The connecting gear61is connected to the transmitting gear57of the transmitter24via the idle gear42. According to the above described configuration, the transmitter24is connected to the conveyer23via the idle gear42and the connector25.

With reference toFIG. 5andFIG. 6, the holder26of the toner container15is arranged at the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction) of the case main body21. That is, the holder26is arranged outside the case main body21.

The holder26includes a base plate63, an inner circumferential plate64protruding from an inner circumferential portion of the base plate63to the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction), an outer circumferential plate65protruding from an outer circumferential portion of the base plate63to the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction), a connecting plate66connecting an upper end portion and a right side portion of the outer circumferential plate65, a lateral side covering plate67protruding from the right side portion of the outer circumferential plate65to the lower side and a rear side covering plate68protruding from the right side portion of the outer circumferential plate65to the lower side and arranged at a rear end side of the lateral side covering plate67.

The base plate63of the holder26is formed in a plate-like shape. The base plate63is provided along a plane crossing the first rotation axis X. In a center portion of the base plate63, a square hole part70is provided. Through the hole part70, the transmitting coupling58of the transmitter is protruded to the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction) further than the base plate63.

The inner circumferential plate64of the holder26is formed in a square cylindrical shape. The inner circumferential plate64is protruded from the base plate63at an outer circumference of the hole part70to the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction). With reference toFIG. 7andFIG. 8, on a tip end portion (an end portion at the inside in the front-and-rear direction) of the inner circumferential plate64, a pair of upper and lower hook parts is protruded to the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction).

With reference toFIG. 5andFIG. 6, the outer circumferential plate65of the holder26is formed in a cylindrical shape. In a right side portion of the outer circumferential plate65, a notch72is provided. On an upper face (an inner face) of a lower end portion of the outer circumferential plate65, a pair of left and right rail parts is protruded. Each rail part73extends along the front-and-rear direction. With reference toFIG. 9, on a left face (an inner face) of the right side portion of the outer circumferential plate65, a contacting part74is protruded horizontally at the lower side of the connecting plate66.

With reference toFIG. 5andFIG. 6, the cover27of the toner container15includes a main wall76, an inner circumferential wall77protruding from an inner circumferential portion of the main wall76to the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction), an outer circumferential wall78protruding from an outer circumferential portion of the main wall76to the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction), a guide wall79protruding from a front end portion (an end portion at the inside in the front-and-rear direction) of the outer circumferential wall78to an outside in a radial direction (a side separated from the first rotation axis X) and a protruding wall80protruding from a right lower portion of the front end portion of the outer circumferential wall78to the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction).

The main wall76of the cover27is formed in a plate-like shape. The main wall76is provided along a plane crossing the first rotation axis X. In a center portion of the main wall76, a circular through hole82is provided. The main wall76has engaging holes83(an example of a first engaging part) at the left upper side and the right lower side of the through hole82. The engaging holes83are provided at a different position for every type (for example, a destination, a color of the toner or a model of the multifunctional peripheral1) of the toner container15. That is, the toner container15having a type different from the toner container15of the present embodiment has the engaging holes83at a position different from the present embodiment (for example, at the right upper side and the left lower side of the through hole82).

The inner circumferential wall77of the cover27is formed in a cylindrical shape. Into the inner circumferential wall77, the transmitting piece54of the transmitter24is inserted. Thereby, the cover27rotatably holds the transmitter24.

The outer circumferential wall78of the cover27is formed in a square cylindrical shape. The outer circumferential wall78is inserted into the inner circumferential plate64of the holder26. Thereby, the cover27is held by the holder26so as to be movable along the front-and-rear direction.

The cover27is movable along the front-and-rear direction between a covering position (refer toFIG. 3,FIG. 7and the others) where the inner circumferential wall77and the outer circumferential wall78cover an outer circumference of the transmitting coupling58of the transmitter24and an exposing position (refer toFIG. 4,FIG. 8and the others) where the inner circumferential wall77and the outer circumferential wall78expose the transmitting coupling58of the transmitter24. The exposing position is arranged at the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction) of the covering position.

With reference toFIG. 5andFIG. 6, the guide wall79of the cover27has a pair of upper and lower guide grooves84. With each guide groove84, each hook part71of the holder26is engaged. On a right side portion of the guide wall79, a guide piece85is protruded to the right side. On a front face (a face at the inside in the front-and-rear direction) of the guide wall79, a pair of left and right guide projections86is protruded.

On a lower face of the protruding wall80of the cover27, a first engaging piece88is protruded. The first engaging piece88is arranged at the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction) of the inner circumferential wall77and the outer circumferential wall78of the cover27. With reference toFIG. 9, a lower end portion of the first engaging piece88is engaged with the right rail part73provided in the outer circumferential plate65of the holder26.

With reference toFIG. 5andFIG. 6, the pair of left and right coil springs28of the toner container15is interposed between the rear side wall33Rr of the storage33of the case main body21and the guide wall79of the cover27. A rear end portion of each coil spring28is engaged with each guide projection86of the guide wall79. Each coil spring28presses the cover27to the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction) to bias the cover27to the covering position (refer toFIG. 3,FIG. 7and the others).

With reference toFIG. 10andFIG. 11, the shutter29of the toner container15includes a main plate90and an engaging plate91extending from a rear end portion of the main plate90to the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction).

The main plate90of the shutter29has a shape elongated in the front-and-rear direction. The main plate90is arranged along a lower face (an outer face) of the storage33of the case main body21. The main plate90is supported by a supporting body93fixed to the lower face of the storage33of the case main body21, from the lower side (the outer face side).

The shutter29is movable along the front-and-rear direction between a closing position (refer toFIG. 10and the others) where the main plate90closes the toner discharge port37provided in the storage33of the case main body21and an opening position (refer toFIG. 11and the others) where the main plate90opens the toner discharge port37. The opening position is arranged at the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction) of the closing position.

The engaging plate91of the shutter29has a shape elongated in the front-and-rear direction. A rear end portion of the engaging plate91is always arranged at the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction) of the storage33of the case main body21. On a lower face of the rear end portion of the engaging plate91, a second engaging piece94is protruded. The second engaging piece94is arranged at the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction) of the main plate90of the shutter29. With reference toFIG. 9, a lower end portion of the second engaging piece94is engaged with the left rail part73provided on the outer circumferential plate65of the holder26.

With reference toFIG. 10andFIG. 11, the link30of the toner container15is arranged at the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction) of the case main body21. That is, the link30is arranged outside the case main body21. The link30is supported by the supporting plate43of the case main body21. The link30is rotatable around a fulcrum97.

The link30includes a first arm part98extending from the fulcrum97to the right side (one side) and a second arm part99extending from the fulcrum97to the left side (the other side). The first arm part98and the second arm part99are arranged on the same line. The first arm part98has a first long hole101with which the first engaging piece88of the cover27is engaged. The second arm part99has a second long hole102with which the second engaging piece94of the shutter29is engaged. According to the above described configuration, the cover27and the shutter29are connected by the link30. A distance between the fulcrum97and the first long hole101is shorter than a distance between the fulcrum97and the second long hole102.

With reference toFIG. 12andFIG. 13, the restriction member31of the toner container15includes a mounting part104, a restriction part105extending from the mounting part104to the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction), an arm part106extending from a portion between the mounting part104and the restriction part105to the lower side, a pressed part107protruding from a lower end portion of the arm part106to the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction) and an elastic part108protruding from a center portion in the upper-and-lower direction of the arm part106to the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction).

The mounting part104of the restriction member31is mounted to the mounting projection40of the case main body21. Thereby, the restriction member31is supported by the case main body21so as to be rotatable around the mounting part104between a restricting position (refer toFIG. 12) and a restriction releasing position (refer toFIG. 13).

The restriction part105of the restriction member31is arranged at the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction) of the guide piece85of the cover27in a state where the restriction member31is in the restricting position. Thereby, moving of the cover27from the covering position to the exposing position is restricted. The restriction part105separates from the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction) of the guide piece85of the cover27in a state where the restriction member31is in the restriction releasing position. Thereby, the moving of the cover27from the covering position to the exposing position is permitted.

The arm part106of the restriction member31is engaged with the notch72of the holder26. The elastic part108of the restriction member31is elastically deformable. A rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction) of the restriction member31except the pressed part107is covered with the base plate63and the rear side covering plate68of the holder26. With reference toFIG. 9, a right side of the restriction member31is covered with the connecting plate66and the lateral side covering plate67of the holder26.

Next, the four attachment parts16will be described in detail. The four attachment parts16have the same configuration, and, therefore, one of the four attachment parts16will be described and other attachment parts16will not be described.

With reference toFIG. 14andFIG. 15, a front side of the attachment part16is covered with an openable and closable front cover111. By opening the front cover111, it becomes possible to attach and detach the toner container15to and from the attachment part16. The attachment part16constitutes a part of the multifunctional peripheral main body2. With reference toFIG. 16, to the attachment part16, the toner container15is detachably attached along an attachment direction Z from the front side to the rear side. The attachment direction Z is parallel to the front-and-rear direction.

With reference toFIG. 17, the attachment part16includes a guide plate112, a casing113arranged at the rear side of the guide plate112and a driving coupling114stored in an upper portion of the casing113.

The guide plate112of the attachment part16extends along the front-and-rear direction. In a rear portion of the guide plate112, a replenishment port116is provided. On a rear portion of an upper face (an outer face) of the guide plate112, a pressing part117is protruded at the rear side (a downstream side in the attachment direction Z) of the replenishment port116and at the front side (an upstream side in the attachment direction Z) of the casing113.

On a front wall113Fr of the casing113of the attachment part16, a cylindrical piece118is protruded to the front side. On the front wall113Fr of the casing113, engaging projections119(an example of a second engaging part) are protruded at the left upper side and the right lower side of the cylindrical piece118. The engaging projections119are provided at a different position for every type (for example, a destination, a color of the toner or a model of the multifunctional peripheral1) of the attachment part16. That is, the attachment part16having a type different from the attachment part16of the present embodiment includes the engaging projections119at a position different from the present embodiment (for example, at the right upper side and the left lower side of the cylindrical piece118).

The driving coupling114of the attachment part16is arranged in an inner circumference of the cylindrical piece118of the casing113. The driving coupling114is connected to a driving source120constituted by a motor and the others.

Next, an operation to discharge the toner from the toner container15will be described.

With reference toFIG. 2, when the toner is discharged from the toner container15, in a state where the transmitting coupling58of the transmitter24is coupled to the driving coupling114and the toner discharge port37is opened, the driving source120is driven. When the driving source120is driven, the driving coupling114is rotated by rotation driving force from the driving source120. When the driving coupling114is thus rotated, rotation of the driving coupling114is transmitted to the agitator22by the transmitter24, and the agitator22is rotated. As a result, the toner stored in the storage33of the case main body21is agitated by the agitator22.

When the driving coupling114is rotated as described above, the rotation is transmitted to the conveyer23by the transmitter24, the idle gear42and the connector25, and the conveyer23is rotated. As a result, as shown by an arrow A inFIG. 2, the toner stored in the storage33of the case main body21is conveyed toward the discharge port37by the conveyer23. The toner thus conveyed toward the discharge port37is discharged through the discharge port37to the outside of the toner container15. The toner discharged to the outside of the toner container15is replenished to the developing device (refer toFIG. 1) of the image forming part6through a replenishment port116(refer toFIG. 17) of the attachment part16.

Next, an example of a work to check an operation of the cover27and the shutter29by a worker, such as a user and a serviceman, will be described.

In a state where the toner container15is detached from the attachment part16, the restriction member31is arranged in the restricting position (refer toFIG. 12) and the restriction part105of the restriction member31is arranged at the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction) of the guide piece85of the cover27. Thereby, the moving of the cover27from the covering position (refer toFIG. 3,FIG. 7and the others) to the exposing position (refer toFIG. 4,FIG. 8and the others) is restricted, and the cover27is held in the covering position. As a result, the outer circumference of the transmitting coupling58of the transmitter24is covered with the inner circumferential wall77and the outer circumferential wall78of the cover27. In the state where the toner container15is detached from the attachment part16, the shutter29is arranged in the closing position (refer toFIG. 10and the others).

Firstly, the worker presses the pressed part107of the restriction member31toward the front side. The pressing rotates the restriction member31from the restricting position (refer toFIG. 12) to the restriction releasing position (refer toFIG. 13). Consequently, the elastic part108of the restriction member31comes into contact with the contacting part74of the holder26to be elastically deformed, and the restriction member31is biased to the restricting position by elastic returning force of the elastic part108.

Next, the worker presses the cover27toward the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction). Consequently, the cover27moves toward the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction) from the covering position (refer toFIG. 3,FIG. 7and the others) to the exposing position (refer toFIG. 4,FIG. 8and the others) against biasing force of the pair of left and right coil springs28, and the transmitting coupling58of the transmitter24is exposed.

With reference toFIG. 10, as the cover27moves from the covering position to the exposing position as described above, the first engaging piece88of the cover27presses the first arm part98of the link30toward the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction). The pressing rotates the link30in a predetermined direction around the fulcrum97, as shown by an arrow RD1inFIG. 10. Consequently, the second arm part99of the link30presses the second engaging piece94of the shutter29toward the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction), and the shutter29moves toward the rear side from the closing position (refer toFIG. 10and the others) to the opening position (refer toFIG. 11and the others). That is, the shutter29moves in a direction opposing to the cover27.

Next, the worker releases the pressing of the cover27. Consequently, the cover27moves toward the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction) from the exposing position (refer toFIG. 4,FIG. 8and the others) to the covering position (refer toFIG. 3,FIG. 7and the others) by the biasing force of the pair of left and right coil springs28. As a result, the outer circumference of the transmitting coupling58of the transmitter24is covered with the inner circumferential wall77and the outer circumferential wall78of the cover27.

With reference toFIG. 11, as the cover27moves from the exposing position to the covering position as described above, the first engaging piece88of the cover27presses the first arm part98of the link30toward the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction). The pressing rotates the link30in a direction opposing to the above predetermined direction around the fulcrum97, as shown by an arrow RD2inFIG. 11. Consequently, the second arm part99of the link30presses the second engaging piece94of the shutter29toward the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction), and the shutter29moves toward the front side from the opening position (refer toFIG. 11and the others) to the closing position (refer toFIG. 10and the others). That is, the shutter29moves in a direction opposing to the cover27.

Next, the worker releases the pressing of the pressed part107of the restriction member31. Consequently, the restriction member31rotates from the restriction releasing position (refer toFIG. 13) to the restricting position (refer toFIG. 12) by elastic returning force of the elastic part108.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the toner container15includes the cover27which moves along the front-and-rear direction between the covering position where the cover27covers the outer circumference of the transmitting coupling58of the transmitter24and the exposing position where the cover27exposes the transmitting coupling58. Accordingly, it becomes possible to switch between a state where the transmitting coupling58is covered and another state where the transmitting coupling58is exposed, by using a simple structure.

Additionally, as the cover27moves from the covering position to the exposing position, the shutter29moves from the closing position to the opening position, and as the cover27moves from the exposing position to the covering position, the shutter29moves from the opening position to the closing position. By linking the moving of the cover27with the moving of the shutter29, the operation to move the cover27makes it possible to perform the both works to check the operation of the cover27and to check the operation of the shutter29. That is, the one operation makes it possible to perform the two works. Accordingly, it becomes possible to suppress increasing of a number of steps of the check operation for the toner container15and to improve workability of the check operation for the toner container15.

As described above, when the operation of the cover27and the shutter29is checked, the shutter29moves between the opening position and the closing position. Thereby, if the operation of the cover27and the shutter29is checked in a state where the discharge port37faces downward, when the shutter29moves to the opening position, the toner may be dropped through the discharge port37. Accordingly, when the operation of the cover27and the shutter29is checked, the toner container15is preferably reversed in the upper-and-lower direction to face the discharge port37upward.

Additionally, the link30includes the first arm part98which extends from the fulcrum97to the right side (the one side) and is engaged with the first engaging piece88of the cover27and the second arm part99which extends from the fulcrum97to the left side (the other side) and is engaged with the second engaging piece94of the shutter29. By applying such a configuration, it becomes possible to move the shutter29in a direction opposing to the cover27.

Additionally, the first engaging piece88of the cover27is arranged at the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction) of the inner circumferential wall77and the outer circumferential wall78of the cover27, and the second engaging piece94of the shutter29is arranged at the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction) of the main plate90of the shutter29. By applying such a configuration, if the inner circumferential wall77and the outer circumferential wall78of the cover27are separated from the main plate90of the shutter29in the front-and-rear direction, it becomes possible to connect the cover27and the shutter29by the link30.

Additionally, the toner container15includes the restriction member31which rotates between the restricting position where the restriction member31restricts the moving of the cover27from the covering position to the exposing position and the restriction releasing position where the restriction member31permits the moving of the cover27from the covering position to the exposing position. Accordingly, it becomes possible to inhibit the accidental moving of the cover27from the covering position to the exposing position and to inhibit the transmitting coupling58of the transmitter24from being damaged.

Additionally, the restriction member31except the pressed part107is covered with the holder26. Accordingly, it becomes possible to inhibit the restriction member31from being manipulated by the worker incorrectly and to inhibit the accidental moving of the cover27from the covering position to the exposing position more effectively.

Additionally, when the restriction member31rotates from the restricting position to the restriction releasing position, the elastic part108of the restriction member31comes into contact with the contacting part74of the holder26to be elastically deformed, and the restriction member31is biased to the restricting position by the elastic returning force of the elastic part108. By applying such a configuration, it becomes possible to return the restriction member31to the restricting position surely by a simple structure.

Additionally, the toner container15includes the pair of left and right coil springs28biasing the cover27to the covering position. By applying such a configuration, it becomes possible to inhibit the toner container15from being left in a state where the cover27is arranged in the exposing position and to inhibit the transmitting coupling58of the transmitter24from being damaged more effectively.

Additionally, the multifunctional peripheral1includes the toner container15and the attachment part16to which the toner container15is detachably attached. By applying such a configuration, it becomes possible to replace the toner container15easily.

Next, a work to attach and detach the toner container15to and from the attachment part16by a worker, such as a user and a serviceman, will be described. The same work as the work to check the operation of the cover27and the shutter29is not described.

When the worker attaches the toner container15to the attachment part16, the worker inserts the toner container15to the attachment part16along the attachment direction Z. When the toner container15is inserted to a predetermined position in the attachment part16, as shown by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 12, the pressing part117of the attachment part16comes into contact with the pressed part107of the restriction member31, and presses the pressed part107toward the front side. Consequently, the restriction member31rotates from the restricting position (refer toFIG. 12) to the restriction releasing position (refer toFIG. 13).

When the worker further inserts the toner container15to the attachment part16along the attachment direction Z, as shown by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 7, the main wall76of the cover27comes into contact with the cylindrical piece118of the casing113. Thereby, the moving of the cover27to the rear side (the downstream side in the attachment direction Z) is restricted.

When the worker further inserts the toner container15to the attachment part16along the attachment direction Z, as shown by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 8, the toner container15is attached to the attachment part16. Consequently, the case main body21moves toward the rear side (the downstream side in the attachment direction Z) with respect to the cover27from a position where the cover27is arranged in the covering position (refer toFIG. 3,FIG. 7and the others) to another position where the cover27is arranged in the exposing position (refer toFIG. 4,FIG. 8and the others). As a result, the transmitting coupling58of the transmitter24is exposed, and coupled to the driving coupling114.

With reference toFIG. 10, as the case main body21moves with respect to the cover27from the position where the cover27is arranged in the covering position to the other position where the cover27is arranged in the exposing position as described above, the first engaging piece88of the cover27presses the first arm part98of the link30toward the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction). The pressing rotates the link30in the predetermined direction around the fulcrum97, as shown by the arrow RD1inFIG. 10. Consequently, the second arm part99of the link30presses the second engaging piece94of the shutter29toward the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction), and the shutter29moves toward the rear side from the closing position (refer toFIG. 10and the others) to the opening position (refer toFIG. 11and the others).

When the type of the toner container15matches the type of the attachment part16, each engaging hole83of the cover27is engaged with each engaging projection119of the casing113, and the attaching of the toner container15to the attachment part16is permitted. Thereby, the coupling of the transmitting coupling58of the transmitter24to the driving coupling114is permitted as described above. On the other hand, if the type of the toner container15does not match the type of the attachment part16, each engaging hole83of the cover27is not engaged with each engaging projection119of the casing113, each engaging projection119interferes with the main wall76of the cover27, and the attaching of the toner container15to the attachment part16is inhibited. Thereby, the coupling of the transmitting coupling58of the transmitter24to the driving coupling114is inhibited. By applying such a configuration, it becomes possible to inhibit an incompatible toner container15from being incorrectly attached to the attachment part16.

On the other hand, when the toner container15is detached from the attachment part16, the worker pulls out the toner container15from the attachment part16in a direction opposing to the attachment direction Z. As a result, the coupling of the transmitting coupling58of the transmitter24to the driving coupling114is released.

Additionally, when the toner container15is pulled out from the attachment part16as described above, the case main body21moves toward the front side (the upstream side in the attachment direction Z) with respect to the cover27from the position where the cover27is arranged in the exposing position (refer toFIG. 4,FIG. 8and the others) to the other position where the cover27is arranged in the covering position (refer toFIG. 3,FIG. 7and the others). As a result, the outer circumference of the transmitting coupling58of the transmitter24is covered with the inner circumferential wall77and the outer circumferential wall78of the cover27.

With reference toFIG. 11, as the case main body21moves with respect to the cover27from the position where the cover27is arranged in the exposing position to the other position where the cover27is arranged in the covering position as described above, the first engaging piece88of the cover27presses the first arm part98of the link30toward the rear side (the outside in the front-and-rear direction). The pressing rotates the link30in the direction opposing to the above predetermined direction around the fulcrum97, as shown by the arrow RD2inFIG. 11. Consequently, the second arm99of the link30presses the second engaging piece94of the shutter29toward the front side (the inside in the front-and-rear direction), and the shutter29moves toward the front side from the opening position (refer toFIG. 11and the others) to the closing position (refer toFIG. 10and the others).

As described above, in the present embodiment, as the toner container15is attached to the attachment part16, the main wall76of the cover27comes into contact with the cylindrical piece118of the casing113, and the moving of the cover27to the rear side (the downstream side in the attachment direction Z) is restricted. Then, the case main body21moves toward the rear side (the downstream side in the attachment direction Z) with respect to the cover27from the position where the cover27is arranged in the covering position to the other position where the cover27is arranged in the exposing position, and the transmitting coupling58of the transmitter24is coupled to the driving coupling114. By applying such a configuration, when the toner container15is attached to the attachment part16, the transmitting coupling58of the transmitter24is automatically exposed, and coupled to the driving coupling114. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce a worker's load for the attachment and detachment work of the toner container15.

Additionally, as the toner container15is attached to the attachment part16, the pressing part117provided in the attachment part16presses the pressed part107of the restriction member31, and the restriction member31rotates from the restricting position to the restriction releasing position. By applying such a configuration, when the toner container15is attached to the attachment part16, the restriction member31automatically rotates from the restricting position to the restriction releasing position. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the worker's load for the attachment and detachment work of the toner container15more effectively.

In the present embodiment, the first engaging part is the engaging hole83and the second engaging part is the engaging projection119. On the other hand, in another embodiment, the first engaging part may be the engaging projection and the second engaging part may be the engaging hole.

In the present embodiment, the main plate90of the shutter29is arranged along the lower face (the outer face) of the storage33of the case main body21. On the other hand, in another embodiment, the main plate90of the shutter29may be arranged along an upper face (the inner face) of the storage33of the case main body21.

In the present embodiment, entire parts of the agitator22and the conveyer23are stored in the case main body21. On the other hand, in another embodiment, parts of the agitator22and/or the conveyer23may by stored in the case main body21.

In the present embodiment, a part of the transmitter24is arranged outside the case main body21. On the other hand, in another embodiment, an entire part of the transmitter24may be arranged outside the case main body21.

In the present embodiment, the configuration of the present disclosure is applied to the multifunctional peripheral1(an image forming apparatus including multiple functions, such as printing function, copying function and facsimile function). On the other hand, in still another embodiment, the configuration of the present disclosure may be applied to an image forming apparatus, such as a printer, a copying machine and a facsimile, other than the multifunctional peripheral1.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the particular illustrative embodiments, it is not to be restricted by the embodiments. It is to be appreciated that those skilled in the art can change or modify the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.