US Patent 7706729 Developing device with paddle member and image forming apparatus

An image forming unit includes an image supporting member for forming a latent image; a developer supporting member for attaching developer to the latent image to develop the latent image; a developer supply member facing the developer supporting member for supplying the developer to the developer supporting member; and a first developer pushing member facing the developer supply member to be freely rotatable for supplying the developer to the developer supply member. The first developer pushing member includes a first rod member disposed substantially in parallel to the developer supply member, so that the rod member moves close to the developer supply member equal to or more than 2.50 times when the developer supply member rotates one rotation.