Patent ID: 8099014
Filing Date: 2012-01-17
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus for transferring a developer image formed on a surface of an electrostatic latent image carrier to a transfer medium by electrophotography to output an image, the image forming apparatus including a developing device comprising: a developer reservoir having developer stored therein; a developing roller disposed adjacently to the developer reservoir for carrying the developer; and a sealing member that is brought into close contact with the developer reservoir so as to cover a communication port in communication with inside of the developer reservoir, the communication port being formed as an opening by peeling off the sealing member, wherein the developing device is configured so as to be detachable to the image forming apparatus by sliding along a longitudinal direction of the developing roller, wherein the developer reservoir of the developing device is provided with an agitating screw, and a shaft support member pivotally supports the agitating screw and the developing roller at an opposite end of an attaching direction of the developing device, wherein the axial direction of the agitating screw is disposed horizontally while the developing roller is disposed above it, and a timing belt is disposed as a driving transmission means at the opposite end of the agitating screw and the developing roller, wherein the shaft support member is provided with a sealing passing member having an opening with an approximately elliptical shape, through which the peeled-off sealing member passes, wherein the opening of the sealing passing member is projectively disposed passing through the shaft support member along the longitudinal direction of the sealing member attached to the developing device and, when viewed from axial direction of the agitating screw, between the agitating screw and the developing roller and within an enclosure of the timing belt.