Developer container and image forming system

Abstract

To provide one form of a developer container and an image forming system.SOLUTION: A developer container comprises a pouch, a communication member, and a cap. A sign part having an arrow head part and a parting line are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cap. When a reference position is defined as a position on the outer peripheral surface of the cap corresponding to a position in a second direction being the width direction of the pouch where the thickness of the pouch in a third direction being the thickness direction of the pouch becomes maximum before the cap is removed from the communication member, at least an end face of a rear end of the arrow head part is arranged in an area from a first position that is moved from the reference position toward the upstream in a rotation direction by 45° to a second position that is moved from the reference position toward the downstream in the rotation direction by 45°, with the axis of rotation of the cap as the center of rotation along the outer peripheral surface of the cap, and the parting line is arranged to overlap with the end face.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a developer container used in an image forming apparatus for containing powder or liquid contents, and to an image forming system.

[0002] Generally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses form images by transferring a toner image formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum onto a transfer material as a transfer medium. Known methods for replenishing toner include the process cartridge method and the toner replenishing method. The process cartridge method integrates the photosensitive drum and a developing container into a process cartridge, and when the toner runs out, the process cartridge is replaced with a new one.

[0003] On the other hand, the toner supply method is a method in which new toner is supplied to the developing container when the toner runs out. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus in which toner is supplied to the developing container using a toner pouch that can be attached to an attachment part provided in the developing container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-26199 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, users have been demanding various ways of using image forming apparatuses, such as the process cartridge system and the toner supply system described above.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a developer container for containing powder or liquid contents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The developer container of the present invention comprises: a pouch having a bottom and sides extending from the bottom to form an opening; a communication member fixed to the opening side of the pouch and communicating the inside of the pouch with the outside; a cap formed by injection molding and removable from the communicating member by rotating relative to the communicating member; On the outer peripheral surface of the cap, a marking portion is formed which indicates a rotation direction for removing the cap from the communicating member, the marking portion having a rear end located on the upstream side of the rotation direction and a front end located on the downstream side, and an arrowhead portion formed in a convex shape from the outer peripheral surface, and a parting line extending in a direction along the rotation axis of the cap, A direction connecting the opening side and the bottom side of the pouch is defined as a first direction, a longitudinal direction of a cross-sectional shape of a cross section of the pouch perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, and When viewed along the first direction, When a position on the outer peripheral surface of the cap corresponding to a position in the second direction at which the thickness of the pouch in the third direction is maximum in a state before the cap is removed from the communicating member is defined as a reference position, At least an end face of the rear end is disposed in a region from a first position that is shifted 45° upstream in the rotation direction relative to the reference position and that is rotated around the rotation axis as a rotation center, to a second position that is shifted 45° downstream in the rotation direction relative to the reference position, and The parting line is arranged to overlap the end surface. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide one embodiment of a developer container for containing powder or liquid contents and an image forming apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus constituting an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion, and FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion seen from a different direction from that of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting part when the operating lever is in the closed position, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting part when the operating lever is in the open position. [Figure 5] FIG. 1A is a plan view showing the appearance of the mounting part when the operating lever is in the closed position, and FIG. 1B is a plan view showing the appearance of the mounting part when the operating lever is in the open position. [Figure 6] 1A is a perspective view of the device-side shutter as seen from the upstream side in the mounting direction, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the device-side shutter from a different viewpoint than that of FIG. [Figure 7] 1A is a perspective view of the cover as seen from the downstream side in the installation direction, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the cover as seen from the upstream side in the installation direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing a developer container, and FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view showing the developer container. [Figure 9] FIG. 1A is a side view of the toner pack when the pack-side shutter is in the closed position, and FIG. 1B is a side view of the toner pack when the pack-side shutter is in the open position. [Figure 10] 10A is a perspective view showing the mounted portion when the pack-side shutter is in the shielding position, and FIG. 10B is another perspective view showing the mounted portion when the pack-side shutter is in the shielding position. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the operation lever and the toner pack in the closed position. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the operation lever and the toner pack in the open position. [Figure 13] FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing the toner pack with the cap attached, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing the toner pack with the cap removed. [Figure 14]FIG. 2A is a front view showing the cap, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing the cap. [Figure 15] (a) is an oblique view showing the state in which the cap is attached to the pack-side shutter, (b) is an oblique view showing the process in which the cap is removed from the pack-side shutter, and (c) is an oblique view showing the state in which the cap has been removed from the toner pack. [Figure 16] View of the toner pack from the removal direction. [Figure 17] 17(a) is a front view showing the cap, and (b) is an enlarged view showing the area surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 17(a). [Figure 18] 17(b), (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross section 25B-25B of FIG. 17(b), and (c) is a diagram showing the area of ​​the flat portion. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the positional relationship between the extension portion of the opening member and the fixing tab. [Figure 20] 10A is a bottom view of the toner pack showing the positional relationship between the fixing tab and the opening of the pack-side shutter, and FIG. 10B is a bottom view of the toner pack according to a modified example. [Figure 21] (a) is a conceptual plan view of the toner pack viewed from the bottom side of the pouch along the height direction; (b) is a conceptual plan view of the toner pack viewed along the width direction; (c) is a conceptual plan view of the toner pack viewed along the thickness direction; (d) is a conceptual plan view of the toner pack viewed from the cap side along the height direction; (e) is an enlarged conceptual view of the cap shown in (c). [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective conceptual diagram of a mold for forming a cap, seen from below. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a perspective conceptual diagram of a mold for forming a cap, seen from above. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a partially transparent and perspective conceptual diagram of a mold for forming a cap, seen from above. [Figure 25] 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the positions of a mark portion and a parting line PL on the outer peripheral surface of the cap in Example 1. FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an area FS1 on the outer peripheral surface of the cap where a marker portion and a parting line PL can be arranged in the first embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the positions of a marking portion and a parting line PL on the outer peripheral surface of a cap of a toner pack used in an image forming apparatus that constitutes an image forming system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an area FS1 on the outer peripheral surface of the cap where a marker can be placed and an area FS2 where a parting line PL can be placed when a marker is placed at one end of the area FS1 in Example 2. [Figure 29] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an area FS1 on the outer peripheral surface of the cap where a marker can be placed, and an area FS2 where a parting line PL can be placed when a marker is placed at the other end of area FS1 in Example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Example]

[0011] Fig. 1(a) is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an opening / closing member 83 and a supply port 32a.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome printer that forms an image on a recording material P based on image information input from an external device. The recording material P includes a variety of sheet materials made of different materials, such as paper such as plain paper and cardboard, plastic film such as sheets for overhead projectors, specially shaped sheets such as envelopes and index paper, and cloth.

[0013] [Overall configuration] 1(a) and 1(b), the image forming apparatus 1 has an apparatus main body 400, a reading device 200 supported by the apparatus main body 400 so as to be openable and closable, and an operation unit 300 attached to the exterior surface of the apparatus main body 400. The apparatus main body 400 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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 chargeable organic photosensitive member 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.

[0016] 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 at a position before the charging portion in order to generate a stable discharge at the charging portion.

[0017] The scanner unit 11 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.

[0018] The developing device 30 includes a developing roller 31 that carries a developer, a developing container 32 that serves as a case for the developing device 30, and a supply roller 33 that can supply the developer to the developing roller 31.

[0019] The developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are rotatably supported by a 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.

[0020] The supply roller 33 is in rotatable contact with the developing roller 31, and the toner contained in the developing container 32 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 developing roller 31 is configured to be sufficiently supplied with toner.

[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 development high-voltage 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.

[0022] In this embodiment, a reversal development method is adopted, in which toner adheres to the surface area of ​​the photosensitive drum 21, which is charged in the charging process and then exposed in the exposure process, whereby the charge amount is attenuated, thereby forming a toner image.

[0023] In this embodiment, toner having a particle size of 6 μm and a normal negative charge polarity is used. Polymerized toner produced by a polymerization method is used as the toner in this embodiment. The toner in this embodiment does not contain a magnetic component, and is a so-called non-magnetic one-component developer in which the toner is carried on the developing roller 31 mainly by intermolecular forces and electrostatic forces (image forces).

[0024] However, a one-component developer containing a magnetic component may also be used. In addition to toner particles, the one-component developer may contain additives (such as wax or silica particles) to adjust the fluidity and charging performance of the toner.

[0025] Alternatively, a two-component developer composed of a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier may be used as the developer. When a magnetic developer is used, a cylindrical developing sleeve with a magnet disposed inside is used as the developer carrier.

[0026] The developing container 32 is provided with a toner storage section 36 that stores toner, and an agitating member 34 that is disposed inside the toner 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 sending the toner toward the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33.

[0027] The agitating member 34 also circulates the toner that has not been used for development and has been scraped off from the developing roller 31 within the developing container, thereby making the toner within the developing container uniform. The agitating member 34 is not limited to a rotating type. For example, an agitating member that swings may also be used.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 1(a) and 1(b), the feeding section 60 has a front door 61 that is supported on the apparatus main body 400 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 on the tray section 62 so as to be able to move up and down.

[0030] The tray spring 64 urges the middle plate 63 upward, and presses the recording material P loaded on the middle plate 63 against the pickup roller 65. When the front door 61 is closed relative to the device main body 400, it closes the recording material storage space, and when it is open relative to the device main body 400, it supports the recording material P together with the tray portion 62 and the middle plate 63.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Next, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

[0033] When an image formation command 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 the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light 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 light. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 31, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21.

[0034] 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.

[0035] A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 12 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 the fixing unit 70, and the toner image is heated and pressurized when passing through a nip portion between a fixing film 71 and a pressure roller 72 of the fixing unit 70.

[0036] This causes the toner particles to melt and then solidify, thereby fixing the toner image to the recording material P. After passing through the fixing section 70, the recording material P is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 (outside the machine) by a pair of discharge rollers 80, and is stacked on a discharge tray 81 formed on the top of the apparatus main body 400.

[0037] The discharge tray 81 is inclined upward toward the downstream side in the discharge direction of the recording material, and the recording material discharged onto the discharge tray 81 slides down the discharge tray 81 so that its rear end is aligned by a regulating surface 84 .

[0038] 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.

[0039] When the user wants to have the image of the document read by the reading device 200, the user places the document on the document glass 203 with the pressure plate 202 open. Then, the user closes the pressure plate 202 to prevent the document from shifting position on the document glass 203, and outputs a reading command to the image forming device 1 by operating the operation unit 300, for example.

[0040] When the reading operation is started, the reading section in the reading unit 201 moves back and forth in the sub-scanning direction, that is, left and right with the operation section 300 of the image forming apparatus 1 facing forward. The reading section emits light toward the document from the light-emitting section, receives the light reflected by the document with the light-receiving section, and performs photoelectric conversion to read the image of the document. Note that, below, the front-to-back direction, left-to-right direction, and up-to-down direction are defined based on the state in which the operation section 300 is facing forward.

[0041] A top cover 82 is provided on the top of the device main body 400, and a discharge tray 81 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 rotation 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.

[0042] The opening / closing member 83 is configured to be movable between a closed position where it covers the supply port 32a so that the toner pack 100 cannot be attached to the developing container 32, and an open position where it exposes the supply port 32a so that the toner pack 100 can be attached to the developing container 32. With the opening / closing member 83 in the open position, the toner pack 100 is moved in the attachment direction M towards the supply port 32a and attached to the supply port 32a.

[0043] In the closed position, the opening / closing member 83 functions as part of the discharge tray 81. The opening / closing member 83 and the opening 82a are formed on the left side of the discharge tray 81. The opening / closing member 83 is opened to the left by inserting a finger into a groove 82b formed in the top cover 82. The opening / closing member 83 is formed in a substantially L-shape to fit the shape of the top cover 82.

[0044] The opening 82a of the discharge tray 81 is open so as to expose the supply port 32a for toner supply formed in the upper part of the developing container 32, and the user can access the supply port 32a by opening the opening / closing member 83. Note that in this embodiment, a method (direct supply method) is adopted in which the user supplies toner from a toner pack 100 (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 100 is exposed to the outside when attached to the attachment portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0045] Therefore, when the amount of toner remaining in the process unit 20 becomes low, it is not necessary to remove the process unit 20 from the apparatus main body 400 and replace it with a new process unit, thereby improving usability. Also, toner can be replenished to the developing container 32 at a lower cost than replacing the entire process unit 20.

[0046] The direct replenishment method can reduce costs because it does not require replacing various rollers, gears, etc., compared to replacing only the developing device 30 of the process unit 20. The image forming apparatus 1 and toner pack 100 of this embodiment constitute an image forming system 1000.

[0047] [Installation part] Next, the configuration of the mounting portion 106 into which the toner pack 100 is mounted will be described with reference to FIGS. 3(a) to 7(b).

[0048] In this embodiment, the mounting portion 106 is a unit for mounting the toner pack 100, including the supply port 32a, and is provided in the image forming apparatus 1 (see FIG. 2).

[0049] Fig. 3(a) is an exploded perspective view of the mounting part 106. Fig. 3(b) is an exploded perspective view of the mounting part 106 seen from a different direction than Fig. 3(a).

[0050] 4(a) and 5(a) are respectively a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting part 106 when the operating lever 108 is in the closed position and a view of the mounting part 106 as viewed from the mounting direction M. FIG. 4(b) and 5(b) are respectively a perspective view showing the appearance of the mounting part 106 when the operating lever 108 is in the open position and a view of the mounting part 106 as viewed from the mounting direction M.

[0051] Fig. 6(a) is a perspective view of the device-side shutter 109 as seen from the upstream side in the mounting direction M. Fig. 6(b) is a perspective view of the device-side shutter 109 from a different viewpoint than Fig. 6(a).

[0052] 7(a) is a perspective view of the cover 110 as seen from the downstream side in the mounting direction M. FIG. 7(b) is a perspective view of the cover 110 as seen from the upstream side in the mounting direction M.

[0053] 3(a) to 4(b), the mounting portion 106 has a main body base portion 2, which includes a first frame 107, a second frame 117, and a cover 110. The cover 110 and the second frame 117 are fixed to the first frame 107.

[0054] 7(a) and 7(b), the cover 110 has an engaged portion 110h that engages with the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107 so as to prevent the cover 110 from rotating around the rotation axis B relative to the first frame 107. Also, a notch 110k is provided on the downstream side of the cover 110 in the mounting direction M, i.e., on the bottom side, and the notch 110k has a first restricting surface 110c and a second restricting surface 110d.

[0055] The first restriction surface 110c and the second restriction surface 110d are provided so as to face each other in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis B.

[0056] The first frame 107, the cover 110, and the second frame 117 may be integrally formed rather than being separate members. As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the second frame 117 is provided with an apparatus-side opening 117a, which communicates with the toner storage section 36 of the developing container 32 (see Figure 1(a)).

[0057] The operating lever 108 and the device-side shutter 109 are each attached to the main body base 2 so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis B. The first frame 107 is provided with a positioning portion 107a. The positioning portion 107a protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the first frame 107 that is centered on the rotation axis B, in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC that is centered on the rotation axis B.

[0058] Further, the operating lever 108 serving as an operating unit is provided with a drive transmission unit 108a and an operating unit 108b. By operating the operating unit 108b, the user can rotate the operating lever 108 about the rotation axis B relative to the main body base unit 2. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the drive transmission unit 108a is a convex portion that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the operating lever 108 that is centered on the rotation axis B in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC that is centered on the rotation axis B.

[0059] 6(a) and 6(b), the apparatus-side shutter 109 serving as the main body shutter has an inner circumferential surface 109h, an inlet 109a formed on the inner circumferential surface 109h for receiving toner from the toner pack 100, and a bottom surface 109b. The apparatus-side shutter 109 further has a center boss 109d, a pack contact surface 109g, and a regulated rib 109c provided on the bottom surface 109b, and a drive-receiving portion 109e provided on the inner circumferential surface 109h.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 6(a), the driven transmission part 109e is a convex part that protrudes inward in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis B. An apparatus-side seal 111 is attached to the inner peripheral surface 109h so as to surround the periphery of the receiving port 109a (see Fig. 4(b)).

[0061] The device-side shutter 109 is configured to take a closed position and an open position with respect to the main body base unit 2. More specifically, as shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the device-side shutter 109 rotates in the direction of arrow K from the closed position to the open position, and rotates in the direction of arrow L from the open position to the closed position.

[0062] The directions of arrows K and L are the same as the directions of arrows K and L of the pack-side shutter 103. When the device-side shutter 109 is in the shielding position, the receiving port 109a is shielded by the device-side seal 111 and the cover 110, and when it is in the open position, the receiving port 109a is open and not covered by the cover 110. That is, when the device-side shutter 109 is in the shielding position, the receiving port 109a does not communicate with the device-side opening 117a of the second frame 117, but when the device-side shutter 109 is in the shielding position, the receiving port 109a communicates with the device-side opening 117a of the second frame 117.

[0063] The apparatus-side shutter 109 is located in the closed position in Figures 4(a) and 5(a), and at this time, the receiving port 109a of the apparatus-side shutter 109 does not communicate with the apparatus-side opening 117a of the second frame 117. The apparatus-side shutter 109 is located in the open position in Figures 4(b) and 5(b), and at this time, the receiving port 109a of the apparatus-side shutter 109 communicates with the apparatus-side opening 117a of the second frame 117. By moving the apparatus-side shutter 109 to the open position, toner can be replenished (supplied) from the toner pack 100 to the toner storage section 36 of the developing container 32 through the receiving port 109a.

[0064] Since the operating lever 108 and the device-side shutter 109 are not connected to each other, the device-side shutter 109 will not rotate even if the operating lever 108 is operated without the toner pack 100 attached.

[0065] As shown in Figures 6(a) to 7(b), the device-side shutter 109 is configured to be rotatable around the center boss 109d by engaging the large diameter portion 109d1 of the center boss 109d with the cylindrical portion 110j of the cover 110.

[0066] Here, the regulated rib 109c provided on the bottom surface 109b of the apparatus-side shutter 109 is located between the first regulated surface 110c and the second regulated surface 110d of the cover 110. Therefore, the apparatus-side shutter 109 is rotatable only within the range in which the regulated rib 109c can move between the first regulated surface 110c and the second regulated surface 110d. In other words, the rotation range of the apparatus-side shutter 109 is regulated between the closed position and the open position by the first regulated surface 110c and the second regulated surface 110d of the cover 110.

[0067] For example, when the regulated rib 109c is in contact with the first regulated surface 110c, the device-side shutter 109, which is positioned in the shielding position, cannot rotate in the direction of arrow L, i.e., in the opposite direction to the direction toward the open position.

[0068] [Developer container configuration] Next, a basic configuration of the developer container 800 including the toner pack 100 will be described with reference to Figures 8(a) to 9(b). The toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment portion 106 described above.

[0069] 8(a) is a perspective view showing the developer container 800. FIG. 8(b) is an exploded perspective view showing the developer container 800.

[0070] In this embodiment, direction X shown in Fig. 8 (i.e., the direction extending along the axial direction D1 of the rotation axis A) is defined as the "height direction" of the pack. Direction Y perpendicular to the height direction (X) is defined as the "width direction" of the pack, and direction Z perpendicular to the height direction (X) and the width direction (Y) is defined as the "thickness direction" of the pack. As can be seen from Fig. 8, in this embodiment, the size of the pouch 100 satisfies the relationship of height direction (X) > width direction (Y) > thickness direction (Z).

[0071] Figure 9(a) is a side view of the toner pack 100 when the pack-side shutter 103 is in the closed position. Figure 9(b) is a side view of the toner pack 100 when the pack-side shutter 103 is in the open position. That is, Figures 9(a) and 9(b) show the toner pack 100 as viewed from the thickness direction (Z) of the pouch.

[0072] As shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the developer container 800 as a container has a toner pack 100 and a cap 120. Although detailed description is omitted in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), a "mark portion" (see Figure 21), which will be described later, is formed in a convex shape on the outer circumferential surface of the cap.

[0073] The developer container 800 and the image forming apparatus 1 constitute an image forming system 1000 (see FIG. 1(a)). The toner pack 100 has a pouch 101 that contains contents such as toner, an opening member 104 that is joined to an opening 101a of the pouch 101, and an attachment portion 700 that is attached to the attachment portion 106.

[0074] The attachment part 700 serving as the tip has a nozzle 102 coupled to an opening member 104, and a pack-side shutter 103. The cap 120 is detachably attached to the attachment part 700, and will be described in detail later. The nozzle 102, pack-side shutter 103, and opening member 104 form a communication member 900, which will be described later.

[0075] The pouch 101 serving as the storage section is flexible and is provided on one end side of the toner pack 100 in the axial direction D1, which is the direction of the rotation axis A of the pack-side shutter 103. When the toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment section 106, the rotation axis A coincides with the rotation axis B of the device-side shutter 109. Therefore, hereinafter, the axial directions of the rotation axis A and the rotation axis B will both be referred to as the axial direction D1.

[0076] The nozzle 102 and the pack-side shutter 103 are provided on the other end side of the toner pack 100 in the axial direction D1. The pouch 101 is formed, for example, by pouch processing a flexible polypropylene sheet, and has a bag shape with one end open by an opening 101a. The pouch 101 may also be a resin bottle or a container made of paper, vinyl, or the like.

[0077] Opening member 104 as an intermediate member is an annular resin member having through-hole 104a, and is fixed to opening 101a of pouch 101. In this embodiment, opening member 104 is made of polypropylene resin, and is thicker and more rigid than pouch 101, which is made of a flexible sheet.

[0078] In other words, the pouch 101 has a first rigidity, and the opening member 104 has a second rigidity that is greater than the first rigidity. This allows the opening 101a to remain open even in a flexible pouch 101.

[0079] Furthermore, the opening member 104 is joined to the nozzle 102 and has a through-hole 104a. That is, the opening member 104 connects the pouch 101 and the attachment part 700 including the nozzle 102 so that the pouch 101 and the attachment part 700 including the nozzle 102 communicate with each other.

[0080] Furthermore, the opening member 104 has, on its outer peripheral surface, a pair of extending portions 104b that extend away from the rotation axis A in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. The pair of extending portions 104b are arranged at phases that are 180 degrees different from each other in the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis A.

[0081] In this way, the outer peripheral surface of the opening member 104 is not a uniform circumferential surface centered on the rotation axis A, and therefore, by gripping the extension portion 104b, the user can stably grasp the opening member 104. In other words, the extension portion 104b functions as a non-slip surface to prevent the user's hand from slipping in the rotation direction centered on the rotation axis A.

[0082] The nozzle 102 serving as the discharge portion is connected to the opening member 104, and any method of connection may be used. For example, the connection method may be a method using various adhesives such as hot melt, or a method of connecting the through-hole 104a of the opening member 104 to the outer periphery of the nozzle 102 by thermal welding. Furthermore, any method of connecting the pouch 101 and the opening member 104 may be used.

[0083] The nozzle 102 has a side surface 102c as an outer surface extending along the rotation axis A, and the side surface 102c is provided with a discharge port 102a configured to communicate with the inside of the pouch 101, and a recess 102e. The recess 102e is provided at a position different from the position of the discharge port 102a in the rotation direction of the pack-side shutter 103.

[0084] The toner contained in the pouch 101 is configured to be discharged to the outside of the toner pack 100 through the discharge port 102a when the pouch 101 is crushed by the user to reduce the volume of the pouch 101. In other words, the inside of the nozzle 102 is configured to allow the toner (contents) to pass through toward the discharge port 102a.

[0085] The nozzle 102 may be configured integrally with the opening member 104. Alternatively, a seal may be provided between the pouch 101 and the outlet 102a of the nozzle 102, and the pouch 101 and the outlet 102a may be configured to communicate with each other when the seal is removed.

[0086] A pack-side shutter 103 serving as a shielding member is disposed on the outer side of the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102. The pack-side shutter 103 is provided rotatable about a rotation axis A extending in the axial direction D1, and has an opening 103a.

[0087] Specifically, an inner peripheral surface 103m of the pack-side shutter 103 is slidably supported on an annular rib 104m of the opening member 104. The pack-side shutter 103 is provided outside the side surface 102c in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A, and is capable of blocking the discharge port 102a. The arcuate surface of the side surface 102c is a curved surface that convexly extends outward in the radial direction r.

[0088] The inner surface of the pack-side shutter 103, that is, the surface facing the side surface 102c, is a curved surface that follows the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102, and a substantially rectangular pack-side seal 105 is attached thereto.

[0089] The pack-side shutter 103 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis A between a blocking position (position shown in FIG. 9(a)) in which the pack-side seal 105 blocks the discharge outlet 102a of the nozzle 102, and an open position (position shown in FIG. 9(b)) in which the discharge outlet 102a is open. When the pack-side shutter 103 is in the open position, the discharge outlet 102a of the nozzle 102 is exposed through an opening 103a formed in the pack-side shutter 103. In other words, the pack-side shutter 103 is provided with the opening 103a so as to open the discharge outlet 102a when it is in the open position.

[0090] When the pack-side shutter 103, which is in the shielding position (first shielding position) shown in Fig. 9(a) , is rotated in the direction of arrow K about the rotation axis A, the pack-side shutter 103 reaches the opening position (first opening position) shown in Fig. 9(b) . Conversely, when the pack-side shutter 103, which is in the opening position, is rotated in the direction of arrow L, the pack-side shutter 103 reaches the shielding position.

[0091] That is, the direction of arrow K as the first rotation direction is the direction from the closed position to the open position around the rotation axis A, and the direction of arrow L as the second rotation direction is the direction from the open position to the closed position around the rotation axis A. During the rotation of the pack-side shutter 103, the pack-side shutter 103 rubs against the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 via the pack-side seal 105.

[0092] Next, the detailed configuration of the nozzle 102 and the pack-side shutter 103 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8(a) to 10(b).

[0093] Fig. 10(a) is a perspective view showing the mounted part 700 when the pack-side shutter 103 is in the shielding position. Fig. 10(b) is another perspective view showing the mounted part 700 when the pack-side shutter 103 is in the shielding position.

[0094] 8 to 10(b), the nozzle 102 has a positioned portion 102d that includes surfaces that face each other in the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis A. The positioned portion 102d engages with a positioning portion 107a (FIG. 4(a)) of the first frame 107 when the toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment portion 106. This determines the position of the nozzle 102 in the rotational direction centered on the rotation axis A relative to the first frame 107 (main body base portion 2).

[0095] Surfaces 102e1 and 102e2 are provided on the downstream side of positioned portion 102d in the mounting direction M in the direction of rotation axis A. Side surfaces 102e3 are provided between surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 and between surfaces 102e1 and 102e2. Side surface 102e3 is recessed more inward in the radial direction r than side surface 102c. Positioned portion 102d, surfaces 102e1, 102e2, and side surface 102e3 form recess 102e.

[0096] The pack-side shutter 103 has an opening 103a formed in a side surface 103d thereof.

[0097] The side surface 103d extends along the rotation axis A. As shown in Figure 10(a), when the pack-side shutter 103 is in the blocking position, at least a portion of the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 is exposed from the opening 103a. This is so that when the toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment portion 106 with the pack-side shutter 103 in the blocking position, the positioned portion 102d of the recess 102e is engaged with the positioning portion 107a.

[0098] Furthermore, the pack-side shutter 103 is provided with a drive-receiving portion 103e on the opposite side of the opening 103a across the rotation axis A. The drive-receiving portion 103e is provided on the opposite side of the rotation axis A from the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 when the pack-side shutter 103 is in the blocking position.

[0099] The driven transmission part 103e has surfaces 103b1, 103b2 and a side surface 103b3, and is engageable with a drive transmission part 108a of an operating lever 108, which will be described later. The side surface 103b3 is provided between the surfaces 103b1 and 103b2, and is recessed inward in the radial direction r more than the side surface 103d.

[0100] Furthermore, a flange portion 103i extending from the side surface 103d is provided at the upstream end portion in the mounting direction M of the pack-side shutter 103, outward from the side surface 103d in the radial direction r, i.e., in a direction away from the rotation axis A. The flange portion 103i is provided with a cap fixing portion 103n, which serves as a fixed portion, as will be described later.

[0101] Next, the protruding portion 102b of the nozzle 102 will be described in detail.

[0102] 9(a) and 9(b), the toner pack 100 is oriented so that the second end side (the nozzle 102 side) of the toner pack 100 is below the first end side (the pouch 101 side). Alternatively, the toner pack 100 is oriented so that at least a portion of the nozzle 102 is below the pouch 101 and the rotation axis A is parallel to (the direction VD1 along) the vertical (gravitational) direction VD.

[0103] This is the posture when the toner pack 100 is mounted in the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1. At this time, in Figures 9(a) to 10(b), the mounting direction M is downward and the removal direction U is upward.

[0104] The pack-side shutter 103 has an end face 103c that is a lower end face in the vertical direction VD and forms the bottom face of the pack-side shutter 103. The nozzle 102 has a protruding part 102b that protrudes downstream, i.e., downward, from the end face 103c of the pack-side shutter 103 in the mounting direction M.

[0105] The protrusion 102b is a cylindrical portion (a portion having a cylindrical shape) centered on the rotation axis A. The protrusion 102b has a protrusion end surface 102b2, which is the lower end surface. The protrusion end surface 102b2 is provided with a hole having an inner peripheral surface 102b1 centered on the rotation axis A.

[0106] 8(b), the protrusion 102b protrudes downward further than the lower end face 102j of the nozzle 102. In the present embodiment, the end face 103c of the pack-side shutter 103 and the end face 102j of the nozzle 102 are end faces perpendicular to the rotation axis A, but this is not limiting.

[0107] These surfaces may be any surfaces that extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis A when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A. Furthermore, the protrusion 102b does not necessarily have to be provided on the nozzle 102.

[0108] [Operating the control lever] After the user mounts the toner pack 100 with the cap 120 removed on the mounting part, the user operates the operation lever 108 to open both the device side shutter 109 and the pack side shutter 103, thereby enabling toner to be supplied from the toner pack 100 to the device main body.

[0109] When mounting the toner pack 100 in the mounting portion 106, the user first removes the cap main body 120U1 (cap main body) from the mounting portion 700 of the toner pack 100 using the procedure described above. This exposes the drive transmission portion 103e, protrusion 102b, and positioned portion 102d (see FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b)) of the mounting portion 700. With the cap main body 120U1 removed, the mounting portion 700 of the toner pack 100 can be mounted in the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1. The cap main body 120U1 can be remounted to the mounting portion 700 of the toner pack 100.

[0110] Specifically, Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the operation lever 108 and the toner pack 100 in the closed position, and Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the operation lever 108 and the toner pack 100 in the open position.

[0111] As described above, when the toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment portion 106, the operation lever 108, the pack-side shutter 103, and the apparatus-side shutter 109 can rotate integrally with the main body base portion 2 and the nozzle 102 about the rotation axis B. When the toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment portion 106 and the operation lever 108 is in the closed position, the discharge opening 102a is blocked by the pack-side shutter 103, the pack-side seal 105, and the apparatus-side shutter 109. For this reason, the toner in the pouch 101 cannot reach the apparatus-side opening 117a of the second frame 117.

[0112] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, when the toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment portion 106 and the operating lever 108 is rotated in the direction of arrow Q from the closed position to the open position, the pack-side shutter 103 and the device-side shutter 109 rotate from the closed position to the open position.

[0113] More specifically, the drive transmission part 108a of the operating lever 108 presses the surface 103b1 of the pack-side shutter 103. As a result, the pack-side shutter 103 is rotated together with the operating lever 108 from the closed position to the open position.

[0114] In other words, as a result of the drive transmission part 108a engaging with the surface 103b1, the pack-side shutter 103 rotates from the closed position to the open position in conjunction with the rotation of the operating lever 108. In addition, the surface 103b2 of the pack-side shutter 103, which is rotated from the closed position to the open position, presses the drive transmission part 109e of the device-side shutter 109.

[0115] As a result, the device-side shutter 109 is rotated from the closed position to the open position together with the pack-side shutter 103. In other words, the device-side shutter 109 rotates integrally with the pack-side shutter 103 in conjunction with the rotation of the operating lever 108 due to the engagement between the surface 103b2 and the driven transmission part 109e.

[0116] Then, the pack-side shutter 103, the pack-side seal 105, and the apparatus-side shutter 109 move, thereby opening the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102. That is, the pouch 101 of the toner pack 100 and the toner storage unit 36 ​​communicate with each other via the discharge port 102a, the receiving port 109a, and the apparatus-side opening 117a. When the pouch 101 is compressed by the user, the toner in the pouch 101 is replenished to the toner storage unit 36 ​​of the developing container 32 together with air via the discharge port 102a, the receiving port 109a, and the apparatus-side opening 117a.

[0117] When the user has completed replenishment of toner from the toner pack 100 to the developing container 32, he or she rotates the operating lever 108 from the open position to the closed position. When the operating lever 108 is rotated from the open position to the closed position, the drive transmission part 108a of the operating lever 108 presses the surface 103b2 of the pack-side shutter 103.

[0118] As a result, the pack-side shutter 103 is rotated from the open position to the closed position together with the operating lever 108. Furthermore, the surface 103b1 of the pack-side shutter 103 rotated from the open position to the closed position presses the drive-receiving part 109e of the device-side shutter 109. As a result, the device-side shutter 109 is rotated together with the pack-side shutter 103 from the open position to the closed position.

[0119] In this state, the user completes the toner replenishment operation by pulling out the toner pack 100 from the mounting portion 106. After the replenishment operation is completed, the user may attach the cap main body portion 120U1 to the toner pack 100, or may dispose of the cap main body portion 120U1 and the toner pack 100 separately.

[0120] [cap] (1) Cap structure Next, the configuration of the cap 120 attached to the toner pack 100 will be described with reference to Figures 8(a) and 8(b) and Figures 13(a) to 15(c). Note that, as in Figure 8, Figures 13 to 15 omit the "mark portion" (see Figure 21) formed in a convex shape on the outer peripheral surface of the cap.

[0121] Fig. 15(a) is a perspective view showing the toner pack 100 with the cap 120 attached. Fig. 15(b) is a perspective view showing the toner pack 100 with the cap 120 removed.

[0122] Fig. 14(a) is a front view showing the cap 120. More specifically, Fig. 14(a) shows the state of the cap 120 as seen from the thickness direction (Z) of the pouch (based on the state in which the cap is attached to the pouch). Fig. 14(b) is a perspective view showing the cap 120.

[0123] 15(a) is a perspective view showing a state in which the cap 120 is attached to the pack-side shutter 103. FIG. 15(b) is a perspective view showing a process in which the cap 120 is removed from the pack-side shutter 103.

[0124] On the other hand, Figure 15(c) is a perspective view showing the state in which the cap 120 is removed from the toner pack 100. In Figures 15(a) and 15(b), the outline of the cap 120 is indicated by dashed lines.

[0125] 8(a)(b) and 13(a) to 14(b), the cap 120 is attached to an attachment portion 700 that is configured from the nozzle 102 and the pack-side shutter 103 of the toner pack 100. When the cap 120 is attached to the attachment portion 700, it covers at least a portion of the attachment portion 700.

[0126] More specifically, a cap main body 120U1 of the cap 120, which will be described later, surrounds at least a part of a side surface 103d serving as an outer surface of the pack-side shutter 103. In this embodiment, the cap 120 is attached to the pack-side shutter 103 by engaging with a screw recess 103g serving as a container-shutter-side screw portion provided on the side surface 103d of the pack-side shutter 103.

[0127] The cap 120 has a cap main body 120U1 (cap main body) as a main body, a fixing tab 120U2 (jointing portion) as a fixing portion, and a connecting portion 120U3 (joint portion) that connects the cap main body 120U1 and the fixing tab 120U2. The fixing tab 120U2 and the connecting portion 120U3 form a coupling portion Cx1. The coupling portion Cx1 is provided on an edge portion CP01 on the opening side of the cap 120.

[0128] In the present embodiment, the cap main body 120U1 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction of the rotation axis A, but is not limited to this. That is, the cap main body 120U1 may be configured in any shape as long as it is configured in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction of the rotation axis A, and may be configured in, for example, a polygonal cylindrical shape.

[0129] The cap main body 120U1 has a cap opening 120a, a bottom surface 120b, an inner peripheral surface 120c, an annular rib 120d, a threaded protrusion 120e, and a cap outer peripheral surface 120f (outer peripheral surface). The cap opening 120a as an opening is provided at one end in the axial direction D1 of the rotation axis A. The annular rib 120d extends downstream in the removal direction U, i.e., upward, from a surface 120g opposite the bottom surface 120b.

[0130] The surface 120g faces the end surface 103c of the pack-side shutter 103 and the protrusion 102b of the nozzle 102. A threaded protrusion 120e serving as a cap-side threaded portion is provided on an inner circumferential surface 120c extending along the rotation axis A, and protrudes inward in the radial direction r from the inner circumferential surface 120c. The threaded protrusion 120e can engage with the threaded recess 103g of the pack-side shutter 103 when the cap main body 120U1 is rotated in the direction of arrow K.

[0131] The screw convex portion 120e engages with the screw concave portion 103g, thereby attaching the cap main body 120U1 to the pack-side shutter 103. The inner peripheral surface 120c of the cap 120 is configured to surround at least a part of the side surface 103d of the pack-side shutter 103, and in this embodiment, surrounds the entire surface of the side surface 103d.

[0132] Now, consider the case where the developer container 800 including the toner pack 100 and the cap 120 is oriented so that the rotation axis A is parallel to the vertical direction VD and the nozzle 102 is below the pouch 101.

[0133] This position of the developer container 800 is the same as the position when the toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment portion 106. At this time, the annular rib 120d extends upward from the surface 120g. The bottom surface 120b is an end surface of the cap 120 in the attachment direction M and is a surface perpendicular to the rotation axis A, and becomes the bottom surface of the developer container 800 when the cap 120 is attached to the toner pack 100.

[0134] 14(a), the bottom surface 120b extends horizontally, so that the developer container 800 can stand on its own by abutting the bottom surface 120b against the installation surface.

[0135] The cap 120 is attached to the pack-side shutter 103 of the attachment portion 700 so as to cover the attachment portion 700 of the toner pack 100. At this time, the annular rib 120d of the cap 120 is provided outside the protrusion 102b of the nozzle 102 in the radial direction r, and is provided so as to surround the protrusion 102b. In other words, the annular rib 120d as the cap protrusion is arranged so as not to overlap the protrusion 102b when viewed in the vertical direction (the removal direction U or the attachment direction M).

[0136] Therefore, even if the cap 120 receives an external impact during transportation, etc., the protrusion 102b can be protected. As will be described later, the protrusion end surface 102b2 of the protrusion 102b abuts against a pack abutment surface 109g (see FIG. 6(a)) of the apparatus-side shutter 109 when the toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment portion 106, thereby positioning the toner pack 100 in the attachment direction M. Therefore, by protecting the protrusion end surface 102b2 with the cap 120, the positioning accuracy of the toner pack 100 in the attachment direction M with respect to the attachment portion 106 can be improved.

[0137] 8(b) and 13(a) and 13(b), when the cap 120 is attached to the toner pack 100, the cap opening 120a is located downstream of the positioned portion 102d and the drive transmission portion 103e in the removal direction U. In other words, the positioned portion 102d and the drive transmission portion 103e are covered and protected by a cap outer peripheral surface 120f, which is the outer peripheral surface of the cap 120.

[0138] The positioned portion 102d is used for positioning the nozzle 102 relative to the first frame 107 (main body base portion 2) in the rotational direction about the rotation axis A. The drive transmitted portion 103e is engaged with the drive transmitting portion 108a of the operating lever 108, and is used for rotating the pack-side shutter 103 by the operating lever 108.

[0139] Furthermore, the portion of the mounting portion 700 of the toner pack 100 other than the screw recess 103g is spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface 120c of the cap 120. As a result, each portion of the mounting portion 700 is protected by the cap 120 from impact.

[0140] Furthermore, when the cap 120 is attached to the mounting portion 700 of the toner pack 100, even if toner leaks from the outlet 102a of the nozzle 102, the cap 120 serves as a receptacle for the leaked toner. This prevents the user from directly touching the leaked toner, thereby reducing the likelihood of the toner adhering to the user's hands, etc. If the contents contained in the toner pack 100 are liquid, the liquid that leaks into the cap 120 will dry on the cap 120 over time. This reduces the likelihood of the contents adhering to the user's hands, etc.

[0141] The fixing tab 120U2 of the cap 120 is connected to the cap opening 120a of the cap main body 120U1 via the connecting portion 120U3, and is located downstream of the cap main body 120U1 in the removal direction U1. When the cap 120 has never been removed from the attachment portion 700 and the toner pack 100 is unused, the fixing tab 120U2 is fixed to the cap fixing portion 103n provided on the flange portion 103i of the pack-side shutter 103.

[0142] That is, the fixing tab 120U2 is fixed to only a part of the flange portion 103i in the circumferential direction of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A.

[0143] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, the fixing tab 120U2 is provided within an area AR3 having a circumferential angle of 90 degrees around the rotation axis A.

[0144] The fixing tab 120U2 is not limited to being provided within the region AR3, but may be provided within regions having circumferential angles of 60 degrees, 120 degrees, and 180 degrees around the rotation axis A, for example.

[0145] 15(a), the threaded protrusion 120e of the cap 120 engages (screws) with the threaded recess 103g of the pack-side shutter 103. As shown in FIG. 10(a), the cap fixing part 103n has a flat part 103n1 and two protrusions 103n2 and 103n3 that protrude from the flat part 103n1 along the rotation axis A toward the mounting direction M.

[0146] The protrusions 103n2 and 103n3 serving as second engagement portions are arranged side by side with a gap therebetween in the circumferential direction of an imaginary circle VC whose center is the rotation axis A. The flat portion 103n1 extends along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis A.

[0147] 14(b), the fixing tab 120U2 has a flat portion 120U2a as an adhesive surface extending along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis A, and two holes 120U2b and 120U2c provided in the flat portion 120Ua. The holes 120U2b and 120U2c as first engagement portions extend along the rotation axis A and may be through holes or bottomed holes with a bottom at the downstream end in the mounting direction M.

[0148] The holes 120U2b and 120U2c can engage with the protrusions 103n2 and 103n3 of the cap fixing part 103n. Furthermore, the fixing tab 120U2 is connected to the cap main body 120U1 via the connecting part 120U3, so that the cap 120 is fixed so as not to move relative to the pack-side shutter 103. The method of fixing the fixing tab 120U2 to the cap fixing part 103n will be described later.

[0149] 15(b), when removing the cap 120 from the toner pack 100, the user rotates the cap 120 attached to the toner pack 100 in the direction of arrow L (rotation direction). As a result, the cap 120 is guided by the screw recess 103g and the screw protrusion 120e and moves downstream in the axial direction D1, more specifically, in the attachment direction M, relative to the attachment portion 700.

[0150] Then, when the cap 120 moves downstream in the mounting direction M, the connecting portion 120U3 connecting the fixing tab 120U2 and the cap main body 120U1 breaks. The breaking of the connecting portion 120U3 occurs in a state where the fixing tab 120U2 is fixed to the cap fixing portion 103n, and as a result, the cap main body 120U1 is separated from the fixing tab 120U2.

[0151] Then, as shown in Figure 15(c), by further rotating the cap main body portion 120U1 in the direction of arrow L, the engagement between the screw recess portion 103g and the screw protrusion portion 120e is released, and the cap main body portion 120U1 is removed from the mounting portion 700 of the toner pack 100.

[0152] (2) Detailed configuration of the connection part and fixing tab Next, the detailed configuration of the connection portion 120U3 and the fixing tab 120U2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 20(b).

[0153] Figure 16 is a view of the toner pack 100 as seen in the removal direction U. That is, Figure 16 shows the toner pack 100 as seen from the cap side along the height direction (X) of the pouch.

[0154] Fig. 17(a) is a front view showing the cap 120. More specifically, Fig. 17(a) shows the state of the cap 120 as seen from the width direction (Y) of the pouch (based on the state in which the cap is attached to the pouch). Note that Fig. 17(a) omits the "mark portion" (see Fig. 21) formed in a convex shape on the outer peripheral surface of the cap, as in Fig. 8.

[0155] FIG. 17(b) is an enlarged view showing the area surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 17(a).

[0156] Fig. 18(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross section taken along line 25A-25A in Fig. 17(b), Fig. 18(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross section taken along line 25B-25B in Fig. 17(b), and Fig. 18(c) is a diagram showing the area of ​​the flat portion 120U2a.

[0157] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the extension 104b of the opening member 104 and the fixing tab 120U2. Note that Fig. 19 shows the state as seen from the height direction (X) of the pouch.

[0158] Figure 20(a) is a bottom view of the toner pack 100, showing the positional relationship between the fixed tab 120U2 and the opening 103a of the pack-side shutter 103. Figure 20(b) is a bottom view of a modified toner pack 100. Note that Figure 20 also shows the appearance as seen from the height direction (X) of the pouch.

[0159] 16, the fixing tab 120U2 is disposed at a position farther from the rotation axis A in the radial direction r than the cap outer peripheral surface 120f of the cap main body 120U1. The fixing tab 120U2 is also adhered and fixed to a cap fixing portion 103n provided on the flange portion 103i of the pack-side shutter 103. At this time, the protrusions 103n2 and 103n3 of the cap fixing portion 103n are engaged with the holes 120U2b and 120U2c of the fixing tab 120U2.

[0160] Furthermore, the flat portion 120U2a of the fixing tab 120U2 is bonded to the flat portion 103n1 of the cap fixing portion 103n. The relationship between the holes 120U2b, 120U2c and the protrusions 103n2, 103n3 may be reversed, and there are no limitations on the number, size, or shape of these. Here, it is preferable that the fixing tab 120U2 is fixed with a strength that prevents it from easily peeling off from the cap fixing portion 103n, and it is further preferable that the fixing strength be stronger than the strength of the material of the cap 120.

[0161] In other words, when removing the cap main body 120U1 from the toner pack 100, it is desirable that the cap main body 120U1 and the fixing tab 120U2 separate before the fixing of the fixing tab 120U2 to the cap fixing portion 103n is released. For this reason, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 17(a) and 17(b), a connecting portion 120U3 is provided that is configured to break before the fixing of the fixing tab 120U2 to the cap fixing portion 103n is released. In this embodiment, three connecting portions 120U3 are provided, but this is not limited to this, and one, two, or four or more connecting portions may be provided.

[0162] The three connecting portions 120U3 are configured to have approximately the same shape and are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis A. The three connecting portions 120U3 are columnar ribs that extend along the rotation axis A and connect the cap main body 120U1 and the fixing tab 120U2, respectively. In a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis A, the cross-sectional area of ​​each connecting portion 120U3 is configured to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flat portion 120U2a of the fixing tab 120U2.

[0163] The total cross-sectional area of ​​the three connection portions 120U3 is also configured to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the fixing tab 120U2. In Figure 18(c), the area S3 of the flat portion 120U2a excluding the holes 120U2b and 120U2c is the cross-sectional area S3 of the fixing tab 120U2. Area S3 is smaller than a first area S1 and a second area S2, which will be described later.

[0164] Furthermore, each connecting portion 120U3 has a shape in which the cross-sectional area is not uniform but changes intermittently between the cap body 120U1 and the fixing tab 120U2 in the axial direction D1 of the rotation axis A. For example, as shown in Figures 17(b) and 18(a) and 18(b), the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting portion 120U3 at the cross section 25A-25A, which is the first cross section, is defined as a first area S1. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting portion 120U3 at the cross section 25B-25B, which is the second cross section, is defined as a second area S2.

[0165] In this case, the second area S2 is smaller than the first area S1. In the axial direction D1 of the rotation axis A, the portion of the connecting portion 120U3 having the first area S1 is longer than the portion of the connecting portion 120U3 having the second area S2.

[0166] The cross sections 25A-25A and 25B-25B are cross sections perpendicular to the rotation axis A. The cross section 25B-25B is located at a different position in the axial direction D1 from the cross section 25A-25A, more specifically, it is located closer to the cap main body 120U1 than the cross section 25A-25A. As such, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting portion 120U3 in this embodiment is larger on the side closer to the fixing tab 120U2 and smaller on the side closer to the cap main body 120U1.

[0167] Furthermore, the connecting portion 120U3 has an upstream corner T1 and a downstream corner T2 in the direction of arrow L at the end connected to the fixing tab 120U2. Corner T1 is smoothly connected to the fixing tab 120U2 with a smaller curvature than corner T2. In other words, corner T2 is connected to the fixing tab 120U2 over a larger area than corner T1.

[0168] In this way, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection portion 120U3 is smaller on the side closer to the cap body 120U1, so the connection portion 120U3 is more likely to break on the side closer to the cap body 120U1. Also, because corner T1 is formed with a smaller curvature than corner T2, when the cap body 120U1 is rotated in the direction of arrow L1, corner T2 is more likely to bend than corner T1, and corner T1 is more resistant to bending stress than corner T2.

[0169] Therefore, the portion of the connecting portion 120U3 closer to the cap main body 120U1 breaks before the portion of the connecting portion 120U3 closer to the fixing tab 120U2, including the corners T1 and T2 connected to the fixing tab 120U2, breaks. Therefore, the amount of remains of the connecting portion 120U3 remaining on the cap main body 120U1 side after breaking can be reduced, and when a user manages the removed cap main body 120U1, the remains are less likely to get caught, improving usability.

[0170] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting portion 120U3 is configured to be larger on the side closer to the fixing tab 120U2 and smaller on the side closer to the cap main body 120U1, but this is not limiting. It is preferable that the connecting portion 120U3 has a portion with a small cross-sectional area anywhere between the cap main body 120U1 and the fixing tab 120U2 so that it can be easily broken.

[0171] In this embodiment, polypropylene resin is used as the material for the cap 120 and the pack-side shutter 103. The fixing tab 120U2 and the cap fixing portion 103n are bonded by applying a primer containing hexane and an amine compound as main components to each of the flat portions 120U2a and 103n1, and then applying a cyanoacrylate instant adhesive.

[0172] The adhesive strength of the fixing tab 120U2 and the cap fixing portion 103n bonded in this manner is greater than the strength of the connecting portion 120U3. Since the flat portions 120U2a and 103n1 are bonded in this manner, the movement of the fixing tab 120U2 is restricted relative to the pack-side shutter 103 in the axial direction D1 of the rotation axis A.

[0173] Furthermore, because the protrusions 103n2 and 103n3 are engaged with the holes 120U2b and 120U2c, movement of the fixing tab 120U2 in the rotation direction of the cap body 120U1 is restricted relative to the pack-side shutter 103. In other words, the fixing tab 120U2 is fixed to the mounted part 700 so as to restrict movement of the cap body 120U1 relative to the mounted part 700, including the pack-side shutter 103, in both the axial direction D1 and the rotation direction of the cap body 120U1.

[0174] Therefore, when the cap main body 120U1 of the cap 120 is removed from the toner pack 100, the connection portion 120U3 breaks without the adhesive between the fixing tab 120U2 and the cap fixing portion 103n coming loose. This separates the cap main body 120U1 from the fixing tab 120U2, allowing the cap main body 120U1 to be removed from the toner pack 100.

[0175] In this way, it is possible to tell from the appearance that the cap 120 whose connecting portion 120U3 is broken has already been used, and it is possible to reduce the need to replenish toner using a used toner pack 100. This improves the efficiency of toner replenishment.

[0176] Next, the positional relationship between the extension portion 104b of the opening member 104 and the fixing tab 120U2 will be described with reference to Figure 19. Figure 19 is a view of the toner pack 100 and the cap 120 as seen in the removal direction U (axial direction D1). In Figure 19, the outline of the opening member 104 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0177] 19, when viewed in the axial direction D1, the fixing tab 120U2 is arranged so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the extending portion 104b of the opening member 104. The extending portion 104b protrudes outward in the radial direction r beyond the cap outer peripheral surface 120f of the cap main body portion 120U1.

[0178] When removing the cap main body 120U1 from the toner pack 100, the user applies a force to the cap main body 120U1 to rotate it. At this time, by holding the extension portion 104b of the opening member 104 with the hand opposite to the hand that rotates the cap main body 120U1, it is easy to apply force to the cap main body 120U1. In other words, the extension portion 104b functions as an anti-slip device to prevent the user's hand from slipping in the rotation direction around the rotation axis A, thereby improving operability.

[0179] The fixing tab 120U2, which fixes the cap 120 to the toner pack 100 in the rotational direction, and the extension portion 104b are positioned so that they overlap when viewed in the axial direction D1, allowing the user to easily check the state of the fixing tab 120U2 and the connecting portion U3. This makes it easier for the user to determine whether the toner pack 100 is unused or used, improving usability.

[0180] Next, with reference to Figures 10(a), 19, and 20(a), we will explain the positional relationship between the fixed tab 120U2 and the opening 103a of the pack-side shutter 103. Figures 20(a) and 20(b) are views of the toner pack 100 as seen in the removal direction U along the rotation axis A (see Figure 13(b)).

[0181] As shown in Figures 10(a) and 20(a), the fixing tab 120U2 and the cap fixing portion 103n are provided in the same phase as the opening 103a in the circumferential direction of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. The cap fixing portion 103n may be provided in another location on the flange portion 103i, but in this embodiment, the position in the same phase as the opening 103a makes it easy to install the cap fixing portion 103n and facilitates manufacturing of the pack-side shutter 103. Furthermore, as in the modified example shown in Figure 20(b), the fixing tab 120U2 and the cap fixing portion 103n may be provided in the same phase as the drive-receiving portion 103e, which is formed in a concave shape.

[0182] 10(a) and 20(a), when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A (axial direction D1), a line passing through the edge 103a1 on one side of the opening 103a and the rotation axis A in the circumferential direction of an imaginary circle centered on the rotation axis A is defined as a first line W1. Further, a line passing through the edge 103a2 on the other side of the opening 103a and the rotation axis A is defined as a second line W2. In this case, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A (axial direction D1), the fixing tab 120U2 and the cap fixing portion 103n are located between the first line W1 and the second line W2 and are disposed in an area AR1 that includes the opening 103a.

[0183] The edges 103a1 and 103a2 through which the first straight line W1 and the second straight line W2 pass, respectively, are connection portions with the flange portion 103i and are located at the upstream end in the mounting direction M of the side surface 103d of the pack-side shutter 103. In the case of the modified example shown in Figure 20(b), when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A, the fixing tab 120U2 and the cap fixing portion 103n are located between the first straight line W1 and the second straight line W2, in an area AR2 opposite to the area AR1 including the opening 103a.

[0184] As described above, this embodiment can provide one form of developer container 800 that can be attached to image forming apparatus 1. In particular, when removing cap 120 from toner pack 100, cap main body 120U1 separates from fixing tab 120U2, making it easier to determine whether toner pack 100 is unused or used, thereby improving usability.

[0185] Furthermore, by attaching the cap 120 to the mounting portion 700 of the toner pack 100, it is possible to protect the mounting portion 700. In particular, the cap 120 can protect the drive transmission portion 103e, the protruding portion 102b, and the positioned portion 102d of the mounting portion 700.

[0186] The drive transmitted portion 103e, the protruding portion 102b, and the positioned portion 102d are used to position the toner pack 100 (nozzle 102) in the mounting portion 106, and to rotate the pack-side shutter 103 using the operating lever 108. This prevents the drive transmitted portion 103e, the protruding portion 102b, and the positioned portion 102d from being damaged by an external impact or the like before toner is replenished, and allows toner to be replenished from the toner pack 100 to the developing container 32 appropriately.

[0187] (3) Sign part Next, the positional relationship between the "mark portion" formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cap, which is a feature of this embodiment, and the parting line will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0188] FIG. 21(a) is a conceptual plan view of the toner pack as seen from the bottom side of the pouch along the height direction.

[0189] FIG. 21(b) is a conceptual plan view of the toner pack as viewed along the width direction.

[0190] FIG. 21(c) is a conceptual plan view of the toner pack as viewed along the thickness direction.

[0191] FIG. 21(d) is a conceptual plan view of the toner pack as viewed from the cap (120) side along the height direction.

[0192] Fig. 21(e) is a partially enlarged conceptual diagram of the cap shown in Fig. 21(c), which also shows the positional relationship between the marker portion on the outer peripheral surface of the cap and the parting line.

[0193] 21(a) to (d) and 8(a) and (b), in this embodiment, the developer container 800 includes a toner pack 100 and a cap 120. The toner pack 100 includes a pouch 101 capable of containing toner, and a communication member 900.

[0194] The pouch 101 has a bottom 101b and a side 101c extending from the bottom 101b to form an opening 101a.

[0195] The communication member 900 is fixed to the opening side of the pouch 101, and connects the inside of the pouch 101 to the outside.

[0196] The cap 120 is formed by injection molding and is removable from the communicating member 900 by rotating it relative to the communicating member 900 .

[0197] As shown in Figure 21(e), in this embodiment, a mark portion MK indicating the rotation direction (direction of arrow L) for removing the cap 120 from the communicating member 900 and a parting line PL are formed on the outer peripheral surface 120f of the cap 120.

[0198] In this embodiment, the sign portion MK is formed in a convex shape from the outer peripheral surface 120f of the cap 120. Specifically, the sign portion MK protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface 120f in the radial direction r (see FIG. 16). In this embodiment, the height (H) of the sign portion MK from the outer peripheral surface is 1.0 mm or less.

[0199] The sign portion MK also includes an arrowhead portion M1 that indicates the direction (orientation), and a shaft portion M2.

[0200] Also, as described above, in this embodiment, the cap 120 includes a cap main body 120U1 and a connecting portion Cx1 provided on the edge portion CP01 (see Figure 14(a)) of the cap main body, which connects the cap main body 120U1 to the communicating member 900 (see Figure 8(b)).

[0201] As described above, in this embodiment, 120U3 of the connecting portion Cx1 is configured to be shearable by relative movement between the cap body and the communication member in the rotation direction (L).

[0202] As described above, in this embodiment, the connecting portion Cx1 is formed integrally with the cap main body 120U1.

[0203] As described above, the connecting portion Cx1 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 120f of the cap 120 at a position 90° upstream or 90° downstream of the position where the parting line PL is formed in the rotation direction L, with the rotation axis X0 (rotation axis A) as the rotation center C1.

[0204] As described above, the coupling portion Cx1 has the joining portion 120U2 that is joined and fixed to the communication member 900, and a plurality of linking portions (120U3).

[0205] As described above, one end of the connecting portion (120U3) is connected to the cap body (120U1), and the other end is connected to the connecting portion (120U2).

[0206] As described above, the two adjacent connecting portions (120U3) are arranged at a distance equal to or greater than a predetermined distance in the direction YPL (see FIG. 24) in which the parting lines PL extending in the direction X01 along the rotation axis X0 of the cap are aligned. In other words, the two adjacent connecting portions 120U3 are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis A, and therefore have a gap between them.

[0207] The arrowhead portion M1 has a rear end M11 located on the upstream side in the direction of rotation (L) and a front end M12 located on the downstream side. On the other hand, the shaft portion M2 is formed so as to be connected to the rear end M11 of the arrowhead portion M1 on the upstream side in the direction of rotation (L) of the arrowhead portion M1, and extends along the direction of rotation (L).

[0208] The parting line (PL) extends on the outer peripheral surface 120f of the cap in the direction X01 along the rotation axis X0 of the cap. Note that, other than on the outer peripheral surface 120f, the parting line PL may also be formed on the bottom surface 120b (outer bottom surface) of the cap depending on the mold used.

[0209] In this embodiment, in addition to the mark portion MK, a second mark portion MK2 is also formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cap.

[0210] 24 or 25, the second marker MK2 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cap at a position shifted 180° from the position of the marker MK in the direction of arrow L. In other words, when the second marker MK2 is rotated 180° around the rotation axis X0 as the center C1, the second marker MK2 overlaps with the original position of the marker MK.

[0211] That is, the second marker MK2 is a rotation target of the marker MK, with the rotation axis X0 of the cap as the center C1. In this embodiment, the markers are provided in two places (MK, MK2) on the outer peripheral surface 120f of the cap, but only one place (marker MK) may be provided.

[0212] 21(e), the arrowhead portion M1 has a "maximum head portion M111" where the head width W01 is maximum in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the arrow L. In this embodiment, the "maximum head portion M111" is located on the rear end surface M11s of the arrowhead portion M1.

[0213] Furthermore, the shape of the "arrowhead portion M1" is preferably a "triangle," but it does not have to be limited to a "triangle" as long as it is a shape that can indicate directionality. For example, the tip side (M12) of the arrowhead may have a curved portion. Also, it may be an "irregular shape" that is a combination of a triangle and another shape.

[0214] (4) Cap molding mold Next, the mold used for injection molding the cap will be described.

[0215] FIG. 22 is a perspective conceptual diagram of a mold for forming a cap, seen from below.

[0216] FIG. 23 is a conceptual perspective view of a mold for forming a cap, seen from above.

[0217] FIG. 24 is a conceptual perspective view, partly see-through, of a mold for forming a cap, seen from above.

[0218] As shown in FIGS. 22 to 24, three molds MD1, MD2, and MD3 are mainly used to injection mold the cap 120 of this embodiment.

[0219] Specifically, a mold for forming a cap is constructed by disposing a third mold MD3, which is movable in a direction F3 perpendicular to the direction F1 (F2), between a first mold MD1 and a second mold MD2, which are movable in directions F1 and F2 opposite to each other. The first and second molds MD1 and MD2 mainly correspond to the outer shape of the cap, and the third mold MD3 corresponds to the inner shape of the cap.

[0220] In this embodiment, there is also an opposing mold that faces the third mold MD3 in the direction F3, but the opposing mold is omitted here. Also, the opposing mold can be integrated with the shapes of the molds MD1 and MD2 and made part of MD1 and MD2. That is, the mold for the cap 120 can be formed using the molds MD1 to MD3.

[0221] The cap 120 is formed by injecting a resin into a mold formed by a metal mold.

[0222] After the cap 120 is molded, the cap 120 can be released from the first and second molds MD1 and MD2 by moving the first and second molds MD1 and MD2 along the directions F1 and F2, respectively.

[0223] Similarly, by moving the third mold MD3 and its opposing mold (not shown) along the direction F3, the cap 120 can be released from the third mold.

[0224] A parting line PL is formed on the outer peripheral surface 120f of the cap along the parting plane of the first and second molds MD1 and MD2. In this embodiment, mold MD3 is provided with a sliding structure (not shown), so that even if the inner peripheral surface of cap 120 has the shape of the "screw protrusion 120e" described above, mold MD3 can be removed in the direction F3.

[0225] The first mold MD1 mainly has a first forming portion MD11 corresponding to the arrowhead portion of the first marker portion MK and a second forming portion MD12 corresponding to the shaft portion of the second marker portion MK2.

[0226] On the other hand, the second mold MD2 mainly has a third forming portion MD21 (see Figure 24) corresponding to the shaft portion of the first marker portion MK and a fourth forming portion MD22 (see Figure 22) corresponding to the arrowhead portion of the second marker portion MK2.

[0227] Furthermore, as indicated by 23, the second mold MD2 has a fifth forming portion MD23 and a sixth forming portion MD24 corresponding to the fixing tab 120U2 and the connecting portion 120U3. The sixth forming portion MD24 is configured to form a "gap G01" between two adjacent connecting portions 120U3 (see FIG. 17(b)).

[0228] That is, the sixth forming portion MD24 can form a plurality of connecting portions 120U3 (see FIG. 17(b)) arranged in the direction YPL (see FIG. 24) in which the parting lines PL are arranged. Then, as the second mold is moved in the F2 direction, the sixth forming portion MD24 can come out of the "gap G01."

[0229] (5) Positional relationship between the marking part MK and the parting line PL Next, the relationship between the arrowhead portion M1 of the mark portion MK on the outer peripheral surface 120f of the cap and the parting line PL in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 21, 25, and 26. FIG.

[0230] Fig. 25 is a conceptual diagram showing the positions of the marker portion and the parting line PL on the outer peripheral surface of the cap in Example 1. Fig. 25 and Figs. 26 to 29 described below conceptually show the state of the cap as viewed from the bottom 120b side of the cap along the rotation axis X0 of the cap 120.

[0231] Fig. 26 is a conceptual diagram showing an "arrangement possible area FS1" for the marker portion and parting line PL on the outer peripheral surface of the cap in Example 1. Note that Fig. 26 omits components such as the fixing tab 120U2 and the marker portion MK2.

[0232] First, as shown in Fig. 8 or 21, in this embodiment, the direction connecting the opening side (101a) and the bottom side (101b) of the pouch 101 can be defined as a first direction X. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the cross-sectional shape of the cross section of the pouch perpendicular to the first direction X can be defined as a second direction Y, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y can be defined as a third direction Z.

[0233] 21(a), when viewed along the first direction X, there is a position Y0 in the second direction Y at which the thickness W02 of the pouch 101 in the third direction Z is at its maximum before the cap 120 is removed from the communicating member 900. Furthermore, the position on the outer peripheral surface 120f of the cap corresponding to the position Y0 at which the thickness W02 of the pouch 101 is at its maximum can be set as a reference position Y0c.

[0234] Also, as shown in Figure 26, a position moved 45° upstream in the rotation direction (L) relative to the reference position Y0c along the outer peripheral surface 120f, with the rotation axis X0 as the rotation center C1, can be defined as a first position P1, and a position moved 45° downstream in the rotation direction (L) can be defined as a second position P2.

[0235] In Example 1, on the outer peripheral surface 120f, at least the end face M11s of the rear end M11 of the arrow head portion M1 is located in the region FS1 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, and the parting line PL is located so as to overlap with the end face M11s.

[0236] For example, when the end face M11s of the rear end M11 of the arrowhead portion M1 is located at the first position P1 on the upstream side, the parting line PLu can also be located at the first position P1. At this time, the first mold MD1 can move along the direction F1u, and the second mold MD2 can move along the direction F2u.

[0237] On the other hand, when the end face M11s of the rear end M11 of the arrowhead portion M1 is located at the second position P2 located downstream, the parting line PLd can also be located at the second position P2. At this time, the first mold MD1 can move along the direction F1d, and the second mold MD2 can move along the direction F2d.

[0238] By configuring the cap as described above, the sign portion having the arrowhead portion can be easily formed with a simple mold, and the sign portion MK formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cap is easily visible to the user (the range corresponding to area FS1), improving operability when removing the cap. In other words, the operability when the user removes the cap 120 from the toner pack 100 can be improved, and the complexity of the mold used to manufacture the cap can be reduced.

[0239] More specifically, when a user manually removes (turns) the cap from pouch 101, the user's fingers can easily pinch and grip the pouch from both sides in the "thickness (Z)" direction, which is the smallest and easiest of the three directions of "height (X)," "thickness (Z)," and "width (Y)."

[0240] Furthermore, when the user holds the pouch and looks at the outer surface of the cap from the thickness (Z) direction, the direction (orientation) of the "arrow (indicator portion)" formed on the outer surface 120f of cap 120 can more naturally come into the user's field of vision (i.e., area FS1 becomes the front).

[0241] Therefore, the operability when removing the cap 120 from the pouch 101 is significantly improved, and the cap can be manufactured by injection molding using a simple mold.

[0242] In particular, as shown in FIG. 25, in this embodiment, the rear end surface M11s of the arrowhead portion M1 of the marker portion MK and the parting line PL can be positioned so as to overlap with the reference position Y0c.

[0243] This makes it easier for the mark MK to appear near the center of the front of the cap facing the user when the user is holding the pouch, further improving the identifiability of the mark MK.

[0244] Furthermore, the aforementioned "head maximum portion M111" (rear end surface M11s) and the parting line PL can be positioned at the same position. This allows a shape corresponding to the "head maximum portion M111" to be formed in one of a pair of opposing molds MD1, MD2, for example, mold MD1. Therefore, when mold MD1 is separated from the cap along the F1 direction, there is no part in mold MD1 where the head width W01 (see Figure 21(e)) becomes smaller (becomes an obstacle) upstream of the "head maximum portion M111" in the F1 direction, making it less likely that problems such as "undercuts" will occur. [Example]

[0245] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 27 to 29. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0246] FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram showing the positions of the marking portion and the parting line PL on the outer peripheral surface of the cap of a toner pack used in an image forming apparatus that constitutes an image forming system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0247] Fig. 28 is a conceptual diagram showing an area FS1 on the outer peripheral surface of the cap where a marker can be arranged and an area FS2 where a parting line PL can be arranged when a marker is arranged at one end of area FS1 in Example 2. Note that Fig. 28 omits components such as a fixing tab 120U2 and a marker MK2.

[0248] Fig. 29 is a conceptual diagram showing an area FS1 on the outer peripheral surface of the cap where a marker can be arranged and an area FS2 where a parting line PL can be arranged when a marker is arranged at the other end of area FS1 in Example 2. Note that Fig. 29 omits components such as the fixing tab 120U2 and the marker MK2.

[0249] In the above-mentioned Example 1, the "parting line PL" and the rear end surface M11s of the arrow head portion are positioned at the same position, and when the user pinches the toner pack in the thickness direction Z, the "arrow head portion" is at the front (the range corresponding to area FS1) of the cap.

[0250] In the second embodiment, when a user picks up the toner pack in the thickness direction Z, the "arrow head portion" faces forward, but the "parting line PL" and the rear end surface M11s of the arrow head portion are positioned at different positions.

[0251] In Example 2, the sign portion MK is formed in a convex shape from the outer peripheral surface 120f of the cap 120. In this example, the height (H) of the sign portion MK from the outer peripheral surface is 1.0 mm or less. As a modification of Example 2, the sign portion MK can be formed in a concave shape recessed from the outer peripheral surface 120f (inward in the radial direction r) instead of in a convex shape.

[0252] Next, the positional relationship between the "mark portion MK" and the "parting line PL" in the second embodiment will be described.

[0253] First, as in Example 1, in Example 2, as shown in Fig. 8 or 21, the direction connecting the opening side (101a) and the bottom side (101b) of the pouch 101 can be defined as a first direction X. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the cross-sectional shape of the cross section of the pouch perpendicular to the first direction X can be defined as a second direction Y, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y can be defined as a third direction Z.

[0254] 21(a), in Example 2, when viewed along the first direction X, there is a position Y0 in the second direction Y at which the thickness W02 of the pouch 101 in the third direction Z is at its maximum before the cap 120 is removed from the communicating member 900. Furthermore, the position on the outer peripheral surface 120f of the cap corresponding to the position Y0 at which the thickness W02 of the pouch 101 is at its maximum can be set as the reference position Y0c.

[0255] In addition, in Example 2, as shown in Figure 28 or Figure 29, a position along the outer peripheral surface 120f, and with the rotation axis X0 as the rotation center C1, moved 45° upstream in the rotation direction (L) relative to the reference position Y0c, can be defined as a first position P1, and a position moved 45° downstream in the rotation direction (L) can be defined as a second position P2.

[0256] At this time, at least a part of the arrowhead portion M1 (for example, the end surface M11s of the rear end M11) is disposed in a region FS1 on the outer circumferential surface 120f from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

[0257] Meanwhile, a straight line connecting the end face position PR1 of the end face M11s of the rear end M11 of the arrowhead portion M1 and the rotation center C1 can be defined as a first imaginary line VL1. A straight line perpendicular to the first imaginary line VL1 can be defined as a second imaginary line. A position 45° upstream of the second imaginary line VL2 can be defined as a third position P3, and a position 45° downstream of the second imaginary line VL2 can be defined as a fourth position P4.

[0258] In the second embodiment, the parting line PL is disposed in a region FS2 on the outer circumferential surface 120f, from the third position P3 to the fourth position P4.

[0259] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 28, when the end face M11s of the rear end M11 of the arrowhead portion M1 is positioned at the upstream end position (position P1) of the region FS1, the parting line PL can be positioned in the region FS2 between a third position P3, which is 45° upstream, and a fourth position P4, which is 45° downstream, with respect to a second imaginary line VL2 that is perpendicular to a first imaginary line VL1 connecting the end face position PR1 and the rotation center V1.

[0260] For example, when the parting line PL is located at position P3, the mold MD1 can be separated along the direction F1u, and the mold MD2 can be separated along the direction F2u.

[0261] On the other hand, when the parting line PL is located at position P4, the mold MD1 can be separated along direction F1d, and the mold MD2 can be separated along direction F2d.

[0262] As can be seen from Figure 28, when the parting line PL is positioned so that it overlaps with the second virtual line VL2, the potential for undercuts in the marker MK is minimized. On the other hand, when the parting line PL (Plu, PLd) is positioned at position P3 or P4, undercuts occur in the marker MK, but this does not significantly affect the visibility of the marker MK. For example, as shown in Figure 28, if the parting line PLd is positioned at position P4, undercuts UC occur, but the chamfered portions of the marker outline (edge) are minimized, ensuring sufficient visibility.

[0263] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 29, when the end face M11s of the rear end M11 of the arrowhead portion M1 is positioned at the downstream end position (position P2) of the region FS1, the parting line PL can also be positioned in the region FS2 between a third position P3, which is 45° upstream, and a fourth position P4, which is 45° downstream, with respect to a second imaginary line VL2 perpendicular to a first imaginary line VL1 connecting the end face position PR1 and the rotation center V1.

[0264] For example, when the parting line PL is located at position P3, the mold MD1 can be separated along the direction F1u, and the mold MD2 can be separated along the direction F2u.

[0265] On the other hand, when the parting line PL is located at position P4, the mold MD1 can be separated along direction F1d, and the mold MD2 can be separated along direction F2d.

[0266] Similar to the arrangement shown in Fig. 28, when the parting line PL is arranged at a position overlapping with the second virtual line VL2 as shown in Fig. 29, the portion of the marker MK that may become an undercut is minimized. On the other hand, when the parting line PL (PLu, PLd) is arranged at position P3 or position P4, an undercut occurs in the marker MK, but this does not significantly affect the visibility of the marker MK. For example, as shown in Fig. 29, if the parting line PLd is arranged at position P4, an undercut UC occurs, but the portion of the marker outline (edge) that becomes chamfered is minimized, ensuring sufficient visibility.

[0267] In this way, in the second embodiment, by arranging the parting line PL and the mark portion MK at different positions, the mold release direction (F1u, F2u, F1d, F2d) can be set more freely.

[0268] As described above, by arranging the marking portion MK in the region FS1 and the parting line PL in the region FS2, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a marking portion having an arrowhead portion can be easily formed using a simple mold. Furthermore, the marking portion MK formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cap is easily visible to the user, improving the operability when removing the cap. In other words, the operability when the user removes the cap 120 from the toner pack 100 can be improved, and the complexity of the mold used to manufacture the cap can be reduced.

[0269] That is, when the user manually removes (turns) the cap from the pouch 101, the user can easily grasp the pouch with his / her fingers from both sides of the "thickness (Z)" direction, which is the smallest and easiest of the three directions of "height (X)," "thickness (Z)," and "width (Y)."

[0270] Furthermore, when the user holds the pouch and looks at the outer surface of the cap from the thickness (Z) direction, the direction (orientation) of the "arrow (indicator portion)" formed on the outer surface 120f of cap 120 can more naturally come into the user's field of vision (i.e., area FS1 becomes the front).

[0271] On the other hand, by locating the parting line PL in region FS2, there is little overlap between the parting line PL and the marking, and the mold release direction has little effect on the shape of the marking. In other words, by specifying the mold release direction, it is possible to reduce the degree to which the outline of the marking (edge ​​portion) is chamfered, and it is possible to maintain a sharper shape for the marking. This improves the distinguishability of the marking.

[0272] Therefore, in the second embodiment as well, the operability when removing the cap 120 from the pouch 101 is significantly improved, and the cap can be manufactured by injection molding using a simple mold.

[0273] 27, in Example 2, the position PR1 of the rear end surface M11s of the arrowhead portion M1 of the marker MK can be positioned so as to overlap with the reference position Y0c. The parting line PL can be positioned on the outer peripheral surface 120f of the cap 120, where the second imaginary line VL2, which is perpendicular to the first imaginary line VL1, passes.

[0274] In this case, mold MD1 can be released along direction F1, and mold MD2 can be released along direction F2. As can be seen from Figure 27, when the direction in which the marking portion MK protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 120f of the cap (thickness direction) and the direction in which the mold is released (directions F1 and F2) are almost the same, the mold reduces the chamfered portion (undercut portion) of the contour (edge) of the marking portion. This allows the marking portion to maintain a sharper shape, resulting in improved identifiability.

[0275] In this way, also in Example 2, when the user holds the pouch, the marker MK is likely to appear near the center position on the front side of the cap facing the user, and the mold can be separated along directions F1 and F2. That is, a cap with higher operability (higher distinguishability of the marker) can be manufactured using a simple mold.

[0276] <Other embodiments> In the above embodiment, the cap 120 is attached to the pack-side shutter 103, but this is not limiting. For example, the cap 120 may be attached to the nozzle 102. Furthermore, the cap may be attached to any component of the toner pack, not just the nozzle or pack-side shutter, as long as it can protect the portion of the toner pack to which it is attached.

[0277] In the above embodiment, the fixing tab 120U2 and the cap fixing portion 103n are bonded with a primer and instant adhesive, but this is not limiting. For example, the fixing tab 120U2 and the cap fixing portion 103n may be fixed with heat welding, double-sided tape, or the like. The materials of the cap 120 and the attached portion 700 and the shape of the connecting portion 120U3 may be changed as desired.

[0278] In the above-described embodiment, the pouch 101 of the toner pack 100 contains toner, but this is not limiting. For example, the contents contained in the pouch 101 may be ink other than toner, and the pouch 101 can contain powder or liquid. Furthermore, the powder that can be contained in the pouch 101 is not limited to toner. When the pouch 101 contains ink, the toner pack 100 may be attached to an inkjet image forming apparatus.

[0279] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the pack-side shutter 103 and the device-side shutter 109 are configured to be rotatable between the closed position and the open position around the rotation axes A and B, but this is not limiting. For example, the pack-side shutter 103 and the device-side shutter 109 may be configured to be movable between the closed position and the open position by moving linearly in a direction parallel to the mounting direction M.

[0280] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pack-side shutter 103 is configured to open the discharge outlet 102a of the nozzle 102 only when it is in the open position, but this is not limiting. For example, the pack-side shutter 103 may be a rotating body that opens the discharge outlet 102a of the nozzle 102 regardless of the rotational position. In this case, the discharge outlet 102a of the nozzle 102 may be closed with a seal when the toner pack 100 is not attached to the attachment portion 106, and the seal may be removed during or after the toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment portion 106. Also, the pack-side shutter 103 of the toner pack 100 may be omitted.

[0281] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pack-side shutter 103 is provided with the thread recess 103g, which is a female thread, and the cap 120 is provided with the thread protrusion 120e, which is a male thread, but this is not limiting. For example, the pack-side shutter 103 may be provided with a male thread, and the cap 120 may be provided with a female thread.

[0282] In this embodiment, the cap body 120U1 and the fixing tab 120U2 are connected by the connecting portion 120U3, but this is not limiting. For example, the fixing tab 120U2 may be directly fixed to the cap body 120U1 by adhesive, snap fitting, a magnet, or the like. In this case, it is preferable that the fixing strength between the cap body 120U1 and the fixing tab 120U is set to be weaker than the adhesive strength between the fixing tab 120U2 and the cap fixing portion 103n.

[0283] The present invention can be summarized as follows.

[0284] (1) The developer container (800) of the present invention is a pouch (101) having a bottom (101b) and a side (101c) extending from the bottom to form an opening (101a); a communication member (900) fixed to the opening side of the pouch and connecting the inside of the pouch to the outside; a cap (120) formed by injection molding and removable from the communicating member by rotating relative to the communicating member, the cap containing the developer; The outer peripheral surface (120f) of the cap (120) is formed with a marking portion (MK) indicating a rotation direction (L) for removing the cap from the communication member, the marking portion (MK) having a rear end (M11) located on the upstream side of the rotation direction and a front end (M12) located on the downstream side, and an arrowhead portion (M1) formed in a convex shape from the outer peripheral surface, and a parting line (PL) extending in a direction (X01) along the rotation axis (X0) of the cap, The direction connecting the opening side and the bottom side of the pouch is defined as a first direction (X), the longitudinal direction of the cross-sectional shape of the cross section of the pouch perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction (Y), and the direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction (Z), and When viewed along the first direction (X), When the position on the outer peripheral surface (120f) of the cap corresponding to the position (Y0) in the second direction (Y) where the thickness of the pouch (101) in the third direction (Z) is maximum in a state before the cap (120) is removed from the communicating member (900) is defined as a reference position (Y0c), At least an end face (M11s) of the rear end (M11) is disposed in a region (FS1) along the outer peripheral surface (120f) and in a region from a first position (P1) that is moved 45° upstream in the rotation direction (L) from a reference position (Y0c) with the rotation axis (X0) as the rotation center (C1) to a second position (P2) that is moved 45° downstream in the rotation direction (L) from the reference position (Y0c), and The parting line (PL) is positioned so that it overlaps with the end face (M11s).

[0285] This makes it possible to realize a cap configuration that is easy to manufacture while improving operability when removing the cap in a configuration that is provided on the opening side of a developer container that contains developer and has a cap that can be removed by rotating it.

[0286] Specifically, when a user manually removes (rotates) the cap from the pouch, the user's fingers can grasp the pouch from both sides in the "thickness (Z)" direction, which is the smallest and easiest of the three directions (height, thickness, and width). In this state, when the user looks at the outer surface of the cap from the thickness (Z) direction, the direction (orientation) of the "arrow (indicator)" formed on the outer surface of the cap naturally comes into the user's field of vision (without further rotating the pouch). This significantly improves the ease of removing the cap from the pouch, and also makes it possible to manufacture the cap by injection molding using a simple mold.

[0287] (2) In the developer container of the present invention, the height (H) of the arrowhead portion (M1) protruding from the outer peripheral surface (120f) relative to the outer peripheral surface can be set to 1.0 mm or less.

[0288] By making the height of the arrowhead portion of the marking that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the cap 1.0 mm or less, there are fewer "undercut" portions in the molded product, the cap, when the processing mold is released. This allows the edges (corners) of the three-dimensional shape of the arrowhead of the marking to remain sharper, further improving distinguishability. On the other hand, from the perspective of distinguishability of the "protruding" marking, it is preferable that the height be 0.05 mm or more.

[0289] (3) In the developer container of the present invention, the parting line (PL) and the end face (M11s) can be positioned so as to overlap with the reference position (Y0c).

[0290] This makes it easier for the marker to appear near the center of the front of the cap when the user is holding the pouch, improving the identifiability of the marker.

[0291] (4) Another developer container (800) of the present invention is a pouch (101) having a bottom (101b) and a side (101c) extending from the bottom to form an opening (101a); a communication member (900) fixed to the opening side of the pouch and connecting the inside of the pouch to the outside; a cap (120) formed by injection molding and removable from the communicating member by rotating relative to the communicating member, the cap containing the developer; The outer peripheral surface (120f) of the cap (120) is formed with a marking portion (MK) indicating a rotation direction (L) for removing the cap from the communication member, the marking portion (MK) having an arrowhead portion (M1) with a rear end (M11) located on the upstream side of the rotation direction and a front end (M12) located on the downstream side, and a parting line (PL) extending in a direction (X01) along the rotation axis (X0) of the cap, The direction connecting the opening side and the bottom side of the pouch is defined as a first direction (X), the longitudinal direction of the cross-sectional shape of the cross section of the pouch perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction (Y), and the direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction (Z), and When viewed along the first direction (X), When the position on the outer peripheral surface (120f) of the cap corresponding to the position (Y0) in the second direction (Y) where the thickness of the pouch (101) in the third direction (Z) is maximum in a state before the cap (120) is removed from the communicating member (900) is defined as a reference position (Y0c), At least a part of the arrowhead portion (M1) is disposed in a region (FS1) along the outer peripheral surface (120f) and in a region from a first position (P1) that is shifted 45° upstream in the rotation direction (L) from a reference position (Y0c) with the rotation axis (X0) as the rotation center (C1) to a second position (P2) that is shifted 45° downstream in the rotation direction (L) from the reference position (Y0c), and The parting line (PL) is located in the region (FS2) from a third position (P3) that is 45° upstream to a fourth position (P4) that is 45° downstream of a second imaginary line (VL2) that is perpendicular to a first imaginary line (VL1) that connects the end face position (PR1) of the end face (M11s) of the rear end (M11) and the center of rotation (C1).

[0292] This makes it possible to realize a cap configuration that is easy to manufacture while improving operability when removing the cap in a configuration that is provided on the opening side of a developer container that contains developer and has a cap that can be removed by rotating it.

[0293] Specifically, when a user manually removes (rotates) the cap from the pouch, the user's fingers can grasp the pouch from both sides in the "thickness (Z)" direction, which is the smallest and easiest of the three directions (height, thickness, and width). In this state, when the user looks at the outer surface of the cap from the thickness (Z) direction, the direction (orientation) of the "arrow (indicator)" formed on the outer surface of the cap naturally comes into the user's field of vision (without further rotating the pouch). This significantly improves the ease of removing the cap from the pouch, and also makes it possible to manufacture the cap by injection molding using a simple mold.

[0294] (5) In the developer container of the present invention, the arrowhead portion (M1) can be formed in a convex shape from the outer peripheral surface (120f).

[0295] (6) In the developer container of the present invention, the height (H) of the arrowhead portion (M1) protruding from the outer peripheral surface (120f) relative to the outer peripheral surface can be set to 1.0 mm or less.

[0296] (7) In the developer container of the present invention, the marking portion (MK) may have a shaft portion (M2) connected to the rear end (M11) of the arrowhead portion (M1).

[0297] Although the arrowhead portion alone can indicate the "direction," providing a shaft portion upstream of the arrowhead portion further improves the distinguishability of the sign portion.

[0298] (8) In the developer container of the present invention, the cap (120) is Cap body (120U1) and The cap body may include a connecting portion (Cx1) provided on the edge portion (CP01) of the cap body, which connects the cap body (120U1) and the connecting member (900), and which can be sheared by relative movement of the cap body and the connecting member in the rotational direction (L).

[0299] By providing the connecting portion, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the cap will inadvertently come off the attached portion (700) of the pouch when the toner pack 100 is unused, thereby improving the reliability of the toner pack 100 (developer container 800).

[0300] (9) In the developer container of the present invention, the connecting portion (Cx1) can be formed integrally with the cap body (120U1).

[0301] Then, on the outer peripheral surface (120f), a connecting portion can be formed at a position 90° upstream or 90° downstream of the position where the parting line (PL) is formed in the rotation direction (L) with the rotation axis (X0) as the rotation center (C1).

[0302] By arranging the connecting portion at a position that is 90° (perpendicular) to the parting line in the circumferential direction of the cap, a cap having the connecting portion can be easily manufactured using a simple mold.

[0303] (10) In the developer container of the present invention, the connecting portion (Cx1) is a coupling portion (120U2) coupled and fixed to the communication member (900); It may have a plurality of connecting portions (120U3) each having one end connected to the cap body (120U1) and the other end connected to the connecting portion (120U2).

[0304] Then, two adjacent joints (120U3) They may be arranged at a predetermined distance or more in the direction (YPL) in which parting lines (PL) extending in the direction (X01) along the rotation axis (X0) of the cap are aligned.

[0305] By providing a connecting portion and a connecting portion at the connecting part, and further providing a predetermined distance between the connecting portions, it becomes easier to ensure the movement path of the mold when moving the processing mold in the direction of demolding, and as a result, it is possible to easily manufacture a cap having a connecting portion that is more susceptible to shearing (than the connecting portion).

[0306] (11) In the developer container of the present invention, the cap (120) may be substantially cylindrical.

[0307] From the viewpoint of ease of rotation, it is preferable that the cap has a cylindrical shape, but the outer shape of the cap can also be other shapes such as a trapezoid or a square.

[0308] (12) Another developer container (800) of the present invention is a pouch (101) having a bottom (101b) and a side (101c) extending from the bottom to form an opening (101a); a communication member (900) fixed to the opening side of the pouch and connecting the inside of the pouch to the outside; a cap (120) formed by injection molding and removable from the communicating member by rotating relative to the communicating member, the cap containing the developer; The outer peripheral surface (120f) of the cap (120) is formed with a marking portion (MK) indicating a rotation direction (L) for removing the cap from the communication member, the marking portion (MK) having an arrowhead portion (M1) with a rear end (M11) located on the upstream side of the rotation direction and a front end (M12) located on the downstream side, and a parting line (PL) extending in a direction (X01) along the rotation axis (X0) of the cap, The parting line (PL) and the end face (M11s) of the rear end (M11) are positioned so as to overlap.

[0309] By arranging the parting line and the rear end face of the arrowhead at a position where they overlap, it is possible to arrange at least the rear end face (planar direction) of the arrowhead perpendicular to the mold release direction, which makes the three-dimensional shape of at least the rear end side of the arrowhead sharper and improves the distinguishability of the marking part.

[0310] (13) The image forming system (1000) of the present invention comprises: The developer container (800) in which the developer is contained; an image forming apparatus (1) having a mounting portion (106) in which a developer container is mounted; The image forming operation is performed using developer supplied from a developer container.

[0311] (14) In the image forming system of the present invention, the mounting portion (106) can be provided above the image forming device (1) when it is in the in-use position.

[0312] The developer container (800) can be mounted in the mounting portion with the bottom (101b) positioned above the direction of gravity (VD) and the opening (101a) positioned below the direction of gravity, thereby supplying developer to the image forming device.

[0313] (15) In the image forming system of the present invention, the developer container (800) may be configured to be attached to and detached from the attachment portion in a direction (VD1) that is parallel to the direction of gravity (VD).

[0314] (16) In the image forming system of the present invention, the developer container (800) is During non-image formation, the developer is supplied to the image forming device (1) by being attached to the attachment portion (106). The image forming apparatus may be configured to be detached from the mounting portion before starting the image forming operation.

[0315] (17) In the image forming system of the present invention, the developer contained in the developer container (800) can be a non-magnetic one-component developer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0316] 101 pouches 101a aperture 101b bottom 101c Side 120 Cap 120f outer circumferential surface 800 Developer container 900 Connecting member C1 (Cap) Rotation Center FS1 Area between the first and second positions L Rotation direction (to remove the cap) or shutter rotation direction MK sign part M1 Arrowhead Division M11 Arrowhead rear end M11s rear end face M12 arrowhead tip PL parting line P1 1st position P2 2nd position Y0: The position in the second direction where the pouch thickness in the third direction is maximum Y0c reference position X 1st direction X0 Cap rotation axis X01 Direction along the rotation axis of the cap Y Second direction Z 3rd direction

Claims

1. a pouch having a bottom and sides extending from the bottom to form an opening; a communication member fixed to the opening side of the pouch and communicating the inside of the pouch with the outside; a cap formed by injection molding and removable from the communicating member by rotating relative to the communicating member; On the outer peripheral surface of the cap, a marking portion is formed which indicates a rotation direction for removing the cap from the communicating member, the marking portion having a rear end located on the upstream side of the rotation direction and a front end located on the downstream side, and an arrowhead portion formed in a convex shape from the outer peripheral surface, and a parting line extending in a direction along the rotation axis of the cap, A direction connecting the opening side and the bottom side of the pouch is defined as a first direction, a longitudinal direction of a cross-sectional shape of a cross section of the pouch that is perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, and When viewed along the first direction, When a position on the outer peripheral surface of the cap corresponding to a position in the second direction at which the thickness of the pouch in the third direction is maximum in a state before the cap is removed from the communicating member is defined as a reference position, At least an end face of the rear end is disposed in a region from a first position that is shifted 45° upstream in the rotation direction relative to the reference position, with the rotation axis as a rotation center, to a second position that is shifted 45° downstream in the rotation direction relative to the reference position, along the outer circumferential surface, and The parting line is arranged to overlap the end surface. A developer container characterized by:

2. 2. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the height of the arrowhead portion protruding from the outer peripheral surface relative to the outer peripheral surface is 1.0 mm or less.

3. 2. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the parting line and the end face are positioned so as to overlap with the reference position.

4. a pouch having a bottom and sides extending from the bottom to form an opening; a communication member fixed to the opening side of the pouch and communicating the inside of the pouch with the outside; a cap formed by injection molding and removable from the communicating member by rotating relative to the communicating member; a parting line extending in a direction along the rotation axis of the cap; and a marker portion formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cap, the marker portion indicating a rotation direction for removing the cap from the communicating member, the marker portion having an arrowhead portion with a rear end located on the upstream side of the rotation direction and a front end located on the downstream side. A direction connecting the opening side and the bottom side of the pouch is defined as a first direction, a longitudinal direction of a cross-sectional shape of a cross section of the pouch that is perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, and When viewed along the first direction, When a position on the outer peripheral surface of the cap corresponding to a position in the second direction at which the thickness of the pouch in the third direction is maximum in a state before the cap is removed from the communicating member is defined as a reference position, At least a portion of the arrowhead portion is disposed along the outer peripheral surface in a region from a first position that is shifted 45° upstream in the rotation direction relative to the reference position with the rotation axis as the center of rotation to a second position that is shifted 45° downstream in the rotation direction relative to the reference position, and the parting line is disposed in a region from a third position, which is 45° upstream, to a fourth position, which is 45° downstream, with respect to a second virtual line perpendicular to a first virtual line connecting an end face position of the end face of the rear end and the rotation center; A developer container characterized by:

5. 4. The developer container according to claim 3, wherein the arrowhead portion is formed in a convex shape from the outer circumferential surface.

6. 6. The developer container according to claim 5, wherein the height of the arrowhead portion protruding from the outer peripheral surface relative to the outer peripheral surface is 1.0 mm or less.

7. 7. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the marking portion has a shaft portion connected to a rear end of the arrowhead portion.

8. The cap is A cap body, The developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a connecting portion provided on an edge portion of the cap body, connecting the cap body and the communicating member, the connecting portion being shearable by relative movement between the cap body and the communicating member in the rotational direction.

9. The connecting portion is integrally formed with the cap body, 9. The developer container according to claim 8, wherein the parting line is formed on the outer peripheral surface at a position 90° upstream or 90° downstream of a position where the parting line is formed in the rotation direction with the rotation shaft as a rotation center.

10. The connecting portion is a connecting portion that is connected to and fixed to the communication member; a plurality of connecting portions, one end of which is connected to the cap body and the other end of which is connected to the connecting portion; The two adjacent connecting portions are 10. The developer container according to claim 9, wherein the parting lines extending in a direction along the rotation axis of the caps are arranged at a distance equal to or greater than a predetermined distance in a direction in which the parting lines are aligned.

11. 11. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the cap is substantially cylindrical.

12. a pouch having a bottom and sides extending from the bottom to form an opening; a communication member fixed to the opening side of the pouch and connecting the inside of the pouch to the outside; a cap formed by injection molding and removable from the communicating member by rotating relative to the communicating member; a parting line extending in a direction along the rotation axis of the cap; and a marker portion formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cap, the marker portion indicating a rotation direction for removing the cap from the communicating member, the marker portion having an arrowhead portion with a rear end located on the upstream side of the rotation direction and a front end located on the downstream side. The parting line and the end face of the rear end are arranged to overlap each other. A developer container characterized by:

13. a developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which contains a developer; an image forming apparatus including a mounting portion to which the developer container is mounted, an image forming system that performs an image forming operation using the developer supplied from the developer container;

14. In a posture during use, the mounting portion is provided on an upper side of the image forming apparatus, The developer container is 14. The image forming system according to claim 13, wherein the developer supply unit is attached to the attachment portion in an orientation in which the bottom portion is positioned upward in the direction of gravity and the opening is positioned downward in the direction of gravity, and the developer is supplied to the image forming device.

15. 15. The image forming system according to claim 13, wherein the developer container is attached to and detached from the attachment portion in a direction parallel to the direction of gravity.

16. The developer container is When the image forming operation is not being performed, the developer is supplied to the image forming apparatus by being attached to the attachment portion, and 16. The image forming system according to claim 13, wherein the image forming device is detached from the attachment portion before the image forming operation is started.

17. 17. The image forming system according to claim 13, wherein the developer contained in the developer container is a non-magnetic one-component developer.

Images