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

• Current Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Canon Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Canon Inc.)
• Inventors: Sakata, Shirou, Yokoi, Akiyoshi, Matsumoto, Hideki, Karakama, Toshiyuki
• Primary Examiner(s): Chen, Sophia S.
• Application Number:
  US09/411,394
• Time in Patent Office: 1,100 Days
• Field of Search: 399/27, 399/30, 399/58, 399/61, 399/62, 399/111, 399/258, 399/44, 399/97, 73/74, 324/658, 324/660, 324/663, 324/686, 324/676
• US Class Current: 399/27
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/0856 Detection or control means for the developer level
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/086 the level being measured by electro-magnetic means
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 21/1867 for electrically connecting the process cartridge to the apparatus, electrical connectors, power supply
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 2215/0888 Arrangements for detecting toner level or concentration in the developing device
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 2221/183 Process cartridge

Abstract

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a first electrostatic-capacity generating portion disposed at such a position that the first electrostatic capacity generating portion contacts the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion. The first electrostatic capacity generates portion generating an electrostatic capacity corresponding to an amount of the developer. A second electrostatic-capacity generating portion is disposed at such a position that the second electrostatic-capacity generating portion does not contact the developer accommodated in the developer-accommodating portion. The second electrostatic capacity generating portion generates a reference electrostatic capacity. A developer amount detector is provided for detecting an amount of the developer accommodated in the developer-accommodating portion on the basis of the electrostatic capacity generated by the first electrostatic-capacity generating portion and the reference electrostatic capacity generated by the said second electrostatic-capacity generating portion.

Claims

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.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion includes a first electroconductive portion and a second electroconductive portion, wherein said second electrostatic capacity generating portion includes a third electroconductive portion and a fourth electroconductive portion, wherein said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion are juxtaposed with each other, and said wherein third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion are juxtaposed with each other.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion includes portions that are arranged at regular intervals, and each of said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion includes portions that are arranged at regular intervals.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the regular interval portions of said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion are parallel with each other, and wherein the regular interval portions of said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion are parallel with each other.

5. An apparatus according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion include alternatingly arranged portions, and wherein said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion include alternatingly arranged portions.

6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein said first electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion, and said second electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion of said second electroconductive portion, wherein said branched portions of said first electroconductive portion and the branched portions of said second electroconductive portion are alternatingly arranged in parallel with each other at regular intervals.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion include portions that are opposed to each other, wherein branched portions of said first electroconductive portion are extended toward said second electroconductive portion, and branched portions of said second electroconductive portion are extended toward said first electroconductive portion.

8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein said third electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion, and said fourth electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion of said fourth electroconductive portion, wherein said branched portions of said third electroconductive portion and the branched portions of said fourth electroconductive portion are alternatingly arranged in parallel with each other at regular intervals.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion include portions which are opposed to each other, wherein the branched portions of said third electroconductive portion are extended toward said fourth electroconductive portion, and the branched portions of said fourth electroconductive portion are extended toward said third electroconductive portion.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion have the same configuration.

11. An apparatus according to any one of claim 1 and 10, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion generate the same electrostatic capacitances when voltages are applied thereto, when said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion are not contacted to the developer.

12. An apparatus according to any one of claim 1 and 10, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion are disposed inside said developer accommodating portion.

13. An apparatus according to any one of claim 1 and 10, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion is disposed inside said developer accommodating portion, and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion is disposed outside said developer accommodating portion.

14. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the developer accommodated in said developer accommodating portion is detected substantially in real-time on the basis of the electrostatic capacities generated by said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacities generating portion when they are supplied with voltages, and a result of the detection is continuously displayed.

15. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the developer accommodated in said developer accommodating portion is detected substantially in real-time on the basis of the electrostatic capacities generated by said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion when they are supplied with voltages, and a result of the detection is stepwisely displayed.

16. A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge comprising:

(a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member;

(b) process means actable on said electrophotographic photosensitive member;

(c) first and second electrostatic capacity generating portions for permitting the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to detect an amount of the developer to be used for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on said photosensitive member when said process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus,

said first electrostatic capacity generating portion being disposed at such a position that said first electrostatic capacity generating portion is contacted to the developer accommodated in said developer accommodating portion, and

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;

said second electrostatic capacity generating portion being disposed at such a position that said second electrostatic capacity generating portion is not contacted to the developer,

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;

(d) an electrical contact for transmitting to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus a first electric signal corresponding to an electrostatic capacity generated by said first electrostatic capacity generating portion when the voltage is applied thereto from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a second electric signal corresponding to the reference electrostatic capacity generated by said second electrostatic capacity generating portion when the voltage is applied thereto from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

17. A process cartridge according to claim 16, wherein said electrical contact is provided exposed from a cartridge frame at two portions that are away from each other.

18. A process cartridge according to claim 16, wherein said electrical contact includes a first electrical contact element for transmitting the first electric signal to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a second electrical contact element for transmitting the second electric signal to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

19. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 16, 17 and 18, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion are disposed inside a developer accommodating portion accommodating the developer.

20. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 16-18, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion is disposed inside a developer accommodating portion accommodating the developer, and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion is disposed outside said developer accommodating portion.

33. A process cartridge according to claim 16 or 21, wherein the amount of the developer accommodated in said process cartridge is detected substantially in real-time on the basis of the electrostatic capacities generated by said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and the second electrostatic capacity generating portion when they are supplied with voltages, and a result of the detection is continuously displayed.

34. A process cartridge according to claim 16 or 21, wherein the amount of the developer accommodated in said process cartridge is detected substantially in real-time on the basis of the electrostatic capacities generated by said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and the second electrostatic capacity generating portion when they are supplied with voltages, and a result of the detection is stepwisely displayed.

35. A process cartridge according to claim 16 or 21, wherein said process means includes at least one of developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive member, charging means for electrically recharging said electrophotographic photosensitive member, and cleaning means for removing developer remaining on said electrophotographic photosensitive member.

21. A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a second electrostatic capacity generating portion for generating a reference electrostatic capacity which is a developer-free electrostatic capacity, comprising:

(a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member;

(b) process means actable on said electrophotographic photosensitive member;

(c) a first electrostatic capacity generating portion for permitting the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to detect an amount of the developer to be used for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on said photosensitive member when said process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus,

said first electrostatic capacity generating portion being disposed at such a position that said first electrostatic capacity generating portion is contacted to the developer accommodated in said developer accommodating portion, and

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 the a voltage;

(d) an electrical contact for transmitting to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus a first electric signal corresponding to an electrostatic capacity generated by said first electrostatic capacity generating portion when the voltage is applied thereto from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus, when said process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

wherein an amount of the developer accommodated in said process cartridge is detected by the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus on the basis of the first electric signal transmitted through said electrical contact from said process cartridge and a second electric signal corresponding to the reference electrostatic capacity generated by the second electrostatic capacity generating portion when a voltage is applied thereto from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus, when said process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

22. A process cartridge according to claim 21, said first electrostatic capacity generating portion being disposed inside a developer accommodating portion accommodating the developer.

23. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 21 and 22, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion includes a first electroconductive portion and a second electroconductive portion, and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion includes a third electroconductive portion and a fourth electroconductive portion, wherein said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion are juxtaposed with each other, and said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion are juxtaposed with each other.

24. A process cartridge according to claim 23, wherein each of said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion includes portions that are arranged at regular intervals, and each of said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion includes portions that are arranged at regular intervals.

25. A process cartridge according to claim 24, wherein the regular interval portions of said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion are parallel with each other, and wherein the regular interval portions of said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion are parallel with each other.

26. A process cartridge according to claim 25, wherein said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion include alternatingly arranged portions, and said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion include alternatingly arranged portions.

27. A process cartridge according to claim 23, wherein said first electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion, and said second electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion of said second electroconductive portion, wherein said branched portions of said first electroconductive portion and the branched portions of said second electroconductive portion are alternatingly arranged in parallel with each other at regular intervals.

28. A process cartridge according to claim 27, wherein said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion include portions which are opposed to each other, wherein the branched portions of said first electroconductive portion are extended toward said second electroconductive portion, and the branched portions of said second electroconductive portion are extended toward said first electroconductive portion.

29. A process cartridge according to claim 23, wherein said third electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion, and said fourth electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion of said fourth electroconductive portion, wherein said branched portions of said third electroconductive portion and the branched portions of said fourth electroconductive portion are alternatingly arranged in parallel with each other at regular intervals.

30. A process cartridge according to claim 29, wherein said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion include portions which are opposed to each other, wherein the branched portions of said third electroconductive portion are extended toward said fourth electroconductive portion, and the branched portions of said fourth electroconductive portion are extended toward said third electroconductive portion.

31. An apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and the second electrostatic capacity generating portion have the same configuration.

32. An process cartridge according to claim 21, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion generate the same electrostatic capacitances when voltages are applied thereto, when said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and the second electrostatic capacity generating portion are not contacted to the developer.

36. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, to which apparatus a process cartridge is detachably mountable, said apparatus comprising:

(a) mounting means for detachably mounting said process cartridge, said process cartridge including;

an electrophotographic photosensitive member;

process means actable on said electrophotographic photosensitive member;

a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive member;

first and second electrostatic capacity generating portions for permitting the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to detect an amount of the developer to be used for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on said photosensitive member when said process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus,

said first electrostatic capacity generating portion being disposed at such a position that said first electrostatic capacity generating portion is contacted to the developer accommodated in said developer accommodating portion, and

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;

said second electrostatic capacity generating portion being disposed at such a position that said second electrostatic capacity generating portion is not contacted to the developer,

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;

an electrical contact for transmitting to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus a first electric signal corresponding to an electrostatic capacity generated by said first electrostatic capacity generating portion when the voltage is applied thereto from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a second electric signal corresponding to the reference electrostatic capacity generated by said second electrostatic capacity generating portion when the voltage is applied thereto from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

(b) developer amount detecting means for detection an amount of the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion of said process cartridge on the basis of the first electric signal and the second electric signal; and

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

37. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, to which apparatus a process cartridge is detachably mountable, said apparatus comprising:

(a) mounting means for mounting said process cartridge which is detachably mountable to a main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a second electrostatic capacity which is a developer-free electrostatic capacity, said process cartridge including;

an electrophotographic photosensitive member;

process means actable on said electrophotographic photosensitive member;

a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive member;

a first electrostatic capacity generating portion for permitting the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to detect an amount of the developer to be used for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on said photosensitive member when said process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus,

said first electrostatic capacity generating portion being disposed at such a position that said first electrostatic capacity generating portion is contacted to the developer accommodated in said developer accommodating portion, and

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;

an electrical contact for transmitting to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus a first electric signal corresponding to an electrostatic capacity generated by said first electrostatic capacity generating portion when the voltage is applied thereto from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus, when said process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

wherein an amount of the developer accommodated in said process cartridge is detected by the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus on the basis of the first electric signal transmitted through said electrical contact from said process cartridge and a second electric signal corresponding to the reference electrostatic capacity generated by a second electrostatic capacity generating portion when a voltage is applied thereon from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus, when said process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

(b) detecting means, provided in the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus, for detecting an amount of the developer accommodated in said process cartridge on the basis of the first electric signal transmitted through said electrical contact from said process cartridge and the second electric signal corresponding to the reference electrostatic capacity generated by the second electrostatic capacity generating portion when a voltage is applied thereto from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus, when said process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus,

wherein an amount of the developer accommodated in said process cartridge is detected by the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus on the basis of the first electric signal transmitted through said electrical contact from said process cartridge and a second electric signal corresponding to the reference electrostatic capacity generated by the second electrostatic capacity generating portion when a voltage is applied thereto from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus, when said process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

38. A developing device for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said developing device comprising:

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

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

(c) a first electrostatic capacity generating portion disposed at such a position that said first electrostatic capacity generating portion is contacted to 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;

(d) 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; and

(f) an electrical contact for transmitting to a main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus a first electric signal corresponding to the electrostatic capacity generated by said first electrostatic capacity generating portion when the voltage is applied thereto from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a second electric signal corresponding to the reference electrostatic capacity generated by said second electrostatic capacity generating portion when a voltage is applied thereto from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus, when said developing device is mounted to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

39. A device according to claim 38, wherein said electrical contact is provided exposed from a developing device frame at two portions which are away from each other.

40. A device according to claim 38 or 39, said developing device being detachably mountable to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus or is fixed thereto.

41. A device according to claim 38, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion is disposed inside said developer accommodating portion, and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion is disposed outside said developer accommodating portion.

42. A device according to claim 38 or 39, wherein said electrical contact includes a first electrical contact element for transmitting the first electric signal to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a second electrical contact element for transmitting the second electric signal to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

43. A device according to claim 38, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion are disposed inside said developer accommodating portion.

44. A device according to claim 38, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion includes a first electroconductive portion and a second electroconductive portion, wherein said second electrostatic capacity generating portion includes a third electroconductive portion and a fourth electroconductive portion, wherein said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion are juxtaposed with each other, and wherein said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion are juxtaposed with each other.

45. A developing device according to claim 44, wherein each of said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion includes portions that are arranged at regular intervals, and each of said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion includes portions that are arranged at regular intervals.

46. A device according to claim 45, wherein the regular interval portions of said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion are parallel with each other, and wherein the regular interval portions of said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion are parallel with each other.

47. A device according to claim 44, 45 or 46, wherein said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion include alternatingly arranged portions, and wherein said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion include alternatingly arranged portions.

48. A device according to any one of claims 44-46, wherein said first electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion, and said second electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion of said second electroconductive portion, wherein said branched portions of said first electroconductive portion and the branched portions of said second electroconductive portion are alternatingly arranged in parallel with each other at regular intervals.

49. A developing device according to claim 48, wherein said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion include portions which are opposed to each other, wherein the branched portions of said first electroconductive portion are extended toward said second electroconductive portion, and the branched portions of said second electroconductive portion are extended toward said first electroconductive portion.

50. A device according to any one of claims 44-46, wherein said third electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion, and said fourth electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion of said fourth electroconductive portion, wherein said branched portions of said third electroconductive portion and the branched portions of said fourth electroconductive portion are alternatingly arranged in parallel with each other at regular intervals.

51. A developing device according to claim 50, wherein said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion include portions which are opposed to each other, wherein the branched portions of said third electroconductive portion are extended toward said fourth electroconductive portion, and the branched portions of said fourth electroconductive portion are extended toward said third electroconductive portion.

52. A device according to claim 38, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion have the same configuration.

53. A device according to any one of claim 38 and 52, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion generate the same electrostatic capacitances when voltages are applied thereto, when said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion are not contacted to the developer.

54. A developer supply container for supplying a developer to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said developer supply container comprising:

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

(b) a first electrostatic capacity generating portion disposed at such a position that said first electrostatic capacity generating portion is contacted to 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; and

(c) an electrical contact for transmitting to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus a first electric signal corresponding to the electrostatic capacity generated by said first electrostatic capacity generating portion when the voltage is applied thereto from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a second electric signal corresponding to the reference electrostatic capacity generated by said second electrostatic capacity generating portion when a voltage is applied thereto from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus, when said developer supply container is mounted to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

55. A container according to claim 54, wherein said electrical contact is provided exposed from a container frame at two portions that are away from each other.

56. A container according to claim 54, wherein said developer supply container is detachably mountable to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

57. A container according to claim 54, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion is disposed inside said developer accommodating portion, and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion is disposed outside said developer accommodating portion.

58. A container according to any one of claim 54 and 55, wherein said electrical contact includes a first electrical contact element for transmitting the first electric signal to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a second electrical contact element for transmitting the second electric signal to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

59. A container according to any one of claims 54-56, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion are disposed inside said developer accommodating portion.

60. A container according to claim 54, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion includes a first electroconductive portion and a second electroconductive portion, wherein said second electrostatic capacity generating portion includes a third electroconductive portion and a fourth electroconductive portion, wherein said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion are juxtaposed with each other, and wherein said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion are juxtaposed with each other.

61. A container according to claim 60, wherein each of said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion includes portions that are arranged at regular intervals, and each of said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion includes portions that are arranged at regular intervals.

62. A container according to claim 61, wherein the regular interval portions of said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion are parallel with each other, and the regular interval portions of said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion are parallel with each other.

63. A container according to claim 60, 61 or 62, wherein said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion include alternatingly arranged portions, and wherein said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion include alternatingly arranged portions.

64. A container according to any one of claims 60-62, wherein said first electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion, and said second electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion of said second electroconductive portion, wherein said branched portions of said first electroconductive portion and the branched portions of said second electroconductive portion are alternatingly arranged in parallel with each other at regular intervals.

65. A container according to claim 64, wherein said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion include portions which are opposed to each other, wherein the branched portions of said first electroconductive portion are extended toward said second electroconductive portion, and the branched portions of said second electroconductive portion are extended toward said first electroconductive portion.

66. A container according to any one of claims 60-62, wherein said third electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion, and said fourth electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion of said fourth electroconductive portion, wherein said branched portions of said third electroconductive portion and the branched portions of said fourth electroconductive portion are alternatingly arranged in parallel with each other at regular intervals.

67. A container according to claim 66, wherein said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion include portions which are opposed to each other, wherein the branched portions of said third electroconductive portion are extended toward said fourth electroconductive portion, and the branched portions of said fourth electroconductive portion are extended toward said third electroconductive portion.

68. A container according to claim 54, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion have the same configuration.

69. A container according to any one of claims 54 and 68, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion generate the same electrostatic capacitances when voltages are applied thereto, when said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion are not contacted to the developer.

70. A measuring part for measuring an amount of a developer contained in a developer accommodating portion for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, said measuring part comprising:

an insulative substrate;

a first electrostatic capacity generating portion disposed at such a position that said first electrostatic capacity generating portion is contacted to 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, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion are provided on said substrate.

71. A measuring part according to claim 70, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion includes a first electroconductive portion and a second electroconductive portion, wherein said second electrostatic capacity generating portion includes a third electroconductive portion and a fourth electroconductive portion, wherein said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion are juxtaposed with each other, and wherein said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion are juxtaposed with each other.

72. A measuring part according to claim 71, wherein each of said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion includes portions that are arranged at regular intervals, and each of said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion includes portions that are arranged at regular intervals.

73. A measuring part according to claim 72, wherein the regular interval portions of said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion are parallel with each other, and wherein the regular interval portions of said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion are parallel with each other.

74. A measuring apart according to claim 71 or 72, wherein said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion include alternatingly arranged portions, and wherein said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion include alternatingly arranged portions.

75. A measuring part according to any one of claims 71-73, wherein said first electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion, and said second electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion of said second electroconductive portion, wherein said branched portions of said first electroconductive portion and the branched portions of said second electroconductive portion are alternatingly arranged in parallel with each other at regular intervals.

76. A measuring part according to claim 75, wherein said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion include portions which are opposed to each other, wherein the branched portions of said first electroconductive portion are extended toward said second electroconductive portion, and the branched portions of said second electroconductive portion are extended toward said first electroconductive portion.

77. A measuring part according to any one of claims 71-73, wherein said third electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion, and said fourth electroconductive portion includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion of said fourth electroconductive portion, wherein said branched portions of said third electroconductive portion and the branched portions of said fourth electroconductive portion are alternatingly arranged in parallel with each other at regular intervals.

78. A measuring part according to claim 77, wherein said third electroconductive portion and said fourth electroconductive portion include portions which are opposed to each other, wherein the branched portions of said third electroconductive portion are extended toward said fourth electroconductive portion, and the branched portions of said fourth electroconductive portion are extended toward said third electroconductive portion.

79. A measuring part according to claim 70, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion have the same configuration.

80. A measuring part according to any one of claims 70 and 79, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion generate the same electrostatic capacitances when voltages are applied thereto, when said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion are not contacted to the developer.

81. A measuring part according to any one of claims 70-73, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion are disposed inside said developer accommodating portion.

82. A measuring part for measuring the amount of a developer contained in a developer accommodating portion for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, said measuring part comprising:

an insulative substrate; and

a first electrostatic capacity generating portion including first electroconductive portions and second electroconductive portions alternatingly arranged in parallel with each other at regular intervals and a second electrostatic capacity generating portion including third electroconductive portions and fourth electroconductive portions alternatingly arranged in parallel with each other at regular intervals, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion are provided on said insulative substrate.

83. A measuring part according to claim 82, wherein, said first and third electroconductive portions are electrically connected with each other, and are electrically connected to common electric input contact.

84. A measuring part according to claim 82, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion has a portion where first electroconductive portions and said second electroconductive portions are arranged alternatingly in parallel with each other at regular intervals.

85. A measuring part according to claim 84, wherein said first electroconductive portions and said second electroconductive portions include respective branched portions extended toward each other.

86. A measuring part according to claim 82, 83 or 84, wherein said first electroconductive portions includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion, wherein said second electroconductive portions includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion of said second electroconductive portion, and wherein said branched portions of said first electroconductive portions and said branched portions of said second electroconductive portions are alternatingly arranged in parallel with each other at regular intervals.

87. A measuring part according to claim 85, wherein adjacent ones of the branched portions have substantially the same lengths.

88. A measuring part according to claim 82 or 83, wherein said third electroconductive portions and said fourth electroconductive portions include portions which are arranged alternatingly in parallel with each other at regular intervals.

89. A measuring part according to any one of claims 82 and 83, wherein said third electroconductive portions includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion, and said fourth electroconductive portions includes a base portion and a plurality of branched portions extended from the base portion, wherein said branched portions of said third electroconductive portions and the branched portions of said fourth electroconductive portions are alternatingly arranged in parallel with each other at regular intervals.

90. A measuring part according to claim 89, wherein said third electroconductive portions and said fourth electroconductive portions include respective branched portions extended toward each other.

91. A measuring part according to claim 89, wherein adjacent ones of said branched portions of said third electroconductive portion and said branched portions of said fourth electroconductive portions have substantially the same lengths.

92. A measuring part according to claim 91, wherein said first electroconductive portions as those of said second electroconductive portions have the same configurations and said third electroconductive portions and said fourth electroconductive portions, respectively.

93. A measuring part according to claim 82, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion generate the same electrostatic capacitances when voltages are applied thereto, when said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion are not contacted to the developer.

94. A measuring part according to claim 82, wherein said first electrostatic capacity generating portion and said second electrostatic capacity generating portion are disposed inside said developer accommodating portion.

95. A measuring part according to claim 82, wherein said measuring part is provided in a process cartridge, and when said process cartridge is mounted to a main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said measuring part outputs to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus an electric signal corresponding to an amount of the developer accorded in the developer accommodating portion of said process cartridge.

96. A measuring part according to claim 82, wherein said measuring part is provided in a developer supply container, and when said developer supply container is mounted to a main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said measuring part outputs to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus an electric signal corresponding to an amount of the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion of said developer supply container.