Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes: a first substrate on which a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area are defined; a plurality of gate lines disposed in the display area and extending in a first direction; a plurality of data lines disposed in the display area and extending in a second direction, the data lines intersecting the gate lines; and a black matrix extending in the first line to cover the gate lines or in the second direction to cover the data lines, where a width of the black matrix at a location adjacent to a boundary line between the display area and the non-display area is larger than a width of the black matrix at a location adjacent to a center of the display area.

Abstract: The liquid crystal display panel according to the present invention is a liquid crystal display panel LCD wherein a CF substrate S1 on which color filters are formed and a TFT substrate S2 on which thin film transistor circuits are formed are layered on top of each other with liquid crystal being sealed between the two substrates, characterized in that a black light blocking region BM is formed in a frame portion of the CF substrate S1, and an identification mark M drawn as a negative pattern is provided to a part of the light blocking region, and a metal film MT1 is provided to the TFT substrate S2 in such a location as to block light that transmits through the identification mark.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second substrates, and a color filter layer disposed between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer. The color filter layer includes a first color filter configured to transform incident light into light of a first color, a second color filter configured to transform incident light into light of a second color, a transparent filter configured to transmit incident light, a light-shielding unit disposed at least between the second color filter and the transparent filter, the light-shielding unit partially covering the second color filter and the transparent filter, and a compensation filter disposed between the transparent filter and the light-shielding unit, the compensation filter configured to transform incident light into blue light.

Abstract: A display device includes a display member and a backlight unit, where the display member includes a base substrate, a cover layer that is on the base substrate, extends in a first direction, and includes a plurality of portions defining a first cavity and a second cavity that are spaced apart from the base substrate and adjacent to each other in the first direction, a first display element and a second display element that respectively correspond to the first cavity and the second cavity, a color conversion filter that is disposed on the cover layer, and includes a first filter which overlaps the first cavity and converts incident light into a first color light, and a second filter which overlaps the second cavity and converts incident light into a second color light, and an optical member which is disposed between the color conversion filter and the cover layer.

Abstract: A display device can include a thin-film transistor (TFT) array substrate having data lines, gate lines, TFTs formed at intersections of the data and gate lines, a protective layer disposed on the gates lines and the data lines, and a first protrusion protruding from the protective layer. Also, the display device can include a color filter array substrate having first, second and third color filter layers corresponding to first, second and third sub-pixels, respectively, in which overlapping portions among the first, second and third color filer layers include at least two of the first, second and third color filer layers overlapping with each other, and a section of the overlapping portions among the first, second and third color filer layers of the color filter array substrate forms a second protrusion, and the second protrusion overlaps with the first protrusion protruding from the protective layer of the TFT array substrate.

Abstract: A thin film transistor substrate, a display device including the same, and a method of manufacturing a thin film transistor substrate. The thin film transistor substrate includes: a base plate including a first area and a second area; a nano uneven pattern formed on one side of the base plate in the first area; a wire grid pattern formed on the ne side of the base plate in the second area; a gate electrode disposed on and overlapping the wire grid pattern; and one of a source electrode and a drain electrode disposed on the gate electrode and overlapping the wire grid pattern.

Abstract: There is provided an optical film including an acrylic resin, wherein a tensile elastic modulus in a machine direction, which is abbreviated as an MD direction, and a tensile elastic modulus in a direction perpendicular to the machine direction, which is abbreviated as a TD direction, satisfy the relationship of Equation (1): Equation (1) Tensile Elastic Modulus in the MD Direction/Tensile Elastic Modulus in the TD Direction>1.36.

Abstract: A display device and a method of manufacturing the same. The display device includes: a substrate; and a reflection member that is disposed on a surface of the substrate and has a first thickness in a first reflection region corresponding to a light-emitting region and a second thickness in a second reflection region corresponding to a non-light-emitting region.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a first data line in a first direction a first gate line in a second direction, and a first pixel part connected to the first gate and data lines. The first pixel part includes a first sub-pixel part including a first sub-pixel electrode overlapping a first common electrode, and a second sub-pixel part including a second sub-pixel electrode overlapping a second common electrode. The first sub-pixel part includes a first switching element connected to the first data line and the first sub-pixel electrode, the second sub-pixel part includes a second switching element connected to the data line and the second sub-pixel electrode, and a level of a voltage applied to the first common electrode is different from a level of a voltage applied to the second common electrode.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes: a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix form with m rows and n columns, where the pixels define a plurality of first and second pixel portions including parts of the pixels. Pixel electrodes of two of the pixels of the first pixel portion define a first domain, and pixel electrodes of the remaining three of the pixels define a second domain, and pixel electrodes of two of the pixels of the second pixel portion include the first domain, and pixel electrodes of the remaining three of the pixels include the second domain, and the first and second domains in the first pixel portion and the first and second domains in the second pixel portion are in a point symmetry relationship.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device (100) includes a liquid crystal display panel (1) including a first substrate (10), a second substrate (20), and a liquid crystal layer (30). The first substrate includes a first electrode (11) provided for each pixel, and a second electrode (12) for generating a lateral field across the liquid crystal layer in cooperation with the first electrode. The second substrate includes a third electrode (21) for generating a vertical field across the liquid crystal layer in cooperation with the first electrode and the second electrode. Each pixel is capable of switchably presenting a black displaying state where a vertical field is generated across the liquid crystal layer, a white displaying state where a lateral field is generated across the liquid crystal layer, and a transparent displaying state where a rear face side of the liquid crystal display panel is visible in a see-through manner with no voltage being applied to the liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacture method of a black matrix. The COA technology is utilized to manufacture the organic photoresist blocks with a larger thickness on the alignment marks. Then, the black matrix thin film covers on the organic photoresist blocks to tremendously increase the level differences of the positions of the alignment marks and adjacent areas. Thus, the contour recognition apparatus is employed to accurately recognize positions of the alignment marks. The issue that the alignment marks are difficult to be recognized after the black matrix thin film is coated in the BOA process can be solved.

Abstract: A thin-film transistor (TFT) array substrate includes a transistor disposed on a base substrate and a storage capacitor electrically connected to the transistor. The transistor includes a gate electrode, an active layer electrically insulated from the gate electrode, the active layer including a semiconductor material, and a first electrode and a second electrode disposed to be spaced apart from each other on the active layer. The storage capacitor includes a lower electrode including a light inflow path, and an upper electrode disposed to face the lower electrode and electrically connected to the second electrode.

Abstract: An electrochromic device and method, the device including a light transmissive first substrate, a working electrode disposed on the first substrate, a counter electrode, a solid state electrolyte layer disposed between the counter electrode and the working electrode, a light transmissive second substrate disposed on the counter electrode, and a Bragg reflector configured to selectively reflect UV radiation away from the working electrode.

Abstract: Prior electrochromic devices frequently suffer from high levels of defectivity. The defects may be manifest as pin holes or spots where the electrochromic transition is impaired. This is unacceptable for many applications such as electrochromic architectural glass. Improved electrochromic devices with low defectivity can be fabricated by depositing certain layered components of the electrochromic device in a single integrated deposition system. While these layers are being deposited and/or treated on a substrate, for example a glass window, the substrate never leaves a controlled ambient environment, for example a low pressure controlled atmosphere having very low levels of particles. These layers may be deposited using physical vapor deposition. In certain embodiments, the device includes a counter electrode having an anodically coloring electrochromic material in combination with an additive.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure concern controllers and control methods for applying a drive voltage to bus bars of optically switchable devices such as electrochromic devices. Such devices are often provided on windows such as architectural glass. In certain embodiments, the applied drive voltage is controlled in a manner that efficiently drives an optical transition over the entire surface of the electrochromic device. The drive voltage is controlled to account for differences in effective voltage experienced in regions between the bus bars and regions proximate the bus bars. Regions near the bus bars experience the highest effective voltage. In some cases, feedback may be used to monitor an optical transition. In these or other cases, a group of optically switchable devices may transition together over a particular duration to achieve approximately uniform tint states over time during the transition.

Abstract: A light-modulating element comprises: first and second transparent substrates arranged in opposition to one another; a first transparent electrode arranged on the opposition surface of the first transparent substrate; a plurality of light transmissive regions arranged between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent substrate so as to be separated from one another; a plurality of second transparent electrodes arranged at respective positions on the second transparent substrate opposing the respective light transmissive regions, and that are arranged so as to be separated by a given distance from the respective light transmissive regions; a plurality of third transparent electrodes arranged individually between the second transparent electrodes at a predetermined distance therefrom on the second transparent substrate side; and an electrophoretic member arranged within a gap formed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate, and that includes light-shielding e

Abstract: Variable transmission covering systems that can be used, for example, to control the amount of light passing through a window in a building. Using transmissive electrophoretic media that can switch between a first and second optical state, the invention can be used to change the color and/or transmissivity of a structure (or structures) that is placed in front of an object. In some embodiments, the variable transmission system can change transmission and color on command.

Abstract: Improved formulations of electrophoretic media that can be incorporated into displays, front plane laminates, inverted front plane laminates, or color changing films. The formulations include a non-polar fluid, a plurality of first charged particles, and charge control agents (CCA) including a quaternary amine and an unsaturated polymeric tail comprising monomers of at least 10 carbon atoms in length. The formulations show improved switching speeds, as well as a larger dynamic range at low temperatures (i.e., below about 0° C.), where compared to state-of-the-art electrophoretic media.

Abstract: The present invention is based on a two-dimensional photonic crystal in which are inserted, in a controlled manner, defects that originate the waveguides and the resonant cavity that integrate the device. Its main function is to provide the control of the passage of an electromagnetic signal over a communications channel, blocking (state off) or allowing (state on) the passage of the signal. It also has the function of changing the propagation direction of an electromagnetic signal by an angle of 60 degrees, offering greater flexibility in the design of integrated optical systems. The operating principle of the device is associated with the excitation of dipole modes in the resonant cavity, which is based on a magneto-optical material.

Abstract: A nonlinear metasurface structure including a multi-quantum-well layer designed for a nonlinear response for a desired nonlinear optical process and an array of nanoantennas coupled to the intersubband transitions of the multi-quantum-well layer. Each nanoantenna in the array is designed to have electromagnetic resonances at or close to all input and output frequencies of a given nonlinear optical process. Nanoantennas allow efficient coupling of any incident and outgoing light polarizations to intersubband transitions. Nanoantennas may further provide significant field enhancement in the multi-quantum-well layer. As a result, the nonlinear metasurface structure can be designed to produce a highly nonlinear response for any polarization and angle of incidence of incoming and outgoing waves in a nonlinear optical process. Due to their very larger nonlinear response, efficient frequency conversion can be produced in these metasurfaces without the stringent phase-matching constraints of bulk nonlinear crystals.

Abstract: A wavelength converter includes a rotating device, a substrate rotated by the rotating device, and a wavelength conversion element and a plurality of fins provided on a first surface of the substrate, and the first surface is so provided as to face an opening of an air introduction channel through which air for cooling the wavelength conversion element is introduced.

Abstract: A light source device includes a light source, a phosphor unit that includes a phosphor region and a reflection region and that is movable so that blue light from the light source is sequentially radiated to the phosphor region and the reflection region, and a dichroic mirror that guides the first linearly polarized light of the blue light from the light source to the phosphor unit and on which fluorescent light from the phosphor region and the blue light from the reflection region are made incident. A ¼ wavelength plate is provided on an optical path between the dichroic mirror and the phosphor unit, and a polarized light separating element is provided on an optical path between the dichroic mirror and the light source. The dichroic mirror is disposed so that the incident angle of the central beam of the blue light from the reflection region is larger than 45°.

Abstract: An illumination device includes: an excitation light source that emits excitation light having a first wavelength; a fluorescent substance that, when irradiated with the excitation light, emits light having a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength and transmits a part of the excitation light, and thereby multiplexes and emits the transmitted excitation light having the first wavelength and the emitted excitation light having the second wavelength; and a driving unit that moves an irradiation position of the excitation light in the fluorescent substance with the passage of time.

Abstract: A light source module includes a light source array, a lens array arranged corresponding to the light source array, a condensing lens covering partial regions of the light source array and the lens array, and a reflecting mirror array positioned between the condensing lens and the lens array. The reflecting mirror array includes multiple reflecting mirrors, or multiple reflecting mirrors and polarizing filters. A light path of light beam emitted by each light source of the light source array not covered by the condensing lens is provided with at least two reflecting mirrors, or at least one reflecting mirror and one polarizing filter. The last reflecting mirror or the polarizing filter in each light path is positioned in the area covered by the condensing lens, and accordingly a light beam which can not be directly incident to the condensing lens is transmitted to the condensing lens.

Abstract: A surface cleaning method includes forming a mask layer on a substrate, performing a first surface treatment process for scanning a surface of the mask layer with a first laser beam to stabilize the mask layer, patterning the mask layer to form a mask pattern, and performing a second surface treatment process for scanning surfaces of the mask pattern and the substrate with a second laser beam to remove contaminants on the mask pattern or the substrate.

Abstract: A resist composition which generates acid upon exposure and exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under action of acid, the resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under action of acid, and a compound (D1) represented by general formula (d1), wherein Z? represents an anion having an aromatic ring containing a hydroxybenzoic acid skeleton, provided that at least one hydrogen atom of the aromatic ring has been substituted with a halogen atom; m represents an integer of 1 or more; and Mm+ represents an organic cation having a valency of m.

Abstract: An active-light-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition includes a basic compound (A) corresponding to at least one of the following basic compound (A1) or (A2): (A1) a nonionic compound having an alicyclic structure (a1) and a basic site (b2) at a site different from the alicyclic structure within one molecule, or (A2) a nonionic compound having a heterocyclic structure (a2) having no basicity and a basic site (b2) at a site different from the heterocyclic structure within one molecule.

Abstract: Various polycycloolefinic polymers containing phenolic pendent groups and compositions thereof useful for forming self-imageable films encompassing such polymers are disclosed. Such polymers encompass norbornene-type repeating units containing phenolic pendent groups which contain very low levels of fluorine containing monomers. The films formed from such polymer compositions provide self imageable, low-k, thermally stable layers for use in microelectronic and optoelectronic devices.

Abstract: A polymer comprising recurring units having an acid generator bound to the backbone, and recurring units having an optionally acid labile group-substituted carboxyl group and/or recurring units having an optionally acid labile group-substituted hydroxyl group is obtained by polymerizing corresponding monomers in a solution of a non-polymerizable compound containing a nitrogen atom to which an acid labile group is bound. This prevents deprotection reaction of the acid labile group in the case of positive resist-forming polymer or crosslinking reaction in the case of negative resist-forming polymer.

Abstract: A resist underlayer film-forming composition has high solubility in a solvent used at a lithography process for exhibiting good coating film forming properties and able to decrease a sublime generated during formation of a film. A resist underlayer film-forming composition having a novolac resin having a structure group (C) obtained by a reaction of an aromatic ring structure of an aromatic ring-containing compound (A) with a vinyl group of an aromatic vinyl compound (B). The aromatic vinyl compound (B) is represented by Formula (1), and is specifically styrene, 2-vinylnaphthalene, 4-tert-butylstyrene, or 4-tert-butoxystyrene. The structure group (C) is represented by Formula (2). The aromatic ring-containing compound (A) is an aromatic amine compound or a phenolic hydroxy group-containing compound. The novolac resin is a resin produced by a reaction of the aromatic amine compound or the phenolic hydroxy group-containing compound with aldehyde or ketone.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a color photoresist pattern in a color filter is provided. The method includes applying a layer of negative color resist onto a substrate; exposing the layer of negative color resist through a mask; and developing the exposed layer of negative color resist with a developer composition which comprises 0.01 to 5.0 parts by weight of inorganic or organic acids, 0.01 to 5.0 parts by weight of surfactant, 0.1 to 10.0 parts by weight of water-soluble organic solvent, 85 to 99 parts by weight of water, and 0 to 2 parts by weight of additives, based on 100 parts by weight of the developer composition.

Abstract: A resist patterning method according to the present invention includes a resist layer forming step, a patterned exposure step, a flood exposure step, and a developing step. In the resist layer forming step, a resist layer containing a base resin, a sensitizer precursor, an acid generator, and a base generator is formed on a substrate. In the patterned exposure step, patterned exposure is performed on the resist layer to produce a sensitizer from the sensitizer precursor. In the flood exposure step, flood exposure is performed on the resist layer in which the sensitizer has been produced to produce an acid from the acid generator and produce a base from the base generator after the patterned exposure. In the developing step, the resist layer is developed after the flood exposure.

Abstract: A method for transferring a fractured pattern decomposed into elementary shapes, onto a substrate by direct writing by a particle or photon beam, comprises a step of identifying at least one elementary shape of the fractured pattern, called removable elementary shape, whose removal induces modifications of the transferred pattern within a preset tolerance envelope; a step of removing the removable shape or shapes from the fractured pattern to obtain a modified fractured pattern; and an exposure step, comprising exposing the substrate to a plurality of shots of a shaped particle or photon beam, each shot corresponding to an elementary shape of the modified fractured pattern. A computer program product for carrying out such a method is provided.

Abstract: A reflective EUV optic such as a collector mirror configured as an array of facets that are spaced apart to form respective gaps between adjacent facets. The gaps are used as inlets for gas flow across one of the facets such that flow is introduced parallel to the optic surface. The facets can be made with offsets such that loss of reflective area of the EUV optic can be minimized. The gas facilitates removal of target material from the surface of the facets.

Abstract: An imaging device for projecting individually controllable laser beams onto an imaging surface movable in an X-direction. The device includes a plurality of semiconductor chips each comprising a plurality of laser beam emitting elements arranged in a main array of M·N. The chips are mounted such that each pair of adjacent chips in the Y-direction are offset from one another in the X-direction and, if activated continuously, the emitted laser beams of the two chips of said pair trace on the imaging surface a set of parallel lines that are substantially uniformly spaced in the Y-direction. In addition to the M·N elements of the main array, each chip comprises at least one additional column on one or each side, each additional column containing at least one selectively operable element capable of compensating for any misalignment in the Y-direction in the relative positioning of the adjacent chips on the support.

Abstract: System and method for accurately measuring alignment of every exposure field on a pre-patterned wafer without reducing wafer-exposure throughput. Diffraction grating disposed in scribe-lines of such wafer, used as alignment marks, and array of encoder-heads (each of which is configured to define positional phase(s) of at least one such alignment mark) are used. Determination of trajectory of a wafer-stage scanning during the wafer-exposure in the exposure tool employs determining in-plane coordinates of such spatially-periodic alignment marks by simultaneously measuring position-dependent phases of signals produced by these marks as a result of recombination of light corresponding to different diffraction orders produced by these marks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metrology apparatus for measuring a parameter of a lithographic process, and associated computer program and method. The metrology apparatus comprises an optical system for measuring a target on a substrate by illuminating the target with measurement radiation and detecting the measurement radiation scattered by the target; and an array of lenses. Each lens of the array is operable to focus the scattered measurement radiation onto a sensor, said array of lenses thereby forming an image on the sensor which comprises a plurality of sub-images, each sub-image being formed by a corresponding lens of the array of lenses. The resulting plenoptic image comprises image plane information from the sub-images, wavefront distortion information (from the relative positions of the sub-images) and pupil information from the relative intensities of the sub-images.

Abstract: A calibration curve for a wafer comprising a layer on a substrate is determined. The calibration curve represents a local parameter change as a function of a treatment parameter associated with a wafer exposure to a light. The local parameter of the wafer is measured. An overlay error is determined based on the local parameter of the wafer. A treatment map is computed based on the calibration curve to correct the overlay error for the wafer. The treatment map represents the treatment parameter as a function of a location on the wafer.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate with illumination light via a projection optical system, and includes a stage disposed below the projection optical system and holds the substrate; an encoder system in which one of a grating section and a head is provided at the stage and the other of the grating section and the head is provided at a frame member disposed above the stage, on a lower end side of the projection optical system, and which irradiates the grating section with a measurement beam via the head and measures positional information of the stage with a plurality of the heads that face the grating section; and a controller coupled to the encoder system, that controls a drive system based on positional information measured with the encoder system while compensating for measurement error of the encoder system related to measurement direction of the positional information by the heads.

Abstract: Exposure apparatus exposes a substrate by irradiating the substrate with exposure light via a projection optical system and a liquid. The exposure apparatus is provided with a liquid immersion mechanism for supplying the liquid and recovering the liquid. The liquid immersion mechanism has an inclined surface, which is opposite to a surface of the substrate and is inclined with respect to the surface of the substrate, and a liquid recovering port of the liquid immersion mechanism is formed in the inclined surface. A flat portion is provided between the substrate and the projection optical system. A liquid immersion area can be maintained to be small.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus is disclosed that includes a projection system configured to project a patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of a substrate, a vacuum chamber through which the patterned beam of radiation is projected during use, and a purge system configured to provide a purge gas flow in the chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a member for electrophotography that enables stable formation of a high-quality electrophotographic image even when used as a developing member over a long period of time. The member for electrophotography includes: a support; an electro-conductive elastic layer on the support; and a plurality of electrically insulating domains on the electro-conductive elastic layer, in which a surface of the member for electrophotography includes surfaces of the electrically insulating domains and an exposed portion of the electro-conductive elastic layer free of being covered by the electrically insulating domains, and in which the electrically insulating domains each contain a resin having a specific structure.

Abstract: An object to be achieved by embodiments is to provide a toner having excellent color reproducibility, light resistance, low-temperature fixability, storage stability, and long life property, a method for producing the same, a toner cartridge, and an image forming apparatus. A toner according to an embodiment includes toner particles containing a coloring agent, a binder resin, and a specific ester wax. The coloring agent contains C.I. Pigment Yellow 185.

Abstract: An object to be achieved by embodiments is to provide a toner having excellent color reproducibility, light resistance, low-temperature fixability, storage stability, and long life property, a method for producing the same, a toner cartridge, and an image forming apparatus. A toner according to an embodiment includes toner particles containing a coloring agent, a binder resin, and a specific ester wax. The coloring agent contains C.I. Pigment Yellow 185.

Abstract: A charge control agent-silicone oil composition includes a silicone oil and a charge control agent, the charge control agent being covalently linked to the silicone oil or is homogenously dispersed in the silicone oil as a dispersion. A method includes reacting an electrophilically-activated silicone oil with a charge control agent, thereby covalently linking the charge control agent to the silicone oil to provide a charge control agent-functionalized silicone oil. A bio-based toner includes a resin blend that includes a petroleum based resin and a bio-based resin, a charge control agent-silicone oil, a colorant, and a silica and/or titania additive, the toner having a bio-content of greater than about 25% by weight and does not exhibit moisture sensitivity.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a photoreceptor drum, a charging apparatus, a developing device, a transfer apparatus, a charging bias applying unit, a developing bias applying unit, a bias adjusting unit, and a print density measurement unit. The bias adjusting unit controls the charging bias applying unit to form a plurality of electric potential areas of electric potentials with different magnitudes. The bias adjusting unit applies a predetermined developing bias corresponding to a target electric potential to the developing roller, so as to form a plurality of toner images by electric potential differences between the developing bias and the plurality of electric potential areas. The bias adjusting unit decides a value of a charging bias corresponding to the target electric potential from measurement results of print densities of the plurality of toner images measured by the print density measurement unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an acquisition portion that acquires, based on a current value detected by a detection unit, a discharge start voltage value between a photosensitive body and a charging member, in a voltage value of a voltage applied to the charging member, the discharge start voltage value being acquired from at least one of a plurality of measurement regions set by dividing an image forming region of the photosensitive body, in which an electrostatic image is formed, into a plurality of regions in a longitudinal direction orthogonal to a recording material conveyance direction; and a control portion that performs unevenness suppression control to reduce unevenness, in the longitudinal direction, of density of a developer image transferred onto the recording material based on the discharge start voltage value.

Abstract: A system with a container including a protrusion, and a receiver to receive the container. The receiver includes a slide block that is movable relative to a body of the receiver, the slide block including two surfaces, a first surface, initially contacted by the protrusion of the container during insertion of the container into the receiver, having a first slope to resist movement of the container towards the receiver, and a second surface, subsequently contacted by the protrusion of the container during the insertion of the container into the receiver, having a second slope to interact with the protrusion of the container to assist movement of the container towards the receiver. This construction provides the user with a changing insertion force to indicate proper mounting of the container.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a toner container and a shutter mechanism. The toner container is attached to or detached from an apparatus main body along an attachment/detachment direction. The toner container has a passing port. The shutter mechanism has a container mount, a shutter plate and an opening/closing hook. The container mount is attached to the toner container. The shutter plate is supported on the container mount so as to be slidable along the attachment/detachment direction. The opening/closing hook is supported on the apparatus main body on one side in a direction crossing the attachment/detachment direction. The opening/closing hook disengages the shutter plate with the container mount.