JP3536019B2 - Developer supply device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developer replenishing device for replenishing a developing device of an image forming apparatus such as an electrostatic copying machine, a laser printer or a facsimile machine with a developer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electrostatic copying machines, laser printers,
In an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a rotating charge carrier, a powdery developer is attached to the latent image, and the formed powder image is transferred to a recording paper. Then, the image recording is performed by fixing. In image formation, the developer is consumed together with the development, so that the hopper or the like in the developing device is replenished with the developer according to the consumption.

As a method of charging the developer from the developer supply container into the hopper of the developing device, a bottle-shaped supply container containing the developer to be supplied is capped and stored. When replenishing the developer, remove the cap of the developer replenishing container, replenish the developer from the developer replenishing port of the developing device, or use a film-like sealing material, and use this sealing material around the opening of the developer replenishing container body. There is also a method in which the adhesive is adhered or heat-sealed, the sealing material is peeled off when the developer is replenished, and the developer is put into the hopper from the container.

Alternatively, with the opening of the developer supply container closed by a seal member facing downward, the supply container is installed in an inverted state in the supply port of the developing device, and then the seal member of the seal member is peeled off to develop. A method of replenishing the developer in the hopper by allowing the developer to flow out from the opening of the agent replenishment container, and providing a slide type shutter at the opening of the replenishment container, and the peeling of the seal is linked to the opening and closing of the slide type shutter. Various methods such as a method of performing

As an example of a conventional developer replenishing container, the developer replenishing container disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-56430 and the method of assembling the container have a developer replenishing container main body and an elastic member covering the container main body opening attached. A sliding shutter is provided.

As another example of the conventional developer supply container, the developer supply container cap described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-44989 is provided with a developer supply container main body and a slide type shutter for covering the container main body opening. The sliding shutter is opened and closed using magnetic force.

[0007]

In the method of replenishing the developer by removing the cap of the developer replenishing container, when replenishing the developer, the developer is scattered around to contaminate the inside and outside of the developing device. The operator's hands and clothes may be soiled. Further, since the toner is directly supplied from the developer supply container to the supply port of the developing device, toner other than the designated toner may be supplied by mistake, causing an abnormality in the machine.

Further, in JP-A-7-56430 and JP-A-11-44989, a slide type shutter for covering the developer replenishing container main body and the container main body opening is provided, so that the replenishing portion becomes large or the cap is closed. The structure becomes complicated. Further, if the developer supply container is closed with a sealant and the sealant is peeled off during replenishment to replenish the developer, the replenishment operation is time-consuming and cannot be reused.

An object of the present invention is to provide a developer replenishing device which improves the sealing property of the developer replenishing container and facilitates the developer replenishing operation to the developing device main body.

Another object of the present invention is to improve the sealing property of the replenishing port of the developing device, and further, the opening / closing operation of the replenishing port of the developing device is linked with the opening / closing operation of the opening of the developer replenishing container. It is to provide a developer replenishing device capable of achieving the above.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a developer replenishing device in which the developer does not leak during transportation or when replenishing the developing device main body with the developer.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a developer replenishing device capable of surely replenishing a developer and preventing a developer other than a designated developer from being erroneously replenished. Is to provide.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a developer replenishing device which can be reused without the need to peel off the sealing material or the like when replenishing the developer.

[0014]

The present invention provides a developer replenishing device comprising a developing device provided in an image forming apparatus and a developer replenishing container containing a developer to be replenished to the developing device. The developing device is (a1) a first shutter mechanism that opens and closes an opening of the developing device by rotating the developer replenishing container with respect to the developing device with the developer replenishing container attached to the developing device. a11) a first supporting member fixed to the developing device and having an opening; and (a12) having an opening corresponding to the opening of the first supporting member and rotatable with respect to the first supporting member. By the rotation of the developer supply container supported by the developing device and attached to the developing device.
A first shutter member that rotates relative to the support member of
A first shutter mechanism including: and (a2) a first lock mechanism that locks the first shutter mechanism that closes the opening of the developing device and that is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the first shutter member. (b) The developer replenishing container is (b1) in a state where the developer replenishing container is attached to the developing device, the developer replenishing container is interlocked with the first shutter mechanism by the rotation operation of the developer replenishing container with respect to the developing device. A second shutter mechanism for opening and closing the container opening of the container, comprising: (b11) a second support member fixedly provided in the developer supply container and having an opening; and (b12) an opening of the second support member. By the rotation of the developer replenishing container mounted on the developing device and rotatably supported by the second supporting member.
A second shutter member that rotates with respect to the support member of
A second shutter mechanism including: and (b2) a second lock mechanism that locks the second shutter mechanism that closes the container opening and is provided coaxially with the rotation axis of the second shutter member. a3) The developing device further has a first lock releasing mechanism that releases the lock of the second shutter mechanism by the second lock mechanism when the developer supply container is attached to the developing device, (b3) The developer replenishing container further has a second lock releasing mechanism for releasing the lock of the first shutter mechanism by the first locking mechanism when the developer replenishing container is attached to the developing device. Except for the time, the opening of the first supporting member and the opening of the first shutter member are displaced from each other so that the opening of the developing device is closed, and the opening of the second supporting member and the second shutter are formed. Element The opening of the developer supply container is closed and the opening of the developer supply container is closed. When the developer is supplied, the opening of the first support member and the opening of the first shutter member are aligned to each other. In the developer replenishing device, the opening is formed, and the opening of the second support member and the opening of the second shutter member are aligned to form the opening of the developer replenishing container.

According to the invention, in the developing device, the opening of the developing device can be opened and closed by the first shutter mechanism, and when the developer replenishing container is detached from the developing device, that is, except when the developer is replenished. The first lock mechanism can lock the first shutter mechanism and close the opening of the developing device. Therefore, except when the developer is being replenished, the opening of the developing device is closed, and the opening of the developing device can be prevented from opening.

The developer replenishing container can be opened and closed by the second shutter mechanism, and when the developer replenishing container is detached from the developing device, that is, except when the developer is replenished, the second lock mechanism is used. The second shutter mechanism can be locked to close the container opening. Therefore, the container opening is closed except when the developer is being replenished, and the container opening can be prevented from opening.

Since the second shutter mechanism operates in conjunction with the first shutter mechanism, the opening and closing of the first and second shutter mechanisms can be performed by one operation. Further, since the first and second lock mechanisms are released by mounting the developer supply container on the developing device, a special operation for releasing the lock mechanism can be omitted.
Therefore, the opening / closing operation of the opening of the developing device and the container opening operation of the developer supply container can be performed at the same time when the developer supply container is mounted, and the developer supply operation can be performed more easily. Further, the first shutter mechanism is provided with the opening of the first support member and the opening of the first shutter member corresponding to each other. Therefore, by rotating the first shutter member with respect to the first support member, the opening of the first shutter member and the opening of the first support member can be aligned and the opening of the developing device can be opened. it can. Further, the opening of the first shutter member and the opening of the first support member can be displaced to close the opening of the developing device. In this way, the opening of the developing device can be opened and closed by rotating the first shutter member. Further, the second shutter mechanism is provided with the opening of the second support member and the opening of the second shutter member corresponding to each other. Therefore, by rotating the second shutter member with respect to the second support member, the opening of the second shutter member is aligned with the opening of the second support member, and the opening of the developer supply container is opened. be able to. Further, the opening of the container can be closed by shifting the opening of the second shutter member and the opening of the second support member. In this way, the opening of the container can be opened and closed by rotating the second shutter member. The first lock mechanism is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the first shutter member. The second lock mechanism is provided coaxially with the rotation axis of the second shutter member. This allows the developer supply container to be attached to the developing device and then rotated by 180 degrees so that the opening of the developing device and the opening of the developer supply container are aligned with each other. Further, each lock mechanism does not hinder the formation of the opening of the shutter member, the area of the shutter member that can be used as the opening can be increased, and the opening of the shutter member can be formed in a substantially semicircular shape. . As shown in FIG. 23, the substantially semicircular shape can be formed by an arc extending near the outer peripheral portion and a chord extending near the rotation axis.

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

Further, the present invention is characterized in that a sealing member for sealing is provided between the first supporting member and the first shutter member.

According to the invention, by providing the sealing member between the first supporting member and the first shutter member, the hermeticity of the developing device can be further enhanced.

According to the present invention, the first locking mechanism is
It is characterized in that it includes a cutout portion formed in the first shutter member, and a locking member that is provided so as to prevent rotation with respect to the first support member and that engages with the cutout portion.

According to the present invention, the first shutter member is prevented from rotating with respect to the first support member by fitting the locking member into the notch provided in the first shutter member. .

Therefore, the opening of the first shutter member and the opening of the first support member are not aligned with each other, that is, the opening of the developing device is sealed, and the opening is locked in the notch provided in the first shutter member. By engaging the members, the opening of the developing device can be maintained in a sealed state.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the locking member is a T-shaped member having elasticity.

According to the present invention, since the locking member is a T-shaped member and has elasticity, it is not necessary to newly provide a special member such as a spring member, and the first structure is simple. It is possible to perform rotation blocking and blocking releasing operations of the shutter member.

According to the present invention, the locking member is formed with an inclined surface with which the second lock releasing mechanism comes into contact when the developer supply container is mounted on the developing device. By contacting the inclined surface, the locking member is
The engagement with the cutout portion of the shutter member is released.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the second lock releasing mechanism is an edge portion of the developer supply container.

According to the present invention, the engagement piece is released from the engagement with the cutout portion by the contact of the edge portion of the developer supply container, which is the second unlocking mechanism, with the inclined surface of the engagement member. To be done. Therefore, it is not necessary to newly provide a special member in the developer supply container, and the first lock mechanism can be released with a simple structure.

Further, according to the present invention, the first shutter member is formed with an abutting portion which abuts on the locking member and stops the first shutter member at a predetermined position where the opening of the developing device is formed. It is characterized by being.

According to the present invention, the abutting portion of the first shutter member abuts on the locking member, and the first shutter member can be stopped at a predetermined position where the opening of the developing device is formed. Therefore, the opening of the first shutter member and the opening of the first support member can be easily aligned with each other.

[0033]

[0034]

[0035]

[0036]

The present invention is also characterized in that a sealing member for sealing is provided between the second shutter member and the second support member.

According to the present invention, by providing the sealing member for sealing between the second support member and the second shutter member, the sealing property of the developer supply container can be further enhanced.

The present invention is also characterized in that the second supporting member has a guide piece for guiding the developer to the opening of the second supporting member.

According to the invention, the developer is guided to the opening of the second support member by the guide piece, so that the developer supply container can smoothly supply the developer to the developing device. In addition, the guide piece prevents the developer from remaining in the developer supply container and prevents the developer from leaking from other than the opening.

According to the present invention, the second lock mechanism is
A hollow portion of the second support member, which has a lock member having a protruding piece, and in which the locking piece is inserted into the second support member by protruding the protruding piece of the lock member to the outside of the second support member. The second shutter member is formed with a hollow portion of the second shutter member into which the lock member is inserted by projecting the protruding piece of the lock member to the outside of the second shutter member. Is arranged at a lock position where the protruding piece is projected to the outside of the second shutter member and the second supporting member, and is inserted from the hollow portion of the second shutter member to the hollow portion of the second supporting member. The second support member and the second shutter member are prevented from rotating relative to each other, and the second support member is disposed in the unlocked position accommodated in the hollow portion of the second support member. Member and second shutter part Characterized in that it permits relative rotation between.

According to the present invention, by disposing the lock member at the lock position, the second shutter member is
Rotation is prevented with respect to the second support member. Therefore, by disposing the lock member at the lock position with the container opening of the developer supply container closed, it is possible to keep the container opening closed.

According to the present invention, the second lock mechanism is
A lock member that is a curved leaf spring, a recess is formed in the second support member, the lock member is arranged in the recess, and a groove is formed in the second shutter member, When the curved portion of the lock member is arranged at the lock position where the curved portion of the lock member projects to the outside of the second support member and is engaged with the groove portion of the second shutter member, the lock member is provided with the second support member and the second shutter. Prevents relative rotation with the member,
When the curved portion is accommodated in the recess of the second support member and is disposed in the unlocked position, the relative rotation between the second support member and the second shutter member is allowed.

According to the present invention, by disposing the lock member in the lock position, the second shutter member is
Rotation is prevented with respect to the second support member. Therefore, in a state where the opening of the second shutter member and the opening of the second support member do not coincide with each other, that is, the container opening of the developer supply container is closed and the lock member is arranged at the lock position, thereby closing the container opening. It can be held in the opened state.

Further, according to the present invention, the first lock releasing mechanism for releasing the second lock mechanism comprises a releasing projection provided on the first shutter mechanism, and the developer supply container is attached to the developing device. At this time, the releasing projection presses the lock member to the lock releasing position to release the lock.

According to the present invention, the lock projection can be unlocked by pressing the lock member to the unlock position by the unlocking protrusion, which is the first unlocking mechanism. be able to.

The present invention is also characterized in that the developing device and the developer supply container are provided with a holding mechanism for holding the developer supply container in a constant supply posture.

According to the present invention, the holding mechanism includes a holding engaging portion provided on the first supporting member and a holding engaging portion provided on the second supporting member and corresponding to the holding engaging portion. And a piece.

According to the present invention, the first support member has an annular upper edge portion and a lower edge portion facing each other, and the holding engaging portion is formed at the upper edge portion, and the holding member is provided. It is characterized in that the developer replenishing container is held in a constant replenishing posture by sandwiching the joint piece between the upper edge portion and the lower edge portion of the first supporting member.

According to the present invention, since the holding mechanism is provided when replenishing the developer, the developer replenishing container can replenish the developer in a stable posture.

Further, according to the present invention, in order to rotate the first shutter member, the first shutter member is provided with a pin insertion hole, and the second support member is provided with a pin fitted into the pin insertion hole. When the developer supply container is attached to the developing device, the pin provided on the second support member and the pin insertion hole provided on the first shutter member are engaged with each other, and the developer supply container is rotated, whereby the first supply member is rotated. The shutter member is rotated.

According to the present invention, by mounting the developer replenishing container on the developing device, the pin of the second supporting member is fitted into the pin insertion hole of the first shutter member so that the first shutter member is formed. It is fixed in the developer supply container. Therefore, the first shutter member is rotated by rotating the developer supply container. In this way, by mounting the developer supply container on the developing device and rotating it, the opening of the developing device can be opened and closed without fail.

Further, according to the present invention, in order to rotate the second shutter member, an engaging piece is provided on the outer periphery of the second shutter member, and an engaging portion with which the engaging piece is engaged is provided on the first supporting member. When mounting the developer supply container on the developing device,
When the engaging piece of the second shutter member is engaged with the engaging portion of the first supporting member and the second shutter member is fixed to the developing device and the developer supply container is rotated, only the second supporting member is used. Is characterized by rotating.

According to the present invention, only the second support member can be rotated by mounting the developer supply container on the developing device and rotating the developer supply container. With this, the container opening can be opened and closed by rotating the developer supply container.

[0055]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the developer replenishing device of the present invention will be described below. The developer replenishing device of the present embodiment is applied to an image forming apparatus that forms an image using a developer such as powdery toner, such as an electrostatic copying machine, a laser printer, and a facsimile, and is provided in the image forming apparatus. And a developer replenishing container for replenishing the developing device with the developer.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the developer replenishing container 3 of the developer replenishing device 1 according to the present embodiment is separated from the developing device 2, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the developer replenishing device 1 showing a state in which the container 3 is mounted and the developer is replenished.

In the present embodiment, the developing device 2 has the hopper 79 built therein, and the developer supply portion 32 of the developing device 2 is provided with the opening 80 of the developing device 2. A container opening 81 is formed in the cap 52 of the developer supply container 3 that contains the developer (hereinafter simply referred to as the supply container 3). The developer replenishing section 32 of the developing device 2 is provided with a first shutter mechanism 51 that opens and closes the opening 80 of the developing device.
The cap 52 is provided with a second shutter mechanism 33 for opening and closing the container opening 81. The second shutter mechanism 33 is rotatably supported by the supply container 3 by the cap 52.

The first shutter mechanism 51 is provided with a first lock mechanism 53 for locking the first shutter mechanism 51 in a closed state, and the second shutter mechanism 33 is provided with
Second lock for locking the second shutter mechanism 33 in the closed state
The lock mechanism 54 is provided. Further, the first shutter mechanism 51 is provided with a first unlocking mechanism that unlocks the second shutter mechanism 33, and the second shutter mechanism 33 is locked with the first shutter mechanism 51. A second unlocking mechanism for unlocking is provided.

In the normal state, the developing device 2 and the replenishing container 3 are separated, and the first and second shutter mechanisms 5 are provided.
1, 33 are locked in a closed state by their respective lock mechanisms. To supply developer to the developing device 2,
The replenishing container 3 is turned over so that the container opening 81 faces downward, and the container opening 81 of the replenishing container 3 is attached to the opening 80 of the developing device.
Then, the first unlocking mechanism on the developing device side releases the second locking mechanism 54 on the replenishing container side, and the second unlocking mechanism on the replenishing container side releases the first locking mechanism 53 on the developing device side. To cancel. When the supply container 3 is rotated in this state, the first and second shutter mechanisms 51, 33
Opens, and the developer is supplied from the supply container 3 to the hopper 79 in the developing device 2.

The first shutter mechanism 51 has a first supporting member 4 fixed to the developer replenishing section 32, and a first shutter member 5 rotatably mounted on the first supporting member 4. . FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the first support member 4, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. The first support member 4 is formed in a short cylinder having a bottom, and is fixed to the upper part of the developing device 2 so that the bottom side is installed toward the inside of the hopper 79 of the developing device 2. As shown in FIG. 3, a substantially semicircular opening 8 is formed at the bottom of the first support member 4. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in the center of the first support member 4, a column-shaped releasing projection 9 that is a first lock releasing mechanism is formed.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the first shutter member 5. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. The first shutter member 5 has a disk shape, and a substantially semicircular opening 15 having a size substantially the same as the opening 8 of the first support member 4 is formed. Further, a columnar projecting portion insertion hole 14 is formed in the center of the first shutter member 5, and the releasing projecting portion 9 of the first supporting member 4 is inserted into the projecting portion insertion hole 14 to form the first projecting portion insertion hole 14. By mounting the first shutter member 5 on the bottom surface of the supporting member 4, the first shutter member 5 is rotatably supported by the first supporting member 4.

As shown in FIG. 7A, when the supply container 3 is in a state of being separated from the developing device 2, the substantially semicircular opening 8 of the first support member 4 and the first shutter member 5 are substantially formed. The semicircular opening 15 is placed at a symmetrical position rotated by 180 degrees with respect to the central axis, and the openings are not overlapped with each other and the opening 80 of the developing device is in a closed state.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, when replenishing the developer, the first shutter member 5 is angularly displaced by 180 degrees in the clockwise direction, which is one of the circumferential directions, so that the opening 15 of the first shutter member 5 is opened. And the opening 8 of the first supporting member 4 coincide with each other, and the opening 80 of the developing device is formed. Further, the first shutter member 5 is angularly displaced by 180 degrees counterclockwise, which is the other circumferential direction, from the position where the openings are aligned with each other, whereby the openings can be prevented from overlapping again.

Therefore, except when the developer is being replenished, the opening 8 of the first supporting member 4 and the opening 15 of the first shutter member 5 are displaced from each other, and the opening 80 of the developing device 2 is closed. When replenishing the developer, by rotating the first shutter member 5, the opening 8 of the first supporting member 4 and the opening 15 of the first shutter member 5 are aligned,
The opening 80 of the developing device 2 is formed so that the developer can be replenished. Further, a seal member 7 of the device for sealing is provided between the first support member 4 and the first shutter member 5. As a result, the hermeticity of the developing device can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 5, a notch 16 is formed at one location on the outer peripheral portion of the first shutter member 5. A contact portion 17 that is cut out from one side in the circumferential direction and projects outward in the radial direction is formed on the side opposite to the cutout portion 16 with respect to the center. The cutout portion 16 constitutes a part of the first lock mechanism 53.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the locking member 6 of the first lock mechanism 53. The locking member 6 has a rod-shaped base portion 41.
The engaging portion 19 projects from the central portion of the
It is made of a material having elasticity such as a synthetic resin. Engagement part 1
9 is attached to the peripheral portion of the developing device 2 so as to project inward through an insertion hole (not shown) formed in the peripheral wall of the first supporting member 4, and more specifically, the engaging portion 19 is Both longitudinal ends of the base 41 are held by the developer replenishing unit 32 so as to be displaceable in the front-rear directions A1 and B1 perpendicular to the base 41. An inclined surface 20 is formed at an upper portion of the engaging portion 19 so as to be inclined downward toward the tip (front A1).

FIG. 9 (1) is a plan view showing the locked state of the first locking mechanism 53, and FIG. 9 (2) shows the first shutter member 5 and the locking member 6 in the locked state. It is the top view shown. In the locked state, the engaging portion 19 of the locking member 6 engages with the cutout portion 16 of the first shutter member 5. As a result, the first shutter member 5 is prevented from rotating, and the first shutter mechanism 5 of the developing device 2 is prevented.
1 is prevented from opening.

10 and 12 are views showing the outline of the operation of the first unlocking mechanism. The supply container 3 is the developing device 2
10, the rim portion 38 of the supply container 3 is formed on the engaging portion 19 of the locking member 6 as shown in FIG.
Abut 0. When the lip portion 38 is pressed against the inclined surface 20 that inclines downward as it goes toward the front A1, the engaging portion 19
Moves backward B1 against the elastic force. In this manner, when the rim portion 38 is pushed down until it comes into contact with the first shutter member 5, as shown in FIGS. 11 (1) and 11 (2), the engagement between the first shutter member 5 and the locking member 6 is caused. The engagement is completely released, and the first shutter member 5 becomes rotatable. In other words, the rim portion 38 of the supply container 3 has the first locking mechanism 53.
It functions as a second lock releasing mechanism for releasing.

When the first lock mechanism 53 is released, the supply container 3 is then rotated 180 degrees to open the first shutter mechanism 51. The engaging portion 19 of the locking member 6 is the front A1.
Since the engaging portion 6 is elastically pressed against the peripheral surface of the first shutter member 5 when the first shutter member 5 is rotated together with the supply container 3, the engaging portion 6 is engaged elastically. The portion 19 is always pressed against the peripheral surface of the first shutter member 5. Then, when the first shutter member 5 rotates 180 degrees, as shown in FIGS.
9 contacts the contact portion 17 of the first shutter member 5, and stops the first shutter member 5. At this time, the opening 15 of the first shutter member 5 and the opening 8 of the first supporting member 4 are aligned with each other, and the opening of the developing device is formed. In this way, the first shutter member 5 is stopped at the position where the opening 80 of the developing device is formed by the engagement portion 19 of the locking member 6 and the contact portion 17 of the first shutter member 5. be able to.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the outline of the supply container 3. The supply container 3 is configured to include a transparent resin bottle that contains a developer such as toner, and a cap 52 that has a second shutter mechanism 33 attached to the rim portion 38 of the bottle. In the present embodiment, at the time of replenishing the developer, the replenishing container 3 is turned upside down and the container opening 81 and the rim 3 are provided.
The developer is replenished to the developing device 2 by utilizing gravity by setting 8 downward. The supply container 3 contains a predetermined amount of developer for supply, and the container opening 81 is sealed by the second shutter mechanism 33.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view showing the second shutter mechanism 33. 15 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the supply container 3, and FIG. 16 is a view of XVI-XV of FIG.
It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected by the I cut surface line. The second shutter mechanism 33 has a disk shape, has a substantially semicircular opening 39, and has a second support member 34 fixed to the supply container 3, and has a disk shape, and has a substantially semicircular shape. And a second shutter member 35 that is rotatably provided with respect to the second support member 34. The second support member 34 has an opening 39.
A guide piece 44 (see FIG. 16) for guiding the developer is fixed to the.

The second support member 34 is a cylindrical pin 49 that fits into the pin insertion hole 18 (see FIG. 5) provided in the first shutter member 5 in order to rotate the first shutter member 5. Have. The pin 49 projects downward through the opening 46 of the second shutter member 35, and the supply container 3
Is attached to the developing device 2, the first shutter member 5
Of the first supporting member 34 and the first supporting member 34
Is connected to the shutter member 5. As a result, by rotating the supply container 3, the first container on the developing device side is rotated.
The shutter member 5 can be reliably rotated.

As shown in FIGS. 17 (1) and 18 (1), the opening 46 of the second shutter member 35 and the second support member 34 are not opened in a normal state other than when the replenishing container 3 is being replenished. The container opening 81 is closed without overlapping the opening 39. From this state, as shown in FIG. 17 (2),
By rotating the second support member 34, the opening 46 of the second shutter member 35 and the opening 39 of the second support member 34 are aligned as shown in FIGS. 17 (3) and 18 (2). The container opening 81 opens.

Further, a sealing member 37 of a hermetic container is provided between the second supporting member 34 and the second shutter member 35. Thereby, the airtightness of the supply container 3 can be made higher.

As shown in FIG. 14, the second support member 34
At the center of the container, there is a protrusion 40 that protrudes inward of the container. The projecting portion 40 is in the shape of a short cylinder with a bottom, has a hollow portion 59 of a support member inside, and is open at the bottom (on the side of the second shutter member 35). Second shutter member 35
A hollow portion 47 of the shutter member is also formed in the central portion of the hollow portion 47, and the hollow portion 47 and the hollow portion 59 of the support member in the protruding portion 40 communicate with each other.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view showing the second lock mechanism 54. The second lock mechanism 54 includes a protrusion 40 having a hollow portion 59 of the second support member 34, a hollow portion 47 provided in the second shutter member 35, and the compression coil spring 2.
2 and the lock member 36. Protrusion 4
0 and the hollow portion 47 are coaxially arranged on the rotation axis L1 of the second shutter member 35, and the hollow portion 59 of the support member and the hollow portion 47 of the shutter member are continuous. The rotation axis L1 extends from the peripheral wall of the protrusion 40 to the second support member 34.
Slits 42 extending in parallel with and extending to the internal space are formed. Similarly, a slit 48 extending parallel to the rotation axis L1 is also formed in the hollow portion 47 formed in the second shutter member 35.

The lock member 36 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having a projecting piece 21 projecting outward in the radial direction, and the projecting piece 21 is projected from the slits 42 and 48 into the projecting portion 40 and the hollow portion 47. It is stored. More specifically, the compression coil spring 22 is housed in the inner space of the protruding portion 40, that is, the hollow portion 59, and then the protruding portion 21 of the lock member 36 is housed by protruding from the slit 42. The lock member 36 is housed in the hollow portion 47 of the member 35. At this time, the protruding piece 21 formed on the lock member 36 is fitted into the slit 42 of the second support member 34 and the slit 48 of the second shutter member 35. The lock member 36 is spring-biased downward from the compression coil spring 22, but the slit 48 is formed only in the upper half of the second shutter member 35, and the lower half is continuous. The protrusion 21 is locked,
The lock member 36 is provided from the hollow portion 47 to the hollow portion 5 of the protruding portion 40.
Accommodated over nine.

In this way, the locking member 36 causes the protruding portion 21 to protrude from the slit 42 of the second supporting member 34 over the slit 48 of the second shutter member 35, whereby the second supporting member 34 and the second supporting member 34 Relative rotation with respect to the shutter member 35 is blocked. At this time, the opening 39 of the second support member 34 and the second shutter member 3
The container opening 81 is locked in the closed state by being shifted 180 degrees from the opening 46 of No. 5.

Next, the unlocking operation of the second lock mechanism 54 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the normal state, as shown in FIG. 22 (1), the lock member 3
6 is arranged from the inside of the protrusion 40 of the second support member 34 to the hollow portion 47 of the second shutter member 35, and is in a locked state.

As shown in FIG. 20, the first side of the developing device 2 side
A release projection 9 is provided upright in the center of the shutter member 5, and the release projection 9 functions as a second lock release mechanism that releases the second lock mechanism 54. More specifically, the supply container 3 is connected to the developing device 2.
21 and 22 (2), the releasing projection 9 is attached to the second shutter member 3 of the supply container 3.
5, the lock member 36 is inserted into the hollow portion 47 formed in
Is completely housed in the hollow portion 59 of the protrusion 40 against the spring force of the compression coil spring 22. That is, the lock member 36
The protruding piece 21 of the second shutter member 35 is completely separated from the slit 48 of the second shutter member 35, whereby the second supporting member 3
4 and the second shutter member 35 are relatively rotatable.

Therefore, in this state, the supply container 3 is
By rotating 0 degree, the container opening 81 is opened. In addition, as described above, at the position rotated by 180 degrees,
The rotation is stopped by bringing the locking member 6 into contact with the contact portion 17 of the first shutter member 5 on the developing device side.

FIG. 23 is an exploded view showing the holding mechanism 57 of the supply container 3, FIG. 24 is a developed view of the holding mechanism 57 expanded in the circumferential direction, and FIG. 25 shows the operation of the holding mechanism 57. FIG. The developing device 2 and the supply container 3 are provided with a holding mechanism 57 that holds the supply container 3 in a predetermined supply posture. The holding mechanism 57 includes the first support member 4
And holding engagement portions 12A to 12C provided on the second support member 34, and holding engagement pieces 43A to 43C provided on the second support member 34 and corresponding to the holding engagement portions 12A to 12C.

On the first supporting member 4 on the developing device side, an annular upper edge portion 10 and a lower edge portion 11 which are vertically opposed to each other with a space therebetween are formed, and an annular holding groove 23 is provided therebetween. It is formed. The upper edge portion 10 has retaining engagement portions 12A, 12
B and 12C are formed by cutting out at three places at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Further, the lower edge portion 11 is provided with a hooking portion 13 which is one notch. One of the three holding engaging portions 12A, 12B, 12C formed on the upper edge portion 12B 12B
And the engaging portion 13 formed on the lower edge portion 11 are arranged to face each other.

On the second supporting member 34 on the side of the replenishing container, holding engaging pieces 43A, 43B, which protrude radially outwardly, are provided.
43C are formed in three places at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The second
The shutter member 35 is formed with an engaging piece 50 that projects outward in the radial direction on the outer circumference.

Next, these operations will be described.
When the second shutter mechanism 33 on the supply container side is in the locked state, one of the three holding engagement pieces 43A, 43B, 43C of the second support member 34 and the second holding member 43B,
The engaging member 50 of the shutter member 35 is arranged so as to face. As shown in FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 (1), when the replenishing container 3 is mounted on the developing device 2, three holding engaging portions 12A, 12B, 12C on the developing device 2 side.
And holding engagement pieces 43A, 43 at three locations on the supply container 3 side.
Insert B and 43C. Then, as shown in FIG. 25 (2), the engaging piece 50 formed on the second shutter member 35 of the supply container 3 is formed on the lower edge portion 11 of the first supporting member 4 of the developing device 2. It is inserted into the engaging portion 13. As a result, the first supporting member 4 of the developing device 2 and the second shutter member 35 of the replenishing container 3 are connected to each other and relative rotation is prevented. Further, the holding engagement pieces 43A to 43C formed on the second support member 34 pass through the holding engagement portion 12 formed on the upper edge portion 10 of the first support member 4, and the first support The holding groove 23 is formed between the lower edge portion 11 and the upper edge portion 10 formed in the member 4.

Next, when the supply container 3 is rotated, the engaging piece 50 of the second shutter member 35 engages with the engaging portion 13 of the first supporting member 4, and the second shutter member 35 is moved to the developing device. Since it is prevented from rotating relative to 2, only the second support member 34 rotates between the upper edge portion 10 and the lower edge portion 11 as shown in FIG. 25 (3). To do.
When rotated 180 degrees in this way, the first side of the developing device side
When the locking member 6 contacts the contact portion 17 of the shutter member 5, the rotation is stopped. At this time, the three retaining engagement pieces 43A to 43C on the side of the replenishment container 3 have the upper edge portion 1
It is sandwiched between 0 and the lower edge portion 11, and the posture of the supply container 3 is maintained.

Next, the developer replenishing operation will be described collectively. The replenishing container 3 which is in a separated state from the developing device 2 has the container opening 81 closed, and is mounted on the developing device 2 with the rim portion 38 of the replenishing container 3 facing down. At that time, the releasing projection 9 of the first supporting member 4 on the developing device side is inserted into the hollow portion 47 of the second shutter member 35 on the replenishing container side, and the first shutter member 5 on the developing device side. The pin 49 of the second support member 34 on the side of the supply container is inserted into the pin insertion hole 18 of FIG. Further, the holding engagement pieces 43A to 43C of the second support member 34 on the replenishing container side and the engagement piece 50 of the second shutter member 35 form the holding engagement portion 12A of the first support member 4 on the developing device side. ~ 12C, the second shutter member 3 on the side of the supply container
The engaging piece 50 of No. 5 is fitted into the engaging portion 13 formed on the lower edge portion 11 of the first supporting member 4 on the developing device side.

The releasing projection 9 presses the lock member 36 of the second lock mechanism 54 against the urging force of the compression coil spring 22 to release the second lock mechanism 54. Further, the locking member 6 engaged with the cutout portion 16 of the first support member 4 moves to the unlocked position by the edge portion 38 of the supply container 3, and the lock of the first lock mechanism 53 is unlocked. To be done.

When the supply container 3 is rotated by 180 degrees, the second support member 34 is rotated together with the supply container 3 and the second support member 34 is rotated.
The first shutter member 5 rotates 180 degrees via the pin 49 provided on the support member 34 of FIG. by this,
The opening 80 and the container opening 81 of the developing device 2 are formed. Further, the holding engaging pieces 43A to 43C provided on the outer circumference of the second supporting member 34 on the replenishing container side are the first engaging members on the developing device side.
The holding groove 23 between the upper edge portion 10 and the lower edge portion 11 of the support member 4 is moved.

When the supply container 3 is rotated 180 degrees, the first
The contact portion 17 of the shutter member 5 comes into contact with the engagement portion 19 of the locking member 6, and the supply container 3 is prevented from being further angularly displaced. At this time, the opening 80 of the developing device 2 and the container opening 81 overlap, and the developer in the replenishing container 3 is replenished into the hopper 79 of the developing device 2.

When replenishment is completed, the first and second shutter mechanisms are returned to their original states by rotating the replenishing container 3 by 180 degrees in the opposite direction, and each opening 8 is opened.
Close 0,81. Then, the supply container 3 is connected to the developing device 2
The lock member 36 is pushed down by the elastic recovery force of the compression coil spring 22, and the lock member 36 is fitted into the hollow portion 47 of the second shutter member 35, and the second shutter member on the supply container side is released. 35 and the second support member 34 are prevented from rotating relative to each other. Further, the locking member 6 moves to the lock position by the elastic recovery force,
The notch 16 of the first shutter member 5 on the developing device side engages with the locking member 6, and locks the first shutter member 5 in a non-rotating state.

In this way, the supply container 3 is connected to the developing device 2
By removing from the device opening 80 of the developing device 2.
Then, the container opening 81 of the supply container 3 is completely closed and locked, so that the developer is not scattered.

Moreover, if the releasing projection 9 and the pin insertion hole 18 of the developing device 2 and the hollow portion 47 and the pin 49 of the shutter member of the replenishing container 3 are not completely in the same position and shape, the first and the second portions. Since the lock of the shutter mechanism 2 cannot be released, it is possible to prevent erroneous replenishment other than the designated developer supply container (designated developer). Further, the above-mentioned respective configurations are merely examples of the present invention, and the configurations can be changed within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view showing a second lock mechanism 54A according to another embodiment. The developer replenishing device 1A using the second lock mechanism 54A according to this embodiment is similar to the above-described embodiment, and the configuration other than the second lock mechanism is the same and the same. The same reference numerals are used for the configuration, and the description is omitted. The second locking mechanism 54A used in this other embodiment is
It has a lock member 36A that is a curved leaf spring, and the lower surface side of the second support member 34 (the second shutter member 35 side).
Has a recess 60 formed across the axis, and the lock member 36A is disposed in the recess 60.

A groove 61 is formed in the upper portion of the second shutter member 35 (on the side of the second support member 34), and the curved portion 62 of the lock member 36A projects outside the second support member 34 to form the second portion. The shutter member 35 is arranged at a lock position where it is engaged with the groove 61. Therefore, at this time, the second
The relative rotation between the support member 34 and the second shutter member 35 is prevented. Further, when the curved portion 62 is housed in the recess 60 of the second support member 34 and is disposed in the unlocked position, the second support member 34 and the second shutter member 3 are arranged.
Rotation relative to 5 can be allowed.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view showing the releasing operation of the second lock mechanism 54A. As shown in FIG. 27 (1),
Before the replenishment container 3 is attached to the developing device 2, the curved portion 62 formed on the lock member 36 </ b> A is housed in the groove portion 61 of the second shutter member 35, and the second shutter member 35.
And the relative rotation of the second support member 34 is prevented.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27 (2), when the replenishing container 2 is mounted on the developing device 3, the releasing projection 9 provided on the first supporting member 4 on the developing device side has the second projecting portion. It is inserted into the hollow portion 47 of the shutter member of the shutter member 35,
The release projection 9 presses the curved portion 62 of the lock member 36A. As a result, the lock member 36A is completely housed in the recess 60 of the second support member 34. This allows the second shutter member 35 to rotate without the lock member 36A blocking the rotation of the second shutter member 35.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27C, the second shutter member 35 is rotated and the second shutter member 35 is rotated.
And the opening of the second support member 34 coincide with each other, and the container opening 81 is opened.

As described above, by using the curved plate spring for the lock member 36A, the second lock mechanism can be constructed without using a separate spring, so that the simplified developer replenishing device 1 is provided. You can

[0100]

As described above, according to the present invention, the opening of the developing device can be prevented from being opened except when the developer is being replenished, so that the developer can be surely prevented from scattering to the outside of the developing device. be able to. Further, since the opening of the developing device is opened only when the developer is supplied, it is possible to reduce the possibility that foreign matter other than the developer is mixed into the developing device.

Since the opening of the container can be prevented except when the developer is being replenished, it is possible to reliably prevent the developer from scattering and flowing out of the container. Further, since the opening of the container is opened only when the developer is supplied, it is possible to reduce the possibility that foreign matter other than the developer is mixed into the container.

Since the second shutter mechanism operates in conjunction with the first shutter mechanism, the shutter mechanism can be operated by one operation. Further, by mounting the developer supply container on the developing device, the first lock mechanism and the second lock mechanism are provided.
The lock mechanism of is released. This makes it possible to omit a special operation for releasing each lock mechanism. Therefore, the developer replenishing operation can be easily performed, which is excellent in convenience.

According to the present invention, the opening of the developing device provided in the developing device can be opened and closed by rotating the first shutter member. Therefore, the operator can easily open and close the opening of the developing device. Moreover, an extra space for opening and closing the opening of the developing device is not required, and the first shutter mechanism of the developing device can be realized in a space-saving manner.

Further, according to the present invention, the container opening provided in the developer supply container can be opened and closed by rotating the second shutter member. Therefore, the operator can easily open and close the container opening. Further, it is possible to realize the second shutter mechanism of the developer supply container in a space-saving manner without requiring an extra space for opening and closing the current container opening of the developing device supply container. The first lock mechanism is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the first shutter member. Further, the second lock mechanism is provided coaxially with the rotation axis of the second shutter member. This allows the developer supply container to be attached to the developing device and then rotated by 180 degrees so that the opening of the developing device and the opening of the developer supply container are aligned with each other. Further, by disposing each lock mechanism on the outer peripheral portion of the shutter member and on the rotation axis, the area of the shutter member that can be used as an opening can be increased, and the opening of the shutter member can be formed in a substantially semicircular shape. Can be formed. As shown in FIG. 23, the substantially semicircle has an arc extending near the outer periphery,
The chord can be formed in a shape extending near the axis of rotation. As a result, the opening of the container and the developing device can be opened and closed, and the region of the coupling portion of the container and the developing device that is about half of the end face can be opened. Therefore, the opening can be made as large as possible. By forming the opening large, the developer can be supplied from the container to the developing device in a short time. In addition, the empty container can be refilled with the developer in a short time. Further, according to the present invention, by providing the seal member between the first support member and the first shutter member, it is possible to improve the airtightness of the opening of the developing device. It is possible to more reliably prevent the developer from scattering.

Further, according to the present invention, the engaging portion of the locking member is engaged with the notch provided in the first shutter member in a state where the opening of the developing device is sealed. This makes it possible to keep the opening of the developing device in a sealed state.
Therefore, the opening of the developing device is sealed until the engagement between the cutout portion and the engagement portion of the locking member is released, and the opening is not easily opened. This can prevent the developer in the opening of the developing device from scattering to the outside.

Further, according to the present invention, the spring member is not required, and the rotation blocking and blocking releasing action of the first shutter member can be performed with a simple structure. Therefore, the structure of the developing device is not complicated, and the developing device can be easily manufactured.

According to the present invention, it is possible to release the lock of the first shutter member with a simple structure without requiring a special member for releasing the first lock mechanism. Therefore, the structure of the developing device is not complicated, and the developing device can be easily manufactured.

Further, according to the present invention, the opening of the first shutter member and the opening of the first support member can be easily aligned with each other. Therefore, the operator who performs the replenishment operation of the developer can easily open the opening of the developing device, and the replenishment operation can be easily performed.

[0109]

Further, according to the invention, the second supporting member and the second
By providing a seal member between the container and the shutter member, it is possible to improve the hermeticity of the container opening of the developer supply container, so that the developer is more reliably prevented from scattering and flowing out from the container opening. be able to.

Further, according to the present invention, since the developer is guided to the opening of the second support member by the guide piece, the developer supply container can smoothly supply the developer to the developing device. In addition, the guide piece prevents the developer from remaining in the developer supply container and prevents the developer from leaking from other than the opening of the developer supply device.

According to the invention, the second shutter member is prevented from rotating with respect to the second support member by disposing the lock member at the lock position. Therefore, the opening of the second shutter member and the opening of the second support member are not aligned with each other, that is, the container opening of the developer supply container is closed, and the container opening is closed by arranging the lock member at the lock position. It can be held in the opened state. Therefore, the container opening is closed and cannot be opened until the lock member moves to the unlock position and unlocks. This can prevent the developer in the container opening from scattering and flowing out.

Further, according to the present invention, the lock member is arranged at the lock position in a state where the opening of the developer container is closed. As a result, the opening of the container can be maintained in a sealed state. Therefore, the container opening is closed until the lock member moves to the unlock position and the lock is released, and the container opening is not easily opened. This can prevent the developer in the container opening from scattering and flowing out.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to release the lock by pressing the lock member to the lock release position by the release projection which is the first lock release mechanism.

Further, according to the present invention, since the holding mechanism is provided when the developer is replenished, the developer replenishing container can replenish the developer in a stable posture. Therefore, the operator can easily perform the replenishing operation, which is excellent in convenience.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to rotate the first shutter member by mounting the developer supply container on the developing device and rotating the developer supply container. Therefore, the operator can rotate the first shutter member simply by rotating the developer supply container, and can easily rotate the first shutter member to open and close the opening of the developing device.

According to the present invention, the developer replenishing container is attached to the developing device, and the developer replenishing container is rotated to rotate the second shutter member relative to the second supporting member. The container opening can be opened and closed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a developer supply device 1 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a developer supply device 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a first support member 4.

4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG.

5 is a plan view showing a first shutter member 5. FIG.

6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a part of the developing device 2 omitted.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a locking member 6.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a part of the developing device 2 when locked.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing an outline of an unlocking operation.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a part of the developing device 2 when the lock is released.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a part of the developing device 2 when replenishing the developer.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an outline of a supply container 3.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view showing a second shutter mechanism 33.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the supply container 3.

16 is a sectional view taken along the line XVI-XVI of FIG.

FIG. 17 shows the operation of the supply container 3 during supply.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a second support member 34 and a second shutter member 35.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view showing a second lock mechanism 54.

FIG. 20 is an exploded view showing the second lock mechanism 54.

FIG. 21 is an exploded view showing the second lock mechanism 54.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing an unlocking operation of the second lock mechanism 54.

FIG. 23 is an exploded view showing a holding mechanism 57 of the supply container 3.

FIG. 24 is a development view of the developing device 2 and the replenishing container 3 developed at one position in the circumferential direction.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view showing the operation of the holding mechanism 57.

FIG. 26 is a second locking mechanism 54 according to another embodiment.
It is an exploded view showing A.

FIG. 27 is a second locking mechanism 54 according to another embodiment.
It is sectional drawing which shows the cancellation | release operation of A. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Developer supply device 2 Development device 3 developer supply container 4 First support member 5 First shutter member 6 locking member 7 Seal member 9 Release protrusion 10 Upper edge 11 Lower edge 12 Holding part 13 Hanging part 16 Notch 17 Contact part 18-pin insertion hole 19 Engagement part 20 slope 21 protruding piece 22 Compression coil spring 23 retaining groove 32 Developer Supply Section 34 Second Support Member 35 Second shutter member 36 Lock member 37 Seal member 38 rim 40 Hollow part of the second support member 42 slits 43 Retaining engagement piece 44 Guide piece 47 Hollow part of second shutter member 48 slits 49 pin 50 hanging pieces 52 cap 59 Hollow part of support member 60 recess 61 groove 62 curved section 79 hoppers 80 Development device opening 81 Container opening

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Atsushi Yamaguchi 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture Sharp Corporation (72) Yoshiaki Sanada 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Tsutomu Nagata 22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Sharp Corporation (56) References JP-A-7-168435 (JP, A) JP-A-4-110972 (JP, A) (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 15/08 B65D 83/06

Claims (17)

(57) [Claims] 1. A developer replenishing device comprising: a developing device provided in an image forming apparatus; and a developer replenishing container containing a developer to be replenished to the developing device, wherein (a) the developing device comprises (a1) developing A first shutter mechanism that opens and closes the opening of the developing device by rotating the developer replenishing container with respect to the developing device with the developer replenishing container attached to the developing device. A first supporting member provided with an opening; and (a12) having an opening corresponding to the opening of the first supporting member, rotatably supported with respect to the first supporting member, and attached to a developing device. When the developer supply container is rotated, the first
A first shutter member that rotates relative to the support member of
A first shutter mechanism including: and (a2) a first lock mechanism that locks the first shutter mechanism that closes the opening of the developing device and that is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the first shutter member. (b) The developer replenishing container is (b1) in a state where the developer replenishing container is attached to the developing device, the developer replenishing container is interlocked with the first shutter mechanism by rotating the developer replenishing container with respect to the developing device A second shutter mechanism for opening and closing the container opening of the container, comprising: (b11) a second support member fixedly provided in the developer supply container and having an opening; and (b12) an opening of the second support member. By the rotation of the developer replenishing container mounted on the developing device and rotatably supported by the second supporting member.
A second shutter member that rotates with respect to the support member of
A second shutter mechanism including: and (b2) a second lock mechanism that locks the second shutter mechanism that closes the container opening and is provided coaxially with the rotation axis of the second shutter member. a3) The developing device further has a first lock releasing mechanism that releases the lock of the second shutter mechanism by the second lock mechanism when the developer supply container is attached to the developing device, (b3) The developer replenishing container further has a second lock releasing mechanism for releasing the lock of the first shutter mechanism by the first locking mechanism when the developer replenishing container is attached to the developing device. Except for the time, the opening of the first supporting member and the opening of the first shutter member are displaced from each other so that the opening of the developing device is closed, and the opening of the second supporting member and the second shutter are formed. Element The opening of the developer supply container is closed and the opening of the developer supply container is closed. When the developer is supplied, the opening of the first support member and the opening of the first shutter member are aligned to each other. A developer replenishing device, characterized in that an opening is formed, and the opening of the second support member and the opening of the second shutter member are aligned to form the opening of the developer replenishing container. 2. The developer replenishing device according to claim 1, wherein a sealing member for sealing is provided between the first supporting member and the first shutter member. 3. The first lock mechanism is provided with a cutout portion formed in the first shutter member and a rotation preventing rotation with respect to the first support member, and is engaged with the cutout portion. The developer replenishing device according to claim 1, further comprising a member. 4. The developer replenishing device according to claim 3, wherein the locking member is a T-shaped member having elasticity. 5. The locking member is formed with an inclined surface with which the second lock releasing mechanism comes into contact when the developer supply container is attached to the developing device, and the second lock releasing mechanism is provided on the inclined surface. 5. The developer replenishing device according to claim 3, wherein the engagement member releases the engagement with the cutout portion of the first shutter member by abutting. 6. The developer replenishing device according to claim 5, wherein the second lock release mechanism is an edge portion of the developer replenishing container. 7. The first shutter member is formed with an abutting portion that abuts on the locking member and stops the first shutter member at a predetermined position where the opening of the developing device is formed. The developer replenishing device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein 8. The developer replenishment according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing member provided between the second shutter member and the second support member for sealing. apparatus. 9. The second support member according to claim 1, wherein the second support member has a guide piece for guiding the developer to the opening of the second support member. Developer supply device. 10. The second locking mechanism includes a locking member having a protruding piece, and the second supporting member is locked by protruding the protruding piece of the locking member to the outside of the second supporting member. A hollow portion of the second support member into which the member is inserted is formed, and the lock member is inserted into the second shutter member by protruding the protruding piece of the lock member to the outside of the second shutter member. The hollow portion of the second shutter member is formed, and the lock member is configured to project from the hollow portion of the second shutter member to the second portion in the state where the projecting piece is projected to the outside of the second shutter member and the second supporting member. When arranged in a lock position that is inserted over the hollow portion of the support member, it prevents relative rotation between the second support member and the second shutter member, and is housed in the hollow portion of the second support member. Placed in the unlocked position When developer supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that to permit the relative rotation of the second support member and the second shutter member. 11. The second lock mechanism includes a lock member that is a curved leaf spring, a recess is formed in the second support member, and the lock member is disposed in the recess. A groove is formed in the second shutter member, and the lock member is arranged at a lock position where the curved portion of the lock member projects to the outside of the second support member and is engaged with the groove of the second shutter member. The second support member and the second
Of the second support member and the second shutter member when the curved portion is housed in the recess of the second support member and is located at the unlocked position. 10. The developer replenishing device according to claim 1, wherein relative rotation is allowed. 12. A first lock for releasing the second lock mechanism.
The unlocking mechanism includes a releasing projection provided on the first shutter mechanism, and when the developer supply container is attached to the developing device, the releasing projection presses the lock member to the unlocked position to unlock the developer. The developer replenishing device according to claim 10, wherein the developer replenishing device is provided. 13. The developing device and the developer replenishing container are provided with a holding mechanism for holding the developer replenishing container in a constant replenishing posture. The developer replenishing device described in 1. 14. The holding mechanism is provided on a holding engaging portion provided on a first supporting member and a second supporting member,
14. The developer replenishing device according to claim 13, further comprising a retaining engagement piece corresponding to the retaining engagement portion. 15. The first support member has an annular upper edge portion and a lower edge portion facing each other, the holding engaging portion is formed on the upper edge portion, and the holding engaging piece is formed. 15. The developer replenishing device according to claim 14, wherein the developer replenishing container is held in a constant replenishing posture by being sandwiched between the upper edge portion and the lower edge portion of the first support member. 16. A developer supply container, wherein a pin insertion hole is provided in the first shutter member for rotating the first shutter member, and a pin fitted in the pin insertion hole is provided in the second support member. When the developing device is mounted on the developing device, the pin provided on the second supporting member and the pin insertion hole provided on the first shutter member are engaged with each other, and the developer supply container is rotated, whereby the first shutter member is rotated. The developer replenishing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer replenishing device is rotated. 17. A developer is provided with an engaging piece on the outer periphery of the second shutter member for rotating the second shutter member, and an engaging portion with which the engaging piece is engaged with the first supporting member. When the replenishing container is attached to the developing device, the engaging piece of the second shutter member is engaged with the engaging portion of the first supporting member, the second shutter member is fixed to the developing device, and the developer replenishing container is attached. The developer replenishing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the second shutter member rotates relative to the second support member when rotated.