Developer replenishment device

Abstract

The discharge port of the developer container, which is drawn in by the pull-in member, and the receiving port of the developer receiving member are properly connected. [Solution] A retraction member 203 is provided so as to be rotatable from top to bottom for retracting the developer container 10 into the mounting position. When the developer container 10 is inserted, the retraction member 203 rotates from top to bottom, engaging its engaging portion 211 with the engaged portion 15a of the developer container 10. With the engaging portion 211 engaged with the engaged portion 15a, the retraction member 203 rotates further from top to bottom to retract the developer container 10 into the mounting position. At that time, according to the biasing force of the biasing member 204, the retraction member 203 is subjected to a force that retracts the developer container 10 in the insertion direction and a force that pushes the developer container 10 downward. The developer container 10 is retracted into the mounting position without being lifted upward relative to the developer receiving device 20 by the downward force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a developer supply device including a developer storage container for storing a developer and a developer receiving device for receiving the developer from the developer storage container.

Background Art

[0002] In an image forming apparatus using electrophotographic technology such as a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction peripheral, an image is formed by a developing device using a developer containing toner. Since the developer in the developing device is consumed as the image is formed, the replenishing developer stored in the developer storage container is replenished to the developing device via the developer receiving device. The developer storage container is provided so as to be insertable into a developer receiving device installed in the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus so that the user can replace it with a new developer storage container when the replenishing developer runs out. Conventionally, a configuration has been proposed in which, along with the operation of inserting the developer storage container into the developer receiving device, the developer receiving member of the developer receiving device is moved toward the discharge port of the developer storage container (Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the device described in Patent Document 1, a drawing member rotatably provided in the developer receiving device draws the developer storage container to the mounting position of the developer receiving device and mounts it. At that time, the developer receiving member moves so as to approach the developer storage container, and when the mounting of the developer storage container is completed, the discharge port of the developer storage container and the receiving port of the developer receiving member are provided so as to be in a connected state (a state in which both openings communicate). Further, the developer receiving member is provided so as to move away from the developer storage container along with the removal operation of the developer storage container, and the discharge port and the receiving port are in a separated state (a state in which they do not communicate).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] In the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 above, as the developer container is inserted, the retraction member rotates from bottom to top due to the biasing force of the biasing member, pulling the developer container in the insertion direction. Therefore, when the retraction member rotates from bottom to top, in addition to the force that pulls the developer container in the insertion direction, a force that pushes the developer container upward is generated according to the biasing force of the biasing member. However, conventionally, if a force that pushes the developer container upward is generated, there is a risk that the connection between the discharge port and the receiving port will be insufficient and the developer will leak.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a developer supply device in which the developer container is pulled into a pull-in member and attached to a developer receiving device during the insertion operation, and in which the discharge port of the developer container and the receiving port of the developer receiving member can be appropriately connected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A developer supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a developer storage container having a storage section for storing a developer and a discharge section having a discharge port for discharging the developer stored in the storage section, and a developer receiving device into which the developer storage container can be inserted and removed, having a mounting section to which the discharge section is attached, a developer receiving section provided on the mounting section and connected from below to the discharge port when the developer storage container is in the mounting position, and having a receiving port for receiving the developer discharged from the discharge port, and an engaging section that can engage with an engaging section provided on the discharge section, and the developer storage A developer receiving device comprising: a pull-in member that engages with the engaged portion when a container is inserted and rotates from a first position to a second position to pull the developer container into the mounting position; and a biasing portion that biases the pull-in member so that it can rotate; wherein the pull-in member is provided on the mounting portion so that it can rotate from above to below with respect to the engaged portion to engage with the engaged portion, and when rotating from the first position to the second position, it pulls the developer container into the mounting position while pressing it against the lower mounting portion according to the biasing force of the biasing portion.

[0008] A developer supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a developer container having a storage section for storing developer and a discharge section having a discharge port for discharging the developer stored in the storage section, and a developer receiving device into which the developer container can be inserted and removed, having a mounting section to which the discharge section is attached, a developer receiving section provided on the mounting section and connected from below to the discharge port when the developer container is in the mounting position, and having a receiving port for receiving the developer discharged from the discharge port, and an engaging section having an engaging section that can engage with an engaging section provided on the discharge section, and engaging with the engaging section when the developer container is inserted to move from a first position to a second position A developer receiving device comprising: a retracting member that rotates to retract the developer container to the mounting position; and a biasing member that biases the retracting member to be rotatable, wherein the retracting member is provided on the mounting portion so as to be able to rotate from above to below with respect to the engaged portion to engage with the engaged portion, and has a restricting portion that contacts the developer container from above to restrict its upward movement when it rotates from the first position beyond the third position where the developer container is biased downward by the biasing member to the second position where the developer container is biased upward by the biasing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the developer container is pulled into the pull-in member and attached to the developer receiving device during the insertion operation, and the discharge port of the developer container and the receiving port of the developer receiving member are properly connected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing a suitable image forming apparatus using the developer supply device of this embodiment. [Figure 2] (a) Perspective view showing the developer supply device, (b) Perspective view showing the developer supply device in the process of inserting or removing the developer container. [Figure 3] (a) Perspective view, (b) Cross-sectional perspective view, and (c) Partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the developer container. [Figure 4](a) Perspective view showing the shutter in the open position, (b) Perspective view showing the shutter in the closed position, (c) Perspective view showing the shutter. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the cover portion of the developer container, (a) viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction, and (b) viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction. [Figure 6] A perspective view showing the developer receiving device. [Figure 7] (a) Perspective view showing the container mounting section of the developer receiving device, (b) Perspective view showing the container mounting section with the upper mount section removed. [Figure 8] A perspective view showing the developer receiving component. [Figure 9] This is a bottom view illustrating the shutter operation associated with the insertion of the developer container, showing (a) before insertion into the container mounting section, (b) during insertion into the container mounting section, and (c) upon completion of mounting. [Figure 10] This is a side view illustrating the operation of the developer receiving member in conjunction with the insertion of the developer container, showing (a) before engagement of the developer receiving section, (b) when the developer receiving section begins to rise, (c) during the rising of the developer receiving section, and (d) when installation is complete. [Figure 11] A perspective view showing the pull-in member. [Figure 12] This is a side view illustrating the operation of the retraction member during the insertion of the developer container, showing (a) at the start of rotation, (b) during rotation, (c) at the start of retraction, and (d) when installation is complete. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the force acting on the developer container during the retraction operation of the retraction member in this embodiment, (a) at the start of retraction, and (b) at the start of rotation. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the force acting on the developer container during the retraction operation of the retraction member in the comparative example, (a) at the start of rotation, and (b) at the start of retraction. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram showing the second embodiment, (a) at the start of retraction, and (b) during rotation. [Figure 16] A schematic diagram illustrating a comparative example.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] <First Embodiment> [Image Forming Apparatus] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. First, a suitable image forming apparatus using the developer replenishing device of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The image forming apparatus 60 shown in FIG. 1 is a color image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method. In recent years, due to the advantages of excellent adaptability to various sheet materials and print productivity, an intermediate transfer tandem type image forming apparatus 60 in which four color image forming units 600 (600Y, 600M, 600C, 600K) are arranged side by side on an intermediate transfer belt 61 has become mainstream. In this embodiment, an image is formed with four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk). Of course, the number of colors is not limited to these four colors, and the order of the colors is not limited to this either.

[0012] The sheet S is stored in a form loaded in a sheet storage unit 62, and is supplied by a supply roller 63 in accordance with the image forming timing. The sheet S sent out by the supply roller 63 passes through a conveyance path 64 and is conveyed to a registration roller 65. The registration roller 65 corrects the inclination of the sheet S conveyed from the sheet storage unit 62, and then conveys the sheet S to a secondary transfer unit N at a predetermined timing in accordance with the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 61. The secondary transfer unit N is a toner image transfer nip portion for the sheet S formed by an opposing secondary transfer inner roller 66 and secondary transfer outer roller 67, and transfers the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 61 onto the sheet S by applying a predetermined pressure and an electrostatic load bias.

[0013] The image forming unit 600 includes a photoreceptor 1, a charging roller 2, a developing device 3, a primary transfer roller 4, and a photoreceptor cleaner 5. In FIG. 1, for the sake of illustration, only the black image forming unit 600K is labeled, but the same configuration is arranged in parallel for the four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk).

[0014] In the image forming process of forming a toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 61, first, an electrostatic latent image based on an image signal is formed on the photoreceptor 1 whose surface is uniformly charged by the charging roller 2 in advance by the exposure device 68. Subsequently, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 1 is visualized as a toner image on the photoreceptor 1 through toner development using a developer by the developing device 3. Thereafter, a predetermined pressing force and an electrostatic load bias are applied by the primary transfer roller 4, and the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 61. The transfer residual toner slightly remaining on the photoreceptor 1 is recovered by the photoreceptor cleaner 5 and prepared for the next image formation again.

[0015] The intermediate transfer belt 61 is stretched by rollers such as driven rollers 7 (7a, 7b), a tension roller 6, and a secondary transfer inner roller 66, and is conveyed and driven in the direction of arrow X in FIG. 1. The image forming processes of each color processed in parallel by the above-described yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk) image forming units are performed at the timing of overlapping on the toner image of the upstream color primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 61. As a result, finally, a full-color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 61 and conveyed to the secondary transfer unit N.

[0016] As described above, a full-color toner image is secondarily transferred onto the sheet S in the secondary transfer unit N. Thereafter, the sheet S is conveyed to the fixing device 9. The fixing device 9 melts and fixes the toner image on the sheet S by applying a predetermined pressing force by opposing rollers or belts and heat from a heat source such as a heater. The sheet S that has undergone the fixing process by the fixing device 9 is discharged to the discharge tray 601, and the image forming operation ends.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 60 is capable of printing on both sides of a sheet S. In the case of single-sided printing, the sheet S, on which a toner image has been fixed to one side, is discharged onto the discharge tray 601 by the discharge roller 69. On the other hand, in the case of double-sided printing, the sheet S, on which a toner image has been fixed to one side, is transported by the forward-rotating discharge roller 69, and when its rear end passes the flapper 602, it is switched back and transported to the double-sided transport path 603 by the reverse-rotating discharge roller 69. In this way, the front and rear ends of the sheet S are swapped by the reverse rotation of the discharge roller 69, and it is transported towards the registration roller 65 through the double-sided transport path 603 and the transport path 64. Thereafter, the sheet S undergoes the same process as in the case of single-sided printing, through which a toner image is formed and fixed to the second side, and is discharged onto the discharge tray 601 by the discharge roller 69.

[0018] [Developer replenishment device] Within the main body 70 of the device, above each color image forming unit 600, a developer replenishment device 605 (605Y, 605M, 605C, 605K) is positioned to replenish the toner consumed during the development of the toner image by the developing device 3. The developer replenishment device 605 is equipped with a developer container 10 (10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K) and supplies replenishment developer, including toner, contained in the developer container 10, to each color developing device 3.

[0019] The developer replenishment device 605 will be described using Figures 2(a) to 13(b) with reference to Figure 1. As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the developer replenishment device 605 comprises a developer container 10 and a developer receiving device 20. The developer receiving device 20 is located inside the device body 70, and the developer container 10 is provided to be insertable and removable from the developer receiving device 20.

[0020] Figure 2(a) shows the developer replenishment device 605 with the developer container 10 mounted on the developer receiving device 20. The developer container 10 is rotatable in the direction of arrow R in Figure 2(a) while mounted on the developer receiving device 20. As the developer container 10 rotates, the replenishment developer (mainly toner, hereinafter simply referred to as developer) contained in the developer container 10 is transferred to the developer receiving device 20. The developer receiving device 20 and the developer 3 are connected by a transport pipe (not shown), and the developer receiving device 20 supplies the transferred developer to the developer 3 through the transport pipe. Note that the configuration for supplying developer from the developer receiving device 20 to the developer 3 is not limited to the configuration in which the developer is supplied directly from the developer receiving device 20 to the developer 3 through the transport pipe as described above. For example, a hopper replenishment device (not shown) may be provided to temporarily store the developer discharged from the developer receiving device 20, and the developer may be supplied to the developing device 3 in small amounts from the hopper replenishment device.

[0021] Figure 2(b) shows the developer supply device 605 in the process of inserting or removing the developer container 10 from the developer receiving device 20. As shown in Figure 2(b), the developer container 10 can be inserted into or removed from the developer receiving device 20 by sliding in the direction of arrow A (insertion direction) and arrow B (removal direction).

[0022] [Developer container] The developer container 10 will be described in detail using Figures 3(a) to 5(b). As shown in Figures 3(a) to 3(c), the developer container 10 has a developer storage section 11, a developer discharge section 12, a developer transport member 13, a shutter 14, and a cover 15. The developer storage section 11 is formed in a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape with an opening 11a at the downstream end in the insertion direction (direction of arrow A) with respect to the rotation axis direction (longitudinal direction) of the developer container 10, and the developer (mainly toner) is stored inside.

[0023] A spiral transport projection 11b is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the developer storage section 11, projecting inward from the developer storage section 11. The developer storage section 11 is rotatably mounted relative to the developer discharge section 12, and as the developer storage section 11 rotates around the rotation axis Q, the developer stored inside is transported by the transport projection 11b through the opening 11a to the developer discharge section 12. On the opening 11a side, an annular gear section 11c is provided on the circumferential surface of the developer storage section 11, with the rotation axis Q of the developer storage section 11 as its central axis. When an external driving force is applied to this gear section 11c, the developer storage section 11 rotates relative to the developer discharge section 12 together with the gear section 11c.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3(c), the developer discharge section 12 has an opening 12a through which the developer transported from the developer storage section 11 passes, and a developer discharge port 12b for discharging the developer to the outside of the developer storage container 10. The developer discharge section 12 is held relative to the developer discharge section 12 so as to be rotatable, with the developer storage section 11 aligning its opening 11a with the opening 12a of the developer discharge section 12. The developer discharge port 12b is located below the opening 12a, approximately perpendicular to it. The developer transported from the developer storage section 11 to the developer discharge section 12 through the opening 12a is discharged to the outside of the developer storage container 10 through the developer discharge port 12b.

[0025] The developer transport member 13 is positioned to span both the opening 11a of the developer storage section 11 and the opening 12a of the developer discharge section 12, and is fixed inside the developer storage section 11 so as to rotate integrally with the developer storage section 11. The developer transport member 13 is formed inclined to allow the transport of developer, and has the function of transferring the transported developer to the developer discharge section 12 via the transport projection 11b.

[0026] On the lower surface of the developer discharge section 12, a shutter 14 is provided that slides to open and close the developer discharge port 12b in accordance with the insertion and removal of the developer container 10. The sliding direction of the shutter 14 relative to the developer discharge section 12 is the same as the insertion and removal direction of the developer container 10 relative to the developer receiving device 20. As shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(c), the shutter 14 has a shutter opening 14a, a shutter sealing portion 14b, and an engaging claw 14c. The shutter 14 slides relative to the developer discharge section 12 between an open position (Figure 4(a)) in which the developer discharge port 12b and the shutter opening 14a are in communication, and a closed position (Figure 4(b)) in which the shutter sealing portion 14b covers the developer discharge port 12b.

[0027] When the shutter 14 is in the open position, the developer outlet 12b and the shutter opening 14a are in communication, allowing the developer in the developer discharge section 12 to be discharged to the outside of the developer discharge section 12 through the developer outlet 12b and the shutter opening 14a. On the other hand, when the shutter 14 is in the closed position, the developer outlet 12b is covered by the shutter sealing section 14b. In this case, the path for discharging the developer to the outside of the developer discharge section 12 is blocked, so the developer in the developer discharge section 12 cannot be discharged to the outside of the developer discharge section 12. The engaging claw 14c of the shutter 14 is engaged with the developer receiving device 20 to slide the shutter 14 in conjunction with the insertion and removal operation of the developer container 10 to and from the developer receiving device 20, as will be described later.

[0028] In this manner, with the developer container 10 mounted on the developer receiving device 20, the shutter 14 is in the open position where the developer is discharged. As a result, the developer container 11 rotates relative to the developer discharge section 12, transferring the developer from the developer container 10 to the developer receiving device 20.

[0029] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the cover 15 is fixed to the downstream side of the developer discharge section 12 in the insertion direction, covering a portion of the developer discharge section 12 and protecting a portion of the developer discharge section 12. The cover 15 has an upwardly projecting engaged portion 15a, a stopper portion 15b at the upstream end in the insertion direction, and guide portions 15c on both sides in a direction intersecting the insertion direction. The functions of these engaged portion 15a, stopper portion 15b, and guide portions 15c will be explained as appropriate in the operation description described later.

[0030] [Developer receiving device] Next, the developer receiving device 20 will be described using Figures 6 to 8 with reference to Figures 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c). As shown in Figure 6, the developer receiving device 20 has a mounting guide section 21 and a container mounting section 22. The mounting guide section 21 functions as a guide when sliding the developer container 10 in the directions of arrows A and B, respectively, to insert and remove it from the developer receiving device 20. The mounting guide section 21 also has the function of supporting the developer container 11 from below in a vertical direction so that it can rotate when the developer container 10 is mounted on the mounting guide section 21.

[0031] The container mounting section 22 is located downstream of the mounting guide section 21 in the insertion direction (direction of arrow A) of the developer container 10. When the developer container 10 is mounted to the developer receiving device 20, it abuts against the container mounting section 22 and stops, thereby mounting to the mounting position of the developer receiving device 20. When the developer container 10 is in the mounting position, the developer discharge section 12 of the developer container 10 is fixed to the container mounting section 22 in a non-rotating manner, so the developer container 11 rotates in response to the driving force input via the gear section 11c. That is, the developer container 11 rotates relative to the developer discharge section 12, causing the developer in the developer container 11 to react with the developer discharge section 12, and enabling the developer to be transferred to the developer receiving device 20 through the developer discharge section 12.

[0032] As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the container mounting section 22 includes a lower mount section 201, an upper mount section 202, a retraction member 203, a biasing member 204, a drive input gear 205, a drive motor 206, and a developer receiving section 207. The lower mount section 201 and the upper mount section 202 are fixed together so that the upper mount section 202 is positioned above the lower mount section 201, forming the base of the container mounting section 22. The shapes of the lower mount section 201 and the upper mount section 202 are set such that an opening 22a is formed on the upstream side in the insertion direction (direction of arrow A). When inserting the developer container 10, the developer container 10 is inserted into the opening 22a formed by the lower mount section 201 and the upper mount section 202 from the downstream side (cover 15 side) in the insertion direction.

[0033] In this embodiment, the retraction member 203 is provided on the upper mount portion 202 so as to be rotatable from top to bottom. As shown in Figure 7(b), one end of a biasing member 204 (for example, a coil spring) is fixed to the retraction member 203 as a biasing part. The other end of the biasing member 204 is fixed to the upper mount portion 202. As the developer container 10 is inserted, the retraction member 203 is pushed by the developer container 10 and begins to rotate from top to bottom, engaging with the developer container 10. Then, with the developer container 10 engaged, the retraction member 203 rotates further downward according to the biasing force of the biasing member 204, retracting and holding the developer container 10 to the mounting position of the developer receiving device 20. To do this, the retraction member 203 is positioned in a location that interferes with the developer container 10 in the insertion path when the developer container 10 is inserted into the developer receiving device 20. Details regarding the pull-in member 203 will be described later.

[0034] The lower mounting portion 201 has a positioning portion 201a and an engagement groove 201b. The mounting position of the developer receiving device 20 to which the developer container 10 is attached is, as will be described later, the position where the abutment portion 15b of the cover 15 (see Figure 5(b)) abuts against the positioning portion 201a of the lower mounting portion 201 and the developer container 10 stops. The position in which the shutter 14 stops relative to the developer receiving device 20 is the position where the engagement claw 14c of the shutter 14 engages with the engagement groove 201b of the lower mounting portion 201.

[0035] The drive input gear 205 is rotatably mounted on the lower mount portion 201 in a position where it meshes with the gear portion 11c of the developer storage portion 11 when the developer storage container 10 is mounted on the developer receiving device 20. A drive motor 206 is attached to the lower mount portion 201, and the drive motor 206 and the drive input gear 205 are driven together via a drive train (not shown). The driving force of the drive motor 206 is transmitted to the drive train (not shown), the drive input gear 205, and the gear portion 11c, causing the developer storage portion 11 to rotate.

[0036] As shown in Figure 8, the developer receiving section 207 communicates with the developer discharge port 12b when the developer container 10 is mounted on the developer receiving device 20, and has a developer receiving port 207b that receives the developer discharged from the developer discharge port 12b. The developer receiving section 207 is mounted on the lower mounting section 201 so as to be movable (displaceable) in a substantially vertical direction so as to move toward and away from the developer discharge port 12b.

[0037] Furthermore, the developer receiving section 207 is provided with a pair of opposing arms 207c extending upward from below. Each of the pair of arms 207c is provided with an engaging portion 207a that protrudes inward. In this embodiment, in response to the insertion operation of the developer container 10, the engaging portion 207a engages with the guide portion 15c (see Figure 5(a)) of the developer container 10, and the engaging portion 207a is guided along the guide portion 15c, thereby lifting the developer receiving section 207 vertically upward toward the developer container 10. The developer receiving section 207, lifted vertically upward, is moved to a connection position that allows it to be connected to the developer discharge section 12, and the developer receiving port 207b and the developer discharge port 12b come into communication. In this way, a developer transfer path from the developer container 10 to the developer receiving device 20 is formed. Furthermore, when the developer container 10 is removed from the developer receiving device 20, the engaging portion 207a is guided along the guide portion 15c in accordance with the removal operation of the developer container 10, causing the developer receiving portion 207 to be lowered vertically downward and moved to a retracted position away from the developer container 10.

[0038] [About shutter operation] Next, the operation of the shutter 14 in conjunction with the insertion of the developer container 10 will be explained using Figures 9(a) to 9(c). For the sake of explanation, Figures 9(a) to 9(c) show the positioning portion 201a and engagement groove 201b formed on the lower mount portion 201 with respect to the container mounting portion 22.

[0039] Figure 9(a) shows the process of inserting the developer container 10 into the developer receiving device 20, before the start of insertion where a part of the developer container 10 (specifically, a part of the developer discharge section 12 including the cover 15) enters the container mounting section 22. At this time, the shutter 14 is in a closed position with the shutter sealing section 14b blocking the developer discharge port 12b, and while maintaining this closed position, it moves relative to the container mounting section 22 together with the developer discharge section 12 in accordance with the movement of the developer container 10 in the insertion direction (direction of arrow A).

[0040] Figure 9(b) shows the developer container 10 in the process of being inserted into the container mounting section 22. When the developer container 10 is inserted to the state shown in Figure 9(b), the engaging claw 14c of the shutter 14 engages with the engaging groove 201b of the lower mounting section 201. In this state, as the developer container 10 is moved further in the insertion direction, all components of the developer container 10 except the shutter 14 move in the insertion direction relative to the container mounting section 22, but the shutter 14 remains in place and does not move relative to the container mounting section 22, entering a stationary state. Thus, as the developer container 10 is inserted, the developer discharge section 12 begins to move relative to the shutter 14.

[0041] Figure 9(c) shows the completed state after the developer container 10 has been further inserted from the state shown in Figure 9(b) and has reached the mounting position. As shown in Figure 9(c), the developer container 10 moves until the abutment portion 15b of the cover 15 abuts against the positioning portion 201a of the lower mount portion 201. When the abutment portion 15b of the cover 15 abuts against the positioning portion 201a of the lower mount portion 201, the developer container 10 stops at the mounting position of the developer receiving device 20. At this time, the shutter 14 is in the open position with the shutter opening 14a aligned with the developer discharge port 12b, and the shutter opening 14a and the developer discharge port 12b are in communication, making it possible to discharge the developer from the developer container 10.

[0042] In this way, as the developer container 10 is inserted, the shutter 14 switches from a sealed state where the developer cannot be discharged from the developer container 10 to a dischargeable state where the developer can be discharged. Since the shutter 14 is in an open position where discharge is possible when the developer container 10 is in the mounting position, the developer can be discharged from the developer container 10 in the mounting position.

[0043] [Regarding the operation of the developer receiving section] Next, the operation of the developer receiving section 207 in conjunction with the insertion of the developer container 10 will be explained using Figures 10(a) to 10(d). Figure 10(a) shows the pre-engagement state where the engaging portion 207a of the developer receiving section 207 is not engaged with the guide portion 15c of the developer container 10. Figure 10(b) shows the start of the upward movement, when the engaging portion 207a of the developer receiving section 207 is engaged with the guide portion 15c of the developer container 10 and the developer receiving section 207 begins to rise.

[0044] As described above, a guide portion 15c is formed on the cover 15 of the developer container 10, and an engaging portion 207a is provided on the developer receiving portion 207. As the developer container 10 is inserted, the state in which the guide portion 15c and the engaging portion 207a are not engaged, as shown in Figure 10(a), changes to the state in which the guide portion 15c and the engaging portion 207a are engaged, as shown in Figure 10(b). At this time, the shutter 14 is in a closed position with the shutter sealing portion 14b blocking the developer outlet 12b, and moves relative to the container mounting portion 22 together with the developer outlet 12 in accordance with the movement of the developer container 10.

[0045] Figure 10(c) shows the developer receiving section 207 rising when the developer container 10 is further inserted from the state shown in Figure 10(b). The guide section 15c has an inclined section 15c1 that is inclined such that the upstream side in the insertion direction (direction of arrow A) is gradually higher than the downstream side. When the developer container 10 is further inserted while the guide section 15c and the engaging section 207a are engaged, the engaging section 207a moves from bottom to top along the inclined section 15c1, as shown in Figure 10(c). As the engaging section 207a moves from bottom to top along the inclined section 15c1, the developer receiving section 207, which is mounted on the lower mount section 201 so as to be movable in a substantially vertical direction, is displaced in a direction (direction of arrow C) that moves closer to the developer container 10.

[0046] The guide section 15c has a parallel section 15c2 that is continuous with the inclined section 15c1 on the upstream side of the inclined section 15c1 with respect to the insertion direction. The parallel section 15c2 is formed parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the developer container 10, and the engaging section 207a moves along the parallel section 15c2. As a result, the developer receiving section 207, which has been displaced to a height position corresponding to the inclined section 15c1, remains at that height position after the displacement. At this time, the shutter 14 is in a state where the engaging claw 14c is engaged with the engaging groove 201b of the lower mounting section 201, and is in a state where it can move relative to the developer discharge section 12. However, the shutter 14 is still in a sealed state where the shutter opening 14a does not overlap with the developer discharge port 12b (see Figure 9(b)), and the developer cannot be transferred from the developer container 10 to the developer receiving device 20.

[0047] Figure 10(d) shows the completed state when the developer container 10 has been further inserted from the state shown in Figure 10(c) and has reached the mounting position of the developer receiving device 20. When the developer container 10 is further inserted from the state shown in Figure 10(c), the abutment portion 15b of the cover 15 abuts against the positioning portion 201a of the lower mount portion 201, as shown in Figure 10(d). At this time, the developer receiving port 207b of the developer receiving portion 207, which has been displaced in the direction toward the developer container 10, joins with the shutter opening 14a, so that the shutter opening 14a and the developer receiving port 207b are in communication. Also, as described above, the shutter opening 14a and the developer discharge port 12b are in communication (see Figure 9(c)). Thus, as the developer container 10 is inserted, the developer receiving port 207b and the shutter opening 14a communicate first, and then the shutter opening 14a and the developer discharging port 12b communicate. With the developer discharging port 12b, the shutter opening 14a, and the developer receiving port 207b communicating, the developer contained in the developer container 10 is transferred to the developer receiving section 207 through these ports.

[0048] [Pull-in component] Figure 11 shows the retraction member 203. As shown in Figure 11, the retraction member 203 has a pair of mutually opposing engaging portions 211 and a main body portion 213. The pair of engaging portions 211 are integrally provided with the main body portion 213 so as to protrude upstream in the mounting direction (direction of arrow A), and their tips are formed in a claw shape so as to be able to engage with the developer container 10 (specifically, the engaged portion 15a of the cover 15, see Figure 5(a)). In this embodiment, when the developer container 10 is mounted, the main body portion 213 is pushed in the insertion direction by the developer container 10 (specifically, the cover 15), and the retraction member 203 rotates by the biasing force of the biasing member 204 so as to lower the tips of the engaging portions 211. One end of the biasing member 204 is fixed to a fixing portion 212 formed on the root side (main body portion 213 side) of the engaging portion 211.

[0049] [Regarding the operation of the retraction mechanism] Next, the operation of the retraction member 203 in conjunction with the insertion of the developer container 10 will be explained using Figures 12(a) to 12(d). As shown in Figure 12(a), in conjunction with the insertion of the developer container 10, the abutment portion 15b of the cover 15 first comes into contact with the main body portion 213 of the retraction member 203. In response, the retraction member 203 begins to rotate. As the developer container 10 is further inserted in the insertion direction, a force is applied to the retraction member 203 that pushes the developer container 10 in the insertion direction.

[0050] A force (torque) in the T1 direction is acting on the retraction member 203 by the biasing member 204. When the force pushing the developer container 10 exceeds the force in the T1 direction, the retraction member 203 begins to rotate around the rotation center P (rotation axis) such that the tip of the engaging portion 211 moves downward from top to bottom. As will be described in detail later (see Figure 13(b)), when the abutment portion 15b of the cover 15 and the main body portion 213 of the retraction member 203 are in contact, the force in the T1 direction mainly acts as a force that opposes the force pushing the developer container 10, but also acts as a force that pushes the developer container 10 downward.

[0051] Subsequently, as the developer container 10 is pushed further in the insertion direction, the retraction member 203 rotates so that the tip of the engaging portion 211 descends further. Then, as shown in Figure 12(b), the rotation center P of the retraction member 203 is located on a straight line connecting the points where both ends of the biasing member 204 are fixed. From this state, as the developer container 10 is pushed further in the insertion direction, as shown in Figure 12(c), the force (torque) acting on the retraction member 203 switches from the T1 direction to the T2 direction according to the biasing force of the biasing member 204. With the force acting on the retraction member 203 switched from the T1 direction to the T2 direction, the retraction member 203 rotates further to the first position, where the engaging portion 211 of the retraction member 203 engages with the engaged portion 15a of the cover 15, and the retraction of the developer container 10 by the retraction member 203 begins. As will be described later (see Figure 13(a)), the force in the T2 direction acts via the engaged portion 15a as a force that pulls the developer container 10 in the insertion direction, and also as a force that pushes the developer container 10 downward.

[0052] Subsequently, the biasing member 204 continues to exert a force in the T2 direction on the retraction member 203, and the force pulling the developer container 10 in the insertion direction causes the developer container 10 to be retracted to the mounting position (second position) where the abutment portion 15b of the cover 15 abuts against the positioning portion 201a of the lower mount portion 201, as shown in Figure 12(d). In this way, the developer container 10 is mounted on the developer receiving device 20. At this time as well, the force in the T2 direction acts as a force pulling the developer container 10 in the insertion direction, as well as a force pressing the developer container 10 downwards.

[0053] Thus, in this embodiment, during the insertion operation of the developer container 10, the pull-in member 203, biased by the biasing member 204, exerts a force on the developer container 10 that pulls it in the insertion direction and a force that pushes it downward. Therefore, the developer container 10 is mounted on the developer receiving device 20 without being lifted upward relative to the developer receiving device 20, and more specifically, without moving away from the developer receiving section 207 at the container mounting section 22 of the developer receiving device 20. In this embodiment, the developer discharge port 12b, the shutter opening 14a, and the developer receiving port 207b are properly connected, so the developer is transferred to the developer receiving section 207 without leaking from the developer container 10.

[0054] Next, the effects obtained in this embodiment will be explained in comparison with the comparative example using Figures 13(a) to 14(b). Figures 13(a) and 13(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating the force acting on the developer container during the retraction operation of the retraction member in this embodiment. Figures 14(a) and 14(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating the force acting on the developer container during the retraction operation of the retraction member in the comparative example.

[0055] Similar to this embodiment, the comparative example is configured such that a rotatable retracting member and a biasing member pull the developer replenishment container into the developer receiving device and mount it in the mounting position. As shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), in the comparative example, with respect to the developer storage container 10, the engaged portion 15a' is positioned on the side of the cover 15 and below the rotation axis Q of the developer storage portion 11 during insertion. The retracting member 203' is rotatably disposed on the lower mount portion 201' having the developer receiving portion 207 such that the rotation center P' (rotation axis portion) is positioned below the lower surface of the developer discharge portion 12 equipped with the shutter 14 during insertion of the developer storage container 10.

[0056] As shown in Figure 14(a), the operation of the comparative example retraction member 203' is the same as that of the retraction member 203 in this embodiment. First, the abutment portion 15b of the developer container 10 comes into contact with the main body portion 213' of the retraction member 203'. When this happens, the retraction member 203' is pushed in the insertion direction (direction of arrow A) by the developer container 10, causing the engaging portion 211' to start rotating upward from below.

[0057] Then, the retraction member 203' moves to a state where its rotation center P is located on a straight line connecting the points where both ends of the biasing member 204 are fixed. As the developer container 10 is further pushed in the insertion direction, the force (torque) acting on the retraction member 203' by the biasing member 204 switches from the T1 direction to the T2 direction. With the force acting on the retraction member 203' switched from the T1 direction to the T2 direction, the retraction member 203' is further rotated, and as shown in Figure 14(b), the engaging portion 211' of the retraction member 203' engages with the engaged portion 15a' of the cover 15. Subsequently, the force in the T2 direction continues to act on the retraction member 203' by the biasing member 204, and the force pulling the developer container 10 in the insertion direction retracts the developer container 10 until the abutment portion 15b of the cover 15 abuts against the positioning portion 201a of the lower mount portion 201'.

[0058] However, unlike this embodiment, the comparative example, as shown in Figure 14(b), has a force in the T2 direction (arrow D) that acts via the engaged portion 15a' as a force (D1) that pulls the developer container 10 in the insertion direction, and also as a force (D2) that pushes the developer container 10 upward. As a result, the developer container 10 is lifted upward, away from the developer receiving portion 207, and mounted on the developer receiving device 20. When the developer container 10 is lifted upward and mounted, a gap is created between the developer receiving port 207b of the developer receiving portion 207 and the shutter opening 14a and developer discharge port 12b that are in communication with it, and there was a risk that the developer would leak or scatter from that gap. This is because, when the retraction member 203' retracts the developer container 10, an upward force is applied to the developer container 10 from the lower side where the developer outlet 12b is formed, causing the height position of the developer outlet 12b of the developer container 10 to shift relative to the developer receiving section 207.

[0059] In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 13(a) and 13(b), the developer container 10 is formed such that, during insertion, the engaged portion 15a is located on the upper surface of the cover 15 and above the rotation axis Q of the developer container 11. The retraction member 203 is rotatably disposed on the upper mount portion 202 (see Figure 7(a)) such that, during insertion of the developer container 10, the rotation center P (rotation axis portion) is located above the engaged portion 15a formed on the upper surface opposite to the lower surface of the developer discharge portion 12 on which the shutter 14 is provided.

[0060] As described above, when the force acting on the retraction member 203 is switched from the T1 direction to the T2 direction by the biasing member 204, the engaging portion 211 of the retraction member 203 engages with the engaged portion 15a of the cover 15. At this time, as shown in Figure 13(a), the force in the T2 direction acts through the engaged portion 15a (E) as a force (E1) that retracts the developer container 10 in the insertion direction (arrow A direction) and as a force (E2) that pushes the developer container 10 downward.

[0061] The tension of the biasing member 204 and the mounting position of the retracting member 203 are set such that the retracting force (E1) described above is greater than the sum of the maximum sliding resistance generated between the developer container 10 and the developer receiving device 20 during insertion and removal operations, and the increase in frictional resistance due to the force (E2) applied to press the developer container 10 against it. As a result, the developer container 10 is mounted to the developer receiving device 20 while being pressed downwards toward the developer receiving section 207. Since the developer container 10 is mounted while being pressed toward the developer receiving section 207, no gap is created between the developer receiving opening 207b of the developer receiving section 207 and the shutter opening 14a and developer discharge opening 12b that are in communication with it. This is because the downward force (E2) applied to the developer container 10 prevents the height position of the developer discharge opening 12b of the developer container 10 from shifting relative to the developer receiving section 207. Furthermore, when the retracting force (E1) of the retracting member 203 is applied, the abutment portion 15b of the cover 15 abuts against the positioning portion 201a of the lower mounting portion 201, so that there is no misalignment in the insertion direction position of the developer outlet 12b of the developer storage container 10 relative to the developer receiving portion 207.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, not only when the retraction member 203 retracts the developer container 10, but also after the retraction member 203 begins to rotate, as shown in Figure 13(b), a downward force (F2) is exerted by the retraction member 203 on the developer container 10. That is, when the retraction member 203 begins to rotate, a force (F) in the T1 direction acting on the retraction member 203 by the biasing member 204 acts on the developer container 10, resulting in a reaction force (F1) opposite to the insertion direction and a force (F2) pushing the developer container 10 toward the developer receiving section 207. As a result, even if the force acting on the retraction member 203 switches from the T1 direction to the T2 direction during a series of insertion operations, the developer container 10 is inserted into the developer receiving device 20 without the height position of the developer outlet 12b changing significantly. In other words, the retraction member 203 stabilizes its height relative to the developer receiving device 20 during the retraction operation, allowing it to retract the developer container 10 to the mounting position.

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment, a retraction member 203 is provided so as to be rotatable from top to bottom to retract the developer container 10 to the mounting position as the developer container 10 is inserted. The retraction member 203 rotates from top to bottom when the developer container 10 is inserted, engaging the engaging portion 211 with the engaged portion 15a of the developer container 10. With the engaging portion 211 engaged with the engaged portion 15a, the retraction member 203 rotates further from top to bottom to retract the developer container 10 to the mounting position. At that time, the retraction member 203 is subjected to a force that retracts the developer container 10 in the insertion direction and a force that pushes the developer container 10 downward, according to the biasing force of the biasing member 204. The developer container 10 is not lifted upward relative to the developer receiving device 20 by the force that pushes the developer container 10 downward, but is retracted to the mounting position by the force that retracts the developer container 10 in the insertion direction. This provides the advantage that the developer container 10 can be attached to the developer receiving device 20 without any misalignment in the height of the developer outlet 12b of the developer container 10 relative to the developer receiving section 207.

[0064] <Second Embodiment> Next, the second embodiment will be described in comparison with the comparative example using Figures 15(a) to 16. Figures 15(a) and 15(b) are schematic diagrams showing the second embodiment, and Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing the comparative example. Compared to the first embodiment, the developer container 10 in the second embodiment may be the same, but the developer receiving device differs in some respects. Hereinafter, with respect to the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the first embodiment described above, and the explanation will be omitted or simplified.

[0065] In the first embodiment described above, if it is desired to extend the retraction of the retraction member 203 into the developer container 10 for a longer period, the positioning portion 201a1 of the lower mount portion 201, which abuts the abutment portion 15b of the cover 15, is formed downstream in the insertion direction compared to the positioning portion 201a in the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 16. In this case, the amount of retraction by the retraction member 203 is increased in order to abut the abutment portion 15b against the positioning portion 201a1. To do this, it is possible to increase the length from the rotation center P to the engaged portion 15a, or to increase the amount of rotation of the retraction member 203 (increase the distance between the rotation center P and the positioning portion 201a1 in the insertion direction).

[0066] However, in the former case, the retraction member 203 becomes larger. On the other hand, in the latter case, when the retraction member 203 is rotated beyond a certain point, as shown in Figure 16, the force (G) acting on the retraction member 203 by the biasing member 204 acts as a force (G1) that pulls the developer container 10 in the insertion direction (direction of arrow A), and also acts as a force (G2) that pushes the developer container 10 upward. As a result, the developer container 10 is lifted upward, away from the developer receiving section 207, and mounted on the developer receiving device 20. When the developer container 10 is lifted upward and mounted, a gap is created between the developer receiving port 207b of the developer receiving section 207 and the shutter opening 14a and developer discharge port 12b that are in communication with it, and there is a risk that the developer may leak or scatter from that gap.

[0067] Therefore, in view of the above points, the second embodiment proposes a configuration that allows the developer container 10 to be retracted by stabilizing the height position relative to the developer receiving device 20 during the retraction operation of the retraction member 203, without increasing the size of the retraction member 203. In the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(b), the retraction member 303 has a pair of mutually opposing engaging portions 211, a main body portion 213, and a pressing portion 303a. The retraction member 303 in the second embodiment may have the same configuration as the retraction member 203 in the first embodiment, except that it has a pressing portion 303a. The pressing portion 303a is, for example, a thin, elastic plate-like member that extends upstream in the mounting direction (direction of arrow A) from a location above the engaging portion 211 of the main body portion 213.

[0068] In the second embodiment as well, as described above, as the developer container 10 is inserted, the force acting on the retracting member 303 by the biasing member 204 switches from the T1 direction to the T2 direction. Then, with the force acting on the retracting member 303 switched to the T2 direction, when the retracting member 203 is further rotated, the engaging portion 211 of the retracting member 203 engages with the engaged portion 15a of the cover 15, and the retracting of the developer container 10 by the retracting member 203 begins. As a result, as shown in Figure 15(a), the force in the T2 direction acts via the engaged portion 15a (E) as a force (E1) that retracts the developer container 10 in the insertion direction (arrow A direction), and also as a force (E2) that pushes the developer container 10 downward. From the start of insertion of the developer container 10 until this point, the retaining portion 303a does not come into contact with the developer container 10.

[0069] Subsequently, when the developer container 10 is further inserted and the retraction member 303 rotates beyond a certain point, as shown in Figure 15(b), the force (G) acting on the retraction member 303 by the biasing member 204 acts as a force (G1) that pulls the developer container 10 in the insertion direction (arrow A direction), and also as a force (G2) that pushes the developer container 10 upward. The retraction member 303 rotates beyond the position (third position) where the force (E2) that pushes the developer container 10 downward acts, to the position where the force (G2) that pushes the developer container 10 upward acts, at which point the pressing portion 303a begins to contact the developer container 10. The pressing portion 303a contacts the upper surface 15d of the cover 15 with respect to the developer container 10.

[0070] After the retaining portion 303a begins to contact the upper surface 15d of the cover 15, the retracting member 303 retracts the developer container 10 to the mounting position (second position) where the abutting portion 15b of the cover 15 abuts against the positioning portion 201a1 of the lower mounting portion 201. At this time, an upward force (G2) continues to act on the developer container 10, but the upward movement of the developer container 10 is restricted by the retaining portion 303a, which acts as a restricting portion. That is, when the retracting member 303 rotates while the retaining portion 303a is in contact with the developer container 10, a reaction force H is generated on the developer container 10 that is contrary to the upward force (G2) exerted by the retaining portion 303a. The upward force (G2) pushing the developer container 10 increases as the amount of rotation of the retraction member 303 increases, but the reaction force H increases as the pressing part 303a bends significantly in accordance with the amount of rotation of the retraction member 303. The reaction force H is greater than the upward force (G2) pushing the developer container 10. As a result, even though an upward force (G2) acts on the developer container 10 when the retraction member 203 is retracted, the upward movement of the developer container 10 is restricted by the pressing part 303a. Therefore, the developer container 10 is inserted into the developer receiving device 20 without the height position of the developer outlet 12b changing significantly.

[0071] As described above, in the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment described above, a retraction member 303 is provided so as to rotate from above to below to retract the developer container 10 into the mounting position as the developer container 10 is inserted. The retraction member 303 rotates from above to below when the developer container 10 is inserted, engaging the engaging portion 211 with the engaged portion 15a of the developer container 10. With the engaging portion 211 engaged with the engaged portion 15a, the retraction member 303 rotates further from above to below, retracting the developer container 10 into the mounting position. In the second embodiment, the retraction member 303 rotates with the pressing portion 303a in contact with the developer container 10 from above. Because this pressing portion 303a exerts a downward force on the developer container 10, the developer container 10 is retracted into the mounting position without being lifted upward by the developer receiving device 20. This provides the advantage that the developer container 10 can be attached to the developer receiving device 20 without any misalignment in the height of the developer outlet 12b of the developer container 10 relative to the developer receiving section 207. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 10... Developer container, 11... Storage section (developer storage section), 12... Discharge section (developer discharge section), 12b... Discharge port (developer discharge port), 14... Shutter, 15a... Engaged section, 20... Developer receiving device, 22... Mounting section (container mounting section), 201a... Positioning section, 203 (303)... Retraction member, 204... Biasing section (biasing member), 207... Developer receiving section, 207b... Receiving port (developer receiving port), 211... Engaging section, 303a... Regulating section (pressure section)

Claims

1. A developer container having a storage section for storing developer and a discharge section formed with a discharge port for discharging the developer stored in the storage section, A developer receiving device in which the aforementioned developer container can be inserted and removed, The mounting portion to which the discharge portion is attached, A developer receiving section is provided in the mounting section and is connected to the discharge port from below when the developer container is in the mounting position, and has a receiving port formed to receive the developer discharged from the discharge port, A retracting member having an engaging portion that can engage with an engaging portion provided in the discharge portion, which engages with the engaging portion when the developer container is inserted and rotates from a first position to a second position, thereby retracting the developer container to the mounting position, A biasing unit that rotatably biases the aforementioned retraction member, A developer receiving device having, The aforementioned pull-in member is, The mounting portion is provided so as to be able to rotate from above to below with respect to the engaged portion and engage with the engaged portion, When rotating from the first position to the second position, the developer container is pressed against the lower mounting portion according to the biasing force of the biasing portion, and the developer container is pulled into the mounting position. A developer supply device characterized by the following features.

2. The mounting portion has a positioning portion that abuts against the discharge portion of the developer container when the developer container is pulled in by the pull-in member while the developer container is in the second position, and positions the developer container in the mounting position. The developer supply device according to feature 1.

3. The developer receiving section moves, in accordance with the insertion operation of the developer container, from a retracted position where the receiving opening is retracted from the discharge opening to a connection position where the receiving opening can be connected to the discharge opening, in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the developer container. The developer supply device according to feature 1.

4. The developer container has a shutter that can open and close the outlet, The shutter moves from a closed position with the discharge port closed to an open position with the discharge port open as the developer container is inserted, while the developer receiving section is moved to the connection position. The developer supply device according to feature 3.

5. A developer container having a storage section for storing developer and a discharge section formed with a discharge port for discharging the developer stored in the storage section, A developer receiving device in which the aforementioned developer container can be inserted and removed, The mounting portion to which the discharge portion is attached, A developer receiving section is provided in the mounting section and is connected to the discharge port from below when the developer container is in the mounting position, and has a receiving port formed to receive the developer discharged from the discharge port, A retracting member having an engaging portion that can engage with an engaging portion provided in the discharge portion, which engages with the engaging portion when the developer container is inserted and rotates from a first position to a second position, thereby retracting the developer container to the mounting position, A biasing unit that rotatably biases the aforementioned retraction member, A developer receiving device having, The aforementioned pull-in member is, The mounting portion is provided so as to be able to rotate from above to below with respect to the engaged portion and engage with the engaged portion, When the developer container rotates from the first position past the third position where the developer container is biased downward by the biasing portion, to the second position where the developer container is biased upward by the biasing portion, the device has a restricting portion that contacts the developer container from above to restrict its upward movement. A developer supply device characterized by the following features.

6. The restricting portion is elastic and presses the developer container against the mounting portion below, contrary to the biasing force of the biasing portion. The developer supply device according to feature 5.

7. The mounting portion has a positioning portion that abuts against the discharge portion of the developer container when the developer container is pulled in by the pull-in member while the developer container is in the second position, and positions the developer container in the mounting position. The developer supply device according to feature 5.

8. The developer receiving section moves, in accordance with the insertion operation of the developer container, from a retracted position where the receiving opening is retracted from the discharge opening to a connection position where the receiving opening can be connected to the discharge opening, in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the developer container. The developer supply device according to feature 5.

9. The developer container has a shutter that can open and close the outlet, The shutter moves from a closed position with the discharge port closed to an open position with the discharge port open as the developer container is inserted, while the developer receiving section is moved to the connection position. The developer supply device according to feature 8.

Images