Developing apparatus and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To prevent a failure in supply of developer from a conveying body to a developing body.SOLUTION: A developing device comprises: a storage unit that stores developer therein; a conveying body that has a spiral blade and rotates to convey the developer; a developing body that is supplied with the developer from the conveying body; an attachment part that is arranged between the conveying body and the developing body, has an opening for passing the developer supplied from the conveying body to the developing body, and is removably attached with a sealant for sealing the opening; and a connection part that extends to cross the opening along a spiral angle of the blade when seen from the developing body toward the conveying body, and is connected with the attachment part at one end and the other end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, there is a housing formed with an opening facing an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed and a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer, and a developer carrier that is rotatably attached near the opening of the housing and conveys the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion to a developing region facing the image carrier, and a partitioning frame portion formed at a portion between the developer carrier and the developer accommodating portion of the housing and to which a partitioning film to be peeled off and removed immediately before use is attached. In the developing device, the partitioning frame portion is formed in a plate form having a frame portion to which a part of the partitioning film is attached and an opening through which the developer passes, and is constituted by a partitioning frame plate that is inserted into an attachment groove formed in the housing and attached thereto. A developing device is disclosed.

[0003] In Patent Document 2, there is a housing having an opening that opens toward an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed and a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer, and a developer carrier that is rotatably attached near the opening of the housing and conveys the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion to a developing region facing the image carrier, and a partitioning frame body provided in a groove formed at a portion between the developer carrier and the developer accommodating portion of the housing and having a communication hole for communicating the developer accommodating portion to the opening side, and partitioning means provided on one side surface of the front and back surfaces of the partitioning frame body, which closes the communication hole and isolates the developer accommodating portion from the opening side when not in use, and peels off and communicates the communication hole immediately before use to communicate the developer accommodating portion to the opening side, and adhesion means provided at a portion where the partitioning frame body is inserted into the groove of the housing and for bringing the partitioning frame body into close contact with the groove. A developing device is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-372862 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-145674 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] A developing device can be considered that comprises a storage section containing a developer, a transporter having spiral blades that transport the developer by rotation, a developing unit to which the developer is supplied from the transporter, and a mounting section positioned between the transporter and the developing unit, having an opening through which the developer supplied from the transporter to the developing unit passes, and to which a sealing material that seals the opening is detachably attached.

[0006] In the developing apparatus, if the apparatus includes a connecting portion that extends across the opening in a direction perpendicular to the helical angle of the blades when viewed from the developing body side towards the transport body side, with one end and the other end connected to the mounting portion, the connecting portion may obstruct the movement of the developer supplied from the transport body to the developing body, resulting in a poor supply of developer from the transport body to the developing body.

[0007] The present invention aims to suppress poor supply of developer from the transport body to the developer body, compared to the case where the connecting portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the helical angle of the blade. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first embodiment comprises a storage section containing a developer, a transporter having spiral blades that transport the developer by rotation, a developer supplied with the developer from the transporter, a mounting section positioned between the transporter and the developer and having an opening through which the developer supplied from the transporter to the developer passes, and to which a sealing material that seals the opening is detachably attached, and a connecting section extending across the opening along the spiral angle of the blades when viewed from the developer side towards the transporter side, with one end and the other end connected to the mounting section.

[0009] In the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the width of the connecting portion along the rotation axis of the transporter at the downstream end in the supply direction from the transporter to the developer is narrower than the width at the upstream end.

[0010] In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the width of the connecting portion along the rotation axis direction of the conveying body gradually narrows toward the supply direction.

[0011] In the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the connecting portion is formed at an acute angle toward the supply direction.

[0012] In the fifth embodiment, in the first embodiment, the connecting parts are arranged in multiple locations along the rotation axis direction of the conveyor, and the spacing along the rotation axis direction is greater than or equal to the helical spacing of the blades.

[0013] In the sixth embodiment, as in the fifth embodiment, the spacing of the connecting portion along the axis of rotation is an integer multiple of the helical spacing of the blades.

[0014] In the seventh embodiment, in the first embodiment, the width of the connecting portion along the rotation axis of the conveying body is 1 mm or less.

[0015] The eighth aspect comprises a holder for holding a latent image and a developing apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects for developing the latent image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the configuration of the first aspect, the poor supply of the developer from the carrier to the developing body is suppressed as compared with the case where the connecting portion extends in a direction orthogonal to the spiral angle of the blade.

[0017] According to the configuration of the second aspect, the retention of the developer detached from the developing body at the downstream end portion in the supply direction of the connecting portion is suppressed as compared with the case where the width at the downstream end portion is the same as the width at the upstream end portion.

[0018] According to the configuration of the third aspect, the retention of the developer detached from the developing body on the connecting portion is suppressed as compared with the case where the width of the connecting portion gradually narrows in the supply direction.

[0019] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, the retention of the developer detached from the developing body on the connecting portion is suppressed as compared with the case where the connecting portion is formed at an obtuse angle in the supply direction.

[0020] According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, the poor supply of the developer from the carrier to the developing body is suppressed as compared with the case where the interval along the axial direction of the connecting portion is less than the spiral interval of the blade.

[0021] According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the poor supply of the developer from the carrier to the developing body is suppressed as compared with the case where the interval along the axial direction of the connecting portion is greater than the spiral interval of the blade and different from an integral multiple of the spiral interval of the blade.

[0022] According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, the poor supply of the developer from the carrier to the developing body is suppressed as compared with the case where the width along the rotation axis direction of the carrier of the connecting portion exceeds 1 mm.

[0023] According to the configuration of the eighth aspect, image defects are suppressed as compared with the case where the connecting portion extends in a direction orthogonal to the spiral angle of the blade.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing a developing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram showing an attachment part, a connection part, and a second conveyance auger according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing an attachment part, a connection part, and a sealing material according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] In the form shown in FIG. 4, it is a schematic diagram showing the process of removing the sealing material. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing a form without a connection part. [Figure 7] In the form shown in FIG. 6, it is a schematic diagram showing a deformed state. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing a case where the developer detached from the developing roll according to this embodiment falls onto the second conveyance auger. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram showing a state where the developer is supplied from the second conveyance auger to the developing roll according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a schematic diagram showing a case where the developer detached from the developing roll according to this embodiment stays at the connection part.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0026] (Image forming apparatus 10) The configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

[0027] 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."

[0028] Furthermore, in the following explanation, "left-right direction" may be used to mean "both right and left" or "either right or left." Note that "left-right direction" can also be expressed as lateral, sideways, and horizontal directions. "Front-back direction" may be used to mean "both front and rear" or "either front or rear." Note that "front-back direction" can also be expressed as lateral, sideways, and horizontal directions. In addition, the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-back direction are directions that intersect each other (specifically, perpendicular directions).

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] (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.

[0032] The transport unit 13 transports the recording medium P contained in the media storage unit 12 to the discharge unit (not shown). Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, 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.

[0033] (Image forming unit 14) The image forming unit 14 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] (Developing device 38) Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the developing apparatus 38. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the mounting portion 60, connecting portion 69, and second transport auger 82 of the developing apparatus 38 according to this embodiment, which will be described later. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the mounting portion 60, connecting portion 69, and sealing material 70 of the developing apparatus 38, which will be described later.

[0041] The developing apparatus 38 shown in Figure 2 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, the developing apparatus 38 comprises a housing 40, a first transport auger 81, a second transport auger 82, a developing roll 50, a layer restricting member 54, a mounting part 60, a sealing material 70, and a connecting part 69 (see Figure 3), as shown in Figure 2. The parts of the developing apparatus 38 will be described below.

[0042] (Cabinet 40) The housing 40 shown in Figure 2 is an example of a housing, and the developer G is housed inside. This housing 40 is formed in a box shape with length in the front-to-back direction.

[0043] Inside the housing 40, a first transport path 41 and a second transport path 42 are formed for transporting the developer G. The first transport path 41 is located in the lower, right-hand portion of the housing 40 and is positioned along the front-to-back direction. In this first transport path 41, the developer G contained in the housing 40 is transported in the transport direction (specifically, one direction in the front-to-back direction) by the first transport auger 81.

[0044] The second transport path 42 is arranged along the first transport path 41 so as to be adjacent to it via a partition wall 43. Specifically, the second transport path 42 is arranged along the front-to-back direction above and to the left of the first transport path 41. The second transport path 42 is connected to the front and rear ends of the first transport path 41 at each of its front and rear ends, and is separated from the first transport path 41 by the partition wall 43 in the intermediate section between the front and rear ends. The second transport path 42 and the first transport path 41 form a circulating path by connecting their front ends to each other and their rear ends to each other.

[0045] The second transport path 42 contains the developer G supplied from the first transport path 41, and the developer G is transported by the second transport auger 82 in the opposite direction to the transport direction (specifically, the other direction in the front-back direction).

[0046] Furthermore, the housing 40 has an opening 44 that opens toward the photoreceptor 32 side (specifically, the left side), as shown in Figure 2, when the developing device 38 is installed in each of the toner image forming sections 20Y to 20K. In Figure 2, the photoreceptor 32 when the developing device 38 is installed in the toner image forming sections 20Y to 20K is shown by a dashed line.

[0047] (First conveying auger 81 and second conveying auger 82) The first and second transport augers 81 and 82 have spiral blades 81B and 82B, and transport the developer G by rotation. Specifically, the first and second transport augers 81 and 82 have shafts 81A and 82A arranged along the front-rear direction, and spiral blades 81B and 82B formed on the outer circumference of the shafts 81A and 82A. The second transport auger 82 is an example of a transport body.

[0048] The first transport auger 81 is positioned in the first transport path 41. The first transport auger 81, by the rotation of its shaft 81A, transports the developer G in the transport direction (specifically, one direction, either forward or backward) along the first transport path 41 using its blades 81B.

[0049] The second transport auger 82 is positioned in the second transport path 42. The second transport auger 82, by the rotation of its shaft 82A, transports the developer G in the opposite direction (specifically, the other direction in the front-back direction) in the second transport path 42 using its blades 82B.

[0050] (Developing roll 50 and layer restricting member 54) The developing roll 50 is an example of a developing unit and is a component to which the developer G is supplied from the second transport auger 82. The developing roll 50 is installed inside the housing 40 such that a portion of it is exposed through the opening 44 of the housing 40. The layer regulating member 54 is installed on the lower side of the developing roll 50.

[0051] The developing roll 50 holds the developer G supplied from the second transport auger 82 on its outer surface and transports 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 54. Then, the developer G (specifically toner) on the developing roll 50 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).

[0052] (Mounting part 60) The mounting portion 60 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is a structure to which the sealing material 70 (see Figure 4) is attached. Specifically, the mounting portion 60 is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame that is long in the front-to-back direction, as shown in Figure 3, when viewed from the developing roll 50 to the second transport auger 82 (i.e., in the direction of arrow A in Figure 2). Therefore, the mounting portion 60 has a first side 61 and a second side 62 that extend along the front-to-back direction with a gap between them in the left-to-right direction, a third side 63 that connects the front ends of the first side 61 and the second side 62, and a fourth side 64 that connects the rear ends of the first side 61 and the second side 62.

[0053] Note that in Figure 3, the second transport auger 82 and the mounting part 60 are shown shifted horizontally to make the configuration of the second transport auger 82 and the mounting part 60 easier to see. However, when viewed in the direction of arrow A, the second transport auger 82 and the mounting part 60 are actually positioned overlapping (see Figure 2).

[0054] The mounting portion 60 is formed in a plate shape with the direction of arrow A as the thickness direction (see Figure 4). In other words, the mounting portion 60 is formed in a flattened shape in the direction of arrow A. The mounting portion 60 is also made of a resin material.

[0055] Note that the direction of arrow A shown in each figure is the direction from the developing roll 50 to the second transport auger 82. Specifically, in a side view, the direction of arrow A is from the axis center of the developing roll 50 to the axis center of the second transport auger 82.

[0056] The direction of arrow C shown in each figure is the direction from the second transport auger 82 to the developing roll 50. Specifically, in a side view, the direction of arrow C is the direction from the axis center of the second transport auger 82 to the axis center of the developing roll 50. In other words, the direction of arrow C is the opposite direction to the direction of arrow A. The direction of arrow B shown in Figure 2 is perpendicular to the directions of arrows A and C.

[0057] As shown in Figure 2, the mounting portion 60 is positioned between the second transport auger 82 and the developing roll 50. The mounting portion 60 is supported by the housing 40. Specifically, the mounting portion 60 is supported by the housing 40 by the fact that its first side 61 and second side 62 are inserted in the front-rear direction into a recess 48 formed in the housing 40.

[0058] As shown in Figure 3, the mounting portion 60 has an opening 66 through which the developer G supplied from the second transport auger 82 to the developing roll 50 passes. Specifically, the opening 66 is formed by a space enclosed by a first side 61, a second side 62, a third side 63, and a fourth side 64.

[0059] (Sealing material 70) The sealing material 70 is a component that seals the opening 66. The sealing material 70 is removably attached to the mounting part 60. When the sealing material 70 is removed, it allows the developer G to move from the second transport auger 82 to the developing roll 50 through the opening 66.

[0060] The sealing material 70 is formed in the form of a film (i.e., a membrane). Specifically, the sealing material 70 is formed, for example, of a resin film. The sealing material 70 is joined to the mounting portion 60 so as to cover the opening 66, for example, by melt bonding (so-called heat sealing).

[0061] Specifically, the sealing material 70 has a sealing portion 72 and a pull-out portion 74, as shown in Figure 4. The sealing portion 72 is the part that seals the entire opening 66. The pull-out portion 74 is connected to one end 72R (specifically, the rear end) of the sealing portion 72 and is the part that is pulled out in the direction toward the other end 72F (specifically, the front end) of the sealing portion 72 (specifically, toward the front). In the sealing material 70, as shown in Figure 5, the sealing material 70 is removed from the mounting portion 60 by the user pulling out the pull-out portion 74 toward the front.

[0062] The sealing material may be made of a metal film, and various sealing materials can be used. Furthermore, the sealing material may be joined to the mounting portion 60 by a bonding method such as an adhesive, or by other bonding methods.

[0063] (Connection part 69) The connecting portion 69 is a structural part that is connected to the mounting portion 60. Specifically, the connecting portion 69 extends across the opening 66 along the helical angle θ of the blade 82B of the second conveying auger 82 when viewed in the direction of arrow A, with one end 69A and the other end 69B connected to the mounting portion 60.

[0064] Specifically, one end 69A of the connecting portion 69 is connected to the first side 61 of the mounting portion 60, and the other end 69B of the connecting portion 69 is connected to the second side 62 of the mounting portion 60. In other words, the connecting portion 69 spans from the first side 61 to the second side 62 of the mounting portion 60.

[0065] The connecting portion 69 is formed linearly along the helical angle of the blade 82B. Therefore, it is inclined with respect to the shaft portion 82A of the second conveying auger 82. In this embodiment, the thickness of the connecting portion 69 in the direction of arrow A is the same as the thickness of the mounting portion 60, and it is formed integrally with the mounting portion 60. Furthermore, the connecting portion 69 is formed of the same material as the mounting portion 60. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 69 is formed of a resin material.

[0066] The connecting portion 69 may be formed separately from the mounting portion 60. Furthermore, the connecting portion 69 may be made of a different material than the mounting portion 60.

[0067] Here, the helical angle θ is the angle (obtuse angle) of the blade 82B with respect to the axial direction of the shaft portion 82A, when viewed from the developing roll 50 towards the second transport auger 82 (i.e., viewed in the direction of arrow A).

[0068] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the connecting portion 69 is arranged along the helical angle θ of the blade 82B, the direction of arrangement of the connecting portion 69 does not need to perfectly coincide with the helical angle θ of the blade 82B. For example, the connecting portion 69 may be arranged at an angle within a predetermined range (e.g., ±30 degrees) with respect to the helical angle θ.

[0069] The width 69W of the connection portion 69 along the rotation axis of the second transport auger 82 at the downstream end in the supply direction (direction of arrow C) from the second transport auger 82 to the developing roll 50 is narrower than the width 69W at the upstream end.

[0070] Specifically, the width 69W of the connection portion 69 along the rotation axis of the second conveying auger 82 gradually narrows toward the supply direction. More specifically, the connection portion 69 is formed at an acute angle toward the supply direction.

[0071] The width 69W of the connection section 69 along the rotation axis direction of the second transport auger 82 is specifically set to 1 mm or less. Note that the width 69W here is the maximum width of the connection section 69. In this embodiment, the width 69W is the width 69W at the upstream end of the connection section 69 in the supply direction (arrow C direction) from the second transport auger 82 to the developing roll 50.

[0072] Multiple connecting parts 69 are arranged along the rotation axis direction of the second conveying auger 82. The spacing 69P of the connecting parts 69 along the rotation axis direction is greater than or equal to the helical spacing 82P of the blades 82B. The helical spacing 82P refers to the axial length per 360 degrees (one full rotation) in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 82A of the blades 82B.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the spacing 69P at the connection portion 69 is set to an integer multiple of the helical spacing 82P of the blades 82B. That is, the spacing 69P at the connection portion 69 is equal to the value obtained by multiplying the helical spacing 82P by an integer.

[0074] The sealing material 70 may be detachably attached to the connection part 69 in addition to the mounting part 60. In this case, the sealing material 70 is removed from the mounting part 60 and the connection part 69 by pulling the pull-out part 74 forward by the user.

[0075] (Operation of this embodiment) In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, one end 69A and the other end 69B of the connecting portion 69 are connected to the mounting portion 60.

[0076] Here, as shown in Figure 6, in the configuration without the connecting portion 69 (hereinafter referred to as configuration A), the rigidity of the mounting portion 60 is low, making it prone to deformation, as shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, if the first side 61 and the second side 62 deform inward, the supply of developer G from the second transport auger 82 to the developing roll 50 may be obstructed, resulting in a poor supply of developer G.

[0077] In contrast, in this embodiment, since one end 69A and the other end 69B of the connecting portion 69 are connected to the mounting portion 60, deformation of the mounting portion 60 is suppressed compared to embodiment A. As a result, according to this embodiment, poor supply of developer G caused by deformation of the mounting portion 60 is suppressed compared to embodiment A.

[0078] Furthermore, in configuration A, when the developer G detaches from the developing roll 50 and falls onto the second transport auger 82, the developer G is more likely to levitate, as indicated by arrow X in Figure 8, because it is more likely to collide directly with the second transport auger 82.

[0079] In contrast, in this embodiment, since one end 69A and the other end 69B of the connecting portion 69 are connected to the mounting portion 60, when the developer G that has detached from the developing roll 50 falls onto the second transport auger 82, as shown by arrow Y in Figure 8, the developer G is less likely to float up compared to embodiment A because it comes into contact with the connecting portion 69, providing a buffering effect.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 69 extends across the opening 66 along the helical angle θ of the blade 82B of the second conveying auger 82 when viewed in the direction of arrow A, with one end 69A and the other end 69B connected to the mounting portion 60.

[0081] Here, the developer G adhering to the blades 82B of the second transport auger 82 is arranged along the helical angle θ of the blades 82B, and the developer G is supplied to the developing roll 50 (see Figure 9).

[0082] Therefore, compared to the case where the connecting portion 69 extends in a direction perpendicular to the helical angle θ of the blade 82B (hereinafter referred to as form B), the supply of developer G from the second transport auger 82 to the developing roll 50 is less likely to be obstructed, and poor supply of developer G from the second transport auger 82 to the developing roll 50 is suppressed. As a result, in the image forming apparatus 10, image defects occurring in the image formed on the recording medium P are suppressed compared to form B.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the width 69W of the connection portion 69 along the rotation axis direction of the second transport auger 82 at the downstream end in the supply direction (direction of arrow C) from the second transport auger 82 to the developing roll 50 is narrower than the width 69W at the upstream end.

[0084] Here, if the width 69W at the downstream end of the connection part 69 in the supply direction is the same as the width 69W at the upstream end (hereinafter referred to as form C), then, as shown by reference numeral 110 in Figure 10, the developer G that has detached from the developing roll 50 may adhere to and accumulate at the downstream end of the connection part 69. As a result, the developer G accumulated at the downstream end of the connection part 69 may be resupplied to the developing roll 50.

[0085] In contrast, in this embodiment, the width 69W at the downstream end of the connection portion 69 in the supply direction is narrower than the width 69W at the upstream end. Therefore, compared to embodiment C, the accumulation of developer G detached from the developing roll 50 at the downstream end of the connection portion 69 is suppressed.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the width 69W of the connection portion 69 along the rotation axis direction of the second transport auger 82 gradually narrows toward the supply direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the width 69W of the connection portion 69 narrows in stages toward the supply direction, the accumulation of developer G detached from the developing roll 50 at the downstream end of the connection portion 69 is suppressed.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 69 is formed at an acute angle toward the supply direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the connecting portion 69 is formed at an obtuse angle toward the supply direction, the accumulation of developer G detached from the developing roll 50 at the downstream end of the connecting portion 69 is suppressed.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the spacing 69P of the connecting portion 69 along the rotation axis is set to be greater than or equal to the helical spacing 82P of the blades 82B. Therefore, compared to the case where the spacing 69P of the connecting portion 69 along the rotation axis is less than the helical spacing 82P of the blades 82B, the supply of developer G from the second transport auger 82 to the developing roll 50 is less likely to be obstructed, and poor supply of developer G from the second transport auger 82 to the developing roll 50 is suppressed.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the spacing 69P at the connection portion 69 is set to an integer multiple of the spiral spacing 82P of the blade 82B. Therefore, compared to the case where the spacing 69P at the connection portion 69 is larger than the spiral spacing 82P of the blade 82B and is not an integer multiple of the spiral spacing 82P of the blade 82B, the supply of developer G from the second transport auger 82 to the developing roll 50 is less likely to be obstructed, and poor supply of developer G from the second transport auger 82 to the developing roll 50 is suppressed.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the width 69W of the connection portion 69 along the rotation axis direction of the second transport auger 82 is set to 1 mm or less. Therefore, compared to the case where the width 69W of the connection portion 69 along the rotation axis direction of the second transport auger 82 exceeds 1 mm, the supply of developer G from the second transport auger 82 to the developing roll 50 is less likely to be obstructed, and poor supply of developer G from the second transport auger 82 to the developing roll 50 is suppressed.

[0091] (modified version) In this embodiment, the width 69W at the downstream end of the connection portion 69 in the supply direction was narrower than the width 69W at the upstream end, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the width 69W at the downstream end of the connection portion 69 in the supply direction may be the same as the width 69W at the upstream end.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the width 69W of the connection portion 69 along the rotation axis direction of the second conveying auger 82 gradually narrows toward the supply direction, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the width 69W of the connection portion 69 may be configured to narrow in stages toward the supply direction.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 69 was formed at an acute angle toward the supply direction, but this is not limited to this. For example, the connecting portion 69 may be configured to be formed at an obtuse angle toward the supply direction. Also, the connecting portion 69 may be of a shape such as a circle, semicircle, ellipse, or rhombus in cross-sectional view in the left-right direction.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the spacing 69P of the connecting portion 69 along the rotation axis was set to be greater than or equal to the helical spacing 82P of the blades 82B, but this is not limited to this. For example, the spacing 69P of the connecting portion 69 along the rotation axis may be less than the helical spacing 82P of the blades 82B.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the spacing 69P at the connection portion 69 was set to an integer multiple of the spiral spacing 82P of the blades 82B, but this is not limited to this. For example, the spacing 69P at the connection portion 69 may be larger than the spiral spacing 82P of the blades 82B and different from an integer multiple of the spiral spacing 82P of the blades 82B.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the width 69W of the connecting portion 69 along the rotation axis direction of the second conveying auger 82 was set to 1 mm or less, but it is not limited to this. For example, the width 69W of the connecting portion 69 along the rotation axis direction of the second conveying auger 82 may be greater than 1 mm.

[0097] Furthermore, each of the connecting parts 69 may have a different shape, dimensions, etc.

[0098] 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.

[0099] (((1))) A container containing the developer inside, A conveyor having spiral blades that transports the developer by rotation, A developer supplied with the developer from the transporter, A mounting portion is provided, which is positioned between the transport body and the developer body, has an opening through which the developer supplied from the transport body to the developer body passes, and to which a sealing material that seals the opening is removably attached, A connecting portion extending across the opening along the helical angle of the blade when viewed from the developing body side to the transport body side, with one end and the other end connected to the mounting portion, A developing apparatus equipped with a developing device. (((2))) The width of the connecting portion along the rotation axis of the transporter at the downstream end in the supply direction from the transporter to the developer is narrower than the width at the upstream end. The developing apparatus described in (((1))). (((3))) The width of the connecting portion along the rotation axis of the conveying body gradually narrows toward the supply direction. The developing apparatus described in (((2))). (((4))) The aforementioned connection portion is formed at an acute angle toward the supply direction. The developing apparatus described in (((3))). (((5))) The aforementioned connection part is Multiple units are arranged along the rotation axis of the aforementioned transporter, The spacing along the rotation axis is greater than or equal to the helical spacing of the blades. A developing apparatus as described in any one of (((1))) to (((4))). (((6))) The aforementioned connection part is The spacing along the rotation axis is an integer multiple of the helical spacing of the blades. The developing apparatus described in (((5))). (((7))) The width of the connecting portion along the rotation axis of the conveying body is 1 mm or less. A developing apparatus as described in any one of (((1))) to (((6))). (((8))) A holder that preserves the latent image, A developing apparatus described in any one of (((1))) to (((7))) for developing the latent image, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Media storage section 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 34 Charging device 36 Exposure apparatus 38. Developing device 40 cabinets 41 First transport route 42 Second transport route 43 Partition wall 44 openings 48 recess 50 developing rolls 54-layer restricting member 60 Mounting part 61 First side 62 Second side 63 Third side 64 Fourth side 66 Aperture 69 Connection part 69A One end 69B Other end 69P interval 69W width 70 Sealing material 72 Sealing part 72F Other end 72R One end 74 Extraction section 81 First conveying auger 81A Shaft section 81B Feather 82 Second transport auger 82A Shaft 82B Feather 82P spiral spacing θ helix angle G Developer P recording medium

Claims

1. A container containing the developer inside, A conveyor having spiral blades that transports the developer by rotation, A developer supplied with the developer from the transporter, A mounting portion is provided, which is positioned between the transport body and the developer body, has an opening through which the developer supplied from the transport body to the developer body passes, and to which a sealing material that seals the opening is removably attached, A connecting portion extending across the opening along the helical angle of the blade when viewed from the developing body side to the transport body side, with one end and the other end connected to the mounting portion, A developing apparatus equipped with a developing device.

2. The width of the connecting portion along the rotation axis of the transporter at the downstream end in the supply direction from the transporter to the developer is narrower than the width at the upstream end. The developing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The width of the connecting portion along the rotation axis of the conveying body gradually narrows toward the supply direction. The developing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned connection portion is formed at an acute angle toward the supply direction. The developing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned connection part is Multiple units are arranged along the rotation axis of the aforementioned transporter, The spacing along the rotation axis is greater than or equal to the helical spacing of the blades. The developing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned connection part is The spacing along the rotation axis is an integer multiple of the helical spacing of the blades. The developing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The width of the connecting portion along the rotation axis of the conveying body is 1 mm or less. The developing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. A holder that preserves the latent image, A developing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for developing the latent image, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

Images