Patent ID: 6931217
Filing Date: 2005-08-16
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A toner residual amount detection apparatus having: a developing device for developing an electrostatic image formed on an image bearing member by a toner, said developing device being provided on and movable with respect to an apparatus main body; a sensor for outputting information corresponding to a toner residual amount in said developing device; judging means for comparing an output of said sensor with a reference value to thereby judge a toner residual amount, wherein said judging means judges that the toner residual amount is insufficient when a number of times that the output of said sensor is less than the reference value within a predetermined detection time exceeds a reference number of times, and wherein image forming is inhibited after a predetermined number of times of image forming after the toner residual amount is judged to be insufficient; and changing means for changing the reference number of times to a smaller value when it is judged that the toner residual amount is insufficient.