Image forming apparatus having toner replenishment container control
US11592781B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 2022 |
| Grant date | Feb 28, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G21/1647
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An image forming apparatus to and from which a replenishment container accommodating toner is attachable includes a replenishment port to allow replenishment of toner from the replenishment container, which is arranged outside of the image forming apparatus, to a developer container therethrough in a state where the replenishment container is attached to the replenishment port, an opening/closing portion to open and close the replenishment port, and a locking member to move between a restricting position in which the locking member restricts movement of the opening/closing portion from the closed position to the open position, and an allowing position in which the movement of the opening/closing portion from the closed position to the open position is allowed. A controller maintains, when the replenishment container is attached to the replenishment port, the locking member in the restricting position in a case where a lifetime of the cartridge is less than a threshold.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.