JP4706322B2 - Development device - Google Patents

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JP4706322B2
JP4706322B2 JP2005133355A JP2005133355A JP4706322B2 JP 4706322 B2 JP4706322 B2 JP 4706322B2 JP 2005133355 A JP2005133355 A JP 2005133355A JP 2005133355 A JP2005133355 A JP 2005133355A JP 4706322 B2 JP4706322 B2 JP 4706322B2
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toner
detection surface
cleaning
tip
cleaning member
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JP2006308989A (en
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恒也 梶浦
剛 山崎
信康 平山
博幸 木村
聰 黒肱
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Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp
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Fuji Xerox Co Ltd
Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp
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Description

本発明は、電子写真を用いた画像形成装置に用いられる現像装置に関し、特に
トナー空検知センサーのセンサー検知面に清掃機構を備えた現像装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a developing device used in an image forming apparatus using electrophotography, and more particularly to a developing device including a cleaning mechanism on a sensor detection surface of a toner empty detection sensor.

トナーを用いて画像を形成する画像形成装置において、感光体や転写部材などにトナーを補充する現像装置にはトナー空検知機能が備えられているが、従来は検知面近傍にトナーが付着したままとなり、現像装置内のトナーが既になくなっているにもかかわらず、トナーが未だあると誤検知する不具合があり、このトナー付着に対して清掃機構を付加して検知面近傍の付着トナーを除去する対応策がなされている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。   In an image forming apparatus that forms an image using toner, a developing device that replenishes toner on a photosensitive member or a transfer member has a toner empty detection function. Conventionally, toner remains attached in the vicinity of a detection surface. In spite of the fact that the toner in the developing device has already run out, there is a problem of erroneously detecting that the toner is still present. To this toner adhesion, a cleaning mechanism is added to remove the adhering toner in the vicinity of the detection surface. Countermeasures have been taken (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

従来の清掃機構、例えばコイル状の部材の端部が検知面に対して回動する方式では検知面に対して清掃部材を覆う状態で配置するため、トナーなし状態でトナー補給した時に補給されたトナーが検知面までに到達しにくく、トナーを補給したにもかかわらず検知しないため結果としてトナー補給を検出できない可能性があるといった問題があった。   In a conventional cleaning mechanism, for example, a method in which the end of a coil-shaped member rotates with respect to the detection surface, the cleaning member is disposed so as to cover the detection surface. There is a problem in that the toner does not easily reach the detection surface, and the toner supply cannot be detected because the toner is not detected even though the toner is supplied.

特にトナーは補給時に補給ボトルを攪拌（ボトルを手でシェイク）するとトナー同士の摩擦帯電により斥力が生じて液体に近い特性となり、流動性が極めて良くなるため検知面に到達しやすくなるが、攪拌が不十分であった場合は流動性が悪く、検知面に到達しにくくなる傾向が促進される。また、コイルスプリングの一端部を半径方向に直線状に曲折加工した部材を使用する必要があるため、部品のコストが高くなるという問題があった。   In particular, when the toner is replenished, the toner bottle is agitated (shake the bottle by hand) to generate a repulsive force due to the frictional charge between the toners, resulting in characteristics close to liquid and extremely easy to reach the detection surface. Is insufficient, the fluidity is poor and the tendency to hardly reach the detection surface is promoted. Further, since it is necessary to use a member obtained by bending one end portion of the coil spring in a straight line in the radial direction, there is a problem in that the cost of the components increases.

また、トナー濃度センサーとして記載されている清掃部材を検知面に対して全面カバーする関係として一回の清掃動作で検知面の全面を清掃する方式をトナー空検知に転用した場合（例えば、特許文献２参照）でも、トナー補給した際に清掃部材が検知面上に停止していた時には検知面に対する清掃部材の接触面積が大きくなり、補給されたトナーが検知面に接触しない領域が生じてしまい、トナーを補給したにもかかわらずトナー補給を検出しない可能性があるといった問題があった。   In addition, when the cleaning member described as a toner density sensor covers the entire surface of the detection surface, a method of cleaning the entire surface of the detection surface with a single cleaning operation is diverted to toner empty detection (for example, Patent Documents). However, when the cleaning member is stopped on the detection surface when the toner is replenished, the contact area of the cleaning member with respect to the detection surface increases, and a region where the replenished toner does not contact the detection surface is generated. There has been a problem that toner replenishment may not be detected despite toner replenishment.

また、清掃部材としてポリエステルフィルム、ポリウレタンゴム等、柔軟性のある材質を推奨し、検知面に接する状態に配置しているため、清掃部材のへたり等の経時劣化が生じて清掃効果が低下するといった問題があった。   Also, a flexible material such as polyester film or polyurethane rubber is recommended as the cleaning member, and it is placed in contact with the detection surface. There was a problem.

本発明は上記事実を考慮し、空検知センサーを用いてハウジング内のトナーの有無を検知し、センサー検知面に清掃手段を有する現像装置において、磁性一成分トナーを用いた、電子写真方式の複写機およびプリンターの現像装置において、トナー補給時に清掃部材がトナー空検知センサーの検知面上に停止しても、接触面積が小さいため、確実に補給されたトナーの検知が可能となり、信頼性の高い、誤検知が発生しない現像装置を提供することを目的とする。
特開平０６−２０２４７４号公報 特開平１１−２０２６１０号公報 In consideration of the above fact, the present invention detects the presence or absence of toner in a housing using an empty detection sensor, and uses a magnetic one-component toner in a developing device having cleaning means on the sensor detection surface. Even when the cleaning member stops on the detection surface of the toner empty detection sensor at the time of toner replenishment, the replenished toner can be detected reliably and the reliability is high. An object of the present invention is to provide a developing device that does not cause erroneous detection.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-202474 JP-A-11-202610

本発明は上記事実を考慮し、信頼性の高い、誤検知が発生しない現像装置を提供することを目的とする。   In view of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to provide a developing device that is highly reliable and does not cause erroneous detection.

請求項１に記載の現像装置は、ハウジング内のトナー残量を検知するセンサと、前記センサのトナー検知面を清掃する清掃手段を有する現像装置において、前記清掃手段は前記トナー検知面に対して略垂直に複数設けられた棒状の清掃部材を備え、回転する基底部から放射状に設けられ、それぞれ長さの異なる回動アームの先端に設けられた前記清掃部材が前記回動アームの回動方向に沿って前記トナー検知面に接触して分割清掃し、一の前記回動アームの先端に設けられた前記清掃部材が前記トナー検知面を清掃してから、次の前記回動アームの先端に設けられた前記清掃部材が前記トナー検知面を清掃するまでの間に、前記清掃部材が前記トナー検知面に接触しない時間があることを特徴とする。 The developing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a sensor that detects a toner remaining amount in a housing; and a cleaning unit that cleans a toner detection surface of the sensor. A plurality of rod-shaped cleaning members provided substantially vertically, and provided radially from the rotating base, each of the cleaning members provided at the tip of a rotating arm having a different length is the rotation direction of the rotating arm. the divided cleaning in contact with the toner detection surface along, from when the cleaning member provided at the tip of one of said pivot arm to clean the toner detection surface, the tip of the next of said pivot arm The cleaning member is not in contact with the toner detection surface until the provided cleaning member cleans the toner detection surface .

上記構成の発明では、センサー検知面に対して垂直に棒状の清掃部材を配置することで、清掃部材の先端がセンサーの検知面上に停止した時にセンサー検知面に対する清掃部材先端の接触面積を少なくし、かつ接触部近傍の空間が広く得られるような清掃部材形状とすることができる。通常、トナー空検知センサーの近傍にはハウジング内のトナー攪拌を目的とした攪拌部材(アジテータ)が回動しており、このアジテータに清掃部材を取り付け共に回動させることで、アジテータの回動動作によるトナーの攪拌とセンサー検知面の清掃が同時に可能となる。また検知面近傍における、トナーが流れ込むための空間は十分確保されているため、トナー補給時に検知面へのトナーの流れは良好であり、トナー補給時に検知面にトナーが接触せずトナー補給の検知を阻害する恐れはない。また棒状の清掃部材を回動円を数分割し、清掃動作回動中心からの半径を段階的に差がある設定（回動アーム長）に複数配置して、検知面を設定半径に応じた領域を分割清掃することにより、センサー検知面のほぼ全面を清掃することが可能となる。上記棒状の清掃部材を垂直に配置した場合はセンサー検知面に対する一回転動作の清掃領域は少なくなるが上記構成とすることによりこれを補うことができる。 In the invention with the above configuration, by arranging the rod-shaped cleaning member perpendicular to the sensor detection surface, the contact area of the cleaning member tip with the sensor detection surface is reduced when the tip of the cleaning member stops on the sensor detection surface. And it can be set as the shape of a cleaning member which can obtain the space near a contact part widely. Normally, a stirring member (agitator) for the purpose of stirring the toner in the housing rotates in the vicinity of the toner empty detection sensor, and the agitator rotates by attaching a cleaning member to this agitator and rotating it together. It is possible to stir the toner and clean the sensor detection surface at the same time. In addition, since there is sufficient space for toner to flow in the vicinity of the detection surface, the flow of toner to the detection surface is good when the toner is replenished. There is no fear of obstructing. In addition, the rod-shaped cleaning member is divided into several rotation circles, and multiple radii from the rotation center of the cleaning operation are arranged in a stepwise difference setting (rotation arm length), and the detection surface is set according to the set radius. By dividing and cleaning the area, it is possible to clean almost the entire sensor detection surface. When the rod-shaped cleaning member is arranged vertically, the cleaning area for one rotation operation with respect to the sensor detection surface is reduced, but this can be compensated by the above configuration.

請求項２に記載の現像装置は、互いに長さの異なる６本の前記回動アームを備えたことを特徴とする。 According to a second aspect of the present invention , there is provided the developing device including the six rotating arms having different lengths .

上記構成の発明では、最も短い部材設定半径を回動中心からセンサー検知面の最短寸法、最も長い部材設定半径を回動中心からセンサー検知面の最長寸法、残りの部材半径を[R(n)=(n-1)*(最長寸法-最短寸法)/(分割数-1)+ 最短寸法]に従って段階的に設定することで検知面のほぼ全面を清掃することが可能となる。通常、センサー検知面の寸法はφ10mm程度であることが多く、分割数は60°毎に６分割程度が望ましい。これにより隣接した清掃部材との距離が近くなり検知面との接触部近傍の空間を広く得てトナーの流動性を確保するという点で有利となる。 In the invention of the above configuration, the shortest member setting radius is the shortest dimension of the sensor detection surface from the rotation center, the longest member setting radius is the longest dimension of the sensor detection surface from the rotation center, and the remaining member radius is [R (n) By setting in stages according to = (n-1) * (longest dimension-shortest dimension) / (number of divisions-1) + shortest dimension], it is possible to clean almost the entire detection surface. Usually, the size of the sensor detection surface is often about φ10 mm, and the number of divisions is preferably about 6 divisions every 60 °. This is advantageous in that the distance between the adjacent cleaning members is reduced, and a space near the contact portion with the detection surface is obtained to ensure toner fluidity.

請求項３に記載の現像装置は、前記清掃部材の先端を、先端に近付くに従って断面積が小さくなる形状としたことを特徴とする。   The developing device according to claim 3 is characterized in that the tip of the cleaning member has a shape in which a cross-sectional area decreases as the tip approaches the tip.

上記構成の発明では、棒状の清掃部材の先端を球形または円錐形等の接触面積が少ない形状に成形することで清掃部材がセンサー検知面内に停止した時にセンサー検知面に対する清掃部材の接触面積を少なくすることができる。接触面積が少なくなる弊害については清掃部材を前述のように複数本配置することで補うことが可能である。   In the invention of the above configuration, the contact area of the cleaning member with respect to the sensor detection surface is reduced when the cleaning member stops in the sensor detection surface by forming the tip of the rod-shaped cleaning member into a shape having a small contact area such as a sphere or a cone. Can be reduced. The adverse effect of reducing the contact area can be compensated by arranging a plurality of cleaning members as described above.

本発明は上記構成としたので、信頼性の高い、誤検知が発生しない現像装置とすることができた。   Since the present invention has the above-described configuration, it is possible to provide a developing device that is highly reliable and does not cause erroneous detection.

＜装置全体＞
図１には、本発明の第１実施形態に係る画像形成装置が示されている。 <Whole device>
FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

図１に示すように、本発明の画像形成装置１０は、感光体ドラム１２、初期電荷を形成する帯電装置１４、感光体ドラム１２上に静電潜像を形成する露光装置１６、静電潜像にトナーを飛翔・吸着させ静電潜像に応じたトナー像を形成する現像装置１８、用紙Ｐ上に感光体ドラム１２上のトナー像を転写後に用紙Ｐを剥離する転写/剥離装置２０、用紙Ｐ上のトナー像を定着させる定着器１９、転写後の感光体ドラム１２上の残トナーを除去するクリーニング装置２２から構成されている。
＜現像装置＞
図２、図３には、本発明の第１実施形態に係る現像装置が示されている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 of the present invention includes a photosensitive drum 12, a charging device 14 that forms an initial charge, an exposure device 16 that forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 12, and an electrostatic latent image. A developing device 18 that forms a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image by flying and adsorbing toner on the image; a transfer / peeling device 20 that peels the paper P after transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 12 onto the paper P; The fixing unit 19 fixes the toner image on the paper P, and the cleaning device 22 removes the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 12 after the transfer.
<Developing device>
2 and 3 show a developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

図２に示すように、現像装置１８は磁性一成分トナーであるトナー２４を充填しておくハウジング２６、感光体ドラム１２上へトナー２４を飛翔・吸着（＝現像）するための現像ロール２８、現像ロール２８上のトナー２４を摩擦帯電させる帯電ブレード３０、ハウジング２６内部のトナー２４を攪拌しながら現像ロール２８に供給するトナー攪拌部材であるアジテータ３２、トナー２４の残量を検知する磁気センサー３４、磁気センサー３４の検知面３６を清掃する清掃部材３８から構成されている。   As shown in FIG. 2, the developing device 18 includes a housing 26 that is filled with a toner 24 that is a magnetic one-component toner, a developing roll 28 that flies and attracts (= develops) the toner 24 onto the photosensitive drum 12, A charging blade 30 that frictionally charges the toner 24 on the developing roll 28, an agitator 32 that is a toner stirring member that supplies the toner 24 inside the housing 26 to the developing roll 28 while stirring, and a magnetic sensor 34 that detects the remaining amount of toner 24. The cleaning member 38 cleans the detection surface 36 of the magnetic sensor 34.

図３に示すように、アジテータ３２は、図示しないギアを介して現像ロール２８と同期して10.3rpmで回転駆動している。ハウジング２６内のトナー２４が消費された際は、図１に示すトナーカートリッジ２５より現像装置１８の上部からトナー２４を補給する。   As shown in FIG. 3, the agitator 32 is driven to rotate at 10.3 rpm in synchronization with the developing roll 28 via a gear (not shown). When the toner 24 in the housing 26 is consumed, the toner 24 is supplied from the upper part of the developing device 18 from the toner cartridge 25 shown in FIG.

現像装置１８の、ハウジング２６の一方の壁面を形成する側板２７にはトナー２４の磁性粉を検知してトナー２４の有無を判定する磁気センサー３４が設けられている。ハウジング２６内にトナー２４が十分ある場合は、トナー２４の磁性粉を検知して「トナー有り」と判断するが、トナー２４のレベルが下がると磁性粉を検知できず「トナー無し」と判断する。   A magnetic sensor 34 is provided on the side plate 27 that forms one wall surface of the housing 26 of the developing device 18 to detect the magnetic powder of the toner 24 and determine the presence or absence of the toner 24. When there is sufficient toner 24 in the housing 26, the magnetic powder of the toner 24 is detected and judged as “toner present”. However, when the level of the toner 24 decreases, the magnetic powder cannot be detected and it is judged as “no toner”. .

磁気センサー３４の検知面３６はハウジング２６の底面から14.5mm上方を中心としてφ10mmの大きさであり、側板２７の壁面とほぼ同一平面に配置されている。   The detection surface 36 of the magnetic sensor 34 has a size of φ10 mm centered about 14.5 mm above the bottom surface of the housing 26, and is arranged on the same plane as the wall surface of the side plate 27.

磁気センサー３４の検知面３６を清掃する清掃部材３８は材質として摺動性の優れたポリアセタール樹脂で成形されており、磁気センサー３４配置側のアジテータ３２の片端にはめ込む形で設けられている。
＜清掃部材＞
図４、図５には、本発明の第１実施形態に係る現像装置の清掃部材が示されている。 The cleaning member 38 for cleaning the detection surface 36 of the magnetic sensor 34 is formed of a polyacetal resin having excellent slidability as a material, and is provided so as to be fitted into one end of the agitator 32 on the magnetic sensor 34 arrangement side.
<Cleaning member>
4 and 5 show a cleaning member of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

清掃部材３８の形状は、図４、図５に示すようにアジテータ３２に機械的に同期して回転するシリンダ状の基底部４２、基底部４２から回転中心に対して角度60°毎に６本、放射状に配置された断面:φ4mm，長さ:16.4mmの棒状のアーム部４０、アーム部４０の先端に検知面３６に対して垂直方向に設けられ先端４４Ａが検知面３６に対して略接触する位置となるワイパ部４４から構成されている。   As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cleaning member 38 has a cylindrical base portion 42 that rotates mechanically in synchronization with the agitator 32, and six cleaning members 38 at an angle of 60 ° from the base portion 42 to the rotation center. Radially arranged cross section: φ4 mm, length: 16.4 mm rod-shaped arm portion 40, the tip of arm portion 40 is provided perpendicular to detection surface 36, and tip 44 </ b> A is substantially in contact with detection surface 36. It is comprised from the wiper part 44 used as the position to perform.

本実施形態では図４に示すように断面:φ4mm，長さ:16.4mmの棒状のアーム部４０を検知面３６に対して垂直かつ回転中心に対して60°毎に６本、放射状に配置している。アジテータ３２の回動中心から磁気センサー３４の検知面３６までの最短寸法は16.4mm、最長寸法は26.4mmに設定されており、６本の清掃部材の回動半径を[R(n)=(n-1)*(最長寸法-最短寸法)/(分割数-1)+ 最短寸法]に従い以下のように段階的に設定した。すなわち
No.１（４０−１）部材半径 R1：16.4mm[R1=(1-1)*(26.4-16.4)/(6-1)+ 16.4=最短寸法]
No.２（４０−２）部材半径 R2：18.4mm[R2=(2-1)*(26.4-16.4)/(6-1)+ 16.4]
No.３（４０−３）部材半径 R3：20.4mm[R3=(3-1)*(26.4-16.4)/(6-1)+ 16.4]
No.４（４０−４）部材半径 R4：22.4mm[R4=(4-1)*(26.4-16.4)/(6-1)+ 16.4]
No.５（４０−５）部材半径 R5：24.4mm[R5=(5-1)*(26.4-16.4)/(6-1)+ 16.4]
No.６（４０−６）部材半径 R6：26.4mm[R6=(6-1)*(26.4-16.4)/(6-1)+ 16.4=最長寸法]
上記の設定寸法により、アジテータ３２の回動に伴い、φ10mmの検知面３６を断面:φ4mmの清掃部材６分割で2mmの差分でずらしながら清掃するので、検知面３６についてほぼ全面の清掃が可能となる。 In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, six rod-like arm portions 40 having a cross section of φ4 mm and a length of 16.4 mm are arranged radially every sixty degrees perpendicular to the detection surface 36 and 60 ° with respect to the rotation center. ing. The shortest dimension from the rotation center of the agitator 32 to the detection surface 36 of the magnetic sensor 34 is set to 16.4 mm, and the longest dimension is set to 26.4 mm. The rotation radius of the six cleaning members is [R (n) = ( n-1) * (longest dimension-shortest dimension) / (number of divisions-1) + shortest dimension] was set stepwise as follows. Ie
No.1 (40-1) member radius R1: 16.4mm [R1 = (1-1) * (26.4-16.4) / (6-1) +16.4 = shortest dimension]
No.2 (40-2) member radius R2: 18.4mm [R2 = (2-1) * (26.4-16.4) / (6-1) +16.4]
No. 3 (40-3) member radius R3: 20.4mm [R3 = (3-1) * (26.4-16.4) / (6-1) +16.4]
No.4 (40-4) member radius R4: 22.4mm [R4 = (4-1) * (26.4-16.4) / (6-1) +16.4]
No.5 (40-5) member radius R5: 24.4mm [R5 = (5-1) * (26.4-16.4) / (6-1) +16.4]
No.6 (40-6) member radius R6: 26.4mm [R6 = (6-1) * (26.4-16.4) / (6-1) +16.4 = longest dimension)
With the above set dimensions, as the agitator 32 rotates, the detection surface 36 with a diameter of 10 mm is cleaned while being shifted by a difference of 2 mm by dividing the cleaning member 6 with a cross section of φ4 mm, so that almost the entire detection surface 36 can be cleaned. Become.

上記の清掃部材３８の寸法設定は一例であり、分割数、部材半径は磁気センサー３４のトナー検知特性に合わせて設定、数値変化されるべきものである。また、清掃部材３８のワイパ部４４の先端４４Ａは断面寸法:φ4mmに対して球形に成形しているため、清掃部材３８が停止した際に先端４４Ａが検知面３６に接触している場合、先端４４Ａの検知面３６への接触は略点接触形状と、接触面積を最小にすることが可能であり、トナー補給時に清掃部材３８が磁気センサー３４の検知面３６に接触した状態で停止しても、補給トナーの検知を阻害することはない。   The dimension setting of the cleaning member 38 is an example, and the number of divisions and the member radius should be set and changed in accordance with the toner detection characteristics of the magnetic sensor 34. Further, since the tip 44A of the wiper portion 44 of the cleaning member 38 is formed in a spherical shape with respect to the cross-sectional dimension: φ4 mm, the tip 44A is in contact with the detection surface 36 when the cleaning member 38 stops. The contact of 44A to the detection surface 36 can be substantially a point contact shape and the contact area can be minimized, and even if the cleaning member 38 stops in contact with the detection surface 36 of the magnetic sensor 34 during toner replenishment. The detection of replenishing toner is not hindered.

また、隣り合ったアーム部４０は60°の間隔で配置されているため、検知面３６近傍における、トナーが流れ込むための空間は十分確保されているため、トナー補給時に検知面３６へのトナーの流れは良好であり、トナー補給時に検知面３６にトナーが接触せずトナー補給の検知を阻害する恐れはない。なお先端４４Ａの形状は球形に限らず、接触面積を少なくする円錐形等の代替形状が適用可能である。
＜トナー補給位置＞
図６には、本発明の第１実施形態に係る現像装置のトナー補充位置が示されている。 In addition, since the adjacent arm portions 40 are arranged at an interval of 60 °, a sufficient space for the toner to flow in the vicinity of the detection surface 36 is ensured. The flow is good, and the toner does not come into contact with the detection surface 36 at the time of toner replenishment, and there is no possibility of hindering detection of toner replenishment. The shape of the tip 44A is not limited to a spherical shape, and an alternative shape such as a conical shape that reduces the contact area can be applied.
<Toner supply position>
FIG. 6 shows a toner replenishment position of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

前述のようにハウジング２６内のトナー２４が消費され磁気センサ３４にて「トナーなし」と検出された際は、図１に示すトナーカートリッジ２５より現像装置１８の上部からトナー２４を補給する。   As described above, when the toner 24 in the housing 26 is consumed and “no toner” is detected by the magnetic sensor 34, the toner 24 is supplied from the toner cartridge 25 shown in FIG.

このとき、本実施形態に係る現像装置１８では図６のように長手方向となる用紙Ｐの幅方向（図中矢印ｘ）中心よりも磁気センサ３４に近い位置にトナーカートリッジ２５をセットしトナー２４の補充を行う。   At this time, in the developing device 18 according to the present embodiment, the toner cartridge 25 is set at a position closer to the magnetic sensor 34 than the center of the width direction (arrow x in the drawing) of the paper P which is the longitudinal direction as shown in FIG. Replenish.

図７には、本発明の第１実施形態に係る現像装置のトナー補充位置とトナー分布が示されている。   FIG. 7 shows the toner replenishment position and toner distribution of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

図７（ａ）に示すように、用紙Ｐの幅方向（図中矢印ｘ）中心位置にトナーカートリッジ２５をセットすると、特にセット前のボトルシェイキング（撹拌）が不十分であった場合、トナー２４の流動性が低く、トナーカートリッジ２５のセット位置直下が高い山形に偏ってしまう。   As shown in FIG. 7A, when the toner cartridge 25 is set at the center position in the width direction (arrow x in the figure) of the paper P, particularly when the bottle shaking (stirring) before setting is insufficient, the toner 24 Therefore, the toner cartridge 25 is biased to a high mountain shape immediately below the set position.

このとき、磁気センサ３４が「トナーなし」を検出する検出位置３５までトナー２４が達しなければ、トナー２４が正しく補充されているにも関わらず（アジテータ３２が回動し、トナー２４をならして均等な高さとする前に）トナーなし検出してしまう可能性がある。   At this time, if the toner 24 does not reach the detection position 35 where the magnetic sensor 34 detects “no toner”, the toner 24 is replenished correctly (the agitator 32 rotates to smooth the toner 24). May be detected without toner).

図８には、本発明の第１実施形態に係る現像装置のトナー補充高さ・トナー補充量とトナー分布が示されている。   FIG. 8 shows the toner replenishment height / toner replenishment amount and toner distribution of the developing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

図８（ｂ）に示すようにトナーカートリッジ２５の取付位置を標準（１２０ｍｍ）よりも３５ｍｍ高くする（＝高い場所からトナー２４を落下させる）、あるいはトナー２４の補充量を増やすといった対応で上記の問題を解決するのは難しい。特にトナーカートリッジ２５の高さを高くするのは装置全体の大型化を招くなどの弊害があり、またトナー２４の補充量を増量しても、トナーカートリッジ２５のセット位置直下が更に高い山形となり、磁気センサ３４の設けられた側板２７近傍では（横軸＝現像装置１８の幅方向位置）流動性が低い場合のトナー２４の高さを稼ぐことはできない。   As shown in FIG. 8B, the mounting position of the toner cartridge 25 is 35 mm higher than the standard (120 mm) (= the toner 24 is dropped from a high place) or the replenishment amount of the toner 24 is increased. It is difficult to solve the problem. In particular, increasing the height of the toner cartridge 25 has an adverse effect such as an increase in the size of the entire apparatus. Even if the replenishment amount of the toner 24 is increased, the height just below the set position of the toner cartridge 25 becomes a higher mountain shape. In the vicinity of the side plate 27 provided with the magnetic sensor 34 (horizontal axis = position in the width direction of the developing device 18), the height of the toner 24 when the fluidity is low cannot be earned.

そこで本実施形態では図７（ｂ）のように長手方向となる用紙Ｐの幅方向（図中矢印ｘ）中心よりも磁気センサ３４に近い位置にトナーカートリッジ２５をセットしトナー２４の補充を行う。具体的にはトナーカートリッジ２５の取付位置２３を磁気センサ３４に近い２３’に変更する。本実施形態では９３６ｍｍ幅のハウジング２６にφ４８．４ｍｍのトナー補充口を設けた際、磁気センサ３４の設けられた側の側板２７に９０ｍｍオフセットした位置に移動させることで、検出位置３５をクリアすることができた。   Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, the toner cartridge 25 is set at a position closer to the magnetic sensor 34 than the center of the width direction (arrow x in the figure) of the paper P, which is the longitudinal direction, and the toner 24 is replenished. . Specifically, the mounting position 23 of the toner cartridge 25 is changed to 23 'close to the magnetic sensor 34. In this embodiment, when the toner replenishing port of φ48.4 mm is provided in the 936 mm wide housing 26, the detection position 35 is cleared by moving the side plate 27 on the side where the magnetic sensor 34 is provided to an offset position of 90 mm. I was able to.

これにより図７（ｂ）に示したようにトナー２４の（長手方向の）分布が磁気センサ３４側にシフトするので、トナー２４の補充後に検出位置３５までトナー２４が達しないためトナー２４が正しく補充されているにも関わらずトナーなし誤検出してしまう事態を防ぐことができる。   As a result, as shown in FIG. 7B, the distribution of the toner 24 (in the longitudinal direction) is shifted to the magnetic sensor 34 side, so that the toner 24 does not reach the detection position 35 after the toner 24 is replenished. Even though the toner is replenished, it is possible to prevent a situation where the toner is erroneously detected.

本発明は上記の構成としたので、トナー補給時にワイパ部４４の先端４４Ａが磁気センサ３４（トナー空検知センサー）の検知面３６上に停止しても、接触面積が小さいため、補給されたトナー２４の検知が確実に可能となり、信頼性の高いトナー補給検知がが可能となる。また複数本のワイパ部４４による分割清掃により、ワイパ部４４一本当たりの先端４４Ａの接触面積の少なさを補うことが可能となる。   Since the present invention is configured as described above, even when the tip 44A of the wiper portion 44 stops on the detection surface 36 of the magnetic sensor 34 (toner empty detection sensor) during toner replenishment, the contact area is small, so the replenished toner Therefore, it is possible to reliably detect toner replenishment. Further, the divided cleaning by the plurality of wiper portions 44 can compensate for the small contact area of the tip 44A per wiper portion 44.

複数本のワイパ部４４による分割清掃により確実に磁気センサ３４の検知面３６近傍に付着したトナー２４を除去できるため、現像装置１８内のトナー２４が既になくなっているにもかかわらず、トナー２４が未だ残っていると誤検知する不具合を解消できる。   Since the toner 24 adhering to the vicinity of the detection surface 36 of the magnetic sensor 34 can be surely removed by the divided cleaning by the plurality of wiper portions 44, the toner 24 is removed even though the toner 24 in the developing device 18 has already disappeared. It can solve the problem of false detection when it still remains.

また清掃部材３８にポリエステルフィルム、ポリウレタンゴム等、柔軟性のある材質を適用する必要がなく、へたり等の経時劣化が生じて清掃効果が低下するといった問題も解消できる。さらに上記の理由から清掃部材３８は比較的安価な（硬い）樹脂材料成形品を適用できるため低コストの装置提供が可能となる。   Further, it is not necessary to apply a flexible material such as polyester film or polyurethane rubber to the cleaning member 38, and the problem that the cleaning effect is deteriorated due to deterioration with time such as sag can be solved. Furthermore, since the cleaning member 38 can be applied with a relatively inexpensive (hard) resin material molded product for the above reason, it is possible to provide a low-cost apparatus.

上記実施形態においては磁性一成分トナーを用いた現像装置を例として挙げたが、磁気センサー３４と回動する清掃部材３８の構成であるためトナー／キャリアの二成分現像材を使用するトナー濃度検知センサーにも適用可能である。   In the above embodiment, the developing device using the magnetic one-component toner has been described as an example. However, since the configuration includes the magnetic sensor 34 and the rotating cleaning member 38, toner density detection using a toner / carrier two-component developer. It can also be applied to sensors.

さらに上記実施形態ではトナー空検知センサーに磁気センサー３４（透磁率センサー：トナーに含有される磁性粉を検知してトナーの有無を判定する）を使用することを前提にしてセンサーの検知面３６に清掃部材３８を接触させて清掃する手段について記載しているが、トナー空検知センサーとして振動センサー（センサーに発振体が内蔵されており、検知面３６に対するトナー２４の接触により、振動レベルが変化することを検知してトナー２４の有無を判定する）を使用してもよい。   Further, in the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the magnetic sensor 34 (permeability sensor: detecting the magnetic powder contained in the toner to determine the presence or absence of toner) is used as the toner empty detection sensor. Although means for cleaning by contacting the cleaning member 38 is described, a vibration sensor (an oscillation body is built in the sensor and the vibration level is changed by contact of the toner 24 with the detection surface 36 as a toner empty detection sensor. This may be used to detect the presence of toner 24).

空検知センサに振動センサを使用した場合は、清掃部材３８を検知面３６に接触配置することはセンサーの振動レベルに影響を与え、誤検知の要因になる。この場合には検知面３６に対して清掃部材３８の先端４４Ａを0.5mmほど離して配置することで、清掃部材３８によるセンサーの振動レベルに与える影響を回避できる。先端４４Ａが検知面３６に接触しない場合でも、先端４４Ａが面形状でなく球や円錐など小面積の形状であるため、検知面３６にトナー２４を圧接し押し固めてしまう状態とはならず、十分な清掃効果が得られる。   When a vibration sensor is used as the sky detection sensor, placing the cleaning member 38 in contact with the detection surface 36 affects the vibration level of the sensor and causes erroneous detection. In this case, the influence of the cleaning member 38 on the vibration level of the sensor can be avoided by disposing the tip 44A of the cleaning member 38 about 0.5 mm away from the detection surface 36. Even when the tip 44A does not contact the detection surface 36, since the tip 44A is not a surface shape but a small area such as a sphere or a cone, the toner 24 is not pressed into the detection surface 36 and pressed and hardened. A sufficient cleaning effect is obtained.

本発明の第１形態に係る画像記録装置を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the image recording device which concerns on the 1st form of this invention. 本発明の第１形態に係る現像装置を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the developing device which concerns on the 1st form of this invention. 本発明の第１形態に係る現像装置を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the developing device which concerns on the 1st form of this invention. 本発明の第１形態に係る現像装置の清掃部材を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the cleaning member of the developing device which concerns on the 1st form of this invention. 本発明の第１形態に係る現像装置の清掃部材を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the cleaning member of the developing device which concerns on the 1st form of this invention. 本発明の第１形態に係る現像装置を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the developing device which concerns on the 1st form of this invention. 本発明の第１形態に係る現像装置を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the developing device which concerns on the 1st form of this invention. 従来の現像装置のトナー落下位置、トナー量とトナー高さの関係を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the relationship of the toner fall position of the conventional developing device, a toner amount, and a toner height.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１０ 画像記録装置
１２ 感光体ドラム
１８ 現像装置
２５ トナーカートリッジ
３２ アジテータ
３４ 磁気センサ
３５ 検出位置
３６ 検知面
３８ 清掃部材
４０ 基底部
４２ アーム部
４４ ワイパ部
４４Ａ 先端 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image recording device 12 Photosensitive drum 18 Developing device 25 Toner cartridge 32 Agitator 34 Magnetic sensor 35 Detection position 36 Detection surface 38 Cleaning member 40 Base part 42 Arm part 44 Wiper part 44A Tip

Claims (3)

ハウジング内のトナー残量を検知するセンサと、前記センサのトナー検知面を清掃する清掃手段を有する現像装置において、
前記清掃手段は前記トナー検知面に対して略垂直に複数設けられた棒状の清掃部材を備え、
回転する基底部から放射状に設けられ、それぞれ長さの異なる回動アームの先端に設けられた前記清掃部材が前記回動アームの回動方向に沿って前記トナー検知面に接触して分割清掃し、
一の前記回動アームの先端に設けられた前記清掃部材が前記トナー検知面を清掃してから、次の前記回動アームの先端に設けられた前記清掃部材が前記トナー検知面を清掃するまでの間に、前記清掃部材が前記トナー検知面に接触しない時間があることを特徴とする現像装置。 In a developing device having a sensor for detecting a toner remaining amount in a housing and a cleaning unit for cleaning a toner detection surface of the sensor,
It said cleaning means comprises a cleaning rod-shaped member provided more substantially perpendicular to the toner detection surface,
The cleaning member, which is provided radially from the rotating base and is provided at the tip of the rotating arm having a different length , contacts the toner detection surface along the rotating direction of the rotating arm and performs divided cleaning. ,
Until the cleaning member provided at the tip of one rotating arm cleans the toner detection surface until the cleaning member provided at the tip of the next rotating arm cleans the toner detection surface The developing device is characterized in that there is a time during which the cleaning member does not contact the toner detection surface . 互いに長さの異なる６本の前記回動アームを備えたことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の現像装置。 The developing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising six rotating arms having different lengths . 前記清掃部材の先端を、先端に近付くに従って断面積が小さくなる形状としたことを特徴とする請求項１または請求項２に記載の現像装置。 3. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the tip of the cleaning member has a shape in which a cross-sectional area decreases as the tip approaches the tip. 4.
JP2005133355A 2005-04-28 2005-04-28 Development device Expired - Fee Related JP4706322B2 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS63118173A (en) * 1986-11-06 1988-05-23 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Developing device
JPH01109379A (en) * 1987-10-23 1989-04-26 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Toner supply device
JPH0555164U (en) * 1992-01-08 1993-07-23 村田機械株式会社 Image forming device developing device

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS63118173A (en) * 1986-11-06 1988-05-23 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Developing device
JPH01109379A (en) * 1987-10-23 1989-04-26 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Toner supply device
JPH0555164U (en) * 1992-01-08 1993-07-23 村田機械株式会社 Image forming device developing device

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