Patent ID: 7346298
Filing Date: 2008-03-18
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A developing device used in an electrophotographic image-forming apparatus, comprising: a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member with developer; a first container section which contains developer to be fed to the developing member; a second container section positioned above the first container section in a state in which the developing device is installed in the electrophotographic image-forming apparatus, the second container section containing developer supplied from a developer supplier to feed developer to the first container section and being connected to the first container section through a first opening and a second opening; a first developer-conveying member disposed in the first container section, the first developer-conveying member feeding developer to the developing member and conveying developer from the first opening to the second opening in the first container section; a second developer-conveying member disposed in the second container section, the second developer-conveying member conveying developer from the second opening to the first opening in the second container section, wherein a developer-conveying ability of the second developer-conveying member to convey developer from the second opening to the first opening in the second container section is weaker than a developer-conveying ability of the first developer-conveying member to convey developer from the first opening to the second opening in the first container section, the ability of the first and second developer-conveying members corresponding to how fast the developer is conveyed between the first and second openings.