| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect a true stop empty state by providing first and second blades rubbing the surface of a reflector and an opening part in the second blade, for illuminating the reflector. SOLUTION: The first and second blades 40 and 42 in a blade part 38 rub the surface of the reflector, together with the rotation of a stirring plate 34. The first blade 40 is shorter than the second blade 42, so that the first blade 40 rubs the reflector together with the rotation of a rotary shaft 30 and then, the second blade 42 rubs the surface of the reflector with a delay of a specified time, to brush away toner on the reflector and to prevent the sticking of the toner on the surface of the reflector. The toner remaining in a toner supplying chamber is detected in such a manner that light emitted from a light emitting member passes through the inner opening part 43 of the second blade 42 and reaches the reflector and the reflected light is detected by a light receiving member. At this time, the fact that the toner of the toner supplying chamber is reduced to a fixed level or below (stop empty state) is precisely detected and a user can be informed of the fact. |
