Patent ID: 8369738
Filing Date: 2013-02-05
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A toner container for use with an image forming apparatus, comprising: a toner storing section having a cylindrical shape and a longitudinal axis; a toner outlet at a circumferential surface of the toner container for discharging toner in the toner container to the image forming apparatus; a shutter member at the circumferential surface of the toner container for opening or closing the toner outlet due to rotation of the toner container in a state where the toner container is attached to the image forming apparatus; and a guiding member disposed at a side of the toner outlet and which protrudes from the circumferential surface of the toner container for guiding an opening or closing operation of the shutter member in a circumferential direction of the toner container; and an electronic element, disposed at a same end of the toner container as the toner outlet, which performs communications between the toner container and the image forming apparatus, the toner outlet and the electronic element disposed along a line which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toner storing section, wherein, when the toner container is on a flat surface in a state where the shutter member closes the toner outlet, the shutter member and a part of the toner storing section of the toner container become supporting points of the toner container and the electronic element does not contact the flat surface, and wherein the electronic element is disposed between the shutter member and the part of the toner storing section of the toner container which is one of the supporting points.