| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce developer remaining in a position on an internal wall of a developer storage chamber corresponding to the lengthwise middle of a developer conveying member. <P>SOLUTION: A developing unit 4 includes: a toner storage chamber 18a; a developing chamber 18b; an opening 27 between the toner storage chamber 18a and developing chamber 18b; a toner conveying member 22 in the toner storage chamber 18a; and a developing roller 17 in the developing chamber 18b. In the internal wall of the toner storage chamber 18a, a boundary p is set as a reference, which is located on a downstream side of the lowest part q in the rotating direction of the toner conveying member 22, and where an angle of the internal wall with respect to a horizontal surface changes to an angle of repose of developer or greater from an angle less than the angle of repose thereof. The amount of deformation of the toner conveying member 22 which is deformed while being in contact with the internal wall is set larger at both lengthwise ends 22y than that at the lengthwise middle 22x on an upstream side of the boundary p in the rotating direction of the toner conveying member 22, and the amount of deformation is substantially uniform in a longitudinal direction on a downstream side of the boundary p in the rotating direction of the toner conveying member 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT |
