| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently and adequately detect an amount of remaining developer and an abnormal state relating to image formation. <P>SOLUTION: A process cartridge C can be mounted in a laser beam printer. The cartridge C includes: a toner seal 6 for blocking contact of unused toner with a developer carrier 2; a first electrode member 41 disposed nearer to the developer carrier than to the attached position of the toner seal 6; and a second electrode member 42 disposed farther from the developer carrier 2 than from the attached position of the toner seal 6. Based upon electrostatic capacitance generated in the first electrode member 41 and electrostatic capacitance generated in the second electrode member 42, it is determined whether or not the cartridge C is correctly in contact with a printer main body, whether the toner seal is removed or not, or whether toner is unevenly distributed within a container or not. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO |
