Developing apparatus and image forming apparatus using the same developing apparatus and method of determining end-of-toner condition
US6256459A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 7, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0894
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An end of toner detector to be utilized in a toner cartridge of a developing apparatus of an image forming apparatus. A developing device develops latent images formed on an image bearing member so as to form toner images. A toner storage unit deposits toner to supply to the developing device. A light path forming unit protrudes from a wall of the toner storage unit into an interior of the toner storage unit and forms the light path through which light passes in the toner storage unit. A light sensor includes a light emitting unit which emits light and a light receiving unit which receives light emitted from the light emitting unit. Further, the light sensor outputs signals which smoothly change according to an amount of toner in the light path formed in the light forming unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.