JP3216062B2 - Developer stirring and conveying device - Google Patents

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

【０００１】[0001]

【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、静電式複写機及び静電
式印刷機等の画像生成機において静電潜像をトナー像に
現像するのに使用される静電潜像現像装置に装備される
現像剤攪搬送環装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrostatic latent image developing apparatus used for developing an electrostatic latent image into a toner image in an image forming machine such as an electrostatic copying machine and an electrostatic printing machine. The present invention relates to a developer agitator ring device to be provided.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】周知の如く、画像生成機において静電潜
像を現像するために、トナー及びキャリア粒子から成る
現像剤を使用する形態の静電潜像現像装置が広く実用に
供されている。この静電潜像現像装置は現像剤を収容す
るための現像ハウジングと、現像ハウジング内の現像剤
を静電潜像に適用するための現像剤適用手段と、現像ハ
ウジング内の現像剤を攪拌すると共に所要方向に搬送す
るための現像剤攪拌搬送装置と、現像ハウジング内にト
ナーを供給するためのトナー供給手段とを具備してい
る。現像剤適用手段は、通常、回転スリーブ部材を含ん
でおり、このスリーブ部材の周表面に現像剤を保持して
現像域に搬送し、現像域において現像剤中のトナーが静
電潜像に選択的に付着せしめられて、静電潜像がトナー
像に現像される。静電潜像の現像に応じて現像剤中のト
ナーが消費されると、トナー供給手段からトナーが現像
ハウジング内に供給される。現像剤攪拌搬送装置は現像
ハウジング内の現像剤を攪拌してトナーとキャリア粒子
とを混合及び摩擦帯電すると共に所要方向に搬送する。2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, an electrostatic latent image developing apparatus in which a developer comprising toner and carrier particles is used for developing an electrostatic latent image in an image generator is widely used. . The electrostatic latent image developing device includes a developing housing for containing a developer, a developer applying unit for applying the developer in the developing housing to the electrostatic latent image, and agitating the developer in the developing housing. And a developer stirring / conveying device for conveying the toner in a required direction, and a toner supply unit for supplying toner into the developing housing. The developer applying means usually includes a rotating sleeve member, holds the developer on the peripheral surface of the sleeve member, conveys the developer to a developing area, and selects a toner in the developer into an electrostatic latent image in the developing area. The electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image. When the toner in the developer is consumed according to the development of the electrostatic latent image, the toner is supplied from the toner supply unit into the development housing. The developer stirring and conveying device stirs the developer in the developing housing to mix and frictionally charge the toner and the carrier particles, and convey the toner and the carrier particles in a required direction.

【０００３】上述した形態の静電潜像現像装置において
は、現像剤適用手段に保持されて現像域に搬送される前
に現像剤が充分良好に攪拌せしめられ、トナーとキャリ
ア粒子との比率が所要範囲内であると共に両者が充分均
一に混合されている現像剤が静電潜像に適用されること
が重要である。また、現像域の下流側においては、トナ
ーが静電潜像に付着され、従ってトナーの比率が低減せ
しめられた現像剤が、現像剤適用手段から効果的に離脱
されて、現像ハウジング内で再び攪拌され搬送されるこ
とが重要である。現像剤の攪拌及び搬送に関するかよう
な要件を充足せしめるために、実公昭５０−２７３３３
号公報及び特開平３−２６０６７８号公報には、現像剤
適用手段に隣接して延在する第１の攪拌搬送部材とその
上流側に配設された第２の攪拌搬送部材とから構成した
現像剤攪拌搬送装置が開示されている。第１の攪拌搬送
部材は幅方向（即ち現像剤適用手段における回転スリー
ブ部材の軸線方向）に延在する回転軸とこの回転軸に軸
方向に間隔をおいて形成され且つ巻き方向が相互に逆で
ある一対の螺旋羽根から成り、第２の攪拌搬送部材も同
様に幅方向に延在する回転軸とこの回転軸に軸方向に間
隔をおいて形成され且つ巻き方向が相互に逆である一対
の螺旋羽根から成る。第１の攪拌搬送部材は所定方向に
回転せしめられ、現像剤を攪拌しながら軸方向両端部か
ら軸方向中央部に向けて搬送し、第１の攪拌搬送部材の
軸方向中央部に現像剤を移送せしめる。同様に所定方向
に回転せしめられる第２の攪拌搬送部材は、現像剤を攪
拌しながら軸方向中央部から軸方向両端部に向けて現像
剤を搬送し、軸方向両端部において第１の攪拌搬送部材
に現像剤を移送せしめる。第２の攪拌搬送部材によって
幅方向中央部から軸方向両端部に搬送されている現像剤
が現像剤適用手段に保持されて現像域に搬送される。上
記特開平３−２６０６７８号公報には、更に、第２の攪
拌搬送部材の回転軸における一対の螺旋羽根間に傾斜楕
円板を配設し、第１の攪拌搬送部材の片端部から中央部
に搬送された現像剤を第２の攪拌搬送部材の両側に分配
せしめると共に、第１の攪拌搬送部材の他端部から中央
部に搬送された現像剤を第２の攪拌搬送部材の両側に分
配せしめ、かくして幅方向片側と他側との間でも現像剤
の流動を図り現像剤を幅方向全体に渡って均一化せしめ
ることも開示されている。In the above-described electrostatic latent image developing apparatus, the developer is sufficiently agitated before it is held by the developer applying means and conveyed to the developing area, so that the ratio between the toner and the carrier particles is reduced. It is important that a developer which is within the required range and which is sufficiently uniformly mixed is applied to the electrostatic latent image. Further, on the downstream side of the developing area, the toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image, so that the developer in which the ratio of the toner is reduced is effectively separated from the developer applying means, and is again in the developing housing. It is important that the material be stirred and transported. In order to satisfy such requirements for stirring and transporting the developer, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 50-33333
JP-A-3-260678 and JP-A-3-260678 disclose a developing device comprising a first stirring / conveying member extending adjacent to a developer applying unit and a second stirring / conveying member disposed upstream of the first stirring / conveying member. An agent stirring and conveying device is disclosed. The first stirring / conveying member is formed with a rotating shaft extending in the width direction (that is, the axial direction of the rotating sleeve member in the developer applying unit) and spaced apart from the rotating shaft in the axial direction, and the winding directions are opposite to each other. The second stirring and conveying member is also formed of a pair of spiral blades, and a pair of rotating shafts extending in the width direction are formed at intervals in the axial direction, and the winding directions are opposite to each other. Consisting of spiral blades. The first stirring and conveying member is rotated in a predetermined direction, and conveys the developer from both axial end portions toward the central portion in the axial direction while stirring the developer. The developer is transferred to the central portion in the axial direction of the first stirring and conveying member. Let me transport you. Similarly, the second stirring and conveying member rotated in a predetermined direction conveys the developer from the axial center to both ends in the axial direction while stirring the developer, and performs the first stirring and conveying at both ends in the axial direction. The developer is transferred to the member. The developer conveyed from the center in the width direction to both ends in the axial direction by the second stirring / conveying member is held by the developer applying unit and conveyed to the development area. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 3-260678, an inclined elliptical plate is further disposed between a pair of spiral blades on the rotation shaft of the second stirring and conveying member, and the first stirring and conveying member is moved from one end to the center. The transported developer is distributed to both sides of the second stirring and transporting member, and the developer transported from the other end of the first stirring and transporting member to the center is distributed to both sides of the second stirring and transporting member. Thus, it is also disclosed that the developer flows even between one side and the other side in the width direction to make the developer uniform over the entire width direction.

【０００４】[0004]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかるに、上記実公昭
５０−２７３３３号公報に開示されている現像剤攪拌搬
送装置は、左右の領域の現像剤はそれぞれの領域だけで
循環され、両領域の現像剤が積極的に混合せず、一方の
領域の現像剤のトナー濃度だけが低下することがあると
いう問題がある。一方、上記特開平３−２６０６７８号
公報に開示されている現像剤攪拌搬送装置は、第２の攪
拌搬送部材の回転軸における一対の螺旋羽根間に傾斜楕
円板を配設し、第１の攪拌搬送部材の片端部から中央部
に搬送された現像剤を第２の攪拌搬送部材の両側に分配
せしめるように構成されているために、左右の領域の現
像剤のトナー濃度を均一にすることができる。しかしな
がら、傾斜楕円板の回転によって現像剤を攪拌する力が
楕円板に対して直角方向に作用するため、現像剤の逃げ
角が小さく、従って、現像剤特にキャリアの劣化を促進
するという問題がある。キャリアが劣化すると、キャリ
ア表面のコーティング剤の剥がれや、微細なトナー粒子
の付着、トナー材料によるキャリア表面の汚染場等によ
り、キャリアの帯電能力が低下してトナー保持力が低下
する。キャリアのトナー保持力が低下すると、トナーの
帯電特性が安定せず、帯電量が小さい帯電量分布が広
く、ゼロ帯電や逆帯電トナーが増加する等の物性的変化
が起こり、その結果、非画像部にトナーが付着する所謂
トナーかぶり現象やトナー飛散等の不具合が発生する。However, in the developer stirring and conveying device disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 50-27333, the developer in the left and right areas is circulated only in each area, and the developing in both areas is performed. There is a problem that the developer does not mix positively, and only the toner concentration of the developer in one area may decrease. On the other hand, the developer stirring and conveying device disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-260678 has an arrangement in which an inclined elliptical plate is arranged between a pair of spiral blades on a rotation shaft of a second stirring and conveying member, and a first stirring and stirring operation is performed. Since the developer conveyed from one end to the center of the conveying member is distributed to both sides of the second stirring and conveying member, the toner concentration of the developer in the left and right regions can be made uniform. it can. However, since the force for stirring the developer by the rotation of the inclined elliptical plate acts in a direction perpendicular to the elliptical plate, there is a problem that the relief angle of the developer is small, and thus the deterioration of the developer, particularly the carrier, is promoted. . When the carrier is deteriorated, the chargeability of the carrier is reduced due to the peeling of the coating agent on the carrier surface, the attachment of fine toner particles, the contamination of the carrier surface by the toner material, and the like, and the toner holding power is reduced. If the toner holding power of the carrier decreases, the charging characteristics of the toner become unstable, the charge amount distribution with a small charge amount widens, and physical changes such as an increase in zero charge or reverse charge toner occur. This causes problems such as so-called toner fogging and toner scattering in which toner adheres to the portion.

【０００５】本発明は上記事実に鑑みてなされたもので
あり、その技術的課題は、左右の領域のトナーとキャリ
ア粒子とが充分に混合され、軸方向片側にトナー付着領
域が偏在する静電潜像が現像された場合にも、現像剤に
おけるトナーとキャリア粒子との混合比率が軸方向に不
均一になることが充分に抑制され、仮にかかる不均一が
発生したとしても充分迅速に解消することができるとと
もに、キャリアの劣化を抑制することができる、現像剤
攪拌搬送装置を提供することである。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and a technical problem thereof is that the toner and carrier particles in the left and right regions are sufficiently mixed, and the toner adhesion region is unevenly distributed on one side in the axial direction. Even when the latent image is developed, the mixing ratio of the toner and the carrier particles in the developer is prevented from being uneven in the axial direction, and even if such unevenness occurs, the unevenness is resolved quickly enough. It is an object of the present invention to provide a developer stirring and conveying device capable of suppressing deterioration of a carrier.

【０００６】[0006]

【課題を解決するための手段】上記技術的課題を解決す
るために、本発明によれば、ハウジンング内に配設され
中央部に現像剤移送口を備えた少なくとも１個の隔壁
と、該隔壁の片側に該隔壁に沿って配設され、現像剤を
両端部から中央部に向けて搬送する螺旋の巻き方向が相
互に逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根及び第２螺旋羽根を備
えた第１の攪拌搬送部材と、前記隔壁の他側に隔壁に沿
って配設され、現像剤を中央部から両端部に向けて搬送
する螺旋の巻き方向が相互に逆に形成された第１螺旋羽
根及び第２螺旋羽根を備えた第２の攪拌搬送部材と、を
具備し、前記第１の攪拌搬送部材に設けられ螺旋の巻き
方向が相互に逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根と第２螺旋羽
根は、その各々中央側内端の半ピッチが互いの方向に向
かって互いに１８０度の位相角をもって延び且つ交差し
ないように形成され、互いに重複して構成されている、
ことを特徴とする現像剤攪拌搬送装置が提供される。According to the present invention, at least one partition provided in a housing and provided with a developer transfer port in a central portion, and the partition is provided. A first spiral blade and a second spiral blade, which are arranged along the partition wall on one side of the first and second spiral blades, and which are formed so that winding directions of spirals for transporting the developer from both end portions toward the central portion are opposite to each other. And a first spiral blade disposed on the other side of the partition wall along the partition wall and configured to reverse the winding directions of the spirals for transporting the developer from the central portion to both ends. And a second stirring / transporting member having a second spiral blade, wherein the first spiral blade and the second spiral are provided on the first stirring / transporting member, and the winding directions of the spirals are opposite to each other. The wings each have a central half-pitch half-pitch 180 degrees toward each other. Is formed of so as not to and intersect extends with a phase angle, and is configured to overlap each other,
A developer stirring and conveying device is provided.

【０００７】また、本発明によれば、ハウジンング内に
間隔をおいて平行に配設され中央部に各々現像剤移送口
を備えた上流側隔壁及び下流側隔壁と、上流側隔壁と下
流側隔壁との間に配設され、現像剤を両端部から中央部
に向けて搬送する螺旋の巻き方向が相互に逆に形成され
た第１螺旋羽根及び第２螺旋羽根を備えた第１の攪拌搬
送部材と、前記下流側隔壁の下流側に該下流側隔壁に沿
って配設され、現像剤を中央部から両端部に向けて搬送
する螺旋の巻き方向が相互に逆に形成された第１螺旋羽
根及び第２螺旋羽根を備えた第２の攪拌搬送部材と、前
記上流側隔壁の上流側に該上流側隔壁に沿って配設さ
れ、現像剤を中央部から両端部に向けて搬送する螺旋の
巻き方向が相互に逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根及び第２
螺旋羽根を備えた第３の攪拌搬送部材と、を具備し、前
記第１の攪拌搬送部材に設けられ螺旋の巻き方向が相互
に逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根と第２螺旋羽根は、その
各々中央側内端の半ピッチが互いの方向に向かって互い
に１８０度の位相角をもって延び且つ交差しないように
形成され、互いに重複して構成されている、ことを特徴
とする現像剤攪拌搬送装置が提供される。Further, according to the present invention, an upstream partition and a downstream partition which are arranged in parallel in a housing at an interval and each have a developer transfer port at a central portion, an upstream partition and a downstream partition. And a first agitating and transporting apparatus having a first spiral blade and a second spiral blade, in which spirals for transporting the developer from both ends toward the center are formed opposite to each other. A first spiral which is disposed on the downstream side of the downstream partition along the downstream partition and conveys the developer from the central portion toward both ends in a direction opposite to the first spiral; A second stirring / conveying member having a blade and a second spiral blade; and a spiral disposed on the upstream side of the upstream partition along the upstream partition, and transporting the developer from a central portion toward both ends. The first spiral blade and the second spiral blade, in which the winding directions of
A third stirring / transporting member having a spiral blade, wherein the first spiral blade and the second spiral blade provided on the first stirring / conveying member and having spiral directions opposite to each other are formed, A half pitch of each inner end on the center side is formed so as to extend at a phase angle of 180 degrees toward each other and does not intersect with each other, and is configured so as to overlap each other; An apparatus is provided.

【０００８】[0008]

【作用】本発明の現像剤攪拌搬送装置においては、第１
の攪拌搬送部材の第１の螺旋羽根によって軸方向中央部
に向かって搬送される現像剤と、第１の攪拌搬送部材の
第２の螺旋羽根により軸方向中央部に向かって搬送され
る現像剤は、中央部において第１の螺旋羽根及び第２の
螺旋羽根の内端半ピッチ重複部に沿って流動する。従っ
て、第１の螺旋羽根及び第２の螺旋羽根の内端半ピッチ
重複部の回転に伴って、第１の螺旋羽根によって搬送さ
れた現像剤と第２の螺旋羽根によって搬送された現像剤
とは、交互に軸方向中心を越えて搬送される。このた
め、一方の領域から第１の螺旋羽根によって搬送される
現像剤と他方の領域から第２の螺旋羽根によって搬送さ
れる現像剤とが略同等の比率で混合され、左右領域の現
像剤は均一化される。このようにして、第１の攪拌搬送
部材の軸方向中央部に搬送された現像剤は、隔壁の中央
部に設けられた現像剤移送口を通して第２の攪拌搬送部
材側に移送され、該第２の攪拌搬送部材の第１の螺旋羽
根および第２の螺旋羽根によって中央部から両端部に向
けて搬送される。In the developer stirring and conveying device of the present invention, the first
The developer conveyed toward the center in the axial direction by the first spiral blade of the stirring and conveying member, and the developer conveyed toward the center in the axial direction by the second spiral blade of the first stirring and conveying member Flows along a half-pitch overlapping portion of the inner ends of the first spiral blade and the second spiral blade at the center. Accordingly, with the rotation of the inner end half pitch overlapping portion of the first spiral blade and the second spiral blade, the developer transported by the first spiral blade and the developer transported by the second spiral blade Are conveyed alternately over the axial center. For this reason, the developer conveyed by the first spiral blade from one area and the developer conveyed by the second spiral blade from the other area are mixed at substantially the same ratio, and the developer in the left and right areas is mixed. Be uniformed. In this way, the developer conveyed to the axially central portion of the first stirring and conveying member is transferred to the second stirring and conveying member side through a developer transfer port provided at the center of the partition, and The first spiral blade and the second spiral blade of the second stirring and transporting member transport the toner from the center toward both ends.

【０００９】[0009]

【実施例】以下、本発明に従って構成された現像剤攪拌
搬送装置の好適実施例を図示している添付図面を参照し
て、更に詳述する。BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a preferred embodiment of a developer agitating / conveying apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention.

【００１０】図１には、静電複写機を構成する回転ドラ
ムの一部と共に、本発明に従って構成された現像剤攪拌
搬送装置を備えた静電潜像現像装置が図示されている。
周表面に適宜の静電感光体が配設されている回転ドラム
２は、矢印４で示す方向に回転せしめられて、現像域６
を通過するように構成されている。現像域６の上流側に
おいて、それ自体は周知の適宜の方式によって回転ドラ
ム２の周表面上に静電潜像が形成される。現像域６にお
いては、本発明に従って構成された現像剤攪拌搬送装置
７を備えた全体を番号８で示す静電潜像現像装置によっ
て、回転ドラム２の周表面上の静電潜像がトナー像に現
像される。かかるトナー像は、現像域６の下流側におい
て、普通紙等の転写部材に転写されてそこに定着せしめ
られ、かくして複写乃至印刷物が得られる。FIG. 1 shows an electrostatic latent image developing apparatus provided with a developer stirring / conveying device constructed according to the present invention, together with a part of a rotating drum constituting an electrostatic copying machine.
The rotating drum 2 on which an appropriate electrostatic photoreceptor is disposed on the peripheral surface is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow 4 to form a developing area 6.
It is configured to pass through. On the upstream side of the developing area 6, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of the rotating drum 2 by an appropriate method known per se. In the developing area 6, the electrostatic latent image on the peripheral surface of the rotating drum 2 is converted into a toner image by an electrostatic latent image developing apparatus generally designated by reference numeral 8 provided with a developer stirring / conveying apparatus 7 configured according to the present invention. Is developed. Such a toner image is transferred to a transfer member such as plain paper and fixed there on the downstream side of the development area 6, and thus a copy or printed matter is obtained.

【００１１】図１及び図２を参照して説明を続けると、
静電潜像現像装置８は現像ハウジング１０を具備してい
る。適宜の合成樹脂から成形することができる現像ハウ
ジング１０は、底壁１２及びこの底壁１２の後側縁から
実質上鉛直に上方に延びる後壁１６と共に前端壁１８及
び後端壁２０を含んでいる。後壁１６にはその上端から
実質上水平に前方に突出する上壁２２が接続されてお
り、この上壁２２には更にカバー壁２４が接続されてい
る。Continuing the description with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2,
The electrostatic latent image developing device 8 includes a developing housing 10. The developing housing 10, which can be molded from any suitable synthetic resin, includes a front end wall 18 and a rear end wall 20, along with a bottom wall 12 and a rear wall 16 extending substantially vertically upward from the rear edge of the bottom wall 12. I have. The rear wall 16 is connected to an upper wall 22 that projects substantially horizontally forward from the upper end thereof, and a cover wall 24 is further connected to the upper wall 22.

【００１２】上記現像ハウジング１０の最前部（図１に
おいて最左部、図２において最上部）には現像剤適用手
段２６が配設されている。この現像剤適用手段２６は実
質上水平に幅方向に延在するスリーブ部材２８とこのス
リーブ部材２８内に配設された永久磁石部材３０とから
構成されている。スリーブ部材２８はアルミニウム等の
非磁性材によって構成され回転自在に装着されており、
永久磁石部材３０は所定位置に固定されている。図２に
図示されている如く、スリーブ部材２８が固定されてい
る回転軸３１は現像ハウジング１０の後端壁２０を貫通
して後方に突出しており、その突出端部には入力歯車３
２が固定されている。この入力歯車３２は上記回転ドラ
ム２の入力歯車（図示していない）を介して電動モータ
でよい回転駆動源（図示していない）に駆動連結されて
おり、矢印３４で示す方向に回転駆動せしめられる。上
記現像ハウジング１０のカバー壁２４の自由端縁３５
は、現像剤適用手段２６のスリーブ部材２８の周表面に
近接して位置せしめられており、後に更に詳述する如
く、スリーブ部材２８の周表面に保持されて上記現像域
６に搬送される現像剤の量を規制する所謂穂切手段とし
て機能する。A developer applying means 26 is disposed at the forefront (the leftmost portion in FIG. 1 and the uppermost portion in FIG. 2) of the developing housing 10. The developer applying means 26 includes a sleeve member 28 extending substantially horizontally in the width direction, and a permanent magnet member 30 disposed in the sleeve member 28. The sleeve member 28 is made of a non-magnetic material such as aluminum and is rotatably mounted.
The permanent magnet member 30 is fixed at a predetermined position. As shown in FIG. 2, the rotating shaft 31 to which the sleeve member 28 is fixed projects through the rear end wall 20 of the developing housing 10 and projects rearward.
2 is fixed. The input gear 32 is drivingly connected to a rotary drive source (not shown), which may be an electric motor, via an input gear (not shown) of the rotary drum 2, and is driven to rotate in a direction shown by an arrow 34. Can be Free edge 35 of the cover wall 24 of the developing housing 10
Is located close to the peripheral surface of the sleeve member 28 of the developer applying means 26, and as will be described in more detail later, the developer is held on the peripheral surface of the sleeve member 28 and transported to the development area 6. It functions as a so-called ear cutting means for regulating the amount of the agent.

【００１３】上記現像剤適用手段２６の後方に本発明に
従って構成された現像剤攪拌搬送装置７が配設されてい
る。この現像剤攪拌搬送装置７は、図示の実施例におい
ては現像ハウジング１０に前後方向（図１において左右
方向、図２において上下方向）に所定間隔をおいて平行
に配設された上流側隔壁３８及び下流側隔壁４０を備え
ている。上流側隔壁３８は、現像ハウジング８の底壁１
２から実質上鉛直に上方に突出せしめられている直立壁
４２及び４４によって規定されている。同様に、下流側
隔壁手段４０も、現像ハウジング８の底壁１２から実質
上鉛直に上方に突出せしめられている直立壁４６及び４
８によって規定されている。図１から明確に理解される
とおり、直立壁４２、４４、４６及び４８の各々の下端
部両側面は凹円弧形状にせしめられている。図２を参照
することによって明確に理解されるとおり、幅方向（図
１において紙面に垂直な方向、図２において左右方向）
中央部並びに幅方向両端部においては直立壁４２及び４
４が存在せず、上流側隔壁３８の幅方向中央部並びに幅
方向両端部には夫々現像剤移送口５０並びに５２及び５
４が配設されている。同様に、直立壁４６及び４８も幅
方向中央部並びに幅方向両端部においては存在せず、下
流側隔壁４０の幅方向中央部並びに幅方向両端部にも夫
々現像剤移送口５６並びに５８及び６０が配設されてい
る。なお、下流側隔壁４０の幅方向中央部に設けられた
現像剤移送口５６の幅方向寸法Ｗ２は、上記上流側隔壁
３８の幅方向中央部に設けられた現像剤移送口５０の幅
方向寸法Ｗ１より大きく設定されており、上記幅方向寸
法Ｗ２とＷ１との関係は、装置の大きさや複写速度等種
々の要因によって設定されるが、本発明者等の実験によ
れば、上記幅方向寸法Ｗ２は上記幅方向寸法Ｗ１の１．
３乃至４．０倍、望ましくは１．５乃至２．５倍である
のが好適である。また、上流側隔壁３８の幅方向両端部
に配設されている現像剤移送口５２及び５４並びに下流
側隔壁４０の幅方向両端部に配設されている現像剤移送
口５８及び６０の幅方向寸法は全て実質上同一でよく、
上記下流側隔壁４０の幅方向中央部に設けられた現像剤
移送口５６の幅方向寸法Ｗ２と略同一であることが好ま
しい。Behind the developer applying means 26, a developer stirring and conveying device 7 constructed according to the present invention is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the developer stirring and conveying device 7 includes an upstream partition 38 that is disposed parallel to the developing housing 10 at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 1 and the up-down direction in FIG. 2). And a downstream partition 40. The upstream partition wall 38 is provided on the bottom wall 1 of the developing housing 8.
2 are defined by upright walls 42 and 44 projecting substantially vertically upward. Similarly, the downstream partition means 40 also includes the upright walls 46 and 4 projecting substantially vertically upward from the bottom wall 12 of the developing housing 8.
8. As can be clearly understood from FIG. 1, the lower end side surfaces of each of the upright walls 42, 44, 46 and 48 are formed in a concave arc shape. As can be clearly understood by referring to FIG. 2, the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1, the left-right direction in FIG. 2)
Upright walls 42 and 4 at the center and both ends in the width direction
4 are not present, and the developer transfer ports 50, 52, and 5 are provided at the center in the width direction and both ends in the width direction of the upstream partition wall 38, respectively.
4 are provided. Similarly, the upright walls 46 and 48 are not present at the widthwise center portion and the widthwise both end portions, and the developer transfer ports 56, 58 and 60 are also provided at the widthwise center portion and the widthwise both end portions of the downstream partition wall 40, respectively. Are arranged. The widthwise dimension W2 of the developer transfer port 56 provided at the center of the downstream partition 40 in the width direction is the same as the width dimension of the developer transfer port 50 provided at the center of the upstream partition 38 in the width direction. The width W2 is set to be larger than W1, and the relationship between the width-direction dimensions W2 and W1 is set by various factors such as the size of the apparatus and the copying speed. W2 is the widthwise dimension W1 of 1.
It is preferably 3 to 4.0 times, preferably 1.5 to 2.5 times. Further, the widthwise direction of the developer transfer ports 52 and 54 provided at both ends in the width direction of the upstream partition 38 and the width of the developer transfer ports 58 and 60 provided at both the widthwise ends of the downstream wall 40 are determined. All dimensions may be substantially the same,
It is preferable that the width W2 of the developer transfer port 56 provided at the center of the downstream partition wall 40 in the width direction is substantially the same as the width W2.

【００１４】図示の現像剤攪拌搬送装置７は、上記上流
側隔壁３８と上記下流側隔壁４０との間に配設された第
１の攪拌搬送部材６２と、上記下流側隔壁４０の下流側
（即ち前側）に下流側隔壁４０に沿って配設された第２
の攪拌搬送部材６４、及び上記上流側隔壁３８の上流側
（即ち後側）に上流側隔壁３８に沿って配設された第３
の攪拌搬送部材６６を具備している。なお、上記第１の
攪拌搬送部材６２と第２の攪拌搬送部材６４及び第３の
攪拌搬送部材６６は、図示の実施例においては同一平面
内に配設されている。The illustrated developer stirring and conveying device 7 includes a first stirring and conveying member 62 disposed between the upstream partition 38 and the downstream partition 40, and a downstream side of the downstream partition 40. That is, the second side disposed along the downstream partition 40 on the front side)
A third conveying member 64 disposed along the upstream partition wall 38 on the upstream side (that is, the rear side) of the upstream partition wall 38.
Is provided. The first stirring and conveying member 62, the second stirring and conveying member 64, and the third stirring and conveying member 66 are disposed on the same plane in the illustrated embodiment.

【００１５】第１の攪拌搬送部材６２は、上記現像ハウ
ジング１０の両端壁１８及び２０間に回転自在に装着さ
れた回転軸６８を有する。この回転軸６８には軸方向に
間隔をおいて一対の第１の螺旋羽根７０及び第２の螺旋
羽根７２が形成されている。この第１の螺旋羽根７０と
第２の螺旋羽根７２とは、その外径が同一に構成され、
螺旋の巻き方向が相互に逆に形成されている。図２乃至
図４に明確に示されているように、第１の螺旋羽根７０
と第２の螺旋羽根７２は、その各々内端の半ピッチ７０
２、７２２が互いの方向に向かって互いに１８０度の位
相角をもって延び且つ交差しないように形成され、互い
に重複して構成されており、該両螺旋羽根の内端半ピッ
チ７０２と７２２とによって形成される重複部７００に
より接続されている。図示の実施例においては、第１の
螺旋羽根７０及び第２の螺旋羽根７２の各々内端の重複
する半ピッチ７０２、７２２は、軸方向に大きく構成さ
れている。このように構成された第１の現像剤攪拌搬送
部材６２は、図１において矢印１０８で示す方向に回転
せしめられ、現像剤を攪拌しつつ両端部から中央部に向
けて搬送する。The first stirring and conveying member 62 has a rotating shaft 68 rotatably mounted between both end walls 18 and 20 of the developing housing 10. A pair of first spiral blades 70 and second spiral blades 72 are formed on the rotating shaft 68 at intervals in the axial direction. The first spiral blade 70 and the second spiral blade 72 have the same outer diameter,
The spirals are wound in opposite directions. As clearly shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the first spiral blade 70
And the second spiral blade 72 have a half pitch 70 at the inner end thereof.
2, 722 are formed so as to extend at a phase angle of 180 degrees toward each other and do not intersect with each other, are configured to overlap each other, and are formed by the inner end half pitches 702 and 722 of the two spiral blades. Are connected by an overlapping unit 700. In the illustrated embodiment, the overlapping half pitches 702, 722 at the inner ends of the first spiral blade 70 and the second spiral blade 72 are configured to be large in the axial direction. The first developer stirring and conveying member 62 thus configured is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow 108 in FIG. 1, and conveys the developer from both ends toward the center while stirring.

【００１６】次に、上記第１の攪拌搬送部材の他の実施
例について図５を参照して説明する。なお、本実施例の
攪拌搬送部材は、上記図２乃至図４に示された第１の攪
拌搬送部材６２とは回転軸６８に形成された第１の螺旋
羽根７０及び第２の螺旋羽根７２の内端半ピッチの構造
が異なるのみで、他の部分は同一であるため、同一部分
には同一符号を付してその詳細な説明は省略する。本実
施例による攪拌搬送部材は、第１の螺旋羽根７０の内端
半ピッチ７０４の先端と第２の螺旋羽根７２における内
端半ピッチ７２４の開始部との間に間隙７０６を設ける
とともに、第２の螺旋羽根７２の内端半ピッチ７２２の
先端と第１の螺旋羽根７０における内端半ピッチ７０４
の開始部との間に間隙７２６を設けたものである。な
お、間隙７０６および７２６の幅は、３ｍｍ程度でよ
い。この間隙７０６および７２６を設けることにより、
攪拌搬送部材を樹脂成形する際、型抜きが容易となる。Next, another embodiment of the first stirring and conveying member will be described with reference to FIG. The stirring and conveying member of this embodiment is different from the first stirring and conveying member 62 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 in that a first spiral blade 70 and a second spiral blade 72 formed on a rotating shaft 68 are provided. Are different from each other only in the structure of the inner end half pitch, and the other parts are the same. Therefore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The stirring and conveying member according to the present embodiment provides a gap 706 between the tip of the inner end half pitch 704 of the first spiral blade 70 and the start of the inner end half pitch 724 of the second spiral blade 72, The tip of the inner end half pitch 722 of the second spiral blade 72 and the inner end half pitch 704 of the first spiral blade 70
Is provided with a gap 726 between the start portion and the start portion. Note that the width of the gaps 706 and 726 may be about 3 mm. By providing the gaps 706 and 726,
When the stirring and conveying member is molded with a resin, the die can be easily removed.

【００１７】図２を参照して説明すると、上記第２の攪
拌搬送部材６４も上記現像ハウジング１０の両端壁１８
及び２０間に回転自在に装着された回転軸７４を有す
る。この回転軸７４には軸方向に間隔をおいて一対の第
１の螺旋羽根７６及び第２の螺旋羽根７８が形成されて
いる。この第１の螺旋羽根７６と第２の螺旋羽根７８と
は、その外径が同一に構成され、螺旋の巻き方向が相互
に逆に形成されている。第１の螺旋羽根７６の内端と第
２の螺旋羽根７８の内端２とは、いづれも第２の攪拌搬
送部材６４の軸方向中心から各々所定の間隔をおいて配
設されており、従って、第２の攪拌搬送部材６４の軸方
向中央部には第１の螺旋羽根７６の内端と第２の螺旋羽
根７８の内端との間に混合部２２０が形成されている。
回転軸７４の両端部には第１の螺旋羽根７６及び第２の
螺旋羽根７８に夫々対向して位置する第１の補助螺旋羽
根８０及び第２の補助螺旋羽根８２が形成されている。
第１の補助螺旋羽根８０及び第２の補助螺旋羽根８２の
外径は第１の螺旋羽根７６及び第２の螺旋羽根７８の外
径と同一でよい。略３６０度の角度範囲に渡って延びる
第１の補助螺旋羽根８０及び第２の補助螺旋羽根８２の
巻き方向は、対向する第１の螺旋羽根７６及び第２の螺
旋羽根７８の巻き方向に対して逆方向である。このよう
に構成された第２の現像剤攪拌搬送部材６４は、図１に
おいて矢印１１０で示す方向に回転せしめられ、現像剤
を攪拌しつつ中央部から両端部に向けて搬送する。Referring to FIG. 2, the second stirring / conveying member 64 is also provided at both end walls 18 of the developing housing 10.
, And 20 has a rotation shaft 74 rotatably mounted. A pair of first spiral blades 76 and second spiral blades 78 are formed on the rotating shaft 74 at intervals in the axial direction. The first spiral blade 76 and the second spiral blade 78 have the same outer diameter, and the spiral winding directions are opposite to each other. The inner end of the first spiral blade 76 and the inner end 2 of the second spiral blade 78 are both disposed at predetermined intervals from the axial center of the second stirring and transporting member 64, respectively. Therefore, the mixing section 220 is formed between the inner end of the first spiral blade 76 and the inner end of the second spiral blade 78 at the axial center of the second stirring and conveying member 64.
At both ends of the rotating shaft 74, a first auxiliary spiral blade 80 and a second auxiliary spiral blade 82 located opposite to the first spiral blade 76 and the second spiral blade 78, respectively, are formed.
The outer diameters of the first auxiliary spiral blade 80 and the second auxiliary spiral blade 82 may be the same as the outer diameters of the first spiral blade 76 and the second spiral blade 78. The winding direction of the first auxiliary spiral blade 80 and the second auxiliary spiral blade 82 extending over an angle range of approximately 360 degrees is relative to the winding direction of the opposing first spiral blade 76 and second spiral blade 78. In the opposite direction. The second developer stirring and conveying member 64 configured as described above is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow 110 in FIG. 1, and conveys the developer from the center to both ends while stirring.

【００１８】図２を参照して説明を続けると、上記第３
の攪拌搬送部材６６も上記現像ハウジング１０の両端壁
１８及び２０間に回転自在に装着された回転軸８４を有
する。この回転軸８４には軸方向に間隔をおいて一対の
第１の螺旋羽根８６及び第２の螺旋羽根８８が形成され
ている。この第１の螺旋羽根８６と第２の螺旋羽根８８
とは、その外径が同一に構成され、螺旋の巻き方向が相
互に逆に形成されている。第１の螺旋羽根８６と第２の
螺旋羽根８８の内端半ピッチ８６２、８８２は、上記第
１の攪拌搬送部材６２の設けられた第１の螺旋羽根７０
及び第２の螺旋羽根７２における内端の半ピッチ７０
２、７２２と同様に、互いに１８０度の位相角をもって
交差しないように重複して構成された重複部８００によ
って接続されている。また、第１の螺旋羽根８６及び第
２の螺旋羽根８８の各々内端の重複する半ピッチ８６
２、８８２は、軸方向に大きく構成されている。なお、
上記第１の螺旋羽根８６及び第２の螺旋羽根８８の内端
半ピッチ８６２、８８２によって構成される重複部８０
０は、上記第１の攪拌搬送部材の他の実施例として図５
に示されたものと同様に構成してもよい。第１の螺旋羽
根８６及び第２の螺旋羽根８８の各々の軸方向外端は、
上流隔壁手段３８の幅方向両端部に配設されている現像
剤移送口５２及び５４の幅方向略中間に対応して位置す
るのが好都合である。回転軸８４の両端部には第１の螺
旋羽根８６及び第２の螺旋羽根８８に夫々対向して位置
する第１の補助螺旋羽根９０及び第２の補助螺旋羽根９
２が形成されている。第１の補助螺旋羽根９０及び第２
の補助螺旋羽根９２の外径は第１の螺旋羽根８６及び第
２の螺旋羽根８８の外径と同一でよい。略３６０度の角
度範囲に渡って延びる第１の補助螺旋羽根９０及び第２
の補助螺旋羽根９２の巻き方向は、対向する第１の螺旋
羽根８６及び第２の螺旋羽根８８の巻き方向に対して逆
方向である。このように構成された第３の現像剤攪拌搬
送部材６６は、図１において矢印１０６で示す方向に回
転せしめられ、現像剤を攪拌しつつ中央部から両端部に
向けて搬送する。Continuing the description with reference to FIG.
The agitating and conveying member 66 also has a rotating shaft 84 rotatably mounted between both end walls 18 and 20 of the developing housing 10. A pair of first spiral blades 86 and second spiral blades 88 are formed on the rotating shaft 84 at intervals in the axial direction. The first spiral blade 86 and the second spiral blade 88
Means that the outer diameters of the spirals are the same and the winding directions of the spirals are opposite to each other. The inner half pitches 862 and 882 of the first spiral blade 86 and the second spiral blade 88 correspond to the first spiral blade 70 provided with the first stirring and conveying member 62.
And a half pitch 70 at the inner end of the second spiral blade 72
Similar to 2, 722, they are connected by an overlapping portion 800 that is configured to overlap so as not to intersect with each other at a phase angle of 180 degrees. Also, the overlapping half pitch 86 of the inner end of each of the first spiral blade 86 and the second spiral blade 88
2 and 882 are configured to be large in the axial direction. In addition,
The overlapping portion 80 formed by the inner end half pitches 862, 882 of the first spiral blade 86 and the second spiral blade 88.
0 is another example of the first stirring and conveying member shown in FIG.
May be configured in the same manner as described above. The axially outer ends of each of the first spiral blade 86 and the second spiral blade 88 are:
It is convenient that the upstream partition means 38 is located at a position substantially corresponding to the widthwise middle of the developer transfer ports 52 and 54 provided at both ends in the width direction. At both ends of the rotating shaft 84, a first auxiliary spiral blade 90 and a second auxiliary spiral blade 9 located opposite to the first spiral blade 86 and the second spiral blade 88, respectively.
2 are formed. First auxiliary spiral blade 90 and second auxiliary spiral blade 90
The outer diameter of the auxiliary spiral blade 92 may be the same as the outer diameter of the first spiral blade 86 and the second spiral blade 88. A first auxiliary spiral blade 90 and a second auxiliary spiral blade 90 extending over an angular range of approximately 360 degrees;
The winding direction of the auxiliary spiral blade 92 is opposite to the winding direction of the first spiral blade 86 and the second spiral blade 88 facing each other. The third developer stirring and conveying member 66 configured as described above is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow 106 in FIG. 1, and conveys the developer from the center toward both ends while stirring.

【００１９】図２及び図６を参照して説明すると、第１
の攪拌搬送部材６２の回転軸６８、第２の攪拌搬送部材
６４の回転軸７４及び第３の攪拌搬送部材６６の回転軸
８４の各々は現像ハウジング１０の後端壁２０を貫通し
て後方に突出せしめられており、これらの回転軸６８、
７４及び８４の後端部には夫々入力歯車９８、１００、
１０２が固定されている。入力歯車１０２は入力歯車９
８に係合せしめられており、入力歯車９８は入力歯車１
００に係合せしめられており、そして入力歯車１００は
後端壁２０に回転自在に装着された伝動歯車１０４を介
して上記現像剤適用手段２６の入力歯車３２に係合せし
められている。従って、上記回転駆動源（図示していな
い）によって現像剤適用手段２６のスリーブ部材２８が
矢印３４で示す方向に回転せしめられると、図１に示す
ように第１の攪拌搬送部材６２は矢印１０８で示す方向
に、第２の攪拌搬送部材６４は矢印１１０で示す方向
に、第３の攪拌搬送部材６６は矢印１０６で示す方向に
回転せしめられる。Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, the first
The rotating shaft 68 of the stirring and conveying member 62, the rotating shaft 74 of the second stirring and conveying member 64, and the rotating shaft 84 of the third stirring and conveying member 66 pass through the rear end wall 20 of the developing housing 10 and move rearward. These rotating shafts 68,
At the rear ends of 74 and 84, input gears 98, 100,
102 is fixed. The input gear 102 is the input gear 9
8 and the input gear 98 is the input gear 1
00, and the input gear 100 is engaged with the input gear 32 of the developer applying means 26 via a transmission gear 104 rotatably mounted on the rear end wall 20. Accordingly, when the sleeve member 28 of the developer applying unit 26 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow 34 by the above-mentioned rotation drive source (not shown), the first stirring / conveying member 62 is moved to the arrow 108 as shown in FIG. , The second stirring and conveying member 64 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow 110, and the third stirring and conveying member 66 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow 106.

【００２０】図１に図示する如く、現像ハウジング１０
内にはトナーとキャリア粒子とから成る現像剤１１２が
収容される。かかる現像剤１１２は上流側隔壁３８の上
流側（図１において右側、図２において下側）、上流側
隔壁３８と下流側隔壁４０との間、及び下流側隔壁４０
の下流側（図１において左側、図２において上側）に適
宜に分散して収容される。矢印１０６で示す方向に回転
される第３の攪拌搬送部材６６は、上流側隔壁３８の上
流側において現像剤を攪拌しながら軸方向中央部から軸
方向両端部に向けて搬送する。即ち、第３の攪拌搬送部
材６６の第１の螺旋羽根８６は現像剤を攪拌しながら軸
方向中央部から軸方向片端部（図２において左端部）に
向けて搬送し、第３の攪拌搬送部材６６の第２の螺旋羽
根８８は現像剤を攪拌しながら軸方向中央部から幅方向
他端部（図２において右端部）に向けて搬送する。第３
の攪拌搬送部材６６の第１の補助螺旋羽根９０は幅方向
片端部において現像剤を軸方向内方に強制し、第１の補
助螺旋羽根９２は軸方向他端部において現像剤を軸方向
内方に強制する。矢印１０８で示す方向に回転される第
１の攪拌搬送部材６２は、上流側隔壁３８と下流側隔壁
４０との間において現像剤を攪拌しながら軸方向両端部
から軸方向中央部に向けて搬送する。即ち、第１の攪拌
搬送部材６２の第１の螺旋羽根７０は現像剤を攪拌しな
がら軸方向片端部（図２において左端部）から軸方向中
央部に向けて搬送し、第１の攪拌搬送部材６２の第２の
螺旋羽根７２は現像剤を攪拌しながら搬送する。矢印１
１０で示す方向に回転される第２の攪拌搬送部材６４
は、下流側隔壁４０の下流側において現像剤を攪拌しな
がら軸方向中央部から軸方向両端部に向けて搬送する。
即ち、第２の攪拌搬送部材６４の第１の螺旋羽根７６は
現像剤を攪拌しながら軸方向中央部から軸方向片端部
（図２において左端部）に向けて搬送し、第２の攪拌搬
送部材６４の第２の螺旋羽根７８は現像剤を攪拌しなが
ら軸方向中央部から軸方向他端部（図２において右端
部）に向けて搬送する。第２の攪拌搬送部材６４の第１
の補助螺旋羽根８０は軸方向片端部において現像剤を軸
方向内方に強制し、第２の補助螺旋羽根８２は軸方向他
端部において現像剤を軸方向内方に強制する。As shown in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG.
A developer 112 composed of toner and carrier particles is accommodated therein. The developer 112 flows upstream of the upstream partition 38 (right side in FIG. 1 and lower in FIG. 2), between the upstream partition 38 and the downstream partition 40, and in the downstream partition 40.
Are appropriately dispersed and accommodated on the downstream side (left side in FIG. 1, upper side in FIG. 2). The third stirring and conveying member 66 rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow 106 conveys the developer from the central portion in the axial direction to both ends in the axial direction while stirring the developer on the upstream side of the upstream partition wall 38. That is, the first spiral blade 86 of the third stirring / conveying member 66 conveys the developer from the central portion in the axial direction to one end in the axial direction (the left end portion in FIG. 2) while stirring the developer. The second spiral blade 88 of the member 66 conveys the developer from the center in the axial direction to the other end in the width direction (the right end in FIG. 2) while stirring the developer. Third
The first auxiliary spiral blade 90 of the agitating and conveying member 66 forcibly pushes the developer in the axial direction at one end in the width direction, and the first auxiliary spiral blade 92 pushes the developer in the axial direction at the other end in the axial direction. To force. The first stirring and conveying member 62 rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow 108 conveys the developer from the both ends in the axial direction toward the center in the axial direction while stirring the developer between the upstream partition 38 and the downstream partition 40. I do. That is, the first spiral blade 70 of the first stirring and conveying member 62 conveys the developer from one end in the axial direction (left end in FIG. 2) toward the center in the axial direction while stirring the developer. The second spiral blade 72 of the member 62 conveys the developer while stirring it. Arrow 1
Second stirring and conveying member 64 rotated in the direction indicated by 10
Transports the developer from the central portion in the axial direction to both ends in the axial direction while stirring the developer on the downstream side of the downstream partition wall 40.
That is, the first spiral blade 76 of the second stirring and conveying member 64 conveys the developer from the central portion in the axial direction to one end in the axial direction (the left end portion in FIG. 2) while stirring the developer. The second spiral blade 78 of the member 64 conveys the developer from the center in the axial direction to the other end in the axial direction (the right end in FIG. 2) while stirring the developer. The first of the second stirring and conveying members 64
The auxiliary spiral blade 80 forcibly pushes the developer axially inward at one end in the axial direction, and the second auxiliary spiral blade 82 pushes the developer axially inward at the other end in the axial direction.

【００２１】軸方向両端部から軸方向中央部に向けて現
像剤を搬送する第１の攪拌搬送部材６２の搬送能力は、
軸方向中央部から軸方向両端部に向けて現像剤を搬送す
る第２の攪拌搬送部材６４及び第３の攪拌搬送部材６６
の各々の搬送能力より大きく設定されていることが重要
である。軸方向両端部から軸方向中央部への現像剤の搬
送と軸方向中央部から軸方向両端部への現像剤の搬送を
実質上平衡せしめて現像剤が軸方向全体に渡って充分に
均一に存在するようになすために、第１の攪拌搬送部材
６２の搬送能力は第２の攪拌搬送部材６４の搬送能力と
第３の攪拌搬送部材６６の搬送能力との和に略合致せし
められているのが好適である。また、第２の攪拌搬送部
材６４の搬送能力は第３の攪拌搬送部材６６の搬送能力
よりも大きく設定されているのが好適であり、第２の攪
拌搬送部材６４の搬送能力は第３の攪拌搬送部材６６の
搬送能力の１．２乃至２．５倍程度であるのが好都合で
ある（その理由については後に更に言及する）。第１の
攪拌搬送部材６２、第２の攪拌搬送部材６４及び第３の
攪拌搬送部材６６の搬送能力は、それらの第１及び第２
の螺旋羽根７０及び７２、７６及び７８並びに８６及び
８８の回転速度、ピッチ及び外径を適宜に設定すること
によって所要とおりに設定することができる。図示の実
施例においては、第２の攪拌搬送部材６４の単位時間当
り回転数と第３の攪拌搬送部材６６の単位時間当り回転
数とは同一であるが、これらの回転数に比べて第１の攪
拌搬送部材６２の単位時間当りの回転数は大きく設定さ
れている。第２の攪拌搬送部材６４の第１及び第２の螺
旋羽根７６及び７８のピッチは第３の攪拌搬送部材６６
の第１及び第２の螺旋羽根８６及び８８のピッチより大
きく、第１の攪拌搬送部材６２の第１及び第２の螺旋羽
根７０及び７２のピッチは第２の攪拌搬送部材６４の第
１及び第２の螺旋羽根７６及び７８よりも更に大きい。
第３の攪拌搬送部材６６の第１及び第２の螺旋羽根８６
及び８８の外径と第２の攪拌搬送部材６４の第１及び第
２の螺旋羽根７６及び７８外径とは同一であるが、これ
らの外径よりも第１の攪拌搬送部材６２第１及び第２の
螺旋羽根７０及び７２の外径は大きい。The transporting ability of the first stirring and transporting member 62 for transporting the developer from both ends in the axial direction toward the central portion in the axial direction is as follows.
A second stirring and conveying member 64 and a third stirring and conveying member 66 that convey the developer from the axial center toward both ends in the axial direction.
It is important that the transfer capacity is set to be larger than each transfer capacity. The transport of the developer from the axial ends to the axial center and the transport of the developer from the axial center to the axial ends are substantially balanced, and the developer is sufficiently uniform over the entire axial direction. In order to make it exist, the conveying capacity of the first stirring and conveying member 62 is made to substantially match the sum of the conveying ability of the second stirring and conveying member 64 and the conveying ability of the third stirring and conveying member 66. Is preferred. Further, it is preferable that the transfer capacity of the second stirring and conveying member 64 is set to be larger than that of the third stirring and conveying member 66, and the conveying capacity of the second stirring and conveying member 64 is set to be the third. It is convenient that the transfer capacity is about 1.2 to 2.5 times the transfer capacity of the stirring transfer member 66 (the reason will be further described later). The transfer capacity of the first stirring and conveying member 62, the second stirring and conveying member 64, and the third stirring and conveying member 66 are the first and second stirring and conveying members.
The rotation speed, pitch and outer diameter of the spiral blades 70 and 72, 76 and 78 and 86 and 88 can be set as required. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation speed per unit time of the second stirring and conveying member 64 and the rotation speed per unit time of the third stirring and conveying member 66 are the same. The rotation speed of the stirring and conveying member 62 per unit time is set to be large. The pitch of the first and second spiral blades 76 and 78 of the second stirring and conveying member 64 is the third stirring and conveying member 66.
Is larger than the pitch of the first and second spiral blades 86 and 88, and the pitch of the first and second spiral blades 70 and 72 of the first stirring and conveying member 62 is the first and second of the second stirring and conveying member 64. It is even larger than the second spiral blades 76 and 78.
The first and second spiral blades 86 of the third stirring and conveying member 66
And 88 and the outer diameters of the first and second spiral blades 76 and 78 of the second stirring and conveying member 64 are the same, but are larger than these outer diameters. The outer diameter of the second spiral blades 70 and 72 is large.

【００２２】図１及び図２を参照して説明を続けると、
現像ハウジング１０の底壁１２の、上流側隔壁３８と下
流側隔壁４０との間で且つ幅方向中央部には、円形開口
１１４が形成されている。そして、この開口１１４には
現像剤１１２中のトナー濃度を検出するための検出器１
１６が配設されている。この検出器１１６は、開口１１
４を通して現像ハウジング１０内に露呈せしめられてい
る上面上に存在する現像剤１１２の透磁率を検出するこ
とによって現像剤１１２中のトナー濃度を検出するそれ
自体は公知の形態のものでよい。静電潜像現像装置８に
は、更に、検出器１１６によって検出される現像剤１１
２中のトナー濃度に応じて作動せしめられる、トナー供
給手段も備えられている。かかるトナー供給手段は、現
像ハウジング１０の上壁２２に配設せしめられた送給管
１１８を具備している。この送給管１１８の一端部は、
第３の攪拌搬送部材６６の軸方向中央部の上方に位置せ
しめられており、その下面には現像ハウジング１０内に
通じる送出口１２０が形成されている。上記一端部から
幅方向前端に延びる送給管１１８の他端部はトナー容器
（図示していない）に連通せしめられており、送出管１
１８内には螺旋羽根から構成することができるトナー搬
送手段（図示していない）が配設されている。上記検出
器１１６が検出する現像剤１１２中のトナー濃度が所定
値以下になると、送給管１１８内のトナー搬送手段が作
動せしめられて、トナー容器から送給管１１８を通して
トナーが搬送され、送出口１２０から現像ハウジング１
０内の第３の攪拌搬送部材６６の中央部上に落下せしめ
られる。上記検出器１１６が検出するトナー濃度が所定
値以上になると、送給管１１８内のトナー搬送手段の作
動が停止せしめられ、現像ハウジング１０内へのトナー
供給が停止される。Continuing the description with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2,
A circular opening 114 is formed in the bottom wall 12 of the developing housing 10 between the upstream partition 38 and the downstream partition 40 and at the center in the width direction. The opening 114 has a detector 1 for detecting the toner concentration in the developer 112.
16 are provided. This detector 116 has an aperture 11
The detection of the toner density in the developer 112 by detecting the magnetic permeability of the developer 112 present on the upper surface exposed in the development housing 10 through the sensor 4 may be of a known form. The electrostatic latent image developing device 8 further includes a developer 11 detected by a detector 116.
2 is provided with a toner supply unit that is operated in accordance with the toner concentration in the toner supply unit 2. The toner supply means includes a supply pipe 118 provided on the upper wall 22 of the developing housing 10. One end of the feed pipe 118 is
The third agitating / conveying member 66 is positioned above a central portion in the axial direction, and a lower surface thereof has an outlet 120 communicating with the inside of the developing housing 10. The other end of the feed pipe 118 extending from the one end to the front end in the width direction is communicated with a toner container (not shown).
A toner conveying means (not shown), which can be constituted by spiral blades, is provided in the inside 18. When the toner concentration in the developer 112 detected by the detector 116 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the toner conveying means in the supply pipe 118 is operated, and the toner is conveyed from the toner container through the supply pipe 118, and the toner is conveyed. From the outlet 120 to the developing housing 1
It is dropped on the central portion of the third stirring / conveying member 66 in the area 0. When the toner concentration detected by the detector 116 becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value, the operation of the toner conveying means in the supply pipe 118 is stopped, and the supply of the toner into the developing housing 10 is stopped.

【００２３】次に、上述したとおりの現像剤攪拌搬送装
置７を備えた静電潜像現像装置８の作用効果を要約して
説明すると、次のとおりである。図２に矢印で示すとお
り、トナー供給手段の送出管１１８に形成されている送
出口１２０から落下せしめられたトナーは、第３の攪拌
搬送部材６６に設けられた第１の螺旋羽根８６と第２の
螺旋羽根８８の内端半ピッチ８６２と８８２との重複部
８００の作用によって軸方向中央部から両側に均等に分
配されて、現像ハウジング１０内の現像剤１１２に混入
せしめられる。上流側隔壁３８の上流側（図１において
右側）に存在する現像剤１１２は、第３の攪拌搬送部材
６６の第１及び第２の螺旋羽根８６及び８８の作用によ
って攪拌されながら軸方向中央部から軸方向両側部に搬
送される。第３の攪拌搬送部材６６の搬送能力は比較的
小さく設定されているので、現像剤１１２は第３の攪拌
搬送部材６６によって軸方向中央部から軸方向両側部に
比較的低速で搬送され、この際に充分に攪拌せしめられ
る。第３の攪拌搬送部材６６によって軸方向両側部に搬
送された現像剤１１２は、上流側隔壁３８の幅方向両側
部に配設されている現像剤移送口５２及び５４を通して
前方に移送されて、上流側隔壁３８と下流側隔壁４０と
の間に導入される。Next, the operation and effect of the electrostatic latent image developing device 8 provided with the developer stirring and conveying device 7 as described above will be summarized as follows. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 2, the toner dropped from the delivery port 120 formed in the delivery pipe 118 of the toner supply unit is combined with the first spiral blade 86 provided on the third stirring / conveying member 66 and the first spiral blade 86. Due to the action of the overlapping portion 800 of the inner end half pitches 862 and 882 of the two spiral blades 88, they are evenly distributed from the center in the axial direction to both sides and mixed into the developer 112 in the developing housing 10. The developer 112 present on the upstream side (the right side in FIG. 1) of the upstream partition wall 38 is axially centered while being stirred by the action of the first and second spiral blades 86 and 88 of the third stirring and conveying member 66. From both sides in the axial direction. Since the carrying capacity of the third stirring / conveying member 66 is set to be relatively small, the developer 112 is conveyed by the third stirring / conveying member 66 from the central portion in the axial direction to both sides in the axial direction at a relatively low speed. It can be sufficiently stirred at the time. The developer 112 conveyed to both sides in the axial direction by the third stirring / conveying member 66 is transferred forward through the developer transfer ports 52 and 54 provided on both sides in the width direction of the upstream partition wall 38, and It is introduced between the upstream partition 38 and the downstream partition 40.

【００２４】次いで、上流側隔壁３８と下流側隔壁４０
との間において、現像剤１１２は第１の攪拌搬送部材６
２の第１及び第２の螺旋羽根７０及び７２の作用によっ
て攪拌されながら軸方向両側部から軸方向中央部に搬送
される。第１の攪拌搬送部材６２の第１の螺旋羽根７０
によって軸方向中央部に向かって搬送される現像剤と、
第１の攪拌搬送部材６２の第２の螺旋羽根７２により軸
方向中央部に向かって搬送される現像剤は、図４に示す
ように中央部において第１の螺旋羽根７０及び第２の螺
旋羽根７２の各々内端半ピッチ７０２及び７２２とによ
って構成される重複部７００に沿って流動する。従っ
て、第１の螺旋羽根７０によって搬送された現像剤と第
２の螺旋羽根７２によって搬送された現像剤とは、上記
重複部７００の回転に伴って、交互に軸方向中心を越え
て搬送される。このため、一方の領域から第１の螺旋羽
根７０によって搬送される現像剤と他方の領域から第２
の螺旋羽根７２によって搬送される現像剤とが略同等の
比率で混合され、左右領域の現像剤は均一化される。こ
のようにして、左右領域から搬送された現像剤が略均等
に混合された現像剤は、下流側隔壁４０の中央部に設け
られた現像剤移送口５６を通して第２の攪拌搬送部材６
４の混合部２０２に移送され、また、上記現像剤の一部
が上流側隔壁３８の中央部に設けられた現像剤移送口５
６を通して第３の攪拌搬送部材６６側に移送されれる。
なお、下流側隔壁手段４０に形成されている現像剤移送
口５６の幅方向寸法Ｗ２は比較的大きく設定されている
故に、かかる現像剤移送口５６を通して比較的多量の現
像剤１１２が下流隔壁手段４０の下流側に進入せしめら
れる。上流隔壁手段３８に形成されている現像剤移送口
５６の幅方向寸法Ｗ１は比較的小さく設定されている故
に、かかる現像剤移送口５６を通して上流隔壁手段３８
の上流側に戻される現像剤１１２は比較的少量であり、
そしてまた上述したトナー送出口１２０から落下せしめ
られたトナーが、上記第３の攪拌搬送部材６６によって
攪拌されながら搬送されることなく、直接的に現像剤移
送口５０を通って上流側隔壁３８と下流側隔壁４０との
間に導入されることが確実に回避される。Next, the upstream partition 38 and the downstream partition 40
Between the first stirring and conveying member 6
While being stirred by the action of the second first and second spiral blades 70 and 72, it is conveyed from both sides in the axial direction to the center in the axial direction. First spiral blade 70 of first stirring and conveying member 62
Developer transported toward the center in the axial direction by
The developer conveyed toward the center in the axial direction by the second spiral blade 72 of the first stirring / conveying member 62 has the first spiral blade 70 and the second spiral blade at the center as shown in FIG. 72 flows along an overlap 700 formed by the inner end half pitches 702 and 722, respectively. Therefore, the developer transported by the first spiral blade 70 and the developer transported by the second spiral blade 72 are alternately transported beyond the axial center with the rotation of the overlapping portion 700. You. For this reason, the developer conveyed by the first spiral blade 70 from one area and the second area from the other area
The developer conveyed by the spiral blade 72 is mixed at substantially the same ratio, and the developer in the left and right regions is made uniform. In this manner, the developer, which has been substantially uniformly mixed with the developer transported from the left and right regions, flows through the developer transport port 56 provided at the center of the downstream partition 40 to the second stirring and transporting member 6.
4 and a part of the developer is transferred to the developer transfer port 5 provided at the center of the upstream partition wall 38.
6 and is transferred to the third stirring and conveying member 66 side.
Since the width dimension W2 of the developer transfer port 56 formed in the downstream partition means 40 is set to be relatively large, a relatively large amount of the developer 112 is supplied through the developer transfer port 56 to the downstream partition means. 40 is entered downstream. Since the widthwise dimension W1 of the developer transfer port 56 formed in the upstream partition means 38 is set relatively small, the upstream partition means 38 passes through the developer transfer port 56.
Is relatively small amount of developer 112 returned to the upstream side of
Further, the toner dropped from the toner outlet 120 described above is directly conveyed to the upstream partition 38 through the developer transfer port 50 without being conveyed while being stirred by the third stirring and conveying member 66. It is reliably prevented from being introduced between the downstream side partition wall 40.

【００２５】下流側隔壁４０の幅方向中央部に配設され
ている現像剤移送口５６から前方に移送された現像剤
は、第２の攪拌搬送部材６４の第１の螺旋羽根７６及び
第２の螺旋羽根７８の作用によって攪拌されながら軸方
向中央部から軸方向両側部に搬送される。そして、軸方
向両側部に搬送された現像剤１１２は、下流側隔壁４０
の幅方向両側部に配設されている現像剤移送口５８及び
６０を通して後方に移送されて、上流側隔壁３８と下流
側隔壁４０との間に戻され、しかる後に第１の攪拌搬送
部材６２の第１の螺旋羽根７０及び第２の螺旋羽根７２
の作用によって攪拌されながら軸方向両側部から軸方向
中央部に搬送される。The developer transported forward from the developer transport port 56 disposed at the center in the width direction of the downstream partition 40 is supplied to the first spiral blade 76 and the second spiral blade 76 of the second stirring and transporting member 64. While being agitated by the action of the spiral blade 78, it is conveyed from the axial center to both axial sides. Then, the developer 112 transported to both sides in the axial direction is transferred to the downstream partition 40.
The developer is transported backward through the developer transport ports 58 and 60 disposed on both sides in the width direction of the first and second portions, and is returned between the upstream partition 38 and the downstream partition 40. Of the first spiral blade 70 and the second spiral blade 72
While being agitated by the action of the above, it is conveyed from both sides in the axial direction to the center in the axial direction.

【００２６】図１及び図２を参照して説明を続けると、
第３の攪拌搬送部材６４の下流側（図１において左側、
図２において上側）においては、現像剤適用手段２６の
スリーブ部材２８が矢印３４で示す方向に回転せしめら
れる。図１に番号１２２で示す現像剤汲み上げ域におい
ては、第２の攪拌搬送部材６４の第１の螺旋羽根７６及
び第２の螺旋羽根７８のの作用によって攪拌されながら
軸方向中央部から軸方向両側部に搬送されている現像剤
１１２の一部が、静止永久磁石部材３０が形成する磁界
に起因してスリーブ部材２８の周表面に汲み上げられ
る。スリーブ部材２８の周表面に汲み上げられた現像剤
１１２は、スリーブ部材２８の回転に付随して矢印３４
で示す方向に搬送されて、現像域６に運ばれる。この際
には、現像ハウジング１０のカバー壁２４の自由端縁３
５の作用により、スリーブ部材２８の周表面から過剰の
現像剤１１２が除去される。現像域６においては、上述
した如く、回転ドラム４の周表面上に形成されている静
電潜像に現像剤１１２中のトナーが選択的に付着せしめ
られて、静電潜像がトナー像に現像される。現像域６の
下流に位置する現像剤剥離域１２４においては、永久磁
石部材３０が形成する磁界が低減せしめられていること
等に起因して、スリーブ部材２８の周表面から現像剤１
１２が離脱される。かかる現像剤１１２は現像域６にお
いてトナーが消費されたことに起因してトナー濃度が低
下せしめられている。スリーブ部材２８の周表面から離
脱された現像剤１１２は現像ハウジング１０内に現像剤
１１２に混入され、第２の攪拌搬送部材６４の第１の螺
旋羽根７６及び第２の螺旋羽根７８の作用によって攪拌
されながら軸方向両側部に搬送される。第２の攪拌搬送
部材６４の搬送能力は第３の攪拌搬送部材６６の搬送能
力に比べて大きく設定されている故に、現像剤剥離域１
２４においてスリーブ部材２８の周表面から充分良好に
現像剤１１２が離脱されると共にかかる現像剤１１２が
充分迅速に現像ハウジング１０内に現像剤１１２に混入
され攪拌される。Continuing the description with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2,
The downstream side of the third stirring and conveying member 64 (the left side in FIG. 1,
2 (upper side in FIG. 2), the sleeve member 28 of the developer applying unit 26 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow 34. In the developer pumping area indicated by reference numeral 122 in FIG. 1, while being stirred by the action of the first spiral blade 76 and the second spiral blade 78 of the second stirring and conveying member 64, both sides in the axial direction from the axial center portion. A part of the developer 112 conveyed to the portion is pumped to the peripheral surface of the sleeve member 28 due to the magnetic field formed by the stationary permanent magnet member 30. The developer 112 pumped to the peripheral surface of the sleeve member 28 is rotated by the arrow
Are transported in the direction shown by the arrow and transported to the developing zone 6. At this time, the free edge 3 of the cover wall 24 of the developing housing 10 is
By the operation of 5, excess developer 112 is removed from the peripheral surface of the sleeve member 28. In the developing area 6, as described above, the toner in the developer 112 is selectively adhered to the electrostatic latent image formed on the peripheral surface of the rotating drum 4, and the electrostatic latent image is formed on the toner image. Developed. In the developer stripping region 124 located downstream of the developing region 6, the developer 1 is removed from the peripheral surface of the sleeve member 28 due to the magnetic field formed by the permanent magnet member 30 being reduced.
12 is removed. The toner density of the developer 112 is reduced due to consumption of the toner in the developing area 6. The developer 112 released from the peripheral surface of the sleeve member 28 is mixed into the developer 112 in the developing housing 10 and is acted on by the first spiral blade 76 and the second spiral blade 78 of the second stirring and conveying member 64. It is conveyed to both sides in the axial direction while being stirred. Since the carrying capacity of the second stirring / conveying member 64 is set to be larger than the carrying capacity of the third stirring / conveying member 66, the developer peeling area 1
At 24, the developer 112 is sufficiently satisfactorily removed from the peripheral surface of the sleeve member 28, and the developer 112 is mixed with the developer 112 into the developing housing 10 quickly enough to be stirred.

【００２７】以上、本発明を図示の実施例に基づいて説
明したが、本発明は実施例のみに限定されるものではな
く、本発明の技術思想の範囲で種々の変形は可能であ
り、例えば、上記実施例においては、３個の攪拌搬送部
材を用いた例を示したが、２個或いは更に多数の攪拌搬
送部材によって構成してもよい。Although the present invention has been described based on the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment only, and various modifications are possible within the technical idea of the present invention. In the above-described embodiment, an example in which three stirring and conveying members are used has been described. However, two or more stirring and conveying members may be used.

【００２８】[0028]

【発明の効果】本発明による現像剤攪拌搬送装置は以上
のように構成されて、第１の攪拌搬送部材に設けられ螺
旋の巻き方向が相互に逆に形成されされた第１螺旋羽根
と第２螺旋羽根は、その各々中央部内端の半ピッチが互
いの方向に向かって互いに１８０度の位相角をもって延
び且つ交差しないように形成され、互いに重複して構成
されているので、第１の攪拌搬送部材の第１の螺旋羽根
によって軸方向中央部に向かって搬送される現像剤と、
第１の攪拌搬送部材の第２の螺旋羽根により軸方向中央
部に向かって搬送される現像剤は、中央部において第１
の螺旋羽根及び第２の螺旋羽根の内端半ピッチ重複部に
沿って流動する。従って、第１の螺旋羽根及び第２の螺
旋羽根の内端半ピッチ重複部の回転に伴って、第１の螺
旋羽根によって搬送された現像剤と第２の螺旋羽根によ
って搬送された現像剤とは、交互に軸方向中心を越えて
搬送される。このため、一方の領域から第１の螺旋羽根
によって搬送される現像剤と他方の領域から第２の螺旋
羽根によって搬送される現像剤とが略同等の比率で混合
され、左右領域の現像剤は均一化される。従って、幅方
向片側にトナー付着領域が偏在する静電潜像が現像され
た場合でも、現像剤におけるトナーとキャリア粒子との
混合比率が不均一になることが充分に抑制され、仮にト
ナーとキャリア粒子との混合比率が幅方向に不均一なっ
たとしてもかかる不均一を迅速に解消することができ
る。しかも、第１の攪拌搬送部材の第１の螺旋羽根によ
って一方の領域の現像剤を軸方向中央を越えて搬送する
作用と、第２の螺旋羽根によって他方の領域現像剤を軸
方向中央を越えて搬送する作用とは、第１螺旋羽根及び
第２螺旋羽根の各々内端の半ピッチ重複部に沿う流動作
用によって行われるので、上記従来の傾斜楕円板のよう
に現像剤特にキャリアの劣化を促進することはなく、ま
た、第１の攪拌搬送部材の軸方向中央部から第２の攪拌
搬送部材（および第３の攪拌搬送部材）に移送される現
像剤は、上記従来の傾斜楕円板のように強制的に方向変
換されることなく、第２の攪拌搬送部材（および第３の
攪拌搬送部材）によってそのまま軸方向中央部から軸方
向両端に向かって円滑に搬送されるため、キャリアの劣
化が抑制されキャリアを長期にわたって良好に機能させ
ることができる。The developer stirring and conveying device according to the present invention is constructed as described above, and is provided on the first stirring and conveying member and has the first spiral blade and the first spiral blade formed with the spiral winding directions opposite to each other. Since the two spiral blades are formed so that the half pitches of the inner ends of the respective central portions extend at a phase angle of 180 degrees toward each other and do not intersect with each other, and are configured so as to overlap with each other, the first agitation is performed. A developer conveyed toward the center in the axial direction by the first spiral blade of the conveying member;
The developer conveyed toward the central portion in the axial direction by the second spiral blade of the first stirring / conveying member is the first developer in the central portion.
And the inner spiral half-pitch of the second spiral blade and the second spiral blade. Accordingly, with the rotation of the inner end half pitch overlapping portion of the first spiral blade and the second spiral blade, the developer transported by the first spiral blade and the developer transported by the second spiral blade Are conveyed alternately over the axial center. For this reason, the developer conveyed by the first spiral blade from one area and the developer conveyed by the second spiral blade from the other area are mixed at substantially the same ratio, and the developer in the left and right areas is mixed. Be uniformed. Therefore, even when an electrostatic latent image in which the toner adhering region is unevenly distributed on one side in the width direction is developed, the non-uniform mixing ratio of the toner and the carrier particles in the developer is sufficiently suppressed. Even if the mixing ratio with the particles becomes uneven in the width direction, the unevenness can be quickly eliminated. In addition, the first spiral blade of the first stirring and conveying member conveys the developer in one area beyond the center in the axial direction, and the second spiral blade moves the developer in the other area beyond the center in the axial direction. The transporting operation is performed by a flow action along the half-pitch overlapping portion at the inner end of each of the first spiral blade and the second spiral blade. The developer transported from the axially central portion of the first stirring and conveying member to the second stirring and conveying member (and the third stirring and conveying member) is not accelerated. The carrier is smoothly transported from the central portion in the axial direction toward both ends in the axial direction by the second stirring and transporting member (and the third stirring and transporting member) without forcibly changing the direction of the carrier. Is suppressed carrier It can function well for a long time.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of the drawings]

【図１】本発明に従って構成された現像剤攪拌搬送装置
を備えた静電潜像現像装置の一実施例を示す断面図。FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of an electrostatic latent image developing device provided with a developer stirring and conveying device configured according to the present invention.

【図２】図１に示す本発明に従って構成された現像剤攪
拌搬送装置を備えた静電潜像現像装置を、現像ハウジン
グの上壁及びカバー部材等を省略して示す平面図。FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the electrostatic latent image developing device provided with the developer agitating and conveying device shown in FIG. 1 and omitting an upper wall and a cover member of a developing housing;

【図３】図１に示す現像剤攪拌搬送装置における第１の
攪拌搬送部材の要部側面図。FIG. 3 is a side view of a main part of a first stirring and conveying member in the developer stirring and conveying device shown in FIG. 1;

【図４】図１に示す現像剤攪拌搬送装置における第１の
攪拌搬送部材と隔壁との関係を示す要部平面図。FIG. 4 is a plan view of a main part showing a relationship between a first stirring and conveying member and a partition in the developer stirring and conveying device shown in FIG. 1;

【図５】図１に示す現像剤攪拌搬送装置における第１の
攪拌搬送部材の他の実施例を示す要部側面図。5 is a main part side view showing another embodiment of the first stirring and conveying member in the developer stirring and conveying device shown in FIG. 1;

【図６】図１に示す静電潜像現像装置における駆動連結
歯車を示す簡略図。FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram showing a driving connection gear in the electrostatic latent image developing device shown in FIG. 1;

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

２：回転ドラム ６：現像域 ７：現像剤攪拌搬送装置 ８：静電潜像現像装置 １０：現像ハウジング ２６：現像剤適用手段 ２８：スリーブ部材 ３０：永久磁石部材 ３８：上流側隔壁 ４０：下流側隔壁 ４２：直立壁 ４４：直立壁 ４６：直立壁 ４８：直立壁 ５０：現像剤移送口 ５２：現像剤移送口 ５４：現像剤移送口 ５６：現像剤移送口 ５８：現像剤移送口 ６０：現像剤移送口 ６２：第１の攪拌搬送部材 ６４：第２の攪拌搬送手段 ６６：第３の攪拌搬送手段 ６８：回転軸 ７０：第１の螺旋羽根 ７２：第２の螺旋羽根 ７４：回転軸 ７６：第１の螺旋羽根 ７８：第２の螺旋羽根 ８０：第１の補助螺旋羽根 ８２：第２の補助螺旋羽根 ８４：回転軸 ８６：第１の螺旋羽根 ８８：第２の螺旋羽根 ９０：第１の補助螺旋羽根 ９２：第２の補助螺旋羽根 １１２：現像剤 １１６：検出器（トナー濃度検出器） １１８：トナー供給手段の送出管 １２０：送出口 ７００：重複部 ８００：重複部 2: rotating drum 6: developing area 7: developer stirring and conveying device 8: electrostatic latent image developing device 10: developing housing 26: developer applying means 28: sleeve member 30: permanent magnet member 38: upstream partition wall 40: downstream Side partition 42: Upright wall 44: Upright wall 46: Upright wall 48: Upright wall 50: Developer transfer port 52: Developer transfer port 56: Developer transfer port 56: Developer transfer port 58: Developer transfer port 60: Developer transfer port 62: first stirring and conveying member 64: second stirring and conveying means 66: third stirring and conveying means 68: rotating shaft 70: first spiral blade 72: second spiral blade 74: rotating shaft 76: 1st spiral blade 78: 2nd spiral blade 80: 1st auxiliary spiral blade 82: 2nd auxiliary spiral blade 84: rotating shaft 86: 1st spiral blade 88: 2nd spiral blade 90: First auxiliary spiral blade 92: second Auxiliary spiral vane 112: developer 116: detector (toner concentration detector) 118: delivery tube of the toner supply unit 120: delivery port 700: overlapping portion 800: overlapping portion

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 長田 努 大阪市中央区玉造１丁目２番28号 三田 工業株式会社内 (72)発明者 福田 基之 大阪市中央区玉造１丁目２番28号 三田 工業株式会社内 (72)発明者 柏原 光宏 大阪市中央区玉造１丁目２番28号 三田 工業株式会社内 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tsutomu Nagata 1-2-28 Tamazo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi Inside Mita Kogyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Motoyuki Fukuda 1-2-28 Tamazo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi Mita Inside the Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Mitsuhiro Kashiwara 1-2-2, Tamazo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (9)

(57)【特許請求の範囲】(57) [Claims] 【請求項１】 ハウジンング内に配設され中央部に現像
剤移送口を備えた少なくとも１個の隔壁と、 該隔壁の片側に該隔壁に沿って配設され、現像剤を両端
部から中央部に向けて搬送する螺旋の巻き方向が相互に
逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根及び第２螺旋羽根を備えた
第１の攪拌搬送部材と、 前記隔壁の他側に隔壁に沿って配設され、現像剤を中央
部から両端部に向けて搬送する螺旋の巻き方向が相互に
逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根及び第２螺旋羽根を備えた
第２の攪拌搬送部材と、を具備し、 前記第１の攪拌搬送部材に設けられ螺旋の巻き方向が相
互に逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根と第２螺旋羽根は、そ
の各々中央側内端の半ピッチが互いの方向に向かって互
いに１８０度の位相角をもって延び且つ交差しないよう
に形成され、互いに重複して構成されている、 ことを特徴とする現像剤攪拌搬送装置。At least one partition provided in a housing and having a developer transfer port at a center portion, and disposed along the partition on one side of the partition, and the developer is supplied from both ends to the central portion. A first stirring / transporting member having a first spiral blade and a second spiral blade in which the spiral directions of the spirals conveyed toward each other are formed to be opposite to each other, and disposed along the partition on the other side of the partition. A first stirring blade and a second stirring and conveying member having a first spiral blade and a second spiral blade in which the winding directions of the spirals for transporting the developer from the central part toward both ends are formed in opposite directions. The first spiral blade and the second spiral blade provided on the first stirring / conveying member and having spiral winding directions opposite to each other have a half pitch at the center inner end thereof in each direction toward each other. extend with a phase angle of 180 degrees <br/> physician and is formed so as not to intersect each other Double to is constituted, a developer stirring and conveying apparatus characterized by. 【請求項２】 ハウジンング内に間隔をおいて平行に配
設され中央部に各々現像剤移送口を備えた上流側隔壁及
び下流側隔壁と、 上流側隔壁と下流側隔壁との間に配設され、現像剤を両
端部から中央部に向けて搬送する螺旋の巻き方向が相互
に逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根及び第２螺旋羽根を備え
た第１の攪拌搬送部材と、 前記下流側隔壁の下流側に該下流側隔壁に沿って配設さ
れ、現像剤を中央部から両端部に向けて搬送する螺旋の
巻き方向が相互に逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根及び第２
螺旋羽根を備えた第２の攪拌搬送部材と、 前記上流側隔壁の上流側に該上流側隔壁に沿って配設さ
れ、現像剤を中央部から両端部に向けて搬送する螺旋の
巻き方向が相互に逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根及び第２
螺旋羽根を備えた第３の攪拌搬送部材と、を具備し、 前記第１の攪拌搬送部材に設けられ螺旋の巻き方向が相
互に逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根と第２螺旋羽根は、そ
の各々中央側内端の半ピッチが互いの方向に向かって互
いに１８０度の位相角をもって延び且つ交差しないよう
に形成され、互いに重複して構成されている、 ことを特徴とする現像剤攪拌搬送装置。2. An upstream partition and a downstream partition which are arranged in parallel in a housing at intervals and each have a developer transfer port at a central portion, and are disposed between the upstream partition and the downstream partition. A first stirring / transporting member including a first spiral blade and a second spiral blade in which the spirals for transporting the developer from both ends toward the center are formed in opposite directions; A first spiral blade and a second spiral blade which are arranged along the downstream partition wall on the downstream side of the partition wall and which are formed so that winding directions of spirals for transporting the developer from the central portion toward both ends are opposite to each other;
A second stirring / conveying member provided with a spiral blade, and a winding direction of a spiral which is disposed along the upstream partition wall on the upstream side of the upstream partition wall and conveys the developer from the center toward both ends. The first spiral blade and the second spiral blade formed opposite to each other
A third stirring / transporting member having a spiral blade, wherein the first and second spiral blades provided on the first stirring / conveying member and having spiral winding directions opposite to each other are provided, The half pitches of the inner ends on the center side are formed so as to extend at a phase angle of 180 degrees toward each other and do not cross each other, and are configured to overlap each other. Developer stirring and conveying device. 【請求項３】 ハウジンング内に配設され中央部に現像
剤移送口を備えた少なくとも１個の隔壁と、 該隔壁の片側に該隔壁に沿って配設され、現像剤を両端
部から中央部に向けて搬送する螺旋の巻き方向が相互に
逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根及び第２螺旋羽根を備えた
第１の攪拌搬送部材と、 前記隔壁の他側に隔壁に沿って配設され、現像剤を中央
部から両端部に向けて搬送する螺旋の巻き方向が相互に
逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根及び第２螺旋羽根を備えた
第２の攪拌搬送部材と、を具備し、 前記第１の攪拌搬送部材に設けられ螺旋の巻き方向が相
互に逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根と第２螺旋羽根は、そ
の各々中央側内端の半ピッチが互いの方向に向かって互
いに１８０度の位相角をもって延び且つ交差しないよう
に形成され、前記第１螺旋羽根及び前記第２螺旋羽根の
各々中央側内端半ピッチの先端と前記第２螺旋羽根及び
前記第１螺旋羽根における内端半ピッチの開始部との間
に間隙を設け互いに重複して構成されている、 ことを特徴とする現像剤攪拌搬送装置。3. At least one partition provided in the housing and provided with a developer transfer port at a central portion, and disposed along the partition on one side of the partition, and the developer is supplied from both ends to the central portion. A first stirring / transporting member having a first spiral blade and a second spiral blade in which the spiral directions of the spirals conveyed toward each other are formed to be opposite to each other, and disposed along the partition on the other side of the partition. A first stirring blade and a second stirring and conveying member having a first spiral blade and a second spiral blade in which the winding directions of the spirals for transporting the developer from the central part toward both ends are formed in opposite directions. The first spiral blade and the second spiral blade provided on the first stirring / conveying member and having spiral winding directions opposite to each other have a half pitch at the center inner end thereof in each direction toward each other. extend with a phase angle of 180 degrees <br/> physician and is formed so as not to intersect the first A gap is provided between the tip of the center half of the inner end half pitch of each of the spiral blade and the second spiral blade and the start of the inner end half pitch of the second spiral blade and the first spiral blade. A developer stirring and conveying device. 【請求項４】 ハウジンング内に間隔をおいて平行に配
設され中央部に各々現像剤移送口を備えた上流側隔壁及
び下流側隔壁と、 上流側隔壁と下流側隔壁との間に配設され、現像剤を両
端部から中央部に向けて搬送する螺旋の巻き方向が相互
に逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根及び第２螺旋羽根を備え
た第１の攪拌搬送部材と、 前記下流側隔壁の下流側に該下流側隔壁に沿って配設さ
れ、現像剤を中央部から両端部に向けて搬送する螺旋の
巻き方向が相互に逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根及び第２
螺旋羽根を備えた第２の攪拌搬送部材と、 前記上流側隔壁の上流側に該上流側隔壁に沿って配設さ
れ、現像剤を中央部から両端部に向けて搬送する螺旋の
巻き方向が相互に逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根及び第２
螺旋羽根を備えた第３の攪拌搬送部材と、を具備し、 前記第１の攪拌搬送部材に設けられ螺旋の巻き方向が相
互に逆に形成された第１螺旋羽根と第２螺旋羽根は、そ
の各々中央側内端の半ピッチが互いの方向に向 かって互
いに１８０度の位相角をもって延び且つ交差しないよう
に形成され、前記第１螺旋羽根及び前記第２螺旋羽根の
各々中央側内端半ピッチの先端と前記第２螺旋羽根及び
前記第１螺旋羽根における内端半ピッチの開始部との間
に間隙を設け互いに重複して構成されている、 ことを特徴とする現像剤攪拌搬送装置。4. An upstream partition and a downstream partition, which are disposed in parallel in a housing at intervals and each have a developer transfer port at a central portion, and are disposed between the upstream partition and the downstream partition. A first stirring / transporting member including a first spiral blade and a second spiral blade in which the spirals for transporting the developer from both ends toward the center are formed in opposite directions; A first spiral blade and a second spiral blade which are arranged along the downstream partition wall on the downstream side of the partition wall and which are formed so that winding directions of spirals for transporting the developer from the central portion toward both ends are opposite to each other;
A second stirring / conveying member provided with a spiral blade, and a winding direction of a spiral which is disposed along the upstream partition wall on the upstream side of the upstream partition wall and conveys the developer from the center toward both ends. The first spiral blade and the second spiral blade formed opposite to each other
A third stirring / transporting member having a spiral blade, wherein the first and second spiral blades provided on the first stirring / conveying member and having spiral winding directions opposite to each other are provided, its half pitch of each central side inner end is formed so as not to and intersect extends with a phase angle of 180 degrees toward selfish each other <br/> physician toward each other, of the first helical blade and the second helical blade A gap is provided between the front end of the center side inner end half pitch and the start portion of the inner end half pitch of the second spiral blade and the first spiral blade. Developer stirring and conveying device. 【請求項５】 前記第１の攪拌搬送部材に設けられ第１
螺旋羽根と第２螺旋羽根の互いに重複する内端の半ピッ
チを軸方向に大きく構成した、請求項１から４のいずれ
かに記載の現像剤攪拌搬送装置。5. The first stirring / transporting member provided on the first stirring / conveying member.
The developer stirring and conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a half pitch of the overlapping inner ends of the spiral blade and the second spiral blade is increased in the axial direction. 【請求項６】 前記第１の攪拌搬送部材の搬送能力は、
前記第２の攪拌搬送手段の搬送能力及び前記第３の攪拌
搬送部材の搬送能力よりも大きく設定されている、請求
項２又は４記載の現像剤攪拌搬送装置。6. The transport capacity of the first stirring transport member is as follows:
5. The developer stirring and conveying device according to claim 2, wherein the conveying capability of the second stirring and conveying unit and the conveying capability of the third stirring and conveying member are set to be larger. 【請求項７】 前記第１の攪拌搬送部材の搬送能力は、
前記第２の攪拌搬送手段の搬送能力と前記第３の攪拌搬
送部材の搬送能力との和に略合致せしめられている、請
求項６記載の現像剤攪拌搬送装置。7. The conveying capacity of the first stirring and conveying member is as follows:
7. The developer stirring and conveying device according to claim 6, wherein a conveying ability of the second stirring and conveying means and a conveying ability of the third stirring and conveying member substantially coincide with each other. 【請求項８】 前記第２の攪拌搬送部材の搬送能力は、
前記第３の攪拌搬送部材の搬送能力よりも大きく設定さ
れている、請求項２又は４記載の現像剤攪拌搬送装置。8. The conveying capacity of the second stirring and conveying member is as follows:
The developer stirring and conveying device according to claim 2, wherein the conveying capability of the third stirring and conveying member is set to be larger than that of the third stirring and conveying member. 【請求項９】 前記下流側隔壁に設けられた現像剤移送
口の幅方向寸法は、前記上流側隔壁に設けられた現像剤
移送口の幅方向寸法よりも大きく設定されている、請求
項２又は４記載の現像剤攪拌搬送装置。9. The width direction dimension of the developer transfer port provided in the downstream partition is set larger than the width direction dimension of the developer transfer port provided in the upstream partition. Or the developer stirring and conveying device according to 4.