| 摘要 |
PURPOSE:To efficiently detect the timing for exchanging a developer cartridge by providing a floating means, transmitting means, detecting means and display means to said cartridge. CONSTITUTION:The float means, housed in the developer cartridge 2, is positioned in the uppermost part of a storage tank of the deposited developer or near said part and is changed in its position momentarily according to a decrease in the amt. of the deposition. The detecting means 26 recognizes the position of the transmitting means as the timing for exchanging the developer cartridge when the float means is gradually displaced down to the side lower than an opening face 8 of the developer cartridge 2 and approaches the bottom of, for example, a hopper. A detection signal is then emitted. The detection signal is transmitted to an image forming device body and is displayed as, for example, a pilot lamp for the timing for exchange or as the infeasible state of the image forming operation to a user. The timing for exchanging the developer cartridge is thereby detected just before the developer is completely consumed. |
