Toner replenishing and developer replacing device for a developing unit of an image forming apparatus
US5915155A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0685
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In an image forming apparatus, a developing unit for forming an image by use of a two-ingredient type developer, i.e., toner and carrier mixture includes a container for replenishing fresh toner and for replacing carrier deteriorated due to aging or a developer including such carrier. By rotating the container in one direction, both fresh toner and a two-ingredient developer can be supplied to the developing unit. Initially when a container is mounted, the developer is fed in an amount less than an amount for image formation to start and only when a second container is mounted and rotated is the developer amount sufficient for image formation to start.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.