A method and apparatus for image forming capable of efficiently replenishing toner from a soft toner container

摘要

An image forming apparatus includes a toner container, a toner transportation tube and a nozzle. The toner container contains toner and includes a connecting cap having an opening which has a first lateral cross-sectional area and through which the toner is discharged. The nozzle includes an inner passage having a second lateral cross-sectional area greater than sixty percent of the first lateral cross-sectional area and first and second ends arranged opposite in an axial direction. The first and second ends have openings in communication with each other through the inner passage. The first end is securely connected to the connecting cap of the toner container by an insertion of the toner container with the connecting cap facing the first end and the second end is securely connected to the toner transportation tube. The nozzle is arranged in an approximately vertical direction with the first end facing upward.