JP2019045821A - Toner conveying mechanism, developing unit, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a toner conveying mechanism that can prevent a toner supplied to a storage part from adhering to a passage route, compared with a case where the relative positional relationship between walls for forming the passage route is not changed, a developing unit, and an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: When the liquid level of developer in a storage part is equal to or higher than a threshold height, a conveying body conveys the developer to be stayed in a supply port, and when the liquid level is less than the threshold height, conveys a toner in a passage route to the storage part. A proximity/separation unit brings one of the walls forming the passage route into proximity to the other wall or separates one wall from the other wall.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a toner transport mechanism, a developing device, and an image forming apparatus.

  The toner cartridge described in Patent Document 1 includes a toner storage unit, a toner supply port for supplying toner to the developing device, a toner transport screw unit for transporting toner in the storage unit to the supply port, and a toner cartridge in the storage unit. And a toner state variable member for changing the state. In the toner cartridge, the state of the toner in the storage unit is changed by vibrating with the rotation of the toner conveying screw.

JP 2006-235255 A

  The developing device includes a storage unit that stores therein a developer including toner and a carrier. A replenishing port for replenishing toner to the housing portion is disposed above the developer housed in the housing portion. The replenishing port is formed below a passage path through which toner to be replenished in the storage portion passes.

  Further, in a developing device in which the height of the developer surface is adjusted autonomously, a rotating cylindrical carrier is disposed at a position facing the replenishing port in the accommodating portion. When the surface of the developer stored in the storage unit is greater than or equal to the threshold height, the rotating transporter transports the developer and stays in the supply port, thereby stopping the supply of toner from the supply port. . On the other hand, when the surface of the developer stored in the storage unit is less than the threshold height, the rotating transport body transports the toner from the supply port to the storage unit.

  Here, in a state where the developer surface of the developer stored in the storage unit is equal to or higher than the threshold height and the developer stays in the replenishing port, the toner stays in the passage path through which the toner passes. In some cases, the toner staying in the passage way may adhere to the passage way.

  An object of the present invention is to suppress the toner from adhering to the passage in comparison with the case where the relative positional relationship between the walls forming the passage is not changed.

  The developing device according to claim 1 of the present invention has a toner replenishing port below, a pair of horizontally opposed walls that form a passage for the toner to pass through, and the toner replenished from the replenishing port. And a storage portion for storing the developer, and when the developer surface of the developer in the storage portion is equal to or higher than a threshold height, the developer is transported and retained in the replenishing port, and the developer surface is less than the threshold height. In this case, a conveyance body that conveys the toner in the passage to the storage unit, and a contact / separation unit that causes one of the walls to approach and separate from the other wall are provided.

  A developing device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the developing device according to the first aspect, wherein the transport body is disposed to face the replenishing port and transports toner by rotating around an axis. The contact / separation unit transmits one of the walls to one of the walls, thereby causing one of the walls to approach and separate from the other wall.

  A developing device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the developing device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the transport body is disposed to face the replenishing port, and transports toner by rotating around an axis. The shaft extends in a horizontal direction, and a passage through which the toner conveyed to the accommodating portion passes is formed between the conveying member and the accommodating portion, and one of the walls is formed on the conveying member. As viewed from the axial direction, the horizontal wall is disposed on the side of the passage with respect to the center of rotation of the transport body, and the other wall is in the horizontal direction opposite to the side of the passage with respect to the center of rotation. It is characterized by being arranged in.

  The developing device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the developing device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the contacting / separating portion is configured such that a part of one of the walls approaches the other wall. The one wall is moved so that the other part of the one wall is separated from the other wall.

  A developing device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the developing device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the developing device includes a rocking shaft that oscillates and supports one of the walls, and the contacting / separating portion includes the rocking shaft. One wall is rotated in one direction and the other in the center.

  A developing device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the developing device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the transport body is disposed to face the replenishing port and transports toner by rotating around an axis. The contacting / separating portion includes a biasing member that biases one of the walls so that the one wall rotates in one direction around the swing shaft, and the rotational force of the transport body is The wall is intermittently transmitted to one of the walls as a rotational force that rotates in the other direction around the swing shaft.

  The developing device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the developing device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the passage has a receiving port for receiving toner on the opposite side of the replenishing port,

  The receiving wall that forms the receiving port and faces in the same direction as one of the walls is disposed on the other side of the wall as compared with the one wall as viewed from above. .

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 of the present invention develops the image carrier and the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier as a toner image. And a transfer member for transferring the toner image on the image holding member to a recording medium.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner transport mechanism including a first transport body that transports toner below, a pair of horizontally opposed walls forming a passage through which the toner passes, and the passage A second conveyance body that conveys toner toward the passage, and a contact / separation portion that brings one of the walls closer to and away from the other wall, and the second conveyance The toner carrying capability per unit time by the body is larger than the toner carrying capability per unit time by the first carrier.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner transport mechanism comprising: a first transport body that transports toner downward; a passage exit through which the toner transported by the first transport body passes; Forming a pair of horizontally opposed walls, a second conveying body disposed above a passage inlet for receiving toner in the passage, and conveying the toner toward the passage, and one of the walls A toner passing amount per unit time at the passage inlet is larger than a toner passing amount per unit time at the passage outlet. It is characterized by.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner transport mechanism having a first transport body that transports toner below and a passage outlet through which the toner transported by the first transport body passes, and a passage path through which the toner passes. Forming a pair of horizontally opposed walls, a second conveying body disposed above a passage inlet for receiving toner in the passage, and conveying the toner toward the passage, and one of the walls A cross-sectional area through which the toner passes at the passage inlet is larger than a cross-sectional area through which the toner passes at the passage outlet. .

  According to the developing device of the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the toner replenished to the storage portion from being fixed on the passage, as compared with the case where the relative positional relationship between the walls forming the passage is not changed. Can do.

  According to the developing device of the second aspect of the present invention, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where a dedicated drive source for moving one wall toward and away from the other wall is used.

  According to the developing device of claim 3 of the present invention, as compared with the case where one wall is disposed on the side opposite to the passage side and the other wall is disposed on the passage side, It is possible to prevent the toner to be clogged in the passage.

  According to the developing device of claim 4 of the present invention, as compared with the case where one whole wall approaches the other wall and one whole wall is separated from the other wall, the toner fixed on the passage is broken. be able to.

  According to the developing device of claim 5 of the present invention, when a part of one wall approaches the other wall, the one wall is divided so that the other part of the one wall is separated from the other wall. Compared to the case, when a part of one wall approaches the other wall, the configuration in which the other part of the one wall is separated from the other wall can be simplified.

  According to the developing device of the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to simplify the configuration in which the one wall is swung as compared with the case where the one wall is swung only by the rotational force of the conveying member.

  According to the developing device of claim 7 of the present invention, the toner received from the receiving port is smaller than the case where one wall is disposed on the other wall side with respect to the receiving wall as viewed from above. , Can be prevented from flowing into the back of one wall.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the quality of the output image as compared with the case where the developing device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is not provided. .

  According to the toner transport mechanism of the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the toner from adhering to the passage in comparison with the case where the relative positional relationship between the walls forming the passage is not changed.

  According to the toner conveyance mechanism of the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the toner from adhering to the passage in comparison with the case where the relative positional relationship between the walls forming the passage is not changed.

  According to the toner transport mechanism of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the toner from adhering to the passage in comparison with the case where the relative positional relationship between the walls forming the passage is not changed.

(A), (B), and (C) are operation diagrams illustrating the operation of the swinging member of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (A) (B) (C) It is sectional drawing which showed the vicinity of the magnetic roll of the developing device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) (B) (C) It is sectional drawing which showed the vicinity of the magnetic roll of the developing device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a swinging member of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a passage of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the passage of the developing device and the vicinity of the magnetic roll according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the vicinity of the replenishment path and the agitation path of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a swinging member, a biasing spring, a magnetic roll, and the like of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is the perspective view which showed the magnetic roll of the developing device with respect to 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a swinging member, a biasing spring, a magnetic roll, and the like of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a developing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. (A) (B) (C) It is sectional drawing which showed the vicinity of the magnetic roll of the developing device which concerns on the comparison form with respect to the developing device of 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) (B) (C) It is sectional drawing which showed the vicinity of the magnetic roll of the developing device which concerns on the comparison form with respect to the developing device of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which showed the developing device which concerns on the comparison form with respect to the developing device of 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) and (B) are a perspective view and a side view showing a swing member of a developing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. (A) and (B) are a perspective view and a plan view showing a swinging member of a developing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

<First Embodiment>
An example of the developing device and the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the arrow H shown in each figure is the vertical direction and indicates the apparatus vertical direction, the arrow W is the horizontal direction and indicates the apparatus width direction, and the arrow D is the horizontal direction and indicates the apparatus depth direction. .

(overall structure)
As shown in FIG. 12, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an apparatus main body 10A in which each component is housed. Inside the apparatus main body 10A, a storage unit 12 that stores a sheet member P as a recording medium, a transport unit 16 that transports the sheet member P stored in the storage unit 12, and a toner on the transported sheet member P An image forming unit 14 for forming an image is disposed. Further, in the apparatus main body 10A, a fixing unit 18 that fixes the toner image formed on the sheet member P by the image forming unit 14 to the sheet member P, and a control unit 20 that controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 10. And are arranged.

  In addition, a discharge unit 22 is formed on the upper part of the apparatus main body 10A. The discharge unit 22 discharges the sheet member P on which the image (toner image) is fixed by the fixing unit 18.

(Image forming part)
The image forming unit 14 is disposed on the center side in the vertical direction in the apparatus main body 10A. The image forming unit 14 exposes the image holding body 24 that holds the image, the charging roll 26 that charges the image holding body 24, and the image holding body 24 charged by the charging roll 26 to the image holding body 24. And an exposure device 30 for forming an electrostatic latent image. Further, the image forming unit 14 stores a developing device 32 that develops the electrostatic latent image on the image holding member 24 into a toner image with a developer G containing toner T and a carrier, and a toner T supplied to the developing device 32. And a toner cartridge 36. Further, the image forming unit 14 includes a transfer roll 34 that transfers the toner image on the image holding member 24 to the conveyed sheet member P.

  Details of the developing device 32 and the toner cartridge 36 will be described later.

[Container]
The accommodating portion 12 is disposed below the image forming portion 14. The storage unit 12 includes a stacking member 12A on which the sheet members P are stacked, and a sending roll 12B that sends out the uppermost sheet member P stacked on the stacking member 12A.

[Transport section]
The transport unit 16 includes a plurality of transport rolls (reference numerals omitted) that transport the sheet member P sent out by the delivery roll 12B along a transport path 28 that transports the sheet member P.

[Fixing part]
The fixing unit 18 is disposed on the side of the image forming unit 14. Then, the fixing unit 18 contacts the heating roll 18A with the heating roll 18A that heats the toner image transferred to the sheet member P, and rotates (circulates) the heating roll 18A to move the sheet member P between the heating roll 18A. And a pressure roll 18B which is conveyed while being sandwiched.

(Operation of the overall configuration)
Next, an image forming operation for forming an image on the sheet member P will be described.

  The sheet member P sent out from the stacking member 12 </ b> A by the sending roll 12 </ b> B is conveyed to a transfer position T formed between the image carrier 24 and the transfer roll 34.

  On the other hand, in the image forming unit 14, the image carrier 24 is charged by the charging roll 26 and then exposed by the exposure device 30, so that an electrostatic latent image is formed on the image carrier 24. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 32 to form a toner image on the image carrier 24. This toner image is transferred to the sheet member P conveyed to the transfer position T by the transfer roll 34.

  The sheet member P to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 18. The toner image transferred to the sheet member P is fixed to the sheet member P by the fixing unit 18. Thereafter, the sheet member P is discharged to the discharge unit 22.

(Main part configuration)
Next, the developing device 32 and the toner cartridge 36 will be described.

[Developer]
As shown in FIG. 11, the developing device 32 includes a housing 40 that stores the developer G therein, a developing roll 42 that is disposed to face the image carrier 24, and a developing roll 42 that develops the developing device 42. A supply auger 44 for supplying the agent G and a stirring auger 46 for stirring the developer G are provided. Further, the developing device 32 includes a magnetic roll 50 for supplying toner T into the housing 40. The housing 40 is an example of a housing unit.

  The developer G is a two-component developer composed mainly of toner T and magnetic carrier particles (hereinafter “carrier”).

<Case>
The housing 40 is disposed next to the image carrier 24. In the housing 40, an opening 40A that opens the inside of the housing 40 extends in the depth direction of the apparatus at a portion facing the image carrier 24. Is formed.

  In addition, a delivery path 40B in which the developing roll 42 is disposed is formed extending in the apparatus depth direction on the opposite side of the image carrier 24 across the opening 40A in the housing 40. Further, inside the housing 40, on the opposite side of the opening 40A with respect to the delivery path 40B and obliquely below the delivery path 40B, a supply path 40C in which the supply auger 44 is disposed is in the apparatus depth direction. It is formed to extend.

  Further, in the inside of the housing 40, on the side opposite to the delivery path 40B with respect to the supply path 40C and obliquely above the supply path 40C, the stirring path 40D in which the stirring auger 46 is disposed is in the depth direction of the apparatus. It is formed to extend. Further, in the housing 40, a partition wall 40E that partitions the supply path 40C and the stirring path 40D is formed between the supply path 40C and the stirring path 40D.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 11, the magnetic roll 50 is disposed on the front side in the apparatus depth direction in the casing 40 and on the opposite side of the supply path 40 </ b> C across the stirring path 40 </ b> D. A replenishment path 40F is formed. Further, in the case 40, a passage way 40G (dispenser region) through which the toner T supplied to the inside of the case 40 passes extends vertically above the replenishment path 40F as shown in FIG. Is formed. In the supply path 40F, the passage path 40G side is a supply port 70 through which the toner T is supplied from the passage path 40G to the inside of the housing 40.

−Supply / stirring / partition walls−
The supply path 40C and the stirring path 40D are formed by wall surfaces having an arcuate cross section. Furthermore, the partition wall 40E partitions the supply path 40C and the agitation path 40D except for a part on the back side in the apparatus depth direction and a part on the near side in the apparatus depth direction. A relay path (not shown) that connects the supply path 40C and the stirring path 40D is formed on the back side of the supply path 40C in the apparatus depth direction and on the near side in the apparatus depth direction.

−Supply / Pass-
The supply path 40F is formed by a wall surface having an arcuate cross section. As shown in FIG. 7, the replenishment path 40F is connected to the stirring path 40D over the apparatus depth direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the passage 40 </ b> G has a rectangular shape extending in the apparatus depth direction when viewed from above. Furthermore, the dimension in the apparatus depth direction of the passage 40G is made smaller than the dimension in the apparatus depth direction of the supply path 40F (see FIG. 6). Further, the dimension of the passageway 40G in the apparatus width direction is made smaller than the dimension of the supply path 40F in the apparatus width direction (see FIG. 11).

  Here, the wall which forms the passage 40G is demonstrated.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the passage 40 </ b> G is surrounded by a pair of walls 80 and 82 facing in the apparatus width direction and a pair of walls 84 and 86 facing in the apparatus depth direction. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the wall 82 is disposed on the stirring path 40 </ b> D side in the horizontal direction as compared with the wall 80. The wall 82 is an example of one wall, and the wall 80 is an example of the other wall.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the wall 80, the wall 84, and the wall 86 are integrally formed, and a wall is provided between one edge of the wall 84 and one edge of the wall 86. 80 is formed. Further, a wall 88 is formed between the other edge of the wall 84 and the other edge of the wall 86 so as to be farther from the wall 80 than the wall 82. That is, the wall 82 is arranged on the wall 80 side with respect to the wall 88. In other words, the device width direction side of the passage 40 </ b> G is formed by the wall 82 and the wall 82 that are two layers, and the wall 82 that is close to the wall 80.

  Next, the swing member 90 in which the wall 82 is formed will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the swing member 90 has a U shape with the wall 80 side opened as viewed from above. The swinging member 90 includes a pair of side plates 92 and 94 facing in the apparatus depth direction, and a connecting plate 96 that connects the side plates 92 and 94 and has a plate surface facing the apparatus width direction. Further, the side plate 92 is disposed along the wall 84, and the side plate 94 is disposed along the wall 86. Further, the connecting plate 96 is arranged with a gap with respect to the wall 88, and the plate surface on the wall 80 side of the connecting plate 96 is a wall 82.

  Further, in the side plate 92, a plate-like swing shaft 92A extending in the apparatus depth direction is formed on the plate surface on the wall 84 side, and in the side plate 94, the plate surface on the wall 86 side in the apparatus depth direction. A cylindrical swing shaft 94A is formed on the same axis as the swing shaft 92A. The wall 84 is formed with a recess 84A into which the swing shaft 92A is inserted, and the wall 86 is formed with a recess 86A into which the swing shaft 94A is inserted. Thus, the swing member 90 swings (rotates) about the swing shafts 92A and 94A.

  Further, at the lower end of the side plates 92 and 94 and on the opposite side to the connecting plate 96, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 10, regulating portions 92B and 94B projecting toward the wall 80 are formed. Has been. The position of the swing member 90 is regulated by the regulation portions 92B and 94B coming into contact with the wall 80 (details will be described later).

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the side plate 94, a crank-shaped crank portion 98 protruding in the depth direction of the device is formed on the plate surface on which the swing shaft 94A is formed. Specifically, the base end of the crank portion 98 is fixed to the side plate 94. Further, a bar 98A extending in the vertical direction is formed at the tip of the crank portion 98. When the bar 98A is pushed by a projection 64B described later, the swing member 90 swings (details will be described later).

  Here, the biasing spring 72 that biases the swing member 90 (wall 82) so that the swing member 90 swings in one direction around the swing shafts 92A and 94A will be described. The biasing spring 72 is an example of a biasing member.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the urging spring 72 is formed by bending a wire-like member, and is symmetric in the apparatus depth direction when viewed from the apparatus width direction.

  Both end portions 74 of the urging spring 72 extend in the apparatus depth direction and are fixed to the housing 40 (not shown). An intermediate portion 76 between both end portions 74 is disposed in a gap between the connecting plate 96 and the wall 88. The intermediate portion 76 is formed with a contact portion 76A on the back surface of the connecting plate 96 that contacts a portion below the swinging shafts 92A and 94A and extends in the depth direction of the apparatus.

  In this configuration, the urging spring 72 that contacts the connecting plate 96 at the contact portion 76A pushes the connecting plate 96 toward the wall 80, whereby the swinging member 90 swings in one direction around the swinging shafts 92A and 94A. It is energized to move. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the restricting portions 92 </ b> B and 94 </ b> B of the swinging member 90 abut against the wall 80, thereby restricting the position of the swinging member 90.

<Development roll>
The developing roll 42 is disposed in the delivery path 40B as shown in FIG. 11 with the axial direction as the apparatus depth direction. Further, a gap (development gap) for transferring the developer G from the developing roll 42 to the image holding body 24 is formed between the developing roll 42 and the image holding body 24.

  The developing roll 42 includes a magnet roll 42A having a circular cross section and a sleeve 42B that covers the magnet roll 42A and rotates around the magnet roll 42A. The sleeve 42B is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow C (clockwise) in the drawing when a rotational force is transmitted from a drive source 52 (see FIG. 12).

  In this configuration, a magnetic brush of developer G is formed on the surface of the rotating sleeve 42B by the magnetic force of the magnet roll 42A. The rotating sleeve 42B transports the developer G that is a magnetic brush. Further, the toner T contained in the developer G conveyed to a position facing the image carrier 24 adheres to the image carrier 24, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image.

<Supply auger>
The supply auger 44 is arranged in the supply path 40C as described above with the axial direction as the apparatus depth direction. The supply auger 44 includes a supply shaft 44A extending in the apparatus depth direction and a spiral supply blade 44B formed on the peripheral surface of the supply shaft 44A. The supply auger 44 is rotated by a rotational force transmitted from a drive source 52 (see FIG. 12).

  In this configuration, the rotating supply auger 44 conveys the developer G while stirring the developer G to one side in the apparatus depth direction, and supplies the developer G being conveyed to the developing roll 42.

<Stirring auger>
As described above, the stirring auger 46 is disposed in the stirring path 40D with the axial direction as the apparatus depth direction. And the stirring auger 46 is formed including the stirring shaft 46A extended in the apparatus depth direction, and the helical stirring blade 46B formed in the surrounding surface of the stirring shaft 46A. The stirring auger 46 is rotated by a rotational force transmitted from a drive source 52 (see FIG. 12).

  In this configuration, the rotating stirring auger 46 conveys the developer G while stirring the other side in the apparatus depth direction, and between the supply auger 44 through the relay path on the near side and the depth side in the apparatus depth direction, The developer G is received and delivered. Thereby, the rotating supply auger 44 and the stirring auger 46 circulate the developer G between the supply path 40C and the stirring path 40D.

<Magnetic roll 50>
The magnetic roll 50 is disposed below the supply port 70 and in the supply path 40F with the axial direction as the apparatus depth direction. Further, the outer diameter dimension of the magnetic roll 50 is made larger than the dimension of the supply port 70 in the apparatus width direction. Further, at least a part of the lower side of the magnetic roll 50 is positioned below the surface S of the developer G accommodated in the housing 40.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the magnetic roll 50 includes a magnet roll 50A having a circular cross section, and a sleeve 50B that covers the magnet roll 50A and rotates around the magnet roll 50A. The sleeve 50B is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow M (clockwise) in the drawing when a rotational force is transmitted from a drive source 52 (see FIG. 12). The sleeve 50B is an example of a transport body and an example of a first transport body.

  In addition, an arc-shaped first passage 54 is formed on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the sleeve 50B (hereinafter referred to as “sleeve rotation direction”) across the portion of the magnetic roll 50 that faces the supply port 70, and on the downstream side. The arc-shaped second passage 56 is formed. Specifically, the first passage 54 is formed between the wall surface 54A of the housing 40 and the sleeve 50B, and the second passage 56 is formed between the wall surface 56A of the housing 40 and the sleeve 50B. Is formed. The second passage 56 is an example of a passage and an example of a passage outlet.

  In the present embodiment, the passage width (K dimension in the drawing) of the first passage 54 is made larger than the passage width (F dimension in the drawing) of the second passage 56.

  Further, the wall 82 forming the passage 40G described above is disposed on the second passage 56 side with respect to the rotation center C of the sleeve 50B in the apparatus width direction. Furthermore, the wall 80 forming the passage 40G is disposed on the opposite side (first passage 54 side) to the second passage 56 side with respect to the rotation center C of the sleeve 50B in the apparatus width direction.

  -Magnet roll 50A-

  The magnet roll 50A has a columnar shape extending in the apparatus depth direction, and is fixed to the housing 40 by a shaft portion 58 (see FIG. 6) extending in the axial direction.

  In this magnet roll 50 </ b> A, a magnetic pole G <b> 1 (pickup pole) is disposed at a portion facing the first passage 54. When the height of the developer surface S of the developer G is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold height H, the magnetic pole G1 attracts and develops the developer G present above the threshold height H against the gravity. The agent G is adsorbed on the peripheral surface 62 (details will be described later) of the main body 60 of the sleeve 50B.

  Further, in the magnet roll 50A, a magnetic pole G2 (conveying pole) is disposed at a portion facing the supply port 70. The magnetic pole G2 has a polarity opposite to that of the magnetic pole G1. For this reason, a bundle of magnetic lines (magnetic field) from the magnetic pole G1 to the magnetic pole G2 is formed. By this magnetic field, the developer G adsorbed on the peripheral surface 62 of the main body 60 of the sleeve 50B is held.

  In the magnet roll 50A, a magnetic pole G3 (peeling pole) is disposed on the opposite side of the magnetic pole G1 with respect to the rotation center C of the sleeve 50B. The magnetic pole G3 is a magnetic pole having the same polarity as the magnetic pole G1. For this reason, a bundle of repulsive lines of magnetic force (magnetic field) is formed between the magnetic pole G1 and the magnetic pole G3. By this magnetic field, the developer G adsorbed on the peripheral surface 62 of the main body 60 of the sleeve 50B is peeled off from the sleeve 50B.

  In the present embodiment, the magnetic pole G1 and the magnetic pole G3 are N poles, and the magnetic pole G2 is an S pole.

-Sleeve 50B-
As shown in FIG. 9, the sleeve 50 </ b> B extends in the apparatus depth direction, and has a cylindrical main body 60 having a bottom on the front side (left side in the drawing) in the apparatus depth direction, and the apparatus of the main body 60. And a shaft portion 68 extending in the apparatus depth direction from the near side in the depth direction. Furthermore, the sleeve 50 </ b> B has a closing lid 64 that closes the back side (right side in the figure) of the main body 60 in the apparatus depth direction.

  The shaft portion 68 constitutes the rotation shaft of the sleeve 50B, and when the rotational force is transmitted from the drive source (see FIG. 12) to the shaft portion 68, the sleeve 50B rotates in the direction of arrow M in the figure. It has become.

  The main body portion 60 has a larger diameter than the shaft portion 68, and a plurality of trapezoidal grooves 62 </ b> A extending in the apparatus depth direction are formed on the peripheral surface 62 of the main body portion 60. The grooves 62 </ b> A extend from one end portion of the peripheral surface 62 in the apparatus depth direction to the other end portion, and are arranged at the same interval (pitch) in the circumferential direction of the main body portion 60. By forming the groove 62 </ b> A in the peripheral surface 62 of the main body 60, a sleeve generated between the peripheral surface 62 of the rotating main body 60 and the developer G held on the peripheral surface 62 of the main body 60. The frictional force in the rotational direction is increased.

  The closing lid 64 has a disc-shaped base portion 64A and four protrusions 64B protruding from the base portion 64A. The base portion 64A is disposed so as to close the back side (right side in the drawing) of the main body portion 60 in the apparatus depth direction, and the outer diameter of the base portion 64A is the same as the outer diameter of the main body portion 60. . Further, a through hole 66 is formed at the center of the base portion 64A, and the shaft portion 58 of the magnet roll 50A passes through the through hole 66 (see FIG. 6).

  Four protrusions 64B are formed on the surface of the base portion 64A opposite to the main body portion 60, and are plate-like members whose plate surfaces face the circumferential direction of the base portion 64A. And each protrusion 64B is arrange | positioned at the same space | interval in the circumferential direction of 64 A of base | substrate parts. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when the sleeve 50 </ b> B rotates in the direction of the arrow M, each protrusion 64 </ b> B intermittently pushes the bar 98 </ b> A of the crank portion 98 formed on the swing member 90. ing.

  In this configuration, when the rotational force is transmitted from the driving source (see FIG. 12) to the shaft portion 68, the sleeve 50B rotates in the direction of the arrow M in the drawing as described above. Then, the rotating protrusion 64B intermittently pushes the bar 98A of the crank portion 98 formed on the swing member 90. When the bar 98A is intermittently pressed by the protrusion 64B, the swinging member 90 swings in the other direction (the direction opposite to the direction biased by the biasing spring 72) about the swinging shafts 92A and 94A. To do.

  Hereinafter, the swing of the swing member 90 will be specifically described.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, in a state where the protrusion 64B of the sleeve 50B rotating in the direction of the arrow M is not pushing the bar 98A of the swinging member 90, the swinging member 90 is moved by the biasing force of the biasing spring 72. In the figure, it is urged to swing in the direction of arrow R1 (an example of one direction). The position of the swing member 90 is restricted by the restriction portions 92B and 94B of the swing member 90 coming into contact with the wall 80. In this state, the wall 82 formed on the swinging member 90 faces the apparatus width direction and is along the vertical direction.

  Further, when the sleeve 50B rotates in the direction of the arrow M and the protrusion 64B of the sleeve 50B presses the bar 98A of the swinging member 90, the swinging member 90 is moved to the arrow R2 in the drawing as shown in FIG. Swings in a direction (an example of another direction). As a result, the wall 82 also oscillates, and the upper portion (one example) of the wall 82 relative to the oscillating shafts 92A and 94A approaches the wall 80. On the other hand, in the wall 82, a lower portion (an example of another part) of the swing shafts 92 </ b> A and 94 </ b> A is separated from the wall 80.

  Furthermore, when the sleeve 50B rotates in the direction of the arrow M and the protrusion 64B that has pushed the bar 98A moves away from the bar 98A, the swinging member is moved by the biasing force of the biasing spring 72 as shown in FIG. 90 swings in the direction of arrow R1 (an example of one direction) in the figure. The position of the swing member 90 is restricted by the restriction portions 92B and 94B of the swing member 90 coming into contact with the wall 80. As a result, the wall 82 also swings, and the upper portion of the wall 82 relative to the swing shafts 92 </ b> A and 94 </ b> A is separated from the wall 80. In contrast, the lower portion of the wall 82 as compared with the swinging shafts 92 </ b> A and 94 </ b> A approaches the wall 80. In this way, as the sleeve 50B rotates in the direction of arrow M, the swing member 90 swings (vibrates) periodically.

  As described above, the contact / separation portion 100 that includes the crank portion 98 formed with the bar 98A, the urging spring 72, and the protrusion 64B to make the wall 82 approach and separate from the wall 80 is configured. In the present embodiment, the sleeve 50B rotates three times per second. That is, the bar 98A is pushed 12 times per second by the protrusion 64B.

  [Toner cartridge]

  As shown in FIG. 12, the toner cartridge 36 includes a main body portion 38 that is cylindrical, and a conveyance member (not shown) disposed inside the main body portion 38. The main body 38 extends in the apparatus depth direction, and the toner T to be supplied to the inside of the housing 40 of the developing device 32 is accommodated in the main body 38. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a receiving port 78 constituting the upper end of the passage 40G described above is formed in a part of the peripheral surface (inner peripheral surface) of the main body portion 38. The toner cartridge 36 is an example of a second transport body.

  In the wall forming the receiving port 78, the receiving wall 78A facing in the same direction as the wall 82 is disposed on the wall 80 side as compared with the wall 82 in the apparatus width direction. In other words, the receiving wall 78 </ b> A is disposed on the wall 80 side as compared with the wall 82 as viewed from above. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, in all states in which the swinging member 90 is swung, the receiving wall 78A is separated from the wall 82 in the apparatus width direction. Compared to the wall 80 side. The receiving port 78 is an example of a passing port.

  In this configuration, the conveying member provided in the toner cartridge 36 is rotated by the rotational force transmitted from the drive source 52 (see FIG. 12). Further, the rotating conveying member conveys the toner T inside the main body 38 toward the receiving port 78. The passage 40G receives the toner T from the toner cartridge 36 through the receiving port 78.

(Effects of main components)
Next, the operation of the main configuration will be described in comparison with the developing device 132 according to the comparative embodiment. First, with respect to the configuration of the developing device 132 according to the comparative embodiment, a portion different from the developing device 32 according to this embodiment will be mainly described. The same operation between the developing device 32 and the developing device 132 will be described with the developing device 132.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the swing member 90 is not provided in the passage 140G of the developing device 132 according to the comparative embodiment. Moreover, when the passage 140G is viewed from above, the passage 140G has a rectangular shape (not shown). And the relative positional relationship of each wall (code | symbol omission) which forms the passage 140G does not change.

  When the image forming operation is started (when the job is started), the drive source 52 (see FIG. 12) is driven to convey the sleeve 42B, the supply auger 44, the stirring auger 46, the sleeve 50B, and the toner cartridge. The member rotates.

  A repulsive force is generated between the toner T and the carrier, and the volume of the developer G accommodated in the housing 40 may be larger than the actual supply amount (increase amount) of the developer G. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 14A, the height of the developer surface S of the developer G in the lower portion of the magnetic roll 50 inside the housing 40 is determined in advance. The threshold height H or more. 14A, 14B, and 14C schematically show the movement of the developer G so that the movement of the developer G can be easily understood.

  Then, the magnetic pole G1 of the magnet roll 50A attracts the developer G to the peripheral surface 62 of the main body 60 of the sleeve 50B by attracting the developer G present above the threshold height H against the gravity. . The developer G adsorbed on the peripheral surface 62 of the main body 60 of the rotating sleeve 50B is conveyed toward the replenishing port 70 through the first passage 54 as shown in FIGS. Is done.

  Further, as described above, the passage width of the second passage 56 disposed on the opposite side of the first passage 54 across the supply port 70 is narrower than the passage width of the first passage 54. Therefore, a part of the developer G conveyed toward the supply port 70 through the first passage 54 passes through the second passage 56 and the sleeve 50B as shown in FIGS. 14B and 14C. Peel from. On the other hand, the other part of the developer G conveyed toward the supply port 70 through the first passage 54 stays in the supply port 70. For this reason, the toner T stays in the passageway 140G, and the supply of the toner T from the supply port 70 to the inside of the housing 40 is stopped.

  Here, the rotating conveying member provided in the toner cartridge 36 conveys the toner T inside the main body 38 toward the receiving port 78. The passage 140G receives the toner T from the toner cartridge 36 through the receiving port 78. For this reason, the toner T staying in the passageway 140G pushes the wall constituting the passageway 140G. As a result, the toner T staying in the passageway 140G may stick to the passageway 140G. Note that the sticking of the toner T in the passageway 140G appears remarkably in a high temperature and high humidity environment.

  On the other hand, when the toner T inside the housing 40 is consumed by the image forming operation, as shown in FIG. 13A, the height of the surface S of the developer G in the lower part of the magnetic roll 50 is increased. Is less than the threshold height H. 13A, 13B, and 13C schematically show the movement of the developer G so that the movement of the developer G can be easily understood.

  Then, the developer G is not attracted to the sleeve 50B by the magnetic force of the magnetic pole G1 of the magnet roll 50A. For this reason, the developer G staying in the replenishing port 70 by the rotating sleeve 50B is peeled from the sleeve 50B through the second passage 56 as shown in FIGS.

  Here, the toner T staying in the passage 140G is fixed on the passage 140G as shown in FIG. 13C. In this case, the toner T is not replenished into the housing 40 through the replenishing port 70 even though the height of the surface S of the developer G is less than the threshold height H.

  Hereinafter, in the developing device 32, the case where the height of the developer surface S of the developer G becomes equal to or higher than the threshold height H and the developer G stays in the supply port 70 will be described.

  When the developer G stays in the replenishing port 70, the toner T stays in the passage 40G as shown in FIG. Here, when the image forming operation is started, as described above, the sleeve 50B continues to rotate by the rotational force transmitted from the drive source 52 (see FIG. 12). Therefore, the swinging member 90 swings about the swinging shafts 92A and 94A as shown in FIGS.

  Specifically, the upper portion of the wall 82 relative to the swing shafts 92A and 94A approaches the wall 80, and the lower portion of the wall 82 relative to the swing shafts 92A and 94A. , Away from the wall 80 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). Further, in the wall 82, the upper portion relative to the swing shafts 92A and 94A is separated from the wall 80, and the lower portion in the wall 82 as compared to the swing shafts 92A and 94A is the wall 80. (See FIGS. 3B and 3C).

  As described above, the swinging of the swinging member 90 (wall 82) is repeated, so that the retained toner T is broken by applying pressure to the wall 82 inside the passage 40G. Thereby, sticking of the toner T staying inside the passage 40G is suppressed.

  In the developing device 32, the developer G remaining in the supply port 70 is returned to the inside of the housing 40 because the height of the developer surface S of the developer G inside the housing 40 is less than the threshold height H. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2A, the toner T staying in the passage 40G falls due to gravity. 2A, 2B, and 2C schematically show the movement of the toner T so that the movement of the toner T can be easily understood.

  Further, the toner T dropped by gravity is conveyed by a rotating sleeve 50B as shown in FIGS. Then, the toner T conveyed by the rotating sleeve 50 </ b> B is supplied into the housing 40 through the second passage 56.

(Summary)
As described above, in the developing device 32, the toner is suppressed from being fixed in the passage 40G as compared with the case where the developing device 132 in which the relative positional relationship between the walls constituting the passage 140G is not changed is used.

  Further, the rotational force of the sleeve 50 </ b> B is transmitted to the swing member 90 (wall 82), so that the wall 82 approaches and separates from the wall 80. For this reason, compared with the case where a dedicated drive source is used, the number of parts is reduced.

  Further, the wall 82 is disposed on the second passage 56 side with respect to the rotation center C of the sleeve 50B in the apparatus width direction, and the wall 80 is a second passage with respect to the rotation center C of the sleeve 50B in the apparatus width direction. It is arranged on the opposite side (first passage 54 side) from the 56 side. For this reason, the wall 82 is disposed on the opposite side to the second passage 56 side, and the toner T staying in the passage 40G is less than the case where the wall 80 is disposed on the second passage 56 side. Thus, the toner T on the second passage 56 side is destroyed. In other words, the toner T on the second passage 56 side through which the toner T replenished inside the housing 40 passes is broken, so that the toner T conveyed by the rotating sleeve 50B is clogged in the second passage 56. Is suppressed.

  When a part of the wall 82 approaches the wall 80, the wall 80 moves (swings) so that another part of the wall 82 is separated from the wall 80. For this reason, for example, as compared with the case where the entire wall 82 approaches the wall 80 and the entire wall 82 is separated from the wall 80, the toner T staying in the passage 40G is effectively destroyed.

  Further, when the wall 82 rotates in one direction and the other about the swing shafts 92 </ b> A and 94 </ b> A, when a part of the wall 82 approaches the wall 80, the other part of the wall 82 is separated from the wall 80. For this reason, for example, when a part of the wall approaches the wall 80, the other part of the wall is separated from the wall 80, so that a part of the wall 82 becomes the wall 80 compared to the case where the wall is divided. When approaching, the configuration for separating the other part of the wall 82 from the wall 80 is simplified.

  Further, the biasing spring 72 biases the swing member 90 so that the swing member 90 swings in one direction. Further, the rotational force of the rotating sleeve 50B is intermittently transmitted to the swing member 90 so that the swing member 90 swings in the other direction. For this reason, the structure for rocking | fluctuating the rocking | swiveling member 90 is simplified compared with the case where the rocking | swiveling member 90 is rocked only by the rotational force of the rotating sleeve 50B.

  In addition, in the passage 40G, the receiving wall 78A of the receiving port 78 that receives the toner T from the toner cartridge 36 is disposed closer to the wall 80 than the wall 82 when viewed from above. For this reason, the toner T received from the toner cartridge 36 through the receiving port 78 is compared with the case where the wall 82 is disposed on the wall 80 side as compared with the receiving wall 78A when viewed from above. It is suppressed from flowing into the back surface.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 10, compared to the case where the developing device 32 is not provided, the toner T replenished to the housing 40 is prevented from being fixed in the passage 40 </ b> G. Variation in toner density is suppressed. Thereby, the quality degradation of an output image is suppressed.

Second Embodiment
An example of a developing device and an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about 2nd Embodiment, a different part from 1st Embodiment is mainly demonstrated.

  As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the wall 282 formed on the connecting plate 296 of the swing member 290 of the developing device 232 according to the second embodiment is an isosceles trapezoid when viewed from the apparatus width direction. It is made into a shape. Further, the pair of side plates 292 and 294 are inclined with respect to the vertical direction when viewed from the apparatus width direction so that the lower end portion of the pair of side plates 292 and 294 is wider than the upper end.

  In this configuration, the side plates 292 and 294 of the swinging member 290 that swings intermittently push the toner T inside the passage 40G downward. Thereby, the toner T staying in the passage 40G is destroyed. Other operations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

<Third Embodiment>
An example of a developing device and an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about 3rd Embodiment, a different part from 1st Embodiment is mainly demonstrated.

  In the swinging member 390 of the developing device 332 according to the third embodiment, the connecting plate 396 and the pair of side plates 392 and 394 are isosceles trapezoidal as viewed from above, as shown in FIGS. It is made into a shape. Specifically, the length of the connecting plate 396 in the apparatus depth direction is shorter than that in the first embodiment, and the pair of side plates 392 and 394 are inclined with respect to the apparatus width direction when viewed from above. ing.

  In this configuration, the side plates 392 and 394 of the swing member 390 that swings intermittently push the toner T inside the passage 40G in the apparatus width direction. Thereby, the toner T staying in the passage 40G is destroyed. Other operations of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various other embodiments can be taken within the scope of the present invention. This will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, in the above embodiment, the rotating magnetic roll 50 stops the replenishment of the toner T by transporting the developer G having the threshold height H or more and staying in the replenishing port 70. Any structure may be used as long as the supply of the toner T is stopped by retaining G in the supply port 70, and a structure without using a magnetic roll may be used.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the supply path 40F and the passage path 40G were arrange | positioned in the near part of the apparatus depth direction of the stirring path 40D, you may arrange | position at the back side of the apparatus depth direction of the stirring path 40D. It may be arranged on the center side.

  In the above embodiment, the urging spring 72, which is a wire spring, is used as the urging member. However, for example, a coil spring or the like may be used as the urging member.

  In the above embodiment, the oscillating member 90 is oscillated by the urging force of the urging spring 72 and the rotational force of the sleeve 50B. For example, by using a known crank mechanism, the sleeve 50B The swing member may be swung only by the rotational force. In this case, the action exerted by swinging the swinging member 90 by the biasing force of the biasing spring 72 and the rotational force of the sleeve 50B is not achieved.

  In the above embodiment, when a part of the wall 82 approaches the wall 80, the other part of the wall 82 is separated from the wall 80. However, the whole wall 82 approaches the wall 80, and the whole wall 82 is the wall 80. It may be configured to be separated from. However, in this case, when a part of the wall 82 approaches the wall 80, the effect exhibited by the other part of the wall 82 being separated from the wall 80 is not achieved.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the wall 82 is disposed on the second passage 56 side with respect to the rotation center C of the sleeve 50B when viewed from the apparatus depth direction, and the wall 80 is first with respect to the rotation center C of the sleeve 50B. It arrange | positioned on the opposite side to the two channel | path 56 side. However, the wall 82 may be disposed on the side opposite to the second passage 56 side, and the wall 80 may be disposed on the second passage 56 side. In this case, the effect exhibited by the wall 82 being disposed on the second passage 56 side and the wall 80 being disposed on the side opposite to the second passage 56 side is not exhibited.

  Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, the swing member 90 may be swung using a dedicated actuator. However, in this case, the action exerted by swinging the swinging member 90 by the rotational force of the sleeve 50B is not achieved.

  Moreover, although not specifically described in the above embodiment, a wall that forms the passage 40G and faces the apparatus depth direction may be moved.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the axial direction of the rocking | swiveling member 90 was a horizontal direction, it may be a vertical direction, for example.

  Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, the toner transport mechanism 200 (see FIG. 10) includes the toner cartridge 36, the receiving port 78, the passage 40G, the contact / separation unit 100, the sleeve 50B, and the second passage 56. ) Is configured.

  Further, although not particularly described in the above embodiment, the toner conveyance capability per unit time by the toner cartridge 36 may be larger than the toner conveyance capability per unit time by the sleeve.

  Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, the amount of toner passing per unit time at the receiving port 78 in the state where the toner cartridge 36 and the sleeve B are rotating is the unit time in the second passage 56. It may be larger than the hit toner passing amount.

  Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, the cross-sectional area through which the toner passes at the receiving port 78 may be larger than the cross-sectional area through which the toner passes through the second passage 56.

  In the above-described embodiment, the toner transport mechanism 200 is used in the developing device 32. However, for example, other structures may be used for transporting other powders.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 24 Image holding body 32 Developing device 34 Transfer roll (an example of a transfer body)
36 Toner cartridge (an example of a second carrier)
40 Case (an example of a storage unit)
40G passage 50B sleeve (an example of a carrier, an example of a first carrier)
56 Second passage (example of passage, example of passage exit)
70 Supply port 72 Biasing spring (an example of a biasing member)
78 Entrance (Example of passage entrance)
78A receiving wall 80 wall (an example of the other wall)
82 walls (an example of one wall)
92A Oscillating shaft 94A Oscillating shaft 100 Contact / separation part 200 Toner transport mechanism 232 Developer 332 Developer

Claims (11)

A pair of horizontally opposed walls having a toner replenishment port below and forming a passage through which the toner passes;
A storage unit for supplying toner from the supply port and storing developer;
When the developer level of the developer in the storage section is equal to or higher than the threshold height, the developer is transported and stays in the replenishing port. A carrier to be transported to the section;
An approaching / separating part for moving one wall toward and away from the other wall;
A developing device. The transport body is disposed to face the replenishing port, and transports toner by rotating around an axis.
The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the contact / separation unit transmits the rotational force of the transport member to one of the walls, so that the one wall approaches and separates from the other wall. The transport body is disposed to face the replenishing port, and transports toner by rotating around an axis.
The shaft extends in a horizontal direction;
Between the transport body and the storage unit, a passage through which the toner transported to the storage unit passes is formed.
One of the walls is disposed on the passage side with respect to the rotation center of the transfer body in the horizontal direction when viewed from the axial direction of the transfer body, and the other wall is at the rotation center in the horizontal direction. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developing device is disposed on a side opposite to the passage side.   The said contact / separation part moves one said wall so that another part of one said wall may space apart from the said other wall, when a part of one said wall approaches the said other wall. The developing device according to any one of 1 to 3. Including a swing shaft for swingably supporting one of the walls;
The developing device according to claim 4, wherein the contact / separation unit rotates one of the walls in one direction and the other about the swing shaft. The transport body is disposed to face the replenishing port, and transports toner by rotating around an axis.
The contact / separation portion includes a biasing member that biases one of the walls so that the one wall rotates in one direction around the swing shaft, and the rotational force of the carrier is The developing device according to claim 5, wherein the wall is intermittently transmitted to one of the walls as a rotational force that rotates in the other direction around the swing shaft. The passage has a receiving port for receiving toner on the opposite side of the replenishing port,
The receiving wall that forms the receiving port and faces in the same direction as one of the walls is disposed on the side of the other wall as compared with the one wall as viewed from above. The developing device according to any one of the above. An image carrier,
The developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier is developed as a toner image;
A transfer body for transferring a toner image on the image holding body to a recording medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising: There is a first conveying body that conveys toner below, a pair of horizontally opposed walls that form a passage for the toner to pass through,
A second conveyance body that is disposed above the passage and conveys toner toward the passage;
An approaching / separating part for moving one wall toward and away from the other wall;
A toner transport mechanism in which a toner transport capability per unit time by the second transport body is larger than a toner transport capability per unit time by the first transport body. A pair of horizontally opposed walls having a first conveyance body that conveys toner below and a passage outlet through which the toner conveyed by the first conveyance body passes, forming a passage path through which the toner passes When,
A second conveyance body that is disposed above a passage entrance that receives toner in the passage, and conveys the toner toward the passage;
An approaching / separating part for moving one wall toward and away from the other wall;
In a state where the first transport body and the second transport body are operating, the toner transport amount in which the toner passing amount per unit time at the passage inlet is larger than the toner passing amount per unit time at the passage outlet. mechanism. A pair of horizontally opposed walls having a first conveyance body that conveys toner below and a passage outlet through which the toner conveyed by the first conveyance body passes, forming a passage path through which the toner passes When,
A second conveyance body that is disposed above a passage entrance that receives toner in the passage, and conveys the toner toward the passage;
An approaching / separating part for moving one wall toward and away from the other wall;
A toner conveying mechanism in which a cross-sectional area through which toner passes at the passage inlet is larger than a cross-sectional area through which toner passes at the passage outlet.