JPH0219872A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate trouble in replenishing developer and to prevent scaling up the title device by leading the developer from a developer vessel disposed in a space which is secured on the top of a developing device and which is not overlapped with the beside of an optical system. CONSTITUTION:The prescribed space is secured on the top of the developing device and is not overlapped with the optical system 100; a replenished developer vessel 26 is disposed in this space. The toner vessel 26 is provided with injecting ports 28A and 28B along its side surface to its upper surface and an ejecting port 29 in the bottom of its side surface; a cylindrical tube 31 is extended from the ejecting port 29, and a pipe 32 is connected between this tube 31 and the developing device 14; coil spring-like toner carrying member 33 is provided from the bottom of the toner vessel 26 to the inside of the cylindrical tube 31. Through these devices, toner is led from the toner vessel 26 to the developing device 14. Thus, the developer replenishment is not interrupted and an image forming device itself is evaded from scaling up.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus equipped with a developer replenishing means.

[Conventional technology]

Among image forming devices such as electrophotographic copying machines, facsimile machines, and printers, those that use a latent image carrier such as a photoreceptor perform image exposure to form an electrostatic latent image. is visualized using a developer. In a developing device that achieves such a function, for example, when a two-component developer containing carrier in addition to toner is used as the developer, toner is replenished. On the other hand, toner is also replenished using a one-component developer with magnetic or non-magnetic toner.

Conventionally, as such a toner replenishing means, a method of replenishing toner using a toner cartridge, a toner bottle, or the like has generally been adopted.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

With the above methods, the amount of toner replenishment from toner cartridges and toner bottles is limited due to the capacity of the toner cartridge, and cannot support continuous image formation on a large number of sheets. Replenishment must be done frequently. Such replenishment not only limits the time of the operator, but also, when replenishing with a cartridge or the like, toner scatters and contaminates the inside and outside of the apparatus.

An object of the present invention is to connect a storage container that can accommodate a large amount of replenishing developer to a developing device, thereby eliminating the trouble of replenishing the developer, and even if space for the container is secured within an image forming apparatus. To provide an image forming apparatus in which the image forming apparatus itself does not become a natural product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having a plurality of developing devices containing developers of different colors, in which a storage container capable of separately storing a large amount of developers of different colors is connected to each developing device. To provide an image forming apparatus in which the trouble of replenishing developer is eliminated and the image forming apparatus itself does not become a natural product even if the container space for the developer is secured within the image forming apparatus. be.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus equipped with a developing device that uses a two-component developer containing a carrier in addition to toner, in which a storage container that can separately accommodate a large amount of developer and carrier is provided in the developing device. By connecting it, you can eliminate the hassle of replenishing developer and secure space for the container inside the image forming apparatus.

To provide an image forming apparatus in which the image forming apparatus itself does not become a natural product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that further has a function for replenishing a developer storage container.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, which includes an optical system for scanning a document, and an image forming apparatus that includes an optical system that scans an original, and an image forming apparatus that is arranged partially overlapping the optical system in the vertical direction and that is formed on a latent image carrier. A developing device that visualizes an electrolytic latent image with a developer, and a space provided above the developing device that is on the side of the optical system and does not overlap with the optical system, and is provided with a developer for replenishment. An image forming apparatus is provided, comprising a developer storage container and means for guiding the developer from the developer storage container to a developing device.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in which a plurality of optical systems for scanning a document and a plurality of optical systems are arranged around a latent image carrier, and the optical system and a part thereof are arranged in a vertical direction. a developing device that visualizes the electrostatic latent images formed on the latent image carrier by using developers of different colors; and a developing device located on the side of the optical system and not overlapped with the optical system. A developer storage container is provided in a space secured above the device section and stores replenishment developers of different colors in a divided manner. An image forming apparatus is provided, characterized in that it includes means for guiding the image to a developing device. In this case, it is advantageous to use a plurality of developer storage containers, each of which is a cartridge-shaped container.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, which includes an optical system for scanning a document, and an image forming apparatus that includes an optical system that scans an original, and an image forming apparatus that is arranged partially overlapping the optical system in the vertical direction and that is formed on a latent image carrier. A developing device that visualizes the latent image with a two-component developer containing carrier in addition to toner, and a space secured above the developing device section on the side of the optical system and not overlapped with the optical system. a storage container disposed in the storage container for separately accommodating replenishment developer and replacement carrier; and means for guiding the replenishment developer and replacement carrier from the storage container to the developing device; An image forming apparatus is provided, comprising: means for discharging a used carrier within a developing device. .

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, which includes an optical system for scanning a document, and an image forming apparatus that includes an optical system that scans an original, and an image forming apparatus that is arranged partially overlapping the optical system in the vertical direction and that is formed on a latent image carrier. A developing device that visualizes an electrolytic latent image with a developer, and a space provided above the developing device that is on the side of the optical system and does not overlap with the optical system, and is provided with a developer for replenishment. An image forming method comprising: a developer storage container provided with an injection port for replenishing the developer from the outside; and means for guiding the developer from the developer storage container to a developing device. Provide equipment.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A drum-shaped photoreceptor 1, which is an example of a latent image carrier, is disposed at the center of the main body of the image forming apparatus shown here, and is configured to be driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow.

Here, the contact glass 2 placed at the top of the device body
When a document is placed on top and a print button (not shown) is pressed, the unit consisting of light source 3 and mirror 4 and the unit consisting of mirrors 5 and 6 will each move to the right in the figure at a speed ratio of 2:1. ing.

At this time, the original is optically scanned, and the scanning light image at this time is transmitted to mirrors 4, 5.6, lens 7, mirrors 8, 9.10, etc.
An image is formed and projected onto the surface of the photoreceptor 1 via the like.

The surface of the photoreceptor 1 has already been uniformly charged by the charger 12, and when the above-mentioned scanning light image is formed and projected onto this charged surface, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface. . This electrostatic latent image is visualized by the developing device 14,
This visualization is performed using the manual feed tray 15 or the paper feed cassette 16.
The image is transferred by a transfer charger 18 onto the transfer paper sent from the transfer paper 17.

After that, the transfer paper is transferred to the separation charger 19 and the separation claw 20.
The sheet is separated from the photoreceptor 1, fixed by the pair of fixing rollers 23 of the fixing device 22, and discharged to the discharge tray 24 as copy paper.

On the other hand, the surface of the photoreceptor 1 after transfer is cleaned by a cleaning device 25.
to remove residual toner and the like from the surface.

In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, another developing device 13 is provided above the developing device 14.
This developing device 13 accommodates a developer of a different color from that of the developing device 14 . for example.

A developer such as red is stored, and the developing device 1
The developing device 14 having a larger capacity than the developing device 3 stores a frequently used black developer.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the process system in the image forming apparatus, which is roughly divided into an optical system 100 that scans an original, an image forming system 101, and a transfer paper transport system 102. . The optical system 100 is an optical system that includes at least an optical scanning system consisting of a light source 3, mirrors 4, 5.6, and the like.

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the developing group [14 is formed into an integral unit, and is placed below the optical system 100 so that a part thereof overlaps with the optical system 100 in the vertical direction. , on the right side in the diagram of the optical system 100,
A predetermined empty space is secured above the portion of the developing device that does not overlap with the optical system 100, and a developer storage container 26 for replenishment is disposed in this empty space.

In a developing device that uses a two-component developer made of carrier and toner or a one-component developer made of toner, the storage container 26 stores toner for replenishment. Hereinafter, for convenience, such a container will be referred to as a toner storage container. In this figure and FIG. 2, what is indicated by the reference numeral 27 is an area where the toner storage container 26 is provided.

The toner storage container 26 is elongated in the axial direction of the photoreceptor 1, and is configured as a sealed container as shown in FIG. This storage container 26 contains, for example, black toner, which is consumed in a large amount.

The toner storage container 26 is provided with inlets 28A and 28B on the side and top surfaces of the container, respectively, and is also provided with a spout 29 at the bottom of the side of the container. Toner storage container 2
A cylindrical tube 31 extends from the outlet 29 of No. 6, and a flexible or non-flexible pipe 32 is connected between the cylindrical tube 31 and the developing device 14. Further, a coil spring-shaped toner conveying member 33 is provided extending from the lower part of the toner storage container 26 into the cylindrical tube 31 .

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the toner storage container 26 and the like in FIG. 4 when viewed from the direction of the arrow. In this figure, the drive gear 34 is connected to an appropriate drive source, and is driven by When the drive gear 34 rotates in response to the rotation, the gear 35.
A gear 37 is rotated via an idle gear 36.

Then, the toner conveying member 33 directly connected to the gear 37 rotates, and accordingly, the toner in the toner container 26 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow toward the spout 29 (FIG. 4). Then, the toner sent to the spout 29 is
The toner supply chamber 38 of the developing device 14 passes through the pipe 32.
guided inward.

In this way, the toner conveying member 33, the cylindrical tube 31, the pipe 32, and the like constitute an example of means for guiding the toner from the toner storage container 26 to the developing device 14.

In this way, the toner conveying member 33, the cylindrical tube 31, the pipe 32, the gear 37, etc. are integrally assembled in the toner container 26, and the toner container 26 with these components assembled is handled as a unit. .

Note that the rotation of the gear 35 causes the toner stirring member 39 to rotate, and this rotation stirs the toner in the toner supply chamber 38. Note that when the clutch 41 is connected to the idle gear 36, the drive of the toner conveying member 33 can be intermittent by the function of this clutch.

Note that the toner conveying member 33 may be driven from the clutch 41 side by connecting a drive source to the clutch 41 side, without using the drive gear 34 or the gear 35.

By the way, conventionally, when the toner in the developing device 14 runs out, a toner end detection function is activated, and a handler such as a user replenishes toner into the developing device 14 using a toner cartridge or the like.

In this example, when such toner end detection is activated, this detection signal is inputted to a control circuit composed of a microcomputer, etc., and the drive gear 34 is driven to rotate the toner conveying member 33 to remove the toner. The toner in the storage container 26 is supplied to the developing device 14 side.

In FIG. 3, the toner stirred in the toner replenishment chamber 38 is supplied to the developing sleeve 43 via the toner replenishing roller 42, etc., and the developer carried on the sleeve 43 is used to spread the toner on the photoreceptor 1. It is designed to visualize electrostatic latent images.

By the way, the toner capacity of conventional toner cartridges is generally 100 to 400g in weight.
The number of copies is about 2,500 to 1.
The number is approximately 0,000.

In this example, it is assumed that the developing device 14 can hold, for example, about 300 g of toner, and the toner storage container 26 has a large capacity that can hold, for example, 400 g or more of toner, so that it can cope with large-scale copying. There is.

With this configuration, it is also possible to eliminate the need for a user or other operator to replenish toner to the developing device. For example, it is possible to replenish the toner container 26 with toner at the time of periodic inspection by a service person, or to enable copying until the end of the life of the copying apparatus. In this way, there is no need to worry about toner scattering during toner replenishment. Furthermore, with replenishment methods such as cartridges, the machine will temporarily stop when replenishing.
In this example, this can be reduced or eliminated. In addition, stable toner supply can be continuously performed, and the quality of one image can be maintained without deterioration. Until now, toner end was displayed on the appropriate display and the toner was not refilled even though the toner was prompted to be refilled.

If you continue to make copies, there is a risk that abnormal images will appear, but in this example, this problem has been eliminated.
Or it can be suppressed.

Furthermore, in this example, the toner storage container 26 is
As shown in FIG. 3, since the configuration is such that it is provided in a vacant space above the developing device portion that does not overlap with the optical system 100, one image forming device itself does not become a natural product. In other words, dead space is effectively used.

Regarding the amount of toner replenishment from the toner storage container 26 to the developing device @ 14, the amount of toner conveyed by the toner conveying member 33 (FIG. 5) is quantitatively grasped, and the replenishment per unit time is determined based on this. It is also possible to set conditions that determine the amount. Based on such condition settings, toner may be continuously replenished for a certain period of time, or
Toner may be replenished intermittently.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention, in which an automatic document feeder (ADF) 103 and a large-volume paper feed unit 104 are combined with the main body of an image forming apparatus. In this example as well, a large-capacity toner storage container is provided in the area 27, and the developing device 14 is connected to the large-capacity toner container.
Toner is replenished to the side.

FIG. 7 shows yet another embodiment, in which an automatic document feeder (ADF) is installed in the main body of a digital image forming apparatus.
) 105 and a mass paper feed unit 106 are combined.

Inside the optical system 100', a light source 45. Mirror 46° Mirror 47. Mirror 48. A lens 49 and a reading element 50 such as a CCD are provided, and when the document is fed over the contact glass 2 by the automatic document feeder 105, the document is read and scanned. In the end, the optical system 100' scans the document. It may be a COD close-contact type reader that directly scans the CCD with the CCD facing the document surface, and the scanning direction can be parallel to the photoreceptor 1 in addition to the horizontal direction as shown in the figure. It is.

The image forming apparatus of this embodiment also has a facsimile function, and is provided with a writing optical unit 107 having a laser (or LED), etc., in addition to the above-mentioned optical system 100'. In this example, the transfer paper passes above the photoreceptor 1, and after passing through the separation charger 19, the transfer paper is conveyed by vacuum suction.

In addition, in this example, the paper feed cassette 51 is inserted into and removed from the photoreceptor 1 in the axial direction. In other words, the direction is the same as the direction in which each unit is inserted and removed for maintenance.

In this embodiment as well, a large-capacity toner storage container 52 is provided in a space secured above the developing device 14 on the side of the optical system 100', and from here the toner for replenishment is piped. 53 to the developing device 14. In this example, as in the previous embodiment, a toner conveying member as shown by the reference numeral 33 in FIG. 5 is provided inside the toner storage container 52. Note that the present invention can also be applied to an optical system 100' that uses an optical system that scans a document by placing a reading element such as a CCD directly facing the surface of the document.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, toners of different colors are stored in a plurality of toner storage containers, and each toner is guided to each of a plurality of developing devices.

In the figure, the developing device support unit 54 includes the developing device 13.
and a developing device 14 are incorporated, and the former developing device stores toner that is used in a small amount, such as red toner, and the latter developing device stores toner that is used in a large amount, such as black toner.

On the other hand, a container storage case 6 arranged on the right side of the optical system 100
0, toner storage containers 56 and 57 are respectively stored, and one toner storage container 56 stores, for example, red toner, and the other toner storage container 57 stores, for example, black toner.
Each developing device 13.1 is connected via a pipe 58, 59, respectively.
4. In this example, the toner storage container 57 has a considerably larger capacity, eg, twice the capacity, than the toner storage container 56, corresponding to a large consumption amount.

In this example, a container storage case 60 is fixedly provided, and a cartridge-shaped toner storage container 5 is attached to the container storage case 60.
6.57 can be inserted and removed freely.

They can be easily replaced. Therefore,
You can easily change colors etc.

On the other hand, instead of making it in a cartridge shape, the container storage case 6
0 may be divided into regions, and each division may contain toner of a different color. In addition,
Even in the case of a cartridge type, toners of different colors are eventually stored separately.

The container storage case 6o has a cross-sectional structure as shown, for example, in FIG. The toner storage container 57 (or 56) is pushed in the direction of the arrow by the pressing member 62 due to the elasticity, and is positioned at a predetermined position within the case 55.

At the same time, the gear 63 assembled integrally with the toner storage container 57 meshes with the drive gear 64 on the main body side, and the toner conveyance member 33 becomes ready to be driven.

The toner container 57 (or 56) has a toner outlet portion sealed with a sealing member 65 such as an aluminum seal, and when the toner container 57 slides in the direction of the arrow, the sharp end of the pipe 59 Then, the seal member is broken and the package is opened.

When the toner end is detected, the drive gear 6 on the device main body side
4 or the drive gear 66 directly from the drive source or from the clutch 68.
Along with this, the toner in the toner storage container 57 is transported in the direction of the arrow by the toner transport member 33, and the toner transport member 71 in the pipe 59 is driven to the developing device. It is designed to be sent to the 14th side. In this example as well, toner replenishment can be performed for a fixed period of time or intermittently.

In this example, there is no need to perform troublesome toner replenishment work using cartridges, etc., a large number of copies can be made continuously without interruption, and the occurrence of abnormal images due to insufficient toner replenishment is prevented. Ru. In addition, no abnormalities in the color image appear. Also, the optical system 100
Since the container storage case 60 is provided on the side of the developing device by effectively utilizing the space above the developing device, the image forming device itself does not become a natural product.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, in addition to a plurality of toner storage containers, a container for accommodating carrier is prepared, a replacement carrier is guided from this container toward a developing device, and a used carrier is removed from the developing device. It is designed to be discharged.

In an image forming apparatus equipped with a developing device that uses a two-component developer consisting of carrier and toner, as the carrier is used for a long period of time, the triboelectricity of the carrier with the toner decreases. The carrier itself is being replaced.

In other words, with regard to carriers, the number of copies that can be made is limited, and until the carrier's lifespan runs out,
At the time of copying, the carrier is being replaced.

In the past, such carrier replacement was performed separately from toner replenishment, and this type of work was very troublesome and was prone to scattering.

This example aims to eliminate such problems.

In FIG. 10, a carrier storage container 55 is housed in a container storage case 60' together with toner storage containers 56 and 57. For example, red toner is supplied from the toner container 56, and black toner, for example, is supplied from the toner container 57 to each developing device 13, 14 via pipes 58, 59, respectively.

On the other hand, a replacement carrier is stored in the carrier storage container 55, and is transferred to the developing device 14 through a pipe 72.
be guided towards.

In this example as well, the carrier storage container 55 and the toner storage container 5, which are cartridge-shaped, are connected to the container storage case 60'.
6.57 can be inserted and removed, making it easy to replace them.

On the other hand, instead of making it in a cartridge shape, the container storage case 6
Separate the area within 0' and store carriers and toner of different colors.
Each division may be accommodated in a region. Note that even in the case of a cartridge type, carriers and toners of different colors are eventually stored separately.

The container storage case 60' is the container storage case 6 shown in FIG.
It has the same cross-sectional structure as 0, and each container is inserted into the case 60' in the same way, and the sealing member 65 is opened and driving connections are made, and each container is positioned in a fixed position. It has become.

A carrier conveying member (not shown) corresponding to the above-described toner conveying member is provided at the lower part of the carrier storage container 55,
As a result, the replacement carrier is conveyed within the carrier storage container 55 and guided to the developing device 14 via the pipe 72.

Here, as shown in FIG.
A discharge container 73 is provided inside, and a discharge pipe 74 is connected between this and the developing device 14 .

In FIGS. 7 and 10, when a predetermined number of copies (1, for example, about 100,000 sheets) have been made by the copy counter, and it is time to replace the developer, a developer replacement signal is issued, for example, by a copy number count signal. Accordingly, a conveying member (not shown), which is made of a screw or the like provided in the discharge pipe 74, rotates, and the developing device 1 is rotated.
4, the used developer, i.e., the carrier, is discharged from the discharge pipe 7.
4 and put into a discharge container 73. Note that the discharge container 73 may be provided within the main body of the image forming apparatus, such as below the writing optical unit 107.

Next, when the carrier in the developing device 14 is completely taken out,
At this time, the signal rotates a carrier conveying member (not shown) in the carrier container 55 so that a new carrier for replacement is carried in the carrier container 55 and introduced into the developing device 14 via the pipe 72. It has become. In addition,
A similar configuration for exchanging old and new carriers can also be adopted for the developing device 13 side.

The toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 10 after transfer is
The collected toner is removed by the cleaning brush 76 of the cleaning unit 75, and by connecting the discharge pipe 77 between the cleaning unit 75 and the discharge container 73, the collected toner is removed from the discharge container via the discharge pipe 77. You can lead to 73. In this case as well, a recovered toner conveying member is provided inside the discharge pipe 77, but this may not be provided and the toner may be left to fall naturally.

In this way, the collected toner from the cleaning unit 75 and the used carrier from the developing devices 9t13 and 14 are
By concentrating the storage in one place, you can use only one storage container.

The image forming device can be made even more compact.
The disposal work only needs to be done once.

In this example, toner replenishment and replacement of old and new carriers can be performed automatically, which saves time and effort on the part of users and service personnel. .57 and the carrier storage container 55 are all that is needed. Also, there is no need to worry about toner scattering. Furthermore, optical system 1
Since the configuration is such that a toner storage container and a carrier storage container are provided by effectively utilizing the empty space secured above the developing device on the side of 00, the size of the single image forming device body may not be large. do not have.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the toner container 26 is provided with injection ports 28A and 28B, respectively, and these injection ports are used to further inject toner from the outside into the toner container 26. If you replenish the supply, you can further extend the copying period. Incidentally, as long as the inlet is provided at the upper part of the toner storage container 26, more than two inlets may be provided.

Such an injection port may be used as a toner injection port during periodic inspection by a service person or the like, or may be used as a connection port for a separately prepared toner container.

For example, the injection port 28B may be made into a cap section with a threaded section as shown by the reference numeral 28B' in FIG. As an example, a configuration in which the connecting member 80 is screwed in and connected can be adopted. Note that after filling the toner container 26 with toner, the connecting member 80
Remove.

By sealing the mouthpiece 28B' with a suitable cap, the toner inside is maintained in a sealed state. On the other hand, the connecting member 80 may be left attached.

The toner container 26 is attached to the exterior cover 1 of the image forming apparatus main body.
08 (FIG. 1), and connection using the connecting member 80 is performed with the lid 81 pivotally supported by the exterior cover 108 opened.

The embodiments described above can be applied not only to two-component developers but also to those using magnetic or non-magnetic one-component developers. Further, regarding the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, for example, a single-component developer of a certain color is put in the carrier storage container 5S, and the discharge pipes 72, 74 and the discharge container 73 are
By using the method shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to replace the -component developer with a new one as needed. The same applies to the other toner storage containers 56 and 57.

〔Effect of the invention〕

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it produces the effects described below.

In the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the troublesome work of replenishing developer can be reduced or eliminated, and it is possible to prevent stains caused by toner scattering. Further, it is possible to configure the apparatus so that the supply of developer is not interrupted, and stable images can be obtained over a long period of time. moreover,
The image forming apparatus itself is not a natural product.

In the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, in an image forming apparatus equipped with a developing device that uses developers of different colors, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the troublesome task of replenishing the developer of different colors, and also prevent the scattering of the developer. can. Further, it is also possible to configure the system so that the supply of developer for each color is not interrupted, and stable images can be obtained over a long period of time. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus itself does not become a natural product.

In the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the color developer can be replaced very easily.

In the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, the troublesome work of replenishing developer and exchanging old and new carriers is eliminated, and there is no need to worry about the scattering of the developer.

In the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to replenish the developer container with the developer, thereby further extending the image forming period.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the image forming process system divided into blocks in the same embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement position of the toner container. , FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the structure of the toner storage container, etc., FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the developing device and the toner storage container, FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of another embodiment, and FIG. 7 is still another embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of toner storage containers are provided, Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the toner storage container and developing device in Fig. 8, and Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a carrier storage container is added. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example in which an external developer replenishing means can be connected to the toner container. 1... Photoreceptor 13.14 as a latent image carrier... Developing device 26.52, 56.57... Toner storage container 28A, 28B as a developer storage container... Inlet 100.100 '...Optical system Sabahata 4 Form 5 Kuchi Atsushi 70 (2) Tsubo 140 Shi-he' Procedural amendment (voluntary)

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) an optical system that scans a document, a developing device that is arranged partially overlapping the optical system in the vertical direction and that visualizes an electrostatic latent image formed on a latent image carrier with a developer; A developer storage container is provided in a space secured on the side of the optical system and above the developing device portion that does not overlap with the optical system, and contains developer for replenishment, and the developer storage container is connected to the developing device from the developer storage container. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: means for guiding a developer to the image forming apparatus. (2) A plurality of optical systems for scanning a document are disposed around the latent image carrier, and a portion of the optical system is arranged vertically overlapping the electrostatic latent image carrier. A developing device that visualizes an image using a developer of a different color, and a developing device that is disposed in a space secured above the developing device portion that is to the side of the optical system and does not overlap with the optical system, and that are different from each other. a developer storage container that separates and stores developer for color replenishment;
An image forming apparatus comprising means for guiding developers of different colors from the developer storage container to respective developing devices. (3) The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein there are a plurality of developer storage containers, each of which is a cartridge-shaped container. (4) An optical system that scans a document; a part of the optical system is arranged vertically overlapping the electrostatic latent image formed on the latent image carrier; and a two-component system that contains carrier in addition to toner. A developing device that visualizes images with a developer, and a vacant space secured above the developing device section to the side of the optical system and not overlapped with the optical system, and a developer for replenishment and a carrier for replacement. A storage container for separately accommodating the developer, a means for guiding replenishment developer and a replacement carrier from the storage container to a developing device, and a means for discharging the used carrier in the developing device. An image forming apparatus characterized by: (5) an optical system that scans a document, a developing device that is arranged partially overlapping the optical system in the vertical direction and that visualizes an electrostatic latent image formed on a latent image carrier with a developer; It is placed in a space secured above the developing device part that is on the side of the optical system and does not overlap with the optical system, and contains developer for replenishment, and has an injection port for replenishing developer from the outside. An image forming apparatus comprising: a developer storage container; and means for guiding the developer from the developer storage container to a developing device.