| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developer amount detecting device capable of always accurately detecting the residual amount of developer. SOLUTION: In this developer amount detecting device detecting the residual amount of toner by making a float (developer amount and position detection member) 11 follow up the movement of the level position of toner (developer) in a toner container (developer storing part) 3 and detecting the position of the float 11; a stirring member 4 is rotated in contact with the float 11 so as to press back the float 11 when the residual amount of the toner in the container 3 is decreased to be equal to or under a specified value. Even when there is possibility that the float 11 is embedded in the toner, the member 4 is rotated in contact with the float 11 so as to press back the float 11, so that the float 11 is not embedded in the toner. when the contact of the float 11 with the member 4 is released thereafter, the float 11 falls on the upper level of the toner and grasps the level of the toner, whereby the residual amount of the toner is accurately detected even when the residual amount of the toner is small. |
