Patent ID: 7957678
Filing Date: 2011-06-07
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A developing unit comprising: a developer carrying member configured to carry developer; first and second rotary members arranged parallel to each other and configured to rotate to agitate and convey the developer; a regulating member to regulate a thickness of the developer on the developer carrying member, the regulating member being supported at a position below the developer carrying member, and regulating a thickness of the developer on the developer carrying member at a lower portion of the developer carrying member; and an enclosure to contain the developer, comprising: the first chamber communicating with the second chamber through the openings, the first rotary member being positioned in the first chamber, the second rotary member being positioned in the second chamber, the first rotary member being configured to supply the developer to the developer carrying member, and to convey the developer in the first chamber to the second chamber through at least one of the openings, the first rotary member includes a first screw having a first blade, an outer periphery of a lowest portion of the first rotary member rotating in a direction which is towards the developer carrying member, the second rotary member being configured to convey the developer in the second chamber to the first chamber through at least another one of the openings, the second rotary member includes a second screw having a second blade, wherein the first blade has a smaller screw pitch than a screw pitch of the second blade.