| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developing device configured to properly supply developer while preventing increase in load to a driving source of a conveyance member, in conveying the developer in a direction opposite to the gravitational direction.SOLUTION: In a developing device 3, a supply-side agitation member 304 for supplying developer opposite to a developing sleeve and a collection-side agitation member 305 for agitating and conveying the developer collected after development from the developing sleeve are arranged vertically, to convey the developer in a direction opposite to the gravitational direction. The developing device is driven for a predetermined time in a direction opposite to the developer conveyance direction according to the time elapsed from when the agitation members are stopped, to soften the developer accumulated in a communication part 307 between the supply side and the collection side, thereby reducing drive resistance when the agitation members 304, 305 are restarted. |
