Developer unit and method of supplying developer

Abstract

A developing unit has an initial developer container containing an initial developer composed of toner and carrier, joined pivotally with a pin to a toner container having an initial developer inlet opening and defining a developing chamber. Provided in one wall of the developer container is an initial developer outlet opening. In an initial state, the initial developer outlet opening is closed by one wall of the toner container, so that the mixed toner contained in the initial developer container will not spill. When a toner supply cartridge is inserted in the developing unit, the toner supply cartridge turns the initial developer container downward on the pin to a position where the initial developer outlet opening of the initial developer container coincides with the initial developer inlet opening of the toner container. This allows the initial developer contained in the initial developer container to flow into the developing chamber. Thus, the initial developer can be supplied into the developing chamber by a simple action without soiling the operator's hands.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.