Connection between movable developer unit and stationary toner reservoir

Abstract

An apparatus for supplying toner material to a developer unit of an electrophotographic system that is mounted within a drawer and pivotable within the drawer about a longitudinal pivot axis between an active position and a non-active position includes a pivot stack connected to the developer unit at its lower end, pivoting within the developer unit about the pivot axis, said pivot stack, and having a toner passage therethrough. The apparatus also includes means for retaining the upper end of the pivot stack in a position fixed with respect to the pivot axis and means for sealing the lower end of the toner stack to the developer unit to prevent leakage of toner. The apparatus can also include a mount fixed with respect to a chassis of the system and connected to the outlet end of a toner conduit coupled to the toner reservoir, means for releasably engaging the upper end of the pivot stack that is supported on the mount for limited movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a first passage connecting the outlet end of the conduit and having an outlet end with the pivot stack when the developer unit is in the operative position, and means for sealing the outlet end of the first passage when the developer unit is in the service position.