| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To replenish a developing part with developer, while making the amount of developer in the developing part stable. <P>SOLUTION: Each developing unit 40 is provided with the developing part 42 developing an electrostatic latent image on an electrostatic latent image carrier 2; a replenishing part 44, ranging to one end in the longitudinal direction of the developing part 42; and conveying members 46 and 48 conveying the developer between the replenishing part 44 and the developing part 42. The replenishing part 44 is provided with a storage space P for storing the developer, a supply space Q for supplying the developer to the developing part 42, and a preliminary space R interposed between the storage space P and the supply space Q. When the developing unit 40 is arranged at a developing position A, a predetermined amount of developer in the storage space P is supplied to the preliminary space R and the supply space Q, the developer in the supply space Q and a proper amount of developer in the preliminary space R are supplied to the developing part 42, then the excess developer in the preliminary space R is pressed back to the storage space P by powder pressure of the developer which circulates between the developing part 42 and the supply space Q, whereby the amount of the developer in the developing part 42 can be adjusted to be equal to or lower than a predetermined amount. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT |
