| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that precisely detects an amount of remaining developer gradually being depleted to zero during a high-speed printing operation when the amount of remaining developer is small, and is capable of printing without impairing printing productivity or quality. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus, stirring drive means variably drives a stirring member 25 by which a developer housed in a developer housing section 20 is stirred and supplied to an image carrier 2 via developing means 4. The stirring drive means reduces its stirring speed, within one cycle of rotation of the stirring member 25, at timing when the stirring member 25 passes through a position where the stirring member 25 performs an optical remaining-amount when an amount of remaining developer is detected. In contrast, the stirring drive means increase the stirring speed at other timing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&INPIT |
