Toner scatter suppressing developing device, image formation apparatus and process cartridge

摘要

A developing device includes a developing agent carrying member which rotates in the same direction as a latent image carrying member while carrying a developing agent. A casing is provided to form a developing agent storing space therein for storing developing agent and has an opening whereby a portion of the surface of the developing agent carrying member faces the latent image carrying member. A developing agent restricting member is provided upstream of a developing region within the casing such that a gap is formed between the developing agent restricting member and the developing agent carrying member to restrict the amount of developing agent supplied to the developing region. Means for generating a magnetic field are provided so that the developing agent forms a magnetic brush closing off the space between the surface of the developing agent carrying member and the inner wall of the casing. A gas exhaust path is provided in an upstream space of the developing region between the surface of the developing agent carrying member and the inner wall of the casing so as to exhaust gas generated in the upstream space.