Patent Description:
A container device disclosed by <CIT> includes a container that contains developer; a transporting member including a shaft and a transporting portion, the shaft being rotatably supported by the container, the transporting portion being supported by the shaft and configured to transport the developer in the container when the shaft rotates; and a pathway provided in the transporting member and through which air is allowed to pass in the axial direction of the shaft. <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> are further prior art documents relating to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Some of developing devices configured to perform development on an image carrier have thereinside a path along which developer moves.

If any path along which developer moves is provided not as a part of a housing but as a tubular member provided separately from the housing or any other member, a problem tends to occur that, for example, some developer may enter the gap between the tubular member and a support that supports the tubular member.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a developing device and an image forming apparatus in each of which developer is less likely to enter the gap between a tubular member through which the developer passes and a support that supports the tubular member than in a configuration in which no mechanism is provided for blocking the developer from entering the gap between the tubular member through which the developer passes and the support that supports the tubular member.

The invention is defined in claim <NUM>, preferred embodiments are seen in the dependent claims. According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a developing device including a tubular member through which developer is to be transported, an end support that supports an end of the tubular member, and a blocking member that extends over an end face of the tubular member and the end support and that blocks the developer from entering a gap between an outer peripheral surface of the tubular member and the end support. The developing device further includes a pressing member that is pressed against the end support and has a developer passageway through which the developer coming from the tubular member passes or the developer advancing toward the tubular member passes, and an elastic member that is provided between the end support and the pressing member. Furthermore, the blocking member supports the elastic member.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the developing device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the end support has a flat face lying in an extension plane obtained by extending the end face, and the blocking member extends over the end face and the flat face.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the developing device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the blocking member is bonded to both the end face and the flat face.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the developing device according to the second or third aspect of the present disclosure, the blocking member is in a form of a plate extending along the end face and the flat face.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the developing device according to the first to fourth aspects of the present disclosure, the blocking member has a higher rigidity than the elastic member.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the developing device according to the first to fourth aspects of the present disclosure, the end support has an opening through which the developer coming from the developer passageway provided in the pressing member passes, or an opening through which the developer advancing toward the developer passageway passes. Furthermore, the blocking member reaches a peripheral edge of the opening of the end support.

According to an seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the developing device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the elastic member reaches the peripheral edge of the opening of the end support.

According to a eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an image forming apparatus including an image carrier, and a developing device configured to form an image on the image carrier by performing development on the image carrier. Furthermore, the developing device includes the developing device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present disclosure.

According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the developer is less likely to enter the gap between the tubular member through which the developer is to be transported and the support that supports the tubular member than in a case where no mechanism is provided for suppressing the entry of the developer into the gap between the tubular member through which the developer is to be transported and the support that supports the tubular member. Further, the shape of the elastic member is maintained more easily than in a case where the blocking member does not support the elastic member.

According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the fixing of the blocking member to both the flat face of the end support and the end face of the tubular member is easier than in a case where the flat face of the end support is displaced from the extension plane obtained by extending the end face of the tubular member.

According to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the developer is less likely to enter the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member and the end support than in a case where the blocking member is bonded to only one of the end face and the flat face.

According to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the work of fixing the blocking member is simpler than in a case where the blocking member is a curved member.

According to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the ease of work in the fixing of the blocking member with the elastic member fixed thereto is greater than in a case where the blocking member has a lower rigidity than the elastic member.

According to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the number of components to be used in fixing the blocking member to the peripheral edge of the opening of the end support is smaller than in a case where the blocking member does not reach the peripheral edge of the opening of the end support.

According to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the number of components to be used in fixing the elastic member to the peripheral edge of the opening of the end support is smaller than in a case where the elastic member does not reach the peripheral edge of the opening of the end support.

According to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the developer is less likely to enter the gap between the tubular member through which the developer is to be transported and the support that supports the tubular member than in a case where no mechanism is provided for suppressing the entry of the developer into the gap between the tubular member through which the developer is to be transported and the support that supports the tubular member.

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> illustrates an image forming apparatus <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment. The image forming apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is viewed from the front side.

The image forming apparatus <NUM> is of a so-called tandem type and employs an intermediate transfer scheme.

The image forming apparatus <NUM> includes a plurality of image forming units <NUM>, which are configured to form an image to be transferred to a sheet P, an exemplary recording medium.

Each image forming unit <NUM> includes a photoconductor drum <NUM>, which is an exemplary image carrier and on which a toner image to be transferred to a sheet P is formed by using a developer containing a toner. In other words, the image forming unit <NUM> is configured to form a toner image to be transferred to a sheet P on the photoconductor drum <NUM> by using developer particles.

The developer according to the present exemplary embodiment is composed of a dry carrier and a dry toner. The image forming unit <NUM> forms a toner image on the photoconductor drum <NUM> by using the carrier and the toner.

The plurality of image forming units <NUM>, six in total, form respective toner images on the respective photoconductor drums <NUM> by using respective developers that are of different kinds.

In the present exemplary embodiment, four of the six image forming units <NUM> form toner images from developers having basic colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

The remaining two image forming units <NUM> form toner images from developers having nonbasic colors, such as a clear color, white, gold, silver, pink, green, orange, and the like.

The developers having nonbasic colors may each alternatively be a developer containing a magnetic toner, or a developer containing an electrically conductive toner. Furthermore, a developer containing a toner that emits light by receiving light such as ultraviolet light or infrared light may also be employed as a developer having a nonbasic color.

While the present exemplary embodiment employs a so-called two-component developer that is a mixture of a carrier and a toner, the developer is not limited thereto and may be a so-called single-component developer composed of a toner alone.

The image forming apparatus <NUM> further includes an intermediate transfer belt <NUM> and first-transfer units <NUM>. In the first-transfer unit <NUM>, the toner images formed by the respective image forming units <NUM> are to be transferred to the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>.

The image forming apparatus <NUM> further includes a second-transfer unit <NUM>, in which the toner images transferred to the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> are to be transferred to a sheet P.

The image forming apparatus <NUM> further includes a fixing device <NUM>, in which the toner images transferred to the sheet P are fixed thereon.

The image forming apparatus <NUM> further includes a controller <NUM>, which includes a central processing unit (CPU) configured to execute programs to control relevant elements included in the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

The image forming apparatus <NUM> further includes a user interface (UI) <NUM>, which includes a display panel or the like and is configured to receive instructions from the user and to provide relevant information to the user.

The image forming units <NUM> include respective developing devices <NUM>. The image forming units <NUM> further include respective developer refilling devices <NUM>, which are configured to refill the respective developing devices <NUM> with the respective developers.

The developing devices <NUM> are configured to visualize, by using the respective toners, electrostatic latent images that are formed on the respective photoconductor drums <NUM>. In other words, the developing devices <NUM> perform development on the respective photoconductor drums <NUM> serving as image carriers, and thus form images composed of the respective toners on the photoconductor drums <NUM>.

The developer refilling devices <NUM> are configured to refill the developing devices <NUM> with the developers. As described above, the developers are each composed of a carrier and a toner, and the developer refilling devices <NUM> each refill the corresponding developing device <NUM> with the carrier and the toner that compose the corresponding developer. In the present exemplary embodiment, the carrier has positive charging polarity, whereas the toner has a negative charge polarity.

In each image forming unit <NUM>, the photoconductor drum <NUM> serving as an exemplary image carrier rotates in the direction of arrow A.

Each image forming unit <NUM> further includes a charging device <NUM>, which is configured to charge the photoconductor drum <NUM>; and a laser exposure device <NUM>, which is an exemplary exposure device and is configured to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the laser exposure device <NUM> emits an exposure beam Bm. As an alternative exposure device, a device including another light source such as a light-emitting diode (LED) may be employed.

In correspondence with the image forming units <NUM>, first-transfer rolls <NUM> are provided to transfer the toner images formed on the photoconductor drums <NUM> to the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> in the respective first-transfer units <NUM>. Each image forming unit <NUM> further includes a drum cleaner <NUM>, which is configured to remove developer particles remaining on the photoconductor drum <NUM>.

The intermediate transfer belt <NUM> is to be rotated at a predetermined speed in the direction of arrow B given in <FIG> by a driving roll <NUM>, which is to be driven by a motor (not illustrated).

The first-transfer rolls <NUM> included in the first-transfer units <NUM> are located across the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> from the respective photoconductor drums <NUM>. The toner images formed on the respective photoconductor drums <NUM> are sequentially attracted to the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> with an electrostatic force, thereby being superposed one on top of another to form an integrated toner image (hereinafter also simply referred to as "toner image") on the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>.

The second-transfer unit <NUM> is an exemplary transfer unit and includes a second-transfer roll <NUM>, which is positioned facing the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>; and a backup roll <NUM>, which is positioned facing the inner surface of the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the integrated toner image composed of the toner images formed by the image forming units <NUM> and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> is transferred by the second-transfer unit <NUM> to a sheet P transported to the second-transfer unit <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a reversing mechanism <NUM> is provided to reverse the sheet P.

The reversing mechanism <NUM> turns over the sheet P having the toner image transferred to one side thereof in the second-transfer unit <NUM>, and supplies the sheet P to the second-transfer unit <NUM> again.

Hence, in the present exemplary embodiment, the formation of a toner image is performable on both sides of the sheet P.

Specifically, the reversing mechanism <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a branch path R2, which branches off from a sheet transport path R1 and into which the sheet P exited from the fixing device <NUM> and is to be turned over is sent. More specifically, in the reversing mechanism <NUM>, after the sheet P passes through a branch point BP, the sheet P is transported backward and is sent into the branch path R2.

The branch path R2 meets the sheet transport path R1 at a position upstream of the second-transfer unit <NUM>. Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the sheet P that has been turned over is supplied to the second-transfer unit <NUM> again. In such a case, the formation of a toner image is performed not only on one side of the sheet P but also on the other side of the sheet P; that is, toner images are formed on both sides of the sheet P.

The entire flow of operations performed by the image forming apparatus <NUM> is as follows.

The image forming apparatus <NUM> receives image data from, for example, an image reading device or a computer (not illustrated). The received image data is processed. Thus, pieces of image data for the respective image forming units <NUM> are generated.

For example, the following pieces of image data are generated: pieces of image data to be used in forming images from the developers having the basic colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black; and pieces of image data to be used in forming images from the developers having nonbasic colors. The pieces of image data thus generated are outputted to the respective laser exposure devices <NUM> included in the respective image forming units <NUM>.

In accordance with the pieces of image data received, the laser exposure devices <NUM> apply to the photoconductor drums <NUM> respective exposure beams Bm emitted from, for example, respective semiconductor lasers.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the charging devices <NUM> charge the surfaces of the respective photoconductor drums <NUM>, and then the laser exposure devices <NUM> perform scan exposure on the respective charged surfaces. Thus, electrostatic latent images are formed on the surfaces of the respective photoconductor drums <NUM>.

Subsequently, the developing devices <NUM> perform development, whereby toner images are formed on the respective photoconductor drums <NUM>. The toner images are then transferred to the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> by the respective first-transfer units <NUM> to be integrated.

With the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>, the integrated toner image on the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> moves to the second-transfer unit <NUM>. Meanwhile, transporting rolls <NUM> and other relevant elements transport a sheet P from a first sheet container <NUM> or a second sheet container <NUM> to the second-transfer unit <NUM>.

Then, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> is electrostatically transferred to the sheet P in the second-transfer unit <NUM>.

The sheet P thus having the toner image transferred thereto is released from the intermediate transfer belt <NUM> and is received by a transporting belt <NUM>. The transporting belt <NUM> transports the sheet P to the fixing device <NUM>.

The sheet P received by the fixing device <NUM> is heated and pressed by the fixing device <NUM>. Thus, the toner image is fixed on the sheet P. Eventually, the sheet P is discharged from the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

If another toner image is to be formed on the other side of the sheet P, the sheet P exited from the fixing device <NUM> is sent into the branch path R2 and is supplied to the second-transfer unit <NUM> again.

In the second-transfer unit <NUM>, another toner image is transferred to the other side of the sheet P. Then, the sheet P passes through the fixing device <NUM> again, whereby the toner image transferred to the other side of the sheet P is also fixed.

The developing device <NUM> will now be described.

<FIG> is a top view of the developing device <NUM>.

The developing device <NUM> is set in the image forming apparatus <NUM> in such a manner as to extend in the depthwise direction of the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The developing device <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, which are at different positions in the longitudinal direction.

When the developing device <NUM> is set in the image forming apparatus <NUM>, the first end <NUM> is positioned on the rear side of the image forming apparatus <NUM>, whereas the second end <NUM> is positioned on the front side of the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

The developing device <NUM> includes at the first end <NUM> thereof a driving-force receiver <NUM>, which is configured to receive a driving force.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the driving-force receiver <NUM> receives a driving force transmitted from a drive source (not illustrated), such as a motor, provided in the body of the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

The driving-force receiver <NUM> is linked to transporting members and other relevant elements (to be described below) included in the developing device <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, when the driving force of the drive source is transmitted to the driving-force receiver <NUM>, the transporting members and other relevant elements rotate.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the members that rotate by receiving the driving force from the drive source are the following four members: a first-direction transporting member, a second-direction transporting member, a counter member, and a lower transporting member, as to be described below. The driving-force receiver <NUM> may be provided for each of the four members. In that case, the four driving-force receivers <NUM> may individually receive the driving force from the drive sources.

Such driving-force receivers <NUM> to be provided may be fewer than the above four members; that is, a configuration with a single driving-force receiver <NUM> is also acceptable. Furthermore, the developing device <NUM> may include a transmitting mechanism (not illustrated) through which the driving force of the drive source that is received by the driving-force receiver <NUM> is transmitted to the four members.

<FIG> is a sectional view of the developing device <NUM>, taken along line III-III given in <FIG>. The section illustrated in <FIG> is taken in a longitudinally central part of the developing device <NUM>.

In the developing device <NUM>, a first-direction movement path <NUM> is provided for the developer to move in a first direction.

Furthermore, in the developing device <NUM>, a second-direction movement path <NUM> is provided for the developer to move in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction. The second-direction movement path <NUM> is located lower than the first-direction movement path <NUM>.

In the first-direction movement path <NUM>, the developer moves toward the far side in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the page in <FIG>. In the second-direction movement path <NUM>, the developer moves toward the near side in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the page in <FIG>.

The first-direction movement path <NUM> is provided with a first-direction transporting member <NUM>, which is configured to transport the developer. In the present exemplary embodiment, when the first-direction transporting member <NUM> rotates about a rotation shaft <NUM>, extending along the first-direction movement path <NUM>, the developer moves toward the far side.

Specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, when the first-direction transporting member <NUM> rotates by receiving the driving force transmitted thereto through the driving-force receiver <NUM> (see <FIG>) described above, the developer moves toward the far side.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first-direction transporting member <NUM> transports the developer in the direction toward the far side, which is regarded as the first direction. The first-direction transporting member <NUM> is a rotatable member that is rotatable about an axial center 410A, which extends in the first direction.

The second-direction movement path <NUM> is provided with a second-direction transporting member <NUM>, which is configured to transport the developer. The second-direction transporting member <NUM> is located lower than the first-direction transporting member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the second-direction transporting member <NUM> rotates about a rotation shaft <NUM>, extending along the second-direction movement path <NUM>, the developer moves toward the near side.

Specifically, when the second-direction transporting member <NUM> rotates by receiving the driving force transmitted thereto through the driving-force receiver <NUM> described above, the developer moves toward the near side.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the second-direction transporting member <NUM> transports the developer in the second direction that is opposite to the first direction described above.

At a position to the left of the first-direction transporting member <NUM>, a counter member <NUM> is provided facing the photoconductor drum <NUM> serving as an exemplary image carrier.

The counter member <NUM> is configured to supply the photoconductor drum <NUM> with the developer that is supplied from the first-direction transporting member <NUM>. In other words, the counter member <NUM> receives the developer from the first-direction transporting member <NUM> and supplies the received developer to the photoconductor drum <NUM>.

The counter member <NUM> is a circular cylindrical member. The counter member <NUM> is made of, for example, metal such as stainless used steel (SUS).

When the counter member <NUM> receives the driving force transmit thereto through the driving-force receiver <NUM>, the counter member <NUM> rotates about an axial center <NUM> counterclockwise in <FIG>, thereby moving the developer received from the first-direction transporting member <NUM> and adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the counter member <NUM> to the photoconductor drum <NUM>.

Thus, the developer is supplied to the photoconductor drum <NUM>, and the toner contained in the developer adheres to the surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the counter member <NUM> and the first-direction transporting member <NUM> are positioned such that the axial center 410A of the first-direction transporting member <NUM> is located higher than the axial center <NUM> of the counter member <NUM>.

The counter member <NUM> is a rotatable member that is rotatable about the axial center <NUM>, which extends in the first direction described above. The first-direction transporting member <NUM> is also a rotatable member that is rotatable about the axial center 410A extending in the first direction described above.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a first movement stopper <NUM> is provided between the counter member <NUM> and the first-direction transporting member <NUM> and stops the movement of some of the developer coming from the first-direction transporting member <NUM> toward the counter member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, some of the developer in the first-direction movement path <NUM> that goes over the first movement stopper <NUM> is supplied to the counter member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a lower transporting member <NUM> is provided at a position lower than the counter member <NUM>. The lower transporting member <NUM> is a rotatable member that is rotatable about an axial center 440A, which extends in the first direction described above.

The lower transporting member <NUM> is located closer to the photoconductor drum <NUM> than the second-direction transporting member <NUM>.

The lower transporting member <NUM> and the second-direction transporting member <NUM> both extend in the first direction described above but are displaced from each other in the horizontal direction.

The lower transporting member <NUM> is configured to transport the developer, released from the counter member <NUM>, toward the far side in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the page in <FIG>.

Specifically, the lower transporting member <NUM> is configured to receive the developer released from the counter member <NUM> and transport the developer in the first direction described above to supply the developer to a first end of the second-direction transporting member <NUM> (details will be described separately below).

When the lower transporting member <NUM> receives the driving force transmitted thereto through the driving-force receiver <NUM>, the lower transporting member <NUM> rotates, thereby transporting the developer released from the counter member <NUM> toward the far side in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the page in <FIG>.

The lower transporting member <NUM> is provided in a lower movement path <NUM>, which is located closer to the photoconductor drum <NUM> than the second-direction movement path <NUM>.

The lower movement path <NUM> extends in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the page in <FIG> and is located below the counter member <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, the developer released from the counter member <NUM> moves along the lower movement path <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a second movement stopper <NUM> is provided between the lower transporting member <NUM> and the second-direction transporting member <NUM> and stops the movement of the developer from the second-direction transporting member <NUM> toward the lower transporting member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a third movement stopper <NUM> is provided between the counter member <NUM> and the second-direction transporting member <NUM> and stops the movement of the developer from the second-direction transporting member <NUM> toward the counter member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a fourth movement stopper <NUM> is provided between the first-direction transporting member <NUM> and the second-direction transporting member <NUM> and stops the movement of the developer from the first-direction transporting member <NUM> toward the second-direction transporting member <NUM> and from the second-direction transporting member <NUM> toward the first-direction transporting member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the second to fourth movement stoppers <NUM> to <NUM> are integrated altogether. That is, the second to fourth movement stoppers <NUM> to <NUM> as a whole form a single component.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a fifth movement stopper <NUM> is provided between the counter member <NUM> and the lower transporting member <NUM> and stops the movement of the developer from the lower transporting member <NUM> toward the counter member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a magnetic roll 145B is provided inside the counter member <NUM>.

The magnetic roll 145B includes five magnetic poles <NUM> to <NUM>, which are arranged side by side in the peripheral direction of the magnetic roll 145B.

The magnetic pole <NUM> serves as a pick-up pole and attracts the developer supplied from the first-direction movement path <NUM>. Thus, the developer adheres to the surface of the counter member <NUM>.

The magnetic poles <NUM> to <NUM> serve as transporting poles and transport the developer on the surface of the counter member <NUM> toward the downstream side in the direction of rotation of the counter member <NUM>.

At a position downstream of the magnetic pole <NUM> but upstream of the magnetic pole <NUM> in the direction of rotation of the counter member <NUM>, a counter regulator <NUM> is provided facing the outer peripheral surface of the counter member <NUM>.

The counter regulator <NUM> faces the counter member <NUM> with a gap in between.

The counter regulator <NUM> stops the movement of some of the developer adhered to the surface of the counter member <NUM>, thereby regulating the thickness of the developer on the surface of the counter member <NUM> to a predetermined thickness.

In other words, the counter regulator <NUM> stops the movement of some of the developer adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the counter member <NUM> and moving toward the photoconductor drum <NUM> with the rotation of the counter member <NUM>.

While the developer on the surface of the counter member <NUM> is moving toward the downstream side in the direction of rotation of the counter member <NUM>, the developer moves to the surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM> serving as an exemplary image carrier, whereby the toner contained in the developer adheres to the photoconductor drum <NUM>.

This is how development is performed, in which an image composed of the toner is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum <NUM>.

The image thus obtained is temporarily carried by the photoconductor drum <NUM> until the image reaches the first-transfer unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) with the rotation of the photoconductor drum <NUM>. Then, the image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt <NUM>.

The magnetic pole <NUM> (see <FIG>) serves as a pick-off pole and generates a repelling magnetic field with which the developer on the surface of the counter member <NUM> is released from the counter member <NUM>. The magnetic pole <NUM> causes some developer having failed to be transferred to the photoconductor drum <NUM> and remaining on the surface of the counter member <NUM> to be released from the counter member <NUM>.

The developer thus released from the counter member <NUM> drops into the lower movement path <NUM>.

The developer thus reached the lower movement path <NUM> is transported by the lower transporting member <NUM> toward the first end <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the developer <NUM>, and then moves into the second-direction movement path <NUM> (see <FIG>) (details will be described separately below).

The first-direction transporting member <NUM> (see <FIG>), the second-direction transporting member <NUM>, the counter member <NUM>, the magnetic roll 145B, and the lower transporting member <NUM> each extend in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the page in <FIG> and are parallel to one another.

The first-direction transporting member <NUM> includes the rotation shaft <NUM> extending in the longitudinal direction of the developing device <NUM>; and a projecting member <NUM>, which projects from the outer peripheral surface of the rotation shaft <NUM>.

The projecting member <NUM> spirally extends from one axial end to the other axial end of the rotation shaft <NUM>. In other words, the projecting member <NUM> is in the form of a screw.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the rotation shaft <NUM> of the first-direction transporting member <NUM> rotates, the projecting member <NUM> pushes the developer in the axial direction of the rotation shaft <NUM>, whereby the developer moves in the direction in which the rotation shaft <NUM> extends.

The second-direction transporting member <NUM> and the lower transporting member <NUM> have the same configuration as the first-direction transporting member <NUM> and include respective rotation shafts extending in the longitudinal direction of the developing device <NUM> and respective spiral projecting members.

The first-direction transporting member <NUM>, the second-direction transporting member <NUM>, the counter member <NUM>, and the lower transporting member <NUM> are rotatable members that are rotatable about the respective axial centers extending in the first direction described above.

In the present exemplary embodiment, in terms of the position in the horizontal direction, the axial center, 420A, of the second-direction transporting member <NUM> is located farther from the counter member <NUM> than the axial center 410A of the first-direction transporting member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as viewed vertically, the axial center 420A of the second-direction transporting member <NUM> is displaced from the axial center 410A of the first-direction transporting member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as viewed vertically, the axial center 440A of the lower transporting member <NUM> is displaced from the axial center <NUM> of the counter member <NUM>.

More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, in terms of the position in the horizontal direction, the axial center 440A of the lower transporting member <NUM> is located closer to the second-direction transporting member <NUM> than the axial center <NUM> of the counter member <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, in terms of the position in the vertical direction, the axial center 440A of the lower transporting member <NUM> is located lower than the axial center 420A of the second-direction transporting member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the outside diameter, 440R, of the lower transporting member <NUM> is smaller than the outside diameter, 410R, of the first-direction transporting member <NUM>. Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the number of revolutions of the lower transporting member <NUM> is greater than or equal to the number of revolutions of the first-direction transporting member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a sectional view of the developing device <NUM>, taken along line IV-IV given in <FIG>.

The section illustrated in <FIG> is taken at the second end <NUM> of the developing device <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, an upward movement path <NUM> is provided at the second end <NUM> of the developing device <NUM> and extends in the top-bottom direction.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the developer transported along the second-direction movement path <NUM> passes through the upward movement path <NUM> toward the first-direction movement path <NUM>.

Herein, the expression "to extend in the top-bottom direction" is not limited to a situation where the upward movement path <NUM> extends in the vertical direction and encompasses a situation where the upward movement path <NUM> is inclined relative to the vertical direction.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the developer transported by the second-direction transporting member <NUM> and reached the second end <NUM> of the developing device <NUM> builds up in a lower part of the upward movement path <NUM>, thereby gradually moving upward in the upward movement path <NUM>.

Thus, the developer is supplied to the first-direction transporting member <NUM>. The first-direction transporting member <NUM> receives the developer coming from the upward movement path <NUM> and transports the developer along the first-direction movement path <NUM> toward the first end <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the developing device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a sectional view of the developing device <NUM>, taken along line V-V given in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view of a section of the developing device <NUM> that is taken along line VI-VI given in <FIG>.

The section illustrated in <FIG> is taken at the first end <NUM> of the developing device <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, a downward movement path <NUM> is provided at the first end <NUM> of the developing device <NUM> and extends in the top-bottom direction.

As described above, the expression "to extend in the top-bottom direction" is not limited to a situation where the downward movement path <NUM> extends in the vertical direction and encompasses a situation where the downward movement path <NUM> is inclined relative to the vertical direction.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the developer transported along the first-direction movement path <NUM> passes through the downward movement path <NUM> toward the second-direction movement path <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the developer transported along the first-direction movement path <NUM> passes through the downward movement path <NUM> toward the second-direction movement path <NUM>. Then, the developer is transported along the second-direction movement path <NUM> toward the second end <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the developing device <NUM>.

In the developing device <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment, the four paths of the first-direction movement path <NUM>, the downward movement path <NUM>, the second-direction movement path <NUM>, and the upward movement path <NUM> (see <FIG>) form a loop-shaped developer movement path <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the developer circulates along the loop-shaped developer movement path <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, a connecting path <NUM> extends laterally and thus connects the lower movement path <NUM> and the second-direction movement path <NUM> to each other.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the connecting path <NUM> serves as a path for the developer to move from the lower transporting member <NUM> to the second-direction transporting member <NUM>.

The connecting path <NUM> is inclined obliquely upward. In other words, the connecting path <NUM> is inclined relative to both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the developer transported by the lower transporting member <NUM> along the lower movement path <NUM> passes through the connecting path <NUM> toward the second-direction movement path <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the developer that has built up at the downstream end of the lower movement path <NUM> in the direction of movement of the developer is pushed by the developer gradually transported from the upstream side, thereby passing through the connecting path <NUM> toward the second-direction movement path <NUM>.

As described above, the developing device <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment has the loop-shaped developer movement path <NUM>, and the developer circulates along the loop-shaped developer movement path <NUM>, whereby the developer is stirred.

In the present exemplary embodiment, while the developer that is being stirred is moving along the first-direction movement path <NUM> (see <FIG>), some of the developer goes over the first movement stopper <NUM> and is supplied to the counter member <NUM>, thereby adhering to the surface of the counter member <NUM>.

The developer thus adhered to the surface of the counter member <NUM> moves with the rotation of the counter member <NUM> to the position in front of the photoconductor drum <NUM> and is supplied to the photoconductor drum <NUM>.

Some developer adhered to the surface of the counter member <NUM> but failed to be supplied to the photoconductor drum <NUM> passes the position across from the magnetic pole <NUM> (see <FIG>) serving as a pick-off pole and reaches a releasing area <NUM>, where the developer is released from the counter member <NUM> and drops down.

The developer thus dropped down is received by the lower movement path <NUM> provided with the lower transporting member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the developer thus received by the lower movement path <NUM> moves along the lower movement path <NUM> and reaches an end, 193A, of the lower movement path <NUM> that is located on the downstream side in the direction of movement of the developer.

Then, the developer is pushed by the developer gradually transported from the upstream side and passes through the connecting path <NUM> into the second-direction movement path <NUM>.

The developer thus reached the second-direction movement path <NUM> continues to move along the loop-shaped developer movement path <NUM>.

<FIG> is an upper perspective view of the developing device <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the developing device <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a pipe <NUM>, which is an exemplary tubular member and extends in the longitudinal direction of the developing device <NUM>. The pipe <NUM> is made of a metal material such as stainless steel.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the metal pipe <NUM> is utilized to promote heat radiation from the developing device <NUM>.

The second-direction movement path <NUM> described above (see <FIG>) is provided inside the pipe <NUM>; that is, in the present exemplary embodiment, the developer is to be transported inside the pipe <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the second-direction transporting member <NUM> (see <FIG>) is provided inside the pipe <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as described with reference to <FIG>, the fourth movement stopper <NUM> that stops the movement of the developer between the first-direction movement path <NUM> and the second-direction movement path <NUM> is provided between the first-direction movement path <NUM> and the second-direction movement path <NUM>. A part of the fourth movement stopper <NUM> is formed of a part of the pipe <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, referring to <FIG>, information on the developer that is present in the pipe <NUM> is acquired by a sensor (not illustrated in <FIG>), which is supported by a sensor supporting member <NUM>.

The sensor supporting member <NUM> is provided outside the pipe <NUM>. The sensor supporting member <NUM> is made of a resin material. The sensor supporting member <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, which are at different positions in the peripheral direction of the pipe <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the pipe <NUM> is supported by a pipe supporting member <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, the pipe <NUM> is supported at a first end, <NUM>, and a second end, <NUM>, thereof in the axial direction by the pipe supporting member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a sectional view of the developing device <NUM>, taken along line VIII-VIII given in <FIG>.

The section illustrated in <FIG> lies in a plane passing through both the second-direction movement path <NUM> and the first-direction movement path <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG> and as described above, the first-direction movement path <NUM>, the downward movement path <NUM>, the second-direction movement path <NUM>, and the upward movement path <NUM> form the loop-shaped developer movement path <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the developer is moved along the developer movement path <NUM> by a developer moving component configured to cause the developer to circulate.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the developer moving component configured to cause the developer to circulate includes the first-direction transporting member <NUM>, the second-direction transporting member <NUM>, the drive sources configured to rotate the transporting members <NUM> and <NUM>, the first-direction movement path <NUM>, the downward movement path <NUM>, the second-direction movement path <NUM>, the upward movement path <NUM>, and other relevant elements.

The directions of movement of the developer in the first-direction movement path <NUM>, in the downward movement path <NUM>, in the second-direction movement path <NUM>, and in the upward movement path <NUM> are represented by respective arrows 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D.

In the first-direction movement path <NUM>, as represented by arrow 8A in <FIG>, the developer moves along the first-direction movement path <NUM> toward the downward movement path <NUM>.

Then, as represented by arrow 8B, the developer moves along the downward movement path <NUM> toward the second-direction movement path <NUM>.

Furthermore, as represented by arrow 8C, the developer moves along the second-direction movement path <NUM> toward the upward movement path <NUM>.

Subsequently, as represented by arrow 8D, the developer moves along the upward movement path <NUM> toward the first-direction movement path <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the combination of the first-direction transporting member <NUM>, the second-direction transporting member <NUM>, the drive sources configured to rotate the transporting members <NUM> and <NUM>, the first-direction movement path <NUM>, the downward movement path <NUM>, the second-direction movement path <NUM>, the upward movement path <NUM>, and other relevant elements is also regarded as a supplying mechanism, <NUM>, configured to supply the developer to the counter member <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The supplying mechanism <NUM>, which is an exemplary supplying component, has a function of stirring the developer and is configured to supply the stirred developer to the counter member <NUM>.

The supplying mechanism <NUM> stirs the developer by causing the developer to circulate and supplies the stirred developer to the counter member <NUM>.

The supplying mechanism <NUM> sends the developer to the first-direction transporting member <NUM> and rotates the first-direction transporting member <NUM>, thereby supplying the developer to the counter member <NUM> by using the first-direction transporting member <NUM>.

As described above, the first-direction transporting member <NUM> includes the spiral projecting member <NUM> (see <FIG>). In the area where the first-direction transporting member <NUM> is located, the developer that is pushed by the projecting member <NUM> moves toward the counter member <NUM>.

In the area where the first-direction transporting member <NUM> is located, the developer moves toward the downstream side while being pushed toward the counter member <NUM> by the projecting member <NUM>.

Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment, the developer transported by the first-direction transporting member <NUM> moves toward the counter member <NUM> and is supplied to the counter member <NUM>. More specifically, the developer transported by the first-direction transporting member <NUM> goes over the first movement stopper <NUM> (see <FIG>) and is supplied to the counter member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a sectional view of the developing device <NUM>, taken along line IX-IX given in <FIG>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, while the developer is moving along the first-direction movement path <NUM> toward the downstream side, the developer in the first-direction movement path <NUM> moves as represented by arrow 9A toward the counter member <NUM>.

While the developer is moving along the first-direction movement path <NUM> toward the downstream side, the developer in the first-direction movement path <NUM> is pushed toward the counter member <NUM>, whereby the developer is supplied to the counter member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the developer thus supplied to the counter member <NUM> then moves toward the lower transporting member <NUM> as represented by arrow 9B. In other words, the developer failed to be transferred to the photoconductor drum <NUM> and remaining on the surface of the counter member <NUM> is released from the counter member <NUM> and drops into the lower transporting member <NUM>.

In the area where the lower transporting member <NUM> is located, as represented by arrow 10A in <FIG>, the lower transporting member <NUM> transports the developer to the connecting path <NUM>.

The developer thus reached the connecting path <NUM> advances through the connecting path <NUM> to the second-direction movement path <NUM> provided in the supplying mechanism <NUM>. Thus, the developer is supplied to a first end, 420E, of the second-direction transporting member <NUM>.

The second-direction transporting member <NUM> is one of the constituents of the above-described supplying mechanism <NUM> having a function of stirring the developer.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the developer released from the counter member <NUM> is transported by the lower transporting member <NUM> to the supplying mechanism <NUM> having a function of stirring the developer.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the pipe <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the pipe <NUM> as an exemplary tubular member has in a longitudinally central part thereof an opening <NUM>, through which the inside and the outside of the pipe <NUM> communicate with each other. The opening <NUM> is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the pipe <NUM>. The opening <NUM> has a rectangular shape. The longitudinal direction of the pipe <NUM> coincides with the axial direction of the pipe <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the sensor (not illustrated) configured to acquire information on the developer that is present in the pipe <NUM> and the sensor supporting member <NUM> (see <FIG>) supporting the sensor are provided at the opening <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the pipe supporting member <NUM>.

As an exemplary tube supporting member, the pipe supporting member <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, which are at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the pipe supporting member <NUM>.

The first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> are provided with respective end supports <NUM>, which support the first end <NUM> (see <FIG>) and the second end <NUM> of the pipe <NUM> (not illustrated in <FIG>) in the longitudinal direction.

The end supports <NUM> include respective annular parts 734A. In the present exemplary embodiment, the pipe <NUM> extends through the annular parts 734A, thereby being supported by the pipe supporting member <NUM>.

The shape of the part of each of the end supports <NUM> that is in contact with the pipe <NUM> is not limited to an annular shape as in the present exemplary embodiment and may be any other shape such as a U shape.

The end supports <NUM> further include respective projecting members <NUM>, which project upward in <FIG>.

The projecting members <NUM> each have a U shape as viewed in the direction of arrow 11A given in <FIG>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the projecting members <NUM> are projected in the longitudinal direction of the pipe supporting member <NUM> onto a virtual plane <NUM>, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, the projecting members <NUM> each have a U shape.

The pipe supporting member <NUM> also serves as part of a housing of the developing device <NUM> while being present inside the developing device <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the pipe supporting member <NUM> is partially exposed to the outside of the developing device <NUM>.

The pipe supporting member <NUM> also supports other members in addition to the pipe <NUM>.

For example, the pipe supporting member <NUM> supports the second-direction transporting member <NUM> (not illustrated in <FIG>) with a bearing (not illustrated) interposed therebetween. The second-direction transporting member <NUM> extends through the U-shaped projecting members <NUM> (see <FIG>).

<FIG> is an enlargement of a part at the first end <NUM> of the pipe supporting member <NUM>. <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII given in <FIG>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as described above and as illustrated in <FIG>, the pipe supporting member <NUM> includes at the first end <NUM> thereof the end support <NUM> that supports the first end <NUM> of the pipe <NUM> in the longitudinal direction.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the end support <NUM> includes the annular part 734A. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first end <NUM> of the pipe <NUM> extends through the annular part 734A of the end support <NUM>, whereby the first end <NUM> of the pipe <NUM> is supported by the end support <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, a blocking member <NUM> is provided to block the developer from entering the gap between the outer peripheral surface, 700C, of the pipe <NUM> and the inner peripheral surface, 734C, of the annular part 734A of the end support <NUM>.

The blocking member <NUM> extends over an end face, 700E, of the pipe <NUM> and an end face, 734E, of the annular part 734A.

The end support <NUM> has a flat face <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, the end face 734E of the annular part 734A is the flat face <NUM>. The flat face <NUM> lies in an extension plane <NUM>, which is obtained by extending the end face 700E of the pipe <NUM>.

Herein, the term "extension plane <NUM>" refers to a virtual plane obtained by extending the end face 700E of the pipe <NUM>.

The end support <NUM> has the end face 734E. In the present exemplary embodiment, the end face 734E of the end support <NUM> lies in the extension plane <NUM> obtained by extending the end face 700E of the pipe <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the flat face <NUM> of the end support <NUM> also lies in the extension plane <NUM> obtained by extending the end face 700E of the pipe <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the blocking member <NUM> extends over the end face 700E of the pipe <NUM> and the end face 734E of the end support <NUM>. Furthermore, the blocking member <NUM> extends over the end face 700E of the pipe <NUM> and the flat face <NUM> of the end support <NUM>.

The blocking member <NUM> is bonded to both the end face 700E of the pipe <NUM> and the flat face <NUM> of the end support <NUM>.

More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, double-sided adhesive tape <NUM> is provided between the blocking member <NUM> and both the end face 700E of the pipe <NUM> and the flat face <NUM> of the end support <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the double-sided adhesive tape <NUM> bonds the blocking member <NUM> to both the end face 700E and the flat face <NUM>.

The blocking member <NUM> is in the form of a plate extending along the end face 700E and the flat face <NUM>. The blocking member <NUM> is made of a resin material.

The resin material for the blocking member <NUM> is not particularly limited. The resin material may be, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alternatively, the blocking member <NUM> may be made of, for example, a metal material.

The element that fixes the blocking member <NUM> to the end face 700E and the flat face <NUM> is not limited to the double-sided adhesive tape <NUM> and may be common adhesive.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the pipe <NUM> has a circular cylindrical shape, and the end face 700E of the pipe <NUM> correspondingly has an annular shape. In the present exemplary embodiment, the blocking member <NUM> is fixed to the annular end face 700E over the entire periphery of the end face 700E.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the flat face <NUM> of the end support <NUM> surrounds the annular end face 700E. That is, in the present exemplary embodiment, the flat face <NUM> also includes an annular part. In the present exemplary embodiment, the blocking member <NUM> is also fixed to the annular part of the flat face <NUM> over the entire periphery of the annular part.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, a pressing member <NUM> is pressed against the end support <NUM>.

While the end support <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> are spaced apart from each other, in the process of manufacturing the developing device <NUM>, the pressing member <NUM> is fixed to the end support <NUM> in such a manner as to be pressed against the end support <NUM>.

In the process of fixing the pressing member <NUM> to the end support <NUM>, projecting members, <NUM>, provided on the pressing member <NUM> are fitted into respective holes, <NUM>, provided in the end support <NUM>.

Thus, the pressing member <NUM> is positioned relative to the end support <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the blocking member <NUM> and an elastic member <NUM> (to be described below) each have through-holes <NUM>, which receive the respective projecting members <NUM> of the pressing member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the downward movement path <NUM> described above is provided inside the pressing member <NUM>.

Specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, the pressing member <NUM> has thereinside the downward movement path <NUM>, and the downward movement path <NUM> serves as an exemplary developer passageway for the developer to move from the first-direction movement path <NUM> toward the pipe <NUM>.

In other words, in the present exemplary embodiment, the pressing member <NUM> has thereinside the downward movement path <NUM> through which the circulating developer passes.

The direction of circulation of the developer is not limited to the direction illustrated in <FIG> and may be opposite to the direction illustrated in <FIG>.

If the developer circulates in the opposite direction, the developer coming from the pipe <NUM> passes through the developer passageway provided inside the pressing member <NUM> (see <FIG>) toward the first-direction movement path <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, not only the blocking member <NUM> but also the elastic member <NUM> is provided.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the pressing member <NUM> is fixed to the end support <NUM> (see <FIG>), the elastic member <NUM> (see <FIG>) is positioned between the end support <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when the pressing member <NUM> is fixed to the end support <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM> is nipped by the end support <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> and is thus compressed.

The blocking member <NUM> is also nipped by the end support <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the elastic member <NUM> suppresses the leakage of the developer from the gap between the end support <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM>.

The material for the elastic member <NUM> is not particularly limited. The material for the elastic member <NUM> may be, for example, a resin material such as polyurethane. As another example, the elastic member <NUM> may be made of rubber or the like.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the elastic member <NUM> is also in the form of a plate.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the blocking member <NUM> supports the elastic member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, double-sided adhesive tape <NUM> is provided between the blocking member <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM>, whereby the elastic member <NUM> is fixed to the blocking member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the area of the blocking member <NUM> in front view is greater than the area of the elastic member <NUM> in front view.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the area of the blocking member <NUM> as viewed in a direction represented by arrow 12F given in <FIG> is greater than the area of the elastic member <NUM> as viewed in the direction of arrow 12F given in <FIG>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, in the front view of the blocking member <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM> does not project outward relative to the peripheral edge of the blocking member <NUM> (see <FIG>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the blocking member <NUM> in the form of a plate has edges 910F.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a present area <NUM> and an absent area <NUM> are defined on the opposite sides of each of the edges 910F, as denoted by 13X and 13Y.

The present area <NUM> refers to an area where the blocking member <NUM> is present. The absent area <NUM> refers to an area where the blocking member <NUM> is absent.

In the present exemplary embodiment, in the front view of the blocking member <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM> is present within the two present areas <NUM> where the blocking member <NUM> is present, whereas the elastic member <NUM> is absent in both of the two absent areas <NUM> where the blocking member <NUM> is absent.

If the elastic member <NUM> is present in at least one of the absent areas <NUM>, that part of the elastic member <NUM> may be mixed into the developer.

If the elastic member <NUM> is present in at least one of the absent areas <NUM>, a part of the elastic member <NUM> that is present in the absent area <NUM> is not nipped by the blocking member <NUM> and the pressing member <NUM> (see <FIG>) and is therefore free from restraint.

In such a case, the part of the elastic member <NUM> that is present in the absent area <NUM> is more likely to be chipped off than the other part of the elastic member <NUM>, and such a chipped part of the elastic member <NUM> may be mixed into the developer.

In contrast, in the present exemplary embodiment, the elastic member <NUM> does not project outward relative to the edges 910F of the blocking member <NUM> and is absent in the absent areas <NUM>. Therefore, the chipping of the elastic member <NUM> is less likely to occur. Accordingly, the mixing of the elastic member <NUM> into the developer is less likely to occur.

In the present exemplary embodiment, to place the blocking member <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM> into the developing device <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM> is first fixed to the blocking member <NUM>. Then, the blocking member <NUM> with the elastic member <NUM> fixed thereto is fixed to the end face 700E of the pipe <NUM> and the flat face <NUM> of the end support <NUM>.

In such a method, the fixing of the elastic member <NUM> is easier than in a case where only the blocking member <NUM> is fixed to the end face 700E and the flat face <NUM> before the elastic member <NUM> is fixed to the blocking member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the blocking member <NUM> has a higher rigidity than the elastic member <NUM>.

In such a case, since the blocking member <NUM> with the elastic member <NUM> fixed thereto is fixed to the end face 700E and the flat face <NUM>, the fixing of the elastic member <NUM> to the end face 700E and the flat face <NUM> is easily performable while the shape of the elastic member <NUM> is maintained.

In the above-mentioned case where only the blocking member <NUM> is fixed to the end face 700E and the flat face <NUM> before the elastic member <NUM> is fixed to the blocking member <NUM>, the fixing of the elastic member <NUM> tends to be troublesome because such an elastic member <NUM> is easy to deform.

If the blocking member <NUM> has a higher rigidity than the elastic member <NUM> as in the present exemplary embodiment, the fixing of the blocking member <NUM> with the elastic member <NUM> fixed thereto is easier than in a case where the blocking member <NUM> has a lower rigidity than the elastic member <NUM>.

If the blocking member <NUM> has a lower rigidity than the elastic member <NUM>, the shape of the blocking member <NUM> with the elastic member <NUM> fixed thereto is less likely to be maintained.

Accordingly, the blocking member <NUM> with the elastic member <NUM> fixed thereto is difficult to fix to the end face 700E and the flat face <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the end support <NUM> has an opening <NUM>, through which the developer advancing toward the downward movement path <NUM> provided inside the pressing member <NUM> passes.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the blocking member <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM> each reach the peripheral edge of the opening <NUM> of the end support <NUM>.

The peripheral edge of the opening <NUM> of the end support <NUM> is formed as the U-shaped projecting member <NUM> described above.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the edge of the opening <NUM> is defined by the U-shaped projecting member <NUM>, and the blocking member <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM> are fixed to the projecting member <NUM> as well.

Since the blocking member <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM> are present at the peripheral edge of the opening <NUM>, the leakage of the developer through the opening <NUM> is less likely to occur.

If another blocking member <NUM> and another elastic member <NUM> to be fixed to the peripheral edge of the opening <NUM> are prepared separately from the blocking member <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM> fixed to the annular end face 700E (see <FIG>) described above, not only the number of relevant components increases but also the labor in the fixing of the blocking member <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM> increases.

In contrast, the configuration according to the present exemplary embodiment in which the blocking member <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM> each reach the peripheral edge of the opening <NUM> suppresses the increase in the number of relevant components and reduces the labor in the fixing of the blocking member <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a section of a lower part of the developing device <NUM> that is taken in a longitudinally central part of the developing device <NUM>.

In the developing device <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment, a gap <NUM> is provided between the pipe <NUM> and a part, 14A, of the pipe supporting member <NUM>. The gap <NUM> extends in the longitudinal direction of the developing device <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, air flowing in the image forming apparatus <NUM> (see <FIG>) passes through the gap <NUM>, as represented by arrow 14X. Thus, the pipe <NUM> is cooled.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, a passageway is provided for air coming from an area near the photoconductor drum <NUM> (not illustrated in <FIG>) to flow through as represented by arrow 14Y in <FIG>. In the present exemplary embodiment, the air having flowed through the passageway flows into the gap <NUM>.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the disclosure be defined by the following claims.

According to (((<NUM>))), the developer is less likely to enter the gap between the tubular member through which the developer is to be transported and the support that supports the tubular member than in a case where no mechanism is provided for suppressing the entry of the developer into the gap between the tubular member through which the developer is to be transported and the support that supports the tubular member. Also, the shape of the elastic member is maintained more easily than in a case where the blocking member does not support the elastic member.

According to (((<NUM>))), the fixing of the blocking member to both the flat face of the end support and the end face of the tubular member is easier than in a case where the flat face of the end support is displaced from the extension plane obtained by extending the end face of the tubular member.

According to (((<NUM>))), the developer is less likely to enter the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member and the end support than in a case where the blocking member is bonded to only one of the end face and the flat face.

According to (((<NUM>))), the work of fixing the blocking member is simpler than in a case where the blocking member is a curved member.

According to (((<NUM>))), the ease of work in the fixing of the blocking member with the elastic member fixed thereto is greater than in a case where the blocking member has a lower rigidity than the elastic member.

According to (((<NUM>))), the number of components to be used in fixing the blocking member to the peripheral edge of the opening of the end support is smaller than in a case where the blocking member does not reach the peripheral edge of the opening of the end support.

According to (((<NUM>))), the number of components to be used in fixing the elastic member to the peripheral edge of the opening of the end support is smaller than in a case where the elastic member does not reach the peripheral edge of the opening of the end support.

Claim 1:
A developing device (<NUM>) comprising:
a tubular member (<NUM>) through which developer is to be transported;
an end support (<NUM>) that supports an end (<NUM>) of the tubular member; and
a blocking member (<NUM>) that extends over an end face (700E) of the tubular member and the end support and that blocks the developer from entering a gap between an outer peripheral surface of the tubular member and the end support
characterised by further comprising:
a pressing member (<NUM>) that is pressed against the end support and has a developer passageway through which the developer coming from the tubular member passes or the developer advancing toward the tubular member passes; and
an elastic member (<NUM>) that is provided between the end support and the pressing member,
wherein the blocking member supports the elastic member.