Patent ID: 8995884
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: G03G,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A developing apparatus configured to perform development by using a developer, the developing apparatus comprising: a developing unit including a developing roller; a developer accommodating unit provided under the developing unit and configured to accommodate the developer; a partition wall configured to form at least a bottom of the developing unit and partitioning the developing unit and the developer accommodating unit; a supply port configured to make communication between the developing unit and the developer accommodating unit and configured so that the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating unit is permitted to move to the developing unit; a transport member provided in the developer accommodating unit and configured to supply the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating unit to the developing unit via the supply port in accordance with rotation; a return port formed at a portion corresponding to the bottom of the developing unit formed by the partition wall and configured to permit the developer contained in the developing unit to fall into the developer accommodating unit; an opening/closing member provided for the developing unit and configured to be movable between an open position for opening the return port and a closed position for closing the return port, wherein, in a case where the opening/closing member is in the closed position, the supply port is open and allows developer accommodated in the developer accommodating unit to move to the developing unit; and a driving mechanism configured to move the opening/closing member between closed position and the open position.