| 摘要 |
PURPOSE:To perform sure detection of residual quantity with a simple constitution by actuating a detecting means with a lever which cooperates with a toner agitating/ conveying means of changing oscillation rates with a decrease in the residual quantity of toner. CONSTITUTION:A link 36 which is provided with an engaging groove is oscillated by way of a gear 39 provided with a pin 38. When the engagement of its engaging groove with the pin 38 is opened during one turn of the gear 39, the link 36 is further moved and turned by the elastic force of a spring 37. The toner T contained in a toner replenishing box 15 is agitated by the toner conveying means 33 which is held fixed to the end of the lever 3300 being oscillated together with this link 36 and is opened with holes 3003... and at the same time the toner T is supplied through the holes 3300... to the replenishing space S. Hence, as the residual quantity of the toner T in the box 15 decreases, the resistance by the toner T decreases. This results in an increase in the rate of oscillation of the lever 3300 by the inertia at the oscillation resetting of te lever 3300 and the elastic force of the spring 37, causing a detecting means 40 to be actuated by the link 36 turning integrally with said lever. Thus, the detection of the residual toner quantity below the specified quantity is surely accomplished by the simple constitution. |
