Developer container, developer amount detecting system, process cartridge, developing device, and image forming apparatus
US6535699B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2221/183
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A developer container for containing a developer includes: (a) a first detecting member which is an electrode member having a pair of input-side and output-side electrodes formed in parallel and in one plane at a predetermined interval for detecting capacitance between the electrodes and which has a measurement-side electrode that is in contact with the developer and a reference electrode that is out of contact with the developer; (b) a developer removing member for removing any developer adhering to a detection region of the first detecting member; and (c) a second detecting member formed of a conductive material for detecting capacitance between the second detecting member and a developer bearing member, wherein a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus first detects the developer amount partway from the start of use of the developer container on the basis of detection information from the first detecting member, and then detects the developer amount on the basis of detection information from the second detecting member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.