Accumulation and coagulation of toner inside a vertically-disposed toner
carrying path is properly prevented. The toner carrier apparatus
includes: a toner carrier pipe which includes therein a toner carrying
path through which toner is carried and is disposed so that the toner
carrier path vertically extends; a pipe supporting member which supports
the toner carrier pipe in such a way as to allow the toner carrier pipe
to be vertically movable; a rotational member and operation wings, which
cause the toner carrier pipe to reciprocally move in the vertical
direction and horizontally swing; and a knocking mechanism which
horizontally hits the toner carrier pipe.