Developing device and image forming apparatus using the same
AssigneeRicoh Company, Ltd.
InventorSatoshi Hatori
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A developing device of the present invention includes a conveying member for conveying a developer that is a toner and carrier mixture. A sensor senses the toner content of the developer in terms of the permeability of the developer. A preventing member prevents the bulk density of the developer from varying when fresh toner is not replenished. The developing device obviates erroneous toner content sensing when fresh toner is not replenished. An image forming apparatus including the developing device is also disclosed.
Claims11
A developing device comprising:
- conveying means for conveying a developer that is a toner and carrier mixture;
- sensing means for sensing a toner content of the developer in terms of permeability of said developer;
- and
- preventing means for preventing a bulk density of the developer from varying when fresh toner is not replenished.
In an image forming apparatus including a developing device storing a developer that consists of toner grains and carrier grains, said developing device comprising:
- conveying means for conveying the developer;
- sensing means for sensing a toner content of the developer in terms of permeability of said developer;
- and
- preventing means for preventing a bulk density of the developer from varying when fresh toner is not replenished.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.