Developing device having developing roller and conductive member

A developing apparatus for developing a latent image on an image carrier with a developing agent, comprising:

• storing means for storing the developing agent, the storing means having an opening portion for supplying the developing agent therefrom;
• a developing roller, opposed to the image carrier, for transferring the developing agent in a predetermined transfer direction and applying the developing agent to the image carrier to develop the latent image on the image carrier, which is rotated in a rotating direction corresponding to the predetermined transfer direction;
• a supplying roller for supplying the developing agent stored in the storing means to the developing roller through the opening portion;
• means, arranged upstream in the transfer direction with respect to the image carrier and contacting the developing roller, for restricting a thickness of the developing agent supplied on the developing roller;
• a conductive member, arranged downstream of the location at which the developing roller applies the developing agent to the image carrier and contacting the developing roller, for charging any residual developing agent which is unused when developing the latent image and which is transferred by the developing roller;
• first voltage applying means for applying a first voltage to the developing roller;
• and
• second voltage applying means for applying a second voltage to the conductive member, the absolute value of the second voltage being greater than the absolute value of the first voltage.