Patent ID: 7991330
Filing Date: 2011-08-02
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A developing unit, comprising: a developer bearing member provided across from a latent image bearing member, configured to bear a developer on a surface of the developer bearing member and supply a toner to a latent image on a surface of the latent image bearing member while rotating; a developer transporter configured to convey the developer; a developer conveyance system configured to direct the developer, the developer conveyance system including: a developer supply opening through which the developer is supplied to the developer conveyance system; a developer supply device configured to supply the developer from the developer supply opening to the developer conveyance system; a developer discharge device configured to discharge the developer outside the developing unit; a developer detector configured to detect an increase in a level of the developer between the downstream end of the recovery path facing the developer bearing member in the direction of developer transport and a portion of the agitation path where the agitation path receives the collected developer from the recovery path; and a controller configured to control the developer discharge device based on a detection result provided by the developer detector.