JP4551861B2 - Developing device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Developing device and image forming apparatus Download PDF

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JP4551861B2
JP4551861B2 JP2005315271A JP2005315271A JP4551861B2 JP 4551861 B2 JP4551861 B2 JP 4551861B2 JP 2005315271 A JP2005315271 A JP 2005315271A JP 2005315271 A JP2005315271 A JP 2005315271A JP 4551861 B2 JP4551861 B2 JP 4551861B2
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秀一 明渡
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Description

本発明は、電子写真用方式の現像装置および画像形成装置に関する。より詳細には、静電式複写機やレーザビームプリンタなど、いわゆる電子写真方式の画像形成装置でトナーとキャリアを有する現像剤により、像担持体に形成された静電潜像を現像するための現像装置、およびその現像装置を備えた画像形成装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an electrophotographic developing device and an image forming apparatus . More specifically, for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier with a developer having toner and a carrier in a so-called electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as an electrostatic copying machine or a laser beam printer. The present invention relates to a developing device and an image forming apparatus including the developing device .

従来から、複写機やプリンター等の画像形成装置においては、像担持体である感光体に形成された静電潜像に現像装置からトナーを供給して現像を行なっている。このような現像装置としては、現像剤にトナーだけを使用した一成分現像方式の現像装置、またトナーとキャリアとを含む現像剤を使用した二成分現像方式の現像装置が一般的に知られている。   2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, development is performed by supplying toner from a developing device to an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoconductor as an image carrier. As such a developing device, a one-component developing type developing device using only toner as a developer and a two-component developing type developing device using a developer containing toner and a carrier are generally known. Yes.

トナーとキャリアとを含む現像剤を使用した二成分現像方式の現像装置は、例えば、図１２及び図１３に示すような現像装置が使用されている。   As a developing device of a two-component developing system using a developer containing toner and a carrier, for example, a developing device as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is used.

この現像装置１００を簡単に説明すれば、トナーおよびキャリアからなる現像剤２を貯溜してなる現像槽内に、像担持体である感光体１と対向する現像ローラ１１０、該現像ローラ１１０と感光体１とが対向する側と反対側にそれぞれ平行に現像剤を撹拌搬送してなる第1および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５０，１６０を備えている。   Briefly describing the developing device 100, a developing roller 110 that stores a developer 2 composed of toner and a carrier, a developing roller 110 that faces the photosensitive member 1 serving as an image carrier, and the developing roller 110 and the photosensitive roller. First and second agitating / conveying members 150 and 160 formed by agitating and conveying the developer in parallel to the side opposite to the body 1 and the opposite side are provided.

現像ローラ１１０は、非磁性部材からなる円筒形状の回転駆動される現像スリーブ１１０ａと、該現像スリーブ１１０ａ内に設けられ複数の磁極Ｎ，Ｓ，・・を有したマグネット部材１１０ｂとから構成されている。この現像ローラ１１０を構成する現像スリーブ１１０ａには、マグネット部材１１０ｂの磁力により現像剤を磁力によりスリーブ１１０ａ表面に磁気的に吸着する。従って、現像スリーブ１１０ａが矢印方向に回転させると、吸着した現像剤を感光体１と対向する現像領域へと搬送し、現像後に現像槽内へと搬送する。現像剤２は、マグネット部材１１０ｂの磁極Ｎ部分で磁気ブラシ状に穂立ち、その穂立ち部分が感光体１表面に摺擦し、感光体１に形成された静電潜像をトナーにて現像している。   The developing roller 110 is composed of a cylindrically-shaped rotating developing sleeve 110a made of a non-magnetic member, and a magnet member 110b provided in the developing sleeve 110a and having a plurality of magnetic poles N, S,. Yes. In the developing sleeve 110a constituting the developing roller 110, the developer is magnetically attracted to the surface of the sleeve 110a by the magnetic force of the magnet member 110b. Accordingly, when the developing sleeve 110a is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the adsorbed developer is transported to the developing area facing the photoreceptor 1, and is transported into the developing tank after development. The developer 2 rises in the shape of a magnetic brush at the magnetic pole N portion of the magnet member 110b, and the raised portion rubs against the surface of the photoconductor 1 to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 1 with toner. is doing.

上記現像スリーブ１１０ａの回転により感光体１と対向する現像位置へと搬送される現像剤は、その搬送途中で、現像スリーブ１１０ａ表面に先端を対向して設けたられた規制部材１７０にて、決められた量に規制される。つまり、感光体１と対向する現像領域へ搬送される現像剤の量をほぼ一定にするために上記規制部材１７０が設けられている。   The developer conveyed to the developing position opposite to the photosensitive member 1 by the rotation of the developing sleeve 110a is determined by a regulating member 170 provided on the surface of the developing sleeve 110a so that the tip is opposed to the developing sleeve 110a. The amount is regulated. That is, the regulating member 170 is provided in order to make the amount of the developer conveyed to the developing area facing the photoconductor 1 substantially constant.

また、現像槽内は、第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５０、１６０が配設された領域を区分するように仕切り壁１２０が立設されており、現像槽内を第１および第２の現像剤の搬送部領域１３０，１４０に区分している。その各領域に回転駆動される上記第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５０，１６０を設けている。   In addition, a partition wall 120 is erected in the developing tank so as to divide an area where the first and second agitating and conveying members 150 and 160 are disposed. It is divided into developer transport area 130 and 140. The first and second stirring and conveying members 150 and 160 that are rotationally driven are provided in the respective regions.

第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５０，１６０は、それぞれ回転軸１５０ａ、１６０ａの周囲に楕円形状に形成された複数の羽根部材１５０ｂ，１６０ｂを傾斜させ、一定間隔ごとに設けている。仕切り壁１２０は、図１０に示すように両端部を欠如した開口部１２０ａ、１２０ｂが形成されている。この開口部１２０ａ，１２０ｂにおいて、矢印方向への現像剤の受け渡しが行われるようになっている。そのために、開口部１２０ａ、１２０ｂに対応して、第１および第２の撹拌部材の一端部は、現像剤２を矢印方向へと送り込むために、羽根部材１５０ｂ，１６０ｂとは反対に傾斜した羽根部材１５０ｃ，１６０ｃを設けている。   The first and second agitating / conveying members 150 and 160 are provided at regular intervals by inclining a plurality of blade members 150b and 160b formed in an elliptical shape around the rotation shafts 150a and 160a, respectively. As shown in FIG. 10, the partition wall 120 has openings 120 a and 120 b lacking both ends. In the openings 120a and 120b, the developer is transferred in the direction of the arrow. Therefore, in correspondence with the openings 120a and 120b, one end of the first and second agitating members has blades inclined opposite to the blade members 150b and 160b in order to feed the developer 2 in the arrow direction. Members 150c and 160c are provided.

以上説明した構成の現像装置１００においては、第１及び第２の現像剤搬送領域１３０，１４０に設けられた第１及び第２の各撹拌搬送部材１５０，１６０を回転させることで、各撹拌搬送部材１５０，１６０に設けられた羽根部材１５０ｂ，１６０ｂによってトナーとキャリアとを含む現像剤２を混合撹拌させながら、第１の現像剤搬送領域１３０と第２の現像剤搬送領域１４０とにおいて現像剤２をそれぞれ逆方向に搬送さる。この時、両端部の領域では、仕切り壁１２０の両端の開口部１２０ａ，１２０ｂを通して、現像剤２を第１の現像剤搬送領域１３０と第２の現像剤搬送領域１４０との間で受け渡しが行われ、それらの領域で現像剤２が循環される。この循環時に、第１の現像搬送領域１３０において、対向配置されている現像ローラ１１０に現像剤２が供給される。   In the developing device 100 having the above-described configuration, the first and second agitating and conveying members 150 and 160 provided in the first and second developer conveying regions 130 and 140 are rotated, so that each agitating and conveying unit is rotated. While the developer 2 containing the toner and the carrier is mixed and stirred by the blade members 150b and 160b provided on the members 150 and 160, the developer in the first developer transport region 130 and the second developer transport region 140. 2 is conveyed in the opposite direction. At this time, in the regions at both ends, the developer 2 is transferred between the first developer transport region 130 and the second developer transport region 140 through the openings 120a and 120b at both ends of the partition wall 120. The developer 2 is circulated in those areas. During the circulation, the developer 2 is supplied to the developing roller 110 disposed opposite to the first developing conveyance area 130.

そこで、上記現像スリーブ１１０が回転されると、上述したように吸着した現像剤２を搬送させると共に、この搬送途中で規制部材１７０により、吸着された現像剤は、その量が規制され、感光体１と対向する現像領域に送り込まれる。この現像剤２中のトナーにて感光体１に形成された静電潜像を現像する。このように現像剤２中のトナーは、現像を行うことで消費され、現像剤のトナーの濃度が次第に低下する。そのため、現像剤２のトナー濃度が所定の濃度以下になると、これをトナー濃度センサ等を設けて検出し、この検出に基づいて、現像剤２に新たなトナーを補給している。   Therefore, when the developing sleeve 110 is rotated, the adsorbed developer 2 is transported as described above, and the amount of the adsorbed developer is regulated by the regulating member 170 during the conveyance, so that the photosensitive member 1 is sent to the development area facing 1. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 1 is developed with the toner in the developer 2. As described above, the toner in the developer 2 is consumed by performing the development, and the concentration of the toner in the developer gradually decreases. For this reason, when the toner concentration of the developer 2 becomes a predetermined concentration or less, this is detected by providing a toner concentration sensor or the like, and based on this detection, new toner is supplied to the developer 2.

下記特許文献１には、トナーとキャリアとの混合を良好にする手段として、並列に配置された搬送方向が逆方向の２本のスクリューで現像剤を循環させ、循環している前記現像剤にトナーを補給し、前記現像剤のキャリアと前記トナーとを混合する機構を有する現像装置を開示している。この現像装置は、前記スクリューのうち少なくとも一本のスクリューに、前記キャリアの循環を行なう循環部と、前記トナーが補給され、循環部方向にトナーを搬送する突出部とを設けており、補給されたトナーは、突出部によって循環部方向に搬送され、循環部内で、現像剤のキャリアと混合される。このとき、突出部によって搬送されるトナーは、循環している現像剤の下部に供給されるので、現像剤のキャリアとの良好な混合を行う事ができることが開示されている。   In Patent Document 1 below, as a means for improving the mixing of the toner and the carrier, the developer is circulated with two screws arranged in parallel and having the opposite conveyance directions, and the developer is circulated. A developing device having a mechanism for replenishing toner and mixing the developer carrier and the toner is disclosed. In this developing device, at least one of the screws is provided with a circulation portion that circulates the carrier and a protrusion that is replenished with the toner and transports the toner in the direction of the circulation portion. The toner is conveyed in the direction of the circulating portion by the protruding portion, and is mixed with the developer carrier in the circulating portion. At this time, it is disclosed that the toner transported by the protruding portion is supplied to the lower part of the circulating developer, so that the developer can be well mixed with the carrier.

下記特許文献２には、トナーとキャリアとの混合を良好にする手段として、上述したように撹拌部材を構成する撹拌スクリューにより現像剤を撹拌搬送して循環させる現像剤循環経路を有する画像形成装置の現像装置において、前記現像剤循環経路のトナー補給部から現像剤供給部に至る経路の、前記のトナー補給部にかかるある範囲に亘って、前記の撹拌スクリューの下方部のケーシング（現像槽）下壁の下面にマグネットを延設するとともに、少なくとも概ねその延設範囲の上記撹拌スクリューの軸に磁性体を設け、または該軸を磁性体により構成されて現像装置を開示している。この現像装置は、撹拌スクリューの軸の磁性体とスクリュー下方部のマグネットの間に、磁力によってキャリアを含む現像剤のチェーンが多数生じ、チェーンのカーテンが形成される。そこで、撹拌スクリューにより搬送される現像剤及び補給トナーは、チェーンのカーテンを掻き分けて搬送されることにより、効率よく混合、撹拌が行われることが開示されている。   In Patent Document 2 below, as a means for improving the mixing of the toner and the carrier, as described above, an image forming apparatus having a developer circulation path in which the developer is stirred and conveyed by the stirring screw constituting the stirring member and circulated. In the developing device, a casing (developing tank) at a lower portion of the stirring screw over a certain range from the toner replenishing portion of the developer circulation path to the developer supplying portion over the toner replenishing portion. A developing device is disclosed in which a magnet is provided on the lower surface of the lower wall, and a magnetic material is provided at least on the shaft of the stirring screw in the extending range, or the shaft is made of a magnetic material. In this developing device, a large number of developer chains including carriers are generated by magnetic force between the magnetic body of the shaft of the stirring screw and the magnet at the lower part of the screw, and a curtain of the chain is formed. Therefore, it is disclosed that the developer and the replenishment toner conveyed by the agitation screw are efficiently mixed and agitated by scraping and conveying the curtain of the chain.

また下記特許文献３には、上述したような現像剤を循環搬送するように構成してなる現像装置において、トナーとキャリアとの混合を良好にする手段として、現像装置内の現像剤が現像装置の外側から磁界（磁力）の影響をうけるように、たとえば永久磁石を画像形成装置本体側に設ける事が開示されている。この現像装置は、撹拌搬送スクリューによって現像剤が、撹拌、搬送されている場所で、上記永久磁石により、トナーと混合状態にあるキャリアは、磁力線に沿ってチェーンを形成する。この状態で撹拌搬送スクリューでの撹拌が加わるとより現像剤は、強力に相互摩擦が行われて、効率よく混合、撹拌が行われることが開示されている。   Further, in Patent Document 3 below, in the developing device configured to circulate and convey the developer as described above, the developer in the developing device is used as a means for improving the mixing of the toner and the carrier. For example, it is disclosed that a permanent magnet is provided on the image forming apparatus main body side so as to be affected by a magnetic field (magnetic force) from the outside of the image forming apparatus. In this developing device, the carrier in a mixed state with the toner forms a chain along the lines of magnetic force by the permanent magnet at a place where the developer is stirred and transported by the stirring and transporting screw. It is disclosed that when stirring with a stirring and conveying screw is added in this state, the developer is more strongly subjected to mutual friction and is efficiently mixed and stirred.

特開平１０−３１９７２１JP 10-319721 A 特開平９−３４２６４JP-A-9-34264 特開２００３−３０７９２３JP 2003-307923 A

前記特許文献１に記載された発明では、現像後に循環する現像剤にトナーが直接補給されているため、トナーの補給時でのトナーの撹拌不足が生じると、トナーが十分に帯電されてない状態のままで現像剤が撹拌搬送部から現像スリーブに供給される。そのため、帯電不良のトナーによる画像への地肌かぶりが生じたり、トナーが現像装置から飛散して画像形成装置内が汚れたりするという問題が危惧される。   In the invention described in Patent Document 1, since the toner is directly replenished to the developer that circulates after development, the toner is not sufficiently charged when insufficient stirring of the toner occurs during the replenishment of the toner. In this state, the developer is supplied from the agitating and conveying unit to the developing sleeve. For this reason, there are concerns that the image may be fogged on the image due to poorly charged toner, or the toner may be scattered from the developing device and the inside of the image forming apparatus may become dirty.

また、特許文献１にはトナーが、そのまま搬送され現像部に供給される。そのためトナーの混合が十分に期待できずトナー濃度ムラが生じる。その結果、画像濃度ムラなどが起こることが予測される。   In Patent Document 1, toner is conveyed as it is and supplied to the developing unit. For this reason, toner mixing cannot be expected sufficiently and toner density unevenness occurs. As a result, it is predicted that uneven image density will occur.

前記特許文献２に記載された発明では、撹拌スクリューの下方部の現像ケーシング下壁の下面にマグネットを延設し、その延設範囲の撹拌スクリューの磁性体との間に磁力によってキャリアを含む現像剤により形成されたチェーンをスクリューにより搬送される現像剤及び補給トナーは、チェーンのカーテンを掻き分けて搬送されるが、循環混合性が悪くなり、現像剤容器内の現像剤の均一混合性に劣る予想される。   In the invention described in Patent Document 2, a magnet is extended on the lower surface of the lower wall of the developing casing at the lower portion of the stirring screw, and the development is performed including a carrier by magnetic force between the magnetic body of the stirring screw in the extending range. The developer and replenishment toner transported by the screw through the chain formed by the developer are transported by scraping the curtain of the chain, but the circulation mixing property is deteriorated and the uniform mixing property of the developer in the developer container is inferior. is expected.

そのため、トナー補給時に循環混合性の低下により、トナーが十分帯電されていない部分が生じた現像剤がそのまま撹拌搬送部から現像スリーブに供給される。そのため、帯電不良のトナーによる画像への地肌かぶりが生じたり、トナーが現像装置から飛散して画像形成装置内が汚れたりするという問題が危惧される。   For this reason, the developer in which the portion where the toner is not sufficiently charged due to the decrease in the circulation and mixing property at the time of toner replenishment is supplied as it is from the agitating and conveying portion to the developing sleeve. For this reason, there are concerns that the image may be fogged on the image due to poorly charged toner, or the toner may be scattered from the developing device and the inside of the image forming apparatus may become dirty.

また、前記特許文献１と同様にトナーが、そのまま搬送され現像部に供給される。そのためトナーの混合が十分に期待できずトナー濃度ムラが生じる。その結果、画像濃度ムラなどが起こることが予測される。   Further, as in Patent Document 1, the toner is conveyed as it is and supplied to the developing unit. For this reason, toner mixing cannot be expected sufficiently and toner density unevenness occurs. As a result, it is predicted that uneven image density will occur.

前記特許文献３に記載された発明では、特に磁界を発生部剤の取り付け位置が、考慮されていない。よって、トナー濃度コントロールセンサによるトナー濃度検知精度が低下し、トナー補給が正規より異なる補給がおこり、トナー濃度の高い部分と低い部分が発生し、現像剤全体のトナー濃度の不均一発生した状態で、現像剤が撹拌搬送部から現像スリーブに供給される。そのため、帯電不良のトナーによる画像への地肌かぶりや画像濃度の不均が生じたり、トナーが現像装置から飛散して画像形成装置内が汚れたりするという問題が危惧される。   In the invention described in Patent Document 3, the attachment position of the magnetic field generating agent is not particularly taken into consideration. Therefore, the toner density detection accuracy by the toner density control sensor is lowered, the toner supply is different from the normal supply, the high toner density part and the low toner part are generated, and the toner density of the whole developer is uneven. The developer is supplied to the developing sleeve from the stirring and conveying unit. For this reason, there are concerns about problems such as background fogging on the image and uneven image density due to poorly charged toner, and toner scattering from the developing device and the inside of the image forming apparatus becoming dirty.

また、前記特許文献１と同様にトナーが、そのまま搬送され現像部に供給される。そのためトナーの混合が十分に期待できずトナー濃度ムラが生じる。その結果、画像濃度ムラなどが起こることが予測される。   Further, as in Patent Document 1, the toner is conveyed as it is and supplied to the developing unit. For this reason, toner mixing cannot be expected sufficiently and toner density unevenness occurs. As a result, it is predicted that uneven image density will occur.

本発明の目的は、磁気ブラシ現像方式において、現像剤に新たなトナーを補給した場合に、補給されたトナーが速やかに装置本体内における現像剤中に均一に分散され、補給されたトナーが十分に混合撹拌させて適切に帯電された状態で現像に用いられる現像装置およびその現像装置を備えた画像形成装置を提供するものである。 An object of the present invention is that when a new toner is replenished to the developer in the magnetic brush developing system, the replenished toner is quickly and uniformly dispersed in the developer in the apparatus main body, and the replenished toner is sufficient. The present invention provides a developing device that is used for development in a state of being appropriately charged by being mixed and stirred, and an image forming apparatus including the developing device .

前記課題を解決する本発明の現像装置は、トナーとキャリアからなる現像剤を収容する現像剤容器と、現像剤を担持する現像剤担持体と、該現像剤担持体の回転軸方向に沿って現像剤を混合撹拌しながら循環搬送する２本の撹拌搬送部材を備えた現像装置であって、
前記現像剤容器は、前記現像剤担持体と対応する現像領域部と、該現像領域部に前記現像剤担持体の軸方向に隣接して設けられた延出領域部とからなり、
前記現像領域部と前記延出領域部とを区分する現像剤せき止め部材を設け、
前記２本の撹拌搬送部材は、互いに現像剤の搬送方向を逆にしてなり、前記現像剤せき止め部材に区分された各現像領域部、延出領域部で、それぞれの現像剤が循環搬送されるように、現像領域部と延出領域部とを連通するように一体的に設けられ、
前記２本の撹拌搬送部材の前記現像領域部および前記延出領域部に対応して、前記２本の撹拌搬送部材の間にそれぞれ仕切り壁を設け、
前記延出領域部に現像剤を拘束するように磁界を発生させる磁界発生部材を備え、
前記延出領域部における現像剤の搬送方向の長さは、前記現像領域部に延出領域部を加えた全体の長さに対して１５％以上に設定されることを特徴としている。 The developing device of the present invention that solves the above problems includes a developer container that contains a developer composed of toner and a carrier, a developer carrier that carries the developer, and a rotation axis direction of the developer carrier. A developing device including two agitating and conveying members that circulate and convey the developer while mixing and agitating,
The developer container comprises a development region corresponding to the developer carrier, and an extension region provided adjacent to the development region in the axial direction of the developer carrier,
The developer-flow blocking member for partitioning the said developing region portion the extension region is provided,
The two agitating and conveying members have the developer conveying directions opposite to each other, and each developer is circulated and conveyed in each of the developing area portion and the extending area portion divided into the developer retaining members. As described above, the development region portion and the extension region portion are integrally provided so as to communicate with each other.
Corresponding to the development region portion and the extension region portion of the two agitating and conveying members, a partition wall is provided between the two agitating and conveying members,
Comprising a magnetic field generating member Ru to generate a magnetic field so as to restrain the developer to the extension region,
The length of the developer conveyance direction in the extension region is set to 15% or more with respect to the total length of the development region plus the extension region .

以上の構成により、補給されたトナーが現像装置本体内における現像剤全体に速やかに分散されて供給されるようになり、一部の場所の現像剤のトナー濃度だけが極端に高くということが抑制される。また、補給されたトナーが十分に混合撹拌されて適切に帯電されるようになり、帯電不良のトナーにより画像に地肌かぶりが生じたり、トナーが現像装置から飛散して画像形成装置内が汚れたりするのを防止できる。   With the above configuration, the replenished toner is quickly dispersed and supplied to the entire developer in the developing device main body, and it is possible to suppress that the toner concentration of the developer in some places is extremely high. Is done. In addition, the replenished toner is sufficiently mixed and agitated to be appropriately charged, and the image formation apparatus may be fogged due to poorly charged toner, or the toner may be scattered from the developing device and the inside of the image forming apparatus may be stained. Can be prevented.

以下、本発明の現像装置について、図面を用いて説明する。尚、以下に説明する本発明の実施の形態は、本発明を具体化した一例であって、本発明の技術的範囲を限定するものではない。   The developing device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment of the present invention described below is an example embodying the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

図１は、本発明に係る現像装置を使用した画像形成装置の概略構成を示す。図１に示す画像形成装置は、電子写真画像形成プロセスにて記録媒体である用紙にトナーによる画像を形成する例を示している。本発明はこれに限定されるものではなく、例えば電子写真方式及び静電記録方式を用いて像担持体上に潜像を形成し、その後この潜像を二成分現像剤にて現像する任意の画像形成装置に適用可能である。   FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus using a developing device according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 shows an example of forming an image with toner on a sheet as a recording medium in an electrophotographic image forming process. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, any latent image is formed on an image carrier using an electrophotographic system and an electrostatic recording system, and then the latent image is developed with a two-component developer. It can be applied to an image forming apparatus.

まず図1に示す電子写真画像形成装置は、像担持体としての円筒状の電子写真感光体、即ち、感光ドラム１を有している。感光体ドラム１は、矢印方向に回転され、この感光ドラム１上に潜像形成手段によって静電潜像が形成される。つまり、感光ドラム１の表面を帯電装置である帯電チャージャ１０２によって規定電位に帯電する。帯電された感光体ドラム１の表面は露光手段１０３にて露光処理される。この露光手段１０３は、例えば画像情報に応じて制御される半導体レーザからの光の像を照射し、感光体１表面に露光処理を行う。上記帯電チャージャ１０２および露光手段１０３にて潜像形成手段を構成している。   First, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 has a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member, that is, a photosensitive drum 1 as an image carrier. The photosensitive drum 1 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1 by latent image forming means. That is, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is charged to a specified potential by the charging charger 102 that is a charging device. The exposed surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is exposed by the exposure means 103. This exposure means 103 irradiates the surface of the photoreceptor 1 with an image of light from a semiconductor laser controlled according to image information, for example. The charging charger 102 and the exposure unit 103 constitute a latent image forming unit.

上記露光処理を行うことで、感光ドラム１の表面上には画像情報に応じた静電潜像が形成される。感光ドラム１上に形成された静電潜像は、次いで本発明における現像装置１０により可視化（現像）されて、トナー像となる。感光ドラム１上に形成されたトナー像は、給紙カセット１１１、給紙ローラ１１２及びレジストローラ対１１３から構成される給紙手段（記録媒体搬送手段）によって、所定タイミングで送り込まれる用紙上に転写される。   By performing the exposure process, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image information is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is then visualized (developed) by the developing device 10 according to the present invention to become a toner image. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred onto a sheet fed at a predetermined timing by a sheet feeding unit (recording medium conveying unit) including a sheet feeding cassette 111, a sheet feeding roller 112, and a registration roller pair 113. Is done.

トナー像を転写するための位置には、感光ドラム１と対向して転写手段としての転写ローラ１１６が設けられている。この転写ローラ１１６と感光体ドラム１との間の転写部に、上述した給紙手段を介して給紙カセット１１１に収容された用紙Ｐが決められたタイミングで搬送される。これにより用紙Ｐ上に、転写ローラ１１６の作用によって上記感光体ドラム１表面に形成されたトナー像が転写される。   At a position for transferring the toner image, a transfer roller 116 as a transfer unit is provided to face the photosensitive drum 1. The paper P accommodated in the paper feed cassette 111 is conveyed to the transfer portion between the transfer roller 116 and the photosensitive drum 1 at a predetermined timing via the paper feed means described above. As a result, the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the action of the transfer roller 116 is transferred onto the paper P.

その後、上記用紙Ｐは、感光体ドラム１より分離され、定着装置１１７まで搬送される。この定着装置１１７は、例えばトナーを溶融し用紙上に定着させるために所定温度に加熱制御される加熱ローラと、該加熱ローラに圧着され、上記用紙上のトナー像を加熱ローラへと押し付けるための加圧ローラとから構成されている。この定着装置１１７で、記録媒体上の未定着トナー像が熱及び圧力によって記録媒体に定着され、画像形成装置外に排出される。   Thereafter, the paper P is separated from the photosensitive drum 1 and conveyed to the fixing device 117. The fixing device 117 is, for example, a heating roller that is heated and controlled to a predetermined temperature in order to melt and fix the toner on the paper, and a pressure applied to the heating roller to press the toner image on the paper against the heating roller. And a pressure roller. In this fixing device 117, the unfixed toner image on the recording medium is fixed to the recording medium by heat and pressure, and is discharged outside the image forming apparatus.

又、現像装置１０に隣接して、現像装置１０にトナーを補給するトナー補給装置１０５が設けられる。詳しくは後述するように、トナー補給装置１０５は、現像装置１０の現像剤容器９に設けられたトナー補給口１０４を介して現像剤を収容してなる現像剤容器９と連通しており、所定の動作によって現像装置１０にトナーを補給するように構成される。   Further, a toner replenishing device 105 that replenishes toner to the developing device 10 is provided adjacent to the developing device 10. As will be described in detail later, the toner replenishing device 105 communicates with a developer container 9 containing a developer via a toner replenishing port 104 provided in the developer container 9 of the developing device 10. By this operation, the developing device 10 is configured to be replenished with toner.

図２は、本実施例の現像装置１０の一実施の形態を示す概略構成図である。本発明の一実施形態による現像装置１０は、二成分接触現像装置（二成分磁気ブラシ現像装置）である。即ち、現像装置１０は、現像剤収容部としての現像剤容器９内にトナーとキャリアからなる現像剤２を収容する。現像剤容器１０の感光ドラム１と対向する開口部には、図中矢印方向に回転可能な現像剤担持体としての現像ローラ１１が設けられている。現像ローラ１１は、回転駆動される円筒形状の非磁性部材からなる現像スリーブ１１ａを有している。該現像スリーブ１１ａは、磁界発生手段としての複数の磁極かならなる固定マグネットローラ１１ｂを内包しており、この固定マグネットローラ１１ｂの発生する磁力によってトナーを担持したキャリアを磁気的に吸着し保持することができる。   FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the developing device 10 of the present embodiment. The developing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a two-component contact developing device (two-component magnetic brush developing device). That is, the developing device 10 accommodates the developer 2 composed of toner and carrier in a developer container 9 as a developer accommodating portion. A developing roller 11 serving as a developer carrying member that is rotatable in the direction of the arrow in the drawing is provided in an opening portion of the developer container 10 that faces the photosensitive drum 1. The developing roller 11 has a developing sleeve 11a made of a cylindrical nonmagnetic member that is driven to rotate. The developing sleeve 11a includes a fixed magnet roller 11b composed of a plurality of magnetic poles as magnetic field generating means, and magnetically attracts and holds a carrier carrying toner by the magnetic force generated by the fixed magnet roller 11b. be able to.

また、現像スリーブ１１ａには、現像剤層厚規制手段としてのドクターブレード１７が所定間隙を隔てて対向配置されている。このドクターブレード１７は、現像スリーブ１１ａの矢印方向の回転に伴って、現像スリーブ１１ａ上を吸着され搬送される現像剤の層厚（あるいは量）を規制し、現像剤薄層を形成する。現像スリーブ１１ａは、感光ドラム１と所定間隔を有するように配置されている。ドクターブレード１７で現像スリーブ１１ａ上の現像剤層が形成された後、該現像剤が感光ドラム１に接触する状態に設定されている。特に、感光体ドラム１と対向する現像スリーブ１１ａ上では、内包されているマグネットローラ１１ｂの磁極Ｎの部分で現像剤が磁気ブラシ状に穂立つ。その穂立った現像剤ブラシが感光体ドラム１表面と摺擦される。これにより、感光ドラム１上の静電潜像にトナーが転移してトナー像を形成する。   Further, a doctor blade 17 as a developer layer thickness regulating means is disposed opposite to the developing sleeve 11a with a predetermined gap therebetween. The doctor blade 17 regulates the layer thickness (or amount) of the developer adsorbed and conveyed on the developing sleeve 11a as the developing sleeve 11a rotates in the direction of the arrow, thereby forming a thin developer layer. The developing sleeve 11a is disposed so as to have a predetermined distance from the photosensitive drum 1. After the developer layer on the developing sleeve 11 a is formed by the doctor blade 17, the developer is set in a state of contacting the photosensitive drum 1. In particular, on the developing sleeve 11 a facing the photosensitive drum 1, the developer rises like a magnetic brush at the magnetic pole N portion of the included magnet roller 11 b. The raised developer brush is rubbed against the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. As a result, the toner is transferred to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 to form a toner image.

その後、現像剤は現像スリーブ１１ａの回転に伴って現像剤容器９内に戻り、マグネットローラ１１ｂの図示のＮ極とＮ極との間の反発極により現像スリーブ１１ａ上から剥がされて、現像剤容器１０内の現像剤と混ざり合う。そして、新たな現像剤がドクターブレード１７による現像剤層厚規制部に送られ、現像スリーブ１１ａ上に薄層化されて現像に供される。   Thereafter, the developer returns into the developer container 9 as the developing sleeve 11a rotates, and is peeled off from the developing sleeve 11a by the repulsive pole between the N pole and N pole shown in the figure of the magnet roller 11b. It mixes with the developer in the container 10. Then, a new developer is sent to the developer layer thickness regulating portion by the doctor blade 17, and is thinned on the developing sleeve 11a to be used for development.

上記現像スリーブ１１ａに現像剤を供給するために、現像スリーブ１１ａの背面側、つまり感光体ドラム１と対向する側と反対側に、現像スリーブ１１ａの回転軸と平行に配置された２本の撹拌手段を構成してなる第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６が現像剤容器９内に設けられている。この現像剤容器９は、第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６を仕切るようにして仕切り壁１２を容器底面より立設している。この仕切り壁１２は、現像剤容器９を、現像剤を循環搬送するための第１および第２の現像剤搬送領域１３、１４として区分している。この区分した各領域１３、１４に、上記第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６を設けている。   In order to supply the developer to the developing sleeve 11a, two agitators arranged parallel to the rotating shaft of the developing sleeve 11a on the back side of the developing sleeve 11a, that is, on the side opposite to the side facing the photosensitive drum 1. First and second agitating and conveying members 15 and 16 constituting the means are provided in the developer container 9. In the developer container 9, the partition wall 12 is erected from the bottom of the container so as to partition the first and second stirring and conveying members 15 and 16. The partition wall 12 divides the developer container 9 as first and second developer transport regions 13 and 14 for circulating and transporting the developer. The first and second stirring and conveying members 15 and 16 are provided in the divided regions 13 and 14, respectively.

上記第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６は、ほぼ同一構成であって、図３に示すように回転軸１５ａ、１６ａに楕円形状の複数の羽根部材１５ｂ、１６ｂを一定間隔に傾斜させて設けて構成されている。また、羽根部材１５ｂ、１６ｂに代えて、螺旋状のスクリュー構成であってもよい。その他、これらの例に限らす現像剤を混合し、攪拌しながら搬送する構造の部材を設けるようにしてもよいことは勿論である。   The first and second agitating and conveying members 15 and 16 have substantially the same configuration, and as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of elliptical blade members 15b and 16b are inclined at regular intervals on the rotating shafts 15a and 16a. Are provided. Moreover, it may replace with the blade members 15b and 16b, and a helical screw structure may be sufficient. In addition, it is of course possible to provide a member having a structure in which the developer limited to these examples is mixed and conveyed while stirring.

本発明における現像剤容器９は、図３に示すように現ローラ１１と対向する部分の現像領域部１９とは別に、第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６の回転軸方向に沿って一端部側をさらに延出された延出領域部２０が設けられている。この延出領域部２０は、補給されるトナーを現像剤に混合し、撹拌する役割を担うために設けられた撹拌領域である。   As shown in FIG. 3, the developer container 9 according to the present invention is arranged along the rotation axis direction of the first and second agitating / conveying members 15 and 16, separately from the developing region portion 19 that faces the current roller 11. An extended region 20 is provided that further extends on one end side. The extension area 20 is an agitation area provided for the purpose of mixing and agitating the replenished toner with the developer.

現像領域部１９と延出領域部２０とを一体に設けた現像剤容器９は、延出領域部２０側にも、第１および第２の現像剤搬送領域１３、１４に連通してなる第１および第２の延出搬送領域２１、２２を設けている。この領域２１、２２を仕切るために、仕切り壁１２と同様に、現像剤容器９の底面より立設した仕切り壁２４が設けられている。   The developer container 9 in which the development region 19 and the extension region 20 are integrally provided is connected to the first and second developer transport regions 13 and 14 also on the extension region 20 side. First and second extended conveyance areas 21 and 22 are provided. In order to partition the regions 21 and 22, similarly to the partition wall 12, a partition wall 24 erected from the bottom surface of the developer container 9 is provided.

上記第１および第２の延出搬送領域２１、２２を含めて現像剤容器９には、図３に示すように上記第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６が連通するようにして設けられている。つまり、第１および第２の現像剤搬送領域１３、１４に連通する第１および第２の延出搬送領域２１、２２を含め一体に形成されている第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６が配置されている。   As shown in FIG. 3, the developer container 9 including the first and second extended conveying regions 21 and 22 is provided so that the first and second agitating and conveying members 15 and 16 communicate with each other. It has been. That is, the first and second agitating and conveying members 15 integrally formed including the first and second extended conveying areas 21 and 22 communicating with the first and second developer conveying areas 13 and 14, 16 is arranged.

また、現像剤容器９は、現像領域部１９と延出領域部２０との間に、仕切り壁１２、２４と直交する方向、つまり回転軸と直交する方向に現像剤せき止め板１８が設けられている。現像剤せき止め板１８は、現像スリーブ１１ａにて現像を行う対向部である現像領域部１９と、これとは別の延出領域部２０とを区分するためのもので、搬送される現像剤を一部規制するようにするために設けられている。   Further, the developer container 9 is provided with a developer retaining plate 18 between the development region 19 and the extension region 20 in a direction orthogonal to the partition walls 12 and 24, that is, a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis. Yes. The developer retaining plate 18 is for separating a developing region portion 19 which is a facing portion where development is performed by the developing sleeve 11a and an extension region portion 20 which is different from the developing region portion 19. It is provided to make some restrictions.

そこで、上記第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６の第１および第２の現像剤搬送領域１３、１４を区分するようにして設けられた仕切り壁１２は、現像剤が直接第１および第２の現像剤搬送領域１３、１４へと受け渡されるのを阻止するために設けられたもので、現像ローラ１１と対向する現像領域部１９の各端部に対応した部分が欠如された開口部１２ａ、１２ｂが形成されている。   Therefore, the partition wall 12 provided so as to separate the first and second developer transport regions 13 and 14 of the first and second agitating and transporting members 15 and 16 has the developer directly connected to the first and second developer transport regions 13 and 14. An opening provided to prevent the developer from being transferred to the second developer conveying areas 13 and 14 and lacking a portion corresponding to each end of the developing area 19 facing the developing roller 11. Portions 12a and 12b are formed.

また、上記延出領域部２０には、第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６との間に、仕切り壁１２と同様の役割を果たす上述したとおり第２の仕切り壁２４が現像剤容器９に設けられ、現像剤が直接第１および第２延出搬送領域２１、２２へと受け渡されるのを阻止するために設けられている。この第２の仕切り壁２４の両端部も欠如されており、この欠如部を現像剤が通過できる開口部２３ａ、２３ｂとしている。なお、現像剤容器９および仕切り壁１２、２４とせき止め板１８は、非磁性体である。   Further, as described above, the second partition wall 24 has a developer container between the first and second agitating and conveying members 15 and 16 in the extended region 20 as described above. 9 is provided to prevent the developer from being directly transferred to the first and second extended conveyance areas 21 and 22. Both end portions of the second partition wall 24 are also lacking, and the lacking portions serve as openings 23a and 23b through which the developer can pass. The developer container 9, the partition walls 12 and 24, and the baffle plate 18 are nonmagnetic materials.

上記延出領域部での磁界発生部材３０の本発明における一構成例を図５に示す。図５は図３のＢ−Ｂ線断面図である。この磁界発生部材３０は、固定磁石を現像装置１０の延出領域部の下方外壁に接して、固設している。また、固設位置は、仕切り壁の下方を中央とし、第１の撹拌搬送部材１５及び第２の撹拌搬送部材１６の下方を各端部として、他方の撹拌部材の軸方向の固設位置は、仕切り壁の下方両端部と延出領域の両端部の間に設定されている。   One structural example in the present invention of the magnetic field generating member 30 in the extension region is shown in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. The magnetic field generating member 30 is fixed by contacting a fixed magnet with the lower outer wall of the extension region of the developing device 10. In addition, the fixed position is centered at the lower part of the partition wall, the lower parts of the first agitating and conveying member 15 and the second agitating and conveying member 16 as respective end portions, and the fixed position in the axial direction of the other agitating member is It is set between the lower end portions of the partition wall and both end portions of the extension region.

以上のように現像剤容器９に各仕切り壁１２、２４および現像剤せき止め板１８を設けている。これにより、第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６を回転させることで、それぞれの現像剤搬送領域１３、１４と延出搬送領域２１、２２で現像剤が循環搬送される。また、さらに、延出領域部での循環搬送時は、現像剤のブラシを撹拌、混合する。その作用を以下に図３を参照して説明する。   As described above, the partition walls 12 and 24 and the developer retaining plate 18 are provided in the developer container 9. Thereby, the developer is circulated and conveyed in the developer conveying areas 13 and 14 and the extended conveying areas 21 and 22 by rotating the first and second agitating and conveying members 15 and 16. Further, the developer brush is agitated and mixed during circulation and conveyance in the extended region. The operation will be described below with reference to FIG.

まず、第１の現像剤搬送領域１３において、第１の撹拌搬送部材１５の回転により現像剤２が矢印Ｘ方向へと現像剤を撹拌しながら搬送される。そして、現像剤せき止め板１８の部分で一部せき止められた現像剤は、開口部１２ａを通りＸ１方向に第２の現像剤搬送領域１４の第２の撹拌搬送部材１６側へと送り込まれる。また、規制されなかった一部の現像剤は、そのままＸ方向へと搬送され、延出領域部２０の第１の延出搬送領域２１へと送りこまれる。   First, in the first developer transport region 13, the developer 2 is transported in the arrow X direction while stirring the developer by the rotation of the first stirring transport member 15. The developer partially blocked by the developer blocking plate 18 is sent to the second agitating and conveying member 16 side of the second developer conveying region 14 in the X1 direction through the opening 12a. Further, a part of the developer that is not regulated is conveyed in the X direction as it is, and is sent to the first extended conveyance area 21 of the extended area portion 20.

そして、第２の現像剤搬送領域１４に送り込まれた現像剤は、第２の撹拌搬送部材１６の回転（第１の撹拌搬送部材１５の回転方向と逆回転）によりＹ方向に撹拌されながら搬送される。このＹ方向へと搬送された現像剤は、現像剤容器９の一側端部で仕切り壁１２の開口部１２ｂを通り、Ｙ１方向に第１の撹拌搬送部材１５側の第１の現像剤搬送領域１３へと送り込まれ、これを繰り返すことで、現像剤容器９の現像領域部１９で循環搬送される。   Then, the developer fed into the second developer transport region 14 is transported while being stirred in the Y direction by the rotation of the second stirring transport member 16 (reverse to the rotation direction of the first stirring transport member 15). Is done. The developer transported in the Y direction passes through the opening 12b of the partition wall 12 at one side end of the developer container 9, and in the Y1 direction, the first developer transport on the first stirring transport member 15 side. By being sent to the area 13 and repeating this, it is circulated and conveyed in the developing area 19 of the developer container 9.

一方、第１の延出搬送領域２１へと送り込まれた現像剤は、Ｘ方向へと搬送され現像剤容器１０の他側端部で、開口部２３ａを通り、矢印Ｘ２方向に第２の撹拌搬送部材１６側の第２の延出搬送領域２２へと送り込まれる。そして、該第２の撹拌搬送部材１６にて、Ｙ方向へと搬送され、現像剤せき止め板１８にて一部がせき止めされ、その部分に対応して設けられている開口部２３ｂを通り、矢印Ｙ２方向に第１の撹拌搬送部材１５側へと送り戻される。そのため、延出領域部２０で上述した経路を経るようにして現像剤２が循環搬送される。   On the other hand, the developer fed into the first extended conveyance region 21 is conveyed in the X direction, passes through the opening 23a at the other end of the developer container 10, and is second agitated in the direction of the arrow X2. It is fed into the second extended conveyance area 22 on the conveyance member 16 side. Then, the second agitating and conveying member 16 conveys the toner in the Y direction, a part of the developer is blocked by the developer retaining plate 18, and passes through an opening 23 b provided corresponding to the part, and is shown by an arrow. It is sent back to the first stirring and conveying member 15 side in the Y2 direction. Therefore, the developer 2 is circulated and conveyed in the extended region 20 through the above-described path.

ここで、上述した延出領域部２０の位置で、上述したトナー補給装置１０５からのトナー補給が行われる。特に、トナー補給装置１０５のトナー補給口１０４は、上記延出領域部２０の第１の延出搬送領域２１側に対向して設けられている。このトナー補給装置１０５は、従来より周知の構成のものを適用でき、トナー濃度センサによるトナー濃度不足の検知に応答して作動する。例えば、補給ローラ等が適宜回転駆動され、トナー補給装置１０５内に収容されたトナーが、上記トナー補給口１０４を介して、第１の延出搬送領域２１の現像剤２に補給され、混合、撹拌が行われる。   Here, the toner replenishment from the toner replenishing device 105 described above is performed at the position of the extension region 20 described above. In particular, the toner replenishing port 104 of the toner replenishing device 105 is provided so as to face the first extending conveyance area 21 side of the extending area portion 20. This toner replenishing device 105 can be of a conventionally known configuration, and operates in response to detection of insufficient toner concentration by the toner concentration sensor. For example, a replenishing roller or the like is appropriately driven to rotate, and the toner stored in the toner replenishing device 105 is replenished to the developer 2 in the first extended conveyance region 21 through the toner replenishing port 104, mixed, Agitation is performed.

なお、仕切り壁１２および第２の仕切り壁２４の現像剤容器の各側端部側における開口部１２ｂ、２３ａの部分で現像剤を他方の撹拌搬送部材１６または１５側へと効率よく送り込むために、図３に示すように、その部分に対向する部分の第１の現像剤撹拌搬送部材１５、１６の羽根部材１５ｃ、１６ｃは、異なる形状、また傾斜方向と逆にした構成となっている。なお、羽根部材に代えて螺旋状のスクリュー構成の場合においても、同様にすればよい。   In order to efficiently feed the developer to the side of the other agitating and conveying member 16 or 15 at the openings 12b and 23a on the side end portions of the developer container of the partition wall 12 and the second partition wall 24. As shown in FIG. 3, the blade members 15c and 16c of the first developer agitating / conveying members 15 and 16 in the part opposite to the part have different shapes and a configuration reverse to the inclination direction. The same applies to the case of a spiral screw configuration instead of the blade member.

上記現像剤せき止め板１８の本発明における一構成例を図４に示す。図４は図３のＡ−Ａ線の断面図である。このせき止め板１８は、第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６の羽根部材の１５ｂ、１６ｂの平面形状が円となる部分の約半分を遮蔽するように設けられている。また、隣接する第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６が相対向する部分の上記羽根部材１５ｂ、１６ａの約半分を遮蔽するようにせき止め板１８を設けている。   One structural example of the developer retaining plate 18 in the present invention is shown in FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. The damming plate 18 is provided so as to shield about half of the portion where the planar shape of the blade members 15b, 16b of the first and second agitating and conveying members 15, 16 is a circle. Further, a damming plate 18 is provided so as to shield about half of the blade members 15b, 16a at the portions where the adjacent first and second agitating and conveying members 15, 16 are opposed to each other.

従って、現像剤せき止め板１８は、図４に示すように軸心１５ａ、１６ａと対向する部分が欠如されて、各両端部は、共に羽根部材１５ｂ、１６ｂの投影外径部より軸方向にくい込んだ位置になるように設けられている。これにより、現像剤せき止め板１８の両端部と、現像剤容器９の現像剤の搬送方向と平行する側壁との間が開口となり、第1の現像剤搬送領域１３と第1の延出搬送領域２１、また第２の現像搬送領域１４と第２の延出搬送領域２２とが、上記開口を介して連通されている。   Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4, the developer retaining plate 18 lacks the portions facing the shaft centers 15a and 16a, and both end portions are both less axially projected than the projected outer diameter portions of the blade members 15b and 16b. It is provided to be in the position. As a result, an opening is formed between both ends of the developer retaining plate 18 and the side wall of the developer container 9 parallel to the developer transport direction, and the first developer transport region 13 and the first extended transport region. 21 and the second developing conveyance area 14 and the second extension conveyance area 22 are communicated with each other through the opening.

前記の構成により、現像剤せき止め板１８の一端を、第１の撹拌搬送部材１５の第１の現像剤搬送領域１３と延出搬送領域２１における羽根部材１５ｂのスクリュー投影外径部より軸方向にくい込んだ位置に、且つ現像剤せき止め板１８の他端を、第２の撹拌搬送部材１６の第２の現像剤搬送領域１４と第２の延出搬送領域２２における羽根部材１６ｂの投影外径部より軸方向にくい込んだ位置に設けたことにより、以下に示す作用効果を奏する。   With the above-described configuration, one end of the developer retaining plate 18 is moved in the axial direction from the screw projected outer diameter portion of the blade member 15b in the first developer transport region 13 and the extended transport region 21 of the first stirring transport member 15. The projected outer diameter portion of the blade member 16b in the second developer conveying region 14 and the second extended conveying region 22 of the second agitating and conveying member 16 is connected to the other end of the developer retaining plate 18 at the inserted position. By providing it at a more indented position in the axial direction, the following operational effects can be obtained.

つまり、第１の撹拌搬送部材１５で第１の現像剤搬送領域１３を搬送される現像剤、また第２の撹拌搬送部材１６で第２の延出搬送領域２２を搬送される現像剤２が、現像剤せき止め板１８に搬送されてきた際に、必ず現像剤せき止め板１８にてぶつかり分割撹拌効果を得られる。つまり、現像剤せき止め板１８に搬送される現像剤２がぶつかることで、その部分で２分され、現像剤の混合、撹拌効果が上がる。これにより延出領域部２０で第１の延出搬送領域２１側で補給されたトナーは、現像剤の中にすばやく分散され、かつ現像ローラ１１上を釈放された使用済現像剤も現像剤の中にすばやく分散される。   That is, the developer transported through the first developer transport region 13 by the first stirring transport member 15 and the developer 2 transported through the second extended transport region 22 by the second stirring transport member 16 are provided. When the toner is conveyed to the developer retaining plate 18, the developer retaining plate 18 always collides with the developer retaining plate 18 to obtain a divided stirring effect. That is, when the developer 2 conveyed to the developer retaining plate 18 collides, the developer is mixed in two, and the mixing and stirring effect of the developer is improved. As a result, the toner replenished on the side of the first extension conveying area 21 in the extension area 20 is quickly dispersed in the developer, and the used developer released on the developing roller 11 is also the developer. Dispersed quickly inside.

また、現像剤せき止め板１８一端の羽根部材１５ｂの投影外径部の軸方向にくい込む量（現像剤せき止め板１８の一端部の位置）を、種々設定することにより現像ローラ１１上を釈放された使用済現像剤の延出領域部２０への戻し量（分割され送り込まれる量）の最適化が行える。しかも、現像剤せき止め板１８他端の第２の撹拌搬送部材１６の羽根部１６ｂの投影外径部の軸方向にくい込む量を、種々設定することにより延出領域部２０で補給された補給トナーにより濃度が高くなった混合撹拌が行われた現像剤の現像領域部１９への送り量の最適化が行える。   Further, the developer roller 11 was released by setting various amounts of the projection outer diameter portion of the vane member 15b at one end of the developer retaining plate 18 in the axial direction (position of one end portion of the developer retaining plate 18). It is possible to optimize the return amount of the used developer to the extension region portion 20 (the amount that is divided and fed). In addition, the replenishment toner replenished in the extension region portion 20 by variously setting the amount of the projection outer diameter portion of the blade portion 16b of the second stirring / conveying member 16 at the other end of the developer retaining plate 18 that is sunk in the axial direction. Thus, it is possible to optimize the feed amount of the developer, which has been mixed and agitated with a higher concentration, to the development region 19.

本発明の現像装置１０は、以上説明した構成の現像装置に、さらに以下の構成を備え、現像剤２の混合、撹拌を促進できる構成について説明する。   The developing device 10 of the present invention will be described with respect to a configuration that can further enhance the mixing and stirring of the developer 2 by further including the following configuration in the developing device having the configuration described above.

本発明の現像装置１０は、現像剤２の撹拌領域である延出領域部２０に、図３に示すように磁界発生部材である永久磁石３０を設けている。この永久磁石３０は、平板形状であって、その大きさを図３で斜線で示すように仕切り壁２４の現像剤搬送方向における長さより少し長く、またそれと直交する方向である幅を、第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６の軸心間の距離にほぼ等しく設定している。   In the developing device 10 of the present invention, a permanent magnet 30 that is a magnetic field generating member is provided in the extended region 20 that is a stirring region of the developer 2 as shown in FIG. The permanent magnet 30 has a flat plate shape, the size of which is slightly longer than the length of the partition wall 24 in the developer transport direction as shown by hatching in FIG. The distance between the shaft centers of the second agitating and conveying members 15 and 16 is set to be approximately equal.

図５は、図３におけるＢ−Ｂ線の断面図であり、永久磁石３０は、現像剤容器９の底部の下面の外壁に接着剤等を介して固着して設けている。また、図５において、永久磁石３０は、上下に極を持つ磁極構成であって、例えば、上側をＳ極、下側をＮ極となるような着磁構成である。この着磁構成は、逆であっても問題ない。   FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 3, and the permanent magnet 30 is fixedly provided on the outer wall of the bottom surface of the bottom of the developer container 9 with an adhesive or the like. In FIG. 5, the permanent magnet 30 has a magnetic pole configuration having poles on the upper and lower sides, for example, a magnetized configuration in which the upper side is an S pole and the lower side is an N pole. There is no problem even if this magnetized configuration is reversed.

そのため、永久磁石３０の磁力線は、上側のＳ極から現像剤容器９内の上方向に走り、その磁力線に沿うように現像剤２の磁気ブラシが形成される。   Therefore, the magnetic lines of force of the permanent magnet 30 run upward from the upper S pole in the developer container 9, and the magnetic brush of the developer 2 is formed along the magnetic lines of force.

以上のように磁界発生部材である永久磁石３０を、現像剤容器９の底部の外壁に設けることで、上述したような磁力線に沿った現像剤２のチェーン状の磁気ブラシが形成される。そのため、第１の撹拌搬送部材１５にて搬送される現像剤２が、現像剤２のブラシを壊すようにして搬送され、その部分でさらに現像剤の混合、撹拌が行われる。そのため、その部分に補給されるトナーが現像剤に混合され、分散される効率が高くなる。現像剤の搬送は、第２の撹拌搬送部材１６側でも同様の作用が生じるため、同様にして混合、撹拌が効率よく行われる。従って、現像剤が循環搬送されるときに、上記現像剤２のブラシを壊すように搬送され、延出領域部２０での混合、撹拌作用がさらに促進される。   As described above, by providing the permanent magnet 30 that is a magnetic field generating member on the outer wall of the bottom of the developer container 9, the chain-like magnetic brush of the developer 2 along the magnetic force lines as described above is formed. Therefore, the developer 2 conveyed by the first agitating / conveying member 15 is conveyed so as to break the brush of the developer 2, and further mixing and agitation of the developer are performed at that portion. Therefore, the efficiency of the toner supplied to that portion being mixed and dispersed in the developer is increased. Since the developer is transported in the same manner on the second stirring and transporting member 16 side, the mixing and stirring are efficiently performed in the same manner. Accordingly, when the developer is circulated and conveyed, the developer 2 is conveyed so as to break the brush, and the mixing and stirring action in the extended region 20 is further promoted.

よって、磁界発生部材である永久磁石３０を、延出領域部２０を設けたことで、本発明の現像装置１０は、該永久磁石３０を設けない場合と比べ、混合、撹拌作用がさらに促進される。この結果、効率よく補給されたトナーの混合、分散が行われ、また補給トナーの帯電効率が向上する。   Therefore, by providing the extended magnet portion 30 for the permanent magnet 30 that is a magnetic field generating member, the developing device 10 of the present invention further promotes the mixing and stirring action as compared with the case where the permanent magnet 30 is not provided. The As a result, the replenished toner is mixed and dispersed efficiently, and the charging efficiency of the replenished toner is improved.

また、永久磁石３０にて形成される現像剤２による磁気ブラシは、この永久磁石３０の磁力により制御できる。そのため、磁力を適宜調整制御することで、効率の良い混合、撹拌作用を得る状態で設定できる。この場合、永久磁石３０に代えて、磁力発生部材として電磁石を設けることで、その磁力調整を簡単に行え、上述したより良好な混合、撹拌等を行える適正値を得ることができる。   Further, the magnetic brush by the developer 2 formed by the permanent magnet 30 can be controlled by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 30. Therefore, it can set in the state which obtains efficient mixing and stirring action by adjusting and controlling magnetic force suitably. In this case, by providing an electromagnet as a magnetic force generating member instead of the permanent magnet 30, the magnetic force can be easily adjusted, and an appropriate value capable of performing the above-described better mixing and stirring can be obtained.

さらに、延出部領域２０のみ磁界発生部を設けているため、現像領域部に設置されたトナー濃度コントロールセンサー（図示せず）の検知に影響を及ぼさない。   Furthermore, since the magnetic field generation unit is provided only in the extension region 20, it does not affect the detection of a toner concentration control sensor (not shown) installed in the development region.

以上説明したように、本発明の現像装置１０によれば、現像剤容器９として現像ローラ１１と対向するように設けられた現像剤の循環搬送を行える現像領域部１９と共に、その現像剤を第１の撹拌搬送部材１５による搬送方向よりさらに延出させた延出領域部２０を設けた。その延出領域部２０と現像領域部１９とを区分するように、現像剤の流れを一部で規制する現像剤せき止め板１８を設けたことで、上述したような現像剤の流れが形成される。そして、上記現像剤せき止め板１８の位置で、搬送される現像剤がぶつかり、一部が現像領域部１９、延出領域部２０で循環搬送され、残りが各領域部へと送り込まれる。上述したように、搬送される現像剤が現像剤せき止め板１８でぶつかり、延出領域部２０へと送り込まれるときに、分割撹拌効果により、現像剤の混合、撹拌が促進される。この時、さらに磁界発生部材３０で形成される磁気ブラシが第１の撹拌搬送部材１５及び第２の撹拌搬送部材１６で、チェーン状磁気ブラシを圧力で切りながら混ぜて送って行く循環混合の効果が上がる。   As described above, according to the developing device 10 of the present invention, the developer is supplied to the developer container 9 together with the developing region portion 19 that can circulate and convey the developer provided so as to face the developing roller 11. An extension region portion 20 that is further extended from the conveyance direction by the one agitation conveyance member 15 is provided. By providing the developer retaining plate 18 that partially regulates the flow of the developer so as to divide the extension region 20 and the development region 19, the developer flow as described above is formed. The Then, the developer to be transported collides at the position of the developer retaining plate 18, and a part thereof is circulated and transported in the development area 19 and the extension area 20, and the rest is sent to each area. As described above, when the developer to be transported collides with the developer retaining plate 18 and is fed into the extension region portion 20, mixing and stirring of the developer are promoted by the divided stirring effect. At this time, the magnetic brush formed by the magnetic field generating member 30 is further mixed by the first stirring and conveying member 15 and the second stirring and conveying member 16 while the chain-like magnetic brush is cut while being cut by pressure. Goes up.

よって、延出領域部２０でトナーが補給されると、補給されたトナーが現像剤に混合され効率よく分散される。また、延出領域部２０で十分なる撹拌が行われるため、トナーの帯電が十分に行われ、現像領域部１９へと送り込まれる。結果、現像ローラ１１へと供給される時には、トナーが現像剤中に均等に分散され、十分な帯電状態となって現像に供される。そのため、濃度が均一で良好な現像を可能にできる。さらに磁界発生部材を設けたことにより、循環混合効果が向上される。   Therefore, when the toner is replenished in the extension region portion 20, the replenished toner is mixed with the developer and efficiently dispersed. Further, since sufficient agitation is performed in the extension region 20, the toner is sufficiently charged and sent to the development region 19. As a result, when the toner is supplied to the developing roller 11, the toner is evenly dispersed in the developer and is sufficiently charged to be used for development. For this reason, it is possible to achieve good development with uniform density. Furthermore, by providing the magnetic field generating member, the circulation mixing effect is improved.

（現像剤容器９の延出領域部２０の適正な事例）
ここで、上述した現像装置１０において、延出領域部２０は、その長さ、つまり現像剤が搬送される方向の長さを十分に長くすれば、撹拌効果が上がることが予測できる。しかし、あまり長くすれば現像装置１０が現像剤搬送方向に長くなる。その結果、現像装置１０を収容してなる画像形成装置としては、無駄なスペースを確保する必要になる。逆に、その長さが短い場合、十分な撹拌効果を期待できなくなる。 (Appropriate case of the extended region 20 of the developer container 9)
Here, in the developing device 10 described above, it is possible to predict that the agitation effect is improved if the extension region 20 has a sufficiently long length, that is, a length in the direction in which the developer is conveyed. However, if the length is too long, the developing device 10 becomes longer in the developer transport direction. As a result, it is necessary to secure a useless space for the image forming apparatus that accommodates the developing device 10. On the contrary, when the length is short, a sufficient stirring effect cannot be expected.

そのため、延出領域部２０の長さは、現像領域部１９に延出領域部２０を加えた全体の長さにたいして、１５％以上に設定するとよい。これは、延出領域部２０での第１の撹拌搬送部材１５及び第２の撹拌搬送部材１６により搬送されることによる移動撹拌効果と、現像剤せき止め板１８での分割撹拌効果が、延出領域部２０の長さが１５％より少なければ、第１の搬送撹拌部材１５及び第２の撹拌搬送部材１６により搬送される移動撹拌効果と磁界発生部材３０で形成される磁気ブラシの循環撹拌効果がかなり低くなり、現像剤せき止め板１０部分での分割撹拌効果のみの効果が高くなり、移動撹拌効果との相乗効果が見込めなくなり、現像装置内における現像剤中への均一に分散が低下するためである。また、延出領域部２０が長くなれば、上述したように装置が大きくなり、無駄になり、１５％以上とすることで、上述した撹拌効果を期待でき、無駄なスペースを無くすことができる。   For this reason, the length of the extension region 20 is preferably set to 15% or more with respect to the total length of the development region 19 plus the extension region 20. This is because the moving agitation effect by being conveyed by the first agitation conveyance member 15 and the second agitation conveyance member 16 in the extension region 20 and the divided agitation effect in the developer retaining plate 18 are extended. If the length of the region 20 is less than 15%, the moving stirring effect transported by the first transport stirring member 15 and the second stirring transport member 16 and the circulating stirring effect of the magnetic brush formed by the magnetic field generating member 30 Is considerably reduced, the effect of only the divided stirring effect at the developer retaining plate 10 is increased, and a synergistic effect with the moving stirring effect cannot be expected, and the dispersion in the developer uniformly in the developing device is reduced. It is. Moreover, if the extension area | region part 20 becomes long, an apparatus will become large as mentioned above, and it will be useless, By making it 15% or more, the stirring effect mentioned above can be anticipated and a useless space can be eliminated.

次に第１の搬送撹拌部材１５及び第２の撹拌搬送部材１６は左巻きを使用し搬送撹拌効果を上げるため現像剤搬送時、仕切り壁１２、２４に現像剤２を寄せるように設定されている。前記のことにより現像剤の循環混合の効果が高くなる。また、循環効率が促進するため、延出領域部２０の長さを１０％以上の範囲に縮めても効果が期待できる。   Next, the first agitating and agitating member 15 and the second agitating and conveying member 16 are set so that the developer 2 is brought closer to the partition walls 12 and 24 when the developer is conveyed in order to increase the conveying agitation effect by using a left hand. . As a result, the effect of the circulating mixing of the developer is enhanced. In addition, since the circulation efficiency is promoted, an effect can be expected even if the length of the extended region 20 is reduced to a range of 10% or more.

（現像装置１０の他の構成例）
次に、第１の搬送撹拌部材１５及び第２の撹拌搬送部材１６は、搬送撹拌効果を上げるため現像剤搬送時、仕切り壁１２、２４に現像剤２を寄せるように回転方向を設定されている。前記のことにより現像剤の循環混合の効果が高くなる。例えば、第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６を図２に示す方向に回転駆動した場合、現像剤２が互いに第１の仕切り壁１２側へと寄せられる。 (Another configuration example of the developing device 10)
Next, the first agitating and conveying member 15 and the second agitating and conveying member 16 are set to rotate in such a way that the developer 2 is brought closer to the partition walls 12 and 24 when the developer is conveyed in order to increase the conveying and stirring effect. Yes. As a result, the effect of the circulating mixing of the developer is enhanced. For example, when the first and second stirring and conveying members 15 and 16 are driven to rotate in the direction shown in FIG. 2, the developer 2 is brought toward the first partition wall 12 side.

また、現像装置１０の現像剤容器９に充填する現像剤の量は、第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６を回転駆動しない状態で、例えば図２を参照に羽根部材（スクリュー部材）１５ｂ、１６ｂの外径部分が５０％から１００％かくれるよう充填する。このように設定する理由を以下に明記する。   Further, the amount of the developer filled in the developer container 9 of the developing device 10 is a blade member (screw member) with reference to FIG. 2, for example, in a state where the first and second agitating and conveying members 15 and 16 are not rotationally driven. The outer diameter portions of 15b and 16b are filled up from 50% to 100%. The reason for this setting is specified below.

撹拌搬送部材１５、１６の羽根部材の外径に対して５０％未満にすると、第１の撹拌搬送部材１５から現像ローラ１１に現像剤が供給される際、現像剤２の供給不良が発生し、現像ローラ１１上に第１の撹拌搬送部材１５の撹拌部材である羽根部材、またはスクリューの形状に応じた痕跡がのこる画質欠陥が発生する。   If it is less than 50% with respect to the outer diameter of the blade members of the agitating and conveying members 15 and 16, when the developer is supplied from the first agitating and conveying member 15 to the developing roller 11, a supply failure of the developer 2 occurs. Further, an image quality defect in which a trace corresponding to the shape of the blade member or the screw as the stirring member of the first stirring and conveying member 15 remains on the developing roller 11 occurs.

また、撹拌搬送部材１５、１６の羽根部材の外径に対して１００％を超えて現像剤を入れると、延出領域部２０で、補給されたトナーが、現像剤２に分散されにくくなり、現像剤上面を滑るように搬送され、現像ローラ１１に未撹拌トナーがそのまま供給される。これにより画像かぶりの画質欠陥が発生した。   Further, if the developer is added in excess of 100% with respect to the outer diameter of the blade members of the agitating and conveying members 15 and 16, the replenished toner is hardly dispersed in the developer 2 in the extension region 20, The developer is conveyed so as to slide on the upper surface of the developer, and the unstirred toner is supplied to the developing roller 11 as it is. As a result, image quality defects caused by image fogging occurred.

上述したように撹拌搬送部材１５、１６の羽根部材の外径に対して５０％以上１００％以下に現像剤面高さを設定する現像剤容器９に現像剤を充填させることにより、良好な画質が得られる。   As described above, good image quality can be obtained by filling the developer container 9 whose developer surface height is set to 50% or more and 100% or less with respect to the outer diameters of the blade members of the agitating and conveying members 15 and 16. Is obtained.

（現像剤せき止め板の他の構成例）
以上説明した現像装置１０において、現像剤せき止め板１８は、図４に示したように第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６の撹拌部材である羽根部材１５ｂ、１６ｂの約半分を遮蔽するような形状のものとして説明した。しかし、このような形状に限るものではなく、図６に示すように羽根部材１５ｂ、１６ｂの投影外径より大きく開口した円形状（穴形状）の開口部を設け、その他の部分を遮蔽するように形成した現像剤せき止め板１８０の構成のものでもよい。 (Other examples of developer retaining plates)
In the developing device 10 described above, the developer retaining plate 18 shields about half of the blade members 15b and 16b which are the stirring members of the first and second stirring and conveying members 15 and 16, as shown in FIG. It was described as having such a shape. However, the present invention is not limited to such a shape. As shown in FIG. 6, a circular (hole shape) opening having an opening larger than the projected outer diameter of the blade members 15b and 16b is provided, and other portions are shielded. The structure of the developer retaining plate 180 formed in the above may be used.

このような現像剤せき止め板１８０においても、撹拌搬送部材１５、１６にて搬送される現像剤は、現像剤せき止め板１８０で一部がせき止められ、その部分で分割撹拌効果が期待できる。また、上記現像剤せき止め板１８０は、開口部分の大きさ、つまり羽根部材の軸心を中心とした開口径を種々設定することで、現像剤の搬送量を調整することができる。   Also in such a developer retaining plate 180, a part of the developer conveyed by the agitating and conveying members 15 and 16 is blocked by the developer retaining plate 180, and a divided stirring effect can be expected at that portion. The developer retaining plate 180 can adjust the developer conveyance amount by variously setting the size of the opening, that is, the opening diameter around the axis of the blade member.

従って、図６に示す現像剤せき止め板１８０においても、図４の構成による現像剤のせき止め板１８による搬送、混合、撹拌による作用効果と同等のものが期待できる。   Therefore, the developer retaining plate 180 shown in FIG. 6 can be expected to have the same effect as that of the developer retaining plate 18 having the configuration shown in FIG.

説明が後になったが、図３に示す第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６は、現像剤せき止め板１８が設けられた対向部分に、撹拌部材である羽根部材１５ｂ、１６ｂが欠落するように構成されている。これは、図４に示すような構造の現像剤せき止め板１８を設けることによる。この欠落部分では、現像剤の搬送が抑制される。そのため、次々に搬送されてくる現像剤に押されて現像剤せき止め板１８にぶつかり、それぞれの現像領域部１９、延出領域部２０へと現像剤が送り込まれる。そのため、分割撹拌効果が高められる。   Although explained later, the first and second agitating and conveying members 15 and 16 shown in FIG. 3 lack the vane members 15b and 16b that are agitating members at the opposed portions where the developer retaining plates 18 are provided. It is configured as follows. This is because the developer retaining plate 18 having a structure as shown in FIG. 4 is provided. In this missing portion, developer transport is suppressed. Therefore, it is pushed by the developer conveyed one after another, hits the developer retaining plate 18, and the developer is fed into the respective development area 19 and extension area 20. Therefore, the divided stirring effect is enhanced.

ここで、図７に示す第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６の構造は、撹拌部材として、螺旋形状に形成されたスクリュー１５ｄ、１６ｄを設けたものである。スクリュー１５ｄ、１６ｄは、通常連通して設けられているが、現像剤せき止め板１８が対向する位置Ｚで途切れるように構成されている。このような構成においても、上述した羽根部材１５ｂ、１６ｂ同様である。   Here, the structure of the first and second stirring and conveying members 15 and 16 shown in FIG. 7 is provided with screws 15d and 16d formed in a spiral shape as the stirring members. The screws 15d and 16d are normally provided in communication with each other, but are configured to be interrupted at a position Z where the developer retaining plate 18 faces. This configuration is the same as the above-described blade members 15b and 16b.

なお、図６に示すような現像剤せき止め板１８０であれば、上述したような欠落部を設ける必要はなくなる。つまり、現像剤せき止め板１８０の開口部分が撹拌部材である羽根部材１５ｂ、１６ｂ、スクリュー１５ｄ、１６ｄの投影外径より大きく形成すれば、邪魔になることなく、連続して形成できる。   In the case of the developer retaining plate 180 as shown in FIG. 6, it is not necessary to provide the missing portion as described above. That is, if the opening portion of the developer retaining plate 180 is formed larger than the projected outer diameters of the blade members 15b and 16b and the screws 15d and 16d, which are stirring members, they can be formed continuously without obstruction.

（発明の第２の実施形態）
以上説明した本発明の現像装置１０は、延出領域部２０に磁界発生部材である永久磁石３０、または電磁石を設ける実施の形態について説明した。このような構成ではなく、第２の実施の形態として、例えば図８で示すように磁界発生部材である永久磁石３０ａを、延出領域部２０に設けられている仕切り壁２４内に設けた具体例を以下に説明する。 (Second Embodiment of the Invention)
The developing device 10 of the present invention described above has been described with respect to the embodiment in which the extended region 20 is provided with the permanent magnet 30 or the electromagnet as a magnetic field generating member. Instead of such a configuration, as a second embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, a permanent magnet 30 a as a magnetic field generating member is provided in a partition wall 24 provided in the extension region 20. An example is described below.

図８は、例えば図３に示す現像剤容器９の底部の外壁に永久磁石３０を設けるものでなく、上述したように仕切り壁２４内に上記永久磁石３０ａを設けた場合での図３のＢ−Ｂ線の断面図を示している。この永久磁石３０ａは、仕切り壁２４の現像剤搬送方向の両端部より突出することなく、該仕切り壁２４内に収まる大きさに設定されている。また、永久磁石３０ａは、図８において左部をＳ極、右部をＮ極としている。この磁極構成は逆であってもよい。   8 does not include the permanent magnet 30 on the outer wall at the bottom of the developer container 9 shown in FIG. 3, for example, and FIG. 3B shows the case where the permanent magnet 30a is provided in the partition wall 24 as described above. A cross-sectional view taken along line -B is shown. The permanent magnet 30a is set to a size that fits within the partition wall 24 without protruding from both ends of the partition wall 24 in the developer conveying direction. Further, in FIG. 8, the permanent magnet 30a has an S pole on the left and an N pole on the right. This magnetic pole configuration may be reversed.

上記永久磁石３０ａを設けることで、磁力線は、延出領域部２０において、永久磁石３０ａのＳ極側から第１の撹拌搬送部材１５、また第２の撹拌搬送部材１６を経て、永久磁石３０ａのＮ極側に走るように形成される。そのため、その磁力線に沿った現像剤の磁気ブラシが形成される。これにより、上述に説明した第１の実施の形態による構成と同様の作用効果を得ることができる。   By providing the permanent magnet 30a, the magnetic field lines of the permanent magnet 30a pass through the first stirring and conveying member 15 and the second stirring and conveying member 16 from the south pole side of the permanent magnet 30a in the extended region 20. It is formed to run to the north pole side. Therefore, a developer magnetic brush is formed along the magnetic field lines. Thereby, the same effect as the structure by 1st Embodiment demonstrated above can be acquired.

ここで、上述したように永久磁石３０ａが仕切り壁２４内に設けられていることから、図５の場合に比べ永久磁石３０が外部に突出しない。これにより現像装置１０がコンパクトになり、外観の見栄え等も良くなる。   Here, since the permanent magnet 30a is provided in the partition wall 24 as described above, the permanent magnet 30 does not protrude to the outside as compared with the case of FIG. As a result, the developing device 10 becomes compact and the appearance and the like are improved.

（本発明の第３の実施の形態）
この実施形態は、上述した第２の実施の形態において、第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６を構成する軸心１５ａ、１５ｂの内部に磁性部材を内装、また軸心１５ａ、１５ｂ自身を磁性部材３１で構成したものである。この磁性部材３１は、永久磁石３０ａと対向する領域に対応した部分に設けられており、現像領域部１９側の軸心１５ａ、１６ａは、上述した磁性部材３１が存在しない状態で構成されている。 (Third embodiment of the present invention)
In this embodiment, in the second embodiment described above, a magnetic member is provided inside the shaft centers 15a and 15b constituting the first and second stirring and conveying members 15 and 16, and the shaft centers 15a and 15b themselves. Is constituted by a magnetic member 31. The magnetic member 31 is provided in a portion corresponding to a region facing the permanent magnet 30a, and the shaft centers 15a and 16a on the developing region portion 19 side are configured in a state where the magnetic member 31 does not exist. .

以上の構成によれば、永久磁石３０ａと、磁性部材３１との間で磁力線が形成される。例えば、永久磁石３０ａの上部磁極と各第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６の軸心の磁性部材３１、３１との間での磁力線、および下部磁極と磁性部材３１、３１との間での磁力線が生じる。この磁力線に沿って現像剤による磁気ブラシが形成される。   According to the above configuration, lines of magnetic force are formed between the permanent magnet 30 a and the magnetic member 31. For example, the lines of magnetic force between the upper magnetic pole of the permanent magnet 30 a and the magnetic members 31, 31 of the first and second stirring and conveying members 15, 16, and between the lower magnetic pole and the magnetic members 31, 31. Magnetic field lines at. A magnetic brush made of a developer is formed along the magnetic field lines.

これにより、上述に説明した第１や第２の実施の形態による構成と同様の作用効果を得ることができる。この実施の形態においても、第２の実施の形態同様、図５で説明した第１の実施の形態の場合に比べ、永久磁石３０が外部に突出しないため、現像装置１０がコンパクトになり、外観の見栄え等も良くなる。   Thereby, the same effect as the structure by the 1st or 2nd embodiment demonstrated above can be acquired. Also in this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, since the permanent magnet 30 does not protrude to the outside as compared with the case of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. The appearance of the will also improve.

以上、第２および第３の実施の形態について説明したが、いずれにおいても上記永久磁石３０は、電磁石で構成してもよいことは勿論である。図５に示す実施形態において、図９のように搬送撹拌部材１５，１６の軸に磁性体を設けても良い。   Although the second and third embodiments have been described above, it goes without saying that the permanent magnet 30 may be composed of an electromagnet in any case. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a magnetic body may be provided on the shafts of the conveyance stirring members 15 and 16 as shown in FIG. 9.

以下に、上述した本発明の現像装置１０の構成よる効果を確認するために、トナー補給における撹拌状態等を実験により求めた例を実施例として記載する。また、これと対比するために以下に図１２および図１３で説明した構成の現像装置を用いた例を比較例として記載する。   Hereinafter, in order to confirm the effect of the configuration of the developing device 10 of the present invention described above, an example in which the stirring state in toner replenishment and the like is obtained by experiment will be described as an example. For comparison, an example using the developing device having the configuration described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 will be described as a comparative example.

（実施例１）
本実施例における現像剤２としては、トナーとして平均粒径（重量平均粒径）６．５μｍのマイナス帯電トナーを用い、キャリアとして飽和磁化が７００emu／cm３の平均粒径（体積平均粒径）４５μｍの磁性キャリアを用いた。 Example 1
As the developer 2 in this embodiment, a negatively charged toner having an average particle diameter (weight average particle diameter) of 6.5 μm is used as a toner, and an average particle diameter (volume average particle diameter) having a saturation magnetization of 700 emu / cm 3 as a carrier. A 45 μm magnetic carrier was used.

本実験例の磁界発生部材は、現像装置１０の延出領域部２０の下方外壁に図５に示すようにして固設し、その磁力は８０（ｍＴ）の焼結フェライト磁石を用いた。   The magnetic field generating member of this experimental example was fixed to the lower outer wall of the extension region 20 of the developing device 10 as shown in FIG. 5, and a sintered ferrite magnet having a magnetic force of 80 (mT) was used.

また、現像ローラ１１の現像スリーブ１１ａとしては、外径２５ｍｍのステンレス製スリーブである。現像剤の搬送を良好に行うために、現像スリーブ１１ａの表面には、例えば適度な凹凸を設けることが好ましく、その表面荒さがＲｚ（ＪＩＳ Ｂ ０６０１：十点平均粗さ）＝５〜１０μｍ程度になるようにブラスト処理されている。   The developing sleeve 11a of the developing roller 11 is a stainless steel sleeve having an outer diameter of 25 mm. In order to transport the developer satisfactorily, the surface of the developing sleeve 11a is preferably provided with, for example, moderate unevenness, and the surface roughness is approximately Rz (JIS B 0601: 10-point average roughness) = 5 to 10 μm. It has been blasted to become.

現像スリーブ１１ａの回転速度は、５１０ｒｐｍであり、また、現像スリーブ１１ａの軸方向の長さは３２４ｍｍである。   The rotation speed of the developing sleeve 11a is 510 rpm, and the axial length of the developing sleeve 11a is 324 mm.

また、第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材１５、１６は、図２に示す方向にそれぞれ２５０ｒｐｍで回転駆動し、羽根部材１５ｂ、１６ｂに代えてスクリュー構成とし、そのスクリューのピッチを２５ｍｍに設定し、投影外径を２０ｍｍに設定したものを用いた。   The first and second agitating / conveying members 15 and 16 are each driven to rotate at 250 rpm in the direction shown in FIG. 2 and have a screw configuration instead of the blade members 15b and 16b. The pitch of the screws is set to 25 mm. A projection outer diameter set to 20 mm was used.

以上の構造の現像装置１０における現像剤容器９に充填する現像剤の量としては、上記撹拌部材であるスクリュー１５ｂ、１６ｂの投影外径の７０％が埋まるようにした。この充填した現像剤のトナー濃度は、７重量％に設定されている。   In the developing device 10 having the above-described structure, 70% of the projected outer diameter of the screws 15b and 16b, which are the stirring members, is filled with the developer container 9 filled. The toner concentration of the filled developer is set to 7% by weight.

さらに、延出領域部２０の延出搬送領域２１側へのトナーを補給として、該延出領域部２０でのトナー濃度が９重量％となるような量のトナー補給を行った。   Further, toner was replenished in an amount such that the toner concentration in the extended region 20 was 9% by weight as replenishment of toner to the extended conveyance region 21 side of the extended region 20.

そこで、第１及び第２の各撹拌搬送部材１５，１６をそれぞれ上述した速度で回転させて、現像剤２を第１及び第２の現像剤搬送領域１３，１４及び第１及び第２の延出搬送領域２１，２２において搬送させ、現像剤２中におけるトナー濃度の変化を調べた。   Therefore, the first and second agitating / conveying members 15 and 16 are rotated at the speeds described above, respectively, so that the developer 2 is supplied to the first and second developer conveying regions 13 and 14 and the first and second extension members. A change in toner density in the developer 2 was examined by conveying in the out-conveying areas 21 and 22.

現像剤２中におけるトナー濃度の変化を調べるにあたっては、現像剤２を現像スリーブ１１ａに供給する第１の撹拌搬送部材１５での搬送方向最上流側の現像スリーブ１１ａ端部から３０ｍｍ離れたＡ点、１１０ｍｍ離れたＢ点、１９０ｍｍ離れたＣ点、２７０ｍｍ離れたＤ点で、それぞれ３秒後、９秒後、１５秒後、２５秒、３０後におけるトナー濃度のバラツキσとトナー帯電量を調べた。   In examining the change in the toner density in the developer 2, the point A is 30 mm away from the end of the developing sleeve 11a on the most upstream side in the transport direction of the first agitation transport member 15 that supplies the developer 2 to the developing sleeve 11a. Toner density variation σ and toner charge amount after 3 seconds, 9 seconds, 15 seconds, 25 seconds, and 30 seconds at point B, 110 mm away, point C 190 mm away, and point D 270 mm away It was.

そこで、より短時間にてバラツキσが小さく一定になり、帯電量が早く立ち上がれば混合撹拌能力が高いことになる。本発明の現像装置１０を用いた場合のトナー濃度バラツキ結果を図１０及びトナー帯電量を図１１に示した。   Therefore, if the variation σ becomes small and constant in a shorter time and the charge amount rises quickly, the mixing and stirring ability is high. FIG. 10 shows the toner density variation results when using the developing device 10 of the present invention, and FIG. 11 shows the toner charge amount.

（実施例２）
次に、第２の実施の形態において説明した通り、磁界発生部材である永久磁石を、図８に示すように、延出領域部２０の仕切り壁２４の内部に設けた以外、実施例１と同様の構成とした現像装置で、同様の測定を行った。その結果を、図１０及び図１１に示した。 (Example 2)
Next, as described in the second embodiment, the permanent magnet, which is a magnetic field generating member, is provided in the partition wall 24 of the extended region 20 as shown in FIG. The same measurement was performed with a developing device having the same configuration. The results are shown in FIG. 10 and FIG.

（比較例）
次に、本発明の現像装置１０と対比するために、従来技術として説明した図１２、図１３に示す構造の現像装置で実験を行った。実験については、現像剤、現像ローラ、特に現像スリーブの構成については、全く同一としている。また、第１および第２の撹拌搬送部材、現像剤容器においては、本発明の現像装置における撹拌領域部２０が存在しない以外は同一状態で、トナー補給位置としては、第１の撹拌搬送部材１５０にて現像剤を搬送する最下流の近傍、特に現像剤が第２の撹拌搬送部材１６０へと送り込む部分に対応した位置で行った。 (Comparative example)
Next, for comparison with the developing device 10 of the present invention, an experiment was conducted with the developing device having the structure shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 described as the prior art. Regarding the experiment, the configurations of the developer, the developing roller, and particularly the developing sleeve are exactly the same. The first and second agitating / conveying members and developer containers are in the same state except that the agitating region portion 20 in the developing device of the present invention does not exist. In the vicinity of the most downstream side where the developer is conveyed, particularly at the position corresponding to the portion where the developer is fed into the second agitating and conveying member 160.

また、図１３に示すように測定点Ａ〜Ｄにおいても実施例１と同一位置に設定して測定を行った。その結果を、図１０及び図１１に示した。   Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the measurement points A to D were also set at the same positions as in Example 1 and measured. The results are shown in FIG. 10 and FIG.

（参考例）
また、本発明による現像装置１０において、磁界発生部材を設けない場合のバラツキσや、トナー帯電量がどのような状態になるかを参考例として実験を行った。この場合、上述したように磁界発生部材を設ける以外は、全てにおいて実施例１と同様の構成とした。その結果を、図１０及び図１１に示した。 (Reference example)
Further, in the developing device 10 according to the present invention, an experiment was performed with reference to a variation σ when the magnetic field generating member is not provided and the state of the toner charge amount. In this case, the configuration was the same as in Example 1 except that the magnetic field generating member was provided as described above. The results are shown in FIG. 10 and FIG.

なお、バラツキ（標準偏差）σは、下式のように、数値データの平均値と各データの差を２乗した値を足して、データ数で割り平方根をとった値。   The variation (standard deviation) σ is a value obtained by adding the value obtained by squaring the average value of numerical data and the difference between each data, and dividing the square root by the number of data, as in the following equation.

Figure 0004551861
ここで、Ｎはデータ数、Ｘｋはデータ値である。
Figure 0004551861
 Here, N is the number of data and X k is a data value.

以上の結果、図１０および図１１に示すように、本発明の現像装置（実施例1、２）によれば、補給されたトナーが速やかに現像剤２全体に均一に分散され、Ａ点〜Ｄ点におけるトナー濃度が早く均一な状態になり、かつ帯電量が早く立ち上がるとった結果を得た。   As a result of the above, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, according to the developing device (Examples 1 and 2) of the present invention, the replenished toner is quickly and uniformly dispersed throughout the developer 2, As a result, the toner density at point D quickly became uniform and the charge amount rose quickly.

それに比べ図１０および図１１に示すように従来の現像装置（比較例１）によれば、Ａ点〜Ｄ点におけるトナー濃度に大きなバラツキが生じていた。さらに十分な帯電がなされていなかった。   In contrast, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, according to the conventional developing device (Comparative Example 1), the toner density at points A to D was greatly varied. Furthermore, sufficient charge was not made.

また参考例の場合、本発明の現像装置１０から磁界発生部材を取り除いた構成では、均一になる時間が、上記比較例１より十分に早くなるが、実施例１や２の磁界発生部材を設けるものに比べて多少時間がかかっている。また、参考例による現像装置によれば、帯電量の立ち上がりについては、比較例１に比べれば大きく改善されているが、さらに本発明による実施例１および２のものと比べれば多少遅くなっている。   In the case of the reference example, in the configuration in which the magnetic field generating member is removed from the developing device 10 of the present invention, the uniform time is sufficiently faster than the comparative example 1, but the magnetic field generating members of Examples 1 and 2 are provided. It takes some time compared to things. Further, according to the developing device according to the reference example, the rise of the charge amount is greatly improved as compared with Comparative Example 1, but is slightly slower than those of Examples 1 and 2 according to the present invention. .

従って、本発明の現像装置１０は、磁界発生部材を延出領域部２０に設けることで、補給されたトナーが均一に現像ローラ１１の軸方向においてほぼ均一な分布状態を示す結果が得られ、トナーの分散状態が良好に行われかつ、帯電量の立ち上がりも早い。   Therefore, in the developing device 10 of the present invention, by providing the magnetic field generating member in the extension region portion 20, a result is obtained that the replenished toner is uniformly distributed in the axial direction of the developing roller 11. The toner is well dispersed and the charge amount rises quickly.

よって、各実施の形態において説明したように、補給トナーがほぼ均一な状態で分布される時間が改善され、トナーの帯電特性も合せて改善されることが理解できる。その結果、安定した良好な印字性能が期待できる。   Therefore, as described in each embodiment, it can be understood that the time during which the replenishment toner is distributed in a substantially uniform state is improved, and the charging characteristics of the toner are also improved. As a result, stable and good printing performance can be expected.

本発明の現像装置が適応された画像形成装置の一例を示す構成図。1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus to which a developing device of the present invention is applied. 本発明の現像装置の断面構成図。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of the developing device of the present invention. 本発明の第１の実施の形態にかかる現像装置の平面構成図。FIG. 2 is a plan configuration diagram of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の現像剤せき止め板の構造を説明する図３の切断線Ａ−Ａ面にける断面図。Sectional drawing in the cutting plane AA surface of FIG. 3 explaining the structure of the developer retaining board of this invention. 本発明の第１の実施の形態にかかる磁界発生部材の構造を説明する図３の切断線Ｂ−Ｂ面にける断面図。Sectional drawing in the cutting plane BB surface of FIG. 3 explaining the structure of the magnetic field generation member concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の現像剤せき止め板の他の構成を説明する断面図。Sectional drawing explaining the other structure of the developer retaining board of this invention. 本発明の現像剤せき止め板に対応する位置での撹拌搬送部材の構成の一例を示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure of the stirring conveyance member in the position corresponding to the developer retaining board of this invention. 本発明の第２の実施の形態にかかる現像装置の磁界発生部材の配置構造を説明する断面図。Sectional drawing explaining the arrangement structure of the magnetic field generation member of the developing device concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第３の実施の形態にかかる現像装置の磁界発生部材の配置構造を説明する断面図。Sectional drawing explaining the arrangement structure of the magnetic field generation member of the developing device concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明における現像装置の実施例及び従来の現像装置における比較例にかかる現像剤の各混合時間とトナー濃度バラツキσとの関係を示す特性図。FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship between developer mixing times and toner density variation σ according to an example of a developing device of the present invention and a comparative example of a conventional developing device. 本発明における現像装置の実施例及び比較例にかかる現像剤の各混合時間と４点の平均帯電量との関係を示す特性図。FIG. 6 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between developer mixing times and average charge amounts at four points according to examples and comparative examples of the developing device according to the present invention. 従来の現像装置の断面構成図。FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of a conventional developing device. 従来の現像装置の平面構成図。FIG. 6 is a plan configuration diagram of a conventional developing device.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ 感光ドラム
２ 現像剤
９ 現像剤容器
１０ 現像装置
１１ 現像スリーブ
１２ 仕切り壁
１３ 第１の現像剤搬送領域
１４ 第２の現像剤搬送領域
１５ 第１の撹拌搬送部材
１６ 第２の撹拌搬送部材
１７ 規制部材
１８ 現像剤せき止め板
１９ 現像領域部
２０ 延出領域部
２１ 第１の延出搬送領域
２２ 第２の延出搬送領域
２４ （延出部）仕切り壁
３０ 永久磁石（磁界発生部材）
３０ａ 永久磁石（磁界発生部材）
３１ 磁性部材
４０ 磁気ブラシ
１０５ トナー補給装置
１１１ 給紙カセット
１１２ 供給ローラ
１１３ レジストローラ
１１５ トナー補給装置
１１６ 転写ローラ
１１７ 定着装置 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photosensitive drum 2 Developer 9 Developer container 10 Developing apparatus 11 Developing sleeve 12 Partition wall 13 1st developer conveyance area 14 2nd developer conveyance area 15 1st stirring conveyance member 16 2nd stirring conveyance member 17 Restricting member 18 Developer retaining plate 19 Development area 20 Extension area 21 First extension conveyance area 22 Second extension conveyance area 24 (extension part) Partition wall 30 Permanent magnet (magnetic field generating member)
30a Permanent magnet (magnetic field generating member)
31 Magnetic member 40 Magnetic brush 105 Toner supply device 111 Paper feed cassette 112 Supply roller 113 Registration roller 115 Toner supply device 116 Transfer roller 117 Fixing device

Claims (12)

トナーとキャリアからなる現像剤を収容する現像剤容器と、現像剤を担持する現像剤担持体と、該現像剤担持体の回転軸方向に沿って現像剤を混合撹拌しながら循環搬送する２本の撹拌搬送部材を備えた現像装置であって、
前記現像剤容器は、前記現像剤担持体と対応する現像領域部と、該現像領域部に前記現像剤担持体の軸方向に隣接して設けられた延出領域部とからなり、
前記現像領域部と前記延出領域部とを区分する現像剤せき止め部材を設け、
前記２本の撹拌搬送部材は、互いに現像剤の搬送方向を逆にしてなり、前記現像剤せき止め部材に区分された各現像領域部、延出領域部で、それぞれの現像剤が循環搬送されるように、現像領域部と延出領域部とを連通するように一体的に設けられ、
前記２本の撹拌搬送部材の前記現像領域部および前記延出領域部に対応して、前記２本の撹拌搬送部材の間にそれぞれ仕切り壁を設け、
前記延出領域部に現像剤を拘束するように磁界を発生させる磁界発生部材を備え、
前記延出領域部における現像剤の搬送方向の長さは、前記現像領域部に延出領域部を加えた全体の長さに対して１５％以上に設定されることを特徴とする現像装置。 A developer container for containing a developer composed of toner and a carrier, a developer carrier that carries the developer, and two that circulate and convey the developer while mixing and stirring along the rotation axis direction of the developer carrier. a developing device equipped with a stirring conveying member,
The developer container comprises a development region corresponding to the developer carrier, and an extension region provided adjacent to the development region in the axial direction of the developer carrier,
The developer-flow blocking member for partitioning the said developing region portion the extension region is provided,
The two agitating and conveying members have the developer conveying directions opposite to each other, and each developer is circulated and conveyed in each of the developing area portion and the extending area portion divided into the developer retaining members. As described above, the development region portion and the extension region portion are integrally provided so as to communicate with each other.
Corresponding to the development region portion and the extension region portion of the two agitating and conveying members, a partition wall is provided between the two agitating and conveying members,
Comprising a magnetic field generating member Ru to generate a magnetic field so as to restrain the developer to the extension region,
The length of the developer conveying direction in the extension region is set to 15% or more with respect to the total length of the development region plus the extension region . 前記磁界発生部材を前記延出領域部の現像剤容器下方の外側に備えたことを特徴とする請求項１記載の現像装置。   The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field generating member is provided outside the extended region portion below the developer container. 前記延出領域部の仕切り壁に磁界発生部材を備えたことを特徴とする請求項１記載の現像装置。 A developing device according to claim 1, further comprising a magnetic field generating member on the partition wall of the extension region. 前記延出領域部に対応する撹拌搬送部材の軸に磁性体を設け、または、該軸を磁性体により構成したことを特徴とする請求項２または３に記載の現像装置。 The extension of the magnetic body provided on the shaft of the agitation conveying member corresponding to the area part, or developing device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that to constitute a shaft of a magnetic material. 前記磁界発生部材は、固定磁石であることを特徴とする請求項１〜３のいずれか１つに記載の現像装置。 Wherein the magnetic field generating member, a developing device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the fixed magnet. 前記磁界発生部材は、電磁石であることを特徴とする請求項１〜３のいずれか１つに記載の現像装置。 Wherein the magnetic field generating member, a developing device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the electromagnet. トナー補給部分を現像剤容器の延出領域部に対応して設けたことを特徴とする請求項１記載の現像装置。   2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the toner replenishing portion is provided corresponding to the extended region portion of the developer container. 前記延出領域部を前記現像剤担持体に対向する撹拌搬送部材における現像剤の搬送方向下流側に設けたことを特徴とする請求項１記載の現像装置。 A developing device according to claim 1, characterized in that provided on the downstream side of the developer in the agitating and conveying member facing the extension region to said developer carrying member. 前記撹拌搬送部材の回転軸の周りが螺旋状のスクリュー形状の撹拌部材を設けたことを特徴とする請求項１記載の現像装置。 A developing device according to claim 1, wherein the axis of rotation of the agitation conveying member is provided with a stirring member of a spiral screw shape. 前記現像剤せき止め部材の一端が、一方の撹拌搬送部材の外周部より内に食い込み、且つ現像剤せき止め部材の他端は、他の撹拌搬送部材の外周部より内に食い込みむように構成された請求項１記載の現像装置。 One end of the developer-flow blocking member, bites into the inner from the outer peripheral portion of one 撹拌conveying member, and the other end of the developer-flow blocking member is configured useless bite the inner from the outer peripheral portion of the other撹拌conveying member The developing device according to claim 1 . 前記現像領域部と延出領域部とを連通させ、間に現像剤搬送方向に垂直な前記現像剤せき止め部材は、前記撹拌搬送部材の外形より大きい穴形状であることを特徴とする請求項１記載の現像装置。 Wherein the developing region portion and communicates with the extension region, perpendicular the developer damming member in the developer conveying direction between the, characterized in that before a larger hole shape than the outer shape of the Ki撹拌conveying member Item 2. The developing device according to Item 1 . 請求項１〜１１のいずれか１つに記載の現像装置を備えた画像形成装置。 Image forming apparatus including a developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
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