Toner replenishing and developer replacing device for a developing unit of an image forming apparatus

An image forming apparatus comprising:

• an image carrier for electrostatically forming a latent image thereon;
• a developing unit for developing the latent image with a two-ingredient type developer to thereby form a corresponding toner image;
• cartridge mounting means for allowing a cartridge storing a developer to be replenished into said developing unit to be mounted thereto;
• and
• control means for controlling drivelines relating to replenishment of the developer from said cartridge into said developing unit;
• said control means controlling the drivelines such that when a cartridge is initially mounted to said mounting means, the developer is fed to said developing unit in an amount less than an amount necessary for image formation to start, and when a second cartridge is mounted next, the developer is fed to said developing unit to suffice an amount necessary for image formation to start.

A device for replenishing toner and a developer into a developing section included in a developing unit, comprising:

• a container storing the toner and the developer;
• a replenishing portion for receiving the toner or the developer driven out of said container, and rotatable to feed the toner or the developer to said developing section;
• a collecting portion rotatable to raise a developer received from said developing section;
• a rotary member including a center opening and a space which is defined by a circumferential wall and an inner wall of said rotary member and has a bottom sequentially rising toward a downstream side with respect to a direction of rotation of said replenishing portion;
• and
• an intermediate member including a flat portion slidably contacting an upper edge of said rotary member and an upper edge of said inner wall for thereby defining a space for replenishment, and a port for discharging the toner or the developer raised due to rotation of said rotary member.

A device for replenishing toner and a developer to a developing section included in a developing unit, comprising:

• a replenishing portion for receiving the toner or the and rotatable to feed the toner or the developer to said developing section;
• a collecting portion rotatable to raise a developer received from said developing section;
• a rotary member including a center opening and a space which is defined by a circumferential wall and an inner wall of said rotary member and has a bottom sequentially rising toward a downstream side with respect to a direction of rotation of said replenishing portion;
• and
• an intermediate member including a flat portion slidably contacting an upper edge of said rotary member and an upper edge of said inner wall for thereby defining a space for replenishment, and a port for discharging the toner or the developer raised due to rotation of said rotary member.

A device for replenishing toner and a developer into a developing section included in a developing unit, comprising:

• a container storing the toner and the developer;
• a replenishing portion for receiving the toner or the developer driven out of said container, and rotatable to feed at least one of the toner and the developer to said developing section;
• a collecting portion rotatable to raise a developer received from said developing section;
• a scoop portion included in a rotary member for conveying the developer when said rotary member is rotated in a direction opposite to a direction of rotation of said replenishing portion;
• a blade included in an intermediate member and slidably contacting said rotary member for defining a space for developer collection;
• an opening formed in said intermediate member for feeding the developer received from said developing section to said collecting portion;
• and
• a stopper for selectively opening or closing an opening of said container, and including an inclined surface for developer collection.