| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of precisely detecting and deciding the amount of a developer in a developer storage part, and a process cartridge loaded in the image forming apparatus. SOLUTION: A developing cartridge 32 which is freely loaded in and unloaded from a primary body casing 2 of a color laser printer 1 and equipped with a toner storage chamber 92 and a developing roller 67 has detection windows 100 in a long hole shape extending in the loading/unloading direction in mutually opposite side walls 75 of the toner storage chamber 92. When an image is not formed, the developing roller 67 is moved away from a photosensitive drum 42 and when an image is formed, the developing roller 67 is moved to come into contact with the photosensitive drum 42. An optical sensor 182 faces the lower end part (lower detection light passing point) of each detection window 100 in a separate state to pass detection light and faces the upper end (upper detection light passing point) of each detection window 100 in a contact state to pass the detection light. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI |
