CN101290498B - Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents
Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- CN101290498B CN101290498B CN2008101092772A CN200810109277A CN101290498B CN 101290498 B CN101290498 B CN 101290498B CN 2008101092772 A CN2008101092772 A CN 2008101092772A CN 200810109277 A CN200810109277 A CN 200810109277A CN 101290498 B CN101290498 B CN 101290498B
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Abstract
A disclosed developing device is for accommodating a developer including carriers and a toner, and for developing a latent image formed on an image carrier. The developing device includes plural developer conveying units configured to convey the developer accommodated in the developing device and form circulating paths; and a ventilation unit configured to perform ventilation between at least one of the developer conveying units whose internal pressure increases and at least one of the developer conveying units whose internal pressure decreases.
Description
Technical field
Generally speaking, the present invention relates to a kind of imaging device that adopts electrophotographic method, as duplicating machine, printer, facsimile recorder with comprise the multi-function peripheral of these functions, but also relate to developing apparatus and the handle box that is arranged in the imaging device.More particularly, the present invention relates to a kind of developing apparatus, handle box and imaging device, it is included as a plurality of developer supply units that described developer forms circulation passage.
Background technology
Traditionally, known imaging device such as duplicating machine or printer, it is provided with the developing apparatus that holds the two-component developing agent (wherein can add adjuvant) that comprises toner and carrier.A plurality of developer supply units are arranged in the developing apparatus, carry out developing process (as can be referring to, patent documentation 1) by the developer that longitudinally circulates.
More specifically, described developing apparatus comprises the first developer supply unit (being provided with the supply unit of first spiral drill), second developer supply unit (being provided with the supply unit of second spiral drill) and the 3rd developer supply unit (being provided with the supply unit that triple helical bores).The described first developer supply unit is towards developer carrier (developing magnetic roll), and longitudinally during (along the turning axle direction of developer carrier) supplying developing agent with developer replenishing to developer carrier.The described second developer supply unit is disposed in the following of the described first developer supply unit and in the face of developer carrier, it longitudinally carries the developer that separates with developer carrier.The developer that described the 3rd developer supply unit is carried the described second developer supply unit is delivered to the upstream side of the described first developer supply unit, and the developer that will arrive the described first developer supply unit downstream is delivered to the upstream side of the described first developer supply unit.
That is to say, the described first developer supply unit has the function of supply developer to developer carrier, the described second developer supply unit has the function of the developer of the autography agent carrier of collecting, and described the 3rd developer supply unit has the function of the circulation passage that forms the upstream side that leads to the described first developer supply unit.
In this developing apparatus, circulation passage longitudinally forms, and therefore described developer longitudinally becomes even.Thereby described developer can obtain effectively and fully mixing and stirring, and equipment can be relatively little in the size of Width (perpendicular to direction longitudinally).In detail, by the first developer supply unit that is used for supply developer and the second developer supply unit that is used to collect developer towards described developer carrier is set, the developer in the described equipment can flow smoothly.
Patent documentation 1: day patented claim No.2001-249545 of the present disclosure
The problem that the disclosed developing apparatus of patent documentation 1 exists is: toner is diffused into the outside of developing apparatus and the imaging device inside of having made dirty, and then the toner of the described diffusion output image of having made dirty.In detail, a large amount of toners diffuses out from the described second developer supply unit, and this second developer supply unit is used to collect the developer that has separated with described developer carrier.
This is because a plurality of developer supply units are separated by wall, and internal pressure changes.
Particularly, in the described second developer supply unit, when described developer carrier rotates, produced the suction air-flow, and internal pressure becomes than external pressure height (malleation).Therefore, the toner that swims in the described second developer supply unit is blown and is diffused into the outside from the gap of described equipment the gap of described developer carrier two edges longitudinally (for example, from).
Further, in the described first developer supply unit, when described developer carrier rotates, produced and blown out air-flow, and internal pressure becomes than external pressure low (negative pressure).Therefore, described developer walked to the efficient of other developer supply unit from the described first developer supply unit reduce, and unnecessary toner is diffused into the outside of equipment.
Above-mentioned phenomenon is fairly obvious in high speed machines, and the developer carrier and the transfer unit that wherein are arranged in the described developer supply unit at full speed rotate.
Summary of the invention
The invention provides developing apparatus, handle box and imaging device, it has eliminated above-mentioned one or more defectives.
The preferred embodiments of the present invention provide developing apparatus, handle box and imaging device, even wherein under the situation that is provided with a plurality of developer supply units, the amount of the toner of diffusion is also very little.
Embodiments of the invention provide developing apparatus, this developing apparatus is used to hold the developer that comprises carrier and toner, and be used for the sub-image that forms on image-carrier is developed, this developing apparatus comprises a plurality of developer supply units, it is configured to carry the developer that is contained in the developing apparatus, and forms circulation passage; And unit ventilators, it is configured to ventilate between the developer supply unit of developer supply unit that at least one internal pressure increases and the reduction of at least one internal pressure.
According to one embodiment of present invention, developing apparatus, handle box and imaging device are provided, wherein, even under the situation that is provided with a plurality of developer supply units, the amount of toner of diffusion is also very little, is used for the unit ventilators that ventilates because be provided with between the developer supply unit that developer supply unit that internal pressure increases and internal pressure reduce.
Description of drawings
Other purpose of the present invention, feature and advantage will become more obvious by detailed description in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is the one-piece construction of diagram according to the imaging device of the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is arranged on the zoomed-in view of the handle box in as shown in Figure 1 the imaging device;
Fig. 3 is the zoomed-in view of developing apparatus;
Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view of longitudinally seeing the circulation passage in developing apparatus;
Fig. 5 is that as shown in Figure 4 circulation passage is along the cross sectional view of Y1-Y1 line;
Fig. 6 is that as shown in Figure 4 circulation passage is along the cross sectional view of Y2-Y2 line;
Fig. 7 is with the fluctuation form uneven situation that becomes at developer described in the circulation passage as shown in Figure 4;
Fig. 8 is the viewgraph of cross-section according to the 3rd developer supply unit of the developing apparatus of second embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 9 is the cross sectional view of the developing apparatus of a third embodiment in accordance with the invention.
Embodiment
With reference to described accompanying drawing embodiments of the invention are described.In described accompanying drawing, represent with identical Reference numeral that with the corresponding element of the element in other accompanying drawings unnecessary description is simplified or omits.
[first embodiment]
Describe the first embodiment of the present invention in detail referring to figs. 1 to Fig. 7.
Referring to accompanying drawing 1, one-piece construction and operation according to the imaging device of first embodiment of the invention have been described.
Writing unit 2A to 2D is used for writing electrostatic latent image on corresponding photosensitive drum (image-carrier) 21 after carrying out charging process based on image information.Writing unit 2A to 2D is the optical scanning device that comprises polygon mirror 3A to 3D and optical element 4A to 4D respectively.Can adopt led array to replace optical scanning device as writing unit.
Travelling belt 30 is the tape loops that are used to transmit transfer materials P, and transfer materials P static adheres to the surface of travelling belt, just is transferred on the transfer materials P at the toner image that forms on the photosensitive drum 21 like this.Outside surface at travelling belt 30 provides adhesive roll 64 (adhering roller) and band clearer 65.
Comprise cored bar and be coated on conductive elastic layer on this cored bar towards the transfer roll 24 of each photosensitive drum 21 via travelling belt 30.The conductive elastic layer of transfer roller 24 is an elastic body, and described elastic body is adjusted to the resistance value (specific insulation) with medium resistance by mixing and spreading electric conductivity imparting agent (conductivity imparting agent) as carbon black, zinc paste and tin oxide in resilient material such as urethane rubber or ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM).
Arrange that along travelling belt 30 in vertical direction four handle box 20Y, 20C, 20M and 20BK are respectively applied for the toner image that forms yellow, cyan, fuchsin and black.
On handle box 20Y, 20C, 20M and 20BK, be respectively arranged with agent box (agentcartridge) 28Y, 28C, 28M and 28BK, they are used for respective color (yellow as feed unit, cyan, fuchsin and black) carrier (magnetic carrier) and toner (toner-particle) be supplied to corresponding developing apparatus 23.
By making travelling belt 30 open travelling belt 30 around the mode that the rotation back shaft pivots, handle box 20Y, 20C, 20M and 20BK and agent box 28Y, 28C, 28M and 28BK can be connected to apparatus main body unit 1 or be removed from it.
Imaging device according to described first embodiment is multi-functional imaging device, and it can be used as duplicating machine and printer uses.When its during as used in copy machines, carry out various Flame Image Process in the image information that reads from scanner, handle (gradation process) as A/D conversion, MTF calibration and level, and image information converted to write data.When its as the printer time spent, carry out Flame Image Process in the image information of page-description language that transfers out from computing machine or bitmap format, and image information converted to write data.
When forming image, with black, cyan, fuchsin and yellow image information corresponding exposure light beam (exposure light beam) respectively the writing unit 2A to 2D from handle box 20BK, 20M, 20C and 20Y penetrate.That is to say that the exposing light beam (laser) that goes out from each light emitted passes polygon mirror 3A to 3D and optical element 4A to 4D is launched on the corresponding photosensitive drum 21.Therefore, the toner image corresponding to exposing light beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 21 (image-carrier) of each handle box 20BK, 20M, 20C and 20Y.These toner images will be transmitted to transfer materials P.
Transfer materials P rests on the position of prevention roller 63 so that be transmitted to travelling belt 30 in transfer process overlaps temporarily.Being arranged in the adhesive roll 64 that transfer materials P is sent to travelling belt 30 parts makes the transfer materials P that has been admitted to travelling belt 30 adhere to travelling belt 30 by applying voltage.When travelling belt 30 when direction shown in the arrow is moved, transfer materials P moves, and successively by the position of handle box 20Y, 20C, 20M and 20BK, like this, the toner image of each color is transferred on the transfer materials P in the mode of mutual superposition.
Transfer printing the transfer materials P of color toner image separate with travelling belt 30 and arrive fixation unit 66.The toner image that rests on the transfer materials P is clipped in the middle and is heated and be fixed on the transfer materials P by being heated roller 68 and backer roll 67.Next, arrived at the position of band clearer 65 from the position of the surface isolation of travelling belt 30 from transfer materials P, wherein as the dirt of toner by surface removing from travelling belt 30.
Next, with handle box and the agent box described in detail in the imaging device.
Fig. 2 is arranged on the handle box 20 in the described apparatus main body unit 1 and the zoomed-in view of agent box 28.Fig. 4 is the cross sectional view of the circulation passage in the developing apparatus 23 that the direction shown in the arrow X is longitudinally seen from Fig. 3.Fig. 5 is the cross sectional view of the line Y1-Y1 of the circulation passage in the developing apparatus 23 as shown in Figure 4.Fig. 6 is the cross sectional view of the line Y2-Y2 of the circulation passage in the developing apparatus 23 as shown in Figure 4.
As shown in Figure 2, in handle box 20, be combined in together as photosensitive drum 21, charhing unit 22, developing apparatus 23 (developing cell) and the cleaning unit 25 of image-carrier.Adopt the developing method of an amount of supply/discharge carrier.
In developing apparatus 23, be arranged to closely contact with 23a2 with photosensitive drum 21 as two developer roll 23a1 of developer carrier.Between photosensitive drum 21 and developer roll 23a1,23a2, be formed with developing regional, photosensitive drum 21 contacts with magnetic brush in this zone.The developer G (two-component developing agent) that comprises toner T and support C is contained in the developing apparatus 23.Developing apparatus 23 develops the electrostatic latent image (formation toner image) that is formed on the photosensitive drum 21.The structure of detailed hereafter developing apparatus 23 and operation.
Adopt the developing method of an amount of above-mentioned carrier of supply/discharge according to the developing apparatus 23 of described first embodiment.Exactly, unworn (new) support C (developer G) is supplied in the developing apparatus 23 from agent box 28 in right amount, and the developer G of inefficacy is discharged to the preparations that are arranged on outside the developing apparatus 23 and keeps in the containers 70 (agent retaining container).
With reference to figure 2, the developer G (toner T and support C) that is fed in the developing apparatus 23 is contained in the agent box 28.28 conducts of agent box are used for the toner Cartridge to the new toner T of developing apparatus 23 supplies, and also as the feed unit that is used for to developing apparatus 23 supply new support C.Exactly, based on by being arranged on the detected toner density information of magneto-dependent sensor 26 (seeing accompanying drawing 4) in the developing apparatus 23 (toner in developer G shared ratio), by the operation of execution ON/OFF tripper 80, thereby give developing apparatus 23 supply developer G in right amount from agent box 28 as described feed unit.
In described first embodiment, the mixing ratio of the relative support C of toner T is set to higher relatively in the developer G of agent box 28.
Next, the imaging process of carrying out on the photosensitive drum 21 will be described in.
With reference to figure 2, when photosensitive drum 21 rotated in the counterclockwise direction, at first, charged equably in the position of charhing unit 22 in the surface of photosensitive drum 21.Next, the irradiation position that is recharged surface arrival exposing light beam L of photosensitive drum 21 is carried out exposure process at this position writing unit 2.That is to say that by irradiation exposing light beam L, photosensitive drum 21 is selectively neutralized according to image information.Therefore, formed electric potential difference (electromotive force contrast) between irradiated part and the not irradiated non-image part, thereby formed electrostatic latent image.In exposure process,, the material that generates electric charge on the photosensitive layer of photosensitive drum 21 produces electric charge owing to receiving light.Wherein, photosensitive drum 21 lip-deep positive holes (positive holes) and electric charge are cancelled out each other.
Next, the surface that has formed the photosensitive drum 21 of sub-image on it arrives the position towards developing apparatus 23.Electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 21 contacts with Magnetic brush on developer roll 23a1 and the 23a2, and like this, electronegative toner T adheres on the electrostatic latent image and electrostatic latent image is manifested in the Magnetic brush.
Especially, developer G is risen by the magnetic force of the magnetic pole of top developer roll 23a1.Then, developer G is reduced to by scraper 23c in right amount.Next, developer G is sent to the developing regional (facing photosensitive drum 21 at two developer roll 23a1 in this zone and 23a2) towards photosensitive drum 21.The support C that forms lug (piling up with high and narrow form) in developing regional was brushed photosensitive drum 21.At this moment, because the friction between the support C, the toner T that is blended in the support C is electronegative.On the contrary, described carrier positively charged.Apply predetermined development bias voltage for developer roll 23a1 and 23a2 by unshowned power supply unit in the accompanying drawing.Therefore, between developer roll 23a1,23a2 and photosensitive drum 21, just formed electric field.As a result, because effect of electric field, electronegative toner T is optionally only adhered to the image section on the photosensitive drum 21, thereby forms toner image.
Next, the surface portion that has wherein formed the photosensitive drum 21 of toner image arrives the position towards travelling belt 30 and transfer roll 24.Then, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to corresponding time sequence and is sent on the transfer materials P of this position.At this moment, predetermined voltage is applied to transfer roll 24.
Next, on it transfer printing the transfer materials P of toner image by fixation unit 66, be discharged to outside the described device by distributing roller 69 then.
Simultaneously, when transport process, be not transferred on the transfer materials P and remain in toner T (not transfer printing toner) on the photosensitive drum 21 and when it arrives position towards cleaning unit 25, still be held and stick on the photosensitive drum 21.Then, the toner of the not transfer printing on the photosensitive drum 21 is removed/collects at cleaning unit 25 places.
Next, unshowned neutrodyne is passed through on the surface of photosensitive drum 21, thereby finishes the series of steps of photosensitive drum 21 imagings.
Provide the architectural feature of the developing apparatus 23 in the imaging device and the detailed description of operation below.With reference to figure 3, developing apparatus 23 comprises as the developer roll 23a1 of developer carrier and 23a2, as conveying screw rod (spiral screw rod) 23b1 to 23b3, the scraper 23c of delivery element, catches roller 23k, scraping 23m and discharge screw rod 23n or the like.In developer equipment 23, form three developer supply unit B1 to B3, it is used for supplying developing agent G and forms circulation passage.
Developer roll 23a1 and 23a2 dispose by this way, promptly by with cylindrical sleeves of making of formation such as nonmagnetic material such as aluminium, brass, stainless steel, electroconductive resins.These sleeves are rotated in a clockwise direction by unshowned rotary drive mechanism.Magnet is fixed in the sleeve of developer roll 23a1 and 23a2 and forms magnetic field, and this magnetic field is used to make developer G to form lug at the outside surface of described sleeve.Support C among developer G mode with chain-like on sleeve forms lug, and these lugs are formed along the magnetic line of force that emits from described magnet towards normal direction.The form that charged toner T adheres to chain-like forms on the support C of lug, thereby forms magnetic brush.When described sleeve rotated, magnetic brush was with the direction motion (clockwise direction) identical with the sense of rotation of sleeve.
The vertical direction of described paper (among the Fig. 2 with respect to) makes developer G circulation time when longitudinally, and three conveying screw rod 23b1 to 23b3 stirring are contained in the developer G in the developing apparatus 23.
The first conveying screw rod 23b1 (first delivery element) is arranged in the first developer supply unit B1 position, and it is towards developer roll 23a1.The first conveying screw rod 23b1 along continuous straight runs (among Fig. 4 with the left shown in the white arrow to) supplying developing agent G, and developer G is supplied to developer roll 23a1.That is to say that during (the turning axle direction of developer roll 23a1) supplying developing agent G, the first developer supply unit B1 is towards developer roll 23a1, and supply developer G gives developer roll 23a1 when longitudinally.
The second conveying screw rod 23b2 (second delivery element) is arranged in the second developer supply unit B2 place.The second conveying screw rod 23b2 is arranged in the position below the first conveying screw rod 23b1, towards developer roll 23a2.The second conveying screw rod 23b2 carries the developer G (behind developing process, developer G has been forced to leave from developer roll 23a2 by the developer separate mesh electrode) that has left developer roll 23a2.That is to say that the second developer supply unit B2 is disposed in the position below the first developer supply unit B1,, and longitudinally carry the developer G that has left from developer roll 23a2 in the face of developer roll 23a2.
Among the first conveying screw rod 23b1 and the second conveying screw rod 23b2 each all is arranged in such a way, and is promptly similar with developer roll 23a1,23a2 and photosensitive drum 21, makes its turning axle approximate horizontal.
The 3rd conveying screw rod 23b3 (the 3rd delivery element) is arranged on the 3rd developer supply unit B3.The 3rd conveying screw rod 23b3 as follows relatively horizontal direction be in tilted layout, promptly straight line connects the downstream of the transfer passage that is formed by the second conveying screw rod 23b2 and the upstream side (referring to Fig. 4) of the transfer passage that formed by the first conveying screw rod 23b1.The developer G that the 3rd conveying screw rod 23b3 will have been carried by the second conveying screw rod 23b2 is transported to the upstream side of the transfer passage that is formed by the first conveying screw rod 23b1, and, the downstream of the transfer passage that will form from the first conveying screw rod 23b1 by the developer G of whereabouts passage 23f (dropping path) circulation be delivered to the transfer passage that forms by the first conveying screw rod 23b1 upstream side (along Fig. 4 with the oblique upper right side shown in the white arrow to).That is to say, the developer G that the 3rd developer supply unit B3 will have been transmitted by the second developer supply unit B2 is sent to the upstream side of the first developer supply unit B1, and, the developer G that arrives the downstream of the first developer supply unit B1 is sent to the upstream side of the first developer supply unit B1.
The transfer passage that is formed by the first conveying screw rod 23b1 (the first developer supply unit B1), the transfer passage that is formed by the second conveying screw rod 23b2 (the second developer supply unit B2) and the transfer passage that is formed by the 3rd conveying screw rod 23b3 (the 3rd developer supply unit B3) are spaced from each other by wall.
Be communicated with each other by the first TU Trunk Unit 23g with reference to the downstream of figure 4, the second developer supply unit B2 and the upstream side of the 3rd developer supply unit B3.The upstream side of the downstream of the 3rd developer supply unit B3 and the first developer supply unit B1 is communicated with each other by the second TU Trunk Unit 23h.The upstream side of the downstream of the first developer supply unit B1 and the 3rd developer supply unit B3 is communicated with each other by whereabouts passage 23f.
According to this structure, three developer supply unit B1 to B3 (conveying screw rod 23b1 to 23b3) form circulation passage, are used at the developing apparatus 23 developer G that longitudinally circulates.When developing apparatus 23 was operated, the developer G that is contained in the described equipment flowed in the shadow region.With reference to figure 4, in the defeated first B1 of first developer, the developer on the surface ratio upstream side of the developer on the downstream surperficial low.This is because some developers are fed into when being transferred on the developer roll 23a1.That is to say, be not fed into developer on the developer roll 23a1 moves to the 3rd developer supply unit B3 by whereabouts passage 23f upstream side.
The 3rd developer supply unit B3 is provided with the magneto-dependent sensor 26 as the toner density sensor.Based on magneto-dependent sensor 26 detected toner density information, the developer G with predetermined toner density is fed into developing apparatus 23 from the agent box 28 as feed element.
With reference to figure 4 and Fig. 5, be arranged in the first developer supply unit B1 as the escape hole 23d of deliverying unit, a part that is used for being contained in the developer G of developing apparatus 23 is discharged to outside (preparation keeps container 70).Especially, when developer G is supplied in the developing apparatus 23 by feeding unit 28,29, the developer surface (upper surface) that the amount increase of the developer in the described equipment causes being transferred into the developer of escape hole 23d position surpasses predetermined altitude, and excessive developer G (amount that surpasses predetermined altitude) is discharged to preparation and keeps container 70.The excessive developer G that surpasses the height of escape hole 23d bottom is discharged from from escape hole 23d, and drops to preparation maintenance container 70 by passing away 71 under action of gravity.As mentioned above, the inefficacy carrier of being made dirty by the matrix resin of toner T and external additive automatically is discharged to the developing apparatus outside, thereby just might prevent that picture quality from reducing in time.
Although in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, do not illustrate, discharge screw rod 23n and be arranged in the passing away 71, be used for longitudinally carrying the developer (referring to Fig. 3) of discharging from escape hole 23d.
Circulation passage at the developer that is used for developing apparatus 23 is formed with bypass, thereby the part of developer G can be without the position of above-mentioned escape hole 23d (deliverying unit) and turned back to the upstream side of circulation passage.Especially, with reference to figure 4 and Fig. 6, opening 23e (first opening) is arranged among the first developer supply unit B1 and is positioned at the upstream side of escape hole 23d (relatively near escape hole 23d).This opening 23e is as the inlet of bypass.Opening 23p (second opening is seen Fig. 3) as the bypass outlet is arranged in the transfer passage that is formed by the 3rd conveying screw rod 23b3 (near longitudinal center).
As mentioned above, bypass is set, can obtains following effect by circulation passage at the developer G that is used for developing apparatus 23.That is to say that even the developer in the described developing apparatus becomes inhomogeneous with similar fluctuation form, described bypass can prevent that the developer level of discharging from becoming inhomogeneous from escape hole 23d.Therefore, just may prevent that excessive developer from discharging from developer equipment 23.
Fig. 7 is illustrated in the circulation passage of the developer G that is used for developing apparatus 23, and developer is with the similar fluctuation form uneven situation that becomes.As shown in the figure, described developer becomes inhomogeneous, produces big fluctuation.This similar fluctuation inhomogeneous after developing apparatus 23 brings into operation at once (after restarting at once) become fairly obvious.In conventional art, if described developer becomes inhomogeneous with this similar fluctuation form, all developers (developer corresponding with height H 2 as shown in Figure 7) that surpass the bottom level of escape hole 23d are discharged from from escape hole 23d.The amount that these developers that are discharged from will be discharged than original plan is many.Therefore, if repeat to take place this phenomenon, it is not enough that the amount of the developer G in the developing apparatus 23 will become.As a result, will the become charge level of instability and toner of the degenerate state of developer G will reduce, thus the problem that causes the image density as output image to reduce.
On the contrary, in described first embodiment, the opening 23e that is connected with bypass is arranged on the upstream side of escape hole 23d.Therefore, the part of developer that surpasses the height of opening 23e bottom will can not be discharged from from developer outlet 23d.On the contrary, this part developer G will discharge and turn back to the transfer passage that is formed by the 3rd conveying screw rod 23b3 from opening 23e.Therefore, just might prevent that excessive developer G is discharged from from escape hole 23d.
The height of the bottom of the opening 23e of described bypass is configured to will exceed H1 than the bottom of escape hole 23d.
Therefore, in the developer of the height that surpasses escape hole 23d bottom, the developer corresponding with height H 2-H1 is not discharged from from escape hole 23d, but is returned to the transfer passage that is formed by the 3rd conveying screw rod 23b3 through opening 23e.Therefore, when keeping discharging the expectation function of element, can also prevent effectively that excessive developer G is discharged from from escape hole 23d.Longitudinally distance W is preferably shorter between escape hole 23d and the opening 23e.
In described first embodiment, next bypass 23e and 23p will describe this unit ventilators in detail as the part of the unit ventilators that ventilates between a plurality of developer supply unit B1 to B3.
With reference to figure 3 (not shown among Fig. 2 and Fig. 4), in described first embodiment, catch roller 23k and be arranged on position below the developer roll 23a2, towards photosensitive drum 21.In addition, scraping 23m is arranged to and catches roller 23k and contact.
Catching roller 23k is cylinder, and it is for example made by stainless steel, wherein is fixed with magnet and is used to form predetermined magnetic field.Catch roller 23k and be used to obtain carrier being attached to behind the developing process on the photosensitive drum 21.When Fig. 3 sees, catch roller 23k and rotate in the counterclockwise direction.The carrier that the roller 23k that is hunted down obtains and delivers is mechanically struck off and is collected among the second developer supply unit B2 by scraping 23m.Catch roller 23k by setting, can reduce to be attached to the carrier amount on the photosensitive drum 21, thereby can prevent the shortage of developing apparatus 23 interior carrier.
Describe in detail as the unit ventilators in the developing apparatus of the first embodiment feature below.With reference to figure 3, according to first embodiment, developing apparatus 23 comprises opening 23e, 23p and 23q, and it is as the unit ventilators that ventilates between the developer supply unit that developer supply unit that internal pressure increases and internal pressure reduce in three developer supply unit B1 to B3.Unit ventilators disposes first vent passages and the second logical Netcom road.
Especially, opening 23e and 23p as described bypass also can be used as first vent passages that is connected with the first developer supply unit B1 and the 3rd developer supply unit B3.In addition, the 3rd opening 23q is as second vent passages that is communicated with the second developer supply unit B2 and the 3rd developer supply unit B3.
According to this structure, the internal pressure in three developer supply unit B1 to B3 that might prevent to be separated by wall changes separately.
In the second developer supply unit B2, when developer roll 23a2 rotates, produce and suck air-flow, and internal pressure becomes than external pressure height (malleation).Therefore, the toner that swims in the second developer supply unit is blown and is diffused into the outside from the gap of this equipment the gap of developer roller 23a2 two edges longitudinally (for example, from).
In the first developer supply unit B1, when developer roll 23a1 rotates, produce and blow out air-flow, and internal pressure becomes than external pressure low (negative pressure).Therefore, reduce by efficient from the developer of the first developer supply unit B1 to the, three developer supply unit B3, and unnecessary toner is diffused into the outside of described equipment.Especially, the toner of supplying with in the downstream of the first developer supply unit B1 flows to the upstream side of the first developer supply unit B1, is diffused into the outside of described equipment then.
Simultaneously, in described first embodiment, opening 23e and opening 23p (first vent passages) are arranged on the wall that separates the first developer supply unit B1 and the 3rd developer supply unit B3, and opening 23q (second vent passages) is arranged on the wall that separates the second developer supply unit B2 and the 3rd developer supply unit B3.Therefore, the internal pressure of three developer supply unit B1 to B3 is in a basic balance.
Especially, gas flow to the 3rd developer supply unit B3 (ventilating along the direction shown in the white arrow) that the built-in pressure ratio second developer supply unit B2 will be low from the second developer supply unit B2 that is in malleation through the second vent passages 23q.In addition, gas flow to (vacuum) the first developer supply unit B1 (ventilating along the direction shown in the black arrow) that is in negative pressure from the 3rd developer supply unit B3 through the first vent passages 23e, 23p (bypass).
Therefore, the internal pressure that is in the second developer supply unit B2 of malleation becomes near described external pressure, and the internal pressure that is in the first developer supply unit B1 of negative pressure also becomes near described external pressure.Therefore, suction air-flow among the second developer supply unit B2 and the air-flow that blows out among the first developer supply unit B1 disappear substantially.As a result, the amount of the toner that diffuses out from the first developer supply unit B1 and the second developer supply unit B2 is reduced.
The position that preferably is arranged in the developer G submergence that is not accommodated in the developing apparatus 23 as the first vent passages 23e, 23p and the second vent passages 23q of unit ventilators.Therefore can realize the effect of unit ventilators reliably.
As mentioned above, in described first embodiment, be provided with opening 23e, 23p and 23q (unit ventilators), be used between the first developer supply unit B1 that the second developer supply unit B2 that internal pressure increases and internal pressure reduce, ventilating.Therefore, even be provided with a plurality of developer supply unit B1 to B3, the amount of the toner that is spread can be reduced reliably.
In described first embodiment, the present invention is applied to comprise the developing apparatus 23 of three developer supply unit B1 to B3.Yet the present invention equally also can be applicable to comprise the developing apparatus of two developer supply units or four or a plurality of developer supply units.In this case, the developer supply unit with different internal pressures can directly or indirectly link to each other by vent passages; Therefore can obtain identical effect with described first embodiment.
In described first embodiment, the relative horizontal direction of the 3rd conveying screw rod 23b3 is in tilted layout; Yet the 3rd conveying screw rod 23b3 also can be horizontally disposed.
And in described first embodiment, developer G (toner T and support C) is supplied to developing apparatus 23 from the agent box 28 as feed unit; Yet, also may from feed unit only vector supplier C to developing apparatus 23.In this case, only hold the toner Cartridge and the separated setting of agent box (carrier box) of toner, and based on the testing result of magneto-dependent sensor 26, the toner that is contained in the toner Cartridge is supplied to developing apparatus 23 in right amount.In this case, can obtain the effect identical with first embodiment.
In first embodiment, the present invention is applied to the imaging device that handle box 20 is configured to an image generation unit part.Yet the present invention is not limited thereto.Certainly the present invention can be applicable to the imaging device that described image generation unit is not configured with handle box.Especially, the present invention also can be applicable to following situation certainly, and promptly developing apparatus 23 is configured to a separate unit, and described separate unit removably is attached on the main unit of imaging device.
In addition, in described first embodiment, the present invention is applied to be provided with the developing apparatus 23 of two developer roll 23a1 and 23a2.Yet the present invention also can be applicable to comprise the developing apparatus of a developer roll or three or more developer rolls.In this case, can obtain identical effect with described first embodiment.
Describe the second embodiment of the present invention in detail with reference to figure 8.
Fig. 8 sees cross sectional view according to the 3rd developer supply unit of the developing apparatus of described second embodiment from the directions X of Fig. 3.Developing apparatus according to described second embodiment is with the different of first embodiment: the 3rd developer supply unit B3 is provided with internal pressure regulon N, air vent 23r and filtrator 75.
Similar to described first embodiment, be provided with three developer supply unit B1 to B3 according to the developing apparatus 23 of described second embodiment, described supply unit B1 to B3 is formed for carrying the circulation passage of the developer G that is contained in the developing apparatus 23.
In this second embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, internal pressure regulating element N is arranged among the 3rd developer supply unit B3 as follows, promptly from the surface of developer to the height h1 of upstream side roof than the low (h1＜h2) of the height h2 from the surface of developer to the downstream roof.Internal pressure regulon N is arranged near the opening 23q as second vent passages, and in the downstream (corresponding to the downstream of the developer throughput direction in the defeated unit B 3 of the 3rd developer) of opening 23q.
According to this structure, move to first developer supply unit B1 through the gas that opening 23q flows into the 3rd developer supply unit B3 via the first vent passages 23e, 23p from the second developer supply unit B2, and move to the downstream (gas is released height h2 zone from height h1 zone) of the 3rd developer supply unit B3 by the pumping action of internal pressure regulon N.
Therefore, by internal pressure regulon N is set, can obtain following effect.That is to say, may exist the internal pressure (internal pressure variable quantity) that increases among the second developer supply unit B2 than the big situation of internal pressure (internal pressure variable quantity) that reduces among the first developer supply unit B1.In this case, by making gas flow to the first developer supply unit B1 from the second developer supply unit B2, the internal pressure of developer supply unit B1 and B2 may all be kept off external pressure simply.Yet if be provided with pressure regulating unit N, the whole machine balancing of internal pressure can be regulated by ground in the 3rd developer supply unit B3, and like this, the internal pressure of developer supply unit B1 and B2 just can all approach external pressure.Therefore, can reduce the amount of the toner that from developing apparatus 23, diffuses out reliably.
In described second embodiment, all be arranged on the roof of the 3rd developer supply unit B3 with the air vent 23r of developing apparatus 23 external communications and the filtrator 75 that is coated on outside the developing apparatus 23, for the internal pressure that prevents the 3rd developer supply unit B3 increases because of the gas that the pumping action by internal pressure regulon N moves to the 3rd developer supply unit B3 downstream.Therefore, preferably use the filtrator to catch toner effectively, so only have gas to be discharged from (or being inhaled into) and toner can not diffused out from the 3rd developer supply unit B3 as filtrator 75.
As mentioned above, in described second embodiment, similar to first embodiment, be provided with opening 23e, 23p and 23q (unit ventilators) and be used between the first developer supply unit B1 that the second developer supply unit B2 that internal pressure increases and internal pressure reduce, ventilating.Therefore, even be provided with a plurality of developer supply unit B1 to B3, also can reduce the amount of the toner that is spread reliably.
[the 3rd embodiment]
9 describe a third embodiment in accordance with the invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 9 is the cross sectional view according to the developing apparatus of third embodiment of the invention.Difference according to the developing apparatus of the developing apparatus of the 3rd embodiment and first embodiment is, is provided with the vent passages 23s that directly the first developer supply unit B1 is connected to the second developer supply unit B2.
Similar to the first embodiment developing apparatus is, developing apparatus 23 according to the 3rd embodiment is provided with three developer supply unit B1 to B3, and described developer supply unit B1 to B3 forms circulation passage and is used for carrying the developer G that is contained in developing apparatus 23.
In the 3rd embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, be provided with vent passages 23s, such first developer supply unit B1 can directly be communicated with the second developer supply unit B2.Vent passages 23s so location makes its openings at two ends can not be developed the developer submergence in the equipment 23.Vent passages 23s is used for ventilating between the first developer supply unit B1 and the second developer supply unit B2 as unit ventilators.That is to say that gas flows to the first developer supply unit B1 (promptly ventilating along direction shown in the arrow) that is in negative pressure by vent passages 23s from the second developer supply unit B2 that is in malleation.
As mentioned above, in the 3rd embodiment, similar to first embodiment is, is provided with vent passages 23s (unit ventilators) and is used for ventilating between the first developer supply unit B1 that the second developer supply unit B2 that internal pressure increases and internal pressure reduce.Therefore, even be provided with a plurality of developer supply unit B1 to B3, also can reduce the amount of the toner that is spread reliably.
According to one embodiment of present invention, a kind of developing apparatus is provided for holding the developer that comprises carrier and toner and is used for the sub-image that forms on image-carrier is developed, this developing apparatus comprises a plurality of developer supply units, and described developer supply unit is configured for to carry and is contained in the developer in the developing apparatus and forms circulation passage; And unit ventilators, described unit ventilators is configured between the developer supply unit of developer supply unit that at least one internal pressure increases and the reduction of at least one internal pressure and ventilates.
In addition, according to one embodiment of present invention, this developing apparatus also comprises the developer carrier towards image-carrier, described developer carrier is configured for and transports developer, wherein a plurality of developer supply units comprise the first developer supply unit towards developer carrier, and the described first developer supply unit is configured to when supplying developing agent longitudinally developer replenishing be arrived developer carrier; Be arranged in below the first developer supply unit and in the face of the second developer supply unit of developer carrier, the described second developer supply unit is configured to longitudinally carry the developer of separating from developer carrier; With the 3rd developer supply unit, the developer that described the 3rd developer supply unit is configured to will be carried by the second developer supply unit be delivered to the upstream side of the described first developer supply unit, and the developer that will arrive the described first developer supply unit downstream is delivered to the upstream side of the described first developer supply unit.
In addition, according to one embodiment of present invention, in described developing apparatus, described unit ventilators comprises be used for first vent passages that is communicated with between the first developer supply unit and the 3rd developer supply unit; And be used for second vent passages that between the second developer supply unit and the 3rd developer supply unit, is communicated with.
In addition, according to one embodiment of present invention, in described developing apparatus, described first vent passages and described second vent passages are arranged in the position of the developer submergence that is not accommodated in the developing apparatus.
In addition, according to one embodiment of present invention, in described developing apparatus, described the 3rd developer supply unit comprises the internal pressure regulon, this internal pressure regulon forms as follows, and promptly first aspect ratio from the roof of developer surface to the three developer supply unit upstream sides of described developer is low from second height of the roof in the three developer supply unit downstreams, developer surface to the of described developer.
In addition, according to one embodiment of present invention, in described developing apparatus, described second vent passages comprises opening, and this opening is arranged on the wall of separating the second developer supply unit and the 3rd developer supply unit; With the internal pressure regulon, described internal pressure regulon is disposed in downstream with respect to described opening along the throughput direction of developer in described the 3rd developer supply unit.
In addition, according to one embodiment of present invention, in described developing apparatus, described the 3rd developer supply unit comprises air vent, and described air vent is connected with the outside of described developing apparatus; And filtrator, described filtrator is configured to cover described air vent.
In addition, according to one embodiment of present invention, described developing apparatus also comprises feed unit, and described feed unit is configured for to developing apparatus supply new support; Discharge element, described discharge element is configured for a part that will be contained in the developer in the developing apparatus and is discharged to the outside; And bypass, by this bypass, the part of described developer turns back to the upstream side of circulation passage and not by arranging the position of described discharge element, wherein, this bypass comprises the part of unit ventilators.
In addition, according to one embodiment of present invention, in described developing apparatus, described feed unit is configured for new support to the new toner of described developing apparatus supply.
In addition, according to one embodiment of present invention, provide a kind of handle box that removably is attached to the imaging device main unit, wherein, above-mentioned developing apparatus and image-carrier form independent unit.
In addition, according to one embodiment of present invention, provide a kind of imaging device that comprises aforesaid developing apparatus and image-carrier.
The present invention is not limited to above-mentioned concrete disclosed embodiment, can make distortion and modification under not departing from the situation of the scope of the invention.
The application is a right of priority with Japanese patent application No.2007-038888 that submitted on February 20th, 2007 and the Japanese patent application No.2007-090168 that submitted on March 30th, 2007, and therefore its full content is incorporated herein by reference.
Claims (9)
1. developing apparatus, described developing apparatus are used to hold the developer that comprises carrier and toner and are used for the sub-image that forms on image-carrier is developed, and described developing apparatus comprises:
A plurality of developer supply units, described developer supply unit are configured to be contained in the developer in the developing apparatus and form circulation passage with conveying;
Ventilate between the developer supply unit that unit ventilators, described unit ventilators are configured to reduce with the developer supply unit that increases at least one internal pressure and at least one internal pressure;
Developer carrier, described developer carrier is towards described image-carrier and be configured to transport described developer, and wherein, described a plurality of developer supply units comprise:
The first developer supply unit, the described first developer supply unit is towards described developer carrier and be configured to when longitudinally carrying described developer this developer replenishing to described developer carrier;
The second developer supply unit, the described second developer supply unit are disposed in the position below the described first developer supply unit and face described developer carrier, and are configured to longitudinally carry the developer that separates from described developer carrier;
The 3rd developer supply unit, the developer that described the 3rd developer supply unit is configured to be carried by the described second developer supply unit is delivered to the upstream side of the described first developer supply unit, and the developer that will arrive the described first developer supply unit downstream is delivered to the upstream side of the described first developer supply unit
Wherein, described unit ventilators comprises:
First vent passages, described first vent passages are used for the connection between the first developer supply unit and the 3rd developer supply unit; With
Second vent passages, described second vent passages are used for the connection between the second developer supply unit and the 3rd developer supply unit.
2. developing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
Described first vent passages and described second vent passages are disposed in the position of the developer submergence that is not accommodated in the described developing apparatus.
3. developing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
Described the 3rd developer supply unit comprises the internal pressure regulon, described internal pressure regulon forms as follows, and is promptly low from second height of the roof in the three developer supply unit downstreams, developer surface to the of developer to first aspect ratio of the roof of described the 3rd developer supply unit upstream side from the developer surface of described developer.
4. developing apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein:
Described second vent passages comprises opening, and this opening is arranged on the wall of separating described second developer supply unit and described the 3rd developer supply unit; With
Described internal pressure regulon is disposed in the 3rd developer supply unit along the downstream of developer throughput direction with respect to described opening.
5. developing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
Described the 3rd developer supply unit comprises and is used for the air vent that the outside with described developing apparatus is connected; And be configured to cover the filtrator of described air vent.
6. developing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 also comprises:
Feed unit, described feed unit are configured to supply new support to described developing apparatus;
Deliverying unit, described deliverying unit are configured to be discharged to the outside with the part that will be contained in the developer in the described developing apparatus; With
Bypass, by this bypass, the part of described developer turn back to described circulation passage upstream side and not by arranging the position of described deliverying unit, wherein,
This bypass comprises the part of described unit ventilators.
7. developing apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein:
Described feed unit be configured to with new support to the new toner of described developing apparatus supply.
8. handle box, described handle box is removably installed in the imaging device main unit, comprising:
Developing apparatus as claimed in claim 1; And
Image-carrier, wherein:
Described developing apparatus and described image-carrier form independent unit.
9. imaging device comprises:
Developing apparatus as claimed in claim 1; With
Image-carrier.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2007038888 | 2007-02-20 | ||
| JP038888/07 | 2007-02-20 | ||
| JP2007090168A JP5217209B2 (en) | 2007-02-20 | 2007-03-30 | Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| JP090168/07 | 2007-03-30 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN101290498A CN101290498A (en) | 2008-10-22 |
| CN101290498B true CN101290498B (en) | 2011-04-13 |
Family
ID=39906647
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN2008101092772A Expired - Fee Related CN101290498B (en) | 2007-02-20 | 2008-02-20 | Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP5217209B2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN101290498B (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP5305233B2 (en) * | 2009-02-24 | 2013-10-02 | 株式会社リコー | Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| JP5332738B2 (en) * | 2009-03-05 | 2013-11-06 | 株式会社リコー | Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| JP5003779B2 (en) | 2010-03-19 | 2012-08-15 | コニカミノルタビジネステクノロジーズ株式会社 | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| CN102236294A (en) * | 2010-04-21 | 2011-11-09 | 株式会社东芝 | Developing device, image forming apparatus and decompressing method of developing device |
| JP5822087B2 (en) * | 2011-08-10 | 2015-11-24 | 株式会社リコー | Developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| JP2020042094A (en) * | 2018-09-07 | 2020-03-19 | エイチピー プリンティング コリア カンパニー リミテッドＨＰ Ｐｒｉｎｔｉｎｇ Ｋｏｒｅａ Ｃｏ．， Ｌｔｄ． | Image forming system |
| KR20200050511A (en) * | 2018-11-01 | 2020-05-12 | 휴렛-팩커드 디벨롭먼트 컴퍼니, 엘.피. | Developing device with structure to release inner pressure |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5012289A (en) * | 1989-08-11 | 1991-04-30 | International Business Machines Corporation | Toner metering apparatus |
| JPH0511619A (en) * | 1991-07-02 | 1993-01-22 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device |
| JPH09236980A (en) * | 1996-02-29 | 1997-09-09 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device |
| JPH11231624A (en) * | 1998-02-10 | 1999-08-27 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Developing device |
| JP2001249545A (en) * | 2000-03-06 | 2001-09-14 | Konica Corp | Image forming device |
| JP2003084634A (en) * | 2001-07-05 | 2003-03-19 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Toner scattering suppressing apparatus, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
| JP3919678B2 (en) * | 2003-02-20 | 2007-05-30 | 株式会社リコー | Developing device, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge |
| JP4655576B2 (en) * | 2004-10-01 | 2011-03-23 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
| JP4634833B2 (en) * | 2005-03-16 | 2011-02-16 | 株式会社リコー | Developing device, image forming apparatus, and image forming method |
-
2007
- 2007-03-30 JP JP2007090168A patent/JP5217209B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2008
- 2008-02-20 CN CN2008101092772A patent/CN101290498B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN101290498A (en) | 2008-10-22 |
| JP5217209B2 (en) | 2013-06-19 |
| JP2008233834A (en) | 2008-10-02 |
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