CN1722017A - Developing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A development apparatus comprises an auger conveyor member of stirring and conveying a developer, the gravity of the developer being eccentrically distributed with respect to a center of rotation, a drive transfer member of driving and rotating the auger conveyor member, the drive transfer member being capable of being engaged and disengaged, and a rotation detector of detecting a rotational state of the auger conveyor member. The remaining amount of the developer is detected based on the rotational state detected by the rotation detector. Alternatively, a development apparatus comprises the auger conveyor member and the drive transfer member, in which the eccentric gravity distribution is achieved by a rod-like weight member eccentrically provided with respect to a rotational axis, the auger conveyor member includes a first coil spring having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the weight member, and the first coil spring is inserted around the weight member in a manner which allows the first coil spring to be rotated and limits an angle of rotation of the first coil spring to a predetermined angle. Alternatively, a development apparatus comprises the auger conveyor member and the drive transfer member, in which the auger conveyor member is provided near a development supply roller, and a uniforming member of making the developer uniform is provided in a space portion between the development supply roller and the auger conveyor member.

Description

Developing apparatus

The application's request based on July 14th, 2004 spy in Japanese publication be willing on August 4th, 2004-207459 number 1 the spy in Japanese publication be willing on September 29th, 2004-244136 number 1 the spy in Japanese publication be willing to 2004-284795 number, and on October 25th, 2004 spy in Japanese publication be willing to 2004-309846 number right of priority.Therefore all the elements of above-mentioned application all make up in this application.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of developing apparatus with the function that detects the surplus that remains in the interior developer of developing trough.

Background technology

When the developer in being stored in developing trough was used up, developing apparatus need replace with new.Therefore in developing apparatus, be provided with the developer testing agency of the surplus that is used for detecting the developer that is stored in developing trough.

As with the relevant technology of this developer testing agency, be well known that developer testing agency (for example opening the 2004-12893 communique) as shown in figure 17 with reference to the spy.

This developer testing agency has the toner mixing component 901 that roughly is the コ font, this toner mixing component 901 be used for will be deposited in developers (hereinafter referred to as " toner ") in the developing trough (hereinafter referred to as " toner groove ") 900 be transported to not shown developer roll, and have the turning axle 902 that supports these parts, and make the gear 903 of turning axle 902 rotations by external force at the one end.

And, be provided with by the slit plate between the photoelectric sensor 904 905 at the other end of toner mixing component 901.This slit plate 905 is the disks with a plurality of slits.And illuminating part and optical detection part are configured on the photoelectric sensor 904 relatively, and slit plate is set to by between them.Therefore, the optical detection part of photoelectric sensor 904 when the slit of slit plate 905 passes through photoelectric sensor 904, becomes ON (reception comes the light of self-luminescent part).

And in this developing trough 900, inner toner is stirred in the rotation of the toner mixing component 901 by roughly being the コ font, and its part is flowed to developer roll.And when stirring, when toner mixing component 901 enters into toner when (accumulating toner) that is deposited in toner groove 900, owing to be subjected to the resistance of toner, the rotational speed of toner mixing component 901 is slack-off in moment.Therefore and the slit plate that rotates together of toner mixing component 901 905 also slack-off by the speed of photoelectric sensor 904.Therefore, the light sense cycle in the photoelectric sensor 904 (being equivalent to passing through the cycle of slit) is elongated.

On the other hand, when toner mixing component 901 breaks away from from the toner that is deposited in toner groove 900 because the resistance of toner disappears rapidly, thus rotational speed moment accelerate.Therefore, slit plate 905 accelerates too by the speed of photoelectric sensor 904, thereby the light sense cycle of photoelectric sensor 904 shortens.

And toner mixing component 901 from entering toner to the time of leaving till the toner is, the toner amount in being housed in toner groove 900 (toner surplus) is many more should the time just long more.Therefore, in this toner groove 900,, can infer the surplus of toner by monitoring the variation of the light sense cycle in the photoelectric sensor 904.

But the printed images that prints to recording paper is compared with the end of recording paper in the ordinary course of things, and the situation of set of pixels centre to centre centre portion is more.Therefore, the toner in the toner groove 900 middle body consume many, and consume lessly at both ends, so the toners in the toner groove 900 produce difference on the whole on the toner degree, thereby have the problem that density unevenness takes place when printing.

But, in above-mentioned existing developer testing agency, the toner that merely stirs in the toner grooves 900 only by toner mixing component 901, and do not have the ability of lateral transfer toner.That is, do not have ability with the toner degree equalization of the Width integral body in the toner groove 900.Therefore, when on the toner degree, extreme difference taking place, the detection error of toner surplus might occur, thereby can't fully guarantee the problem of accuracy of detection at the central portion of toner groove 900 and both ends.

Summary of the invention

The present invention proposes in order to address the above problem just, its purpose is to provide a kind of developing apparatus with developer testing agency of high measurement accuracy, this developer testing agency is by making the weight balancing off-centre that stirs the stirring transfer unit of carrying toner, thereby keep function, and have conveying toner ability and stirring capacity concurrently as the toner mixing component under the above-mentioned prior art.

To achieve these goals, developing apparatus of the present invention is characterised in that to have: stir transfer unit, carry out distribution of weight prejudicially with respect to rotation center, stir and supplying developing agent (for example toner); But the drive transmission member of clutch is used to drive above-mentioned stirring transfer unit and makes its rotation; And rotation detector, detect the rotation status of above-mentioned stirring transfer unit, according to the surplus that detects developer by the detected rotation status of above-mentioned rotation detector.

According to developing apparatus of the present invention, owing to have: carry out the above-mentioned stirring transfer unit of distribution of weight with respect to rotation center off-centre, stir and the supplying developing agent; But the above-mentioned drive transmission member of clutch is used to drive above-mentioned stirring transfer unit and makes its rotation; With above-mentioned rotation detector, detect the rotation status of above-mentioned stirring transfer unit, so the pressure of developer in the developer reservoir becomes on average, and always form smooth face, therefore good image quality can be kept, and the surplus of developer can be detected accurately.

That is, according to the developing apparatus of said structure, above-mentioned stirring transfer unit carries out distribution of weight with respect to rotation center off-centre.For example, above-mentioned stirring transfer unit is made of the conveying blade of turning axle and spiral fashion configuration around this turning axle, also can install and the parellel arranged bar-shaped eccentric rod of above-mentioned turning axle in the peripheral end of this conveying blade.That is, above-mentioned eccentric rod can with the fixing interval of the helix pitch correspondence of above-mentioned conveying blade, be fixed on a plurality of places of the peripheral end of above-mentioned conveying blade.

And, but above-mentioned driving transfer unit can be the clutch configuration that the above-mentioned turning axle of above-mentioned stirring transfer unit is applied the clutch of revolving force by external force.Promptly, when above-mentioned eccentric rod begins from the position of foot till the position of topmost when a direction Rotate 180 is spent, the transmission mechanism portion that transmits external force one side to be will being arranged on being meshed to the mode that a direction presses by transmission mechanism portion of turning axle one side that receives external force, thereby transmit revolving force.On the other hand, when above-mentioned eccentric rod from topmost further when a direction is rotated slightly, above-mentioned stirring transfer unit also can bear a heavy burden by the off-centre of above-mentioned eccentric rod, improves rotational speed and rotation.Promptly, when above-mentioned eccentric rod begins till the foot along a direction rotation from arriving topmost, compare with the rotational speed that is subjected to external force, off-centre by above-mentioned eccentric rod is born a heavy burden and is made the rotational speed of above-mentioned stirring transfer unit rotation become faster, and the above-mentioned engagement by transmission mechanism portion of transmitting the above-mentioned transmission mechanism portion of external force and being arranged on turning axle one side is disengaged.

This rotational speed poor, being above-mentioned eccentric rod begins till the topmost rotational speed of the above-mentioned stirring transfer unit when a direction Rotate 180 is spent and begins till the foot rotational speed poor of the above-mentioned stirring transfer unit when a direction Rotate 180 is spent from topmost from foot, surplusly hardly in developing trough produce when developer is arranged, when sufficient developer is arranged in the above-mentioned developing trough, can not produce.That is, have sufficient developer, above-mentioned stirring transfer unit to be imbedded under the state in the developer in above-mentioned developing trough, above-mentioned eccentric rod is subjected to the load of developer.Therefore,, be applied to above-mentioned stirring transfer unit, also only above-mentioned eccentric rod applied and eliminated the load that should off-centre bears a heavy burden from developer even the off-centre of above-mentioned eccentric rod is born a heavy burden by the further rotation slightly of above-mentioned eccentric rod from topmost along a direction.Consequently, above-mentioned eccentric rod from the topmost to the foot during the direction Rotate 180 degree, transmit the above-mentioned transmission mechanism portion of external force one side so that be arranged on the above-mentioned of turning axle one side and meshed along the mode that a direction presses, thereby transmit revolving force by transmission mechanism portion.That is, irrelevant with the heavy burden of above-mentioned eccentric rod when remaining the developer that abundance is arranged in the above-mentioned developing trough, above-mentioned stirring transfer unit is always with fixing rotational speed rotation.

As seen from the above description, above-mentioned stirring transfer unit is according to the difference of the surplus of the developer in the above-mentioned developing trough, and the rotational speed pattern when once rotating is also different.Therefore, detect this rotational speed pattern, can detect the surplus of developer by utilizing above-mentioned rotation detector.And in said structure, what be provided with above-mentioned rotation detector is above-mentioned stirring transfer unit, and above-mentioned stirring transfer unit also can have with the developer in the above-mentioned developing trough ability of for example carrying to central portion from both ends.In this case, the developer pressure in the above-mentioned developing trough is average, and always is formed flatly.Therefore, can keep good image quality, and also detection error of the prior art can not take place, can detect the surplus of developer accurately.

In said structure, also above-mentioned stirring transfer unit can be configured in the top that developer provides roller.By being configured in this part, can making above-mentioned developer provide near the roller and even near the developer pressure equalization the developer bed thickness limiting part (lamination limiting scraper), thereby can carry out more stable operation.And above-mentioned rotation detector also can generate a plurality of output pulses with respect to a rotation of above-mentioned stirring transfer unit.So, can detect the surplus of developer accurately.

And, in said structure, except above-mentioned stirring transfer unit also configurable one or more second stirs transfer unit.In this case, the above-mentioned second stirring transfer unit stirs conveying with inner developer to the direction opposite with the stirring throughput direction of above-mentioned stirring transfer unit.Therefore, by being set to and the eccentric opposite throughput direction of throughput direction that carries out the above-mentioned stirring transfer unit of distribution of weight, can further make the pressure equalization of developer, and can make the upper surface of developer more smooth, thereby can further improve image quality and surplus accuracy of detection.For example, stir transfer unit by being provided with second concurrently with above-mentioned stirring transfer unit, the further equalization of pressure of the developer in the above-mentioned developing trough, and form smooth face, therefore better image quality can be kept, and the surplus of developer can be detected more accurately.

And in the present invention, the equipment as realizing eccentric distribution of weight can not use above-mentioned eccentric rod, and realize by the bar-shaped weight member (for example stainless steel shaft) with respect to the rotating shaft eccentric fixed configurations.In this case, above-mentioned stirring transfer unit can be made of the internal diameter helical element bigger than the external diameter of above-mentioned stainless steel shaft, by this helical element rotatably is inserted into above-mentioned stainless steel shaft, can realizes stirring and carry.At this, above-mentioned helical element also can use volute spring.Because the developer pressure in the developing trough is average, and always forms smooth face, therefore can keeps good image quality, and can detect the surplus of developer accurately.

The stirring of stirring vane (screw propeller) is carried because humidity changes the mobile degradation down of the developer (toner) that causes, has the periphery that occurs in above-mentioned screw propeller to block developer is arranged, causes that sclerosis, toner provide not enough, stir the danger such as breakage that driving torque increases, stirs the drive system locking and follows the drive system of locking.Relative with it, use under the present invention has in the above-mentioned helical spring stirring mode of movement of play, because above-mentioned volute spring can move diametrically, so become cause spiral periphery sclerogen because of developer can not be detained but be accompanied by rotation and be discharged from, thereby can prevent obstruction, sclerosis problem, can carry out the development operation of good reliability.Further, when being subjected to loading owing to developer along with the rotation driving, if there is not above-mentioned stainless steel shaft, above-mentioned volute spring will be out of shape in deflection (bending), come in contact with cabinet wall, become the reason that produces obstacle, but according to said structure, limited by above-mentioned stainless steel shaft distortion, therefore can be carried out the operation of good reliability.

And in said structure, above-mentioned helical element (for example above-mentioned volute spring) can be made of winding direction a plurality of parts different, that separate.For example, can be separated into a left side at the middle body of above-mentioned stainless steel shaft twines and two volute springs of right winding.By two above-mentioned volute springs of this reverse winding, the developer in the above-mentioned developing trough for example is transferred in the mode of concentrating towards central portion from both ends, so the developer pressure in the developing trough is average, and always smooth.Therefore, can keep good image quality, and also detection error of the prior art can not take place, can detect the surplus of developer accurately.And, when guaranteeing agitating function (disassembling the function of cohesion toner) by above-mentioned screw propeller, the too high danger of developer thickness of the excessive central portion of carrying capacity is arranged, but, therefore can address this is that easily owing to the setting degree of freedom of mixing power in the above-mentioned volute spring and carrying capacity is very big.

And in said structure, above-mentioned helical element (for example above-mentioned volute spring) can be inserted into above-mentioned stainless steel shaft with the form with the gap that can move on thrust direction.By so being inserted into stainless steel shaft,, can prevent owing to extend and touch the fault that sidewall etc. causes even owing to during above-mentioned volute spring elongation strain such as developer load, also can absorb distortion by the gap with form with gap.In addition, a plurality of volute springs of the separation that illustrates in using embodiment or when having in the single volute spring of development width any one all can play a role effectively.Further, in this case, above-mentioned helical spring formation also can be that both ends closely are wrapped on the above-mentioned stainless steel shaft respectively.By so closely twining, can prevent casual winding between a plurality of above-mentioned helical spring end of adjacent separation.Further, when a plurality of or single above-mentioned helical spring end and cabinet wall sliding friction, also can prevent its damage to cabinet wall.

And to achieve these goals, other developing apparatuss of the present invention are characterised in that to have: stir transfer unit, carry out distribution of weight with respect to rotation center off-centre, stir and the supplying developing agent; But drive transmission member with clutch, be used to drive above-mentioned stirring transfer unit and make its rotation, the distribution of weight of above-mentioned off-centre is undertaken by the bar-shaped weight member that fixedly installs with respect to above-mentioned rotating shaft eccentric, above-mentioned stirring transfer unit has internal diameter first volute spring bigger than the external diameter of above-mentioned weight member, and above-mentioned first volute spring rotationally and be restricted at its rotational angle under the state of predetermined angular and be inserted into above-mentioned weight member.And in said structure, also can be set to by above-mentioned first volute spring: the part that only can move the difference of the external diameter of above-mentioned weight member and this first helical spring internal diameter diametrically with respect to above-mentioned weight member.

According to developing apparatus of the present invention, but since its formation be have with respect to rotation center off-centre carry out distribution of weight, stir and the above-mentioned stirring transfer unit of supplying developing agent and be used to drive the above-mentioned drive transmission member that above-mentioned stirring transfer unit makes the clutch of its rotation, therefore the pressure of the developer in the above-mentioned developer reservoir becomes on average, and always forms smooth face.Therefore good image quality can be kept, and the surplus of developer can be detected accurately.And as the equipment of realizing that above-mentioned eccentric weight distributes, use is with respect to above-mentioned rotating shaft eccentric and the above-mentioned bar-shaped weight member of fixed configurations, above-mentioned stirring transfer unit is made of first volute spring with the internal diameter above-mentioned helical element of conduct bigger than the external diameter of above-mentioned weight member, and by making this first volute spring be inserted into above-mentioned weight member with only can rotating predetermined angle, realize stirring and carry, therefore the pressure of the developer in the above-mentioned developing trough becomes on average, and always forms smooth face.Therefore good image quality can be kept, and the surplus of developer can be detected accurately.

And according to the developing apparatus of said structure, above-mentioned stirring transfer unit carries out distribution of weight with respect to the rotation center off-centre of above-mentioned turning axle.For example, the distribution of weight of above-mentioned off-centre is undertaken by the above-mentioned bar-shaped weight member with respect to above-mentioned rotating shaft eccentric fixed configurations, this bar-shaped weight member particularly is the stainless steel shaft that forms crank-like, and above-mentioned first volute spring rotatably and be restricted in its anglec of rotation that to be inserted into this stainless steel shaft under the state of predetermined angular also passable.In this case, above-mentioned stainless steel shaft becomes the eccentric rod with respect to the rotation center off-centre of above-mentioned turning axle.

And, but above-mentioned drive transmission member can be the clutch configuration that the turning axle of above-mentioned stainless steel shaft is applied the clutch of revolving force by external force.Promptly, when beginning from the position of foot as the above-mentioned stainless steel shaft of eccentric rod till the position of topmost when a direction Rotate 180 is spent, the transmission mechanism portion that transmits external force one side to be will being arranged on being meshed to the mode that a direction presses by transmission mechanism portion of turning axle one side that receives external force, thereby transmit revolving force.On the other hand, when as the above-mentioned stainless steel shaft of eccentric rod from topmost further when a direction is rotated slightly, bear a heavy burden by the off-centre of above-mentioned stainless steel shaft, this stainless steel shaft improves rotational speed and rotation.Promptly, when above-mentioned stainless steel shaft begins till the foot along a direction rotation from arriving topmost, compare with the rotational speed that is subjected to external force, off-centre by above-mentioned stainless steel shaft is born a heavy burden and is made the rotational speed of this stainless steel shaft rotation become faster, and the above-mentioned engagement by transmission mechanism portion of transmitting the above-mentioned transmission mechanism portion of external force and being arranged on turning axle one side is disengaged.

This rotational speed poor, being above-mentioned stainless steel shaft begins till the topmost rotational speed of this stainless steel shaft when a direction Rotate 180 is spent and begins till the foot rotational speed poor of this stainless steel shaft when a direction Rotate 180 is spent from topmost from foot, do not produce when in developing trough, almost remaining developer, when sufficient developer is arranged in the above-mentioned developing trough, can not produce.That is, have sufficient developer, above-mentioned stainless steel shaft to be imbedded under the state in the developer in above-mentioned developing trough, above-mentioned stainless steel shaft is subjected to the heavy burden of developer.Therefore,, bear a heavy burden, only above-mentioned stainless steel shaft is applied from developer and eliminated the load that should off-centre bears a heavy burden even the off-centre that above-mentioned stainless steel shaft causes takes place by the further rotation slightly of above-mentioned stainless steel shaft from topmost along a direction.Consequently, above-mentioned stainless steel shaft from the topmost to the foot during the direction Rotate 180 degree, transmit the above-mentioned transmission mechanism portion of external force one side so that be arranged on the above-mentioned of turning axle one side and meshed to the mode that a direction presses, thereby transmit revolving force by transmission mechanism portion.That is, irrelevant with the heavy burden of above-mentioned stainless steel shaft when remaining the developer that abundance is arranged in the above-mentioned developing trough, this stainless steel shaft is always with fixing rotational speed rotation.

As seen from the above description, above-mentioned stainless steel shaft is according to the difference of the surplus of the developer in the above-mentioned developing trough, and the rotational speed pattern when once rotating is also different.That is, in said structure, can detect this rotational speed pattern, thereby detect the surplus of developer by rotation detector.In this case, what be provided with above-mentioned rotation detector is above-mentioned stainless steel shaft, and above-mentioned first volute spring that is inserted into this stainless steel shaft has with the developer in the above-mentioned developing trough ability of for example carrying towards central portion from both ends.Particularly, in said structure, above-mentioned first volute spring can by winding direction different, separate two cut apart volute spring and constitute.In this case, the developer pressure in the above-mentioned developing trough is average, and always is formed flatly.Therefore, can keep good image quality, and also detection error of the prior art can not take place, can detect the surplus of developer accurately.And,, can prevent to occur between the spiral developer and solidify by making it to be the spring shape.

In the present invention, so above-mentioned stainless steel shaft is configured in the top that developer provides roller.By being configured in this part, can making above-mentioned developer provide near the roller and even near the developer pressure equalization the developer bed thickness limiting part (lamination limiting scraper), thereby can carry out more stable operation.And above-mentioned rotation detector also can generate a plurality of output pulses with respect to the once rotation as the above-mentioned stainless steel shaft of above-mentioned stirring transfer unit.So, can detect the surplus of developer more accurately.

And, stir in the mode of conveying at above-mentioned first volute spring that has play as use shown in the present, can be set to and can radially move on (with the crossing radial direction in the axle center of above-mentioned stainless steel shaft) by above-mentioned first volute spring.In this case, become cause spiral periphery sclerogen because of developer can not be detained but be accompanied by rotation and be discharged from, thereby can prevent problems such as obstruction, sclerosis, can carry out the development operation of good reliability.Further, along with rotation drives because developer (for example toner) when being subjected to loading, if there is not above-mentioned stainless steel shaft, above-mentioned first volute spring will be out of shape in deflection (bending), come in contact etc. with cabinet wall, become the reason that produces obstacle, but according to said structure, limited by above-mentioned stainless steel shaft distortion, therefore can be carried out the operation of good reliability.

And, as mentioned above, in said structure, above-mentioned first volute spring can by winding direction different, separate two cut apart volute spring and constitute.For example, can be separated into a left side at the middle body of above-mentioned stainless steel shaft twines and two above-mentioned volute springs of cutting apart of right winding.By two above-mentioned volute springs of this reverse winding, the developer in the above-mentioned developing trough for example is transferred from both ends towards the central portion concentrated area, so the developer pressure in the developing trough is average, and always smooth.Therefore, can keep good image quality, and also detection error of the prior art can not take place, can detect the surplus of developer accurately.And, when guaranteeing agitating function (disassembling the function of cohesion toner) by above-mentioned screw propeller, the too high danger of developer thickness of the excessive central portion of carrying capacity is arranged, but, therefore can address this is that easily owing to the setting degree of freedom of mixing power in above-mentioned first volute spring and carrying capacity is very big.

And in said structure, above-mentioned first volute spring can be inserted into above-mentioned stainless steel shaft in the form that thrust direction (along the direction in the axle center of above-mentioned stainless steel shaft) goes up the gap of moving to have.By being inserted into stainless steel shaft, extending even above-mentioned first volute spring owing to when developer load etc. and elongation strain, also can absorb distortion by the gap, can prevent and to touch the fault that sidewall causes with form with gap.It is in this case, above-mentioned that to cut apart helical spring formation be that closely twine with narrow and small intervals respectively at both ends.By so closely twining, can prevent the adjacent above-mentioned casual winding between the helical spring end of cutting apart.Further, cut apart helical spring end and on cabinet wall, during sliding friction, also can prevent its damage when above-mentioned cabinet wall.

And in said structure, the above-mentioned volute spring of cutting apart also can be set to: an end in its outside is with respect to the outstanding vertical direction outside that is formed on, the axle center of above-mentioned stainless steel shaft, and its outstanding fore-end is inserted in the slotted hole that forms on being arranged on the meshing flake of weight member, can only rotate the predetermined angular by this slotted hole restriction.When above-mentioned when cutting apart volute spring and can rotate freely, because the resistance of developer, the above-mentioned volute spring of cutting apart rotates, it is unstable that the conveying operations of the developer of thrust direction becomes, but by the restriction rotational angle, can carry out the conveying operations of the developer of stable thrust direction, and not be subjected to the drag effects of developer.

And in said structure, the above-mentioned volute spring of cutting apart also can be set to contact with the internal face of above-mentioned developing trough along with the rotation of above-mentioned stainless steel shaft.So, touch above-mentioned internal face and force diametrically and move it, can obtain better developer and disassemble effect by the above-mentioned volute spring of cutting apart.

Further, in said structure, cut apart near the helical spring outboard end above-mentioned, dispose with this and cut apart the second relative and parallel volute spring of volute spring, this second volute spring also can be set to upwards to move in thrust direction and footpath with above-mentioned to cut apart volute spring the same.Particularly, in said structure, above-mentioned second volute spring is configured to two end and swims the state that jut is used in a pair of maintenance that is embedded into the internal face that is arranged on developing trough respectively.And in said structure, this second volute spring along with the rotation of above-mentioned stainless steel shaft, contacts with this stainless steel shaft and/or above-mentioned first volute spring.Further, in said structure, above-mentioned second volute spring also can be wound with relative above-mentioned cutting apart on the opposite direction of helical spring winding direction.So,, can obtain better developer and disassemble effect by above-mentioned second volute spring being configured near above-mentioned cutting apart the helical spring outboard end, and supplying developing agent more stably.

In addition, in said structure, above-mentioned each volute spring, its helix pitch is made as P (mm), when external diameter is made as D (mm), also can be formed and satisfies D/2＜P.By this relation, can improve the operational throughput of developer, and can make developer be not easy to be set on the volute spring.

And to achieve these goals, other developing apparatuss of the present invention are characterised in that to have: stir transfer unit, carry out distribution of weight with respect to rotation center off-centre, stir and supplying developing agent (for example toner); But drive transmission member with clutch, be used to drive above-mentioned stirring transfer unit and make its rotation, above-mentioned stirring transfer unit be configured in developer provide roller near, and provide spatial portion between roller and the above-mentioned stirring transfer unit at above-mentioned developer, dispose the equalization parts that make the developer equalization.And, in structure of the present invention, also have the rotation detector of the rotation status that detects above-mentioned stirring transfer unit, according to the surplus that detects developer by the detected rotation status of above-mentioned rotation detector.

At this, preferably, the distribution of weight of above-mentioned off-centre is by with respect to above-mentioned rotating shaft eccentric and the bar-shaped weight member of fixed configurations carries out, above-mentioned stirring transfer unit is made of the helical element with internal diameter bigger than the external diameter of above-mentioned weight member, and above-mentioned helical element is inserted into above-mentioned weight member rotationally.And above-mentioned helical element can use volute spring.

Developing apparatus according to this structure, by the miniaturization etc. of device, when making toner that roller and above-mentioned stirring transfer unit are provided near configuration, the image color inequality takes place between above-mentioned helical spring helix pitch, but, can prevent density unevenness by configuration equalization parts.

And, in structure of the present invention, above-mentioned equalization parts also can be following structures: one end thereof provides upstream one side of the roller sense of rotation of roller to be fixedly supported on the inwall of developing trough at above-mentioned developer, and downstream one side of roller sense of rotation is that another ends of above-mentioned equalization parts becomes free end.So, by with above-mentioned equalization parts single face support fixation being, above-mentioned another end one side can freely be shaken at above-below direction, therefore can carry out more stable equalization operation.

And, in structure of the present invention, free-ended another end as above-mentioned equalization parts also can be set to: be positioned at and connect above-mentioned developer and provide on the line of straight line at driven in rotation center of the roller rotation center of roller and above-mentioned stirring transfer unit, perhaps be positioned at this straight line in the downstream of roller sense of rotation one side.In this case, be arranged on slightly the position of extending, can carry out more stable equalization operation to the downstream of roller sense of rotation one side by another end with above-mentioned equalization parts.In addition, above-mentioned equalization parts preferred elastomeric film, in this case, another end is to about the preferred 2mm of overhang of downstream one side.And in said structure, above-mentioned equalization parts also can be made of elastic film.In this case, corresponding to the pressure of developer, above-mentioned elastic film can be out of shape, and therefore can prevent because developer bonding, the unequal problem of developer carried charge that the abnormal ascending of part developer pressure causes.Particularly, the preferred polyethylene terephthalate of above-mentioned elastic film.

And the surface of above-mentioned equalization parts also can have release property.Particularly,, perhaps carry out nickel-PTFE composite plating etc., can prevent that developer is bonded to the surface of above-mentioned equalization parts by to the surface applied PTFE of above-mentioned averaging section film, fluororesin.

And, as mentioned above, in other developing apparatuss of the present invention, provide in the structure of top of roller by being applied to that above-mentioned stirring transfer unit is configured in above-mentioned developer, can more effectively bring into play the effect of above-mentioned equalization parts.That is, above-mentioned stirring transfer unit is configured in above-mentioned developer provide roller above structure in, with above-mentioned toner is provided roller and above-mentioned stirring transfer unit flatly side by side the structure of configuration compare, be easy to take place the image inequality.Therefore, by in the structure of this above-below direction configuration, using above-mentioned equalization parts of the present invention, can make the above-mentioned equalization parts effect that plays a role more significantly.

In addition, other developing apparatuss of the invention described above can be brought into play its effect when being applied in the following developing apparatus: the developing apparatus that is not provided for controlling the supply roller of increment in above-mentioned developing trough better.And, other developing apparatuss of the present invention better effects if when above-mentioned developer is non-magnetic mono-component.In containing the two-component developing agent of carrier, owing to the obstruction that has prevented developer by carrier, therefore in other developing apparatuss of the present invention, when developer was non-magnetic mono-component, the action effect of above-mentioned equalization parts can obtain more effective performance.

Description of drawings

To be expression form the summary sectional view of formation of the digital color copier of device as the coloured image that has carried the developing apparatus that present embodiment 1 relates to Fig. 1.

Fig. 2 amplifies the summary sectional view of expression with the developing apparatus that present embodiment 1 relates to.

Fig. 3 is the key diagram of an example of the portion of developer testing agency of the developing apparatus that relates to of expression present embodiment 1.

Fig. 4 is the key diagram of the structure of expression transmission mechanism portion.Fig. 4 (a) is the front view that transmits swivel plate.Fig. 4 (b) is the side view that transmits swivel plate.Fig. 4 (c) is the front view that is rotated plate.Fig. 4 (d) is the side view that is rotated plate.

Fig. 5 is a key diagram of representing to stir the situation that conveying roller is rotated by drive transmission member in order.

Fig. 6 is the synoptic diagram of the detection waveform when detecting the rotation of stirring conveying roller by rotation detector.Fig. 6 (a) is the synoptic diagram of the detection waveform when toner is arranged.Fig. 6 (b) is the synoptic diagram of the detection waveform when not having toner.

Fig. 7 is the key diagram of other embodiment of expression check-out console.

Fig. 8 is the synoptic diagram of the detection waveform when detecting the rotation of stirring conveying roller by rotation detector.Fig. 8 (a) is the synoptic diagram of the detection waveform when toner is arranged.Fig. 8 (b) is the synoptic diagram of the detection waveform when not having toner.

Fig. 9 amplifies the summary sectional view of expression with the developing apparatus that present embodiment 2 relates to.

Figure 10 is the key diagram of the portion of developer testing agency of the developing apparatus that relates to of expression present embodiment 2.

Figure 11 is the key diagram that the developer testing agency of the developing apparatus that relates to of expression present embodiment 3 produces.

Figure 12 (a) is the figure that sees the portion of developer testing agency of Figure 11 from the arrow A direction.Figure 12 (b) is the B-B line sectional view of Figure 11.Figure 12 (c) is the C-C line sectional view of Figure 11.

Figure 13 amplifies the summary sectional view of expression with the developing apparatus that present embodiment 4 relates to.

Figure 14 is the key diagram of an example of the portion of developer testing agency of the developing apparatus that relates to of expression present embodiment 4.

Figure 15 amplifies the skeleton view of expression with an end respectively cutting apart the helical spring outside.

Figure 16 amplifies the summary sectional view of expression with the developing apparatus that present embodiment 5 relates to.

Figure 17 is the key diagram of an example of the portion of developer testing agency of the existing developing apparatus of expression.

Embodiment

Below, describe with reference to the image processing system of accompanying drawing the developing apparatus that has embodiments of the invention and relate to.

(embodiment 1)

The explanation of image processing system integral body

Fig. 1 is the summary sectional view of the formation of coloured image that expression relates to as present embodiment 1 digital color copier (being designated hereinafter simply as duplicating machine) 100 that forms device.

This duplicating machine 100, form polychrome and monochromatic image corresponding to the view data of transmitting from the outside at predetermined paper (recording paper), constitute by exposing unit 1, developing apparatus 2, photosensitive drums 3, charged device 5, cleaning unit 4, transfer printing conveying belt unit 8, fixation unit 12, paper transportation path S, paper feed tray 10 and row's paper disc 15,33 etc.

In addition, the view data of handling in this duplicating machine 100 is the data of the coloured image correspondence of all kinds with using black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y).Therefore, exposing unit 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d), developing apparatus 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), photosensitive drums 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), charged device 5 (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d), cleaning unit 4 (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) are respectively equipped with four in order to form with four kinds of corresponding latent images of all kinds.A is corresponding to black in each label in addition, and b is corresponding to cyan, and c is corresponding to magenta, and d is corresponding to yellow, thereby constitutes four image stations.

Photosensitive drums 3 is configured (installation) approximate centre portion at this duplicating machine.

Charged device 5 is to be used to make the device of the surface of photosensitive drums 3 with predetermined current potential uniform charged, except the charged device of the roll shape of contact-type, brush type, also comprises the charged device of charge type as shown in Figure 1.

Exposing unit 1 uses for example EL, the LED write head that the light-emitting device array shape is arranged or has laser irradiating part and the laser scan unit of catoptron (LSU).And this exposing unit 1 has following function: by charged photosensitive drums 3 is exposed corresponding to the view data of input, thereby form on its surface and the electrostatic latent image of view data correspondence.

The toner (developer in the present invention) of electrostatic latent image by shades of colour (K, C, M, Y) that developing apparatus 2 will be formed on each photosensitive drums develops.Cleaning unit 4 is used to remove, reclaim the lip-deep toner that remains in photosensitive drums 3 after development, the image transfer printing.

The transfer printing conveying belt unit 8 that is configured in the below of photosensitive drums 3 has: transfer belt 7; Transfer belt driven roller 71; Transfer belt jockey pulley 73; Transfer belt driven voller 72,74; Transfer roll 6 (corresponding with shades of colour :) with reference to label 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d; And transfer belt cleaning unit 9.

Transfer belt driven roller 71, transfer belt jockey pulley 73, transfer roll 6, transfer belt driven voller 72,74 etc. are used for a frame transfer belt 7 and drive transfer belt 7 it is rotated along the arrow B direction.

Transfer roll 6 rotatably is supported on the transfer roll installation portion of not shown housing of transfer belt unit 8, applies that the toner image that is used for photosensitive drums 3 is transferred on transfer belt 7 absorption and the transfer bias of the paper carried.

Transfer belt 7 is set to contact with various photosensitive drums 3.And have following function: superposeing successively by the versicolor toner image that will be formed on photosensitive drums 3 is transferred on the paper, forms colored toner image (polychrome toner image).This transfer belt utilizes the film about thick 100 μ m-150 μ m to be formed ring-type.

The transfer printing of the toner image from photosensitive drums 3 to paper is undertaken by the transfer roll 6 with the interior side contacts of transfer belt 7.To applying the high-tension transfer bias that is used for the transfer printing toner image (with the high voltage of (+) of charged polarity (-) opposite polarity of toner) in the transfer roll 6.Transfer roll 6 is the rollers that cover based on the metal of diameter 8-10mm (for example stainless steel) axle, its surperficial resilient material by electric conductivity (for example EPDM, polyurathamc etc.).By the resilient material of this electric conductivity, can apply high voltage uniformly to paper.In present embodiment 1, used transfer roll 6 as the transfer printing electrode, but also can use brush etc. in addition.

And,, therefore be set at by transfer belt cleaning unit 9 and remove, reclaim by becoming the reason of polluting back side of paper attached to the toner of transfer belt 7 with contacting of photosensitive drums 3.In the transfer belt cleaning unit 9, have cleaning balde as for example cleaning member that contacts with transfer belt 7, the transfer belt 7 that this cleaning balde contacted supports from the inboard by transfer belt driven voller 74.

Paper feed tray 10 is to deposit the dish that image forms employed paper, is set at the downside of the image forming part of this duplicating machine 100.And the row's paper disc 15 that is arranged on the top of this duplicating machine 100 is to be used for the dish that paper face down that printing is finished is placed, and the row's paper disc 33 that is arranged on the sidepiece of this duplicating machine 100 is to be used for image is formed the dish that the paper of finishing faces up and places.

And, in this duplicating machine 100, be provided with and be used to make the paper transportation path S of the paper of paper feed tray 10 via the S word shape of transfer printing supply unit 8, fixation unit 12 row's of being transported to paper discs 15.Further, begin from paper feed tray 10 to row's paper disc 15 and the row paper transportation path S till the paper disc 33 near, dispose the conveying roller 36 etc. that pick-up roller 16, resistance roller 14, photographic fixing portion 12, throughput direction switch guides 34, conveyance of sheets.

Conveying roller 36 be used to promote, little forming roll that auxiliary paper is carried, be provided with a plurality of along paper transportation path S.Pick-up roller 16 is configured in the end of paper feed tray 10, is the draw roll that paper is offered one by one paper transportation path S from paper feed tray 10.

Throughput direction switches guides 34 and rotatably is set on the side cover 35, by becoming state shown in the dotted line from state shown in the solid line, can be from the paper of separation midway of transport path S, and paper is discharged to paper disc 33.And under the state shown in the solid line, paper is discharged to row's paper disc 15 on top by switching the delivery section S ' (part of paper transportation path S) that forms between the guides 34 at fixation unit 12 and side cover 35, conveying.

And resistance roller 14 is temporarily to remain on the roller that paper transportation path S goes up the paper of carrying.And this resistance roller 14 has following function: according to the rotation of photosensitive drums 3, paper is in due course to be transported on the transfer belt 7, is transferred on the paper the toner image on the photosensitive drums 3 is multiple preferably allowing to.

That is, resistance roller 14 according to not shown resistance before the detection signal conveyance of sheets of detector switch output so that the front end of the toner image on each photosensitive drums 3 is identical with the front end that the image in the paper forms scope.

Fixing roller 12 comprises warm-up mill 31, backer roll 32 etc.These warm-up mills 31 and the rotation of backer roll 32 clamping paper.

And, warm-up mill 31 has following function: according to the signal from not shown Temperature Detector, be controlled to be predetermined fixing temperature by control part, and and backer roll together to paper heat pressurization, thereby will be transferred to the fusion of polychrome toner image, mixing, crimping on the paper, make it hot photographic fixing to paper.

In addition, the paper after the photographic fixing of polychrome toner image is arranged the paper path by the counter-rotating that conveying roller 36 is transported to paper transportation path S, and (making the polychrome toner image towards downside) is discharged on the paper disc 15 under the state of counter-rotating.

[explanation of the developing apparatus that present embodiment 1 relates to]

Fig. 2 is the summary sectional view that the amplification of developing apparatus 2 that present embodiment 1 is related to is represented.

In this developing apparatus 2, in the inside of developing trough 20, developer roll 21 is with the mode horizontal arrangement relative with photosensitive drums 3 (paper arranged perpendicular relatively), and toner provides the mode horizontal arrangement of roller 22 to contact with this developer roll 21.And, be provided with the lamination limiting scraper 23 that is used to limit attached to the lamination of the toner of this developer roll 21 in the developer roll 21.And, provide at the toner of so configuration near the top of roller 23, and lamination limiting scraper 23 near, stirring conveying roller 24 horizontal arrangement that stir and carry toner.In present embodiment 1, this stirs conveying roller 24 with respect to the eccentric dispensed weight of rotation center.

Fig. 3 is the key diagram of the portion of developer testing agency of the developing apparatus 2 that relates to of present embodiment 1.

Stir conveying roller 24 by turning axle 24a with around this turning axle 24a, be configured to spiral helicine conveying blade 24b and constitute, the parellel arranged bar-shaped eccentric rod 24c with turning axle 24a is installed in the peripheral end of this conveying blade 24b.That is, eccentric rod 24c, with certain interval of the helix pitch correspondence of conveying blade 24b, be fixed on a plurality of places of the peripheral end of conveying blade 24b.Conveying blade 24b in the present embodiment by about be divided into two, the hand of spiral separately is opposite.Therefore, according to the sense of rotation of turning axle 24a, with the toner in the developing trough 20 from both ends to central portion, perhaps carry to both ends from central portion.In present embodiment 1, shown in arrow among the figure, be to carry to central portion from both ends.

Be provided with drive transmission member 27 in the end of this turning axle 24a (in Fig. 3, being the right part).But this drive transmission member 27 is to apply the clutch configuration of the clutch of revolving force by external force to the turning axle 24a that stirs conveying roller 24, by be installed in turning axle 24a one side discoid be rotated plate 25, and the discoid transmission swivel plate 26 that transmits not shown external force one side constitute.Be rotated in the plate 25, shown in Fig. 4 (a), Fig. 4 (b), be provided with engaging pin 25a at a place of the peripheral part of opposite face one side of transmitting swivel plate 26.On the other hand, transmit in the swivel plate 26, shown in Fig. 4 (c), Fig. 4 (d), be provided with to by the tab-like meshing flake 26a that becomes the diagonal angle wire of rotation center in opposite face one side that is rotated plate 25.

Fig. 5 is that the situation that conveying roller 24 rotates by the drive transmission member 27 of said structure is stirred in expression.But in this embodiment, engaging pin 25a and eccentric rod 24c being set at the situation that is wire relative position in diagonal angle via the rotation center that is rotated plate 25 describes.

Eccentric rod 24c is from the position of the foot shown in Fig. 5 (a), position through Fig. 5 (b), till the position of the topmost shown in Fig. 5 (c), along a direction (clockwise direction) when Rotate 180 is spent, the meshing flake 26a that transmits the transmission swivel plate 26 of external force always meshes rotation, presses down along a direction (clockwise direction) so that be rotated the engaging pin 25a of plate 25.

Afterwards, when not having toner in the developing trough 20, shown in Fig. 5 (d), when eccentric rod 24c from topmost when a direction (clockwise direction) is further rotated slightly, bear a heavy burden by the off-centre that eccentric rod 24c causes, stir conveying roller 24 and improve its rotational speed and rotation.Promptly, eccentric rod 24c begins till the foot when a direction (clockwise direction) is rotated from arriving topmost, compare with the rotational speed that is subjected to external force, off-centre heavy burden by eccentric rod 24c makes the rotational speed that stirs conveying roller 24 rotations very fast, consequently shown in Fig. 5 (d), Fig. 5 (e), engaging pin 25a (i.e. state that engagement is disengaged) under the state that leaves meshing flake 26a rotates freely.That is, when having toner in the developing trough 20 (residue more after a little while), stir conveying roller 24 rotations once during in, produce rotational speed faster during and slower during.

On the other hand, when in the developing trough 20 toner being arranged (, when stirring conveying roller 24 is imbedded in the toner), by eccentric rod 24c further rotation slightly from topmost along a direction (clockwise direction), stir conveying roller 24 even the off-centre that eccentric rod 24c causes bears a heavy burden to impose on, the load of only eliminating this off-centre heavy burden also can be applied to eccentric rod 24c from toner.Consequently, shown in Fig. 5 (d '), Fig. 5 (e '), eccentric rod 24c from topmost to foot during a direction (clockwise direction) the Rotate 180 degree, meshing flake 26a also can keep meshing relation and be rotated, and presses so that engaging pin 25a is gone up along a direction (clockwise direction).That is, when in the developing trough 20 enough toners being arranged, stir revolving force always the rotational speed rotation to fix of conveying roller 24 by external force, and irrelevant with the heavy burden of eccentric rod 24c.

As seen from the above description, stir conveying roller 24, according to the surplus of the toner in the developing trough 20, the rotational speed pattern difference when it rotates a time.Therefore, by detecting this rotational speed pattern, can detect the surplus of toner.

Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, stirring between conveying roller 24 and the drive transmission member 27, be provided with the rotation detector 28 that is used to detect the rotation of stirring conveying roller 24.This rotation detector 28 is the photo-couplers that make the transparent type of the relative configuration with photo detector of light-emitting component in section is the box main body of recess shapes via concave part 28a.This rotation detector 28 is configured to make concave part 28a towards the axle center of turning axle 24a opening.On the other hand, in the turning axle 24a relative, shown in the dotted line of Fig. 4 (b) with the opening of this concave part 28a, be provided with the check-out console 28b that is formed fan-shaped, this check-out console 28b by the concave part 28a of rotation detector 28, detects the rotation of stirring conveying roller 24 thus.

Be different during with no toner when as mentioned above, the rotational speed pattern that stirs conveying roller 24 has toner in developing trough 20.

Fig. 6 is the detection waveform of the rotation detector 28 by said structure when detecting the rotation of stirring conveying rollers 24, is the figure of the detection waveform of expression when toner is arranged with figure (a), is the figure of the detection waveform of expression when not having toner with figure (b).But this signal waveform during with the concave part 28a of check-out console 28b by rotation detector 28, rotation detector 28 are represented with " H " level signal during for off-state.As shown in Figure 6, when toner is arranged and during no toner, difference during " H " level (t11＞t12).Therefore, by the difference during this " H " level, can detect in the developing trough 20 and have or not toner.That is, in the toner abundance, stir conveying roller 24 and be imbedded under the state in the toner, detect signal shown in Fig. 6 (a),, detect the signal shown in Fig. 6 (b) when the toner surplus tails off, stirs under the state that conveying roller 24 exposes from the toner upper surface.This rotation detector 28, because check-out console 28b forms fan-shaped, the once rotation of stirring conveying roller 24 only detects a pulse signal, only has or not the detection of toner surplus basically.Though by changing during measurement " H " level, which kind of degree the residue toner that can detect toner is, only is lower on the precision.

Fig. 7 represents other embodiment of check-out console 28c.In this example, check-out console 28c is discoid, forms a plurality of radial slit portions at its complete all interval with equalization.By making check-out console 28c form this shape, in this rotation detector 28, can detect a plurality of pulses for the once rotation of stirring conveying roller 24.

Fig. 8 is the figure of situation of the signal waveform of the detection pulse in the expression rotation detector 28 shown in Figure 7, is the figure of the detection waveform of expression when toner is arranged with figure (a), is the figure of the detection waveform of expression when not having toner with figure (b).Wherein, this signal waveform with the concave part 28a of check-out console 28c by rotation detector 28 time, rotation detector 28 represents as " H " level signal during for off-state.

When toner, as mentioned above, stir conveying roller 24 speed that it once rotates to fix is rotated.Consequently, shown in Fig. 8 (a), when toner is arranged, detect pulse and be detected with fixing interval.

Relative with it, when not having toner, as mentioned above, stir conveying roller 24 with fixing speed carry out its once rotate in initial half rotation (180 degree), because the off-centre of eccentric rod 24c is born a heavy burden, rotational speed accelerates in half rotation afterwards (180 degree).Its result in the next one half rotation, compares with half initial rotation shown in Fig. 8 (b), and pulse width and the recurrent interval of detecting pulse shorten.And, in this example,, interrupt detecting pulse in the next one half rotation midway.This is that the upper surface of the toner in the developing trough 20 just in time is the detection waveform when stirring the degree of axle center correspondence of turning axle 24a of conveying roller 24.That is, shown in Fig. 5 (d), when eccentric rod 24c from topmost when a direction (clockwise direction) is further rotated slightly because the off-centre of eccentric rod 24c bears a heavy burden, stir conveying roller 24 and improve its rotational speeies and be rotated.Its result is shown in t21 during Fig. 8 (b), and pulse width and the recurrent interval of detecting pulse shorten.And eccentric rod 24c roughly revolves from topmost along a direction (clockwise direction) when turning 90 degrees, and eccentric rod 24c arrives the upper surface of toner, becomes the form that eccentric rod 24c is prevented from owing to toner, carries agitating roller 24 to stop the rotation.Therefore, before the meshing flake 26a of the transmission swivel plate 26 of drive transmission member 27 pulls up to the engaging pin 25a that is rotated plate 25 during (shown in Fig. 8 (b) during t22), carry the rotation of agitating roller 24 to stop, not exporting the detection pulse during this period yet.But t22 detects pulse and also becomes " H " level sometimes according to the stop position of check-out console 28c during this period.And, when transmit swivel plate 26 revolve turn 90 degrees, when meshing flake 26a pulls up to engaging pin 25a, engaging pin 25a becomes the form that is pressed down by meshing flake 26a once more, within t23 during the next one, from rotation detector 28 outputs and the initial detection pulse of partly rotating identical pulse width and recurrent interval.

So, when not having toner (the toner surplus of correctly saying so tails off, stirs conveying roller 24 when toner buries state and begins to expose), the waveform (waveform patterns) of the detection pulse of next half rotation becomes and the different waveform (waveform patterns) of waveform (waveform patterns) of the detection pulse of initial half rotation.And, this waveform (waveform patterns) also according to the upper surface of toner with respect to the difference that stirs conveying roller 24 residing height and positions, the ratio difference of t21, t22, t23 during above-mentioned three.Therefore, by judging the ratio during these, can detect the toner surplus in more detail.

For example, during t23, the upper surface of the toner in the developing trough 20 just in time is the suitable height in axle center that stirs the turning axle 24a of conveying roller 24 during being substantially equal to during the total of t21 and t22 during above-mentioned.And, during during the total of t21 and t22 with during t23 compare shortly when a lot, the upper surface of the toner in the developing trough 20 is the height that expose a little on the top of the stirring conveying roller 24 that disposes in the horizontal direction.Further, when during during the total of t21 and t22 with during t23 compare longly when a lot, the upper surface of the toner in the developing trough 20 is near the height that exposes fully till the bottom of the stirring conveying roller 24 of configuration in the horizontal direction.

In present embodiment 1, will be installed to by check-out console 28b, the 28c that rotation detector 28 detects on the turning axle 24a that stirs conveying roller 24.And, have the ability that the toner in the developing trough 20 is carried to central portion from both ends owing to stir conveying roller 24, so the toner pressure in the developing trough 20 is average, and always smooth.Therefore can keep good image quality, and the detection error under the prior art can not take place, can detect the toner surplus accurately.And in present embodiment 1, this stirring conveying roller 24 is configured in toner to be provided near the top of roller 22.By being configured in this part, toner can be provided near the roller, and lamination limiting scraper 23 near toner pressure equalization, can carry out more stable operation.

(embodiment 2)

Next, with reference to accompanying drawing the developing apparatus with the foregoing description 1 different modes is described.In addition, the developing apparatus that present embodiment 2 relates to compares with the developing apparatus 2 in the foregoing description 1 that only portion of developer testing agency is different, and other formations are all identical.Therefore, in present embodiment 2, give identical label, and omit its explanation the same structure of portion of developer testing agency.And, to describing, and identical action effect and variation are omitted its explanation with embodiment 1 different action effect.

Fig. 9 and Figure 10 are the key diagrams of formation of the portion of developer testing agency of the developing apparatus 2 that relates to of expression embodiments of the invention 2.

This portion of developer testing agency is except the stirring conveying roller 24 of said structure, near this stirring conveying roller 24 and and stir conveying roller 24 and dispose one second concurrently and stir conveying roller 241.This second stirring conveying roller 241 is not to carry out distribution of weight with respect to rotation center off-centre.And in this embodiment 2, the conveying blade 24b that stirs conveying roller 24 is not split into two at central portion, but in the direction helically rotation in the total length upper edge of length direction.Equally, second stir the conveying blade 241b of conveying roller 241 also in the direction helically rotation in the total length upper edge of length direction.And, in this embodiment 2, by making the sense of rotation that stirs the conveying roller 24 and the second stirring conveying roller 241 opposite mutually, in stirring conveying roller 24, the right side of toner from Figure 10 in the developing trough 20 carried in arrow X1 direction to the left, stir in the conveying roller 241 second, the toner in the developing trough 20 is carried in arrow X2 direction from Figure 10 from left to right.That is, the throughput direction and second throughput direction that stirs the toner of conveying roller 241 that stirs the toner of conveying roller 24 is set at oppositely.So, can further make the pressure equalization of toner, and make the surface of toner form more smooth face, therefore can further improve image quality and surplus accuracy of detection.In addition, in this embodiment 2, only disposed one second and stirred conveying roller 241, can certainly be provided with more than two.

(embodiment 3)

Next, describe with reference to the developing apparatus of accompanying drawing the mode different with the foregoing description 1.In addition, the developing apparatus that present embodiment 3 relates to compares with the developing apparatus 2 in the foregoing description 1 that only portion of developer testing agency is different, and other formations are all identical.Therefore, in present embodiment 3, the same structure of portion of developer testing agency is marked with identical label, and omits its explanation.And to describing, and identical action effect and variation are omitted its explanation with embodiment 1 different action effect.

Figure 11 and Figure 12 are the key diagrams of formation of the portion of developer testing agency of the developing apparatus 2 that relates to of expression embodiments of the invention 3.

The stainless steel shaft that this portion of developer testing agency is external diameter 4mm (the bar-shaped weight among the present invention (heavy り) parts) 101, become with respect to the eccentric 6mm of driven in rotation center R and by the crank-like of rotary supporting part 104,105 fixed supports.In addition, the turning axle of the label 106 expression rotary supporting parts 104 among the figure, the turning axle of label 17 expression rotary supporting parts 105.

And, inserting line on this stainless steel shaft 101 directly for 0.8mm, external diameter are that 8mm, helix pitch (P) are two volute springs 102, the volute spring 103 of 8mm, the winding direction of volute spring 102 is right the winding, the winding direction of volute spring 103 is that twine on a left side.

And, if the effective length of stainless steel shaft 101 is the spring length of L1, volute spring 102 is that the spring length of L2, volute spring 103 is when being L3, the end of each volute spring 102,103 is provided with and is about 5mm[ L1-(L2+L3) altogether] the gap, each volute spring 102,103 respectively independently radial direction, and thrust direction on insertion with moving freely.

So, because volute spring 101 can move in the radial direction, therefore the toner as spiral periphery curing reason can not be detained, but along with rotation is discharged from, thereby can prevent problems such as obstruction, sclerosis, can carry out the development operation of good reliability.Further, when being subjected to loading owing to toner along with the rotation driving, if there is not stainless steel shaft 101, volute spring 102,103 will deflection deformation, come in contact etc. with not shown cabinet wall, become the reason that produces fault, but according to said structure, limited by stainless steel shaft 101 distortion, therefore can be carried out the operation of good reliability.And, twining on the contrary by making volute spring 102,103, the toner (developer among the present invention) in the developing trough 20 for example is transferred from both ends to the central portion concentrated area, so toner (developer) pressure in the developing trough 20 is average, and always smooth.Therefore, can keep good image quality, and also detection error of the prior art can not take place, can detect the surplus of toner (developer) accurately.

Further, two ends 102a, the 102b of volute spring 102 and two ends 103a, the 103b of volute spring 103 closely are wound into spring wire on the stainless steel shaft 101 respectively with predetermined gap.By tight winding, can prevent casual winding between end 102a, the 103a of two volute springs 102,103 in the central portion.And, when other end 102b, the 103b of each volute spring 102,103 during sliding friction, also can prevent its damage to cabinet wall on not shown cabinet wall.

(embodiment 4)

Next, describe with reference to the developing apparatus of accompanying drawing the mode different with the foregoing description 3.In the related developing apparatus of present embodiment 4, to being marked with same label, omit its explanation when the structure of same title is identical with developing apparatus 2 identical titles that the foregoing description 3 relates to, different structures is described.And, to describing, but identical action effect and variation are omitted its explanation with embodiment 3 different action effects.

[explanation of the developing apparatus that present embodiment 4 relates to]

Figure 13 amplifies the summary sectional view of expression with the developing apparatus 2 that present embodiment 3 relates to.

This developing apparatus 2 with the form horizontal arrangement developer roll 21 (with respect to paper arranged perpendicular) relative with photosensitive drums 3, provides roller 22 with the form horizontal arrangement toner that contacts with this developer roll 21 in the inside of developing trough 20.And, be provided with the lamination limiting scraper 23 that is used to limit attached to the toner lamination of this developer roll 21 in the developer roll 21.And, provide at the toner of like this configuration near the top of roller 23, and lamination limiting scraper 23 near, horizontal arrangement is as stirring and carrying stainless steel shaft 101, the first volute springs 110 of the weight member of toner rotatably and under its anglec of rotation is restricted to the state of predetermined angular to be inserted in this stainless steel shaft 101.

Figure 14 is the key diagram of the portion of developer testing agency of the developing apparatus 2 that relates to of present embodiment 4.

Stainless steel shaft 101 is set to respect to the eccentric dispensed weight of rotation center.That is, stainless steel shaft 101 in the mode with respect to the rotation center R off-centre of each turning axle 106,107, by each rotary supporting part 104,105 its two ends of fixed support respectively, is a crank shape on the whole.

And first volute spring 110 is formed has the internal diameter also bigger than the external diameter of stainless steel shaft 101.That is, first volute spring 110, can be only with the part of the difference of the internal diameter of the external diameter of stainless steel shaft 101 and first volute spring 110, move in radial direction with respect to stainless steel shaft 101.

And, first volute spring 110 by winding direction different, separate two cut apart volute spring 102,103 (being equivalent to the volute spring 102,103 among the embodiment 3) and constitute.Particularly, at the middle body of stainless steel shaft 101, be separated into right the winding and cut apart volute spring 102,103 with left two of twining.Cut apart volute spring 102,103 for two by this opposite winding, toner in the developing trough 20 for example is transferred in the mode of concentrating to central portion from the both ends of stainless steel shaft 101, so the pressure equalization of the toner in the developing trough 20, and always be smooth shape.

Further, respectively cutting apart volute spring 102,103 can be inserted in the stainless steel shaft 101 in the form in the gap that thrust direction moves to have.Be inserted into stainless steel shaft 101 by this with form, even each volute spring 102,103 is owing to during elongation strains such as toner load, also can absorb distortion by the gap with gap.In this case, cut apart two ends 102a, the 102b of volute spring 102 and cut apart two ends 103a, the 103b of volute spring 103, spring wire is closely twined respectively with narrow and small intervals.By so closely twining, can prevent casual winding between end 102a, the 103a of two volute springs 102,103 in the central portion.And, even, also can prevent damage to the inwall of developing trough 20 even will cut apart volute spring 102,103 is provided with to such an extent that contact with the inwall of developing trough 20.

Figure 15 is the skeleton view that the amplification of end 102b, a 103b of respectively cutting apart the outside of volute spring 102,103 is represented.

And, respectively cut apart volute spring 102,103, end 102b, a 103b in its outside is with respect to the outstanding vertical direction outside (being downside among Figure 15) that is formed on, the axle center of stainless steel shaft 101, and its outstanding leading section 102b1,103b1 are inserted among slotted hole 202a, the 203a, this slotted hole 202a, 203a are formed on the lock banking stop 202,203 that is arranged on the rotary supporting part 104,105.This slotted hole 202a, 203a form long slotted hole along the sense of rotation of respectively cutting apart volute spring 102,103.Respectively cut apart volute spring 102,103 and can only rotate the predetermined angular that the length by this slotted hole 202a, 203a limits.And, this slotted hole 202a, 203a are formed also more roomy than the external diameter of outstanding leading section 102b1,103b1, end 102b, a 103b respectively cutting apart volute spring 102,103 also can only move on thrust direction by fixed predetermined length of the tolerance of this slotted hole 202a, 203a.

And, shown in the dot-and-dash line of Figure 13, respectively cut apart volute spring 102,103 and be set to: contact with the internal face 20a of developing trough 20 along with the rotation of stainless steel shaft 101.So, by cutting apart that volute spring 102,103 contacts with internal face 20a and moving it forcing in the radial direction, obtain better toner and disassemble effect.

And, as shown in figure 14, be provided with drive transmission member 27 in an end of a turning axle 107 (in Figure 14, being the right part).This drive transmission member 27 is by external force but the turning axle 107 of stainless steel shaft 101 to be applied the clutch configuration of the clutch of revolving force, by be installed in turning axle 107 1 sides discoid be rotated plate 25, and the discoid transmission swivel plate 26 that transmits not shown external force one side constitute.

Stirring transfer unit for said structure, in the present embodiment, further near the outboard end of respectively cutting apart volute spring 102,103, the second relative and parallel volute spring 302,303 (with reference to Figure 14) of configuration and each volute spring 102,103 respectively.This second volute spring 302,303 is with to cut apart volute spring 102,103 the same, and being set to can be in thrust direction and move in the radial direction.

Promptly, second volute spring 302,303 is configured between a pair of holding plate 310,310, this a pair of holding plate 310,310, on the internal face of developing trough 20, be oppositely arranged with predetermined interval, two ends of second volute spring 302,303 are held being embedded under the state of the maintenance that forms on the opposite of each holding plate 310,310 with jut 311,311.The internal diameter of second volute spring 302,303 here is bigger than keeping the external diameter with jut 311, and the length of second volute spring 302,303 is shorter than the distance of 310,310 of a pair of holding plates.That is, two ends are embedded into second volute spring 302,303 of this a pair of maintenance with jut 311,311 respectively, can be in thrust direction and mobile in the radial direction with jut 311 with respect to maintenance.

And these second volute springs 302,303 are configured to: along with the rotation of stainless steel shaft 101 with this stainless steel shaft 101 and/or cut apart volute spring 102,103 and contact.Further, second volute spring 302,303 twines on the direction opposite with the relative winding direction of cutting apart volute spring 102,103.By disposing the second such volute spring 302,303, can obtain better toner and disassemble effect, thereby can more stably carry toner.

In addition, above-mentioned each volute spring 102,103,302,303, its helix pitch is made as P (mm), when external diameter is made as D (mm), is formed and satisfies following formula (1).

D/2＜P…(1)

By such relation, can improve the operational throughput of toner, and make developer be not easy to be set on the volute spring.

Next, the concrete example of the portion of developer testing agency that present embodiment 4 is related to describes.

This portion of developer testing agency, for the stainless steel shaft 101 of external diameter 5mm with respect to the eccentric 6mm of driven in rotation center R and by the crank-like of rotary supporting part 104,105 fixed supports.And, insert line on this stainless steel shaft 101 and directly cut apart volute spring 102,103 for two of 8mm for 0.5mm, external diameter are 7mm, helix pitch (P), a winding direction of cutting apart volute spring 102 twines for right, and another winding direction of cutting apart volute spring 103 twines for a left side.

Be provided with in the end of respectively cutting apart volute spring 102,103 and be about 5mm[ L1-(L2+L3) altogether] the gap, respectively cut apart volute spring 102,103 and be inserted into independently respectively, can move freely 1mm, and on thrust direction, move freely about 4mm in radial direction.

So, can move in the radial direction owing to cut apart volute spring 102,103, therefore the toner as spiral periphery curing reason can not be detained, but along with rotation is discharged from, thereby can prevent problems such as obstruction, sclerosis, can carry out the development operation of good reliability.Further, when being subjected to loading owing to toner along with the rotation driving, if there is not stainless steel shaft 101, cutting apart volute spring 102,103 will deflection deformation, come in contact etc. with not shown cabinet wall, become the reason that produces obstacle, but according to said structure, limited by stainless steel shaft 101 distortion, therefore can be carried out the operation of good reliability.And, to cut apart volute spring 102,103 and oppositely twine by making, the developer in the developing trough for example is transferred in the mode of concentrating towards central portion from both ends, so the developer pressure in the developing trough is average, and always smooth.Therefore, can keep good image quality, and also detection error of the prior art can not take place, can detect the surplus of developer accurately.

On the other hand, second volute spring 302,303 uses external diameter to be 0.8mm, helix pitch (P) material for 8mm as 12mm, line footpath, with respect to maintenance with jut 311 can move 6mm in radial direction, the mode that moves 3mm in thrust direction is held.And, twine for a left side with the right volute spring 102 second relative volute springs 302 of cutting apart that twine, twine for right with the volute spring 103 second relative volute springs 303 of cutting apart that twine on a left side.

By disposing second volute spring 302,303 of this structure, the toner that is set in the corner of developing trough 20 more effectively can be disassembled, stainless steel shaft 101 by the off-centre setting and cut apart volute spring 102,103 can more stably be carried toner.

(embodiment 5)

But as mentioned above, the developing apparatus related according to present embodiment though can improve the accuracy of detection of the surplus of developer, can have problems in following each side.

In this portion of developer testing agency, as shown in Figure 2, provide near the top of roller 22 though be arranged on toner, but at this moment, when stirring conveying roller 24 shown in Figure 4 and volute spring shown in Figure 11 102,103 are configured to such an extent that too provide roller 22 near toner, because the relation between the roller spacing (helix pitch) of stirring conveying roller 24 and the helix pitch of volute spring 102,103 can produce toner and can't evenly disperse, produce the uneven such new problem of image color.

About this point, the inventor for confirm toner provide roller 22 and volute spring 102,103 near to what degree the time (, when toner provides the gap P (with reference to Fig. 2) between roller 22 and the volute spring 102,103 to reduce to what degree) the image color inequality can take place, test.Experiment is to carry out under five conditions as shown in table 1 below.

Table 1

Gap P (mm)	1.2	1.3	1.6	2.1	2.6
						Condition (mm)	Axle: Φ 5.2 springs: the gap of external diameter Φ 8 lines footpath Φ 0.4 inwall and spring: 1.00	Axle: Φ 5.5 springs: the gap of external diameter Φ 8 lines footpath Φ 0.4 inwall and spring: 0.85	Axle: Φ 6 springs: the gap of external diameter Φ 8 lines footpath Φ 0.4 inwall and spring: 0.6	Axle: Φ 5 springs: the gap of external diameter Φ 7 lines footpath Φ 0.4 inwall and spring: 1.1	Axle: Φ 4 springs: external diameter Φ 6 lines footpath Φ 0.4
The image color inequality	×	×	×	△	○

Zero ... no △ ... have a little * ... have

Found that, when gap P for about 2mm the image color inequality takes place when following, but be that 2mm or 2mm the image color inequality can not take place when above when it.But can infer that this 2mm also has a little difference according to the difference of spring radius of volute spring 102,103 etc., but five conditions of table 1 are the conditions under the physical device level, in the physical device level, can confirm whether to take place circumscribing of image color inequality and be approximately 2mm.

Next, utilize accompanying drawing represent to improve developer surplus accuracy of detection and solved the embodiment 5 of above-mentioned new problem.In this embodiment 5, describe with reference to the developing apparatus of accompanying drawing to the mode different with the foregoing description 1.In addition, in the developing apparatus that present embodiment 5 relates to, give identical label, omit its explanation when the structure of same names is identical, describing of different structure to the same names of the developing apparatus that relates to the foregoing description 3.And to describing, and identical action effect and variation are omitted its explanation with embodiment 3 different action effects.

[explanation of the developing apparatus that present embodiment 5 relates to]

Figure 16 is the summary sectional view that the amplification of developing apparatus 2 that present embodiment 5 is related to is represented.

The basic structure of this developing apparatus 2 is identical with the developing apparatus 2 shown in the foregoing description 1-4, and the distinctive structure of this developing apparatus 2 as shown in figure 16.In addition, 104 (105) the expression rotary supporting parts of the label among Figure 16.Label 106 (107) expression is used to make the turning axle (with reference to Figure 11) of stainless steel shaft 101 self rotation.And the track M1 shown in two dot-and-dash lines among Figure 16 represents the rotational trajectory of the most peripheral of stainless steel shaft 101.Track M2 is illustrated in the rotational trajectory of the most peripheral of the volute spring 102,103 when rotating under volute spring 102,103 and stainless steel shaft 101 state of contact.

And, under said structure, in present embodiment 5, roller 22 is provided and constitute stirs among the spatial portion S1 between the volute spring 102,103 of transfer unit at toner, dispose the equalization parts 201 (being coated with mark with black among Figure 16 represents) that make the toner equalization.

Equalization parts 201 in present embodiment 5, have used laminal elastic film, particularly, have used polyethylene terephthalate.So, by constituting equalization parts 201 by the spring film, film can be out of shape corresponding to the pressure of toner, therefore can prevent because toner bonding, the unequal problem of toner carried charge that the abnormal ascending of part toner pressure causes.In addition, as the thickness t (mm) of the elastic film that has used polyethylene terephthalate, according to experimental result, from the angle of elastic deformation, the material in preferred 0.1mm≤t≤0.5mm scope.

An end 201a of these equalization parts 201 provides upstream one side of the roller sense of rotation (the A1 direction among the figure) of roller 22 at toner, is fixedly supported on the inwall of developing trough 20 with stiffening rib 204 by fixing.Under this state, become free end as another end 201b of the equalization parts 201 of downstream one side of roller sense of rotation A1.So, by with equalization parts 201 single face support fixation, another end 201b can freely shake at above-below direction, therefore can carry out more stable equalization operation.

In this case, free-ended another end 201b as equalization parts 201, be set to be positioned at the driven in rotation center that connects toner and the roller rotation center of roller 22 is provided and stirs transfer unit and be on the line of straight line K1 of rotation center of turning axle 106 (107), perhaps be positioned at downstream one side of roller rest sense of rotation A1 more than this straight line K1.

Particularly, equalization parts 201 are flatly disposed, and are set to from the outstanding about 2.5mm of fixing leading section with stiffening rib 204.Promptly, the length of the fixing supporting surface part with stiffening rib 204 that supports equalization parts 201 begins to be about 4mm from the internal face of developing trough 20, so the length that begins till another end 201b of equalization parts 201 from the internal face of developing trough 20 is about 6.5mm.And equalization parts 201 are about 2mm from straight line K1 to the downstream of roller sense of rotation A1 one side-prominent length.So, another end 201b by equalization parts 201 is set in the downstream of roller sense of rotation A1 one side outstanding a little, can carry out more stable equalization operation.

And, also can perhaps carry out nickel-PTFE composite plating etc. by surface applied PTFE film, fluororesin to equalization parts 201, make it have release property.So, can prevent that toner is bonded on the surface of equalization parts 201.

In addition, in present embodiment 5, when being applied in the following developing apparatus, it can bring into play its effect better: the developing apparatus that in developing trough 20, is not provided for controlling the supply roller of toner replenishing amount.And, the better effects if when developing apparatus of present embodiment 5 is non-magnetic mono-component at toner.In containing the two-component developing agent of carrier, prevent the obstruction of developer by carrier, but in the developing apparatus of present embodiment 5, when toner was non-magnetic mono-component, the action effect of equalization parts 201 can obtain more effective performance.

Next, the object lesson of the portion of developer testing agency that present embodiment 5 is related to describes.

In present embodiment 5, be the stainless steel shaft 101 that makes external diameter 4mm with respect to the eccentric 6mm of driven in rotation center R and by the crank-like of rotary supporting part 104,105 fixed supports.And, having inserted line on this stainless steel shaft 101 directly for 0.8mm, external diameter are that 8mm, helix pitch are two volute springs 102, the volute spring 103 of 8mm, volute spring 102 is right the winding, volute spring 103 is that twine on a left side.

And, effective length L1 with respect to stainless steel shaft 101, the spring length L 2 of volute spring 102 and the spring length L 3 of volute spring 103 have 5mm[ L1-(L2+L3)] the gap, volute spring 102 and volute spring 103 respectively independently radial direction, and thrust direction on with can move freely the insertion

Further, two ends 102a, 102b, 103a, the 103b of volute spring 102,103 closely twine, prevent in central portion casual winding between two helical spring end 102a, the 103a, and, prevent its damage to casing side inwall as other end 102b, 103b during in end casing side inwall sliding friction.

Further, toner provides roller 22 and volute spring 102,103 to have the gap of 1.6mm under immediate state, PET film as equalization parts 201 used thickness 0.1mm, the upstream one side end 201a of this PET film is adhesively secured to the inwall of developing trough 20 with double sticky tape, and the overhang X of downstream one side end 201b is made as X=2mm.

Carry the developing apparatus of said structure on the image processing system and carry out image and form, the result can obtain not have the preferable image of image color inequality.

In addition, the present invention only otherwise break away from its spirit and principal character can implement with other various forms.Therefore no matter above-mentioned embodiment all is simple example from which aspect, must not do determinate explanation.Scope of the present invention is not subjected to any constraint of instructions text shown in claims.And the distortion, the change that belong to the impartial scope of claims all belong to scope of the present invention.

Claims (33)

1. a developing apparatus is characterized in that,

Have: stir transfer unit, carry out distribution of weight prejudicially, stir and the supplying developing agent with respect to rotation center;

But the drive transmission member of clutch is used to drive above-mentioned stirring transfer unit and makes its rotation; With

Rotation detector detects the rotation status of above-mentioned stirring transfer unit,

According to the surplus that detects developer by the detected rotation status of above-mentioned rotation detector.

2. developing apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned rotation detector generates a plurality of output pulses with respect to the once rotation of above-mentioned stirring transfer unit.

3. developing apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized in that,

Except that above-mentioned stirring transfer unit, also dispose one or more second and stir transfer unit.

4. developing apparatus according to claim 3 is characterized in that,

The above-mentioned second stirring transfer unit stirs conveying with the developer of inside to the direction opposite with the stirring throughput direction of above-mentioned stirring transfer unit.

5. a developing apparatus is characterized in that,

Have: stir transfer unit, carry out distribution of weight, stir and the supplying developing agent with respect to rotation center off-centre; And drive transmission member, be used to drive above-mentioned stirring transfer unit and make its rotation,

Above-mentioned stirring transfer unit be configured in developer provide roller near, and provide spatial portion between roller and the above-mentioned stirring transfer unit at above-mentioned developer, dispose the equalization parts that make the developer equalization.

6. developing apparatus according to claim 5 is characterized in that,

In developing trough, be provided with the supply roller of the increment of control developer.

7. developing apparatus according to claim 5 is characterized in that,

The rotation detector that also has the rotation status that detects above-mentioned stirring transfer unit is according to the surplus that is detected developer by the detected rotation status of above-mentioned rotation detector.

8. developing apparatus according to claim 1 or 5 is characterized in that,

Provide the top of roller to dispose above-mentioned stirring transfer unit at above-mentioned developer.

9. according to claim 1 or 8 described developing apparatuss, it is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned stirring transfer unit stirs conveying from the both ends of this stirring transfer unit to central portion with the developer of inside.

10. according to any described developing apparatus in the claim 1,5,6,7, it is characterized in that,

The distribution of weight of above-mentioned off-centre is by with respect to above-mentioned rotating shaft eccentric and the bar-shaped weight member of fixed configurations carries out, above-mentioned stirring transfer unit is made of the helical element with internal diameter bigger than the external diameter of above-mentioned weight member, and above-mentioned helical element can be inserted into above-mentioned weight member rotationally.

11. developing apparatus according to claim 10 is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned helical element is a volute spring.

12. according to claim 10 or 11 described developing apparatuss, it is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned helical element is made of winding direction a plurality of parts different, that separate.

13. developing apparatus according to claim 12 is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned helical element has the gap that can move and is inserted in the above-mentioned weight member on thrust direction.

14. developing apparatus according to claim 13 is characterized in that,

The both ends of above-mentioned helical element are closely twined respectively.

15. according to claim 5,6,7,10, any described developing apparatus of 11, it is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned developer is a non-magnetic mono-component.

16. according to claim 5,6,7,10,11, any described developing apparatus of 15, it is characterized in that,

An end of above-mentioned equalization parts provides upstream one side of the roller sense of rotation of roller to be fixedly supported on the inwall of developing trough at above-mentioned developer, and downstream one side of roller sense of rotation is that another ends of above-mentioned equalization parts becomes free end.

17. developing apparatus according to claim 16 is characterized in that,

Free-ended another end as above-mentioned equalization parts, be positioned at and connect above-mentioned developer and provide on the line of straight line at driven in rotation center of the roller rotation center of roller and above-mentioned stirring transfer unit, perhaps be positioned at than this straight line downstream one side of roller rest sense of rotation more.

18. developing apparatus according to claim 5 is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned equalization parts are made of elastic film.

19. developing apparatus according to claim 18 is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned elastic film is made of polyethylene terephthalate.

20. developing apparatus according to claim 5 is characterized in that,

The surface of above-mentioned equalization parts has release property.

21. a developing apparatus is characterized in that,

Have: stir transfer unit, carry out distribution of weight prejudicially, stir and the supplying developing agent with respect to rotation center; With

But the drive transmission member of clutch is used to drive above-mentioned stirring transfer unit and makes its rotation,

The distribution of weight of above-mentioned off-centre is undertaken by the bar-shaped weight member that fixedly installs with respect to above-mentioned rotating shaft eccentric, above-mentioned stirring transfer unit has internal diameter first volute spring bigger than the external diameter of above-mentioned weight member, and above-mentioned first volute spring can be rotationally and is restricted at its rotational angle under the state of predetermined angular and is inserted into above-mentioned weight member.

22. developing apparatus according to claim 21 is characterized in that,

The rotation detector that also has the rotation status that detects above-mentioned weight member is according to the surplus that is detected developer by the detected rotation status of above-mentioned rotation detector.

23. according to claim 21 or 22 described developing apparatuss, it is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned first volute spring is set to: only can be with respect to the part of above-mentioned weight member in the difference that moves radially above-mentioned weight member external diameter and this first volute spring internal diameter.

24. developing apparatus according to claim 23 is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned first volute spring is set to and can moves on thrust direction with respect to above-mentioned weight member.

25. any described developing apparatus according to claim 21 to 24 is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned first volute spring by winding direction different, separate two cut apart volute spring and constitute.

26. developing apparatus according to claim 25 is characterized in that,

Cut apart and have certain clearance between the relative end of volute spring and be inserted in the above-mentioned weight member for above-mentioned two.

27. according to claim 25 or 26 described developing apparatuss, it is characterized in that,

The above-mentioned volute spring of cutting apart, an end in its outside is with respect to the outstanding vertical direction outside that is formed on, the axle center of above-mentioned weight member, and its outstanding fore-end is inserted in the slotted hole that forms on being arranged on the meshing flake of above-mentioned weight member, can only move the predetermined angular by this slotted hole restriction.

28. any described developing apparatus according to claim 21 to 27 is characterized in that,

The above-mentioned volute spring of cutting apart contacts with the internal face of above-mentioned developing trough along with the rotation of above-mentioned weight member.

29. any described developing apparatus according to claim 21 to 28 is characterized in that,

Cut apart near the helical spring outboard end above-mentioned, to cut apart volute spring relative and dispose second volute spring abreast with this, and this second volute spring also is set to can be in thrust direction and move in the radial direction.

30. developing apparatus according to claim 29 is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned second volute spring is configured to two ends and swims a pair of maintenance that is embedded into the internal face that is arranged on developing trough respectively with the state in the jut.

31. according to claim 29 or 30 described developing apparatuss, it is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned second volute spring contacts with this weight member and/or above-mentioned first volute spring along with the rotation of above-mentioned weight member.

32. any described developing apparatus according to claim 29 to 31 is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned second volute spring was wound with relative above-mentioned cutting apart on the opposite direction of helical spring winding direction.

33. any described developing apparatus according to claim 21 to 32 is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned volute spring, its helix pitch are made as P (mm), when external diameter is made as D (mm), is formed and satisfies following formula:

D/2＜P。

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