| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developing device with a simple structure capable of more surely detecting exhaustion of developer before it occurs and of achieving stabilization of a developer conveyance amount. <P>SOLUTION: A developing device 23 comprises: a developing section 6 having a developer carrier 27, a developer supply member 28 and a developer recovery member 29; a developer agitating section 14 disposed at a different position from that of the developing section 6; developer conveying means 16 and 42 for conveying developer from the developer agitating section 14 to the developing section 6 by air conveyance through inside of a developer conveying path 17; an opening 25 communicating between the developer supply member 28 and the developer recovery member 29; and developer detecting means 49 for detecting whether or not the developer exists in the vicinity of the developer supply member 28, in the lower vicinity of the developer supply member 28 and at a downstream side from the opening 25 in a developer conveyance direction by the developer supply member 28. The developing device 23 returns the developer circulated in the developing section 6 to the developer agitating section 14 through a developer discharging path 15. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&INPIT |
