Developer supply device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a configuration that allows stable conveyance of a predetermined amount of toner.SOLUTION: A developer supply device has: a storage container; a volume-variable pump; a conveyance path member that communicates with the pump at one end, is provided with an opening that opens to the outside at the other end, and forms a path for conveying developer between the pump and the opening; and a transport member that communicates the storage container and the conveyance path member with each other and transports the developer from the storage container to the conveyance path member. The transport member includes a holding unit that holds a predetermined volume of developer, and a moving mechanism that moves the holding unit between a first position where the storage container and the holding unit communicate with each other and can charge the developer to the holding unit from the storage container, and a second position where the holding unit and the conveyance path member communicate with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic process and a developer replenishing device used in the image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatuses employ a "toner cartridge" that is an integrated unit consisting of a container that contains toner and a discharge means that discharges the contained toner from the container.

[0003] For example, the toner cartridge B100 of Patent Document 1 has a developer storage 117 for storing toner and a discharge means for discharging the toner, as shown in Fig. 13. In addition, a configuration has been proposed in which a bellows pump 121 is used as the discharge means to discharge the toner downward from a discharge portion 123. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5623109 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention is an improvement over the above-mentioned conventional technology, and provides a configuration that can stably transport a predetermined amount of toner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The developer supply device of the present invention comprises: A developer supply device for use in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a container for containing a developer; a pump capable of transitioning between an expanded state at a first volume and a compressed state at a second volume smaller than the first volume; a transport path member having one end connected to the pump and the other end provided with an opening that opens to the outside, the transport path member forming a transport path for transporting the developer between the pump and the opening; a transfer unit that connects the developer container to the transport path and transfers the developer from the developer container to the transport path; and The transfer unit includes: a holder having a holding portion capable of holding a predetermined volume of developer; a third developer supplying unit that is capable of supplying developer from the container to the holding unit and communicating with the container; 1st place a second conveying path communicating with the holding portion; 2nd place and a moving mechanism for moving the holder between the the pump transitions from the compressed state to the expanded state when the holder is moved from the second position to the first position, and transitions from the expanded state to the compressed state when the holder is in the second position. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a predetermined amount of toner can be stably transported. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a top view of a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] A perspective conceptual view of a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] An exploded conceptual diagram of a toner cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] An exploded conceptual diagram of a pump unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7](a, b) are cross-sectional conceptual diagrams of the pump unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention when assembled. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are conceptual diagrams illustrating various states of the pump unit during operation in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1(a) to 1(c) are cross-sectional conceptual diagrams illustrating various states during operation of the toner transfer member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1(a) to 1(c) are conceptual diagrams illustrating drive transmission during operation of the toner transfer means according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are conceptual diagrams illustrating drive transmission during operation of a toner transfer member according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10(a) and 10(b) are cross-sectional conceptual diagrams illustrating the operation of a toner transfer member according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view of the main part of a conventional toner cartridge DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0010] In the following examples, the image forming apparatus refers to an apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming process, and includes, for example, an electrophotographic copier, an electrophotographic printer (such as an LED printer or a laser beam printer), an electrophotographic facsimile machine, etc.

[0011] The developer supply device includes at least a container for storing developer and a discharge unit for discharging the developer from the container. For example, in the following embodiments, the developer supply device will be described in the form of a toner cartridge. The developer supply device may be configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. [Example]

[0012] (Image forming device C) First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] In the following description, a coordinate system is used in which the up-down direction (vertical direction) shown in FIG. 1 is the "Y direction," the horizontal direction is the "X direction," and the depth direction is the "Z direction."

[0015] A process cartridge A and a toner cartridge B (developer supply device) are mounted in a main body C1 of the image forming apparatus C and are used for image formation.

[0016] The image forming operation involves transporting a sheet S (recording paper) from a sheet cassette 6 attached to the bottom of the device body, and in synchronization with this sheet transport, selective exposure is performed from an exposure device 8 onto a photosensitive drum 11 (image carrier) to form a latent image.

[0017] Toner is supplied from a toner storage section 17 to a developing roller 13 (developer carrier), and a thin layer is carried on the surface of the developing roller 13 by a developing blade 15. By applying a developing bias to the developing roller 13, toner is supplied according to the latent image, and the toner image is developed. This image is transferred to the sheet S being conveyed by applying a transfer bias to a transfer roller 9.

[0018] The sheet S is transported to the fixing device 10, where the image is fixed, and then discharged to the paper discharge section 4 at the top of the device. Here, the toner contained inside the toner cartridge B passes from the discharge section 23 (opening) through the main body path section 1 of the device main body C1 and is supplied to the process cartridge A through the receiving section 18. The main body path section 1 is hollow tubular (tube-shaped).

[0019] (Process Cartridge A) The structure of the process cartridge A will be described with reference to FIG.

[0020] A process cartridge is a device that includes an image carrier and process means that act on the image carrier. The process means here include, for example, a charging means that charges the surface of the image carrier, a developing device that forms an image on the image carrier, and a cleaning means that removes toner remaining on the surface of the image carrier.

[0021] The process cartridge A of this embodiment is detachably mounted to the apparatus main body C1 and includes a charging roller 12 as a charging means around a photosensitive drum 11 as an image carrier, and an elastic cleaning blade 14 as a cleaning means.

[0022] The process cartridge A also includes a developing roller 13 and a developing blade 15, which are developing means, and a toner storage section 17 that stores toner. The toner storage section 17 also has a receiving section 18 that receives toner supplied from a toner cartridge B, which will be described later.

[0023] Here, we will first explain the movement of toner inside the image forming apparatus C. That is, the flow of toner from the toner cartridge B to the process cartridge A will be explained.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram of the top surface of the toner cartridge in Example 1 of the present invention. That is, Fig. 3 conceptually shows the state when the toner cartridge is viewed along direction Y1 shown in Fig. 2. Also, Fig. 2 conceptually shows the state when the cross section of dashed line L2 in Fig. 3 is viewed from the right in Fig. 3.

[0026] A transport means 31 (described later) is provided inside the toner storage portion 22 of the toner cartridge B. The transport means 31 transports the toner in the direction J1 on one longitudinal end side of the toner cartridge B.

[0027] The transport means 31 (transport member) includes a plate-shaped (transport) member 42 (hereinafter, may also be referred to as "transport member 42"). An upper surface 421 of the transport member 42 is a carrying surface capable of carrying toner. The transport member 42 reciprocates between a J1 direction on one longitudinal end side and a J2 direction on the other longitudinal end side, and the acceleration when moving in the J2 direction is greater than the acceleration when moving in the J1 direction, thereby transporting the toner.

[0028] That is, the transport means 31 can transport the toner from the toner storage section 22 to a toner holding section 102 (holding section) described later.

[0029] The transport means 31 may be configured from a plate-like member having a support surface (upper surface 421). The transport means 31 can be reciprocated so that the maximum acceleration in the first direction (J1) approaching the toner holding portion 102 (holding portion) is smaller than the maximum acceleration in the second direction J2, which is the opposite direction to the first direction and moves away from the toner holding portion 102 (holding portion).

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, the toner sent in the first direction J1 by the conveying means 31 is collected by a toner transfer member 101 (holding body) which will be described later.

[0031] 2, the toner supplied to the toner-transferring member 101 is transported to the flow path 24 (path) by the movement of the toner-transferring member 101. The flow of the toner from the toner-transferring member 101 to the flow path 24 (path) will be described later.

[0032] The toner transported to the flow path 24 (path) moves along the direction D1 of the flow of air generated when the pump portion 21 compresses, and is sent to the discharge portion 23 side.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the toner sent out from the discharge portion 23 of the toner cartridge B passes through the main body path portion 1 of the image forming device C and is transported to the toner storage portion 17 of the process cartridge A through the receiving portion 18 of the process cartridge A.

[0034] (Toner cartridge B) Next, the configuration of the toner cartridge B will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a perspective conceptual view of a toner cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 5 is an exploded (before assembly) conceptual diagram of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] In this embodiment, the toner cartridge B is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body C1.

[0039] The toner cartridge B (developer supply device) is used in the image forming apparatus C. The toner cartridge B includes a toner storage section 22 (storage container) that stores toner (developer), a variable-volume pump section 21 (pump), a transport path member 103, and a toner transfer means 100 (transfer member) that will be described later.

[0040] A flow path 24 (path) for transporting toner is formed inside the transport path member 103. One end 24a of the flow path 24 is connected to the pump unit 21, and the other end 24b is provided with a discharge unit 23 (opening) that opens to the outside. That is, the flow path 24 is configured so that the toner can be transported between the pump unit and the opening.

[0041] The pump section 21 (pump) can create an air flow by changing its volume. The toner in the flow path 24 is moved (conveyed) by the air flow created by the pump section 21. Then, the toner in the toner storage section 22 can be discharged (replenished) to the outside of the toner cartridge B (i.e., to the process cartridge A side described later) via the discharge section 23.

[0042] The toner transfer means 100 (transfer member) described later communicates the toner storage unit 22 with the transport path member 103 (flow path 24), and can transfer toner from the toner storage unit 22 to (the flow path 24 of) the transport path member 103. That is, the toner transfer means 100 is disposed midway along the flow path 24, and stably supplies a predetermined amount of toner from the toner storage unit 22 to the flow path 24.

[0043] Further, the toner transfer means 100, which will be described later, includes a toner transfer member 101 (holding body) provided with a toner holding portion 102 (holding portion) that holds a predetermined volume of toner, and a moving mechanism M. The moving mechanism M moves the toner transfer member 101.

[0044] Specifically, the moving structure M allows the toner transferring member 101 to move (switch) between a first position P1 (state) and a second position P2 (state).

[0045] At the first position (state) P1, the toner storage unit 22 and the toner holding unit 102 are in communication with each other, and toner can be filled from the toner storage unit 22 into the toner holding unit 102. At the second position (state) P2, the toner holding unit 102 and the transport path member 103 (flow path 24) are in communication with each other.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the outer shell of the toner cartridge B is formed by a frame 40a, a lid portion 40d, and a pump cover .

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the toner cartridge B comprises a frame 40a, a lid 40d, a conveying means 31, a toner transferring means 100 (moving member), a tube 104, a pump portion 21, and a pump cover .

[0048] The conveying means 31 includes a conveying member 42 , a conveying shaft 43 , a swinging rotating member 41 , a biasing member 46 , a rotating member 45 , an idler gear 47 , and an input gear 60 .

[0049] The toner transferring means 100 (moving member) includes a driving mechanism M and a toner transferring member 101 (holding body). The driving mechanism M includes an input gear 60, a rotating member 61, a Geneva wheel 62, a shaft member 63, and the like.

[0050] The pump portion 21 includes a bellows member 26, a pump drive gear 27, and a pump drive reciprocating member .

[0051] (Pump section 21) Here, the configuration of the pump section 21 and the periphery of the pump section 21 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0052] FIG. 6 is an exploded conceptual diagram of a pump unit in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] 7(a, b) are cross-sectional conceptual diagrams of the pump unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention when assembled.

[0054] 8(a, b) are conceptual diagrams showing various states of the pump unit during operation in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] More specifically, Figures 6 and 8 show the drive structure of the pump section 21 of the present invention. In particular, Figure 8(a) shows the expanded state, and Figure 8(b) shows the compressed state. Also, Figure 7(a) shows the state before assembly, and Figure 7(b) shows the state after assembly.

[0056] 6, pump section 21 has a round cross section and is formed from a part of bellows member 26 that is open downward. Bellows member 26 is formed from bellows portion 26a, engagement portion 26b at one end that engages with pump drive reciprocating member 28, and fixing portion 26c at the other end that is open and fixes the pump drive reciprocating member.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 7(a), fixed portion 26c has a screw-like shape and is fixed by rotating in the D3 direction relative to transport path member 103. Transport path member 103 has flow path 24 provided therein. In the following explanation, pump portion 21 refers to bellows portion 26a, which changes in volume. On the other hand, fixed portion 26c, which does not change in volume, is included in flow path 24, not pump portion 21. Therefore, the boundary between pump portion 21 and flow path 24 is boundary G1 between the bellows portion of bellows member 26 and fixed portion 26c, as shown in FIG. 7(b).

[0058] 8, pump section 21 is compressed downward and expanded upward via pump drive gear 27 and pump drive reciprocating member 28. Pump drive gear 27 has gear portion 27a and cam portion 27b, and receives driving force input from image forming device C at gear portion 27a to rotate in direction D2. This rotation then moves pump drive reciprocating member 28, which is engaged with cam portion 27b, in the vertical direction.

[0059] (Transportation means 31) Next, the drive configuration of the conveying means 31 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0060] 5, the frame 40a is provided with support portions that rotatably support the rotating member 45 and the oscillating rotating member 41, respectively, and a communication opening that is a hole through which the oscillating rotating member 41 engages with the transport shaft 43. The oscillating rotating member 41 is configured so that a portion of the oscillating rotating member 41 engages with the transport shaft 43 provided in the toner storage section 22 through the communication opening.

[0061] 4, the idler gear 47 and the gear portion of the rotating member 45 mesh with each other, and the input gear 60 rotates, causing the rotating member 45 to rotate via the idler gear 47. The oscillating rotating member 41 is provided with an arm portion that abuts against a cam portion of the rotating member 45. The biasing member 46 is formed of a torsion coil spring, and the direction in which the biasing force of the biasing member 46 is generated is set to the CCW direction.

[0062] Next, the toner transporting action of the transporting member 42 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, the input gear 60 rotates due to a driving force (not shown) provided in the device main body C, causing the oscillating rotation member 41 to rotate in the CW direction via the idler gear 47 and the rotating member 45, and then rotate in the CCW direction due to the biasing force of the biasing member 46.

[0064] At this time, as shown in Figure 3, the transport member 42 repeatedly moves back and forth in the transport direction J1 and the opposite direction J2 to the transport direction J1 via the transport shaft 43 in conjunction with the movement of the oscillating rotation member 41, thereby transporting the toner on the transport member 42 in the transport direction J1.

[0065] (Toner transfer means 100) Next, the driving configuration of the toner transferring means 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0066] 9(a) to 9(c) are cross-sectional conceptual diagrams showing various states during operation of the toner transferring member in the first embodiment of the present invention. That is, Fig. 9 conceptually shows the main cross section of the toner transferring means 100.

[0067] 10(a) to 10(c) are conceptual diagrams of drive transmission during operation of the toner transferring means in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 9(a), a toner transfer member 101 connected to a shaft member 63 is disposed within a frame 40a of the toner storage section 22.

[0069] 5, frame 40a is provided with support holes 401 and support portions 402 that rotatably support shaft member 63 and rotating member 61, respectively. Shaft member 63 passes through support hole 103a of transport path member 103 and is coupled to engagement hole 101a of toner-transporting member 101 housed inside transport path member 103. Transport path member 103 is attached to frame 40a with toner-transporting member 101 housed therein.

[0070] A Geneva wheel 62 is attached to one end of the shaft member 63, and is configured so that when the rotating member 61 rotates once, the Geneva wheel 62 rotates 90 degrees.

[0071] Next, the configuration of the toner transferring member 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0072] 9, toner transfer member 101 is a cylindrical member for transferring toner in toner storage section 22 to flow path 24. Toner holding sections 102 (holding sections) for holding toner inside are provided on the outer peripheral surface of toner transfer member 101 at four locations (102a to 102d) spaced apart by 90 degrees and each having the same shape. That is, the multiple toner holding sections (102a to 102d) are arranged on toner transfer member 101 at equal distances from one another.

[0073] The toner transferring member 101 is rotated by a moving mechanism M so that the toner holding portion 102 moves along a circular trajectory.

[0074] The toner transfer member 101 contained in the transport path member 103 is provided at a position where one of the toner holding portions 102 becomes part of the flow path 24 of the transport path member 103 while the shaft member 63 is not rotating. At the same time, one of the toner holding portions 102 of the toner transfer member 101 is disposed at a position where the toner in the toner storage portion 22 can be supplied by the transport member 42.

[0075] Next, the operation of the toner transferring means 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 10(a), when input gear 60 is rotated in the CW direction by a driving force (not shown) provided in apparatus main body C, rotating member 61 meshing with input gear 60 rotates in the CCW direction. Then, as shown in Fig. 10(a), 10(b), and then Fig. 10(c), Geneva wheel 62 is configured to rotate 90 degrees in the CW direction for each rotation of rotating member 61. The movement of Geneva wheel 62 is transmitted to toner transfer member 101 via shaft member 63. Therefore, toner transfer member 101 rotates 90 degrees in the CW direction in conjunction with the CW rotation of Geneva wheel 62, as shown in Fig. 9(a), 9(b), and then Fig. 9(c).

[0077] 9(a), toner T transported in transport direction J1 of transport member 42 in toner storage unit 22 is supplied to toner holding portion 102 of toner transfer member 101. Then, as toner transfer member 101 rotates, it changes state from FIG. 9(a) to FIG. 9(b) to FIG. 9(c), scraping off the toner in toner holding portion 102 along the circumferential surface of transport path member 103 and holding a predetermined amount of toner.

[0078] Furthermore, the toner holding portion 102 of the toner transferring member 101 rotates while containing a predetermined amount of toner therein, and becomes part of the flow path 24 of the transport path member 103, as shown in FIG. 9(c).

[0079] With the toner holding portion 102 becoming part of the flow path 24, air generated by compression of the pump portion 21 passes through the flow path 24 and, together with the toner contained in the toner holding portion 102, which is part of the flow path 24, passes through the flow path 24 and is ejected toward the discharge portion 23. The toner sent out from the discharge portion 23 of the toner cartridge B then passes through the main body path portion 1 of the image forming apparatus C and is transported to the toner storage portion 17 of the process cartridge A through the receiving portion 18 of the process cartridge A.

[0080] By repeating this series of operations, the amount of toner supplied from the toner containing portion 22 of the toner cartridge B to the toner containing portion 17 of the process cartridge A is controlled.

[0081] By the action of the above-mentioned toner transfer means, a predetermined amount of toner is stably supplied from the toner transfer member 101 to the (toner) flow path 24, making it possible to control the amount of toner supplied from the toner cartridge B to the toner storage section 17 of the process cartridge A.

[0082] In this embodiment, the volume of pump section 21 is approximately 10 cc, and the combined volume of flow path 24 and main body path section 1 is approximately 3 cc, so that the volume of pump section 21 is more than twice the volume of flow path 24. In addition, the volume of the toner holding section of the toner transfer member is approximately 0.4 cc.

[0083] The above-mentioned conditions are not limited to these, and can be appropriately selected depending on the type and characteristics of the toner, the shape, material, and arrangement of each member, etc.

[0084] Furthermore, the toner transport means is not limited to the reciprocating transport member described above, but can be appropriately configured to use a rotating stirring sheet or screw, or a toner transport means that does not have a transport member and uses the weight of the toner itself. [Example]

[0085] In Example 1, a configuration was described in which a predetermined amount of toner is stably supplied to flow path 24 by rotating toner transfer member 101. In this example, a configuration is described in which a predetermined amount of toner is stably supplied to flow path 24 by moving toner transfer member 201 in parallel.

[0086] The image forming process and the configuration of the process cartridge A are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the configuration of the toner cartridge B is the same as that in the first embodiment except for the configuration of the toner transport means.

[0087] (Configuration of toner transfer means) The configuration of the toner transferring means 200, which is a characteristic configuration of this embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0088] 11(a) and 11(b) are conceptual diagrams of drive transmission during operation of the toner transferring member in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] 12(a, b) are cross-sectional conceptual diagrams of the toner transfer member in operation according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 11, the toner transferring means 200 is composed of a cam member 210, a toner transferring member 201, a transport path member 103, and, as shown in FIG.

[0091] 11(a) and 11(b), toner-transferring member 201 is configured to be movable parallel to direction J1 by rotation of cam member 210 in the CCW direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), one end of biasing member 203 is connected to toner-transferring member 201, and the other end of biasing member 203 is fixed to frame 40a, so that a biasing force acts on toner-transferring member 201 in direction J2.

[0092] Next, the configuration of the toner transferring member 201 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0093] 12(a), toner transfer member 201 is a rectangular prism-shaped member for transferring toner in toner storage section 22 to flow path 24. Toner holding section 202 for holding toner inside toner transfer member 201 is provided in a part of toner transfer member 201.

[0094] Next, the operation of the toner transferring member 201 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), each time the cam member 210 rotates once in the CCW direction, the toner transferring member 201 reciprocates in the J1 direction and the J2 direction.

[0096] At this time, toner transported in the transport direction J1 of the transport member 42 in the toner storage unit 22 is supplied to the toner holding portion 202 of the toner transferring member 201. As the toner transferring member 201 moves in parallel, the toner in the toner holding portion 202 is scraped off by the frame 40a, and a predetermined amount of toner is stably held.

[0097] Furthermore, the toner holding portion 202 of the toner transfer member 201 moves parallel while containing a predetermined amount of toner, and when the movement is completed as shown in Figure 12(b), the toner holding portion 202 becomes part of the flow path 24 of the transport path member 103.

[0098] 12(b), with the toner holding portion 202 forming part of the flow path 24, the air generated by the compression of the pump portion 21 passes through the flow path 24. The toner holding portion 202, which is part of the flow path 24, passes through the flow path 24 together with the toner contained therein and ejects the toner toward the discharge portion 23. The toner sent out from the discharge portion 23 of the toner cartridge B passes through the main body path portion 1 of the image forming apparatus C and is transported to the toner storage portion 17 of the process cartridge A through the receiving portion 18 of the process cartridge A.

[0099] By repeating this series of operations, the amount of toner supplied from the toner containing portion 22 of the toner cartridge B to the toner containing portion 17 of the process cartridge A is controlled.

[0100] By the action of the above-mentioned toner transfer means, a predetermined amount of toner is stably supplied from the toner transfer member 201 to the flow path 24, making it possible to control the amount of toner supplied from the toner cartridge B to the toner storage section 17 of the toner cartridge A.

[0101] In this way, the configuration of this embodiment can stably transport a predetermined amount of toner. In particular, the air flow generated by the pump can be used to stably transport a predetermined amount of toner from the developer storage unit to an upper or distant location.

[0102] The present invention can be summarized as follows.

[0103] (1) The developer supply device (B) of the present invention is used in an image forming apparatus (C) and includes a container (22) for containing developer, a variable volume pump (21), a transport path member (103), and a transfer member (100).

[0104] The transport path member is configured such that one end (24a) is connected to a pump and the other end (24b) has an opening (23) that opens to the outside, forming a path (24) for transporting the developer between the pump and the opening.

[0105] The transfer member is configured to communicate between the storage container and the transport path member and to transfer the developer from the storage container to the transport path member, and includes a holder (101) having a holding portion (102) that holds a predetermined volume of developer, and a moving mechanism (M).

[0106] The moving mechanism is configured to move the holder (101) between a first position (P1) where the container and the holding section are connected and developer can be filled into the holding section from the container, and a second position (P2) where the holding section is connected to the transport path member.

[0107] (2) In the developer supply device of the present invention, the holder (101) can be provided with a plurality of holding portions (102a-102d).

[0108] (3) In the developer supply device of the present invention, a plurality of holding portions (102) may be arranged on the holding body (101) at equal distances from each other.

[0109] (4) In the developer supply device of the present invention, the holder (101) may be rotated by the moving mechanism (M) so that the holder (102) moves along a circular path.

[0110] (5) The developer supply device of the present invention may include a transport member (31) for transporting the developer from the container (22) to the holding portion (102).

[0111] (6) In the developer supply device of the present invention, the transport member (31) may be a plate-like member (42) having a developer carrying surface (421) capable of carrying developer in an in-use orientation. In this case, the transport member (31) may be reciprocated such that the maximum acceleration in the first direction (J1) approaching the holder (102) is smaller than the maximum acceleration in the second direction (J2) away from the holder (102), which is the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0112] (7) In the developer supplying device of the present invention, the driving operation of the transporting member (31) and the operation of the moving mechanism (M) can be performed in synchronization.

[0113] Specifically, when the moving mechanism (M) is driven to a position where the holding portion (102) of the holder (101) is in communication with the storage container, the driving operation of the conveying member (31) may be synchronized so that the conveying member (31) moves in a first direction (J1) toward the holding portion (102).

[0114] (8) In the developer supplying device of the present invention, the driving operation of the moving mechanism (M) and the driving operation of the pump (21) can be performed in synchronization.

[0115] Specifically, when the moving mechanism (M) is driven to a position where the holding portion (102) of the holding body (101) is in communication with the path (24) of the conveying path member, the driving operation may be synchronized so that the pump (21) performs a compression operation.

[0116] (9) In the developer supply device of the present invention, the container (22) may be configured to be detachable from the developer supply device (B).

[0117] (10) The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the aforementioned developer supply device (B), a developer carrier (13) that carries the developer supplied from the developer supply device, and an image carrier (11) that carries a developer image made of the developer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 21 Pump section (pump) 22 Toner storage section (storage container) 23 Discharge part (opening) 24 Flow path (path) 24a One end (one end of the route) 24b Other end (other end of the route) 100 Toner transfer means (transfer member) 101 Toner transfer member (holding body) 102 Toner holding unit (holding unit) 103 Conveying path member B Toner cartridge (developer supply device) C Image forming device M Moving mechanism P1 First position P2 Second position

Claims

1. A developer supply device for use in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a container for containing a developer; a pump capable of transitioning between an expanded state at a first volume and a compressed state at a second volume smaller than the first volume; a transport path member having one end connected to the pump and the other end provided with an opening that opens to the outside, the transport path member forming a transport path for transporting the developer between the pump and the opening; a transfer unit that connects the developer container to the transport path and transfers the developer from the developer container to the transport path; and The transfer unit includes: a holder having a holding portion capable of holding a predetermined volume of developer; a moving mechanism that moves the holder between a first position where the container communicates with the holding portion and the developer can be filled into the holding portion from the container, and a second position where the holding portion communicates with the transport path, the pump transitions from the compressed state to the expanded state when the holder is moved from the second position to the first position, and transitions from the expanded state to the compressed state when the holder is in the second position. A developer supplying device characterized by:

2. 2. The developer supply device according to claim 1, wherein the holder is provided with a plurality of the holding portions.

3. A developer supply device as described in Claim 2, characterized in that the multiple holding portions are arranged on the holder at equal distances from each other.

4. 4. The developer supply device according to claim 1, wherein the holding body is rotated by the movement mechanism so that the holding portion moves along a circular trajectory.

5. 5. The developer supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a transport member that transports the developer from the container to the holding portion.

6. The conveying member is 6. The developer supply device according to claim 5, wherein the developer supply device is composed of a plate-shaped member having a carrying surface capable of carrying developer in an attitude during use, and the transport member is reciprocated so that the maximum acceleration in a first direction approaching the holding portion is smaller than the maximum acceleration in a second direction away from the holding portion, which is the opposite direction to the first direction.

7. 7. The developer supply device according to claim 5, wherein the driving operation of said transport member and the operation of said moving mechanism are performed in synchronization with each other.

8. 8. The developer supply device according to claim 1, wherein the container is detachable from the developer supply device.

9. The developer supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a developer carrier that carries the developer supplied from the developer replenishing device; an image carrier that carries a developer image made of a developer;

Images