BACKGROUND

[0001] An electrophotographic image forming apparatus may form a visible toner image at a photoconductor by providing toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor, transfer the toner image to a print medium through an intermediate transfer medium or directly to the print medium, and fix the transferred toner image on the print medium.

[0002] The image forming apparatus may include a toner cartridge removable from a main body. Based on the life of the toner cartridge ending, the toner cartridge may be replaced. In a case where a certain amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge is consumed, the toner cartridge may be removed from the main body and a new toner cartridge may be mounted on the main body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Various examples will be described below by referring to the following figures.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an example.

[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates a locking member located at a first position according to an example.

[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates a locking member located at a second position according to an example.

[0007] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a connection relationship between a motor and a locking member according to an example.

[0008] FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic front views illustrating a locking member according to an example wherein, FIG. 5 shows a state in which a locking member is located at a first position according to an example, and FIG. 6 shows a state in which a locking member is located at a second position according to an example. [0009] FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic perspective views illustrating a locking member according to an example wherein, FIG. 7 shows a state in which a locking member is located at a blocking position according to an example, and FIG. 8 shows a state in which a locking member is located at a switching position according to an example.

[0010] FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an example.

[0011] FIG. 10 illustrates a state in which a locking member is located at a first position in the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9 according to an example.

[0012] FIG. 11 illustrates a state in which a locking member is located at a second position in the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9 according to an example.

[0013] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge according to an example.

[0014] FIG. 13 illustrates a locking member located at a second position according to an example.

[0015] FIG. 14 illustrates a locking member located at a first position according to an example.

[0016] FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic front views illustrating a locking member according to an example wherein, FIG. 15 shows a state in which a rotational handle is located at a first position according to an example, and FIG. 16 shows a state in which a rotational handle is located at a second position according to an example.

[0017] FIGS. 17 and 18 are schematic perspective views illustrating of a locking member according to an example wherein, FIG. 17 shows a state in which a rotational handle is located at a first position according to an example, and FIG. 18 shows a state in which a rotational handle is located at a second position according to an example.

[0018] FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a click restricting member to selectively allow a click operation of a toner cartridge according to an example. [0019] FIG. 20 illustrates a state in which a click restricting member is located at a click allowing position according to an example.

[0020] FIG. 21 illustrates a state in which a click restricting member is located at a click restricting position according to an example.

[0021] FIG. 22 is a schematic development view of a guide slot according to an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] An image forming apparatus to print an image on a print medium through electrophotography may include a replaceable toner cartridge. To replace the toner cartridge, a main door provided at a main body of the image forming apparatus may be opened so that the toner cartridge is exposed. The toner cartridge may be removed from the main body, and, after mounting a new toner cartridge on the main body, the main door may be closed. According to a structure in which the toner cartridge is exposed based on the main door being opened, a user may not perform a proper replacement procedure and replace the toner cartridge arbitrarily, causing an error in the image forming apparatus. In addition, a user may arbitrarily replace the toner cartridge before the toner contained in the toner cartridge is consumed to a certain level, which may lead to an unnecessary consumables expense.

[0023] In an example image forming apparatus, a trip portion may be provided at one of a toner cartridge and a main body, and a locking member switchable between a first position in which the locking member is held by the trip portion and a second position in which the locking member is released from the trip portion, thereby allowing removal of the toner cartridge, may be provided at the other one of the toner cartridge and the main body. In a case where the locking member is located at the second position, the removal of the toner cartridge may be allowed, and in a case where the locking member is located at the first position, the removal of the toner cartridge may not be allowed. Accordingly, arbitrary replacement of the toner cartridge may be prevented.

[0024] For example, the trip portion may be provided at the toner cartridge, and the locking member may be provided at the main body. In a case where the locking member is located at the first position, a locking portion may interfere with all or part of the toner cartridge, for example, the trip portion. In a case where the locking member is located at the second position, the interference between the locking portion and the toner cartridge may be removed, and the removal of the toner cartridge may be allowed. The locking member may be switched, for example, rotated between the first position and the second position, by a motor. The motor may be, for example, a motor to drive the toner cartridge. The toner cartridge may include a gear portion, and a driving gear rotated by the motor may be engaged with the gear portion. The locking member may be arranged coaxially with the driving gear, interposing a frictional force providing member therebetween. The locking member may be rotated according to the rotation of the driving gear and may be switched between the first position and the second position. A clutch structure arranged between the motor and the locking member may include the frictional force providing member, a first stopper, and a second stopper. In a case where the locking member arrives at each of the first position and the second position, the locking member may be held by the first stopper and the second stopper, respectively, and the locking member may remain at the first position and the second position despite the rotation of the motor. For example, in a case where the locking member arrives at each of the first position and the second position, a slip between the driving gear and the locking member may be generated by the frictional force providing member, and the locking member may remain at the first position and the second position.

[0025] For example, the locking member may be implemented by a rotational handle rotatable between the first position and the second position by a user. The rotational handle may be moved between a switching position in which the rotation to the first and second positions is allowed and a blocking position in which the rotation to the first and second position is not allowed. The movement of the rotational handle between the switching position and the blocking position may be selectively allowed by an actuator which may be electrically controlled by a controller.

[0026] For example, the locking member may include the rotational handle supported at the toner cartridge to rotate between the first and second positions. The toner cartridge may be moved between the mounting position in which the toner cartridge is mounted on the main body and the click position that further proceeds from the mounting position. The rotational handle may be rotated between the first and second positions in a case where the toner cartridge is located at the click position. A click restricting member may selectively allow the movement of the toner cartridge between the mounting position and the click position. The click restricting member may be driven by, for example, the motor. Depending on whether a click operation of the toner cartridge is allowed or not, the removal of the toner cartridge may be allowed or not allowed.

[0027] An example toner cartridge may include a cartridge body removable from the mounting portion provided at the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the locking member including the locking portion and arranged at the cartridge body rotatably with respect to the trip portion provided at the main body. The locking member may be rotated between the first position in which the locking portion is interfered by the trip portion and the second position in which the locking portion is released from the trip portion and the removal of the cartridge body from the main body of the image forming apparatus is allowed. The locking member may be supported at the cartridge body to rotate between the first and second positions via a frictional force providing member. In a case where the locking member arrives at each of the first position and the second position, a slip may be generated between the cartridge body and the locking member, and the locking member may remain at the first position and the second position, respectively.

[0028] For example, the locking member may protrude from an outer circumference portion of the cartridge body at the first position and sink from the outer circumference portion of the cartridge body at the second position. For example, the cartridge body may include a fixed portion and a rotation portion rotatable with respect to the fixed portion. A ring member may be provided rotatably at the rotation portion with the frictional force providing member therebetween. A first pin and a second pin may be provided at the fixed portion and the ring member, respectively. The locking member may include a slot into which the first pin and the second pin may be inserted. As the second pin approaches/is spaced apart to/from the first pin according to a rotation direction of the ring member, the locking member may be switched between the first position and the second position.

[0029] Hereinafter, examples of the image forming apparatus are described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote like members having the same function, and the sizes of each component may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience in explanation.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an example. FIG. 2 illustrates a locking member located at a first position according to an example. FIG. 3 illustrates a locking member arranged at a second position according to an example.

[0031] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the image forming apparatus may include a main body 1 of the image forming apparatus, a toner cartridge 2, a trip portion 4, and a locking member 5. The toner cartridge 2 may be removably accommodated by the main body 1 . The trip portion 4 may be provided at one of the main body 1 and the toner cartridge 2. The locking member 5 may be provided at the other one of the main body 1 and the toner cartridge 2. The locking member 5 may be switched between a first position in which the locking member 5 is held by the trip portion 4 and the removal of the toner cartridge 2 is not allowed (see FIG. 2) and a second position in which the locking member 5 is released from the trip portion 4 and the removal of the toner cartridge 2 is allowed (see FIG. 3). In this example, the locking member 5 may be provided at the main body 1 and the trip portion 4 may be provided at the toner cartridge 2. The locking member 5 may include a locking portion 51 . The locking member 5 may be provided at the main body 1 rotatably with respect to the toner cartridge 2. In a case where the locking member 5 is located at the first position, the locking portion 51 may be interfered by all or part of the toner cartridge 2, for example, the trip portion 4. In a case where the locking member 5 is located at the second position, the interference between the locking portion 51 and the toner cartridge 2, for example, the trip portion 4, may be removed, and the mounting/removal of the toner cartridge 2 on/from the main body 1 may be allowed. The locking member 5 may be rotated between the first position and the second position by a motor 6. The locking member 5 may be switched, for example, rotated between the first position and the second position, by a manual operation by a user.

[0032] Although it is not shown in the drawings, the main body 1 of the image forming apparatus may include a print portion to print an image on a print medium by electrophotography. The print portion may include a photoconductor, a charger, an optical scanner, a developing device, a transfer unit, a fuser, and the like. The optical scanner may form an electrostatic latent image on a surface of the photoconductor by scanning light modulated according to image information on the surface of the photoconductor charged by a uniform surface electric potential. The developing device may develop the electrostatic latent image into a visible toner image by supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image. The transfer unit may transfer the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductor to the print medium. The transferred toner image may be attached to the print medium by an electrostatic force. The fuser may apply heat and pressure to the toner image to fix the toner image to the print medium. The toner cartridge 2 may be connected to the developing device and supply toner to the developing device. In a case where the toner contained in the toner cartridge 2 is consumed to a certain level, the toner cartridge 2 may be replaced, for example with a new toner cartridge.

[0033] The main body 1 of the image forming apparatus may include a mounting portion 3. The toner cartridge 2 may be mounted on and removed from the mounting portion 3. The mounting portion 3 may have a shape extending in a mounting direction A1 to support the toner cartridge 2. A main door 7 may open and close a part of the main body 1 , for example, a front portion. A door opening/closing sensor 8 may detect opening and closing of the main door 7. In a case where the main door 7 is opened, the toner cartridge 2 may be exposed, and by arranging the toner cartridge 2 at the mounting portion 3 and sliding the toner cartridge 2 in the mounting direction A1 or a removing direction A2, the toner cartridge 2 may be mounted on/removed from the main body 1 , for example, from the mounting portion 3. The locking member 5 may lock the toner cartridge 2 at the main body 1 , for example, at the mounting portion 3. [0034] For example, in a case where a remaining amount of toner inside the toner cartridge 2 is less than a reference remaining amount corresponding to a replacement time of the toner cartridge 2, a toner cartridge 2 replacement message may be output through a user interface 9. In a case where the opening of the main door 7 is detected by the door opening/closing sensor 8, a message to request input of a command to execute the toner cartridge replacement may be output on the user interface 9. In a case where the command to execute the toner cartridge replacement is input through the user interface 9, the motor 6 may switch the locking member 5 between the first position and the second position and the locking of the toner cartridge 2 may be released. The user may remove the toner cartridge 2 from the main body 1 by pulling the toner cartridge 2 in the removing direction A2. Also, by arranging the toner cartridge 2 at the mounting portion 3 and pushing the toner cartridge 2 in the mounting direction A1 , the toner cartridge 2 may be mounted on the main body 1 and the main door 7 may be closed. In a case where the door opening/closing sensor 8 detects that the main door 7 has been closed, the motor 6 may switch the locking member 5 between the second position and the first position, and the toner cartridge 2 may be locked at the main body 1. As the locking of the toner cartridge 2 is released by an operation of the user interface 9, arbitrary replacement of the toner cartridge 2 may be prevented.

[0035] In an example, the motor 6 may drive the toner cartridge 2. For example, the toner cartridge 2 may include a fixed portion 21 and a rotation portion 22 rotatable with respect to the fixed portion 21 . The motor 6 may rotate the rotation portion 22. For example, the rotation portion 22 may include a gear portion 23. In a case where the toner cartridge 2 is mounted on the main body 1 , the gear portion 23 may be engaged with, for example, a driving gear 61 provided at the mounting portion 3. The motor 6 may be connected with the driving gear 61 directly or by a power transmitting member, for example, a gear. In a case where the motor 6 rotates the driving gear 61 , the rotation portion 22 may be rotated as well. According to the rotation of the rotation portion 22, toner contained in the rotation portion 22 may be conveyed toward the fixed portion 21 . The fixed portion 21 may include a toner outlet (not shown). The toner outlet may be connected to, for example, a toner inlet provided at the mounting portion 3. The toner inlet may be connected to the developing device. The toner may be discharged from the toner cartridge 2 through the toner outlet and provided to the developing device.

[0036] The motor 6 may rotate the locking member 5 between the first position and the second position. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a connection relationship between the motor 6 and the locking member s according to an example. With reference to FIG. 4, a shaft 31 may be provided at the mounting portion 3. The driving gear 61 may be supported rotatably at the shaft 31 . The locking member 5 may be supported rotatably at the shaft 31 . The locking member 5 may be arranged coaxially with the driving gear 61 via a frictional force providing member 63 therebetween. For example, the frictional force providing member 63 may be provided between the driving gear 61 and the locking member 5. The frictional force providing member 63 may provide a rotary frictional force so that the locking member 5 may be rotated along with the driving gear 61 . For example, the frictional force providing member 63 may be implemented by a disk spring. A fixing member 62 may be coupled with the shaft 31 and push the locking member 5 toward the driving gear 61. The locking member 5 may be elastically pressed toward the driving gear 61 and be rotated along with the driving gear 61 . In a case where the driving gear 61 is rotated in the forward/reverse direction by the motor 6, the locking member 5 may also be rotated along with the driving gear 61 in the forward/reverse direction. In this manner, the locking member 5 may be rotated between the first position and the second position by the motor 6. The toner cartridge 2 may include the trip portion 4. The trip portion 4 may be provided at, for example, the fixed portion 21. The locking member 5 may include the locking portion 51 which is held by the trip portion 4 to lock the toner cartridge 2 in a case where the locking member 5 is located at the first position as shown in FIG. 2. In a case where the locking member 5 is located at the second position, the locking portion 51 may be released from the trip portion 4 as shown in FIG. 3. [0037] A clutch structure may be arranged between the motor 6 and the locking member 5 to keep the locking member 5 at the first position and the second position. For example, the clutch structure may prevent the locking member 5 from being rotated beyond the first position and the second position. The clutch structure may provide a structure in which the locking member 5 may slip with respect to the motor 6 in a case where the locking member 5 is located at the first position and the second position. For example, the clutch structure may include the frictional force providing member 63 to provide a rotary frictional force between the driving gear 61 and the locking member 5, a first stopper 4a to hold the locking portion 51 so that the locking member 5 is not rotated beyond the first position (e.g., forward rotation), and a second stopper 62a to hold the locking portion 51 so that the locking member 5 is not rotated beyond the second position (e.g., reverse rotation). For example, the first stopper 4a may be provided at the trip portion 4, and the second stopper 62a may be provided at the fixing member 62. Although it is not shown in the drawings, the first stopper 4a may be provided at the fixing member 62.

[0038] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, an example process of removing the toner cartridge 2 is described. With reference to FIG. 2, the toner cartridge 2 may be locked at the main body 1 . The locking member 5 may be located at the first position. The locking portion 51 of the locking member 5 may be held by the trip portion 4 of the toner cartridge 2. In this state, even in a case where the main door 7 is opened, and the toner cartridge 2 is pulled in the removing direction A2, the trip portion 4 may interfere with the locking portion 51 of the locking member 5, and the toner cartridge 2 may not be moved in the removing direction A2. Accordingly, the removal of the toner cartridge 2 may be prevented.

[0039] In a case where a remaining amount of toner inside the toner cartridge 2 is less than a reference remaining amount corresponding to the replacement time of the toner cartridge 2, a toner cartridge replacement message may be output through the user interface 9. In a case where the opening of the main door 7 is detected by the door opening/closing sensor 8, a message to request input of a command to execute the toner cartridge replacement may be output on the user interface 9. In a case where the command to execute the toner cartridge replacement is input through the user interface 9, the motor 6 may be rotated, for example, in the reverse direction. The reverse rotation power of the motor 6 may be delivered to the locking member 5 by the frictional force providing member 63 through the driving gear 61 . The locking member 5 may be rotated in the reverse direction RD. The locking portion 51 may be spaced apart from the trip portion 4. As shown in FIG. 3, in a case where the locking member 5 arrives at the second position, the locking portion 51 may be released from the trip portion 4 and be held by the second stopper 62a. The locking member 5 may not be further rotated in the reverse direction RD. A slip may be generated between the driving gear 61 and the locking member 5 by the frictional force providing member 63. Accordingly, despite the continuous reverse rotation of the driving gear 61 , the locking member 5 may not be further rotated and remain at the second position. The controller (not shown) may stop the driving of the motor 6. The user may hold the fixed portion 21 of the toner cartridge 2 and pull the toner cartridge 2 in the removing direction A2 to remove the toner cartridge 2 from the main body 1.

[0040] In the state described with respect to FIG. 3, the toner cartridge 2 may be mounted on the main body 1 . The rotation portion 22 of the toner cartridge 2 may be arranged at the mounting portion 3, and the toner cartridge 2 may be pushed in the mounting direction A1 to be located at the mounting position. In a case where the closing of the main door 7 is detected by the door opening/closing sensor 8, the controller may rotate the motor 6 in the forward direction. The driving gear 61 may be rotated in the forward direction FD. By the frictional force providing member 63, the locking member 5 may be rotated along with the driving gear 61 in the forward direction FD. The locking portion 51 may be spaced apart from the second stopper 62a. In a case where the locking member 5 arrives at the first position as shown in FIG. 2, the locking portion 51 may be held by the trip portion 4. Accordingly, the toner cartridge 2 may be locked at the mounting position. In a case where the locking portion 51 is held by the first stopper 4a, the locking member 5 may not be further rotated in the forward direction FD. A slip may be generated between the driving gear 61 and the locking member 5 by the frictional force providing member 63. Accordingly, despite the forward rotation of the driving gear 61 , the locking member 5 may not be further rotated and remain at the first position. The rotation portion 22 of the toner cartridge 2 may be rotated in the forward direction FD. The toner may be provided from the toner cartridge 2 to the developing device.

[0041] As the locking/unlocking of the toner cartridge 2 may be implemented by the motor 6 to drive the toner cartridge 2, arbitrary replacement of the toner cartridge 2 by a user may be prevented. Further, the driving gear 61 to drive the toner cartridge 2 may be connected to the locking member 5 by the frictional force. Accordingly, the risk of damaging the driving gear 61 during the locking/unlocking of the toner cartridge 2 may be reduced and the reliability of the structure of driving the toner cartridge 2 may be increased.

[0042] The locking member may be driven by a separate actuator independently from the motor 6 to drive the toner cartridge 2. FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic front views illustrating a locking member according to an example wherein, FIG. 5 shows a state in which the locking member is located at the first position according to an example, and FIG. 6 shows a state in which the locking member is located at a second position according to an example. FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic perspective views illustrating a locking member according to an example wherein, FIG. 7 shows a state in which the locking member is located at a blocking position according to an example, and FIG. 8 shows a state in which the locking member is located at a switching position according to an example wherein. With reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, an example of the locking member may include a rotational handle 5-1. The rotational handle 5-1 may be rotatably arranged at the main body 1 , for example, at the mounting portion 3 to rotate between the first position, in which the toner cartridge 2 is locked at the main body 1 and the removal of the toner cartridge 2 is not allowed (see FIG. 5), and the second position, in which the removal of the toner cartridge 2 is allowed (see FIG. 6). The rotational handle 5-1 may be moved between the switching position, in which the rotation between the first position and the second position is allowed, and the blocking position, in which the rotation between the first position and the second position is not allowed.

[0043] The rotational handle 5-1 may be rotatably supported at the main body 1 , for example, near the entrance of the mounting portion 3 to rotate between the first position and the second position. A front portion 21 a of the fixed portion 21 of the toner cartridge 2 may function as the trip portion 4 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4. The rotational handle 5-1 may include a locking portion 5-1 a which may be interfered by the toner cartridge 2, for example, by the front portion 21 a in a case where the rotational handle 5-1 is located at the first position. As shown in FIG. 5, in a case where the rotational handle 5-1 is located at the first position, the locking portion 5-1 a may be located on a removal (mounting) path of the toner cartridge 2, and the toner cartridge 2 may not be removed/mounted from/on the main body 1. As shown in FIG. 6, in a case where the rotational handle 5-1 is located at the second position, the locking portion 5-1 a may be off the removal (mounting) path of the toner cartridge 2, and the toner cartridge 2 may be removed/mounted from/on the main body 1 .

[0044] The rotation of the rotational handle 5-1 between the first position and the second position may be allowed/blocked by the click operation of the rotational handle 5-1. The rotational handle 5-1 may be moved between the blocking position illustrated in FIG. 7 and the switching position illustrated in FIG.

8 by the operation of the rotational handle 5-1 . The switching position may be a position spaced apart from the blocking position in the mounting direction A1. An actuator 6-1 may selectively allow the movement of the rotational handle 5-1 between the blocking position and the switching position by selectively allowing the click operation of the rotational handle 5-1 . For example, the actuator 6-1 may move a blocking member 64. The blocking member 64 may be moved, by the actuator 6-1 , between a position in which movement of the rotational handle 5-1 between the blocking position and the switching position is blocked (see FIG. 7) and a position in which movement of the rotational handle 5-1 between the blocking position and the switching position is allowed (see FIG. 8). The blocking member 64 may block the movement of the rotational handle 5-1 in the mounting direction A1 or allow the movement of the rotational handle 5-1 in the mounting direction A1. In the illustrated example, the blocking member 64 may be moved linearly. In an example, the actuator 6-1 may include a solenoid, a linear motor, etc., which are driven by an electric energy supply. Although it is not shown in the drawings, the blocking member 64 may be rotated, and a rotating motor driven by the electric energy supply may be employed as the actuator 6-1 .

[0045] For example, a trip groove 32 may be provided near the entrance of the mounting portion 3 of the main body 1. A trip protrusion 5-1 b may be provided at the rotational handle 5-1. The trip protrusion 5-1 b may protrude outward, for example, from an outer circumference portion of the rotational handle 5-1 . The trip groove 32 may be provided near the entrance of the mounting portion 3. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, in a case where the rotational handle 5-1 is located at the blocking position and the first position, the trip protrusion 5-1 b of the rotational handle 5-1 may be held by the trip groove 32. The trip groove 32 may have a shape to block the trip protrusion 5-1 b so that the rotational handle 5-1 located at first position is not rotated. The trip groove 32 may have a shape to block the movement of the rotational handle 5-1 in the removing direction A2. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, in a case where the rotational handle 5- 1 is located at the first position and the blocking position, the rotational handle 5- 1 may not be rotated between the first position and the second position, and the toner cartridge 2 may not be mounted on/removed from the main body 1 . Further, as the click operation of the rotational handle 5-1 is blocked by the blocking member 64, the rotational handle 5-1 may not be moved to the switching position. [0046] As shown in FIG. 8, in a state where the blocking member 64 is located by the actuator 6-1 at a position in which the click operation of the rotational handle 5-1 is allowed, by pushing the rotational handle 5-1 in the mounting direction A1 , the rotational handle 5-1 may be located at the switching position. The trip protrusion 5-1 b may be off the trip groove 32. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the rotational handle 5-1 may be rotated between the first position and the second position. A rotation allowing groove 33 may have a shape in which the mounting portion 3 is not interfered by the locking portion 5-1 a. Accordingly, in a case where the rotational handle 5-1 is located at the switching position, the rotational handle 5-1 may be rotated between the first position and the second position.

[0047] With reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, an example process of mounting/removing the toner cartridge 2 on/from the main body 1 is described. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 7, the toner cartridge 2 may be mounted on the main body 1 . The rotational handle 5-1 may be located at the first position and the blocking position. The trip protrusion 5-1 b of the rotational handle 5-1 may be held by the trip groove 32. The rotational handle 5-1 may not be rotated. The blocking member 64 may be located at a position in which the click of the rotational handle 5-1 is blocked. Accordingly, the rotational handle 5-1 may remain at the blocking position and the first position. In a case where the main door 7 is opened, the rotational handle 5-1 may be exposed. Even in a case where the toner cartridge 2 is pulled in the removing direction A2, the front portion 21 a of the toner cartridge 2 may be held by the locking portion 5-1 a of the rotational handle 5-1 , and thus, the toner cartridge 2 may not be removed.

[0048] For example, in a case where a remaining amount of toner inside the toner cartridge 2 is less than a reference remaining amount corresponding to the replacement time of the toner cartridge 2, a toner cartridge 2 replacement message may be output through the user interface 9. In a case where the opening of the main door 7 is detected by the door opening/closing sensor 8, a message to request input of a command to execute the toner cartridge replacement may be output on the user interface 9. In a case where the command to execute the toner cartridge replacement is input through the user interface 9, the controller (not shown) may drive the actuator 6-1 to move the blocking member 64 to a position in which the click of the rotational handle 5-1 is allowed as shown in FIG. 8. The locking portion 5-1 a of the rotational handle 5-1 and the front portion 21 a of the toner cartridge 2 may be spaced apart from each other in the mounting direction A1 by a click stroke of the rotational handle 5-1 . The rotational handle 5- 1 may be pushed in the mounting direction A1 and moved to the switching position. The trip protrusion 5-1 b of the rotational handle 5-1 may be released from the trip groove 32. The rotation of rotational handle 5-1 may be allowed. In a case where the toner cartridge 2 is moved in the removing direction A2, the rotational handle 5-1 may be rotated between the first position and the second position so that the locking portion 5-1 a is not held by the front portion 21 a of the toner cartridge 2. The toner cartridge 2 may become removable. The user may remove the toner cartridge 2 from the main body 1 by pulling the toner cartridge 2 in the removing direction A2.

[0049] The toner cartridge 2 may be mounted on the main body 1. The toner cartridge 2 may be arranged at the entrance of the mounting portion 3 and may be pushed in the mounting direction A1 to be located at the mounting position. The rotational handle 5-1 may be rotated between the second position and the first position. The rotational handle 5-1 may be pulled in the removing direction A2 and moved between the switching position and the blocking position. In a case where the rotational handle 5-1 is switched between the second position and the first position, the rotational handle 5-1 may be returned to the blocking position by the elastic force of an elastic member (not shown). The trip protrusion 5-1 b of the rotational handle 5-1 may enter and be held by the trip groove 32, and the rotational handle 5-1 may be locked at the first position.

[0050] The closing of the main door 7 may be detected by the door opening/closing sensor 8. The controller may drive the actuator 6-1 to move the blocking member 64 to a position in which the click of the rotational handle 5-1 is blocked (see FIG. 7). The rotational handle 5-1 may not be clicked and remain at the first position. Thus, the toner cartridge 2 may remain locked at the mounting position. As such, the locking member, i.e., the rotational handle 5-1 , may not be connected to the motor 6 to drive the toner cartridge 2, and may be driven by a separate actuator 6-1 .

[0051] FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an example. FIG. 10 illustrates a locking member located at a first position according to an example. FIG. 11 illustrates a locking member arranged at a second position according to an example. With reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 , a trip portion 4-2 may be provided at the main body 1 , for example, at the mounting portion 3, and the toner cartridge 2 may include a locking member 5-2 switchable, for example, rotatable between the first position, in which the locking member 5-2 is held by the trip portion 4-2 and the removal of the toner cartridge 2 is not allowed, and the second position, in which the locking member 5-2 is released from the trip portion 4-2 and the removal of the toner cartridge 2 is allowed. The toner cartridge 2 may include a cartridge body 29, removable/mountable from/on the mounting portion 3 provided at the main body 1 of the image forming apparatus, and the locking member 5-2 including the locking portion 51 rotatably provided at the cartridge body 29 to rotate with respect to the trip portion 4-2 provided at the main body 1 . The cartridge body 29 may include, for example, the fixed portion 21 and the rotation portion 22 rotatable with respect to the fixed portion 21 .

[0052] For example, the motor 6 may drive the toner cartridge 2. The motor 6 may rotate the rotation portion 22. For example, the rotation portion 22 may include the gear portion 23. In a case where the toner cartridge 2 is mounted on the main body 1 , the gear portion 23 may be engaged with the driving gear 61 . The motor 6 may be connected with the driving gear 61 directly or by a power transmitting member, for example, a gear. In a case where the motor 6 rotates the driving gear 61 , the rotation portion 22 may be rotated as well. According to the rotation of the rotation portion 22, toner contained in the rotation portion 22 may be conveyed toward the fixed portion 21 . The fixed portion 21 may include a toner outlet (not shown). The toner may be discharged from the toner cartridge 2 through the toner outlet and provided to the developing device.

[0053] With reference to FIG. 9, the locking member 5-2 may be provided at the cartridge body 29 via a frictional force providing member 63-2 therebetween. The frictional force providing member 63-2 may provide rotary frictional force between the cartridge body 29 and the locking member 5-2. For example, the locking member 5-2 may be supported at an end portion opposing the fixed portion 21 of the rotation portion 22. The locking member 5-2 may have a ring shape which may be arranged at the rotation portion 22 coaxially with the gear portion 23 with the intervening frictional force providing member 63-2 therebetween. That is, the frictional force providing member 63-2 may be provided between the gear portion 23 and the locking member 5-2. The frictional force providing member 63-2 may provide a rotary frictional force so that the locking member 5-2 may be rotated along with the rotation portion 22. For example, the frictional force providing member 63-2 may be implemented by a disk spring. In a case where the fixed portion 21 and the rotation portion 22 are coupled with each other, the locking member 5-2 may be elastically pressed toward the gear portion 23, and the locking member 5-2 may be rotated along with the rotation portion 22. The motor 6 may rotate the locking member 5-2 between the first position and the second position. In a case where the rotation portion 22 is rotated in the forward/reverse direction by the motor 6, the locking member 5-2 may also be rotated in the forward/reverse direction. In this manner, the locking member 5-2 may be rotated between the first position and the second position by the motor 6. The trip portion 4-2 may be provided at the main body 1 , for example, at the mounting portion 3. The locking member 5-2 may include the locking portion 51 , which is held by the trip portion 4-2 to lock the toner cartridge 2 in a case where the locking member 5-2 is located at the first position. In a case where the locking member 5-2 is located at the second position, the locking portion 51 may be released from the trip portion 4-2.

[0054] A clutch structure may be arranged between the motor 6 and the locking member 5-2 to keep the locking member 5-2 at the first position and the second position. For example, the clutch structure may prevent the locking member 5-2 from being rotated beyond the first position and the second position. The clutch structure may provide a structure in which, in a case where the locking member 5-2 is located at the first position and the second position, the locking member 5-2 may slip with respect to the cartridge body 29, for example, the rotation portion 22. For example, the clutch structure may include the frictional force providing member 63-2 to provide a rotary frictional force between the rotation portion 22 and the locking member 5-2, a first stopper 4-2a to hold the locking portion 51 so that the locking member 5-2 is not rotated beyond the first position (e.g., in the forward direction), and a second stopper 24 to hold the locking portion 51 so that the locking member 5-2 is not rotated beyond the second position (e.g., in the reverse direction). For example, the first stopper 4- 2a may be provided at the trip portion 4-2, and the second stopper 24 may be provided at the fixed portion 21. In a case where the locking member 5-2 is located at the first position and the second position, the locking member 5-2 may slip with respect to the rotation portion 22.

[0055] With reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 , an example process of removing the toner cartridge 2 is described. With reference to FIG. 10, the toner cartridge 2 may be locked at the main body 1. The locking member 5-2 may be located at the first position. The locking portion 51 of the locking member 5-2 may be held by the trip portion 4-2 of the toner cartridge 2. In this state, even in a case where the main door 7 is opened and the toner cartridge 2 is pulled in the removing direction A2, the toner cartridge 2 may not be removed.

[0056] In a case where a remaining amount of toner inside the toner cartridge 2 is less than a reference remaining amount corresponding to the replacement time of the toner cartridge 2, a toner cartridge 2 replacement message may be output through the user interface 9. In a case where the opening of the main door 7 is detected by the door opening/closing sensor 8, a message to request input of a command to execute the toner cartridge replacement may be output on the user interface 9. In a case where the command to execute the toner cartridge replacement is input through the user interface 9, the motor 6 may be rotated, for example, in the forward direction. The forward rotation power of the motor 6 may be delivered to the rotation portion 22 through the driving gear 61 and delivered to the locking member 5-2 by the frictional force providing member 63. The rotation portion 22 and the locking member 5-2 may be rotated in the forward direction FD. The locking portion 51 may be spaced apart from the trip portion 4-2. As shown in FIG. 11 , in a case where the locking member 5-2 arrives at the second position, the locking portion 51 may be held by the second stopper 24. The locking member 5-2 may not be further rotated in the forward direction FD. A slip may be generated between the rotation portion 22 and the locking member 5-2 by the frictional force providing member 63-2. Accordingly, despite the forward rotation of the rotation portion 22, the locking member 5-2 may not be further rotated and remain at the second position. The user may hold the fixed portion 21 of the toner cartridge 2 and pull the toner cartridge 2 in the removing direction A2 to remove the toner cartridge 2 from the main body 1 .

[0057] In the state described with respect to FIG. 11 , the toner cartridge 2 may be mounted on the main body 1 . The rotation portion 22 of the toner cartridge 2 may be arranged at the mounting portion 3, and the toner cartridge 2 may be pushed in the mounting direction A1 to be located at the mounting position. In a case where the closing of the main door 7 is detected by the door opening/closing sensor 8, the controller (not shown) may rotate the motor 6 in the reverse direction. The rotation portion 22 may be rotated in the reverse direction RD. The locking member 5-2 may be rotated along with the rotation portion 22 in the reverse direction RD by the rotary frictional force provided by the frictional force providing member 63-2. The locking portion 51 may be spaced apart from the second stopper 24. In a case where the locking member 5-2 arrives at the first position as shown in FIG. 10, the locking portion 51 may be held by the trip portion 4-2. Accordingly, the toner cartridge 2 may be locked at the mounting position. The locking portion 51 may be held by the first stopper 4-2a. The locking member 5-2 may not be further rotated in the reverse direction RD. A slip may be generated between the rotation portion 22 and the locking member 5 by the frictional force providing member 63-2. Accordingly, despite the reverse rotation of the rotation portion 22, the locking member 5 may not be further rotated and remain at the first position. The rotation portion 22 of the toner cartridge 2 may be rotated in the reverse direction RD and toner may be provided from the toner cartridge 2 to the developing device.

[0058] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge 2 according to an example. FIG. 13 illustrates a locking member 5-3 located at the second position according to an example. FIG. 14 illustrates the locking member 5-3 located at the first position according to an example. With reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, the locking member 5-3 may be provided at the toner cartridge 2, and a trip portion 4-3 may be provided at the main body 1 . The locking member 5-3 may protrude from an outer circumference portion 28 of the cartridge body 29 at the first position and sink from the outer circumference portion 28 of the cartridge body 29 at the second position. That is, the locking member 5-3 may not protrude outward from the toner cartridge 2 at the second position. Accordingly, the toner cartridge 2 may be easily handled and the risk of damaging the locking member 5-3 during the handling may be reduced.

[0059] For example, a ring member 25 may be rotatably supported at the cartridge body 29 with an intervening frictional force providing member 63-3 therebetween. A first pin 27 may be provided at the cartridge body 29. A second pin 26 may be provided at the ring member 25. The locking member 5-3 may include a slot 5-3a into which the first pin 27 and the second pin 26 may be inserted and may be switched between the first position and the second position as the second pin 26 approaches/is spaced apart from the first pin 27 according to a rotation direction of the ring member 25. [0060] In this manner, the motor 6 may drive the toner cartridge 2. For example, the cartridge body 29 may include the fixed portion 21 and the rotation portion 22 rotatable with respect to the fixed portion 21 . The motor 6 may rotate the rotation portion 22. For example, the rotation portion 22 may include the gear portion 23. In a case where the toner cartridge 2 is mounted on the main body 1 , the gear portion 23 may be engaged with the driving gear 61 . The motor 6 may be connected with the driving gear 61 directly or by a power transmitting member, for example, a gear. In a case where the motor 6 rotates the driving gear 61 , the rotation portion 22 may be rotated as well. According to the rotation of the rotation portion 22, toner contained in the rotation portion 22 may be conveyed toward the fixed portion 21 . The fixed portion 21 may include a toner outlet (not shown). The toner may be discharged from the toner cartridge 2 through the toner outlet and provided to the developing device.

[0061] The ring member 25 may be rotatably supported at the rotation portion 22 with the intervening frictional force providing member 63-3 therebetween. The first pin 27 may be provided at the fixed portion 21 . The locking member 5-3 may include the slot 5-3a into which the first pin 27 and the second pin 26 may be inserted. As the second pin 26 approaches/is spaced apart from the first pin 27 according to the rotation of the ring member 25, the locking member 5-3 may be switched between the first position and the second position. For example, the locking member 5-3 may include a first portion 5-31 and a second portion 5-32 having an angle with respect to the first portion 5-31 . The slot 5-3a may be formed across the first portion 5-31 and the second portion 5- 32. According to the movement of the locking member 5-3 between the first position and the second position, a connection portion 5-33 of the first portion 5- 31 and the second portion 5-32 may protrude from the outer circumference portion 28 of the toner cartridge 2 or sink inward from the outer circumference portion 28.

[0062] By rotating the ring member 25, the locking member 5-3 may be switched between the first position and the second position. With reference to FIG. 12, the ring member 25 may be provided at the rotation portion 22 coaxially with the gear portion 23 with the intervening frictional force providing member 63- 3 therebetween. For example, the frictional force providing member 63-3 may be provided between the gear portion 23 and the ring member 25. The frictional force providing member 63-3 may provide a rotary frictional force so that the ring member 25 is rotated along with the rotation portion 22. For example, the frictional force providing member 63-3 may be implemented by a disk spring. In a case where the fixed portion 21 and the rotation portion 22 are coupled with each other, the ring member 25 may be elastically pressed toward the gear portion 23 and may be rotated along with the rotation portion 22. In a case where the rotation portion 22 is rotated in the forward/reverse direction by the motor 6, the ring member 25 may also be rotated in the forward/reverse direction. As the second pin 26 approaches/is spaced apart from the first pin 27 according to the rotation of the ring member 25, the locking member 5-3 may be switched between the first position and the second position.

[0063] With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the trip portion 4-3 may be provided at the main body 1. For example, the trip portion 4-3 may be provided apart from the outer circumference portion 28 of the toner cartridge 2. The connection portion 5-33 of the locking member 5-3 may function as the locking portion 51 in the examples described above. In a case where the locking member 5-3 is located at the first position as shown in FIG. 14, the connection portion 5- 33 may protrude from the outer circumference portion 28 and may be held by the trip portion 4-3. In a case where the locking member 5-3 is located at the second position, the connection portion 5-33 may sink inward from the outer circumference portion 28 and may be released from the trip portion 4-3 as shown in FIG. 13.

[0064] A clutch structure may be arranged between the motor 6 and the locking member 5-3 to keep the locking member 5-3 at the first position and the second position. For example, the clutch structure may prevent the locking member 5-3 from being rotated beyond the first position and the second position. The clutch structure may provide a structure in which, in a case where the locking member 5-3 is located at the first position and the second position, the ring member 25 may slip with respect to the motor 6, for example, the rotation portion 22. For example, the clutch structure may include the frictional force providing member 63-3 to provide the rotary frictional force between the rotation portion 22, for example, the gear portion 23 and the ring member 25, and an end portion 5- 3c of the slot 5-3a by which the first pin 27 is held so that the ring member 25 is not rotated in a case where the locking member 5-3 is located at the first position, and the second pin 26 to cause a wedging action together with the first pin 27 in the slot 5-3a in a case where the locking member 5-3 is located at the second position.

[0065] With reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, an example process of removing the toner cartridge 2 is described. With reference to FIG. 14, the toner cartridge 2 may be locked at the main body 1. The locking member 5-2 may be located at the first position. The connection portion 5-33 of the locking member 5-3 may be held by the trip portion 4-3 of the main body 1 . In this state, even in a case where the main door 7 is opened and the toner cartridge 2 is pulled in the removing direction A2, the toner cartridge 2 may not be removed.

[0066] In a case where a remaining amount of toner inside the toner cartridge 2 is less than a reference remaining amount corresponding to the replacement time of the toner cartridge 2, a toner cartridge 2 replacement message may be output through the user interface 9. In a case where the opening of the main door 7 is detected by the door opening/closing sensor 8, a message to request input of a command to execute the toner cartridge replacement may be output on the user interface 9. In a case where the command to execute the toner cartridge replacement is input through the user interface 9, the motor 6 may be rotated, for example, in the forward direction. The forward rotation power of the motor 6 may be delivered to the rotation portion 22 through the driving gear 61 and delivered to the ring member 25 by the frictional force providing member 63-3. The ring member 25 may be rotated in the forward direction FD. The second pin 26 may approach the first pin 27. The locking member 5-3 may be pushed by the second pin 26 and rotated in the forward direction FD along with the ring member 25. The locking member 5-3 may be guided to the first pin 27 and may be rotated with respect to the second pin 26 in a direction where the connection portion 5-33 gradually spaces apart from the trip portion 4-3. As shown in FIG. 13, in a case where the locking member 5-3 arrives at the second position, the connection portion 5-33 may be released from the trip portion 4-3 and sink inward from the outer circumference portion 28 of the toner cartridge 2. The second pin 26 may cause a wedging action together with the first pin 27 in the slot 5-3a. As the second pin 26 is not able to approach the first pin 27, the ring member 25 may not be further rotated in the forward direction FD. A slip may be generated between the rotation portion 22 and the ring member 25 by the frictional force providing member 63-3. Accordingly, despite the forward rotation of the rotation portion 22, the ring member 25 may not be further rotated and the locking member 5-3 may remain at the second position. The user may hold the fixed portion 21 of the toner cartridge 2 and pull the toner cartridge 2 in the removing direction A2 to remove the toner cartridge 2 from the main body 1 .

[0067] In the state described with respect to FIG. 13, the toner cartridge 2 may be mounted on the main body 1 . The rotation portion 22 of the toner cartridge 2 may be arranged at the mounting portion 3, and the toner cartridge 2 may be pushed in the mounting direction A1 to be located at the mounting position. In a case where the closing of the main door 7 is detected by the door opening/closing sensor 8, the controller (not shown) may rotate the motor 6 in the reverse direction. The rotation portion 22 may be rotated in the reverse direction RD. By the frictional force providing member 63-3, the ring member 25 may be rotated along with the rotation portion 22 in the reverse direction RD. The second pin 26 may pull an end portion 5-3b of the slot 5-3a in the reverse direction RD. The locking member 5-3 may be guided to the first pin 27 and may be rotated with respect to the second pin 26 in a direction where the connection portion 5-33 protrudes from the outer circumference portion 28 of the toner cartridge 2. In a case where the locking member 5-3 arrives at the first position as shown in FIG. 14, the connection portion 5-33 may be held by the trip portion 4-3. Accordingly, the toner cartridge 2 may be locked at the mounting position. The end portion 5-3c of the slot 5-3a may be held by the first pin 27. The ring member 25 may not be rotated in the reverse direction RD. A slip may be generated between the rotation portion 22 and the ring member 25 by the frictional force providing member 63-3. Accordingly, despite the reverse rotation of the rotation portion 22, the ring member 25 may not be further rotated and the locking member 5-3 may remain at the first position. The rotation portion 22 of the toner cartridge 2 may be rotated in the reverse direction RD and toner may be provided from the toner cartridge 2 to the developing device.

[0068] FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic front views showing a locking member according to an example. FIGS. 17 and 18 are schematic perspective views showing a locking member according to an example. FIGS. 15 and 17 illustrate a state in which a rotational handle 5-4 is located at the first position according to an example, and FIGS. 16 and 18 illustrate a state in which the rotational handle 5-4 is located at the second position according to an example. The toner cartridge 2 is omitted in FIGS. 17 and 18 for convenience in explanation. With reference to FIGS. 15 to 18, an example of a locking member may include the rotational handle 5-4 rotatably supported at the toner cartridge 2 to rotate between the first position and the second position. The rotational handle 5-4 may be provided rotatably at the front portion 21 a of the toner cartridge 2. The rotational handle 5-4 may be rotatably arranged at the toner cartridge 2 to rotate between the first position, in which the toner cartridge 2 is locked at the main body 1 and the removal of the toner cartridge 2 is not allowed (see FIG. 15), and the second position, in which the removal of the toner cartridge 2 is allowed (see FIG. 16). The toner cartridge 2 may be moved to the click position which is that further proceeds from the mounting position toward the main body 1 , i.e., spaced apart from the mounting position in the mounting direction A1 . The rotational handle 5- 4 may be moved together with the toner cartridge 2 to the mounting position and the click position. In a case where the toner cartridge 2 is located at the mounting position, the rotation of the rotational handle 5-4 located at the first position to the second position may be blocked. In a case where the toner cartridge 2 is located at the click position, the rotation of the rotational handle 5-4 between the first position and the second position may be allowed. An example of the image forming apparatus may include a click restricting member to selectively allow a movement operation of the toner cartridge 2 between the mounting position and the click position, i.e., the click operation. The click restricting member may be driven by the motor 6. By selectively allowing the movement operation of the toner cartridge 2 between the mounting position and the click position, i.e., the click operation, the rotation of the rotational handle 5-4 between the first position and the second position may be selectively allowed.

[0069] For example, the rotational handle 5-4 may include a trip protrusion 5-4a. The trip protrusion 5-4a may function as the locking portion 51 in the example described above. A trip portion 4-4 may be provided at the main body 1 , for example, at the mounting portion 3. The trip protrusion 5-4a may protrude outward, for example, from an outer circumference portion of the rotational handle 5-4. The trip portion 4-4 may be provided near the entrance of the mounting portion 3. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, the trip protrusion 5-4a of the rotational handle 5-4 located at the first position may be held by the trip portion 4-4 in a case where the toner cartridge 2 is located at the mounting position. The trip portion 4-4 may have a shape to block the trip protrusion 5-4a so that the rotational handle 5-4 located at first position is not rotated. The trip portion 4-4 may have a shape to block the movement of the toner cartridge 2 in the removing direction A2. In a state where the toner cartridge 2 is located at the mounting position, the rotational handle 5-4 located at the first position may not be rotated, and the toner cartridge 2 may not be removed. As shown in FIG. 18, in a case where the toner cartridge 2 is located at the click position, the trip protrusion 5-4a may be released from the trip portion 4-4. For example, in a case where the toner cartridge 2 is located at the click position, the trip protrusion 5-4a may be located at a rotation allowing groove 35. The rotation allowing groove 35 may have a shape that does not interfere with the trip protrusion 5-4a during rotation of the rotational handle 5-4. Accordingly, in a case where the toner cartridge 2 is located at the click position, the rotational handle 5-4 may be rotated between the first position and the second position.

[0070] FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a click restricting member to selectively allow a click operation of the toner cartridge 2 according to an example. FIG. 20 illustrates a state in which a click restricting member is located at a click allowing position according to an example. FIG. 21 illustrates a state in which a click restricting member is located at a click restricting position according to an example. With reference to FIGS. 19 to 21 , the toner cartridge 2 may be moved to a mounting position T 1 in which the toner cartridge 2 is mounted on the main body 1 , for example, to the mounting portion 3, and to a click position T2 that further proceeds from the mounting position T1 in the mounting direction A1 . An elastic member 540 may apply an elastic force to the toner cartridge 2 in a direction to be located in the mounting position T1. A click restricting member 500 may selectively allow the movement of the toner cartridge 2 between the mounting position T1 and the click position T2.

[0071] The motor 6 may be provided at the main body 1 , for example, at the mounting portion 3. The motor 6 may rotate a driving coupler 65 provided at the mounting portion 3. In a case where the toner cartridge 2 is mounted on the mounting portion 3, the driving coupler 65 may be connected to the toner cartridge 2. For example, the driving coupler 65 may be engaged with a driven coupler 29a provided at the toner cartridge 2 to deliver the rotation power of the motor 6 to the driven coupler 29a. In this manner, the toner cartridge 2 may be driven. The toner cartridge 2 of the example may include the rotation portion 22 rotatable with respect to the fixed portion 21. The driven coupler 29a may be provided at the toner cartridge 2, for example, at a rear end portion of the rotation portion 22. The click restricting member 500 of the example may be driven by the motor 6. For example, the rotation power of the motor 6 in one direction, for example, rotation power in the reverse direction may be delivered to the click restricting member 500 to drive the click restricting member 500.

[0072] For example, the click restricting member 500 may include a click restricting shaft 510 and a blocking member 530. The click restricting shaft 510 may be rotatably supported by a bracket 66 with an intervening uni-directional bearing 520 therebetween. In an example, the uni-directional bearing 520 may include a uni-directional power transmitting member to transmit the rotation power of the motor 6 in one direction. In an example, the uni-directional bearing 520 may transmit the rotation power in the reverse direction to the click restricting shaft 510. For example, a gear 67 rotated by the motor 6 may be supported by an outer ring of the uni-directional bearing 520, and the click restricting shaft 510 may be supported by an inner ring of the uni-directional bearing 520. The blocking member 530 may be connected to the click restricting shaft 510 and may be moved between a click restricting position (see FIG. 21 ) and a click allowing position (see FIG. 20) in which the movement of the toner cartridge 2 to the click position T2 is blocked/allowed. For example, the blocking member 530 may be moved in an axial direction according to the rotation of the click restricting shaft 510 and may be moved between the click restricting position and the click allowing position.

[0073] For example, the click restricting shaft 510 may include a pin 511 , and the blocking member 530 may include a guide slot 531 into which the pin 511 may be inserted. FIG. 22 is a schematic development view of the guide slot 531 according to an example. With reference to FIG. 22 the guide slot 531 may be perpendicular to the axial direction and may include a first portion 531 -1 and a second portion 531 -2 spaced apart from each other in the axial direction as well as an inclined third portion 531 -3 to connect the first portion 531-1 to the second portion 531 -2. The first portion 531 -1 may be close to the rear end portion of the toner cartridge 2, and the second portion 531 -2 may be far from the rear end portion of the toner cartridge 2.

[0074] Although it is not shown in the drawings, a sensor to detect the state of the click restricting member 500, for example, a click allowing state and a click restricting state may be provided. The sensor may detect, for example, an amount of reverse rotation of the motor 6. The sensor may also detect, for example, an amount of rotation of the gear 67 rotated by the motor 6. The sensor may detect, for example, an amount of rotation of the click restricting shaft 510. The sensor may detect, for example, a position of the blocking member 530. In addition to this, the state of the click restricting member 500 may be detected by other various methods.

[0075] Example operations of the click restricting member 500 are described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 22. With reference to FIG. 22, as shown by a solid line, the pin 511 of the click restricting shaft 510 may be arranged at the second portion 531 -2. As shown in FIG. 21 , the blocking member 530 may be arranged at the click restricting position in contact with the rear end portion of the toner cartridge 2 located at the mounting position T1. In this state, in response to the forward rotation of the motor 6, the driving coupler 65 may be rotated in the forward direction. As the forward rotation power of the motor 6 is blocked by the uni-directional bearing 520, the click restricting shaft 510 may not be rotated. The blocking member 530 may remain at the click restricting position. In the state shown in FIG. 21 , even in a case where the toner cartridge 2 is pushed in the mounting direction A1 , the toner cartridge 2 may be blocked by the blocking member 530 and may not be moved to the click position T2. The toner cartridge 2 may remain at the mounting position T1 . In a case where the motor 6 continues to rotate in the forward direction, the toner cartridge 2 may be driven through the driving coupler 65.

[0076] In the state shown in FIG. 21 , in response to the reverse rotation of the motor 6, the gear 67 may be rotated in the reverse direction. The reverse rotation power of the gear 67 may be delivered to the click restricting shaft 510 by the uni-directional bearing 520 and the click restricting shaft 510 may be rotated. The pin 511 of the click restricting shaft 510 may enter the third portion 531-3 from the second portion 531 -2. During this process, the pin 511 may pull the third portion 531 -3 in the axial direction, and the blocking member 530 may be moved in a direction proceeding away from the rear end portion of the toner cartridge 2. In a case where the pin 511 enters the first portion 531-1 as shown in FIG. 22 (see the reference numeral 511 a), the blocking member 530 may arrive at the click allowing position as shown in FIG. 20. The blocking member 530 may be spaced from the rear end portion of the toner cartridge 2 located at the mounting position T1. In a case where the toner cartridge 2 is pushed in the mounting direction A1 , the toner cartridge 2 may be moved to the click position T2, as shown by a dashed line in FIG. 20.

[0077] In the state shown in FIG. 20, in response to the reverse rotation of the motor 6, the gear 67 may be rotated in the reverse direction. The reverse rotation power of the gear 67 may be delivered to the click restricting shaft 510 by the uni-directional bearing 520 and the click restricting shaft 510 may be rotated. The pin 511 of the click restricting shaft 510 may enter the third portion 531-3 from the first portion 531 -1. During this process, the pin 511 may push the third portion 531 -3 in the axial direction, and the blocking member 530 may be moved toward the rear end portion of the toner cartridge 2. In a case where the pin 511 enters the second portion 531 -2 as shown in FIG. 22 (see the reference numeral 511 b), the blocking member 530 may arrive at the click restricting position as shown in FIG. 21. The blocking member 530 may be in contact with the rear end portion of the toner cartridge 2 located at the mounting position T1 . In this state, even in a case where the toner cartridge 2 is pushed in the mounting direction A1 , the toner cartridge 2 may not be moved to the click position T2.

[0078] With reference to FIGS. 15 to 22, an example process of removing the toner cartridge 2 is described. With reference to FIGS. 15 and 17, the toner cartridge 2 may be located at the mounting position T1. The rotational handle 5- 4 may be located at the first position. The trip protrusion 5-4a of the rotational handle 5-4 may be held by the trip portion 4-4. The rotational handle 5-4 may not be rotated. The blocking member 530 may be located at the click restricting position as shown in FIG. 21. The toner cartridge 2 may be blocked by the blocking member 530 and may not be moved between the mounting position T1 and the click position T2. Therefore, the toner cartridge 2 may remain at the mounting position T1 , and the rotational handle 5-4 may remain at the first position. During the image formation process, the motor 6 may rotate in the forward direction and drive the toner cartridge 2. As the forward rotation power of the motor 6 is blocked by the uni-directional bearing 520, the click restricting shaft 510 may not be rotated, and the blocking member 530 may remain at the click restricting position.

[0079] For example, in a case where a remaining amount of toner inside the toner cartridge 2 is less than a reference remaining amount corresponding to the replacement time of the toner cartridge 2, a toner cartridge 2 replacement message may be output through the user interface 9. In a case where the opening of the main door 7 is detected by the door opening/closing sensor 8, a message to request input of a command to execute the toner cartridge replacement may be output on the user interface 9. In a case where the command to execute the toner cartridge replacement is input through the user interface 9, the motor 6 may be rotated in the reverse direction. The reverse rotation power of the motor 6 may be delivered to the click restricting shaft 510 by the uni-directional bearing 520 and the click restricting shaft 510 may be rotated in the reverse direction. According to the operations of the pin 511 of the click restricting shaft 510 and the guide slot 531 of the blocking member 530, the blocking member 530 may be moved to the click allowing position spaced apart from the rear end portion of the toner cartridge 2 located at the mounting position T1 as shown in FIG. 20. The click operation of the toner cartridge 2 may become available.

[0080] By holding the rotational handle 5-4 and pushing the toner cartridge 2 in the mounting direction A1 , the toner cartridge 2 may be located at the click position T2 as shown in FIG. 18. The elastic member 540 may be compressed and push the toner cartridge 2 in the removing direction A2. The trip protrusion 5- 4a of the rotational handle 5-4 may be off the trip portion 4-4. The rotation of rotational handle 5-4 may be allowed. The rotational handle 5-4 may be rotated between the first position and the second position so that the trip protrusion 5-4a is not held by the trip portion 4-4 based on the toner cartridge 2 being moved in the removing direction A2. The toner cartridge 2 may become removable. In a case where the force pushing the toner cartridge 2 in the mounting direction A1 is released, the toner cartridge 2 may be moved to the mounting position T1 by the elastic force of the elastic member 540. The user may hold the fixed portion 21 of the toner cartridge 2 and pull the toner cartridge 2 in the removing direction A2 to remove the toner cartridge 2 from the mounting portion 3.

[0081] To remount the toner cartridge 2 on the main body 1 , the rear end portion of the toner cartridge 2 may be arranged at the entrance of the mounting portion 3. In a state where the rotational handle 5-4 is located at the second position, the toner cartridge 2 may be located at the click position T2 by pushing the toner cartridge 2 in the mounting direction A1 . The rotational handle 5-4 may be rotated to the first position. In a case where the force pushing the toner cartridge 2 in the mounting direction A1 is released, the toner cartridge 2 may be moved to the mounting position T 1 by the elastic force of the elastic member 540. The trip protrusion 5-4a of the rotational handle 5-4 may enter and be held by the trip portion 4-4, and the rotational handle 5-4 may remain at the first position. The toner cartridge 2 may remain at the mounting position T1.

[0082] The closing of the main door 7 may be detected by the door opening/closing sensor 8. The motor 6 may be rotated in the reverse direction. The reverse rotation power of the motor 6 may be delivered to the click restricting shaft 510 by the uni-directional bearing 520 and the click restricting shaft 510 may be rotated in the reverse direction. According to the operations of the pin 511 of the click restricting shaft 510 and the guide slot 531 of the blocking member 530, the blocking member 530 may be moved to the click restricting position in contact with the rear end portion of the toner cartridge 2 located at the mounting position T 1 as shown in FIG. 20. The movement of the toner cartridge 2 to the click position T2 may be blocked. The rotational handle 5-4 may not be rotated and remain at the first position. Thus, the toner cartridge 2 may remain locked at the mounting position T1 .

[0083] Examples described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each example should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other examples. While examples have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the following claims.