Toner container and image forming system

Abstract

A toner container includes: a pouch storing toner, the pouch including an opening and formed of a resin film; and a leading edge portion mounted on an opening of the bag, the leading edge portion including a nozzle provided with a discharge port to discharge toner stored in the bag to an outside of the toner container, in which the leading edge portion includes a portion formed of a resin and provided with a two-dimensional code, and the thickness of the part is greater than the thickness of the resin film.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a toner container and an image forming system. Background Art

[0002] In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a toner is used as a developer to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on an image bearing member (e.g., a photosensitive drum), and the image is visualized in the form of a toner image. As a method for replenishing the toner consumed by development, a method of replenishing the toner by transferring only the toner to the image forming apparatus through a supply port formed in the image forming apparatus is known. If it is necessary to replenish the toner, the user attaches a toner container independent of the image forming apparatus to the supply port and transfers only the toner contained in the toner container to the image forming apparatus, thereby replenishing the toner. Patent document 1 describes a toner container comprising a bag body (bag) formed of a flexible film, and a base having a supply opening, the supply opening being connected to the supply port of the image forming apparatus and used to discharge the toner contained in the bag. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a colorant container includes: a bag configured to store colorant and formed of a resin film, the bag including an opening, and a leading edge portion mounted on the opening of the bag, the leading edge portion including a nozzle provided with a discharge port to discharge the colorant stored in the bag to the outside of the colorant container, wherein the leading edge portion includes a portion formed of resin and provided with a two-dimensional code, and wherein a thickness of the portion is greater than a thickness of the resin film.

[0004] 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

[0005] Figure 1 A layout example of the individual information of the cap according to the first exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0006] Figure 2A is a sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment, and Figure 2B is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus.

[0007] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Each is a perspective view showing a toner package according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 5is an exploded view of the toner package according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Fig. 6A is a perspective view showing a nozzle of a toner package according to a first exemplary embodiment, and Figure 6B This is a bottom view of the nozzle.

[0011] Fig. 7A is a perspective view showing a nozzle of a toner package according to a first exemplary embodiment, and Figure 7B This is a bottom view of the nozzle.

[0012] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Each is an exploded view showing the mounting unit according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B Each is a perspective view showing a mounting unit according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Each is a plan view showing a mounting unit according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B Each is a perspective view showing a device-side shield of the mounting unit according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B Each is a perspective view showing a cover and a barrier sheet of the mounting unit according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B Each is a perspective view showing a state in which the toner package according to the first exemplary embodiment is mounted on the mounting unit.

[0018] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the toner package according to the first exemplary embodiment is mounted on the mounting unit.

[0019] Fig.15A It is along Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of the toner pack and the mounting unit taken along line 14A-14A in FIG. 1 , and Fig. 15B It is along Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of the toner package and the mounting unit taken along line 14B-14B in FIG.

[0020] Fig.16A is a top view showing a toner package according to the first exemplary embodiment (before the cap is removed), Fig. 16B is a side view of a toner pack, Fig. 16Cis a front view of the toner pack, and Fig.16D It is a bottom view of the toner pack.

[0021] Fig.17A and Fig. 17B Each is a perspective view showing a toner package according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Fig.18A is a top view showing a toner package according to a first exemplary embodiment, Fig.18B This is the left side view of the toner pack. Fig.18C is the front view of the toner pack, Fig.18D is the right side view of the toner pack, Fig.18E is a rear view of the toner pack, and Fig.18F It is a bottom view of the toner pack.

[0023] Fig.19A and Fig.19B Each is a schematic diagram illustrating a toner package manufacturing method according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 20 A layout example of individual information of the bag side fence according to the first exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0025] Fig.21 A layout example of individual information of nozzles according to the first exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0026] Fig. 22 A state in which the packaging material for the toner package according to the first exemplary embodiment is opened is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] [Overall structure] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B and Figure 3 : is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome printer that forms an image on a recording material based on image information input from an external device. Examples of the recording material include various types of sheets made of different materials, including paper such as plain paper and cardboard, plastic films such as overhead projector sheets, special form sheets such as envelopes and index paper, and cloth.

[0029] like Figure 2A and 2BAs shown, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a printer body 100 as a main body of the image forming apparatus 1, a scanning device 200 supported by the printer body 100 in an openable and closable manner, and an operation unit 300 installed on the outer surface of the printer body 100. The printer body 100 includes an image forming unit 10 that forms a toner image on a recording material, a feeding unit 60 that feeds the recording material to the image forming unit 10, a fixing unit 70 that fixes the toner image formed by the image forming unit 10 to the recording material, and a discharge roller pair 80.

[0030] The image forming unit 10 includes a scanner unit 11, an electrophotographic process unit 20, and a transfer roller 12 that transfers a toner image formed on a surface of a photosensitive drum 21 of the process unit 20 onto a recording material. The process unit 20 includes a photosensitive drum 21, a charging roller 22 disposed around the photosensitive drum 21, a front exposure device 23, and a developing device 30 including a developing roller 31.

[0031] The photosensitive drum 21 is an image bearing member that bears an electrostatic image and a toner image (developer image). The photosensitive drum 21 is a photosensitive member formed in a cylindrical shape. The photosensitive drum 21 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a photosensitive layer formed of a negatively charged organic photosensitive body on a drum-shaped base formed of aluminum. The photosensitive drum 21 is driven by a motor so as to move in a predetermined direction ( Figure 2A clockwise direction in the middle).

[0032] The charging roller 22 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 with a predetermined pressing force and forms a charging portion. When a desired charging voltage is applied by a charging high voltage power source, the charging roller 22 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 at a predetermined potential. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 is charged to a negative polarity by the charging roller 22. In order to achieve stable discharge in the charging portion, the pre-exposure device 23 eliminates the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 21 before the photosensitive drum 21 enters the charging portion.

[0033] The scanner unit 11 serving as an exposure unit scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 by irradiating the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light corresponding to image information input from an external device or the scanning device 200 using a polygon mirror. This exposure operation forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 based on the image information. The scanner unit 11 is not limited to a laser scanner device. For example, a light emitting diode (LED) exposure device including an LED array including a plurality of LEDs arranged along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 21 may be employed.

[0034] The developing device 30 includes a developing roller 31 serving as a developer carrying member for carrying a developer, a developing container 32 serving as a frame of the developing device 30, and a supply roller 33 configured to supply the developer to the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are rotatably supported by the developing container 32. The developing roller 31 is located at the opening of the developing container 32 so that the developing roller 31 faces the photosensitive drum 21. The supply roller 33 is rotatably in contact with the developing roller 31, and the toner serving as the developer contained in the developing container 32 is applied to the surface of the developing roller 31 by the supply roller 33. The supply roller 33 is not essential, as long as a configuration capable of supplying a sufficient amount of toner to the developing roller 31 is adopted.

[0035] The developing device 30 according to the present exemplary embodiment uses a contact developing method as a developing method. Specifically, the toner layer carried on the developing roller 31 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 in a developing portion (developing area) where the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 31 face each other. 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 surface of the photosensitive drum 21 according to the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image. According to the present exemplary embodiment, a reversal developing method is adopted. Specifically, after the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is charged in the charging process, the toner is deposited on the surface area of ​​the photosensitive drum 21 where the charge amount is attenuated due to exposure in the exposure process, thereby forming a toner image.

[0036] According to the present exemplary embodiment, a powder toner whose normal charging polarity is negative is used. More specifically, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the particle size of the powder toner is in the range of 2 μm to 15 μm. The angle of repose of the toner is in the range of 50° to 80°. An example of the particle size of the toner is 6 μm, and an example of the angle of repose of the toner is 62°. The toner according to the present exemplary embodiment is, for example, a polymerized toner generated by a polymerization method. The toner according to the present exemplary embodiment does not contain a magnetic component, and is a non-magnetic single-component developer that is mainly carried on the developing roller 31 by intermolecular force and electrostatic force (mirror force). Alternatively, a single-component developer containing a magnetic component may be used. In addition to the toner particles, the single-component developer may also contain additives (such as wax or silica particles) to adjust the fluidity and charging performance of the toner. Further alternatively, a two-component developer consisting of a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier may be used as a developer. In the case of using a magnetic developer, for example, a cylindrical developing sleeve in which a magnet is formed is used as a developer carrying member.

[0037] The developing container 32 includes a storage portion 36 (which serves as a second toner storage portion for storing toner), and a stirring member 34 serving as a stirring unit located inside the storage portion 36. The stirring member 34 is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown), thereby stirring the toner in the developing container 32 and feeding the toner toward the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33. The stirring member 34 also has a function of causing the toner that is not used for development and scraped off from the developing roller 31 to circulate in the developing container 32, thereby making the toner in the developing container 32 uniform. The stirring member 34 is not limited to a rotating stirring member. For example, a swinging stirring member may be used.

[0038] A developing blade 35 for controlling the amount of toner carried on the developing roller 31 is located at the opening of the developing container 32 where the developing roller 31 is located. The toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller 31 is formed into a uniform thin layer as the toner passes through the opposite portion facing the developing blade 35 according to the rotation of the developing roller 31 and is charged to a negative polarity by frictional charging.

[0039] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the feeding unit 60 includes a front door 61 supported by the printer body 100 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 the recording material storage space that appears when the front door 61 is opened, and the intermediate plate 63 is supported by the tray unit 62 so that the intermediate plate 63 can be raised and lowered. The tray spring 64 pushes the intermediate plate 63 upward and presses the recording material P stacked on the intermediate plate 63 against the pickup roller 65. The front door 61 closes the recording material storage space in a state where the front door 61 is closed relative to the printer body 100, and supports the recording material P together with the tray unit 62 and the intermediate plate 63 in a state where the front door 61 is opened relative to the printer body 100.

[0040] The fixing unit 70 is a fixing unit of a heat fixing type that performs an image fixing process by heating and melting the toner on the recording material P. 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 is in pressure contact with the fixing film 71 .

[0041] Next, the image forming operation performed by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. When an image forming instruction (print job) is input to the image forming apparatus 1, an image forming process is started by the image forming unit 10 based on image information input from an external computer or a scanner device 200 connected to the image forming apparatus 1. The scanner unit 11 irradiates the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light based on the input image information. In this case, the photosensitive drum 21 is charged in advance by the charging roller 22, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21 by irradiation of the laser light. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 31, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21.

[0042] In parallel with the above-described image forming process, the pickup roller 65 of the feeding unit 60 conveys the recording material P supported by the front door 61, the tray unit 62, and the intermediate plate 63. The recording material P is fed to the registration roller pair 15 by the pickup roller 65. The recording material P hits the nip portion of the registration roller pair 15, thereby correcting the skew of the recording material P. Then, the registration roller pair 15 is driven in synchronization with the toner image transfer timing, and the recording material P is conveyed toward the transfer nip portion formed by the transfer roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0043] 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 onto the recording material P conveyed by the registration roller pair 15. The recording material P having the toner image transferred thereon is conveyed to the fixing unit 70. When the toner image passes through the nip formed by the fixing film 71 and the pressure roller 72 of the fixing unit 70, the toner image is heated and pressurized. This causes the toner particles to melt and then solidify to fix the toner image onto the recording material P. The recording material P having passed through the fixing unit 70 is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 by the discharge roller pair 80 serving as a discharge unit, and is stacked onto a discharge tray 81 provided at the upper portion of the printer body 100 and serving as a stacking unit.

[0044] The discharge tray 81 is tilted upward toward the downstream side in the recording material discharge direction, and when the recording material P slides downward along the discharge tray 81 , the trailing edge of the recording material P discharged onto the discharge tray 81 is aligned by the regulating surface 84 . Figure 2A and Figure 2B as well as Figure 3 A state in which an opening and closing member 83 to be described below is opened is shown. However, it is assumed that the opening and closing member 83 is closed in advance when an image forming operation is performed.

[0045] The scanning device 200 includes a scanning unit 201 having a scanning portion (not shown) incorporated therein, and a platen 202 supported in an openable and closable manner by the scanning unit 201. An original platen glass 203 on which an original is to be placed is provided on an upper surface of the scanning unit 201. The original platen glass 203 allows light emitted from the scanning portion to be transmitted.

[0046] In the case where the image on the original is to be scanned by the scanning device 200, the user places the original on the original platen glass 203 in a state where the pressure plate 202 is open. The user closes the pressure plate 202, thereby preventing the original from being offset on the original platen glass 203. For example, the user operates the operation unit 300 to output a scanning instruction to the image forming device 1. When the scanning operation starts, the scanning part in the scanning unit 201 moves back and forth in the sub-scanning direction, that is, in a state where the operation unit 300 of the image forming device 1 faces the front side, the scanning part moves back and forth in the left and right direction. The scanning part emits light from the light emitting unit to the original, receives the light reflected by the original using the light receiving unit, and performs photoelectric conversion on the light, thereby making it possible to scan the image of the original. In the following description, the front-to-back direction, the left-to-right direction, and the up-down direction are defined based on the state where the operation unit 300 faces the front side.

[0047] A top cover 82 serving as a stacking tray is provided at an upper portion of the printer body 100 , and a discharge tray 81 serving as a stacking surface is formed on an upper surface of the top cover 82 .

[0048] like Figure 2B and Figure 3 As shown, the opening and closing member 83 is supported by the top cover 82 in a manner that it can be opened and closed about a rotation shaft 83a extending in the front-rear direction. The discharge tray 81 of the top cover 82 is provided with an opening 82a that opens upward.

[0049] The opening and closing member 83 is configured to be movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the supply port 32a is covered so that the toner bag 40 cannot be attached to the developer container 32. In the open position, the supply port 32a is exposed so that the toner bag 40 can be mounted on the developer container 32. 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 82a are formed on the left side of the discharge tray 81. The opening and closing member 83 is opened to the left by hooking a finger from a groove 82b formed in the top cover 82. The opening and closing member 83 is formed into a substantially L-shape along the shape of the top cover 82.

[0050] The opening 82a of the discharge tray 81 is open so that the supply port 32a formed in the upper part of the developing container 32 and used for toner supply is exposed. When the opening and closing member 83 is opened, the user can access the supply port 32a. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the user takes out the toner pack 40 (see FIG. 1 ) filled with toner for supply from the developing device 30 in a state where the developing device 30 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 2A and 2B ) A method of replenishing the toner in the developing device 30 (direct replenishment method). In a state where the toner pack 40 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 , the toner pack 40 is at least partially exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0051] When the remaining amount of toner in the processing unit 20 is small, this configuration does not require the operation of removing the processing unit 20 from the printer body 100 and replacing the processing unit 20 with a new one. This leads to an improvement in usability. In addition, compared with the case where the processing unit 20 is replaced with a new one, the developing container 32 can replenish the toner at a lower cost. Compared with the method of replacing only the developing device 30 of the processing unit 20, the direct replenishment method also reduces costs because it does not require the replacement of various rollers, gears, etc.

[0052] The image forming system 1000 is constituted by an image forming apparatus 1 having a supply port that can be exposed to the outside and a toner pack 40 that is detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 to supply toner to the image forming apparatus 1 via the supply port. Figure 2A and Figure 2B as well as Figure 3 The illustrated toner package 40 is a reference example, and is different in shape from a toner package 600 to be described below.

[0053] [Structure of Toner Pack] A toner (developer) replenishment system for the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described below.

[0054] First, refer to FIG. 4A to FIG. 7B The basic configuration of a toner pack 600 that is detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 serving as an apparatus body and stores toner is described. The toner pack 600 serving as a toner container is configured to be mounted on a mounting unit 500 (described below) provided in the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0055] Figure 4A 600 is a front view of the toner package 600 when the package side shutter 603 is in the covering position. Figure 4B 600 is a front view of the toner package 600 when the package side shutter 603 is in the open position. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the toner package 600 . Fig. 6AIt is an enlarged view of the nozzle 602 and its vicinity when the bag side baffle 603 is in the covering position. Figure 6B It is along Fig. 6A FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the toner package 600 viewed from the direction indicated by arrow U in FIG. Fig. 7A It is an enlarged view of the nozzle 602 and its vicinity when the bag side baffle 603 is in the open position. Figure 7B It is along Fig. 7A FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the toner package 600 viewed from the direction indicated by arrow U in FIG.

[0056] The toner pack 600 includes a bag (packaging bag or bag body) 601 serving as a first toner storage portion storing toner, an outer ring member (coupling ring) 620 coupled to the bag 601, a nozzle 602, and a pack side shutter 603. The outer ring member 620 and the nozzle 602 constitute a base portion 611 connected to the bag 601.

[0057] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the bag 601 is arranged at one end side of the toner pack 600 along the axial direction D1 as the first direction. The nozzle unit 610 including the outer ring member 620, the nozzle 602 and the pack side baffle 603 is installed along the axial direction D1 and arranged at the other end side of the toner pack 600. The nozzle 602 and the pack side baffle 603 may also be referred to as a leading edge portion. The nozzle unit 610 serves as a component for discharging the toner contained in the bag 601. The nozzle unit 610 is a communication component (adapter portion, connecting portion) that enables the internal space (toner storage space) of the bag 601 to communicate with the supply port 32a in the printer body 100 when the toner pack 600 is mounted on the mounting unit 500 of the printer body 100.

[0058] The bag 601 is a bag body formed of a flexible film member (sheet member) such as a polypropylene film, and has a bag shape with one end opened.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, the outer ring member 620 has a coupling surface 620a coupled (fixed) to one end of the bag 601 and adjacent to the opening (opening portion) 601a10 of the bag 601, and a connecting portion 620c connected to the nozzle 602. The opening edge 601a1 of the bag 601 is coupled to the coupling surface 620a (coupling portion) of the outer ring member 620. Examples of the coupling method include a method using various adhesives such as hot melt adhesives, and a method of thermally welding the bag 601 to the outer periphery of the outer ring member 620. However, the coupling method is not particularly limited, and any method may be used as long as the bag 601 can be sealed so that toner leakage does not occur.

[0060] The nozzle 602 used as a base member is connected to the connecting portion 620c of the outer ring member 620 used as a cylinder member. The connecting portion 620c has a hole 620b. The toner can pass through the hole 620b. This configuration makes it possible to easily fill the bag 601 with the toner through the hole 620b and the connecting surface 620a of the outer ring member 620. For example, the bag 601 is filled with the toner in a state where the bag 601 is connected to the lower part of the outer ring member 620, and then the nozzle 602 is connected to the outer ring member 620. This configuration makes it possible to fill the bag 601 with a larger amount of toner in a shorter time without using a complicated device. This is because the hole 620b of the outer ring member 620 has a larger area than the discharge port 602a of the nozzle 602, which facilitates filling the toner with a simple toner flow path.

[0061] The side surface 602c, which is the outer surface of the nozzle 602 extending in the axial direction D1, is provided with a discharge port 602a and a recess 602e configured to communicate with the inside of the bag 601. The nozzle 602 is configured as a path through which the toner can be transported from the opening 601a10 of the bag 601 to the discharge port 602a of the nozzle 602. The recess 602e is provided at a position different from the position of the discharge port 602a in the rotation direction of the bag side baffle 603. The toner stored in the bag 601 is discharged to the outside of the toner bag 600 via the discharge port 602a. The base portion 611 may be a resin molded product in which the nozzle 602 and the outer ring member 620 are integrally formed.

[0062] The pack side baffle 603 serving as a container baffle or a first baffle is located outside the side surface 602c of the nozzle 602. The pack side baffle 603 is configured to be rotatable around a center axis α extending along the axial direction D1, and is disposed outside the side surface 602c along a radial direction r of a virtual circle VC centered on the center axis α. The side surface 602c of the nozzle 602 is a convex curved surface (a generally cylindrical surface) that protrudes toward the outside along a radial direction r of a virtual circle VC centered on the center axis α. The inner surface of the pack side baffle 603 (i.e., the surface facing the side surface 602c) is a curved surface extending along the side surface 602c of the nozzle 602. A pack side seal 605 having a generally rectangular shape and serving as a first sealing component is attached to the inner surface. As shown Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the end surface 603g forming the opening 603a of the pack side baffle 603 and the end surface 605a of the pack side seal 605 are inclined surfaces inclined relative to the central axis α. The end surface 605a of the pack side seal 605 is attached at a position protruding more toward the opening 603a than the end surface 603g of the pack side baffle 603.

[0063] The pack side baffle 603 is configured to be rotatable around the central axis α between a covering position (which serves as a first covering position in which the pack side seal 605 covers the discharge port 602a of the nozzle 602) and an open position (which serves as a first open position in which the discharge port 602a is open). When the pack side baffle 603 is in the open position, the discharge port 602a of the nozzle 602 is exposed through the opening 603a. Fig. 6A As shown, when the pack side baffle 603 is in the covering position, at least a portion of the recess 602e of the nozzle 602 is exposed from the pack side baffle 603 through the opening 603a.

[0064] At the end portion in the axial direction D1 of the pack side baffle 603 adjacent to the bag 601, a disc-shaped flange portion 603f is provided, which extends outward in the radial direction r from the substantially cylindrical side surface of the pack side baffle 603. Specifically, the nozzle unit 610 includes the flange portion 603f, which is located between the discharge port 602a and the bag 601 in the axial direction D1 (first direction) and extends outward in the radial direction r around the central axis α from the outer surface of the pack side baffle 603. Orientation of the flange portion 603f during toner replenishment (see Fig.13A and Fig. 13B ) is located above the discharge port 602a. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the possibility of foreign matter falling near the discharge port 602a and the replenishment port 32a. The flange portion 603f can be provided in a manner independent of the bag side baffle 603.

[0065] Figure 4A and Fig. 6A Both show the state where the bag side baffle 603 is in the covering position. Figure 4B and Fig. 7A Both show the state where the side baffle 603 is in the open position. Figure 4A and Fig. 6A As shown, when the bag side baffle 603 in the covering position rotates around the central axis α in the direction indicated by the arrow K, the bag side baffle 603 reaches Figure 4B and Fig. 7A In contrast, when the pack side shutter 603 in the open position rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow L, the pack side shutter 603 reaches the covering position. During the rotating operation of the pack side shutter 603, the pack side shutter 603 slides on the side surface 602c of the nozzle 602 via the pack side seal 605.

[0066] [Installation unit] Next, we will refer to FIG. 8A to FIG. 12B The configuration example of the mounting unit 500 on which the toner pack 600 is mounted is described. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the mounting unit 500 is a device for mounting the toner pack 600 and is provided in the image forming apparatus 1 (see Figure 3) in the unit. Fig. 8A is an exploded perspective view of the mounting unit 500 . Figure 8B is along with Fig. 8A Exploded perspective views of the mounting unit 500 viewed from different directions. Fig.9A and Fig. 10A 4 and 5. A perspective view of the appearance of the mounting unit 500 when the lever 508 is in the closed position and a view of the mounting unit 500 viewed along the mounting direction M, respectively. Fig. 9B and Fig. 10B 4 and 5. A perspective view of the appearance of the mounting unit 500 when the lever 508 is in the open position and a view of the mounting unit 500 viewed along the mounting direction M, respectively.

[0067] Fig.11A 1 and 2. It is a perspective view of the device side baffle 509 viewed from the upstream side in the installation direction M. FIG. Fig. 11B It is from Fig.11A Perspective views of the device side baffle 509 viewed from different viewing angles.

[0068] Fig. 12A 1 is a perspective view of the cover 510 and the baffle plate 521 viewed from the downstream side in the mounting direction M. FIG. Fig. 12B 5 is a perspective view of the cover 510 viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction M.

[0069] like FIG. 8A to FIG. 9B As shown, the mounting unit 500 includes a body base portion 2. The body base portion 2 includes a first frame 507, a second frame 517, a cover 510, and a baffle plate 521. The cover 510 and the second frame 517 are fixed to the first frame 507. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B As shown, the cover 510 includes a positioning portion 507a (see Fig. 8A ) is engaged with the engaged portion 510h so as not to rotate relative to the first frame 507 about the central axis α. The first frame 507, the cover 510 and the second frame 517 do not have to be separate components, but may be integrally formed components instead. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the second frame 517 is provided with a device side opening 517a serving as a receiving entrance. The device side opening 517a is connected to the storage portion 36 of the developing container 32 (see Figure 2A ) connected.

[0070] The rod 508 and the device side baffle 509 are both mounted on the body base portion 2 in a manner that allows rotation around the central axis α. The first frame 507 is provided with a positioning portion 507a. The positioning portion 507a protrudes inwardly from the inner peripheral surface of the first frame 507 centered on the central axis α along the radial direction r of a virtual circle VC centered on the central axis α.

[0071] The lever 508 is provided with a drive transmission portion 508a and an operating portion 508b.

[0072] The user operates the operating portion 508b to enable the rod 508 to rotate relative to the body base portion 2 around the central axis α. Fig. 8A As shown, the drive transmission portion 508a of the rod 508 is a convex portion that protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface of the rod 508 centered on the central axis α along the radial direction r of a virtual circle VC centered on the central axis α.

[0073] like Fig.11A and Fig. 11B As shown, the device side baffle 509 used as a body baffle or a second baffle includes an inner peripheral surface 509h, a communication port 509a formed in the inner peripheral surface 509h to receive toner from the toner pack 600, and a bottom surface 509b. The device side baffle 509 also includes a central boss 509d, a driven transmission portion 509e, and a pack contact surface 509g. Fig.11A As shown, the driven transmission portion 509e is a convex portion protruding inwardly in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC with the central axis α as the center. The device side seal 511 serving as a second sealing member is attached to the inner peripheral surface 509h in a manner surrounding the periphery of the communication port 509a (see Fig. 9B ).

[0074] The device side baffle 509 is configured to have a covering position as a second covering position and an open position as a second open position relative to the body base portion 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B As shown, the device side baffle 509 rotates from the covering position along the direction indicated by arrow K toward the open position, and rotates from the open position along the direction indicated by arrow L toward the covering position. The direction indicated by arrow K and the direction indicated by arrow L are similar to the direction indicated by arrow K, respectively. Fig. 6A The rotation direction of the package side shutter 603 shown in FIG. 6 is the direction indicated by the arrow K and the direction indicated by the arrow L. The communication port 509a of the device side shutter 509 in the covering position is covered by the device side seal 511 and the cover 510, and the communication port 509a of the device side shutter 509 in the open position is not covered by the cover 510 and is open. In other words, when the device side shutter 509 is in the covering position, the communication port 509a is not communicated with the device side opening 517a of the second frame 517, and when the device side shutter 509 is in the open position, the communication port 509a is communicated with the device side opening 517a of the second frame 517.

[0075] like Fig. 9B As shown, the end face 511a of the device side seal 511 is formed from the end face 509i ( Fig. 11B ) protrudes in the peripheral direction. The end surface 511a is an inclined surface.

[0076] exist Fig.9A and Fig. 10A In the embodiment, the device side baffle 509 is located at the covering position. In this case, the communication port 509a of the device side baffle 509 is not communicated with the device side opening 517a of the second frame 517. Fig. 9B and Fig. 10B In this case, the device side shutter 509 is located at the open position. In this case, the communication port 509a of the device side shutter 509 is communicated with the device side opening 517a of the second frame 517. By moving the device side shutter 509 to the open position, the toner from the toner pack 600 can be replenished (supplied) to the storage portion 36 of the developing container 32 through the communication port 509a.

[0077] The lever 508 and the device side shutter 509 are not driven in conjunction with each other. Therefore, even when the lever 508 is operated in a state where the toner pack 600 is not mounted, the device side shutter 509 does not rotate.

[0078] like Fig.9A and Fig. 9B as well as Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B The illustrated baffle sheet 521 serving as a sheet member is a film having a thickness of approximately 100 μm and is fixed to the cover 510 with a double-sided tape or the like.

[0079] When the device-side baffle 509 rotates between the covering position and the opening position, the baffle piece 521 slides on the device-side seal 511 attached to the device-side baffle 509 .

[0080] [Installation of toner pack on the installation unit] Next, we will refer to FIG. 13A to FIG. 15B A state in which the toner package 600 is mounted on the mounting unit 500 is described. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B 1 and 2 are perspective views each showing a state where toner package 600 is mounted on mounting unit 500 , viewed from different angles. Fig.14 Is in toner pack 600 from Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The state shown is a cross-sectional view parallel to the center axis α in the state moved along the installation direction. Fig.15A It is along Fig.14 14A-14A in FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the toner package 600 taken along line 14A-14A in FIG. Fig. 15B It is along Fig.14 14B-14B in FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 600. For ease of observation, Figures 14 to 15B, a cross section of each of the package side baffle 603 and the cover 510 is shown as a shaded area.

[0081] In the following description, Fig.13A and Fig. 13B As shown, in a state where the device side shutter 509 is in the covering position, the user moves the toner pack 600 in the mounting direction M in a state where the pack side shutter 603 is in the covering position to mount the toner pack 600 on the mounting unit 500. In this case, the end surface 511a of the device side seal 511 and the end surface 605a of the pack side seal 605 contact in an overlapping manner in the peripheral direction, and slide while being deformed in the mounting direction M. In other words, in a state where the toner pack 600 is mounted on the body base portion 2, the end surface 605a of the pack side seal 605 contacts the end surface 511a of the device side seal 511.

[0082] The end face 605a of the pack side seal 605 protrudes toward the opening 603a of the pack side baffle 603. Therefore, when the toner pack 600 is mounted on the body base portion 2, the end face 605a and the end face 511a are pressed against each other. This brings the pack side seal 605 and the device side seal 511 into close contact with each other, thereby improving the sealing performance and reducing toner leakage. The end face 605a and the end face 511a extend in the direction of the central axis α (axial direction D1) toward the rotation direction of the pack side baffle 603 (direction indicated by arrows K and L). Therefore, the resistance during the installation of the toner pack 600 on the installation unit 500 can be reduced. Therefore, the toner pack 600 can be smoothly installed on the installation unit 500, which improves the operability.

[0083] The user aligns the recess 602e of the nozzle 602 with the opening 603a of the bag side shutter 603 using the positioning portion 507a of the first frame 507. At the same time, the user aligns the driven transmission portion 603b of the bag side shutter 603 with the drive transmission portion 508a of the lever 508.

[0084] After aligning the toner package 600 with the mounting unit 500, the user moves the toner package 600 in the mounting direction M to mount the toner package 600 on the mounting unit 500. Then, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As shown, the small diameter portion 509d2 of the center boss 509d of the device side shutter 509 is fitted to the inner peripheral surface 602b1 of the convex portion 602b of the nozzle 602. This operation determines the position of the nozzle 602 in the radial direction relative to the device side shutter 509. In addition, the leading edge portion of the convex portion 602b of the nozzle 602 contacts the pack contact surface 509g of the device side shutter 509, thereby positioning the toner pack 600 in the mounting direction M.

[0085] In this case, if Fig. 15BAs shown, the end surface 510 f and the end surface 510 g of the cover 510 are in close contact or engagement with the surfaces 602 e 1 and 602 e 2 forming the recess 602 e of the nozzle 602 .

[0086] like Fig.15A and Fig. 15B As shown, the driven transmission portion 603b of the pack side shutter 603 is engaged with the driven transmission portion 509e of the device side shutter 509 and the drive transmission portion 508a of the rod 508. Therefore, the central axis of the pack side shutter 603 and the central axis of the device side shutter 509 are substantially coaxial (central axis α). Since the surfaces 602e1 and 602e2 of the recessed portion 602e of the nozzle 602 are engaged with the end surfaces 510f and 510g of the cover 510, respectively, the nozzle 602 of the toner pack 600 does not rotate relative to the body base portion 2 including the cover 510. In other words, when the toner pack 600 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, the recessed portion 602e serving as the engaging portion is engaged with the cover 510 serving as the engaged portion of the image forming apparatus 1, thereby regulating the rotation of the nozzle 602 relative to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0087] The rod 508 , the package side baffle 603 , and the device side baffle 509 can rotate substantially integrally with respect to the body base portion 2 and the nozzle 602 about the central axis α.

[0088] For example, when the lever 508 rotates from the closed position to the open position, the drive transmission portion 508a serving as the second engaging portion of the lever 508 presses the surface 603b1 serving as the first engaged portion of the bag side fence 603. This allows the bag side fence 603 to rotate from the covering position to the open position together with the lever 508. The surface 603b2 of the first engaging portion of the bag side fence 603 serving as the rotating portion from the covering position to the open position presses the surface 509e2 of the second engaged portion of the device side fence 509. This allows the device side fence 509 to rotate from the covering position to the open position together with the bag side fence 603.

[0089] On the other hand, when the lever 508 rotates from the open position to the closed position, the drive transmission portion 508a of the lever 508 presses the surface 603b2 of the bag side fence 603. This allows the bag side fence 603 to rotate from the open position to the covering position together with the lever 508. The surface 603b1 of the bag side fence 603 rotated from the open position to the covering position presses the surface 509e1 of the driven transmission portion 509e of the device side fence 509. This allows the device side fence 509 to rotate from the open position to the covering position together with the bag side fence 603.

[0090] By operating the lever 508 in this manner, the bag side shutter 603 and the device side shutter 509 can be rotated between the covering position and the opening position, so that the toner from the toner bag 600 can be replenished to the developing container 32. After the toner replenishment from the toner bag 600 to the developing container 32 is completed, the user rotates the lever 508 from the opening position to the closing position to pull the toner bag 600 out of the mounting unit 500.

[0091] When the pack side shutter 603 and the device side shutter 509 rotate, the end surface 511a of the device side seal 511 and the end surface 605a of the pack side seal 605 are in close contact with each other without forming any gap, which can prevent the toner from entering.

[0092] [Groove part of the side guard] like Fig. 7A As shown, the side baffle 603 is provided with a rotation direction ( Fig. 6A As described above, when the toner pack 600 is mounted on the mounting unit 500 and the rod 508 is moved from the mounting unit 502, the groove portion 603h is extended. Fig.9A Rotate to the closed position shown Fig. 9B In the open position shown, the drive transmission portion 508a of the lever 508 enters the groove portion 603h of the pack side shutter 603. In a state where the drive transmission portion 508a is in the groove portion 603h, the drive transmission portion 508a is caught on the toner pack 600, thereby controlling the toner pack 600 from being pulled out from the mounting unit 500.

[0093] Therefore, once toner replenishment from the toner pack 600 to the developing container 32 starts, the toner pack 600 is prevented from moving from the mounting unit 500 in the direction opposite to the mounting direction M, thereby preventing toner from leaking to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0094] like Fig. 7AAs shown, a tapered portion 603i having a tapered shape inclined with respect to the peripheral direction and the axial direction D1 is formed at the entrance portion of the recessed portion 603h. In other words, the tapered portion 603i extends in the direction of the central axis α (axial direction D1) toward the rotation direction (directions indicated by arrows K and L) of the pack side shutter 603. In the case where the toner pack 600 is mounted on the mounting unit 500, the tapered portion 603i facilitates the user to insert the drive transmission portion 508a into the recessed portion 603h even when the toner pack 600 is slightly deviated from the mounting direction M. When the toner pack 600 is pulled out from the mounting unit 500, if the rotational movement of the lever 508 to the closed position is insufficient, the drive transmission portion 508a of the lever 508 contacts the tapered portion 603i. In this case, if the user pulls the toner package 600 out of the mounting unit 500, the drive transmission portion 508a is pressed against the tapered portion 603i, thereby enabling the lever 508 to rotate to the closed position and return to the correct position.

[0095] As described above, providing the groove portion 603h and the tapered portion 603i on the pack side baffle 603 makes it possible to prevent the toner pack 600 from falling, facilitate the rotation operation of the lever 508, and enable the lever 508 to return to the correct covering position. In addition, for example, when the toner pack 600 is mounted on the mounting unit 500 again, it is possible to prevent the components from interfering with each other, which leads to an improvement in operability.

[0096] [Details of the bag] Next, we will refer to FIG. 16A to FIG. 18F A bag 601 of a toner package 600 is described. FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D Each shows the toner pack 600 in a state where the cap 630 for protection is mounted on the nozzle unit 610. As described above, the nozzle 602 and the pack side shutter 603 may also be referred to as a leading edge portion, and the leading edge portion may include the cap 630. Fig.16A It is a top view of the toner pack 600 . Fig. 16B is a side view of the toner package 600 . Fig. 16C is a front view of the toner package 600 . Fig.16D It is a bottom view of the toner package 600 . FIG. 16A to FIG. 18F The toner pack 600 shown has FIG. 4A to FIG. 7B The toner pack 600 shown is of substantially the same construction, differing only in that the shape of the outer ring member 620 is slightly different.

[0097] Fig.17A and Fig. 17B Each is a perspective view showing the toner package 600 in a state where the cap 630 is removed. FIG. 18A to FIG. 18F 6 are six-sided views of the toner package 600 obtained by the third angle projection method in a state where the cap 630 is removed. Fig.18A It is a top view of the toner pack 600 . Fig.18B It is a left side view of the toner package 600 . Fig.18C is a front view of the toner package 600 . Fig.18D It is a right side view of the toner package 600 . Fig.18E is a rear view of the toner package 600 . Fig.18F It is a bottom view of the toner package 600 .

[0098] In order to define the shape of each of the toner pack 600 and the bag 601, the following description and drawings use the X-axis direction (first direction), the Y-axis direction (second direction), and the Z-axis direction (third direction) which are perpendicular to each other. The X-axis direction is a direction from the nozzle unit 610 (base portion 611) side to the bag 601 side. The X-axis direction according to the present exemplary embodiment is a direction of the axial direction D1 substantially parallel to the central axis α of the pack side baffle 603. The Y-axis direction is a longitudinal direction of the bag 601 as viewed in the X-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is a lateral direction of the bag 601 as viewed in the X-axis direction. In other words, the toner pack 600 according to the present exemplary embodiment has a shape in which the maximum length of the bag 601 in the Y-axis direction is greater than the maximum length of the bag 601 in the Z-axis direction as viewed in the X-axis direction.

[0099] like FIG. 16A to FIG. 18F As shown, the bag 601 is a bag body formed by a flexible film member (sheet member). The term "flexibility" used herein refers to the flexibility of the bag 601, which allows the user to easily deform the bag 601 and reduce the volume of the bag 601 by kneading the bag 601 by hand in a state where the discharge port 602a is open, thereby facilitating the discharge of the toner. The bag 601 has a side surface portion 601a formed by two film members, and a bottom (gusset portion, bottom gusset) 601b formed by one film member. The bag 601 is formed into a tubular shape with a bottom by joining the film members together through a method such as heat welding. The method for manufacturing the bag 601 will be described in more detail below. The construction of the bag 601 is not limited to the above-mentioned construction. For example, the side surface portion 601a and the bottom (gusset portion, bottom gusset) 601b can be formed by a single film member by bending the film member.

[0100] For example, a polypropylene film can be used as a film member to form the bag 601. In the construction example according to the present exemplary embodiment, a polypropylene film with a thickness of 110 μm is used. The material of the film member is not limited to polypropylene. For example, another synthetic resin such as polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate can be used. Alternatively, the film member can be a laminated material comprising a base layer of polypropylene or the like and a layer of another material stacked on the base layer. For example, a heat sealing layer can be provided as a surface layer (surface layer to be welded) of the film member, which softens at a lower temperature than the base layer to enhance weldability. In addition, for example, an isolation layer such as a metal vapor deposition film or a surface layer for enhancing the printability of the exposed surface of the bag 601 can be provided. Film members made of different materials can be used for the side surface portion 601a and the bottom 601b, respectively.

[0101] Each side surface portion 601a of the bag 601 is a tubular portion extending in the X-axis direction and forming a storage space for storing toner inside the side surface portion 601a. ​​In other words, each side surface portion 601a of the bag 601 extends along a first direction connecting the opening 601a10 side and the bottom 601b side opposite to the opening side.

[0102] Each side surface portion 601a according to the present exemplary embodiment is formed into a tubular shape by joining the side edge portions in the Y-axis direction of two film members over the entire area in the X-axis direction by a welding method, etc. The cross-sectional shape of each side surface portion 601a viewed in the X-axis direction is a spindle shape with the Y-axis direction as the longitudinal direction and the Z-axis direction as the lateral direction.

[0103] The bottom 601b of the bag 601 is a portion for sealing the toner storage space from one side in the X-axis direction (first direction). The bottom 601b according to the present exemplary embodiment is formed by joining the peripheral edge portion of a single film member to two film members respectively constituting the side surface portions 601a by a welding method or the like. The shape of the bottom 601b viewed in the X-axis direction is a spindle shape with the Y-axis direction as the longitudinal direction and the Z-axis direction as the lateral direction.

[0104] In this case, the nozzle unit 610 is a discharge member for discharging the toner in the storage space to the outside. The nozzle unit 610 is provided with a top surface portion 620d (see Fig.19B ), which is an opposite surface facing the bottom 601b of the bag 601 in the X-axis direction. The top surface portion 620d is an end surface of the outer ring member 620 in the X-axis direction and extends in a direction intersecting the X-axis direction. The shape of the top surface portion 620d viewed in the X-axis direction is a projection shape of a spindle with the Y-axis direction as the longitudinal direction and the Z-axis direction as the lateral direction on a plane parallel to the YZ plane.

[0105] The top surface portion 620d is a surface exposed to the storage space in the bag 601 in a state where the bag 601 is mounted on the nozzle unit 610. In other words, the storage space formed by the tubular side surface portion 601a is sealed from one side in the X-axis direction by the bottom portion 601b, and is sealed from the other side in the X-axis direction by the top surface portion 620d of the nozzle unit 610. Therefore, the storage space in the bag 601 is hermetically sealed (assuming that the bag side shutter 603 is closed).

[0106] The central portion of the top surface portion 620d is provided with an opening, and the receiving port 602f of the nozzle 602 coupled to the outer ring member 620 is exposed in the opening. The receiving port 602f is an opening that communicates with the discharge port 602a via the flow path 602g in the nozzle 602. Therefore, the nozzle unit 610 is configured so that when the toner bag 600 is mounted on the mounting unit 500 of the printer body 100 and the bag side baffle 603 and the device side baffle 509 are opened, the toner in the bag 601 is received in the flow path 602g via the receiving port 602f. As described above, the toner that has flowed into the flow path 602g through the receiving port 602f is discharged from the discharge port 602a and is replenished into the printer body 100 through the replenishment port 32a.

[0107] The top surface portion 620d (opposite surface) according to the present exemplary embodiment has a planar shape extending substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction. However, the shape of the top surface portion 620d is not limited to a planar shape. For example, the top surface portion 620d (opposite surface) may have a curved surface (mortar shape) that is curved as the curved surface approaches the center axis α ( Fig.17A and Fig. 17B as well as Fig.18A and Fig.18F ) and is recessed toward the discharge port 602a in the X-axis direction. For example, the top surface portion 620d may be formed in a V-shape in which, when the top surface portion 620d (opposite surface) is viewed in the Z-axis direction, the center portion in the Y-axis direction is recessed toward the discharge port 602a in the X-axis direction relative to both end portions thereof.

[0108] like FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D As shown, the cap 630 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and is detachably mounted on the package side fence 603. The outer diameter of the cap 630 is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the flange portion 603f of the package side fence 603. In a state where the cap 630 is mounted, most of the portions of the nozzle 602 and the package side fence 603 that interact with the mounting unit 500 of the printer body 100 (for example, the recess 602e and the end surfaces 603g and 605a) are hidden by the cap 630. Therefore, in a state where the cap 630 is mounted, the nozzle unit 610 can be protected from damage due to collision with an object or accidental touch by a user.

[0109] like Fig. 16B and Fig.16D As shown, the flange portion 603f of the pack side baffle 603 is provided with a straight portion 603fa which is a portion of the periphery of the flange portion 603f cut out by a straight line. In a state where the pack side baffle 603 is located at the covering position, the straight portion 603fa is substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction. In other words, the baffle according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a straight portion formed in a straight line shape along the second direction (Y-axis direction) at a position separated from the baffle axis (central axis α) along the third direction (Z-axis direction). The provision of the straight portion 603fa improves stability when the toner pack 600 is placed on a horizontal plane with an orientation in which the X-axis direction is substantially horizontal and the straight portion 603fa is located below.

[0110] [Method for manufacturing bag] Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the bag 601 will be described. Fig.19A A method of constructing a bag 601 as a bag body using three original sheets Sa1, Sa2, and Sb is schematically shown. Fig.19B A method for coupling the bag 601 with the nozzle unit 610 is shown.

[0111] like Fig.19A As shown, first, in a state where the original sheet Sb is folded in half, the original sheet Sb serving as the bottom 601b of the bag 601 is sandwiched between two original sheets Sa1 and Sa2 serving as the side surface portion 601a of the bag 601. In this state, the original sheets Sa1 and Sa2 are welded in the region A1 of the side edge portion. The original sheets Sa1 and Sb are welded in the region A2, and the original sheets Sa2 and Sb are welded in the region A3, thereby forming a bag 601 in a bag shape (a tubular shape with a bottom).

[0112] In an actual bag manufacturing apparatus, original sheets continuously fed from a web roll along a flow direction are sequentially welded to form a bag structure of a bag 601, and are cut at positions between adjacent bags 601 to form individual bags 601. In this case, cutting is performed at positions corresponding to the end edges of the illustrated original sheets Sa1, Sa2, and Sb in the Y-axis direction. Thus, it is possible to obtain Fig.19B Bag 601 as shown.

[0113] The method of constructing the bag 601 in a bag shape (tubular shape with a bottom) using one or more film members (original sheets) is not limited to the above method. For example, a sheet for a side gusset may be interposed between the original sheets Sa1 and Sa2.

[0114] When Fig.19AWhen the original sheets Sa1, Sa2 and Sb are welded in the areas A2 and A3 shown in FIG. 1 , the bottom 601b of the bag 601 corresponds to the following: Figures 16A to 16C The center portion shown in the figure has a mountain-shaped surface protruding in the Y-axis direction. However, the shape of the bottom 601b is not limited to this example, and the shape of the bottom 601b can be changed by changing the shape and layout of the areas A2 and A3 of the welding side surface portion 601a and the bottom 601b. For example, on the original sheet Sb forming the bottom 601b of the bag 601, the direction perpendicular to the folding line and ranging from the area A1 to be welded with another original sheet Sa1 to the area A3 to be welded with another original sheet Sa2 is defined as the direction Df. Within the size allowed by the original sheets Sa1 and Sa2, the size of the bottom 601b of the bag 601 in the Z-axis direction increases as the distance measured along the direction Df increases. That is, when manufacturing the bag 601, the shape of the manufactured bag 601 can be controlled by changing the areas A1 to A3 of the welding original sheets Sa1, Sa2 and Sb.

[0115] like Fig.19B As shown, in the bag 601 formed into a bag-like shape (a tubular shape with a bottom) opened toward the opposite side of the bottom 601b in the X-axis direction, the opening edge 601a1 of each side surface portion 601a is coupled to the outer ring member 620 of the nozzle unit 610. In other words, the nozzle unit 610 serving as a discharge member is coupled to the open side of the bag 601 serving as a bag body. The outer ring member 620 has a coupling surface 620e (mounting surface) having a shape in which the periphery of the top surface portion 620d viewed in the X-axis direction extends in the X-axis direction. The opening edge 601a1 of the bag 601 is coupled to the coupling surface 620e by using a hot melt adhesive, welding, or the like, thereby forming the bag 601 integrally with the nozzle unit 610.

[0116] The coupling surface 620e is a coupling portion (connecting portion) of the nozzle unit 610, and is configured to prevent toner leakage by coupling with the bag 601 (bag body) around the entire circumference of the top surface portion 620d serving as the opposing surface. As described above, in a state where the bag 601 is coupled to the outer ring member 620, after the bag 601 is filled with toner through the opening of the outer ring member 620, the leading edge portion such as the nozzle 602 can be attached to the outer ring member 620.

[0117] [Layout of individual information] Next, we will refer to Figure 1 and Figure 20 to Figure 22Describe the individual information set on the toner pack 600. The toner pack 600 according to the present exemplary embodiment is provided with a two-dimensional code 6011 as individual information. Specifically, the two-dimensional code 6011 is a Quick Response (QR) Code®. The user can confirm the operation method for replenishing the toner from the toner pack 600, information about the toner pack body, etc. by scanning the two-dimensional code 6011. Therefore, it is ideal that the user can easily scan the two-dimensional code 6011 using a scanning device.

[0118] Any one of the components constituting the outer surface of the toner pack 600 and visible to the user during the operation of taking out the product from the box and replenishing the toner may be ideal as a position where the user can easily scan the two-dimensional code 6011 .

[0119] In the present exemplary embodiment, specific examples of the position where the two-dimensional code 6011 can be easily scanned include the bag 601, the cap 630, the bag side baffle 603, and the nozzle 602. Among these components, the bag 601 has flexibility as described above.

[0120] As described above, the term "flexibility" defined in the present exemplary embodiment refers to a degree of flexibility that allows the user to easily deform the bag 601 and reduce the volume of the bag 601 by kneading the bag 601 with the user's hands in a state where the discharge port 602a is open, thereby facilitating toner discharge. When the two-dimensional code 6011 is on the bag 601 having flexibility, deformation such as irregularity or wrinkles may occur on the two-dimensional code 6011 depending on the delivery of the product or the operation of the user, which may make it difficult to scan the individual information.

[0121] So far, such problems have been solved to some extent, for example, by positioning the two-dimensional code 6011 on a specific area of ​​the bag 601 where irregularities, wrinkles, etc. are unlikely to occur, or by adjusting the size of the two-dimensional code 6011. However, the state where irregularities, wrinkles, etc. occur will change accordingly, so there is still a problem that the two-dimensional code 6011 cannot be easily scanned depending on the situation.

[0122] On the other hand, in the configuration according to the present exemplary embodiment, the nozzle unit 610 including the cap 630, the bag side baffle 603, and the nozzle 602 is composed of a member having higher rigidity than the bag 601. This configuration will be described in detail.

[0123] The bag 601 is stretched and formed after extrusion molding using polyethylene or polypropylene. The bag 601 may be a film member having a thickness in the range of 25 μm to 300 μm. When the user replenishes the toner by pushing the bag 601 by hand, the thickness of the film member may preferably be in the range of 50 μm to 150 μm from the perspective of whether it is conducive to the discharge performance of the toner discharged from the toner pack 600. In the present exemplary embodiment, the film member has a thickness of 110 μm.

[0124] The components constituting the nozzle unit 610 are made of polypropylene and are injection molded using a mold. The thickness of the portion where the two-dimensional code 6011 is set can be in the range of 0.8 mm to 3 mm. From the perspective of formability, cost and precision, the thickness of the portion where the two-dimensional code 6011 is set can preferably be in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0125] At least the portion where the two-dimensional code 6011 is provided has higher rigidity than the bag 601 due to the thickness used, the manufacturing method, etc., and has a rigidity difference. Therefore, irregularities, wrinkles, etc. are less likely to be generated in the nozzle unit 610 compared to the bag 601. This enables the user to successfully scan the two-dimensional code 6011 when scanning the two-dimensional code 6011 using a scanning device.

[0126] When the components constituting the nozzle unit 610 are made of polypropylene and the bag 601 is made of polyethylene or polypropylene, the Young's modulus of the material of the components constituting the nozzle unit 610 may preferably be greater than or equal to the Young's modulus of the components constituting the bag 601 .

[0127] The term "high rigidity" used herein means that the hardness is sufficient to prevent the surfaces of the various parts from being easily deformed and greatly deformed due to the force of kneading the flexible bag 601 as described above when the user holds the bag 601 with his hand. Unlike the bag 601 as a film part, even under the action of external force applied by the user, irregularities, wrinkles, etc. are unlikely to be generated in the nozzle unit 610. In other words, the shapes of the various parts constituting the nozzle unit 610 or the positions where the two-dimensional code 6011 is set will not be changed from the factory default state.

[0128] Therefore, the two-dimensional code 6011 is provided on the cap 630, the bag side baffle 603, or the nozzle 602, which is more rigid than the bag 601, so that the two-dimensional code 6011 can be stably scanned by the scanning device every time. Therefore, scanning stability can be expected. Therefore, it can be expected that the advantageous effect obtained is that after scanning the two-dimensional code 6011 by the scanning device, the user can stably and successfully access the uniform resource locator (URL) or individual information indicated by the two-dimensional code 6011.

[0129] The following will describe a layout example of the two-dimensional code 6011 on each of the cap 630, the pack side baffle 603, and the nozzle 602. As an example of the position where the two-dimensional code 6011 is set, Figure 1 An example in which a two-dimensional code 6011 is provided on a cap 630 is shown. Fig. 20 An example in which a two-dimensional code 6011 is provided on a bag side baffle 603 is shown, and Fig.21 An example in which a two-dimensional code 6011 is provided on the nozzle 602 is shown.

[0130] exist Figure 1 In the toner package 600 shown, a two-dimensional code 6011 is provided on a portion of a cap outer surface 630 a of the cap 630 .

[0131] The cap 630 has a cylindrical surface having a central axis along the arrangement direction of the bags 601 and the nozzles 602 as a part of the leading edge portion, and the two-dimensional code 6011 is provided on the cylindrical surface.

[0132] The cap 630 is a component to be removed from the toner pack 600 before the user replenishes the toner, and the cap outer surface 630a corresponds to a position to be gripped by the user when removing the cap 630 so that the user can easily recognize the position. Fig. 22 When the container box 700 of the toner pack 600 is shown, the opened flip cover 700a faces the user's line of sight in the unopened state, so that visual recognition can be improved, which is more effective. Fig. 22 In the state shown, the QR code 6011 can be scanned immediately when the container box 700 is opened.

[0133] like Fig. 22 As shown, the toner pack 600 is provided to the user in a state where the toner pack 600 is accommodated in the container box 700, and the user opens the container box 700 by opening one surface of the container box 700. When the container box 700 is opened, the toner pack 600 is located in the container box 700 so that the toner pack 600 can be removed from the container box 700. Figures 18A to 18F The toner pack 600 is seen in the Z direction in the coordinate system shown. When the toner pack 600 is positioned in this manner, the user can visually recognize the two-dimensional code 6011 located on the cap outer surface 630a immediately after the container box 700 is opened. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Fig. 16B and Fig. 16C The QR code 6011 is set as shown. Fig. 16B , Fig. 16C and Fig.16D Both show a state where a two-dimensional code 6011 described below is also located on the bottom 630b (ie, the bottom surface thereof) of the cap 630. Therefore, a plurality of two-dimensional codes 6011 may be provided.

[0134] The two-dimensional code 6011 does not have to be located on the side opposite to the side that the user can see in the direction of the user's line of sight. The two-dimensional code 6011 may also be located at any other position.

[0135] As another example of the location where the two-dimensional code 6011 is set, the two-dimensional code 6011 may be set on the bottom 630b of the cap 630, as shown in FIG. Fig. 22 As shown. In this case, when the container box 700 is opened, the two-dimensional code 6011 does not point to the user's line of sight, which makes it difficult for the user to see the two-dimensional code 6011. However, it is assumed that after the user takes out the toner pack 600 from the container box 700, the user holds the toner pack 600 with his hand in a state where the discharge port 602a of the toner pack 600 is located on the upper side. In this case, the bottom 630b of the cap 630 faces upward, which enables the user to easily recognize the two-dimensional code 6011. Since the bottom 630b of the toner pack 600 is a flat surface, it can be expected that the scanning performance of the two-dimensional code 6011 will be further improved.

[0136] As a previous stage before the user replenishes toner, Fig. 20 The toner pack 600 is shown in a state after the cap 603 is removed. In this case, the two-dimensional code 6011 is provided on the outer surface 603j located below the groove portion 603h of the pack side baffle 603. In this case, when the user mounts the toner pack 600 on the printer body 100 to replenish the toner, the two-dimensional code 6011 faces the user in the process. This enables the user to more easily identify the position of the individual information.

[0137] and Fig. 20 Similarly, Fig.21 A state in which the cap 630 is removed from the toner package 600 is also shown.

[0138] In this case, the two-dimensional code 6011 is located within the range of the recess 602e which is a part of the outer surface of the nozzle 602 and exposed from the bag side baffle 603. During the toner replenishment, the user can install the toner pack 600 by aligning the recess 602e of the nozzle 602, the opening 603a of the bag side baffle 603, and the positioning portion 507a of the first frame 507. In this case, if the two-dimensional code 6011 is located on the recess 602e, the user can easily recognize the two-dimensional code 6011. This is because the user installs the toner pack 600 while looking at the recess 602e where the two-dimensional code 6011 is provided and the opening 603a of the bag side baffle 603. The recess 602e, which also serves as the positioning portion with the first frame 507, has a flat surface, so it can be expected that the scanning performance is further improved. Therefore, the two-dimensional code 6011 is located on the flat surface of the recess 602e. When the bag side baffle 603 covers the discharge port 602a, the recess 602e is exposed to the outside, and when the bag side baffle 603 is located at a position where the discharge port 602a is exposed, the recess 602e is covered by the bag side baffle 603. The two-dimensional code 6011 does not need to be located on a flat surface as long as sufficient rigidity can be ensured, and may be located on a cylindrical surface. In the present exemplary embodiment, the recess 602e also serves as a positioning portion, so a flat surface is used.

[0139] As a method for positioning the two-dimensional code 6011, a sticker on which the two-dimensional code 6011 is printed may be attached to the above-mentioned position. Alternatively, laser engraving, inkjet printing, or the like may also be used.

[0140] Examples of information provided via the QR code may include: individual information (with which the individual product can be identified), such as a model number, a product name, and a production number; and information about a URL. A user may scan the QR code using a smartphone or the like so that the user can access a website for obtaining an operation guide from the URL. Alternatively, information other than the individual information and the information about the URL may be used.

[0141] The two-dimensional code 6011 can be set at two or more positions. The first information can be individual information, and the second information can be related information of the URL for accessing the website to obtain the guide. One two-dimensional code can be located on the cap 630, another two-dimensional code can be located on the bag side baffle 603, and another two-dimensional code can be located on the nozzle 602. These two-dimensional codes can be different two-dimensional codes respectively. This configuration makes it possible to easily scan various information and to easily attach the two-dimensional code to the toner bag 600.

[0142] <Other Exemplary Embodiments> Although the above exemplary embodiment shows an example of using a two-dimensional code as individual information, a non-contact integrated circuit (IC) tag such as a radio frequency identification tag (RFID) may also be used as individual information. The tag is placed in any one of the cap 630, the bag side baffle 603, and the nozzle 602 that are not easily deformed to prevent damage to the tag due to product delivery, user operation, etc.

[0143] The size of the RFID is approximately the same as that of the two-dimensional code 6011, and the RFID can be located at the same position as the two-dimensional code 6011 described above. The RFID is in the form of a sticker coated with adhesive. After the RFID is attached, the two-dimensional code in the form of a sticker can be attached to the surface of the RFID, or the two-dimensional code can be printed on the surface of the RFID. The various positions of the two-dimensional code 6011 described above with reference to the drawings can also be used as the positions of the RFID.

[0144] Unlike the two-dimensional code 6011, the surface of the RFID does not have to be exposed to the outside. For example, by further superimposing and attaching a sticker for the two-dimensional code at the same position after the RFID is attached to the surface, the RFID and the two-dimensional code 6011 can be positioned in an overlapping manner when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the two-dimensional code 6011. The RFID and the two-dimensional code 6011 are attached and positioned in an overlapping manner, thereby making it possible to effectively utilize the limited area on the surface of the nozzle unit 610.

[0145] In addition to the above constructions, Fig.17A As shown, the two-dimensional code 6011 or the RFID may also be located on the disc-shaped flange portion 603 f of the package side baffle 603 of the nozzle unit 610 .

[0146] As described above, by providing individual information and the like on the cap 630 , the bag side fence 603 , the nozzle 602 , and the like having higher rigidity than the bag 601 , the scanning performance of the scanning device can be further stabilized and enhanced.

[0147] 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 bag configured to store toner, the bag including an opening and formed of a resin film; as well as a leading edge portion mounted on the opening of the bag, the leading edge portion including a nozzle provided with a discharge port to discharge the toner stored in the bag to the outside of the toner container, wherein the leading edge portion includes a portion formed of resin and provided with a two-dimensional code, and wherein the portion has a thickness greater than a thickness of the resin film.

2. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the resin film is in the range of 25 μm to 300 μm, and The thickness of the portion is in the range of 0.8 mm to 3 mm. 3 . The toner container according to claim 1 , wherein a Young's modulus of a material forming the portion is greater than or equal to a Young's modulus of a material forming the resin film. 4 . The toner container according to claim 1 , wherein the portion is a portion of the nozzle.

5. The toner container according to claim 4, wherein the nozzle comprises a cylindrical surface having a central axis along the arrangement direction of the pockets and the leading edge portion, and wherein the portion is a portion of the cylindrical surface. 6 . The toner container according to claim 5 , wherein the portion corresponds to a flat surface portion of the cylindrical surface.

7. The toner container according to claim 1, The leading edge portion further comprises a baffle configured to be movable, and The portion is a portion of the baffle.

8. The toner container according to claim 7, wherein the baffle includes a cylindrical surface having a central axis along the arrangement direction of the pockets and the leading edge portion, and wherein the portion is a portion of the cylindrical surface. 9 . The toner container according to claim 8 , wherein a portion of the cylindrical surface different from the portion is provided with a discharge port.

10. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the leading edge portion further comprises a cap configured to be detachably mounted on the nozzle and to cover the periphery of the nozzle, and wherein the portion is a portion of the cap. 11 . The toner container according to claim 10 , wherein a portion of the cylindrical surface different from the portion is provided with a discharge port.

12. The toner container according to claim 10, wherein the cap includes a cylindrical surface having a central axis along an arrangement direction of the pockets and the leading edge portion, and wherein the portion is a portion of the cylindrical surface.

13. The toner container according to claim 10, wherein the cap includes a cylindrical surface and a bottom surface, the cylindrical surface having a central axis along the arrangement direction of the pockets and the leading edge portion, the bottom surface intersecting the central axis, and The portion is a portion of the bottom surface on the outside of the cap.

14. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the discharge port is arranged to face a direction intersecting with an arrangement direction of the bags and the leading edge portion, The leading edge portion further comprises a baffle configured to be movable, wherein the shutter is configured to be movable relative to the nozzle to a covering position and an open position, wherein the covering position is a position where the discharge port is covered, and the open position is a position where the discharge port is open, wherein when the baffle is in the open position, the portion is covered by the baffle, and The portion is a portion of the nozzle that is exposed to the outside of the toner container when the shutter is in the covering position.

15. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the leading edge portion further comprises a cap configured to be detachably mounted on the nozzle and to cover the periphery of the nozzle, and The portion corresponds to a portion of the cap provided with a two-dimensional code and a portion of the nozzle provided with a two-dimensional code.

16. The toner container according to claim 15, wherein: In a case where the two-dimensional code provided on the cap is a first two-dimensional code and the two-dimensional code provided on the shutter is a second two-dimensional code, either one of the first two-dimensional code and the second two-dimensional code is information including a uniform resource locator (URL), and the other of the first two-dimensional code and the second two-dimensional code is individual information about the toner container.

17. The toner container according to claim 1, The leading edge portion further comprises: a cap configured to be detachably mounted on the nozzle and cover the periphery of the nozzle; as well as a baffle configured to be movable, and The portion corresponds to a portion of the cap provided with a two-dimensional code and a portion of the baffle provided with a two-dimensional code.

18. The toner container according to claim 17, wherein: In a case where the two-dimensional code provided on the cap is a first two-dimensional code and the two-dimensional code provided on the shutter is a second two-dimensional code, either one of the first two-dimensional code and the second two-dimensional code is information including a uniform resource locator (URL), and the other of the first two-dimensional code and the second two-dimensional code is individual information about the toner container.

19. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the leading edge portion further comprises a baffle configured to be movable, and The portion corresponds to a portion of the baffle plate provided with a two-dimensional code and a portion of the nozzle provided with a two-dimensional code.

20. The toner container according to claim 19, wherein In a case where the two-dimensional code set on the nozzle is a first two-dimensional code and the two-dimensional code set on the baffle is a second two-dimensional code, either one of the first two-dimensional code and the second two-dimensional code is information including a uniform resource locator (URL), and the other of the first two-dimensional code and the second two-dimensional code is individual information about the toner container.

21. The toner container of claim 1, wherein the leading edge portion includes a portion configured to receive a removable sticker, the removable sticker including a QR code.

22. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the leading edge portion includes a portion configured to receive a contactless integrated circuit tag, and The contactless integrated circuit label and the two-dimensional code are arranged in a superimposed manner and attached together.

23. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the resin film is a film formed and stretched by extrusion molding, and The parts are made of resin formed by injection molding.

24. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the resin film is in the range of 50 μm to 150 μm, and The thickness of the portion is in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm.

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