Patent ID: 8190078
Filing Date: 2012-05-29
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A toner conveyance device comprising: a conveyance path formation member that defines a conveyance path through which to convey toner; a conveyance member disposed within the conveyance path defined by the conveyance path formation member to rotate and convey the toner through the conveyance path in a toner conveyance direction corresponding to an axial direction of the conveyance member, the conveyance member comprising a helical blade having a helical outer circumferential surface; and a first agitator comprising a cantilevered, comb-toothed plate member of flexible material having a fixed end and a free end, the free end contacting the helical outer circumferential surface of the helical blade of the conveyance member and swinging in coordination with rotation of the conveyance member to agitate the toner as the toner is conveyed through the conveyance path, the first agitator further comprising: