Developer container

Abstract

A developer container includes a container member, a coupling member, and a nozzle. The container member accommodates the developer and constitutes an accommodating portion provided with an opening portion. The coupling member is attached to the opening portion. The nozzle includes a discharge port coupled to the container member via the coupling member and for allowing discharge of the developer to the outside, and a passage for conveying the developer from the opening of the accommodating portion to the discharge port. The main component of the container member and the coupling member is paper, and the main component of the nozzle is resin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a developer container used in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material. Background Art

[0002] In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, as a supply structure for a developer accommodating portion provided in a main assembly, a structure is known in which a supply pack serving as a developer container is mounted to the main assembly, and toner serving as a developer is supplied from the supply pack to the accommodating portion of the main assembly (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-154300). As a structure for the supply pack, a structure is known in which a discharge passage-forming member forming a discharge passage for discharging toner is connected to the opening of a flexible container member (bag) by welding or the like, and a shutter is incorporated to open and close the discharge port of the discharge passage-forming member. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to the present invention, a developer container is provided, comprising: a container member configured to accommodate developer and constituting a accommodating portion provided with an opening portion; a connecting member attached to the opening portion; and a nozzle comprising a discharge port and a channel, the discharge port being connected to the container member via the connecting member and being used to allow the developer to be discharged to the outside, the channel being configured such that the developer reaches the discharge port from the opening portion of the accommodating portion through the channel, wherein the main components of the container member and the connecting member are paper, and wherein the main component of the nozzle is resin.

[0004] In addition, according to the present invention, a developer container is provided, comprising: a container member, which is configured to accommodate developer and constitutes a accommodating portion provided with an opening portion; a connecting member, which is attached to the opening portion; and a nozzle, which includes a discharge port and a channel, the discharge port is connected to the container member via the connecting member and is used to allow the developer to be discharged to the outside, the channel being configured so that the developer reaches the discharge port through the channel from the opening portion of the accommodating portion, wherein the main component of the container member and the connecting member is paper, wherein the main component of the nozzle is resin, wherein at a first position in the arrangement direction of the arrangement of the connecting member and the nozzle, the second polar moment of the cross-section of the connecting member in a first cross section perpendicular to the arrangement direction is greater than the second polar moment of the cross-section of the connecting member in a second cross section perpendicular to the arrangement direction at a second position in the arrangement direction, wherein the second position is a position in which the connecting member is not included in the second cross section, and wherein the first position is a position in the arrangement direction that is closer to the opening portion than the second position.

[0005] In addition, according to the present invention, a developer container is provided, including: a container member, which is configured to accommodate developer and constitutes a accommodating portion provided with an opening portion; a connecting member, which is attached to the opening portion; and a nozzle, which includes a discharge port and a channel, the discharge port is connected to the container member via the connecting member and is used to allow the developer to be discharged to the outside, the channel being configured so that the developer reaches the discharge port through the channel from the opening portion of the accommodating portion, wherein the container member includes an edge portion where a first sheet and a second sheet overlap, and the container member is formed into a bag shape by a plurality of sheets including the first sheet and the second sheet, and wherein the edge portion of the container member is constructed by folding the second sheet in a manner that wraps one end portion of the first sheet and by joining the one end portion of the first sheet and the second sheet.

[0006] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 Part (a) is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment, Figure 1 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus.

[0008] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the openable and closable member and the supply opening (port).

[0009] Figure 3 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion. Figure 3 Part (b) is in the Figure 3 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion when viewed from different directions.

[0010] Figure 4 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting portion when the operating lever is in the closed position, Figure 4 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting portion when the operating lever is in the open position.

[0011] Figure 5 Part (a) is a plan view showing the appearance of the mounting portion when the operating lever is in the closed position, Figure 5 Part (b) is a plan view showing the appearance of the mounting portion when the operating lever is in the open position.

[0012] Figure 6 Part (a) is a perspective view of the device side baffle when viewed from the upstream side in the installation direction. Figure 6 Part (b) is related to Figure 6Part (a) Perspective views of the device side panels from different viewing angles.

[0013] Figure 7 Part (a) is a perspective view of the cover when viewed from the downstream side in the installation direction, Figure 7 Part (b) is a perspective view of the cover when viewed from the upstream side in the installation direction.

[0014] Figure 8 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the mounting portion, Figure 8 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the 8B-8B cross section.

[0015] Figure 9 Part (a) is a side view of the toner pack when the pack side shutter is in the shielding position, Figure 9 Part (b) is a side view of the toner pack when the pack side shutter is in the open position.

[0016] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the toner pack when the pack side shutter is in the shielding position.

[0017] Figure 11 Part (a) is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the nozzle when the package side baffle is in the shielding position, Figure 11 Part (b) is a view of the toner pack when viewed in the disassembly direction.

[0018] Figure 12 Part (a) is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the nozzle when the package side baffle is in the open position, Figure 12 Part (b) is a view of the toner pack when viewed in the disassembly direction.

[0019] Figure 13 It is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the nozzle.

[0020] Figure 14 is a side view showing the nozzle and package side baffles.

[0021] Figure 15 Part (a) is a front view showing the claw portion, Figure 15 Part (b) shows Figure 15 Sectional view of section 15B-15B of part (a).

[0022] Figure 16 Part (a) is a front view showing the claw portion, Figure 16 Part (b) shows Figure 16 Section (a) is a cross-sectional view of section 16B-16B.

[0023] Figure 17Part (a) is a perspective view showing a state where the toner pack is mounted toward the mounting portion, Figure 17 Part (b) is a perspective view showing a state in which the toner pack is mounted toward the mounting portion when viewed from another angle.

[0024] Figure 18 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state when the toner pack is mounted toward the mounting portion. Figure 18 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the toner pack is completely mounted on the mounting portion.

[0025] Figure 19 Part (a) shows Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of section 19A-19A of part (a), Figure 19 Part (b) shows Figure 18 Sectional view of section 19B-19B of part (a).

[0026] Figure 20 Part (a) shows Figure 18 Section (b) is a cross-sectional view of section 20A-20A, Figure 20 Part (b) shows Figure 20 Section (a) is a cross-sectional view of section 20B-20B.

[0027] Figure 21 Part (a) is a perspective view showing a state when the toner pack is mounted toward the device side fence, Figure 21 Part (b) shows a state where the toner pack is completely installed in the installation portion. Figure 16 Section (a) is a cross-sectional view of section 16B-16B.

[0028] Figure 22 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the operating lever and the toner pack in the closed position, Figure 22 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the operation lever and the toner pack in the open position.

[0029] Figure 23 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the toner pack and the mounting portion when both the device side shutter and the pack side shutter are in the shielding position, Figure 23 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the toner pack and the mounting portion when both the device-side shutter and the pack-side shutter are in the open position.

[0030] Figure 24 Part (a) is a perspective view of a nozzle body of a toner pack according to the present embodiment, Figure 24 Part (b) is related to Figure 24 Part (a) is a perspective view of the nozzle body of the toner pack according to the present embodiment from different viewing angles.

[0031] Figure 25 Part (a) is a view (plan view) of the nozzle body of the toner pack according to the present embodiment when viewed in a direction opposite to the insertion and removal direction with respect to the coupling member, Figure 25 Part (b) is a view (bottom view) of the nozzle main body of the toner pack according to the present embodiment when viewed with respect to the insertion and removal direction of the coupling member.

[0032] Figure 26 Part (a) is a perspective view of a coupling member of a toner pack according to the present embodiment, Figure 26 Part (b) is related to Figure 26 Part (a) is a perspective view of the coupling member of the toner pack according to the present embodiment from different viewing angles.

[0033] Figure 27 Part (a) is a perspective view showing a separated state before the coupling member is coupled to the bag, Figure 27 Part (b) is a perspective view showing a state after the coupling member is coupled to the bag, Figure 27 Part (c) is a perspective view showing a form for toner filling in a case where the coupling member is coupled to the bag.

[0034] Figure 28 Part (a) is an enlarged perspective view of the bag and the nozzle showing a state in which the nozzle body is in an insertion completion position relative to the coupling member. Figure 28 Part (b) shows the nozzle body relative to the coupling member. Figure 28 Part (a) is an enlarged perspective view of the bag-nozzle assembly in a state where the bag-nozzle assembly is rotated from the insertion completion position to the engagement completion position.

[0035] Figure 29 Part (a) is a side view showing a side of the nozzle body provided with a discharge port, and Figure 29 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the coupling member including the rotation axis of relative rotation between the nozzle body and the coupling member. Figure 29 Part (c) shows the nozzle body and Figure 29 Part (a) is a side view of the opposite side opposite to the side shown in FIG. Figure 29 Part (d) is a cross-sectional view of the coupling member including the rotation axis of relative rotation between the nozzle body and the coupling member.

[0036] Figure 30 Part (a) is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the inner engaging protrusion, Figure 30 Part (b) is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the engaged groove.

[0037] Figure 31Part (a) is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the inside of the opening portion of the coupling member attached to the bag is illustrated, illustrating only the inner engaging protrusion of the nozzle body, and is a view showing a state in which the nozzle body is in an insertion completion position relative to the coupling member. Figure 31 Part (b) is Figure 31 31B-31B cross-sectional view of part (a). Figure 31 Part (c) is a schematic enlarged perspective view illustrating only the inner engaging protrusion of the nozzle body, showing a state in which the nozzle body is attached to the inner side of the opening portion of the coupling member of the bag, and is a view showing a state in which the nozzle body is in an engaging completion position relative to the coupling member. Figure 31 Part (d) is Figure 31 31D-31D cross-sectional view of part (c).

[0038] Figure 32 Part (a) is an enlarged side view of the bag and the nozzle showing the state of the second engaging structure (the outer engaging protrusion of the nozzle body and the engaged protrusion of the coupling member) when the nozzle body is in the insertion completion position. Figure 32 Part (b) is when viewed along the insertion direction Figure 32 Part (a) shows a view of the bag and nozzle (bottom view). Figure 32 Part (c) is an enlarged side view of the bag-nozzle assembly showing the state of the second engaging structure (the outer engaging protrusion of the nozzle body and the engaged protrusion of the coupling member) when the nozzle body is in the engagement completion position. Figure 32 Part (d) is when viewed along the insertion direction Figure 32 Part (c) shows a view of the bag-nozzle assembly (bottom view).

[0039] Figure 33 Part (a) is an enlarged perspective view showing a state of the second engaging structure (the outer engaging protrusion of the nozzle body and the engaged protrusion of the coupling member) when the nozzle body is in the engagement completion position. Figure 33 Part (b) is an enlarged side view showing the state of the second engaging structure (the outer engaging protrusion of the nozzle body and the engaged protrusion of the coupling member) when the nozzle body is in the engagement completion position.

[0040] Figure 34 Part (a) is a perspective cross-sectional view around the nozzle of the bag-nozzle assembly and is Figure 34 34A-34A cross-sectional view of part (b), Figure 34 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the sealing member and is Figure 34 34B-34B cross-sectional view of portion (a).

[0041] Figure 35Part (a) is a side view showing a side of the nozzle body provided with the discharge port in a modification example of the first joint structure, and Figure 35 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the coupling member including the rotation axis of relative rotation of the nozzle body and the coupling member. Figure 35 Part (c) shows the nozzle body and the nozzle body in a modified example of the first joint structure. Figure 35 Part (a) is a side view of the opposite side opposite to the side shown in FIG. Figure 35 Part (d) is a cross-sectional view of the coupling member including the rotation axis of relative rotation of the nozzle body and the coupling member.

[0042] Figure 36 Part (a) is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the inside of the opening portion of the coupling member attached to the bag in a modified example of the first coupling structure is illustrated, and is a view showing a state in which the nozzle body is in an insertion completion position relative to the coupling member. Figure 36 Part (b) is Figure 36 36B-36B cross-sectional view of part (a). Figure 36 Part (c) is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the nozzle body is attached to the inside of the opening portion of the coupling member of the bag in a modified example of the first coupling structure, illustrating only the inner engaging protrusion of the nozzle body, and is a view showing a state in which the nozzle body is in an engagement completion position relative to the coupling member. Figure 36 Part (d) is Figure 36 36D-36D cross-sectional view of part (c).

[0043] Figure 37 is an exploded perspective view showing a toner pack.

[0044] Figure 38 is an exploded front view showing a toner pack.

[0045] Figure 39 Part (a) is a perspective view showing a coupling member, Figure 39 Part (b) is another perspective view showing the coupling member.

[0046] Figure 40 Part (a) is a front view showing a coupling member, Figure 40 Part (b) is a left side view showing the coupling member, Figure 40 Part (c) is a right side view showing the coupling member, Figure 40 Part (d) is a plan view showing the coupling member, and Figure 40 Part (e) is a bottom view showing the coupling member.

[0047] Figure 41Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling member, Figure 41 Part (b) shows Figure 40 Section (a) is a cross-sectional view of section 41B-41B, Figure 41 Part (c) shows Figure 40 Section (a) is a cross-sectional view of section 41C-41C.

[0048] Figure 42 is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling member.

[0049] Figure 43 Part (a) is a perspective view showing a coupling member, Figure 43 Part (b) shows Figure 44 Section (a) is a cross-sectional view of section 43B-43B.

[0050] Figure 44 Part (a) is a front view showing a toner pack, Figure 44 Part (b) shows Figure 44 A cross-sectional view of section 44B-44B of part (a), Figure 44 Part (c) shows Figure 44 Section (a) is a cross-sectional view of section 44C-44C.

[0051] Figure 45 It is an exploded perspective view showing a separated state of the coupling member and the nozzle body.

[0052] Figure 46 is a perspective view showing a bag according to a second embodiment.

[0053] Figure 47 Part (a) shows Figure 46 A cross-sectional view of section 47A-47A, Figure 47 Part (b) shows Figure 46 A cross-sectional view of section 47B-47B.

[0054] Figure 48 Part (a) is an enlarged view showing the edge portion, Figure 48 Part (b) is an enlarged view showing an edge portion according to the first modification example of the second embodiment.

[0055] Figure 49 Part (a) is an enlarged view showing an edge portion according to a second modification example of the second embodiment, Figure 49 Part (b) is an enlarged view showing an edge portion according to a third modification example of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The technology described in this specification can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society such as a decarbonized / circular society. In the following embodiments, the practical modes of the present disclosure will be described by way of example. However, the configurations disclosed in the following embodiments (e.g., the functions, materials, and shapes of components and their relative arrangements) are examples representing modes associated with the scope of the claims and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims to the configurations disclosed in these embodiments. In addition, the problems solved by the configurations disclosed in the following embodiments, or the effects or effects obtained by the disclosed configurations, are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0057] <First embodiment>

[0058] Hereinafter, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using the accompanying drawings. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus) is an apparatus that forms an image on a recording material using an electrophotographic image forming method. Examples of image forming apparatuses include copiers, facsimile machines, printers (such as laser beam printers and LED printers), and multifunction devices thereof (multifunction printers).

[0059] Figure 1 Part (a) of FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the structure of the image forming apparatus 1 . Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the openable and closable member 83 and the supply port 32 a .

[0060] The image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome printer for forming an image on a recording material P based on image information input from an external device. The recording material P includes various sheet materials of different materials, including paper such as plain paper and thick paper, plastic films such as sheets for overhead projectors, special-shaped sheets such as envelopes and index paper, cloth, and the like.

[0061] [Overall structure]

[0062] like Figure 1 Part (a) and Figure 1 As shown in part (b) of FIG, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main assembly 400, a reading device (reading means) 200 supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the apparatus main assembly 400, and an operating portion 300 mounted on a housing surface of the apparatus main assembly 400. The apparatus main assembly 400 includes an image forming section 10 for forming a toner image on a recording material, a feeding section 60 for feeding the recording material to the image forming section 10, a fixing section 70 for fixing the toner image formed by the image forming section 10 on the recording material, and a discharge roller pair 80.

[0063] The image forming section 10 includes a scanner unit 11, an electrophotographic process unit 20, and a transfer roller 12 for transferring a toner image formed on 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 provided around the photosensitive drum 21, a pre-exposure device 23, and a developing device 30 including a developing roller 31.

[0064] The photosensitive drum 21 is a cylindrically molded photosensitive member. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 includes a photosensitive layer formed of a negatively chargeable organic photosensitive member on a drum-shaped substrate molded from aluminum. The photosensitive drum 21 is rotationally driven by a motor in a predetermined direction (clockwise in the figure) at a predetermined process speed.

[0065] The charging roller 22 contacts the photoconductive drum 21 with a predetermined pressure force, forming a charged portion. Furthermore, a desired charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 22 from a high-voltage charging power supply, causing the charging roller 22 to uniformly charge the surface of the photoconductive drum 21 to a predetermined potential. In this embodiment, the photoconductive drum 21 is charged to a negative polarity by the charging roller 22. The pre-exposure device 23 discharges (eliminates) the surface potential of the photoconductive drum 21 at a position before the charged portion, thereby generating a stable discharge in the charged portion.

[0066] The scanner unit 11 uses a polygonal mirror to irradiate the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light corresponding to image information input from an external device or the reading device 200, thereby performing scanning exposure on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Through this exposure, an electrostatic latent image based on the image information is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Incidentally, the scanner unit 11 is not limited to a laser scanner device, but may employ, for example, an LED exposure device including an LED array in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0067] The developing device 30 includes a developing roller 31 for carrying developer, a developing container 32 serving as a housing for the developing device 30, and a supply roller 33 capable of supplying developer to the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are rotatably supported by the developing container 32. Furthermore, the developing roller 31 is disposed at the opening of the developing container 32 so as to oppose the photosensitive drum 21. The supply roller 33 rotatably contacts the developing roller 31, and toner, which is the content of the developing container 32, is applied to the surface of the developing roller 31 by the supply roller 33. Incidentally, when a configuration is employed that allows sufficient toner to be supplied to the developing roller 31, the supply roller 33 is not necessarily required.

[0068] The developing device 30 in this embodiment uses a contact development method. Specifically, the toner layer carried on the developing roller 31 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 at the developing portion (developing area) where the two rollers face each other. A high-voltage power supply applies a development voltage to the developing roller 31. When this voltage is applied, 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 surface of the photosensitive drum 21, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image. Incidentally, in this embodiment, a reversal development method is employed. Specifically, after being charged in the charging step, the toner is deposited on the surface areas of the photosensitive drum 21 where the charge has been reduced by exposure in the exposure step, thereby forming a toner image.

[0069] In this embodiment, a toner with a particle size of 6 μm and a negative normal charge polarity is used. The toner used in this embodiment is a polymerized toner formed by a polymerization method. The toner used in this embodiment is a so-called non-magnetic single-component developer, which does not contain a magnetic component and in which the toner is supported on the developing roller 31 primarily by intermolecular forces or electrostatic forces (image forces). However, single-component developers containing a magnetic component may also be used. Furthermore, single-component developers sometimes contain additives (such as wax or silica particles) in addition to the toner particles to adjust the toner's fluidity and charging properties. Alternatively, a two-component developer consisting of a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier may be used as the developer. When using a magnetic developer, a cylindrical developing sleeve with a magnet inside may be used as the developer carrier.

[0070] The developer container 32 is provided with a container 36 for accommodating toner and a stirring member 34 disposed within the container 36. The stirring member 34 is rotated by a motor (not shown), thereby stirring the toner in the developer container 32 and conveying the toner toward the developer roller 31 and the supply roller 33. Furthermore, the stirring member 34 has the function of circulating toner that has been stripped from the developer roller 31 and not used for development within the developer container, and of homogenizing the toner in the developer container. Incidentally, the stirring member 34 is not limited to a rotatable form. For example, a swingable stirring member may also be employed.

[0071] Furthermore, a developing blade 35 is provided at the opening of the developing container 32 where the developing roller 31 is provided, for controlling the amount of toner carried on the developing roller 31. As the developing roller 31 rotates, the toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller 31 passes through a portion facing the developing blade 35, where the toner is uniformly formed into a thin layer and is charged to a negative polarity by friction.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of the drawing, the feed section 60 includes a front door 61, a tray section 62, an intermediate plate 63, a tray spring 64, and a pickup roller 65, which are supported by the apparatus main assembly 400 in an openable and closable manner. The tray section 62 forms the bottom of the recording material storage space that is revealed by opening the front door 61, and the intermediate plate 63 is supported by the tray section 62 in an ascending and descending manner. The tray spring 64 pushes the intermediate plate 63 upward and presses the recording material P stacked on the intermediate plate 63 toward the pickup roller 65. Incidentally, when the front door 61 is closed relative to the apparatus main assembly 400, the front door 61 closes the recording material storage space. When the front door 61 is open relative to the apparatus main assembly 400, the front door 61, together with the tray section 62 and the intermediate plate 63, supports the recording material P.

[0073] The fixing unit 70 is a thermal fixing unit that performs an image fixing process by heating and melting the toner on the recording material. The fixing unit 70 includes a fixing film 71, a fixing heater such as a ceramic heater for heating the fixing film 71, a thermistor for measuring the temperature of the fixing heater, and a pressure roller 72 for pressing the fixing film 71.

[0074] Next, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. When an image formation instruction is input to the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming unit 10 begins image formation based on image information input from an external computer connected to the image forming apparatus 1 or from the reader 200. The scanner unit 11 emits laser light toward the photosensitive drum 21 based on the input image information. At this point, the photosensitive drum 21 is pre-charged by the charging roller 22 and irradiated with laser light, forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 21. The electrostatic latent image is then developed by the developing roller 31, forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum 21.

[0075] In parallel with the image forming process described above, the pickup roller 65 of the feed section 60 conveys the recording material P supported by the front door 61, the tray section 62, and the intermediate plate 63. The recording material P is fed to the registration roller pair 15 by the pickup roller 65 and abuts against the nip of the registration roller pair 15, thereby correcting skew movement of the recording material P. The registration roller pair 15 is then driven in coordination with the transfer timing of the toner image and conveyed toward the transfer nip formed by the transfer roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0076] A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 12 from a high-voltage transfer power supply, thereby transferring the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 21 onto the recording material P conveyed by the registration roller pair 15. The recording material P with the toner image transferred thereon is conveyed to the fixing section 70. As the recording material P passes through the nip between the fixing film 71 and the pressure roller 72 of the fixing section 70, the toner image is heated and pressurized there. This melts the toner particles and thereafter fixes them, fixing the toner image to the recording material P. The recording material P that has passed through the fixing section 70 is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the printer) by the discharge roller pair 80, where it is stacked on a discharge tray 81 formed at the top of the apparatus main assembly 400.

[0077] The discharge tray 81 is tilted upward toward downstream in the recording material discharge direction, and the recording material discharged onto the discharge tray 81 slides downward on the discharge tray 81 so that the rear end of the recording material is aligned by the restriction surface 84 .

[0078] The reading device 200 includes a reading unit 201 and a platen (pressing plate) 202 supported by the reading unit 201 in an openable and closable manner. A reading section (not shown) is built into the reading unit 201. An original document support platen glass 203 is provided on the upper surface of the reading unit 201. The platen glass 203 allows light emitted from the reading section to pass therethrough, and an original document is placed on the platen glass 203.

[0079] When a user wishes to have the reading device 200 read an image of a document, they place the document on the document support platen glass 203 with the platen 202 open. The platen 202 then closes, preventing the document from shifting position on the document support platen glass 203. The user then operates the operating unit 300, for example, to output a read instruction to the image forming apparatus 1. When the reading operation begins, the reading unit in the reading unit 201 reciprocates in the sub-scanning direction (i.e., the left-right direction when the user faces the operating unit 300 of the image forming apparatus 1 from the front (front) side). The reading unit emits light from the light-emitting unit toward the document, while receiving light reflected from the document through the light-receiving unit. The light is then photoelectrically converted, allowing the reading unit to read the document image. Incidentally, the front-to-back direction, left-to-right direction, and up-to-down direction are defined below based on the user facing the operating unit 300 from the front.

[0080] A top cover 82 is provided on the upper portion of the apparatus main assembly 400, and an ejection tray 81 is formed on the upper surface of the top cover 82. Figure 1 Part (b) and Figure 2As shown, the openable and closable member 83 is supported by the top cover 82 so as to be openable and closable about a rotation axis 83a extending in the front-rear direction. An opening portion 82a opening upward is formed on the discharge tray 81 of the top cover 82.

[0081] The openable and closable member 83 is configured to be movable between a closed position, in which the openable and closable member 83 covers the supply port 32 a so that the toner pack 100 cannot be mounted on the developing container 32, and an open position, in which the supply port 32 a is exposed so that the toner pack 100 can be mounted on the developing container 32. When the openable and closable member 83 is in the open position, the toner pack 100, which serves as the developer container, moves in the mounting direction M and is detachably mounted on the supply port 32 a.

[0082] The openable and closable member 83 functions as a portion of the discharge tray 81 in the closed position. The openable and closable member 83 and the opening portion 82a are formed on the left (hand) side of the discharge tray 81. Furthermore, the openable and closable member 83 is opened in the left (hand) direction by hooking a user's finger through the groove portion 82b provided in the top cover 82. The openable and closable member 83 is formed into a substantially L-shape along the shape of the top cover 82.

[0083] The opening portion 82a of the discharge tray 81 is opened to expose the supply port 32a formed in the upper portion of the developing container 32 for toner supply, and the openable and closable member 83 is opened to allow the user to access the supply port 32a. Incidentally, in this embodiment, a method is adopted in which the user takes the toner pack 100 (see FIG. 1 ) filled with toner for supply. Figure 1 (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 ) supply toner to the developing device 30 while the developing device 30 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1 (direct supply method). When the toner pack 100 is mounted in the mounting portion 106, at least a portion of the toner pack 100 is exposed to the outside (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 17 (a) and (b) of the .

[0084] Therefore, if the remaining toner amount in the process unit 20 becomes low, it becomes unnecessary to remove the process unit 20 from the apparatus main assembly 400 and replace it with a new one, thereby improving usability. Furthermore, compared to replacing the entire process unit 20, toner can be supplied to the developing container 32 more cheaply. Incidentally, the direct supply method can reduce costs because, even compared to replacing only the developing device 30 of the process unit 20, there is no need to replace various rollers, gears, etc. Incidentally, the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner pack 100 constitute the image forming system 1000.

[0085] [Installation Department]

[0086] Next, we will use Figure 3 Part (a) to Figure 8 Part (b) of FIG. 1 describes the configuration (structure) of the mounting portion 106 for mounting the toner pack 100. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 106 is a unit for mounting the toner pack 100 including the supply port 32a and is provided in the image forming apparatus 1 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 ). Figure 3 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion 106 . Figure 3 Part (b) is in Figure 3 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion 106 when viewed from different directions. Figure 4 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting portion 106 when the operating lever 108 is in the closed position, Figure 5 Part (a) is a view of the mounting portion 106 viewed along the mounting direction M when the operating lever 108 is in the closed position. Figure 4 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting portion 106 when the operating lever 108 is in the open position, Figure 5 Part (b) is a view of the mounting portion 106 viewed along the mounting direction M when the operating lever 108 is in the open position.

[0087] Figure 6 Part (a) is a perspective view of the device-side baffle 109 when viewed from the upstream side in the installation direction M. Figure 6 Part (b) is related to Figure 6 Part (a) is a perspective view of the device side shield 109 from different viewing angles. Figure 7 Part (a) is a perspective view of the cover 110 when viewed from the downstream side in the mounting direction M. Figure 7 Part (b) is a perspective view of the cover 110 when viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction M. Figure 8 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the mounting portion 106, and Figure 8 Part (b) shows Figure 8 Sectional view of section 8B-8B of part (a).

[0088] like Figure 3 Part (a) to Figure 4 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the mounting portion 106 includes a main body base 2, and the main 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. Figure 7 Part (a) and Figure 7As shown in part (b) of FIG1 , the cover 110 includes an engaged portion 110h that engages with the engaging portion 107b of the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107, thereby preventing rotation relative to the first frame 107 about the rotation axis B. Furthermore, a cutout portion 110k is provided on the downstream side (i.e., the bottom side) of the cover 110 with respect to the mounting portion M. This cutout portion 110k is provided with a first restricting surface 110c and a second restricting surface 110d. The first restricting surface 110c and the second restricting surface 110d are arranged so as to oppose each other with respect to the circumferential direction about the rotation axis B.

[0089] Incidentally, the first frame 107, the cover 110, and the second frame 117 may be integrally formed, rather than as separate components. Figure 3 Part (a) and Figure 3 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the second frame 117 is provided with a device-side opening 117 a , and the device-side opening 117 a is aligned with the accommodating portion 36 of the developing container 32 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 Part (a) of ) is connected.

[0090] Each of the operating lever 108 and the device side fence 109 is mounted on the main body base 2 in a manner rotatable about the rotation axis B. The first frame 107 is provided with a positioning portion 107a. In the radial direction r of the virtual circle VC around the rotation axis B, the positioning portion 107a protrudes more inward than the inner peripheral surface 107c of the first frame 107 around the rotation axis B.

[0091] In addition, the operating lever 108 as the operating portion is provided with a drive transmission portion 108a and an operating portion 108b. The user can rotate the operating lever 108 around the rotation axis B relative to the main body base 2 by operating the operating portion 108b. Figure 3 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the drive transmission portion 108 a is a convex portion that protrudes inward in the radial direction r of the virtual circle VC around the rotation axis B more than the inner peripheral surface of the operation lever 108 around the rotation axis B.

[0092] like Figure 6 Part (a) and Figure 6 As shown in part (b) of FIG, the device side baffle 109 serving as the main body baffle includes an inner peripheral surface 109h, a receiving port 109a provided in the inner peripheral surface 109h and for receiving the toner from the toner pack 100, and a bottom portion 109b. The device side baffle 109 further includes a center boss 109d provided on the bottom portion 109b, a pack contact surface 109g, a restricted rib 109c, and a driven transmission portion 109e provided on the inner peripheral surface 109h. Figure 6As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the driven transmission portion 109e is a convex portion that protrudes inward in the radial direction r of the virtual circle VC around the rotation axis B. The device side seal 111 is applied to the inner peripheral surface 109h in a manner surrounding the receiving port 109a (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 (b) of the .

[0093] The device side shutter 109 is configured to occupy a shielding position as a second shielding position and an open position as a second open position relative to the main body base 2. More specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 Part (a) and Figure 6 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the device side shutter 109 rotates from the shielding position toward the open position in the direction of arrow K and from the open position toward the shielding position in the direction of arrow L. Incidentally, these arrow K and arrow L directions are respectively Figure 11 The direction of arrow K and arrow L of the package-side shutter 103 shown in part (a) are the same. Regarding the device-side shutter 109, in the shielding position, the receiving port 109a is shielded by the device-side seal 111 and the cover 110, and in the open position, the receiving port 109a is open and not covered by the cover 110. In other words, when the device-side shutter 109 is in the shielding position, the receiving port 109a is not in communication with the device-side opening 117a of the second frame 117, while when the device-side shutter 109 is in the open position, the receiving port 109a is in communication with the device-side opening 117a of the second frame 117.

[0094] exist Figure 4 Part (a) and Figure 5 In part (a) of FIG. 1 , the device side baffle 109 is located at the shielding position, and at this time, the receiving port 109a of the device side baffle 109 is not communicated with the device side opening 117a of the second frame 117. Figure 4 Part (b) and Figure 5 In part (b) of FIG. 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. The device-side shutter 109 moves to the open position, whereby toner can be replenished (supplied) from the toner pack 100 to the accommodating portion 36 of the developing container 32 through the receiving port 109a.

[0095] Incidentally, the driving of the operation lever 108 and the device side fence 109 are not linked to each other, and therefore, even if the operation lever 108 is operated in a state where the toner pack is not mounted, the device side fence 109 does not rotate.

[0096] like Figure 8 Part (a) and Figure 8As shown in part (b) of , the device side baffle 109 is constructed to be able to rotate around the center boss 109d by engaging the large diameter portion 109d1 of the center boss 109d with the cylindrical portion 110j of the cover 110. Here, the restricted rib 109c provided on the bottom 109b of the device side baffle 109 is located between the first restricting surface 110c and the second restricting surface 110d of the cover 110. For this reason, the device side baffle 109 can only rotate within the movable range of the restricted rib 109c between the first restricting surface 110c and the second restricting surface 110d. In other words, the device side baffle 109 is restricted by the first restricting surface 110c and the second restricting surface 110d of the cover 110 within the rotation range between the shielding position and the open position. For example, as Figure 8 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the device-side shutter 109 at the shielding position cannot rotate in the direction of arrow L (ie, the direction opposite to the open position) with the restricted rib 109 c contacting the first restricting surface 110 c .

[0097] [Structure of Toner Pack]

[0098] Next, we will use Figure 9 Part (a) to Figure 10 The basic structure of the toner pack 100 will be described. The toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106 described above. Figure 9 Part (a) is a side view of the toner pack 100 when the pack side shutter 103 is in the shielding position. Figure 9 Part (b) is a side view of the toner pack 100 when the pack side shutter 103 is in the open position. Figure 10 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the toner pack 100 when the pack side shutter 103 is in the open position.

[0099] like Figure 9 Part (a) to Figure 10 As shown, toner pack 100 includes bag 101 containing toner, nozzle 102 connected to bag 101, and bag side shutter 103. Nozzle 102 and bag side shutter 103 are connected to bag 101 and constitute mounted portion 700 mounted to mounting portion 106.

[0100] The bag 101, serving as a container member, is flexible and is positioned at one end of the toner pack 100 relative to the axial direction D1 (i.e., the direction of the rotation axis A of the bag side shutter 103). When the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106, the rotation axis A coincides with the rotation axis B of the apparatus side shutter 109. Therefore, hereinafter, the axial directions of the rotation axes A and B are both referred to as the axial direction D1. The nozzle 102 and the bag side shutter 103 are positioned at the other end of the toner pack 100 relative to the axial direction D1. The bag 101 has a bag shape, with one end open by joining the edges of a plurality of sheets of paper.

[0101] The bag 101 as a container member constitutes a container portion 101a for containing toner. The container portion 101a is provided with an opening portion 101b. The nozzle 102 is coupled to the opening portion 101b of the bag 101 so that the container portion 101a of the bag 101 is discharged only through the toner discharge passage formed by the nozzle 102 (see FIG. Figure 23 (b) communicates with the exterior of the toner pack 100. The nozzle 102 is composed of a nozzle body 121 that forms a discharge channel for discharging toner from the container 101a of the bag 101, and a coupling member 122 for attaching the nozzle body 121 to the bag 101. Incidentally, the nozzle body 121 may be referred to solely as a nozzle. The coupling member 122 is coupled to the opening 101b of the bag 101. The coupling method is not limited to a specific method. For example, coupling methods include methods using various types of adhesives such as hot melt adhesive and methods of coupling the bag 101 to the outer periphery of the coupling member 122 by heat welding. The nozzle 102 is coupled to the bag 101 by engaging the nozzle body 121 with the coupling member 122. The details of the coupling structure of the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 will be described below.

[0102] The nozzle 102 includes a side surface 102c as an outer surface and a first outer surface extending along the rotation axis A, and the side surface 102c is provided with a discharge port 102a and a recess 102e. The discharge port 102A is configured to communicate with the interior of the bag 101 and is used to discharge the colorant to the outside. The recess 102e is provided at a position different from the discharge port 102a with respect to the rotation direction of the bag side baffle 103. The colorant contained in the bag 101 is configured to be discharged to the outside of the toner pack 100 through the discharge port 102a by the user compressing (squeezing) the bag 101 and thus reducing the volume of the bag 101. That is, a channel 102g is formed inside the nozzle 102 (see Figure 23 (b) of the container 101a ), which is configured so that the toner (content) can reach the discharge port 102a from the opening 101b of the container 101a through the passage 102g.

[0103] A wrap-side baffle 103, serving as a baffle, is provided outside the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102. The wrap-side baffle 103 is rotatably disposed about a rotation axis A extending along the axial direction D1 and has an opening 103a. Specifically, the inner circumferential surface 103m of the wrap-side baffle 103 is slidably supported by an annular rib 102m of the nozzle 102. The wrap-side baffle 103 is disposed outside the side surface 102c relative to the radial direction r of a virtual circle VC surrounding the rotation axis A. The arcuate surface of the side surface 102c is a curved surface that protrudes outward relative to the radial direction r. The inner surface of the wrap-side baffle 103 (that is, the surface opposite the side surface 102c) is curved along the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102, and a generally rectangular wrap-side seal 105 is attached to this curved surface.

[0104] The pack side baffle 103 is configured to be able to move around the rotation axis A to a shielding position ( Figure 9 The position shown in part (a)) and the open position where the pack side seal 105 opens the discharge port 102a ( Figure 9 When the bag side shutter 103 is in the open position, the discharge port 102 a of the nozzle 102 is exposed from the opening 103 a provided in the bag side shutter 103 .

[0105] When located Figure 9 When the bag side baffle 103 at the shielding position as the first shielding position shown in part (a) rotates around the rotation axis A in the direction of arrow K, the bag side baffle 103 reaches Figure 9 The first open position is shown in part (b). Conversely, when the bag-side flap 103 in the open position rotates in the direction of arrow L, it reaches the shielding position. Specifically, the first rotational direction, indicated by arrow K, is the direction from the shielding position toward the open position about the rotation axis A, while the second rotational direction, indicated by arrow L, is the direction from the open position toward the shielding position about the rotation axis A. During the rotation of the bag-side flap 103, it slides relative to the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 via the bag-side seal 105.

[0106] Next, we will use Figure 11 Part (a) to Figure 14 The detailed structures of the nozzle 102 and the pack side baffle 103 are described. Figure 11 Part (a) is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the nozzle 102 when the pack side shutter 103 is in the shielding position. Figure 11 Part (b) is along Figure 11 Part (a) is a view of the toner pack 100 when viewed in the disassembly direction U (bottom view). Figure 12Part (a) is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the nozzle 102 when the pack side shutter 103 is in the open position. Figure 12 Part (b) is along Figure 12 Part (a) is a view of the toner pack 100 when viewed in the disassembly direction U (bottom view). Figure 13 It is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the nozzle 102 . Figure 14 106. FIG106 is a side view showing the nozzle 102 and the pack side shutter 103. Incidentally, the removal direction U is a direction opposite to the mounting direction M, and is a moving direction of the toner pack 100 when the toner pack 100 is removed from the mounting portion 106. FIG107 is a side view showing the nozzle 102 and the pack side shutter 103.

[0107] like Figure 11 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG, the nozzle 102 is provided with a positioned portion 102d including a surface 102d1 and a surface 102d2, which are arranged with a gap between them along the arrow R direction and extend in a direction intersecting the arrow R direction. Figure 11 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2 in this embodiment extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow R and are parallel to each other. That is, in this embodiment, the direction of arrow R is the normal direction of the surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2. When the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106, the positioned portion 102d is aligned with the positioning portion 107a ( Figure 4 Thus, the position of the nozzle 102 relative to the first frame 107 (the main body base 2) (its position relative to the rotation direction around the rotation axis A) is determined. Figure 11 In part (b), a straight line CL1 passing through the center between the surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 in the direction of arrow R and extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow R is in a phase such that the straight line CL1 is rotated by approximately 90° relative to a straight line CL2 passing through the rotation axis A and the center of the discharge port 102a.

[0108] In addition, if Figure 11 Part (a) and Figure 14 As shown, with respect to the direction of the rotation axis A, the surface 102e1 and the surface 102e2 are provided on the downstream side of the surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2 with respect to the installation direction M, respectively. Figure 11 As shown in part (b) of FIG, the surface 102e1 and the surface 102e2 extend in the radial direction r of the virtual circle VC around the rotation axis A. However, the extending direction of the surfaces 102e1 and 102e2 is not limited to the direction in the present embodiment, but may be set to a direction in which these surfaces do not interfere with the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107.

[0109] like Figure 14 As shown, side surface 102e3 is provided between surface 102d1 and surface 102d2, and between surface 102e1 and surface 102e2, in the direction of arrow R. Side surface 102e3 is recessed inward from side surface 102c along radial direction r. Surface 102d1, surface 102d2, surface 102e1, surface 102e2, and side surface 102e3 form recess 102e.

[0110] Incidentally, the surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2 do not necessarily need to be parallel to each other as in the present embodiment. For example, the surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2 may also be surfaces extending in the radial direction r of the virtual circle VC around the rotation axis A. In this case, the direction of arrow R becomes the tangent direction of the virtual circle VC, so that the straight line CL1 perpendicular to the direction of arrow R can be set at any angle relative to the straight line CL2.

[0111] In addition, if Figure 11 Part (a) and Figure 11 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction D1 of the rotation axis A, the side surface 103 d of the side baffle 103 is provided with an opening 103 a. Figure 11 As shown in part (a) of the figure, when the pack 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 exposure is so that when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106 with the pack side shutter 103 in the shielding position, the surface 102d1 and surface 102d2 of the recess 102e (i.e., the positioned portion 102d) engage with the positioning portion 107a.

[0112] In addition, if Figure 11 As shown in part (b) of the figure, the package side shutter 103 is provided with a driven transmission portion 103e on the side opposite the opening 103a across the rotation axis A. When the package side shutter 103 is in the shielding position, the driven transmission portion 103e is located on the side opposite the nozzle recess 102e across the rotation axis A. The driven transmission portion 103e includes surfaces 103b1 and 103b2 and a side surface 103b3, and is engageable with the drive transmission portion 108a of the operating lever 108, described later. Each of the surfaces 103b1 and 103b2 extends perpendicular to the direction indicated by arrow R. Figure 13 103e is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the side guard plate 103 as viewed from the side where the driven transmission portion 103e is provided. A side surface 103b3 is provided between the surfaces 103b1 and 103b2 and is recessed inwardly from the side surface 103d in the radial direction r.

[0113] In addition, you will use Figure 11 Part (a) to Figure 14 Describe the protrusion 102b of the nozzle 102. Figure 9 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG, the toner pack 100 is oriented so that the second end side (nozzle 102 side) of the toner pack 100 is lower than the first end side (bag 101 side) of the toner pack 100. Alternatively, the toner pack 100 is oriented so that at least a portion of the nozzle 102 is located below the bag 101 and the rotation axis A is parallel to the vertical direction. This attitude is the attitude when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1. At this time, Figure 11 Part (a) and Figure 12 In part (a), the mounting direction M becomes the downward direction, and the dismounting direction U becomes the upward direction.

[0114] The package side baffle 103 has an end surface 103c as a baffle end surface, which is a lower end surface relative to the vertical direction VD and constitutes the bottom of the package side baffle 103. The nozzle 102 includes a protrusion 102b as a first protrusion, which protrudes toward the downstream of the end surface 103c of the package side baffle 103 relative to the installation direction M, that is, protrudes below the end surface 103c. Figure 11 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the protrusion 102b is a cylindrical portion (a portion having a cylindrical shape) around the rotation axis A. The protrusion 102b has a protrusion end surface 102b2, which is the lower end surface of the protrusion. The protrusion end surface 102b2 is provided with a hole including an inner circumferential surface 102b1 around the rotation axis A. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown, the protrusion 102b protrudes further downward than the lower end surface 102j of the nozzle 102. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the end surface 103c of the pack side baffle 103 and the end surface 102j of the nozzle 102 are perpendicular to the rotation axis A, but this is not limiting. These surfaces may extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis A when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A. Furthermore, the protrusion 102b does not necessarily need to be provided on the nozzle 102.

[0115] Here, if Figure 15 As shown in part (a) of the figure, the nozzle 102 of the toner pack 100 is provided with a claw portion 102 f as a locking mechanism to prevent the pack side shutter 103 from rotating relative to the nozzle 102 during transportation or when the toner pack 100 is handled separately by the user. The pack side shutter 103 is held in the shielding position by the claw portion 102 f, thereby preventing the toner in the toner pack 100 from leaking.

[0116] Figure 15 Part (a) is a front view showing the claw portion 102 f. Figure 15 Part (b) shows Figure 15Sectional view of section 15B-15B of part (a). Figure 16 Part (a) is a front view showing the claw portion 102 f. Figure 16 Part (b) shows Figure 16 Section (a) is a cross-sectional view of section 16B-16B.

[0117] like Figure 15 Part (a) and Figure 15 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the claw portion 102f as the second limiting portion includes an arm portion 102f3, a release slope 102f1, and an abutment portion 102f2. By elastically deforming the arm portion 102f3, the claw portion 102f can move in the radial direction r of the virtual circle VC around the rotation axis A. Specifically, the claw portion 102f can move to Figure 15 The restricted position shown in part (b) and Figure 21 Part (b) shows a non-restricted position, which is an inner position than the restricted position with respect to the radial direction r.

[0118] When the claw portion 102f is located Figure 15 In the restricted position shown in part (b), the abutment portion 102f2 faces the restricting portion 103h of the bag side fence 103 in the shielding position, relative to the circumferential direction around the rotation axis A. At this point, a gap s exists between the abutment portion 102f2 and the restricting portion 103h. The abutment of the restricting portion 103h against the abutment portion 102f2 restricts the rotation of the bag side fence 103 in the direction of arrow K. The size of gap s can be arbitrarily set, and the range within which the bag side fence 103 can rotate within gap s is considered the shielding position. In other words, the claw portion 102f in the restricted position restricts the rotation of the bag side fence 103 in the direction of arrow K from the shielding position.

[0119] Furthermore, when the claw portion 102f is in the non-restricting position, the abutment portion 102f2 is located inside the restricting portion 103h of the bag side fence 103 with respect to the radial direction r of the virtual circle VC around the rotation axis A. For this reason, the bag side fence 103 can rotate around the rotation axis A without interfering with the abutment portion 102f2.

[0120] like Figure 6 Part (a) and Figure 21 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the device side baffle 109 is provided with a restriction release rib 109j extending in the axial direction D1. When the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106, the restriction release rib 109j can contact the release slope 102f1 of the claw portion 102f. Figure 11 Part (b) of Figure 15 Part (b) of Figure 17 Part (b) and Figure 21 As shown in part (b) of FIG1 , the bag-side fence 103 is provided with an opening 103j extending from an end surface (bottom) 103c of the bag-side fence 103 toward a side surface 103d. A restriction-releasing rib 109j provided on the device-side fence 109 extends through the opening 103j and is capable of contacting a release slope 102f1 of the claw 102f provided on the inner side of the bag-side fence 103.

[0121] The release slope 102f1 is inclined relative to the mounting direction M (axial direction D1) so as to extend inward in the radial direction r toward the downstream side of the mounting direction M. When the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106, the release slope 102f1 redirects the force received by the claw portion 102f from the restriction-releasing rib 109j toward the inward direction relative to the radial direction r. As a result, the claw portion 102f is pressed by the restriction-releasing rib 109j due to the release slope 102f1, moving inward in the radial direction r from the restricted position to the unrestricted position. In other words, when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106, the claw portion 102f is pressed by the mounting portion 106, moving from the restricted position to the unrestricted position.

[0122] The abutting portion 102f2 of the claw portion 102f abuts against the restricting portion 103h of the bag side fence 103, thereby restricting the bag side fence 103 from rotating in the direction of arrow K. Next, a configuration for restricting the bag side fence 103 from rotating in the direction of arrow L opposite to the direction of arrow K will be described.

[0123] like Figure 16 As shown in part (b) of the figure, the bag-side flap 103 includes a rotation-limiting rib 103k, and the nozzle 102 includes a rotation-limiting surface 102k as a first limiting portion, which opposes the rotation-limiting rib 103k relative to the circumferential direction around the rotation axis A. When the bag-side flap 103 is in the shielding position, the rotation-limiting rib 103k and the rotation-limiting surface 102k oppose each other with a small gap therebetween. Then, when the bag-side flap 103 in the shielding position attempts to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow L, the rotation-limiting rib 103k abuts against the rotation-limiting surface 102k, limiting rotation of the bag-side flap 103 in the direction indicated by arrow L.

[0124] like Figure 16 Part (a) and Figure 16As shown in part (b) of the figure, the claw portion 102f is positioned downstream of the rotation restricting surface 102k and the rotation restricting rib 103k relative to the mounting direction M. This is because the claw portion 102f is positioned so that it is easily pressed by the restriction release rib 109j of the device-side fence 109 when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106. This allows the size of the opening 103j provided in the pack-side fence 103 to be reduced, ensuring the rigidity of the pack-side fence 103 while also preventing the user from accessing the claw portion 102f. Incidentally, the arrangement of the claw portion 102f, the rotation restricting surface 102k, and the rotation restricting rib 103k is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily modified.

[0125] As described above, when the toner pack 100 is not mounted on the mounting portion 106, the pack side shutter 103 is restricted from rotating in the direction of arrow K and the direction of arrow L, so that the pack side shutter 103 is easily maintained in the shielding position. When the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106 and the claw portion 102f is located in the non-restricted position, when the pack side shutter 103 is rotated in the direction of arrow K, the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 is exposed, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 As shown in part (a).

[0126] In addition, if Figure 11 Part (a) and Figure 13 As shown, the pack side baffle 103 is provided with three radial positioning portions 103f. These radial positioning portions 103f protrude further outward than the side surface 103d in the radial direction r. Each radial positioning portion 103f is provided on the upstream side of the pack side baffle 103 with respect to the installation direction M.

[0127] [Install the toner pack to the installation section]

[0128] Next, we will use Figure 17 Part (a) to Figure 21 Part (b) describes a state when the toner pack 100 is mounted to the mounting portion 106 . Figure 17 Part (a) and Figure 17 Parts (b) of FIG. 1 are each a perspective view showing a state where the toner pack 100 is mounted to the mounting portion 106 when viewed from different angles. Figure 18 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106 . Figure 18 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the toner pack 100 is completely mounted on the mounting portion 106 .

[0129] Figure 19 Part (a) shows Figure 18 Section (a) is a cross-sectional view of section 19A-19A. Figure 19 Part (b) shows Figure 18 Sectional view of section 19B-19B of part (a). Figure 20 Part (a) shows Figure 18 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the section 20A-20A. Figure 20 Part (b) shows Figure 20 Section (a) is a cross-sectional view of section 20B-20B. Figure 21 Part (a) of FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the toner pack 100 is mounted on the device side fence 109. Figure 21 In part (a) of FIG. 1 , the bag 101 and the pack side shutter 103 of the toner pack 100 are omitted, so that only the nozzle 102 is shown. Figure 21 Part (b) shows a state where the toner pack 100 is completely installed in the installation portion 106. Figure 16 The cross-sectional view of the section 16B-16B of (a) is shown. Incidentally, for the sake of convenience, Figure 18 Part (a) to Figure 20 In part (b), the cut surfaces of the package side baffle 103 and the cover 110 are indicated by hatching, and in Figure 21 In part (b), the cross-sectional surface of the nozzle 102 is indicated by hatching.

[0130] Then, if Figure 17 Part (a) and Figure 17 As shown in part (b) of the figure, with the device-side flap 109 in the shielding position, the user installs the toner pack 100 in the mounting portion 106 by moving the toner pack 100 in the mounting direction M while the pack-side flap 103 is in the shielding position. At this point, the user aligns the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 and the opening 103a of the pack-side flap 103 with the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107. Simultaneously, the user also aligns the position of the driven transmission portion 103e of the pack-side flap 103 with the position of the driving transmission portion 108a of the operating lever 108.

[0131] After the toner pack 100 is aligned with the mounting portion 106, the user gradually mounts the toner pack 100 to the mounting portion 106 by moving the toner pack 100 in the mounting direction M. Figure 18 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the small diameter portion 109d2 of the central boss 109d of the device side baffle 109 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface 102b1 of the protrusion 102b of the nozzle 102. Thus, the position of the nozzle 102 relative to the device side baffle 109 in the radial direction r is determined.

[0132] At this time, the drive transmission portion 108a of the operating lever 108 and the driven transmission portion 103e of the bag side fence 103 are engaged with each other. Figure 19As shown in part (a) of Figure 19 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the side surface 110 f and the side surface 110 g of the cover 110 are respectively close to or in contact with the surface 102 e 1 and the surface 102 e 2 of the nozzle 102 forming the recess 102 e. Figure 19 Part (a) and Figure 19 As shown in part (b) of FIG1 , the driven transmission portion 103e of the bag side fence 103 is engaged with the driven transmission portion 109e of the device side fence 109 and the drive transmission portion 108a of the operating lever 108. Thus, the rotation axis A of the bag side fence 103 and the rotation axis B of the device side fence 109 are substantially coaxial with each other.

[0133] Furthermore, surfaces 102e1 and 102e2 of the recessed portion 102e of the nozzle 102 engage with side surfaces 110f and 110g of the cover 110, respectively, to prevent the nozzle 102 of the toner pack 100 from rotating relative to the main body base 2 including the cover 110. In other words, when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, the recessed portion 102e engages with the cover 110 of the image forming apparatus 1, thereby restricting the rotation of the nozzle 102 relative to the image forming apparatus 1. The operating lever 108, the pack-side flap 103, and the apparatus-side flap 109 then become rotatable substantially integrally about the rotation axis B relative to the main body base 2 and the nozzle 102.

[0134] Specifically, when the operating lever 108 rotates, the drive transmission portion 108a of the operating lever 108 presses the surface 103b1 or 103b2 of the bag-side fence 103, thereby rotating the bag-side fence 103. Thereafter, the surface 103b1 or 103b2 constituting the driven transmission portion 103e of the bag-side fence 103 presses the driven transmission portion 109e of the device-side fence 109, thereby rotating the device-side fence 109.

[0135] In a state where the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106, the three radial positioning portions 103f (see FIG. Figure 11 Part (a) and Figure 13 ) contacts the inner peripheral surface 109h of the device side baffle 109 (see Figure 6 ). Thus, the position of the toner pack 100 on the upstream side in the mounting direction M with respect to the radial direction r is determined.

[0136] In addition, if Figure 20As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the protrusion end surface 102b2 of the protrusion 102b of the nozzle 102 abuts against the pack contact surface 109g, thereby determining the position of the toner pack 100 relative to the mounting direction M. Incidentally, regarding the positioning of the protrusion 102b of the nozzle 102, a method of fitting the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 102b to the cylindrical portion 110j of the cap 110 (see FIG. Figure 7 Part (a) and Figure 7 The construction in part (b) of .

[0137] In addition, if Figure 20 As shown in part (b) of FIG, the positioned portion 102d provided on the nozzle 102 engages with the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107. This restricts the rotation of the nozzle 102 of the toner pack 100 relative to the first frame 107 (main body base 2).

[0138] In addition, if Figure 21 Part (a) and Figure 21 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106 , the claw portion 102 f provided on the nozzle 102 moves from the restricting position to the non-restricting position ( Figure 21 More specifically, as the release slope 102f1 is pressed by the restriction-releasing rib 109j, the claw 102f moves inward in the radial direction r from the restricted position toward the unrestricted position. This releases the rotation restriction on the bag side guard 103 in the direction of arrow K.

[0139] [Operation of the joystick]

[0140] Figure 22 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the operation lever 108 and the toner pack 100 in the closed position. Figure 22 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the operation lever 108 and the toner pack 100 in the open position. Figure 23 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the toner pack 100 and the mounting portion 106 when both the device-side shutter 109 and the pack-side shutter 103 are located at the shielding position. Figure 23 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the toner pack 100 and the mounting portion 106 when both the apparatus-side shutter 109 and the pack-side shutter 103 are located at the open position.

[0141] As described above, in a state where the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106, the operating lever 108, the pack side shutter 103, and the device side shutter 109 can integrally rotate about the rotation axis B relative to the main body base 2 and the nozzle 102. Figure 23As shown in part (a) of the figure, when toner pack 100 is mounted on mounting portion 106 and operating lever 108 is in the closed position, discharge port 102a is shielded by pack-side shutter 103, pack-side seal 105, and device-side shutter 109. Therefore, the toner in bag 101 is prevented from reaching device-side opening 117a of second frame 117.

[0142] like Figure 22 Part (a) and Figure 22 As shown in part (b), when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106 and the operating lever 108 is rotated in the direction of arrow Q from the closed position to the open position, the pack side shutter 103 and the device side shutter 109 rotate from the shielding position to the open position.

[0143] More specifically, the drive transmission portion 108a of the operating lever 108 presses against the surface 103b1 of the bag-side flap 103. Consequently, the bag-side flap 103 rotates from the shielding position to the open position together with the operating lever 108. In other words, the engagement between the drive transmission portion 108a and the surface 103b1 causes the bag-side flap 103 to rotate from the shielding position to the open position in conjunction with the rotation of the operating lever 108. Furthermore, the surface 103b2 of the bag-side flap 103, which has rotated from the shielding position to the open position, presses against the driven transmission portion 109e of the device-side flap 109. Consequently, the device-side flap 109 rotates from the shielding position to the open position together with the bag-side flap 103. In other words, the engagement between the surface 103b2 and the driven transmission portion 109e causes the device-side flap 109 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the operating lever 108.

[0144] Then, if Figure 23 As shown in part (b) of the figure, the movement of the bag-side shutter 103, bag-side seal 105, and device-side shutter 109 opens the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102. In other words, the bag 101 of the toner pack 100 and the container 36 communicate with each other through the discharge port 102a, the receiving port 109a, and the device-side opening 117a. When the user compresses the bag 101, the toner in the bag 101, along with air, is supplied to the container 36 of the developer container 32 via the discharge port 102a, the receiving port 109a, and the device-side opening 117a.

[0145] When toner supply from the toner pack 100 to the developer container 32 is complete, the user rotates the operating lever 108 from the open position to the closed position. As the operating lever 108 rotates from the open position to the closed position, the drive transmission portion 108a of the operating lever 108 presses against the surface 103b2 of the pack-side shutter 103. Consequently, the pack-side shutter 103 rotates from the open position to the shielding position together with the operating lever 108. Furthermore, the surface 103b1 of the pack-side shutter 103, which has rotated from the open position to the shielding position, presses against the drive transmission portion 109e of the device-side shutter 109. Consequently, the device-side shutter 109 rotates from the open position to the shielding position together with the pack-side shutter 103.

[0146] In this state, the user pulls out the toner pack 100 from the mounting portion 106 , thereby completing the toner supply operation.

[0147] [Details of toner pack]

[0148] Will refer to Figure 24 Part (a) to Figure 34 Part (b) describes the method of manufacturing the toner pack 100 according to the present embodiment and details of the engaging structure between the nozzle body and the coupling member.

[0149] [Toner Pack Manufacturing Steps]

[0150] First, refer to Figure 27 Part (a) to Figure 28 Part (b) describes the manufacturing steps of the toner pack according to this embodiment.

[0151] Figure 27 Part (a) is a perspective view showing a separated state before the coupling member is coupled to the bag. Figure 27 Part (b) is a perspective view showing a state after the coupling member is coupled to the bag. Figure 27 Part (c) is a perspective view showing a form for toner filling in a case where the coupling member is coupled to the bag. Figure 28 Part (a) is an enlarged perspective view of the bag and the nozzle showing a state in which the nozzle body is in an insertion completion position relative to the coupling member. Figure 28 Part (b) shows the nozzle body relative to the coupling member. Figure 28 Part (a) is an enlarged perspective view of the bag-nozzle assembly in a state where the bag-nozzle assembly is rotated from the insertion completion position to the engagement completion position.

[0152] As described above, the toner pack 100 according to this embodiment includes the bag 101 as a container member for accommodating toner, the nozzle 102 coupled to the bag 101, and the pack side shutter 103. In this embodiment, the nozzle 102 is composed of the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122. In manufacturing the toner pack 100, in addition to assembling the various components described above, the bag 101 is filled with toner.

[0153] Specifically, if Figure 27 Part (a) and Figure 27 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , first, the coupling member 122 is attached to the bag 101 (first assembly step). The attachment method is as described above. Next, as shown in FIG. Figure 27 As shown in part (c) of FIG. 1 , in the form for toner filling in which only the coupling member 122 is coupled to the bag 101 , the toner is filled into the bag 101 via the opening portion (through hole 122 b ) of the coupling member 122 (filling step). Then, as Figure 27 Part (c) to Figure 28 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the nozzle body 121 is engaged with the coupling member 122 to put the nozzle 102 in a state of being coupled to the bag 101 (a state of forming a bag-nozzle assembly) (second assembling step).

[0154] More specifically, if Figure 27 As shown in part (c) of FIG, when assembling the nozzle body 121 to the coupling member 122, first, the insertion portion 121a is inserted into the through hole 122b along the insertion direction I and the nozzle body 121 is moved relative to the coupling member 122 along the insertion direction I. The insertion direction I is parallel to the installation direction M and is the direction opposite to the installation direction M (parallel to the removal direction U and the same direction as the removal direction U). Figure 28 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the nozzle body 121 is inserted to the insertion completion position relative to the coupling member 122, where the flange 121c is in contact with the opposing portion 122c of the coupling member 122 (insertion step). Figure 28 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , while the flange 121 c is kept in contact with the facing portion 122 c , the nozzle body 121 is rotated relative to the coupling member 122 in the rotation direction S about a rotation axis C parallel to the insertion direction I (rotation step). The rotation axis C is substantially coaxial with the rotation axes A and B.

[0155] Finally, attach the side panels 103 to complete the Figure 9 、 Figure 10 etc. (third assembling step) toner pack 100 shown in FIG.

[0156] [Toner Filling]

[0157] As described above, in the present embodiment, before the nozzle body 121 is attached, in a state where the coupling member 122 is attached to the bag 101 ( Figure 27 ), toner is filled into the bag 101. In other words, the toner filling step is performed after the first assembling step and before the second assembling step.

[0158] It is conceivable, for example, to perform the toner filling step through the opening 101b of the bag 101 before attaching the coupling member 122. However, the bag 101 is a flexible member, and some means is required to maintain the shape of the opening 101b during toner filling. According to this embodiment, since the coupling member 122 is attached to the opening 101b of the bag 101 and the opening of the coupling member 122 serves as the toner filling port, a means for maintaining the shape of the filling port becomes unnecessary.

[0159] Furthermore, for example, it is possible to utilize the nozzle's toner discharge port while the nozzle is attached to the bag to fill the toner. However, depending on the form of the discharge port, filling the toner may not be easy, and the filling operation may not be performed efficiently. In particular, in a configuration where the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 in this embodiment is open laterally when the toner pack 100 is erected in its longitudinal direction, it may be difficult to effectively fill the toner through the discharge port 102a. In this embodiment, the toner is filled using the opening of the coupling member 122, which has a larger opening area than the discharge port 102a and opens straightly relative to the accommodating portion 101a of the bag 101 in the longitudinal direction of the toner pack 100. This makes filling the toner easier, and the filling operation can be performed efficiently.

[0160] [Joint Structure of Nozzle Body and Coupling Member]

[0161] Will refer to Figure 24 Part (a) to Figure 34 Part (b) describes the engaging structure of the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 in the toner pack 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0162] Figure 24 Part (a) is a perspective view of a nozzle body of the toner pack according to the present embodiment. Figure 24 Part (b) is related to Figure 24 Part (a) is a perspective view of the nozzle body of the toner pack according to the present embodiment from different viewing angles. Figure 25 Part (a) is a view (plan view) of the nozzle body of the toner pack according to the present embodiment when viewed in a direction opposite to the insertion and removal direction with respect to the coupling member. Figure 25Part (b) is a view (bottom view) of the nozzle main body of the toner pack according to the present embodiment when viewed in the insertion and removal direction relative to the coupling member. Figure 26 Part (a) is a perspective view of a coupling member of the toner pack according to the present embodiment. Figure 26 Part (b) is related to Figure 26 Part (a) is a perspective view of the coupling member of the toner pack according to the present embodiment from different viewing angles. Figure 29 Part (a) is a side view showing a side of the nozzle body where the discharge port is provided. Figure 29 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the coupling member including the rotation axis of relative rotation between the nozzle body and the coupling member. Figure 29 Part (c) shows the nozzle body and Figure 29 A side view of the opposite side opposite to the side shown in part (a). Figure 29 Part (d) is a cross-sectional view of the coupling member including the rotation axis of relative rotation between the nozzle body and the coupling member.

[0163] like Figure 26 Part (a) of Figure 26 Part (b) of Figure 27 Part (a) of Figure 27 Part (b) of Figure 29 Part (b) and Figure 29 As shown in part (d) of the figure, the coupling member 122 is a generally annular member attached along the inner circumference of the opening 101b of the bag 101. The coupling member 122 includes an outer peripheral portion 122a corresponding in shape to the opening 101b of the bag 101, and a through-hole 122b for connecting the accommodating portion 101a of the bag 101 to the exterior when the coupling member 122 is coupled to the opening 101b of the bag 101. The coupling member 122 includes an opposing portion 122c, which is exposed to the exterior of the bag 101 along the mounting direction M when coupled to the opening 101b of the bag 101. The opposing portion 122c opposes the nozzle body 121 along the mounting direction M when the nozzle body 121 is coupled to the coupling member 122.

[0164] The opening 101b of the bag 101 is open in the installation direction M. When the coupling member 122 is coupled to the opening 101b, the coupling member 122 extends through the through-hole 122b along the installation direction M. In the aforementioned toner filling step, this through-hole 122b serves as a filling port for filling toner into the accommodating portion 101a of the bag 101. Furthermore, the through-hole 122b is formed by an inner circumferential surface 122d of the coupling member 122, which is oriented about an axis parallel to the installation direction M, and an engaging groove 124, described below. These components form an inserted portion 122e during assembly of the nozzle body 121 (the second assembly step), into which the insertion portion 121a of the nozzle body 121 is inserted.

[0165] like Figure 24 Part (a) of Figure 24 Part (b) of Figure 25 Part (a) of Figure 25 Part (b) of Figure 29 Part (a) and Figure 29 As shown in part (c) of the figure, the nozzle body 121 includes an insertion portion 121a, a mounted portion 121b, and a flange 121c. The insertion portion 121a is the portion of the nozzle body 121 that is inserted into the through-hole 122b of the coupling member 122. The mounted portion 121b is located on the opposite side of the insertion portion 121a, with the flange 121c interposed therebetween. This portion of the nozzle body 121 is mounted to the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1 when the toner pack 100 is mounted to the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, the mounted portion 121b is the portion exposed to the outside of the bag 101 when the nozzle body 121 is coupled to the coupling member 122 when the toner pack 100 is assembled. The mounted portion 121b is provided with the discharge port 102a and the protrusion 102b.

[0166] The flange 121c is provided between the insertion portion 121a and the mounted portion 121b, that is, located upstream relative to the insertion portion 121a in the insertion direction I of the insertion portion 121a into the through-hole 122b, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction I. The flange 121c includes an opposing surface serving as an abutment portion. When the insertion portion 121a is inserted into the through-hole 122b, the opposing surface opposes the opposing portion 122c of the coupling member 122 in the insertion direction I. When the insertion portion 121a is inserted into the through-hole 122b, the flange 121c abuts against the opposing portion 122c in the insertion direction I, thereby defining the insertion completion position of the nozzle body 121 relative to the coupling member 122.

[0167] Figure 34 Part (a) is a perspective cross-sectional view around the nozzle of the bag-nozzle assembly and is Figure 34 34A-34A cross-sectional view of portion (b). Figure 34Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the sealing member and is Figure 34 The cross-sectional view of part (a) is 34B-34B. Figure 34 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG1 , a sealing member 127 is provided in an annular manner around the outer periphery of the through-hole 122b between the flange 121c of the nozzle body 121 and the opposing portion 122c of the coupling member 122. The sealing member 127 is compressed between the flange 121c and the opposing portion 122c in the insertion direction I, thereby sealing the gap between the flange 121c and the opposing portion 122c and preventing toner leakage.

[0168] Reference Figure 24 Part (a) to Figure 26 Part (b) and Figure 29 Part (a) to Figure 33 In part (b), the coupling structure of the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 will be described in more detail.

[0169] Figure 30 Part (a) is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the inner engaging protrusion. Figure 30 Part (b) is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the engaged groove. Figure 31 Part (a) is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the inside of the opening portion of the coupling member attached to the bag is illustrated, illustrating only the inner engaging protrusion of the nozzle body, and shows a state in which the nozzle body is in an insertion completion position relative to the coupling member. Figure 31 Part (b) is Figure 31 31B-31B cross-sectional view of part (a). Figure 31 Part (c) is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing a state of being attached to the inside of the opening portion of the coupling member of the bag, illustrating only the inner engaging protrusion of the nozzle body, and shows a state when the nozzle body is in an engaging completion position relative to the coupling member. Figure 31 Part (d) is Figure 31 31D-31D cross-sectional view of part (c). Figure 32 Part (a) is an enlarged side view of the bag and the nozzle, showing the state of the second engaging structure (the outer engaging protrusion of the nozzle body and the engaged protrusion of the coupling member) when the nozzle body is in the insertion completion position. Figure 32 Part (b) is when viewed along the insertion direction Figure 32 Part (a) shows a view of the bag and nozzle (bottom view). Figure 32 Part (c) is an enlarged side view of the bag-nozzle assembly, showing the state of the second engaging structure (the outer engaging protrusion of the nozzle body and the engaged protrusion of the coupling member) when the nozzle body is in the engagement completion position. Figure 32Part (d) is when viewed along the insertion direction Figure 32 Part (c) shows a view of the bag-nozzle assembly (bottom view). Figure 33 Part (a) is an enlarged perspective view showing a state of the second engaging structure (the outer engaging protrusion of the nozzle body and the engaged protrusion of the coupling member) when the nozzle body is in the engagement completion position. Figure 33 Part (b) is an enlarged side view showing the state of the second engaging structure (the outer engaging protrusion of the nozzle body and the engaged protrusion of the coupling member) when the nozzle body is in the engagement completion position.

[0170] As described above, when the nozzle body 121 is assembled to the coupling member 122, after the nozzle body 121 is inserted into the coupling member 122 to the insertion completion position, the nozzle body 121 is rotated relative to the coupling member 122 about the rotation axis C in the rotation direction S. An engagement structure configured to engage with each other through rotation is provided between the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122, and the nozzle body 121 is coupled to the coupling member 122 by such an engagement structure. As the engagement structure for establishing such a coupled state, at least two engagement structures having different radial distances from the rotation axis C are provided between the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122.

[0171] like Figure 24 Part (a) to Figure 26 Part (b) and Figure 29 Part (a) to Figure 29As shown in part (d) of FIG. 1 , the nozzle body 121 includes an inner engaging protrusion 123 as an engaging portion (first engaging portion) provided radially inwardly about the rotation axis C, and an outer engaging protrusion 125 as a second engaging portion provided radially outwardly. Accordingly, the coupling member 122 includes an engaged groove 124 as an engaged portion (first engaged portion) and an engaged protrusion 126 as a second engaged portion. Incidentally, as described below, the nozzle body 121 includes four inner engaging protrusions (123), and these four inner engaging protrusions will be referred to as inner engaging protrusions 123 when not specifically distinguishing between them. On the other hand, among these four inner engaging protrusions, three inner engaging protrusions may be referred to as inner engaging protrusions 123A and the remaining one inner engaging protrusion may be referred to as inner engaging protrusion 123B in order to distinguish between the inner engaging protrusions 123A and 123B. Similarly, the coupling member 122 includes four engaged grooves (124), and when these four engaged grooves are not particularly distinguished, they will be described as engaged grooves 124. On the other hand, among these four engaged grooves, the three engaged grooves that engage with the inner engaging protrusion 123A can be described as engaged grooves 124A, and the one engaged groove that engages with the inner engaging protrusion 123B can be described as engaged groove 124B. The inner engaging protrusion 123 engages with the engaged groove 124, and the outer engaging protrusion 125 engages with the engaged protrusion 126. In other words, the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 form an engaging structure on the inner diameter side (a first engaging structure), and the outer engaging protrusion 125 and the engaged protrusion 126 form an engaging structure on the outer diameter side (a second engaging structure). During the relative rotation between the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 about the rotation axis C, both engaging structures are configured to be in an engaged state in which they engage with each other through an elastic deformation process. In such an engaged state, relative movement between the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 in the rotation axis direction is restricted.

[0172] [First Joint Structure]

[0173] The engagement structure (first engagement structure) formed by the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 has a so-called fixed assembly structure. After the nozzle body 121 reaches the insertion completion position and the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 rotate relative to each other, the relative rotation phases that can be adopted include a non-engaging phase, a deforming phase, and an engaging phase.

[0174] When the nozzle body 121 reaches the insertion completion position, the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 are in a non-engaged phase. As the nozzle body 121 rotates relative to the coupling member 122 in the rotational direction S, the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 move from the non-engaged phase to the engaged phase via the deformed phase. The inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 are configured to enter the engaged phase by elastically deforming at least one of the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 during the deformed phase.

[0175] When the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 are in the engaged phase, the nozzle body 121 is restricted from relative movement in the circumferential direction and in the direction of the rotational center axis relative to the coupling member 122. Once the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 reach the engaged phase, even if the nozzle body 121 attempts to rotate relative to the coupling member 122 in the direction (second direction) opposite to the rotational direction S (first direction), the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 will not return to the deformed phase and the non-engaged phase.

[0176] like Figure 24 Part (a) to Figure 25 As shown in part (b) of FIG1 , the inner engaging protrusion 123 protrudes radially from the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 121a of the nozzle body 121. When the nozzle body 121 is coupled to the coupling member 122, the inner engaging protrusion 123 spirally extends relative to the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 121a as it extends downstream in the rotational direction S of the nozzle body 121, thereby extending downstream in the insertion direction I of the insertion portion 121a into the through-hole 122b.

[0177] like Figure 29 Part (a) of Figure 29 Part (c) and Figure 30 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the inner engaging protrusion 123 includes a first side surface 123 d located on the front end side in the rotational direction S, a second side surface 123 e located on the rear end side in the rotational direction S, and a third side surface 123 f located on the rear end side in the insertion direction I. The first side surface 123 d and the second side surface 123 e are side surfaces extending along the insertion direction I, and the third side surface 123 f is a side surface extending along an inclined direction that is a direction inclined with respect to each of the insertion direction I and the rotational direction S, and the third side surface 123 f extends toward the downstream side in the insertion direction I as it extends toward the downstream side in the rotational direction S.

[0178] Furthermore, the inner engaging protrusion 123 includes a force-receiving surface 123b (first guided inclined surface) located between the first side surface 123d and the third side surface 123f. This force-receiving surface is a side surface inclined relative to each of the side surfaces. During the deformation phase, the force-receiving surface 123b is a surface for receiving pressure from the engaged groove 124. This causes deformation in at least one of the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124, allowing the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 to move relative to each other until the engaging phase is reached.

[0179] like Figure 26 Part (a) and Figure 26 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the engaged groove 124 is a groove provided inside the through-hole 122b of the coupling member 122 (that is, provided on the inner peripheral surface 122d forming the through-hole 122b). The engaged groove 124 is recessed radially outward relative to the inner peripheral surface 122d in the radial direction relative to the central axis of the inner peripheral surface 122d parallel to the insertion direction I.

[0180] like Figure 29 Part (b) of Figure 29 Part (d) and Figure 30 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the structure of the engaged groove 124 generally includes an insertion guide portion 124a, a deformation guide portion 124b, and an engagement retaining portion 124c. Figure 31 Part (a) to Figure 31 As shown in part (d), by the relative rotation of the nozzle body 121 with respect to the coupling member 122 in the rotation direction S, the inner engaging protrusion 123 introduced into the engaged groove 124 is guided from the insertion guide portion 124a to the engaging retaining portion 124c by contacting with the force applying surface of the deformation guide portion 124b.

[0181] The insertion guide portion 124a includes an insertion opening at an end surface of the opposing portion 122c of the coupling member 122 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction I, the insertion opening being open in a direction parallel to the insertion direction I. The insertion guide portion 124a extends from the insertion opening in the insertion direction I, and guides the inner engaging protrusion 123 by pulling the inner engaging protrusion 123 in the insertion direction I when the insertion portion 121a of the nozzle body 121 is inserted into the through-hole 122b.

[0182] In the engaged groove 124, the front side of the insertion guide portion 124a (the downstream side in the insertion direction I) extends in the rotation direction S, and the deformation guide portion 124b is provided in front of the engagement retention portion 124c. The deformation guide portion 124b has a structure that protrudes toward the downstream side of the engagement retention portion 124c in the insertion direction I, and as part of the groove side surface of the engaged groove 124, includes a first inclined surface 124b1 and a second inclined surface 124b2 that serve as a force application surface (first guide inclined surface).

[0183] The first inclined surface 124b1 and the second inclined surface 124b2 are configured so that the inclination angle of the direction of guiding the inner engaging protrusion 123 with respect to the circumferential direction gradually decreases. Figure 30 As shown in part (b) of FIG, the first and second inclined surfaces 124b1, 124b2 are groove-side surfaces extending in a direction oblique to each of the insertion direction I and the rotational direction S. These surfaces extend in an oblique direction toward the downstream side of the insertion direction I as they extend toward the downstream side of the rotational direction S. The first and second inclined surfaces 124b1, 124b2 oppose the force-bearing surface 123b of the inner engaging protrusion 123 in the deformation phase, respectively, in directions opposite to the insertion direction I and the rotational direction S. The first inclined surface 124b1 guides the inner engaging protrusion 123 first, followed by the second inclined surface 124b2. The second inclined surface 124b2 is configured so that its angle relative to the circumferential direction is smaller than that of the first inclined surface 124b1.

[0184] In the inner engaging protrusion 123, the force-bearing surface 123b contacts the first inclined surface 124b1 due to movement in the rotational direction S caused by the relative rotation between the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122. Due to the pressing force generated between the force-bearing surface 123b and the first inclined surface 124b1, at least one of the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 is deformed. As a result, the inner engaging protrusion 123 abuts against the deformation guide 124b of the engaged groove 124, causing relative displacement toward the downstream side in the insertion direction I.

[0185] As the force-bearing surface 123b and the first inclined surface 124b1 slide relative to each other, and as the relative rotation between the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 further advances, the inner engaging protrusion 123 is brought into contact with the deformation guide 124b on the downstream side of the insertion direction I. In other words, the third side surface 123f of the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the second inclined surface 124b2 of the deformation guide 124b of the engaged groove 124 are brought into contact and slide. Due to the pressing force generated between the force-bearing surface 123b and the second inclined surface 124b2, at least one of the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 is deformed, and the inner engaging protrusion 123 is relatively displaced further toward the downstream side of the insertion direction I by abutting against the deformation guide 124b of the engaged groove 124.

[0186] As the relative rotation between the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 further advances from this state, the inner engaging protrusion 123 moves in the rotation direction S toward the downstream side of the deformation guide 124b, and the pressing force is released. As a result, the inner engaging protrusion 123 is released from its deformed state and relatively displaced relative to the engaged groove 124 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction I. In other words, due to the deformation of at least one of the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124, the inner engaging protrusion 123 moves relative to the engaged groove 124 in the rotation direction S, thereby passing over the deformation guide 124b and completing the movement to be seated in the engagement retaining portion 124c. As a result, the relative rotational phase between the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 changes from the deformation phase to the engagement phase.

[0187] The engagement retaining portion 124c is configured so that the groove width of the engaged groove 124 in the insertion direction I becomes wider relative to the deformation guiding portion 124b in the direction opposite to the insertion direction I. The elastic deformation of the inner engaging protrusion 123 or the engaged groove 124 generated in the deformation phase is released by the transition to the engagement phase in the relative rotation phase therebetween, and the inner engaging protrusion 123 is accommodated in the engagement retaining portion 124c.

[0188] With respect to the inner engaging protrusion 123 in the engaged phase, the engagement retaining portion 124c includes, along the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface 122d, a first groove-side surface 124d facing in the direction opposite to the rotational direction S, and a second groove-side surface 124e facing in the rotational direction S. The first groove-side surface 124d is a groove-side surface extending in the insertion direction I and serves as a first circumferential restriction portion, facing the first side surface 123d of the inner engaging protrusion 123 in the direction opposite to the rotational direction S. The second groove-side surface 124e is also a groove-side surface extending in the insertion direction I and serves as a second circumferential restriction portion, facing the second side surface 123e of the inner engaging protrusion 123 in the rotational direction S.

[0189] The circumferentially opposed surfaces between the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaging retaining portion 124c restrict relative rotational movement between the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 during the engagement phase. Ideally, the circumferentially opposed surfaces between the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaging retaining portion 124c face each other with no gap, but they can be configured to face each other with a slight gap. In other words, as long as the permissible range of relative rotation after the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 engage within a range that does not affect the function of the toner pack 100, a loosely fitted engagement can be employed.

[0190] Furthermore, the engagement retaining portion 124c further includes a third groove side surface 124f that is opposed to the inner engaging protrusion 123 in the engagement phase in the insertion direction I. The third groove side surface 124f is a groove side surface extending in directions inclined with respect to the insertion direction I and the rotational direction S, respectively, corresponds to the third side surface 123f of the inner engaging protrusion 123, and extends in an inclined direction extending toward the downstream side in the insertion direction I as it extends toward the downstream side in the rotational direction S.

[0191] By contacting the third groove side surface 124f, which serves as the anti-insertion direction restricting portion, with the third side surface 123f of the inner engaging protrusion 123 in the engaged phase in the insertion direction I, the relative movement of the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 in the anti-insertion direction, which is opposite to the insertion direction I, is restricted. In contrast, as described above, by abutting the flange 121c of the nozzle body 121 along the anti-insertion direction of the opposing portion 122c of the coupling member 122, which serves as the insertion direction restricting portion, in the anti-insertion direction, the relative movement of the nozzle body 121 with respect to the coupling member 122 in the insertion direction I is restricted. Thus, the relative movement of the nozzle body 121 with respect to the coupling member 122 in both the insertion direction I and the anti-insertion direction is restricted.

[0192] The third groove side surface 124f is inclined so as to push the inner engaging protrusion 123 toward the downstream side in the insertion direction I as it extends toward the downstream side in the rotation direction S. Due to the wedge effect of this inclined structure, the relative movement between the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 is further restricted, and the contact tightness between the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 in the insertion direction I is enhanced. In other words, dimensional errors between the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 can be absorbed, and stable, close contact can be achieved.

[0193] Multiple inner engaging protrusions 123 are provided at different circumferential positions on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 121a (at different phases around the central axis of the insertion portion 121a). In this embodiment, they are provided at four equally spaced locations along the circumferential direction. Corresponding to the inner engaging protrusions 123, the engaged grooves 124 are also provided at four equally spaced locations along the circumferential direction. Incidentally, the number of locations where the engaging structure consisting of the inner engaging protrusions 123 and the engaged grooves 124 can be provided is not limited to four, but can be three or fewer or five or more.

[0194] In this embodiment, as a mechanism to prevent the nozzle body 121 from being incorrectly mounted on the coupling member 122, only one of the four sets of engagement structures is positioned differently in the insertion direction I than the other sets. In other words, the position of one of the four inner engagement projections 123, inner engagement projection 123B, is set to be displaced downstream in the insertion direction I relative to the positions of the other three inner engagement projections 123A. Accordingly, the position of the engagement retaining portion 124c in the engaged groove 124B corresponding to inner engagement projection 123B is set to be displaced downstream in the insertion direction I relative to the positions of the engagement retaining portions 124c in the other three engaged grooves 124A. Consequently, the nozzle body 121 cannot be assembled to the coupling member 122 unless the relative phase of the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 with respect to the insertion direction I is such that the inner engagement projection 123B and the engaged groove 124B are aligned. Therefore, the phase (direction) of the nozzle body 121 relative to the coupling member 122 with respect to the insertion direction I when engaged with the coupling member 122 , that is, the phase of the nozzle body 121 relative to the bag 101 with respect to the insertion direction I becomes constant (determined as one posture).

[0195] Incidentally, the structure for preventing incorrect installation is not limited to the above-mentioned structure. For example, for the displacement mode of the position between the inner side engaging protrusion 123A and the inner side engaging protrusion 123B in the insertion direction I, it can be constructed so that the inner side engaging protrusion 123B is displaced toward the upstream side of the insertion direction I relative to the inner side engaging protrusion 123A. In addition, for example, the position of two adjacent inner side engaging protrusions 123 in the insertion direction I can be set to be different from that of the other two inner side engaging protrusions. In addition, three or less or five or more inner side engaging protrusions 123 can be provided, and in such a case, the combination of the inner side engaging protrusion 123A and the inner side engaging protrusion 123B can be arbitrarily combined as long as the function of preventing incorrect installation is obtained. In addition, the displacement mode of the position of the inner side engaging protrusion 123 in the insertion direction I is not limited to two steps as described in the present embodiment, but can be constructed into three or more steps in different ways.

[0196] In this embodiment, the engaging protrusion is provided on the nozzle body 121 and the engaging groove is provided on the coupling member 122. However, it is also possible to configure the engaging protrusion to be provided on the coupling member 122 and the engaging groove to be provided on the nozzle body 121. However, in the latter configuration, since it becomes a configuration in which the engaging groove provided in the nozzle body 121 communicates with the accommodating portion 101a of the bag 101, it may be necessary to consider a sealing structure so that such engaging components do not cause a toner leakage path.

[0197] [Second bonding structure]

[0198] The engaging structure (second engaging structure) formed by the outer engaging protrusion 125 (third protrusion) and the engaged protrusion 126 (second protrusion) also has a so-called fixed assembly structure. After the nozzle body 121 reaches the insertion completion position, the outer engaging protrusion 125 and the engaged protrusion 126 can adopt a non-engaging phase, a deforming phase, and an engaging phase as the two rotate relative to each other.

[0199] When the nozzle body 121 reaches the insertion completion position, the outer engaging protrusion 125 and the engaged protrusion 126 are in a non-engaged phase. As the nozzle body 121 rotates relative to the coupling member 122 in the rotational direction S, the outer engaging protrusion 125 and the engaged protrusion 126 move from the non-engaged phase to the engaged phase via the deformed phase. The outer engaging protrusion 125 and the engaged protrusion 126 are configured to enter the engaged phase by elastically deforming at least one of the outer engaging protrusion 125 and the engaged protrusion 126 during the deformed phase.

[0200] When the outer engaging protrusion 125 and the engaged protrusion 126 are in the engaged phase, the nozzle body 121 is restricted from relative movement in the circumferential direction and relative movement along the rotational center axis relative to the coupling member 122. Once the outer engaging protrusion 125 and the engaged protrusion 126 reach the engaged phase, even if the nozzle body 121 attempts to rotate relative to the coupling member 122 in a direction opposite to the rotational direction S, the outer engaging protrusion 125 and the engaged protrusion 126 will not return to the deformed phase and the non-engaged phase unless some external force (e.g., an external force that deforms the outer engaging protrusion 125 or the engaged protrusion 126) is applied.

[0201] like Figure 24 Part (a) to Figure 25 Part (b) and Figure 32 Part (a) to Figure 32 As shown in section (d) of the figure, the outer engaging protrusion 125 protrudes radially from the outer peripheral end of the flange 121c of the nozzle body 121 and has a generally triangular wing shape. Specifically, the outer engaging protrusion 125 protrudes in the rotational direction S (i.e., the relative rotational direction of the nozzle body 121 with respect to the coupling member 122), such that the radial protrusion height increases as it extends in the direction opposite to the rotational direction S.

[0202] like Figure 33 Part (a) and Figure 33As shown in part (b) of FIG, the outer engaging protrusion 125 includes a force-bearing surface 125a, a sliding surface 125b, and an engaging surface 125c. The force-bearing surface 125a (second guided inclined surface) is the front end surface of the outer engaging protrusion 125 in the rotational direction S, and is an inclined surface that inclines in the outer radial direction as it moves toward the upstream side of the rotational direction S and extends along the insertion direction I. The sliding surface 125b is the end surface of the outer engaging protrusion 125 on the downstream side of the insertion direction I, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction I. The engaging surface 125c is the rear end surface of the outer engaging protrusion 125 in the rotational direction S, and extends in the insertion direction I and the radial direction.

[0203] like Figure 24 Part (a) to Figure 25 Part (b) and Figure 32 Part (a) to Figure 32 As shown in part (d) of FIG, the engaged protrusion 126 is a protrusion having a generally triangular rib shape, which protrudes from the opposing portion 122 c of the coupling member 122 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction I. Specifically, the engaged protrusion 126 is provided outside the outer periphery of the flange 121 c of the nozzle body 121 in the radial direction, and protrudes such that its protruding height in the counter-insertion direction opposite to the insertion direction I becomes higher as it extends toward the rotational direction S, which is the relative rotational direction of the nozzle body 121 with respect to the coupling member 122.

[0204] like Figure 33 Part (a) and Figure 33 As shown in part (b) of the figure, the engaged protrusion 126 includes a force-applying surface 126a, a sliding surface 126b, and an engaged surface 126c. The force-applying surface 126a (second guide slope) is an inclined surface on the upstream side of the engaged protrusion 126 in the rotational direction S. It is an inclined surface extending radially along a direction (inclined so that the protrusion height from the opposing portion 122c in the anti-insertion direction increases as it extends downstream in the rotational direction S). The sliding surface 126b is the end surface of the engaged protrusion 126 on the upstream side of the insertion direction I and extends in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction I. The engaged surface 126c is the end surface of the engaged protrusion 126 on the downstream side of the rotational direction S and extends in the insertion direction I and the radial direction.

[0205] In the outer engaging protrusion 125, the force-receiving surface 125a contacts the force-exerting surface 126a due to movement in the rotational direction S caused by the relative rotation between the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122. The pressing force generated between the force-receiving surface 125a and the force-exerting surface 126a causes at least one of the outer engaging protrusion 125 and the engaged protrusion 126 to deform, causing the outer engaging protrusion 125 to be relatively displaced relative to the engaged protrusion 126 toward the upstream side of the insertion direction I.

[0206] As the relative rotation between the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 further advances while the force receiving surface 125a and the force applying surface 126a slide relative to each other, a state is reached in which the outer engaging protrusion 125 straddles the engaged protrusion 126 on the upstream side in the insertion direction I. In other words, a state is reached in which the sliding surface 125b of the outer engaging protrusion 125 opposes, contacts, and slides on the sliding surface 126b of the engaged protrusion 126 in the insertion direction I.

[0207] As the relative rotation between the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 further advances from this state, the outer engaging protrusion 125 moves downstream from the engaged protrusion 126 in the rotational direction S, and the pressing force is released. As a result, the outer engaging protrusion 125 is released from its deformed state and displaced relative to the engaged protrusion 126 in the insertion direction I. In other words, as the outer engaging protrusion 125 passes over the engaged protrusion 126, it deforms, causing it to move downstream relative to the engaged protrusion 126 in the rotational direction S. This results in a state where the engaging surface 125c of the outer engaging protrusion 125, serving as the fourth circumferential restriction, opposes the engaged surface 126c of the engaged protrusion 126, serving as the third circumferential restriction, in the direction opposite to the rotational direction S. As a result, relative rotation of the nozzle body 121 relative to the coupling member 122 in the direction opposite to the rotational direction S is restricted. That is, the relative rotation phase between the outer engaging protrusion 125 and the engaged protrusion 126 changes from the deformation phase to the engaging phase.

[0208] Multiple second engagement structures, consisting of outer engagement protrusions 125 and engaged protrusions 126, are arranged at different circumferential positions (at different phases around the central axis of the insertion portion 121a) around the rotation axis C for relative rotation between the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122. In this embodiment, the second engagement structures are provided at two circumferential positions. Incidentally, the number of second engagement structures provided is not limited to two, but may be one or three or more.

[0209] According to the first engagement structure described above, the relative movement of the nozzle body 121 with respect to the coupling member 122 can be restricted in both the insertion direction I and the opposite direction (i.e., the counter-insertion direction (extraction direction)). Furthermore, relative rotational movement between the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 about the rotation axis along the insertion direction I can also be restricted. Relative rotation is also restricted by the second engagement structure, and by virtue of this restriction of relative rotation, the relative movement of the nozzle body 121 with respect to the coupling member 122 in both the insertion and removal directions is also restricted.

[0210] Furthermore, compared to the second engagement structure, the first engagement structure, which restricts relative movement in the insertion and removal directions, as well as relative rotational movement, is positioned radially inward about the axis of relative rotation. This reduces the rotational torque required to achieve engagement compared to other arrangements (e.g., where the radial arrangements of the first and second engagement structures are reversed). In particular, the force required to cause deformation and thereby allow the inner engagement protrusion 123 to pass over the deformation guide 124b can be reduced, facilitating assembly.

[0211] The first engaging structure, consisting of the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124, is designed to remain hidden from view after the nozzle body 121 is assembled. Specifically, the first engaging structure is positioned inside the through-hole 122b of the inserted portion 122e of the coupling member 122. Furthermore, the insertion portion 121a and flange 121c of the nozzle body 121 serve as a covering portion that covers the engaging portion of the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 from the outside. This effectively limits access to the first engaging structure from the outside, and the engaged state of the first engaging structure is permanently maintained unless damaged. Incidentally, external visibility of the first engaging structure is not a concern, as long as the structure effectively limits access to the first engaging structure. In other words, even if the engaging portion of the first engaging structure is visible through a small gap, the effectiveness of the present invention is not affected as long as the gap is large enough to limit user access to the first engaging structure.

[0212] In this embodiment, the timing of the first engagement structure (i.e., the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124) being engaged coincides with the timing of the second engagement structure (i.e., the outer engaging protrusion 125 and the engaged protrusion 126). While the first engagement structure is not exposed to the outside, the second engagement structure is located outside the inserted portion 122e of the coupling member 122 and is exposed to the outside. Therefore, by checking the engagement state of the second engagement structure, the engagement state of the first engagement structure, which is not visible from the outside, can be indirectly checked.

[0213] [Modification of the First Engagement Structure]

[0214] Reference Figure 35 Part (a) to Figure 36 Part (d) will describe a modification of the first bonding structure.

[0215] Incidentally, in the modification of the first joining structure, the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment are used for the same structures as those in the above-described embodiment.

[0216] Figure 35 Part (a) is a side view showing a side of the nozzle body on which the discharge port is provided in a modification example of the first joint structure. Figure 35 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the coupling member including the rotation axis of relative rotation between the nozzle body and the coupling member. Figure 35 Part (c) shows the nozzle body and the nozzle body in a modified example of the first joint structure. Figure 35 A side view of the opposite side opposite to the side shown in part (a). Figure 35 Part (d) is a cross-sectional view of the coupling member including the rotation axis of relative rotation between the nozzle body and the coupling member. Figure 36 Part (a) is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the nozzle body is attached to the inside of the opening portion of the coupling member of the bag in a modified example of the first coupling structure, illustrating only the inner engaging protrusion of the nozzle body, and shows the state when the nozzle body is in an insertion completion position relative to the coupling member. Figure 36 Part (b) is Figure 36 In a modification of the first bonding structure, Figure 36 Part (c) is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the nozzle body is attached to the inside of the opening portion of the coupling member of the bag in a modification example of the first coupling structure, and illustrates only the inner engaging protrusion of the nozzle body, and shows the state when the nozzle body is in the engagement completion position relative to the coupling member. Figure 36 Part (d) is Figure 36 36D-36D cross-sectional view of part (c).

[0217] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the inner engaging protrusion 123 is constructed as an inclined protrusion extending in a spiral shape, however, the form of the inner engaging protrusion 123 is not limited to such a structure. For example, the third side surface 123f2 can be a surface extending perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotation direction S, rather than an inclined surface inclined relative to each of the insertion direction I and the rotation direction S as the third side surface 123f in the above-mentioned embodiment. In other words, as the overall shape of the inner engaging protrusion 1232, it can be constructed in a form extending in the circumferential direction. In this case, the third groove side surface 124f2 opposite to the third side surface 123f2 in the engaging retaining portion 124c of the engaged groove 1242 can also be constructed as a surface extending perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotation direction S.

[0218] [Materials used for various components of the toner pack]

[0219] Next, we will use Figure 37 and Figure 38 Materials used for the respective components of the toner pack 100 are described. Figure 37 is an exploded perspective view showing the toner pack 100 . Figure 38 1 is an exploded front view showing the toner pack 100 .

[0220] like Figure 37 and Figure 38 As shown, the toner pack 100 is mainly composed of a bag 101, a coupling member 122, a sealing member 127, a nozzle body 121 and a pack side shutter 103. Figure 37 The sealing member 127 is not shown.

[0221] The nozzle body 121 and the bag side baffle 103 are primarily composed of resin and are formed by injection molding or the like. The sealing member 127 is formed from polyurethane foam, which is produced by foaming polyurethane. Therefore, the sealing member 127 is flexible and resilient, and seals the gap between the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 by being compressed between the two.

[0222] The main component of the bag 101 and the coupling member 122 is paper. For example, even if materials other than paper are mixed in the bag 101 and the coupling member 122, as long as the main material (for example, more than 50% of the total mass) of the materials constituting the bag 101 and the coupling member 122 is paper, the bag 101 and the coupling member 122 can be said to be mainly composed of paper. In other words, the main material of the bag 101 and the coupling member 122 is paper, and the bag 101 and the coupling member 122 include multiple sheets of paper and an adhesive layer that adheres the multiple sheets of paper. The adhesive layer may contain materials other than paper. The bag 101 is manufactured, for example, by joining multiple sheets of paper together using heat fusion to form a bag shape.

[0223] In this manner, the toner pack 100 can be divided into Figure 37 and Figure 38 The dashed line BL1 shown defines two parts: the bag 101 and the coupling member 122, which are paper components mainly made of paper; and the sealing member 127, the nozzle body 121 and the bag side dam 103, which are resin components mainly made of resin.

[0224] In recent years, products with low environmental impact have been highly anticipated, and as part of this trend, improving recyclability has become a topic of discussion. In particular, for consumables such as toner pack 100, products with high recyclability are desired. Generally speaking, paper can be recycled through a relatively simple process; for example, used paper products can be converted back into pulp, which can then be used to make recycled paper. On the other hand, the recycling of resin materials is more complex than that of paper. Therefore, by adding paper components, the recyclability of toner pack 100 can be improved. Therefore, in this embodiment, the recyclability of toner pack 100 is improved by constructing the main components of bag 101 and connecting member 122 into paper.

[0225] [Detailed structure of connecting member]

[0226] Next, we will use Figure 39 Part (a) to Figure 42 The detailed structure of the coupling member 122 is described. Figure 39 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the coupling member 122, and Figure 39 Part (b) is another perspective view showing the coupling member 122 . Figure 40 Part (a) is a front view showing the coupling member 122 , Figure 40 Part (b) is a left side view showing the coupling member 122, and Figure 40 Part (c) is a right side view showing the coupling member 122 . Figure 40 Part (d) is a plan view showing the coupling member 122, and Figure 40 Part (e) is a bottom view showing the coupling member 122 . Figure 41 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling member 122 , Figure 41 Part (b) shows Figure 40 A cross-sectional view of section 41B-41B of part (a), and Figure 41 Part (c) shows Figure 40 Section (a) is a cross-sectional view of section 41C-41C. Figure 42 is an exploded perspective view showing the coupling member 122 .

[0227] like Figure 39 Part (a) to Figure 42 As shown, the coupling member 122 is composed of a plurality of stacked sheets of paper. More specifically, the coupling member 122 is attached to the opening portion 101b of the bag 101 and is formed by a plurality of sheets of paper stacked together. Figure 10 In this embodiment, the coupling member 122 is composed of four stacked sheets of paper S1 to S4.

[0228] By the way, Figures 37 to 45 The illustrated coupling member 122 (in which the papers S1 to S4 are stacked) further includes the above-mentioned engaged groove 124 and engaged protrusion 126, and these engaged groove 124 and engaged protrusion 126 are engaged with the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the outer engaging protrusion 125 of the nozzle body 121, respectively. Figures 37 to 45 The structure in which the coupling member 122 is assembled to the bag 101 and the nozzle body 121 is as described above.

[0229] In addition, Figures 37 to 45 In the embodiment, the coupling member 122 does not include the engaged protrusion 126 that engages with the outer engaging protrusion 125 provided on the nozzle body 121. The following description refers to the engagement structure formed by the inner engaging protrusion 123 and the engaged groove 124 (i.e., the first engagement structure), but does not refer to the engagement structure formed by the outer engaging protrusion 125 and the engaged protrusion 126 (i.e., the second engagement structure). Furthermore, the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 do not need to have the outer engaging protrusion 125 and the engaged protrusion 126, respectively.

[0230] The papers S1 to S4 forming the coupling member 122 have different shapes, respectively. In particular, the papers S1 to S4 differ from each other in the shape of the portion forming the inner peripheral surface 122d. This is because the engaged groove 124 as described above is formed in the inner peripheral surface 122d of the coupling member 122. In the present embodiment, the engaged groove 124 is formed by these portions of the papers S1 to S4 having different shapes from each other. In other words, at least a portion of the engaged groove 124 is formed by portions of the paper S1, which is a first paper having a first shape, and the paper S2, which is a second paper having a second shape different from the first shape, which are different from each other. Incidentally, in the end face of the paper S4 located on the nozzle body 121 side, an engaged protrusion 126 (see Figure 26 (b) of the .

[0231] like Figure 42As shown, the coupling member 122 includes sheets S1 to S4 and adhesive layers AD1 to AD3 that bond adjacent sheets S1 to S4. More specifically, the adhesive layer AD1 bonds adjacent sheets S1 and S2. The adhesive layer AD2 bonds adjacent sheets S2 and S3. The adhesive layer AD3 bonds adjacent sheets S3 and S4.

[0232] The shapes of the adhesive layers AD1 to AD3 also vary, corresponding to the shapes of the two sheets of paper to be bonded. Adhesive layers AD1 to AD3 are composed of, for example, double-sided tape, an adhesive such as hot melt adhesive, or a thermoplastic resin for heat fusion bonding. In any case, the volume of adhesive layers AD1 to AD3 is sufficiently small compared to the volume of the sheets S1 to S4, and the main component of the coupling member 122 is paper.

[0233] In addition, in this embodiment, the sheets S1 to S4 have different shapes, but are not limited thereto. For example, some of the multiple sheets of paper constituting the coupling member 122 may have the same shape. In addition, the multiple adhesive layers that bond the multiple sheets of paper may also include adhesive layers having the same shape.

[0234] [Torsional rigidity of coupling member and bag]

[0235] Next, we will use Figure 43 Part (a) to Figure 44 Part (c) describes the torsional rigidity of the coupling member 122 and the bag 101 . Figure 43 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the coupling member 122 , Figure 43 Part (b) shows Figure 44 Section (a) is a cross-sectional view of section 43B-43B. Figure 44 Part (a) is a front view showing the toner pack 100 , Figure 44 Part (b) shows Figure 44 A cross-sectional view of section 44B-44B of part (a), Figure 44 Part (c) shows Figure 44 Section (a) is a cross-sectional view of section 44C-44C.

[0236] Generally, the second polar moment of area (polar moment of inertia) is known as a parameter associated with torsional rigidity. Below, the second polar moment of area of ​​bag 101 and the second polar moment of area of ​​coupling member 122 will be described. Since both bag 101 and coupling member 122 are primarily composed of paper, it can be said that a higher second polar moment of area indicates higher torsional rigidity.

[0237] When the cross-sectional shape is not circular, the second polar moment of the cross section I in the XY cross section (a cross section parallel to the X-axis and Y-axis perpendicular to each other) is pIt is expressed by the following formula (1).

[0238] I p = I x + I y … (1)

[0239] I x is the second polar moment of the area associated with the X-axis, I y is the second polar moment of the area associated with the Y-axis.

[0240] Figure 43 Part (b) is a cross section of the coupling member 122 perpendicular to the axial direction D1, and it is assumed that it is a cross section of the coupling member 122 having the smallest polar moment of cross section. The axial direction D1 is an arrangement direction in which the bag 101 and the nozzle body 121 are arranged. At this time, Figure 43 The second polar moment I of the cross section 43B-43B of the coupling member 122 shown in part (b) is p It is expressed by the following formula (2).

[0241] I p = 1.66 × 10 ^ 5 [mm 4 ]… (2)

[0242] like Figure 44 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 , the cross section 44B-44B does not include the coupling member 122 and is a cross section closer to the opening 101b of the bag 101. Then, the second polar moment of area I at this cross section of the accommodation portion 101a of the bag 101 is p It is expressed by the following formula (3).

[0243] I p = 9.9 × 10 ^ 3 [mm 4 ]… (3)

[0244] In addition, if Figure 44 As shown in parts (a) and (c) of FIG. 1 , the cross section 44C-44C is a cross section at a position 20 mm away from the end surface 122p of the coupling member 122 toward the opposite side of the opening 101b of the bag 101. The second polar moment of area I at this cross section of the container 101a of the bag 101 is p It is expressed by the following formula (4).

[0245] I p = 1.2 × 10 ^ 4 [mm 4 ]… (4)

[0246] The second polar moments of area expressed in formulas (3) and (4) are both the second polar moments of area of ​​the bag 101 near the opening 101b. In other words, the position 20 mm away from the end face 122p of the coupling member 122 toward the distal end 101t of the bag 101 can be said to be near the opening 101b. In other words, the area within 20 mm from the end face 122p of the coupling member 122 toward the distal end 101t is near the opening 101b. Incidentally, for example, the area within X mm from the end face 122p toward the distal end 101t can be defined as near the opening 101b, and X mm can be set to 1 / 5 of the total length of the bag 101 in the axial direction d1. Furthermore, in the axial direction D1, the position of the first cross section 43B-43B is defined as the first position, and the position of the second cross section 44C-44C is defined as the second position. The first position is a position closer to the opening 101b than the second position in the axial direction D1. The second position is, for example, 20 mm away from the end surface 122p toward the distal end 101t or 1 / 5 of the total length of the bag 101. At this time, the second polar moment of area of ​​the coupling member 122 at the first position is greater than the second polar moment of area of ​​the bag 101 at the second position.

[0247] As can be seen from equations (2) to (4) above, in this embodiment, the minimum polar moment of cross-section of coupling member 122 in a cross section perpendicular to axial direction D1 is greater than the polar moment of cross-section of bag 101 near opening 101b. In other words, the torsional rigidity of coupling member 122 is greater than the torsional rigidity of bag 101 near opening 101b. This is because coupling member 122, composed of multiple sheets S1 to S4 stacked in axial direction D1, thickens in a direction perpendicular to axial direction D1 and has high rigidity.

[0248] [Separation of the coupling member and the nozzle body]

[0249] Next, we will use Figure 45 Separation of the coupling member 122 and the nozzle body 121 will be described. Figure 45 This is an exploded perspective view showing the coupling member and nozzle body separated. When toner pack 100 is in use, coupling member 122 and nozzle body 121 are engaged via the first and second engagement structures described above. These first and second engagement structures form a so-called fixed assembly, and during normal use, coupling member 122 and nozzle body 121 do not separate.

[0250] On the other hand, it is desirable to store the toner pack 100 which has exhausted the developer contained therein. Figure 37 and Figure 38The toner pack 100 is separated at the dotted line BL1 for easy recycling. This is because, as described above, the toner pack 100 can be separated into two parts defined by the dotted line BL1, namely, the bag 101 and the coupling member 122 as paper components, and the sealing member 127, the nozzle body 121, and the pack side shutter 103 as resin components.

[0251] like Figure 28 As described in parts (a) and (b), after nozzle body 121 is inserted into coupling member 122 along insertion direction I, it is coupled to coupling member 122 by rotating it about rotation axis C in rotation direction S. To detach nozzle body 121 from coupling member 122, for example, an operator (including a user or maintenance personnel) grasps nozzle body 121 or package side baffle 103 with one hand and grasps the area near opening 101b with the other hand. The operator then rotates (relatively rotates) nozzle body 121 relative to coupling member 122 about rotation axis C in a direction opposite to rotation direction S. This deforms at least one of the engaged groove 124 of coupling member 122 and the inner engaging protrusion 123 of nozzle body 121, releasing the engagement between them. Similarly, the second engagement structure also releases engagement. This allows coupling member 122 and nozzle body 121 to be detached from each other.

[0252] Incidentally, deformation of at least one of the engaged groove 124 and the inner engaging protrusion 123 may include elastic deformation, plastic deformation, and / or fracture. In other words, the operator needs to apply a strong force sufficient to deform at least one of the engaged groove 124 and the inner engaging protrusion 123 in order to rotate the nozzle body 121 relative to the coupling member 122 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction S. As described above, the torsional rigidity of the coupling member 122 is greater than that of the bag 101 near the opening 101b. Therefore, the operator can apply a strong force to the coupling member 122 by firmly gripping the bag 101 near the opening 101b. This allows the operator's hand force to be reliably transmitted to the coupling member 122, improving operability when the nozzle body 121 is rotated relative to the coupling member 122 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction S. Furthermore, the bag 101 and coupling member 122 are coupled with a sufficiently strong coupling force to prevent them from falling apart when the nozzle body 121 and coupling member 122 are separated.

[0253] Incidentally, in the above example, the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 are separated by rotating the nozzle body 121 relative to the coupling member 122 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction S, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the nozzle body 121 can rotate relative to the coupling member 122 in the rotation direction S. Furthermore, the coupling member 122 can rotate relative to the nozzle body 121 about the rotation axis C in the rotation direction S or in a direction opposite to the rotation direction S.

[0254] Furthermore, for example, if an operator grips the nozzle body 121 or the bag side guard 103 with one hand and holds it closer to the distal end 101t than to the coupling member 122 of the bag 101, even when the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 are relatively rotated about the rotation axis C, the flexible bag 101 will be twisted, and the force of the operator's hand will not be well transmitted to the coupling member 122. This is because the torsional rigidity near the opening 101b of the bag 101 is lower than that of the coupling member 122. Therefore, when separating the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122, the operator is advised to grip the bag 101 with one hand by the coupling member 122.

[0255] By separating the coupling member 122 and the nozzle body 121 as described above, the paper components of the bag 101 and the coupling member 122 can be separated from the resin components of the sealing member 127, the nozzle body 121, and the bag side guard 103. This improves recyclability. Incidentally, by separating the coupling member 122 and the nozzle body 121, the sealing member 127 remains attached to either the coupling member 122 or the nozzle body 121. However, even if the sealing member 127 remains attached to the coupling member 122, it can be easily separated from the coupling member 122.

[0256] Furthermore, by constructing the coupling member 122 by stacking the papers S1 to S4, a complex shape such as the engaged groove 124 can be easily formed, and the manufacturing cost of the coupling member 122 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the coupling member 122 is thicker than the bag 101, the torsional rigidity (second polar moment of area) of the coupling member 122 can be increased, and the operability when separating the coupling member 122 and the nozzle body 121 can be improved.

[0257] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the bag 101 is made of paper, it can be easily engraved on the surface of the bag 101 using a general-purpose laser. This eliminates the need to manufacture bags 101 with different designs for different delivery destinations. By engraving the surface of the bag 101 with a general-purpose laser in a subsequent process, multiple delivery destinations can be accommodated. This reduces the number of component types, and can lower component costs and production management costs.

[0258] <Second embodiment>

[0259] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, the second embodiment is an embodiment in which the structure of the edge portions 131 to 134 of the bag 101 in the first embodiment is modified from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, for the same structure (configuration) as that in the first embodiment, illustration in the drawings will be omitted, or the same reference numerals will be attached in the drawings.

[0260] Figure 46 is a perspective view showing a bag 2101 according to the second embodiment. Figure 47 Part (a) shows Figure 46 A cross-sectional view of section 47A-47A, Figure 47 Part (b) shows Figure 46 A cross-sectional view of section 47B-47B. Figure 48 Part (a) is an enlarged view showing the edge portion 132 .

[0261] In the bag 101 of the first embodiment, the edge of the bag 101 is formed by two sheets of overlapping paper joined by heat welding or the like. However, because paper is weaker than, for example, a polypropylene sheet, the edge of the bag 101 may be torn when the toner (developer) is discharged from the discharge port 102a while the bag 101 is squeezed and deformed, or when the nozzle body 121 and the coupling member 122 are separated.

[0262] Therefore, in this embodiment, the strength of the edge portions 131 to 134 of the bag 2101 is intended to be improved. Figures 46 to 47 As shown in part (b) of FIG, bag 2101 is formed into a bag shape from multiple (three in this embodiment) paper sheets SH1 to SH3. Bag 2101 includes edges 131 to 134 formed by overlapping two or three of the sheets SH1 to SH3, with only opening 101b remaining open.

[0263] In edge portions 131 and 132, sheet SH1 (a first sheet) and sheet SH2 (a second sheet) overlap. In edge portion 133, sheets SH1 and SH3 overlap. In edge portion 134, sheets SH2 and SH3 overlap. Since the structures and manufacturing methods of these edge portions 131 to 134 are the same, only edge portion 132 will be described.

[0264] like Figure 47 Part (a) and Figure 48 As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the edge portion 132 is constructed by folding the sheet SH2 so as to wrap one end portion 141 of the sheet SH1 and joining the one end portion 141 of the sheet SH1 and the sheet SH2 together. Figure 47As shown in part (a), a resin layer 143 made of a thermoplastic resin is applied to the surface of sheet material SH1 that contacts the interior space SP1 of housing portion 101a. Similarly, a resin layer 145 made of a thermoplastic resin is applied to the surface of sheet material SH2 that contacts the interior space SP1. These resin layers 143 and 145 have a thickness of, for example, several micrometers to 50 micrometers.

[0265] Then, if Figure 48 As shown in part (a) of FIG1 , one end portion 146 of sheet SH2 is folded back to wrap around one end portion 141 of sheet SH1. In this state, by heating one end portion 141 and one end portion 146, resin layers 143 and 145 melt, and one end portion 141 and one end portion 146 are heat-sealed. This forms edge portion 132. Incidentally, edge portion 132 can be configured such that one end portion 141 of sheet SH1 is folded back to wrap around one end portion 146 of sheet SH2.

[0266] Here, when the thickness of the sheet SH1 is defined as thickness T1 , the thickness of the sheet SH2 is defined as thickness T2 , and the thickness of the edge portion 132 is defined as thickness T3 , the following formula (5) should be satisfied.

[0267] T3 ≥ T1 + T2×2… (5)

[0268] In the present embodiment, in the thickness ( T3 ) of the edge portion 132 , since the sheet SH2 is folded back, twice the sheet thickness ( T2×2) of the sheet SH2 is added to the thickness ( T1 ) of the one end portion 141 of the sheet SH1 .

[0269] The sheets SH1 to SH3 in this embodiment have uniform thicknesses and are equal to each other. Therefore, T1=T2 is satisfied, and the thickness of the edge portions 131 to 134 is T1×3 or greater. Incidentally, the thicknesses of the sheets SH1 to SH3 may be different from each other. In addition, the bag 2101 may be composed of two sheets or four or more sheets made of paper. In addition, the sheets constituting the bag 2101 are not limited to being made of paper, but may also be made of resin, such as polypropylene sheets. However, from the perspective of recyclability, it is appropriate for the sheets constituting the bag 2101 to be made of paper.

[0270] As described above, in this embodiment, when forming edge portion 132 of bag 2101, by folding back sheet SH2, the thickness of edge portion 132 is increased compared to the thickness of the bag 2101's portions other than edges 131 to 134. Similarly, the thickness of edges 131, 133, and 134 is increased. This improves the strength of edges 131 to 134 and reduces the likelihood of tearing and damage to edges 131 to 134. Furthermore, by maintaining the thickness of portions other than edges 131 to 134 without increasing and preserving their flexibility, operability is maintained when squeezing and deforming the bag 2101 while discharging toner (developer) from discharge port 102a. This improves toner discharge performance and reduces damage to edges 131 to 134.

[0271] <First Modification of Second Embodiment>

[0272] Figure 48 Part (b) is an enlarged view showing edge portion 132B according to the first modification of the second embodiment. As described in the second embodiment, the thickness of the edge portion of bag 2101 can be increased by folding back the sheet, however, the thickness can be adjusted by changing the number of folded-back sheets.

[0273] For example, Figure 48 As shown in part (b) of FIG, edge portion 132B is formed by folding back one end portion 141 of sheet SH1 and one end portion 146 of sheet SH2 and joining them together by heat welding. Here, when the thickness of sheet SH1 is defined as thickness T1, the thickness of sheet SH2 is defined as thickness T2, and the thickness of edge portion 132B is defined as thickness T4, the following formula (6) should be satisfied.

[0274] T4 ≥ T1×2 + T2×2… (6)

[0275] Accordingly, if T1 = T2, the thickness of edge portion 132B is T1 x 4 or greater. In this way, the edge thickness can be easily adjusted by varying the number of sheets folded back at the edge of the bag. Furthermore, the individual edges of bag 2101 do not need to all have the same thickness. For example, two sheets may be folded back in one portion of the edge, while one sheet may be folded back in another portion.

[0276] <Second Modification of Second Embodiment>

[0277] Figure 49Part (a) of FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of edge portion 132C according to a second modification of the second embodiment. In this modification, edge portion 132C of the bag includes a protective layer 147 applied to the outer surfaces of the overlapping sheets SH1 and SH2. Protective layer 147 is formed, for example, from a polymer such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polyamide (PA), or a UV-curable material cured by ultraviolet light. Protective layer 147 enhances the strength of edge portion 132C without folding back sheets SH1 and SH2.

[0278] <Third Modification of Second Embodiment>

[0279] Figure 49 Part (b) is an enlarged view of edge portion 132D according to a third variation of the second embodiment. In this variation, edge portion 132D of the bag includes a clamping member 148 that clamps the overlapping sheets SH1 and SH2. Clamping member 148 improves the strength of edge portion 132D without folding back sheets SH1 and SH2. Incidentally, from the perspective of recyclability, it is ideal for clamping member 148 to be made of paper. Furthermore, in this variation, since sheets SH1 and SH2 are connected by clamping member 148, resin layers 143 and 145 can be omitted.

[0280] [Other embodiments]

[0281] In all of the above-described embodiments, toner is contained in bag 101 of toner pack 100, but this is not a limitation. For example, ink may be used as a content other than toner, and bag 101 may contain powder or liquid. Furthermore, the powder that can be contained in bag 101 is not limited to toner. With ink contained in bag 101, toner pack 100 can be attached to an inkjet image forming apparatus.

[0282] Furthermore, in all of the above-described embodiments, the bag side panel 103 and the device side panel 109 are configured to be rotatable about the rotation axes A and B between the shielding position and the open position, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the bag side panel 103 and the device side panel 109 may be configured to be movable between the shielding position and the open position by linearly moving parallel to the installation direction M.

[0283] Furthermore, in all of the above-described embodiments, the bag side shutter 103 is configured to open the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 only in the open position, but this is not limiting. For example, the bag side shutter 103 may be a rotatable member that opens the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 regardless of its rotational position. In this case, the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 may be sealed by a sealing member before the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106. The sealing member is subsequently removed during the installation operation of the toner pack 100 on the mounting portion 106 or after the toner pack 100 has been mounted. Furthermore, a configuration in which the bag side shutter 103 of the toner pack 100 is omitted may be employed.

[0284] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the minimum polar moment of cross-section of coupling member 122 is larger than the polar moment of cross-section of bag 101 near opening 101b in a cross section perpendicular to axial direction D1. However, this is not limiting. For example, the minimum polar moment of cross-section of coupling member 122 may be smaller than the polar moment of cross-section of bag 101 near opening 101b in a cross section perpendicular to axial direction D1. Even with this configuration, by making coupling member 122 primarily of paper, the proportion of paper components in toner pack 100 can be increased, thereby improving recyclability.

[0285] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention 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 developer container comprising: a container member configured to accommodate a developer and constituting a accommodating portion having an opening; a coupling member attached to the opening portion; as well as a nozzle including a discharge port and a passage, the discharge port being coupled to the container member via the coupling member and for allowing the developer to be discharged to the outside, and the passage being configured such that the developer passes through the passage from the opening of the accommodating portion to the discharge port, wherein the main components of the container member and the coupling member are paper, and The main component of the nozzle is resin. 2 . The developer container according to claim 1 , wherein the coupling member is constituted by laminating a plurality of sheet-like papers. 3 . The developer container according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of sheets of paper are stacked in an arrangement direction of the container member and the nozzle array. 4 . The developer container according to claim 2 , wherein the coupling member includes an adhesive layer that adheres the plurality of sheets of paper adjacent to each other. 5 . The developer container according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of sheets of paper include a first paper having a first shape and a second paper having a second shape different from the first shape.

6. The developer container according to claim 2, wherein the coupling member includes an engaged portion and an inserted portion provided with a through hole, wherein the nozzle includes an inserting portion inserted into the through hole of the inserted portion and an engaging portion engaged with the engaged portion, and wherein the coupling member and the nozzle are coupled to each other by engagement between the engaged portion and the engaging portion.

7. A developer container according to claim 6, wherein the coupling member and the nozzle are configured to be able to deform at least one of the engaged portion and the engaging portion by relative rotation around a rotation axis extending along an arrangement direction in which the container member and the nozzle are arranged and to be separated from each other by releasing the engagement between the engaged portion and the engaging portion.

8. The developer container according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of sheets of paper include a first paper and a second paper, the first paper having a first shape and the second paper having a second shape different from the first shape, At least a portion of the engaged portion is formed by portions of the first paper and the second paper having different shapes from each other.

9. The developer container according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing member configured to seal a gap between the coupling member and the nozzle, wherein the sealing member is separable from the coupling member and the nozzle by the coupling member and the nozzle being separated from each other. 10 . The developer container according to claim 9 , wherein the sealing member is composed of polyurethane.

11. The developer container according to claim 9, further comprising a shutter configured to be movable relative to the nozzle between a shielding position where the shutter shields the discharge port and an opening position where the shutter opens the discharge port.

12. A developer container comprising: a container member configured to accommodate a developer and constituting a accommodating portion having an opening; a coupling member attached to the opening portion; as well as a nozzle including a discharge port and a passage, the discharge port being coupled to the container member via the coupling member and for allowing the developer to be discharged to the outside, and the passage being configured such that the developer passes through the passage from the opening of the accommodating portion to the discharge port, wherein the main components of the container member and the coupling member are paper, The main component of the nozzle is resin, wherein at a first position in the arrangement direction of the coupling member and the nozzle arrangement, the second polar moment of the cross section of the coupling member in a first cross section perpendicular to the arrangement direction is greater than the second polar moment of the cross section of the coupling member in a second cross section perpendicular to the arrangement direction at a second position in the arrangement direction, wherein the second position is a position in the second cross section that does not include the coupling member, and The first position is a position closer to the opening than the second position in the arrangement direction. 13 . The developer container according to claim 12 , wherein the second position is a position spaced apart from an end surface of the coupling member in the arrangement direction by a distance of ⅕ of a full length of the container member in the arrangement direction. 14 . The developer container according to claim 12 , wherein the second position is a position spaced 20 mm from an end surface of the coupling member in the arrangement direction.

15. A developer container comprising: a container member configured to accommodate a developer and constituting a accommodating portion having an opening; a coupling member attached to the opening portion; as well as a nozzle including a discharge port and a passage, the discharge port being coupled to the container member via the coupling member and for allowing the developer to be discharged to the outside, and the passage being configured such that the developer passes through the passage from the opening of the accommodating portion to the discharge port, wherein the container member includes an edge portion where a first sheet and a second sheet overlap, and the container member is formed into a bag shape by a plurality of sheets including the first sheet and the second sheet, and wherein the edge portion of the container member is constructed by folding the second sheet material in such a manner as to wrap one end portion of the first sheet material and by joining the one end portion of the first sheet material and the second sheet material.

16. The developer container according to claim 15, wherein when a thickness of the first sheet is defined as T1, a thickness of the second sheet is defined as T2, and a thickness of the edge portion is defined as T3, the following relationship is satisfied: T3 ≥ T1 + T2×2. 17 . The developer container according to claim 16 , wherein a thickness of the first sheet is equal to a thickness of the second sheet. 18 . The developer container according to claim 15 , wherein the one end portion of the first sheet and the second sheet are joined by heat fusion.

19. The developer container according to claim 15, wherein a main component of the first sheet material and the second sheet material is paper.

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