A development unit performing developing operation for developing electrostatic
latent image with toner. The development unit includes a holding chamber wall defining
a toner holding chamber, and a development chamber wall defining a development
chamber in which a developing roller and a toner supply roller are provided. A
partition wall is provided for partitioning the holding chamber from the development
chamber. An elongated through hole is formed in the partition wall for bringing
the holding chamber into fluid communication with the development chamber. An agitator
is rotatably provided in the holding chamber for supplying the toner in the holding
chamber into the development chamber through the through hole. A plurality of slats
or grids are provided at the through hole, so that a plurality of slits are provided
between neighboring slats. These slits allows the toner to pass therethrough from
the holding chamber to the development chamber, and these slats restricts return
of the toner from the development chamber to the holding chamber.