Image forming apparatus and developing device

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes: an image holder; and a developing device that develops an image on each of the image holding bodies using developers having different flowability, and includes: an accommodating portion that accommodates the developers; the first conveying path extends in one direction, the second conveying path is configured below the first conveying path and extends in the direction, and the first connecting part and the second connecting part are respectively connected with one ends of the first conveying path and the second conveying path and connected with the other ends of the first conveying path and the second conveying path. A first transport member disposed in the first transport path and transporting the developer from one end to the other end in the direction; a second transport member disposed in the second transport path and transporting the developer from the other end to the end; a discharge path extending from one end of the first transport path and discharging the discharged developer; and a discharge conveyance member disposed in the discharge path and conveying the discharged developer, the discharge path, the discharge conveyance member, and the first conveyance path or the connection portion being shaped such that the developer is more easily discharged from the accommodating portion as the fluidity of the developer is lower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a developing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a developing apparatus comprising: a housing containing a developer; and a first stirring and conveying member and a second stirring and conveying member, housed within the housing, which stir and convey the developer. In this developing apparatus, excess developer is discharged to the outside of the housing via a discharge port located at one end of the housing.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-163791 Summary of the Invention

[0004] When the structure for discharging excess developer from the developing apparatus to the outside of the container is identical, due to differences in developer flowability, insufficient or excessive developer discharge may sometimes occur. In such cases, the amount of developer contained in the container can easily become unstable.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to stabilize the amount of developer contained in the container compared to the case where the structure for discharging the remaining developer to the outside of the container is the same.

[0006] The invention described in Scheme 1 is an image forming apparatus comprising: a plurality of image holders; and a plurality of developing devices for developing images on each of the image holders using developing agents with different fluidities. Each developing device comprises: a receiving portion for receiving developing agents and including a first transport path extending in one direction, a second transport path disposed below the first transport path and extending in the same direction, a first connecting portion connecting one end of the first transport path and one end of the second transport path, and a second connecting portion connecting the other end of the first transport path and the other end of the second transport path; and a first transport member disposed in the first transport path and transporting developing agents from the first transport path. The first conveying path is configured to transport developer from one end of the first conveying path to the other end in one direction; a second conveying member is configured in the second conveying path and transports developer from the other end of the first conveying path to one end in the first direction; a discharge path extends from one end of the first conveying path along the first direction and discharges developer flowing out of the first conveying path to the outside of the receiving portion; and a discharge conveying member is configured in the discharge path and transports developer flowing out of the first conveying path, wherein the discharge path, the discharge conveying member, and the first conveying path or the first connecting portion of the receiving portion have the following shape: the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving portion, the easier it is to discharge the developer to the outside of the receiving portion.

[0007] The invention described in Scheme 2 is the image forming apparatus described in Scheme 1, wherein, among the plurality of developing devices, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving portion, the wider the movement path of the developer discharged to the outside of the receiving portion through the first connecting portion, one end of the first transport path and the discharge path.

[0008] The invention described in Scheme 3 is the image forming apparatus described in Scheme 2, wherein, among the plurality of developing devices, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving portion, the higher the height of the top plate at one end of the first transport path connected to the first connecting portion.

[0009] The invention described in Scheme 4 is the image forming apparatus described in Scheme 2, wherein, among the plurality of developing devices, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving portion, the wider the width of the first connecting portion.

[0010] The invention described in Scheme 5 is the image forming apparatus described in Scheme 2, wherein the discharge conveying member includes: an upstream conveying section continuous with one end of the first conveying member and conveying developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the first conveying path; and a downstream conveying section continuous with one end of the upstream conveying section and conveying developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the outside of the receiving portion. The discharge path includes: an upstream discharge path continuous with one end of the first conveying path and in which the upstream conveying section is disposed; and a downstream discharge path continuous with one end of the upstream discharge path and in which the downstream conveying section is disposed. In a plurality of developing devices, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving portion, the larger the diameter of the upstream discharge path.

[0011] The invention described in Scheme 6 is an image forming apparatus according to any one of Schemes 1 to 5, wherein the discharge conveying member includes: an upstream conveying section, which is continuous with one end of the first conveying member and conveys developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the first conveying path; and a downstream conveying section, which is continuous with one end of the upstream conveying section and conveys developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the outside of the receiving section, wherein in the plurality of developing devices, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving section, the smaller the conveying force of the upstream conveying section.

[0012] The invention described in Scheme 7 is the image forming apparatus described in Scheme 6, wherein the discharge conveying member has: a rotating shaft extending along the direction; an upstream blade portion arranged in a spiral shape around the rotating shaft and constituting the upstream conveying portion; and a downstream blade portion arranged in a spiral shape around the rotating shaft and constituting the downstream conveying portion. In the plurality of developing devices, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the containing portion, the fewer the number of turns of the upstream blade portion.

[0013] The invention described in Scheme 8 is an image forming apparatus according to any one of Schemes 1 to 7, wherein, in the plurality of developing apparatuses, the receiving portion and the discharge path are formed by a plurality of parts, and the types of the combined parts or the discharge conveying component combined with the plurality of such parts are different depending on the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving portion, and thus have the following shape: the lower the fluidity of the developer, the easier it is to discharge the developer to the outside of the receiving portion.

[0014] The invention described in Scheme 9 is the image forming apparatus described in Scheme 8, wherein the discharge conveying member includes: an upstream conveying section continuous with one end of the first conveying member and conveying developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the first conveying path; and a downstream conveying section continuous with one end of the upstream conveying section and conveying developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the outside of the receiving portion. The discharge path includes: an upstream discharge path continuous with one end of the first conveying path and in which the upstream conveying section is disposed; and a downstream discharge path continuous with one end of the upstream discharge path and in which the downstream conveying section is disposed. In the plurality of developing apparatuses, the combination of various first parts, various second parts, and various discharge conveying members varies according to the flowability of the developer contained in the receiving portion. Among the various first parts, the width of the first connecting portion or the diameter of the upstream discharge path is different. Among the various second parts, the height of the top plate at one end of the first conveying path connected to the first connecting portion is different. Among the various discharge conveying members, the conveying force of the upstream conveying section is different.

[0015] The invention described in Scheme 10 is a developing apparatus comprising: a receiving portion for receiving developer, and including a first transport path extending in one direction, a second transport path disposed below the first transport path and extending in the same direction, a first connecting portion connecting one end of the first transport path and one end of the second transport path, and a second connecting portion connecting the other end of the first transport path and the other end of the second transport path; a first transport member disposed in the first transport path and transporting developer from one end to the other end in the same direction; and a second transport member disposed in the second transport path. The first conveying path delivers developer from one end of the first conveying path to the other end of the first conveying path; the discharge path extends from one end of the first conveying path along the first direction and discharges developer flowing out of the first conveying path to the outside of the receiving portion; and the discharge conveying component is disposed in the discharge path and conveys developer flowing out of the first conveying path. The receiving portion and the discharge path are formed by multiple parts. By changing the type of the combined parts or the type of the discharge conveying component combined with multiple such parts, the ease of discharging developer to the outside of the receiving portion can be changed.

[0016] The invention described in Scheme 11 is the developing apparatus described in Scheme 10, wherein, by changing the type of the combined parts or the type of the discharge conveying component combined with a plurality of the combined parts, the height of the top plate at one end of the first conveying path connected to the first connecting part, the width of the first connecting part, the diameter of the discharge path, or the conveying force of the discharge conveying component can be changed.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] According to the first aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the structure for discharging the remaining developer to the outside of the container is the same, the amount of developer contained in the container can be stabilized.

[0019] According to the second aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the movement path of the discharged developer is set to be the same regardless of the fluidity of the developer contained in the containment, the amount of developer contained in the containment can be stabilized.

[0020] According to the third aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the height of the top plate at one end of the first transport path is set to be the same regardless of the fluidity of the developer contained in the containment, it is possible to suppress insufficient or excessive discharge of developer.

[0021] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the width of the first connecting portion is set to be the same regardless of the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving portion, it is possible to suppress insufficient or excessive discharge of developer.

[0022] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the diameter of the upstream discharge path is set to be the same regardless of the fluidity of the developer contained in the containment, insufficient or excessive discharge of developer can be suppressed.

[0023] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the conveying force of the upstream conveying section is set to be the same regardless of the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving section, it is possible to suppress insufficient or excessive discharge of developer.

[0024] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the number of turns of the upstream blade portion is set to be the same regardless of the fluidity of the developer contained in the containment portion, it is possible to suppress insufficient or excessive discharge of developer.

[0025] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, compared with changing the overall shape of the developing apparatus, it is possible to use a simpler method to set the developing apparatus into a shape that makes it easier to discharge the developer to the outside of the receiving part if the developer has lower fluidity.

[0026] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, by varying the assembled parts according to the fluidity of the developer, the developing apparatus can be configured to be shaped such that the lower the fluidity of the developer, the easier it is to discharge the developer to the outside of the receiving section.

[0027] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the structure for discharging the remaining developer to the outside of the container is the same, the amount of developer contained in the container can be stabilized.

[0028] According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, by varying the assembled parts according to the fluidity of the developer, the ease with which the developer is discharged to the outside of the container can be changed. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the developing apparatus viewed from above.

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the developing apparatus on line III-III;

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the developing apparatus along line IV-IV;

[0034] Figure 5 middle, Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5 (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the conveying component;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of one end of the developing apparatus along its length.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the developing apparatus for forming special color images;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the developing apparatus for forming a metallic color image;

[0038] Figure 9 This diagram shows the types of mounting parts, covers, and transport components that are combined with the developing apparatus.

[0039] Symbol Explanation

[0040] 100 - Image forming apparatus, 11 - Photosensitive drum, 14 - Developing apparatus, 191 - First transport path, 192 - Second transport path, 195 - Discharge transport path, 200 - Image forming unit, 200A - Basic color image forming unit, 200B - Special color image forming unit, 200C - Metallic color image forming unit, 300 - Receiving unit, 330 - Mounting unit, 350 - Cover unit, 400 - Transport component, 410 - First transport component, 420 - Second transport component, 450 - Discharge transport component, 452 - Upstream blade section, 453 - Downstream blade section. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 1 This indicates the state of the image forming apparatus 100 when viewed from the front side.

[0043] The image forming apparatus 100 is a type of image forming apparatus 100 with an intermediate transfer method, also known as a series type.

[0044] The image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a plurality of image forming units 200, which form images transferred onto paper P, an example of a recording medium. These image forming units 200 are arranged horizontally at predetermined distances from each other. Each image forming unit 200, or part of a component constituting each image forming unit 200, may be a processing ink cartridge detachable from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0045] Each image forming unit 200 includes a photosensitive drum 11, which serves as an image holder, and uses a developer including a toner to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 11 as an image to be transferred onto the paper P. In other words, each image forming unit 200 uses a powder-like developer to form a toner image transferred onto the paper P onto the photosensitive drum 11.

[0046] The developer in this embodiment consists of a dry carrier and a dry toner. Each image forming unit 200 uses the carrier and toner to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 11.

[0047] Five image forming units 200 use different types of developers to form tonal images on the photosensitive drum 11.

[0048] Specifically, in this embodiment, four of the five image forming units 200 form toner images using basic color developers of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. In the following description, the four image forming units 200 that form toner images using basic color developers are sometimes referred to as basic color image forming units 200A.

[0049] Furthermore, the remaining image forming unit 200, excluding the basic color image forming unit 200A, uses a developer other than the basic color developer to form a tone image. In this example, in Figure 1 The image forming unit 200, located on the far right, uses a developer other than the basic color to form a tonal image.

[0050] More specifically, the remaining image forming unit 200 uses a developer other than basic colors such as transparent, white, pink, green, and orange, or a developer with a metallic luster such as gold or silver, to form a toning image. In the following description, a developer other than a basic color and without a metallic luster is labeled as a special color developer. Furthermore, the image forming unit 200 that uses a special color developer to form a toning image is labeled as a special color image forming unit 200B. Additionally, a developer with a metallic luster is labeled as a metallic color developer. For example, a metallic pigment is used to color the toning agent in a metallic color developer. Furthermore, the image forming unit 200 that uses a metallic color developer to form a toning image is labeled as a metallic color image forming unit 200C.

[0051] In the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment, by attaching or removing the processing ink cartridge from the image forming apparatus 100, one image forming unit 200 can be switched to a special color image forming unit 200B or a metallic color image forming unit 200C.

[0052] In this embodiment, a so-called two-component developer, a mixture of a carrier and a toner, is used as the developer. Depending on the type of developer, the types of carrier and toner mixed in also vary. Therefore, the flowability of the developer sometimes differs depending on its type. The flowability of a developer refers to how easily it flows. The higher the flowability of the developer, the easier it is for the developer to flow and move. Conversely, the lower the flowability of the developer, the less easily it flows and moves.

[0053] In this embodiment, the basic color developer, special color developer, and metallic color developer have different flowability. More specifically, the flowability decreases in the order of basic color developer, special color developer, and metallic color developer. In other words, among the basic color developer, special color developer, and metallic color developer, the basic color developer has the highest flowability, and the metallic color developer has the lowest flowability.

[0054] The fluidity of a developer varies, for example, depending on the particle size of the carrier and toner contained in the developer, the material of the carrier or toner, the shape of the carrier, and the mixing ratio of the carrier and toner.

[0055] Furthermore, developers other than basic colors are not limited to the aforementioned special color developers and metallic color developers. Examples of developers other than basic colors, besides special color developers and metallic color developers, include developers containing magnetic toners and developers containing conductive toners. Additionally, examples of developers other than basic colors include developers containing toners that emit light upon exposure to ultraviolet or infrared light. Because the carriers or toners of these developers differ from those of basic color developers, their flowability also differs from that of basic color developers.

[0056] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment, three types of developers—basic color developer, special color developer, and metallic color developer—are used as developers with different fluidity, but the apparatus is not limited to these. The image forming apparatus 100 may use two or more developers with different fluidity. Furthermore, two or more basic color developers with different fluidity can be used.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, a so-called two-component developer, which is a mixture of a carrier and a toner, is used as the developer. However, the developer is not limited to this and a so-called one-component developer consisting only of a toner can also be used.

[0058] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an intermediate transfer belt 15 and a primary transfer unit 10, which is used to transfer the tonal image formed in each image forming unit 200 to the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0059] In addition, a secondary transfer unit 20 is provided in the image forming apparatus 100, which is used to transfer the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 15 onto the paper P.

[0060] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a fixing device 60, which fixes the tonal image transferred onto the paper P onto the paper P.

[0061] Furthermore, a control unit 40 is provided in the image forming apparatus 100. This control unit 40 has a CPU that executes programs and controls various parts within the image forming apparatus 100.

[0062] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a UI (User Interface) 45, which is composed of a display panel or the like, and receives instructions from the user and displays information to the user.

[0063] Each image forming unit 200 is provided with a developing device 14. Furthermore, each image forming unit 200 is provided with a developing agent replenishing device 70 for replenishing developing agent to the developing device 14.

[0064] The developing apparatus 14 visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11 using a toner. In other words, the developing apparatus 14 develops the photosensitive drum 11, which serves as an image holder, and forms an image on the photosensitive drum 11 formed by the toner.

[0065] Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, a portion of the structure of the developing apparatus 14 differs in the basic color image forming unit 200A, the special color image forming unit 200B, and the metallic color image forming unit 200C.

[0066] The developer replenishment device 70 replenishes developer to the developing device 14. As described above, the developer consists of a carrier and a toner, and the developer replenishment device 70 replenishes the developing device 14 with both the carrier and the toner as developer. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the carrier has a positive charging polarity, while the toner has a negative charging polarity.

[0067] In each image forming unit 200, the photosensitive drum 11, which serves as an image holder, rotates in the direction of arrow A.

[0068] Furthermore, each image forming unit 200 is provided with a charger 12 for charging the photosensitive drum 11, and a laser exposure unit 13, which is an example of an exposure device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11. Figure 1 In this diagram, the symbol Bm represents the exposure beam from the laser exposure unit 13. Alternatively, the exposure apparatus can be constructed using a device equipped with a light source such as an LED.

[0069] Furthermore, each image forming unit 200 is provided with a primary transfer roller 16, which transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 to the intermediate transfer belt 15 via the primary transfer unit 10. Additionally, each image forming unit 200 is provided with a drum cleaner 17 for removing developer residue from the photosensitive drum 11.

[0070] The intermediate transfer belt 15 is driven by a drive roller 31 (not shown) at a predetermined speed along... Figure 1 The arrow B indicates that the movement is cyclical.

[0071] The primary transfer section 10 is configured to include a primary transfer roller 16, which is positioned opposite the photosensitive drum 11 across the intermediate transfer belt 15. Furthermore, the toner images on each photosensitive drum 11 are electrostatically adsorbed onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 in sequence, thereby forming overlapping toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0072] As an example of a transfer section, the secondary transfer section 20 is composed of a secondary transfer roller 22 and a support roller 25. The secondary transfer roller 22 is disposed on the outer surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 15, and the support roller 25 is disposed on the inner surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0073] In this embodiment, in the secondary transfer unit 20, the toner image formed by the image forming unit 200 and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 15 is transferred to the paper P that is transported to the secondary transfer unit 20.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a reversing mechanism 900 is provided for reversing the paper P.

[0075] The reversing mechanism 900 reverses the front and back sides of the paper P on one side of which has been transferred with a toner image in the secondary transfer section 20, and then feeds the paper P back to the secondary transfer section 20.

[0076] Therefore, in this embodiment, a toning agent image can be formed on both sides of the paper P.

[0077] Specifically, in this embodiment, the reversing mechanism 900 feeds the paper P after passing through the fixing device 60 into the branch path R2, which branches off from the paper transport path R1, thereby reversing the front and back sides of the paper P. Specifically, after the paper P passes through the branch BP, the reversing mechanism 900 feeds the paper P in the opposite direction and then feeds it into the branch path R2.

[0078] The branch path R2 merges with the paper transport path R1 at a position further upstream than the secondary transfer section 20. Thus, in this embodiment, the paper P, with its front and back reversed, is again supplied to the secondary transfer section 20. At this time, a toner image is formed not only on one side of the paper P but also on the other side, thereby forming a toner image on both sides of the paper P.

[0079] The process of the processing performed in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

[0080] The image forming apparatus 100 receives, for example, image data output from an image reading device or computer (not shown). Then, image processing is performed on the image data. As a result, image data corresponding to each of the plurality of image forming units 200 is generated.

[0081] Specifically, for example, image data for forming images using basic color developers of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, and image data for forming images using developers other than the basic colors are generated. The generated image data is output to the laser exposure unit 13 provided in the image forming unit 200.

[0082] The laser exposure unit 13 illuminates the photosensitive drum 11 with an exposure beam Bm emitted from a semiconductor laser, based on the input image data, for example.

[0083] In this embodiment, after the surface of each photosensitive drum 11 is charged by the charger 12, the surface is scanned and exposed by the laser exposure unit 13. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0084] Next, the developing device 14 performs a developing process, forming a tonal image on the photosensitive drum 11. This tonal image is then transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the primary transfer section 10.

[0085] After the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15, the toner image moves to the secondary transfer section 20 by the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 15. At this time, the paper P from the first paper receiving section 53 or the second paper receiving section 54 is transported to the secondary transfer section 20 by the transport roller 52 and the like.

[0086] Then, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is electrostatically transferred onto the paper P in the secondary transfer section 20.

[0087] Then, the paper P, which has been transferred with the toner image, is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 15 and conveyed to the conveyor belt 55. The conveyor belt 55 transports the paper P to the fixing unit 60.

[0088] The paper P, conveyed to the fixing unit 60, is heated and pressurized within the fixing unit 60. As a result, the toner image on the paper P is fixed onto the paper P. Then, the paper P is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0089] In addition, when toner images are formed on both sides of paper P, after paper P passes through fixing device 60, paper P is supplied to secondary transfer unit 20 again through branch path R2.

[0090] Then, in the secondary transfer section 20, the toner image is transferred to the other side of the paper P. Then, the paper P passes through the fixing device 60 again, and the toner image transferred to the other side is fixed onto the paper P.

[0091] The developing apparatus 14 will now be described. As described above, in this embodiment, a portion of the structure of the developing apparatus 14 differs in the basic color image forming unit 200A, the special color image forming unit 200B, and the metallic color image forming unit 200C. Here, the structure of the developing apparatus 14, which is common to the basic color image forming unit 200A, the special color image forming unit 200B, and the metallic color image forming unit 200C, will be described.

[0092] Figure 2 This is a view of the developing apparatus 14 from above.

[0093] When the developing apparatus 14 is provided in the image forming apparatus 100, it is arranged along the depth direction of the image forming apparatus 100. The developing apparatus 14 has an end 141 and another end 142 that are located at different positions in the length direction.

[0094] When the developing device 14 is installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the developing device 14 of the image forming apparatus 100 is installed with one end 141 located on the front side of the image forming apparatus 100 and the other end 142 located on the inside side of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0095] A driving force receiving part 143 for receiving driving force is provided at the other end 142 of the developing device 14.

[0096] In this embodiment, the driving force from a driving source (not shown) such as a motor, which is provided on the main body side of the image forming apparatus 100, is transmitted to the driving force receiving unit 143.

[0097] The driving force receiving unit 143 is linked with components (described later) disposed inside the developing apparatus 14. In this embodiment, driving force from the driving source is transmitted to the driving force receiving unit 143, thereby causing the components to rotate.

[0098] In this embodiment, as described later, the components that rotate by receiving driving force from a drive source include a conveying member 400, a second conveying member 420, an opposing member 430, and a lower conveying member 440 (see below). Figure 3 Alternatively, a drive force receiving unit 143 may be provided corresponding to each of these four components. Then, it may be configured such that the drive force from the drive source is transmitted to each of the four drive force receiving units 143.

[0099] Furthermore, for example, a smaller number of drive force receiving units 143 than the four components described above can be provided, such as one drive force receiving unit 143. Then, the drive force transmitted from the drive source to the drive force receiving unit 143 can be transmitted to each of the four components through a transfer mechanism (not shown) provided in the developing apparatus 14.

[0100] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the developing apparatus 14 on line III-III. Figure 3 This indicates the state of the cross-section of the central portion of the developing apparatus 14 in the length direction.

[0101] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the developing apparatus 14 on the IV-IV line. Figure 4 This indicates the state of the cross-section along the length of the developing apparatus 14.

[0102] Additionally, in the following description, the length direction of the developing apparatus 14 may sometimes be simply referred to as the length direction. An example of the length direction of the developing apparatus 14 being a single direction is provided.

[0103] The developing apparatus 14 is provided with a first transport path 191, which is the transport path through which the developer moves from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction.

[0104] Furthermore, a second transport path 192 is provided in the developing apparatus 14, which is the transport path through which the developer moves from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction. The second transport path 192 is positioned lower than the first transport path 191.

[0105] Furthermore, the developing apparatus 14 is provided with a discharge path 195 extending along the length direction from one end of the first transport path 191, through which the developer flowing out of the first transport path 191 and discharged to the outside of the developing apparatus 14 moves.

[0106] Furthermore, a first connecting part 196 is provided in the developing apparatus 14, which connects one end of the first transport path 191 and one end of the second transport path 192. The developer passes through the first connecting part 196 when it moves from one end of the second transport path 192 to one end of the first transport path 191.

[0107] Furthermore, a second connecting part 197 is provided in the developing apparatus 14, which connects the other end of the first transport path 191 and the other end of the second transport path 192. The developer passes through the second connecting part 197 when it moves from the other end of the first transport path 191 to the other end of the second transport path 192.

[0108] In the first transport path 191, the developer is directed towards... Figure 3 The developer moves in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface and towards the inside of the paper surface. Furthermore, in the second transport path 192, the developer moves towards... Figure 3The developer moves in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface and towards the front side of the paper surface. Furthermore, in the discharge path 195, the developer moves towards... Figure 3 It moves in a direction perpendicular to the paper and in the direction directly in front of the paper.

[0109] A transport member 400 for transporting developer is provided in the first transport path 191. Additionally, a first transport member 410 is provided in the first transport path 191 at the other end of the transport member 400 in one direction. In this embodiment, the first transport member 410 in the transport member 400 is connected to a rotation axis 411 extending along the first transport path 191 (see below). Figure 5 The developer rotates around the center, thereby moving from one end of the length direction to the other.

[0110] More specifically, in this embodiment, the first conveying member 410 of the conveying member 400 receives power from the aforementioned driving force receiving unit 143 (see reference). Figure 2 The developer rotates due to the driving force transmitted from it, thereby moving the developer from one end to the other in the length direction in the first transport path 191.

[0111] In this embodiment, the developer is transported from one end to the other in the length direction via the first transport member 410 in the first transport path 191.

[0112] The developer moving from one end of the first transport path 191 to the other end passes through the second connecting part 197 from top to bottom and moves to the other end of the second transport path 192.

[0113] A second transport member 420 for transporting developer is provided in the second transport path 192. The second transport member 420 is positioned lower than the first transport member 410.

[0114] In this embodiment, the second transport member 420 rotates about a rotation axis 421 extending along the second transport path 192, thereby moving the developer from one end to the other in the length direction in the second transport path 192.

[0115] More specifically, the second transport member 420 receives the driving force transmitted from the driving force receiving unit 143 and rotates, thereby moving the developer from one end to the other in the length direction in the second transport path 192.

[0116] In this embodiment, the developer is conveyed from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction via the second conveying member 420.

[0117] The developer moving from one end of the second transport path 192 to the other end passes through the first connecting part 196 from below and moves towards one end of the first transport path 191.

[0118] A portion of the developer that has moved to one end of the first transport path 191 is transported to the other end of the first transport path 191 via the first transport member 410, and the remaining portion flows out to the discharge path 195.

[0119] A conveying member 400 is provided in the discharge path 195. Additionally, a discharge conveying member 450 is provided in the discharge path 195 at one end of the conveying member 400 in one direction. In this embodiment, the discharge conveying member 450 in the conveying member 400 rotates about a rotation axis 451 extending along the discharge path 195, thereby moving the developer from one end in the longitudinal direction to the other.

[0120] More specifically, the discharge conveying member 450 in the conveying member 400 receives the driving force transmitted from the driving force receiving unit 143 and rotates, thereby moving the developer from one end to the other in the length direction in the discharge path 195. As a result, the developer flowing from the first conveying path 191 to the discharge path 195 is discharged to the outside of the developing apparatus 14.

[0121] Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5 (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the conveying component 400. Figure 5 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the conveying component 400 cut along the length of the rotation axis 411 and the rotation axis 451. Figure 5 (b) is Figure 5 An enlarged view of section VB in (a).

[0122] As described above, in the conveying member 400, the first conveying member 410 and the discharge conveying member 450 are integrally formed. In the conveying member 400, the first conveying member 410 is formed at one end in the longitudinal direction, and the discharge conveying member 450 is formed at one end in the longitudinal direction. In other words, in the conveying member 400, the discharge conveying member 450 is continuously formed at one end in the longitudinal direction of the first conveying member 410.

[0123] The first conveying member 410 has a rotating shaft 411 extending along its length and blade portions 412 arranged in a spiral around the rotating shaft 411. In the following description, the direction in which the blade portions 412 are wound around the rotating shaft 411 is sometimes marked as the first winding direction.

[0124] If the first conveying member 410 rotates around the rotating shaft 411, the developer is conveyed from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction through the rotating blade portion 412.

[0125] The discharge conveying member 450 has a rotating shaft 451 extending along the length direction from one end of the rotating shaft 411 of the first conveying member 410. Furthermore, the discharge conveying member 450 has an upstream blade portion 452 and a downstream blade portion 453 spirally disposed around the rotating shaft 451. The upstream blade portion 452 is formed at the other end of the rotating shaft 451 along the length direction. The downstream blade portion 453 is formed at one end of the rotating shaft 451 along the length direction.

[0126] The upstream blade portion 452 and the downstream blade portion 453 are wound in opposite directions on the rotating shaft 451. Specifically, the direction in which the upstream blade portion 452 is wound on the rotating shaft 451 is the same as the direction in which the blade portion 412 is wound on the rotating shaft 411 in the first conveying member 410. Furthermore, the direction in which the downstream blade portion 453 is wound on the rotating shaft 451 is the opposite of the direction in which the blade portion 412 is wound on the rotating shaft 411 in the first conveying member 410.

[0127] If the discharge conveying member 450 rotates around the rotation axis 451, the developer is conveyed from one end to the other along the length direction through the rotating upstream blade portion 452. Furthermore, if the discharge conveying member 450 rotates around the rotation axis 451, the developer is conveyed from the other end to one end along the length direction through the rotating downstream blade portion 453.

[0128] Here, in the conveying member 400, there are various types of discharge conveying members 450 with different shapes. In this example, in the conveying member 400, as the shape of the discharge conveying member 450, there is a conveying member 400A with different numbers of turns in the upstream blade portion 452 and the downstream blade portion 453 (see below). Figure 6 ), conveyor component 400B (see below) Figure 7 ), conveyor component 400C (see below) Figure 8 These three.

[0129] Details will be provided later, but in the basic color image forming unit 200A (reference) Figure 1 The developing apparatus 14 includes a transport component 400A. Furthermore, the special color image forming unit 200B (see reference) is also included. Figure 1 The developing apparatus 14 includes a transport component 400B. Furthermore, the metallic color image forming unit 200C (see reference) is also included. Figure 1 The developing apparatus 14 includes a transport component 400C.

[0130] Return to Figure 3 An opposing component 430 is provided on the left side of the first transport component 410. The opposing component 430 is positioned opposite to the photosensitive drum 11, which is an example of an image holder.

[0131] The opposing component 430 supplies developer from the first delivery component 410 to the photosensitive drum 11. The opposing component 430 receives the developer from the first delivery component 410 and supplies the developer to the photosensitive drum 11.

[0132] The opposing component 430 is constructed of a cylindrical body. The opposing component 430 is constructed of, for example, a metal such as SUS.

[0133] The opposing component 430 receives the driving force transmitted from the driving force receiving unit 143, and rotates around the shaft center 431 as the rotation center. Figure 3 The device rotates counterclockwise, thereby moving the developer supplied from the first delivery component 410 and attached to its outer peripheral surface to the photosensitive drum 11.

[0134] Thus, the developer is supplied to the photosensitive drum 11, and the toner contained in the developer adheres to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0135] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a lower conveying member 440 is provided, which is positioned lower than the opposing member 430.

[0136] The lower conveyor 440 is positioned closer to the photosensitive drum 11 than the second conveyor 420.

[0137] The lower conveying member 440 and the second conveying member 420 are arranged along the length direction and are arranged in the horizontal direction in a staggered manner.

[0138] The lower conveying member 440 rotates under the driving force transmitted from the driving force receiving unit 143, thereby conveying the developer that has detached from the opposing member 430 towards the opposite member. Figure 3 The paper is conveyed in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface and inwards.

[0139] The lower conveying member 440 conveys the developer that has detached from the opposing member 430 from one end in the longitudinal direction to the other end, so as to supply the developer to the other end side of the second conveying member 420.

[0140] The lower conveying component 440 is disposed on the lower moving path 193, which is positioned closer to the photosensitive drum 11 than the second conveying path 192.

[0141] The lower movement path 193 is configured to move along with Figure 3The paper extends vertically and is positioned below the opposing member 430. In this embodiment, the developer that has detached from the opposing member 430 moves in this lower movement path 193.

[0142] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a magnetic roller 145B is provided inside the opposing component 430.

[0143] Five magnetic poles 121 to 125 are arranged circumferentially along the magnetic roller 145B.

[0144] Magnetic pole 121 is a pickup pole and draws in developer supplied from the first transport path 191. As a result, the developer adheres to the surface of the opposing member 430.

[0145] The magnetic poles 122-124 serve as transport poles and cause the developer on the surface of the opposing member 430 to move downstream in the rotation direction of the opposing member 430.

[0146] If the developer on the surface of the opposing member 430 moves downstream in the rotation direction of the opposing member 430, the developer moves toward the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, which is an example of an image holder, and the toner contained in the developer adheres to the photosensitive drum 11.

[0147] Thus, development is performed, and an image composed of toner is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0148] The image is temporarily held by the photosensitive drum 11 and moved to the primary transfer section 10 by the rotating photosensitive drum 11 (see reference). Figure 1 The image is then transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0149] The magnetic pole 125 acts as a pickup pole and generates a repulsive magnetic field, causing the developer adhering to the surface of the opposing member 430 to detach from the opposing member 430. The magnetic pole 125 causes the developer remaining on the surface of the opposing member 430 that has not been transferred to the photosensitive drum 11 to detach from the opposing member 430.

[0150] In this embodiment, the developer is detached at the detachment site 296.

[0151] In this embodiment, the detachment portion 296 is located directly in front of the magnetic pole 121, which functions as a pickup pole. In this embodiment, developer detachment occurs on the side directly in front of the magnetic pole 121.

[0152] The developer that detaches from the opposing component 430 moves downwards to reach the lower movement path 193.

[0153] The developer that has reached the lower moving path 193 is conveyed by the lower conveying member 440 to the other end 142 of the developing apparatus 14 (reference). Figure 2 ) moves to the side, and then to the second conveying path 192 (reference) Figure 3 )move.

[0154] The developing apparatus 14 is provided with a receiving section 300, which receives the first conveying member 410, the second conveying member 420, the opposing member 430, and the lower conveying member 440, and constitutes a receiving section for containing developer.

[0155] The receiving portion 300 has an opening 301 extending along its length in the portion opposite to the photosensitive drum 11. In addition, in the developing apparatus 14 of this embodiment, the opposing member 430 is opposite to the photosensitive drum 11 via the opening 301.

[0156] The receiving portion 300 includes a main body 310, a mounting portion 330, and a cover portion 350. The mounting portion 330 is mounted at one end of the main body 310 along its length, and the cover portion 350 covers the upper part of the main body 310 and the mounting portion 330. The mounting portion 330 and the cover portion 350 are examples of multiple parts forming the receiving portion and the discharge path, respectively. Furthermore, the mounting portion 330 is an example of a first part, and the cover portion 350 is an example of a second part.

[0157] The first conveying path 191, the second conveying path 192, the lower moving path 193, and the second connecting portion 197, as described above, are formed inside the main body 310. Additionally, a partition wall 311 is provided in the main body 310, which divides the internal space of the main body 310 into the first conveying path 191 and the second conveying path 192. Furthermore, the first conveying member 410, the second conveying member 420, the opposing member 430, and the lower conveying member 440, as described above, are housed inside the main body 310.

[0158] The first connecting portion 196 and the discharge path 195 described above are formed inside the mounting portion 330. Furthermore, one end of the first conveying path 191 and one end of the second conveying path 192 described above are formed inside the mounting portion 330.

[0159] Furthermore, the mounting portion 330 houses a portion of one end of the first conveying member 410 and the discharge conveying member 450 of the aforementioned conveying member 400. Also, the mounting portion 330 houses a portion of one end of the second conveying member 420.

[0160] In the developing apparatus 14 of this embodiment, the mounting section 330 has various shapes. In particular, the mounting section 330 has various shapes of the first connecting section 196 and the discharge path 195.

[0161] In this example, the mounting section 330 contains mounting sections 330A with different shapes for the first connecting section 196 and the discharge path 195 (see below). Figure 6 ) and mounting section 330B (see below) Figure 8 These two types. Details will be discussed later, but in the basic color image forming unit 200A (reference...) Figure 1 ) and special color image forming unit 200B (reference) Figure 1 In the developing apparatus 14, the mounting section 330A and the receiving section 300 are combined. Furthermore, in the metallic color image forming section 200C (see reference...) Figure 1 In the developing apparatus 14, the mounting part 330B is combined with the receiving part 300.

[0162] The cover 350 covers the first conveying path 191 formed inside the main body 310 and the mounting part 330. The cover 350 is configured to face the first conveying member 410 in the conveying member 400 with a gap.

[0163] In this embodiment, the developing apparatus 14 has various shapes within the housing 350. Additionally, the housing 350 has various distances from the first transport member 410 that are not all the same.

[0164] In this example, within the cover 350, there are cover portions 350A that are at different distances from the first conveying member 410 (see reference). Figure 6 ) and cover 350B (reference) Figure 8 These are the two types. Details will be provided later, but in the developing apparatus 14 for the basic color image forming unit 200A and the special color image forming unit 200B, the cover portion 350A is combined with the receiving portion 300. Furthermore, in the developing apparatus 14 for the metallic color image forming unit 200C, the cover portion 350B is combined with the receiving portion 300.

[0165] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main body 310 combined with the receiving portion 300 is common to the developing apparatus 14 of the basic color image forming portion 200A, the developing apparatus 14 of the special color image forming portion 200B, and the developing apparatus 14 of the metallic color image forming portion 200C.

[0166] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of one end of the developing apparatus 14 along its length. Figure 6This indicates the state of a cross-section cut along the length direction of one end of the developing apparatus 14.

[0167] In addition, Figure 6 The basic color image forming unit 200A is shown in the figure (reference). Figure 1 The developing apparatus 14 of the basic color image forming unit 200A includes a transport member 400A from a variety of transport members 400A. Furthermore, the developing apparatus 14 of the basic color image forming unit 200A includes a mounting member 330A from a variety of mounting members 330A, and a cover member 350A from a variety of cover members 350A.

[0168] Inside the mounting portion 330A, one end of the first conveying path 191 in the longitudinal direction and one end of the second conveying path 192 in the longitudinal direction are formed. Specifically, the first conveying path 191 is formed spanning the main body portion 310 and the mounting portion 330A, and its end in the longitudinal direction is located within the mounting portion 330A. Similarly, the second conveying path 192 is formed spanning the main body portion 310 and the mounting portion 330A, and its end in the longitudinal direction is located within the mounting portion 330A.

[0169] Furthermore, a first connecting portion 196 is formed inside the mounting portion 330A, which connects one end of the first conveying path 191 in the length direction to one end of the second conveying path 192 in the length direction.

[0170] A portion of one end of the first conveying member 410, which is located in the first conveying path 191, is housed inside the mounting portion 330A.

[0171] Additionally, a portion of one end of the rotating shaft 411 and the blade portion 412 of the first conveying member 410 in the longitudinal direction is housed inside the mounting portion 330A.

[0172] A portion of one end of the second conveying member 420, which is located in the second conveying path 192, is housed inside the mounting portion 330A.

[0173] The second conveying member 420 has a rotating shaft 421 extending along the length direction and a blade portion 422 arranged in a spiral around the rotating shaft 421. Furthermore, the second conveying member 420 has a blade portion 423 arranged in a spiral around the rotating shaft 421 at one end side that is further along the length direction than the blade portion 422.

[0174] The direction in which the blade portion 422 is wound onto the rotating shaft 421 is designated as the second winding direction. Furthermore, the direction in which the blade portion 423 is wound onto the rotating shaft 421 is designated as the first winding direction.

[0175] In this embodiment, the second conveying member 420 is configured such that the boundary portion of the blade portion 422 and the blade portion 423 is located below the first connecting portion 196.

[0176] If the second conveying member 420 rotates around the rotation axis 421, the developer is conveyed from one end to the other in the length direction through the rotating blade portion 422 in the second conveying path 192. Furthermore, the developer conveyed to one end in the length direction of the second conveying path 192 is conveyed to the portion opposite to the first connecting portion 196 through the rotating blade portion 423.

[0177] Furthermore, a discharge path 195 is formed inside the mounting section 330A.

[0178] like Figure 6 As shown, the discharge path 195 has an upstream discharge path 195A that is continuous with one end of the first transport path 191 and extends along the length direction. Furthermore, the discharge path 195 has a downstream discharge path 195B that is continuous with one end of the upstream discharge path 195A and extends along the length direction. Although not shown in the figure, one end of the downstream discharge path 195B is externally connected to the developing apparatus 14.

[0179] The upstream discharge path 195A and the downstream discharge path 195B are cylindrical spaces centered on the rotation axis 451 of the discharge conveying component 450. In this example, the diameter S1 of the upstream discharge path 195A is larger than the diameter of the downstream discharge path 195B.

[0180] An upstream blade portion 452 of a discharge conveying component 450 is provided in the upstream discharge path 195A. The upstream blade portion 452 of the discharge conveying component 450 is an example of an upstream conveying unit.

[0181] Furthermore, a downstream blade portion 453 of the discharge conveying component 450 is disposed in the downstream discharge path 195B. The downstream blade portion 453 of the discharge conveying component 450 is an example of a downstream conveying unit.

[0182] The cover 350A covers the first transport path 191 formed inside the main body 310 and the mounting part 330. Furthermore, the cover 350A is positioned opposite the first transport member 410 that is accommodated across the main body 310 and the mounting part 330A.

[0183] In this embodiment, the cover portion 350A has an upper wall portion 351, which is positioned opposite the first conveying member 410 at a predetermined distance. Furthermore, the cover portion 350A is located at one end of the upper wall portion 351 along its length and has a recessed portion 352 that is recessed further downward than the upper wall portion 351. In this example, the upper wall portion 351 and the recessed portion 352 are formed along the... Figure 6 A flat, plate-like shape extending vertically from the paper surface.

[0184] The recessed portion 352 faces one end of the first conveying member 410. Furthermore, the recessed portion 352 faces the first connecting portion 196 formed inside the mounting portion 330A across the first conveying member 410.

[0185] In this embodiment, the cover portion 350A has a recessed portion 352, thereby the height P1 of the top plate at one end of the first conveying path 191 connected to the first connecting portion 196 in the longitudinal direction is lower than that at the other end in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the height of the top plate of the first conveying path 191 refers to the distance from the center of the rotation axis 411 of the first conveying member 410 disposed in the first conveying path 191 to the upper wall portion 351 or the recessed portion 352 of the cover portion 350A.

[0186] Next, refer to Figures 4-6 The changes in the developer in the developing apparatus 14 will be explained.

[0187] The developing apparatus 14 of this embodiment is provided with an annular developer transport path consisting of a first transport path 191, a second transport path 192, a first connecting portion 196, and a second connecting portion 197. Furthermore, the developer transport path in the developing apparatus 14 of this embodiment is formed by a discharge path 195 connected to one end of the first transport path 191, and discharges the developer to the outside of the developing apparatus 14.

[0188] In each of the first transport path 191, the second connecting portion 197, the second transport path 192, and the first connecting portion 196, the developer travels along... Figure 4 Move in the directions indicated by arrows 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D.

[0189] In the first transport path 191, such as Figure 4 As indicated by arrow 9A, the developer is conveyed to the first conveying member 410 of the conveying member 400 and moves from one end to the other in the length direction in the first conveying path 191, toward the side where the second connecting part 197 is provided.

[0190] Then, as indicated by arrow 9B, the developer moves from top to bottom in the second connection 197 and toward the other end of the second transport path 192.

[0191] In the second transport path 192, as indicated by arrow 9C, the developer is transported to the second transport member 420, moving from one end in the length direction to the other end in the second transport path 192, and toward the side where the first connecting part 196 is provided.

[0192] Then, as indicated by arrow 9D, the developer moves from below to above in the first connection 196 and toward one end of the first transport path 191.

[0193] Furthermore, a portion of the developer moving towards one end of the first transport path 191 flows out through the discharge path 195 connected to one end of the first transport path 191. In other words, if the volume (bulk) of the developer contained in the receiving portion 300 exceeds a predetermined height, the remaining developer flows out from the first transport path 191 to the upstream discharge path 195A of the discharge path 195. Additionally, the volume of the developer refers to the height of the surface of the developer contained in and transported within the receiving portion 300.

[0194] like Figure 6 As indicated by arrow 9E, a portion of the developer flowing out of the upstream discharge path 195A is conveyed by the upstream blade portion 452 of the discharge conveying member 450, thereby returning from the upstream discharge path 195A to the first conveying path 191.

[0195] Furthermore, the remaining portion of the developer flowing out of the upstream discharge path 195A moves from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction within the upstream discharge path 195A and toward the downstream discharge path 195B.

[0196] like Figure 6 As indicated by arrow 9F, the developer moving downstream through discharge path 195B is conveyed by the downstream blade portion 453 of discharge delivery member 450, thereby being discharged to the outside of the receiving portion 300.

[0197] Here, in the image forming apparatus 100, from the viewpoint of suppressing defects such as those in the tonal image formed on the photosensitive drum 11, for example, in each image forming unit 200, it is preferable that the volume of developer contained in the developing unit 14 is a predetermined height. In other words, in the image forming apparatus 100, for example, in multiple image forming units 200, it is preferable that the volume of developer contained in the developing unit 14 is not different.

[0198] As described above, in this embodiment, the basic color image forming unit 200A, the special color image forming unit 200B, and the metallic color image forming unit 200C use developers with different fluidities. Therefore, when the structure for discharging the remaining developer in the developing apparatus 14 to the outside of the receiving unit 300 is identical across multiple image forming units 200, the different fluidities of the developers can sometimes lead to insufficient or excessive developer discharge. For example, the lower the fluidity of the developer, the less easily it moves within the receiving unit 300, resulting in insufficient developer discharge and a higher volume of developer contained in the developing apparatus 14. Conversely, the higher the fluidity of the developer, the more easily it moves within the receiving unit 300, resulting in excessive developer discharge and a lower volume of developer contained in the developing apparatus 14. In such cases, the amount of developer contained in the developing apparatus 14 can easily become unstable among the multiple image forming units 200.

[0199] In contrast, in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the structure that discharges the remaining developer in the developing apparatus 14 to the outside of the receiving section 300 is different in the basic color image forming section 200A, the special color image forming section 200B, and the metallic color image forming section 200C, which have different developer flow rates.

[0200] Figure 7 This describes the special color image forming unit 200B (reference). Figure 1 A diagram showing the structure of the developing apparatus 14.

[0201] Figure 8 This describes the metallic color image forming section 200C (reference). Figure 1 A diagram showing the structure of the developing apparatus 14.

[0202] Figure 7 and Figure 8 and Figure 6 Similarly, this indicates the state of cutting a cross-section at one end of the developing apparatus 14 along its length direction.

[0203] Figure 9 This diagram shows the types of mounting section 330, cover section 350, and transport component 400 that are combined with the developing apparatus 14.

[0204] The developing apparatus 14 of this embodiment has a shape such that the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving portion 300, the easier it is to discharge the developer to the outside of the receiving portion 300 via the discharge path 195. In other words, the developing apparatus 14 of this embodiment includes a mounting portion 330, a cover portion 350, and a transport member 400, so that the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving portion 300, the easier it is to discharge the developer to the outside of the receiving portion 300 via the discharge path 195.

[0205] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, the developing apparatus 14, which contains a basic color image forming section 200A containing a basic color developer, is equipped with a mounting section 330A, a cover section 350A, and a transport section 400A.

[0206] Furthermore, the developing apparatus 14, which contains a special color image forming section 200B containing a special color developer (with a flowability lower than that of the basic color developer), is equipped with a mounting section 330A, a cover section 350A, and a transport section 400B.

[0207] Furthermore, the developing apparatus 14, which contains a metallic color image forming section 200C containing a metallic color developer (with a flowability lower than that of basic color developers and special color developers), is equipped with a mounting section 330B, a cover section 350B, and a transport section 400C.

[0208] Here, in the developing apparatus 14, the developer that has moved from the first connecting part 196 to one end of the first transport path 191 and then flows out from one end of the first transport path 191 to the upstream discharge path 195A and moves from the upstream discharge path 195A to the downstream discharge path 195B is discharged to the outside of the receiving part 300.

[0209] Then, in the developing apparatus 14, the wider the moving path of the developer from the first connecting part 196, the first transport path 191 and the upstream discharge path 195A of the discharge path 195 to the downstream discharge path 195B, the easier it is for the developer to be discharged to the outside of the receiving part 300.

[0210] More specifically, in the developing apparatus 14, the higher the top plate of the first transport path 191 connected to the first connection portion 196, the easier it is for the developer to be discharged to the outside of the receiving portion 300.

[0211] Furthermore, in the developing apparatus 14, the wider the first connecting portion 196 is, the easier it is for the developer to be discharged to the outside of the receiving portion 300. In this example, the width of the first connecting portion 196 refers to the width of the first connecting portion 196 in the length direction.

[0212] Furthermore, in the developing apparatus 14, the larger the diameter of the upstream discharge path 195A in the discharge path 195, the easier it is for the developer to be discharged to the outside of the container 300.

[0213] In the developing apparatus 14 of this embodiment, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained, the wider the movement path of the developer from the first connecting part 196, the first transport path 191 and the upstream discharge path 195A of the discharge path 195 to the downstream discharge path 195B.

[0214] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, in the developing apparatus 14 of the basic color image forming unit 200A, the width of the first connecting portion 196 is Q1. Furthermore, in the developing apparatus 14 of the basic color image forming unit 200A, the cover portion 350A has a recessed portion 352, therefore the top plate height of the first transport path 191 is P1. Also, in the developing apparatus 14 of the basic color image forming unit 200A, the diameter of the upstream discharge path 195A is S1.

[0215] And, as Figure 7 As shown, in the developing apparatus 14 of the special color image forming unit 200B, similarly to the basic color image forming unit 200A, the width of the first connecting portion 196 is Q1. Furthermore, in the developing apparatus 14 of the special color image forming unit 200B, similarly to the basic color image forming unit 200A, the top plate height of the first transport path 191 is P1. Furthermore, in the developing apparatus 14 of the special color image forming unit 200B, similarly to the basic color image forming unit 200A, the diameter of the upstream discharge path 195A is S1.

[0216] In contrast, in the developing apparatus 14 containing a metallic color image forming section 200C with a metallic color developer (whose fluidity is lower than that of the basic color and special color developers), the width of the first connecting portion 196 is wider than that of the basic color image forming section 200A and the special color image forming section 200B. That is, in the developing apparatus 14 for the metallic color image forming section 200C, the width of the first connecting portion 196 is greater than the width Q2 of the width Q1 of the basic color image forming section 200A and the special color image forming section 200B.

[0217] Furthermore, in the developing apparatus 14 of the metallic color image forming unit 200C, the top plate height of the first transport path 191 is higher than that of the basic color image forming unit 200A and the special color image forming unit 200B. Specifically, as Figure 8 As shown, cover 350B and cover 350A (reference) Figure 6 Unlike other parts, it does not have a recessed portion 352 (reference). Figure 6Therefore, in the developing apparatus 14 of the metallic color image forming unit 200C, the height of the top plate of the first transport path 191 is greater than the height P2 of the top plate height P1 in the basic color image forming unit 200A and the special color image forming unit 200B.

[0218] Furthermore, in the developing apparatus 14 of the metallic color image forming unit 200C, the diameter of the upstream discharge path 195A is larger than that of the basic color image forming unit 200A and the special color image forming unit 200B. That is, in the developing apparatus 14 of the metallic color image forming unit 200C, the diameter of the upstream discharge path 195A is larger than the diameter S2 of the diameter S1 of the basic color image forming unit 200A and the special color image forming unit 200B.

[0219] Furthermore, in the developing apparatus 14, the less developer flows out from the first transport path 191 to the upstream discharge path 195A and returns to the first transport path 191 through the upstream blade portion 452 of the discharge transport member 450, the easier it is for the developer to be discharged to the outside of the container 300.

[0220] In other words, in the developing apparatus 14, the smaller the transport force of the developer in the upstream blade portion 452 of the discharge transport member 450, the easier it is for the developer to be discharged to the outside of the container portion 300.

[0221] In the developing apparatus 14 of this embodiment, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained therein, the fewer the number of turns of the upstream blade portion 452. As a result, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the developing apparatus 14, the smaller the conveying force of the developer in the upstream blade portion 452 of the discharge conveying member 450.

[0222] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, in the developing apparatus 14 of the basic color image forming unit 200A, the upstream blade portion 452 rotates 3 times relative to the rotating shaft 451 of the discharge conveying member 450.

[0223] And, as Figure 7 As shown, in the developing apparatus 14 containing a special color image forming section 200B that contains a special color developer (with a flowability lower than that of the basic color developer), the upstream blade section 452 rotates 2.5 times relative to the rotating shaft 451 of the discharge conveying member 450.

[0224] Moreover, such as Figure 8 As shown, in the developing apparatus 14 of the metallic color image forming section 200C containing metallic color developer (with a flowability lower than that of basic color and special color developers), the upstream blade section 452 rotates twice relative to the rotating shaft 451 of the discharge conveying member 450.

[0225] Furthermore, the delivery force of the developer in the upstream blade portion 452 of the discharge conveying member 450 varies not only according to the number of revolutions of the upstream blade portion 452, but also according to the height of the upstream blade portion 452 protruding from the rotation shaft 451, the spacing of the upstream blade portions 452, and so on. These values ​​can be adjusted in the developing apparatus 14 to reduce the flowability of the contained developer and thus the delivery force of the developer in the upstream blade portion 452 of the discharge conveying member 450.

[0226] Thus, in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the developing apparatus 14 has the following shape: the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving portion 300, the easier it is for the developer to be discharged to the outside of the receiving portion 300.

[0227] Specifically, in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the developing apparatus 14 is arranged in the order of basic color image forming unit 200A, special color image forming unit 200B, and metallic color image forming unit 200C, in a shape that facilitates the discharge of developer to the outside of the receiving unit. In other words, in the image forming apparatus 100, the developing apparatus 14 of the metallic color image forming unit 200C is shaped to most easily discharge developer to the outside of the receiving unit 300. Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 100, the developing apparatus 14 of the basic color image forming unit 200A is shaped to least easily discharge developer to the outside of the receiving unit 300.

[0228] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment, in the basic color image forming unit 200A, the special color image forming unit 200B, and the metallic color image forming unit 200C, the insufficient or excessive discharge of developer can be suppressed according to the different flowability of the developer.

[0229] Therefore, compared with the case where the shape of the developing apparatus 14 is the same in the basic color image forming unit 200A, the special color image forming unit 200B and the metallic color image forming unit 200C, the amount of developer contained in the container 300 of each developing apparatus 14 can be stabilized.

[0230] As a means of varying the ease with which developer can be discharged from the container 300 according to its flowability, one example is changing the shape of the developing apparatus 14 or the container 300 as a whole according to the flowability of the developer. However, in this case, the developing apparatus 14 or the container 300 needs to be manufactured for each type of developer with different flowability. Therefore, the manufacturing cost or time required for the image forming apparatus 100 can easily increase.

[0231] In contrast, in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment, by varying the types of parts combined with the developing apparatus 14 according to the flowability of the developer, the ease with which the developer is discharged to the outside of the container varies. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment, it is easier to vary the ease with which the developer is discharged to the outside of the container 300 according to the flowability of the developer. Furthermore, compared to the case where the shape of the developing apparatus 14 or the container 300 as a whole is changed according to the flowability of the developer, the increase in manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus 100 can be suppressed.

[0232] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. As can be seen from the description of the technical solutions, embodiments obtained by making various changes or improvements to the above embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0233] <Postscript> (1)

[0235] An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0236] Multiple image holding volumes; and

[0237] Multiple developing devices use developing agents with different fluidities to develop the images on each of the image holders.

[0238] Each of the aforementioned developing apparatuses includes:

[0239] The receiving portion contains developer and includes a first transport path extending in one direction, a second transport path disposed below the first transport path and extending in the same direction, a first connecting portion connecting one end of the first transport path and one end of the second transport path, and a second connecting portion connecting the other end of the first transport path and the other end of the second transport path.

[0240] A first conveying component is disposed in the first conveying path and conveys the developer from one end of the one direction to the other end;

[0241] The second conveying component is disposed in the second conveying path and conveys the developer from one end of one direction to the other end.

[0242] A discharge path extends from one end of the first transport path along the first direction and discharges the developer flowing out of the first transport path to the outside of the container; and

[0243] A discharge conveying component is disposed in the discharge path and conveys the developer flowing out from the first conveying path.

[0244] The discharge path, the discharge conveying component, and the first conveying path or the first connecting portion of the receiving portion have the following shape: the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving portion, the easier it is to discharge the developer to the outside of the receiving portion. (2)

[0246] According to the image forming apparatus described in (1), wherein,

[0247] In the plurality of developing apparatuses, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the containment, the wider the movement path of the developer discharged to the outside of the containment through the first connecting part, one end of the first transport path and the discharge path. (3)

[0249] According to the image forming apparatus described in (2), wherein,

[0250] In the plurality of developing devices, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the containment portion, the higher the height of the top plate at one end of the first transport path connected to the first connection portion. (4)

[0252] According to the image forming apparatus described in (2), wherein,

[0253] In the plurality of developing devices, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving portion, the wider the width of the first connecting portion. (5)

[0255] According to the image forming apparatus described in (2), wherein,

[0256] The discharge conveying component includes: an upstream conveying section, continuous to one end of the first conveying component, conveying developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the first conveying path; and a downstream conveying section, continuous to one end of the upstream conveying section, conveying developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the outside of the receiving portion.

[0257] The discharge path includes: an upstream discharge path, which is continuous with one end of the first conveying path and is equipped with the upstream conveying section; and a downstream discharge path, which is continuous with one end of the upstream discharge path and is equipped with the downstream conveying section.

[0258] In the plurality of developing devices, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the containment, the larger the diameter of the upstream discharge path. (6)

[0260] The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein,

[0261] The discharge conveying component includes: an upstream conveying section, continuous to one end of the first conveying component, conveying developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the first conveying path; and a downstream conveying section, continuous to one end of the upstream conveying section, conveying developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the outside of the receiving portion.

[0262] In the plurality of developing devices, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the containment section, the lower the conveying force of the upstream conveying section. (7)

[0264] According to the image forming apparatus described in (6), wherein,

[0265] The discharge conveying component includes: a rotating shaft extending along the direction; an upstream blade portion spirally disposed around the rotating shaft and constituting the upstream conveying portion; and a downstream blade portion spirally disposed around the rotating shaft and constituting the downstream conveying portion.

[0266] In the plurality of developing devices, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the containment portion, the fewer the number of turns of the upstream blade portion. (8)

[0268] The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein,

[0269] In the plurality of developing devices, the receiving portion and the discharge path are formed by a plurality of parts.

[0270] Depending on the fluidity of the developer contained in the containment, the type of the assembled parts or the type of the discharge conveying component combined with multiple of these parts may differ, and thus the shape may be such that the lower the fluidity of the developer, the easier it is to discharge the developer to the outside of the containment. (9)

[0272] According to the image forming apparatus described in (8), wherein,

[0273] The discharge conveying component includes: an upstream conveying section, continuous to one end of the first conveying component, conveying developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the first conveying path; and a downstream conveying section, continuous to one end of the upstream conveying section, conveying developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the outside of the receiving portion.

[0274] The discharge path includes: an upstream discharge path, which is continuous with one end of the first conveying path and is equipped with the upstream conveying section; and a downstream discharge path, which is continuous with one end of the upstream discharge path and is equipped with the downstream conveying section.

[0275] In the various developing apparatuses, the combination of various first parts, various second parts, and various discharge conveying components varies depending on the flowability of the developer contained in the receiving portion. Among the various first parts, the width of the first connecting portion or the diameter of the upstream discharge path differs. Among the various second parts, the height of the top plate at one end of the first conveying path connected to the first connecting portion differs. Among the various discharge conveying components, the conveying force of the upstream conveying portion differs. (10)

[0277] A developing apparatus comprising:

[0278] The receiving portion contains developer and includes a first transport path extending in one direction, a second transport path disposed below the first transport path and extending in the same direction, a first connecting portion connecting one end of the first transport path and one end of the second transport path, and a second connecting portion connecting the other end of the first transport path and the other end of the second transport path.

[0279] A first conveying component is disposed in the first conveying path and conveys the developer from one end of the one direction to the other end;

[0280] The second conveying component is disposed in the second conveying path and conveys the developer from one end of one direction to the other end.

[0281] A discharge path extends from one end of the first transport path along the first direction and discharges the developer flowing out of the first transport path to the outside of the container; and

[0282] A discharge conveying component is disposed in the discharge path and conveys the developer flowing out from the first conveying path.

[0283] The receiving section and the discharge path are formed by multiple parts.

[0284] The ease with which developer is discharged to the outside of the container can be altered by changing the type of the combined components or the type of the discharge delivery component combined with multiple of the components. (11)

[0286] According to the developing apparatus described in (10), wherein,

[0287] By changing the type of the combined parts or the type of the discharge conveying component combined with multiple of the parts, the top plate height of one end of the first conveying path connected to the first connecting part, the width of the first connecting part, the diameter of the discharge path, or the conveying force of the discharge conveying component can be changed.

[0288] According to the image forming apparatus described in (1), compared to the case where the structure for discharging the remaining developer to the outside of the container is the same, the amount of developer contained in the container can be stabilized.

[0289] According to the image forming apparatus described in (2), compared to the case where the movement path of the discharged developer is set to be the same regardless of the fluidity of the developer contained in the container, the amount of developer contained in the container can be stabilized.

[0290] According to the image forming apparatus involved in (3), compared with the case where the height of the top plate at one end of the first transport path is set to be the same regardless of the fluidity of the developer contained in the container, it is possible to suppress insufficient or excessive discharge of developer.

[0291] According to the image forming apparatus involved in (4), compared with the case where the width of the first connecting portion is set to be the same regardless of the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving portion, it is possible to suppress insufficient or excessive discharge of developer.

[0292] According to the image forming apparatus involved in (5), compared with the case where the diameter of the upstream discharge path is set to be the same regardless of the fluidity of the developer contained in the container, it is possible to suppress insufficient or excessive discharge of developer.

[0293] According to the image forming apparatus described in (6), compared to the case where the conveying force of the upstream conveying unit is set to be the same regardless of the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving section, it is possible to suppress insufficient or excessive discharge of developer.

[0294] According to the image forming apparatus involved in (7), compared with the case where the number of turns of the upstream blade is set to be the same regardless of the fluidity of the developer contained in the container, it is possible to suppress insufficient or excessive discharge of developer.

[0295] According to the image forming apparatus involved in (8), compared with the case of changing the overall shape of the developing apparatus, it is possible to use a simpler method to set the developing apparatus into a shape that makes it easier to discharge the developer to the outside of the container by reducing the fluidity of the developer.

[0296] According to the image forming apparatus involved in (9), by varying the assembled parts according to the fluidity of the developer, the developing apparatus can be configured to be shaped such that the lower the fluidity of the developer, the easier it is to discharge the developer to the outside of the container.

[0297] According to the developing apparatus involved in (10), compared with the case where the structure for discharging the remaining developer to the outside of the container is the same, the amount of developer contained in the container can be stabilized.

[0298] According to the developing apparatus described in (11), by varying the assembled parts according to the fluidity of the developer, the ease with which the developer is discharged to the outside of the container can be changed.

[0299] The embodiments of the present invention described above are provided for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, these embodiments do not encompass the entirety of the invention, nor do they limit the invention to the disclosed methods. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations will be readily understood. These embodiments were chosen and described to most readily explain the principles and applications of the invention. Thus, those skilled in the art can understand the invention through various modifications that are assumed to be optimized for specific uses of various embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the foregoing claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising: Multiple image holding volumes; and Multiple developing devices use developing agents with different fluidities to develop the images on each of the image holders. Each of the aforementioned developing apparatuses includes: The receiving portion contains a developer and includes a first transport path extending in one direction, a second transport path disposed below the first transport path and extending in the same direction, a first connecting portion connecting one end of the first transport path and one end of the second transport path, and a second connecting portion connecting the other end of the first transport path and the other end of the second transport path. A first conveying component is disposed in the first conveying path and conveys the developer from one end of the one direction to the other end; The second conveying component is disposed in the second conveying path and conveys the developer from one end of one direction to the other end. A discharge path extends from one end of the first transport path along the first direction and discharges the developer flowing out of the first transport path to the outside of the container; and A discharge conveying component is disposed in the discharge path and conveys the developer flowing out from the first conveying path. The discharge path, the discharge conveying component, and the first conveying path or the first connecting portion of the receiving portion have the following shape: the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving portion, the easier it is to discharge the developer to the outside of the receiving portion.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, In the plurality of developing apparatuses, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the containment, the wider the movement path of the developer discharged to the outside of the containment through the first connecting part, one end of the first transport path and the discharge path.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, In the plurality of developing devices, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the containment portion, the higher the height of the top plate at one end of the first transport path connected to the first connection portion.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, In the plurality of developing devices, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the receiving portion, the wider the width of the first connecting portion.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The discharge conveying component includes: an upstream conveying section, continuous to one end of the first conveying component, conveying developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the first conveying path; and a downstream conveying section, continuous to one end of the upstream conveying section, conveying developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the outside of the receiving portion. The discharge path includes: an upstream discharge path, which is continuous with one end of the first conveying path and is equipped with the upstream conveying section; and a downstream discharge path, which is continuous with one end of the upstream discharge path and is equipped with the downstream conveying section. In the plurality of developing devices, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the containment, the larger the diameter of the upstream discharge path.

6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The discharge conveying component includes: an upstream conveying section, continuous to one end of the first conveying component, conveying developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the first conveying path; and a downstream conveying section, continuous to one end of the upstream conveying section, conveying developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the outside of the receiving portion. In the plurality of developing devices, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the containment section, the lower the conveying force of the upstream conveying section.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The discharge conveying component includes: a rotating shaft extending along the direction; an upstream blade portion spirally disposed around the rotating shaft and constituting the upstream conveying portion; and a downstream blade portion spirally disposed around the rotating shaft and constituting the downstream conveying portion. In the plurality of developing devices, the lower the fluidity of the developer contained in the containment portion, the fewer the number of turns of the upstream blade portion.

8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, In the plurality of developing devices, the receiving portion and the discharge path are formed by a plurality of parts. Depending on the fluidity of the developer contained in the containment, the types of the assembled parts or the types of the discharge conveying components combined with multiple of the parts differ, and therefore the shape is such that the lower the fluidity of the developer, the easier it is to discharge the developer to the outside of the containment.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The discharge conveying component includes: an upstream conveying section, continuous to one end of the first conveying component, conveying developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the first conveying path; and a downstream conveying section, continuous to one end of the upstream conveying section, conveying developer flowing out of the first conveying path toward the outside of the receiving portion. The discharge path includes: an upstream discharge path, which is continuous with one end of the first conveying path and is equipped with the upstream conveying section; and a downstream discharge path, which is continuous with one end of the upstream discharge path and is equipped with the downstream conveying section. In the various developing apparatuses, the combination of various first parts, various second parts, and various discharge conveying components varies depending on the flowability of the developer contained in the containment portion. Among the various first parts, the width of the first connecting portion or the diameter of the upstream discharge path differs. Among the various second parts, the height of the top plate at one end of the first conveying path connected to the first connecting portion differs. Among the various discharge conveying components, the conveying force of the upstream conveying portion differs.

10. A developing apparatus comprising: The receiving portion contains a developer and includes a first transport path extending in one direction, a second transport path disposed below the first transport path and extending in the same direction, a first connecting portion connecting one end of the first transport path and one end of the second transport path, and a second connecting portion connecting the other end of the first transport path and the other end of the second transport path. A first conveying component is disposed in the first conveying path and conveys the developer from one end of the one direction to the other end; The second conveying component is disposed in the second conveying path and conveys the developer from one end of one direction to the other end. A discharge path extends from one end of the first transport path along the first direction and discharges the developer flowing out of the first transport path to the outside of the container; and A discharge conveying component is disposed in the discharge path and conveys the developer flowing out from the first conveying path. The receiving section and the discharge path are formed by multiple parts. The ease with which developer is discharged to the outside of the container can be altered by changing the type of the combined components or the type of the discharge delivery component combined with multiple of the components.

11. The developing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, By changing the type of the combined parts or the type of the discharge conveying component combined with multiple parts, the top plate height of one end of the first conveying path connected to the first connecting part, the width of the first connecting part, the diameter of the discharge path, or the conveying force of the discharge conveying component can be changed.

Images