| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a detection system for the amount of developer in which no dispersion in a detection value caused by usage environment is created, and the remaining amount of a developer in a developing container is successively detected with good accuracy even for the developing container housing a large volume of the developer without causing complication of equipment and costwise problems, a developing device, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus. SOLUTION: The detection system for the amount of the developer detecting the amount of the developer in the developing container 4 housing the developer T has: detection voltage application means 34, 36 applying detection voltages for detecting the amount of the developer; a plurality of electrode members at an input side 2, 42 installed inside or outside the developing container 4 and inputting the detection voltages; an electrode member at an output side 41 opposed to the electrode members at the input side 2, 42 and disposed in the developing container 4 and outputting electrostatic capacity between the electrode member 41 and the electrode members at the input side 2, 42 complying with the amount of the developer amount as an output current when the detection voltages are applied; and a detection means 30 detecting the output current. The detection voltage application means 34, 36 apply the detection voltages to the plurality of electrode members for the input side 2 42 in such a way that the detection voltages may be different between the electrode members at the input side 2, 42, respectively. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO |
