Developing apparatus and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a developing device that, compared with a configuration in which the other end of a duct part opening at one end above a holding body opens above a supply unit, reduces discharge of developer from one end of the duct part, and an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: A developing device comprises: a holding body that holds developer; a stirring unit that stirs the developer; a supply unit that supplies the developer flowing in from the stirring unit to the holding body; a filling part that is provided above the stirring unit and is filled with the developer; a closing part that closes a lower part of the filling part, and when it is removed, allows the developer to fall from the filling part to the stirring unit; and a duct part that connects a space inside the filling part and a space above the holding body with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a developing device and an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, an upper chamber containing a new developer communicates with a lower chamber when a seal member attached to a developer dropping port provided between the two chambers is peeled off, and the new developer drops from the upper chamber to the lower chamber through the dropping port. A developing device is disclosed in which a pressure release structure configured to be pressure-releasable using the space generated after the seal member is peeled off and the new developer drops to the lower chamber is provided in the upper chamber.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a developing device that suppresses an increase in the internal pressure of the developing device, facilitates miniaturization and unitization, and is easily separable from a filter unit that has problems in maintainability due to toner clogging or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress the discharge of the developer from one end of the duct portion as compared with a configuration in which the other end of the duct portion having one end open above the holding member opens above the supply portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A developing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a holder for holding a developer; a stirring section for stirring the developer; a supply section for supplying the developer flowing in from the stirring section to the holder; a filling section provided above the stirring section and filled with the developer; a blocking section that closes the lower part of the filling section, and when removed, the blocking section allows the developer to fall from the filling section to the stirring section; and a duct section connecting the space within the filling section to the upper part of the holder.

[0007] In a developing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the filling section is arranged such that when the blocking section is removed, the developer falls only into the stirring section.

[0008] A developing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in a developing apparatus according to a second aspect, wherein the stirring section has a stirring channel formed in a housing in such manner as to extend in one direction, and a stirring member provided in the stirring channel that rotates around its own axis to convey and stir the developer in the direction of its own axis, and the filling section is arranged over at least the entire range in the one direction of the stirring channel.

[0009] A developing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in which the developing apparatus according to the third aspect connects the space within the filling section and the area above the holder over a range that includes the entire range in one direction of the stirring channel.

[0010] A developing apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a developing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a blocking section that blocks the flow of air between the filling section and the duct section, the blocking section being removed which allows air to flow from the filling section to the duct section.

[0011] A developing apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a developing apparatus according to a fifth aspect, wherein the blocking portion is a first seal-like member that blocks the downward opening of the filling portion and is pulled out and removed, and the blocking portion is a second seal-like member that blocks the opening at the boundary between the filling portion and the duct portion and is pulled out and removed.

[0012] In the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the developing apparatus of the sixth aspect is configured such that the first seal-like member and the second seal-like member are connected in a way that allows them to be removed in a single operation.

[0013] An image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect of this disclosure comprises an image holder for holding a latent image, a developing apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects for developing the latent image to form a toner image, and a transfer apparatus for transferring the toner image to a medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In the developing apparatus of the first aspect of this disclosure, compared to a configuration in which one end of a duct portion opens above the holder and the other end opens above the supply portion, the discharge of developer components from one end of the duct portion is suppressed.

[0015] According to the developing apparatus of the second aspect of this disclosure, compared to a configuration in which the developer also falls from the filling section to the supply section, the discharge of developer components from one end of the duct section is suppressed.

[0016] In the developing apparatus of the third aspect of this disclosure, compared to a configuration in which the filling section is located only in a part of the direction in which the stirring channel extends, the discharge of developer components from one end of the duct section is suppressed.

[0017] In the developing apparatus of the fourth aspect of this disclosure, compared to an embodiment in which the duct section connects the space within the filling section and the upper part of the holder only in a portion of the direction in which the agitation flow path extends, the discharge of developer components from one end of the duct section is suppressed.

[0018] According to the developing apparatus of the fifth aspect of this disclosure, the developer filled in the filling section is not discharged to the outside through the opening of the duct section.

[0019] According to the developing apparatus of the sixth aspect of this disclosure, compared to the case in which the blocking portion has a different structure from the sealing portion, the likelihood of erroneous operation when removing the sealing portion and the blocking portion is suppressed.

[0020] According to the developing device of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the operation for removing the blocking portion and the closing portion is easier compared to the configuration in which the blocking portion and the closing portion are removed independently.

[0021] According to the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the stain caused by the components of the developer is suppressed compared to the configuration including a developing device in which the other end of the duct portion having one end opened above the holding member is opened above the supply portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a layout diagram showing the overall configuration inside the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view of the developing device according to the embodiment viewed from the front side, showing the state before heat seal removal. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of the developing device according to the embodiment viewed from the front side, showing the state after heat seal removal. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the stirring portion and the supply portion of the developing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the stirring portion, the filling portion, and the duct portion of the developing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the stirring portion, the filling portion, and the heat seal of the developing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the filling portion, the duct portion, and the heat seal of the developing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing the connecting member connecting the two heat seals of the developing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram showing the air flow inside the housing of the developing device according to the embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] An example of a developing apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In each figure, arrow H is in the vertical direction and indicates the up-down direction of the apparatus, arrow D is in the horizontal direction and indicates the depth direction of the apparatus, and arrow W is in the horizontal direction and indicates the width direction of the apparatus.

[0024] (Overall configuration of the image forming apparatus) As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes a storage section 14 in which a sheet material P as a recording medium is stored, a transport section 16 for transporting the sheet material P stored in the storage section 14, and an image forming section 20 for forming an image on the sheet material P transported by the transport section 16.

[0025] [Detention area] The storage section 14 has a storage member 26 that can be pulled out from the main body 10A of the image forming apparatus 10 towards the front in the depth direction of the apparatus, and the sheet material P is loaded onto the storage member 26. Furthermore, the main body 10A has a delivery roll 30 that sends the sheet material P loaded onto the storage member 26 to the delivery path 28 that constitutes the delivery section 16.

[0026] [Conveying section] The conveying unit 16 has a plurality of conveying rolls (not shown) that convey the sheet material P along the conveying path 28 on which the sheet material P is conveyed.

[0027] [Image forming unit] The image forming unit 20 is equipped with four image forming units 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In the following description, Y, M, C, and K may be omitted when it is not necessary to distinguish between them. Furthermore, each color image forming unit 18 is detachable from the main body 10A of the device.

[0028] Furthermore, each color image forming unit 18 includes a photoreceptor drum 36, which is an example of an image holder and rotates in the direction of arrow B in the figure, and a charging member 38 that charges the surface of the photoreceptor drum 36.

[0029] Furthermore, the image forming unit 18 includes an exposure device 42 that irradiates an electrostatic photoreceptor drum 36 with exposure light, and a developing device 40 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed by the irradiation with exposure light and visualizes it as a toner image.

[0030] Furthermore, the image forming unit 20 includes an endless belt 22 that circulates in the direction of arrow A in the figure, an auxiliary roll 52 around which the endless belt 22 is wound, a tensioning roll 54, and a drive roll 56. In addition, the image forming unit 20 has a primary transfer roll 44 that transfers the toner images formed by each color image forming unit 18 onto the endless belt 22.

[0031] Furthermore, the image forming unit 20 has a secondary transfer roll 46 that transfers the toner image transferred to the endless belt 22 to the sheet material P. The transfer device 32 is composed of the endless belt 22, auxiliary roll 52, tensioning roll 54, drive roll 56, and primary transfer roll 44. In addition, the image forming unit 20 has a fixing device 50 that heats and pressurizes the sheet material P to which the toner image has been transferred, thereby fixing the toner image to the sheet material P.

[0032] (Operation of the image forming apparatus) In the image forming apparatus 10, an image is formed as follows.

[0033] First, the charged components 38 of each color to which voltage is applied uniformly negatively charge the surface of the photoreceptor drum 36 of each color at a predetermined potential. Next, the exposure device 42 irradiates exposure light onto the charged surface of the photoreceptor drum 36 of each color based on the image data input from the outside, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 36 of each color that corresponds to the data. Furthermore, the developing device 40 for each color develops this electrostatic latent image and visualizes it as a toner image.

[0034] Furthermore, the toner images formed on the surface of each color photoreceptor drum 36 are sequentially transferred to the endless belt 22 that circulates via the primary transfer roll 44. Meanwhile, the sheet material P, which has been fed from the storage member 26 to the transport path 28 via the delivery roll 30, is sent to the transfer position T where the endless belt 22 and the secondary transfer roll 46 come into contact.

[0035] At the transfer position T, the sheet material P is transported between the endless belt 22 and the secondary transfer roll 46, so that the toner image on the outer surface of the endless belt 22 is transferred to the sheet material P. The toner image transferred to the surface of the sheet material P is fixed to the sheet material P by the fixing device 50. The sheet material P with the toner image fixed is then discharged to the outside of the main body 10A of the device.

[0036] (Structure of the main parts) [Developing equipment] Next, the specific configuration of the developing apparatus 40 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 9 as appropriate.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the developing apparatus 40 includes a housing 72 equipped with a filling section 72H and a duct section 72I, etc., in which the developer G is filled; a developing roll 60 that holds the developer G; a layer thickness regulating member 62; a stirring section 80 that stirs the developer G; and a supply section 81 that supplies the developer G flowing in from the stirring section 80 to the developing roll 60. In this embodiment, the developer G is a two-component developer mainly composed of toner and carrier.

[0038] The developing roll 60 is positioned opposite the photoreceptor drum 36 and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 36 with the developer G to visualize it as a toner image. A gap (so-called developing gap) is formed between the developing roll 60 and the photoreceptor drum 36 to transfer the developer G from the developing roll 60 to the photoreceptor drum 36. The developing roll 60 comprises a magnetic roll 60A with a circular cross-section and a rotating sleeve 60B that covers the magnetic roll 60A and rotates around the magnetic roll 60A. This rotating sleeve 60B is rotated in the direction of arrow C (clockwise) in the figure by a rotational force transmitted from a drive source (not shown). Note that the developing roll 60 is an example of a holder.

[0039] The layer thickness regulating member 62 regulates the thickness of the developer G layer that adheres to the surface of the developing roll 60.

[0040] The housing 72 is positioned next to the photoreceptor drum 36, and in the housing 72, an opening 72A is formed in the depth direction of the device, which exposes the developing roll 60, in the portion facing the photoreceptor drum 36.

[0041] Furthermore, in the housing 72, a transfer path 72B is formed extending in the depth direction of the device, on the opposite side of the photoreceptor drum 36 across the opening 72A, where the developing roll 60 is located. Also in the housing 72, a supply channel 72D is formed extending in the depth direction of the device below the transfer path 72B. Furthermore, in the housing 72, an agitation channel 72C is formed adjacent to the supply channel 72D, extending in the depth direction of the device and positioned parallel to the supply channel 72D.

[0042] Furthermore, in the housing 72, a partition plate 72E is formed between the stirring channel 72C and the supply channel 72D, rising from the inner surface of the bottom wall of the housing 72.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, in the housing 72, a stirring auger 66 is arranged in the stirring channel 72C, and a supply auger 68 is arranged in the supply channel 72D.

[0044] The stirring section 80 consists of a stirring auger 66 and a stirring channel 72C. The stirring auger 66 is an example of a stirring member. The supply section 81 consists of a supply auger 68 and a supply channel 72D.

[0045] The agitation auger 66 comprises a rotating shaft 66A extending in the depth direction of the apparatus and helical agitation blades 66B formed on the outer surface of the rotating shaft 66A. The agitation auger 66 rotates around the rotating shaft 66A as its axis, agitating the developer G while conveying it in the axial direction.

[0046] The supply auger 68 comprises a rotating shaft 68A extending in the depth direction of the apparatus and helical supply blades 68B formed on the outer surface of the rotating shaft 68A. The supply auger 68 supplies the developer G to the developing roll 60 while conveying the developer G in the axial direction by rotating around the rotating shaft 68A.

[0047] Furthermore, in the housing 72, a first connection port 72F is formed adjacent to the front end of the partition plate 72E in the depth direction of the device, connecting the stirring channel 72C and the supply channel 72D. Also, in the housing 72, a second connection port 72G is formed adjacent to the rear end of the partition plate 72E in the depth direction of the device, connecting the stirring channel 72C and the supply channel 72D. Thus, a circulation path is formed through the stirring channel 72C, the supply channel 72D, the first connection port 72F, and the second connection port 72G for the developer G to circulate.

[0048] In this embodiment, rotational force is transmitted from a drive source (not shown) to the stirring auger 66 and the supply auger 68, and as the stirring auger 66 and the supply auger 68 rotate, the developer G circulates in the direction indicated by arrow F in Figure 4.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, in the housing 72, the filling section 72H is positioned over at least the entire range of the stirring channel 72C in the depth direction of the apparatus. The stirring channel 72C is the area partitioned by the partition plate 72E, as indicated by arrow L in Figure 4. The length of the filling section 72H in the depth direction of the apparatus is configured to be greater than or equal to the length L of the stirring channel 72C in the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0050] Furthermore, in the housing 72, a duct section 72I is formed on the side of the filling section 72H, extending in the depth direction of the apparatus and connecting the space within the filling section 72H to the area above the developing roll 60. The duct section 72I connects the space within the filling section 72H to the area above the developing roll 60 over a range that includes the entire range of the stirring channel 72C in the depth direction of the apparatus. In other words, the length of the duct section 72I in the depth direction of the apparatus is configured to be greater than or equal to the length L of the stirring channel 72C in the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0051] Furthermore, the developing device 40 is equipped with a heat seal 76 that closes the lower part of the filling section 72H and a heat seal 77 that blocks the airflow from the filling section 72H to the opening 72K of the duct section 72I before use, such as after shipment and before installation at the place of use (for example, during transport). The heat seal 76 is an example of a closing section and a first sealing member. The heat seal 77 is an example of a blocking section and a second sealing member.

[0052] As shown in Figure 2, the developing device 40 has developer G filled in the filling section 72H before the heat seals 76 and 77 are removed. As shown in Figure 3, the developing device 40 is removed when in use. As a result, the developer G stored in the filling section 72H falls into the stirring section 80 and is supplied to the developing roll 60 via the supply section 81. Air also flows from the filling section 72H to the opening 72K of the duct section 72I.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, the heat seal 76 is a film, for example, made of polyethylene, that is placed between the filling section 72H, which is filled with developer G, and the stirring section 80. The heat seal 76 is configured to prevent the developer G from leaking from the filling section 72H into the stirring section 80 during transport by sealing the space between the filling section 72H and the stirring section 80.

[0054] The heat seal 76 is heat-sealed in a double-folded state to a rectangular frame-shaped heat seal welding portion 72L formed on the housing 72, for example. The end portion 76A of the heat seal 76 that is folded over onto the welding portion 72L protrudes from the front end of the housing 72. When the end portion 76A that protrudes from the front end of the housing 72 is pulled, the heat seal 76 is peeled away from the welding portion 72L and pulled out to the outside of the housing 72. When the heat seal 76 is removed from the housing 72, the developer G falls from the filling portion 72H into the stirring portion 80.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, the heat seal 77 is a film, for example, made of polyethylene, provided between the filling section 72H, which is filled with developer G, and the duct section 72I. The heat seal 77 is configured to prevent the developer G from leaking from the filling section 72H to the duct section 72I during transport by sealing the space between the filling section 72H and the duct section 72I.

[0056] The heat seal 77 is heat-sealed in a double-folded state to the periphery of the opening 72J between the filling section 72H and the duct section 72I, for example, on the inner surface of the filling section 72H. The end portion 77A of the heat seal 77 that is folded over on the welded portion protrudes from the front end of the housing 72. When the end portion 77A that protrudes from the front end of the housing 72 is pulled, the heat seal 77 is peeled away from the welded portion and pulled out to the outside of the housing 72. When the heat seal 77 is removed from the housing 72, air can flow from the filling section 72H to the duct section 72I.

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the end 76A of the heat seal 76 and the end 77A of the heat seal 77 are connected by a connecting member 78 on the outside of the housing 72 so that they can be removed in a single operation.

[0058] The developing device 40 described above is detachable from the main unit 10A, and for example, when the toner in the developer G is consumed, it is replaced with a new one.

[0059] (The operation of the developing device) In the developing device 40, the photoreceptor drum 36 is developed as follows. First, when the developing device 40 is used, the heat seals 76 and 77 are removed. As a result, the developer G stored in the filling section 72H falls into the stirring section 80 and then circulates through a circulation path consisting of the stirring channel 72C of the stirring section 80, the supply channel 72D of the supply section 81, the first connection port 72F, and the second connection port 72G. In addition, the air that flows into the housing 72 as the developing roll 60 rotates flows from the filling section 72H to the opening 72K of the duct section 72I via the transfer channel 72B, the supply channel 72D, the first connection port 72F and the second connection port 72G, and the stirring channel 72C.

[0060] The developer G is supplied from the supply unit 81 to the developing roll 60 in the transfer path 72B. The developing roll 60 is positioned opposite the photoreceptor drum 36 and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 36 with the developer G, making it visible as a toner image.

[0061] During development of the photosensitive drum 36, the developing device 40 draws air into the housing 72 due to the rotation of the developing roll 60, increasing the pressure inside the housing 72. Therefore, the housing 72 is configured to release the pressure inside the housing 72 through the opening 72K of the duct section 72I.

[0062] Furthermore, during development of the photoreceptor drum 36, the developer G that falls from the developing roll 60 and returns to the supply channel 72D collides with the developer G being transported in the supply channel 72D, causing the toner contained in the developer G to diffuse and generating a so-called toner cloud. In a comparative example equipped with a duct connecting the top of the supply unit 81 and the opening 72K, some of the toner cloud adheres to the inner surface of the duct when the pressure inside the housing 72 is released, but it easily leaks out of the housing 72 through the opening 72K of the duct to the outside of the housing 72.

[0063] In the developing apparatus 40 of this embodiment, since the housing 72 is configured as described above, when the pressure inside the housing 72 is released, the air in the transfer path 72B, including the toner cloud, passes through the supply path 72D of the supply unit 81, the first connection port 72F and the second connection port 72G, the stirring path 72C of the stirring unit 80, the filling unit 72H, and the duct unit 72I in that order, as shown by arrow FC in Figure 9, and is discharged from the opening 72K.

[0064] In this embodiment, the developing apparatus 40 has a wider inner surface area of ​​the duct section 72I compared to the comparative example above, because the duct section 72I connects the filling section 72H and the opening 72K. Therefore, in this embodiment, the developing apparatus 40 has a wider inner surface area of ​​the duct section 72I compared to the comparative example above, which has a duct section connecting the top of the supply section 81 and the opening 72K.

[0065] Furthermore, in the developing apparatus 40 of this embodiment, the filling section 72H drops the developer G only into the agitation channel 72C. That is, the air that flows into the inside of the housing 72 as the developing roll 60 rotates is discharged to the outside from the duct section 72I via the agitation channel 72C and the filling section 72H, and the length of the flow path to discharge is long. For this reason, in the developing apparatus 40 of this embodiment, compared to a configuration in which the developer G also drops from the filling section 72H into the supply channel 72D, the discharge of toner cloud from the opening 72K at one end of the duct section 72I is suppressed.

[0066] Furthermore, in the developing apparatus 40 of this embodiment, the filling section 72H is positioned over at least the entire range of the stirring channel 72C in the depth direction of the apparatus. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the filling section 72H is positioned only in a part of the stirring channel 72C in the depth direction of the apparatus, the discharge of toner clouds from the opening 72K at one end of the duct section 72I is suppressed.

[0067] Furthermore, in the developing apparatus 40 of this embodiment, the duct section 72I connects the space within the filling section 72H and the area above the developing roll 60 over a range that includes the entire range of the stirring channel 72C in the depth direction of the apparatus. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the duct section 72I connects the space within the filling section and the area above the developing roll 60 with only a part of the stirring channel 72C in the depth direction of the apparatus, the discharge of toner cloud from the opening 72K at one end of the duct section 72I is suppressed.

[0068] Furthermore, the developing apparatus 40 of this embodiment is equipped with a heat seal 77 that blocks the airflow from the filling section 72H to the opening 72K of the duct section 72I before use begins, such as after shipment but before installation at the place of use (for example, during transport). Therefore, before installation at the place of use, the developer G filled in the filling section 72H is not discharged to the outside from the opening 72K at one end of the duct section 72I.

[0069] Furthermore, in the developing apparatus 40 of this embodiment, the heat seal 77, which is the blocking part, has the same structure as the heat seal 76, which is the sealing part. Therefore, compared to the case where the blocking part has a different structure from the sealing part, errors during the removal of the sealing part and the blocking part are suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, in the developing apparatus 40 of this embodiment, the heat seal 76, which is the sealing portion, and the heat seal 77, which is the blocking portion, are connected by a connecting member 78 so that they can be removed in a single operation. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the blocking portion and the sealing portion are removed independently, the work required to remove the sealing portion and the blocking portion is easier.

[0071] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a developing apparatus 40 that suppresses toner cloud discharge compared to the developing apparatus of the comparative example above. Therefore, compared to the configuration equipped with the developing apparatus of the comparative example above, toner cloud staining is suppressed.

[0072] (modified version) The configuration of the developing apparatus 40 relating to this disclosure is not limited to the description above.

[0073] For example, in the above description, the filling section 72H was arranged so that the developer G would fall only into the stirring section 80 when the heat seal 76 was removed. However, it may also be arranged so that the developer G would fall into both the stirring section 80 and the supply section 81.

[0074] Furthermore, although the stirring section 80 was described above as consisting of a stirring auger 66 and a stirring channel 72C, the configuration of the stirring section 80 is not limited to that described above. Similarly, although the supply section 81 was described as consisting of a supply auger 68 and a supply channel 72D, the configuration of the supply section 81 is not limited to that described above.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above description, the duct section 72I was configured to connect the space within the filling section 72H and the area above the developing roll 60 over a range that includes the entire range of the stirring channel 72C in the depth direction of the apparatus. However, the configuration of the duct section 72I is not limited to the above.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above description, the developing apparatus 40 was equipped with a heat seal 77 for transport, but it is not limited to this. For example, instead of the above configuration, a configuration without a heat seal 77 may be used.

[0077] Furthermore, although the above description provided a heat seal 76 as the sealing portion and a heat seal 77 as the blocking portion, the configuration of the sealing portion and the blocking portion is not limited to the above and may be in other forms.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above description, the end 76A of the heat seal 76 and the end 77A of the heat seal 77 were connected by a connecting member 78 on the outside of the housing 72, but the two may be configured to be removed individually.

[0079] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it is clear that any person with ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs could conceive of various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these too are naturally understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 10 Image forming apparatus 10A Main Unit 14. Detention Unit 16 Conveying section 18 Image forming unit 20 Image forming unit 40 Developing equipment 42 Exposure apparatus 50 Fixing device 60 developing rolls 60A Magnetic Roll 60B Rotating Sleeve 62 Layer Thickness Regulating Member 66. Stirring Auger 66A Rotating shaft 66B Agitation blade 68 Supply Auger 68A Rotating shaft 68B Feed Blade 72 cabinets 72A opening 72B Transfer route 72C Agitation channel 72D Supply channel 72E Partition Plate 72F First junction 72G Second connection port 72H Filling section 72I Duct section 72J opening 72K aperture 72L welded part 76 Heat seal 76A End 77 Heat seal 77A End 78 Connecting member 80 Stirring section 81 Supply section G Developer

Claims

1. A holder that holds the developer, A stirring unit for stirring the developer, A supply unit that supplies the developer flowing in from the stirring unit to the holder, A filling section is provided above the stirring section and is filled with the developer, A sealing portion that closes the lower part of the filling portion, and when removed, the developer falls from the filling portion to the stirring portion. A duct section is provided which connects the space within the filling section and the upper part of the holder, does not directly communicate with the space in which the holder is housed, and has an outlet formed at a location away from the filling section. A developing device equipped with this device.

2. The developing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filling section is arranged such that when the blocking section is removed, the developer falls only into the stirring section.

3. The stirring unit comprises a stirring channel formed in the housing in a manner that extends in one direction, and a stirring member provided in the stirring channel that rotates around its own axis to convey and stir the developer in the direction of its own axis. The developing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the filling section is arranged over at least the entire range in one direction of the stirring channel.

4. The developing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the duct portion connects the space within the filling portion and the area above the holder to the entire range of the stirring channel in one direction.

5. The developing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a blocking portion for blocking the airflow between the filling portion and the duct portion, wherein the blocking portion, when removed, allows air to flow from the filling portion to the duct portion.

6. The sealing portion is a first seal-like member that seals the downward opening of the filling portion and is removed by being pulled out. The developing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the blocking portion is a second seal-like member that closes the opening at the boundary between the filling portion and the duct portion and is removed by being pulled out.

7. The developing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first seal-like member and the second seal-like member are connected so as to be removable in a single operation.

8. An image holder that retains a latent image, A developing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which develops the latent image to form a toner image, A transfer device for transferring the aforementioned toner image onto a medium, An image forming apparatus equipped with [a specific feature].

Images