JP2002251070A - Developing device and image forming device - Google Patents
Developing device and image forming deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JP2002251070A JP2002251070A JP2001048127A JP2001048127A JP2002251070A JP 2002251070 A JP2002251070 A JP 2002251070A JP 2001048127 A JP2001048127 A JP 2001048127A JP 2001048127 A JP2001048127 A JP 2001048127A JP 2002251070 A JP2002251070 A JP 2002251070A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- developer
- developing device
- carrier
- toner
- concentration
- 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.)
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- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、二成分現像剤を用
いた現像装置、該現像装置を備えた複写機、プリンタ、
ファクシミリ等の画像形成装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developing device using a two-component developer, a copier equipped with the developing device, a printer,
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】例えば、図７に示すように、この種の現
像装置１２０は、キャリア粒子及びトナー粒子からなる
図示しない二成分現像剤が収容された現像容器１００
と、該現像容器１００内の現像剤を攪拌、搬送する搬送
スクリュ１０２，１０４と、一方の搬送スクリュ１０４
から現像剤を供給される現像剤担持体としての現像ロー
ラ１０６と、該現像ローラ１０６上に供給された現像剤
の厚み（量）を一定に規制するドクターブレード１０８
と、現像剤の濃度を検知するトナー濃度センサ１１０等
を有している。2. Description of the Related Art For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a developing device 120 of this type includes a developing container 100 containing a two-component developer (not shown) composed of carrier particles and toner particles.
And conveying screws 102 and 104 for stirring and conveying the developer in the developing container 100, and one conveying screw 104.
Roller 106 serving as a developer carrier to which a developer is supplied from the printer, and a doctor blade 108 for regulating the thickness (amount) of the developer supplied on the developing roller 106 to a constant value
And a toner concentration sensor 110 for detecting the concentration of the developer.
【０００３】現像ローラ１０６は、像担持体としての感
光体１１２に対向するように設けられている。感光体１
１２の表面が帯電手段１１４により一様に帯電され、該
帯電された表面に図示しない露光手段により画像情報に
基づいて露光光ＬＢが照射され、静電潜像が形成され
る。該静電潜像に現像ローラ１０６よりトナーが供給さ
れ、トナー像として可視像化される。該トナー像は、記
録材としての用紙Ｐに転写される。トナー像を転写され
た用紙Ｐはその後、図示しない定着手段ヘ送られ、ここ
で熱と圧力を加えられてトナー像を定着される。トナー
像転写後、感光体１１２の表面はクリーニング手段１１
６により残留トナーを清掃されとともに、除電ランプ１
１８により電位を初期化され、次の作像工程に備えられ
る。[0003] A developing roller 106 is provided so as to face a photoconductor 112 as an image carrier. Photoconductor 1
12 is uniformly charged by the charging means 114, and the charged surface is irradiated with exposure light LB by exposure means (not shown) based on image information to form an electrostatic latent image. Toner is supplied from the developing roller 106 to the electrostatic latent image, and is visualized as a toner image. The toner image is transferred to paper P as a recording material. The sheet P to which the toner image has been transferred is thereafter sent to fixing means (not shown), where heat and pressure are applied to fix the toner image. After the transfer of the toner image, the surface of the photoconductor 112 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 11.
6 removes residual toner, and removes static electricity from the lamp 1
The potential is initialized by 18 to prepare for the next image forming step.
【０００４】図８に示すように、現像容器１００内の現
像剤は、外側の搬送スクリュ１０２によって装置奥側
（矢印左方向）へ搬送され、内側の搬送スクリュ１０４
に受け渡される。受け渡された現像剤は該搬送スクリュ
１０４により装置手前側（矢印右側）へ搬送され、搬送
スクリュ１０２に受け渡される。この循環搬送におい
て、トナー粒子はキャリア粒子との摩擦により帯電す
る。現像ローラ１０６の内部には磁石が設けられてお
り、現像剤は現像ローラ１０６に近い搬送スクリュ１０
４により搬送される過程において磁力により現像ローラ
１０６に付着する。上述のように、現像ローラ１０６に
供給された現像剤は、ドクターブレード１０８によりそ
の層厚みを一定に規制される。[0004] As shown in FIG. 8, the developer in a developing container 100 is conveyed by the outer conveying screw 102 to the inner side of the apparatus (to the left of the arrow), and the inner conveying screw 104.
Passed to. The transferred developer is conveyed to the front side of the apparatus (right side of the arrow) by the conveying screw 104 and is transferred to the conveying screw 102. In this circulating conveyance, the toner particles are charged by friction with the carrier particles. A magnet is provided inside the developing roller 106, and the developer is supplied to the transfer screw 10 near the developing roller 106.
In the process of being transported by 4, the toner adheres to the developing roller 106 by magnetic force. As described above, the layer thickness of the developer supplied to the developing roller 106 is regulated by the doctor blade 108.
【０００５】[0005]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、搬送ス
クリュ１０４により現像ローラ１０６へ現像剤を供給す
る従来の構成では、搬送スクリュ１０４の形状特性に因
り、現像ローラ１０６に付着する現像剤の量に不均一さ
が生じ、それが現像工程終了後の画像に出現し易いとい
う問題があった。すなわち、スクリュの羽根部に対応す
る現像ローラ１０６の部位では、現像剤吸引量が低下
し、その影響によって現像工程終了後の画像にスクリュ
の羽根部のピッチに対応した濃度低下部が生じる場合が
あった。このような現像段階における濃度低下部の出現
は、そのまま最終画像の濃度ムラにつながり、画像品質
の低下を招く。However, in the conventional configuration in which the developer is supplied to the developing roller 106 by the transport screw 104, the amount of the developer adhering to the developing roller 106 does not depend on the shape characteristics of the transport screw 104. There is a problem that uniformity is generated, and this tends to appear in an image after the development step. That is, in the portion of the developing roller 106 corresponding to the screw blade portion, the developer suction amount decreases, and due to the influence, a density reduction portion corresponding to the pitch of the screw blade portion may occur in the image after the development process. there were. The appearance of the density reduction portion in the development stage directly leads to the density unevenness of the final image, which leads to a reduction in image quality.
【０００６】そこで、本発明は、攪拌・搬送手段の形状
特性の影響を受けることなく現像剤担持体に対して常に
均一量の現像剤を供給できる現像装置及び該現像装置を
有する画像形成装置の提供を、その目的とする。Accordingly, the present invention provides a developing device capable of always supplying a uniform amount of developer to a developer carrying member without being affected by the shape characteristics of the stirring / transporting means, and an image forming apparatus having the developing device. Provision is its purpose.
【０００７】[0007]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成するため
に、本発明では、濃度が調整された現像剤を攪拌するこ
となく現像剤担持体へ飽和的に供給し、現像剤規制工程
によって供給過剰を抑制することとした。具体的には、
請求項１記載の発明では、キャリア粒子及びトナー粒子
からなる二成分の現像剤を像担持体に対向する現像剤担
持体に供給した後、該現像剤担持体に供給された現像剤
を一定量に規制する現像剤規制工程を有する現像装置に
おいて、上記現像剤担持体への現像剤の最終的供給が、
上記現像剤担持体の表面近傍に臨む開口を有する区画さ
れたスリット状の現像剤供給路によってなされる、とい
う構成を採っている。In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a developer whose concentration has been adjusted is supplied to a developer carrier without stirring, and the developer is supplied in a developer regulating step. It was decided to suppress excess. In particular,
According to the first aspect of the present invention, after the two-component developer including the carrier particles and the toner particles is supplied to the developer carrier facing the image carrier, a certain amount of the developer supplied to the developer carrier is supplied. In a developing device having a developer regulating step of regulating the final supply of the developer to the developer carrier,
It is configured by a partitioned slit-shaped developer supply passage having an opening facing the surface of the developer carrier.
【０００８】請求項２記載の発明では、請求項１記載の
現像装置において、上記現像剤供給路内に存在する現像
剤は、重力により上記現像剤担持体へ移動可能に設けら
れている、という構成を採っている。According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the developing device of the first aspect, the developer present in the developer supply path is provided so as to be movable to the developer carrier by gravity. It has a configuration.
【０００９】請求項３記載の発明では、請求項１又は２
記載の現像装置において、上記現像剤供給路が、濃度の
調整された現像剤で常に満たされる状態に維持される、
という構成を採っている。According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first or second aspect is provided.
In the developing device described above, the developer supply path is maintained in a state where the developer is always filled with the developer whose concentration has been adjusted.
The configuration is adopted.
【００１０】請求項４記載の発明では、請求項１乃至３
のうちの一つに記載の現像装置において、上記現像剤供
給路内を移動する現像剤の全てが、上記現像剤担持体の
表面の移動によって上記現像剤規制工程を経るように設
けられている、という構成を採っている。According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first to third aspects are provided.
In the developing device according to any one of the above, all of the developer moving in the developer supply path is provided so as to go through the developer regulating step by moving the surface of the developer carrier. , Is adopted.
【００１１】請求項５記載の発明では、請求項１乃至４
のうちの一つに記載の現像装置において、上記像担持体
にトナーを供給する現像工程後に、上記現像剤担持体に
残留した現像剤が該現像剤担持体から離間するように設
けられ、該離間した現像剤を該現像剤担持体に再付着し
ないように該現像剤担持体の軸方向に搬送する回収現像
剤搬送手段を有している、という構成を採っている。According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first to fourth aspects are provided.
In the developing device according to any one of the above, after a developing step of supplying toner to the image carrier, a developer remaining on the developer carrier is provided so as to be separated from the developer carrier, A configuration is provided in which a collected developer transport unit that transports the separated developer in the axial direction of the developer carrier so as not to adhere to the developer carrier again is provided.
【００１２】請求項６記載の発明では、請求項５記載の
現像装置において、上記現像剤担持体より回収された現
像剤に所定の濃度とするためのトナーを補給するトナー
補給手段を有している、という構成を採っている。According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device of the fifth aspect, there is provided a toner replenishing means for replenishing the developer collected from the developer carrier with a toner for obtaining a predetermined density. Is adopted.
【００１３】請求項７記載の発明では、請求項６記載の
現像装置において、上記現像剤担持体より回収された現
像剤の濃度を検知する回収現像剤濃度検知手段を有し、
該回収現像剤濃度検知手段による検知情報に基づいて上
記トナー補給手段を駆動する、という構成を採ってい
る。According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the sixth aspect, there is provided a collected developer concentration detecting means for detecting a concentration of the developer collected from the developer carrier,
The toner replenishing unit is driven based on information detected by the collected developer concentration detecting unit.
【００１４】請求項８記載の発明では、請求項６又は７
記載の現像装置において、上記現像剤担持体より回収さ
れた現像剤と補給されたトナーを混合、攪拌する混合攪
拌手段を有している、という構成を採っている。According to the invention described in claim 8, in claim 6 or 7,
In the developing device described above, a configuration is adopted in which mixing and stirring means for mixing and stirring the developer collected from the developer carrier and the replenished toner is provided.
【００１５】請求項９記載の発明では、請求項８記載の
現像装置において、上記混合攪拌手段により混合、攪拌
された状態の現像剤の濃度を検知する混合攪拌現像剤濃
度検知手段を有している、という構成を採っている。According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the eighth aspect, there is provided a mixed and stirred developer concentration detecting means for detecting the concentration of the developer mixed and stirred by the mixing and stirring means. Is adopted.
【００１６】請求項１０記載の発明では、請求項９記載
の現像装置において、上記混合攪拌現像剤濃度検知手段
による検知情報に基づいて現像剤の濃度を判断し、所定
の濃度から外れていた場合には、上記トナー補給手段に
よる補給量を補正する、という構成を採っている。According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the ninth aspect, when the concentration of the developer is determined based on information detected by the mixed and stirred developer concentration detecting means and deviates from a predetermined concentration. Is configured to correct the replenishing amount by the toner replenishing means.
【００１７】請求項１１記載の発明では、請求項８乃至
１０のうちの一つに記載の現像装置において、上記混合
攪拌手段及び回収現像剤搬送手段がそれぞれ螺旋状のス
クリュであり、該混合攪拌手段は該回収現像剤搬送手段
の端部から略直角に延びる、という構成を採っている。According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, the mixing and stirring means and the recovered developer conveying means are spiral screws, respectively. The means extends substantially perpendicularly from the end of the collected developer conveying means.
【００１８】請求項１２記載の発明では、請求項１乃至
７のうちの一つに記載の現像装置において、上記現像剤
供給路の開口に対して該開口の長手方向に沿って略平行
に設けられた現像剤補給手段を有し、該現像剤補給手段
により搬送しながら該現像剤供給路に濃度の調整された
現像剤を補給する、という構成を採っている。According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the developing device is provided substantially parallel to the opening of the developer supply path along the longitudinal direction of the opening. The developer supply means is provided to supply the developer having the adjusted concentration to the developer supply path while being conveyed by the developer supply means.
【００１９】請求項１３記載の発明では、請求項８乃至
１０のうちの一つに記載の現像装置において、上記現像
剤供給路の開口に対して該開口の長手方向に沿って略平
行に設けられた現像剤補給手段を有し、該現像剤補給手
段は上記混合攪拌手段から濃度の調整された現像剤を受
け取って搬送しながら上記現像剤供給路に補給する、と
いう構成を採っている。According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, the developing device is provided substantially parallel to an opening of the developer supply passage along a longitudinal direction of the opening. And a developer supply means for receiving the developer having the adjusted concentration from the mixing and stirring means and supplying the developer to the developer supply path while transporting the developer.
【００２０】請求項１４記載の発明では、請求項１２又
は１３記載の現像装置において、上記現像剤補給手段が
螺旋状のスクリュである、という構成を採っている。According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, the developer supply means is a spiral screw.
【００２１】請求項１５記載の発明では、請求項１１記
載の現像装置において、上記現像剤供給路の開口に対し
て該開口の長手方向に沿って略平行に設けられた現像剤
補給手段を有し、該現像剤補給手段は上記混合攪拌手段
から濃度の調整された現像剤を受け取って搬送しながら
上記現像剤供給路に補給する、という構成を採ってい
る。According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the eleventh aspect, there is provided a developer supply means provided substantially parallel to an opening of the developer supply passage along a longitudinal direction of the opening. The developer replenishing means receives the developer having the adjusted concentration from the mixing and stirring means, and replenishes the developer in the developer supply path while transporting the developer.
【００２２】請求項１６記載の発明では、請求項１５記
載の現像装置において、上記現像剤補給手段が螺旋状の
スクリュであり、該現像剤補給手段は上記混合攪拌手段
の端部から略直角に且つ上記回収現像剤搬送手段に対し
て略平行に延びる、という構成を採っている。According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the fifteenth aspect, the developer replenishing means is a spiral screw, and the developer replenishing means is substantially perpendicular to the end of the mixing and stirring means. In addition, a configuration is adopted in which the developer developer extends substantially parallel to the collected developer conveying means.
【００２３】請求項１７記載の発明では、請求項１６記
載の現像装置において、上記現像剤補給手段は上記回収
現像剤搬送手段の上方に各々の回転中心が同一直線上に
位置するように設けられ、上記混合攪拌手段は該直線に
対して略平行に延びるように設けられている、という構
成を採っている。According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the sixteenth aspect, the developer replenishing means is provided above the collected developer transporting means such that respective rotation centers are located on the same straight line. The mixing and stirring means is provided so as to extend substantially parallel to the straight line.
【００２４】請求項１８記載の発明では、請求項５乃至
１７のうちの一つに記載の現像装置において、上記現像
剤供給路に補給される現像剤のうち、該現像剤供給路内
を充填するために必要な現像剤量に対する余剰分は、上
記回収現像剤搬送手段へ戻す、という構成を採ってい
る。According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to any one of the fifth to seventeenth aspects, of the developer supplied to the developer supply path, the inside of the developer supply path is filled. In this case, a surplus amount of the developer necessary for the recovery is returned to the collected developer conveying means.
【００２５】請求項１９記載の発明では、像担持体に形
成された静電潜像を現像装置によりトナー像として可視
像化し、該トナー像を記録材に転写した後定着を行う画
像形成装置において、上記現像装置が請求項１乃至１８
のうちの一つに記載のものである、という構成を採って
いる。According to the invention, an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier is visualized as a toner image by a developing device, and the toner image is transferred to a recording material and then fixed. , Wherein the developing device is
Of any of the above.
【００２６】[0026]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の一実施形態を図１
乃至図５に基づいて説明する。まず、図１に基づいて本
実施形態における画像形成装置としての複写機の構成及
び動作の概要を説明する。該複写機は、原稿の画像を読
み取る図示しない画像読み取り部と、像担持体としての
感光体２と、該感光体２上に形成された静電潜像を現像
する現像装置４と、記録材としての用紙Ｐを１枚ずつ給
紙する給紙手段６と、現像された画像を用紙Ｐに転写す
る転写手段としての転写ローラ８等を有している（請求
項１９）。DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.
A description will be given based on FIGS. First, an outline of the configuration and operation of a copying machine as an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The copying machine includes an image reading unit (not shown) for reading an image of a document, a photoconductor 2 as an image carrier, a developing device 4 for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 2, and a recording material. And a transfer roller 8 serving as a transfer unit for transferring a developed image onto the sheet P (claim 19).
【００２７】感光体２の周りには、感光体２の表面を一
様に帯電する帯電手段としての帯電器１０と、帯電され
た感光体２の表面に画像読み取り部で読み取った画像情
報に基づいてレーザー光ＬＢを照射して静電潜像を形成
する図示しない光書き込み手段と、感光体２の表面に残
留したトナーを清掃除去するクリーニング手段１２と、
感光体２の電位を初期化する除電ランプ１４等が設けら
れている。給紙手段６は、用紙Ｐが積載収容される給紙
カセット１６と、積載された用紙Ｐを最上のものから順
に１枚ずつ給紙する給紙コロ１８と、搬送ローラ対２０
と、給紙された用紙Ｐを一旦停止させ、斜めずれを修正
した後感光体２上に形成されたトナー像の先端と用紙Ｐ
の搬送方向の所定位置とが一致するタイミングで該用紙
Ｐを転写部位へ向けて搬送するレジストローラ対２２等
を有している。Around the photoreceptor 2, a charger 10 as a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photoreceptor 2, and the charged image on the surface of the photoreceptor 2 based on image information read by an image reading unit. An optical writing unit (not shown) for forming an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the photosensitive member 2 with a laser beam LB, a cleaning unit 12 for cleaning and removing toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor 2,
A static elimination lamp 14 for initializing the potential of the photoconductor 2 is provided. The paper supply means 6 includes a paper supply cassette 16 in which the papers P are loaded and stored, a paper supply roller 18 that feeds the loaded papers P one by one in order from an uppermost one, and a transport roller pair 20.
After the fed paper P is temporarily stopped and the oblique displacement is corrected, the leading end of the toner image formed on the photoreceptor 2 and the paper P
And a pair of registration rollers 22 for transporting the paper P toward the transfer site at a timing when the predetermined position in the transport direction coincides with the predetermined position in the transport direction.
【００２８】現像装置４は、二成分現像剤が収容された
現像容器２４と、該現像容器２４の下端部に設けられた
回収現像剤搬送手段としての長尺の回収スクリュ２６
と、該回収スクリュ２６の斜め上部において感光体２に
対向して設けられた現像ローラ２８と、回収スクリュ２
６の上方に設けられた現像剤補給手段としての長尺の補
給スクリュ３０と、該補給スクリュ３０と現像ローラ２
８との間を連絡する区画されたスリット状の現像剤供給
路３２と、現像ローラ２８上に供給された現像剤の厚み
（量）を一定に規制するドクターブレード３４と、図示
しないトナー補給手段と、回収スクリュ２６によって回
収された現像剤と補給されたトナーを混合、攪拌する混
合攪拌手段としての縦搬送スクリュ３６等を有している
（請求項８）。現像剤供給路３２は斜め下方に延び、現
像ローラ２８の表面近傍に臨む開口３２ａを有している
（請求項１）。該開口３２ａは現像ローラ２８の軸方向
に延びている。The developing device 4 includes a developing container 24 containing a two-component developer, and a long collecting screw 26 provided at a lower end of the developing container 24 as a collecting developer conveying means.
A developing roller 28 provided diagonally above the collecting screw 26 so as to face the photoreceptor 2;
6, a long supply screw 30 as a developer supply means provided above the supply screw 30 and the developing roller 2
, A doctor blade 34 for regulating the thickness (amount) of the developer supplied onto the developing roller 28 to a constant value, and a toner supply unit (not shown). And a vertical conveying screw 36 and the like as mixing and stirring means for mixing and stirring the developer collected by the collection screw 26 and the supplied toner. The developer supply path 32 extends obliquely downward and has an opening 32a facing the vicinity of the surface of the developing roller 28 (claim 1). The opening 32a extends in the axial direction of the developing roller 28.
【００２９】回収スクリュ２６、補給スクリュ３０、縦
搬送スクリュ３６はいずれも螺旋状のスクリュである。
縦搬送スクリュ３６下端部は、回収スクリュ２６の図面
手前側端部に連通し、ここから略直角（略垂直）に上方
に延びている（請求項１１，１４）。補給スクリュ３０
は、現像剤供給路３２の開口３２ａに対して該開口３２
ａの長手方向に沿って略平行に設けられている（請求項
１２，１３，１５）。補給スクリュ３０の図面手前側端
部は縦搬送スクリュ３６の上端部に連通し、ここから略
直角（略水平）に且つ回収スクリュ２６に対して略平行
に延びている（請求項１６）。補給スクリュ３０と回収
スクリュ２６の各々の回転中心は同一直線上に位置し、
縦搬送スクリュ３６は該直線に対して略平行に延びるよ
うに設けられている（請求項１７）。Each of the recovery screw 26, the supply screw 30, and the vertical transport screw 36 is a spiral screw.
The lower end of the vertical transport screw 36 communicates with the front end of the recovery screw 26 on the drawing side, and extends upward at a substantially right angle (substantially vertically) therefrom (claims 11 and 14). Supply screw 30
Corresponds to the opening 32 a of the developer supply path 32.
It is provided substantially in parallel along the longitudinal direction of a (claims 12, 13, 15). The end of the supply screw 30 on the front side in the drawing communicates with the upper end of the vertical transport screw 36, and extends therefrom at a substantially right angle (substantially horizontal) and substantially parallel to the collection screw 26 (claim 16). The rotation centers of the supply screw 30 and the recovery screw 26 are located on the same straight line,
The vertical transport screw 36 is provided so as to extend substantially parallel to the straight line (claim 17).
【００３０】図２は、図１において現像装置４を左方向
（矢印Ｒ方向）から見た一部省略の斜視図であり、図３
は、補給スクリュ３０と回収スクリュ２６の各々の回転
中心を通る直線位置での概要断面図である。なお、図２
及び図３では縦搬送スクリュ３６を省略している。補給
スクリュ３０の奥側端部と回収スクリュ２６の奥側端部
は、補給過多剤循環路３８により連通している。図２に
示すように、回収スクリュ２６、縦搬送スクリュ３６、
補給スクリュ３０はそれぞれ現像容器２４によって独立
的に区画されており、これによって現像容器２４の全体
形状は、補給スクリュ３０と回収スクリュ２６間におい
て現像ローラ２８側へ奥行きがあるスペースを有する形
状となっている。図示しないが、現像ローラ２８は、ア
ルミニウム製のスリーブと、該スリーブの内部に固定設
置された多極の磁石を有している。FIG. 2 is a partially omitted perspective view of the developing device 4 in FIG. 1 viewed from the left direction (the direction of arrow R).
Is a schematic cross-sectional view at a straight line position passing through the respective rotation centers of the supply screw 30 and the recovery screw 26. Note that FIG.
3 and FIG. 3, the vertical transport screw 36 is omitted. The back end of the supply screw 30 and the back end of the collection screw 26 communicate with each other by a replenishment excess circulation path 38. As shown in FIG. 2, the collection screw 26, the vertical conveyance screw 36,
Each of the supply screws 30 is independently partitioned by the developing container 24, so that the overall shape of the developing container 24 has a shape having a space with a depth toward the developing roller 28 between the supply screw 30 and the collecting screw 26. ing. Although not shown, the developing roller 28 has an aluminum sleeve and a multi-pole magnet fixed and installed inside the sleeve.
【００３１】現像剤供給路３２には濃度の調整された規
定濃度の現像剤が常時満たされている（請求項３）。現
像ローラ２８の回転伴い、現像ローラ２８に付着する現
像剤はドクターブレード３４により一定量に規制されな
がら感光体２上の静電潜像を現像する現像工程に搬送さ
れる。このとき、現像剤供給路３２内の現像剤は少なく
なった分重力により全体的に下方に移動するが（請求項
２）、補給スクリュ３０により規定濃度の現像剤が絶え
ず現像剤供給路３２に補給される。このため、現像剤供
給路３２内には、常に規定濃度の現像剤が満たされ続け
る。現像剤供給路３２内を単位時間内に通過する現像剤
量は、ドクターブレード３４で規制されて現像工程に搬
送される単位時間当たりの現像剤移動量に一致してい
る。現像剤供給路３２の開口３２ａは現像ローラ２８及
びドクターブレード３４により略密閉状態に維持されて
おり、現像剤供給路３２内を移動する現像剤の全てが、
現像ローラ２８の表面の移動によって現像剤規制工程を
経る（請求項４）。The developer supply path 32 is always filled with a developer having a specified density whose density has been adjusted. With the rotation of the developing roller 28, the developer adhered to the developing roller 28 is conveyed to a developing step of developing an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 2 while being regulated by a doctor blade 34 to a fixed amount. At this time, the developer in the developer supply path 32 moves downward by gravity due to the reduced amount (claim 2), but the developer of a specified concentration is constantly supplied to the developer supply path 32 by the supply screw 30. Replenished. For this reason, the developer supply passage 32 is always filled with the developer having the specified concentration. The amount of developer passing through the developer supply path 32 in a unit time is equal to the amount of developer movement per unit time which is regulated by the doctor blade 34 and conveyed to the developing process. The opening 32 a of the developer supply path 32 is maintained in a substantially sealed state by the developing roller 28 and the doctor blade 34, and all of the developer moving in the developer supply path 32 is
The developer is regulated by moving the surface of the developing roller 28 (claim 4).
【００３２】回収スクリュ２６に対向する現像ローラ２
８の表面部位では、図示しないが、磁場による現像剤の
拘束力が弱くなるように磁極配置がなされている。この
部分で、現像工程終了後の現像剤は現像ローラ２８から
離間し、回収スクリュ２６の搬送域に入る（請求項
５）。回収スクリュ２６は、奥側から手前側に向かって
矢印Ｆ１方向に回収現像剤を搬送する。回収スクリュ２
６の搬送路における現像ローラ２８の手前側端部を過ぎ
た地点には、回収現像剤の濃度を検知する回収現像剤濃
度検知手段としてのトナー濃度センサ４０が設けられて
いる。Developing roller 2 facing collection screw 26
Although not shown, the magnetic poles are arranged on the surface portion 8 such that the binding force of the developer by the magnetic field is weakened. At this portion, the developer after the development process is separated from the developing roller 28 and enters the transport area of the collecting screw 26 (Claim 5). The collection screw 26 conveys the collected developer in the direction of arrow F1 from the back side to the front side. Collection screw 2
A toner concentration sensor 40 as a collected developer concentration detecting means for detecting the concentration of the collected developer is provided at a point past the front end of the developing roller 28 in the conveyance path 6.
【００３３】該トナー濃度センサ４０の検知情報は、図
示しない制御手段へ出力される。該制御手段は、予め記
憶された現像剤濃度とトナー補給量との関係のデータテ
ーブルに基づいてトナー濃度センサ４０の検知情報に対
応するトナー補給量を決定する。制御手段は決定された
トナー補給量に基づき、図示しないトナー補給手段を制
御する（請求項６，７）。トナー補給手段は、例えば内
部に螺旋状の突起を有するトナーボトルを備えた構成を
有し、該トナーボトルの回転量を制御することにより、
所定のトナー補給量を得る。螺旋状のスクリュである回
収スクリュ２６によって搬送される現像剤は、流量及び
移動の仕方が安定しているため、安定した濃度検知が行
いやすく、且つ補給されるべき単位時間当たりのトナー
量も決定しやすい。トナー濃度センサ４０の近傍には、
トナー補給口４２が設けられており、該トナー補給口４
２に上記トナー補給手段のトナー供給口が接続されてい
る。The detection information of the toner density sensor 40 is output to control means (not shown). The controller determines a toner supply amount corresponding to the detection information of the toner concentration sensor 40 based on a data table of a relationship between the developer concentration and the toner supply amount stored in advance. The control means controls a toner supply means (not shown) based on the determined toner supply amount. The toner replenishing unit has, for example, a configuration including a toner bottle having a spiral projection inside, and by controlling the rotation amount of the toner bottle,
A predetermined toner supply amount is obtained. Since the flow rate and the manner of movement of the developer conveyed by the recovery screw 26, which is a spiral screw, are stable, it is easy to perform stable density detection, and the amount of toner to be replenished per unit time is also determined. It's easy to do. In the vicinity of the toner density sensor 40,
A toner supply port 42 is provided.
2 is connected to the toner supply port of the toner supply means.
【００３４】補給されたトナーは、手前側において縦搬
送スクリュ３６により混合、攪拌されながら上方に搬送
され、補給スクリュ３０の搬送領域に送り込まれる。補
給スクリュ３０の搬送領域には、攪拌、混合された現像
剤の濃度を検知する混合攪拌現像剤濃度検知手段として
のトナー濃度センサ４４が設けられており（請求項
９）、該トナー濃度センサ４４の検知情報は、上記制御
手段へ出力される。トナー濃度センサ４４により検知さ
れた現像剤濃度が狙いの値の許容範囲外となった場合に
は、上記データテーブルに対し補正を行い、以降トナー
濃度センサ４４地点に搬送されてくる現像剤の濃度が規
定濃度になるようにフィードバック制御を行う（請求項
１０）。The replenished toner is transported upward while being mixed and agitated by the vertical transport screw 36 on the front side, and is sent to the transport area of the replenishment screw 30. A toner concentration sensor 44 as a mixed and stirred developer concentration detecting means for detecting the concentration of the mixed and stirred developer is provided in the transport area of the supply screw 30 (claim 9). Is output to the control means. If the developer density detected by the toner density sensor 44 is out of the allowable range of the target value, the data table is corrected and the density of the developer conveyed to the toner density sensor 44 is determined. The feedback control is performed so that the specified density becomes the specified density (claim 10).
【００３５】このようにして規定濃度に調整された現像
剤は、現像剤供給路３２の上方を、手前側から奥側に向
かって矢印Ｆ２方向に補給スクリュ３０により攪拌、搬
送され、その過程で現像剤供給路３２を常に満たすよう
に補給される。現像剤供給路３２内全体を常に現像剤で
満たすためには、図３における現像剤供給路３２の奥側
端部に対応する補給スクリュ３０の端部において現像剤
が枯渇していては駄目である。このため、本実施形態で
は、トナー濃度センサ４４付近の補給スクリュ３０の搬
送域を単位時間当たりにＦ２方向へ流れる現像剤量は、
単位時間当たりにドクターブレード３４を通過する現像
剤量と等しいか、もしくは安定性を考慮して若干多くな
るように設定されている。The developer adjusted to the specified concentration in this manner is stirred and transported above the developer supply path 32 by the supply screw 30 in the direction of arrow F2 from the near side to the far side, and in the process. The developer is supplied so as to always fill the developer supply path 32. In order to always fill the entire inside of the developer supply path 32 with the developer, the developer should not be depleted at the end of the supply screw 30 corresponding to the rear end of the developer supply path 32 in FIG. is there. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the amount of the developer flowing in the F2 direction per unit time in the transport area of the supply screw 30 near the toner concentration sensor 44 is:
The amount is set so as to be equal to the amount of the developer passing through the doctor blade 34 per unit time or slightly increased in consideration of stability.
【００３６】これによって余剰となる現像剤は、補給ス
クリュ３０の奥側端部から補給過多剤循環路３８に落下
し、回収スクリュ２６の搬送域に合流する（請求項１
８）。従って、回収スクリュ２６は、規定濃度の現像剤
と回収現像剤を攪拌する機能も有している。図４及び図
５は、現像剤の分布及び流れを示している。なお、図４
においては給紙手段６等を省略している。図４におい
て、矢印Ｙ１は現像剤供給路３２内における現像剤の移
動を、矢印Ｙ２は現像工程終了後の現像剤の回収スクリ
ュ２６への移動を、矢印Ｙ３は縦搬送スクリュ３６によ
る現像剤の移動をそれぞれ示している。図５において、
矢印Ｙ４は回収スクリュ２６による現像剤の移動を、矢
印Ｙ５は補給スクリュ３０による現像剤の移動を、矢印
Ｙ６は補給過多剤循環路３８における現像剤の落下移動
をそれぞれ示している。As a result, the excess developer falls from the inner end of the supply screw 30 to the excess supply circulation path 38 and joins the transport area of the recovery screw 26.
8). Therefore, the collecting screw 26 also has a function of stirring the developer of the specified concentration and the collecting developer. 4 and 5 show the distribution and flow of the developer. FIG.
, The paper feeding means 6 and the like are omitted. 4, arrow Y1 indicates the movement of the developer in the developer supply path 32, arrow Y2 indicates the movement of the developer to the recovery screw 26 after the development process, and arrow Y3 indicates the movement of the developer by the vertical conveyance screw 36. The movement is shown respectively. In FIG.
An arrow Y4 indicates the movement of the developer by the collection screw 26, an arrow Y5 indicates the movement of the developer by the supply screw 30, and an arrow Y6 indicates the movement of the developer falling in the excessive supply agent circulation path 38.
【００３７】次に、図６（ｂ）に基づいて他の実施形態
を説明する。なお、上記実施形態と同一部分は同一符号
で示し、特に必要がない限り既にした構成上及び機能上
の説明は省略する。本実施形態では、複数の感光体をタ
ンデム配置したフルカラー画像形成装置への適用例を示
している。図６（ａ）は従来の現像装置１２０をタンデ
ム配置したフルカラー画像形成装置を示している。現像
装置１２０Ａでは１色目のトナーで、現像装置１２０Ｂ
では２色目のトナーで、現像装置１２０Ｃでは３色目の
トナーで、現像装置１２０Ｄでは４色目のトナーでそれ
ぞれ現像が行われる。各色のトナー像が順次用紙Ｐ上に
重ねて転写され、最終的に４色（イエロー、マゼンタ、
シアン、ブラック）重ねのフルカラー画像を得る。かか
る構成において、現像装置１２０あるいはクリーニング
手段１１６を小さくできない場合には、感光体１１２間
の距離を縮めることができず、結果として画像形成装置
が用紙Ｐの搬送方向に長くなってしまう。Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the already-described configuration and function will be omitted unless otherwise required. This embodiment shows an example of application to a full-color image forming apparatus in which a plurality of photoconductors are arranged in tandem. FIG. 6A shows a full-color image forming apparatus in which a conventional developing device 120 is arranged in tandem. In the developing device 120A, the first color toner is used.
Is developed with the second color toner, the developing device 120C is developed with the third color toner, and the developing device 120D is developed with the fourth color toner. The toner images of each color are sequentially transferred on the paper P in a superimposed manner, and finally four colors (yellow, magenta,
(Cyan, Black) Obtain a full-color image that is superimposed. In such a configuration, if the developing device 120 or the cleaning unit 116 cannot be made smaller, the distance between the photoconductors 112 cannot be reduced, and as a result, the image forming apparatus becomes longer in the transport direction of the sheet P.
【００３８】これに対し、上記実施形態における現像装
置４を用いた場合、図６（ｂ）に示すように、クリーニ
ング手段１２を隣の現像装置４の現像容器スペース内に
収容できるので、感光体２間の距離を短くでき、結果と
して、従来構成より寸法Ｗ分、画像形成装置の用紙Ｐの
搬送方向における長さを短くでき、装置のコンパクト化
に寄与することができる。On the other hand, when the developing device 4 in the above embodiment is used, as shown in FIG. 6B, the cleaning means 12 can be accommodated in the developing container space of the adjacent developing device 4, so that the photosensitive member The distance between the two can be reduced, and as a result, the length of the image forming apparatus in the transport direction of the sheet P can be shortened by the dimension W as compared with the conventional configuration, which can contribute to downsizing of the apparatus.
【００３９】なお、上記各実施形態においては、記録材
としての用紙Ｐへの画像転写構成を例示したが、中間転
写体への転写構成においても同様に実施することができ
る。In each of the above embodiments, the configuration for transferring an image to a sheet P as a recording material has been exemplified. However, the configuration for transferring an image to an intermediate transfer member can be similarly implemented.
【００４０】[0040]
【発明の効果】請求項１又は１９記載の発明によれば、
現像剤担持体への現像剤の最終的供給が、現像剤担持体
の表面近傍に臨む開口を有する区画されたスリット状の
現像剤供給路によってなされる構成としたので、現像剤
担持体への現像剤の供給構成の形状特性に起因した現像
剤供給ムラを回避することができ、画像濃度ムラを抑制
することができる。According to the invention of claim 1 or 19,
Since the final supply of the developer to the developer carrier is performed by a partitioned slit-shaped developer supply passage having an opening facing the surface of the developer carrier, the developer is supplied to the developer carrier. It is possible to avoid developer supply unevenness due to the shape characteristics of the developer supply configuration, and suppress image density unevenness.
【００４１】請求項２又は１９記載の発明によれば、現
像剤供給路内に存在する現像剤は、重力により現像剤担
持体へ移動可能に設けられている構成としたので、現像
剤全体に対し均一に作用する重力を積極的に利用するこ
とにより、現像剤供給路内の現像剤を特別な供給構成を
設けることなく均一且つ連続的に現像剤担持体に供給す
ることができる。According to the invention described in claim 2 or 19, the developer present in the developer supply path is provided so as to be movable to the developer carrier by gravity, so that the entire developer is On the other hand, by positively utilizing the gravity acting uniformly, the developer in the developer supply path can be uniformly and continuously supplied to the developer carrying member without providing a special supply configuration.
【００４２】請求項３又は１９記載の発明によれば、現
像剤供給路が、濃度の調整された現像剤で常に満たされ
る状態に維持される構成としたので、現像剤の不足によ
る濃度ムラを抑制することができる。According to the third or 19th aspect of the present invention, since the developer supply path is always maintained in a state of being filled with the developer whose density has been adjusted, unevenness in density due to shortage of the developer can be prevented. Can be suppressed.
【００４３】請求項４又は１９記載の発明によれば、現
像剤供給路内を移動する現像剤の全てが、現像剤担持体
の表面の移動によって現像剤規制工程を経るように設け
られている構成としたので、現像剤供給路内を移動する
単位時間当たりの現像剤移動量は、現像剤規制工程を通
過する単位時間当たりの現像剤移動量（常に一定量を保
っている）と等しくなる。従って、現像剤供給路に補給
されるべき単位時間当たりの現像剤量に変動が生じない
ため、現像剤供給路に対する現像剤補給量の制御が行い
やすい。According to the present invention, all of the developer moving in the developer supply path is provided so as to go through the developer regulating step by moving the surface of the developer carrier. With this configuration, the amount of developer movement per unit time moving in the developer supply path is equal to the amount of developer movement per unit time passing through the developer regulating step (which is always kept constant). . Therefore, since the amount of developer to be supplied to the developer supply path per unit time does not change, the amount of developer supplied to the developer supply path can be easily controlled.
【００４４】請求項５又は１９記載の発明によれば、像
担持体にトナーを供給する現像工程後に、現像剤担持体
に残留した現像剤が該現像剤担持体から離間するように
設けられ、該離間した現像剤を該現像剤担持体に再付着
しないように該現像剤担持体の軸方向に搬送する回収現
像剤搬送手段を有している構成としたので、現像工程を
終えた濃度低下した現像剤を、既に所定濃度に調整され
ている他の現像剤と混合してしまうことなしに回収する
ことができ、次工程の濃度調整に備えることができる。
すなわち、濃度を調整されるべき必要最低限の現像剤の
みを効率よく回収することで、濃度調整に要する時間や
工程の高効率化を実現できる。According to the invention as set forth in claim 5 or 19, after the developing step of supplying the toner to the image carrier, the developer remaining on the developer carrier is provided so as to be separated from the developer carrier. Since the separated developer is transported in the axial direction of the developer carrier so as not to re-adhere to the developer carrier, the concentration of the developer after the development process is reduced. The developer thus obtained can be collected without being mixed with another developer that has already been adjusted to a predetermined density, and can be prepared for the density adjustment in the next step.
That is, by efficiently collecting only the minimum necessary amount of the developer whose concentration is to be adjusted, it is possible to realize the time required for the concentration adjustment and the efficiency of the process.
【００４５】請求項６又は１９記載の発明によれば、現
像剤担持体より回収された現像剤に所定の濃度とするた
めのトナーを補給するトナー補給手段を有している構成
としたので、現像工程を終えて濃度低下した現像剤のみ
に対してトナー補給を行うことで、高効率な濃度調整が
実現できる。According to the invention of claim 6 or 19, since the developer recovered from the developer carrier is provided with a toner replenishing means for replenishing toner for obtaining a predetermined density. By performing toner replenishment only for the developer whose density has been reduced after the development process, highly efficient density adjustment can be realized.
【００４６】請求項７又は１９記載の発明によれば、現
像剤担持体より回収された現像剤の濃度を検知する回収
現像剤濃度検知手段を有し、該回収現像剤濃度検知手段
による検知情報に基づいてトナー補給手段を駆動する構
成としたので、現像剤の所定濃度化を高精度に行うこと
ができる。According to the present invention, there is provided a collected developer concentration detecting means for detecting the concentration of the developer collected from the developer carrying member, and information detected by the collected developer concentration detecting means is provided. , The toner replenishing means is driven on the basis of the above, so that the concentration of the developer can be made high with high accuracy.
【００４７】請求項８又は１９記載の発明によれば、現
像剤担持体より回収された現像剤と補給されたトナーを
混合、攪拌する混合攪拌手段を有している構成としたの
で、現像剤の所定濃度化を迅速且つ容易にすることがで
きる。According to the invention of claim 8 or 19, the structure is provided with the mixing and stirring means for mixing and stirring the developer recovered from the developer carrier and the replenished toner. Can be quickly and easily made into a predetermined concentration.
【００４８】請求項９又は１９記載の発明によれば、混
合攪拌手段により混合、攪拌された状態の現像剤の濃度
を検知する混合攪拌現像剤濃度検知手段を有している構
成としたので、現像剤の所定濃度化の結果の良否を高精
度にチェックすることができる。According to the ninth or nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the structure is provided with the mixed and stirred developer concentration detecting means for detecting the concentration of the developer in the state of being mixed and stirred by the mixing and stirring means. It is possible to check the quality of the result of the developer concentration at a high accuracy with high accuracy.
【００４９】請求項１０又は１９記載の発明によれば、
混合攪拌現像剤濃度検知手段による検知情報に基づいて
現像剤の濃度を判断し、所定の濃度から外れていた場合
には、トナー補給手段による補給量を補正する構成とし
たので、現像剤供給路へ補給すべき現像剤の所定濃度化
を高精度に行うことができる。According to the invention of claim 10 or 19,
Since the concentration of the developer is determined based on the detection information of the mixed stirring developer concentration detecting means, and if the concentration is outside the predetermined concentration, the amount of supply by the toner replenishing means is corrected. The density of the developer to be replenished to the toner can be adjusted with high accuracy.
【００５０】請求項１１又は１９記載の発明によれば、
混合攪拌手段及び回収現像剤搬送手段がそれぞれ螺旋状
のスクリュであり、該混合攪拌手段は該回収現像剤搬送
手段の端部から略直角に延びる構成としたので、構成の
コンパクト化に寄与することができる。According to the invention of claim 11 or 19,
The mixing and stirring means and the collected developer conveying means are spiral screws, respectively, and the mixing and stirring means is configured to extend substantially at right angles from the end of the collected developer conveying means, thereby contributing to a compact configuration. Can be.
【００５１】請求項１２又は１９記載の発明によれば、
現像剤供給路の開口に対して該開口の長手方向に沿って
略平行に設けられた現像剤補給手段を有し、該現像剤補
給手段により搬送しながら該現像剤供給路に濃度の調整
された現像剤を補給する構成としたので、現像剤供給路
への現像剤の補給をコンパクトな構成で行うことができ
る。According to the invention of claim 12 or 19,
A developer supply unit provided substantially parallel to the opening of the developer supply path along the longitudinal direction of the opening, and the density of the developer supply path is adjusted while being conveyed by the developer supply unit. Since the developer is supplied to the developer supply passage, the developer can be supplied to the developer supply path with a compact configuration.
【００５２】請求項１３又は１９記載の発明によれば、
現像剤供給路の開口に対して該開口の長手方向に沿って
略平行に設けられた現像剤補給手段を有し、該現像剤補
給手段は混合攪拌手段から濃度の調整された現像剤を受
け取って搬送しながら現像剤供給路に補給する構成とし
たので、現像剤供給路への現像剤の補給をコンパクトな
構成で行うことができる。According to the invention of claim 13 or 19,
A developer supply means is provided substantially parallel to the opening of the developer supply path along the longitudinal direction of the opening, and the developer supply means receives the developer whose concentration has been adjusted from the mixing and stirring means. Since the developer is supplied to the developer supply path while being conveyed, the developer can be supplied to the developer supply path with a compact configuration.
【００５３】請求項１４又は１９記載の発明によれば、
現像剤補給手段が螺旋状のスクリュである構成としたの
で、現像剤供給路への現像剤の補給をコンパクトな構成
で効率的に行うことができる。According to the invention of claim 14 or 19,
Since the developer supply means is a spiral screw, the developer can be efficiently supplied to the developer supply path with a compact configuration.
【００５４】請求項１５又は１９記載の発明によれば、
現像剤供給路の開口に対して該開口の長手方向に沿って
略平行に設けられた現像剤補給手段を有し、該現像剤補
給手段は混合攪拌手段から濃度の調整された現像剤を受
け取って搬送しながら現像剤供給路に補給する構成とし
たので、現像剤供給路への現像剤の補給をコンパクトな
構成で行うことができる。According to the invention of claim 15 or 19,
A developer supply means is provided substantially parallel to the opening of the developer supply path along the longitudinal direction of the opening, and the developer supply means receives the developer whose concentration has been adjusted from the mixing and stirring means. Since the developer is supplied to the developer supply path while being conveyed, the developer can be supplied to the developer supply path with a compact configuration.
【００５５】請求項１６又は１９記載の発明によれば、
現像剤補給手段が螺旋状のスクリュであり、該現像剤補
給手段は混合攪拌手段の端部から略直角に且つ回収現像
剤搬送手段に対して略平行に延びる構成としたので、現
像剤供給路への現像剤の補給をコンパクトな構成で効率
的に行うことができる。According to the invention of claim 16 or 19,
The developer replenishing means is a spiral screw, and the developer replenishing means is configured to extend from the end of the mixing and stirring means at substantially a right angle and substantially parallel to the recovered developer conveying means. The developer can be efficiently replenished with a compact configuration.
【００５６】請求項１７又は１９記載の発明によれば、
現像剤補給手段は回収現像剤搬送手段の上方に各々の回
転中心が同一直線上に位置するように設けられ、混合攪
拌手段は該直線に対して略平行に延びるように設けられ
ている構成としたので、装置のコンパクト化に寄与でき
る。According to the invention of claim 17 or 19,
The developer replenishing means is provided above the collected developer conveying means such that the respective rotation centers are located on the same straight line, and the mixing and stirring means is provided so as to extend substantially parallel to the straight line. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to downsizing of the device.
【００５７】請求項１８又は１９記載の発明によれば、
現像剤供給路に補給される現像剤のうち、該現像剤供給
路内を充填するために必要な現像剤量に対する余剰分
は、回収現像剤搬送手段へ戻す構成としたので、常に現
像剤供給路内を所定濃度の現像剤で満たすことができ、
濃度ムラを確実に防止することができる。According to the invention of claim 18 or 19,
Of the developer supplied to the developer supply path, an excess amount of the developer required to fill the developer supply path is returned to the collection developer conveying means, so that the developer supply is always performed. The road can be filled with a predetermined concentration of developer,
Density unevenness can be reliably prevented.
【図１】本発明の一実施形態に係る画像形成装置として
の複写機の概要正面図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a copying machine as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】現像装置の概要斜視図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a developing device.
【図３】現像装置の概要断面図である。FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a developing device.
【図４】現像装置における現像剤の存在及び流れを示す
概要正面図である。FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing the presence and flow of a developer in a developing device.
【図５】現像装置における現像剤の存在及び流れを示す
概要側面図である。FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing the presence and flow of a developer in a developing device.
【図６】タンデム配置のフルカラー画像形成装置を示す
図で、（ａ）は従来構成を示す図、（ｂ）は本発明の実
施形態に係る図である。6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating a tandem arrangement full-color image forming apparatus, wherein FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a conventional configuration, and FIG. 6B is a diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention.
【図７】従来における画像形成装置の概要正面図であ
る。FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of a conventional image forming apparatus.
【図８】従来における現像装置の概要断面図である。FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of a conventional developing device.
２ 像担持体としての感光体 ２６ 回収現像剤搬送手段としての回収スクリュ ２８ 現像剤担持体としての現像ローラ ３２ 現像剤供給路 ３２ａ 開口 ３６ 混合攪拌手段としての縦搬送スクリュ ４０ 回収現像剤濃度検知手段としてのトナー濃度セン
サ ４４ 混合攪拌現像剤濃度検知手段としてのトナー濃度
センサ2 Photoreceptor as Image Carrier 26 Recovery Screw as Recovered Developer Conveying Means 28 Developing Roller as Developer Carrier 32 Developer Supply Path 32a Opening 36 Vertical Conveying Screw as Mixing and Agitating Means 40 Recovered Developer Concentration Detecting Means Density sensor 44 as toner concentration sensor as mixed stirring developer concentration detecting means
Claims (19)
分の現像剤を像担持体に対向する現像剤担持体に供給し
た後、該現像剤担持体に供給された現像剤を一定量に規
制する現像剤規制工程を有する現像装置において、 上記現像剤担持体への現像剤の最終的供給が、上記現像
剤担持体の表面近傍に臨む開口を有する区画されたスリ
ット状の現像剤供給路によってなされることを特徴とす
る現像装置。After supplying a two-component developer composed of carrier particles and toner particles to a developer carrier facing an image carrier, the developer supplied to the developer carrier is regulated to a fixed amount. In the developing device having the developer regulating step, the final supply of the developer to the developer carrier is performed by a partitioned slit-shaped developer supply passage having an opening facing the surface of the developer carrier. A developing device.
記現像剤担持体へ移動可能に設けられていることを特徴
とする現像装置。2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developer present in the developer supply path is provided movably to the developer carrier by gravity.
たされる状態に維持されることを特徴とする現像装置。3. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein said developer supply path is always kept filled with a developer whose concentration is adjusted.
装置において、 上記現像剤供給路内を移動する現像剤の全てが、上記現
像剤担持体の表面の移動によって上記現像剤規制工程を
経るように設けられていることを特徴とする現像装置。4. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein all of the developer moving in the developer supply path is moved by a surface of the developer carrier. A developing device provided so as to pass through a regulating step.
装置において、 上記像担持体にトナーを供給する現像工程後に、上記現
像剤担持体に残留した現像剤が該現像剤担持体から離間
するように設けられ、該離間した現像剤を該現像剤担持
体に再付着しないように該現像剤担持体の軸方向に搬送
する回収現像剤搬送手段を有していることを特徴とする
現像装置。5. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein after the developing step of supplying toner to the image carrier, the developer remaining on the developer carrier is charged with the developer. A collecting developer conveying unit that is provided so as to be separated from the body and conveys the separated developer in the axial direction of the developer carrier so as not to re-adhere to the developer carrier. Developing device.
するためのトナーを補給するトナー補給手段を有してい
ることを特徴とする現像装置。6. A developing device according to claim 5, further comprising a toner replenishing means for replenishing the developer collected from said developer carrier with toner for obtaining a predetermined density. Developing device.
る回収現像剤濃度検知手段を有し、該回収現像剤濃度検
知手段による検知情報に基づいて上記トナー補給手段を
駆動することを特徴とする現像装置。7. The developing device according to claim 6, further comprising a collected developer concentration detecting means for detecting a concentration of the developer collected from the developer carrying member, and information detected by the collected developer concentration detecting means. A developing device for driving the toner replenishing means on the basis of the following.
ナーを混合、攪拌する混合攪拌手段を有していることを
特徴とする現像装置。8. The developing device according to claim 6, further comprising a mixing and stirring means for mixing and stirring the developer recovered from the developer carrier and the replenished toner. Developing device.
の濃度を検知する混合攪拌現像剤濃度検知手段を有して
いることを特徴とする現像装置。9. A developing device according to claim 8, further comprising a mixed and stirred developer concentration detecting means for detecting the concentration of the developer in a state of being mixed and stirred by said mixing and stirring means. Developing device.
いて現像剤の濃度を判断し、所定の濃度から外れていた
場合には、上記トナー補給手段による補給量を補正する
ことを特徴とする現像装置。10. The developing device according to claim 9, wherein the developer concentration is determined based on information detected by said mixed stirring developer concentration detecting means. A developing device for correcting a replenishing amount by the means.
現像装置において、 上記混合攪拌手段及び回収現像剤搬送手段がそれぞれ螺
旋状のスクリュであり、該混合攪拌手段は該回収現像剤
搬送手段の端部から略直角に延びることを特徴とする現
像装置。11. The developing device according to claim 8, wherein said mixing and stirring means and said collected developer conveying means are spiral screws, respectively, and said mixing and stirring means is provided with said collected developer. A developing device extending substantially at a right angle from an end of the conveying means.
像装置において、 上記現像剤供給路の開口に対して該開口の長手方向に沿
って略平行に設けられた現像剤補給手段を有し、該現像
剤補給手段により搬送しながら該現像剤供給路に濃度の
調整された現像剤を補給することを特徴とする現像装
置。12. The developer supply device according to claim 1, wherein said developer supply means is provided substantially parallel to an opening of said developer supply passage along a longitudinal direction of said opening. And supplying the developer of which concentration is adjusted to the developer supply path while being transported by the developer supply means.
現像装置において、 上記現像剤供給路の開口に対して該開口の長手方向に沿
って略平行に設けられた現像剤補給手段を有し、該現像
剤補給手段は上記混合攪拌手段から濃度の調整された現
像剤を受け取って搬送しながら上記現像剤供給路に補給
することを特徴とする現像装置。13. A developing device according to claim 8, wherein said developer supply means is provided substantially parallel to an opening of said developer supply passage along a longitudinal direction of said opening. Wherein the developer replenishing means replenishes the developer supply path while receiving and transporting the developer having the adjusted concentration from the mixing and stirring means.
いて、 上記現像剤補給手段が螺旋状のスクリュであることを特
徴とする現像装置。14. The developing device according to claim 12, wherein said developer replenishing means is a spiral screw.
って略平行に設けられた現像剤補給手段を有し、該現像
剤補給手段は上記混合攪拌手段から濃度の調整された現
像剤を受け取って搬送しながら上記現像剤供給路に補給
することを特徴とする現像装置。15. The developer supply device according to claim 11, further comprising developer supply means provided substantially parallel to an opening of said developer supply passage along a longitudinal direction of said opening. The developing device receives the developer whose concentration has been adjusted from the mixing and stirring unit, and supplies the developer to the developer supply path while transporting the developer.
剤補給手段は上記混合攪拌手段の端部から略直角に且つ
上記回収現像剤搬送手段に対して略平行に延びることを
特徴とする現像装置。16. A developing device according to claim 15, wherein said developer replenishing means is a helical screw, and said developer replenishing means is substantially perpendicular to an end of said mixing and stirring means and conveys said recovered developer. A developing device extending substantially parallel to the means.
各々の回転中心が同一直線上に位置するように設けら
れ、上記混合攪拌手段は該直線に対して略平行に延びる
ように設けられていることを特徴とする現像装置。17. The developing device according to claim 16, wherein said developer replenishing means is provided above said recovered developer conveying means such that respective rotation centers are located on the same straight line. A developing device provided so as to extend substantially parallel to the straight line.
現像装置において、 上記現像剤供給路に補給される現像剤のうち、該現像剤
供給路内を充填するために必要な現像剤量に対する余剰
分は、上記回収現像剤搬送手段へ戻すことを特徴とする
現像装置。18. The developing device according to claim 5, wherein, of the developer supplied to the developer supply path, a developer required to fill the developer supply path. A developing device characterized in that a surplus amount of the developer is returned to the collected developer transporting means.
置によりトナー像として可視像化し、該トナー像を記録
材に転写した後定着を行う画像形成装置において、 上記現像装置が請求項１乃至１８のうちの一つに記載の
ものであることを特徴とする画像形成装置。19. An image forming apparatus for visualizing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier as a toner image by a developing device, transferring the toner image to a recording material, and fixing the image, wherein the developing device is An image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001048127A JP2002251070A (en) | 2001-02-23 | 2001-02-23 | Developing device and image forming device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001048127A JP2002251070A (en) | 2001-02-23 | 2001-02-23 | Developing device and image forming device |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2002251070A true JP2002251070A (en) | 2002-09-06 |
Family
ID=18909443
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001048127A Pending JP2002251070A (en) | 2001-02-23 | 2001-02-23 | Developing device and image forming device |
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|---|---|
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Cited By (18)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2007334287A (en) * | 2006-05-15 | 2007-12-27 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device, process cartridge and image forming apparatus |
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| JP2007334287A (en) * | 2006-05-15 | 2007-12-27 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Developing device, process cartridge and image forming apparatus |
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| CN102540818A (en) * | 2010-12-28 | 2012-07-04 | 夏普株式会社 | Developing device and image forming apparatus |
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