JP2014215417A - Powder supply apparatus and image forming apparatus including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent toner leaked from a toner cartridge from sticking to a shutter (an opening/closing member) when the toner cartridge is inserted to/removed from a powder supply unit.SOLUTION: When a first shutter 62 (an opening/closing member) of a toner cartridge 50 is moved from a position for closing an outlet 55 of toner T provided in the toner cartridge 50 to a position where the outlet 55 communicates with a powder supply opening 96 (a receiving opening) provided in a toner supply unit 43, a first recess 94 (a recess) is provided below the outside (an outer face) of the first shutter 62 for accumulating the toner T (developer) leaked from the outlet 55 or the powder supply opening 96, so as to be surrounded by wall parts 94a, 94b, 94c, 94d.

Description

  The present invention relates to a replaceable powder supply device and an image forming apparatus including the powder supply device.

  As an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus is known in which an electrostatic latent image formed on a latent image carrier is visualized by a developing device using toner as a developer. In such an image forming apparatus, the toner in the developing device is consumed as the image is formed. For this reason, the image forming apparatus has a replenishing unit for replenishing the toner to the developing device. For example, the image forming apparatus replenishes the consumed toner by attaching and detaching a toner container containing toner as a developer. Yes.

  Such a toner container is provided with a discharge port for supplying toner to the developing device, and when the toner container is removed, the discharge port is closed with a slidable shutter member. (See Patent Document 1).

  However, in the toner container described above, when the toner container is attached or removed, when the toner discharge port of the toner container is opened in conjunction with the opening / closing of the shutter member, the toner is discharged from the inside of the toner container. There was a risk of leaking and adhering to the outside (outer surface) of the shutter member. The toner adhering to the outer side (outer surface) of the shutter member is separated from the outer side (outer surface) of the shutter member and is located at a position facing the outer surface of the shutter member every time the toner container is repeatedly attached and detached. The adhesion is repeated on the toner replenishing portion of the image forming apparatus. If the adhered toner repeatedly accumulates, the accumulated toner may come into contact with the outer surface of the shutter member when the toner container is attached or detached. Since the toner attached to the outer surface of the shutter member is removed together with the toner container, there is a possibility that the toner attaches and becomes dirty to the operator who attaches and detaches the toner container. Further, the toner container removed with the toner adhered may cause the toner to scatter around and spread the dirt.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. Toner (developer) leaked from the toner container (powder container) when the toner container is attached to or detached from the toner supply part (powder supply part). An object of the present invention is to prevent the toner from adhering to the outside (outer surface) of the shutter member of the toner container.

  The powder replenishing device according to the present invention and the image forming apparatus including the powder replenishing device have the powder replenishing unit mounted with the powder containing unit or the powder replenishing unit removed from the powder replenishing unit. Sometimes, the developer leaking from the powder container is prevented from adhering to the outside (outer surface) of the shutter member that opens and closes the developer discharge port.

  That is, the powder replenishing device according to the present invention includes a powder replenishing portion provided with a receiving opening for receiving a developer used for image formation, a developer being accommodated, and the developer in the powder replenishing portion. A powder container that is provided with a supply outlet and is detachable from the powder supply unit, wherein the powder container is connected to the powder supply unit. When the powder container is removed from the powder replenishing unit by moving from a position where the discharge port is closed to a position where the receiving opening and the discharge port communicate with each other. An opening / closing member that moves to a position that closes the outlet is provided, and when the receiving opening and the discharge port communicate with each other, a recess that is surrounded by a wall is provided below the portion where the opening / closing member is located. It is characterized by that.

  According to the powder supply device according to the present invention configured as described above, when the powder container is mounted on the powder supply unit, the opening / closing member provided in the powder container is provided in the powder container. The developer leaked from the discharge port or the receiving opening when it moves from the position where the provided discharge port is closed to the position where the discharge port and the receiving opening provided in the powder replenishment unit communicate with each other, Since it collects in the enclosed recessed part, adhesion of the developer to the outer side (outer surface) of the opening / closing member can be prevented. Further, when the powder container is removed from the powder replenishing unit for replacement, the opening / closing member is discharged when the discharge port is moved from the position where the discharge port and the receiving opening are communicated to the position where the discharge port is closed. Since the developer leaking from the outlet or the receiving opening is accumulated in the recess surrounded by the wall portion, contact between the outside (outer surface) of the opening / closing member and the developer can be prevented. This can prevent the developer from adhering to the outside (outer surface) of the opening / closing member. Further, since the developer does not adhere to the outside (outer surface) of the opening / closing member, when the powder container provided with the opening / closing member is removed from the powder replenishing unit for replacement, dirt on the attachment / detachment worker is removed. It is possible to prevent adhesion and scattering of dirt to the surroundings.

  In the powder supply device according to the present invention and the image forming apparatus including the powder supply device, when the powder container is attached to the powder supply unit, or the powder container is removed from the powder supply unit. Sometimes, the developer leaking from the powder container can be prevented from adhering to the outside (outer surface) of the shutter member (opening / closing member).

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a color printer in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a process cartridge, a toner cartridge, and a powder replenishing unit in FIG. 1, and (a) is a diagram illustrating a state before the toner cartridge is mounted on the powder replenishing unit. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a state where the toner cartridge is mounted on the powder supply unit. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic structure including a bottom surface side of the toner cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a partially enlarged bottom surface of the toner cartridge according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and in particular, a perspective view showing a schematic structure when the shutter mechanism is removed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a structure of a first shutter constituting a shutter mechanism of the toner cartridge. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a structure of a second shutter constituting the shutter mechanism, (a) is a front view seen from the upper surface side, and (b) is a perspective view seen from the rear side (Z-axis minus side) in the mounting direction. It is a figure and (c) is the perspective view seen from the mounting direction front side. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a structure of a shutter mechanism configured by assembling a first shutter and a second shutter on the bottom surface of the toner cartridge, and the toner cartridge shown in FIG. 3 is taken along an XZ plane passing through line II. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken from the Y axis plus side. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a structure of a toner container fixing portion. These are views of the toner container fixing part as seen from the Y axis plus side. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the YZ plane passing through line II-II in FIG. 9 and viewed from the X axis plus side in a state where the toner cartridge is mounted on the toner container fixing portion shown in FIG. The cartridge is shown in a simplified manner.

  Embodiments of an image forming apparatus provided with a powder supply device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  First, a toner cartridge (50Y, 50C, 50M, 50BK), which is an embodiment of a powder replenishing device according to the present invention, and its toner cartridge are mounted using FIGS. 1 and 2A, 2B. A possible configuration of the color printer 10 (image forming apparatus) will be described.

(Description of the structure and operation of the color printer)
As shown in FIG. 1, the color printer 10 (image forming apparatus) is configured to be housed in a box-shaped housing (apparatus body 11). The color printer 10 is provided with writing units 12A to 12D that write electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drum 21 (image carrier) after the charging process based on image information. The writing units 12A to 12D include polygon mirrors 13A to 13D and optical elements 14A to 14D, and are configured as an optical scanning device using them. The electrostatic latent images written by the writing units 12 </ b> A to 12 </ b> D are transferred to the transfer material P stored in the paper feeding unit 31.

  The transfer material P is recording paper, OHP paper, or the like, and is stored in the paper supply unit 31 in a stacked manner. The paper feed unit 31 feeds the uppermost transfer material P among the stored transfer materials P toward the transfer belt 30 by rotational driving of the feed roller 32 during image formation. The transfer belt 30 is an endless belt for transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 onto the transfer material P by electrostatically attracting and transferring the transfer material P to the surface thereof. Belts that move around on the same route without distinction between the start and end portions. A suction roller 34 and a belt cleaner 35 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer belt 30.

  The photosensitive drums 21 and the transfer roller 24 are arranged to face each other with the transfer belt 30 in between.

  A fixing unit 36 is provided above the circularly moving transfer belt 30. The fixing unit 36 includes a pressure roller 37 and a heating roller 38, and fixes the toner image on the transfer material P to the transfer material P by pressure and heat.

  Four process cartridges 20Y, 20C, 20M, and 20BK are provided along the transfer belt 30 in the vertical direction. The four process cartridges 20Y, 20C, 20M, and 20BK form toner images of different colors (yellow, cyan, magenta, and black).

  On each of the process cartridges 20Y, 20C, 20M, and 20BK, toner cartridges 50Y, 50C, 50M, and 50BK (powder storage units) that store a carrier (magnetic carrier) and toner of each color (yellow, cyan, magenta, and black). Is installed.

  The process cartridges 20Y, 20C, 20M, and 20BK and the toner cartridges 50Y, 50C, 50M, and 50BK can be detached from the apparatus main body 11, respectively.

  In the first embodiment, the color printer 10 is assumed to be configured as a composite image forming apparatus that functions as a copying machine and a printer. When functioning as a copying machine, the image information read from the scanner is subjected to various image processing such as A / D conversion, MTF correction, gradation processing, etc., and converted into writing data. In the case of functioning as a printer, image processing is performed on image information in a format such as a page description language or a bitmap transmitted from a computer or the like, and converted into write data.

  During image formation, the writing units 12A to 12D irradiate process cartridges 20BK, 20M, 20C, and 20Y with exposure light corresponding to black, magenta, cyan, and yellow image information, respectively. That is, exposure light (laser light) emitted from each light source of the writing units 12A to 12D is irradiated onto each photosensitive drum 21 through the polygon mirrors 13A to 13D and the optical elements 14A to 14D. Thus, a toner image corresponding to the exposure light is formed on the photosensitive drum 21 (image carrier) of each process cartridge 20BK, 20M, 20C, 20Y. Then, this toner image is transferred to the transfer material P.

  The material P to be transferred fed from the paper feed unit 31 is conveyed to the position of the transfer belt 30 in synchronization with the position of the registration roller 33. That is, the registration roller 33 is rotationally driven in synchronization with the passage of the portion where the toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21 (image carrier). The suction roller 34 provided at the transfer position of the transfer belt 30 causes the transfer material 30 to be sucked by the transfer belt 30 by applying a voltage. As a result, the transfer material P moves in the direction of the arrow R of the transfer belt 30. The transfer material P sequentially passes through the positions of the process cartridges 20Y, 20C, 20M, and 20BK, and the toner images of the respective colors are transferred in an overlapping manner.

  The material P to which the color toner image is transferred is separated from the transfer belt 30 and reaches the fixing unit 36. The toner image on the transfer material P is fixed on the transfer material P by being sandwiched between the pressure roller 37 and the heating roller 38 and heated. On the other hand, the portion of the transfer belt 30 where the transfer material P is separated reaches the position of the belt cleaner 35 thereafter, and dirt such as toner adhering to the surface is cleaned.

  Next, a process cartridge and a toner cartridge provided in the color printer 10 will be described. Since the process cartridges 20Y, 20C, 20M, and 20BK have the same structure, in the following description, symbols (Y, C, M, and BK) that indicate the colors in the process cartridge are omitted, and the process cartridge 20 and the process cartridge 20 are simply described. write. Similarly, since the toner cartridges 50Y, 50C, 50M, and 50BK have the same structure, in the following description, symbols (Y, C, M, and BK) that indicate the colors in the toner cartridge are omitted, and the toner is simply toner. This is expressed as a cartridge 50.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the process cartridge 20 is configured by integrating a photosensitive drum 21 as an image carrier, a charging unit 22, a developing device 23, and a cleaning unit 25.

  A developer G (two-component developer, not shown) composed of toner T (not shown) and carrier C (not shown) is accommodated in the developing device 23. The developing device 23 develops the electrostatic latent image (toner image) formed on the photosensitive drum 21.

  Next, the configuration of the toner replenishing unit 43 (powder replenishing unit) that supplies the developer G from the toner cartridge 50 (powder container) to the developing device 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. To do. FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of the powder container 50 and the toner supply unit 43 before being attached to the toner supply unit 43, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a state where the unit 43 is mounted. As shown in FIG. 2B, a toner cartridge 50 (powder container) is attached to the toner replenishing unit 43, whereby a toner replenishing device 48 (powder) that replenishes the developing device 23 with toner as a developer. Replenishment device) is configured.

  The toner cartridge 50 functions as a supply unit that supplies new developer G to the developing device 23.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the toner cartridge 50 (powder container) is provided with a stirring member 52, a discharge port (powder discharge port) 55, a conveying screw 56, and a shutter mechanism 60. It has been.

  The agitating member 52 is rotatably provided inside the toner cartridge 50, and agitates the developer G stored in the toner cartridge 50 by appropriately rotating, and the developer G is gravity-driven to the bottom surface side of the toner cartridge 50. Move to.

  The discharge port 55 is provided on the bottom surface of the toner cartridge 50 and forms an opening for discharging the developer G stored in the toner cartridge 50 to the toner supply unit 43 (powder supply unit).

  The transport screw 56 is rotatably provided inside the toner cartridge 50, and transports the developer G moved to the bottom of the toner cartridge 50 to the discharge port 55 side by appropriately rotating.

  The shutter mechanism 60 is slidably provided on the outer wall of the bottom surface of the toner cartridge 50, and before the toner cartridge 50 is attached to the powder replenishing portion 43, as shown in FIG. Is closed. When the toner cartridge 50 is attached to the powder replenishing unit 43, the shutter mechanism 60 slides on the bottom wall of the toner cartridge 50 to a position where the discharge port 55 is opened, as shown in FIG. . The discharge port 55 communicates with the powder supply port portion 96 of the toner supply portion 43. Then, the developer G is discharged from the discharge port 55 and flows into the toner supply unit 43 through the powder supply port unit 96. The structure and operation of the shutter mechanism 60 will be described later.

  The toner supply unit 43 is provided with a toner container fixing unit 90 and a toner temporary storage unit 44.

  The toner container fixing unit 90 is a member that fixes and holds the toner cartridge 50 to the powder supply unit 43 when the toner cartridge 50 is attached to the toner supply unit 43. The structure and operation of the toner container fixing unit 90 will be described later.

  The toner temporary storage unit 44 temporarily stores the developer G discharged from the discharge port 55 of the toner cartridge 50. The toner temporary storage unit 44 is provided with a toner detection sensor 45 and a rotary cleaning member 46. The toner detection sensor 45 includes a piezoelectric sensor or the like, and detects the presence or absence of the developer G in the temporary toner storage unit 44. Although not shown, the rotary cleaning member 46 is configured by providing a flexible cleaning member on the rotary shaft member. The rotary cleaning member 46 is cleaned by scraping off the developer G adhering to the detection surface of the toner detection sensor 45 when the rotary shaft member is driven to rotate by a drive source provided in the toner replenishing unit 43.

  A toner conveying tube 47 is connected to the bottom surface of the toner temporary storage unit 44. The developer G sent to the toner temporary storage unit 44 is sent into the toner transport tube 47 by its own weight. The tip of the toner transport tube 47 is connected to the developing device 23 of the process cartridge 20 mounted on the apparatus main body 11 (see FIG. 1). Although not shown, the developer G in the toner transport tube 47 is transported toward the developing device 23 as the rotary transport member such as a screw member provided in the tube is driven to rotate. In this way, the developer G discharged from the toner cartridge 50 (powder container) is supplied into the developing device 23.

(Description of toner cartridge structure and operation)
Next, the structure of the toner cartridge 50 (powder container) will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a coordinate system used in the following description is defined using FIG. That is, the Z-axis is set so that the direction in which the toner cartridge 50 is attached to the toner replenishing unit 43 is the plus side. Further, the Y axis is set with the upward direction on the paper surface of FIG. Further, the X axis is set in the direction perpendicular to both the Z axis and the Y axis, with the front side of the drawing in FIG.

  The toner cartridge 50 has a box shape as shown in FIG. The toner cartridge 50 in FIG. 3 shows a state before being attached to the toner replenishing unit 43.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting opening 58 provided on the front end surface 50a (the surface on the Z-axis plus side) of the toner cartridge 50 has a stirring member 52 (see FIG. The connection location 52a of b) is exposed.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the agitating member 52 is connected to a transport drive coupling (not shown) provided in the toner replenishing portion 43 when the toner cartridge 50 is attached to the toner replenishing portion 43. And rotated as appropriate. By the rotation of the stirring member 52, the developer G accommodated in the toner cartridge 50 moves to the bottom surface side of the toner cartridge 50.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a shielding opening 59 is provided at the bottom of the toner cartridge 50. The shielding opening 59 exposes a connecting portion 56a of a transport screw 56 (see FIG. 2B) rotatably arranged at the bottom of the toner cartridge 50 from the front surface (Z-axis plus side surface) of the toner cartridge 50. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the transport screw 56 is connected to a transport drive coupling (not shown) provided in the toner supply unit 43 when the toner cartridge 50 is mounted on the toner supply unit 43. And rotated as appropriate. The developer G moved to the bottom surface side of the toner cartridge 50 by the rotation of the transport screw 56 is transported to the discharge port 55 side of the toner cartridge 50. The developer G is discharged to the outside through the discharge port 55 and reaches the toner replenishing unit 43.

  As shown in FIG. 4, on the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50, a mounting protrusion 61 that projects in the Y-axis minus side partially around the discharge port 55 and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending along the Z-axis. Is provided. As shown in FIG. 3, a first shutter 62 (opening / closing member) and a second shutter 63 (second opening / closing member) are provided on the mounting projection 61 so as to be slidable in the Z-axis direction. A shutter mechanism 60 is configured.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a pair of guide grooves 64 and 64 having depressions in the X-axis direction are formed on both side surfaces where the mounting protrusion 61 intersects the X-axis. By providing the guide groove 64, a pair of pieces 64a and 64a projecting relatively in the X-axis direction from the guide grooves 64 and 64 are formed.

  A pair of fixed projections 65, 65, a pair of support projections 66, 66, and a pair of open projections 67, 67 are provided on the lower wall portion 50 b provided with the attachment projection 61. Both the fixing protrusions 65, 65 each have a base end portion 65a and a pressed portion 65b, and define a passage space 65c between the lower wall portion 50b and the pressed portion 65b. Each of the support protrusions 66 and 66 has a base end portion 66a and a flat plate portion 66b, and the end portions of the pair of base end portions 66a and 66a are inclined wall surfaces 66c and 66c. The support protrusions 66 and 66 are provided with a retaining protrusion 66d in which the end on the Z-axis plus side of the flat plate portion 66b partially protrudes on the Y-axis plus side. Both open projections 67, 67 are provided at the end of the mounting projection 61 on the Z-axis plus side, project toward the Z-axis plus side, and their tip surfaces 67a are both on the XY plane. They are on the same plane in parallel. The two open protrusions 67 and 67 are provided above the pair of guide grooves 64 and 64 (on the Y axis plus side) in the mounting protrusion 61.

  Further, the toner cartridge 50 is provided with a pair of guide walls 50d and 50d. Both guide wall portions 50d and 50d are provided with a shutter protection portion 50e at the tip of the right guide wall portion 50d when FIG. 4 is viewed from the Z-axis plus side. The shutter protection part 50e is formed such that the tip of the guide wall part 50d partially protrudes toward the Z-axis plus side. The shutter protection part 50e is more Z-axis than the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63 in a state where the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63 are slidably provided in the Z-axis direction on the mounting protrusion 61. Projects to the positive side. When the toner cartridge 50 moves to the Z-axis plus side and an unexpected object is present on the Z-axis plus side, the shutter protection unit 50e is arranged so that the object comes before the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63. , The first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63 are protected.

(Explanation of shutter structure)
Next, the structure of the shutter mechanism 60 provided in the toner cartridge 50 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The shutter mechanism 60 shown in FIG. 3 includes a first shutter 62 (opening / closing member) and a second shutter 63 (second opening / closing member). As shown in FIG. 5, the first shutter 62 has a flat plate shape, and includes a pair of side plate portions 71, 71, a fixed piece portion 72, a release protrusion 73, an installation portion 74, a pair of fixed wall portions 75, 75, and a pair. And guide wall portions 76 and 76. Cutout portions 71a are formed in the side plate portions 71, 71, respectively. Each notch portion 71a opens the end on the Z-axis plus side of the side plate portion 71 and projects to the Y-axis minus side with respect to the notch portion 71a so as not to open the end on the Z-axis minus side. A retaining protrusion 71b is provided.

  The fixed piece portion 72 has a base end portion 72a and a main body portion 72b, and a protruding end of the main body portion 72b is a pressing leg portion 72c. Further, a release protrusion 73 is provided on the main body 72b. When the toner cartridge 50 is attached to the toner replenishing portion 43, the release protrusion 73 is pushed to the Y axis plus side, so that the first shutter 62 is moved from the position where the discharge port 55 is sealed to the Z axis. It is possible to move to the minus side.

  The installation portion 74 is surrounded by a fixed piece portion 72 (its base end portion 72a) and a pair of side plate portions 71, 71, and a shutter seal 77 (seal member) is installed so as to be fitted therein. The shutter seal 77 seals the discharge port 55 by being pressed against the mounting protrusion 61 around the discharge port 55 provided in the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 (development is performed by closing the discharge port 55). Stop the discharge of the agent G). In the shutter seal 77, the Z-axis plus side distal end portion 77 a protrudes more on the Z-axis plus side than the distal end surface 74 a of the installation portion 74. The shutter seal 77 is formed of an elastic member such as a sponge. When the shutter seal 77 is pressed against the mounting protrusion 61 around the discharge port 55, the shutter seal 77 is brought into close contact with the periphery of the discharge port 55 by elastic deformation, and has the above-described sealing function. Demonstrate.

  The pair of fixed wall portions 75 and 75 form hooked surfaces 75a and 75a parallel to the XY plane on the negative side of the Z axis. Moreover, both the fixed wall parts 75 and 75 form pressing surfaces 75b and 75b parallel to the XY plane on the Z-axis plus side.

  The pair of guide walls 76, 76 form guide surfaces 76a, 76a parallel to the YZ plane, and the guide projections 76b are provided on the respective guide surfaces 76a. The guide protrusion 76b fits into a guide groove 64 provided in the attachment protrusion 61 of the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 shown in FIG. 4, and is movable in the Z-axis direction. At this time, when the guide protrusion 76 b is inserted into the guide groove 64, the guide protrusion 76 b and the shutter seal 77 sandwich the piece 64 a that defines the guide groove 64.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the second shutter 63 provided so as to cover the first shutter 62 includes a flat plate portion 78, a release operation projection 79, and a pair of side wall portions 80 and 80. And a pair of arm portions 81, 81 and a pair of restricting portions 82, 82. In addition, the second shutter 63 has an auxiliary protrusion 211. The flat plate portion 78 has a thin plate shape parallel to the XZ plane and has a rectangular shape. The flat plate portion 78 has a flat surface parallel to the XY plane with a tip surface 78a on the Z-axis plus side.

  The flat plate part 78 is provided with a release operation projection 79. The release operation projection 79 has an inclined surface 79a at the end on the negative side of the Z-axis. Further, the flat plate portion 78 is provided with a pair of side wall portions 80 and 80. As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the both side walls 80 and 80 are respectively provided with a receiving recess 80a and an inclined surface 80b.

  The pair of arm portions 81 and 81 are provided so as to protrude from the end on the Z-axis plus side of the pair of side wall portions 80 and 80 to the Z-axis plus side. Both arm portions 81, 81 are formed continuously with both side wall portions 80, 80 on the Z-axis plus side of both side wall portions 80, 80. Then, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, a bar shape extending between the Z axis and the positive side is provided with a gap between the flat plate portion 78.

  Further, the pair of arm portions 81, 81 are curved so that the distance between both arm portions 81, 81 is narrowed toward the Z-axis plus side. The arm portions 81 and 81 are flat plate portions of the support protrusion 66 provided on the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 shown in FIG. 4 in the gap between the flat plate portion 78 and the arm portion 81, respectively. 66b can be received so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction. That is, the second shutter 63 is attached to the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 so as to have a moving direction along the Z-axis direction.

  Both arm portions 81 and 81 are formed in a pointed shape in which projecting ends 81a and 81a on the Z-axis plus side face each other along the X-axis direction. Further, the interval between the projecting ends 81a and 81a is set to be smaller than the width dimension of the first shutter 62 (see FIG. 5) (the interval between both outer side surfaces of the side plate portions 71 and 71 (see FIG. 5)). Both arm portions 81, 81 are provided with hooking piece portions 81b in the vicinity of the protruding ends 81a. Both hooking piece portions 81b and 81b protrude outward from both arm portions 81 and 81 (in a direction away from each other along the X axis), and the protruding ends thereof form a plane equal to the side wall portion 80. . This state is defined as an initial curved state of both arm portions 81. When a force in the X-axis direction is applied to the both arm portions 81 and 81 from the outside, the both arm portions 81 and 81 are bent and deformed in the direction of the force, and when the force is released, The elastic force to return to the position (initial curved state) is exhibited.

  In the arm portion 81, in the initial curved state, the Z-axis minus side surface constituting the protruding end 81a is a flat surface 81c parallel to the XY plane. Therefore, when the first shutter 62 is about to move to the Z-axis plus side in the attached state shown in FIG. 7, the arm portion 81 is placed on the XY plane of the fixed wall portion 75 that is the front end portion of the side plate portion 71. The parallel pressing surface 75b abuts against the flat surface 81c of the second shutter 63. As a result, further movement of the first shutter 62 in the Z-axis direction is prevented.

  Returning to FIG. 6 again, the both arm portions 81, 81 of the second shutter 63 are provided with open protrusions 81d, 81d on the positive side of the Z-axis of the respective hook pieces 81b, 81b. The open projecting portions 81d and 81d protrude from the projecting ends 81a and 81a of the both arm portions 81 and 81 to the outside in the X-axis direction and toward the Z-axis plus side, and open to the Z-axis plus side. Inclined surfaces 81e and 81e are formed. A pair of restricting portions 82 and 82 are provided on the flat plate portion 78 provided with both arm portions 81 and 81.

  The auxiliary projection 211 is provided in the vicinity of the center of the flat plate portion 78 at a position on the negative side of the Z axis with respect to the release operation projection 79 and protrudes from the flat plate portion 78 toward the positive side of the Y axis. In the auxiliary protrusion 211, the surface on the plus side of the Z axis is a flat surface 211a parallel to the XY plane. The auxiliary projection 211 is formed between the fixed piece 72 of the first shutter 62 and the auxiliary projection 211 when the second shutter 63 is installed on the lower wall 50b of the toner cartridge 50 together with the first shutter 62 (see FIG. 3). The flat surface 211a is in contact with the flat surface 211a. More specifically, the flat surface 211a contacts the abutting portion 72d (see FIG. 5) spanned in the X-axis direction in the main body portion 72b having an H shape of the fixed piece portion 72 of the first shutter 62. It is configured as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the shutter mechanism 60 is attached to the lower wall portion 50 b of the toner cartridge 50. That is, in the first shutter 62, the guide protrusions 76b and 76b of the pair of guide walls 76 and 76 are inserted into the pair of guide grooves 64 and 64 provided in the mounting protrusion 61 of the lower wall 50b of the toner cartridge 50. And attached to the attachment protrusion 61. Then, the first shutter 62 guides the guide groove 64 and the guide protrusion 76b (see FIG. 5) inserted therein to the sealing position of the discharge port 55 with respect to the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50. It can slide in the Z-axis direction between the discharge port 55 and the open position. In this state, the cutout portions 71a and 71a of the both side plate portions 71 and 71 of the first shutter 62 are formed on the flat plate portions 66b and 66b (more precisely, the flat plate portion 66b) of the pair of support protrusions 66 and 66 of the lower wall portion 50b. An inner portion 66e (see FIG. 4)) viewed from the inner side in the X-axis direction is received. For this reason, the first shutter 62 is provided with a retaining protrusion 71b (see FIG. 5) provided at the end on the Z-axis minus side of the cutout portion 71a at the end on the Z-axis plus side of the flat plate portion 66b. It interferes with the retaining protrusion 66d (see FIG. 4) in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the first shutter 62 is prevented from falling off the lower wall portion 50b (mounting protrusion 61).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the second shutter 63 includes flat plates of the pair of support protrusions 66 and 66 of the lower wall portion 50 b of the toner cartridge 50 in the receiving recesses 80 a and 80 a of the side wall portions 80 and 80. It is attached by receiving the parts 66b, 66b. The second shutter 63 is slidable in the Z-axis direction by guiding the receiving recess 80a and the flat plate portion 66b of the support protrusion 66 received there. Furthermore, as described above, since the second shutter 63 is provided with the auxiliary projection 211, when the second shutter 63 is moved to the Z axis plus side with respect to the first shutter 62, the flat surface of the auxiliary projection 211 is obtained. 211 a can be applied to the abutting portion 72 d of the fixed piece portion 72. Therefore, the second shutter 63 opens the discharge port 55 by moving further from the state where the flat surface 211a of the auxiliary projection 211 is directed to the abutting portion 72d of the fixed piece 72 to the Z axis plus side. The first shutter 62 is moved to the Z axis plus side to seal the discharge port 55. That is, the toner cartridge 50 can seal the discharge port 55 by the shutter seal 77 provided on the first shutter 62 by moving the second shutter 63 to the Z-axis plus side.

(Description of the structure of the toner supply unit)
Next, the structure of the toner replenishing portion 43 (powder replenishing portion) to which the toner cartridge 50 provided with the shutter mechanism 60 (see FIG. 10) is mounted will be described with reference to FIGS. The toner replenishing portion 43 is provided with a toner container fixing portion (container fixing portion) 90 suitable for the configuration of the shutter mechanism 60 (see FIG. 10) as shown in FIG.

  The toner container fixing portion 90 includes a powder supply port portion (receiving opening) 96, a first recess 94, a second recess 92, a pair of guide groove portions 91, 91, a pair of fixing groove portions 93, 93, and a pair of fixing claw portions 95. , 95 and a pair of unfixing claw portions 97, 97.

  The central portion of the powder replenishing port portion (receiving opening) 96 is opened, and the inner four sides are surrounded by wall portions 96a, 96b, 96c, and 96d made of a seal member 96f made of sponge or the like. . The wall portions 96a, 96b, 96c, and 96d protrude from the periphery to the Y axis plus side. As described above with reference to FIG. 2B, the powder replenishing port 96 allows the developer G discharged from the discharge port 55 of the toner cartridge 50 to be discharged from the toner replenishing unit 43 in the toner replenishing device 48. It forms an inlet for leading inward. The powder supply port portion 96 communicates with the toner temporary storage portion 44.

  The first recess 94 is provided on the upstream side (Z-axis minus side) in the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 50 (powder container) from the powder supply port portion 96. The periphery of the first recess 94 is surrounded by walls 94a, 94b, 94c, and 94d. The position in the Y-axis direction of the bottom surface forming the first recess 94 is provided on the minus side in the Y-axis direction with respect to the top surface of the seal member 96f constituting the powder supply port portion 96.

  Here, the front end surface 74a (see FIG. 5) of the first shutter 62 abuts on the upstream side (Z-axis negative side) in the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 50 in the protruding portion around the powder supply port portion 96. An opening wall 96e is provided. The receiving opening wall 96e is a surface continuous with the wall 94a forming the first recess 94, and is a part of the wall 94a.

  When the toner cartridge 50 is attached to the toner container fixing portion 90, the front end surface 74a (see FIG. 5) of the first shutter 62 abuts against the receiving opening wall portion 96e, so that the attachment direction (Z-axis plus side) is reached. Is stopped (restricted).

  Note that when the movement of the first shutter 62 to the Z-axis plus side is blocked (when the discharge port 55 communicates with the powder supply port 96), as shown in FIG. The concave portion 94 is located below the outer side (outer surface) of the first shutter 62 (on the Y axis minus side). At this time, the outer side (outer surface) of the first shutter 62 is held by the wall portion 94d and the wall portion 94b (not shown in FIG. 10, refer to FIG. 9). A space 98 is formed between the bottom surface of 94.

  As shown in FIG. 10, among the walls forming the first recess 94, the upper surface 92f (the surface on the Y-axis plus side) of the wall 94c on the Z-axis minus side of the toner cartridge 50 is the first shutter. The height does not contact the outside (outer surface) of 62.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second recess 92 is provided on the upstream side (Z-axis minus side) of the first recess 94 in the toner cartridge 50 (powder container) insertion direction. The second recess 92 is surrounded by walls 92a, 92b, 92c, and 92d. Then, the second shutter 63 constituting the shutter mechanism 60 of the toner cartridge 50 shown in FIG. 7 can be fitted and received while being movable in the Z-axis direction.

  Here, the surface on the negative side of the Z-axis of the wall 94 c that forms the periphery of the first recess 94 is a wall 92 a that forms the second recess 92. When the toner cartridge 50 is attached to the toner container fixing portion 90, the front end surface 78a (see FIG. 6) of the second shutter 63 that has been slid to the Z axis plus side comes into contact with the wall portion 92a. As a result, the second shutter 63 is prevented (restricted) from moving in the mounting direction (Z-axis plus side).

  The pair of guide groove portions 91 and 91 are provided as a pair along the Z axis on the XZ plane, and a pair of guide wall portions 50d (see FIG. 7) of the toner cartridge 50 (see FIG. 7) to be mounted. 7)).

  The pair of fixed groove portions 93, 93 define a fixed wall surface 93a parallel to the XY plane on the negative side of the Z axis, and hook piece portions 81b, 81b of both arms 81, 81 of the second shutter 63 (see FIG. 7). ) Is sized so that it can be received.

  Each of the pair of fixing claws 95 and 95 has one end protrusion 95a and the other end protrusion 95b, and the one end protrusion 95a is addressed to both side surfaces of the mounting protrusion 61 (see FIG. 4) of the toner cartridge 50 on the surface. Yeah. Further, the other end projection 95b is provided on the opposite side plate portions 71, 71 of the first shutter 62 provided on the toner cartridge 50 on the back side of both fixed wall portions 75, 75 (Z-axis minus side of the hooked surface 75a). It is possible to enter (see FIG. 5). The pair of fixed claw portions 95 and 95 are rotatable about the rotation shaft portions 95c and 95c, and a rotational force is applied in the direction of arrow A1 in FIG. 9 by an elastic member (not shown). . Further, each fixing claw portion 95 has one end projection 95a that is connected to the front end surface 67a (see FIG. 4) of the opening projection 67 of the mounting projection 61 of the toner cartridge 50 and the Z-axis plus when the toner cartridge 50 is properly mounted. It is designed to strike in the direction.

  Both the fixed claw portions 95 and 95 are in the initial rotation posture shown in FIG. 9 in a state where no force is applied. And both the fixed claw parts 95 and 95 can be rotated to the opposite side to arrow A1 by applying the force of the direction which opposes the elastic member which abbreviate | omits illustration.

  The pair of fixing release claw portions 97 and 97 are provided in pairs at both ends in the X-axis direction of the toner container fixing portion 90, and each of the fixing release claw portions 97 includes a fixing release claw 97a and a pressing elastic member, respectively. 97b. Each unlocking claw 97a is movable in the X-axis direction with respect to the toner container fixing portion 90, and a range of movement from the toner container fixing portion 90 to the outside by a regulating portion (not shown) is shown in FIG. It is restricted to the position shown. Each pressing elastic member 97b, 97b applies a force directed outward in the X-axis direction to the corresponding fixing release claw 97a. For this reason, each fixing release claw 97a is located at the position shown in FIG. 9 in a state where no force is applied, and the tip portion protrudes from the toner container fixing portion 90. Further, each fixing release claw 97a is pushed inward in the X-axis direction against each pressing elastic member 97b, so that the tip portion can be pushed into the toner container fixing portion 90.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the tip of each unlocking pawl 97a is triangular when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and forms a front inclined side portion 97c on the positive side in the Z-axis direction, and is negative in the Z-axis direction. A rear inclined side portion 97d is formed on the side. The tip of the fixing claw 97a is connected to a fixing releasing piece 68 provided on the side wall 50c (see FIG. 3) when the toner cartridge 50 is moved to the Z axis plus side with respect to the toner container fixing part 90. They are opposed in the Z-axis direction and interfere with each other.

(Description of operation of toner replenishing section)
Next, the operation of the toner container fixing part (container fixing part) 90 constituting the toner replenishing part 43 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the toner cartridge 50 is mounted on the toner container fixing portion 90, as shown in FIG. 10, the front end surface 74a of the first shutter 62 abuts on the receiving opening wall portion 96e, thereby moving in the mounting direction (Z axis plus side). Is blocked (restricted). At this time, the first shutter 62 that has closed the discharge port 55 of the toner cartridge 50 slides in the negative direction of the Z-axis, so that the discharge port 55 communicates with the powder supply port portion 96, thereby The toner T is supplied to the toner temporary storage unit 44.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, when the toner cartridge 50 is attached to the toner container fixing portion 90, the leading end surface 78a of the second shutter 63 abuts against the wall portion 92a, so that the attachment direction (Z-axis plus side) is reached. Is blocked (restricted).

  On the other hand, when the toner cartridge 50 is removed from the toner replenishing portion 43 (powder replenishing portion), the first shutter 62 moves in the removal direction (Z-axis minus side) as the toner cartridge 50 moves.

  At this time, if the first recess 94 is not formed, if the toner T (developer) leaks below the outside (outside surface) of the first shutter 62, the outside (outside surface) of the first shutter 62 is It moves while in contact with the toner T. Therefore, toner adheres to the outside (outer surface) of the first shutter 62.

  On the other hand, when the first recess 94 is formed, even if the toner T leaks below the outer side (outer surface) of the first shutter 62, the toner T remains on the outer side (outer surface) of the first shutter 62. ) And the bottom surface of the first recess 94. Therefore, contact between the outer side (outer surface) of the first shutter 62 and the toner T can be prevented. For this reason, the outer side (outer surface) of the first shutter 62 can be moved without contacting the toner T.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the upper surface 92 f of the wall portion 94 c forming the first recess 94 has a height that does not contact the outer side (outer surface) of the first shutter 62. Therefore, even if the toner T is accumulated on the upper surface 92f, when the toner cartridge 50 is removed from the toner replenishing portion 43 (powder replenishing portion), the outer side (outer surface) of the first shutter 62 is There is no contact with the toner T on the upper surface 92f.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the receiving opening wall 96e in front of the powder supply port 96 (Z axis minus side) forms a part of the wall 94a of the first recess 94, whereby the first shutter 62 is provided. Immediately below the front end surface 74a (the Y-axis minus side) becomes the first recess 94 immediately. Therefore, even when the toner T leaks to the outside (outer surface) of the first shutter 62, the leaked toner T immediately falls into the first recess 94, and thus the outside (outer surface) of the first shutter 62. The chance of contact with toner T is further reduced.

  As described above, in the toner replenishing device 48 (powder replenishing device) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the toner cartridge 50 (powder container) is attached to the toner replenishing portion 43 (powder replenishing portion). In addition, the first shutter 62 (opening / closing member) provided in the toner cartridge 50 moves. The first shutter 62 extends from a position where the discharge port 55 provided in the toner cartridge 50 is closed to a position where the discharge port 55 communicates with the powder supply port portion 96 (receiving opening) provided in the toner supply portion 43. Moving. At this time, the toner T (developer) leaking from the discharge port 55 or the powder supply port portion 96 is accumulated in the first recess 94 (recess) surrounded by the wall portions 94a, 94b, 94c, and 94d. It is possible to prevent the toner T from adhering to the outside (outer surface) of the first shutter 62. Further, when the toner cartridge 50 is removed from the toner replenishing unit 43, the first shutter 62 moves from a position where the discharge port 55 and the powder replenishment port portion 96 communicate with each other to a position where the discharge port 55 is closed. At this time, the toner T leaked from the discharge port 55 or the powder supply port portion 96 is accumulated in the first recess 94 surrounded by the wall portions 94a, 94b, 94c, 94d. Contact between the outer surface) and the toner T can be prevented. As a result, the toner T can be prevented from adhering to the outside (outer surface) of the first shutter 62. Since the toner T does not adhere to the outer side (outer surface) of the first shutter 62, when the toner cartridge 50 provided with the first shutter 62 is removed from the toner replenishing unit 43 for replacement, it is attached to the attaching / detaching operator. It is possible to prevent adhesion of dirt and scattering of dirt to the surroundings.

  In the toner replenishing device 48 (powder replenishing device) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the first toner cartridge 50 (powder containing portion) is attached to the toner replenishing portion 43 (powder replenishing portion). The shutter 62 (opening / closing member) moves in parallel along the mounting direction. Then, the first shutter 62 moves to a predetermined position where the discharge port 55 and the powder replenishing port portion 96 (receiving opening) communicate with each other to replenish the toner replenishing portion 43 with the toner T (developer). When the toner cartridge 50 is removed from the toner replenishing unit 43 (powder replenishing unit), the first shutter 62 moves in parallel along the removed direction and moves to a predetermined position where the discharge port 55 is closed. To do. Accordingly, since the first shutter 62 can be opened and closed in accordance with a series of operations for attaching and detaching the toner cartridge 50 and the toner replenishing portion 43, the opening and closing member can be opened and closed without performing any special operation other than attachment and detachment. be able to.

  Further, in the toner replenishing device 48 (powder replenishing device) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the first shutter 62 (opening / closing member) rises vertically around the powder replenishing port portion 96 (receiving opening). Abutting against the receiving opening wall 96e, the discharge port 55 and the powder replenishing port 96 are communicated with each other. At this time, the receiving opening wall 96e also serves as a part of the wall 94a that forms the first recess 94 (recess). Accordingly, since the first recess 94 is immediately below the front end surface 74 a of the first shutter 62, the toner T (developer) leaked from the discharge port 55 or the powder replenishment port portion 96 is the first shutter 62. Without being in contact (attached) to the outer side (outer surface) of the film, it falls and accumulates in the first recess 94. For this reason, the opportunity that the outer side (outer surface) of the first shutter 62 contacts the toner T can be further reduced.

  In the toner replenishing device 48 (powder replenishing device) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the toner cartridge 50 (powder container) has a second shutter 63 (second shutter) covering the first shutter 62 (opening / closing member). Open / close member). The second shutter 63 moves from a position covering the first shutter 62 to a position where the first shutter 62 is exposed when the toner cartridge 50 is attached to the toner replenishing portion 43 (powder replenishing portion). Further, the second shutter 63 moves to a position that covers the first shutter 62 when the toner cartridge 50 is removed from the toner supply unit 43. When the second shutter 63 moves to the position where the first shutter 62 is exposed, the second shutter 63 is surrounded by walls 92a, 92b, 92c, and 92d below the portion where the second shutter 63 is located. A recess 92 (second recess) is provided. Therefore, even when the second shutter 63 that covers the first shutter 62 is provided, it is possible to prevent the toner T on the outside (outer surface) of the second shutter 63 from being stained.

  In the toner replenishing device 48 (powder replenishing device) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the second shutter 63 (second opening / closing member) is provided so as to cover the first shutter 62 (opening / closing member). Yes. Then, the first shutter 62 and the second shutter 63 move in directions parallel to each other (Z-axis direction). Therefore, the first shutter 62 as the opening / closing member and the second shutter 63 as the second opening / closing member can be installed in a space where the lower wall portion 50b of the toner cartridge 50 is small.

  Further, in the toner replenishing device 48 (powder replenishing device) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the wall portion 94c (on the upstream side in the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 50 among the wall portions constituting the first concave portion 94 (recessed portion)). 92a) has a height that does not contact the first shutter 62 (opening / closing member). Therefore, when the toner cartridge 50 is removed from the toner replenishing portion 43, the outer side (outer surface) of the first shutter 62 does not contact the upper surface 92f of the wall portion 94c (92a). Therefore, the outer side (outer surface) of the first shutter 62 does not come into contact with the toner T collected on the upper surface 92f, thereby further preventing dirt from adhering to the attaching / detaching operator and scattering of dirt to the surroundings. it can.

  In the color printer 10 (image forming apparatus) including the toner replenishing device 48 (powder replenishing device) according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first shutter 62 (provided in the toner cartridge 50 (powder container)) ( The toner T does not adhere to the outside (outer surface) of the opening / closing member. Therefore, when attaching / detaching the toner cartridge 50 to / from the toner replenishing portion 43, it is possible to prevent dirt from being attached to the attaching / detaching operator and from being scattered to the surroundings.

  In the above-described embodiment, the toner replenishing device 48 (powder replenishing device) of the present invention is applied to the color printer 10, but this forms not only a color printer but also a monochromatic image. It is also possible to apply to an image forming apparatus.

  Furthermore, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to the color printer 10, but can be widely applied to copying machines, facsimile machines, and the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which a two-component developer composed of carrier C and toner T is used as developer G. However, this is a case where a one-component developer composed only of toner T is used. It may be present and is not limited to the above-described embodiments. That is, the powder accommodated in the toner cartridge 50 is the toner T or the carrier C to which the toner T is electrostatically attached, or the toner T and the carrier C as a powder used for image formation. What is mixed in proportion (so-called premix toner) may be used. In any case, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described using drawing, this Example is only an illustration of this invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment, and it is a matter of course that changes in design and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are included in the present invention.

43 Toner supply part (powder supply part)
48 Toner supply device (powder supply device)
50 Toner cartridge (powder container)
50b Lower wall 55 Discharge port 62 First shutter (opening / closing member)
63 Second shutter (second opening / closing member)
74a tip surface 78a tip surface 90 toner container fixing portion 92 second recess (second recess)
92a, 92c, 92d Wall 92f Upper surface 94 First recess (recess)
94a, 94c, 94d Wall 96 Powder supply port (receiving opening)
96a, 96c, 96d Wall 96e Receiving opening wall 96f Sealing member 98 Space

JP 2011-76064 A

Claims (7)

A powder replenishing section provided with a receiving opening for receiving a developer used for image formation;
In the powder replenishing apparatus, the developer containing the developer, and having a discharge port for supplying the developer to the powder replenishing unit, the powder replenishing unit detachable from the powder replenishing unit, When the powder container is mounted on the powder replenishing unit, the powder container moves from a position where the discharge port is closed to a position where the receiving opening and the discharge port communicate with each other, and the powder container An opening / closing member that moves to a position that closes the discharge port when the body container is removed from the powder replenishment unit, and the opening / closing member is positioned when the receiving opening communicates with the discharge port. A powder replenishing device, wherein a concave portion surrounded by a wall portion is provided below the portion to be performed.   When the powder container is mounted on the powder replenishing part, the opening / closing member moves in parallel along the mounting direction to a predetermined position, and moves the powder container to the powder replenishment part. The powder replenishing device according to claim 1, wherein the powder replenishing device moves in parallel along the removed direction to a predetermined position when it is detached from the part.   When the powder container is mounted on the powder replenishing part, the opening / closing member abuts against a receiving opening wall that rises in the vertical direction around the receiving opening, thereby causing the discharge opening and the receiving opening The powder replenishing device according to claim 1, wherein a part of the receiving opening wall part also serves as a part of the wall part forming the concave part. The powder container is provided with a second opening / closing member that covers the opening / closing member,
The second opening / closing member moves from a position covering the opening / closing member to a position where the opening / closing member is exposed when the powder container is mounted on the powder replenishing unit, and the powder container Is moved from the powder replenishing part to a position covering the opening and closing member,
When the second opening / closing member moves to a position where the opening / closing member is exposed, a second recess surrounded by a wall is provided below a portion where the second opening / closing member is located. The powder replenishing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the powder replenishing device is provided.   The powder replenishing device according to claim 4, wherein the second opening / closing member moves in a direction parallel to a moving direction of the opening / closing member.   The wall portion on the upstream side in the direction in which the powder container portion is attached to the powder replenishing portion among the wall portions constituting the concave portion has a height that does not contact the opening / closing member. The powder supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   An image forming apparatus comprising the powder replenishing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.