JP2011002863A - Developing device and image forming apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Developing device and image forming apparatus using the same Download PDF

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JP2011002863A
JP2011002863A JP2010226816A JP2010226816A JP2011002863A JP 2011002863 A JP2011002863 A JP 2011002863A JP 2010226816 A JP2010226816 A JP 2010226816A JP 2010226816 A JP2010226816 A JP 2010226816A JP 2011002863 A JP2011002863 A JP 2011002863A
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developer
chamber
toner
agitating
developing device
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JP4840527B2 (en
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Atsushi Funada
敦 船田
Tomoyoshi Chihara
朋義 千原
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Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp
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Fuji Xerox Co Ltd
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Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent toner from floating again and resulting in a toner cloud by applying full reagitating collected floating toner.SOLUTION: The developing device includes a developer supply part 5 supplying developer G to a developer-holding body 4; a developer agitating part 6 agitating the developer G to be supplied to the developer supply part 5; and a developer collecting part 7 collecting the floating toner and returning it to the developer-agitating part 6. The developer-collecting part 7 includes a collecting roll provided rotatable relative to an image holding body 1 and collecting the toner and returning it to a developer-agitating chamber 3b; a scraping member coming into contact with the rotating collecting roll and scraping the toner collected by the collecting roll; and a conveying member located between the collecting roll and an agitating and conveying member in a horizontal direction and below an aperture of a partition plate in a vertical direction, and conveying the toner scraped, by the scraping member in a reverse direction to a conveying direction by the agitating and conveying member.

Description

この発明は、現像装置及びこれを用いた画像形成装置に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a developing device and an image forming apparatus using the developing device.

従来における画像形成装置として、例えば電子写真プロセスを用いた電子写真装置の現像装置では、現像剤保持体が保持していたトナーを電界によって像保持体に付着させるプロセスにおいて、帯電が不十分なトナーが像保持体に付着されず、像保持体と現像剤保持体との間で浮遊するトナークラウドと呼ばれる現象が発生することが従来から問題となっていた。
かかる問題に対して現像装置内に浮遊トナーが回収される回収ロールを設け、現像装置内に回収した浮遊トナーを回収し、現像剤として再使用する方法が知られている（例えば特許文献１参照）。この特許文献１には、現像ロールの下方に設けられた回収ロールによって浮遊トナーを現像容器に回収し、回収した浮遊トナーをスクレーパによって掻き取って供給オーガに戻す構成が開示されている。 As a conventional image forming apparatus, for example, in a developing apparatus of an electrophotographic apparatus using an electrophotographic process, a toner that is insufficiently charged in a process of attaching the toner held by the developer holder to the image holder by an electric field In the past, there has been a problem that a phenomenon called toner cloud is generated that does not adhere to the image carrier and floats between the image carrier and the developer carrier.
In order to solve such a problem, a method is known in which a collecting roll for collecting floating toner is provided in the developing device, and the collected floating toner is collected in the developing device and reused as a developer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ). Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which floating toner is collected in a developing container by a collecting roll provided below the developing roll, and the collected floating toner is scraped by a scraper and returned to a supply auger.

特開２００６−９１１５５号公報（発明を実施するための最良の形態，図１）JP 2006-91155 A (Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention, FIG. 1)

しかしながら、供給オーガに戻された浮遊トナーは、十分な再撹拌を受ける前に供給オーガから現像剤保持体に再供給されてしまう可能性が高い。トナーは撹拌時にキャリアとの摩擦帯電によって所望の帯電量が与えられる必要があり、十分な再撹拌を受けていない浮遊トナーは現像剤担持体から像担持体に現像される時に再度トナークラウドを発生させる原因となっていた。
本発明は、このような事実を鑑みて為されたものであって、回収した浮遊トナーに十分な再撹拌を加えることにより再度浮遊してトナークラウドが発生することを防止する現像装置及びこれを用いた画像形成装置を提供することを解決課題とする。 However, there is a high possibility that the floating toner returned to the supply auger is re-supplied from the supply auger to the developer holder before receiving sufficient re-stirring. The toner needs to be given a desired amount of charge by frictional charging with the carrier during agitation, and floating toner that has not undergone sufficient re-agitation generates a toner cloud again when it is developed from the developer carrier to the image carrier. It was a cause.
The present invention has been made in view of such a fact, and a developing device that prevents a toner cloud from being generated by floating again by adding sufficient re-stirring to the collected floating toner, and the developing device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a used image forming apparatus.

請求項１に係る発明は、キャリア及び像保持体に供給するトナーが含まれる現像剤を保持する現像剤保持体と、前記現像剤保持体に対して供給する現像剤を収容する現像剤供給室と、回転軸を有し且つ前記現像剤供給室に収容されている現像剤を当該回転軸に沿って搬送する供給搬送部材と、鉛直方向において前記現像剤供給室の下側に設けられ、前記現像剤供給室との間で循環される現像剤を収容する現像剤撹拌室と、前記現像剤供給室と前記現像剤撹拌室とを仕切ると共に前記現像剤供給室と前記現像剤撹拌室との間で開口を通じて現像剤を受け渡し可能に設けられた仕切り板と、回転軸を有し且つ前記現像剤撹拌室に収容されている現像剤を、当該回転軸に沿って前記供給搬送部材による現像剤搬送方向とは逆方向に搬送する撹拌搬送部材と、前記現像剤保持体と前記像保持体との対向部よりも像保持体の回転方向下流側に回転可能に設けられ、トナーを回収して現像剤撹拌室に戻す回収ロールと、回転する前記回収ロールに対して接触し且つ前記回収ロールにて回収されたトナーを掻き落とす掻き落とし部材と、水平方向において前記回収ロールと前記撹拌搬送部材との間で、且つ、鉛直方向において前記仕切り板の開口よりも下方に位置し、前記掻き落とし部材により掻き落とされたトナーを前記撹拌搬送部材による搬送方向とは逆方向に搬送する搬送部材と、を備えることを特徴とする現像装置である。   According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer holding body for holding a developer containing toner to be supplied to a carrier and an image holding body, and a developer supply chamber for containing a developer to be supplied to the developer holding body. A supply conveyance member that conveys the developer stored in the developer supply chamber along the rotation axis, and is provided below the developer supply chamber in the vertical direction, A developer agitating chamber for accommodating a developer circulated between the developer supplying chamber, the developer supplying chamber, and the developer agitating chamber; and the developer supplying chamber and the developer agitating chamber; A partition plate provided so as to be able to deliver the developer through the opening, and a developer having a rotating shaft and housed in the developer stirring chamber, the developer by the supply and transport member along the rotating shaft Agitating and transporting in the direction opposite to the transport direction A material, and a collection roll that is rotatably provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the image carrier relative to a portion where the developer carrier and the image carrier are opposed to each other. A scraping member that contacts the recovery roll and scrapes off the toner recovered by the recovery roll; and between the recovery roll and the agitation transport member in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction the partition A developing device, comprising: a conveying member that is positioned below the opening of the plate and conveys the toner scraped off by the scraping member in a direction opposite to the conveying direction by the stirring and conveying member. .

請求項２に係る発明は、請求項１に係る現像装置において、前記現像剤撹拌室が、少なくとも前記搬送部材の軸方向の一部において、当該搬送部材に接触する量以上の現像剤を収容することを特徴とする現像装置である。   According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the developing device according to the first aspect, the developer agitating chamber contains at least a part of the developer in the axial direction of the developer that is in contact with the conveyance member. This is a developing device.

請求項３に係る発明は、静電潜像が形成される回転可能な像保持体と、この像保持体上に形成される静電潜像を可視像化する請求項１又は２に係る現像装置とを備えたことを特徴とする画像形成装置である。   According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotatable image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier is visualized. An image forming apparatus comprising a developing device.

請求項１に係る発明によれば、回収ロール、掻き落とし部材及び搬送部材からなる現像剤回収部で回収したトナーを撹拌搬送部材に戻すことで、撹拌搬送部材によってトナーに十分な撹拌を加え、所望の帯電量を与えることができる。このため、トナーが再度浮遊してトナークラウドの要因になる事態を低減することができる。
請求項２に係る発明によれば、回収ロール、掻き落とし部材及び搬送部材からなる現像剤回収部で回収したトナーを撹拌搬送部材に確実に戻すことができる。
請求項３に係る発明によれば、トナーが再度浮遊してトナークラウドの要因になる事態を低減することができる現像装置を備えた画像形成装置を簡単に構築することができる。 According to the first aspect of the present invention, the toner collected by the developer collecting unit including the collecting roll, the scraping member, and the conveying member is returned to the agitating and conveying member, whereby the toner is sufficiently agitated by the agitating and conveying member, A desired charge amount can be provided. For this reason, it is possible to reduce a situation where the toner floats again and causes a toner cloud.
According to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to reliably return the toner collected by the developer collecting unit including the collecting roll, the scraping member, and the conveying member to the stirring and conveying member.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily construct an image forming apparatus including a developing device that can reduce a situation in which the toner floats again and causes a toner cloud.

本発明が適用される実施の形態に係る現像装置及びこれを用いた画像形成装置の概要を示す説明図である。BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a developing device according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied and an image forming apparatus using the developing device. 実施の形態１に係る画像形成装置の全体構成を示す電子写真装置の概略構成例を示す説明図である。1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an electrophotographic apparatus illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 実施の形態１に係る現像装置の縦断面説明図である。FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional explanatory view of the developing device according to the first embodiment. 実施の形態１に係る現像装置の軸方向断面説明図である。FIG. 3 is an axial sectional explanatory view of the developing device according to the first embodiment. 実施の形態２に係る現像装置の縦断面説明図である。FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional explanatory view of a developing device according to a second embodiment. 実施の形態２に係る現像装置の軸方向断面説明図である。FIG. 6 is an axial cross-sectional explanatory view of a developing device according to a second embodiment. 実施の形態３に係る現像装置の縦断面説明図である。FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a developing device according to a third embodiment. 実施の形態３に係る現像装置の軸方向断面説明図である。FIG. 10 is an axial cross-sectional explanatory view of a developing device according to a third embodiment. 実施の形態３に係る現像装置の変形形態の要部を示す説明図である。FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main part of a modification of the developing device according to the third embodiment.

先ず、本発明が適用される実施の形態の概要について説明する。
◎実施の形態の概要
図１は本発明を具現化する実施の形態に係る画像形成装置を示す。
同図において、画像形成装置は、静電潜像が形成される回転可能な像保持体１と、この像保持体上に形成される静電潜像を可視像化する現像装置２とを備えている。
ここで、像保持体１としては、静電潜像が形成されるものであればよく、感光体、誘電体など適宜選定して差し支えない。また、その形態についてはドラム状、ベルト状を問わない。
また、現像装置２は、キャリアと像保持体１に供給するトナーとが含まれる現像剤Ｇを収容する現像容器３と、前記現像容器３に回転可能に設けられ且つ像保持体１に対向してトナーが供給可能となるように前記現像剤Ｇを保持する現像剤保持体４と、前記現像容器３内に設けられて前記現像剤保持体４に対し現像剤Ｇを供給する現像剤供給部５と、前記現像容器３内で現像剤供給部５と異なる室に設けられ且つ前記現像剤供給部５に供給すべき現像剤Ｇを撹拌する現像剤撹拌部６と、前記現像剤保持体４及び前記像保持体１の対向部よりも像保持体１の回転方向下流側に設けられ且つトナーを回収して前記現像剤撹拌部６に戻す現像剤回収部７とを備えたものである。
ここで、現像容器３は、前記現像剤保持体４に対して供給する現像剤Ｇを収容する現像剤供給室３ａと、前記現像剤供給室３ａとの間で循環される現像剤Ｇを収容する現像剤撹拌室３ｂとを有している。図１では、前記現像剤供給室３ａと前記現像剤撹拌室３ｂとが水平方向に設けられる態様が示されているが、本発明が適用される実施の形態では、図５に示すように、前記現像剤撹拌室３ｂ（図５では５６）が鉛直方向において前記現像剤供給室３ａ（図５では５７）の下側に設けられる態様が採用される。この態様では、仕切り板が、前記現像剤供給室３ａと前記現像剤撹拌室３ｂとを仕切ると共に前記現像剤供給室３ａと前記現像剤撹拌室３ｂとの間で開口を通じて現像剤Ｇを受け渡し可能に設けられている。
また、現像剤供給部５は、回転軸を有し且つ前記現像剤供給室３ａに収容されている現像剤Ｇを当該回転軸に沿って搬送する供給搬送部材で構成される。
更に、現像剤撹拌部６は、回転軸を有し且つ前記現像剤撹拌室３ｂに収容されている現像剤Ｇを、当該回転軸に沿って前記供給搬送部材による現像剤搬送方向とは逆方向に搬送する撹拌搬送部材で構成される。
更にまた、現像剤回収部７は、前記現像剤保持体４と前記像保持体１との対向部よりも像保持体１の回転方向下流側に回転可能に設けられ、トナーを回収して現像剤撹拌室３ｂに戻す回収ロールと、回転する前記回収ロールに対して接触し且つ前記回収ロールにて回収されたトナーを掻き落とす掻き落とし部材と、水平方向において前記回収ロールと前記撹拌搬送部材との間で、且つ、鉛直方向において前記仕切り板の開口よりも下方に位置し、前記掻き落とし部材により掻き落とされたトナーを前記撹拌搬送部材による搬送方向とは逆方向に搬送する搬送部材とで構成されている。
このような態様において、前記現像剤撹拌室３ｂは、少なくとも搬送部材の軸方向の一部において、当該搬送部材に接触する量以上の現像剤Ｇを収容するものであることが好ましい。 First, an outline of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.
Outline of Embodiment FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment embodying the present invention.
In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus includes a rotatable image carrier 1 on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and a developing device 2 that visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier. I have.
Here, the image carrier 1 may be any material as long as it can form an electrostatic latent image, and may be appropriately selected from a photoconductor and a dielectric. Further, the form may be a drum shape or a belt shape.
The developing device 2 includes a developing container 3 that contains a developer G containing a carrier and toner to be supplied to the image holding body 1, and is rotatably provided in the developing container 3 and faces the image holding body 1. A developer holder 4 that holds the developer G so that toner can be supplied, and a developer supply unit that is provided in the developer container 3 and supplies the developer G to the developer holder 4 5, a developer stirring unit 6 provided in a different chamber from the developer supply unit 5 in the developer container 3 and stirring the developer G to be supplied to the developer supply unit 5, and the developer holding body 4. And a developer recovery portion 7 provided downstream of the opposing portion of the image carrier 1 in the rotation direction of the image carrier 1 and recovering the toner and returning it to the developer agitation portion 6.
Here, the developer container 3 accommodates the developer G that is circulated between the developer supply chamber 3 a that stores the developer G supplied to the developer holder 4 and the developer supply chamber 3 a. And a developer stirring chamber 3b. FIG. 1 shows a mode in which the developer supply chamber 3a and the developer stirring chamber 3b are provided in a horizontal direction, but in an embodiment to which the present invention is applied, as shown in FIG. A mode is adopted in which the developer stirring chamber 3b (56 in FIG. 5) is provided below the developer supply chamber 3a (57 in FIG. 5) in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the partition plate partitions the developer supply chamber 3a and the developer stirring chamber 3b and can deliver the developer G through the opening between the developer supply chamber 3a and the developer stirring chamber 3b. Is provided.
The developer supply unit 5 includes a supply conveyance member that has a rotation shaft and conveys the developer G accommodated in the developer supply chamber 3a along the rotation shaft.
Further, the developer agitating unit 6 has a rotating shaft and the developer G accommodated in the developer agitating chamber 3b in a direction opposite to the developer conveying direction by the supply conveying member along the rotating shaft. It is comprised with the stirring conveyance member conveyed to.
Furthermore, the developer recovery section 7 is provided so as to be able to rotate downstream in the rotation direction of the image carrier 1 relative to the facing portion between the developer holder 4 and the image carrier 1, and collects and develops the toner. A recovery roll that returns to the agent stirring chamber 3b, a scraping member that contacts the rotating recovery roll and scrapes off the toner recovered by the recovery roll, and the recovery roll and the agitation transport member in the horizontal direction; And a transport member that is positioned below the opening of the partition plate in the vertical direction and transports the toner scraped off by the scraping member in a direction opposite to the transport direction by the stirring transport member. It is configured.
In such an embodiment, it is preferable that the developer stirring chamber 3b contains at least a part of the developer G that is in contact with the transport member in at least a part of the transport member in the axial direction.

このような技術的手段において、現像容器３としては、現像剤供給部５と現像剤撹拌部６とが別室に設けられる態様であれば適宜選定して差し支えない。
この場合、現像容器３の代表的態様としては、前記現像剤供給部５が設けられる現像剤供給室３ａと、前記現像剤撹拌部６及び現像剤回収部７が設けられる現像剤撹拌室３ｂとを内部に有する二室構成の態様や、前記現像剤供給部５が設けられる現像剤供給室３ａと、前記現像剤撹拌部６が設けられる現像剤撹拌室３ｂと、前記現像剤回収部７が設けられる現像剤回収室（図示せず）とを内部に有する三室構成の態様が挙げられる。
また、現像剤供給部５としては、現像容器３内で現像剤保持体４に対向配置されているものであればよく、例えば現像剤保持体４の背面側に現像剤Ｇを撹拌しながら循環搬送する複数の循環搬送部材を設けた態様にあっては、現像剤保持体４と同室に設けられる循環搬送部材が相当し、また、前記複数の循環搬送部材と現像剤保持体４との間に現像剤供給用のロール状又はパドル状の現像剤供給部材を設けた態様にあっては、前記現像剤供給部材及び現像剤保持体４と同室に設けられる循環搬送部材が相当する。
更に、現像剤撹拌部６としては、現像剤保持体４と異なる室に設けられ且つ現像剤供給部５に供給すべき現像剤Ｇを撹拌するものであればよく、例えば現像剤保持体４の背面側に現像剤を撹拌しながら循環搬送する複数の循環搬送部材を設けた態様にあっては、現像剤保持体４と異なる室に設けられる循環搬送部材が相当する。
更にまた、現像剤回収部７としては、現像剤保持体４及び像保持体１の対向部よりも像保持体１の回転方向下流側、例えば現像剤保持体４の現像域ｍよりも像保持体１の回転方向下流側に設けられ、浮遊トナーを回収し且つ回収した浮遊トナーを現像剤撹拌部６に戻す作用を奏すればよい。
ここで、現像剤回収部７の代表的態様としては、前記現像剤撹拌部６よりも上方に設けられ、前記現像剤撹拌部６に対して回収した浮遊トナーを落下させて戻す態様や、浮遊トナーを回収する回収部材と、この回収部材で回収した浮遊トナーを現像剤撹拌部６に向けて戻し搬送する搬送部材とを有する態様が挙げられる。 In such technical means, the developing container 3 may be appropriately selected as long as the developer supplying unit 5 and the developer stirring unit 6 are provided in separate chambers.
In this case, as a typical aspect of the developer container 3, a developer supply chamber 3a in which the developer supply unit 5 is provided, a developer agitation chamber 3b in which the developer agitation unit 6 and the developer recovery unit 7 are provided, The developer supply chamber 3a in which the developer supply unit 5 is provided, the developer stirring chamber 3b in which the developer stirring unit 6 is provided, and the developer recovery unit 7 An example of a three-chamber configuration having a developer recovery chamber (not shown) provided therein is included.
The developer supply unit 5 may be any one that is disposed opposite to the developer holding body 4 in the developing container 3. For example, the developer G is circulated while stirring the developer G on the back side of the developer holding body 4. In the aspect in which a plurality of circulation conveyance members to be conveyed are provided, a circulation conveyance member provided in the same chamber as the developer holding body 4 is equivalent, and between the plurality of circulation conveyance members and the developer holding body 4. In the embodiment in which the developer supply member in the form of a roll or paddle for supplying the developer is provided, the circulation transport member provided in the same chamber as the developer supply member and the developer holding body 4 corresponds.
Further, the developer stirring unit 6 may be any unit provided in a different chamber from the developer holding body 4 and stirring the developer G to be supplied to the developer supplying unit 5. In the aspect in which a plurality of circulation conveyance members that circulate and convey the developer while stirring the developer are provided on the back side, a circulation conveyance member provided in a chamber different from the developer holding body 4 corresponds.
Furthermore, as the developer recovery unit 7, the image holding unit 4 and the image holding unit 1 are opposed to the opposite sides of the image holding unit 1 in the rotation direction of the image holding unit 1, for example, the developing area m of the developer holding unit 4. It may be provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the body 1 to collect the floating toner and return the collected floating toner to the developer stirring unit 6.
Here, as a typical aspect of the developer recovery unit 7, an aspect is provided above the developer agitation unit 6, in which the collected floating toner is dropped and returned to the developer agitation unit 6. An embodiment having a collecting member that collects toner and a conveying member that returns and conveys the floating toner collected by the collecting member toward the developer agitating unit 6 can be given.

以下に、本発明が適用される実施の形態について添付図面を参照してより詳細に説明する。
◎実施の形態１
図２は本発明の基本的構成が適用される現像装置を搭載した所謂タンデム型の電子写真装置の実施の形態１の全体構成を示す。当該電子写真装置は一例として、複写機やプリンタに適用される。尚、実施の形態１に係る現像装置２０は本発明に関連する現像剤回収部を有するものである。
図２に示すように、電子写真装置は、作像用の装置本体１１を有し、この装置本体１１の下部には当該装置本体１１に用紙が供給可能な給紙部１２を設けると共に、装置本体１１の上部には原稿が読取り可能な原稿読取り部１９を設けたものである。
ここで、装置本体１１には電子写真方式を採用した複数の色成分（例えばイエロ（Ｙ），マジェンタ（Ｍ），シアン（Ｃ），ブラック（Ｋ））の画像形成部１４（具体的には１４Ｙ，１４Ｍ，１４Ｃ，１４Ｋ）が搭載されると共に、各画像形成部１４にて形成された各色成分トナー像が用紙に転写される前に一時的に保持搬送される中間転写ベルト１５が設けられている。
更に、装置本体１１には給紙部１２からの用紙を搬送する用紙搬送部１３が設けられ、この用紙搬送部１３による用紙搬送経路の一部には中間転写ベルト１５からの各色成分トナー像を用紙に転写する転写部１６が設けられると共に、用紙搬送経路の転写部１６の下流側には転写されたトナー像を用紙に定着するための定着部１７が設けられ、用紙搬送経路の出口部分には定着済みの用紙を排出収容する用紙排出部１８が設けられている。
このような電子写真装置では、給紙部１２に収容された用紙は用紙搬送部１３によって転写部１６に搬送される。一方、各画像形成部１４（１４Ｙ（イエロ），１４Ｍ（マジェンダ）,１４Ｃ（シアン）,１４Ｋ（ブラック））で周知の電子写真技術を用いて形成された四色のトナー像は中間転写ベルト１５上に重ねて転写（一次転写）され、転写部１６へ送られる。転写部１６では、中間転写ベルト１５上のトナー像は搬送されてきた用紙に一括転写（二次転写）され、定着部１７でトナー像が用紙に定着された後、用紙排出部１８へ排出される。 Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1
FIG. 2 shows the overall configuration of Embodiment 1 of a so-called tandem type electrophotographic apparatus equipped with a developing device to which the basic configuration of the present invention is applied. The electrophotographic apparatus is applied to a copying machine or a printer as an example. The developing device 20 according to the first embodiment has a developer recovery unit related to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 2, the electrophotographic apparatus has an apparatus main body 11 for image formation. A lower part of the apparatus main body 11 is provided with a paper feeding unit 12 that can supply paper to the apparatus main body 11. A document reading unit 19 capable of reading a document is provided on the upper portion of the main body 11.
Here, the image forming unit 14 (specifically, a plurality of color components (for example, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K))) employing an electrophotographic method is included in the apparatus main body 11. 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K) and an intermediate transfer belt 15 that temporarily holds and conveys each color component toner image formed by each image forming unit 14 before being transferred to a sheet. ing.
Further, the apparatus main body 11 is provided with a paper transport unit 13 for transporting paper from the paper feed unit 12, and each color component toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 15 is placed on a part of the paper transport path by the paper transport unit 13. A transfer unit 16 for transferring to the paper is provided, and a fixing unit 17 for fixing the transferred toner image on the paper is provided on the downstream side of the transfer unit 16 in the paper transport path. Is provided with a paper discharge unit 18 for discharging and storing the fixed paper.
In such an electrophotographic apparatus, the paper stored in the paper supply unit 12 is conveyed to the transfer unit 16 by the paper conveyance unit 13. On the other hand, four-color toner images formed by using the well-known electrophotographic technology in each of the image forming units 14 (14Y (yellow), 14M (magenta), 14C (cyan), 14K (black)) are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 15. The image is transferred (primary transfer) in a superimposed manner and sent to the transfer unit 16. In the transfer unit 16, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is collectively transferred (secondary transfer) to the conveyed paper, and after the toner image is fixed on the paper in the fixing unit 17, the toner image is discharged to the paper discharge unit 18. The

また、本実施の形態において、各画像形成部１４は、図２及び図３に示すように、例えばドラム状の感光体１４０を有し、この感光体１４０の周囲には当該感光体１４０を帯電する図示外の帯電部と、帯電された感光体１４０上に静電潜像を書き込むレーザ走査装置などの露光部１４１と、感光体１４０上の静電潜像を各色成分トナーにて可視像化する現像部としての現像装置２０と、感光体１４０上のトナー像を前記中間転写ベルト１５に一次転写する図示外の一次転写部と、感光体１４０上に残留する転写後の残留トナーを清掃する図示外の清掃部とを備えている。
ここで、図３及び図４はそれぞれ同一構成よりなる上記各画像形成部１４（１４Ｙ〜１４Ｋ）に使用される現像部としての現像装置２０の一つを示すものである。
尚、図３は感光体１４０に対向して配設された現像装置２０の縦断面説明図であり、図４は現像装置２０の軸方向断面説明図である。
図３において、現像装置２０は現像容器２１内にトナー及びキャリアを含む二成分現像剤を収容している。
そして、現像装置２０は現像容器２１の内部に現像剤撹拌室３６と、この現像剤撹拌室３６に隣接するとともに現像剤撹拌室３６よりも感光体１４０に対して遠くに位置する現像剤供給室３７とを有している。さらに、現像剤撹拌室３６、現像剤供給室３７の上方には、感光体１４０に対向して回転可能に配設された現像剤保持体としての現像ロール２２とが設けられている。また、現像ロール２２の上方には、現像ロール２２表面に保持されている現像剤の層を規制するための層規制部材２９が現像容器２１に固定されている。 Further, in the present embodiment, each image forming unit 14 includes, for example, a drum-shaped photoconductor 140 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and the photoconductor 140 is charged around the photoconductor 140. A charging unit (not shown), an exposure unit 141 such as a laser scanning device for writing an electrostatic latent image on the charged photosensitive member 140, and a visible image of the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 140 with each color component toner. The developing device 20 as a developing unit to be converted, the primary transfer unit (not shown) that primarily transfers the toner image on the photosensitive member 140 to the intermediate transfer belt 15, and the residual toner after transfer remaining on the photosensitive member 140 are cleaned. And a cleaning unit (not shown).
Here, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show one of the developing devices 20 as a developing unit used in each of the image forming units 14 (14Y to 14K) having the same configuration.
3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the developing device 20 disposed so as to face the photoreceptor 140. FIG. 4 is an axial sectional view of the developing device 20. As shown in FIG.
In FIG. 3, the developing device 20 contains a two-component developer containing toner and carrier in a developing container 21.
The developing device 20 includes a developer agitating chamber 36 in the developing container 21, and a developer supply chamber that is adjacent to the developer agitating chamber 36 and is located farther from the photoreceptor 140 than the developer agitating chamber 36. 37. Further, above the developer stirring chamber 36 and the developer supply chamber 37, a developing roll 22 is provided as a developer holding member that is rotatably disposed to face the photoreceptor 140. A layer regulating member 29 for regulating the developer layer held on the surface of the developing roll 22 is fixed to the developing container 21 above the developing roll 22.

また、現像容器２１内部には現像剤撹拌室３６と現像剤供給室３７とを仕切る仕切り板２８が設けられている。この仕切り板２８は、図４に示すように、現像容器２１の長手方向にわたって設けられているが、その両端部には通孔３３、３４が設けられ、現像剤撹拌室３６と現像剤供給室３７とで現像剤の受け渡しができるようになっている。   In addition, a partition plate 28 that partitions the developer stirring chamber 36 and the developer supply chamber 37 is provided in the developing container 21. As shown in FIG. 4, the partition plate 28 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the developing container 21, and through holes 33 and 34 are provided at both ends thereof, and a developer stirring chamber 36 and a developer supply chamber. 37 allows the developer to be delivered.

図３において、現像剤撹拌室３６内部には現像ロール２２よりも感光体１４０の回転方向下流側で且つ感光体１４０と対向する位置に回転可能に設けられたシールロール２３と、シールロール２３の下方に当接するスクレーパ２４と、現像ロール２２とシールロール２３との間にあって両者を仕切っている仕切り壁２５と、現像剤を撹拌しながら搬送する現像剤撹拌部としての撹拌搬送部材２６とが設けられている。この撹拌搬送部材２６はシールロール２３とスクレーパ２４との当接部の下方でシールロール２３に対向して回転可能に設けられている。また、現像剤供給室３７内部には現像ロール２２に現像剤を供給する現像剤供給部としての供給搬送部材２７が現像ロール２２に対向して設けられている。   In FIG. 3, inside the developer stirring chamber 36, there are a seal roll 23 provided rotatably in a position downstream of the developing roll 22 in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 140 and facing the photoconductor 140. A scraper 24 that contacts the lower side, a partition wall 25 between the developing roll 22 and the seal roll 23 and partitioning the two, and an agitating and conveying member 26 as a developer agitating unit that conveys the developer while stirring are provided. It has been. The agitating / conveying member 26 is rotatably provided opposite the seal roll 23 below a contact portion between the seal roll 23 and the scraper 24. Further, in the developer supply chamber 37, a supply conveyance member 27 as a developer supply unit that supplies the developer to the developing roll 22 is provided facing the developing roll 22.

図４に示すように、撹拌搬送部材２６と供給搬送部材２７とには回転軸２６ａ、２７ａと回転軸２６ａ、２７ａの外周に設けられた螺旋羽根２６ｂ、２７ｂとがそれぞれ設けられている。二つの循環搬送部材（撹拌搬送部材２６、供給搬送部材２７）は互いに逆方向に現像剤を搬送するように構成されているので、現像剤撹拌室３６内の現像剤と現像剤供給室３７内の現像剤は矢印Ａ、Ｂで示されるようにそれぞれ逆方向に搬送される。さらに前述のように、現像剤撹拌室３６と現像剤供給室３７との端部に設けられた通孔３３、３４では現像剤の受け渡しができるようになっているので、端部に搬送された現像剤は上記二つの室（現像剤撹拌室３６，現像剤供給室３７）内で循環搬送される。
また、図４に示すように、現像剤撹拌室３６の現像剤搬送方向Ａにおける上流側端部の上面には現像剤供給口３１が形成され、図示しない現像剤収容部からの現像剤が現像装置２０の現像剤撹拌室３６内に補給される。また、現像剤撹拌室３６の現像剤搬送方向Ａにおける下流側には現像剤排出口３２が設けられており、劣化した現像剤の一部を所定のタイミングで現像装置外に排出している。 As shown in FIG. 4, the agitating and conveying member 26 and the supply and conveying member 27 are provided with rotating shafts 26a and 27a and spiral blades 26b and 27b provided on the outer circumferences of the rotating shafts 26a and 27a, respectively. The two circulation conveyance members (the agitation conveyance member 26 and the supply conveyance member 27) are configured to convey the developer in opposite directions, so that the developer in the developer agitation chamber 36 and the developer supply chamber 37 are included. Developer is conveyed in the opposite direction as indicated by arrows A and B. Further, as described above, since the developer can be transferred through the through holes 33 and 34 provided at the end portions of the developer stirring chamber 36 and the developer supply chamber 37, the developer is transferred to the end portion. The developer is circulated and conveyed in the two chambers (developer stirring chamber 36 and developer supply chamber 37).
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a developer supply port 31 is formed on the upper surface of the upstream end of the developer stirring chamber 36 in the developer transport direction A, and the developer from the developer storage portion (not shown) is developed. The developer is supplied into the developer stirring chamber 36 of the apparatus 20. Further, a developer discharge port 32 is provided on the downstream side of the developer stirring chamber 36 in the developer transport direction A, and a part of the deteriorated developer is discharged out of the developing device at a predetermined timing.

更に、図３に示すように、現像ロール２２は、固定支持された略円柱形状のマグネット部材２２ａとマグネット部材２２ａの周りに設けられた回動可能な円筒状のスリーブ２２ｂとからなる。マグネット部材２２ａには、周方向に複数の磁極Ｎ１〜Ｎ３、Ｓ１、Ｓ２が設けられているので、現像ロール２２の周囲にはこの磁極Ｎ１〜Ｎ３、Ｓ１、Ｓ２によって現像剤を吸着または反発する磁界が発生している。このうち磁極Ｎ２からＳ２へ発生する磁界によって現像剤を現像ロール２２に吸着搬送する。一方、同極の磁極Ｎ２とＮ３との間には反発磁界が発生するので、感光体１４０側に供給されずに現像ロール２２に保持されたままの現像剤がこの位置で現像ロール２２から離れるとともに、現像剤撹拌室３６からの現像剤の移動を防いでいる。   Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the developing roll 22 includes a substantially cylindrical magnet member 22a fixedly supported and a rotatable cylindrical sleeve 22b provided around the magnet member 22a. Since the magnet member 22a is provided with a plurality of magnetic poles N1 to N3, S1, and S2 in the circumferential direction, the developer is attracted or repelled around the developing roll 22 by the magnetic poles N1 to N3, S1, and S2. Magnetic field is generated. Among these, the developer is attracted and conveyed to the developing roll 22 by the magnetic field generated from the magnetic pole N2 to S2. On the other hand, since a repulsive magnetic field is generated between the magnetic poles N2 and N3 having the same polarity, the developer that is not supplied to the photosensitive member 140 but is held on the developing roll 22 is separated from the developing roll 22 at this position. At the same time, the movement of the developer from the developer stirring chamber 36 is prevented.

また、本実施の形態では、シールロール２３は、表面が非磁性ステンレス（ＳＵＳ）の材質で形成されており、感光体１４０の軸方向に沿って配設されている。本実施の形態においては、現像ロール２２とシールロール２３とは図示しない同一の駆動源で駆動されており、作動のＯＮ／ＯＦＦのタイミングおよび印加される電圧も同じである。また、シールロール２３の回転方向は感光体１４０との対向部にて逆方向に設定されている。この構成によって、シールロール２３は現像ロール２２の下流側に発生したトナークラウドを吸着し、回収する。   In the present embodiment, the surface of the seal roll 23 is formed of a nonmagnetic stainless steel (SUS) material, and is disposed along the axial direction of the photoreceptor 140. In the present embodiment, the developing roll 22 and the seal roll 23 are driven by the same drive source (not shown), and the ON / OFF timing of operation and the applied voltage are also the same. The rotation direction of the seal roll 23 is set in the opposite direction at the portion facing the photoconductor 140. With this configuration, the seal roll 23 absorbs and collects the toner cloud generated on the downstream side of the developing roll 22.

更に、スクレーパ２４は一端が現像容器２１の側面に支持されている。このスクレーパ２４は支持されている一端から斜め上方に向かって延び、他端が自由端となってシールロール２３に対向して軸方向にわたって当接している。スクレーパ２４に印加される電圧及びその印加タイミングはシールロール２３と同じである。スクレーパ２４はシールロール２３に吸着したトナーを掻き落とし、浮遊トナーを現像剤撹拌室３６内の撹拌搬送部材２６に戻す。このように、本実施の形態においては、浮遊トナーを回収して現像剤撹拌室３６に戻す回収部としてシールロール２３とスクレーパ２４とによって構成されたものが例示されている。   Further, one end of the scraper 24 is supported on the side surface of the developing container 21. The scraper 24 extends obliquely upward from one supported end, and the other end serves as a free end and is in contact with the seal roll 23 in the axial direction. The voltage applied to the scraper 24 and the application timing thereof are the same as those of the seal roll 23. The scraper 24 scrapes off the toner adsorbed on the seal roll 23, and returns the floating toner to the stirring and conveying member 26 in the developer stirring chamber 36. As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the recovery unit that recovers the floating toner and returns it to the developer stirring chamber 36 is configured by the seal roll 23 and the scraper 24.

上記の構成を備えた実施の形態１の現像装置２０では、現像剤供給口３１から現像剤撹拌室３６へ補給された現像剤は撹拌搬送部材２６によって撹拌混合され、現像剤撹拌室３６の一端部へ搬送される。一端部へ搬送された現像剤は通孔３３によって現像剤供給室３７へ受け渡され、さらに供給搬送部材２７によって他方の端部へ搬送される。このように循環搬送された現像剤は撹拌混合によって所定の極性の帯電量に摩擦帯電され、供給搬送部材２７から現像ロール２２へ供給される。
そして、現像ロール２２に供給された現像剤は、現像ロール２２と感光体１４０との対向する現像域で現像装置２０から感光体１４０へ供給され、感光体１４０の表面上の静電潜像画像部に付着する。
このとき、現像ロール２２と感光体１４０との間では感光体１４０の表面に付着せずに浮遊する浮遊トナーが発生するが、この浮遊トナーは、感光体１４０回転方向下流側でシールロール２３によって回収される。回収された浮遊トナーは、シールロール２３の回転に伴ってスクレーパ２４により掻き落とされる。掻き落とされた浮遊トナーは重力によって、自然落下又は現像容器２１を介することによってシールロール２３の下方に位置する撹拌搬送部材２６に戻される。以上により撹拌搬送部材２６に戻された浮遊トナーは、現像剤撹拌室３６内で現像剤供給口３１から供給された現像剤と共に撹拌混合され、所定の帯電量とされた後に供給搬送部材２７を介して再度現像ロール２２に供給される。 In the developing device 20 of the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, the developer replenished from the developer supply port 31 to the developer stirring chamber 36 is stirred and mixed by the stirring and conveying member 26, and one end of the developer stirring chamber 36. It is conveyed to the part. The developer transported to one end is transferred to the developer supply chamber 37 through the through-hole 33 and further transported to the other end by the supply transport member 27. The developer thus circulated and transported is frictionally charged to a predetermined charge amount by stirring and mixing, and is supplied from the supply transport member 27 to the developing roll 22.
The developer supplied to the developing roller 22 is supplied from the developing device 20 to the photosensitive member 140 in a developing area where the developing roller 22 and the photosensitive member 140 are opposed to each other, and an electrostatic latent image image on the surface of the photosensitive member 140 is supplied. Adhere to the part.
At this time, floating toner that does not adhere to the surface of the photoconductor 140 and floats is generated between the developing roll 22 and the photoconductor 140. This floating toner is generated by the seal roll 23 on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 140. Collected. The collected floating toner is scraped off by the scraper 24 as the seal roll 23 rotates. The suspended toner scraped off is returned to the agitation transport member 26 located below the seal roll 23 by gravity or through the developing container 21 due to gravity. The floating toner returned to the agitating / conveying member 26 as described above is agitated and mixed with the developer supplied from the developer supply port 31 in the developer agitating chamber 36 to obtain a predetermined charge amount. Then, it is supplied again to the developing roll 22.

◎実施の形態２
次に、本発明が適用された実施の形態２の現像装置２０について、図５、６を用いて説明する。
図５は実施の形態１の図３に相当する縦断面説明図、図６は実施の形態１の図４に相当する軸方向断面説明図である。尚、実施の形態２と前述した実施の形態１とで同様な機能を有する部材および構成については同一の符号を付し、その詳細な説明は省略する。 Embodiment 2
Next, the developing device 20 according to the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional explanatory view corresponding to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is an axial sectional explanatory view corresponding to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the member and structure which have the same function by Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 mentioned above, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

図５に示すように、現像装置２０は現像容器２１内部に仕切り板４８を設け、この仕切り板４８によって上下に仕切られた下側に位置する現像剤撹拌室５６と上側に位置する現像剤供給室５７とを有している。仕切り板４８はその一端が現像容器２１側面に固定されるとともに他端が現像ロール２２方向に延びるように設けられている。また、仕切り板４８は、実施の形態１と同様に現像剤の受け渡しを可能とするように、その両端部に通孔５３、５４が設けられている。   As shown in FIG. 5, the developing device 20 is provided with a partition plate 48 inside the developing container 21, a developer stirring chamber 56 located on the lower side partitioned by the partition plate 48 and a developer supply located on the upper side. Chamber 57. The partition plate 48 is provided such that one end thereof is fixed to the side surface of the developing container 21 and the other end extends in the direction of the developing roll 22. Further, the partition plate 48 is provided with through holes 53 and 54 at both ends thereof so that the developer can be delivered as in the first embodiment.

現像剤撹拌室５６の感光体１４０付近には、浮遊トナーを回収するためのシールロール２３と、このシールロール２３に当接する浮遊トナー掻き取り用のスクレーパ２４とが設けられ、そのシールロール２３よりも鉛直方向において下方には撹拌搬送部材２６と搬送補助部材４１とが設けられている。また、現像剤供給室５７には現像ロール２２に対向して供給搬送部材２７が設けられている。
ここで、搬送補助部材４１は水平方向においてシールロール２３と撹拌搬送部材２６との間であって、かつ鉛直方向において撹拌搬送部材２６と供給搬送部材２７との間の位置に設けられている。この搬送補助部材４１は、撹拌搬送部材２６よりも回転速度が早いため現像剤の搬送能力が高く、後述する通孔５４を介しての現像剤撹拌室５６から現像剤供給室５７への現像剤の移動に伴って通孔５４付近に滞留した現像剤を図６における矢印Ｄと同方向へ搬送する。また、この搬送補助部材４１は、シールロール２３にて回収され、かつスクレーパ２４にて掻き落とされた浮遊トナーを撹拌搬送部材２６に戻す。本実施の形態において、搬送補助部材４１は、例えば撹拌搬送部材２６および供給搬送部材２７と同様に、回転軸に螺旋羽根を設けたスパイラル形状に構成されるが、これに限られるものではなく、現像剤を搬送できるものであれば適宜選定して差し支えない。このように、本実施の形態においては、浮遊トナーを回収して現像剤撹拌室５６に戻す回収部としてシールロール２３とスクレーパ２４と搬送補助部材４１とによって構成されたものが例示されている。 In the vicinity of the photosensitive member 140 in the developer stirring chamber 56, a seal roll 23 for collecting floating toner and a scraper 24 for scraping off the floating toner that contacts the seal roll 23 are provided. Also in the vertical direction, a stirring transport member 26 and a transport auxiliary member 41 are provided below. Further, a supply conveyance member 27 is provided in the developer supply chamber 57 so as to face the developing roll 22.
Here, the conveyance auxiliary member 41 is provided between the seal roll 23 and the agitation conveyance member 26 in the horizontal direction and at a position between the agitation conveyance member 26 and the supply conveyance member 27 in the vertical direction. The conveyance auxiliary member 41 has a higher developer conveyance capability because it has a higher rotational speed than the agitation conveyance member 26, and the developer from the developer agitation chamber 56 to the developer supply chamber 57 through a through-hole 54 described later. The developer staying in the vicinity of the through hole 54 with the movement of is conveyed in the same direction as the arrow D in FIG. Further, the conveyance auxiliary member 41 returns the floating toner collected by the seal roll 23 and scraped off by the scraper 24 to the agitation conveyance member 26. In the present embodiment, the conveyance auxiliary member 41 is configured in a spiral shape in which spiral blades are provided on the rotation shaft, for example, similarly to the stirring conveyance member 26 and the supply conveyance member 27, but is not limited thereto. Any developer can be selected as long as it can transport the developer. As described above, in this exemplary embodiment, the recovery unit that recovers the floating toner and returns it to the developer stirring chamber 56 is configured by the seal roll 23, the scraper 24, and the conveyance auxiliary member 41.

図６において、供給搬送部材２７の現像剤搬送方向Ｄにおける下流側端部には螺旋羽根２７ｃが設けられている。この螺旋羽根２７ｃは供給搬送部材２７に設けられた他の螺旋羽根２７ｂよりも短いピッチで、かつ逆方向の螺旋形状になっている。さらに、現像容器２１には撹拌搬送部材２６の現像剤搬送方向における下流側端部位置かつ供給搬送部材２７の現像剤搬送方向における上流側端部位置の上面に現像剤供給口５１が設けられ、供給搬送部材２７の現像剤搬送方向において現像ロール２２と対向する位置よりも下流側であって、現像剤供給室５７の側面に現像剤排出口５２が設けられている。   In FIG. 6, a spiral blade 27 c is provided at the downstream end of the supply conveyance member 27 in the developer conveyance direction D. The spiral blades 27 c have a shorter pitch than the other spiral blades 27 b provided on the supply conveyance member 27 and have a spiral shape in the reverse direction. Further, the developer container 21 is provided with a developer supply port 51 on the upper surface of the downstream end position in the developer transport direction of the stirring transport member 26 and the upstream end position in the developer transport direction of the supply transport member 27. A developer discharge port 52 is provided on the side surface of the developer supply chamber 57 on the side of the developer supply chamber 57 that is downstream of the supply transport member 27 in the developer transport direction and facing the developing roll 22.

上記の構成を備えた実施の形態２の現像装置２０では、現像剤供給口５１から補給された現像剤は、現像剤供給室５７と通孔５３を介して現像剤撹拌室５６内へ供給される。現像剤撹拌室５６の現像剤は撹拌搬送部材２６によって撹拌混合され、現像剤撹拌室５６の一端部へ搬送される。一端部に搬送された現像剤は、通孔５４付近での現像剤の堆積を防ぐためにその一部が搬送補助部材４１によって矢印Ｄの方向に搬送されるとともに、残りの現像剤は現像剤撹拌室５６から通孔５４を介してその上部の現像剤供給室５７に供給される。現像剤供給室５７に供給された現像剤は供給搬送部材２７から現像ロール２２へ供給され、現像剤が感光体１４０に供給される。
このとき、現像ロール２２と感光体１４０との間で浮遊する浮遊トナーは実施の形態１と同様にしてシールロール２３によって回収されると共に、回収された浮遊トナーはスクレーパ２４によって掻き落とされた後、搬送補助部材４１を介して現像剤撹拌室５６内の撹拌搬送部材２６に戻される。以上により、撹拌搬送部材２６に戻された浮遊トナーは、現像剤撹拌室５６内で現像剤供給口５１から供給された現像剤と共に撹拌混合され、所定の帯電量とされた後に再度現像ロール２２に供給される。 In the developing device 20 of the second embodiment having the above-described configuration, the developer replenished from the developer supply port 51 is supplied into the developer stirring chamber 56 through the developer supply chamber 57 and the through hole 53. The The developer in the developer agitating chamber 56 is agitated and mixed by the agitating and conveying member 26 and conveyed to one end of the developer agitating chamber 56. Part of the developer conveyed to one end is conveyed in the direction of arrow D by the conveyance auxiliary member 41 in order to prevent developer accumulation near the through hole 54, and the remaining developer is agitated by the developer. The developer is supplied from the chamber 56 through the through hole 54 to the developer supply chamber 57 above it. The developer supplied to the developer supply chamber 57 is supplied from the supply conveyance member 27 to the developing roll 22, and the developer is supplied to the photoreceptor 140.
At this time, the floating toner floating between the developing roll 22 and the photoconductor 140 is collected by the seal roll 23 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the collected floating toner is scraped off by the scraper 24. Then, the developer is returned to the agitating and conveying member 26 in the developer agitating chamber 56 via the conveying auxiliary member 41. As described above, the floating toner returned to the agitating / conveying member 26 is agitated and mixed with the developer supplied from the developer supply port 51 in the developer agitating chamber 56, and after having a predetermined charge amount, the developing roller 22 again. To be supplied.

◎実施の形態３
次に、本発明の基本的構成が適用された実施の形態３に係る現像装置２０について、図７、８を用いて説明する。
図７は実施の形態１の図３に相当する縦断面説明図、図８は実施の形態１の図４に相当する軸方向断面説明図である。尚、実施の形態３に係る現像装置２０は本発明に関連する現像剤回収部を有するものである。また、実施の形態３と前述した実施の形態１および実施の形態２とで同様な機能を有する部材および構成については同一の符号を付し、その詳細な説明は省略する。 Embodiment 3
Next, a developing device 20 according to Embodiment 3 to which the basic configuration of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.
7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional explanatory view corresponding to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment, and FIG. 8 is an axial cross-sectional explanatory view corresponding to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. The developing device 20 according to the third embodiment has a developer recovery unit related to the present invention. Further, members and configurations having the same functions in the third embodiment and the first and second embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

図７、図８に示すように、現像装置２０は、現像容器２１内部に現像剤撹拌室７６と、現像剤撹拌室７６に隣接する現像剤供給室７７と、現像剤供給室７７に隣接する回収室７８とを有する。図８のように、現像剤撹拌室７６と現像剤供給室７７とは第一仕切り板６１によって、また、現像剤供給室７７と回収室７８とは第二仕切り板６２によってそれぞれ仕切られている。この第一仕切り板６１には、実施の形態１の仕切り板２８と同様にして両端部に通孔７３、７４が設けられているが、第二仕切り板６２には、矢印Ａの下流方向の一端部のみに現像剤の受け渡しを行う通孔７５が設けられている。   As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the developing device 20 is adjacent to the developer stirring chamber 76, the developer supply chamber 77 adjacent to the developer stirring chamber 76, and the developer supply chamber 77 inside the developing container 21. And a recovery chamber 78. As shown in FIG. 8, the developer stirring chamber 76 and the developer supply chamber 77 are partitioned by the first partition plate 61, and the developer supply chamber 77 and the recovery chamber 78 are partitioned by the second partition plate 62. . The first partition plate 61 is provided with through holes 73 and 74 at both ends in the same manner as the partition plate 28 of the first embodiment, but the second partition plate 62 has a downstream direction of the arrow A. A through hole 75 for delivering the developer is provided only at one end.

図７に示すように、回収室７８は内部にシールロール２３と、このシールロール２３に当接するスクレーパ２４と、仕切り壁２５と、シールロール２３とスクレーパ２４との当接部よりも下方に回転可能に設けられた回収搬送部材６８とが設けられている。この回収搬送部材６８は他の撹拌搬送部材２６、供給搬送部材２７よりも小径であるとともに回転速度が速いため高い搬送能力をもち、回収室７８内の現像剤を現像剤撹拌室７６に戻すために矢印Ａの方向へ搬送する（図８参照）。このように、本実施の形態においては、浮遊トナーを回収して現像剤撹拌室７６に供給する回収部として、回収手段としてのシールロール２３とスクレーパ２４と搬送手段としての回収搬送部材６８と回収室７８とによって構成されたものが例示されている。
また、現像容器２１は、現像剤撹拌室７６の現像剤搬送方向Ｂにおける上流側端部の上面に現像剤供給口７１が設けられ、回収室７８の現像剤搬送方向Ａにおける下流側には現像剤排出口７２が設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 7, the collection chamber 78 is rotated below the seal roller 23, the scraper 24 that contacts the seal roller 23, the partition wall 25, and the contact portion between the seal roller 23 and the scraper 24. A collection transporting member 68 provided so as to be possible is provided. The collecting and conveying member 68 has a smaller diameter than the other agitating and conveying members 26 and the supply and conveying member 27 and has a high rotation speed because of its high rotation speed, and returns the developer in the collecting chamber 78 to the developer agitating chamber 76. Is conveyed in the direction of arrow A (see FIG. 8). As described above, in the present embodiment, as the collection unit that collects the floating toner and supplies it to the developer stirring chamber 76, the seal roller 23 as the collection unit, the scraper 24, the collection conveyance member 68 as the conveyance unit, and the collection. What is constituted by the chamber 78 is illustrated.
Further, the developer container 21 is provided with a developer supply port 71 on the upper surface of the upstream end portion in the developer transport direction B of the developer agitating chamber 76, and on the downstream side in the developer transport direction A of the recovery chamber 78. An agent discharge port 72 is provided.

上記の構成を備えた実施の形態３の現像装置２０では、現像ロール２２から感光体１４０との間で浮遊する浮遊トナーはシールロール２３によって回収され、回収された浮遊トナーは、スクレーパ２４によって掻き落とされた後、シールロール２３とスクレーパ２４の下方にある回収搬送部材６８とによって矢印Ａ方向に搬送される。矢印Ａ方向の下流側端部に搬送された浮遊トナーは、通孔７５及び通孔７３を介して現像剤撹拌室７６内の撹拌搬送部材２６に戻される。以上により、撹拌搬送部材２６に戻された浮遊トナーは、現像剤撹拌室７６内で現像剤供給口７１から供給された現像剤と共に撹拌混合され、所定の帯電量とされた後に再度現像ロール２２に供給される。   In the developing device 20 of the third embodiment having the above-described configuration, the floating toner floating between the developing roll 22 and the photoreceptor 140 is collected by the seal roll 23, and the collected floating toner is scraped by the scraper 24. After being dropped, it is transported in the direction of arrow A by the seal roll 23 and the recovery transport member 68 below the scraper 24. The floating toner conveyed to the downstream end in the direction of arrow A is returned to the agitating and conveying member 26 in the developer agitating chamber 76 through the through hole 75 and the through hole 73. As described above, the floating toner returned to the agitating / conveying member 26 is agitated and mixed with the developer supplied from the developer supply port 71 in the developer agitating chamber 76, and after having a predetermined charge amount, the developing roller 22 again. To be supplied.

◎変形形態
次に、実施の形態３の現像装置２０の変形形態について図９を用いて説明をする。
本変形形態は、通孔７３の配置および供給搬送部材２７の構成以外については実施の形態３と同様の構成であるので、変更点についてのみ説明をする。
図９は変形形態に係る現像装置２０の軸方向断面の要部を示す模式図である。
通孔７３は通孔７５よりも現像剤供給室７７内の現像剤搬送方向下流側に設けられている。また、供給搬送部材２７のうち通孔７３よりも上流側には、通孔７３方向に向けて現像剤を搬送する螺旋羽根２７ｄが設けられている。
上記の構成を備えた変形形態の現像装置２０において、回収室７８に落下した浮遊トナーは、回収搬送部材６８によって端部に搬送された後、通孔７５を介して現像剤供給室７７に受け渡される。現像剤供給室７７では供給搬送部材２７によって通孔７３に搬送され、当該通孔７３から現像剤撹拌室７６に受け渡される。以上によって、回収した浮遊トナーが現像剤供給室７７内で現像剤の循環搬送に対して逆流することを防ぐことができる。 Next, a modified embodiment of the developing device 20 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
Since this modification has the same configuration as that of the third embodiment except for the arrangement of the through holes 73 and the configuration of the supply / conveyance member 27, only the changes will be described.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of an axial section of the developing device 20 according to a modified embodiment.
The through hole 73 is provided downstream of the through hole 75 in the developer supply chamber 77 in the developer transport direction. A spiral blade 27 d that conveys the developer in the direction of the through hole 73 is provided on the upstream side of the through hole 73 in the supply conveyance member 27.
In the developing device 20 having the above-described configuration, the floating toner that has fallen into the collection chamber 78 is conveyed to the end by the collection conveyance member 68 and then received by the developer supply chamber 77 through the through hole 75. Passed. In the developer supply chamber 77, the developer is conveyed to the through hole 73 by the supply conveyance member 27, and is transferred from the through hole 73 to the developer agitating chamber 76. As described above, the collected floating toner can be prevented from flowing backward in the developer supply chamber 77 with respect to the circulating conveyance of the developer.

尚、以上に説明した内容、すなわち、本実施の形態における説明では、本発明に適した実施の形態を挙げたが、本発明はその内容に限定されるものではない。例えば、本実施の形態では回収部として磁性を持たないシールロール２３を用いたが、回収部に磁性を持たせてトナーと共にキャリアを回収できるようにしてもよい。また、本実施の形態においては回収部の回転方向は感光体１４０と逆回転になるように構成したが、これを同回転にしてもよい。また、電圧の印加および作動のタイミングは現像ロール、スクレーパ、シールロールでそれぞれ装置の実情に応じた適宜のタイミングにしてもよい。   In the above description, that is, in the description of the present embodiment, an embodiment suitable for the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the content. For example, in the present embodiment, the seal roller 23 having no magnetism is used as the collecting unit, but the collecting unit may be magnetized so that the carrier can be collected together with the toner. Further, in the present embodiment, the collection unit is configured to rotate in the reverse direction with respect to the photoreceptor 140, but this may be the same. In addition, the timing of voltage application and operation may be set appropriately according to the actual situation of the apparatus using a developing roll, a scraper, and a seal roll.

１…像保持体，２…現像装置，３…現像容器，３ａ…現像剤供給室，３ｂ…現像剤撹拌室，４…現像剤保持体，５…現像剤供給部，６…現像剤撹拌部，７…現像剤回収部，ｍ…現像域，Ｇ…現像剤   DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image holding body, 2 ... Developing apparatus, 3 ... Developing container, 3a ... Developer supply chamber, 3b ... Developer stirring chamber, 4 ... Developer holding body, 5 ... Developer supply unit, 6 ... Developer stirring unit , 7 ... Developer recovery unit, m ... Development area, G ... Developer

Claims (3)

キャリア及び像保持体に供給するトナーが含まれる現像剤を保持する現像剤保持体と、
前記現像剤保持体に対して供給する現像剤を収容する現像剤供給室と、
回転軸を有し且つ前記現像剤供給室に収容されている現像剤を当該回転軸に沿って搬送する供給搬送部材と、
鉛直方向において前記現像剤供給室の下側に設けられ、前記現像剤供給室との間で循環される現像剤を収容する現像剤撹拌室と、
前記現像剤供給室と前記現像剤撹拌室とを仕切ると共に前記現像剤供給室と前記現像剤撹拌室との間で開口を通じて現像剤を受け渡し可能に設けられた仕切り板と、
回転軸を有し且つ前記現像剤撹拌室に収容されている現像剤を、当該回転軸に沿って前記供給搬送部材による現像剤搬送方向とは逆方向に搬送する撹拌搬送部材と、
前記現像剤保持体と前記像保持体との対向部よりも像保持体の回転方向下流側に回転可能に設けられ、トナーを回収して現像剤撹拌室に戻す回収ロールと、
回転する前記回収ロールに対して接触し且つ前記回収ロールにて回収されたトナーを掻き落とす掻き落とし部材と、
水平方向において前記回収ロールと前記撹拌搬送部材との間で、且つ、鉛直方向において前記仕切り板の開口よりも下方に位置し、前記掻き落とし部材により掻き落とされたトナーを前記撹拌搬送部材による搬送方向とは逆方向に搬送する搬送部材と、
を備えることを特徴とする現像装置。 A developer holding body for holding a developer containing toner to be supplied to the carrier and the image holding body;
A developer supply chamber for storing a developer to be supplied to the developer holder;
A supply conveying member having a rotation shaft and conveying the developer accommodated in the developer supply chamber along the rotation shaft;
A developer agitation chamber that is provided below the developer supply chamber in the vertical direction and contains a developer circulated between the developer supply chamber; and
A partition plate provided to partition the developer supply chamber and the developer stirring chamber and to deliver the developer through an opening between the developer supply chamber and the developer stirring chamber;
An agitation transport member having a rotation shaft and transporting the developer contained in the developer stirring chamber in a direction opposite to the developer transport direction by the supply transport member along the rotation shaft;
A collection roll that is rotatably provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the image carrier relative to the facing portion between the developer carrier and the image carrier, and collects the toner and returns it to the developer stirring chamber;
A scraping member that contacts the rotating collecting roll and scrapes off the toner collected by the collecting roll;
The toner that is positioned between the recovery roll and the agitating and conveying member in the horizontal direction and below the opening of the partition plate in the vertical direction and scraped off by the scraping member is conveyed by the agitating and conveying member. A conveying member that conveys in a direction opposite to the direction;
A developing device comprising: 請求項１記載の現像装置において、
前記現像剤撹拌室は、少なくとも前記搬送部材の軸方向の一部において、当該搬送部材に接触する量以上の現像剤を収容することを特徴とする現像装置。 The developing device according to claim 1,
The developing device is characterized in that the developer agitating chamber contains at least a part of the developer in an axial direction of the transport member that is in contact with the transport member. 静電潜像が形成される回転可能な像保持体と、この像保持体上に形成される静電潜像を可視像化する請求項１又は２記載の現像装置とを備えたことを特徴とする画像形成装置。   A rotatable image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and a developing device according to claim 1 or 2 that visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier. An image forming apparatus.
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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9201346B2 (en) 2013-03-26 2015-12-01 Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Powder transport device, developing device, and image forming apparatus
JP2019184690A (en) * 2018-04-04 2019-10-24 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Image formation apparatus and developing device

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0611970A (en) * 1992-06-26 1994-01-21 Hitachi Koki Co Ltd Developing device of image forming device
JPH0651634A (en) * 1992-08-03 1994-02-25 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Developing device
JP2006091155A (en) * 2004-09-21 2006-04-06 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Development apparatus

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0611970A (en) * 1992-06-26 1994-01-21 Hitachi Koki Co Ltd Developing device of image forming device
JPH0651634A (en) * 1992-08-03 1994-02-25 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Developing device
JP2006091155A (en) * 2004-09-21 2006-04-06 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Development apparatus

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9201346B2 (en) 2013-03-26 2015-12-01 Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Powder transport device, developing device, and image forming apparatus
JP2019184690A (en) * 2018-04-04 2019-10-24 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Image formation apparatus and developing device

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