Patent ID: 7079793

Claim:
An image forming apparatus, which supplies a two-component developer composed of toner and carrier to an electrostatic latent image formed on an image holding element by a developing roller in a developer reservoir to make the latent image as a developer image, transfers the developer image to a material to be transferred, eliminates the toner remained on the image holding element and collects the toner to the developer reservoir by a collection device, and replenishes toner to the developer reservoir by a toner replenish device, comprising: first and second partition members which divide the inside of the developer reservoir into first to third chambers substantially parallel to the developing roller; a first connecting opening which is formed in the first partition member, and connects the first and second chambers; a second connecting opening which is formed in the second partition member, and connects the second and third chambers; a first stirring and carrying member which is provided in the first chamber, and supplies developer to the developing roller by stirring and carrying in a first direction from one end side to the other end side of the chamber; a second stirring and carrying member which is provided in the second chamber, and feeds the toner replenished from the replenish device and developer fed from the first chamber to the second chamber through the first connecting opening to one end side of the first stirring and carrying member by stirring and carrying in a second direction reverse to the first direction; and a third stirring and carrying member which is provided in the third chamber, and feeds the toner collected by the collection device to one end side of the first stirring and carrying member by stirring and carrying in the second direction at a speed lower than the second stirring and carrying member.