Image forming apparatus including a display unit for displaying information about a procedure for replenishing developer

An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a developer bearing member, a discharge unit, a stacking tray including a stacking surface on which the recording material is stacked, a replenishment port, a cover capable of moving between a closed position where the cover covers the replenishment port and constitutes at least part of the stacking surface and an open position where the cover exposes the replenishment port, and an information display unit for displaying information about a procedure for replenishing the developing container with the developer from the replenishment container.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material.

Description of the Related Art

Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses typically form an image by transferring a toner image formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum to a transfer material serving as a transfer medium. Examples of known developer replenishment methods include a process cartridge method and a toner replenishment method. The process cartridge method refers to a method where the photosensitive drum and a developing container are integrated as a process cartridge, and the process cartridge is replaced with a new one when the developer runs out.

By contrast, the toner replenishment method refers to a method where the developing container is replenished with new toner when the toner runs out. A one-component developing device using a toner replenishment method where a toner supply box capable of toner replenishment is connected to a toner conveyance path for conveying toner has conventionally been discussed (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-30084). The toner stored in the toner supply box is conveyed to the toner conveyance path by a conveyance screw.

Various usages of image forming apparatuses have been demanded by users in recent years, including the foregoing process cartridge method and toner replenishment method.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a mode of an image forming apparatus.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a developer bearing member configured to develop the electrostatic latent image into a toner image by bearing a developer accommodated in a developing container and supplying the developer to the image bearing member, a discharge unit configured to discharge a recording material to which the toner image is transferred out of an apparatus main body, a stacking tray including a stacking surface on which the recording material discharged by the discharge unit is stacked, a replenishment port to which a replenishment container accommodating a developer is attached, the replenishment port being configured to replenish the developing container with the developer from the replenishment container, a cover configured to move between a closed position where the cover covers the replenishment port and constitutes at least part of the stacking surface and an open position where the cover exposes the replenishment port, and an information display unit configured to display information about a procedure for replenishing the developing container with the developer from the replenishment container. The information display unit is located on a back of the cover corresponding to the stacking surface or a predetermined surface opposed to the back of the cover along with the replenishment port with the cover at the closed position. The replenishment port and the information display unit are each located within a width of the stacking surface in a width direction of the recording material, the width direction being parallel to the stacking surface and orthogonal to a discharge direction of the recording material.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus1according to a first exemplary embodiment. The image forming apparatus1is a monochrome printer that forms an image on a recording material based on image information input from an external apparatus. Examples of the recording material include various sheets of different materials, such as sheets of paper including plain paper and thick paper, plastic films including an overhead projector sheet, special shape sheets including an envelope and a tabbed folder, and cloth.FIG. 1illustrates the configuration of the image forming apparatus1viewed in the direction of a rotation axis of a photosensitive drum21to be described below. The top-to-bottom direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the left-to-right direction is parallel to the horizontal direction. The rotational axes of a developing roller31, a discharge roller pair80, a registration roller pair15, and a cover83to be described below are parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum21.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the image forming apparatus1includes a printer main body100, which is an apparatus main body, and an operation unit300attached to an exterior surface of the printer main body100. The printer main body100includes an image forming unit10, a feed unit60, a fixing unit70, and the discharge roller pair80. The image forming unit10forms a toner image on a recording material (sheet) P. The feed unit60feeds the recording material P to the image forming unit10. The fixing unit70fixes the toner image formed by the image forming unit10to the recording material P. The printer main body100also includes a control unit360for controlling an image forming operation of the image forming unit10on the recording material P.

The image forming unit10includes a not-illustrated scanner unit, an electrophotographic process cartridge20, and a transfer roller12for transferring a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum21of the process cartridge20to the recording material P. The process cartridge20includes the photosensitive drum21, and a charging roller22located around the photosensitive drum21, a pre-exposure device23, and a developing device30including the developing roller31.

The photosensitive drum21is a photosensitive member formed in a cylindrical shape. The photosensitive drum21according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a photosensitive layer made of an organic photosensitive material having negative chargeability on a molded aluminum base of drum shape. The photosensitive drum21serving as an image bearing member is driven by a motor to rotate in a predetermined direction (clockwise illustrated inFIG. 1) at a predetermined process speed.

The charging roller22is in contact with the photosensitive drum21at a predetermined pressure to form a charging portion. A charging high voltage power supply applies a desired charging voltage to the charging roller22, whereby the surface of the photosensitive drum21is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential. In the present exemplary embodiment, the photosensitive drum21is charged to a negative polarity by the charging roller22. The pre-exposure device23removes the surface potential of the photosensitive drum21before entry into the charging portion, so that the charging portion produces a stable discharge.

The scanner unit (not illustrated) serving as an exposure unit scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum21by irradiating the photosensitive drum21with laser light corresponding to the image information input from the external apparatus by using a polygon mirror. The exposure forms an electrostatic latent image based on the image information on the surface of the photosensitive drum21. The scanner unit is not limited to a laser scanner device. For example, a light-emitting diode (LED) exposure device including an LED array in which a plurality of LEDs is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum21may be employed.

The developing device30includes a developing roller31serving as a developer bearing member for bearing a developer, a developing container32constituting the frame of the developing device30, and a supply roller33that can supply the developer to the developing roller31. The developing roller31and the supply roller33are rotatably supported by the developing container32. The developing roller31is located in an opening of the developing container32and opposed to the photosensitive drum21. The supply roller33is rotatably in contact with the developing roller31. Toner serving as the developer, which is accommodated in the developing container32, is applied to the surface of the developing roller31by the supply roller33. The supply roller33is not necessarily needed as long as the developing device30is configured such that sufficient toner can be supplied to the developing roller31.

The developing device30according to the present exemplary embodiment uses a contact developing method as its developing method. Specifically, a toner layer borne on the developing roller31is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum21in a developing portion (developing region) where the photosensitive drum21is opposed to the developing roller31. A developing high voltage power supply applies a developing voltage to the developing roller31. Under the developing voltage, the toner borne on the developing roller31is transferred from the developing roller31to the drum surface based on a potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum21, whereby the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image. The present exemplary embodiment uses a reversal developing method. More specifically, the toner image is formed by adhesion of toner to surface areas of the photosensitive drum21that are charged in the charging process and then exposed in the exposure process to reduce the amount of charge.

In the present exemplary embodiment, toner having a particle size of 6 μm and a negative normal charging polarity is used. For example, polymerized toner generated by a polymerization method is used as the toner according to the present exemplary embodiment. The toner according to the present exemplary embodiment is a nonmagnetic one-component developer, which does not include a magnetic component and is borne on the developing roller31mainly by intermolecular forces or electrostatic forces (image forces). However, a one-component developer containing a magnetic component may be used. Some one-component developers contain additives (e.g., wax and silica fine particles) for adjusting the fluidity and charging performance of the toner aside from the toner particles. Alternatively, a two-component developer including nonmagnetic toner and a magnetic carrier may be used as the developer. If a magnetic developer is used, a cylindrical developing sleeve with a magnet inside is used as the developer bearing member, for example.

The developing container32includes an accommodation unit36that accommodates toner replenished from a toner pack40described below, and an agitation member34serving as an agitation unit located inside the accommodation unit36. The agitation member34is driven to rotate by a not-illustrated motor, whereby the toner in the developing container32is agitated and fed toward the developing roller31and the supply roller33. The agitation member34also has a function of circulating toner not used for development and scraped off the developing roller31through the developing container32so that the toner in the developing container32is uniformized. The agitation member34is not limited to the rotating configuration. For example, an agitation member of swingable configuration may be employed.

A developing blade35for regulating the amount of toner borne on the developing roller31is located in the opening of the developing container32where the developing roller31is located. As the developing roller31rotates, the toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller31passes through a portion where the developing roller31is opposed to the developing blade35, whereby the toner is regulated into a uniform thin layer and triboelectrically charged to a negative polarity.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the feed unit60includes a front door61openably and closably supported by the printer main body100, a tray unit62, and a liftable pickup roller65. The tray unit62constitutes the bottom of a recording material storage space that appears when the front door61is opened. The front door61blocks the recording material storage space when closed to the printer main body100. The front door61supports recording materials P with the tray unit62when open from the printer main body100.

The fixing unit70uses a thermal fixing method where an image is fixed by thermally melting the toner on the recording material P. The fixing unit70includes a fixing film71, a fixing heater, such as a ceramic heater, for heating the fixing film71, a thermistor for measuring the temperature of the fixing heater, and a pressure roller72pressed against the fixing film71.

An image forming operation of the image forming apparatus1will now be described. When an image formation command is input to the image forming apparatus1, the image forming unit10stars an image formation process based on image information input from an external computer connected to the image forming apparatus1. The not-illustrated scanner unit irradiates the photosensitive drum21with laser light based on the input image information. The photosensitive drum21here is charged by the charging roller22in advance, and the irradiation with the laser light forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum21. The electrostatic latent image is then developed by the developing roller31, whereby a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum21.

In parallel with the foregoing image formation process, the pickup roller65of the feed unit60feeds a recording material P supported by the front door61and the tray unit62. The recording material P is fed to the registration roller pair15by the pickup roller65, and abutted against a nip between the registration roller pair15for skew correction. The registration roller pair15is then driven in synchronization with the transfer timing of the toner image, whereby the recording material P is conveyed toward a transfer nip formed between the transfer roller12and the photosensitive drum21.

A transfer high voltage power supply applies a transfer voltage to the transfer roller12serving as a transfer unit, and the toner image borne on the photosensitive drum21is transferred to the recording material P conveyed by the registration roller pair15. The recording material P to which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit70, and the toner image is heated and pressurized as the recording material P passes through a nip portion between the fixing film71and the pressure roller72of the fixing unit70. This melts the toner particles, which are then cured to fix the toner image to the recording material P. The recording material P passed through the fixing unit70is discharged in a discharge direction DD by the discharge roller pair80serving as a discharge unit. The recording material P is discharged out of (outside) the image forming apparatus1through a discharge port85for discharging a recording material outside, and stacked on a discharge tray81(stacking tray) located in the top part of the printer main body100.

The discharge tray81is inclined upward downstream in the discharge direction DD of the recording material P. The recording material P discharged to the discharge tray81slides down the discharge tray81, whereby the trailing edges of recording materials P are aligned by a regulation surface84. The discharge port85is an opening formed in the regulation surface84, and has a width in a width direction WD orthogonal to the discharge direction DD such that a recording material having the maximum width size conveyable by the image forming apparatus1can pass through. In the following description, the front-to-back direction, the left-to-right direction, and the top-to-bottom direction are defined with reference to a state where the operation unit300is viewed from the front.

As described above, the recording material P discharged out of a housing100athrough the discharge port85is stacked on the discharge tray81. The housing100aof the printer main body100accommodates the developing container32having the accommodation unit36, and includes the discharge port85. In the present exemplary embodiment, the housing100aaccommodates, for example, the photosensitive drum21, the developing device30, the fixing unit70, and the registration roller pair15. On top of the housing100ain the vertical direction, a top panel unit200is fixed and the discharge tray81is located. The top panel unit200is immovably fixed to the housing100a.

The image forming apparatus1includes a toner reception unit (mounting unit)600having a replenishment port (mounting opening)32a. As described below, in the present exemplary embodiment, the toner reception unit600is located on the developing container32. A part of the toner pack40is inserted into the replenishment port32aof the toner reception unit600, and a predetermined operation is made before the accommodation unit36can be replenished with toner from the toner pack40. The toner reception unit600does not necessarily need to be located on the developing container32, and may be located on the housing100aof the printer main body100.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2A, the discharge tray81includes an operable cover83. The cover83is configured to be movable with respect to the housing100aand the top panel unit200. Specifically, the cover83is configured to be movable between a closed position where the cover83covers the replenishment port32aand an open position where the cover83exposes the replenishment port32ato outside the housing100a. InFIG. 1, the cover83illustrated in solid lines represents the cover83at the open position, and the cover83illustrated in broken lines represents the cover83at the closed position. The cover83at the closed position constitutes at least a part of a stacking surface where recording materials P discharged from the discharge port85are stacked.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the discharge tray81includes a stacking portion87for stacking the recording materials P discharged from the discharge port85with the cover83. The stacking portion87is configured to not move relative to the housing100aor the top panel unit200, and the stacking portion87constitutes a part of the stacking surface. However, the stacking portion87may be omitted and the entire stacking surface of the discharge tray81for stacking the recording materials P may be constituted by the cover83. As employed herein, the stacking surface refers to a surface that makes contact with and supports the recording materials P.

As illustrated inFIG. 2B, when the cover83is open, a cover back83a, a top wall93, and the replenishment port32aare exposed to outside. The top wall93is intended to protect the developing container32from above. The replenishment port32ais attached by the toner pack40to replenish the developing container32with the developer.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2B, when the toner pack40is attached to the replenishment port32aof the toner reception unit600, a part of the toner pack40protrudes from the housing100aand the cover83is thereby restricted from moving to the closed position. With the toner pack40attached, the image forming apparatus1is restricted from making an image forming operation. To make an image forming operation using the image forming apparatus1, the toner pack40is removed and the cover83is moved to the closed position.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the cover83and the top wall93are formed over the entire width of the discharge tray81in the width direction WD of the recording material P parallel to the stacking surface and orthogonal to the discharge direction DD of the recording material P. In other words, the width of the discharge tray81(the width of the portion for supporting the recording material P) in the width direction WD is the same as the width of the cover83.

The top wall93has an opening, which exposes the toner reception unit600to outside the housing100a. With the cover83at the closed position, the replenishment port32aof the toner reception unit600and the top wall93are covered by the cover83. At this time, the replenishment port32aand the top wall93are opposed to the cover back83a. With the cover83open, the user can access the replenishment port32a. The present exemplary embodiment uses a method (direct replenishment method) where the user replenishes the developing device30with toner from the toner pack40that is filled with toner for replenishment, with the developing device30mounted on the image forming apparatus1.

The use of the direct replenishment method can improve usability since the process cartridge20does not need to be detached from the printer main body100and replaced with a new one when the remaining toner level of the process cartridge20becomes low. In addition, the developing container32can be replenished with toner at lower cost than when the entire process cartridge20is replaced. The direct replenishment method can also reduce cost, even compared to when only the developing device30of the process cartridge20is replaced, since various rollers and gears do not need to be replaced. The image forming apparatus1and the toner pack40constitute an image forming system1000. The process cartridge20may be configured to be detachable from the printer main body100.

[Collection of Transfer Residual Toner]

The present exemplary embodiment employs a cleaner-less configuration where transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum21without being transferred to a recording material P is collected into the developing device30for reuse. The transfer residual toner is collected in the following steps. The transfer residual toner includes a mixture of toner charged to a positive polarity and toner charged to a negative polarity but with an insufficient amount of charge. The photosensitive drum21after transfer is destaticized by the pre-exposure device23and the charging roller22produces a uniform discharge, whereby the transfer residual toner is charged to a negative polarity again. As the photosensitive drum21rotates, the transfer residual toner charged to a negative polarity again in the charging portion reaches the developing portion. The scanner unit then exposes the surface areas of the photosensitive drum21passed through the charging portion to write an electrostatic latent image, with the transfer residual toner still adhering to the surface.

The behavior of the transfer residual toner reaching the developing portion will now be described for an exposed area and a not-exposed area of the photosensitive drum21separately. In the developing portion, the transfer residual toner adhering to a not-exposed area of the photosensitive drum21is transferred to the developing roller31by a potential difference between the potential of the not-exposed area of the photosensitive drum21(dark area potential) and the developing voltage, and collected into the developing container32. The reason is that while the normal charging polarity of the toner is negative, the developing voltage applied to the developing roller31has a positive polarity relative to the potential of the non-exposed area. The toner collected into the developing container32is agitated and dispersed with the toner in the developing container32by the agitation member34, borne on the developing roller31, and used in the developing process again.

In contrast, the transfer residual toner adhering to an exposed area of the photosensitive drum21remains on the drum surface without being transferred from the photosensitive drum21to the developing roller31in the developing portion. The reason is that while the normal charging polarity of the toner is negative, the developing voltage applied to the developing roller31has a potential of even negative polarity relative to the potential (light area potential) of the exposed area. The transfer residual toner remaining on the drum surface is borne on the photosensitive drum21along with other toner transferred from the developing roller31to the exposed area, moves to a transfer area, and is transferred to a recording material P at the transfer area.

As describe above, the present exemplary embodiment employs the cleaner-less configuration where the transfer residual toner is collected into the developing device30for reuse. However, a conventional configuration for collecting transfer residual toner by using a cleaning blade in contact with the photosensitive drum21can also be employed. In such a case, the transfer residual toner collected by the cleaning blade is collected into a collection container installed separately from the developing device30. The cleaner-less configuration can eliminate the need for the installation space of the collection container for collecting the transfer residual toner and enable miniaturization of the image forming apparatus1. In addition, the reuse of the transfer residual toner can reduce printing cost.

A configuration of the toner pack40that is detachable from and attachable to the image forming apparatus1and serves as a replenishment container accommodating toner will now be described. As illustrated inFIGS. 3A to 5, the toner pack40includes a shutter member41, a seal member504, a replenishment base501, an outer ring member510, an inner ring member511, and a pouch503, which are assembled into the toner pack40. The pouch503is a flexible container for accommodating toner. A rotation axis z illustrated in a dot-dashed line inFIGS. 3A to 5is the rotation center line of the toner pack40.

The replenishment base501serving as a container base unit includes an outer peripheral portion501bas a side surface extending along an axial direction D1parallel to the rotation axis Z, and a toner discharge port501rformed in the outer peripheral portion501b. The replenishment base501also includes a radially inward recess501fin the outer peripheral portion501b, and protrusions501yprotruding radially outward from the outer peripheral portion501b. The toner discharge port501ris a through hole communicating with the pouch503. The protrusions501yare located in 180° different phases.

As illustrated inFIGS. 4 to 7, the outer ring member510is a resin member having a substantially hexagonal outer periphery. Engagement portions510ywith which the protrusions501yof the replenishment base501can be engaged are formed on the outer ring member510. The outer ring member510is located to cover the inner ring member511, and forms the outermost shape of the toner pack40to function as a grip in gripping the toner pack40. In other words, the outer ring member510is operated at a position radially farther from the rotation axis z. This can reduce the force with which the user operates the outer ring member510and improve usability.

Like the outer ring member510, the inner ring member511serving as a support member is a resin member having a substantially hexagonal outer periphery. The inner ring member511is connected to an opening503a(seeFIG. 10A) of the pouch503. The pouch503is thus supported at the opening503asuch that the opening503ais maintained open by the inner ring member511. As will be described below, the inner ring member511is fixed to the replenishment base501such that the opening503acommunicates with the toner discharge port501r. The inner ring member511and the pouch503can be connected by any method. Examples include methods using various adhesives, such as a hotmelt adhesive, and a method for thermally welding the pouch503to the inner ring member511. The outer periphery of the outer ring member510desirably has a polygonal or other shape that prevents slippage when the user grips and rotates the outer ring member510.

The inner ring member511has recesses511ywith which the protrusions501ycan be engaged. The recesses511yhave a groove shape through which the protrusions501ycan penetrate, and the engagement portions510yhave a rib shape to surround the protrusions501y.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the inner ring member511is assembled with the replenishment base501such that the protrusions501yare engaged with the recesses511y. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the outer ring member510is assembled with the replenishment base501such that the protrusions501yare engaged with the engagement portions510y. In such a manner, the outer ring member510and the inner ring member511are supported by the replenishment base501such that rotations relative to the replenishment base501are restricted.

The protrusions501yare further connected to the recesses511yand the engagement portions510yin the axial direction D1of the rotation axis z and in a radial direction orthogonal to the axial direction D1. For example, the protrusions501ymay be pressed into the recesses511yand the engagement portions510y, or connected thereto by welding or by using an adhesive. The replenishment base501, the outer ring member510, the inner ring member511, and the pouch503are thereby integrally connected as illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 8B. The outer ring member510is a cylindrical member having an outer periphery510dlocated at a position farther from the rotation axis z than the replenishment base501is in terms of radial directions orthogonal to the axial direction D1. The inner ring member511is fixed to the replenishment base501inside the outer ring member510.

The replenishment base501, the outer ring member510, the inner ring member511, and the pouch503integrally connected will hereinafter be referred to as a rotary container unit401. The shutter member41and the seal member504integrally connected as will be described below will be referred to as a container shutter unit402. In other words, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the toner pack40includes the container shutter unit402, and the rotary container unit401that is rotatable relative to the container shutter unit402. As illustrated inFIG. 8A, the rotary container unit401is located to be rotatable with respect to the container shutter unit402about the rotation axis z in a direction z1and a direction z2opposite to the direction z1.

As illustrated inFIGS. 9A and 9B, the shutter member41serving as a container shutter is a resin member of substantially cylindrical shape. The shutter member41has a cutout41fand grooves41gand41h. The cutout41fand the groove41gare formed in the outer peripheral portion of the shutter member41. The groove41his formed in the bottom portion of the shutter member41. The cutout41fhas a substantially rectangular shape. The groove41gis formed to extend circumferentially within a partial range (approximately 90°) in the circumferential direction of the shutter member41. The groove41his formed to extend circumferentially in the bottom portion within a partial range (approximately 90°) in the circumferential direction of the shutter member41.

The seal member504is made of a material, such as elastically deformable foamed urethane and unwoven fabric, and fixed to the inner surface of the shutter member41by, for example, a double-sided adhesive tape. More specifically, the seal member504is located at a position different from the cutout41fof the shutter member41. In other words, the seal member504and the shutter member41are integrally connected to constitute the container shutter unit402. The container shutter unit402can thus prevent toner leakage at the interface between the seal member504and the shutter member41.

As illustrated inFIGS. 8A to 10B, in assembling the rotary container unit401with the container shutter unit402, ribs501xprotruding from the outer peripheral portion501bof the replenishment base501are aligned with recesses41xformed in the shutter member41.FIG. 10Aillustrates a state where the rotary container unit401and the container shutter unit402are assembled with the ribs501xthrough the recesses41x. Here, a cylindrical portion41cof the shutter member41is inserted into an inner diameter portion501eof groove shape, formed in the end portion of the replenishment base501. The inner diameter portion501eand the cylindrical portion41care a cylindrical groove and a cylindrical protrusion, respectively, that are concentric about the rotation axis z. The insertion of the cylindrical portion41c(annular rib) into the inner diameter portion501e(annular groove) thus guides the replenishment base501rotatably about the rotation axis z with respect to the shutter member41.

The replenishment base501further has a hole501klocated radially inside the inner diameter portion501e(seeFIG. 6). The shutter member41includes an attachment portion41d(seeFIG. 9A) to be inserted into the hole501k. A to-be-engaged portion41kopen to the end side of the toner pack40is formed in the attachment portion41d. The to-be-engaged portion41kdefines a double D hole. The attachment portion41dhas a protruding double D shape corresponding to the shape of the to-be-engaged portion41k. The outermost diameter of the attachment portion41dis designed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the hole501k, so that the attachment portion41dcan rotate freely inside the hole501k.

A plurality of (in the present exemplary embodiment, four) ribs510bextending in the axial direction D1is formed on an end face510xon the shutter member41side of the outer ring member510. As illustrated inFIG. 10B, a base end portion41bof the shutter member41is surrounded by the end face510xand the ribs501x, whereby the movement of the base end portion41bof the shutter member41is restricted in the axial direction D1and radial directions orthogonal to the axial direction D1. The rotary container unit401including the replenishment base501is thereby attached to the container shutter unit402including the shutter member41such that the rotary container unit401is rotatable relative to the container shutter unit402about the rotation axis z and restricted in movement in the axial direction D1and the radial directions.

The seal member504fixed to the shutter member41has a sliding surface504bthat slides over the outer peripheral portion501bof the replenishment base501. The seal member504is pressed and deformed by the outer peripheral portion501btoward the shutter member41, i.e., outward in the radial directions orthogonal to the axial direction D1, whereby a surface pressure occurs between the outer peripheral portion501band the sliding surface504b. This can prevent toner leakage at the interface between the seal member504and the replenishment base501.

More specifically, when viewed in the axial direction D1of the rotation axis z, the replenishment base501and the shutter member41are cylindrical members. The replenishment base501is configured to rotate inside the shutter member41about the rotation axis z along an inner periphery of the shutter member41.

FIGS. 10A and 11Aillustrate a state where the toner discharge port501rformed in the replenishment base501is blocked by the shutter member41and the seal member504. Here, the toner accommodated in the pouch503can move to the toner discharge port501rthrough the opening503aof the pouch503, the inner space of the inner ring member511, the opening501aof the replenishment base501, and the inner space of the replenishment base501. However, with the toner pack40alone, the toner accommodated in the pouch503is sealed from leaking out since the toner discharge port501ris blocked by the shutter member41and the seal member504. The opening503aof the pouch503is located at one end of the pouch503in the axial direction D1.

FIGS. 10B and 11Billustrate a state where the toner discharge port501rformed in the replenishment base501is not blocked by the shutter member41or the seal member504but opened up. Here, the toner discharge port501ris positioned to face the cutout41fin the shutter member41, and the toner accommodated in the pouch503can be discharged out of the toner pack40via the toner discharge port501rand the cutout41f.

For example, the state of the toner pack40illustrated inFIG. 11Awill be referred to as a blocked state, and the state of the toner pack40illustrated inFIG. 11Bwill be referred to as an open state. In such a case, the toner pack40in the blocked state enters the open state when the rotary container unit401is rotated about the rotation axis z by approximately 90° in the direction of the arrow z1. The toner pack40in the open state enters the blocked state when the rotary container unit401is rotated about the rotation axis z by approximately 90° in the direction of the arrow z2. How much to rotate the rotary container unit401to bring the toner pack40into the open state or the blocked state can be freely set.

As illustrated inFIG. 11A, the position of the replenishment base501when the toner pack40is in the blocked state will be referred to as a blocked position or a first blocked position. As illustrated inFIG. 11B, the position of the replenishment base501when the toner pack40is in the open state as will be referred to as an open position or a first open position.

With the replenishment base501at the blocked position, the toner discharge port501ris blocked by the shutter member41. With the replenishment base501at the open position, the toner discharge port501ris opened by the shutter member41so that the toner in the pouch503is discharged out of the toner pack40via the toner discharge port501r.

After the toner pack40is attached to the developing container32, the user grips the outer periphery510dof the outer ring member510and rotates the outer ring member510about the rotation axis z in the direction of the arrow z1. This also rotates the replenishment base501about the rotation axis z in the direction of the arrow z1, and the toner discharge port501rof the replenishment base501is exposed through the cutout41f. As a result, the toner pack40shifts from the blocked state to the open state, and the toner in the pouch503can be discharged out of the toner pack40. The axial direction D1parallel to the rotation axis z is a direction along the vertical direction. The direction of attachment of the toner pack40to the image forming apparatus1is a direction along the axial direction D1. In other words, the toner pack40is configured to be attached to the image forming apparatus1such that the axial direction D1, which is the direction of the rotation axis z, agrees with the direction along the vertical direction.

Examples of the material of the pouch503include resins, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and composite materials of the same, and composite materials of unwoven fabric or paper with the foregoing resins. If the pouch503is made of a material that can be deformed by the user, the user can press or squeeze the pouch503with fingers to easily discharge the toner in the pouch503.

After finishing discharging the toner in the pouch503into the developing container32, the user grips the outer periphery510dof the outer ring member510and rotates the outer ring member510about the rotation axis z in the direction of the arrow z2. This also rotates the replenishment base501about the rotation axis z in the direction of the arrow z2, and the toner discharge port501rof the replenishment base501is blocked by the shutter member41and the seal member504. As a result, the toner pack40shifts from the open state to the blocked state, and the toner pack40can be detached from the developing container32.

[Toner Reception Unit of Developing Container]

The toner reception unit600located on the developing container32will now be described. As illustrated inFIGS. 12A to 15, the toner reception unit600includes a reception base unit602and a reception shutter unit601. The reception shutter unit601is supported to be rotatable about the rotation axis z with respect to the reception base unit602.

FIGS. 12A and 13Aillustrate a state where a toner supply port32rcommunicating with the accommodation unit36is blocked.FIGS. 12B and 13Billustrate a state where the toner supply port32ris open. The state of the toner reception unit600with the toner supply port32rblocked as illustrated inFIGS. 12A and 13Awill hereinafter be referred to as a blocked state. The state of the toner reception unit600with the toner supply port32ropen as illustrated inFIGS. 12B and 13Bwill be referred to as an open state.

The reception base unit602includes a cylindrical portion32gserving as a main body base portion of substantially cylindrical shape, a base seal506, and a shutter retaining member512. In the present exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical portion32gis integrally formed on the developing container32(seeFIG. 1). However, this is not restrictive. For example, the cylindrical portion32gmay be made of a member separate from the developing container32and fixed to the developing container32. The cylindrical portion32gmay be located on a part of the printer body100other than the developing container32and configured such that the developing container32is replenished with toner via the cylindrical portion32g.

The cylindrical portion32gincludes a replenishment port32a, an outer peripheral portion32b, and the toner supply port32r. The replenishment port32ais intended to replenish the accommodation unit36(seeFIG. 1) of the developing container32with the toner from the toner pack40. The outer peripheral portion32bis a side surface extending in the axial direction D1. The toner supply port32ris formed in the outer peripheral portion32b. The cylindrical portion32galso includes an engagement portion32eprotruding from a bottom surface32h(seeFIG. 19A) upward in the axial direction D1. As will be described below, the engagement portion32eis engaged with the to-be-engaged portion41kof the shutter member41. Specifically, the engagement portion32ehas a double D boss shape corresponding to the to-be-engaged portion41kof double D hole shape.

The engagement portion32eis pressed into a hole512eof the shutter retaining member512. The hole512eis therefore given a double D hole shape similarly to the engagement portion32e. The shutter retaining member512is attached to the engagement portion32eof the cylindrical portion32gafter a shutter member507of the reception shutter unit601is assembled with the cylindrical portion32g. While in the present exemplary embodiment the shutter retaining member512is pressed into and thereby fixed to the engagement portion32eof the cylindrical portion32g, this is not restrictive. For example, the shutter retaining member512may be fixed to the cylindrical portion32gby a method using welding or an adhesive.

As illustrated inFIGS. 16A and 16B, the base seal506is made of a material, such as elastically deformable foamed urethane and unwoven fabric, and fixed to the cylindrical portion32gby, for example, a double-sided adhesive tape. The base seal506can thereby prevent toner leakage at the interface between the base seal506and the cylindrical portion32g. The base seal506has an opening506aat a position corresponding to the toner supply port32r. The toner passed through the opening506ais supplied to the accommodation unit36(seeFIG. 1) of the developing container32through the toner supply port32r.

As illustrated inFIGS. 12A to 15, 17A, and 17B, the reception shutter unit601includes the shutter member507and a shutter sheet505. The developing container32(seeFIG. 1) includes the accommodation unit36, the cylindrical portion32g, and shutter member507, and rotatably supports the developing roller31. The toner pack40is configured to be attachable to the developing container32.

The shutter member507includes an inner diameter portion507h, an outer diameter portion507k, and a protrusion507econnecting the inner portion507hand the outer diameter portions507k. The protrusion507eprotrudes radially inward from the outer diameter portion507k. As illustrated inFIG. 17A, the protrusion507eincludes a horizontal portion507xof substantially sector shape and an extension portion507sextending in the axial direction D1. The horizontal portion507xis configured to be able to pass through the groove41g(seeFIG. 9A) in the shutter member41of the toner pack40. The extension portion507sis configured to be able to pass through the groove41h(seeFIG. 9A) in the shutter member41.

As illustrated inFIGS. 17A and 17B, the shutter sheet505is fixed to the outer periphery of the extension portion507sby, for example, a two-sided adhesive tape. The shutter sheet505is a film having a thickness of approximately 100 μm. The shutter sheet505is located such that an end portion505aof the shutter sheet505protrudes from an edge portion507aof the extension portion507s. A sliding surface505kof the shutter sheet505is configured to be slidable over a sliding surface506d(seeFIG. 16A) of the base seal506.

The outer diameter portion507kof the shutter member507has grooves507pwith which the ribs510b(seeFIG. 8A) formed on the outer ring member510of the toner pack40can be engaged. The grooves507pare radially opposed to each other and formed to extend circumferentially within a partial area (approximately 90°) in the circumferential direction of the outer diameter portion507k. The top portion of the outer diameter portion507kis thus divided into four sections by the grooves507p, and the four ribs510bon the outer ring member510are engaged with the four sections. The toner pack40is thereby configured to be rotatable only within a range of approximately 90° when attached to the toner reception unit600. This clearly defines the range of a rotating operation on the rotary container unit401of the toner pack40in replenishing the developing container32with the toner from the toner pack40, and can improve usability.

As illustrated inFIG. 18, the inner diameter portion507hof the shutter member507has a guide groove507c. A guide rib32kof the cylindrical portion32gis inserted into the guide groove507c. As illustrated inFIGS. 18 to 19B, the guide groove507cand the guide rib32kare a cylindrical groove and a cylindrical protrusion, respectively, that are concentric about the rotation axis z. The insertion of the guide rib32kinto the guide groove507cguides the shutter member507rotatably about the rotation axis z with respect to the cylindrical portion32g.

An inner periphery507dof the shutter member507is located to be slidable over a rib32mof the cylindrical portion32g. The shutter member507is thus supported rotatably about the rotation axis z with respect to the cylindrical portion32g.

The inner diameter portion507hof the shutter member507has a hole507qthat is located radially inside the guide groove507c. The engagement portion32eis inserted through the hole507q. The hole507qhas an inner diameter greater than the outermost diameter of the engagement portion32e, and the shutter member507can rotate freely without interfering with the engagement portion32e.

After the shutter member507is assembled with the cylindrical portion32g, the shutter retaining member512is pressed onto the engagement portion32e. A rib507jof the shutter member507is thereby sandwiched between the bottom surface32hof the cylindrical portion32gand the shutter retaining member512in the axial direction D1.

As a result, the movement of the shutter member507in the axial direction D1is restricted. In other words, the reception shutter unit601including the shutter member507is attached to the reception base unit602including the cylindrical portion32gand the shutter retaining member512to be relatively rotatable about the rotation axis z and not movable in the axial direction D1or radially.

The base seal506fixed to the cylindrical portion32gis pressed and deformed by the shutter sheet505fixed to the shutter member507toward the cylindrical portion32g, i.e., outward in radial directions orthogonal to the axial direction D1. This produces a surface pressure between the sliding surface506dof the base seal506and the sliding surface505k(seeFIG. 17A) of the shutter sheet505. With the developing container32alone, the toner accommodated in the developing container32can thus be prevented from leaking through the interface between the base seal506and the shutter sheet505.

[Coupling of Toner Pack with Cylindrical Portion of Developing Container]

Coupling and separation operations of the toner pack40and the developing container32and opening and closing operations of the toner discharge port501rand the toner supply port32rwill now be described.FIGS. 3A and 11Aillustrate the blocked state of the toner pack40, where the toner discharge port501ris blocked by the seal member504attached to the shutter member41.FIGS. 12A and 13Aillustrate the blocked state of the toner reception unit600, where the toner supply port32ris blocked by the shutter sheet505attached to the shutter member507.

When the developing container32starts to be replenished with toner, both the toner pack40and the toner reception unit600are in the blocked state. In other words, when the replenishment base501is at the first blocked position, the toner discharge port501ris located at a position not overlapping the toner supply port32rof the cylindrical portion32gwhen viewed in the radial direction orthogonal to the axial direction D1, and the shutter member507is located at a second blocked position.

The user then fits the toner pack40to the toner reception unit600as illustrated inFIG. 20A. Here, the to-be-engaged portion41k(seeFIG. 3A) formed in the shutter member41of the toner pack40is engaged with the engagement portion32eformed on the cylindrical portion32gof the toner reception unit600.

The to-be-engaged portion41kand the engagement portion32ehave respective double D shapes, and by the engagement of the double D shapes the shutter member41is attached to the cylindrical portion32gto not be rotatable about the rotation axis z. More specifically, the to-be-engaged portion41kis configured such that when the toner pack40is attached to the image forming apparatus1, the to-be-engaged portion41kis engaged with the engagement portion32eof the image forming apparatus1and the rotation of the shutter member41about the rotation axis z is thereby restricted.

In other words, the toner pack40is attached to the image forming apparatus1such that the rotation of the shutter member507about the rotation axis z with respect to the cylindrical portion32gis restricted and the replenishment base501rotates with the shutter member507.

The protrusion507e(seeFIG. 13A) formed on the shutter member507of the toner reception unit600is passed through the cutout41fin the shutter member41of the toner pack40and engaged with the recess501f(seeFIG. 8A) formed in the replenishment base501. If both the toner pack40and the toner reception unit600are in the blocked state, the to-be-engaged portion41kcan be engaged with the engagement portion32eand the protrusion507ecan be engaged with the recess501fsimultaneously when the toner pack40is fitted to the toner reception unit600.

Suppose that the user rotates the outer periphery510dof the outer ring member510in the state illustrated inFIG. 20Aabout the rotation axis z in the direction of the arrow z1to replenish the developing container32with the toner in the toner pack40. The rotation of the outer ring member510in the direction of the arrow z1also rotates the replenishment base501in the direction of the arrow z1in an interlocking manner. Here, a step501n(seeFIG. 8A) of the recess501fin the replenishment base501presses an end face507f(seeFIG. 13A) serving as a to-be-contacted portion of the protrusion507eon the shutter member507.

In other words, when the toner pack40is attached to the image forming apparatus1, the step501nserving as a contact portion comes into contact with the end face507fso that the shutter member507rotates with the shutter member41about the rotation axis z. The shutter member507serving as a main body shutter thus rotates with the replenishment base501about the rotation axis Z in the direction of the arrow z1.

Meanwhile, because of the foregoing rotational restriction, the cylindrical portion32gof the toner reception unit600and the shutter member41of the toner pack40are not rotated. As illustrated inFIG. 11B, the replenishment base501of the toner pack40is thereby rotated relative to the shutter member41in the direction of the arrow z1, and the toner discharge port501rfaces the cutout41fof the shutter member41. In other words, the toner pack40enters the open state and becomes able to discharge the toner accommodated in the toner pack40.

At the same time, as illustrated inFIG. 13B, the shutter member507of the toner reception unit600is rotated relative to the cylindrical portion32gin the direction of the arrow z1, and the shutter sheet505fixed to the shutter member507is separated from the toner supply port32r. That is, the toner reception unit600enters the open state and becomes able to receive the toner discharged from the toner pack40. In other words, the shutter member507is located at a second open position where the toner supply port32ris opened so that the accommodation unit36of the developing container32can receive the toner supplied from the toner pack40via the toner supply port32r. When the replenishment base501is at the first open position, the toner discharge port501ris located at a position overlapping the toner supply port32rof the cylindrical portion32gwhen viewed in the radial direction orthogonal to the axial direction D1and the shutter member507is located at the second open position.

As illustrated inFIG. 20B, the developing container32is replenished with the toner accommodated in the toner pack40through the toner supply port32rand the toner discharge port501r. The rotation angle of the outer ring member510is restricted to approximately 90° by the engagement of the protrusion507eof the shutter member507with the grooves41gand41hof the shutter member41and the engagement of the ribs510bof the outer ring member510with the grooves507pof the shutter member507. The rotation angle of the outer ring member510is not limited to approximately 90°, and may be less than 90° or greater than or equal to 90°.

The engagement of the protrusion507eof the shutter member507with the groove41gof the shutter member41makes the toner pack40not movable with respect to the toner reception unit600in the axial direction D1, whereby the toner pack40can be locked to the toner reception unit600. This can reduce the chances of the toner pack40being unintentionally detached from the toner reception unit600during the toner replenishment and the toner scattering inside the image forming apparatus1, and thereby improve workability during the toner replenishment operation.

Next, suppose that the user rotates the outer periphery510dof the outer ring member510in the state illustrated inFIG. 20Babout the rotation axis z in the direction of the arrow z2and detaches the toner pack40from the cylindrical portion32gof the developing container32. The rotation of the outer ring member510in the direction of the arrow z2also rotates the replenishment base501in the direction of the arrow z2in an interlocking manner. Here, a step501m(seeFIG. 8A) of the recess501fin the replenishment base501presses an end face507g(seeFIG. 13B) of the protrusion507eof the shutter member507. The shutter member507thus rotates with the replenishment base501about the rotation axis z in the direction of the arrow z2.

Meanwhile, because of the foregoing rotational restriction, the cylindrical portion32gof the toner reception unit600and the shutter member41of the toner pack40are not rotated. As illustrated inFIG. 11A, the replenishment base501of the toner pack40is rotated relative to the shutter member41in the direction of the arrow z2, and the toner discharge port501rfaces the seal member504(seeFIG. 10A) fixed to the shutter member41. In other words, the toner pack40enters the blocked state and becomes unable to discharge the toner accommodated in the toner pack40.

At the same time, as illustrated inFIG. 13A, the shutter member507of the toner reception unit600rotates relative to the cylindrical portion32gin the direction of the arrow z2, and the shutter sheet505fixed to the shutter member507covers the toner supply port32r. That is, the toner reception unit600enters the blocked state and becomes unable to receive toner discharged from the toner pack40. Here, the shutter member507is located at the second blocked position where the toner supply port32ris blocked.

In such a state, the protrusion507eof the shutter member507is separated from the grooves41gand41hof the shutter member41, and the toner pack40can be detached from the toner reception unit600. Since both the toner pack40and the toner reception unit600are in the blocked state, the toner pack40can be detached from the toner reception unit600without scattering toner.

[Configuration for Preventing Toner Leakage]

A configuration for preventing toner leakage between the toner pack40and the toner reception unit600will now be described with reference toFIGS. 21A to 23B.FIGS. 21A to 23Bare schematic sectional views illustrating a layout relationship between the toner pack40and the toner reception unit600of the developing container32. The seal member504and the base seal506, which are each located on a cylindrical surface, are here schematically illustrated as flat members.

FIGS. 21A to 23Bare views of the toner pack40and the toner reception unit600in the axial direction D1. If the outer ring member510(seeFIG. 20A) of the toner pack40is rotated in the direction of the arrow z1, the replenishment base501moves to the left inFIGS. 21A to 23B.

FIG. 21Aillustrates a state before the developing container32is coupled with the toner pack40.FIG. 21Billustrates a state where the toner pack40in the state illustrated inFIG. 21Ais attached to the developing container32, and the replenishment base501of the toner pack40and the shutter member507of the toner reception unit600are yet to be rotated. In the state illustrated inFIG. 21B, the toner supply port32rand the toner discharge port501rare blocked, and the toner accommodated in the pouch503(seeFIG. 3A) will not be discharged out of the toner pack40.

FIG. 21Cillustrates a state where the replenishment base501and the shutter member507are rotated about the rotation axis z in the direction of the arrow z1(seeFIG. 20A) by an angle Θ1 (0°<Θ1<90°) from in the state illustrated inFIG. 21B.FIG. 22Aillustrates a state where the replenishment base501and the shutter member507are rotated in the direction of the arrow z1(seeFIG. 20A) by 90° from the state illustrated inFIG. 21B, and where the toner supply port32rand the toner discharge port501rare open.

As illustrated inFIG. 21B, when the toner pack40in the blocked state is attached to the toner reception unit600in the blocked state, the end portion505aof the shutter sheet505is located in contact with the outer peripheral portion501bof the replenishment base501. The step501nof the replenishment base501is located with a gap61from the end face507fof the shutter member507in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis z. The step501mof the replenishment base501is located with a gap62from the end face507gof the shutter member507in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis z.

The gaps61and62correspond to clearances (looseness) when the user attaches the toner pack40to the developing container32. The presence of the gaps M and62can facilitate the attachment of the toner pack40to the developing container32and improve the attachability of the toner pack40.

After the toner pack40is attached to the toner reception unit600of the developing container32, the user rotates the replenishment base501in the direction of the arrow z1. As illustrated inFIG. 21C, this eliminates the gap M present inFIG. 21Band brings the step501nof the replenishment base501into contact with the end face507fof the shutter member507. The end face507fis pressed by the step501n, and the replenishment base501and the shutter member507rotate together in the direction of the arrow z1. Here, the gap62has a wider space than in the initial state. The end portion505aof the shutter sheet505is configured to not be separated from the outer peripheral portion501bof the replenishment base501but maintain contact with the outer peripheral portion501b.

If the user rotates the replenishment base501further in the direction of the arrow z1, as illustrated inFIG. 22A, the toner discharge port501rand the toner supply port32rare opened instead of being covered with the shutter sheet505and the shutter member507. The toner accommodated in the toner pack40is supplied into the developing container32through the toner discharge port501rand the toner supply port32r. During the toner supply, the base seal506prevents the toner from entering the interface with the replenishment base501.

When detaching the toner pack40after the end of the toner discharge from the toner pack40, as illustrated inFIG. 22B, the user rotates the replenishment base501in the state ofFIG. 22Ain the direction of the arrow z2(to the right in the diagram) by an angle Θ3 (0°<Θ3<90°). This brings the step501mof the replenishment base501into contact with the end face507gof the shutter member507, and the gap62present inFIG. 22Adisappears. The end face507gis pressed by the step501m, and the replenishment base501and the shutter member507rotate together in the direction of the arrow z2. Here, the gap M has a wider space than in the initial state.

If the user rotates the replenishment base501further in the direction of the arrow z2, as illustrated inFIG. 23A, the gap61formed between the step501nof the replenishment base501and the end face507fof the shutter member507comes above the toner supply port32r. Here, the contact between the end portion505aof the shutter sheet505and the outer peripheral portion501bof the replenishment base501can prevent toner from entering the gap61.

If the user further rotates the replenishment base501in the direction of the arrow z2, as illustrated inFIG. 23B, the toner discharge port501ris blocked by the seal member504and the toner supply port32ris blocked by the shutter sheet505and the shutter member507. In such a state, the toner pack40can be detach from the cylindrical portion32gof the developing container32. Detaching the toner pack40from the cylindrical portion32grestores the state illustrated inFIG. 21A.

[Layout Configuration of Instruction Sheet]

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 24, an instruction sheet89(information display portion) is attached to the cover back83ato facilitate the toner replenishment performed by the user. The instruction sheet89describes an operation procedure for the toner replenishment using the toner pack40.

FIG. 25illustrates an example of the information described in the instruction sheet89according to the present exemplary embodiment. The instruction sheet89includes text and illustrations for describing four steps of the procedure, with numerals indicating the order of steps to be taken.

Step1shows how to set the toner pack40to the replenishment port32a. Step2shows how to open the shutters for supplying the developer by rotating the toner pack40clockwise by 180° with respect to the housing100a. Step3shows how to replenish the developing container32with the developer by loosening the toner pack40. Step4shows how to rotate the toner pack40counterclockwise by 180° with respect to the housing100aand remove the toner pack40from the replenishment port32a.

Since the instruction sheet89is attached to the cover back83a, the user is likely to notice the presence of the instruction sheet89when opening the cover83with fingers in a hole portion88. The attachment of the instruction sheet89in the direction of access to the replenishment port32aalso has an advantage of high visibility to the user.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 24, the instruction sheet89is attached to the same left side as the replenishment port32ais. This can reduce the movement of the line of sight during the toner replenishment and facilitate the user to perform toner replenishment while checking the operation procedure for the toner replenishment, with high operability and improved usability. If the replenishment port32ais located in the center of the top wall93, the instruction sheet89is also desirably attached to the center of the cover back83a. If the replenishment port32ais located on the right side, the instruction sheet89is also desirably attached to the right side. In other words, the instruction sheet89is desirably attached to a position corresponding to that of the replenishment port32a.

FIG. 26is a view of the image forming apparatus1with the toner pack40attached to the replenishment port32a, viewed in a horizontal direction from downstream to upstream in the discharge direction DD of the recording material P. In the configuration of the present exemplary embodiment, the instruction sheet89is attached to the cover back83asuch that the position of the replenishment port32ain the width direction WD agrees with that of the instruction sheet89. As illustrated inFIG. 26, the toner pack40and the instruction sheet89therefore overlap at least in part when viewed in the horizontal direction from downstream to upstream in the discharge direction DD.

As illustrated inFIG. 26, the replenishment port32aand the instruction sheet89are located within the range (a width) of the stacking surface of the discharge tray81in the width direction WD. In other words, the replenishment port32aand the instruction sheet89are located at relatively close positions, which facilitates the user to observe the instruction sheet89to find out the details of the operation while performing the toner replenishment operation.

As illustrated inFIG. 26, the toner pack40is attached to the developing container32in the direction of the arrow X, with a triangle mark102aon the toner pack40and a triangle mark102bon the toner reception unit600in phase. This can provide high operability and improve usability since the phase of the toner pack40in the rotation direction can be recognized and the toner pack40can be easily attached.

Next, a second exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 27 and 28. The present exemplary embodiment is different from the first exemplary embodiment only in the position where the instruction sheet89is attached. A description of the other configuration will thus be omitted.

FIG. 27illustrates a perspective view of the image forming apparatus1with the cover83open. In the present exemplary embodiment, the replenishment port32ais located on the left, and the instruction sheet89is located at the right part of the cover back83a. That is, unlike the first exemplary embodiment, the instruction sheet89is attached to a position on the opposite side from where the replenishment port32ais located. If the replenishment port32ais located on the right inFIG. 27, the instruction sheet89can be located on the left.

FIG. 28is a view of the image forming apparatus1with the toner pack40attached to the replenishment port32a, viewed in the horizontal direction from downstream to upstream in the discharge direction DD of the recording material P. In the configuration of the present exemplary embodiment, the instruction sheet89is attached to the cover back83asuch that the position of the replenishment port32ain the width direction WD is different from that of the instruction sheet89. As illustrated inFIG. 27, the toner pack40and the instruction sheet89therefore do not overlap when viewed in the horizontal direction from downstream to upstream in the discharge direction DD.

Such a configuration can avoid a situation where the major part of the instruction sheet89is obstructed by the toner pack40if the toner pack40attached to the replenishment port32ais large in size, for example. As a result, a situation where the user has difficulty in observing the information described in the instruction sheet89while executing the replenishment operation can be avoided.

As illustrated inFIG. 28, the replenishment port32aand the instruction sheet89are located within the range of the stacking surface of the discharge tray81in the width direction WD. Since the replenishment port32aand the instruction sheet89are located at relatively close positions, the user can easily observe the instruction sheet89to find out the details of the operation while performing the toner replenishment operation.

Next, a third exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 29 and 30. The present exemplary embodiment is different from the first exemplary embodiment only in the position where the instruction sheet89is attached. A description of the other configuration will thus be omitted.

FIG. 29illustrates a perspective view of the image forming apparatus1with the cover83open. InFIG. 29, an extension tray86is attached to the discharge tray81. In such a configuration, the instruction sheet89may be attached to the top wall93instead of the cover back83a. This configuration provides the effects that the user is more likely to notice the presence of the instruction sheet89when opening the discharge tray81with fingers in the hole portion88, and that the instruction sheet89attached in the same direction as the direction of attachment of the toner pack40has high visibility. This can also provide high operability and improve usability since the user can easily perform the toner replenishment while observing the operation method for the toner replenishment.

The extension tray86may be supported to be movable with respect to the discharge tray81, and configured to be movable to a use position where the extension tray86can support recording materials P and a retracted position where the extension tray86is located when not in use. The extension tray86may also be configured to be detachably attachable to the discharge tray81. The instruction sheet89may also be attached to the top wall93regardless of the presence of the extension tray86.

As illustrated inFIG. 30, not only the instruction sheet89but a remaining level indication unit94, a replenishment request unit96, and a code display unit97may also be provided on the top wall93. The remaining level indication unit94indicates the remaining level of the toner accommodated in the developing container32in grades by using three LEDs. The replenishment request unit96prompts the user for toner replenishment by turning on or blinking an LED if the remaining level of the toner accommodated in the developing container32becomes low. The code display unit97is desirably configured to display, for example, a Quick Response (QR) Code® so that an Internet site publishing a moving image describing the toner replenishment procedure is automatically accessed by reading the QR Code® with a smartphone camera.

The remaining level indication unit94, the replenishment request unit96, and the code display unit97are not limited to the configuration of the third exemplary embodiment where the instruction sheet89is located on the top wall93, and may also be included in the configuration of the first or second exemplary embodiment. InFIG. 31A, the instruction sheet89is attached to the cover back83a, and the remaining level indication unit94, the replenishment request unit96, and the code display unit97are located on the top wall93.

A recess93awhere a smartphone for communicating with the image forming apparatus1to change and complete main body settings or a portable information terminal for changing the main body settings can be placed may be formed in the top wall93. As illustrated inFIG. 31B, the code display unit97may be located on the bottom of the recess93a. In such a configuration, the user may notice the presence of the code display unit97before placing the smartphone in the recess93a, and reads the QR Code® with the camera to access the Internet site. With the smartphone placed in the recess93a, the user then plays back the moving image describing the toner replenishment procedure on the screen of the smartphone. The user can thereby perform the toner replenishment operation while viewing the moving image.

While several layout configurations have been described, the present exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. Other layout configurations can be implemented in various combinations. For example, the recess93aand the remaining level indication unit94may be located on the top wall93or the instruction sheet89may be located on the top wall93while the code display unit97is located on the cover back83a.

A fourth exemplary embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG.32. The present exemplary embodiment is different from the first exemplary embodiment only in the information described in the instruction sheet89. A description of the other configuration will thus be omitted.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the instruction sheet89is located at the same position as in the first exemplary embodiment. Specifically, the instruction sheet89is located at the position on the cover back83aillustrated inFIGS. 24 and 26. If, for example, the toner pack40attached to the replenishment port32ahas a large size, the major part of the instruction sheet89can be obstructed by the toner pack40. As a result, the user can have difficulty in observing the information described in the instruction sheet89while executing the replenishment operation.

FIG. 32illustrates an example of the information described in the instruction sheet89according to the present exemplary embodiment. The instruction sheet89includes text and illustrations for describing four steps of the procedure, with numerals indicating the order of steps to be taken. The instruction sheet89is different from that ofFIG. 25in the display positions of the respective steps.

InFIG. 32, steps1and2are displayed vertically below, and steps3and4are displayed vertically above. A significant difference between group1including steps1and2and group2including steps3and4is that the operations included in group1are completed before the attachment of the toner pack40to the replenishment port32a, while the operations included in group2are started after the attachment of the toner pack40to the replenishment port32a. In view of this, in the present exemplary embodiment, the display position of the information about steps3and4is shifted up in the vertical direction so that the information is easier for the user to observe even after the attachment of the toner pack40to the replenishment port32a.

In the foregoing description of the present exemplary embodiment, the layout position of the instruction sheet89is assumed to be the same as in the first exemplary embodiment. However, this is not restrictive. The instruction sheet89described in the present exemplary embodiment may be applied to the configuration of the second or third exemplary embodiment.

In the foregoing first to fourth exemplary embodiments, the instruction sheet89describes the four steps of the procedure related to the toner replenishment. However, this is not restrictive. All the four steps do not need to be described, and the instruction sheet89may be configured to describe at least any one of the steps. Moreover, both the text and the illustrations do not need to be included, and the instruction sheet89may be configured to include either the text or the illustrations alone.

In the foregoing first to fourth exemplary embodiments, the instruction sheet89is attached to the cover back83aor the top wall93. However, such configurations are not restrictive. The text and illustrations may be directly engraved or embossed on the cover back83aor the top wall93instead of a sheet being attached.

Next, another modification will be described. This exemplary embodiment is configured by replacing the shutter member507of the toner reception unit600according to the first exemplary embodiment with a shutter member507B (seeFIGS. 33A to 34). Similar components to those of the first exemplary embodiment will be omitted in the drawings, or illustrated and described with the same reference numerals.

Similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the shutter member507B according to the present exemplary embodiment includes, as illustrated inFIG. 15, an inner diameter portion507h, an outer diameter portion507k, and a protrusion507e. In other words, the shutter member507B is different only in that an engagement unit513is added to the shutter member507according to the first exemplary embodiment.

As illustrated inFIGS. 33A to 34, the engagement unit513of the shutter member507B includes a substantially hexagonal opening513awith which the outer ring member510of the toner pack40is engaged, and a lever portion513bthat the user can operate to rotate.

FIG. 35is a perspective view illustrating an image forming apparatus1B according to the present exemplary embodiment. The image forming apparatus1B has basically the same configuration and functions as those of the image forming apparatus1according to the first exemplary embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 35, the discharge tray81of the image forming apparatus1B has an opening82a. The opening82ais located in the right part of the image forming apparatus1B.

The engagement unit513of the shutter member507B is exposed to outside via the opening82a. In replenishing the developing container32(seeFIG. 1) with toner, the user brings the toner pack40into engagement with the engagement unit513. More specifically, the outer ring member510of the toner pack40is engaged with the engagement unit513.

The user then operates the lever portion513bexposed in the opening82ato rotate the lever portion513babout the rotation axis z (seeFIG. 33B). The shutter member507B and the rotary container unit401(seeFIG. 5) including the toner pack40are thereby rotated to shift the toner pack40and the toner reception unit600B from the blocked state to the open state. This enables the replenishment of the developing container32with the toner in the toner pack40.

As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the toner pack40and the toner reception unit600B can be shifted from the blocked state to the open state by operating the lever portion513bof the shutter member507B instead of operating the outer ring member510as in the first exemplary embodiment.

Since the space for gripping the lever portion513bis smaller than the space for gripping the outer ring member510, the lever portion513bhas high operability even with a small opening82a, for example. This can thus improve usability.

[Configuration for Preventing User from Forgetting to Close Cover]

As illustrated inFIGS. 36A and 36B, the present exemplary embodiment further includes a protrusion83blocated on the cover back83a. The upper halves ofFIGS. 36Aand36B illustrate top views of the vicinity of the engagement unit513. The lower halves ofFIGS. 36A and 36Billustrate side views of the vicinity of the engagement unit513. The top views ofFIGS. 36A and 36Bcorrespond to sectional views of the image forming apparatus1taken along the line A-A illustrated in the sectional views ofFIGS. 36A and 36B. Suppose that the user rotates the engagement unit513from a closed position (FIG. 36A) to an open position (FIG. 36B) during the toner replenishment, and forgets to return the engagement unit513to the closed position after the end of the toner replenishment. If the user attempts to close the cover83in such a situation, the protrusion83binterferes with the lever portion513band the cover83fails to be closed.

The foregoing configuration will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The top view in the upper half ofFIG. 36Aillustrates a case where the protrusion83band the lever portion513bdo not overlap. The top view in the upper half ofFIG. 36Billustrates a case where the protrusion83band the lever portion513boverlap. In the case ofFIG. 36A, the cover83can thus be closed (moved to a closed position) without the protrusion83band the lever portion513binterfering with each other. By contrast, in the case ofFIG. 36B, the cover83cannot be closed because of the interference between the protrusion83band the lever portion513b. As can be seen from the side view ofFIG. 36B, the cover83is stopped at a position vertically higher than in the side view ofFIG. 36A. Such a configuration can prompt the user to open the cover83again and rotate the engagement unit513to the closed position, whereby the user can be prevented from forgetting to close the engagement unit513.

The image forming apparatus1may further include a not-illustrated cover opening/closing detection sensor. The cover opening/closing detection sensor can detect whether the cover83on the printer main body100is closed. If the cover opening/closing detection sensor detects that the cover83is not closed, the control unit360will not start image information. Such a configuration can prevent the toner from leaking out of the replenishment port32abecause image formation is accidentally started with the lever portion513bat a position other than the closed position.

In the configuration ofFIGS. 36A and 36B, the lever portion513bto be operated by the user is described to interfere with the protrusion83bin closing the cover83. However, this is not restrictive.FIGS. 37A and 37Billustrate a configuration where a protrusion520to interfere with the protrusion83bin closing the cover83is provided aside from the lever portion513bto be operated by the user. If the lever portion513bis moved, the protrusion520also moves by the same amount in the same direction.

The top view in the upper half ofFIG. 37Aillustrates a case where the protrusions83band520do not overlap. The top view in the upper half ofFIG. 37Billustrates a case where the protrusions83band520overlap. In the case ofFIG. 37A, the cover83can thus be closed (moved to the closed position) without the protrusions83band520interfering with each other. By contrast, in the case ofFIG. 37B, the cover83cannot be closed because of the interference between the protrusions83band520. As can be seen from the side view ofFIG. 37B, the cover83is stopped at a position vertically higher than in the side view ofFIG. 37A. Such a configuration can prompt the user to open the cover83again and rotate the engagement unit513to the closed position, whereby the user can be prevented from forgetting to close the engagement unit513.

[Target Positions of Lever Movement]

As illustrated inFIG. 38, stickers99aand99bmay be attached to respective points corresponding to the open and closed positions of the lever portion513bas a movement guide. This enables the user to check that the engagement unit513is rotated up to the open position during the toner replenishment and check that the engagement unit513is rotated back to the closed position in returning the engagement unit513after the toner replenishment, whereby the user can be prevented from forgetting to close the engagement unit513.

The movement guide does not necessarily need to be the stickers99aand99b. For example, markers may be directly engraved or embossed.

The instruction sheet89may be located near the engagement unit513as illustrated inFIG. 38. Locating the instruction sheet89near the engagement unit513reduces the movement of the line of sight and can thus provide high operability and improved usability.

As illustrated inFIG. 39, a guide groove530may be formed in the top wall93so that the lever portion513bcan be moved between the open and closed positions more easily and the user can intuitively understand in which direction to rotate the lever portion513b. The guide groove530is a groove of arc shape formed along the rotation locus of the lever portion513b.

[Part of Cover Constituting Front Exterior]

As illustrated inFIGS. 40A and 40B, a rib83con the cover83may constitute a part of a front exterior member103of the image forming apparatus1. The exterior member103refers to an exterior member of the housing100alocated downstream in the discharge direction DD of the recording material P. With such a configuration, an open space appears in front of the replenishment port32awhen the cover83is opened. This can provide high operability during toner replenishment and improve usability.

This application claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-071154, filed Apr. 10, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.