| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a powder transport device which has simple configuration not using a sensor and nonetheless correctly determines the remaining amount of powder in a powder storage section or the like, and to provide a powder supplying device and an image forming apparatus each provided with the powder transport device. <P>SOLUTION: The powder transport device which discharges the powder (toner) from the powder storage section (toner cartridge) storing the powder and transports them to a transport destination is provided with: a control section 110 for performing control so as to carry out a discharge and transport operation for a specified time for discharging the powders from the powder storage section and transporting the powders to the transport destination, at least once; and a determination section 120 for determining the remaining amount of the powder in the powder storage section, based on the number of the discharge and transport operations. A period for replacing the powder storage section and a period for replenishing the powder to the powder storage section may be determined in place of or in addition to the determination of the remaining amount. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT |
