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Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, process cartridge developing device, developer supply container and measuring part therefor

  • US 6,463,223 B1
  • Filed: 10/04/1999
  • Issued: 10/08/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/09/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, comprising:

  • (a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member;

    (b) a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer;

    (c) developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive member using the developer accommodated in said developer accommodating portion;

    (d) a first electrostatic capacity generating portion disposed at such a position that said first electrostatic capacity generating portion is contacting the developer accommodated in said developer accommodating portion when a predetermined amount of the developer is accommodated in said developer accommodating portion, said first electrostatic capacity generating portion generating an electrostatic capacity corresponding to an amount of the developer when said first electrostatic capacity generating portion is supplied with a voltage, and a second electrostatic capacity generating portion disposed at such a position that said second electrostatic capacity generating portion is not contacted to the developer accommodated in said developer accommodating portion, said second electrostatic capacity generating portion generating a reference electrostatic capacity, which is a developer-free electrostatic capacity, when said second electrostatic capacity generating portion is supplied with a voltage;

    (e) developer amount detecting means for detecting an amount of the developer accommodated in said developer accommodating portion on the basis of the electrostatic capacity generated by said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and the reference electrostatic capacity generated by said second electrostatic capacity generating portion; and

    (f) electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on said electrophotographic photosensitive member.

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