Image forming apparatus with mechanism to control toner replenishment
US7187876B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 6, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/0877
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An image-forming apparatus includes a mechanism that controls the replenishment amount of toner to a predetermined value. A toner cartridge holds toner therein. The toner cartridge is detachably attached to a process cartridge. The process cartridge has a toner reservoir that holds the toner supplied from the toner cartridge, a photoconductive drum and a developing roller that supplies the toner to the photoconductive drum. A valve is located between the toner cartridge and the process cartridge and supplies the toner from the toner cartridge to the process cartridge. When the valve rotates, the valve supplies a volume of toner in such a way that the toner in the toner reservoir fills a volume not more than a predetermined fraction of a maximum capacity of the toner reservoir.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.