Patent ID: 8121498
Filing Date: 2012-02-21
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a latent image carrier configured to carry a latent image thereon; a disengagement detector configured to detect whether or not an intermediate transfer member is disengaged from the latent image carrier; a developing unit disposed facing the latent image carrier to develop the latent image with developer; a developer container configured to contain the developer and to be attached to the image forming apparatus; a developer detector configured to detect presence of the developer in the developing unit; and a developer supply controller configured to prohibit supply of the developer from the developer container to the developing unit when the developer detector detects that the developer is present in the developing unit, wherein the developer supply controller supplies the developer from the developer container to the developing unit when the disengagement detector detects that the intermediate transfer member is disengaged from the latent image carrier.