Patent ID: 9223245
Filing Date: 2015-12-29
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A developing device to perform development by supplying toner in a developer, in which the toner and a carrier are mixed, to an electrostatic latent image formed on an image bearing member, the developing device comprising: a development member which receives the developer on an outer circumferential surface thereof and supplies the toner to the image bearing member; a first regulation member that comprises a first regulating portion to form a first doctor gap between the outer circumferential surface of the development member and the first regulating portion; and a second regulation member disposed on an upstream side of the first regulation member in a rotational direction of the development member and comprising a second regulating portion to form a second doctor gap between the outer circumferential surface of the development member and the second regulating portion, wherein the second doctor gap includes gaps formed at a central portion and both end portions, respectively, in a longitudinal direction of the development member, wherein the gap at the central portion is different than gaps at both end portions, such that the second doctor gaps at the both end portions correspond to end portions of the first regulation member to compensate for irregularity of the first doctor gap, wherein the developer passes the gaps at the central portion and both end portions and is supplied to the first doctor gap as the development member rotates, wherein the second doctor gaps at the both end portions are less than the second doctor gap at the central portion, the second doctor gaps at the both end portions and the second doctor gap at the central portion are greater than the first doctor gap, and wherein the second doctor gaps are all different sizes.