| 摘要 |
PURPOSE:To prevent trouble in machinery and abnormal image due to use after service life and to make clear an exchange period by counting an end of toner detecting signal and locking a cover member of a storing room when a specified value is reached by a counter. CONSTITUTION:A counter which is activated by a signal from a detecting means which detects the quantity of developer in the storing room 1-4 where the developer replenished from outside is stored, the cover member 1-3 which can be opened / closed against the storing room 1-4, and a locking means which locks the cover member 1-3 when the specified value is reached by the counter are provided. The counter is constituted from a rachet wheel 1-14 and the locking means is constituted from a locking member 1-21. Thus, replenishing of the developer to the developing device where the end of service life is displayed once is prevented, trouble in machinery and abnormal image due to use of the developing device after the service life of the developing device can be prevented, the life span of the developing device is clearly transmitted to a user, making clear the exchange period, and there is no possibility of the mismatching between the life span display of the developing device and the actual state of use causing trouble in machinery or abnormal image. |
