Developing device using a developing liquid and image forming apparatus including the same

• Main Authors: Satoh, Osamu, Sasaki, Tsutomu, Itaya, Masahiko, Kurotori, Tsuneo, Kubozono, Hiroki
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 06.05.2004

A developing device for developing a latent image formed on an image carrier with a developing liquid includes a liquid storing section for storing the liquid consisting of a developing substance and a carrier liquid. A developer carrier deposits the liquid fed from the liquid storing section thereon. A float type liquid level sensor senses a liquid level in the liquid storing section. The liquid level sensor includes a magnetic force generating member for generating a magnetic force, a magnetic force sensing device for sensing the magnetic force, and floats movable up and down in accordance with the liquid level in the liquid storing section. A distance between the magnetic force generating member and the magnetic force sensing device varies in accordance with the movement of the floats, allowing the liquid level to be determined on the basis of the output of the magnetic force sensing device. An image forming apparatus including the developing device is also disclosed.