Patent Publication Number: US-9423720-B2

Title: Powder container and image forming apparatus

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a powder container that stores powder such as toner and an image forming apparatus including the powder container. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile that uses an electrophotographic process, a latent image formed on a photoreceptor is visualized with toner of a developing device. However, since toner is consumed when the latent image is developed, it is necessary to replenish toner into the developing device. Thus, a toner replenishing device as a powder supply device provided in the apparatus body conveys toner from a toner container as a powder container to the developing device to replenish toner into the developing device. With the developing device that replenishes toner in this manner, it is possible to perform developing continuously. Moreover, the toner container can be detachably attached to the toner replenishing device and is replaced with a new toner container having toner stored therein when the toner stored therein runs out. 
     As an example of a toner container detachably attached to the toner replenishing device, a toner container which includes a toner storing member that forms a storage unit that storing toner therein, and in which a spiral projection serving as a powder conveyor is provided on a cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the toner storing member is known (see Japanese laid-open Patent Application (JP-A) No. 2003-241496, JP-A 2005-221825, Japanese patent No. 4342958, JP-A No. 2002-202656, JP-A No. 2003-233247, JP-A No. 2009-276659, and JP-A No. 07-261492, for example). In such a toner container, when the toner storing member rotates in a state of being attached to the toner replenishing device, the toner stored therein is conveyed from one end side in the rotation axis direction of the toner storing member to the other end side. The toner is delivered from an opening provided on the other end side of the toner storing member toward the main body of the toner replenishing device. 
     JP-A Nos. 2009-276659 and 07-261492 each disclose a toner container in which toner stored in a storage unit is conveyed from one end side thereof to the other end side when a toner storing member rotates, and in which a conveying nozzle fixed to a toner replenishing device is inserted from an opening on the other end side of the toner storing member into the storage unit. A toner inlet is provided near a front end in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle inserted from the opening of the toner storing member into the storage unit, and the conveying nozzle receives the toner in the toner storing member into the nozzle from the toner inlet in a state of being inserted in the toner container and conveys the toner toward the main body of the toner replenishing device. Moreover, the toner container has a nozzle insertion portion in which a nozzle insertion opening for inserting the conveying nozzle is provided in the opening at the other end of the toner storing member. Further, the toner container includes an opening blocking member that blocks the nozzle insertion opening before the conveying nozzle is inserted and opens the nozzle insertion opening when the conveying nozzle is inserted. 
     The opening blocking member included in the toner container disclosed in JP-A No. 2009-276659 is a shutter member that can slide in the nozzle insertion path provided in the toner container, and is biased by a spring from one end side of the nozzle insertion path to the other end side. In this structure, when the shutter member biased by the spring bumps against the vicinity of the nozzle insertion opening until the conveying nozzle is inserted, the nozzle insertion opening maintains a blocked state. Moreover, when the conveying nozzle is inserted, the front end of the conveying nozzle presses the shutter member so that the spring biasing the shutter member is contracted, whereby the shutter member can move from the other end side of the nozzle insertion path to one end side and the conveying nozzle can be inserted into the nozzle insertion path. 
     However, in the toner container disclosed in JP-A No. 2009-276659, a spring and an insertion path defining portion that supports the spring and forms a nozzle conveying path are required in addition to the shutter member which is an opening blocking member, and the structure that opens and blocks the nozzle insertion opening becomes complex. 
     On the other hand, the opening blocking member included in the toner container disclosed in JP-A No. 07-261492 is an elastic sheet member which is formed of a sheet-shaped elastic member and has a slit provided so as to penetrate from one surface to the other surface thereof. In the toner container disclosed in JP-A No. 07-261492, when a conveying nozzle is inserted in the slit of the elastic sheet member provided so as to block the nozzle insertion opening, the elastic sheet member is elastically deformed so that the slit is expanded. By expanding the slit in this way, the conveying nozzle can pass through portion of the nozzle insertion opening blocked by the elastic sheet member and the conveying nozzle can be inserted in the nozzle insertion opening. Since the nozzle insertion opening is opened and blocked by elastic deformation of the elastic sheet member, it is possible to simplify the structure of opening and blocking the nozzle insertion opening as compared to the toner container of JP-A No. 2009-276659. 
     In the toner container disclosed in No. JP-A 07-261492, in a state where the elastic sheet member is not elastically deformed, the slit is blocked and toner leakage can be prevented. However, when vibration or impact is applied to the toner container while conveying before it is attached to the toner replenishing device, vibration or impact may be transmitted to the elastic sheet member which may be temporarily elastically deformed, and a gap may be provided in the slit. When a gap is provided in the slit even if temporarily, toner in the storage unit may pass through the slit in the elastic sheet member. When toner passes through the slit in the elastic sheet member during conveying of the toner container, this can cause toner leakage. 
     In the foregoing description, the problem occurring in the toner container that stores toner as powder has been described. However, the same problem can occur in a powder container that stores powder different from toner. That is, the same problem can occur if a powder container includes an elastic sheet member that blocks a nozzle insertion opening when a powder conveying nozzle fixed to a powder conveying device is not inserted, and the elastic sheet member is elastically deformed to allow the powder conveying nozzle to pass when the conveying nozzle is inserted. 
     Therefore, there is a need to provide a powder container that includes an elastic sheet member that blocks a nozzle insertion opening in which a powder conveying nozzle that delivers powder stored therein to the outside and that can suppress leakage of powder in a state where a powder conveying device is not attached thereto, and to provide an image forming apparatus including the powder container. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to at least partially solve the problems in the conventional technology. 
     According to an embodiment, there is provided a powder container that includes a container body that stores powder to be supplied to a powder conveying device; a nozzle insertion portion having a nozzle insertion opening through which a powder conveying nozzle of the powder conveying device is inserted into the container body; and an elastic sheet member formed of a plurality of sheet-shaped elastic bodies. The elastic sheet member blocks the nozzle insertion opening in a state where the powder conveying nozzle is not inserted. Inserting the powder conveying nozzle causes the elastic sheet member to elastically deform so that the powder conveying nozzle passes through a blocked portion of the nozzle insertion opening. At least a part of the plurality of elastic bodies is arranged so as to overlap in at least a diametric direction of the nozzle insertion opening in an insertion direction of the powder conveying nozzle. 
     The above and other objects, features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of this invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a toner container according to a first embodiment, in which (a) is an exploded perspective view of the toner container and (b) is a front view of a nozzle receiver when seen from the other end side. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating an entire configuration of a copying machine, common to all embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view illustrating an image forming unit of the copying machine. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view illustrating a state where a toner container is provided in a toner replenishing device of the copying machine. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic perspective view illustrating a state where a toner container is provided in a toner container receiving portion of the copying machine. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating a toner container according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating the toner container of  FIG. 6  during storage. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating the toner container of  FIG. 6  in a state where a container front end cover is detached therefrom. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a toner container and a toner replenishing device before the toner container is attached thereto. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating a toner container and a toner replenishing device in a state where the toner container is attached thereto. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a toner container and a toner replenishing device before the toner container is attached thereto. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a toner container and a toner replenishing device in the process of attaching the toner container thereto. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a toner container and a toner replenishing device in a state where the toner container is attached thereto. 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a toner container in a state where a nozzle receiver is detached from a container body. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a toner container in a state where the nozzle receiver is attached to the container body from the state of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a nozzle shutter, common to all embodiments. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the nozzle shutter of  FIG. 16  when seen from a front end side of the nozzle. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view near a conveying nozzle of a toner replenishing device, common to all embodiments. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating near a nozzle opening of the conveying nozzle of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is a timing chart of a configuration in which a toner container is rotated first and a conveying screw is rotated subsequently. 
         FIG. 21  is a diagram illustrating an elastic sheet according to Example 1 of the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a nozzle receiver and a conveying nozzle in a state where the toner container of the first embodiment is attached to the toner replenishing device. 
         FIG. 23  is a front view when an elastic sheet according to Example 1 of the first embodiment seen from a front end side in a state where the toner container is attached to the toner replenishing device. 
         FIG. 24  is a diagram illustrating an elastic sheet according to Example 2 of the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  is a diagram illustrating an elastic sheet according to Example 3 of the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  is a front view when the elastic sheet of  FIG. 25  is seen from a front end side in a state where the toner container is attached to the toner replenishing device. 
         FIG. 27  is a diagram illustrating an elastic sheet according to Example 4 of the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 28  is a diagram of an elastic sheet according to Example 6 of a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a nozzle shutter having a donut-shaped sealing member, in which (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a cross-sectional view. 
         FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section orthogonal to a rotation shaft at the position of a scooping portion. 
         FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration in which an extension portion in an E-E cross-section in  FIG. 13  functions as a relaying means. 
         FIG. 32  illustrates cross-sectional views (schematic views) of the E-E cross-section in  FIG. 13 , in which (a) illustrates a configuration in which the extension portion does not function as the relaying means and (b) illustrates a configuration in which the extension portion functions as the relaying means. 
         FIG. 33  is a graph illustrating a relation between an amount of toner remaining in the container and a toner replenishing speed according to Example and Comparative Example. 
         FIG. 34  illustrates the toner container according to the second embodiment, in which (a) is an exploded perspective view of the toner container and (b) is a front view of a nozzle receiver when seen from the other end side. 
         FIG. 35  is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of three elastic sheets according to Example 1 of the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 36  is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of three elastic sheets according to Example 2 of the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 37  is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of three elastic sheets according to Example 3 of the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 38  is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of three elastic sheets according to Example 4 of the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 39  is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of three elastic sheets according to Example 5 of the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 40  is a diagram illustrating a contact position between an elastic sheet and a front end of a conveying nozzle, common to all embodiments. 
         FIG. 41  illustrates a toner container according to a third embodiment, in which (a) is a perspective view of a nozzle receiver having scooping ribs integrated therewith, (b) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a positional relation between the nozzle receiver of (a) and a conveying nozzle, and (c) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a side part of the toner container having the nozzle receiver of (a) mounted thereon. 
         FIG. 42  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the vicinity of a front end of a toner container having a cap member attached thereto according to Example 1 of a fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 43  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a toner container according to Example 2 of the fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 44  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a toner container according to Example 3 of the fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 45  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a toner container according to Example 4 of the fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 46  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a toner container according to Example 5 of the fourth embodiment. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the respective embodiments, the same members or members having the same functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. The following description is an example and the scope of the claim is not limited thereto. In the drawings, Y, M, C, and K are subscripts attached to constituent members corresponding to the colors yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, and may be omitted appropriately. 
     First Embodiment 
     First, a configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention in which the present invention is applied to a copying machine (hereinafter referred to as a copying machine  500 ) as an image forming apparatus will be described. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the copying machine  500  according to the present embodiment. The copying machine  500  includes a copying machine body (hereinafter referred to as a printer unit  100 ), a sheet feeding table (hereinafter referred to as a sheet feeding unit  200 ), and a scanner (hereinafter referred to as a scanner unit  400 ) attached onto the printer unit  100 . 
     Four toner containers  32  (Y, M, C, and K) as powder containers corresponding to respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) are detachably (replaceably) attached to a toner container receiving portion  70  that is provided in an upper part of the printer unit  100 . An intermediate transfer unit  85  is arranged below the toner container receiving portion  70 . 
     The intermediate transfer unit  85  includes an intermediate transfer belt  48 , four primary transfer bias rollers  49  (Y, M, C, and K), a secondary transfer backup roller  82 , a plurality of tension rollers, and an intermediate transfer cleaning device. The intermediate transfer belt  48  is stretched and supported by a plurality of roller members and moves endlessly in the direction indicated by an arrow in  FIG. 2  by rotation of the secondary transfer backup roller  82  which is one of the plurality of roller members. 
     Four image forming units  46  (Y, M, C, and K) corresponding to the respective colors are arranged in parallel in the printer unit  100  so as to face the intermediate transfer belt  48 . Moreover, corresponding four toner replenishing devices  60  (Y, M, C, and K) are arranged below the four toner containers  32  (Y, M, C, and K). Moreover, the toner stored in the toner containers  32  (Y, M, C, and K) is supplied (replenished) into developing devices (powder consuming units) of the image forming units  46  (Y, M, C, and K) corresponding to the respective colors by the corresponding toner replenishing devices  60  (Y, M, C, and K). 
     Moreover, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the printer unit  100  includes an exposure device  47  which is a latent image forming means and which is disposed below the four image forming units  46 . The exposure device  47  exposes the surface of a photoreceptor  41  to be described later with light based on image information of a document image read by the scanner unit  400  or image information input from an external device such as a personal computer and forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor  41 . Although the exposure device  47  included in the printer unit  100  employs a laser beam scanner that uses laser diodes, an exposure means may employ an optional configuration that uses an LED array. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming unit  46 Y corresponding to yellow. 
     The image forming unit  46 Y includes a drum-shaped photoreceptor  41 Y which is a latent image carrier. Further, in the image forming unit  46 Y, a charging roller  44 Y which is a charging means, a developing device  50 Y which is a developing means, a photoreceptor cleaning device  42 Y, a neutralization device, and the like are arranged around the photoreceptor  41 Y. Image forming processes (including charging step, exposure step, developing step, transfer step, and cleaning step) are performed on the photoreceptor  41 Y whereby a yellow image is formed on the photoreceptor  41 Y. 
     The other three image forming units  46  (M, C, and K) have approximately the same configuration as the image forming unit  46 Y corresponding to yellow except that the colors of toner used are different, and images of the colors corresponding to the respective toner components are formed on the photoreceptors  41  (M, C, and K). Hereinafter, the description of the other three image forming units  46  (M, C, and K) will be omitted appropriately, and the image forming unit  46 Y corresponding to yellow only will be described. 
     The photoreceptor  41 Y is rotated in the clockwise direction in  FIG. 3  by a driving motor. The surface of the photoreceptor  41 Y at the position where the surface faces the charging roller  44 Y is uniformly charged (charging step). After that, when the surface of the photoreceptor  41 Y reaches an irradiation position where the surface is irradiated with a laser beam L emitted from the exposure device  47 , exposure scanning is carried out at this position, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to yellow is formed on the surface (exposure step). After that, when the surface of the photoreceptor  41 Y reaches a position where the surface faces the developing device  50 Y, the electrostatic latent image is developed at this position, and a yellow toner image is formed (developing step). 
     The four primary transfer bias rollers  49  (Y, M, C, and K) of the intermediate transfer unit  85  and the photoreceptors  41  (Y, M, C, and K) form primary transfer nips with the intermediate transfer belt  48  interposed. A transfer bias having a polarity opposite to toner is applied to the primary transfer bias rollers  49  (Y, M, and K). 
     When the surface of the photoreceptor  41 Y on which a toner image is formed in the developing step reaches the primary transfer nip at which the surface faces the primary transfer bias roller  49 Y with the intermediate transfer belt  48  interposed, the toner image on the photoreceptor  41 Y is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt  48  at the primary transfer nip (primary transfer step). In this case, a very small amount of toner that has not been transferred remains on the photoreceptor  41 Y. After the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt  48  at the primary transfer nip, the surface of the photoreceptor  41 Y reaches a position where the surface faces the photoreceptor cleaning device  42 Y. At this position, the non-transferred toner remaining on the photoreceptor  41 Y is mechanically collected by a cleaning blade  42   a . Finally, when the surface of the photoreceptor  41 Y reaches a position where the surface faces the neutralization device, a residual potential on the photoreceptor  41 Y is removed. In this way, a series of image forming processes performed on the photoreceptor  41 Y ends. 
     Such image forming processes are also performed on the other image forming units  46  (M, C, and K) in the same manner as the image forming unit  46 Y. That is, a laser beam L based on image information is irradiated from the exposure device  47  arranged below the image forming units  46  (M, C, and K) toward the photoreceptors  41  (M, C, and K) of the respective image forming units  46  (M, C, and K). Specifically, the exposure device  47  emits a laser beam L from a light source so as to be radiated onto the respective photoreceptors  41  (M, C, and K) with a plurality of optical elements while scanning the laser beam L with a rotating polygon mirror. After that, a developing step is performed, and the toner images of the respective colors formed on the respective photoreceptors  41  (M, C, and K) are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt  48 . 
     In this case, the intermediate transfer belt  48  rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 2  to sequentially pass through the primary transfer nips of the respective primary transfer bias rollers  49  (Y, M, C, and K). In this way, the toner images of the respective colors on the respective photoreceptors  41  (Y, M, and K) are superimposed and primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt  48 , and a color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt  48 . 
     The intermediate transfer belt  48  on which the toner images of the respective colors are superimposed and transferred so that the color toner image is formed reaches a position where it faces a secondary transfer roller  89 . At this position, the secondary transfer backup roller  82  and the secondary transfer roller  89  configurate a secondary transfer nip with the intermediate transfer belt  48  interposed therebetween. Moreover, the color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt  48  is transferred to a recording medium P such as a transfer sheet conveyed to the position of the secondary transfer nip. In this case, toner that has not been transferred to the recording medium P remains on the intermediate transfer belt  48 . When the intermediate transfer belt  48  having passed through the secondary transfer nip reaches the position of an intermediate transfer cleaning device, the non-transferred toner on the surface thereof is collected. In this way, a series of transfer processes performed on the intermediate transfer belt  48  ends. 
     Next, the movement of the recording medium P will be described. 
     The recording medium P conveyed to the secondary transfer nip described above is a recording medium which is conveyed from a sheet feeding tray  26  of the sheet feeding unit  200  arranged below the printer unit  100  via a sheet feeding roller  27 , a registration roller pair  28 , and the like. Specifically, a plurality of recording media P is stacked and stored in the sheet feeding tray  26 . When the sheet feeding roller  27  is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction in  FIG. 2 , an uppermost recording medium P is conveyed toward a roller nip configurated by two rollers of the registration roller pair  28 . 
     The recording medium P conveyed to the registration roller pair  28  temporarily stops at the position or the roller nip of the registration roller pair  28  that stops rotating. The registration roller pair  28  is rotated in synchronization with the point in time when the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt  48  reaches the secondary transfer nip, and the recording medium P is conveyed toward the secondary transfer nip. After that, when the recording medium P passes through the secondary transfer nip, the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt  48  is transferred to the recording medium P. 
     The recording medium P to which the color toner image is transferred at the secondary transfer nip is conveyed to the position of a fixing device  86 . In the fixing device  86 , the color toner image transferred to the surface is fixed onto the recording medium P by the heat and pressure applied by a fixing belt and a pressing roller. The recording medium P having passed through the fixing device  86  is discharged outside the apparatus by passing between the rollers of a sheet discharging roller pair  29 . The recording medium P discharged outside the apparatus by the sheet discharging roller pair  29  is sequentially stacked on a stacking portion  30  as an output image. In this way, a series of image forming processes in the copying machine  500  is completed. 
     Next, the configuration and operation of the developing device  50  in the image forming unit  46  will be described in further detail. In this description, although the image forming unit  46 Y corresponding to yellow will be described by way of an example, the same is true for the image forming units  46  (M, C, and K) of the other colors. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the developing device  50 Y includes a developing roller  51 Y, a doctor blade  52 Y, two developer conveying screws  55 Y, and a toner density detection sensor  56 Y. The developing roller  51 Y faces the photoreceptor  41 Y, and the doctor blade  52 Y faces the developing roller  51 Y. Moreover, the two developer conveying screws  55 Y are arranged in two developer accommodating portions ( 53 Y and  54 Y). The developing roller  51 Y includes a magnet roller that is provided therein and a sleeve that rotates around the magnet roller. A two-component developer G that is made up of carrier and toner is stored in the first and second developer accommodating portions  53 Y and  54 Y. The second developer accommodating portion  54 Y communicates with a falling path defining portion  64 Y through an opening that is provided above the second developer accommodating portion  54 Y. Moreover, the toner density detection sensor  56 Y detects a toner density of the developer G in the second developer accommodating portion  54 Y. 
     The developer G in the developing device  50  circulates between the first and second developer accommodating portions  53 Y and  54 Y while being stirred by the two developer conveying screws  55 Y. The developer G in the first developer accommodating portion  53 Y is supplied to and carried on the surface of the sleeve of the developing roller  51 Y by a magnetic field generated by the magnet roller in the developing roller  51 Y while being conveyed toward one of the developer conveying screws  55 Y. The sleeve of the developing roller  51 Y is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction as indicated by an arrow in  FIG. 3 , and the developer G carried on the developing roller  51 Y moves on the developing roller  51 Y with rotation of the sleeve. In this case, toner in the developer G is charged into potential having a polarity opposite to the carrier by triboelectric charging with the carrier in the developer G to be electrostatically adsorbed in the carrier. Then, the toner is carried on the developing roller  51 Y together with the carrier attracted by the magnetic field generated on the developing roller  51 Y. 
     The developer G carried on the developing roller  51 Y is conveyed in the direction indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 3  and reaches a doctor portion at which the doctor blade  52 Y and the developing roller  51 Y face each other. When the developer G on the developing roller  51 Y passes through the doctor portion, the amount thereof is adjusted appropriately, and after that, the developer G is conveyed up to a developing area which is a position where the developing roller  51 Y faces the photoreceptor  41 Y. In the developing area, the toner in the developer G is adsorbed in the latent image formed on the photoreceptor  41 Y by a developing electric field generated between the developing roller  51 Y and the photoreceptor  41 Y. The developer G remaining on the surface of the developing roller  51 Y having passed through the developing area reaches a position above the first developer accommodating portion  53 Y with rotation of the sleeve. At this position, the developer G is separated from the developing roller  51 Y. 
     The developer G in the developing device  50 Y is adjusted so that the toner density is within a predetermined range. Specifically, toner stored in the toner container  32 Y is replenished into the second developer accommodating portion  54 Y by a toner replenishing device  60 Y to be described later in response to the amount consumed by development, of the toner included in the developer G in the developing device  50 Y. 
     The toner replenished into the second developer accommodating portion  54 Y circulates between the first and second developer accommodating portions  53 Y and  54 Y while being mixed and stirred together with the developer G by the two developer conveying screws  55 Y. 
     Next, the toner replenishing devices  60  (Y, M, C, and K) will be described. 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic view illustrating a state where the toner container  32 Y is provided in the toner replenishing device  60 Y, and  FIG. 5  is a schematic perspective view illustrating a state where four toner containers  32  (Y, M, C, and K) are provided in the toner container receiving portion  70 . 
     The toner in the respective toner containers  32  (Y, M, C, and K) provided in the toner container receiving portion  70  of the printer unit  100  is appropriately replenished into the respective developing devices  50  (Y, M, C, and K). In this case, the toner in the respective toner containers  32  (Y, M, C, and K) is replenished by the toner replenishing devices  60  (Y, M, C, and K) provided for the respective toner colors. The four toner replenishing devices  60  (Y, M, C, and K) and the toner containers  32  (Y, M, C, and K) have approximately the same structure except that the colors of the toner components used in the image forming processes are different. Therefore, hereinafter, the toner replenishing device  60 Y and the toner container  32 Y corresponding to yellow only will be described, and the description of the toner replenishing devices  60  (M, C, and K) and the toner containers  32  (M, C, and K) corresponding to the other three colors will be omitted appropriately. 
     The toner replenishing devices  60  (Y, M, C, and K) includes the toner container receiving portion  70 , conveying nozzles  611  (Y, M, C, and K), conveying screws  614  (Y, M, C, and K), falling path defining portions  64  (Y, M, C, and K), and container rotation driving units  91  (Y, M, C, and K). 
     When the toner container  32 Y moves in the direction indicated by arrow Q in the figure to be attached to the toner container receiving portion  70  of the printer unit  100 , the conveying nozzle  611 Y which is a conveying nozzle of the toner replenishing device  60 Y is inserted from a front end side of the toner container  32 Y in response to the attaching operation. In this way, the toner container  32 Y communicates with the conveying nozzle  611 Y. The details of a configuration in which a communication state is created in response to the attaching operation will be described later. 
     The toner container  32 Y of the present embodiment is an approximately cylindrical toner bottle and mainly includes a container front end cover  34 Y non-rotatably held in the toner container receiving portion  70  and a container body  33 Y having a container gear  301 Y integrated therewith. The container body  33 Y is held so as to be rotatable in relation to the container front end cover  34 Y. 
     The toner container receiving portion  70  mainly includes a cap portion  73 , a container receiving portion  72 , and an insertion opening defining portion  71 . The cap portion  73  is a portion for holding the container front end cover  34 Y of the toner container  32 Y, and the container receiving portion  72  is a portion for holding the container body  33 Y of the toner container  32 Y. Moreover, the insertion opening defining portion  71  is a portion that forms an insertion opening when the toner container  32 Y is attached to the container receiving portion  72 . When a body cover provided on the front side (the front side in the direction perpendicular to the drawing sheet of  FIG. 2 ) of the copying machine  500  is opened, the insertion opening defining portion  71  of the toner container receiving portion  70  is revealed. Moreover, in a state where the longitudinal direction of the respective toner containers  32  (Y, M, C, and K) is arranged in the horizontal direction, operation (operation of arranging the longitudinal direction of the toner container  32  in an attaching and detaching direction) of attaching and detaching the respective toner containers  32  (Y, M, C, and K) from the front side of the copying machine  500  is performed. A set cover  608 Y in  FIG. 4  is a part of the cap portion  73  of the toner container receiving portion  70 . 
     The container receiving portion  72  is provided such that the length in the longitudinal direction is approximately the same as the length in the longitudinal direction of the container body  33 Y. Moreover, the cap portion  73  is provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction (attaching and detaching direction) of the container receiving portion  72 , and the insertion opening defining portion  71  is provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the container receiving portion  72 . Thus, in response to the attaching operation of the toner container  32 Y, the container front end cover  34 Y passes through the insertion opening defining portion  71  and then temporarily slides on the container receiving portion  72  and is then attached to the cap portion  73 . 
     In a state where the container front end cover  34 Y is attached to the cap portion  73 , when rotational driving force is input to the container gear  301 Y from the container rotation driving unit  91 Y that is configurated of a driving motor, a driving gear, and the like, the container body  33 Y is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow A in  FIG. 4 . When the container body  33 Y itself rotates, the toner stored in the container body  33 Y is conveyed from the left to the right in  FIG. 4  along the longitudinal direction of the container body by a spiral projection (serving as a powder conveyor)  302 Y, provided in a spiral form on the inner circumferential surface of the container body  33 Y. As a result, the toner is supplied into the conveying nozzle  611 Y from the side of the container front end cover  34 Y. 
     The conveying screw  614 Y is disposed in the conveying nozzle  611 Y, and when rotational driving force is input from the container rotation driving unit  91 Y to a conveying screw gear  605 Y, the conveying screw  614 Y rotates to convey the toner supplied into the conveying nozzle  611 Y. A downstream end in the conveying direction of the conveying nozzle  611 Y is connected to the falling path defining portion  64 Y, and the toner conveyed by the conveying screw  614 Y free-falls along the falling path defining portion  64 Y and is replenished into the developing device  50 Y (the second developer accommodating portion  54 Y). 
     When the toner containers  32  (Y, M, C, and K) reach their service life (the toner stored therein almost runs out and the container is empty), the toner containers are replaced with a new one. A knob  303  is provided on an end in the longitudinal direction of the toner container  32  opposite to the container front end cover  34 , and the attached toner container  32  can be taken out when an operator pulls the knob  303  during replacement. 
     A controller  90  may calculate a toner consumption amount based on the image information used by the exposure device  47  and determine that it is necessary to supply toner to the developing device  50 Y. Moreover, the controller  90  may detect a decrease in the toner density in the developing device  50 Y based on the detection result of the toner density detection sensor  56 Y. In these cases, the container rotation driving unit  91 Y is rotated under the control of the controller  90  to rotate the container body  33 Y of the toner container  32 Y and the conveying screw  614 Y for a predetermined period so that toner is replenished to the developing device  50 Y. Moreover, since toner replenishment is performed by rotating the conveying screw  614 Y disposed in the conveying nozzle  611 Y, it is possible to accurately calculate the amount of toner supplied from the toner container  32 Y by detecting the number of rotations of the conveying screw  614 Y. When the accumulated amount of toner supply calculated from the time when the toner container  32 Y is attached reaches the amount of toner in the toner container  32 Y during attachment, a message requesting the replacement of the toner container  32 Y is displayed on a display unit of the copying machine  500  by regarding that toner is not present in the toner container  32 Y. 
     Moreover, even when the toner density detection sensor  56 Y detects a decrease in the toner density to execute toner replenishing operation and repeatedly determine whether the toner density has been recovered, recovery of the toner density may not be detected by the toner density detection sensor  56 Y. In this case, a message requesting the replacement of the toner container  32 Y is displayed on the display unit of the copying machine  500  by regarding that toner is not present in the toner container  32 Y. 
     In the toner replenishing device  60 Y of the present embodiment, the amount of toner supplied to the developing device  50 Y is controlled based on the number of rotations of the conveying screw  614 Y. Thus, the toner having passed through the conveying nozzle  611 Y is directly conveyed to the developing device  50 Y through the falling path defining portion  64 Y without the amount supplied to the developing device  50 Y being controlled. A temporarily toner storage unit such as a toner hopper may be provided in such a toner replenishing device  60 Y as in the present embodiment in which the conveying nozzle  611 Y is inserted to the toner container  32 Y. Moreover, the amount of toner supplied to the developing device  50 Y may be controlled by controlling the amount of toner conveyed from the temporarily toner storage unit to the developing device  50 Y. 
     Moreover, in the toner replenishing device  60 Y of the present embodiment, although the toner supplied into the conveying nozzle  611 Y is conveyed by the conveying screw  614 Y, a configuration that conveys the toner supplied into the conveying nozzle  611 Y is not limited to a screw member. As in JP 2009-276659 A, a configuration that applies conveying force other than the screw member such as a configuration that generates negative pressure in the opening of the conveying nozzle  611 Y using a powder pump may be used. 
     In the configuration where the temporarily toner storage unit is provided, a toner end sensor is provided so as to detect a state where the amount of toner stored in the temporarily toner storage unit reaches a predetermined amount. Moreover, when the toner end sensor detects a toner-end state, the container body  33 Y and the conveying screw  614 Y are rotated for a predetermined period to replenish toner into the temporarily toner storage unit. Further, when the toner-end state detected by the toner end sensor is not cleared even if such control is repeatedly performed for a predetermined number of times, a message requesting the replacement of the toner container  32 Y is displayed on the display unit of the copying machine  500  by regarding that toner is not present in the toner container  32 Y. In this manner, in the configuration in which the state where toner is not present in the toner container  32 Y is detected based on the toner-end state detected by the toner end sensor, it is not necessary to calculate the accumulated amount of toner supply calculated from the time when the toner container  32 Y is attached. However, in the configuration where the temporarily toner storage unit is not provided as in the toner replenishing device  60 Y of the present embodiment, it is possible to decrease the size of the toner replenishing device  60 Y and to decrease the size of the entire copying machine  500 . 
     Next, the toner containers  32  (Y, M, C, and K) and the toner replenishing devices  60  (Y, M, C, and K) of the present embodiment will be described in further detail. As described above, the toner containers  32  (Y, M, C, and K) and the toner replenishing devices  60  (Y, M, C, and K) have approximately the same configuration except that the colors of toner used are different. Thus, in the following description, the subscripts Y, M, C, and K representing the colors of toner used will be omitted. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating the toner container  32  of the present embodiment.  FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating the toner container  32  during storage and illustrates a state where a cap (cap member)  370  as a sealing member that seals a front end opening  305  of the toner container  32  illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
     Moreover,  FIG. 1  illustrates the toner container  32 , in which (a) is an exploded perspective view of the toner container  32 , and (b) is a front view of a nozzle receiver (serving as a nozzle reception member)  330  included in the toner container  32  when seen from the other end side. The cap  370  illustrated in  FIG. 1( a )  and  FIG. 7  is a member that is detached from the body of the toner container  32  when the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the toner container  32  in a state where the container front end cover  34  is detached. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the toner container  32  having the container front end cover  34  detached therefrom includes a container body  33  and the nozzle receiver  330  that includes a nozzle insertion opening (serving as a nozzle inlet)  331 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a front end of the toner container  32  and the toner replenishing device  60  before the toner container  32  is attached thereto.  FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating the front end of the toner container  32  and the toner replenishing device  60  in a state where the toner container  32  is attached thereto. 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the front end of the toner container  32  and the toner replenishing device  60  before the toner container  32  is attached thereto.  FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the front end of the toner container  32  and the toner replenishing device  60  in the process of attaching the toner container  32  thereto.  FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the front end of the toner container  32  and the toner replenishing device  60  in a state where the toner container  32  is attached thereto. In  FIGS. 11 to 13 , a driving motor  603  is not depicted. 
     The toner replenishing device  60  includes the conveying nozzle  611  that has the conveying screw  614  therein. Moreover, the toner replenishing device  60  includes a nozzle shutter  612 . The nozzle shutter  612  blocks a nozzle opening  610  provided in the conveying nozzle  611  in anon-attachment state (the state of  FIGS. 9 and 11 ) before the toner container  32  is attached thereto. Moreover, the nozzle shutter  612  opens the nozzle opening  610  in an attachment state (the state of  FIGS. 10 and 13 ) where the toner container  32  is attached thereto. On the other hand, the nozzle insertion opening  331  in which the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted during attachment is provided at the center of the front end surface of the toner container  32 , and an elastic sheet  332  which is a container shutter sheet that blocks the nozzle insertion opening  331  during non-attachment is provided. 
     The toner container  32  will be described. 
     As illustrated, the toner container  32  mainly includes the container body  33  and the container front end cover  34 .  FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the toner container  32  in a state where the nozzle receiver  330  is detached from the container body  33 . Moreover,  FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the toner container  32  (the toner container  32  in a state where the container front end cover  34  is detached therefrom similarly to  FIG. 8 ) in a state where the nozzle receiver  330  is attached to the container body  33  from the state of  FIG. 14 . 
     The container body  33  is approximately cylindrical to rotate about a central axis of the cylinder as a rotation axis. Hereinafter, a direction parallel to the rotation axis will be referred to as a “rotation axis direction”, and in the rotation axis direction, a front end side during attachment, on which the container front end cover  34  of the toner container  32  is disposed will be referred to as a “front end side”. Moreover, a side (the side opposite to the front end side) on which the knob  303  of the toner container  32  is disposed will be referred to as a “rear end side” or “container inner side”. The longitudinal direction of the toner container  32  is the rotation axis direction, and in a state where the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 , the rotation axis direction is the horizontal direction. A portion of the container body  33  located closer to the rear end side than the container gear  301  has a larger outer diameter than that located on the front end side, and the spiral projection (serving as a powder conveyor)  302  is provided on the inner circumferential surface thereof. Moreover, when the container body  33  rotates in the direction indicated by arrow A in the figure, conveying force is applied to the toner in the container body  33  by the action of the spiral projection  302  so that the toner is conveyed from one end side (rear end side) to the other end side (front end side) in the rotation axis direction. 
     A scooping portion  304  is provided on the inner wall on the front end side of the container body  33  so that the toner which has been conveyed toward the front end side by the spiral projection  302  with rotation of the container body  33  in the direction indicated by arrow A in the figure is scooped upward with rotation of the container body  33 . The scooping portion  304  includes a convex portion  304   h  and a scooping wall surface  304   f . The convex portion  304   h  is a portion that protrudes on the inner side of the container body  33  so as to form a ridge line of a mountain toward the center of rotation of the container body  33  while defining a spiral line. The scooping wall surface  304   f  is a wall surface that is on the downstream side when seen from the container rotation direction among the wall surface of the protruding portion that extends from the convex portion  304   h  (the ridge line) to the inner wall of the circumferential surface of the container body  33 . Moreover, when the scooping wall surface  304   f  is on the lower side, the toner entering into an inner space facing the scooping portion  304  by the conveying force of the spiral projection  302  is scooped upward by the scooping wall surface  304   f  with rotation of the container body  33 . As a result, the toner can be scooped upward further than the inserted conveying nozzle  611 . 
     Moreover, as illustrated in  FIGS. 11 to 13  and other figures, a scooping spiral projection  304   a  provided in a spiral shape is also provided on the inner circumferential surface of the scooping portion  304  so as to convey the toner in a manner similarly to the spiral projection  302 . 
     The container gear  301  is provided in a portion of the container body  33  located further closer to the front end side than the scooping portion  304 . A gear exposing opening  34   a  is provided in the container front end cover  34  so that a portion (the back side in  FIG. 6 ) of the container gear  301  is exposed in a state of being attached to the container body  33 . Moreover, when the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 , the container gear  301  exposed from the gear exposing opening  34   a  meshes with a container driving output gear  601  of the toner replenishing device  60 . 
     A cylindrical container opening  33   a  is provided in a portion of the container body  33  located further closer to the front end side than the container gear  301 . Moreover, when an attaching portion  337  of the nozzle receiver  330  is press-fitted into the container opening  33   a , the nozzle receiver  330  can be attached to the container body  33 . A method of attaching the nozzle receiver  330  is not limited to press-fitting, and an adhesive agent or screws may be used. 
     In the toner container  32 , after toner is filled in the container body  33  from the opening of the container opening  33   a , the nozzle receiver  330  is attached to the container opening  33   a  of the container body  33 . 
     Moreover, a cover hook stopper  306  is provided on a portion of the container opening  33   a  of the container body  33  closer to the container gear  301 . The container front end cover  34  is attached to the toner container  32  (the container body  33 ) in the state illustrated in  FIG. 8  from the front end side (the bottom left side in  FIG. 8 ). As a result, the container body  33  passes through the container front end cover  34  in the rotation axis direction, and a cover claw portion  341  provided on an upper portion of the container front end cover  34  is hooked by the cover hook stopper  306 . The cover hook stopper  306  is provided on an entire outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a  and interposes the cover claw portion  341  in the rotation axis direction together with the container gear  301  to thereby restrict the movement of the container front end cover  34  in the axial direction. With such a configuration, the container body  33  and the container front end cover  34  are provided so as to be rotatable in relation to each other. 
     Moreover, the container body  33  is provided according to a biaxial orientation blow molding method (see JP-A Nos. 2003-241496 and 2005-221825, and Japanese Patent No. 4342958). The biaxial orientation blow molding method generally includes two steps of a preform molding step and a stretching blow molding step. In the preform molding step, a test tube-shaped preform is molded according to injection molding using a resin. By this injection molding, the container opening  33   a , the cover hook stopper  306 , and the container gear  301  are formed in a test tube-shaped opening portion. The stretching blow molding step involves heating and softening the preform which has been cooled and separated from a mold after the preform molding step and performing blow molding and stretching the preform. 
     In the container body  33  of the present embodiment, portion located closer to the rear end side than the container gear  301  is molded by the stretching blow molding step. That is, the scooping portion  304 , and the portion where the spiral projection  302  is provided, and the knob  303  are molded by the stretching blow molding step. 
     In the container body  33 , since the container gear  301 , the container opening  33   a , and the respective portions disposed on the front end side than the container gear  301  such as the cover hook stopper  306  have the shapes of the injection-molded preform, these portions can be molded with high accuracy. On the other hand, since the scooping portion  304 , the portion where the spiral projection  302  is provided, and the knob  303  are stretch-molded in the stretching blow molding step, these portions are not molded with high accuracy. 
     Next, the nozzle receiver  330  attached to the container body  33  will be described. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 14, and 15 , the nozzle receiver  330  includes the attaching portion  337 , an elastic sheet  332 , a container seal  333  which is a container sealing member, and a sheet stopper  335 . 
     Moreover, the sheet stopper  335  includes a pair of extension portions  335   a.    
     The elastic sheet  332  is formed of a thin film sheet made from an elastic member having flexibility. Moreover, in the toner container  32  of the present embodiment, the elastic sheet  332  includes two elastic sheet members of first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b  so that the sheet members are disposed so as to overlap to form a sheet overlapping portion  332   c . Moreover, the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  blocks a portion of the elastic sheet  332  which is opened when the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted. 
     The attaching portion  337  has such a cylindrical shape that the diameter of the inner circumferential surface decreases stepwise toward a container seal attached wall (serving as a seal attached portion)  336  to be described later. As illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the attaching portion  337  has the donut-shaped container seal attached wall  336  in which the diameter of the inner circumferential surface is smaller than the other portion in order to hold the elastic sheet  332  and the container seal  333 . 
     The donut-shaped container seal  333  is disposed so as to make contact with a wall surface which is on the front end side in relation to the container seal attached wall  336 . The container seal  333  is attached to the wall surface (first wall surface) on the front end side of the container seal attached wall  336  of the attaching portion  337  by an adhesive agent, a double-sided tape, or the like. 
     On the other hand, the elastic sheet  332  is attached to the attaching portion  337  in such a manner that a planar surface of the elastic sheet  332  having such a shape that is larger by an overlapping margin than a semi-circle is interposed between a wall surface (second wall surface) on the rear end side of the container seal attached wall  336  and the sheet stopper  335 . Specifically, the sheet stopper  335  is press-fitted to the attaching portion  337  so that the elastic sheet  332  is interposed between the inner circumferential surface of a portion of the attaching portion  337  that includes the nozzle insertion opening  331  and the wall surface on the rear end side of the container seal attached wall  336 . In this manner, the sheet stopper  335  can be attached to the attaching portion  337 , and the elastic sheet  332  that is interposed between the sheet stopper  335  and the attaching portion  337  can be held on the attaching portion  337 . 
     A method of holding the elastic sheet  332  to the attaching portion  337  is not limited to press-fitting, and an adhesive agent may be used. 
     Moreover, the following method may be used as a method of holding the elastic sheet  332  to the attaching portion  337 . That is, a convex portion may be provided on the sheet stopper  335  and a concave portion or a hole may be provided in the attaching portion  337 . Moreover, holding may be realized in such a manner that the convex portion of the sheet stopper  335  engages with the concave portion or hole of the attaching portion  337  with the elastic sheet  332  interposed. Further, a concave portion or a hole may be provided in the sheet stopper  335  and a convex portion may be provided on the attaching portion  337 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , a plurality of nozzle shutter bumping ribs  337   a  is provided on the inner circumferential surface of a part of the attaching portion  337  in which the container seal  333  is disposed. As illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , in a state where the container seal  333  is attached to the attaching portion  337 , an end surface on the front end side of the container seal  333  protrudes in the rotation axis direction further than the front end of the nozzle shutter bumping rib  337   a . As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , when the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 , a nozzle shutter flange portion (bumping portion)  612   a  of the nozzle shutter  612  close to the toner replenishing device  60  bumps against the front end of the nozzle shutter bumping rib  337   a . A front end surface of the container seal  333  protrudes further than the front end of the nozzle shutter bumping rib  337   a . Thus, when the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 , the nozzle shutter flange portion  612   a  makes contact with the container seal  333  and then bumps against the nozzle shutter bumping rib  337   a  while squeezing the container seal  333 . In this way, when the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 , the container seal  333  is squeezed by the nozzle shutter flange portion  612   a . As a result, it is possible to secure air-tightness around the conveying nozzle  611  of the nozzle insertion opening  331  during attachment and to prevent toner leakage. 
     In the toner container  32 , the container seal  333  which is an elastic member defines a front end surface of a portion in which the nozzle insertion opening  331  of the nozzle receiver  330  is open. Moreover, the nozzle shutter flange portion  612   a  which is a bumping portion of the nozzle shutter  612  which is a powder inlet opening and blocking member bumps against the nozzle shutter bumping rib  337   a  in a state where the container seal  333  is squeezed and compressed, described above. As a result, a surface of the nozzle shutter flange portion  612   a  opposite to a nozzle shutter spring receiving surface  612   f  makes close contact with the container seal  333 , and a toner leakage preventing function can be improved. 
     In the toner container  32 , a plurality of nozzle shutter bumping ribs  337   a  serving as a bumped portion. And the nozzle shutter flange portion  612   a  serves as a bumping portion. The plurality of nozzle shutter bumping ribs  337   a  and the nozzle shutter flange portion  612   a  bump each other when the container seal  333  is compressed. A back side of the nozzle shutter spring receiving surface  612   f  of the nozzle shutter flange portion  612   a  biased by the nozzle shutter spring  613  bumps against the nozzle shutter bumping rib  337   a , whereby the position in the rotation axis direction of the nozzle shutter  612  in relation to the toner container  32  is determined. As a result, a positional relation in the rotation axis direction between the nozzle shutter  612  and the front end surface of the container seal  333  and the front end surface of the front end opening  305  (the inner space of a cylindrical attaching portion  337  to be described later, disposed in the container opening  33   a ) is determined. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 11 to 13 , when the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 , the nozzle shutter  612  as a contacting member and the nozzle shutter spring  613  as a biasing member are accommodated in the front end opening  305  which is a columnar inner space. 
     Moreover, as will be described later, during attachment of the toner container  32 , the nozzle opening.  610  starts opening when the nozzle shutter flange portion  612   a  bumps against the nozzle shutter bumping rib  337   a  and the relative position of the nozzle shutter  612  to the toner container  32  is determined. On the other hand, during detachment of the toner container  32 , even when the conveying nozzle  611  starts being removed from the toner container  32 , the relative position of the nozzle shutter  612  to the toner container  32  does not change in a state where the nozzle opening  610  is opened. After the nozzle shutter  612  blocks the nozzle opening  610 , the nozzle shutter  612  starts being removed from the toner container  32  together with the conveying nozzle  611 . In a state where the nozzle shutter flange portion  612   a  bumps against the nozzle shutter bumping rib  337   a , a portion of the conveying nozzle  611  where the nozzle opening  610  is provided is positioned sufficiently on the inner side of the toner container  32  than an inlet portion of the nozzle insertion opening  331 . Since the nozzle opening  610  is opened and closed in the state where it is positioned sufficiently on the inner side of the toner container  32 , it is possible to prevent toner leakage to the outside from the nozzle opening  610 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , a step is provided in the middle in the rotation axis direction of the outer circumferential surface of the attaching portion  337  of the nozzle receiver  330  so that the outer diameter on the rear end side decreases. Moreover, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the inner circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a  of the container body  33  has a shape that follows the outer circumferential surface of the attaching portion  337 , and a step is provided so that the inner diameter on the rear end side decreases. Moreover, the step on the outer circumferential surface of the attaching portion bumps against the entire area in the circumferential direction of the step on the inner circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a . As a result, an axial tilt (a state where a central axis of the cylindrical attaching portion  337  tilts in relation to the central axis of the cylindrical container opening  33   a ) of the nozzle receiver  330  in relation to the container body  33  is prevented. 
     Next, the configuration of the container front end cover  34  will be described. 
     The container front end cover  34  of the toner container  32  is moved so as to slide on the container receiving portion  72  of  FIG. 5  when the container front end cover  34  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 . In  FIG. 5 , with the axial direction of the container body  33  as the longitudinal direction, a groove extending from the insertion opening defining portion  71  to the cap portion  73  is provided immediately below the four toner containers  32 . A pair of slide guides  361  is provided on both side surfaces in the lower portion of the container front end cover  34  so as to allow sliding movement in a manner of being fitted to the groove. Specifically, a pair of slide rails is provided on the groove of the container receiving portion  72  so as to protrude from both side surfaces of the groove. The slide guides  361  form a slide groove  361   a  in parallel to the rotation axis of the container body  33  so as to be vertically interposed by the pair of slide rails. Further, the container front end cover  34  includes a container engaged portion  339  that engages with a replenishing device-side engaging member (container engaging member)  609  provided in the set cover  608  when the container front end cover  34  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 . 
     Moreover, an IC tag (IC chip)  700  which is an information storage device that records data such as a use state of the toner container  32  is provided on the container front end cover  34 . Further, a color identifying rib  34   b  that prevents attachment of the toner container  32  to a set cover  608  corresponding to a color different from the color of toner stored in the toner container  32  is provided on the container front end cover  34 . As described above, when the slide guide  361  engages with the slide rail of the container receiving portion  72  during attachment, the posture of the container front end cover  34  on the toner replenishing device  60  is determined. Moreover, alignment of the container engaged portion  339  and the replenishing device-side engaging member  609  and alignment of the IC tag  700  to be described later and a body-side connector  800  can be performed smoothly. 
     Next, the toner replenishing device  60  will be described. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the toner replenishing device  60  includes a nozzle holder  607  that fixes the conveying nozzle  611  to a body frame  602  of the copying machine  500 , and the set cover  608  is fixed to the nozzle holder  607 . Further, the falling path defining portion  64  that is disposed so as to communicate with the conveying nozzle  611  from the lower side of the conveying nozzle  611  so as to form a falling conveying path of toner is fixed to the nozzle holder  607 . 
     Moreover, as illustrated in  FIGS. 11 to 13 , an oscillating spring  640  is disposed inside the falling path defining portion  64 . 
     The oscillating spring  640  has one end being engaged with the rotation shaft of the conveying screw  614  to move vertically with rotation of the conveying screw  614 . The oscillating spring  640  performs this vertical movement to scrape off the toner that stays and adheres near the inner wall surface of the falling path defining portion  64  which is a tubular member. In order to improve the effect of preventing clogging of the falling path defining portion  64 , it is desirable to dispose the oscillating spring  640  near the inner wall surface of the falling path defining portion  64 . In the configuration of the present embodiment, since the falling path defining portion  64  is a cylindrical member, the oscillating spring  640  (a spring member of which diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner wall of the falling path defining portion  64 ) is an oscillating scraping member. When the cross-sectional shape of around slice of the falling path defining portion  64  is a shape other than a circular shape, the shape of the oscillating scraping member may be adjusted to comply with the cross-sectional shape of the falling path defining portion  64 . 
     Moreover, the container rotation driving unit  91  is fixed to the frame  602 . The container rotation driving unit  91  includes the driving motor  603  and the container driving output gear  601  and further includes a worm gear  603   a  that transmits rotational driving force of the driving motor  603  to the rotation shaft of the container driving output gear  601 . A power transmission gear  604  is fixed to the rotation shaft of the container driving output gear  601  to mesh with the conveying screw gear  605  fixed to the rotation shaft of the conveying screw  614 . With such a configuration, when the driving motor  603  is rotated, the toner container  32  can be rotated by the container driving output gear  601  and the container gear  301 . Moreover, when the driving motor  603  is rotated, the conveying screw  614  can be rotated by the power transmission gear  604  and the conveying screw gear  605 . That is, by rotation driving the driving motor  603 , the toner container  32  as well as the conveying screw  614  can be rotated. 
     A clutch may be provided in the power transmission path between the driving motor  603  and the container gear  301  and the power transmission path between the driving motor  603  and the conveying screw gear  605 . By providing such a clutch, a configuration in which only one of the toner container  32  and the conveying screw  614  is rotated when the driving motor  603  is rotated can be realized. 
     Next, the conveying nozzle  611  of the toner replenishing device  60  will be described. 
       FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the nozzle shutter  612 . Moreover,  FIG. 17  is a perspective view illustrating the nozzle shutter  612  when seen from the side (nozzle front end side) on which the toner container  32  is attached.  FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the vicinity of the conveying nozzle  611  of the toner replenishing device  60 , and  FIG. 19  is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating the vicinity of the nozzle opening  610  of the conveying nozzle  611 . In  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the conveying screw  614  disposed in the conveying nozzle  611  is not depicted. Moreover, the conveying nozzle  611  has a sheet member guide  611   a  to be described later that is disposed in an end that faces the toner container, on the side opposite to the base thereof. The sheet member guide  611   a  will be described later. 
     A container setting portion  615  is provided in the base of the conveying nozzle  611 . And the front end of the container opening  33   a  is fitted to the container setting portion  615  in a state where the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 . The container setting portion  615  has a cylindrical shape and the inner circumferential surface (container-setting-portion inner circumferential surface  615   a ) is fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical container opening  33   a  in a slidable state. With this fitting, the position of the toner container  32  in relation to the toner replenishing device  60  in a planar direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the toner container  32  is determined. Moreover, during rotation of the toner container  32 , the cylindrical container opening  33   a  functions as a rotation axis portion and the container setting portion  615  functions as a bearing. In this case, the position at which the container opening  33   a  makes a slidable contact with the container setting portion  615  and the toner container  32  is aligned with respect to the toner replenishing device  60  is indicated by “α” in  FIG. 13 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 16  and other figures, the nozzle shutter  612  includes the nozzle shutter flange portion  612   a  and a nozzle shutter cylinder portion  612   e . A first shutter inner circumference rib  612   b  is provided on a portion of the inner circumferential surface near the nozzle front end of the nozzle shutter cylinder portion  612   e . On the other hand, a second shutter inner circumference rib  612   c  and a third shutter inner circumference rib  612   d  are provided on the entire inner circumferential surface near the nozzle base end of the nozzle shutter cylinder portion  612   e.    
     The length in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the first shutter inner circumference rib  612   b  is set such that the first shutter inner circumference rib  612   b  can be fitted to the nozzle opening  610  in a state where the nozzle shutter  612  is attached to the conveying nozzle  611 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 18 , the nozzle base end of the nozzle shutter spring  613  bumps against a container-setting-portion end surface  615   b  which is an end surface of the container setting portion  615 . Moreover, the nozzle front end of the nozzle shutter spring  613  bumps against the nozzle shutter spring receiving surface  612   f  of the nozzle shutter flange portion  612   a . In this case, since the nozzle shutter spring  613  is compressed more than its natural length, the nozzle shutter  612  receives biasing force in the removal direction (the left direction in  FIG. 18 ) from the nozzle front end side. However, the first shutter inner circumference rib  612   b  bumps against an edge, that is, an upper portion of a nozzle-front-end-side inner wall surface  611   b  which is an inner wall surface of the sheet member guide  611   a  of the conveying nozzle  611 , on the nozzle front end side of the nozzle opening  610 . Due to this, the nozzle shutter  612  is prevented from moving in the removal direction from the conveying nozzle  611  further than the state illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . With the bumping of the first shutter inner circumference rib  612   b  and the biasing force of the nozzle shutter spring  613 , the position in the rotation axis direction of the nozzle shutter  612  in relation to the conveying nozzle  611  is determined. 
     A first inner-circumference-rib front end  612   g  which is an end in the circumferential direction of the first shutter inner circumference rib  612   b  has such a shape that it bumps against a nozzle-opening transversal edge  611   s  which is an edge in the transverse direction of the nozzle opening  610 . This shape allows the first inner-circumference-rib front end  612   g  to bump against the nozzle-opening transversal edge  611   s  when the nozzle shutter  612  rotates in the direction indicated by arrow A in  FIG. 19 . 
     When the toner container  32  rotates, force that allows the nozzle shutter  612  to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow A in  FIG. 19  acts on the nozzle shutter  612  of which the outer circumferential surface of the nozzle shutter cylinder portion  612   e  makes contact with the inner circumferential surface of the container seal  333  attached to the toner container  32 . In this case, when the nozzle shutter  612  rotates in relation to the conveying nozzle  611  and the first shutter inner circumference rib  612   b  is separated from the nozzle opening  610 , the following problem may occur. That is, when the toner replenishing device  60  is detached from the toner container  32 , the nozzle shutter  612  may be removed from the conveying nozzle  611  by the biasing force of the nozzle shutter spring  613 . 
     Moreover, depending on the elasticity of the nozzle shutter  612 , the first shutter inner circumference rib  612   b  separated from the nozzle opening  610  may tightly fasten the outer circumferential surface of the conveying nozzle  611  to make the nozzle shutter  612  immovable in relation to the conveying nozzle  611 . In any case, when the toner container  32  is detached from the toner replenishing device  60 , the nozzle opening  610  is open, which can cause toner leakage. 
     In contrast, in the toner replenishing device  60  of the present embodiment, when the nozzle shutter  612  rotates in the direction indicated by arrow A in  FIG. 19 , the first inner-circumference-rib front end  612   g  bumps against the nozzle-opening transversal edge  611   s . As a result, the nozzle shutter  612  is prevented from rotating in relation to the conveying nozzle  611  further from the state illustrated in  FIG. 19 . 
     Moreover, the inner diameter of the second and third shutter inner circumference ribs  612   c  and  612   d  is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical conveying nozzle  611 . Moreover, the second and third shutter inner circumference ribs  612   c  and  612   d  are elastically deformed so that the nozzle shutter  612  can be attached to the conveying nozzle  611 . In a state where the two ribs ( 612   c  and  612   d ) having a smaller inner diameter than the outer diameter of the conveying nozzle  611 , since the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle shutter  612  makes contact with the outer circumferential surface of the conveying nozzle  611 , it is possible to enhance air-tightness between the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle shutter  612  and the outer circumferential surface of the conveying nozzle  611 . Thus, it is possible to prevent toner leakage between the nozzle shutter  612  and the conveying nozzle  611 . 
     Moreover, the toner replenishing device  60  of the present embodiment uses a conical spring as the nozzle shutter spring  613 . A conical spring can allow at least a portion of neighboring coils to overlap when the spring is compressed, and it is possible to shorten the length in the rotation axis direction in the compressed state. Thus, it is possible to decrease the space in the rotation axis direction of the nozzle shutter spring  613  in the compressed state. 
     Next, the process of attaching the toner container  32  to the toner replenishing device  60  will be described. 
     First, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the cap  370  is detached from the toner container  32  having the cap  370  attached thereto to create a state illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
     Subsequently, the toner container  32  is moved toward the toner replenishing device  60  as indicated by arrow Q in  FIGS. 9 and 11  so that the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted into the nozzle insertion opening  331  and the sheet member guide  611   a  makes contact with the front end-side surface of the elastic sheet  332 . 
     When the toner container  32  is moved further toward the toner replenishing device  60  so that the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted in such a manner to expand the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  positioned at the center of the elastic sheet  332 . Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the sheet member guide  611   a  of the conveying nozzle  611  presses the elastic sheet  332  to elastically deform the elastic sheet  332 . With this elastic deformation, the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  of the two elastic sheets  332  is expanded, and the sheet member guide  611   a  of the conveying nozzle  611  passes through a portion of the nozzle insertion opening  331  blocked by the elastic sheet  332 . In this case, the nozzle shutter cylinder portion  612   e  of the nozzle shutter  612  located closer to the nozzle front end side than the nozzle shutter flange portion  612   a  is inserted into the nozzle insertion opening  331  together with the conveying nozzle  611 . 
     When the toner container  32  is moved further toward the toner replenishing device  60 , the nozzle shutter cylinder portion  612   e  and the conveying nozzle  611  are inserted deeper into the nozzle insertion opening  331 . As a result, the surface of the nozzle shutter flange portion  612   a  opposite to the nozzle shutter spring receiving surface  612   f  makes contact with the front end surface of the container seal  333 . 
     When the toner container  32  is moved further toward the toner replenishing device  60  from this state, the toner container  32  bumps into the nozzle shutter bumping rib  337   a  while slightly squeezing the container seal  333 . As a result, the relative position in the rotation axis direction of the nozzle shutter  612  to the toner container  32  is attached. 
     When the toner container  32  is moved further toward the toner replenishing device  60 , the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted further into the toner container  32 . In this case, the nozzle shutter  612  bumping against the nozzle shutter bumping rib  337   a  is pushed back toward the nozzle base side in relation to the conveying nozzle  611 . As a result, the nozzle shutter spring  613  is contracted and the relative position of the nozzle shutter  612  in relation to the conveying nozzle  611  moves toward the nozzle base side. With the movement of the relative position, the nozzle opening  610  covered by the nozzle shutter  612  is exposed inside the container body  33  and the container body  33  and the conveying nozzle  611  communicate with each other. 
     In the state where the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted into the nozzle insertion opening  331 , due to the biasing force of the nozzle shutter spring  613  in the contracted state, force that causes the toner container  32  to be pushed backward (the direction opposite to the arrow Q in the figure) acts on the toner replenishing device  60 . However, when the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 , the container engaged portion  339  resists against this force to move the toner container  32  toward the toner replenishing device  60  up to such a position that the container engaged portion  339  engages with the replenishing device-side engaging member  609 . As a result, the biasing force of the nozzle shutter spring  613  and the hooking force of the container engaged portion  339  in relation to the replenishing device-side engaging member  609  are applied. Due to the action of the biasing force and the hooking force, the position in the rotation axis direction of the toner container  32  in relation to the toner replenishing device  60  is determined in the state illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 13 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the container engaged portion  339  for determining the position in the axial direction of the toner container  32  in relation to the toner replenishing device  60  is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the container front end cover  34 . When the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 , the replenishing device-side engaging members  609  provided on the set cover  608  engage with the container engaged portions  339 . 
     The container engaged portion  339  includes a guide projection  339   a , a guide groove  339   b , a step portion  339   c , and an engaged opening  339   d . Two sets of container engaged portions  339  composed of the guide projection  339   a , the guide groove  339   b , the step portion  339   c , and the engaged opening  339   d  are disposed in the container front end cover  34 . Specifically, when the toner container  32  is seen from the front side, the container engaged portions  339  are disposed in pair on both sides of the container front end cover  34  with respect to a straight line passing through the nozzle insertion opening  331 . 
     Each guide projection  339   a  is provided on a vertical planar surface that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the toner container  32  on the container front end side of the container front end cover  34  and that passes the center of the rotation axis of the container body  33 . The guide projections  339   a  have slope surfaces that make contact with the replenishing device-side engaging members  609  during attachment of the toner container  32  and that are adjoined to the guide grooves  339   b  so that the replenishing device-side engaging members  609  can be guided toward the guide grooves  339   b . This slope surface has such a shape that a container front end side is on the inner side than the outer circumferential surface of the container front end cover  34  and is provided so as to be adjoined to the guide groove  339   b . The guide grooves  339   b  are grooves provided on the outer circumferential surface of the container front end cover  34  and are slid surfaces on which the replenishing device-side engaging members  609  slide. 
     A width of the groove of each guide groove  339   b  in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is slightly larger than the width in the same direction of the replenishing device-side engaging member  609  and is set such that the replenishing device-side engaging member  609  being guided does not fall off from the guide groove  339   b.    
     Moreover, each guide groove  339   b  is provided so as to extend in the longitudinal direction, and the step portion  339   c  having the same height as the outer circumferential surface of the container front end cover  34  is adjoined to an end on the container rear end side thereof. In other words, an approximately 1-mm wide outer circumferential surface of the container front end cover  34  is disposed between each guide groove  339   b  and each engaged opening  339   d . When each replenishing device-side engaging member  609  climbs over the step portion  339   c  to enter into and engage with (fall into) the engaged openings  339   d , the toner container  32  is set (latched) to the toner replenishing device  60 . This state is the attachment state of the toner container  32 . 
     The engaged openings  339   d  are not limited to through-holes, the engaged openings  339   d  may be bottomed holes having such a depth that the replenishing device-side engaging members  609  can engage therewith. In other words, the engaged openings  339   d  may be concave portions of which the side close to the circumferential surface of the container body  33  is blocked unless the holes do not interrupt the replenishing device-side engaging members  609  from moving to engage with the engaged openings  339   d.    
     The toner container  32  has a configuration in which the nozzle insertion opening  331  is positioned at the center of a line that connects the two container engaged portions  339  on an imaginary plane orthogonal to the rotation axis. The following problem may occur unless the nozzle insertion opening  331  is positioned on the line that connects the two container engaged portions  339 . That is, the biasing force of the nozzle shutter spring  613  acts on the plurality of nozzle shutter bumping ribs  337   a  arranged at an equal distance from the center of the nozzle insertion opening  331 . Due to this biasing force, a moment of force that rotates the toner container  32  about the line with the distance from the line to the center of the nozzle insertion opening  331  as the arm of the moment acts. Due to the action of the moment of this force, the toner container  32  may tilt in relation to the toner replenishing device  60 . In this case, the attachment load of the toner container  32  increases and a load is applied to the nozzle receiver  330 . 
     In particular, if the toner container  32  is a new one in which toner is stored sufficiently, when the conveying nozzle  611  protruding in the horizontal direction is pushed from the rear end side of the toner container  32  so as to be inserted therein, a moment of force that rotates the toner container  32  with the weight of toner added acts. As a result, a load may be applied to the nozzle receiver  330  in which the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted, and in a worst case, the nozzle receiver  330  may be deformed or broken. 
     In contrast, in the toner container  32  of the present embodiment, the center of the nozzle insertion opening  331  is positioned on the line that connects the two container engaged portions  339 . Thus, it is possible to prevent the toner container  32  from tilting in relation to the toner replenishing device  60  by the biasing force of the nozzle shutter spring  613  acting at the central position of the nozzle insertion opening  331 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , a configuration in which a circular end surface of the container opening  33   a  which is the front end of the toner container  32  does not make contact with the container-setting-portion end surface  615   b  in a state where the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60  is realized. This is because of the following reasons. A configuration in which the circular end surface of the container opening  33   a  makes contact with the container-setting-portion end surface  615   b  will be taken into consideration. In such a configuration, the circular end surface of the container opening  33   a  may bump against the container-setting-portion end surface  615   b  of the container setting portion  615  before the engaged opening  339   d  of the container engaged portion  339  is engaged to the replenishing device-side engaging member  609 . When this bumping occurs, the toner container  32  cannot be moved further toward the toner replenishing device  60 , and the positioning in the rotation axis direction of the toner container  32  in relation to the toner replenishing device  60  cannot be realized. To prevent this, a small gap is provided between the circular end surface of the container opening  33   a  and the container-setting-portion end surface  615   b  of the container setting portion  615  in a state where the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 . 
     Moreover, in a state where the position in the rotation axis direction of the toner container  32  in relation to the toner replenishing device  60  is determined, the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a  is slidably fitted to the container-setting-portion inner circumferential surface  615   a . Thus, as described above, the position of the toner container  32  in relation to the toner replenishing device  60  in the planar direction orthogonal to the rotation axis is determined. As a result, the attachment of the toner container  32  to the toner replenishing device  60  is completed. 
     In a state where attachment of the toner container  32  is completed, when the driving motor  603  is rotation driven, the container body  33  of the toner container  32  and the conveying screw  614  in the conveying nozzle  611  rotate. 
     When the container body  33  rotates, the toner in the container body  33  is conveyed to the front end side of the container body  33  by the spiral projection  302 . The toner having reached the scooping portion  304  with the conveying is scooped up to above the nozzle opening  610  by the movement of the scooping portion  304  due to rotation of the container body  33 . When the toner scooped up to above the nozzle opening  610  falls into the nozzle opening  610 , the toner is supplied into the conveying nozzle  611 . The toner supplied into the conveying nozzle  611  is conveyed by the conveying screw  614  and is replenished into the developing device  50  through the falling path defining portion  64 . 
     Here, a configuration in which toner is scooped upward by the scooping portion  304  of the container body  33  and falls into the nozzle opening  610 , and the toner is supplied into the conveying nozzle  611  will be described in detail. 
     First, the problem associated with the time of supplying toner from the toner container  32  to the conveying nozzle  611  will be described. In a state where toner is sufficient in the container body  33 , for example, immediately after the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 , an overflowably large amount of toner is continuously supplied to the nozzle opening  610  of the conveying nozzle  611 . Thus, the extension portion  335   a  is rotated to cross above the nozzle opening  610  to drop the overflowing toner, and the conveying screw  614  is controlled to rotate intermittently. In this way, it is possible to replenish a desired amount of toner to the developing device  50 . 
     On the other hand, when the amount of toner in the container body  33  decreases with the elapse of use time, the proportion of the amount of toner leaking through a gap between the end on the rotation center side of the scooping wall surface  304   f  and the conveying nozzle  611  to the amount of toner moving from the scooping portion  304  to the nozzle opening  610  increases. As a result, the amount of toner that can be replenished to the developing device  50  decreases. When the amount of toner that can be replenished to the developing device  50  decreases, since the toner density of the developer G in the developing device  50  becomes unstable, the need to replace the toner container  32  arises. In this state, since a large amount of toner remains in the container body  33 , a problem that large amount of toner remains in the toner container  32  during replacement occurs. 
       FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section orthogonal to the rotation axis at which the position in the rotation axis direction of the container body  33  attached to the nozzle receiver  330  is at the position of the scooping portion  304 . 
     The present invention includes the following inventions. That is, as illustrated in  FIG. 30 , in the toner container  32 , the outer circumferential surface of the extension portion  335   a  faces the inner wall surface of the container body  33  closer to the upstream side than the convex portion  304   h  in a state where the nozzle receiver  330  is attached to the container body  33 . Specifically, an inner wall surface on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the container body  33  among the inner wall surfaces divided by the convex portion  304   h  corresponding to a ridge line of a bulging portion that bulges toward the inner side of the container body  33  faces the outer circumferential surface of the extension portion  335   a . With this configuration, the following advantages are obtained. That is, the inner wall surface on the downstream side in the rotation direction among the inner wall surfaces divided by the convex portion  304   h  of the container body  33  when seen from the surface orthogonal to the rotation axis is the scooping wall surface  304   f . With rotation of the container body  33 , the scooping wall surface  304   f  can be positioned relatively above an extension-portion opening  335   b  which is a void region where the pair of extension portions  335   a  of the sheet stopper  335  is not present. The nozzle opening  610  is always open upward. Thus, the extension-portion opening  335   b  is also positioned above at the point in time when the scooping portion  304  is positioned above with rotation of the toner container  32 , and the toner scooped up by the scooping portion  304  passes through the extension-portion opening  335   b  and is supplied to the nozzle opening  610 . 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 30 , an extension-portion downstream end surface  335   c  which is an end surface on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the extension portion  335   a  is disposed at a position near the convex portion  304   h  protruding toward the center of rotation of the container body  33 . As a result, the toner flowing downward along the scooping wall surface  304   f  falls on the extension-portion downstream end surface  335   c  and is supplied to the nozzle opening  610 . In other words, the extension-portion downstream end surface  335   c  has a function of relaying the toner received from the scooping wall surface  304   f  to the nozzle opening  610 . 
     Next, the relaying function of the extension portion  335   a  of the toner container  32  will be described. 
       FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the container body  33  in an E-E cross-section cut at the end surface of the bearing of the conveying screw  614  on the front end side of the conveying nozzle  611  in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 32  illustrates the E-E cross-section in  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 32( a )  is a schematic functional diagram of a comparative example and is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which the extension portion  335   a  does not function as a relaying means.  FIG. 32( b )  is a schematic functional diagram of  FIG. 31  and is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which the extension portion  335   a  functions as a relaying means. 
     First, a conventional problem will be described. As in JP-A No. 2009-276659, in a configuration in which it is possible to control the amount of toner conveyed in a conveying nozzle, toner can be conveyed stably if a sufficient amount of toner is present near the opening of the conveying nozzle. However, when the amount of toner in the toner container decreases, the amount of toner conveyed may decrease and toner may not be conveyed stably. This is because, although it is possible to move toner to the vicinity of the inlet by the spiral projection provided inside the toner container, the toner may slip off before reaching the opening of the conveying nozzle and the amount of toner entering the conveying nozzle decreases. When the amount of toner conveyed decreases and it is impossible to convey toner stably, since the toner density of the developer in the developing device becomes unstable, the need to replace the toner container arises. In this state, since a large amount of toner remains in the container body, a problem that a large amount of toner remains in the toner container during replacement occurs. 
     In  FIG. 13 , the conveying nozzle (conveying nozzle)  611  is inserted in the nozzle receiver (nozzle insertion portion)  330  in the container body  33 . The nozzle opening (powder inlet)  610  of the conveying nozzle  611  inserted in the nozzle receiver  330  is open, and a state where toner can be conveyed into the toner replenishing device  60  is created. 
     A portion of the scooping portion  304  overlaps with the nozzle opening  610  in the longitudinal direction of the toner container  32  and another portion corresponds to the inner wall surface of the container body  33  located closer to the rear end side than the nozzle opening  610 . Specifically, the scooping portion  304  includes the convex portion  304   h  that corresponds to the ridge line in which the inner wall of the container body  33  bulges in the rotation axis direction and the scooping wall surface  304   f  which is a wall surface on the downstream side in the container rotation direction among the inner wall surfaces divided by the ridge line (see  FIG. 31 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 31 , the ridge line of the convex portion  304   h  has a gently-sloping mounting shape because the container body  33  is formed by blow-molding. In  FIG. 13  and other figures, the convex portion  304   h  is depicted as a curved line for convenience&#39;s sake in order to distinguish the scooping wall surface  304   f . The scooping wall surface  304   f  is a region depicted by a grid pattern as illustrated in  FIG. 13  and includes a pair of slope surfaces that connects the convex portion  304   h  and the inner circumferential surface of the container body  33  in point-symmetry about the rotation axis of the container body  33  as illustrated in  FIG. 31 . At the position of the E-E cross-section, since the extension direction of the wall surface on the upstream side in the container rotation direction among the inner wall surfaces divided by the ridge line is approximately identical to the cutting direction of the E-E cross-section, the wall surface has such a thickness as illustrated in  FIG. 31 . The convex portion  304   h  is also at the position where it seems to have its thickness. 
     In  FIG. 31 , the nozzle opening  610  that is open upward is disposed in the tubular conveying nozzle  611 . The pair of extension portion  335   a  attached to the container body  33  is disposed between the conveying nozzle  611  and the convex portion  304   h  and rotates integrally with the scooping wall surface  304   f  with rotation of the container body  33 . At the position (the position on the front end side of the conveying nozzle  611  and on the end surface of the bearing of the conveying screw  614 ) of the E-E cross-section, the convex portion  304   h  and the extension portion  335   a  face each other. Moreover, the scooping wall surface  304   f , the extension-portion downstream end surface  335   c  of the extension portion  335   a , and the nozzle-opening transversal edge  611   s  on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the nozzle opening  610  are disposed when seen from the downstream side in the container rotation direction. 
     Similarly to the scooping action described with reference to  FIG. 30 , the toner is also moved as indicated by arrow T 1  toward the nozzle opening  610  which is an opening of the conveying nozzle  611  by the scooping portion  304  configurated by the scooping wall surface  304   f  of the container body  33  of  FIG. 31 . In this case, the outer circumferential surface and the extension-portion downstream end surface  335   c  of the extension portion  335   a  function as a toner relaying portion that relays toner from the scooping portion  304  to the nozzle opening  610 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 31 , the inner diameter of the extension portion  335   a  is larger than the outer diameter of the conveying nozzle  611 . Due to this, the conveying nozzle  611  having passed through a region where it makes contact with the container seal  333  is prevented from making contact with the inner circumferential surface of the extension portion  335   a , and a load is rarely applied when the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted into the container body. Since the container seal  333  having a smaller inner diameter than the outer diameter of the conveying nozzle  611  is provided in the nozzle receiver  330 , the toner in the container body  33  is prevented from leaking outside the container body  33  along the outer circumferential surface of the conveying nozzle  611 . As a result, it is possible to prevent leakage of toner along a path other than a toner conveying path in which toner is conveyed from the container body  33  toward the developing device  50  through the conveying nozzle  611 . 
     Details of the relaying function will be described with reference to the schematic diagrams of  FIG. 32 . 
       FIG. 32( a )  illustrates the flow of toner inside the container body  33  when the extension portion  335   a  is disposed so as not to have the relaying function. With rotation of the container body  33  in the direction indicated by arrow A in the figure, the toner scooped upward by the scooping wall surface  304   f  along the circumferential direction of the container body  33  flows toward the nozzle opening  610  due to gravity (see arrow T 1 ). However, some toner may leak from the gap between the conveying nozzle  611  and the convex portion  304   h  (the convex portion protruding toward the center of rotation of the scooping wall surface  304   f ) (see arrow T 2 ). 
     More specifically, the state of  FIG. 32( a )  is a state where the scooping wall surface  304   f  has not come sufficiently up to the upper side and the convex portion  304   h  is near, the 9 o&#39;clock position of a clock. In this case, the upstream-side nozzle-opening transversal edge  611   s , the convex portion  304   h  of the scooping wall surface  304   f , and the downstream-side end surface of the extension portion  335   a  are arranged in that order when seen from the downstream side in the rotation direction of the container body  33 . In such a state, the end surface of the intermediate extension portion  335   a  is always later than the convex portion  304   h  of the scooping wall surface  304   f  that tries to relay toner and the toner relaying function cannot be obtained. Due to this delay, some toner leaks from the gap provided between the conveying nozzle  611 , the convex portion  304   h , and the extension portion  335   a . As a result, a problem that the replenishing speed becomes unstable and the amount of toner remaining in the container body  33  during replacement of the toner container  32  increases occurs. 
       FIG. 32( b )  illustrates the flow of toner inside the container body  33  having the extension portion  335   a  that functions as a relaying means. 
     The flow of toner until the toner scooped along the circumferential direction of the container body  33  by the scooping wall surface  304   f  flows toward the nozzle opening  610  due to gravity with rotation of the container body  33  in the direction indicated by arrow A in the figure is the same as the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 32( a ) . However, in the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 32( b ) , the extension portion  335   a  is disposed so as to block the gap between the conveying nozzle  611  and the convex portion  304   h  (the convex portion protruding toward the center of rotation of the scooping wall surface  304   f ). As a result, the extension-portion downstream end surface  335   c  of the extension portion  335   a  and the convex portion  304   h  of the scooping portion  304  are arranged in that order when seen from the downstream side in the rotation direction of the container body  33 . 
     Due to such an arrangement, the flow of toner as indicated by arrow T 2  in  FIG. 32( a )  is suppressed, and the pumped toner enters into the nozzle opening  610  efficiently. Due to this, even when the amount of toner in the container body  33  decreases, the replenishing speed is stable and the amount of toner remaining in the container body  33  during replacement of the toner container  32  can be reduced. Moreover, since the amount of toner remaining in the container body  33  during replacement can be reduced, it is possible to reduce a running cost, improve cost performance, and reduce the amount of wasted toner to reduce an adverse effect on environment. 
     The force that causes the gap between the conveying nozzle  611  and the convex portion  304   h  to be blocked does not strong enough to allow the extension portion  335   a  and the convex portion  304   h  to make close contact with each other. However, a small gap (approximately 0.3 mm to 1 mm) may be provided between the extension portion  335   a  and the convex portion  304   h  so that toner is present in the convex portion  304   h  on the lower side of  FIG. 32( b )  if the leakage of toner as indicated by arrow T 2  can be prevented. This is because a smaller gap may be clogged with toner to play the role of a seal by the operation when a large amount of toner is present at the start of toner replenishment. Moreover, since the scooping wall surface  304   f  is formed by blow-molding which cannot provide higher dimensional accuracy than injection molding, it is difficult to attain perfect close-contact, and it is desirable to have a small gap from the perspective of mass-productivity. 
       FIG. 33  is a graph illustrating the relation between the amount of toner remaining in a container and the replenishing speed (the amount of toner replenished per unit time) of the example (the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 31 and 32 ( b )) and the comparative example (the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 32( a ) ). 
     It can be understood from  FIG. 33  that the example maintains a stable replenishing speed even when the amount of toner remaining in the container decreases whereas the comparative example shows a decrease in the replenishing speed when the amount of toner remaining in the container. This is because in the comparative example without the relaying member, toner passes (slides off) through a gap provided between an end on the center of rotation of the scooping wall surface  304   f  which is a portion of the container body  33  and the conveying nozzle  611 . Thus, when the amount of remaining toner is small, a sufficient amount of toner cannot reach the nozzle opening  610 , the amount of toner supplied to the nozzle opening  610  cannot be maintained, and the replenishing speed decreases. 
     The toner container  32  of the example illustrated in  FIGS. 13, 31, and 32 ( b ) includes the following inventions. That is, two scooping wall surfaces  304   f  are provided in the container body  33 , and two relaying members (the extension portions  335   a ) are provided at the positions corresponding to the scooping wall surfaces  304   f . It is effective to provide the same number of relaying members as the number of scooping portions  304  such that three relaying members are provided when three scooping wall surfaces  304   f  are provided in the container body  33 . Similarly, it is also effective to provide the same number of relaying members as the number of scooping portions  304  when four or more scooping portions  304  are provided in the container body  33 . 
     Naturally, some of a plurality of extension portions  335   a  may correspond to the scooping wall surfaces  304   f  as the relaying members. For example, only one of two extension portions  335   a  may be used as the relaying member, and only one scooping wall surface  304   f  may be provided in the container body  33  so as to correspond to the extension portion  335   a.    
     In the above configuration, a configuration in which the toner container  32  and the conveying screw  614  are rotated simultaneously has been described. As the timings for rotating these components, the toner container  32  may be rotation driven first at the start of toner replenishment and the conveying screw  614  may be rotated subsequently after a predetermined period. Moreover, the toner container  32  may be stopped first at the stopping of toner replenishment and the conveying screw  614  may be stopped subsequently after a predetermined period.  FIG. 20  illustrates the timing chart of such a rotation timing configuration. 
     In the rotation timing configuration illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the toner container  32  starts rotation driving earlier than the conveying screw  614  at the start of toner replenishment. Thus, the conveying screw  614  can start rotation driving in a state where toner is filled near the nozzle opening  610  of the conveying nozzle  611 . Due to this, since the amount of toner conveyed by one rotation of the conveying screw  614  becomes stable from the start of rotation driving of the conveying screw  614 , the stability of the amount of toner replenished is improved. 
     Moreover, in the rotation timing configuration illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the toner container  32  stops rotation driving before the conveying screw  614  in the conveying nozzle  611  stops rotation driving at the stopping of toner replenishment. Due to such a rotation timing configuration, toner is continuously conveyed by the conveying screw  614  in a state where the supply of new toner to the nozzle opening  610  is stopped, and the conveying screw  614  stops rotating after a predetermined period. Due to this, the toner T present near the nozzle opening  610  of the conveying nozzle  611  when the toner container  32  stops rotation driving can be conveyed toward the falling path defining portion  64  by the conveying screw  614 . As a result, the amount of toner T remaining in a state of being carried on the conveying nozzle  611  near the nozzle opening  610  can be reduced. After that, when the toner container  32  is removed from the device body, since the amount of toner on the conveying nozzle  611  is small, the conveying nozzle  611  can be cleaned easily by the elastic sheet  332  and the container seal  333  provided in the nozzle receiver  330 . Thus, scattering and falling toner accompanied by attachment and detachment of the toner container  32  to and from the device body can be prevented. 
     Such a configuration in which the toner container  32  and the conveying screw  614  rotate at different points in time can be easily realized by using independent driving sources for rotation driving the respective components. 
     Moreover, when the same driving source is use, such a configuration can be realized by providing a clutch. By using the same driving source, the configuration in which the two components rotate at different points in time can be realized at a low cost. 
     Moreover, it is preferable that even after the toner container  32  stops rotation driving, the conveying screw  614  stops rotation driving after the conveying screw  614  is rotated at least by an amount corresponding to the amount of conveying that corresponding to the width in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle opening  610  of the conveying nozzle  611 . By doing so, the toner T present near the nozzle opening  610  of the conveying nozzle  611  can be conveyed to a position closer to the falling path defining portion  64  than the position facing the nozzle opening  610 . With such conveying, the toner scattering and falling when the toner container  32  is detached from the toner replenishing device  60  can be prevented more reliably. 
     Moreover, it is preferable that even after the toner container  32  stops rotation driving, the conveying screw  614  starts rotation driving after the toner container  32  is rotation driven at least by an amount corresponding to such an amount of conveying that the nozzle opening  610  of the conveying nozzle  611  is filled with the toner T. By doing so, the stability of the amount of toner replenished is improved further. 
     Further, as described above, the position at which the container opening  33   a  makes slidable contact with the container setting portion  615  and the position of the toner container  32  in relation to the toner replenishing device  60  is determined is indicated by “α” in  FIG. 13 . Here, the position “α” in  FIG. 13  is not limited to the configuration where the position has the functions of both a sliding portion and a positioning portion but may have any one of the functions of the sliding portion and the positioning portion. 
     The toner container  32  of the present embodiment includes the nozzle receiver  330  that is disposed in the opening of the container body  33  so as to provide the nozzle insertion opening  331 . The nozzle insertion opening  331  is a portion in which the conveying nozzle  611  having the nozzle opening  610  serving as a powder inlet is inserted. 
     Moreover, the elastic sheet  332  included in the toner container  32  is attached to the nozzle receiver  330  and is elastically deformed in response to operation of the conveying nozzle  611  being inserted in the nozzle receiver  330  to thereby open the nozzle insertion opening  331 . Moreover, the elastic sheet  332  restores its original shape in response to operation of the conveying nozzle  611  being removed from the nozzle receiver  330  to thereby block a portion of the elastic sheet  332  expanded by the conveying nozzle  611 . That is, the nozzle receiver  330  includes the elastic sheet  332  as an opening and blocking member that opens and blocks the nozzle insertion opening  331  in response to operation of inserting or pulling the conveying nozzle  611  into or from the nozzle receiver  330 . Due to such a configuration, the toner container  32  can maintain a state where the nozzle insertion opening.  331  is blocked until the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted and can prevent leakage or scattering of toner in a state before the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 . 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 11 , the nozzle insertion opening  331  of the toner container  32  is provided in a portion, that is, a bottom portion of a columnar void portion defined by the cylindrical front end opening  305 , closer to the container inner side (the rear end side) than the front end of the front end opening  305 . Due to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress toner from adhering to the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a  and adhering to the container-setting-portion inner circumferential surface  615   a.    
     If toner adheres to the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a , when the same toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60  again, toner remains between the container opening  33   a  and the container-setting-portion inner circumferential surface  615   a . Moreover, when toner adheres to the container-setting-portion inner circumferential surface  615   a , the following problems occur. That is, when a new toner container  32  is attached as well as when the same toner container  32  is attached again, toner remains between the container opening  33   a  and the container-setting-portion inner circumferential surface  615   a . If toner remains between the container opening  33   a  and the container-setting-portion inner circumferential surface  615   a , the positioning accuracy decreases when the position of the toner container  32  in relation to the toner replenishing device  60  is determined by the fitting of the container opening  33   a  and the container setting portion  615 . 
     Moreover, in the case of a configuration in which the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a  slides on the inner circumferential surface of the container setting portion  615 , the slidability may decrease due to toner and a rotational torque of the toner container  32  may increase. Further, when the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a  continuously slides on the inner circumferential surface of the container setting portion  615  in a state where toner remains therebetween, an aggregate of toner may be caused. 
     In the toner container  32  of the present embodiment, the front end surface of the container body  33  protrudes in the rotation axis direction further than the front end surface to which the nozzle insertion opening  331  of the nozzle receiver  330  is open. That is, in the toner container  32 , the opening position of the nozzle insertion opening  331  is located closer to the container inner side (the rear end side) than the front end of the container opening  33   a  which is the opening position of the container body  33 . 
     As described above, since the opening position of the nozzle insertion opening  331  is located at an inner position than the opening position of the container body  33 , it is possible to suppress toner from adhering to the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a . This is because, when toner leakage occurs when the conveying nozzle  611  is removed from the toner container  32 , the toner scattering after having leaked from the nozzle insertion opening  331  can rarely flow around the front end of the front end opening  305 . Moreover, since the toner leaking and falling from the nozzle insertion opening  331  is caught on the inner circumferential surface on the lower side of the front end opening  305 , it is possible to prevent toner from adhering to the container-setting-portion inner circumferential surface  615   a . As described above, since the toner leaking from the nozzle insertion opening  331  can be stored in a region surrounded by the inner circumferential surface located closer to the container inner side (the rear end side) than the front end surface of the front end opening  305 , it is possible to suppress toner from scattering out of the toner container  32 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 13 , in the present embodiment, the container setting portion  615  of the toner replenishing device  60  is away from the opening (the nozzle opening  610  or the nozzle insertion opening  331 ) where scattering toner is likely to occur before and after the toner container  32  is attached. Moreover, the front end of the front end opening  305  of the toner container  32  is away from the opening (the nozzle opening  610  or the nozzle insertion opening  331 ) where scattering toner is likely to occur before and after the toner container  32  is attached. Thus, it is possible to prevent toner from leaking from the nozzle insertion opening  331  before the toner container  32  is attached and from contact portions of the container seal  333  and the conveying nozzle  611  in a state where the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 . Further, the container setting portion  615  of the toner replenishing device  60  is away from the nozzle opening  610  when the toner container  32  is attached or detached. Moreover, the front end of the front end opening  305  of the toner container  32  is away from the elastic sheet  332 . 
     As described above, the positioning in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, of the toner container  32  in relation to the toner replenishing device  60  is realized by the fitting of the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a  and the container-setting-portion inner circumferential surface  615   a  of the container setting portion  615 . That is, the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a  of the container body  33  is a positioning portion that realizes alignment with respect to the toner replenishing device  60  which is a powder conveying device. Thus, when a toner contamination remains on the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a , the fitting state of the outer circumferential surface with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the container setting portion  615  may change and the positioning accuracy may decrease. In contrast, since the toner container  32  of the present embodiment can suppress toner from reaching the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a , the positioning accuracy of the toner container  32  in relation to the toner replenishing device  60  is stabilized. 
     Further, the contact portions of the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a  and the inner circumferential surface of the container setting portion  615  are such a relation that the contact portions slide on each other when the toner container  32  rotates. That is, the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a  of the container body  33  which is a powder storage member is a sliding portion that slides on the toner replenishing device  60  which is a powder conveying device. When toner enters into the sliding portion, sliding load may increase and a rotational torque of the toner container  32  may increase. In contrast, the toner container  32  of the present embodiment can suppress toner from reaching the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a  and suppress toner from entering into the contact portion that makes contact with the inner circumferential surface of the container setting portion  615 . Thus, since an increase in the sliding load is suppressed and the slidability is stabilized, it is possible to suppress an increase in the rotational torque of the toner container  32 . Moreover, since it is possible to suppress toner from entering into the sliding portion, it is possible to suppress formation of an aggregate of toner, which may be formed when toner is pressed and hardened by the sliding portion. 
     As described above, in the toner container  32  of the present embodiment, the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a  of the container body  33  serving as a powder storage member is a positioning portion and a sliding portion in relation to the toner replenishing device  60 . Moreover, since it is possible to suppress toner from adhering to the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a , the toner container  32  of the present embodiment provides stable positioning accuracy in relation to the toner replenishing device  60  and provides stable slidability during rotation. 
     Moreover, as described above, when the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 , the container seal  333  is squeezed by the nozzle shutter flange portion  612   a . As a result, the nozzle shutter flange portion  612   a  is closely compressed by the container seal  333 , and toner leakage can be prevented more reliably. Since the elastic sheet  332  is disposed closer to the inner side (the rear end side) in the longitudinal direction than the opening position, a columnar void portion is provided extending from the front end of the toner container  32  to the front end surfaces of the elastic sheet  332  and the container seal  333 . 
     The nozzle opening  610  of the conveying nozzle  611  is closed by the nozzle shutter  612  in a state where the toner container  32  is not attached to the toner replenishing device  60 . Moreover, in a state where the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 , it is necessary to open the nozzle shutter  612  to create a state where toner can be received therein. 
     In the toner replenishing device  60 , a columnar void portion is provided extending from the front end of the front end opening  305  to the front end surfaces of the elastic sheet  332  and the container seal  333 . An entire portion or a portion of a withdrawal space of the nozzle shutter  612  when the nozzle shutter  612  is opened is received in the void portion. Moreover, a columnar void portion is provided extending from the front end of the front end opening  305  to the front end surfaces of the elastic sheet  332  and the container seal  333 . An entire portion or a portion of the nozzle shutter spring  613  for shutting the nozzle shutter  612  is accommodated in the void portion. Due to such a configuration, an arrangement space of the nozzle shutter  612  and the nozzle shutter spring  613  can be decreased. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , in the present embodiment, in a state where the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 , a withdrawal position of the nozzle shutter  612  is such that a portion closer to the nozzle front end side than the nozzle shutter flange portion  612   a  is positioned inside the container seal  333 . A portion closer to the nozzle base side than the nozzle shutter flange portion  612   a  is approximately received in the columnar void portion provided so as to extend from the opening position (the front end) of the front end opening  305  to the front end surface of the container seal  333 . Further, the nozzle shutter spring  613  in the compressed state is approximately received in the columnar void portion. 
     With such a configuration, it is possible to shorten the distance from the opening position of the front end opening  305  which is the frontmost end of the toner container  32  to a toner falling portion (a position at which the falling path defining portion  64  is connected to the conveying nozzle  611 ) of the toner replenishing device  60 . In this way, it is possible to decrease the size of the device body. 
     As described with reference to  FIGS. 16 to 22 , the first shutter inner circumference rib  612   b  bumps against an edge, that is, an upper portion of the inner wall surface of the sheet member guide  611   a  of the conveying nozzle  611 , on the nozzle front end side of the nozzle opening  610  in a state where the nozzle shutter  612  is closed. As a result, the first shutter inner circumference rib  612   b  performs a function of preventing removal of the nozzle shutter  612 . Moreover, the first shutter inner circumference rib  612   b  performs a function of stopping rotation of the nozzle shutter  612  in such a manner that the first inner-circumference-rib front end  612   g  which is an end in the circumferential direction thereof bumps against the nozzle-opening transversal edge  611   s  which is a transversal edge of the nozzle opening  610 . The same function of stopping rotation of the nozzle shutter  612  is also achieved in a state where the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 . 
     Moreover, as described above, the inner diameter of the second and third shutter inner circumference ribs  612   c  and  612   d  is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the conveying nozzle  611 . As an example, when the outer diameter of the conveying nozzle  611  is φ15 mm, the inner diameter of the second shutter inner circumference ribs  612   c  and  612   d  may be set to between approximately φ4.8 mm and 14.9 mm. In this manner, the second and third shutter inner circumference ribs  612   c  and  612   d  having a columnar shape of which the inner diameter is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the conveying nozzle  611  are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle shutter  612 . As a result, it is possible to cover the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle shutter  612  and the outer circumferential surface of the conveying nozzle  611  and to obtain a toner sealing function without a sealing member. Thus, it is possible to obviate the need of a sealing member such as sponge or rubber. 
     Since it is not necessary to use a sealing member separately from the nozzle shutter  612 , it is possible to reduce the cost while preventing toner leakage. 
     As a configuration of preventing toner leakage, a donut-shaped sealing member may be disposed instead of the second and third shutter inner circumference ribs  612   c  and  612   d . However, since the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle shutter  612  and the outer circumferential surface of the conveying nozzle  611  is very narrow, the donut-shaped sealing member cannot enter into the gap. Thus, when the donut-shaped sealing member is disposed, a donut-shaped nozzle shutter sealing member  612   h  is disposed as illustrated in  FIG. 29 . In this case, the outer diameter of a nozzle shutter seal receiving portion  612   j  is set to be smaller than the diameter of the nozzle shutter spring  613  so that the nozzle shutter spring  613  makes contact with the nozzle shutter spring receiving surface  612   f.    
     When the nozzle shutter  612  is assembled with the conveying nozzle  611 , the nozzle shutter  612  needs to have a certain degree of elastic deformability in order to temporarily deform the nozzle shutter  612 . This is because, if a material that is too hard to be elastically deformed, the nozzle shutter  612  may be broken without being elastically deformed during assembling. The nozzle shutter  612  is formed of a material having appropriate elasticity, and for example, when the outer shape of the conveying nozzle  611  is a cylindrical shape, the nozzle shutter  612  also has a cylindrical shape having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the conveying nozzle  611 . Moreover, the first shutter inner circumference rib  612   b  that is a projection protruding inward is provided in an inner diameter portion of the nozzle shutter  612 . By forming the first shutter inner circumference rib  612   b  so as to face the nozzle opening  610  of the conveying nozzle  611 , the first shutter inner circumference rib  612   b  can function as a stopper that prevents removal and rotation of the nozzle shutter  612 . A portion of the conveying nozzle  611  engaging with the projection of the nozzle shutter  612  is not limited to the nozzle opening  610 , and an optional portion of the conveying nozzle  611  may engage with the projection as long as the projection provides the removal and rotation stopping function. 
     According to experiments of the present inventors, it is preferable that a resin material having a tensile modulus of elasticity of between 500 MPa and 2000 MPa is selected as the material of the nozzle shutter  612 . 
     When the nozzle shutter  612  is assembled with the conveying nozzle  611 , the three ribs  612   b  to  612   d  provided on the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle shutter  612  become a resistance when the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted into the nozzle shutter  612 . This resistance increase particularly when the first shutter inner circumference rib  612   b  climbs over the sheet member guide  611   a  to enter into the nozzle opening  610 . 
     In this case, if the nozzle shutter  612  is formed of a material having a certain degree of elasticity, the nozzle shutter  612  is deformed and assembling can be performed easily. Further, there is another merit that a sliding load which may increase when the second and third shutter inner circumference ribs  612   c  and  612   d  tightly fasten the conveying nozzle  611  does not increase. 
     Moreover, if the nozzle shutter  612  is too easily deformed, the removal and rotation stopping function of the first shutter inner circumference rib  612   b  is impaired. 
     The above merit can be stably obtained by selecting polyethylene or polypropylene as a material having a certain degree of elasticity used for the nozzle shutter  612 . Moreover, it is preferable that the thickness of the nozzle shutter cylinder portion  612   e  of the nozzle shutter  612  is between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. 
     Since the nozzle shutter  612  has such material properties and shape as described above, it is possible to decrease the cost of a shutter mechanism that opens and blocks the nozzle opening  610 . 
     Next, the toner container  32  during storage will be described. 
     The toner container  32  illustrated in  FIG. 7  has the following configuration. That is, the toner container  32  is a powder container which stores toner as a powder-like developer therein and in which the cap  370  as a sealing member that seals the nozzle insertion opening  331  serving as a developer discharging opening can be attached to the container opening  33   a . As described above, the container opening  33   a  is a portion of the container body  33 , and as illustrated in  FIGS. 6, 9, and 11  and other figures, the container body  33  has the container opening  33   a  provided so as to pass through the container front end cover  34  necessary when attaching the toner container  32  to the toner replenishing device  60 . Due to this, the container opening  33   a  of the container body  33  can be exposed from the container front end cover  34 . Moreover, since the container opening  33   a  which is a portion of the container body  33  in which toner is stored can be sealed directly by the cap  370 , it is possible to improve a sealing effect and to prevent toner leakage more reliably. 
     In the toner container  32  of the present embodiment, cap flange portion  371  is provided in the cap  370 . In a state where the cap  370  is attached to the toner container  32 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the cap flange portion  371  covers the IC tag  700  provided on the container front end cover  34 . Due to this, it is possible to prevent external contact or impact on the IC tag  700  during storage of the toner container  32  and to protect the IC tag  700 . 
     Moreover, in the toner container  32  of the present embodiment, the cap flange portion  371  of the cap  370  is larger than the outer diameter of the container front end cover  34  and the container body  33 . Due to this, it is possible to prevent damage of the toner container  32  during falling and to protect the toner container  32 . 
     Further, since the container opening  33   a  which is a portion of the container body  33  is sealed directly by the cap  370 , the sealing effect is satisfactory as compared to a configuration in which the container opening  33   a  is sealed by a member (for example, the container front end cover  34 ) separate from the container body  33 . Moreover, it is also possible to seal the container body  33  as long as the container opening  33   a  is sealed directly. Moreover, if the container body  33  can be sealed, it is possible to prevent air or moisture from entering into the container body  33  and to reduce the amount of material for packaging the toner container  32  during storage. 
     When the toner container  32  is used (the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 ), the cap  370  is removed. An optional method such as a screw method or a hook method may be used as a method of attaching the cap  370  to the toner container  32  is not particularly limited as long as the cap  370  can be attached. In this case, an attached portion of the toner container  32  such as a screw thread of the screw method or a hook portion of the hook method is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a  exposed from the container front end cover  34 . In the toner container  32  of the present embodiment, a screw thread is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a , and a screw method is employed as a method of attaching the cap  370  to the toner container  32 . 
     Moreover, in the case of a configuration in which the toner container  32  is sealed by the cap  370 , the degree of adhesion between the container opening  33   a  of the toner container  32  and the cap  370  may be enhanced using a packing material or the like. By enhancing the degree of adhesion, it is possible to prevent air or moisture from entering into the container body  33 . 
     Here, the problems of the conventional toner container in which the space (the container body) in which toner is stored cannot be sealed directly by a sealing member will be described. 
     In recent years, with a decrease in the fixing temperature and the toner particle size, the toner used in an image forming apparatus tends to deteriorate in heat resistance performance. For example, when the toner is exposed to a high temperature environment during transportation, the toner aggregates, and in a worst case, the toner is solidified, and it is impossible to supply the toner from a toner container to the image forming apparatus. It is known that the aggregation and solidification of toner occurs remarkably easily when humidity increases at the same temperature environment. Toner containers are supplied to users in various routes, and it is difficult to manage the environments of the supply routes. For example, although toner containers are transported via land, airline, and sea, it is difficult to manage the temperature and humidity of such environments. 
     Although a method that uses a container for controlling a transportation environment may be used as a countermeasure against such a problem, it is impossible to deal with all transportation routes and this incurs a lot of cost. With regard to such a problem, since the toner container  32  of the present embodiment can seal the container opening  33   a  which is a portion of the container body  33  directly by the cap  370 , it is possible to improve the sealing effect and to prevent toner leakage more reliably. Further, since the sealing effect is improved, the toner container  32  during storage is rarely affected by the external environment. 
     Moreover, since the toner container  32  can be attached to the toner replenishing device  60  when the cap  370  is removed, it is possible to provide the toner container  32  that is easy to use. 
     Further, since the cap  370  has such a shape that protects the IC tag  700  and the toner container  32 , it is possible to reduce a cushioning material and an individual packing box for packing the toner container  32  and to reduce the size of the package. Thus, it is possible to reduce an environmental load by reducing the materials used. 
     Moreover, after the toner container  32  which is a powder container is supplied to users, the toner container  32  is usually handled by users. Since there is no particular method of regulating the way the toner container is handled, the toner container  32  may sometimes be handled violently. Thus, a sufficient countermeasure against vibration and dropping needs to be taken so that toner leakage does not occur even when the toner container  32  is handled violently. 
     To prevent toner leakage, it is necessary to prevent leakage from the nozzle insertion opening  331 . Moreover, to prevent this leakage, it is necessary to prevent a gap from being provided in the elastic sheet  332  that covers the nozzle insertion opening  331  formed by the container seal  333  and the container seal attached wall  336 . 
     Next, characteristic features of the toner container  32  of the present invention illustrated in the first embodiment will be described. 
     Example 1 
     A toner container  32  according to Example 1 of the present embodiment has a plurality of elastic sheets  332  which is disposed so as to overlap at least partially. More specifically, at least two of the plurality of elastic sheets are disposed so as to overlap at least partially over the entire area of the nozzle insertion opening  331  in a diametric direction of the nozzle insertion opening  331  which is a nozzle insertion opening of the nozzle receiver  330 . Further, it is preferable that the two elastic sheets are disposed so as to overlap at least partially over the entire area of the front end opening  305  in the diametric direction of the front end opening  305 . 
       FIG. 21  is a diagram illustrating the elastic sheet  332  included in the toner container  32  of Example 1, and  FIG. 22  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the nozzle receiver  330  and the conveying nozzle  611  in a state where the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60  illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Moreover,  FIG. 23  is a front view of the elastic sheet  332  in the state of  FIG. 22  when seen from the front end side. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the toner container  32  includes the container body  33 , the nozzle receiver  330 , the container seal  333 , and the elastic sheet  332 . 
     The container body  33  is a powder storage member that stores toner therein, and the nozzle receiver  330  includes the nozzle insertion opening  331  provided in an opening on the other end side of the container body  33 . Moreover, the container seal  333  formed from an elastic body is a member that defines the vicinity of the other end of the nozzle insertion opening  331  and is a member that seals the space between the nozzle receiver  330  and the conveying nozzle  611 . 
     Moreover, the elastic sheet  332  is a member that opens and blocks the nozzle insertion opening  331  and is formed of a thin film sheet made from an elastic member having flexibility. Examples of an elastic material used for the elastic sheet  332  include silicone rubber, urethane rubber; fluorine rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, and natural rubber, and other elastic materials having flexibility can be also used. Moreover, in order to improve slidability of the elastic sheet  332  sliding on the sheet member guide  611   a , the surface of the elastic sheet  332  may be coated with talc or the like, or components for securing slidability may be added in advance to the elastic material. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 21 , the elastic sheet  332  includes two elastic sheet members of the first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b  so that the sheet members are disposed so as to overlap at the sheet overlapping portion  332   c . Moreover, the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  blocks a portion of the elastic sheet  332  which is opened when the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted. Moreover, as illustrated in  FIG. 21 , the first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b  have planar surfaces having such a shape that is larger by an overlapping margin than a semi-circle, which overlap each other at the central portion of the nozzle insertion opening  331 . 
     The first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b  are assembled so that small tension is applied in a state where the sheets are expanded to a length slightly larger than their natural length. 
     Although the toner container  32  of Example 1 uses two elastic sheets  332 , three or more elastic sheets may be used in order to prevent toner leakage more reliably. 
     Moreover, in the toner container  32 , two elastic sheets  332  are “surface” overlapped at the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  to block a portion of the elastic sheet  332  in which the conveying nozzle  611  is expanded to be open, and an air-tight state is created by the sheet overlapping portion  332   c.    
     In the toner container (powder container) of JP 07-261492 A, a slit is provided in a radial form (like the asterisk symbol) in one elastic sheet member. Here, a portion of the elastic sheet member expanded by the powder conveying nozzle will be referred to as a “slit portion”. 
     In such a configuration, in relation to the insertion direction of the powder conveying nozzle, the slit portion does not overlap with other neighboring slit portions, and only end surfaces in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the powder conveying nozzle make contact with each other. Such a structure that no slit portion overlaps in the insertion direction of the powder conveying nozzle will be referred to as a “line” blocking structure for the convenience&#39;s sake. 
     In this “line” blocking structure, when elastic deformation occurs in the elastic sheet member due to vibration or impact, such a gap that powder can pass through is easily provided in the slit portion. When such a gap that powder can pass through is provided, a state where powder can leak is created. Moreover, in the conventional elastic sheet member in which the slit portion having such a “line” blocking structure is provided, if small tension is applied, the slit portion will be open and tension cannot be applied. Thus, when the toner container  32  is detached from the toner replenishing device  60 , the force that blocks the slit portion is small and powder may leak. 
     On the other hand, in the toner container  32  according to Example 1 of the present embodiment, the plurality of elastic sheets  332  is disposed so as to overlap at the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  in which the elastic sheets overlap at least partially in the insertion direction of the powder conveying nozzle. Moreover, the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  which is a portion where the plurality of elastic sheets  332  overlap blocks the portion of the elastic sheet  332  expanded by the conveying nozzle  611  with a “surface” having a certain area. Such a structure that the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  is provided in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611  will be referred to as a “surface” blocking structure for the convenience&#39;s sake. 
     Due to this, even when elastic deformation occurs in the elastic sheet  332  due to vibration or impact, the “surface” blocking structure makes such a gap that powder can pass through a portion of the elastic sheet member, through which the powder, conveying nozzle passes, difficult to be provided as compared to the “line” blocking structure. 
     Moreover, Example 1 has a structure in which the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  in which the plurality of elastic sheets  332  overlap at least partially in relation to the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611  is provided. Moreover, the “surface” blocking structure includes such a structure that a plurality of elastic sheets overlap at least partially in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the powder conveying nozzle. More specifically, an example of such a structure is that the elastic sheets are disposed so as to be bent toward the downstream side in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611  and the bent portions make contact with each other to form an overlapping portion so that overlapping portion is provided in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611 . 
     Such a structure in which the bent portions make contact with each other to form the overlapping portion makes such a gap that powder can pass through difficult to be provided as compared to the “line” blocking structure. However, such a gap that powder can pass through can be provided easily as compared to a structure having the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  in which the plurality of elastic sheets  332  overlap at least partially in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611 . Here, a free end  432  of the elastic sheet  332  in  FIG. 21  is a portion that is not interposed by the attaching portion  337  and the sheet stopper  335  among the portions that form the end surfaces of the elastic sheet  332 . 
     In the toner container  32  having a plurality of elastic sheets  332 , when the conveying nozzle  611  is removed after being inserted therein, the plurality of elastic sheets  332  restores to their original positions by their elastic force so as to restore the sheet overlapping portion  332   c . In a configuration with no sheet overlapping portion  332   c , when the powder conveying nozzle is removed after the free end  432  of the elastic sheet  332  is displaced due to the powder conveying nozzle inserted into the elastic sheet  332 , such restoring force that the free end  432  restores following the held end acts on the free end  432 . Here, when the elastic sheets are assembled in advance so that tension is applied, the action of the free end restoring following the held end is facilitated. 
     In the elastic sheet  332  according to Example 1 of the present embodiment, the first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b  are assembled so that small tension is applied in a state where the sheets are expanded to a length slightly larger than their natural length. Due to this, even if the conveying nozzle  611  is removed when the toner container  32  is detached from the toner replenishing device  60 , the first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b  can be sealed again by their restoring force so as to overlap partially. Thus, it is possible to suppress leakage of powder (toner) better than the powder container having the conventional elastic sheet member in which a slit is provided in one elastic sheet member. 
     On the other hand, the following problems occur in the structure in which the elastic sheets are disposed so as to be bent toward the downstream side in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611 . That is, in order to increase restoring force that restores the overlapping portion again, it is necessary to assemble the elastic sheets so that tension is applied in advance in two directions of the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611  and the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611 . However, when tension is applied in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611 , the portions that are bent toward the downstream side in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611  are opened similarly to the “line” blocking structure. Thus, the area of the overlapping portion decreases if the restoring force is increased. 
     That is, in the structure in which the elastic sheets are disposed so as to be bent toward the downstream side in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611 , there is a tradeoff relation between increasing the restoring force and maintaining the area of the overlapping portion. Thus, when the elastic sheets are assembled so that tension is applied in advance thereto, a gap that powder can pass through is likely to be provided. 
     In contrast, the structure that includes the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  in which the plurality of elastic sheets  332  overlap at least partially in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611  has the following advantages. That is, when elastic sheets are assembled so that tension is applied in advance thereto, both increasing the restoring force and maintaining the area of the overlapping portion can be realized. 
     When the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 , the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted in such a manner to expand the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  of the elastic sheet  332  as illustrated in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . Since the elastic sheet  332  is an elastic material having flexibility, when the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted, the elastic sheet  332  is elastically deformed so that the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  is expanded. 
     On the other hand, when the toner container  32  is detached from the toner replenishing device  60 , the conveying nozzle  611  is removed in such a manner that the elastic sheet  332  scrapes off the contamination on the outer circumferential surface of the conveying nozzle  611 . This is because the elastic sheet  332  elastically deformed with insertion of the conveying nozzle  611  makes contact with the surface of the conveying nozzle  611  due to contacting pressure of the restoring force. 
     Since the elastic sheet  332  has flexibility, after the conveying nozzle  611  is removed, the two elastic sheets  332  form the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  again at the central portion. When the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  is restored at the central portion, an air-tight state is created again. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 11 to 13 and 22  and other figures, the sheet member guide  611   a  having a hemispherical shape of which the diameter is approximately the same as the diameter of the conveying nozzle  611  is provided in an end on the side (the side opposite to the base side) in the axial direction of the conveying nozzle  611  facing the toner container. By using such a round sheet member guide  611   a , when the conveying nozzle  611  expands the overlapping portion at the center of the elastic sheet  332 , since force can be applied gradually, it is possible to expand the elastic sheet  332  smoothly. 
     Moreover, an ideal shape of the sheet member guide  611   a  may be selected by taking the slidability in relation to the elastic sheet  332  and elasticity of the elastic sheet  332  into consideration. 
     The surface of the sheet member guide  611   a  may be coated so that toner can rarely adhere to the surface. Since the sheet member guide  611   a  is a portion that makes direct contact with the toner inside the toner container  32 , during replacement of the toner container  32 , the sheet member guide  611   a  may be exposed with the toner adhering thereto, and the toner may fall into the toner container receiving portion  70  or the like to contaminate the copying machine  500 . However, since the surface of the sheet member guide  611   a  is processed in advance so that toner can rarely adhere, it is possible to prevent this. 
     In the toner container  32 , the nozzle insertion opening  331  is sealed by the “surface” overlapping of the sheet overlapping portion  332   c . Thus, when vibration or impact is applied to the toner container  32  so that the elastic sheet  332  is elastically deformed, a gap that toner can pass through is rarely provided. In this manner, since it is possible to suppress formation of the gap that the toner can pass through, it is possible to suppress leakage of toner from the toner container  32  in a state where the toner container  32  is not attached to the toner replenishing device  60 . Thus, even when the toner container  32  is handled violently during transportation or the like, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of toner leakage from the toner container  32 . Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of toner leakage resulting from vibration or dropping during transportation of the toner container  32 . 
     Moreover, since the nozzle insertion opening  331  which is a nozzle insertion opening is opened and blocked by elastic deformation of the elastic sheet  332 , it is possible to simplify the configuration of opening and blocking the nozzle insertion opening as compared to the toner container of JP 2009-276659 A and to reduce the cost of the toner container  32 . 
     Moreover, as described above, tension is applied to the elastic sheet  332 , and the adhesion (air-tightness) of the two elastic sheets  332  in the overlapping portion is improved. Thus, it is possible to prevent toner leakage more effectively, and satisfactory characteristics against vibration and impact are obtained. 
     The toner container  32  according to Example 1 of the present embodiment can suppress leakage of toner resulting from vibration or dropping during transportation of the toner container  32 . In the toner replenishing device  60  including such toner container  32 , it is possible to suppress leakage of toner when the toner container  32  is replaced. Thus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of contamination inside the device and contamination outside the device resulting from the leakage of toner. 
     Moreover, in the copying machine  500  including such a toner replenishing device  60 , it is possible to suppress the occurrence of contamination inside the device and contamination outside the device when the toner container  32  is replaced. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 21 , the first elastic sheet  332   a  blocks a portion of the nozzle insertion opening  331  and the other portion (the portion depicted by a broken line in  FIG. 21 ) is an opening. Similarly, the second elastic sheet  332   b  blocks a portion of the nozzle insertion opening  331  and the other portion (the portion depicted by a broken line in  FIG. 21 ) is an opening. Moreover, the opening of the first elastic sheet  332   a  is disposed so as be covered by the second elastic sheet  332   b , and the opening of the second elastic sheet  332   b  is disposed so as to be covered by the first elastic sheet  332   a . That is, the first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b  are disposed so that the positions of the openings are shifted from each other. 
     In such an arrangement, when the conveying nozzle  611  enters, as illustrated in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the two elastic sheets  332  are elastically deformed so that the conveying nozzle  611  enters so as to pass through the respective openings. In this case, the elastically deformed elastic sheets  332  make close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the conveying nozzle  611 , the sealing property in the state where the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted is satisfactory. 
     Moreover, in a state where the conveying nozzle  611  is not inserted, the plurality of elastic sheets  332  is disposed so as to overlap so that the insertion openings are shifted from each other, and the other elastic sheet  332  overlaps with a portion that serves as a boundary line between the elastic sheet and the opening to configurate the sheet overlapping portion  332   c . In this manner, since the portion that serves as the boundary line between the elastic sheet and the opening forms the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  and the elastic sheets  332  are in close contact, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of toner leakage due to vibration during transportation. 
     Moreover, the toner container  32  according to Example 1 of the present embodiment rotates to supply toner to the nozzle opening  610  of the conveying nozzle  611 , and during this rotation, the outer circumferential surface of the conveying nozzle  611  slide on the elastic sheet  332 . 
     Thus, in a portion of the elastic sheet  332  making contact with the outer circumferential surface of the conveying nozzle  611 , force (friction force) that causes the portion to remain at the contact position may occur and force that causes the portion to be pulled in the circumferential direction may be applied. 
     In such a case, the force that causes the portion to be pulled in the circumferential direction can be distributed to the two elastic sheets  332  as compared to the conventional elastic sheet member having the slit portion. Since the amount of deformation of the respective elastic sheets  332  is small, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of toner leakage even during rotation of the toner container  32 . 
     In a toner container of such a type that the toner container itself does not rotate and includes a rotating conveying member, the elastic sheet  332  of Example 1 can be similarly used. 
     In the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 21 , the first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b  are arranged so that the free ends  432  ( 432   a  and  432   b ) are disposed in a reverse positional relation in the diametric direction of the front end opening  305 . In other words, one free end  432  overlaps from the outer side with the surface portion of the other elastic sheet and the other free end  432  overlaps from the inner side with the surface portion of one elastic sheet. Moreover, in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611 , both elastic sheets  332  overlap over the entire area in the diametric direction of the front end opening  305 , and this overlapping portion is the sheet overlapping portion  332   c . In this manner, when the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted, portions of the respective elastic sheets  332  closer to the free ends  432  are displaced in a direction away from the center of the front end opening  305 . Moreover, when the conveying nozzle  611  is removed, the free ends  432  of the respective elastic sheets  332  are displaced in a direction toward the center of the front end opening  305 . After the conveying nozzle  611  is completely removed, the free ends  342  form the overlapping portion  332   c  in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611 . 
     Example 2 
     Next, an elastic sheet  332  according to Example 2, disposed in the toner container  32  of the first embodiment will be described. 
       FIG. 24  is a diagram illustrating an elastic sheet  332  of Example 2. In Example 2, first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b  that configurate the elastic sheet  332  have a shape that covers the entire nozzle insertion opening  331 , and first and second round through-holes  332   d  and  332   e  are provided in a portion thereof. That is, Example 2 has a configuration in which two elastic sheets  332  having a round hole-shaped opening overlap with each other. 
     In Example 2, the first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b  in which the first and second round through-holes  332   d  and  332   e  which are openings for inserting the conveying nozzle  611  are provided at positions deviated from the center of the nozzle insertion opening  331  disposed approximately at the center of the front end opening  305  are arranged so as to overlap with each other. In the overlapping state, the first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b  are disposed so that the first and second round through-holes  332   d  and  332   e  are shifted from the center of the nozzle insertion opening  331 . Since the round holes are shifted from each other, the other elastic sheet  332  can seal the round hole provided in one elastic sheet  332 . Moreover, the two elastic sheets  332  overlap and make close contact with the surrounding of the round hole. Due to such a configuration, similarly to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 21 , both elastic sheets  332  overlap over the entire area in the diametric direction of the front end opening  305  in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611 , and the overlapping portion functions as the sheet overlapping portion  332   c . Thus, it is possible to suppress toner leakage in a state where the conveying nozzle  611  is not inserted. 
     In the elastic sheet  332  of Example 2, when the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted, the first and second round through-holes  332   d  and  332   e  are displaced in the direction toward the nozzle insertion opening  331 . Moreover, the diameter of the first and second round through-holes  332   d  and  332   e  in the state where the conveying nozzle  611  is not inserted is set to be smaller than the diameter of the conveying nozzle  611 . Thus, the first and second round through-holes  332   d  and  332   e  are elastically deformed so as to be expanded with insertion of the conveying nozzle  611 . 
     Here, since the diameter of the first and second round through-holes  332   d  and  332   e  is set to be smaller than the diameter of the conveying nozzle  611 , the restoring force of the two elastic sheet  332  in the state where the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted acts in such a way of tightly fasten the surrounding of the conveying nozzle  611 . Thus, when the toner container  32  is detached from the toner replenishing device  60  (when the conveying nozzle  611  is removed), the conveying nozzle  611  is removed such that the contamination on the outer circumferential surface of the conveying nozzle  611  is scraped off by the elastic sheet  332 , and the scraping-off effect is improved further. 
     In Example 2, although the opening provided in the elastic sheet  332  is a round hole, the shape of the opening is not limited to the round hole shape. Other opening shapes such as a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, or an elliptical shape may be used as long as the elastic sheets  332  are elastically deformed so that the conveying nozzle  611  can pass therethrough. 
     In Example 2 illustrated in  FIG. 24 , the edges of the first and second round through-holes  332   d  and  332   e  function as the free ends  432  ( 432   a  and  432   b ) of the first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b . In other words, one free end  432  overlaps from the outer side with the surface portion of the other elastic sheet and the other free end  432  overlaps from the inner side with the surface portion of one elastic sheet. Moreover, in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611 , both elastic sheets  332  overlap over the entire area in the diametric direction of the front end opening  305 , and this overlapping portion is the sheet overlapping portion  332   c.    
     Example 3 
     Next, an elastic sheet  332  according to Example 3, disposed in the toner container  32  of the first embodiment will be described. 
       FIG. 25  is a diagram illustrating the elastic sheet  332  of Example 3, and  FIG. 26  is a front view of the elastic sheet  332  of Example 3 in a state where the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60  when seen from the front end side. 
     In Example 3, first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b  that form the elastic sheet  332  have a shape that covers the entire nozzle insertion opening  331 , and first and second slits  332   f  and  332   g  are provided in a portion thereof. That is, Example 3 has a configuration in which two elastic sheets  332  having a slit-shaped opening overlap with each other. 
     In Example 3, the first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b  in which the first and second slits  332   f  and  332   g  which are openings for inserting the conveying nozzle  611  are provided at positions deviated from the center of the nozzle insertion opening  331  disposed approximately at the center of the front end opening  305  are arranged so as to overlap with each other. In the overlapping state, the first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b  are disposed so that the first and second slits  332   f  and  332   g  are shifted from the center of the nozzle insertion opening  331 . Since the slits are shifted from each other, the other elastic sheet  332  can seal the slit provided in one elastic sheet  332 . Moreover, the two elastic sheets  332  overlap and make close contact with the surrounding of the slit. Due to such a configuration, similarly to the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 21 and 24 , both elastic sheets  332  overlap over the entire area in the diametric direction of the front end opening  305  in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611 , and the overlapping portion functions as the sheet overlapping portion  332   c . Thus, it is possible to suppress toner leakage in a state where the conveying nozzle  611  is not inserted. 
     In the elastic sheet  332  of Example 3, when the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted, as illustrated in  FIG. 26 , the first and second slits  332   f  and  332   g  are displaced in the direction toward the nozzle insertion opening  331 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 25 , a small-diameter round hole is provided at both ends of the first and second slits  332   f  and  332   g . As in the configuration disclosed in JP-A No. 07-261492, if only a slit is provided in an elastic sheet member, when the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted to expand the slit, the ends of the slit may be torn and the elastic sheet member may be torn. On the other hand, as in Example 3, when a small-diameter round hole is provided at both ends of the slit, it is possible to suppress the ends of the slit from being torn when the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted and to suppress the elastic sheet  332  which is an elastic sheet member to be torn. 
     Moreover, when a slit is provided in an elastic sheet member and a small-diameter round hole is provided at both ends of the slit, if the elastic sheet member is only one sheet as in JP 07-261492 A, toner may leak from the small-diameter round holes. On the other hand, in Example 3, two elastic sheets  332  are arranged so as to overlap, and a portion where one slit is provided is sealed by the other elastic sheet  332 . Thus, even when a small-diameter round hole is provided at both ends of the slit, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of toner leakage. 
     Moreover, since the configuration of Example 3 where slits are provided can decrease the opening area as compared to the configuration of Example 2 where round holes are provided, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of toner leakage better than Example 2. 
     In the case of a configuration where a plurality of elastic sheets  332  having a slit provided therein is arranged so as to overlap, the slits may cross and overlap with each other. In a state where slits are blocked, toner cannot pass through the slit portion. Moreover, in the case of a configuration where slits cross each other, even when elastic deformation occurs to cause a gap in the slit portion of one elastic sheet  332  such that toner can pass through the gap, if the slit of the other elastic sheet  332  is blocked, it is possible to prevent passing of toner. 
     Moreover, since the plurality of elastic sheets  332  overlap with each other, the vibration and impact energy can be distributed to the plurality of elastic sheets  332 . In this case, elastic deformation that causes such a gap in the slit portion of one elastic sheet  332  so that toner can pass through the gap may rarely occur. 
     From these reasons, it is possible to suppress toner from leaking from the toner container  32  as compared to the configuration disclosed in JP 07-261492 A in which only one elastic sheet member having a slit provided therein is provided. 
     In Example 3 illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the first and second slits  332   f  and  332   g  function as the free ends  432  ( 432   a  and  432   b ) of the first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b . In other words, one free end  432  overlaps from the outer side with the surface portion of the other elastic sheet and the other free end  432  overlaps from the inner side with the surface portion of one elastic sheet. Moreover, in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611 , both elastic sheets  332  overlap over the entire area in the diametric direction of the front end opening  305 , and this overlapping portion is the sheet overlapping portion  332   c.    
     Example 4 
     Next, an elastic sheet  332  according to Example 4, disposed in the toner container  32  of the first embodiment will be described. 
       FIG. 27  is a diagram illustrating the elastic sheet  332  of Example 4. In Example 4, a semi-circular notch  332   h  is provided in an edge portion of an opening near the center of the elastic sheet  332  of Example 1 described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 21  and other figures. The other configuration except that a notch is provided is the same as Example 1, and the same configuration will not be described. 
     In the elastic sheet  332  of Example 4, since a notch is provided, when the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted, the notch makes contact with the hemi-spherical sheet member guide  611   a , and the two elastic sheets  332  can be smoothly elastically deformed. As a result, the conveying nozzle  611  can be smoothly inserted in the toner container  32 . 
     In Example 4 illustrated in  FIG. 27 , the first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b  are arranged so that the free ends  432  ( 432   a  and  432   b ) which are edges where the semi-circular notches  332   h  are provided are disposed in a reverse positional relation. Further, one free end  432  overlaps with the surface portion of the other elastic sheet, and similarly, the other free end  432  overlaps with the surface portion of one elastic sheet. Moreover, in the portion between one free end  432  and the other free end  432 , both elastic sheets  332  overlap in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611  and this overlapping portion is the sheet overlapping portion  332   c . Due to this, the free end  432  that is displaced with insertion of the conveying nozzle  611  overlaps with the other elastic sheet  332  in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611  before the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, the same members or members having the same functions as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may sometimes be omitted. As for the configuration which is not described, the configuration described in the first embodiment can be suitably used. 
     Hereinafter, the elastic sheet  332  disposed in the toner container  32  of the second embodiment will be described. 
       FIG. 34  illustrates the toner container  32  of the second embodiment, in which (a) is an exploded perspective view of the toner container  32  of the second embodiment (illustrating the state where the container front end cover  34  is attached), and (b) is a front view of the nozzle receiver  330  included in the toner container  32  of the second embodiment when seen from the other end side. As illustrated in  FIG. 34 , in the second embodiment, the elastic sheet  332  includes first, second, and third elastic sheets  332   a ,  332   b , and  332   j  so that the sheets are disposed on the inner side in the longitudinal direction from the nozzle insertion opening  331  so as to overlap with each other. 
     The toner container  32  of the second embodiment stores toner therein similarly to the toner container  32  of the first embodiment. Three elastic sheets  332  ( 332   a ,  332   b , and  332   j ) formed of a thin-film elastic material and the container seal  333  are provided in the nozzle insertion opening  331 , and a cap  370  which is a sealing member is provided in the container opening  33   a  which is on a developer discharge side. 
       FIG. 34  illustrates an example of three elastic sheets  332  according to the second embodiment. The first, second, and third elastic sheets  332   a ,  332   b , and  332   j  are assembled so that small tension is applied in a state where the sheets are expanded to a length slightly larger than their natural length. 
     Since three elastic sheets  332  are superimposed, it is possible to improve the sealing property further than the two-sheet configuration and to prevent the occurrence of toner leakage more reliably. 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG. 34 , the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  is provided at the center of the nozzle insertion opening  331  and an air-tight state is created by the sheet overlapping portion  332   c . When the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60 , the hemi-spherical sheet member guide  611   a  at the front end of the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted so as to expand the central sheet overlapping portion  332   c . In this case, since the elastic sheet  332  is an elastic body, the elastic sheet  332  is elastically deformed so as to avoid the conveying nozzle  611  and the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted without any problem. 
     When the toner container  32  is detached from the toner replenishing device  60  (when the conveying nozzle  611  is removed), the conveying nozzle  611  is removed in such a manner that the elastic sheet  332  scrapes off the contamination on the outer circumferential surface of the conveying nozzle  611 . When the toner container  32  is detached from the toner replenishing device  60 , the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  is provided again by the restoring force of the three elastic sheets  332 . Since the elastic sheet  332  is an elastic body, when the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  is provided, the air-tight state is created again. 
     In the second embodiment, the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  with which the front end of the conveying nozzle  611  makes contact when the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted in the nozzle insertion opening  331  is provided in various shapes so that operability, durability, toner sealing property, and the like are satisfied, details of which will be described later. 
     When the conveying nozzle  611  enters into the toner container  32  of the second embodiment, portions of the respective elastic sheets  332  closer to the free end  432  are displaced in a direction away from the center of the front end opening  305 , and the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted into the toner container  32 . Since the free ends  432  of the elastic sheets  332  make close contact with the outer shape of the conveying nozzle  611 , the sealing property is improved. Further, since three elastic sheets  332  are superimposed to provide the strength (closing force) of the sheet overlapping portion  332   c , it is possible to prevent the occurrence of toner leakage due to vibration during transportation more effectively. 
     Hereinafter, specific examples of the arrangement of three elastic sheets  332  of the second embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 35 to 39 . In the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 35 to 39 , the first, second, and third elastic sheets  332   a ,  332   b , and  332   j  are arranged in that order from the elastic sheet  332  located on the outermost side when three elastic sheets  332  are arranged in the toner container  32 . Moreover, in the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 35 to 39 , an “arrangement angle” and an “overlapping amount” of the elastic sheets  332  are set based on the linear free end  432  of the innermost elastic sheet  332   j  when three elastic sheets  332  are superimposed. As another method, the reference position of the X and Y axes orthogonal to the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611  may be provided in the attaching portion  337  that holds the elastic sheet  332 , and the “arrangement angle” and the “overlapping amount” may be set based on this reference position. 
     Example 1 
       FIG. 35  is a diagram illustrating arrangement of three elastic sheets  332  of Example 1 of the second embodiment. 
     In Example 1 illustrated in  FIG. 35 , three elastic sheets  332  illustrated in  FIG. 21  are superimposed so that the three elastic sheets  332  are at an angle of approximately 120°. Specifically, the second elastic sheet  332   b  is arranged so that the linear free end  432   b  of the second elastic sheet  332   b  is disposed at a position rotated by 120° in the counter-clockwise direction in  FIG. 35  about the linear free end  432   j  of the third elastic sheet  332   j . Moreover, the first elastic sheet  332   a  is arranged so that the linear free end  432   a  of the first elastic sheet  332   a  is disposed at a position rotated by 120° in the clockwise direction in  FIG. 35  about the linear free end  432   j  of the third elastic sheet  332   j.    
     As illustrated in  FIG. 35 , although each of the three elastic sheets  332  is arranged so as to partially have an opening in relation to the front end opening  305 , since the three elastic sheets  332  are arranged so that the positions of the openings are different, the elastic sheets cover the entire nozzle insertion opening  331 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 35 , by superimposing the elastic sheets  332  having the same shape at an arrangement angle of approximately 120°, it is possible to arrange three elastic sheets  332  in a well-balanced manner. Moreover, when the toner container  32  is detached from the toner replenishing device  60 , it is possible to further improve the scraping-off effect when the conveying nozzle  611  is removed in such a manner that the elastic sheet  332  scrapes off the contamination on the outer circumferential surface of the conveying nozzle  611  and to further suppress toner scattering. Moreover, since three elastic sheets  332  having the same shape are used, it is possible to decrease the cost. 
     In Example 1 illustrated in  FIG. 35 , the free end  432   j  of the elastic sheet  332   j  is partially covered by the elastic sheet  332   b  and is also partially covered by the elastic sheet  332   a . In this manner, in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611 , the elastic sheets  332  overlap over the entire area in the diametric direction of the front end opening  305 , and this overlapping portion is the sheet overlapping portion  332   c.    
     Example 2 
       FIG. 36  is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of three elastic sheets  332  of Example 2 of the second embodiment. 
     In Example 2 illustrated in  FIG. 36 , similarly to Example 1 illustrated in  FIG. 35 , although each of the three elastic sheets  332  is arranged so as to partially have an opening in relation to the front end opening  305 , since the three elastic sheets  332  are arranged so that the positions of the openings are different, the elastic sheets cover the entire nozzle insertion opening  331 . 
     As a specific superimposing method, the second elastic sheet  332   b  is arranged so that the linear free end  432   b  of the second elastic sheet  332   b  is disposed at a position rotated by 180° in the counter-clockwise direction in  FIG. 36  about the linear free end  432   j  of the third elastic sheet  332   j . Moreover, the first elastic sheet  332   a  is arranged so that the linear free end  432   a  of the first elastic sheet  332   a  is disposed at a position rotated by 90° in the clockwise direction in  FIG. 36  about the linear free end  432   j  of the third elastic sheet  332   j.    
     In this manner, the first, second, and third elastic sheets  332   a ,  332   b , and  332   j  are arranged at positions rotated by 90°. 
     In Example 2 illustrated in  FIG. 36 , one elastic sheet  332  (the first elastic sheet  332   a ) is rotated by 90° to provide strength (closing force) of the sheet overlapping portion  332   c . More specifically, similarly to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 21 , the second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j  overlap in the diametric direction of the front end opening  305  to form the overlapping portion  332   c . For example, it is assumed that an impact is applied to the toner container  32  and the pressure of toner stored therein is applied to the overlapping portion  332   c . In this case, the free ends  432   b  and  432   j  of the second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j  try to move in a direction (the left-right direction in  FIG. 36 ) orthogonal to the direction (the up-down direction in  FIG. 36 ) along which the overlapping portion  332   c  is provided. However, since the restoring force of the elastic sheet  332   a  having the free end  432   a  disposed in parallel to the orthogonal direction (the left-right direction in  FIG. 36 ) acts to reinforce the overlapping portion  332   c , it is possible to improve the strength (closing force) of the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  and to further prevent the toner leakage from the container opening  33   a  due to vibration during transportation. 
     Example 3 
       FIG. 37  is a diagram illustrating arrangement of three elastic sheets  332  of Example 3 of the second embodiment. 
     In Example 3 illustrated in  FIG. 37 , similarly to Examples 1 and 2 illustrated in  FIGS. 35 and 36 , although each of the three elastic sheets  332  is arranged so as to partially have an opening in relation to the front end opening  305 , since the three elastic sheets  332  are arranged so that the positions of the openings are different, the elastic sheets cover the entire nozzle insertion opening  331 . 
     In Example 3 illustrated in  FIG. 37 , the first and second elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   b  cover the entire nozzle insertion opening  331 . Further, the first and third elastic sheets  332   a  and  332   j  cover the same position and overlap with the second elastic sheet  332   b  at the same position. Specifically, the second elastic sheet  332   b  is arranged so that the linear free end  432   b  of the second elastic sheet  332   b  is disposed at a position rotated by 180° in the counter-clockwise direction in  FIG. 37  about the linear free end  432   j  of the third elastic sheet  332   j . Moreover, the first elastic sheet  332   a  is arranged so that the linear free end  432   j  of the third elastic sheet  332   j  overlaps with the linear free end  432   a  of the first elastic sheet  332   a.    
     In Example 3 illustrated in  FIG. 37 , three elastic sheets  332  are sequentially superimposed to provide the strength (closing force) of the sheet overlapping portion  332   c . With this configuration, it is possible to further improve the strength (closing force) of the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  as compared to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 21  and to further prevent the toner leakage from the container opening  33   a  due to vibration during transportation. 
     Example 4 
       FIG. 38  is a diagram illustrating arrangement of three elastic sheets  332  of Example 4 of the second embodiment. 
     In Example 4 illustrated in  FIG. 38 , three elastic sheets are arranged so as to be superimposed such that elastic sheets having the same shape are used as the second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j  and an elastic sheet having a different shape from the second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j  is used as the first elastic sheet  332   a . Although each of the second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j  having the same shape is arranged so as to partially have an opening in relation to the front end opening  305 , since the elastic sheets are arranged so that the positions of the openings are different, the superimposed two elastic sheets cover the entire nozzle insertion opening  331 . Specifically, the second elastic sheet  332   b  is arranged so that the linear free end  432   b  of the second elastic sheet  332   b  is disposed at a position rotated by 180° in the counter-clockwise direction in  FIG. 38  about the linear free end  432   j  of the third elastic sheet  332   j.    
     Moreover, the first elastic sheet  332   a  has a donut shape that covers portions other than the center of the nozzle insertion opening  331 . 
     By using the two second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j  that cover the entire nozzle insertion opening  331  and the first elastic sheet  332   a  having a donut shape, the strength (closing force) of the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  is provided. By improving the strength (closing force) of the sheet overlapping portion  332   c , it is possible to further prevent the toner leakage from the container opening  33   a  due to vibration during transportation. 
     Example 5 
       FIG. 39  is a diagram illustrating arrangement of three elastic sheets  332  of Example 5 of the second embodiment. 
     In Example 5 illustrated in  FIG. 39 , similarly to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 38 , three elastic sheets are arranged so as to be superimposed such that elastic sheets having the same shape are used as the second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j  and an elastic sheet having a different shape from the second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j  is used as the first elastic sheet  332   a . Although each of the second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j  having the same shape is arranged so as to partially have an opening in relation to the front end opening  305 , since the elastic sheets are arranged so that the positions of the openings are different, the superimposed two elastic sheets cover the entire nozzle insertion opening  331 . Specifically, the second elastic sheet  332   b  is arranged so that the linear free end  432   b  of the second elastic sheet  332   b  is disposed at a position rotated by 180° in the counter-clockwise direction in  FIG. 39  about the linear free end  432   j  of the third elastic sheet  332   j.    
     Moreover, the first elastic sheet  332   a  has a shape that covers the entire area of the nozzle insertion opening  331  and has a first slit  332   f  at the center of the nozzle insertion opening  331 . 
     By using the two second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j  that cover the entire nozzle insertion opening  331  and the first elastic sheet  332   a  having a slit, the strength (closing force) of the sheet overlapping portion  332   c  is provided. By improving the strength (closing force) of the sheet overlapping portion  332   c , it is possible to further prevent the toner leakage from the container opening  33   a  due to vibration during transportation. When forming the slit, a round hole may be provided at both ends of the slit in order to prevent tearing of the elastic sheet  332 . 
     In the second embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 35 to 39 , the first, second, and third elastic sheets  332   a ,  332   b , and  332   j  have different free ends  432  ( 432   a ,  432   b , and  432   j ). Moreover, a certain free end  432  overlaps with the surface portion of at least one of the other two elastic sheets  332 . At least two elastic sheets  332  overlap in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611  in a portion between at least two free ends  432  of the three free ends  432 , and this overlapping portion configurates the sheet overlapping portion  332   c . Due to this, the free end  432  that is displaced with insertion of the conveying nozzle  611  overlaps with the other elastic sheet  332  in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611  before the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted. 
       FIG. 40  is a diagram illustrating a nozzle contact position  332   p  in Example 3 illustrated in  FIG. 37 , at which the first elastic sheet  332   a  disposed on the outermost side first makes contact with the front end of the conveying nozzle  611 . As illustrated in  FIG. 40 , approximately the central position of the circular cross-section of the nozzle insertion opening  331  is the nozzle contact position  332   p . The same is true for the configuration described in other embodiments and examples without being limited to Example 3 of the second embodiment of  FIG. 37 . 
     When the toner container  32  is attached to the toner replenishing device  60  and attachment is completed, the elastic sheets  332  are expanded by the front end of the conveying nozzle and are displaced by the diameter of the conveying nozzle. In this case, since the conveying nozzle  611  comes at the nozzle contact position  332   p  which is approximately the center of the circular cross-section of the nozzle insertion opening  331 , when the plurality of elastic sheets  332  has the same shape, the amount of displacement of the elastic sheets  332  is the same. 
     Example 6 
       FIG. 28  is a diagram illustrating arrangement of three elastic sheets  332  of Example 6 of the second embodiment. In Example 6 illustrated in  FIG. 28 , another elastic sheet  332  having a round hole-shaped opening is added to Example 2 of the first embodiment in which two elastic sheets  332  having a round hole-shaped opening are superimposed. That is, a third elastic sheet  332   j  that has a shape that covers the entire nozzle insertion opening  331  and has a third round through-hole  332   k  provided in a portion thereof is added to Example 2 of the first embodiment. The other configuration except that the third elastic sheet  332   j  is added is the same as Example 2 of the first embodiment, and the same configuration will not be described. 
     As in the second embodiment, by using three elastic sheets, it is possible to improve the sealing property and to prevent the occurrence of toner leakage more reliably as compared to the configuration of the first embodiment that uses two elastic sheets  332 . 
     The superimposing methods of  FIGS. 35 to 39  in the second embodiment were compared as to the occurrence of the leakage of toner stored in the toner container  32  when the toner container  32  was placed with the elastic sheet  332  on the lower side in the gravity direction. The comparison result showed that the superimposing method of Example 2 illustrated in  FIG. 36  was best in making toner difficult to leak. 
     This is considered to be attributable to the fact that, when the load of toner is applied to the three superimposed elastic sheets  332 , the first elastic sheet  332   a  functions to press the second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j  that try to be open leftward and rightward in the figure. 
     When this function is taken into consideration, a belt-shaped or string-shaped first elastic sheet  332   a  may be used so that the belt-shaped or string-shaped elastic sheet  332   a  is disposed in the direction along which the second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j  try to be open due to the load of toner. In other words, the belt-shaped or string-shaped first elastic sheet  332   a  may be disposed so as to extend along the direction orthogonal to the direction of the free end  432  of the second or third elastic sheet  332   b  and  332   j . Here, the free end  432  of the elastic sheet  332  is a portion which is not interposed between the attaching portion  337  and the sheet stopper  335 . 
     Moreover, the same effect can be obtained by applying tension to the first elastic sheet  332   a  in the direction along which the second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j  try to be opened due to the load of toner. 
     Moreover, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the elastic sheet  332  is disposed at the same position (within the range of a gear width) as the container gear  301  in the insertion direction (the rotation axis direction of the toner container  32 ) of the conveying nozzle  611  which is a powder conveying nozzle. This provides the following advantages. 
     As described above, three superimposed elastic sheets  332  are arranged so that the first elastic sheet  332   a  functions to press the second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j  that try to be opened leftward and rightward in the figure when the load of toner is applied. With this arrangement, even when the toner container  32  is placed so that the elastic sheet  332  faces the lower side in the gravity direction during transportation, toner can rarely leak. 
     However, when the first elastic sheet  332   a  is disposed in this manner, the reactive force of the restoring force is not cancelled when the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted so that the first elastic sheet  332   a  is displaced. This will be described in more detail using the directions illustrated in  FIG. 36 . Since the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted at the center, the restoring force of the second elastic sheet  332   b  is generated in the rightward direction in the figure (that is, the direction in which the free end  432  returns to the original position), and thus, the reactive force of the restoring force is generated in the leftward direction. Similarly, since the restoring force of the third elastic sheet  332   j  is generated in the leftward direction in the figure (that is, the direction in which the free end  432  returns to the original position), the reactive force of the restoring force is generated in the rightward direction in the figure. Moreover, since the restoring force of the first elastic sheet  332   a  is generated in the upward direction in the figure, that is, in the direction in which the free end  432  returns to the original position, the reactive force of the restoring force is generated in the downward direction in the figure. The reactive force of the restoring force of these first to third elastic sheets  332   a  to  332   j  acts on the toner container  32 . 
     Here, although the reactive force of the restoring force of the second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j  is generated in an opposite direction and is cancelled, the reactive force of the restoring force of the first elastic sheet  332   a  is not cancelled but acts on the toner container  32 . 
     If the elastic sheet  332  is at a different position (outside the range of a gear width) from the container gear  301  in the insertion direction (the rotation axis direction of the toner container  32 ) of the conveying nozzle  611 , the following problem occurs. 
     That is, the reactive force of the restoring force of the first elastic sheet  332   a  and the meshing force of the container driving output gear  601  which is a body-side gear that the container gear  301  receives with power transmission act on different positions in the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611 . This is not desirable because the force acts in a direction in which the toner container  32  is tilted in relation to the insertion direction (the rotation axis direction of the toner container  32 ) of the conveying nozzle  611 . 
     When the toner container  32  rotates in a state of being tilted in relation to the conveying nozzle  611 , the sliding resistance between the outer circumferential surface of the container opening  33   a  and the container-setting-portion inner circumferential surface  615   a , for example, increases, and it is necessary to change with a motor that can output a large torque. Further, a portion of the toner container  32  close to the knob  303  may bump against the toner container receiving portion  70  of the printer unit  100  to generate noise. 
     In contrast, in any Example of the second embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the elastic sheet  332  is positioned at the same position (within the range of a gear width) of the container gear  301  in the insertion direction (the rotation axis direction of the toner container  32 ) of the conveying nozzle  611 . Due to this, the reactive force of the restoring force of the first elastic sheet  332   a  and the meshing force of the container driving output gear  601  that the container gear  301  receives with power transmission act on the same position in the insertion direction (the rotation axis direction of the toner container  32 ) of the conveying nozzle  611 . Thus, such an action that tilts the toner container  32  does not occur. 
     Third Embodiment 
     Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the third embodiment, as for the configuration other than the toner container as a powder container, the configuration described in the first embodiment can be suitably used. Moreover, as for the method of superimposing the elastic sheets of the toner container, the configuration described in the first and second embodiments can be suitably used. 
     Hereinafter, a toner container  1032  according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIG. 41 . 
     As the toner container  1032  illustrated in  FIG. 41 , a configuration will be taken into consideration, in which the container body  33  is provided as a cylindrical member formed of a resin (this container body will be referred to as a container body  1033  for the convenience&#39;s sake to distinguish from the container body described in the previous embodiments) though the component cost increases as compared to the toner container  32  illustrated in  FIG. 1  and other figures, and a scooping function is provided in a portion of the conveying member. 
       FIG. 41( a )  is a perspective view of a member in which a scooping rib  304   g  corresponding to the scooping wall surface  304   f  is integrated with the nozzle receiver  330  (will be referred to as a nozzle receiver  1330 ).  FIG. 41( b )  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a relation between the nozzle receiver  1330  of  FIG. 41( a )  disposed inside the container body  1033  and the conveying nozzle  611 .  FIG. 41( c )  is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the entire toner container  1032  on which the nozzle receiver  1330  illustrated in  FIG. 41( a )  is mounted. 
     The nozzle receiver  1330  illustrated in  FIG. 41  includes the scooping rib  304   g  as described above and is integrated with a conveying blade held portion  1330   b  to which a conveying blade  1302  formed of a flexible material such as a resin film is attached. The conveying blade  1302  and the conveying blade held portion  1330   b  correspond to a rotating conveyor. 
     Moreover, similarly to the previous embodiments, the nozzle receiver  1330  illustrated in  FIG. 41  includes an attaching portion  1337  of the nozzle receiver  1330 , an elastic sheet  1332 , a container seal  1333  which is a container sealing member, a nozzle insertion opening  1331 , and a sheet stopper  1335 . 
     The sheet stopper  1335  includes a pair of extension portions  1335   a  and a portion on the container rear end side of the extension portion  1335   a  is connected to the conveying blade held portion  1330   b . The elastic sheet  1332  is formed of a thin film sheet formed from an elastic material having flexibility and is superimposed in the superimposing method described in the previous embodiments. Moreover, in the toner container  1032  of the present embodiment, the elastic sheet  1332  includes two elastic sheet members of first and second elastic sheets  1332   a  and  1332   b  so that the sheet members are disposed so as to overlap to configurate a sheet overlapping portion  1332   c . Moreover, the sheet overlapping portion  1332   c  blocks a portion of the elastic sheet  1332  which is opened when the conveying nozzle  611  is expanded. 
     The attaching portion  1337  has such a cylindrical shape that the diameter of the inner circumferential surface decreases stepwise toward a container seal attached wall (serving as a seal attached portion)  1336  to be described later. As illustrated in  FIG. 41( a ) , the attaching portion  1337  has the donut-shaped container seal attached wall  1336  in which the diameter of the inner circumferential surface is smaller than the other portion in order to hold the elastic sheet  1332  and the container seal  1333 . 
     The donut-shaped container seal  1333  is disposed so as to make contact with a wall surface which is on the front end side in relation to the container seal attached wall  1336 . The container seal  1333  is attached to the wall surface (first wall surface) on the front end side of the container seal attached wall  1336  of the attaching portion  1337  by an adhesive agent, a double-sided tape, or the like. 
     Further, in the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 41 , the nozzle receiver  1330  has an outer circumferential surface  1330   a  that is slidably fitted to the container-setting-portion inner circumferential surface  615   a  on the body side of the copying machine  500 . The nozzle receiver  1330  is attached to a container gear  1301  as a separate member so that power can be transmitted. 
     In this manner, the configuration of allowing toner present in the scooping inner wall surface, the relaying portion, and an extension-portion opening  1335   b  to flow into the nozzle opening  610  can be integrated. 
     Next, the details of the toner container  1032  including the scooping rib  304   g  will be described. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 41( c ) , the toner container  1032  includes a container front end cover  1034 , a container body  1033 , a bottom lid  1035 , and a nozzle receiver  1330 . The container front end cover  1034  is disposed on the front end side in the direction of attaching the toner container  1032  to the body of the copying machine  500 , and the container body  1033  has an approximately cylindrical shape. The bottom lid  1035  is disposed on the rear end side in the attachment direction of the toner container  1032 , and the nozzle receiver  1330  is rotatably held in the approximately cylindrical container body  1033 . 
     A gear exposing opening  1034   a  (the same opening as the gear exposing opening  34   a ) for exposing the container gear  1301  attached to the nozzle receiver  1330  is provided in the container front end cover  1034 . The approximately cylindrical container body  1033  rotatably holds the nozzle receiver  1330 , and the container front end cover  1034  and the bottom lid  1035  are attached (by a well-known method such as welding or an adhesive agent). The bottom lid  1035  has a rear-end-side bearing  1035   a  that supports one end of the conveying blade held portion  1330   b  and has a knob  1303  for allowing a user to grasp when attaching the toner container  1032  to the body of the copying machine  500 . 
     Next, a method of assembling the container front end cover  1034 , the bottom lid  1035 , and the nozzle receiver  1330  into the container body  1033  will be described. 
     First, the nozzle receiver  1330  is inserted into the container body  1033  from the container rear end side so as to be aligned with respect to a front-end-side bearing  1036  located on the front end side of the container body  1033  so that the nozzle receiver  1330  is rotatably supported. Subsequently, the rear-end-side bearing  1035   a  provided in the bottom lid  1035  is aligned so as to rotatably support one end of the conveying blade held portion  1330   b  of the nozzle receiver  1330 , and the bottom lid  1035  is attached to the container body  1033 . After that, the container gear  1301  is attached to the nozzle receiver  1330  from the container front end side. After the container gear  1301  is attached, the container front end cover  1034  is attached to the container body  1033  in such a manner to cover the container gear  1301  from the container front end side. 
     As for the fixing of the container body  1033  and the container front end cover  1034 , the fixing of the container body  1033  and the bottom lid  1035 , and the fixing of the nozzle receiver  1330  and the container gear  1301 , a well-known method (for example, welding, an adhesive agent, or the like) can be used appropriately. 
     Next, a configuration of conveying toner from the toner container  1032  to the nozzle opening  610  will be described. 
     The scooping rib  304   g  protrudes from an end  1335   c  on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the shutter side surface supporting portion  1335   a  up to the vicinity of the inner circumferential surface of the container body  1033  so that the rib surfaces are connected. Although the rib surface is bent halfway to have a shape close to a curved surface, the rib surface is not limited to this configuration depending on the affinity to toner, and a simply planar rib without any bent portion may be used. Due to such a configuration, it is not necessary to form a bulging portion on the container body  1033 . Further, since the scooping rib  304   g  is erected integrally from the extension-portion opening  1335   b , the same relaying function as described in the previous embodiment can be obtained. That is, when the nozzle receiver  1330  rotates when the toner container  1032  is attached to the body of an image forming apparatus, the conveying blade rotates and the toner stored in the toner container  1032  is conveyed from the rear end side toward the front end side where the nozzle receiver  1330  is disposed. Moreover, the scooping rib  304   g  receives the toner conveyed by the conveying blade  1302  and scoops the toner from the lower side to the upper side with rotation, and the toner can be flowed into the nozzle opening  610  using the rib surface as a sliding bed. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the fourth embodiment, the same members or members having the same functions as those of the first, second, and third embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may sometimes be omitted. In the fourth embodiment, as for the configuration other than the toner container as the powder container, the configuration described in the first embodiment can be suitably used. As for the method of superimposing the elastic sheets of the toner container, the configuration described in the first and second embodiments can be suitably used. Moreover, the toner container described in the third embodiment can be used as the powder container. 
     Example 1 
     Next, characteristic features of the toner container  32  according to Example 1 of the fourth embodiment will be described. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 42 , the toner container  32  includes a container body  33  as a container body, a nozzle receiver  330  as a nozzle insertion portion, and a cap  370  as a sealing member. Moreover, the nozzle receiver  330  includes an attaching portion  337  of the nozzle receiver  330 , a container seal  333 , an elastic sheet  332 , and a sheet stopper  335 . Moreover, the cap  370  includes a columnar member  373  that makes contact with the elastic sheet  332  in a state of being attached to the container body  33 . The columnar member  373  serves as a contact portion. 
     The container body  33  is a powder storage member that forms a container body that stores toner which is powder therein, and the nozzle receiver  330  includes the nozzle insertion opening  331  provided in an opening on the other end side of the container body  33 . Moreover, the container seal  333  formed from an elastic body is a member that defines the vicinity of the other end of the nozzle insertion opening  331  and is a member that seals the space between the nozzle receiver  330  and the conveying nozzle  611 . 
     Moreover, the elastic sheet  332  is an opening blocking member that blocks the nozzle insertion opening  331 , and the cap  370  is a sealing member that seals an opening on the other end side that serves as a powder discharge side, of the container body  33 . The columnar member  373  has such a shape that two columns of which the imaginary lines passing the center are identical and the radii from the imaginary circular lines of the cross-sections are different are stacked. The columnar member  373  includes a contact portion of which the front end makes contact with the elastic sheet  332  to suppress elastic deformation of the elastic sheet  332  resulting from vibration. 
     Here, a side of the cap  370  making contact with the elastic sheet  332  in a state of being attached to the container body  33  will be referred to as a one end side and a side opposite to one end side and facing the outer side will be referred to as the other end side. 
     Since the columnar member  373  is in contact with the elastic sheet  332 , even when vibration or impact is applied to the toner container  32  so that vibration or impact is transmitted to the elastic sheet  332 , it is possible to suppress elastic deformation resulting from the vibration or impact. By suppressing elastic deformation, it is possible to suppress a gap from being provided in a portion of the nozzle insertion opening  331  blocked by the elastic sheet  332  resulting from vibration or impact. Since the formation of a gap can be suppressed, it is possible to suppress toner stored in the container body  33  from reaching a space between the cap  370  and the elastic sheet  332  in a state where the cap  370  is attached. Due to this, it is possible to suppress the leakage of toner when the cap  370  is detached from the toner container  32 . 
     As an elastic deformation of the elastic sheet  332 , the portion expanded by the conveying nozzle  611  may be displaced toward the outside (the front end side) in relation to the container body  33  and may be displaced toward the inside (the rear end side) of the container body  33 . In the elastic deformation where the portion expanded by the conveying nozzle  611  is displaced toward the outside (the front end side), the columnar member  373  of the cap  370  makes contact with the elastic sheet  332  from the outer side, whereby the elastic sheet  332  that tries to be elastically deformed bumps against the columnar member  373 . Thus, elastic deformation can be suppressed. On the other hand, in the elastic deformation where the expanded portion is displaced toward the inside (the rear end side) of the container body  33 , since the portion is displaced away from the columnar member  373 , it is not possible to suppress the elastic deformation by contact. However, the energy that elastically deforms the elastic sheet  332  with vibration or impact is also transmitted and distributed to the columnar member  373  that makes contact with the elastic sheet  332 . Moreover, after the elastic sheet  332  is displaced toward the inner side, since the elastic sheet  332  may return to the outer side due to the restoring force, it is possible to decrease the amount of displacement of the elastic sheet  332  during elastic deformation as compared to the configuration where the columnar member  373  is not provided. Moreover, when the amount of displacement of the elastic sheet  332  is decreased, even if a gap is provided due to vibration or impact, the size of the gap is small as compared to the configuration where the columnar member  373  is not provided. Thus, it is possible to suppress toner stored in the container body  33  from reaching the space between the cap  370  and the elastic sheet  332 . 
     Depending on a contact state of the elastic sheet  332  and the columnar member  373 , a gap through which powder such as toner leaks may be provided in the elastic sheet  332 . Thus, it is necessary to appropriately set the shape, the size, and the like of the columnar member  373  and the elastic sheet  332  so that the columnar member  373  as a contact portion and the elastic sheet  332  as an opening blocking member are in a reliable contact state. 
     Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 42 , the configuration of the nozzle receiver or the like that holds the elastic sheet  332  or the shape and size or the like of the columnar member  373  may be adjusted so that the entire surface of the columnar member  373  makes contact with the elastic sheet  332 . 
     In the present embodiment, the elastic sheet  332  is made up of two elastic sheet members similarly to the configuration described in the first embodiment, and the two elastic sheet members are partially superimposed to configurate a nozzle insertion opening that can receive the conveying nozzle  611  therein. Moreover, the elastic sheet  332  functions as an opening blocking member that blocks the nozzle insertion opening. Since the overlapping portion of the two elastic sheet members makes contact with the columnar member  373 , such a gap through which powder such as toner can leak will be rarely provided. 
     The overlapping portions of the two elastic sheet members are elastically deformed, whereby the nozzle insertion opening is provided. 
     Moreover, the position of the elastic sheet  332  with which the columnar member  373  makes contact is a portion in which the elastic sheet  332  is elastically deformed due to vibration or impact and a gap through which toner in the container body  33  can pass can be provided. In an end portion (the portion near the fixed portion) of the elastic sheet  332  in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the conveying nozzle  611 , strong interposing force is applied by the sheet stopper  335  of the nozzle receiver  330  and the attaching portion  337 , and thus, the end portion is rarely elastically deformed by vibration or impact. Thus, if the columnar member  373  makes contact with this portion only, the effect of suppressing formation of a gap resulting from vibration or impact is small. 
     In Example 1 of the present embodiment, the front end of the columnar member  373  makes contact with the overlapping portion of the two elastic sheets  332 . In this portion, the overlapping portion disappears when the elastic sheet  332  is elastically deformed due to vibration or impact, and a gap through which toner can pass can be provided. By allowing the columnar member  373  to make contact with such a portion, it is possible to suppress a gap through which toner can pass from being provided in the elastic sheet  332 . 
     In the configuration of JP 07-261492 A in which a slit is provided in a sheet-shaped opening blocking member and a powder conveying nozzle is inserted by expanding the slit, the same effect can be obtained by allowing a contact portion to make contact with this slit. This is because, as described above, elastic deformation can be suppressed in the case where the opening blocking member is displaced toward the outside in relation to the container body and the case where the opening blocking member is displaced toward the container body. 
     In the toner container  32  according to Example 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress toner in the container body  33  from reaching the space between the cap  370  and the elastic sheet  332  due to vibration or impact. Thus, when the cap  370  is detached from the toner container  32 , since no toner adheres to the outer surface of the elastic sheet  332 , it is possible to prevent toner from falling or scattering. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of toner leakage resulting from vibration or dropping during transportation of the toner container  32 . 
     In the toner container  32  illustrated in  FIG. 42 , the columnar member  373  and the cap  370  are formed of different materials, and the other end side (the left side in  FIG. 42 ) of the columnar member  373  is attached to the cap  370  using an adhesive agent or the like. Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in a state where the cap  370  is attached to the toner container  32 , the end surface on one end side (the right side in  FIG. 42 ) of the columnar member  373  makes contact with the front end surface of the elastic sheet  332 . 
     The columnar member  373  has such a shape that two columns having different diameters are stacked in a direction from the other end side to one end side and includes a base-end-side columnar portion  373   b  having a larger diameter and a front-end-side columnar portion  373   a  having a smaller diameter. The diameter of the front-end-side columnar portion  373   a  is smaller than the diameter of the donut-shaped inner circumferential surface of the container seal  333 . Moreover, the diameter of the base-end-side columnar portion  373   b  is larger than the diameter of the donut-shaped inner circumferential surface of the container seal  333  and is smaller than the outer diameter (the diameter of the outer circumferential surface) of the container seal  333 . 
     Due to such a configuration, in a state where the cap  370  is attached to the toner container  32 , the end surface on one end side of the front-end-side columnar portion  373   a  makes contact with the elastic sheet  332 . Further, the end surface (an end surface that forms a step in relation to the front-end-side columnar portion  373   a ) on one end side of the base-end-side columnar portion  373   b  makes contact with the end surface on the other end side of the container seal  333 . When the base-end-side columnar portion  373   b  of the columnar member  373  makes contact with the end surface on the other end side of the container seal  333 , the other end of the nozzle insertion opening  331  defined by the container seal  333  can be sealed by the end surface of the base-end-side columnar portion  373   b . Due to this, it is possible to directly seal the nozzle insertion opening  331  and to prevent a gap from being provided in the elastic sheet  332  due to vibration or impact. Moreover, even if a gap is provided in the elastic sheet  332 , it is possible to prevent the occurrence of toner leakage. 
     As described above, in the toner container  32  illustrated in  FIG. 42 , the columnar member  373  is formed of a member different from the cap  370 . Thus, the cap  370  can be formed of a different material from the columnar member  373  in such a manner that the cap  370  is formed of an inexpensive resin such as a polystyrene resin and the columnar member  373  is formed of a highly flexible material such as rubber or sponge. When the columnar member  373  is formed of a highly flexible material, the adhesion during contact between the columnar member  373  and the end surface on the other end side of the elastic sheet  332  and the container seal  333  is improved. Thus, it is possible to prevent the toner leakage resulting from impact due to vibration or dropping more effectively. 
     Moreover, since the cap  370  itself can be formed of an inexpensive resin such as polystyrene resin different from the material of the columnar member  373 , it is possible to decrease the cost while maintaining the toner leakage preventing function of the columnar member  373 . 
     As described above, the elastic sheet  332  made up of two elastic sheet members is formed of an elastic material (for example, rubber material such as silicone rubber) having flexibility and is assembled in a state of being slightly expanded to be longer than its natural length, in other words, small tension is applied. In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the columnar member  373  makes contact with the elastic sheet  332  so as to slightly enter therein. Specifically, it is preferable that the columnar member  373  makes contact with the elastic sheet  332  so that the elastic sheet  332  is slightly displaced inward further than the state where the columnar member  373  is not in contact therewith. By realizing such contact, tension is applied to the elastic sheet  332 , and the adhesion (air-tightness) of the two elastic sheets  332  in the overlapping portion is improved. Thus, it is possible to prevent toner leakage more effectively, and satisfactory characteristics against vibration and impact are obtained. 
     The cap  370  of the present embodiment can be similarly applied to the configuration that uses three elastic sheet members in the third embodiment. 
     In the configuration disclosed in JP 07-261492 A, the opening blocking member corresponds to a configuration in which a slit is provided in one elastic sheet member. In such a configuration, when a contact portion such as the columnar member  373  makes contact with the elastic sheet member, the elastic sheet member is displaced slightly toward the inner side in the rotation axis direction, which acts to open the slit, and toner can easily leak. 
     On the other hand, in the toner container  32  according to Example 1 of the present embodiment, the opening blocking member is arranged so as to overlap with the two elastic sheets  332 . Due to such an arrangement, when the conveying nozzle  611  is inserted, the two elastic sheets  332  are expanded so that the overlap is removed, and the conveying nozzle  611  can be inserted. During storage, the two elastic sheets  332  forms an overlapping portion, and the columnar member  373  makes contact with the overlapping portion to cause the elastic sheet  332  to be displaced slightly inward. However, since this contact does not remove the overlap, a gap through which toner can leak is not provided. 
     Further, when the columnar member  373  makes contact with the elastic sheet  332  to elastically deform the elastic sheet  332 , elastic force acts from the elastic sheet  332  in such a manner that the columnar member  373  is pushed back. Due to this, it is possible to enhance the adhesion in the overlapping portion of the two elastic sheet members and to prevent leakage of toner more reliably. 
     In the toner container  32  according to Example 1 of the present embodiment, since the two elastic sheet members maintain the overlapping portion even when the cap  370  is detached, it is possible to suppress toner leakage. In the toner replenishing device  60  including such a toner container  32 , it is possible to suppress leakage of toner when the cap  370  of a new toner container  32  is detached when the toner container  32  is replaced. Thus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of contamination inside the device and contamination outside the device resulting from the leakage of toner. 
     Moreover, in the copying machine  500  including such a toner replenishing device  60 , it is possible to suppress the occurrence of contamination inside the device and contamination outside the device when the toner container  32  is replaced. 
     Example 2 
     Next, the configuration according to Example 2 of the toner container  32  in which a contact portion is provided in a sealing member such as the cap  370  of the fourth embodiment will be described. 
       FIG. 43  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the toner container  32  of Example 2. 
     The toner container  32  of Example 2 is different from the toner container  32  of  FIG. 42  that includes the columnar member  373  formed of a different member from the cap  370  in that a columnar portion  374  formed integrally with the cap  370  is provided as a contact portion. 
     The toner container  32  of Example 2 includes the columnar portion  374  that makes contact with the elastic sheet  332 . Thus, similarly to the toner container  32  illustrated in  FIG. 42 , it is possible to suppress toner stored in the container body  33  from reaching a space between the cap  370  and the elastic sheet  332  in a state where the cap  370  is attached. Due to this, it is possible to suppress the leakage of toner when the cap  370  is detached from the toner container  32 . 
     The columnar portion  374  has such a shape that two columns having different diameters are stacked in a direction from the other end side to one end side and includes a base-end-side columnar portion  374   b  having larger diameter and a front-end-side columnar portion  374   a  having a smaller diameter. The diameter of the front-end-side columnar portion  374   a  is smaller than the diameter of the donut-shaped inner circumferential surface of the container seal  333 . Moreover, the diameter of the base-end-side columnar portion  374   b  is larger than the diameter of the donut-shaped inner circumferential surface of the container seal  333  and is smaller than the outer diameter (the diameter of the outer circumferential surface) of the container seal  333 . 
     Due to such a configuration, in a state where the cap  370  is attached to the toner container  32 , the end surface on one end side of the front-end-side columnar portion  374   a  makes contact with the elastic sheet  332 . Further, the end surface (an end surface that forms a step in relation to the front-end-side columnar portion  374   a ) on one end side of the base-end-side columnar portion  374   b  makes contact with the end surface on the other end side of the container seal  333 . When the base-end-side columnar portion  374   b  of the columnar portion  374  makes contact with the end surface on the other end side of the container seal  333 , the other end of the nozzle insertion opening  331  defined by the container seal  333  can be sealed by the end surface of the base-end-side columnar portion  374   b . Due to this, it is possible to directly seal the nozzle insertion opening  331  and to prevent a gap from being provided in the elastic sheet  332  due to vibration or impact. Moreover, even if a gap is provided in the elastic sheet  332 , it is possible to prevent the occurrence of toner leakage. In this manner, in the toner container  32  of Example 2 of the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of toner leakage resulting from vibration or dropping during transportation of the toner container  32 . Moreover, since the columnar portion  374  can be formed (molded) integrally with a portion of the cap  370 , it is possible to reduce the cost. 
     Moreover, similarly to the columnar member  373  of the toner container  32  according to Example 1 illustrated in  FIG. 42 , it is preferable that the columnar portion  374  of the cap  370  of Example 2 makes contact with the elastic sheet  332  so as to slightly enter therein. Specifically, it is preferable that the columnar portion  374  makes contact with the elastic sheet  332  so that the elastic sheet  332  is slightly displaced inward when the columnar portion  374  makes contact therewith. By realizing such contact, tension is applied to the elastic sheet  332 , and the adhesion (air-tightness) of the two elastic sheets  332  in the overlapping portion is improved. Thus, it is possible to prevent toner leakage more effectively, and satisfactory characteristics against vibration and impact are obtained. 
     In this way, the toner container  32  of Example 2 can provide the same advantages as the toner container  32  according to Example 1 of  FIG. 42 . 
     Example 3 
     Next, the configuration according to Example 3 of the toner container  32  in which a contact portion is provided in a sealing member such as the cap  370  of the fourth embodiment will be described. 
       FIG. 44  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the toner container  32  of Example 3 of the present embodiment. 
     The toner container  32  of Example 3 includes the columnar portion  374  that is formed integrally with the cap  370  as the contact portion similarly to Example 2. The toner container  32  of Example 3 is different from the toner container  32  of Example 2 in that a front end columnar elastic member  375  formed of a highly flexible material such as rubber or sponge is provided on the front end surface of the columnar portion  374 . 
     The toner container  32  of Example 3 includes the columnar portion  374  that makes contact with the elastic sheet  332 . Thus, similarly to the toner container  32  of Examples 1 and 2, it is possible to suppress toner stored in the container body  33  from reaching a space between the cap  370  and the elastic sheet  332  in a state where the cap  370  is attached. Due to this, it is possible to suppress the leakage of toner when the cap  370  is detached from the toner container  32 . 
     Moreover, since the toner container  32  of Example 3 includes the columnar portion  374  having the same shape as the toner container  32  of Example 2 of the first embodiment, it is possible to directly seal the nozzle insertion opening  331 . Due to this, it is possible to prevent a gap from being provided in the elastic sheet  332  due to vibration or impact. Moreover, even if a gap is provided in the elastic sheet  332 , it is possible to prevent the occurrence of toner leakage. Thus, in the toner container  32  of Example 3, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of toner leakage resulting from vibration or dropping during transportation of the toner container  32 . 
     Further, in the toner container  32  of Example 3, the front end columnar elastic member  375  is provided on the end surface on one end side of the front-end-side columnar portion  374   a  of the columnar portion  374 . Due to this, when the front end columnar elastic member  375  makes contact with the elastic sheet  332 , the adhesion with the elastic sheet  332  is improved further than the toner container  32  of Example 2. 
     Specifically, the elastic sheet  332  can be displaced inward further by the amount corresponding to the thickness of the front end columnar elastic member  375 . Due to this, in the toner container  32  according to Example 1 of  FIG. 42  and the toner container  32  of Example 2, the tension applied to the elastic sheet  332  can be finely adjusted by the thickness of the front end columnar elastic member  375 . Although a very small concave-convex surface corresponding to the thickness of the elastic sheet  332  is provided in the overlapping portion of the elastic sheet  332 , the front end columnar elastic member  375  itself has elasticity. Thus, since elastic deformation can occur following the concave-convex surface, it is possible to further improve the adhesion between the columnar portion  374  of the cap  370  and the elastic sheet  332 . 
     In order to apply tension to the elastic sheet  332 , it is preferable that the columnar portion  374  is formed of a mobile terminal that is rarely deformed as compared to the elastic sheet  332 . However, if such a material is used, it is not possible to obtain the ability to follow the shape of the overlapping portion. Thus, the front end columnar elastic member  375  is provided on the columnar portion  374 . With such a configuration, by applying tension to the elastic sheet  332 , it is possible to obtain the ability to follow the shape of the overlapping portion of the elastic sheet  332 . 
     In Example 3, it is possible to prevent the toner leakage resulting from impact due to vibration or dropping more effectively. 
     Example 4 
     Next, the configuration according to Example 4 of the toner container  32  in which a contact portion is provided in a sealing member such as the cap  370  of the fourth embodiment will be described. 
       FIG. 45  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the toner container  32  of Example 4. The toner container  32  of Example 4 includes the columnar portion  374  that is formed integrally with the cap  370  as the contact portion similarly to Example 2. The toner container  32  of Example 4 is different from the toner container  32  of Example 2 in that an adsorbent  372  is provided inside the columnar portion  374  so as to be open to the outside, that is, in a state of being exposed to the outside air. 
     Since the toner container  32  of Example 4 has the adsorbent  372  added to the toner container  32  of Example 2, satisfactory characteristics against vibration and impact are obtained similarly to the toner container  32  of Example 2. That is, the toner container  32  of Example 4 includes the columnar portion  374  that makes contact with the elastic sheet  332 . Thus, similarly to the toner container  32  of Example 2, it is possible to suppress toner stored in the container body  33  from reaching a space between the cap  370  and the elastic sheet  332  in a state where the cap  370  is attached. Due to this, it is possible to suppress the leakage of toner when the cap  370  is detached from the toner container  32 . Moreover, since the columnar portion  374  can be formed (molded) integrally with a portion of the cap  370 , it is possible to reduce the cost. 
     Further, the toner container  32  of Example 4 includes the adsorbent  372 . 
     Example 4 is the toner container  32  that uses an adsorbent such as a drying agent during storage. The adsorbent adsorbs various substances (gas or the like) without limiting to moisture. Thus, a drying agent is included in an adsorbent. Examples of the adsorbent include silica gel, aluminum oxide, zeolite, and the like, and any agent having adsorbing capability may be used. 
     In the toner container  32  of Example 4, since the adsorbent  372  is provided in the columnar portion  374  provided in the cap  370 , the adsorbent  372  can be removed together with the cap  370  when the cap  370  is detached during use. Thus, the operability is improved. 
     In the toner container  32  of Example 4, when the toner container  32  is transported in a state of being packaged with the cap  370  attached, since the adsorbent  372  is exposed to the outside air around the toner container  32 , it is possible to absorb moisture around the toner container  32  in the package. 
     In Example 4, the contact portion in which the adsorbent  372  exposed to the outside air is provided is the columnar portion  374  that is formed integrally with the cap  370 . However, the contact portion having such adsorbent  372  therein is not limited to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 45 , and the contact portion may be formed of a different member from the cap  370  similarly to the columnar member  373  of the toner container  32  illustrated in  FIG. 42 . 
     Example 5 
     Next, the configuration according to Example 5 of the toner container  32  in which a contact portion is provided in a sealing member such as the cap  370  of the fourth embodiment will be described. 
       FIG. 46  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the toner container  32  of Example 5. The toner container  32  of Example 5 includes the columnar portion  374  that is formed integrally with the cap  370  as the contact portion similarly to Example 2. The toner container  32  of Example 4 is different from the toner container  32  of Example 2 in that an adsorbent  372  is disposed in the columnar portion  374  so as to adsorb a target substance in the space sealed by the cap  370 . 
     Since the toner container  32  of Example 5 has the adsorbent  372  added to the toner container  32  of Example 2, satisfactory characteristics against vibration and impact are obtained similarly to the toner container  32  of Example 2. That is, the toner container  32  of Example 5 includes the columnar portion  374  that makes contact with the elastic sheet  332 . Thus, similarly to the toner container  32  of Example 2 of the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress toner stored in the container body  33  from reaching a space between the cap  370  and the elastic sheet  332  in a state where the cap  370  is attached. Due to this, it is possible to suppress the leakage of toner when the cap  370  is detached from the toner container  32 . 
     Moreover, in the toner container  32  according to Example 5 illustrated in  FIG. 46 , an adsorbing hole  374   c  as an opening is provided in a side surface of the columnar portion  374  so that gas or the like generated from toner itself is adsorbed by the adsorbent. The space where the adsorbing hole  374   c  is disposed communicates with the space sealed by the cap  370 . 
     Here, when the container body  33  is completely sealed by the cap  370 , since entering of air or moisture can be prevented, the adsorbent is not necessary, and as a result, a packaging material is not required. In this method, it is possible to reduce a packaging material such as a pouch, a cushioning material, or an individual packing box for packing the toner container  32  and to reduce the size of the package. Thus, it is possible to reduce an environmental load by reducing the materials uses. 
     However, the present inventors have found that toner itself which is powder generated gas to produce an aggregate which is a small lump of toner although the gas did not condense or solidify. Since such an aggregate can generate an abnormal image such as a white spot or spots of respective colors, it is necessary to suppress the occurrence of the aggregate. Although the container body  32  may be sealed without providing the adsorbent as illustrated in  FIGS. 42, 43, and 44  unless toner itself does not generate gas, it is preferable that the toner container  32  that stores toner that generates gas by itself has an adsorbent that adsorbs gas. 
     Since the toner container  32  of Example 5 has the adsorbent  372 , it is possible to prevent air or moisture from entering into the toner container  32 . Moreover, since the adsorbent  372  is provided in the columnar portion  374  provided in the cap  370 , the adsorbent  372  can be removed together with the cap  370  by detaching the cap  370  when using the toner container  32 . Thus, the operability is improved. 
     Moreover, in the toner container  32  of Example 5, since the space (the inner space of the container body  33 ) that stores toner is completely sealed by the cap  370 , it is possible to prevent air or moisture from entering into the toner storage space. Further, since the space where the adsorbing hole  374   c  is disposed communicates with the space that is sealed by the cap  370 , it is possible to adsorb gas generated from the toner itself, and the adsorbing performance is improved as compared to the configuration of Example 4. Moreover, since the toner storage space (the inner space of the container body  33 ) is sealed and the adsorbent  372  is provided in this sealed space, the toner and the adsorbent  372  are not affected by the outside air around the toner container  32 . Thus, a packaging material is not required. 
     In Example 5, the contact portion in which the adsorbent  372  disposed so as to adsorb a target substance in the space sealed by the cap  370  is provided is the columnar portion  374  that is formed integrally with the cap  370 . However, the contact portion having such adsorbent  372  therein may be formed of a different member from the cap  370  similarly to the columnar member  373  of the toner container  32  illustrated in  FIG. 42 . 
     Moreover, in the toner container  32  according to the fourth embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 42 to 46 , a screw method is employed as a method of attaching the cap  370  which is a sealing member. An optional method such as a screw method or a hook method may be used as a method of attaching the cap  370  to the toner container  32  is not particularly limited as long as the cap  370  can be attached. 
     The above-described embodiments are examples, and the following aspects of the present invention provide characteristic advantages. 
     Aspect A 
     A powder container (for example, the toner container  32 ), including: a container body (for example, the container body  33 ) that stores a powder (for example, toner) to be supplied to a powder conveying device (for example, the toner replenishing device  60 ); a nozzle insertion portion (for example, the nozzle receiver  330 ) having a nozzle insertion opening (for example, the nozzle insertion opening  331 ) through which a powder conveying nozzle (for example, the conveying nozzle  611 ) of the powder conveying device is inserted into the container body; and an elastic sheet member (for example, the elastic sheet member  300 ) formed of a sheet-shaped elastic body (for example, the elastic sheet  332 ), which blocks the nozzle insertion opening in a state where the powder conveying nozzle is not inserted, and is elastically deformed so that the powder conveying nozzle can pass through a blocked portion of the nozzle insertion opening when the powder conveying nozzle is inserted, wherein the elastic sheet member is formed using a plurality of sheet-shaped elastic bodies, and at least a part of the plurality of elastic bodies is arranged so as to overlap at least partly in at least a diametric direction of the nozzle insertion opening in an insertion direction of the powder conveying nozzle. 
     According to this aspect, as described in the above embodiments, such a gap that a powder can pass through is rarely provided as compared to a configuration that includes the conventional elastic sheet member in which the nozzle insertion opening is blocked by one sheet-shaped elastic body. Thus, it is possible to suppress leakage of powder better than a powder container including the conventional elastic sheet member. 
     Aspect B 
     In Aspect A, three sheet-shaped elastic bodies (for example, the elastic sheets  332 ) are used as the elastic sheet member (for example, the elastic sheet member  300 ). 
     According to this aspect, as described in the second embodiment, it is possible to improve the sealing property further than the configuration in which the elastic sheet member is made up of two sheet-shaped elastic bodies and to prevent the occurrence of toner leakage more reliably. 
     Aspect C 
     In Aspect B, the sheet-shaped elastic bodies (for example, the elastic sheets  332 ) have the same shape. 
     According to this aspect, as described in the second embodiment, since the sheet-shaped elastic bodies having the same shape are used, it is possible to further reduce the cost of the powder container. 
     Aspect D 
     In Aspect C, the sheet-shaped elastic body (for example, the elastic sheet  332 ) has a held portion (for example, the interposing portion  3321 ) that is held on the nozzle insertion portion (for example, the nozzle receiver  330 ) and an end portion (for example, the free end  432 ) that is not held, and an entire area of the end portion disposed to overlap another sheet-shaped elastic body to cover the entire nozzle insertion opening (for example, the nozzle insertion opening  331 ), and the three sheet-shaped elastic bodies are arranged so that an end portion (for example, the free ends  432   b  and  432   a ) of another sheet-shaped elastic body (the second and first elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   a ) is disposed at an angle of approximately 120° in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction using the end portion (for example, the free end  432   j ) of one of the three sheet-shaped elastic bodies as a reference (for example, the third elastic sheet  332   j ). 
     According to this aspect, as described in the second embodiment, since three sheet-shaped elastic bodies can be arranged in a well-balanced manner, it is possible to further reduce toner scattering. 
     Aspect E 
     In Aspect C, the sheet-shaped elastic body (for example, the elastic sheet  332 ) has a held portion (for example, the interposing portion  3321 ) that is held on the nozzle insertion portion (for example, the nozzle receiver  330 ) and an end portion (for example, the free end  432 ) that is not held, and an entire area of the end portion disposed to overlap another sheet-shaped elastic body to cover the entire nozzle insertion opening (for example, the nozzle insertion opening  331 ), and the three sheet-shaped elastic bodies are arranged so that an end portion (for example, the free end  432   b ) of another sheet-shaped elastic body (for example, the second elastic sheet  332   b ) is disposed at an angle of approximately 180° in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction using an end portion (for example, the free end  432   j ) of one of the three sheet-shaped elastic bodies as a reference (for example, the third elastic sheet  332   j ), and an end portion (for example, the free end  432   a ) of still another sheet-shaped elastic body (for example, the first elastic sheet  332   a ) is disposed at an angle of approximately 90° in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. 
     According to this aspect, as described in the second embodiment, one sheet-shaped elastic body is rotated by 90° to provide strength (closing force) of the overlapping portion (for example, the overlapping portion  332   c ). Due to this, it is possible to further prevent the toner leakage from the container opening (for example, the container opening  33   a ) due to vibration during transportation. 
     Aspect F 
     In Aspect C, the sheet-shaped elastic body (for example, the elastic sheet  332 ) has a held portion (for example, the interposing portion  3321 ) that is held on the nozzle insertion portion (for example, the nozzle receiver  330 ) and an end portion (for example, the free end  432 ) that is not held, and an entire area of the end portion disposed to overlap another sheet-shaped elastic body to cover the entire nozzle insertion opening (for example, the nozzle insertion opening  331 ), and the three sheet-shaped elastic bodies are arranged so that an end portion (for example, the free end  432   b ) of another sheet-shaped elastic body (for example, the second elastic sheet  332   b ) is disposed at an angle of approximately 180° in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction using an end portion (for example, the free end  432   j ) of one of the three sheet-shaped elastic bodies as a reference (for example, the third elastic sheet  332   j ), and an end portion (for example, the free end  432   a ) of still another sheet-shaped elastic body (for example, the first elastic sheet  332   a ) is disposed to overlap the end portion (for example, the free end  432   j ) of the one sheet-shaped elastic body serving as a reference (for example, the third elastic sheet  332   j ). 
     According to this aspect, as described in the second embodiment, three sheet-shaped elastic bodies are sequentially superimposed to provide the strength (closing force) of the overlapping portion (for example, the sheet overlapping portion  332   c ). Due to this, it is possible to further prevent the toner leakage from the container opening (for example, the container opening  33   a ) due to vibration during transportation. 
     Aspect G 
     In Aspect B, the elastic sheet member (for example, the elastic sheet member  300 ) includes two sheet-shaped elastic bodies (for example, the second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j ) having the same shape and a sheet-shaped elastic body (for example, the first elastic sheet  332   a ) having a different shape from the two sheet-shaped elastic bodies, which are superimposed on each other. 
     According to this aspect, as described in the second embodiment, by using two sheet-shaped elastic bodies having the same shape and one sheet-shaped elastic body having a different shape from the two sheet-shaped elastic bodies, it is possible to further reduce toner scattering. 
     Aspect H 
     In Aspect G, the two sheet-shaped elastic bodies (for example, the second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j ) having the same shape have a held portion (for example, the interposing portion  3321 ) that is held on the nozzle insertion portion (for example, the nozzle receiver  330 ) and an end portion (for example, the free end  432 ) that is not held, and an entire area of the end portion disposed to overlap another sheet-shaped elastic body to cover the entire nozzle insertion opening (for example, the nozzle insertion opening  331 ), and the sheet-shaped elastic body (for example, the first elastic sheet  332   a ) having the different shape has a donut shape that covers a portion other than a central portion of the nozzle insertion opening. 
     According to this aspect, as described in the second embodiment, by using two sheet-shaped elastic bodies and a donut-shaped sheet-shaped elastic body, the strength (closing force) of the overlapping portion (for example, the overlapping portion  332   c ) of the two sheet-shaped elastic bodies is provided. Due to this, it is possible to further prevent the toner leakage from the container opening (for example, the container opening  33   a ) due to vibration during transportation. 
     Aspect I 
     In Aspect G, the two sheet-shaped elastic bodies (for example, the second and third elastic sheets  332   b  and  332   j ) having the same shape have a held portion (for example, the interposing portion  3321 ) that is held on the nozzle insertion portion (for example, the nozzle receiver  330 ) and an end portion (for example, the free end  432 ) that is not held, and an entire area of the end portion disposed to overlap another sheet-shaped elastic body to cover the entire nozzle insertion opening (for example, the nozzle insertion opening  331 ), and the sheet-shaped elastic body (for example, the first elastic sheet  332   a ) having the different shape has a shape that covers an entire area of the nozzle insertion opening and has a slit (for example, the first slit  332   f ) provided in a central portion. 
     According to this aspect, as described in the second embodiment, by using two sheet-shaped elastic bodies and the sheet-shaped elastic body having a slit, the strength (closing force) of the overlapping portion (for example, the overlapping portion  332   c ) of the two sheet-shaped elastic bodies is provided. Due to this, it is possible to further prevent the toner leakage from the container opening (for example, the container opening  33   a ) due to vibration during transportation. 
     Aspect J 
     In Aspect A, the elastic sheet member (for example, the elastic sheet  332 ) has a through-hole (for example, the first and second round through-holes  332   d  and  332   e ) that passes from one surface thereof to the other surface, and the plurality of elastic sheet members are arranged so that the positions of the respective through-holes do not overlap when the elastic sheet members are superimposed on the nozzle insertion opening (for example, the nozzle insertion opening  331 ). 
     According to this aspect, as described in Examples 2 and 3 of the first embodiment, since the through-holes are shifted from each other, it is possible to seal a through-hole provided in one of the plurality of sheet-shaped elastic bodies with the other sheet-shaped elastic bodies. Moreover, the plurality of sheet-shaped elastic bodies overlaps to seal the surrounding of the through-hole. Due to such a configuration, in a state where the powder conveying nozzle (for example, the conveying nozzle  611 ) is not inserted, it is possible to suppress powder (for example, toner) from leaking from the nozzle insertion opening due to vibration during transportation. 
     Aspect K 
     In Aspect J, a dimension of the through-hole (for example, the diameter of a round hole of the first and second round through-holes  332   d  and  332   e ) is smaller than a dimension of a cross-section orthogonal to the insertion direction of the powder conveying nozzle (for example, the diameter of the conveying nozzle  611 ). 
     According to this aspect, as described in Example 2 of the first embodiment, when the powder container is detached from the powder conveying device, the powder conveying nozzle is removed from the nozzle insertion opening (for example, the nozzle insertion opening  331 ) in a state where the sheet-shaped elastic body (for example, the elastic sheet  332 ) is in contact with the powder conveying nozzle. In this case, the powder conveying nozzle is removed from the nozzle insertion opening in such a manner that the contamination on the surface of the powder conveying nozzle is scraped off by the sheet-shaped elastic body. Since the dimension of the through-hole is smaller than the dimension of the powder conveying nozzle, the scraping-off effect is improved. Due to this, when the powder container is detached from the powder conveying device, it is possible to suppress powder (for example, toner) from leaking from the nozzle insertion opening. 
     Aspect L 
     In Aspect A, the elastic sheet member (for example, the elastic sheet  332 ) has a slit (for example, the first and second slits  332   f  and  332   g ) that passes from one surface thereof to the other surface, and the plurality of elastic sheet members are arranged so that the positions of the respective slits do not overlap when the elastic sheet members are superimposed on the nozzle insertion opening (for example, the nozzle insertion opening  331 ). 
     According to this aspect, as described in Example 3 of the first embodiment, by forming a slit, it is possible to decrease an opening area as compared to the configuration where a round hole is provided and to suppress toner leakage. 
     Aspect M 
     In Aspect L, the slit (for example, the first and second slits  332   f  and  332   g ) has a small-diameter round hole provided at both ends thereof. 
     According to this aspect, as described in Example 3 of the first embodiment, since a small round hole is provided at both ends of the slit, it is possible to suppress tearing of the sheet-shaped elastic body (for example, the elastic sheet  332 ). 
     Aspect N 
     In Aspect A, the plurality of sheet-shaped elastic bodies (for example, the elastic sheets  332 ) has a held portion (for example, the interposing portion  3321 ) that is held on the nozzle insertion portion (for example, the nozzle insertion opening  331 ) and an end portion (for example, the free end  432 ) that is not held, and an entire area of the end portion disposed to overlap another sheet-shaped elastic body to cover the entire nozzle insertion opening. 
     According to this aspect, as described in the embodiments, it is possible to realize a configuration in which leakage of a powder (for example, toner) resulting from vibration or dropping during transportation of the powder container (for example, the toner container  32 ) can be suppressed. 
     Aspect O 
     In Aspect N, a semi-circular notch (for example, the notch  332   h ) is provided in an end portion (for example, the free end  432 ). 
     According to this aspect, as described in Example 4 of the first embodiment, when the front end of the powder conveying nozzle (for example, the sheet member guide  611   a ) comes in contact with the sheet-shaped elastic body (for example, the elastic sheet  332 ) and is inserted in the powder container (for example, the toner container  32 ), it is possible to allow the powder conveying nozzle to follow along the notch. In this way, the powder conveying nozzle can be smoothly inserted along the notch. 
     Aspect P 
     In any one of Aspects A to O, the powder container (for example, the toner container  32 ) is attached to the powder conveying device (for example, the toner replenishing device  60 ) with a longitudinal direction extending in a horizontal direction and the powder conveying nozzle (for example, the conveying nozzle  611 ) is inserted along the longitudinal direction, the powder container further includes a powder conveyor (for example, the spiral projection  302 ) that is disposed inside the container body (for example, the container body  33 ) so as to convey a powder (for example, toner) from one end side in the longitudinal direction to the other end side, and the nozzle insertion portion (for example, the nozzle receiver  330 ) is disposed on the other end side. 
     According to this aspect, as described in the embodiments, it is possible to convey a powder in the container body toward the nozzle insertion portion and to suppress powder from leaking from the nozzle insertion portion using the elastic sheet member (for example, the elastic sheet member  300 ). 
     Aspect Q 
     In Aspect P, the container body (for example, the container body  33 ) includes a container opening (for example, the container opening  33   a ) on the other end side, and the nozzle insertion portion (for example, the nozzle receiver  330 ) is disposed in the container opening. 
     According to this aspect, as described in the embodiments, it is possible to convey a powder in the container body toward the container opening and to suppress a powder from leaking from the container opening using the elastic sheet member (for example, the elastic sheet member  300 ). 
     Aspect R 
     In Aspect P or Q, the container body (for example, the container body  33 ) has a container gear (for example, the container gear  301 ) that can transmit driving power to the powder conveyor (for example, the spiral projection  302 ) on the other end side, and the elastic sheet member (for example, the elastic sheet member  300 ) is disposed within a range of a gear width of the container gear in the longitudinal direction. 
     According to this aspect, as described in the second embodiment, such an action that tilts the powder container (for example, the toner container  32 ) during power transmission does not occur, and problems such as an increase in the output driving power and generation of noise resulting from the tilt of the powder container can be prevented. 
     Aspect S 
     In any one of Aspects P to R, the powder container includes a scooping portion (for example, the scooping portion  304 ) that receives powder (for example, toner) from the powder conveyor (for example, the spiral projection  302 ), rotates to scoop the powder from a lower side to an upper side in the container body (for example, the container body  33 ), and moves the powder to a powder inlet (for example, the nozzle opening  610 ) of the powder conveying nozzle (for example, the conveying nozzle  611 ). 
     According to this aspect, as described in the embodiments, such a gap that a powder can pass through is rarely provided as compared to the conventional elastic sheet member in which the nozzle insertion opening is blocked by one sheet-shaped elastic body. Thus, it is possible to suppress leakage of a powder better than the printer controller including the conventional elastic sheet member. 
     Aspect T 
     In Aspect S, the nozzle insertion portion (for example, the nozzle receiver  330 ) includes: an extension portion (for example, the extension portion  335   a ) provided so as to extend from a nozzle insertion opening (for example, the nozzle insertion opening  331 ) side of the nozzle insertion portion toward an inner side of the container body (for example, the container body  33 ); and a void region (for example, the extension-portion opening  335   b ) adjacent to the extension portion, wherein the nozzle insertion portion rotates whereby the extension portion and the void region alternately cross the powder inlet (for example, the nozzle opening  610 ). 
     According to this aspect, as described in the embodiments, it is possible to realize a configuration in which a powder (for example, toner) pumped by the scooping portion (for example, the scooping portion  304 ) is supplied to the powder inlet. 
     Aspect U 
     An image forming apparatus (for example, the copying machine  500 ) including: an image forming unit (for example, the printer unit  100 ) that forms an image on an image carrier (for example, the photoreceptor  41 ) using an image forming powder (for example, toner); a powder conveyor (for example, the toner replenishing device  60 ) that conveys the powder to the image forming unit; and a powder container that is detachably held in the powder conveyor, wherein the powder container (for example, the toner container  32 ) according to any one of Aspects A to T is used as the powder container. 
     According to this aspect, as described in the embodiments, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of contamination inside the device and contamination outside the device when the powder container is replaced. 
     Aspect A2 
     A powder container (for example, the toner container  32 ) including: a container body (for example, the container body  33 ) that stores a powder (for example, toner) to be supplied to a powder conveying device (for example, the toner replenishing device  60 ); a nozzle insertion portion (for example, the nozzle receiver  330 ) having a nozzle insertion opening (for example, the nozzle insertion opening  331 ) through which a powder conveying nozzle (for example, the conveying nozzle  611 ) of the powder conveying device is inserted into the container body; an opening blocking member (for example, the elastic sheet  332 ) that blocks the nozzle insertion opening in a state where the powder conveying nozzle is not inserted and is elastically deformed to allow the powder conveying nozzle to pass when the powder conveying nozzle is inserted; and a sealing member (for example, the cap  370 ) that is attached to the container body in which the powder conveying nozzle is inserted to seal the nozzle insertion opening and is detached from the container body when the powder conveying nozzle is inserted, wherein the sealing member includes a contact portion (for example, the columnar member  373 ) that comes in contact with the opening blocking member in a state of being attached to the container body. 
     According to this aspect, since the contact portion is in contact with the opening blocking member, even when vibration or impact is transmitted to the opening blocking member, it is possible to suppress elastic deformation resulting from the vibration or impact. By suppressing elastic deformation, it is possible to suppress a gap from being provided in a portion of the nozzle insertion opening blocked by the opening blocking member resulting from vibration or impact. Thus, it is possible to suppress a powder in the container body from reaching a space between the sealing member and the opening blocking member in a state where the sealing member is attached. Due to this, it is possible to suppress the leakage of powder when the sealing member is detached from the powder container. 
     Therefore, it is possible to suppress the leakage of a powder when the sealing member is detached from the powder container. 
     Aspect B2 
     In Aspect A2, the contact portion (for example, the columnar member  373 ) is formed of a different member from the sealing member (for example, the cap  370 ) and is attached to the sealing member. 
     According to this aspect, as described in the embodiments, since the sealing member is formed of an inexpensive material different from the contact portion while using a material that enhances adhesion to the contact portion, it is possible to reduce the cost while maintaining the powder leakage preventing function of the contact portion. 
     Aspect C2 
     In Aspect A2, the contact portion (for example, the columnar portion  374 ) is formed integrally with the sealing member (for example, the cap  370 ). 
     According to this aspect, as described in Example 2 of the first embodiment, since the contact portion can be formed (molded) integrally with a portion of the sealing member, it is possible to reduce the cost. 
     Aspect D2 
     In any one of Aspects A2 to C2, a portion of the contact portion (for example, the columnar portion  374 ) making contact with the opening blocking member (for example, the elastic sheet  332 ) is formed of an elastic body (for example, the front end columnar elastic member  375 ). 
     According to this aspect, as described in Example 3 of the first embodiment, the adhesion to the opening blocking member when the elastic body makes contact with the opening blocking member is improved further as compared to the configuration where the elastic body is not provided. Thus, it is possible to prevent the toner leakage resulting from impact due to vibration or dropping more effectively. 
     Aspect E2 
     In any one of Aspects A2 to D2, the sealing member (for example, the cap  370 ) has an adsorbent (for example, the adsorbent  372 ) provided to be open to the outside. 
     According to this aspect, as described in Example 4 of the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent air or moisture from entering into the powder container (for example, the toner container  32 ). Moreover, since the sealing member has the adsorbent, the adsorbent can be removed from the powder container together with the sealing member by detaching the sealing member when using the powder container, and the operability is improved. 
     Aspect F2 
     In any one of Aspects A2 to D2, the sealing member (for example, the cap  370 ) has an adsorbent (for example, the adsorbent  372 ) provided to be sealed from the outside. 
     According to this aspect, as described in the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent air or moisture from entering into the powder container (for example, the toner container  32 ). Moreover, since the sealing member has the adsorbent, the adsorbent can be removed from the powder container together with the sealing member by detaching the sealing member when using the powder container, and the operability is improved. Further, since it is possible to adsorb gas generated by the powder itself, the adsorbing performance is improved as compared to the configuration of Aspect E2. Moreover, since the powder storage space is sealed and the adsorbent is provided in this sealed space, the powder and the adsorbent are not affected by the outside air around the powder container. Thus, a packaging material is not required. 
     Aspect G2 
     In any one of Aspects A2 to F2, the opening blocking member (for example, the elastic sheet  332 ) is made up of a plurality of sheet-shaped elastic sheet members attached to the nozzle insertion portion (for example, the nozzle receiver  330 ), and the plurality of elastic sheet members overlaps in a portion through which the powder conveying nozzle (for example, the conveying nozzle  611 ) passes in a state where the nozzle insertion opening (for example, the nozzle insertion opening  331 ) is blocked. 
     According to this aspect, as described in the embodiments, it is possible to allow the contact portion (for example, the columnar member  373 ) to make contact with the opening blocking member so as to slightly enter therein. As a result, tension is applied to the opening blocking member, and adhesion (air-tightness) of the plurality of elastic sheet members (for example, the elastic sheets  332 ) in the overlapping portion is improved. Thus, it is possible to prevent toner leakage more effectively, and satisfactory characteristics against vibration and impact are obtained. 
     Aspect H2 
     In any one of Aspects A2 to G2, the container body is formed of a container body (for example, the container body  33 ) that rotates to convey a powder (for example, toner) stored therein from one end side (for example, the container rear end side) in a rotation axis direction to the other end side (for example, the container front end side) on which an opening (for example, the container opening  33   a ) is provided, the nozzle insertion portion (for example, the nozzle receiver  330 ) is provided in the opening, an end surface on the other end side of the container body protrudes in the rotation axis direction further than the end surface on the other end side of the nozzle insertion portion on which the nozzle insertion opening (for example, the nozzle insertion opening  331 ) is open, and the contact portion (for example, the columnar member  373 ) is a columnar portion that extends from a body portion of the sealing member located closer to the other end side than the end surface on the other end side of the container body to a position where the columnar portion makes contact with the opening blocking member (for example, the elastic sheet  332 ) in a state where the sealing member (for example, the cap  370 ) is attached to the container body. 
     According to this aspect, as described in the embodiments, the end surface on the other end side of the container body against which the body of the sealing member bumps protrudes in the rotation axis direction further than the end surface on the other end side on which the nozzle insertion opening of the nozzle insertion portion is open. In such a configuration, although there is a certain distance between the body of the sealing member and the opening blocking member, since the contact portion is a columnar portion that extends by this distance, it is possible to allow the contact portion to make contact with the opening blocking member. Therefore, it is possible to suppress leakage of a powder when the sealing member is detached from the powder container. 
     Aspect I2 
     An image forming apparatus (for example, the copying machine  500 ) including: a toner image forming means (for example, the printer unit  100 ) that forms a toner image using toner which is powder; and a toner conveying device (for example, the toner replenishing device  60 ) that conveys the toner from a toner container which is a container body (for example, the toner container  32 ) to the toner image forming means, wherein the powder container according to any one of Aspects A2 to H2 is used as the powder container. 
     According to this aspect, as described in the embodiments, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of contamination inside the device and contamination outside the device when the powder container is replaced. 
     The present embodiment includes inventions according to the following aspects. 
     Aspect J2 
     A powder container including: a container body that is attached to a powder conveying device with a longitudinal direction extending in a horizontal direction so as to store image forming powder to be supplied to the powder conveying device; a powder conveyor disposed inside the container body so as to convey the powder from one end side in the longitudinal direction to the other end side where a container opening is provided; a nozzle insertion portion that is disposed in the container opening and that has a nozzle insertion opening through which a powder conveying nozzle of the powder conveying device is inserted in the container body; and a scooping portion that receives the powder from the powder conveyor, rotates to scoop the powder from a lower side of the container body to an upper side, and moves the powder to a powder inlet of the powder conveying nozzle, wherein the nozzle insertion portion includes: an opening blocking member that blocks the nozzle insertion opening in a state where the powder conveying nozzle is not inserted and is deformed to allow the powder conveying nozzle to pass when the powder conveying nozzle is inserted; an extension portion provided so as to extend from a nozzle insertion opening side of the nozzle insertion portion toward an inner side of the container body; and a void region adjacent to the extension portion, and the nozzle insertion portion rotates whereby the extension portion and the void region alternately cross the powder inlet. 
     In the invention according to Aspect J2, in a state where toner is sufficient in the container body  33  as the container body, for example, immediately after the toner container  32  as the powder container is attached to the toner replenishing device  60  as the powder conveying device, an overflowably large amount of toner is continuously supplied to the nozzle opening  610  as the powder inlet of the conveying nozzle  611  as the powder conveying nozzle. Thus, the extension portion  335   a  is rotated to cross above the nozzle opening  610  to drop the overflowing toner, and the conveying screw  614  in the conveying nozzle  611  is controlled to rotate intermittently. In this way, it is possible to replenish a desired amount of toner to the developing device  50 . 
     Aspect K2 
     In the powder container according to Aspect J2, at least an outer circumferential surface of the extension portion is a relaying portion that moves powder from the scooping portion to the powder inlet. 
     In the invention according to Aspect K2, even when the amount of toner in the container body  33  as the container body decreases, the replenishing speed is stable and the amount of toner remaining in the container body  33  during replacement of the toner container  32  as the powder container can be reduced. Moreover, since the amount of toner remaining in the container body  33  during replacement can be reduced, it is possible to reduce a running cost, improve cost performance, and reduce the amount of wasted toner to reduce an adverse effect on environment. 
     Aspect L2 
     In the powder container according to Aspect K2, the scooping portion and the relaying portion rotate in the same direction, and are disposed to be adjacent to each other so that an end in the circumferential direction of the extension portion and a convex portion of the scooping portion bulging toward the inner side of the container body appear in that order from a downstream side to an upstream side in the rotation direction. 
     The invention according to Aspect L2 is a specific layout that enables the extension portion  335   a  to function as the relaying portion. 
     Aspect M2 
     In the powder container according to Aspect J2, the container body has a longitudinal direction extending in a rotation axis when conveying a powder and is held in the powder conveying device so as to be rotatable in relation to the powder conveying nozzle, the nozzle insertion portion is attached to the container body, and the scooping portion includes a convex portion in which an inner wall surface of the container body bulges toward the inner side of the container body and a bulging inner wall surface that is connected from the convex portion to an inner circumferential surface of the container body. 
     The invention according to Aspect M2 relates to a specific shape of the scooping portion. 
     Aspect N2 
     In the powder container according to Aspect. J2 or K2, the container body has a longitudinal direction extending in a rotation axis when conveying powder and is held in the powder conveying device so as to be rotatable in relation to the powder conveying nozzle, the nozzle insertion portion is attached to the container body, the scooping portion includes a convex portion in which an inner wall surface of the container body bulges toward the inner side of the container body and a bulging inner wall surface that is connected from the convex portion to an inner circumferential surface of the container body, and the convex portion and the relaying portion are in close contact or face each other with a small gap. 
     The invention according to Aspect N2 can contribute to improving mass productivity by taking the dimensional accuracy upon manufacturing into consideration. 
     According to an embodiment, a plurality of elastic sheet members are arranged so as to overlap at least partially. Even when a gap through which powder can pass is provided in one elastic sheet member, it is possible to prevent powder from leaking if another elastic sheet member blocks a passage of the powder. Thus, it is possible to suppress leakage of powder better than a powder container having the conventional elastic sheet member in which a slit is provided in one elastic sheet member. 
     Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art that fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
         
           
               26 : Sheet feeding tray 
               27 : Sheet feeding roller 
               28 : Registration roller pair 
               29 : Sheet discharging roller pair 
               30 : Stacking portion 
               32 : Toner container 
               33 : Container body 
               33   a : Container opening 
               34 : Container front end cover 
               34   a : Gear exposing opening 
               34   b : Color identifying rib 
               41 : Photoreceptor 
               42   a : Cleaning blade 
               42 : Photoreceptor cleaning device 
               44 : Charging roller 
               46 : Image forming unit 
               47 : Exposure device 
               48 : Intermediate transfer belt 
               49 : Primary transfer bias roller 
               50 : Developing device 
               51 : Developing roller 
               52 : Doctor blade 
               53 : First developer accommodating portion 
               54 : Second developer accommodating portion 
               55 : Developer conveying screw 
               56 : Toner density detection sensor 
               60 : Toner replenishing device 
               64 : Falling path defining portion 
               70 : Toner container receiving portion 
               71 : Insertion opening defining portion 
               72 : Container receiving portion 
               73 : Cap portion 
               82 : Secondary transfer backup roller 
               85 : Intermediate transfer unit 
               86 : Fixing device 
               89 : Secondary transfer roller 
               90 : Controller 
               91 : Container rotation driving unit 
               100 : Printer unit 
               200 : Sheet feeding unit 
               301 : Container gear 
               302 : Spiral projection 
               303 : Knob 
               304 : Scooping portion 
               304   a : Scooping spiral projection 
               304   f : Scooping wall surface 
               304   h : Convex portion 
               305 : Front end opening 
               306 : Cover hook stopper 
               330 : Nozzle receiver 
               331 : Nozzle insertion opening 
               332 : Elastic sheet (opening blocking member) 
               332   a : First elastic sheet 
               332   b : Second elastic sheet 
               332   c : Sheet overlapping portion 
               332   d : First round through-hole 
               332   e : Second round through-hole 
               332   f : First slit 
               332   g : Second slit 
               332   h : Notch 
               332   j : Third elastic sheet 
               332   k : Third round through-hole 
               332   p : Nozzle contact position 
               333 : Container seal 
               335 : Sheet stopper 
               335   a : Extension portion 
               335   b : Extension-portion opening 
               335   c : Extension-portion downstream end surface 
               336 : Container seal attached wall 
               337 : Attaching portion of nozzle receiver 
               337   a : Nozzle shutter bumping rib 
               339 : Container engaged portion 
               339   a : Guide projection 
               339   b : Guide groove 
               339   c : Step portion 
               339   d : Engaged opening 
               341 : Cover claw portion 
               361 : Slide guide 
               361   a : Slide groove 
               370 : Cap 
               371 : Cap flange portion 
               400 : Scanner unit 
               372 : Adsorbent 
               373 : Columnar member 
               373   a : Front-end-side columnar portion 
               373   b : Base-end-side columnar portion 
               374 : Columnar portion 
               374   a : Front-end-side columnar portion 
               374   b : Base-end-side columnar portion 
               374   c : Adsorbing hole 
               375 : Front end columnar elastic member 
               432 : Free end 
               500 : Copying machine 
               601 : Container driving output gear 
               602 : Frame 
               603 : Driving motor 
               603   a : Worm gear 
               604 : Power transmission gear 
               605 : Conveying screw gear 
               607 : Nozzle holder 
               608 : Set cover 
               609 : Replenishing device-side locking member 
               610 : Nozzle opening 
               611 : Conveying nozzle 
               611   a : Sheet member guide (Nozzle front end) 
               611   b : Nozzle-front-end-side inner wall surface 
               611   s : Nozzle-opening transversal edge 
               612 : Nozzle shutter 
               612   a : Nozzle shutter flange portion 
               612   b : First shutter inner circumference rib 
               612   c : Second shutter inner circumference rib 
               612   d : Third shutter inner circumference rib 
               612   e : Nozzle shutter cylinder portion 
               612   f : Nozzle shutter spring receiving surface 
               612   g : First inner-circumference-rib front end 
               612   h : Nozzle shutter sealing member 
               612   j : Nozzle shutter seal receiving portion 
               613 : Nozzle shutter spring 
               614 : Conveying screw 
               615   a : Container-setting-portion inner circumferential surface 
               615   b : Container-setting-portion end surface 
               615 : Container setting portion 
               640 : Oscillating spring 
               700 : IC tag 
               800 : Connector 
             G: Developer 
             L: Laser beam 
             P: Recording medium 
             T: Toner