Toner buffer unit of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus
US9116465B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 2014 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/0858
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Provided is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including: a toner buffer unit arranged between a toner cartridge and a developing unit to receive toner from the toner cartridge and supply the toner to the developing unit; and a toner level detection unit. The toner buffer unit includes a first buffer unit connected to the toner cartridge. A first conveyance member including a rotation shaft and a conveyance wing provided in the rotation shaft and transporting the toner in a radial direction is provided in the first buffer unit. The toner buffer unit includes an elevation plate provided in the first buffer unit and elevated according to a toner level, and a sensor unit detecting a location of the elevation of the elevation plate. The elevation plate is located to be spaced apart from the conveyance wing in an axial direction of the rotation shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.