JP2013195763A - Powder conveying member and powder conveying device using the same, developing device, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a powder conveying member that includes a cylindrical rotation shaft having bearing parts to which bearing members are brought into contact in areas closer to both ends and leakage control parts to which powder leakage prevention members are brought into contact at positions on the inner side than the bearing parts, and a conveying part that is provided in a form of protruding to a necessary area on the inner side than the leakage control parts of the rotation shaft and conveys powder in association with the rotation of the rotation shaft; and improves adhesion of the rotation shaft with the leakage prevention members of the leakage control parts to stably prevent leakage of powder reaching to the bearing parts of the rotation shaft.SOLUTION: A powder conveying member 51 (1) has specific areas on both ends ESc and ESd that are from both ends 52c and 52d of a rotation shaft to a non-conveyance area E4 formed between leakage control parts E8 and a necessary area E2; and the specific areas on both ends ESc and ESd are configured to be parts where joint mark (XL) of a die matching surface along a shaft direction B of a split metal mold is not present.

Description

  The present invention relates to a powder conveying member, and a powder conveying device, a developing device, and an image forming apparatus using the same.

  Image forming apparatuses such as copiers, printers, facsimiles, etc., that form images composed of powdered developer, developer transport apparatus, developing apparatus, etc. that transport (transfer) the developer from one place to another It has a device. In devices such as the developer conveying device and the developing device, the developer conveying member is provided, for example, in a form that continuously protrudes spirally from the rotating shaft and the rotating shaft, and develops as the rotating shaft rotates. The conveyance member comprised with the conveyance part which conveys an agent in a required direction is used.

  Conventionally, for example, as a developer transport device for transporting a developer from a developer container in an image forming apparatus to the developing device, the developer transport member as described above is rotatably disposed on the cylindrical member for developer transport. The end of the rotating shaft of the developer transport member is supported by the shaft support hole, and the seal member prevents leakage of the developer between the developer transport tubular member and the rotating shaft. There is known a structure in which is attached so as to be in contact with a part of a rotating shaft (Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus including the developer conveying device.

JP 2011-191409 A

  The present invention relates to a cylindrical rotary shaft having a bearing portion that contacts a bearing member in a region near both ends, a leakage countermeasure portion that a powder leakage preventing member contacts at a position inside the bearing portion, and the rotary shaft As a powder conveying member provided in a form protruding in a required area inside the leakage countermeasure portion of the material, and having a conveying portion for conveying powder as the rotating shaft rotates, the leakage countermeasure portion on the rotating shaft The powder conveying member is improved in the adhesion to the leakage preventing member and the powder leakage reaching the bearing portion of the rotating shaft and the like is stably prevented, and the powder conveying member is used. A powder conveying device, a developing device, and an image forming apparatus are provided.

The powder conveying member of this invention (A1)
A cylindrical rotating shaft having a bearing portion in contact with a bearing member in an area near both ends and a leakage countermeasure portion in contact with a powder leakage preventing member at a position inside the bearing portion;
Provided with a form projecting in a required area that is inside the leakage countermeasure portion of the rotating shaft, and a conveying unit that conveys powder as the rotating shaft rotates,
The part of the specific area at both ends from the both ends of the rotating shaft to the non-conveying area between the leakage countermeasure part and the required area has a joint mark of the die-matching surface along the axial direction of the split mold It is characterized by being configured as a part that is not.

  In the powder conveying member of the invention (A2), in the powder conveying member of the invention A1, the both end specific area portions of the rotating shaft are removed by moving the non-divided mold in the axial direction. It is configured as a part to be molded.

  The powder conveying member of this invention (A3) is the powder conveying member of the above-mentioned invention A1 or A2, wherein the protruding portion of the form that continuously protrudes along the rotation direction is provided in the non-conveying area of the rotating shaft. It is provided.

  The powder conveying member of this invention (A4) is the powder conveying member of the above-mentioned invention A3, wherein the projecting portion of the rotary shaft and the non-divided mold for molding the both end specific area portion of the rotary shaft and the rotation It is comprised as a part shape | molded in the clearance gap formed in the boundary part with the split mold which shape | molds the part except the said both ends specific area | region of an axis | shaft.

The powder conveying apparatus of this invention (B1)
An apparatus main body having a conveyance space for conveying powder;
Provided in a state where it is arranged in the conveyance space of the apparatus main body and is provided in a state of projecting into a column-shaped rotation shaft that is rotatably supported in the areas near both ends, and in a required area inside the both ends of the rotation shaft One or a plurality of powder conveying members provided with a conveying unit that conveys powder along with the rotation of the rotation shaft,
A bearing member that is provided at a portion of the apparatus main body that supports the rotating shaft of the powder conveying member, and that supports the rotating shaft by contacting a bearing portion in a region near both ends of the rotating shaft;
The powder is attached to a portion of the apparatus main body that supports the rotating shaft of the powder conveying member and contacts a leakage countermeasure portion that is located inside the bearing portion in an area near both ends of the rotating shaft. And a leakage preventing member for preventing leakage of
At least one of the powder conveying members is composed of the powder conveying member according to any one of the inventions A1 to A4.

The developing device of the present invention (C1)
An apparatus main body having a conveyance space part to which the developer is conveyed;
A cylindrical rotary shaft that is disposed in the conveyance space of the apparatus main body and is rotatably supported at both ends, and is provided in a state protruding from a required portion that is inside the both ends of the rotary shaft. One or a plurality of powder conveying members composed of a conveying unit that conveys the developer along with the rotation of the shaft;
A bearing member that is provided at a portion of the apparatus main body that supports the rotating shaft of the powder conveying member, and that supports the rotating shaft by contacting a bearing portion in a region near both ends of the rotating shaft;
A developer that is attached to a portion of the apparatus main body that supports the rotating shaft of the powder conveying member and contacts a leakage countermeasure portion that is located inside the bearing portion in a region near both ends of the rotating shaft. And a leakage preventing member for preventing leakage of
At least one of the developer conveying members is constituted by the powder conveying member according to any one of the inventions A1 to A4.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention (D1) has a developer transport device for transporting a developer, and the developer transport device is constituted by the powder transport device of the invention B1. It is.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention (D2) has a developing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier with a developer, and the developing device is constituted by the developing device of the invention C1. It is characterized by this.

  According to the powder conveying member of the invention A1, compared with the case where the configuration of the invention is not provided, the adhesion of the leakage countermeasure portion of the rotating shaft to the leakage preventing member is improved, and the bearing portion of the rotating shaft is Stable powder leakage is prevented.

  In the powder conveying member of the invention A2, compared with the case where the configuration of the invention is not provided, both end specific area portions of the rotating shaft are easily formed, and the effect of the invention A1 can be easily obtained.

  In the powder conveying member of the invention A3, compared with the case where the configuration of the invention is not provided, it is suppressed that the powder moves and invades between the leakage countermeasure portion of the rotating shaft and the leakage preventing member. The effect of invention A1 can be obtained stably.

  In the powder conveying member of the invention A4, as compared with the case where the configuration of the invention is not provided, the protruding portion on the rotating shaft is easily formed, and the effects of the invention A1 and the like can be easily obtained.

  In the powder conveying apparatus of the invention B1, the adhesion with the leakage preventing member of the leakage countermeasure portion in the rotating shaft of the powder conveying member is improved as compared with the case where the configuration of the invention is not provided, and the apparatus main body is conveyed. It is possible to stably prevent a part of the powder in the space from leaking to reach the bearing portion of the rotating shaft.

  In the developing device of the invention C1, the adhesiveness between the contact portion of the rotating shaft of the developer conveying member constituted by the powder conveying member and the leakage preventing member is improved as compared with the case of not having the configuration of the invention. Further, it is possible to stably prevent a part of the developer in the transport space portion of the apparatus main body from leaking to reach the bearing portion of the rotating shaft.

  In the image forming apparatus of the invention D1, compared with the case where the configuration of the invention is not provided, the adhesion between the contact portion of the rotating shaft of the powder conveying member in the powder conveying device and the leakage preventing member is improved, It is possible to stably prevent a part of the powder in the conveying space of the apparatus main body from leaking to reach the bearing portion of the rotating shaft.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the invention D2, the contact portion of the rotating shaft of the developer conveying member constituted by the powder conveying member in the developing device is in close contact with the leakage preventing member as compared with the case where the configuration of the invention is not provided. Thus, it is possible to stably prevent a part of the developer in the conveyance space of the apparatus main body from leaking to reach the bearing portion of the rotating shaft.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a part (image forming device, replenishing device, etc.) in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the developing device used for an image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus). It is sectional drawing which follows the QQ line of the developing device of FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the developing device of FIG. 4. It is a perspective view which shows a part of screw auger used for the image development apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which cut | disconnected the screw auger used for the image development apparatus of FIG. 3 along the axial direction. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows a part of screw auger of FIG. (A) is a perspective view which expands and shows a part of screw auger of FIG. 6, (b) is sectional explanatory drawing which shows the state of the rotating shaft and leakage prevention member of the screw auger. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a state of one step of the method example for manufacturing the screw auger of FIG. 7 (a state where the respective molds are combined and fixed). FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a state of another process of the method example for manufacturing the screw auger of FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a state of another process of the method example for manufacturing the screw auger of FIG. The modification of the screw auger used for a developing device is shown, (a) is a perspective view which expands and shows a part of the screw auger, (b) shows the state of the axis of rotation of the screw auger, and a leak prevention member FIG. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows a part of screw auger of FIG. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional explanatory view illustrating a state of one step of the method example for manufacturing the screw auger of FIG. 13 (a state in which a mold in which a gap space is formed is combined with another mold and fixed). It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the structure of the replenishment apparatus of FIG. 2 shows the replenishing / conveying device of the replenishing device, wherein (a) is a schematic sectional view showing the state when the replenishing / conveying device is cut in the horizontal direction, and (b) is when the replenishing / conveying device is cut in the vertical direction. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows this state. 1 shows a conventional screw auger used in a developing device, (a) is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the screw auger, and (b) is a cross section showing a state of a rotating shaft of the screw auger and a leakage preventing member. It is explanatory drawing.

  Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1]
1 to 4 show an image forming apparatus and the like according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows an outline of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1, FIG. 2 shows a part of the image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus and developer replenishing apparatus), and FIG. 3 is used for the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 shows a part of the developing device of FIG. 3 (developer stirring / conveying portion, stirring / conveying member, etc.).

  The image forming apparatus 100 is configured as a color printer, for example. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming device 20, an intermediate transfer device 30, a paper feeding device 40, a fixing device 45, and the like in an internal space of a housing 102. A one-dot chain line with an arrow in FIG. 1 indicates a conveyance path through which a recording sheet 9 as an example of a recording material is mainly conveyed in the housing 102.

  The image forming device 20 can form four toner images each composed of four colors of developer (toner) of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The image devices 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are configured. In the first embodiment, the four image forming devices 20 (Y, M, C, and K) are arranged in a state where the positions gradually increase in the order of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow (a state in which they are inclined and arranged as a whole). Accordingly, the width of the entire apparatus in the horizontal direction is reduced. Each image forming device 20 (Y, M, C, K) has a substantially common configuration as shown below.

  Each image forming device 20 (Y, M, C, K) includes a photosensitive drum 21 that rotates in a direction indicated by an arrow as shown in FIG. 2 and the like. Such devices are arranged. The main devices are a charging device 22 that charges the surface (image holding surface) of the photosensitive drum 21 to a required potential, and information (signals) input to the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 21. An exposure device 23 that forms an electrostatic latent image having a potential difference (for each color) by irradiating light based thereon, and toner that is a developer of the corresponding color (Y, M, C, K). A developing device 5 (Y, M, C, K) that develops a toner image that is a visible image by the above, a primary transfer device 25 that transfers the toner image to the intermediate transfer device 30 (intermediate transfer belt thereof), And a drum cleaning device 26 that removes deposits such as toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 after transfer. Details of the developing device 5 will be described later.

  The intermediate transfer device 30 is arranged so as to exist at a position above each image forming device 20 (Y, M, C, K). The intermediate transfer device 30 uses an endless intermediate transfer belt 31 that rotates while passing through a primary transfer position between the photosensitive drum 21 and the primary transfer device 25 (primary transfer roll) in each image forming device 20. It is. The intermediate transfer belt 31 is rotatably supported from the inner surface by a plurality of support rolls 32a and 32b, and is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow by a support roll 32a configured as a drive roll. Further, the intermediate transfer device 30 includes a secondary transfer roll 35 of a secondary transfer device that rotates in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 31 supported by the support roll 32b with a required pressure, and a secondary transfer roll 35. A belt cleaning device 36 for removing adhering matter such as toner and paper dust remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 31 after passing through the toner.

  The paper feeding device 40 is disposed so as to exist at a position below each image forming device 20 (Y, M, C, K). The paper feeding device 40 includes a single (or plural) paper storage body 41 that stores recording paper 9 of a desired size and type in a stacked state, and the recording paper 9 is output from the paper storage body 41 by the sending device 42. It is configured to send out one by one. The recording paper 9 fed from the paper feeding device 40 passes through a paper feeding conveyance path composed of a plurality of paper conveyance roll pairs 43 and a conveyance guide material (not shown), and the intermediate transfer belt 31 in the intermediate transfer device 30. The sheet is conveyed to a secondary transfer position between the secondary transfer rolls 35.

  The fixing device 45 is disposed so as to exist at a position above the secondary transfer position. The fixing device 45 rotates inside the housing 46 in a direction indicated by an arrow and is heated by a heating unit so that the surface temperature is maintained at a predetermined temperature, and the heating rotator 47. A pressurizing rotary member 48 that rotates in contact with the surface portion substantially along the axial direction is installed at a predetermined pressure, and unfixed toner is disposed at a pressure contact portion between the heating rotary member 47 and the pressurizing rotary member 48. The recording paper 9 onto which the image has been transferred is introduced and passed therethrough. The recording paper 9 on which an image has been formed after the fixing by the fixing device 45 is carried is conveyed through a discharge conveyance path composed of a plurality of conveyance roll pairs 49 and a conveyance guide material (not shown). It is discharged and stored toward the discharge storage portion 103 formed at the bottom.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with a replenishing device 6 for replenishing a new developer of a color corresponding to each developing device 5 (Y, M, C, K). Yes. The replenishing device 6 is a replaceable type in which four color (Y, M, C, K) replenishing developers (toners) are individually stored and detachably attached to a mounting portion provided in the housing 101. Developer containers 61 (Y, M, C, K) and a replenishment transport device for transporting and replenishing the developer in each developer container 61 by a necessary amount to each developing device 5 at a required timing. 65 (Y, M, C, K). Details of the replenishing device 6 will be described later.

  The basic image forming operation by the image forming apparatus 100 is performed as follows. Here, a full-color image formed by combining toner images of four colors (Y, M, C, K) formed using all of the four image forming devices 20 (Y, M, C, K). An image forming operation in the case of forming will be described.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 is instructed to perform an image forming operation (printing), in each of the four image forming apparatuses 20 (Y, M, C, and K), each photosensitive drum 21 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow. Each charging device 22 charges the surface of each photosensitive drum 21 to a required polarity (for example, negative polarity) and potential. Subsequently, the exposure device 23 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 21 with light emitted based on image information input from an external device or the like connected to the image forming apparatus 1. Exposure is performed to form an electrostatic latent image of each color component composed of a required potential difference.

  Subsequently, each developing device 5 (Y, M, C, K) corresponds to an electrostatic latent image of each color component formed on the photosensitive drum 21 with a corresponding color charged to a required polarity (for example, negative polarity). (Y, M, C, K) toner is supplied and electrostatically adhered. As a result, the electrostatic latent images of the respective color components formed on the respective photosensitive drums 21 are developed with the corresponding color toners by passing through the developing device 5, and are thus developed in four colors (Y, M, C, K). ) Is visualized as a toner image of one of the colors.

  Next, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 21 of the respective image forming devices 20 (Y, M, C, K) are sequentially applied to the intermediate transfer belt 31 of the intermediate transfer device 30 by the primary transfer device 25. The primary transfer is performed in a state of being aligned with each other. The intermediate transfer device 30 holds the toner image primarily transferred to the rotating intermediate transfer belt 31 and conveys it to the secondary transfer position, and then the secondary transfer roll 35 is moved to the intermediate transfer belt 31 at the secondary transfer position. The upper toner image is secondarily transferred from the sheet feeding device 40 to the recording sheet 9 conveyed via the sheet feeding conveyance path. The outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 after the primary transfer is cleaned by the drum cleaning device 26, and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 31 after the secondary transfer is cleaned by the belt cleaning device 36.

  Subsequently, the recording sheet 9 on which the toner image has been secondarily transferred is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 31 and then introduced into the pressure contact portion between the heating rotator 47 and the pressure rotator 48 of the fixing device 45 and passes therethrough. Be made. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the sheet 9 by receiving a necessary fixing process (heating and pressing processes). The sheet 9 that has been fixed is discharged and stored, for example, in a discharge storage portion 103 provided at the top of the housing 102 in an image forming operation that only forms an image on one side.

  With the above operation, a full color image formed by combining four color toner images is formed on the recording paper 9. Incidentally, in the image forming apparatus 100, when the required time comes, the replenishment device 6 operates to transport and replenish the developer for replenishment to each developing device 5.

  Next, the developing device 5 in the image forming device 20 (Y, M, C, K) will be described in detail.

  The developing device 5 (Y, M, C, K) has a two-component developer G including a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier with any one of four colors, as shown in FIGS. A container-like main body (housing) 50 is accommodated. Further, the developing device 5 (Y, M, C, K) has a stirring and conveying member that agitates and conveys the developer G contained in the main body 50 as shown in FIGS. The two screw augers 51A and 51B and the developer G that is stirred and conveyed by the screw augers 51A and 51B are finally held and conveyed to the developing area facing the photosensitive drum 21. A developing roll 55 serving as a body, and a regulating plate 56 serving as a regulating member for regulating the thickness of a layer composed of the developer G when transported to the developing area held by the developing roll 55 are arranged. Has been.

  3 and 4, the main body 50 has a housing portion 50 a serving as an internal space for housing the two-component developer G and a rectangular opening 50 b facing the photosensitive drum 21. The container 50a is formed in a shape in which two rows of developer circulation conveyance paths 50d and 50e exist in which the bottoms are connected to each other at both ends and are partitioned by a partition ridge 50c at the center and parallel to each other. Further, in the accommodating portion 50a, the portions where the partition bulge portions 50c are connected to each other at both ends of the two rows of developer circulation conveyance paths 50d and 50e are developed from each circulation conveyance path 50d and 50e to the other circulation conveyance path. The delivery conveyance path portions 50f and 50g for delivering the agent are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, in the housing portion 50a of the main body 50 in the first embodiment, the developer circulation conveyance paths 50d and 50e in two rows are not in a horizontal state (direction along the coordinate axis X), and the developer circulation conveyance is performed. The path 50d is installed and used in an inclined state so as to be positioned above the developer circulation transport path 50e in the gravity direction. Reference numeral 50h in FIG. 4 denotes a replenishment conveyance path used for supplying the replenished developer to one developer circulation conveyance path 50d.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 and the like, the screw augers 51A and 51B are both cylindrical rotating shafts 52A and 52B and areas near both ends (52c and 52d) of the rotating shafts 52A and 52B (both ends). (Parts) Conveying blades 53A and 53B that protrude in a spiral manner around a required area E2 excluding E1c and E1d. In the case of these screw augers 51A and 51B, they are transported by transport blades 53A and 53B to areas on one end side (downstream side in the developer transport direction C by the transport blades 53) of the respective rotary shafts 52A and 52B. The return conveying blades 54A and 54B for conveying the developer to be transferred and returned to the conveying path portions 50f and 50g are spirally provided. The portions where the return conveying blades 54A and 54B of the rotary shafts 52A and 52B are respectively provided are areas where at least the developer is conveyed. Therefore, the required area is the same as the required area E2 where the conveying blades 53A and 53B are formed. Treat as E3.

  The screw augers 51A and 51B are installed so as to be present in the two rows of developer circulation transport paths 50d and 50e in the accommodating portion 50a of the main body 50, and the side walls of the main body 50 at required positions in the respective end areas E1c and E1d. The support part is rotatably supported via a bearing 57. Thus, the rotating shafts 52A and 52B have bearing portions E7 with which the bearings 57 come into contact.

  Further, the screw augers 51A and 51B are in a state in which the developer leakage preventing member 58 is in contact with a position inside the bearing portion E7 where the bearings 57 of the both end regions E1c and E1d of the rotating shafts 52A and 52B are in contact. Measures are taken to prevent leakage of part of the developer G in the developer circulation conveyance paths 50d and 50e so as to reach the bearing portion E7 and the like. The developer leakage prevention (seal) member 58 is formed with a through hole (58a: FIG. 9b) having the same circular shape (diameter is set a little smaller) as the circular shape of the cross section of the rotary shafts 52A, 52B. A rubber or synthetic resin member having a shape. The leakage prevention member 58 is disposed so that the rotation shafts 52A and 52B penetrate through the through-holes, thereby closing a gap existing between the rotation shafts 52A and 52B and the side wall support portion of the main body 50.

  Furthermore, the screw augers 51A and 51B are configured to rotate in a required direction when, for example, power for rotating the developing roll 55 is transmitted by a power transmission mechanism such as a gear. 4 and the like, reference numeral 501 denotes a gear attached to one end of the rotating shaft 52B of the auger 51B and receives power distributed from the developing roll 55, and reference numeral 502 denotes a gear attached to the other end of the rotating shaft 52B of the auger 51B. Reference numeral 503 denotes a gear attached to one end of the rotary shaft 52A of the auger 51A, and reference numeral 504 denotes a relay gear attached rotatably to the main body 50 so as to engage with the gears 58b and 58c. The augers 51A and 51B in the first embodiment rotate, for example, around the rotation shafts 52A and 52B in the direction of the arrow A shown in FIG. 3, and the conveyance blades 53A and 53B are rotated by the developer circulation conveyance path 50d. , 50e, the developer G is set to be conveyed while being stirred in the directions of arrows D1 and D2 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the developing roll 55 includes a cylindrical developing sleeve 55a provided so as to rotate while passing through the opening 50b inside the main body 50 and partially exposed to the outside of the main body 50; It is comprised with the magnet roll 55b provided so that it may exist in the fixed state in the internal space of this developing sleeve 55a. The developing device 5 is installed such that the developing roller 55 (the developing sleeve 55a) is in a non-contact state with a predetermined interval with respect to the outer peripheral surface portion serving as the developing region of the photosensitive drum 21.

  The developing sleeve 55a is formed using a nonmagnetic material such as stainless steel or aluminum, for example, in a shape having a cylindrical portion having substantially the same width (length) as the image forming effective region in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 21. Both ends of the developing sleeve 55a are formed as shaft portions, and the shaft portions are attached to the side wall support portions of the main body 50 so as to be rotatably supported. At this time, the sleeve 55 a is arranged in a state where the axial direction of the rotation faces almost parallel to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 21. The developing sleeve 55a is driven to rotate in a direction indicated by an arrow (a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 3 or the like: a rotating direction) in response to power from a rotary driving device (not shown) via its shaft portion. The developing sleeve 55a is supplied with a developing voltage for forming a developing electric field between the developing sleeve 55a and the photosensitive drum 21 from a power supply device (not shown).

  The magnet roll 55b has a structure in which a plurality of magnetic poles for generating magnetic lines and the like for adhering the magnetic carrier of the developer G to the outer peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 55a so as to form a magnetic brush with a required magnetic force are arranged. is there. For example, the magnet roll 55b is attached in a state in which both ends thereof are fixed to the side wall support portion of the main body 50 through the internal space of the shaft portion of the developing sleeve 55a.

  The restriction plate 56 is, for example, a rectangular plate member, and as shown in FIG. 3, the end portion (lower long side portion) is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 55 a by a predetermined interval (regulation interval). It is attached to the main body 50 so as to be kept facing along the axial direction. The restricting plate 56 in the first embodiment is disposed in a state where the upper portion of the opening 55 b of the main body 50 is slightly blocked, and is attached to the main body 50 in a fixed state. Reference numeral 59a in FIG. 3 is a leakage prevention roll for preventing the developer G inside the main body 50 from leaking out of the main body 50, and reference numeral 59b is a developer from between the opening 50b of the main body 50 and the developing roll 55. Is a leakage prevention sheet for preventing leakage from the outside of the main body 50.

  Such a developing device 5 operates as follows.

  First, when the required time such as the image formation time described above arrives, the developing device 5 starts to rotate the developing sleeve 55a of the developing roller 55 and the screw augers 51A and 51B in the required direction, and the developing sleeve of the developing roller 55. A developing voltage is supplied to 55a.

  Accordingly, the two-component developer G accommodated in the accommodating portion 50a of the main body 50 is stirred by the rotating screw augers 51A and 51B in the circulation conveyance paths 50d and 50e in the accommodating portion 50a in the directions D1 and D2, respectively. After being transported, it is transported so as to be delivered to the other circulating transport path 50e, 50d through the transfer transport path portions 50f, 50g at one end of the circulating transport path 50d, 50e, and thereby in a certain direction as a whole. It is conveyed so as to move in a circulating manner. At this time, the nonmagnetic toner in the developer G is sufficiently agitated with the magnetic carrier and frictionally charged, and is electrostatically attached to the surface of the carrier.

  Subsequently, a part of the two-component developer G conveyed by the screw auger 51B disposed on the side close to the developing roll 55 is adsorbed by the magnetic force to the surface of the developing sleeve 55a of the developing roll 55 to form a magnetic brush. Held in such a state. When the two-component developer G held on the developing sleeve 55a passes through a gap formed between the regulating plate 56 and the regulation plate 56 while being conveyed along with the rotation of the sleeve 55a, The passage is restricted to a substantially constant layer thickness (the height of the magnetic brush). The two-component developer G whose layer thickness is regulated in this way is held by the developing sleeve 55a while receiving a magnetic force generated from a predetermined magnetic pole of the magnet roll 55b, and the developing sleeve 55a rotates in the rotation direction indicated by the arrow. As a result, the photosensitive drum 21 is conveyed to the developing area.

  The two-component developer G conveyed to the development area by the developing roll 55 is passed with the tip of the magnetic brush in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21, and passes through the developing sleeve 55 a during the passage. Only the toner reciprocally moves between the developing roll 55 and the photosensitive drum 21 by the developing electric field formed between the developing roll 55 and the photosensitive drum 21 by the supplied developing voltage, and finally on the photosensitive drum 21. It adheres electrostatically only to the portion of the electrostatic latent image. Thereby, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 5.

  On the other hand, the two-component developer G on the developing roll 55 that has passed through the developing region without contributing to the development passes through the opening 50b of the main body 50 while being held on the surface of the developing sleeve 55a, and the After being transported to the inside, it receives a repelling magnetic force generated from a predetermined magnetic pole of the magnet roll 55b, and is peeled off from the developing sleeve 55a and returned to the inside of the main 50 (the accommodating portion 50a). The developer G peeled and returned is conveyed so as to circulate while being stirred again by the screw augers 51A and 51B in the housing portion 50a of the main 50, and is used in the next developing step.

  Further, in the developing device 5, a part of the developer G is partly rotated on the rotating shaft 52A in the end portion of each of the screw augers 51A and 51B that is on the downstream side in the developer transport direction D in the developer circulation transport paths 50d and 50e. , 52B tries to move toward the bearing portion E7 with which the bearing 57 contacts, but the developer G that moves is blocked by the leakage preventing member 58.

  By the way, in such a developing device 5, since the screw augers 51A and 51B are generally manufactured by split-type mold molding (method), as illustrated in FIG. In some cases, a joint mark (parting line: parting line) XL of the die-mating surface of the split mold along the axial direction may remain on a part of the surface of the conveying blade 53.

  In particular, when this joint mark XL is present in the leakage countermeasure portion E8 where the leakage preventing member 58 of the rotating shaft 52 comes into contact, as shown in FIG. 18B, the peripheral surface of the cylindrical rotating shaft 52 and the leakage preventing member 58 A step (gap) S due to the presence of the joint trace XL is likely to occur between the through hole 58a. Then, a part of the developer that has passed through the gap S due to the level difference moves so as to reach the bearing portion E7, for example, and enters between the peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 52 and the bearing 57, thereby causing a galling phenomenon or abnormal noise. May occur.

  Therefore, with respect to the screw augers 51A and 51B of the developing device 5 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 and the like, the leakage preventing members 58 are provided from both ends 52c and 52d of the cylindrical rotating shaft 52. A portion of the both end specific areas ESc, Esd extending to the non-conveying area E4 between the contacting leak countermeasure part E8 and the required area E2 where the conveying blades 53 are formed is the mold matching surface along the axial direction B. What is configured as a portion where no bonding trace (EL) is present is applied.

  The joint mark (EL) of the die-matching surface along the axial direction B is the whole of the rotating shaft 52 when the whole is molded using a split mold (split mold) like the conventional screw auger 51. It is formed and remains when the divided molds that have been combined on the mold-matching surface along the axial direction B are finally removed so as to move in the normal direction of the rotating shaft 52 (the rotating shaft 52 in FIG. 18b). (See the bonding mark EL remaining at the end of.)

  The screw auger 51A (51B) having the both-ends specific area ESc, Esd portion of the rotating shaft 52 where the joining mark (EL) of such a mold-matching surface does not exist has the both-ends specific areas ESc, Esd of the rotating shaft 52. This part is obtained as a part to be molded by moving a non-divided mold in the axial direction B and removing the mold (FIG. 12). The non-divided mold is a mold having a structure in which at least a mold-matching surface of the mold (a surface that is joined when being molded and separated when being removed) is not present in the molding part.

  In the developing device 5 using the screw auger 51A (51B) in which the joining mark (EL) of the die-matching surface along the axial direction B does not exist in the portions of the both end specific areas ESc and Esd of the rotating shaft 52, As shown in FIG. 9 (b), the adhesiveness with the leakage preventing member 58 (through hole 85a) of the leakage countermeasure portion E8 in the rotating shaft 52A (52B) of the screw auger 51A (51B) is improved, and the conventional screw The gap S (FIG. 18b) caused by the joint mark XL such as the rotation shaft 52A of the auger 51A is less likely to exist.

  As a result, in the developing device 5, the leakage prevention member 58 functions well in the leakage countermeasure portion E8 in the rotation shaft 52A (52B) of the screw auger 51A (51B), so that a part of the developer G is part of the rotation shaft 52A (51B). The leakage phenomenon of the developer reaching the leakage bearing portion E7, etc.) is stably prevented. Thereby, in the developing device 5, a part of the developer G reaches the bearing portion E7 of the rotating shaft 52 of the screw auger 51A (51B) and enters between the peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 52 and the bearing 57. There is no risk of galling or abnormal noise.

  FIG. 10 to FIG. 12 show main manufacturing steps when the screw auger 51A is manufactured, for example.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the screw auger 51A includes a pair of non-divided molds 210 and 220 for molding a portion corresponding to both end specific areas ESc and Esd of the rotating shaft 52A, The rotating shaft 52A is manufactured by using a portion corresponding to a region other than the both end specific areas ESc and Esd in combination with a split mold 230 for molding the mold.

Of these, the pair of non-divided molds 210 and 220 are formed with molding parts 213 and 223 formed of cylindrical recesses (holes) for molding parts corresponding to both end specific areas ESc and ESd of the rotating shaft 52A, respectively. Is. Since the non-divided molds 210 and 220 are formed of cylindrical recesses (holes) in the molding parts 213 and 223, for example, in a required part of the mold base,
It can be obtained by machining the shape corresponding to the molding parts 213 and 223 using a machining center (MC) or a milling machine. Reference numerals 210a and 220a in FIG. 12 and the like are mold-matching surfaces that are flat surfaces that are joined to another mold (divided mold 230) during molding.

  In addition, the split mold 230 is, for example, a fixed split for distributing and molding a portion corresponding to a portion other than the both end specific areas ESc and ESd of the rotating shaft 52A, with a plane along the axial direction B as a boundary. It consists of a mold 231 and a movable split mold 232. In addition, the fixed split mold 231 and the movable split mold 232 are molded portions each having a concave shape that molds the allocated portions of the portions corresponding to the portions other than the both end specific areas ESc and ESd of the rotating shaft 52A. 235 and 236 are respectively formed. In addition, the movable split mold 232 is provided with a gate hole 240 for injecting the molding resin material K and filling the generation part of each mold.

  Reference numerals 231a and 232a in FIG. 10 and the like are first mold mating surfaces formed of planes that are joined to each other during molding. Reference numerals 231b, 231c, 232b, and 232c in FIG. 12 and the like are second mold mating surfaces that are planes that join with other molds (non-divided molds 210 and 220) during molding. Further, reference numerals 235a and 236a in FIG. 12 and the like are portions for molding the conveying blades 53 and 54 in the molding portions 235 and 236. Further, reference numerals 235b and 236b are parts for molding a single part of the rotating shaft without the conveying blades 53 and 54 in the molding parts 235 and 236.

  At the time of molding, as shown in FIG. 10, the fixed split mold 231 of the split mold 230 and the movable split mold 232 are combined in a state where the first mold mating surfaces 231a and 232a are joined to each other. Then, the pair of non-divided molds 210 and 220 are installed and fixed in a state where the mold mating surfaces 210a and 220a are joined to the second 231b, 231c, 232b and 232c in the divided mold 230, respectively. To do.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 11, the molded resin material K (for example, from the gate hole 240 provided in the movable split mold 232 to the combined non-split molds 210 and 220 and the split mold 230 is combined. A synthetic resin such as ABS resin) is injected, and the molding resin material K is filled into the molding portions 213, 223, 235, and 236 of the molds 210, 220, and 230 without any gaps.

  Finally, after the molding resin material K is cured, the mold is removed. As shown in FIG. 12, the undivided molds 210 and 220 are punched by moving in the direction parallel to the axial direction B of the rotary shaft 52 in the screw auger 51 to be molded. On the other hand, the cutting of the split mold 230 is performed by moving the movable mold 232 in the normal direction on the peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 52 as indicated by an arrow F3 in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9A, the screw auger 51 (A) obtained by this molding has a die-matching surface in which both end specific areas ESc (Esd) of the rotating shaft 52 are along the axial direction B. This is a site where there is no bonding mark (EL). By the way, in the screw auger 51 (A), in the portion where the conveying blades (53, 54) and the like formed by the divided die 230 exist other than the portion of the both ends specific area ESc (Esd), the mold of the divided die 230 is provided. A joint mark XL along the axial direction B may remain corresponding to the mating surfaces 231a and 232a.

  13 and 14 show a modification of the screw auger 51 (A) as the powder conveying member 1 (developer conveying member) according to the first embodiment.

  The screw auger 51 (A) of this modified example is continuously provided along the rotational direction A in the non-conveying area E4 between the leakage countermeasure area E8 and the required area E2 of the rotating shaft 52 (A). The protrusion part 55 of the form to protrude is provided. The protrusion 55 shown in FIG. 13 or the like is a protrusion that is continuously protruded from the peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 52 and has an annular shape as a whole. Further, the protruding portion 55 is formed so as to exist at the inner end portion of the both end specific area ESc of the rotating shaft 52.

  In the screw auger 51 (A) provided with the protruding portion 55, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), the protruding portion 55 is located at a position inside the leakage countermeasure portion E8 where the leakage preventing member 58 of the rotating shaft 52 contacts. Therefore, the movement of the developer G moving toward the leakage countermeasure portion E8 is reduced by the protrusion 55. Thereby, the leakage preventing function of the leakage preventing member 58 is assisted, and the leakage preventing member 58 can be obtained more stably than the case where the protruding portion 55 is not provided.

  Further, the screw auger 51 (A) provided with the protruding portion 55 has, for example, a non-divided mold 210 in which the protruding portion 55 molds a portion of the both end specific area ESc of the rotating shaft 52 as shown in FIG. And the portion of the rotating shaft 52 excluding the specific area ESc at both ends is formed as a portion molded in a gap space 215 formed at a boundary portion with the split mold 230 for molding. The boundary between the non-divided mold 210 and the divided mold 230 serves as a contact surface where the mold matching surface 210a of the non-divided mold 210 and the mold matching surfaces 231a and 232b of the split mold come into contact. The two-dot chain line L shown in FIG.14 and FIG.15 is a line (straight line along a contact surface) which shows the boundary part. The gap space 215 illustrated in FIG. 15 is formed, for example, on the mold matching surface 210 a side of the non-divided mold 210. Note that the gap space 215 may be formed alone or in combination on the mold matching surfaces 231a and 232b of the split mold.

  The protrusion 55 in the screw auger 51 (A) is easily provided by molding using the gap space 215 formed at the boundary between the non-dividing mold 210 and the dividing mold 230 as described above. Can be obtained.

  Next, the above-described replenishing device 6 will be described in detail.

  The developer container 61 (Y, M, C, K) in the replenishing device 6 has an accommodating space 62a for accommodating toner as a replenishing developer, as shown in FIGS. The container main body 62 in which a developer discharge port 62b is formed in a portion corresponding to the lower part of the portion 62a, and the replenishment developer stored in the storage space 62a of the container main body 62 is driven to be conveyed toward the discharge port 62b. A conveying member 63 is provided. For example, the developer container 61 is of a type that can be used while being freely exchanged by being detachably attached to a mounting portion formed in the housing 102 of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The conveying member 63 is, for example, one having a structure in which a wire such as metal is bent spirally so as to extend from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the accommodation space 62a. The conveying member 63 includes a rotating shaft portion 63a and a conveying portion 63b processed into a spirally wound shape around the rotating shaft portion 63a. The transport member 63 is rotated in a direction to exert the transport function, and gradually moves the replenishment developer toward the discharge port 60b while stirring. Reference numeral 64 in FIG. 16 denotes a rotation driving device that generates and transmits power for rotating the conveying member 63 in a required direction.

  The replenishment transport device 65 (Y, M, C, K) in the replenishment device 6 temporarily stores the replenishment developer discharged from the developer container 61 as shown in FIGS. A receiving port 66b for receiving the replenishment developer is formed at a portion corresponding to the upper portion of the storage space portion 66a, and the replenishment developer is supplied to the developing device 5 at a portion corresponding to the lower portion of the storage space portion 66a. A casing 66 in which a delivery port 66c for delivery is formed, and two agitation transport members 67A and 67B that are driven to transport the replenishment developer stored in the storage space 66a of the casing 66 while stirring. And a delivery conveying member 68 that drives the replenishment developer stored in the storage space 66a of the housing 66 to move to the delivery port 66c.

  The storage space portion 66a of the housing 66 has a shape in which a raised portion 66d surrounding the periphery of the delivery conveying member 68 in the three directions is formed in a substantially central portion of the lower portion (see FIG. 17a and the like). The receiving port 66b is a position corresponding to the discharge port 62b in the developer container 61, and is formed at an offset position on the downstream side in the transport direction (the direction indicated by the arrow) of the first stirring transport member 67A. The delivery port 66c is formed at a position on the back side in the region surrounded by the raised portion 66d.

  Both the first agitating and conveying member 67A and the second agitating and conveying member 67B are arranged on the rotating shaft 67c that is rotatably disposed so as to exist in the end regions on both sides of the storage space 66a, respectively, from the upstream side in the conveying direction. A stirring and conveying portion 67d in which the wire is bent in a spiral shape so as to be located in the middle part of the side, and a shape in which the wire is projected substantially parallel to the rotation shaft 67c so as to be located on the downstream side in the conveying direction. This is a structure to which the formed delivery conveyance section 67e is attached. The delivery conveying member 68 is in a state in which a continuous spiral conveying blade 68b protrudes from a rotating shaft 68a arranged so as to exist between two agitating and conveying members 67A and 67B arranged in a substantially parallel state. It has a formed structure (for example, a so-called screw auger). The conveying blade 68b is formed from one end side of the rotating shaft 68a to a portion (required area E2) existing in a region surrounded by the raised portion 66d.

  Further, both ends of the rotation shaft 67 c of the stirring and conveying members 67 </ b> A and 67 </ b> B are rotatably supported by the side wall portion of the housing 66 through the bearings 57. The sending / conveying member 68 is rotatably supported at both ends of the rotating shaft 68a by the side wall portion and the raised portion 66d of the housing 66 via bearings 57. In addition, a replenishment developer leakage prevention member 58 is installed between the inner portion (leakage countermeasure portion E8) of each bearing 57 of each of the rotation shafts 67c and 68a and the side wall portion and the raised portion 66d of the housing 66. Yes.

  Further, the agitating / conveying members 67A and 67B and the delivery conveying member 68 are provided with transmission gears 67f fixed to the rotary shafts 67c and 68a, respectively, with rotational power from a rotation driving device 69 composed of a motor, a rotation transmission mechanism and the like. By receiving via 68c, they are simultaneously driven to rotate in the required directions. In the replenishment transport device 65, the replenishment developer stored in the storage housing portion 66a is transported while being stirred in the directions indicated by solid arrows J1 and J2 by the rotational drive of the stirring transport members 67A and 67B. In particular, in the feeding and conveying section 67e of the agitating and conveying members 67A and 67B, the replenishment developer is conveyed so as to be delivered into the area where the opposite agitating and conveying member is disposed as indicated by arrows J3 and J4.

  Therefore, in the replenishment transport device 65, the replenishment developer when transported by the stirring transport members 67A and 67B is outside of the entire storage housing portion 66a except for the region surrounded by the raised portion 66d in the storage housing portion 66a. It is conveyed in such a state that it circulates in the area. Further, in the replenishing and conveying apparatus 65, when the delivery conveying member 68 is driven to rotate, a part of the replenishment developer delivered from the second agitating and conveying member 67B to the first agitating and conveying member 67A is caused by the delivering and conveying member 68 by the dotted arrow J5. It is conveyed in the direction indicated by. The replenishment developer conveyed by the delivery conveying member 68 is moved into the area surrounded by the raised portion 66d, and finally conveyed so as to reach the delivery port 66c.

  The replenishing / conveying device 65 (Y, M, C, K) connects between the delivery port 666c of each housing 66 and the developer receiving port of each developing device 5 (Y, M, C, K). In addition, each of the replenishment developers sent from the replenishment conveyance devices 65 is provided with a connection conveyance device 70 that conveys the replenishment developer to the corresponding development device 5. This connection conveyance device 70 is composed of only a conveyance pipe 71 that conveys the replenished developer by gravity dropping by gravity, or a conveyance member 72 that rotates to convey the developer inside the conveyance pipe. It is composed of As the conveying member 72, a member having a structure in which a conveying portion is formed in a rotating shaft and a required area of the rotating shaft is used.

  Further, the replenishment transport device 65 (Y, M, C, K) has a remaining amount detection sensor 105 that detects the presence or absence of the remaining amount of the replenishment developer stored in the storage space 66a of the housing 66. Is provided. The remaining amount detection sensor 105 is attached in a state where the detection surface portion 105a is exposed to the inside of the storage space portion 66a from the side surface portion of the storage space portion 66a that is substantially at the same position as the receiving port 66b. For example, a piezoelectric sensor is used as the sensor 105. For example, when the developer in the storage space 66a is not in contact with the detection surface portion 105a, the remaining amount detection sensor 105 outputs detection information (signal) indicating “no developer (toner)”. Yes.

  Incidentally, in the replenishing device 6, the driving device 64 is operated based on the detection signal of the developer remaining amount detection sensor 105 to rotate the conveying member 63 of the developer container 61 and the rotational driving device of the replenishing conveying device 65. 69 is operated to rotate the agitating and conveying members 67 </ b> A and 67 </ b> B, thereby supplying the replenishment developer in the developer container 62 into the storage space 66 a of the replenishment conveyance device 65. In the replenishing device 6, the rotation conveying device 69 of the replenishing and conveying device 65 is operated for a predetermined time based on the detection signal indicating that the amount of the developer B in the developing device 5 has decreased, thereby rotating the delivery conveying member 68. Then, the replenishment developer in the casing 66 is sent out and conveyed to the developing device 5 via the connection conveying device 70 to be replenished.

  Then, at least one of the pair of agitating and conveying members 67A and 67B and the sending and conveying member 68 in the replenishing / conveying device 65 of the replenishing device 6 is similar to the screw auger 51 in the developing device 5 described above. It is possible to apply a configuration in which the portions that become the both-ends specific areas ESc and ESd of 68a are formed as portions where there is no bonding mark (EL) on the die-matching surface along the axial direction B. Similarly, for the conveying member 72 in the connection conveying device 70, there is also a bonding mark (EL) of the die-matching surface along the axial direction B in the portion that becomes the both end specific areas ESc, ESd of each rotating shaft. You may apply what was comprised as a site | part which is not.

[Other embodiments]
In the first embodiment, as a representative example, at least one of the pair of agitating and conveying members 67A and 67B and the delivery conveying member 68 in the screw auger 51 in the developing device 5 and the replenishing and conveying device 65 in the replenishing device 6 is rotated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  In other words, in each component device constituting the image forming apparatus 100, the bearing portion E7 where the bearing member 57 contacts the area near both ends, and the leakage preventing member 58 of the developer G contacts at a position inside the bearing portion E7. A cylindrical rotating shaft 12 having a leakage countermeasure portion E8, and a development projecting in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft provided in a form protruding in a required area E2 (E3) inside the leakage countermeasure portion E8 of the rotating shaft 12. In the case where the developer transport member 1 having the transport section 13 for transporting the developer is included, the developer transport member 1 (at least one of the plurality of the transport shafts in the case where there are a plurality of them) becomes the both-end specific areas ESc and ESd. It is possible to apply what constitutes the part as a part where the joining trace of the die-matching surface along the axial direction B does not exist.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the developer conveying member that conveys the developer, but can be applied to a conveying member that conveys other powder (including the rotating shaft 12 and the conveying unit 13). .

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 100, the developing device 5, and the replenishing and conveying device 65 are not particularly limited to the configuration exemplified in the first embodiment or the like, and may be of other types. I do not care.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Powder conveying member 5 ... Developing apparatus 50 ... Main body (apparatus main body)
50e, 50d ... developer circulation conveyance path (conveyance space)
51 ... Screw auger (powder conveying member / developer conveying member)
12, 52 ... Rotating shafts 52c, 52d ... Both ends 53, 53 ... Rotating shaft (conveying section) of the rotating shaft
54. Return conveying blade (conveying section)
57 ... Bearing 58 ... Leak prevention member 65 ... Replenishment transport device (powder transport device)
66 ... Housing (apparatus body)
66a ... Storage space (conveyance space)
67. Stirring conveying member (powder conveying member / developer conveying member)
67c ... Rotating shaft 67d ... Agitating and conveying unit 68 ... Sending conveying member (powder conveying member / developer conveying member)
68a ... Rotating shaft 68b ... Conveying blade (conveying unit)
100: Image forming apparatus G: Developer (powder)
A: Direction of rotation B: Axial direction E1c, E1d: Both end regions (areas near both ends)
E2 ... Required area E3 ... Return area (part of required area)
E4 ... Non-transport area E7 ... Bearing part E8 ... Leakage countermeasure part ESc, ESd ... Both ends specified area

Claims (8)

A cylindrical rotating shaft having a bearing portion in contact with a bearing member in an area near both ends and a leakage countermeasure portion in contact with a powder leakage preventing member at a position inside the bearing portion;
Provided with a form projecting in a required area that is inside the leakage countermeasure portion of the rotating shaft, and a conveying unit that conveys powder as the rotating shaft rotates,
The part of the specific area at both ends from the both ends of the rotating shaft to the non-conveying area between the leakage countermeasure part and the required area has a joint mark of the die-matching surface along the axial direction of the split mold A powder conveying member, characterized in that the powder conveying member is configured as a non-part.   The powder conveyance member according to claim 1, wherein a part of the both end specific area of the rotating shaft is configured as a part that is molded by moving an undivided mold in the axial direction and performing die cutting.   The powder conveying member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a protruding portion having a shape protruding continuously along the rotation direction is provided in a portion of the non-conveying area of the rotating shaft.   The projecting portion of the rotating shaft is formed at a boundary portion between a non-divided mold for molding the portion of the rotating shaft with the specific area at both ends and a divided mold for molding the portion of the rotating shaft excluding the specific area with the both ends. The powder conveying member according to claim 3, wherein the powder conveying member is configured as a portion molded in the gap space. An apparatus main body having a conveyance space for conveying powder;
Provided in a state where it is arranged in the conveyance space of the apparatus main body and is provided in a state of projecting into a column-shaped rotation shaft that is rotatably supported in the areas near both ends, and in a required area inside the both ends of the rotation shaft One or a plurality of powder conveying members provided with a conveying unit that conveys powder along with the rotation of the rotation shaft,
A bearing member that is provided at a portion of the apparatus main body that supports the rotating shaft of the powder conveying member, and that supports the rotating shaft by contacting a bearing portion in a region near both ends of the rotating shaft;
The powder is attached to a portion of the apparatus main body that supports the rotating shaft of the powder conveying member and contacts a leakage countermeasure portion that is located inside the bearing portion in an area near both ends of the rotating shaft. And a leakage preventing member for preventing leakage of
At least one of the said powder conveyance members is comprised with the powder conveyance member of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4, The powder conveyance apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. An apparatus main body having a conveyance space part to which the developer is conveyed;
A cylindrical rotary shaft that is disposed in the conveyance space of the apparatus main body and is rotatably supported at both ends, and is provided in a state protruding from a required portion that is inside the both ends of the rotary shaft. One or a plurality of powder conveying members composed of a conveying unit that conveys the developer along with the rotation of the shaft;
A bearing member that is provided at a portion of the apparatus main body that supports the rotating shaft of the powder conveying member, and that supports the rotating shaft by contacting a bearing portion in a region near both ends of the rotating shaft;
A developer that is attached to a portion of the apparatus main body that supports the rotating shaft of the powder conveying member and contacts a leakage countermeasure portion that is located inside the bearing portion in a region near both ends of the rotating shaft. And a leakage preventing member for preventing leakage of
5. A developing device, wherein at least one of the developer conveying members comprises the powder conveying member according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Having a developer transport device for transporting the developer;
An image forming apparatus, wherein the developer conveying device is configured by the powder conveying device according to claim 5. A developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier with a developer;
An image forming apparatus comprising the developing device according to claim 6.

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