Liquid-level detection device, image forming device, and liquid containing device

An image forming device, comprising:

• an image forming section configured to form an image based on image information;
• a liquid developer circulation device configured to recycle liquid developer used in the image forming section;
• a liquid storing container disposed in the liquid developer circulation device and configured to store the liquid developer to be recycled;
• and
• a liquid-level detection device including
• a rotator disposed in the interior of the liquid storing container, and configured to be rotated by liquid to be supplied to the liquid storing container, the rotator includes
• a rotary shaft rotatably attached to a wall of the liquid storing container, and
• a blade member formed to extend radially from the rotary shaft and configured to be hit by liquid supplied to the liquid storing container,
• a rotation detection mechanism detecting a rotation state of the rotator, and
• a liquid-level detection device configured to detect whether a liquid level in the liquid storing container is positioned in a predetermined position based on a result detected by the rotation detection mechanism, wherein
• even when the liquid stored in the liquid storing container is not stirred, the liquid-level detection device detects whether the liquid level in the liquid storing container is positioned in a predetermined position.

A liquid containing device configured to store liquid, comprising:

• a liquid storing container configured to store liquid;
• a liquid supply part disposed on an upper portion of the liquid storing container;
• a liquid outlet disposed on a bottom portion of the liquid storing container;
• a liquid channel connecting the liquid outlet and the liquid supply part;
• a pump disposed in the liquid channel and configured to pump the liquid developer in the liquid outlet to the liquid supply part;
• a rotator disposed in the interior of the liquid storing container and rotated by liquid to be supplied to the liquid storing container from the liquid supply part, the rotator includes
• a rotary shaft and a blade member;
• the rotary shaft is rotatably attached to a wall of the liquid storing container, and
• the blade member is formed to extend radially from the rotary shaft and is configured to be hit by liquid to be supplied to the liquid storing container;
• a rotation detection mechanism detecting a rotation state of the rotator;
• and
• a liquid-level detection device detecting whether a liquid level in the liquid storing container is positioned in a predetermined position based on a result detected by the rotation detection mechanism, wherein
• even when the liquid stored in the liquid storing container is not stirred, the liquid-level detection device detects whether the liquid level in the liquid storing container is positioned in a predetermined position.