Abstract: There is provided a developer container, which is divided into a first containing part and a second containing part that are communicated with each other at communication parts on the opposite end sides, which has a discharge port at the second containing part, and in which a developer is contained; a developer carrying member that carries the developer within the developer container to adhere it to the image carrying member; a first conveyance member that conveys the developer in the first containing part of the developer container while agitating it; a second conveyance member that conveys the developer in the second containing part of the developer container while agitating it, and supplies the developer to the developer carrying member; a third conveyance member that is arranged between the second conveyance member and the discharge port; a first driving member that rotary-drives the first conveyance member and the second conveyance member; and a second driving member that drives the third driving member

Abstract: A charging device has a stainless steel sheet electrode for charging an image bearing member, and a cleaner for cleaning the stainless steel sheet electrode. The stainless steel sheet electrode has a thickness within a range from 50 ?m to 60 ?m and comprises aligned triangular pins. Each of the triangular pins has a vertex angle within a range from 10 degrees to 30 degrees. The cleaner has two grinding members comprising abrasive grains having an average diameter within a range from 2 ?m to 9 ?m, and the two grinding members are in contact with, respectively, both main surfaces of the sheet electrode. The cleaner and the sheet electrode are moved relative to each other at a constant speed by a force equal to or less than 2N.

Abstract: A charging device has a sheet electrode with triangular pins aligned in a first direction and a cleaner unit for cleaning the sheet electrode while moving in the first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The cleaner unit has a grinding member for grinding the sheet electrode, a first collecting member, which is disposed downstream in the first direction from the grinding member, for collecting extraneous matter, a second collecting member, which is disposed downstream in the second direction from the grinding member, for collecting extraneous matter, and a switching section for changing a contact state of the first collecting member with the sheet electrode and a contact state of the second collecting member with the sheet electrode.

Abstract: A charging device has a stainless steel sheet electrode for charging an image bearing member, and a cleaner for cleaning the stainless steel sheet electrode. The stainless steel sheet electrode has a thickness within a range from 50 ?m to 60 ?m and comprises aligned triangular pins. Each of the triangular pins has a vertex angle within a range from 10 degrees to 30 degrees. The cleaner has two grinding members comprising abrasive grains having an average diameter within a range from 2 ?m to 9 ?m, and the two grinding members are in contact with, respectively, both main surfaces of the sheet electrode. The cleaner and the sheet electrode are moved relative to each other at a constant speed by a force equal to or less than 2N.

Abstract: Disclosed is a charging device for charging the surface of a rotating image carrier. The charging device includes a shielding case having an opening at a location facing toward the image carrier, a corona electrode hung within the shielding case to extend in a direction perpendicular to the rotating direction of the image carrier, a control electrode disposed at a location of the opening. The shielding case as a pair of side plates opposed to each other in the rotating direction of the image carrier. At least one of the side plates has a portion that outwardly bulges at a location in the vicinity of the opening.