Image forming apparatus
US6597881B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0177
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image carrier. A rotary developing device adjoins the image carrier and includes a plurality of developing sections for developing a latent image formed on the image carrier with a magnetic developer. A toner cartridge unit includes a plurality of toner cartridges and is rotatable integrally with the developing device. A plurality of toner conveying device each connect one toner cartridge to the associated developing section and each include a toner passage and a toner conveying member disposed in the toner passage. A magnet adjoins a toner outlet, which is formed in the toner passage and communicated to the developing section, for forming a magnetic field that traverses the toner passage over the entire diameter of the toner passage. Toner stored in each toner cartridge is prevented from unexpectedly flowing into the associated developing section when replenishment is not effected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.