JP6627735B2 - Stirring / conveying member, developing device having the same, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Stirring / conveying member, developing device having the same, and image forming apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
JP6627735B2
JP6627735B2 JP2016242066A JP2016242066A JP6627735B2 JP 6627735 B2 JP6627735 B2 JP 6627735B2 JP 2016242066 A JP2016242066 A JP 2016242066A JP 2016242066 A JP2016242066 A JP 2016242066A JP 6627735 B2 JP6627735 B2 JP 6627735B2
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
spiral blade
stirring
developer
spiral
conveying member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
JP2016242066A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP2018097174A (en
Inventor
浩二 末浪
浩二 末浪
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kyocera Document Solutions Inc
Original Assignee
Kyocera Document Solutions Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kyocera Document Solutions Inc filed Critical Kyocera Document Solutions Inc
Priority to JP2016242066A priority Critical patent/JP6627735B2/en
Priority to US15/835,860 priority patent/US10156812B2/en
Publication of JP2018097174A publication Critical patent/JP2018097174A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP6627735B2 publication Critical patent/JP6627735B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Description

本発明は、現像剤等の粉体を攪拌しながら搬送する攪拌搬送部材及びそれを備えた現像装置、並びに現像装置が搭載された画像形成装置に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a stirring and conveying member for conveying a powder such as a developer while stirring, a developing device having the same, and an image forming apparatus equipped with the developing device.

画像形成装置においては、感光体等からなる像担持体上に形成した潜像を、現像装置により現像しトナー像として可視化することを行っている。このような現像装置の一つとして、二成分現像剤を用いる二成分現像方式が採用されている。この種の現像装置は、現像容器内にキャリアとトナーとからなる現像剤を収容し、像担持体に現像剤を供給する現像ローラーを配設するとともに、現像容器内部の現像剤を攪拌しながら搬送して現像ローラーへと供給する攪拌搬送部材を配設している。   In an image forming apparatus, a latent image formed on an image carrier such as a photoreceptor is developed by a developing device and visualized as a toner image. As one of such developing devices, a two-component developing method using a two-component developer is adopted. This type of developing device accommodates a developer consisting of a carrier and a toner in a developing container, and arranges a developing roller for supplying the developer to the image carrier, while stirring the developer inside the developing container. A stirring and conveying member for conveying and supplying the developing roller is provided.

二成分現像方式では、トナーの帯電量が十分でない場合にトナー飛散やカブリ現象等の画像不良が発生することがある。そのため、トナーとキャリアとを十分に攪拌混合してトナーを所定の帯電量まで帯電させる必要がある。   In the two-component developing method, when the charge amount of the toner is not sufficient, image defects such as toner scattering and fogging may occur. Therefore, it is necessary to sufficiently stir and mix the toner and the carrier to charge the toner to a predetermined charge amount.

そこで、特許文献１には、軸部材と、軸部材の回転に伴って粉体を軸線方向一方側の第１方向に搬送する主搬送羽根と、軸部材の回転に伴って粉体の一部に対して軸線方向他方側の第２方向への搬送作用を生じさせる副搬送手段とを備えた粉体攪拌搬送部材が開示されており、副搬送手段として、主搬送羽根よりも小径で逆巻き（逆位相）の副搬送羽根が例示されている。   Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a shaft member, a main conveyance blade that conveys powder in a first direction on one side in the axial direction with the rotation of the shaft member, and a part of the powder with the rotation of the shaft member. A powder agitating and conveying member having a sub-conveying means for causing a conveying action in the second direction on the other side in the axial direction with respect to the main conveying blade is disclosed. (Opposite phase) sub-transport blades are illustrated.

また、特許文献２には、回転軸と、回転軸の外周面に形成され、回転軸の回転により粉体を軸方向に搬送する第１螺旋羽根と、第１螺旋羽根の形成領域と重なるように回転軸の外周面に形成され、第１螺旋羽根と逆位相であり、且つ第１螺旋羽根よりも径方向高さが低い第２螺旋羽根と、を有する攪拌搬送部材であり、第１螺旋羽根及び第２螺旋羽根は、螺旋羽根の長さ方向を横断する断面形状が台形状であり、第１螺旋羽根および第２螺旋羽根には、それぞれ回転軸を１周する間において台形の底面部分が他の部分よりも膨らんだ複数の第１膨張部および第２膨張部が形成されており、回転軸を１周する間において第１膨張部の少なくとも１箇所で第１螺旋羽根と第２螺旋羽根とが交差する攪拌搬送部材が開示されている。   Patent Document 2 discloses that a rotating shaft, a first spiral blade formed on an outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft, and which conveys powder in the axial direction by rotation of the rotating shaft, and a region where the first spiral blade is formed overlap. A second spiral blade formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft, having a phase opposite to that of the first spiral blade, and having a lower radial height than the first spiral blade. The blade and the second spiral blade have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape that crosses the length direction of the spiral blade, and the first spiral blade and the second spiral blade each have a trapezoidal bottom portion during one rotation of the rotation axis. Are formed to have a plurality of first inflatable portions and a second inflatable portion which are swelled more than other portions, and the first spiral blade and the second spiral are formed in at least one place of the first inflatable portion during one rotation of the rotating shaft. There is disclosed a stirring and conveying member whose blades intersect.

特許文献１および２の構成によれば、第２螺旋羽根（副搬送羽根）によって第１螺旋羽根（主搬送羽根）による現像剤の搬送方向とは逆方向の搬送力が生じるため、搬送される現像剤の一部に対流が生じ、第１螺旋羽根（主搬送羽根）の搬送作用をほとんど阻害することなく攪拌作用が促進される。   According to the configurations of Patent Documents 1 and 2, the second spiral blade (sub-transport blade) generates a transport force in a direction opposite to the developer transport direction by the first spiral blade (main transport blade), so that the developer is transported. Convection occurs in part of the developer, and the agitating action is promoted without substantially inhibiting the transport action of the first spiral blade (main transport blade).

特開２００８−３３１０９号公報JP 2008-33109 A 特開２０１２−１６３７３１号公報JP 2012-163731 A

しかしながら、特許文献１および２の攪拌搬送部材では、第１螺旋羽根と第２螺旋羽根との交点付近において現像剤の滞留が発生する。より詳細には、回転軸（軸部材）の回転方向に対し第１螺旋羽根と第２螺旋羽根との交点の下流側においては、第１螺旋羽根と第２螺旋羽根とで挟まれた領域で現像剤の滞留が発生する。このため、現像剤の攪拌不足が生じ、画像不良が発生する場合がある。   However, in the stirring and conveying members of Patent Literatures 1 and 2, developer stays near the intersection of the first spiral blade and the second spiral blade. More specifically, on the downstream side of the intersection of the first spiral blade and the second spiral blade with respect to the rotation direction of the rotating shaft (shaft member), an area sandwiched between the first spiral blade and the second spiral blade. The stagnation of the developer occurs. For this reason, insufficient stirring of the developer may occur, and image defects may occur.

本発明は、上記のような課題を解決するためになされたものであり、本発明の目的は、粉体の滞留を抑制して攪拌性を向上させることが可能な攪拌搬送部材、及びそれを備えた現像装置並びに画像形成装置を提供することである。   The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a stirring and conveying member capable of suppressing the stagnation of powder and improving stirring properties, and An object of the present invention is to provide a developing device and an image forming device provided with the developing device.

上記目的を達成するために、本発明の第１の構成の攪拌搬送部材は、粉体容器内に回転可能に支持される回転軸と、回転軸の外周面に形成され、回転軸の回転により粉体を軸方向に搬送する第１螺旋羽根と、軸方向において第１螺旋羽根の形成領域と重なるように回転軸の外周面に形成され、第１螺旋羽根と逆位相であり、且つ第１螺旋羽根よりも径方向高さが小さい第２螺旋羽根と、を有する攪拌搬送部材である。第１螺旋羽根は、回転軸を１周する間に少なくとも１箇所で第２螺旋羽根と交差するとともに、第２螺旋羽根との交点から第１螺旋羽根の粉体搬送方向上流側の所定の範囲に、切り欠きが形成されており、第１螺旋羽根の切り欠きが形成された部分の径方向高さは、第２螺旋羽根の径方向高さよりも小さい。   In order to achieve the above object, a stirring and conveying member having a first configuration according to the present invention includes a rotating shaft rotatably supported in a powder container, and an outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft. A first spiral blade that conveys the powder in the axial direction, and a first spiral blade that is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft so as to overlap with the formation region of the first spiral blade in the axial direction, has a phase opposite to that of the first spiral blade, and And a second spiral blade having a radial height smaller than that of the spiral blade. The first spiral blade intersects with the second spiral blade at least at one position during one rotation of the rotation axis, and a predetermined range from the intersection with the second spiral blade on the upstream side in the powder conveying direction of the first spiral blade. The first spiral blade has a notch formed therein, and the radial height of the notched portion of the first spiral blade is smaller than the radial height of the second spiral blade.

本発明の第１の構成の攪拌搬送部材によれば、第１螺旋羽根は、第２螺旋羽根との交点から第１螺旋羽根の粉体搬送方向上流側の所定の範囲に、切り欠きが形成されており、第１螺旋羽根の切り欠きが形成された部分の径方向高さは、第２螺旋羽根の径方向高さよりも小さい。これにより、回転軸の回転方向に対し第１螺旋羽根と第２螺旋羽根との交点の下流側近傍の領域の粉体は、切り欠きを通過して分散する。このため、粉体の滞留を抑制して攪拌性を向上させることができる。   According to the stirring and conveying member of the first configuration of the present invention, the first spiral blade has a notch in a predetermined range on the upstream side in the powder conveying direction of the first spiral blade from the intersection with the second spiral blade. The radial height of the portion of the first spiral blade where the notch is formed is smaller than the radial height of the second spiral blade. Thereby, the powder in the region near the downstream side of the intersection of the first spiral blade and the second spiral blade with respect to the rotation direction of the rotating shaft passes through the notch and is dispersed. For this reason, stagnation of a powder can be suppressed and stirring performance can be improved.

本発明の現像装置２ａ〜２ｄが搭載された画像形成装置１の全体構成を示す概略図FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 on which developing devices 2a to 2d of the present invention are mounted. 本発明の攪拌搬送部材である第１スパイラル４３および第２スパイラル４４が搭載された現像装置２ａの側面断面図Side sectional view of the developing device 2a on which the first spiral 43 and the second spiral 44 as the stirring and conveying member of the present invention are mounted. 本発明の現像装置２ａの攪拌部を示す平面断面図Sectional plan view showing the stirring section of the developing device 2a of the present invention. 本発明の攪拌搬送部材である第１スパイラル４３を回転軸４３ｂに垂直な方向から見た部分拡大図A partially enlarged view of the first spiral 43, which is the stirring and conveying member of the present invention, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft 43b. 本発明の攪拌搬送部材である第１スパイラル４３を回転軸４３ｂに垂直な方向から見た部分拡大図A partially enlarged view of the first spiral 43, which is the stirring and conveying member of the present invention, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft 43b.

以下、本発明の実施形態について図面を参照して説明する。   Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

図１は、本発明の現像装置２ａ〜２ｄが搭載された画像形成装置１の概略断面図であり、ここではタンデム方式のカラープリンターについて示している。画像形成装置１内には各色の可視像（トナー像）を担持する感光体ドラム１１ａ、１１ｂ、１１ｃ及び１１ｄがそれぞれ配設されており、それぞれ帯電、露光、現像及び転写の各工程によりシアン、マゼンタ、イエロー及びブラックの画像を順次形成する。さらに、図１において時計回り方向に回転する中間転写ベルト１７が感光体ドラム１１ａ〜１１ｄを含む各画像形成部に隣接して設けられている。   FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus 1 on which developing devices 2a to 2d of the present invention are mounted. Here, a tandem type color printer is shown. Photoconductor drums 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d each carrying a visible image (toner image) of each color are provided in the image forming apparatus 1, and each of the photosensitive drums 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d is charged with cyan, charged, exposed, developed and transferred. , Magenta, yellow and black images are sequentially formed. Further, an intermediate transfer belt 17 that rotates clockwise in FIG. 1 is provided adjacent to each image forming unit including the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d.

パソコン等の上位装置から画像データが入力されると、先ず、帯電器１３ａ〜１３ｄによって感光体ドラム１１ａ〜１１ｄの表面を一様に帯電させる。次いで露光装置１２によって画像データに応じて光照射し、各感光体ドラム１１ａ〜１１ｄ上に画像データに応じた静電潜像を形成する。現像装置２ａ〜２ｄには、トナーコンテナ（図示せず）によりシアン、マゼンタ、イエロー及びブラックの各色のトナーを含む二成分現像剤（以下、単に現像剤ともいう）が所定量充填されており、現像装置２ａ〜２ｄによって感光体ドラム１１ａ〜１１ｄ上に現像剤中のトナーが供給され、静電的に付着する。これにより、露光装置１２からの露光により形成された静電潜像に応じたトナー像が形成される。   When image data is input from a host device such as a personal computer, first, the chargers 13a to 13d uniformly charge the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d. Next, the exposure device 12 irradiates light according to the image data to form an electrostatic latent image on each of the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d according to the image data. Each of the developing devices 2a to 2d is filled with a predetermined amount of a two-component developer (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a developer) including toners of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black by a toner container (not shown). The toner in the developer is supplied onto the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d by the developing devices 2a to 2d, and electrostatically adheres. As a result, a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image formed by exposure from the exposure device 12 is formed.

そして、一次転写ローラー２６ａ〜２６ｄにより一次転写ローラー２６ａ〜２６ｄと感光体ドラム１１ａ〜１１ｄとの間に所定の転写電圧で電界が付与され、感光体ドラム１１ａ〜１１ｄ上のシアン、マゼンタ、イエロー及びブラックのトナー像が中間転写ベルト１７上に一次転写される。一次転写後に感光体ドラム１１ａ〜１１ｄの表面に残留したトナー等はクリーニング装置１４ａ〜１４ｄにより除去される。   Then, an electric field is applied at a predetermined transfer voltage between the primary transfer rollers 26a to 26d and the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d by the primary transfer rollers 26a to 26d, and cyan, magenta, yellow, and the like on the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d. The black toner image is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 17. After the primary transfer, the toner and the like remaining on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d are removed by the cleaning devices 14a to 14d.

トナー像が転写される転写紙Ｓは、画像形成装置１内の下部に配置された用紙カセット３２内に収容されており、給紙ローラー３３ａおよびレジストローラー対３３ｂを介して転写紙Ｓが所定のタイミングで中間転写ベルト１７に隣接して設けられた二次転写ローラー３４と中間転写ベルト１７のニップ部（二次転写ニップ部）へ搬送される。トナー像が二次転写された転写紙Ｓは定着部１８へと搬送される。二次転写後に中間転写ベルト１７の表面に残留したトナー等はベルトクリーニング装置３１により除去される。   The transfer paper S to which the toner image is transferred is accommodated in a paper cassette 32 arranged at a lower part in the image forming apparatus 1, and the transfer paper S is supplied to a predetermined position via a paper feed roller 33a and a registration roller pair 33b. At a timing, the sheet is conveyed to the nip portion (secondary transfer nip portion) of the secondary transfer roller 34 provided adjacent to the intermediate transfer belt 17 and the intermediate transfer belt 17. The transfer paper S on which the toner image has been secondarily transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 18. The toner and the like remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 17 after the secondary transfer are removed by the belt cleaning device 31.

定着部１８に搬送された転写紙Ｓは、加熱及び加圧されてトナー像が転写紙Ｓの表面に定着され、所定のフルカラー画像が形成される。フルカラー画像が形成された転写紙Ｓは、そのまま（或いは分岐部３９によって反転搬送路４０に振り分けられ、両面に画像が形成された後）排出ローラー対１９によって排出トレイ３７に排出される。   The transfer sheet S conveyed to the fixing unit 18 is heated and pressed to fix the toner image on the surface of the transfer sheet S, thereby forming a predetermined full-color image. The transfer paper S on which the full-color image is formed is discharged to the discharge tray 37 by the discharge roller pair 19 as it is (or after being distributed to the reversing conveyance path 40 by the branching section 39 and forming images on both sides).

図２は、本発明の現像装置２ａの構成を示す側面断面図である。なお、以下の説明では、図１に示す感光体ドラム１１ａに対応する現像装置２ａの構成及び動作について説明するが、現像装置２ｂ〜２ｄの構成及び動作については現像装置２ａと同様であり、説明を省略する。   FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the developing device 2a of the present invention. In the following description, the configuration and operation of the developing device 2a corresponding to the photosensitive drum 11a shown in FIG. 1 will be described. However, the configuration and operation of the developing devices 2b to 2d are the same as those of the developing device 2a. Is omitted.

図２に示すように、現像装置２ａは、現像ローラー２０と、磁気ローラー（現像剤担持体）２１と、規制ブレード２４と、攪拌搬送部材４２、及び現像容器（粉体容器）２２等により構成されている。   As shown in FIG. 2, the developing device 2a includes a developing roller 20, a magnetic roller (developer carrier) 21, a regulating blade 24, a stirring and conveying member 42, a developing container (powder container) 22, and the like. Have been.

現像容器２２は、現像装置２ａの外郭を構成し、その下部で仕切り部２２ｂによって第１搬送室２２ｃと第２搬送室２２ｄに仕切っている。第１搬送室２２ｃ及び第２搬送室２２ｄには、キャリアとトナーからなる現像剤が収容される。また、現像容器２２は、攪拌搬送部材４２と磁気ローラー２１及び現像ローラー２０を回転可能に保持している。更に、現像容器２２には、現像ローラー２０を感光体ドラム１１ａに向けて露出させる開口２２ａが形成されている。   The developing container 22 forms an outer shell of the developing device 2a, and is partitioned into a first transfer chamber 22c and a second transfer chamber 22d by a partition portion 22b at a lower portion thereof. In the first transfer chamber 22c and the second transfer chamber 22d, a developer including a carrier and a toner is stored. Further, the developing container 22 rotatably holds the stirring and conveying member 42, the magnetic roller 21, and the developing roller 20. Further, the developing container 22 has an opening 22a for exposing the developing roller 20 toward the photosensitive drum 11a.

現像ローラー２０は、感光体ドラム１１ａに対向し、一定の間隔を設けて感光体ドラム１１ａの右方に配設される。また、現像ローラー２０は、感光体ドラム１１ａに接近した対向位置において、感光体ドラム１１ａにトナーを供給する現像領域Ｄを形成している。磁気ローラー２１は、一定の間隔を設けて現像ローラー２０に対向し、現像ローラー２０の右斜め下方に配設される。また、磁気ローラー２１は、現像ローラー２０に接近した対向位置において、現像ローラー２０にトナーを供給する。攪拌搬送部材４２は磁気ローラー２１の略下方に配設される。また、規制ブレード２４は磁気ローラー２１の左斜め下方にて現像容器２２に固定保持されている。   The developing roller 20 faces the photoconductor drum 11a, and is disposed on the right side of the photoconductor drum 11a at a predetermined interval. The developing roller 20 forms a developing area D for supplying toner to the photosensitive drum 11a at a position facing the photosensitive drum 11a. The magnetic roller 21 faces the developing roller 20 at a predetermined interval, and is disposed diagonally below and to the right of the developing roller 20. The magnetic roller 21 supplies the toner to the developing roller 20 at a position facing the developing roller 20. The stirring and conveying member 42 is disposed substantially below the magnetic roller 21. Further, the regulating blade 24 is fixedly held on the developing container 22 at an obliquely lower left side of the magnetic roller 21.

攪拌搬送部材４２は、第１スパイラル（第１攪拌搬送部材）４３と第２スパイラル（第２攪拌搬送部材）４４の２本で構成される。第２スパイラル４４が磁気ローラー２１の下方で、第２搬送室２２ｄ内に設けられ、第１スパイラル４３が第２スパイラル４４の右方に隣接して、第１搬送室２２ｃ内に設けられる。   The stirring / conveying member 42 is composed of a first spiral (first stirring / conveying member) 43 and a second spiral (second stirring / conveying member) 44. A second spiral 44 is provided below the magnetic roller 21 in the second transfer chamber 22d, and a first spiral 43 is provided in the first transfer chamber 22c adjacent to the right of the second spiral 44.

第１及び第２スパイラル４３、４４は現像剤を攪拌して現像剤中のトナーを所定のレベルに帯電させる。これによりトナーはキャリアに保持される。また、第１搬送室２２ｃと第２搬送室２２ｄを仕切る仕切り部２２ｂの長手方向（図２の紙面表裏方向）の両端部分には、連通部（図略）が設けられており、第１スパイラル４３が回転すると、帯電した現像剤が仕切り部２２ｂに設けた一方の連通部から第２スパイラル４４に搬送され、現像剤が第１搬送室２２ｃ内と第２搬送室２２ｄ内とを循環する。そして、第２スパイラル４４から磁気ローラー２１に現像剤が供給される。   The first and second spirals 43 and 44 stir the developer to charge the toner in the developer to a predetermined level. As a result, the toner is held on the carrier. In addition, communicating portions (not shown) are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction (the direction of the front and back in FIG. 2) of the partition portion 22b that partitions the first transfer chamber 22c and the second transfer chamber 22d. When 43 rotates, the charged developer is transported to the second spiral 44 from one of the communicating portions provided in the partition portion 22b, and the developer circulates in the first transport chamber 22c and the second transport chamber 22d. Then, the developer is supplied to the magnetic roller 21 from the second spiral 44.

磁気ローラー２１は、ローラー軸２１ａと磁極部材Ｍ及び非磁性材からなる非磁性スリーブ２１ｂを備え、攪拌搬送部材４２により供給された現像剤を担持し、担持した現像剤からトナーのみを現像ローラー２０に供給するものである。磁極部材Ｍは、断面扇形に形成された外周部の極性の異なる複数の磁石が交互に配設され、ローラー軸２１ａに接着等により固着される。ローラー軸２１ａは、非磁性スリーブ２１ｂ内で、磁極部材Ｍと非磁性スリーブ２１ｂの間に所定の間隔を設けて、現像容器２２に回転不能に支持される。非磁性スリーブ２１ｂは、図示しないモーターと歯車からなる駆動機構により、現像ローラー２０と同方向（図２の時計回り方向）に回転し、また直流電圧５６ａに交流電圧５６ｂを重畳したバイアス５６を印加される。非磁性スリーブ２１ｂ表面において、帯電した現像剤は磁極部材Ｍの磁力によって磁気ブラシを形成して担持され、磁気ブラシは規制ブレード２４によって所定の高さに調節される。   The magnetic roller 21 includes a roller shaft 21a, a magnetic pole member M, and a non-magnetic sleeve 21b made of a non-magnetic material. The magnetic roller 21 carries the developer supplied by the stirring / conveying member 42. To supply. The magnetic pole member M is formed by alternately arranging a plurality of magnets having different polarities in the outer peripheral portion formed in a sector shape in cross section, and is fixed to the roller shaft 21a by bonding or the like. The roller shaft 21a is non-rotatably supported by the developing container 22 with a predetermined interval provided between the magnetic pole member M and the non-magnetic sleeve 21b within the non-magnetic sleeve 21b. The nonmagnetic sleeve 21b is rotated in the same direction as the developing roller 20 (clockwise direction in FIG. 2) by a driving mechanism including a motor and gears (not shown), and a bias 56 in which an AC voltage 56b is superimposed on a DC voltage 56a is applied. Is done. On the surface of the non-magnetic sleeve 21b, the charged developer is carried by forming a magnetic brush by the magnetic force of the magnetic pole member M, and the magnetic brush is adjusted to a predetermined height by the regulating blade 24.

非磁性スリーブ２１ｂが回転すると、磁気ブラシは、磁極部材Ｍによって非磁性スリーブ２１ｂ表面に担持されて搬送され、現像ローラー２０に接触すると、磁気ブラシのトナーのみが、非磁性スリーブ２１ｂに印加されたバイアス５６に応じて、現像ローラー２０に供給される。   When the nonmagnetic sleeve 21b rotates, the magnetic brush is carried on the surface of the nonmagnetic sleeve 21b by the magnetic pole member M and conveyed. When the magnetic brush contacts the developing roller 20, only the toner of the magnetic brush is applied to the nonmagnetic sleeve 21b. It is supplied to the developing roller 20 according to the bias 56.

現像ローラー２０は、固定軸２０ａと、磁極部材２０ｂと、非磁性の金属材料で円筒状に形成される現像スリーブ２０ｃ等を備えて構成されている。   The developing roller 20 includes a fixed shaft 20a, a magnetic pole member 20b, and a cylindrical developing sleeve 20c made of a nonmagnetic metal material.

固定軸２０ａは現像容器２２に回転不能に支持される。この固定軸２０ａには、現像スリーブ２０ｃが回転可能に保持され、更に、磁石よりなる磁極部材２０ｂが磁気ローラー２１と対向する位置に現像スリーブ２０ｃと所定の間隔を設けて、接着等により固着される。現像スリーブ２０ｃは、図示しないモーターと歯車からなる駆動機構により、図２の矢印方向（時計回り方向）に回転させられる。また、現像スリーブ２０ｃには、直流電圧５５ａに交流電圧５５ｂを重畳した現像バイアス５５が印加される。   The fixed shaft 20a is non-rotatably supported by the developing container 22. On the fixed shaft 20a, a developing sleeve 20c is rotatably held, and a magnetic pole member 20b made of a magnet is fixed at a position facing the magnetic roller 21 with a predetermined interval from the developing sleeve 20c, and is adhered by an adhesive or the like. You. The developing sleeve 20c is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 2 (clockwise) by a driving mechanism including a motor and gears (not shown). Further, a developing bias 55 in which an AC voltage 55b is superimposed on a DC voltage 55a is applied to the developing sleeve 20c.

現像バイアス５５を印加された現像スリーブ２０ｃが図２の時計回り方向に回転すると、現像領域Ｄにおいて、現像バイアス電位と感光体ドラム１１の露光部位の電位との電位差により、現像スリーブ２０ｃ表面に担持されたトナーが感光体ドラム１１ａに飛翔する。飛翔したトナーは矢印Ａ方向（反時計回り方向）に回転する感光体ドラム１１ａ上の露光部位に順次付着し、感光体ドラム１１ａ上の静電潜像が現像される。   When the developing sleeve 20c to which the developing bias 55 is applied rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 2, the developing sleeve 20c bears on the surface of the developing sleeve 20c due to the potential difference between the developing bias potential and the potential of the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 11 in the developing area D. The discharged toner flies to the photosensitive drum 11a. The flying toner sequentially adheres to the exposed portion on the photosensitive drum 11a rotating in the direction of arrow A (counterclockwise), and the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11a is developed.

次に、図３を用いて現像装置２ａの攪拌部について詳しく説明する。図３は現像装置２ａの攪拌部を示す平面断面図（図２のＸＸ′矢視断面図）である。   Next, the stirring section of the developing device 2a will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX ′ in FIG. 2) illustrating the stirring unit of the developing device 2a.

現像容器２２には、前述のように、第１搬送室２２ｃと、第２搬送室２２ｄと、仕切り部２２ｂと、が形成され、その他に、上流側連通部（連通部）２２ｅ、及び下流側連通部（連通部）２２ｆと、現像剤補給口（トナー補給口）２２ｇと、現像剤排出口２２ｈと、上流側壁部２２ｉ、及び下流側壁部２２ｊが形成されている。なお、第１搬送室２２ｃにおいて、図３の左側を上流側、図３の右側を下流側とし、また、第２搬送室２２ｄにおいて、図３の右側を上流側、図３の左側を下流側とする。従って、連通部及び壁部は、第２搬送室２２ｄを基準として、上流側及び下流側と呼称している。   As described above, the first transfer chamber 22c, the second transfer chamber 22d, and the partition 22b are formed in the developing container 22, and an upstream communication part (communication part) 22e and a downstream part are formed. A communication portion (communication portion) 22f, a developer supply port (toner supply port) 22g, a developer discharge port 22h, an upstream side wall 22i, and a downstream side wall 22j are formed. In the first transfer chamber 22c, the left side in FIG. 3 is the upstream side, and the right side in FIG. 3 is the downstream side. In the second transfer chamber 22d, the right side in FIG. 3 is the upstream side, and the left side in FIG. And Therefore, the communication portion and the wall portion are referred to as an upstream side and a downstream side with reference to the second transfer chamber 22d.

仕切り部２２ｂは、現像容器２２の長手方向に延びて第１搬送室２２ｃと第２搬送室２２ｄを並列させるように仕切っている。仕切り部２２ｂの長手方向の右側端部は、上流側壁部２２ｉの内壁部とともに上流側連通部２２ｅを形成し、一方、仕切り部２２ｂの長手方向の左側端部は、下流側壁部２２ｊの内壁部とともに下流側連通部２２ｆを形成している。現像剤は、第１搬送室２２ｃ、上流側連通部２２ｅ、第２搬送室２２ｄ、及び下流側連通部２２ｆを順次通過して現像容器２２内を循環する。   The partition 22b extends in the longitudinal direction of the developing container 22, and partitions the first transfer chamber 22c and the second transfer chamber 22d in parallel. The right end in the longitudinal direction of the partition 22b forms an upstream communication portion 22e together with the inner wall of the upstream side wall 22i, while the left end in the longitudinal direction of the partition 22b is the inner wall of the downstream side wall 22j. Together with this, a downstream communication portion 22f is formed. The developer circulates in the developing container 22 by sequentially passing through the first transfer chamber 22c, the upstream communication section 22e, the second transfer chamber 22d, and the downstream communication section 22f.

現像剤補給口２２ｇは、現像容器２２の上部に設けられた現像剤補給容器（図略）から新たなトナー及びキャリアを現像容器２２内に補給するための開口であり、第１搬送室２２ｃの上流側（図３の左側）に配置される。   The developer replenishing port 22g is an opening for replenishing the developer container 22 with new toner and carrier from a developer replenishing container (not shown) provided on the upper part of the developing container 22. It is arranged on the upstream side (left side in FIG. 3).

現像剤排出口２２ｈは、現像剤の補給によって、第１及び第２搬送室２２ｃ、２２ｄ内で余剰となった現像剤を排出するための開口であり、第２搬送室２２ｄの下流側で第２搬送室２２ｄの長手方向に連続して設けられる。   The developer discharge port 22h is an opening for discharging surplus developer in the first and second transfer chambers 22c and 22d due to replenishment of the developer, and is provided at the downstream side of the second transfer chamber 22d. It is provided continuously in the longitudinal direction of the two transfer chambers 22d.

第１スパイラル４３は、回転軸４３ｂと、回転軸４３ｂの軸方向に一定のピッチで螺旋状に形成される第１螺旋羽根４３ａと、回転軸４３ｂの軸方向に第１螺旋羽根４３ａと同じピッチで第１螺旋羽根４３ａとは逆巻き（逆位相）の第２螺旋羽根４３ｃとを有する。また、第１螺旋羽根４３ａ及び第２螺旋羽根４３ｃは、第１搬送室２２ｃの長手方向の両端部側まで延び、上流側及び下流側連通部２２ｅ、２２ｆにも対向して設けられている。回転軸４３ｂは現像容器２２の上流側壁部２２ｉと下流側壁部２２ｊに回転可能に軸支されている。なお、第１螺旋羽根４３ａ、第２螺旋羽根４３ｃは合成樹脂によって回転軸４３ｂと一体に成型される。   The first spiral 43 includes a rotating shaft 43b, first spiral blades 43a formed in a spiral at a constant pitch in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 43b, and the same pitch as the first spiral blades 43a in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 43b. The second spiral blade 43c has a reverse winding (opposite phase) to the first spiral blade 43a. In addition, the first spiral blade 43a and the second spiral blade 43c extend to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the first transfer chamber 22c, and are provided so as to face the upstream and downstream communication portions 22e and 22f. The rotation shaft 43b is rotatably supported by the upstream side wall 22i and the downstream side wall 22j of the developing container 22. The first spiral blade 43a and the second spiral blade 43c are molded integrally with the rotating shaft 43b using a synthetic resin.

第２スパイラル４４は、回転軸４４ｂと、回転軸４４ｂの軸方向に一定のピッチで螺旋状に形成される第１螺旋羽根４４ａと、回転軸４４ｂの軸方向に第１螺旋羽根４４ａと同じピッチで第１螺旋羽根４４ａとは逆巻き（逆位相）の第２螺旋羽根４４ｃとを有する。第１螺旋羽根４４ａは、第１スパイラル４３の第１螺旋羽根４３ａと同じピッチで第１螺旋羽根４３ａとは逆巻き（逆位相）である。また、第１螺旋羽根４４ａ、第２螺旋羽根４４ｃは、磁気ローラー２１の軸方向長さ以上の長さを有し、更に、上流側連通部２２ｅに対向する位置まで延びて設けられている。回転軸４４ｂは、回転軸４３ｂと平行に配置され、現像容器２２の上流側壁部２２ｉと下流側壁部２２ｊに回転可能に軸支されている。また、回転軸４４ｂには、第１螺旋羽根４４ａ、第２螺旋羽根４４ｃとともに、規制部５２及び排出羽根５３が一体に配設されている。第１螺旋羽根４３ａ、４４ａ及び第２螺旋羽根４３ｃ、４４ｃの詳細な構成については後述する。   The second spiral 44 has a rotating shaft 44b, a first spiral blade 44a spirally formed at a constant pitch in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 44b, and the same pitch as the first spiral blade 44a in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 44b. The second spiral blade 44c has a reverse winding (opposite phase) to the first spiral blade 44a. The first spiral blade 44a has the same pitch as that of the first spiral blade 43a of the first spiral 43, and has a reverse winding (opposite phase) to the first spiral blade 43a. Further, the first spiral blade 44a and the second spiral blade 44c have a length equal to or longer than the axial length of the magnetic roller 21, and are further provided to extend to a position facing the upstream communication portion 22e. The rotation shaft 44b is arranged in parallel with the rotation shaft 43b, and is rotatably supported by the upstream side wall 22i and the downstream side wall 22j of the developing container 22. In addition, the first spiral blade 44a and the second spiral blade 44c, as well as the restricting portion 52 and the discharge blade 53, are integrally provided on the rotating shaft 44b. Detailed configurations of the first spiral blades 43a and 44a and the second spiral blades 43c and 44c will be described later.

規制部５２は、第２搬送室２２ｄ内で下流側に搬送された現像剤を塞き止め、且つ、所定量以上になった現像剤を現像剤排出口２２ｈに搬送することを可能にするものである。規制部５２は、回転軸４４ｂに設けられる第１螺旋羽根４４ａと逆巻き（逆位相）の螺旋羽根からなり、且つ、第１螺旋羽根４４ａの外径と略同じで螺旋羽根４４ａのピッチより小さく設定されている。また、規制部５２は、下流側壁部２２ｊ等の現像容器２２の内壁部と規制部５２の外周部において所定量の隙間を形成している。この隙間から余剰の現像剤が排出されることになる。   The regulating portion 52 blocks the developer transported downstream in the second transport chamber 22d, and enables the developer that has exceeded a predetermined amount to be transported to the developer outlet 22h. It is. The restricting portion 52 is formed of a spiral blade having a reverse winding (opposite phase) to the first spiral blade 44a provided on the rotating shaft 44b, and is set to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the first spiral blade 44a and smaller than the pitch of the spiral blade 44a. Have been. The regulating portion 52 forms a predetermined gap between the inner wall portion of the developing container 22 such as the downstream side wall portion 22j and the outer peripheral portion of the regulating portion 52. Excess developer is discharged from this gap.

回転軸４４ｂは現像剤排出口２２ｈ内まで延びている。現像剤排出口２２ｈ内の回転軸４４ｂには排出羽根５３が設けられている。排出羽根５３は、第１螺旋羽根４４ａと同じ方向を向く螺旋状の羽根からなるが、第１螺旋羽根４４ａよりピッチが小さく、また羽根の外周が小さくなっている。従って、回転軸４４ｂが回転すると、排出羽根５３も回転し、規制部５２を乗り越えて現像剤排出口２２ｈ内に搬送された余剰現像剤は、図３の左側に送られて、現像容器２２外に排出されるようになっている。なお、排出羽根５３、規制部５２、及び第１螺旋羽根４４ａ、第２螺旋羽根４４ｃは合成樹脂によって回転軸４４ｂと一体に成型される。   The rotation shaft 44b extends into the developer outlet 22h. A discharge blade 53 is provided on the rotation shaft 44b in the developer discharge port 22h. The discharge blade 53 is formed of a spiral blade directed in the same direction as the first spiral blade 44a, but has a smaller pitch and a smaller outer circumference of the first spiral blade 44a. Accordingly, when the rotation shaft 44b rotates, the discharge blade 53 also rotates, and the surplus developer conveyed into the developer discharge port 22h over the regulating portion 52 is sent to the left side of FIG. It is to be discharged to. In addition, the discharge blade 53, the regulating portion 52, the first spiral blade 44a, and the second spiral blade 44c are formed integrally with the rotating shaft 44b by a synthetic resin.

現像容器２２の外壁には、歯車６１〜６４が配設されている。歯車６１、６２は回転軸４３ｂに固着され、歯車６４は回転軸４４ｂに固着され、歯車６３は、現像容器２２に回転可能に保持されて、歯車６２、６４に噛合している。   Gears 61 to 64 are provided on the outer wall of the developing container 22. The gears 61 and 62 are fixed to the rotating shaft 43b, the gear 64 is fixed to the rotating shaft 44b, and the gear 63 is rotatably held by the developing container 22 and meshes with the gears 62 and 64.

上記構成の第１スパイラル４３によれば、回転軸４３ｂの外周面に第１螺旋羽根４３ａが設けられており、第１螺旋羽根４３ａは、回転軸４３ｂの回転によって第１の方向（図３の矢印Ｐ方向）に現像剤を攪拌しながら搬送する。また、回転軸４３ｂの外周面には、第１螺旋羽根４３ａのピッチ間（羽根と羽根との間）に第１螺旋羽根４３ａと逆位相であり、且つ第１螺旋羽根４３ａよりも小径の第２螺旋羽根４３ｃが設けられている。第２螺旋羽根４３ｃは、回転軸４３ｂの回転によって第１の方向とは逆方向の第２の方向（矢印Ｑ方向）への搬送作用を現像剤に生じさせる。   According to the first spiral 43 having the above configuration, the first spiral blade 43a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 43b, and the first spiral blade 43a is moved in the first direction (see FIG. 3) by the rotation of the rotating shaft 43b. The developer is conveyed while stirring in the direction of arrow P). In addition, on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 43b, the phase of the first spiral blade 43a is opposite to the pitch of the first spiral blade 43a (between the blades), and the diameter of the first spiral blade 43a is smaller than that of the first spiral blade 43a. Two spiral blades 43c are provided. The second spiral blade 43c causes the developer to convey in a second direction (the direction of arrow Q) opposite to the first direction by the rotation of the rotation shaft 43b.

また、上記構成の第２スパイラル４４によれば、回転軸４４ｂの外周面に第１螺旋羽根４４ａが設けられており、第１螺旋羽根４４ａは、回転軸４４ｂの回転によって第１の方向（図３の矢印Ｑ方向）に現像剤を攪拌しながら搬送する。また、回転軸４４ｂの外周面には、第１螺旋羽根４４ａのピッチ間（羽根と羽根との間）に第１螺旋羽根４４ａと逆位相であり、且つ第１螺旋羽根４４ａよりも小径の第２螺旋羽根４４ｃが設けられている。第２螺旋羽根４４ｃは、回転軸４４ｂの回転によって第１の方向とは逆方向の第２の方向（矢印Ｐ方向）への搬送作用を現像剤に生じさせる。   Further, according to the second spiral 44 having the above configuration, the first spiral blade 44a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 44b, and the first spiral blade 44a is moved in the first direction (see FIG. The developer is transported in the direction indicated by the arrow Q in FIG. 3 while stirring. In addition, on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft 44b, the phase of the first spiral blade 44a is opposite to the pitch of the first spiral blade 44a (between the blades), and the diameter of the first spiral blade 44a is smaller than that of the first spiral blade 44a. Two spiral blades 44c are provided. The second spiral blade 44c causes the developer to convey the developer in a second direction (the direction of arrow P) opposite to the first direction by the rotation of the rotation shaft 44b.

第２螺旋羽根４３ｃ、４４ｃは、径方向において第１螺旋羽根４３ａ、４４ａの外端部よりも内方に位置していることにより、第２螺旋羽根４３ｃ、４４ｃの回転によって生じる第２方向への搬送作用は回転軸４３ｂ、４４ｂ近傍に存在する現像剤の一部に対して生じる。そのため、第１螺旋羽根４３ａ、４４ａによる第１の方向への搬送作用をほとんど阻害しない。   Since the second spiral blades 43c and 44c are located radially inward of the outer ends of the first spiral blades 43a and 44a, the second spiral blades 43c and 44c move in the second direction caused by the rotation of the second spiral blades 43c and 44c. Is effected on a part of the developer existing near the rotation shafts 43b and 44b. Therefore, the transfer action in the first direction by the first spiral blades 43a and 44a is hardly hindered.

このように、第２螺旋羽根４３ｃ、４４ｃを用いて、第１螺旋羽根４３ａ、４４ａによる現像剤の搬送方向（第１の方向）とは逆方向（第２の方向）の搬送作用を生じさせることにより、第１螺旋羽根４３ａ、４４ａのピッチ間において現像剤の対流が生じ、第１螺旋羽根４３ａ、４４ａの粉体（現像剤）搬送作用をほとんど阻害することなく第１螺旋羽根４３ａ、４４ａ間における現像剤の攪拌が促進される。従って、現像剤補給口２２ｇから補給される新たなトナーとキャリアを、第１搬送室２２ｃ、第２搬送室２２ｄ内の二成分現像剤と迅速に且つ効果的に攪拌するとともに、第１搬送室２２ｃ、第２搬送室２２ｄ内の現像剤搬送速度の低下を有効に防止することができる。   As described above, by using the second spiral blades 43c and 44c, a transport action (second direction) opposite to the developer transport direction (first direction) by the first spiral blades 43a and 44a is generated. As a result, convection of the developer occurs between the pitches of the first spiral blades 43a, 44a, and the first spiral blades 43a, 44a hardly hinder the powder (developer) transporting action of the first spiral blades 43a, 44a. Agitation of the developer in the interval is promoted. Accordingly, the new toner and the carrier supplied from the developer supply port 22g are rapidly and effectively stirred with the two-component developer in the first transfer chamber 22c and the second transfer chamber 22d. 22c, it is possible to effectively prevent a decrease in the developer transport speed in the second transport chamber 22d.

なお、回転軸４３ｂ、４４ｂから第２螺旋羽根４３ｃ、４４ｃの先端までの高さ（径方向高さＲ２、図５参照）が、回転軸４３ｂ、４４ｂから第１螺旋羽根４３ａ、４４ａの先端までの高さ（径方向高さＲ１、図５参照）の１／４よりも小さい場合、第１螺旋羽根４３ａ、４４ａのピッチ間において現像剤の対流を十分に生じさせることができず、攪拌効果が低下する場合がある。一方、Ｒ２がＲ１の１／２よりも大きい場合、第２螺旋羽根４３ｃ、４４ｃによる第２の方向への搬送力が大きくなり過ぎて、第１螺旋羽根４３ａ、４４ａによる第１の方向への搬送作用を阻害してしまう場合がある。   The height (radial height R2, see FIG. 5) from the rotating shafts 43b, 44b to the leading ends of the second spiral blades 43c, 44c is from the rotating shafts 43b, 44b to the leading ends of the first spiral blades 43a, 44a. If the height of the first spiral blades 43a, 44a is smaller than 1/4 of the height (diameter height R1, see FIG. 5), the convection of the developer cannot be sufficiently generated between the pitches of the first spiral blades 43a, 44a, and the stirring effect is not obtained. May decrease. On the other hand, when R2 is larger than 1/2 of R1, the conveying force in the second direction by the second spiral blades 43c and 44c becomes too large, and the first spiral blades 43a and 44a move in the first direction. In some cases, the transfer operation is hindered.

従って、第２螺旋羽根４３ｃ、４４ｃの径方向高さＲ２は、第１螺旋羽根４３ａ、４４ａの径方向高さＲ１の１／４以上１／２以下であることが好ましい。これにより、第１螺旋羽根４３ａ、４４ａのピッチ間において現像剤の対流を生じさせつつ、搬送速度の低下を有効に防止することができる。   Therefore, it is preferable that the radial height R2 of the second spiral blades 43c and 44c is not less than ４ and not more than の of the radial height R1 of the first spiral blades 43a and 44a. Thus, it is possible to effectively prevent a decrease in the transport speed while causing convection of the developer between the pitches of the first spiral blades 43a and 44a.

以下、図４および図５を用いて第１搬送室２２ｃに配置される第１スパイラル４３の第１螺旋羽根４３ａ及び第２螺旋羽根４３ｃの詳細な構成について説明する。なお、第２搬送室２２ｄに配置される第１スパイラル４４の第１螺旋羽根４４ａ及び第２螺旋羽根４４ｃについても同様の構成であるため、ここでは説明を省略する。   Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the first spiral blade 43a and the second spiral blade 43c of the first spiral 43 arranged in the first transfer chamber 22c will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Since the first spiral blade 44a and the second spiral blade 44c of the first spiral 44 arranged in the second transfer chamber 22d have the same configuration, the description is omitted here.

図４および図５に示すように、第１スパイラル４３を構成する第１螺旋羽根４３ａ、第２螺旋羽根４３ｃは、各螺旋羽根の長さ方向を横断する断面形状が台形状である。そして、第１螺旋羽根４３ａと第２螺旋羽根４３ｃが回転軸４３ｂを１周する間において１８０°隔てた２箇所の交点４７において交差するように形成されている。第２螺旋羽根４３ｃの径方向高さＲ２は第１螺旋羽根４３ａの径方向高さＲ１よりも低くなっている。   As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first spiral blade 43a and the second spiral blade 43c that constitute the first spiral 43 have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape that crosses the length direction of each spiral blade. The first spiral blade 43a and the second spiral blade 43c are formed so as to intersect at two intersections 47 separated by 180 ° during one rotation of the rotating shaft 43b. The radial height R2 of the second spiral blade 43c is lower than the radial height R1 of the first spiral blade 43a.

具体的には、第２螺旋羽根４３ｃの径方向高さＲ２は、一定であり、第１螺旋羽根４３ａの径方向高さＲ１は、交点４７周辺以外（切り欠き５０以外）において一定である。第１螺旋羽根４３ａは、交点４７から第１螺旋羽根４３ａの現像剤搬送方向上流側（図４および図５の左側）の所定の範囲に、切り欠き５０が形成されている。第１螺旋羽根４３ａの切り欠き５０が形成された部分の径方向高さＲ１は、第２螺旋羽根４３ｃの径方向高さＲ２よりも小さくなっている。これにより、回転軸４３ｂの回転方向に対し交点４７の下流側（図５の下側）近傍の領域Ｗの現像剤は、切り欠き５０を通過して分散するので、現像剤の滞留が抑制される。なお、本実施形態では、切り欠き５０が回転軸４３ｂの外周面に達するまで形成されているため、第１螺旋羽根４３ａの切り欠き５０が形成された部分の径方向高さＲ１は、０となっている。   Specifically, the radial height R2 of the second spiral blade 43c is constant, and the radial height R1 of the first spiral blade 43a is constant except around the intersection 47 (other than the notch 50). The first spiral blade 43a has a notch 50 formed in a predetermined range from the intersection 47 to the upstream side of the first spiral blade 43a in the developer transport direction (left side in FIGS. 4 and 5). The radial height R1 of the portion where the notch 50 of the first spiral blade 43a is formed is smaller than the radial height R2 of the second spiral blade 43c. Thus, the developer in the region W near the downstream side (lower side in FIG. 5) of the intersection 47 with respect to the rotation direction of the rotation shaft 43b passes through the notch 50 and is dispersed, so that the stagnation of the developer is suppressed. You. In this embodiment, since the notch 50 is formed until reaching the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 43b, the radial height R1 of the portion of the first spiral blade 43a where the notch 50 is formed is 0. Has become.

切り欠き５０は、第１螺旋羽根４３ａが回転軸４３ｂを１周する間において１つだけ形成されている。すなわち、切り欠き５０は、全ての交点４７に対して形成されているのではなく、交点４７に対して１つ置きに形成されている。また、切り欠き５０は、回転軸４３ｂの周方向において６０°以上１２０°以下の角度で形成されている。   Only one cutout 50 is formed while the first spiral blade 43a makes one rotation around the rotation shaft 43b. That is, the notches 50 are not formed at all the intersections 47 but are formed at every other intersection 47. The notch 50 is formed at an angle of 60 ° or more and 120 ° or less in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 43b.

本実施形態では、上記のように、第１螺旋羽根４３ａは、交点４７から第１螺旋羽根４３ａの現像剤搬送方向上流側の所定の範囲に、切り欠き５０が形成されており、第１螺旋羽根４３ａの切り欠き５０が形成された部分の径方向高さＲ１は、第２螺旋羽根４３ｃの径方向高さＲ２よりも小さい。これにより、回転軸４３ｂの回転方向に対し交点４７の下流側近傍の領域Ｗの現像剤は、切り欠き５０を通過して分散する。このため、現像剤の滞留を抑制して攪拌性を向上させることができる。   In the present embodiment, as described above, the notch 50 is formed in the first spiral blade 43a in a predetermined range from the intersection 47 to the upstream side of the first spiral blade 43a in the developer transport direction. The radial height R1 of the portion of the blade 43a where the notch 50 is formed is smaller than the radial height R2 of the second spiral blade 43c. Accordingly, the developer in the region W near the downstream side of the intersection 47 with respect to the rotation direction of the rotation shaft 43b passes through the notch 50 and is dispersed. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the stagnation of the developer and improve the stirring property.

第２スパイラル４４も同様、第１螺旋羽根４４ａは、交点４７から第１螺旋羽根４４ａの現像剤搬送方向上流側の所定の範囲に、切り欠き５０が形成されており、第１螺旋羽根４４ａの切り欠き５０が形成された部分の径方向高さＲ１は、第２螺旋羽根４４ｃの径方向高さＲ２よりも小さい。これにより、回転軸４４ｂの回転方向に対し交点４７の下流側近傍の領域Ｗの現像剤は、切り欠き５０を通過して分散する。このため、現像剤の滞留を抑制して攪拌性を向上させることができる。   Similarly to the second spiral 44, the first spiral blade 44a has a notch 50 formed in a predetermined range from the intersection 47 to the upstream side of the first spiral blade 44a in the developer conveying direction. The radial height R1 of the portion where the notch 50 is formed is smaller than the radial height R2 of the second spiral blade 44c. Accordingly, the developer in the region W near the downstream side of the intersection 47 with respect to the rotation direction of the rotation shaft 44b passes through the notch 50 and is dispersed. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the stagnation of the developer and improve the stirring property.

また、第２螺旋羽根４３ｃおよび４４ｃが交点４７で途切れることなく連続して形成されているため、第２螺旋羽根４３ｃおよび４４ｃによる逆方向の搬送力が低下せず、現像剤の攪拌作用が低下するおそれもない。   In addition, since the second spiral blades 43c and 44c are continuously formed without interruption at the intersection 47, the conveying force in the reverse direction by the second spiral blades 43c and 44c does not decrease, and the stirring action of the developer decreases. There is no danger.

また、上記のように、切り欠き５０は、回転軸４３ｂおよび４４ｂの周方向において６０°以上１２０°以下の角度で形成されている。これにより、容易に、第１螺旋羽根４３ａおよび４４ａによる現像剤の搬送力を維持しながら、現像剤の攪拌性を向上させることができる。   Further, as described above, the notch 50 is formed at an angle of 60 ° or more and 120 ° or less in the circumferential direction of the rotation shafts 43b and 44b. Accordingly, the developer agitating property can be easily improved while maintaining the developer conveying force by the first spiral blades 43a and 44a.

また、上記のように、第１螺旋羽根４３ａおよび４４ａの切り欠き５０が形成された部分の径方向高さＲ１は、０である。これにより、現像剤が切り欠き５０を通過しやすくなるので、現像剤の攪拌性を十分に向上させることができる。   Further, as described above, the radial height R1 of the portion where the notch 50 of the first spiral blades 43a and 44a is formed is zero. This makes it easier for the developer to pass through the notch 50, so that the agitation of the developer can be sufficiently improved.

また、上記のように、第１搬送室２２ｃに配置される第１スパイラル４３および第２搬送室２２ｄに配置される第２スパイラル４４の両方に、本発明の構成を適用している。これにより、第１搬送室２２ｃおよび第２搬送室２２ｄの両方において、現像剤の滞留を抑制して攪拌性を向上させることができる。また、第１搬送室２２ｃにおける現像剤搬送速度と、第２搬送室２２ｄにおける現像剤搬送速度と、を容易に略同じにすることができる。   Further, as described above, the configuration of the present invention is applied to both the first spiral 43 arranged in the first transfer chamber 22c and the second spiral 44 arranged in the second transfer chamber 22d. Thereby, in both the first transfer chamber 22c and the second transfer chamber 22d, the stagnation of the developer can be suppressed, and the agitation property can be improved. Further, the developer transfer speed in the first transfer chamber 22c and the developer transfer speed in the second transfer chamber 22d can be easily made substantially the same.

以下、実施例により本発明の効果について更に具体的に説明する。   Hereinafter, the effects of the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples.

図１に示したような画像形成装置１に、図２及び図３に示した現像装置２ａ〜２ｄを搭載し、第１搬送室２２ｃ内の第１スパイラル４３の構成を変化させた場合のトナー帯電量について調査した。なお、試験は現像装置２ａを含むマゼンタの画像形成部において行った。   The developing device 2a to 2d shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. 1, and the configuration of the first spiral 43 in the first transfer chamber 22c is changed. The charge amount was investigated. The test was performed in a magenta image forming section including the developing device 2a.

実施例では、第１スパイラル４３の回転軸４３ｂの直径を８ｍｍ、第１螺旋羽根４３ａの直径を２０ｍｍ（径方向高さＲ１を６ｍｍ）、第１螺旋羽根４３ａのピッチを２０ｍｍ、第２螺旋羽根４３ｃの直径を１２ｍｍ（径方向高さＲ２を２ｍｍ）、第２螺旋羽根４３ｃのピッチを２０ｍｍ、第１螺旋羽根４３ａおよび第２螺旋羽根４３ｃの軸方向長さを３３０ｍｍ、とした。また、図５に示すように、第１螺旋羽根４３ａに切り欠き５０を形成した。切り欠き５０は、第１螺旋羽根４３ａが回転軸４３ｂを１周する間において１つだけ設け、回転軸４３ｂの周方向において６０°の角度で、回転軸４３ｂの外周面に達するまで形成した。この第１スパイラル４３を用いた構成を実施例とした。   In the embodiment, the diameter of the rotary shaft 43b of the first spiral 43 is 8 mm, the diameter of the first spiral blade 43a is 20 mm (the radial height R1 is 6 mm), the pitch of the first spiral blade 43a is 20 mm, and the second spiral blade is The diameter of 43c was 12 mm (the radial height R2 was 2 mm), the pitch of the second spiral blade 43c was 20 mm, and the axial length of the first spiral blade 43a and the second spiral blade 43c was 330 mm. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a notch 50 was formed in the first spiral blade 43a. The notch 50 is provided only once while the first spiral blade 43a makes one rotation around the rotary shaft 43b, and is formed at an angle of 60 ° in the circumferential direction of the rotary shaft 43b until it reaches the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft 43b. The configuration using the first spiral 43 is an example.

比較例では、第１スパイラル４３に切り欠き５０を形成しなかった。その他の条件を実施例と同じにした第１スパイラル４３を用いた構成を比較例とした。   In the comparative example, the notch 50 was not formed in the first spiral 43. A configuration using the first spiral 43 in which other conditions were the same as the example was used as a comparative example.

実施例及び比較例の現像装置２ａに、平均粒子径６．８μｍの正帯電性トナーと、平均粒子径３５μｍのフェライト・樹脂コートキャリアとを混合した二成分現像剤を１５０ｃｍ3充填した。そして、第１搬送室２２ｃの上流側端部に現像装置２ａ内のトナーとは色違いのトナー（以下、補給トナーとも言う）を１ｇ補給し、第１スパイラル４３の上流側端部から下流側端部まで攪拌搬送した。その後、補給トナーを取り出し、予め測定していた攪拌搬送前の補給トナーの帯電量と攪拌搬送後に測定した補給トナーの帯電量とに基づいて、トナー帯電量の増加量を求めた。なお、この実験は、絶対湿度が１０ｇ／ｍ3の場合と２０ｇ／ｍ3の場合とについて行った。結果を表１に示す。 The developing devices 2a of the examples and the comparative examples were filled with 150 cm 3 of a two-component developer obtained by mixing a positively chargeable toner having an average particle diameter of 6.8 μm and a ferrite resin-coated carrier having an average particle diameter of 35 μm. Then, 1 g of toner different in color from the toner in the developing device 2 a (hereinafter, also referred to as “supply toner”) is supplied to the upstream end of the first transfer chamber 22 c, and the downstream side from the upstream end of the first spiral 43. It was stirred and transported to the end. After that, the replenishment toner was taken out, and the amount of increase in the toner charge amount was determined based on the previously measured charge amount of the replenishment toner before the agitation and conveyance and the replenishment toner charge amount measured after the agitation and conveyance. This experiment was performed when the absolute humidity was 10 g / m 3 and when the absolute humidity was 20 g / m 3 . Table 1 shows the results.

Figure 0006627735
Figure 0006627735

表１に示すように、第１螺旋羽根４３ａに切り欠き５０を形成した実施例では、補給トナーの帯電量は、絶対湿度が１０ｇ／ｍ3および２０ｇ／ｍ3の場合に、それぞれ６．６μＣ／ｇおよび４．３μＣ／ｇ増加した。 As shown in Table 1, in the embodiment in which the notch 50 was formed in the first spiral blade 43a, the charge amount of the replenishment toner was 6.6 μC when the absolute humidity was 10 g / m 3 and 20 g / m 3 , respectively. / G and 4.3 μC / g.

これに対し、第１螺旋羽根４３ａに切り欠き５０を形成しなかった比較例では、補給トナーの帯電量は、絶対湿度が１０ｇ／ｍ3および２０ｇ／ｍ3の場合に、それぞれ３．５μＣ／ｇおよび２．４μＣ／ｇだけ増加した。なお、補給トナーの帯電量の増加量が３．０μＣ／ｇ以下の場合、非画像部である白地部分にトナーが付着するカブリ現象が発生する場合がある。 In contrast, in the comparative example in which the notch 50 was not formed in the first spiral blade 43a, the charge amount of the replenishment toner was 3.5 μC / cm 3 when the absolute humidity was 10 g / m 3 and 20 g / m 3 , respectively. g and 2.4 μC / g. When the amount of increase in the charge amount of the replenishment toner is 3.0 μC / g or less, a fog phenomenon in which the toner adheres to a white background portion which is a non-image portion may occur.

以上の結果より、実施例の構成では、比較例の構成に比べて、トナーの帯電量を増加させることが確認された。これは、第１螺旋羽根４３ａの交点４７から現像剤搬送方向上流側の所定の範囲に切り欠き５０を形成した実施例では、回転軸４３ｂの回転方向に対し交点４７の下流側近傍の領域Ｗ（図５参照）の現像剤が切り欠き５０を通過して分散するので、現像剤の滞留が抑制され攪拌性が向上したためであると考えられる。   From the above results, it was confirmed that the configuration of the example increases the charge amount of the toner as compared with the configuration of the comparative example. This is because, in the embodiment in which the notch 50 is formed in a predetermined range on the upstream side of the developer conveying direction from the intersection 47 of the first spiral blade 43a, the region W near the downstream side of the intersection 47 with respect to the rotation direction of the rotating shaft 43b. It is considered that this is because the developer (see FIG. 5) is dispersed by passing through the notch 50, so that the stagnation of the developer is suppressed and the stirring property is improved.

なお、今回開示された実施形態および実施例は、すべての点で例示であって制限的なものではないと考えられるべきである。本発明の範囲は、上記した実施形態および実施例の説明ではなく特許請求の範囲によって示され、さらに特許請求の範囲と均等の意味および範囲内でのすべての変更が含まれる。   It should be understood that the embodiments and examples disclosed this time are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description of the embodiments and examples, and includes all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

本発明は、電子写真方式を利用した複写機、プリンター、ファクシミリ、それらの複合機等の画像形成装置に用いる現像装置及びそれを備えた画像形成装置に利用することができ、特に、トナーとキャリアとからなる二成分現像剤を用いる現像装置の攪拌搬送部材として利用することができる。   INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for a developing device used for an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, and a multifunction machine using the electrophotographic method, and an image forming apparatus including the same. It can be used as a stirring and conveying member of a developing device using a two-component developer composed of:

また、本発明の攪拌搬送部材は、図３に示したような、現像剤補給口２２ｇと現像剤排出口２２ｈとを備え、磁気ローラー２１と現像ローラー２０とを備えた現像装置２ａ〜２ｄに限定されるものではなく、トナーとキャリアとを含む二成分現像剤を用いる種々の現像装置に適用可能である。   Further, the stirring and conveying member of the present invention includes a developer replenishing port 22g and a developer discharging port 22h as shown in FIG. 3, and a developing device 2a to 2d having a magnetic roller 21 and a developing roller 20. The present invention is not limited thereto, and is applicable to various developing devices using a two-component developer containing a toner and a carrier.

また、本発明は、現像装置の攪拌搬送部材に限らず、現像剤以外の粉末を攪拌搬送する攪拌搬送部材にも適用可能である。   Further, the present invention is not limited to the stirring and conveying member of the developing device, but is also applicable to a stirring and conveying member for stirring and conveying powder other than the developer.

また、上記実施形態では、図４および図５に示した第１螺旋羽根４３ａおよび第２螺旋羽根４３ｃの構成を、第１搬送室２２ｃに配置される第１スパイラル４３及び第２搬送室２２ｄに配置される第２スパイラル４４の両方に用いた例について説明したが、本発明はこれに限らない。現像剤の仕様によっては、第２搬送室２２ｄの攪拌効果のみを高めるために、第２搬送室２２ｄに配置される第２スパイラル４４のみに本発明を適用してもよい。或いは、第１搬送室２２ｃの攪拌効果のみを高めるために、第１搬送室２２ｃに配置される第１スパイラル４３のみに本発明を適用してもよい。なお、第２搬送室２２ｄの現像剤を均一な状態で磁気ローラー２１に供給して画像ムラを抑制するためには、第２搬送室２２ｄに搬送する現像剤を均一な状態にしておくことが好ましい。このため、少なくとも第１搬送室２２ｃに配置される第１スパイラル４３に本発明の構成を適用することが好ましい。   Further, in the above embodiment, the configuration of the first spiral blade 43a and the second spiral blade 43c shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is changed to the first spiral 43 and the second transport chamber 22d arranged in the first transport chamber 22c. Although an example in which both the second spirals 44 are used has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. Depending on the specifications of the developer, the present invention may be applied only to the second spiral 44 disposed in the second transfer chamber 22d in order to enhance only the stirring effect of the second transfer chamber 22d. Alternatively, in order to enhance only the stirring effect of the first transfer chamber 22c, the present invention may be applied only to the first spiral 43 arranged in the first transfer chamber 22c. Note that in order to supply the developer in the second transfer chamber 22d to the magnetic roller 21 in a uniform state and suppress image unevenness, the developer to be transferred to the second transfer chamber 22d should be in a uniform state. preferable. For this reason, it is preferable to apply the configuration of the present invention to at least the first spiral 43 arranged in the first transfer chamber 22c.

また、上記実施形態では、第１螺旋羽根４３ａおよび第２螺旋羽根４３ｃを同じピッチで形成した例について示したが、本発明はこれに限らず、第１螺旋羽根４３ａおよび第２螺旋羽根４３ｃを互いに異なるピッチで形成してもよい。   Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the first spiral blade 43a and the second spiral blade 43c are formed at the same pitch has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first spiral blade 43a and the second spiral blade 43c may be formed. The pitches may be different from each other.

また、上記実施形態では、第１螺旋羽根４３ａが回転軸４３ｂを１周する間において１つだけ切り欠き５０を設けた例について示したが、本発明はこれに限らず、第１螺旋羽根４３ａが回転軸４３ｂを１周する間において２つ以上切り欠き５０を設けてもよい。また、切り欠き５０を、全ての交点４７に対して設けてもよい。この場合、現像剤の攪拌性をさらに向上させることができる。   Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which only one notch 50 is provided while the first spiral blade 43a makes one rotation around the rotation shaft 43b has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first spiral blade 43a is not limited to this. Two or more cutouts 50 may be provided during one rotation of the rotary shaft 43b. Further, the notches 50 may be provided for all the intersections 47. In this case, the stirring property of the developer can be further improved.

１ 画像形成装置
２ａ〜２ｄ 現像装置
２１ 磁気ローラー（現像剤担持体）
２２ 現像容器（粉体容器）
２２ｃ 第１搬送室
２２ｄ 第２搬送室
２２ｅ 上流側連通部（連通部）
２２ｆ 下流側連通部（連通部）
２２ｇ 現像剤補給口（トナー補給口）
４２ 攪拌搬送部材
４３ 第１スパイラル（第１攪拌搬送部材）
４３ａ、４４ａ 第１螺旋羽根
４３ｂ、４４ｂ 回転軸
４３ｃ、４４ｃ 第２螺旋羽根
４４ 第２スパイラル（第２攪拌搬送部材）
４７ 交点
５０ 切り欠き
Ｒ１ 径方向高さ（第１螺旋羽根）
Ｒ２ 径方向高さ（第２螺旋羽根） 1 Image Forming Apparatus 2a-2d Developing Apparatus 21 Magnetic Roller (Developer Carrier)
22 Developing container (powder container)
22c First transfer chamber 22d Second transfer chamber 22e Upstream communication part (communication part)
22f Downstream communication part (communication part)
22g developer supply port (toner supply port)
42 stirring and conveying member 43 first spiral (first stirring and conveying member)
43a, 44a First spiral blade 43b, 44b Rotary shaft 43c, 44c Second spiral blade 44 Second spiral (second stirring and conveying member)
47 Intersection 50 Notch R1 Radial height (first spiral blade)
R2 Radial height (second spiral blade)

Claims (8)

粉体容器内に回転可能に支持される回転軸と、
該回転軸の外周面に形成され、前記回転軸の回転により粉体を軸方向に搬送する第１螺旋羽根と、
前記軸方向において前記第１螺旋羽根の形成領域と重なるように前記回転軸の外周面に形成され、前記第１螺旋羽根と逆位相であり、且つ前記第１螺旋羽根よりも径方向高さが小さい第２螺旋羽根と、
を有する攪拌搬送部材であって、
前記第１螺旋羽根は、
前記回転軸を１周する間に少なくとも１箇所で前記第２螺旋羽根と交差するとともに、
前記第２螺旋羽根との交点から前記第１螺旋羽根の粉体搬送方向上流側の所定の範囲に、切り欠きが形成されており、
前記第１螺旋羽根の前記切り欠きが形成された部分の径方向高さは、前記第２螺旋羽根の径方向高さよりも小さく、
前記切り欠きは、前記回転軸の周方向において６０°以上１２０°以下の角度で形成されていることを特徴とする攪拌搬送部材。 A rotating shaft rotatably supported in the powder container,
A first spiral blade formed on an outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft and configured to transport powder in an axial direction by rotation of the rotating shaft;
The first spiral blade is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft so as to overlap with the formation region of the first spiral blade in the axial direction, has a phase opposite to that of the first spiral blade, and has a radial height higher than that of the first spiral blade. A small second spiral blade,
A stirring and conveying member having
The first spiral blade includes:
While intersecting the second spiral blade at at least one place during one rotation of the rotation shaft,
A notch is formed in a predetermined range on the upstream side in the powder conveying direction of the first spiral blade from the intersection with the second spiral blade,
The radial height of the notch is formed portion of the first spiral blade, rather smaller than the radial height of the second helical blade,
The stirring and conveying member , wherein the notch is formed at an angle of 60 ° or more and 120 ° or less in a circumferential direction of the rotation shaft . 粉体容器内に回転可能に支持される回転軸と、
該回転軸の外周面に形成され、前記回転軸の回転により粉体を軸方向に搬送する第１螺旋羽根と、
前記軸方向において前記第１螺旋羽根の形成領域と重なるように前記回転軸の外周面に形成され、前記第１螺旋羽根と逆位相であり、且つ前記第１螺旋羽根よりも径方向高さが小さい第２螺旋羽根と、
を有する攪拌搬送部材であって、
前記第１螺旋羽根は、
前記回転軸を１周する間に少なくとも１箇所で前記第２螺旋羽根と交差するとともに、
前記第２螺旋羽根との交点から前記第１螺旋羽根の粉体搬送方向上流側の所定の範囲に、切り欠きが形成されており、
前記第１螺旋羽根の前記切り欠きが形成された部分の径方向高さは、前記第２螺旋羽根の径方向高さよりも小さく、
前記切り欠きは、前記第１螺旋羽根が前記回転軸を１周する間において１つだけ形成されていることを特徴とする攪拌搬送部材。 A rotating shaft rotatably supported in the powder container,
A first spiral blade formed on an outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft and configured to transport powder in an axial direction by rotation of the rotating shaft;
The first spiral blade is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft so as to overlap with the formation region of the first spiral blade in the axial direction, has a phase opposite to that of the first spiral blade, and has a radial height higher than that of the first spiral blade. A small second spiral blade,
A stirring and conveying member having
The first spiral blade includes:
While intersecting the second spiral blade at at least one place during one rotation of the rotation shaft,
A notch is formed in a predetermined range on the upstream side in the powder conveying direction of the first spiral blade from the intersection with the second spiral blade,
The radial height of the notch is formed portion of the first spiral blade, rather smaller than the radial height of the second helical blade,
The stirring and conveying member , wherein only one of the cutouts is formed while the first spiral blade makes one round of the rotation shaft . 前記第１螺旋羽根および前記第２螺旋羽根は、前記回転軸を１周する間において１８０°隔てた２箇所で交差することを特徴とする請求項１または２に記載の攪拌搬送部材。   The stirring and conveying member according to claim 1, wherein the first spiral blade and the second spiral blade intersect at two locations separated by 180 ° during one rotation of the rotation shaft. 4. 前記第１螺旋羽根の前記切り欠きが形成された部分の径方向高さは、０であることを特徴とする請求項１〜３のいずれか１項に記載の攪拌搬送部材。 The stirring and conveying member according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein a radial height of a portion of the first spiral blade where the notch is formed is zero. キャリアとトナーとを含む二成分現像剤を収容する現像容器と、
該現像容器内に配置され、前記現像容器内の現像剤を担持する現像剤担持体と、
前記現像容器内の現像剤を攪拌搬送する請求項１〜４のいずれか１項に記載の攪拌搬送部材と、
を備えることを特徴とする現像装置。 A developing container containing a two-component developer containing a carrier and a toner,
A developer carrying member disposed in the developing container and carrying a developer in the developing container;
A stirring and conveying member according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , which stirs and conveys the developer in the developing container.
A developing device comprising: 前記現像容器は、互いに並列配置される第１搬送室および第２搬送室と、前記第１搬送室および前記第２搬送室の長手方向の両端部側で前記第１搬送室および前記第２搬送室を連通させる連通部と、前記第１搬送室にトナーを補給するトナー補給口と、を有し、
前記現像剤担持体は、前記第２搬送室内の現像剤を表面に担持するように配置されており、
前記現像容器には、前記第１搬送室内の現像剤を回転軸方向に攪拌、搬送する第１攪拌搬送部材と、前記第２搬送室内の現像剤を前記第１攪拌搬送部材と逆方向に攪拌、搬送する第２攪拌搬送部材と、が設けられており、
前記第１攪拌搬送部材として前記攪拌搬送部材を用いることを特徴とする請求項５に記載の現像装置。 The developing container includes a first transfer chamber and a second transfer chamber arranged in parallel with each other, and the first transfer chamber and the second transfer chamber at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the first transfer chamber and the second transfer chamber. A communication section for communicating the chambers, and a toner supply port for supplying toner to the first transfer chamber;
The developer carrier is arranged to carry the developer in the second transfer chamber on the surface,
In the developing container, a first stirring and conveying member for stirring and conveying the developer in the first conveying chamber in the rotation axis direction, and stirring the developer in the second conveying chamber in a direction opposite to the first stirring and conveying member , A second stirring and conveying member for conveying, and
The developing device according to claim 5 , wherein the stirring and conveying member is used as the first stirring and conveying member. 前記第２攪拌搬送部材として前記攪拌搬送部材を用いることを特徴とする請求項６に記載の現像装置。 7. The developing device according to claim 6 , wherein the stirring and conveying member is used as the second stirring and conveying member. 請求項５〜７のいずれか１項に記載の現像装置が搭載された画像形成装置。 An image forming apparatus on which the developing device according to any one of claims 5 to 7 is mounted.
JP2016242066A 2016-12-14 2016-12-14 Stirring / conveying member, developing device having the same, and image forming apparatus Active JP6627735B2 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2016242066A JP6627735B2 (en) 2016-12-14 2016-12-14 Stirring / conveying member, developing device having the same, and image forming apparatus
US15/835,860 US10156812B2 (en) 2016-12-14 2017-12-08 Stirring conveyance member, developing device including the same, and image forming apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2016242066A JP6627735B2 (en) 2016-12-14 2016-12-14 Stirring / conveying member, developing device having the same, and image forming apparatus

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
JP2018097174A JP2018097174A (en) 2018-06-21
JP6627735B2 true JP6627735B2 (en) 2020-01-08

Family

ID=62633497

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP2016242066A Active JP6627735B2 (en) 2016-12-14 2016-12-14 Stirring / conveying member, developing device having the same, and image forming apparatus

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JP6627735B2 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6605164B1 (en) * 2018-12-27 2019-11-13 日本碍子株式会社 Fuel cell stack

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0717078Y2 (en) * 1986-08-21 1995-04-19 三洋電機株式会社 Developer stirring screen
JP2008033109A (en) * 2006-07-31 2008-02-14 Kyocera Mita Corp Fine particle agitating/conveying member and developing device equipped with same
JP2008310200A (en) * 2007-06-18 2008-12-25 Ricoh Co Ltd Powder agitating device, developing device and image forming apparatus
JP4667512B2 (en) * 2009-03-06 2011-04-13 シャープ株式会社 Developing device and image forming apparatus using the same
JP5463700B2 (en) * 2009-03-13 2014-04-09 株式会社リコー Developing device, process cartridge including the same, and image forming apparatus
JP2011069874A (en) * 2009-09-24 2011-04-07 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Developing device for electrophotographic image forming apparatus, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
JP5292419B2 (en) * 2011-02-07 2013-09-18 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 Agitating and conveying member, developing device including the same, and image forming apparatus
JP2012208423A (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-25 Canon Inc Developing device
US9280094B1 (en) * 2015-02-10 2016-03-08 Lexmark International, Inc. Trim bar entry geometry for a dual component development electrophotographic image forming device
JP6344272B2 (en) * 2015-03-10 2018-06-20 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2018097174A (en) 2018-06-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP5292419B2 (en) Agitating and conveying member, developing device including the same, and image forming apparatus
JP5970444B2 (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus having the same
JP6330688B2 (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
JP6447532B2 (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
JP2012155144A (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
JP5325761B2 (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
JP5562300B2 (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
JP6365472B2 (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
JP6308175B2 (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
JP6380250B2 (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
CN108062013B (en) Agitating and conveying member, developing device provided with same, and image forming apparatus
JP6269592B2 (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
US10156812B2 (en) Stirring conveyance member, developing device including the same, and image forming apparatus
JP6627735B2 (en) Stirring / conveying member, developing device having the same, and image forming apparatus
JP6390602B2 (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
JP5439223B2 (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
JP6627736B2 (en) Stirring / conveying member, developing device having the same, and image forming apparatus
JP2018189819A (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
JP6597583B2 (en) Agitating and conveying member, developing device including the same, and image forming apparatus
US9910386B2 (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
JP2019101349A (en) Developing device and image forming device equipped with the same
US10185250B2 (en) Developing device having first conveyance chamber and second conveyance chamber disposed above first conveyance chamber, and image forming apparatus including same
JP2019128423A (en) Developing device
JP2012145729A (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
JP2020056947A (en) Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
A621 Written request for application examination

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A621

Effective date: 20181029

A977 Report on retrieval

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A971007

Effective date: 20190826

A131 Notification of reasons for refusal

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131

Effective date: 20190903

A521 Written amendment

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523

Effective date: 20191018

TRDD Decision of grant or rejection written
A01 Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01

Effective date: 20191105

A61 First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61

Effective date: 20191118

R150 Certificate of patent or registration of utility model

Ref document number: 6627735

Country of ref document: JP

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R150