JP2599994B2 - Developer detection device - Google Patents
Developer detection deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JP2599994B2 JP2599994B2 JP16387489A JP16387489A JP2599994B2 JP 2599994 B2 JP2599994 B2 JP 2599994B2 JP 16387489 A JP16387489 A JP 16387489A JP 16387489 A JP16387489 A JP 16387489A JP 2599994 B2 JP2599994 B2 JP 2599994B2
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- toner
- developer
- cleaning member
- developing device
- detecting means
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Description
【発明の詳細な説明】 （産業上の利用分野） 本発明は電子写真装置、静電記録装置等の画像形成装
置の現像器やクリーニング器等の現像剤貯留部における
現像剤の検知装置に関する。Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for detecting a developer in a developer storage unit such as a developing device or a cleaning device of an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic apparatus or an electrostatic recording apparatus.
（従来の技術） 複写機等の電子写真装置においては像担持体である感
光ドラムに原稿に基づく画像光が露光されると、この感
光ドラム上には静電潜像が形成される。そして該静電潜
像は現像器中の現像剤（トナー）によって現像され、顕
像化されてトナー像に変えられる。(Prior Art) In an electrophotographic apparatus such as a copying machine, when a photosensitive drum as an image carrier is exposed to image light based on a document, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum. Then, the electrostatic latent image is developed by a developer (toner) in a developing device, visualized, and changed into a toner image.
以上の現像器等について第６図により説明すれば、現
像器100は現像器本体100a,現像スリーブ101、攪拌棒102
等から構成されており、現像器本体100a内のトナーｔ
を、一定方向に回転する現像スリーブ101の外表面に磁
力吸着させて感光ドラム200の方へ供給するものであ
り、攪拌棒102はクランク形状をし、支点102aを中心に
図示矢印方向に回転して、現像器本体100a内のトナーｔ
を攪拌しつつ該トナーｔを現像スリーブ101の方へ供給
するものである。Referring to FIG. 6, the developing device and the like will be described. The developing device 100 includes a developing device main body 100a, a developing sleeve 101, and a stirring rod 102.
And the like, and the toner t in the developing device main body 100a.
Is supplied to the photosensitive drum 200 by attracting magnetic force to the outer surface of the developing sleeve 101 which rotates in a certain direction.The stirring rod 102 has a crank shape and rotates around a fulcrum 102a in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. And the toner t in the developing device main body 100a.
The toner t is supplied to the developing sleeve 101 while stirring.
ここで現像器本体100a内のトナーｔが消費され減って
くると、この現像器本体100a内にトナーｔの補給をする
必要があるが、このために現像器本体100a内にはトナー
検知装置が取付けられている。このトナー検知装置は一
般に圧電センサー等から構成され、接触するトナーｔの
圧力によってトナーの有無を検出する検出器110と、前
記攪拌棒102とともに支点102aを中心に回転し、検出器1
10の外面を一定周期でクリーニングする清掃部材（ワイ
パー部材）111等とから構成されており、該清掃部材111
で外面に付着したトナーｔがクリーニングされた後、所
定時間検出器110がトナーｔに十分に接触せず、即ち十
分なトナー圧を受けなければ、この検出器110は現像器
本体100a内にトナーｔを補給すべき旨の信号を発信し、
不図示のトナー補給装置に上り現像器本体100a内にトナ
ーｔが補給されることとなる。Here, when the toner t in the developing device main body 100a is consumed and decreased, it is necessary to supply the toner t into the developing device main body 100a. For this reason, a toner detecting device is provided in the developing device main body 100a. Installed. The toner detecting device is generally composed of a piezoelectric sensor or the like, and detects a presence or absence of the toner by the pressure of the toner t contacting the sensor 110, and rotates around a fulcrum 102a together with the stirring rod 102 to detect the toner.
And a cleaning member (wiper member) 111 for cleaning the outer surface of the cleaning member 10 at regular intervals.
After the toner t adhered to the outer surface is cleaned by the above, if the detector 110 does not sufficiently contact the toner t for a predetermined time, that is, if the toner 110 does not receive a sufficient toner pressure, the detector 110 sends a signal to replenish t
The toner t is supplied into the developing device main body 100a by going up to a toner supply device (not shown).
尚、攪拌棒102や清掃部材111は現像器100が作動して
いる時、即ち感光ドラム200上に画像形成作業がなされ
ている時にのみ回転駆動される。The stirring bar 102 and the cleaning member 111 are driven to rotate only when the developing device 100 is operating, that is, when an image forming operation is being performed on the photosensitive drum 200.
（発明が解決しようとする課題） しかしながら、以上の従来技術では、現像器100の使
用初期においてはトナーｔの流動性がよいため、感光ド
ラム200上に良好なトナー像が得られるが、現像器100の
使用回数、即ち転写紙の画像形成枚数が増加すれば、ト
ナーｔは攪拌棒102等による攪拌作用によりその凝集度
が上昇し、トナーの流動性が悪くなるため、トナー検出
装置の検出器110の外面を清掃部材111でクリーニングし
た後、現像器本体100a内に十分なトナーｔがある場合で
も、該トナーｔが検出器110の外面上に十分に拡散移動
せず、トナー検出装置の検出器110はトナー補給の信号
を出す場合があた。(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, in the above-described conventional technology, a good toner image can be obtained on the photosensitive drum 200 because the fluidity of the toner t is good in the early stage of use of the developing device 100. If the number of times 100 is used, that is, if the number of image formed on the transfer paper increases, the degree of aggregation of the toner t increases due to the stirring action of the stirring rod 102 and the like, and the fluidity of the toner deteriorates. After the outer surface of the developing device 110 is cleaned by the cleaning member 111, even if there is sufficient toner t in the developing device main body 100a, the toner t does not sufficiently diffuse and move on the outer surface of the detector 110, and the toner detecting device detects the toner t. The container 110 sometimes outputs a signal of toner supply.
即ち、トナー検出装置の検出器110の清掃部材が検出
器110側方又は検出器110の通過した直後でその回転移動
を停止すれば、この清掃部材111とともに攪拌棒102の回
転も停止するため、その後検出器110へのトナーｔの移
動が十分になされなくなり、検出器110はトナー補給の
信号を出すことになるのである。このため現像器本体10
0a内にトナーｔが補給されると、現像器本体100a内はト
ナー過剰の状態となり、トナーｔの凝集度が更に上昇す
ると共に、現像スリーブ101回りのトナーｔは自由な循
環流動が減少して該トナーｔは摩擦帯電による適正な電
荷量を保持することができなくなる。That is, if the rotation of the cleaning member of the detector 110 of the toner detecting device is stopped immediately after the detector 110 is passed to the side of the detector 110 or the detector 110, the rotation of the stirring bar 102 is also stopped together with the cleaning member 111. Thereafter, the movement of the toner t to the detector 110 is not sufficiently performed, and the detector 110 outputs a signal of toner supply. For this reason, the developing device body 10
When the toner t is supplied to the inside of the developing device 0a, the inside of the developing device main body 100a becomes in an excessive toner state, the cohesion degree of the toner t further increases, and the free circulation flow of the toner t around the developing sleeve 101 decreases. The toner t cannot maintain an appropriate charge amount due to frictional charging.
従ってトナー検出装置の検出器110はトナーｔの凝集
度の上昇とともにますますトナー補給の信号を出し易く
なると共に、適正な電荷量を保持することができなくな
ったトナーｔは現像スリーブ101上に十分に磁力吸着さ
れず、該現像スリーブ101による現像によって形成され
た感光ドラム200上のトナー像には濃度低下、濃淡むら
や幅広の白筋が発生し、且つ画像の跳び散りや尾引き等
が発生して、極端な画質低下を生じさせることとなる。Accordingly, the detector 110 of the toner detecting device becomes easier to output a toner replenishing signal as the degree of aggregation of the toner t increases, and the toner t, which cannot maintain an appropriate charge amount, is sufficiently deposited on the developing sleeve 101. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 200 formed by the development with the developing sleeve 101 is not magnetically attracted, and the density of the toner image is reduced, uneven shading and wide white stripes are generated, and the image is scattered and tailed. As a result, the image quality is extremely deteriorated.
本発明は上記問題に鑑みてなされたもので、その目的
とする処は、誤検知のない画像形成装置の現像剤貯留部
における現像剤の検出装置を提供するにある。The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for detecting a developer in a developer storage section of an image forming apparatus without erroneous detection.
（課題を解決するための手段） 上記目的を達成すべく本発明は、現像剤に接触し、該
現像剤の有無の検知をする現像剤検知手段と、駆動源に
より画像形成時に一点を中心に回転して前記検知手段表
面をクリーニングする清掃部材と、該清掃部材に連動し
て現像剤を現像剤検知手段の方へ流動させる現像剤の拡
散手段とを有し、画像形成装置の現像剤貯留部内の現像
剤の有無を検知する現像剤の検知装置において、前記清
掃部材の回転方向に対して現像剤検知手段の上流側に、
清掃部材の一端に係合するストッパ部材を配設し、且つ
前記清掃部材を、駆動源による回転駆動中は湾曲して前
記ストッパ部材を乗り越えることができると共に、該ス
トッパ部材を乗り越えた後は自らの湾曲弾圧力で現像剤
検知手段の十分下流側まで移動可能な弾性部材で構成し
たことを特徴とする。(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a developer detecting unit that comes into contact with a developer and detects the presence or absence of the developer. A cleaning member that rotates to clean the surface of the detection means, and a developer diffusion means that moves the developer toward the developer detection means in conjunction with the cleaning member; In the developer detecting device for detecting the presence or absence of the developer in the section, on the upstream side of the developer detecting means with respect to the rotation direction of the cleaning member,
A stopper member that engages with one end of the cleaning member is provided, and the cleaning member can be curved and run over the stopper member while being rotationally driven by a driving source, and can move over the stopper member by itself. Characterized in that the elastic member is movable to a sufficiently downstream side of the developer detecting means with the curved elastic pressure.
（作用） 清掃部材が現像剤検知手段表面上にある場合又は清掃
部材が現像剤検知手段表面上をクリーニングした直後、
清掃部材の駆動源が停止しその回転移動が停止すれば、
凝集度が上昇し流動性が低下した現像剤には現像剤検知
手段表面上に清掃部材の通過に伴う現像剤のギャップ
（隙間）が形成され、現像剤検知手段により現像剤の誤
検知が生じる。尚その他の場合は清掃部材と連動して作
用する拡散部材の現像剤の拡散作用で、前記ギャップが
生じても、該ギャップは直ちに埋められる。(Operation) When the cleaning member is on the surface of the developer detection means or immediately after the cleaning member cleans the surface of the developer detection means,
If the drive source of the cleaning member stops and its rotation stops,
In the developer in which the degree of agglomeration is increased and the fluidity is reduced, a gap (gap) of the developer is formed on the surface of the developer detecting unit due to the passage of the cleaning member, and the developer detecting unit causes erroneous detection of the developer. . In other cases, even if the gap occurs due to the diffusion action of the developer of the diffusion member that works in conjunction with the cleaning member, the gap is immediately filled.
そこで清掃部材を十分に湾曲可能な弾性部材で構成す
るとともに、この清掃部材の回転方向に対し現像剤検知
手段のすぐ上流側にストッパ部材を配設した。かくして
清掃部材が前記ストッパ部材を乗り越えた後すぐに清掃
部材の駆動源が停止しても、清掃部材はストッパ部材と
の間で生じた湾曲弾圧力によって現像剤検知手段の十分
下流まで移動することができ、清掃部材が現像剤検知手
段表面上又は現像剤検知手段の下流側近辺に停止するこ
とはない。従って現像剤検知手段上の現像剤に清掃手段
による現像剤のギャップは生じることはなく、現像剤検
知手段の誤検知は生じない。Therefore, the cleaning member is constituted by an elastic member which can be sufficiently bent, and a stopper member is disposed immediately upstream of the developer detecting means in the rotation direction of the cleaning member. Thus, even if the drive source of the cleaning member is stopped immediately after the cleaning member has passed over the stopper member, the cleaning member moves sufficiently downstream of the developer detecting means by the curved elastic pressure generated between the cleaning member and the stopper member. The cleaning member does not stop on the surface of the developer detecting means or near the downstream side of the developer detecting means. Therefore, there is no gap between the developer on the developer detecting means and the developer, and no erroneous detection by the developer detecting means occurs.
（実施例） 以下に本発明の一実施例を複写機を例にとり添付図面
に基づいて説明する。(Embodiment) An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking a copying machine as an example.
先ず、第１図により複写機の画像形成部の概要を説明
すれば、図中１は像担持体である感光ドラムであり、該
感光ドラム１回りは一次帯電器２、現像器３、転写帯電
器４、クリーニング器５が配設されていて、一次帯電器
２により一様帯電された感光ドラム１上に、原稿に基づ
く画像光L1が露光され、この感光ドラム１上に静電潜像
が形成されると、該静電潜像は現像器３中の現像剤（ト
ナー）により顕像化されトナー像に変えられる。該トナ
ー像は不図示の給紙系よりタイミングを合せて搬送され
てくる転写紙Ｐ上に転写帯電器４を介して転写される。
そしてこのトナー像を担持する転写紙Ｐは不図示の定着
器の方へ搬送され、そのトナー像が転写紙Ｐ上に永久像
として定着された後装置外に搬出される。First, an outline of an image forming section of a copying machine will be described with reference to FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a photosensitive drum serving as an image carrier, and a periphery of the photosensitive drum 1 is a primary charger 2, a developing device 3, and a transfer charger. An image light L1 based on a document is exposed on a photosensitive drum 1 uniformly charged by a primary charger 2, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1. When formed, the electrostatic latent image is visualized by a developer (toner) in the developing device 3 and converted into a toner image. The toner image is transferred via a transfer charger 4 onto a transfer sheet P conveyed at a timing from a sheet feeding system (not shown).
Then, the transfer paper P carrying the toner image is conveyed to a fixing device (not shown), and the toner image is fixed on the transfer paper P as a permanent image, and then is carried out of the apparatus.
そして転写の終了した感光ドラム１はその残留トナー
がクリーニング器５の廃トナー収容部5a内に回収されて
クリーニングされた後、除電光Lzが照射され残留電荷が
除去されて、次の画像形成のためにスタイバイされる。And after the photosensitive drum 1 is that the residual toner termination of transcription has been cleaned is collected in the waste toner accommodating portion 5a of the cleaning unit 5, lamp light L z is irradiated is residual charge removal, following imaging Be styled for.
次に第２図乃至第４図により現像器３について更に詳
述すれば、現像器３は第２図で示される如く、現像器本
体3a及び該現像器本体3a内等に配設される現像スリーブ
10、現像ブレード11、攪拌棒12、トナー検出装置13等か
ら構成されており、現像器本体3aは内部に粉状のトナー
ｔを保持するトナー容器を兼ねている。現像スリーブ10
は現像器本体3aの感光ドラム１側に配設されており、該
感光ドラム１と微少隙間をおいて平行に配設される円筒
状部材により構成され、現像器本体3a内のトナーｔを内
部の不動状態に維持されるマグネットローラを介してそ
の外表面に磁力吸着しつつ図示矢印方向に回転して、こ
のトナーｔを感光ドラム１の方へ供給するものである。
尚、トナーｔは現像スリーブ10等の回転等に起因する現
像器本体3a内におけるその自由な循環流動により摩擦帯
電され、現像スリーブ10外面に磁力吸着される。Next, the developing device 3 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the developing device 3 includes a developing device main body 3a and a developing device disposed in the developing device main body 3a. sleeve
The developing device main body 3a includes a developing blade 11, a stirring rod 12, a toner detecting device 13, and the like. The developing device main body 3a also serves as a toner container that holds powdery toner t. Developing sleeve 10
Is provided on the photosensitive drum 1 side of the developing device main body 3a, is constituted by a cylindrical member provided in parallel with the photosensitive drum 1 with a small gap, and contains the toner t in the developing device main body 3a inside. The toner t is supplied to the photosensitive drum 1 while rotating in the direction shown by the arrow while attracting magnetic force to the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 1 via a magnet roller maintained in a stationary state.
The toner t is frictionally charged by its free circulation in the developing device main body 3a due to rotation of the developing sleeve 10 and the like, and is magnetically attracted to the outer surface of the developing sleeve 10.
攪拌棒12はクランク形状をし、支軸12aを中心に不図
示の駆動源を介して図示矢印方向に回転して、現像器本
体3a内のトナーｔを攪拌しつつ、該トナーｔを現像スリ
ーブ10の方へ移動させるものである。従って攪拌棒12は
トナーｔを現像器本体3a内で自由に拡散流動させる拡散
部材としての効果と、トナーｔを現像スリーブ10の方へ
移動させる搬送部材としての効果を有することとなる。
また現像ブレードは現像スリーブ上のトナーｔを一定の
均一厚さに規制するためのものである。The stirring rod 12 has a crank shape, and rotates in a direction indicated by an arrow through a driving source (not shown) around a support shaft 12a to agitate the toner t in the developing device main body 3a, and to apply the toner t to a developing sleeve. It moves to the direction of 10. Therefore, the stirring rod 12 has an effect as a diffusion member for freely diffusing and flowing the toner t in the developing device main body 3a, and an effect as a conveying member for moving the toner t toward the developing sleeve 10.
The developing blade is for regulating the toner t on the developing sleeve to a constant uniform thickness.
トナー検出装置13は第２図で示される如く、トナーｔ
の検出器20と該検出器20の検知面20a（第３図参照）を
周期的にクリーニングする清掃部材21及び検出器20の検
知面20aにトナーｔを流動拡散させる拡散部材等から構
成され、現像器本体3a内のトナーｔの有無を検知し、該
現像器本体3a内がトナー不足状態であれば信号を発して
不図示のトナー補給装置を介して現像器本体3a内にトナ
ーｔを補給させるためのものである。検出器20は現像器
本体3a内面の下方の所定位置に取付けられる圧電センサ
ーによって構成され、その外面の検知面20aに接触する
トナーｔの圧力によってトナーｔが一定値以下に減少す
れば、検知面20aが振動を開始し、トナー補給の信号を
発するものである。そして検知面20aが所定時間以上の
信号を発すれば、トナー補給装置から現像器本体3a内に
トナーｔの補給がなされる。As shown in FIG. 2, the toner detecting device 13
, A cleaning member 21 for periodically cleaning the detection surface 20a (see FIG. 3) of the detector 20, a diffusion member for flowing and diffusing the toner t to the detection surface 20a of the detector 20, and the like. The presence or absence of the toner t in the developing device main body 3a is detected, and if the inside of the developing device main body 3a is in a toner shortage state, a signal is issued and the toner t is supplied into the developing device main body 3a via a toner supply device (not shown). It is to make it. The detector 20 is constituted by a piezoelectric sensor attached to a predetermined position below the inner surface of the developing device main body 3a. If the toner t decreases below a certain value due to the pressure of the toner t contacting the detection surface 20a on the outer surface, the detection surface is detected. 20a starts to vibrate and emits a toner supply signal. When the detection surface 20a emits a signal for a predetermined time or more, the toner replenishing device replenishes the toner t into the developing device main body 3a.
清掃部材21は一端が前記攪拌棒12の支軸12aに連結さ
れてこの攪拌棒12とともに回転し、検出器20の検知面20
a上に付着したトナーｔをクリーニングするためのもの
であり、第２図で示される如く、攪拌棒12と略120度離
れた位置に取付けられ、この清掃部材21が検出器20の検
知面20aの回転方向のすぐ上流側にあれば、攪拌棒12は
その下流側にあるような状態となるように相互に位置決
めされている。尚、本実施例においては攪拌棒12にトナ
ーｔの拡散作用があるため、このトナー検出装置13には
別途独立な拡散部材は設けられていない。One end of the cleaning member 21 is connected to the support shaft 12a of the stirring rod 12 and rotates together with the stirring rod 12, and the detection surface 20 of the detector 20
The cleaning member 21 is provided at a position separated from the stirring bar 12 by approximately 120 degrees, as shown in FIG. The stirring rods 12 are positioned relative to each other so as to be in a state as if they were on the upstream side in the rotation direction. In this embodiment, since the stirring bar 12 has a function of diffusing the toner t, the toner detecting device 13 is not provided with a separate diffusion member.
即ち、複写機が画像形成作業に入り、感光ドラム１上
に画像光L1が露光され、静電潜像が形成されてくると、
現像機３内の攪拌棒12が回転し、現像機本体3a内のトナ
ーｔを現像スリーブ10の方へ攪拌しつつ移動させる。一
方現像スリーブ10も画像形成作業の開始とともに回転
し、その外表上にトナーｔを吸着して感光ドラムの静電
潜像の方へ供給する。またトナー検出装置13の清掃部材
21も攪拌棒12とともに回転し、周期的に検出器20の検知
面20aに付着したトナーｔをクリーニングするが、トナ
ーｔに十分な流動性があれば、攪拌棒12によるトナーｔ
の拡散作用を待たずに、クリーニング直後から現像機本
体3a内のトナーｔが検出器20の検知面20aに流動し、該
検出器20によりトナーｔ不足の検知が十分できることと
なる。そして現像器本体3a内がトナーｔ不足になれば、
検出器20よりの信号により、トナー補給装置を介して現
像器本体3a内にトナーｔが補給される。That is, the copying machine enters the image forming operation, the image light L 1 is exposed on the photosensitive drum 1, the electrostatic latent image comes formed,
The stirring rod 12 in the developing device 3 rotates to move the toner t in the developing device main body 3a toward the developing sleeve 10 while stirring. On the other hand, the developing sleeve 10 also rotates at the start of the image forming operation, adsorbs the toner t on the outer surface thereof, and supplies the toner t toward the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. Also, a cleaning member of the toner detecting device 13
21 also rotates together with the stirring bar 12 and periodically cleans the toner t attached to the detection surface 20a of the detector 20, but if the toner t has sufficient fluidity, the toner t
Immediately after cleaning, the toner t in the developing device main body 3a flows to the detection surface 20a of the detector 20 immediately after the cleaning, and the detector 20 can sufficiently detect the shortage of the toner t. If the toner inside the developing device main body 3a becomes insufficient,
In response to a signal from the detector 20, the toner t is supplied into the developing device main body 3a via the toner supply device.
尚、画像形成作業が終了すると、現像スリーブ10は回
転を中止すると共に、攪拌棒12及びトナー検出装置13の
清掃部材21もその回転を停止する。When the image forming operation is completed, the rotation of the developing sleeve 10 is stopped, and the rotation of the stirring bar 12 and the cleaning member 21 of the toner detecting device 13 are also stopped.
さて、以上の現像器３において、該現像器３の使用回
数、即ち複写機による転写紙Ｐの画像形成枚数が増加す
れば、現像器本体3a内のトナーｔが攪拌棒12による攪拌
作用により電気的に粉体の表面電荷量が上昇するため、
トナーｔの凝集度が上昇し、トナーｔの流動性が悪くな
る。また、この現象は高湿環境下において粉体の吸湿に
より更に大きくなる。従って例えば清掃部材21が第３図
の（ａ），（ｂ）で示される位置から第４図の（ａ）で
示される位置まで移動すると、第４図の（ｂ）で示され
る如く、検出器20の検知面20a側方にトナーｔのギャッ
プＧが形成され、この検出器20によるトナーｔの正確な
検知が次第に困難となってくる。しかし通常の場合は、
トナーｔの流動性が低下し上記の如くギャップＧが生じ
ても、該ギャップＧは攪拌棒12によるトナーｔの拡散作
用で埋められ、トナー検出装置13によるトナー補給に対
する後検知は生じない。In the above-described developing device 3, if the number of times the developing device 3 is used, that is, if the number of images formed on the transfer paper P by the copying machine increases, the toner t in the developing device main body 3a is electrically driven by the stirring action of the stirring rod 12. The surface charge of the powder increases,
The degree of aggregation of the toner t increases, and the fluidity of the toner t deteriorates. Further, this phenomenon is further increased due to moisture absorption of the powder in a high humidity environment. Therefore, for example, when the cleaning member 21 moves from the position shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B to the position shown in FIG. 4A, the detection is performed as shown in FIG. A gap G of the toner t is formed on the side of the detection surface 20a of the detector 20, and it becomes increasingly difficult to accurately detect the toner t by the detector 20. But usually,
Even if the fluidity of the toner t is reduced and the gap G is generated as described above, the gap G is filled by the diffusion action of the toner t by the stirring rod 12, and no subsequent detection of the toner replenishment by the toner detecting device 13 occurs.
しかしながら、トナー検出装置13の清掃部材21が検出
器20の検知面20aの側方又は、検知面20aを若干すぎた直
後で停止すれば、以上の如きギャップＧを攪拌棒12によ
る拡散作用で埋めることができず、トナー検出装置13は
誤検知をし、トナー補給装置13に対して現像器本体3a内
へのトナーｔの補給を促す。ここでトナー補給が行なわ
れると現像器本体3a内がトナーｔの過剰状態となり、ま
すます凝集度が上昇すると共に、現像器本体3a内の現像
スリーブ10回りのトナーｔの流動性が減少するため、該
トナーｔは摩擦帯電による適正な電荷量を保持すること
ができなくなり、現像効率の低下によって生じる感光ド
ラム１上のトナー像に種々の画質低下を生じさせること
となる。However, if the cleaning member 21 of the toner detection device 13 is stopped beside the detection surface 20a of the detector 20 or immediately after the detection surface 20a slightly, the gap G as described above is filled by the diffusion action of the stirring rod 12. As a result, the toner detecting device 13 makes an erroneous detection and prompts the toner replenishing device 13 to replenish the toner t into the developing device main body 3a. Here, when the toner is supplied, the inside of the developing device main body 3a is in an excessive state of the toner t, and the cohesion is further increased, and the fluidity of the toner t around the developing sleeve 10 in the developing device main body 3a is reduced. As a result, the toner t cannot maintain an appropriate charge amount due to frictional electrification, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 caused by a reduction in development efficiency causes various image quality deteriorations.
そこで本発明では、第２図で示される如く、清掃部材
21の回転方向に対して検出器20の検知面20aの上流側の
現像器本体3a内面に清掃部材21の先端部に係合するスト
ッパ部材22を取り付け、且つこの清掃部材21を外径が0.
2〜1.0mm程度の十分に湾曲可能な棒上の弾性部材で構成
している。Therefore, in the present invention, as shown in FIG.
A stopper member 22 that engages with the tip of the cleaning member 21 is attached to the inner surface of the developing device main body 3a on the upstream side of the detection surface 20a of the detector 20 with respect to the rotation direction of the detector 20, and the outer diameter of the cleaning member 21 is 0. .
It is composed of an elastic member on a rod that can be sufficiently bent to about 2 to 1.0 mm.
而して、画像形成作業が開始され、攪拌棒12が支軸12
aを中心に回転するとともに清掃部材21も回転するが、
該清掃部材21はその先端部がストッパ部材22に係合し大
きく撓むことによってその回転を継続することとなる。
ここで清掃部材21はストッパ部材22を乗り越えるにあっ
たて、その撓んだ弾性力で検出器20の検知面20aから十
分に離れた下流側（例えば、ストッパ部材21から支軸12
aを中心に180度程度移動した位置）まで移動する。従っ
て清掃部材21がストッパ部材22の上流側又は該ストッパ
部材22に抗して撓む限度内で、清掃部材21の駆動源、即
ち攪拌棒12の駆動源が停止した場合、清掃部材21は検出
器20の検知面20a上を通過せず、該検知面20a側方にトナ
ーｔのギャップＧを生じることはない。Thus, the image forming operation is started, and the stirring rod 12 is
While rotating around a, the cleaning member 21 also rotates,
The tip of the cleaning member 21 engages with the stopper member 22 and is largely bent, so that the cleaning member 21 continues to rotate.
Here, as the cleaning member 21 gets over the stopper member 22, the bending elastic force causes the cleaning member 21 to be sufficiently downstream from the detection surface 20a of the detector 20 (for example, from the stopper member 21 to the support shaft 12).
(a position about 180 degrees about a). Therefore, when the driving source of the cleaning member 21, that is, the driving source of the stirring rod 12 is stopped within a range where the cleaning member 21 bends upstream of the stopper member 22 or within a limit to bend against the stopper member 22, the cleaning member 21 detects It does not pass over the detection surface 20a of the container 20, and the gap G of the toner t does not occur on the side of the detection surface 20a.
また清掃部材21がストッパ部材22を乗り越えた直後に
その駆動源が停止した場合、清掃部材21はその撓んだ弾
圧力で検出器20の検知面20aから十分離れた下流側の位
置まで移動するため、検出器20の検知面20a側方に一端
トナーｔのギャップＧが形成されるが、該ギャップＧは
清掃部材21と共に移動する攪拌棒12の拡散作用によって
十分に埋められることとなる。When the driving source stops immediately after the cleaning member 21 has passed over the stopper member 22, the cleaning member 21 moves to a downstream position sufficiently distant from the detection surface 20a of the detector 20 by the bent elastic force. Therefore, a gap G of the toner t is formed on one side of the detection surface 20 a of the detector 20, and the gap G is sufficiently filled by the diffusion action of the stirring rod 12 that moves together with the cleaning member 21.
以上の如く、トナーｔの凝集度が上昇し、その流動性
が減少してきた場合でも、拡散部材（攪拌棒12）ととも
に回転する清掃部材21を弾性部材で構成し、検出器20の
検知面20aの直ぐ上流側にストッパ部材22を配設するこ
とにより、清掃部材21の駆動源が何時停止しても、検出
器20の検知面20a側方にトナーｔのギャップＧは生じる
ことはなく、検出器20によりトナーｔの有無の検知が十
分なされ、トナー検知不良に起因する種々の不都合が生
じることはない。As described above, even when the degree of aggregation of the toner t increases and its fluidity decreases, the cleaning member 21 that rotates together with the diffusion member (the stirring bar 12) is formed of an elastic member, and the detection surface 20a of the detector 20 is formed. A gap G of the toner t is not generated on the side of the detection surface 20a of the detector 20 even if the driving source of the cleaning member 21 is stopped by arranging the stopper member 22 immediately upstream of the detection member. The detection of the presence or absence of the toner t is sufficiently performed by the device 20, and various inconveniences caused by the toner detection failure do not occur.
また、第５図で示される如く、攪拌棒12のトナー検出
装置13の検出器20の検知面20a近傍に非磁性絶縁体の高
分子樹脂や金属からなる攪散板23を取り付け、攪拌棒12
によるトナーｔの拡散効果を更に上昇させれば、検出器
20の検知面20aにはトナーｔのギャップＧはますます生
じにくくなる。この場合検出器20の検知面20aと攪散板2
3端部との距離は0.3〜3mm程度が望ましい。尚、攪拌棒1
2とは別に、清掃部材21とともに独立に回転する攪散板
を設けてもよいのは勿論である。As shown in FIG. 5, a stirring plate 23 made of a non-magnetic insulating polymer resin or metal is attached near the detection surface 20a of the detector 20 of the toner detection device 13 of the stirring rod 12.
If the diffusion effect of toner t due to
The gap G of the toner t is less likely to be formed on the 20 detection surfaces 20a. In this case, the detection surface 20a of the detector 20 and the scattering plate 2
The distance from the three ends is preferably about 0.3 to 3 mm. In addition, stir bar 1
In addition to the above, it is a matter of course that a scattering plate that rotates independently together with the cleaning member 21 may be provided.
また本発明は磁性、非磁性トナーｔを問わず、該トナ
ーｔの平均粒径が４〜10μｍの場合においてトナーｔの
残量誤検知防止上有効であり、特にトナーｔの平均粒径
が４〜８μｍの場合最も有効である。Further, the present invention is effective for preventing erroneous detection of the remaining amount of the toner t when the average particle size of the toner t is 4 to 10 μm regardless of the magnetic or non-magnetic toner t. It is most effective in the case of ８8 μm.
更に以上では現像器３を例にとって説明したが、本発
明における現像剤とは現像器３内の現像剤に限ることは
なく、例えばクリーニング器５内の廃トナーでもよく、
この廃トナー収容部5aに同様な現像剤検出装置13を取付
け、凝集度の上がった廃トナーの満杯検知をこのトナー
検出装置13でおこなえば、クリーニング器５の廃トナー
収容部5aの適正な満杯検知ができ、該廃トナー収容部5a
に過剰に廃トナーが回収されることはなく、クリーニン
グ器５の破損やトナー漏れを生じることはない。Further, in the above description, the developing device 3 has been described as an example. However, the developer in the present invention is not limited to the developer in the developing device 3, and may be, for example, waste toner in the cleaning device 5,
A similar developer detecting device 13 is attached to the waste toner storage unit 5a, and if the toner detection device 13 detects the fullness of the waste toner having increased cohesion, the waste toner storage unit 5a of the cleaning device 5 can be properly filled. The waste toner container 5a can be detected.
No excessive waste toner is collected, and no damage to the cleaning device 5 or toner leakage occurs.
（発明の効果） 以上の説明で明らかな如く本発明によれば現像剤の検
知装置の清掃部材を湾曲可能な弾性部材で構成し、且つ
該清掃部材の回転方向に対して現像剤検知手段のすぐ上
流側にこの清掃部材のストッパ部材を配設したため、現
像剤の凝集度が上昇し該現像剤の流動性が小さくなって
も、現像剤検知手段側方に現像剤のギャップは生じるこ
とはなく、この現像剤の検知手段により画像形成装置の
現像剤貯留部内における現像剤有無の誤検知を生じるこ
とはない。(Effects of the Invention) As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the cleaning member of the developer detecting device is constituted by a bendable elastic member, and the developer detecting means is configured to rotate in the rotation direction of the cleaning member. Since the stopper member of the cleaning member is disposed immediately upstream, even if the cohesion of the developer increases and the fluidity of the developer decreases, a gap of the developer does not occur on the side of the developer detecting means. In addition, the developer detecting means does not cause erroneous detection of the presence or absence of the developer in the developer reservoir of the image forming apparatus.
従って現像剤貯留部が現像器の場合、該現像器内に誤
検知による過剰の現像剤が供給されることはなく、過剰
の現像剤の供給によって像担持体上のトナー像に画質低
下を生じることはない。Therefore, when the developer storage section is a developing device, the excessive developer is not supplied to the developing device due to erroneous detection, and the supply of the excessive developer causes deterioration in image quality of the toner image on the image carrier. Never.
第１図は複写機による画像形成作業の概要を説明するた
めの図、第２図は現像器の断面図、第３図は清掃部材に
よる作用を説明するための図であり、（ａ）は清掃部材
が検出部をクリーニングする前の正面図、（ｂ）はその
側面図、第４図は清掃部材による作用を説明するための
図であり、（ａ）は清掃部材が検出部をクリーニングし
た直後の正面図、（ｂ）はその側面図、第５図は攪拌棒
に拡散板を取付け状態を示す図、第６図は従来技術を説
明するための図である。 ３…現像器（現像剤貯留部）、５…クリーニング器（現
像剤貯留部）、12…攪拌棒１（拡散手段）、13…現像剤
の検知装置、20…検出器（現像剤検知手段）、21…清掃
部材、22…ストッパ部、23…拡散板（拡散手段）、ｔ…
トナー（現像剤）。FIG. 1 is a view for explaining an outline of an image forming operation by a copying machine, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a developing device, FIG. 3 is a view for explaining an operation by a cleaning member, and FIG. FIG. 4B is a front view before the cleaning member cleans the detection unit, FIG. 4B is a side view thereof, and FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the cleaning member. FIG. FIG. 5B is a front view immediately after, FIG. 5B is a side view thereof, FIG. 5 is a view showing a state in which a diffusion plate is attached to a stirring rod, and FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a conventional technique. 3 developing device (developer storage unit), 5 cleaning device (developer storage unit), 12 stirring bar 1 (diffusion means), 13 developer detection device, 20 detector (developer detection device) , 21 ... Cleaning member, 22 ... Stopper part, 23 ... Diffusion plate (diffusion means), t ...
Toner (developer).
Claims (3)
する現像剤検知手段と、駆動源により画像形成時に一点
を中心に回転して前記検知手段表面をクリーニングする
清掃部材と、該清掃部材に連動して現像剤を現像剤検知
手段の方へ流動させる現像剤の拡散手段とを有し、画像
形成装置の現像剤貯留部内の現像剤の有無を検知する現
像剤の検知装置において、前記清掃部材の回転方向に対
して現像剤検知手段の上流側に、清掃部材の一端に係合
するストッパ部材を配設し、且つ前記清掃部材を、駆動
源による回転駆動中は湾曲して前記ストッパ部材を乗り
越えることができると共に、該ストッパ部材を乗り越え
た後は自らの湾曲弾圧力で現像剤検知手段の十分下流側
まで移動可能な弾性部材で構成したことを特徴とする現
像剤の検知装置。A developer detecting means for contacting the developer and detecting the presence or absence of the developer; a cleaning member for rotating around a single point during image formation by a driving source to clean the surface of the detecting means; A developer diffusion unit that moves the developer toward the developer detection unit in conjunction with the cleaning member, and a developer detection device that detects the presence or absence of the developer in the developer storage unit of the image forming apparatus A stopper member that engages with one end of the cleaning member is disposed on the upstream side of the developer detecting means with respect to the rotation direction of the cleaning member, and the cleaning member is curved during rotation by a driving source. And an elastic member which can move sufficiently downstream of the developer detecting means with its own curved elastic force after the stopper member has been passed. Detection device.
したことを特徴とする請求項１記載の現像剤の検知装
置。2. The developer detecting device according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means is a detecting means of a piezoelectric detecting method.
トナーとしたこと特徴とする請求項１及び２記載の現像
剤の検知装置。3. The developer detecting device according to claim 1, wherein said developer is a toner having an average particle diameter of 4 to 10 μm.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP16387489A JP2599994B2 (en) | 1989-06-28 | 1989-06-28 | Developer detection device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP16387489A JP2599994B2 (en) | 1989-06-28 | 1989-06-28 | Developer detection device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH0329980A JPH0329980A (en) | 1991-02-07 |
| JP2599994B2 true JP2599994B2 (en) | 1997-04-16 |
Family
ID=15782420
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP16387489A Expired - Fee Related JP2599994B2 (en) | 1989-06-28 | 1989-06-28 | Developer detection device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2599994B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP4514575B2 (en) * | 2004-09-30 | 2010-07-28 | 京セラミタ株式会社 | Development device |
| JP2007240795A (en) * | 2006-03-08 | 2007-09-20 | Kyocera Mita Corp | Developing device |
| JP5820827B2 (en) * | 2013-01-21 | 2015-11-24 | 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 | Cleaning member, developing device, and image forming apparatus |
-
1989
- 1989-06-28 JP JP16387489A patent/JP2599994B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH0329980A (en) | 1991-02-07 |
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