Image forming apparatus using a toner container and a process cartridge
US7398038B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2221/1823
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a process cartridge including a developing device that includes a developer carrier and a toner storing portion storing toner for replenishment. The developer carrier conveys a developer deposited thereon to a developing zone where the developer carrier faces and image carrier. The developing device feeds the toner from the toner storing portion to the developer carrier or the developer deposited on the developer carrier. A toner container stores toner to be replenished to said the storing section. The process cartridge and toner container each are removably mounted to the apparatus independently of each other. A toner conveying device configured to convey the toner from toner container to toner storing portion by using the weight of the toner is mounted on the image forming apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.