DEVELOPER DETERIORATION STATE DETECTION DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND DEVELOPER DETERIORATION STATE DETECTION METHOD

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide developer deterioration state detection means, an image forming apparatus, and a developer deterioration state detection method capable of measuring accumulation state of developer and detecting fluidity and deterioration state of developer from the accumulation state.;SOLUTION: A developer deterioration state detection device has: developer conveyance means for conveying developer stored in a developing device from the developing device; a developer discharging port which is arranged on a developer conveyance path of the developer conveyance means for dropping the developer conveyed by the developer conveyance means downward; a developer accumulation table which is arranged below the developer discharging port for accumulating the developer dropped from the developer discharging port; accumulation state detection means for detecting the accumulation state of the developer accumulated on the developer accumulation table; and deterioration state detection means for detecting the deterioration state of the developer from the accumulation state of the developer.;COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&INPIT