US Patent 7983589 Developing apparatus, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus

A developing apparatus detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a latent image forming unit provided below a photosensitive drum in the gravitational direction. The apparatus includes a first member and a second member. The first and second members receive falling and flying developer. As a result, contamination in the image forming apparatus caused by the developer falling and flying from the photosensitive drum, the developing roller, a developing blade, and a sealing member of a developing end is reduced.