| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain a satisfactory image formation by ensuring a sufficient quantity of a developer in a developing chamber while keeping developer circulation between a developer storage chamber and developing chamber satisfactory. <P>SOLUTION: A rotatable partition member 14 is disposed in an opening 15 between the toner storage chamber 20 and the developing chamber 10. The developing device has two opening/closing parts: one is a first opening/closing part 17a for conveying toner from the toner storage chamber 20 to the developing chamber 10 when the opening is open, and the other is a second opening/closing part 17b for returning toner from the developing chamber 19 to the toner storage chamber 20. Using the two opening/closing parts, fresh toner is supplied to the developing chamber 10 from the toner storage chamber 20, and residual development toner accumulating in the developing chamber 10 is recovered to the toner storage chamber 20. This makes toner circulation between the developing chamber 10 and toner storage chamber 20 satisfactory. When the toner is not supplied to the developing chamber 10, the opening 15 is closed, and accordingly toner can be accumulated sufficiently in the developing chamber 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT |
