To make configuration for detecting the amount of a developer independent of the color of the developer in an image forming apparatus, and to simplify the configuration of the apparatus.
The image forming apparatus comprises: an exposure device 35 for forming an electrostatic latent image on a surface of a photoreceptor drum 32; a developing roller 36 for visualizing the electrostatic latent image formed by the exposure device with a toner containing an infrared reflecting material; an intermediate transfer roller 50 and a secondary transfer roller 54 for transferring the visualized toner image to a recording medium; and a concentration sensor 58 whose controller illuminates infrared radiation onto a patch formed by driving the exposure device, the developing roller, etc., and detects infrared radiation diffuse-reflected by the patch. With respect to a black toner like other color toners, the amount of the toner can be detected by detecting diffuse light.
COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI
Koji Koie
Masashi Suzuki
Osamu Takahashi
Yukimasa Yoshida
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| JP2000112218A |
Kenji Takenaka
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