Image forming apparatus using fresh toner and used toner
US5592267A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/0891
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In an image forming apparatus, a latent image is electrostatically formed on a photoconductive element and then developed by a developing unit. The developing unit is formed with a used toner inlet for receiving used toner. A cleaning unit removes toner remaining on the photoconductive element after image transfer and thereby collects it as the used toner. A conveying device conveys the used toner from the cleaning unit to the used toner inlet of the developing unit. A toner end sensor is disposed in the developing unit and adjoins the used toner inlet. On determining that the amount of toner existing in the developing unit is less than a predetermined amount, the sensor causes fresh toner to be replenished into the unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.