| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toner detecting system for detecting the presence of toner and an actual toner level. SOLUTION: The toner detecting system is constituted of a toner container 32, toner sensors 44 which are provided with toner detecting elements and for detecting toner levels, a driving means for pressing the toner detecting elements and a detector for detecting the toner level 52. Mechanical pressure is exerted on the toner sensors 44 by the driving means. Then, the detector executes the detection of the presence of the toner in each position, with detectable signals for showing toner deficiency in respective sensor positions 46, 48 and 50. The number of the toner sensors is increased so that the toner levels in many positions can be detected. Instead, a single long and narrow toner sensor can be used to enable the detection of the actual toner level 52 in the toner container 32 as well. |
