Patent ID: 7512365
Filing Date: 2009-03-31
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A toner supply device for supplying toner to a developing unit, the developing unit comprising a developing roller having a developing roller axis, the developing roller being proximate a photoreceptor drum which, in turn, is proximate a transfer belt, the toner supply device comprising: a toner container configured to store toner; and a toner feed device disposed adjacent to the toner container and including a toner reservoir configured to hold the toner supplied from the toner container and a toner conveyor configured to convey the toner in the toner reservoir while agitating the toner, wherein the toner feed device is configured to agitate the toner supplied from the toner container, then to feed the agitated toner to the developing unit; wherein the toner feed device comprises a toner input portion for allowing entrance of toner from the toner container to the toner reservoir and a toner feed portion configured to feed toner from the toner reservoir to the developing unit, the toner input portion and toner feed portion being arranged on an outer side of the developing roller with respect to a direction of the developing roller axis; wherein the toner conveyor is configured to convey and supply the toner entering from the toner input portion to the toner feed portion, along the direction of the developing roller axis; wherein the toner feed device and the developing unit are connected by a toner input passage part, wherein the toner input passage part is provided with a toner passage formed approximately linearly and configured whereby toner is supplied from the toner input passage part to the developing unit at a position, relative to the developing roller axis, which is outside a width of the transfer belt; and wherein said toner passage is provided with rollers to advance the toner.