JP2001242699A - Developing device - Google Patents
Developing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JP2001242699A JP2001242699A JP2000055123A JP2000055123A JP2001242699A JP 2001242699 A JP2001242699 A JP 2001242699A JP 2000055123 A JP2000055123 A JP 2000055123A JP 2000055123 A JP2000055123 A JP 2000055123A JP 2001242699 A JP2001242699 A JP 2001242699A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- toner
- carrier
- regulating member
- toner carrier
- surface potential
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Landscapes
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】この発明は、複写機やプリン
ター等の画像形成装置において、像担持体に形成された
静電潜像を現像するのに使用する現像装置に係り、特
に、静電潜像が形成される像担持体と所要間隔を介して
対向するように設けられたトナー担持体の表面にトナー
を保持させ、このトナー担持体によりトナーを像担持体
と対向する現像領域に導く途中において規制部材により
搬送されるトナーの量を規制し、このように規制された
トナーを像担持体と対向する現像領域に導くと共に、こ
のトナー担持体と像担持体との間に交番電界を作用させ
て現像を行うようにした現像装置に関するものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device used for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, and more particularly to an electrostatic latent image forming apparatus. The toner is held on the surface of a toner carrier provided so as to be opposed to the image carrier on which an image is formed at a predetermined interval, and the toner carrier is used to guide the toner to a development area facing the image carrier. Regulates the amount of toner conveyed by the regulating member, guides the regulated toner to a development area facing the image carrier, and acts an alternating electric field between the toner carrier and the image carrier. More specifically, the present invention relates to a developing device that performs development.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】従来より、複写機やプリンター等の画像
形成装置においては、像担持体に形成された静電潜像を
現像するのに様々な現像装置が使用されており、このよ
うな現像装置としては、現像剤にキャリアとトナーとを
含む２成分現像方式の現像装置の他に、キャリアを含ま
ない現像剤を使用した１成分現像方式の現像装置が知ら
れている。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, various developing devices have been used to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier. As a device, in addition to a two-component developing system including a carrier and a toner in a developer, a one-component developing system using a developer not including a carrier is known.
【０００３】また、このような１成分現像方式の現像装
置においては、トナーを保持するトナー担持体を像担持
体と接触するように設け、このトナー担持体によってト
ナーを像担持体と接触する現像領域に導いて現像を行な
うようにした接触現像方式の現像装置と、トナー担持体
を像担持体と所要間隔を介して対向するように設け、こ
のトナー担持体によりトナーを像担持体と対向する現像
領域に導き、トナーをトナー担持体から像担持体に飛翔
させて現像を行うようにした非接触現像方式の現像装置
とが知られている。In such a developing device of the one-component developing system, a toner carrier for holding a toner is provided so as to be in contact with the image carrier, and the toner carrier is used to bring the toner into contact with the image carrier. A developing device of a contact developing type, which guides the toner to an area and performs development, and a toner carrier is provided so as to face the image carrier at a predetermined interval, and the toner carrier faces the toner with the image carrier. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a non-contact developing type developing device in which a toner is guided from a toner carrier to an image carrier to perform development by leading the toner to a developing area.
【０００４】ここで、接触現像方式の現像装置の場合、
トナーを像担持体と接触させて現像を行うため、像担持
体に形成された静電潜像の再現性に優れるが、静電潜像
の形成されていない非画像部分にもトナーが付着され
て、形成される画像にカブリが発生する等の問題があっ
た。Here, in the case of a contact developing type developing device,
Because the toner is brought into contact with the image carrier for development, the reproducibility of the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier is excellent, but the toner adheres to the non-image portion where the electrostatic latent image is not formed. Thus, there is a problem that fogging occurs in the formed image.
【０００５】このため、近年においては、上記の非接触
現像方式の現像装置について様々な開発が行われるよう
になった。For this reason, in recent years, various developments have been made on the non-contact developing type developing apparatus.
【０００６】ここで、このような非接触現像方式の現像
装置においては、一般に図１に示すように、ドラム状に
なった像担持体１と所要間隔を介して対向するようにト
ナー担持体１１を設け、このトナー担持体１１と像担持
体１とを回転させると共に、このトナー担持体１１の表
面に装置本体１０内に収容されたトナーｔを送り部材１
２によって供給するようにしている。Here, in such a developing device of the non-contact developing system, as shown in FIG. 1, the toner carrier 11 is opposed to the drum-shaped image carrier 1 at a required interval. The toner carrier 11 and the image carrier 1 are rotated, and the toner t contained in the apparatus main body 10 is fed onto the surface of the toner carrier 11 by the feeding member 1.
2.
【０００７】そして、このようにトナー担持体１１の表
面に供給されたトナーｔを規制部材１３によって規制す
ると共に摩擦帯電させ、このように規制されて摩擦帯電
されたトナーｔをトナー担持体１１により像担持体１と
対向する現像領域に導くと共に、トナー担持体１１に電
源１４から交番電圧を印加させて、像担持体１とトナー
担持体１１との間に交番電界を作用させ、トナー担持体
１１の表面に保持されたトナーｔを飛翔させて像担持体
１に供給し、像担持体１に形成された静電潜像を現像す
るようにしていた。The toner t supplied to the surface of the toner carrier 11 is regulated by the regulating member 13 and frictionally charged. The toner t regulated and frictionally charged is regulated by the toner carrier 11. The toner carrier 11 is guided to a developing area facing the image carrier 1, and an alternating voltage is applied from a power supply 14 to the toner carrier 11 to cause an alternating electric field to act between the image carrier 1 and the toner carrier 11. The toner t held on the surface of the image carrier 11 flies and is supplied to the image carrier 1, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier 1 is developed.
【０００８】また、上記のようにトナー担持体１１の表
面に供給されたトナーｔを規制部材１３によって規制す
ると共に摩擦帯電させるにあたり、従来においては、一
般に上記の規制部材１３に電源１４からトナー担持体１
１と同じ交番電圧を印加させるようにしていた。When the toner t supplied to the surface of the toner carrier 11 is regulated by the regulating member 13 and charged by friction as described above, conventionally, the regulating member 13 is generally supplied from the power source 14 to the toner carrying member. Body 1
The same alternating voltage as that of No. 1 was applied.
【０００９】ここで、上記のようにトナー担持体１１の
表面に供給されたトナーｔを規制部材１３により規制す
ると共に摩擦帯電させると、トナーｔがこの規制部材１
３によりトナー担持体１１の表面に押し付けられて、こ
のトナーｔがトナー担持体１１の表面に強く付着される
ようになった。特に、近年においては、高精細な画像を
得るため、小粒径のトナーｔが使用されるようになり、
このような小粒径のトナーｔにおいてはトナー担持体１
１の表面への付着力が高く、上記のようにトナー担持体
１１の表面に保持されたトナーｔを飛翔させて像担持体
１に供給するにあたり、トナーｔが像担持体１に十分に
供給されなくなり、形成される画像の濃度が低下した
り、濃度むらが発生したりするという問題があった。Here, when the toner t supplied to the surface of the toner carrier 11 is regulated and frictionally charged by the regulating member 13 as described above, the toner t
3, the toner t is pressed against the surface of the toner carrier 11 so that the toner t adheres strongly to the surface of the toner carrier 11. In particular, in recent years, in order to obtain a high-definition image, a toner t having a small particle diameter has been used,
For the toner t having such a small particle diameter, the toner carrier 1
The toner t held on the surface of the toner carrier 11 as described above has a high adhesion to the surface of the toner carrier 11 and is supplied to the image carrier 1 by flying. There is a problem that the density of the formed image is lowered or density unevenness occurs.
【００１０】また、近年においては、特開平９−２７４
３７６号公報に示されるように、トナー担持体と規制部
材との間に交流電圧を印加させて交番電界を作用させ、
トナーをトナー担持体と規制部材との間で飛翔させて往
復動させ、これによりトナー担持体の表面に対するトナ
ーの付着力を低減させてた、トナー担持体の表面に良好
なトナーの層を形成することが提案されている。In recent years, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-274
No. 376, an alternating voltage is applied between the toner carrier and the regulating member to cause an alternating electric field to act,
The toner flies between the toner carrier and the regulating member and reciprocates, thereby forming a good toner layer on the surface of the toner carrier, which reduces the adhesion of the toner to the surface of the toner carrier. It has been proposed to.
【００１１】しかし、このようにトナー担持体と規制部
材との間に交流電圧を印加させて交番電界を作用させる
と、規制部材との接触によりトナーの帯電が不均一にな
って、逆帯電トナーや不良帯電トナーが発生し、このよ
うなトナーが規制部材に付着して、トナー担持体の表面
におけるトナーの層に筋状のむらが生じたり、また形成
される画像にかぶりが発生する等の問題が生じた。However, when an alternating voltage is applied between the toner carrier and the regulating member to apply an alternating electric field, the contact of the regulating member causes the toner to become non-uniform. And poorly charged toner, and such toner adheres to the regulating member, causing streaky unevenness in the toner layer on the surface of the toner carrier, and fogging of the formed image. Occurred.
【００１２】[0012]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】この発明は、静電潜像
が形成される像担持体と所要間隔を介して対向するよう
に設けられたトナー担持体の表面にトナーを保持させ、
このトナー担持体によりトナーを像担持体と対向する現
像領域に導く途中において、規制部材により搬送される
トナーの量を規制し、このように規制されたトナーを像
担持体と対向する現像領域に導くと共に、このトナー担
持体と像担持体との間に交番電界を作用させて現像を行
うようにした非接触現像方式の現像装置における上記の
ような問題を解決することを課題とするものである。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a toner is held on a surface of a toner carrier provided so as to face an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed at a required distance,
In the course of guiding the toner by the toner carrier to the developing area facing the image carrier, the regulating member regulates the amount of toner conveyed, and the toner regulated in this way is transferred to the developing area facing the image carrier. It is an object of the present invention to solve the above-described problems in a non-contact developing type developing device in which an alternating electric field acts between the toner carrier and the image carrier to perform development. is there.
【００１３】すなわち、この発明は、上記のような現像
装置において、トナー担持体によりトナーを像担持体と
対向する現像領域に導く途中に、規制部材によって搬送
されるトナーの量を規制するにあたり、トナーがトナー
担持体の表面に強く付着されるのを抑制し、小粒径のト
ナーを使用した場合においても、トナー担持体の表面に
対するトナーの付着力が低減されるようにし、またトナ
ー担持体と規制部材との間に交流電圧を印加させて交番
電界を作用させる場合のように、逆帯電トナーや不良帯
電トナーが発生して、トナーが規制部材に付着したり、
形成される画像にかぶりが発生するということもなく、
十分な画像濃度を有すると共に濃度むらのない良好な画
像が得られるようにすることを課題とするものである。That is, in the developing device as described above, in regulating the amount of toner conveyed by the regulating member while the toner carrying member guides the toner to the developing area facing the image carrying member, The present invention suppresses the toner from strongly adhering to the surface of the toner carrier, and reduces the adhesive force of the toner to the surface of the toner carrier even when a toner having a small particle diameter is used. As in the case where an alternating electric field is applied by applying an AC voltage between the control member and the regulating member, a reversely charged toner or a poorly charged toner is generated, and the toner adheres to the regulating member,
Without fogging of the formed image,
It is an object of the present invention to obtain a satisfactory image having a sufficient image density and no density unevenness.
【００１４】[0014]
【課題を解決するための手段】この発明における現像装
置においては、上記のような課題を解決するため、静電
潜像が形成される像担持体と所要間隔を介して対向する
ように設けられたトナー担持体の表面にトナーを保持さ
せ、このトナー担持体によりトナーを像担持体と対向す
る現像領域に導く途中において規制部材により搬送され
るトナーの量を規制し、このように規制されたトナーを
像担持体と対向する現像領域に導くと共に、このトナー
担持体と像担持体との間に交番電界を作用させて現像を
行う現像装置において、上記のトナー担持体と規制部材
との間にトナーをトナー担持体に付勢する方向の電界で
あって電界強度が変化する変動電界を作用させるように
したのである。In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the developing device according to the present invention is provided so as to be opposed to an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed at a required interval. The toner is held on the surface of the toner carrier, and the toner carrier regulates the amount of toner conveyed by the regulating member in the course of guiding the toner to the development area facing the image carrier. In a developing device that guides the toner to a development area facing the image carrier and applies an alternating electric field between the toner carrier and the image carrier to perform development, the toner is transported between the toner carrier and the regulating member. In this case, a fluctuating electric field, which is an electric field in the direction of urging the toner to the toner carrier and changes the electric field intensity, is applied.
【００１５】そして、この発明における現像装置のよう
に、トナー担持体によって像担持体と対向する現像領域
に搬送されるトナーの量を規制部材によって規制するに
あたり、トナー担持体と規制部材との間に、トナーをト
ナー担持体に付勢する方向の電界であって電界強度が変
化する変動電界を作用させると、トナー担持体と規制部
材との間に交流電圧を印加させて交番電界を作用させる
場合のように、逆帯電トナーや不良帯電トナーが発生し
て、トナーが規制部材に付着したり、形成される画像に
かぶりが発生するということがない。また、トナー担持
体に保持されたトナーが上記の変動電界によってトナー
担持体の表面において振動し、これによりトナー担持体
の表面におけるトナーの付着力が低減され、小粒径のト
ナーを使用した場合においても、十分な画像濃度を有す
ると共に濃度むらのない良好な画像が得られるようにな
る。When the amount of toner conveyed to the developing area facing the image carrier by the toner carrier is regulated by the regulating member as in the developing device of the present invention, the amount of toner transferred between the toner carrier and the regulating member is reduced. When a fluctuating electric field is applied in the direction of urging the toner to the toner carrier and the electric field intensity changes, an alternating voltage is applied between the toner carrier and the regulating member to cause an alternating electric field to act. As in the case, the reversely charged toner or the poorly charged toner does not occur, and the toner does not adhere to the regulating member and the formed image does not fog. In addition, when the toner held by the toner carrier vibrates on the surface of the toner carrier due to the above-described fluctuating electric field, the adhesive force of the toner on the surface of the toner carrier is reduced. In this case, a satisfactory image having a sufficient image density and no density unevenness can be obtained.
【００１６】ここで、この発明における現像装置におい
て、上記のようにトナー担持体と規制部材との間に、ト
ナーをトナー担持体に付勢する方向の電界であって電界
強度が変化する変動電界を作用させるにあたっては、ト
ナー担持体と規制部材とに交番電圧を印加させて、トナ
ー担持体の表面電位が規制部材の表面電位と同じ又はト
ナー担持体の表面電位より規制部材の表面電位がトナー
の帯電極性側になるようにして、トナーをトナー担持体
に付勢する方向の電界を作用させるようにすると共に、
トナー担持体の表面電位と規制部材の表面電位との電位
差を変動させて、トナー担持体と規制部材との間に電界
強度が変化する変動電界を作用させるようにする。Here, in the developing device according to the present invention, as described above, a fluctuating electric field between the toner carrier and the regulating member in the direction in which the toner is urged toward the toner carrier, wherein the electric field intensity changes. In the operation, an alternating voltage is applied to the toner carrier and the regulating member so that the surface potential of the toner carrier is the same as the surface potential of the regulating member or the surface potential of the regulating member is higher than the surface potential of the toner carrier. So as to apply an electric field in the direction of urging the toner to the toner carrier,
By varying the potential difference between the surface potential of the toner carrier and the surface potential of the regulating member, a fluctuating electric field whose electric field intensity changes between the toner carrier and the regulating member is caused to act.
【００１７】そして、このようにトナー担持体と規制部
材との間に変動電界を作用させるにあたり、変動電界に
おけるピークの電界強度が大きくなり過ぎると、トナー
担持体と規制部材との間にリークが発生して、トナーの
帯電等が適切に行えなくなるため、請求項２に示すよう
に、トナーの帯電極性と同極性の電圧が印加された場合
におけるトナー担持体の表面電位Ｖｔ１と規制部材の表
面電位Ｖｒ１との最大電位差をΔＶ１＝｜Ｖｔ１−Ｖｒ
１｜、トナーの帯電極性と逆極性の電圧が印加された場
合におけるトナー担持体の表面電位Ｖｔ２と規制部材の
表面電位Ｖｒ２との最大電位差をΔＶ２＝｜Ｖｔ２−Ｖ
ｒ２｜、トナー担持体と規制部材との間隔をｄとした場
合に、ΔＶ１／ｄ≦４０Ｖ／μｍ及びΔＶ２／ｄ≦４０
Ｖ／μｍの条件を満たすようにすることが好ましい。When a fluctuating electric field is applied between the toner carrier and the regulating member as described above, if the peak electric field strength of the fluctuating electric field becomes too large, a leak may occur between the toner carrier and the regulating member. As a result, the toner cannot be charged properly, so that the surface potential Vt1 of the toner carrier and the surface of the regulating member when a voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner is applied as described in claim 2. The maximum potential difference from potential Vr1 is ΔV1 = | Vt1-Vr
1 |, the maximum potential difference between the surface potential Vt2 of the toner carrier and the surface potential Vr2 of the regulating member when a voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied is ΔV2 = | Vt2-V
r2 |, ΔV1 / d ≦ 40V / μm and ΔV2 / d ≦ 40, where d is the distance between the toner carrier and the regulating member.
It is preferable to satisfy the condition of V / μm.
【００１８】また、この発明における現像装置におい
て、トナー担持体と規制部材との間に作用させる変動電
界における電界強度の変動幅が少ないと、トナー担持体
に保持されたトナーを十分に振動させて、トナー担持体
の表面におけるトナーの付着力を十分に低減させること
ができなくなるため、請求項３に示すように、｜ΔＶ１
−ΔＶ２｜／ｄ≧２Ｖ／μｍの条件を満たすようにする
ことが好ましい。In the developing device according to the present invention, if the fluctuation width of the electric field intensity in the fluctuating electric field applied between the toner carrier and the regulating member is small, the toner held on the toner carrier is sufficiently vibrated. Since the adhesion of the toner on the surface of the toner carrier cannot be sufficiently reduced, | V1
It is preferable to satisfy the condition of -ΔV2 | / d ≧ 2 V / μm.
【００１９】また、上記のようにトナー担持体と規制部
材との間に、トナーをトナー担持体に付勢する方向の電
界であって電界強度が変化する変動電界を作用させるに
あたって、トナー担持体の表面においてトナーの均一な
層が形成されるようにするためには、トナーの帯電極性
と同極性の電圧が印加された場合におけるトナー担持体
の表面電位Ｖｔ１と規制部材の表面電位Ｖｒ１との最大
電位差ΔＶ１＝｜Ｖｔ１−Ｖｒ１｜が、トナーの帯電極
性と逆極性の電圧が印加された場合におけるトナー担持
体の表面電位Ｖｔ２と規制部材の表面電位Ｖｒ２との最
大電位差ΔＶ２＝｜Ｖｔ２−Ｖｒ２｜より大きくなるよ
うにし、請求項４に示すように、（ΔＶ１−ΔＶ２）／
ｄ≧２Ｖ／μｍの条件を満たすようにすることが好まし
い。Further, when a fluctuating electric field, which is an electric field in the direction of urging the toner to the toner carrier and the electric field intensity is changed, acts between the toner carrier and the regulating member as described above, In order to form a uniform layer of the toner on the surface of the toner, the surface potential Vt1 of the toner carrier and the surface potential Vr1 of the regulating member when a voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner is applied. The maximum potential difference ΔV1 = | Vt1-Vr1 | is the maximum potential difference ΔV2 = | Vt2-Vr2 between the surface potential Vt2 of the toner carrier and the surface potential Vr2 of the regulating member when a voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied. |, And (ΔV1−ΔV2) /
It is preferable to satisfy the condition of d ≧ 2 V / μm.
【００２０】また、この発明における現像装置におい
て、トナー担持体により像担持体と対向する現像領域に
導くトナーの量を規制する規制部材を２以上設け、トナ
ー担持体と各規制部材との間にトナーをトナー担持体に
付勢する方向の電界であって電界強度が変化する変動電
界を作用させるようにすることも可能である。Further, in the developing device according to the present invention, two or more regulating members for regulating the amount of toner guided by the toner carrier to the developing area facing the image carrier are provided, and a regulating member is provided between the toner carrier and each regulating member. It is also possible to apply a fluctuating electric field, which is an electric field in the direction of urging the toner to the toner carrier and in which the electric field intensity changes.
【００２１】そして、このように２以上の規制部材を設
け、トナー担持体と各規制部材との間に、トナーをトナ
ー担持体に付勢する方向の電界であって電界強度が変化
する変動電界を作用させると、逆帯電トナーや不良帯電
トナーが発生するのが抑制されて、トナーが規制部材に
付着したり、形成される画像にかぶりが発生するのがさ
らに抑制されると共に、トナー担持体に保持されたトナ
ーが各規制部材との間における変動電界によりトナー担
持体の表面において振動し、これによりトナー担持体の
表面におけるトナーの付着力が低減され、小粒径のトナ
ーを使用した場合においても、より十分な画像濃度を有
すると共に濃度むらのない良好な画像が得られるように
なる。The two or more regulating members are provided as described above, and a fluctuating electric field in which the electric field intensity is changed between the toner carrier and each regulating member in a direction for urging the toner to the toner carrier. When the toner is acted on, the generation of the reversely charged toner or the poorly charged toner is suppressed, the toner is prevented from adhering to the regulating member, and the occurrence of fogging on the formed image is further suppressed. The toner held on the toner carrier vibrates on the surface of the toner carrier due to a fluctuating electric field between the regulating member and the toner, thereby reducing the adhesive force of the toner on the surface of the toner carrier and using toner having a small particle size. In this case, a satisfactory image having a sufficient image density and no density unevenness can be obtained.
【００２２】[0022]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、この発明の実施形態に係る
現像装置を添付図面に基づいて具体的に説明する。DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
【００２３】（実施形態１）実施形態１における現像装
置も、図２に示すように、図１に示した従来の現像装置
と同様に、ドラム状になった像担持体１と所要間隔を介
して対向するようにトナー担持体１１を設け、このトナ
ー担持体１１と像担持体１とを回転させると共に、装置
本体１０内に収容されたトナーｔを送り部材１２によっ
てこのトナー担持体１１の表面に供給するようにしてい
る。(Embodiment 1) As shown in FIG. 2, the developing device according to the first embodiment is also provided with a drum-shaped image carrier 1 at a required interval, similarly to the conventional developing device shown in FIG. The toner carrier 11 and the image carrier 1 are rotated so as to face each other, and the toner t stored in the apparatus main body 10 is fed by the feeding member 12 to the surface of the toner carrier 11. To supply it.
【００２４】そして、図３に示すように、トナー担持体
１１の表面に供給されたトナーｔを規制部材１３によっ
て規制すると共に摩擦帯電させ、このように規制されて
摩擦帯電されたトナーｔをトナー担持体１１により像担
持体１と対向する現像領域に導くと共に、トナー担持体
１１に電源１４から交番電圧を印加させて、像担持体１
とトナー担持体１１との間に交番電界を作用させ、トナ
ー担持体１１の表面に保持されたトナーｔを飛翔させて
像担持体１に供給し、像担持体１に形成された静電潜像
を現像するようにしている。なお、この実施形態におい
ては、上記のトナー担持体１１として、金属製のローラ
１１ａの表面にゴム等のコート層１１ｂを設けたものを
用い、また規制部材１３としては、ＳＵＳ等で構成され
た金属製の板材を用いるようにしている。Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the toner t supplied to the surface of the toner carrier 11 is regulated by the regulating member 13 and is charged by friction. The carrier 11 guides the toner carrier 11 to a developing area facing the image carrier 1, and applies an alternating voltage from a power source 14 to the toner carrier 11, thereby causing the image carrier 1
An alternating electric field acts between the toner carrier 11 and the toner carrier 11 to fly the toner t held on the surface of the toner carrier 11 and supply the toner t to the image carrier 1. I try to develop the image. In this embodiment, the toner carrier 11 is a metal roller 11a having a surface provided with a coating layer 11b of rubber or the like, and the regulating member 13 is composed of SUS or the like. Metal plates are used.
【００２５】そして、この実施形態の現像装置において
は、上記のようにトナー担持体１１の表面に供給された
トナーｔを規制部材１３によって規制すると共に摩擦帯
電させるにあたり、図２に示すように、上記の規制部材
１３に対して、電源１４からトナー担持体１１と同じ交
番電圧を印加させると共に、規制部材用電源１５からト
ナーｔの帯電極性と同極性の直流電圧に交流電圧が重畳
された交番電圧を印加させ、この規制部材１３とトナー
担持体１１との間において、トナーｔをトナー担持体１
１に付勢する方向の電界であって電界強度が変化する変
動電界を作用させるようにしている。In the developing device of this embodiment, as described above, when the toner t supplied to the surface of the toner carrier 11 is regulated by the regulating member 13 and frictionally charged, as shown in FIG. The same alternating voltage as that of the toner carrier 11 is applied from the power supply 14 to the regulating member 13, and the alternating voltage in which the alternating voltage is superimposed on the DC voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner t from the regulating member power supply 15. A voltage is applied, and between the regulating member 13 and the toner carrier 11, the toner t is transferred to the toner carrier 1.
A fluctuating electric field, which is an electric field in the direction of energizing 1 and whose electric field intensity changes, is applied.
【００２６】ここで、このようにトナー担持体１１と規
制部材１３との間にトナーｔをトナー担持体１１に付勢
する方向の電界であって電界強度が変化する変動電界を
作用させると、トナー担持体１１によって搬送されるト
ナーｔが規制部材１３との接触によってその帯電量が低
下したり、逆極性に帯電されるということがなく、トナ
ーｔが適切に帯電されるようになり、規制部材１３にト
ナーｔが付着するのが防止されると共に、トナーｔが外
部に飛散したり、非画像部分に付着して形成される画像
にかぶりが発生するということがない。When a fluctuating electric field is applied between the toner carrier 11 and the regulating member 13 in the direction of urging the toner t to the toner carrier 11 and the electric field intensity changes, The amount of charge of the toner t conveyed by the toner carrier 11 due to contact with the regulating member 13 is not reduced, and the toner t is appropriately charged without being charged to the opposite polarity. In addition to preventing the toner t from adhering to the member 13, the toner t does not scatter outside or fog occurs in an image formed by adhering to a non-image portion.
【００２７】また、トナー担持体１１に保持されたトナ
ーｔが上記の変動電界によってトナー担持体１１の表面
において振動し、トナー担持体１１の表面におけるトナ
ーｔの付着力が低減され、小粒径のトナーｔを使用した
場合においても、十分な画像濃度を有すると共に濃度む
らのない良好な画像が得られるようになる。Further, the toner t held on the toner carrier 11 vibrates on the surface of the toner carrier 11 due to the above-mentioned fluctuating electric field, the adhesive force of the toner t on the surface of the toner carrier 11 is reduced, and Even when the toner t is used, a satisfactory image having a sufficient image density and having no uneven density can be obtained.
【００２８】ここで、上記のトナーｔの帯電極性が負の
場合には、例えば、上記の電源１４からトナーｔの帯電
極性と同じ負の直流電圧に交流電圧が重畳された交番電
圧をトナー担持体１１と規制部材１３とに印加させると
共に、規制部材用電源１５から規制部材１３にトナーｔ
の帯電極性と同じ負の直流電圧に交流電圧が重畳された
交番電圧を印加させ、図４（Ａ），（Ｂ）に示すよう
に、トナー担持体１１の表面電位より規制部材１３の表
面電位がトナーｔの帯電極性である負のマイナス側にな
るようにすると共に、トナーｔの帯電極性と同じ負の電
圧が印加された場合におけるトナー担持体１１の表面電
位Ｖｔ１と規制部材１３の表面電位Ｖｒ１との最大電位
差ΔＶ１＝｜Ｖｔ１−Ｖｒ１｜と、トナーの帯電極性と
逆極性の正の電圧が印加された場合におけるトナー担持
体１１の表面電位Ｖｔ２と規制部材１３の表面電位Ｖｒ
２との最大電位差ΔＶ２＝｜Ｖｔ２−Ｖｒ２｜とが異な
るようにする。Here, when the charging polarity of the toner t is negative, for example, an alternating voltage in which an AC voltage is superimposed on the DC voltage having the same negative polarity as the charging polarity of the toner t is supplied from the power source 14 to the toner. The toner t is applied to the regulating member 13 from the regulating member power source 15 while being applied to the body 11 and the regulating member 13.
4A and 4B, an alternating voltage in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a negative DC voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity is applied to the surface potential of the regulating member 13 from the surface potential of the toner carrying member 11 as shown in FIGS. To the negative side, which is the charging polarity of the toner t, and the surface potential Vt1 of the toner carrier 11 and the surface potential of the regulating member 13 when the same negative voltage as the charging polarity of the toner t is applied. Vr1 = | Vt1−Vr1 |, the surface potential Vt2 of the toner carrier 11 and the surface potential Vr of the regulating member 13 when a positive voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied.
2 is different from the maximum potential difference ΔV2 = | Vt2−Vr2 |.
【００２９】このようにすると、トナー担持体１１と規
制部材１３との間には負に帯電したトナーｔをトナー担
持体１１に付勢する方向の電界が作用すると共に、上記
のようにΔＶ１とΔＶ２とが異なるため、トナー担持体
１１と規制部材１３との間に作用する電界の電界強度が
変化するようになる。In this way, an electric field is applied between the toner carrier 11 and the regulating member 13 in the direction of urging the negatively charged toner t to the toner carrier 11, and ΔV1 and Since ΔV2 is different, the electric field intensity of the electric field acting between the toner carrier 11 and the regulating member 13 changes.
【００３０】また、このようにΔＶ１とΔＶ２とを異な
らせるにあたっては、ΔＶ１とΔＶ２の何れが大きくな
っていてもよいが、規制部材１３によりトナー担持体１
１の表面に均一なトナーｔの層を形成するためには、図
４（Ａ），（Ｂ）に示すように、トナーｔの帯電極性と
同じ負の電圧が印加された場合におけるトナー担持体１
１の表面電位Ｖｔ１と規制部材１３の表面電位Ｖｒ１と
の最大電位差ΔＶ１が大きくなるようにして、トナーｔ
の帯電極性と同じ負の電圧が印加された場合における電
界強度を、トナーの帯電極性と逆極性の正の電圧が印加
された場合における電界強度より高くすることが好まし
い。In order to make ΔV1 and ΔV2 different from each other, either of ΔV1 and ΔV2 may be increased.
In order to form a uniform layer of the toner t on the surface of the toner 1, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the toner carrier when the same negative voltage as the charging polarity of the toner t is applied. 1
1 and the maximum potential difference ΔV1 between the surface potential Vt1 of the regulating member 13 and the surface potential Vt1 of the regulating member 13 is increased.
It is preferable that the electric field strength when the same negative voltage as the charging polarity is applied is higher than the electric field strength when a positive voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied.
【００３１】次に、上記の実施形態１における現像装置
において、上記の規制部材用電源１５から規制部材１３
に印加させる電圧を変更させた実験を行い、この発明の
条件を満たす場合と満たさない場合とを比較し、この発
明の条件を満たす場合には、良好な画像が得られるよう
になることを明らかにする。Next, in the developing device according to the first embodiment, the regulating member power supply 15 is connected to the regulating member 13.
An experiment was conducted in which the voltage applied was changed, and a comparison was made between the case where the condition of the present invention was satisfied and the case where the condition was not satisfied, and it was clear that a good image could be obtained when the condition of the present invention was satisfied. To
【００３２】ここで、この実験においては、像担持体１
として直径が３０ｍｍの感光体ドラムを、トナーｔとし
て平均粒径が８μｍの負帯電性トナーを、トナー担持体
１１として金属製のローラ１１ａの表面に抵抗値が１０
6 Ωのシリコンゴムのコート層１１ｂを設けたものを、
規制部材１３としてＳＵＳで構成された厚みが０．１ｍ
ｍの板材を用いるようにした。Here, in this experiment, the image carrier 1
A toner drum having a diameter of 30 mm, a negatively chargeable toner having an average particle diameter of 8 μm as a toner t, and a toner carrier 11 having a resistance value of 10 on the surface of a metal roller 11a.
The 6 Ω silicon rubber coating layer 11 b
The thickness of the regulating member 13 made of SUS is 0.1 m.
m plate material was used.
【００３３】また、上記の像担持体１とトナー担持体１
１との間隔を１５０μｍ、システム速度を１６０ｍｍ／
ｓ、像担持体１の周速度に対するトナー担持体１１の周
速度の比を１．５にし、上記の像担持体１の初期表面電
位を−５５０Ｖ、露光されたべたの潜像部分の電位を−
５０Ｖにし、上記のようにトナー担持体１１の表面に供
給されたトナーｔを規制部材１３によって規制すると共
に摩擦帯電させ、このように規制されて負に帯電された
トナーｔをトナー担持体１１により像担持体１と対向す
る現像領域に導くと共に、電源１４から−４００Ｖの直
流電圧に周波数が２０００Ｈｚでピーク・ピーク値Ｖｐ
ｐが１５００Ｖの矩形波からなる交流電圧をトナー担持
体１１に印加させて反転現像を行うようにした。なお、
上記のトナー担持体１１と規制部材１３との間隔ｄは１
５μｍになっていた。The image carrier 1 and toner carrier 1
1 is 150 μm, and the system speed is 160 mm /
s, the ratio of the peripheral speed of the toner carrier 11 to the peripheral speed of the image carrier 1 is 1.5, the initial surface potential of the image carrier 1 is -550 V, and the potential of the exposed solid latent image portion is −
The voltage is set to 50 V, and the toner t supplied to the surface of the toner carrier 11 is regulated by the regulating member 13 and frictionally charged as described above. The toner t regulated and negatively charged is regulated by the toner carrier 11. The power is guided to a developing area opposite to the image carrier 1, and a DC voltage of −400 V is applied from the power supply 14 at a frequency of 2000 Hz and a peak-peak value
An AC voltage consisting of a rectangular wave having a p of 1500 V was applied to the toner carrier 11 to perform reversal development. In addition,
The distance d between the toner carrier 11 and the regulating member 13 is 1
It was 5 μm.
【００３４】そして、上記のトナー担持体１１の表面に
供給されたトナーｔを規制部材１３によって規制する規
制部材用電源１５から規制部材１３に印加させる電圧を
変更させて、トナーｔの帯電極性と同じ負の電圧が印加
された場合におけるトナー担持体１１の表面電位Ｖｔ１
と規制部材１３の表面電位Ｖｒ１との差ΔＶ１ａ（＝Ｖ
ｔ１−Ｖｒ１）と、トナーｔの帯電極性と逆極性の正の
電圧が印加された場合におけるトナー担持体１１の表面
電位Ｖｔ２と規制部材１３の表面電位Ｖｒ２との差ΔＶ
２ａ（＝Ｖｔ２−Ｖｒ２）とを下記の表１に示すように
変更させ、またこの場合における、上記のΔＶ１／ｄ、
ΔＶ２／ｄ及び｜ΔＶ１ａ−ΔＶ２ａ｜／ｄの値を求
め、その結果を表１に合わせて示した。The voltage applied to the regulating member 13 from the regulating member power supply 15 for regulating the toner t supplied to the surface of the toner carrier 11 by the regulating member 13 is changed to change the charging polarity of the toner t and Surface potential Vt1 of toner carrier 11 when the same negative voltage is applied
ΔV1a (= V
t1−Vr1) and the difference ΔV between the surface potential Vt2 of the toner carrier 11 and the surface potential Vr2 of the regulating member 13 when a positive voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner t is applied.
2a (= Vt2-Vr2) is changed as shown in Table 1 below, and in this case, ΔV1 / d,
The values of ΔV2 / d and | ΔV1a−ΔV2a | / d were determined, and the results are shown in Table 1.
【００３５】ここで、上記のΔＶ１ａ及びΔＶ２ａがプ
ラスの場合には、トナー担持体１１の表面電位より規制
部材１３の表面電位がトナーｔの帯電極性であるマイナ
ス側になっており、トナーｔをトナー担持体１１に付勢
する方向の電界が作用する一方、ΔＶ１ａ及びΔＶ２ａ
がマイナスの場合には、トナー担持体１１の表面電位よ
り規制部材１３の表面電位がトナーｔの帯電極性と逆の
プラス側になって、トナーｔを規制部材１３に引き付け
る方向の電界が作用するようになる。なお、ΔＶ１ａ及
びΔＶ２ａがプラスの場合、｜ΔＶ１ａ−ΔＶ２ａ｜／
ｄ＝｜ΔＶ１−ΔＶａ｜／ｄとなる。Here, when ΔV1a and ΔV2a are positive, the surface potential of the regulating member 13 is on the minus side which is the charging polarity of the toner t from the surface potential of the toner carrier 11, and the toner t is While an electric field in the direction of urging acts on the toner carrier 11, ΔV1a and ΔV2a
Is negative, the surface potential of the regulating member 13 is on the plus side opposite to the charging polarity of the toner t from the surface potential of the toner carrier 11, and an electric field acts in a direction to attract the toner t to the regulating member 13. Become like When ΔV1a and ΔV2a are positive, | ΔV1a−ΔV2a | /
d = | ΔV1−ΔVa | / d.
【００３６】また、上記のΔＶ１ａとΔＶ２ａの値が異
なる場合には、トナー担持体１１と規制部材１３との間
に電界強度が変化する変動電界が作用する一方、ΔＶ１
ａとΔＶ２ａの値が同じ場合には、トナー担持体１１と
規制部材１３との間に一定した電界強度の電界が作用す
るようになる。When the values of ΔV1a and ΔV2a are different, a fluctuating electric field whose electric field intensity changes between the toner carrier 11 and the regulating member 13 acts, while ΔV1a and ΔV2a are different.
When the values of a and ΔV2a are the same, an electric field having a constant electric field strength acts between the toner carrier 11 and the regulating member 13.
【００３７】そして、上記のようにΔＶ１ａとΔＶ２ａ
の値を変化させて、それぞれトナー担持体１１の表面に
供給されたトナーｔを規制部材１３により規制した場合
における規制部材１３へのトナー付着を調べ、また上記
のように反転現像させてべた画像を形成し、形成された
べた画像におけるトナー量（ｍｇ／ｃｍ2 ）を求めると
共に濃度むらを調べ、これらの結果を表１に合わせて示
した。なお、規制部材１３へのトナー付着については、
トナーが付着しなかった場合を○、付着した場合を×で
示した。また、濃度むらについては、濃度むらが分から
ない場合を◎、濃度むらが殆どない場合を○、濃度むら
が少しある場合を△、濃度むらが明確に現れた場合を×
で示した。Then, as described above, ΔV1a and ΔV2a
Is changed to check the toner adhesion to the regulating member 13 when the regulating member 13 regulates the toner t supplied to the surface of the toner carrier 11, respectively. Was formed, the amount of toner (mg / cm 2 ) in the formed solid image was determined, and density unevenness was examined. The results are shown in Table 1. In addition, regarding toner adhesion to the regulating member 13,
場合 indicates that the toner did not adhere, and X indicates that the toner adhered. Regarding the density unevenness, ◎ indicates that the density unevenness is not known, 濃度 indicates that the density unevenness is almost nonexistent, △ indicates that the density unevenness is a little, and X indicates that the density unevenness clearly appears.
Indicated by
【００３８】[0038]
【表１】 [Table 1]
【００３９】この結果から明らかなように、ΔＶ１ａと
ΔＶ２ａの何れかがマイナスになって、トナーｔを規制
部材１３に引き付ける方向の電界が作用する場合には、
規制部材１３にトナーｔが付着すると共に、濃度むらが
発生するを十分に抑制することができず、またΔＶ１ａ
とΔＶ２ａとがプラスであるが、ΔＶ１ａとΔＶ２ａの
値が同じで、トナー担持体１１と規制部材１３との間に
一定した電界強度の電界が作用する場合には、像担持体
１に十分な量のトナーｔが供給されず、形成される画像
の画像濃度が低下すると共に、濃度むらが発生すること
を十分に抑制することができなかった。As apparent from the result, when either ΔV 1 a or ΔV 2 a becomes negative and an electric field acts in a direction to attract the toner t to the regulating member 13,
In addition to the toner t adhering to the regulating member 13, the occurrence of density unevenness cannot be sufficiently suppressed.
And ΔV2a are positive, but if the values of ΔV1a and ΔV2a are the same and an electric field of a constant electric field strength acts between the toner carrier 11 and the regulating member 13, the image carrier 1 has a sufficient value. Since the amount of toner t was not supplied, the image density of the formed image was reduced, and the occurrence of density unevenness could not be sufficiently suppressed.
【００４０】これに対して、ΔＶ１ａとΔＶ２ａとがプ
ラスであると共に、ΔＶ１ａとΔＶ２ａの値が異なっ
て、トナー担持体１１と規制部材１３との間に、トナー
ｔをトナー担持体１１に付勢する方向の電界であって電
界強度が変化する変動電界を作用するようにした場合に
は、規制部材１３にトナーｔが付着するということがな
く、像担持体１に十分な量のトナーｔが供給されて、十
分な画像濃度を有する画像が得られるようになると共
に、濃度むらの発生も十分に抑制されるようになった。On the other hand, ΔV1a and ΔV2a are positive and the values of ΔV1a and ΔV2a are different, and the toner t is urged between the toner carrier 11 and the regulating member 13 toward the toner carrier 11. When a fluctuating electric field in which the electric field strength changes in the direction of action is applied, the toner t does not adhere to the regulating member 13, and a sufficient amount of the toner t is deposited on the image carrier 1. When supplied, an image having a sufficient image density can be obtained, and the occurrence of density unevenness has been sufficiently suppressed.
【００４１】特に、トナーｔの帯電極性と同極性の負の
電圧が印加された場合におけるトナー担持体１１の表面
電位Ｖｔ１と規制部材１３の表面電位Ｖｒ１との最大電
位差ΔＶ１＝｜Ｖｔ１−Ｖｒ１｜が、トナーｔの帯電極
性と逆極性の正の電圧が印加された場合におけるトナー
担持体１１の表面電位Ｖｔ２と規制部材１３の表面電位
Ｖｒ２との最大電位差ΔＶ２＝｜Ｖｔ２−Ｖｒ２｜より
も大きくなるようにすると、さらに濃度むらの発生が抑
制されるようになった。In particular, when a negative voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner t is applied, the maximum potential difference ΔV1 between the surface potential Vt1 of the toner carrier 11 and the surface potential Vr1 of the regulating member 13 = | Vt1-Vr1 | Is larger than the maximum potential difference ΔV2 = | Vt2−Vr2 | between the surface potential Vt2 of the toner carrier 11 and the surface potential Vr2 of the regulating member 13 when a positive voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner t is applied. As a result, the occurrence of density unevenness is further suppressed.
【００４２】なお、上記の実験において、上記のΔＶ１
やΔＶ２の値が７００Ｖになって、ΔＶ１／ｄやΔＶ２
／ｄの値が４０Ｖ／μｍを越えると、トナー担持体１１
と規制部材１３との間においてリークが発生した。In the above experiment, ΔV1
Or ΔV2 becomes 700 V, and ΔV1 / d or ΔV2
/ D exceeds 40 V / μm, the toner carrier 11
A leak has occurred between the pressure member and the regulating member 13.
【００４３】（実施形態２）実施形態２における現像装
置においても、図５に示すように、ドラム状になった像
担持体１と所要間隔を介して対向するようにトナー担持
体１１を設け、このトナー担持体１１と像担持体１とを
回転させると共に、このトナー担持体１１の表面に装置
本体１０内に収容されたトナーｔを送り部材１２によっ
て供給するようにしている。(Embodiment 2) In the developing device according to Embodiment 2, as shown in FIG. 5, a toner carrier 11 is provided so as to oppose a drum-shaped image carrier 1 at a required interval. The toner carrier 11 and the image carrier 1 are rotated, and the toner t contained in the apparatus main body 10 is supplied to the surface of the toner carrier 11 by the feeding member 12.
【００４４】そして、この実施形態における現像装置に
おいては、トナー担持体１１の表面に供給されたトナー
ｔを規制すると共に摩擦帯電させる２つの規制部材１３
ａ，１３ｂを設け、この２つの規制部材１３ａ，１３ｂ
に対して、それぞれ電源１４からトナー担持体１１と同
じ交番電圧を印加させると共に、規制部材用電源１５か
らトナーｔの帯電極性と同極性の直流電圧に交流電圧が
重畳された交番電圧を印加させ、この２つの規制部材１
３ａ，１３ｂとトナー担持体１１との間において、トナ
ーｔをトナー担持体１１に付勢する方向の電界であって
電界強度が変化する変動電界が作用するようにしてい
る。In the developing device according to this embodiment, the two regulating members 13 for regulating the toner t supplied to the surface of the toner carrier 11 and frictionally charging the toner t are provided.
a, 13b, the two regulating members 13a, 13b
In this case, the same alternating voltage as that of the toner carrier 11 is applied from the power source 14, and the alternating voltage in which the AC voltage is superimposed on the DC voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner t is applied from the regulating member power source 15. , These two regulating members 1
A fluctuating electric field, which is an electric field in the direction of urging the toner t against the toner carrier 11 and whose electric field intensity changes, acts between the toner carrier 11 and the toner carrier 11.
【００４５】このようにすると、トナー担持体１１によ
って搬送されるトナーｔが各規制部材１３ａ，１３ｂと
の接触によって適切に帯電されるようになると共に、ト
ナー担持体１１に保持されたトナーｔが各規制部材１３
ａ，１３ｂとの間における上記の変動電界により、それ
ぞれトナー担持体１１の表面において振動し、トナー担
持体１１の表面におけるトナーｔの付着力が低減される
ようになる。In this way, the toner t conveyed by the toner carrier 11 is appropriately charged by contact with the respective regulating members 13a and 13b, and the toner t held on the toner carrier 11 is Each regulating member 13
Due to the above-mentioned fluctuating electric field between a and 13b, the surface of the toner carrier 11 oscillates, and the adhesive force of the toner t on the surface of the toner carrier 11 is reduced.
【００４６】そして、このように各規制部材１３ａ，１
３ｂにより規制されて摩擦帯電されたトナーｔを、トナ
ー担持体１１により像担持体１と対向する現像領域に導
くと共に、トナー担持体１１に電源１４から交番電圧を
印加させて、像担持体１とトナー担持体１１との間に交
番電界を作用させ、トナー担持体１１の表面に保持され
たトナーｔを飛翔させて像担持体１に供給し、像担持体
１に形成された静電潜像を現像するようにしている。Then, as described above, each of the regulating members 13a, 1
The toner t regulated and regulated by the toner carrier 3b is guided by the toner carrier 11 to a developing area opposed to the image carrier 1, and an alternating voltage is applied to the toner carrier 11 from the power supply 14 so that the image carrier 1 An alternating electric field acts between the toner carrier 11 and the toner carrier 11 to fly the toner t held on the surface of the toner carrier 11 and supply the toner t to the image carrier 1. I try to develop the image.
【００４７】このようにして現像を行うと、上記のよう
にトナーｔが各規制部材１３ａ，１３ｂとの接触によっ
て適切に帯電されるようになり、トナーｔが外部に飛散
したり、非画像部分に付着して形成される画像にかぶり
が発生するのが抑制されると共に、トナー担持体１１の
表面におけるトナーｔの付着力が低減され、小粒径のト
ナーｔを使用した場合においても、十分な画像濃度を有
すると共に濃度むらのない良好な画像が得られるように
なる。When the development is performed in this manner, the toner t is appropriately charged by the contact with each of the regulating members 13a and 13b as described above, and the toner t scatters to the outside and the non-image portion The fogging of the image formed by adhering to the toner is suppressed, and the adhesive force of the toner t on the surface of the toner carrier 11 is reduced. It is possible to obtain a good image having a high image density and no unevenness in the density.
【００４８】次に、この実施形態２の現像装置を用い
て、上記の実施形態１の現像装置と同様に実験を行っ
た。Next, an experiment was conducted using the developing device of the second embodiment in the same manner as the developing device of the first embodiment.
【００４９】ここで、この実験においては、規制部材用
電源１５から各規制部材１３ａ，１３ｂに印加させる電
圧を適切に設定し、トナーｔの帯電極性と同じ負の電圧
が印加された場合におけるトナー担持体１１の表面電位
Ｖｔ１と各規制部材１３ａ，１３ｂの表面電位Ｖｒ１と
の差ΔＶ１ａ（＝Ｖｔ１−Ｖｒ１）が２００Ｖ、トナー
ｔの帯電極性と逆極性の正の電圧が印加された場合にお
けるトナー担持体１１の表面電位Ｖｔ２と各規制部材１
３ａ，１３ｂの表面電位Ｖｒ２との差ΔＶ２ａ（＝Ｖｔ
２−Ｖｒ２）が１００Ｖになるようにし、それ以外は、
上記の実施形態１の現像装置における実験と同様にして
反転現像を行った。Here, in this experiment, the voltage applied from the power supply 15 for the regulating member to the regulating members 13a and 13b was appropriately set, and the toner in the case where the negative voltage equal to the charging polarity of the toner t was applied. The difference ΔV1a (= Vt1−Vr1) between the surface potential Vt1 of the carrier 11 and the surface potential Vr1 of each of the regulating members 13a and 13b is 200 V, and the toner when a positive voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner t is applied. Surface potential Vt2 of carrier 11 and each regulating member 1
The difference ΔV2a (= Vt) from the surface potential Vr2 of 3a, 13b
2-Vr2) is set to 100 V, otherwise,
Reversal development was performed in the same manner as in the experiment using the developing device of the first embodiment.
【００５０】そして、上記のようにトナー担持体１１の
表面に供給されたトナーｔを各規制部材１３ａ，１３ｂ
により規制した場合における各規制部材１３ａ，１３ｂ
へのトナー付着を調べたところ、各規制部材１３ａ，１
３ｂにトナーｔが付着するということはなかった。Then, the toner t supplied to the surface of the toner carrier 11 as described above is applied to each of the regulating members 13a, 13b.
Each of the regulating members 13a and 13b when regulated by
When the adhesion of toner to the toner was examined, each regulating member 13a, 1
No toner t adhered to 3b.
【００５１】また、上記のように反転現像させてべた画
像を形成した場合、べた画像におけるトナー量は０．６
３ｍｇ／ｃｍ2 であり、十分な画像濃度を有する画像が
得られると共に、濃度むらが発生するということもな
く、さらに形成された画像にがぶりが発生するのがより
一層抑制された。When a solid image is formed by reversal development as described above, the toner amount in the solid image is 0.6.
3 mg / cm 2 , an image having a sufficient image density was obtained, and density unevenness did not occur, and the occurrence of blurring in the formed image was further suppressed.
【００５２】[0052]
【発明の効果】以上詳述したように、この発明における
現像装置においては、トナー担持体によって像担持体と
対向する現像領域に搬送されるトナーの量を規制部材に
よって規制するにあたり、トナー担持体と規制部材との
間に、トナーをトナー担持体に付勢する方向の電界であ
って電界強度が変化する変動電界を作用させるようにし
たため、逆帯電トナーや不良帯電トナーが発生して、ト
ナーが規制部材に付着したり、形成される画像にかぶり
が発生するということがなく、また上記の変動電界によ
って、トナーがトナー担持体の表面において振動し、こ
れによりトナー担持体の表面におけるトナーの付着力が
低減され、小粒径のトナーを使用した場合においても、
十分な画像濃度を有すると共に濃度むらのない良好な画
像が得られるようになった。As described above in detail, in the developing device according to the present invention, when the amount of toner conveyed by the toner carrier to the developing area facing the image carrier is regulated by the regulating member, the toner carrier Between the regulating member and the regulating member, a fluctuating electric field is applied to the toner carrier in a direction in which the toner is urged to the toner carrier. Does not adhere to the regulating member, and fogging does not occur on the formed image, and the toner fluctuates on the surface of the toner carrier due to the fluctuating electric field. Adhesive force is reduced, even when using toner with a small particle size,
A good image having sufficient image density and no unevenness in density can be obtained.
【図１】従来の現像装置を用いて、像担持体の表面に形
成された静電潜像を現像する状態を示した概略説明図で
ある。FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view showing a state in which an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of an image carrier is developed using a conventional developing device.
【図２】この発明の実施形態１に係る現像装置を用い
て、像担持体の表面に形成された静電潜像を現像する状
態を示した概略説明図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory view showing a state in which an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of an image carrier is developed using the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
【図３】同実施形態に係る現像装置において、トナー担
持体に保持されたトナーの量を規制部材によって規制す
る状態を示した部分拡大説明図である。FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged explanatory view showing a state where the amount of toner held on a toner carrier is regulated by a regulating member in the developing device according to the embodiment.
【図４】同実施形態に係る現像装置において、トナー担
持体の表面電位と規制部材の表面電位の変化を示した
図、及びトナー担持体の表面電位と規制部材の表面電位
の電位差の変化を示した図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a change in the surface potential of the toner carrier and the surface potential of the regulating member in the developing device according to the embodiment, and showing a change in the potential difference between the surface potential of the toner carrier and the surface potential of the regulating member. FIG.
【図５】この発明の実施形態２に係る現像装置を用い
て、像担持体の表面に形成された静電潜像を現像する状
態を示した概略説明図である。FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory view showing a state in which an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of an image carrier is developed using a developing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
１ 像担持体 １１ トナー担持体 １３，１３ａ，１３ｂ 規制部材 １４ 電源 １５ 規制部材用電源 ｔ トナー ｄ 規制部材とトナー担持体との間隔 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 image carrier 11 toner carrier 13, 13a, 13b regulating member 14 power supply 15 regulating member power supply t toner d distance between regulating member and toner carrier
フロントページの続き (72)発明者 中川 秀一 大阪市中央区安土町二丁目３番13号 大阪 国際ビル ミノルタ株式会社内 (72)発明者 藤江 陽子 大阪市中央区安土町二丁目３番13号 大阪 国際ビル ミノルタ株式会社内 (72)発明者 吉田 成隆 大阪市中央区安土町二丁目３番13号 大阪 国際ビル ミノルタ株式会社内 Ｆターム(参考） 2H077 AC12 AC13 AD02 AD06 AD13 AD18 AD23 AD36 DB08 DB14 EA16 FA21 Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Shuichi Nakagawa 2-3-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City Inside Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoko Fujie 2-3-1, Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Naritaka Yoshida 2-3-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2H077 AC12 AC13 AD02 AD06 AD13 AD18 AD23 AD36 DB08 DB14 EA16 FA21
Claims (5)
隔を介して対向するように設けられたトナー担持体の表
面にトナーを保持させ、このトナー担持体によりトナー
を像担持体と対向する現像領域に導く途中において規制
部材により搬送されるトナーの量を規制し、このように
規制されたトナーを像担持体と対向する現像領域に導く
と共に、このトナー担持体と像担持体との間に交番電界
を作用させて現像を行う現像装置において、上記のトナ
ー担持体と規制部材との間に、トナーをトナー担持体に
付勢する方向の電界であって電界強度が変化する変動電
界を作用させたことを特徴とする現像装置。An image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed is provided with toner on a surface of a toner carrier provided at a predetermined distance from the image carrier, and the toner carrier carries the toner on the image carrier. The amount of toner conveyed by the regulating member is regulated in the course of leading to the developing area opposed to the toner carrier, and the toner thus regulated is guided to the developing area facing the image carrier, and the toner carrier and the image carrier are controlled. In the developing device that performs development by applying an alternating electric field between the toner carrier and the regulating member, the electric field is a direction in which the toner is urged to the toner carrier, and the electric field intensity changes. A developing device characterized by applying a fluctuating electric field.
上記のトナー担持体と規制部材とにそれぞれ交番電圧が
印加されて、トナー担持体の表面電位が規制部材の表面
電位と同じ又はトナー担持体の表面電位より規制部材の
表面電位がトナーの帯電極性側になっており、トナーの
帯電極性と同極性の電圧が印加された場合におけるトナ
ー担持体の表面電位Ｖｔ１と規制部材の表面電位Ｖｒ１
との最大電位差をΔＶ１＝｜Ｖｔ１−Ｖｒ１｜、トナー
の帯電極性と逆極性の電圧が印加された場合におけるト
ナー担持体の表面電位Ｖｔ２と規制部材の表面電位Ｖｒ
２との最大電位差をΔＶ２＝｜Ｖｔ２−Ｖｒ２｜、トナ
ー担持体と規制部材との間隔をｄとした場合に、ΔＶ１
／ｄ≦４０Ｖ／μｍ及びΔＶ２／ｄ≦４０Ｖ／μｍの条
件を満たすことを特徴とする現像装置。2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein
An alternating voltage is applied to the toner carrier and the regulating member, respectively, so that the surface potential of the toner carrier is the same as the surface potential of the regulating member, or the surface potential of the regulating member is higher than the surface potential of the toner carrier. And the surface potential Vt1 of the toner carrier and the surface potential Vr1 of the regulating member when a voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner is applied.
= Vt1−Vr1 |, the surface potential Vt2 of the toner carrier and the surface potential Vr of the regulating member when a voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied.
ΔV2 = | Vt2−Vr2 | where ΔV2 = | Vt2−Vr2 | and the distance between the toner carrier and the regulating member is d.
/ D ≦ 40V / μm and ΔV2 / d ≦ 40V / μm.
いて、上記のトナー担持体と規制部材とに交番電圧が印
加されて、トナー担持体の表面電位が規制部材の表面電
位と同じ又はトナー担持体の表面電位より規制部材の表
面電位がトナーの帯電極性側になっており、トナーの帯
電極性と同極性の電圧が印加された場合におけるトナー
担持体の表面電位Ｖｔ１と規制部材の表面電位Ｖｒ１と
の最大電位差をΔＶ１＝｜Ｖｔ１−Ｖｒ１｜、トナーの
帯電極性と逆極性の電圧が印加された場合におけるトナ
ー担持体の表面電位Ｖｔ２と規制部材の表面電位Ｖｒ２
との最大電位差をΔＶ２＝｜Ｖｔ２−Ｖｒ２｜、トナー
担持体と規制部材との間隔をｄとした場合に、｜ΔＶ１
−ΔＶ２｜／ｄ≧２Ｖ／μｍの条件を満たすことを特徴
とする現像装置。3. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein an alternating voltage is applied to the toner carrier and the regulating member so that the surface potential of the toner carrier is the same as the surface potential of the regulating member or the toner is charged. The surface potential of the regulating member is closer to the charging polarity of the toner than the surface potential of the carrier, and the surface potential Vt1 of the toner carrier and the surface potential of the regulating member when a voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner is applied. The maximum potential difference from Vr1 is ΔV1 = | Vt1−Vr1 |, the surface potential Vt2 of the toner carrier and the surface potential Vr2 of the regulating member when a voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied.
ΔV2 = | Vt2−Vr2 |, and when the distance between the toner carrier and the regulating member is d, | ΔV1
A developing device satisfying a condition of -ΔV2 | / d ≧ 2 V / μm.
像装置において、上記のトナー担持体と規制部材とに交
番電圧が印加されて、トナー担持体の表面電位が規制部
材の表面電位と同じ又はトナー担持体の表面電位より規
制部材の表面電位がトナーの帯電極性側になっており、
トナーの帯電極性と同極性の電圧が印加された場合にお
けるトナー担持体の表面電位Ｖｔ１と規制部材の表面電
位Ｖｒ１との最大電位差をΔＶ１＝｜Ｖｔ１−Ｖｒ１
｜、トナーの帯電極性と逆極性の電圧が印加された場合
におけるトナー担持体の表面電位Ｖｔ２と規制部材の表
面電位Ｖｒ２との最大電位差をΔＶ２＝｜Ｖｔ２−Ｖｒ
２｜、トナー担持体と規制部材との間隔をｄとした場合
に、（ΔＶ１−ΔＶ２）／ｄ≧２Ｖ／μｍの条件を満た
すことを特徴とする現像装置。4. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein an alternating voltage is applied to the toner carrier and the regulating member, so that a surface potential of the toner carrier becomes lower than the surface of the regulating member. The surface potential of the regulating member is the same as the potential or the surface potential of the toner carrying member is closer to the charging polarity of the toner,
The maximum potential difference between the surface potential Vt1 of the toner carrier and the surface potential Vr1 of the regulating member when a voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the toner is applied is ΔV1 = | Vt1-Vr1.
|, The maximum potential difference between the surface potential Vt2 of the toner carrying member and the surface potential Vr2 of the regulating member when a voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied is ΔV2 = | Vt2-Vr
2 |, a developing device characterized by satisfying the condition of (ΔV1−ΔV2) / d ≧ 2V / μm, where d is the distance between the toner carrier and the regulating member.
隔を介して対向するように設けられたトナー担持体の表
面にトナーを保持させ、このトナー担持体によりトナー
を像担持体と対向する現像領域に導く途中において規制
部材により搬送されるトナーの量を規制し、このように
規制されたトナーを像担持体と対向する現像領域に導く
と共に、このトナー担持体と像担持体との間に交番電界
を作用させて現像を行う現像装置において、上記の規制
部材を２以上設け、トナー担持体と各規制部材との間
に、トナーをトナー担持体に付勢する方向の電界であっ
て電界強度が変化する変動電界を作用させたことを特徴
とする現像装置。5. A toner is held on a surface of a toner carrier provided at a predetermined distance from an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and the toner is carried by the toner carrier. The amount of toner conveyed by the regulating member is regulated in the course of leading to the developing area opposed to the toner carrier, and the toner thus regulated is guided to the developing area facing the image carrier, and the toner carrier and the image carrier are controlled. In a developing device that performs development by applying an alternating electric field between the toner carrier and the toner carrier, two or more regulating members are provided between the toner carrier and the regulating members. A developing device characterized by applying a fluctuating electric field whose electric field intensity changes.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000055123A JP3826654B2 (en) | 2000-03-01 | 2000-03-01 | Development device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000055123A JP3826654B2 (en) | 2000-03-01 | 2000-03-01 | Development device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2001242699A true JP2001242699A (en) | 2001-09-07 |
| JP3826654B2 JP3826654B2 (en) | 2006-09-27 |
Family
ID=18576292
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000055123A Expired - Fee Related JP3826654B2 (en) | 2000-03-01 | 2000-03-01 | Development device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3826654B2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2007171589A (en) * | 2005-12-22 | 2007-07-05 | Konica Minolta Business Technologies Inc | Image forming apparatus |
| JP2007199623A (en) * | 2006-01-30 | 2007-08-09 | Canon Inc | Image forming apparatus |
-
2000
- 2000-03-01 JP JP2000055123A patent/JP3826654B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2007171589A (en) * | 2005-12-22 | 2007-07-05 | Konica Minolta Business Technologies Inc | Image forming apparatus |
| JP2007199623A (en) * | 2006-01-30 | 2007-08-09 | Canon Inc | Image forming apparatus |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP3826654B2 (en) | 2006-09-27 |
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