Toner container

Abstract

A toner container removable from an image forming apparatus includes: a storage portion including a container portion storing toner; and a tip portion including a discharge port that discharges the toner from the toner container, and a nozzle including a passage that enables the toner to pass through the passage toward the discharge port. At least a portion of the leading end portion is covered by a removable film.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a toner container that is mountable on an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium. Background Art

[0002] Generally, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image by transferring a toner image formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum onto a transfer material serving as a transfer medium. In order to supply toner to the image forming apparatus, for example, a method using a process cartridge or a method for replenishing the toner itself is adopted. The method using a process cartridge is a method in which a photosensitive drum and a developer container are integrated into a process cartridge, and when the toner runs out, the process cartridge is replaced with a new one.

[0003] In contrast, a method for replenishing the toner itself is a method of supplying the toner into the developer container when the toner runs out. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-26199 introduces an imaging device that is capable of supplying the toner into the developer container using a toner pack that can be mounted on a mounting unit provided in the developer container. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to some embodiments, a colorant container may include: a storage portion, the storage portion including a bag, the bag being configured to store colorant; a front end portion, the front end portion including a discharge port and a nozzle, the discharge port being configured to discharge the colorant stored in the storage portion to the outside of the colorant container, the nozzle including a channel, the channel being configured to enable the colorant to pass through the channel toward the discharge port; and a film, the film being configured to contact the front end portion and cover at least a portion of the front end portion.

[0005] Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an imaging device according to a first embodiment; Figure 1B is a perspective view of an imaging device.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the opening and closing member and the supply port.

[0008] Figure 3A is an exploded perspective view of the mounting unit; Figure 3B Is when from Figure 3A Exploded perspective views of the mounting unit when viewed from different directions.

[0009] Figure 4A is a perspective view of the appearance of the mounting unit when the control lever is in the closed position; Figure 4Bis a perspective view of what the mounting unit looks like when the lever is in the open position.

[0010] Figure 5A is a plan view of the appearance of the mounting unit when the control lever is in the closed position; Figure 5B is a plan view of what the mounting unit will look like when the lever is in the open position.

[0011] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the device side baffle when viewed from the upstream side in the installation direction; Figure 6B Is when from Fig. 6A Perspective views of the device's side panels when viewed from different angles.

[0012] Fig. 7A is a perspective view of the cover when viewed from the downstream side in the installation direction; Figure 7B is a perspective view of the cover when viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction.

[0013] Fig. 8A It is a perspective view of the container; Figure 8B It is an exploded perspective view of the container.

[0014] Fig.9A is a side view of the toner package when the package side shutter is in a shielding position; Fig. 9B is a side view of the toner package when the package side shutter is in the open position.

[0015] Fig. 10A is a perspective view of the installed unit when the bag side baffle is in the shielding position; Fig. 10B is another perspective view of the mounted unit when the bag side guard is in the shielding position.

[0016] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a claw portion provided on a nozzle.

[0017] Fig. 12A It is a front view of the claw part; Fig. 12B is along Fig. 12A A sectional view taken along line XIIB-XIIB.

[0018] Fig.13A It is a front view of the claw part; Fig. 13B is along Fig.13A Cross-sectional views taken along lines XIIIB-XIIIB and XIVB-XIVB.

[0019] Fig.14A is a perspective view of how a toner pack is mounted on a side guard of the device; Fig. 14B is along Fig.13A A sectional view taken along lines XIIIB-XIIIB, XIVB-XIVB of FIG. 1 , wherein the toner pack is mounted on the mounting unit.

[0020] Fig.15A is a perspective view of a toner pack with a film attached; Fig. 15B and 15C is a cross-sectional view of a toner pack.

[0021] Fig.16A is a perspective view of a rupturable portion of the membrane; Fig. 16B is a perspective view of the process of removing the film.

[0022] Fig.17A is a perspective view of the membrane before attachment; Fig. 17B is a perspective view of the process of attaching the film.

[0023] Fig.18A is a perspective view of a toner pack mounted on a mounting unit; Fig.18B is a perspective view of the toner package mounted on the mounting unit when viewed from another angle.

[0024] Fig.19A is a cross-sectional view of a toner pack mounted on a mounting unit; Fig.19B is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack after the toner pack is mounted on the mounting unit.

[0025] Fig. 20A is along Fig.19A A cross-sectional view taken along line XXA-XXA; Fig. 20B is along Fig.19A A sectional view taken along line XXB-XXB.

[0026] Fig.21A is a perspective view of the lever and toner pack in a closed position; Fig. 21B is a perspective view of the lever and toner pack in the open position.

[0027] Fig.22A When both the device side baffle and the package side baffle are in the shielding position, Fig.19B A cross-sectional view taken along lines XXIIA-XXIIA and XXIIB-XXIIB; Fig. 22B When both the device side guard and the bag side guard are in the open position, Fig.19B A cross-sectional view taken along lines XXIIA-XXIIA and XXIIB-XXIIB.

[0028] Fig.23A is a perspective view of a toner pack having a cap covering a mounted unit and a film covering the cap; Fig. 23B is a cross-sectional view of a toner pack.

[0029] Fig.24A and 24Bis a perspective view showing a method for manufacturing a toner pack, in which a front end portion is covered with a film and then connected to a storage portion.

[0030] Fig.25 It is a system configuration diagram of an imaging device.

[0031] Fig.26 is a perspective view showing a method for manufacturing a toner pack in which the toner pack is covered with a stretched film. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0033] First embodiment

[0034] Figure 1A 1 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome printer that forms an image on a recording medium P based on image information input from an external device. Examples of the recording medium P include: sheets of various materials, such as plain paper and thick paper; plastic films, such as overhead projector sheets; sheets of special shapes, such as envelopes and index paper; and cloth.

[0035] structure

[0036] like Figure 1A and 1B As shown, the image forming apparatus 1 includes: a printer body 400 (main body of the apparatus), a reader device 200, which is openably supported by the printer body 400; and an operation unit 300, which is installed on the outer surface of the printer body 400. The printer body 400 includes: an image forming unit 10, which forms a toner image on a recording medium; a supply unit 60, which supplies the recording medium to the image forming unit 10; a fixing unit 70, which fixes the toner image formed by the image forming unit 10 on the recording medium; and a discharge roller pair 80.

[0037] The photosensitive drum 21 is a photosensitive member formed in a cylindrical shape. According to the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 has a photosensitive layer formed of a negatively charged organic photosensitive member on a drum-shaped substrate formed of aluminum. The photosensitive drum 21 serving as an image bearing member is driven by a motor to move in a predetermined direction ( Figure 1A Clockwise rotation in the .

[0038] The charging roller 22 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 with a predetermined pressure contact force to form a charging unit. The charging roller 22 is applied with a desired charging voltage by a charging high voltage power source, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential. According to the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 is charged to a negative polarity by the charging roller 22. The pre-exposure unit 23 removes the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 21 at a position before the position of the charging unit so as to generate a stable discharge in the charging unit.

[0039] The scanner unit 11 serving as an exposure unit scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 by using a polygonal mirror, and emits a laser beam onto the photosensitive drum 21, the laser beam corresponding to the image information input from the external device or the reader device 200. The exposure forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 according to the image information. The scanner unit 11 is not limited to a laser scanner device. For example, an LED exposure device including an LED array including a plurality of LEDs arranged in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 21 may be employed.

[0040] The developing device 30 includes: a developing roller 31 serving as a toner carrying member that carries toner; a developer container 32 serving as a frame of the developing device 30; and a supply roller 33 capable of supplying toner to the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are rotatably supported by the developer container 32. The developing roller 31 is arranged in an opening portion of the developer container 32 to face the photosensitive drum 21. The supply roller 33 is rotatably in contact with the developing roller 31, and the toner contained in the developer container 32 is applied to the surface of the developing roller 31 by the supply roller 33. If a configuration capable of supplying sufficient toner to the developing roller 31 is adopted, the supply roller 33 is not necessary.

[0041] The developing device 30 according to the present embodiment uses a contact developing method as a developing method. That is, in the developing portion (developing area) where the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 31 face each other, the toner layer carried on the developing roller 31 contacts the photosensitive drum 21. A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 31 by a developing high voltage power supply. Under the developing voltage, the toner carried on the developing roller 31 is transferred from the developing roller 31 to the drum surface according to the potential distribution on the drum surface of the photosensitive drum 21, so that the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image. According to the present embodiment, a reversal developing method is used. That is, the surface area of ​​the photosensitive drum 21 is charged in a charging process and then exposed in an exposure process so that the charge amount is attenuated. The toner is deposited on the surface area where the charge amount is attenuated. Thus, a toner image is formed.

[0042] According to the present embodiment, a toner having a particle diameter of 6 μm and a normal negative charge polarity is used. The toner according to the present embodiment is, for example, a polymerized toner manufactured by a polymerization method. In addition, the toner according to the present embodiment does not contain a magnetic component and is a so-called non-magnetic single-component toner, which is carried on the developing roller 31 mainly by intermolecular forces and electrostatic forces (image forces). However, a single-component toner containing a magnetic component may be used. In addition to the toner particles, the single-component toner may contain additives (such as wax or fine silica particles) in order to control the fluidity and charging properties of the toner. Alternatively, a two-component toner consisting of a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier may also be used as a toner. When a toner having magnetism is used, for example, a cylindrical developing sleeve having a magnet arranged inside is used as a toner carrying member.

[0043] The agitator member 34 is provided inside the developer container 32. The agitator member 34 is driven by a motor M1 (refer to Fig.25 ) is driven and rotated so as to stir the toner in the developer container 32 and supply the toner toward the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33. In addition, the agitator member 34 has the function of circulating the toner that is not used for development and is peeled off from the developing roller 31 in the developer container so as to make the toner concentration in the developer container uniform. The agitator member 34 is not limited to a rotating agitator member. For example, a swinging agitator member may be used.

[0044] In the opening portion of the developer container 32 where the developing roller 31 is arranged, a developing blade 35 is arranged to control the amount of toner carried on the developing roller 31. When the developing roller 31 rotates, the toner layer supplied to the surface of the developing roller 31 is uniformly thinned while passing through the portion facing the developing blade 35 and is charged to a negative polarity by frictional charging.

[0045] like Figure 1A and 1B As shown, the supply unit 60 includes: a front door 61 supported by the printer body 400 in an openable and closable manner; a tray unit 62; an intermediate plate 63; a tray spring 64; and a pickup roller 65. The tray unit 62 constitutes the bottom surface of a recording medium storage space that appears when the front door 61 is opened, and the intermediate plate 63 is supported by the tray unit 62 in an elevated manner. The tray spring 64 pushes the intermediate plate 63 upward and presses the recording medium P stacked on the intermediate plate 63 against the pickup roller 65. The front door 61 closes the recording medium storage space when closed relative to the printer body 400, and supports the recording medium P together with the tray unit 62 and the intermediate plate 63 when opened relative to the printer body 400.

[0046] The fixing unit 70 is a thermal fixing type that performs an image fixing process by heating and melting the toner on the recording medium. The fixing unit 70 includes a fixing film 71, a fixing heater (e.g., a ceramic heater that heats the fixing film 71), a thermistor that measures the temperature of the fixing heater, and a pressure roller 72 that contacts the fixing film 71 with pressure.

[0047] Next, the control system of the imaging device 1 will be described.

[0048] Fig.25 is a block diagram of a control system of the imaging device 1. The control unit 90 used as the control unit of the imaging device 1 includes: a central processing unit (CPU) 91 having one or more processors, circuits, or a combination thereof used as an arithmetic unit; a random access memory (RAM) 92 used as a work area of ​​the CPU 91; and a read-only memory (ROM) 93 storing various programs. The control unit 90 also includes: an I / O interface 94 used as an input / output port connected to an external device; and an A / D converter 95 that converts an analog signal into a digital signal.

[0049] The following describes an imaging operation performed by the imaging device 1. When an imaging command is input to the imaging device 1, an imaging process performed by the imaging unit 10 is started based on image information input from the reader device 200 or an external computer connected to the imaging device 1. Figure 1A and 1B As shown, the scanner unit 11 emits a laser beam based on input image information to the photosensitive drum 21. At this time, the photosensitive drum 21 is pre-charged by the charging roller 22, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21 by the emitted laser beam. Then, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 31 so that a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21.

[0050] In parallel with the above-described image forming process, the pickup roller 65 of the feeding unit 60 feeds the recording medium P supported by the front door 61, the tray unit 62, and the intermediate plate 63. The recording medium P is fed to the registration roller pair 15 by the pickup roller 65, and the skew is corrected when the recording medium P hits the nip portion of the registration roller pair 15. Then, the registration roller pair 15 is driven in synchronization with the transfer timing of the toner image to convey the recording medium P toward the transfer nip portion formed by the transfer roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0051] A transfer voltage is applied from a transfer high voltage power source to the transfer roller 12 serving as a transfer unit, and the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to the recording medium P conveyed by the registration roller pair 15. The recording medium P having the toner image transferred thereon is conveyed to the fixing unit 70, where the toner image is heated and pressurized as it passes through a nip between a fixing film 71 and a pressure roller 72 in the fixing unit 70. Thus, the toner particles melt and then solidify, so that the toner image is firmly fixed on the recording medium P. The recording medium P passing through the fixing unit 70 is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the apparatus) by a discharge roller pair 80 serving as a discharge unit, and is stacked on a discharge tray 81 formed in an upper portion of the printer body 400, the discharge tray serving as a stacking unit.

[0052] The discharge tray 81 is tilted upward toward the downstream side in the discharge direction of the recording medium, and the recording medium discharged onto the discharge tray 81 slides downward along the discharge tray 81. Therefore, the trailing edge of the recording medium discharged onto the discharge tray 81 is aligned by the regulating surface 84.

[0053] The reader device 200 includes a reading unit 201 having an internal reader (not shown), and a pressing plate 202 supported by the reading unit 201 in an openable and closable manner. An original substrate glass 203 is provided on the top surface of the reading unit 201, and transmits light emitted from the reader. An original is placed on the original substrate glass 203.

[0054] When the user causes the reader device 200 to read the image of the original, the user places the original on the original substrate glass 203 with the pressure plate 202 open. Then, the user closes the pressure plate 202 to prevent the original placed on the original substrate glass 203 from being misaligned. Then, the user outputs a read command to the imaging device 1 by, for example, operating the operation unit 300. When the reading operation starts, the reader in the reading unit 201 moves back and forth in the sub-scanning direction, that is, the reader moves back and forth in the left and right direction with the operation unit 300 of the imaging device 1 facing forward. The reader emits light from the light emitting unit to the original, receives the light reflected by the original by using the light receiving unit, and performs photoelectric conversion on the received light. Therefore, the reader reads the image of the original. In the following description, the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction are determined under the condition that the operation unit 300 faces forward.

[0055] The discharge tray 81 is formed on the top surface of the top cover 82 in the upper portion of the printer body 400. Figure 1B and 2As shown, the opening and closing member 83 is supported by the top cover 82 in a manner openable and closable about a rotation axis 83a extending in the front-rear direction. An opening portion 82a is formed in the discharge tray 81 of the top cover 82 so as to open upward.

[0056] The opening and closing member 83 is provided to be movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the opening and closing member 83 covers the supply port 32a so that the toner pack (toner container) 100 cannot be mounted to the developer container 32. In the open position, the supply port 32a is exposed so that the toner pack 100 can be mounted to the developer container 32. When the opening and closing member 83 is in the open position, the toner pack 100 moves toward the supply port 32a along the mounting direction M and is mounted to the supply port 32a.

[0057] In the closed position, the opening and closing member 83 serves as a part of the discharge tray 81. The opening and closing member 83 and the opening portion 82a are formed on the left side of the discharge tray 81. When the user hooks a finger on the opening and closing member 83 through the groove 82b provided on the top cover 82 to open, the opening and closing member 83 opens to the left. The opening and closing member 83 is formed in a substantially L-shape along the shape of the top cover 82.

[0058] The opening portion 82a of the discharge tray 81 is opened so that the supply port 32a formed in the upper portion of the developer container 32 for supplying toner is exposed, and the user can access the supply port 32a by opening the opening and closing member 83. According to the present embodiment, when the developing device 30 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, the user takes the toner from the toner pack 100 (refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B ) is supplied to the developing device 30 (direct supply method), and the toner pack 100 is filled with the toner to be supplied. The toner pack 100 is configured to be available from the mounting unit 106 (refer to Fig.22A and 22B When installed, at least a portion of the toner package 100 is exposed to the outside.

[0059] According to the present configuration, it is not necessary to remove the entire process unit 20 (including the portion accommodating the toner) from the printer body 400 and replace the process unit 20 with a new one when supplying the toner. Therefore, when the remaining toner in the process unit 20 becomes low, the operation used by other configurations can be eliminated in the present configuration, which improves usability.

[0060] In addition, toner can be supplied to the developer container 32 at a lower cost than replacing the entire process unit 20. The direct supply method is also cheaper than replacing only the developing device 30 (which is responsible for the developing function of the process unit 20) because it is not necessary to replace various rollers, gears, etc. together. The image forming apparatus 1 and the toner pack 100 constitute an image forming system 1000.

[0061] Mounting unit

[0062] The following will refer to FIG. 3A to FIG. 7B The configuration of the mounting unit 106 to which the toner pack 100 is mounted is described. According to the present embodiment, the mounting unit 106 is a unit for mounting the toner pack 100, and includes the supply port 32a. The mounting unit 106 is provided in the image forming apparatus 1 (refer to Figure 2 ). Figure 3A is an exploded perspective view of the mounting unit 106 . Figure 3B Is when from Figure 3A Exploded perspective views of the mounting unit 106 when viewed from different directions. Figure 4A and Figure 5A 1 and 2 are respectively a perspective view of the outer appearance of the mounting unit 106 and a plan view when viewed from the mounting direction M, in which the control lever 108 is in the closed position. Figure 4B and Figure 5B 1 and 2 are respectively a perspective view of the outer appearance of the mounting unit 106 and a plan view when viewed from the mounting direction M, in which the control lever 108 is in the open position.

[0063] Fig. 6A 109 is a perspective view of the device-side baffle 109 when viewed from the upstream side in the installation direction M. Figure 6B Is when from Fig. 6A Perspective views of the device side shield 109 when viewed from different angles. Fig. 7A 1 is a perspective view of the cover 110 when viewed from the downstream side in the mounting direction M. Figure 7B 1 is a perspective view of the cover 110 when viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction M.

[0064] like FIG. 3A to FIG. 4B As shown, the mounting unit 106 includes a body base 2. The body base 2 includes a first frame 107, a second frame 117 and a cover 110. The cover 110 and the second frame 117 are fixed to the first frame 107. Fig. 7A and 7B As shown, the cover 110 includes an engaged portion 110h engaged with the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107 so as not to rotate relative to the first frame 107 about the rotation axis B. The recess 110k is provided on the downstream side, that is, the bottom surface side of the cover 110 in the mounting direction M. The recess 110k has a first regulating surface 110c and a second regulating surface 110d.

[0065] The first regulating surface 110 c and the second regulating surface 110 d are disposed in a circumferential direction about the rotation axis B to face each other.

[0066] The first frame 107, the cover 110 and the second frame 117 do not need to be separate components and can be integrated into one. Figure 3Aand 3B As shown, the second frame 117 has a toner storage portion 36 (refer to Figure 1A ) is connected to the device side opening 117a.

[0067] The lever 108 and the device side guard 109 are each mounted on the body base 2 in a manner rotatable around the rotation axis B. The first frame 107 includes a positioning portion 107a. The positioning portion 107a protrudes inwardly in a radial direction r of a virtual circle VC with the rotation axis B as the center beyond the inner peripheral surface of the first frame 107 with the rotation axis B as the center.

[0068] The control lever 108 serving as an operating unit includes a drive transmission portion 108a and an operating portion 108b. The user can operate the operating portion 108b to rotate the control lever 108 relative to the body base 2 around the rotation axis B. Figure 3A As shown, the drive transmission portion 108a is a convex portion that protrudes inwardly in a radial direction r of a virtual circle VC centered on the rotation axis B beyond the inner peripheral surface of the control rod 108 centered on the rotation axis B.

[0069] like Fig. 6A and 6B As shown, the device side baffle 109 used as the main body baffle has: an inner peripheral surface 109h; a receiving port 109a, which is formed in the inner peripheral surface 109h and receives the toner from the toner pack 100; and a bottom surface 109b. The device side baffle 109 also includes: a central boss 109d, which is provided on the bottom surface 109b; a pack contact surface 109g; a control rib 109c; and a driven transmission portion 109e, which is provided on the inner peripheral surface 109h. Fig. 6A As shown, the driven transmission portion 109e is a convex portion that protrudes inwardly in the radial direction r of a virtual circle VC centered on the rotation axis B. The device side seal 111 is bonded to the inner peripheral surface 109h and surrounds the receiving port 109a (refer to Figure 4B ).

[0070] The device side baffle 109 is configured to be in a shielding position or an open position of the body base 2. More specifically, as Fig. 6A and 6B As shown, the device side shield 109 rotates from the shielding position to the open position in the direction of arrow K, and rotates from the open position to the shielding position in the direction of arrow L. The directions of arrows K and L are Fig. 12BThe directions of arrows K and L of the bag side shutter 103 are shown to be the same. In the shielding position of the device side shutter 109, the receiving port 109a is shielded by the device side seal 111 and the cover 110. In the open position, the receiving port 109a is open and not covered by the cover 110. That is, when the device side shutter 109 is in the shielding position, the receiving port 109a is not communicated with the device side opening 117a of the second frame 117. When the device side shutter 109 is in the open position, the receiving port 109a is communicated with the device side opening 117a of the second frame 117.

[0071] exist Figure 4A and Figure 5A In the embodiment, the device side baffle 109 is in the shielding position. At this time, the receiving port 109a of the device side baffle 109 is not connected to the device side opening 117a of the second frame 117. Figure 4B and Figure 5B 1, the device side shutter 109 is in the open position, and at this time, the receiving port 109a of the device side shutter 109 communicates with the device side opening 117a of the second frame 117. By moving the device side shutter 109 to the open position, toner can be refilled (supplied) from the toner pack 100 to the toner storage portion 36 of the developer container 32 through the receiving port 109a.

[0072] Since the lever 108 and the device side shutter 109 are not connected to the drive, the device side shutter 109 does not rotate even when the lever 108 is operated when the toner pack 100 is not mounted.

[0073] like FIG. 6A to FIG. 7B As shown, because the large diameter portion 109d1 of the center boss 109d is engaged with the cylindrical portion 110j of the cover 110, the device side baffle 109 is configured to be rotatable around the center boss 109d. The control rib 109c provided on the bottom surface 109b of the device side baffle 109 is located between the first control surface 110c and the second control surface 110d of the cover 110. Therefore, the device side baffle 109 can only rotate within the range in which the control rib 109c can move between the first control surface 110c and the second control surface 110d. That is, the rotation of the device side baffle 109 is controlled by the first control surface 110c and the second control surface 110d of the cover 110 within the rotation range between the shielding position and the open position. For example, when the control rib 109c contacts the first control surface 110c, the device side baffle 109 in the shielding position cannot rotate in the direction of the arrow L, that is, cannot rotate in the direction opposite to the direction toward the open position.

[0074] Container construction

[0075] The following will refer to FIG. 8A to FIG. 9BThe basic configuration of the container 800 including the toner package 100 is described. The toner package 100 is mounted on the mounting unit 106 described above. Fig. 8A is a perspective view of container 800 . Figure 8B is an exploded perspective view of the container 800 . Fig.9A is a side view of the toner pack 100 when the pack side shutter 103 is in the shielding position. Fig. 9B is a side view of the toner pack 100 when the pack side shutter 103 is in the open position.

[0076] like Fig. 8A As shown, the container 800 used as a container includes the toner pack 100 and the film 120 used as a protective member. The container 800 and the image forming apparatus 1 constitute an image forming system 1000 (refer to Figure 1A ).like Figure 8B As shown, the toner bag 100 includes a bag 101 for accommodating toner and other contents and a mounted unit 700 mounted on a mounting unit 106. An opening member 104 serving as an opening portion is connected to an opening 101a of the bag 101. The mounted unit 700 serving as a front end portion includes a nozzle 102 and a bag side baffle 103, and the nozzle 102 is connected to the opening member 104. According to the present embodiment, a film 120 covers the mounted unit 700 and can be removed by a user or a maintenance technician to expose the mounted unit 700. The film 120 will be described in more detail below.

[0077] The bag 101 as a part of the storage portion is flexible and is provided at one end of the toner pack 100 in the axial direction D1, which is the direction of the rotation axis A of the cylindrical portion of the pack side shutter 103. The axial direction D1, which is the direction of the rotation axis A, is also the direction in which the opening part 104 is connected to the bag 101 and the nozzle 102 of the mounting unit 700 is connected and aligned with the opening part 104 (and therefore connected and aligned with the bag 101 as the container portion). The axial direction D1 is also referred to as the "first direction". The term "one end" used herein refers to the end opposite to the end of the bag 101 opening in the axial direction D1. Since the rotation axis A coincides with the rotation axis B of the device side shutter 109 when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting unit 106, the axial directions of the rotation axes A and B are both referred to as the axial direction D1 hereinafter. The nozzle 102 and the pack side shutter 103 are provided at the other end of the toner pack 100 in the axial direction D1. The other end is the end of the bag 101 opening in the axial direction D1. For example, the bag 101 is formed by bagging and laminating flexible polypropylene sheets so that one end of the bag shape is open as an opening 101a. At least one of the two outer surfaces of the bag 101 is a surface formed by a flexible polypropylene sheet that is bagged and laminated together. Instructions 500 are printed on the outer surface of the bag 101 so that the user knows how to supply the toner and the precautions for use when the user supplies the toner. Therefore, the user or maintenance technician is informed of the toner supply procedure and precautions, and can supply the toner based on this information. The bag 101 can be made of paper, or can be replaced by a toner bottle. The toner bottle has a flexible cylindrical side surface and an opening at one end in the direction of the rotation axis of the cylindrical shape.

[0078] The opening part (connecting part) 104 used as the intermediate part is an annular resin part having a through hole 104a. The opening part 104 is fixed on the opening 101a of the bag 101. According to the present embodiment, the opening part 104 is made of polypropylene resin and has a greater thickness and higher rigidity than the bag 101 made of a flexible sheet. That is, the bag 101 has a first rigidity, and the opening part 104 has a second rigidity higher than the first rigidity. This can keep the opening 101a open even when the bag 101 is flexible. However, as described below, the nozzle 102 of the mounted unit 700 also has a higher rigidity than the bag 101. Therefore, even if the bag 101 and the nozzle 102 are joined without using the opening part 104, the opening 101a can remain open even in the flexible bag 101.

[0079] The opening part 104 is connected to the nozzle 102 and has a through hole 104a. That is, the opening part 104 connects the bag 101 with the mounted unit 700, which includes the bag 101 and the nozzle 102, so that the bag 101 and the mounted unit 700 are connected to each other. However, the bag 101 and the nozzle 102 may be configured to be connected without using the opening part 104.

[0080] Moreover, the opening member 104 includes a pair of extension portions 104b, each extending from the outer peripheral surface away from the rotation axis A in the radial direction r of the virtual circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. The two extension portions 104b are arranged at phases that are 180 degrees different from each other in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis A. As described above, because the outer peripheral surface of the opening member 104 is not a uniform peripheral surface around the rotation axis A, the user can stably grasp the opening member 104 by grasping the extension portions 104b. That is, the extension portions 104b serve as anti-slip strips to prevent the user's hand from sliding in the rotation direction around the rotation axis A.

[0081] The nozzle 102 serving as the discharge portion is connected to the opening part 104. Any connection method can be adopted. For example, as the connection method, there may be a method of using various adhesives (e.g., hot melt) or a method of thermally welding the through hole 104a of the opening part 104 to the outer periphery of the nozzle 102. In addition, any method of connecting the bag 101 to the opening part 104 can be adopted. Alternatively, the bag 101 and the nozzle 102 may be connected without using the opening part 104.

[0082] The nozzle 102 has a side surface 102c as an outer surface extending along the rotation axis A. The side surface 102c has a discharge port 102a and a recess 102e thereon, the discharge port being configured to communicate with the interior of the bag 101. The recess 102e is provided at a position different from the position of the discharge port 102a along the rotation direction of the bag side baffle 103. The configuration is such that when the bag 101 is squeezed by, for example, a user's hand to reduce the volume of the bag 101, the toner stored in the bag 101 is discharged from the toner pack 100 through the discharge port 102a. That is, a passage is formed inside the nozzle 102 as a discharge portion to allow the toner (content) to pass toward the discharge port 102a. The nozzle 102 may be integrated with the opening member 104. Alternatively, a seal may be provided between the bag 101 and the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102, and when the seal is removed, the bag 101 and the discharge port 102a may communicate with each other. A pack side baffle 103 serving as a shielding member is arranged outside the side surface 102 c of the nozzle 102 .

[0083] The pack side baffle 103 is arranged to be rotatable about a rotation axis A extending in the axial direction D1, and has an opening 103a. More specifically, an inner peripheral surface 103m of the pack side baffle 103 is supported in a slidable manner relative to an annular rib 104m of the opening part 104. The pack side baffle 103 is arranged outside the side surface 102c along the radial direction r of a virtual circle VC centered on the rotation axis A, and is capable of shielding the discharge port 102a. The arcuate side surface 102c is a curved surface convex toward the outside in the radial direction r. The inner surface of the pack side baffle 103 (i.e., the surface opposite to the side surface 102c) is a curved surface extending along the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102. A pack side seal 105 of a substantially rectangular shape is attached to the inner surface of the pack side baffle 103.

[0084] The side baffle 103 is configured to be movable around the rotation axis A in the shielding position ( Fig.9A shown in the open position) and the open position ( Fig. 9B The bag side shutter 103 is rotatable between a position (shown in FIG. 1 ) in which the bag side seal 105 shields the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 and an open position in which the discharge port 102a is open. When the bag side shutter 103 is in the open position, the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 is exposed through an opening 103a formed in the bag side shutter 103. That is, the bag side shutter 103 has the opening 103a so that the discharge port 102a is open when the bag side shutter 103 is in the open position.

[0085] When in Fig.9A When the bag side baffle 103 in the shielding position (first shielding position) shown by the user rotates relative to the bag 101 about the rotation axis A in the direction of arrow K, the bag side baffle 103 reaches Fig. 9B The open position shown (first open position).

[0086] On the contrary, when the bag side shutter 103 in the open position rotates in the direction of arrow L, the bag side shutter 103 reaches the shielding position. That is, the direction of arrow K (first rotation direction) is the direction about the rotation axis A in which the bag side shutter 103 moves from the shielding position to the open position relative to the bag 101. The direction of arrow L (second rotation direction) is the direction about the rotation axis A in which the bag side shutter 103 moves from the open position to the shielding position. In the rotational movement of the bag side shutter 103, the bag side shutter 103 slides relative to the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 through the bag side seal 105.

[0087] The following will refer to FIG. 8A to FIG. 10B The structures of the nozzle 102 and the package side baffle 103 are described in detail. Fig. 10A is a perspective view of the mounted unit 700 when the bag side shield 103 is in the shielding position. Fig. 10B is another perspective view of the mounted unit 700 when the bag side shield 103 is in the shielding position.

[0088] As shown in Figure 8 to Fig. 10B As shown, especially Fig. 10A As shown, the nozzle 102 includes a positioned portion 102d having surfaces facing each other in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis A. When the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting unit 106, the positioned portion 102d is aligned with the positioning portion 107a ( Figure 4A This configuration determines the position of the nozzle 102 along the rotation direction around the rotation axis A relative to the first frame 107 (body base 2).

[0089] In the direction of the rotation axis A (two directions), the surfaces 102e1 and 102e2 are provided on the downstream side in the mounting direction M, which is the direction (one direction) in which the positioned portion 102d is mounted to the supply port 32a of the printer body 400. The side surface 102e3 is recessed inwardly from the side surface 102c in the radial direction r. The positioned portion 102d, the surface 102e1, the surface 102e2, and the side surface 102e3 form a recess 102e.

[0090] The opening 103 a is provided in the side surface 103 d of the pack side baffle 103 .

[0091] The side surface 103d extends along the rotation axis A. Fig. 10A As shown, when the bag side shutter 103 is in the shielding position, at least a portion of the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 is exposed from the opening 103a. This is to allow the positioned portion 102d of the recess 102e to engage with the positioning portion 107a when the bag side shutter 103 is in the shielding position when the toner bag 100 is mounted on the mounting unit 106.

[0092] like Fig. 10B As shown, the bag side baffle 103 further includes a driven transmission portion 103e on the side of the rotation axis A opposite to the opening 103a. When the bag side baffle 103 is in the shielding position, the driven transmission portion 103e is arranged on the side of the rotation axis A opposite to the recessed portion 102e of the nozzle 102. The driven transmission portion 103e has surfaces 103b1 and 103b2 and a side surface 103b3, and is engageable with a drive transmission portion 108a of a control rod 108 described below. The side surface 103b3 is arranged between the surfaces 103b1 and 103b2, and is recessed inwardly from the side surface 103d in the radial direction r.

[0093] At the upstream end of the side baffle 103 along the installation direction M, a disc-shaped flange 103i is provided, which is arranged outside the side surface 103d along the radial direction r, that is, the disc-shaped flange extends from the side surface 103d in a direction away from the rotation axis A and is concentric with the cylindrical side surface 103d.

[0094] The pack side baffle 103 forming a part of the storage portion has a side surface 103d extending in the first direction in which the nozzle 102 extends. The side surface 103d is a cylindrical portion having a disk-shaped flange having a diameter larger than an arc obtained by connecting the outer diameter of the side surface 103d, the disk-shaped flange being concentric with the side surface 103d. In addition, the side surface 103d has an end surface perpendicular to the rotation axis at the end adjacent to the nozzle in the above-mentioned first direction.

[0095] The protruding portion 102b of the nozzle 102 will be described in detail below. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B As shown, the toner pack 100 is oriented so that when the pack is mounted on the printer body 400, the side of the toner pack 100 having an opening along the mounting direction M (this side may be referred to as the second end side or the side having the nozzle 102) is lower than the side without an opening (this side may be referred to as the first end side or the side having the bag 101). Optionally, the toner pack 100 is oriented so that when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the printer body 400, at least a portion of the nozzle 102 is lower than the bag 101, and further, the rotation axis A is parallel to the vertical direction (direction of gravity) VD. When the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting unit 106 of the imaging device 1, the toner pack 100 has the above-mentioned posture. At this time, in 9A to 10B , when the toner package 100 is mounted on the printer body 400, the mounting direction M is the downward direction. Similarly, the unloading direction U is the upward direction.

[0096] The pack side shutter 103 has an end surface 103c which is a lower end surface in the vertical direction VD when mounted on the printer body 400 and constitutes a bottom surface of the pack side shutter 103 perpendicular to the rotation axis A. The nozzle 102 includes a protruding portion 102b protruding downstream (i.e., protruding downward) from the end surface 103c of the pack side shutter 103 in the mounting direction M. The term "downward" as used herein refers to a direction in which the toner pack 100 faces downstream when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the printer body 400, and refers to downstream in the mounting direction M when the toner pack 100 is moved to be mounted on the printer body 400.

[0097] The protruding portion 102 b is a cylindrical portion (a portion having a cylindrical shape) with the rotation axis A as the center.

[0098] The protruding portion 102b has a protruding portion end surface 102b2 as a lower end surface. The protruding portion end surface 102b2 has a hole (portion) at the center. The hole has an inner peripheral surface 102b1 with the rotation axis A as the center.

[0099] like Figure 8B As shown, when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the printer body 400, the protruding portion 102b protrudes downward from the end surface 102j along the mounting direction M of the nozzle 102. According to the present embodiment, the end surface 103c of the pack side baffle 103 and the end surface 102j of the nozzle 102 are end surfaces perpendicular to the rotation axis A of the pack side baffle 103. However, the configuration is not limited thereto. These surfaces may be any surfaces extending in a direction intersecting the rotation axis A when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A. That is, these surfaces may also be inclined at a certain angle relative to a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis A. The protruding portion 102b is not necessarily provided in the nozzle 102.

[0100] like Fig.11 As shown, the nozzle 102 of the toner pack 100 includes a claw portion 102f, which serves as a locking mechanism to prevent the pack side shutter 103 from rotating relative to the nozzle 102 when transporting or when a user individually handles the toner pack 100. When the pack side shutter 103 is held at the shielding position by the claw portion 102f, the toner contained in the toner pack 100 is prevented from spilling.

[0101] Fig.11 102 is a perspective view of a claw portion 102 f provided in the nozzle 102 . Fig. 12A 102f is a front view showing the structure of a portion including the claw portion 102f. Fig. 12B is along Fig. 12A A cross-sectional view taken along line XIIB-XIIB of FIG. Fig. 12A similar, Fig.13A 102f is a front view of the claw portion 102f. Fig. 13B is along Fig.13A A sectional view taken along line XIIIB-XIIIB. Fig.14A 1 is a perspective view of how the toner pack 100 is mounted on the device side shutter 109. Fig.14A In the figure, the bag 101 and the pack side shutter 103 of the toner pack 100 are not shown, and only the nozzle 102 and the opening portion 104 are shown. Fig. 14B is along Fig.13A sectional view taken along line XIVB-XIVB of , in which the toner package 100 is mounted on the mounting unit 106 .

[0102] like Figures 11 to 12BAs shown, the claw portion 102f serving as the second control portion includes an arm portion 102f3, a release slope 102f1, and a contact portion 102f2. The arm portion 102f3 is elastically deformed so that the claw portion 102f can move in the radial direction r of a virtual circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. More specifically, the claw portion 102f can move to Fig. 12B Control location shown or Fig. 14B The non-controlled position shown is a position inside the controlled position along the radial direction r.

[0103] like Fig. 12B As shown, when the claw portion 102f is in the control position, the abutting portion 102f2 faces the control portion 103h of the bag side baffle 103 in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis A, and the bag side baffle is in the shielding position. At this time, a gap s is provided between the abutting portion 102f2 and the control portion 103h. When the control portion 103h abuts against the abutting portion 102f2, the rotation of the bag side baffle 103 in the direction of the arrow K is controlled. The size of the gap s can be set to any value, and the position in the rotation range in which the bag side baffle 103 can rotate within the range of the gap S is considered to be the shielding position. That is, the rotation of the bag side baffle 103 in the direction of the arrow K from the shielding position is controlled by the claw portion 102f located at the control position.

[0104] When the claw portion 102f is in the non-regulating position, the abutting portion 102f2 is located inside the regulating portion 103h of the bag side fence 103 in the radial direction r of the virtual circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. Therefore, the bag side fence 103 can rotate around the rotation axis A without interfering with the abutting portion 102f2.

[0105] like Fig. 6A and Fig. 14B As shown, the device side baffle 109 includes a control release rib 109j extending in the axial direction D1. When the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting unit 106, the control release rib 109j can contact the release slope 102f1 of the claw portion 102f. Fig. 10A and 14B As shown, the pack side fence 103 has an opening portion 103j. The opening portion 103j extends from an end surface (bottom surface when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the printer body 400) 103c to a side surface 103d of the pack side fence 103. A control release rib 109j provided in the device side fence 109 can pass through the opening portion 103j and contact the release slope 102f1 of the claw portion 102f arranged inside the pack side fence 103.

[0106] The release slope 102f1 is inclined relative to the mounting direction M (axial direction D1) and extends inwardly in the radial direction r toward the downstream side of the mounting direction M. When the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting unit 106, the release slope 102f1 changes the direction of the force received by the claw portion 102f from the control release rib 109j to the inward radial direction r. As a result, the release slope 102f1 is pressed by the control release rib 109j, and thus the claw portion 102f moves inwardly in the radial direction r from the control position to the non-control position. That is, when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting unit 106, the claw portion 102f is pressed by the mounting unit 106, and thus moves from the control position to the non-control position.

[0107] The abutting portion 102f2 of the claw portion 102f hits the regulating portion 103h of the bag side fence 103, thereby regulating the rotation of the bag side fence 103 in the direction of arrow K. Next, a structure for regulating the rotation of the bag side fence 103 in the direction of arrow L, which is opposite to the direction of arrow K, is described.

[0108] like Fig. 13B As shown, the bag side baffle 103 includes a rotation control rib 103k, and the nozzle 102 has a rotation control surface 102k, which serves as a first control portion facing the rotation control rib 103k in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis A. When the bag side baffle 103 is in the shielding position, the rotation control rib 103k faces the rotation control surface 102k with a small gap therebetween. When the bag side baffle 103 in the shielding position is about to rotate in the direction of arrow L, the rotation control rib 103k hits the rotation control surface 102k, thereby controlling the rotation of the bag side baffle 103 in the direction of arrow L.

[0109] like Fig.13A and 13B As shown, the claw portion 102f is arranged further downstream than the rotation regulating surface 102k and the rotation regulating rib 103k in the mounting direction M. This is because the claw portion 102f is arranged at a corresponding position in the mounting direction M, where the claw portion 102f is easily pressed by the regulating release rib 109j of the device side fence 109 when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting unit 106. This can reduce the size of the opening portion 103j provided in the pack side fence 103, ensure the rigidity of the pack side fence 103, and prevent the user from approaching the claw portion 102f. The arrangement of the claw portion 102f, the rotation regulating surface 102k, and the rotation regulating rib 103k is not limited thereto, and can be changed in any manner.

[0110] As described above, when the toner pack 100 is not mounted on the mounting unit 106, the rotation of the pack side shutter 103 in the directions of arrow K and arrow L is regulated, and therefore, the pack side shutter 103 is easily maintained at the shielding position. When the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting unit 106, and then the pack side shutter 103 is rotated in the direction of arrow K with the claw portion 102f in the non-regulated position, the pack side shutter 103 exposes the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9B shown.

[0111] like Figure 8B as well as Fig. 10A and 10B As shown, the bag side baffle 103 includes three radial positioning parts 103f. The radial positioning parts 103f protrude outward from the side surface 103d along the radial direction r. Each radial positioning part 103f is located upstream of the bag side baffle 103 in the installation direction M.

[0112] membrane

[0113] Reference below FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C The film 120 attached to the toner package 100 is introduced. Fig.15A is a perspective view of the toner package 100 with the film 120 attached. Fig. 15B and Fig. 15C is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 100 to which the film 120 is attached. Fig.16A and Fig. 16B is a perspective view of the film 120 being removed from the toner package 100 .

[0114] like Fig.15A As shown, the film 120 is provided to cover at least a portion of the mounted unit 700. The film 120 is a sheet member made of resin, and has a thickness of less than or equal to 0.30 mm. It is desirable that the thickness is at least 0.01 mm. That is, the thickness of the film 120 is set to be greater than or equal to 0.01 mm and less than or equal to 0.30 mm. The thickness is set to a sufficient value so that the film 120 will not be torn due to an applied external force during transportation. Fig. 15B As shown, the film 120 is attached to closely conform to the outer surface shapes of the nozzle 102, the pack side shutter 103, and the opening part 104. Moreover, the film 120 is in close contact with the surface 103i1 of the flange 103i of the pack side shutter 103 and the end surface 103c of the pack side shutter 103. Since the film is closely attached to the surface 103i1 and the end surface 103c, the film 120 is fixed to the mounted unit 700 in the direction of the rotation axis A without being detached from the mounted unit 700 of the toner pack 100. The outer diameter of the flange 103i is larger than the diameter of the other surfaces of the pack side shutter 103, and the flange 103i is located closer to the storage portion.

[0115] like Fig. 15CAs shown, the film 120 is formed to be recessed toward the surfaces 102e1, 102e2, and 102e3 of the recess 102e forming the nozzle 102. Therefore, according to the shape and size of the recess 102e of the nozzle 102, the film 120 is not in complete close contact with the surface of the nozzle 102. In addition, the film 120 is formed along the surfaces 103b1, 103b2, and 103b3 of the driven transmission portion 103e constituting the package side baffle 103. This is because the film 120 shrinks along the outer shape of the nozzle 102 when attached. As a result, due to the provision of the recessed portion, the film 120 is fixed and does not slide in the rotation direction around the rotation axis A. Therefore, the film 120 covers the mounted unit 700, thereby preventing the mounted unit 700 from being scratched or damaged due to external force received during transportation or user operation, which is mounted on the mounting unit 106 of the printer body 400 (see Fig.18A and 18B ). Thus, the product is protected. The toner pack 100 is sold separately and is installed on the printer body 400 by a user who purchases the toner pack 100 or by a maintenance technician. The toner pack 100 is then used to supply toner to the printer body. That is, the undamaged film 120 covering the toner pack 100 proves that the toner pack 100 is not opened and not used. Fig. 15B The area covered by the film 120 in the direction of the rotation axis A is introduced. Toner is supplied into the printer body 400 by a user who compresses and flattens the bag 101 of the toner pack 100 attached to the printer body 400 by, for example, their hands. At this time, if the bag 101 containing the toner also contains more than a certain amount of air, the toner is smoothly discharged to the outside of the toner pack 100 through the discharge port 102a together with the air inside. That is, it is desired that a certain amount of air is sealed in the bag 101 together with the toner.

[0116] exist Fig. 15BIn the embodiment, the end of the film 120 adjacent to the bag 101 in the direction of the rotation axis A is determined as one end 120a, and the end opposite to the one end 120a is determined as the other end 120b. The one end 120a extends to the position where the film 120 covers the connection portion 222 of the nozzle 102 and the opening member 104. The other end 120b extends to the position where the film 120 covers the bag side seal 105, which shields the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102. This prevents leakage even when an unexpected external force of compressing the bag is applied to the toner package 100 during transportation of the toner package 100 or during use by the user. That is, the film 120 is configured to be in close contact with the connection portion 222 and the opening member 104 of the nozzle 102 and the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 and covers them. This configuration prevents further air leakage from the toner package 100. In addition, when the external air pressure decreases at high altitudes, the air inside the bag 101 expands. In this case, the configuration is such that toner leakage does not occur and air is properly exhausted. Toner leakage due to changes in external atmospheric pressure does not occur, but air is properly exhausted. Therefore, this configuration prevents damage to the bag 101 due to the influence of atmospheric pressure and leakage of toner.

[0117] The following will refer to Fig.16A and Fig. 16B How to remove the film 120 is described. Fig.16A As shown, the film 120 has a rupture portion 120h. The rupture portion 120h is formed by laser processing. Perforation, half cutting or drilling are suitable for laser processing. The rupture portion 120h is a fracture line, which is set as intermittent micro-incisions, which are formed on the surface of the film 120 along the direction of the rotation axis A along the shape of the mounted unit 700. Two fracture lines 120h1 and 120h2 are set, and the fracture lines 120h1 and 120h2 extend from one end 120a of the film 120 to the other end 120b. At one end 120a, the rupture portion 120h has a release portion 120k, which is a cut in the film 120. In the release portion 120k, the fracture lines 120h1 and 120h2 are continuous cutting lines extending from one end 120a, so that the user can easily clamp the release portion 120k to take off the film. By clamping the release portion 120k and pulling it in the direction toward the other end 120b (the direction of arrow Z3), the film 120 is cut along the two break lines 120h1 and 120h2, as shown in FIG. Fig. 16BAs shown. Therefore, the annular film 120 is divided into two parts, namely, the rupturable part 120h and the main part 120s. As described above, the film 120 is removed from the toner bag. This configuration enables the user to easily remove the main part 120s of the film. The fracture shape is not limited to this. It is only necessary to have at least two fracture lines, and more than three fracture lines can be set. For example, instead of setting a fracture shape with intermittent cuts as described above, cuts that do not penetrate the film 120 can be set along the fracture lines 120h1 and 120h2, although only the thickness of the fracture line part is reduced.

[0118] The following will refer to Fig.17A and 17B A method for attaching the film 120 is described. Fig.17A As shown, the unattached film 120 has a substantially cylindrical shape. At this time, the inner diameter D1 of the substantially cylindrical body is greater than the outermost diameter D2 of the mounted unit 700. Fig. 17B As shown, the film 120 is placed on the installed unit 700 to cover the installed unit 700. Then, heat is applied to the film 120 externally. Heat causes the film 120 to shrink, so that the inner diameter D1 is reduced, and the film 120 is attached along the external shape of the installed unit 700 as described above. It is desirable that the film 120 is a so-called shrink film, which is stretched when the film is produced, and releases the internal stress when heat is applied, so that the film returns to the size before the stretching process. According to the present embodiment, a film having a shrinking property when heat is applied due to the stretching process is used. However, the film is not limited thereto. Any film with shrinking properties can be suitably used. Generally, one of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyolefin, polyethylene terephthalate and other materials with heat shrinking properties can be suitably selected as the material of the film. In order to apply heat, a dryer method can be adopted, wherein the dryer is installed at the position where hot air is applied to the film during the manufacturing process, and the film is shrunk by the hot air from the dryer. Alternatively, a conveyor method may be employed in which the toner package and the film are placed on a conveyor, the conveyor passes through a high temperature area for a predetermined time, and the film shrinks by the heat received in the high temperature area. As described above, the method for applying heat may be appropriately selected.

[0119] When the film 120 is a shrink film and heat is applied to shrink the film 120, it is desirable to apply a minimum amount of heat to the toner contained in the toner pack 100. This is to prevent the toner from being deformed and aggregated due to heat, thereby stabilizing image quality. As a method of manufacturing a toner pack without heating, such as Fig.24AAs shown, the bag 101 is assembled in a different process from the mounted unit 700 (mainly composed of the nozzle 102 and the bag side shutter 103), and the bag is connected to the opening part 104. Then, a certain amount of toner is supplied through the through hole 104a of the bag 101, and the bag is connected to the opening part 104. Then, as shown in FIG. Fig. 24B As shown, the shrink film 120 that is shrunk separately without the bag 101 is attached to the mounted unit 700. In the subsequent process, the bag 101 filled with toner and the mounted unit 700 wrapped with the shrink film 120 are assembled together. More specifically, the opening part 104 connected to the bag 101 and the nozzle 102 of the mounted unit 700 are connected together. By using this assembly method, the toner pack 100 can be assembled without applying heat for the shrink film 120 to the bag 101 filled with toner. In order to shrink the film 120, heat of 80°C to 150°C can be applied depending on the film material. However, since heat is applied to the film 120 without a bag, the influence of heat on deformation or aggregation of the toner is eliminated.

[0120] A process of attaching the film 120 may be used in which the heat application time is reduced and the film shrinking time is controlled so that the heat is not transferred to the toner. By using this process, the bag 101 and the mounted unit 700 can be covered with the shrinking film 120 after being assembled together.

[0121] That is, after the bag 101 is filled with the toner, the mounted unit 700 is connected to the bag 101 and then covered by the shrink film 120 by heating. At this time, the bag 101 is arranged on the lower side in the direction of gravity, and the mounted unit 700 is arranged on the upper side in the direction of gravity. Then, the heat-shrinkable film 120 can be attached by heating the portion of the toner pack 100 adjacent to the mounted unit 700 (i.e., the upper portion in the direction of gravity). In such a manufacturing process, when the shrink film 120 is attached, the bag 101 is arranged on the lower side, and the toner falls to one side of the bag 101 by gravity. Therefore, when the mounted unit 700 on the upper side is heated to attach the shrink film 120, the risk of deformation or aggregation of the toner can be reduced.

[0122] Instead of the above-described configuration in which heat is applied so as to shrink the film 120 (so as to bring the film 120 into close contact with the toner pack 100), a configuration may be adopted in which, as shown in FIG. Fig.26 As shown, a stretchable sheet-like stretch film 120 made of, for example, polyethylene is tightly wrapped around the toner pack 100. Since heat is not used, the use of the stretch film 120 enables the toner pack 100 to be assembled without deformation or aggregation of the toner due to heat.

[0123] like Fig.15AAs shown, when the toner bag 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus so as to supply the toner, the instructions 500 are printed on one side of the bag so as to provide the user with information on how to supply the toner and its handling precautions. The rupturable portion 120h is set on the same side as the instructions 500. In this way, when the bag is opened, the user (or maintenance technician) who is about to open the bag by clamping and taking off the rupturable portion 120h easily notices that the instructions 500 are on the same side as the rupturable portion 120h. The user who sees the instructions 500 first easily notices the existence of the rupturable portion 120h. Therefore, the user can easily perform the toner supply operation according to the instructions 500, which prevents operation errors in advance.

[0124] Instead of a shrink film to which heat is applied, a stretch film made of, for example, polyethylene may be wrapped around the mounted unit 700 to be in close contact with the mounted unit 700. According to this configuration, the same effect can be achieved by adopting a configuration in which the end portion of the stretch film is located on the surface on which the instructions 500 are printed.

[0125] It has been described above that the presence of the film 120 can protect the toner pack 100. Moreover, compared with a configuration including a cap covering the entire mounted unit 700 (for protection), only a limited area can be covered as needed. This is because the configuration including the film 120 according to the present embodiment allows the film 120 to shrink and be attached along even complex shapes. In addition, the film 120 is thinner and smaller than the cap covering and protecting the entire mounted unit 700, so that less resin can be used for packaging and the amount of waste after unpacking can be reduced. As a result, the environmental burden can be reduced. Moreover, there is no need to provide a special shape for fixing the cap, and the size of the toner pack can be reduced. In this way, the mounted unit 700 can be easily protected along the shape of the mounted unit 700 for the imaging device. Moreover, there is no need to prepare a protective component that follows the shape of the mounted unit 700 separately, and without considering the protective component, a highly flexible design of the mounted unit 700 that is consistent with the installation to the imaging device can be obtained. In addition, when the toner pack is transported from the factory to the dealer, the reduced volume of each toner pack also improves the logistics efficiency.

[0126] Install the toner pack on the mounting unit

[0127] Reference below FIG. 18A to FIG. 20B The state of the system when a user or a maintenance technician mounts the toner package 100 on the mounting unit 106 of the printer body 400 is described. Fig.18A and Fig.18B 1 is a perspective view of the toner package 100 being mounted on the mounting unit 106 . Fig.19A 1 is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 100 being mounted toward the mounting unit 106 . Fig.19B1 is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 100 which has been mounted on the mounting unit 106 .

[0128] Fig. 20A is along Fig.19A A sectional view taken along line XXA-XXA. Fig. 20B is along Fig.19A A cross-sectional view taken along line XXB-XXB. FIG. 19A to FIG. 20B In the figure, the cross-sectional surfaces of the side baffles 103 and the cover 110 are indicated by hatched lines.

[0129] When the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting unit 106, the film 120 is removed. This operation exposes the driven transmission portion 103e, the protruding portion 102b, and the positioned portion 102d (refer to FIG. 104 ) of the mounted unit 700. Fig. 10A and 10B ). The mounted unit 700 of the toner package 100 can be mounted on the mounting unit 106 of the image forming apparatus 1 with the film 120 removed.

[0130] like Fig.18A and 18B As shown, the user then moves the toner pack 100 toward the mounting unit 106 in the mounting direction M with the pack side shutter 103 in the shielding position with the device side shutter 109 in the shielding position, and mounts the toner pack 100. At this time, the user aligns the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 and the opening 103a of the pack side shutter 103 with the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107. At the same time, the user also aligns the driven transmission portion 103e of the pack side shutter 103 with the driving transmission portion 108a of the lever 108.

[0131] After the toner pack 100 and the mounting unit 106 are aligned as described above, the user moves the toner pack 100 in the mounting direction M and mounts the toner pack 100 on the mounting unit 106. Fig.19A As shown, the small diameter portion 109d2 of the center boss 109d of the device side shutter 109 fits on the inner peripheral surface 102b1 of the protruding portion 102b of the nozzle 102. This operation allows the position of the nozzle 102 relative to the device side shutter 109 in the radial direction r to be determined with high accuracy.

[0132] At this time, if Fig. 20A As shown, the driving transmission portion 108a of the control rod 108 and the driven transmission portion 103e of the bag side baffle 103 are engaged with each other. Fig. 20B As shown, the side surfaces 110f and 110g of the cover 110 move closer to or engage with the surface 102e1 and the surface 102e2 forming the recess 102e of the nozzle 102. Fig.24A and Fig. 24BAs shown, the driven transmission portion 103 e of the bag side fence 103 is engaged with the driven transmission portion 109 e of the device side fence 109 and the driving transmission portion 108 a of the control rod 108 .

[0133] Since the surfaces 102e1 and 102e2 of the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 are respectively engaged with the side surfaces 110f and 110g of the cover 110, the nozzle 102 of the toner pack 100 does not rotate relative to the body base 2 including the cover 110. That is, when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, the recess 102e is engaged with the cover 110 of the image forming apparatus 1, thereby regulating the rotation of the nozzle 102 relative to the image forming apparatus 1. The lever 108, the pack side shutter 103, and the apparatus side shutter 109 are rotatable about the rotation axis B relative to the body base 2 and the nozzle 102 as a substantially single unit.

[0134] More specifically, when the lever 108 rotates, the driving transmission portion 108a of the lever 108 is pressed against the surface 103b1 or 103b2 of the bag side fence 103, thereby rotating the bag side fence 103. Then, the surface 103b1 or 103b2 constituting the driven transmission portion 103e of the bag side fence 103 is pressed against the driven transmission portion 109e of the device side fence 109, thereby rotating the device side fence 109.

[0135] After the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting unit 106, the three radial positioning portions 103f (see Figure 8B , Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B ) and the inner peripheral surface 109h of the device side baffle 109 (see Fig. 6A This determines the position of the toner pack 100 on the upstream side in the mounting direction M in the radial direction r.

[0136] like Fig.19B As shown, when the protruding portion end surface 102b2 of the protruding portion 102b of the nozzle 102 hits the pack contact surface 109g of the device side shutter 109, the position of the toner pack 100 in the mounting direction M is determined. In order to position the protruding portion 102b of the nozzle 102, a configuration in which the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion 102b is fitted on the cylindrical portion 110j of the cap 110 may be adopted (refer to Fig. 6A and 6B ).

[0137] The positioned portion 102d provided on the nozzle 102 engages with the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107. As a result, the nozzle 102 of the toner pack 100 is restricted from rotating relative to the first frame 107 (body base 2).

[0138] like Fig.14A and14B As shown, when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting unit 106, the claw portion 102f provided on the nozzle 102 moves from the regulating position to the non-regulating position ( Fig. 14B More specifically, the release slope 102f1 is pressed by the control release rib 109J, so the claw portion 102F moves inwardly from the control position to the non-control position in the radial direction r. As a result, the rotation restriction of the bag side baffle 103 in the direction of arrow K is released.

[0139] Joystick Operation

[0140] Fig.21A is a perspective view of the lever 108 and the toner package 100 in the closed position. Fig. 21B is a perspective view of the lever 108 and the toner package 100 in the open position. Fig.22A When the device side baffle 109 and the package side baffle 103 are both in the shielding position, Fig.19B A cross-sectional view taken along line XXIIA-XXIIA. Fig. 22B When the device side baffle 109 and the bag side baffle 103 are both in the open position, Fig.19B A sectional view taken along line XXIIB-XXIIB.

[0141] As described above, when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting unit 106, the lever 108, the pack side shutter 103, and the device side shutter 109 can integrally rotate relative to the body base 2 and the nozzle 102 about the rotation axis B. When the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting unit 106 and the lever 108 is in the closed position, the discharge port 102a is shielded by the pack side shutter 103, the pack side seal 105, and the device side shutter 109, as shown in FIG. Fig.22A Therefore, the toner in the bag 101 cannot reach the device-side opening 117 a of the second frame 117 .

[0142] like Fig.21A and 21B As shown, when the toner package 100 mounted in the mounting unit 106 and the lever 108 rotate from the closed position to the open position in the direction of arrow Q, the package side shutter 103 and the device side shutter 109 rotate from the shielding position to the open position.

[0143] More specifically, the driving transmission portion 108a of the control lever 108 is pressed against the surface 103b1 of the bag side baffle 103. As a result, the bag side baffle 103 rotates from the shielding position to the open position together with the control lever 108. That is, due to the engagement of the driving transmission portion 108a with the surface 103b1, the bag side baffle 103 rotates from the shielding position to the open position in conjunction with the rotation of the control lever 108. The surface 103b2 of the bag side baffle 103 that rotates from the shielding position to the open position is pressed against the driven transmission portion 109e of the device side baffle 109. As a result, the device side baffle 109 rotates from the shielding position to the open position together with the bag side baffle 103. That is, due to the engagement of the surface 103b2 with the driven transmission portion 109e, the device side baffle 109 rotates integrally with the bag side baffle 103 in conjunction with the rotation of the control lever 108.

[0144] Then, if Fig. 22B As shown, the bag side shutter 103, the bag side seal 105 and the device side shutter 109 move, thereby opening the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102. That is, the bag 101 of the toner pack 100 communicates with the toner storage portion 36 through the discharge port 102a, the receiving port 109a and the device side opening 117a. When the bag 101 is compressed by the user, the toner in the bag 101 is supplied together with the air through the discharge port 102a, the receiving port 109a and the device side opening 117a to the toner storage portion 36 of the developer container 32. As described above, the toner can be supplied from the toner pack constituted by the flexible bag 101 by the user who deforms the bag 101.

[0145] When the supply of toner from the toner pack 100 to the developer container 32 is completed, the user rotates the lever 108 from the open position to the closed position. When the lever 108 is rotated from the open position to the closed position, the driving transmission portion 108a of the lever 108 is pressed against the surface 103b2 of the pack side shutter 103. As a result, the pack side shutter 103 rotates from the open position to the shielding position together with the lever 108. In addition, the surface 103b1 of the pack side shutter 103 rotated from the open position to the shielding position is pressed against the driven transmission portion 109e of the device side shutter 109. As a result, the device side shutter 109 rotates from the open position to the shielding position together with the pack side shutter 103. Then, the user pulls the toner pack 100 out of the mounting unit 106 to complete the toner supply operation.

[0146] Second embodiment

[0147] Then, we will refer to Fig.23A and Fig. 23BA second embodiment of the present disclosure is introduced. According to the first embodiment, a configuration in which the mounted unit 700 of the toner pack 100 is covered by the film 120 is introduced. Unlike the first embodiment, the configuration according to the second embodiment includes a partial cap 220 covering the mounted unit 700 and a film 120 covering at least a portion of the cap 220. In the following description, components similar to those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of these components are omitted.

[0148] Fig.23A is a perspective view of the appearance of the toner pack 100, Fig. 23B 1 is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 100. Fig.23A As shown, the container 800 includes the toner pack 100, the film 120 serving as a first protective member, and the cap 220 serving as a second protective member. The outer diameter of the cap 220 is smaller than the outer diameter of the end surface 103c of the pack side baffle 103. Fig. 23B As shown, the cap 220 is provided to cover the protruding portion 102b of the nozzle 102. The cap 220 has a recess 220h covering the protruding portion 102b of the nozzle 102 and a flange 220f. The flange 220f of the cap 220 is arranged to be sandwiched by the film 120 and the end surface 103c of the pack side baffle 103. The cap 220 is thus fixed.

[0149] like Fig.19A and Fig.19B As shown, the protruding portion 102b of the nozzle 102 is a functional portion that determines the position of the toner pack 100 mounted on the mounting unit 106 relative to the device side baffle 109 in the radial direction r and the mounting direction M. That is, the cap 220 is provided only as a part of the functional portion, and the other portion is covered by the cap 220. Therefore, the effect described in the first embodiment can be obtained while protecting the functional portion more strongly. The functional portion is not limited to the protruding portion 102b. The functional portion can be appropriately selected.

[0150] Although the above embodiment has been described with reference to the bag side baffle 103 and the device side baffle 109, the bag side baffle and the device side baffle are configured to be rotatable between the shielding position and the open position about the rotation axes A and B, respectively. However, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the bag side baffle 103 and the device side baffle 109 may be configured to be movable between the shielding position and the open position by translational movement parallel to the mounting direction M.

[0151] Although the above embodiment has been described with reference to the pack side shutter 103 which is configured to open the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 only in the open position, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the pack side shutter 103 may be a rotating member that opens the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 regardless of the rotational position. In this case, the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 may be configured to be closed by a seal when the toner pack 100 is not mounted on the mounting unit 106, and the seal may be removed by an operation of mounting the toner pack 100 on the mounting unit 106 or after the toner pack 100 is mounted. Alternatively, a configuration in which the pack side shutter 103 is not included in the toner pack 100 may be adopted.

[0152] The outer side of the bag capable of ensuring toner sealing and shape stability may also be covered with fabric or other materials to form a container portion.

[0153] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A toner container, comprising: a storage portion including a bag configured to store toner; a front end portion including: a discharge port configured to discharge the toner stored in the storage portion to the outside of the toner container; and a nozzle including a channel configured to enable the toner to pass through the channel toward the discharge port; and A film is configured to contact the front end portion and cover at least a portion of the front end portion.

2. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: When a direction in which the storage portion and the nozzle are aligned is defined as a first direction, the film is configured to have a cylindrical shape in which a first end in the first direction and a second end opposite to the first end are open.

3. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: The film covers a connecting portion in which the nozzle is connected to the storage portion.

4. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: The storage portion further includes a connecting member which is annular and fixed along the opening portion of the bag. wherein the bag is formed of a sheet material for storing toner, and The nozzle is configured to be connected to the connecting member.

5. The toner container according to claim 1, further comprising: a cap configured to cover at least a portion of the front end portion, Wherein, the cap is removably attached to the front end portion.

6. The toner container according to claim 5, wherein: The film covers at least a portion of the front end portion and at least a portion of the cap.

7. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the membrane is a rupturable portion at which the membrane is rupturable.

8. The toner container according to claim 7, wherein: The rupturable portion is a perforation line.

9. The toner container according to claim 7, wherein: When the direction in which the storage portion and the nozzle are aligned is defined as a first direction, the film is configured to have a cylindrical shape having a first end opened in the first direction and a second end opened opposite to the first end, and The rupturable portion extends from the first end toward the second end.

10. The toner container according to claim 9, wherein: The membrane includes at least two rupturable portions that do not intersect.

11. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: The film is composed of a film that has been shrunk by heat.

12. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: The front end portion includes a shielding member capable of shielding the discharge port of the nozzle, The shielding component comprises: a cylindrical portion extending in a first direction, the storage portion and the shielding member being aligned in the first direction, and a flange, the outer shape of which is larger than the outer shape of the cylindrical portion, wherein the cylindrical portion includes an end surface adjacent to the shielding member along the first direction, and the end surface is perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein the film covers a surface of the flange adjacent to the storage portion in the first direction, and The end surface is adjacent to the shielding member along the first direction.

13. The toner container according to claim 12, wherein: The flange is located closer to the storage portion than the end surface in the first direction.

14. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: When the direction in which the storage portion and the nozzle are aligned is defined as a first direction, The storage portion is a toner bottle including a cylindrical side surface extending in a first direction, a bottom surface covering one end of the cylindrical side surface, and an opening at the other end of the cylindrical side surface.

15. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: The film is a sheet member having a thickness of 0.01 mm or more and 0.30 mm or less.

16. The toner container according to claim 7, wherein: The storage portion is a bag formed of a sheet for storing toner, wherein an outer side surface of the storage portion has written information, and wherein when the direction in which the storage portion and the nozzle are aligned is defined as a first direction, The breakable portion is arranged in the film surface on the side having written information when viewed from the first direction.

17. The toner container according to claim 7, wherein: The film is composed of a stretchable stretch film.

18. The toner container according to claim 17, wherein: The storage portion is a bag formed of a sheet for storing toner, wherein an outer side surface of the storage portion has written information, and When the direction in which the storage portion and the nozzle are aligned is defined as a first direction, When viewed from the first direction, one end portion of the film is arranged on the film surface on the side having information written thereon.

19. A method for manufacturing a toner container, the toner container comprising a storage portion configured to store toner and a front end portion including a nozzle and having at least a portion constituted by a film, the method comprising: supplying toner into the storage portion; covering at least a portion of the front end portion including the nozzle with the film, wherein the nozzle includes a discharge port configured to discharge the toner stored in the storage portion to the outside of the toner container and a channel configured to allow the toner to pass through the channel toward the discharge port; as well as The storage portion storing toner is connected to the front end portion covered by the film.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: Covering the front end portion with the film is applying heat to the film.

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