| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developing device capable of stably supplying toner by restraining excessive supply of toner and an insufficient supply of toner. <P>SOLUTION: The developing device 14 has a so-called buffer structure having a buffer section 20 and a hopper section 10. Using an opening 81 connecting the both, the developing device 14 supplies toner from the hopper section 10 to the buffer section 20. A partition plate 8 is provided with shutters 7A and 7B moved so as to open or close the opening 81. The shutter 7B at the lower end side of the opening 81 is located higher when a quantity of toner stored in the hopper section 10 is larger. This raises the lower end of the opening 81, thereby narrowing the opening. On the other hand, when the quantity of toner stored in the hopper section is smaller, the shutter 7B is located at the lower position. This lowers the lower end of the opening 81, thereby widening the opening. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT |
