Patent ID: 7283755
Filing Date: 2007-10-16
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A remaining toner detection apparatus wherein a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element of a remaining toner sensor are detachably fitted to a toner cartridge, and that detects an amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge based on a light-receiving output of the light-receiving element when the light-emitting element emits light; wherein, a pair of indentations is formed with a vertical spacing on a side wall of the toner cartridge and project inwardly of the toner cartridge, said indentations having upper and lower surfaces with the upper surface of one of the indentations and the lower surface of the other indentation being vertically opposed, respective translucent windows are arranged on opposing upper and lower surfaces of the indentations protruding into the toner cartridge, defining a horizontally disposed gap between said surfaces, and the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of the remaining toner sensor are inserted into the indentations such that the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of the remaining toner sensor face each other across said gap via the translucent windows of the indentations.