Developing apparatus and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To achieve space-saving, as compared with the case where a developer floating from an accommodation unit is flowed into and collected in only a space separate from the internal accommodation space of a housing.SOLUTION: A developing device comprises: a housing that has an opening that opens downward, and in which a developer is accommodated in an internal accommodation space, the accommodation space being defined as a region in the internal space, where the developer exists; sealing means that seals the opening, and which, by being removed, causes the developer to drop through the opening; an accommodation unit that accommodates the developer having dropped through the opening; an inflow port which is provided to the housing and is different from the opening, and which allows a developer floating from the accommodation unit to flow into the accommodation space for the developer after having dropped; and a collection unit which is provided to the housing, and which collects the developer having flowed into the accommodation space through the inflow port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a developing device that houses a developer and develops a latent image formed on the surface of an image carrier, comprising: a developer carrier that opposes or contacts the image carrier and carries the developer; a plurality of transport paths that form a circulation path of the developer by respectively including a transport member that transports the developer housed inside the developing device in the longitudinal direction; each of the plurality of transport paths includes a communication part that communicates with an adjacent transport path through a wall part; a sheet-like member that seals the communication part in one of the plurality of transport paths and makes the one transport path into a sealed space is detachably installed in a state where only the developer is housed in one of the plurality of transport paths.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a developing device having at least a developer carrier that carries a developer for developing a latent image formed on an image carrier and an unused developer storage part filled with an unused developer, wherein the unused developer storage part has an opening for discharging the unused developer to a position where it can contact the developer carrier, the opening has a movable sealing member for sealing the unused developer, at the start of use of the developing device, the opening is opened by moving the sealing member to a predetermined position to release the sealing of the unused developer, the sealing member remains inside the developing device, and the part that was in contact with the unused developer is configured not to be exposed outside the device.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes a developing apparatus having a developing housing (2) with a developing opening (3) in a portion facing a latent image carrier (1), a developer carrier (4) disposed facing this developing opening (3), and a developer carrier (4) carrying a developer on this developer carrier (4) and transporting it to a developing region facing the latent image carrier (1), thereby revealing an electrostatic latent image formed on the latent image carrier (1) with the developer, wherein the upper space (8) of the developing region and the developer are along the upper wall portion of the developing housing (2) A developing apparatus is disclosed, characterized in that a developer return passage (9) is partitioned and communicates with the developer storage chamber (6) into which the developer is stored, and a rotating recovery member (11) driven by the same drive source (10) as the developer carrier (4) is disposed within this developer return passage (9), while an exhaust resistance member (12) is provided in a part of the developing housing (2) of the rotating recovery member (11) that faces the space on the developer storage chamber (6) side, which communicates with the outside and has a resistance part formed to prevent the developer from flowing out. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-76104 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-115973 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-73230 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] A possible developing apparatus includes a housing having an opening that opens downwards and containing a developer in an internal storage space, a sealing means that seals the opening and, when removed, allows the developer to fall through the opening, and a storage section that contains the developer that has fallen through the opening.

[0007] In a developing apparatus, if the developer that has been lifted from the storage compartment is collected only in a space separate from the storage space inside the housing, then it is necessary to provide a large space inside the housing to accommodate this separate space.

[0008] The present invention aims to save space compared to a method in which the developer, which floats up from the containment section, is collected only by flowing it into a space separate from the containment space inside the housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The first embodiment is a housing having an opening that opens downward and containing a developer in an internal storage space, wherein the storage space is the region of the internal space in which the developer is present; a sealing means that seals the opening and, when removed itself, allows the developer to fall through the opening; a storage section for containing the developer that has fallen through the opening; an inlet provided in the housing for allowing the developer that has floated up from the storage section to flow into the storage space after the developer has fallen, and which is different from the opening; and a collection section provided in the housing for collecting the developer that has flowed into the storage space through the inlet.

[0010] The second embodiment includes a partitioning means that separates the containment space and the inlet, and moves to allow passage between the containment space and the inlet, in the first embodiment.

[0011] In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, when the partition means moves, after the sealing means is removed, the developer is pushed out from the opening into the storage section.

[0012] In the fourth embodiment, in the second or third embodiment, the collection unit is positioned on the opposite side of the containment space from the partition means before it is moved.

[0013] In the fifth embodiment, in any one of the second to fourth embodiments, the partition means is moved toward the opening to seal the opening after the sealing means is removed.

[0014] The sixth embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, includes a support portion formed so as to protrude inward from the edge of the opening in the housing, and which supports the partition means, which has been moved toward the opening, at the opening.

[0015] In the seventh embodiment, in any one of the second to sixth embodiments, the partition means is attached to the end of the sealing means and moves toward the opening after the sealing means has been removed by the sealing means being pulled out along the opening.

[0016] The eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, includes a limiting portion provided on the partitioning means that restricts the movement of the partitioning means in the withdrawal direction when it has moved to the opening.

[0017] In the ninth embodiment, in the seventh or eighth embodiment, the sealing means includes a sealing portion that seals the opening from one end to the other end, and a withdrawal portion that is positioned below the sealing portion, connected to the sealing portion at the one end, and withdrawn from the one end to the other end, wherein the sealing portion is attached to the end of the partition means in a state where it is folded upward at the other end.

[0018] In the tenth embodiment, in any one of the first to ninth embodiments, the storage unit has a first transport path in which developer supplied to the developer body is stored and the developer is transported in the transport direction, and a second transport path arranged along the first transport path adjacent to the first transport path in which developer supplied to the first transport path is stored and the developer is transported in the direction opposite to the transport direction, and the inlet opens above the first transport path.

[0019] The eleventh embodiment is a wall formed between any one of the first to tenth embodiments, having a gap that communicates with the outside of the developing apparatus, wherein the opening width of the inlet is greater than the opening width of the gap.

[0020] The twelfth aspect includes a holding body that holds a latent image, and a developing device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects that develops the latent image.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the configuration of the first aspect, space can be saved compared to the case where the developer floating from the storage section is caused to flow into and collected only in a space different from the storage space inside the housing.

[0022] According to the configuration of the second aspect, outflow of the developer stored in the storage space through the inlet is suppressed compared to the case where the storage space and the inlet are always in communication.

[0023] According to the configuration of the third aspect, poor dropping of the developer is suppressed compared to the case where the developer stored in the storage space drops from the opening only by its own weight.

[0024] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, the life of the collection part is prolonged compared to the case where the collection part is arranged on the storage space side with respect to the partitioning means before movement.

[0025] According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, inflow of the developer floating from the storage section into the storage space through the opening is suppressed compared to the case where the state in which the opening is opened after removal of the sealing means is maintained.

[0026] According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the number of parts is reduced compared to the case where the partitioning means is supported by parts added to the housing.

[0027] According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, the number of steps of the operation of pulling out the sealing means and the partitioning means is reduced compared to the case where the partitioning means is pulled out separately from the pulling out of the sealing means.

[0028] According to the configuration of the eighth aspect, poor sealing of the opening by the partitioning means is suppressed compared to the case where the partitioning means moved to the opening can move freely in the pulling out direction.

[0029] According to the configuration of the ninth embodiment, compared to the case where the sealing portion is attached to the end of the partitioning means without being folded back on the other end of the opening, peeling of the sealing means from the end of the partitioning means is suppressed.

[0030] According to the configuration of the tenth embodiment, compared to the case where the inlet opens above the second transport path, more developer floating up from the first transport path can be collected than developer floating up from the second transport path.

[0031] According to the configuration of the 11th embodiment, compared to the case where the opening width of the inlet is less than or equal to the opening width of the gap, the discharge of the developer floating from the containment section to the outside of the developing device through the gap is suppressed.

[0032] According to the configuration of the 12th embodiment, the image forming apparatus can be miniaturized compared to the case in which the developer levitated from the storage section is collected only in a space separate from the storage space inside the housing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing a developing apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the developing apparatus in which the developer contained in the containment space is supplied to the containment section. [Figure 4] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the housing of the developing apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the housing enclosure with the sealing material pulled forward. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing the housing enclosure with the sealing material pulled further forward. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0035] (Image forming apparatus 10) The configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will now be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

[0036] In the diagram, the arrow UP indicates the upper part of the device (specifically, vertically upward), and the arrow DO indicates the lower part of the device (specifically, vertically downward). The arrow LH indicates the left side of the device, and the arrow RH indicates the right side. The arrow FR indicates the front of the device, and the arrow RR indicates the rear of the device. These directions are defined for explanatory purposes only, and the device configuration is not limited to these directions. Note that the term "device" may be omitted in each direction of the device. For example, "upper part of the device" may simply be referred to as "upper."

[0037] Furthermore, in the following explanations, "up and down direction" may be used to mean "both upward and downward" or "either upward or downward." "Left and right direction" may be used to mean "both right and left" or "either right or left." Note that "left and right direction" can also be called lateral, sideways, and horizontal directions. "Front and back direction" may be used to mean "both forward and backward" or "either forward or backward." Note that "front and back direction" can also be called lateral, sideways, and horizontal directions. In addition, the up and down direction, left and right direction, and front and back direction are directions that intersect each other (specifically, orthogonal directions).

[0038] Furthermore, the symbol with a "×" inside a "○" in the diagram represents an arrow pointing from the front to the back of the page. Also, the symbol with a "·" inside a "○" in the diagram represents an arrow pointing from the back to the front of the page.

[0039] The image forming apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1 is an image forming apparatus. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 10 comprises a media storage unit 12, a transport unit 13, and an image forming unit 14. The parts of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described below.

[0040] (Media storage unit 12 and transport unit 13) The media storage section 12 is the part of the image forming apparatus 10 that houses the recording medium P. The recording medium P housed in this media storage section 12 is supplied to the image forming section 14. The recording medium P housed in the media storage section 12 is the object on which an image is formed by the image forming section 14. Examples of recording medium P include paper and film. Examples of film include resin film and metal film. However, the recording medium P is not limited to those mentioned above, and various recording media can be used.

[0041] The transport unit 13 shown in Figure 2 transports the recording medium P contained in the media storage unit 12 to the discharge unit (not shown). Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the transport unit 13 has a plurality of transport members 13A such as transport rolls, and the recording medium P is transported by the transport members 13A. The transport members 13A may be, for example, transport belts and transport drums, and various transport members can be used.

[0042] (Image forming unit 14) The image forming unit 14 shown in Figure 2 forms an image on the recording medium P transported by the transport unit 13 (specifically, the transport member 13A). Specifically, the image forming unit 14 forms a toner image (an example of an image) on the recording medium P using an electrophotographic method. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the image forming unit 14 includes toner image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K (hereinafter referred to as 20Y to 20K), a transfer body 24, and a fixing unit 26.

[0043] Each of the toner image forming sections 20Y to 20K has a photoreceptor 32. Since the toner image forming sections 20Y to 20K are configured similarly, the reference numerals for the parts in the toner image forming sections 20Y, 20M, and 20C are omitted in Figure 1.

[0044] The photoreceptor 32 is an example of a holder and is a structure that holds a latent image. Specifically, the photoreceptor 32 rotates in one direction (for example, counterclockwise in Figure 1). Around the photoreceptor 32, in order from the upstream side in the direction of rotation of the photoreceptor 32, are a charging device 34, an exposure device 36, and a developing device 38.

[0045] In each of the toner image forming sections 20Y to 20K, the charging device 34 charges the photoreceptor 32 (charging step). Furthermore, the exposure device 36 exposes the photoreceptor 32, which has been charged by the charging device 34, to form a latent image (specifically, an electrostatic latent image) on the photoreceptor 32 (exposure step). The photoreceptor 32 holds the latent image formed by the exposure device 36.

[0046] The developing device 38 then develops the latent image held by the photoreceptor 32 (developing process). This forms a toner image on the photoreceptor 32. The specific configuration of the developing device 38 will be described later.

[0047] In the image forming unit 14, each of the toner image forming units 20Y to 20K performs charging, exposure, and development processes to form toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) on the transfer body 24. Furthermore, the image forming unit 14 transfers the toner images of each color formed on the transfer body 24 to the recording medium P, and fixes the toner images to the recording medium P in the fixing unit 26. In this way, the image forming unit 14 uses an intermediate transfer method in which the image is transferred to the recording medium P via the transfer body 24.

[0048] Furthermore, the image forming unit is not limited to an intermediate transfer method; a direct transfer method that directly transfers the image to the recording medium P may also be used, and various image forming units can be applied.

[0049] (Developing device 38) Figures 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams of the developing apparatus 38. Figures 4, 5, and 6 are side cross-sectional views showing the housing casing 40 provided in the developing apparatus 38.

[0050] The developing apparatus 38 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is, as described above, a device that develops the latent image held by the photoreceptor 32 using a developer G. The developer G is a developer containing toner and a magnetic carrier. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the developing apparatus 38 comprises a housing 40, a sealing material 50, a device housing 60, a developing roll 80, a housing section 63, an inner wall 68, an inlet 48, a filter 49, a partition material 70, a limiting section 79 (see Figure 4), and a support section 46. The parts of the developing apparatus 38 will be described below.

[0051] (40 enclosures) The housing 40 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is an example of a housing, and is formed in a box shape with length in the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figure 2, this housing 40 has an opening 42 that opens downwards, and the developer G is housed in the internal housing space 44A. The housing space 44A is the region of the internal space 44 of the housing 40 where the developer G is present. Specifically, the internal space 44 of the housing 40 has a housing space 44A where the developer G is housed, and an inflow space 44B that is connected to an inlet 48. The inflow space 44B is located above the housing space 44A. Thus, each of the housing space 44A and the inflow space 44B constitutes a part of the internal space 44 of the housing 40.

[0052] (Sealing material 50) The sealing material 50 shown in Figures 2 and 4 is an example of a sealing means and seals the opening 42. When this sealing material 50 is removed, the developer G falls through the opening 42. In other words, when the opening 42 sealed by the sealing material 50 is opened, the developer G contained in the storage space 44A falls through the opening 42 due to its own weight.

[0053] The sealing material 50 is formed in the form of a film (i.e., a membrane). Specifically, the sealing material 50 is formed, for example, of a resin film. The sealing material 50 is joined to the housing casing 40 at the opening 42 by, for example, melt bonding (so-called heat sealing).

[0054] Specifically, the sealing material 50 has a sealing portion 52 and a pull-out portion 54, as shown in Figure 4. The sealing portion 52 is the part that seals the opening 42 from one end 42A (specifically the rear end) to the other end 42B (specifically the front end). The pull-out portion 54 is located below the sealing portion 52, is connected to the sealing portion 52 on the side of one end 42A of the opening 42, and is the part that is pulled out from one end 42A to the other end 42B of the opening 42. Specifically, the pull-out portion 54 is pulled out forward by the user.

[0055] The sealing portion 52 is attached to the end 75 of the partition material 70 in a state where it is folded upward on the other end 42B side of the opening 42.

[0056] The sealing means may be formed from a metal film, and various sealing methods can be used. Furthermore, the sealing means may be a configuration in which the housing 40 is joined by a bonding method using an adhesive or other bonding method.

[0057] (Device housing 60, developing roll 80, storage section 63, and inner wall 68) The apparatus housing 60 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is a component that houses the developer G that has fallen from the storage space 44A through the opening 42 of the housing housing 40.

[0058] The apparatus housing 60 has openings 64 that open toward the photoreceptor 32 side (specifically, the left side), as shown in Figures 2 and 3, when the developing device 38 is installed in each of the toner image forming sections 20Y to 20K. A developing roll 80 that supplies developer G to the photoreceptor 32 is provided inside the apparatus housing 60 so as to be partially exposed through these openings 64. A layer restricting member 84 is provided below the developing roll 80. Figures 2 and 3 show the photoreceptor 32 when the developing device 38 is installed in the toner image forming sections 20Y to 20K.

[0059] The developing roll 80 is an example of a developing body, and holds a developer G on its outer surface, transporting the developer G to a position opposite the photoreceptor 32. As the developer G is transported toward this opposing position, the thickness of the developer layer (amount of developer) is restricted by the layer restricting member 84. Then, the developer G (specifically toner) on the developing roll 80 is supplied to the photoreceptor 32 at the opposing position, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 32 is developed by the developer G (specifically toner).

[0060] Furthermore, the apparatus housing 60 has a storage section 63 for receiving the developer G that has fallen through the opening 42 of the housing housing 40. The storage section 63 is configured to include a supply path 61 as an example of a first transport path and a stirring path 62 as an example of a second transport path.

[0061] The supply path 61 is positioned along the front-to-back direction below and to the right of the developing roll 80. Specifically, the supply path 61 is positioned along the front-to-back direction diagonally below and to the right of the developing roll 80. The developer G supplied to the developing roll 80 is contained in this supply path 61 and is transported in the transport direction (specifically, one direction in the front-to-back direction). Specifically, a transport auger 81 as a transport member is positioned in the supply path 61, and the developer G is transported in the transport direction (specifically, one direction in the front-to-back direction) in the supply path 61 by the rotation of the transport auger 81.

[0062] The agitation channel 62 is positioned adjacent to the supply channel 61 and along the supply channel 61. Specifically, the agitation channel 62 is positioned to the right of the supply channel 61 and along the front-to-back direction. The agitation channel 62 is connected to the front and rear ends of the supply channel 61 at their respective front and rear ends, and together with the supply channel 61, they form a circulation path.

[0063] The agitation channel 62 contains the developer G supplied to the supply channel 61, and the developer G is transported in the opposite direction to the transport direction (specifically, the other direction in the front-to-back direction). Specifically, a transport auger 82 is positioned in the agitation channel 62 as a transport member, and the developer G is transported in the opposite direction (specifically, the other direction in the front-to-back direction) in the agitation channel 62 while being agitated by the rotation of the transport auger 82.

[0064] The inner wall 68 is an example of a wall and is provided in the apparatus housing 60. Specifically, the inner wall 68 is located above the developing roll 80 and has a gap 69 between it and the developing roll 80 that communicates with the outside of the developing apparatus 38.

[0065] (Inlet 48) The inlet 48 is provided in the housing casing 40, as shown in Figure 2. This inlet 48 is an opening that allows the developer G (specifically toner) that has been lifted from the housing section 63 (specifically the supply passage 61) to flow into the housing space 44A after the developer G has fallen, and is a different opening from the opening 42.

[0066] In this embodiment, the inlet 48 opens above the supply passage 61. Specifically, the inlet 48 opens downwards on the upper side of the supply passage 61. The opening width 48L of the inlet 48 (see Figure 2) is larger than the opening width 69L of the gap 69 in the inner wall 68 (see Figure 2). Furthermore, in the passage from the inlet 48 to the space directly above the partition material 70, the passage width at the point where the passage width is smallest is also larger than the opening width 69L of the gap 69 (see Figure 2).

[0067] (Partition material 70) The partition material 70 is an example of a partitioning means, and as shown in Figure 2, it partitions the containment space 44A and the inlet 48, and by moving, it allows the containment space 44A and the inlet 48 to pass through, as shown in Figure 3. Specifically, the partition material 70 partitions the inflow space 44B and the containment space 44A, and by moving downward, it allows the inflow space 44B and the containment space 44A to pass through.

[0068] When the partition material 70 moves, after the sealing material 50 is removed, it pushes the developer G from the opening 42 into the storage section 63 (specifically, the agitation passage 62). Specifically, as the partition material 70 moves downward, after the sealing material 50 is removed, it pushes the developer G downward from the opening 42.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the partition material 70 is moved toward the opening 42, thereby sealing the opening 42 after the sealing material 50 is removed. Specifically, the partition material 70 is moved downward, and after the sealing material 50 is removed, it is supported by the support portion 46 and seals the opening 42.

[0070] As shown in Figure 4, the partition material 70 is attached to the end 55 of the sealing material 50, and as the sealing material 50 is pulled out along the opening 42, the partition material 70 moves toward the opening 42 after the sealing material 50 is removed, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Specifically, as the sealing material 50 is pulled out forward, the partition material 70 moves downward after the sealing material 50 is removed, sealing the opening 42.

[0071] (Restriction section 79) The restricting portion 79 shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6 is a component provided on the partition material 70 that restricts the movement of the partition material 70 in the withdrawal direction when it has moved toward the opening 42 (see Figure 6). Specifically, the restricting portion 79 is provided, for example, above the partition material 70 and, by contacting the housing 40, restricts the movement of the partition material 70 in the withdrawal direction (specifically, forward) when it has moved toward the opening 42 (see Figure 6).

[0072] (Support part 46) As shown in Figure 2, the support portion 46 has the function of supporting the sealing material 50 in the opening 42. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the support portion 46 has the function of supporting the partition material 70 that has been moved toward the opening 42 in the opening 42.

[0073] In this embodiment, the support portion 46 is formed to protrude inward (specifically to the left and right) from the edge of the opening 42 in the housing 40.

[0074] (Filter 49) The filter 49 is an example of a collection unit and is provided in the housing 40 as shown in Figure 2. This filter 49 collects the developer G (specifically toner) that flows into the housing space 44A through the inlet 48.

[0075] Here, the developer G (specifically toner) that has been lifted from the containment section 63 (specifically the supply passage 61) flows into the inflow space 44B through the inlet 48, and a portion of it moves to the containment space 44A after the developer G has fallen and diffuses. Subsequently, a portion of the developer G (specifically toner) that has diffused in the containment space 44A falls onto the partition material 70 that seals the opening 42, and another portion is collected by the filter 49 through the inflow space 44B.

[0076] In this embodiment, the filter 49 is positioned on the side opposite to the housing space 44A relative to the partition material 70 before it moves. Specifically, the filter 49 is positioned above the partition material 70 before it moves downward, at the outlet 47 formed in the housing 40.

[0077] (Supply operation to supply the developer G stored in the housing casing 40 to the storage unit 63) The user pulls the pull-out portion 54 of the sealing material 50 from one end 42A of the opening 42 towards the other end 42B (i.e., towards the front) (see Figures 4 and 5). As a result, the pull-out portion 54 and the sealing portion 52 of the sealing material 50 move forward relative to the opening 42, and the sealing material 50 is removed from the opening 42. Consequently, the opening 42 is opened, and the developer G contained in the containment space 44A begins to fall through the opening 42 into the agitation channel 62.

[0078] Furthermore, when the withdrawal portion 54 of the sealing material 50 is pulled forward, the partition material 70 moves toward the opening 42 (i.e., downward), and the developer G contained in the containment space 44A is pushed out from the opening 42 into the agitation passage 62. In other words, the partition material 70 pushes out the developer G after the sealing material 50 has been removed.

[0079] The partition material 70, having moved toward the opening 42, is supported by the support portion 46 at the opening 42, sealing the opening 42. That is, the partition material 70 seals the opening 42 after the sealing material 50 is removed. In this way, the developer G contained in the housing casing 40 is supplied to the housing section 63 (specifically, the agitation passage 62). The developing device 38, to which the developer G has been supplied to the housing section 63 (specifically, the agitation passage 62), is then installed in each of the toner image forming sections 20Y to 20K.

[0080] (Operation of this embodiment) In this embodiment, as described above, the filter 49 collects the developer G (specifically toner) that flows into the containment space 44A through the inlet 48.

[0081] Therefore, compared to the case where the developer G (specifically toner) lifted from the storage section 63 is collected only in a space separate from the storage space 44A inside the storage housing 40, space can be saved. As a result, the developing device 38 and the image forming apparatus 10 can be made smaller.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the partition material 70 separates the containment space 44A and the inlet 48, as shown in Figure 2, and moves to allow passage between the containment space 44A and the inlet 48, as shown in Figure 3.

[0083] Therefore, compared to the case where the containment space 44A and the inlet 48 are always connected, the outflow of the developer G contained in the containment space 44A through the inlet 48 is suppressed.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the partition material 70 moves, after the sealing material 50 is removed, the developer G is pushed out from the opening 42 into the storage section 63 (specifically, the stirring passage 62).

[0085] Therefore, compared to the case where the developer G contained in the storage space 44A falls from the opening 42 by its own weight alone, the failure of the developer G to fall properly is suppressed.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the filter 49 is positioned on the opposite side of the storage space 44A relative to the partition material 70 before it is moved.

[0087] Therefore, the lifespan of the filter 49 is extended compared to when the filter 49 is positioned on the side of the storage space 44A relative to the partition material 70 before it is moved.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the partition material 70 is moved toward the opening 42, thereby sealing the opening 42 after the sealing material 50 is removed.

[0089] Therefore, compared to the case where the opening 42 remains open after the removal of the sealing material 50, the developer G (specifically toner) that has floated up from the containment section 63 (specifically the agitation channel 62) is suppressed from flowing into the containment space 44A through the opening 42.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, support portions 46 formed to protrude inward (specifically to the left and right) from the edge of the opening 42 in the housing 40 support the partition material 70, which has been moved toward the opening 42, at the opening 42, as shown in Figure 3.

[0091] Therefore, the number of parts is reduced compared to the case where the partition material 70 is supported by parts added to the housing 40.

[0092] In this embodiment, the partition material 70 is attached to the end 55 of the sealing material 50, and moves toward the opening 42 after the sealing material 50 is removed by being pulled out along the opening 42.

[0093] Therefore, compared to the case where the partition material 70 is pulled out separately from the sealing material 50, the number of steps involved in pulling out the sealing material 50 and the partition material 70 is reduced.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the limiting portion 79 is provided on the partition material 70 and restricts the movement of the partition material 70 in the pulling direction when it has moved to the opening 42.

[0095] Therefore, compared to the case where the partition material 70 that has moved to the opening 42 can move freely in the pulling direction, poor sealing of the opening 42 by the partition material 70 is suppressed.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the sealing portion 52 is attached to the end 75 of the partition material 70 in a state where it is folded upward on the other end 42B side of the opening 42.

[0097] Therefore, compared to the case where the sealing material 50 is attached to the end 75 of the partition material 70 without being folded back on the other end 42B side of the opening 42, peeling of the sealing material 50 from the end 75 of the partition material 70 is suppressed.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the inlet 48 opens above the supply passage 61.

[0099] Therefore, compared to the case where the inlet 48 opens above the agitation channel 62, more developer G is collected from the supply channel 61 than from the developer lifted from the agitation channel 62.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the opening width 48L of the inlet 48 (see Figure 2) is larger than the opening width 69L of the gap 69 in the inner wall 68 (see Figure 2).

[0101] Therefore, compared to the case where the opening width 48L of the inlet 48 (see Figure 2) is less than or equal to the opening width 69L of the gap 69 in the inner wall 68 (see Figure 2), the discharge of the developer G (specifically toner) that has been lifted from the storage section 63 (specifically the supply passage 61) to the outside of the developing device 38 through the gap 69 is suppressed.

[0102] (modified version) In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the inflow space 44B (filter 49), partition material 70, containment space 44A, sealing material 50, and opening 42 (support part 46) were arranged in this order from top to bottom, but are not limited to this. For example, the inflow space 44B (filter 49), partition material 70, containment space 44A, sealing material 50, and opening 42 (support part 46) may be arranged from one side to the other in the left-right direction. In this case, the partition material 70 is moved from one side to the other in the left-right direction towards the opening 42.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the partition material 70 was configured to push the developer G from the opening 42 to the storage section 63 (specifically, the stirring channel 62) after the sealing material 50 was removed when it moved, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the developing device 38 may be configured such that the developer G stored in the storage space 44A falls from the opening 42 only by its own weight.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the filter 49 was positioned on the opposite side of the accommodation space 44A relative to the partition material 70 before it moved, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the filter 49 may be positioned on the side of the accommodation space 44A relative to the partition material 70 before it moved.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the partition material 70 was moved toward the opening 42 as shown in Figure 3, thereby sealing the opening 42 after the sealing material 50 was removed, but this is not limited to this. For example, the developing apparatus 38 may be configured to maintain the state in which the opening 42 remains open after the sealing material 50 is removed.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a support portion 46 formed to protrude inward (specifically to the left and right) from the edge of the opening 42 in the housing 40 supported the partition material 70, which was moved toward the opening 42, at the opening 42, as shown in Figure 3. However, this is not the only possible configuration. For example, the partition material 70 may be supported by a component added to the housing 40.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the partition material 70 is attached to the end 55 of the sealing material 50 and moves toward the opening 42 after the sealing material 50 is removed by being pulled out along the opening 42, but this is not limited to this. For example, the developing device 38 may be configured to pull out the partition material 70 separately from the pulling out of the sealing material 50.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the restricting portion 79 was provided on the partition material 70 and restricted the movement of the partition material 70 in the pulling direction after it had moved to the opening 42, but this is not the only configuration. For example, the partition material 70 that has moved to the opening 42 may be configured to move freely in the pulling direction.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sealing portion 52 was attached to the end 75 of the partition material 70 in a state where it was folded upward on the other end 42B side of the opening 42, as shown in Figure 4, but it is not limited to this. For example, the sealing portion 50 may be attached to the end 75 of the partition material 70 without being folded over on the other end 42B side of the opening 42.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the inlet 48 opened above the supply passage 61, but this is not the only configuration. The inlet 48 may also open above the stirring passage 62.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the opening width 48L of the inlet 48 (see Figure 2) was larger than the opening width 69L of the gap 69 in the inner wall 68 (see Figure 2), but this is not limited to this. For example, the opening width 48L of the inlet 48 (see Figure 2) may be less than or equal to the opening width 69L of the gap 69 in the inner wall 68 (see Figure 2).

[0112] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the modified forms shown above may be combined in any way. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Storage Unit 13 Conveying section 13A Conveying Member 14 Image forming unit 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K Toner Image Forming Unit 24 Transfer material 26 Fixing section 32 Photoreceptor (an example of a holder) 34 Charging device 36 Exposure apparatus 38. Developing device 40. Enclosure (Example of enclosure) 42 Opening 42A One end 42B Other end 44 Space 44A Accommodation space 44B Inflow space 46 Support part 47 Outlet 48 Inlet 48L opening width 49. Filter (an example of a collection unit) 50 Sealing material (an example of a sealing means) 52 Sealing part 54 Extraction section 55 End 60 Device housing 61. Supply Route (An example of the first transport route) 62. Agitation channel (an example of a second conveying channel) 63 Storage Unit 64 openings 68 Interior wall (an example of a wall) 69 Gap 69L opening width 70 Partitioning material (an example of a partitioning method) 75 End 79 Restriction section 80 developing rolls 81 Conveyor Auger 82 Conveyor Auger 84-layer restricting member G Developer P recording medium

Claims

1. A housing having an opening that opens downwards, and in which a developer is contained in an internal storage space, wherein the storage space is the region of the internal space in which the developer is present, A sealing means that seals the opening and, upon its removal, allows the developer to fall through the opening, A storage section for containing the developer that has fallen through the opening, The housing is provided with an inlet different from the opening, which allows the developer that has floated up from the storage section to flow into the storage space after the developer has fallen, A collection unit is provided in the housing for collecting the developer that has flowed into the containment space through the inlet, A partitioning means that separates the aforementioned containment space and the aforementioned inlet, and moves to allow passage between the containment space and the aforementioned inlet, A developing apparatus equipped with a developing device.

2. When the partition means moves, after the sealing means is removed, the developer is pushed out from the opening into the storage section. The developing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The collection unit is positioned on the opposite side of the containment space from the partition means before it moves. The developing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The partition means is moved toward the opening so as to seal the opening after the sealing means is removed. A developing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A support portion formed on the edge of the opening in the housing so as to protrude inward, and which supports the partition means that has been moved toward the opening at the opening. The developing apparatus according to claim 4, comprising:

6. The partition means is attached to the end of the sealing means and moves toward the opening after the sealing means is removed when the sealing means is pulled out along the opening. The developing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A limiting portion provided on the partitioning means that restricts the movement of the partitioning means in the withdrawal direction when it has moved to the opening. The developing apparatus according to claim 6, comprising:

8. The sealing means is A sealing portion that seals the opening from one end to the other end, A withdrawal portion is positioned below the sealing portion, connected to the sealing portion at one end, and withdrawn from the one end toward the other end, It has, The sealing portion is attached to the end of the partitioning means in a state where it is folded upward on the other end side. The developing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The housing section is A first transport path contains the developer supplied to the developer body and transports the developer in the transport direction, A second transport path is arranged adjacent to the first transport path and along the first transport path, containing the developer supplied to the first transport path, and the developer is transported in the direction opposite to the transport direction. It has, The inlet is open above the first transport path. A developing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A wall formed between the developing body and the developing device, having a gap that allows communication with the outside of the developing device. Equipped with, The opening width of the inlet is greater than the opening width of the gap. A developing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A holder for holding a latent image, A developing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for developing the latent image, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

Images