Developer supply device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a developer supply device that improves the degree of freedom in the distance and the direction from a discharge port to a toner supply destination.SOLUTION: A developer supply device has: a volume variable pump unit 21; a conveyance path unit 24 that has a connection port connected to the pump unit 21 at one end and has a discharge port 23 at the other end; and a toner storage unit 22 that is connected to a midpoint between the one end and the other end of the conveyance path unit 24 and stores toner. The amount of change in volume of the pump unit 21 is larger than the total volume from the connection port to the discharge port 23 of the conveyance path unit 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a developer replenishing device used in an image forming apparatus such as a copier or printer. An image forming apparatus such as a copier or printer forms an image on a recording material such as paper using, for example, an electrophotographic image forming process. Examples of such an image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copier, an electrophotographic printer (e.g., an LED printer, a laser beam printer, etc.), an electrophotographic facsimile machine, etc.

[0002] A developer supplying device (hereinafter also referred to as a "toner cartridge") used in such an image forming apparatus has a container that contains at least a developer (hereinafter also referred to as "toner"), and further has an ejection means for ejecting the contained toner from the toner cartridge, and these are integrally configured and detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0003] In Patent Document 1, as in a first comparative example shown in Fig. 16, a toner cartridge B100 is provided with a toner storage section 117 that stores toner, and a pump section 121 that discharges toner. The toner in the toner storage section 117 can be discharged downward from a discharge port 123 by utilizing an air flow generated by the pump section 121. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-256894 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the toner cartridge B100 shown in FIG. 16, the discharge port 123 is provided immediately below the vicinity of the pump portion 121, so the distance and direction from the discharge port 123 to the destination of toner supply are limited.

[0006] The present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a developer supplying device which improves the degree of freedom in the distance and direction from the discharge port to the toner supply destination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A typical configuration of the developer supply device of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object includes a variable volume pump section, a transport path section having a connection port connected to the pump section at one end and a discharge port at the other end, and a developer storage section connected midway between the one end and the other end of the transport path section and storing developer, wherein the amount of change in volume of the pump section is greater than the total volume of the transport path section from the connection port to the discharge port. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the degree of freedom in determining the distance and direction from the discharge port to the toner supply destination is improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment, cut horizontally and viewed from above. [Figure 4] 1A is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a drive unit of a pump unit of a first embodiment, FIG. 1B is a side view showing a state in which the pump unit of the first embodiment is expanded, and FIG. 1C is a side view showing a state in which the pump unit of the first embodiment is contracted. [Diagram 5] 1A is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion of the first embodiment before assembly, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the pump portion of the first embodiment after assembly. [Figure 6]1A is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a pump section and a transport path section according to a first embodiment, and FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the pump section and the conveying path section of the first embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of part H in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C to FIG. 1E are diagrams showing the outer shape of the communication opening projected in the direction of air flow when the pump section is compressed, the outer shape of the boundary G3 projected, and the outer shape of the boundary G2 projected. [Figure 8] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a pump portion and a conveying path portion according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 1(a) is a cross-sectional view of a pump section and a conveying path section of a second modified example of the first embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. FIG. 1(b) is an enlarged view of part H of FIG. 1(a). FIG. 1(c) to FIG. 1(e) are diagrams showing the outer shape when the communication opening is projected in the direction in which air flows when the pump section is compressed, the outer shape when the boundary G3 is projected, and the outer shape when the boundary G2 is projected. [Figure 10] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the pump section and the conveying path section of the second comparative example as viewed from the Z-axis direction. FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of part H in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C to FIG. 1E are diagrams showing the outer shape of the communication opening projected in the direction of air flow when the pump section is compressed, the outer shape of the boundary G3 projected, and the outer shape of the boundary G2 projected. [Figure 11] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a toner cartridge is mounted to an apparatus main body in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a toner cartridge is mounted in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1A is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a toner cartridge and a process cartridge according to a first modified example of the second embodiment are separated, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner cartridge and the process cartridge according to the first modified example of the second embodiment are connected to each other. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15]10A is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which a toner supply device is connected to the outside of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the toner supply device removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a toner cartridge of a first comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS EXAMPLES

[0010] An embodiment of a developer replenishing device and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [First embodiment] First, the configuration of a first embodiment of a developer replenishing device and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] <Image forming device> The configurations of an image forming apparatus C and a process cartridge A will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus C of this embodiment. In the following description, a coordinate system may be used in which the up-down direction (vertical direction) in FIG. 1 is the Y-axis direction, the horizontal direction in FIG. 1 is the X-axis direction, and the depth direction in FIG. 1 is the Z-axis direction. The image forming apparatus C shown in FIG. 1 is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material S such as paper using an electrophotographic formation process. A process cartridge A that is detachable from the apparatus main body C1 of the image forming apparatus C is provided in the center of the image forming apparatus C shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] <Process cartridge> The configuration of the process cartridge A will be described with reference to FIG. 1. Here, the process cartridge A includes a photosensitive drum 11 as an image carrier and various process means acting on the photosensitive drum 11. Here, the process means includes, for example, a charging roller 12 as a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. Further, the process means includes a developing device 3 for supplying toner as a developer to an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 to develop it into a toner image. Further, the process means includes a cleaning blade 14 as a cleaning means for removing residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 after transfer.

[0014] The process cartridge A of this embodiment is provided with a charging roller 12 around a photosensitive drum 11 that rotates clockwise in Fig. 1, and is provided with an elastic cleaning blade 14 as cleaning means. The developing device 3, which is a developing means, is provided with a developing roller 13 provided opposite the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, a developing blade 15, and a toner storage section 17 that stores toner. The toner storage section 17 is provided with a receiving section 18 that receives toner supplied from a toner cartridge B provided below the process cartridge A via a main body path section 1.

[0015] <Toner cartridge> The configuration of a toner cartridge B as a developer supplying device used in an image forming apparatus C will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the toner cartridge B of this embodiment. The toner cartridge B shown in Figures 1 and 2 is detachably provided in an apparatus main body C1 of the image forming apparatus C.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the toner cartridge B has a toner storage section 22 as a developer storage section that stores toner (developer) therein. Furthermore, the toner cartridge B has a variable volume pump section 21 that creates an air flow by changing the volume. Furthermore, the toner cartridge B has a discharge port 23 that discharges toner from the toner storage section 22 of the toner cartridge B to the outside. Furthermore, the toner cartridge B has a connection port (boundary G1) that connects to the pump section 21 at one end, and a transport path section 24 (hatched section in FIG. 2) that has the discharge port 23 at the other end. The toner cartridge B supplies toner into the toner storage section 17 of the process cartridge A via a main body path section 1 provided in the device main body C1 of the image forming device C.

[0017] 2, the toner storage unit 22 is connected between one end (boundary G1) and the other end (discharge outlet 23) of the transport path unit 24. The amount of change in volume of the pump unit 21 is set to be larger than the total volume of the transport path unit 24 from the boundary G1 (connection port) to the discharge outlet 23. The toner storage unit 22 and the transport path unit 24 are in communication with each other via a communication opening 25.

[0018] A process cartridge A and a toner cartridge B shown in Fig. 1 are mounted in a main body C1 of an image forming apparatus C and used for image formation. A feed cassette 6 that accommodates recording material S such as paper is provided at the bottom of the image forming apparatus C. The recording material S accommodated in the feed cassette 6 is fed by a feed roller 5 and separated and fed one by one by a separating means (not shown). Thereafter, the leading edge of the recording material S is abutted against a nip portion of a stopped registration roller 7, and any skew of the recording material S is corrected.

[0019] In synchronization with the conveyance operation of the recording material S from the feeding cassette 6, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, which has been uniformly charged by the charging roller 12, is selectively exposed from the exposure device 8 in accordance with image information to form an electrostatic latent image. Meanwhile, the toner contained in the toner container 17 is supplied to the developing roller 13, and the toner is carried in a thin layer state on the surface of the developing roller 13 by the developing blade 15. By applying a developing bias to the developing roller 13, the toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and developed into a toner image.

[0020] The registration roller 7 conveys the recording material S to the transfer nip N in time with the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 reaching the transfer nip N formed by the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 9. The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred to the recording material S at the transfer nip N by applying a transfer bias voltage to the transfer roller 9.

[0021] The recording material S onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fixing device 10, where it is heated and pressed by a heating unit 10a and a pressure roller 10b provided in the fixing device 10, so that the toner image is fixed onto the recording material S. The recording material S onto which the toner image has been fixed is transported by discharge rollers 16 and discharged to a discharge section 4 provided on the upper part of the image forming device C.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge B of this embodiment when cut horizontally and viewed from above. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge B of this embodiment when cut vertically along L2-L2 in Fig. 3 and viewed to the right in Fig. 3. Meanwhile, Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge B of this embodiment when cut horizontally along L1-L1 in Fig. 2 and viewed from above.

[0023] 3, the toner storage unit 22 stores toner therein and has a transport unit 31 that transports the toner stored in the toner storage unit 22. In the transport unit 31 of this embodiment, a transport plate 31a is reciprocated along the inner bottom surface of the toner storage unit 22 in the directions of the arrows D1a and D1b in FIG. 3 to transport the toner on the transport plate 31a.

[0024] Here, the maximum acceleration when the transport plate 31a moves in the direction of the arrow D1a approaching the communication opening 25 is set to be smaller than the maximum acceleration when the transport plate 31a moves in the direction of the arrow D1b away from the communication opening 25. This allows the toner on the transport plate 31a to be transported in the direction of the arrow D1a approaching the communication opening 25. As a result, the toner on the transport plate 31a is transported in the direction of the arrow D1a and supplied into the transport path section 24 from the communication opening 25 by its own weight.

[0025] The transport section 31 for transporting the toner contained in the toner storage section 22 may be configured to transport the toner by rotating a flexible sheet (not shown) in the toner storage section 22, or to transport the toner by rotating a screw (not shown) in the toner storage section 22. A communication opening 25 that opens downward and is connected to the transport path section 24 is provided on the bottom surface 22b at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the toner storage section 22 shown in Fig. 3 (the side in the direction of the arrow D1a in Fig. 3). As shown in Fig. 3, the communication opening 25 is configured in a rectangular shape.

[0026] <Pump section> Next, the configuration of the pump section 21 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 4(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the drive section 20 of the pump section 21 of this embodiment. Fig. 4(b) is a side view showing the pump section 21 of this embodiment when expanded. Fig. 4(c) is a side view showing the pump section 21 of this embodiment when contracted. Fig. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump section 21 of this embodiment before assembly. Fig. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the pump section 21 of this embodiment after assembly.

[0027] <Drive unit> As shown in Figs. 4(a) to (c), the pump section 21 is driven by the drive section 20 to change its volume. The pump section 21 is driven by the drive section 20 so that the volume change amount of the pump section 21 is larger than the total volume from the boundary G1 (connection port) of the conveying path section 24 to the discharge port 23. The drive section 20 is configured to have a pump drive gear 27 and a reciprocating member 28. As shown in Fig. 4(c), the pump drive gear 27 and the reciprocating member 28 compress the pump drive gear 27 downward, and as shown in Fig. 4(b), expand the pump drive gear 27 upward. The pump drive gear 27 has a gear section 27a and a cam section 27b, and receives a driving force input from the image forming device C at the gear section 27a to rotate in the direction of the arrow D3 in Figs. 4(b) and (c).

[0028] The pump drive gear 27 is cylindrically configured, and is rotatably supported by a support member 29 whose outer circumferential surface is configured as a circumferential surface. Gear portion 27a is formed over the entire circumferential length of the outer circumferential surface of the lower end portion of pump drive gear 27. A cam portion 27b consisting of a groove portion that is continuously displaced back and forth in the axial direction of pump drive gear 27 (the up and down direction in FIG. 4) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of pump drive gear 27 at an upper portion of gear portion 27a.

[0029] The rotation of the pump drive gear 27 in the direction of the arrow D3 in Fig. 4(b) and (c) causes the reciprocating member 28 engaged with the cam portion 27b to reciprocate in the vertical direction in Fig. 4(b) and (c). The reciprocating member 28 engages with an engagement portion 26b provided at the upper end of the bellows-shaped member 26 constituting a part of the pump portion 21. The reciprocating member 28 is configured to have a pair of arm portions 28a and a fixed portion 28b connected to one end of each of the pair of arm portions 28a, and a protrusion 28c protruding inward of each arm portion 28a is provided at the other end of each arm portion 28a. The protrusion 28c of the reciprocating member 28 is slidably inserted into the groove of the cam portion 27b of the pump drive gear 27.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the pump section 21 is formed of a part of a bellows-shaped member 26 that has a round cross section when cut horizontally and is open downward. As shown in FIG. 5, the bellows-shaped member 26 has a bellows portion 26a and an engagement portion 26b provided at the upper end of the bellows portion 26a. The bellows-shaped member 26 further has a fixing portion 26c made of a cylindrical female screw portion whose lower end is open. The fixing portion 26c is screwed and fastened to a cylindrical male screw portion 29a whose upper end is open of a support member 29. The engagement portion 26b is attached to a fixing portion 28b of a reciprocating member 28.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 5(a), the fixing portion 26c has a screw-like shape, and a female screw portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. Then, the fixing portion 26c is rotated in the direction of arrow D4 in Fig. 5(a) and screwed and fixed to the male screw portion 29a of the support member 29.

[0032] The driving force input from the image forming device C to the gear portion 27a rotates the pump driving gear 27 in the direction of the arrow D3 in Figures 4(b) and (c). Then, the cam portion 27b rotates integrally with the pump driving gear 27, and the reciprocating member 28 reciprocates in the vertical direction in Figures 4(b) and (c) via the protrusion portion 28c that engages with the groove portion of the cam portion 27b. As a result, the pump portion 21, the upper end of which is engaged with the fixed portion 28b of the reciprocating member 28 via the engagement portion 26b, repeatedly expands and contracts as shown in Figures 4(b) and (c).

[0033] 5(a) and (b), a first transport path region 24a, which is a part of the transport path section 24, is provided inside the support member 29. Here, the pump section 21 is a part of the bellows section 26a whose volume changes. On the other hand, the fixed section 26c whose volume does not change is included in the transport path section 24, not in the pump section 21. Therefore, the boundary between the pump section 21 and the transport path section 24 is the boundary G1 between the bellows section 26a of the bellows-shaped member 26 and the fixed section 26c.

[0034] 2, boundary G1 as a connection port between pump unit 21 and transport path unit 24 is located above a portion of transport path unit 24 that communicates with toner storage unit 22. In addition, pump unit 21 is connected to transport path unit 24 downward, and the portion of transport path unit 24 that communicates with toner storage unit 22 is located below toner storage unit 22.

[0035] Here, as shown in Fig. 2, the volume of the pump section 21 is set to be larger than the volume of the transport path section 24 (hatched section in Fig. 2) across the boundary G1. Also, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the volume of the pump section 21 is set to be larger than the combined volume of the transport path section 24 and the main body path section 1. In this embodiment, the volume of the pump section 21 is 10 cc, and the combined volume of the transport path section 24 and the main body path section 1 is 3 cc.

[0036] In addition, the combined volume of the transport path section 24 and the main body path section 1 is smaller than the volume change of the pump section 21. As a result, even if the transport path section 24 and the main body path section 1 are long or curved, the toner can be easily transported by the expansion and contraction action of the pump section 21. This improves the degree of freedom in the distance and direction to the toner supply destination.

[0037] Further, the boundary G1 between the pump section 21 and the transport path section 24 is provided at a position higher in the vertical direction than the communication opening 25 provided at the boundary between the toner storage section 22 and the transport path section 24. Furthermore, the range of the pump section 21 in the vertical direction (Y axis direction) of FIG. 2 when the pump section 21 and the toner storage section 22 shown in FIG. 2 are viewed in the horizontal direction (X axis direction) is set as range 21a, and the range of the toner storage section 22 in the vertical direction (Y axis direction) of FIG. 2 is set as range 22a. At this time, the range 21a and the range 22a are set to overlap in the vertical direction. That is, the pump section 21 is disposed at a position overlapping the toner storage section 22 in the vertical direction when viewed in the horizontal direction.

[0038] The pump section 21 repeats an expanding and contracting motion. The toner supplied into the transport path section 24 is transported through the transport path section 24 by an air flow in the direction of arrow D2 that occurs when the pump section 21 is compressed, and is supplied from the discharge port 23 into the main body path section 1 provided in the device main body C1 of the image forming apparatus C. Furthermore, the toner is supplied into the toner storage section 17 through a receiving section 18 provided in the toner storage section 17 of the process cartridge A, which is connected to the other end of the main body path section 1. The main body path section 1 shown in FIG. 1 is configured in a hollow tubular shape.

[0039] <Effects of the pump section> The volume of the pump section 21 is set to be larger than the combined volume of the transport path section 24 and the main body path section 1. This allows the toner transported from the communication opening 25 of the toner storage section 22 to the transport path section 24 by the expansion and contraction action of the pump section 21 to be transported from the transport path section 24 to the outside of the discharge port 23. Furthermore, the toner can be transported to the receiving section 18 provided in the toner storage section 17 via the main body path section 1, and the toner can be replenished into the toner storage section 17. In this embodiment, the volume of the pump section 21 is set to about 10 cc, and the combined volume of the transport path section 24 and the main body path section 1 is set to about 3 cc. This allows the volume of the pump section 21 to be set to more than twice the volume of the transport path section 24.

[0040] The relationship between the volume of pump section 21 and the volume obtained by adding the volume of transport path section 24 and the volume of main path section 1 is not limited to this, and may be set appropriately depending on the type of toner to be transported and the height and distance to which the toner is transported. By making the volume of pump section 21 at least twice the volume of transport path section 24, the expansion and contraction action of pump section 21 allows the toner to be stably discharged without remaining in transport path section 24.

[0041] 2, by arranging the pump section 21 so that the exhaust direction faces downward, it is possible to prevent toner from entering the pump section 21 when the pump section 21 takes in air. In addition, in the vertical direction shown in FIG. 2, the boundary G1 between the pump section 21 and the transport path section 24 is located at a position higher than the communication opening 25 of the toner storage section 22. This makes it possible to prevent toner stored in the toner storage section 22 from entering the pump section 21 via the transport path section 24 during distribution of the toner cartridge B, etc. In addition, when viewed horizontally in FIG. 2, the pump section 21 is arranged at a position overlapping with the toner storage section 22 in the vertical direction in FIG. 2. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the toner cartridge B in the vertical direction.

[0042] <Transportation path section> Next, the configuration of the transport path section 24 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 6. Fig. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the pump section 21 and the transport path section 24 of this embodiment. Fig. 6(b) is an enlarged view of part H in Fig. 6(a).

[0043] 2 is the range from the boundary G1 between the pump unit 21 and the transport path unit 24 to the discharge port 23 in the direction of the arrow D2, which is the direction in which air generated during compression by the pump unit 21 flows. The transport path unit 24 is connected to the communication opening 25 of the toner storage unit 22 midway.

[0044] 6(a), the transport path section 24 has a first transport path region 24a connected to the pump section 21 and a second transport path region 24b connected to the discharge port 23. Furthermore, the transport path section 24 has a third transport path region 24c connected to the first transport path region 24a, the second transport path region 24b, and the communication opening 25 of the toner storage section 22. As shown in FIG. 6(b), the first transport path region 24a and the third transport path region 24c are separated by a boundary G2, and the second transport path region 24b and the third transport path region 24c are separated by a boundary G3.

[0045] The boundary G2 is a cross section of the transport path portion 24 including the end 25a on the pump portion 21 side of the communication opening 25 of the toner storage portion 22 that contacts the transport path portion 24. The boundary G3 is a cross section of the transport path portion 24 including the end 25b on the discharge outlet 23 side of the communication opening 25 of the toner storage portion 22 that contacts the transport path portion 24.

[0046] The first transport path region 24a is a region on the pump unit 21 side of the transport path section 24 from boundary G1 to boundary G2 shown in Fig. 6(a). The second transport path region 24b is a region on the discharge outlet 23 side of the transport path section 24 from boundary G3 to discharge outlet 23 shown in Fig. 6(a). The second transport path region 24b is a portion on the discharge outlet 23 side (discharge outlet side) of boundary G3, which is a portion of the transport path section 24 that communicates with the toner storage section 22.

[0047] In the second transport path region 24b, a boundary G3 which is one end of the transport path section 24 on the side where the toner storage section 22 communicates is disposed at a position vertically lower than the other end, the discharge port 23. The third transport path region 24c is a region from the boundary G2 to the boundary G3 in the transport path section 24 shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b) other than the first transport path region 24a and the second transport path region 24b.

[0048] <First transport path area> The configuration of the first transport path region 24a will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The first transport path region 24a shown in FIG. 6(a) is configured to have a funnel-shaped portion 24a1 connected to the pump portion 21, a tubular bent portion 24a2 connected to the funnel-shaped portion 24a1, and a tubular straight portion 24a3 connected to the bent portion 24a2. These portions are smoothly connected. Considering the cross-sectional areas of both ends of the first transport path region 24a, the cross-sectional area of ​​the boundary G1 is G1a, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the boundary G2 is G2a, the relationship is expressed by the following formula 1.

[0049] [Number 1] G1a>G2a

[0050] 6A is a portion on the pump unit 21 side (pump unit side) of the portion of the transport path section 24 that communicates with the toner storage section 22. In the first transport path section 24a, a cross-sectional area G1a of a boundary G1 (connection port) is larger than a cross-sectional area G2a of a boundary G2 that is a portion of the transport path section 24 that communicates with the toner storage section 22. In the first transport path section 24a, the boundary G2 as one end of the side of the transport path section 24 that communicates with the toner storage section 22 is disposed at the lowest position in the vertical direction.

[0051] <Effect of the first transport path area> As described above, the first transport path region 24a has the bent portion 24a2, so that the position of the pump portion 21 can be freely arranged. In addition, the bent portion 24a2 allows the boundary G1, which is the connection port of the pump portion 21, to face vertically downward. This makes it difficult for toner to enter the pump portion 21.

[0052] In addition, the relationship between the cross-sectional areas of both ends of the first transport path region 24a is G1a>G2a, so that the flow speed of the airflow generated by the pump unit 21 in the first transport path region 24a can be increased. This allows the toner to be sent higher and farther by the expansion and contraction action of the pump unit 21.

[0053] In addition, in the first transport path region 24a, the boundary G2 side is located at the lowest position in the vertical direction, which makes it difficult for the toner contained in the toner container 22 to enter the region from the bent portion 24a2 to the funnel-shaped portion 24a1 of the first transport path region 24a, thereby stabilizing the amount of toner transported.

[0054] <Second transport path area> Next, the configuration of the second transport path region 24b will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The second transport path region 24b shown in Fig. 6(a) is configured to have a tubular straight portion 24b1 connected to the third transport path region 24c, a tubular bent portion 24b2 connected to the straight portion 24b1, and a tubular straight portion 24b3 connected to the bent portion 24b2. Each portion is smoothly connected.

[0055] In this embodiment, the straight portions 24b1, 24b3 and the bent portion 24b2 each have an inner diameter of 4 mm. The second transport path region 24b extends vertically upward from the bent portion 24b2 to the straight portion 24b3, and the discharge port 23 provided at the end of the straight portion 24b3 is positioned higher than the third transport path region 24c in the vertical direction.

[0056] 6(a), the second transport path region 24b is a portion closer to the discharge port 23 (discharge port side) than the portion of the transport path section 24 that communicates with the toner storage section 22. In the second transport path region 24b, the boundary G3 is located at the lowest position in the vertical direction. The second transport path region 24b transports air sent from the pump section 21 and toner supplied from the toner storage section 22. For this reason, it is desirable that there be little abrupt change in cross-sectional area, such as a step, in the air flow direction.

[0057] <Effect of the second transport path area> As described above, the second transport path region 24b has the bent portion 24b2, so that the position of the discharge port 23 can be freely arranged. Also, in the second transport path region 24b, the boundary G3 side is provided at the lowest position in the vertical direction. This makes it difficult for the toner in the toner storage section 22 to enter the region from the bent portion 24b2 to the straight portion 24b3 of the second transport path region 24b, so that the amount of toner transported can be stabilized.

[0058] <Third transport path area> Next, the configuration of the third transport path region 24c will be described with reference to Fig. 2, Fig. 6, and Fig. 7. Fig. 7(a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump section 21 and the transport path section 24 of this embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Fig. 7(b) is an enlarged view of part H in Fig. 7(a). Fig. 7(c) is a diagram showing an outer shape 25c1 when a cross section 25c on the transport path section 24 side of the communication opening 25 is projected in the direction in which air flows when the pump section 21 is compressed, and an outer shape G31 when a boundary G3 is projected.

[0059] Fig. 7(d) is a diagram showing the outline 25c1 and the outline G21 obtained by projecting the boundary G2 in the direction in which air flows when the pump section 21 is compressed. The direction of the arrow D2 is the direction in which air flows when the pump section 21 is compressed. Fig. 7(e) is a diagram in which the outline 25c1, the outline G31, and the outline G21 are superimposed.

[0060] The third transport path region 24c is a portion that receives the toner in the toner storage unit 22 into the transport path section 24 through the communication opening 25. The third transport path region 24c is disposed below the toner storage unit 22 and at the lowermost portion in the vertical direction in the transport path section 24. The volume of the third transport path region 24c may be set to a volume that matches the amount of toner to be transported, but it is desirable that there be little abrupt change in cross-sectional area, such as a step, in the vicinity of the boundary G2 and boundary G3 shown in FIG. 6(b).

[0061] The present embodiment shown in Figure 7 is an example of a case in which the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2 between the first transport path region 24a and the third transport path region 24c is equal to the cross-sectional area G3a of the boundary G3 between the second transport path region 24b and the third transport path region 24c.

[0062] 7(e), the area of ​​an outline 25c1 when cross section 25c of communication opening 25 on the transport path portion 24 side is projected in the direction of arrow D2 is approximately 0. On the other hand, the area of ​​outline G21 when boundary G2 is projected in the direction of arrow D2 and the area of ​​outline G31 when boundary G3 is projected in the direction of arrow D2 are approximately equal.

[0063] Therefore, the area K2 of the area where the contour G21 overlaps the contour G31, which is indicated by diagonal lines in FIG. 7(e), is larger than the area K1 (=0) of the area where the contour G21 overlaps the contour 25c1 (K1 <K2)。

[0064] That is, the outline G21 shown in FIG. 7(e) is compared with the outline 25c1 in the direction of air flow when the pump unit 21 is compressed. Here, the outline G21 is an outline obtained by projecting a cross section of the boundary G2, which is the pump unit 21 side portion of the portion of the transport path unit 24 where the toner storage unit 22 communicates, in the direction of the arrow D2. The outline 25c1 is an outline obtained by projecting a cross section 25c of the toner storage unit 22 side (developer storage unit side) of the portion of the transport path unit 24 where the toner storage unit 22 communicates, in the direction of the arrow D2. In this case, the outline G21 has a larger area K2 overlapping the outline G31, which is the cross section of the boundary G3, which is the discharge port 23 side portion of the portion of the transport path unit 24 where the toner storage unit 22 communicates, in the direction of the arrow D2, than the outline 25c1.

[0065] As a result, when the pump portion 21 is compressed, the air that flows from the first transport path region 24a tends to flow in one direction toward the second transport path region 24b without flowing into the communication opening 25. This makes it possible to stabilize the amount of toner transported through the transport path portion 24.

[0066] According to this embodiment, the pump unit 21 and the discharge port 23 are connected by the transport path unit 24. The volume of the transport path unit 24 is set to be smaller than the capacity change amount of the pump unit 21. This makes it easy to transport toner even in a long or curved transport path unit 24, and improves the freedom of the distance and direction to the toner supply destination.

[0067] <First Modification> Next, the configuration of the pump section 21 and the transport path section 24 of the first modified example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the pump section 21 and the transport path section 24 of the first modified example of the first embodiment. The second transport path area 24b of the toner cartridge B shown in Fig. 8 is provided with the discharge port 23 at the end of the tubular straight portion 24b1 connected to the third transport path area 24c. In this manner, the second transport path area 24b from the third transport path area 24c to the discharge port 23 may be disposed in the horizontal direction.

[0068] 8, in the second transport path region 24b, which is a portion closer to the discharge outlet 23 than the boundary G3, the boundary G3, which is one end, is disposed at the same height in the vertical direction as the discharge outlet 23, which is the other end. Here, the boundary G3 is one end of the transport path section 24 on the side where the toner storage section 22 is connected.

[0069] At this time, a shutter member (not shown) is provided on the outside of the toner cartridge B at the discharge port 23, and the shutter member prevents the toner contained in the toner cartridge B from leaking out.

[0070] <Second Modification> Next, the configuration of the pump section 21 and the conveying path section 24 of the second modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9(a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump section 21 and the conveying path section 24 of the second modified example of this embodiment as viewed from the Z-axis direction. FIG. 9(b) is an enlarged view of part H of FIG. 9(a). FIG. 9(c) is a diagram showing the outer shape 25c1 and the outer shape G31. FIG. 9(d) is a diagram showing the outer shape 25c1 and the outer shape G21. FIG. 9(e) is a diagram showing the outer shape 25c1, the outer shape G31, and the outer shape G21 superimposed on each other.

[0071] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and described above, an example was described in which the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2 and the cross-sectional area G3a of the boundary G3 are equal. In this modified example, as shown in FIGS. 9(a) and (b), an example is described in which the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2 and the cross-sectional area G3a of the boundary G3 are different. As shown in FIG. 9(e), the area K2 of the shaded area in FIG. 9(e) where the contour G21 overlaps with the contour G31 is larger than the area K1 of the shaded area in FIG. 9(e) where the contour G21 overlaps with the contour 25c1 (K1 <K2)。

[0072] The boundary G2 is a portion of the conveying path section 24 on the pump section 21 side of the communicating portion of the communicating opening 25. The boundary G3 is a portion of the conveying path section 24 on the discharge port 23 side of the communicating portion of the communicating opening 25. The outline G21 obtained by projecting the cross section of the boundary G2 in the direction of air flow when the pump section 21 is compressed has a larger area K2 overlapping with the outline G31 obtained by projecting the cross section of the boundary G3 in the direction of air flow when the pump section 21 is compressed than the outline 25c1. This makes it easier for the air flowing from the first conveying path region 24a to flow more toward the second conveying path region 24b than the communicating opening 25 when the pump section 21 is compressed.

[0073] <Second Comparative Example> Next, the configuration of the pump section 21 and the conveying path section 24 of the second comparative example will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10(a) is a cross-sectional view of the pump section 21 and the conveying path section 24 of this comparative example as viewed from the Z-axis direction. FIG. 10(b) is an enlarged view of part H of FIG. 10(a). FIG. 10(c) is a view showing the outer shape 25c1 and the outer shape G31. FIG. 10(d) is a view showing the outer shape 25c1 and the outer shape G21. FIG. 10(e) is a view showing the outer shape 25c1, the outer shape G31, and the outer shape G21 superimposed on each other.

[0074] In this comparative example, as shown in Figure 10(b), an example is described in which the difference between the cross-sectional area G2a of the boundary G2 and the cross-sectional area G3a of the boundary G3 is even larger than in the second modified example shown in Figure 9(b) and described above.

[0075] 10(e), the area K2 of the shaded area in FIG. 10(e) where the contour G21 overlaps with the contour G31 is smaller than the area K1 of the shaded area in FIG. 10(e) where the contour G21 overlaps with the contour 25c1 (K1>K2). As a result, when the pump section 21 is compressed, more air flows from the first transport path area 24a toward the communication opening 25 than toward the second transport path area 24b.

[0076] To prevent this, the area K2 of the area where the outer shape G21 overlaps with the outer shape G31 is set to be larger than the area K1 of the area where the outer shape G21 overlaps with the outer shape 25c1. This makes it easier for the air flowing from the first transport path area 24a to flow more toward the second transport path area 24b than toward the communication opening 25 when the pump section 21 is compressed, thereby stabilizing the amount of toner transported through the transport path section 24. For this reason, it is desirable to increase the area K2 where the outer shape G31 and the outer shape G21 overlap, as shown in FIG.

[0077] <Effect of the third transport path area> As described above, the third transport path region 24c is provided below the toner storage unit 22. Therefore, the toner in the toner storage unit 22 can be transported into the third transport path region 24c by utilizing the gravity of the toner. In addition, the third transport path region 24c is disposed at the lowermost position in the vertical direction in the transport path unit 24. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to prevent the toner supplied from the toner storage unit 22 into the third transport path region 24c by gravity from entering the first transport path region 24a or the second transport path region 24b more than necessary. This makes it possible to stabilize the amount of toner transported through the transport path unit 24.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 7(e) and FIG. 9(e), the area K2 of the area where the outline G21 overlaps with the outline G31 is set to be larger than the area K1 of the area where the outline G21 overlaps with the outline 25c1 (K1 <K2)。

[0079] As a result, the toner present in the third transport path region 24c can be sent to the second transport path region 24b by the expansion and contraction action of the pump portion 21, rather than being blown back to the communication opening 25. This makes it possible to stabilize the amount of toner transported through the transport path portion 24.

[0080] <Toner transport from toner cartridge to process cartridge> Next, the toner transport operation from the toner cartridge B to the process cartridge A will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. First, the toner transport operation in the toner cartridge B will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. As shown in Figure 3, the toner cartridge B is provided with a transport unit 31.

[0081] The transport unit 31 has a transport plate 31a provided at the bottom of the toner storage unit 22 so as to be capable of reciprocating in the directions of the arrows D1a and D1b in FIG. 3. The toner stored in the toner storage unit 22 is placed on the transport plate 31a. The transport plate 31a reciprocates in the directions of the arrows D1a and D1b in FIG. 3. At this time, the maximum acceleration at which the transport plate 31a moves in the direction of the arrow D1b in FIG. 3 is set to be greater than the maximum acceleration at which the transport plate 31a moves in the direction of the arrow D1a in FIG. 3. As a result, the toner on the transport plate 31a is transported in the direction of the arrow D1a in FIG. 3.

[0082] 3, the toner transported in the direction of arrow D1a is guided by inclined surface 22e provided on the inner surface of toner storage section 22 and collected in communication opening 25. The toner transported to communication opening 25 is transported into transport path section 24 by gravity through communication opening 25 because communication opening 25 faces downward in toner storage section 22 as shown in FIG. 2. The toner transported into transport path section 24 is sent to outlet 23 by the air flow generated when pump section 21 compresses toner.

[0083] 1, when the toner cartridge B and the process cartridge A are mounted in the image forming apparatus C, the discharge port 23 of the transport path 24 communicates with one end of a main body path 1 provided on the device main body C1 side of the image forming apparatus C. Furthermore, the other end of the main body path 1 communicates with a receiving portion 18 of a toner storage portion 17 of the process cartridge A.

[0084] The toner discharged from the discharge port 23 of the toner cartridge B passes through the main body path section 1 provided in the image forming apparatus C, and is transported into the toner storage section 17 through the receiving section 18 of the process cartridge A. In this manner, the toner is transported from the toner cartridge B to the process cartridge A. In this embodiment, the toner can be discharged upward from the toner cartridge B, which is disposed below the process cartridge A. Also, the toner can be discharged far away from the toner cartridge B.

[0085] Second Embodiment Next, the configuration of a second embodiment of a developer supplying device and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. Components configured similarly to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, or even if the reference numerals are different, the same component names are used and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which a toner cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main body C1 in an image forming apparatus C of this embodiment. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which a toner cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main body C1 in an image forming apparatus C of this embodiment.

[0086] In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, an example of the case where toner is transported from toner cartridge B to process cartridge A via a main body path section 1 provided in image forming apparatus C has been described. In this embodiment, a configuration in which toner is transported from toner cartridge B to process cartridge A without passing through a main body path section 1 provided in image forming apparatus C will be described. Note that the image forming process in image forming apparatus C and the configurations of process cartridge A and toner cartridge B are similar to those in the first embodiment described above, so duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0087] The operation of mounting the toner cartridge B of this embodiment into the image forming apparatus C will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. As shown in Figure 11, the apparatus body C1 of the image forming apparatus C is provided with a door 2 that is rotatable about a rotation shaft 2b. When mounting the toner cartridge B into the apparatus body C1, the toner cartridge B is inserted from the opening 2a in the direction of arrow D5 in Figure 11 with the door 2 of the image forming apparatus C open. Then, as shown in Figure 12, when the toner cartridge B is inserted to the mounting position and the door 2 is closed in the direction of arrow D6, mounting of the toner cartridge B is completed.

[0088] 12, when the toner cartridge B is attached to the device main body C1, the discharge port 23 of the toner cartridge B communicates with the receiving section 18 of the process cartridge A. When the toner is transported, the toner is transported from the toner storage section 22 to the toner storage section 17 of the process cartridge A via the transport path section 24 by the air flow generated by the pump section 21 of the toner cartridge B. In this embodiment, there is no need to provide the main body path section 1 in the image forming device C, so that the design freedom of the image forming device C can be improved.

[0089] <First Modification> Next, the configuration of the toner cartridge B and process cartridge A of the first modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the toner cartridge B and process cartridge A of the first modified example of this embodiment separated from each other. Fig. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the toner cartridge B and process cartridge A of the first modified example of this embodiment connected together.

[0090] A transport member 19 using a blade is provided inside the toner storage unit 17 of the process cartridge A, and a transport path 124 is connected to the inside of the toner storage unit 17. The transport path 124 is tubular and connects the receiving unit 18 provided in the developing device 3 to the toner storage unit 17. Figure 13(b) shows a state in which the toner cartridge B and the process cartridge A are connected. In the state shown in Figure 13(b), the discharge port 23 of the toner cartridge B and the receiving unit 18 of the process cartridge A are connected to each other.

[0091] In this modified example, the toner is transported from the toner storage unit 22 to the transport path 24 through the communication opening 25 by the air flow generated by the pump unit 21 of the toner cartridge B. Then, the toner is transported from the discharge port 23 of the transport path 24 to the transport path 124 via the receiving unit 18 of the transport path 124 of the process cartridge A, which is communicated with the discharge port 23. Then, the toner is transported through the transport path 124 into the toner storage unit 17.

[0092] The process cartridge A and toner cartridge B can be arranged such that the process cartridge A is disposed above the toner cartridge B as shown in Fig. 13(b). Alternatively, the process cartridge A and toner cartridge B can be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction as shown in Fig. 12. That is, the process cartridge A and toner cartridge B can be arranged in the vertical direction or in the horizontal direction. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same effects can be obtained.

[0093] Third Embodiment Next, the configuration of a third embodiment of a developer supplying device and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Note that components configured similarly to the above-described embodiments are given the same reference numerals, or the same component names even if the reference numerals are different, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus C of this embodiment.

[0094] 1 and 13(b) is an example arranged directly below the process cartridge A in the image forming apparatus C, and the toner cartridge B shown in FIG. 12 is an example arranged directly beside the process cartridge A in the image forming apparatus C. The toner cartridge B of this embodiment is an example arranged diagonally below the process cartridge A in the image forming apparatus C, as shown in FIG. 14. The image forming process of the image forming apparatus C and the configurations of the process cartridge A and toner cartridge B are the same as those of the first embodiment, so repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 14, the toner cartridge B of this embodiment is disposed below and horizontally separated from the process cartridge A. The discharge port 23 provided at the end of the transport path 24 of the toner cartridge B shown in Fig. 14 communicates with one end of the main body path 1 provided inside the image forming apparatus C. The receiving portion 18 provided in the toner storage portion 17 of the process cartridge A also communicates with the other end of the main body path 1. The main body path 1 may be a hollow tubular one, and even if it has a bent portion 1b in part, it is capable of transporting toner.

[0096] In this embodiment, the toner is transported by an air flow generated by the pump section 21 of the toner cartridge B, from the communicating opening 25 in the toner storage section 22 through the transport path section 24 to the discharge outlet 23. The toner is further transported from the discharge outlet 23 through the main body path section 1 provided in the image forming apparatus C, through the receiving section 18 of the toner storage section 17 of the process cartridge A, and into the toner storage section 17.

[0097] By configuring the main body path section 1 as a hollow tube, the toner can be transported by the main body path section 1 even if the main body path section 1 has a bent portion 1b. Therefore, the toner cartridge B and the main body path section 1 can be disposed at a desired position in the device main body C1 of the image forming device C. The other configurations are configured in the same way as in the above-described embodiments, and the same effects can be obtained.

[0098] [Fourth embodiment] Next, the configuration of a fourth embodiment of the developer supply device and image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Components configured similarly to the above-described embodiments are given the same reference numerals, or even if the reference numerals are different, the same component names are used and the description will be omitted. Fig. 15(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a toner supply device E connected to the outside of an image forming apparatus C of this embodiment. Fig. 15(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the toner supply device E removed from the apparatus main body C1 of the image forming apparatus C.

[0099] The image forming process of the image forming apparatus C and the configurations of the process cartridge A and toner cartridge B are the same as those of the first embodiment, so a duplicated description will be omitted. The image forming apparatus C of this embodiment has a process cartridge A inside the apparatus main body C1. The process cartridge A of this embodiment is detachable from the apparatus main body C1 of the image forming apparatus C. Although not shown, the process cartridge A may be configured as one unit with the image forming apparatus C.

[0100] The toner supply device E of this embodiment is disposed at a position away from the device main body C1 of the image forming device C. Although not shown, the toner supply device E may be configured to be integrated with the device main body C1 outside the image forming device C. A toner cartridge B is provided inside the toner supply device E. The toner cartridge B of this embodiment is provided detachably with respect to the toner supply device E (cartridge) used in the image forming device C. Although not shown, the toner cartridge B may be configured to be integrated with the toner supply device E.

[0101] The toner supply device E has a path portion E1 that communicates with the discharge port 23 provided at the end of the transport path portion 24 of the toner cartridge B. The path portion E1 of the toner supply device E is configured in a flexible hollow tube shape. As shown in Fig. 15(a), when the toner supply device E is connected to the image forming apparatus C, the discharge portion E1a at one end of the path portion E1 communicates with the receiving portion 18 of the toner storage portion 17 of the process cartridge A.

[0102] In this embodiment, the toner is transported by an air flow generated by the pump portion 21 of the toner cartridge B, so that the toner in the toner storage portion 22 is transported from the communication opening 25 to the transport path portion 24. Thereafter, the toner is transported from the discharge port 23 provided at the end of the transport path portion 24 through the path portion E1 of the toner replenishing device E, and from the receiving portion 18 provided in the toner storage portion 17 of the process cartridge A into the toner storage portion 17.

[0103] In this way, toner can be transported from the toner cartridge B into the toner storage portion 17 of the process cartridge A via the path portion E1 of the toner supply device E disposed at a position away from the device body C1 of the image forming device C. This allows the toner supply device E to be disposed at a desired location outside the device body C1 of the image forming device C. The other configurations are configured in the same way as in the above-described embodiments, and the same effects can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 21…Pump section 22...Toner storage section (developer storage section) 23…Discharge port 24...Transport path section

Claims

1. A variable volume pump section; a conveying path section having a connection port connected to the pump section at one end and a discharge port at the other end; a developer container connected to the one end and the other end of the transport path portion and configured to contain a developer; having a volume change amount of the pump portion is larger than a total volume of the transport path portion from the connection port to the discharge port; A developer supplying device comprising:

2. a portion of the transport path portion that is closer to the pump portion than a portion of the transport path portion that is in communication with the developer accommodating portion, The cross-sectional area of ​​the connection port is a cross-sectional area of ​​the developer transport path portion that is in communication with the developer accommodating portion; 2. The developer replenishing device according to claim 1,

3. a portion of the transport path portion that is closer to the discharge port than a portion of the transport path portion that is in communication with the developer accommodating portion, One end of the transport path portion on a side where the developer container portion communicates with the developer transport path portion is It is arranged at the same height or lower position in the vertical direction as the outlet at the other end.

3. The developer replenishing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer replenishing device is a developer supplying device.

4. a portion of the transport path portion that is closer to the discharge port than a portion of the transport path portion that is in communication with the developer accommodating portion, One end of the transport path portion on a side where the developer container portion communicates with the developer transport path portion is It is located at the lowest vertical position.

4. The developer replenishing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer replenishing device is a developer supplying device.

5. a portion of the transport path portion that is closer to the pump portion than a portion of the transport path portion that is in communication with the developer accommodating portion, One end of the transport path portion on a side where the developer container portion communicates with the developer transport path portion is It is located at the lowest vertical position.

4. The developer replenishing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer replenishing device is a developer supplying device.

6. In the direction of air flow when the pump section is compressed, The outer shape of a cross section of the portion of the transport path portion, which communicates with the developer accommodating portion, on the pump portion side is projected as follows: The developer transport path portion has a cross section projected from a portion of the developer transport path portion that communicates with the developer transport path portion on the developer transport path portion side. a portion of the transport path portion, which is in communication with the developer container, on the discharge port side, has a large area overlapping with an outline of a cross section of the portion of the transport path portion projected thereon; 6. The developer replenishing device according to claim 1,

7. the connection port is disposed above a portion of the transport path portion that communicates with the developer accommodating portion, and, The pump portion is connected to the conveying path portion in a downward direction. a portion of the transport path portion communicating with the developer accommodating portion is disposed below the developer accommodating portion; 7. The developer replenishing device according to claim 1,

8. a developer supplying device including a variable volume pump section, a transport path section having a connection port connected to the pump section at one end and a discharge port at the other end, and a developer storage section connected midway between the one end and the other end of the transport path section and storing developer; A drive unit that drives the pump unit so as to change the volume of the pump unit; An image forming apparatus comprising: the pump unit is driven by the drive unit such that a volume change amount of the pump unit is greater than a total volume of the transport path unit from the connection port to the discharge port.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the developer supplying device is detachable from the image forming apparatus.

10. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the developer supplying device is detachable from a cartridge used in the image forming apparatus.

Images