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Toner remaining amount detecting device, toner remaining amount detecting method, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus

  • US 6,415,112 B1
  • Filed: 09/04/2001
  • Issued: 07/02/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/13/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A toner remaining amount detecting device to successively detect an amount of toner contained in a developing device for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member by a developing member with use of said toner, said developing device being detachably mountable to a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said toner remaining amount detecting device comprising:

  • a first electrode formed independently of a wall member of said developing device, said wall member defining a path through which said toner is supplied to said developing member, said first electrode being disposed on said wall member;

    a second electrode disposed in said developing device so that said toner can exist in a spatial region between said first and second electrodes; and

    capacitance detecting means for successively detecting a capacitance between said first and second electrodes, wherein the amount of said toner is detected successively based on said capacitance.

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