| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an image forming apparatus which is capable of suppressing deterioration of toner without increasing the toner consumption and the running cost. <P>SOLUTION: In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a one-component toner is used to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoreceptor drum 20, wherein lower limit level sensors 31 and 32 and higher limit level sensors 33 and 34 for a toner storage capacity are arranged in a developing tank 11. When toner empty is detected by the lower limit level sensors 31 and 32, a first replenishment control for replenishing fresh toner from a toner hopper 15 into the developing tank 11 is executed. A second replenishment control for replenishing fresh toner into the developing tank 11 up to an upper limit of the storage capacity or the vicinity of the upper limit is executed by the prescribed number of prints. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT |
