Toner container and image forming system

Abstract

To provide one form of a toner container attached to an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: The toner container includes a bag body made of a flexible film material, and a discharge member coupled to the bag body and configured to discharge toner from a storage space to an outside. Xmax is a length in a first direction from a facing surface of the discharge member to an end portion of the bag body on a side opposite to the facing surface, Y is a length in a second direction of the bag body on a plane perpendicular to the first direction when a position X (0 ≤ X ≤ Xmax) in the first direction with reference to the facing surface is given, and Z is a length in a third direction of the bag body on the plane. In a case where Z at X = 0 is Z0, Xmax> Y ≥ Z in a range of 0 ≤ X ≤ Xmax, 0.8 * Z0 ≤ Z ≤ 1.2 * Z0 in a range of 0 ≤ X ≤ Xmax, and Y ≤ 2 * Z in a range of 0 ≤ X <0.5 * Xmax.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toner container that stores toner to be replenished to an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system including the toner container and the image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In electrophotographic image forming devices, an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier such as a photosensitive drum is developed using toner as a developer, making it visible as a toner image. One method for replenishing toner consumed during development is to provide a replenishing port in the image forming device, attach a toner container to the replenishing port when toner needs to be replenished, and move only the toner in the toner container into the image forming device. Patent Document 1 describes a toner container that includes a pouch made of a flexible film and a base that has a supply port connected to the replenishing port of the image forming device and that discharges the toner in the pouch. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-26202 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, users have been demanding a variety of uses for toner containers that can be attached to image forming apparatuses.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a toner container that can be attached to an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a toner container that is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus and that can be replenished with toner while attached to the image forming apparatus, and that includes a bag body and a nozzle unit. The bag body is made of a flexible film material, and when a direction in which the bag body and the nozzle unit are aligned is defined as a first direction, the bag body has a side portion that extends in the first direction and forms an accommodating space for accommodating toner therein, and a bottom portion that closes the accommodating space from one side in the first direction. The nozzle unit is coupled to the bag body and is configured to be able to discharge toner from the accommodating space to the outside, and includes an outer ring member coupled to the bag body and a nozzle coupled to the outer ring member. The outer ring member has an opposing surface that closes the accommodating space from the other side in the first direction and faces the bottom portion, and an opening provided in the opposing surface. The nozzle has a receiving port that is exposed to the inside of the opening and that receives toner in the accommodating space, and a discharge port that communicates with the receiving port and that discharges toner received via the receiving port. the nozzle unit further has a flange portion that is disposed between the discharge outlet and the bag body in the first direction and that extends outward from the nozzle beyond the discharge outlet when viewed in the first direction, directions that are orthogonal to the first direction and orthogonal to each other are defined as second and third directions, a length in the first direction from the opposing surface to an end of the bag body on the opposite side to the opposing surface is defined as Xmax, and when a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction based on the opposing surface is given, The toner container is characterized in that, when the length of the bag body in the second direction on a plane perpendicular to the first direction is Y, and the length of the bag body in the third direction on the plane when a position X in the first direction based on the opposing surface (0≦X≦Xmax) is given, and Z is Z0 when X=0, Xmax>Y≧Z in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, 0.8×Z0≦Z≦1.2×Z0 in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, and Y≦2×Z in the range of 0≦X<0.5×Xmax.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a toner container that is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus and that can be replenished with toner while attached to the image forming apparatus, and that includes a bag body and a nozzle unit. The bag body is made of a flexible film material, and when a direction in which the bag body and the nozzle unit are aligned is defined as a first direction, the bag body has a side portion that forms an accommodating space for accommodating toner therein and extends in the first direction, and a bottom portion that closes the accommodating space from one side in the first direction, and the nozzle unit is connected to the bag body. and a nozzle coupled to the outer ring member, the outer ring member having an opposing surface that blocks the storage space from the other side in the first direction and faces the bottom, and an opening provided in the opposing surface, the nozzle having an inlet that is exposed to the inside of the opening and that receives toner in the storage space, and an outlet that communicates with the inlet and that discharges toner received via the inlet, the nozzle unit further having a flange portion that is disposed between the outlet and the bag in the first direction and that extends outward from the nozzle beyond the outlet when viewed in the first direction, and directions that are orthogonal to the first direction and that are orthogonal to each other are defined as second and third directions, and a length in the first direction from the opposing surface to an end of the bag on the opposite side from the opposing surface is defined as Xmax, and the length of the bag body in the second direction on the plane when a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposing surface is given is defined as Y, the length of the bag body in the third direction on the plane when a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposing surface is defined as Z, and Y and Z at X=0 are defined as Y0 and Z0, respectively, such that Xmax>Y≧Z in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, 0.8×Z0≦Z≦1.2×Z0 in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, and Y0×Z0≦Y×Z≦2.5×Y0×Z0 in the range of 0≦X<0.5×Xmax.

[0008] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner container that is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus and that can be replenished with toner while attached to the image forming apparatus, the toner container including a bag and a nozzle unit. The bag is made of a flexible film material, and when a direction in which the bag and the nozzle unit are aligned is defined as a first direction, the bag has a side portion that forms an accommodating space for accommodating toner therein and extends in the first direction, and a bottom portion that closes the accommodating space from one side in the first direction, and the nozzle unit is configured to be detachably attached to the bag. and configured to be coupled to the bag body and capable of discharging toner from the accommodating space to the outside, the toner container including: an outer ring member coupled to the bag body; and a nozzle coupled to the outer ring member, wherein the outer ring member has an opposing surface that closes the accommodating space from the other side in the first direction and faces the bottom, and an opening provided in the opposing surface, the nozzle has an inlet that is exposed to the inside of the opening and receives toner in the accommodating space, and an outlet that communicates with the inlet and discharges toner received via the inlet, the nozzle unit further has a flange portion that is disposed between the outlet and the bag body in the first direction and extends outward from the nozzle beyond the outlet when viewed in the first direction, and directions that are orthogonal to the first direction and are orthogonal to each other are defined as second and third directions, and a length in the first direction from the opposing surface to an end of the bag body on the opposite side from the opposing surface is defined as Xmax, and when a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposing surface is given, the nozzle The toner container is characterized in that, when the length of the bag body in the second direction on a plane perpendicular to the direction is Y, and the length of the bag body in the third direction on the plane when a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction based on the opposing surface is given is Z, and Z at X=0 is Z0, Xmax>Y≧Z in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, 0.8×Z0≦Z≦1.2×Z0 in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, and Z≦0.9Y in the range of 0≦X<0.5×Xmax.

[0009] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a toner container that is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus and that can be replenished with toner while attached to the image forming apparatus, and that includes a bag body and a nozzle unit. The bag body is made of a flexible film material, and when a direction in which the bag body and the nozzle unit are aligned is defined as a first direction, the bag body has a side portion that forms an accommodating space for accommodating toner therein and extends in the first direction, and a bottom portion that closes the accommodating space from one side in the first direction, and the nozzle unit is the nozzle unit further has a flange portion disposed between the discharge port and the bag body in the first direction and extending outward from the nozzle beyond the discharge port when viewed in the first direction; and a length in the first direction from the opposite surface to an end of the bag body opposite to the opposite surface is defined as Xmax; and when a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposite surface is given, the nozzle unit The toner container is characterized in that, when the length of the bag body in the second direction on a vertical plane is Y, and when a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposing surface is given, the length of the bag body in the third direction on the plane is Z, and Y at X=0 is Y0, and the length of the opposing surface in the second direction is Yc, Xmax>Y≧Z in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, 0.8×Z0≦Z≦1.2×Z0 in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, and 1≦Y0 / Yc≦1.5.

[0010] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a toner container that is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus and that can be replenished with toner while attached to the image forming apparatus, and that includes a bag body and a nozzle unit. The bag body is made of a flexible film material, and when a direction in which the bag body and the nozzle unit are aligned is defined as a first direction, the bag body has a side portion that forms an accommodating space for accommodating toner therein and extends in the first direction, and a bottom portion that closes the accommodating space from one side in the first direction, and the nozzle unit is the nozzle unit further has a flange portion disposed between the discharge port and the bag body in the first direction and extending outward from the nozzle beyond the discharge port when viewed in the first direction; and a length in the first direction from the opposite surface to an end of the bag body opposite to the opposite surface is defined as Xmax; and when a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposite surface is given, the nozzle unit has a length in the first direction from the opposite surface to an end of the bag body opposite to the opposite surface is defined as Xmax; and when a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposite surface is given, the nozzle unit has a length in the first direction from the opposite surface to an end of the bag body opposite to the opposite surface is defined as Xmax; and when a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposite surface is given, the nozzle unit has a length in the first direction from the opposite surface to an end of the bag body opposite to the opposite surface is defined as Xmax; and when a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposite surface is given, the nozzle unit has a length in the first direction from the opposite surface to an end of the bag body opposite to the opposite surface is defined as Xmax; and The toner container is characterized in that, when the length of the bag body in the second direction on a perpendicular plane is Y, and the length of the bag body in the third direction on the plane when a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposing surface is given is Z, and Y at X=0 is Y0, Xmax>Y≧Z in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, 0.8×Z0≦Z≦1.2×Z0 in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, Y0≦Y≦2.5×Y0 in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, and Z≧30 (mm). [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide one embodiment of a toner container that can be attached to an image forming apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1A is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view thereof. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a toner pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the toner pack according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 3A and 3B are a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of a nozzle of a toner pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of a nozzle of a toner pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 3A and 3B are exploded views of the mounting portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a mounting portion according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 3A and 3B are plan views of a mounting portion according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are perspective views of the device-side shutter of the mounting portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a cover and a shutter sheet of a mounting portion according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are perspective views showing a state in which the toner pack according to the embodiment is being mounted in the mounting portion. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner pack according to the embodiment is being mounted in the mounting portion. [Figure 14] 14A and 14B are cross-sectional views of the toner pack and the mounting portion at the cross-sectional position shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 2A is a plan view, FIG. 2B is a side view, FIG. 2C is a front view, and FIG. 2D is a bottom view of a toner pack (before removing the cap) according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a toner pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 17]1A is a plan view, FIG. 1B is a left side view, FIG. 1C is a front view, FIG. 1D is a right side view, FIG. 1E is a rear view, and FIG. 1F is a bottom view of a toner pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 18] 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing a toner pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 19] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the shape of a toner pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 20] 1A is a perspective view showing a part of the toner pack cut at the position of X=0, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the part of the toner pack cut at the position of X=0. [Figure 21] 1A is a perspective view showing a part of the toner pack cut at the position X=X1, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the part of the toner pack cut at the position X=X1. [Figure 22] 1A is a perspective view showing a part of the toner pack cut at the position X=X2, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the part of the toner pack cut at the position X=X2. [Figure 23] Graphs (a, b) showing parameters related to the shape of the toner pack. [Figure 24] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining a method for approximating the cross-sectional shape of a toner pack. [Figure 25] Graphs (a, b) are used to explain the relationship between the width and thickness of a cross section of a toner pack and the moment of inertia of area. [Figure 26] 6A and 6B are graphs showing the second moment of area and the section modulus of the toner pack according to the embodiment. [Figure 27] 1A is a plan view, FIG. 1B is a left side view, FIG. 1C is a front view, and FIG. 1D is a bottom view of a toner pack according to a first modified example. [Figure 28] 10A is a plan view, FIG. 10B is a left side view, FIG. 10C is a front view, FIG. 10D is a bottom view, and FIG. 10E is a perspective view of a toner pack according to a second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] [Overall configuration] Fig. 1(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 1(b) and Fig. 2 are perspective views of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome printer that forms an image on a recording material based on image information input from an external device. The recording material includes a variety of sheet materials of different materials, such as paper such as plain paper and cardboard, plastic film such as sheets for overhead projectors, sheets of special shapes such as envelopes and index paper, and cloth.

[0015] 1(a) and 1(b), the image forming apparatus 1 has a printer main body 100 as the device main body, a reading device 200 supported by the printer main body 100 so as to be able to open and close, and an operation unit 300 attached to the exterior surface of the printer main body 100. The printer main body 100 has an image forming unit 10 that forms a toner image on a recording material, a feeding unit 60 that feeds the recording material to the image forming unit 10, a fixing unit 70 that fixes the toner image formed by the image forming unit 10 to the recording material, and a pair of discharge rollers 80.

[0016] The image forming section 10 has a scanner unit 11, an electrophotographic process unit 20, and a transfer roller 12 that transfers a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum 21 of the process unit 20 to a recording material. The process unit 20 has the photosensitive drum 21, a charging roller 22 arranged around the photosensitive drum 21, a pre-exposure device 23, and a developing device 30 including a developing roller 31.

[0017] The photosensitive drum 21 is an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image and a toner image (developer image). The photosensitive drum 21 is a cylindrically shaped photosensitive member. The photosensitive drum 21 of this embodiment has a photosensitive layer formed of a negatively charged organic photosensitive material on a drum-shaped base body made of aluminum. The photosensitive drum 21 is rotated by a motor in a predetermined direction (clockwise in the drawing) at a predetermined process speed.

[0018] The charging roller 22 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 with a predetermined pressure to form a charging portion. A desired charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 22 by a charging high-voltage power supply, thereby uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to a predetermined potential. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 is negatively charged by the charging roller 22. The pre-exposure device 23 neutralizes the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 21 before it enters the charging portion in order to generate a stable discharge at the charging portion.

[0019] The scanner unit 11, which serves as an exposure means, scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 by irradiating the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light corresponding to image information input from an external device or the reading device 200 using a polygon mirror. This exposure forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Note that the scanner unit 11 is not limited to a laser scanner device, and may, for example, be an LED exposure device having an LED array in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0020] The developing device 30 includes a developing roller 31 as a developer carrier that carries developer, a developing container 32 that forms the frame of the developing device 30, and a supply roller 33 that can supply developer to the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are rotatably supported by the developing container 32. The developing roller 31 is disposed at the opening of the developing container 32 so as to face the photosensitive drum 21. The supply roller 33 rotatably contacts the developing roller 31, and the toner contained in the developing container 32 as the developer is applied to the surface of the developing roller 31 by the supply roller 33. Note that the supply roller 33 is not necessarily required as long as the configuration can supply a sufficient amount of toner to the developing roller 31.

[0021] The developing device 30 of this embodiment uses a contact development method. That is, a toner layer carried on the developing roller 31 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 21 in a development section (development area) where the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 31 face each other. A development voltage is applied to the developing roller 31 by a high-voltage development power supply. Under the development voltage, the toner carried on the developing roller 31 is transferred from the developing roller 31 to the drum surface in accordance with the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image. Note that this embodiment employs a reversal development method. That is, a toner image is formed by the toner adhering to the surface area of ​​the photosensitive drum 21, which has been charged in a charging process and then exposed in an exposure process, where the charge amount has attenuated.

[0022] In this embodiment, a toner having a particle size of 6 μm and a normal negative charge polarity is used. As an example, the toner used in this embodiment is a polymerized toner produced by a polymerization method. The toner used in this embodiment does not contain a magnetic component, and is a so-called non-magnetic single-component developer in which the toner is carried on the developing roller 31 mainly by intermolecular forces and electrostatic forces (image forces). However, a single-component developer containing a magnetic component may also be used. In addition to toner particles, a single-component developer may also contain additives (e.g., wax or silica particles) to adjust the fluidity and charging performance of the toner. A two-component developer composed of a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier may also be used. When a magnetic developer is used, a cylindrical developing sleeve with a magnet disposed inside is used as the developer carrier.

[0023] The developing container 32 is provided with a storage section 36 serving as a second toner storage section for storing toner, and an agitating member 34 serving as agitating means disposed inside the storage section 36. The agitating member 34 is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown), thereby agitating the toner in the developing container 32 and feeding the toner toward the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33. The agitating member 34 also serves to circulate, within the developing container, toner that has not been used in development and has been scraped off from the developing roller 31, thereby homogenizing the toner in the developing container. Note that the agitating member 34 is not limited to a rotating type. For example, an agitating member that swings may be used.

[0024] A developing blade 35 is disposed at the opening of the developing container 32 in which the developing roller 31 is disposed, to regulate the amount of toner carried by the developing roller 31. The toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller 31 passes through the area facing the developing blade 35 as the developing roller 31 rotates, whereby the toner is uniformly formed into a thin layer and is negatively charged by frictional charging.

[0025] 1(a) and 1(b), the feeding section 60 has a front door 61 supported by the printer main body 100 so as to be able to open and close, a tray section 62, a middle plate 63, a tray spring 64, and a pickup roller 65. The tray section 62 forms the bottom surface of a recording material storage space that appears when the front door 61 is opened, and the middle plate 63 is supported by the tray section 62 so as to be able to move up and down. The tray spring 64 urges the middle plate 63 upward, pressing the recording material P loaded on the middle plate 63 against the pickup roller 65. Note that the front door 61 closes the recording material storage space when closed relative to the printer main body 100, and supports the recording material P together with the tray section 62 and middle plate 63 when open relative to the printer main body 100.

[0026] The fixing unit 70 is a thermal fixing unit that fixes an image 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 that heats the fixing film 71, a thermistor that measures the temperature of the fixing heater, and a pressure roller 72 that presses against the fixing film 71.

[0027] Next, an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. When an image formation command (print job) is input to the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming process is started by the image forming unit 10 based on image information input from an external computer or reading device 200 connected to the image forming apparatus 1. The scanner unit 11 irradiates a laser beam toward the photosensitive drum 21 based on the input image information. At this time, the photosensitive drum 21 is pre-charged by the charging roller 22, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21 by the irradiation of the laser beam. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 31, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21.

[0028] In parallel with the image forming process described above, the pickup roller 65 of the feeding section 60 feeds out the recording material P supported by the front door 61, the tray section 62, and the middle plate 63. The recording material P is fed by the pickup roller 65 to the pair of registration rollers 15, and any skew is corrected by the recording material P hitting the nip of the pair of registration rollers 15. The pair of registration rollers 15 is then driven in synchronization with the transfer timing of the toner image, and conveys the recording material P toward the transfer nip formed by the transfer roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0029] A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 12 as a transfer means from a transfer high-voltage power supply, and the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred onto the recording material P being conveyed by a pair of registration rollers 15. The recording material P with the transferred toner image is conveyed to a fixing section 70, where the toner image is heated and pressurized as it passes through a nip between a fixing film 71 and a pressure roller 72 of the fixing section 70. This melts the toner particles and then solidifies them, thereby 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 machine) by a pair of discharge rollers 80 as a discharge means, and is stacked on a discharge tray 81 as a stacking section provided at the top of the printer main body 100.

[0030] The discharge tray 81 is inclined upward toward the downstream in the discharge direction of the recording material, and the recording material discharged onto the discharge tray 81 slides down the discharge tray 81, and its rear end is aligned by a regulating surface 84. Note that although an opening / closing member 83, which will be described later, is shown in an open state in Figures 1(a) and 1(b) and 2, it is assumed that the opening / closing member 83 is closed beforehand when performing an image forming operation.

[0031] The reading device 200 has a reading unit 201 that incorporates a reading section (not shown) therein, and a pressure plate 202 that is supported so as to be openable and closable by the reading unit 201. On the top surface of the reading unit 201, there is provided a document table glass 203 that transmits light emitted from the reading section and on which a document is placed.

[0032] When a user wants to have the image of a document read by the reading device 200, the user places the document on the document glass 203 with the pressure plate 202 open. Then, by closing the pressure plate 202, the document on the document glass 203 is prevented from shifting position, and a reading command is output to the image forming device 1 by operating, for example, the operation unit 300. When the reading operation is started, the reading unit in the reading unit 201 moves back and forth in the sub-scanning direction, that is, in the left-right direction with the operation unit 300 of the image forming device 1 facing forward. The reading unit emits light toward the document from the light-emitting unit, receives light reflected by the document with the light-receiving unit, and reads the image of the document by photoelectrically converting the light. Note that, hereinafter, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are defined based on the state in which the operation unit 300 is facing forward.

[0033] A top cover 82 serving as a stacking tray is provided on the top of the printer main body 100, and a discharge tray 81 serving as a stacking surface is formed on the upper surface of the top cover 82. As shown in Figures 1(b) and 2, an opening / closing member 83 is supported on the top cover 82 so as to be openable and closable around a pivot shaft 83a extending in the front-to-rear direction. An opening 82a that opens upward is formed in the discharge tray 81 of the top cover 82.

[0034] The open / close member 83 is configured to be movable between a closed position where it covers the supply port 32a so that the toner pack 40 cannot be attached to the developing container 32, and an open position where it exposes the supply port 32a so that the toner pack 40 can be attached to the developing container 32. In the closed position, the open / close member 83 functions as part of the discharge tray 81. The open / close member 83 and the opening 82a are formed on the left side of the discharge tray 81. The open / close member 83 is opened to the left by inserting a finger into a groove 82b provided in the top cover 82. The open / close member 83 is formed in a substantially L-shape to fit the shape of the top cover 82.

[0035] The opening 82a of the discharge tray 81 is open so as to expose the supply port 32a for toner supply formed at the top of the developing container 32, and the user can access the supply port 32a by opening the opening / closing member 83. Note that this embodiment employs a method (direct supply method) in which the user supplies toner from a toner pack 40 (see FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b)) filled with replenishment toner to the developing device 30 while the developing device 30 remains attached to the image forming apparatus 1. At least a portion of the toner pack 40 is exposed to the outside when attached to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0036] This eliminates the need to remove the process unit 20 from the printer main body 100 and replace it with a new one when the toner remaining in the process unit 20 is low, thereby improving usability. Also, toner can be replenished to the developer container 32 more cheaply than if the entire process unit 20 were replaced. Furthermore, the direct replenishment method eliminates the need to replace various rollers, gears, etc., compared to replacing only the developing device 30 of the process unit 20, thereby reducing costs.

[0037] An image forming system 1000 is made up of an image forming apparatus 1 having a supply port (opening) that can be exposed to the outside, and a toner pack 40 that is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 1 to supply toner to the image forming apparatus 1 through the supply port. Note that the toner pack 40 shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b) and 2 is a reference example, and has a different shape from a toner pack 600 described later.

[0038] [Recovery of residual toner after transfer] This embodiment employs a cleanerless configuration in which residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 without being transferred to the recording material P is collected in the developing device 30 and reused. The residual toner is removed through the following process. The residual toner includes a mixture of positively charged toner and negatively charged toner that does not have a sufficient charge. The pre-exposure device 23 neutralizes the photosensitive drum 21 after transfer, and the charging roller 22 generates a uniform discharge, thereby re-charging the residual toner to a negative polarity. The residual toner, re-charged to a negative polarity in the charging section, reaches the developing section as the photosensitive drum 21 rotates. The surface area of ​​the photosensitive drum 21 that has passed through the charging section is then exposed by the scanner unit 11, with the residual toner still adhering to the surface, and an electrostatic latent image is written onto it.

[0039] Here, the behavior of the transfer residual toner that has reached the development unit will be explained separately for the exposed and non-exposed areas of the photosensitive drum 21. The transfer residual toner adhering to the non-exposed area of ​​the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to the development roller 31 in the development unit due to the potential difference between the potential of the non-exposed area (dark area potential) of the photosensitive drum 21 and the development voltage, and is then collected in the development container 32. This is because the normal charge polarity of the toner is negative, and the development voltage applied to the development roller 31 is positive relative to the potential of the non-exposed area. The toner collected in the development container 32 is stirred and dispersed with the toner in the development container by the stirring member 34, and is then carried by the development roller 31 and used again in the development process.

[0040] On the other hand, the transfer residual toner adhering to the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 21 does not transfer from the photosensitive drum 21 to the developing roller 31 at the developing portion, but remains on the drum surface. This is because the normal charging polarity of the toner is negative, and the developing voltage applied to the developing roller 31 has a potential that is more negative than the potential of the exposed portion (light portion potential). The transfer residual toner remaining on the drum surface is carried by the photosensitive drum 21 together with other toner transferred from the developing roller 31 to the exposed portion, and moves to the transfer portion, where it is transferred to the recording material P.

[0041] As described above, this embodiment has a cleaner-less configuration in which the transfer residual toner is collected in the developing device 30 and reused, but a conventionally known configuration in which the transfer residual toner is collected using a cleaning blade that contacts the photosensitive drum 21 may also be used. In this case, the transfer residual toner collected by the cleaning blade is collected in a collection container that is installed separately from the developing device 30. However, by adopting a cleaner-less configuration, installation space for a collection container for collecting transfer residual toner and the like is not required, making it possible to further reduce the size of the image forming apparatus 1, and also reducing printing costs by reusing the transfer residual toner.

[0042] [Toner pack composition] A toner (developer) supply system for the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. First, the basic configuration of a toner pack 600 that is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 1 (as the apparatus main body) and that contains toner will be described with reference to FIGS. 3(a) to 6(b). More specifically, the toner pack 600 as a toner container is attached to a mounting unit 500 (described later) provided in the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3(a) is a front view of the toner pack 600 when the pack-side shutter 603 is in the closed position. FIG. 3(b) is a front view of the toner pack 600 when the pack-side shutter 603 is in the open position. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the toner pack 600. FIG. 5(a) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the nozzle 602 when the pack-side shutter 603 is in the closed position. FIG. 5(b) is a view of the toner pack 600 viewed in the direction of arrow U in FIG. 5(a). FIG. 6(a) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the nozzle 602 when the pack-side shutter 603 is in the open position. FIG. 6(b) is a view of the toner pack 600 viewed in the direction of the arrow U in FIG. 6(a).

[0043] The toner pack 600 has a pouch 601 as a first toner storage section that stores toner, an outer ring member 620 that is connected to the pouch 601, a nozzle 602, and a pack-side shutter 603. The outer ring member 620 and the nozzle 602 form a base section 611 that is connected to the pouch 601.

[0044] 3(a) and 3(b), the pouch 601 is provided on one end side of the toner pack 600 in the axial direction D1, which is the first direction. A nozzle unit 610, which is composed of an outer ring member 620, a nozzle 602, and a pack-side shutter 603, is provided on the other end side of the toner pack 600 in the axial direction D1. The nozzle unit 610 functions as an ejection member that ejects toner from the pouch 601. The nozzle unit 610 also serves as a communication member (adapter portion, connection portion) that connects the internal space (toner storage space) of the pouch 601 with the refill port 32a in the printer main body 100 when the toner pack 600 is attached to the attachment portion 500 of the printer main body 100.

[0045] The pouch 601 is a bag body formed of a flexible film material (sheet material) such as a polypropylene film, and has a bag shape with one end open.

[0046] 4, outer ring member 620 has a joining surface 620a joined (fixed) to one end of pouch 601, and a connecting portion 620c connected to nozzle 602. Opening edge 601a1 of pouch 601 and joining surface 620a (joining portion) of outer ring member 620 are joined. The joining method may be, for example, a method using various adhesives such as hot melt, or a method of joining pouch 601 to the outer periphery of outer ring member 620 by heat welding, and is not particularly limited as long as the joining method can seal to prevent toner leakage.

[0047] The nozzle 602, which serves as a base member, is connected to a connecting portion 620c of an outer ring member 620, which serves as a cylindrical member. The connecting portion 620c has a hole 620b. Toner can pass through the hole 620b. This allows toner to be easily filled into the pouch 601 via the hole 620b and the connecting surface 620a of the outer ring member 620. For example, toner can be filled into the pouch 601 while the pouch 601 is connected below the outer ring member 620, and then the nozzle 602 is connected to the outer ring member 620. This configuration allows a large amount of toner to be filled in a shorter time without using a complex device. This is because the hole 620b of the outer ring member 620 has a larger area than the outlet 602a of the nozzle 602, making it easier to fill with toner and simplifying the toner flow path.

[0048] A side surface 602c serving as the outer surface of the nozzle 602 extending in the axial direction D1 is provided with an outlet 602a configured to communicate with the interior of the pouch 601, and a recess 602e. The recess 602e is provided at a position different from the outlet 602a in the rotation direction of the pack-side shutter 603. The toner contained in the pouch 601 is configured to be discharged to the outside of the toner pack 600 through the outlet 602a. The base portion 611 may be a resin molded product in which the nozzle 602 and the outer ring member 620 are integrally molded.

[0049] A pack-side shutter 603 serving as a container shutter or a first shutter is disposed outside the side surface 602c of the nozzle 602. The pack-side shutter 603 is rotatable about a rotation axis α extending along the axial direction D1 and is disposed outside the side surface 602c in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis α. The side surface 602c of the nozzle 602 is a curved surface (a substantially cylindrical surface) that convexly extends outward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis α. The inner surface of the pack-side shutter 603, i.e., the surface facing the side surface 602c, is a curved surface that conforms to the side surface 602c of the nozzle 602, and a substantially rectangular pack-side seal 605 serving as a first sealing member is attached thereto. As shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), an end surface 603g forming an opening 603a of the pack-side shutter 603 and an end surface 605a of the pack-side seal 605 are inclined with respect to the rotation axis α. An end face 605a of the pack-side seal 605 is attached at a position that protrudes further toward the opening 603a than an end face 603g of the pack-side shutter 603.

[0050] The pack-side shutter 603 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis α between a blocking position, which is a first blocking position in which the pack-side seal 605 blocks the discharge port 602a of the nozzle 602, and an open position, which is a first open position in which the discharge port 602a is open. When the pack-side shutter 603 is in the open position, the discharge port 602a of the nozzle 602 is exposed through the opening 603a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5(a), when the pack-side shutter 603 is in the blocking position, at least a portion of the recess 602e of the nozzle 602 is exposed from the pack-side shutter 603 through the opening 603a.

[0051] A disk-shaped flange portion 603f is provided at the pouch 601-side end of the pack-side shutter 603 in the axial direction D1, spreading outward in the radial direction r relative to the substantially cylindrical side surface of the pack-side shutter 603. That is, the nozzle unit 610 serving as the discharge member has the flange portion 603f, which is disposed between the discharge port 602a and the pouch 601 in the axial direction D1 (first direction) and spreads outward in the radial direction r relative to the rotation axis α beyond the outer surface of the pack-side shutter 603. Providing the flange portion 603f above the discharge port 602a in the toner supply posture (FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b)) reduces the possibility of foreign matter falling near the discharge port 602a and the supply port 32a. The flange portion 603f may be provided separately from the pack-side shutter 603.

[0052] 3(a) and 5(a) show the pack-side shutter 603 in the blocking position. 3(b) and 6(a) show the pack-side shutter 603 in the open position. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 5(a), when the pack-side shutter 603 in the blocking position is rotated in the direction of arrow K around the rotation axis α, the pack-side shutter 603 reaches the open position shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 6(a). Conversely, when the pack-side shutter 603 in the open position is rotated in the direction of arrow L, the pack-side shutter 603 reaches the blocking position. During the rotation of the pack-side shutter 603, the pack-side shutter 603 rubs against the side surface 602c of the nozzle 602 via the pack-side seal 605.

[0053] [Installation part] Next, the configuration of the mounting unit 500 into which the toner pack 600 is mounted will be described with reference to FIGS. 7(a) to 11(b). In this embodiment, the mounting unit 500 is a unit for mounting the toner pack 600, and is provided in the image forming apparatus 1 (see FIG. 2). FIG. 7(a) is an exploded perspective view of the mounting unit 500. FIG. 7(b) is an exploded perspective view of the mounting unit 500 as viewed from a different direction than FIG. 7(a). FIGS. 8(a) and 9(a) are respectively a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting unit 500 when the lever 508 is in the closed position and a view of the mounting unit 500 as viewed from the mounting direction M. FIGS. 8(b) and 9(b) are respectively a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting unit 500 when the lever 508 is in the open position and a view of the mounting unit 500 as viewed from the mounting direction M.

[0054] Fig. 10(a) is a perspective view of the device-side shutter 509 seen from the upstream side in the mounting direction M. Fig. 10(b) is a perspective view of the device-side shutter 509 from a different perspective than Fig. 10(a). Fig. 11(a) is a perspective view of the cover 510 and shutter sheet 521 seen from the downstream side in the mounting direction M. Fig. 11(b) is a perspective view of the cover 510 seen from the upstream side in the mounting direction M.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 7(a) to 8(b), the mounting unit 500 has a main body base portion 2, which includes a first frame 507, a second frame 517, a cover 510, and a shutter sheet 521. The cover 510 and the second frame 517 are fixed to the first frame 507. As shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), the cover 510 has an engaged portion 510h that engages with a positioning portion 507a (see FIG. 7(a)) of the first frame 507 so as not to rotate about the rotation axis α relative to the first frame 507. Note that the first frame 507, the cover 510, and the second frame 517 may be integrally formed rather than being separate members. As shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the second frame 517 has an apparatus-side opening 517a as a receiving port, which communicates with the storage portion 36 (see FIG. 1(a)) of the developing container 32.

[0056] The lever 508 and the apparatus-side shutter 509 are each attached to the main body base 2 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis α. A positioning portion 507a is provided on the first frame 507. The positioning portion 507a protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the first frame 507 that is centered on the rotation axis α in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC that is centered on the rotation axis α.

[0057] Furthermore, the lever 508 is provided with a drive transmission unit 508a and an operation unit 508b. By operating the operation unit 508b, the user can rotate the lever 508 around the rotation axis α relative to the main body base unit 2. As shown in Fig. 7(a) , the drive transmission unit 508a of the lever 508 is a convex portion that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the lever 508 that is centered on the rotation axis α, in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC that is centered on the rotation axis α.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), the apparatus-side shutter 509 serving as the main body shutter or second shutter has an inner circumferential surface 509h, a communication opening 509a formed in the inner circumferential surface 509h for receiving toner from the toner pack 600, and a bottom surface 509b. The apparatus-side shutter 509 further has a center boss 509d, a drive-receiving portion 509e, and a pack contact surface 509g. As shown in FIG. 10(a), the drive-receiving portion 509e is a convex portion that protrudes inward in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis α. An apparatus-side seal 511 serving as a second seal member is affixed to the inner circumferential surface 509h so as to surround the periphery of the communication opening 509a (see FIG. 8(b)).

[0059] The device-side shutter 509 is configured to take a shielded position as a second shielded position and an open position as a second open position relative to the main body base 2. More specifically, as shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b), the device-side shutter 509 rotates in the direction of arrow K from the shielded position to the open position, and rotates in the direction of arrow L from the open position to the shielded position. Note that these arrow K and arrow L directions are the same as the arrow K and arrow L directions as the rotation directions of the pack-side shutter 603 shown in Figure 5(a). In the device-side shutter 509, the communication opening 509a is covered by the device-side seal 511 and the cover 510 in the shielded position, and the communication opening 509a is open and not covered by the cover 510 in the open position. In other words, when the device-side shutter 509 is positioned in the shielding position, the communication port 509a does not communicate with the device-side opening 517a of the second frame body 517, but when the device-side shutter 509 is positioned in the shielding position, the communication port 509a communicates with the device-side opening 517a of the second frame body 517.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 8(b), the end face 511a of the device-side seal 511 is disposed so as to protrude in the circumferential direction from the end face 509i (see Fig. 10(b)) around the communication port 509a, which is the attachment seat. The end face 511a is an inclined surface.

[0061] The apparatus-side shutter 509 is located in the closed position in Figures 8(a) and 9(a), and at this time, the communication port 509a of the apparatus-side shutter 509 does not communicate with the apparatus-side opening 517a of the second frame 517. The apparatus-side shutter 509 is located in the open position in Figures 8(b) and 9(b), and at this time, the communication port 509a of the apparatus-side shutter 509 communicates with the apparatus-side opening 517a of the second frame 517. When the apparatus-side shutter 509 moves to the open position, toner can be replenished (supplied) from the toner pack 600 to the storage section 36 of the developing container 32 through the communication port 509a.

[0062] Since the lever 508 and the apparatus-side shutter 509 are not connected in drive, the apparatus-side shutter 509 will not rotate even if the lever 508 is operated without the toner pack 600 attached.

[0063] 8(a, b) and 11(a, b), the shutter sheet 521 serving as a sheet member is a film having a thickness of about 100 μm, and is fixed to the cover 510 with double-sided tape or the like. The shutter sheet 521 rubs against the device-side seal 511 attached to the device-side shutter 509 when the device-side shutter 509 rotates between the closed position and the open position.

[0064] [Installing the toner pack into the mounting compartment] Next, the state when the toner pack 600 is mounted in the mounting portion 500 will be described using Figures 12(a) to 14(b). Figures 12(a) and 12(b) are perspective views of the toner pack 600 being mounted in the mounting portion 500, viewed from different angles. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view parallel to the rotation axis α in a state in which the toner pack 600 has been further moved in the mounting direction from the state shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b). Figure 14(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14A-14A in Figure 13. Figure 14(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14B-14B in Figure 13. Note that in Figures 13 to 14(b), for ease of viewing, the cross sections of the pack-side shutter 603 and the cover 510 are shaded.

[0065] 12(a) and 12(b), the user moves the toner pack 600, with the pack-side shutter 603 in the blocking position, in the mounting direction M to mount the toner pack 600 into the mounting portion 500, with the apparatus-side shutter 509 in the blocking position. At this time, the end face 511a of the apparatus-side seal 511 and the end face 605a of the pack-side seal 605 come into contact while overlapping in the circumferential direction, and slide while being deformed in the mounting direction M. That is, when the toner pack 600 is mounted on the main body base portion 2, the end face 605a of the pack-side seal 605 comes into contact with the end face 511a of the apparatus-side seal 511.

[0066] The end face 605a of the pack-side seal 605 protrudes into the opening 603a of the pack-side shutter 603, so when the toner pack 600 is attached to the main body base portion 2, the end faces 605a and 511a are pressed against each other. This allows the pack-side seal 605 and the device-side seal 511 to closely contact each other, improving sealing performance and reducing toner leakage. Furthermore, the end faces 605a and 511a extend in the direction of rotation of the pack-side shutter 603 (directions of arrows K and L) as they move toward the rotation axis α (axial direction D1), reducing resistance during attachment of the toner pack 600 to the attachment portion 500. This allows the toner pack 600 to be attached smoothly to the attachment portion 500, improving operability.

[0067] The user aligns the recess 602e of the nozzle 602 and the opening 603a of the pack-side shutter 603 with the positioning portion 507a of the first frame 507. At the same time, the user also aligns the drive-receiving portion 603b of the pack-side shutter 603 with the drive transmitting portion 508a of the lever 508.

[0068] After aligning the toner pack 600 with the mounting portion 500 in this way, the user moves the toner pack 600 in the mounting direction M to mount it in the mounting portion 500. Then, as shown in Fig. 13, the inner circumferential surface 602b1 of the protruding portion 602b of the nozzle 602 is fitted with the small diameter portion 509d2 of the center boss 509d of the apparatus-side shutter 509. This determines the position of the nozzle 602 in the radial direction relative to the apparatus-side shutter 509. Furthermore, the tip of the protruding portion 602b of the nozzle 602 abuts against the pack contact surface 509g of the apparatus-side shutter 509, thereby determining the position of the toner pack 600 in the mounting direction M.

[0069] At this time, as shown in Figure 14(b), end surfaces 510f and 510g of the cover 510 approach or engage with surfaces 602e1 and 602e2 that form the recess 602e of the nozzle 602. Also, as shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), the drive-receiving portion 603b of the pack-side shutter 603 engages with the drive-receiving portion 509e of the device-side shutter 509 and the drive transmitting portion 508a of the lever 508. As a result, the rotation axis of the pack-side shutter 603 and the rotation axis of the device-side shutter 509 become approximately coaxial (rotation axis α). Also, because surfaces 602e1 and 602e2 of the recess 602e of the nozzle 602 engage with end surfaces 510f and 510g of the cover 510, respectively, the nozzle 602 of the toner pack 600 does not rotate relative to the main body base part 2 including the cover 510. In other words, when the toner pack 600 is attached to the image forming device 1, the recess 602e as an engaging portion engages with the cover 510 as an engaged portion of the image forming device 1, thereby regulating the rotation of the nozzle 602 relative to the image forming device 1.

[0070] The lever 508, pack-side shutter 603, and device-side shutter 509 are rotatable approximately integrally with the main body base portion 2 and nozzle 602 about the rotation axis α.

[0071] For example, when the lever 508 is rotated from the closed position to the open position, the drive transmission part 508a serving as the second engaging part of the lever 508 presses the surface 603b1 serving as the first engaged part of the pack-side shutter 603. As a result, the pack-side shutter 603 is rotated together with the lever 508 from the closed position to the open position. Furthermore, the surface 603b2 serving as the first engaging part of the pack-side shutter 603 rotated from the closed position to the open position presses the surface 509e2 serving as the second engaged part of the device-side shutter 509. As a result, the device-side shutter 509 is rotated together with the pack-side shutter 603 from the closed position to the open position.

[0072] Conversely, when the lever 508 is rotated from the open position to the closed position, the drive transmission part 508a of the lever 508 presses the surface 603b2 of the pack-side shutter 603. As a result, the pack-side shutter 603 is rotated from the open position to the closed position together with the lever 508. Furthermore, the surface 603b1 of the pack-side shutter 603 rotated from the open position to the closed position presses the surface 509e1 of the drive transmission part 509e of the device-side shutter 509. As a result, the device-side shutter 509 is rotated from the open position to the closed position together with the pack-side shutter 603.

[0073] In this way, by operating the lever 508, the pack-side shutter 603 and the apparatus-side shutter 509 can be rotated between the closed position and the open position, and toner can be replenished from the toner pack 600 to the developing container 32. When the replenishment of toner from the toner pack 600 to the developing container 32 is complete, the user rotates the lever 508 from the open position to the closed position and pulls out the toner pack 600 from the mounting portion 500.

[0074] When the pack-side shutter 603 and the device-side shutter 509 rotate, the end face 511a of the device-side seal 511 and the end face 605a of the pack-side seal 605 are in close contact with each other, and no gap is formed, thereby preventing toner from entering.

[0075] [Groove on pack side shutter] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the pack-side shutter 603 is formed with a groove 603h that extends in the circumferential direction, i.e., in the rotation direction of the pack-side shutter 603 (the direction of arrows K and L (see FIG. 5(a))). As described above, when the toner pack 600 is attached to the attachment portion 500 and the lever 508 is rotated from the closed position shown in FIG. 8(a) to the open position shown in FIG. 8(b), the drive transmission portion 508a of the lever 508 enters the groove 603h of the pack-side shutter 603. With the drive transmission portion 508a in the groove 603h, the drive transmission portion 508a gets caught on the toner pack 600, preventing the toner pack 600 from being pulled out of the attachment portion 500.

[0076] Therefore, when toner supply from the toner pack 600 to the developing container 32 begins, the toner pack 600 is prevented from moving from the mounting portion 500 in the direction opposite to the mounting direction M, thereby preventing toner from leaking outside the image forming device 1.

[0077] 6A, a tapered portion 603i is formed at the entrance of the groove 603h, and the tapered portion 603i is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction and the axial direction D1. In other words, the tapered portion 603i extends toward the rotational direction (the direction of arrows K and L) of the pack-side shutter 603 as it approaches the rotational axis α (axial direction D1). The tapered portion 603i allows the drive transmission portion 508a to be easily inserted into the groove 603h even if the toner pack 600 is slightly misaligned in the installation direction M when the toner pack 600 is installed in the installation portion 500. Furthermore, if the lever 508 is not rotated sufficiently to the closed position when the toner pack 600 is removed from the installation portion 500, the drive transmission portion 508a of the lever 508 will abut against the tapered portion 603i. In this state, when the toner pack 600 is pulled out of the mounting portion 500, the drive transmission portion 508a is pressed against the tapered portion 603i, causing the lever 508 to rotate to the closed position, and the lever 508 can be returned to the correct position.

[0078] In this way, by providing the groove portion 603h and the tapered portion 603i on the pack-side shutter 603, it is possible to prevent the toner pack 600 from coming off, to facilitate the rotation operation of the lever 508, and to return the lever 508 to the correct shielding position. Furthermore, when re-inserting the toner pack 600 into the mounting portion 500, interference between parts and the like does not occur, improving operability.

[0079] [Pouch details] Next, the pouch 601 of the toner pack 600 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15(a) to 17(f). FIGS. 15(a) to 15(d) are views showing the toner pack 600 with a protective cap 630 attached to the nozzle unit 610. FIG. 15(a) is a plan view of the toner pack 600. FIG. 15(b) is a side view of the toner pack 600. FIG. 15(c) is a front view of the toner pack 600. FIG. 15(d) is a bottom view of the toner pack 600. The toner pack 600 shown in FIGS. 15(a) to 23(a) has substantially the same configuration as the toner pack 600 shown in FIGS. 3(a) to 6(b), except that the shape of the outer ring member 620 is slightly different.

[0080] Figures 16(a, b) are perspective views showing the toner pack 600 with the cap 630 removed. Figures 17(a-f) are six-view diagrams of the toner pack 600 with the cap 630 removed, using the third angle projection method. Figure 17(a) is a plan view of the toner pack 600. Figure 17(b) is a left side view of the toner pack 600. Figure 17(c) is a front view of the toner pack 600. Figure 17(d) is a right side view of the toner pack 600. Figure 17(e) is a rear view of the toner pack 600. Figure 17(f) is a bottom view of the toner pack 600.

[0081] In order to define the shapes of the toner pack 600 and the pouch 601, the following description and drawings use the mutually perpendicular X-axis direction (first direction), Y-axis direction (second direction), and Z-axis direction (third direction). The X-axis direction is the direction from the nozzle unit 610 (base portion 611) side toward the pouch 601 side. The X-axis direction in this embodiment is a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction D1 of the rotation axis α of the pack-side shutter 603. The Y-axis direction is the longitudinal direction of the pouch 601 when viewed in the X-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is the lateral direction of the pouch 601 when viewed in the X-axis direction. In other words, the toner pack 600 in this embodiment has a shape in which the maximum length of the pouch 601 in the Y-axis direction is greater than the maximum length of the pouch 601 in the Z-axis direction when viewed in the X-axis direction.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 15(a) to 17(f), pouch 601 is a bag made of a flexible film material (sheet material). "Flexible" refers to a degree of flexibility that allows a user to easily deform and reduce the volume of pouch 601 by squeezing it with their hands while discharge outlet 602a is open, thereby facilitating toner discharge. Pouch 601 has side portions 601a made of two sheets of film material and a bottom portion (gusset portion, bottom gusset) 601b made of one sheet of film material. Pouch 601 is formed into a cylindrical shape with a bottom by joining the film materials together by a method such as heat welding. A manufacturing method for pouch 601 will be described in detail later.

[0083] The film material constituting the pouch 601 may be, for example, a polypropylene film having a thickness of 90 to 140 μm. In a configuration example in which this embodiment is applied, a 110 μm polypropylene film is used. The material of the film material is not limited to polypropylene, but may be other synthetic resins such as polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate, or paper. The film material may also be a laminate material in which another material is laminated onto a base layer such as polypropylene. For example, a heat seal layer that improves weldability by softening at a lower temperature than the base layer may be provided on the surface layer of the film material (the surface layer on the side to be welded). In addition, a barrier layer such as a metal vapor deposition film or a surface layer for improving the printability of the surface exposed to the surface of the pouch 601 may be provided. Furthermore, film materials of different materials may be used for the side portion 601a and the bottom portion 601b.

[0084] The side surface portion 601a of the pouch 601 is a cylindrical portion extending in the X-axis direction (first direction) while forming an internal storage space for storing toner. In this embodiment, the side surface portion 601a is formed into a cylindrical shape by joining the side edges in the Y-axis direction of two films by a method such as welding over the entire area in the X-axis direction. The cross-sectional shape of the side surface portion 601a as viewed in the X-axis direction is a spindle shape with the Y-axis direction as the longitudinal direction and the Z-axis direction as the minor axis.

[0085] The bottom 601b of the pouch 601 is a portion that closes the toner storage space from one side in the X-axis direction (first direction). In this embodiment, the bottom 601b is formed by joining the peripheral edge of one film material to each of the two films that make up the side portion 601a by a method such as welding. The shape of the bottom 601b as viewed in the X-axis direction is a spindle shape with the Y-axis direction as the longitudinal direction and the Z-axis direction as the minor axis.

[0086] Here, nozzle unit 610 as a discharge member is provided with top surface 620d (see Figures 18(b) and 20(a, b)) as an opposing surface that faces bottom 601b of pouch 601 in the X-axis direction. Top surface 620d is the end surface of outer ring member 620 in the X-axis direction, and spreads in a direction intersecting the X-axis direction. The shape of top surface 620d as viewed in the X-axis direction is a spindle shape with the Y-axis direction as the longitudinal direction and the Z-axis direction as the minor axis.

[0087] The top surface 620d is the surface exposed to the storage space inside the pouch 601 when the pouch 601 is attached to the nozzle unit 610. In other words, the storage space formed by the cylindrical side surface 601a is closed from one side in the X-axis direction by the bottom 601b, and from the other side in the X-axis direction by the top surface 620d of the nozzle unit 610. This seals the storage space inside the pouch 601 (assuming that the pack-side shutter 603 is closed).

[0088] An opening is provided in the center of the top surface portion 620d, and an inlet 602f of the nozzle 602 coupled to the outer ring member 620 is exposed inside the opening. The inlet 602f is an opening that communicates with the outlet 602a via a flow path 602g inside the nozzle 602. Therefore, the nozzle unit 610 is configured to receive toner from inside the pouch 601 into the flow path 602g via the inlet 602f when the toner pack 600 is attached to the attachment portion 500 of the printer main body 100 and the pack-side and main body-side shutters are opened. The toner that flows into the flow path 602g via the inlet 602f is discharged from the outlet 602a and replenished to the printer main body 100 through the refill port 32a, as described above.

[0089] In this embodiment, the top surface 620d (opposing surface) has a flat surface extending substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction, but the surface shape is not limited to this. For example, the top surface 620d (opposing surface) may have a curved surface (cone-shaped) that is recessed toward the outlet 602a in the X-axis direction as it approaches the rotation axis α (FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b) and 17(a) and 17(f)). Furthermore, for example, when viewed in the Z-axis direction, the top surface 620d (opposing surface) may have a V-shape in which the central portion in the Y-axis direction is recessed toward the outlet 602a in the X-axis direction compared to both end portions.

[0090] 15(a) to 15(d), the cap 630 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and is detachably attached to the pack-side shutter 603. The outer diameter of the cap 630 is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the flange portion 603f of the pack-side shutter 603. When the cap 630 is attached, most of the portions of the nozzle 602 and pack-side shutter 603 that interact with the attachment portion 500 of the printer body 100 (for example, the recessed portion 602e and the end faces 603g and 605a) are hidden by the cap 630. Therefore, when the cap 630 is attached, the nozzle unit 610 is protected from damage caused by collision with an object or by careless touch by the user.

[0091] 15(b) and 15(d), the flange portion 603f of the pack-side shutter 603 has a straight portion 603fa formed by cutting out part of the circumference along a straight line. When the pack-side shutter 603 is in the blocking position, the straight portion 603fa is substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction. In other words, the shutter of this embodiment has a straight portion formed in a straight line in the second direction (Y-axis direction) at a position away from the shutter axis (rotation axis α) in the third direction (Z-axis direction). The provision of the straight portion 603fa improves stability when the toner pack 600 is placed on a horizontal surface with the X-axis direction approximately horizontal and the straight portion 603fa positioned downward.

[0092] [Pouch manufacturing method] Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the pouch 601 will be described. Fig. 18(a) is a diagram schematically showing a method for producing the pouch 601, which is a bag body, from three raw sheets Sa1, Sa2, and Sb. Fig. 18(b) is a diagram for explaining a method for connecting the pouch 601 to the nozzle unit 610.

[0093] 18(a), first, raw sheet Sb, which will become bottom 601b of pouch 601, is folded in half and sandwiched between two raw sheets Sa1 and Sa2, which will become side surfaces 601a of pouch 601. In this state, raw sheets Sa1 and Sa2 are welded together in region A1 of the side edges. Furthermore, raw sheets Sa1 and Sb are welded together in region A2, and raw sheets Sa2 and Sb are welded together in region A3, thereby forming bag-shaped (cylindrical with a bottom) pouch 601.

[0094] In an actual bag-making device, a web of raw sheets continuously fed from a web roll in the flow direction is sequentially welded to form the pouch structure of pouch 601, while the raw sheets are cut at positions between adjacent pouches 601 to cut out individual pouches 601. At this time, cutting is performed at positions corresponding to the edges of the illustrated raw sheets Sa1, Sa2, and Sb in the Y-axis direction. In this way, pouch 601 shown in FIG. 18(b) and the like is obtained.

[0095] The method of creating the bag-shaped (cylindrical with bottom) pouch 601 from one or more film materials (raw sheets) is not limited to this, and for example, a sheet for side gussets may be interposed between the raw sheets Sa1 and Sa2.

[0096] Furthermore, when raw sheets Sa1, Sa2, and Sb are welded in the illustrated regions A2 and A3, bottom 601b of pouch 601 has a mountain-shaped surface with a protruding center in the Y-axis direction, as shown in Figures 15(a-c). However, the shape of bottom 601b is not limited to this, and the shape of bottom 601b can be changed by changing the shape and arrangement of regions A2 and A3 where side portions 601a and bottom 601b are welded. For example, in raw sheet Sb that becomes bottom 601b of pouch 601, the greater the distance measured along the direction Df perpendicular to the fold line from region A2 welded to one raw sheet Sa1 to region A3 welded to the other raw sheet Sa2, the greater the dimension of bottom 601b of pouch 601 in the Z-axis direction. That is, when the pouch 601 is manufactured, the shape of the manufactured pouch 601 can be controlled by changing the areas A1 to A3 to be welded of the raw sheets Sa1, Sa2, and Sb.

[0097] 18(b), pouch 601 is formed in a bag shape (bottomed cylindrical shape) that opens toward the side opposite bottom 601b in the X-axis direction, and has opening edge 601a1 of side surface 601a joined to outer ring member 620 of nozzle unit 610. Outer ring member 620 has joining surface 620e (mounting surface) that is shaped such that the peripheral edge of top surface 620d, as viewed in the X-axis direction, extends in the X-axis direction. Opening edge 601a1 of pouch 601 is joined to joining surface 620e by a method such as hot melt adhesive or welding, thereby integrating pouch 601 with nozzle unit 610.

[0098] The coupling surface 620e is a coupling portion (connection portion) of the discharge member configured to prevent toner leakage by coupling with the pouch 601 (bag body) all around the top surface portion 620d as the opposing surface. As described above, after the pouch 601 is coupled with the outer ring member 620 and toner is filled into the pouch 601 through the opening of the outer ring member 620, the nozzle 602 and the like may be attached to the outer ring member 620.

[0099] [Detailed shape of pouch] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 19 to 23(b), the details of the outer shape and cross-sectional shape of the pouch 601 of the toner pack 600 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the cutting positions of the toner pack 600 shown in FIGS. 20(a) to 22(b).

[0100] (1. Overall description) Hereinafter, the position in the X-axis direction is defined with reference to the position of the top surface 620d (the opposing surface of the discharge member) of the nozzle unit 610 in the X-axis direction (X = 0). The position of the end portion of the pouch 6 opposite to the nozzle unit 610 in the X-axis direction is set as X = Xmax. In other words, the range of values that X can take with respect to the pouch 601 is 0 ≤ X ≤ Xmax. Further, Xmax is the height (outer dimension) of the pouch 601 in the X-axis direction with reference to the top surface 620d (opposing surface). When the top surface 620d is not a plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction, the position in the X-axis direction may be defined with reference to the portion of the top surface 620d that is located closest to the bottom portion 601b of the pouch 601 in the X-axis direction (X = 0).

[0101] In FIG. 19, 0 < X1 < Xmax / 2 < X2 < Xmax. That is, X = X1 is a position closer to the nozzle unit 610 than half of the height (Xmax) of the pouch 601 in the X-axis direction. Conversely, X = X2 is a position farther from the nozzle unit 610 than half of the height (Xmax) of the pouch 601 in the X-axis direction.

[0102] FIGS. 20(a, b) are perspective views and cross-sectional views showing a part of the toner pack cut at the position of X = 0 shown in FIG. 19. FIGS. 21(a, b) are perspective views and cross-sectional views showing a part of the toner pack cut at the position of X = X1 shown in FIG. 19. FIGS. 22(a, b) are perspective views and cross-sectional views showing a part of the toner pack cut at the position of X = X2 shown in FIG. 19.

[0103] FIGS. 23(a, b) are diagrams in which the parameters regarding the shape of the pouch 601 in the configuration example to which the present embodiment is applied are plotted with respect to the position in the X-axis direction.

[0104] In the following description, the dimension of the pouch 601 in the X-axis direction is referred to as "height." When a position X in the X-axis direction is given, the dimension of the pouch 601 in the Y-axis direction in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction at position X is referred to as "width Y" or simply "width." When a position X in the X-axis direction is given, the dimension of the pouch 601 in the Z-axis direction in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction at position X is referred to as "thickness Z" or simply "thickness." Unless otherwise specified, the width Y and thickness Z of the pouch 601 represent the internal dimensions of the pouch 601. The thickness Z is the depth dimension of the toner pack 600 or the pouch 601 when the viewpoint in FIG. 17(c) is the front side of the toner pack 600.

[0105] In the configuration example of this embodiment, the width of the welded region at the side edge of side surface portion 601a of pouch 601 is approximately 5 mm across the entire X-axis direction. Therefore, the outer dimension of pouch 601 in the Y-axis direction is the inner dimension, width Y, plus 10 mm. Meanwhile, because the thickness of the film material constituting pouch 601 is smaller than thickness Z of pouch 601, the outer dimension of pouch 601 in the Z-axis direction is approximately equal to inner dimension, thickness Z.

[0106] Furthermore, because the pouch 601 is made of a flexible film material, the shape of the pouch 601 will be described based on the natural shape of the pouch 601. The natural shape of the pouch 601 is the shape of the pouch 601 when it is not deformed by an external force. If the pouch 601 can take multiple shapes when no external force is applied, the natural shape of the pouch 601 can be observed by the following method. First, the nozzle unit 610 is held with the nozzle unit 610 facing up, and air is blown into the pouch 601 through the outlet 602a to set the internal pressure of the pouch 601 to a value slightly higher than 1 atmosphere, thereby removing deformation (bending) of the side portion 601a and the bottom portion 601b. Thereafter, the blowing of air is stopped, and the shape of the pouch 601 is measured when the internal pressure of the pouch 601 returns to 1 atmosphere.

[0107] (2. Overall shape of pouch) As shown in FIGS. 17(a) to 17(f), the pouch 601 of the toner pack 600 according to the present embodiment has an outer shape that extends long in the X-axis direction, and the maximum length Ymax in the Y-axis direction of the pouch 601 when viewed in the X-axis direction is larger than the maximum length Zmax in the Z-axis direction of the pouch 601. That is, Xmax > Ymax > Zmax.

[0108] Also, in the range of 0 ≦ X ≦ Xmax (that is, the entire range of values that X can take for the pouch 601), the thickness Z of the pouch 601 in a cross-section perpendicular to the X-axis direction is less than or equal to the width Y. That is, the following relationship holds in the range of 0 ≦ X ≦ Xmax. Xmax > Y ≧ Z

[0109] Thus, the pouch 601 of the present embodiment has a vertically long shape in the X-axis direction and a flat shape in the Y-axis direction.

[0110] Also, as shown in FIGS. 19 to 22(b), in the range of 0 ≦ X ≦ Xa, as the pouch 601 approaches the bottom 601b side in the X-axis direction, the width Y and the thickness Z of the pouch 601 increase. However, Xa represents the inflection point of the shape of the pouch 601, and Xmax / 2 < Xa < Xmax. That is, the range of 0 ≦ X ≦ Xa of the pouch 601 (bag body) is a tapered portion 601t formed such that the cross-sectional area of the pouch in a cross-section perpendicular to the X-axis direction decreases as it approaches the top surface 620d of the nozzle unit 610 in the X-axis direction (the first direction).

[0111] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 20(a) to 22(b), when the widths Y of the pouch 601 at X = 0, X = X1, and X = X2 are Y0, Y1, and Y2 respectively, Y0 < Y1 < Y2. Also, when the thicknesses Z of the pouch 601 at X = 0, X = X1, and X = X2 are Z0, Z1, and Z2 respectively, Z0 < Z1 < Z2.

[0112] The tapered portion 601t has a tapered shape in which the width Y and thickness Z of the pouch 601 decrease toward the top surface portion 620d of the nozzle unit 610. This makes it possible to reduce the width Y0 and thickness Z0 of the lower end portion (X=0) of the pouch 601 while ensuring the capacity of the pouch 601, thereby reducing the amount of toner remaining at the lower end portion of the pouch 601 when the toner is discharged. Note that a similar effect can be achieved by forming a shape in which at least one of the width Y and the thickness Z monotonically increases with respect to X in at least a portion of the range in the X-axis direction including the lower end portion (X=0) of the pouch 601. Furthermore, a similar effect can be achieved by forming a shape in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the pouch 601 monotonically increases with respect to X in at least a portion of the range in the X-axis direction including the lower end portion (X=0) of the pouch 601.

[0113] In this embodiment, in the range of Xa≦X≦Xmax, the width Y and thickness Z of the pouch 601 are constant (Y=Ymax, Z=Zmax).

[0114] In the configuration example to which this embodiment is applied, Xmax=135 (mm), Ymax=75 (mm), and Zmax=47 (mm). In this configuration example, the volume of the storage space in pouch 601 is approximately 200 cm^3, and the amount of toner filled is 75 g.

[0115] In this configuration example, the width Y0 and thickness Z0 of pouch 601 at X=0 are Y0=47.6 (mm) and Z0=40.5 (mm). The inflection point (Xa) is located approximately 85 mm from top surface 620d. In tapered portion 60t, width Y and thickness Z change from Y0, Z0 to Ymax, Zmax at a roughly constant rate relative to X.

[0116] (3. Pouch thickness) 1(a) and 1(b) , the pouch has a tapered shape in which the thickness in the Z-axis direction decreases toward the bottom of the pouch (the side opposite the nozzle) in the X-axis direction. However, with this configuration, the ratio of the pouch's volume, which is the space that can actually contain toner, to the space occupied by the pouch (a rectangular parallelepiped with a height of Xmax, a width of Ymax, and a thickness of Zmax) is small. Therefore, filling the toner pack 40 with a sufficient amount of toner requires the pouch to be made larger.

[0117] Therefore, in this embodiment, a shape is adopted in which the pouch 601 has a substantially uniform thickness Z over the entire area of ​​the pouch 601 in the X-axis direction. Specifically, in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, the thickness Z of the pouch 601 satisfies the following inequality with respect to the thickness Z0 of the pouch 601 at X=0 (FIGS. 20(a) and 20(b)). 0.8×Z0≦Z≦1.2×Z0

[0118] As shown by the solid line in FIG. 24(b), the value of Z / Z0 in this configuration example falls within the range of 1.0 to 1.2 within the range of 0≦X≦Xmax (=135), satisfying the above inequality.

[0119] Thus, over the entire area in the X-axis direction (0≦X≦Xmax), the thickness Z of the pouch 601 is 80% or more of the thickness Z0 at X=0. This makes it possible to increase the ratio of the volume of the pouch 601 to the space occupied by the pouch 601, and a sufficient amount of toner can be filled using a compact pouch 601. Furthermore, over the entire area in the X-axis direction (0≦X≦Xmax), the thickness Z of the pouch 601 is 120% or less of the thickness Z0 at X=0. This makes it possible to suppress adverse effects that would occur if the thickness Z of the pouch 601 were too large (such as reduced alignment during packaging and reduced stability when placed horizontally).

[0120] In this embodiment, bottom 601b of pouch 601 and top surface 620d (opposing surfaces) of nozzle unit 610, which face each other in the X-axis direction, are both spindle-shaped with their major axes aligned in the Y-axis direction. The ratio of Z-axis length Zc of top surface 620d (the length of the minor axis of the spindle shape, FIG. 20(b)) to thickness Zd of bottom 601b of pouch 601 (the length of the minor axis of the spindle shape, FIG. 17(a)) is set to a value close to 1. Specifically, 0.8×Zc≦Zd≦1.2×Zc. This ensures that the cross-sectional shape of pouch 601 is spindle-shaped throughout the entire X-axis direction, and that its thickness Z is maintained at a value roughly close to Zc. Therefore, a configuration that allows a sufficient amount of toner to be filled using a compact pouch 601 while suppressing the adverse effects that would occur if the thickness Z of the pouch 601 were too large can be realized using an easily manufacturable pouch shape.

[0121] (4. Relationship between width Y and thickness Z of the lower half of the pouch 1) In addition to the above (2) and (3), the pouch 601 of this embodiment is configured so that Y≦2×Z is satisfied in the range of 0≦X<0.5×Xmax (Y / Z≦2 in FIG. 23(a)). In other words, in the lower half of the pouch 601 (the portion closer to the nozzle unit 610 than X=½×Xmax), the width Y of the pouch 601 is configured so as not to exceed twice the thickness Z. That is, in the lower half of the pouch 601, the cross-sectional shape of the pouch 601 in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction is designed not to be excessively flattened in the Y-axis direction.

[0122] The pouch 601 of this embodiment is composed of a flexible film material and has a vertically long outer shape in the X-axis direction (the first direction) and a flat outer shape in the Y-axis direction (the second direction) as described in (2) above. Therefore, it is required to ensure the bending strength against an external force in the Z-axis direction (the third direction). According to the configuration where Y ≤ 2×Z in the range of 0 ≤ X < 0.5×Xmax, in the lower half of the pouch 601, the cross-sectional shape of the pouch 601 does not become excessively flat (the thickness Z does not become excessively small with respect to the width Y). Thereby, the bending strength of the pouch 601 in the Z-axis direction can be ensured, and for example, inconveniences such as the upper half of the pouch 601 being bent to one side in the Z-axis direction during toner replenishment or being easily bent during handling and the workability of operations such as packaging being reduced can be suppressed.

[0123] In addition, as shown in Fig. 23(a), it is more preferable to configure the pouch 601 such that Y ≤ 2×Z over the entire range of X (0 ≤ X < Xmax). Also, it is more preferable to configure the pouch 601 such that Y ≤ 1.75×Z in the range of 0 ≤ X < 0.5×Xmax. Thereby, it becomes easier to ensure the bending strength of the pouch 601 in the Z-axis direction.

[0124] (5. Product of width Y and thickness Z of the lower half of the pouch) In addition, the pouch 601 of this embodiment is configured such that Y0×Z0 ≤ Y×Z ≤ 2.5×Y0×Z0 in the range of 0 ≤ X < 0.5×Xmax in addition to (2) and (3) above (1 ≤ Y×Z / Y0×Z0 ≤ 2.5 in Fig. 23(b)). In other words, in the lower half of the pouch 601, the lower and upper limits of the product of the vertical and horizontal dimensions Y×Z of the cross-section of the pouch 601 are set based on the product of the vertical and horizontal dimensions Y0×Z0 of the cross-section at the lower end (X = 0) of the pouch 601. <0,000466>

[0125] Here, as described in (3) above, the thickness Z of the pouch 601 is set to be approximately the same as the thickness Z0 at X = 0 over the entire range in the X-axis direction. Therefore, according to the relationship of Y×Z ≤ 2.5×Y0×Z0, in the lower half of the pouch 601, the width Y does not become extremely large with respect to the thickness Z, which is generally constant.

[0126] The pouch 601 of this embodiment is composed of a flexible film material and has a vertically long outer shape in the X-axis direction (first direction) and a flat outer shape in the Y-axis direction (second direction) as described in (2) above. Therefore, it is required to ensure the bending strength against an external force in the Z-axis direction (third direction). According to the configuration where Y×Z≦2.5×Y0×Z0 in the range of 0≦X<0.5×Xmax, in the lower half of the pouch 601, the cross-sectional shape of the pouch 601 does not become excessively flat (the thickness Z does not become excessively small with respect to the width Y). Thereby, the bending strength of the pouch 601 in the Z-axis direction can be ensured. Further, according to the configuration where Y0×Z0≦Y×Z in the range of 0≦X<0.5×Xmax, the cross-sectional area in the lower half of the pouch 601 is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area at the lower end (X = 0) of the pouch 601, so that the volume of the pouch 601 can be ensured.

[0127] In addition, as shown in FIG. 23(b), it is more preferable to configure the pouch 601 such that Y0×Z0≦Y×Z≦2×Y0×Z0 over the entire range of X (0≦X<Xmax). Thereby, it becomes easier to ensure the bending strength of the pouch 601 in the Z-axis direction.

[0128] (6. Relationship between width Y and thickness Z of the lower half of the pouch 2) In addition to (2) and (3) above, the pouch 601 of this embodiment is configured such that Z≦0.9Y in the range of 0≦X<0.5×Xmax (Y / Z≧1.11… in FIG. 23(a)). That is, in the lower half of the pouch 601, the cross-sectional shape of the pouch 601 is horizontally long in the Y-axis direction such that the thickness Z is 90% or less of the width Y.

[0129] The pouch 601 of this embodiment is composed of a flexible film material and is configured such that when replenishing toner, the nozzle unit 610 of the pouch 601 is placed downward and the user kneads the pouch 6 (end)1 by hand to discharge the toner. In this case, since the cross-sectional shape in the lower half of the pouch 601 is horizontally long in the Y-axis direction, the user can easily discharge the toner from the pouch 601 by sandwiching the pouch 601 from both sides in the Z-axis direction and pressing with fingers.

[0130] (7. Relationship between width Y of bottom end of pouch and width Yc of top surface of nozzle) Furthermore, in addition to the above (2) and (3), the pouch 601 of this embodiment is configured so that 1≦Y0 / Yc≦1.5, where Yc is the width of the top surface portion 620d of the nozzle unit 610 in the Y-axis direction (FIG. 20(b)).

[0131] In this embodiment, pouch 601 is used that has a flat cross section in the Y-axis direction (second direction), and when toner is replenished, nozzle unit 610 is placed downward to discharge toner from pouch 601. In this configuration, if there is a large difference between width Yc of top surface 620d (the surface facing the discharge member) of nozzle unit 610 and width Y0 of the bottom end of pouch 601, toner is likely to remain at the bottom end of pouch 601 without being discharged. In contrast, in this embodiment, by setting 1≦Y0 / Yc≦1.5, toner is less likely to remain at the bottom end of pouch 601 when toner is discharged.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 21(a), the opening edge 601a1 of the side surface 601a of the pouch 601 is provided with a welding margin (A5) where the opening edge 601a1 is welded to the outside of the outer ring member 620 (see also FIGS. 18(b) and 20(b)). That is, the side surface 601a of the pouch 601 includes an extended region A5 where the opening edges 601a1 are welded to each other, between a region A4 where the opening edge 601a1 is joined to the joining surface 620e of the outer ring member 620 and a region A1 where the side surface 601a is welded to each other at its side edge in the Y-axis direction. By providing the extended region A5, even if the perimeter of the opening edge 601a1 varies slightly due to tolerances during bag manufacturing of the pouch 601, it will not fall below the perimeter of the joining surface 620e, and the opening edge 601a1 can be easily fitted around the joining surface 620e. Therefore, the workability of integrating the pouch 601 (bag body) with the nozzle unit 610 (discharge member) is improved.

[0133] Region A4 is a first portion where the film material constituting side surface portion 601a of pouch 601 (bag) is joined to spindle-shaped outer ring member 620. Extended region A5 is a second portion where the film material is welded to each other from the longitudinal end of outer ring member 620 toward both sides in the second direction (Y-axis direction). Region A1 is a region extending from the end of the second portion in the second direction (Y-axis direction) toward bottom portion 601b of pouch 601 in the first direction (X-axis direction), and is a third portion where both side edges of the film material in the second direction (Y-axis direction) are welded to each other. Therefore, width Y0 of pouch 601 at the bottom end (X=0) of pouch 601 is the sum of width Yc of top surface portion 620d (the surface facing the discharge member) of nozzle unit 610 and the lengths of extended regions A5 (two second portions) on both sides in the Y-axis direction.

[0134] In such a configuration, by positioning the extension region A5 so that 1≦Y0 / Yc≦1.5, it is possible to realize a configuration that is easy to manufacture and in which toner is less likely to remain at the bottom end of the pouch 601 when the toner is discharged.

[0135] In order to make it more difficult for toner to remain in pouch 601 when the toner is discharged, it is more preferable that 1≦Y0 / Yc≦1.3.

[0136] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the Z-axis length Zc (FIG. 20(b)) of the top surface portion 620d of the nozzle unit 610 is described as being the same as the thickness Z0 of the bottom end portion of the pouch 601. However, if Z0 and Zc are different, it is preferable that 1≦Z0 / Zc≦1.5, and more preferably 1≦Z0 / Zc≦1.3.

[0137] (8. Range of width Y and lower limit of thickness Z) Furthermore, in addition to the above (2) and (3), the pouch 601 of this embodiment is configured so that Y0≦Y≦2.5×Y0 and Z≧30 (mm) in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax (1≦Y / Y0≦2.5 in FIG. 23(b) and Z≧30 in FIG. 23(a)). In other words, throughout the entire area in the X-axis direction, the width Y of the pouch 601 is within the range of 100% to 250% of the width Y0 at the lower end of the pouch 601, and the lower limit of the thickness Z of the pouch 601 is 30 mm.

[0138] By setting a lower limit and an upper limit for the width Y of the pouch 601 and a lower limit for the thickness Z in this way, it is possible to ensure the capacity of the pouch 601 while also ensuring the bending strength of the pouch 601 in the Z-axis direction.

[0139] By providing at least one of the configurations described above in (4) to (8), a new form of toner container can be provided.

[0140] (9. Moment of inertia of pouch) To further clarify the preferred shape of pouch 601, the results of estimating the second moment of area of ​​the cross-sectional shape of pouch 601 using two different methods will be described. Fig. 24(a) shows the cross-sectional shape of pouch 601 in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction, approximated as an ellipse whose major axis length is equal to width Y and whose minor axis length is equal to thickness Z. Fig. 24(b) shows the cross-sectional shape of pouch 601 in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction, approximated as a rhombus whose longer diagonal line length is equal to width Y and whose shorter diagonal line length is equal to thickness Z. The second moment of area here refers to the second moment of area about axis β in the Y-axis direction that passes through the center position of pouch 601 in the Z-axis direction, and represents the resistance of pouch 601 to deformation with respect to a bending moment in the Z-axis direction.

[0141] 25(a) and 25(b) are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the width Y and thickness Z of the pouch 601 and the second moment of area. FIG. 25(a) is a graph showing the second moment of area (mm^4) when the width Y and thickness Z are changed while keeping the area constant for the ellipse in FIG. 24(a). FIG. 25(b) is a graph showing the second moment of area (mm^4) when the width Y and thickness Z are changed while keeping the area constant for the diamond in FIG. 24(b). In FIGS. 25(a) and 25(b), the area is assumed to be constant for an ellipse or diamond with a width Y0 and a thickness Z0 at the bottom end (X=0) of the pouch 601.

[0142] 25(a, b), if the area is constant, the greater the thickness Z, the greater the moment of inertia of the area of ​​the pouch 601. Therefore, it can be seen that ensuring the thickness Z is effective in ensuring the bending strength in the Z-axis direction.

[0143] The second moment of area when the cross section of pouch 601 is approximated by an ellipse (FIG. 25(a)) is larger than the second moment of area when the cross section of pouch 601 is approximated by a diamond (FIG. 25(b)). This is because, in the case of the spindle-shaped cross section of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24(a), the ellipse has a large area that protrudes outward from the actual cross section of pouch 601, so the second moment of area tends to be larger than the actual. Also, as shown in FIG. 24(b), the diamond has a large area that recedes inward from the actual cross section of pouch 601, so the second moment of area tends to be smaller than the actual.

[0144] Figure 26(a) shows the second moment of area (mm^4) and section modulus (mm^3) of pouch 601 estimated by ellipse approximation using the width Y and thickness Z shown in Figure 23(a). Figure 26(b) shows the second moment of area (mm^4) and section modulus (mm^3) of pouch 601 estimated by rhombus approximation using the width Y and thickness Z shown in Figure 23(a).

[0145] Here, the section modulus is the value obtained by dividing the second moment of area by the distance from the axis β to the point on the cross section farthest from the axis β (i.e., 1 / 2 of the thickness Z). The section modulus z, bending moment m, and bending stress σ have the relationship σ=m / z, and when the bending stress σ exceeds the allowable stress of the film material that constitutes the pouch 601, bending of the pouch 601 (buckling of the side surface portion 601a) occurs. Therefore, the magnitude of the section modulus represents the degree of resistance to maintaining the shape of the pouch 601 without bending against a bending moment in the Z-axis direction. Note that while both the second moment of area and the section modulus represent strength against bending moments, the second moment of area differs from the section modulus in that it is used to evaluate the ease of deflection against bending moments.

[0146] When the cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional area of ​​pouch 601 change depending on the position in the X-axis direction, it is desirable to maintain a certain magnitude of the second moment of area or section modulus even when the cross-sectional area is reduced in order to ensure the bending strength in the Z-axis direction of pouch 601. Therefore, the shape of pouch 601 of this embodiment will be examined in comparison with a reference example in which the cross-sectional area changes while maintaining similarity of the cross-sectional shape.

[0147] The dashed lines in Figure 26(a) represent the second moment of area and the section modulus when it is assumed that the cross-sectional area of ​​pouch 601 at each position in the X-axis direction is equal to the solid-line ellipse and that the cross-sectional shape of pouch 601 at each position in the X-axis direction is similar to the ellipse at X = Xmax. The dashed lines in Figure 26(b) represent the second moment of area and the section modulus when it is assumed that the cross-sectional area of ​​pouch 601 at each position in the X-axis direction is equal to the solid-line diamond and that the cross-sectional shape of pouch 601 at each position in the X-axis direction is similar to the diamond at X = Xmax. That is, the pouch of the reference example has a tapered portion in which the cross-sectional area decreases toward nozzle unit 610, as in this embodiment, but differs from this embodiment in that the aspect ratio of the cross-sectional shape is constant.

[0148] In the reference example shown by the dashed lines in FIGS. 26(a) and 26(b), it can be seen that as X decreases in the range of X < Xa, the cross-sectional second moment and the cross-sectional coefficient decrease rapidly. On the other hand, in the case of the present embodiment shown by the solid lines in FIGS. 26(a) and 26(b), although the cross-sectional second moment and the cross-sectional coefficient decrease as X decreases in the range of X < Xa, the slope is gentler than that of the dashed line.

[0149] This is because when the cross-sectional area of the pouch 601 decreases toward the nozzle unit 610, in the reference example, the similarity of the cross-sectional shape is maintained, so the width Y and the thickness Z decrease at equal ratios to each other. Also, in the present embodiment, when the cross-sectional area of the pouch 601 decreases toward the nozzle unit 610, the decrease rate of the thickness Z is smaller than the decrease rate of the width Y (see FIG. 23(a)). In the calculation of the cross-sectional second moment regarding the bending moment in the Z-axis direction, since the influence of the variation of the thickness Z is greater than the influence of the variation of the width Y, the difference between the reference example and the embodiment in FIGS. 26(a) and 26(b) occurs.

[0150] For the above reasons, when the cross-sectional area of the pouch 601 decreases toward the nozzle unit 610, it is preferable that the decrease rate of the thickness Z is smaller than the decrease rate of the width Y (Y / Z approaches 1 as X decreases). Thereby, it becomes easier to ensure the bending strength of the pouch 601 in the vicinity of the nozzle unit 610 in the X-axis direction.

[0151] In the configuration example of this embodiment, the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area (cross-sectional area at X=0) to the maximum cross-sectional area (cross-sectional area at X=Xa) of pouch 601 was 54.7%. In this case, in a reference example in which the similarity of the cross-sectional shape is maintained, the minimum value of the second moment of area (value at X=0) of the cross section of pouch 601 was reduced to 29.9% of the maximum value of the second moment of area (value at X=Xa). In contrast, in the configuration example of this embodiment, the minimum value of the second moment of area (value at X=0) of the cross section of pouch 601 was 40.6% of the maximum value of the second moment of area (value at X=Xa). In this way, it is preferable to configure pouch 601 so that the minimum value of the second moment of area of ​​the cross section of pouch 601 is 40% or more of the maximum value of the second moment of area.

[0152] Furthermore, in the reference example in which the similarity of the cross-sectional shape is maintained, the minimum value of the section modulus of the cross section of the pouch 601 (the value at X=0) was reduced to 40.4% of the maximum value of the section modulus (the value at X=Xa). In contrast, in the configuration example of this embodiment, the minimum value of the section modulus of the cross section of the pouch 601 (the value at X=0) was 47.1% of the maximum value of the section modulus (the value at X=Xa). In this way, it is preferable to configure the pouch 601 so that the minimum value of the section modulus of the cross section of the pouch 601 is 47% or more of the maximum value of the section modulus.

[0153] (Variation 1) The toner pack 600 described in the above embodiment is an example of a toner container, and the shape of the pouch 601 may be changed. FIG. 27 shows a plan view (a), a left side view (b), a front view (c), and a bottom view (d) of a toner pack 600A according to Modification 1. In this modification, the height (Xmax) of the pouch 601 in the X-axis direction is set lower than that of the above embodiment. The capacity of the pouch 601 is set smaller than the capacity (200 cc) in the above embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the above embodiment.

[0154] This modification also provides a new form of toner container. Furthermore, this modification can provide a more compact toner container when filling a smaller amount of toner than toner pack 600 of the above-described embodiment.

[0155] (Variation 2) 28A is a plan view, a left side view, a front view, a bottom view, and a perspective view, respectively, of a toner pack 600B according to Modification 2. In addition to the tapered portion 601t similar to that of the above-described embodiment, the pouch 601 of this modification has a second tapered portion 601s in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the pouch 601 decreases in the X-axis direction toward the end on the bottom 601b side.

[0156] The second tapered portion 601s is provided in the range of Xa≦X≦Xmax. In the second tapered portion 601s, the thickness Z of the pouch 601 decreases in the X-axis direction toward the end of the bottom 601b of the pouch 601. Therefore, the thickness Zd of the pouch 601 and the thickness of the bottom 601b at X=Xmax are smaller than the maximum value (Zmax) of the thickness Z. In the illustrated modified example, the width Y of the pouch 601 is constant in the range of Xa≦X≦Xmax, but the width Y may also decrease together with the thickness Z. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

[0157] This modification also provides a new form of toner container.

[0158] (Other embodiments) In the above-described embodiment and modified example, a configuration has been described in which the pack-side shutter 603 and the apparatus-side shutter 509 are opened by operating the lever 508 on the main body side after the toner pack 600 is attached to the attachment portion 500 of the printer main body 100. The method of connecting the toner container to the supply port of the image forming apparatus is not limited to this. For example, after attaching the toner pack 600 to the attachment portion 500, the user may grasp the pouch 601 and rotate it relative to the printer main body 100 so that the outlet 602a of the nozzle 602 communicates with the supply port 32a of the printer main body 100. Alternatively, for example, the user may remove a cap or seal from the toner container to expose the outlet of the toner container. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 1...image forming apparatus / 32a...supply port / 600...toner container (toner pack) / 601...bag body (pouch) / 601a...side portion / 601b...bottom portion / 602a...discharge port / 602f...receiving port / 610...discharge member (nozzle unit) / 620d...opposing surface (top surface portion)

Claims

1. A toner container that is detachable from an image forming apparatus and is configured so that toner can be replenished while attached to the image forming apparatus, and that includes a bag body and a nozzle unit, the bag body is made of a flexible film material, and when a direction in which the bag body and the nozzle unit are aligned is defined as a first direction, the bag body has a side portion extending in the first direction and forming an accommodating space therein for accommodating toner, and a bottom portion closing the accommodating space from one side in the first direction; the nozzle unit is connected to the bag body and is configured to be able to discharge toner from the storage space to the outside, and includes an outer ring member connected to the bag body and a nozzle connected to the outer ring member, the outer ring member having an opposing surface that blocks the storage space from the other side in the first direction and faces the bottom, and an opening provided in the opposing surface, the nozzle having a receiving port exposed to the inside of the opening and for receiving toner in the storage space, and a discharge port that communicates with the receiving port and for discharging the toner received via the receiving port, the nozzle unit further includes a flange portion that is disposed between the discharge port and the bag body in the first direction and that extends outward from the nozzle beyond the discharge port when viewed in the first direction, directions orthogonal to the first direction and orthogonal to each other are defined as a second direction and a third direction, a length in the first direction from the opposing surface to an end of the bag body on the opposite side from the opposing surface is defined as Xmax; When a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposing surface is given, the length of the bag body in the second direction on a plane perpendicular to the first direction is defined as Y, and when a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposing surface is given, the length of the bag body in the third direction on the plane is defined as Z, When Z at X=0 is Z0, Xmax>Y≧Z in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, 0.8×Z0≦Z≦1.2×Z0 in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, In the range of 0≦X<0.5×Xmax, Y≦2×Z; A toner container characterized by:

2. When Y at X=0 is Y0, Y0×Z0≦Y×Z≦2.5×Y0×Z0 in the range of 0≦X<0.5×Xmax, 2. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the toner container is a toner container.

3. A toner container that is detachable from an image forming apparatus and is configured so that toner can be replenished while attached to the image forming apparatus, and that includes a bag body and a nozzle unit, the bag body is made of a flexible film material, and when a direction in which the bag body and the nozzle unit are aligned is defined as a first direction, the bag body has a side portion extending in the first direction and forming an accommodating space therein for accommodating toner, and a bottom portion closing the accommodating space from one side in the first direction; the nozzle unit is connected to the bag body and is configured to be able to discharge toner from the storage space to the outside, and includes an outer ring member connected to the bag body and a nozzle connected to the outer ring member, the outer ring member having an opposing surface that blocks the storage space from the other side in the first direction and faces the bottom, and an opening provided in the opposing surface, the nozzle having a receiving port exposed to the inside of the opening and for receiving toner in the storage space, and a discharge port that communicates with the receiving port and for discharging the toner received via the receiving port, the nozzle unit further includes a flange portion that is disposed between the discharge port and the bag body in the first direction and that extends outward from the nozzle beyond the discharge port when viewed in the first direction, directions orthogonal to the first direction and orthogonal to each other are defined as a second direction and a third direction, a length in the first direction from the opposing surface to an end of the bag body on the opposite side from the opposing surface is defined as Xmax; When a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposing surface is given, the length of the bag body in the second direction on a plane perpendicular to the first direction is defined as Y, and when a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposing surface is given, the length of the bag body in the third direction on the plane is defined as Z, When Y and Z at X=0 are Y0 and Z0, Xmax>Y≧Z in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, 0.8×Z0≦Z≦1.2×Z0 in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, Y0×Z0≦Y×Z≦2.5×Y0×Z0 in the range of 0≦X<0.5×Xmax, A toner container characterized by:

4. In the range of 0≦X<0.5×Xmax, Z≦0.9Y; 4. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the toner container is a toner container having a toner container body.

5. A toner container that is detachable from an image forming apparatus and is configured so that toner can be replenished while attached to the image forming apparatus, and that includes a bag body and a nozzle unit, the bag body is made of a flexible film material, and when a direction in which the bag body and the nozzle unit are aligned is defined as a first direction, the bag body has a side portion extending in the first direction and forming an accommodating space therein for accommodating toner, and a bottom portion closing the accommodating space from one side in the first direction; the nozzle unit is connected to the bag body and is configured to be able to discharge toner from the storage space to the outside, and includes an outer ring member connected to the bag body and a nozzle connected to the outer ring member, the outer ring member having an opposing surface that blocks the storage space from the other side in the first direction and faces the bottom, and an opening provided in the opposing surface, the nozzle having a receiving port exposed to the inside of the opening and for receiving toner in the storage space, and a discharge port that communicates with the receiving port and for discharging the toner received via the receiving port, the nozzle unit further includes a flange portion that is disposed between the discharge port and the bag body in the first direction and that extends outward from the nozzle beyond the discharge port when viewed in the first direction, directions orthogonal to the first direction and orthogonal to each other are defined as a second direction and a third direction, a length in the first direction from the opposing surface to an end of the bag body on the opposite side from the opposing surface is defined as Xmax; When a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposing surface is given, the length of the bag body in the second direction on a plane perpendicular to the first direction is defined as Y, and when a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposing surface is given, the length of the bag body in the third direction on the plane is defined as Z, When Z at X=0 is Z0, Xmax>Y≧Z in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, 0.8×Z0≦Z≦1.2×Z0 in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, In the range of 0≦X<0.5×Xmax, Z≦0.9Y; A toner container characterized by:

6. Y at X=0 is Y0, When the length of the opposing surface in the second direction is Yc, 1≦Y0 / Yc≦1.5, 6. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the toner container is a toner container having a plurality of openings.

7. A toner container that is detachable from an image forming apparatus and is configured so that toner can be replenished while attached to the image forming apparatus, and that includes a bag body and a nozzle unit, the bag body is made of a flexible film material, and when a direction in which the bag body and the nozzle unit are aligned is defined as a first direction, the bag body has a side portion extending in the first direction and forming an accommodating space therein for accommodating toner, and a bottom portion closing the accommodating space from one side in the first direction; the nozzle unit is connected to the bag body and is configured to be able to discharge toner from the storage space to the outside, and includes an outer ring member connected to the bag body and a nozzle connected to the outer ring member, the outer ring member having an opposing surface that blocks the storage space from the other side in the first direction and faces the bottom, and an opening provided in the opposing surface, the nozzle having a receiving port exposed to the inside of the opening and for receiving toner in the storage space, and a discharge port that communicates with the receiving port and for discharging the toner received via the receiving port, the nozzle unit further includes a flange portion that is disposed between the discharge port and the bag body in the first direction and that extends outward from the nozzle beyond the discharge port when viewed in the first direction, directions orthogonal to the first direction and orthogonal to each other are defined as a second direction and a third direction, a length in the first direction from the opposing surface to an end of the bag body on the opposite side from the opposing surface is defined as Xmax; When a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposing surface is given, the length of the bag body in the second direction on a plane perpendicular to the first direction is defined as Y, and when a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposing surface is given, the length of the bag body in the third direction on the plane is defined as Z, Y at X=0 is Y0, When the length of the opposing surface in the second direction is Yc, Xmax>Y≧Z in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, 0.8×Z0≦Z≦1.2×Z0 in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, 1≦Y0 / Yc≦1.5, A toner container characterized by:

8. When Y at X=0 is Y0, In the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, Y0≦Y≦2.5×Y0 and Z≧30 (mm), 8. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the toner container is a toner container having a toner container body.

9. A toner container that is detachable from an image forming apparatus and is configured so that toner can be replenished while attached to the image forming apparatus, and that includes a bag body and a nozzle unit, the bag body is made of a flexible film material, and when a direction in which the bag body and the nozzle unit are aligned is defined as a first direction, the bag body has a side portion extending in the first direction and forming an accommodating space therein for accommodating toner, and a bottom portion closing the accommodating space from one side in the first direction; the nozzle unit is connected to the bag body and is configured to be able to discharge toner from the storage space to the outside, and includes an outer ring member connected to the bag body and a nozzle connected to the outer ring member, the outer ring member having an opposing surface that blocks the storage space from the other side in the first direction and faces the bottom, and an opening provided in the opposing surface, the nozzle having a receiving port exposed to the inside of the opening and for receiving toner in the storage space, and a discharge port that communicates with the receiving port and for discharging the toner received via the receiving port, the nozzle unit further includes a flange portion that is disposed between the discharge port and the bag body in the first direction and that extends outward from the nozzle beyond the discharge port when viewed in the first direction, directions orthogonal to the first direction and orthogonal to each other are defined as a second direction and a third direction, a length in the first direction from the opposing surface to an end of the bag body on the opposite side from the opposing surface is defined as Xmax; When a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposing surface is given, the length of the bag body in the second direction on a plane perpendicular to the first direction is defined as Y, and when a position X (0≦X≦Xmax) in the first direction relative to the opposing surface is given, the length of the bag body in the third direction on the plane is defined as Z, When Y at X=0 is Y0, Xmax>Y≧Z in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, 0.8×Z0≦Z≦1.2×Z0 in the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, In the range of 0≦X≦Xmax, Y0≦Y≦2.5×Y0 and Z≧30 (mm), A toner container characterized by:

10. the bag body has a tapered portion formed so that a cross-sectional area of ​​the bag body in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction decreases as the bag body approaches the opposing surface of the outer ring member in the first direction.

10. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the toner container is a toner container.

11. a decrease rate of Z in the tapered portion when moving toward the nozzle unit in the first direction is smaller than a decrease rate of Y in the tapered portion when moving toward the nozzle unit in the first direction; 11. The toner container according to claim 10.

12. a minimum value of a second moment of area of ​​a cross section of the bag body and the storage space in a plane perpendicular to the first direction is 40% or more of a maximum value of the second moment of area; 12. The toner container according to claim 10 or 11.

13. a minimum value of a section modulus of a cross section of the bag body and the storage space in a plane perpendicular to the first direction is 47% or more of a maximum value of the section modulus; 13. The toner container according to claim 10, wherein the toner container is a toner container having a toner container.

14. the side surface portion is made of two film materials welded to each other at both side edge portions in the second direction, the bottom portion is made of one film material disposed between the two film materials and welded to each of the two film materials; 14. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein the toner container is a toner container.

15. the opposing surface of the outer ring member and the bottom of the bag body are both spindle-shaped with a major axis extending in the second direction when viewed in the first direction.

15. The toner container according to claim 14.

16. a length of the opposing surface of the outer ring member in the second direction is defined as Zc; When the length of the bottom of the bag body in the second direction is Zd, 0.8×Zc<Zd<1.2×Zc 16. The toner container according to claim 15.

17. the outer ring member has a joining portion to which an opening edge of the bag body on the other side in the first direction is joined, the connecting portion extends from a peripheral edge of the opposing surface to the other side in the first direction, the side surface portion of the bag body has a first portion in which the two film materials are respectively joined to the joining portion, and two second portions in which the two film materials are welded to each other over a range from both end portions of the joining portion in the second direction to the side edge portions, Y at X=0 is Y0, When the length of the opposing surface in the second direction is Yc, Y0 is the sum of Yc and the length of the two second portions in the second direction, 1≦Y0 / Yc≦1.5, 17. The toner container according to claim 14, wherein the toner container is a toner container having a plurality of openings.

18. Y0 / Yc≦1.3; 18. The toner container according to claim 17.

19. the nozzle unit has a shutter that is rotatable with respect to the nozzle about an axis in the first direction between a position that covers the outlet and a position that exposes the outlet, the flange portion extends outward in a radial direction relative to the axis line beyond an outer surface of the shutter, the flange portion has a linear portion formed linearly in the second direction at a position spaced apart from the axis in the third direction, 19. The toner container according to claim 1.

20. The toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 19, an image forming apparatus having a supply port that can be exposed to the outside, configured so that the toner container can be attached and detached, and forming an image on a recording material using toner supplied from the toner container through the supply port; An image forming system comprising:

Images