Patent ID: 7440717
Filing Date: 2008-10-21
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A developing apparatus comprising: a developing bath that receives supply of toner from a toner replenishing container; a toner transport pipe provided between the toner replenishing container and the developing bath, in which a toner supply port for supplying toner to the developing bath is formed; and a toner supply port opening/closing mechanism for opening and closing the toner supply port while the transport pipe and the developing bath remain in essentially fixed positional relation; wherein the toner supply port opening/closing mechanism comprises: a shutter member provided so as to be capable of moving back and forth in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the toner transport pipe, for opening and closing the toner supply port; a shaft provided detachably to the shutter member, for moving the shutter member back and forth; a first spring member provided in contact with the shaft, for supporting the shaft such that the shaft is detachable to the shutter member through its extension and contraction; and a lever member that is provided so as to be capable of being released and closed, that abuts against the first spring member when closed, and extends and contracts the first spring member through its releasing and closing.