JP2010072336A - Developer supply device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developer supply device in which a driving part is not required for each of a mechanism for moving a container, a sealing member opening/closing mechanism and a conveying member individually, so as to achieve space saving of the driving part. <P>SOLUTION: The developer supply device 400 includes: a developer supply container 1 which has a sealing member 2 capable of opening/closing a developer discharge port, in which developer is contained and also which is detachably attached to a copying machine body; the mechanism for moving the container 533 which moves the developer supply container 1 to a developer supply position; the sealing member opening/closing mechanism 530 for opening/closing the sealing member 2; and a baffle which conveys the developer inside the developer supply container 1. The developer supply device 400 includes: one motor which can drive the mechanism for moving the container 533, the sealing member opening/closing mechanism 530 and the baffle; and one drive switching device 212 which can switch a transmission path of driving force of the motor between a mechanism driven in a series of operation such as the mechanism for moving the container 533 or the sealing member opening/closing mechanism 530 and the baffle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer replenishing device in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine to which a developer container can be attached and detached, and an image forming apparatus including the developer replenishing device.

  A fine powder developer is used in image forming apparatuses such as electrophotographic copying machines and printers. When the developer is consumed, the developer is supplied to the image forming apparatus main body using the developer supply container. Conventionally, a method of peeling off the seal of the developer supply container or pulling out the opening sliding shutter has been put into practical use. Since the developer is an extremely fine powder, the developer is likely to be scattered. Therefore, in order to prevent scattering of the developer, a system in which a developer supply container is installed inside the image forming apparatus main body and the developer is replenished little by little from the small opening is put into practical use instead of the above-described system. Has been.

  As an invention relating to such a developer replenishment system, a developer replenishment container described in Patent Document 1 is proposed. The developer supply container described in Patent Document 1 is detachable from the image forming apparatus, and is received inside the developer supply container by receiving a driving force from the image forming apparatus main body and rotating the developer supply container. The developer is supplied to the image forming apparatus main body. The developer supply container of Patent Document 1 has a coupling engagement portion that engages with a drive portion of the image forming apparatus. The coupling engagement portion is formed with an engagement protrusion that engages with the engagement hole of the drive portion. The coupling engaging portion is formed with a driving receiving surface that obtains a force for rotating the developer supply container from the driving portion when the engaging protrusion is engaged with the engaging hole. Furthermore, the coupling engaging portion is formed with a release protrusion that releases the engagement protrusion from the engagement hole. Further, since the sealing member moves relative to the developer supply container with the engagement protrusion engaged with the engagement hole, the developer discharge port is changed from the closed state to the open state.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to attach and detach the developer supply container and to open and close the developer discharge port by the operation of the coupling unit, and thus the user can supply the developer without getting his hands dirty. . In addition, since the developer discharge port is opened with the engaging portion engaged with the engagement hole, and the developer supply container can rotate, the developer discharge port of the developer supply container has a small diameter. It can be set. Furthermore, since the sealing member can be pushed in like a plug to cover it, the developer is difficult to adhere to the developer container, and the surroundings are prevented from being contaminated by the scattering of the developer after the developer container is taken out. . Further, the sealing member has a coupling function for transmitting the driving force from the driving unit of the image forming apparatus to the developer supply container, and a plurality of functions are realized by the configuration of the developer supply container. Miniaturization and cost reduction of the forming apparatus main body are realized.

  In addition, the inventions described in Patent Documents 2 to 4 are proposed as the invention for moving the developer supply container to the image forming position.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-228867 proposes an automatic developer changing apparatus that selects a specific developing device from a developing device storage device that stores a plurality of developing containers, and automatically feeds the developing device to an image forming position.

  Patent Document 3 proposes an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge including an image carrier is automatically moved to an image forming position, and a developer supply container is replaced or a developer is supplied.

  In Patent Document 4, a process cartridge including an image carrier and a plurality of developing units is automatically moved to a position where an image can be formed and a position where a developer can be replenished. An image forming apparatus that performs the above is proposed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-318490 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-50568 JP-A-4-84153 JP-A-4-84159

  However, in the developer supply container described in Patent Document 1, the user needs to open and close the sealing member. Therefore, there is a possibility that the developer is scattered when the sealing member is opened and closed.

  Further, in the developer supply container described in Patent Document 1, a drive unit for moving the developer supply container to a position where an image can be formed and a position where the developer can be replaced is used to transfer the developer supply container. The configuration was different from the drive unit for rotation. Further, since a plurality of driving units are provided, there is a concern that the configuration of the entire image forming apparatus is increased in size.

  In the inventions described in Patent Documents 2 to 4, the developer supply container is merely automatically moved to a position where an image can be formed and a position where the developer can be replaced. Therefore, the possibility of remaining developer scattering and the increase in the size of the entire apparatus in the case of the invention described in Patent Document 1 is not solved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a drive unit is not required for each of the container moving mechanism, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism, and the conveying member, and space saving of the drive unit is achieved. It is an object of the present invention to provide a developer supply device that is realized.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention includes a developer supply container having a sealing member capable of opening and closing a developer discharge port, capable of storing the developer, and detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. A container moving mechanism for moving the developer supply container to a developer supply position, a sealing member opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the sealing member, a transport member for transporting the developer inside the developer supply container, In the developer replenishing apparatus, the container moving mechanism, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism, and one driving unit capable of driving the transport member, the container moving mechanism, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism, and the And a drive switching unit capable of switching a transmission path of the driving force of the driving unit so as to drive any one of the conveying members.

  In addition, the present invention includes a developer supply container having a sealing member capable of opening and closing a developer discharge port, capable of storing the developer and detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, and the developer supply container. A developer replenishing device comprising: a container moving mechanism that moves to a developer replenishment position; a sealing member opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the sealing member; and a conveying member that conveys the developer inside the developer replenishing container. In the above, a series of the container moving mechanism, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism, and one driving unit capable of driving the conveying member, and the container moving mechanism, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism, and the conveying member. And a drive switching means capable of switching the transmission path of the driving force of the driving unit between the two mechanisms.

  According to the developer supply device of the present invention, the drive switching unit transmits the driving force of the drive unit so that the drive unit drives any one of the container moving mechanism, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism, and the transport member. The route can be switched. Therefore, since the container moving mechanism, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism, and the transport member can be driven by one drive unit, the container moving mechanism, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism, and the transport member are individually provided. No drive is required. As a result, space saving of the drive unit is realized.

  According to the developer replenishing device of the present invention, when the driving unit drives the container moving mechanism, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism, and the conveying member, the drive switching means has two mechanisms that are driven by a series of operations, and The transmission path of the driving force of the driving unit between one mechanism can be switched. Accordingly, two mechanisms among the container moving mechanism, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism, and the conveying member, or the remaining one mechanism can be driven by one driving unit, so that the number of driving units provided individually Is reduced. As a result, space saving of the drive unit is realized.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the following embodiments should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these.

  First, the configuration of an electrophotographic copying machine 99 which is an example of an “image forming apparatus” to which the developer supply container 1 is attached will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Electrophotographic image forming apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the copying machine main body 100. As shown in FIG. 1, an electrophotographic copying machine 99 as an “image forming apparatus” has an electrophotographic copying machine body (hereinafter referred to as “copier body”) 100 as an “image forming apparatus body”. In the copying machine main body 100, a document 101 is placed on a document table glass 102. Then, an optical image corresponding to the image information of the original 101 is formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as “photosensitive drum”) 104 by the plurality of mirrors M and lenses Ln of the optical unit 103. Sheets P stacked on any of the plurality of cassettes 105, 106, 107, 108 are based on information input by the user using the operation unit 100 a (see FIG. 2) or size information optimal for the size of the document 101. Selected. Here, the sheet P is not limited to paper, and may be selected as appropriate, for example, an OHP sheet.

  Then, one sheet P conveyed by the feeding / separating devices 105 </ b> A, 106 </ b> A, 107 </ b> A, 108 </ b> A is conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the conveying member 109. Further, the registration roller 110 conveys the sheet P to the transfer unit in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 104 and the scanning timing of the optical unit 103. In the transfer portion, the developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 is transferred to the sheet P by the transfer discharger 111. Then, the separation discharger 112 separates the sheet P on which the developer image has been transferred from the photosensitive drum 104.

  Thereafter, the developer image on the sheet P is fixed on the sheet P conveyed to the fixing unit 114 by the conveying member 113 by heat and pressure in the fixing unit 114. Thereafter, in the case of single-sided copying, the sheet P passes through the discharge reversing unit 115 and is discharged to the discharge tray 117 by the discharge roller 116. Alternatively, in the case of duplex copying, the sheet P is conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the refeed conveyance paths 119 and 120 under the control of the flapper 118 of the discharge reversing unit 115, and then in the case of single-sided copying. A similar path is followed to discharge to the discharge tray 117.

  In the case of multiple copying, the sheet P passes through the discharge reversing unit 115 and is once discharged out of the apparatus by the discharge roller 116. Thereafter, the sheet P is copied again by controlling the flapper 118 at the timing when the end of the sheet P passes through the flapper 118 and is still nipped by the discharge roller 116 and reversely rotating the discharge roller 116. It is transported into the machine body 100. Thereafter, the sheet P is conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the re-feed conveyance paths 119 and 120, and then discharged to the discharge tray 117 along the same path as in the case of single-sided copying.

  Incidentally, in the copying machine main body 100, a developing unit 201, a cleaner unit 202, a primary charger 203, and the like are arranged around the photosensitive drum 104. The “image forming unit” includes the photosensitive drum 104, the developing unit 201, the cleaner unit 202, and the primary charger 203.

  The developing unit 201 develops the electrostatic latent image in which information of the document 101 is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 by the optical unit 103 using a developer. A developer supply container 1 for supplying developer to the developing unit 201 is detachably attached to the copying machine main body 100 by a user. The developer supply container 1 is a container that can store a developer.

  The developing unit 201 includes a developer hopper 201a and a developing device 201b. The developer hopper 201a includes a stirring member 201c for stirring the developer replenished from the developer replenishing container 1. The developer stirred by the stirring member 201c is sent to the developing device 201b by the magnet roller 201d. The developing device 201b includes a developing roller 201f and a conveying member 201e. The developer sent from the developer hopper 201a by the magnet roller 201d is sent to the developing roller 201f by the conveying member 201e, and is supplied to the photosensitive drum 104 by the developing roller 201f.

  The cleaner unit 202 is for removing the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 104. The primary charger 203 is for charging the photosensitive drum 104.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the copying machine main body 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the copying machine main body 100 includes an operation unit 100a, a display unit 100b, and a front cover 100c. The operation unit 100a can designate a sheet P to be printed, and the display unit 100b displays information on the copying machine main body 100. When the front cover 100c which is “a part of the exterior cover” is opened, the inside of the apparatus appears, and maintenance work such as replacement and cleaning of the developing unit, drum unit, fixing unit, etc. and jam processing of the sheet conveying member can be performed. .

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a process of replacing the developer supply container 1 inside the copying machine main body 100. As shown in FIG. 3, after the user opens the front cover 100c, when the user opens the developer supply container replacement front cover (hereinafter referred to as "pre-replacement cover") 15, the developer supply container insertion port ( (Hereinafter referred to as “replenishment container insertion port”) 151 appears.

  Then, the developer supply container 1 is placed on the slide table 300 on the container tray 50 inside the developer supply device 400, and the developer supply container 1 is pushed into the inside (see FIG. 4). Then, the lever of the position detection means for detecting the insertion position of the developer supply container 1 is pushed down, and the drive is transmitted to the member of the attachment / detachment mechanism by the signal of the position detection means. Are pulled into the apparatus and set in the copying machine main body 100.

  Thereafter, the replacement front cover 15 and the front cover 100c are closed. The replacement front cover 15 is a dedicated cover for closing the supply container insertion port 151 and is opened and closed only for attaching and detaching the developer supply container 1.

  The replacement front cover 15 may be provided in another part other than the inside of the front cover 100c. The maintenance of the copying machine main body 100 is performed by opening and closing the front cover 100c, but other configurations may be used.

<Developer supply container>
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the developer supply device 400. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the developer supply device 400. In describing the replacement of the developer supply container 1 (also referred to as “toner bottle” or “toner container”), the configuration and procedure for joining and separating from the copying machine main body 100 will be described.

  With the image forming process, substantially all of the developer in the developer replenishing container 1 (the case where “toner” alone or the case other than “toner” is included) is consumed. Then, it is detected by the empty detection means (not shown) of the developer supply container 1 provided in the copying machine main body 100 that the developer in the developer supply container 1 has run out. Then, the user is informed by the display means 100b such as liquid crystal (see FIG. 2) that the developer has run out.

<At the time of installation>
As shown in FIG. 4A, the copying machine main body 100 is provided with a developer replenishing device 400. The developer supply device 400 is configured by inserting the developer supply container 1 into a supply container casing 400 a that receives the developer supply container 1. A sliding member 23 is formed on the copying machine main body 100. For example, a bearing is used for the sliding member 23. A driving shaft 20 that is connected to the developer supply container 1 and transmits a driving force to the developer supply container 1 is rotatably supported by the sliding member 23. The drive shaft 20 includes a main body side shaft 211 and a sealing adjustment ring 21 that surrounds the outer periphery of the main body side shaft 211. Inside the copying machine main body 100, a motor as a “drive unit” (not shown) is disposed. When the drive shaft 20 and the sealing member 2 are connected, the rotational driving force of the motor is transmitted to the drive shaft 20 and the sealing member 2 by switching of the drive switching device 212 (see FIG. 5), and the developer supply container 1 can be rotated.

  The copying machine main body 100 is provided with a partition wall 25 that forms a developer supply path 24 that communicates with the developer hopper 201a (see FIG. 1). An inner sliding member 26 a and an outer sliding member 26 b that rotatably support a part of the developer supply container 1 and seal the developer supply path 24 are fixed to the partition wall 25. Further, a screw member 27 for conveying the developer to the developer hopper 201a is disposed in the developer supply path 24.

  A container tray 50 that is a “container mounting table” on which the developer supply container 1 can be placed is formed in the supply container casing 400 a. A slide table 300 is slidably provided on the container tray 50. When the developer supply container 1 is inserted into the copying machine main body 100, the user places the developer supply container 1 on the slide table 300. The developer supply container 1 is moved to a position where the developer can be supplied (“supply position”) and a position where the developer supply container 1 can be replaced (“exchange position”) while being placed on the slide table 300. The The position of the developer supply container 1 is detected by a lever sensor 232 which is a “position detecting unit”. When the developer supply container 1 is disposed at a replaceable position, the motor is turned on based on a signal from the lever sensor 232 that detects the position. At the same time, the drive switching mechanism 70 (see FIG. 9) of the drive switching device 212 (see FIG. 5) switches to the transmission gear that linearly moves the slide base 300, rotates the cam cylinder 533 (see FIG. 5), and develops. The agent supply container 1 moves linearly. The mechanism of the drive switching device 212 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  A developer replenishing opening (hereinafter simply referred to as “opening”) 1 a that is formed in a cylindrical shape and can discharge the developer is provided at one end surface of the tip of the developer replenishing container 1, and the opening 1 a The tip opening is sealed by the sealing member 2. The sealing member 2 is configured to be able to open and close the opening 1 a of the developer supply container 1.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the developer supply container 1 is moved from a replaceable position (FIG. 4A) to the innermost position (FIG. 4B) of the supply container casing 400a. Is due to the movement of the slide table 300. The movement of the slide table 300 is due to the rotation of the cam cylinder 533 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, the cam cylinder 533 is formed with a wavy cam groove 533 a. A convex portion 300 a is formed at the end of the slide table 300. Since the convex portion 300a is inserted into the cam groove 533a, when the cam cylinder 533 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow c in FIG. 5A by receiving the driving force of the motor 58, the slide table 300 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow a. Move linearly. In this embodiment, the cam cylinder 533, the cam groove 533a, and the slide base 300 constitute a “container moving mechanism”. Thus, the slide table 300 moves from the state shown in FIG. 4A to the state shown in FIG. FIG. 4 (b) corresponds to FIG. 5 (a). Due to the shape of the cam groove 533a, the slide table 300 stops when it moves to the innermost position of the supply container casing 400a.

  When the developer supply container 1 moves to the innermost position of the supply container casing 400 a, the sealing member 2 attached to the developer supply container 1 is coupled to the drive shaft 20. As shown in FIG. 7, an engagement protrusion 3 as a “fitting protrusion” is formed at the tip of the sealing member 2. An engaged protrusion 21 b is formed on the inner wall of the sealing adjustment ring 21 of the drive shaft 20. In the drive shaft 20, an engagement hole 20 a is formed by the main body side shaft 211 and the sealing adjustment ring 21. When the sealing member 2 is inserted into the engagement hole 20a, the engagement protrusion 3 engages with the engagement protrusion 21b, and the engagement protrusion 3 is prevented from coming off.

  As shown in FIG. 4C, the developer supply container 1 can supply the developer from the innermost position of the supply container housing 400a (FIG. 4B) (FIG. 4C). The movement to is due to the operation of the cam mechanism 540 (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 5A, a transmission gear 532 is formed on the cam cylinder 533, and a transmission gear 531 is disposed opposite to the transmission gear 532 and meshes with each other. The transmission gear 531 is disposed so as to contact the transmission belt 530 disposed along the traveling direction of the slide table 300. A cam mechanism 540 is attached to the rotating roller 530 a of the transmission belt 530. A cam hole 540a is formed in the cam mechanism 540, a convex portion 21c is formed in the sealing adjustment ring 21, and the convex portion 21c is inserted into the cam hole 540a. Therefore, the rotational driving force of the motor 58 is transmitted through the cam cylinder 533, the transmission gear 531, and the transmission belt 530, and the cam mechanism 540 rotates. In this embodiment, the transmission gear 532, the transmission gear 531, the transmission belt 530, the cam mechanism 540, and the cam hole 540a constitute a “sealing member opening / closing mechanism”. Then, the sealing adjustment ring 21 operates toward the copying machine main body 100. However, since the arrangement of the sealing adjustment ring 21 is fixed, the rotation roller 530a (see FIG. 5A) and the slide base 300 are integrated. Evacuate to. Therefore, the main body side shaft 211 and the container side shaft 1b are retracted, and the slide table 300 is retracted in the direction indicated by the arrow b in FIG. 4C.

  The operation of the developer supply device 400 will be described below. The description will be made with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C again.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the developer supply container 1 moves toward the drive shaft 20 by the movement of the slide table 300. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the engagement protrusion 3 of the sealing member 2 contacts the engaged protrusion 21 b of the sealing adjustment ring 21. The engagement protrusion 3 is pushed down by the engagement protrusion 21b, and the portion of the engagement protrusion 3 in the sealing member 2 becomes thin. Thereafter, the cam cylinder 533 further rotates, and the movement of the developer supply container 1 and the slide table 300 is stopped as shown in FIG. 4B due to the shape of the cam groove 533a of the cam cylinder 533. Thereafter, the cam cylinder 533 further rotates, and the driving force of the cam cylinder 533 is further transmitted to the transmission belt 530 via the transmission gear 532 and the transmission gear 531. The rotational force of the rotating roller 530a is converted by the cam mechanism 540, and the operation of the cam mechanism 540 causes the main body side shaft 211 and the container side shaft 1b to retreat, as shown in FIG. 1 moves backwards.

  While the developer supply container 1 on the slide table 300 moves from the state shown in FIG. 4A to the state shown in FIG. 4B, the cam mechanism 540 is connected to the cam mechanism 540 due to the shape of the cam mechanism 540. The movement of the sealing adjustment ring 21 is stopped.

  The rotation of the cam cylinder 533 thereafter causes the sealing mechanism ring 21 to move in the direction indicated by the arrow a with respect to the slide base 300 as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (c). The shape is formed. The slide table 300 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow b in FIGS.

  By such movement of the sealing adjustment ring 21, the push-down by the sealing adjustment ring 21 is released at the engagement protrusion 3 of the sealing member 2 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, the engagement protrusion 3 is restored by its own elastic force, released from the depressed state, and the locking is completed (see FIG. 7). That is, in the example of the present invention, a so-called “snap fit” is adopted as a locking method.

  At this time, a locking surface 3 b as a “locking portion” provided on the engagement protrusion 3 is locked in a thrust direction (axial direction) in a locking hole as a “locked portion”. Therefore, the sealing member 2 is in a state of being fixed in position to the drive shaft 20 unless the locking is released (there may be some backlash).

  As shown in FIG. 4C, the slide table 300 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow b depending on the shape of the cam groove 533a of the cam cylinder 533 and the cam hole 540a of the cam mechanism 540 (see FIG. 5A). fall back. At this time, the sealing adjustment ring 21 is stopped. The developer supply container 1 moves backward, but the sealing member 2 locked to the sealing adjustment ring 21 is stopped. Therefore, the developer supply container 1 is separated from the sealing member 2, and the opening 1a is opened, so that the developer can be supplied.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the container side shaft 1b is fixed to the main body (hereinafter referred to as “supply container main body”) 1A of the developer supply container 1. The container side shaft 1b is not completely detached from the sealing member 2 even when the opening 1a is sealed with the sealing member 2 or when the opening 1a is not sealed with the sealing member 2. This is because the shaft hole portion 2a of the sealing member 2 maintains the engagement relationship with the container side shaft 1b, and the container side shaft 1b remains in the shaft hole portion 2a.

  The container-side shaft 1b has a non-circular cross-sectional shape capable of transmitting rotational driving such as a square or a triangle, and the shape of the shaft hole portion 2a corresponds to the shape of the container-side shaft 1b. It is configured to fit as possible.

  As shown in FIG. 4C, the position sensor 233 (see FIG. 5) provided on the side surface of the cam cylinder 533 detects that the developer can be discharged. Then, the drive switching device 212 that is the “drive switching means” switches to the gear 56 that rotates the developer supply container 1, and the power of the motor 58 that is the “drive unit” is the baffle 12 that is the “conveying member” (FIG. 10). The main body side shaft 211 is rotated. The mechanism of the drive switching device 212 will be described later with reference to FIG. Accordingly, the rotational driving force of the motor 58 is transmitted from the drive shaft 20 to the engagement protrusion 3 of the sealing member 2. Further, the rotational driving force from the motor 58 is transmitted from the sealing member 2 to the container side shaft 1b, whereby the developer supply container 1 rotates, and the developer is conveyed and discharged. That is, the sealing member 2 has a function of sealing the opening 1a and receiving a rotational driving force from the copying machine main body 100 side, and a function of transmitting the rotational driving force to the developer supply container 1 side. .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, the developer supply container 1 is rotatably supported by a bottle receiving roller 231 provided on a slide table 300 which is a “container receiving table”. Therefore, the developer supply container 1 can be smoothly rotated even with a slight driving torque. The bottle receiving rollers 231 are arranged at four locations at positions that become ridges with respect to the container main body 1A. The bottle receiving roller 231 is rotatably provided in the developer supply device 400 of the copying machine main body 100. As the developer supply container 1 rotates, the developer contained in the developer supply container 1 is sequentially discharged from the opening 1a, and the copying machine main body 100 is provided by a screw member 27 provided in the developer supply path 24. The developer is transported to the developer hopper 201a on the side, and developer replenishment is started.

<When removing>
Next, an operation when the developer supply container 1 is replaced will be described. With the image forming process, substantially all of the developer in the developer supply container 1 is consumed. Then, the toner supply container empty detection means (not shown) provided in the copying machine main body 100 (the developer supply path 24 or the developer hopper 201a) detects that the developer in the developer supply container 1 has run out. The The fact that there is no developer is notified to the user by the display means 100b such as liquid crystal (see FIG. 2).

  At the same time, the motor 58 which is a “drive unit” is in a state of being driven to rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the motor 58 when the developer supply container 1 is set in the copying machine main body 100. Then, the drive switching device 212 is switched to the gear on the side that transmits the driving force to the transmission gear 531, the power from the motor 58 is transmitted to the transmission gear 531, and the cam cylinder 533 rotates. Due to the rotation of the cam cylinder 533, the slide table 300 moves in the direction of arrow a. The subsequent movement is the reverse of the operation of setting the developer supply container 1 described above.

  That is, the container main body 1A in the state of FIG. 4C moves in the direction of the arrow a due to the shape of the cam groove 533a of the rotating cam cylinder 533, and moves to the position shown in FIG. 4B. When the developer supply container 1 moves, the sealing member 2 that has been separated from the container main body 1A and has opened the opening 1a is pushed relatively toward the container main body 1A by the main body side shaft 211. . The sealing member 2 is press-fitted into the opening 1a, and the opening 1a is closed.

  At this time, the sealing member 2 maintains the locked state with the copying machine main body 100, but thereafter, the sealing adjustment ring 21 moves from the main body side shaft 211 toward the developer supply container 1. The slide table 300 moves based on the movement of the sealing adjustment ring 21. The driving force of the slide table 300 is transmitted to the cam cylinder 533, further transmitted to the transmission gear 532 and the transmission gear 531, and further transmitted to the transmission belt 530. This driving force is converted by the cam mechanism 540, and the sealing adjustment ring 21 protrudes from the main body side shaft 211.

  As a result, the sealing adjustment ring 21 applies a pressing force to the release protrusion 4 of the sealing member 2, so that the release protrusion 4 is pushed down together with the engagement protrusion 3 and the locked state is released. Then, when the cam cylinder 533 rotates, the slide table 300 moves along the shape of the cam groove 533a, the container body 1A moves backward in the bottle longitudinal direction, and a drive switching mechanism 70 described later transmits to the baffle 12. The gear is switched to the gear to be used (see FIG. 9). With this series of operations, the unlocking operation between the sealing member 2 and the copying machine main body 100 is completed.

  Next, the user opens the front cover 100c which is “a part of the exterior cover”, and then opens the front cover 15 for replacement. At this time, the empty developer supply container 1 which has already been released from the copying machine main body 100 is pulled out to the position shown in FIG. The developer supply container 1 is taken out and a new developer supply container 1 is placed on the slide table 300. The new developer supply container 1 is pulled in and attached to the copying machine main body 100 as described above for the operation. Thus, the developer can be replenished, and then the user closes the replacement front cover 15 and the front cover 100c. 4A to 4C, the developer supply container 1 is rotationally driven by the drive control on the main body side, and the developer inside the developer supply container 1 is supplied with the developer supply path. 24 is conveyed to a developer hopper 201a on the copying machine main body 100 side by a screw member 27 provided on 24. In this way, the developer is replenished, and the replacement work of the developer replenishing container 1 is completed. The above is the procedure for replacing the developer supply container 1.

<Configuration and action of release ring>
Next, the configuration and operation of the drive shaft 20 will be described. 6A is a front view showing the configuration of the sealing member 2, FIG. 6B is a side view showing the configuration of the sealing member 2, and FIG. 6C is the configuration of the sealing member 2. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the sealing member 2 has an engaging portion 2b. A small diameter portion 2c is continuously formed in the engaging portion 2b. On the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 2c, there are provided an engagement protrusion 3 and a release protrusion 4 which is a “release portion”.

  The portion where the engagement protrusion 3 and the release protrusion 4 are provided in the small diameter portion 2c is divided into four by the slit groove 2e. In addition, you may provide the thin part 2y in the base end side of the small diameter part 2c so that the base part of the support part 2f may bend more easily.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the width of the engagement protrusion 3 is longer than the width of the release protrusion 4. When the container body 1A is retracted to automatically open the sealing member 2, the container body 1A is configured to be sufficiently durable so that the engagement protrusion 3 (the engagement surface) and the body side shaft 211 are not released. Yes. Since the release protrusion 4 does not have such a function, the width is shortened, and the resin material cost for manufacturing the release protrusion 4 is minimized.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, slit grooves 2 e are formed on both sides of the support portion 2 f provided with the main body side shaft 211 and the release protrusion 4. The engagement protrusion 3 and the release protrusion 4 are elastically deformed and returned inward by the slit groove 2e.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an engaged state of the sealing member 2 and the main body side shaft 211. As shown in FIG. 7, the drive shaft 20 includes a sealing adjustment ring 21 and a main body side shaft 211 connected to a motor 58 that is a “drive unit”. The sealing adjustment ring 21 is configured in a cylindrical shape that covers the outer periphery of the main body side shaft 211. The sealing adjustment ring 21 is configured to be slidable back and forth and to be engageable with the release protrusion 4.

  Further, the inner peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the sealing adjustment ring 21 as the “pressing member” is formed in a tapered shape so that the inner diameter increases toward the distal end, that is, the thickness decreases. When the sealing adjustment ring 21 is engaged with the sealing member 2, the tapered portion 21 a is engaged with the top of the release protrusion 4. A slit is formed in the main body side shaft 211 so that the engaging protrusion 3 of the sealing member 2 is locked.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process of the engagement state of the sealing member 2 and the drive shaft 20. As shown in FIG. 8A, the case where the opening 1a of the developer supply container 1 is opened is assumed.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, when the engagement between the drive shaft 20 and the sealing member 2 is released, the sealing adjustment ring 21 is provided on the release protrusion 4 provided at the tip of the sealing member 2 with an arrow a. Enter in the direction. Then, since the inner peripheral surface of the sealing adjustment ring 21 presses the release protrusion 4 inward, the release protrusion 4 is displaced in the direction of the arrow d (this phenomenon is that the support portion 2f is elastically deformed and bent). by). At the same time, the engagement protrusion 3 is displaced inward together with the release protrusion 4. As a result, the engagement between the engagement protrusion 3 and the main body side shaft 211 is released. Thereafter, the sealing adjustment ring 21 is further advanced in the direction of arrow a.

  As shown in FIG. 8C, when the sealing member 2 is returned to the sealing position of the developer supply container 1, the sealing adjustment ring 21 then further retracts the developer supply container 1. The sealing process is performed in the reverse procedure.

  The “sealing release process” and the “sealing process” of the sealing member 2 with respect to the developer supply container 1 were performed in conjunction with the operation of the developer supply container 1 (the operation of the slide table 300). That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the movement of the slide base 300 is converted by the transmission gear 532, the transmission gear 531, the transmission belt 530, and the cam mechanism 540, and is used as the movement of the sealing adjustment ring 21.

  In addition, the driving drive of the slide table 300 and the driving of the developer supply container 1 that is the conveyance of the developer are switched by the drive switching devices 212 and 213, and the driving force from the driving source is one of the driving parts. It is told.

<Driving force switching device>
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the drive switching device 212. As shown in FIG. 9, a motor 58 that is a “drive unit” is connected to the drive switching device 212 that is a “drive switching unit”. A controller 57 that is a “control unit” is connected to the motor 58. A gear 60 is connected to the motor 58. The gear 60 and the gear 61 are meshed. The driving force is transmitted from the motor 58 to the drive switching mechanism 70 by the action of the gear 61. The gear 62 is a gear that transmits driving force to the cam cylinder 533. The gear 63 is a gear that transmits a driving force to the main body side shaft 211. As the drive switching mechanism 70, for example, a planetary gear clutch mechanism is used. The drive switching mechanism 70 is disposed between the gear 61 and the gear 62 or gear 63. Further, the stationary gear 85, the stationary gear 86, and the stationary switching plate 84 are engaged with the drive switching mechanism 70. The solenoid 64 has a function of stopping the movement of the stationary gear 85 or the stationary gear 86 by driving the switching lever 82 and bringing the stationary switching plate 84 into contact with the stationary gear 85 or 86. The return spring 83 is a spring that returns the switching lever 82 to the stationary gear 86 side. The support shaft 81 is a shaft that rotatably supports the stationary switching plate 84.

  According to such a configuration, when the solenoid 64 is turned on, the switching lever 82 presses the stationary switching plate 84 against the stationary gear 85, and the gear 73 meshing with the stationary gear 85 is fixed. At the same time, the driving force of the stationary gear 86 is transmitted to the gear 72 and transmitted to the gear 62, and the cam cylinder 533 is driven.

  When the solenoid 64 is turned OFF, the switching lever 82 presses the stationary switching plate 84 against the stationary gear 86 by the action of the return spring 83, and the gear 72 engaged with the stationary gear 86 is fixed. At the same time, the driving force of the stationary gear 85 is transmitted to the gear 73 and transmitted to the gear 63, and the main body side shaft 211 is driven.

  As a result, the movement of the developer supply container 1 and the opening / closing of the sealing member 2 and the rotation of the developer supply container 1 can be switched without stopping the continuous driving.

<Developer supply container>
FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the developer supply container 1. As shown in FIG. 10, the developer supply container 1 is formed in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape. The developer supply container 1 is disposed in a substantially horizontal direction inside the image forming apparatus. A cylindrical portion 1q smaller than the outer diameter of the container main body 1p protrudes from the center of one end surface of the developer supply container 1. An opening 1a for discharging the toner to the image forming apparatus (developing apparatus) side is formed on the tip side of the cylindrical part 1q. A sealing member 2 that seals the opening 1a is press-fitted into the opening 1a. The sealing member 2 slides relative to the developer supply container 1 in the axial direction (CC direction in FIG. 10) of the developer supply container 1, thereby automatically opening and closing the opening 1a. It is configured to do. In addition, in FIG. 10, the opening part 1a exists in the open state. The engaging protrusion 3 formed on the sealing member 2 is engaged with the engaged protrusion 21 b of the sealing adjustment ring 21 so that the rotational driving force is transmitted to the developer supply container 1.

  Inside the developer supply container 1, a baffle 12, which is a flat plate-like “conveying member”, is provided over substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction of the developer supply container 1 so as to partition the inside of the developer supply container 1 into two parts. ing. The baffle 12 rotates integrally with the developer supply container 1 and conveys the developer inside to the opening 1a.

  A plurality of guide portions 12 a that are inclined toward the opening portion 1 a with respect to the rotation axis CC of the developer supply container 1 are provided on both surfaces of the flat region of the baffle 12. One end of the inclined guide portion 12a closest to the opening 1a is provided so as to be connected to the opening 1a, and finally the developer opens so that the guide 12a slides down as the baffle 12 rotates. It is discharged from the part 1a. In addition, the structure provided so that the end of the guide part 12a nearest to the opening part 1a may be provided in the vicinity of the opening part 1a may be sufficient.

  The guide portions 12a are arranged on the front and back surfaces of the flat plate of the baffle 12 so that the developer is conveyed toward the opening portion 1a in the same rotation direction and symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis. That is, each time the baffle 12 rotates 180 degrees together with the developer supply container 1, the developer that has been lifted slides down the guide portion 12a, so that the developer is transported and discharged efficiently. Accordingly, when the baffle 12 rotates once together with the developer supply container 1, the developer transport and discharge operations are performed twice digitally (discretely). By continuously rotating this at a high speed, the developer conveying and discharging operations can be executed in an analog manner. Here, the fact that the guide portions 12a on both surfaces of the baffle 12 take approximately the same position as the rotation of 180 degrees is referred to as rotational symmetry with respect to the rotation axis.

  In this embodiment, the example in which the developer supply container 1 is moved to open and close the sealing member 2 has been described. However, the developer supply container 1 is fixed and the release ring side that opens and closes the sealing member 2, that is, Even if the sealing adjustment ring 21 and the main body side shaft 211 are moved, the same effect can be obtained.

  As described above, in the present invention, in conjunction with the attaching / detaching operation of the developer supply container 1, the opening and closing of the sealing member 2 of the developer supply container 1 and the developer in the developer supply container 1 are conveyed by a predetermined amount. A drive switching device 212 that switches between driving of the baffle 12 is provided. Therefore, it is possible to automate the attaching / detaching operation of the developer replenishing container 1 without using a plurality of motors, electromagnetic clutches, etc., thereby reducing the operator (user) operation process and eliminating human work. This improves the reliability of the attaching / detaching operation, and anyone can realize a comfortable and smooth replenishment operation.

  Further, the motor 58, which is the same “driving unit”, is used to switch the operation of attaching and detaching the developer supply container 1, the opening and closing operation of the sealing member 2 of the developer supply container 1, and the developer transport driving operation individually. Can be used. This makes it possible to share gears such as reduction gears, reduce drive unit weight, save space, reduce motors, reduce power consumption, reduce power supply, and reduce the size and weight of the device. In addition to energy saving.

  The present invention can be used for an image forming apparatus that forms an image or the like on a sheet such as a copying machine, a printer, a FAX, or a printing machine, or a replenishing device that replenishes a powdered material such as a developer little by little from a container.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the replacement process of the developer supply container 1. In FIG. 11, a symbol in which a human character is surrounded by a circle (◯) means a human manual operation. As shown in FIG. 11, when the front cover 100c is opened (S101), the replacement front cover 15 for the supply container insertion port 151 is opened (S102). The developer supply container 1 is inserted into the supply container insertion port 151 (S103). The position sensor 233 for detecting the position of the developer supply container 1 is activated (S104). The motor 58 is activated (S105). The developer supply container 1 moves to the set position (S106). The replacement front cover 15 of the supply container insertion port 151 is closed (S107). The front cover 100c is closed (S108).

  The opening 1a of the developer supply container 1 is opened (S109). After a predetermined time has elapsed, the baffle 12 of the developer supply container 1 rotates and the developer is sent out into the sub hopper (S110). The amount of developer in the sub hopper is measured by the developer amount detection sensor (S111).

  It is determined whether or not the amount of the developer is large (S112). If the amount of the developer exceeds the specified value, the developer is sent into the sub hopper (S110). If the amount of the developer is less than the specified value, “no developer” is displayed on the display means 100b which is an operation panel (S113).

  The front cover 100c is opened (S114). The opening 1a of the developer supply container 1 is closed (S115). The replacement front cover 15 of the supply container insertion port 151 is opened (S116). The developer supply container 1 is moved from the set position (S117). The position sensor 233 of the developer supply container 1 detects (S118). The motor 58 stops (S119). The developer supply container 1 is taken out (S120). Thereafter, a new developer supply container 1 is inserted into the supply container insertion port 151 (S103).

  A conventional method for replacing the developer supply container 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. When almost all of the developer in the developer supply container 1 is consumed during the image forming process, the developer is detected by a detection sensor (not shown) for the amount of developer provided in the sub hopper of the copying machine main body 100. It is detected that the developer in the supply container 1 has run out. Further, the fact that there is no developer is notified to the user by the display means 100b such as liquid crystal (see FIG. 1).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a conventional replacement process of the developer supply container 1. The replacement of the developer supply container 1 is performed by the user himself, and the procedure is as follows. In FIG. 12, a symbol in which a person's character is surrounded by a circle (◯) means a person's manual work.

  First, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the user opens the closed front cover 100c forward (S201), and as shown in FIG. 3, the user opens the replacement front cover 15 as indicated by an arrow. It is rotated and opened (S202). When the replacement front cover 15 is opened, the empty developer supply container 1 can be seen. The user releases the position lock member of the developer supply container 1 so that the developer supply container 1 can be removed (S203).

  The user inserts a new developer supply container 1 into the supply container insertion port 151 (S204), places it on the slide table 300, and moves to a position where image formation is possible (S205). In order to fix the position of the developer supply container 1 to the slide table 300, the user rotates the lock lever and sets the lock (S206). The user opens the opening 1a of the developer supply container 1 by rotating the operation lever (207). The replacement front cover 15 is closed (208). The front cover 100c is closed (209).

  The baffle 12 rotates inside the developer supply container 1 and the developer is sent out into the sub hopper (210). The amount of developer in the sub hopper is measured by the developer amount detection sensor (211).

  When the amount of developer is determined (212) and it is determined that the amount of developer is sufficient, the baffle 12 inside the developer supply container rotates again and the developer is sent out into the sub hopper (210). . If it is determined that the amount of developer is insufficient, “no developer” is displayed on the operation panel (213).

  The user opens the front cover 100c (214). The user opens the replacement front cover 15 (215). The user moves the developer supply container 1 out of the position where image formation is possible (216). The opening 1a of the developer supply container 1 is closed with the operation lever (217). The user releases the position lock member of the developer supply container 1 (218). The user takes out the developer supply container 1 (219). Thereafter, a new toner container is inserted into the toner container insertion port (S204).

  The above is the operation for replacing the conventional developer supply container 1, and a considerable amount of user operation area remains. The replacement work of the developer supply container 1 is difficult because the shape and arrangement of the operation parts differ depending on the model.

  Conventionally, proposals for automating the replacement of the developer supply container 1 and the process CRG have been made. However, the above-described work for automatically changing the developer that requires the developer supply port to be released and sealed is proposed. It was not reached.

  According to the developer supply device 400 of the present embodiment, the drive switching mechanism is configured to drive any one of the container moving mechanism such as the slide table 300, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism such as the sealing member 2, and the baffle 12. 70 can switch the transmission path of the driving force of the motor 58. Therefore, since the single motor 58 can drive the container moving mechanism such as the slide table 300, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism such as the sealing member 2, and the baffle 12, no separate drive unit is required for them. . As a result, space saving of the motor is realized.

  In addition, since the motor 58 can also be used in this way, the overall weight of the motor 58 that drives each mechanism is reduced. Space saving is realized in arranging the motor 58. Since the overall size of the motor 58 is reduced, power consumption is reduced. Furthermore, the power supply can be reduced, the entire apparatus can be reduced in size and weight, and energy can be saved. Since the constituent elements of the motor 58 and the drive switching device 212 can be reduced or reduced in size, automation can be easily realized in the attaching / detaching operation of the developer supply container 1 as compared with the related art.

  The drive switching mechanism 70 is switched based on the signal of the position sensor 233, and the developer supply container 1 is sealed and moved by the arrangement of the developer supply container 1, or the developer is conveyed, The operation is determined. As a result, the developer inside the developer supply container 1 is conveyed when printing, and it is surely suitable for removal of the developer supply container 1 when not printing.

  By automating the attaching / detaching operation of the developer supply container 1 to / from the electrophotographic copying machine 99, the user's operation process is reduced. Further, the reliability of the attaching / detaching operation of the developer supply container 1 is improved by eliminating human work. As a result, a comfortable and smooth supply operation by the user is realized.

  In the present embodiment, two mechanisms that are driven by a series of operations such as a container moving mechanism and a sealing member opening / closing mechanism, and a drive switching device that can switch the transmission path of the driving force of the motor 58 between the baffles 12. 212. Of the container moving mechanism, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism, and the baffle 12, the other two mechanisms that are driven by a series of operations and the motor 58 between the other one mechanism are not limited to such a configuration. A drive switching device that can switch the transmission path of the drive force may be provided. Alternatively, it is configured to include one drive switching device capable of switching the transmission path of the driving force of the motor 58 so as to drive any one of the container moving mechanism, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism, and the baffle 12. May be.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an electrophotographic copying machine main body. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an electrophotographic copying machine main body. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a process of replacing the developer supply container inside the electrophotographic main body. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of a developer supply container. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a developer supply container. (A) is a front view which shows the structure of a sealing member, (b) is a side view which shows the structure of a sealing member, (c) is sectional drawing which shows the structure of a sealing member. . It is sectional drawing which shows the engagement state of a sealing member and a cancellation | release ring. It is sectional drawing which shows the process of the engagement state of a sealing member and a cancellation | release ring. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of a driving force switching apparatus. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a developer supply container. It is a flowchart which shows the replacement | exchange process of a developer supply container. It is a flowchart which shows the conventional replacement | exchange process of a developer supply container.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Developer supply container 1A Container main body 1b Container side axis | shaft 2 Sealing member 12 Baffle (conveyance member)
57 Controller (Control part)
58 Motor (Driver)
70 Drive switching mechanism (drive switching means)
99 Electrophotographic copier (image forming device)
100 Copier body (image forming apparatus body)
211 Main body side shaft 212 Drive switching device (drive switching means)
213 Drive switching means (drive switching means)
300 slide table (container moving mechanism)
400 Developer supply device 530 Transmission belt (sealing member opening / closing mechanism)
531 Transmission gear (sealing member opening / closing mechanism)
532 Transmission gear (sealing member opening / closing mechanism)
533 Cam cylinder (container moving mechanism)
533a Cam groove (container moving mechanism)
540 Cam mechanism (sealing member opening / closing mechanism)

Claims (7)

A developer supply container having a sealing member capable of opening and closing the developer discharge port, capable of storing the developer and detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the developer supply container at the developer supply position A developer replenishing device comprising: a moving container moving mechanism; a sealing member opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the sealing member; and a conveying member that conveys the developer inside the developer replenishing container toward the discharge port. In
The container moving mechanism, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism, and one drive unit capable of driving the transport member;
One drive switching means capable of switching the transmission path of the driving force of the drive unit so as to drive any one of the container moving mechanism, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism, and the transport member. A developer supply device characterized by the above.   And a position detection unit that detects an insertion position of the developer supply container when the developer supply container is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, and the drive switching unit is operated based on a signal from the position detection unit. The developer replenishing device according to claim 1, wherein the drive is switched from driving of the container moving mechanism to driving of the sealing member opening / closing mechanism.   The developer replenishing device according to claim 2, further comprising a controller that drives the sealing member opening / closing mechanism after driving the container moving mechanism and drives the transport member by the drive switching unit. A developer supply container having a sealing member capable of opening and closing the developer discharge port, capable of storing the developer and detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the developer supply container at the developer supply position In a developer supply device comprising: a moving container moving mechanism; a sealing member opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the sealing member; and a transport member that transports the developer inside the developer supply container.
The container moving mechanism, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism, and one drive unit capable of driving the transport member;
Among the container moving mechanism, the sealing member opening / closing mechanism, and the transport member, two mechanisms that are driven by a series of operations and a transmission path of the driving force of the driving unit between the mechanisms are switched. And a drive switching means capable of switching the developer.   And a position detection unit that detects an insertion position of the developer supply container when the developer supply container is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, and the drive switching unit is operated based on a signal from the position detection unit. The developer replenishing device according to claim 4, wherein the driving is switched from driving of the container moving mechanism to driving of the sealing member opening / closing mechanism.   The developer replenishing device according to claim 5, further comprising a control unit that drives the sealing member opening / closing mechanism after driving the container moving mechanism and drives the transport member by the drive switching unit.   An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; and the developer supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.