Patent ID: 7676186

Claim:
A toner supply apparatus in which a toner cartridge having a toner pouring opening is removably set in a predetermined setting position, said toner supply apparatus comprising an engaging member that engages with said toner cartridge, wherein said toner supply apparatus includes: a guide member that guides insertion of said toner cartridge into a main unit of said toner supply apparatus; a shutter member configured to freely slide between a close position in which said toner pouring opening is closed and an open position in which said toner pouring opening is opened; a first engaging member that engages with said shutter member and, when said toner cartridge is inserted into said setting position, restricts the movement of said shutter member in a direction opposite to an insertion direction; a second engaging member that engages with said shutter member and, when said toner cartridge is replaced from said setting position, regulates said shutter member to the close position; and an engagement release member that, when said toner cartridge is replaced, disengages said first engaging member to slide said toner cartridge in a replacing direction and engages with said second engaging member to restrict said shutter member to the close position, and said engaging member engages with said first engaging member when said toner cartridge is inserted and engages with said engagement release member when said toner cartridge is replaced.