| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable correct detection of an amount of toner in a toner cartridge without an optical sensor and a reduction in cost. SOLUTION: An actuating member comprising a rodlike member 18 and a lever body 19 is disposed in a toner cartridge 17 and the rodlike body 18 is energized so as to be pulled into the toner cartridge 17 by a spring 20. A switch circuit 21 is disposed in the vicinity of the toner cartridge 17, and the contact of the leading end of the rodlike member 18 projecting from the toner cartridge 17 and a switching member 22 is enabled by the integral rotation of a developing machine 15 and the toner cartridge. When toner 25 decreases to a specific amount or below or when an amount of it put on the lever body 19 decreases because of the toner running out, the rodlike body 18 is pulled into the toner cartridge 17 by the engergizing force of the spring 20 and released from the contact with the switching member 22, so that the electrical output signal of the switch circuit 21 changes. By this signal change, the complete consumption of the toner is mechanically and electrically detected. |
