| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus having a large-capacity toner supply device by which the main body of the image forming apparatus is miniaturized and simplified, a cost reduction is achieved and the reliability of toner supply performance is enhanced. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus has the toner supply device 300 that supplies toner to the developing means of the main body of the image forming apparatus and composed of a separate member independently of the developing means. In the image forming apparatus, the toner supply device 300 includes: a toner storage means 304E; a screw pump 306A for moving toner in the toner storage means to a discharging part; a first air supply means 811 by which toner moved by the screw pump is caused to flow in a dispersed state; and a second air supply means 812 for supplying air into the toner storage means in order to prevent cross-linking of toner in the toner storage means. Thus, since the toner in the toner storage means is prevented from cross-linking, the toner is securely conveyed by the screw pump and the first air supply means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI |
