JP2013205475A - Developer carrying mechanism and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress application of a load to rotation of a spiral member for carrying a developer after the spiral member is used to open an opening/closing part to an aperture.SOLUTION: A developer carrying mechanism includes: a normally rotating revolving shaft; a spiral member which is provided spirally around an axis of the revolving shaft and carries a developer to one side in the axial direction of the revolving shaft by normal rotation of the revolving shaft; an aperture which is formed in a carrying line through which the developer is carried by the spiral member, and through which the developer is supplied to or discharged from the carrying line; an opening/closing part capable of opening/closing the aperture in the axial direction; a contact member which is provided in the opening/closing part so as to come into contact with the spiral member and is pushed to one side in the axial direction by the spiral member in accordance with normal rotation of the revolving shaft to move the opening/closing part to an opening position for opening the aperture; and a notch which is formed on the spiral member and, when the opening/closing part is located in the opening position, stops the contact member from being pushed to one side in the axial direction by the spiral member.

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer transport mechanism and an image forming apparatus.

  Patent Document 1 includes a shutter member that closes the toner replenishing port and a claw portion protruding from the shutter member into the conveyance path, and the shutter member is opened and closed each time the blade of the conveyance screw contacts the claw portion. A developing device is disclosed.

JP 2010-79232 A

  An object of the present invention is to suppress applying a load to the rotation of the spiral member after the opening / closing portion is opened with respect to the opening using the spiral member that conveys the developer.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotating shaft that rotates in the forward direction and a helical shape that is provided in a spiral shape around the axis of the rotating shaft, and that conveys the developer to one of the axial directions of the rotating shaft by the normal rotation of the rotating shaft. A member, and an opening formed by the spiral member in the conveyance path for conveying the developer, the opening through which the developer is replenished or discharged from the conveyance path, and the opening can be opened and closed along the axial direction. An open position that is provided in the open / close portion so as to contact the helical member and is pushed by the helical member toward the one side in the axial direction by forward rotation of the rotating shaft. A contact member that moves the opening / closing part to the spiral member, and the spiral member prevents the contact member from being pushed to one side in the axial direction when the opening / closing part is located at the open position. A developer transport mechanism comprising: A.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the rotating shaft is moved in one of the axial directions by a reverse force that reversely conveys the developer to the other of the axial directions. Due to movement in one of the axial directions, the notch is displaced in one of the axial directions so as to contact the spiral member, and by reversing the rotation shaft, the spiral member is pushed to the other of the axial direction to open the opening. The developer conveying mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing portion is moved to a closed position for closing the toner.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, a circulation path is formed by the conveyance path connected to the one axial end portion and the axial intermediate portion of the conveyance path, from the axial intermediate portion to the axial one end portion. A return path for returning the developer, wherein the opening is a discharge port disposed at an axially other end than an axially intermediate portion of the transport path, and the spiral member is the shaft of the transport path A first spiral member disposed between one end portion in the direction and the intermediate portion in the axial direction, and the other end portion in the axial direction disposed on the other end side in the axial direction with respect to the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the transport path. A second helical member that conveys excess developer that has flowed into the discharge port to the discharge port, and the contact member is moved forwardly to the second helical member by the forward rotation of the rotating shaft. 3. The developer transport according to claim 1, wherein the developer is moved to the open position to move the open / close portion to the open position. It is a structure.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is the developer transport mechanism according to the third aspect, wherein the contact member is disposed on the other end side in the axial direction of the transport path in the opening / closing section.

  The invention of claim 5 includes a drive unit that rotationally drives the rotary shaft, and when the opening / closing unit is opened and closed, the torque of the rotary shaft that is driven to rotate by the drive unit is the torque of the rotary shaft in a normal operation state. 5. The developer conveying mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the rotating shaft is rotated at a rotational speed higher than a torque.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the developer transport mechanism according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the contact member is provided at a position higher than a horizontal position of the rotating shaft.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the contact member is disposed on a side opposite to a side where the developer conveyed by the normal rotation of the rotation shaft is biased in the conveyance path in the axial direction of the rotation shaft. The developer transport mechanism according to claim 1.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface is developed by the developer conveying mechanism according to any one of the first to seventh aspects and the developer conveyed by the developing and conveying mechanism. An image holding device.

  According to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the spiral member is performed after the opening / closing portion is opened with respect to the opening using the spiral member that conveys the developer as compared with the case where the notch is not provided in the present configuration. It is possible to suppress the load on the.

  According to the configuration of the second aspect of the present invention, the opening / closing portion can be closed with respect to the opening by using the spiral member that conveys the developer.

  According to the configuration of the third aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the contact member in the present configuration is not provided, the spiral that conveys the developer while suppressing the contact member from interfering with the conveyance in the developer circulation path. The opening / closing part can be opened with respect to the discharge port using the shaped member.

  According to the configuration of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the contact member prevents the developer from being hindered compared to the case where the contact member in the present configuration is arranged on the upstream side of the conveyance path in the opening / closing portion. Is done.

  According to the structure of Claim 5 of this invention, it can suppress that the situation where an opening-and-closing part does not move to the axial direction of a rotating shaft compared with the case where this structure is not provided.

  According to the configuration of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the contact member obstructs the conveyance of the developer as compared with the case where the contact member in the present configuration is disposed at a position lower than the horizontal position of the rotating shaft. Is suppressed.

  According to the configuration of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the contact member obstructs the conveyance of the developer as compared with the case where the contact member in the present configuration is arranged on the side where the developer is biased in the conveyance path. Is suppressed.

  According to the configuration of the eighth aspect of the present invention, image defects caused by applying a load to the rotation of the spiral member are suppressed as compared with the case where the developer transport mechanism in the present configuration is not provided.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating configurations of a developing device and a toner transport device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a part of the developing device according to the first embodiment. It is an operation | movement figure for demonstrating the opening / closing operation | movement which opens and closes the shutter which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an operation | movement figure for demonstrating the opening / closing operation | movement which opens and closes the shutter which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating configurations of a developing device and a toner transport device according to a second embodiment. It is an operation | movement figure for demonstrating the opening / closing operation | movement which opens and closes the shutter which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is an operation | movement figure for demonstrating the opening / closing operation | movement which opens and closes the shutter which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the image formation part which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a plane sectional view showing the composition of the development device concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a plane sectional view showing the composition of the development device concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a plane sectional view showing the composition of the development device concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a plane sectional view showing the composition of the development device concerning a 3rd embodiment. (A) is a sectional side view showing the configuration of the developing device according to the third embodiment, and (B) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the shutter according to the third embodiment.

  Below, an example of an embodiment concerning the present invention is described based on a drawing.

[First Embodiment]
(Configuration of image forming apparatus 10)
First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an apparatus main body 11 in which each component is housed. Inside the apparatus main body 11, a plurality of storage units 12 that store recording media P such as paper, an image forming unit 14 that forms an image on the recording medium P, and an image forming unit 14 are formed on the recording medium P. A fixing device 56 that fixes the image to the recording medium P, a transport unit 16 that transports the recording medium P from the storage unit 12 to the image forming unit 14, and a control unit 20 that controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 10. , Is provided. Further, a discharge unit 18 for discharging the recording medium P on which the image is fixed by the fixing device 56 is provided at the upper part of the apparatus main body 11.

  The image forming unit 14 includes a photosensitive drum 32 as an example of an image holding body that holds an image. The photosensitive drum 32 rotates in one direction (for example, counterclockwise in FIG. 1). Around the photosensitive drum 32, a charging roll 23 as an example of a charging device that charges the photosensitive drum 32 and a photosensitive drum 32 charged by the charging roll 23 in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 32. An exposure device 36 that forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 32 by exposure, and a developing device 80 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 32 by the exposure device 36 to form a black toner image. And a transfer roll 26 for transferring the black toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 32 by the developing device 80 to the recording medium P.

  The exposure device 36 is configured to form an electrostatic latent image based on the image signal sent from the control unit 20. Examples of the image signal sent from the control unit 20 include an image signal acquired by the control unit 20 from an external device.

  Above the exposure device 36, a toner cartridge 58 is provided as a toner storage container that stores toner. A toner storage chamber 58 </ b> A that stores toner is formed inside the toner storage container 58.

  Between the toner cartridge 58 and the developing device 80, a toner transport device 60 that transports toner from the toner storage chamber 58A of the toner cartridge 58 toward the developing device 80 is provided. Note that specific configurations of the toner conveying device 60 and the developing device 80 will be described later.

  The transfer roll 26 is opposed to the photosensitive drum 32, and conveys the recording medium P upward with the recording medium P sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 32. Between the transfer roll 26 and the photosensitive drum 32 is a transfer position T at which the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 32 is transferred to the recording medium P.

  The transport unit 16 is disposed along the transport path 48, a transport roll 48 that feeds the recording medium P accommodated in each storage section 12, a transport path 48 that transports the recording medium P sent by the transport roll 46, and the transport path 48. And a plurality of transport rolls 50 for transporting the recording medium P delivered by the delivery roll 46 to the transfer position T.

  The fixing device 56 includes a heating roll 56A and a pressure roll 56B. In the fixing device 56, the toner image transferred to the recording medium P by the transfer roll 26 is fixed to the recording medium P by heating by the heating roll 56A and pressing by the pressure roll 56B. A discharge roll 52 that discharges the recording medium P on which the toner image is fixed to the discharge unit 18 is provided above the fixing device 56 (downstream in the transport direction).

  Further, the reverse conveyance path 37 for reversing the recording medium P with the toner image fixed on one side and sending it back to the transfer position T again is the opposite side to the photosensitive drum 32 with respect to the transfer roll 26 (the right side in FIG. 1). ). When images are formed on both sides of the recording medium P, the recording medium P having a toner image fixed on one side is switched back by the discharge roll 52 and guided to the reverse conveyance path 37 and sent back to the transfer position T. It is like that.

  Next, an image forming operation for forming an image on the recording medium P in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, the recording medium P sent out from any of the storage units 12 by the sending roll 46 is sent to the transfer position T by the plurality of transport rolls 50.

  On the other hand, in the image forming unit 14, the photosensitive drum 32 is charged by the charging roll 23, and then exposed by the exposure device 36, so that an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 32. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 80, and a black toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 32. The black toner image is transferred to the recording medium P at the transfer position T by the transfer roll 26.

  The recording medium P onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 56 and the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 56. When an image is formed only on one side of the recording medium P, the recording medium P is discharged to the discharge unit 18 by the discharge roll 52 after the toner image is fixed.

  When forming an image on both sides of the recording medium P, after the image is formed on one side, the recording medium P is switched back by the discharge roll 52, reversed, and sent to the reverse conveyance path 37. Further, the recording medium is sent again from the reverse conveyance path 37 to the transfer position T, and an image is formed on the opposite surface where no image is recorded in the same manner as described above, and is discharged to the discharge unit 18 by the discharge roll 52. . As described above, a series of image forming operations are performed.

(Configuration of Toner Transport Device 60)
Next, the configuration of the toner conveying device 60 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the toner conveying device 60.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the toner transport device 60 includes a transport pipe 62 having a transport path 61 that transports toner from the toner storage chamber 58 </ b> A of the toner cartridge 58 toward the developing device 80. The transport pipe 62 includes a horizontal pipe 62A extending in the horizontal direction in the apparatus main body 11 (see FIG. 1) and a vertical pipe 62B extending in the vertical direction in the apparatus main body 11.

  A supply port 63 as an example of an opening through which toner is supplied from the toner storage chamber 58A to the inside of the horizontal tube 62A is formed at one axial end side (left end side in FIG. 2) of the horizontal tube 62A. As a result, the toner stored in the toner storage chamber 58 </ b> A falls into the horizontal tube 62 </ b> A through the supply port 63. The other axial end of the horizontal tube 62A (the right end in FIG. 2) is connected to one axial end (upper end) of the vertical tube 62B. Thereby, the toner falls from the horizontal tube 62A to the vertical tube 62B. The horizontal tube 62A has a downward slope from the one axial end side (left end side in FIG. 2) to the other axial end side (right end side in FIG. 2).

  The other end (lower end) in the axial direction of the vertical tube 62B is connected to a developing chamber 84, which will be described later, of the developing device 80 above. As a result, the toner drops from the vertical tube 62B to the developing chamber 84, which will be described later, in the opened state of the shutter 99, which will be described later.

  A conveying member 64 that conveys toner from one axial end side (left end side in FIG. 2) to the other axial end side (right end side in FIG. 2) of the horizontal pipe 62A is disposed inside the horizontal pipe 62A. Yes. The conveying member 64 includes a rotatable rotating shaft 64A, a spiral member 64B provided in a spiral shape around the rotating shaft 64A, and an axially other end side (right end side in FIG. 2) of the rotating shaft 64A. A spiral member 64C provided in a spiral shape that is reversely wound from the spiral member 64B is provided around the axis.

  Specifically, both end portions in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 64A are rotatably supported by side walls 62C at both ends in the axial direction of the horizontal tube 62A. A gear portion 66 is provided at one end portion (left end portion in FIG. 2) of the rotating shaft 64A. The gear portion 66 is rotated by the driving force of the driving portion 68, and the rotating force is transmitted to the rotating shaft 64A.

  The spiral member 64B conveys the toner in one axial direction (to the right in FIG. 2) by the rotation of the rotation shaft 64A. On the other hand, the helical member 64C conveys the toner to the other axial direction (left side in FIG. 2) by the rotation of the rotation shaft 64A. As a result, the developer is prevented from clogging (collecting) in the other axial end portion (the right end portion in FIG. 2) in the horizontal tube 62A, and from the horizontal tube 62A to the vertical tube 62B (development chamber 84 described later). ) Is facilitated to flow into the developer.

(Configuration of developing device 80)
Next, the configuration of the developing device 80 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the developing device 80.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the developing device 80 has a housing 82 that accommodates each component member. In the casing 82, a developing chamber (developer housing chamber) 84 in which a developer composed of toner and a magnetic carrier is accommodated is formed.

  The housing 82 is formed with an opening 86 that opens toward the photosensitive drum 32 side. A developing roll 90 as an example of a developer supply body that supplies the developer to the photosensitive drum 32 is provided in the housing 82 so that a part of the opening 86 is exposed.

  The developing roll 90 holds the magnetic carrier contained in the developer with a magnetic force, forms a magnetic brush of the developer on the surface, and conveys the developer to a position facing the photosensitive drum 32. . The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 32 is visualized as a toner image by the developer (toner) on the developing roll 90.

  On the developing roll 90 side in the developing chamber 84, a conveyance path 88 for conveying the developer while stirring is formed along the axial direction of the developing roll 90. In the transport path 88, a transport member 92 that transports toner from one end side (the back side in the paper surface of FIG. 2) of the transport path 88 to the other end side (the near side in the paper surface of FIG. 2) is disposed. The conveying member 92 includes a rotatable rotating shaft 92A and a spiral member 92B provided in a spiral shape around the rotating shaft 92A. The spiral member 92B is configured to convey the toner to one side in the axial direction (the front side in the drawing of FIG. 2) by the rotation of the rotation shaft 92A.

  On the opposite side (left side in FIG. 2) from the developing roll 90 side with respect to the conveyance path 88, the developer conveyed in the conveyance path 88 is in a direction opposite to the conveyance direction of the conveyance path 88 (the front side in the drawing of FIG. 2) A return path 94 is provided to return to the back side of the sheet of FIG. The return path 94 communicates with the transport path 88 at both ends in the axial direction (upstream end and downstream end in the transport direction), and the return path 94 and the transport path 88 constitute a developer circulation path. The return path 94 and the transport path 88 are partitioned by a partition wall 76 at an intermediate portion in the axial direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the return path 94 has one end side (−X direction end side (front side in FIG. 2)) to the other end side (X direction end side (FIG. 4). A conveying member 96 that conveys toner toward the back side of the paper surface 2)) is disposed. The conveying member 96 includes a rotatable rotation shaft 96A (forward and reverse rotation), a spiral member 96B provided in a spiral shape around the rotation shaft 96A, and one axial end side of the rotation shaft 96A. A spiral member 96C is provided around the axis in the (X direction end side) and is provided in a spiral shape that is reversely wound from the spiral member 96B.

  Specifically, both end portions in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 96 </ b> A are rotatably supported by the bearings 93 with respect to the side wall 82 </ b> A of the housing 82. A gear portion 91 is provided at the other axial end portion (−X direction end portion) of the rotation shaft 96A. The gear portion 91 is rotated (forward and reverse) by the driving force of the driving portion 81, and the rotating force is transmitted to the rotating shaft 96A.

  The spiral member 96B pushes the developer on one side in the axial direction (rotation in the A direction) while pushing the developer on the transport surface 96D facing the one side in the axial direction (X direction side). (X direction). As a result, the toner in the developer and the magnetic carrier are conveyed in one axial direction (X direction) while being stirred.

  On the other hand, the spiral member 96C conveys the developer in the other axial direction (−X direction) by normal rotation of the rotating shaft 96A. As a result, the developer is prevented from clogging (accumulating) at the other axial end (X-direction end) in the return path 94, and the inflow of the developer from the return path 94 to the transport path 88 is promoted. It has become so.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotating shaft 96 </ b> A has a backlash that is movable in the axial direction with respect to the bearing 93. Accordingly, the rotation shaft 96A is moved in the opposite direction (-X opposite to the conveyance direction in which the helical member 96B conveys the developer by a reaction force in which the helical member 96B conveys the developer by the normal rotation of the rotation shaft 96A. Direction) (state shown in FIG. 4A). As shown in FIG. 5A, when the rotation shaft 96A is reversed (rotated in the B direction), the spiral member 96B is biased in the X direction by a reaction force that conveys the developer (see FIG. 5A). The state shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the return path 94 extends from the vertical pipe 62 </ b> B of the transport pipe 62 above the axial end of the return path 94 (the upstream end in the transport direction (−X direction end)) of the housing 82. A supply port 98 as an example of an opening through which toner is supplied is formed.

  The supply port 98 of the housing 82 is provided with a shutter 99 as an example of an opening / closing part that can open and close the supply port 98 along the axial direction of the transport member 96 (return path 94). Specifically, the shutter 99 moves to the downstream side (X direction) of the transport member 96 in the transport direction to open the replenishment port 98 and moves to the upstream side of the transport member 96 in the transport direction (−X direction). Is supported by the support portion 95 so as to close the supply port 98.

  The shutter 99 is provided with a protruding member 97 as an example of a contact member that protrudes downward so as to contact the spiral member 96B. The protruding member 97 is provided at a position higher than the horizontal position of the rotating shaft 96A.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the protruding member 97 is a state in which the rotating shaft 96A is shifted to the other axial direction (the −X direction) (the state shown in FIG. 4A). In FIG. 5, the conveying surface 96D of the spiral member 96B is brought into contact with the conveying member 96B. The protruding member 97 is pushed in one of the axial directions (X direction) by the helical member 96B by the normal rotation (rotation in the A direction) of the rotation shaft 96A in a state in contact with the transport surface 96D of the helical member 96B. The shutter 99 is moved to an open position where the supply port 98 is opened (see FIG. 4B).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (A), the protruding member 97 has a spiral shape in a state where the rotating shaft 96A is shifted to one of the axial directions (X direction) (state shown in FIG. 5 (A)). The member 96B comes into contact with the opposite surface 96E opposite to the conveying surface 96D. The protruding member 97 is pushed in the other axial direction (−X direction) by the helical member 96B by the reverse rotation (rotation in the B direction) of the rotation shaft 96A in a state where it contacts the opposite surface 96E of the helical member 96B. The shutter 99 is moved to a closed position for closing the supply port 98 (see FIG. 5B).

  The spiral member 96B is formed with a notch 89 that prevents the protruding member 97 from being pushed in one of the axial directions (X direction) by the spiral member 96B when the shutter 99 is located at the open position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, the notch 89 is in a state in which the shutter 99 is located at the open position and the rotating shaft 96A is shifted to the other axial direction (−X direction). In the state shown in FIG. 4B, it is formed at a position that coincides with the protruding member 97 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 96A. As a result, when the rotation shaft 96 </ b> A (spiral member 96 </ b> B) rotates forward, the projecting member 97 passes through the notch 89. That is, the conveyance surface 96D of the spiral member 96B is not in contact with the protruding member 97, and the spiral member 96B is rotated forward. At this time, the protruding member 97 may contact the inner wall of the notch 89 in the spiral member 96B.

  Further, the spiral member 96B is formed with a notch 87 that prevents the protruding member 97 from being pushed in the other axial direction (−X direction) by the spiral member 96B when the shutter 99 is located at the closed position. . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5B, the notch 87 is in a state in which the shutter 99 is located at the closed position and the rotating shaft 96A is shifted to one of the axial directions (X direction) ( In the axial direction of the rotating shaft 96A, it is formed at a position that coincides with the protruding member 97 in the state shown in FIG. As a result, when the spiral member 96 </ b> B is reversed, the protruding member 97 passes through the notch 87. That is, the opposite surface 96E of the spiral member 96B is not in contact with the protruding member 97, and the spiral member 96B is reversed. At this time, the protruding member 97 may contact the inner wall of the notch 87 in the spiral member 96B.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the replenishment port 63, the transport pipe 62 (transport path 61), the transport member 64, the supply port 98, the shutter 99, the transport path 88, the transport member 92, the return path 94, and the transport member. 96 constitutes an example of the developer transport mechanism 100 that transports the developer from the toner storage chamber 58A to the developing roll 90 (see FIG. 2). Here, the developer includes a case where the toner is used alone and a case where the developer is formed of toner and a magnetic carrier.

  In the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum 32, the charging roll 23, the developing device 80, and the toner conveying device 60 can be integrally attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 11 as one unit (exchange unit) ( (See FIG. 2). Further, a toner cartridge 58 is detachably provided for the one unit (exchange unit).

(Operation according to the first embodiment)
Next, the operation according to the first embodiment will be described.

  According to the configuration according to the first embodiment, for example, the image forming apparatus 10 is shipped in a state where the shutter 99 closes the supply port 98 (the state shown in FIG. 4A or FIG. 5B). Thus, since the replenishment port 98 is closed by the shutter 99, the developer inside the casing 82 (development chamber 84) of the developing device 80 is supplied to the replenishment port 98 when the image forming apparatus 10 is being transported. Leakage to the outside of the housing 82 is suppressed through the.

  Then, the image forming apparatus 10 shipped and transported is installed. At this time, the rotation shaft 96A of the conveying member 96 is shifted to one of the axial directions (X direction) as shown in FIG. 5B, or as shown in FIG. It is in a state of being shifted to the other axial direction (−X direction).

  When the image forming apparatus 10 (developing apparatus 80) is operated after the image forming apparatus 10 is installed, as shown in FIG. 4A, the rotation shaft 96A of the conveying member 96 is rotated forward (rotated in the A direction). The developer is transported in one axial direction (X direction) while pushing the developer on the transport surface 96D of the spiral member 96B.

  In a state where the rotating shaft 96A is shifted to one axial direction (X direction) (the state shown in FIG. 5B), the developer is transported to one axial direction (X direction) by the normal rotation of the rotating shaft 96A. In this case, the rotating shaft 96A is displaced in the opposite direction (−X direction) opposite to the conveying direction by the reaction force that the spiral member 96B conveys the developer (the state shown in FIG. 4A). become).

  In a state where the rotating shaft 96A is shifted to the other axial direction (−X direction) (the state shown in FIG. 4A), the protruding member 97 of the shutter 99 is in relation to the conveying surface 96D of the helical member 96B. Contact. Then, as shown in FIG. 4 (B), the rotation of the rotation shaft 96A causes the protruding member 97 to be pushed in one of the axial directions (X direction) by the spiral member 96B to open the supply port 98. The shutter 99 moves to the position.

  After the shutter 99 is moved to the open position, even if the rotation shaft 96A (spiral member 96B) rotates forward, the projecting member 97 passes through the notch 89, and the projecting member 97 moves to one of the axial directions (X direction). Not pushed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the shutter 99 is moved to the open position by the transport operation in which the transport member 96 transports the developer, so that the shutter 99 can be opened without performing a special operation for opening the shutter 99. An opening operation is performed. For this reason, forgetting to open the shutter 99 is prevented.

  In the present embodiment, after the shutter 99 moves to the open position, the protruding member 97 passes through the notch 89 of the spiral member 96 </ b> B, and the protruding member 97 does not become a rotational load on the transport member 96. For this reason, damage to the protruding member 97 (shutter 99) and the spiral member 96B is suppressed. Further, since the protruding member 97 does not become a rotational load of the conveying member 96, the occurrence of vibration in the conveying member 96 and the sticking of the developer due to the frictional heat of the developer between the protruding member 97 and the spiral member 96B are suppressed. Is done. Therefore, the occurrence of vibration and image defects due to the fixing of the developer are suppressed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the protruding member 97 is provided at a position higher than the horizontal position of the rotating shaft 96A, it is possible to suppress the protruding member 97 from interfering with the developer conveyance.

  Here, in this embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 10 is transported again or when the developing device 80 is replaced, the operator supplies the replenishment port 98 through an operation unit (operation panel) (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 10. A closing operation is performed to close the door.

  When the closing operation is performed, as shown in FIG. 5A, the rotation shaft 96A of the conveying member 96 is reversed (rotated in the B direction), and the developer is pushed on the opposite surface 96E of the spiral member 96B. The developer is conveyed to the other side in the axial direction (−X direction). When the spiral member 96B transports the developer, the reaction force causes the rotation shaft 96A to be shifted to the other axial direction (the −X direction) (the state shown in FIG. 4A) from the axial direction. On the other hand, the state is shifted to the X direction (the state shown in FIG. 5A). As a result, the protruding member 97 of the shutter 99 is shifted to the other axial direction (−X direction) with respect to the notch 89.

  In a state where the rotating shaft 96A is shifted to one axial direction (X direction) (the state shown in FIG. 5A), the protruding member 97 of the shutter 99 contacts the opposite surface 96E of the spiral member 96B. To do. Then, due to the reverse rotation (rotation in the B direction) of the rotation shaft 96A, as shown in FIG. 5B, the projecting member 97 is pushed to the other axial direction (−X direction) by the spiral member 96B, and the replenishing port The shutter 99 moves to a closed position where the 98 is closed.

  After the shutter 99 is moved to the closed position, even if the rotating shaft 96A (spiral member 96B) is reversed, the protruding member 97 passes through the notch 87, and the protruding member 97 moves to the other axial direction (−X direction). Not pushed.

  Thus, in this embodiment, after the shutter 99 moves to the closed position, the projecting member 97 passes through the notch 87 of the spiral member 96 </ b> B, and the projecting member 97 does not become a rotational load on the transport member 96. For this reason, in the developing device 80 in the case of re-operation, damage to the protruding member 97 (shutter 99) and the spiral member 96B is suppressed. Further, the fixing of the developer due to the frictional heat of the developer between the protruding member 97 and the spiral member 96B is suppressed.

  In this embodiment, since the shutter 99 is opened and closed by the spiral member 96B of the conveying member 96, it is not necessary to add a special part and the number of parts does not increase.

(Modification in the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the shutter 99 is moved to the closed position by the spiral member 96 </ b> B of the conveying member 96. However, the shutter 99 may be configured not to move to the closed position. In this case, it is not necessary to move the rotation shaft 96A of the transport member 96 in the axial direction. Further, it is not necessary to provide the notch 87.

In addition, when the shutter 99 is opened and closed, the rotation shaft 96A is rotated at a higher rotational speed than the torque of the rotation shaft 96A in the normal operation state. Also good. Specifically, for example, after the image forming apparatus 10 is installed, the rotation shaft 96A is rotated at a high rotational speed with the torque in a predetermined period in which the image forming apparatus 10 (developing apparatus 80) is first operated. The rotating shaft 96A is rotated at a rotational speed with a low torque as a normal operation state after a predetermined period has elapsed. Further, when the operator performs a closing operation for closing the supply port 98 through an operation unit (operation panel) (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 10, the rotation shaft 96 </ b> A is rotated at a high rotational speed with the torque. Is done.
With this configuration, a situation in which the shutter 99 does not move to the open position or the closed position is suppressed.

  Further, the protruding member 97 is opposite to the side where the developer conveyed by the normal rotation of the rotating shaft 96A in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 96A is deviated in the return path 94 (for example, the arrow Y direction in the shutter 99). (See FIG. 3)). Thereby, it is suppressed that the protrusion member 97 obstructs conveyance of a developer.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a configuration according to the second embodiment will be described. Here, portions different from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and portions having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  In the first embodiment, the shutter 99 that opens and closes the replenishment port 98 disposed between the vertical tube 62 </ b> B of the toner conveying device 60 and the return path 94 of the developing device 80 is opened and closed by the conveying member 96. In addition to or instead of this configuration, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a shutter 70 as an example of an opening / closing portion is provided for the supply port 63 of the horizontal tube 62 </ b> A in the toner conveying device 60. The shutter 70 is opened and closed by the conveying member 64. This will be specifically described below.

  Specifically, both end portions in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 64A of the conveying member 64 are made to the side walls 62C at both ends in the axial direction of the horizontal tube 62A of the conveying tube 62 by a bearing 74, as shown in FIG. It is rotatably supported. Further, the spiral member 64B of the transport member 64 specifically pushes the toner on the transport surface 64D facing the one side in the axial direction (X direction side) by forward rotation (rotation in the A direction) of the rotation shaft 64A. The toner is conveyed in one axial direction (X direction).

  In the second embodiment, the outer diameter of the rotating shaft 64A is set to a small diameter at a portion facing the replenishing port 63 in the rotating shaft 64A (portion located below the replenishing port 63). The shifted portion has a large diameter. As a result, a step is formed on the rotating shaft 64A, and the load when the conveying member 64 conveys toner is increased compared to a configuration without a step.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotating shaft 64 </ b> A has a backlash that can move in the axial direction with respect to the bearing 74. Thereby, the rotation shaft 64A is opposite to the conveying direction in which the spiral member 64B transports the toner (−X direction) due to the reaction force that the spiral member 64B transports the toner by the normal rotation of the rotation shaft 64A. (The state shown in FIG. 7A). As shown in FIG. 8A, when the rotating shaft 64A is reversely rotated (rotated in the B direction), the spiral member 64B is biased in the X direction by a reaction force that conveys the toner (FIG. 8A). 8 (A) state).

  The shutter 70 is provided in the upper part of the horizontal tube 62A so that the supply port 63 can be opened and closed along the axial direction of the conveying member 64 (the horizontal tube 62A). Specifically, the shutter 70 moves to the downstream side (X direction) of the transport member 64 in the transport direction to open the replenishment port 63 and moves to the upstream side of the transport member 64 in the transport direction (−X direction). Is supported by the support portion 72 so as to close the supply port 63.

  The shutter 70 is provided with a protruding member 75 as an example of a contact member that protrudes downward so as to contact the spiral member 64B. The protruding member 75 is provided at a position higher than the horizontal position of the rotating shaft 64A.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, the protruding member 75 has a state in which the rotating shaft 64A is shifted to the other axial direction (the −X direction) (the state shown in FIG. 7A). In FIG. 5, the conveying surface 64D of the spiral member 64B comes into contact with the conveying member 64B. The protruding member 75 is pushed in one of the axial directions (X direction) by the helical member 64B by the normal rotation (rotation in the A direction) of the rotation shaft 64A in a state in contact with the conveyance surface 64D of the helical member 64B. The shutter 70 is moved to an open position where the supply port 63 is opened (see FIG. 7B).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, the projecting member 75 has a spiral shape in a state where the rotating shaft 64A is shifted to one of the axial directions (X direction) (the state shown in FIG. 8A). The member 64B comes into contact with the opposite surface 64E opposite to the conveying surface 64D. The protruding member 75 is pushed in the other axial direction (−X direction) by the spiral member 64B by the reverse rotation (rotation in the B direction) of the rotation shaft 64A in a state where it contacts the opposite surface 64E of the spiral member 64B. The shutter 70 is moved to a closed position for closing the supply port 63 (see FIG. 8B).

  The spiral member 64B is formed with a notch 77 that prevents the projecting member 75 from being pushed in one of the axial directions (X direction) by the spiral member 64B when the shutter 70 is located at the open position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, the notch 77 is in a state in which the shutter 70 is located at the open position and the rotating shaft 64 </ b> A is shifted to the other axial direction (−X direction). In the state shown in FIG. 7B, it is formed at a position that coincides with the protruding member 75 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 64A. As a result, when the rotation shaft 64 </ b> A (spiral member 64 </ b> B) rotates forward, the projecting member 75 passes through the notch 77. That is, the conveyance surface 64D of the spiral member 64B is not in contact with the protruding member 75, and the spiral member 64B rotates forward. At this time, the protruding member 75 may contact the inner wall of the notch 77 in the spiral member 64B.

  Further, the spiral member 64B is formed with a notch 79 that prevents the projecting member 75 from being pushed in the other axial direction (−X direction) by the spiral member 64B when the shutter 70 is located at the closed position. . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8B, the notch 79 is in a state in which the shutter 70 is located at the closed position and the rotation shaft 64A is shifted to one of the axial directions (X direction) ( In the state shown in FIG. 8 (B), it is formed at a position that coincides with the protruding member 75 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 64A. Thus, when the spiral member 64B is reversed, the projecting member 75 passes through the notch 79. That is, the opposite surface 64E of the spiral member 64B is not in contact with the protruding member 75, and the spiral member 64B is reversed. At this time, the protruding member 75 may contact the inner wall of the notch 79 in the spiral member 64B.

(Operation According to Second Embodiment)
Next, the operation according to the second embodiment will be described.

  According to the configuration according to the present embodiment, for example, the image forming apparatus 10 is shipped in a state where the shutter 70 closes the supply port 63 (the state shown in FIG. 7A or FIG. 8B). As described above, since the supply port 63 is closed by the shutter 70, the toner in the conveyance pipe 62 (conveyance path 61) is conveyed through the supply port 63 when the image forming apparatus 10 is transported. Leakage to the outside of the tube 62 is suppressed.

  Then, the image forming apparatus 10 shipped and transported is installed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8B, the rotation shaft 64A of the conveying member 64 is shifted to one of the axial directions (X direction) or as shown in FIG. It is in a state of being shifted to the other axial direction (−X direction).

  When the image forming apparatus 10 (toner conveying apparatus 60) is operated after the image forming apparatus 10 is installed, the rotation shaft 64A of the conveying member 64 is rotated forward (direction A) as shown in FIG. The toner is transported in one axial direction (X direction) while pushing the toner on the transport surface 64D of the spiral member 64B.

  In a state where the rotating shaft 64A is shifted to one axial direction (X direction) (the state shown in FIG. 8B), the toner is conveyed to one axial direction (X direction) by the normal rotation of the rotating shaft 64A. In this case, the rotating shaft 64A is shifted to the opposite direction (−X direction) opposite to the conveying direction by the reaction force that the helical member 64B conveys the toner (the state shown in FIG. 7A). ).

  In a state where the rotating shaft 64A is shifted to the other axial direction (the −X direction) (the state shown in FIG. 7A), the protruding member 75 of the shutter 70 is in relation to the conveying surface 64D of the helical member 64B. Contact. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, the forward rotation of the rotating shaft 64A causes the projecting member 75 to be pushed in one axial direction (X direction) by the spiral member 64B to open the supply port 63. The shutter 70 moves to the position.

  After the shutter 70 moves to the open position, even if the rotation shaft 64A (spiral member 64B) rotates forward, the projecting member 75 passes through the notch 77, and the projecting member 75 moves to one of the axial directions (X direction). Not pushed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the shutter 70 is moved to the open position by the transport operation in which the transport member 64 transports the toner. Therefore, the shutter 70 is opened without performing a special operation for opening the shutter 70. Action is taken. For this reason, forgetting to open the shutter 70 is prevented.

  In the present embodiment, after the shutter 70 moves to the open position, the protruding member 75 passes through the notch 77 of the spiral member 64 </ b> B, and the protruding member 75 does not become a rotational load on the transport member 64. For this reason, damage to the protruding member 75 (shutter 70) and the spiral member 64B is suppressed. Further, since the protruding member 75 does not become a rotational load of the conveying member 64, generation of vibration in the conveying member 64 and toner fixing due to frictional heat of the toner between the protruding member 75 and the spiral member 64B are suppressed. . Therefore, the occurrence of the vibration and image defects due to the fixing of the toner are suppressed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the protruding member 75 is provided at a position higher than the horizontal position of the rotating shaft 64A, the protruding member 75 is prevented from hindering toner conveyance.

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 10 is transported again or when the toner transport apparatus 60 is replaced, the operator supplies the replenishment port through an operation unit (operation panel) (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 10. A closing operation for closing 63 is performed.

  When the closing operation is performed, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, the rotation shaft 64A of the conveying member 64 is reversed (rotated in the B direction), and the toner is pressed on the opposite surface 64E of the spiral member 64B while the toner is pressed. The toner is conveyed to the other side in the axial direction (−X direction). When the spiral member 64B transports the toner, the reaction force causes the rotation shaft 64A to be shifted to the other axial direction (the −X direction) (the state shown in FIG. 7A), and then to the one axial direction. The state is shifted to the (X direction) (the state shown in FIG. 8A). As a result, the protruding member 75 of the shutter 70 is shifted from the notch 77 in the other axial direction (−X direction).

  In a state where the rotating shaft 64A is shifted to one axial direction (X direction) (the state shown in FIG. 8A), the projecting member 75 of the shutter 70 contacts the opposite surface 64E of the spiral member 64B. To do. Then, due to the reverse rotation (rotation in the B direction) of the rotating shaft 64A, as shown in FIG. 8B, the protruding member 75 is pushed to the other axial direction (−X direction) by the helical member 64B, and the replenishing port The shutter 70 moves to a closed position where 63 is closed.

  After the shutter 70 moves to the closed position, even if the rotation shaft 64A (the helical member 64B) is reversed, the protruding member 75 passes through the notch 79, and the protruding member 75 moves to the other axial direction (−X direction). Not pushed.

  Thus, in this embodiment, after the shutter 70 moves to the closed position, the projecting member 75 passes through the notch 79 of the spiral member 64B, and the projecting member 75 does not become a rotational load on the transport member 64. For this reason, in the toner conveyance device 60 in the case of re-operation, damage to the protruding member 75 (shutter 70) and the spiral member 64B is suppressed. Further, toner sticking due to frictional heat of the toner between the protruding member 75 and the spiral member 64B is suppressed.

  In this embodiment, since the shutter 70 is opened and closed by the spiral member 64B of the conveying member 64, it is not necessary to add a special part and the number of parts does not increase.

(Modification in the second embodiment)
Also in the second embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, the shutter 70 may be configured not to move to the closed position. In this case, it is not necessary to move the rotating shaft 64A of the conveying member 64 in the axial direction. Further, it is not necessary to provide the notch 79.

  Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, when the shutter 70 is opened and closed, the torque of the rotating shaft 64A that the drive unit 68 rotates is higher than the torque of the rotating shaft 64A in the normal operation state. The structure which rotates the rotating shaft 64A may be sufficient. With this configuration, a situation in which the shutter 70 does not move to the open position or the closed position is suppressed.

  Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, the protruding member 75 is opposite to the side where the toner conveyed by the normal rotation of the rotating shaft 64A is biased in the conveying path 61 when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 64A. The structure arrange | positioned may be sufficient. Thereby, it is suppressed that the protrusion member 97 obstructs conveyance of a developer.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a configuration according to the third embodiment will be described. Here, portions different from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and portions having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming unit 14 according to the third embodiment.

  In the image forming unit 14 according to the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, an image forming unit in which toner images of respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are formed. 322Y, 322M, 322C, 322K, an intermediate transfer belt 324 as an intermediate transfer body onto which a toner image formed by the image forming units 322Y, 322M, 322C, 322K is transferred, and image forming units 322Y, 322M, 322C, 322K. A first transfer roll 326 that transfers the toner image formed in step 1 to the intermediate transfer belt 324, and a second transfer roll 328 that transfers the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 324 to the recording medium P.

  Each of the image forming units 322Y, 322M, 322C, and 322K includes a photosensitive drum 32 that rotates in one direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 9).

  Around each photosensitive drum 32, a charging roll 23 for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 32 in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 32 and the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 32 are exposed to expose the photosensitive drum. An exposure device 36 that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the drum 32, a developing device 380 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 32 to form a toner image, and an intermediate transfer of the toner image A removing device 340 for removing toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 32 after being transferred to the belt 324 is provided.

  The intermediate transfer belt 324 is supported by a counter roll 342 facing the second transfer roll 328, a drive roll 344, and a support roll 346, and circulates and moves in one direction (clockwise in FIG. 9) while in contact with the photosensitive drum 32. It is supposed to be.

  The first transfer roll 326 faces the photosensitive drum 32 with the intermediate transfer belt 324 interposed therebetween. A transfer position (primary transfer position) at which the toner image on the photosensitive drum 32 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 324 is formed between the first transfer roll 326 and the photosensitive drum 32.

  The second transfer roll 328 faces the opposite roll 342 with the intermediate transfer belt 324 interposed therebetween. A transfer position T (secondary transfer position) at which the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 324 is transferred to the recording medium P is formed between the second transfer roll 328 and the opposing roll 342.

  In the image forming unit 14, the color toner images formed by the image forming units 322 </ b> Y, 322 </ b> M, 322 </ b> C, and 322 </ b> K are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 324 to form a color image. The color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 324 is transferred to the recording medium P sent to the transfer position T. The recording medium P to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 56, and the transferred toner image is fixed by the fixing device 56 (see FIG. 1). The recording medium P on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the discharge unit 18 by the discharge roll 52 (see FIG. 1).

(Configuration of the developing device 380 according to the third embodiment)
Next, the configuration of the developing device 380 according to the third embodiment will be described. Here, portions different from the developing device 80 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described, and portions having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a developing device 380 according to the third embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, the shutter 99 that opens and closes the replenishment port 98 disposed between the vertical tube 62 </ b> B of the toner conveying device 60 and the return path 94 of the developing device 80 is opened and closed by the conveying member 96. In addition to or in place of this configuration, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a shutter 399 as an example of an opening / closing unit with respect to the discharge port 398 formed in the conveyance path 88 of the developing device 380. And the shutter 399 is opened and closed by the conveying member 92. This will be specifically described below. Note that the developing device 380 according to the third embodiment uses a so-called trickle developing system that discharges excess developer in the developing chamber 84 from the discharge port 398 while supplying the developer into the developing chamber 84. It is a developing device.

  In the developing device 380 according to the third embodiment, the conveyance member 92 disposed in the conveyance path 88 is rotatable (rotatable forward and reverse) 92A and a spiral around the rotation axis 92A. A spiral member 92B (an example of a first spiral member) provided on the spiral member 92B and a spiral member 92B wound in a reverse direction around the axis on one end side in the axial direction (the −X direction end side) with respect to the spiral member 92B The provided spiral member 92C, and the spiral member 92D (the first spiral member 92D provided in the same winding direction as the spiral member 92B around the axis on one end side in the axial direction (the −X direction end side) with respect to the spiral member 92C. Two spiral members), and a spiral member 92E provided in a spiral shape reverse to the spiral member 92B around the axis on one end side (−X direction end side) with respect to the spiral member 92D. I have.

  Specifically, both end portions in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 92A are supported by bearings 393 so as to be rotatable with respect to the side wall 82A of the casing 82. A gear portion 391 is provided at one axial end portion (−X direction end portion) of the rotation shaft 92A. The gear portion 391 is rotated (forward and reverse) by the driving force of the driving portion 81, and the rotating force is transmitted to the rotating shaft 92A. The gear portion 91 of the transport member 96 is rotationally driven by the drive portion 81 via the gear portion 391.

  The spiral member 92B pushes the developer on one side in the axial direction while pushing the developer on the transport surface 392D facing the one side in the axial direction (−X direction side) by the normal rotation (rotation in the A direction) of the rotation shaft 92A. It is transported in the (−X direction). Thereby, the toner in the developer and the magnetic carrier are conveyed in one axial direction (−X direction) while being agitated.

  The helical member 92C conveys the developer in the other axial direction (X direction) by normal rotation of the rotation shaft 92A. Thereby, the inflow of the developer from the conveyance path 88 to the return path 94 is promoted.

  Due to the forward rotation (rotation in the A direction) of the rotation shaft 92A, the spiral member 92D passes over the spiral member 92C due to excess developer in the conveyance path 88 and flows into one of the axial directions (−X direction). The developer is transported in one axial direction (−X direction) while the developer is pushed by a transport surface 392D facing the one side in the axial direction (−X direction side).

  The spiral member 92E conveys the developer in the other axial direction (X direction) by normal rotation of the rotation shaft 92A. As a result, the developer is prevented from clogging (collecting) at one axial end portion (−X direction end portion) in the conveyance path 88 and the discharge of the developer from the discharge port 398 described later is promoted. It has become.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotating shaft 92A has a backlash that can move in the axial direction with respect to the bearing 393. Thereby, the rotating shaft 92A is transported by the spiral member 92B and the spiral member 92D by the reaction force of the spiral member 92B and the spiral member 92D transporting the developer by the normal rotation of the rotating shaft 92A. It is shifted to the opposite direction (X direction) opposite to the direction (state shown in FIG. 10). As shown in FIG. 12, when the rotating shaft 92A is reversely rotated (rotated in the B direction), the spiral member 92B is biased in the −X direction by the reaction force that conveys the developer (FIG. 12). State shown in). FIG. 12 (FIG. 11) illustrates a state in which the rotation shaft 92A has rotated approximately ¼ with respect to FIG. 10 (FIG. 13).

  As shown in FIG. 14, developer is supplied from the conveyance path 88 to the outside on the bottom wall 82 </ b> B of one end in the axial direction of the conveyance path 88 in the casing 82 (the downstream end in the conveyance direction (end in the −X direction)). A discharge port 398 is formed as an example of a discharge opening. That is, in the third embodiment, the return path 94 is connected to one axial end portion (X direction end portion) and the axial intermediate portion of the conveyance path 88, and the axial direction other than the axial intermediate portion of the conveyance path 88. A discharge port 398 is disposed at the end (−X direction end).

  The discharge port 398 of the housing 82 is provided with a shutter 399 as an example of an opening / closing part that can open and close the discharge port 398 along the axial direction of the transport member 92 (transport path 88). In the shutter 399, an opening 399A for opening the discharge port 398 is formed. Specifically, the shutter 399 moves to the downstream side (−X direction) in the transport direction of the transport member 92 to overlap the open port 399A with the discharge port 398 to open the discharge port 398, and the transport direction of the transport member 92 The opening 399A is shifted from the discharge port 398 by moving to the upstream side (X direction), and is supported by the support portion 395 so as to close the discharge port 398.

  The shutter 399 is provided with a protruding member 397 as an example of a contact member that protrudes in the lateral direction so as to contact the spiral member 92D. The protruding member 397 is provided at a position higher than the horizontal position of the rotating shaft 92A. Further, the protruding member 397 is opposite to the side (left side in FIG. 14A) where the developer conveyed by the normal rotation of the rotating shaft 92A is biased in the conveying path 88 as viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 92A. (Right side in FIG. 14A). 14A is a region occupied by the developer in the conveyance path 88, and the developer is biased to the left side in FIG. 14A in the conveyance path 88. Yes.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the protruding member 397 has a spiral member 92 </ b> D in a state (the state shown in FIG. 10) in which the rotation shaft 92 </ b> A is shifted to the other axial direction (X direction). It comes into contact with the conveyance surface 392D. The projecting member 397 is pushed in one axial direction (−X direction) by the spiral member 92D by forward rotation (rotation in the A direction) of the rotation shaft 92A in a state where the protrusion member 397 is in contact with the conveyance surface 392D of the spiral member 92D. The shutter 399 is moved to an open position where the discharge port 398 is opened (see FIG. 11).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the protruding member 397 has a conveying surface of the spiral member 92D in a state (the state shown in FIG. 12) in which the rotation shaft 92A is shifted to one of the axial directions (the −X direction). It comes in contact with the opposite surface 392E opposite to 392D. The protruding member 397 is pushed by the spiral member 92D in the other axial direction (X direction) by the reverse rotation (rotation in the B direction) of the rotation shaft 92A while being in contact with the opposite surface 392E of the spiral member 92D. The shutter 399 is moved to a closed position where the outlet 398 is closed (see FIG. 13).

  A notch between the spiral member 92D and the spiral member 92E prevents the protruding member 397 from being pushed in one of the axial directions (−X direction) by the spiral member 92D when the shutter 399 is located at the open position. 389 is formed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the notch 389 is in a state in which the shutter 399 is located at the open position and the rotating shaft 92A is shifted to the other axial direction (X direction) (see FIG. 11). In the axial direction of the rotation shaft 92 </ b> A. Accordingly, when the rotation shaft 92A (spiral member 92D) rotates forward, the protruding member 397 passes through the notch 389. That is, the conveying surface 392D of the spiral member 92D is not in contact with the protruding member 397, and the spiral member 92D is rotated forward. At this time, the protruding member 397 may contact the inner wall of the notch 389 in the helical member 92D.

  Further, between the spiral member 92C and the spiral member 92D, the protrusion member 397 is prevented from being pushed in the other axial direction (X direction) by the spiral member 92D when the shutter 399 is located at the closed position. A notch 387 is formed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the notch 387 is in a state where the shutter 399 is located at the closed position and the rotation shaft 92 </ b> A is biased to the other axial direction (X direction) (see FIG. 13). In the axial direction of the rotation shaft 92 </ b> A. Thus, when the spiral member 92B is reversed, the protruding member 397 passes through the notch 387. That is, the opposite surface 392E of the spiral member 92D is not in contact with the protruding member 397, and the spiral member 92D is reversed. At this time, the protruding member 397 may contact the inner wall of the notch 387 in the helical member 92D.

(Operation according to the third embodiment)
Next, the operation according to the third embodiment will be described.

  According to the configuration of the third embodiment, for example, the image forming apparatus 10 is shipped with the shutter 399 closing the discharge port 398 (the state shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 13). As described above, since the discharge port 398 is closed by the shutter 399, the developer inside the casing 82 (development chamber 84) of the developing device 380 is discharged from the discharge port 398 when the image forming apparatus 10 is transported. Leakage to the outside of the housing 82 is suppressed through the.

  Then, the image forming apparatus 10 shipped and transported is installed. At this time, the rotation shaft 92A of the conveying member 92 is shifted to the other axial direction (X direction) as shown in FIG. 13, or one axial direction (− as shown in FIG. 10). X direction).

  When the image forming apparatus 10 (developing apparatus 380) is operated after the image forming apparatus 10 is installed, the rotation shaft 92A of the conveying member 92 rotates forward (rotates in the A direction) as shown in FIG. The developer is transported in one of the axial directions (−X direction) while pushing the developer on the transport surface 392D of the spiral member 92B.

  In a state where the rotating shaft 92A is shifted to one axial direction (−X direction) (the state shown in FIG. 13), the developer is conveyed to one axial direction (−X direction) by the normal rotation of the rotating shaft 92A. In such a case, the rotating shaft 92A is displaced in the opposite direction (X direction) opposite to the transport direction (the state shown in FIG. 10) due to the reaction force that the spiral member 92B transports the developer.

  In a state where the rotation shaft 92A is shifted to the other axial direction (X direction) (the state shown in FIG. 10), the protruding member 397 of the shutter 399 contacts the transport surface 392D of the spiral member 92D. Then, due to normal rotation of the rotation shaft 92A, as shown in FIG. 11, the protruding member 397 is pushed in one of the axial directions (−X direction) by the helical member 92D to the open position where the discharge port 398 is opened. The shutter 399 moves.

  After the shutter 399 moves to the open position, even if the rotation shaft 92A (spiral member 92D) rotates forward, the protruding member 397 passes through the notch 389, and the protruding member 397 is one of the axial directions (−X direction). It is not pushed to.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the shutter 399 is moved to the open position by the transport operation in which the transport member 92 transports the developer. Therefore, the shutter 399 can be opened without performing a special operation for opening the shutter 399. An opening operation is performed. For this reason, forgetting to open the shutter 399 is prevented.

  Further, in this embodiment, after the shutter 399 moves to the open position, the protruding member 397 passes through the notch 389, and the protruding member 397 does not become a rotational load on the transport member 92. For this reason, damage to the protruding member 397 (shutter 399) and the spiral member 92D is suppressed. Further, since the protruding member 397 does not become a rotational load on the transport member 92, the occurrence of vibration in the transport member 92 is suppressed. Therefore, image defects due to the occurrence of the vibration are suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, since the protruding member 397 is provided at a position higher than the horizontal position of the rotation shaft 92A, the protruding member 397 is prevented from obstructing the conveyance of the developer. Further, the protruding member 397 is opposite to the side (left side in FIG. 14A) where the developer conveyed by the normal rotation of the rotating shaft 92A is biased in the conveying path 88 as viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 92A. Since it is disposed (on the right side in FIG. 14A), it is suppressed that the protruding member 397 hinders the conveyance of the developer.

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 10 is transported again or when the developing device 380 is replaced, the discharge port 398 is passed by an operator through an operation unit (operation panel) (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 10. A closing operation is performed to close the door.

  When the closing operation is performed, as shown in FIG. 12, the rotating shaft 92A of the conveying member 92 reverses (rotates in the B direction), and the developer is pressed while pressing the developer on the opposite surface 392E of the spiral member 92B. Is transported to the other side (X direction) in the axial direction. When the spiral member 92B transports the developer, the reaction force causes the rotation shaft 92A to be shifted to the other axial direction (X direction) (the state shown in FIG. 10) to one axial direction (-X Direction) (the state shown in FIG. 12). Thereby, the protruding member 397 of the shutter 399 is shifted to the other axial direction (X direction) with respect to the notch 389.

  In a state where the rotation shaft 92A is shifted to one side (−X direction) in the axial direction (the state shown in FIG. 12), the protruding member 397 of the shutter 399 contacts the opposite surface 392E of the spiral member 92D. Then, due to the reverse rotation (rotation in the B direction) of the rotation shaft 92A, as shown in FIG. 13, the protruding member 397 is pushed in the other axial direction (X direction) by the spiral member 92D to close the discharge port 398. The shutter 399 moves to the closed position.

  After the shutter 399 is moved to the closed position, even if the rotating shaft 92A (spiral member 92D) is reversed, the protruding member 397 passes through the notch 387, and the protruding member 397 is pushed in the other axial direction (X direction). Not.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, after the shutter 399 moves to the closed position, the protruding member 397 passes through the notch 387, and the protruding member 397 does not become a rotational load on the conveying member 92. For this reason, in the developing device 380 when restarting, damage to the protruding member 397 (shutter 399) and the spiral member 92D is suppressed.

  In this embodiment, since the shutter 399 is opened and closed by the spiral member 92B of the conveying member 92, it is not necessary to add a special part and the number of parts does not increase.

(Modification in the third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, the shutter 339 may not be moved to the closed position as in the case of the first embodiment. In this case, it is not necessary to move the rotating shaft 92A of the conveying member 92 in the axial direction. Further, it is not necessary to provide the notch 387.

  Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, when the shutter 399 is opened and closed, the torque of the rotating shaft 92A that the drive unit 81 rotates is higher than the torque of the rotating shaft 92A in the normal operation state. The structure which rotates the rotating shaft 92A may be sufficient. With this configuration, a situation in which the shutter 399 does not move to the open position or the closed position is suppressed.

Further, the shutter 399 may be configured such that the protruding member 397 is opened by being pushed by a spiral member 92E that is wound in a reverse direction to the spiral member 92D. In this case, the shutter 399 is configured to perform only an opening operation that is pushed in the X direction. In this case, it is not necessary to move the rotation shaft 92A of the transport member 92 in the axial direction.
In the case of this configuration, the protruding member 397 can be provided at the −X direction end of the shutter 399. As a result, the protruding member 397 is disposed on the downstream side of the conveyance path 88 (on the downstream side of the discharge port 398), so that it is possible to prevent the developer from being hindered.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made. For example, the modification examples described above may be appropriately combined.

10 Image forming apparatus 32 Photosensitive drum (an example of an image carrier)
61 Transport path 63 Supply port (an example of an opening)
64A Rotating shaft 64B Spiral member 68 Drive unit 70 Shutter (an example of an opening / closing unit)
75 Protruding member (an example of a contact member)
79 Notch 81 Drive portion 88 Conveying path 89 Notch 92A Rotating shaft 92D Spiral member 92B Spiral member (an example of a first spiral member)
92D spiral member (an example of a second spiral member)
94 Return path (an example of a transport path)
96A Rotating shaft 96B Spiral member 97 Projecting member (an example of a contact member)
98 Supply port (example of opening)
99 Shutter (example of opening / closing part)
389 Notch 397 Protruding member (an example of a contact member)
398 Discharge port (example of opening)
399 Shutter (example of opening / closing part)

Claims (8)

A rotating shaft that rotates forward,
A helical member that is provided in a spiral shape around the axis of the rotation shaft, and conveys the developer to one of the axial directions of the rotation shaft by forward rotation of the rotation shaft;
An opening that is formed in a transport path through which the developer is transported by the spiral member, and in which the developer is replenished or discharged from the transport path;
An opening / closing part capable of opening and closing the opening along the axial direction;
The opening / closing part is provided so as to come into contact with the spiral member, and the opening / closing part is pushed to the one side in the axial direction by the spiral member by forward rotation of the rotating shaft, so that the opening is opened. A contact member to be moved;
A notch that is formed in the spiral member and prevents the contact member from being pushed to one side in the axial direction by the spiral member when the opening / closing portion is located in the open position;
A developer transport mechanism. The rotating shaft moves in one of the axial directions by a reaction force that reversely conveys the developer to the other of the axial directions,
The contact member shifts from the notch to one of the axial directions by the movement of the rotation shaft in one axial direction, and contacts the spiral member by reversing the rotation shaft. The developer transport mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the developer transport mechanism is moved to a closed position where the opening is closed by being pushed to the other of the first and second openings. A return path that is connected to the one axial end portion and the intermediate intermediate portion of the transport path to form a circulation path with the transport path, and returns the developer from the axial intermediate portion to the one axial end portion. With
The opening is a discharge port disposed at the other axial end than the axial intermediate portion of the conveyance path,
The spiral member is
A first spiral member disposed between the one axial end portion of the transport path and the axial intermediate portion;
A second helical member that is arranged on the other end side in the axial direction than the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the transport path, and transports excess developer that has flowed into the other end side in the axial direction to the discharge port. Have
3. The developer transport according to claim 1, wherein the contact member is pushed by the second spiral member in one of the axial directions by forward rotation of the rotation shaft, and moves the opening / closing portion to the open position. mechanism.   The developer conveyance mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the contact member is disposed on the other end side in the axial direction of the conveyance path in the opening and closing unit. A drive unit that rotationally drives the rotary shaft;
5. The rotating shaft according to claim 2, wherein when the opening / closing portion is opened / closed, the torque of the rotating shaft driven to rotate by the driving portion rotates the rotating shaft at a higher rotational speed than the torque of the rotating shaft in a normal operation state. The developer transport mechanism according to any one of the above.   The developer conveying mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the contact member is provided at a position higher than a horizontal position of the rotating shaft.   7. The contact member according to claim 1, wherein the contact member is disposed on a side opposite to a side on which the developer conveyed by normal rotation of the rotation shaft is biased in the conveyance path as viewed in the axial direction of the rotation shaft. The developer transport mechanism according to any one of the above. The developer transport mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface is developed with the developer conveyed by the developing conveyance mechanism;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images