| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the accuracy in detection of the remaining amount of toner in a developing container in a developing device. SOLUTION: A detecting optical path L passing through a detecting window 5, the developing container 2 and a window member 13 is formed by light emitting and receiving elements 15a and 15b. A flexible stirring wing (cleaning member) 9 is deflected and rotated to remove the toner on the inside surface 5a of the detecting window 5 by the top end part 9b of the wing 9. After the removal, a light transmission time up to covering with the toner again is detected by the light receiving element 15b, etc., to detect the remaining amount of the toner. A guiding surface 10 is formed on the downstream side of the detecting window 5, to gradually reduce the deflection of the stirring wing 9 after the detection. When the deflection is suddenly eliminated, the toner is scattered by the jumping of a rotary wing, the detecting optical path L is unreasonably cut off and the accuracy in the detection of the transmission time is reduced. Therefore, the deflection is gradually eliminated to improve the accuracy in the detection. |
