| 摘要 |
<p>An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a developing device; a developer container; a discharging device for discharging the supply of developer from the developer container; to a first developer accommodating portion for accommodating a first amount of the developer which is larger than a capacity of the developer container; a first detecting device for detecting an amount of the developer in the first accommodating portion; a first supplying device for supplying the developer in the first accommodating portion to a second developer accommodating portion for accommodating a second amount of the developer; a second detecting device for detecting the amount in the second accommodating portion; a second supplying device for supplying the developer from the second accommodating portion toward the developing device; a controller for controlling the discharging device such that amount of the developer in the first accommodating portion is not less than the first amount, and such that such that amount of the developer in the second accommodating portion is not less than the second amount, and for permitting, when the developing container is substantially empty, and the amount in the first accommodating portion is less than the first value, an image forming operation to continue until the amount in the second developer portion becomes less than the second amount.</p> |
