| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developer replenishment device which detects a stop- empty status. SOLUTION: The device is equipped with a container 14 for storing toner 50 which has in its upper part a window 54 for allowing the entry of light, a light emitting member 56 for emitting light into the container via the window, a reflecting plate 48 provided on the inside bottom of the container, a light receiving member 58 for receiving light reflected from the reflecting plate, and a stirring plate 34 which rotates in the container and around a nearly- horizontally disposed rotary shaft 30 and stirs and carries the toner stored in the container. In the device, the stirring plate has one or more, openings to allow the toner to move via the openings as the stirring plate rotates. Thus, the surface of the toner, after the passage of the stirring plate, kept almost horizontal, and a stop-empty status can securely be detected. |
