JP2008009016A - Developer carrier, and developing unit and image forming device incorporating it - Google Patents

Developer carrier, and developing unit and image forming device incorporating it Download PDF

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JP2008009016A
JP2008009016A JP2006177643A JP2006177643A JP2008009016A JP 2008009016 A JP2008009016 A JP 2008009016A JP 2006177643 A JP2006177643 A JP 2006177643A JP 2006177643 A JP2006177643 A JP 2006177643A JP 2008009016 A JP2008009016 A JP 2008009016A
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developer
developer carrier
image forming
carrying member
developer carrying
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Masashi Nakamura
昌史 中村
Yasutaka Tamai
靖高 玉井
Mitsuhiro Kawamoto
光弘 河本
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Panasonic Holdings Corp
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Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developer carrier which can always stabilize the amount of transported developer changing due to aging on the developer carrier and maintain the stabilized image density, and also provide a developing unit and image forming device incorporating it. <P>SOLUTION: This developer carrier has patterns 41, 42 formed on the surface to carry the developer in a certain direction by turning. By making the height and the surface areas of the patterns 41, 42 almost the same, they are abraded the same in contact with the developer. Thus, the amount of transported developer is always kept constant over aging on the developer carrier while stabilizing the image density. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、現像剤を担持する現像剤担持体及びこれを備えた現像装置、画像形成装置に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a developer carrying member that carries a developer, a developing device including the developer carrying member, and an image forming apparatus.

従来、電子写真方式を用いた画像形成装置（例えば、複写機、プリンタ、ファクシミリ、これらの複合機等）の現像装置においては、感光ドラム表面の静電潜像に対してトナーを供給するために、ロール状のマグネットと、その周りを回転するスリーブで構成された現像剤担持体を用いる。現像剤担持体は、外表面を粗面化してその摩擦による搬送力にて均一で薄い現像剤層を形成するために、現像剤担持体の外表面には、無数の凸凹形状が形成されている。この凸凹形状の形成手段としては、サンドブラスト処理やエッチング処理が知られている。   2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a developing device of an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method (for example, a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a complex machine thereof), toner is supplied to an electrostatic latent image on the surface of a photosensitive drum. A developer carrying member composed of a roll-shaped magnet and a sleeve rotating around the magnet is used. In order to form a uniform and thin developer layer on the outer surface of the developer carrying member by roughening the outer surface and carrying the frictional force, an infinite number of uneven shapes are formed on the outer surface of the developer carrying member. Yes. Sand blasting and etching are known as means for forming the irregularities.

特に、サンドブラスト処理では、その射出圧力によって現像剤担持体に生じる湾曲が画質欠陥を生じさせることから、湾曲の影響を避けるため、化学的反応を利用したエッチング処理が有効とされ、多角形や線形、非線形の形状が溝によって形成された凸凹形状を有する現像剤担持体が用いられている（例えば、特許文献１、２参照）。
特開２００２−１９６５８７号公報（図５、図６、図７、図８） 特開２００３−３１６１４６号公報（図３、図５、図７、図８、図９） In particular, in the sandblasting process, the curvature generated in the developer carrier due to the injection pressure causes an image quality defect. Therefore, in order to avoid the influence of the curvature, an etching process using a chemical reaction is effective, and polygonal or linear A developer carrying member having an uneven shape in which a non-linear shape is formed by a groove is used (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-196587 (FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-316146 (FIGS. 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9)

しかしながら、上記従来は、図８（ａ）、（ｂ）に現像剤担持体の表面の凸凹形状パターンとそのＡ−Ａ断面を示すごとく、現像剤担持体上の凸凹形状が形成されていた。すなわち、従来の現像剤担持体の表面の凸凹形状パターンは、図８（ａ）に示すように、表面の凸凹形状パターンはメッシュ状の菱形であり、図８（ｂ）に示すように、その断面は幅の広い凸部８１（メッシュの穴部分）と幅の狭い凹部８２（メッシュの線部分）から構成されていた。   However, in the prior art, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the uneven pattern on the surface of the developer carrying member and the AA cross section thereof, the uneven shape on the developer carrying member has been formed. That is, the uneven pattern on the surface of the conventional developer carrier is a mesh-shaped rhombus as shown in FIG. 8 (a), and as shown in FIG. The cross section was composed of wide convex portions 81 (mesh hole portions) and narrow concave portions 82 (mesh line portions).

したがって、従来の現像剤担持体の表面の凸凹形状パターンにおいては、凸部８１と凹部８２の比率が等しくなく、凸部８１と凹部８２の表面上での現像剤密度が異なるため、凸部８１と凹部８２の表面それぞれが現像剤に接触し磨耗される条件が異なり、凸部８１と凹部８２の磨耗量が等しくならない。   Therefore, in the uneven pattern on the surface of the conventional developer carrier, the ratio of the protrusions 81 and the recesses 82 is not equal, and the developer density on the surfaces of the protrusions 81 and the recesses 82 is different. The surface of the recess 82 and the surface of the recess 82 are different from each other in contact with the developer, and the wear amount of the protrusion 81 and the recess 82 is not equal.

また、現像剤のキャリアの粒径および凹部８２の幅にもよるが、例えば、凹部８２の面積が凸部８１の面積に比して凹部８２に現像剤が詰ったり滞留が生じる程に小さい場合、現像剤に接触して磨耗される条件がさらに異なり凸部８１と凹部８２の磨耗量がさらに等しくならない。   Also, depending on the particle size of the carrier of the developer and the width of the recess 82, for example, the area of the recess 82 is smaller than the area of the protrusion 81 so that the developer is clogged or stays in the recess 82. Further, the conditions for abrasion in contact with the developer are further different, and the wear amounts of the convex portions 81 and the concave portions 82 are not further equal.

したがって、図８（ａ）、（ｂ）において、凹部８２は凸部８１と比較して現像剤から受ける圧力が小さいため初期の凸凹高低差をＧ、経時における凸凹高低差をＧ’とした場合、Ｇ＞Ｇ’となり、Ｇ≠Ｇ’となる。   Accordingly, in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the concave portion 82 receives less pressure from the developer than the convex portion 81, so that the initial uneven height difference is G, and the uneven height difference over time is G ′. , G> G ′, and G ≠ G ′.

現像剤担持体がもつ現像剤搬送量は上記凸凹形状の高低差で確保されているものの、従来の現像剤担持体では、多角形や線形、非線形の凸凹形状の構成により回転時における現像剤からの圧力が凸部８１と凹部８２に不均一に生じ、それによって凸部８１と凹部８２に圧力差が発生し、経時における凸凹の高低差が変化し易いといった技術的課題を引き起こす可能性があった。すなわち、従来の構成では経時変化による凸凹形状高低差を確保できないため、安定した現像剤搬送量および安定した画像濃度を維持することができないという課題を有していた。   Although the developer carrying amount of the developer carrier is ensured by the height difference of the above-mentioned uneven shape, the conventional developer carrier has a polygonal, linear, or non-linear uneven shape configuration, so that the developer is not rotated. Pressure is generated unevenly in the convex portion 81 and the concave portion 82, thereby generating a pressure difference between the convex portion 81 and the concave portion 82, which may cause a technical problem that the difference in height of the concave and convex portions with time is likely to change. It was. That is, the conventional configuration has a problem that it cannot maintain a stable developer conveyance amount and a stable image density because it cannot secure the uneven height difference due to a change with time.

本発明は、上記従来の課題を解決するもので、経時に伴う現像剤担持体上の現像剤搬送量を常時安定化させ、安定した画像濃度を維持することのできる現像剤担持体及びこれを備えた現像装置、画像形成装置を提供することを目的とするものである。   The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and a developer carrying body capable of constantly stabilizing the developer transport amount on the developer carrying body over time and maintaining a stable image density, and the same. An object of the present invention is to provide a developing device and an image forming apparatus.

本発明の現像剤担持体は、表面に凸部と凹部とによるパターンが形成され、回転により一定方向に現像剤を搬送する現像剤担持体であって、凸部と凹部の高低差を略等しくし、さらに凸部と凹部の表面積を略等しくした構成を有している。   The developer carrier of the present invention is a developer carrier that has a pattern of convex portions and concave portions formed on the surface thereof and conveys the developer in a fixed direction by rotation, and the height difference between the convex portions and the concave portions is substantially equal. In addition, the surface area of the convex portion and the concave portion is substantially equal.

この構成により、後に実験結果を示すように、回転して現像剤を担持搬送する際における現像剤からの圧力差を凸部と凹部において均一にすることができ、これによって凸部と凹部が概同等に磨耗し、経時における凸凹形状による現像剤搬送量の変化を少なく抑えることができる。   With this configuration, as will be shown later in the experimental results, the pressure difference from the developer when rotating and carrying and transporting the developer can be made uniform between the convex portion and the concave portion. It is equally worn, and the change in the developer conveyance amount due to the uneven shape over time can be suppressed to a small extent.

また、本発明の現像剤担持体は、凸部と凹部とによるパターンは、凸部と凹部とが同一形状でかつ同一個数が交互に繰り返すパターンである構成を有している。   Further, the developer carrying member of the present invention has a configuration in which the pattern of the convex portions and the concave portions is a pattern in which the convex portions and the concave portions have the same shape and the same number is repeated alternately.

この構成により、現像剤担持体表面の各部分において、必ず凸部と凹部との表面積が等しくなるので、現像剤からの圧力差を凸部と凹部において均一にすることができる。   With this configuration, since the surface area of the convex portion and the concave portion is always equal in each part of the surface of the developer carrying member, the pressure difference from the developer can be made uniform between the convex portion and the concave portion.

また、本発明の現像装置は、上記したいずれかの現像剤担持体を備えた構成を有している。   In addition, the developing device of the present invention has a configuration including any one of the developer carriers described above.

この構成により、経時に伴う現像剤担持体上の現像剤搬送量を常時安定化させると共に、安定した画像濃度を維持することができる。   With this configuration, it is possible to always stabilize the developer conveyance amount on the developer carrying member over time and maintain a stable image density.

また、本発明の画像形成装置は、上記した現像装置を備えた構成を有している。   Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has a configuration including the above-described developing device.

この構成により、経時に伴う現像剤担持体上の現像剤搬送量を常時安定化させると共に、高品質な画像が維持できる。   With this configuration, the developer transport amount on the developer carrying member with time can be constantly stabilized and a high-quality image can be maintained.

本発明の現像剤担持体は、表面に形成されたパターンの凸部と凹部の高低差を略等しくし、さらに凸部と凹部の表面積を略等しくした構成を有すことにより、回転して現像剤を担持搬送する際における現像剤からの圧力差を凸部と凹部において均一にすることができ、これによって凸部と凹部が概同等に磨耗し、経時における凸凹形状による現像剤搬送量の変化を少なく抑えることができる。   The developer carrying member of the present invention has a structure in which the height difference between the convex part and the concave part of the pattern formed on the surface is substantially equal, and the surface area of the convex part and the concave part is substantially equal, thereby rotating and developing. The pressure difference from the developer when carrying and transporting the developer can be made uniform between the convex part and the concave part, so that the convex part and the concave part are almost equally worn, and the change in developer transport amount due to the convex and concave shape over time Can be reduced.

したがって、経時に伴う現像剤担持体上の現像剤搬送量を常時安定化させると共に、安定した画像濃度を維持することができ、したがって、高品質な画像が得られる。   Accordingly, it is possible to always stabilize the developer conveyance amount on the developer carrying member over time and maintain a stable image density, and thus a high quality image can be obtained.

以下、本発明の実施の形態の現像剤担持体を備えた画像形成装置について、図面を参照して説明する。
（実施の形態）
図１は、本発明の実施の形態に係る現像剤担持体を備えた画像形成装置を示す概略構成図である。 Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus provided with a developer carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus including a developer carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

図１において、本実施の形態であるカラー画像形成装置は、帯電、露光、現像、転写及び定着の各プロセスを経て記録紙に画像を形成する画像形成部１０１を備え、この画像形成部１０１には、給紙部１０２の給紙カセットに収容された記録シート１０３が、給紙部１０２から画像形成部１０１に向かう給紙経路Ａを経て逐次送り込まれる。画像形成部１０１にて所要の画像が形成された記録シート１０３は、画像形成部１０１から装置外へと向かう排紙経路Ｂを経て排紙部１０４に排出される。   In FIG. 1, a color image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an image forming unit 101 that forms an image on a recording sheet through charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing processes. In this case, the recording sheets 103 stored in the paper feed cassette of the paper feed unit 102 are sequentially fed through the paper feed path A from the paper feed unit 102 toward the image forming unit 101. The recording sheet 103 on which a required image is formed by the image forming unit 101 is discharged to the paper discharge unit 104 through a paper discharge path B from the image forming unit 101 to the outside of the apparatus.

画像形成部１０１は、イエロー（Ｙ）、マゼンタ（Ｍ）、シアン（Ｃ）及びブラック（Ｋ）の各色成分ごとのトナー像を形成する複数のプロセスユニット１１１〜１１４と、この各プロセスユニット１１１〜１１４内の各感光体ドラム１１１ａ〜１１４ａの作像面に対して露光用の光束を走査するレーザ・スキャニング・ユニット（以下、ＬＳＵという）１１６と、各プロセスユニット１１１〜１１４内の各感光体ドラム１１１ａ〜１１４ａ上に作像された各色ごとのトナー像が順次転写されて合成される画像保持手段としての中間転写ベルト（中間転写体）１１７とを有し、各色ごとの感光体ドラム１１１ａ〜１１４ａが中間転写ベルト１１７に沿って並んで配置されたタンデム型の構造となっている。   The image forming unit 101 includes a plurality of process units 111 to 114 that form toner images for each color component of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and the process units 111 to 111. A laser scanning unit (hereinafter referred to as LSU) 116 that scans an image forming surface of each of the photoconductive drums 111a to 114a in 114, and each photoconductive drum in each of the process units 111 to 114 And an intermediate transfer belt (intermediate transfer member) 117 as an image holding unit for sequentially transferring and synthesizing the toner images for each color formed on 111a to 114a, and the photosensitive drums 111a to 114a for each color. Has a tandem type structure arranged side by side along the intermediate transfer belt 117.

各プロセスユニット１１１〜１１４内では、各帯電器１１１ｂ〜１１４ｂにより均一に帯電された各感光体ドラム１１１ａ〜１１４ａの作像面に対して、ＬＳＵ１１６から露光用の光束が走査されることで静電潜像が形成される。この各感光体ドラム１１１ａ〜１１４ａの静電潜像が、各現像装置１１１ｃ〜１１４ｃから供給される各色のトナーで現像されて色成分ごとの単色トナー像として各感光体ドラム１１１ａ〜１１４ａの作像面に形成される。   In each of the process units 111 to 114, the LSU 116 scans the image forming surface of each of the photosensitive drums 111a to 114a uniformly charged by the chargers 111b to 114b, thereby electrostatically A latent image is formed. The electrostatic latent images on the respective photosensitive drums 111a to 114a are developed with the respective color toners supplied from the respective developing devices 111c to 114c, and are formed on the respective photosensitive drums 111a to 114a as single color toner images for the respective color components. Formed on the surface.

中間転写ベルト１１７は、駆動ローラ１２１、従動ローラ１２２に巻き掛けられて支持され、この中間転写ベルト１１７の内側には、中間転写ベルト１１７を押圧して各感光体ドラム１１１ａ〜１１４ａ上のトナー像を中間転写ベルト１１７に転写する各色ごとの１次転写ローラ１２４〜１２７が設けられている。また中間転写ベルト１１７の端部側方には、中間転写ベルト１１７上のトナー像を記録シート１０３に転写する２次転写ローラ１２８が配設されている。   The intermediate transfer belt 117 is wound around and supported by a driving roller 121 and a driven roller 122. Inside the intermediate transfer belt 117, the intermediate transfer belt 117 is pressed to form toner images on the photosensitive drums 111a to 114a. Are provided with primary transfer rollers 124 to 127 for each color for transferring the toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 117. A secondary transfer roller 128 for transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 117 to the recording sheet 103 is disposed on the side of the end of the intermediate transfer belt 117.

この２次転写ローラ１２８によりトナー像が転写された記録シート１０３は、定着器１１９に搬送されて熱及び圧力によりトナー像を記録シート１０３に定着させる処理が行われる。その後、記録シート１０３は排紙経路Ｂを経て排紙ローラ１２０により排紙部１０４上に排出される。   The recording sheet 103 to which the toner image has been transferred by the secondary transfer roller 128 is conveyed to the fixing device 119 and subjected to a process for fixing the toner image to the recording sheet 103 by heat and pressure. Thereafter, the recording sheet 103 is discharged onto the paper discharge unit 104 through the paper discharge path B by the paper discharge roller 120.

図２は、本発明の実施の形態に係る現像剤担持体を備える現像装置を示す概略構成図である。図２では、シアン（Ｃ）色の現像装置１１１ｃについて説明するが、他の色の現像装置１１２ｃ、１１３ｃ、１１４ｃも同じ構成を有する。   FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a developing device including the developer carrier according to the embodiment of the present invention. Although the cyan (C) color developing device 111c will be described with reference to FIG. 2, the other color developing devices 112c, 113c, and 114c have the same configuration.

図２において、本実施の形態の現像装置１１１ｃは、図中矢印Ａ方向に回転可能な感光体ドラム１１１ａに対向して開口するユニットケース２０１を有し、内部に現像剤を収容する。このユニットケース２０１の開口に面した箇所には、現像ロール２０２が配設されるとともに、ユニットケース２０１内には現像剤攪拌搬送のための搬送スクリュー２０３、２０４が配設され、さらには必要に応じて搬送スクリュー２０３、２０４と現像ロール２０２との間には、搬送パドル２０５が配設されている。また、現像ロール２０２に対向して現像ロール２０２表面上の現像剤の量を規制するための層規制部材２０６が配設されている。   In FIG. 2, the developing device 111c of the present embodiment has a unit case 201 that opens to face the photosensitive drum 111a that can rotate in the direction of arrow A in the figure, and accommodates the developer therein. A developing roll 202 is disposed at a position facing the opening of the unit case 201, and conveying screws 203 and 204 for developer agitating and conveying are disposed in the unit case 201. Accordingly, a transport paddle 205 is disposed between the transport screws 203 and 204 and the developing roll 202. Further, a layer regulating member 206 for regulating the amount of developer on the surface of the developing roll 202 is disposed so as to face the developing roll 202.

ここで、現像ロール２０２は、本実施の形態では、直径１８ｍｍの円柱状磁石（マグネットロール）２０７を固定して内包しており、その周囲には図中矢印Ｂ方向に回転可能にステンレス或いはアルミニウムで構成される現像剤担持体２０８を備えている。そして、現像剤担持体２０８と感光体ドラム１１１ａとの間隔は、０．３０〜０．４０ｍｍに設定され、現像剤担持体２０８と層規制部材２０６との間隔は、０．２０〜０．１０ｍｍに設定されている。   Here, in this embodiment, the developing roll 202 includes a cylindrical magnet (magnet roll) 207 having a diameter of 18 mm that is fixed and enclosed, and the periphery thereof is made of stainless steel or aluminum so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow B in the figure. A developer carrying member 208 is provided. The distance between the developer carrier 208 and the photosensitive drum 111a is set to 0.30 to 0.40 mm, and the distance between the developer carrier 208 and the layer regulating member 206 is 0.20 to 0.10 mm. Is set to

また、この現像装置１１１ｃは、トナーとキャリアからなる二成分現像剤を使用する二成分現像装置であり、その現像ロール２０２の現像剤担持体２０８に所定の現像バイアス電圧を印加して、感光体ドラム１１１ａとの間で、現像剤担持体上の現像剤が円柱状磁石２０７の現像極磁力によって穂立った磁気ブラシにより現像を行うようになっている。また、現像剤担持体２０８の表面には、粗面化させるために所定のパターンがエッチング処理により形成されている。   The developing device 111c is a two-component developing device that uses a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier. A predetermined developing bias voltage is applied to the developer carrying member 208 of the developing roll 202 to thereby provide a photosensitive member. The developer on the developer carrier is developed between the drum 111a and the drum 111a by a magnetic brush that is prominent by the developing magnetic force of the cylindrical magnet 207. In addition, a predetermined pattern is formed on the surface of the developer carrying member 208 by an etching process in order to roughen the surface.

図３は、本発明の実施の形態に係る現像剤担持体２０８を示す斜視図である。   FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing developer carrier 208 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

図３において、本実施の形態の現像剤担持体２０８は、表面にフォトレジスト方式のエッチングにより凸凹の表面パターンを形成している。凸凹の表面パターンの形成は、フォトレジスト方式のエッチングにより行った。すなわち、まず平面状ステンレス鋼板またはアルミニウム鋼板上にフォトレジストとして液体又はシート状の光硬化型のレジスト層を設け、そのレジスト層上に所定形状の遮光マスクを施す。そして、遮光マスクが施されたレジスト層に対して露光し、硬化していない部分のレジスト層を除去する。その後、塩酸などの酸により基材である鋼板を一定量侵食する。この際、露光により硬化していたレジスト層部分の基材は侵食を免れるため、凸凹形状が形成される。その後、凸凹が形成された基材である鋼板を円筒形に成型し、図３に示す形状の現像剤担持体を得る。   In FIG. 3, the developer carrying member 208 of the present embodiment has an uneven surface pattern formed on the surface by photoresist etching. The uneven surface pattern was formed by photoresist etching. That is, first, a liquid or sheet-like photo-curing resist layer is provided as a photoresist on a planar stainless steel plate or aluminum steel plate, and a light shielding mask having a predetermined shape is applied on the resist layer. Then, the resist layer on which the light-shielding mask is applied is exposed to remove the uncured portion of the resist layer. Thereafter, a certain amount of the steel sheet as a base material is eroded by an acid such as hydrochloric acid. At this time, since the base material of the resist layer portion that has been cured by exposure is free from erosion, an uneven shape is formed. Thereafter, a steel plate, which is a base material on which irregularities are formed, is formed into a cylindrical shape to obtain a developer carrier having a shape shown in FIG.

なお、本現像剤担持体２０８は長手方向（図中の矢印Ｘ方向）に対し現像領域Ｄの範囲において凸凹パターンを形成する。また、上記のようにして形成された凸凹パターンの凸凹高低差は、０．０５〜０．１０ｍｍとすることができたが、特に０．０５〜０．０７ｍｍとすることが好ましい。さらに、上記のようにして形成された交互の凸凹パターンの繰り返しは同一多角形状であり、現像剤担持体２０８表面における凸凹の繰り返し個数を概略同等にした。この構成により、現像剤担持体２０８表面の各部分において、必ず凸部と凹部との表面積が等しくなるので、現像剤からの圧力差を凸部と凹部において均一にすることができる。現像剤担持体２０８表面の凸凹パターンの形状はそれぞれ同一形状で、表面における凸凹の個数を概略同等とする形状であれば任意であるが、特に仰角６０度と１２０度からなる菱形、もしくはこの菱形に対して長手方向（図中の矢印Ｘ方向）に横断する境界を設けた二等辺三角形が好ましい。この時凸凹の個数の比率は、いずれか一方の個数を１とした場合、１：１が理想であるが、１：０．８〜１．２の比率であれば概ね良好な結果を得ることができる。   The developer carrying member 208 forms a concavo-convex pattern in the range of the development region D with respect to the longitudinal direction (the arrow X direction in the figure). Further, the unevenness height difference of the uneven pattern formed as described above can be 0.05 to 0.10 mm, and is particularly preferably 0.05 to 0.07 mm. Furthermore, the repetition of the alternating uneven pattern formed as described above has the same polygonal shape, and the number of repeated unevenness on the surface of the developer carrying member 208 is approximately equal. With this configuration, since the surface area of the convex portion and the concave portion is always equal in each portion of the surface of the developer carrying member 208, the pressure difference from the developer can be made uniform between the convex portion and the concave portion. The shape of the uneven pattern on the surface of the developer carrying member 208 is the same, and any shape is possible as long as the number of the unevenness on the surface is approximately the same. In particular, a rhombus having elevation angles of 60 degrees and 120 degrees, or this rhombus On the other hand, an isosceles triangle having a boundary crossing in the longitudinal direction (the direction of arrow X in the figure) is preferable. At this time, the ratio of the number of irregularities is ideally 1: 1 when either one is 1, but generally good results can be obtained if the ratio is 1: 0.8 to 1.2. Can do.

図４（ａ）、（ｂ）は、本発明の一実施の形態に係る現像剤担持体２０８の表面凸凹パターンを示す平面図と断面図であって、図４（ｂ）は図４（ａ）のＡ−Ａ断面を示している。図４（ａ）、（ｂ）においては、交互に繰り返す凸凹形状パターンを菱形で構成し、その個数を同等にしている。さらに凸凹高低差を略同一にしている。このように形成することによって、図４（ａ）、（ｂ）においては、凸凹の比率が概等しい形状であるため凸部４１と凹部４２の表面それぞれが現像剤に接触し磨耗される条件が等しくなり、したがって凸部４１と凹部４２の磨耗量も概等しくなる。凹部４２は凸部４１と比較して現像剤から受ける圧力が等しいため、初期の凸凹高低差をＨ、経時における凸凹高低差をＨ’とした場合、概ねＨ＝Ｈ’となる。   FIGS. 4A and 4B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing a surface uneven pattern of the developer carrying member 208 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. The AA cross section of) is shown. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the uneven pattern which repeats alternately is constituted by rhombuses, and the number thereof is made equal. Furthermore, the uneven height difference is made substantially the same. By forming in this way, in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the ratio of the unevenness is a substantially equal shape, so that the condition that the surfaces of the convex part 41 and the concave part 42 come into contact with the developer and wear is the condition. Therefore, the wear amount of the convex portion 41 and the concave portion 42 is also approximately equal. Since the concave portion 42 receives the same pressure from the developer as compared with the convex portion 41, when the initial uneven height difference is H and the uneven height difference with time is H ′, H = H ′.

なお、凸凹形状パターンの形状はこれに限らず、図５（ａ）、（ｂ）に示すように菱形に対して長手方向に横断する境界を設けた二等辺三角形の形状のもの、或いは、図６（ａ）、（ｂ）に示すような曲線的なものでもよい。   Note that the shape of the uneven pattern is not limited to this, and is an isosceles triangle shape having a boundary transverse to the rhombus in the longitudinal direction as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), or FIG. 6 (a) and (b) may be curved.

すなわち、表面の凸凹形状パターンは、凸部４１と凹部４２の表面積が略等しくなるような、例えば同一形状であればよく、さらに凸部４１と凹部４２の高低差が略等しければよい。   That is, the uneven pattern on the surface may be, for example, the same shape such that the surface areas of the protrusions 41 and the recesses 42 are substantially equal, and the height difference between the protrusions 41 and the recesses 42 may be approximately equal.

図７は、本発明の一実施の形態に係る現像剤担持体２０８を備える現像装置による現像剤搬送量の記録枚数による推移を測定した結果を示すグラフである。   FIG. 7 is a graph showing the results of measuring the change in the developer transport amount according to the number of recorded sheets by the developing device including the developer carrier 208 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

現像剤搬送量の推移を測定するのに際して、まず、４種類の現像剤担持体Ｘ１、Ｘ２、Ｙ１、Ｙ２を用意した。現像剤担持体Ｘ１とＸ２は、いずれも本発明に係る現像剤担持体である。ただし、現像剤担持体Ｘ１は、凸凹形状パターンが図４（ａ）に示す菱形であり、凸凹高低差が０．０５ｍｍのものである。現像剤担持体Ｘ２は、凸凹形状パターンが現像剤担持体Ｘ１と同じ菱形であり、凸凹高低差が０．１０ｍｍのものである。一方、現像剤担持体Ｙ１は、凸凹パターン形状が図８に示す従来のものであり、凸凹高低差は現像剤担持体Ｘ１と同じく０．０５ｍｍである。また、現像剤担持体Ｙ２は、本実施の形態とは異なり、従来のサンドブラストにより表面を粗面化したものであり、このときの初期表面粗さはＲｚ＝１７で行った。   In measuring the transition of the developer transport amount, first, four types of developer carriers X1, X2, Y1, and Y2 were prepared. The developer carriers X1 and X2 are both developer carriers according to the present invention. However, the developer carrying member X1 has a rhombic shape with a concavo-convex pattern as shown in FIG. 4A, and a concavo-convex height difference of 0.05 mm. The developer carrying member X2 has a rhombic pattern with the same uneven shape as the developer carrying member X1, and has a concavo-convex height difference of 0.10 mm. On the other hand, the developer carrier Y1 has a conventional uneven pattern shape as shown in FIG. 8, and the uneven height difference is 0.05 mm as in the developer carrier X1. Further, unlike the present embodiment, the developer carrying member Y2 has a surface roughened by conventional sandblasting, and the initial surface roughness at this time was Rz = 17.

いずれの現像剤担持体Ｘ１、Ｘ２、Ｙ１、Ｙ２においても、現像剤担持体２０８の材質はステンレス（ＳＵＳ３１６）で同一とし、また、計測に際しては、現像剤担持体２０８と層規制部材２０６との間隔を０．７０ｍｍの一定とした。   In any of the developer carriers X1, X2, Y1, and Y2, the material of the developer carrier 208 is the same as stainless steel (SUS316), and the developer carrier 208 and the layer regulating member 206 are used for measurement. The interval was constant at 0.70 mm.

図７に示すグラフでは、横軸は現像剤担持体２０８の回転距離をＡ４ヨコ通紙枚数に換算した枚数を、縦軸は各現像剤担持体２０８による現像剤搬送量をそれぞれ示している。   In the graph shown in FIG. 7, the horizontal axis indicates the number of rotations of the developer carrier 208 converted to the number of A4 paper sheets, and the vertical axis indicates the amount of developer transported by each developer carrier 208.

そして、現像剤担持体Ｘ１を現像装置１１１ｃ〜１１４ｃに適用した場合の現像剤搬送量を○印でプロットした線７１で、現像剤担持体Ｘ２を現像装置１１１ｃ〜１１４ｃに適用した場合の現像剤搬送量を△印でプロットした線７２で、現像剤担持体Ｙ１を現像装置１１１ｃ〜１１４ｃに適用した場合の現像剤搬送量を●印でプロットした線７３で、現像剤担持体Ｙ２を現像装置１１１ｃ〜１１４ｃに適用した場合の現像剤搬送量を▲印でプロットした線７４で、それぞれ示している。   The developer when the developer carrying member X2 is applied to the developing devices 111c to 114c is represented by a line 71 in which the developer carrying amount when the developer carrying member X1 is applied to the developing devices 111c to 114c is plotted with circles. The developer carrying body Y2 is represented by a line 72 plotted with a Δ mark, and the developer carrying amount Y1 applied to the developing devices 111c to 114c is represented by a line 73 plotted with a ● mark, and the developer carrying body Y2 is represented by a developing device. The developer transport amounts when applied to 111c to 114c are indicated by lines 74 plotted with ▲ marks, respectively.

図７に示すグラフから明らかなように、線７１及び線７２で示す本発明を適用した現像剤担持体２０８の現像剤搬送量は、線７３及び線７４で示す従来の現像剤担持体２０８の現像剤搬送量よりも、初期と経時における現像剤搬送量の差がはるかに小さいことがわかる。   As apparent from the graph shown in FIG. 7, the developer carrying amount of the developer carrier 208 to which the present invention is applied indicated by lines 71 and 72 is that of the conventional developer carrier 208 indicated by lines 73 and 74. It can be seen that the difference in developer transport amount between the initial time and the elapsed time is much smaller than the developer transport amount.

すなわち、線７４の従来の現像剤担持体２０８の場合は、記録枚数６０万枚の時点で現像剤搬送量が６０ｍｇ／ｃｍ２から約３０ｍｇ／ｃｍ２まで減少（約５０％低下）し、また線７３の従来の現像剤担持体２０８の場合は、記録枚数６０万枚の時点で現像剤搬送量が７０ｍｇ／ｃｍ２から５０ｍｇ／ｃｍ２まで減少（約３０％低下）している。 That is, in the case of the conventional developer carrier 208 of the line 74, the developer transport amount decreases from 60 mg / cm 2 to about 30 mg / cm 2 (down about 50%) at the time when the number of recorded sheets is 600,000, and In the case of the conventional developer carrying member 208 of the line 73, the developer conveyance amount is reduced from 70 mg / cm 2 to 50 mg / cm 2 (down about 30%) at the time when the number of recorded sheets is 600,000.

これに対し、線７１に示す本実施の形態の場合は、記録枚数６０万枚の時点で現像剤搬送量が７８ｍｇ／ｃｍ２から約７３ｍｇ／ｃｍ２だけ減少（約６％程度低下）し、また線７２に示す本実施の形態の場合は、記録枚数６０万枚の時点で現像剤搬送量が８５ｍｇ／ｃｍ２から約８０ｍｇ／ｃｍ２だけ減少（約６％程度低下）したにすぎず、従来と比較して大きな効果が得られている。 On the other hand, in the case of the present embodiment shown by the line 71, the developer transport amount is reduced from about 78 mg / cm 2 to about 73 mg / cm 2 (down about 6%) at the time when the number of recorded sheets is 600,000. for the embodiment shown in line 72 also only amount developer conveying decreased from 85 mg / cm 2 by about 80 mg / cm 2 (about 6% decrease) at the number of recording sheets 600,000 sheets, Great effect is obtained compared to the conventional case.

これは、例えば、線７１と線７３を比較して分かるように、凸凹の高低差が同じ０．０５ｍｍでも凸凹表面形状パターンを本実施の形態のように同一形状でかつ同一個数の交互の繰り返しパターンにして、凸凹の表面積を略等しくすることにより、凸部と凹部の表面が現像剤に接触して磨耗される条件が等しくなり、現像剤搬送量の経時による低下を防止できたからである。そして、このことは、線７２に示すように、凸凹の高低差を０．１ｍｍに設定しても同様のことが言える。   For example, as can be seen by comparing the line 71 and the line 73, the uneven surface shape pattern has the same shape and the same number of alternating repetitions even when the unevenness of the unevenness is the same 0.05 mm. This is because, by making the surface area of the unevenness in the pattern substantially equal, the conditions under which the surface of the protrusions and the recesses are in contact with the developer are equalized, and a decrease in developer transport amount with time can be prevented. And this can be said to be the same even if the height difference of the unevenness is set to 0.1 mm as shown by the line 72.

以上のように、本発明の現像剤担持体及びこれを備えた現像装置、画像形成装置は、現像剤搬送量の経時による低下を抑えることができ、高品質が要求される複写機、プリンタ、ファクシミリ、あるいはこれらの複合機等の画像形成装置として有用である。   As described above, the developer carrying member of the present invention, the developing device and the image forming apparatus provided with the same, can suppress a decrease in developer transport amount over time, and are a copier, printer, It is useful as an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile machine or a multifunction machine of these.

本発明の一実施の形態における画像形成装置の概略構成図1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の一実施の形態における現像剤担持体を備えた現像装置の概略構成図1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a developing device provided with a developer carrier in one embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の一実施の形態における現像剤担持体を示す斜視図The perspective view which shows the developing agent carrier in one embodiment of this invention （ａ）本発明の一実施の形態における現像剤担持体表面の凸凹パターンを示す平面図（ｂ）同凸凹パターンの断面図(A) A plan view showing an uneven pattern on the surface of a developer carrying member according to an embodiment of the present invention. (B) A sectional view of the uneven pattern. （ａ）本発明の一実施の形態における現像剤担持体表面の他の凸凹パターンを示す平面図（ｂ）同他の凸凹パターンの断面図(A) Top view which shows the other uneven | corrugated pattern of the developer carrier surface in one embodiment of this invention (b) Sectional drawing of the other uneven | corrugated pattern （ａ）本発明の一実施の形態における現像剤担持体表面のさらに他の凸凹パターンを示す平面図（ｂ）同さらに他の凸凹パターンの断面図(A) Plan view showing still another uneven pattern on the surface of the developer carrying member in one embodiment of the present invention (b) Cross-sectional view of the other uneven pattern 本発明の一実施の形態における現像装置による現像剤搬送量の記録枚数による推移の測定結果を示すグラフThe graph which shows the measurement result of the transition by the number of recording sheets of the developer conveyance amount by the developing device in one embodiment of the present invention （ａ）従来の現像剤担持体表面の凸凹パターンを示す平面図（ｂ）同凸凹パターンの断面図(A) A plan view showing an uneven pattern on the surface of a conventional developer carrier (b) a sectional view of the uneven pattern

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１０１ 画像形成部
１０２ 給紙部
１０３ 記録シート
１０４ 排紙部
１１１〜１１４ プロセスユニット
１１１ａ〜１１４ａ 感光体ドラム
１１１ｂ〜１１４ｂ 帯電器
１１１ｃ〜１１４ｃ 現像装置
１１６ レーザ・スキャニング・ユニット（ＬＳＵ）
１１７ 中間転写ベルト
１１９ 定着器
１２０ 排紙ローラ
１２１ 駆動ローラ
１２２ 従動ローラ
１２４〜１２７ １次転写ローラ
１２８ ２次転写ローラ
２０１ ユニットケース
２０２ 現像ロール
２０５ 搬送パドル
２０６ 層規制部材
２０７ 円柱状磁石（マグネットロール）
２０８ 現像剤担持体 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Image formation part 102 Paper supply part 103 Recording sheet 104 Paper discharge part 111-114 Process unit 111a-114a Photosensitive drum 111b-114b Charger 111c-114c Developing device 116 Laser scanning unit (LSU)
117 Intermediate Transfer Belt 119 Fixing Device 120 Paper Discharge Roller 121 Drive Roller 122 Driven Roller 124-127 Primary Transfer Roller 128 Secondary Transfer Roller 201 Unit Case 202 Developing Roll 205 Conveying Paddle 206 Layer Restricting Member 207 Columnar Magnet (Magnet Roll)
208 Developer carrier

Claims (4)

表面に凸部と凹部とによるパターンが形成され、回転により一定方向に現像剤を搬送する現像剤担持体であって、前記凸部と前記凹部の高低差とを略等しくし、さらに前記凸部と前記凹部の表面積を略等しくしたことを特徴とする現像剤担持体。 A developer carrying body having a pattern formed by convex portions and concave portions on the surface and transporting the developer in a fixed direction by rotation, wherein the height difference between the convex portions and the concave portions is substantially equal, and the convex portions And a developer carrying member characterized in that the surface areas of the recesses are substantially equal. 前記凸部と凹部とによるパターンは、前記凸部と前記凹部とが同一形状でかつ同一個数が交互に繰り返すパターンであることを特徴とする請求項１記載の現像剤担持体。 2. The developer carrier according to claim 1, wherein the pattern of the convex portions and the concave portions is a pattern in which the convex portions and the concave portions have the same shape and the same number is alternately repeated. 請求項１または２のいずれか１項に記載の現像剤担持体を備えた現像装置。 A developing device comprising the developer carrying member according to claim 1. 請求項３に記載の現像装置を備えた画像形成装置。 An image forming apparatus comprising the developing device according to claim 3.
JP2006177643A 2006-06-28 2006-06-28 Developer carrier, and developing unit and image forming device incorporating it Pending JP2008009016A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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JP2006177643A JP2008009016A (en) 2006-06-28 2006-06-28 Developer carrier, and developing unit and image forming device incorporating it

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JP2006177643A JP2008009016A (en) 2006-06-28 2006-06-28 Developer carrier, and developing unit and image forming device incorporating it

Publications (1)

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JP2008009016A true JP2008009016A (en) 2008-01-17

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Family Applications (1)

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Country Link
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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH02235080A (en) * 1989-03-09 1990-09-18 Mita Ind Co Ltd Developing sleeve of magnetic brush developing device
JP2002014539A (en) * 2000-06-28 2002-01-18 Ricoh Co Ltd Developing device and image forming device

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH02235080A (en) * 1989-03-09 1990-09-18 Mita Ind Co Ltd Developing sleeve of magnetic brush developing device
JP2002014539A (en) * 2000-06-28 2002-01-18 Ricoh Co Ltd Developing device and image forming device

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