Developing apparatus

Abstract: The invention provides a developing apparatus which comprises a hopper (2) storing toner and carrier, a transferring roller (1) which is disposed to an opening at the bottom of the hopper (2) for transferring toner and carrier, a carrier stopper (10) which is installed inside of the front wall (2a) of the hopper and provided with an arced surface opposite from the transferring roller (1), and in addition, forms specific space for storing carrier and toner between the arced surface and the sleeve (1a) of the transferring roller (1) to pre­ vent carrier from externally scattering itself from the space. By virtue of conjunctional effect of the rota­ tion of the rotary sleeve (1a) of the transferring roller and the magnetic force of a rotary magnet (1b) coaxially provided in the sleeve, carrier and toner stored in the space formed between the arced surfaces of the sleeve and the carrier stopper (10) is blended together before externally delivering the blended layer.

Description: The present invention relates to a developing apparatus which is available for an electrophotographic apparatus like a laser beam printer and executes developing process in the electrophotographic processes. As a developing method in the developing process using an electrophotographic recording apparatus, there is such a method which stores magnetic toner in the periphery of a toner/carrier roller in a hopper storing magnetic toner and magnetic carrier to blend the magnetic toner with the magnetic carrier at a position close to the toner/carrier roller. According to any conventional developing apparatus, the toner/carrier roller and a photoconductive drum are installed in parallel with each other. The toner/carrier roller is composed of a cylindrical sleeve made of non-magnetic material and a rotatable magnet which is coaxially installed inside of the sleeve so that the sleeve and the magnet can rotate in the direction opposite from each other. The toner/carrier roller is disposed at the opening of the hopper. The hopper stores magnetic toner and magnetic carrier. Initially, carrier is stored in the vicinity of the toner/carrier roller before adhering itself to the periphery of the toner/carrier roller. Toner gradually mixes itself into carrier before being held by the toner/carrier roller. According to the above conventional structure, the carrier is gradually moved to the upper position of the hopper by the rotation of the sleeve before eventually being dispersed all over the hopper. Once the carrier fully disperses on the hopper, the blend ratio (toner density) between the toner held on the toner/carrier roller and the carrier varies, thus eventually generating uneven density of the recorded image. Although the magnetic carrier has function to clean the surface of the sleeve, once the carrier itself disperses, the sleeve cannot be cleaned well. This in turn causes the toner to be solidified on the sleeve to eventually lower the quality of the recorded image. From US-A-4 676 192 there is known a developing apparatus with the features of the preamble of claim 1. This document particularly discloses a dry process developing apparatus in which a hopper for storing toner is provided and a transfer roller is arranged in an opening of the hopper. A partition plate is positioned essentially vertically behind the transfer roller in order to divide the hopper space into a toner storing section and a space adjacent the transfer roller in which carrier is loaded. Between a lower and of the partition plate and the hopper bottom a toner supply passage is formed, however, not in the shape of a hopper-like structure. The object of the invention is to provide an improved developing apparatus which, by constantly holding carrier in the vicinity of the toner/carrier roller, maintains the toner concentration and the amount of the carrier on the toner/carrier roller so that recording of quality image can stably be executed. According to the invention, there is provided an developing apparatus comprising a hopper means for storing toner and carrier including a front wall, an opposing inclined rear wall and a bottom wall extending from the inclined rear wall towards the front wall and forming an opening between the bottom edge of the front wall and the bottom wall, a roller means for transferring toner and carrier which is disposed in said opening such that a part of said roller means extends into said hopper means, wherein said roller means includes a rotatable circular sleeve and a rotary magnet coaxially provided in said circular sleeve; a carrier stopper means provided inside of the front wall proximate the opening; and a space between the carrier stopper and the roller means wherein toner and carrier stored in said space is blended by the conjunctional effect of the rotation of the circular sleeve and the rotary magnet, whereby said carrier stopper prevents carrier from scattering outside said space; characterized in that said carrier stopper has an arced surface concentrically opposing the upper portion of the part of the roller means extending into the hopper means; in that the bottom wall of said hopper means is formed by a first portion proximate the inclined rear wall and having an arced section, and a second portion which extends from a tip of said first portion to the opening and has an inclined surface; and in that said carrier stopper means has a tip close to the inclined surface of said second portion of the bottom wall, thus forming a sub-hopper between said inclined surface of said second portion of the bottom wall and said tip of said carrier stopper means, whereby the tip of said carrier stopper means is at a position lower than the tip between the first and second portion of the bottom wall. By virtue of the provision of those means mentioned above, the flow of carrier caused by the rotation of the toner/carrier roller is suppressed by the carrier stopper, and thus the flow of carrier is virtually confined in space between the toner/carrier roller and the carrier stopper. As a result, scatter of the carrier all over the hopper can securely be minimized. Furthermore, since the volume of space formed between the carrier stopper and the toner/carrier roller and the amount of carrier stored in this space are respectively set to specific values so that the blend ratio between the magnetic toner and the magnetic carrier on the toner/carrier roller can remain in a range from 20 through a maximum of 90%, owing to the function of the carrier stopper, scatter of the carrier all over the hopper can be minimized. As a result, the blend ratio between the magnetic toner and the magnetic carrier on the toner/carrier roller can constantly be held in a range from 20 through 90%. This invention can be more fully understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 presents a sectional view of a developing apparatus according to an illustrating example for the invention; Fig. 2 presents a graphic chart designating the relationship between the number of processed papers and the toner concentration; Fig. 3 presents a graphic chart designating the relationship between the toner concentration on the developing area on the toner/carrier roller and the density of the recorded image; Fig. 4 presents a sectional view of the developing apparatus according to a modification from the illustrating example shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 5 presents a sectional view of a developing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 presents an enlarged view of peripheral portion of the toner/carrier roller shown in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 presents a perspective view of an agitator having general configuration; Fig. 8 presents a sectional view of the developing apparatus according to a modification from the embodiment shown in Fig. 5; Fig. 9 presents a perspective view of the agitator of the developing apparatus shown in Fig. 8; Fig. 10 presents a sectional view of the developing apparatus according to another embodiment; and Fig. 11 presents a sectional view of the developing apparatus according to a further another embodiment. According to the developing apparatus shown in Fig. 1, which is an illustrating example a toner/carrier roller 1 is installed in parallel with a photoconductive drum (not shown). The toner/carrier roller 1 comprises a cylindrical sleeve la made of non-magnetic material and a rotary magnet 1b which is coaxially provided inside of the sleeve la. The sleeve la rotates itself in the arrowed direction A, whereas the magnet lb rotates itself in the arrowed direction B. The toner/carrier roller 1 is disposed in the opening of a hopper 2. In this case, part of the toner/carrier roller 1 is positioned inside of the hopper 2. The hopper 2 has a front vertical wall 2a, an inclined rear wall 2b, and a bottom wall 2c. An opening is provided between the bottom end of the front vertical wall 2a and the tip of the bottom wall 2c. In other words, the opening is provided on the lateral surface of the bottom of the hopper 2. The bottom wall 2c has a semi-circular recess wall portion and a guide wall portion connected to the recess wall and extending along the roller 1. The hopper 2 stores magnetic toner (hereinafter merely called toner) 3 and magnetic carrier (hereinafter merely called carrier) 4. A blade 5 is provided for toner outlet 2d of the hopper 2. The blade 5 is secured to the front vertical wall 2a. When the toner/carrier roller 1 rotates, the blade 5 maintains the thickness of the layer of the toner 3 and carrier 4 constant while these are led out of the hopper 2 in adhesion to the toner/carrier roller 1. A carrier stopper 10 is secured to the inner wall surface of the front vertical wall 2a at a position close to the toner outlet 2d of the hopper 2. A surface of the carrier stopper 10 in opposition from the toner/carrier roller 1 has arced shape in concentricity with the toner/carrier roller 1, whereas the surface opposite from the arced surface inclines. The inclined surface is provided with an angle of rest for allowing the toner 3 to easily fall downward. Space (mixing area) 11 is formed below the carrier stopper 10, where this space 11 is surrounded by the arced surface of the carrier stopper 10, the toner/carrier roller 1, and the blade 5, respectively. The carrier 4 is stored in this space 11. Either a toner transferring member or an agitator 6 is provided on the halfway of the hopper 2 and on the semi-circular recess wall portion in order to transfer the toner 3 from the semi-circular recess wall portion to the toner/carrier roller 1. In the intitial condition of the developing apparatus, as shown by broken line of Fig. 1, carrier 4 is stored in space 11 near the toner/carrier roller 1, while it also adheres to the peripheral surface of the toner/carrier roller 1. Toner 3 mixes into carrier 4 little by little before being held on the surface of the toner/carrier roller 1. When operating the developing apparatus having the structure mentioned above, as soon as the toner/carrier roller 1 starts to rotate to execute development, carrier 4 in the space 11 is moved upward by the rotation of the sleeve 1a. However, due to presence of the carrier stopper 10, the carrier 4 flows in a range of the space 11 without scattering itself to other regions of the hopper 2. In consequence, the developing apparatus can maintain the amount of the carrier in the space 11 almost constant. Fig. 2 graphically designates the relationship between the number of copies and the toner density. Solid line designates the data yielded from the developing apparatus of the invention, whereas broken line designates the data yield from a conventional developing apparatus. Graph A designates the data of regions other than the space 11 of the hopper 2. Graph B designates the data on the toner/carrier roller 1. As is apparent from Fig. 2, compared to the conventional developing apparatus shown by broken line, the developing apparatus embodied by the invention shown by solid line causes the toner density to vary very little. The value of the toner density is calculated by an expression shown below. weight of toner weight of toner + weight of carrier × 100 Since the amount of the carrier 4 in the space 11 can be held constant, the toner density does not vary at all, thus preventing image density from unevenly being distributed. Furthermore, since the amount of the carrier 4 on the periphery of the toner/carrier roller 1 virtually remains constant, cleaning function cannot be decreased. This in turn prevents picture quality from being degraded by occurrence of solidified toner. As is clear from the relationship between the toner density on the roller 1 and the density of the recorded picture shown in Fig. 3, substantially copy density can be yielded when the toner on the toner/carrier roller 1 in the space 11 has 20 through 90% of density. This is because, if the toner density were less than 20%, instead of the toner 3, the carrier 4 adheres to electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductive drum (not shown). On the other hand, if the toner density were more than 90%, due to excessive presence of the toner 3, the toner 3 may solidify itself or excessively adhere to the photoconductive drum due to insufficient cleaning function of the carrier 4. Taking the above into account, it is desired that the following conditions be materialized. Assume that the space 11 has area S surrounded by an imaginary perpendicular line extended from the tip of the carrier stopper 10 to the center of the toner/carrier roller 1, the toner/carrier roller 1, the blade 5, and the carrier stopper 10, and the toner/carrier roller 1 has radius "r", where the area of the space 11 is determined by an expression 1r ≦ S ≦ 10r. It is desired that the amount of the carrier 4 on the developing area on the toner/carrier roller 1 be determined at a value so that the toner density on the developing area can remain in a range from 20% to 90%. Concretely, if the radius "r" of the toner/carrier roller 1 is 9 mm and the initial value of the carrier 4 about 20 g, the toner density can be adjusted to 65% through a maximum of 80%. If the toner density on the developing area on the toner/carrier roller 1 is adjusted to 40% through a maximum of 70%, the developing apparatus can yield more distinct image. As mentioned above, according to the above embodiment, the developing apparatus can maintain the toner density constant while suppressing scatter of the carrier 4, and as a result, the developing apparatus of the invention can perform development process under constantly optimal condition. Furthermore, since the toner density on the toner/carrier roller 1 can be held constant, by optimizing the area of the space 11 and the amount of the carrier 4, the toner density on the toner/carrier roller 1 can constantly be held in a range from 20% to a maximum of 90%, thus allowing the developing apparatus to stably develop distinct image all the time. If the developer transferring member 6 were not provided in the hopper 2 in the execution of the above embodiment, as shown in fig. 4, the inclined wall 2b of the hopper 2 may be provided by way of extending itself from the bottom along the bottom of the toner/carrier roller 1. In this case, the toner is supplied to the toner/carrier roller 1 by effect of own weight. The carrier stopper 10 may be installed to a position slightly apart from the front wall 2a of the hopper 2. Next, referring to Figs 5 and 6, an embodiment of the invention is described below. Referring now to Fig. 5, a hopper 20 for storing toner, has a front wall 20a and a rear inclined wall 20g opposite to the front wall 20a. The front wall 20a above a sleeve 1a has a projection or carrier stopper 20b having arc-shape bottom along the circumferential surface of the sleeve la. Bottom wall of the hopper 20 has the first wall portion 20c having arced sectional surface and the second wall portion 20d projecting itself from the tip of the first portion by way of covering the lower portion of the sleeve la. In consequence, as shown in Fig. 5, the conjunctional portion of the first wall portion 20c and the second wall portion 20d has inverse V-shaped sectional surface. The second wall portion 20d on the lateral side of the sleeve 1a has an incline portion having an angle more than the angle that allows the toner to easily fall downward by effect of own weight, in other words, it has an angle more than the angle of rest. A projection 20e having flat upper surface is provided on the incline portion of the second wall portion. A certain interval is provided between the bottom surface of the carrier stopper 20b and the sleeve 1a so that the space 11 can be formed. It is desired that the sectional area S of the space 11 be in a specific range determined by an expression 1.0r ≦ S ≦ 10.0r when the sleeve la has radius "r". Specific interval is provided between the tip (point S in Fig. 5) of the carrier stopper 20b and the bottom surface (plane of the projection 20e) of the hopper 20. The tip end (point S) of the projection 20b is set to a position lower than the peak (point P) of the conjunctional point of the first and second wall portions 20c and 20d of the hopper 20. Next, operation of the developing apparatus shown in Fig. 5 is described below. According to the enlarged view of the peripheral portions of the toner/carrier roller 1 shown in Fig. 6, when initial condition is entered, the predetermined amount of the carrier 4 and the predetermined amount of the toner 3 are mixed together so that the toner density can reach the predetermined value in the space 11. The blend of the toner 3 and the carrier 4 stored in the space 11 is hereinafter called the blend layer in the description. In order to record distinct image, it is desired that the volume of space 11 and the amount of the carrier be optimized and the toner density be adjusted to 20 through 90%, preferably to a range from 40 to 70%. Supplementary toner 3 is stored in the hopper 20. When this condition is present, the space 11 is filled with the toner and the carrier. As a result, the toner 3 to be supplied from the hopper 20 to the space 11 cannot flow into the space 11, and thus, it is provisionally stored in space 12 (hereinafter called sub-hopper) formed between the carrier stopper 20b and the second wall portion 20d at the bottom of the hopper 20. In other words, the sub-hopper 12 functions as a provisional pool for storing the toner. The incline portion of the second wall portion 20d on the lateral side of the sleeve la makes up the bottom of the sub-hopper 12. Since the second wall portion 20d has an incline portion having an angle more than the rest angle of the toner 3, the bottom of the sub-hopper 12 makes up an inclined surface having an angle more than the rest angle of the toner 3. When the developing apparatus performs image developing operation, the toner in the space 11 is consumed to cause the toner 3 in the sub-hopper 12 to fall on the plane surface of the projection 20e. In other words, when the toner in the space 11 is consumed, the supplementary toner in the sub-hopper 12 is supplied onto the plane surface of the projection 20e. In this case, the sleeve la rotates itself in the direction A, whereas the magnetic roller 1b rotates itself in the direction B, and thus, due to combined function of the rotation of the sleeve 1a and the magnetic force of the magnetic roller 1b, the toner 3 delivered to the projection 20e is led into the space 11 and mixed with the carrier 4. Concretely, the supplementary toner 3 and the carrier 4 are moved from the up-stream to the downstream in the space and mixed together so that the blend ratio has a predetermined (optimum) value in the vicinity of the toner/carrier roller. The blend layer is externally delivered through the clearance between the sleeve la and the blade 5. As mentioned above, according to the embodiment, the toner 3 is indirectly supplied from the hopper 20 to the toner/carrier roller 1 via the subhopper 12. Furthermore, since the toner 3 is not directly supplied from the hopper 20 to the toner/carrier roller 1, but the toner/carrier roller 1 takes up the toner 3 availing of magnetic force of the magnetic roller, the toner 3 can stably be supplied to the toner/carrier roller 1 all the time. Blending of the toner 3 with the carrier 4 and the transfer of the blend layer are performed in the space 11 apart from the other space of the hopper 20 storing the supplementary toner 3, so that the carrier 4 is prevented from moving itself from the space 11 to the other space inside of the hopper 20. In other words, the carrier 4 does not scatter at all. Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the invention, since the tip end (point S shown in Fig. 5) of the projection 20b is at a position lower than the peak (point P) of the conjunctional portion of the first and second portions 20c and 20d of the hopper 20, and that portion of the second portion 20d of the hopper 20 which makes up the bottom of the sub-hopper 12 has an incline angle which is more than the rest angle of the toner 3, the toner 3 cannot forcedly be led into the sub-hopper 12 by the agitator 6, but instead, the toner is led into the sub-hopper 12 by effect of own weight. As a result, the toner 3 can stably be supplied to the space 11. The developing apparatus is provided with the projection 20e. Since the toner 3 supplied to the top surface of this projection 20e is blended with the carrier 4 by effect of the rotation of the sleeve 1a and magnetic force of the magnetic roller 1b, the toner 3 can securely be led into the space 11. The projection 20e prevents the blend layer from reversing its flow. By virtue of those functions mentioned above, the amount of the toner 3 and the amount of the carrier 4 on the toner/carrier roller 1 can respectively be held constant, and as a result, the toner density on the toner/carrier roller 1 can always be held constant. In consequence, image density remains stable, and yet, image can always be recorded under optimal condition, thus eventually yielding very distinct pictures. Using the developing apparatus having 18 mm of diameter of the sleeve 1a and 260 mm of the developing width, inventors carried out trials by applying 23 grams of the carrier 4. As a result, the toner density was constantly held at 65%. The agitator 6 has the structure shown in Fig. 7. Concretely, the agitator 6 has a pair of rectangular toner transferring members 6a and 6b whose both ends are vertically folded and secured to a cylindrical shaft 6c in opposition from each other. As shown in Fig. 5, when the agitator 6 rotates itself in the arrowed direction C inside of the hopper 20, the toner 3 stored in the hopper 20 is stirred and then delivered to the sub-hopper 12. According to another embodiment shown in Fig. 8, a pair of elastic members 21 and 22 having length coming into contact with the first wall portion 20c (the bottom surface of the hopper 20) of the hopper 20 are respectively secured to the toner transferring members 6a and 6b. These elastic members 21 and 22 are made from nylon impregnated with rubber for example, which are respectively secured to the surfaces of the toner transferring members 6a and 6b with powerful adhesive agent as shown in Fig. 9. These elastic members 21 and 22 secured to the agitator 6 scoop up the toner 3 from the bottom of the hopper 20 to the sub-hopper 12, and thus, even the least amount of the toner 3 remaining in the hopper 20 can securely be supplied to the sub-hopper 12. As a result, the toner 3 can stably be supplied from the sub-hopper 12 to the space 11, thus preventing the toner 3 from varying its density. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the length between the axis of the shaft 6c of the agitator 6 and the tip ends of the elastic members 21 and 22 is longer than the length between the axis of the shaft 6c and the first wall portion 20c of the hopper 20. This causes the tip ends of the elastic members 21 and 22 to projectively rotate themselves above the sub-hopper 12 to stir the toner 3 above the sub-hopper 12. This in turn prevents the toner 3 above the sub-hopper 12 from agglomeration. For example, there is 3 mm of difference (projection) in the length between the axis of the shaft 6c and the tip ends of the elastic members 21 and 22 and the length between the axis of the shaft 6c and the first wall portion 20c of the hopper 20. However, the optimal value of this difference varies according to the shape, size, and the number of the rotation of the agitator 6. Referring to the above embodiment, a projection 20b having an inclined surface is provided for the front wall 20a. Instead, as shown in Fig. 10, the front wall 20a may also be formed of a thick plate member 20f having a vertical surface. In this case, since mechanical strength of the front wall 20a grows, stability of the blade 5 secured to the front wall 20a is promoted, and as a result, the blend layer composed of developer and carrier can evenly be supplied to the toner/carrier roller 1. In the event that the agitator 6 is not provided for the developing apparatuses shown in Figures 5 and 8, the hopper 20 may be of the structure as per the embodiment shown in Fig. 4. It is desired that the bottom of the sub-hopper 12 be provided with an incline surface having an angle more than the rest angle of the toner 3. Nevertheless, it is not always necessary for this embodiment to provide an incline surface in excess of the rest angle of the toner 3. For example, either a horizontal surface or an incline surface having an angle less than the rest angle of the toner 3 may also be provided. It is also admissible to conjoin an incline surface more than the rest angle of the toner 3, another incline surface less than the rest angle of the toner 3 and a horizontal surface together. Further, the tip end S of the projection 20b may be juxtaposed the peak P of the conjunctional portion of the first and second wall portions 20c and 20d as shown in Fig. 11. According to the invention, a carrier stopper which projects itself from the interior of the hopper near the toner outlet of this hopper and faces the toner/carrier roller is provided. Since magnetic carrier is stored in space formed between the carrier stopper and the toner/carrier roller, the carrier is constantly held near the toner/carrier roller. This in turn allows the toner density and the amount of the carrier on the toner/carrier roller to be held constant. As a result, quality image can stably be recorded. Furthermore, the apparatus of the invention correctly adjusts the volume of space formed between the carrier stopper and the toner/carrier roller and the amount of magnetic carrier stored in this space so that the blend ratio of the toner and the carrier on the toner/carrier roller can remain in a range from 20% to a maximum of 90%. As a result, due to provision of the carrier stopper, scatter of the carrier all over the hopper surface can be minimized, and yet, the blend ratio of the toner and the carrier on the toner/carrier roller can constantly be held in a range from 20% to a maximum of 90%, thus making it possible for the system to stably develop distinct image all the time.

Claims: A depeloping apparatus comprising: a hopper means (20) for storing toner (3) and carrier (4) including a front wall (20a), an opposing inclined rear wall (20g) and a bottom wall (20c, 20d) extending from the inclined rear wall (20g) towards the front wall (20a) and forming an opening between the bottom edge of the front wall (20a) and the bottom wall (20c, 20d); a roller means (1) for transferring toner (3) and carrier (4) which is disposed in said opening such that a part of said roller means (1) extends into said hopper means (20), wherein said roller means (1) includes a rotatable circular sleeve (la) and a rotary magnet (1b) coaxially provided in said circular sleeve (1a); a carrier stopper means (20b) provided inside of the front wall (20a) proximate the opening; and a space (11) between the carrier stopper (20b) and the roller means (1) wherein toner (3) and carrier (4) stored in said space (11) is blended by the conjunctional effect of the rotation of the circular sleeve (la) and the rotary magnet (1b), whereby said carrier stopper (20b) prevents carrier (4) from scattering outside said space (11); characterized in that said carrier stopper (20b) has an arced surface concentrically opposing the upper portion of the part of the roller means (1) extending into the hopper means (20); in that the bottom wall (20c, 20d) of said hopper means (20) is formed by a first portion (20c) proximate the inclinded rear wall (20g) and having an arced section, and a second portion (20d) which extends from a tip (P) of said first portion (20c) to the opening and has an inclined surface; and in that said carrier stopper means (20b) has a tip (S) close to the inclined surface of said second portion (20d) of the bottom wall, thus forming a sub-hopper (12) between said inclined surface of said second portion (20d) of the bottom wall and said tip (S) of said carrier stopper means (20b), whereby the tip (S) of said carrier stopper means (20b) is at a position lower than the tip (P) between the first and second portion of the bottom wall (20c, 20d). The developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said carrier stopper means (20b) has an inclined surface having an angle in excess of an angle of rest on the side opposite from said arced surface. The developing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second portion (20d) of the bottom wall concentrically opposes a lower portion of the part of the roller means (1). The developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said second portion (20d)of the bottom wall has a projection (20e) which is provided on said inclined surface and has a plane surface. The developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said inclined surface of said second portion (20d) of the bottom wall has an angle in excess of an angle of rest. The developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said carrier stopper means (20b) is made of a thick plate member (20f) having a vertical surface perpendicularly extended from said tip (S). The developing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising a toner transferring means (6) which is provided in said hopper means (20) for transferring toner (3) to said roller means (1). The developing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that said transferring means is an agitator (6) which is rotatably provided in said hopper means (20). The developing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that said agitator (6) comprises a cylindrical shaft (6c) and a pair of rectangular members (6a, 6b) secured to said shaft (6c) in opposition from each other. The developing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that said agitator (6) comprises a pair of elastic members (21, 22) which respectively project from said rectangular members (6a, 6b) and are secured to said rectangular members (6a, 6b).

Inventors: ARAI SEIJI INTELLECT PROP DIV, FUJII YASUO INTELLECT PROP DIV, FUKUYAMA HIROTAKA INTELLECT PR, HASHIZUME HIROSHI INTELLECT PR, HUKASAWA JIRO, IGUCHI MICHIHISA INTELLECT PRO, ISHIKAWA MASAAKI INTELLECT PRO, KOIZUMI SEIICHI, MARUTA MASATOSHI, NAKAMURA TETSUYA INTELLECT PRO, NISHINA SHUJI, SATO KOICHIRO INTELLECT PROP D, TAKAGI TOSHIO INTELLECT PROP D, ARAI, SEIJI, INTELLECT. PROP. DIV., FUJII, YASUO, INTELLECT. PROP. DIV., FUKUYAMA, HIROTAKA, INTELLECT. PROP. DIV., HASHIZUME, HIROSHI, INTELLECT. PROP. DIV., HUKASAWA, JIRO, IGUCHI, MICHIHISA, INTELLECT. PROP. DIV., ISHIKAWA, MASAAKI, INTELLECT. PROP. DIV., KOIZUMI, SEIICHI, MARUTA, MASATOSHI, NAKAMURA, TETSUYA, INTELLECT. PROP. DIV., NISHINA, SHUJI, SATO, KOICHIRO, INTELLECT. PROP. DIV., TAKAGI, TOSHIO, INTELLECT. PROP. DIV.
Applicants: TOSHIBA KK, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
Application year: 1990
Main classification: G03G15
IPC codes: G03G15