Patent ID: 7860435
Filing Date: 2010-12-28
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A developing device which is provided in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to supply a developer to a photoreceptor provided in the image forming apparatus and develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor, comprising: a developer bearing member disposed rotatably so as to face the photoreceptor, for bearing the developer thereon; a developing tank for housing the developer therein, a length of the developing tank being beyond a length in an axial direction of the developer bearing member, the developing tank being replenished with a mixture of toner and carrier, the developing tank including: a first agitating and conveying member which is disposed so as to extend from the agitating region tank to the developing region tank, and which agitates and conveys the developer in a direction toward the developer bearing member; a second agitating and conveying member which is disposed so as to extend from the developing region tank to the agitating region tank, and which supplies the developer to the developer bearing member, and which also agitates and conveys the developer in a direction away from the developer bearing member, wherein the first agitating and conveying member and the second agitating and conveying member penetrate the partition wall member, and wherein the partition wall member partially blocks a developer conveying path of the first agitating and conveying member; a third agitating and conveying member which is disposed between the first agitating and conveying member and the second agitating and conveying member in the agitating region tank, and which agitates and conveys the developer in a direction away from the developer bearing member; and an opening portion for discharging a predetermined amount of the developer from the developing tank.