Patent ID: 7587154
Filing Date: 2009-09-08
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A developing unit for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of a latent image bearing member rotating in one direction with an electrified developer that is prepared by mixing two components, or an electrostatically chargeable toner and magnetic carrier in a developing vessel, comprising: a developing roller for conveying the developer to the latent image bearing member; a carrier collecting roller disposed on the downstream side of the developing roller with respect to the rotational direction of the latent image bearing member; a cooling portion including a forced draft duct for airflow from a cooling fan and disposed on the bottom side of the developing vessel; a suctioning portion including a suctioning duct for conducting an airflow from suctioning ports disposed on the lower side of the carrier collecting roller for collecting scattered toner, the suctioning duct being disposed under the forced draft duct; a filter disposed in the suctioning portion for removing the scattered toner from the airflow in the suctioning duct; and, an exhaust portion including an airflow exhaust duct that receives and combines the airflow from the suctioning duct after it has passed through the filter and the airflow from the cooling portion after it has passed through the forced draft duct, the exhausting portion conducting the combined airflows to an exhaust port.