JP7091626B2 - Replenishment structure, assembly and image forming equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a toner replenishment structure, an assembly and an image forming apparatus in a developing apparatus.

The developing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 uses an agitator as a mechanism for replenishing new toner from the toner hopper to the developer storage case, and an arch-shaped / triangular pyramid-shaped predoctor is arranged at the toner replenishment port. ..

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-249537

It is an object of the present invention to stabilize the high level of the developer in the accommodating portion in the toner replenishment structure in the developing apparatus, as compared with the one in which the replenishing path is blocked by the developer conveyed by the rotating body.

The replenishment structure according to the first aspect of the present invention is arranged to be in contact with the lowest-level developer inside the developer accommodating portion and below the toner replenishment path, and holds the developer on the outer periphery. A rotating body that rotates while rotating, a first path connecting the accommodating portion and the replenishment path on the upstream side of the replenishment path in the rotation direction of the rotating body, and a replenishment path in the rotation direction of the rotating body. Also, the accommodating portion and the replenishment path are connected on the downstream side, the downstream end is located below the highest level of the developer, and the second path is wider than the first path.

The replenishment structure according to the second aspect of the present invention rotates in the developer accommodating portion and below the replenishment path of the toner, and is contained through the first path located upstream in the rotation direction with respect to the replenishment path. A rotating body that conveys the developer from the section to the replenishment path, and a second path in which toner is conveyed from the replenishment path to the accommodating section as the rotating body rotates, which is wider than the first path. It is provided with a second path in which the downstream end is blocked by the developer when the height of the developer in the accommodating portion exceeds the set high.

In the supplementary structure according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the rotating body, a plurality of magnetic poles are provided at intervals to cover a non-rotating core material and the outer periphery of the core material, and along the outer periphery of the core material. The core material includes a first magnetic pole provided on the upstream end side of the first road and a second magnetic pole provided on the downstream end side of the first road. It is provided with a third magnetic pole provided inside the accommodating portion below the second road and at a position higher than the first magnetic pole.

In the supplementary structure according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the rotating body, a plurality of magnetic poles are provided at intervals to cover a non-rotating core material and the outer periphery of the core material, and along the outer periphery of the core material. The core material is provided with a first magnetic pole provided in a portion facing the accommodating portion between the upstream end portion of the first road and the downstream end portion of the second road. A second magnetic pole provided between the upstream end portion and the downstream end portion in the first path, and a third magnetic pole provided in a portion facing the supplementary path. be.

In the supplementary structure according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the magnetic pole has the same polarity as the first magnetic pole and the third magnetic pole, and the second magnetic pole has the opposite polarity to the first magnetic pole and the third magnetic pole. It is said that.

In the supplementary structure according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the rotating body, a plurality of magnetic poles are provided at intervals to cover a non-rotating core material and the outer periphery of the core material, and along the outer periphery of the core material. The core material is provided with a first magnetic pole provided at a position close to the upstream end portion in the first path, and a second provided at a portion facing the replenishment path. It is equipped with a magnetic pole.

In the supplementary structure according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the magnetic pole has the opposite polarities between the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole.

In the replenishment structure according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the accommodating portion is a stirring path including a stirring member for stirring a developer containing toner and a carrier in a developing apparatus, and the lower end of the rotating body is the stirring. It is arranged at a position lower than the upper end of the member.

In the supplementary structure according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the stirring member is a stirring path from a rotating shaft, a spiral blade formed on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft, and a portion of the rotating shaft facing the rotating body. A large-diameter portion formed having a larger diameter than the other portions is provided at a position shifted to the downstream side in the above.

The assembly according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is the first to ninth aspects of developing an image holder on which a latent image is formed and a latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the image holder as a toner image. A developer having the replenishment structure according to any one of the above embodiments , and is assembled so as to be integrally exchanged with the main body of the image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention is latent in an image holder, a charging device for charging the outer peripheral surface of the image holder, and an outer peripheral surface of the image holder charged by the charging device. A latent image forming apparatus for forming an image, a developing apparatus having a supplementary structure according to any one of the first to ninth aspects for developing the latent image as a toner image, and a toner image to be transferred. It is equipped with a transfer device for transferring to.

According to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to stabilize the high level of the developer in the accommodating portion as compared with the case where the developer carried by the rotating body blocks the replenishment path.

According to the configuration of the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to stabilize the high level of the developer in the accommodating portion as compared with the case where the developer carried by the rotating body blocks the replenishment path.

According to the configuration of the third aspect of the present invention, the high level of the developer can be stabilized as compared with the one having two magnetic poles.

According to the configuration of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the high level of the developer can be stabilized as compared with the one having two magnetic poles.

According to the configuration of the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress poor blockage of the replenishment path by toner as compared with the case where the second magnetic pole has the same polarity as the first magnetic pole and the third magnetic pole.

According to the configuration of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the production can be easily performed as compared with the one having three magnetic poles.

According to the configuration of the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress poor blockage of the replenishment path by toner as compared with the case where the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole have the same polarity.

According to the configuration of the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration in which the rotating body and the stirring member are arranged so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction, the developer in the accommodating portion is compared with the one in which the toner conveyed by the rotating body blocks the replenishment path. Can stabilize the high level of.

According to the configuration of the ninth aspect of the present invention, the time from when the developer reaches the set high level until the toner replenishment is stopped is shortened as compared with the case where the shaft diameter of the rotating shaft is uniform in the axial direction. can.

According to the configuration of the tenth aspect of the present invention, image unevenness in the toner image on the image holder is suppressed as compared with the one having no supplementary structure according to any one of the first to ninth aspects . be able to.

According to the configuration of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, image unevenness in the output image can be suppressed as compared with the one having no supplementary structure according to any one of the first to ninth aspects .

It is a partial sectional plan view which shows the whole structure of the inside of the developing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a 2-2 sectional view in FIG. 1 of the developing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic front view which shows the schematic layout of the image forming apparatus using the developing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. (A) It is a schematic cross-sectional view which looked at the replenishment adjustment part which concerns on this embodiment from the direction of the rotation axis of a rotating member. (B) It is a schematic plan view which shows the overlap of the opening of the downstream end portion of the replenishment path which concerns on this embodiment, and a rotating member. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the arrangement of the magnetic poles built in the magnet roll. It is a partial cross-sectional plan view which shows the large diameter part in a stirring member. It is a figure which shows the operation of the replenishment adjustment part which concerns on this embodiment, and is the schematic cross-sectional view which shows the state which the downstream end part of the replenishment path is blocked by a developer, and the replenishment of toner is stopped. It is a figure which shows the operation of the replenishment adjustment part which concerns on this embodiment, and is the schematic cross-sectional view which shows the state which the high level of a developer is lowered, and the toner replenishment is started from a replenishment path to a second path. It is a figure which shows the operation of the replenishment adjustment part which concerns on this embodiment, and is the schematic cross-sectional view which shows the state which the toner is replenished to the stirring path through the second path. It is a figure which shows the operation of the replenishment adjustment part which concerns on this embodiment, and is the schematic sectional drawing which shows the state which the toner replenishment is completed, and the developer is rising toward the replenishment path through the second path. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the toner replenishment structure in the comparative example. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the toner replenishment structure in the modification 1. FIG. It is the schematic sectional drawing which shows the toner replenishment structure in the modification 2.

An example of the replenishment mechanism and the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The arrow H shown in the figure indicates the vertical direction (vertical direction) of the device, the arrow W indicates the width direction (horizontal direction) of the device, and the arrow D indicates the depth direction (horizontal direction) of the device. ..

<Overall configuration of image forming device>
As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment conveys the paper accommodating portion 12 for accommodating the paper P and the paper P from the lower side to the upper side in the vertical direction (arrow H direction). A transport unit 14 for forming an image and an image forming unit 16 for forming an image on the paper P are provided in this order.

[Accommodation]
The paper accommodating portion 12 is provided with an accommodating member 12A that can be pulled out from the housing 10A of the image forming apparatus 10 toward the front side in the depth direction of the apparatus, and the paper P is loaded on the accommodating member 12A. Further, the paper accommodating unit 12 is provided with a delivery roll 14B for delivering the paper P loaded on the accommodating member 12A to the transport path 14A constituting the transport unit 14.
Here, the paper P is an example of the transferred body.

[Transport section]
The transport unit 14 includes a delivery roll 14B that feeds the paper P from the accommodating member 12A along the transport path 14A, and a plurality of transport rolls 14C that transport the paper P to the paper discharge unit 10B via the image forming unit 16. It is equipped with.

[Image forming part]
The image forming unit 16 includes an image forming unit 18 as an example of an image forming unit that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the apparatus and forms a black toner image, and an exposure member that irradiates an exposure light to a photoconductor drum 20 described later. An exposure unit 26 is provided as an example. Further, the image forming unit 16 is provided with a transfer roll 22 for transferring the toner image formed by the image forming unit 18 to the paper P, and a fixing device 28 for fixing the toner image to the paper P by heat and pressure. ing. Here, the exposure unit 26 is an example of a latent image forming apparatus, and the transfer roll 22 is an example of a transfer apparatus.

The image forming unit 18 includes a photoconductor drum 20, an exposure unit 26, a charging roll 24, and a developing device 30.

The charging roll 24 charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 20, and the developing apparatus 30 develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 20 by being irradiated with exposure light by the exposure unit 26 to develop toner. It is visualized as an image. Here, the charging roll is an example of a charging device.

Then, by moving the image forming unit 18 toward the front side of the paper in the drawing, the image forming unit 18 can be attached to and detached from the housing 10A. Here, the image forming unit 18 is an example of an assembly.

(Action of image forming device)
In the image forming apparatus 10, an image is formed as follows.

First, the charging roll 24 to which the voltage is applied uniformly negatively charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 20 at a predetermined potential. Subsequently, the exposure unit 26 irradiates the surface of the charged photoconductor drum 20 with the exposure light based on the data input from the outside to form an electrostatic latent image.

As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the data is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 20. Further, the developing device 30 develops this electrostatic latent image and visualizes it as a toner image.

Therefore, the paper P sent from the accommodating member 12A to the transport path 14A by the delivery roll 14B is sent to the transfer position T where the photoconductor drum 20 and the transfer roll 22 come into contact with each other. At the transfer position T where the photoconductor drum 20 and the transfer roll 22 come into contact with each other, the paper P is sandwiched and conveyed by the photoconductor drum 20 and the transfer roll 22, so that the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor drum 20 is the paper P. Is transferred to.

The toner image transferred to the paper P is fixed to the paper P by the fixing device 28. Then, the paper P on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the paper ejection unit 10B provided outside the housing 10A by the plurality of transport rolls 14C.

<Structure of developing device>
Next, the developing apparatus 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the developing apparatus 30 includes a housing 32, a developing roll 34 arranged to face the photoconductor drum 20, and a supply auger 38 for supplying the developing agent G to the developing roll 34. , A stirring auger 36 for stirring the developer G.
Here, the photoconductor drum 20 is an example of an image holder, and the stirring auger 36 is an example of a stirring member.
The developer G in the present embodiment is a two-component developer composed of a toner TN and a magnetic carrier (hereinafter referred to as “carrier C”) as main components.

[Case]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 32 of the developing apparatus 30 is arranged next to the photoconductor drum 20, and the portion of the housing 32 facing the photoconductor drum 20 is the inside of the housing 32. The opening 32A for opening the device is formed so as to extend in the depth direction of the device.
Further, on the opposite side of the photoconductor drum 20 with the opening 32A interposed therebetween, a delivery path 32B in which the developing roll 34 is arranged extends in the depth direction of the apparatus.

Further, diagonally below the delivery path 32B, a supply path 32D in which the supply auger 38 is arranged is formed so as to extend in the depth direction of the device.
Further, on the opposite side of the delivery path 32B with the supply path 32D interposed therebetween, a stirring path 32C in which the stirring auger 36 is arranged extends in the depth direction of the device.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the wall surface forming the supply path 32D and the stirring path 32C has a U-shaped cross section.
Further, a partition wall 32E that separates the supply path 32D and the stirring path 32C is formed between the supply path 32D and the stirring path 32C.

-Supply path / stirring path-
As shown in FIG. 1, in the housing 32, from the upstream side of the supply path 32D (the back side of the device depth direction D (right side in the drawing)) to the downstream side (the front side of the device depth direction D (left side in the drawing)). , The supply auger 38 is arranged (in FIG. 1, it is described only at the left and right ends).
Further, the stirring auger 36 is arranged from the upstream side (the front side (left side in the drawing) of the device depth direction D) to the downstream side (the back side (right side in the drawing) of the device depth direction D) of the stirring path 32C.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a replenishment adjustment unit 42 and a replenishment path 40, which will be described later, are formed for replenishing the toner TN to the stirring path 32C.
As shown in FIG. 1, the replenishment adjustment unit 42 and the replenishment passage 40 are located on the upstream side of the stirring passage 32C.
Further, the partition wall 32E is arranged between the upstream connecting path 32F and the downstream connecting path 32G connecting the stirring path 32C and the supply path 32D in the depth direction of the device.

[Development roll]
As shown in FIG. 2, the developing roll 34 is arranged in the delivery path 32B. Further, a gap (development gap) for passing the developer G from the developing roll 34 to the photoconductor drum 20 is formed between the developing roll 34 and the photoconductor drum 20.

The developing roll 34 includes a magnet roll 34A having a circular cross section and a rotary sleeve 34B that is placed on the magnet roll 34A and rotates around the magnet roll 34A.

The rotary sleeve 34B is adapted to rotate in the direction of arrow A (clockwise) in the figure by transmitting a rotational force from a drive source (not shown).

[Supply auger]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the supply auger 38 is arranged in the supply path 32D.
The supply auger 38 includes a supply shaft 38A extending in the depth direction of the device and a spiral supply blade 38B formed on the outer peripheral surface of the supply shaft 38A.
Both ends of the supply shaft 38A are rotatably supported by the wall of the housing 32, and a gear (not shown) to which rotational force is transmitted from the drive source is fixed to one end of the supply shaft 38A. Has been done.

In this configuration, the rotating supply auger 38 supplies the developer G to the developing roll 34 while transporting the developer G of the supply path 32D from the upstream side to the downstream side.

Further, the developer G conveyed in the supply path 32D is stirred by the supply blade 38B of the rotating supply auger 38 through the upstream connecting path 32F connecting to the upstream side of the stirring path 32C on the downstream side of the supply path 32D. It is handed over to the stirring auger 36 of the path 32C.

[Stirring auger]
The stirring auger 36 is arranged in the stirring path 32C (see FIGS. 1 and 2).
The stirring auger 36 includes a stirring shaft 36A extending in the depth direction of the device and a spiral stirring blade 36B formed on the outer peripheral surface of the stirring shaft 36A. Here, the stirring shaft 36A is an example of a rotating shaft, and the stirring blade 36B is an example of a spiral blade.

Both ends of the stirring shaft 36A are rotatably supported by the wall of the housing 32, and a gear (not shown) to which rotational force is transmitted from the drive source is fixed to one end of the stirring shaft 36A. Has been done.
The stirring blade 36B is formed in a portion of the stirring shaft 36A arranged in the stirring path 32C.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the stirring shaft 36A is formed at a position shifted to the downstream side in the stirring path 32C from the portion facing the rotating member 50 described later, and has a larger diameter than the other portions. It has a diameter portion 36C.
In the present embodiment, the large diameter portion 36C is formed from the downstream side of the stirring vane 36B of the stirring auger 36 by about one pitch with respect to the downstream end portion of the stirring path 32C of the rotating member 50, and is formed on the downstream side. The stirring blade 36B has a length of about 2 to 3 pitches.

In this configuration, the stirring blade 36B of the rotating stirring auger 36 delivers the toner TN replenished to the stirring path 32C through the replenishment path 40 and the replenishment adjusting unit 42 described later from the supply auger 38 through the upstream connecting path 32F. It is conveyed while stirring together with the developer G.

In this way, the developer G circulates between the stirring path 32C and the supply path 32D.

(Action of developing device)
Next, the operation of the developing device 30 will be described.

Inside the housing 32 of the developing apparatus 30, a rotating supply auger 38 and a rotating stirring auger 36 are placed between the supply path 32D and the stirring path 32C while stirring the developer G, as shown in FIG. Circulate (see arrow in the figure).
When the developer G is agitated, the toner TN and the carrier C in the developer G rub against each other, and the toner TN is triboelectrically charged to a predetermined polarity.
As shown in FIG. 2, the developer G is supplied to the developing roll 34 by the rotating supply auger 38, and the developer G supplied to the developing roll 34 is applied to the surface of the developing roll 34 by the magnetic force of the magnet roll 34A. It is held in a state where a magnetic brush (not shown) is formed.
Then, the rotating rotary sleeve 34B conveys the developer G to a position facing the photoconductor drum 20.
The toner TN contained in the developer G conveyed to the development gap of the photoconductor drum 20 adheres to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 20, and the electrostatic latent image is developed as a toner image.

In this way, the developing apparatus 30 supplies the developing agent G for forming an image on the paper P to the photoconductor drum 20.

In the developing apparatus 30, the control unit 10C (see FIG. 1) receives information from a detection means (not shown) that the toner TN in the developer G circulating between the supply path 32D and the stirring path 32C has decreased.
The control unit 10C flows the toner TN contained in the toner supply container main body 62 of the toner supply unit 60 into the stirring path 32C through the replenishment path 40 and the replenishment adjustment unit 42, which will be described later.

<Structure of main parts>
[Replenishment route / replenishment adjustment department]
The replenishment path 40 and the replenishment adjustment unit 42, which are the main parts of the present invention, will be described.

[Replenishment route]
As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 32 is provided with a replenishment path 40 for replenishing toner in the stirring path 32C from the toner supply unit 60.
The replenishment path 40 opens upward in the housing 32 at a position diagonally upward on the side opposite to the supply path 32D of the stirring path 32C, and the toner supply container main body of the toner supply unit 60 arranged above the housing 32. It is connected to the supply port 62A provided in 62.
The downstream end 40A, which is the lower opening of the replenishment path 40, is connected to the replenishment adjustment unit 42, which will be described later.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the replenishment path 40 and the rotating member 50 are viewed from the device height direction H (plan view), the size of the opening at the downstream end portion 40A of the replenishment path 40 is determined. It is set smaller than the external dimensions of the rotating member 50, which will be described later.
Further, the opening at the downstream end 40A of the replenishment path 40 is rectangular in a plan view, and the longitudinal axis O3 at the opening of the downstream end 40A and the rotation axis O1 of the rotating member 50 overlap. Further, the short shaft O4 that divides the longitudinal dimension at the opening of the downstream end portion 40A into two and the short shaft O2 that divides the longitudinal dimension of the rotating member 50 into two are arranged so as to overlap each other.
As a result, in a plan view, the opening of the downstream end portion 40A overlaps with the rotating member 50 having an external dimension larger than the opening, and is closed by the rotating member 50.

[Replenishment adjustment unit]
As shown in FIG. 2, the replenishment adjustment unit 42 replenishes the stirring path 32C and the replenishment path 32C on the lower side of the replenishment path 40 so as to separately surround the rotating member 50 described later and a part of the outer peripheral surface 50C of the rotating member 50. It is configured to include a first road 44 connecting the road 40 and a second road 46.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the first path 44 connects the stirring path 32C and the replenishment path 40 on the upstream side of the replenishment path 40 in the rotation direction A of the rotating member 50.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the second path 46 connects the stirring path 32C and the replenishment path 40 on the downstream side of the replenishment path 40 in the rotation direction A of the rotating member 50.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the replenishment adjustment unit 42 is on the upstream side of the stirring path 32C (see FIG. 1), and is on the side opposite to the side of the supply path 32D in the device width direction W of the stirring path 32C. And, it is located on the upper side in the device height direction H.
Further, the lower end of the rotating member 50 is arranged at a position lower than the upper end of the stirring auger 36 when viewed from the axial direction of the rotating member 50 and the stirring auger 36.
Further, the end of the rotating member 50 on the stirring auger 36 side in the device width direction W is arranged so as to be closer to the supply path 32D than the end of the stirring auger 36 on the rotating member 50 side in the device width direction W.
That is, the rotating member 50 and the stirring auger 36 are arranged so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction (device height direction H) and in the device width direction W.
In the present embodiment, the rotating member 50 and the stirring auger 36 are arranged so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction, so that the rotating member 50 comes into contact with the developer G of the lowest HB.
The lowest HB of the developer G is set in the range of this vertical overlap.
Here, the replenishment adjustment unit 42 is an example of the replenishment structure.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first road 44 includes an upstream end portion 44A, a downstream end portion 44B, and a wall surface 44C. Here, the upstream end portion 44A is an example of the upstream end, and the downstream end portion 44B is an example of the downstream end.
Further, the first path 44 connects the stirring path 32C and the replenishment path 40 on the upstream side of the replenishment path 40 (on the left side of the rotating member 50 in FIG. 2) in the rotation direction A of the rotating member 50.
The upstream end 44A defines the boundary between the stirring path 32C and the first path 44, and the downstream end 44B defines the boundary between the first path 44 and the replenishment path 40.
Further, an arc-shaped wall surface 44C along the outer peripheral surface 50C of the rotating member 50 is formed between the upstream end portion 44A and the downstream end portion 44B.
In the present embodiment, the radial gap P of the rotating member 50 between the wall surface 44C and the outer peripheral surface 50C of the rotating member 50 is set to 0.5 mm.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the second road 46 includes an upstream end portion 46A, a downstream end portion 46B, and a wall surface 46C. Here, the downstream end portion 46B is an example of the downstream end.
Further, the second path 46 connects the stirring path 32C and the replenishment path 40 on the downstream side of the replenishment path 40 (on the right side of the rotating member 50 in FIG. 2) in the rotation direction A of the rotating member 50.
The upstream end 46A defines the boundary between the replenishment path 40 and the second path 46, and the downstream end 46B defines the boundary between the stirring path 32C and the second path 46.
Further, an arc-shaped wall surface 46C along the outer peripheral surface 50C of the rotating member 50 is formed between the upstream end portion 46A and the downstream end portion 46B.
In the present embodiment, the radial gap Q of the rotating member 50 between the wall surface 46C and the outer peripheral surface 50C of the rotating member 50 is 1.0 mm.

As described above, the gap Q (1.0 mm) of the second road 46 is wider in the radial direction of the rotating member 50 than the gap P (0.5 mm) of the first road 44.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the highest HU of the developer G is set on the downstream side of the replenishment path 40, that is, above the upstream end portion 46A of the second path 46.
Further, the set high HS of the developer G is set at a position corresponding to the downstream end portion 46B of the second road 46.
Further, on the first road 44, the lowest HB of the developer G is set at a position corresponding to the upstream end portion 44A.

In the highest HU, as shown in FIG. 7, the developer G that has risen in the second road 46 blocks the downstream side (including the downstream end portion 40A) of the replenishment path 40, and the toner TN replenishment is stopped. It is a position where the pressure of the developer G, which will be described later, and the descending force of the toner TN are balanced.
Further, in the set high HS, as shown in FIG. 10, the developer G rising from the stirring path 32C into the second path 46 blocks the second path 46, and the lower limit of the toner TN replenishment is stopped. That's right.
FIG. 10 shows a state in which the developer G rises beyond the set high HS to the intermediate region of the second road 46.
Further, the lowest HB is the highest of the lowest developer G whose higher level is lowered due to the consumption of the toner in the developer G in the stirring path 32C, and is between the upper end of the stirring auger 36 and the lower end of the rotating member 50. It is set.

(Rotating member)
As described above (see FIGS. 2, 4, and 5), the rotating member 50 is a columnar member having an outer diameter larger than the dimension in the lateral axis direction of the opening of the downstream end portion 40A of the replenishment path 40. Further, as described above, the axial length dimension of the rotating member 50 is larger than the longitudinal axial dimension of the opening of the downstream end portion 40A of the replenishment path 40.
The rotating member 50 is provided in the replenishment adjusting unit 42 inside the stirring path 32C in which the developer G is agitated and conveyed, and is arranged below the replenishing path 40 of the toner TN.
In addition, in FIGS. 1 and 6, in order to make it easy to understand the arrangement of the rotating member 50 and the large diameter portion 36C of the stirring auger 36, the rotating member 50 is conveniently arranged side by side so as not to overlap the stirring auger 36. It is described in.

The rotating member 50 includes a magnet roll 50A having a circular cross section and a rotating sleeve 50B that covers the outer circumference of the magnet roll 50A and rotates along the outer circumference of the magnet roll 50A. Further, the magnet roll 50A is fixed to the housing 32, and the rotary sleeve 50B rotates around the magnet roll 50A in the direction of arrow A by a driving means (not shown).
Here, the magnet roll 50A is an example of a core material, and the rotary sleeve 50B is an example of an outer cylinder.

The magnet roll 50A has a first magnetic pole G1, a second magnetic pole G2, and a third magnetic pole G3 which are internally incorporated from the outer peripheral surface 50C.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the first magnetic pole G1 is arranged at the upstream end 44A of the first road 44, and the second magnetic pole G2 is arranged at the downstream end 44B of the first road 44, respectively. ing.
Further, the third magnetic pole G3 is provided at a position higher than the first magnetic pole G1 inside the stirring path 32C below the downstream end portion 46B of the second path 46, and is provided at a position higher than the first magnetic pole G1. It is arranged on the horizontal line HL passing through the rotation axis O1) of the rotation member 50.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the angle α = 60 degrees of the first magnetic pole G1 and the angle β = 60 degrees of the second magnetic pole G2 with respect to the horizontal line HL passing through the axis O1 of the magnet roll 50A. It is desirable that the three magnetic poles G3 are set on the horizontal line HL on the side of the second road 46 from the axis O1.
Further, in the present embodiment, the polarities of the first magnetic poles G1 are set to S poles, the polarities of the second magnetic poles G2 are set to N poles, and the polarities of the third magnetic poles G3 are set to S poles. ..

<Action of the main part>
Here, the operation of the replenishment adjustment unit 42, which is a main part, will be described with reference to the drawings.
As described above, the replenishment adjusting unit 42 is located between the replenishment path 40 and the stirring path 32C, the rotating member 50 is rotatably arranged facing the replenishment path 40, and is along the outer peripheral surface 50C of the rotating member 50. The first road 44 and the second road 46 are formed.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the developing apparatus 30, the developing agent G containing the toner TN and the carrier C circulates between the stirring path 32C and the supply path 32D.
As shown in FIG. 2, the developer G is supplied from the supply path 32D to the photoconductor drum 20 through the opening 32A while being held by the developing roll 34 arranged in the delivery path 32B.
The supplied toner is transferred to the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 20 to form a toner image.
The toner image on the photoconductor drum 20 is transferred to the paper P transported along the transport path 14A.

In the process of repeating this series of transfer steps in the developing apparatus 30, the developer G on the stirring path 32C and the supply path 32D consumes and decreases the toner TN, and the toner concentration in the developing agent G decreases. , The high level of the developer G also decreases.

Toner TN is replenished to the developer G in which the toner TN is reduced as follows.
The timing at which the toner TN replenishment is started is when the high level of the developer G, which will be described later, becomes lower than the set high level HS shown in FIG. 10, and for the toner TN replenishment operation, refer to FIG. 7-10. While, the function of the replenishment adjustment unit 42 will be described in order.

[Replenishment toner stopped state]
First, the replenishment path 40 and the replenishment adjustment unit in the process in which the developer G containing the amount of toner TN required for development circulates between the stirring path 32C and the supply path 32D and the toner image is transferred to the paper P. The states of the toner TN and the developer G in 42 and the stirring path 32C are shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 7, the high level of the developer G exceeds the upstream end portion 46A of the second road 46, above the rotating member 50, and exceeds the downstream end portion 40A of the replenishment road 40, and reaches the highest HU. It is rising.
The highest HU is a position where the pressure of the developer G rising from the stirring path 32C and the gravity of the toner TN going down the replenishment path 40 are balanced, and the developer G is the replenishment path 40 at the highest HU. The replenishment of the toner TN in the inside is stopped.
This highest HU has a height at which the developer G does not rise any more even if the stirring auger 36 rotates when the replenishment path 40 is filled with the toner TN.
At this time, the rotary sleeve 50B of the rotary member 50 is constantly rotating in the direction of the arrow A.
The developer G is held on the outer peripheral surface 50C of the rotary sleeve 50B by the action of a magnetic field formed by the first magnetic pole G1 (S pole) and the second magnetic pole G2 (N pole) provided on the magnet roll 50A. It is transported from the upstream end 44A of the first road 44 toward the downstream end 44B.
As a result, the developer G held on the outer peripheral surface 50C of the rotary sleeve 50B is continuously conveyed in the state of the magnetic brush in the gap P of the first path 44.

[Toner replenishment start state]
Next, FIG. 8 shows a state in which the toner TN in the developing agent G is consumed in the developing apparatus 30 and the high level of the developing agent G is lowered.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the toner TN in the developer G in the developing apparatus 30 is consumed by the development, the high level of the developer G circulating in the stirring path 32C and the supply path 32D gradually decreases.
When the higher level of the developer G decreases from the highest level HU, the developer G begins to return to the stirring path 32C through the second path 46 at the upper part of the rotating member 50, and the toner TN stopped in the replenishment path 40. Gradually begins to enter the second road 46.
This phenomenon occurs in the stirring path 32C as the developer G dampened by the large diameter portion 36C formed on the stirring shaft 36A decreases with the consumption of the toner TN, so that the developing from the stirring path 32C toward the replenishment adjusting section 42 It is caused by a decrease in the pressure applied to the agent G.
Along with this, the developer G that filled the downstream side of the replenishment path 40 and the second path 46 of the replenishment adjustment unit 42 moves to the stirring path 32C side through the second path 46, and the third magnetic pole G3 is arranged. Start moving towards the position where it was made.
Then, the toner TN stopped above the developer G moves toward the downstream side of the replenishment path 40, and the high level of the developer G descends toward the set high HS. It begins to descend from the downstream end 40A of 40 toward the second road 46.

[Toner replenishment status]
Subsequently, FIG. 9 shows a state in which the toner TN is replenished to the stirring path 32C through the second path 46.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the process in which the pressure of the developer G in the stirring path 32C decreases and the high level of the developer G falls below the set high level HS and approaches the lowest level HB, the toner TN is transferred from the replenishment path 40 to the lowest level HB. It flows into the stirring path 32C through the second path 46.
In this state, the toner TN is generated by the rotation of the rotating sleeve 50B of the rotating member 50 in the direction of the arrow A and the second magnetic pole G2 (N pole) and the third magnetic pole G3 (S pole) provided on the magnet roll 50A. The generated magnetic field smoothly conveys the second road 46.
When the toner TN moves below the height of the third magnetic pole G3 provided on the magnet roll 50A, the repulsive magnetic force generated by the third magnetic pole G3 (S pole) and the first magnetic pole G1 (S pole) causes the toner TN. , Is released from the outer peripheral surface 50C of the rotary sleeve 50B.
As a result, the toner TN is replenished in the stirring path 32C, and the stirring path 32C is directed to the downstream side while being mixed with the developer G and stirred by the stirring auger 36 rotating in the stirring path 32C in the direction of the arrow B. Will be transported.

[A state in which the replenishment toner starts to stop]
Then, the state in which the replenishment of the toner TN starts to be stopped is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the toner TN is replenished and the replenished amount of the toner TN exceeds the consumption amount, the developer G rises beyond the set high HS.
This phenomenon is partially dammed by the large diameter portion 36C formed on the stirring shaft 36A of the stirring auger 36 at a position shifted to the downstream side of the stirring path 32C from the rotating member 50 shown in FIG. It is promoted by increasing the pressure toward the replenishment adjustment unit 42.
That is, in the stirring path 32C, the transfer to the developer G is partially dammed at the portion facing the rotating member 50 arranged at a position shifted upstream from the large diameter portion 36C provided on the stirring shaft 36A.
As a result, a retention phenomenon occurs in the developer G at the position facing the rotating member 50 of the stirring path 32C, and a part of the developing agent G to be stirred and conveyed is directed from the position of the stirring path 32C toward the replenishment adjusting unit 42. The pressure increases in the direction, and the movement of the developer G to the replenishment adjustment unit 42 is promoted.
As shown in FIG. 10, the developer G whose pressure has increased exceeds the set high HS and closes the downstream end portion 46B of the second road 46, and further continues to rise in the second road 46.
In the second road 46, the pressure of the developer G, which continues to rise beyond the set high HS, exceeds the downstream end 40A of the replenishment path 40 and rises toward the downstream side of the replenishment path 40, and the pressure rises in the replenishment path 40. Continues to rise until the toner TN of the toner TN balances with the force to fall.

As described above, the developer G whose movement to the replenishment adjusting portion 42 is promoted by the large diameter portion 36C closes the downstream end portion 46B of the second road 46 and stops the replenishment of the toner TN from the replenishment road 40. , Toner TN is replenished and stopped.
Note that FIG. 10 shows, for example, a state in which the developer G rises to a height close to the upstream end 46A of the second road 46 in front of the highest HU.

[Replenishment toner stopped state]
As shown in FIG. 7, the developer G rises over the downstream end portion 40A of the replenishment path 40 through the second path 46 of the replenishment adjustment section 42, and blocks the downstream side of the replenishment path 40 to block the toner TN. Replenishment is stopped.

As described above, when the level of the developer G in the stirring path 32C is lowered, the developing agent G on the stirring path 32C side reaches the downstream side of the replenishment path 40 through the second path 46 wider than the first path 44 connected to the stirring path 32C. The toner TN that rises and is replenished from the toner supply unit 60 can be stopped.

As a result, the higher level of the developer G in the stirring path 32C can be stabilized between the lowest HB and the highest HU, as compared with the toner TN carried by the rotating member 50 that blocks the replenishment path 40.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, in the developing apparatus 301 according to the comparative example, the second road 461 (gap Q1) is narrower than the first road 441 (gap P1) and wider than the first road 441 (gap P1). Does not have a second road.
In the comparative example, the developer G is conveyed to the replenishment path 401 via the first path 441 as the rotating member 501 rotates.
The developer G conveyed and raised from the first road 441 collides with the upstream end portion 461A of the second road 461, which is narrower than the first road 441, is worn away, and is accumulated on the downstream side of the replenishment road 401, and this accumulation is performed. It is configured to block the replenishment path 401 with the developed developer G.
In this configuration, since it is necessary to transport a large amount of the developer G to the replenishment path 401 by the rotation of the rotating member 501, the holding amount of the developer G in the rotating member 501 becomes unstable, and the developer G becomes the first. One road 441 may not rise uniformly to the supplementary road 401.
In this case, the responsiveness of stopping and replenishing the toner TN replenished from the replenishment path 401 is poor, and the high level of the developer G in the stirring path 321C becomes unstable.

On the other hand, the replenishment adjustment unit 42 according to the present embodiment includes a second road 46 wider than the first road 44, and the first road 44 has a small amount of a developer on the outer peripheral surface 50C of the rotary sleeve 50B. A small amount of the developer G is always conveyed by constantly rotating the G while covering it in the form of a film.
Further, in the second road 46, the downstream end portion 46B is located below the highest HU.
As a result, the higher level of the developer G in the stirring path 32C can be stabilized as compared with the toner TN conveyed by the rotating member 501 that blocks the replenishment path 401.
High-level stability means that the high-level fluctuation range of the developer G in the stirring path 32C is small.

Further, the replenishment adjustment unit 42 according to the present embodiment is wider than the first path 44, and the second path 46 in which the toner TN is conveyed from the replenishment path 40 to the stirring path 32C has a higher level of the developer G in the stirring path 32C. When the set high HS is exceeded, the downstream end portion 46B of the second road 46 is blocked.
As a result, the higher level of the developer G in the stirring path 32C can be stabilized as compared with the toner TN conveyed by the rotating member 501 that blocks the replenishment path 401.

Further, the rotating member 50 includes a magnet roll 50A in which a plurality of magnetic poles are provided at intervals and does not rotate, and a rotating sleeve 50B that covers the outer circumference of the magnet roll 50A and rotates along the outer circumference of the magnet roll 50A. ing.
Further, the magnet roll 50A has a first magnetic pole G1 provided on the upstream end 44A side of the first road 44 and a second magnetic pole G2 provided on the downstream end 44B side of the first road 44. I have. The magnet roll 50A also includes a third magnetic pole G3 provided inside the stirring path 32C below the second passage 46 and at a position higher than the first magnetic pole G1.

This makes it possible to stabilize the high level of the developer G as compared with the one having two magnetic poles.

Further, as for the magnetic poles, the first magnetic pole G1 and the third magnetic pole G3 have the same polarity, and the second magnetic pole G2 has the opposite polarity to the first magnetic pole G1 and the third magnetic pole G3.

As a result, the second magnetic pole G2 can suppress the obstruction failure of the replenishment path 40 due to the toner TN as compared with the one having the same polarity as the first magnetic pole G1 or the third magnetic pole G3.

Further, the stirring path 32C is provided with a stirring auger 36 for stirring the developer G including the toner TN and the carrier C in the developing device 30, and the lower end of the rotating member 50 is arranged at a position lower than the upper end of the stirring auger 36. Has been done.

As a result, in the configuration in which the rotating member 50 and the stirring auger 36 are arranged so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction, the developer G in the stirring path 32C is compared with the one in which the toner TN conveyed by the rotating member 50 blocks the replenishment path 40. The high rank can be stabilized.

In particular, since the stirring auger 36 rotates in the direction of the arrow B, the developer G is unlikely to rise toward the upstream end 44A of the first path 44. Therefore, the higher level of the developer G in the stirring path 32C can be stabilized as compared with the toner TN conveyed by the rotating member 50 that blocks the replenishment path 40.

Further, the stirring auger 36 is located at a position shifted to the downstream side in the stirring path 32C from the stirring shaft 36A, the stirring blade 36B formed on the outer periphery of the stirring shaft 36A, and the portion of the stirring shaft 36A facing the rotating member 50. Is provided with a large diameter portion 36C formed to have a larger diameter than the other portions.

As a result, the time from when the developer reaches the set high level until the toner is stopped can be shortened as compared with the case where the shaft diameter of the stirring shaft 36A is uniform in the axial direction, and the developer G in the stirring path 32C can be shortened. Contributes to high-level stability of.

Further, the image forming unit 18 includes a photoconductor drum 20 and a developing device 30 provided with the above-mentioned replenishment adjusting unit 42 for developing a latent image on the photoconductor drum 20 as a toner image, and the image forming apparatus main body 10A. It is assembled so that it can be replaced as a unit.

As a result, it is possible to obtain an image forming unit 18 capable of suppressing image unevenness in the toner image on the photoconductor drum 20 as compared with the one having no replenishment adjustment unit 42 described above.

Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a photoconductor drum 20, a charging roll 24 for charging the outer peripheral surface thereof, an image forming unit 16 for forming a latent image on the charged outer peripheral surface, and a supplementary adjusting unit 42 described above. The developing apparatus 30 and the transfer roll 22 for transferring the toner image to the paper P are provided.

As a result, image unevenness in the output image can be suppressed as compared with the one without the supplementary adjustment unit 42 described above.

<Modification example>
By the way, in the present embodiment, the arrangement of the first magnetic pole G1, the second magnetic pole G2, and the third magnetic pole G3 incorporated in the magnet roll 50A in the rotating member 50 has been described as the arrangement shown in FIG.
However, the arrangement of each of these magnetic poles and the number of magnetic poles incorporated in the magnet roll 50A are not limited to this configuration, and may be, for example, the following embodiments. The reference numerals are the same as those in the present embodiment.

[Modification 1]
Modification 1 is shown in FIG.
The magnet roll 50A has a first magnetic pole G1 provided in a portion facing the stirring path 32C between the upstream end 44A of the first road 44 and the downstream end 46B of the second road 46, and the inside of the first road 44. The second magnetic pole G2 provided between the upstream end portion 44A and the downstream end portion 44B of the above is provided.
In addition, the magnet roll 50A includes a third magnetic pole G3 provided in a portion facing the replenishment path 40.
Specifically, the first magnetic pole G1 is on the upstream side in the rotation direction A of the rotary sleeve 50B from the upstream end 44A of the first path 44, and is opposite to the supply path 32D with respect to the stirring auger 36 in the stirring path 32C. It is located on the side.
Further, the second magnetic pole G2 is arranged on the horizontal line HL passing through the axis O1 of the magnet roll 50A (rotation axis O1 of the rotating member 50).
The third magnetic pole G3 is arranged above the magnet roll 50A facing the replenishment path 40.
In this configuration, the polarities of the respective magnetic poles are S pole for the first magnetic pole G1, N pole for the second magnetic pole G2, and S pole for the third magnetic pole G3.
As a result, the position where the rotary sleeve 50B holds the developer G becomes closer to the stirring auger 36 as compared with the present embodiment (see FIG. 5).
Further, when the high level of the developer G in the stirring path 32C is lowered, the toner TN blocking the downstream side of the replenishing path 40 mainly passes through the stirring path 32C through the second path 46 due to the rotation and gravity of the rotary sleeve 50B. It descends toward and is replenished.

As described above, even with the arrangement of the magnetic poles of the modified example 1, the function of the supplementary adjustment unit 42 described in the present embodiment (see paragraphs “0073” to “0088”) can be maintained.

In the first modification, the rotating member 50 is provided with a plurality of magnetic poles at intervals, covers the non-rotating magnet roll 50A and the outer circumference of the magnet roll 50A, and rotates along the outer circumference of the magnet roll 50A. And have.
Further, the magnet roll 50A has a first magnetic pole G1 provided in a portion facing the accommodating portion between the upstream end portion 44A of the first road 44 and the downstream end portion 46B of the second road 46, and the first road. It is provided with a second magnetic pole G2 provided between the upstream end portion 44A and the downstream end portion 44B in the 44.
Further, the magnet roll 50A includes a third magnetic pole G3 provided at a portion facing the replenishment path 40.

This makes it possible to stabilize the high level of the developer G as compared with the one having two magnetic poles.

Further, as for the magnetic poles, the first magnetic pole G1 and the third magnetic pole G3 have the same polarity, and the second magnetic pole G2 has the opposite polarity to the first magnetic pole G1 and the third magnetic pole G3.

As a result, the second magnetic pole G2 can suppress the obstruction failure of the replenishment path 40 due to the toner TN as compared with the one having the same polarity as the first magnetic pole G1 or the third magnetic pole G3.

[Modification 2]
In the second modification, the number of magnetic poles is two, and the first magnetic pole G1 and the second magnetic pole G2 are arranged on the magnet roll 50A.
In the second modification, as shown in FIG. 13, the magnet roll 50A includes a first magnetic pole G1 provided at a position close to the upstream end portion 44A in the first path 44.
Further, the magnet roll 50A includes a second magnetic pole G2 provided in a portion facing the replenishment path 40.
In the present embodiment, the position close to the upstream end 44A of the first magnetic pole G1 is a position in the first path 44 at an angle of 120 degrees from the second magnetic pole G2 with respect to the rotation axis O1. There is.
In this configuration, the polarity of the first magnetic pole G1 is the S pole, and the polarity of the second magnetic pole G2 is the N pole.
As a result, the position where the developer G starts to be held in the rotary sleeve 50B is the same as in the present embodiment (see FIG. 5).
Further, the replenishment of the toner TN when the higher level of the developer G in the stirring path 32C is lowered is the same as that of the first modification.
As described above, the function of the supplementary adjustment unit 42 described in the present embodiment (see paragraphs “0073” to “0083”) can be maintained even with the number and arrangement of the magnetic poles of the modified example 2.

In the second modification, the rotating member 50 is provided with a plurality of magnetic poles at intervals, covers the non-rotating magnet roll 50A and the outer circumference of the magnet roll 50A, and rotates along the outer circumference of the magnet roll 50A. And have.
Further, the magnet roll 50A has a first magnetic pole G1 provided at a position close to the upstream end portion 44A in the first road 44 and a second magnetic pole G2 provided at a portion facing the replenishment path 40. I have.

This makes it easier to produce than those with three magnetic poles.

Further, the magnetic poles have opposite polarities between the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole.

As a result, it is possible to suppress poor blockage of the replenishment path due to toner, as compared with the case where the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole have the same polarity.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. It is obvious to the trader.

For example, in the above embodiment, the polarity of the first magnetic pole G1 is set to S pole, the polarity of the second magnetic pole G2 is set to N pole, and the polarity of the third magnetic pole G3 is set to S pole. The polarities of the N pole and the second magnetic pole G2 may be changed to the S pole, and the polarities of the third magnetic pole G3 may be changed to the N pole.

Further, although the description has been made assuming that the magnet roll 50A is provided with three magnetic poles, the present invention is not limited to this, and four or more magnetic poles may be provided.

Further, although the gap P of the first road 44 is 0.5 mm and the gap Q of the second road 46 is 1 mm, the description is not limited to this, but the printing performance of the image forming apparatus 10, the type of toner and carrier used, and the development It may be changed in consideration of the structure, dimensions and the like of the device 30.
However, there is no change in setting the second road wider than the first road.

Further, the first magnetic pole G1 is 60 degrees to the lower left, the second magnetic pole G2 is 60 degrees to the upper left, and the third magnetic pole G3 is from the shaft core O1 with respect to the horizontal line passing through the shaft core O1 of the magnet roll 50A. He explained that it is desirable to set the position of the horizontal line on the right side (0 degrees).
However, each of these angles depends on the type and structure of the image forming apparatus 10, the developing apparatus 30, the toner supply unit 60, the replenishment path 40, which is changed by the printing performance, and the dimensions and arrangement of the replenishment adjustment unit 42. In addition, the angle may be set.

Further, in the replenishment adjustment unit 42, the side wall 42B facing the rotating member 50, which continues from the downstream end portion 46B of the second road 46, is located above the stirring auger 36 (see FIG. 4), but the present invention is not limited to this. , The upper wall 42A may be separated from the rotating member 50 by moving to the partition wall 32E side.

Further, it was explained that the replenishment adjustment unit 42 is located on the upstream side of the stirring path 32C and is located on the upper left portion of the stirring path 32C in the device width direction W.
However, the position of the replenishment adjustment unit 42 with respect to the stirring path 32C is changed according to various arrangement forms of the stirring path 32C and the supply path 32D in the developing apparatus 30, the arrangement relationship with the peripheral equipment of the developing apparatus 30, and the like. Of course, it can be done.

Further, the assembly includes a photoconductor drum 20, an exposure unit 26, a charging roll 24, and a developing device 30, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the photoconductor drum 20 is excluded except for the exposure unit 26. , The charging roll 24, and the developing device 30 may be configured.
Further, the developing device 30 may be configured as a single assembly.

10 Image forming apparatus 10A housing (image forming apparatus main body)
10B Paper ejection unit 10C Control unit 12 Paper storage unit 12A Storage member 14 Transport unit 14A Transport path 14B Sending roll 14C Transport roll 16 Image forming unit 18 Image forming unit 20 Photoreceptor drum (example of image holder)
22 Transfer roll (an example of transfer device)
24 Charging roll (an example of charging device)
26 Exposure unit (example of latent image forming device)
28 Fixing device 30 Developing device 32 Housing 32A Opening 32B Delivery path 32C Stirring path (example of accommodating section)
32C1 Upper wall 32D Supply path 32E Partition wall 32F Upstream side connecting path 32G Downstream side connecting path 34 Development roll 34A Magnet roll 34B Rotating sleeve 36 Stirring auger (example of stirring member)
36A stirring shaft (an example of a rotating shaft)
36B stirring blade (an example of spiral blade)
36C Large diameter part 38 Supply auger 38A Supply shaft 38B Supply blade 40 Replenishment path 40A Downstream end 42 Replenishment adjustment part (an example of replenishment structure)
42A Upper wall 42B Side wall 44 First road 44A Upstream end (an example of the upstream end of the first road)
44B downstream end (an example of the downstream end of the first road)
44C Wall surface 46 Second road 46A Upstream end 46B Downstream end (an example of the downstream end of the second road)
46C wall surface 50 rotating member (example of rotating body)
50A magnet roll (an example of core material)
50B rotary sleeve (an example of outer cylinder)
50C Outer peripheral surface G1 First magnetic pole G2 Second magnetic pole G3 Third magnetic pole 60 Toner supply unit 62 Toner supply container body 62A Supply port G Developer TN Toner T Transfer position O1 (Rotating shaft of rotating member)
O2 (Magnet roll) short shaft (rotating member short shaft)
O3 Longitudinal axis (at the downstream end 40A of the replenishment path 40) Long axis O4 (at the downstream end 40A of the replenishment path 40) Short axis P Gap in the first path Q Gap in the second path HS Set high

Claims (11)

Inside the developer accommodating portion and below the replenishment path where the toner is replenished, the developer is arranged to contact and hold the developer accommodating in the accommodating portion, and the developer is placed on the outer periphery below the replenishment path. A rotating body that rotates while holding up to
A first path that connects the accommodating portion and the replenishment path on the upstream side of the replenishment path in the rotation direction of the rotating body, and the developer contained in the accommodating portion is conveyed by the rotating body.
A second path connecting the accommodating portion and the replenishment path on the downstream side of the replenishment path in the rotation direction of the rotating body, and the downstream end of the second path is the toner replenished in the replenishment path. The second road located below the high position, which is the balance position between the and the developer rising from the accommodating portion, and
Equipped with
The replenishment structure is characterized in that the first road is narrower than the second road. A rotating body that rotates in the developer accommodating portion and below the toner replenishment path and conveys the developer from the accommodating portion to the replenishment path through a first path located upstream in the rotation direction with respect to the replenishment path. When,
A second path in which toner is conveyed from the replenishment path to the accommodating portion with the rotation of the rotating body, which is wider than the first path and when the high level of the developer in the accommodating section exceeds the set high level. The second road where the downstream end is blocked by the developer,
Replenishment structure with. The rotating body includes a core material in which a plurality of magnetic poles are provided at intervals and does not rotate, and an outer cylinder that covers the outer periphery of the core material and rotates along the outer circumference of the core material. The first magnetic pole provided on the upstream end side of the first road, the second magnetic pole provided on the downstream end side of the first road, and the inside of the accommodating portion below the second road. The supplementary structure according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a third magnetic pole provided at a position higher than the first magnetic pole. The rotating body includes a core material in which a plurality of magnetic poles are provided at intervals and does not rotate, and an outer cylinder that covers the outer periphery of the core material and rotates along the outer circumference of the core material. The first magnetic pole provided in the portion facing the accommodating portion between the upstream end portion of the first road and the downstream end portion of the second road, and the upstream end portion in the first road. The replenishment structure according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second magnetic pole provided between the downstream end and a third magnetic pole provided on a portion facing the replenishment path. The supplement according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first magnetic pole and the third magnetic pole have the same polarity, and the second magnetic pole has the opposite polarity to the first magnetic pole and the third magnetic pole. structure. The rotating body includes a core material in which a plurality of magnetic poles are provided at intervals and does not rotate, and an outer cylinder that covers the outer circumference of the core material and rotates along the outer circumference of the core material. 1 or 2, wherein the first magnetic pole provided at a position close to the upstream end portion in the first path and the second magnetic pole provided at a portion facing the supplementary path are provided. Replenishment structure. The supplementary structure according to claim 6, wherein the magnetic pole has opposite polarities to the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole. The accommodating portion is a stirring path including a stirring member for stirring a developer containing toner and a carrier in a developing device, and the lower end of the rotating body is arranged at a position lower than the upper end of the stirring member. The supplementary structure according to any one of Items 1 to 7. The stirring member has a rotating shaft, a spiral blade formed on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft, and a position shifted downstream from the portion of the rotating shaft facing the rotating body to the downstream side of the stirring path, from other parts. The replenishment structure according to claim 8, further comprising a large diameter portion formed into a large diameter portion. An image holder on which a latent image is formed, and
The developing apparatus provided with the supplementary structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the image holder is developed as a toner image.
Including
An assembly assembled to be replaced integrally with the image forming apparatus body. Image holder and
A charging device that charges the outer peripheral surface of the image holder, and
A latent image forming device that forms a latent image on the outer peripheral surface of the image holder charged by the charging device, and a latent image forming device.
The developing apparatus provided with the supplementary structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which develops the latent image as a toner image.
A transfer device that transfers the toner image to the transfer target,
An image forming apparatus equipped with.

Images