Patent ID: 6035153
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An image recording apparatus comprising:a photosensitive body;an optical unit for irradiating the photosensitive body with light to form an electrostatic latent image;a developing unit for depositing toner on the photosensitive body to convert the latent image to a visible image, the developing unit including a toner agitator;a toner feeder for supplying the toner to the developing unit;a toner sensor for detecting a concentration of the toner within the developing unit for output of a corresponding detection signal;a toner supply controller for controlling the toner feeder by comparing the output of the toner sensor with a varying standard voltage which varies linearly from a peak level to a steady level, the control of the toner feeder being started upon lapse, from the actuation of the toner agitator, of a first period in which the output of the toner sensor substantially reaches the peak level; andan exposure start controller for causing the optical unit to start irradiating the photosensitive body with light upon lapse, from the actuation of the toner agitator, of a second period in which the photosensitive body is stabilized in rotation, the second period being shorter than the first period,wherein the toner feeder starts supplying the toner to the developing unit only upon lapse of the first period.