| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a development device for stably maintaining excellent image quality over a long period of time by preventing developer aggregates from being formed at the upper end of a barrier which partitions a space where a developing sleeve is arranged from a supply conveyance path, and an image forming apparatus including the development device. <P>SOLUTION: In the development device 3, the developer 32 in the supply conveyance path 37 passes a supply communication portion 13a above the barrier 13, so that the developer 32 is supplied to a developer retaining portion 34c retaining the developer 32 to be supplied to the developing sleeve 34a. The developing device 3 includes a paddle member 31 as a developer softening means to soften the developer 32 located above the barrier 13. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT |
