| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developing device that conveys and circulates developer by means of a plurality of developer conveying members disposed substantially horizontally, the device being designed so as to smoothly transfer the developer between the developer conveying members. <P>SOLUTION: The developing device has, below a developing roller 3, a recovery conveyance path 4, a supply conveyance path 6, and a stirring conveyance path 8 in that order substantially at the same height. Using a recovery auger 5, supply auger 7, and stir auger 9, the developing device circulates and conveys developer by transferring the developer from an opening, formed downstream in the direction of developer conveyance, to the other conveyance path adjacent to the opening. The recovery auger 5 includes: a recovery screw 25 having a prescribed lead angle; a recovery paddle 27 having a blade parallel to the axial direction; and a recovery connecting part 26 having a lead blade formed such that its lead angle gradually or continuously increases compared with the lead angle of the screw 25, thereby gradually becoming parallel to the axial direction so as to connect the downstream end of the screw and the upstream end of the paddle in the direction of developer conveyance. The connecting part 26 and the paddle 27 are disposed opposite to the opening 21. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT |
