Detachable developing unit in an image forming apparatus
US5079589A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 24, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/083
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A developing unit of an image forming apparatus is for developing a latent image formed on a photoconductive drum. The developing unit comprises a developing device attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus body in a direction crossing the axis of the photoconductive drum, and a hopper fixed to the body of the image forming apparatus for supplying toner to the developing device connected to the body of the image forming apparatus. The hopper has a toner supply pipe which can assume a supply position, in which it is inserted in a connecting opening of the developing device, and a drawn position, in which it is drawn out from the developing device. The developing unit may have a lever to move the toner supply pipe to the drawn position. The lever can assume a first position not to allow the developing device to be withdrawn when the end of the toner supply pipe is in the supply position, and a second position to allow the developing device to be withdrawn when the end of the toner supply pipe is in the drawn position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.