Patent ID: 9201348
Filing Date: 2015-12-01
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A developer discharge method for discharging developer from a developing unit used for an image forming apparatus, which contains the developer, forms a toner image on an image holding body and has a discharge port to discharge the developer contained therein on at least one end thereof, the developer discharge method comprising: discharging the developer through the discharge port by supporting the developing unit, which contains the developer, at a predetermined height with a supporting section formed in a box-shaped main body that is included in a developer discharge auxiliary tool, the supporting section supporting the developing unit with the discharge port down in a state in which the discharge port is located on a lateral or lower side of the developing unit; wherein the developer discharge auxiliary tool is formed so that a cut-out portion through which the developing unit is insertable is formed at a part of a containing box which contains the developer, and an edge of the cut-out portion forms the supporting section; wherein the supporting section supports the developing unit by locking a protruding part provided on the developing unit into the edge of the cut-out portion; wherein the cut-out portion is formed by cutting a front surface and a back surface of the containing box, and