| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the detecting accuracy of a residual amount of toner to be stored in a developing unit. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: a development roller 22 that is a developer carrier carrying a developer including a toner and being used for development; a developer storage chamber 201 for storing the developer to be supplied to the developer roller 22; a screw 206 disposed in the developer storage chamber 201 and rotating about a shaft part 208 to stir and carry the developer; a light emitting part 212 provided projecting in the radial direction of the shaft part 208, rotating about the shaft part 208, and emitting the light to the interior of the developer storage chamber 201; and a light receiving part 216 provided in the developer storage chamber 201 above a position in which the developer is stored, and receiving the light emitted from a light emitting window 212a to the interior of the developer storage chamber 201. The image forming apparatus specifies the amount of the developer stored in the developer storage chamber 201 at a rotation period of the shaft part 208 according to a time when the light receiving part 216 receives the light, and supplies the developer storage chamber 201 with the developer according to the specified amount of the developer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&INPIT |
