Patent ID: 8036576

Claim:
A developing device, comprising: a developing unit configured to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on a latent image bearing member with a developer comprising a toner and a carrier; and a circulation unit configured to collect the developer from the developing unit and return the developer to the developing unit, the circulation unit comprising a container including a main body having a supply opening provided in an upper portion thereof and a discharge opening provided in a lower portion thereof, the container configured to hold a part of the developer, the container comprising a plurality of agitation members configured to agitate the developer collected from the developing unit and fresh toner so that a plurality of flows of the developer is produced in the container, the plurality of agitation members each comprising stirring paddles which rotate around rotation shafts extending in a horizontal direction perpendicular to a falling direction of the developer, wherein the plurality of agitation members is provided in vertical and horizontal directions in the main body of the container, and directions of rotation of the plurality of agitation members are independently controllable.