| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a toner supply device capable of preventing image quality degradation caused by formation of an agglomeration of a toner in a toner cartridge, and also preventing an erroneous alarm caused by delay in toner detection. <P>SOLUTION: Based upon detection information obtained by a toner sensor, the toner supply device identifies: an empty detection period during which the sensor has been detecting the almost empty state of the toner cartridge; an empty recovery period that starts after the empty detection period and lasts until recovery in a predetermined state; and a regular period during which a predetermined condition is maintained. Depending on each period, the content of control of a cartridge motor used to drive the toner cartridge is altered. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI |
