Image forming apparatus
US9488931B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 2015 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/0844
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes a latent image bearer; a developing device containing two-component developer and including a developer bearer, a development voltage source, and a toner concentration detector; a toner supply device to supply toner to the developing device; a transfer device; and a controller to keep a toner concentration in the developer in the developing device at a target toner concentration during image formation. The controller executes forced toner consumption in which the developing device supplies the toner to the latent image bearer the toner at a predetermined forced toner consumption timing, while inhibiting the toner supply device from supplying toner. When the toner concentration falls to a prescribed toner density lower than the target toner concentration, the controller completes the forced toner consumption and executes a post-consumption toner supply operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.