Toner supply container and mounting unit

Abstract

To provide one form of a toner supply container.SOLUTION: A toner supply container (10) has a memory unit (14), a container part (16), a discharge part (13), and a shutter (102). The memory unit (14) has a memory (14d) that stores information, and a first electrode (14a1) that has a first exposure surface (14a11). The discharge part (13) is arranged on one end of the container part (16) in terms of a first direction. The shutter (102) is configured to rotate around a first axis extending in the first direction. When seen along the first direction, the first exposure surface (14a11) is arranged inside a virtual circle (L1) centered on the first axis and passing through an outer end of the shutter (102).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toner supply container used in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, and to an attachment unit used for the toner supply container. [Background technology]

[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. One example of such an image forming apparatus is a toner supply type.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a toner supply box for replenishing toner is attached to an image forming apparatus, and Patent Document 2 describes a configuration in which a replenishing device for replenishing toner is equipped with a memory device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-30084 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2020 / 046338 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a toner supply container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One of the inventions of the present application is as follows.

[0007] A toner supply container, a container portion for storing toner; a discharge portion disposed on one end side of the container portion in a first direction, the discharge portion having a protrusion extending in the first direction and a discharge port for discharging the toner, the discharge portion being open in a direction intersecting the first direction; a shutter configured to rotate about a first axis extending in the first direction, the shutter configured to move between a closed position covering the discharge outlet and a retracted position retracted from the closed position; and the shutter has a through hole; The protrusion is inserted into the through hole. The container portion is flexible, and the rigidity of the container portion is lower than the rigidity of the discharge portion. A toner supply container characterized by:

[0008] One of the inventions of the present application is as follows.

[0009] An attachment unit that can be attached to a container portion for storing toner, a discharge portion disposed on one end side of the container portion in a first direction, the discharge portion having a protrusion extending in the first direction and a discharge port for discharging the toner, the discharge portion being open in a direction intersecting the first direction; a shutter configured to rotate about a first axis extending in the first direction, the shutter configured to move between a closed position covering the discharge outlet and a retracted position retracted from the closed position; and the shutter has a through hole; The mounting unit is characterized in that the protrusion is inserted into the through hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a toner supply container in one form and a mounting unit in one form. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Perspective view of an image forming apparatus [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a side view of the image forming apparatus illustrating the arrangement of the supply unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a top view of the image forming apparatus illustrating the arrangement of the supply unit. [Figure 5] Enlarged perspective view of the supply section [Figure 6] Perspective view of an image forming apparatus [Figure 7] Perspective view of an image forming apparatus [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view of a toner pack according to a first embodiment; [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of a toner pack according to a first embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a shutter unit and a supply base according to a first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a memory unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of a tip portion of a toner pack according to a first embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of memory units according to the first embodiment; [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of memory units according to the first embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a supply unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a supply unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the attachment of a toner pack according to the first embodiment; [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a supply unit to which a toner pack according to the first embodiment is attached; [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a supply unit to which a toner pack according to the first embodiment is attached; [Figure 20] 1 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the shutter unit and the receiving part shutter according to the first embodiment; [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration for restricting movement of a toner pack according to the first embodiment; [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a memory unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 23] 10 is an explanatory diagram of a container part according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following describes in detail exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiments may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. In other words, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, in the drawings used in the following description, for the purpose of explanation, some components or parts of the components may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] Example 1 [Overall configuration of image forming device] The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment is a monochrome laser beam printer that uses an electrophotographic process, and forms an image with a developer (toner) on a recording material P in accordance with image information transmitted from an external device such as a personal computer. Examples of the recording material P include recording paper, label paper, overhead projector sheets, and cloth.

[0014] In the following description, the height direction of the image forming apparatus 1 (the direction opposite to the direction of gravity) when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal surface is referred to as the Z direction. The direction that intersects with the Z direction and is parallel to the rotation axis direction (main scanning direction) of the photosensitive drum 411 (described later) is referred to as the X direction. The direction that intersects with the X and Z directions is referred to as the Y direction. The X, Y, and Z directions preferably intersect perpendicularly with each other. For convenience, the positive side of the X direction is referred to as the right side and the negative side as the left side; the positive side of the Y direction is referred to as the front side or front side and the negative side of the Y direction is referred to as the rear side or back side; and the positive side of the Z direction is referred to as the upper side and the negative side as the lower side. In this embodiment, the Z direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the X and Y directions are parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of image forming apparatus 1, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of image forming apparatus 1 as viewed from the X direction (the direction of the rotation axis of photosensitive drum 411). FIG. 2 mainly shows components related to the image formation process. In FIG. 1, image forming apparatus 1 has a feed tray 4 that stores recording material P, and a discharge tray 114 on which discharged recording material P is stacked. The feed tray 4 can be pulled out in the Y direction, allowing the user to replenish recording material P. The recording material P that has been fed from feed tray 4 and on which an image has been formed is discharged from discharge port 115 in the discharge direction (Y direction) shown in FIG. 1, and is stacked on discharge tray 114.

[0016] A front cover 70 is provided on a portion of the end face (part of the front face) of the image forming apparatus 1 downstream in the discharge direction. An exterior cover 71 is provided on a portion of the front face other than the portion where the front cover 70 is provided, as well as on the side and top faces of the image forming apparatus 1. The front cover 70, the exterior cover 71, and the discharge tray 114 described above together form a housing 72 of the image forming apparatus 1. Here, the housing 72 is a member that covers the entire image forming apparatus 1, and houses process members such as the scanner unit 50 described below inside. The discharge port 115 described above is an opening formed in a portion of the housing 72, and the recording material P is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through this opening.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming section 400 having a photosensitive unit 401 including a photosensitive drum 411 and a charging roller (charging member) 417, a developing roller 412, and a developing unit 402 including a storage section 418. The photosensitive drum 411 is an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image. The developing roller 412 is a developer carrier that carries toner as a developer.

[0018] The flow of an image forming operation on a recording material P will be described using FIG. 2. When image information is sent to the image forming apparatus 1, the photosensitive drum 411, which is a rotating body, is rotated in the direction of arrow DR at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) based on a print start signal. The scanner unit 50 irradiates the photosensitive drum 411 with laser light based on the input image information. The scanner unit 50 includes a laser oscillator that outputs the laser light, a polygon mirror and lens for irradiating the photosensitive drum 411 with the laser light, a scanner motor for rotating the polygon mirror, and a frame that supports these components. The photosensitive drum 411 is pre-charged by a charging roller 417, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 411 by irradiating it with laser light. Thereafter, toner stored in a storage section 418 is transported to the photosensitive drum 411 by a developing roller 412, whereby the electrostatic latent image is developed and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 411.

[0019] In parallel with the image formation process described above, recording materials P are fed from the feed tray 4. A pickup roller 3, a feed roller 5a, and a pair of conveying rollers 5c are provided on the conveyance path of the image forming apparatus 1. The pickup roller 3 comes into contact with the uppermost recording material P stored in the feed tray 4, and feeds the recording material P by rotating the roller itself. The feed roller 5a and the separation roller 5b that comes into pressure contact with it form a separation nip. If multiple sheets of recording materials P are fed into the separation nip due to the influence of friction between the recording materials P, the feed roller 5a and the separation roller 5b separate the multiple sheets of recording materials P and feed only the uppermost one downstream.

[0020] The recording material P fed from the feed tray 4 is conveyed by a pair of conveying rollers 5c toward a transfer roller 7. A transfer bias is applied to the transfer roller 7, so that the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 411 is transferred onto the recording material P. The recording material P onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer roller 7 is heated and pressurized by a fixing device 9, so that the toner image is fixed onto the recording material P. The fixing device 9 is composed of a heating roller 9a incorporating a fixing heater 9c, and a pressure roller 9b that is urged toward the heating roller 9a. Then, the recording material P onto which the toner image has been fixed is discharged onto a discharge tray 114 by a pair of discharge rollers 310.

[0021] When forming images on both sides of the recording material P, the pair of discharge rollers 310 switches back the recording material P with the image formed on the first side, thereby guiding the recording material P to the double-sided conveying path 16. The recording material P guided to the double-sided conveying path 16 is conveyed again toward the transfer roller 7 by the pair of double-sided conveying rollers 5d. After an image is formed on the second side of the recording material P by the transfer roller 7, the recording material P is discharged to the discharge tray 114 by the pair of discharge rollers 310.

[0022] After the toner image is transferred onto the recording material P, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 411 is cleaned by a cleaning unit 413 .

[0023] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU 399 as a control unit.

[0024] [Resupply Department Layout and Configuration] Next, the supply unit 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5(a) and 5(b).

[0025] Image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a supply unit 200 that allows a user or a service technician to replenish toner from the outside when the remaining toner in storage unit 418 becomes low, without removing storage unit 418 from housing 72. A toner pack 10, which will be described later, is detachably attached to supply unit 200. Image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment can replenish toner to storage unit 418 via supply unit 200, without removing image forming unit 400 from housing 72.

[0026] 3 is a side view of the image forming apparatus 1 illustrating the arrangement of the supply unit 200. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the image forming apparatus 1 as viewed along the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11. In FIG. 3, a portion of the exterior cover 71 is omitted, showing the interior of the image forming apparatus 1. The supply unit 200 includes an attachment portion 210 to which the toner pack 10 (not shown in FIG. 3) is attached, a toner receiving portion 220, and a supply path portion 403 that connects the storage portion 418 and the toner receiving portion 220.

[0027] The mounting portion 210 is disposed on a top surface portion 340, which will be described later, and has a mounting hole 210c formed therein to mount the toner pack 10. The toner moves from the toner pack 10 mounted in the mounting hole 210c to the toner receiving portion 220 and the supply path portion 403, in that order, and is finally supplied to the storage portion 418.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a side view of image forming apparatus 1 illustrating the arrangement of supply unit 200. FIG. 4 is a top view of image forming apparatus 1 with exterior cover 71 removed. As described above, mounting portion 210 has mounting hole 210c formed therein. Furthermore, mounting portion 210 has ring portion 210b arranged to surround mounting hole 210c, and grip portion 210a connected to ring portion 210b. As shown in FIG. 4, the width of supply unit 200 in the X direction is shorter than the width of storage portion 418 in the X direction. Supply unit 200 is arranged to avoid the irradiation area of the laser irradiated from scanner unit 50 (the hatched area in a grid pattern in FIG. 4).

[0029] Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the supply unit 200. Fig. 5(a) shows a state in which the gripping portion 210a is located at the initial position, and Fig. 5(b) shows a state in which the gripping portion 210a is located at the supplying position.

[0030] A receiving opening 220c that connects to supply path portion 403 is formed on the inner wall of cylindrical toner receiving portion 220. Toner is guided from toner receiving portion 220 through this receiving opening 220c to supply path portion 403, and then passes through supply path portion 403 to be stored in storage portion 418.

[0031] In Figure 5(a), receiving opening 220c formed in toner receiving portion 220 is blocked by receiving portion shutter 230 and is shown by a dotted line because it is not actually visible. Receiving portion shutter 230 is a cylindrical member concentric with toner receiving portion 220 and is provided inside toner receiving portion 220. Receiving portion shutter 230 has shutter opening 230c formed therein for toner to pass through, but is shown by a dotted line because it is in a position that is not actually visible. Receiving seal 241 is disposed around shutter opening 230c. In Figure 5(a), receiving opening 220c and shutter opening 230c are positioned offset from each other, so receiving opening 220c is blocked.

[0032] In this embodiment, the receiving portion shutter 230 is configured not to rotate even when the mounting portion 210 is rotated without the toner pack 10 attached. On the other hand, when the toner pack 10 is attached, the engaging protrusion 210d of the mounting portion 210 and the transmission portion 230g of the receiving portion shutter 230 engage with the shutter member 11 of the toner pack 10, which will be described later. This allows the user to rotate the receiving portion shutter 230 inside the toner receiving portion 220 by gripping the grip portion 210a and rotating the grip portion 210a by approximately 90° from the state shown in FIG. 5(a) to the state shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0033] In FIG. 5B, the receiving opening 220c and the shutter opening 230c are in an overlapping position, so the receiving opening 220c is open and toner can be replenished through the receiving opening 220c.

[0034] When forming an image on the recording material P, the toner is stirred in the storage portion 418 by a stirring member (not shown), and it is necessary to close the receiving opening 220c to prevent the toner from leaking out from the receiving opening 220c. Therefore, when forming an image, the gripping portion 210a is moved to the position shown in FIG. 5(a). This position is called the initial position of the gripping portion 210a. On the other hand, when replenishing toner from a toner pack 10 (described later) to the storage portion 418, it is necessary to open the receiving opening 220c. Therefore, when replenishing toner, the gripping portion 210a is moved to the position shown in FIG. 5(b). This position is called the replenishing position of the gripping portion 210a.

[0035] The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a lever position detection sensor 224. The mounting portion 210 is provided with a detected portion 210e that comes into contact with the lever position sensor 224. When the grip portion 210a is in the supply position, the detected portion 210e comes into contact with the lever position sensor 224. As a result, it is possible to detect that the lever 210a is in the supply position. When the grip portion 210a is in the initial position, the detected portion 210e is away from the lever position sensor 224.

[0036] The toner receiving portion 220 includes a base support portion 220e that engages with a circumferential groove portion 11g of the shutter member 11, which will be described later. The base support portion 220e engages with the circumferential groove portion 11g during the process of moving the grip portion 210a from the initial position to the supply position, thereby preventing the toner pack 10 from being removed.

[0037] [Refill container installation procedure] Next, the procedure for replenishing toner using the toner pack 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6(a), 6(b), 7(a), and 7(b).

[0038] Figure 6 shows perspective views of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 6(a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the discharge tray 114 closed. Figure 6(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the discharge tray 114 open.

[0039] Figure 7 shows perspective views of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 7(a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the toner pack 10 attached and the grip part 210a in the initial position. Figure 7(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the toner pack 10 attached and the grip part 210a in the supply position.

[0040] The supply unit 200 is provided on a top surface 340 at the top of the front surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. The discharge tray 114 is configured to be movable between a position that covers the supply unit 200 and a position that exposes the supply unit 200.

[0041] Specifically, in this embodiment, the discharge tray 114 is configured to cover the supply unit 200 and to be movable between a position (FIG. 6(a)) where the recording material P discharged from the discharge port 115 can be stacked, and a position (FIG. 6(b)) where the supply unit 200 is exposed. The supply unit 200 is provided at the top of the front surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, so that the user can easily access it when replenishing.

[0042] When replenishing toner, the recording materials P stacked on the discharge tray 114 are removed, and the discharge tray 114 is opened and moved to the position shown in Fig. 6(b). When the discharge tray 114 is opened, the supply unit 200, the top surface 340 provided adjacent to the supply unit 200, and the attachment unit 210 located on the top surface 340 are exposed. Then, the toner pack 10 is inserted into the exposed supply unit 200.

[0043] Here, the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner pack 10 are collectively referred to as an image forming system 1A.

[0044] Fig. 7(a) shows a state in which the toner pack 10 is inserted into the supply unit 200. Fig. 7(b) shows a state in which the gripping portion 210a has been moved from the initial position to the supply position.

[0045] By inserting the toner pack 10 into the supply unit 200 and moving the gripping portion 210a from the initial position to the supply position, the toner can be supplied from the toner pack 10. In this state, the toner is discharged from the toner pack 10 and supplied to the storage unit 418.

[0046] After the toner replenishment is completed, the gripping portion 210a is returned to its original initial position. At this time, the receiving portion shutter 230 of the supplying portion 200 and the shutter member 11 of the toner pack 10 rotate together. Then, the receiving portion shutter 230 covers the receiving opening 220c, and the shutter member 11 covers the discharge outlet 13a of the toner pack 10, which will be described later. Then, the lock between the supplying portion 200 and the toner pack 10 (engagement between the circumferential groove portion 11g and the base support portion 220e) is released, making it possible to remove the toner pack 10 from the supplying portion 200. In other words, in order to remove the toner pack 10 from the image forming apparatus 1, the discharge outlet 13a needs to be covered by the shutter member 11.

[0047] [Toner pack composition] The structure of the toner pack (toner supply container, toner supply cartridge) 10 will be described.

[0048] 8A and 8B are perspective views of the toner pack 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 8A is a perspective view of the toner pack 10 in an assembled state. Fig. 8B is a perspective view of the toner pack 10 in an disassembled state.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 8( a ) and 8 ( b ), the toner pack 10 includes a shutter member 11 , a seal member 12 , a supply base 13 , a memory tag 14 , an expansion member 15 , and a pouch 16 .

[0050] The shape of each part and the relationship between the parts will be explained below.

[0051] The pouch 16 is a flexible container serving as a container for storing toner. Inside the pouch 16, a storage section (space) 16d for storing toner is formed.

[0052] The pouch 16 has one end (first end) 16b in the first direction and another end (second end) 16c opposite the one end 16d. An opening 16a for discharging the toner from the storage section 16d is formed at the one end 16b. In this embodiment, the first direction is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis z of the shutter member 11, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the toner pack 10 is parallel to the first direction. In other words, the length of the toner pack 10 in the first direction is longer than the length in the direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0053] The container 16d includes a first container 16d1 connected to the opening 16a and a second container 16d2 connected to the first container 16d1. In this embodiment, the first container 16d1 has a shape that tapers toward the opening 16a, and is formed so that the toner tends to flow toward the opening 16a.

[0054] The pouch 16 can be deformed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, from the outside to the inside of the pouch 16, to compress the storage section 16d, thereby facilitating the discharge of the toner T. The pouch 16 can be deformed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, so that opposing walls (parts of the sheet section 16e, described below) across the storage section 16d come into contact with each other. To facilitate toner replenishment, it is preferable that the force used to deform the pouch 16 and discharge the toner be small.

[0055] In this embodiment, the pouch 16 can be deformed as described above to discharge the toner when the toner pack 10 is in the same position as when it is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 and used, and the toner can be discharged from the discharge port 13a, which will be described later. In this case, the pouch 16 is preferably configured so that, in at least a portion of the storage section 16d, opposing walls thereof via the storage section 16d come into contact with each other when a force of 40 N or less is applied in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis z. More preferably, the pouch 16 is preferably configured so that, in at least a portion of the storage section 16d, opposing walls thereof via the storage section 16d come into contact with each other when a force of 10 N or less (more preferably 5 N or less) is applied in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis z.

[0056] In this embodiment, the pouch 16 includes a sheet portion 16e for forming the storage portion 16d. The thickness of the sheet portion 16e is preferably 500 μm or less (more preferably 200 μm or less). In this embodiment, the sheet portion 16e is a polypropylene sheet having a thickness of 100 μm or less. The pouch 16 is formed into a bag shape by heat welding the sheet portion 16e or the like. However, the shape of the pouch 16 is not limited to this, and the material of the sheet portion 16e may be polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or the like.

[0057] The pouch 16 includes an overlapping portion 16f formed by overlapping portions of the sheet portions 16e. In this embodiment, the overlapping portion 16f is formed by heat-welding the sheets 16e. The overlapping portion 16f includes a side overlapping portion 16f1 disposed on a side surface of the pouch 16. The pouch 16 may be formed by folding a single sheet portion 16e, or may be formed from multiple sheets 16e.

[0058] In a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the size of the other end 16c of the pouch 16 is larger than the size of the tip of a board installation portion 131, which will be described later. When the toner pack 10 is placed on a horizontal surface with the other end 16c positioned at the bottom in the vertical direction, the toner pack 10 can stand on its own. The position of the toner pack 10 at this time is the opposite of the position when the toner pack 10 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, the memory tag 14 is positioned above the other end 16c, and the toner pack 10 can be placed with the memory tag 14 separated from the surface on which the toner pack 10 is placed.

[0059] The overlapping portion 16f reinforces the pouch 16. The side overlapping portion 16f1 extends in the first direction. As a result, when the toner pack 10 is placed with the other end 16c facing downward, the toner pack 10 can be placed stably and deformation of the pouch 16 and the pouch 16 falling over are prevented.

[0060] An expansion member (expansion portion, end holding portion, annular portion) 15 is attached to the opening 16a of the pouch 16. The expansion member 15 is a resin member with an approximately hexagonal outer periphery, and is joined to the opening 16a of the pouch 16. This allows the opening 16a to be kept open by the expansion member 15, even in the case of a flexible pouch 16. The expansion member 15 has a ring shape with a hole formed therein through which the toner passes. As will be described later, the expansion member 15 is fixed to the supply base 13 so that the opening 16a and the discharge port 13a communicate with each other.

[0061] Any method may be used to join the expansion member 15 and the pouch 16, including, for example, a joining method using various adhesives such as hot melt, or a joining method in which the pouch 16 is heat-sealed to the expansion member 15. The shape of the outer circumferential surface of the expansion member 15 is preferably such that it is not slippery when grasped by a user, and is preferably polygonal. In this embodiment, the structure of the outer circumferential surface of the expansion member 15 is substantially hexagonal. As a result, the opening 16a of the pouch 16 also deforms along the outer circumferential surface of the expansion member 15, becoming hexagonal.

[0062] A supply base (discharge portion, discharge member, toner guide portion, container receiving portion) 13 is disposed on one end side of the pouch 16 in the first direction. The supply base 13 functions as an inserted portion (supported portion, attached portion) that is inserted into and supported by the image forming apparatus 1 when the toner pack 10 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the supply base 13 is attached to one end 16b of the pouch 16 via an expansion member 15. However, the expansion member 15 and the supply base 13 can also be formed integrally. In other words, the supply base 13 may have the function of the expansion member 15 and be directly connected to the pouch 16.

[0063] A shutter unit 102 having a shutter member 11 is attached to the supply base 13. The shutter member 11 is a substantially cylindrical resin part formed to cover the outer periphery of the supply base 13, and is supported on the supply base 13 in a state where it can rotate at a predetermined phase. As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the axis of rotation of the shutter member 11 relative to the supply base 13 is defined as a rotation axis (first axis) z. The rotation axis z extends in a first direction.

[0064] The supply base 13 is provided with a toner discharge port (discharge port) 13a, which is a through-hole for discharging the toner stored in the pouch 16, and a substrate installation portion (protrusion) 131 to which the memory tag 14 is attached.

[0065] Inside the supply base 13, a toner path 13c (described later) is formed, which is disposed between the pouch 16 and the discharge port 13a and through which the toner passes.

[0066] The substrate installation portion 131 is located at the tip of the toner pack 10 in a direction (first direction) parallel to the rotation axis z. In this embodiment, the memory tag 14 is fixed at a position overlapping with the rotation axis z.

[0067] The substrate installation portion 131 protrudes in the direction of the rotation axis z. Meanwhile, the shutter member 11 includes a cross wall 11w that extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation axis z and has a through hole 11w1 formed therein. The through hole 11w1 exposes the conductive portion 14a to the outside of the toner pack 10. In this embodiment, the substrate installation portion 131 is inserted into the through hole 11w1, thereby exposing the conductive portion 14a to the outside of the toner pack 10.

[0068] The memory tag 14 is fixed to the board mounting portion 131 using a double-sided tape, adhesive, or other means. However, the memory tag 14 may also be attached to the board mounting portion 131 by press-fitting or snap-fitting.

[0069] As will be described later, the memory tag 14 has a conductive portion 14a that is an electrical contact (see FIG. 11). The conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14 is arranged so as to be exposed to the outside of the toner pack 10 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis z.

[0070] A seal member 12 is attached to the shutter member 11. The seal member 12 is located in the region between the supply base 13 and the shutter member 11 in the radial direction relative to the rotation axis z, and is affixed to the inner circumferential surface of the shutter member 11 using double-sided tape (not shown).

[0071] The toner pack 10 in this embodiment can expedite the discharge of toner from the toner pack 10 by deforming the pouch 16. For this reason, it is preferable that the pouch 16 has a flexible structure (a structure with low rigidity). On the other hand, in order to stably attach the toner pack 10 to the image forming apparatus 1, it is preferable that the supply base 13 has a structure with higher rigidity than the pouch 16. In other words, when the same magnitude of force is applied, the pouch 16 deforms more than the supply base 13.

[0072] If the conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14 is positioned by the pouch 16, which has lower rigidity than the supply base 13, the position of the conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14 is likely to shift. In this embodiment, by positioning the conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14 by the supply base 13, the position of the conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14 is less likely to shift. As a result, the conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14 can be positioned with high precision relative to the image forming apparatus 1, for example.

[0073] Hereinafter, the integrally joined replenishing base 13, memory tag 14, expansion member 15, and pouch 16 will be referred to as a replenishing unit 101, and the shutter member 11 and sealing member 12 will be referred to as a shutter unit 102. In other words, the toner pack 10 has the replenishing unit 101 and the shutter unit 102.

[0074] In this embodiment, in the first direction, the supply base 13 and the shutter unit 102 are arranged at one end of the toner pack 10, and the pouch 16 is arranged at the other end of the toner pack 10.

[0075] In this embodiment, the shutter unit 102 has a seal member 12 that seals the gap between the shutter member 11 and the supply base 13. However, by attaching a seal member with a hole through which toner passes to the supply base 13, the gap between the shutter member 11 and the supply base 13 can be sealed, and the seal member 12 can be omitted from the shutter unit 102. In this case, the shutter unit 102 does not have the seal member 12.

[0076] Furthermore, the portion including the supply base 13, the memory tag 14, and the shutter unit 102 can be called an attachment unit that is removably attached to the image forming apparatus 1. The attachment unit can be attached to the pouch 16. In this embodiment, the pouch 16 and the attachment unit are connected via the expansion member 15.

[0077] <Structure and operation of shutter unit and supply base> The structure and operation of the shutter unit (shutter) 102 and the supply base 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9(a), 9(b), 10(a), and 10(b).

[0078] 9A and 9B are perspective views of the toner pack 10, with Fig. 9A showing the shutter unit 102 in a closed position that seals the discharge port 13a, and Fig. 9B showing the shutter unit 102 in a retracted position. Fig. 10 (Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B) are perspective views illustrating the configuration of the shutter unit 102 and the supply base 13.

[0079] The shutter unit 102 is rotatable about the rotation axis z relative to the supply unit 101. In other words, the rotation axis of the shutter member 11 and the seal member 12 is the rotation axis z.

[0080] The shutter unit 102 is configured to be movable between a closed position (cover position, first position) in which it covers the discharge opening 13a and restricts the discharge of toner, and a retracted position (second position, exposed position) in which it is retracted from the closed position. In this embodiment, when the shutter unit 102 is in the second position, the discharge opening 13a is exposed to the outside of the toner pack 10, allowing the toner to be discharged from the discharge opening 13a. The second position can also be called an open position in which the discharge opening 13a is open.

[0081] In Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the z1 direction is the movement direction when the shutter unit 102 moves from the first position to the second position, and the z2 direction is the movement direction when the shutter unit 102 moves from the second position to the first position.

[0082] In this embodiment, the rotation angle of the shutter unit 102 around the rotation axis z (the difference between the first position and the second position) can be 180 degrees or less. The rotation angle of the shutter unit 102 around the rotation axis z can be 45 degrees or more. In this embodiment, the rotation angle of the shutter unit 102 is approximately 90 degrees.

[0083] Discharge outlet 13a is open in a direction intersecting the first direction (preferably, a direction perpendicular to the first direction). In other words, discharge outlet 13a is arranged facing in a direction intersecting the first direction (preferably, a direction perpendicular to the first direction).

[0084] Next, the relationship between the shutter unit 102 and each part of the supply base 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b).

[0085] In addition to the discharge port 13a and the substrate placement portion 131, the supply base 13 is provided with an outer periphery 13f, a main body engaging portion 13e, a shaft portion 13r, a flange portion 13s, and a claw portion (shutter restricting portion) 13k.

[0086] The discharge port 13a is formed in the outer peripheral portion (second surface, opening forming portion, opening forming wall) 13f. The surface of the outer peripheral portion 13f (the surface facing outward from the toner pack 10) faces a direction intersecting the first direction (preferably a direction perpendicular to the first direction). In other words, the normal direction of the outer peripheral portion 13f is a direction intersecting the first direction (preferably a direction perpendicular to the first direction). In this embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 13f extends in a direction parallel to the first direction and has an arcuate surface (arc shape). In other words, the generatrix direction of the arcuate surface is parallel to the first direction. The center of the arcuate surface of the outer peripheral portion 13f coincides with the rotation axis z.

[0087] The main body engaging portion 13e is a protrusion provided at a predetermined distance on the side rotated approximately 90 degrees in the z2 direction relative to the discharge outlet 13a, and engages with a part of the image forming device 1 when the toner pack 10 is attached to the image forming device 1.

[0088] The shaft portion 13r has an arcuate surface (arc shape) with a smaller radius than the outer circumferential portion 13f. The flange portion 13s has an arcuate surface (arc shape) with a larger radius than the outer circumferential portion 13f. In this embodiment, the centers of the arcuate surfaces of the shaft portion 13r and the flange portion 13s coincide with the rotation axis z. The generatrix directions of these arcuate surfaces are also parallel to the first direction.

[0089] Claw portion 13k is flexible so as to be movable in the radial direction of a circle centered on rotation axis z. The tip of claw portion 13k is movable between a position outside outer circumferential surface 13f and a position inside outer circumferential surface 13f in the radial direction of a circle centered on rotation axis z.

[0090] The shutter member 11 is a substantially cylindrical resin member. The shutter member 11 is provided with a through-hole 11w1 and a bearing portion 11s. The shutter member 11 also has a locking claw 11c, a locking claw 11d, an exposed portion 11f, a circumferential groove portion 11g, a locking groove (shutter restricted portion) 11k, and an outer peripheral recess 11h.

[0091] The through hole 11w1 and the bearing portion 11s engage with a shaft portion 13r and a flange portion 13s provided on the supply base 13. This allows the shutter unit 102, which has the shutter member 11 and the seal member 12, to rotate around the supply base 13 about the rotation axis z.

[0092] The locking claws 11c and 11d are engaged with the flange portion 13s, and restrict the shutter member 11 from moving relative to the supply base 13 in the first direction.

[0093] The exposed portion 11f, the circumferential groove portion 11g, and the outer peripheral recess 11h are formed on the outer periphery of the shutter member 11. The exposed portion 11f has a substantially rectangular shape, and exposes the discharge opening 13a to the outside of the toner pack 10 when the shutter unit 102 is in the second position.

[0094] The circumferential groove portion 11g is a groove that extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation axis z. In this embodiment, the circumferential groove portion 11g extends in the circumferential direction of the shutter member 11 (the rotation direction of the shutter member 11) and is formed in a partial region (approximately 90°) of the shutter member 11. One end of the circumferential groove portion 11g is connected to the exposed portion 11f.

[0095] The outer peripheral recess 11h is provided on the opposite side of the rotation axis z from the exposed portion 11f in the circumferential direction of the shutter member 11. The outer peripheral recess 11h is a surface that is recessed inward from the outer periphery of the shutter member 11 in the radial direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis z.

[0096] The locking groove 11k is provided at a position where the claw portion 13k of the supply base 13 engages when the shutter unit 102 is in the first position. The engagement between the claw portion 13k and the locking groove 11k restricts the rotation of the shutter unit 102. This prevents the user from unintentionally moving the shutter unit 102 to the second position, which could result in toner leakage. To rotate the shutter unit 102, an external force is applied to the claw portion 13k to displace it in a direction approaching the rotation axis z, thereby releasing the engagement between the claw portion 13k and the locking groove 11k.

[0097] The sealing member 12 is a sheet-like member of a predetermined thickness made of an elastically deformable material such as urethane foam or nonwoven fabric. The surface of the sealing member 12 facing the shutter member 11 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the shutter member 11 with double-sided tape or the like. This allows the sealing member 12 to rotate integrally with the shutter member 11.

[0098] Furthermore, when the shutter member 11 is attached to the supply base 13, the seal member (sealing portion) 12 is pressed and deformed by the outer circumferential portion 13f in a direction approaching the shutter member 11, i.e., in a radial direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis z. In other words, the seal member 12 is pressed against the outer circumferential portion 13f with a predetermined pressure. This causes the seal member 12 to be compressed between the outer circumferential portion 13f and the shutter member 11, thereby preventing toner leakage from the boundary between the seal member 12 and the outer circumferential portion 13f of the supply base 13.

[0099] In this embodiment, the seal member 12 (the surface of the seal member 12 that faces the discharge port 13a) is a facing portion that faces the discharge port 13a when the shutter unit 102 is in the first position.

[0100] The configuration of the opposing portion of the shutter unit 102 is not limited to the above. For example, when the shutter unit 102 is in the first position, a part of the shutter member 11 may be configured to face the discharge port 13a. In this case, the part of the shutter member 11 functions as the opposing portion.

[0101] As shown in Figure 9(a), when the shutter unit 102 is in the first position, the seal member 12 covers the discharge opening 13a. This prevents the toner contained inside the pouch 16 from leaking out of the toner pack 10 through the discharge opening 13a. Then, as shown in Figure 9(b), when the shutter unit 102 is in the second position, the exposed portion 11f of the shutter member 11 is in a position corresponding to the discharge opening 13a. Therefore, the discharge opening 13a is exposed to the outside of the toner pack 10, and the toner can be discharged out of the toner pack 10 through the discharge opening 13a.

[0102] <Memory unit configuration> Next, the configuration of the memory unit will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the memory unit.

[0103] 11, the memory tag 14 serving as a memory unit in this embodiment includes a memory (storage element) 14d that stores information about the toner pack 10, and a conductive portion (electrode portion, interface portion) 14a electrically connected to the memory 14d. The conductive portion 14a includes a first electrode (first terminal, first memory electrode) 14a1 and a second electrode (second terminal, second memory electrode) 14a2, and the first electrode 14a1 and the second electrode 14a2 are electrically connected to the memory 14d.

[0104] The memory tag 14 includes a holding portion (holding substrate) 14b that holds the conductive portion 14a (first electrode 14a1, second electrode 14a2). The memory tag 14 also includes a protection portion 14c that covers and protects the memory 14d. In this embodiment, the conductive portion 14a is disposed on one surface (front surface) of the holding portion 14b, and the memory 14d is disposed on the other surface (back surface) of the holding portion 14b.

[0105] The first electrode 14a1 has a first exposed surface 14a11 exposed to the outside of the toner pack 10. The second electrode 14a2 has a second exposed surface 14a21 exposed to the outside of the toner pack 10.

[0106] The memory tag 14 in this embodiment is a plate-shaped member with an area of 5.5 mm x 5 mm and a thickness of 1.4 mm. The holding portion 14b and the protective portion 14c are integrated. The memory tag 14 has a two-layer structure formed by the holding portion 14b and the protective portion 14c. The holding portion 14b and the protective portion 14c can be said to be part of a substrate portion (substrate) that includes the conductive portion 14a.

[0107] The memory 14d stores information about the toner pack 10. The information about the toner pack 10 includes information about the lot of the toner pack 10, and information about the amount and characteristics of the toner contained in the toner pack 10.

[0108] The memory 14d may also store information about the image forming apparatus 1 to which the toner pack 10 is attached. The information about the image forming apparatus 1 includes information used for controlling the image forming apparatus 1 by the control unit 399. The control unit 399 of the image forming apparatus 1 is electrically connected to the memory 14d via the conductive unit 14a, thereby reading out the information stored in the memory 14d and controlling the image forming apparatus 1.

[0109] In this embodiment, the number of electrodes arranged on the conductive portion 14a is two, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the conductive portion 14a may have three or more electrodes. Also, one electrode may be arranged on the holding portion 14b, and the other electrodes may be arranged in a different portion.

[0110] <Memory unit layout> Next, the arrangement of memory units will be described with reference to FIGS. 12(a), 12(b), 13(a), 13(b), 14(a), and 14(b).

[0111] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the front end of the toner pack 10. FIG. 12(a) is a perspective view of the front end of the toner pack 10 with the memory tag 14 attached. FIG. 12(b) is a perspective view of the front end of the toner pack 10 before the memory tag 14 is attached. FIG. 13 is a diagram explaining the arrangement of the memory unit in this embodiment. FIG. 13(a) is a bottom view of the toner pack 10. FIG. 13(b) is an enlarged view of the memory tag 14. FIG. 14 is a diagram explaining the arrangement of the memory unit in this embodiment. FIG. 14(a) is a side view of the toner pack 10. FIG. 14(b) is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 10.

[0112] As shown in Fig. 12(a), the substrate installation part 131 is provided at the tip of the toner pack 10 in the direction of the rotation axis z. Also, as shown in Fig. 12(b), the substrate installation part 131 is provided with an installation surface (installation part, positioning surface, positioning part) 131a to which the memory tag 14 is adhesively fixed.

[0113] In this embodiment, the installation surface 131a positions the conductive portion 14a (first electrode 14a1, second electrode 14a2) via a substrate including the protective portion 14c and the holding portion 14b. That is, the substrate of the memory tag 14 is fixed to the installation surface 131a, and the conductive portion 14a is positioned relative to the supply base 13 by being positioned by the installation surface 131a. In this embodiment, the installation surface 131a positions the conductive portion 14a in the first direction and in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0114] With the memory tag 14 positioned by the installation surface 131a, the first exposed surface 14a11 of the first electrode 14a1 is disposed along a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the first direction. In other words, with the memory tag 14 positioned, the first exposed surface 14a11 of the first electrode 14a1 is disposed on a plane (imaginary plane) extending along a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the first direction.

[0115] In this state, the first exposed surface 14a11 faces the first direction. That is, the normal direction of the first exposed surface 14a11 intersects (preferably perpendicular to) the direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first exposed surface 14a11 is exposed to the outside of the toner pack 10. In this embodiment, the supply base 13 and the pouch 16 are disposed on the back side of the first exposed surface 14a11 in the first direction. Furthermore, the first exposed surface 14a11 extends in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the first direction, while the outer circumferential portion 13f of the supply base 13 extends in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the direction in which the first exposed surface 14a11 extends.

[0116] Similarly, with the memory tag 14 positioned by the installation surface 131a, the second exposed surface 14a21 of the second electrode 14a2 is disposed along a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the first direction. In other words, with the memory tag 14 positioned, the second exposed surface 14a21 of the second electrode 14a2 is disposed on a plane (imaginary plane) extending along a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the first direction.

[0117] In this state, the second exposed surface 14a21 faces the first direction. That is, the normal direction of the second exposed surface 14a21 intersects (preferably perpendicular to) the direction orthogonal to the first direction. The second exposed surface 14a21 is exposed to the outside of the toner pack 10. In this embodiment, the supply base 13 and the pouch 16 are disposed on the back side of the second exposed surface 14a21 in the first direction. The outer peripheral portion 13f of the supply base 13 extends in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the direction in which the second exposed surface 14a21 extends.

[0118] In this embodiment, the second exposed surface 14a21 and the first exposed surface 14a11 are disposed on the same plane, but the position of the second exposed surface 14a21 and the position of the first exposed surface 14a11 may be different in the first direction.

[0119] Here, a leading edge portion 131b serving as a protrusion that protrudes in the first direction from the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21 is provided around the memory tag 14. The installation surface 131a is positioned more inward than the leading edge portion 131b of the board installation portion 131 in the first direction.

[0120] The distance from the tip end 131b to the installation surface 131a in the first direction is longer than 1.4 mm, which is the thickness of the memory tag 14 (equivalent to the thickness of the board in this embodiment). As a result, when the memory tag 14 is fixed to the installation surface 131a, the tip end 131b of the board installation portion 131 protrudes further toward the tip side than the conductive portion 14a in the first direction. This prevents damage to the conductive portion 14a that may occur when a user accidentally touches the conductive portion 14a or when an object comes into contact with the conductive portion 14a during user handling.

[0121] The board installation portion 131 also includes a protruding wall 131c extending in a direction intersecting the first direction. In this embodiment, a plurality of protruding walls 131c are provided on either side of the memory tag 14. The protruding wall 131c engages with a connector 250 (described later) and functions as a connector positioning portion (device-side contact positioning portion) for positioning the connector 250.

[0122] FIG. 13(a) is a view of the toner pack 10 viewed along the direction of the rotation axis z (first direction).

[0123] In this embodiment, when viewed along the first direction, the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21 are disposed inside a first imaginary circle L1 that is centered on the rotation axis z and passes through the outer end (outermost part) of the shutter unit 102. Here, the outer end of the shutter unit 102 refers to the part that is farthest from the rotation axis z in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis z. In this embodiment, the outer end of the shutter unit 102 coincides with the outer end (part that is farthest from the rotation axis z) of the shutter member 11. When viewed along the first direction, the entire shutter unit 102 is located inside the imaginary circle L1.

[0124] Furthermore, when viewed along the first direction, the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21 are disposed inside a second imaginary circle L2 that is centered on the rotation axis z and passes through an opposing portion that faces the discharge outlet 13a. As described above, in this embodiment, the opposing portion is the surface of the seal member 12 that covers the discharge outlet 13a and faces the discharge outlet 13a (the surface that contacts the periphery (outer peripheral portion 13f) of the discharge outlet 13a).

[0125] Furthermore, when viewed along the first direction, the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21 are disposed inside a third imaginary circle L3 that is centered on the rotation axis z and passes through the inner end (innermost part) of the shutter unit 102. Here, the inner end of the shutter unit 102 refers to the portion closest to the rotation axis z in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis z. In this embodiment, the inner end of the shutter unit 102 coincides with the inner wall surface of the through hole 11w1 of the shutter member 11. In other words, the inner end of the shutter unit 102 coincides with the inner end of the shutter member 11 (the portion closest to the rotation axis z). When viewed along the first direction, the entire shutter unit 102 is located outside the imaginary circle L3.

[0126] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21 can be arranged in a space-saving manner.

[0127] In this embodiment, the conductive portion 14a is arranged inside the first imaginary circle L1, the second imaginary circle L2, and the second imaginary circle L3. The holding portion 14b is arranged inside the first imaginary circle L1, the second imaginary circle L2, and the second imaginary circle L3. Furthermore, the entire memory tag 14 including the memory 14d is arranged inside the first imaginary circle L1, the second imaginary circle L2, and the second imaginary circle L3.

[0128] Figure 13(b) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the memory tag 14 in Figure 13(a). When viewed along the first direction, the rotation axis z is located between the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21.

[0129] When viewed along the first direction, the holding portion 14b of the memory tag 14 has a first substrate end 14fx1 and a second substrate end 14fx2 opposite to the first substrate end 14fx1 in a first orthogonal direction x that is orthogonal to the first direction. When viewed along the first direction, the holding portion 14b of the memory tag 14 has a third substrate end 14fy1 and a fourth substrate end 14fy2 opposite to the third substrate end 14fy1 in a second orthogonal direction y that is orthogonal to the first direction and the first orthogonal direction x.

[0130] In the first orthogonal direction x, the rotation axis z is located between the first substrate end 14fx1 and the second substrate end 14fx2. In the first orthogonal direction x, the entire conductive portion 14a is located between the first substrate end 14fx1 and the second substrate end 14fx2. In the second orthogonal direction y, the rotation axis z is located between the third substrate end 14fy1 and the fourth substrate end 14fy2. In the second orthogonal direction y, the entire conductive portion 14a is located between the third substrate end 14fy1 and the fourth substrate end 14fy2. When viewed along the first direction, the outer shape of the holding portion 14b is the same as the outer shape of the protecting portion 14c.

[0131] When viewed along the first direction, the conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14 has a first conductive portion end 14gx1 and a second conductive portion end 14gx2 opposite the first conductive portion end 14gx1 in the first orthogonal direction x. When viewed along the first direction, the conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14 has a third conductive portion end 14gy1 and a fourth conductive portion end 14gy2 opposite the third conductive portion end 14gy1 in the second orthogonal direction y. The first conductive portion end 14gx1, the second conductive portion end 14gx2, the third conductive portion end 14gy1, and the fourth conductive portion end 14gy2 coincide with the ends of at least one of the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21.

[0132] In the first orthogonal direction x, the rotation axis z is located between the first conductive part end 14gx1 and the second conductive part end 14gx2. In the first orthogonal direction x, the entire conductive part 14a is located between the first conductive part end 14gx1 and the second conductive part end 14gx2. In the second orthogonal direction y, the rotation axis z is located between the third conductive part end 14gy1 and the fourth conductive part end 14gy2. In the second orthogonal direction y, the entire conductive part 14a is located between the third conductive part end 14gy1 and the fourth conductive part end 14gy2.

[0133] In a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the holding portion 14b and conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14 are disposed near the rotation axis z of the shutter unit 102. Therefore, the holding portion 14b and conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14 and the shutter unit 102 can be disposed in a space-saving manner.

[0134] The shutter unit 102 is configured so that the conductive portion 14a is exposed to the outside of the toner pack 10. In this embodiment, by arranging the conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14 in a portion close to the rotation axis z of the shutter unit 102, it is possible to improve the design freedom regarding the shape and arrangement of the shutter unit 102.

[0135] Fig. 14(a) is a side view of the toner pack 10, seen from above downward in Fig. 13(a). Fig. 14(b) is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 10 taken along line AA along the rotation axis z in Fig. 14(a).

[0136] The fixed position of the memory tag 14 is inside the radius of rotation (the radius of the imaginary circle L1) of the shutter member 11 projected in the first direction, which is shown by the thick dashed line in Figure 13. The radius of rotation of the shutter member 11 matches the radius of rotation of the shutter unit 102. The fixed position of the memory tag 14 is also located inside the projection range W of the discharge port 13a in the first direction, as shown by the thin dashed line in Figures 14(a) and (b).

[0137] [Supply Section Composition] Next, the configuration of the supply unit 200 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0138] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the supply unit 200. Figure 15(a) is a partial perspective view of the supply unit 200, and Figures 15(b) and 15(c) are exploded perspective views of the supply unit 200 viewed from different directions. Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the supply unit 200. Figure 16(a) is a schematic view of the supply unit 200 viewed from directly above the rotation axis z, Figure 16(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA direction shown in Figure 16(a), and Figure 16(c) is an exploded view of the supply unit 200 in a cross section viewed from the direction of Figure 16(b).

[0139] The supply unit 200 is disposed on the top surface 340 and includes an attachment portion 210 , a toner receiving portion 220 , a receiving portion shutter 230 , a shutter seal 240 , a receiving seal 241 , a connector 250 , a receiving bottom 260 , and a bottom seal 242 .

[0140] The rotation axis z shown in Figures 15(a) to (c) and 16(a) to (c) is the rotation axis of the receiving portion shutter 230 and the mounting portion 210, and when the toner pack 10 is attached, it coincides with the rotation axis z of the shutter unit 102 described above.

[0141] The mounting portion 210 has a grip portion 210a that is operated by the user, a ring portion 210b that engages with the top surface portion 340, a mounting hole 210c into which the toner pack 10 is mounted, and an engaging protrusion 210d that engages with the shutter member 11.

[0142] The top surface 340 is a part of the housing 72 and has a guide groove 340a.

[0143] The toner receiving portion 220 has a receiving opening 220c, a sealing inner wall 220d, and a base support portion 220e.

[0144] The receiving part shutter 230 is a cylindrical part, and has an inner periphery 230a, a shutter engagement part 230b, a shutter opening 230c, a flange part 230d, a connection hole 230e, and a claw release part (restriction release part) 230f. In addition, a shutter seal 240, a receiving seal 241, and a bottom seal 242, each made of a foam material such as urethane foam, are attached and fixed to the receiving part shutter 230 with double-sided tape.

[0145] The connector 250 has a connector electrode 250a that contacts the conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14, and a biasing spring 250b. The connector electrode 250a and the biasing spring 250b are metal springs that are flexible in the direction along the rotation axis z. Furthermore, the connector electrode 250a is electrically connected to the control unit 399 of the image forming apparatus 1 via a signal line (not shown). The connector 250 is a holding member that holds the connector electrode 250a.

[0146] The receiving bottom 260 has a connector accommodating portion 260 a and is fixed to the toner receiving portion 220 .

[0147] Here, the mounting portion 210 is rotatable around the rotation axis z relative to the top surface portion 340 by the ring portion 210b being supported by a guide groove 340a provided in the top surface portion 340.

[0148] Furthermore, the receiving portion shutter 230 has a flange portion 230d supported by the toner receiving portion 220, and is rotatable relative to the toner receiving portion 220 around the rotation axis z.

[0149] The shutter seal 240 is provided on the outer periphery of the receiving portion shutter 230 and comes into contact with the toner receiving portion 220 to close the gap between the receiving portion shutter 230 and the toner receiving portion 220. The receiving seal 241 is provided so as to surround the periphery of the shutter opening 230c on the inner periphery 230a of the receiving portion shutter 230 and comes into contact with the seal inner wall 220d of the toner receiving portion 220. The bottom seal 242 is provided below the flange portion 230d and closes the gap between the receiving portion shutter 230 and the receiving bottom 260.

[0150] Furthermore, a connection hole 230e penetrating the receiving portion shutter 230 is provided on the bottom side of the receiving portion shutter 230, and the connector electrode 250a of the connector 250 is exposed upward in the first direction through the connection hole 230e. At this time, the connector 250 is supported by the receiving bottom 260, and the biasing spring 250b is compressed. Therefore, the force of the biasing spring 250b biases the connector 250 upward in the direction of the rotation axis z. The connector 250 engages with the protruding wall 131c of the supply base 13, and is positioned in the direction perpendicular to the first direction. In other words, the protruding wall 131 functions as an electrode positioning portion that positions the connector electrode 250a.

[0151] [Replenishing toner from a toner pack] Next, the operation of supplying toner from the toner pack 10 to the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0152] 17 (FIG. 17(a) and FIG. 17(b)) are perspective views illustrating the installation of the toner pack 10. FIG. 17(a) and FIG. 17(b) are perspective views, seen from different directions, of the toner pack 10 before it is inserted into the supply unit 200.

[0153] The toner pack 10 is attached to the supply unit 200 so that the supply base 13 is located downstream of the pouch 16 in the attachment direction to the supply unit 200. That is, in this embodiment, the toner pack 10 is attached so that the conductive portion 14a faces downstream in the attachment direction. Therefore, the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21 are positioned facing downstream in the attachment direction of the toner pack 10 and are exposed toward the downstream side in the attachment direction.

[0154] In this embodiment, the toner pack 10 is attached to the supply unit 200 along the direction of the rotation axis z. Also, in this embodiment, the toner pack 100 is attached so that the direction of the rotation axis z is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0155] When the toner pack 10 is attached to the supply unit 200 of the image forming apparatus 1, the main body engaging portion 13e of the supply base 13 engages with the base support portion 220e of the toner receiving unit 220. This restricts rotation of the supply base 13, the expansion member 15, and the pouch 16 around the rotation axis z relative to the image forming apparatus 1. At the same time, the outer peripheral recess 11h of the shutter member 11 engages with the engaging protrusion 210d of the mounting portion 210 and the shutter engaging portion 230b of the receiving unit shutter 230, respectively.

[0156] 16(a) is provided at a position corresponding to the claw portion 13k of the receiving part shutter 230. Therefore, when the toner pack 10 is inserted into the supply part 200, the claw release portion 230f retracts the claw portion 13k to the inside of the shutter member 11. This prevents the claw portion 13k from engaging with the locking groove 11k, allowing the shutter member 11 and the supply base 13 to rotate relative to each other.

[0157] As a result, rotation of the supply unit 101 around the rotation axis z is restricted, and the shutter unit 102 becomes rotatable integrally with the attachment portion 210 and the receiver shutter 230. In other words, when the toner pack 10 is attached to the supply portion 200, the toner receiver 220, supply base 13, extension member 15, and pouch 16 are fixed to one another (do not move relative to one another). When the attachment portion 210 is rotated in this state, the shutter unit 102 and receiver shutter 230 rotate around the rotation axis z relative to the toner receiver 220, supply base 13, extension member 15, and pouch 16.

[0158] Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram of a supply unit 200 equipped with a toner pack 10. Figure 18(a) is a cross-sectional view passing through the rotation axis z and the center of the discharge port 13a. Figure 18(b) is a cross-sectional view passing through the rotation axis z and perpendicular to Figure 18(a).

[0159] 18(a), the shaft 13r of the supply base 13 engages with the connecting hole 230e of the receiving portion shutter 230, so that the rotation axis z of the shutter unit 102 coincides with the rotation axis z of the receiving portion shutter 230. In other words, the connecting hole 230e is a positioning portion for determining the position of the toner pack 10 relative to the image forming apparatus 1 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis z. The shaft 13r is a portion to be positioned that is positioned by the connecting hole 230e. In this embodiment, the shutter unit 102 moves around the supply base 13 while the supply base 13 is fixed to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0160] In this embodiment, the installation surface 131a is disposed at the tip of the stem 13r, i.e., the conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14 is disposed at the tip of the stem 13r.

[0161] The supply base 13 has a toner path 13c, one end of which is connected to the discharge port 13a. In this embodiment, the other end of the toner path 13c is connected to the storage section 16d (first storage section 16d1) of the toner pack 16. Toner supplied from the storage section 16d (first storage section 16d1) of the toner pack 16 passes through the interior of the toner path 13c toward the discharge port 13a. The toner path 13c has a toner guide surface (guide surface) 13c1 that is inclined with respect to the direction of the rotation axis z and faces the discharge port 13a. The toner guide surface 13c1 makes it easier for toner supplied from the toner pack 16 to flow toward the discharge port 13a. In the direction of the rotation axis z, the position of the toner guide surface 13c1 overlaps the position of the discharge port 13a.

[0162] When viewed in the first direction, conductive portion 14a (first electrode 14a1, second electrode 14a2) overlaps toner path 13c and toner guide surface 13c1. More specifically, first exposed surface 14a11 and second exposed surface 14a21 overlap toner path 13c and toner guide surface 13c1. In other words, conductive portion 14a can be arranged in a space-saving manner while ensuring the sizes of toner path 13c and toner guide surface 13c1.

[0163] In this embodiment, the positions of the toner path 13c and the conductive portion 14a do not overlap in the first direction. That is, the toner path 13c and the conductive portion 14a are arranged in different positions (shifted positions) in the first direction. Therefore, in the direction perpendicular to the first direction, it is possible to ensure the arrangement space for both the toner path 13c and the conductive portion 14a, while preventing the supply base 13 from becoming large.

[0164] In this embodiment, the discharge port 13a is disposed inside the shutter unit 102, and the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21 are disposed outside the shutter unit 102. Therefore, it is possible to prevent toner from adhering to the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21.

[0165] Furthermore, the cross wall 11w of the shutter member 11 is located between the discharge port 13a and the first exposed surface 14a11 in the direction of the rotation axis z (first direction). The cross wall 11w of the shutter member 11 is located between the discharge port 13a and the second exposed surface 14a21 in the direction of the rotation axis z. In this embodiment, the cross wall 11w is located between the discharge port 13a and the conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14, which includes the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21, in the direction of the rotation axis z.

[0166] 18(a), the shutter unit 102 is in the first position, and the seal member 12 covers the discharge port 13a. At this time, the cross wall 11w separates the conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14, including the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21, from the discharge port 13a.

[0167] Therefore, it is possible to prevent toner from adhering to the conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14, including the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21.

[0168] 18(a) and 18(b), the memory tag 14 fixed to the tip of the toner pack 10 is in contact with the connector 250. The connector 250 engages with the protruding wall 131c described above. This positions the connector 250 relative to the toner pack 10 in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the first direction.

[0169] More specifically, as the toner pack 10 is attached, the conductive portion 14a presses the connector electrode 250a in the direction along the rotation axis z. This causes the connector electrode 250a to contact the conductive portion 14a with a predetermined contact pressure, electrically connecting the memory element of the memory tag 14 to the control unit 399 of the image forming apparatus 1. More specifically, one connector electrode 250a contacts the first exposed surface 14a11, and the other connector electrode 250a contacts the second exposed surface 14a21.

[0170] Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram of the supply unit 200 to which the toner pack 10 is attached. Figure 19(a) is a diagram before the attachment unit 210 is rotated. Figure 19(b) is a diagram after the attachment unit 210 is rotated.

[0171] The following describes the discharge of toner from the toner pack 10 to the image forming apparatus 1. To discharge toner, the user rotates the mounting portion 210 by approximately 90 degrees in the z1 direction with respect to the rotation axis z, as shown in FIG. 19(b), from the state in which the toner pack 10 is attached to the supply unit 200 as shown in FIG. 19(a).

[0172] When the toner pack 10 is attached to the supply unit 200 (the posture during use, the posture during replenishment), the vertical length of the toner pack 10 is longer than the horizontal length. As described above, when the toner pack 10 is attached to the supply unit 200, the attachment unit 210, the shutter unit 102, and the receiving unit shutter 230 are in a state where they can rotate integrally. Therefore, when the attachment unit 210 rotates, the shutter unit 102 and the receiving unit shutter 230 rotate integrally with the attachment unit 210. At this time, the pouch 16, the expansion member 15, and the replenishment base 13 do not move (rotate) relative to the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, when the shutter unit 102 and the receiving unit shutter 230 rotate with the attachment unit 210, the toner receiving unit 220 does not move (rotate).

[0173] FIG. 20 shows the steps of how the shutter unit 102 and the receiving portion shutter 230 rotate to enable toner discharge.

[0174] Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the shutter unit 102 and the receiving portion shutter 230. Figure 20(a) is a view of the toner pack 10 attached to the supply portion 200, viewed from the opposite side of the discharge opening 13a, along a direction perpendicular to the first direction. Figures 20(b) to (d) are cross-sectional views of the cut surface of the toner pack 10 and supply portion 200 taken along dashed line DD shown in Figure 20(a), viewed from the tip side of the toner pack 10. Also, in Figures 20(b) to (d), the outlines of the memory tag 14 and the conductive portion 14a are projected by dashed lines.

[0175] FIG. 20(b) shows the state immediately after the toner pack 10 is attached to the supply unit 200. At this time, the discharge opening 13a is blocked by the seal member 12 compressed by the shutter member 11. The shutter opening 230c of the receiving unit shutter 230 is blocked by the seal inner wall 220d and the receiving seal 241. When the user rotates the attachment unit 210, the shutter member 11, the seal member 12, the receiving unit shutter 230, and the receiving seal 241 rotate together as shown in FIG. 20(c). When the user further rotates the attachment unit 210, the discharge opening 13a of the toner pack 10, the shutter opening 230c of the receiving unit shutter 230, and the receiving opening 220c of the toner receiving unit 220 are brought into communication with each other as shown in FIG. 20(d). Therefore, the toner stored inside the pouch 16 can be discharged through the receiving opening 220c into the storage unit 418 inside the image forming apparatus 1.

[0176] As described above, it is possible to arrange the memory tag 14 within the range of the imaginary circle L1 of the shutter member 11, as shown by the thick dashed lines in FIGS. 20(b) to (d).

[0177] Next, the prevention of the toner pack 10 from falling out of the supply section 200 due to the rotation of the shutter unit 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0178] Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration for restricting movement of the toner pack 10. Figure 21(a) is a diagram before the shutter unit 102 rotates. Figure 21(b) is a diagram of the shutter unit 102 in the middle of rotating. Figure 21(c) is a diagram after the shutter unit 102 has rotated.

[0179] 21 is a diagram showing the toner pack 10 in a state where the toner pack 10 is attached to the supply unit 200. In FIG. 21, some parts are omitted.

[0180] When the shutter unit 102 rotates from the state shown in FIG. 21(a) immediately after the toner pack 10 is attached to the supply unit 200, the base support portion 220e of the toner receiving portion 220 fits into the circumferential groove portion 11g of the shutter member 11. Here, as shown in FIG. 13(c), the locking claws 11c and 11d engage with the flange portion 13s of the supply base 13, restricting the toner pack 10 from moving in the first direction. More specifically, the toner pack 10 is restricted from moving upward in the first direction. Therefore, the toner pack 10 will not come out of the supply unit 200. At the same time, the conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14 and the connector electrode 250a of the connector 250 will not come out of contact.

[0181] In this embodiment, the pouch 16 is attached to the supply unit 200 so that the pouch 16 is on the upper side in the vertical direction and the discharge port 13a is on the lower side. This allows gravity to be used to discharge the toner. Furthermore, because the pouch 16 is formed in a flexible bag shape, the user can squeeze the pouch 16 to reduce the volume inside the pouch 16, thereby reducing the amount of toner remaining in the pouch and allowing the toner to be discharged efficiently.

[0182] When the toner has been discharged, the operating lever is rotated approximately 90 degrees in the z2 direction from the state shown in FIG. 20(d), whereby the discharge port 13a is sealed by the shutter unit 101.

[0183] In the toner pack 10 of this embodiment, the discharge port 13a is formed on the side surface of the toner pack 10. In other words, the discharge port 13a is formed on the surface (outer peripheral surface 13f) facing a direction intersecting the first direction. Meanwhile, the conductive portion 14a (first electrode 14a1, second electrode 14a2) is arranged on the end surface of the toner pack 10 (the surface facing the first direction, the surface facing downstream in the installation direction of the toner pack 10). More specifically, the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21 are arranged on the end surface of the toner pack 10.

[0184] The above-described arrangement of discharge outlet 13a and conductive portion 14a allows discharge outlet 13a and conductive portion 14a to be arranged in a smaller space than when both discharge outlet 13a and conductive portion 14a are arranged on the end surface of toner pack 10. The above-described arrangement of discharge outlet 13a and conductive portion 14a allows discharge outlet 13a or toner path 13c and conductive portion 14a to be arranged in a smaller space than when conductive portion 14a is arranged on the side surface of toner pack 10 and discharge outlet 13a is arranged on the end surface.

[0185] In other words, the space required to arrange outlet 13a and conductive portion 14a can be reduced, or the degree of freedom in arranging outlet 13a and conductive portion 14a can be improved.

[0186] Furthermore, when attaching the toner pack 10 to the image forming apparatus 1, the user can stably attach the toner pack 10 to the image forming apparatus 1 by supporting the supply base 13 (or the shutter unit 102 therearound). At this time, since the conductive portion 14a is disposed on the end face of the supply base 13, the user can be prevented from touching the conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14.

[0187] The conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14 is disposed on the supply base 13, which is positioned relative to the image forming apparatus 1 in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the first direction and in the rotation direction about the rotation axis z. Therefore, misalignment between the conductive portion 14a and the connector electrode 250a of the image forming apparatus 1 can be suppressed.

[0188] Example 2 Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 22(a) and 22(b). Note that the same parts as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted.

[0189] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a memory unit 24 having a different configuration from the memory tag 14 is used.

[0190] Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating a memory unit according to this embodiment. Figure 22(a) is a diagram illustrating a memory unit 24 according to this embodiment. Figure 22(b) is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the memory unit 24 in this embodiment.

[0191] In the memory tag 14 shown in Example 1, the memory 14d and the conductive portion 14a are held on a single substrate. However, in the memory unit 24 of this example, as shown in Figures 22(a) and 22(b), the memory 14d is disposed at a position separated from the holding portion 14b that holds the conductive portion 14a. The conductive portion 14a (first electrode 14a1, second electrode 14a2) and the memory 14d are electrically connected by a conductive path (signal line) 14e.

[0192] The memory 14d in this embodiment is disposed in the space between the supply base 13 and the shutter member 11. On the other hand, the holding portion 14b that holds the conductive portion 14a is fixed to the supply base 13 of the toner pack 10 in the same manner as the memory tag 14 in the first embodiment.

[0193] As described above, in the first embodiment, the electrode portion 14a and the memory element 14d are integrally provided, but according to the present embodiment, the memory 14d can be disposed at a position away from the conductive portion 14a, which increases the degree of freedom in arranging the memory 14d and enables the use of a larger-sized memory 14d.

[0194] (Variation) 23 is an explanatory diagram of a container portion for storing toner according to a modified example. The shape of the container portion (container) for storing toner is not limited to a bag shape such as pouch 16. For example, a bottle 116 having a toner storage portion formed therein can also be used as the container portion for storing toner.

[0195] The toner supply container 410 in this embodiment includes a bottle 116, the supply base 13 shown in the first embodiment, and a shutter unit 102.

[0196] Bottle 116 has wall 116e that forms storage compartment 116d for storing toner. Bottle 116 has opening 116a for discharging toner from storage compartment 116d. Bottle 116 can be used in the same manner as pouch 16 by attaching replenishing base 13 shown in the first embodiment to opening 116a. Note that replenishing base 13 may be attached to bottle 116 via a member such as expansion member 15.

[0197] In this case, it is preferable that the bottle 116 be flexible. Furthermore, it is preferable that the rigidity of the bottle 116 be lower than the rigidity of the replenishing base 13. In this embodiment, the bottle 116 can be deformed to discharge the toner while the toner replenishing container 410 is in the same position as when it is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 and in use, and while the toner can be discharged from the discharge port 13a. In this case, it is preferable that the bottle 116 is configured so that the storage portion 116d is compressed by 10% or more when a force of 100 N or less is applied to at least a portion of the storage portion 116d in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis z. More preferably, it is preferable that the bottle 116 is deformable so that the storage portion 116d is compressed by 25% or more (more preferably, 50% or more) when a force of 40 N or less (more preferably, 20 N or less) is applied to at least a portion of the storage portion 116d in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis z.

[0198] The wall 116e of the bottle 116 according to this modification is preferably made of resin. The thickness of the wall 116e is preferably 1 mm or less, and more preferably 500 μm or less. In this embodiment, the thickness of the wall 116e is 100 to 300 μm. The material of the wall 116e is preferably polyethylene terephthalate, for example.

[0199] (Other variations) In the above-described embodiment, the developing roller 412 develops the electrostatic latent image by contacting the photosensitive drum 411. However, it is also possible to employ a configuration in which the developing roller 412 develops the electrostatic latent image with a gap formed between the developing roller 412 and the photosensitive drum 411.

[0200] In the above-described embodiment, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 411 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 413. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 411 is collected into the storage section 418 via the developing roller 412.

[0201] In the above-described embodiment, a non-magnetic one-component developer can be used as the developer. However, developers other than the non-magnetic one-component developer can also be used. For example, a magnetic one-component developer or a two-component developer can also be used.

[0202] Furthermore, the container portion such as the pouch 16 or the bottle 116 and the supply base 13 may be integrally formed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0203] 11 shutter member 11w Cross Wall 11w1 through hole 13. Supply Base 13a Outlet 131 Circuit board installation section 14 Memory Tag 14a Conductive part 14a1 1st electrode 14a2 2nd electrode 14a11 1st exposed surface 14a21 2nd exposed surface 16 pouches 116 bottles 102 shutter unit z Rotation axis

Claims

1. A toner supply container, a container portion for storing toner; a discharge portion disposed on one end side of the container portion in a first direction, the discharge portion having a protrusion extending in the first direction and a discharge port for discharging the toner, the discharge portion being open in a direction intersecting the first direction; a shutter configured to rotate about a first axis extending in the first direction, the shutter configured to move between a closed position covering the discharge port and a retracted position retracted from the closed position; and the shutter has a through hole; The protrusion is inserted into the through hole, 10. A toner supply container, comprising: a container portion having flexibility and a rigidity of the container portion lower than a rigidity of the discharge portion.

2. 2. The toner supply container according to claim 1, wherein the shutter has a cross wall extending in a direction intersecting the first direction, the cross wall having the through hole formed therein.

3. 3. The toner supply container according to claim 2, wherein the cross wall is disposed between the tip of the protrusion and the discharge port in the first direction.

4. a surface facing the first direction; the plane intersects with the first axis; 4. The toner supply container according to claim 3.

5. In the first direction, the surface is closer to the outlet than the tip.

5. The toner supply container according to claim 4.

6. the discharge unit is connected to the discharge port and includes a toner path through which the toner passes; 6. The toner supply container according to claim 4, wherein the surface and the toner path overlap when viewed in the first direction.

7. the toner path has a guide surface that is inclined with respect to the first direction and faces the discharge port, 7. The toner supply container according to claim 6, wherein the surface and the guide surface overlap when viewed in the first direction.

8. A toner supply container, a container portion for storing toner; a discharge portion disposed on one end side of the container portion in a first direction, the discharge portion having a protrusion extending in the first direction and a discharge port for discharging the toner, the discharge portion being open in a direction intersecting the first direction; a shutter configured to rotate about a first axis extending in the first direction, the shutter configured to move between a closed position covering the discharge port and a retracted position retracted from the closed position; a surface facing the first direction; and the shutter has a through hole; The protrusion is inserted into the through hole, the shutter has an intersecting wall extending in a direction intersecting the first direction, the intersecting wall having the through hole formed therein; With respect to the first direction, the cross wall is disposed between the tip of the protrusion and the discharge port, The toner supply container is characterized in that the surface intersects with the first axis, and the surface is closer to the discharge port than the tip in the first direction.

9. The discharge unit is connected to the discharge port and has a toner path through which the toner passes, 9. The toner supply container according to claim 8, wherein the surface and the toner path overlap when viewed in the first direction.

10. The toner path has a guide surface that is inclined with respect to the first direction and faces the discharge port, 10. The toner supply container according to claim 9, wherein the surface and the guide surface overlap when viewed in the first direction.

11. the toner supply container is attachable to an image forming apparatus having a connecting portion; 11. The toner supply container according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is capable of coming into contact with the connecting portion.

12. With the protruding portion in contact with the connecting portion, The shutter is movable between the closed position and the retracted position.

12. The toner supply container according to claim 11.

13. An attachment unit that can be attached to a container portion for storing toner, a discharge portion disposed on one end side of the container portion in a first direction, the discharge portion having a protrusion extending in the first direction and a discharge port for discharging the toner, the discharge portion being open in a direction intersecting the first direction; a shutter configured to rotate about a first axis extending in the first direction, the shutter configured to move between a closed position covering the discharge port and a retracted position retracted from the closed position; and the shutter has a through hole; The mounting unit is characterized in that the protrusion is inserted into the through hole.

14. 14. The toner supply container according to claim 13, wherein the shutter has a cross wall extending in a direction crossing the first direction, the cross wall having the through hole formed therein.

15. The mounting unit of claim 14 , wherein the intersecting wall is disposed between the tip of the protrusion and the outlet in the first direction.

16. a surface facing the first direction; the plane intersects with the first axis; 16. The mounting unit of claim 15.

17. In the first direction, the surface is closer to the outlet than the tip.

17. The mounting unit of claim 16.

18. the discharge unit is connected to the discharge port and includes a toner path through which the toner passes; 18. The mounting unit according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the surface and the toner path overlap when viewed in the first direction.

19. the toner path has a guide surface that is inclined with respect to the first direction and faces the discharge port, 19. The mounting unit of claim 18, wherein the surface and the guide surface overlap when viewed in the first direction.

20. the mounting unit is attachable to an image forming apparatus having a connection portion; The mounting unit according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the protrusion is abuttable against the connection portion.

21. With the protruding portion in contact with the connecting portion, The shutter is movable between the closed position and the retracted position.

21. The toner supply container according to claim 20.

Images