Patent ID: 6832057
Filing Date: 2004-12-14
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A developing device mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body to be used for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, comprising:a developing sleeve configured and positioned to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; a first electrode; a second electrode opposed to said first electrode; and an electrical contact portion configured and positioned to receive a bias to be applied to said developing sleeve and said second electrode from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, wherein said first electrode and said second electrode are arranged in positions at which a developer can be admitted therebetween so that a value corresponding to a capacitance between said first electrode and said second electrode which exists at the time of applying a voltage to said second electrode is detectable by the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, thereby permitting the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body to detect the amount of developer in said developing device.