Development device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus using the development device

An integrated process cartridge removably installable in an image forming apparatus, the process cartridge comprising:

• a photoconductor configured to form an electrostatic latent image thereon;
• and
• a development device configured to develop the electrostatic latent image with a developer formed of toner and carrier, the developer device including:
• a developer roller configured to supply toner particles to the electrostatic latent image;
• a developer reservoir configured to hold the developer therewithin for application to the developer roller;
• a rotatable conveyor configured to rotate within the developer reservoir to convey the developer toward the developer roller;
• and
• a replenisher unit, having a tubular member terminating at a port opening in the developer reservoir, configured to direct particulate material through the tubular member into the developer reservoir via the port,
• the particulate material being toner particles, carrier particles, and a mixture of toner particles and a given amount of carrier particles,
• the port being submerged in the developer within the developer reservoir as the rotatable conveyor rotates,
• wherein the replenisher unit directs the particulate material through the tubular member obliquely downward into the developer reservoir with the port facing toward the outer periphery of the rotatable conveyor such that the particulate material is traveling downward at a point of entry into the developer reservoir from the replenisher unit.

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising:

• a photoconductor configured to form an electrostatic latent image thereon;
• and
• a development device configured to develop the electrostatic latent image with a developer material formed of toner and carrier, the developer device including:
• a developer roller configured to supply toner particles to the electrostatic latent image;
• a developer reservoir configured to hold the developer therewithin for application to the developer roller;
• a rotatable conveyor configured to rotate within the developer reservoir to convey the developer toward the developer roller;
• and
• a replenisher unit, having a tubular member terminating at a port opening in the developer reservoir, configured to direct particulate material through the tubular member into the developer reservoir via the port,
• the particulate material being toner particles, carrier particles, or a mixture of toner particles and a given amount of carrier particles,
• the port being submerged in the developer within the developer reservoir as the rotatable conveyor rotates,
• wherein the replenisher unit directs the particulate material through the tubular member obliquely downward into the developer reservoir with the port facing toward the outer periphery of the rotatable conveyor such that the particulate material is traveling downward at a point of entry into the developer reservoir from the replenisher unit.