| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toner supply device capable of accurately detecting a quantity of toner remaining in a toner container even when the toner in the container decreases and its level becomes uneven, thereby preventing a decrease in a quantity of toner supplied from the toner container. <P>SOLUTION: Even when the level toner becomes uneven due to a decrease in a quantity of toner remaining in the toner container 41, the level of the quantity of remaining toner is accurately detected using three pairs of light emitting elements 51a to 53 and light receiving elements 51b to 53b. According to the detected level of the quantity of remaining toner, the rotating speed of a screw shaft 45 or a period of time that it is rotated are controlled. Thus, an appropriate quantity of toner is speedily supplied from the toner container 41 to a developer tank 42. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT |
