CPC G03G 15/0877 (2013.01) [G03G 15/0893 (2013.01)] | 15 Claims |
1. A developing device comprising:
a developer carrier to carry a developer;
a conveyance path to circulate the developer and to supply the developer to the developer carrier;
a discharge path extending from the conveyance path, wherein the discharge path includes a discharge port to discharge a portion of the developer, as excess developer; and
a valve body provided between the conveyance path and the discharge port, the valve body including an inlet side oriented toward the conveyance path and an outlet side disposed opposite the inlet side to allow a passage of the excess developer from the conveyance path through the valve body, toward the discharge port, when a pressure applied to the inlet side is greater than a pressure threshold value.
|