Toner cartridge, method for detecting remaining toner amount, and image-forming apparatus
US12360475B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 2023 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/556
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a toner cartridge, a method for detecting a remaining toner amount, and an image-forming apparatus. The toner cartridge, installed on an image-forming apparatus, includes a toner hopper, configured to hold toner; a stirring unit, disposed in the toner hopper and configured to stir the toner in the toner hopper; and a detection unit, disposed on the stirring unit and configured to be in contact with the toner during a process of stirring the toner by the stirring unit and output a current signal. A housing of the toner cartridge is disposed with electrical connection contacts, and the detection unit is electrically connected to the image-forming apparatus through the electrical connection contacts. Whether the toner cartridge is short of toner before printed images are defective due to lack of toner is realized, and the detection process is relatively convenient with low detection cost.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.