Kneading apparatus and method for producing toner

A continuous kneading apparatus which continuously kneads matter to be kneaded, comprising:

• a cylindrical stationary portion having an internal space in which the matter is conveyed;
• a rotary disc member configured to convey the matter in the internal space;
• a screw member configured to convey the matter in the internal space;
• a drive shaft member to which the rotary disc member and the screw member are fixed;
• a first cooling medium passage through which a cooling medium for cooling the matter passes, wherein the first cooling medium passage is provided for the screw member which is placed upstream of the rotary disc member with respect to the conveyance direction of the matter;
• and
• a second cooling medium passage through which the cooling medium passes, wherein the second cooling medium passage is provided for the rotary disc member;
• wherein the first cooling medium passage provided for the screw member and the second cooling medium passage provided for the rotary disc member are adjacent to each other and communicate with each other, constituting a flow path,
• wherein the cooling medium is lower in temperature than the matter passing in the internal space, and
• wherein the matter passes in the internal space while provided with shear force in an area, where an internal wall of the stationary portion and a circular surface of the rotary disc member face each other, by rotation of the drive shaft member and thus continuously kneaded, and while cooled by the cooling medium.