Toner supply method, development device, process unit, and image forming apparatus

A development device comprising:

• a casing defining a toner containing compartment for containing toner, in which a toner supply inlet to connect to a replaceable toner container is formed;
• a cylindrical toner carrier partially exposed from the casing of the development device to carry the toner to a development range;
• and
• a toner detector to detect a remaining toner amount in the toner containing compartment,
• wherein, when the remaining toner amount is not greater than a first remaining amount, a first supply amount of toner is supplied from the toner container to the toner containing compartment in a first supply mode, and
• when the remaining toner amount is reduced to or below a second remaining amount smaller than the first remaining amount, a second supply amount smaller than the first supply amount of toner is supplied to the toner containing compartment in a second supply mode.

An image forming apparatus, comprising:

• an image bearer on which an electrostatic latent image is formed;
• a development device to develop the latent image with toner, the development device including
• a casing defining a toner containing compartment for containing toner, in which a toner supply inlet to connect to a replaceable toner container is formed,
• a cylindrical toner carrier partially exposed from the casing of the development device to carry the toner to a development range, and
• a toner detector to detect a remaining toner amount in the toner containing compartment;
• and
• a controller operatively connected to the development device,
• wherein, when the remaining toner amount is not greater than a first remaining amount, a first supply amount of toner is supplied from the toner container to the toner containing compartment in a first supply mode, and
• when the remaining toner amount is reduced to or below a second remaining amount smaller than the first remaining amount, a second supply amount, smaller than the first supply amount, of toner is supplied to the toner containing compartment in a second supply mode.