Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus

摘要

An elastically deformable region of an elastic layer in a developer supplying roller is near an agitator. In a state where the agitator agitates a predetermined region or where the agitator is in contact with the developer supplying roller, the agitator is rotated in the same direction as the developer supplying roller.

主权项

1. A developing device comprising:
a developer carrying member configured to carry developer; a developer supplying roller rotatably supported, being in contact with the developer carrying member, and including a continuous foam elastic layer configured to supply the developer to the developer carrying member; and an agitator rotatable in the same direction as the developer supplying roller and configured to agitate and pass through at least part of a predetermined region above the developer supplying roller in a gravity direction, wherein a length of the predetermined region in the gravity direction is a length from an upper portion of the developer supplying roller to a location corresponding to a radius of the developer supplying roller, and wherein a region W where the elastic layer is elastically deformed from its natural state by coming into contact with the developer carrying member is near a side of the agitator with respect to a line connecting a center of the developer supplying roller and a center of the developer carrying member, and wherein the agitator conveys the developer to a region U where the elastic layer is elastically deformed into its natural state and the developer supplying roller sucks the developer.