Patent ID: 7991313
Filing Date: 2011-08-02
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an alternating-current power supply; a developer container containing a developer; a developer carrier that is provided in the developer container and that is configured to carry and convey the developer; an electrode member that opposes the developer carrier to form a pair of electrodes with the developer carrier; and a remaining-amount-of-developer detecting unit configured to apply an alternating-current voltage supplied from the alternating-current power supply to the developer carrier or one electrode of the pair of electrodes and to measure the difference in voltage between the other electrode of the pair of electrodes and the developer carrier or the one electrode of the pair of electrodes in order to detect the remaining amount of the developer in the developer container, wherein the alternating-current power supply includes: wherein the alternating-current voltage controlled with the controlling unit is applied to the developer carrier or the one electrode of the pair of electrodes to detect the remaining amount of the developer in the developer container.