Developing unit of image forming apparatus

A regulating device configured to regulate a developer layer on a developing device that is configured to feed developer to a photoconductor of an image forming apparatus, comprising:

• a regulating member having a bending portion configured to come into contact with an outer peripheral surface of the developing device;
• and
• a supporting member configured to support a supporting end of the regulating member away from the bending portion,
• wherein the regulating member has a variable width that increases as moving rearward away from the bending portion toward the supporting end.

A developing unit usable in an image forming apparatus for developing an electrostatic latent image on a photoconductor, comprising:

• a developing device configured to rotate about a rotational axis and having a surface for supporting thereon a layer of developer;
• and
• a regulating member having a bending portion in pressing relationship with the surface of the developing device so as to regulate a thickness of the layer of developer being supported on the surface of the developing device,
• wherein the regulating member has a variable width along a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the developing device such that the bending portion has a first width while a portion of the regulating member away from the bending portion has a second width wider than the first width.