| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming method of a two-component electrophotographic system that retains satisfactory image quality by using a strong correlation between the rate at which a quantity of charged toner and a quantity of toner consumed per unit driving time of a developing device, thereby exerting control such that a change in the quantity of charged toner with time falls within a constant range and thus maintaining a change in the TC of developer within an appropriate range free from abnormal images, and to provide an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming method of a two-component development system using toner and carrier, the driving time of the developing device and an amount of toner consumption are detected (S1) when image formation starts. If the value of α representing an amount of toner consumed per the driving time of the developing device decreases below a set lowest limit, the toner is forcibly consumed (S2) so that the value of α falls within a constant range during the image formation. If the value of α increases above a set upper limit, the developing device is driven (S4) and control to stir the developer is exerted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT |
