Developing unit using toner having a magnetic shield between the agitation chamber and a developing roller

摘要

A developing unit including a developing chamber provided with a rotatable developing sleeve and a magnet roller capable of rotating inside the developing sleeve, and a first agitator for agitating a developer, and an agitation chamber provided with a second agitator for supplying a magnetic toner to the developing chamber. A restriction member, formed of a magnetic material, is suspended between the developing chamber and the agitation chamber. A free end of the restriction member extends toward the first agitator and a toner supply slit is formed below the lower, or free, end of the restriction member so that the magnetic toner supplied by the second agitator in the agitation chamber is conducted to the first agitator without direct contact with the developing sleeve. As a result, the magnetic toner can be supplied and agitated positively and stably.