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 including 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, a magnetic force sensing device, 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 based
on the output of the magnetic force sensing device. An image forming
apparatus may include the developing device.
