Patent ID: 8391755
Filing Date: 2013-03-05
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image on a latent image carrier, the developing device comprising: a toner carrier which is disposed in opposition to the latent image carrier and which carries toner to a developing area; a plurality of electrodes aligned at predetermined intervals within the toner carrier; a toner layer control member provided in opposition to the toner carrier for regulating the toner on the toner carrier to a constant thickness; a voltage application means for applying a voltage to the plurality of electrodes so that an electric field between the plurality of electrodes varies with time, wherein the electric field between the plurality of electrodes causes the toner on the toner carrier to hop and form a cloud; a toner adhesion prevention member that is provided upstream of the developing area where the latent image carrier is in opposition to the toner carrier and downstream of a regulation area where the toner carrier is in opposition to the toner layer control member and that prevents adhesion of toner to the toner carrier; and a toner adhesion amount measurement means for measuring the amount of toner adhering to the surface of the toner carrier, wherein the toner adhesion prevention member is operated using the measurement results of the toner adhesion amount measurement means so as to decrease the amount of toner adhering to the surface of the toner carrier when the amount of toner from the measurement results exceeds a predetermined value.