Patent ID: 6505007
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A method of detecting a developer remaining amount for successively detecting the remaining amount of a developer used for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, said method comprising:successively detecting the remaining amount of developer based on a period of time for which light is blocked by a developer carried by a developer carrying member, wherein the developer is carried by the developer carrying member to a position in which the developer blocks the light that has entered a developer containing portion from a first light transmission opening of said developer containing portion for containing the developer when the light transmitted from the first light transmission opening to the inside of the developer containing portion is transmitted from a second light transmission opening of the developer containing portion to the outside of the developer containing portion, wherein said first light transmission opening protrudes above a lower plane of said developer containing portion when said developer containing portion is mounted in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and said first light transmission opening is downwardly inclined along a rotating direction of said developer carrying member, and wherein said second light transmission opening is located above said first light transmission opening when said developer containing portion is mounted in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body.