Patent ID: 7450870
Filing Date: 2008-11-11
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A developing device, comprising: a developing member configured to carry toner on a surface thereof and to perform a developing rotation during an image forming operation and a reverse rotation during a non-image forming operation, the range of rotation of the developing member being limited to a non-toner covered region in the reverse direction, where the surface of the developing member has a predetermined region where toner adheres to the surface of the developing member and the non-toner covered region; and a toner layer regulating member held in contact with the developing member and configured to regulate a layer of the toner on the surface of the developing member, the toner layer regulating member configured not to rotate with the developing member during the image forming operation and to rotate with the developing member during the non-image forming operation; wherein the developing member is configured to perform the developing rotation immediately after termination of the non-image forming operation so as to perform a compulsory toner consumption to supply toner onto an image bearing member.