Image formation device

Abstract

To provide an image formation device capable of letting inner pressure of a development device go out at a place other than the development device.SOLUTION: Gas flowed from a development device to a feeding device 70 enters through an outlet 74 of the feeding device 70 into the feeding device 70, and then passes through a vertical direction flow path 514 to upward. After that, the gas enters into a gas flow path 530 provided in a form branched from a developer flow path 510. The gas entered in the gas flow path 530 goes to openings 505 provided on the feeding device 70, and is discharged from the openings 505. The openings 505 are provided with a filter 506, and at the behind of the filter 506, the openings 505 are provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a configuration in which a developer storage section of a developing device is provided with a partition plate disposed between a first screw and a second screw, dividing the developer storage section into two sections, and openings provided at both ends of the partition plate. Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which a filter is provided above a toner supply port. Patent document 3 discloses a configuration including an intake section that sucks in air inside a toner transport section through an air vent, and a filter section that is provided in the air vent and collects toner contained in the air sucked in by the intake section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4633419 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4646654 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6217553 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a developing device in which a developer is applied onto an image carrier that holds an image, the internal pressure of the developing device may increase in response to the operation of the developing device. When the internal pressure of the developing device is released to the outside by the developing device, an opening for releasing the internal pressure is provided near the internal space of the developing device, In this case, the developer in the developing device leaks out to the outside of the developing device through this opening, or more developer is supplied to the filter provided in this opening, shortening the life of the filter. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to make it possible to release the internal pressure of a developing device at a location other than the developing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The invention described in claim 1 is an image forming apparatus comprising: an image holder; a developing device that deposits developer onto the image holder; and a supply device that supplies developer to the developing device, the supply device having an inlet for receiving developer from the upstream side and an outlet for discharging the received developer, and an opening that is provided separately from the inlet and the outlet to connect the inside and outside of the supply device. The invention recited in claim 2 is the image forming apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein the opening is provided above the receiving port. The invention described in claim 3 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 2, wherein the discharge outlet is provided below the receiving inlet, and the opening is provided above the receiving inlet and the discharge outlet. The invention described in claim 4 is an image forming apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the supply device is provided with a developer flow path through which developer passes, and the opening is provided at a location away from the developer flow path. The invention recited in claim 5 is the image forming apparatus recited in claim 4, wherein the opening is provided above an uppermost portion of the developer flow path. The invention described in claim 6 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the supply device is provided with a protrusion that extends upward and is hollow inside, and the opening is provided in the protrusion. The invention described in claim 7 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 6, wherein the supply device transports developer from a developer storage container and supplies it to the developing device, the supply device has a developer flow path below the developer storage container through which the developer from the developer storage container passes, a part of the developer flow path is located at a location other than directly below the developer storage container, and the protrusion extending upward and having a hollow interior is provided above the part of the developer flow path that is located at a location other than directly below the developer storage container. The invention described in claim 8 is the image forming device described in claim 7, wherein a portion of the protrusion extending upward is located to the side of the developer storage container, and the opening is provided on the opposite side of the surface of the protrusion opposite the opposing surface that faces the developer storage container. The invention described in claim 9 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, in which the supply device is provided with a gas flow path through which gas that has flowed from the developing device to the supply device and is heading toward the opening passes, separate from the developer flow path through which the developer passes toward the developing device. The invention described in claim 10 is an image forming apparatus described in claim 1, in which the developing device is provided with an opposing opening in which a rotating body is positioned opposite the image holder and used to supply developer to the image holder, and a receiving opening for receiving developer, and in addition to the opposing opening and the receiving opening, the developing device is not provided with any opening that connects the inside and outside of the developing device. The invention described in claim 11 is an image forming apparatus comprising an image holder, a developing device that deposits developer onto the image holder, and a supply device that supplies developer to the developing device, the supply device having an opening used to exhaust gas flowing from the developing device. The invention described in claim 12 is an image forming apparatus described in claim 11, in which the developing device is provided with an opposing opening in which a rotating body is positioned opposite the image holder and used to supply developer to the image holder, and a receiving opening for receiving developer, and in addition to the opposing opening and the receiving opening, the developing device is not provided with any opening that connects the inside and outside of the developing device. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the internal pressure of the developing device can be released at a location other than the developing device. According to the invention of claim 2, the amount of developer that reaches the opening can be reduced compared to when the opening is provided below the receiving port. According to the invention of claim 3, the amount of developer that reaches the opening can be reduced compared to when the opening is provided below the receiving opening and the discharging opening. According to the invention of claim 4, the amount of developer that reaches the opening can be reduced compared to when the opening is provided on the developer flow path. According to the invention of claim 5, the amount of developer that reaches the opening can be reduced, compared to when the opening is provided below the uppermost portion of the developer flow path. According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the amount of developer that reaches the opening can be reduced, compared to a case in which the opening is provided in a portion located below the protruding portion. According to the seventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide an opening in the space to the side of the developer storage container. According to the eighth aspect of the invention, it is possible to suppress the difficulty in discharging gas from the opening, compared to a case in which an opening is provided on the surface of the projecting portion that faces the developer accommodating container. According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the gas flowing from the developing device to the supply device can flow more easily than when the gas flows toward the opening through only the developer supply path. According to the invention of claim 10, it is possible to prevent developer from moving to the outside of the developing device through the opening provided in the developing device, compared to a case in which the developing device is provided with an opening that connects the inside and outside of the developing device in addition to the opposing opening and the receiving opening. According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the internal pressure of the developing device can be released at a location other than the developing device. According to the invention of claim 12, it is possible to prevent developer from moving to the outside of the developing device through the opening provided in the developing device, compared to a case in which the developing device is provided with an opening that connects the inside and outside of the developing device in addition to the opposing opening and the receiving opening. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device taken along line VV in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 2 is a perspective view of a supply device seen from the rear side of the image forming apparatus. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a developer storage portion. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the filling portion, the gas flow path, etc. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developer storage portion as viewed from above. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of one end of the developer storage portion. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the state in which the upper member is attached onto the lower container. [Figure 13] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the supply device taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 7. [Figure 14] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the supply device taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the developer storage container. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of gas when the supply device is viewed from above. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the supply device. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a supply device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] 18 is a cross-sectional view of a lower flow passage taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a developer storage unit according to a second embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 20] 18 is a cross-sectional view of the supply device taken along line XX-XX in FIG. 17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 1 shows the image forming apparatus 100 as viewed from the front side. The image forming apparatus 100 is an intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus called a tandem type. The image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a plurality of image forming units 200 that form images to be transferred onto paper P, which is an example of a recording medium.

[0009] Each of the image forming units 200 includes a photoconductor drum 11 as an example of an image carrier, and uses a developer containing toner to form a toner image, which is an image to be transferred to paper P, on this photoconductor drum 11. In other words, each of the image forming units 200 uses a powder developer to form a toner image, which is to be transferred to paper P, on this photoconductor drum 11. The developer in this embodiment is composed of a dry carrier and a dry toner. Each of the image forming units 200 forms a toner image on the photoconductor drum 11 using the carrier and the toner.

[0010] The six image forming units 200 form toner images on the photoconductor drums 11 using different types of developers. Specifically, in this embodiment, of the six image forming units 200, four image forming units 200 form toner images using developers of the basic colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. The remaining two image forming units 200 form toner images using developers of colors other than the basic colors, such as clear, white, gold, silver, pink, green, and orange.

[0011] Other examples of developers other than the basic colors include developers containing magnetic toner and developers containing conductive toner. Furthermore, other examples of developers other than the basic colors include developers containing toner that emits light when exposed to light such as ultraviolet light or infrared light. In this embodiment, a so-called two-component developer in which a carrier and a toner are mixed is used as the developer, but the developer is not limited to this and a so-called one-component developer composed only of toner may also be used.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 100 is also provided with an intermediate transfer belt 15 and a primary transfer section 10 for transferring the toner images formed in the image forming sections 200 onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 . Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a secondary transfer unit 20 for transferring the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 onto a sheet of paper P. The image forming apparatus 100 is also provided with a fixing device 60 that fixes the toner image transferred onto the paper P onto the paper P.

[0013] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a control unit 40 that includes a CPU that executes a program and controls each unit within the image forming apparatus 100 . Image forming apparatus 100 is also provided with a UI (User Interface) 45, which is configured with a display panel or the like and receives instructions from a user and displays information to the user.

[0014] Each of the image forming sections 200 is provided with a developing device 14. Also, each of the image forming sections 200 is provided with a supplying device 70 that supplies developer to the developing device 14. The developing device 14 deposits a developer on the photoconductor drum 11. As a result, the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 11 is made visible by the toner. In other words, the developing device 14 develops the photoconductor drum 11, which is an image carrier, and forms an image on the photoconductor drum 11 using the toner.

[0015] A supply device 70 supplies new developer to the developing device 14 . The supply device 70 transports developer from a developer storage container 80 mounted on the image forming apparatus 100 to the developing device 14 , and supplies the developer to the developing device 14 . As described above, the developer is composed of a carrier and a toner, and the supply device 70 supplies the carrier and the toner as the developer to the developing device 14. In this embodiment, the carrier has a positive charge polarity, and the toner has a negative charge polarity.

[0016] In each of the image forming units 200, a photoconductor drum 11, which is an example of an image carrier, rotates in the direction of arrow A. Each image forming unit 200 is provided with a charger 12 that charges the photoconductor drum 11, and an exposure device 13 that forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 11. The exposure device 13 includes a light source such as an LED, and irradiates the photoconductor drum 11 with light to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 11.

[0017] Each of the image forming units 200 is provided with a primary transfer roll 16 that transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 to the intermediate transfer belt 15 at the primary transfer unit 10. Each of the image forming units 200 is provided with a drum cleaner 17 that removes developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 11. The intermediate transfer belt 15 is circulated at a predetermined speed in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 1 by a drive roll 31 driven by a motor (not shown). The primary transfer unit 10 includes a primary transfer roll 16 disposed opposite the photoconductor drum 11 with an intermediate transfer belt 15 sandwiched therebetween. The toner images on the photoconductor drums 11 are electrostatically attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 15 in sequence, and superimposed toner images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0018] The secondary transfer unit 20 as an example of a transfer unit includes a secondary transfer roll 22 arranged on the outer surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 and a backup roll 25 arranged on the inner surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 15 . In this embodiment, in the secondary transfer unit 20 , the toner image formed by the image forming unit 200 and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 is transferred onto the paper P conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 20 .

[0019] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a reversing mechanism 900 that reverses the paper P is provided. The reversing mechanism 900 reverses the sheet P, one side of which has a toner image transferred thereon by the secondary transfer unit 20, and supplies the sheet P to the secondary transfer unit 20 again. As a result, in this embodiment, toner images can be formed on both sides of the paper P. The reversing mechanism 900 reverses the paper P by feeding the paper P, which has passed through the fixing device 60, to a branch path R2 branching off from the paper transport path R1.

[0020] More specifically, after the sheet P passes through the branching portion BP, the reversing mechanism 900 transports the sheet P in the reverse direction, and further sends the sheet P to the branching path R2. This branch path R2 merges with the paper transport path R1 upstream of the secondary transfer unit 20. As a result, in this embodiment, the paper P is again supplied upside down to the secondary transfer unit 20. In this case, a toner image is formed not only on one side of the paper P but also on the other side, so that a toner image is formed on both sides of the paper P.

[0021] The flow of processing performed by the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. The image forming apparatus 100 receives image data output from, for example, an image reading device or a computer (not shown). Then, image processing is performed on the image data. As a result, image data corresponding to each of the multiple image forming units 200 is generated. Specifically, for example, image data used to form an image using developers of the basic colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, and image data used to form an image using developers of colors other than the basic colors are generated. The generated image data is output to an exposure device 13 provided in the image forming section 200 .

[0022] The exposure device 13 irradiates the photoconductor drum 11 with light emitted from a light source in accordance with input image data. In this embodiment, the surface of each photoconductor drum 11 is charged by the charger 12, and then scanning exposure is performed on this surface by the exposure device 13. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 11. Next, development is performed by the developing device 14, and the toner contained in the developer adheres to the photoconductor drum 11. As a result, a toner image is formed on the photoconductor drum 11. This toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the primary transfer section 10.

[0023] After the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 , the toner image moves to the secondary transfer unit 20 as the intermediate transfer belt 15 moves. At this time, the paper P from the first paper storage unit 53 or the second paper storage unit 54 is transported to the secondary transfer unit 20 by the transport rolls 52 and the like. Then, the toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 15 are electrostatically transferred onto the paper P all at once in the secondary transfer unit 20.

[0024] Thereafter, the paper P onto which the toner image has been transferred is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 15 and conveyed to the conveyor belt 55. The conveyor belt 55 conveys the paper P to the fixing device 60. The paper P conveyed to the fixing device 60 is heated and pressurized by the fixing device 60. As a result, the toner image on the paper P is fixed to the paper P. Then, the paper P is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0025] When toner images are formed on both sides of the paper P, after the paper P passes through the fixing device 60, the paper P is supplied again to the secondary transfer unit 20 via the branch route R2. Then, in the secondary transfer unit 20, the toner image is transferred to the other side of the paper P. Thereafter, the paper P passes through the fixing device 60 again, and the toner image transferred to the other side is fixed to the paper P.

[0026] The developing device 14 will now be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram of the developing device 14 as viewed from above. When installed in image forming apparatus 100, developing device 14 is disposed along the depth direction of image forming apparatus 100. Developing device 14 has one end 141 and another end 142 that are located at different positions in the longitudinal direction. The developing device 14 is installed relative to the image forming device 100 such that one end 141 is located on the rear side of the image forming device 100 and the other end 142 is located on the front side of the image forming device 100 .

[0027] A driving force receiving portion 143 that receives a driving force is provided at one end portion 141 of the developing device 14. The driving force is transmitted to the driving force receiving portion 143 from a driving source (not shown) such as a motor provided on the main body side of the image forming apparatus 100. The driving force receiving portion 143 is linked to a transport member and the like (described later) provided inside the developing device 14. When a driving force from a drive source is transmitted to the driving force receiving portion 143, the transport member and the like are rotated.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 14 taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the central portion of the developing device 14 in the longitudinal direction. The developing device 14 is provided with a unidirectional movement path 191 through which the developer moves in one direction. The developing device 14 is also provided with an opposite direction movement path 192 through which the developer passes when moving in the opposite direction to the one direction. The opposite direction movement path 192 is disposed below the one direction movement path 191.

[0029] In the one-way movement path 191, the developer moves in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of Fig. 3 and toward the back side of the paper surface. In the opposite-way movement path 192, the developer moves in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of Fig. 3 and toward the front side of the paper surface. A one-way transport member 410 that transports the developer is provided on the one-way movement path 191. In this embodiment, the one-way transport member 410 rotates around a rotation shaft 411 that extends along the one-way movement path 191, causing the developer to move in the rear direction.

[0030] A reverse direction transport member 420 that transports the developer is provided on the reverse direction movement path 192. The reverse direction transport member 420 is disposed below the one direction transport member 410. In this embodiment, the opposite direction transport member 420 rotates about a rotation shaft 421 extending along the opposite direction movement path 192, thereby moving the developer toward the front side. In this embodiment, the developer is transported in the opposite direction to the above-mentioned one direction by the opposite direction transport member 420.

[0031] Furthermore, on the left side of the one-way transport member 410, a rotating body 430 is provided which is used to supply developer to the photoconductor drum 11, which is an example of an image carrier. Furthermore, the developing device 14 is provided with an opposing opening 480 in which the rotating body 430 is disposed at a position opposite the photosensitive drum 11. In this embodiment, a part of the rotating body 430 is exposed through the opposing opening 480. The rotating body 430 supplies the developer supplied from the one-way transport member 410 to the photosensitive drum 11. The rotating body 430 receives the developer supplied from the one-way transport member 410 and supplies the developer to the photosensitive drum 11. Rotating body 430 is made of a cylindrical body and is made of a metal such as SUS.

[0032] Rotating body 430 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in the figure around shaft center 431 as the center of rotation, and moves the developer supplied from one-way transport member 410 and adhering to its outer circumferential surface to photoconductor drum 11. As a result, the developer is supplied to photoconductor drum 11, and the toner contained in the developer adheres to the surface of photoconductor drum 11. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first movement regulating portion 450 is provided, which is disposed between the rotating body 430 and the one-way transport member 410 and regulates the movement of a portion of the developer attempting to move from the one-way transport member 410 to the rotating body 430. In this embodiment, of the developer on the one-way movement path 191, the developer that has climbed over the first movement restriction portion 450 is supplied to the rotating body 430.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is provided a lower conveying member 440 that is disposed below the rotating body 430. The lower conveying member 440 is a rotating member that rotates about an axis center 440A that is aligned in the above-mentioned one direction. The lower transport member 440 is disposed closer to the photoconductor drum 11 than the opposite direction transport member 420 is. The lower transport member 440 transports the developer separated from the rotating body 430 in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 3 and toward the depth of the paper surface. The lower transport member 440 transports the developer separated from the rotating body 430 in the one direction, so that the developer is supplied to one end side of the opposite direction transport member 420 (details will be described later).

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second movement regulating portion 452 is provided between the lower transport member 440 and the opposite direction transport member 420 to regulate the movement of the developer from the opposite direction transport member 420 to the lower transport member 440. Further, a third movement restricting portion 453 is disposed between the rotating body 430 and the opposite direction transport member 420 and restricts the movement of the developer from the opposite direction transport member 420 to the rotating body 430.

[0035] Furthermore, a fourth movement regulating portion 454 is provided, which is disposed between the one-way transport member 410 and the opposite direction transport member 420 and regulates the movement of developer from the one-way transport member 410 to the opposite direction transport member 420, and the movement of developer from the opposite direction transport member 420 to the one-way transport member 410. Furthermore, a fifth movement restricting portion 455 is provided between the rotating body 430 and the lower transport member 440 to restrict the movement of the developer from the lower transport member 440 to the rotating body 430.

[0036] Inside the rotor 430, a magnet roll 145B is provided. The magnet roll 145B is provided with five magnetic poles 121 to 125 arranged along the circumferential direction of the magnet roll 145B. The magnetic pole 121 is a pickup pole, and attracts the developer supplied from the one-way movement path 191. As a result, the developer adheres to the surface of the rotating body 430.

[0037] The magnetic poles 122 to 124 function as transport poles, and move the developer on the surface of the rotating body 430 downstream in the direction of rotation of the rotating body 430. An opposing restriction portion 127 is provided downstream of magnetic pole 122 and upstream of magnetic pole 123 in the rotation direction of rotor 430, and at an opposing position on the outer circumferential surface of rotor 430. The opposing regulating portion 127 is disposed with a gap between it and the rotating body 430. The opposing regulating portion 127 regulates the movement of a portion of the developer adhering to the surface of the rotating body 430, so that the thickness of the developer adhering to the surface of the rotating body 430 becomes a predetermined thickness.

[0038] When the developer on the surface of the rotating body 430 moves downstream in the rotation direction of the rotating body 430, the developer moves to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and the toner contained in the developer adheres to the photosensitive drum 11. As a result, development is carried out and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 11. This toner image is temporarily held by the photoconductor drum 11 and is moved to the primary transfer section 10 (see FIG. 1) by the rotating photoconductor drum 11. Then, this image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0039] The magnetic pole 125 (see FIG. 3) serves as a pick-off pole, forms a repulsive magnetic field, and separates the developer adhering to the surface of the rotating body 430 from the rotating body 430 . The magnetic pole 125 separates from the rotating body 430 the developer that has not been transferred to the photosensitive drum 11 and remains on the surface of the rotating body 430 . The developer separated from the rotating body 430 moves downward and reaches a downward movement path 193 . The developer that has reached the downward movement path 193 is moved by the downward transport member 440 toward one end 141 (see FIG. 2) of the developing device 14, and then moves to the opposite direction movement path 192 (described in detail later).

[0040] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 14 taken along line IV-IV in FIG. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional state of the other end 142 of the developing device 14. An upward movement path 196 arranged along the up-down direction is provided at the other end 142 of the developing device 14. The developer that has moved through the opposite direction movement path 192 passes through this upward movement path 196 and heads toward the one-way movement path 191. In this embodiment, the developer accumulated at the end of the opposite direction movement path 192 located on the downstream side in the developer movement direction is pressed by the developer sequentially transported from the upstream side, and moves toward the one-way movement path 191 through the upward movement path 196.

[0041] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 14 taken along line VV in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 14 taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 5. FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional state of one end portion 141 of the developing device 14. As shown in FIG. 5, one end 141 of the developing device 14 is provided with a downward movement path 197 that is arranged along the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the developer that has moved through the one-way movement path 191 passes through this downward movement path 197 and heads toward the opposite-way movement path 192 .

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a connecting path 190 is provided which extends in the horizontal direction and connects the downward movement path 193 and the opposite direction movement path 192. In this embodiment, the developer moved along the downward movement path 193 by the lower transport member 440 passes through the connecting path 190 and moves to the opposite direction movement path 192 . In this embodiment, the developer accumulated at the end of the downward movement path 193 located on the downstream side in the developer movement direction is pressed by the developer transported sequentially from the upstream side, and moves through the connecting path 190 to the opposite direction movement path 192.

[0043] In this embodiment, the developer moves along a one-way movement path 191 (see FIG. 3) and an opposite-way movement path 192, so that the developer moves circulatoryly. Then, a part of the developer moving along the one-way movement path 191 is supplied to the rotating body 430 , and the developer is supplied to the photoconductor drum 11 via the rotating body 430 . The developer remaining on the surface of the rotating body 430 without being supplied to the photosensitive drum 11 leaves the rotating body 430 and reaches the downward movement path 193. Then, this developer moves to the opposite direction movement path 192 via the downward movement path 193.

[0044] 2, the developing device 14 is provided with a first receiving port 151 for receiving the developer. The developing device 14 receives the developer sent from the supply device 70 through the first receiving port 151. As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the developer sent from the supply device 70 enters the inside of the developing device 14 through the first receiving port 151. In this embodiment, a second receiving port 152 is provided at a location indicated by reference symbol 2A in FIG.

[0045] In this embodiment, a user can manually supply new developer to the developing device 14 using a tool (not shown). When manually supplying new developer, the user first peels off the blocking member 153. Then, the user supplies developer to the developing device 14 through the second receiving port 152 that appears when the blocking member 153 is peeled off. Furthermore, in the developing device 14 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a facing opening 480 in which a rotating body 430 is installed is provided at a position facing the photosensitive drum 11. In this embodiment, the first receiving port 151, the second receiving port 152, and the opposing opening 480 are thus provided.

[0046] In this embodiment, other than the first receiving port 151, the second receiving port 152, and the opposing opening 480, the developing device 14 is not provided with any connection opening that communicates the inside and outside of the developing device 14. In this embodiment, the internal pressure of the developing device 14 is released through an opening in the supply device 70, rather than through a connection opening in the developing device 14. In this embodiment, the developer adhering to the surface of the rotating body 430 is returned to the inside of the developing device 14 without being transferred to the photosensitive drum 11, so that air outside the developing device 14 is taken into the inside of the developing device 14. This increases the internal pressure of the developing device 14.

[0047] In this embodiment, as the internal pressure of the developing device 14 increases, gas moving from inside to outside the developing device 14 heads toward the supply device 70 (see FIG. 1). Then, this gas is discharged to the outside of the supply device 70 through an opening (not shown in FIG. 1) provided in the supply device 70. An example of the gas is air. It should be noted that providing a connection opening in the developing device 14 is not excluded, and a configuration in which a connection opening is provided in the developing device 14 and an opening is provided in the supply device 70 may also be adopted. In this case, the gas attempting to move from the inside of the developing device 14 to the outside is discharged to the outside of the developing device 14 through both the connection opening and the opening provided in the supply device 70 .

[0048] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the supply device 70 as viewed from the rear side of the image forming apparatus 100. Fig. 7 shows a state in which the developer storage container 80 is attached. In this embodiment, a developer storage container 80 that stores unused developer is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus 100 (see FIG. 1). When the developer storage container 80 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 100, the developer storage container 80 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow 7A in FIG.

[0049] When the developer storage container 80 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the supply device 70 is located below the developer storage container 80. The developer storage container 80 has one end 81 located at the front when the developer storage container 80 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, and the other end 82 located on the opposite side to the one end 81. A developer outlet is provided at one end 81 and below of the developer storage container 80. The developer in the developer storage container 80 passes through this outlet and moves to the supply device 70 located below.

[0050] The feeder 70 has one end 71 and an opposite end 72 . One end 71 of the supply device 70 is located on the rear side of the image forming apparatus 100 , and the other end 72 of the supply device 70 is located on the front side of the image forming apparatus 100 . The supply device 70 is provided at one end 71 side with a receiving port (not shown in FIG. 7) for receiving the developer from the developer storage container 80. In other words, the supply device 70 has, at one end 71 side, a receiving port for receiving the developer transported to the supply device 70 from the upstream side of the supply device 70 in the developer transport direction.

[0051] The developer storage container 80 has a function of sending out the developer therein to the outside. In the developer transport direction, the developer storage container 80 is located upstream of the supply device 70. The receiving port of the supply device 70 receives the developer supplied from the developer storage container 80 located upstream. Furthermore, the supply device 70 is provided with a developer storage section 500 for storing the developer that has entered the supply device 70 through the receiving port. The developer supplied from the developer storage container 80 to the supply device 70 is temporarily stored in the developer storage section 500. As a result, the developer is temporarily stored in the developer storage section 500.

[0052] The developer moves through the inside of the developer storage section 500 and is then discharged from a discharge port 74 provided at one end 71 of the supply device 70 . The supply device 70 is provided with a discharge port 74 used for discharging the developer received at the receiving port. The developer discharged from the discharge port 74 is supplied to the developing device 14 (not shown in FIG. 7) located below the discharge port 74. In this embodiment, a first receiving opening 151 (see FIG. 2) provided in the developing device 14 is disposed immediately below the discharge opening 74 of the supply device 70. The developer discharged from the discharge port 74 moves into the inside of the developing device 14 through this first receiving port 151. In this way, the developer is supplied from the supply device 70 to the developing device 14.

[0053] In this embodiment, the developer is temporarily stored in the developer storage unit 500 as described above. As a result, even if the developer storage container 80 is removed as the developer storage container 80 becomes empty, developer can still be supplied from the supply device 70 to the developing device 14. Even if the developer storage container 80 is removed, the developer in the developer accumulation section 500 is supplied to the developing device 14. As a result, even if the developer storage container 80 is removed, the developer can be supplied from the supply device 70 to the developing device 14. In this case, it is possible to avoid an immediate stop of the image forming operation even if the developer storage container 80 is removed. In this case, image formation can be continued until a new developer storage container 80 is attached.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the developer storage unit 500. As shown in FIG. The developer storage section 500 is provided with a developer flow path 510 through which the developer flows toward the developing device 14 . A developer flow path 510 shown in FIG. 8 is provided from the inside of the developer storage unit 500 toward the outside. In this embodiment, on this developer flow passage 510, there is a filled portion 511, which is a portion where the developer is filled over the entire cross section of the developer flow passage 510. In this specification, the "cross section" of the developer flow passage 510 refers to the cross section of the developer flow passage 510 in a plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the developer flow passage 510.

[0055] A cylindrical portion 512 is provided around the filling portion 511. In this embodiment, the inside of this cylindrical portion 512 becomes the filling portion 511. On the inside of the cylindrical portion 512 and on a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 512, the developer is filled throughout the entire inside of the cylindrical portion 512, making the developer dense. As a result, in this embodiment, a filled portion 511 is formed inside the cylindrical portion 512, where the developer is filled. In the configuration in which the filling portion 511 is generated, the amount of developer supplied from the supply device 70 to the developing device 14 per unit time is stabilized. If the filling portion 511 does not exist, the developer flowing toward the developing device 14 will be sparsely populated, and the amount of developer supplied from the supply device 70 to the developing device 14 per unit time will be prone to fluctuation.

[0056] In the developer transport direction, downstream of the filling portion 511, the developer flow path 510 changes direction and faces downward. The developer flow path 510 is provided with a lateral flow path 513 extending in the lateral direction and a vertical flow path 514 extending in the vertical direction. The developer that has passed through the filling portion 511 moves through the horizontal flow passage 513 in a direction away from the filling portion 511. Then, the developer moves downward through the vertical flow passage 514. The developer falls in the vertical flow passage 514. Below the vertical flow path 514, a discharge port 74 of the supply device 70 and a first receiving port 151 of the developing device 14 are provided, and the developer flowing downward through the vertical flow path 514 is supplied to the developing device 14.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a gas flow path 530 is provided separately from the developer flow path 510 and is a flow path through which gas flowing from the developing device 14 to the supply device 70 passes. In this embodiment, as described above, as the internal pressure of the developing device 14 increases, gas flows from the developing device 14 toward the supply device 70. The gas flowing from the developing device 14 to the supply device 70 enters the inside of the supply device 70 from the exhaust port 74 of the supply device 70, and then flows upward through the vertical flow path 514. Then, the gas flows into the gas flow path 530 that is provided by branching off from the developer flow path 510. The gas entering the gas flow path 530 flows toward an opening 505 provided in the supply device 70, and is discharged from this opening 505. A filter 506 is provided in the opening 505, and in FIG.

[0058] Figures 9(A) and (B) are diagrams showing the filling part 511, the gas flow path 530, etc. Figure 9(A) is a perspective view of the filling part 511, the gas flow path 530, etc., and Figure 9(B) is a diagram of the filling part 511, the gas flow path 530, etc. as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow IXB in Figure 9(A). In this embodiment, as described above and as shown in FIG. 9(A), a developer flow path 510 that runs from the inside to the outside of the developer storage unit 500 is provided. A filling portion 511 is present on the developer flow path 510 and inside the cylindrical portion 512 . Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gas flow path 530 is provided above the cylindrical portion 512 in the figure. In other words, the gas flow path 530 is provided above the filling portion 511.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, the gas flow passage 530 is provided in a form branching off from the developer flow passage 510 . In this embodiment, there is a branching portion 98 as an example of a branching point where the gas flow path 530 branches off from the developer flow path 510. This branching portion 98 is located downstream of the filling portion 511 in the developer transport direction. In this embodiment, a gas flow path 530 branches off from the developer flow path 510 downstream of the filling portion 511 in the developer transport direction.

[0060] 9A, after branching off from the developer flow path 510, the gas flow path 530 passes above the filling portion 511. The gas passing through the gas flow path 530 passes above the filling portion 511. The gas passing through the gas flow path 530 passes through a portion other than the filling portion 511 and moves toward the upstream side in the moving direction of the developer. In the filled portion 511, the developer is in a dense state, and it is difficult for the gas to pass through. Therefore, in this embodiment, a gas flow path 530 for passing the gas is provided in a location other than the filled portion 511.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 8, the gas flow path 530 extends from the branching portion 98 toward the cylindrical portion 512, passes above the cylindrical portion 512, and then extends toward the upstream side in the moving direction of the developer. Then, as described later, the gas flow passage 530 is again connected to the internal space of the supply device 70 on the upstream side of the filling portion 511 in the moving direction of the developer. The gas flow passage 530 is connected again to the internal space of the supply device 70 at a location other than the branching portion 98 where the gas flow passage 530 branches off from the developer flow passage 510.

[0062] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9B, the gas from the developing device 14 first passes through a vertical flow path 514 provided as a part of the developer flow path 510, and heads toward the upstream side in the moving direction of the developer. The gas then enters the lateral flow passage 513, and then enters the gas flow passage 530 located above the lateral flow passage 513. The gas then passes through the gas flow passage 530 and moves to the left in the figure. As shown in FIG. 9(B), the gas flow path 530 extends in the horizontal direction, and the gas flow path 530 is provided with a horizontal portion 531 that is a portion extending in the horizontal direction.

[0063] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9(A), a slope 532 that is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction is provided to the bottom surface of the lateral portion 531. This slope 532 slopes downward toward the upstream side in the movement direction of the gas passing through the gas flow path 530. By providing the bottom surface with the inclination 532, the developer is less likely to accumulate on this bottom surface. The developer that is placed on the portion of the bottom surface of the gas flow path 530 where the inclination 532 is provided slides and moves in the lower right direction in FIG. 9(A). On the downstream side in the lower right direction is located the lateral flow passage 513. The developer placed on the bottom surface of the gas flow passage 530 moves to this lateral flow passage 513.

[0064] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of developer accumulating section 500 as viewed from above. Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of one end 500A of developer accumulating section 500. FIG. 10 shows the developer accumulating portion 500 as viewed from the other end portion 500B side of the developer accumulating portion 500. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the developer storage unit 500 is provided with a rectangular parallelepiped lower container 518 for accommodating the developer supplied from the developer storage container 80 (not shown in FIG. 10). Inside the lower container 518, there are provided a one-way transport member 521 that transports the developer in one direction, and an opposite-direction transport member 522 that transports the developer in the opposite direction to the one direction.

[0065] The one-way transport member 521 and the opposite-way transport member 522 are provided so as to be parallel to each other, and are provided along the longitudinal direction of the lower container 518 . Furthermore, in this embodiment, a driving source (not shown) such as a motor for driving the one-way transport member 521 and the opposite-way transport member 522 is provided. The unidirectional conveying member 521 is made of a coil. In other words, the unidirectional conveying member 521 is made of a wire material bent into a spiral shape. The opposite direction conveying member 522 is composed of a rod-shaped rotating shaft (not shown) and a protruding portion 522A that is disposed around the rotating shaft, is provided in a spiral shape, and protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft.

[0066] In this embodiment, the coil-shaped one-way transport member 521 is rotated by a drive source about a rotation axis along the axial direction of the one-way transport member 521. As a result, the developer is gradually moved in the axial direction of the one-way transport member 521. More specifically, the developer moves toward one end 521A of the one-way transport member 521 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the opposite direction transport member 522 is rotated about the rotation axis by the driving source. As a result, the developer is pushed out by the protrusion 522A provided on the opposite direction transport member 522, and the developer moves in the axial direction of the opposite direction transport member 522. More specifically, the developer moves toward the other end 522B of the opposite direction transport member 522 in the axial direction.

[0067] Furthermore, inside the lower container 518, there are provided a one-way flow path 541 which is a flow path through which the developer moves in one direction, and an opposite-direction flow path 542 which is a flow path through which the developer moves in the direction opposite to the one direction. The one-way flow path 541 and the opposite-way flow path 542 are provided so as to be parallel to each other, and are provided along the longitudinal direction of the lower container 518 . A unidirectional transport member 521 is disposed in the unidirectional flow path 541. The developer transported by the unidirectional transport member 521 moves within the unidirectional flow path 541. The opposite direction transport member 522 is disposed in the opposite direction flow path 542. The developer transported by the opposite direction transport member 522 moves within the opposite direction flow path 542.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, a one-end side connecting flow path 543 that connects one end 541A of the one-way flow path 541 and one end 542A of the opposite-direction flow path 542 is provided at one end 500A of the developer storage section 500 and inside the lower container 518. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, at the other end 500B of the developer storage section 500 and inside the lower container 518, there is provided an other end side connecting flow path 544 that connects the other end 541B of the one-way flow path 541 and the other end 542B of the opposite-direction flow path 542.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, an annular wall portion 550, which is a wall portion provided in an annular shape, is provided inside the lower container 518. When the lower container 518 is viewed from above, the annular wall portion 550 has an annular shape. When the lower container 518 is viewed from above, the annular wall portion 550 has a rectangular shape. The annular wall portion 550 is provided between the one-way flow passage 541 and the opposite-way flow passage 542. In addition, the annular wall portion 550 is provided between the one-end side connecting flow passage 543 (see FIG. 11) and the other-end side connecting flow passage 544.

[0070] 10, the annular wall portion 550 is provided so as to protrude upward from the bottom surface of the lower container 518. Furthermore, the annular wall portion 550 is provided so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the lower container 518. Around the annular wall portion 550, a one-way flow passage 541, an opposite-way flow passage 542, a one-end side connecting flow passage 543 (see FIG. 11), and an other-end side connecting flow passage 544 are provided.

[0071] In this embodiment, the developer transported by the one-way transport member 521 and the opposite-way transport member 522 moves through a space located around the annular wall portion 550 within the space inside the lower container 518 . More specifically, the developer transported by the one-way transport member 521 and the opposite direction transport member 522 moves sequentially through the one-way flow path 541, the one-end side connecting flow path 543 (see Figure 11), the opposite direction flow path 542, and the other-end side connecting flow path 544. In other words, the developer transported by the one-way transport member 521 and the opposite-way transport member 522 moves along the periphery of the annular wall portion 550 and circulates.

[0072] In this embodiment, the developer transported by the unidirectional transport member 521 heads toward one end 541A of the unidirectional flow passage 541. The developer that has reached the one end 541A is pressed by the developer successively transported from the upstream side to the one end 541A by the one-way transport member 521, and moves to the one-end side connecting flow passage 543 (see FIG. 11). The developer then moves to the opposite direction flow passage 542 through the one-end side connecting flow passage 543. The developer moved to the opposite direction flow passage 542 is moved by the opposite direction transport member 522 toward the other end 542B of the opposite direction flow passage 542 (see FIG. 10).

[0073] The developer that has reached the other end 542B of the opposite direction flow passage 542 is pressed by the developer successively transported from the upstream side to this other end 542B by the opposite direction transport member 522, and moves toward the other end side connecting flow passage 544. The developer then passes through the other end side connecting flow passage 544 and flows toward the one-way flow passage 541 . As a result, in this embodiment, the developer moves around the annular wall portion 550, and the developer undergoes circulatory movement.

[0074] The annular wall portion 550 is made up of four walls. The annular wall portion 550 is provided with two axial direction walls 551 arranged along the axial direction of the one-way conveying member 521 and the opposite-way conveying member 522 and facing each other. 11, the annular wall portion 550 is provided with a one-end side wall portion 552 that is located at one end of the annular wall portion 550 in the longitudinal direction and connects the two axial wall portions 551 to each other. 10, the annular wall portion 550 is provided with an other end side wall portion 553 that is located at the other end of the annular wall portion 550 in the longitudinal direction and connects the two axial wall portions 551 to each other.

[0075] 11, an opening 507 through which the gas flow path 530 passes is provided at one end 500A of the developer storage unit 500. The gas from the developing device 14 passing through the gas flow path 530 passes through this opening 507 and moves diagonally in the lower right direction in the figure. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a wall portion 519 extending upward is provided above one side wall 518A, which is one of the four side walls of the lower container 518 and extends along the longitudinal direction of the lower container 518. The wall portion 519 is provided so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the lower container 518 .

[0076] The wall portion 519 is provided with an opening 505 used to exhaust the gas flowing from the developing device 14. A plurality of openings 505 are provided. The plurality of openings 505 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the lower container 518. In this embodiment, the gas that has passed through the gas flow path 530 (see FIG. 11) is discharged from this opening 505 to the outside of the supply device 70.

[0077] In this embodiment, the gas that has passed through the gas flow path 530 (see FIG. 11) then enters the wall inner space 556, which is the space located inside the annular wall 550, as indicated by arrow 11A. Then, the gas passes through the wall space 556 and moves toward the other end 500B of the developer storage section 500 (see FIG. 10). The gas then flows toward one-way flow path 541 as shown by arrow 10E in FIG. The gas then travels along the wall 519, as shown by arrow 10F, toward an opening 505 formed in the wall 519. The gas then travels through the opening 505 to the outside of the supply device 70.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 11, one end 500A of the developer storage section 500 is provided with the filling portion 511 described above. In this embodiment, there is further provided a central conveying member 526 that passes through this filling portion 511. The central conveying member 526 is provided in the center of the lower container 518 in the short side direction of the lower container 518. The central transport member 526 is disposed between the one-way transport member 521 and the opposite-way transport member 522. The central transport member 526 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the lower container 518. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a drive source (not shown) such as a motor that drives the central transport member 526 is provided.

[0079] Central conveying member 526 includes a rod-shaped rotating shaft 526A, and a protruding portion 526B that is disposed around this rotating shaft 526A, is provided in a spiral shape, and protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of rotating shaft 526A. In this embodiment, the central transport member 526 is rotated about the rotation shaft 526A by the drive source. This causes the protrusion 526B to push out the developer, and the developer moves in the axial direction of the central transport member 526. In this embodiment, the developer in the lower container 518 , which is in the one end side connecting flow passage 543 , is sent to the filling portion 511 by the central transport member 526 .

[0080] The developer transported by the one-way transport member 521 accumulates in the one-end side connection flow passage 543 . The one-end side connecting flow path 543 is configured to pass through a space 94 (hereinafter referred to as the "pre-filling space 94") located between the filling portion 511 and the one-end side wall portion 552, and this pre-filling space 94 accumulates the developer transported by the one-way transport member 521.

[0081] In this embodiment, the developer accumulated in the pre-filling space 94 is pushed into the filling portion 511 by the central transport member 526. As a result, the developer is filled into the filling portion 511, and then the developer is transported downstream. The developer that has passed through the filling portion 511 passes through a lateral flow path 513 (see FIG. 9B) located downstream of the filling portion 511 and a vertical flow path 514 toward the developing device 14.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 10, the central conveying member 526 is provided from one end to the other end of the lower container 518 in the longitudinal direction. Moreover, the central conveying member 526 is provided so as to pass through the inside of the annular wall portion 550. In other words, the central conveying member 526 is provided so that a part of it is positioned in the space 556 within the wall portion. As shown in FIG. 11, a groove 552A is formed in one end side wall portion 552 of the annular wall portion 550, and the central conveying member 526 passes through this groove 552A.

[0083] In this embodiment, the one end side wall portion 552 is provided, so that the developer in the pre-filling space 94 is prevented from entering the intra-wall space 556 . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, an opening 553A is provided in the other end side wall portion 553 of the annular wall portion 550, and in this embodiment, the central conveying member 526 passes through this opening 553A. In this embodiment, the other end side wall portion 553 is provided, so that the developer in the other end side connection flow passage 544 is prevented from entering the wall portion inner space 556.

[0084] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which an upper member 561 is attached onto the lower container 518. As shown in FIG. In the supply device 70 , an upper member 561 is attached on top of the lower container 518 . The upper member 561 includes a closing portion 562 that extends horizontally and closes the opening 518X located at the upper portion of the lower container 518, and a wall portion 563 that is connected to the closing portion 562 and extends upward. The wall portion 563 is provided so as to face the wall portion 519 provided in the lower container 518. Between the wall portion 563 provided in the upper member 561 and the wall portion 519 provided in the lower container 518, a gap is provided to allow gas to pass therethrough. In other words, a space (described later) for passing gas is provided between the wall 563 provided in the upper member 561 and the wall 519 provided in the lower container 518.

[0085] The gas that passes through the opening 507 provided at one end 500A of the developer storage section 500 (see FIG. 11) passes through the gap between the lower container 518 and the upper member 561, as shown by arrow 12A in FIG. 12, and flows toward the other end 500B of the developer storage section 500. The gas flow path 530 (see FIG. 11) is provided between the lower container 518 and the upper member 561 . The gas that has passed through the opening 507 passes through this gas flow passage 530 located between the lower container 518 and the upper member 561, and flows toward the other end 500B of the developer storage section 500, as indicated by an arrow 12A. Then, the gas that has passed through the gas flow path 530 enters the wall inner space 556, passes through the wall inner space 556, and moves toward the other end 500B of the developer storage section 500, as shown by the arrow 11A in FIG.

[0086] Thereafter, the gas flows toward one-way flow path 541 through recess 561C provided in the lower surface of upper member 561 (see FIG. 12). Then, the gas passes above this one-way flow path 541 and moves to the space located between wall portion 563 and wall portion 519 . The gas then moves upward through this space and out of the supply device 70 through the opening 505 (see FIG. 10) formed in the wall 519 .

[0087] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the supply device 70 taken along the line XIII-XIII in Fig. 7. Note that in Fig. 13, the developer storage container 80 shown in Fig. 7 is omitted. With reference to FIG. 13, the gas flow in the supply device 70 is further explained. In this embodiment, the gas entering the supply device 70 from the developing device 14 (not shown in FIG. 13) first flows upward through the vertical flow path 514 that constitutes a part of the developer flow path 510. Thereafter, the gas passes through a gas flow path 530 that is provided branching off from the developer flow path 510 and heads toward the other end 72 of the supply device 70 .

[0088] The gas flow path 530 is again connected to the internal space of the supply device 70 at the location indicated by reference numeral 13A. Specifically, the gas flow path 530 is connected to an inner wall space 556 located inside the annular wall 550 (not shown in FIG. 13) at the location indicated by reference numeral 13A. In this embodiment, the gas that has passed through the gas flow path 530 is supplied to an inner wall space 556 within the internal space of the supply device 70. The wall inner space 556 is a space that is not located above the developer flow path 510, but is located at a position outside the developer flow path 510. The gas flow path 530 is connected to a portion of the internal space of the supply device 70 that is not the developer flow path 510.

[0089] The gas that enters the wall inner space 556 then flows toward the one-way flow passage 541 through the recess 561C provided in the lower surface of the upper member 561 (see FIG. 12). Then, the gas passes above one-way flow path 541 and moves to the space located between wall portion 563 and wall portion 519 . The gas then travels upward through this space and then through openings 505 formed in wall 519 (see FIG. 10).

[0090] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the supply device 70 taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the developer storage container 80. In Fig. 14, the developer storage container 80 is indicated by a dashed line. The supply device 70 is provided with a protruding portion 76 that extends obliquely upward and has a hollow interior. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 76 is provided with the opening 505 described above. In this embodiment, the protrusion 76 is configured by a wall portion 519 provided on the lower container 518 and a wall portion 563 provided on the upper member 561. The wall portion 563 and the wall portion 519 protrude upward and are disposed facing each other.

[0091] In this embodiment, a part of the upwardly extending protruding portion 76 is located to the side of the developer storage container 80 . The protruding portion 76 has a facing surface 761 facing the developer accommodating container 80 and an opposite surface 762 located on the opposite side to the facing surface 761 . In this embodiment, an opening 505 is provided on an opposite surface 762 of the protruding portion 76, which is opposite to an opposing surface 761 that faces the developer accommodating container 80. Note that, at a position opposite to the opening 505, a filter 506 is provided, as described above.

[0092] 14 and as described above, in this embodiment, the supply device 70 is provided with a receiving port 79A for receiving developer from the developer accommodating container 80. The supply device 70 is also provided with a discharge port 74 for discharging the developer. The opening 505 provided in the protruding portion 76 is provided above the receiving port 79A. Furthermore, the opening 505 is provided above the discharge port 74 which is provided below the receiving port 79A.

[0093] Furthermore, the opening 505 is provided at a location that is off the developer flow path 510 . In this embodiment, a developer flow path 510 is provided in the developer storage unit 500. In addition, a developer flow path 510 is also provided in a filling portion 511 (not shown in FIG. 14) and downstream of the filling portion 511. The opening 505 is provided at a location outside these developer flow paths 510 . Furthermore, the opening 505 is provided above the uppermost portion of the developer flow path 510 .

[0094] In this embodiment, the portion of the developer storage section 500 in which the one-way flow path 541, the opposite-way flow path 542, the developer flow path 510 passing through the filling section 511, and the lateral flow path 513 (not shown in Figure 14) are provided is the uppermost portion of the developer flow path 510. The opening 505 is located above this uppermost portion.

[0095] The opening 505 provided in the protruding portion 76 is an opening 505 that allows the inside and outside of the supply device 70 to communicate with each other. In addition to the receiving port 79A and the discharge port 74, the supply device 70 is provided with an opening 505 that allows the inside and outside of the supply device 70 to communicate with each other. The gas flowing from the developing device 14 is discharged to the outside of the supply device 70 through this opening 505 .

[0096] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the flow of gas when the supply device 70 is viewed from above. In Fig. 15, the illustration of the upper member 561 and the like is omitted. The gas flowing from the developing device 14 passes through an exhaust port 74 provided in the supply device 70 and enters the inside of the supply device 70. The gas entering the inside of the supply device 70 passes through the vertical flow path 514 and then enters the gas flow path 530. The gas then passes through the gas flow path 530 and heads toward the intra-wall space 556. The gas then passes through the intra-wall space 556 and heads toward the other end 72 of the supply device 70. In the wall inner space 556, the developer is not transported, so the amount of developer is small.

[0097] Next, the gas flows from the wall inner space 556 toward the one-way flow passage 541. More specifically, the gas flows toward a portion of the one-way flow passage 541 other than the one end 541A. The gas flowing from the wall inner space 556 toward the one-way flow passage 541 flows toward a portion of the one-way flow passage 541 that is located upstream of the one end 521A. This “upstream side” refers to the upstream side in the moving direction of the developer in the one-way flow passage 541. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12, a recess 561C is provided in the lower surface of the upper member 561. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 15, a connection flow path 594 that is a flow path connecting the wall inner space 556 and the one-way flow path 541 is provided at the location where this recess 561C is provided.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 15, the connection flow passage 594 is connected to a central portion 541C of the one-way flow passage 541 in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 15, the connection flow path 594 is also connected to another end portion 541T of the one-way flow path 541, which is a portion located closer to the other end portion 541B than the central portion 541C. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the gas passes through the wall space 556 toward the one-way flow passage 541, it flows toward the central portion 541C in the longitudinal direction of the one-way flow passage 541 and toward the other end portion 541T of the one-way flow passage 541, as shown in FIG. 15. The gas then passes through the space inside the protrusion 76 (see FIG. 14) and heads toward the opening 505 provided in the protrusion 76 .

[0099] The developer transported by the unidirectional transport member 521 accumulates at one end 541A of the unidirectional flow passage 541 (see FIG. 15), and the height of the upper surface of the developer becomes large at this one end 541A. In this case, when gas in wall inner space 556 is directed toward opening 505 through the upper part of one end 541A, the gas has difficulty passing above this part. In contrast, in this embodiment, the gas passes above a central portion 541C in the longitudinal direction of the one-way flow passage 541 and above a portion 541T on the other end side of the one-way flow passage 541. In this case, the gas passes through a portion where the height of the upper surface of the developer is low, and the gas flows more easily.

[0100] The central transport member 526 is also provided in the intra-wall space 556 . The central transport member 526, which is an example of a moving member, moves the developer accumulated in the wall space 556. In this embodiment, gas is supplied from the gas flow passage 530 into the wall internal space 556 , and the developer contained in the gas accumulates in the wall internal space 556 . In this embodiment, a central transport member 526 for moving the developer accumulated in the wall inner space 556 is provided in the wall inner space 556 . The developer accumulated in the wall intra-space 556 is transported to the pre-filling space 94 by the central transport member 526. In this case, the developer in the wall intra-space 556 is discharged from this wall intra-space 556.

[0101] With reference to FIG. 9(B), the central conveying member 526 will be described. The central transport member 526 is provided with a cylindrical inner portion 526E located inside the cylindrical portion 512, and an outer portion 526F located downstream of the cylindrical inner portion 526E in the developer transport direction and outside the cylindrical portion 512. The outer portion 526F is located inside a lateral flow path 513 that constitutes a part of the developer flow path 510. In this embodiment, the developer transport capacity of the outer portion 526F is greater than the developer transport capacity of the cylindrical portion inner portion 526E.

[0102] In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the protrusion 526B provided on the outer portion 526F is larger than the outer diameter of the protrusion 526B provided on the cylindrical portion inner portion 526E. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pitch of the protrusions 526B provided on the outer portion 526F is greater than the pitch of the protrusions 526B provided on the cylindrical portion inner portion 526E. As used herein, "pitch" refers to the distance between adjacent protrusions 526B.

[0103] In this embodiment, the transport speed of the developer in the lateral flow passage 513 is higher than the transport speed of the developer in the cylindrical portion 512 . In this case, the height of the upper surface of the developer located in the lateral flow passage 513 is lower than the height of the upper surface of the developer located in the cylindrical portion 512 . When the height of the upper surface of the developer located in the lateral flow path 513 is smaller than the height of the upper surface of the developer located in the cylindrical portion 512, the height of the upper surface of the developer located below the gas flow path 530 becomes smaller than when it is not smaller. In this case, the developer located below the gas flow passage 530 becomes less likely to enter the gas flow passage 530, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas flow passage 530 becomes large.

[0104] Furthermore, if the height of the upper surface of the developer located in the lateral flow passage 513 is smaller than the height of the upper surface of the developer located in the cylindrical portion 512, gas flows more easily in the vertical flow passage 514 than when the height is not smaller. When the height of the upper surface of the developer located in the horizontal flow path 513 is smaller than the height of the upper surface of the developer located in the cylindrical portion 512, the area occupied by the developer in the cross section of the vertical flow path 514 is reduced compared to when it is not smaller. In this case, the gas flows upward through the vertical flow passage 514 more easily.

[0105] The structure around the gas flow path 530 will be further described with reference to FIG. 9(B). In this embodiment, in the movement direction of the gas in the gas flow passage 530, the upstream end 530C of the gas flow passage 530 is located upstream of the downstream end 514C of the vertical flow passage 514. The gas flow passage 530 has an upstream end 530C, which is the end located most upstream in the gas movement direction in the gas flow passage 530, at the right end in the figure. The vertical flow passage 514 also has an upstream end 514D and a downstream end 514C that are located at different positions in the gas movement direction in the gas flow passage 530. An upstream end 514D and a downstream end 514C of the vertical flow passage 514 are located at different radial positions of the vertical flow passage 514.

[0106] In this embodiment, when comparing positions in the gas movement direction in the gas flow path 530, the upstream end 530C of the gas flow path 530 is located upstream of the downstream end 514C of the vertical flow path 514. In Fig. 9(B), the gas movement direction in the gas flow path 530 is from right to left in Fig. 9(B). When the upstream end 530C is located upstream of the downstream end 514C, gas flows more easily than when the upstream end 530C is located downstream of the downstream end 514C.

[0107] For example, it is assumed that the upstream end 530C of the gas flow passage 530 is located at the position indicated by the reference symbol 9X, and that the upstream end 530C is located downstream of the downstream end 514C of the vertical flow passage 514. In this case, the flow path through which the gas flows becomes narrower, making it difficult for the gas to flow. In contrast, as described above, when the upstream end 530C of the gas flow passage 530 is located upstream of the downstream end 514C of the vertical passage 514, the flow passage through which the gas flows is expanded, making it easier for the gas to flow.

[0108] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the supply device 70. In FIG. In this configuration example shown in FIG. 16, a moving member 800 for moving the developer accumulated in the gas flow passage 530 is provided in the gas flow passage 530. The moving member 800 is composed of a rotating shaft 801 that is rotated by a driving source (not shown) such as a motor, and a protruding portion 802 that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 801 and is provided in a spiral shape. The gas passing through the gas flow passage 530 contains the developer, and this developer accumulates in the gas flow passage 530. 16, the moving member 800 rotates, and the developer moves to the right in the figure. The developer moved to the right by the moving member 800 falls downward and is supplied to the lateral flow path 513 located below.

[0109] Referring again to FIG. 11, the configuration of one end 500A of the developer storage section 500 will be further described. 11, in this embodiment, a regulating portion 95 that regulates the developer in the one-way flow passage 541 from moving upward is provided above one end portion 541A of the one-way flow passage 541. The regulating portion 95 is made of a plate-shaped member. The developer accumulates at one end 541A of the one-way flow passage 541, and accordingly, the height of the upper surface of the developer increases at this one end 541A and in the pre-filling space 94.

[0110] In this case, the developer may enter the gas flow passage 530 located above the pre-filling space 94, and the gas may not flow easily in the gas flow passage 530. In contrast, when the regulating portion 95 is provided, the upper surface of the developer in the pre-filling space 94 is less likely to move upward. In this case, the developer is prevented from entering the gas flow passage 530, and the gas can more easily flow through the gas flow passage 530. The restriction portion 95 may be provided not only above the one end portion 541A of the one-way flow path 541, but also above the pre-filling space 94. In this case, the gas flow path 530 is provided above the restriction portion 95.

[0111] Second Embodiment FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a supply device 70 according to the second embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 17, the loading portion 511 is located on the other end 72 side of the feeding device 70. In other words, the loading portion 511 is located on the front side of the image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, in this supply device 70, an intermediate flow path 581 that constitutes a part of the developer flow path 510 is provided below the developer storage section 500, and further, a lower flow path 582 that constitutes another part of the developer flow path 510 is provided below the intermediate flow path 581.

[0112] An intermediate transport member 631 that transports the developer in the intermediate flow path 581 is provided in the intermediate flow path 581. A lower transport member 632 that transports the developer in the lower flow path 582 is provided in the lower flow path 582. Each of intermediate conveying member 631 and lower conveying member 632 is composed of a rotating shaft 633A and a protruding portion 633B that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of this rotating shaft 633A and is provided in a spiral shape. Furthermore, the supply device 70 is provided with a drive source (not shown) for driving the intermediate transport member 631 and the lower transport member 632 to rotate.

[0113] In the second embodiment, the developer that has passed through the filling portion 511 passes through an intermediate flow path 581 located below the developer storage portion 500, and heads toward a lower flow path 582 located below the intermediate flow path 581. The developer then passes through the lower flow passage 582 toward one end 582A of the lower flow passage 582. Thereafter, the developer flows toward the discharge port 74 through the vertical flow passage 514 that extends downward from one end 582A of the lower flow passage 582.

[0114] In the second embodiment, a gas flow path 530 is provided at a location indicated by reference numeral 17A in the drawing. The gas flow path 530 is provided in a form branching off from the developer flow path 510, as described above. Specifically, the gas flow passage 530 is provided in a form branching off from the intermediate flow passage 581. The gas flow passage 530 extends from a branching portion branching off from the intermediate flow passage 581 toward the developer storage section 500 located above. In the second embodiment, the gas flow passage 530 is provided to extend in the vertical direction. The gas flow passage 530 is provided with a portion that extends in the vertical direction.

[0115] In the second embodiment, the gas entering the supply device 70 from the exhaust port 74 of the supply device 70 passes through the downstream portion 586 of the developer flow path 510 toward the upstream side in the moving direction of the developer. Here, the "downstream portion 586" refers to a part of the developer flow passage 510, which is located downstream of the filling portion 511 in the moving direction of the developer moving in the developer flow passage 510. In the second embodiment, the downstream portion 586 is composed of an intermediate flow path 581, a lower flow path 582, and a vertical flow path 514.

[0116] The gas entering the supply device 70 from the discharge port 74 of the supply device 70 passes through this downstream portion 586 and flows toward the upstream side in the moving direction of the developer. The gas then enters gas flow passage 530, which branches off from downstream portion 586, and flows upward. More specifically, the gas flows upward into a gas flow passage 530 that is provided branching off from an intermediate passage 581 that constitutes a part of the downstream section 586 . The gas then enters the wall space 556 defined in the developer storage unit 500 .

[0117] In the second embodiment, the downstream portion 586 has a larger developer transporting capacity than the filling portion 511. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the developer transport capacity of intermediate transport member 631 and lower transport member 632 is greater than the developer transport capacity of central transport member 526 passing through filling portion 511.

[0118] In the second embodiment, the outer diameter of the protrusion 633B provided on each of the intermediate conveying member 631 and the lower conveying member 632 is larger than the outer diameter of the protrusion 526B provided on the portion of the central conveying member 526 located within the filling portion 511. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the pitch of the protrusions 633B provided on each of the intermediate conveying member 631 and the lower conveying member 632 is greater than the pitch of the protrusions 526B provided on the portion of the central conveying member 526 located within the filling portion 511.

[0119] In the second embodiment, the moving speed of the developer moving through the downstream portion 586 is greater than the transport speed of the developer moving through the filling portion 511. In other words, in the second embodiment, the moving speed of the developer moving through the intermediate flow passage 581 and the lower flow passage 582 is greater than the transport speed of the developer moving through the filling portion 511. As a result, in the second embodiment, the height of the upper surface of the developer is small in the downstream portion 586. This makes it easier for gas to flow toward the upstream side through the downstream portion 586. The developer is not filled over the entire cross section of the downstream portion 586.

[0120] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the developer transport capacity of the lower transport member 632 is greater than the developer transport capacity of the intermediate transport member 631. More specifically, in the second embodiment, the outer diameter of the protrusion 633B provided on the lower conveying member 632 is larger than the outer shape of the protrusion 633B provided on the intermediate conveying member 631. In the second embodiment, the pitch of the protrusions 633B provided on the lower transport member 632 is greater than the pitch of the protrusions 633B provided on the intermediate transport member 631.

[0121] In this case, the moving speed of the developer moving through lower flow passage 582 becomes higher than the transport speed of the developer moving through intermediate flow passage 581. In this case, the height of the upper surface of the developer becomes even smaller in lower flow passage 582. In this case, the gas flowing through lower flow passage 582 toward the upstream side becomes even easier to flow. In the second embodiment, the moving speed of the developer moving through the lower flow path 582 is greater than the moving speed of the developer moving through the intermediate flow path 581, and the moving speed of the developer moving through the intermediate flow path 581 is greater than the moving speed of the developer moving through the filling portion 511.

[0122] Alternatively, the rotation speed of intermediate conveying member 631 and lower conveying member 632 may be set to be greater than the rotation speed of central conveying member 526 . Furthermore, the rotation speed of the lower conveying member 632 may be set to be greater than the rotation speed of the intermediate conveying member 631 . Furthermore, the rotation speed of the lower conveying member 632 may be set to be greater than the rotation speed of the intermediate conveying member 631 , and the rotation speed of the intermediate conveying member 631 may be set to be greater than the rotation speed of the central conveying member 526 .

[0123] In this embodiment, the gas that enters the supply device 70 passes through the developer flow path 510 toward the upstream side in the direction of developer movement, and then enters the gas flow path 530 that is branched off from the developer flow path 510. More specifically, the gas that has entered the supply device 70 passes through the downstream portion 586 of the developer flow path 510 and flows toward the upstream side in the moving direction of the developer. Then, the gas enters the gas flow path 530 that is provided by branching off from the downstream portion 586. The gas then passes through the intra-wall space 556 toward the opening 505 (not shown in FIG. 17) in the supply device 70 .

[0124] Although not described above, even in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9(B), the gas entering the supply device 70 from the exhaust port 74 of the supply device 70 passes through the downstream portion 586 of the developer flow path 510 and flows toward the upstream side in the developer movement direction. In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9(B), the downstream portion 586 is composed of a lateral flow passage 513 and a vertical flow passage 514.

[0125] In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, the gas entering the supply device 70 from the exhaust port 74 of the supply device 70 also passes through the downstream portion 586 and flows toward the upstream side in the moving direction of the developer. The gas then enters gas flow path 530, which is provided in a branched manner from downstream portion 586, and moves to the left in the figure. Then, the gas travels toward opening 505 via wall inner space 556 (not shown in FIG. 9B), one-way flow passage 541, and the space within protrusion 76, as described above.

[0126] In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9(B), the developer transporting capacity of the portion of the central transport member 526 located in the downstream portion 586 is greater than the developer transporting capacity of the portion of the central transport member 526 located in the filling portion 511. In other words, in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, the developer moves faster in the downstream portion 586 than in the filling portion 511.

[0127] In this case, the height of the upper surface of the developer becomes lower in the lateral flow passage 513 that constitutes a part of the downstream section 586. In this case, the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas flow passage 530 located above the lateral flow passage 513 becomes larger. In the cross section of the lateral flow passage 513 that constitutes a part of the downstream section 586, the developer is not filled over the entire cross section. Furthermore, if the developer moves faster in downstream portion 586 than in filling portion 511, the developer occupies a smaller area in the cross section of vertical flow passage 514 that constitutes another part of downstream portion 586. In this case, gas flows more easily in vertical flow passage 514.

[0128] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a cross section of the lower flow passage 582 taken along line XVIII-XVIII in Fig. 17. In other words, Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a cross section of the downstream portion 586 of the developer flow passage 510. 18, a lower transport member 632 as an example of a moving member is provided in the lower flow path 582. This lower transport member 632 rotates about a rotation shaft 633A along the lower flow path 582, and moves the developer in the lower flow path 582 downstream. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the cross-sectional shape of the lower flow path 582 is non-circular.

[0129] 17, the lower flow passage 582 extends in the lateral direction. In other words, the lower flow passage 582 extends in the horizontal direction. In a cross section of this lower flow path 582 extending laterally, as shown in Figure 18, of the outer peripheral edge 582F of the lower flow path 582, an upper left portion 582G located at the upper left in the figure is convex in a direction away from the rotation shaft 633A of the lower conveying member 632. When such a convex portion is provided, a passage for gas is more easily secured and gas moves through lower flow path 582 more easily than when no convex portion is provided.

[0130] In addition, not only upper left portion 582G located at the upper left of outer circumferential edge 582F of lower flow path 582, but also upper right portion 582H located at the upper right may be convex in the direction away from rotation axis 633A. Alternatively, both upper left portion 582G and upper right portion 582H may be convex in the direction away from rotation shaft 633A of lower conveying member 632.

[0131] FIG. 19 is a diagram of the developer storage unit 500 of the second embodiment as viewed from above. In the second embodiment, the gas flow path 530 is connected to a bottom 556A of the wall inner space 556. An opening 556B for connecting the wall inner space 556 and the gas flow path 530 is provided in the bottom 556A. The gas from the gas flow passage 530 is supplied into the intra-wall space 556 from a bottom 556A of the intra-wall space 556. Thereafter, the same as above, the gas that has entered the wall inner space 556 passes above the one-way flow passage 541 and heads toward the space inside the protrusion 76 (not shown in FIG. 19). Then, similarly to the above, after passing through this space, the gas is discharged to the outside of the supply device 70 through the opening 505 provided on the side of the protruding portion 76.

[0132] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the supply device 70 taken along the line XX-XX in Figure 17. Figure 20 shows the supply device 70 as viewed from one end 71 (see Figure 17) of the supply device 70. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, below the developer container 80, a developer flow path 510 through which the developer from the developer container 80 passes is provided. In the second embodiment, a part of the developer flow path 510 is located at a position not directly below the developer storage container 80. Specifically, a part of the one-way flow path 541, indicated by reference symbol 20A, is located at a position not directly below the developer storage container 80.

[0133] In this configuration example, above this one-way flow passage 541, a part of which is located at a position not directly below the developer accommodating container 80, a protruding portion 76 extending upward is provided. As in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 16, the internal space of this protrusion 76 shown in the second embodiment is connected to a one-way flow path 541. As shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, above a portion of the developer flow path 510 that is positioned away from directly below the developer accommodating container 80, a protruding portion 76 that extends upward is provided. In this embodiment, this part is a part of the one-way flow passage 541 that is not located directly below the developer accommodating container 80.

[0134] As in the above, the inside of the protrusion 76 is hollow, and a space for passing gas exists inside the protrusion 76 . The gas that has passed through the gas flow path 530 and the wall inner space 556 and reached the upper part of the one-way flow path 541 passes through the space inside the protruding part 76 and heads toward the opening 505 provided on the side of the protruding part 76. Then, the gas is discharged from this opening 505 to the outside of the supply device 70. The opening 505 provided in the protruding portion 76 is provided in an opposite surface 762 opposite to an opposing surface 761 that faces the developer accommodating container 80, among the surfaces of the protruding portion 76, as described above.

[0135] (Additional Note) (((1))) An image carrier; a developing device for depositing a developer onto the image carrier; a supply device for supplying developer to the developing device, the supply device including an inlet for receiving developer from an upstream side, and an outlet for discharging the received developer, the supply device including an opening provided separately from the inlet and the outlet for communicating the inside and outside of the supply device; An image forming apparatus comprising: (((2))) The image forming apparatus according to (((1))), wherein the opening is provided above the receiving port. (((3))) The discharge port is provided below the receiving port, The image forming apparatus according to (((2))), wherein the opening is provided above the receiving opening and the discharging opening. (((4))) the supply device is provided with a developer flow path through which the developer passes, The image forming apparatus according to any one of ((1)) to ((3))), wherein the opening is provided at a location outside the developer flow path. (((5))) The image forming apparatus according to (((4))), wherein the opening is provided above an uppermost portion of the developer flow path. (((6))) The supply device is provided with a protrusion that extends upward and has a hollow interior, The image forming apparatus according to any one of ((1)) to ((5))), wherein the opening is provided in the protruding portion. (((7))) the supply device conveys developer from a developer storage container and supplies it to the developing device; the supply device is provided below a developer storage container with a developer flow path through which the developer from the developer storage container passes; a portion of the developer flow path is located at a position not directly below the developer accommodating container, The image forming apparatus described in (((6))), wherein the protrusion extending upward and having a hollow interior is provided above the portion of the developer flow path that is located away from directly below the developer accommodating container. (((8))) a portion of the upwardly extending protruding portion is located to the side of the developer accommodating container, The image forming apparatus according to ((7)) above, wherein the opening is provided on a surface of the protruding portion opposite to a surface facing the developer accommodating container. (((9))) The supply device has a gas flow path through which gas that has flowed from the developing device to the supply device and is directed toward the opening, the gas flow path being provided separately from a developer flow path through which developer toward the developing device passes. The image forming apparatus of any of ((1))) to (((8))) has a gas flow path through which gas that has flowed from the developing device to the supply device and is directed toward the opening passes. (((10))) the developing device is provided with an opposing opening in which a rotating body is disposed opposite the image carrier and used to supply developer to the image carrier, and a receiving opening for receiving the developer; An image forming apparatus as described in any one of ((1)) to (((9))), wherein other than the opposing opening and the receiving opening, the developing device does not have any opening that communicates the inside and outside of the developing device. (((11))) An image carrier; a developing device for depositing a developer onto the image carrier; a supply device for supplying a developer to the developing device, the supply device having an opening for discharging gas flowing from the developing device; An image forming apparatus comprising: (((12))) the developing device is provided with an opposing opening in which a rotating body is disposed opposite the image carrier and used to supply developer to the image carrier, and a receiving opening for receiving the developer; The image forming apparatus according to (((11))), wherein the developing device is not provided with any openings that communicate between the inside and outside of the developing device, other than the opposing opening and the receiving opening.

[0136] According to the image forming apparatus of (((1))), the internal pressure of the developing device can be released at a location other than the developing device. According to the image forming apparatus of (((2))), the amount of developer that reaches the opening can be reduced, compared to when the opening is provided below the receiving port. According to the image forming apparatus of (((3))), the amount of developer that reaches the opening can be reduced, compared to when the opening is provided below the receiving opening and the discharging opening. According to the image forming apparatus of (((4))), the amount of developer that reaches the opening can be reduced, compared to when the opening is provided on the developer flow path. According to the image forming device of (((5))), the amount of developer that reaches the opening can be reduced, compared to when the opening is provided below the uppermost portion of the developer flow path. According to the image forming apparatus in accordance with (((6))), the amount of developer that reaches the opening can be reduced, compared to when the opening is provided in a portion located below the protruding portion. According to the image forming apparatus of (((7))), it is possible to provide an opening in the space to the side of the developer container. According to the image forming device of (((8))), it is possible to prevent gas from being difficult to be discharged through the opening, compared to when an opening is provided on the opposing surface of the protruding portion that faces the developer storage container. According to the image forming apparatus of (((9))), the gas flowing from the developing device to the supply device can flow more easily than when the gas flows toward the opening through only the developer supply path. According to the image forming device of (((10))), it is possible to prevent developer from moving to the outside of the developing device through the opening provided in the developing device, compared to a case in which the developing device is provided with an opening that connects the inside and outside of the developing device in addition to the opposing opening and the receiving opening. According to the image forming apparatus of (((11))), the internal pressure of the developing device can be released at a location other than the developing device. According to the image forming device of (((12))), it is possible to prevent developer from moving outside the developing device through an opening provided in the developing device, compared to a case in which the developing device is provided with an opening that connects the inside and outside of the developing device in addition to the opposing opening and the receiving opening. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 11...photosensitive drum, 14...developing device, 70...supply device, 74...discharge port, 76...projection portion, 79A...receiving port, 98...branch portion, 100...image forming device, 151...first receiving port, 430...rotating body, 480...opposing opening, 505...opening, 510...developer flow path, 511...filling portion, 526...central conveying member, 530...gas flow path, 582...lower flow path, 582F...outer peripheral edge, 586...downstream portion, 632...lower conveying member, 761...opposing surface, 762...opposite surface, 800...moving member

Claims

1. An image carrier; a developing device for depositing a developer onto the image carrier; a supply device for supplying developer to the developing device, the supply device including an inlet for receiving developer from an upstream side, and an outlet for discharging the received developer, the supply device including an opening provided separately from the inlet and the outlet for communicating the inside and outside of the supply device; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the opening is provided above the receiving port.

3. The discharge port is provided below the receiving port, The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the opening is provided above the receiving opening and the discharging opening.

4. the supply device is provided with a developer flow path through which the developer passes, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the opening is provided at a position outside the developer flow path.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the opening is provided above an uppermost portion of the developer flow path.

6. The supply device is provided with a protrusion that extends upward and has a hollow interior, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the protruding portion is provided with the opening.

7. the supply device conveys developer from a developer storage container and supplies it to the developing device; the supply device is provided below a developer storage container with a developer flow path through which the developer from the developer storage container passes; a portion of the developer flow path is located at a position not directly below the developer accommodating container, 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the protrusion extending upward and having a hollow interior is provided above the portion of the developer flow path that is located away from directly below the developer accommodating container.

8. a portion of the upwardly extending protruding portion is located to the side of the developer accommodating container, 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the opening is provided on a surface of the protruding portion opposite to a surface facing the developer accommodating container.

9. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply device has a gas flow path through which gas that has flowed from the developing device to the supply device and is directed toward the opening, the gas flow path being provided separately from the developer flow path through which the developer toward the developing device passes.

10. the developing device is provided with an opposing opening in which a rotating body is disposed opposite the image carrier and used to supply developer to the image carrier, and a receiving opening for receiving the developer; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developing device is not provided with any openings communicating the inside and outside of the developing device other than the opposing opening and the receiving opening.

11. An image carrier; a developing device for depositing a developer onto the image carrier; a supply device for supplying a developer to the developing device, the supply device having an opening for discharging gas flowing from the developing device; An image forming apparatus comprising:

12. the developing device is provided with an opposing opening in which a rotating body is disposed opposite the image carrier and used to supply developer to the image carrier, and a receiving opening for receiving the developer; 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the developing device is not provided with any opening that communicates the inside and outside of the developing device, other than the opposing opening and the receiving opening.

Images